Fishponds Voice Newspaper February 2016 by Fishponds Voice

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fishpondsvoice February, 2016 — ISSUE 12

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

Painting town red - finally!

F|ishponds has some bright red pillar boxes at last – after the boss of Royal Mail ordered a first class delivery.

Page 3

Disabled man thanks police

A disabled man whose carand wheelchair were stolen in Fishponds has thanked police for tracking them both down quickly,

Page 11

Boxing club joins centre

Minerva Primary Academy pupils are the first in Bristol to take part in the SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award, which includes first aid skills.

Hostel here? No way

Downend Amateur Boxing Club has moved in to the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds and plans to offer a range of sporting activities. PLANS to create a rehabilitation centre at Beechwood House in Bell Hill, Stapleton, have met a storm of protest. Neighbours say the property, which was once a doctor’s surgery but has been a private house for many years, is not a suitable location for housing vulnerable people. Emerge Charitable Trust wants to create the centre as part of its

work to provide supported housing for people who have undergone treatment for drug or alcohol misues or who have learning difficulties or mental health problems. But people living nearby say it is not the right place for a “halfway house” hostel because it is close to several schools and a play park. Dozens of objections have been Continued on Page 5

Page 14 Bright lights of Fishponds

The first Window Wanderland in Fishponds this month will see a free trail of illuminated displays in homes and businesses.

Page 21

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fishpondsvoice February, 2016 — ISSUE 12

WHAT’S ON GUIDE - PAGES

Tobacco free alternative to smoking

sTARTeR KITs FRoM .99

£14

New shop

NowhighopeN street, at 105 staple hill, Bs16 5hF

TRY BeFoRe YoU BUY www.ecigguk.co.uk

Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter

26-27 | BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

PAGE 38

Painting town red - finally!

F|ishponds has some bright red pillar boxes at last – after the boss of Royal Mail ordered a first class delivery.

Page 3

Disabled man thanks policecarand

A disabled man whose wheelchair were stolen in Fishponds has thanked police for tracking them both down quickly,

Page 11 Boxing club joins centre

Minerva Primary Academy pupils are the first in Bristol to take part in the SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award, which includes first aid skills.

Hostel here? No way

Downend Amateur Boxing Club has moved in to the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds and plans to offer a range of sporting activities.

PLANS to create a rehabilitation centre at Beechwood House in Bell Hill, Stapleton, have met a storm of protest. Neighbours say the property, which was once a doctor’s surgery but has been a private house for many years, is not a suitable location for housing vulnerable people. Emerge Charitable Trust wants to create the centre as part of its

Page 14 Bright lights of Fishponds

The first Window Wanderland in Fishponds this month will see a free trail of illuminated displays in homes and businesses.

Page 21

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February, 2016

Happy birthday to us – and thank you! FISHPONDS Voice is beginning its second year – and we are sure it will prove just as rewarding as the first. Over the 12 months, we have started to become established as a paper for the community. We have highlighted the activities of people of all ages – from the tinies at pre-schools, nurseries and the play cafe, through to senior citizens. One of the highlights of a glance back at our front pages is the picture of bowler Reg Buston, 99 years young! We have tried to reflect many sections of our diverse and changing neighbourhood but are conscious that there are groups and individuals we haven’t reached yet. Whoever you are, if you have a story for us or an event we can cover, please get in touch. We plan to create a website soon where you

fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 Tel 07799 461169 E D I TO R I A L news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

can look back at past issues and get up to date with what’s happening in between editions. In the meantime, keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed. This month is as busy as ever – no midwinter blues in Fishponds! The Window Wanderland will brighten up February and we really hope this year will see significant developments at Fishponds Park. Neighbourhood forums are taking place this month too, providing a great chance to get involved. 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 Jayne Taylor 0788 0731148

Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

LOCAL INFORMATION Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000

asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Well Aware Health and social care information www. wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999

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.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ fishpondsvoice

DEADLINES

NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Our March edition deadline is February 24.

Anti social behaviour team

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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February, 2016

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WHEN tatty postboxes in Fishponds had not received their promised repainting after six months, Leigh Cooper saw red. Fed up with being passed from pillar to post, he emailed the chief executive of the Royal Mail, Moya Greene. She immediately contacted her senior team with the message: Please fix this. As a result, several boxes – including the double one outside the Old Post Office pub – have been given a shiny new look, others are set to be repainted by the end of March and Royal Mail has said that all the boxes in the BS16 area are scheduled for refurbishment in 2016. Mr Cooper, who represents Fishponds Business Forum on the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership, is delighted that his efforts, which involved many emails

and phone calls, have finally been successful. “We wanted the postboxes painted to improve the appearance of the High Street for shoppers and residents,” he said. He initially initially contacted Royal Mail in June with a list of particularly dingy red boxes in the area. When nothing had happened by the end of November, he contacted Royal Mail again. “I received a dismissive response, so I decided to go straight to the chief executive. People running small businesses have to roll up their

sleeves and take action, so a big corporate organisation should do the same. “I was very impressed with the response. The boxes that have been repainted look very good indeed.” The refurbished boxes include the square one at the Frenchay roundabout, the pillar boxes outside the Downend Tavern and at Straits Parade and a small stand box in Downend Road, Fishponds. Royal Mail told Mr Cooper that it painted about 1,500 boxes a month and the work was dependent on weather and other factors. It

apologised for the problems and said it would use the information from what had happened to make further improvements. Royal Mail invites anyone who sees a postbox in need of improvement to email postbox. appearance@royalmail.com, or write to The National Street Furniture Manager, Royal Mail Group Property, Bletchley Delivery Office, Dane Road, Bletchley, MK1 1AS. Alternatively, let us know at Fishponds Voice and we will pass on the details.

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Reindeer trail winners now on show at Fishponds library DID you enjoy the reindeer trail competition in Fishponds over Christmas? You now have a chance to relive it – or find out what you missed – as photographs of the shop window displays have gone on display at Fishponds library. Meanwhile, prizes for the best entries and the competition winners are being awarded at an event at the Kingfisher Cafe on February 9. The trail was organised by Fishponds Business Forum, and it is asking participants for feedback so it can make Christmas in Fishponds even better in 2016. Four children and their childminder won the competition and are to be presented with £50, as well as individual certificates. Scrolls will be handed out to the following businesses: Most Impressive Reindeer: The Fire Basket Most Impressive Display (Inns): The Star Inn Most Impressive Display (Cafes): The Kingfisher Cafe Most Original Display: Anthony James Lifelike Reindeer: Ambertone

From Page 1 planning online website and a protest meeting was due to be held. People living in Baileys Mead Road, behind the site, say their children use the lane adjoining Beechwood House to walk to schools, including Fairfield High School and Glenfrome Primary as well as Colston’s School. Others point out it is next to a bus stop, also used by unaccompanied children. Jeremy McCullough, headmaster of Colston’s School, said in his objection that allowing such a sensitive use next to a school would be nonsensical. He said the school was sympathetic to the needs of people requiring rehabilitation but these must be provided in an appropriate location. Many opponents have commented that little information has been provided about the occupants, staffing, services and transport needs of the proposed hostel. They also note that the site might not be the best for the centre’s occupants either as it is too far from shops and close to noise from the school. A plan has also been submitted to the council for a four-bedroomed detached house in the grounds of Beechwood House. More details can be found on the council website, using the references 15/06642/F and 15/06641/F

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Colourful parade promotes peace and understanding

HUNDREDS of Muslims took part in a colourful procession in Fishponds to mark the birth of the prophet Muhammad. The parade went from Easton Jamia mosque on St Mark’s Road in Easton to the Fishponds Madani mosque on Lodge Causeway. Also involved were members of the the Totterdown mosque and the Hasarat Bilal Centre. Abdul Malik, chair of the Easton mosque, said the event was the

highlight of the Muslim year. The date of the prophet’s birthday changes because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based. In the UK most Muslims mark the occasion by fasting or by holding special prayers or conferences. The celebrations include lectures, speeches, poems and spiritual songs on the life of Mohammad and the Islamic lifestyle. Organisers this year handed out cards and roses to spread a message of peace.

Mr Malik said: “The objective of this unique event is to engage with the local community of Bristol by promoting dialogue, spreading peace and mutual understanding. We are aware that the Muslim community in general gets a lot of negative coverage from the media.

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“We hope by giving out roses and cards that highlight the Prophet’s message of mercy for all, we can change people’s views about the Muslim community and Islam on a local level.”

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

February, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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Scoop! The future of Fishponds is in your hands LIKE ice cream? Love Fishponds? Then come along and share a scoop with members of Fishponds Planning at Scoops Ice Cream Parlour on Saturday, February 20 between midday and 5. We are a small but growing group of local residents who are helping to produce a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) which will set the scene for the future of Fishponds. Any local resident can join the group and everyone is entitled to have their say about how to make Fishponds a better place to live and work in. So to break the ice Fishpond Planning is offering a free scoop to those who come to our first public consultation event and fill out a simple survey. We want to know what you think so we can make sure the Fishponds NDP accurately reflects local opinion. Once it is devised and adopted an NDP becomes the legally recognised

blueprint for the future development of an area. Fishponds Planning is a dedicated bunch of local volunteers linked to the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership. We work closely with the Neighbourhood Planning Network, and benefit from support and advice from the City Council, local councillors and professional experts. We have monthly open meetings. Our special focus is the (A432) Fishponds Road, as well as potential development sites on either side. We are already liaising with developers on their plans for some key sites, seeking to represent the interests of the wider community. But we can’t do this accurately without hearing what you think about the area. Saturday February 20 is your next chance to contribute. We’ll be at Scoops - 633 Fishponds Road - from midday to 5pm.

But make sure you come along early - once the ice cream’s gone it’s gone! Meanwhile visit the website, to find out more about Fishponds Planning: http://fishpondsplanning. org.uk Fishponds Planning

Grow your own in 2016

IF you’ve ever considered joining the growing revolution, what better time than now? Properly managed allotments can supplement a household’s weekly shop with fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year, saving money as well as providing healthy, local food. Bristol City Council has a number of allotment plots available to rent immediately, with prices starting from as little as £25 a year for smaller, beginner-friendly plots. A number of plots are offered – with no waiting list – at half rent for the first two years. These plots are overgrown so you’ll need to clear the plot and remove any rubbish you find. Councillor Daniella Radice, assistant mayor for neighbourhoods, said: “It doesn’t get much fresher than growing your own. “Our allotment holders find that they not only experience the satisfaction of growing their own, tasty food, they become part of a friendly new community too.” To find out more or to enquire about renting a plot, email allotments@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 922 3719.

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February, 2016

Standing ovation for nursing student who saves a woman’s life at Hippodrome

MOST standing ovations at the Bristol Hippodrome are prompted by fine acting skills but it was down to an entirely different skill set that Kristian Keyte took his bow. For the trainee nurse at UWE Glenside in Fishponds received applause and cheers after he came to the rescue of a member of the audience who went into cardiac arrest. Kristian was a few rows behind Judith Mansfield, 71, as the audience awaited the start of a musical starring X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. After noticing the pensioner looking distressed, he responded immediately when she had a sudden seizure by leaping out of his seat and helping lift her on to the auditorium floor so he could check her airways. Kristian, a third year adult nursing student at UWE Bristol, said: “I don’t really know why I noticed her - we were just waiting for the show to start but there was something that didn’t seem quite right and then everything happened

“I had to perform CPR for about two minutes and also needed to use the Hippodrome defibrillator which applied a shock and this brought back a pulse. Her breathing was still very slow so we used the ventilation bag to get her breathing

“

This is just part of what we do being a nurse. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time so quickly when she suddenly went into seizure. “I rushed over to her and checked her airways and I could see that she had agonal breathing which is where there is some movement but not enough to sustain life. “With the help of others we lifted her out of her seat and on to the floor so that I could reassess her breathing. I would estimate that the time of arrest to start of resuscitation at less than a minute.

