Bishopstonvoice March 2016 by Emma Cooper

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bishopstonvoice March, 2016 Issue 38

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We can see you! Window wonders BISHOPSTON’S Window Wanderland celebrations attracted large crowds at the weekend, all out to view the amazing displays that residents had created in their front windows. From the top of the Gloucester Road, through the side streets, all the way down to Cranbrook Road, there were window images to surprise and delight viewers. Lucy Reeves, founder of Window Wanderland said: “The interactive windows are often the really popular ones as people like to be able to invent things and try something different. As well as the dressing-up box mirror window, people have had great fun with our interactive warrior on King’s Drive.” Full story Page 19.

Residents oppose Brunel House redevelopment plans Page 4

Council tax to rise in Bristol as government cuts start to bite Page 5

Hospice in appeal for volunteers at charity shop Page 8

New owners for Bristol Rovers could end Memorial Stadium development row Springfield Avenue’s Interactive Window attracted young and old.

MP Thangham’s plans after tough year THANGHAM Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, is back with renewed energy after completing her cancer treatment at a specialist centre in Bristol. She talks exclusively to the Bishopston Voice about her plan to

solve Bristol’s housing crisis, the joys of representing such a diverse and creative constituency and of the challenges she’s faced in her first ten months of office. Full story Page 2 & 3.

Page 9

Big celebration as community garden marks 4th anniversary Page 24

Residents want one way traffic for Dongola Road Page 41

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MP Thangam fighting for residents after health battle of her own IT has been a different start to her parliamentary career than MP for Bristol West, Thangam Debbonaire, expected but being able to remain in the area while receiving healthcare treatment has brought real benefits. Out of the public eye she has been working hard to solve the city’s housing crisis, challenging schools to make PSHE compulsory and has helped many constituents who are in desperate situations. Diagnosed with Stage 2/3 breast cancer within weeks of taking office in May 2015, the newly appointed Labour MP has been working at her constituency office in the Stokes Croft area of the city. She said: “I have taken an attitude that I will be the best MP that I can be with cancer. “Although I have to work, I have made it much more low key because I didn’t want to be sharing my more dreadful days of treatment with everybody.” Ms Debbonaire saw a lump on her breast about two or three weeks after the general election. She explained: I was breast aware, but I let it slip during the course of campaigning. I don’t remember eating or sleeping much during that time, never mind doing regular breast checks. By the time I spotted a dimpling in my breast, it was really quite large.” Informed that she might need treatment, Thangam concentrated on getting an office set up, employing staff and making her maiden speech

in the House of Commons. She explained: “I was determined that the people of Bristol West would have a proper constituency MP. I felt that I needed to get all of this in place because if it was a diagnosis of cancer, I knew that I wouldn’t have time to do it then. “Sometimes my staff have had to act on my behalf but often it’s been me. “We now have two staff dedicated to case work, dealing with people who are often in desperate situations.” Thangam has had six rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, a double mammoplasty and

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lymph node removal. Following a four week radiotherapy course at Bristol Royal Infirmary, she now anticipates moving forward. She said: “What feels good is being able to shift from being an MP with cancer, to being an MP who is then able to turn that experience into something meaningful. I have already spoken out about women and men needing to be breast aware but as a politician I’ve been able to speak out in Parliament. I am able to say to the Health Secretary, that I know first hand what a difference it makes to have specialist treatment. It adds something to the debate.” Thangam will be resume work in Westminster from April when she begins her new role as Shadow Culture Minister for Arts and Culture. She considers it to be a great fit with her background and with the large representation of arts projects in her constituency. Before becoming an MP, Thangam trained as a cellist and worked as a classical musician. Her husband is an opera singer and an actor and many of her friends and colleagues outside of politics are in the world of arts. Thangam is campaigning to make PSHE education compulsory in schools, particularly sex and relationships

education. She is the co-sponsor of a bill that will have its second reading in the Commons in March. Having worked in domestic violence, she would like every young person to leave school able to recognise the signs that a relationship may be abusive or whether they are being exploited sexually. A critical achievement of her first ten months in office has been getting to know the needs of local people. The depth to which people in her constituency are campaigners and well informed has surprised and delighted her. She explained: “There are world experts on just about everything living in this constituency as well as people who are living just about everything. If I need an expert on homelessness, I can find an academic but also 10 homeless people and they’ll all be willing to talk. That has been wonderfully humbling. If you take the time to listen to what people want to tell you, you will be a much better MP.” One of her major aims is to reduce Bristol’s housing crisis. She began this work by holding a housing round table with key players in the city on the day she started her cancer treatment. A tenant’s charter has been introduced to improve conditions

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for private sector tenants, and Thangam is working on ways of getting it implemented as persuading landlords and letting agents that there is a good way of doing things takes time. Her office has already identified all the slots in Bristol West where there is the potential for housing, either through redevelopment, or building from scratch and have tracked down the owners. They are intervening on the stalled development of Bristol North Baths and plan to get building work started on 1 Dove Lane in St Paul’s. Thangam has spent these past months using her influence to get things done behind the scenes, helping to get projects moving. She explained: “I am the MP who is bothering the housing associations and developers who have designs and plans in the pipeline. If nobody bothers them, they might just wait for another 5-10 years. The difference is that I’m the MP who’s decided that is what I am going to do. I will make a charming nuisance of myself until we get the houses

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built.” Bishopston constituents emailed her in droves about the Syria debate. She read all the briefings, took soundings from constituents and spoke to the Labour party front bench about it. However, all she could do during the debate, was watch it. She couldn’t vote because the House of Commons voting procedures meant that she would have to attend in person. She explained: “My constituents were very upset, and I agree with them. Most of the time I’ve been paired so that when I’m not there a Conservative MP doesn’t vote. But it isn’t satisfactory. I don’t understand why in the 21st century I can vote for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ but I can’t vote as an MP.” Looking at the totals of MPs who are contacted by the petition websites, such as Change.org and 38 degrees, Bristol West’s MP is near the top. Her office staff work hard to research and understand campaigns because they have

T FO CO O A AT M R OK H U MO E OM M TH D M E ER EA ’S L DA Y

so many people who care about things deeply living in this area. It may be a constituency of contrasts, but it is one with a big heart. Thangam said: “Part of the job of being an MP should be to bring different parts of the country together and that involves dealing with people who are different to you. If I’m going to succeed as a member of parliament and represent the entire constituency then I

need to try to bring together the needs of the very poorest and the most wealthy. And that’s what parliament should be; full of people who look and feel like the country that we are.” To contact Thangam Debbonaire MP about housing issues, immigration issues, or any other urgent personal issue, please email thangam. debbonaire.mp@parliament. uk or call 0117 3790980 during office hours.

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Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper

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April deadline

Our April edition will go to print on March 21. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by March 16 . Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Your views

Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Bishopston Voice, 16 Chandag Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1NR. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

Useful numbers Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston 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. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 11,250 copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.

Residents oppose Brunel House redevelopment plans OUT of almost 30 public comments on the Brunel House redevelopment planning application, there is only one in favour of the current proposals. Bristol City College is selling the site in Ashley Down and plan has been put forward for development of 103 apartments. While not all residents disagree with conversion and refurbishment of the 150 year old Grade II listed building into residential units, issues were raised about the development of a new 4 storey building in the south west. Only 59 parking spaces are provided and the traffic problems that will emerge in an already frequently congested area is mentioned most frequently within the comments. Residents also don’t like that the proposal lacks any affordable and social rent housing. A few people pointed out that better consideration needs to be given to infrastructure and services in the area to provide sufficient transport, parking, school places, doctors and shops. The current proposal includes the destruction of several mature trees and some people believe that replanting proposals are not enough. One comment mentioned that solar panels could be included into the planning. The only positive feedback highlighted the need for new homes in Bristol and biasing parking in favour of cars. The application will go to a planning committee possibly before the May elections.

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Council tax to rise in Bristol as government cuts start to bite BRISTOL City Council has confirmed its annual budget for the financial year 2016/17 but it is a budget reduced by £30 million, compared to last year, as central government cuts are passed onto the city. Following a seven hour debate on Mayor George Ferguson’s proposed budget, a number of amendments were discussed and voted upon by councillors. Nine amendments in total were agreed by majority vote including raising council tax by an extra 2% above the originally proposed 1.95% (3.95% in total). The extra revenue raised by the 2% charge will be dedicated to delivering adult social care within Bristol. George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, said: “It was an excellent budget debate with many constructive contributions from all parties and I am delighted to have returned a balanced budget. Despite continued reductions in central Government funding and growth in service demand, I am pleased that our enterprising management of the city’s finances has allowed us to continue investing in the city’s infrastructure and provide one off funding for a variety of projects across Bristol. “I am particularly pleased to have been able to inject further money into early learning and the development of employment opportunities and skills, especially during Bristol’s Year of Learning.” Included in the budget for the next financial year is £345m of funding to cover the cost of running day to day services plus £56m earmarked from the Housing Revenue Account for capital investment in new and existing council housing. The meeting also confirmed the capital budget at £134m, to be spent on projects to improve infrastructure such as roads and buildings. Government grants for specific uses such as the Public Health Grant and Dedicated Schools Grant will generate further millions of pounds for investment by the council. Councillor Geoff Gollop,

Deputy Mayor of Bristol, added: “The setting of this year’s budget is a result of the hard work and support of many people within the organisation. I would like to thank all Council Officers involved in the process and my cabinet colleagues for their input and dedication. I also thank all Councillors who have been constructively involved in the budget process for their efforts and contribution. “The council has a duty to ensure that any budget that is put forward must be balanced and should be sensible, achievable and in the best interests of the public. I am pleased to see that our continued sound management of the city’s finances has resulted once again in a budget that fulfils this duty.” It is a view that was not shared by all. Leader of the Green councillors, Ani Stafford Townsend said: “These devastating cuts to vital council services are not something that Greens can support. “Thanks to our amendment, adult social care will be receiving an additional £3.5 million funding this year for care homes, disability services and home care services, but even so, the overall funding gap for these services continues to increase.” “As far as the overall budget is concerned, the Green’s don’t believe that most people want a society where their local council cannot afford to pay for care of older and disabled people, maintain our streets or pay for basic services.” The meeting also agreed to earmark funding for a number of oneoff investments totalling just over £1m. The projects identified for special funding are £250,000 for Early Years Children Centres, £50,000 for an Ashton Gate rail station business case, £250,000 to establish an Employment Engagement Hub at Engine Shed, £500,000 towards a Bristol Aerospace Centre and £50,000 for the Campus Skate Park in Bishopsworth.

