Fishponds Voice Newspaper March 2016 by Fishponds Voice

fishpondsvoice March, 2016 — ISSUE 14

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Slow progress on fast food plan

NOVEMBER 4 is the date set for the public inquiry into plans for a McDonald's in Fishponds. The hearing, which is expected to last four days, will be 21 months after the decision to refuse planning permission. The fast-food giant wants to create a drive-thru, restaurant and takeaway at a former tile warehouse at 541 Fishponds Road. Many people living in the neighbourhood oppose such a development in a residential area, although others support the proposal. A high-profile campaign against the plans resulted in the unanimous decision by council planners in February 2015 to turn them down on the grounds of traffic dangers and the adverse impact of noise, cooking smells and light pollution. McDonald's appealed against that refusal and has come up with revised proposals. The public inquiry is scheduled to take place in the Old Council House in Corn Street, Bristol. Full story: Page 5

Children share love of reading Children at schools in Fishponds took part in the national Read Aloud initiative to raise awareness of the importance of reading. PAGES 6&7

Strictly for fun - and charity! Fishponds couple Pete Tiley and Sadie Spikes are taking part in Bristol’s Strictly Come Dancing event for St Peter’s Hospice. PAGE 14

Love is ... saying it with salad Colourful displays brightened up a wet weekend when Fishponds staged its first Window Wanderland event. Report and photos: Pages 8 and 9.

A gardener and author reveals how he planted out a marriage proposal in rocket leaves. PAGE 19

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Slow progress on fast food plan NOVEMBER 4 is the date set for the public inquiry into plans for a McDonald's in Fishponds. The hearing, which is expected to last four days, will be 21 months after the decision to refuse planning permission. The fast-food giant wants to create a drive-thru, restaurant and takeaway at a former tile warehouse at 541 Fishponds Road. Many people living in the neighbourhood oppose such a development in a residential area, although others support the proposal. A high-profile campaign against the plans resulted in the unanimous decision by council planners in February 2015 to turn them down on the grounds of traffic dangers and the adverse impact of noise, cooking smells and light pollution. McDonald's appealed against that refusal and has come up with revised proposals. The public inquiry is scheduled to take place in the Old Council House in Corn Street, Bristol.

Fishponds is quite nice, all right!

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March, 2016 — ISSUE 14

Children share love of reading Children at schools in Fishponds took part in the national Read Aloud initiative to raise awareness of the importance of reading. PAGES 6&7

Strictly for fun - and charity! Fishponds couple Pete Tiley and Sadie Spikes are taking part in Bristol’s Strictly Come Dancing event for St Peter’s Hospice. PAGE 14

Love is ... saying it with salad up a wet weekend when Colourful displays brightened Wanderland event. Fishponds staged its first Window 9. Report and photos: Pages 8 and

A gardener and author reveals how he planted out a marriage proposal in rocket leaves. PAGE 19

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FISHPONDS is quite nice, as one of the displays at Window Wanderland made clear. Some residents go further, sporting their “I heart Fishponds” badges. We’ve even got the badges here at the Voice and quite right too – this area has a lot to be proud of. As always, our pages this month highlight some of the many efforts going on right across the district to enhance our community. While we’re going to have to wait a while to find out whether McDonald’s will open at the tyre factory in Fishponds Road, locals are making sure the site looks tidy and we hear that the Brightening Fishponds has further plans for colourful displays here and there. Volunteers have cleaned up Coombe Brook Valley and up the road in Staple Hill work is under way on the restoration of Page Park. Young people are playing their part too – well

fishpondsvoice Publisher Gary Brindle 0117 907 8585 07799 461169

Journalist Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

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done to the children of Fishponds CE Academy for their efforts in getting the war memorial listed. We’ve got lots for you to read in this issue – including interviews with inspirational campaigner Sarah Reid and cookbook author Pete Lawrence. And we also highlight the importance of getting children reading. We plan to create a website soon where you 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. 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 April edition deadline is March 23.

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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Pupils act to save war memorial CHILDREN from Fishponds Church of England Academy have become the first pupils in the country to make a successful listed building application for a war memorial. The Year 6 students have persuaded Historic England to list the memorial in Fishponds Park. This means that the structure is protected by law and cannot be altered without consent. Its details become part of the public record. The Fishponds memorial to those who lost their lives in World War One was put up in 1920 at a cost of £600. It consists of a bronze statue of a British/Dominions infantry Great War soldier set on a granite plinth. On each of the four sides of the plinth are bronze plaques recording the names of those killed. There is also an additional plqaue recording a serviceman from Fishponds who gained the Victoria Cross during the conflict. The children, now in Year 6, worked with Bristol historian Jeremy Banning in 2014 – the centenary of

the war’s outbreak – to research the people on the memorial. Several found the names of their ancestors on the plaques and some were able to uncover their stories. When the students heard that Historic England had launched a five-year project to add 2,500 war memorials to the National Heritage List for England, they decided to get involved. The children researched the condition of the memorial and found it in a good state of repair, except that the end of the soldier’s bayonet is missing. They then wrote persuasive letters to Historic England and cheered when they were told that their requests has been successful in securing a Grade II listing for the monument. Michael Gorely, local heritage education manager for Historic England, said Fishponds CE Academy was the first school to make a successful request. “I am very proud that their letters were able to achieve a successful outcome,” he said.

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Volunteers clean up nature reserve

VOTERS in Bristol are being asked to do their bit and get involved with the #RegAFriend campaign aimed at getting young people to register to vote. The campaign is asking young people in the city to encourage their friends to register to vote by sharing photos of their ‘voter cross’ on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #RegAFriend. Young people are often one of the lowest represented groups on the electoral register, with only 76 per cent of 18-19 year olds and 70 per cent of 20-24 year olds registered to vote nationally. This compares to 95 per cent of those aged 65 and above. Registering to vote has never been easier with a simple form available online. People can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to fill in the online registration form via desktop, mobile or tablet. The #RegAFriend campaign runs until March 18. Anyone aged 16 and above can register but only those aged 18 and above can vote in the upcoming elections in Bristol on May 5, when all 70 council seats and the Mayoral post will be up for grabs.

A GROUP of volunteers has been tidying up the nature reserve at Coombe Brook. A huge amount of litter was cleared during a cleanup day and volunteers have also undertaken some woodland management, clearing a path and cutting back overgrown holly and hazel. The hope is that the work will help protect and

preserve the habitat for both people and wildlife to enjoy. The group can be found on Facebook or you can email coombebrook@gmail.com. It also has a website http://friendsofcoombebrookvalley.weebly.com/ The next meeting is at the Harry Crook Centre on Tuesday March 8 at 7.30pm.

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McDonald’s public inquiry date set Have your A PUBLIC inquiry into the refusal of plans for a McDonald’s drivethru, restaurant and takeaway in Fishponds will be held in November. The Planning Inspectorate has announced that the hearing will begin on November 4 and is likely to take four days. It is scheduled to take place in the Old Council House in Corn Street. The inquiry will come 21 months after Bristol City Council turned down the fast-food giant’s plans for the old tile warehouse at 541 Fishponds Road following an eight-month protest campaign. More than 500 people signed a petition against the plans, citing the risks to road safety and to health. Concerns were expressed at the proximity of the site to three schools. Six months after the council’s planning committee unanimously turned down the proposal in February 2015, McDonald’s announced it would appeal. It later announced amended plans, including changes to the layout of Fishponds Road to provide back-to-back right-turn lanes and a pedestrian crossing island. Campaigners have met council

planning officials to discuss the case that will be put at the inquiry. Louise Lowman, one of the protesters, said the traffic arguments against the drive-thru were “non negotiable”. The campaigners say their own traffic surveys show a higher volume of traffic on the congested Fishponds Road than the study by McDonald’s, which was carried out in late July. The council has also conducted traffic studies and officers told the planning committee last year that the proposal presented “unacceptable highway safety conflicts”. They were also concerned about the impact of odour, noise and light pollution. McDonald’s said at the time that the company believed Fishponds Road was an excellent location and its independent traffic, noise and air quality studies had shown that the restaurant would have minimal impact. The company said the development would create 65 jobs. Since the planning decision, the Say No to McDonald’s in Fishponds team has been looking after the former tile factory site, keeping it tidy, decorating it with bunting and

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say on our area future YOU’VE missed out on the free ice cream – but there’s still time to have your say on the future of Fishponds. Fishponds Planning is inviting more residents to complete a questionnaire about the area. It can be downloaded from the group’s website at http:// fishpondsplanning.org.uk/news/ Group chairman Joseph Hassell said the recent event at Scoops Ice Cream Parlour had been well attended but was just the beginning of efforts to consult widely with local people. “The data from all the questionnaires completed on the day is being analysed currently, but a number of headline trends are clearly emerging,” he said. Completed questionnaires can be returned via email to chair@ fishpondsplanning.org.uk in person at a forthcoming Fishponds Planning meeting, or by post to 25 Everest Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2DA.

artwork and planting flowers. Members have also become actively involved with the Fishponds Planning group, which is aiming to give residents more of a say on how to improve facilities across the area. Campaigners say they would like to see the former tile warehouse developed in a way that would benefit the community. They also hope to work together to give local people more of a say about future developments in Fishponds.

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Children share the joy of reading

CHILDREN at primary schools in the Fishponds area took part in Read Aloud activities as part of the national Read On.Get On campaign. The initiative, in which pupils demonstrate their reading skills to visitors, generates excitement about reading and highlights the importance of all children developing literacy skills. Many of the youngsters involved were those who have benefited from Reading Recovery, an intensive national programme for six-yearolds that has achieved much success in Bristol. At Fishponds Church of England Academy, seven-year-old Jahira Begum read Goldilocks and the Wolf to Linda Tanner, from Fishponds Voice. Other children read to local author Duncan Beedie and Patrick Makin, a scriptwriter for Shuan the Sheep and CBeebies favourites such as Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. Visitors to Begbrook Primary Academy included Jack Challoner, a local author and ex-parent, Su Coombes, the academy council chair, two players from Bristol Flyers Basketball team, Daniel Edozie and Cardell McFarland, and Ben Moses and Nick Koster from Bristol Rugby. Year 9 and 10 English students

from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, who used to go to Begbrook, also took part in a Read Aloud session with students and talked to Begbrook students about life in secondary school. The school also had a link-up with a school in Canada, while

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Glenfrome Primary and Air Balloon Hill Primary linked with schools in the United States via Skype. Bristol North West MP Charlotte Leslie visited Glenfrome and Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy visited Air Balloon. Debbie Miles, Bristol’s Reading

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Recovery Teacher Leader, said: “Children who struggle with reading may find secondary school more difficult and obtain fewer qualifications than those who can read well. “This is why programmes such as Reading Recovery are vital.”

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Good rating for practice

BEECHWOOD Medical Practice in Fishponds has received an overall Good rating from the Care Quality Commission. Inspectors visited the surgery, which includes seven GPs and seven nurses, in December. They spoke to GP partners, staff and patients and reviewede evidence to determine whether the services were safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led. They also looked at whether the practice was catering for the needs of patients in six different population groups: patients with poor mental health, older patients, working age patients, families and young people, vulnerable patients and patients with long term conditions. The findings were that the practice is providing good services across all the examined areas for all the patient groups. The inspectors commented on the outstanding support service for carers and also the high standard of care for complex patients at risk of unplanned admissions to hospital or those recently discharged home from hospital. The practice boundary covers a large part of north east Bristol including Fishponds, Downend, Staple Hill, Eastville and Frenchay. It works closely with other health professionals to provide a range of services from a modern, purpose-built health centre. The full CQC report can be found at www. beechwoodmedicalpractice.co.uk.

Reading volunteers work in many schools across the city, often alongside Reading Recovery teachers, and are always wanted in Bristol schools. Anyone interested in getting involved can do so by joining the Bristol Reading Partners scheme, part of the city council’s Cities of Service initiative. More information can be found by visiting the website : http:// volunteerteam.bristol.gov.uk/ opportunities/3672

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Window wanderland works out wonderfully . . .

