Fishponds Voice September 2021

fishpondsvoice September, 2021 — ISSUE 77

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Movie hero films in Fishponds

Mini Explorers sessions at Hillfields Community Garden have proved a big hit this summer.

Here, children play in a colourful parachute at one of the sessions.

More news about the garden on Page 23

Hollywood legend Christopher Walken has been filming in Fishponds and other locations in Bristol for a new TV series.

Superfan Michael Riley was thrilled to meet him.

PAGE 3

'Blood, sweat and beers' rewarded

Praise for class of 2021 TEACHERS have praised the "resilience and courage" of GCSE students at Fishponds area schools – and say their grades are fully deserved.

After traditional exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown, this year grades were awarded using teacher assessments, which were moderated and measured against a national

standard and approved by exam boards.

While the number of top grades being awarded has gone up, the head of Bristol Metropolitan Academy insists they are "real grades" - and says pupils have worked "harder than any students in the last 80 years".

Turn to Page 4

Fishponds Road micropub Snuffy Jack's Ale House has been named pub of the year for 2020 and 2021 by Bristol Camra.

PAGE 10

Rise in antisocial behaviour Police have stepped up patrols in Lodge Causeway because of increased antisocial behaviour.

PAGE 13

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2

fishpondsvoice Publisher & Sales Caroline Galvin 07453 954261

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fishpondsvoice

Editor Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

Follow us on Twitter @fishpondsvoice

Journalist Ken McCormick 07715 770377

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 October edition deadline is September 22.

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

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

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

A member of the

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

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September, 2021

n NEWS

Rapist 'destroyed' victim's life A FISHPONDS man has been jailed for 13 years for raping a woman who was recovering from a hospital operation.

Ghulam Mustapha, aged 48, had denied two charges of rape but was convicted by a jury following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Avon and Somerset police said Mustapha attacked the woman knowing she had undergone a "major operation" earlier the same day in October last year.

Ghulam Mustapha His victim needed further hospital treatment following the attacks, after experiencing what she described as excruciating pain.

In a statement read out in court, the woman said Mustapha had “destroyed” her life, and she now “suffers with flashbacks and panic attacks”.

Sentencing him in August, Judge Euan Ambrose said Mustapha's actions had caused his victim “terrible effects”.

Investigating officer DC James Claridge said: “Mustapha put his own sexual desires above the welfare of his victim, forcing himself on her despite knowing she was recovering from a major operation.

“As well as the physical pain he caused, he also inflicted significant emotional trauma on her, which she is still coming to terms with.

“We continue to provide her with access to specialist support services and hope the sentence brings her some comfort.

“I’d like to commend Mustapha’s victim for the courage she’s shown throughout the criminal justice process – all police officers fully appreciate it can often be difficult for victims of sexual offences to report them and to give evidence at court, and she has been extremely brave in doing so.”

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse but does not want to speak to the police directly can contact sexual assault referral centre The Bridge, at any time of day or night, by calling 0117 342 6999 or visiting thebridgecanhelp.org.uk online.

Police seek key witness POLICE are trying to trace a possible witness who spoke to a woman shortly before she was sexually assaulted.

Officers say the person they are trying to trace visited the Tesco Eastville petrol station on Eastgate Road at 12.10am on July 23, buying food from the hatch at the kiosk.

While there, the witness – believed to be Polish and white, with blonde or light brown hair – talked to another woman who was later subjected to what police describe as a "serious sexual assault" at another location.They are calling on the witness, or anyone who thinks they recognise her description, to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 166 740.

Catalytic converters stolen FOUR people have been arrested and several stolen catalytic converters recovered after a series of thefts by thieves who have been targeting Honda Jazz and Toyota Prius cars.

Two parked cars in Fishponds had their converters stolen overnight on August 10-11.

A man was arrested in Ashley Down the same night and, a day later, three men were arrested near College Green, after a car containing stolen converters crashed in nearby Deanery Road.

Both arrests followed witnesses calling police to report people acting suspiciously. A police spokesperson said: "We want to thank the many people who took the trouble to check out of their windows and call 999 straight away to report these incidents."

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September, 2021

3

n NEWS

Hollywood legend films in Fishponds MOVIE star Christopher Walken has been in Fishponds filming for his first leading role in a British TV series.

The Oscar-winning star was spotted having a cup of coffee at the Vassall Centre and sitting outside the Oldbury Court Inn, which have been used as locations for BBC TV series The Offenders.

Trailers were also spotted in the car park of the Buzz Bingo hall in Fishponds Road, as the production crew spent about three days filming in the area in late July.

Walken, a veteran of more than 100 movies, including The Deer Hunter – which won him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar – Pulp Fiction and A View to a Kill, is playing a member of a group of seven strangers from different walks of life carrying out a Community Payback sentence in the series.

It is being described as "part crime thriller, and part character study – with humour and heart" and also includes Richard E Grant, EastEnders' Clare Perkins and Poldark's Eleanor Tomlinson among the cast.

Bristol was chosen as the location by Hanham-born comedian Stephen Merchant, who is also directing and co-starring in the show, a co-production with Amazon Studios.

He said: "This is the first series I’ve made in my home town of Bristol and I’m so excited

Michael Riley can't control his emotions as he meets his hero Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken outside the Oldbury Court Inn

to showcase the city and utilise the amazing local talent."

The filming gave one massive Christopher Walken fan a chance to meet his idol.

Michael Riley runs a Facebook group for fans of the actor and had been asking people to keep an eye on reports of where filming of The Offenders was taking place.

Michael, who lived in Fishponds for many years before moving to Downend, heard a shoot was underway in Shirehampton and his friend Dean McKenzie drove him up to the set.

They took a card and a bottle of Jim Beam

whiskey, which Michael knew Walken drinks.

When they arrived they had a short negotiation with the security team before Merchant gave them the thumbs-up and they were allowed in.

Meeting his hero left Michael was lost for words and in tears.

He said: "My emotions overwhelmed me. I just burst out crying, like a baby.

"It happened so quickly and because I was crying, I couldn't get a hold of myself and find the words to talk to him.

"He was very friendly – he came up to me and did a fist-bump and stood next to me."

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September, 2021

n NEWS

Strong GCSE grades 'are well deserved' From Page 1 At Bristol Met, GCSE candidates went through exams set by the school in November and February, before starting two weeks of final assessments in May. The government is not publishing individual performance figures or league tables for schools or colleges this year, because of the varying effects of the pandemic on individual schools.

But Bristol Met principal Cameron Shaw said its teacherassessed grades were in line with both the national average for English and maths, and the school's overall outcomes for GCSE in 2018-19.

Mr Shaw said the main reason results had improved under this year's system was that it "removed any element of peril" that comes with sitting exams, where a student might have a bad day and underperform.

He said: "A student can

have all the evidence to get a particular grade but due to a number of human factors that come into play on the day, like having a bad night's sleep the night before or having one question that derails them, they don't get the grade at the end."

Under the assessment system, pupils receive the grade teachers judge that their work merits, in line with the exam board's marking scheme. Marking standards are then checked to ensure the schools' grades match the requirements, unlike in a normal year, where examinermarked results are then adjusted relative to those from other schools around the country.

But with three sets of exams in the past academic year, Mr Shaw said it was "unfair" to imply that this year's GCSE candidates have not had to work as hard as their predecessors.

He said: "I would argue these students have had to work harder than any students in the

last 80 years.

"They deserve that grade – they have worked hard for it, whilst being sat at home or being in and out of lessons or having to wear a face covering in classrooms. They've been through a two-year course, where 18 months of those two years have been massively disrupted, but they have still got to go to the next level of study."