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Warning: Is your dog microchipped?

S your dog microchipped? If the answer is yes then are their details up to date? If the answer to either of these questions is no then read on as the new law for compulsory microchipping in dogs is just around the corner! As of the 6th April 2016 you could face prosecution if your dog is over 8 weeks old and is not microchipped. Luckily it is a quick and easy process to fix this if your dog is not yet microchipped. But first let me tell you the benefits of microchips: ● If your dog should go wandering then a vet practice or dog warden will scan them for a microchip and this will allow them to return your dog to you ● They act as a deterrent for theft of dogs ● If your dog was injured, the vet can rapidly identify him or her and contact you ● Puppies can be traced to their breeder so puppy farming and hereditary and infectious diseases can be reduced ● Owners can more easily be held to account for their dog’s behaviour and it is hoped that this will lead to a reduction in antisocial dog behavior and dog attacks to other dogs as well as humans. Microchips are very small plastic capsuled chips that emit a signal that can be picked up by a microchip scanner. The signal will carry a number that will be unique

to your dog, or any other pet that has one. These numbers can be used through a database to give your contact details and so you can be reunited with your dog. This means that it is very important to keep your details up to date. If you move house or change phone number then remember to contact the database (the Petlog website is a good place to start) to update these details. With the new law you could be fined up to £500 if your details are not kept up to date. If you are unsure whether your dog is microchipped then book in today for a nurse consultation, and they will be able to scan your dog to make sure that his or her microchip is all present and correct. There is no charge to scan your dog. Our nurses will also be able to place a microchip if your dog does not already have one, the microchip can be implanted simply during the consultation. Our lovely nurses can also answer any questions you may have about other routine treatments such as flea and worming while you are here! If you would like to book in then give us a call at Animal Health Centre on 0117 9247832.

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March, 2016

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News Register to vote to have your say in May ON Thursday May 5 voters in Bristol will go to the polls. The elected Mayor, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset and all 70 ward councillors are up for election. Bristol City Council is keen to encourage Bristol citizens to vote. Yvonne Dawes, Deputy Electoral Registration Officer for Bristol City Council, says: “Anyone not yet registered to vote should do so as soon as possible so they can have their say on issues that affect their daytoday lives. “The May 2016 elections will give the citizens of Bristol an unprecedented opportunity to exercise a democratic right to directly influence the makeup of the city’s leadership. To vote you must be registered: there is no exception.” To be able to vote, you must be over 18 years old, a citizen of Britain, the Commonwealth, Irish Republic or a European Union member state, and living at an address in Bristol. At the beginning of last December there were 316,414 people registered to vote in Bristol. This figure is 1% less than that recorded at the beginning of December 2014 and 6% less than the peak just prior to the 2015 General Election.

With two big universities in the city, students make up nearly 10% of Bristol’s population and they are very likely to come from other parts of UK or EU. Amy Moir, a local student from Wales, says:” I’m registered at home and I am going to vote there. I feel like I don’t have enough information about the elections in Bristol to make any kind of informed decision.” Bristol had one of the highest student registration rates in the country for the 2015 general election. At the beginning of February 2016 Bristol had 16,401 European electors on the register. Alvaro Fernandez, a local resident who works on Gloucester Road, says: “I did not know that as a European citizen I can vote in local and mayoral elections. I will definitely register for the May’s election. I’ve lived in Bristol since last summer and it is important for me to express my political view and have my say in place where I live.” It will only take few minutes to register online on www.gov. uk/registertovote. The deadline is April 18. If you need help to register online you can visit your local library or Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street.

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lenses were introduced to cut out the glare without obscuring vision and the Ray-Ban brand was born. Ray-Bans popularity is still huge - a testament to its quality, durability and product development – putting science and beauty at the forefront of its vision. Today, Ray-Ban Light Ray sunglass and prescription eyewear collection is made with a hypoallergenic, durable, flexible and incredibly lightweight titanium alloy, so they’re extremely comfortable. And, they come with three interchangeable lenses so you can personalise your look. There are even smaller RayBans for kids and we’ve reduced the price, but don’t tell them! March madness Throughout March if you buy a pair of Ray-Bans with Crizal antireflection lenses or any frames

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St Peter’s Hospice desperate for shop volunteers A LOCAL hospice has issued a ‘desperate’ plea for volunteers to help out at its Bishopston and Horfield charity shops. St Peter’s Hospice, based in Westbury-on-Trym, is looking for people able to give up a few hours a week to help the shop managers with serving customers, displaying goods and sorting donations at its Gloucester Road shop and the neighbouring coffee shop. St Peter’s Hospice, Gloucester Road shop manager Sadie Jones, said: “We are in desperate need of new volunteers at our local shops. “Morning and afternoon shifts are available and even if people can only spare a couple of hours a week, every little helps in this busy store. “Our volunteers are essential to keeping the hospice running and funds generated by the shops are vital, going towards caring for those with life limiting illnesses. If you think you could spare

some time for us, we’d love to hear from you.” The Gloucester Road shop receives lots of generous donations from the local community but it all needs to be sorted, steamed, priced and displaced, and of course, friendly people are needed to help serve customers. Russell Cowan, Head of Volunteer Resources at St Peter’s Hospice, explained how the expectations of volunteers have changed over the years. He said: “For some people it will always be an altruistic thing or maybe they have a connection with the place through an ill relative or friend. Others are looking for a way back into work, building selfconfidence, establishing a routine and being around people. “There are some unique roles that may interest people with specific skills such as visual display. The whole vintage upcycle idea appeals to some people as well as learning to

identify goods that would do better on eBay than in the shops. “We really value the skills, experience, and knowledge that volunteers come with and at the same time want to provide the volunteer with the experience that they would like to receive from it.” As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,500 patients each year as well as supporting family members. All services are provided free of charge but this

care costs around £19,000 a day. The hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops for £14,000 of that daily cost. St Peter’s Hospice has 48 shops across Bristol including Gloucester Road, Filton, and Horfield. If you would like more information about volunteering at a St Peter’s Hospice shop please contact Russell.cowen@stpetereshospice. org 0117 9159448or visit www. stpetershospice.org .

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New owners for Bristol Rovers could end Memorial Stadium development row THE row over development of the Bristol Rovers Memorial Stadium took an unexpected turn this week when it was announced that the club had new owners. Bristol Rovers have been bought by Middle Eastern billionaire bankers, led by Jordanian Football Association member Wael AlQadi. Mr Al Qadi has been named as the new clubpresident and Steve Harmer, from Swansea City takes over as Chairman. The outcome of the club’s High Court battle with supermarket, Sainsbury’s, over the purchase of the old Memorial Stadium in Horfield may no longer rest on whether or not a new stadium is built. Mr AlQadisaid: “I’m very passionate about football. This football club requires and needs a new stadium. Once we are ready to go ahead with that

project, we will. There’s a lot of work that has been done, but I have to come in and verify that everything is in order, before taking the next step.” With the new owners investment, former Chairman

Nick Higgs seemed to suggest in a press conference that the outcome of the court case was no longer important in deciding whether or not the new stadium could be built. Plans for a new stadium were

first announced almost 11 years ago. The club have played at the Memorial Stadium since 1996, which has a capacity of nearly 12,000. Their proposed move to a larger stadium has been fraught with delays and lack of funds.

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Education

March, 2016

Dinosaurs take over Bristol Museum and Art Gallery BRISTOL Museum & Art Gallery will be celebrating British Science Week (11-20 March) with a Dinosaur Takeover. Bristol Museums have partnered with dinosaur experts at the University of Bristol to deliver an exciting half day experience for school groups in the region, packed with thrilling dinosaur-related activities. Central to the day, Dino Debs and Dino Dan will lead a 90 minute workshop, accompanied by postgraduate students from The University of Bristol. School children will be able to handle and examine fossils, get up close to The Bristol Dinosaur, take part in a dino-dig and learn about dino food chains. Pupils will have time to explore the museum’s dinosaur gallery and permanent exhibits with their teachers. Plus, each child gets to take home a keepsake of a fossilised shark’s tooth. Jane Hack, Senior Officer for Formal Learning at Bristol Museums, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside dinosaur experts at the University of Bristol to put on this engaging schools event for British Science Week. As a result, we are pleased to announce that any school that books a Dinosaur Takeover workshop at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery between 14-18 March, will also be given the chance to book a free in-school follow-up session led by postgraduate students from the University of Bristol.” Schools that have signed up to the dinosaur takeover include SS Peter and Paul RC Primary School in Redland and QEH Junior School. Michael Benton, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the University of Bristol, said: “We are delighted to partner with Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to engage young children in science. It’s great for the students too - a break from their regular studies, but also serious, practical experience in education and learning.” Dinosaur takeover sessions are suitable for Years 1 to 4. Workshops are bookable morning and afternoon from Monday 14 – Friday 18 March 2016. Each workshop can accommodate groups of up to 35 pupils. The workshops are charged at £6 per pupil, with accompanying adults free and the opportunity to book a complimentary in-school follow-up session led by postgraduate students from The University of Bristol. Councillor Simon Cook, Assistant Mayor for Place with responsibility for museums, said: “These workshops are a fantastic example of how we can make learning new things fun for children. Bristol is now a Learning City, which means that partners are working together to promote learning opportunities for everyone – however old and wherever they’re from – so I hope we’ll see even more people getting involved with our events this year.” A special Dinosaur Takeover workshop for home educators has also been developed and will take place at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Friday 18 March between 12.20-2pm, charged at £5 per child. Advanced booking required. For further information see Bristolmuseums.org.uk/learning where you can subscribe to the teachers’ newsletter or e-mail museumbookings@bristolmuseums.org.uk

