Fishponds Voice December 2015 by Fishponds Voice

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fishpondsvoice December, 2015 — ISSUE 10

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

65 cheaper homes at St Matthias site

Blackberry Hill redevelopment: builder pulls out

Starting to sparkle … CHRISTMAS lights are starting to appear along the Fishponds ‘retail mile’ for the first time in 12 years. There have been delays in putting up some of them, due to “technical issues” but by the beginning of December a good number of shops were sporting trees with twinkling bulbs.

PLANS for 300 homes and shops on the former Blackberry Hill Hospital site in Fishponds could face further delays following the decision of one of the partners to pull out of the redevelopment scheme. Curo Homes, which was to have built affordable homes at the site, is withdrawing because of the “escalating costs and and complexity” of the project, Fishponds Voice can reveal. The Bath-based company said the project has become “unviable” for them. However, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which is masterminding the scheme to transform the 21-acre site into a new community with homes, jobs and open space, say they are committed to the plans. According to the Government agency, a public consultation is

Merlin housing association has signed a deal with Barratt Homes that will mean 65 affordable homes – 50 for rent – at the St Matthias development.

Page 4

Traffic worries over new school site Concerns are growing over potential traffic problems in the Abingdon Road area when a new Chester Park Junior School is built.

EXCLUSIVE

Page 5

“likely” to begin next year. Three years ago the HCA chose both Curo and Linden Homes as partners to work with a Community Development Board, aimed at involving local people and groups to regenerate the site. Although the scheme was first mooted in 2009, the public have yet to be consulted and plans submitted to Bristol City Council. In May 2009 the site was sold to the HCA by North Bristol NHS Trust, which planned to use the money to pay off historic debt. At the time HCA said the development of the site will “act as a catalyst for further Turn to Page 12

Workhouse deaths: memorial unveiled A standing stone at Rosemary Green in memory of more than 4,000 people who died at Eastville Workhouse in the 19th century has been unveiled.

Page 11

Young cricketer is an inspiration Cameron Edwards, 11, does not let a disability stop him from playing cricket, football and rugby to a high standard.

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December, 2015 — ISSUE 10

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

Blackberry Hill redevelopment: builder pulls out

Merlin housing association has signed a deal with Barratt Homes that will mean 65 affordable homes – 50 for rent – at the St Matthias development.

Page 4

Traffic worries over new school site

Concerns are growing over potential traffic problems in the Abingdon Road area when a new Chester Park Junior School is built.

EXCLUSIVE

PLANS for 300 homes and shops on the former Blackberry Hill Hospital site in Fishponds could face further delays following the “likely” to begin next year. decision of one of the partners Three years ago the HCA to pull out of the redevelopment chose both Curo and Linden scheme. Homes as partners to work Curo Homes, which was to with a Community Development have built affordable homes at Board, aimed at involving local the site, is withdrawing because people and groups to regenerate of the “escalating costs and the site. and complexity” of the project, Although the scheme was first Fishponds Voice can reveal. mooted in 2009, the public have The Bath-based company said yet to be consulted and plans the project has become “unviable” submitted to Bristol City Council. for them. In May 2009 the site was sold However, the Homes and to the HCA by North Bristol Communities Agency (HCA), NHS Trust, which planned to use Christmas lights are starting to masterminding the is which ‘retail the money to pay off historic appear along the Fishponds scheme to transform the 21-acre debt. mile’ for the first time in 12 years. site into a new community with At the time HCA said the There have been delays in putting homes, jobs and open space, say development of the site will “act up some of them, due to “technical they are committed to the plans. a catalyst for further as issues” but by the beginning of According to the Government Turn to Page 12 December a good number of agency, a public consultation is shops were sporting trees with twinkling bulbs.

PAGE 38

65 cheaper homes at St Matthias site

Page 5

Workhouse deaths: memorial unveiled

A standing stone at Rosemary Green in memory of more than 4,000 people who died at Eastville Workhouse in the 19th century has been unveiled.

Starting to sparkle …

Page 11

Young cricketer is an inspiration

Cameron Edwards, 11, does not let a disability stop him from playing cricket, football and rugby to a high standard.

Pages 12 & 13

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Merry Christmas to all our readers SEASON’S Greetings to all our readers. This is the first Christmas for Fishponds Voice – and what a year it has been! We have very much enjoyed getting to know people in our community and spreading the word about the many good things that are going on in this neighbourhood. This month, it is Eastville that is in the spotlight. It is a district that felt somewhat “left behind” but now, all of a sudden, it has a new health centre, a new play area and a workhouse memorial. Eastville people young and old played a vital role in the Neighbourhood Arts Project – Fishponds’ contribution to Bristol’s Year as European Green Capital – and now residents are taking positive action to tackle fly-tipping.

fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 E D I TO R I A L news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6JT. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINES Our January edition will go to print on December 23. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us at the latest by

It’s fantastic to see people getting involved in making Greater Fishponds an even better place to live; notably this month Fishponds Business Forum and their first Christmas lights effort since 2003. Fishponds Planning Group has plenty to keep it busy too, monitoring big developments such as Blackberry Hill and St Matthias and smaller ones that can also have a major impact. Our aim is to reflect all sections of our community. If you have a photo to share with us, or a story to tell, do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you via email, Facebook or Twitter or you can write to us at 6 Elkstone Walk, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6JT. Our email address is news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk. If you are planning an event, we will be happy to list it free of charge in our What’s On pages. We hand-deliver more than 7,500 free copies to homes in the area every month and aim to increase our circulation area over time. But if your street is not covered yet, you can also pick up the Voice at libraries and cafes in the area.

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Journalist Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

December 21. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date. LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ fishpondsvoice

Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www. wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Fishponds Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Gary Brindle on 0117 907 8585 or news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk.

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Lights are shining again in Fishponds Road IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Fishponds Road as illuminated trees go up outside many shops. Fishponds Business Forum has led efforts for the first co-ordinated Christmas lights in 12 years. It became something of a victim of its own success when so many more businesses than expected signed up, leading to some technical problems ensuring that all lights could go up safely. The planned switch-on at

Fishponds Park on Saturday November 28 had to be abandoned – a good thing as it turned out because the weather was atrocious. However, it was hoped that by the time this issue of Fishponds Voice was being distributed in early December there would be a good show of lights along the “retail mile” as well as lights in trees in the park. Fishponds Planning Group supported the project with a £1,000 donation and the city council waived licensing costs.

Leigh Cooper, from the business forum, said it was a pleasing first effort and lessons would be learned for future years. Meanwhile, the lights should also be shining now at 34 Lodore Road, where residents were staging a switch-on on December 1 to raise money for CLIC Sargeant. And for excited children – and their parents – a Hunt the Rudolph competition is being staged in local shops with a £20 prize on offer. Up the road at Cleeve Wood

shops, the lights went on last week with an event to raise money for charity, while in Downend the parish council sponsored a Christmas in Downend evening. Both events were a success in spite of the wind and the rain. The Kingfisher Cafe on Straits Parade has a Christmas market on December 5 and 6 and Christmas on the Hill takes place in Staple Hill on December 5, with a packed programme from 12.30-4pm. Pictures courtesy of Ray Box

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From Page 1 regeneration projects in and around the area”.

A spokesperson for Curo said: “The escalating costs and complexity of the Blackberry Hill project have made the project unviable for us, and have led to our decision to withdraw from

the development.” A spokesperson from the Homes and Communities Agency said: “We are committed to developing new homes at Blackberry Hill. We have a contract with Linden to buy and develop the site, subject to planning, and a public consultation is likely to begin next year.”

AFFORDABLE housing in Fishponds has been given a boost after a multimillion pound investment to build homes on the site of the former St Matthias College was announced. Merlin Housing Association has signed a deal with Barratt Homes to build 65 homes on the site. The news comes a week after the Government announced its goal of building 400,000 new affordable homes by 2020. Of the 65 new affordable homes being built in Fishponds, 50 are for rent with 15 being available to part purchase through shared ownership. The deal was brokered as work on the housing association’s first Bristol development of 30 new homes at Weir House in Whitby Road, St Philips has been completed. The two developments, which together will provide almost 100 new homes, are part of a £13m investment from South Gloucestershire-based Merlin. The redevelopment of the former UWE college campus site is a partnership between Barratt Homes and Steiner Academy Bristol, which opened a school in the existing Victorian Gothic buildings last year. Plans have been approved for 220 two to five-bedroomed homes.

Merlin head of development Amanda Swann said: “The development at St Matthias College is our single biggest development to date. We’re pleased to be working with Barratts to deliver the new homes in Fishponds. “This is an important development that is going to provide much-needed affordable housing in the city. We’re also pleased that we’ll be giving people the chance to get on the housing ladder with the shared ownership properties we’re developing. “Together with the homes at Weir House, these are the first new properties we have developed in Bristol and we’ll be looking for more opportunities to build affordable homes in the city in the future. The National Housing Federation’s recent Home Truths report revealed just how expensive it is live in Bristol, there is a real need for more affordable housing in the city.” Merlin is currently building more than 100 properties in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and has plans to start work on at least another 150 next year as part of the housing association’s aim to build at least 300 new homes every year by 2019.

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Local residents concerned over planned new school CONCERNS are growing about the impact on local residents of the planned new school off Abingdon Road. In particular, people living nearby object to the idea of making Abingdon Road and Honiton Road one-way only. Opponents of the Bristol City Council scheme for a new Chester Park Junior School building on the Ridgeway Road playing fields were due to hold a meeting at the Bristol 5 Centre on December 2 to build their campaign. They are urging people to lodge their worries at the council’s planning online site before December 9. The reference is 15/05169/F. Scott Jacobs-Lange is leading the opposition to making the roads one-way to accommodate increasing numbers of parents taking their children to school by car. He said: “This not only goes against everything we hear about driving children short distances to school, but also completely overrides the residents living in those streets who will be faced with traffic chaos in the mornings as they attempt to leave the area through Acton Road and Mayfield Park which will become a bottleneck.

“Vehicles will not be able to leave via the usual Ridgeway Road exit to access Lodge Causeway and Fishponds Road - which is where most traffic is heading. “As traffic eventually finds its way out onto Lodge Causeway, the build-up will place additional road safety concerns on the area in front of the existing Chester Park school where there is a bus-stop and a pedestrian crossing.” Mr Jacobs-Lange added that the parked cars currently on Abingdon Road helped cut traffic speeds. Michele Brown, who has lived on Abingdon Road for 35 years, said she had seen many accidents due to cars going too fast. Ali Cross said: “It is chaotic at times of the school runs, and even more so when the mosque on Abingdon Road is having a service. Their worshippers come from all over Bristol and compound the parking problems by bringing even more cars into the road. Most of the cars are parked on the pavement, so parents with pushchairs or wheelchair users have to walk in the road – it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident here. It is very a dangerous street in terms of traffic and there is no way that more potential traffic should be

Ali Croft at the school site brought into the area.” Planning officers say: “Abingdon Road is narrow, and the impact from additional vehicle movements combined with limited passing places as a result of additional parking demand is such that it is considered necessary to introduce one-way working and associated traffic calming on a section of Abingdon Road and on Honiton Road.” They are also proposing parking restrictions for eight months during

the construction period. The school plan, which is likely to be considered by councillors early in the New Year, is for a 360-place junior school with 12 classrooms and two halls. Eighteen parking spaces will be provided on site for staff and visitors. Once it is open, the intention is that Chester Park Infant School will take over the whole of the infant and junior school sites, allowing it to take 90 children a year to meet increasing demand for places.

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£4m medical centre opens its doors in Eastville EASTVILLE’S £4 million medical centre has opened its doors, providing up-to-date health services for people in the area. Two surgeries, Eastville Medical Practice and Maytrees Practice, have joined forces to create the new East Trees Health Centre. The three-storey building has an increased number of consulting and treatments rooms, as well as facilities for an holistic range of new services such as minor operations, community nurses, speech therapy, podiatry and midwifery. There are also proposals for an onsite pharmacy. The facilities are a great improvement on the former 1980s premises and have been hailed as a

milestone in healthcare. Steve Hartnell, managing partner of the Maytrees Practice, said: “This is a wonderful new health centre which will allow us to offer better care for the people of inner city Bristol which so desperately needs good healthcare facilities. “Our old building was tired, old, too small – just not fit for purpose. As healthcare changes, it’s important for us to have a facility that meets this change.” The 1,800 sq m centre is one of the first of its kind in England to be built since the creation of NHS England in 2013, on land sold to the GPs in a landmark deal by NHS Property Services Limited.

New play area proves popular CHILDREN and parents have been flocking to a much-needed new play area in East Park, Eastville. The £80,000 facility has been provided by Greater Fishponds Neighbourhoood Partnership with support from Bristol City Council and the John James Foundation. It follows a lot of hard work from Hazel Durn and other members of the East Park Residents’ Association.

