fishpondsvoice February, 2022 — ISSUE 83
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Born to run! Artist designs new park gate A new gate made by artist Paul Gulati has been installed at Eastville Park. PAGE 17
Children are making the most of a new 'daily mile' track laid down at Chester Park Junior School to improve pupils' health and wellbeing. Full story: Page 7
School mourns play worker
Stabbing: teens locked up A TEENAGER was lured to an ambush and stabbed nine times in Fishponds after receiving messages from a girl inviting him for a date. The victim received messages from a 16-year-old girl, asking him to meet her at the playing fields off Ridgeway Road in February last year. When he arrived he was attacked by a gang of teenage boys and "left for dead" but survived after
life-saving hospital treatment. One of the boys who carried out the stabbing, who was 16 at the time of the attack but is now 17, was sentenced to four years' youth custody at Bristol Crown Court on January 7, after admitting a charge of causing grievous bodily harm. Turn to Page 3
Staff and pupils at Fishponds CE Academy are mourning play worker Nigel Heath, who died aged 54 after a heart attack. PAGE 5
Steph's drive to succeed Steph Bedford, 32, from Fishponds, is closing in on her lifelong dream of becoming a racing driver. PAGE 27
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EDITORIAL Ken McCormick 07715 770377 news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
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LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council
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February, 2022
n NEWS
Muggers attack boy A TEENAGE boy was taken to hospital after being stabbed by muggers riding mopeds on a busy road in Fishponds. The 14-year-old was attacked by as he walked along Manor Road near Homefield Drive at around 6pm on January 15. A relative of the victim told the Voice he had been stabbed in the back by his attackers, who later threw away his phone. Avon and Somerset police have arrested two 17-year-old boys on suspicion of robbery. They have since been released under investigation. A spokesperson said the robbery was reported by South Western Ambulance Service after paramedics were called to the incident. The spokesperson added: "The victim was taken to hospital after being wounded by a number of males riding mopeds. "His wallet and mobile phone were reported stolen. "House-to-house and CCTV enquiries are under way." Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 011 658.
Woman dies on M32 slip road A PEDESTRIAN died after being hit by two vehicles on a slip road of the M32 at the Eastville junction. Joanne Scanlon, who was 35 and lived in Fishponds Road, Eastville, died at the scene of the incident at at 2.15am on New Year's Day. An inquest into her death was due to be opened on January 26, ahead of a full hearing later. Avon and Somerset police say the incident happened on the slip road heading towards the city centre. A spokesperson said the drivers of both vehicles stopped and stayed at the scene following the collision. Police are calling on anyone who can help their investigation but has yet to come forward to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5222 000 144. The spokesperson said: "We’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam which could help our investigation."
COMPLAINTS
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Kingswood Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Fishponds Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents in Fishponds and the surrounding areas. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Brookfield Publishing on 07540 383870 or email news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk. This month 9,000 copies will be distributed in Fishponds and the local area.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
3
n NEWS
Teen gang left victim for dead in the street From Page 1 The girl, who has also since turned 17, was sentenced to three years in custody on the same day, after being convicted of the same offence at a trial in November. Neither of the offenders can be named for legal reasons due to their age. During the girl's trial, the jury were told the victim was part of a rival group who was deliberately lured to the Ridgeway Road area on the night of February 12 with messages from the girl on social media platform Snapchat. He arrived expecting to find her for a date but was instead set upon by what police described as "a number of males with knives". CCTV released with the agreement of the victim's family showed him running for his life along Ridgeway Road, overturning a wheelie bin in a desperate attempt to slow down his pursuers. In a statement read to the court, the victim said: "I am frightened to go out because of what happened to me. I now have nightmares. "I thought I was going to die and I keep on seeing the evening over and over again. "I went to meet a girl, thinking it was a date and ended up getting stabbed. I will never trust another person again. "I hate not being able to walk properly – my life is ruined. I hate life now." Judge Michael Longman, sentencing the two offenders, described the attack as "coordinated" and done with the
CCTV from Ridgeway Road shows the victim running from his attackers (circled in red) intention of causing very serious injuries. Afterwards, Detective Inspector Roger Doxsey said: "This was a vicious and calculated attack on a then 17-year-old boy. He was mercilessly chased and stabbed approximately nine times and left for dead. "Described in court as a ‘Snapchat honey trap’, the female lured the victim to a park in Fishponds on the understanding that they were having a date, whereupon he was set upon by a number of males with knives. "After the attack the male offender sent a ‘mic drop emoji’ with his face on via Snapchat to the female offender.
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"His emoji meant ‘job done’ and shows the true intent behind the crime.
"The victim was in intensive care but has thankfully made a steady recovery from his multiple injuries. He bravely gave evidence and we are grateful for his and his family’s support. "Knife crime is abhorrent and the risks attached to it are extremely high. I have been shocked by the amount of young people carrying knives within this incident, and the casual approach to violence taken by these youths. "We need young people to understand the life-changing and life-threatening consequences of carrying and using knives, both for them and their victims. "We will not hesitate to bring offenders to justice for dangerous knife-related crimes." Police and the NHS are currently running a workshop called the Blunt Truth with Bristol secondary schools, to educate pupils on the dangers of carrying knives.
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n NEWS Kart centre plan refused AN application to demolish a former factory used as a go-kart centre has been refused. The former Allen Davies & Co print works and box factory on the Fishponds Trading Estate, Clay Hill, is home to Absolutely Karting Bristol. Applicants Rajani Partnership and agents 3SIXTY Real Estate applied to "make better use of this centrally located brownfield site" with new industrial and commercial buildings. The 60-year-old building, with its distinctive arched corrugated roof, was added to Bristol City Council's Local List, which recognises buildings and monuments of quality, style or historical importance, in 2020. Officers said permission to demolish the building was being refused because not enough "upfront information" had been given about demolition methods, an appraisal of bats and birds on the site, highways management and pollution control.
February, 2022
New plans for Newton Motors site NEW plans have been announced to redevelop a site at one of Fishponds' busiest junctions. A proposed seven-storey block of flats to replace the Newton Motors garage at the junction of Fishponds Road and Lodge Causeway was rejected by the city council last summer. More than 100 people wrote to object to the initial plans for 46 flats after they were unveiled in 2020, and a petition of 219 signatures was also submitted, objecting to a supermarket being part of the proposed development. However Newton Motors, which has traded in the city for more than 70 years, and agents LPC Trull has now submitted plans for a "substantially reduced" scheme, involving eight four-bedroom houses and a three-bed flat above a shop, in buildings which will all be two storeys high. The agents said the development would “wrap
An architect's image of the proposed development, ringed in red, with Lodge Causeway and Beacon Tower to the left. Picture: OXF Architecture around” the site's frontages to Fishponds Road and Lodge Causeway and would include nine allocated parking spaces. It would use the existing vehicle access on to Fishponds Road and include a turning area for vehicles servicing the commercial business, which would have a "relatively modest" 90 sq m floorspace – down from 150 sq m in the previous plans. The development was inside the designated Fishponds District Centre shopping area, they said. In a statement supporting the plans, the agents said that
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while the previous application was rejected due to concerns over the scale of the buildings, the new development could be "comfortably be accommodated on the site", adding: "You will note that in this modified scheme, the overall built form and scale of development has been substantially reduced." Anyone who wants to comment on the plans should visit the planning section of the city council's website and search for application number 21/06780/P.