Mr Shaw believes this year's system has been fairer and more accurate than last year's "emergency process", when pupils were judged on work they had already done before schools closed in the first lockdown.

He said: "It's not perfect but a pandemic got in the way."

At Bristol Brunel Academy in Speedwell, staff said they were "incredibly proud" of pupils' hard work throughout a "challenging time".

Principal Jon Jones said: “Our class of 2021 have experienced challenges like no

other year group, with disruption caused by the pandemic to both years of their Key Stage 4.

"Throughout this turbulent period, they have faced these challenges with resilience and courage. I am exceptionally proud of what they have achieved and the future pathways they embark upon. We always welcome the majority of our students back into CLF Post 16, so I look forward to seeing them all next year.”

The school highlighted the achievement of student Soban Irfan, who achieved "superb results", including five grade 9s.

Sally Apps, Executive Principal at the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs Bristol Met and Brunel, said: “After what has been a highly unusual time, with different pressures to usual, we are proud of our students’ achievements, their resilience, the resilience of our families and communities and all they have achieved together."

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Guided tours of Church and Grounds on the hour from 10.00am Music between 3.00pm - 4.00pm

Sunday 12th September, 12noon - 4.30pm Church open for Refreshments and Exhibitions

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September, 2021

Tasmin Woodsmith is heading to St Brendan's College to study A-level French and a protective services diploma, as she hopes to pursue a career with the police and become a detective.

Tasmin, from Fishponds, said she was "very surprised" to achieve seven grade 9 GCSEs and two at grade 8.

She said: "I was expecting around that in some of them, but English was my weakest subject, in my opinion, but I got two 8s, which is very good."

Tasmin said she managed to adapt to learning at home, with much of the courses taught remotely.

"It was difficult in the beginning but I changed my mindset."

Yunci Chen Zhang, of Soundwell, achieved seven grade 9s, two 8s and a 7, and is heading to North Bristol Post-16 Centre in Cotham to study A-levels in business, maths and product design.

She said: "I got higher than I expected in some subjects.

"It's been stressful – there were a lot of exams, constantly.

"It's been quite a journey but I think I handled it well and tried not to overstress myself."

Yunci said that although most people she knew found remote learning at home "quite annoying" the school had organised it well and the switch between classroom and remote learning had gone "smoothly".

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Athin Ilyas, of Fishponds, is heading to Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy to study a level 3 engineering diploma, after achieving nine GCSEs, including an 8 in maths and 7 in design technology.

He said: "I'm happy. I was expecting lower but I got way better than I expected.

"It's been tough, because we had to do online learning at home.

"That felt different, and we didn't get as much education as we could have, if we'd been at school."

Athin said having assessments instead of exams had given students more time to study each subject rather than going straight from one exam to another.

Valentine Ezendu is preparing for a sports coaching diploma at SGS College in Filton after getting the results he needed.

The Fishponds-based footballer plays for Paulton Rovers and is set to join the SGS football squad, but will study coaching to give him a "plan B" - both as a back up to playing and a potential career afterwards.

He said: "Passing English was the main thing for me. I was born in Italy and when I came here, when I was nine, I didn't know any English at all."

Valentine's ten GCSEs included a grade 8 in Italian, and said being able to coach in different languages would enable him to work in a variety of countries.

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September, 2021

n EDUCATION

Fairfield celebrates GCSE successes

STAFF at Fairfield High School have praised the resilience and flexibility of GCSE students after a "rollercoaster" two years.

The school, which includes hundreds of pupils from Eastville, said courses changed "multiple times" over the past year as the pandemic brought lockdowns, home learning, isolation and the cancellation of national exams.

Instead teachers were given responsibility for evaluating their pupils' work, with grades awarded after what a school spokesperson described as a "rigorous assessment process".

The school said many students were awarded high grades "based on their hard work and achievement over five years" in the school.

Some reached standards well above expectations when they started at the school, off Muller Road.

Principal Nick Lewis said: “We are extremely proud of our Year 11s, whose time at Fairfield has been a rollercoaster during the past two years.

"The resilience they have shown due to the ever changing picture of exams is commendable.

"As with the cohort who left us last year, we are determined that their future plans will

A thumbs-up from these Fairfield High School GCSE candidates not be derailed by the coronavirus crisis.

"Our staff have really gone the extra mile to support them.

"Well done to all the students who have achieved the grades they were hoping for. Perhaps more importantly, I want to congratulate all our young people who have shown ongoing maturity and resilience.

"I wish them all the best for the future."

Fairfield was recently been rated Bristol’s top non-selective school in The Guardian School’s Guide, which rated it as excellent for overall pupil progress and progress of disadvantaged pupils.

The moment of truth as results are revealed The school said it was committed to ensuring that students leaving were able to follow suitable courses from September and was working with them to help them confirm their next steps.

Some will go on to V6, the joint sixth form provision for Fairfield and Montpelier High School (formerly Colston’s Girls’ School), while others will take up places at other colleges and sixth forms in the city.

Former Head Student and Bristol Youth Mayor Alice Towle left Fairfield last year and said the school's post-16 transition coordinator "provided amazing support" throughout the transition to sixth form

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

7

n EDUCATION

A-level students achieve great results A-LEVEL students in the area's sixth forms have achieved some "outstanding" results.

Like GCSEs, A-level grades and vocational qualifications were awarded after teachers carried out a long and rigorous assessment process, measured against a national standard and approved by exam boards.

Cabot Learning Federation Post 16 Academy said there had been "some outstanding achievements" by students.

Among them were three who have won places to study at Bristol University: Ted Parry, who will study medicine after achieving an A* and two A grades, Jack Angell, who got three A*s and an A and will study maths, and Rianne Farquharson, who will study law with criminology after achieving a Distinction*, A* and an A. Principal Kath Cooper said: "We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted year. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to ensure students are all able to progress onto further education and positive employment, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future."

At Digitech Studio School, in partnership with Boomsatsuma, more than 50 students

Cabot Learning Federation Post 16 Academy students receive their results achieved the highest possible grades in their Post-16 Extended Specialist Diplomas in media, game design, acting and dance.

Results for students at V6 – the collaborative sixth form between Fairfield High School and Colston's Girls' School, now renamed Montpelier High School – were also described as "outstanding".

Nineteen per cent of A-level grades were A*, 41% were A* or A and 66% were B or above.

Individual achievements included four A*s for Natalie Williams, who will read law at University College London, Tess Cramer who will read Marine Biology at Plymouth University and Maman Naeem, who will read medicine at Bristol University.

Principal Kerry McCullagh said: “This has been an unprecedented year for this cohort of students who have experienced real turbulence over their two-year period of study.

"These excellent results reflect their perseverance and resilience, as well as their academic resolve.

"Teacher assessed grades vigorously tested students and the benchmarks are absolutely the same as in external examination years."

Of more than 800 leavers at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College, 479 (60%) are going on to university, the highest number to do so in the last four years, including 121 heading to the UK's leading 24 Russell Group universities.

Another 26% of students are progressing directly on to jobs or apprenticeships.

Principal Marian Curran said: "Their hard work and determination has secured them the positive destinations they truly deserve and we are incredibly proud of them all."

OPEN EVENT Tuesday 19th October 5:45 pm - 7:45 pm

Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form at 5.45pm and 6.00pm for Year 11 students choosing a Sixth Form place for 2022.

RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | CURIOSITY | RESILIENCE

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September, 2021

8

n EDUCATION

'Magnificent' response to Covid challenge PUPILS, staff and parents at Colston’s School are celebrating "excellent" academic and vocational results in A-levels and GCSEs. Half of the A-level grades awarded to students in the school's Upper Sixth were at A* or A, with 85% at A*, A or B. Among students studying CTEC and BTEC vocational subjects, 96% were awarded either a starred distinction or distinction, the equivalent of A* or A at A-level.

Year 11 pupils also overcame a year and a half of disruption, with 58% of grades awarded at 7 to 9 and 22% of candidates achieving all their grades at 7 or above after a "rigorous and stretching" assessment process.

Colston’s headmaster Jeremy McCullough said: "Everyone recognises that this examination cycle has been hugely disrupted by the ravages of Covid-19.

"However, the students and teachers of Colston’s have responded magnificently to every challenge they have faced and we were delighted that, unlike last year, our hardworking examination candidates have had the opportunity to formally demonstrate just how much they have learned during these past two years.

"Through a series of rigorous and

Colston's School A-level students celebrate their results stretching assessments, and by examination of portfolios where appropriate, our students have managed to achieve excellent outcomes."

Mr McCullough said almost 90% of A-level candidates had secured their firstchoice university courses and the majority of GCSE candidates would return in September, when they will be joined by students from other schools in the sixth form.

He said: "Our students always learn much more than the content of examination courses and this is perhaps even more true this year.

"We do not believe this cohort have missed out academically, but we do believe they will have picked up a great many other personal qualities, such as resilience and determination, that will stand them in good stead for the future."

Register at colstons.org

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Whole School Open Day Saturday 25th September 2021 To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

9

n EDUCATION

A new beginning for Montpelier High School SEPTEMBER 2021 is a proud and special time in the history of Montpelier High School.

A high-achieving girls’ school since 1891, we are moving forward with our new identity, which reflects our inclusive and diverse community.

Our school is non-selective and welcomes students of all backgrounds and belief systems from across the city. We are proud of our diversity: more than half our 940 students are black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) and more than 30 languages are spoken here. Our students benefit enormously from the wide range of perspectives in every classroom.

Our staff and students voted to change our name from Colston’s Girls’ School following a consultation in 2020. This process enabled us to experience democracy first hand as well as to learn some lessons from history to help us shape the future.

Montpelier High School is determined to remain a highly active part of the wider movement

Principal Kerry McCullagh, back left, with emblem designer Suffia Khanan and students Jasmin Jamieson, Hazel Anderton and Anna Raju for change, championing diversity can for themselves, each other and and inclusion and leading on and the wider community. contributing to discussions and We uphold the highest initiatives that will change our standards and expectations for world for the better. every student, coupled with We are forward looking: every exactly the right level of support student and member of staff who to enable each individual to comes here is united by a clear thrive academically, socially and ambition to achieve the best they emotionally.

Montpelier High School is rated by the Department for Education (DfE) as one of the top performing secondary schools in the region for attainment and progress. Whatever their starting point, students make outstanding progress with us.

Alongside our academic success, we aim to inspire our students to become confident, compelling and ethical individuals who have the aspiration and qualities to shape a better future for all.

Montpelier High School's principal, Kerry McCullagh, says: "We are proud of our identity, diversity and shared achievement.

I am privileged to lead a highly talented, dedicated group of teachers and support staff who share my determination to provide a unique and inspiring learning environment for every member of our school community."

Our school is part of Venturers Trust, which is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. To find out more about us, visit our website.

OPEN EVENT Thursday 30th September 4pm - 8pm

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YEAR 7

RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | CURIOSITY | RESILIENCE

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September, 2021

10

n NEWS

Phoenix rises again AN art club which met in Fishponds before the lockdown is starting afresh in Stapleton this month.

Phoenix Art Club is due to hold its first regular Tuesday morning meeting at Stapleton Church Hall on September 7, from 10am to midday.

The group met for about ten years in different venues in Fishponds but had to find a new home after the Methodist church closed.

Members held an informal meeting on Frenchay Common ahead of the reopening, having had to delay their original reopening date from June.

The group is planning to hold an art show next year.

New members are welcome – contact Eileen Senior on 0117 965 8455 for further information.

Snuffy Jack's is pub of year A FISHPONDS micropub is celebrating after being named Bristol's pub of the year.

Snuffy Jack's Ale House in Fishponds Road, opposite Fishponds Park, was originally given the Campaign for Real Ale’s local award in March last year.

But with the lockdown arriving and first closing all pubs, then subjecting them to a long period of restrictions, CAMRA's Bristol & District branch decided to make the award an "unprecedented" combined 2020 and 2021 title.

Landlady Leanne Jones, pictured, said: "Snuffy’s is an absolute gem of a place.

"Blood, sweat, beers and many 2020 tears have gone into creating the environment that people want to come back to.

"The beers & the staff are all right too!"

Branch chair Richard Brooks said the pub had been a worthy winner in 2020 and had "continued to shine" under the difficult circumstances faced by the trade since the start of the pandemic.

He added: "Leanne shows what it is possible to achieve with a micropub and you only need to visit and enjoy the beer and friendly atmosphere to see why it is so popular."

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

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September, 2021

fishpondsvoice

11

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

New school year brings new start AFTER 18 months of disruption, repeated isolations and arguments over home schooling, everyone welcomed the long summer break!

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All Kip McGrath tutors are qualified teachers, with years of teaching experience, and resources are mapped to the school curriculum. A free assessment will identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Based on this, your dedicated

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tutor will devise a personalised learning plan to enable your child to reach his or her individual learning goals. Each session lasts 80 minutes to ensure time for individual attention and time to practice what’s been taught. Lessons are available both in-centre or online. Building confidence is a key part of every session.

Since I opened the Downend branch of the internationally renowned franchise 5 years ago, I have been delighted to see so many students improve their grades, as well as grow in confidence, motivation and self-esteem.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Call 0117 373 8367, email bristolnorth@ kipmcgrath.co.uk or visit kipmcgrath.co.uk for more information or to book your free assessment.

“My son is really starting to grasp the concepts he missed over the years. His confidence is coming back and he looks forward to his lesson every week” (Janis Philimore, parent of Kip McGrath Bristol North student) Jay Grocott, Owner and Centre Director of Kip McGrath Bristol North in Downend

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

12

September, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

The art of glasses

I - Original Eyewear Expert Eye Care

57 Henleaze Road

768 Fishponds Road

Bristol BS9 4JT

Bristol BS16 3UA

0117 962 2474

0117 965 4434

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.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

’ve worn glasses all of my adult life, in fact since my mid teens.

Seeing clearly is easily taken for granted, probably the expected norm for most of us in fact. The work we do and the patients we have the pleasure of looking after, help us stay very grateful for the vision we have, particularly as we’re often trying to help those whose vision is not what it used to be.

The glasses that I need to wear to see the world clearly, are definitely as much of my wardrobe as anything else I wear. I appreciate I’m in the privileged position of having studied glasses design, manufacture and dispensing far more than most. This insight does mean I’m under more than just a little pressure in choosing my own glasses! The look as well as functionality really does have to be just right. I’m sure you’ll be reassured that my decision making is spot on (well usually, & I’m definitely not admitting otherwise!)

It’ll probably be no surprise to you that on a recent trip to London, on our staycation trip this summer, the walking route we took around the sights of London just happened to take us past the Covent Garden store of Tom Davies. I’ve spoken about Tom a few times.