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again. The ambulance crew arrived within seven to eight minutes and by that time she was awake but disorientated. I stayed with her whilst the ambulance crew gave her oxygen and monitored her condition.” As the ambulance crew took Judith to hospital the audience stood up and gave Kristian an ovation. The Hippodrome delayed the start of the show, The Bodyguard, but there was no doubt among theatre goers that a starring role had already been played. When asked about his actions at the venue, 24-year-old Kristian said: “This is just part of what we do being a nurse. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The media interest has been incredible and everyone is supporting me at the university and at Weston Hospital, where I work part time on the bank as a health care assistant. I have been in touch with Judith’s family and I’m really pleased to say that she is doing well.” Judith’s daughter Beverley

“

The university is very proud of Kristian who obviously knew exactly what needed to be done at a critical moment. He has saved Judith’s life

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Bishop said: “The entire family - my dad, sister, three grandchildren and sons-in-law - are eternally grateful to Kristian and everyone else who helped, including St John Ambulance, who were on hand, and the ambulance crew. It could have been a very different story.” Sarah Green, head of nursing and midwifery at UWE Bristol, said: “Kristian’s actions show his ability for effective decision making and leadership that are vital for our future nurses.” Professor Steve West, UWE Bristol’s vice-chancellor, said: “The university is very proud of Kristian who obviously knew exactly what needed to be done at a critical moment. He has saved Judith’s life. “We pride ourselves on being a university that produces ready

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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February, 2016

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Children are pioneers of life skills programme AN AWARD scheme backed by HRH The Duke of Cambridge to help schoolchildren become self confident and resilient has launched in the city with the help of a Fishponds primary school. The SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award equips nine to 14-year-olds with the skills they need to succeed in education, life and future employment. Aimed at primary and secondary schoolchildren, the award scheme is being rolled out at schools across Great Britain. National education and veterans charity SkillForce runs the programme, which develops character, resilience, confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills. More than 3,000 school pupils nationally have taken part so far. During the scheme’s official launch in Bristol, pupils at Minerva Primary Academy in the Greenway demonstrated some of the first aid skills they are learning as part of the award scheme. Their demonstration included working in small groups on resuscitation manikins and practising the recovery position. The Duke of Cambridge is SkillForce’s Royal Patron and first launched the initiative in Yorkshire in 2014, giving the charity the only award scheme in his name. Ben Slade, chief executive of SkillForce, said: “We work with schools to help transform lives enabling children and young people to build character, self confidence and resilience. These are vital life skills that will help them get on in education and life. Our work also helps to boost pupil attendance, attainment and aspirations.” Peter Hallam, the principal of Minerva Primary

Academy, said: “We are thrilled to be the first school in Bristol to launch the SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award, which is enabling our pupils to develop qualities and skills that will support them for the rest of their lives. These include self reliance, independence and persistence as well as valuable team working and problem solving skills.” The award scheme, which comprises 40 hours of activities, is delivered in schools by SkillForce instructors, who are predominantly ex-Services personnel, and receives funding from Standard

Life Charitable Trust. Activities include teamwork challenges, community projects and first aid. SkillForce currently works with more than 200 schools across England, Scotland and Wales. Minerva Primary Academy would like to hear from local businesses that would be interested in providing funding support, so the school can expand the range of SkillForce programmes that it offers. Please contact the academy on info@ mpa.cabot.ac.uk or 0117 377 2990.

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February, 2016

Change of plan for chapel

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DEVELOPERS have changed their plans for the regeneration of a Victorian former chapel in the centre of Fishponds. Proposals for a ground-floor office extension have been dropped from the scheme to create 14 flats at the Ebenezer Chapel on the corner of Fishponds Road and Hockeys Lane. Fishponds Planning Group has welcomed the revised plans, which have yet to be approved by Bristol City Council. Group chairman Joseph Hassell, writing on the group’s website, said the redevelopment of the historic United Free Methodists chapel seemed to have been altered for the better since the group raised its concerns. He urged residents who had views on the scheme to voice them via the council’s planning website, using the reference 5/04152/X. Although permission has been granted for eight flats in the chapel and six in an extension, details are still to be decided.

The stone chapel building, which dates from 1881, has been used by a tyre and exhaust business and most recently a car wash. Other schemes for redevelopment, including one for a gym, have not materialised. The planning group’s view is that a housing development is a good use for the building and an opportunity to enhance one of the area’s key buildings, but concerns remain over the impact on traffic in the area. The planning group, which was established last year, is keen to represent the whole community and welcomes anyone who would like to get involved. More details can be found at fishpondsplanning.org. uk

Friends of Coombe Brook Valley group up and running A NEW group has been set up to ensure a Hillfields nature spot is given the love and attention it deserves. The Friends of Coombe Brook Valley is made up of residents and aims to look after the nature reserve, known locally as The Gossy. The site is covered in trees and bushes with a copper-coloured stream running through the middle which appears under Barton Fields before disappearing under Ridgeway Road playing fields. The group is being supported by Hillfields councillor Craig Cheney who is organising a litter pick and general tidy of the site on Sunday February 21. Cllr Cheney said: “We are looking to start regular clean up events with a view to moving into longer term improvements once we have a committed and stable team. We have already had a site visit with council officers to see what improvements can be made to make the area even better than it already is for the local residents and others to enjoy.” Volunteers are asked to meet at 10.30am at the entrance on Moorlands Road. You are advised to wear wellingtons and bring refuse sacks and gloves if you have them.

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February, 2016

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Police ‘went extra mile to find my lifeline’ A DISABLED Fishponds man has praised police community support officers after they went ‘beyond the call of duty’ to recover his stolen car and wheelchair. Richard Macdougall-Smith was devastated when his green Land Rover Discovery of 14 years was taken from outside his home in Thingwall Park. To make matters worse his wheelchair was in the back of the vehicle, leaving Richard completely housebound. But thanks to eagle-eyed members of the Eastville police team, the car was quickly recovered. Richard, 49, said his car had been his life-line since suffering an injury five years ago so it was particularly upsetting when it went missing on November 6. “I’ve got a spinal injury so my vehicle is a major thing for me. It was such a shock to see it missing. Without it, my world just collapsed.” He said the thieves went to extraordinary lengths to steal the heavy vehicle: “They disconnected the horn so the siren didn’t sound and then set off fireworks as it was near Bonfire night. They used something similar to what police use for picking up and moving

vehicles and actually lifted her before driving off.” Dad-of-two Richard, who is so attached to the vehicle he calls her Florence, said the car was then driven to nearby Parnall Road before being vandalised and dumped. “They smashed the back quarter light window, broke the steering lock and ripped the rear wing up causing a lot of damage,” he said. “PCSO Gary Cottle and his team went out and hunted until they found her. The car had to be held until forensics came but they got my wheelchair back really quickly which meant I could get out and about rather than just being stuck at home. “The police told me they had found it but said I wouldn’t want to see her as she was in a bit of a mess. They said normally they wouldn’t be allowed to remove anything from the vehicle but because of my circumstances they had special permission. “At first the insurance company wanted to write her off but they realised that although she is a K-reg she has been really looked after.” Richard, a former lorry driver, was without the car for just over

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a month whilst repairs were carried out. He said the car had been brilliant over the years, taking his family on holidays and even travelling as far as Moldova to visit his wife’s family. “The family have grown up with her. She’s been a well-loved and well-used family car so it was devastating when she was missing. “But Gary and the team stepped

in very quickly. They were fantastic and really went above and beyond the call of duty. They went out and put extra work in knowing I was disabled and rely on the car and wheelchair to get about. They knew it was my life-line. “They deserve a pat on the back because they are really looking after the community. I just want to say thank you.”

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Catherine Spence at Kingswood Vets4Pets

Setting a target for your pet this year

N the New Year most people will set themselves a New Years Resolution, but how about setting one for your pet? The 2014 PDSA Animal Welfare Report found a staggering 1 in 3 dogs were overweight as were a whopping 1 in 4 cats and rabbits. Obese pets are prone to the same problems as people, such as heart and lung problems, joint issues, diabetes and also an increased risk of pancreatitis. It has been shown that leaner animals can live an extra 1-2 years. A tiny amount of weight gain in small dogs can be quite significant. E.g. a 10kg dog that gains 1kg, is an extra 10% bodyweight. This translates as a 10 stone person gaining an extra stone in weight. Large breed dogs which are overweight are highly likely to suffer from stifle (knee) disease which once it sets in, makes it extremely hard to loose the weight so prevention is much better. Overweight cats have been shown to be more prone to diabetes and cystitis, both serious conditions. Rabbits can suffer quite badly with obesity. In particular it can upset their delicate stomach

February, 2016

Tributes pour in for councillor

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TRIBUTES have been paid to Ron Stone, who represented the people of St George West on Bristol City Council for 30 years. The Labour councillor died in the Bristol Royal Infirmary on December 30 after a short illness. He was first elected in 1985 and held many roles during his time on the council including chairing the Licensing Committee and the St George Neighbourhood Partnership. Labour leader Helen Holland said: “Ron was a long-standing councillor and a true champion of St George West – a community he was proud to serve day in and day out for three decades. As a man of great integrity, Ron will be remembered as a steadfast campaigner and committed socialist dedicated to furthering social justice and equality in Bristol and beyond.” Bristol’s Mayor George Ferguson said Ron had a passion for Bristol and for those least able to help themselves, while Lord Mayor Clare CampionSmith said he was “an active and passionate councillor whose presence in the chamber enlivened and enriched any debate.” Bristol East Labour MP Kerry McCarthy said: “Ron Stone was an incredibly hard-working and conscientious councillor for St George West, who served the ward with absolute dedication for three decades. He knew his ward back to front, and was always totally on top of all the local issues and casework. There are many ways in which he made a tangible difference in St George West, from helping hundreds of people with individual problems, to getting investment in Meadow Vale Community Centre and the play area in St George Park.” Mr Stone, 73, leaves a widow Joan, daughter Joannne, son Daniel and three grandchildren.

system as they are unable to eat their caecotrophs .

Spotlight on Fishponds park

At Kingswood Vets4Pets, I offer free nurse clinics to help you shift the extra pounds from your pet. I feel it is important to help them loose the extra weight which not only provides them with health benefits but I often find that pets are much brighter and happier for it! I also know from personal experience how hard it can be to resist those big eyes and persistent meowing when they are scrounging for food! But the hard work is worth it!

THE revival of Fishponds Park will be in the spotlight at a public meeting this month. As reported in Fishponds Voice in January, the aim is to make the shopping centre park fit for the 21st century. That will require volunteers to come forward and form a Friends group to raise money and decide what facilities and equipment are needed. Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership has got the ball rolling by handing over nearly £20,000 and Bristol City Council’s parks department will match any funds raised. Funding may be available for tree planting and other grants can be sought. Neighbourhood officer Georgie Bryant urged anyone keen to update the park to come along to the meeting on Saturday February 13 at Fishponds Methodist Church Hall in Guinea Lane from 10am to noon. “This is an opportunity for anyone with an interest to come along and show their support,” she said. “This needs to be the local community saying what they want in the park. It is their legacy for their children. We want people to step up and help.” Fishponds Park is already one of the most popular in Bristol but has the potential to be even better. The play equipment dates back several decades.