IT promised to be a glass act and it certainly was. Homes and businesses in Fishponds were transformed when they took part in the area’s first Window Wanderland. Shop and house windows were decorated with colourful illuminated displays, brightening an otherwise wet and dull evening. Angie Seward, one of the organisers, said Fishponds looked “truly fabulous”. “The weather was wet and wild but this didn’t deter people from coming out to enjoy the vast array of over 60 windows that lit up the streets,” she said. “There were bees, bathtubs, robots and vegetables amongst fairytale windows, spangles, and fish aplenty. A rather stunning dragons head looked out over Thingwall Park and Elmgrove Road and an inspired disco room gave everyone a good reason to stop for a boogie.” The Kingfisher Café showcased a teddy bears’ picnic themed window with the Fire Basket providing a Harry Potter window, which proved a firm favourite. All Saints Church boasted a stunning rainbow window and opened its doors with hot drinks and snacks, a welcome break for

those who had braved the weather. Bristol Metropolitan Academy and Begbrook Primary Academy also joined in the fun with their decorated windows hosted by Fishponds Library and World Snooker Services. The event was organised by the Fishponds Window Wanderland team - Liz Jenkinson, Rachel Fry and Angie Seward - following the success of a similar event in Bishopston last year. They said: “We would like to thank everyone who did windows and we were bowled over by all the support from local people on the night who braved the weather and we hope everyone enjoyed the windows as much as we did. “All the windows were amazing and you could see the amount of effort that people had put in to add a sparkle to a dull evening.”

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Perigo new fast food outlet PERIGO is brand new fast food restaurant concept. We specialised in Piri Piri chicken, gourmet burgers, kebabs and freshly made salads. Perigo is new start up business based in Bristol. We are proud to use local suppliers for all of our products we also employ only from local work force including our apprentice program. We are proud to have friendly, clean fast food restaurant in Fishponds. Currently we employ 6 including one apprentice team members we are hoping with support of local customer base increase that to 10 by end 2016. The company is short to medium plan are to grow within Bristol by providing good quality food and service. Perigo slogan is “Piri Piri is Our Passion”, piri piri is fresh chicken it is grilled in special piri piri way. Piri Piri is originally spices from Nigeria which Portuguese brought to Europe. Perigo means piri piri to go also means in Portuguese “Danger” hence fact the spicy food we serve. Customers can order food both online for delivery or collection we also have range of great special offers in store Business lunch special offer

Monday to Saturday 11.00-15.00 Cheese burger and fries £1.99 Lamb doner kebab and fries £1.99 Southern fry chicken wrap, fries £1.99 2 piri wings, 2 strips. Fries £1.99 We also do Fish and chips £3.50, Piri Piri chicken burger, fries £2.99, 4 piri piri wings , fries £2.99. Perigo Bristol try urge our customer to try piri piri dishes as you can see from our Twitter campaign #eatpiripri you can follow us on all our social platform to get the latest news Facebook, twitter, google+ and linked in. Or visit our website www. perigo.co Perigo are situated at 733 Fishponds Road, 01179656662. info@perigo.co

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March, 2016

First brings back Downend bus link THE bus link between Oldbury Court and Downend is to be restored next month following a public outcry. Bus operator First West of England said it had listened to its passengers and would extend the route of the Number 5 service again from April 24. First dropped the Downend link in April last year, terminating the Number 5 route at Oldbury Court in an effort to improve reliability. But it admitted in January that this had not worked, and it carried out a consultation on how to improve punctuality. Forms were available on buses and online and two public drop-in sessions were held in Fishponds and St Werburgh’s. Now the company has come up with a revamped Number 5 service, which will have its own dark green fronted buses and a special team of drivers. First said that reinstating the link to Downend was very important to those who had responded to the survey. Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council expressed strong concerns about the reduced service, which left people in Overndale Road without easy access to Downend’s shops, restaurants, banks, building societies, the Post Office or Downend Library. It also meant there was no direct route from Downend via Stapleton to the Eastgate Centre, because First had already dropped the number 4 service in 2014. The Number 5 goes to the city centre via Fishponds, Stapleton, Eastgate Centre, St Werburgh’s and St Paul’s. It is often caught up in congestion, particularly around Eastgate. The new timetable will see the frequency of the route amended from every 20 minutes on weekdays to every 30 minutes seven days a week. This is to allow buses more time to complete their journeys.

Managing Director of First West of England, James Freeman, said: “We know that things aren’t right on Service 5 and that changes were needed. We are confident that the improvements we have devised will better suit the needs of the people using the 5 and hopefully encourage new people to use the service. “Changing the frequency of this route in this way means we can create a much more reliable and robust timetable. This is the best way to ensure the Service 5’s sustainable future.” The changes also include the introduction of an evening service on Sundays. Mr Freeman said of the consultation exercise: “This is the first time we have properly consulted with our customers to find out what they want from their bus service. It has been a learning curve for us but overall it has proved extremely useful and has been very positively received.” Full changes to First bus Service 5 from April 24 Eastern terminus will move from Oldbury Court to Downend (close to the Horseshoe pub). The City Centre terminus will move to Broad Quay later in 2016 . Sunday evening services will be extended. The last bus will depart at 2320. Buses will now serve roads in Oldbury Court in both directions rather than the current one-way loop. The timetable will be altered to allow more time for buses to complete their journeys. Additional time will also be provided at the end of the journey for buses to recover from any delays. To facilitate these alterations the frequency of the service will change to every 30 minutes. Specific drivers will be allocated to the 5 as well as vehicles which will be given a bespoke ‘green fronted’ brand.

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March, 2016

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Street pockets - help or hazard? AN imaginative scheme in which residents tackle traffic issues by turning parking spaces into public areas has sparked a lively debate in Fishponds. Stonebridge Park was chosen as one of half a dozen neighbourhoods in Bristol to trial “street pockets”. These involve making temporary changes to the road to remind drivers to slow down. In Stonebridge Park, pockets have been created using planters and a picnic table. Supporters say the road is safer and more pleasant for the people who live there but opponents believe the pockets create dangers for drivers and pedestrians. They are also concerned that the scheme makes it more difficult for emergency vehicles to get through. The project was created by cycling charity Sustrans with funding

from Bristol Green Capital. The charity trained volunteers to run the scheme, which was launched in Stonebridge Park in October with a street party. Residents have also gained permission to shut the road for two hours every other Sunday so that children can play out. Another street party is planned for March 20. The idea of the street pockets is for residents to try out ideas to make the road safer, by using seating, plants and artwork, and to monitor their impact. If successful, they could become permanent. A Sustrans spokesman said: “Streets make up 80 per cent of our public spaces in cities, yet we rarely feel that they are ours to use. This project allows local people to reclaim a small part of their city.” Some posters on the Fishponds Voice Facebook page were critical.

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“It all seems to be about ‘reclaiming the streets’ – despite the fact that roads are for traffic – not children’s playgrounds. Talk about idiotic,” said one. “I can see the logic of these pods, but isn’t it the duty of the highways agency to organise proper traffic calming measurers if they deem this road to be so dangerous?” another asked. Some commenters said inconsiderate parking near the pockets created hazards.

But supporters said the street pockets had meant that more of the drivers who used the long straight road as a short cut were now keeping to the 20mph speed limit. “Stonebridge Park is a great road with a lovely community living in it … we don’t want it used as a speed racing track,” said one, who also commented that the playing out sessions had enabled many more residents to get to know their neighbours. What do you think? Email us at news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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March, 2016

Artists use Kingfisher to showcase their work

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ARTISTS living in and around Fishponds now have a local base to showcase their work. The Kingfisher Cafe is offering space to artists as part of a special collaboration with artist Anna Blightman. Anna has taken on the independent role of artist coordinator which will enable her to

root out and introduce new artists to the space. Anna said: “The collaboration will open doors - and walls - at The Kingfisher to support local artists by offering them a chance to host an exhibition of their work, which will include an exclusive evening opening. The work will then remain on display for the entire month

ND the same can be said for our pets! Every species has specific nutritional needs and each life stage requires dietary adjustments. For example, cats are strict carnivores. It is not possible to have a healthy vegetarian cat! Ready made pet foods take the hard work out of giving your pet a balanced diet. In practical terms, if you are feeding your pet a good quality food they are probably eating better than you are! Home made diets should be fed with caution, only using recipes approved by veterinary nutritionists as a misbalance in nutrients can cause serious problems, particularly in growing animals. Young animals have a high energy and protein requirements because they are growing so fast. Large breed dogs benefit from a lower energy puppy food to help prevent joint disorders in later life. You can often find this in the form of ‘Large Breed Puppy Food’. Diets for adult animals should be tailored to their lifestyle. For example an indoor cat will need a much less energy dense diet than a working dog. Animals which are neutered should also be on a lower calorie adult food

to prevent weight gain and the problems that come with it. Diets for our ‘Golden Oldies’ are tailored to the individual, some may benefit from joint supplements, others from a reduction in salts to help with the heart and kidneys. Antioxidants and fatty acids also play an important role in limiting the signs of age related senility. Here at Kingswood Vets4Pets we are keen to help you give your pet the very best in nutrition, so please feel free to give us a call on 0117 9616417 if you need any advise or to talk about the diets we recommend.

Anna Blightman, artist co-ordinator at the Kingfisher Cafe

Mandala Art Project raises funds THE Kingfisher Cafe hosted The Mandala Art Project exhibition throughout February which showcased drawings by the artist Alyson Hurst. The project is fundraising to support to a women’s centre in Lonavala, India. In 2017 Alyson is planning to visit the centre to offer her artistic skills and knowledge in the form of creative workshops. In the run up to the trip she will be selling her artwork from the Kingfisher Cafe, as well as offering monthly Mandala drawing workshops. The money raised will go towards buying art equipment for the project.

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March, 2016

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before the show changes. “The new venture with the Kingfisher Cafe will give the opportunity to all to discover the diverse and accomplished range of artists living and working in Fishponds.” The collaboration with the cafe will go under Anna’s business name, The Distant Future Always Sounds Lovely. Arriving in Fishponds last year following a five-year stay in Berlin, Surrey-born Anna works as an artist using the medium of Polaroid photography, showcasing the originality and nostalgia of the classic Polaroid in prints and other

gifts. Alongside one main exhibition, the project is hoping to include one piece of artwork from up to six artists on a two-weekly rotation basis that will also be on display in the cafe and available for purchase. There will also be a stronger focus on selling products and crafts by local artists, with one area of the cafe dedicated to these items. For a chance to be involved as an artist contact Anna Blightman via email at anna@ thedistantfuturealwayssoundslovely. com or, for the chance to sell products and crafts, contact the cafe directly.

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Collaboration launch CHAOS/Order/Chaos is the title of the first collaboration between The Distant Future Always Sounds Lovely and The Kingfisher Cafe and will open with a preview on March 3 from 6-8pm. It will showcase a selection of work by artist Louise Forster who studied fine art at Central Saint Martins in London before completing a degree in art and performance at Dartington College of Arts in Devon. Inspired by nature, Louise works in a range of mediums including oils, acrylic, ink, pastels, pen, pencil and lino printing and her recent work explores a continually shifting balance between chaos and finding a sense of order. She splits her time between looking after her toddler, working as an insights project manager in food innovation and her art. Chaos/Order/Chaos will run until April 7 at the Kingfisher Cafe. Entry is free.