I’ll make no excuses for writing about his eye for design again. They are without doubt the most stylish & comfortable glasses I own and have ever tried. Considering the hours I spend at manufacturing exhibitions trying on glasses this is saying something!

Whether you’re looking for new glasses or sunglasses right now, or over the next few months, you really should take a look at our latest designs from Tom Davies. One of our new collections contains a pair of sunglasses called ‘Rock Star’. Originally designed as sunglasses for British band Muse’s lead singer, Matt Bellamy, the collection has expanded. One of many things I admire about Tom Davies is his ability to not only design beautiful glasses, but to also manufacture them in London too!

When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve.

Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses to make you look like a rock star, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too!

To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. Please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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.

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

n NEWS

13

Police step up patrols on Lodge Causeway ANTISOCIAL behaviour on a Fishponds street is a "serious cause for concern", say the area's councillors.

Police are increasing patrols around Lodge Causeway after residents reported incidents including people urinating in public, aggressive begging, fighting and threatening violence to passers-by.

People sharing experiences on social media have spoken of the area feeling unsafe and not wanting to visit it alone.

Ward councillors Craig Cheney and Ellie King are holding a public event in the street this month to talk to residents and shop owners. They are also talking to police and the charity running a nearby hostel, whose residents have been linked with the problems.

The councillors said: "The ongoing antisocial behaviour in Lodge Causeway has been brought to our attention by a number of residents and is a serious cause for concern.

"The police have recently met with the hostel to discuss ways to approach this.

"As a result of this meeting, they’re going to increase patrols on the high street and look at ways to target support for the individuals behaving in an antisocial manner."

The two councillors will host a 'safer streets stall' at the end of Lodge Causeway by the Tesco Express store between 11am and 1.30pm on September 18. They said they hoped to "gauge the number of residents who want to see some action taken", as most people affected by the antisocial behaviour had not been reporting it.

A police spokesman said: "Neighbourhood officers are aware of antisocial behaviour issues in the Lodge Causeway area and share the concerns of local residents and businesses."

Anyone who sees an incident of antisocial behaviour can call 101, at any time

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of day or night, or report it online at www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/report, so the police can "take appropriate action".

Charity St Mungo’s runs the Longhills supported living hostel in nearby Whitefield Road, with accommodation for up to 26 people with "complex needs" who were previously homeless.

The charity is "actively engaging" with residents and police, and holding weekly meetings with businesses to address complaints.

A spokesperson said: “St Mungo’s takes complaints about our services very seriously and we are working with the local community, the neighbourhood policing team and our clients to address the issues which have been raised in relation to antisocial behaviour in the Lodge Causeway area.

“St Mungo’s and our residents are part of the community, and we strive to be good neighbours and find sustainable solutions to any issues raised. We encourage any local residents who have any concerns to discuss them with us, and to continue to report any incidents to the police."

Residents can also email cllr.craig. cheney@bristol.gov.uk and cllr.ellie.king@ bristol.gov.uk.

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

n NEWS A FARM which provides work for people with learning disabilities and autism is celebrating success at its first ever agricultural show.

Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton is a thriving social enterprise and care farm, run by charity Brandon Trust.

Around 80 people with a learning disability or autism work at the farm, gaining work skills they can use in other jobs.

The farm team "fulfilled a long-held dream" by entering their pedigree Dexter cattle in the Mid-Somerset Show in Shepton Mallet during August – and came away not only with several prize rosettes home but with experience and memories of a warm welcome from the farming community.

Farmer Dec Winslade selected the most suitable classes for the farm’s best animals and devised a training plan, and the team worked hard every day to get them used to the halter and walking nicely up and down the farmyard.

After a bubble bath and hoof shine, chosen cows Princess, Melissa and Aoife, along with their calves, were transported to

15

Charity farm's success at show

Chris Yeoman of the farm team with prize rosettes

the show by experienced local farmer and showman Barry Cambridge, alongside his own animals, while the team made their own way there.

The farm team put on white show coats and walked their cows in the ring, with farm coordinator Lisa Allen taking Princess and Dec taking Melissa into the ring for the Cow in Milk class for cows which have recently calved.

Dec Winslade walks Melissa in the ring

Melissa and Aoife, accompanied by her calf Aberfin, then took part in the Pair class.

Lisa told us: “It felt amazing being in the ring.

“We really enjoyed showing them and we knew they were a credit to everyone’s hard work.

"When we were called into the ring for the final judging, we held our breath and were stunned to be placed second.

"We were on top of the world

and haven’t really come back down to earth yet.

"The ultimate aim has always been for the people we support to be in the ring alongside us, and now we know that is definitely something we can achieve.

"We want to show the world that people with learning disabilities belong, and that with the right support, the sky is the limit!”

A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community.

We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible

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We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home...

Give us a call on 0117 969 0990 or visit our website at bristolcarehomes.co.uk

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

16

September, 2021

n WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

At Simpson Solicitors – It is good to talk Wills specialists Simpson Solicitors offer all our readers a genuine FREE advice and review meeting. They will take as long as you need. And the meeting will be in plain English not legal jargon!

Solicitor, John Baden-Daintree said, “Last week a client told me making a Will with us was very different from his experience with another firm.

He explained it was because with us we encouraged him to

talk. We discussed what was important to him and how he wanted to make sure his family were provided for if he became seriously ill or died.

Armed with this information, we talked through his various options.

He said our approach of taking the time to talk to him made all the difference. All at no extra cost. It meant we could prepare a Will and Powers of Attorney for him that work in exactly the way he wanted

- tailored to his particular family circumstances.”

Melissa Witter at their Kingswood office agrees, “By us talking to clients they often find out they have legal options they would not otherwise have known about. We don’t rush our clients.

Our job is to guide our clients – that is why we don’t give our clients long forms to complete.”

Simpson Solicitors will give you the peace of mind of an award-winning service that is fully regulated and insured. So, if you entrust something as important as your Wills and Powers of Attorney to them – you have the reassurance that everything is done properly.

Right now, if you go on to instruct them, they offer our readers 20% off their (already competitive) prices. To book your FREE review meeting pop in or call Simpson Solicitor’s friendly team on 0117 960 8594.

Melissa Witter

Kings Chase Shopping Centre, Kingswood

0117 960 8594 www.simpsonsolicitors.com Melissa.Witter@simpsonslawuk.com

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BOOK YOUR FREE MEETING: Call 0117 960 8594 OR message@simpsonslawuk.com OR Michelle at Simpson Solicitors OR Kings Chase Shopping Centre offices in Kingswood (opposite Costa). If getting to us is difficult our FREE home visit service covers Bitton, Downend, Fishponds, Hanham, Kingswood, Oldland, St George, Staple Hill, Warmley, Willsbridge and surrounding areas.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

17

n NEWS

School opens early years playground CHILDREN spending their first days at a Fishponds school have a new playground to explore.

Avanti Gardens School in College Road finished the new Early Years play area for Reception class children just before the start of the summer holidays.

This month's new arrivals will be able to play on climbing frames, a stage area with a 'story chair', a colourful road, bug hotel, chalk boards and a mud kitchen and water area.

It is the latest new facility created for the primary school, which replaced the former Steiner Academy Bristol school.

This month Avanti Gardens has expanded its intake and it now has two reception classes.

Reception teacher Bethan Griffith said: "This is now such a great space, where our children can play, explore and discover.

"We have planned many exciting outdoor learning

Avanti Gardens staff and pupils at the school's new play Early Years play area. opportunities for our two new communication, speaking, gross Reception classes. motor skills and creativity.