If you are interested in our free weight clinics, please give us a call on 0117 9616417. Lucy Ashton BSc(Hons) RVN

Willowdean Court, 247a Charlton Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1LT Telephone: 0117 961 6417 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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February, 2016

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Wide range of artistic techniques on display THESE photographs show the amazing work achieved by pupils at May Park Primary School during arts week. Children from the Eastville school spent the week picking up new artistic skills which they successfully put into practice. They also learnt about different artists and used their techniques to make a their own masterpieces. Arts week culminated with an open afternoon for parents to view their children’s creations. Pupils Suado and Yacqub said: “Art is a way of expressing yourself and can be made any way you like using your imagination and thoughts.”

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February, 2016

Boxing club moves in to Harry Crook Centre THE revival of the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds continues this month with the arrival of Downend Amateur Boxing Club. The club decided to move to the centre in Moorlands Avenue after discovering that its dream of creating a base at the former Oldbury Court Community Centre was now out of reach. Its volunteers, who had spent two years trying to restore the building in Oldbury Court, have transferred their energies to creating a state-of-the-art gymnasium at the Harry Crook Centre on the Ridgeway Road Playing Fields instead. Chairman and head coach Craig Turner said it was a great opportunity for the boxing club, which has been meeting at Pomphrey Hill pavilion in Mangotsfield. It has secured a long let with Happy Dayz Pre School, which was granted a lease by Bristol City Council late last year to allow it to

run, repair and maintain the former Harry Crook Youth Activity Centre. Volunteers from the boxing club have already worked to regenerate the sports hall and have won a £5,581 grant from Sport England to provide two new boxing rings for the facility. All the centre's facilities are available for hire for voluntary and community groups and there are already plans for affordable keep fit, boxercise and gym sessions as well as boxing coaching for children and adults. Craig admitted it had been disappointing to miss out at Oldbury Court, which had been the club's base in the early 1990s, but the task of restoring the derelict building had simply become too big. “We did our utmost, but unfortunately time, the weather and the damage already sustained to the building put any hope of regeneration out of reach,” he said. “The opportunity came up to move to Harry Crook and we

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thought it best to concentrate our efforts there.” He paid tribute to the positive response to the change from the club's volunteers, who insisted their hard work at Oldbury Court had not been wasted. “It was time well spent, the guys say. They enjoyed the camaraderie and learned a lot from the work we did. It really moved us on as a club. In the time we were there we hope we made things a bit more pleasant for the residents, by tidying up the derelict site. “I was moved to tears by our guys' attitude – they quickly picked up their tools at Harry Crook and started painting the place. They are so passionate about what we do at

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the boxing club.” An important part of the club's work is with at-risk young people, many of whom will never box competitively but who benefit from the training and discipline the sport offers. Craig, a former policeman, said: “It quite simply saves lives.” The Happy Dayz team, which now runs the centre as well as the pre-school, has also been working hard to improve the building and is keen to see it used by the community. For further information, visit www.harrycrookcentre.co.uk email harrycrookcentre@gmail.com or call 0117 336 0516.

We are a long established christian pre-school and are fully inclusive,offering a happy, caring and friendly environment to all our children and families.

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February, 2016

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Oldbury Court base ‘redundant’ THE future of the derelict Oldbury Court community centre building is in doubt following the boxing club’s move. Bristol City Council says it is no longer needed and will be put up for sale. Local people fear it will be bulldozed and the site used for housing, rather than much-needed community provision in a disadvantaged area. In April last year, members of the Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership backed the boxing club’s plans to create a neighbourhood hub for use by community groups as well as for sport. They said it would be good to see the building, which had fallen prey to vandals after being empty for several years, back in use. But last week Craig Turner said that unless action was taken very soon demolition would be the only option as the cost of regeneration was soaring as the weather took its toll. A council spokesman said: “In line with Bristol City Council policy on redundant buildings, the former Oldbury Court Community Centre has been declared surplus to operational requirements and will therefore be offered for sale on the open market. “Any prospective buyer will need to have regard to our planning policy relating to the loss of community space and will need to comply with requirements within any proposed development.” Craig Turner outside Oldbury Court community centre

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February, 2016

‘We did it!’

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£1.6m lottery windfall for Page Park THE Friends of Page Park are celebrating after securing more than £1.6million of lottery cash to restore the historic park. The cash will be spent on returning the park to its former majestic glory with modern touches including a cafe and community room, new toilets, toddler play area and improved paths and planting schemes. The overhaul of the park is expected to help regenerate the entire area of Staple Hill, bringing visitors not just from the

community but from across the district. The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery has donated a total

of £1,628,708 which means, along with other funding the Friends have secured, the park will benefit to the tune of a cool £2.1 million.

Vice chair Steph Purser said members, who have been working on the project for more than seven years, are “over the moon”.

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February, 2016

Lottery money will transform park

How the café and community room will look - artist impression courtesy of Quattro Design Architects

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event asking them what they would like to see in the park. This gave us a wish list to work by and we have tried to do as much of that we could but we always knew that we had to find funding one day to restore the structures of the park, which is actually more expensive than creating something from scratch. “Many of the park’s features like the gates and the clock tower are now at a stage where they wouldn’t have lasted much longer. The whole park was getting very run down and the Heritage Lottery Funding was really our only way out. “The money will help regenerate the area. People will be able to meet other people. It will bring the park back to what is was and insure the park for future generations.” The council’s communities chair, Cllr Heather Goddard, said: “The park is the most important green space in Staple Hill and has been enjoyed by generations of local

Nerys Watts, head of HLF South West, said, on behalf of HLF and March 2015 40 BIG, “Our parks arecollaborative where weculture play sustainable some of our first games, where we make some of our first discoveries and where we spend some of our

Café and Community Room - South view from Sensory gardens

“

We’re a bit exhausted but we’re over the moon. It’s just lovely to be able to restore the park and bring it back to looking how it would have looked in its heyday Steph Purser

“

• Area for growing plants and vegetablesSouth Gloucestershire Council • Composting area Quattro Design Architects www.quattrodesign.co.uk • A park warden/coordinator • The tennis club house will also become a centre for park volunteers • A three-year programme of activities to engage the community in learning about and celebrating the park’s heritage The jewel in the crown of the new-look park will be the cafe and community room. The cafe will enable members of the community to meet up and the community room will be leased out for parties, meetings, classes, conferences and events. These were top of the Friends’ wish list - along with new toilets - after various consultations with residents and park users. Mrs Purser said: “We have been working on the lottery bid for well over seven years and we’re all in shock that we’ve actually got it! “When the Friends got together in 1999 we invited people to an

people since it was given to the public in 1910. As well as improving the park and its facilities, we will also be providing additional activities and events so more people can enjoy the space.” The news comes as part of a £32million funding announcement for parks and cemeteries across the UK.

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“

The park is the most important green space in Staple Hill and has been enjoyed by generations of local people since it was given to the public in 1910

“

IT’S the news many have waited years for. Members of Friends of Page Park spent an anxious few months waiting to hear if their lottery bid which followed seven years of planning and hard work had been successful. For Friends vice chair Steph Purser it meant many sleepless nights, but the news finally came on January 14 that their hard work had paid off and Page Park would now get the love and attention it deserves. “We’re a bit exhausted but we’re over the moon,” she said. “It’s just lovely to be able to restore the park and bring it back to looking how it would have looked in its heyday. It will be fantastic!” The Friends group, which formed in 1999 to develop and protect the historic park, have been working closely with South Gloucestershire Council on the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG). The bid was worth £1,628,708 so the Friends and council had to be meticulous in their attention to detail, illustrating that the money would be spent wisely and would benefit the entire community. The grant forms a large part of the total project fund of £2,182,114 for Page Park and will be used to regenerate the park with the aim of boosting community use and bringing people together. What the money still be spent on: • Cafe and community building • New toilets • Restoration of the landmark clock tower and chiming clock • French boules court • Toddler play area (funded by South Gloucestershire Council) • Improved teen area • Restoration of walls, gate columns and gates • Reinstatement of railings surrounding park which were taken down in the war • Improved paths and new planting schemes • Improved access and signage

Cllr Heather Goddard

best times with family and friends. However we use them, parks are an important part of life, which is why we’re delighted to be investing National Lottery players’ money in parks from Bristol to Helensburgh to carry out vital restoration and create some wonderful opportunities for communities and wildlife.” The Page Park clock tower building restoration project also recently received a £50,000 funding boost thanks to a grant from SITA Trust, which was made possible through the Landfill Communities Fund. This will enable major structural repairs to the clock tower, along with painting and decoration, and improvements to the park’s plants and paving around the building. The improvement work is expected to begin in spring 2016. It is hoped the cafe and community room will be up and running at the beginning of 2017, with the rest of the work complete within three years. For more information visit www. southglos.gov.uk/pagepark or www. friendsofpagepark.co.uk

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February, 2016

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What they said . . .

fishpondsvoice

STAPLE Hill councillor Shirley Potts set up the Friends of Page Park in 1999 to develop and protect the green lung of the area. Her fellow councillor Ian Boulton and Downend councillor Janet Biggin are also members of the Friends. We caught up with them to ask what the lottery windfall will mean for the area. “Congratulations must go to the members on the Friends of Page Park for their perseverance and hard work which has led to the award of this Heritage Lottery grant. “Over the years the improvement in facilities and the successful events that have been organised have ensured that the park has become a valued community space which benefits all sections of the community. This grant will mean that there will be further developments which will aim to improve the health and well-being of residents.” Cllr Shirley Potts

“Since The Friends of Page Park was formed by Shirley it has gone from strength to strength. Winning the Heritage Lottery Fund grant to restore our beautiful park to its former glory is fantastic news for the people of Staple Hill and our surrounding neighbourhoods and will ensure a vibrant future for Page Park for generations to come.” Cllr Ian Boulton

“Following on from the exciting news that Page Park has been granted money from the Heritage Lottery Funding, we are now looking forward to bringing the park into the 21st century in using this money to enhance the park for our community. “When the land was given to the people of Staple Hill in 1910, little did we realise how much it would become loved by each and everyone here in the area over 100 years later.” Cllr Janet Biggin

‘It’s got a lot of history - local people love it’ by Steph Purser, vice chair of Friends of Page Park “PAGE Park a beautiful park with a lovely atmosphere. It’s got a lot of history and local people love it. Many have some wonderful stories about it including about meeting their future husbands and wives underneath the clock tower. The park has played a very important part in the history of Staple Hill. “When Alderman Arthur William Page gave us the park in 1910, his aim was to get people to come together, to get people out of their houses and into the fresh air, particularly those who lived in small houses and worked down coal

mines and in the shoe and clothing factories that were in Staple Hill. He wanted them to forget their problems and worries and to come out and meet friends and family and enjoy the fresh air. The park is as important now, if not more important, than it was then. People have the same problems today and the park provides somewhere where children can play, somewhere people can have picnics, meet other people and enjoy the open air. This is what the lottery funding is all about - bringing the community together.”