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February, 2022
5
n NEWS
School devastated by play worker's sudden death A FISHPONDS school community has been left devastated by the loss of a muchloved member of staff. Nigel Heath, who worked at Fishponds CE Academy, died on January 3, after suffering a heart attack. Nigel, who lived in Fishponds,
Nigel helping Year 6 children at an outdoor learning session
had started work as a lunchtime supervisor at the school in 2018 after a previous career in insurance, and went on to also become a key holder and play worker, as well supporting the school "wherever the need arose" as a volunteer. Academy principal Debbie Coker said Nigel, who was 54, had "discovered his passion for helping and supporting children" at the school in Fishponds Road. She said: "Nigel loved local history and was keen to share his knowledge with staff and children about how Fishponds had changed over the years. "He also loved being outside and was a keen gardener, and would put his skills to use to support our outdoor learning sessions: building towers, cooking over the fire and generally encouraging children to love being in nature. "This year Nigel took on an additional role as a play worker, supporting our Reception
EDA
children to engage effectively in play after the long lockdown, where many children were unable to socialise with one another." Mrs Coker said the news of Nigel's death had been "devastating", and children and staff had created a book of memories and messages for his wife Luci-Ann and children Jess and Emily, to share how much he meant to them. Some Year 6 children also came up with the idea of dedicating a tree to his memory, so the school plans to plant a cherry tree in the grounds over the next few weeks to celebrate his life. Mrs Coker said: "We are also designing a memorial plaque to go with the tree, to celebrate the life of this generous, kindhearted man with the big smile. "Nigel often commented that he wished he had found his path to working in education sooner, as the majority of his working life
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Nigel Heath was spent in insurance. "He found much joy in being part of our Fishponds family and will be sorely missed by us all. "Nothing was ever too much trouble for Nigel, and every task was carried out with a great deal of love and care." Nigel was also known to many in the community as a church warden at All Saints church in Grove Road, where his funeral is due to take place at 12.30pm on February 8.
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February, 2022
n NEWS
Shop sold drugs in fake sweet wrappers A SPEEDWELL convenience store sold drugs in fake sweet packets after being taken over by an "organised crime group". Police say known drug dealers took over Speedwell Mini Market to ply their trade, using vulnerable children to do the selling. Drivers in sports cars and youngsters on bikes were seen stopping at the shop in Ventnor Road, exchanging packages with people going in and out before speeding away, with a 10-yearold boy at the till, a city council licensing hearing was told. Cannabis was sold disguised in fake Skittles and Jelly Tots sweet packets, which officers found pre-printed, ready to be sealed, alongside mobile SIM cards – often used for untraceable “burner phones” – as well as illicit Viagra behind the counter, police said. Councillors granted a police application to revoke the shop's premises licence on January 13,
The convenience store in Ventnor Road was shut down ahead of the licensing hearing Picture: Bristol Live
to prevent crime, disorder and public nuisance, and protect children from harm. East Bristol neighbourhood inspector Kris Harris said there had been a huge increase in reports of suspicious activity at the shop over the last 18 months, with more than 100 calls from the public, plus intelligence from sources. He said: “If action is not taken, there is a risk of serious harm or exploitation taking place.” Insp Harris said the store was a drain on police time and resources. He said the licence holder, Mohammed Arsan Hussein,
had been absent from the business for some time and had "effectively lost control of the premises", which were "being run by an organised crime group". Mr Hussein told the panel he was “shocked” and “horrified” that the shop had become a base for criminals. The 35-year-old truck driver said his father had leased the shop out in 2017, he had not realised his name was still on the licence and did not object to it being revoked. Beat manager PC Clare Heard said the shop had little on the shelves, no backroom stock or
staff rota and its hours were “erratic”. PC Heard said: "A lot of vulnerable kids live in that area and I would quite often see youngsters hanging around with adults who I would recognise as related to OCGs (organised crime groups) and involved in drug dealing. She said people loitered outside, intimidating residents and being “hostile, verbally abusive and aggressive” to police. Police licensing officer Louise Mowbray said suspected offences included cannabis cultivation, cocaine supply, selling alcohol to children and exploitation of youngsters. Councillors heard the shop was currently closed but could reopen as a legitimate retail business under new management, although a new premises licence would be needed to sell alcohol. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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February, 2022
7
n NEWS
More exercise on the timetable
TWO Fishponds schools are increasing the amount of exercise on the curriculum to improve pupils' health and well-being. Chester Park Federation has daily 'dancercise' sessions for infant school children, and running and walking on the new 'daily mile' track laid at the junior school, as well as encouraging families to walk, cycle and scoot to school. Dancercise involves a set of dance routines for pupils which increase heart rate and release endorphins to help the pupils feel positive. As well as physical benefits, it is believed to help pupils' mental well-being and ensure they are ready for their lessons. Chester Park Infant School Early Years Foundation Stage lead Kirsten Rogers said: "Dancercise is inclusive and allows all the children the opportunity to be successful. "It really does help children in being ready for learning and compliments our approach to the school curriculum. Even the teachers get involved in the dance routines! "As well as dancercise, the children have a mindfulness session to start their afternoons." The junior school's all-weather track follows a route around the grounds, and pupils either run or walk a mile every day. The route circles the school building, goes around the play area and sports field, follows the
Dancercise at Chester Park Infant School wildlife corridor, passes the trim trail, reaches the den building and outdoor classroom at the north end of the site and stretches to the forest school area at the south end of the site. Chester Park Junior School PE lead Louise Sherman said: "The children love doing the daily mile and having the chance for children to engage in and develop positive attitudes toward exercise will have lifelong benefits." The junior school is the site of a proposed School Street zone where cars could be banned at pick-up and drop-off times to "create a temporary walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting zone" if council plans go ahead.
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POLICE are warning car owners to be on the alert after an increase in catalytic converter thefts from cars. Officers say thieves are targeting vehicles in public car parks, in areas including Fishponds, and removing the converters – known as cats for short – to sell them for scrap. They can take less than a minute for a thief to cut out and remove. Cats contain precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium, which are used in the process of removing harmful pollutants from exhaust gases. Police say a sharp rise in the value of these metals has driven up the rate of catalytic converter theft, with 14 occurring in the first three weeks of the year. Older Toyota Prius and Honda Jazz cars are among those most likely to be targeted. Information on protecting cars can be found on the Crimestoppers website.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
9
n NEWS
More consultations on School aids foodbank Vassall Centre plans THE charity planning to redevelop the Vassall Centre is asking Fishponds residents what facilities they would like to see there. Plans to demolish the wartime buildings at the centre in Oldbury Court and replace them with homes, new workspaces and community facilities in f two and three-storey buildings were unveiled last year. Owner Bristol Charities says it wants to "create a balanced new neighbourhood centre for multigenerational living and working" at the centre, which provides accessible work spaces for businesses. It says the new development will include "accessible, sustainable work and meeting spaces for current and potentially new tenants, alongside new, high quality affordable housing for older people and families, as well as facilities for the wider community". The charity has launched an online survey looking for ideas for the publicly accessible parts of the project, and is sending out letters to residents. Suggestions so far include a café, nursery, spaces for meetings and events, a small library and outside space to meet and relax. The survey can be found online at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ VassallJan22. More than 100 people participated in initial consultation events. Bristol Civic Society has raised concerns over the initial designs. It said it supported the principle of redeveloping what was an "under-developed site", providing more affordable and supported housing, and commitments to energy efficiency. But members said: "We are concerned at the number of three storey buildings in this location." The society said the number of taller buildings with flat roofs was out of character with surrounding homes and also called for "adequate parking space for visitors and staff with disabilities".