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Education

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New youth mayors take the reins BRISTOL Youth Council has elected two new youth mayors. Theo Davies, 15, and Elise Brindley, 17, replace outgoing youth mayors Neha Mehta and Thanushan Jeyarajah, who have completed their one year term of office. The two youth mayors will be advisors to the Mayor of Bristol and will be expected to attend some meetings and accompany the mayor to events. Theo, who attends Cotham School, said: “As a born and bred Bristolian, I have always loved the city for its vibrance and diversity. Bristol’s unique culture, along with its historical significance, have influenced me deeply, and I hope to apply the Bristolian values of diversity and social justice to the role of youth mayor. “Levelling the playing field for work experience and citizen education are the two main areas I wish to campaign on as youth mayor, and I hope to continue

the excellent work of Thanushan, Neha and the UK Youth Parliament in these areas.” Elise, a student at North Bristol Post 16 Centre, said: “I am passionate about issues such as education, climate change and feminism, too many to list, and during my time as youth mayor I hope to make a positive change in many of these areas, as well as getting the voice of young people, who are so often ignored and marginalised in politics, heard at a local level. “I hope that my year in office as a youth mayor will be a positive and productive one, and I hope that I leave the role having made the city, and the world, a slightly better place in which to be a young person.” George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with my fourth pair of youth mayors, Theo and Elise. “Youth mayors, together with the brilliant Youth Council,

(L-R): New youth mayors Theo Davies and Elise Brindley, Councillor Brenda Massey, Assistant Mayor for People, George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, and outgoing youth mayors Neha Mehta and Thanushan Jeyarajah.

represent the voices of young people in the city and I really value their opinions regarding decisions affecting the lives of young people in Bristol. They will provide invaluable insights into key priorities for the city, including supporting the development of Bristol as a Learning City. “Big thanks go to our outgoing youth mayors Neha and Thanushan for their outstanding contributions over the last year. They acted as outstanding ambassadors for the European

Green Capital as did the previous pair Rondene Vassell and James Gibson.” Councillor Brenda Massey, Assistant Mayor for People, said: “Our youth mayors contribute a great deal to the city and I will be working closely with them both over the next year to help champion young people’s issues.” Young people who wish to contact the Youth Council or youth mayors about issues affecting them can do so by emailing ywparticipation@ bristol.gov.uk .

at Redland High

Visiting Morning: Friday 11 March 9.30 – 11.30am

Call now to book your place Redland Court, Bristol BS6 7EF 0117 290 2900 | admissions@redlandhigh.com www.redlandhigh.com

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Education

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March, 2016

Sporting excellence at Clifton High School CLIFTON High School is becoming increasingly wellknown for the quality of its sports provision and holds a strong, competitive position in the Bristol Schools’ offering. The range of opportunities on offer, the high standard of teaching and excellent facilities both on and off site mean that many Clifton High pupils excel at county, national and international level. Sport is a key part of the curriculum at Clifton High; the School values the important role sport plays in developing an individual’s confidence and resilience, exposing pupils to teamwork and leadership opportunities. As well as weekly games, PE and swimming lessons, there is an extensive range of extra-curricular clubs. Junior School children can choose from over 16 extracurricular sports clubs and in the Senior School there are over 23 on offer. Clubs are run by

the school’s staff and specialist external coaches. Clifton High also offers its pupils the opportunity to participate in international sports tours. In 2015 the School ran a cricket and netball tour to Barbados; ski trips are undertaken regularly and with the School now offering a weekly Ski Training Club, pupils are taking part in international ski and snowboard competitions, too. This February many pupils enjoyed a ski trip to Sunday River, USA. The school’s commitment to sport also extends beyond the core school term. Clifton High regularly holds holiday sports camps and this year will be running a week of activities during the Easter Holidays. The Camp will run from 4th to 8th April for pupils in Years 3 to 8. As well as mixed sporting activities, the Camp will feature a new Diamond Day on

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the Wednesday where girls will enjoy a full day of football and boys will take part in cricket. Pupils will be coached by specialist sports coaches and the day will end with a prize-giving

and ‘team tea’ for children and parents. The holiday camps are run by the school’s sport staff and on the Diamond Day we will welcome external specialist coaches, too.

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Performing Arts Summer School CHILDREN aged between four and nineteen years are hoping the Bristol School of Performing Arts Summer School at White Hart Lodge on Brislington Hill will be their first step to a life treading the boards in musical venues around the country. The School, which is run by John Redgrave, has the reputation of being a first class teaching establishment from where big budget theatrical productions at the Hippodrome and Bath Theatre Royal trawl for young talented musicians, actors, singers and dancers. The school counts amongst its Patrons such familiar names as Bill Kenwright known for his successful West End and touring productions and Vanessa Redgrave who is in fact John Redgrave’s cousin. Professional artists who will be appearing at the Summer School and inspiring young performers are BSPA regulars Amanda Salmon with over ten years in London’s West End including two years as Eponine in Les Miserables, Elysia Lawrence-Tebb, professional choreographer and past touring choreographer for the musical Annie, Musical director Simon Carr-Minns (20 years at the prestigious Italia Conte Theatre School in London) and Emma Weaver, head of our

Junior School (the voice of Bella in The Tweenies and Mina in Jelly Jamm). Mr. Redgrave has been in the entertainment profession for over fifty years and has experience in all areas of showmanship. As a director he has worked with many famous stars including Norman Wisdom, Ken Dodd, Frankie Howard, Tony Bennett and Sarah Brightman. He is also highly regarded in the theatrical world for his skills as a producer and lighting designer. Children from BSPA have appeared professionally in many Hippodrome productions over the years including The Lion King, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Sound of Music and Evita plus many, many, more. Only last week, eighty youngsters appeared alongside Joe McElderry in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Playhouse Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare, a production with which the School has been associated for in excess of forty years, thus giving the chance for young performers to work alongside seasonal professionals and to regularly experience the learning curve of appearing on the stage of a number one touring theatre. So why not take the opportunity of a

FREE trial session, or apply to join our Summer School and work with professional directors, choreographers and Vocal Coaches all of whom are still very actively engaged in the profession and visit us from their London base for this very special week. This year’s Summer School will take place from Monday 25th July to Saturday 30th July 2016. Phone or ask at White Hart Lodge for a Saver Card enabling payment to be made in instalments for as little as five pounds. www.bspa.biz info@bspa.biz 0771 4495373

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Education POPULAR children’s author Cathy Cassidy visited Fairfield High School in Bristol the day before the publication in paperback of her two latest books. Cathy, who has twice won the Queen of Teen title, has written more than 20 books, which have sold more than a million copies. The latest, Fortune Cookie, is the sixth and final title in the Chocolate Box Girls series. Also published this month is Looking Glass Girl, a reworking of Alice in Wonderland. Cathy, who used to work at Shout magazine and before that was fiction editor on Jackie magazine, is a former art teacher. She tours extensively around the UK, meeting more than 10,000 young readers every year. She spoke to Year 7 and 8 girls from FHS, students from Elmfield Secondary School, and Year 5 and 6 pupils from Glenfrome and May Park primary schools, and signed copies of her latest books. Cathy was on the third day of a two-week tour to promote

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Follow your dreams, author Cathy Cassidy tells children her books; her next title is The Broken Heart Club, which comes out in April. She told the students how she literally dreams up her stories, and how she develops her characters by drawing sketches and making mood boards. Asked for her advice to budding writers, she said: “Write lots. Write a little bit every day, maybe a diary or journal. Don’t just write at school. It’s like everything, you have to practise. “Write from the heart, about the things you care about. I always knew I wanted to write. I write because I have stories in my head and I get inspiration from all around me.” Cathy encouraged those with ambitions as authors to share their daydreams by penning entries for her Dreamcatcher blog, which is written by her

readers for other readers. She signed books for students and encouraged them to explore her website, www.cathycassidy. com for more information and inspiration. Natasha Edmunds, head of

English at Fairfield, said: “It was wonderful for the students to meet such a successful author. Cathy’s visit encouraged them to continue to enjoy reading and inspired some of them in their own writing.”

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Education

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Redland High’s Kate makes a splash in France A REDLAND High pupil has won bronze at an event in France. Kate Shortman from Year 9 competes with Senior Team GB Synchronized Swimming Team. Kate says that fitting in school work and training is “challenging…but my teachers and friends at Redland High School have been incredibly supportive”. Kate competed in two synchronizedvswimming events at the French Open in Montreuil. Kate and the rest of the Senior Team GB squad performed exceedingly well and managed to secure a bronze as part of the Free Team in their Free Routine. This is an excellent result in Kate’s preparation for the Olympic qualifier and the LEN European Aquatics Championships in London. Kate’s form tutor and a PE Teacher at Redland High School for Girls, Emily Harrington, says: “Kate has always shown great creativity and elegance

in her performances across the aesthetic activities at Redland High. “I have had the privilege

of watching her develop over the years, and her enthusiasm and dedication is obvious. “I couldn’t be more delighted

for Kate in achieving her bronze medal at the French Open.” Kate says: “I have been working really hard as part of the senior GB team. “Sometimes it is really challenging fitting in the training around my school work but my teachers and school friends at Redland High have been incredibly supportive. “It was very exciting to win the Bronze Free Team Medal in the French Open, especially as this was my first senior international. “My next senior competition is in May. “It is the Senior Europeans at the London Aquatics Centre. “It will be very exciting to compete in front of a home crowd” To find out more about Physical Education at Redland High call 0117 924 5796, email admissions@redlandhigh.com or attend our visiting morning on Friday 11 March.