An exhibition of works by artist Louise Forster will run until April 7

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March, 2016

Keep dancing! Couple set sights on glitter ball A HUSBAND and wife from Fishponds are hoping to be crowned Bristol’s Strictly Come Dancing champions this month. Pete Tiley and Sadie Spikes are among 12 couples selected for the competition, which is raising money for St Peter’s Hospice. The dancers have all received professional dance training from Sue and Andrew of Burroughs Dance Centre in preparation for the Grand Finale on March 6. But Pete and Sadie, who had never done any ballroom dancing before, admit getting to grips with their new shared hobby has proved tougher than they had anticipated – not least because he is 6ft 4in and she is 5ft 2in. “I have to take two steps for every one of his! I have tried putting heels on but still only come up to his chest. It is definitely a challenge,” said Sadie. “We both love dancing, but freestyle. This is a very different skill. We have different approaches and learning styles too. Pete is an engineer so he is very technical, whereas as an artist I am more visual. “It’s fine when you are dancing with the teachers – they are brilliant at taking you through the

steps – but at home in your own kitchen, being flung into tables and the cooker, it is a slight recipe for disaster!” Fortunately for Sadie, who runs The Boutique Art House B&B in Downend Road, and Peter, the team at the neighbouring Cross Hands pub offered them their upstairs room for free as a practice space. “We couldn’t have done it without them. We also have to thank the teachers and all the crew from St Peter’s Hospice. It has been an amazing experience – we have got fitter, met a great bunch of people and had a good laugh. We are really looking forward to the final now,” she said. Some of Sadie and Pete’s fellow contestants, who have been taking part in the classes at Creative Youth Network, are avid fans of the televised Strictly and “are even now stitching sequins and rhinestones on to their costumes”. Sadie is looking forward to “getting dolled up” but her outfit will not be revealed until the event, which takes place at Ashton Park School, starting at 6pm. The couple, whose show dance will be the Pasa Doble, will be supported by a good crowd of friends and family as they bid to

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become the city’s answer to Jay and Aliona. There are still a few tickets left, which can be bought by visiting the St Peter’s Hospice charity website. “I am nervous as I don’t think I have ever performed in front of an audience before. It will either be fantastic or we will fall off the stage, Either way, we want to raise as much money as we can for St Peter’s Hospice. It is such an amazing charity,” said Sadie. This is the third annual dance contest for the charity. Contestants must pay a £30 entrance fee and commit to raising at least £500 per couple. The 2016 event was launched by Bristol-based actress Sunetra Sarker, who competed in series 12 of the BBC Saturday night show and is best

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known for playing Dr Zoe Hanna in Casualty. She said the hospice did amazing and inspirational work: “End of life services like this are so important both to the patients and their families and any funds this event raises goes towards supporting people who need it.” As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,000 patients each year as well as supporting family members. All services are provided free of charge but this care costs around £19,000 a day. For around £14,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops. To sponsor Pete and Sadie, visit https://www.justgiving.com/petersadie/

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March, 2016

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A GRASSROOTS movement to push for the long-promised swimming pool for east Bristol is growing fast. Bristol City Council pledged to build a replacement when it shut Speedwell Baths in 2005 but the planned six-lane, 25-metre pool at Bristol Brunel Academy has never come to fruition. Meanwhile, the old baths building, which was sold to developers, is decaying – to the frustration of people living in the area. Now two residents, Lisa Murfin and Claire Smyth, have set up a group on Facebook called Friends of Speedwell Swimming, which has attracted more than 500 members within a week. They are hoping to organise an all-party petition in support of the new pool, which they say is needed more than ever because of the increasing numbers of children in the area and their need to learn to swim. The Liberal Democrats have already launched a petition calling for construction of the pool to start in the next financial year; designs have already been drawn up. They say: “East Bristol has been left behind as other parts of the city have had pools rebuilt. It is time to bring back a vital service that has been missing for far too long.” Labour councillors claim victory

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for having the pool plan moved into “Tier 1” of capital spending priorities for the coming year. The late Labour Councillor Ron Stone, who died in December, was a longterm campaigner for the pool. However, the Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson told a questioner in January that people living in east Bristol were in easy reach of two pools, in Kingswood and Longwell Green, in South Gloucestershire. He said: “I think we have to broaden our minds to sharing these facilities with our fellow authorities rather than being too territorial about it.” The issue is likely to be high profile in the run-up to the elections in May, in which all city council seats are being contested together for the first time and the mayoral post is up for grabs for the first time since Mr Ferguson became the inaugural holder of the office. Residents who have joined the Facebook group are keen to see the pool built in Speedwell, pointing out that there is already a new primary school in Redfield and another

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The old Speedwell Pool, which shut in 2005

planned for Speedwell, so the number of pupils needing swimming lessons close by is increasing. The group has also stirred memories. Comments included: “This swimming pool was my childhood ... not only every Saturday for fun swims, but I was also a member of the Penguin Swimming Club.” “I learnt to swim in Speedwell Pool and think it’s so important to have local pools for the local community.” “I don’t live in Fishponds any

more but remember going there a lot when I did as a child. We used to walk through the Gossy from Abingdon Road. It is such a crying shame seeing it just rotting now. It started a lifelong love of swimming which I still do in my late 60s.” Permission was granted in 2007 for 32 apartments at the old pool building. In 2009, an alternative plan was put forward for 13 three-storey town houses, but the site in Whitefield Road remains undeveloped.

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Residents back call for new M4 junction PEOPLE living in Fishponds, Begbrook, and Stapleton have added their voices to calls for a new junction on the M4 at Emersons Green. More than 300 residents surveyed by Frome Vale Conservative councillor Lesley Alexander and local campaigner James Hinchcliffe have given their support to the junction 18a plan in the hope of easing traffic congestion near their homes. The Tories have tabled a motion to Bristol City Council this month in favour of the authority giving support to the Gateway2Growth campaign in South Gloucestershire, which is urging the Government to fund the new link. Councillor Alexander and Mr Hinchcliffe said: “Frome Vale residents have issued a strong message to Bristol City Council. They believe a Junction 18a would relieve the congestion on roads that lead to the Hambrook lights and make the journey to work, school or the shops quicker. “Currently, anyone who uses Bromley Heath Road or Bristol Road to get onto the A4174 hits heavy traffic throughout the day.

One of the main causes is vehicles coming from the direction of Emersons Green to get to the M4. A Junction 18a would provide a more direct route to the M4 for those vehicles.” The campaign has also secured the backing of Councillor Charles Lucas, Conservative Bristol Mayor Candidate, who has made support for the scheme part of his election manifesto. He said,: “Residents in communities like Frome Vale, St George and Hillfields will benefit

from reduced traffic congestion and economic growth. Better infrastructure leading to the West of England gives the opportunity for the employers of the present and future to thrive, grow and create more jobs for local people.” The campaign already has cross-party support in South Gloucestershire and is backed by local MPs Chris Skidmore (Kingswood), Luke Hall (Thornbury and Yate), Jack LoPresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) and Ben Howlett

(Bath). More than 100 local businesses have signed a letter to the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin and 1,500 residents signed a petition supporting the junction. Mr Skidmore said: “I am extremely grateful for Lesley and James leading the campaign in Bristol for a new junction on the M4, which would help ease congestion for thousands of residents in East Bristol and Fishponds.”

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March, 2016

Bench unveiled in memory of Becky Watts A MEMORIAL bench dedicated to murdered teenager Becky Watts has been unveiled in an area of open space close to her family home. The wooden bench, carved from a single oak tree trunk, sits at Goat’s Field, off Plummer’s Hill in St George. Donated by Bristol City Council, the bench features the word ‘Becky’ in the centre of a winged heart with the words ‘Bristol’s Angel’ carved along its base. The 16-year-old was murdered by her stepbrother just over a year ago. Friends and family gathered at the open space for the official unveiling on February 12. Becky’s dad Darren Galsworthy, her step-mother Anjie Galsworthy, aunt Sarah Broom, uncle Sam Galsworthy and her granddad John Galsworthy were among the family members who paid tribute to Becky during the ceremony. Trees were planted alongside the bench as part of the city’s One Tree Per Child initiative, which aims to plant 36,000 trees, one for each school child in Bristol. Family friend Lorraine Atterton told Fishponds Voice that the unveiling event was “an act of solidarity” to celebrate the life of Becky. “Last year the St George area of Bristol was struck with the terrible news that teenager Becky Watts had been tragically murdered,” she said. “The community as a whole answered this horrific news with acts of kindness and comfort. “The family would like to take

this opportunity to thank everyone involved at Bristol City Council for this most wonderful gift. “It is their (Becky’s family) wish that this area becomes something that the whole community can be proud of and that it symbolizes not only her life, but also the community spirit that has helped guide the family throughout this dark and troubled time.” Ms Atterton gave special thanks for the help and support of council environment officer Teresa Crichton and St George West councillor Ron Stone, who sadly passed away in December. She also thanked sculptor Andy O’Neil who created the bench with input from Becky’s family. Last November Becky’s stepbrother Nathan Matthews was sentenced to a minimum of 33 years for her murder. His girlfriend Shauna Hoare was jailed for 17 years for her part in the crime.

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March, 2016

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Book goes down a treat with celebs Ever wondered which cookery book celebrity chefs are reading? The answer might be closer to home than you think. For everyone who is anyone in the world of TV gastronomy is currently devouring The Allotment Cookbook, written by Stapleton resident Pete Lawrence. Jayne Taylor catches up with the busy author and TV producer and talks about the delights of growing your own

THE Hairy Bikers tweeted about it and Lorraine Pascale can’t put it down - so what is so special about The Allotment Cookbook when the market is glut with cookery books? Well for a start it’s not just a recipe book; more of a journey through our nation’s great seasons, boasting an honesty and back-to-nature approach that readers can’t get enough of. Admittedly Pete had access to a number of celebrity chefs through his job as an executive TV producer and has worked with some pretty high profile chefs including Nigel Slater, Nigella Lawson and James Martin. But reviews by the general public have all been fantastic too - one reader even said Pete should have his own TV show - proving our current obsession with food which is pesticide free and hasn’t travelled thousands of miles is here to stay. Pete, 49, honed his love of fresh seasonal vegetables on the various allotments he has worked on over the years, including plots at Rose Green and Fishponds. Recently a move to a house in Stapleton with a bigger garden has meant Pete has given up his allotment, something which proved quite a wrench for the father-of-two. “I’ve had allotments on and off for about 15 years but you never own an allotment - you’re just the custodian of it for a little while and then you pass it on. I couldn’t justify keeping it when I now have room out the back to grow veg. There’s a waiting list as other people want to grow veg but it was quite painful to give it up. I had really good allotment neighbours and I miss that.” Pete wrote the book when he was living in Fishponds and was renting an allotment in Thingwall

Park. It took him more than a year to get down on paper because he wanted to write about each season as they occurred, giving the book its wonderful authenticity. “It’s not necessarily for people with an allotment; it’s really about using seasonal produce,” he said. The book is divided into the four seasons and is a celebration of the produce that grows naturally in each of those seasons. Alongside each section, seasonal recipes are featured, which include meat and fish. “There are no real growing tips in there but the book does tell you stories about the vegetables, and some of the funny things which happen on the allotment like in the summer when you keep hearing these sighs because someone’s noticed they have yet another courgette.You end up having hundreds of them! In fact that’s why I started cooking - I had a mountain of courgettes so I just ended up coming up with new ways of cooking them. “A lot of people have said to me that the book reads like a story; they have sat down to read the bits in between the recipes and had a bit of a chuckle. I like to think there’s some fun in there.” Among the little gems - ok, pun intended - is a delightful story about how Pete proposed to his wife. “I spelt out ‘Will you marry me’

in rocket leaves in Thingwall Park allotments. The rocket grew and she came down and saw the words spread out along the width of the allotment.” Needless to say, after bursting into tears, she said yes. Could Pete be the most romantic man in Bristol? “Well, the way I saw it was that after I planted the seeds, I has six to eight weeks to think about it!” he answers wryly. It’s anecdotes like this which expose Pete; there’s no hiding behind recipes in this book. “It was nerve-racking writing it because it’s quite personal. I put quite a lot of myself into it and the reader can get inside my head.” It’s true what Pete says, we tend to forget vegetables are seasonal because when you visit a supermarket you can buy asparagus and the like all year round, but it doesn’t mean it will taste as good as it does in April and certainly not as good as it does when you pull it from the ground. Pete said: “You can buy whatever you want all year round from the supermarket irrespective of the growing season so we’ve lost connection a bit of where our food comes from. I think the book will help people connect with the food they eat.” So is Pete anti-supermarkets? “Personally I cannot stand going to supermarkets but I’m not anti-supermarkets because in some areas that’s all a lot of people have got access to but fruit and vegetable shops and butchers are fantastic and can be real hearts of the community. It’s something we should try to hang on to. Food is expensive and when you can go to a supermarket and buy things really cheaply, then that’s

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an attractive option. But sometimes you get things which have travelled half way around the world. They have more air miles than you or I! The vegetables have been grown in controlled conditions but growing your own is simple - you plant a seed and it grows. It’s really that simple and even people with balconies can grow veg in pots. “When you grow vegetables you get them at the very top of their game and they’re the best they could possibly be. It’s like having your own supermarket; you just pick the vegetables when you need them and can eat them hours later. There’s so much flavour in them. It’s a fundamental thing being able to grow something you can eat.” And what of Pete’s celebrity foodie friends who have been tweeting the book’s praises? “I think they genuinely like the book,” Pete said. “Normally when you work with celebrity types everything revolves around them because they’re the centre of the show. But I think they’ve found out a few things about me that maybe they didn’t know before.” The Allotment Cookbook is available from all major online booksellers.