A SCHOOL'S campaign to support people struggling to buy food brought in 700 donations from pupils and their families. Bristol Metropolitan Academy called for donations for the East Bristol Foodbank in the two weeks before Christmas. The Bristol Met student council publicised the campaign throughout the school and organised the collection of items via tutor groups. Donations from families left Bristol Met students with some of the school with boxes and bags brimming with tins, jars, pasta, the school's food donations tea, coffee, and other essential items. The items were counted up, organised and delivered and taken to Fishponds Baptist Church, a drop off point for the East Bristol Foodbank, by 25 Year 11 students. Donations were then passed on to families struggling to afford essentials over Christmas and beyond by the foodbank, part of a nationwide network supported by charity the Trussell Trust. Bristol Met community learning and sports co-ordinator Nigel Cooley said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our students and families, once again showing heart-warming compassion for other people in our local community, at this time of year. It’s has been a privilege to work with East Bristol foodbank again, on this very worthwhile cause.”
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February, 2022
WILL & PROBATE ADVICE
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
11
n NEWS
Railway path improvement work starts WORK is starting to make changes to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path as part of £1.1 million improvements. Transport charity Sustrans and the city council are overseeing the project to widen and resurface some of the busiest stretches of the path from Clay Bottom through Whitehall and Easton to St Philip's. The work also includes creating new seating areas, improvements to junctions and access points. Community consultations started in 2019 with the aim of making the path safer, easier to use and a more inclusive, "welcoming space" for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Work was due to get underway on January 31 on the lower stretches of the path in Lawrence Hill, and is expected to be finished by the summer. The plans include widening the Clay Bottom "wiggle", where the path goes through a sharp S-bend near the Fishponds
Artist's impression of what the segregated path at Clay Bottom will look like. Picture: Sustrans Trading Estate, to create segregated paths for cyclists and pedestrians and seating. Sustrans says there will be intermittent closures along the path, but contractor Greenford will try to minimise the impact on neighbours and people using the path as much as possible. Where sections of the path are temporarily closed, diversions will be signposted along nearby streets.
Sections will be reopened once they are deemed safe to be used again, but people who use the path are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys. The scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport through Sustrans’ Paths for Everyone programme. Sustrans interim South of England director Sarah Leeming said: “It’s wonderful
to see the time and effort that everyone has given to this project coming to fruition, and that the collaborative designs will soon be coming to life on the path. “This iconic space plays a part in so many people’s lives in all manner of ways. Making improvements to this brilliant community asset will be such an important step in helping to create a safer, more accessible and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. “I look forward to seeing the works progressing over the next few months.” Council cabinet member for transport Don Alexander said: “Although there may be some disruption over the coming months, the improvements are set to benefit everyone who uses the path. Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback and supported us in designing this new space.” Updates on closures can be found on the project's webpage at bit.ly/3GVS2Ba.
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fishpondsvoice
12
February, 2022
n PETER'S VISION
Learning from nature
See Clearly
Glasses with Clear Vision Built In 57 Henleaze Road
768 Fishponds Road
Bristol BS9 4JT
Bristol BS16 3UA
0117 962 2474
0117 965 4434
I WAS having a fascinating conversation with a patient at our practice recently. We started on the technology we use to make our lenses easy to keep clean (I’ve written before about using microfibre cloths to pick up the microscopic particles off your glasses lenses - just email us for an explanation if this is a new one to you). This led to a discussion of the biology of the Lotus plant, and while of course there are differences, if you’re not familiar with botany, it has similarities to water lilies. Now I’m most definitely not a botanist, so here’s my understanding of this incredible plant and what we’ve learnt from its leaves, referred to as the Lotus effect. The amazing thing is how the plant achieves its self cleaning property. The leaf repels water due to possessing a surface structure of microscopically small bumps with a wax coating. This ensures that water cannot adhere to the surface and in turn flows off. As any water flows off the leaf surface debris is taken away too. Principally this appears to be to protect from algae or fungus growing on the lotus leaves and damaging the plant structure. Having clean leaves also looks to maximise the surface area available for photosynthesis, perhaps enabling the lotus plant to exist in more varied conditions - always an admirable characteristic for any living organism! Why was I so interested in the natural self cleaning property of a plant? Well, we’ve all no doubt benefited from easy clean products for decades, which came in part from our study of nature as well as lab experiments. These are of course so popular that Teflon has undergone genericisation from a trademark to an adjective in common use today. The development of ultrahydrophobic surfaces, which are by their nature easy to keep clean, has many uses, which of course includes glasses lenses. The lenses we recommend for our patients are designed to be clearer from the inside out, so much more than an afterthought addon coating you may be more familiar with. How do our lenses work? Well, for the full details, get in touch and we’ll show you! When it comes to your eyes, we’d love to see you and for you to experience the world class eye care we firmly believe you deserve. A visit to Turners Opticians gives you so much more than just a sight test. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses with clear and easy clean lenses, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer Covid safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.
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Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
n NEWS
Children love new trim trail CHILDREN at a Fishponds primary school have been getting to grips with some new play equipment. The trim trail at Avanti Gardens in College Road was installed before the start of the latest term and is designed to make sure that once pupils have finished exercising their minds in lessons, their bodies get a work-out too. Principal Ashley Milum at Avanti Gardens said the new equipment was available for all year groups to use. He said: “The trim trail is clearly good fun, and it is wonderful to see the children make use of this well-made equipment. "We at Avanti Gardens actively promote good health and physical exercise so it is great to see the children playing whilst exercising at their break times and lunchtime." As well as using the trail and regular PE, children also have yoga classes.
13
Council tax and rents to go up BRISTOL City Council is set to raise its share of the council tax by 2.99 per cent this year. Rents for council-owned homes are set to increase by 4.1 per cent, with a possible 20 to 30 per cent hike in tenants’ service charges. Parking charges will also rise, with 30-minute free stays in residents’ parking zones scrapped by the council to help balance its budget. Managerial jobs at the authority will be cut and offices and buildings sold off, along with other cutbacks, as the council looks to close a £19.5 million deficit to deliver a legally required balanced budget for the coming financial year. Also among the 89 proposals to bridge the deficit are a rehab centre closure, new admission fees for two museums, and making the Meals on Wheels pay for itself.
Deputy mayor for finance Craig Cheney told a cabinet meeting on January 18 that the budget protected frontline services, including libraries and children’s centres, and the continued council tax reduction scheme would support "those who simply cannot afford to pay". Proposals to invest £1.8 billion in council homes, building more than 2,000 in the next seven years, were also unveiled. Green opposition group leader Heather Mack said the savings were "unnecessarily harsh" at a time when residents were suffering and the authority was keeping £10m more than required in reserves."The £431.1m revenue budget will be voted on at a meeting of the council on February 15. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.
We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible
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We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home...
