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May, 2021 — ISSUE 73
FREE EVERY MONTH IN THE GREATER FISHPONDS AREA Fishponds lad signs for Villa Fifteen-yearold Kyrie Pierre, a student at Bristol Met, has signed for Premier League club Aston Villa, after being spotted by a talent scout while he was playing for Bristol Rovers under-18s. PAGE 5
Hiring e-scooters for kids is illegal
Getting motivated THESE Year 3 pupils at Frome Vale Academy joined children and staff from schools across the Cabot Learning Federation to start a month-long
fundraising and fitness drive with a workout led by TV fitness guru Mr Motivator. Full story: Page 9
Give us a say on our high street FISHPONDS residents need more control over what happens to the main road through the area, campaigners say. A new group is being set up to bring together people who want to make Fishponds Road more "people-friendly", improving the environment and making it easier to walk and cycle along its length. The Fishponds Road Enhancement Plan would
identify projects that could be carried out and ways of funding them. With the future of high streets in the spotlight following the easing of the latest lockdown, the campaigners say the time is right to do something to make the road somewhere people want to spend more time. Turn to Page 3
Parents have been warned that it is illegal to hire the e-scooters currently on trial across greater Bristol for their children. Users must have a full driving licence. PAGE 7
Methodist church set to close Fishponds Methodist Church in Guinea Lane is shutting its doors for good this month - but minister Rev P J Jackson says it is a time for hope. PAGE 22
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fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261
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Editor Linda Tanner 0777 0700579
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ADVERTISING sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Tel 07453 954261 EDITORIAL news@fishpondsvoice.co.uk Letters to the publication can be sent to the above e-mail address or by post to Letters, Fishponds Voice, 15 Mayfield Park, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3nn. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. DEADLINES June edition deadline is May 19 L O C A L I N F O R M AT I O N Bristol City Council http://www.bristol.gov.uk 0117 922 2000 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS 111 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Fishponds Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Fishponds Voice is distributed each month to local residents. 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 Caroline Galvin on 07453954261 or news@fishpondsvoice. co.uk.
COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Fishponds Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.
May, 2021
n NEWS
Vaccine plea to homeless people VOLUNTEERS are teaming up with NHS staff to call on more homeless people and undocumented migrants to have the Covid-19 vaccine. Fishponds charity worker Naseem Talukdar has been volunteering at the Easton Community Centre to encourage people who are ‘off the radar’ to come forward. Campaigners say deaths among homeless people increased by over a third last year, and a recent survey found almost half of migrants felt scared to access healthcare if they got sick during the pandemic. Naseem, who has organised food deliveries to people sleeping rough during the pandemic, said: “We are working to reach out to people who may be off the radar, yet because they move around a lot could be at high risk of spreading or catching infection." Dr Caroline Crentsil, lead GP at the Haven, a Bristol primary care service for asylum seekers and refugees, said undocumented migrants "are more likely to experience barriers to accessing healthcare, which can lead to undiagnosed and untreated conditions". The national vaccine roll-out has extended to people over 40. But some Bristol residents have reported difficulties in booking local appointments for a jab, sometimes being offered appointments as far away as Taunton and Salisbury.
Dr Caroline Crentsil and Naseem Talukdar want people who are 'off the radar' to have their jabs A spokesman for the region's clinical commissioning group, which is responsible for the programme locally, said: "Nationally, there is lower vaccine supply at the moment, but we are working to share vaccine where it is needed across our healthcare system." A programme to trace a coronavirus "variant of concern" in the area found just four cases in more than 50,000 tests. People in Fishponds were among those who took part in the two-week community surge testing programme established to detect the VOC-21FEB-02 variant, which contains a mutation thought to make it more easily spread and more resistant to vaccines. A Public Health England spokesman said it was "reassuring" that only a small number of variant cases have been detected so far, "which would indicate there wasn’t wider community spread of the variants initially identified".
Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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May, 2021
3
n NEWS
Group wants ideas to improve Fishponds Road From Page 1 The Fishponds Road Enhancement Plan is the idea of resident Kathe Jacob, who hopes to bring groups and individuals together in a partnership that would develop an overall vision for improving the road through small individual projects. These could include adding green areas for planting, replanting lost mature trees, finding areas for art work and making more of the area's heritage, including historic buildings like the Farriers Arms, which was recently saved from demolition. Kathe said: "Fishponds Road is an important focal point for shopping and socialising but is falling into neglect, as through traffic steadily increases and careless retail development is given the green light. "But Fishponds Road is our local high street and has huge potential to have character and beauty, better for walking and cycling, reducing pollution and noise, introducing art and greenery along the way." Kathe called a meeting at the end of April to "generate interest in taking more community ownership" of the road, coming up with agreeing changes, including the possibility of a formal 'neighbourhood plan', which would being more control over
Pamela Nova, Kathe Jacob and Annali Grimes want to bring about improvements through the Fishponds Road Enhancement Plan development. The online meeting was attended by 20 people with a host of different ideas and priorities for the area – some of which were opposed to each other. There were calls at the meeting for changes to the road to make it easier for cyclists to use and to improve road safety, with one resident saying they had had four serious accidents outside their home. The need to tackle air pollution, encourage independent traders by increasing footfall and address the road's absence from the latest plans for rapid transit schemes was
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also highlighted. But other people attending said changes should not be introduced that made it harder for motorists to use the road and access shops, particularly for disabled people who relied on their cars to get around. Another resident warned introducing a formal neighbourhood plan was a "really bureaucratic" process, requiring a referendum of people living in the area covered. And others said the length of the road and different issues along its length could make it difficult to coordinate action. The group will hold a Fishponds Road walkabout, to look at places where improvements are needed and projects could be started, on Saturday May 29 at 4pm. Anyone who wants to join can meet outside the Upper Eastville Post Office, near Eastville Park. Later the same day there will be another online meeting, between 6pm and 7.30pm. Details of how to take part are available by searching for Fishponds Road Enhancement Plan at eventbrite.co.uk. Groups and individuals who want to get involved in the Fishponds Road Enhancement Plan can also email Kathe at kathecakey@outlook.com.