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Campaign launched to tackle fly-tipping A CAMPAIGN has been launched to tackle the issue of fly-tipping in Eastville. Residents, fed up with the amount of rubbish being dumped almost daily, have taken positive action. People living in Freemantle Road launched their efforts with a street party, bringing people together to build community spirit and start a tidy-up. They have also launched a petition which calls on Bristol City Council and the Mayor George Ferguson to take affirmative action on the issue of fly-tipping through: - enforcing in hotspot areas through the installation of CCTV - educating tenants of short term lets and enforcement on rogue landlords through a discretionary licensing scheme - providing adequate recycling facilities and reviewing/removing communal bins where they are not required - considering an alternative permit for commercial vehicles at Household Waste Recycling Centres - considering to work closer with reuse partners to implement a new strategy for picking up household furniture and waste - investing in local facilities and

support community groups such as the skate park. Fly-tipping incidents in Bristol have doubled over the past two years, from 1287 reported incidents in January-March 2013 to 2549 reported incidents in January-March 2015, according to a Freedom of information response. Eastville Councillor Mhairi Threlfall said: “It just doesn’t make financial sense - fly-tipping costs councils across the county

£45.2million a year to clear. The continuous fly-tipping problem in lower Eastville is a serious environmental issue affecting the lives of residents through the impact on health and safety, the encouragement of vermin, and the unacceptable disposal and abandonment of hazardous materials, oil drums, commercial waste, and the general nature of the visual amenity. Only by keeping the area clean, convicting perpetrators,

empowering local people and investing in local facilities can we start to tackle this issue once and for all.” Convictions for fly-tipping can carry a fine of up to £50,000 and/ or up to five years imprisonment if caught, which makes the act less appealing than just paying the fee for collection. However, there have only been a couple of cases where perpetrators have been fined in recent years.

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Area finally gets its moment in the spotlight MORE than 300 people took part in Where Two Roads Meet, the arts project in Greater Fishponds as part of Bristol’s Year as European Green Capital. Visual artist Barbara Disney and poet Karen Hayes worked with residents of all ages to find out about their lives and find ways to tell their stories. In particular, the focus was on the area of Eastville and its links to the rest of Fishponds. Following a series of workshops, talks and guided walks, they created a series of enamel panels and a “Domesday-style Book”. Some of those who took part, including pupils from May Park and Glenfrome Primary Schools, and people from The Haven and Elm Tree Farm, came along to the launch of the artworks at Fishponds Library on November 19. Karen told the audience: “What makes our communities strong and what makes them interesting is the people in them.” She read some of the poetry created from people’s thoughts and experiences, and reflected that young people had a lot to say about green issues and that older people welcomed the chance to share their history with the next generation.

Visitors had the chance to see the book, which contains the poems and the original words as well as prints, collage and painting from the workshops. It will be kept at the

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success. “It really felt like we wanted to put a spotlight on Eastville,” she said. “It has produced some amazing stuff. Some really interesting voices are being heard.” You can read more about the project at www.where2roadsmeet. wordpress.com.

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Not forgotten: 4,000 who died in workhouse MORE than 4,000 men, women and children whose deaths in Eastville have been unmarked for more than 120 years now have a permanent memorial. A slate standing stone at Rosemary Green commemorates those who died in Eastville Workhouse between 1851 and 1895. It has been put up thanks to the efforts of the Eastville Workhouse Memorial Group, which was established following the discovery by Bristol Radical History Group three years ago of the fate of many inhabitants of the workhouse at 100 Fishponds Road. Funding for the memorial has come from the John James Bristol Foundation. Scupltor and stone mason Matthew Billington created the stone, which bears the words Never Forgotten and includes some designs contributed by children from May Park Primary School. They attended the unveiling ceremony on November 16, along with many other supporters of the project, including representatives of Bristol City Council, Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership, Living Easton, National  Union of Journalists, GMB Union,

and Hannah Purbrick Memorial Fund. Roger Ball, of the radical history group, said: “It is a very poignant moment to recall what happened on this site so many years ago.” He said that as well as those in the unmarked graves, the bodies of more than 100 inmates who died at the workhouse were “given to the medical school” for dissection. And he said it was good that children had an understanding of the difficulties people in the area had faced in the past. Julia Morton, chief executive of the John James Bristol Foundation, said: “This site will be a lasting and rightful memorial to over 4,000 souls that were laid to rest here. We are proud to be part of it.” The stone was unveiled by Hazel Durn, a resident of East Park, the housing development on the site of the former workhouse. It is hoped a further memorial can be placed near to the original entrance of the workhouse at 100 Fishponds Road. Eastville Workhouse, constructed by Clifton Poor Law in 1847, was the largest in the Bristol area. People who fell into circumstances including pregnancy, unemployment, sickness, injury,

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Hazel Durn unveils the Eastville Workhouse Memorial mental health or learning difficulties or were deserted or orphaned were forced into the harsh regime. The workhouse closed in 1948 and became a home for the elderly until 1972. A pamphlet entitled 100 Fishponds Road: Life and death in a Victorian workhouse, has been produced by the radical history

group. The workhouse and the burial ground project also features in an exhibition at Bristol Records Office called Documenting Death, which is open until March 12, 2016. The research into the people in the unmarked graves has been downloaded by thousands of people researching their family history.

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The importance of regular health checks REGULAR health checks for our pets are an important part of their care. All pets should have a thorough vet check when they come in for their yearly vaccinations, but really once a year is not enough. Our pets can’t tell us when something is not right and some problems are not easy to spot at home. A check will let us keep an eye on your pet’s weight – unexplained weight loss or weight gain can be a sign of health problems, and if there is no medical cause for changes in weight we can help you with dietary and exercise advice. Any change of appetite or thirst can be significant and so are worth mentioning. Six month dental checks are highly recommended. Plaque can gradually build up over time, and leads to sore gums and gum infections. Dealing with the plaque earlier is far better waiting until problems have developed. As our pets get older,

problems such as arthritis and diabetes start to become more common. At a check, our vets can look for any signs of old age problems developing. If there is anything wrong , the sooner we can start treatment the better our chances of helping your pet. Care plans, such as Complete Care, are developed to help with the care of your animal. Complete Care spreads the costs out into affordable monthly payments and includes preventative care such as flea and worm prevention, vaccinations and twice yearly health checks with a vet as well as other extra perks. For our senior pets we have a much more comprehensive care plan which includes routine blood and urine tests. If you would like any more information, or to arrange an appointment, please call us at Kingswood Vets4Pets on 0117 9616417.

December, 2015

Determination is name of the game for Cameron, 11 MIDWINTER might be approaching but that won’t stop sports-mad Cameron Edwards from working on his bowling action. The 11-year-old doesn’t let the matter of having a right arm that ends just after the elbow hold him back either. The positive attitude – and natural talent – of the Downend School student has won him admirers across the city and beyond. Cameron, whose ambition is to follow in the footsteps of cricketing hero Jimmy Anderson and bowl fast for England, was born with his disability. His mum Sam, 30, said: “We were told that Cameron would not be able to crawl but he was up and walking at nine months and has been proving people wrong ever since. “He’s always been really fascinated by any type of ball – the

back garden is full of them – and has always loved sport.” Cameron, who joined Frenchay Cricket Club at the age of nine, wears a prosthesis custom-made for him by the Bristol branch of the Remap charity when he bats, but bowling is his strength and despite the fact that he is naturally right sided last season claimed his best figures to date of 5-9, including a hat-trick. Last year became the first recipient of the Bristol Youth League’s Phil Bush Award for Endeavour. And Pak Bristolians were so impressed by his skill in a game this summer that he was recently invited along to the Whitehall-based club to receive a special award which sits proudly among an array of cups and trophies in his bedroom. Now the outdoor season is over, Cameron is a key member of Frenchay’s under-12 side, which

Support for carers

CARERS Support Centre in Fishponds wants to make sure carers are aware of their rights. It marked Carers Rights Day on November 20 with an information day to help people who may be struggling to juggle their responsibitilies. Brenda Massey, Bristol’s Assistant Mayor for People with responsibility for Adult Social Care, said: “We want Bristol to be a place where the cared for and their carers, young and old, are respected and valued members of our society The contribution of carers both within and beyond Bristol is enormous and it simply cannot be underestimated.” Earlier this year, The Care Act strengthened the rights and recognition of carers in the social care system, including for the first time giving carers a clear right to receive services. These are by far the strongest rights for carers yet. All carers are entitled to an assessment, which can help people think about the ways caring affects their life For more information visit www. bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/carers.

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plays in the Damian Forder Indoor League at the County Ground. Former Gloucestershire professional Damian, who has helped Cameron along the way with one-to-one coaching sessions, said: “He’s a real inspiration and an incredible lad. From the start it’s always been about what Cameron can do, not what he can’t do. “The determination he shows is brilliant, I wish there were more people around with his same attitude to doing things.”

“

We were told that Cameron would not be able to crawl but he was up and walking at nine months and has been proving people wrong ever since

“

Sam added: “Frenchay have been so supportive and we all love the family atmosphere at the club. It’s very nice to be a part of something special.” Cameron is also a keen footballer for Mangotsfield United Juniors and impressed enough as a defender to be asked to train with the West Brom Academy.

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Sam said: “The first time we went along it soon became clear that no one had mentioned anything to the coaches who were a bit taken aback. “Someone said Cameron couldn’t play because he can’t pull the shirts of the other players, but Cameron’s attitude is that football should be about what you do with your feet! “We were told that there has never been a professional who has even lost a finger, let alone a limb, but once they saw Cameron play they said he was too good to let go. “He can throw the ball in, do his own shoelaces, cut up his own food, he loves swimming and has just started rugby at school which I never thought he would be able to play but which he also loves.” Cameron, nicknamed Scholesy by his soccer mates because he plays with the same determination as the flame-haired former Manchester United midfielder, has developed a wicked sense of humour to deal with the stares and inquisitive comments that occasionally come his way. He said: “Sometimes I’ll get asked what happened to my arm so I tell them that it was bitten off by a shark! “Only one kid has ever got me back … he said I should have swum a bit faster!”

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December, 2015

Merry tale of friendly musical folk

NCE upon a time in a pub in Fishponds a bunch of merry men decided they wanted to set up a club for fans of live music. Now, nearly 16 years later, Folk Around Fishponds (FAF) is an established part of the local scene with people from out of the area travelling in for their twice monthly fix of acoustic music. The notion is simple, if you sing or play an instrument and would like to have the opportunity to perform in front of other like-minded individuals, you just rock up, put your name on a list and wait your turn. And if you don’t play or sing but love live music, you can sit back, enjoy your pint and watch. Performers are encouraged to keep things simple with no amps, but part of the club’s charm is that there are few rules and people are welcomed for who they are. Although most of the acts are singers and guitarists, poets, clog dancers, accordion players and even someone playing the lute have been know to perform - it’s all par for the course for FAF. Legend goes the club started in

and it’s a very comfortable place. We’re based in a beautiful room upstairs and the acoustics are really good.” Although the club, which meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 8pm, is steeped in the folk tradition, you can expect to hear a wide variety of music including blues, jazz, rock, pop and even songs from musicals.

Variety

Sarah and Stuart pictured at the Cross Hands, the home of Folk Around Fishponds 1999 at the now defunct Cross Keys pub in Fishponds Road. “It was a fairly nice local for many years but it lost its regulars and went down hill a bit,” said Stuart Sole, one of the FAF committee members who sings and plays guitar. “I remember turning up one time and the place was boarded up;

we clearly weren’t having a music night that night.” Thankfully, Folk Around Fishponds was embraced by the Cross Hands, the pub at the top of Fishponds where the road forks to Downend on one side and Staple Hill on the other. Stuart said: “We’ve been at the Cross Hands for three years now

“We call it Folk Around Fishponds because it is a folk club but it can be misleading as it may suggest to people we only sing traditional folk songs, whereas our view is that any song is a folk song so it means we have a very mixed selection of songs,” said Stuart. Teacher and music therapist Sarah Brewster, who has been singing since she was “knee-high to a grasshopper”, joined the club in 2009. Sarah plays guitar, piano and most percussion instruments, although many would credit her voice as her main instrument. “Folk is music of the people, which could be anything,” she said. “The club is for people who love live acoustic music and want to

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Sarah

Jonathan and Bob listen to each other, unlike a lot of open mic nights. I don’t want to say anything bad about open mic nights because they have their purpose they provide entertainment while you’re drinking whereas this is for people to listen to music and have a drink while their listening. People are given the space to perform and there’s no judgement.” But what if a performer is truly terrible?