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Reindeer trail winners Liam, 17: I’m doing

half marathon in memory of my pal A YEAR ago, Liam Bermingham was recovering from cancer treatment and preparing to sit his GCSE exams at Mangotsfield School. This month, he will take part

PRIZEWINNERS in the Fishponds Reindeer Trail attended a presentation ceremony at The Kingfisher Cafe. Among those presented with certificates by Alderman Ken Blanchard were childminder Louisa Allmark and her charges, who were the winners of the trail. Winners of the window displays were awarded scrolls. Louisa, on the left in our photo, said: “The children spotted the reindeer pictures in some of the shop windows each time we went out and about up Fishponds Road, I thought, ‘Let’s do the whole trail as our activity during Christmas week’. It was a great activity and learning experience in our local area, the children found numbers in all the shops. “ We never expected to be the winners. There were smiles all round when we were told! “We had a lovely morning at the Kingfisher Cafe where the children came with their mums to receive their certificates, and I was presented with our prize of £50. Thank you to all the organisers. We enjoyed a day at the Aquarium with our prize money.”

in the Bath Half Marathon - and there’s little doubt he will complete the 13.1-mile course. “I’ll finish it – I’ll walk if I have to,” he said.

Liam and Jack in July 2004

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Two factors drive Liam’s determination: his own return to health and the memory of his best friend Jack Banks’s brave battle with leukaemia, which ended in Jack’s death in 2008 at the age of nine. Liam, 17, is taking part in the half marathon with his dad Pete and cousin Conor, 20, to raise money for Jack’s charity, which supports Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Also running will be Jack’s mum Paula Banks, who set up Jack’s Star Tribute Fund with her family to help the hospital where he was treated. She said: “It is amazing that Liam is doing this. We are all so proud of him and can’t wait to see him cross that finishing line.” The two families have been friends ever since Paula and Liam’s mum Sally, who lives in Kingswood, met at ante-natal classes when they were expecting their first sons, Joe and Michael. A couple of years later, they found they were both expecting again and Liam and Jack were born within weeks of one another. “We spent a lot of time together at weekends and holidays and Jack loved to have visits from Liam when he was in hospital,” said Paula, from Downend. Liam was diagnosed with brain cancer at Christmas 2014 and had a small operation, followed by radiotherapy. Thankfully, the

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Brendan’s Sixth Form College. “I was given the best news ever. The cancer was gone!” Liam wrote on his JustGiving fundraising page. “I am extremely grateful and will be for the rest of my life, however some children aren’t as fortunate in these situations and that is why me and my dad have decided to take part in the half marathon.” He added: “I want to do this in memory of captain Jack himself, who I love and will never forget xxx” Jack’s Fund has raised more than £130,000 for the children’s hospital. Some of the money pays for Captain Jack’s treasure chests – pirate-themed toyboxes of gifts for children undergoing unpleasant treatments. Liam played football when he was younger and enjoys golf, but had not done any running before he began training for the half marathon. “I needed to lose weight and I wanted to raise money for charity,” he told Downend Voice. “I really want to accomplish this and I will feel proud of myself if I do.” To support Liam, go to https:// www.justgiving.com/LiamBermingham/

treatment was successful and a scan revealed he was cancer free. He went on to achieve an

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E BE H T

March, 2016

S we (hopefully) say goodbye to winter and approach the spring it is worth thinking about your home’s security. Unfortunately, burglary remains a problem in our area and recently there have been a number of what we call ‘car key’ burglaries, where thieves break into people’s homes, take their car keys and steal their cars from their driveway or outside their house. This usually happens whilst residents are asleep upstairs, which makes it all the more alarming for victims. My advice would be for people to keep their car keys in a safe place, out of sight and to not leave them by the front door, or on the kitchen worktop, where they are easy for thieves to spot and grab. I would also remind people to lock their doors properly, with a key.

Est 1984

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Chip pan causes flat fire

Keep your car keys out of sight I’ve mentioned before how thieves are targeting properties which have paddle or stub handles, as they know people don’t lock them properly before they go out or go to bed. It’s not enough to simply lift up the handle until it clicks, you need to turn the key, as thieves can easily disengage the lock mechanism if hasn’t been locked this way. When you’re inside, it’s a good idea to remove the key from the lock, to stop burglars hooking keys out through the letterbox. Last month saw Safer Internet Day and my team were busy in our local schools, talking to children about how to keep themselves safe on-line. Issues covered included cyber bullying, digital footprints, which is the trail left behind by on-line activity and, for older children, sexting. Talks were given by schools officers at both the

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Bristol Metropolitan Academy and the Bristol Brunel Academy, but age appropriate talks were also given to year 5 and 6 children at a number of primary schools. Of all online crimes reported to Avon and Somerset in the past year, nearly a third of the victims (27%) were under 18 and the number of online crime victims in this age group has increased by 163% during this time. As a parent or carer, it is important to understand what your children are doing online so you can support them to stay safe. For more information, visit our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk and search ‘internet safety’ to find links to resources and organisations which can help you to have these conversations with your kids.

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a chip pan fire in a ground floor flat in Oldbury Court. The property, in Goffenton Drive, had been affected by heavy smoke. One man, aged around 69, was given first aid on scene for smoke inhalation. Two crews from Kingswood attended the incident on Wednesday February 17. An Avon Fire and Rescue spokesperson said that more than half of all accidental fires in the home originate in the kitchen. Visit http://www.avonfire.gov. uk/safety-advice/fire-safety/kitchensafety to find out more about kitchen safety.

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Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice

OMELESSNESS is a major problem in Bristol, and one which is only getting worse. Anyone who has walked through the city centre recently will have seen people

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sleeping rough, and the homeless camps are now a frequent sight in our green spaces. While the causes of homelessness are diverse, one of the main reasons is a shortage of affordable homes. I am deeply troubled that legislation now being introduced by the Government will only make this problem worse. The Housing and Planning Bill, which is currently before the House of Lords, contains several changes to the law which will vastly reduce the amount of affordable housing in this country. One of the most significant of these is the extension of Right to Buy to housing associations. This will mean that charities which offer rented homes to people on lower incomes will be made to sell off properties to their residents. This policy will impact on housing associations in Fishponds, including Merlin, which only recently announced its plans to build 65 new homes on the former site of St Matthias College. To make matters worse, this extension of Right to Buy will be funded by forcing local councils to sell off vacant high-value homes. While Bristol will not be affected by this change as much as some areas, it will still risk our city losing social homes in places where they are needed most. The money made

from the sale of these homes will move away from Bristol to Whitehall, leaving our council unable to compensate for this loss of housing. Other policies being introduced now by the Government will also cripple the ability of councils to fund future housebuilding. In particular, the forced 1% decrease in social housing rents being introduced in the Welfare Reform Bill – which will rarely benefit tenants themselves – is expected to cost Bristol City Council hundreds of millions of pounds over the next five years. There are some things that councils can do locally to protect and increase housing stock. For instance, Labour’s mayoral candidate Marvin Rees has pledged to greatly increase affordable housebuilding in our city by creating a new council-owned housing company. Our council also needs to be more aggressive at pushing developers to ensure their plans meet affordable housing targets. Ultimately, though, central government support is needed to resolve the crisis in affordable housing. The policies currently being introduced go the wrong way in this respect, and I will continue to fight against them as your MP.

Dave honoured for charity work A DOWNEND fundraiser has been honoured for his work in raising money for a children’s charity. Thanks to Dave Hook’s charity events thousands of pounds has been collected for Variety, an organisation which provides support to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. During his latest event - a starstudded Valentine’s bash at Bristol’s Marriott Royal Hotel - Dave was awarded with a surprise Variety Charity Ambassadorship. Receiving the same award was Darren ‘Daz’ Sims who works with Dave in organising fundraisers. Celebrity guests at the event, which raised £6,000 for the charity, included comedian and Variety Celebrity Ambassador Eddie Large; Johnny Briggs from Coronation Street; and BBC presenter Alex Lovell. Both Dave and Darren, who are Bristol music scene stalwarts, have raised an estimated £50,000 for Variety since 2008. The event included a raffle and an auction, with a signed guitar from Queen drummer Roger Taylor raising £1,300.

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March 4

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n St Mary’s Parish Rooms (back entrance of church), Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group, 11am-12noon. March 4 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn Tea Dance 1.45-3.45pm. Pay at door. 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 8 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Speaker morning plus coffee – Alan Freke: Frenchay Hospital’s Hidden History. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at door. March 11 n Pamper night, St Joseph’s preschool, Forest Rd, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3QT, 7pm - 10pm £4 entry includes wine and nibbles. March 11 n Activate Fishponds drop-in lunchtime concert, Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane, 1-2pm, featuring the Henleaze Ladies Choir. Tea and coffee. Free entrance. Retiring collection. Contact No. 0117 9654521 March 12 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Craft Fair – Display by the Barn Art Groups, and some sales. 11Am to 4pm. Entrance free – Donations welcome. March 12 n Friends of Cossham Hospitasl Easter Mini Market,10am-1pm, Easter cards, handicrafts, bric-a-bac on sale. Refreshments available. March 16 n New Harmony Ladies Choir, open workshop. 7.30pm. Horfield United Reformed Church Hall, on corner of Muller Road and Downend Road. 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. March 26 n Breakfast 10am to noon at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. March 30 n Easter Holiday Club at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road, 10am to noon, followed by optional lunch. Toys, crafts, singing and story time. Babies and children very welcome but they need to bring an adult who will be responsible for them during the session. Only £1.50 per family and a donation for lunch. Come and make new friends. April 1 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Tea Dance 1.45-3.45pm. Pay at door. April 6 n Easter Holiday Club at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road, 10am to noon, followed by optional lunch. Toys, crafts, singing and story time. Babies and children very welcome but they need to bring an adult who will be responsible for them during the session. Only £1.50 per family and a donation for lunch. Come and make new friends. April 12 n Downend Folk House, Lincombe Barn. Speaker morning plus coffee – Don Everitt: Looking forward to Summer in the Garden. 10 for 10.30am. Pay at door

Regular events in the Fishponds area

Mondays n 9am Holistic Massage - St Ambrose Beehive Centre 10:30am Tiny Tots - All Saints Community Hall n 11am Bereavement and Wellbeing support - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Computer Group - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Ping Pong (Table Tennis) for over 55’s - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Welcome Club for Retireds+ - St Aidan’s Church Hall n 3pm Messy Church - St John’s Church n 6:30pm Prayers - St John’s Church n 9.30-10.30am Zumba, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 2pm Improve your Ballroom dancing with Teresa, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. Tel 965 0203 for details n 7/7.30pm, Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Zumba keep fit. Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30-10.30am. Contact Sally 07712776753 n Ballroom tuition, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 5pm. Contact Teresa 0117 965 0203 n Slimming World, Beechwood