How you can have your say on the park’s future

WOULD you like to help shape Page Park’s future? If so you may like to consider joining the Friends of Page Park or becoming a member of Page Park Community Trust. The charitable trust will be made up of local residents and park users who will have a say in how the cafe and community room is managed and used. The Friends are also looking for someone to lease and run the cafe. “That person has to be community minded,” said Steph Purser. “They must have the same ideas as the Friends. Obviously they have got to make a profit but it has to be run with a community ethos. “We are now looking for expressions of interest from anyone looking to take it on as a business.” The Friends would also love to add to their membership. There are currently more than 100 members, although some are not active. People are needed to help with gardening and tidying the park. “We need some new members to help us through this. It’s a big opportunity for the local community and we could really do with some more helpers - the more the merrier! We welcome everyone to come along to our meetings.” Anyone interested in any of the above roles can contact the Friends via their website www. friendsofpagepark.co.uk. Details of meetings can be found on the website. The Friends are still raising money towards the park fund. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by contacting the Friends’ treasurer (details on website). Don’t forget to include name and address details so the Friends can claim Gift Aid. Money can also be taken to Brunt and Fussell estate agents, 22 Broad Street, Staple Hill.

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And the Oscar goes to . . . THE FRIENDS have paid tribute to South Gloucestershire Council’s community spaces team, saying without them the whopping lottery grant wouldn’t have been possible. “We would like to thank them for all their hard work in putting the application together,” said Steph Purser. “We have always had a lot of support from the council and they really have been fantastic. Without them none of this would be possible.”

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February, 2016

Charity pulls no punches when it comes to helping young people get their lives back A BOXING charity based in Easton has been awarded £285,000 to continue its groundbreaking work keeping youngsters on the straight and narrow. Empire Fighting Chance was successful in two funding applications and has been given £210,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and £75,000 from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. The innovative charity uses non-contact boxing to engage young people and to encourage them to see a brighter future. It has led to many youngsters turning their lives around. The awards are the culmination of an extraordinary 12 months for the organisation, kick-started by the charity’s transfer from St Paul’s to a new permanent home at the old Mill Youth Centre site in Easton. The money will help the charity to continue its vital work improving the health and well-being of some of the most vulnerable in society. Charity co-founder Martin Bisp, from Downend, said: “This amount of funding from the Big Lottery and

Esmee Fairbairn Foundation really helps to safeguard the immediate future of the charity.

“But safeguarding the future sounds so bland – what it really means is that we can continue to

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February, 2016

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anti-social behaviour, self-harm and attempted suicides. “It means we can help people get their lives back.” Fellow charity co-founder Jamie Sanigar said: “The work we do here has already had some remarkably positive impacts. The funding from the Big Lottery and Esmee Fairbairn is fantastic recognition for the broad range of work that we do. “Empire Fighting Chance is concerned about the whole person – whether that is mental, social or personal well-being, we help individuals get back on track – whatever or however their individual challenges present themselves. “There are so many examples that describe the work we do, but one that particularly stands out for me is a teenage girl that first came to see us a couple of years ago. When she first came she was scared to leave the house and had to attend initial group sessions with a learning mentor from school. She was extensively self-harming, suffered from severe anxiety, and reported she had no friends, very poor self-esteem and self-confidence. She worked with us intensively over a two-year period and has now stopped selfharming and reduced her anxiety levels to the point where she can self-manage. She has passed her

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GCSEs and gained a Peer Mentoring Qualification, joined college and has a large friendship group. During the summer, she comes back to us to help deliver sessions to other young people.” Bristol Mayor George Ferguson, who helped complete the community asset transfer of the old Mill Youth Centre site, enabling Empire Fighting Chance to have a permanent home, said: “I have huge respect for the great work that Empire Fighting Chance do in the community, helping young people into worthwhile lives, and am delighted that they have received this funding to enable them to punch yet further above their weight!” Bristol North West MP Charlotte Leslie, a trustee of Empire Fighting Chance, recently hit the headlines after saying boxing is helping prevent extremism in prison. She has called for more pilot schemes involving non-contact boxing. However, Home Affairs Select Commitee chairman, Keith Vaz, said he was “not convinced” that “teaching potential jihadists boxing or table tennis will actually form an essential part of a de-radicalisation programme”. He did not though rule out more pilot schemes.

Window Wanderland is set to be a glass act

PEOPLE in Fishponds are being urged to go out and enjoy the area’s first Window Wanderland event on Saturday February 6. The free evening walking trail follows a similar activity that has proved hugely popular in Bishopston in the last couple of years. Householders and businesses decorate their windows with colourful illuminated displays and participants are given a map so they can go round and look at them all. The idea is to brighten up the dark winter months and encourage people to meet their neighbours. A craft session was held at Fishponds Library on January 30 so children could create mini window displays. A glass painting session will take place in the Lady Chapel at All Saints Church from 10am to noon on February 6 as part of the event.

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If you live in a house which suffers from damp, leaky roof or crumbling chimney stacks, before you speak to anyone else, come to the experts: Coping Covers for all your roofing needs MY name is Steven Rimell. I have lived and worked in Bristol for the vast majority of my life and am the proud proprietor of Copingcovers.com ltd. We are a small local business based in Bristol but our business is expanding throughout the U.K. We have completed projects as far wide as London and Sutherland, Scotland. Copingcovers.com has received so many enquiries countrywide that we regularly supply our Do It Yourself ‘Kits’ to clients for easy self installation or for fitting by your local roofer/builder. The customer always comes first with Copingcovers.com. Once a project is completed, we don’t expect to return to it other than to start new work. Throughout our 25 years of experience within building, roofing and construction, we have never been called back due to poor workmanship and work very hard to keep it this way. We have spent a great deal of time over the years

discussing damp related issues with many of our clients. We therefore decided to investigate damp related problems more thoroughly and came up with the concept of Copingcovers. com. Most of our new clients have previously accepted different solutions to their damp issues. We are fully aware as to how most of these solutions continue to only mask the damp and not resolve it. We continue to feel saddened that they have not come to us first as our product is a guaranteed solution. My business is my passion. Thousands of houses throughout the country are built with Parapet Walls and all suffer with damp related issues due to the original poor design. If you own a Victorian house with Parapet Walls and suffer with damp, we guarantee that Coping Covers will stop water from entering your walls and will allow them to fully dry out,

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E BE H T

February, 2016

I HOPE 2016 has got off to a good start for you all. Things continue to be busy for us on the team here. We recently discovered a cannabis factory on the Fishponds Trading Estate containing over 50 plants. This was thanks to a call we received from the public reporting suspicious activity at the property. Cannabis factories can range from very small (i.e. part of a room or a loft) to very big (i.e an industrial unit or a complete house). The people growing it can be doing so for personal use, or they can be linked to organised crime gangs who supply on a commercial basis and don’t care who they exploit in the process. However, every one of these cultivation sites can be dangerous, due to the way electricity is abstracted, linked to dodgy wiring often in damp or wet

Est 1984

fishpondsvoice

Further changes to bus services

Cannabis factories on our doorstep surroundings. Help us to stop these cannabis growers.You may have spotted unusual activity on your street, or you may be a landlord who suspects something isn’t quite right at a property you let. Signs to look out for are: • A strong vegetable smell • Windows covered from the inside with plastic or polythene • Condensation on windows • Curtains always drawn • House appearing unoccupied, or tenants who do not engage with their neighbours. If you suspect there’s a cannabis factory near you, or you’re concerned about other drugs issues in your neighbourhood, call our non-emergency number 101, or email us through the ‘Your Area’ pages of our website www.

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avonandsomerset.police.uk If you wish to provide information anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask for your name or trace your call. I‘d also like to take this opportunity to remind drivers that it is illegal to park on the zig zag lines outside schools. This is particular problem at school drop off and pick up times. As well as being illegal, it is also dangerous for children, so please don’t do it. Please do come along to our next partnership forum and tell us what matter to you. The dates and times can be found on the ‘Your Area’ page of our website. Until next time. Sergeant Anthony Westwell

FURTHER changes are expected to bus services in Fishponds this spring. Operator First has been consulting passengers about the number 5 route and intends to alter the timetable in the hope of making the service more reliable. The company changed the number 5 bus last April, deciding that the route should terminate at Oldbury Court instead of Downend in an effort to improve punctuality. But last month it announced: “In the past few months it has become obvious that the 5 isn’t running as it should and needs to be improved.” It held an online consultation, saying: “We recognise that bus services are often lifelines for communities, therefore we want to know what we can do to better serve the communities along our Service 5.” Two public sessions took place, in St Werburgh’s and at Fishponds Library, and First general manager for Bristol Jenny MacLeod said the resulting changes to the service from the city centre to Oldbury Court through St Werburgh’s, Eastgate and Fishponds would come into effect on April 24 this year.

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February, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

how long it takes for the council to fill in potholes. For some motorists and cyclists, potholes are a minor nuisance. For others though, they can mean injury or a hefty repair bill for their cars or bikes. Nationally, Britain’s roads are getting worse, with an additional 2,262 miles of highway needing maintenance work since 2010. This has not gone unnoticed by the general public. The RAC has found that two-thirds of people feel that the condition of our roads has declined in recent years. In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced a £250 million ‘permanent pothole fund’ over the next five years to support the efforts of councils to improve local roads. While this is to be welcomed, I doubt it’s really enough to tackle the scale of the problem. In the last year alone, £136 million was spent by councils on filling in an estimated 2.5 million potholes. Using this figure, the Government’s pothole fund would run out within two years; it certainly wouldn’t last until 2020. The shortfall in George Osborne’s pothole fund reflects

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

ONSTITUENTS often come to me with complaints about the state of our roads, and

his overall record on local roads maintenance, with real term cuts of 11% between 2010 and 2015. As a result, the Department of Transport has earmarked only half of the £12 billion needed to restore all local roads in the country to a reasonable condition in the next five years. Local councils are not even guaranteed money from the pothole fund. They will have to spend time and resources bidding for any funding. Obviously I hope Bristol City Council does bid for, and get, its fair share of funding. Our council should also work to ensure that road maintenance funding is spread evenly throughout the city, and that dangerous potholes are dealt with promptly, before any accidents occur. This is clearly something which local residents of Fishponds feel is not happening at present. As so often with these things, as an American colleague many years ago used to say to me, ‘It’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease’. So if you are concerned about the state of the roads in Fishponds, do speak up and let the council know.”

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A NEW online access guide to Bristol has been launched. The Bristol Access Guide - a partnership between Disabled Go, Bristol City Council and Destination Bristol - is aimed at residents and visitors, maximising independence and choice for disabled people in Bristol. The free guide provides access information for 1,000 venues including shops, restaurants, leisure centres, hotels, libraries, parks and cinemas. All have been visited and assessed by a DisabledGo surveyor, who has looked at accessibility features from parking to toilets. The guide includes information relevant for anyone with an access need, including people with mobility impairments, sensory impairments, learning difficulties and people on the autistic spectrum. It does not label venues as “good” or “bad”, or “accessible” or “inaccessible”; it provides information to let the user decide whether the venue is suitable for their own individual access needs. The guide is at http://www. disabledgo.com/organisations/ bristol-city-council/main and it will also be featured on www. visitbristol.co.uk.