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“Well, I’ve never sat there and grimaced,” said Stuart, who works in offender management. “You’re more likely to get a problem with people who want to stay on too long! We’ve never had to say ‘Look, you’re terrible’. I don’t think that would happen. A lot of our regulars are really gifted singers and musicians and could hold their own in any club up and down the country.” Sarah said: “If people feel really passionate about something, we allow them space to express themselves. “It’s really important that people are valued.”

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FAF hosts three guest nights every year where the rules on amps are relaxed. They have managed to attract some big names, including award-winning folk singer Jez Lowe. “We contacted him and asked him if he’d like to perform and he said yes,” said Stuart. “That’s the beauty of a folk club - acts will perform in a pub and the next day they could be playing at the Albert Hall.” Attracting between 20 and 40 people to each session and more on guest nights, FAF is for people of all ages, although most tend to be in their 40s and older. “For the place to continue, it would be good to get some younger performers in,” said Stuart who also sings with a four-piece band called Pond Life. “We’re probably not talking about people in their 20s but people in the thirties would be good! One of the problems with folk clubs is they tend to attract a lot of older men with guitars so it’s nice to get as good a mix as possible.” Sarah is optimistic the club can attract even younger people.

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“Folk is having a real revival at the moment amongst young people. It’s not like it’s dead or anything! If you go to a folk festival there are plenty of young people around.” FAF boasts a charitable heart having recently produced a CD featuring regular performers in support of the charities MusicSpace

and Music for the Brain. “We made 100 and sold them for £10 a piece so it was a great way to raise money,” said Stuart. Members also pride themselves on their welcoming approach. “It’s a very friendly environment. It’s a place where people are accepted and hopefully feel comfortable,” said Sarah. “It would be nice to get a more diverse group of people. The ethnic mix is changing in Fishponds; it’s a real melting pot now.” Anyone interested in performing or watching a FAF night, should just turn up to one of the sessions. There is a £2 entry fee which covers the cost of the room hire. Guest nights are ticket only and cost between £8 and £10. To find out more about Folk Around Fishponds, visit www.faf. moonfruit.co.uk

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December, 2015

N-n-n-nineteen reasons to love Becki Biggins

Becki Biggins is a jazz singer. Actually, she’s a very good jazz singer. But don’t take our word for it, let her three number one US albums do the talking. Oh, and she lives in Downend. Jayne Taylor catches up with the multi-talented musician HER singing voice has earned her a Grammy nomination, but the truth is you may never have heard of her. And certainly you won’t recognise her as she walks past you, pushing a buggy, through the streets of Downend. For Becki Biggins is quite a different creature when performing on stage. Gone are the jeans and trainers and in their place a 1950s-style dress, heels, carefully curled hair and a slick of red lipstick. She has achieved a staggering amount in her 34 years but the reason Becki is not a household name is because her style of music - jazz - is perhaps not the most popular of musical genres today. Becki makes no apologies for this as jazz is what she is passionate about and where her not inconsiderable talents lie. Becki said: “Jazz has got a bad reputation. It’s seen as being a bit off the wall and crazy but I love it because it tells stories. That’s what I

aim to do when I perform; I aim to get a story across and make people cry - that’s my raison d’être. If I make people cry I think I’ve done a good job. It’s nice to know I’m having an effect on people.” Having honed her musical skills with a school Big Band called Adjazz from the age of 12 (she was brought up in North Shropshire), she discovered she could not only could play the clarinet and saxophone, she could actually sing with some accomplishment. So much so that Becki, along with two other girls singing in close harmony, won the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Competition. Even though Becki had toured with Adjazz in Europe and the US, the award gave her that first taste of fame, appearing on The Big Breakfast, This Morning and Blue Peter. After leaving school, Becki studied at Leeds College of Music before training to be a teacher. A part-time job at a “high end” girls’

school in West London meant Becki could carry on gigging but it was only when she responded to an

advert in The Stage in 2005 that she realised her voice really could hold the key to her future.

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just beautiful.” Luckily, Becki, who has lived in Downend for the past six years, is a woman of many talents which has helped finance her latest offering, an EP of original music called DIY. “It was done through a Pledge Campaign which is like fan funding. I’m into ‘housey’ things like baking my own cakes and making bunting so I raised the money for the EP by selling things. I played everything and sang all of the parts and it was recorded in the spare room upstairs at home in Downend.” As Becki is a qualified music teacher, she is looking to start teaching saxophone. “Archie is at nursery one day a week and I think I could teach two or three people. I enjoy teaching so it would be nice to keep my hand in.”

“The ad was asking for a jazz singer so I sent in a demo. I had a phone call back saying I wasn’t quite right for that particular project but if something else came up they would call me.” Becki didn’t think any more of it but a year later she was to take what would become a very important phone call. The man introduced himself as Paul Hardcastle and invited Becki to his recording studio. Although she accepted his offer, Becki remained as cool as a cucumber, largely because she had no idea who Paul Hardcastle was. It was only when she recounted the call to her mother later, she found out Paul Hardcastle was actually quite something. He was, without putting too fine a point on it, somewhat of a legend in the music industry since changing the course of dance music with his worldwide 1980s hit ‘19’.

Content

Panic “I didn’t have a clue who he was,” said Becki. “I agreed to go to his studio and write a song with him. I phoned my mum and she said ‘What the Paul Hardcastle?’ “When I realised who he was, I felt sheer panic. I kept relaying the conversation in my head to make sure I didn’t say anything stupid and that I was polite and nice to him!” It was to be the start of a fruitful musical relationship. “We made three original albums together and all three went to number one in the US jazz charts. The third was nominated for a Grammy award and won Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year award.” Although Becki still talks to Paul regularly, the birth of her first child, Archie, in February has meant any further projects have been put on the back burner. “We enjoy working together. The style of music we were doing was smooth jazz and that has really changed in recent years. It isn’t as prevalent in America so we’re not doing that type of project again but hopefully we will be working

together again soon.” Becki, who has also worked with Laurie Holloway, musical director both for Michael Parkinson’s chat show and for the first three series of Strictly Come Dancing, has made two of her own jazz albums and has worked hard gigging those, working at famous jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express Jazz Club. Recently she performed with her three-piece band (Malcolm on piano, Vicky on bass and Kevin on drums) at the Future Inn Hotel, Cabot Circus, which boasts its very own jazz club. “It’s great there,” enthuses Becki. “I’m performing on New Year’s Eve in Cheltenham and will probably

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be back performing in Bristol in around March/April. Since having Archie I’ve tended to stay gigging in the South but I’ll be all over the place again soon!” Becki lists her favourite singers as US jazz heavyweights Sarah Vaughan and Chet Baker, who died in 1990 and 1988 respectively. “They are completely different singers but they are both wonderful. I love to listen to them. “Sarah was a proper old school jazz singer who came up through the 40s and 50s and Chet was a trumpet player who started singing. He couldn’t handle fame and was haunted by addiction all his life. The recordings that he’s left behind are

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And as if Becki wasn’t busy enough, she has put together a show-reel in the hope of breaking into TV, encouraged by her husband Andy Torbet, action and adventure presenter on the BBC’s The One Show. You may be thinking there really is no end to Becki’s talents, but she does confess to a little ‘shortcoming’. “I’m not one of those singers who can sing anything. I can sing jazz, opera and classical but if someone said ‘Can you sing us a bit of Adele?’ I wouldn’t be able to do it; it’s just not in me.” Becki is pretty content with her lot, but she wouldn’t say no if a record deal should come her way. “There are lots of different things going on so I don’t get bored. Everyone would love that big recording contract but they don’t really happen in jazz that often. I guess it’s got to happen to somebody, so why not me? But if it doesn’t, I would be happy carrying on doing my jazz gigs. I’d love to do performances in Downend. Now that would be lovely.” You can find out more about Becki and listen to her music at www.beckibiggins.com

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December, 2015

Forestry enterprise keeps on growing

ROM a back garden in Frenchay to an 18-acre plantation along the M32 ‘green corridor’ into Bristol, Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm has steadily grown over the last two decades. While you might not consider forestry a natural career progression for ex-international transport director Peter Maughan, it is what he took on as a side project in 1992 while

Peter Maughan

managing his own transport company. His son, Simon, came home from university surprised to find 200 baby Christmas trees planted in Peter’s back garden. Simon was immediately hooked on the idea, but this first crop was not to be. Planted far too closely together, the trees soon began to grow into each other and die. “We made a lot of mistakes at the beginning,” says Peter, “but even though we can now produce trees of top quality, we’re still learning.” Fast-forward to 1997, and Peter tried again, this time on the current trading site, originally a field he had bought for a different purpose. Once again, Simon returned from a trip away to find a small plantation of 6,000 Norway Spruce trees. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” says Simon. “I just thought it was a totally cool thing to do!” Peter called it his ‘Millennium Project’. After a trip to another grower in Devon, they attempted to sell a load of locally grown trees from the side of the road. “I remember how everyone was eyeing us with suspicion,

driving by slowly but not getting out of their cars. We just couldn’t sell them, even when we dropped the price to just £6 per tree! In the end we practically gave them away to another retailer. “If we had not already invested in a 6,000-tree plantation, I think we would have given up,” says Simon, “But we were already in the game.” Over the next four years Peter put in a lot of work promoting the farm, maintaining the trees and extending the planting until the field was full. Whenever possible, Simon would take time off work to help, and he now manages the business. Gradually, word began to spread, and in 2004, “we were able at last to sell our very own trees, ” says Simon. “It was a terrific moment to see those first trees coming off the field, and the looks on the faces of the happy customers who had chosen them said it all.” The aim was always to create a site for nature as well as for the trees, and to give a generous share of profit to local charities. Simon says: “I remember

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December, 2015

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Massive leap for St Stephen’s Junior School ST Stephen’s Church of England Junior School in Soundwell has never in the history of Ofsted been rated Good – and it missed out on that judgement again in its latest inspection. Instead, the 353-pupil school was rated Outstanding! The result makes St Stephen’s one of a small number of schools to move from the second-lowest level of Requires Improvement to Outstanding in one leap. This was achieved in just two years, thanks to the efforts of head teacher Louisa Wilson, teachers, teaching assistants, children, governors and parents. The inspection team that visited in September said the transformation was due to outstanding leadership from Ms Wilson, who joined the school just before the previous Ofsted visit in 2013. Inspectors also praised the staff team for their “unstinting drive for the highest academic and social success for pupils”. This was enabling children to make exceptionally rapid and sustained progress in a wide range of subjects and achieve some excellent results, they said. The children were recognised for their exemplary attitudes to learning and the way they live the shared school values of respect, honesty, trust, responsibility,

friendship and perseverance. “Pupils always try hard and do not give up easily even when faced with difficult tasks. All pupils use the characteristics of the St Stephen’s ‘purple learner’ to chart their progress and to try to achieve an award in the weekly celebration assembly,” the report said. Ms Wilson said a key factor in the school’s transformation had been a new, inquiry-based curriculum which was more engaging for the children and enabled them to become better learners. “The curriculum is creatively

planned, vibrant and exciting and promotes learning extremely well,” Ofsted said. “Teachers make lessons inspiring, motivating and relevant. Pupils thrive in all aspects of their learning. Staff ensure that pupils develop a deep understanding in a range of subjects and apply their knowledge, skills and understanding practically. “Teaching assistants provide skilled support to groups and individuals. They have strong subject knowledge and ask questions that promote highly effective learning. “Pupils are proud of their achievements, the presentation of

their work and their school.” The school’s governors were also highlighed by inspectors as being exceptionally effective. Ms Wilson said she was extremely proud of the efforts of everyone at the school. “The children have worked incredibly hard and have risen to the challenge. They have come such a long way. Their behaviour during the Ofsted visit was incredible. They were chuffed to bits when we told them that the school was now Outstanding,” she said.

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New MP Ruth’s nostalgic visit to Downend School AS a young teenager at Downend School, Ruth Smeeth took part in Roger Berry’s successful 1992 campaign to become Labour MP for Kingswood. And earlier this year, Ruth followed in his footsteps when she was elected to represent the Stokeon-Trent North and Kidsgrove constituency in Parliament. She is the second former Downend student in the House of Commons; Business Secretary Sajid Javid was at the school a decade before her. Ruth, who was there from 1990-1995, returned to the school last month to meet some of her former teachers and talk to current students about her life in politics. Retired teachers Angela Long, Pete Chard and Graham Brewster were among those who joined history and politics teacher Jane Bolam and sixth formers Priya Kaur and Rebecca Konteh for the occasion. “I have very fond memories of growing up here,” said Ruth “I was part of a very good group of people who were very supportive of one another.” She recalled her excitement during the school’s regular American exchange visit when they visited Washington DC and heard Senator Edward Kennedy give a speech.