Give us a call on 0117 969 0990 or visit our website at bristolcarehomes.co.uk To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870
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14
fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
n NEWS
Honour for 'one of life’s unsung and understated legends' A CRICKET coach who has helped young players into the game for more than 30 years has been honoured for his work. Ian Crawford was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list. Ian played professionally for Gloucestershire between 1975 and 1978 but played the majority of his games for Stapleton Cricket Club, which he joined as a boy. He played his first game for the club in 1969 and continued as a bowler until 2010. But it is his work helping develop young players at Stapleton, Ian Crawford where he has been youth coordinator since 1987, and across the wider Bristol area – he has been the president of the Bristol Youth Cricket League since 2012 – which brought Ian his BEM for services to sport and the community. Among the generations of players who have been helped are several teenagers who came to the Bristol area as refugees from Afghanistan. Ian said the connection started when a young player's parent, who worked for the city council, mentioned that a refugee who had arrived in the city liked playing cricket. The teenager came to the club and several more followed, becoming established players. Ian said: "They have loved playing cricket and are very talented. English is often a problem at the start but they soon pick up cricket terms!" Ian, who lives in Bishopston and worked in Airbus's finance department until he retired in 2016, said it was "quite a shock" to receive the letter informing him of his award in early December. He said: "It's nice to think someone was good enough to put me forward and since word got out, some people have been in touch with me who I haven't seen for years, so it's been nice. "We've got a club at Stapleton where a lot of people work very hard at creating what we've got, from the chairman downwards." Stapleton CC chairman Andy Chidgey said: "Ian is one of the most incredibly kind, conscientious and selfless people you will ever meet. "He holds the respect of every person who knows him in the Bristol cricket community because he is amazingly patient, committed, kind and, above all, totally, totally fair. "He is simply one of life’s unsung and understated legends and truly deserved the recognition of the British Empire Medal for his endless service to our club and the wider community. "As a cricket club we consider ourselves very, very lucky to have someone as brilliant as Crawf at the club." *The area's former police and crime commissioner has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list. Sue Mountstevens has been recognised for her services to the community in Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire in her role as the first Avon & Somerset PCC, which she held for eight and a half years. She said: "This is a tremendous honour, and one that I humbly accept on behalf of an amazing team at the office of PCC." Club's virtual training: Page 26
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
15
n ADVERTISING ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE
Family-focused pub getting rave reviews Having reopened as The Fishponds Tap following a £450,000 refurbishment last summer under new management, the formerly named Porthcullis pub has quickly made a name for itself in all the right ways. Owned by Heineken and under the helm of new landlord Abhi Paudel, the family-focused pub underwent complete refurbishment inside and out. Now, the ground floor features a bar lounge, dining area, and high seated bar area with space for 75 people. Due to be open by the end of February, the first floor features a function room complete with its own bar and space for 70 guests. Those looking for a bite to eat can choose from an extensive menu full of pub classics, burgers, wraps, and salads catering for all dietary needs. Diners can also enjoy a classic Sunday Roast complete with all the traditional trimmings.
For those looking to enjoy the cosy feel of a traditional pub but with the choice of something a little different to eat, The Fishponds Tap also offers a Himalayan Specialty Menu full of delicious options such as himalayan chicken tikka, lamb rogan josh, a veg
To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870
platter, and much more. The pub has plenty of outside space with the front garden being decorated with festoon lighting and seating for 30 guests. At the back, the large beer garden which has space for around 100 people, is a popular choice for those
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wanting to enjoy the sun with a cold drink, as well as enjoy summer BBQ’s. A huge selection of drinks are on offer including craft ales and ciders, as well as a ‘gin station’ and a selection of wine and cocktails. Sports fans can also enjoy all the action from BT and Sky Sports on an 85-inch TV and two 75-inch TVs on the ground floor of the pub. Committed to serving the local community, the pub’s team is made up of 15 friendly locals including students. You only have to visit its Facebook page to see how happy previous visitors have been, with one describing their experience as “superb”, and another referring to their food as “utterly delicious”. Fishponds Tap 693 Fishponds Rd, Bristol BS16 3UH 0117 987 2570 www.fishpondstap.co.uk info@fishpondstap.co.uk
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fishpondsvoice
16
February, 2022
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Afew tips to keep the whole family healthy SUTTON Chiropractic in Downend specializes in keeping the whole family healthy, thriving and getting the most out of life. This means your child’s health is at the very core of our practice. Making sure they are developing naturally and getting the best start in life is something that drives us every day. With colic being a very common problem in the first few months, we’ve put together a guide for you and your family to help your newest additions using natural methods. We love seeing children get the best start in life, allowing you to enjoy those precious early months with them to the full.
Does my baby have colic?
The main sign of a child experiencing colic are intense crying episodes. Now of course all babies cry, but if your little one
is healthy and well-fed but cries more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for at least 1 week, then this is most likely colic. Other signs include: • Bringing their knees up to their tummy or arching their back • Writhing and squirming when lying flat on their back • Clench their fists • Going red in the face • Experiencing lots of wind • They have become hard to soothe/settle
What’s causes colic?
There is no consensus on the exact cause of Colic, however, common explanations are; gas, infant acid reflux, food allergies or sensitivity such as a cow’s milk allergy (see reference 1). Tips for dealing with colic at home • Lots of cuddles when they’re unsettled
popular due to its effectiveness. If you’d like to know more about how we can help your children get the best start in life through natural means, we’d love to help. We want to help provide your family with the best of health so you can enjoy your time with each other for many years to come. Remember, Chiropractic isn’t just about parents with bad backs; it’s about the whole family thriving and getting the most out of life.
Reference 1
Matt Sutton • Sit them upright during feeding to stop them swallowing air • Wind them after feeds and gently rock them over your shoulder • Rocking in their Moses basket/ crib, or pushing them in their pram • A warm bath can help • Changes to mum’s diet if she’s breastfeeding – try having less dairy If you’ve tried our guide but are still having no luck, chiropractic care is a safe and natural method of relief from the symptoms of colic. Supported by 26 years of research analysed in the British Medical Journal (see reference 2) and listed on the NHS website as a treatment option, this gentle and natural treatment has become more
NHS Colic guide https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ colic/
Reference 2
“Manual therapy for unsettled, distressed and excessively crying infants: a systematic review and meta-analyses” https://bmjopen.bmj.com/ content/8/1/e019040
SPECIAL OFFER: New patient consultation £20 If a previous patient consultation free of charge
Rates: £38 a session (adult) £22 under 16 years old or blocks of sessions at a discounted rate starting of £31 Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
17
n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK
New gates go up as hut renovations continue I'VE been asked to step in and update you this month while the Parkie and his wonderful band of volunteers are doing up the Nissen Hut. We’re so lucky to have help from young and old alike: youngsters taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, students from colleges and unis, people in work with some spare time on their hands and our very active retirees, who never seem to run out of steam! It’s all quite exciting at the moment, because we’re almost there with the renovations. Our fabulous new gate has just been fitted. You just have to come and see this wonderful work of art, which has been made for us by Paul Gulati, who lives just a stone’s throw away. He has been so generous with his time and talent to create something beautiful for us. We have had a very successful run of events and activities in difficult times. The Hub is buzzing and will again soon be a fabulous place to meet, eat and connect with each other. We have learned to listen to our community, to be patient and true to our values: we’ve proved that slowly and gently is the way to complete the hub refurbishment. This is all about community, health and well-being, as much as it is a place to provide
Friends of
EASTVILLE PARK
The new gate is installed at the entrance to the bowling club environmental education and training opportunities. It’s also a safe space to volunteer, leave the house and be part of something quite lush, especially when the sprinklers have been on! One of our most modest Friends members has been nominated by the charity Your Park for two awards: Volunteer of the Year 2021 and Outstanding Commitment and Long Service. This was because Andy is "everything a volunteer should be" and "makes everybody feel very welcome".