"We want this amazing "This outdoor space will outdoor environment to further provide a diversity of resources enhance the EYFS curriculum and spaces that is often hard at Avanti Gardens School and to replicate in an indoor hope to focus on skills including environment."

Festival returns EASTVILLE Park will host its first major music festival for two years this month.

Tokyo World will take place on September 18 and 19, and areas of the park used for the festival will be fenced off before and during the event.

The dance music festival will feature live performances from singer, songwriter and rapper Burna Boy, electronic music duo Booka Shade and multiinstrumentalist Elderbrook, as well as DJ sets from Basement Jaxx, Faithless, Hot Chip and Annie Mac, and appearances from Grandmaster Flash and General Levy.

It will be the first time a major music festival has been held at the park since the last Tokyo World in 2019.

Last year both the Tokyo World and Love Saves The Day festivals due to be held at the park were cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

18

September, 2021

n NEWS

Number of same-day GP appointments falls PATIENTS at GP surgeries in the Fishponds area are less likely to be able to book a sameday appointment now than in previous years.

But overall satisfaction with the services provided by family doctors remains high, according to the latest annual NHS GP Patient Survey.

At Fishponds Family Practice, based at Fishponds Health Centre in Beechwood Road, the number of patients securing an appointment on the day they called fell steadily from 49% in 2018 to 27% this year.

At Beechwood Medical Practice, which is based at the same centre, the number of same-day appointments offered fell from 58% in 2018 to 24% this year.

Both surgeries were also able to offer more same-day appointments last year.

At the Old School Surgery in Manor Road, the number of same day appointments offered fell from 28% in 2018 to 24% this year, after reaching 32% in 2019 and 30% last year.

Since last year's survey was produced, Eastville Medical Practice and Maytrees Medical Practice, based at East Trees Health Centre in Fishponds Road, have merged.

Same-day appointments were offered

to just 18% of patients of the new practice – lower than last year's figures of 20% for Eastville and 41% for Maytrees and 2018's figures of 37% for Eastville and 53% for Maytrees.

Most patients are offered an appointment within a week of trying to book one: the proportion waiting more than a week was 13% for Fishponds Family Practice, 22% for Beechwood Medical Practice, 38% for the Old School Surgery and 24% for East Trees.

Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait.

Overall satisfaction levels for the surgeries were 81% good and just 1% poor for

Fishponds Family Practice, 87% good and 5% poor for Beechwood, 85% good and 3% poor for the Old School and 75% good and 15% poor for East Trees.

The majority of patients found it easy to get through on the phone, but rates ranged from 81% at Beechwood, 73% at Fishponds and 70% at the Old School to just 48% at East Trees.

And most patients at all of the practices said receptionists were helpful, ranging from 84% at Fishponds and East Trees to 90% and 91% respectively at Beechwood and the Old School.

The survey was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI for NHS England and NHS Improvement, and was based on around 850,000 responses to questionnaires sent out nationwide from January to March this year.

GP Dr Geeta Iyer, of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds GP services, said: “We are continuing to ensure that we share learning between practices about what works well, and we are working together to identify areas where we can support practices to deliver services that best meet the needs of their population.”

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

19

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Back to school health SUTTON Chiropractic in Downend helps you and your family get back to doing the things you love.

As the kids go back to school it’s important we give them the best start and a comfortable time in this exciting, sometimes stressful phase. A recent study of primary school aged children found 38% had lower back pain caused by school bags! With this in mind, it’s time to alter those school bags, improve that posture and negotiate on screen time at home.

We want your whole family to be in the best of health, and enjoy life. So we thought we’d put together a few tips that can help the kids and parents get the best start this term.

1. Bags

This is an important factor and has the potential to hinder or help your child’s health if properly cared for. An overloaded, one shoulder carried bag will create postural distortions in the spine, rib cage and lower back – impacting on growth spurts, contributing to Scoliosis and creating problems further down the line. Equally weight and distribution of items within the bag have an important effect.

This can be easily avoided thankfully: Wear both straps – if this is totally uncool, encourage them to at least swap from one shoulder to the other regularly Keep bag light (less than 15% of their bodyweight) Pack the largest heaviest items in the bottom, lighter smaller objects in the top of the bag Have the bag higher up on the back rather than lower down

2. Posture

What is good posture? Simply, posture is the body's position and alignment while at rest or in motion. In fact, did you know that

Posture Exercises In addition to incorporating routine chiropractic care in support of proper spinal alignment and to limit postural imbalances, you can improve your posture with these exercises: 1. Chin tuck. Hold your head upright. Pull your chin in toward your neck; hold that position for a count of five; then relax. Repeat 10 times.

2. Shoulder blade squeeze. Sit up straight in a chair with your hands resting on your thighs. Slowly draw your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a count of five; relax. Repeat 3- 5 times.

3. Abdominal pull-in. Inhale; then exhale slowly to a count of five, pulling your lower abdominal muscles up and in, as if moving your belly button toward your spine. Relax and breathe normally.

Repeat 3- 5 times.

4. Upper-body stretch. Stand facing a corner with your arms raised, hands flat against the walls, elbows at shoulder height. Place one foot ahead of the other. Bending your forward knee, exhale as you lean your body toward the corner. You should feel a nice stretch across your chest. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds.

5. Arm-across-chest stretch. Raise your right arm to shoulder level in front of you and bend the arm at the elbow, keeping the forearm parallel to the floor. Grasp the right elbow with your left hand and gently pull it across your chest so that you feel a stretch in the shoulder on the right side. Hold for 20 seconds; relax both arms.

Repeat to the other side 3- 5 times.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Matt Sutton there are actually two types of posture?

Dynamic posture is simply our whole body’s posture while moving. It’s how we walk, run, lift, and bend.

Static posture on the other hand is our body’s posture while at rest. It’s how we sit, stand, and lay.

Achieving and maintaining good dynamic and static posture is important because poor posture can have a direct negative impact on our bodies, both physically and mentally. Although back pain is the most commonly associated with poor posture, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Poor posture can also cause or compound: Back pain and neck pain Headaches and migraines Arthritis Respiratory issues

reduction of screen time for children, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, puts it very simply; don’t get addicted, preserve your sleep and set a house rule for the amount of screen time you will all have.

Simple fixes of no phones at the dinner table and replace your phone alarm clock with a small travel alarm clock – keeping the phone out of the bedroom will help preserve sleep properly.

We are creatures of habit and the quality of our habits determines the results. Essentially this means what we do today, sets us up for tomorrow. Keep consistent in the pursuit of your health goals and the changes will come.

We are running a Kids posture screening in clinic to help iron out the issues listed above, contact us to find out more. Also we would like to give a shout out to Clara C-L for being the best young patient we have!

3. Screen Time

All guidelines point towards

SPECIAL OFFER: New patient consultation £20 If a previous patient consultation free of charge

Rates: £38 a session (adult) £22 under 16 years old or blocks of sessions at a discounted rate starting of £31

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Christchurch Family Medical Centre, North Street, Bristol BS16 5SG T: 0117 214 1636 W: www.suttonchiro.co.uk FB: @suttonchiro E: reception@suttonchiro.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

September, 2021

20

n FROM OUR MP

The government is not serious about animal welfare ANIMAL welfare is something deeply important to people across the UK. I know, from years of passionate campaigning from constituents, that Bristol is no exception to this. Of course, people are the primary focus of my work as an MP – that should go without saying – but in a civilised, compassionate society we define ourselves by how we treat animals too.

Unfortunately, and despite its rhetoric, the Government doesn’t seem to share these concerns.