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realising individual brilliance 0117 933 9087 | www.cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

16 T: 0117 908 2121 bishopstonvoice www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR Education CHILD’S EDUCATION?

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FAIRFIELD High School’s Shaun the Sheep competition attracted many entrants. Isabel, Oscar and Connie (pictured left to right) came up with a clever play on words to win first prize, naming their Shaun, Ewenited Nations.

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“IT’S so lonely living on your own, sometimes you don’t see anyone all day and now I’ve come here, made friends and joined a walking group and I’m so happy.” “My friend said it was like you had unlocked the door to her jail. She felt 20 years younger.” These were the thoughts of some of the guests at Bristol Grammar School’s community friendship lunch on 17 February. More than seventy older members of the local community enjoyed lunch and an afternoon of entertainment at BGS. The lunch was one of several community projects BGS staff contributed to as part of their INSET day Outreach Wellbeing afternoon. Other activities included constructing pens for the baboons at Bristol Wild Place, creating a Woodland Wonderland at Windmill Hill City Farm, and a staff samba band playing at Cabot Circus to raise money for the charity Above and Beyond. After a delicious meal, cooked and served by BGS staff, the lunch guests enjoyed live music, bingo, a free raffle and dancing

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Come dine with us — community friendship lunch at BGS before ending the afternoon with tea and homemade cake. The visitors, from the Hengrove, Knowle and Filwood areas of the city, were all connected to the LinkAge Bristol group, a charity that works with the over-55s to facilitate inspiring social activities that enrich lives, reduce loneliness and encourage active participation. Other guests came from St Joseph’s home in Cotham, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. The guests all had a fantastic time, with one of them summing up the afternoon saying “Everything is wonderful. I was made to feel so welcome the moment I walked in, the decorations are beautiful, everyone is so friendly, the food is delicious (especially the pastry) and I’m really glad I came.” The 22 members of BGS staff who helped to organise and run

the event also enjoyed the afternoon. Lucy Shepherd, Literary Events Co-ordinator at the School said “It was such a joy-filled, heart-warming and inclusive event: all the guests clearly LOVED it and it was one of the best afternoons I have ever spent at BGS in eighteen years.” Director of CPD at BGS, David Mair, who initiated the outreach Wellbeing afternoon, said: “It was an excellent day bringing together all areas of the BGS staff and giving something back to our wider Bristol community. It was

thoroughly enjoyed by all’. Many thanks to Sainsbury’s, Wilko, Waitrose, Clifton Flowers, Boots and Wiltshire Farm Foods, who so generously supported the lunch with donations of food and raffle prizes. You can find out more about LinkAge Bristol on their website: www.linkagebristol.org.uk

RECEPTION PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2016 VACANCIES IN SELECTED OTHER YEAR GROUPS Whole School Open Morning Friday 29th April, 9.30am - 11.30am Register online at www.colstons.org Email: admissions@colstons.org Telephone: 0117 965 5207

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The Dolphin School Our drive for excellence is based upon the characteristics of effective learning which cannot be fully achieved without embracing the world beyond the school gates.

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Fairlawn School â&#x20AC;&#x153;Children at Fairlawn School will benefit from a curriculum with a focus towards science, technology, engineering, art/design and mathematics (STEAM). I look forward to welcoming all the new children and families to our wonderful new school.â&#x20AC;? Head of School, Mrs Julie Molesworth

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March, 2016

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A magical winter walking trail for Window Wanderland THE streets of Bishopston were full of people wandering around a magically lit trail of window displays during the weekend of February 20 and 21. The creativity of the residents knew no bounds and two streets were having a little party attracting hundreds to enjoy wintery Saturday night outside. Lucy Reeves, who came up with the idea to light up the neighbourhoods in winter last year, was amazed by all the ideas and how it brought the community together. She said: ”I am so proud that people are proud of where they live.” Springfield Avenue closed part of the street and local resident, Sara Wheeler, with the help of her neighbours, organized fundraising for Aid Box Convoy, helping refugees in Europe. Imogen McIntosh, founder of Aid Box Convoy, and her husband were making hot dogs and burgers, MingLi Bogue had asian vegetarian noodles and they were serving hot drinks and cakes. A few houses down, the Campbell family also made hot drinks and cakes for strollers to help support a good cause. Thornleigh Road enjoyed live music and free pizza to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Sam and Charlie from Pizzarova served around 50 pizzas during the night and live music on the stage in Keith Walker’s garden attracted around 150 people at one point. Keith said: “It is magic. It’s great that people are not in front of their TVs at home and they start to talk to each other about the ideas and where to go next.” The stage was available for anyone to perform and on Saturday night there were two bands, a troubadour with an acoustic guitar and a special performance at the end. Reggi Crabtree, 10 years old, with her friend Shanai Robinson, 13, changed the lyrics of Shawn Mendes song, ‘Stitches’, to sing it on the night. Their new version, ‘Animals’, is about vegetarianism and how we treat animals in today’s world. For more about Window Wanderland and upcoming events in other parts of Bristol visit windowwanderland.wordpress.com

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night, and many of her short stories, too. If you would like to find some great books for your children, I would highly recommend Henleaze Library which I regularly visit with my children (and also used to visit when I was a child)! It has a huge children’s section of fiction for children of all ages, as well as nonfiction also, plus it has little seats, large cushions and cuddly toys for your children to snuggle up with while you all get lost in the world of books for an hour or so. Henleaze Library also holds regular free sessions for young children in termtime such as Baby Bounce and Rhyme on Thursdays 2 – 2.30pm and Preschool Children’s Storytime on Thursdays at 10.45 – 11.15am. Henleaze Library is open Monday to Saturday and you can find it on Northumbria Drive, BS9 4HP. The wonderful Books for Amnesty bookshop at 103 Gloucester Road is also great if you would like to find some children’s books (or some

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F you have been reading this column or my blogs for many years you will know that by now I am a bookworm and always have been. Thus, my children and I filled many rainy days of the recent February halfterm with books. My parents recently gave me many of my childhood books which they had been storing in the attic and I have been enjoying rediscovering them and reading them to my children. Roald Dahl’s books have been a hit, especially my wellworn copies of The Magic Finger and Boy and we are currently working through The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, reading a chapter a

books for yourself) at a bargain price. There is a very good section of children’s books, including board books for very young children, picture books, children’s classics and much more: all shelved at a low level so your children can sit and look through them. If you fancy venturing out of the local area to The Mall, Cribbs Causeway from now until 3rd April, you and your kids can enjoy some Gromit spotting as an enormous new Gromit has arrived there! The 4 metre high sculpture is residing outside the shopping centre and is a giant version of GRMT02, one of 16 smaller Gromit sculptures currently on display at The Grand Appeal’s shop at The Mall. All money

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raised for The Grand Appeal goes to support the sick children at Bristol Children’s Hospital. I hope you enjoy a wonderful March with your children.

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Outdoor therapy aids people with dementia GARDENING clubs are being set up for people with dementia to help them stay connected with their local community. Growing Support, a Community Interest Company, offers gardening clubs with activities specially designed to increase opportunities for people with dementia to go outdoors, have more light exercise and be socially active. Studies show that regular gardening as part of a sociable group can help people with dementia feel a renewed sense of purpose and belonging, reduce agitation, and improve sleep and appetite. Yet as people grow older, particularly if they have dementia, they are less likely to be active or to meet new people. Growing Support runs thriving and sociable gardening groups in care homes and community gardens across Bristol. Volunteers provide support for the more difficult tasks so that everyone can take part. They create a cheerful, social atmosphere, chatting with the gardeners and encouraging reminiscence. It is surprising what a difference an outdoor activity can make to people. Care staff commented that one lady, Doreen, was very upset when she arrived at the garden, so upset that she was described as

‘inconsolable’. A volunteer walked around the garden with her and they chatted until she became calmer. The group leader then supported her to plant flowers. After an hour Doreen was much calmer and began to interact with the rest of the group, laughing when they laughed, and contributing to the group activity. People were amazed at the change in her! It is this kind of positive impact on

mood and behaviour that Growing Support wants to share with more people living with dementia in Bristol. New volunteers are always very welcome. Full training is provided along with regular social events. If you would like to find out more please visit the website: http://growingsupport.co.uk or contact Sam on volunteers@growingsupport.co.uk .