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March, 2016

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. 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

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656660 n Slimming World, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 9.30am to midday, Contact Ami 07462 727229 n Diabetes UK, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 6.15- 8.15pm. Meeting in small room. n Zumba, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Anna 07799180437 n Badminton at Downend Sports Centre, 8 - 10pm. Call 0117 9400706 or email ridgewaydownend@yahoo.co.uk n 2 - 4pm ‘Friends and Neighbours’, a friendly, sociable group, usually with a speaker and followed by a cup of tea, meets in Fishponds Methodist Church Hall, Guinea Lane, on alternate Tuesdays, commencing September 8th. New members welcome. 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

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4 weekly, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n 7-8 pm Keep Fit, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n Dance Tots, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7-8pm. Contact Eric 07914 006589 n Hannah More senior citizen Fun and Entertainment (fortnightly), Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 2- 4pm. 965 0356 n Fishponds Reading Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR (four-weekly) 2-3.30pm. Contact gwenczek@yahoo.co.uk n Keep fit class, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 7- 8pm. Contact Beryl 0117 977 4534. n Cycle CCTV, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 8-10pm. Winter months only n Lodge Causeway Townswomen’s Guild meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.15pm at Briarwood School, Briar Way, Fishponds. (except August). Different speaker each month plus handicrafts and walking group. For details, please call 07799 108890 n 11am-noon, St Mary’s Parish Rooms, back entrance of church. Living after Loss, an informal bereavement group. Please note this group is fortnightly. 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. 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

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Aidans Church n 9:30am Fishponds Play Cafe - All Saints Community Hall n 10am Coffee and Craft Morning St Aidan’s Church n 10am Free Beginners Computer Classes - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 10am Eucharist - St John’s Church n 10am Eucharist - St Mary’s Church n 10am Parent and Toddler Group St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 12pm Ballroom Dance Class - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Exercises and Sing-a-long Activity Session - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2pm Fit Steps - St Ambrose Beehive Centre n 2-4 pm (fortnightly) Knit & Natter, Fishponds Library n Frenchay Parent and Toddler group, upstairs in the Frenchay Village Hall, 9.45-11.45am n 3.30-5pm Friendship club for senior citizens, Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road. n The senior citizen Friendship Club, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30-5pm Spencer@ sporting-change.biz 07825155954 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,

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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 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

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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 would like any further information please ring 0117 9575221 and leave a message and someone will get back to you. n 10.30am Morning Worship and children’s group at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n Fishponds Baptist Church (opposite the Cross Hands pub) - we are a friendly, welcoming church with people from a range of backgrounds, nationalities and ages. We warmly welcome you to join us at 10.30am every Sunday, with children and youth provision for all ages. We meet at 6.30pm every Sunday, apart from the 3rd Sunday in the month when we have our ‘Messy church’ at 4pm with crafts, food and fun for all the family! There is a songs of praise service on the 4th Sunday at 3pm. n Redemption Life, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 9.30am to 1pm n Church Group, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR 1-pm n ARC, Beechwood Club, Fishponds BS16 3TR. 3.30- 5.30pm or 7- 9pm * For bookings and other inquiries about Beechwood Club, contact Terry King, tk007h9736@ blueyonder.co.uk 0117 965 020, after 4pm. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Fishponds Methodist Church, Guinea Lane. n 10.30am Morning Worship at Speedwell Methodist Church, 378 Speedwell Road. Friendly, informal and lively. All Age Worship on the

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T: 0779 9461169

AT’S

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.

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March, 2016

Children get chance to meet Queen of Teen author Cathy CHILDREN from May Park and Glenfrome primary schools got the chance to hear bestselling author Cathy Cassidy read from her books. They were invited along when Cathy, twice winner of the Queen of Teen title, visited Fairfield High School. Cathy has written more than 20 books, which have sold more than a million copies. The latest, Fortune Cookie, is the sixth and final title in the Chocolate Box Girls series. Also published last month was Looking Glass Girl, a reworking of Alice in Wonderland. Cathy, who used to work at Shout magazine and before that was fiction editor on Jackie magazine, is a former art teacher. She tours extensively around the UK, meeting more than 10,000 young readers every year. She told the students how she literally dreams up her stories, and how she develops her characters by drawing sketches and making mood boards. Asked for her advice to budding writers, she said: “Write lots. Write

a little bit every day, maybe a diary or journal. Don’t just write at school. It’s like everything - you have to practise. “Write from the heart, about the things you care about. I always knew I wanted to write. I write because I have stories in my head and I get inspiration from all around me.” Cathy encouraged those with

ambitions as authors to share their daydreams by penning entries for her Dreamcatcher blog, which is written by her readers for other readers. She signed books for students and encouraged them to explore her website, www.cathycassidy. com for more information and inspiration.

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 Family Fun Night Pirate Theme

March 11th Adults £2.50 Children over 3yrs £3.50 Under 3yrs free. Prize for best costume. Disco and games.

Tribute Night Robbie Williams & Micheal Buble With Comedy Impressionist Chris Gee March 12th £10 per ticket numbers limited

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

Red Hot Rock and Roll March 19th (tickets on the door) Bingo

Thursday Nights 7.30pm Friday Morning Breakfast- Snacks -Light Lunch Cafe 10.00am to 12.30pm

Spring All day Trip to Chelsea Barracks Hospital Monday 11th April (only 50 places) Chelsea Pensioners Home Tel 0117 9560805 for information. Lunch & tea included.

Hall, Complex and Skittle Alleys available for hire 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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March, 2016

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Raising Aspirations careers event

The custom of

EASTER

Is it a true remembrance of the death & resurrection of Christ? How should these events so long ago affect our lives today? Free information available on this subject, and other matters relating to the Christian faith STUDENTS from Bristol Metropolitan Academy and Bristol Brunel Academy were among those to attend the annual Raising Aspirations careers event at UWE. More than 50 employers were represented at the two-day exhibition, organised by Tim Holmes, from Bristol Met, Suzy Paice, from Bristol Brunel, and Gill Carter, from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership. Mr Holmes said: “The response from businesses, post 16 and further education, wanting to take part in this event has been overwhelming and I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all those involved.” Mr Holmes is pictured with Tony Cherry, from DAC Beachcroft, and students.

THE

acorn

Please write to: The Household of Faith, 31 Mayfield Park North, Fishponds, Bristol Bs16 3NH

cafe

Book early to avoid disappointment

Mother’s Day Sunday 6th March Mother’s Day Breakfasts from 9am Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch Mother’s Day Cream Tea

RESTAURANT Open From 9am Daily Serving Traditional English Breakfasts With A Free House Tea Or House Coﬀee Hot food served until 4pm New Vegetarian Breakfast Available Come And Try Our Delicious Homecooked Lunches - Specials Everyday Afternoon Cream Teas & Homemade Cakes New Range Of Natural Drinks Including Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice More Vegetarian Options Including Sunday Roasts

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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March, 2016

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Bar loses licence after spate of violent attacks

Fly tipper fined

A STAPLE Hill man has been which all licensed premises are said: “We worked closely with ordered to pay £1,240 in fines and required to keep South Gloucestershire Council for costs after admitting fly tipping n Admission of intoxicated many months to gather evidence waste in Westerleigh, South customers and individuals who and prove breach after breach Gloucestershire. have already been banned by the of Bar Celona’s licence. Together Sean Burnell, 29, of High Street, Pubwatch group we uncovered underage drinking, appeared before North Avon n Compliance with the licence shoddy training and recording Magistrates’ Court on Friday 15 conditions regarding admission of practices, and amateur door staff. January. under-21 year olds was not being Regardless of any appeal, the licence He pleaded guilty to fly tipping met revocation waste that was found in Besom n CCTV is testament Lane, Westerleigh, and was fined footage from to our joint £400 with costs of £800 and a £40 November hard work and victim surcharge. 14, 2015 commitment.” The court heard that a Yate showed Cllr Colin resident had been in contact with a serious Hunt, who Burnell who agreed to remove assault on an chaired the some cardboard and packaging intoxicated hearing, said: waste for the resident for £40. customer “Revoking a The waste was subsequently within the bar’s licence is premises very much a last found dumped in a lay-by on Besom and a lack of resort as we do Lane. appropriate carry out a lot Burnell had claimed that he action taken of preventative was driving along Besom Lane a by staff on work with our few days after collecting the waste, duty. This indicated that there had police colleagues to try and avoid when he saw that some litter, been no lasting improvements in this scenario from happening.” including a mattress, dumped in the management of the premises The owners have the right to a lay-by on the side of the road. n Periods when the bar’s CCTV appeal the decision at Magistrates’ He admitted dumping the Yate Rightproperly. at Home is one of the most Right atUK’s Home is oneofofreceiving the UK’s most resident’s waste there as well. system was not working Court within 21 days Police inspector Clive Summerill notification of the decision. trusted care companies. Our local trusted care companies. Our local team of friendly, reliable CareGiver’s team at of friendly, reliable Right at Home is one of the UK’s most Right 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. 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A POPULAR late-night drinking bar has lost its licence after 26 assaults were recorded there in just three years. Police say 45 per cent of violent crime offences in the Kingswood area took place in Bar Celona in Regent Street. Now the bar’s owners have had their licence taken away during a hearing of South Gloucestershire Council’s licensing committee. Discussions between the police, council licensing officers and the bar’s management in 2015 led to a series of warnings being issued to the owners. An action plan was also drawn up to help prevent any future problems occurring but this only resulted in a temporary improvement. The violent assaults were recorded from 2012 to 2015 between the hours of 10pm and 4am. The main complaints about the premises include: n The bar was poorly managed with poor record keeping both in the incident log and refusals register,

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withinclude: the Care Quality Commission. Each Right at Home office independently and operated Our services dementia Registered care your ownSpecialist home Registered withisthe Care Qualityowned Commission. Each Right at Home office is independently owned and operated Specialist dementia care Companionship Companionship Or visit www.rightathomeuk.com/swindon Companionship Transportation and errands Transportation and errands Meeting at Hillfields Youth Centre Transportation andQuality errandsCommission. Each Right at Home office is independently owned and operated Registered with the Care Helpwashing, with washing, dressing Help with dressing Help with washing, dressing Monday & Friday 12 noon to 2.30pm and personal and personal care care and personal care

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Please contact George or Jan on 07799 521007 or text 07799 521007 Hillfields Youth Centre, Thickete Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 4EH e-mail: info@hymg.org website http://www.hymg.org

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

Or visit Registered withwww.rightathomeuk.com/swindon the Care Quality Commission. Each Right at Home office is independently owned and operated

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

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March, 2016

TER T E

Show compassion on mental health I WAS disgusted to read the objections to a proposed supported living project in February’s issue. The main objection proposed seems to be that there are schools nearby. The implication that people who have battled substance abuse, have learning difficulties or a mental health condition are therefore predators is revolting. It’s clearly NIMBY-ism, framed in scare tactics and stigma. I was a support worker for adults with learning difficulties for many years. I also have a mental health condition. Not too long ago, my condition worsened to the point I was hospitalised; losing my job, my place at university, and my home, overnight. I needed a halfway house like this while I re-established myself. These places are essential to allow someone to rebuild their life, and isolating them further from the community is degrading and ignorant. Implying that they are a danger to children - for issues entirely unrelated to crimes against children - is the worst kind of discrimination. People with mental health issues are far more likely to be victims of crime than to perpetrate it. Professionals run risk assessments on every person placed in a house like this, and work with them to heal and recover. We are a part of society, whether wanted or not. I hope the people who have raised these objections never have to go through something like this, or have it happen to loved one. With the right combination of circumstances and stressors, it can happen to any of us. Compassion is called for, not vilification. Name and address given

Deal details are clear as mud! FOLLOWING my letter ‘Muddying the issue for Metrobus’ (February 2016), comnplaining of mud on the roads from the Metrobus project, I received notice through Councillor Mrs Lesley Alexander that: “ … The project will ensure that a wheel washing facility is in place on site from now on so that when the contractor needs to remove further soil it should not spill onto the highway.” Hooray!