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n NEWS SCHOOLS have started to assess the work of this year's A-level and GCSE students. After traditional exams were cancelled because of the disruption caused by Covid-19, teachers are being asked to award grades this year. Perhaps more than ever before, the future of leavers is in the hands of those who have had to steer them through their school careers. But Bristol Metropolitan Academy principal Cameron Shaw says it is a responsibility – and a lot of extra work – that teachers are more than willing to shoulder. The Fishponds secondary school is holding GCSE assessments during the first two weeks of May, with the 200 pupils in Year 11 working under strictly-controlled conditions in classrooms. The assessments will not just copy regular GCSE exams: something Mr Shaw says neither the school, regulator Ofqual or the government want. With most of this year's candidates out of the classroom for six months of the last academic year, each school has to assess children on what they have actually been taught, taking into account that there has not been a "level playing field" for all pupils during months of remote learning. Mr Shaw said: "The reality is that some students will have covered less content because they will have had several terms last
May, 2021
Exam grades will be fair - head year when they haven't physically been in school." Having had warning since January that there would be no national exams, Mr Shaw believes this year's system will be fairer on pupils than last year's "emergency process", when they were judged on work they had already done and "had no opportunity to do anything about their grades" after schools closed. Grades were then worked out using a national "mutant algorithm", which adjusted them using factors that had nothing to do with individual candidates' achievement. Assessments vary between subjects – including sketches for art and practicals for PE – but will be the same for every candidate studying each subject. Mr Shaw says it will not be a case of "cherry-picking" each child's best work but submitting work which is representative of their abilities. Teachers will then mark assessments and they will be moderated by comparing standards with other schools in the Cabot Learning Federation, such as Bristol Brunel Academy. Schools have until mid-June to submit grades to the regulator, along with their assessment policies. Ofqual will then ask for samples of work
from a selection of named candidates across the grade range in each subject, to ensure candidates at different schools across the country have been treated fairly. Mr Shaw said that Cameron Shaw this year's system is an opportunity for teachers to show they can assess children's work and reflect their abilities accurately and fairly. He said: "We have wanted to be given more ownership and for our judgement to be trusted as professionals. I'm not against exams or formal assessments – what we're saying is it's not the only way." Much thought has gone into ensuring that the system will give results that are comparable to other years and will not be unfair either to this year's candidates or those coming before or after. Mr Shaw said the message to parents was: "You should feel reassured that your child's grade is fair and accurate." Results days will be August 10 for A-levels and August 12 for GCSEs.
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May, 2021
n NEWS A YOUNG Fishponds footballer is heading for the top flight after signing for Aston Villa. Kyrie Pierre is currently going through his GCSE assessments at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, where he is in Year 11. But when he is finished, the 15-year-old will move to Birmingham to live with a host family, and start his professional football career. Midfielder Kyrie first started playing football when he was six, starting off at Keynsham Town. At the age of nine he was spotted by a scout from Bristol Rovers and joined them immediately. Kyrie, who also plays basketball at Bristol Met, was offered a scholarship place at the U18s Bristol Rovers Academy for the next two seasons, and has appeared for Rovers' U18 side this season. But while playing for Rovers he was watched by a scout for Aston Villa, who exchanged details with Kyrie’s dad. After attending Villa’s ground for a medical, which he passed, Kyrie signed for the Premier
5
Kyrie signs for Aston Villa
Above: Kyrie, with his Aston Villa shirt and in action for Rovers Under 18s League side and their U18 squad. Kyrie said: “I am really happy to be signed by Aston Villa. "I would like to inspire other children who have a dream of reaching the top of their sport, to go ahead and try their very best. Also, I want to make my family
really proud of me.” Bristol Met's head of PE, Tom Hooper, said: “What an absolute pleasure it has been to teach and coach Kyrie over the last five years. "He is a fantastic role model, and Aston Villa are very lucky
to have a young man with such character, talent and spirit. "Staff and students at Bristol Metropolitan would like to wish Kyrie the very best of luck, in the next stage of his football career and beyond.”
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fishpondsvoice
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May, 2021
n PETER'S VISION
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ELL here we are, a full year later and finally we can taste freedom! Outdoor, socially distanced freedom maybe, but it's a good step to getting our lives back on track. It’s even better that the sun is out and if we can remember where they are, it’s time to bring out our shorts & T-shirts, and hopefully don a pair of sunglasses too! It got me thinking. Now sunglasses season’s definitely here, I’ve had my eye on a new pair of Ray-Ban’s for a few weeks. It’s going to be an oversized chunky acetate frame for me this year, with my favourite grey-green polarised prescription lenses. It’ll certainly make a change from the classic, and to be fair slightly conservative, Ray-Ban’s I usually wear. My wife Jo has already chosen hers too. It’s no surprise that once again she’s ahead of the game - well ahead of me anyway! One of our favourite designers, Tom Davies, has not been idle during lockdown either. From his London design studio, Tom’s latest collection is just stunning to behold and available to view in practice now. You can choose ready to wear Tom Davies glasses, for ladies & gents, that look stunning and are just so comfortable to wear. If you’re after something a little different or find glasses don’t usually fit or suit you then we can offer a tailor made service too, just ask for details. When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve. However it has become increasingly clear that our vision of reassuringly thorough eye care is not compatible with the NHS funded (free) sight test. With this in mind, we evolved during lockdown into a practice offering Advanced Eye Care to every patient. We’ve re-launched our Vision Plan. Membership is via a low cost monthly Direct Debit, which gives you access to the thorough eye care you want, when you need it. You’ll also receive a glasses discount as well as accidental damage cover for your new glasses. Advanced Eye Care is available for both adults and children too! Full details, including our ‘pay on the day’ option are on our website. I’d like to personally thank each of you for your trust and support throughout this difficult period. Making this change now, allows us to continue providing you and your family with reassuringly thorough eye care for many years to come. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses, we’re still here when you need us six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434. We look forward to seeing you soon!
eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.