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TER T E

Sunday trading hours and their effect Dear Editor Local shopworkers are very concerned about Government plans to devolve Sunday trading hours to councils and the effects that will have on family life, local shops and the community. The change could lead to large shops opening for longer, even though they are already trading for up to 150 out of 168 hours a week, so shopworkers will have even less time to spend with their families. It won’t help small stores, who are already allowed to open whenever they like, and may put some of them

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out of business. This is a solution looking for a problem that doesn’t exist. It isn’t even clear who is actually calling for this change, with many retailers opposing it. The Sunday Trading Act is a great British compromise, which has worked well for over 20 years and gives everyone a little bit of what they want. Retailers can trade, customers can shop, staff can work; whilst Sunday remains a special day, different to other days, and shopworkers can spend some time with their family. We encourage your readers to let their MP know what they think, so their vote in Parliament reflects local views. Yours faithfully John Hannett General Secretary Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw)

Bishopston medical practice move to Logan Road Bishopston Medical Practice have had to withdraw from the Bristol North Baths development

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due to the known issues and delays associated with the project. Unfortunately, as expected, the practice has been served notice to leave the Logan Road premises, as the landlords want the building back. After much investigation and discussion, it is clear that the only site the practice can work from is Nevil Rd, but only until such time as a longerterm premises solution is found. Working from Nevil Rd is a temporary measure only. We have applied for planning permission for portakabins to ensure that there is sufficient space for the number of consulting rooms needed. Whilst we were advised to request a time period of up to 5 years, we all sincerely hope that it will take less time than this. There have been a number of objections from local residents about the appearance of the portakabins; the length of time they will be in place; and the potential for additional traffic and parking issues. The practice is committed to doing all it can to mitigate these concerns and is in talks with NHS England and

the CCG on potential longterm solutions. We are happy to host a 2nd residential meeting to discuss any concerns, and ask that you contact the practice if you feel this would be helpful. We ask our neighbours and patients to support us during this very challenging time for the practice. Our team are working extremely hard under very difficult circumstances to continue to care for our patients and to offer this vital community service. Linda Buczek Business Partner Bishopston Medical Practice

Not impressed with the Green Party in Bristol I love Bristol. I really want to see it become a genuinely progressive city. In recent years I voted twice for the Greens in local elections. I am impressed with MP Caroline Lucas in Brighton. However, I have found the

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March, 2016

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Greens in Bristol, especially in combination with the mayor, to be one of the least progressive parties. During Bristol’s year as Green Capital, how much have the Greens taken responsibility for concerns over ineffective use of funds, an increase in landfill, stagnating air quality and limited support for Green businesses? In recent years Bristol’s transport policy has been controversial. Are the Greens making it clear that the Bristol Arena planning application phase two includes zero parking spaces,

beyond disabled provision? The Birmingham Arena has 2,000 car parking places. Were the O2 Arena to have a similar capacity to the Bristol Arena, it would probably have about 1,300 spaces. Have the Greens properly challenged the scaling back of the upcoming Metro Bus services? It seems Conservative MP, Charlotte Leslie, has done more to challenge the scrapping of the Henbury Rail loop. Finally, is it safe to force people onto bikes? Mr A Jones

Do you have a point of view on a local issue? Why not let us know by calling Sue on 07976 706120 or e-mail: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

BRISTOL Energy, the first municipal energy company in the South West and one of the first in the country, is officially open for business. Bristol Energy will reinvest profits back into its founding city, supporting council services to citizens and community projects. The company is looking to support local renewable energy generators and to link with initiatives with a shared ethos across the city and region. Managing Director, Peter Haigh, said: “This is a new era for the sector, and Bristol Energy is proud to set itself apart from other energy companies as a force for social good. We have to pay energy bills anyway, so why not pay them to a company that will spend the profits on local services and projects? “Our growing Bristol Energy team has worked incredibly hard to get us to the point where people can make a no-fuss switch to us through our website. One of our next steps will be to find ways to help the least advantaged energy consumers through our products and services and to build partnerships with local renewable generators.” Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson, said: “I am now switching my electricity and gas supply to Bristol Energy - it could not be easier - just a few clicks. By switching, people become part of this very special initiative that could really make a difference to the lives of Bristol’s citizens.” Bristol Energy currently buys its energy on the market, with the aim of introducing locally generated renewable energy into its supply as soon as possible. To find out more about Bristol Energy, or to switch, please visit: www.bristol-energy.co.uk .

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March, 2016

Big celebration as community garden marks its 4th anniversary

GOLDEN Hill Community Gardens have just had their 4th birthday and in true Community Garden style celebrated with soup, cake and a huge bonfire! Thanks was given to all the volunteers and friends and to all those who have helped make the Garden a huge success over the last four years. Holiday adventure days on March 29 and April 5 are planned for the Easter break. Places can be booked for children aged between 5 and 11. These days are a “work out for the imagination” and have been described as the “best holiday

clubs ever”. Each day costs £25 and includes pizza from the frog clay oven. The Garden are delighted to be starting an after school club with outdoor fun and activities including pond dipping, digging and bug hunting. This will run every Tuesday in term time. Pick up will be from Bishop Road School or children canbe dropped off at 3:45. Free taster days will be running on April 12th, 19th and 26th. Booking is essential. For further information contact Lucy Mitchell at ghcgarden@gmail.com .

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March, 2016

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News ‘Wheels to Work’ scheme offers discount on bikes LIFE Cycle’s Bike Back project at Horfield prison has linked up with Travelwest’s ‘Wheels to Work’ scheme to offer those eligible £50 off the cost of a bike and with bikes starting from just £50, there really is something for everyone. Wheels to Work aims to help those who are unemployed, recently employed, in training or earning less than the living wage by providing them with transport to travel to work, training or interviews. Helping young people to overcome one of the biggest barriers to accessing employment and training can be transformative and getting a low cost bike can really help in securing a position.

If you are over 16 and think you may be eligible, you can go along to one of Life Cycle’s bike sales at Horfield Prison every Thursday from 10am until 3pm, open late until 7pm on the 1st Thursday of each month. Or see their website for other city wide sales. Bike sales are open to everyone but proof of eligibility will be needed for the Wheels to Work discount. For more information, please contact: Tamar Thompson, 07753 746804, tamar@lifecycleuk.org.uk .

Concert for Peace BRISTOL Cabot Choir are performing a Spring Concert for Peace at Clifton Cathedral. They will be singing a selection of sacred music, including Lauridsen’s ‘Lux Aeterna’. Laura Holdeman is conducting and Claire Alsop will play the organ. The concert will be held on April 9 at 7.45pm and proceeds go towards supporting the Samaritans. For further details and tickets contact 0117 9230164 or www. bristolcabotchoir.org .

Pictured right the first Wheels to Work customer

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March, 2016

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New format planned for Neighbourhood forums

CHANGE is on the way for the Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Neighbourhood Partnership forums this year. Keen to encourage more local people to take part, councillors and representatives have altered the design of the meetings. There will be one combined forum across the three wards, replacing the three individual forums. Four meetings will be held each year and the venue will rotate around the Bishopston, Redland and Cotham area to give everyone a chance to hold a local forum once per year. There will also be a Community Fair in September which will double up as a forum. Alison Bromilow, Chair BCR NP, Communications and Engagement working group, says: “The Neighbourhood Partnership recognised that we could do more to reach a wider audience within the local area. “Forums are not always accessible to people, particularly for those with young children. Instead of expecting people to come to our meetings we want to reach out to more people at times and locations that suit them. “Combined forums will free up resources to organise ‘Hot Topic’ meetings, at short notice, if something crops up that would benefit from having a public open meeting discussion. We will be able to call on council officers and partners such as the police to be part of these meetings, and hope to be more effective than we are at present.” BCR NP launched a digital democracy trial last September to connect with local people online. Those interested can register on the Partnership website bcrnp.org.uk . The next forum takes place on March 21. See www.BCRNP.org.uk for more details.

Local MP to speak at Bishopston Society open meeting in April THANGAM Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West, will be the main speaker at The Bishopston Society’s Open Meeting on April 15 th at 7.30 pm. The venue is the Bristol Pavilion at the Gloucestershire Cricket Ground, off Nevil Road. There is ample parking on the site. Thangam will be talking about her experience as a new Bristol constituency MP and as the recently promoted shadow minister for Culture, Media and Sport. There will be time during the meeting to ask questions about any topics, local or otherwise, that members of the audience might want to raise with her. There will be a charge of £2 for those who are not members of The Bishopston Society, but this will be reimbursed for those who take out membership (£7) to TBS on the evening. Light refreshments will be provided at the end of the meeting. Further details are on the society’s web site at www. bishopstonsociety.org.uk

Zetland Veterinary Hospital

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

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

0117 9445111 or visit zetlandvets.co.uk 32-34, Zetland Road, Redland Bristol, BS6 7AB

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Want to play tennis or squash?

Then why not sign up for one of our tennis or squash group coaching sessions Beginners and Intermediate Courses Members £39: Non-members £48 No experience necessary All levels catered for

And if you join as a rackets member we’ll waive the joining fee! If you are interested in joining a session, please telephone the club on 0117 9731139 for further details and to register Terms and conditions apply: courses dependent on a minimum of 6 participants per group and joining fee will only be waived for coaching course participants

Redland Green, Redland, Bristol BS6 7HF Phone: 0117 973 1139 Fax: 0117 923 9304 www.bltsc.co.uk

March, 2016

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Time to play out and get active!

Hard to imagine on these wet, grey days, but Spring is nearly with us. As we emerge from hibernation, now is the perfect time to start thinking about new ways to get our families out and about, and active… welcome to Playing Out! Loads of streets already play out in this area: maybe you’ve seen neighbouring roads closed to through traffic, creating a safe place for children to play? Are you are starting to think about getting going again after a winter break? Perhaps you would like to find out more about how to get things started where you live? Whatever stage you are at, Playing Out can provide practical advice and support to anybody wanting to enable children to play out safely near their home. There’s loads of information, and some lovely short films to give you a flavour of what it’s all

about, on our website: www. playingout.net . Any prospect of dragging our children away from the intoxicating screen effect feels pretty good. Add to this, opportunities for them to make local friends, develop new skills, greater independence and a sense of belonging on their street alongside adults, of all ages, building stronger connections where they live and playing out is a no brainer!

The Chief Medical Officer has recently come out with the shocking statistic that over 80% of UK children aged between 5 and 15 are not getting the recommended hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Playing out is an easy and effective way to encourage children to be more active, during sessions and beyond, as they grow more self reliant, and meet more local playmates. On Saturday March 19, Playing Out is running an informal, interactive, morning workshop useful for anyone already involved in the initiative and for those people who are keen to start something up. Please get in touch with Gaby to find out more about this session, in central Bristol, or to chat about how to start playing out where you live: gabyisplayingout@gmail.com / 07947 577 503.

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News In Redland this month . . .