The vast majority of the public supports Labour’s ban on fox-hunting, but that law now needs tightening, so that there are no loopholes for blood sports enthusiasts to exploit.

I’ve also long campaigned for an end to driven grouse-shooting, which not only means the death of millions of birds every year but

is also extremely environmentally damaging.

I was shocked to read earlier this month that Home Office Ministers have “reconsidered” their policy on animal testing for cosmetic products – which was rightly banned in 1998 by the Labour Government, and has since been banned across the EU too. Campaigners have warned that this could now open the door to widespread use of entirely unnecessary – not to say cruel – animal testing for cosmetic products.

Labour is committed to the '3 Rs' – the reduction, refinement, and replacement of testing on animals. Scientists are discovering humane alternatives all the time, and we certainly shouldn’t be turning the clock back on the progress we have made.

I would like to be able to say that this is an isolated incident,

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

but unfortunately this is a part of a trend of regressive Government decisions and repeated delays to key animal welfare legislation.

We are still waiting for action to stamp out ivory imports to the UK, two and a half years after Parliament passed the Ivory Act. According to WWF, up to 53,130 African elephants have been poached and killed for their tusks since the act was passed in 2018, yet the Government is yet to use the powers granted to it to prevent ivory trading.

We are also still waiting for the Government to bring forward its plans for an Animal Sentience Bill, which would formally recognise the sentience of animals and recognise their ability to feel pain. This legislation has been repeatedly promised since 2017, and pledged in two Queen’s Speeches, yet the Bill still hasn’t been published – in yet another

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Kerry McCarthy MP for Bristol East

writes for Fishponds Voice example of the Government’s tough talk on animal welfare but no action to back this up.

I hope when Parliament returns from the summer recess we will finally start to see progress on some of these areas. We’ve waited long enough!

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

September, 2021

fishpondsvoice

21

n NEWS

Bid to improve path CAMPAIGNERS are trying to improve a path through Fishponds to offer cyclists and pedestrians a better traffic-free route between schools, shops and parks.

Community group Fishponds Road Revival wants to see the path between Grove Road, near All Saints Church, and Channons Hill widened so that people and cyclists can pass each other safely.

At present the lane, which passes between the grounds of Bristol Metropolitan Academy and Channons Hill Retail Park, is narrow.

Fishponds Road Revival organiser Kathe Jacob said widening it would involve the school giving up a 1m stretch of its playing field and the owners of the retail park redrawing some of the spaces at the side of its car park furthest from the shops.

Kathe said the route was used by pupils at nearby schools, families with pushchairs and older people, and could potentially form part of a safer route for cyclists who felt "squeezed off" w Fishponds Road because it was too dangerous.

She said: "We have a vision to transform this lane into a good connecting route – making it feel safer but still lush with trees and old walls, as it is now."

Group members are contacting Bristol Met, the owners of retail park and the city council, in the hope of adding the path to its Safer Routes to School scheme, and Kathe said they were hoping to secure cooperation from all of them to make the scheme a reality.

Fishponds Road Revival is continuing work to improve the flower beds outside Lidl during September.

To get involved email kathecakey@outlook.com, call 0779 668 5241 or visit the Fishponds Road Revival Facebook page.

To advertise, contact Caroline on 07453 954261

Joyce Wisdom, Timothy Wisdom and Tina Johnson welcome Marvin Rees to the allotments.

Mayor visits allotments BRISTOL's Mayor and Deputy Mayor paid a visit to Thingwall Park Allotments during National Allotment week.

Marvin Rees and Asher Craig were given a tour of the site by tenants and met a group from PROPS, the Bristol charity supporting adults with learning disabilities to reach their full potential.

During their tour they visited the Community Chicken Project and food bank plot growing food for St Luke's Lunch Project, as well as hearing about a fruitful apple tree grown from a pip more than 30 years ago and having tea and cake at Fishponds Community Orchard.

Irene Blessitt, from the allotment association, said: "While serious issues such as pesticides, the climate catastrophe, the importance of allotments for wildlife and people were discussed, the afternoon was mainly a time to enjoy this lush green space."

Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

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At New Pooles Lodge a mini-shed was gifted to the Lodge by Churchill, and there are garden areas where Owners can continue to enjoy the rewards of growing their own plants, herbs and flowers. Those who want to can do a bit of gardening when it suits them, and others can simply enjoy the blooms that are starting to appear as summer arrives.

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

23

n NEWS

Hillfields residents look at housing plans HILLFIELDS residents had a chance to help shape a new development which will provide much-needed homes for rent.

Bristol City Council has agreed to hand over land to the Hillfields Family & Community Trust, to create new homes for social rent and shared ownership.

The land, next to the trust's Hillfields Community Hub, off Thicket Avenue, is currently blighted by fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour.

Work on the plan has been underway for more than two years, and the initial plan for ten one and two bed homes has now been adjusted to 11 homes – a mixture of five one-bed flats and six two and three-bedroom houses.

The trust held a community gathering and consultation event on August 7, to give people a chance to get together and find out more about the plans at the same time.

Ava Curtis, Mai’sha Islan and Manha Fatma, all Although heavy rain meant that a picnic aged 10, baked and served cakes for visitors and outdoor activities had to be cancelled, approaching 100 people still came along.

Homes on hand to answer questions and The housing project team set up a gallery feedback questionnaires handed out for of drawings and plans for the scheme, with people to share their thoughts about the project manager Leah Eatwell and architects proposals.

Ellie Lasota and Karl Hutchinson of Agile

People were able to look round the site, which is an area of land next to the hub and park currently blighted by fly tipping and anti-social behaviour and includes a footpath from Thicket Avenue and Gorse Hill.

There were also indoor children's activities and free tea and cakes, baked by young volunteers.

Leah said: "Although it felt like half of Hillfields was away on holiday, and we had some of very heavy rainfall on the day, all of us at the Hillfields Homes team were determined that the show must go on.

"At the last minute we moved the event inside and took over the community centre, with craft activities, badge making and opening up the sports hall for children’s games, although in the end the puddles won out as the best game of the day."

The housing project team is now working with a trust steering group to look at the feedback from the event and add good suggestions in to the plans.

They hope to have a planning application ready by the end of September and if planning permission can be agreed by early next year, the next stage would be to choose builders to start work later that year.

Community garden sees success at the double

BS16 becomes a property hotspot

VOLUNTEERS working to bring new life to Hillfields Park are celebrating the successful launch of two new projects.

Hillfields Community Garden was launched in the summer by four local women to create a garden with raised beds, a wildflower area and orchard in the park off Thicket Avenue.

They also aimed to bring the community together with new activities, and the first Mini Explorers open air event for children aged from two to four attracted around 30 people.

The free Mini Explorers sessions are being held on the last Monday of every month and are free to attend – the next one will be on September 27 at 10am.

A Gardening for Well-being group has also been set up for adults who would like to improve their mental health. The next two are due to take place on September 10 and 24 from 10.30am to midday, with future sessions in the pipeline.

For more details email hillfieldsgardenforwellbeing@gmail.

MORE homes have been bought and sold in the Fishponds postcode area than almost any other part of the UK so far this year.

Latest Land Registry records show 345 houses and flats had been sold in the BS16 postcode area, which also includes Staple Hill, Mangotsfield, Emersons Green and Downend.

That made the area the fifth busiest in the country, behind two Brighton postcode districts, one in East London and one in Croydon, which was the busiest with 425 transactions.