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Peter
Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
7
n NEWS
Hiring scooters for your kids is illegal ELECTRIC scooter riders have been warned against anti-social behaviour and hiring machines for children, after a surge in complaints. An experimental scheme allowing people to hire and use e-scooters on the road, as an alternative to driving short distances, was extended to Fishponds in late March. Within days, reports began to multiply on social media of e-scooters being ridden on footpaths, cycle paths and in parks, and being parked blocking pavements. The hire scheme, introduced by the West of England Combined Authority and operated by Voi Technology, is the only way to legally use e-scooters: privately-owned machines remain banned from use in any public space. Voi scooters can only be hired by over-18s, who need to prove they have a driving licence. But many of the complaints involve
Voi scooters in Downend reports of children using scooters anti-socially. Voi says the "vast majority" of such incidents involved private e-scooters and not its machines. As well as risking their child's life, anyone hiring a Voi e-scooter for someone under-18 risks prosecution and penalty points, both for themselves and the child
once they apply for a licence. A police spokesperson said the force had received "a number of anecdotal reports of antisocial/underage riding since the trials started" and was policing e-scooter offences via regular neighbourhood patrols. The spokesperson said while officers would first "engage and explain" with e-scooter users, enforcement was "an option for repeat or serious offences". These included an incident where a 26-year-old Staple Hill man was stopped on April 16 on a hired e-scooter in Soundwell Road, near Kingswood Leisure Centre, and found to be over the drink-drive limit. Police are urging people with concerns over underage riding to report incidents first to Voi, which can revoke hire agreements before enforcement action is taken. A Voi spokesperson said: "If an adult allows an underage person to ride an e-scooter, it’s
the same as letting an underage person drive a car. Users can receive fines for this infraction, and points can be added to their driving licence." The spokesperson said that the trial had generally been well-received, with more than 445,000 trips taken on its scooters since launch in October. Voi said it was providing users with information about parking safely and had patrols to move incorrectly parked scooters, and was now able to give warnings and fines to users who parked incorrectly. Voi said it had a "3 strike policy" to block users if there were repeated complaints about anti-social behaviour linked to a scooter they had hired. • Police say a man was taken to Southmead Hospital after being involved in an accident while riding a Voi e-scooter on Fishponds Road, near Eastville Park, at about 7.15pm on April 30.
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May, 2021
8
n NEWS
A LANDLORD who harassed and illegally evicted her pregnant lodger and another who ran an unlicensed premises have been prosecuted by the city council. Bristol Crown Court heard that Juliet Matorerwa let a room in her home in Hollybrook Park, Speedwell, to a woman on a fixed six-month agreement. But when good relations broke down the council said Matorerwa harassed the "vulnerable" lodger and evicted her 11 days before the end of their contractual agreement, leaving the lodger "effectively homeless" in October 2019. The council's Rogue Landlord Unit took Matorerwa to court and she admitted an offence under the Protection from Eviction Act, which makes the harassment and unlawful eviction of a lodger or tenant a criminal offence. Matorerwa was ordered to pay just under £7,000 in compensation and costs, and told to obey an overnight curfew for the next three months by Judge William Hart, told Matorerwa the way she had acted
Landlord harassed and evicted pregnant lodger, court told
A toilet at the Fishponds Road HMO repaired with foil and parcel tape was "wholly unacceptable" and that the rights of lodgers "should not be interfered with”.
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Her prosecution in April came after another landlord, Mohammed Omar Ahmed, of Wells Road, Knowle, was told to pay £7,800 in fines and costs for running a "dangerous and unpleasant" unlicensed house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Fishponds Road. The city's magistrates court heard that Ahmed had told the council he was moving in to the property as a resident landlord in November 2017. He was reminded that he needed to apply for a licence if he was not living in the house, which is in the Eastville and St George West HMO licensing scheme area. The council said the Rogue Landlord Unit visited in February 2019 after a tenant complained about "dangerous and unpleasant living conditions". They found the property in
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an "extremely poor condition", including missing floorboards leaving wires and pipes exposed, a toilet which had been patched up with aluminium foil and parcel tape, and no working boiler, which had left the tenant without heating and hot water. Neither Ahmed nor a member of his family was living there. Ahmed was given a £5,000 fine and ordered to pay more than £2,800 in costs in March for failing to license the property. Council officers found the tenant another home and the house is currently vacant. A spokesperson said: "The council will now pursue formal action to reclaim the housing benefit paid for the period the property was unlicensed." The Rogue Landlord Unit can be contacted by calling 0117 352 5010.
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS HE'S a legend in Britain's living rooms, so Mr Motivator was a natural choice to get thousands of children and staff moving at schools in the Fishponds area. The TV fitness expert kicked off the Cabot Learning Federation's annual Big Walk and Run month with a workout live-streamed to classrooms for pupils to join in. Running throughout May, the CLF Big Walk and Run first started when staff at the federation – which includes Bristol Metropolitan and Bristol Brunel secondary academies, along with Begbrook, Frome Vale and Minerva primary academies – took part in the annual Bristol 10k run. With the 10k moving back to September this year, staff and pupils are instead attempting to run or walk 11,622 miles – a mile for every child in the trust's schools – to raise £11,622 in funding to help its most disadvantaged children. Many staff and children have already committed to a target number of miles to walk
9
Mr Motivator gets pupils moving
Year 1 pupils at Frome Vale Academy in Oldbury Court move with Mr Motivator or run, buoyed by backing from celebrities including Casualty actor Charlie Cox and former Olympic athlete Roger Black. Executive principal Kate Richardson said: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to raise the profile of the importance of physical exercise and activity in line with our 3-19 curriculum." People taking part in the launch event with Mr Motivator were encouraged to wear fancy dress costumes in tribute to the TV instructor, whose real name
EDA
is Derrick Evans, and first found fame with live fitness sessions on ITV's breakfast show GMTV in the 1990s. Prizes were awarded to the best-dressed child and adult taking part. Mr Motivator said: "You cannot underestimate the impact exercise can have on your health and wellbeing. "Getting kids moving, and importantly having fun, sets them up for life." For more information about
EDA
V
Staff at Minerva Primary Academy in Hillfields in fancy dress the Big Walk and Run visit clf. uk online. Donations can be made by searching for CLF at gofundme.com.
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May, 2021
10
n NEWS
Child patients sent to Devon after wards shut MORE than 40 seriously ill children have been sent out of the region for treatment in the last 10 months after two mental health units in the Fishponds area closed. The Priory in Stapleton closed its intensive care unit in July, then its Brunel ward shut in September, while the 15-bed Riverside at Blackberry Hill Hospital has been closed for refurbishment for more than a year. The situation means there are currently no mental health beds for children and young people in Bristol, with the nearest now in Devon. Retired GP Dr Charlotte Peterson, of campaign group Protect our NHS, highlighted the situation at a meeting of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s governing body on April 15. She said: “In the last 10 months, 42 young people and children have been admitted to residential beds outside the BNSSG area. “This tragic statistic represents a system that sends seriously ill young people far from their family and friends, thus adding to the trauma and family anguish of an already desperate situation. “How can this have come about in the fifth richest country in the world? How is it
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Protect our NHS campaigners Dr Charlotte Peterson and Pamela Trevithick that since the closure of beds in the Priory, nothing has been done to resolve the lack of local inpatient facilities?” The Priory blamed the closures on an unsustainable reliance on agency staff, after a damning Care Quality Commission report raised concerns about the safety and quality of services. Closed since March last year, the Riverside unit's reopening has been pushed back to June because the roof needs to be replaced.