The Friends of Eastville Park have been nominated for a group award under the Community Connectors category. The person nominating the group said they "cannot think of a more active park group in Bristol". When I say we’ve been listening to our park community and need to be patient – this is what I mean: A few years ago you said you would like improved children’s play equipment and a new multiuse Games Area. We applied for funding to install it and fundraised £130,000, and are patiently
working with the council to design and order new play facilities. A few years ago you said you’d like a community space to meet, eat or drink (or escape the rain): after securing around £30,000 in grants we've made the Nissen hut warm and safe to be used as a community space. We've run indoor and outdoor pop-up cafes and secured a threeyear licence to use the bowling green and buildings and put in a wheelchair accessible ramp. You said you’d like to restore or tidy up the Old Swimming Pool we applied for and received £5,000 from Ikea, and will be planning what to do. You said you’d like new toilets, and we've ensured funding from the housing development was used to install new accessible toilet and baby change facilities. Next, we want to sympathetically develop the art deco bowling pavilion into an inclusive, multi-purpose facility with community cafe, sports and social space, with views out over the bowling green and garden. This will provide great facilities for more community bowling, events and activities and most importantly more fun in the sun! To get more involved with the Friends, please email Friendsofeastvillepark@gmail.com. Gill Calloway
Spotlight on park's future Support recognised BRISTOL City Council is assessing bids to run parts of Eastville Park as part of its Future Parks scheme. After the deadline for organisations to make expressions of interest in the scheme passed on December 31, the Voice asked the council how many expressions of interest were made in relation to Eastville Park, who many were from community groups and how many were commercial. The council declined to make any details available until its initial assessment of the submissions had been carried out. A spokesperson said: "An assessment panel is reviewing the Expressions of Interest for the Future Parks pilot sites and this will continue throughout January. We will start contacting residents, community organisations and businesses who applied, in February to confirm whether their submissions will be progressed. If approved, we will discuss with them how their projects might be delivered." Two groups – the Friends of Eastville Park and the Eastville Park Lido Steering Group – have confirmed that they have applied to run some facilities in the park. The council has announced a new licensing system which means personal trainers, dog walkers and others must pay a fee to use parks.
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A SCHOOL for children learning outside mainstream education has received recognition for the specialist support offered to pupils. The Nest is part of the Snowdon Village group of alternative provision schools run by the Cabot Learning Federation. Based on the same site as Frome Vale Academy in Oldbury Court, it provides "nurture-based" education for primary-aged pupils who are struggling with mainstream school, due to social, emotional or mental health problems in Downend. Snowdon Village has become the first Trauma Informed Schools (TIS) group of schools in Bristol following an assessment of the help it offers to support children who suffer with trauma or mental health problems from painful life experiences. Snowdon Village centre manager Angela Hart, who led the TIS project, said: "Seeing the positive outcomes for our students and families, knowing we have affected lives, as a direct result of our specialism, is a privilege."
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February, 2022
18
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
Children of prisoners should be heard and seen EVERY year it’s estimated that more than 300,000 children are affected by a parent’s imprisonment; that’s only a rough figure, as no official statistics are kept. Still more children are affected by a sibling going inside. Many of you will have read about the tragic death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, which hit the headlines back in December. Sixyear-old Arthur was killed by his stepmother and father, and the details of the abuse he suffered at the hands of those entrusted with his care made for deeply upsetting reading. Arthur ended up in his father’s charge after his mother went to jail. No checks were made as to the suitability of this placement, which happens all too often. I also wonder how much thought was given to supporting Arthur when his mother was taken into police custody, given how scared and confused he must have felt. Social services are not
routinely alerted when someone jailed is leaving children behind at home. We know that having a parent in prison affects children’s mental health and causes financial problems for family members left picking up the pieces. It can also affect children’s life chances; it’s estimated that around two-thirds of boys who have had a parent in prison end up serving custodial sentences themselves. I’ve spoken to mothers whose ex-partners have committed serious sexual offences. Their families have endured stigma, shame and had their homes targeted by vigilante groups – even though the offender is no longer there. Innocent children can end up feeling like they’re serving a sentence of their own. I have been working with the charity Children Heard and Seen, which supports children affected by the imprisonment of a parent or main caregiver.
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Other organisations working with prisoners’ families tend to be very much focused on the prisoners’ needs. What drew me to Children Heard and Seen was its childcentred approach. This might involve maintaining contact with a parent in prison, which can play a part in reducing reoffending, but this isn’t always appropriate, for example where a parent has been imprisoned for sexual offences involving children, or for domestic abuse. The charity and I met recently with the Children’s Minister to push for a statutory mechanism to identify children whose parents are in prison, to signal who might benefit from extra support. We will be meeting a justice minister later this month. I’m also working with them to organise an event in Parliament to give prisoners’ families an opportunity to discuss their needs with their MPs. I know it can be difficult to talk about it if you are in this situation
Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
writes for Fishponds Voice yourself, but I would be happy to hear from you if there is anything I can do to help. As always, please contact me if there are any issues I can help with at kerry.mccarthy.mp@ parliament.uk 0117 939 9901.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
19
n HISTORY
Organist Vernon still pulls out the stops THE soothing sounds that greet visitors to Glenside Hospital Museum have a history all their own, writes Mike Jempson IF you visit Glenside Hospital Museum on a Wednesday morning you may be greeted by the dulcet tones of an ancient organ. Providing the calming atmosphere to a place devoted to mental health is 81-year-old Vernon Hendy. Born in Fishponds but now living in Nailsea, Vernon has been pressing the pedals and pulling the stops in the chapel for more than 50 years. The organ itself is a museum piece dating back to 1881, the handiwork of one of Bristol’s best known organ builders, William Gibbons Vowles (1826-1912). Vernon’s choices of tunes range from Bach to the Beatles, and from Simon and Garfunkel to songs from the shows, as the mood takes him. He is humble about his talents: “I just try to play all the right notes,” he grins. Vernon's links to Glenside date to childhood. His dad, Frederick, was a stonemason at the hospital but gave piano lessons in the evening at home in nearby Forest Road. Vernon learnt from him and the Salvation Army services in Channon's Hill. He continued his experience of church music when the family switched to the Congregational chapel in Lodge Causeway. Vernon spent five years in an apprenticeship with Old Market building firm William Cowling, but when his dad heard of a vacancy for a fitter at Glenside in 1959, Vernon began a 34-year association with the hospital. His first ten years were spent working days. “We fitters were often kept busy in the laundry,” he says. “It took in linen from all the Bristol Hospitals. "We had very little direct contact with patients, unless we had to enter wards to repair fuses. "There were no qualifications for all the things we had to do in those days. ‘If you feel comfortable, do it; if not, don’t’ was what we were told.” His family were now attending the Morley Memorial
Vernon Hendy at the organ built by William Gibbons Vowles Congregational chapel where organist Eric Ward was looking for an assistant. Vernon was taken on but soon realised he needed to up his skills and took lessons with Garth Benson, the celebrated organist at St Mary Redcliffe. “I got up to Grade 8, but never went on to do a diploma,” he says. “You had to write music for string quartets. I think I knew enough for my purposes.” In 1967 he discovered the hospital chapel had an organ. With the consent of the hospital’s deputy secretary, Norman Kearns, he obtained a key and during lunch breaks he could hone his skills ahead of church services. Vernon was now married to literacy teacher Vera and soon they had two daughters, Katherine and Gillian. He transferred to the betterpaid shift system at Glenside, working from 6am to 2pm, 2pm to 10pm or 10pm to 6am. In quiet moments at night he would repair to the chapel and practise in the gloom. As a member of the Bristol and District Organists Association, Vernon is likely to have played on other organs constructed by Vowles, who had helped to rebuild the Bristol Cathedral organ in 1860,
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and the one in St Mary Redcliffe in 1867. Vowles also built the organ for the Lord Mayor’s Chapel in 1888. The pedal pipe organ he built in 1878 for St Nicholas of Tolentino Roman Catholic Church in Easton is now for sale on the website of Irish organ builder Stephen Adams. Vernon was made redundant on the closure of Glenside hospital in 1994, but continued to work on site as a cleaner with the University of the West of England, which took over the buildings.