Another memory was of Jane Bolam inviting a friend who had been at the Tiananmen Square massacre to talk to students during a free lesson. Ruth, whose mother was a trade union official, was interested in politics from childhood. “I started volunteering for the Labour Party when I was eight,” she said. She was also one of only two Jewish students at Downend in the early Nineties and was exceptionally tall for her age. But she said the school had given her space to be different.

“They allowed me to graft without letting me become a total geek. They made sure I got the grades but also allowed me to explore the things that mattered to me.” After Downend, Ruth did A-levels at Filton College, followed by a degree in politics and international relations at Birmingham University. She went on to become a trade union official and led the Hope not Hate anti-fascism campaign. Her first six months in Parliament have been both thrilling and daunting.

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Left to right: Pete Chard, Angela Long, Rebecca Konteh, Ruth Smeeth, Priya Kaur, Jane Bolam, Graham Brewster and Will Roberts “It is amazing to go into the House and think of all the people who have sat on those Labour benches before me,” she said. “I remember that it is less than 100 years since women got the vote and it is a privilege to be there as a Jewish woman. It is a very special thing.” Ruth, 37, who lives in her Potteries constituency with her husband Michael, is a member of the Defence Select Committee and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Scotland and Northern Ireland Secretaries.

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December, 2015

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New school set to open next September

A NEW school is to open in east Bristol next September to provide places for young people who find mainstream education challenging. Bristol Futures Academy will be based in a converted former Victorian primary school in Beam Street, Barton Hill. It is what is known as an alternative provision free school, sponsored by the Inspirational Futures Trust, and will have places for up to 100 teenagers. The aim is for 14-16 year-olds who have become disengaged with their schools to join BFA, which will offer a personalised curriculum that includes English, maths, ICT, individual project work and vocational courses. Some may have a progression route back to mainstream education but others will be supported to move on to apprenticeships or suitable further education or training. Every student will have a specialist adviser who will develop a personalised programme for them. The academy’s principal, Caroline Down, said it was an exciting opportunity to bring a framework to alternative provision and offer better accountability. The trust is backed by Weston College, which has a strong track record in in vocational education and inclusion of disaffected young people, and by the University of the West of England. The school will have facilities on site for hair and beauty, motor vehicle maintenance and some construction skills and will work in partnership with other training providers. Science, art and enterprise subjects can also be offered. “It can be whatever we want it to be,” said Ms Down. “It is an opportunity to do things differently. Our staff will be able to study for a foundation degree in inclusive practice, sponsored by UWE. We will have an enrichment programme for students outside the core hours, to allow them to do volunteering, sport and other activities.” Bristol Futures Academy is holding an information event on December 10 at 2pm at Junction 3 Library in St Paul’s.

Your views wanted PARENTS are being invited to give their views on a possible new primary school for Speedwell in 2017. Educate Together, which opened a primary academy in Redfield last year to meet growing demand, wants to work with families in Speedwell. It is asking where parents would like a school to be located and whether they think there is a need for additional places. One option could be the former Speedwell fire station, which has now closed. Educate Together, which runs 68 successful schools in Ireland is inviting parents to complete an expression of interest form, which can be found on its website. Families are also invited to visit the Redfield school in Avonvale Road, which moved from the original Victorian school into new buildings in September.

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December, 2015

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Landlord found guilty after failing to meet standards

A PRIVATE landlord has been found guilty of failing to obtain the appropriate licence for his property. Desmond Francis, who owns a property in the Stapleton Road area, was ordered to pay more than £4,100 in fines and costs. At Bristol Magistrates Court, Mr Francis was convicted for offences under the Housing Act 2004 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. He was also found guilty of failing to comply with notices requesting him to provide documents and information to the council. In April 2013 Bristol City Council declared a licensing scheme for private rented properties within the area of Stapleton Road, Easton and surrounding streets. Licensing places conditions on the landlord or agent to ensure that minimum property standards are met and that good management practice is delivered. The scheme requires properties that are rented by private landlords to be licensed by Bristol City Council. Brenda Massey, assistant mayor for people, said: “It is essential that landlords in the private rented sector with properties in the Stapleton Road area realise the importance of ensuring that their properties are licensed with the local authority. “There are still properties in this area that have not been licensed even though the scheme has been in operation since April 2013. “This is an issue we continue to take very seriously, and failure to communicate with the council and ignoring formal requests for information and documents can lead to conviction and high fines issued by the court.”

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Arrests made after armed robbery at Gala bingo

THEIR numbers were up in more ways than one when two men were arrested for armed robbery at the Gala bingo hall in Fishponds. The pair, one armed with a knife and the other with a handgun, ordered a member of staff to open a safe before making off with cash. The incident happened at around 10.40pm on Wednesday November 4. A 25-year-old man from Kingswood and a 24-year-old man from Brislington were arrested and have been released on bail pending further enquiries. Acting sergeant Kenny Brogan

said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the member of staff and they must be praised for their bravery. “Armed robberies like this are rare in Bristol but when they do happen we always carry out a thorough investigation and move quickly to bring those responsible to justice. “While we have arrested two men in connection with this incident, our enquiries are continuing and I’d ask anyone with information to please get in touch using the 24-hour enquiry line 101 quoting reference number 5215034037.”

New Art Class for Beginners Looking for an introduction to art?

WHEN the Stroke Recovery gardening group lost its base after Frenchay Hospital closed, Church Church Downend came to the rescue. The group meets every Wednesday in the Church Welcome space from 2-4pm, and celebrated the first anniversary of its move with a cream tea. Steve Powell, one of the gardening group team, said: “The group has grown from strength to strength through the year. Having a chat and tea and biscuits, helping out with growing, planting out plants and socialising benefits those who have had a stroke and gives carers support too.” If you or someone you know has been affected by a stroke, and might benefit from attending this group, please contact Val Henderson via Christ Church Parish Office on 0117 908 9867

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The courses run once a week, morning or afternoon for 3 hours and all your materials are provided. If you have always wanted to learn how to draw or paint but have no idea where to start then this course will show you how. The curriculum is comprehensive, interesting and fun, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our qualified tutor provides step by step guidance each week, covering sketching, pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. By the end of the course you will have 8 pieces of your own original art including a pastel pet portrait and an acrylic country landscape! You can then show off your new found skills to family and friends at the end of course exhibition! Art can help reduce stress, create a feeling of well-being and provide relaxation but most of all — it’s fun!

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December, 2015

OPING Covers evolved from our building and engineering company Simfix, which has been established for approximately 20 years. The idea for Coping Covers came from years of looking at damp issues in buildings, many of which were labelled “rising damp”. We found that 99% of damp issues came from above, not below. All the traditional damp cures never seemed to eliminate the problem entirely, and having both a building and engineering background, we decided to take a different approach to curing the damp issues. The service provided by Coping Covers includes all aspects of roofing and chimney stack repairs. The majority of our clients have found us on line whilst looking for a cure for their damp issues, and in most cases they have already tried other solutions, which have subsequently failed. We, as a professional company, found that there are three main areas where a building will fail, causing damp walls. The first is the last layer of felt at the bottom of the roof, the second is open and leaking chimney stacks, and thirdly, houses where leaking is

Look no further than Coping Covers your roofing specialists occurring through coping stones on top of parapet walls. Victorian buildings are particularly vulnerable. Coping stones protect the tops of external walls but problems occur when they are continuously leaking. The result is further damage such as hollow, loose or missing render. Water is trapped within the wall. The render expands and contracts and within a few years pushes the render off the wall leaving it exposed and vulnerable to further weathering and costly damage. The horizontal top surfaces of parapet and masonry walls are the most likely point for water to enter a building. Water will naturally find the lowest point and therefore pushes down through the walls until it has reached the foundations and then has nowhere else to go. The damp tends to relocate to another part of the wall, possibly spreading

into another room, either upstairs or downstairs, or even into your neighbour’s property. Over time the water begins to seep through the wall causing the plaster to break down causing damp patches. We specialise in finding where the damp is coming in, prior to any remedial work. We resolve the problem, not mask it. We repair and rebuild damage, prior to installation of coping covers directly over the top of the coping stones. This stops water leaking through and prevents further damage. The walls and coping stones have added strength, and can dry out and stabilise. The coping covers smarten up the look of a property, straightening the appearance of the copings. Coping Covers cost effective system guarantees to prevent any further expensive water damage to your walls and property, and depending on the size of your property, can be

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December, 2015

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

N the past, Fishponds Voice has covered some of the great work of the Coombe Brook Valley Action Group. This group is made up of local people who are committed to making Coombe Brook Valley a safe and

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clean place for the community, by removing rubbish which has either been dumped there or has floated downstream. Councillor Craig Cheney has been involved with this group, and I regularly see photos of him getting hands-on to clear rubbish from the Brook. Other groups in Fishponds, such as Friends of Eastville Park, also do a lot of great work on making sure local green spaces are properly maintained. Littering and fly-tipping is, of course, not just a problem in east Bristol’s green spaces, but also on our streets. This is a particular problem near the M32 in Eastville, but it affects many roads throughout Fishponds. Councillors Mhairi Threlfall and Mahmadur Khan have been working with the community to draw the Council’s attention to incidences of fly-tipping, and to push for action. These problems, however, only appear to be getting worse. Fly-tipping incidents in the city have doubled in the past couple of years, from 1,287 in 2013 to 2,549 in 2015. This increase is particularly noticeable away from the most affluent areas of Bristol, with rubbish often being left to fester for days before it is cleared. It is great to see community action and local environmentalism

thriving in Bristol. As well as improving local spaces, it brings people together and boosts civic pride. But we should not have to rely on community action alone to keep our areas safe and tidy. Bristol City Council needs to do more too. Of course I appreciate that central government cuts are making it more difficult for the Council to maintain streets and green spaces across the city. However, there are a number of straightforward measures the Council can introduce to save money in the long-term. For example, ensuring everyone has proper access to recycling facilities, responding better to complaints about waste, installing CCTV around fly-tipping hotspots, and prosecuting where there is evidence of who is dumping the rubbish. More fundamentally, though, we need to make sure that the Council is spreading its resources more equally throughout the city. Too often, it seems that the Council focuses on central Bristol, to the neglect of areas elsewhere. This unbalance needs to be addressed, so everyone can expect their area to be clean and tidy, and can be proud of the city they live in.”

The show must go on

A THEATRE company which raises large sums of money for children’s charities in and around Bristol is looking for support after an error led to their latest panto not being advertised. The non-profit making Starlite Productions puts on a show every year at the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton, which is normally advertised in the theatre’s winter brochure. But their production of Mother Goose failed to appear in the pamphlet this year, leading cast and crew to worry this would impact on ticket sales and reduce the amount of money raised for charity. A spokesperson from Starlite said: “Due to management issues at the Redgrave they did not include us in their winter brochure which has had a detrimental effect on our ticket sales.” Redgrave theatre manager Sam Hollis-Pack said: “There has been a change of staffing but we are working hard on social media to push their show and make sure people do know about it.” Mother Goose will run from December 30 to January 9 at the Redgrave Theatre. For ticket details call 0117 965 8598 or visit www. starliteproductions@hotmail.co.uk

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AT’S

December 1 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Speaker morning plus coffee – Tim Lewis, The Nativity – An original musical interpretation. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at door. December 3 n Riff Raff, Bristol’s own pop & rock choir, perform Christmas pop songs and pop favourites at The Cross Hands, Fishponds, 8pm. Free event with a collection for Bristol-based music therapy charity MusicSpace. December 4 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Tea Dance. 1.45 to 3.45pm. Pay at door. December 5 n 10.30am-12.30pm, St John’s Church, Lodge Causeway. Caring at Christmas initiative to support homelessness charity the Julian Trust. Bring donations such as men’s clothing, socks, soap and bedding. December 11 n ACTIVATE Fishponds, drop-in lunchtime concert, 1-2pm, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds, featuring Christmas music by The Bristol Veterans’ Band. Tea/coffee, biscuits and mince pies available from 12noon-1pm. Free admission. Retiring collection. Contact 965 4521. December 17 n Free Christmas concert by Bristol A Capella and Kingswood Winds, 7.30-9.30pm, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, BS16 2HB. Refreshments, entrance free, retiring collection. December 18 n Special Christmas coffee morning, 10.30-11.30am at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. Music provided by the children of Chester Park Junior School. December 18 and 19. n Christmas Concert, Cleeve Singers (also Handbells on Saturday only), 7.30pm, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Tickets from Barn office or at the door. December 20 n Christmas carol service followed by refreshments, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, 3pm. All welcome. December 30 - January 9 n Starlite Productions present Mother Goose, Redgrave Theatre, Clifton. Call 0117 965 8598 or visit starliteproductions@hotmail.co.uk for ticket details

January 8 n Tea Dance, 1.45-3.45 pm, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Pay at door.