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CCG chief executive Julia Ross said: “Sadly, children do always go outside BNSSG for some bed-based services. “It was an unknown fact that the Priory would close at the same time as the Riverside unit was closed for very much-needed reconfiguration. "When it opens, it will be a much better and more appropriate environment in which children can be treated. “We’ve been working closely with NHS England and the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership to ensure that, as far as possible, we had alternative services in place that would prevent young people needing to go into bed-based services. “Our strategy is that children only go into bed-based services where that is absolutely the only option. We work hard with partners across the system to try and avoid the need for bed-based care – it’s often not the best thing for young people with mental health needs.” Ms Ross said the CCG had approved a business case for a “very significant piece of work” to address the impact of Covid-19 on people’s mental health needs. By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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fishpondsvoice
12
May, 2021
n WILL & PROBATE ADVICE Kate Garraway's problems with no power of attorney in place Kate Garraway from Good Morning Britain has shown it really is time to explode the myth that Lasting Powers of Attorney are just for the elderly. Known as LPAs, adults of all ages should have the protection of them. Like many young couples, Kate and her husband Derek Draper did not have LPAs in place. This was a mistake they regret. No LPAs has significantly added to the terrible year they have experienced when Derek became seriously ill and hospitalised battling the effects of coronavirus. “We can only speak to the account holder” is an annoying message we have all heard. Kate found that where Derek was the named person but had lost his mental capacity it became a huge problem. Bank and savings accounts were frozen as he had not set up an LPA to authorise Kate to access them if he became ill. Kate explained “One of the practical problems is the car is entirely in Derek’s name, the
insurance is in Derek’s name, a lot of our bank accounts. I can’t get access to things because legally I haven’t got power of attorney.” Melissa Whitter at Kingswood firm Simpson Solicitors agrees. “Kate Garraway’s story shows us that however young and healthy you feel, it is really important to plan ahead just in case you are unfortunate enough to lose your capacity to look after your finances and to make important life decisions.” What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? A Finance LPA is a powerful legal document where you can appoint people you trust to pay your bills and manage your financial affairs if you are too unwell to do this yourself. There is also a separate Health LPA to allow those you trust to speak up on your behalf and make the decisions you would want in relation to the treatment you receive and where you are cared for.
By planning ahead, you can take control and choose who you trust to make important decisions about your health, care, property and money on your behalf - in case you became ill or injured and needed their support. Next steps All adults should set up LPAs whilst they are well and can understand what they are signing. Simpson Solicitors offer a complete service guiding you through setting up these powerful legal documents. This covers advice to you on the different options of how to appoint those you trust, drafting the LPAs with extra clauses for your particular circumstances, acting as your Certificate Provider (that you have the mental capacity to sign), answering questions from those you appoint, dealing with the Court registration process and then providing certified copies and guidance to those you have appointed.
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May, 2021
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ISHPONDS resident, Joanna Xylas, is a piano teacher and owner of 3 Eighth Notes Music Studio. With her musical talent spanning nearly 40 years, Joanna founded her business in 2008 to teach aspiring musicians of all ages across Bristol. The last year has thrown brand new challenges at Joanna, meaning that her classes were taught over Zoom. However, the high calibre teaching wasn’t compromised and Joanna has maintained her impressive 100% pass rate throughout the pandemic and allowed her to pivot her business strategy with the help of YTKO. Looking to grow her business and client base, Joanna signed up to North and East Bristol Support (Delivered by YTKO) and has benefited from free business advice through attending workshops, networking groups and 121 sessions with expert advisors. With access to a wide
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learning around her personal and work life commitments/ “Even through this past year of business closures, I've been able to hold my own and keep moving, adapting and growing”. Speaking of the free support available, Joanna said, “there are so many wonderful benefits of working for yourself that far outweigh the worries and concerns that keep many from venturing on their own. I can't speak any more highly of the folks at YTKO. Just do it!”. Do you have an idea for a business? Looking to grow your existing enterprise? Want extra support for your start-up? The North and East Bristol Support programme is offering free support to pre-start, new, small or medium
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fishpondsvoice
16
May, 2021
n NEWS
Join the Walk Fest PEOPLE can discover more of Bristol on foot during the city's Walk Fest this month. Walks in the Fishponds and Eastville areas are included on the festival's website, as well as on a smartphone app which can be used to follow routes on the go. There are nearly 100 walks on the website, along with details of 35 groups based in the city dedicated to walking activities. New walks for this year include themed routes taking in the city's street art, black history and "best Instagrammable spots", for people wanting to share beautiful pictures on social media. The website also includes the Bristol Greenground Map, showing links between all of the city's parks, and features on health and well-being. More than 60 walks are available for free download via the walking app Go Jauntly,
Eastville Park & Purdown Loop walk
which has joined up with the city council to provide routes with photo guides around urban areas, green spaces and historical sites. The app can be downloaded via bristolwalkfest.com, via gojauntly.com or direct from app stores. The city council's head of strategic transport, Adam Crowther, said: “Over the last year we have seen a big increase in people walking, cycling and visiting green spaces all around the city and we want to capture these benefits and keep that momentum going." Festival director Karen Lloyd said the festival showcases “the huge range of walking opportunities there are in our city, hopefully inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to try different routes or join a walking group now that restrictions are easing”,
Among the walks on the festival website and Go Jauntly app are a walk in Oldbury Court and this walk taking in Eastville Park, Stoke Park and Snuff Mills. Map and route courtesy of Go Jauntly. Begin this walk at Eastville Park and head towards the River Frome. This route is steep in places and can get muddy in wet weather. Continue along the footpath following the river. Then enter the riverside woods off Broom Hill. Walk past Snuff Mills Weir and begin a steep incline. Enjoy the views along the Eastern Sky Line walk. Head back down to the river and cross using the footbridge. Head into Stoke Park, following the path towards Dower House and into Barn Woods. Continue into Purdown until the river. Then back to the start at Eastville Park.