The message had been sent to a number of Councillors by a woman member of the ‘MetroBus Team’, presumably a ‘Team’ within Bristol City Council (BCC). It was made clear that the message was a direct re-action to my complaint. Obviously one is glad that action is being taken to resolve the problem, but one has to ask why such details as an obligation to keeping the roads clean and safe is not written into tax-payer funded contracts. Or, if they are, why BCC staff who are paid to oversee the contract, fail to do so. Now, what about those mud strewn roads around the old Frenchay Hospital and cheesy Scholar’s Chase? Dr Stephen Buston

sweepers into Frome Vale later in the day to improve standards. Before we take our campaign to the Mayor urging action, we want to hear from as many more people as possible with their views and experiences about street cleanliness in Frome Vale. Please email us on fromevale@bsgconservatives.com or write directly to Fishponds or Downend Voice newspaper where we’ll read your comments. James Hinchcliffe Councillor Lesley Alexander Frome Vale Conservative Action Team

Join our campaign for cleaner streets

I WOULD like to respond to February’s article ‘Hostel here? No way! and hope that you will print my letter as I, and hopefully others in Fishponds and beyond, will actually support the plans to create a new rehabilitation centre in our area no matter if near a school, as the sound of children playing is so wonderful, or away from local shops as one can always walk or catch a bus, there’s a thought! I feel one just has to read between the lines regarding this article to see some in our community clearly fear those with enduring mental illness and addictions issues as if such individuals will always pose a risk to our children or us in some way. We all know we are at risk of mental illness and addiction issue as life can throw some awful things at us so anyone of us could end up needing the support from a charity that wanted to help, and if it were me I would want to remain in my local community and not be banished to some other place where I would be as equally unwelcome because of people’s unrealistic fears. There really is an unrealistic, but understandable fear in communities due to negative press stories over the years, that people who suffer

WE’D like to tell your readers about a new campaign we’ve launched. Hundreds of people across Frome Vale have contacted us through our regular surveys with complaints about poor standards of street cleanliness. There is too much litter, detritus and leaves in Fishponds, Begbrook, Stapleton and Downend. A while ago, the council decided to stop litter picking and cleansing on weekly cycles. Instead, litter is only cleared from the streets when City Hall staff deem necessary. Also, judging from the reports we’ve received, the council sends out motorised sweepers in Frome Vale too early in the mornings. In other words, when cars are parked kerbside and the sweepers cannot do their job properly. These policies haven’t worked. Compared with central areas of the city, the state of our streets isn’t good enough. The council thinks about central Bristol first and communities on the outskirts, like Fishponds, much later. This must change. The council should restore weekly frequencies of street cleaning and send out the motorised

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Hostel here? Yes please!

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with enduring mental illness or addiction issues will always be a threat to children, or us, which is simply not true as statistically one is much more likely to harmed by an everyday person, one of us, in our community than the above mentioned. I think it sad that we as a community and society over all still struggle to welcome such establishments and try to work with them hand in hand as this could help destroy the awful stereo typical negative views of people with addiction and mental health illnesses who after all are someone’s children, fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, friends, work colleagues and so on, so do we really want to keep all these wonderful people outside of our community and say ‘you don’t belong here’? In closing, please note mental illness is not a ‘problem’ as the article says but an illness as it’s this type of reporting and poor use of words that just perpetuates the negative views there is to mental health and addiction. Iain Harkins Fishponds

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March, 2016

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Eye Blog . . .

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What is blue light? AS digital devices become ingrained in our daily lives, we continue to learn about the potential health ramifications of extended use. One of the most common concerns is blue light — the Blue-Violet light at the end of the spectrum, which is the most intense variety visible to human eyes.

large amounts of blue light.

The Good

The Solution

Blue light assists in the treatment of various medical conditions. Blue-Green light is vital to phototherapy utilized to reduce bilirubin levels in the blood of new-born babies. It’s even been proven to aid sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression that occurs due to lack of sunlight during winter months.

The Bad

So, why all the bad press about blue light? A portion of the blue light spectrum, Blue-Violet light, can be harmful to delicate retinal cells deep in the eye. The world has become largely reliant on smartphones, tablets, and laptops — technologies with displays that often produce

The long-term effects may be severe. Studies have shown that Blue-Violet light is a risk factor for the onset of agerelated macular degeneration, a progressive condition that can lead to vision loss over time. Many of us rely on digital devices not only for entertainment and information, but for work as well. When your job requires an abundance of daily screen time, it is important to limit exposure to harmful light. In addition to lowering your monitor’s brightness level and optimizing your desk ergonomics, make sure you’re wearing lenses that help protect your eyes from overexposure to Blue-Violet light. And always remember the 2020-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of screen time, give yourself at least 20 seconds of time staring at something 20-plus feet away.

At Marian Blake Opticians we can provide you with protection against blue light using lenses. In an effort to raise public awareness and help people protect their eyes from blue light whether outdoors or next to a computer, we have teamed up with Essilor to provide a fantastic offer throughout the next six months – buy any pair of and get the second pair half price.

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Struggling with your finances? Give us a call Hi, my name’s Kerry, I’m a money and debt adviser at St Pauls Advice Centre. We have been offering free, independent legal advice to people in the local community since the 1970s, and we are now funded to advise people in your local area too. We offer specialist benefits and debt advice, as well as general and immigration advice, either at our office or in drop-ins around the northeast and centre of the city. We know it can be hard for people to get to advice sessions and appointments in office hours, so we now also offer telephone advice through our dedicated Money Advice Helpline. We often speak to people about problems with their rent. Getting behind with your rent can be a real worry, and it is often one of the first things people struggle with when money is tight, especially with rent rocketing in Bristol and help for people on low incomes being cut. We have lots of experience negotiating with the council, housing associations and private landlords and advising people who are being threatened with court action and eviction. As well as problems with rent we speak to people about lots of different money issues; we can offer quick one-off advice over the phone, point you in the right direction for further help, or open up a case for you and act on your behalf to deal with debts if you need some ongoing legal advice. If you want to speak to someone about your rent situation, or any other money topic, from budgeting to bankruptcy, please call us on 0117 9405406. If we do not answer leave a message and someone will call you back. If you prefer, you can also email us at moneyadvice@stpaulsadvice.org.uk. For benefits, immigration or general advice please call our main reception on 0117 955 2981.

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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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with Jonathan Best of Marian Blake Opticians

Like many things that are negative in excess, blue light is both normal and healthy in the right amount and at the right time. Blue-Turquoise light is instrumental in helping your body establish its circadian rhythm, the so-called biological clock that tells you when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time for bed. It’s crucial to maintaining proper memory function, alertness, cognitive ability, and general mood regulation.

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OUG

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T H

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With

Lizzie Kesteven St Mary’s Church

March, 2016

Love can move mountains

HAVE come to the conclusion that I am one of these people that prefers the spring and the summer to the wind, wet and cold of the winter months. At first glance the winter seems to me another exciting turn of the seasons, as the nights get darker and Christmas beckons. The lights up and down the Fishponds Road wield their wonder and enchantment for a while. However, once Christmas has passed and the nights still seem so very long, then the reality of waking in the dark to start the day feels bleak. It is in this wet and cold of February that for the last few years I have gathered with others to sleep outside for a night in the centre of the city. It is organised by a variety of the local charities that help to support those who sleep rough in Bristol. In part it is about fundraising and in part it is about raising awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness. It seems absurd to me that we are one of the wealthiest countries in the world and yet we still have people with no place to call home. On the one hand the sleep out is a long way from the actual realities of rough sleeping, as there is an organised team, and a designated area to sleep outside. However, each time I have taken part I have been confronted with the very fact that even though I come prepared, the experience is still hard, and inevitably cold. I believe that there is a link between experience, empathy, understanding and then action. If we know what it feels like, or we imagine what it feels like, then we are more likely to want to be part of a community that eases that burden rather than turning a blind eye. I believe that one of the strengths of faith is that there is an underlying compulsion to act for the sake of others.

I am not suggesting that this has been always fulfilled as it might be, or indeed that faith is the only motivator for people, but I am suggesting that faith has been a significant driver for a substantial amount of work that has helped other people in and around this city. In that way we cannot all do everything, but we all might do a little something to make the world less bleak and hard. Around in the community of Fishponds I see people doing such stuff all the time, whether that is opening up communal spaces for people to come and have a bowl of soup, a cup of tea and some much needed company, or if that’s making a space that is accessible so that people can drop by and fill a box with goods that can be taken to people that need it. I, along with others, am privileged to be able to access two amazing church buildings, which could be open to others much more often if there were enough people to make those places safe, welcoming and available for all people, more of the time. Fishponds has changed significantly in a short period of time, it has become what agents describe as “sought after”. It still remains however very present with real challenges for many people in daily life. There are many ways in which we can all do our part to love our neighbour and be part of that change. Perhaps something to consider over the coming weeks as we move towards Easter – that time of hope, renewal and transformation, what it might be that we all might do to make this little piece of God’s world feel a little bit more like spring for others.

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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. 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.

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March, 2016

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Medicinal plants in the Frome Valley THE Frome Valley has a wealth of medicinal plants, growing near the river and in the fields nearby. In the past these plants and their uses would have been familiar to local people, and herbalists still use many of them today. Herb walks organised by Snuff Mills Action Group have been popular, so I decided to follow this up with short articles about a different plant each month. Our first plant is Plantain – three varieties can be found. As children, we would wrap the stems round the seedhead and shoot them at people!

Above: Chromolithograph by Anne Pratt, printed in London 1865, showing greater, ribwort and hoary plantain Dr Fernie, in his book ‘Herbal

bowel, ulcers and also as a diuretic to help reduce uric acid. The seeds can be used like those of their close relative, psyllium (available in Asian shops, and also the basis of Fybogel), to help regulate the bowels. In addition, the leaves of Ribwort Plantain can also be used for chronic bronchitis, soothing both coughing and the lungs. Some find it more helpful than dock leaves for nettle stings. In the past, the gelatinous mucilage in the seeds and leaves Simples” printed in Bristol in 1897, describes it as a humble wellknown weed, growing in fields and by roadsides. Its common name Waybred derives from the Anglo-Saxon waybroed, suggesting it spread along the wayside. It has been used as medicine since ancient times, and Shakespeare refers to it in Romeo and Juliet: “your plantain leaf is excellent for broken shin”. Fernie advises its use to help heal open sores, by applying a poultice of the leaves. It can also draw out dirt and poison. Like many medicinal plants, it has a number of different uses. A decoction (strong tea) can be made by simmering the leaves. This helps with diarrhoea, irritable

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March, 2016

Memories chime at village museum THE bells of Frenchay Church is the topic of the latest exhibition at Frenchay Village museum. The bells were installed by parishioners and friends in an ambitious DIY project that lasted several years, culminating with their dedication by the Bishop of Bristol 25 years ago. This was the first new ring of bells in the Diocese of Bristol since 1932, so it was a significant achievement. The display shows how a dozen long disused bells were rescued from sources as unlikely as a church in Byker, Newcastle on Tyne, and

a local hospital. Many local firms supported the project, including Steelstock of Yate, who donated all the steel beams needed to make the bellframe, Burcombe Crane Hire who rescued four bells from a very high tower, and A F Drew of Frampton Cotterell who provided welding expertise and transport. Three of the rescued bells were found new homes, one to the new church of Christ the King, Bradley Stoke, one to a church in Uganda, and another to St Luke’s, Barton Hill, which had its bell stolen! Four of the rescued bells were

tuned, and two new ones cast from metal donated by the remainder, by John Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough. However, the bulk of the work in the tower of the church was carried out by volunteers from the parish and supporters from the wider community. Today the bells are rung for services each Sunday, and for weddings and the occasional funeral.

The ringers practice from 7.30 until 9pm on Monday evenings (not 2nd of the month) and always welcome visitors interested in finding out more about this ancient English art. The museum is at the junction of Begbrook Park and Frenchay Park Road, just inside Entrance “B” of the hospital. It’s open on Saturday and Sundays from 2-5pm, and Wednesday from 1-4pm. Entry is free.