Regular events in the Fishponds area Mondays n 9am Holistic Massage - St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am Tiny Tots - All Saints Community Hall n 11am Bereavement and Wellbeing support - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Computer Group - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Ping Pong (Table Tennis) for over 55’s - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Welcome Club for Retireds+ - St Aidan’s Church Hall n 3pm Messy Church - St John’s Church n 6:30pm Prayers - St John’s Church n 9.30-10.30am Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2pm Improve your Ballroom dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. Tel 965 0203 for details n 7/7.30pm, Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Zumba keep fit. Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30-10.30am. Contact Sally 07712776753 n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 5pm. Contact Teresa 0117 965 0203 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.309pm. Contact Ami 07462 727229 Tuesdays n 9:15am Morning Prayer - St John’s Church n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 9:30am Foot Care Sessions - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10am Coffee and Craft Morning St John’s Church n 10am Sing and Sign for babies / toddlers - All Saints Community Hall n 10am Level 1 Walking Group - starting at St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10:30am Music for Toddlers - St Mary’s Parish Rooms n 12:30pm Lunch Club - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Film Club for over 55’s - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2.15-2.45 pm Pre-school Storytime/Rhymetime, Fishponds Library n 3pm Eucharist with signing for the Deaf - Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, Bristol, BS5 8NL n 3:15pm Messy Church Fishponds CofE Academy n 6pm Woodcraft - All Saints Church Hall / Link n 7pm Evening Prayer - St Aidan’s Church n 7pm Evening Prayer - St Ambrose Church n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay

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December, 2015

Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm at the Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. The programme changes monthly but includes coffee afternoons and outings. All welcome. For details call Barbara Davies on 965 3557. n Fishponds Townswomen’s Guild, second Tuesday of the month, 7.15pm at Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. For further information please call 07799 108890 n 7.30-9pm (Term Time only) Scouts (10-14 years) at Fishponds Baptist Church Youth Hall. Contact: 151bristolscouts@gmail.com n 7-8pm Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 9.30am, Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Townswomen’s Guild (1st Tuesday in month), Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm . 01179 656660 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Contact Ami 07462 727229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15- 8.15pm. Meeting in small room. n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Anna 07799180437 n Badminton at Downend Sports Centre, 8 - 10pm. Call 0117 9400706 or email ridgewaydownend@yahoo.co.uk n 2 - 4pm ‘Friends and Neighbours’, a friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea, meets in Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, on alternate Tuesdays, commencing September 8th. New members welcome. Wednesdays n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 9.45pm Songs for Little People – The Kingfisher Cafe. £4 per little person, siblings £2. n 10am Eucharist - St Ambrose Church n 10:30am Arts and Crafts - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10:30am Coffee Morning - St Ambrose Church n 11am Tai Chi - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 1pm Level 3 Walking Group starting from St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 1:30pm Arts and Crafts - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Punjabi Dance and Song - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Support and Activity Group - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Chair based exercise class St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2:30pm Ladies Circle - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2:30pm Wives Group - St John’s Church n 3:30pm Messy Church - Air Balloon Primary School, Hillside Rd, St George n 6:30pm Home Group - Location varies

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n Phoenix Art Club. Every Wednesday morning, 10am --12noon, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, Fishponds. All mediums, all abilities. New members welcome. n 10-11am Dancing Tots, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road n 2-4pm Hannah More Club for senior citizens, 2 weekly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2 -3.30pm Reading group 4 weekly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 7-8 pm Keep Fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Eric 07914 006589 n Hannah More senior citizen Fun and Entertainment (fortnightly), Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 4pm. 965 0356 n Fishponds Reading Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR (four-weekly) 2-3.30pm. Contact gwenczek@yahoo.co.uk n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm. Contact Beryl 0117 977 4534. n Cycle CCTV, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 8-10pm. Winter months only n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm at Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. (except August). Different speaker each month plus handicrafts and walking group. For details, please call 07799 108890 n 11am-noon, St Mary’s Parish Rooms, back entrance of church. Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group. Please note this group is fortnightly, with the next sessions taking place on November 13 and 27 and December 11. For details call Lizzy on 965 0856. Thursdays n 9:15am Morning Prayer - St Aidans Church n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 10am Coffee and Craft Morning St Aidan’s Church n 10am Free Beginners Computer Classes - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10am Eucharist - St John’s Church n 10am Eucharist - St Mary’s Church n 10am Parent and Toddler Group St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 12pm Ballroom Dance Class - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Fit Steps - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2-4 pm (fortnightly) Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n 3.30-5pm Friendship club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n The senior citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5pm Spencer@ sporting-change.biz 07825155954

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December, 2015

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n Sequence Dance class. Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR . 7.30- 9.30pm. Contact John 01454 261498 n Beginner’s Taoist Tai Chi, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane 7-8.30pm. Come and enjoy better balance through Taoist Tai Chi practice. Moving meditation for body, mind and spirit. taoist. org.uk n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm n Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students.Special offer -first class £3. Tel 01173 309549 / 07808 581739 n Zumba Gold with Cressida, Royal British Legion, Kendall Road, Staple Hill, 1.30pm-2.30pm Fun dance & exercise class to music from around the world. Ideal for beginners to Zumba or older students.Special offer -first class £3. Tel 01173 309549 / 07808 581739 n Fishponds and Downend Rotary Club meets weekly on a Thursday evening at: The Langley Arms, Guest Avenue, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7GA. The club is actively seeking new members to share fun, fellowship and community service. Full details on website Google “F&D Rotary” and look for homepage. Fridays n 10.30 - 11.30 am. Weekly Coffee Morning every Friday in Fishponds Methodist Church Hall. Greeting cards sold in aid of St Peter’s Hospice. n 9:30am The Friday Playgroup - All Saints Community Hall n 10:30am Line Dancing - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 11.30am-noon Rhymetime for babies and toddlers, Hillfields Library n 12pm Senior Citizens Bingo Club with optional fish and chip lunch - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm The First Friday Film Club All Saints Church Hall n 5:30pm Taekwondo - St John’s Church Hall n 6pm Silent Meditation - St Mary’s Parish Rooms

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n 7pm Grove Road Youth Club - All Saints Community Hall n Sensible keep fit to music for older ladies. Good company and a chat over coffee. From 9am at Hillfields Park Baptist Church, Thicket Avenue, Fishponds. For further details call 956 1231. n 11am-12noon, St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group. Please note this group is fortnightly with the next sessions taking place on June 12 and 26. For further details call Lizzy on 965 0856. n 9.30-10.30pm Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 7-9pm History group, 1st Friday in month, Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2-4pm 2nd Friday in month, Alzheimer’s group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30-10.30am. Contact Sally 07712 776753 n Baby Bebop (Mums / Babies up to 1 year old) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 11am to 1pm Contact Ruth 07966 032414 n Alzheimer’s meetings ( 2nd Friday in each month) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2-4pm 0117 9756 441 n Fishponds History society ( 1st Friday monthly) Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 7-9 pm Contact John 0117 965 8110 n 11am-12noon in St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church). Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group. Meetings are fortnightly, with the next dates being the next meetings are August 7 and 21 and September 4 and 18. for details call Lizzy on 065 0856

Church with Giggle Sunday Club in Parish Rooms n 10am Eucharist - St Ambrose Church n 10am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - St Michael’s Church n 10:30am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - St Aidan’s Church n 10:30am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - St John’s n 10.30am Eucharist or Lay-Led Service - All Saints Church n 6pm All Sorts Youth Group (fortnightly) St Aidan’s Church hall n 6:30pm Evensong - St Mary’s Church n Staple Hill Methodist Church invite you to join them in worship at 10.30am and 6pm every Sunday. A creche is available for little ones and Sunday Club. Taize Worship is held on second Sunday evening of the month and communion is taken on first morning and evening of the month. All are welcome, come and join us on the High Street. If you would like any further information please ring 0117 9575221 and leave a message and someone will get back to you. n 10.30am Morning Worship and children’s group at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - we are a friendly, welcoming church with people from a range of backgrounds, nationalities and ages.

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

Saturdays n 2-4pm 2nd Saturday, 2 monthly <September > Diabetes group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. Sundays n 10.30am Morning Worship and children’s group at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n 8am Eucharist - All Saints Church n 10am Eucharist - St Mary’s

What are you doing for

New Years Eve? Why not come along to Downend Cricket Club for a great night and the best way to see in the new year in style. The party is being organised by Fishponds Old Boys and we are known for always putting on a good party. All ages welcome, There will be a disco and buffet food and all for just £5 per ticket, under 16’s go for free. For more details please contact Daryl Litten on 07864806358 or by email daza.litten@hotmail.co.uk

NYE 2016

PARTY

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* CHRISTMAS GIFTS * * 2016 CALENDARS* * FOOTBALL MEMORABILIA * * PERSONALISED GIFTS * BRISTOL ROVERS ~ BRISTOL CITY ARSENAL ~ CHELSEA ~ LIVERPOOL SPURS ~ MAN UTD ~ MAN CITY REAL MADRID ~ BARCELONA

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Book Review from Fishponds Library Marlon James – A Brief History of Seven Killings

December, 2015

Charitable note as choir has pyjama party for Pudsey

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara THIS novel was a nominee for this years Man Booker prize. It is 720 pages long and follows the lives of four college room mates who first met at a top ranking Boston college in the USA. After graduating they all move to New York and stay in contact with one another though at times their friendships go through rocky patches. The central character is Jude St Francis who refuses to reveal anything of his past to his friends but as the novel progresses the reader learns some of the horror and physical, sexual and mental abuse that Jude suffered. Jude becomes a high earning lawyer for a top legal firm in New York, living a jet setting life style but he cannot escape the trauma of his past. His other room mates are Willem who has ambitions to becoming an actor, working in a restaurant in between acting jobs, JB who starts off working as a receptionist for an arts magazine while pursuing is dream of becoming an artist, spending his spare time working on ideas from his studio and Malcolm who lives his dream of becoming an architect. The novel maps out their rags to riches success with Jude ending up living in a spectacular loft apartment in downtown New York and JB becoming a successful artist with many of his paintings documenting the life’s of his three friends. From the first page I was impressed with the language of the novel. The words immediately transported you into the worlds of the main characters who became three dimensional and seemed to move across the page. This was a novel that I did not want to put down, spending days turning the pages. Also you got a sense of the fast lane in New York and very different worlds which exist in states hundreds of miles away from this metropolis. This is Hanya Yanagihara’s first novel and I already want to see what her next one will be like. Fishpond Library has copies of her novel as well as the Man Booker prize winner novel, ‘A Short History of Seven Killings’ by Marlon James. StoryTime/Baby Bounce is as usual during term time at 2.15pm every Tuesday at Fishponds Library. Knit and Natter meet every other Thursday. the next scheduled meetings are Thursday December 10 and then in January 2016 on January 7.

Rupert Hopkins (Fishponds Library)

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

FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION OR MORE DETAILS VISIT OUR WEBSITE, TELEPHONE OR CALL IN TO DISCUSS

IT’S never too early to don your pyjamas and prepare for the arrival of Santa … or Pudsey. Members of the Riff Raff choir in Fishponds dressed up in their nightclothes as part of a citywide effort to raise money for Children in Need. They and fellow singers in Clifton, Southville and Bishopston held pyjama parties last month for the BBC appeal. Funds were swelled by members who paid to see their teachers Oli Poole and Douglas V. Watts dress up as a pantomime dame and in a nightie. The funky acappella pop and rock choir have also been busy staging Christmas concerts, including one at the Cross Hands on December 3. All profits from these events will be donated to MusicSpace, the Bristol-based music therapy charity.

Tree project takes root CHILDREN from Minerva Primary Academy in Fishponds are among the latest to join Bristol’s One Tree Per Child project. Fruit trees were handed out to pupils on December 2 during National Tree Week. The following day, 22 large trees and a number of small trees were planted in St George’s Park by St Patrick’s Primary School pupils and Friends of the park.. One Tree Per Child Bristol is planting 36,000 trees in Bristol; one for every primary school aged child in the city. The programme is teaching children about the benefits of trees and includes exciting education opportunities for schools across the city. Over 15,000 trees have already been planted in Bristol in the last year. This winter the community events programme will be planting thousands of trees in parks and green space across the city including new woodland, hedgerows and individual trees. For more information on the project, and how you can get involved as a volunteer visit www.bristol.gov.uk/onetreeperchild.