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May, 2021
fishpondsvoice
17
n NEWS
Volunteers from GoodGym joined May Park Primary School staff to repaint outdoor and reception year areas VOLUNTEERS have been helping make sure May Park Primary School is looking its best. The group of nine helpers from GoodGym Bristol came in during the Easter holidays join school staff for a community paint morning. They paid particular attention to the areas used by reception year children, to make sure they were ready for the next group of new children who have received their offers of a place from September. The school's marketing associate, Ellie Grout, said: "Having had all of our students back in for the past few weeks has been
Sprucing up May Park wonderful; it’s allowed us to re-focus on our physical environment and in amongst the buzz of a busy playground, we realised it was high time we gave the reception class area a lick of paint. "The reception garden is looking clean and
cheerful, ready to be filled with our wonderful children. It’s the perfect accompaniment to our Forest School and excellent outdoor education. "It might seem like a long way away to be starting preparations for now, but there’s lots to keep us busy! "We cannot wait to meet our new children and families. We are busy creating welcome messages, activity packs and support for parents and carers to navigate this new stage in their children’s lives, all of which will be sent home or can be collected from school in the coming months."
DISCOVER WHAT COLSTON’S CAN OFFER YOUR CHILD “We are confident that any child who joins us for Year 5 will thrive in our nurturing and supportive environment.” Mr D Edwards, Head of Lower School
Discover more about our exciting opportunity to join Year 5 this September by contacting our Admissions Team on admissions@colstons.org or by calling 0117 9992 3194 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
19
n NEWS
Debbie rides to help school A FISHPONDS woman is tackling a 50-mile bike ride to raise money for a school in Africa where she taught 30 years ago. Debbie Chadbon taught at Pakati Secondary School in rural Zimbabwe from 1991 to 1993 through Voluntary Service Overseas. When another former VSO teacher visited the school and its sister primary school they requested help in getting computers, printers and an internet connection. The school also needs support to replace vital parts of its solar power supply system. Support group Friends of Pakati has been trying to raise funds and Debbie originally signed up to run last year's Bristol 10k to
Petrol station robbed
raise money. But with Covid-19 forcing the cancellation of the event Debbie looked for another way of raising money once lockdown restrictions were eased. She decided to cycle a 50-mile circular route from Fishponds to Thornbury, via Iron Acton, which will take place on May 22. Debbie said: " I have always done a bit of cycling, mainly around the city or a ride up to Warmley cafe on the cycle track, but I have never cycled a long distance like this. "I have been training for the last couple of months and the longest I have managed so far is 28 miles, so I've still got some way to go!
POLICE are trying to trace two men who robbed a petrol station in Frenchay. They threatened staff at the petrol station in Frenchay Park Road before making off with "a quantity of cash". The robbery happened at about 2.45am on February 17. One of
Debbie Chadbon with her bike
"My plan is to take my time, have lots of breaks and hope the weather is kind." Debbie is collecting sponsorship to help the school – donations can be made online via gofundme.com/f/friends-of-pakati.
the robbers was slim and wearing an olive green beanie hat, blue bandana and black hooded top covering his head. He was also wearing a black gilet, grey mittens, black jogging bottoms with an Avengers design and white Nike N95 trainers. The other man was large,
wearing a black Adidas hooded jumper with grey stripes on the arms, black Adidas tracksuit bottoms with white stripes and black Nike N95 trainers. Anyone who thinks they know who the men are or can help the investigation should call 101 and quote reference 5221 034 429.
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS
Police chief stands down AVON and Somerset police Chief Constable Andy Marsh is to step down. Mr Marsh has a contract which runs out in July and says that he will not be extending it. It means that the region's new police and crime commissioner will have to appoint a new chief to work with them after their election, which was taking place on May 6. Mr Marsh said it had been the “honour of a lifetime” to lead the force he joined as a new recruit in 1987, taking on operational and detective roles before serving in assistant and deputy chief constable roles for Wiltshire, Avon & Somerset and Hampshire police, where he was chief constable from 2013 to 2016. Mr Marsh said deciding to leave the force had been a difficult decision but it was "the right time for me to embark on a new challenge". He has been Avon and Somerset Constabulary's chief constable since 2016, taking over after a turbulent few years following Sue Mountstevens' election as the first PCC in 2012. Within a week of her election she announced that she would invite applications for the role of chief constable, causing the incumbent, Colin Port, to resign rather than reapply for his job. Nick Gargan, who was appointed the following year, was suspended after 14 months amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers and staff. He resigned in 2015 after being found guilty of eight misconduct charges. Ms Mountstevens said: "Andy Marsh has been an outstanding chief and has led his team, with courage, through some particularly challenging times for policing – including austerity and the Covid-19 pandemic."
21
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fishpondsvoice
22
May, 2021
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Our history has taught us to trust God A PASSAGE that has been playing on my mind for the past several months has been Ecclesiastes 3 which begins, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” We have been living in seasons and phases for the past year and it would seem that this will continue for a while. I attended a Zoom meeting and the leader said something that stuck with me and that was, “What comes next will not be a return to what was. What comes next will be a transition period, a time of figuring out the new normal.” ‘A time of figuring out the new normal’… hum? It’s spring and we can see flowers blooming, trees standing tall and reaching for the sky, and more people out and about because they have now been vaccinated for the Covid-19 virus. We can now think of possible
holidays outside the UK, the return to in-person sport, and being back in church. We should be relieved, elated, refreshed, maybe even euphoric seeing these signs after the long hard season of Covid-19 and lockdowns we’ve endured. We’re still here, better is coming. And yet there is a vague, often unspoken feeling. There is a sense running counter to optimism. There is a weariness still draping itself over so many of us. Even as we lean into the positive movement forward, we carry some scepticism. What is to come is not a going back to normal, but will be a time of transition, a time of change and I know that will be true for us at Fishponds Methodist Church. There is a time and season for everything! And though our time on Guinea Lane is coming to an end it does set us up for a new
season to go and experience the presence and mission of God in new places. Yes, we at Fishponds Methodist Church will be closing our doors for the final and last time on Sunday, May 30. Verse 9 of this passage says, “What do workers gain from their toil?” I know that the work of the many members of Fishponds Methodist has, over the years, been a benefit to the Fishponds community. As the minister I have been in a season of lament. We have all had to acknowledge our feelings of past glories and present possibilities. In the beginning of our history, we trusted God to guide us and, in the future, to come we will trust that God hears our hearts and is guiding all people in the path of righteousness. Even in this, God is somehow, somewhere working good and
Rev. P. J. Jackson Minister for Fishponds, Kingswood, Made For Ever & Speedwell Methodist churches
we shall not be abandoned. In the coming weeks when the flowering world signals one message but your soul feels another, remember God’s gift of the Lament and let your holy tears join the rain of the season. Both bring welcomed growth.