When consultant psychiatrist Dr Donal Early leased the chapel as a museum of mental health, Vernon was invited back to play the organ. Another former Glenside colleague, Derek Painton from Pill, who died in 2021, also played on Saturday mornings for many years. The organ’s decorative pipework was hand-painted by Vowles as a goodwill gesture to the hospital. “They are just for show,” explains Vernon. “The real organ pipes are behind them, and they are really in need of repair. The organ stops, which limit the amount of air passing through the pipes, betray weaknesses in the leather seals.“ The wooden pedals have already been replaced, but upgrading the organ itself could cost at least £30,000. “It would be difficult to justify spending that sort of money,” says Vernon. “Especially when we don’t know how long the museum will last in this building.” Vowles learned his trade from organ master Joseph Monday and married the boss’s daughter Eliza, making the firm his own when her father died. A thriving business with as many as 50 staff, he passed it on to his two sons. The family firm was taken over by J.W. Walker & Son Ltd. in 1958. Meanwhile Vernon makes sure his Glenside organ still brings tranquility to museum visitors. Glenside Hospital Museum on Manor Road is open 10am -1pm on Wednesdays and 10am – 4pm on Saturdays. Visit www.glensidemuseum. org.uk for more information.
Pilates classes in Fishponds Suitable for all levels
Mondays 19:15 at The Life Church Wednesdays 8.45 and 10.15 at Lincombe Barn Saturdays 9.15 at All Saints Church Hall Please contact Emily to book your place on 07974252486 email: info@teachmepilates.co.uk or find me on facebook and Instagram: Emily Osborne Pilates
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Rajani Superstore WWW.RAJANIS.CO.UK
Maggs Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, Bristol, BS5 7EW www.rajanis.co.uk Tel: 0117 965 5201
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
21
n NEWS
n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA
Project tackles river flood risk
February 3 Lincombe Barn speaker morning with Jackie Baker from Downend in Bloom, from 10.15am. Entrance £2.50. Refreshments extra.
COUNCILS, land owners and the area's sewage company are working together on a project to reduce the risk of flooding on the river Frome. Organisations which have signed up to the Frome Catchment Innovation Programme have pledged to use a "whole-systems approach" to make improvements along the length of the river, which flows through the Fishponds area past Oldbury Court, Frenchay, Broomhill, Stapleton and Eastville. Bristol City Council is working with South Gloucestershire Council, Wessex Water and the Environment Agency on the scheme, which will be developed this year if £6 million in funding is approved. The idea is to coordinate local improvements across the whole of the river catchment from its source near Chipping Sodbury to Bristol city centre, where the Frome flows into the Floating Harbour. Ideas include creating new ponds and woody dams in rural, upstream areas of South Gloucestershire and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in urban Bristol to slow the flow of rainwater into sewer systems by mimicking natural
processes. Examples of SuDS include rain gardens, planters, 'green' roofs and permeable paving A city council spokesperson said they use natural processes to reduce surface water flooding, filtering out pollutants and providing habitat for wildlife, as well as improving the appearance of the local area. Council cabinet member for climate Nicola Beech said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity to work beyond Bristol’s borders to tackle major issues like flood risk management and biodiversity loss." Flooding is just one of the issues facing the river. Last year, the Voice reported that high levels of phosphate and nitrate pollution had been found in more than half of samples collected from the river Frome by volunteers last summer and analysed by the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust. In January MPs on the Commons Environmental Audit Committee warned that every river in England was affected by pollution from raw sewage, microplastics and slurry.
February 8 Hillfields Community Garden Wild Women support group for women who are experiencing menopause or are peri-menopausal. Hillfields Park, 10am-noon. For more information, contact hillfieldswildwomen@gmail. com. February 11 Lunchtime concert, Danny Guest with songs of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s, St Mary’s Church, Manor Road, 1-2pm. No admission charge: retiring collection to cover expenses. Tea/coffee from 12.30pm. February 15 Downend Gardening in Retirement Club, Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road, 10.15am. Non Members welcome, £3 including tea/coffee. Call Pauline Williams on 0117 965 2264 for more details. February 19 Hillfields Community Garden volunteer group, Hillfields Park, 10.30am-noon. All welcome, with activities for children. February 28 Hillfields Community Garden Mini Explorers, Hillfields Park, 10-11am. Friendly playgroup for children aged 2-4, parents/carers and siblings. Free and no need to book.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
n NEWS
23
BBC TV Experts to host valuation day in Fishponds! Two of daytime TV’s best-known antiques experts are hosting a free valuation event at Bristol Dance Company in Fishponds and are inviting the public to bring along items to be assessed and potentially sold at auction. Tim Weeks and Izzie Balmer are known for their regular appearances as experts on BBC One shows Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, and on Monday 21st February they will be sharing their passion and knowledge of all things antiques and collectables with anyone who would like to have their items assessed for saleability at auction. Tim Weeks has been a regular on Bargain Hunt for five years and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to collectable toys, sporting memorabilia, vinyl records and music memorabilia and 20th century decorative arts. Tim’s regular toy collector’s auctions attract bidders from around the globe and include everything from 1950’s Dinky Toys and Model Railway, Sindy Patch dolls from the 60’s; Steiff teddy bears, Action Man and Star Wars figures from the 70’s; Lego sets, Ninja Turtles and Transformers from the 80’s, and gaming consoles and everything in between! Sporting memorabilia, especially pre-1960’s football programmes are particularly popular at auction. Tim recently sold a single-owner collection of Swindon Town programmes for over £30,000! Bristol Rovers and Bristol City programmes are also in high demand. Over the last three years Bristol-based Izzie Balmer has been lighting up our TV screens on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip and her main expertise is in the field of jewellery. Izzie is a qualified gemmologist with two diplomas from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and she holds three specialist auctions for jewellery, silver, watches and coins each year. Izzie tells us that the best part of her job as an auctioneer is finding unexpected treasures “People regularly bring in a box of what they think is costume jewellery and I end up finding amazing
Tel: 01249 720888
items, sometimes by well-known designers that end up selling for hundreds and even thousands of pounds!” Neil Holmes, head of Militaria at Wessex Auction Rooms will also be on hand to value any military related items including medals, cap badges, photographs, trench watches, uniforms and more. Neil holds three specialist military auctions every year with bidders travelling the length of the country to come and bid at the sales as well as bidding from around the world online. Also attending the valuation day will be Downend resident Martin Hughes who runs the UK’s leading Vinyl Records auction. Martin is a leading authority on
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rare and collectable vinyl records and regularly appears on radio, television and in the national press sharing his expertise. Recent highlights have included a world record price for a Sex Pistols record (over £16,000) and three previously unheard David Bowie records that sold for a total of over £38,000! Martin says; “Vinyl is now extremely popular with collectors, and people are looking for everything from rock and pop, to punk, blues, jazz and heavy metal! My advice to anyone is not to disregard anything, let me take a look for you as it is often the records that you had forgotten you even owned that end up making the most money.” As well as vinyl records, items such as autographs, ticket
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stubs, flyers and posters are in big demand. In addition to the items mentioned above, the team of valuers have a great knowledge in all areas of antiques and collectables. The valuation event is taking place at Bristol Dance Company (located directly behind the Van Dyck pub) between 10am and 3pm. The full address is 4a Brook Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3SQ. Anybody unable to attend is encouraged to contact Wessex Auction Rooms direct on 01249 720888 or enquiries@ wessexauctionrooms.co.uk to discuss valuations via email or by appointment.