The government's stamp duty holiday and young first time buyers having extra money saved from not going out during lockdown are among the explanations for the more than 197,000 transactions in the year to May, which were divided into postcode areas by national estate agent Keller Williams UK. Joanne Wade, managing director of M Coleman estate agents, said there were more buyers than sellers in an "incredibly busy" market in the BS16 postcode area, particularly in Fishponds.

She said: "BS16 has always been incredibly popular because of good schools, and access to the city, ring road and motorway network."

Joanne said more first time buyers were coming out of the rental market, having gained more disposable income by saving the cost of commuting, eating out and socialising during lockdown.

Mini Explorers com.

Volunteers have been helping to create the garden itself, with the raised planting beds finished at the end of July and planted in August.

Sarah Rogers from Hillfields Community Garden said people from young families to elderly, longstanding residents had sent messages saying how much they had enjoyed the first events. adding: "Everybody has been so positive and so enthusiastic."

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Email: sales@fishpondsvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

September, 2021

24

n MAYOR'S VIEW

Decarbonising the classroom I AM proud to be Mayor of a city that is at the forefront of the battle against Climate Change.

We were the first city to declare a Climate Emergency and have acted on that declaration by delivering on ambitious environmentally sustainable policies and goals. As part of our strategy to make Bristol a carbon neutral and climate resilient city by 2030, we are continuing to drive forward a £1billion programme of investment in cleaner, greener energy.

As the COP26 summit approaches this autumn it is important that we keep pushing for bigger and better change.

To do our part, we have recently been focusing on how schools can help reduce Bristol’s carbon footprint through projects like low-

carbon heating and solar panel installation. We want to support schools to be fit for the future by greening them inside and out. It feels particularly symbolic to be building these initiatives into our schools: these are the buildings where the next generation prepares for a future that will be shaped by our actions against climate change today.

This includes connecting our schools to Bristol’s Heat Network, which provides local businesses, organisations, and housing with heat and power from more sustainable sources. This network uses alternative sources of heat to keep buildings warm. Both Hannah More Primary School and St Mary Redcliffe Secondary and Sixth form are already undergoing work to connect to the Heat Network, with

plans in place to add more school sites soon. These networks are central to our plans to reduce the use of fossil fuels in Bristol, and the inclusion of schools in the ever-growing system of Each month Bristol mayor connections is a major step Marvin Rees shares his views forward. with Fishponds Voice Other schools in the city are also stepping up to power their buildings more sustainably. Oasis population, and to continue Community Learning are to reduce inequalities across leading by example by Bristol. No single organisation installing solar panels on 14 can deliver the scale of change separate Bristol school sites. It we need alone, which is why is estimated that the carbon the One City Plan helps us bring saved on even one of these sites lots of major organisations in will surpass 700 tonnes over the Bristol to work towards our next 25 years! common goals. The path to net Climate change is a zero will not be an easy one, but challenge for the whole city now more than ever is the time to grapple with, and it stands to work together in support of alongside our need to build our planet, our city and each more homes for our growing other.

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

25

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Help in quest for personal best ONCE again, we’ve experienced through the fantastic broadcasting of the BBC - another Olympic Games! It was almost a non-starter due to Covid but with various restrictions and limitations the games went ahead, and we have been able to enjoy the coverage, not always in real time, unless you stayed up through the night, but exciting and inspiring no less.

What incredible heartwarming stories of hope, particularly from the refugees team, bravery and perseverance from so many others who have pushed through personal circumstances to achieve outstanding results.

For many athletes the word ‘limitation’ only creates a passionate desire to break through and surpass it. ‘Personal Best’ can be celebrated for a while and then the work begins again to set a new standard. Of course, ‘Olympic records’ and ‘World

records’ are aspired to and along the way, Gold medals are eagerly chased after.

However, it’s not just in the world of Olympics that people have faced limitations and challenges, particularly in the last 18 months as we have all had to find a way around the difficulties of Covid and lockdowns. I want to give a big shout out to so many local people who have faced up to the events of this season and maybe learned new skills, or re-trained for a career change, or signed up to do something that would help other people.

You know – all of us have limitations and I don’t just mean the external, physical, financial kind but those internal, personal limitations that our minds have succumbed to. The source of these limitations may have been a difficult childhood, or something that has happened to you, it could be unkind and negative words or other people’s controlling

behaviour. All of these things and more can leave a mark that we would prefer to cover over as it is too painful to deal with and the consequences are, that these things rob us of peace, joy, life and hope.

As a Christian leader, I fully recognise that I haven’t got it altogether and I’m daily just living in the grace of God discovering His overwhelming love and acceptance of me and trying to help and encourage others in their faith journey. I’ve experienced first-hand His power to help me break through some of the negative mind sets and limitations that have tried to dictate my life and as a result I can live ‘the life in all its fullness’ that Jesus came to give. The starting place for all this is the cross of Jesus – the place where the limitation of sin or wrongdoing that separated us from God was broken and forgiveness and acceptance were made possible.

Tim Robertson Life Church Bristol leader Just like every athlete needs a coach – someone who will advise, challenge, encourage and help them to push through those limitations, the same is true for those on that faith journey.

If you want to know more about the Christian faith, then there are some great local churches who would love to help and support you in this way or visit www.alpha. org/alpha-online/

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September, 2021

26

n FRIENDS OF EASTVILLE PARK

A community-led future for Eastville Park WHAT is a park? For many it is simply a green space and trees, providing an escape from the noise, pollution, and claustrophobia of city life.

There are those that struggle to access the park through physical limitations and availability of necessary facilities; paths, benches, accessible toilets, baby change facilities, and hot drinks can make green spaces available to all throughout the year and make visits worthwhile, yet all these things have associated maintenance costs that the city council have struggled to meet.

The question has become how to keep our green spaces free to access while also generating an income to pay for the facilities we need.

Friends of Eastville Park have always believed that community is the answer. We visit parks for good well-being, a reconnection to nature and a reconnection to our community, a chance to play,

meet our neighbours and friends to relieve social isolation.

In the past we may have stopped in the streets while children played and spoken with our neighbours, but these spaces have become dominated by parked cars and speeding drivers: the park is our refuge now.

Since a failed 2003 Heritage lottery bid, Eastville Park has suffered chronic underfunding, so our mission as a group has been to find a way out of the deficit without privatisation, advertising or inappropriate development.

Our 2018 vision of a community well-being hub has brought volunteers and funds through grants and social events such as the Pop Up café, Santa’s Grotto, play days, sports groups and film club.

We have now successfully achieved a three-year licence to run the hub.

It’s taken a lot of work and volunteer hours to get to this point,

building the right relationship with the council and park users, but we are ready to accelerate forward.

During the winter months the Nissen Hut lies mostly cold and underused. We are arranging to insulate it, replace windows and doors, and upgrade electrics and the kitchen so we can offer yearround facilities to everyone looking for a warm functional building.

The quirky ‘step back in time’ character of the park buildings is a great part of their appeal: the hut is one of the last of its kind, while the beautiful art deco pavilion is patiently awaiting the TLC it deserves.

We are currently looking at ideas for sympathetic restoration of the pavilion to bring it back to life as a vibrant community asset for the Hub and for the Eastville Park bowling club, which has risen from the ashes after years of being under threat of closure.

So what’s next? The Friends of Eastville Park are becoming

Friends of

EASTVILLE PARK an official charity and hosting more activities at the Nissen hut and surrounding spaces. We’ve worked hard with the help of our amazing group of local volunteers and had great support from GoodGym, Young Rangers and Parkwork to create a usable events ground opposite the Nissen hut for outdoor activities. We’re keen to make this space accessible and working, just as we have with the Nissen hut.