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01/09/2020 11:11
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS
23
Exploring the pleasures of reading AN author who learned to love books as she grew up in Fishponds is now helping to introduce young children to the pleasure of reading. Helen Isaac lived in Manor Road with her mum and older brother as a young child, and attended the then St Matthias Infant School, which was just along the road from their home. From the age of seven she attended Dr Bell's Junior School – now Fishponds C of E Academy – and had regular trips to the library next door. Helen said: "I remember learning to read at St Matthias Infant School – Peter and Jane was the reading scheme of choice at that time! "When I moved to Dr Bell's Junior School I remember fondly my weekly school trip to Fishponds Library, which was then based next door, to choose new reading books. "I also enjoyed family trips to the same library.
"Fishponds will always be a special place for me – it's the place that provided many happy memories for me as a child growing up and it was where I learned to read, and reading has given me so much pleasure over the years." Helen, who later moved to Downend before going to London for a teaching degree, now lives in Winterbourne Down and works at Elm Park Primary School in Winterbourne. She always wanted to write a children’s book and intended to sign up for a writing course first. But when the first lockdown arrived last year, her husband encouraged her to take the plunge and just start writing. Helen's book, called Allotment Fun, is aimed at three to five-year-old children, and her own allotment was a source of inspiration. She said: “Allotment Fun is about a little girl who has lots of fun growing all sorts of things on
Helen Isaac, author of children's book Allotment Fun her allotment. "Working in education for many years, I've found that young children love the excitement of growing things, even something as simple as cress or sunflowers. "Being involved with nature
is very good for all of us, it really helps our well-being. And who knows, growing things as a young child might just instil a life-long love of growing and gardening, which has got to be a good thing!” It is illustrated by Tim Burgess, an artist who lives in Winterbourne and attended Elm Park as a child. Allotment Fun is published by Bumblebee Books, the children’s section of Olympia Publishers. It’s available directly from the publishers or from large online booksellers.
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
25
n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING PRESIDENT Kennedy once famously challenged Americans not to ask what the country could do for them but to ask what they could do for their country. This call for involvement echoes through the ages. It illustrates that involvement is a two-way street – a social contract. This month's local elections, for those over 18, were one set of decisions to help make. Some of you face another decision to make about your future: will you continue to work from home, and what will the balance between the office and home working be? On the face of it, this is only a personal decision. However, collective single decisions make a difference for us all, which is maybe part of Kennedy’s point. They can also be opportunities to shape the future, which has a link to planning. In March, Santander and Nationwide were the first large companies to give their employees some degree of choice in where they want to work in the future. Other employers will no doubt follow, and that choice may, in due course, be put to you. I doubt that it will be a simple
Getting involved decision. Will you be able to get what you want individually or will it be a case of the majority determining what will happen? Many smaller firms have already come to decisions on where they will be based in future and for a lot of them, the preferred option was the diffuse one, where everyone is based at home. Such decisions, collectively, can have wide-ranging travel implications, from the viability of the putative Bristol underground to managing rush hour traffic. This makes planning for future transport demand trickier, because the base level upon which predictions are made could prove to be very different. Travel demand could even shift from the usual road, rail and cycle path to the airport, as there is apparently rising interest in ‘homeworkers’ looking for accommodation in sunnier climes. With a decent Wi-Fi connection, naturally.
Another effect arising from more home working will be the freeing up of office buildings, particularly in more expensive city centre locations. This dovetails with the expansion in permitted development rights, where planning permission is no longer required to convert offices to residential use. This already carries the potential to reduce the traditional travel demand to central locations. Then there is the ecosystem that supports city centres to be considered. Government policy is to encourage more residential occupation of city centres. The recent shift in emphasis has been in place of, rather than alongside, other uses. This is likely to have an effect on the hospitality and catering businesses that require lunchtime footfall to survive. Indeed, that is why they are located in centres in the first place.
There is always some kind of balance that will assert itself, however. The declining footfall in the centre can lead to greater lunchtime footfall in local centres, such as Fishponds. Homeworkers may descend on local centres for a coffee or a sandwich, along with a little human contact. Then again, at least for the food, a shorter trip to the kitchen may suffice. The ingredients have been thrown into the pot: Covid-19 and the recovery from it, liberalisation of planning control, plus a multitude of individual and collective choices. As to what emerges, time will tell. There is no recipe. Chrisgoslingplanning@gmail.com
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May, 2021
26
n PARKIE COLUMN
It's so great to be back in action WE were blessed with glorious sunshine for the return of our Pop-Up Café at the Nissen Hut last month. The hard work getting everything ready for the big day was certainly worth the effort, and we saw record numbers of visitors coming along to indulge in a lovely selection of savoury and sweet yummies to celebrate the day! A wobble first thing meant that we weren’t able to offer hot food or freshly-ground coffee from our all-singing, all-dancing espresso machine, but things quickly got back to normal and by 10.30, everyone one was tucking in and obviously enjoying the community spirit that was bringing the place back to life after a very long break. It was wonderful to see so many families with children, and we’re especially proud of the improved access for wheelchair users. Although quite modest, they are a real improvement on what was here before and we have plans to
Friends of
EASTVILLE PARK
Eastville Park's pop-up cafe returns make things even better this year. Our volunteers really did come good and put in such a lot of work to make the café a great success. Thank you each and every one! Live music will be a regular feature of the cafes all year and what better way to get things going than relaxing in the Community Garden listening to Scarlett Smith, the Bristol Harpist ,
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under our elder tree playing a selection of modern and classical music? It was quite beautiful. Book May 15 in your diary for our next café, when our music will come from Neil Goodwin, and we’ll be adding halloumi fries and a ‘free from’ selection to the menu. And if you like reading, you’ll be coming to the right place to find yourself faced with a gigantic selection of second hand books, donated and stored over the last 18 months just waiting to be paired up with a loving reader! We are still waiting on confirmation of our licence arrangements from the council but in the meantime we are putting together a full programme of events and activities at ‘the hub’ and all across the park. As soon as we’re signed on the dotted line we’ll be able to publish details and dates. We are doing work around the Future Parks programme and looking for park users to share with us a few words about the ‘Spirit of the Place’. It asks you to express what the park means to you so that, once responses have been collated, they can be used to inform future development around the park. This is not yet another ‘survey’ but an attempt to create a tapestry that tells a story of our experiences and feelings when we spend time here. If you’d like to join in, please visit our Facebook page or find more details on posters that are dotted around the park. Our nature group has been busy over the last few weeks planting out wildflower plugs in Redhill Drive field. Martyn worked with a group of the parks’ Young Rangers who were on their hands and knees clutching handfuls of