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December, 2015

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‘Owl be there for you’ as birds make flying visit to pupils

Exchange at Bristol Met

STUDENTS at Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds are being taught by two teachers from Shanghai this term. The teachers, Niki and Vicki, will be working and teaching alongside Mansukh Mann, a maths teacher at Bristol Met, who took part in a research visit to in Shanghai in September. The exchange forms part of one of the national projects of the Maths Hubs Programme, funded by the Department for Education. The aim is for teachers in England to understand and implement some of the key elements of maths teaching that have proved effective in helping school pupils in Shanghai reach levels of attainment far ahead of their counterparts in the rest of the world. This is the second year of the National Maths Hubs programme, funded by the DfE, with the previous year’s exchange focusing on primary mathematics. The exchange is supported by NELLIE the barn owl and Ruben the Indian eagle owl because the owl is the logo for Minerva Academy. the Boolean Maths Hub, which is made a flying visit to students at Minerva Primary Chrissie’s Owls provide a rescue service for injured includes South Gloucestershire , Academy in Hillfields. wild owls as well as captive bred owls that need caring Bristol, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire. The birds were brought in by Chrissie and Tom for or rehoming. Lisa Pollard, who leads it, said: Harper from Oxfordshire-based Chrissie’s Owls. Cath Archer, lead learning mentor, organised the visit. Chrissie spoke to students about conservation and SheRight said:at “We are isvery grateful to Chrissie Home oneRight of the most atUK’s Home is onefor of bringing the UK’s most“This is a rare opportunity to see told them about the owls’ habitats and feeding habits. thetrusted owls into Minerva, the students really enjoyed Our localShanghai teachers expertly teaching care companies. 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Please contact George or Jan on 07799 521007 or text 07799 521007 Hillfields Youth Centre, Thickete Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 4EH e-mail: info@hymg.org website http://www.hymg.org

Registered with the Care Quality Commission. Each Right at Home office is independently owned and operated

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ARE you aged 14 to 18? Do you fancy a new adventure? If so Fromeside Explorer Scout unit would love to hear from you. Boys and girls from the unit have just come back from two weeks in Austria and next year they are looking to travel to either Switzerland or the South of France. The scout unit is looking for

December, 2015

Fancy a new adventure? youngsters who like challenges, adventure, making friends and learning new skills. Josh Burnell, scout leader, said:

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

“We are fortunate to have the ideal purpose built HQ for S scouting. It’s an amazing unit, giving youth members not only a

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place to have fun but also to learn lots of new skills “We also do a variety of weekends away and longer expos in the summer. “Our leaders are a great bunch of dedicated people. They are very experienced in a variety of activities and do their best to make sure the young people have a good time every week. We are an ever growing unit of both male and females and are the oldest senior section in Bristol. There isn’t much we haven’t done!” Scouts meet Friday nights from 7.30-9.30pm at their headquarters adjacent to St Michael’s Church, Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood.

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December, 2015

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Repair Cafe getting ready to celebrate its second birthday

FISHPONDS-based Bristol Repair Cafe is gearing up to celebrate its second birthday this weekend. The monthly repair cafe, based at All Saints Church in Grove Road, has continued to go from strength to strength after it was started by resident Kate Jerrold in December 2013. The idea behind the initiative is that people bring along their broken electrical appliances, toys, crockery and clothing and they are given help, advice and support to get them mended and back up and running again. Kate was inspired to set up the repair cafe after reading a blog written by Jen Gale called My Make Do and Mend Year where the author vowed not to buy anything new for a whole year. The blog led Kate to discovering an organisation in Holland called the Repair Cafe. Kate wondered why Bristol didn’t have its own repair cafe so decided to do something about it. Kate said: “It’s a real amazing success that we are here two years on. “When we first started, the concept was a bit strange and

people didn’t really know what we were on about but now it’s lovely to see that people get it, embrace it and do it.” Kate said she has been encouraged by the number of young people who turn up who were not part of the ‘make do and mend’ generation. “It’s really important for young children to get involved because if we don’t inspire young people, there is no future.” The aim of the repair cafe is to save people money and help the environment but it has also has a knock-on effect of helping members of the community to get to know each other. Kate believes small things like repairing your computer rather than replacing it can have a huge impact on protecting the environment. “We hear a lot about encouraging people to change their mode of transport and energy for their homes but actually 60 per cent of our carbon footprint is in the stuff we buy. This means we have much more control than we think we have. If you think ‘I won’t do that long distance trip but I’ll buy a new computer’, it’s not having as great an

Have you lost a sax?

impact as it could have. “We’re really getting the message out to people that it’s the stuff we buy and how much use we get out of it that’s going to have a far greater impact.” Kate said he owed a huge debt of gratitude to the church for hosting the repair cafe events. “A massive shout out to All Saints!” she said. “They have been amazing and really supportive in giving us the space. It’s also thanks to the amazing ladies who cook the cakes and the team of experts who are amazing people.” Kate said she had high hopes for the anniversary repair cafe, which takes place this Saturday (December 5). “We’re going to celebrate with cake! The church has got its Christmas decorations up so it’s looking really festive. We’re hoping that it’s going to be the biggest and the best.” Bristol Repair Cafe meets on the first Saturday of every month from 10.30am-1pm. The first repair cafe of 2016 will go ahead on Saturday January 2.

POLICE are trying to trace the owner of a saxophone which they believe was stolen from a car in Downend. The alto saxophone, which has been recovered by police, is in a black carrying case with silver edging and a purple fabric lining. There is a separate mouthpiece and engraving on the bell of the saxophone. The musical instrument was discovered during routine police investigations into car break-ins. The saxophone was taken from a car which police believe was parked in Downend during the early hours of November 14 but officers have been unsuccessful in tracking down the owner. Four men were arrested on suspicion of taking items from a motor vehicle. A 19-year-old man was released after being given a police caution and three teenage boys – two aged 16 and one 17 – were released on police bail pending further enquiries. If you are the owner of the saxophone or believe you know the owner of the instrument, please contact police on 101, quoting ref: 5215040586.

Christmas at The Acorn BOOKINGS STILL AVAILABLE FOR PRE-CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU

Why not meet up with family, friends or workmates in the Christmas break for an afternoon cream tea, sunday lunch or our traditional breakfasts Christmas Opening hours

Christmas Eve open until 2.30pm Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed December 27th Closed December 28th Closed

acorn

December 29th Open as Normal December 30th Open as Normal December 31 Open until 2.30pm New Years Day Closed January 2nd Open as Normal

cafe

FIND US ON

RESTAURANT

The acorn cafe/restaurant at westerleigh

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

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Passionate about Stone . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

December, 2015

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Do you recognise these men?

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THESE six men who all have links across east Bristol are wanted in connection with the supply of Class A drugs. Miles Phillips, 31, Keenan King, 20, Ta Shai Clarke, 24, all from the St Paul’s area of the city, are wanted in connection with the supply of heroin and cocaine. Davaughn Martin, 21, of Speedwell, Rimnele Downer, 23, of St Agnes, and Warren Ivers, 31, of Kingswood, are also wanted for drug offences. Police released the images as part of an ongoing major investigation into the supply of drugs in Bristol. A total of 73 people have so far been charged with drug offences as part of the investigation. Anyone who recognises any of the six men picture is asked to call 999. Anyone who has any information about where they may be is asked to call 101.

Eye Blog . . .

with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians

Why Santa needs an Eye Health Supplement this Christmas LET’S face it, Mr Santa Claus is probably a Type 2 Diabetic! At the very least he’s probably pre-diabetic. In this blog I will look at the risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes that pertain to Old St. Nick. Weight: This is the primary risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Look at any picture of Santa and you’ll see that he’s not well known for his slender physique. Where the weight is distributed: Unfortunately the majority of the North Pole native’s girth lies in the most dangerous area, his abdomen. Age: A quick Google search reveals that Santa is approximately 1,744 years old! This is also a problem as risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes increases after the age of 45. Lack of Physical Exercise: Although Father Christmas seems to oversee a lot of workshop activities his main job 364 days of the year is checking a list… then checking it again. This desk bound job and inactivity catapults his Diabetic risk higher and higher. From an eye care professionals point of view, if Santa does indeed suffer from Diabetes his risk for Diabetic Eye Disease (Diabetic Retinopathy) increases dramatically. In fact it has been estimated that up to 80% of clients who have been diagnosed for more than 10 years suffer from some degree of eye disease. This damage is primarily to the blood vessels that run throughout the retina (the back of the eye) and supply the most fragile region responsible for the patient’s central vision, the macula. In other words, if Santa suffers from this, he’s at risk to be forced to bring an Elf to drive the sleigh! Of course Santa needs to properly monitor his average blood sugar levels with his GP. His GP will discuss the foods that will aid him in maintaining

Police investigation into human trafficking

his blood sugar levels (perhaps carrots over cookies?). But the role of the eye care professional is not simply to monitor and identify if and when damage occurs. My role must be to educate our clients regarding the fact that there are nutritional supplements that will promote healthy retinal health by supporting blood vessels aiding in the preservation of their vision. Hopefully, the Optometrist practicing at the North Pole has an instrument that can take an image of the back of the eye to try and detect any macula disease. The macula contains two particular antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Lutein has received the most media attention and supplementing with Lutein does indeed keep the macula healthy. All Santa joking aside, it comes down to patient education. The clients that I see every day are hungry for more information about their eye health. If I don’t give it to them they turn to much less informed and less reliable sources. Optometrists have the information and it falls to us to share the facts with our clients. This Christmas period lots of us are going to have copious amounts of food and drink. As an eye health professional I see the effect this has on clients almost every day. At Marian Blake Opticians we have the expertise and equipment to take an image of the back of your eye and detect and advise on any signs of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Myself and the team wish you a Happy Christmas in 2015, but don’t forget to look after your eyes and health. If you are concerned about any of the issues mentioned above, or would like a comprehensive and professional eye examination book now on 0117 9651861.

Jonathan Best Bsc (Hons)MCOptom Optometrist

TWO people have been charged and a third will be summonsed to court to face charges relating to human trafficking in east Bristol. Police started an investigation in 2013 to look into offences of human trafficking and prostitution in the area, following a disclosure made by one of the victims. Viera Sulcova, 38, from Blenheim Road in Gloucester and Vojtech Paloc, from Dexter Street in Derby, have jointly been charged with three counts of trafficking people into the UK for sexual exploitation and three counts of controlling prostitution for gain. A third person – a 33-year-old man – will be summonsed for the same offences. Paloc has additionally been charged with one count of rape. The 33-year-old man will also be summonsed for the same offence. Sulcova faces an additional charge of possessing a section 5 firearm (PAVA spray). The inquiry relates to three victims, who were all in their early twenties at the time, who were trafficked into the country from the Czech Republic. The offences occurred between 2011 and 2013. Police have worked closely with the charity Unseen throughout the inquiry. Sulcova and Paloc have been released on bail to attend Bristol Magistrates’ Court on December 17. The 33-year-old man will be summonsed to the same court at a date to be confirmed.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

OUG

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E MO With

Revd Jordan Ling St Johns Vicarage Mayfield Park

December, 2015

Christmas – truly the most wonderful time of the year

T’S the most wonderful time of the year….’ Shops have been stocking up on mince pies since September, shopping has been complimented by Christmas music since the middle of October. Our houses are undoubtedly filled with decorations, dusted down from a years worth of storage. We have wrestled with what to give our most quirky relative for Christmas, and we are hoping most of the planning is complete before the serious schedule of parties and family events begins. As the evenings draw in we find ourselves pining for the warmth and cosines of our homes. Thankfully for many of us this is our experience of the Christmas season. However, alongside this romantic view of midwinter is the reality of homelessness, poverty, those unable to afford to heat their homes, parents unable to afford gifts for their children, families where gathering together is far from heartwarming. As a response to such need many of the churches across

Epiphany in Care Limited

fishponds and beyond will be working to help those in need this Christmas; collecting toys for the Lord Mayor’s appeal, raising funds for charities which feed the homeless, arranging to feed the hungry or supporting organizations that care for the marginalized. All this is motivated by a desire to love all of God’s children in the way that God loves them. Sadly it can feel as though we are barely scratching the surface of what is needed; and understandably many of us are left feeling so overwhelmed by the needs of this world that we shy away from even considering them. We cannot heal all the worlds’ hurts in one Christmas; no pretty wrapping of any present will be the solution. BUT one act of kindness and charity can lead to one persons life being changed and if each one of us is able to do just one thing the cumulative effect of all those acts of kindness might just begin to change the tide of suffering. Christians believe Jesus came as a simple babe to live among us, not because it is a cute story for us to share as

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Calm . . . Confident . . . In Control . . . Content . . . Energised? If so then I would like to introduce you to Solution Focused Hypnotherapy! This is an empowering therapeutic approach that can help you focus on what you want to achieve, helping you take control and make significant positive changes. Gain valuable knowledge and tools to help you make significant positive changes in your life Natalie Melia DSFH DHP AfSH MNCH (Reg) Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist

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we snuggle by our festive fires but, because the power of a story which begins with God living with us as one of us in the form of a helpless babe. Come to show us the way to live to make a peaceful kingdom of God a reality is far more powerful than a story of a great Kinglike God who decrees over his people they will be good and peaceful. Too much of what is wrong with our world reflect abuse of power, Jesus offers no Godly edict but an invitation. To follow him on a simple path that leads us home to the place we all seek – where tears and suffering are no more. The helpless love of a child in need and grows to become the lifelong story of the Son of God showing us that he power to change the world to reflect good lies within us – this is what Christmas is about. So in the midst of all our festivities I pray we all are blessed with a knowledge of how loved we are by God and those around us and how much love we are capable of sharing in response.