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AT’S

All month n The Kingfisher Cafe is hosting The Mandala Art Project exhibition. This has been set up by Alyson Hurst who is raising money to support a women’s centre in Lonavala, India. For more information contact Alyson at hivesandherbals@gmail.com February 5 n Tea Dance, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, 1.45-3.45pm. Pay at door. February 5 n St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group, 11am-12noon. February 6 n Craft Fayre and Children’s Workshop. 10am-1pm. All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Fishponds BS16 2DH. Refreshments, cakes and second hand books. Entrance is free. February 6 n Bethesda I.M. Church, Soundwell Road, Staple Hill, coffee and cake sale, 10-11.30am. Large selection of homemade cakes available. February 6 n Bristol Repair Cafe, 10.30am, All Saints Church, Fishponds. February 6 n Spring coffee morning, Frenchay Parish Church, 10am-noon. In aid of Leprosy Mission. February 6 n Staple Hill Methodist Church. World Church Event. Gifts, books, cakes, Traidcraft, refreshments and lunches. 10am-1pm. All welcome. February 7 n Annual Pantomime Service: The Great British Bake Off Take Off, Christ Church 10.30am February 9 n Christ Church Fellowship: Arnos Vale Forever by Dave Napier 7.45pm Parish Hall, North Street. February 9 n Speaker morning and coffee, Mike Britton, Let’s Send a Postcard, Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, 10-10.30am. Pay at door. February 10 n Ash Wednesday Service 7.30pm Christ Church. A reflective service to mark the start of Lent. February 11 n Stories, songs and rhyme time at Hillfields Library, 1.30-3.30pm. Join in, listen, and make animal masks and bookmarks. Free. February 11 n Downend Horticultural Society meets at the Assembly Hall, Salisbury Road. Talk by Don Everitt on The Fragrant Garden. 7.30pm. Open to new and non members. For information, call Roger Davis

0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton 0117 9792832. February 12 n Activate Fishponds Drop-in lunch time concertat Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, Fishponds, from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. featuring “The Willbies” - an hour of Harmony, Fun and Nonsense. Tea and coffee available, Entrance free. Retiring collection. February 13 n Public meeting about Fishponds Park redevelopment, Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, 10am-noon February 16 n Bereavement Support Group A new group is forming to support anyone who has lost a loved one, the first meeting will be 2.30pm in the welcome space at Christ Church Downend. February 16 n Downend Local History Society at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2RW, 7.30-9.30pm. Talk by Pat Hase: My Family and Jack the Ripper. The club meets on the third Tuesday of every month. Visitors welcome at a cost of £3. For information call Lesley Ashley on 0117 9563140. February 17 n Hillfields Neighbourhood Forum, Hillfields Library, 7-9pm February 19 n St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group, 11am-12noon. February 20 n Have a free ice cream with Fishponds Planning Group at Scoops, 633 Fishponds Road, noon5pm February 24 n Messy Church at Christ Church Parish Hall, 4.30-6.30pm. Families gather together for fun, crafts, worship and a hot meal. More info from children@ christchurchdownend.com February 24 n Local artist Chris Stinchcombe will be giving a pastel demonstration from 10am to noon. Cost £4 for members, £5 non-members. Please phone Bobby Oliver on 0117 9575070 for more information. February 24 n Eastville Neighbourhood Forum, Gadshill Scout Hut, 7-9pm February 25 n Frome Vale Neighbourhood Forum, Fishponds Baptist Church, 7-9pm February 26 n Pamper Night, Parish Hall, 57 North Street Downend BS165SG, 7-10pm. Tickets £2 in advance/ on the door, includes refreshments. Treatments include hair, nails, massage, eyebrows. Treatments to book on the night. To book or find out more email Anita at women@ christchurchdownend.com or call 07753 233950. We would also love to hear from therapists interested in having a table for £10. March 2 n Mothers’ Union, Lenten Hunger

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

February, 2016

Lunch. Christ Church Parish Hall, North Street. 12.15pm. Tickets available from Rosemary Lancaster and Beryl Evans. Speaker: Ian Freestone: Out of Africa. March 4 n St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group, 11am-12noon. March 5 n Kingswood Y’s Men’s Club, Table Top Sale, Staple Hill Methodist Church Hall, 10am-1pm The charge to book a table is £6. Contact Sam Mundy, 0117 9570173. Please arrive at 9.30am to set up your table. March 16 n Downend Flower Club, Lincome Barn, Overndale Road, 7.30pm. Demonstration by Jayne Morriss, entitled Time for Hobbies.Visitors welcome. £6. Pay at door. March 18 n St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group, 11am-12noon.

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 n 9.30-10.30am Zumba keep fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. For details call 0734 1813559. n 11am-12.30pm U3A social history members only. Seconds Monday member’s only , Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 2-5pm Ballroom tuition with Teresa 0117 965 0203, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 6.30-9pm Slimming World, Ami 0746 2727229, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n Social badminton at Kingswood Leisure Centre from 2-4 pm, intermediate level. All welcome.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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 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

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

February, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Lane, on alternate Tuesdays, commencing September 8th. New members welcome. n 2-4pm Towns Women’s Guild, 1st Tuesday in month, 0117 965 6660, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds n 9.30am12noon Slimming world Ami 0746 2727229, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds n 6.15-8.15pm Diabetes UK meeting in small room, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds n 7-8pm Zumba, Anna 0779 9180437, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds 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 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

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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. For details call Lizzy on 965 0856. n 9-11am, Dance Tots, Eric 0791 4006589, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds n 2-4pm, Hannah More senior citizen “Fun and Entertainment”, fortnightly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 2-3.30pm, Reading Group, monthly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds n 5.45-6.45pm Yoga Nikki 0752 5735500, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds n 7-8pm keep fit class. Beryl 0117 977 4534, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 8-10pm Cycle CCTV. Winter months only, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n Flower Arranging practice classes every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, September – May, at Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, starting at 7.30 p.m. All levels welcome. Contact: Isabel Cooke on 9568504 n Women’s Reading Group meets Beechwood Club, third Wednesday of every month, 2-3.30pm. New members welcome. Contact Margaret for details 0117 902 8007. n Phoenix Art Club, 10 - 12 in the Methodist Church Hall in Guinea Lane, Fishponds. Membership is £40 per year (reduced rates for starting part way through the year). Please phone Bobby Oliver on 0117 9575070 for more information. 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

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5pm Spencer@ sporting-change.biz 07825155954 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 Fun Fitness Thursdays 2-3pm. Variety dance and fitness class including Zumba Gold, Line dance, Salsa etc! Suitable over 50’s or those looking for fun & easy class. £4 or £20 for 6. ffi Tel Cressida 0117 9391672 or 07808581739 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. n 11am-1pm, Baby Bebop Mums, babies up to one year, Ruth 0796 6032414, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 2-3pm, Cressida dance keep fit and Zumba gold, 0780 8581739, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 7.30-9.30pm, sequence dance class, John 01454 261498, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. 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 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

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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 5th Feb, 19th Feb, 4th Mar, 18th Mar.. For 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 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 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

Continued on next page

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AT’S

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

TER T E

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 n 9.30am-1pm Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 1-3pm R.F.I.Church Group, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. n 4-6pm Sisters fellowship international, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds. For details call Stella on 0117 958 6168. 3.30-5.30pm or 7-9pm ARC, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds.

February, 2016

T: 0779 9461169

Muddying the issue for Metrobus IN 2015 I went on record as applauding the unlawful actions of protestors who occupied trees on the Metrobus site in Stapleton, at the junction of Stoke Lane and Frenchay Park Road. That battle is now lost. The heavy mob in high visibility jackets (police and other security) dragged the protestors away, the contractors moved in, and acres of grassland and woodland have been ripped up to make way for acres of Metrobus concrete and tarmac. In December I wrote to Frome Vale ward Councillor, Mrs Lesley Alexander, to say that Stoke Lane and Frenchay Park Road were covered in mud. It was time for Graham Construction, a major contractor on the Metrobus project,

to be told to get out the hosepipes and wash their truck wheels before getting onto the highway. The mud was making the roads greasy and dangerous. Graham Construction responded that they had recognised the problem (after I raised it) and were suspending work until better weather in the New Year. They also advised that they were against the use of wheel washes because of ‘…environmental…issues.’ It seemed rather rich to me that having accepted millions of pounds of tax-payer money to destroy a long standing major ‘green lung’ area, these contractors should now turn ‘Bunny Huggers’ over the environmental impact of a hose pipe. Another ‘green lung’ has also disappeared a short distance up from Stoke Lane, next to Filton Cemetery near the University of the West of England. Taylor Wimpey are plonking hundreds of houses down on historic pastureland and giving the site the cheesy name of ‘Scholar’s Chase’. Well, the New Year has arrived, along with more rain, and once again we have wide ribbons of greasy mud on the roads with the Metrobus construction site as the culprit. Clearly the contractors have contempt for residents of the area and for other road users. Will they cite environmental concerns

Staple Hill Royal British Legion KENDALL ROAD, STAPLE HILL, BRISTOL BS16 4NB all events listed are open to all to come and join in

FORTHCOMING EVENTS Dusty SpringfieldFriday tribute night with Frankie Vallie February 5th 8.00pm to 12.00pm Doors open 7.30pm

Bar and Refreshments Tickets £10 from the Legion or Sheen Studio’s on the High St

Jays Social Dance

Saturday 6th February 7.30pm pay at the door

Sunday’s is always Toms Social Night

(every Sunday) Good music.You are welcome to do a turn. 7.00pm pay at the door.

Bridge Community Church meets every Sunday at 10:30am at Downend school for vibrant modern worship and relevant talks on life and faith. We also provide a crèche for tots, and fun activities for older kids. Find us at : Downend School, Westerleigh Road , Downend, Bristol BS16 6XA

Short Mat Bowls

every Tuesday afternoon 2.00pm to 4.00p. £2.50

Come down the side of the building. Beginers ands seasoned players welcome.

Family Fun Night Friday February 12th

All ages welcome. Disco and games Super heroes this months theme. Pay on the door. Adults £2.50 children £3.50 (under 3 free) Tickets at Legion, Sheens or on the door. (March date is11th)

Tribute Night Robbie Williams with Full supporting cast Tickets available now. £10 March 12th 8.00pm

See our website for more details: www.staplehillbritishlegion.co.uk Staple Hill Legion open for tickets Monday & Friday 10.00am to 12.30pm or tel 0117 9560805 07519717372 or visit Sheen Studios, High St Staple Hill (Shop hours)

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February, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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as their defense in the event of road or pedestrian accidents caused by greasy mud on the roads? Yours faithfully Stephen Buston Stapleton

What a load of rubbish WALKING around the Greater Fishponds area these days is a major health hazard. If someone’s waste isn’t blown into your face, you run the risk of slipping on a soggy old cereal packet as it decays on the pavement, or walking into someone’s discarded fridge-freezer. Embarrassingly our rubbish gives our neighbours an intimate insight into our lives. Residents in Frome Vale are all concerned about this issue and about those people who are frequent offenders. I have been raising this issue with Bristol City Council, who have removed a number of TVs and fridges from the area. Myself, Councillor Bill Payne and community activists from the Labour party are organising community events to see longer term change. You can have bulky household items collected from your home, saving you the trouble of carrying

THE

acorn

your old fridge to the end of the street and dumping it there. There is a charge for this, one to three items will cost £15. This is free for people receiving certain benefits. Nicola Bowden-Jones

Consult a professional I THINK Chris Gosling’s articles are a valuable contribution to Fishponds Voice and hope his common sense

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approach to planning will continue to be available to readers. To add to his sensible advice about considering the positioning of staircases and choice of windows or rooflights in loft conversions, might I remind readers to consider the floor. If the extra space provided by a loft conversion is to be used as bedrooms for example, the existing ceiling joists will be unlikely to be of a suitable depth to become floor joists. Typically ceiling joists will be no more than half the depth of floor joists spanning the same distance. I’m no structural engineer, but I’d guess that means they can only support about half the weight. If then considering notching the joists to take pipework for an en-suite bathroom then watch out below! Putting a room (or rooms) in the loft for a residential use is a structural alteration that will require Building Regulations approval for much more than just the staircase. You might be able to side-step Planning requirements with Permitted Development, but if you side-step Building Regulations then at best you will reduce the value of your house and at worst will have created an unusable dangerous structure. Whether going DIY, or employing a builder, get professional advice first. Tony Weeks (retired architect)