Changes announced to our ward forums Our neighbourhood partnership and councillors have been considering how to ensure we connect with as many residents as possible. We are aware that many people can’t make evening meetings and we are keen to free up some officer time to enable them to contact community and schools groups eg in daytime events. So, for the forthcoming year, we will be having only one community meeting per quarter between the wards of Cotham, Redland and Bishopston instead of one in each for the forthcoming year. There will still be scope for ‘hot topics’ of local interest to be discussed at shorter notice. We welcome suggestions of themes or hot topics to discuss and shall also be looking for other ways to engage with a more diverse range of residents and local stakeholders. Parking Scheme Extension areas Proposals have been drawn up and consulted with residents to extend the RPS. The Cotham North proposed extension is the area around Durdham Park. The Redland North RPS extension is Manor Park and Canowie Rd to St Oswalds Rd. Permit holders in both will have dual use of Redland Road between their areas. Officers are now preparing the Traffic Order for these changes. The statutory advertisement of the Order should begin during April and will run for just over three weeks. Once any objections are considered and a decision is made on how to move forward it should be possible to arrange the physical works during the summer. Bristol North Baths The council took back control of the site last year. They have appointed agents to manage the completion of the project and we have been asking for regular updates on progress with this. Initial priority has been gathering data and information from the administrators. Alder King, acting for the council are due to have met or imminently due to meet all of the principle contractors, flats selling agent, architects, engineers, BCC Development Control and Building Regs and warranty

providers for the new build. The priority remains to deliver the new build elements (including the car park) at the earliest opportunity so that flat owners and the relocated Library can occupy their spaces. In addition meetings have been held with all of the prospective tenants for the Bristol North Baths. It has not been possible to progress these discussions until a measured set of “as built” drawings is available. This has just been confirmed so arrangements are being made for follow up discussions with Bishopston Medical Practice (who previously said they were pulling out of the scheme) and Keith James physiotherapy. In terms of the two main elements, the new build can be completed more rapidly than the conversion works as they are more advanced and have the prospect of immediate occupation. Mayor’s Visit George Ferguson paid one of his scheduled visits to our area this month. He was shown some of the many sites we are trying to tackle: the old public toilets at the bottom of Cromwell Road and the Redland Road/ Zetland Road junction safety improvement scheme which has not yet been implemented after funds were diverted to another scheme in the city. With Gloucester Rd being the busiest cycle commuter road in the city but having a poor safety record for cyclists this

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is a priority for us. The cycle contraflow down Elton Rd across the pavement is also problematic, lacking safe exit to travel south, for instance, and is one end of a proposed cycle quietway to Southmead Hospital. Redland Green We are happy to support a proposal by the Redland Green Community association to install a power and water supply in the park near the play area. This should help remove the diesel fumes by ice cream vans and allow facilities for events like the ever popular May Fair on the Green. A similar supply is always in use in St Andrews Park. We are glad to see that the extra signage and wooden posts in the Green have had an impact on rogue parking that was damaging the Green. Award of Lord Mayor’s Medals Fi and Martin have both been successful in seeking recognition for volunteer action in the community. Each year the Lord Mayor awards medals to those in the community who have given time, effort and sometimes from their own pocket to support action in the community. Fi nominated local scout hut fundraiser Mike Evans whose hard work was key in raising the £400k plus needed to rescue the hut on Williamson Road used by so many children in the area. Martin nominated local climate campaigner Holly Templer, who initiated and

March, 2016

organised and funded from her own savings two very successful climate marches in the city in 2014 and 2015 that thousands took part in. While politicians and officials were in Paris promoting Bristol as a low carbon city with ambitions to be a leader in how to tackle climate change, Holly inspired a team of helpers and coordinated a successful march and rally in the city centre to show thousands of people in the city really do care about action on climate change. The medals will be presented at a ceremony at the Lord Mayor’s Mansion House in March. Onstreet cycle storage Windmill Hill residents have been celebrating the opening of their onstreet communal bike hangar. We would be keen to hear from a street that would like one in Redland. The hangar is a secure storage unit sited in a single car parking space in a road where residents have agreed and six users who have no storage of their own but want to keep a bicycle pay a deposit for a key each to get a space to store a cycle. North Road completed We’re delighted to be able to say that long after reporting the need for resurfacing this road it has now been completed. In October 2014 the Bishopston Voice reported how Cllr Hance called for the south half of the road to be resurfaced when only the north end was deemed to need this. Now, finally, the whole length of this formerly potholed street has been made good. Changes to Ward Boundaries Lastly, whilst the forthcoming mayoral and Council elections in May could seem a long way away, we thought we should alert you to changes in the ward boundaries and polling stations that will take effect. Redland , Bishopston and Ashley wards have all been altered significantly, and for many people your polling station will also have changed. Take a look at the council’s website to see if you are affected. Fi Hance, Green Party councillor for Redland Ward, Assistant Mayor for Neighbourhoods (job share), tel: 0117 353 4720 & Martin Fodor, Redland Ward, Green Party councillor, tel: 07884 736101.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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News In Bishopston this month . . . Bishopston Medical Practice, Nevil Road Our local medical practice, who were due to move into the Bristol North Baths site are proposing to move, merging the Logan Road site with the Nevil Road site. In order to accommodate them they have applied for temporary permission to install three portakabins on the site, one two storey and one single storey. Daniella has objected to this application on the grounds that as a temporary solution it should only be for two years not five, as applied for. It is a complex issue. A couple of years ago an application to convert the site into five flats, was eventually granted. Many residents objected then, feeling that parking pressures were worse in the evenings and suggesting that the surgery did not cause many problems. Daniella supported residents in that. We also think it is important to have a surgery locally within walking distance of most residents. We are also keen that the pharmacy on Ashley Down Road is supported as a good local facility through the presence of the surgery. Ashley Down Green A public consultation on the revised designs took place in January and February on the layout of the new children’s play area and the Stoney Lane access

From L to R: Sarah Thorp, owner of Room 212 & Chairperson of Gloucester Road Central, Mayor George Ferguson, Councillor Daniella Radice and Sarah Ubhi, owner of Moodles, informing the Mayor about Window Wanderland and Mayfest, community events made possible with BCR Neighbourhood Partnership funding. gate. We expect construction to start in the spring. We are grateful for the consistent and diligent work that Friends of Ashley Down Green have done to acknowledge and respond to the range of local views, hopes and concerns about the proposed playground. Horfield Common CIC We are delighted at the way this is now moving forward. Please see Tim’s piece below. Mayoral visit We met the Mayor when he visited Bishopston recently to talk through a number of local issues. He met with representatives of both the

Picture courtesy of Frances Gard Gloucester Road business improvement district and Gloucester Road central. His final stop was Horfield Common where he was incredibly

impressed with the plans for the Ardagh. Daniella.radice@bristol.gov.uk Tim.malnick@bristol.gov.uk

Ardagh building gains approval by council In January, the newly formed Horfield Common Community Interest Company (CIC) heard some excellent news from the council. The CIC was formed in autumn 2015 to bring forward plans for the community to take over management of the Ardagh building, the surrounding tennis courts and sports facilities. Just before Christmas they submitted a formal expression of interest to Bristol Council stating their wish to run the building for the benefit of the community. The council has now responded to give the idea a green light, in principle. This means that they are supportive of their intention. They now have a few months to develop a detailed business case demonstrating how they can run the building and facilities as a

financially viable and publicly beneficial enterprise. After many months of working quietly in the

background, building relationships and addressing some of the historical obstacles and difficulties, they are

delighted. There is much hard work to do ahead. Councillor Tim Malnick, who is a founding member of the new CIC said: “This is a result of a great deal of hard work by members of Friends of Horfield Common, the Toddlers group, the bowling club and others, as well as helpful support from key council officials. There is a real feeling of potential and shared vision now. “We have a lot of work ahead of us and some exciting possibilities in terms of raising additional funding as a Community Company. “Do watch this space and if you have skills to help us develop a more detailed business plan, please be in touch.”

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March, 2016

Don’t leave colouring just to the kids!

BRISTOL artist, Jenny Urquart, has joined a popular trend and brought out a colouring book for adults. It features 50 pages of Jenny’s most popular Bristol paintings in full colour and their templates to colour in. Jenny said: “A friend suggested that I did a colouring book as my pictures are bold and extremely colourful. I thought it was a good idea and spent about a week handdrawing all my pictures into simple lines. “The response to the book has been fantastic and I’m just so proud of the result. I didn’t quite realise just how many people are out there colouring in, and it will great to see how everyone interprets my images and creates brand new ones!” There are no rules with colouring in, and Jenny encourages people to either stay within the lines, scribble over the lines, draw or even glue extra bits in! She added: “Colouring has become a fantastic way to relax and allow people who perhaps, wouldn’t normally be creative, to experiment and enjoy experimenting.” Jenny will be signing books on World Book Day, March 3, at Room 212 on the Gloucester Road. The colouring book is available at Room 212, the Coldharbour Gallery on Coldharbour Rd, and online at www. thebristolshop.co.uk .

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FOCUS ON

Gardening

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▲

Garden Patio Designs

March, 2016

This brick and slab circle is part of a drive and acts as a turning circle and occasional extra car space.

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These steps lead down to a Cotswold coloured patio.

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This is natural Indian sandstone paving. There is a natural variation in the stone colour which ads interest.

Decking can be combined with paving to soften a large paved garden. Here a formal water feature is enhanced with this timber garden pathway.

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March, 2016

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Greener Designs HELLO everybody, This is Jim at Greener Designs. I just want you to all know that we are very much into designing and building funky yet extremely beautiful gardens. We give every job we do the utmost attention and focus, trying to create something unique and exciting. I will work with you to design a garden beyond your expectations, the whole process from start to finish is exciting and so much fun. We also do all the smaller jobs as well, anything garden related.

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and make alterations to existing fencing. We always use the highest quality CCA treated timber, which protects it from rot caused by the weather and insects.