Est 1984

La Porta Barbering Company

Est 1984

Traditional Gents Barbers 525 Fishponds Rd, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3AH

0117 965 1220

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

December, 2015

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TER T E

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

Don’t assume we are all anti McD’s I WRITE regarding the possibility of a McDonald’s on the Bristol Tile site. Just so as some people are aware, not everybody, (myself included) are against the proposed plan for the site. I’m against the ‘No to McDonalds in Fishponds Group’

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assuming all are antiMcDonalds in Fishponds. I for one would welcome it and the proposed pedestrian crossing being installed. No one has kicked up a fuss about the burger place opening next to Shaws at the Straits! Traffic on Fishponds Road has always been heavy. McDonald’s would also create employment, and I don’t even care for burgers! GT Andrews

Pavement parking must be tackled MCDONALD’S: Presently this proposed site is just a car park, there would certainly be more control with traffic with McDonald’s. If you don’t like it don’t use it! If parents worry about their children using McDonald’s then they should educate them at home. If residents in Fishponds are worried about traffic and road safety then do something about pavement parking.

Money Advice

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Will Writing & Estate Planning

We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

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If you live in or around the Ashley, Easton, St George or Fishponds areas call our

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if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

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Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Local independent building company View our work on check a trade

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0117 382 2149 0777 3744492 Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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December, 2015

Children at Begbrook Primary Academy, above, dressed as superheroes for Children in Need Spots were the order of the day for Pudsey fans at Frome Vale Academy, below

• Photo restoration • Slide & film scanning • Image printing to any size • Digital camera cleaning • Professional sensor cleaning • And more upon request Contact: Oliver Booty 07710 988697 / 0117 239 2276 obphotoservices@gmail.com facebook.com/obphotoservices

What about a fabulous canvas print as a Christmas present? We will print any image of your choice. All canvasses are stretched and fixed to British sourced quality pine frames, then sealed with a uv resistant fixing spray for long life and high quality finish. Sizes & Prices 20” x 16” - £25 • 34” x 22” £40

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WITHIN BOOTS, SHOES & MORE 108 HIGH STREET, STAPLE HILL To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

I’M DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS

But if that runs out I’ll drink red

TEL 0117 9568606 Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

December, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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CLIC Sargent shop’s 25 years in Staple Hill STAFF and volunteers at a popular Staple Hill charity shop celebrated 25 years of supporting children and young people with cancer. The milestone was marked at the CLIC Sargent shop in the High Street with a party for customers and supporters. The store was first opened in 1990 by pop star David Essex, who provided signed pictures to be given as prizes at the celebration party. Over the quarter century of being open, the store is estimated to have raised more than £1million for the charity. CLIC Sargent head of trading Jeremy Lune said: “A huge thank you is owed to everybody who has volunteered, shopped or donated to our Staple Hill shop over the past 20 years. “Without your support, we would be unable to provide the emotional, practical, financial and clinical support that children and young people so desperately need to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life.” The anniversary was also marked by the retirement celebration of veteran volunteer Pat Phipps, who stepped down after more than 20 years of service. Store manager Teresa Tyson said: “CLIC Sargent owes dedicated volunteers like Pat, and her fellow volunteer Pat Smith, who has also been supporting the shop for more than 20 years, a huge debt of gratitude. Their tireless support is inspirational and has helped to ensure the shop’s years of success. “We are very grateful for the support the local community has shown for us over the last 25 years. The money raised by the shop has helped CLIC Sargent support children and young people from diagnosis onwards, supporting their families as they deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment.”

Downend School to represent the South West

DOWNEND School has been chosen to represent the South West in the national arts project ‘Flames for Humanity’s Heroes’, as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. The school has been asked to produce an artwork that honours those who didn’t, or don’t stand by to hatred and persecution in society. The name to inspire the piece is Hasan Hasanovic from Srebenica, who endured a 100km march through hostile territory to escape the massacre of over 7000 Muslim men and boys. The artwork will be filmed and photographed for a film to be screened across the country on city centre Big Screens on Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27. The collection will also be physically exhibited to genocide survivors, MPs and dignitaries at the UK Commemorative Event in London.

Care home nursing - a fulfilling profession

Bristol Care Homes operates 3 care homes in Horfield, Almondsbury and Thornbury, and will soon be opening a 4th home in Fishponds. Our commitment is to excellence of care with constant innovation.

JIVE FUSION DANCE

Leroc partner dancing Jive with a hint of Latin & Ballroom

We are keen to hear from nurses to lead our teams. Care home nursing is a challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling professional career. It addresses long term holistic personcentred care in a community setting. Nurses set the strategies and lead the care team.

Wednesday 8pm-10.45pm Kingswood Community Centre Classes resume January 13

We’d be pleased to hear from you and invite you to visit one of our homes to see contemporary professional nursing in advanced care of the elderly. Have a look

Sunday 4pm-6pm St Francis Church Centre, Ashton Gate Classes resume January 10 With dance teacher DEREK KNAPMAN 07549 590269 dereklionstores@gmail.com www.jivefusiondance.co.uk

bristolnursing.com Please e-mail careers@bristolcarehomes.co.uk to arrange a visit.

Bristol Care Homes

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Pendennis Clinic

Physiotherapy Bristol Care Homes Registered with the Health Professions Council

providing a unique care service

Experienced Physiotherapists available to assess and treat: n Sports injuries (previous experience with professional sport) n Musculo-skeletal conditions, Neck and back complaints n Muscle, ligament and joint problems, Neck and back pain Free car parking opposite clinic n Evening appointments available

0117 956 3978

Pendennis Clinic, 11 Haynes Lane, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JE

Home visits also available

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11 Haynes Lane, (off Pendennis Road) Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5JE a unique care service providing For all enquiries and appointments: 0117 9563978

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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La Porta Barbering - you can be sure of a warm welcome

ESTSH IN N MO BFUTS E H

December, 2015

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SINE U

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La Porta Barbering Company La Porta Barbering company is a small family run barber shop that has been a part of the Fishponds scene for almost 32 years. La Porta Barbering Company, originally named Salvatore’s, was established in 1984 by Salvatore La Porta. Salvatore had been working in the area for nearly 10 years, but saw the opportunity of working for himself. Once Salvatore’s Son Carmelo was old enough, he followed in his father’s footsteps and began learning the barbering trade from his dad. Carmelo also trained at Brunel College on Ashley Hill to gain extra qualifications. Father and son worked together for many years building the business up, giving a true family run business feel. After working together for over a decade, Salvatore decided to retire in 2000, leaving son Carmelo to run the business. In 2002 after a refurbishment, Salvatore’s had a change of name, to La Porta Barbering company. Situated on the main Fishponds Road with opportunities to park outside or very nearby, La Porta’s provide a clean, pleasant traditional and modern barbering experience in a friendly environment. Classic cuts, wet shaves and beard trims, there’s not much they can’t do. There is always a warm friendly welcome that the people of Fishponds can always depend on. Open five days a week, closed on Wednesday and Sunday, with late opening hours on Friday and Saturday. On the run up to Christmas they will offer a small drink to their loyal customers. La Porta Barbering are looking forward to having Christmas lights up outside their shop for the first time in 12 years, and are taking part in the Fishponds Reindeer trail.

An early shot of Salvatore and his son and present owner Carmelo Living and working in the Fishponds area with his wife Lidia and their two children, Marco and Salvatore, Carmelo has seen Fishponds change over the years with different businesses coming and going. “There are so many new things happening in Fishponds at the moment. It is exciting times Fishponds, he said” “The best part of running my own business in Fishponds is that Fishponds has a nice community feel. All the people who work in the area generally know each other and get along, which makes coming to work almost fun. “I think being here for this length of time makes us different from the rest. We have had three generations of family through our doors. It is lovely to see customers whose hair we used to cut when they were a child, come in with their own children. “Coming to work is like meeting with friends, and you cannot get in trouble for laughing at work. I love what I do and provide to the people in Fishponds.” In the future, La Porta

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Carmelo, today Barbering would like to continue to provide the excellent professional service that gives them the good name they have, and worked so hard to achieve and maintain.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Opening hours Monday-Thursday 9am - 5.30pm Friday - Saturday 9am – 6.30pm Closed Wednesday and Sunday 525 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3AH Tel: 0117 965 1220

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

December, 2015

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Planning matters This month planning consulant Chris Gosling examines the housing shortage. Chris is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute with over 20 years of local experience in planning in the public and private sector. IT won’t have escaped your notice that Christmas is coming: a time when charity moves up the news agenda particularly with regard to homelessness. The ground has been well prepared by the media in the past six months. Surely the nation is well aware that we are in the middle of a housing crisis. Is the current shortage really a crisis? The broad consensus is that crisis is not too strong a word. National figures are bandied about between 200,000 and 240,000 for the optimum number of new houses or flats that are required to be built or created every year and the current yearly total stands at about half of this. In the broadest terms, every year that this target is missed, the shortfall needs to be picked up in the following year. Even the delay in doing this causes a supply problem in itself. However, with the country just coming out of a recession, the building industry needs to get its skates on to meet the target, let alone make up the shortfall over the last decade and beyond. There is little debate these days over the need for housing, arising from smaller families and population

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growth, but much debate over where it should go. Property ladder Price is perhaps the factor that brings the crisis closest to home. If you own your house, you will have a good idea of how much it is worth and how much it has risen in the last few years. Wherever you live, you are a ‘winner’ to some extent. The losers are those who are not on the property ladder as well as those young people who would like to own their own home in the future. They are currently paying an average rent of £900 in Bristol. For them, the ladder is being drawn up fast and only a leg-up from parents or the government brings the lowest rung into view. Prices are mainly influenced by supply and demand, but that is not the only factor. Demand is influenced by locational factors, as the popular Channel 4 show always emphasises in its title. Houses need to be built in the locations where people want to live and at a price that they can afford, otherwise that first rung on the property ladder will be forever out of reach for most. Targets Locally, price rises reflect a supply shortage. Bristol shares the same conditions as many other cities in the country in that the city council has control over a tight urban area, whereas many of the suburbs and the surrounding rural areas fall under the control of other authorities. The population of the surrounding authorities value both their access to the city, where most of the jobs are as well as most of the leisure and cultural opportunities that come with cities, but they also value their access to some outstanding countryside. The price they pay for their location in terms of their commute to work is outweighed by their living conditions. In the city the situation is the reverse, but traditionally people have been less concerned with their living conditions. Bristol and its region is a place where people want to live, but where

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should the new housing go? Through hotly-debated Core Strategies, housebuilding targets are set and the local planning authorities in the former Avon area are required to enable developers to meet the targets.