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February, 2022
24
n MAYOR'S VIEW
Delivering the homes Bristol needs THE issue I’m contacted about most often by people is their need to find a home and give their families the best start in life. With over 16,000 people on our housing waiting list, and over 700 families in temporary accommodation not building is not an option. But bringing forward new homes to tackle this demand can sometimes bring disruption through construction works, additional pressures on local services, and concerns about the impact building homes has on our environment. We work with partners in construction to reduce the noise of works wherever possible, and to minimise disruption to our transport network, while of course giving people the space they need to carry out their work safely. Our priority is to keep the city moving, and in particular, protecting bus routes so those
that depend on public transport can continue to do so. Our city’s population is set to grow by over 100,000 people by 2050. It is crucial we plan our services, including schools and healthcare, on this basis. In many cases, we must build homes first in order to unlock the funding, raised through levies on developers, to increase capacity in these vital public services. Without building new homes, we cannot open new facilities to manage the growing demand. It has been claimed that building new homes is incompatible with our need to tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. In fact, the type of homes we build, and where and how we build them, will be the biggest determinant of the price the planet pays for Bristol’s growth. So we are prioritising building densely on brownfield land in sustainable central
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locations in our review of the Local Plan document. This will mean people can walk or cycle to their work or school, rather than relying on a car to access the city centre. And we’re pioneering new low-carbon Each month Bristol mayor methods of construction Marvin Rees shares his views and pioneering technology with Fishponds Voice such as heat networks and renewable energy so we can build and power new homes so we’re building our city as sustainably as possible. stays the same. The debate around Ultimately, it is only by development in Bristol often sustainably building the homes ignores the need for homes across we need as our city continues the city. It has been the historic to grow that we can continue to failure to plan for this demand protect the unique character of that has driven up rents, pricing our city’s neighbourhoods, and people out of the areas they grew build an inclusive city where both up, and in the worst cases, driven everyone who grew up here and people into insecure housing and everyone who chooses to come homelessness. Doing nothing here can make Bristol their home. does not mean that everything
The Mayor’s View
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
25
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Holding on to the light when it still feels dark LAST month included “blue” Monday, a day when more people than not felt “blue”. The third Monday of January has been assigned this bleak title because it is deemed to be the day when most people are fed up. By this time of the month most people are back to work or school or the rhythms that life brings, and the fun and festivities of Christmas seem a long time ago. The weeks before the chance of another break seem a long way away. The days are still short and cold and wet and dark. And the renewed energy formed perhaps from making New Year resolutions seems to be fading or vanished. It is little wonder that it has been designated “blue”. “Blue Monday” often takes me by surprise. That might be because I am the sort of person that, even when I take down the
Christmas tree in early January, still keeps the fairy lights up for another few months. I also love some of the early frost that January brings that can be seen on the grass and leaves and trees around Fishponds. The slight crunch underfoot as I walk through Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills seems to be better than the muddy sludge of the previous months. I look for the snowdrops and crocuses as they begin to appear and, although it’s still dark I can still see glimpses of the sun rising earlier and setting slightly later as the year emerges. For the Church it is also one of the best festival seasons of the year. Although Christmas can bring great joy and fun, with carols and singing and warming hot drinks around fires, it can also feel busy and frenetic. The dash to fit it all in, be it shopping, family
and friends can be tiring. Yet swiftly after Christmas, Christians celebrate the feast weeks of Epiphany. Epiphany means “revelation” and in that way we watch for the different ways that God is revealed to the world. It is a season that continues to drag the light and warmth of the Christmas stable, with the good news that the birth of Jesus brings with it, into the New Year. We continue this Epiphany celebration all the way up to February 2, when the feast of Epiphany ends in the feast of Candlemas, which celebrates light. Epiphany as a time of year has always seemed like such a gift to me. It still bears all the brilliant things of Christmas, but with a little more space and time to explore what that means. It also spans the time when perhaps we
Revd Lizzie Kesteven Vicar of All Saints Church and St Marys Church, Fishponds need a little encouragement and inspiration. I hope and pray that this season of the year has been a blessing for Fishponds and managed to hold us all in a time that might feel “blue” but gives us a little more space to ponder the light that remains with us and grows stronger, day by day.
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26
n SPORT
February, 2022
Club's virtual winter training
Cricket coaching in school YEAR 4 children at Glenfrome Primary School are having high-quality cricket coaching every week. The African-Caribbean Engagement Programme, also known as ACE, was originally launched by Surrey County Cricket Club in response to a 75% decline in black British professional players in the sport. Now an independent charity, funded by Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Board, the ACE Programme is designed to engage young people of African and Caribbean heritage in the sport, although the schools programme is open to all pupils. Glenfrome head teacher Inger O'Callaghan said: "Glenfrome children are excited to be part of the Bristol Programme, which provides children access to free cricket sessions as well as educational workshops and training opportunities. "The children at Glenfrome Primary School are really enjoying their cricket sessions with Claudia and Renel from ACE."
A CRICKET club is using virtual reality technology to keep its players sharp in the off season. Stapleton Cricket Club is the first amateur sports team to work with Bristol tech firm Virti to develop videos and an app to enhance training. The club's 210 players are able to use a combination of slow motion, 360-degree virtual reality training footage – filmed at the club’s Stapleton grounds with a drone and directed by the club's coaching team – and artificial intelligence analysis of data. The 30-minute videos cover skills including batting and bowling techniques, with special instruction for beginners and children. The videos are accessible via a mobile phone, tablet or virtual reality headset and can be accessed using an app. The AI analyses data from each player using the app, including accuracy, response time and skill retention, enabling the coaching team to monitor their progress remotely and help improve their game. Virti, which has a team of 30 people working remotely, mainly in and around Bristol, plans to work with more sports teams and athletes in the region at both an amateur and professional level in the coming year on more "immersive
Stapleton Cricket Club junior member George Way tries some virtual training using a headset training programmes". Club 1st team coach Damian Forder said: "The reaction to the VR training has been incredibly positive, with senior and junior club players showing real enthusiasm to try their hand at virtual cricket. “By giving all of our members the opportunity to train and develop their skills outside of club practice sessions, we’re making the sport more inclusive and accessible than ever." Virti was founded in 2018 by a Bristol surgeon, Alex Young, and its technology is also being used to train surgeons at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and medical students at Bristol University.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
27
n SPORT
Steph closes in on her motor racing dream A MOTOR sport fan from Fishponds is bidding to make her dream of becoming a racing driver come true. Steph Bedford, aged 32, has made the final 50 in a contest to find drivers for a women's team entering this year's GT Cup Championship. The former Downend School pupil, who has been "obsessed" with motor sport since she was a child, has already come through a field of 800 women from 27 countries to make the next stage of the Formula Woman 2022 competition, which will take place in March. Steph said: “This is a lifelong dream. I have had the need for speed for as long as I can remember – one of my earliest memories is getting my brother to push me as fast as he could in a plastic car down a hill in my grandparents’ garden in Downend. "It quickly moved on to watching the World Rally Championship with my dad
Steph Bedford behind the wheel every year before winning an indoor go karting championship in Avonmouth at the age of 13. I was the only female competitor. Unfortunately, due to the cost involved in go karting, I was unable to pursue my passion any further." Steph and her family also tried to get her into rallying but financial constraints and a lack of sponsorship again held her back.
But her love of cars never wavered and she trained to be a mechanic at 16, working at Heritage Volkswagen and Dick Lovett in Bristol. She currently works for CitNOW, an automotive digital video company. Steph is now looking for sponsors to support her on her way to the televised final of the competition.