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The Acorn Café at Westerleigh Hill Road, Westerleigh, Bristol BS37 8QZ - Telephone 0117 9109464 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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T: 0779 9461169

February, 2016

Paula is honoured with Points of Light Award DOWNEND mum Paula Banks has got off to a glittering start in her fundraising drive ahead of her 50th birthday – by winning praise from the Prime Minister. David Cameron has honoured Paula with a UK Points of Light Award for her efforts in support of Bristol Children’s Hospital, which have so far brought in more than £130,000. Paula started Jack’s Star Tribute Fund after the death of her son at the hospital in 2008, when he was nine years old. Jack had been treated for leukaemia there for more than four years. Paula, her husband Rob, son Joe and their family and friends wanted to help other patients and families. A year ago, they reached their £100,000 fundraising target for the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal, funding a playroom and conservatory at the new Children’s Cancer Unit, a special place where children can spend time away from their hospital beds. During 2015 they raised £10,000 towards the refurbishment of the kitchen, providing a better level of catering for the patients, and Paula’s next project is to help pay for the refurbishment of the 10 isolation rooms where bone marrow

transplant patients spend many months recovering. Paula’s latest initiative is a 50:50:50 challenge; 50 people each pledging £50 by her 50th birthday on October 5. She has set her sights on the Bath Half Marathon next month – the first time she has run that distance for some years. Jack’s Fund’s annual fancy dress event at the Pomphrey Hill pavilion in Mangotsfield is booked for Friday October 28. Last year’s event raised more than £1,000 which went towards restocking ‘Captain Jack’s Treasure Chests’, three ‘piratey’ toy boxes from which children can choose a special treat when facing scary and unpleasant medical procedures. Paula’s colleagues at Osborne Clarke in Bristol have also played their part in the fundraising efforts and have various events planned for 2016. Paula said she wanted to thank all those who have supported the fund over the years. “ I truly never thought when I set up Jack’s Fund with a target of £5k that it would still be going and it’s all down to the amazing support we’ve received,” she said, She was thrilled to receive the

letter from Number 10 at the end of December “It is an absolute honour to receive this in my son’s memory and I am so grateful to all those who have supported Jack’s Fund. This award recognises all their hard work.” Mr Cameron said: “With Jack’s Star Tribute Fund Paula has raised

a fantastic amount of money and created a wonderful legacy in memory of her son, Jack. The toys and facilities she has provided for Bristol Children’s Hospital provide invaluable moments of joy in the lives of sick children. For these children and their families, Paula truly is a Point of Light.”

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February, 2016

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Young scientists shine as week of activities goes with a bang

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learning opportunities in chemistry. investigations. By working with interesting and hopefully inspired Sarah Cox, science subject ChemLabs and bringing science some students to become a next leader, said: “The students really to life in the classrooms Right at Home is one of back the most Right atUK’s Home is one of the UK’s mostgeneration scientist!” enjoyed their week of science we have made science fun and trusted care companies. trusted Our carelocal companies. Our local team of friendly, reliable CareGiver’s team of friendly, reliable Right at Home is one of the UK’s most Right at Home is one of theCareGiver’s UK’s most specialiseOur in assisting people who may specialise in assisting peopleOur who local may trusted care companies. local trusted care companies. Right at Home is one of the UK’s most need a helping handteam withaofday-to-day need helping hand with CareGiver’s day-to-day team at of friendly, reliable CareGiver’s Right Home is one of the UK’s most Quality care and trusted care companies. friendly, reliable Our local tasks in their own home. tasks in their own home. specialise in assisting people who may team of friendly, trusted reliable CareGiver’s care companies. Our local specialise in assisting people who may Companionship specialise in assisting people who may need a helping hand with day-to-day team of friendly, reliable CareGiver’s need a helping hand with day-to-day need a helping hand with day-to-day Our services include: Our services include: in the comfort of tasks in their own specialise home. tasks in their own home. in assisting people who dementia may taskscare in their own home. care Specialist Specialist dementia Our services include: your own home need a helping hand with day-to-day Companionship Companionship Ourcare services include: Specialist dementia Our services include: tasks in their own home.Transportation and errands Companionship Transportation and errands Specialist dementia care Specialist dementia care Transportation and errands Help with washing, dressing Help with washing, Companionship Ourdressing services include:Help with washing, dressing Companionship and personal care personal care Transportation and personal care Transportation andand errands and errands Light Housekeeping Specialist dementia care Housekeeping Help Meal preparation Companionship Light with Housekeeping Help with washing,Light dressing washing, dressing Medication reminders preparation and Mealpersonal preparation and personal care Transportation andMeal errands care Post-operative support Holiday and respite cover Medication reminders Light with Housekeeping Help washing,Medication dressing reminders Light Housekeeping and much more... Post-operative support Mealpersonal preparation and care Post-operative support Meal preparation To find out how we can help care for you or your family, call Holiday and respite cover Holiday andreminders respite cover Medication reminders Light Housekeeping Medication and much more... Post-operative Post-operative support 01793 602502 and much more... Meal preparation support Or visit www.rightathomeuk.com/swindon Holiday andreminders respite cover Medication Holiday and respite cover Young Mothers Group friendly and Registered with the Care Quality Commission. Each Right at Home office is independently ownedTo and operated find out how we Hillfields can help care for you orhelp yourcare family, To find out how we can for call youisorayour family, call Right one is ofone theof UK’s most Right atRight Home is one of the UK’s and much more... Post-operative support and much space more...for pregnant young women and at Home themost UK’s most supportive trusted care companies. Our Our local trustedtrusted care companies. Holiday and respite cover care companies. local Our local

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A specialist technology and engineering academy for 14 to 19-year-olds in Bristol and the surrounding area

Create your future Open evenings, 6.30-8.30pm Thursdays, Nov 19th (current Year 11 students) Jan 14th (current Year 9 & 11 students) • 6.30-8.30pm on Wednesdays, Wednesday, 17th February Year 9 students) Feb 17th (current (current Year 9 & 911 students) Mar 9th (current Year students)

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0117 9

February, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Eye Blog . . .

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Quarry House opens

with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians

To see your love clearly, get cooking!

S Plato once said “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”. Very true – and so it’s definitely worthwhile keeping those eyes healthy! As Valentine’s Day approaches I’ve got some great tips for maintaining your eye health, as well as a recipe that contains lots of antioxidants and nutrients that help your eyes stay healthy. Don’t worry; I’m not going to tell you to add carrots to every meal.You can enjoy a range of foods that are good for your eyes if they’re rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in vegetables like dark leafy greens (think spinach and kale), Brussels sprouts and corn. In one large-scale study, researchers discovered that women whose diets contained the highest amounts of these eye-healthy nutrients were 32 percent less likely to develop cataracts than those who ate the lowest. Eating a nutrient-rich diet may help to shield your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Foods rich in antioxidants—specifically vitamins C (found in citrus fruits) and E (in nuts and avocados)—lutein and zeaxanthin (in egg yolks and dark leafy greens like spinach) and omega-3s (in fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and tuna) all help to protect our eyes against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over age 60. Many of these recipes include two, if not three or more ingredients that support the defense of your vision. Broccoli Rabe with Garlic & Anchovies - Pungent broccoli rabe (or broccoli rape, broccoli raab or rapini) is tossed with a rich mixture of garlic, olive oil and

anchovies in this easy side dish. Cheese-&-Spinach-Stuffed Portobello’s - Here we take the elements of a vegetarian lasagna filling—ricotta, spinach and Parmesan cheese—and nestle them into roasted Portobello mushroom caps. The recipe works best with very large Portobello caps; if you can only find smaller ones, buy one or two extra and divide the filling among all the caps. Serve with a tossed salad and a whole-wheat dinner roll or spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce. Easy Salmon Cakes - If you are trying to boost your intake of omega-3s, try this simple favorite. It is a great way to use convenient canned (or leftover) salmon. The tangy dill sauce provides a tart balance. I’m no chef, and sometimes we’re just too busy to cook from scratch – but the good news is there are also some simple other ways to protect your eyes. If you don’t want the hassle of cooking, try an eye supplement like iCaps – they contain all the antioxidants needed to keep the back of the eye (the retina) healthy, including lutein and zeaxanthin. If you wear glasses, consider a blue light protection coating. This not only protects your eyes against UV rays outside but also harmful blue light emitted from LED lights and computer screens that can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. If you need any further advice or would like an eye test please doesn’t hesitate to call us! BOOK TODAY on 0117 9651861.

Aubery Sibiya, Clare Campion-Smith and Geoff Crocker THE Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Clare Campion-Smith has officially opened Quarry House, a 65-room care home in Adelaide Place, Fishponds. Quarry House is the fourth care home to be built and operated by Bristol Care Homes. Geoff Crocker, executive chairman of the group, thanked Quattro Design Architects, the main contractor D R Jones, and the wide range of sub-contractors involved in the two-year construction project. To find out more, contact commissioning manager Aubrey Sibiya at aubrey.sibiya@bristolcarehomes.co.uk

Capital Air Travel 0117 965 7138 0751 28 28 248 www.capitalairtravel.com 675 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3BG Tickets to Amsterdam from £27 Flight Coaches to London from £1 Worldwsi to Weekends Rome/Vatican City from £199 Destinat de ions We are a National Express agent Holy Trails-Umrah/Hajj/Vatican/Amritsar (Sikhs) The only MegaBus agent in Bristol

Epiphany in Care Limited “CARING ABOUT YOU WHILST CARING FOR YOU” We are experienced in providing flexible, practical and personalized services to younger adults and older people who require a domiciliary care or supported living service within their own home. We provide care and support up to 24hrs a day, Personal Care and Guidance, continence Care, recreational Service, companionship, meal preparation, assistance with shopping and attending health care appointments.

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

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Want to know more? For a free no obligation consultation, contact us on 07979877742 or visit us at The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, BS16 2QQ. You can also inquiry by email: info@epiphanycare.co.uk

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OUG

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T: 0779 9461169

T H

E MO

With

Tony Davies

Waterbrook Church

February, 2016

Love can move mountains 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the best known passages in the bible. It is one of the best known passages in all of literature. It is very poetic, whilst making a point that we can all relate to. It shows the emptiness of the greatest human feats without love and shows the reality of an everyday kind of love. “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV 2011 The point being made here is to question why we prize certain things so highly when the greatest lasting quality is love. Love is the quality that everything will be measured against. ‘Love’ is a word hard to define. We all think we know it when we see it, but what is it? It is easier to say what love does do and what it does not do than what it is. This is what the passage goes on to say: “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. 8 Love never fails...” Having talked of the emptiness of beautiful speech, philosophy and powerful acts of faith without love, the passage then describes love in the everyday terms of relationships. Love is patient and is kind. These are

Care home nursing

comparatively small endeavours compared to the moving of mountains, but nevertheless are important to God because we are expressing Him to one another in this and by doing so, become his message, or at least a part of it. It is as though God is saying through the passage: get the everyday things right first, because without realising it, everyday acts of love can indeed move mountains for people. They can speak more loudly than the greatest of speeches. Happily, there is emotion in love. There is compassion, there is tenderness, but primarily love is not defined as an emotion and no emotions are described in this passage which shows love as being represented by actions. The descriptions in this passage are what give ‘love’ shape and substance. This is how we know it. It is a commitment, an initiative taken, without expecting a return. Though it was no small act, we also know the love of God by what he did: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9 Tony Davies Tony leads Waterbook Church which meets every Sunday at 10.30am in Begbrook School.You will be welcome-see their website www.waterbrook.org.uk

Do you run out of cash too quickly?