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Planning matters This month independent planning consultant Chris Gosling looks at the relationship between the planning system and the law THE planning system has a hierarchy that is imposed from top down but to a large extent on a local level, planning policy is written from the bottom up. This has helped create the mythical NIMBY, who recognises that there may be a national need for, say, a wind turbine, but does Not wish to see one erected In My Back Yard. Planning has always been about balancing local and national or global demands. At the top of the hierarchy are Planning Acts. All of these are primary legislation produced by central government and are the laws of the land. These Acts cover for instance Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings, as well as setting the framework within which the planning system operates and decision making occurs. Secondary legislation puts the flesh on the bones of these Acts and is the next part of the hierarchy of legislation. Naturally, it cannot contradict primary legislation, but builds upon it. Neighbourhood plans The local dimension at council level is introduced by Local Development Framework Documents, more

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commonly known as Core Strategies and Local Plans, along with site-specific guidance in some cases, either topic or areabased. Of equal and sometimes greater significance are adopted neighbourhood plans prepared by local community groups, which are creating an ever-growing patchwork across the country. These are effectively local plans for smaller areas than council districts or boroughs. Bristolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groundbreaking first neighbourhood plan, the Old Market Neighbourhood Development Plan will have been voted on in a local referendum by the time you read this. This should be followed by similar plans in preparation by residents of Knowle West, Lawrence Weston, Redcliffe and Lockleaze. This varied hierarchy sets the policy context for development proposals submitted to Local Planning Authorities in the form of planning applications. In the absence of a neighbourhood plan, the current policy context for Fishponds is relatively simple, as follows: National legislation including the National Planning Policy Framework Bristol Core Strategy, adopted in 2011 and containing broad aims Bristol Local Plan, adopted in 2014, which relates to more detailed aims and specific land allocations Determining planning applications has to be carried out lawfully in accordance with Section 38 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and other Acts as appropriate to the proposal. Assessment must be made against the planning policies in the documents listed above, balanced against all other relevant material considerations. Breaking the law? On the subject of planning and the law, a commonly asked question is whether somebody is breaking the law by building something or changing the use of land without planning permission. The answer to that question is almost always no. Unauthorised development can

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lead to enforcement action, but the law is only broken at the end of this process if a validly served Enforcement Notice, Breach of Condition Notice or Injunction is not complied with. However, having unauthorised building works on your property can lead to a rush to achieve retrospective planning permission at that most stressful of times, when you are looking to sell. Not every potential buyer, especially those in a chain, will want to wait around until an unauthorised extension has been approved retrospectively or even face the risk that it might not be approved. Criminal offence Unauthorised development can be remedied with a planning application, even though that application is retrospective. This only succeeds if such a planning application is approved by the council, but it also gives the council the chance to control the development through conditions on the planning permission and therefore can lead to a way of controlling unauthorised development in a manner that suits everyone. If enforcement action is taken, then there is a right of appeal against that, which can also lead to an approval for the works or change of use. If an appeal is dismissed, or

Chris Gosling the option to appeal not taken, then the Enforcement Notice takes effect. From then on, non-compliance with the terms of the notice is the point at which a criminal offence has occurred and further action takes place in the courts, rather than in front of the council or a planning inspector. As such, a conviction would result in a criminal record. Thankfully, although things can go this far, it is a rare event and one that usually leads to the type of publicity that reminds others of their obligations.

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March, 2016

Inspirational Sarah highlights ‘hidden’ disabilities Living with a disability that other people cannot see can add extra pressure to an already difficult life. Jayne Taylor meets a woman who has had epilepsy since she was a child and finds out how a desire to highlight her ‘hidden’ disability has led to her raising thousands of pounds for charity SARAH Reid was seven years old when she tripped over while walking with family and friends along the Bristol to Bath railway path. She cut her head and was promptly taken to Frenchay Hospital. After being patched up, she was sent home only to be rushed back a week later with suspected meningitis. Tests were carried out and the news broken to Sarah and her family that the head injury had left her with epilepsy, a neurological disorder which causes convulsions and loss of consciousness. When the condition was at its worse Sarah, who is now 35, endured up to five seizures a day. It completely changed her life. She wasn’t even able to take a bath without the fear of drowning.Yet looking at her, you would not know she was registered disabled. For the past 10 years the Staple Hill mum-of-two has used her experience of living with epilepsy to educate others and raise money for charity. “When I get on a bus and use my disabled bus pass, the driver will look me up and down as if to say ‘You’re not disabled’,” Sarah says. “People assume I should be in a wheelchair or have a white stick if I’m disabled. “I once had a seizure outside of Sainsbury’s in Kingswood and a man came up to me and told me I wasn’t fit to be a mother. He assumed I was drunk. I’ve never had alcohol in my life; I can’t do that with all the medication I’m on. “I want to eliminate the risk of what has happened to me happening to other people whose disabilities can’t be seen.”

Sarah decided to start fundraising 10 years ago but she was first tasked with losing the weight she had piled on after the birth of her first daughter Layla. She tipped the scales at a very unhealthy 20 stone but following a remarkable weight loss of 10 stone, Sarah started to run marathons for various charities. However, for the past three years she now raises money for specific charities - Epilepsy Action, Epilepsy Society,Young Epilepsy, Young Carers and Mothers for Mothers, who support mums with post-natal depression. She will think nothing of standing in a supermarket for hours on end with a collection tin, telling people about the realities of epilepsy. Sarah also speaks at schools and organisations such as the WI to get her message across. “Epilepsy has taken my independence away,” said Sarah. “People take simple things in life for granted, like having a bath or cooking the tea, but for me they come with the fear of drowning or causing a fire. “I’ve had countless job interviews and everything is fine until they find out I have epilepsy and then the facial expression of the person interviewing me just totally changes. They tell me they will be in contact but I never hear from them again. I’ve even had two jobs where I’ve been sacked after I had a seizure in work.” Sarah, who lives with husband Mark and daughters, Layla, 11, and Lauren, three, said one of her key messages is that not all disabilities can be seen. “When I was at school the

Sarah with her Inspirational Fundraiser award teachers used to tell me off for day dreaming when really I was having a seizure. Everyone thinks having a seizure means you collapse, fall to the floor and shake when that’s not always the case as there’s over 40 different types of seizure. “I’ve also met children who are told off by their teachers because they assume they’re naughty but they may have ADHD or autism. “Through doing my talks I’ve met so many people who have disabilities that you cannot see and they tell me their stories and urge me to keep doing more to raise awareness.

One woman I spoke to told me a man had a go at her for parking in a disabled bay. She was genuinely disabled but you couldn’t see her disability.” Sarah’s charity work has recently been acknowledged at the annual Inspiration Awards for Women in London where she won the Inspirational Fundraiser category. “There were lots of amazing women there,” said Sarah. “I was told I had been shortlisted a week before but I didn’t know I’d won until the night. It was surreal, knowing that there were so many

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Sarah with daughter Layla, who is also helping raise funds with her children’s book Epilepsy Book for Kids people there who had done amazing things for charity.You don’t feel like you’re as good as them so to hear your name called out was just ‘Wow, really?!’” Sarah is not the only fundraiser in her family. In 2012 Layla, a pupil at Staple Hill Primary School, became a published author with a book called Epilepsy Book for Kids, aimed at helping other children understand about a relative’s epilepsy. Sarah said: “Layla used to be scared when mummy had a seizure so I started looking for a children’s book to explain epilepsy to her. There was nothing aimed at a child who has a mum, dad, brother or sister with epilepsy so Layla decided to write one herself! “Every book sold means £1 for Epilepsy Action, Epilepsy Society and Young Epilepsy. “I want to get the book in every school so I’m hoping that there

are businesses out there who would be interested in sponsoring a book for their local school.” In April last year, Sarah underwent brain surgery at Southmead Hospital in a bid to reduce the number of seizures she was having. “It was a routine operation in the surgeon’s eyes as he does it every day but it didn’t feel like routine to me as they had to cut part of my brain away. They told me the risks involved included loss of sight and memory.” But rather than focus on the negatives, Sarah used the operation as a chance to raise money. “I expected to lose a lot of hair during my brain surgery so I organised a sponsored head shave. When I came round after the operation, the surgeon had only taken away a tiny amount of my hair. My family said ‘You’ve still got most of your hair so do you really want to do a head shave?’ But I still wanted to do it! It took place a month after my surgery in the middle of Kingswood Co-op. We raised £250 for Epilepsy Action so it was worth it.” Following the surgery, Sarah experienced tunnel vision but thankfully her eyesight is now back to normal, although she is not yet allowed to drive. She still suffers memory loss and is used to having

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to write reminders down all the time. “There’s Post-It notes all over my house! But fingers crossed, I haven’t had a seizure since July. I’m finding it hard to get my life back on track as I’ve lived with epilepsy for 30 years. I ask myself ‘Am I still me?’ The doctors said I might feel like this. Everyone thinks if the surgery stops the epilepsy, you would be like ‘Yay, I’ve been cured! Fantastic, I’ve got my life back.’ But really you’re left feeling your identity has been taken away.You are so used to living a life which is so limited, it’s so weird to get used to the fact that I can go out in public, have a bath or cook the tea. It takes a lot of confidence to just do those things.” If you know of a school or organisation which would benefit from Sarah giving a talk, you can contact her by emailing markreid2@sky.com Epilepsy Book for Kids is published by Bristol-based Pomegranate Books and costs £6.50 plus postage and packing.Visit www. pomegranatebooks.co.uk for details.

During the award ceremony Sarah mingled with stars including actress Michelle Collins

Lottery will help secure future for historic Downend Cricket Club

DOWNEND Cricket Club has launched a monthly lottery to raise funds to safeguard its future. It follows the significant decision by members at the annual meeting to remain at the WG Grace Memorial Ground in North Street rather than pursue a move elsewhere. The lottery is the first initiative of the new fundraising and sponsorship committee headed by Paul Williams and Neale Pocock. The first draw will take place on March 26. Paul said: “Taking part in the monthly Downend Lottery is one way that you can help make sure our club not only remains, but thrives. We would not only like to remain open, but build on our cricketing success, update facilities and develop our offer for youth and women’s cricket.Your monthly donation through the Downend Lottery will go a long way towards realising these ambitions.” The lottery will give participants the chance to win up to three cash prizes at the end of each month, while also raising money for Downend Cricket Club. Participants can take part by purchasing entries via a monthly standing order, or by purchasing six or 12 months’ entries with cash. Each entry costs £5 per month, with no limit to the numbers of entries a person may purchase. Buy two entries per month and you’ll get a third free, or sign up to three entries per month for a year and you’ll receive a free one year single or joint club membership (membership will also offer 10 per cent off all drinks behind the bar any time that the club is open). More information on how to sign up for the lottery can be found on the club’s website, www. downendcricket.co.uk.

Christine English

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March, 2016

20 years on, crews pay tribute to Fleur IT is hard to believe it was 20 years ago when the entire nation mourned the death of firefighter Fleur Lombard. The 21-year-old lost her life while tackling a ferocious fire at Leo’s supermarket in Staple Hill. To mark the anniversary of her tragic death, both serving and former staff from across Avon Fire & Rescue Service came together at the memorial dedicated to her in Broad Street. The ceremony, on February 4, featured a poignant minute’s silence in tribute to her memory. The AF&RS Drill Squad laid a

wreath on behalf of Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson. The chairman of Avon Fire Authority, councillor Peter Abraham, laid a wreath on behalf of Avon Fire Authority and Avon Fire & Rescue Service. Former Chief Fire Officer of Avon Fire Brigade, John Terry OBE, laid a wreath on behalf of the

Lombard family. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) also laid wreaths. Chief Fire Officer Kevin Pearson said: “On Thursday 4 February 1996 Avon Fire Brigade, as the organisation was then known, was called to reports of a serious fire in Leo’s supermarket in the Staple Hill area. “Tragically the fire claimed the

life of 21-year-old Fleur, who at the time was one of only eight women employed by Avon Fire Brigade. Every year since Fleur’s death our staff mark the anniversary and there is no doubt in my mind that she will never be forgotten. “We hope this tribute will show that the memory of Fleur lives on, but so too does her legacy.