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bird’s foot trefoil that will grow to help the common blue butterflies and other insects over the coming years. Well done all! Bowling is back! The season has started and we’re confident of a good future for the game in Eastville Park. There will be open days coming soon too, so if you’d like to find out more please visit Bowling at Eastville Park on Facebook. As you walk around the park and the local area you may have come across an explosion of sticky labels plastered all over park furniture, notice boards and lamp posts. They appear to be part of an individual campaign aimed at Thingwall Park allotments. We have been struggling to remove them and would ask whoever is responsible to please give us a break! We have far more worthwhile jobs to do in the park without the hassle of removing them and, in the case of the panels on the plinth, often taking the paint behind with them. Getting around the park in a wheelchair or mobility scooter can often be a challenge and we’re looking at ways to improve access at various pinch points. We were delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Grateful Society to buy and install some wheelchair friendly picnic benches around the park and are looking at possible locations for them. We have begun a conversation with a disability group to look at how the park might improve facilities overall and will keep you updated. As summer approaches, it will be interesting to see if the park visitor numbers match the huge increase we saw last year. Then, many visited for the first time and we’re sure that a lot of them will now see Eastville Park as their ‘place to be’. There’s something for everyone so please enjoy your time while you’re here and do get involved in any way you can to support us as we move forward on a journey we all hope we can start to think of as a 'post-Covid’ one. The Parkie
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
27
n HOME CARE & FUNDING
Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead
We Care & Repair
Is now the time to replace your windows?
T
HE arrival of spring and easing of COVID restrictions gives us all some much needed optimism after a long winter in lockdown. Spring signals a fresh approach and for many, this means preparing for the annual spring clean. With that in mind, now is the perfect opportunity to consider making your home more energy efficient. If you have single glazed windows or aluminum framed windows, your home may be letting in draughts and cold air. Making your windows more energy efficient will not only keep your home well insulated but also help you to reduce your energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, by installing double glazing to windows in an entirely single-glazed property, you could make annual savings of between £50 and £120 depending on your property. With home improvement season well underway, a loan funded by Bristol City Council could be the solution to funding your home repairs. Lendology CIC, a not-forprofit lender, works in partnership with the Council to lend funds to
eligible homeowners. As an additional incentive, Bristol City Council is currently offering successful applicants up to £1,000 towards the cost of works*. In addition, local not-for-profit home improvement agency, We Care Home Improvements, are at hand to support you with managing the project and provide the expertise to guide you through finding contractors and the works required to your home. Mr. H desperately needed to replace his old windows and was unlikely to carry out the works without the support of a low-cost, council-funded loan delivered by Lendology. He has now installed new double-glazed windows and
told us that he feels warmer in his home. With an increased sense of wellbeing, he said “I feel very pleased and proud of our home again.” Mr. H said his experience with Lendology was all positive and his advice to other homeowners considering a home improvement loan with Lendology is “definitely apply!” For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit. www.lendology.org.uk For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit. www.wecr.org.uk *Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value. Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the
5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk Ellie Lister Service Delivery Manager
Lendology
www.lendology.org.uk, loans@lendology.org.uk, and 01823 461099
Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
Up to
£1,000 OFF
Did you know Bristol City Council fund a loan scheme for homeowners? *
the cost of works to your home**
Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations. If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.
For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk
For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk
*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value. Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261
Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk
Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579
fishpondsvoice
28
May, 2021
n FROM OUR MP
Our high streets still need support
I
T has been such a relief to see restaurants, shops, and hairdressers open their doors again. It is cause for optimism and heralds a more hopeful year ahead, but after the tough year they’ve had, these businesses still need support. The re-opening of charity shops offers us the chance to donate stuff from that inevitable lockdown clear-out. I’ve pledged to ‘Buy Better’ by supporting my local charity shops and sustainable businesses in Bristol East. In the UK every week 13 million clothing items are sent to landfill. Fast fashion is cheap and convenient, but sustainable consumption benefits both the economy and the planet. I’ve been speaking to food stall owners who would usually depend on fairs, markets, and festivals to make a living, but have been denied support from the Government because they haven’t been classified as an official “hospitality company”.
Smaller businesses have taken on loans to survive and now face mounting debt, while young people in unstable employment have been hit hardest by job losses. Indeed, nationally nearly 180,000 retail jobs were lost in the UK in 2020. Even before the pandemic the Government was overseeing a continued decline of our high streets with the closure of 9,775 shops, 5,785 pubs, 7,400 bank branches and 1,195 libraries in the last decade. The greatest impact this has is on the surrounding communities. Much like the recent European Super League debacle, there is a failure to recognise local institutions as vital community assets. Whether it be football clubs or your favourite café, they’re being sold to the highest bidder, with little consideration for the contribution they make to people’s social lives. Labour is launching a new Rebuilding Our High Streets Commission which will bring
together industry experts, local government cooperative and social enterprise sectors, and local residents to determine how the high streets can thrive. It’s essential to give people a say, so that the places we shop, socialise, meet and work serve local people rather than private property developers, with no knowledge of the local area. By bringing empty commercial properties back into use for existing and new businesses we have an opportunity to reimagine these communal spaces as vibrant and sustainable hubs of activity. The rise of online retail is inevitable but for them to co-exist, we must level the playing field between bricks and mortar businesses and online firms. It can’t be right that Amazon’s CEO increases his wealth by $70billion throughout lockdown, while business rates payments leave beloved pubs facing bankruptcy. On a national level, I’ll be
Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East
writes for Fishponds Voice
pushing for improved investment and protection for small businesses. But in Fishponds we can all make a difference too, by shopping locally and sustainably to support the high street.