She said: "With everyone behind me I genuinely believe I have what it takes to win. There are some experienced competitors, so I am working extremely hard on my fitness and racing driving abilities." The Formula Woman team is set to compete with two drivers in McLaren GT4 race cars in this year's GT Cup Championship. Chief executive Graeme Glew said: "The main goal is to create an opportunity for women who could only dream of becoming a racing driver to actually enter the competition and have a go. The objective is that the winners will compete against the men – watch this space!" Anyone who would like to sponsor Steph should email stebed50@hotmail.com. She is posting updates on her journey through the competition on her Instagram page @ stephbedfordracing. To find out more about the competition visit www. formulawoman.co.uk.
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fishpondsvoice
February, 2022
29
n SPORT
Tributes to a stalwart of Bristol boxing DOWNEND Boxing Club is sad to report the passing of West Country boxing stalwart Jim ‘Jimmer’ Hill. Jim died in December after a long and brave fight with cancer. He was 74. He started boxing with the Bristol and District club in the 1960s, joined the Royal Navy team, then competed in Bristol after his service, becoming a favourite in tournaments throughout the West and Wales. Jim started the Bedminster Down club, had a 40-year association with Broad Plain boxing club and served as Western Counties mobile coach, building the early foundations of St George ABC and then Downend Boxing Club. The thousands of young people Jim supported include Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, who said: "Jim was a huge part of my life. "I wandered into the gym as a 13-year-old – a bit lost, wanting someone to push and guide me. I found that in Jim. "He was always giving. "I was privileged to be able to spend some time with him as he fought during those final days. "A special man." Jim was diagnosed seven years ago and even though extremely unwell from his treatment,
‘Jimmer’ Hill could be found supporting Parkinson’s sufferers at Broad Plain as part of the England Boxing and Parkinson’s UK programme, and was dedicated to his role as President of Western Counties ABA. Broad Plain Boys club director Dennis Stichcombe said: "I am proud and privileged to have had Jim as a friend by my side for such a long, long time and his family can be forever
proud of him for the thousands of young men that he has helped change their lives and make something of themselves." Former WBC world super middleweight champion Glenn Catley said Jim was a "truly great man, who guided, inspired, mentored, and delivered an education to so many". He said: "If I can make even half the impression on other people’s lives (for the better) as Jim has done in his time here on Earth, then I will leave this world a happy man." We were all Jimmer’s ‘Babbies’, as he called us, in a voice that couldn’t be more Bristolian, and has lifted and warmed my heart for the past 39 years. His bravery in the later stages of his illness was astounding. In the last four weeks of his life Jim drove himself to the Harry Crook Centre, the week after he was given a lift, the week after he was in a wheelchair, but he was determined to be there if it meant crawling on his hands and knees! A hard man with an amazing capacity to love, who taught us that to play the game is good, to win the game is better, to love the game is best. Craig Turner
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February, 2022
30
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Our superstar skeleton athletes making their mark SO how is everyone getting on with their hopes and dreams for 2022? Personally, I kicked off January with a pledge to avoid drinking too much alcohol and to stay clear of ‘bad’ foods. So far, it’s going well – let’s just see if I can keep it going for the rest of the year… Sadly, Covid is still causing disruption to so many people’s lives and professional winter sport is no exception. This is the year that my Cleve Chiropractic colleague Catherine and I were supposed to be supporting a couple of the best skeleton athletes around during their World Cup campaign, followed by the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Australian Jackie Parsons, the wife of Dom Parsons, and Kimberly Bos, from the Netherlands, have to get on with their busy lives of competition without any personal help from the ‘Bristol connection’. As I write this blog, Jackie is doing exceptionally well at 17th place out of 32 in a competition that’s really difficult to qualify for because the standard is so high. It is super hard to even get into the top World Championship competition, so 17th is incredible. However, Kimberly Bos is having an amazing time, leading the way with just one race to go before
the Olympics. Kim is a physiotherapist and former gymnast. We met when I was working with GB Olympic bronze medal winner Dom Parsons in St Moritz in 2018, just before the last winter games. Readers may remember that story – Dom gave me his World Cup medal from the race and it still hangs proudly in reception at the clinic! Kim has always shown real promise but this season she has hit a purple patch of form just in time for Beijing. Catherine and I have worked with her all around the world. I remember one race in Sigulda, Latvia, where there was an incredibly fast concrete track that started from the top of an intimidating high-rise building. On Kim’s second practice run, three days before the world championship race, she cracked her ankle on the hard ice as she went round a bend at high speed. She limped up to me after the practice run and showed me the damage. On careful examination it was clear that, miraculously, she hadn’t broken anything but the ankle was very swollen, stiff and she couldn’t walk on it properly. This was my time to get to work! We had three days
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with nothing to lose as we tried to get Kim to the start line. The daily routine involved carefully manipulating the ankle and going to a local pool for low weight-bearing exercises, before some cold and hot therapy. Every long day, we used all the techniques I had learned throughout my years in elite sport to get her ready and, as all good stories go, we got her to the starting line – essentially her first practice run since the injury. In the circumstances, her first run was pretty good as she qualified in 18th place, but her second effort was extraordinary. Only those who had worked with Kim knew that she had the potential for incredible speed. Now she knew that the ankle would hold up, she felt confident to give it everything from that vital push at the top of the track. Other athletes gasped at Kim’s time as I waited for her at the bottom of the run and asked “where did that come from?” It was so fast that she finished a level 9th place overall. No matter how it works out in Saint Moritz or the Olympics, Kim has put herself in to the record books with her results this season. I’m so proud of her achievements and a singleminded commitment to her sport at the expense of everything else.
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So good luck to the lovely and amazing Jackie and Kim. You both have an English fan base in Bristol and we wish we could be there with you! If you want to follow Jackie and Kim’s fortunes on the ice, search for them on social media. You can get details of all the races on https://www. ibsf.org/en/.
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07474573780 0117 2792264 e: jl.painting.decorating@outlook.com
PLUMBING & HEATING
* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES
We would be pleased to help you with your
Boiler/Heating systems installed Unvented Cylinders, Electric Boilers Underfloor heating Boiler repairs Boiler servicing Gas & PAT safety testing
UP TO 10 YEAR FINANCE PLANS AVAILABLE Contact us via:
0117 9600296 or 07970122137 info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk FULLY ACCREDITED WITH
PLUMBING
CREST HEATING & PLUMBING
BOILERS, BATHROOMS AND GENERAL PLUMBING
OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE HONEST & RELIABLE
Mobile:
TEL: 07765 250816
07765 208690 To advertise, contact Shaun Tel 07540 383 870
PLUMBING
J L Painting & Decorating
Want to
Feel relaxed and free from anxiety and stress Have a good night’s sleep Stop smoking, lose weight Overcome fear of flying, dentists or other phobias Get relief from migraine, irritable bowl syndrome
957 5092
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
56746
Got News? Call Ken On 07715 770377
VALUATION EVENT
Monday 21st February 10am - 3pm Hosted by BBC TV experts Tim Weeks and Izzie Balmer
Bring along your items for free valuation.
Jewellery, Toys, Watches, Medals & Militaria, Silver, Coins, Ceramics, Vinyl Records, Clocks, Sporting Memorabilia, or any other items you wish to have appraised. The Valuation Event will be held at: BRISTOL DANCE COMPANY
SITUATED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE VAN DYCK PUB ON FISHPONDS ROAD 4a Brook Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3SQ
www.wessexauctionrooms.co.uk enquiries@wessexauctionrooms.co.uk
01249 720888