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

27

n HOME CARE & FUNDING

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

We Care & Repair

Now is the time to prepare your home for Autumn

5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk Ellie Lister Service Delivery Manager

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S the summer months come to an end, it’s hard to believe that temperatures will drop, nights will draw in and we will start to ask ourselves if it’s too early to put the heating on.

Autumn is a great time to start thinking about preparing your home for the colder months ahead.

Cold weather can cause many challenges which can be expensive and time consuming for homeowners. According to the Energy Saving Trust, about 53% of your annual energy bills are for heating, so it’s important to check that your boiler is working efficiently and to get an annual service to avoid being without heating.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of keeping your household running costs down is by draughtproofing your home.

You should check seals around windows and doors and if there are gaps, install weather stripping to prevent cold air coming in and heat from being lost. As well as saving energy, you could save around £25 a year by reducing your energy bills.

The wet winter weather can cause damage to your roof and you should address repairs as quickly as possible. Common roof problems include cracked tiles, missing slates and

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To find out more about Bristol City Council’s lending scheme for homeowners, call Lendology direct on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk If you are thinking about investing in home repairs or adaptations, call We Care Home Improvements for advice on 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk 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.

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Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579

fishpondsvoice

28

September, 2021

n PLANNING MATTERS WITH CHRIS GOSLING

Time to play the long game?

AS I have noted before, timing is crucial to planning – it defines decision-making targets, coordinating local and national policy.

Planning, after all, is all about shaping the future that we want to live in.

The Fishponds Voice also sets deadlines, so when it comes to writing about planning ministers, I am taking my life in my hands, as they don‘t tend to last long in the job and what I write could suddenly become out of date.

Maybe I am overstating this a little, but the current occupant of the hot-seat, Robert Jenrick, is a relative veteran and probably already aware of the sands of time shifting.

The normal lifespan in the job comes in at somewhere between mayfly and football manager. The latter is a fair analogy, as both posts bring unrealistic ambitions and expectations, with the demands of producing instant

results.

The political cycle, at least before the last election, was supposed to last five years. That is not such a long time-frame for the planning system.

In fact, Mr Jenrick has already had the opportunity to leave his own stamp, but all of anyone‘s achievements stand to be undone over the following five years. That is the built-in risk that comes with the job in the best of circumstances.

Unfortunately, short-termism reigns in these days of the 24-hour news cycle and the climate of growing distrust of politicians in general. Incumbents come and go, with the emphasis on reform and making sweeping changes, without any individual necessarily implementing changes, let alone sticking around to deal with the consequences.

Most newcomers need to familiarise themselves with both planning and housing, a subject

they may previously have known next to nothing about. Having to hit the ground running and look like you know what you are talking about must be daunting indeed.

I shouldn‘t be too sympathetic: a crack at the big time is what politicians sign up for, after all.

That is the political cycle. The planning cycle is necessarily longer and was pushed out further by the latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework, which states that policies should look ahead over a minimum of 15 years. Where there is strategic development, such as significant extensions to villages or towns, policies should be set within a 'vision' that looks even further ahead -at least 30 years.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but in terms of the political cycle, this timescale is over at least six governments. Local plans, which contain these policies and visions, are to be updated at least once every five years. I can

detect wishful thinking in both of these deadlines.

To return to the football analogy, with limited resources, any manager needs to get players playing in positions that suit them. All politicians must have an interest in making the future better than the present, by solving current problems.

The goal is to leave the environment and the country in a better state at the end of their tenure than the start.

It is a thankless task and everyone is a critic but, just as in football, there is no shortage of candidates wanting to do it. For a while, anyway.

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fishpondsvoice

September, 2021

29

n SPORT

Boxers back in tournament action

A TOURNAMENT welcoming clubs from all over the country was the perfect way for Downend boxers to restart competition after the lockdown.

A team of eight boxers from Downend Boxing Club's base at the Harry Crook centre in Fishponds headed to Torquay for the Riviera Box Cup in August, looking to bring back some medals – and work off some rust from nearly two years of inactivity.

Opening the tournament, 14-year-old Mya Das made her debut in a non-decision skills contest against Caitlyn Wise of Worcester City, with the contest so successful they repeated it the following day.

Next up was 18-year-old Jude Moore, facing the classy Bradley Shuttleworth of Darlaston.

A strong start from Jude pushed Shuttleworth back from the first bell, forcing a protection count.

In round two the referee stopped the contest after Jude knocked down his opponent.

Unlucky Bailey Phillips, 21, looked on course to repeat a previous win against Bognor's Charlie Mason, opening with sharp combinations and controlled boxing.

But as the end of the first round approached Mason found a great shot that dropped the Downend boxer and although Bailey got to his feet, the referee quite rightly called enough.

True to his character, Bailey simply said: "That's the game."

Talal Attia knocked down and out Bodmin's Josef Hajak in his

The Downend Boxing Club team at the Riviera Box Cup. semi-final. The 19-year-old went to his older opponent from the first bell and finished the contest with a sharp left hand in round 2.

In the final the next day Talal faced welterweight Kiall Goodall of Factory Gloucester.

Talal used clever evasive movement to avoid attacks that would have ended any hopes of a medal and countered fast, seeing a sharp punch connect in the second round, bringing a protection count. The third round saw an equally all-action contest and at the end the Downend boxer prevailed.

Usamah Zaman used his longer reach to good effect in his semi-final against Devonport boxer Lewis Hardiman, winning on points despite a warning from the referee for falling onto his opponent.

His final the next day was a close contest with Josue Masasu of Parkstone boxing club in Poole.

An accidental clash of heads saw Usamah, 21, cut under the eye and after a doctor had given the all-clear, Masasu forced the

action to take a points decision.

A second contest in as many weeks for 16-year-old Alexa Smith saw her lose a very close split decision to Paige Howarth, of Clayton, after three ferocious rounds.

Jay Holloway, 17, went through to his final against Jenson Brown of Essex in the draw and, despite a good first round, the lay-off had clearly affected him and cleaner

punching from Brown in the second and third saw him take the points decision.

Jodie Horton took to the ring for a straight final against the strong Emily Pugh of Right Stuff boxing club in Staffordshire.

Technically correct long-range punching from Jodie, 25, gave her the first round but Pugh kept coming forward throughout, making things very tough before Jodie took a unanimous points decision.

The club was delighted with all the performances after such a long and difficult lay-off, and particularly pleased to see our coaching team working with the young people so well.

Thanks must go to former Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Ash Lane, former Downend boxer, now professional Ben Demmery, Conor White, Tracey Hayne and Shelly Ford for their excellent contribution.

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September, 2021

30

n NEWS

Lip-reading classes

Cycling lessons for over-55s

LIP-reading classes are starting at the Vassall Centre in Oldbury Court this month.

The classes, supported by the Centre for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, start on September 29 from 10.30am-12.30pm.

Tutor Becca Birtles, who is profoundly deaf and has worn hearing aids all her life, is a qualified audiologist.

For more information contact Becca by email at becca@lip-reading.co.uk, text 07917 417 598 or call 0117 939 8653.

CHARITY Life Cycle UK is running courses in Hillfields for older adults who want to start or return to cycling.

The courses are open to people aged over 55, free for anyone who is unwaged or a resident of Sovereign Housing Association and discounted for anyone on a low income or benefits.

Loan bikes are available for people taking part.

Anyone interested in taking part in the six-week courses, which start in September, should call Rosie on 07862 735925 or visit www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/ getcyling to book a place.

Further information on the charity is also available at the website.

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