Green belt The former Avon area will need to provide a total of at least 85,000 dwellings by 2036. As ever, this figure too is hotly disputed and probably underestimates projected demand. The first six miles outside of Bristol and Bath is green belt, which affords the highest degree of protection against housebuilding. So, leaving the green belt as it is, the answer has to be either to force the new housing into the urban area or build outside the green belt. Growth in the city means higher population density, but gives everyone the chance to avoid clogging the roads through using Bristol’s world-renowned bus system (forgive my sarcasm), the one dedicated cycle path or the handful of suburban railway stations. Growth, without employment opportunities outside the city, means more in-commuting, through pleasant green fields before hitting gridlock. Growth with employment in Bristol’s satellite settlements seems like a good option, but this only benefits if people work near to where they live. Without that employment growth, we can only pin our hopes on the Metrobus. These are not easy problems to solve and compromises like park and ride will be needed. If Bristol grinds to a halt on a daily basis for longer than it currently does, its attractiveness to employers will be lost. Add into this equation the political layer that the greater Bristol area includes Bristol City and three other councils and you can see why the problem is so thorny. Open spaces I am not offering any easy solutions. No change offers no solutions. The answers will come through agreement between councils, which is now a legal requirement, good, far-sighted planning and most of all

Chris Gosling flexibility of approach in a changing situation. The solution will involve earmarking land for housing and then earmarking more land in case of problems where development takes longer than expected. Anything else will be short-changing future generations. At the same time, there could be an unfair burden expected of Bristol as the main population centre. The surrounding authorities have the land and often people living in villages zealously guard the open space around them. In the city, I would argue that open space is more vital. It serves more people in close proximity and therefore if lost, it affects more people. Critically could you imagine Clifton without the Downs or Fishponds without Vassalls? The open spaces are a big part of what makes Bristol an attractive city to live in. The city council’s recent largely aborted attempt to rationalise the stock of open space within Bristol met massive opposition. That was a dress rehearsal for an urban versus rural debate that will define the future of the region. It can’t be an argument shaped solely by self-interest. Getting the balance right serves everyone’s interest and it will only happen through compromise, which is after all part of the spirit of this season. It won’t stop people sleeping rough this Christmas, but it may in the future. Merry Christmas. chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com

Lodge Causeway, Fishponds Sundays at 10.30 am with activities through the week Serving the community - worshipping God

www.stjohnsfishponds.com

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40 T: 0779 9461169 fishpondsvoice December, 2015 A thought from the Rev Charles Sugden, of Stapleton and Frenchay WHEN you’re tired and weighed down. Maybe you’ve shopped for the family, you’ve completed the huge marathon of getting the shopping off the bus and into your street. You’re frantically searching for your front door key when the shopping bag you have grabbed with one hand bursts. No other smaller bags prevented item after item from crashing onto the stone and bursting: yogurts, orange juice, fruit, bouncing bruised back into the street.You weep. You ask, ‘Shall I give up? What’s the point? So much is spoiled, I’ve lost so much. Bang goes the kids’ school lunches. Working nearly full time and bringing a up a family, the end of this hard road is not in sight. Who can offer any hope on a wet and cold December day? “As Jesus approached ...and saw the city, he wept over it.” Luke 19. What if you could bottle that tear of the Son of God? Suppose by pouring that on to your troubles you and they could be brought right into the very presence of God? There you would be able to see everything clearly, as it really is. Jesus wept over the city because it did not know that a special visit had been made to it by a very special visitor. The world today is much the same. God has come in human flesh, in His Son Jesus Christ, and yet for most on the earth it remains a rumour, a legend or a lie. People round us in Britain will see Christmas as an excuse for heavy eating and drinking, whether they can afford it or not. And yet, Jesus weeps for them.

“Jesus wept” (John 11 : 35). This time, Jesus is recorded as weeping for a friend, the dead Lazarus. As I write, news of the November 13 Paris killings has filled the air. I am sure God is not surprised, but I am sure He weeps with those who weep. My name is Charles Sugden. I have recently joined the team of Christian ministers that God has chosen for this time to serve in the areas of Stapleton and Frenchay. Based at Holy Trinity Stapleton and St John’s, Frenchay, I want to thank everybody in these communities for their warm welcome over the weeks surrounding November 3, when I was licensed (see photo). As many in the churches will know, my wife took a tumble on the day of our moving house and broke her ankle and fibula. So our first visit together in Bristol was to Southmead Hospital, where we received excellent attention and treatment. Even through tears, in brokenness and weakness, we are able to laugh in the face of adversity. Because we know Jesus has come, He can be found by us and known as friend. From His viewpoint situations are lamentable, but not hopeless. Lazarus he raised from the dead, to show what He Himself was about to do by the power of God for us. Charles Sudgen Christian minister Holy Trinity Stapleton and St John’s Frenchay

Ways to Wellbeing

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

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

Email: waystowellbeing@thecareforum.org.uk or Call: 0117 9589309 or 0117 9589360 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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Disruption continues at Teewell Hill FURTHER disruptions can be expected at Teewell Hill Bridge despite promises from the council that it would reopen by the end of October. Although South Gloucestershire Council has completed the majority of work to widen the bridge, waterproofing works is causing more delays. The bridge has been closed to all vehicles this week (Monday 23 to Friday 27 November, from 8am-3-3.30pm) and will close from Monday November 30 until Friday December 4, again from 8am-3.30pm. Access to Signal Road to Teewell Hill will still be possible as well as Station Road to Gloucester Road. A spokesperson from South Gloucestershire Council said: “While we finish the project and tidy up the site there will still be some disruption caused to local residents and people using the railway path and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.” The railway path is open to cyclists and walkers at present although there are restrictions placed on the width of the path until some of the building materials are removed from site over the next few weeks. Traffic lights also remain in place on the road above (Teewell Hill) to ensure safety for those working on site and for road users. The bridge is expected to fully reopen later in December. The spokesperson added: “We understand the disruption this has caused and that this project has taken longer than we originally anticipated, but trust the public will be reassured that making this crossing safe is our first concern. The end

result will however make everyone’s life a lot easier with regards to moving across the bridge on foot, by bike or by car.” The work to widen the bridge and to add footpaths both sides for pedestrians started in October 2014 and was originally expected to last for eight weeks. But delays were caused when work to put four embankment supports in place at each corner of the bridge took longer than expected.

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Further jobs included completing the new arch above the path, capping the piling, and carrying out maintenance to the old masonry arch. Improved cycling facilities also form part of the scheme. The bridge, which was built in the 1840s to carry traffic over the now Bristol and Bath Railway Path, had been struggling to cope with the volume and size of today’s traffic and vehicles were hitting the barrier walls and railings.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;When you go home, tell them of us and say: For your tomorrow we gave our todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; YOUNG and old came together to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. At war memorials in Staple Hill and Mangotsfield wreaths were laid during services on Remembrance Sunday. And at 11am a two minute silence gave people a chance to reflect and remember the men and women who died in the service of our country.

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Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol, A highly substantial Victorian mid terrace property having attractive natural stone elevations. Internally this fantastic home has been the subject to much refurbishment by the present occupier to offer 4 reception rooms to ground floor include a shower room and modern open plan kitchen extension. To the second floor there are 4 bedrooms with family bathroom along with 2 further carpeted and boarded loft areas to the second. Further benefits include Upvc Georgian style double glazed windows, lots of period fire places, a generous rear garden and a detached double garage. Propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of this quality and space rarely become available to the market.

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Why not give snooker a shot?

A COMMITTEE member at the Page Club in Staple Hill is urging budding Ronnie O’Sullivans to give the sport of snooker a shot. Rob Lancaster says when he joined the club in Page Road 20 years ago, droves of young people flocked there to practise their cue skills. But since then many snooker clubs have closed as young people turn to electronic games and other sports for their fun. Rob said: “When I joined the club 20 years ago many youngsters, including my sons, played there. “Since then snooker has lost its overall popularity and many clubs have closed. “However since the rise of Bristolian Judd Trump and other players, I think young people might be interested to know where they can try out the game.” The club has a large snooker room (pictured) with five tables, which are all well maintained. There is also a table tennis room, conference rooms, function hall and bar area with TV, pool table and dartboard. The club is open weekdays from 6.30-10.30pm. Annual memberships are available with reduced rates for juniors and

this allows access to most facilities. If any young players would like to try the game, there are many senior

players at the club who would be happy to help with advice. To find out more, call the Page

December, 2015

Club during opening hours on 956 6786.

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On the treatment table

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next step in Mangotsfield Blog 23 – Pre Baby number 2

O my wonderful wife Jenny is 38 weeks pregnant and there is still no sign of baby 2. Although from the John Wayne style walking, I can’t expect that it will be long! We decided not to find out if it is a boy or a girl, so choosing a name has been doubly difficult but needless to say that my suggestion of Barry Button (named after the famous soul singer Barry White) has been firmly ruled out by Jenny. I still think it’s a better suggestion than Bella…Bella Button? Really? No Jenny. I did my interview for the Rio Olympics this month. It was an international Skype style affair, conducted in English with 10 people from 10 different places in the world from Australia and the US, all the way to China and India. I suspect that some of the candidates may have exaggerated their English speaking ability - we were asked to use one word for what we were expecting from our Olympic experience, tough when you are put on the spot I know, but one candidate said ‘Thank you’, another simply said ‘No’. I had to put myself on mute so that they couldn’t hear me laughing. I was last thankfully, and I said ‘Teamwork’ to an appreciative nod from the interviewer…it’s not my first rodeo Mrs Rio 2016. I don’t wish to describe Jenny as a complainer,

but if she moans one more time about her back pain I’ll…send her to see our chiro Hannah! Which is what I did. This gave Hannah and Jenny a chance to catch up on all the latest gossip, from baby names to Hannah and Iain’s wedding plans. All the while Jen was getting treatment on her back lying comfortably on her front, bump and all. She can do this due to the wonderful giant super soft cushion device that we have with a large hole cut out of it for the baby bump and two holes higher up for, well use your imagination, needless to say it is very comfortable indeed, allowing pregnant ladies the ability to get a fabulous treatment/massage relieving their aches and pains…bliss! I have to say that we enjoyed the Downend fireworks this year. We went to the early children’s display without all the loud bangs. We were a merry band of parents as we were joined by the physios Keith, Sian and Chris from Next Step and their little ones and also my friends Lee and Sophie Brown from Bristol Rovers. It was great to catch up with former Bristol Rovers player Eliot Richards and his lovely wife Stacey. Eliot as you may know has moved to Cheltenham Town after beating testicular cancer. They are both doing well and loving life. Now I have to admit that a Christmas do in November is a bit early but I was told in no uncertain terms that it was now or ‘not this

year’ by Jenny. I can’t blame her really. After months of pressure I caved in and we didn’t go The Mezze in Downend but into town, to Turtle Bay. It was my first time at Turtle Bay but I had heard good things and I wasn’t let down. The food was fantastic if not a little spicy at times, the atmosphere was great and was helped along nicely by 2-4-1 cocktails. For a change, there were no casualties this year as we all got home in the same cab and Jen was ecstatic when I woke her up to ask if she was ‘pleased with me’ that I had got home at only 1:30am. As Storm ‘Barney’ passes through there is little else to report, now we wait…

Tim Button 0117 957 5388

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

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Martin fights his corner with MPs

A CHARITY founder from Downend has been addressing MPs on the role sport can play in improving mental health. Martin Bisp, who helped set up boxing charity Empire Fighting Chance, visited the Houses of Parliament to address an All-Party Group on mental health. Before the meeting, Martin, along with charity co-founder Jamie Sanigar, met with Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy to tell her about the charity’s inspirational success story. The pair started Empire Fighting Chance eight years ago after witnessing a drugs deal outside the Empire Boxing Club in St Paul’s. They invited the lads involved to try their hand at boxing which led to them turning their lives around. The charity’s use of non-contact boxing programmes has been credited with transforming the lives of thousands of young people by keeping them on the straight and narrow. Martin, 45, pulled no punches when he told the meeting there was a reluctance to financially invest in sport as an alternative to medication. He said: “Statistics show the poorer you are the less likely you are be to offered alternatives to medication and I stated that I struggle to understand why, in an age of budgetary pressures, the government isn’t prepared to fully invest in suitable, successful and cheaper options.” Martin said he was encouraged by the response he received. “All the MPs appeared to have a genuine interest in changing the government’s approach to mental health,” he said. Pictured from left to right: Charity co-founder Jamie Sanigar, Ron Tulley, head of development at the Amateur Boxing Association, and fellow charity co-founder Martin Bisp

Sports centre now under the management of Downend School DOWNEND School has taken over the management of Downend Sports Centre from the council. The school will continue to work with the Circadian Trust, which already operates the centre. Downend Sports Centre is open evenings and weekends and offers a sports hall with four badminton courts, a floodlit Astroturf pitch for football and hockey, two 5-a-side courts, six tennis courts, three netball courts and three cricket nets. The move is part of the council’s £40m savings plan. The council says it has been working with local partners ensure that the savings don’t come at the

expense of opportunities for local people to participate in sport. Patchway Community College has a similar arrangement to Downend.Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) has been taken on by a partnership between Yate Town Council and the Yate Athletics Club and will be operated by a new charitable organisation YOSC Ltd, with the sports facilities located in Brimsham Green School being taken on by the school. Chairwoman of South Gloucestershire’s communities committee, Heather Goddard, welcomed the progress that has been made towards formalising the handovers. “We are really pleased to see

AERIALS

the future of these valued sports facilities is assured for the future. The handover of responsibility for running these facilities comes at the end of a long process of discussion and negotiation, which ensures public use as well as guaranteeing the schools can continue to use the facilities to deliver their curriculum. “Looking forwards, we recognise that as a council we will not be directly delivering services, but helping to facilitate others to serve our communities as we seek to meet growing and evolving demand despite the financial constraints placed upon us.” The council has also allocated £664,000 to support

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the replacement of all-weather pitches and tracks when the time comes for the facilities to be replaced, to ensure the facilities are developed and maintained so the centres can be self-sufficient. Councillor Goddard added: “Negotiating these transfers and ensuring that school and community use are protected and guaranteed has taken time to get right. That time has clearly been well spent, however, as we can look forward to sports and healthy lifestyles continuing to be a key part of these communities in the future. We are grateful for the positive response we have had from the centres in working with the council to achieve this outcome.”

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