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Bills mounting up?

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. 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.

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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

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

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Are you struggling to deal with the money you owe?

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or email moneyadvice@ stpaulsadvice.org.uk

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February, 2016

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Sowing the seeds of learning Chance to LEARNING doesn’t have to take place in the classroom. In fact lessons in the open air can be extremely valuable, connecting pupils with their environment and helping them understand our precious natural resources. And according to pupils at Glenfrome Primary School, it can be great fun too. The pupils recently planted seven new trees on their school site, in their existing orchard which boasts 11 fruit trees. New specimens of juniper, holly, hazel, elm, chestnut and whitebeam were all planted by children whose classes are named after these trees. Every class can now find their ‘class tree’ around the school. The elm tree is a new variety bred to combat the persistent Dutch Elm disease, and the ‘Bristol whitebeam’ is part of a city-wide experiment to see how this breed will grow outside of its current habitat in the Avon Gorge. Matthew Misiak, teaching assistant and Forest School leader, said: “This initiative is part of the school’s commitment to learning in the natural environment. Children recently planted a food forest

have your say at forums

From top left: James, Shaila, Daisy, Olly and Zsofia from Elm class, with their new sapling. at nearby Purdown, and all ages regularly visit public woods in Purdown for their Forest School

Elite HOME CARE Award Winning Care

programme, to light fires, craft wood and explore throughout the seasons.”

IT’S your chance to have your say about issues in your community this month at the latest round of neighbourhood forum meetings. These are a chance to “share and care”, neighbourhood officer Georgie Bryant said. Residents can share information and others can show that they care about the issues raised. Community groups can stage presentations and there’s always an update from the local policing team. If you’d like to know more, please call Georgie 01217 922 4307 or email her at georgie.bryant@ bristol.gov.uk The dates and venues are: February 17, Hillfields Neighbourhood Forum at Hillfields Library, 7-9pm February 24, Eastville Neighbourhood Forum at Gadshill Scoutt Hut, 7-9pm February 25, Frome Vale Neighbourhood Forum at Fishponds Baptist Church, 7-9pm.

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WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THE KIDS?

REFRESH join our FREE course and...

Courses for the young at heart

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Monday 8th February - Wednesday 10th February Refresh 2 Impress - a FREE course for the retired and over fifties specially designed for people who are young at heart and wanting to stay safe, well and in touch with the modern world. Sessions include: • FREE maths qualification to get on the brain train • FREE lunch and refreshments each day • *Taster Sessions may include: - Art – ‘Make and take’ art session - Active and wellbeing session - First aid at home - IT - Basic IT Jargon, Emails/Using the Internet to save time & money, Online shopping *Sessions depend on tutor availability

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February, 2016

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Planning matters Independent planning consultant Chris Gosling looks at the topical issue of flooding and says even in low risk urban areas everyone can do their bit to minimise the threat THIS month, while it may still be topical, but hopefully isn’t, I will have a brief look at flooding. It is unlikely that you missed the news about the floods in the North and Scotland in December and January. Some houses featured on the news were flooded more than once as floodwaters overtopped defences, some of which had been built since the previous floods, taking their heights from the previous record high water levels. The result of floods in many cases can be that it is difficult to insure the affected properties afterwards, so the uncertainty and misery can go on long after the waters have subsided and the clean up finished. Along with the topics of dredging rivers, flood defences and water retention in the countryside before the rainfall reaches those rivers, planning also inevitably came up. For the houses that have already been built on flood plains,

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the best option must be flood defence measures, but what about where future houses should be built, especially at a time when so many are needed?

Flood Zone Unless you are the proud owner/ occupier of a houseboat, you will live in a Flood Zone. That is not necessarily as serious as it sounds. Most of the country falls within in Flood Zone 1, where building is not seen as a problem.You may well want to check to see how the risk of flooding relates to your home and the simplest way to do that is through the Environment Agency website. A quick internet search under Environment Agency Flood Maps should yield the question ‘what’s in your backyard?’ as a prompt. Follow the link, enter your postcode in the box and in a second or two you will see the river courses and flood zones marked on a map of your neighbourhood. If you don’t want to do that, at least I can reassure you that the vast majority of the Fishponds area is thankfully in Flood Zone 1, as you would expect, being decidedly uphill from the river Frome.

River Frome If you live close to the Frome or the brook that feeds into it, rising from just West of Fishponds Park, it’s a different story as there is a chance that you will be in Flood Zone 2 or even 3. In these areas, any proposed new buildings that require planning permission or a change of use to a more vulnerable use would be subject to the sequential test. To apply this test the Local Planning Authority only has to find one viable building site within its district that could take the proposed development that is within Flood Zone 1 and that would rule out that development in the higher ranked

flood zone. Flood Zone 3 goes further still. It requires the applicant to meet the exception test, which is even more stringent. Through this mechanism it is possible for the planning system to steer residential development away from areas with higher flood risk to safer locations, ideally always in Flood Zone 1.

Flooding in urban areas Flood risk is not just something that some people are subject to by virtue of being close to a river or the sea. It is also a problem that other people’s behaviour can cause, either individually or collectively: Urban areas are densely packed with housing, shops, employment land etc. Green space is limited. Yet when the rain falls, it is only those green areas that have the capability of absorbing this rainfall. The rest has to be dealt with by the drainage system, which connects to expensive to operate water treatment plants. There is an obvious balance to be achieved between water that lands on porous surfaces and run-off from impervious surfaces. This balance can hinge on factors like the popularity of water butts. If what the rain falls onto is either green and capable of absorption or a roof or hard surface, then the more water that lands on roofs that can be contained on site, the better. This is the principle of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, often known as SUDS. The aim is to reduce flooding from run-off. The drains can’t be expected to deal with all of it and the more unpredictable the rainfall that comes, the more the risk of flash flooding increases.

Do your bit This is where there are opportunities to do your bit: look at your property, see what absorbs water and what doesn’t and think

Chris Gosling about what happens to the water that is not absorbed. If it lands on the roof, a water butt would not only be a good idea, but it could also get you a discount on your water bill, let alone save you going to the tap in dry periods. Diverting water on any new building, such as a shed, to a soakaway in the garden also helps. Perhaps the main factor in established residential areas that makes a difference is the use of the front garden. So many have been turned over to parking and this brings difficulties in managing rainfall that lands on these parking spaces. So much so that a few years ago the government decided to ensure that any area of residential hardstanding over five square metres in area would have to be either constructed of a permeable surface, or to direct run-off to a soakaway, in order to sidestep the need for planning permission. That is something to bear in mind when you think about whether it is really necessary to park your car off the street. ChrisGoslingplanning@gmail. com

If you have a news story - email us at news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

DANCE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Irish, Street & Hip Hop, Musical Theatre & Contemporary

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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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ESTSH IN N MO BFUTS HE

B OF

SINE U E MO

Jeff Mullane owner of Attic Alert

Tell us about your business Do you need more storage space? Is your spare room now the ‘box room’? Are your wardrobes overflowing? Is your garage fit to burst? We have the solution and its right above your head! Attic Alert offer practical and affordable loft storage under your own roof starting from only £299.00. Our remit is strong floors with safe easy access. We provide you with free, no obligation surveys and comprehensive, fixed price guaranteed quotations. The figure we quote will be the final figure you pay – no hidden charges, no ‘unforeseen extras’!!!

What service do you provide? Attic Alert offers specialist loft

fishpondsvoice

February, 2016

Jeff Mullane talks about his business Attic Alert storage and access solutions. We do loft boarding and shelving and a huge variety of loft ladders for all situations and budgets. We have a large range of loft hatches we can install, with retro fits being a speciality. Structural alterations are not a problem – even in lathe and plaster ceilings, and bespoke hatches can be supplied and fitted should you need one. We carry out repairs and servicing to older ladders and hatches wherever possible and advise on suitable replacements when not. For those customers with allergies and sensitivity to insulation we have fibre suppressing membranes we can install over any exposed insulation material. We also provide additional handrails, grab rails and balustrades as required.

What is the best part of running your business? Oh, without a doubt, it’s always the customers’ reaction when they go up the ladder for the first time and see all the new storage space. The typical response is ‘WOW!’ closely followed by a list of which rooms they’re going to clear out first.

What makes your business different from other companies? Well I suppose there’s two answers to that. First off, we’re specialists, this is all we do. Loft boarding, loft ladders, loft hatches, insulation – Nothing else.Secondly, we really do put the customer first. Right from conveniently timed free surveys, comprehensive written no-obligation quotes, zero deposit, respecting the fact that we’re working in your home and conducting ourselves in a tidy and considerate manner. We’ll even give you a bit of advice if you fancy undertaking the work yourselves.

What are your plans for the future? We’ll just stick to what we’re

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

good at. Specialising in loft access, boarding and hatches in the greater Bristol area with a focus on customer service. I’d just like to add one thing, whatever the age of your property – from Georgian to New Build - if you’re not entirely sure that it’s possible to fit a modern loft ladder, or you’ve had someone years ago tell you that “it can’t be done” – give us a call. Our surveys are 100% free and without obligation. Given our experience and expertise we’ve found that there’s always a solution!

Attic Alert Call: 0785 6065463

Visit our website: www.atticalertservices.co.uk or e-mail: atticalertservices@yahoo. co.uk

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

February, 2016

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Celebration time at Mama Bear’s TOTS at a Fishponds nursery have been celebrating after gaining a ‘Good’ rating from education watchdog Ofsted. Mama Bear’s day nursery and pre-school in Thicket Avenue impressed inspectors during a recent assessment. The nursery was praised for its warm and nurturing staff, the strong partnerships between the nursery and parents and the progress children make from their starting points. Ofsted inspector Dominique Allotey said: “Staff provide well-planned stimulating activities and experiences to capture children’s interests and motivate them. “All groups of children make good progress from their starting points and develop good skills for future learning. Children demonstrate good attitudes towards learning and are motivated learners. This helps prepare them for the next stage in learning and the eventual move to school.” The inspection included Dominique observing activities throughout all age groups and in the garden as well as reviewing a range of documents and policies, including children’s records and training records. The inspector also took account of the views of parents and carers spoken to on the day. The inspector said to improve further the nursery should improve the learning environment to ensure stimulating and varied activities and to challenge the most able children in small group learning.

Mama Bear’s Fishponds manager Emma Cumming said: “It is a fantastic achievement to gain a Good Ofsted rating and goes to show how our commitment to care pays off. “In the past year we have worked tirelessly to ensure the Fishponds nursery meets all of our standards of care and this Ofsted result is a testament to the wonderful provision we offer here. “It is a credit to our staff to achieve such positive comments from the inspector and I’m

extremely proud of them for continuing to provide great care and for always looking to improve on what we do. “As always high quality and affordable childcare and working in close partnership with families and the community is our main priority as well as getting children ready for their next big step into school life.” Mama Bear’s Day Nursery is a family-run business founded in 2002 and now has nurseries across Bristol, Somerset and Devon.