Wild about Gardens EVEN though we have had a mild winter it still takes its toll on our gardens. Getting a through tidy up, shrubs pruned, perennials cut back, soggy leaves scooped up tackling the tangled mess you never got around to last year makes all the difference. Giving the soil a bit of a turn and mulching over creates a tidy background for spring to arrive on. Pressure washing that dangerous slippery deck makes it safer and algae covered patios cleaner. If bigger projects are on your agenda now is a great time to set the ball rolling with design ideas and clever solutions for all your needs. We can repair or replace your wind damaged fences, returf and sort drainage on your muddy lawns and replant your tired flower beds. Wild about

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Book now at kings tennis.co.uk/events Open Day 16th April Easter holiday courses ÂŁ15 per day Free mini tennis April 1st and 9th Free adult session- coaching or cardio Taster memberships Contact Elly Shearman, Head Coach Tel: 07581 237260 ellytennis.kings@hotmail.com www.kingstennis.co.uk

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Advertising Feature

Why tennis could be the perfect match for YOU From free lessons to Family Open Days, Kings Tennis is providing a motivation for everyone to pick up a racket this year and step onto court…

INGS LTC welcomes players of all ages and abilities from novice to seasoned pro, and with a host of events and discounts on offer this spring everyone can get involved. You can play for free. As part of the Great British Tennis Weekend, Kings Open Day on April 16th offers professional coaching, competitions, family play and a chance to play the sport for free. As Head Coach Elly Shearman states, “Our Open Day last year was a massive success and a great reflection of what Kings offers year-round – as one of the friendliest clubs in the city, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet our coaches, try the sport for free, and have fun.” Introduce your child to sport from an early age. This April Kings is running two free Mini Tennis taster sessions where children can learn basic skills the whole family can get involved and all equipment is provided. Fun is the focus while developing coordination, technique and confidence by using slower balls and a smaller court. Children can play during holidays. Kings Easter Holiday Courses run from 9am-1pm and at £15/day are an affordable way of ensuring your kids are kept

busy, motivated and entertained over the holiday period. Offering fantastic flexibility there is no commitment to book onto a whole week so parents can pick and choose which days work for them. Courses are very popular so booking early is recommended. Too old to start a sport? Think again. Tennis isn’t just for kids and at Kings adults can get involved at every level, whether complete beginners or seasoned players. The

coaching team consists of highly qualified professionals all with one main focus – to motivate as many people as possible to get involved and enjoy tennis. “We provide coaching for all abilities and offer a variety of sessions for adults from squads to individual lessons,” explains Elly. A packed social calendar keeps members busy and events in March include social tennis on the 12th followed by drinks at the Clubhouse bar while watching the England v. Wales

rugby match. Tennis will improve your fitness. Even if you’re not interested in competitive sport, everyone can get involved with Cardio Tennis fitness sessions. Run by South African coach Francois Du Preez you can get fit while having fun - forget the gym, get outside, get involved and kick start your Summer! With taster membership discounts on offer and so many opportunities to play for free, there has never been a better time to pick up a racket and step onto court. Use your voucher below to enjoy a free adult coaching session and discover why tennis could be the sport for you! To book, visit http://www. kingstennis.co.uk/Events.html or for more information like the facebook page https://www. facebook.com/Kings.LTC.Tennis, or contact Elly at ellytennis. kings@hotmail.com .

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FREE ADULT GROUP COACHING @ Kings Tennis

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March, 2016

Yoga for Health

Painting and Decorating 18 Cote Lea Park Westbury-on-Trym Bristol BS9 4AQ

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by Diana Penny

of Yogawest (www.yogawest.co.uk) Yoga Pose of the Month:

Supta Baddha Konasana

with one leg straight Benefits: This challenging variation of Supta Baddha Konasana opens up the hip joints, and lengthens the adductor muscles. Prepare: Sit on a yoga mat close to and facing a wall with the soles of your feet together. Turn your toes out (keeping the heels and the balls of the feet together) and brace them against the wall. Lie back (with a blanket under your head if it tips back). Practice: Place the strap around

the arch of your right foot. Straighten your right leg out to the side. To prevent your body from tipping over to the side, you can place a rolled blanket under the right thigh and a weight on the left thigh. Allow the hip- bones to widen. Extend out through your inner right heel. Draw back from your outer right heel toward your right hip socket. Return your right leg to the Baddha Konasana position. Change sides. To come out: Pull your knees together. Roll over to the side and sit up. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Rest in Supta Baddha Konasana (both feet together, as you began.) Drawings and posture text reproduced by kind permission of Bobby Clennell, a senior Iyengar teacher in New York.

A t A n i m a l H o u s e w e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t r e g i s t e r i n g y o u r p e t w i t h a n e w v e t i s a b i g d e c i s i o n . S o t o m a k e i t a l i t t l e e a s i e r w e a r e m a k i n g t h i s o f f e r t o y o u . M a k e a ‘ M e e t t h e v e t ’ a p p o i n t m e n t a t a n y o f o u r s u r g e r i e s a n d w e w i l l g i ve you the ﬁ r s t c o n s u l t a t i o n a b s o l u t e l y f r e e . T h e o n l y c o s t t o y o u w o u l d b e i f y o u r p e t n e e d e d a n y t r e a t m e n t a g r e e d w i t h T h e A n i m a l H o u s e V e t . W e h o p e t h a t t h i s a p p o i n t m e n t w i l l g i v e y o u t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e A n i m a l H o u s e p e r s o n a l a p p r o a c h t o v e t e r i n a r y c a r e . T o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h i s o f f e r , s i m p l y f i l l o u t t h e f o r m o n o u r w e b s i t e t o r e c e i v e y o u r v o u c h e r . C h a l k s R o a d S t G e o r g e B r i s t o l . B S 5 7 A A

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D o w n e n d 1 1 C l e e v e W o o d R o a d , D o w n e n d B r i s t o l . B S 1 6 2 S F

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March, 2016

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A CHARITY music gig with Bristol based Glam Rock Band FAB 208 was held on Saturday 20th February at Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club in Bishopston which helped raise £300 (plus Gift Aid). The money raised will go to The Jessie May Trust, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. The charity provides care for children and young people who have a terminal illness. It was attended by around 60 people and organised by Glen Wintle and Councillor Brian Mead of Filton who both expressed thanks to John Hughes, his band members and Bristol St Andrews for accepting the event to take part at the bowls club. The Lord Mayor of Bristol Clare Campion-Smith and Consort Ian Campion-Smith, opened the event along side Alison Pavier, Trustee of The Jessie May Trust including support from Helen Mackie, Community & Events Fundraiser. Clare Campion-Smith was then presented with a bouquet

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St Andrews Bowling Club raises £300 for Jessie May Trust

of flowers by Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club Secretary, Spencer Wintle. An auction and raffle took place and the following organisation’s donated prizes: Bristol St Andrews BC, FAB 208,

Gloucestershire Cricket Club, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Weston Super Mare Grand Pier, Newport Fc, The Jane Austen Centre (Bath), Bristol Cooperative Party and donations from others in attendance on the

night, helping raise much needed funds. Thank you to Bristol Ticket Shop for selling the tickets prior to the event and Bishopston Voice and Bishopston Matters for advertising.

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March, 2016

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By Zuzana Pouloukova LOCAL residents ask that action is taken to investigate a “one way” scheme for a lower part of Dongola Road because of traffic flow problems and safety issues. Neil Wellman, who raised the issue with the mayor’s office, Neighbourhood Partnership, local councillors and residents, said: “Having lived in Dongola Road for almost 30 years I have seen increasing numbers of vehicles travelling in opposite directions along the road confronting each other and not being able to pass. “This, at best, results in one or the other party having to reverse long distances to allow the other to pass, which is not easy given the narrowness of the road and shortage of spaces. At worst it has resulted in “faceoffs” which at times have become aggressive. I have witnessed verbal abuse, bullying and threats.” Mr Wellman and some residents have had minor bumps and scrapes on their cars with one reporting damage worth £500. Households in Lower Dongola Road and the corner of Ashley Down Road, those directly affected, mostly support the idea. From 61 households asked by Mr Wellman, 37 took part in the poll. Of those, 34 are for the proposal, 2 against and 1 is undecided. Dongola Road residents Jodie Steimetz and her family, said: “We are very much for the proposal to make Dongola Road one way for many reasons. The road has become dangerous for children as cars rush past to

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Residents want one way traffic for Dongola Road

get through before another car tries approach from the other direction. There is a bend in the road so you can’t always see oncoming traffic which again makes cars accelerate to get down the road. “Also, when there is a cricket or football match the road does become very blocked not only with traffic wishing to bypass the lights at Ashley Down, but also with parked cars,and cars trying to park so there is just no room to pass. When this happens

people get very angry and there’s usually a standoff.” During last Neighbourhood Forum, some opposed the idea due to a possible knock-on effect on adjacent roads and increase speed causing more danger. Supporters recognise those issues and that wider study might be necessary, but they also want a solution to their immediate problems. Bishopston Neighbourhood Partnership Sustainable Travel Working Group have a budget

to deal with smaller road issues. Roger Gimpson, chair of the Group, said: “We need to propose the issue to the council to do a proper analysis of the traffic flow and residents opinions in the whole area.” The council stated that they are aware of concerns about parking on Dongola Road and other roads in that area. These concerns have passed to the Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Neighbourhood Partnership for further consideration later this year. The next application to propose a road scheme from the partnership will be in April 2017. Currently there is a proposal for new double yellow line restriction for the area as part of the Council’s Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground Parking Review. All reported traffic issues in Bristol can be found on www. trafficchoices.co.uk under section Tracker. The reports from local residents can be found under the selected Partnership. To report or comment on traffic issue contact Council’s Highways department or BCR Neighbourhood Partnership. To effectively collect comments include number of the report. The Dongola road issue is listed as 1202.