Ways to Wellbeing

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

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

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

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E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

“She was awarded the Silver Axe for the best recruit on her graduation from training, and in recognition of this characteristic the Fleur Lombard Bursary was set up. The bursary gives fire and rescue service staff the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to fund study into firefighting and learning from other services across the world.” Fleur was the first female firefighter to die on duty in peacetime Britain. She was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal and Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation in recognition of her amazing bravery. Two of her colleagues who were with her that day were also awarded the George Medal and the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

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A keen windsurfer, Fleur’s ashes were interred at St Enodoc Church in Trebetherick, Cornwall, which overlooks Daymer Bay - a windsurfer’s haven. On graduating in 1994, Fleur received the Silver Axe Award, for most outstanding recruit on her training school. After Fleur’s tragic death a trust fund was set up as a fitting tribute to her bravery, courage, dedication and professionalism. The Fleur Lombard Bursary aims to keep Fleur’s values alive, helping others progress their careers in the fire and rescue service. The fire was started deliberately by security guard Martin Cody. He received a prison sentence of sevenand-a-half years for manslaughter and arson.

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March, 2016

Page Park work already under way WORK on transforming Page Park is already under way following the announcement of a £1.6 million lottery bonanza. The Friends of Page Park have been awarded the cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. Along with further grants, nearly £2.2 million will be spent on the ambitious project which includes a cafe and community building. Recent visitors to the park have spotted white lines which mark out a new path - evidence that work is now under way. William Lee, secretary of the Friends of Page Park, said it was fantastic to see some sign of progress after so many years of working on the lottery bid. “The delivery phase of the project to renovate Page Park has started and the first tangible signs of activity are visible in the park,” he said. “The lines mark out where the new path down the west side of the park will go. This piece of work has to be completed by the end of March as a condition of the grant towards the cost and so it won’t be long before the very first improvement in the park will be there to be enjoyed. After so

many years of applications and planning this will be a very welcome milestone. “It is still very early days in the delivery of the project but very satisfying to be able to report tangible progress.” The news of the award has been greeted with delight by local people and traders. They say the money will secure the park’s future for generations to come. Mark Behard, of the Blue Sky Cafe in Fountain Square, said it was great that so many people had worked so hard to get the money for Page Park and he urged them and others to keep up their efforts until the project was completed. “Our neighbourhood will see the benefits of this upgrade stretching into the future - for another hundred years!” he said. Plans for the park include a cafe and community building, new toilets, French boules court, improved teen area and a new toddler play area. Restoration work includes an overhaul of the landmark clock tower and chiming clock as well as reinstating railings around the park which were taken down in the war. The walls, gates and gate columns will also be returned to their former glory.

Improved access, paths, planting schemes and signage also form part of the scheme, along with an area for growing plants and composting. The new play area is now in the planning stage and it is hoped it will be in place by the end of May. Meanwhile fundraising for the project continues. The Friends still have to find their £20,000

contribution - a condition of the funding. There is also a shortfall in the cost of the overall project so the group is continuing to look for additional capital. Page Park was given to the public in 1910 as a gift from local benefactor Alderman Arthur William Page.

Fishponds Veterinary Centre

Is your pet microchipped? Did you know, from April 6th 2016 it will be a legal requirement that your dog is microchipped.

Don’t get left behind! HALF PRICE microchipping for cats & dogs in March ONLY £10! Plus a FREE bag of food! To book an appointment call

0117 9654413 or visit zetlandvets.co.uk 10 Straits Parade, Fishponds Bristol, BS16 2LA

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March, 2016

153 Forest Road Offers in the region of £350,000 A substantial and highly distinctive 4 bedroom extended family home with considerable accommodation, many distinctive character features and a high standard of specification. This impressive home benefits from a newly appointed bathroom and extended kitchen. The property also features a significant integral garage/ workshop, off street parking and enclosed rear garden.

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Jacqueline Gill talks about her business the Acorn Cafe

ESTSH IN N MO BFUTS HE

March, 2016

B OF

SINE U

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E MO

The Acorn Cafe Westerleigh Hill Road

Tell us about your business

THE Acorn Cafe in Westerleigh was opened in April 2008 by Jacqueline Gill, who has over 25 years’ experience in running restaurants in Bath. She moved to Bristol more than twelve years ago and saw an opportunity to brings her skills, experience and her love of home-cooked, good quality food to the Acorn Cafe. Through hard work and the support of her family and friends, Jacqueline recruited a strong team of staff and set about designing a menu whilst setting out her vision for the Acorn Cafe. She wanted the cafe to be a warm, friendly place where people could meet enjoy home-cooked food in a cosy environment, have a glass of wine or beer on the patio, leave and tell their friends and want to repeat the experience. With this in mind, Jacqueline set about changing the cafe with a coat of paint, new tables and chairs to offer more comfort, and added tables and chairs to the patio area. She obtained a beer and wine licence and put in a bar. Jacqueline then sourced

the best suppliers for their quality and price so she could ensure passing that quality at reasonable prices to customers.

What service do you provide? At the Acorn Cafe we provide good honest home-cooked food and pastries with fresh ground coffee in a setting which is warm friendly and relaxing. We provide an extensive menu plus a daily specials board. We also consider the dietary requirements of our customers by providing wheat and gluten free choices on the menu. This is an area we are looking to develop further so

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

we can offer even more choice as we are finding more people are developing intolerances to certain foods. We also cater for birthday parties and business lunches and can facilitate for larger groups of up to 45 people. Sunday roast at the Acorn is a great way to spend your afternoon with a choice of three to four meats plus delicious puddings. Booking is highly recommended as it gets very busy.

and passed on, leaving us with a plate full of memories. All this makes the Acorn Cafe more than just a provider of great food - it’s the bringing together of people to relax, unwind and enjoy the atmosphere

What makes your business different from other companies?

What is the best part of running your business? The customers! We get to know our regulars and lots of them have made friends with other regulars. It’s great finding out their likes and dislikes with food, listening to them tell you that’s the best cheese cake they’ve ever tasted or what a great Sunday roast you serve. We notice where they like to sit and how some have favourite tables and we will watch them shuffle impatiently if someone is sitting at the table they have booked! We are good listeners and are trusted with the results of customers’ recent hospital appointment and told how well or unwell a family member is. We fondly remember husbands, wives and family members who have past through our restaurant

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Our “everything matters” attitude. From the seat you sit on to the music you hear to how clean the rest rooms are, we want customers to enjoy every aspect of their visit. Jacqueline and the team work very hard to ensure they deliver the best possible service.

What are your plans for the future? To constantly try to improve our quality and service and to make our menu more extensive. We also want to improve the outside area and to turn any new customers into regulars.

The Acorn Cafe

Westerleigh Hill Road Westerleigh Bristol BS37 8QZ Tel 0117 910 9464

Got News? Call Jayne On 0788 0731148

March, 2016

E: news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

fishpondsvoice

On the treatment table

with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next step in Mangotsfield Blog 26 – Less fat 12 STONE 5 lbs, 22.5% body fat and counting! Not bad. I have practically lost a stone and 4% fat in one month of non-drinking, boring eating dullness. In fact, I think I would have broken the 1 stone barrier if we hadn’t had an impromptu trip to Center Parcs for the week. Indeed, I promised Jen a week’s holiday after Christmas as I took very little time off for baby Harry’s birth as it was so close to Christmas. I checked the dates to make sure it wasn’t half term. I did this using the extremely scientific method of checking for the cheap holiday dates online thus ensuring that I miss the crowds and grab a bargain. Alas, after purchasing our week’s holiday in the wondrous Center Parcs I started to see much activity on facebook and patients in the clinic saying that everybody was going the same week with their kids for half term? It seems that in the confounding way of the council, the whole of Emersons Green and half of Bristol were on half term, contra to the rest of the UK. Great for all those looking for a bargain half-term holiday for a change and perfect for me who managed to enjoy bumping into (what seemed like) all of my patients in Center Parcs. It was quite nice actually, I even bumped into an old school friend that I hadn’t seen in 20 years on the rapids…until a little boy did a poo in the pool and we all had to get out…I kid you not. I even managed to play a game of squash with my Dad. He’s 70 years old and I still haven’t managed to win a single game from him in my life. It’s quite a testament that he is still playing competitively for Colston’s squash club and he even still wins from time to time…or so he tells me. Baby Harry has just had his first jabs which he took like a pro. His Mum was more upset than he was. The GP was lovely at the

Christchurch Medical Centre and told us how healthy he is looking and said what most people say when they meet him, that ‘he’s a healthy weight for 10 weeks old’. In other words, we have a chunky baby on our hands. Jen is obviously producing the good old ‘gold top’ milk to keep Harry warm in these long cold nights. Actually as I write this I have a very happy Jenny with me as Harry (and mummy) managed to sleep from 11pm to 7am on his gold top milk. It has to be said that I sleep through every night as I am a very modern man and sleep in the spare room…with ear plugs in…just in case. Molly also slept through from a similar age which is testament to Jen’s hard work with routines. Routines are not for everyone and indeed they don’t suit everyone but I am certain that they have got our two little ones sleeping well. At work I received my wedding invitation from Hannah and Iain, the two wonderful chiropractors that work for me at Cleve Chiropractic. I am so happy for them and we are now on count down for their wedding in Cornwall in June. Hannah is from Cornwall and Iain from Devon. I guess Hannah won on venue location…wise choice Iain, you have learned quickly. It took me longer to realise to choose my battles more wisely but learn we must. I apologise but I must mention work as this was the distant but original point of this blog. We have many interesting cases at the clinic but this month we had a rugby player turn up with a swollen elbow that had lasted a couple of months that hadn’t been responding to his regular treatment. We sent him for an MRI and he came back with an infection within the joint. This is unusual for sure but not unheard of. We have picked up a few infected joints in the clinic.

They can be quite serious and often require operations. They can happen anywhere in the body including the spine so it’s good to check if we are unsure. Infections can be picked up sometimes with blood tests from your GP. There can be evidence of infections on X-ray that we can do at our clinic but they are best visualised on MRI. We have excellent links with the local MRI centres. MRI prices are not as high as you may think. When I first started they could be found for around £900 but now we can get them for only £228. We can get these scans within days and as chiropractors we are qualified to read them for you and then within the week a report

Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games l Chiropractic & Physiotherapy l Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica l Sports Massage l Headaches & Migraines l Trapped Nerves l Repetitive Strain Injuries l Occupational Injuries l Sports Injury Specialist l Competitively priced

Any 5 white primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 2-panel ‘Classique’ doors, complete with 3 choices of brass handles, 2 chrome handles, hinges, mortice catch & fitted in your home. Extra doors available.

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This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27”. Other sizes available for a small extra charge

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will be sent to us anyway from the radiologists at the MRI centre that you can give your GP. Please understand that these conditions are very rare and as we break through our 8000 patient barrier I can say that as a team we have seen less than 10 in 13 years.

The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association

CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20 St James's Place, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9JB

Contact

0117 957 5388

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March, 2016

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Ga O A P ' s s r i a h c gazebos table & Ga r N d O e W n n I e N d F u r r a n G S i t n kids TOCK e u d r r s a G e g n i pools sw TOOLS S D E E S T N A Opening Hours: PL Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm Sunday & Bank Holiday 10am - 4pm

40 ft Containers available for rent Rajani's offer a wide selection of products that range from pet accessories for the animal lovers to household products for the home owners to tools for all the tradesmen. All of our products are at discounted prices to give all our customers the maximum value for money.

Visit our Instore Cafe which serves sandwiches,lunches, full english breakfasts. Hot and cold drinks.

Enjoy shopping instore and online www.rajanis.co.uk