FABULOUS CANVAS PRINTS 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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BSc (Hons) Podiatry, M Ch S, HCPC Registered

Chiropodist / Podiatrist

Physiotherapy

Registered with the Health Professions Council 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

All aspects of foot care from a degree trained professional

0117 956 3978

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

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Home visits also available

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Could you face your offender? Imagine finding yourself a victim of crime. Could you face your offender? Increasing numbers of people are doing just that in a process known as restorative justice. Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens says it can play a huge role in putting the victim back in control and helping them come to terms with, and recover from, their experience HAVE you ever been a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour? It can be a distressing experience, with the victim left feeling frustrated and powerless. Finding your voice in these circumstances is at the heart of restorative justice (or RJ) - the process which helps victims meet their offenders with the aim of putting them back in control. Restorative justice plays a vital role in Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens’ vision of putting victims first. Ms Mountstevens, along with restorative justice development manager Helen Rosenthal, is working towards making RJ available to victims at every stage of the criminal justice system. She said: “Putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system has been a priority of mine since

day one and a vital approach to achieving this is restorative justice. “The process, which must be victim-led, has the power to put the

victim back in control by allowing them to address with the offender how amends are made. The impact of restorative justice on victims and

February, 2016

offenders can be both positive and powerful and that is why it has been so important to me to make this as widely available as possible to the local communities of Avon and Somerset.” Restorative justice can be used at any stage as a case goes through court as well as those dealt with outside court. If you’re interested in using restorative justice, ask the person looking at your case and they can discuss it with you. If it’s suitable they will refer it to a restorative justice coordinator. Helen Rosenthal, RJ development manager, said: “People do not choose to become victims; anyone can be a victim of crime at any time. In Avon and Somerset we have invested in structured RJ delivery to enable all victims of crime and antisocial behaviour to benefit from a simple and accessible RJ service. “This investment helps victims feel safe in engaging with an effectively and efficiently run RJ model whilst on their journey of recovery. With a team of RJ coordinators and delivery partners the developments in RJ address a large number of the issues that practitioners, local organisations,

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

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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February, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

and partner agencies have previously experienced as the use of RJ has increased. “We are proud that we have achieved a service that delivers positive outcomes for victims as well as organisations and the community as a whole.” In March 2012, the BBC visited Bristol Prison to record a Restorative Justice Conference as part of their Crime and Punishment series.You can view the RJ

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conference here: www.youtube. com/watch?v=m3FQ2oaBjLk To find out more about how restorative justice could help you, visit the Lighthouse website - www.lighthousevictimcare. org or you can email the RJ coordinators at restorativejustice@ avonandsomerset.police.uk Restorative justice coordinators can be found at Bridewell, Keynsham and Bridgwater.

Case study MARK Morgan is a parking attendant. A few months ago he found himself in a confrontational situation with a member of the public. Mark had been called to a private site to move on a resident who had overstayed the 20 minute drop off zone. That particular day Mark successfully moved on the offender. However, Mark was called back the next day to the same spot and the same offender, who refused to move. Mark had to issue a ticket. Mark said: “The man ripped the ticket off his windscreen and slammed it into my chest. I told him it was assault and I phoned the police. He scarpered. I felt I needed to make a point to this man, there are guys on my team who are smaller and older than me and you can’t behave like this.” Restorative Justice was offered to Mark by the police officer who took his statement. Mark said: “I wanted the opportunity to meet with this person, to explain it was someone else’s land. I explained it was like someone parking on your drive and refusing to move. I also explained that we don’t get commission for tickets we issue which is a popular misconception. “The restorative justice process helped both of us. Because we came to a resolution, when I visit that site I am no longer on edge or worried I may have a confrontation with this man. That stops me feeling defensive and helps the way I respond to other parking situations. I think the offender’s eyes were opened too, he realises there are consequences to his behaviour. “We are on friendly terms now, when we see each other we nod and say hello. That’s got to be better than tension in the air.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY STAR WARS FOR SALE?

attictreasuresltd@gmail.com.

Attic Treasures Ltd

662 Fishponds Road, Bristol

Colour Fun Run will be back at Oldbury Court A HUGE charity fundraiser which took place at Oldbury Court last year will return again due to popular demand. After the success of last year’s first ever Colour Fun Run, the funfilled 5km event will take place later this year on October 2. Participants can look forward to getting covered head to toe in bursts of coloured powder at each kilometre of the 5k route so people are being advised to wear a white t-shirt and prepare to finish all the colours of the rainbow. The event will raise money for Bristol homeless charity St Vincent’s which is part of the bigger charity Julian House and helps people overcome addiction. Louise Summers who took part in the inaugural Colour Fun Run in 2015 said: “I was keen to do something for Julian House who support people to overcome homelessness and addiction, something that affects so many people, including my own family, but isn’t readily talked about like other causes. It’s lovely to be able to raise money for an excellent charity and

have fun at the same time. “Oldbury Court Estate was a beautiful venue too and I will definitely be there again this year.” More than 600 participants of all ages took to the course last year to be showered at each kilometre with brightly coloured paint. Joanne Bamford, events fundraiser at Julian House, said: “The fabulous thing about The Colour Fun Run is that anyone can take part, you don’t have to be a runner, you can jog, walk, hop or skip round the course if you like. “It’s a magical spectacle to watch as people arrive over the finish line in a bright rainbow of colours, full of smiles and laughter. “It’s a great fun event which also raises money for local men and women who need our support. We want to make the event even bigger and better this year and are expecting the event will be a sell out so are encouraging everyone to book early to avoid disappointment.” Earlybird tickets are now on sale, to sign up please visit www. thecolourfunrun.co.uk

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February, 2016

Junior football teams in plea for kit sponsor A CHILDREN’S football club based in Fishponds is sending out an SOS to possible sponsors to give them the kick-start they need. TC Juniors JFC are a fun and friendly club in the Hanham Minor League and play at Hillfields Park and Oldbury Court. But because they are such a small club, they are struggling financially to keep going. Such is their plight, the clubs under 9s team doesn’t even have the same coloured kit as the under 10s team. Club secretary Mark Langley said: “As a small club we are very much struggling to keep things going

with major outlays such as pitch fees of £700 and winter training at £30 per hour. “The fees mean we are finding it hard to keep going on parents subscriptions alone. “The club is run by volunteer committee members and soccer coaches, but without adequate equipment we are really feeling the

strain.” Mark urged any potential sponsors to get in touch. “To try to ease our financial crisis, we are looking for a company to sponsor our under 10s group. We would then be able to pass their kit down to our under 9s group to ensure they play games in the right colour kit.”

Mark has been researching the price of a new kit, which would have the sponsor’s logo on the front, and the best price he has found is £450. The club has a website which means a sponsor could benefit from publicity via the site. To find out more call Mark on 0117 377 4836 or email tcjunior@ live.co.uk

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February, 2016

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February, 2016

Sandy provides masterclass in how not to do it SANDY Smith of Mangotsfield started his 2016 season early when he entered an AutoSolo at Smeatharpe in Devon. The weather was horrendously wet and Sandy struggled all day trying to get to grips with the car on the slippery tarmac. He finished the day well down the leaderboard but cheerily quipped “if solos were about doing doughnuts, I’d be a champion.” His summary of the event was simply “today has been a masterclass in how not to do it” but he had a great day all the same. A week later, four drivers set off for the NEC in Birmingham from Downend to give thrill rides at Autosport International as part of GoMotorsport’s AutoSolo Display

Team. A course was set by the entrance to the show where the drivers spent nine hours each day driving sideways. More than 1200 people experienced more than 2000 free passenger rides during the fourday exhibition. The discipline being demonstrated was called AutoSolo, where cars compete around a course against the clock. It’s one of the most accessible forms of motorsport where any road car can be used to compete. The discipline is such low risk that helmets are not required and even seatbelts are only recommended, rather than mandatory. Two of the team, James Hurford

and Phil Oliver, are competing again in this season’s Bristol MX5 Challenge, which is again sponsored by Vincenzo & Son in Gloucester Road. The third driver, Alex Millard, is making the step from AutoSolo into sprinting this year in his two litre Sylva Stylus, where he will compete on circuits like Castle Combe and airfields like Hullavington in the same way as James and Phil. Andy Laurence turned down the chance to drive at the event in order to encourage passers by to experience the passenger rides. He is doing his first full season in his Mygale single seater, after a partial season in 2015. At the end of January, all four

of the drivers will be competing in a NavScatter. Rather than a test of speed, a NavScatter is a test of navigational ability. Drivers start in Sainsbury’s car park in Emersons Green and try to find as many clues in the nearby area before handing their answer sheets in at a pub listed as the final clue. If you enjoy cars, then Bristol Motor Club hold a number of events throughout the year, whether you want to spectate, officiate or drive. Most events can be entered in your standard road car. The club meets on the first Tuesday of every month in Stapleton and everyone is welcome. Find them on Facebook, Twitter or your favourite search engine.

Dave

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February, 2016

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fishpondsvoice

On the treatment table

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next step in Mangotsfield Blog 25 – Weighty matters

DO hope that many of you are putting yourselves through the pain and anguish of Dry January with me. I don’t see the point of not drinking all month without eating healthily as well. I’m working on the principle that if I’m good for one month of the year then that means I can relax a little for the next eleven! However, I’m 36 now and it seems a lot harder to lose weight than it used to be. I use scales at home that track my weight and body fat percentage. According to my app, I started the month at 13st 4.2lbs peak post Christmas turkey couch potato weight and a whopping 26.7% of glorious mince pie fatness. Today I’m 12st 10.1 lb and I’m down to 24% fatness. When I worked at Bath rugby they used to call me fat boy slim with due to my uncanny ability to not look fat with my clothes on! T reating all the Rovers players doesn’t help as they are between 6% and 12% body fat. They laughed at me when I told them that over a quarter of my body weight was fat. It’s terrible. One of the lads has invited me on his stag do to Vegas…how could I say no? It’s in the summer and the thought of hanging about with them in the party pools of the Las Vegas strip as the only

fat man is driving me on to get down to ultra rippedness. It helps that I go to the TRX exercise class at Next Step every week and I have just started to run again, maybe I’ll start doing spin again on a Monday evening. The TRX class have persuaded me to do a 5km assault course in Wales for a bit of fun and a target to aim at. It sounds horrendous to me but I guess it’s motivating not to look stupid in front of everyone. I keep hearing about people who have this fitness bug…what bug? I never seem to be able to catch it. It seems like the only useful bug that you can catch but it has eluded me so far. I’ll keep looking when I’m running round in circles around the King George V playing fields. ‘Hi’ to all the other runners and dog walkers that I see by the way. I’m the skinny fat man with a beanie hat on. Thank you for not letting your dogs bite me. We have just started to see a number of skiing injuries in the clinic. The common ski injuries that we see are knee, shoulder, back and neck injuries. I even had a patient with a sprained thumb come to see me from a ski pole injury. I don’t want to put people off skiing and snowboarding as, on the whole, I have found it a relatively safe sport if done sensibly. The most common serious injuries are done

when two people collide at speed and as with most car crashes they are normally avoidable accidents if more care had been taken. But if you find yourself in an icy encounter causing injury then we are here to treat you, strap you up and rehabilitate you to help get you back on your feet ready for the next big adventure. Harry has made it to 6 weeks old despite Molly’s efforts to smother him, drown him and generally trample on him. It may sound like she’s a bit jealous but it seems more like over enthusiastic affection for him…we think.

Tim Button 0117 957 5388

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

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February, 2016

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