Higher Education
The world is your stage with the Bristol Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA). Our degrees have an emphasis on learning and training through practice. BIPA provides an environment in which you will be able to take creative risks whilst developing your theatrical training, professional network and future employment opportunities. Situated at the WISE campus in North Bristol, BIPA facilities are some of the best in the South West, including a commercial 250 seat main house theatre, 80 seat studio theatre, a production workshop and 10 dance and rehearsal studios. We offer courses in the following areas: Acting, Dance, Live Events, Prosthetics & Digital Design, Model Making, Musical Theatre, Specialist Make-up Design and Touring Theatre. Join us at one of our upcoming open events on Thursday 29th April and Saturday 3rd July 2021. To reserve your place visit www.thebipa.org.uk.
W: www.thebipa.org.uk | T: 0117 9092376 | E: bipa@sgscol.ac.uk
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fishpondsvoice
May, 2021
29
n ON THE TREATMENT TABLE
Look after yourself Charlie Spence, a member of the physiotherapy team at Cleve Chiropractic, explains why riders must look after themselves – as well as their horses.
AS riders, we’re all guilty of spending a lot of time and money on looking after our equine friends – but what about us? The human element is a vital part of the partnership that helps us enjoy the sport we love. Investing only in the horse can be detrimental to our own progression so, if we put a little time and effort into the rider’s health and well-being, we’ll make both ours and our horses’ lives a lot easier. That’s why, at Cleve Chiropractic, we have the expertise to help you get in trim for your horse riding, whatever your age or level of fitness. Unfortunately, when it comes to injuries and rehabilitation, there’s no ‘one programme fits all’. That’s why we offer one-toone assessments and online consultations to identify any asymmetries, weaknesses and mobility restrictions, to ensure our clients receive the best possible care and advice. Our horses can be in tip-top condition but we are often frustrated by physical shortcomings, despite taking on board what we’re being asked to achieve by our equestrian instructors. Do you ever get to a point where you want to yell: ‘I’m doing my best!’ Do any of the following sound familiar to you?
• Your weight is shifted to one side • Collapsing on one side • Uneven shoulders • Fixing with one arm • Falling in front of, or behind, the movement • Better dressage scores on one rein compared to the other So why is this happening? The rider’s base of support in the saddle is the pelvis and inner thighs. The pelvis receives every movement of the horse and every movement of our pelvis is directly communicated to the horse. Therefore, we can act in harmony with one another. All riders should understand the importance of weight distribution and control of our seat. But, if you’re not prepared well enough, questions have to be asked. If you have an anteriorly tilted pelvis, or ribcage rotation when you stand, how on earth are you meant to sit straight in the saddle? If you have poor hip internal rotation, how can place your leg behind the girth? Of course, you might not realise that you have any of these problems. But one or more of these ‘faults’ might be the reason why you’re desperately trying to follow your riding instructor but you can’t, for example, get the correct canter lead, or bend in that shoulder. If you would like to improve your performance, it’s well worth investing a little bit of time and energy in yourself – give us a call at Cleve Chiropractic to find out how we can help. Meanwhile, here’s a couple of examples of common issues we see with local horse riders. INTERNAL ROTATOR MOBILITY
The movement riders require for good mobility at the hip joint. A fundamental aid on the horse is to put our leg on behind the girth. To do this effectively, we need good internal rotation and extension at the hip. If this muscle is weak, or we have restricted mobility, it becomes difficult to use the correct aid to ‘ask’ the horse what we want to achieve – for example, canter transition or lateral work requires the leg to go behind the girth. This exercise will help improve your hip mobility and muscular strength. THE CLAM Hip stabilisers are responsible for maintaining the correct biomechanical function of the lower body to prevent injuries at the hip, knee and ankle. When you’re riding, weakness through your hip stabilisers can produce excess movement at the pelvis. In turn, this can cause miscommunication between you and the horse, if your weight is changing from one side to the other. Or you might always be sitting to one side due to a unilateral weakness.
with Tim Button, Doctor of Chiropractic at Cleve Chiropractic and Next Step in Mangotsfield
0117 957 5388
drtimbutton@cleve chiropractic.com www.clevechiropractic.com facebook.com/clevechiro twitter.com/clevechiro
If any of this sounds familiar, or your need some expert advice on any aspect of personal fitness, call Cleve Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre on 0117 957 5388 – we’re here to help!
A Team approach to healthcare.
Supporting Premiership Football, Rugby, 2012 Olympics and World Athletic Championship 2017 Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Back & Leg Pain, Sciatica Sports Massage Headaches & Migraines Trapped Nerves Repetitive Strain Injuries Occupational Injuries Sports Injury Specialist Competitively priced
The practice of pain relief Member of the British Chiropractic Association
CLEVE CHIROPRACTIC 20A Cossham St, Mangotsfield, Bristol BS16 9EN
Contact
0117 957 5388
w w w. c l e v e c h i r o p r a c t i c . c o m
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May, 2021
30
n SPORT
Downend Boxing Club resumes training TRAINING has resumed at Downend Boxing Club as distancing rules are eased. Operating in accordance with England Boxing conditions, boxers aged under 18 can now mix for training, including pad work and sparring, and 32 of them attended the club at the Harry Crook Centre in Fishponds to have annual medicals to re-commence training. Adults were still limited to training in segregated areas, with sparring not allowed for over-18s at this stage. But the club hopes this will change as covid restrictions are further eased and, in time, there will be a return to competition. Training in the gym has been hit by the lockdowns called over the last year to stop the spread of Covid-19. Although some training in the gym was allowed during the autumn, distancing rules were still in place, and for most of the past year boxers have had to train at home or outdoors. Head coach Craig Turner said: "We are exceptionally proud of our young people, who have continued to dedicate themselves to training during this terrible time. "We have received films and pictures from them training in sheds and fields in all sorts of innovative ways, from lifting bricks to
AERIALS
making punch bags from tyres. "England boxing initiated the Strava running challenge that was won for five weeks by 20-year-old Jasmine Poole, and her achievement prompted a lockdown training film of Jasmine’s regimen to be posted on the England boxing website. "Consistently, the young people have exhibited their commitment to the sport and personal discipline in maintaining not only their physical but mental health. "Our outdoor sessions were always fully attended and our young people were always hugely excited to see their teammates. "But excited is an understatement when the return to the gym was announced! "We received twenty messages wanting to know details of when they should attend, and although sessions for under 18’s are restricted to seven at a time, a stream of young people can be seen waiting for their turn. "They are already working hard!"
Pictured right: Downend Boxing Club's Archie Smith working with Max Buckley on the first session back
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fishpondsvoice
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