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March, 2016

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Knitted cake to celebrate raising £100,000 for hospice

Yoga in the Heart of the City Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, we have the yoga for you! Join Bristol City Yoga at our new studio in Ashley Down from 29th February. From £8 per class. MONDAY THE infamous Knutty Knitters, who caused a media storm with their lifesized knitted nativity scene, have out done themselves this year with a special knitted cake, in celebration of hitting their £100,000 fundraising total. The group of six women from Bristol dubbed ‘The Knutty Knitters’, began fundraising for local charity St Peter’s Hospice three years ago and have since reached the sixfigure total through a series of wacky fundraisers. The ladies first hit the headlines after creating their special ‘knitivity’ scene, which they now tour around Bristol and which has appeared on Christmas cards, raising money for the hospice. Appearing on BBC’s ‘The One Show’ and in ‘Hello’ magazine, the Knutty Knitter’s efforts are in memory of a dear friend Christine who was cared for by St Peter’s Hospice. Knutty Knitter Alison Spurrell said: “It is absolutely unbelievable how much we have managed to raise in the past few years. None of us can quite believe it! What started as a nice idea to remember our friend Christine, has turned into a bit of a phenomenon and we couldn’t be prouder! “The Knitivity has been featured on a special St Peter’s Hospice Christmas card, which has been their best ever seller and hundreds of people come out to see us on our tour. We wanted to make the cake as a way to celebrate the £100,000 mark, something we never thought

we would achieve. St Peter’s Hospice cared so wonderfully for our friend Christine at the end of her life. Although the tour is great fun for us, we want to raise as much as possible for this amazing charity.” The knitters, made up of Alison, Jean Richards, Anne Iles, Eileen Agnew, Pat Dardis and Julia Worth, all worked together at St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School in Horfield and started knitting together in their spare time. When founding member of the Knutty Knitters, Christine, died of bowel cancer at St Peter’s Hospice in December 2011 the group decided to raise money in her memory. St Peter’s Hospice CEO Simon Caraffi said: “The Knutty Knitters made a big impact when they first showed their amazing lifesize Knitivity but I don’t think anyone quite expected the response from the public to be so warm. “All of us at St Peter’s are very proud of their achievement and I want to thank them personally for their dedication and funloving, joyful, approach which has always made it very enjoyable to work with them.” St Peter’s Hospice community fundraiser, Petra Littlefair, said: “The Knutty Knitters have been fantastic fundraisers for us and we’re so proud of them for reaching £100,000! “Fundraising like this means so much to us at the hospice and means we can continue caring for our patients and their families when they need us.”

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March, 2016

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Wind Band Association Celebrates Charity Status TWO years after its formation Avon Wind Band Association is celebrating being granted full registered charity status by the Charity Commission. The Association is made up of four bands with a total of nearly 90 members. Between them the bands cater for players of all levels and abilities ranging from Grade 8 players to complete beginners. The Phoenix Wind Band is the senior band with the majority of its 28 players being of Grade 6 standard and above. It rehearses at Emersons Green Library on a Monday evening. The Apollo Band has been together for just over three years and caters for players of around Grade 3 and 4. It meets in Yate on a Tuesday evening. The Westerly Winds Staple Hill Band has been playing for just over two years and as its name implies meets in Staple Hill Library on a Wednesday evening. The most junior band is Winterbourne Winds which was formed just under eighteen months ago for complete

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Winterbourne Winds at rehearsal in The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne beginners and returners. They meet at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne on a Thursday evening. Although based in South Gloucestershire, many of the players come from further afield. Keith Hunt, Chairperson of the

charity, said: “We are always open to welcome new members of all abilities and it would be a fitting way to celebrate the new status of the Association if the membership reached 100 this year.” Anyone interested in joining

should contact Keith on 0117 9049125 or by e-mail keh35@ blueyonder.co.uk who will be pleased to answer any questions. Furtherinformation can be found on the Association website www.avonwindbandassociation. com .

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ATUR

AT C H

With Dawn Lawrence

bishopstonvoice

OU may be familiar with the idea of a local patch. To most wildlife enthusiasts it almost seems to come naturally – adopting an area that you consider to be “your patch”. Many have a very local patch, i.e. around their own homes, and a further away local patch which is somewhat better for wildlife! There are so many of us in Britain that the resultant patchwork forms a quilt that covers virtually the whole country. Day after day the keen naturalist will go and work their local patch, desperately hoping for something really exotic such as a needle-tailed swift, but pleased to settle for a little local triumph such as a record count of pintail. Of course, people watch wildlife for pleasure but many also contribute their records to recording schemes listing each significant observation of a plant, animal, or fungus. All those individual records are marked on a map, a dot here, a dot there, like tiny stitches making up an embroidered picture of, say, a bird’s

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distribution in Britain. Each map has a unique pattern, sometimes with different colours marking seasonal habits, or different sized dots marking abundance. Computers machine-sew the patches together into a complete quilt to make an informative map but it can be difficult to find somebody willing to darn a hole in the recording effort! The maps, spreadsheets and records are put together for various purposes: an annual report for a given region (such as our local Avon Bird Report); a recurring tally for a discrete group (such as the monthly national Wetland Bird counts); or a definitive Atlas or Flora which might be produced only once or twice a century. Often the “patchwork” is strictly geometrical as with the “Wildlife of the Bristol Region” series. Volunteers adopt a patch, or group of patches, based on the grid squares of the Ordnance Survey map and survey these intensively (we call this squarebashing in the trade). Or, they add their own little stitches to

March, 2016

other patches by recording in which grid square they heard a cuckoo or found a bee orchid. Hundreds of people have contributed their records to the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) and there are already four volumes available in the series covering plants, moths, butterflies and Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). The area covered is equivalent to the old county of Avon and similar to that described by the first Flora of the Bristol Region published by J. W. White in 1912. These books make a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and for some species the city of Bristol stands out either as a hole (such as brooklime, a water speedwell which is rare in the city) or as a distinct patch (such as buddleia which loves our city walls and wastelands). If you see something that might be of interest you can let the Records Centre know. Look them up online and add a stitch or two of your own to the ever-growing patchwork.

With over 10 years’ experience of providing care to elderly and vulnerable people, our clients trust us to support and care for them when they need it the most. This is because we are truly passionate about helping people remain in their homes whilst still receiving the care that they need. Our care staff are police checked and professionally trained to assist you with a range of tasks including: washing and dressing, prompting medication, collecting shopping and helping to keep the house tidy. Providing quality service is at the core of our values which is why the NHS and the council contract us to provide care to the most vulnerable people in the community. We also work privately with our clients providing a flexible service that caters directly to your needs. From 30 minutes to 24 Hour care, we can help.

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March, 2016

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bishopstonvoice

Sustainability news with

Hamish Wills, Sustainable Redland

Changing Times

F you’re looking for a bad night’s sleep, there’s a number of depressing subjects you might like to give yourself to read. The inordinate power of international corporations and their sway over governments is one, and to cap things off perhaps the environmental degradation caused by industrial agriculture and the ridiculous gaps between rich and poor.

After you’ve got through all that, you might need a bit of cheering up, so why not start off by trolling through stuff on the energy revolution? It’s really uplifting. Although you wouldn’t think it from TV and conventional newspapers the worldwide pace of deploying renewable energy technologies is so fast its starting to disrupt existing energy markets. Just look at the price of fossil fuels. With all the clean energy available now, nobody wants to pay for the old fashioned hard to get at polluting stuff. What’s more, old fashioned fuels are controlled by those giant corporations with all the sway over our governments. Every single one of our prime minister’s energy advisors comes from the fossil fuel industry, and I bet this isn’t unusual. But does it matter? Look what’s happening here in Bristol. Through share and bond offers our energy

coop has raised millions from local residents to purchase two solar power farms and build installations on twenty institution rooftops without the faintest whiff of corporate influence. The whiff is there over the government’s removal of renewable energy subsidies because its too expensive on one hand, but on the other trying to lumber us with having to pay twice the market rate for nuclear power. But isn’t the government behind the times? Isn’t the real deal that we’re changing the way we capture, use and store energy and maybe more importantly changing the way we finance its construction and system ownership? Financing and ownership is shifting from remote, polluting and detached corporations to local consumers passionate about conserving the world around them, democracy and fair prices.

This is an upside of climate change. Energy and its ownership will become more and more local, less polluting and cheaper. The same will happen with food. A significant number of us have recognised that locally grown, seasonal, trust worthy food trumps supermarket “convenience,” traffic jams and impersonal treatment. We know it is not produced on an industrial scale requiring chemical fertilizers, pest control and GMO seeds, it is owned by its producers and it doesn’t destroy either the climate or the ground it is grown in. And it is something more and more of us want. So why not make sure you’re part of the change? Check out the 5 – 6% returns on the Bristol Energy Coop share and bond deals, and make sure you do your next food shop at the St. Nicholas, Whiteladies or Fishponds Markets.

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March, 2016

Exasperation grows over failure to tackle road safety in Horfield! HORFIELD Conservative Councillor Claire Hiscott has had enough of ‘excuses’ and ‘prevarication’ over addressing what local people have described as clear and present dangers created by traffic planners in her ward. Since the re-opening of Southmead Hospital and the relocation of a bus layover in Dorian Road, the lives of residents have been made a

misery not just by on-going parking issues and increased congestion but also as a result of new hazards in the road layout. The no.24 bus stop at the Dorian Road/Filton Road junction has become a particularly perilous troublespot, where passage becomes impossible if two buses stop at this location at the same time. This regularly causes tailbacks and obscures the vision of

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motorists and other road users. Despite numerous discussions between First Bus, council officers and the Hospital management no realistic solution has been put forward. Now, having personally witnessed a near catastrophe at this junction recently, involving an ambulance unable to get out of Dorian Road because of a bus blockade and resulting traffic jam, Cllr Hiscott is demanding that the Mayor intervene. Cllr Hiscott (Con, Horfield) said: “This latest incident is the last straw. Fears are growing for the lives of children using the nearby skate park, play area and leisure centre. “I have repeatedly raised the problems caused by this specific bus stop which lies on a very busy residential road that was never designed to carry so many buses and traffic from the hospital. Not only is it an accident waiting to happen, it is yet another woeful example of poor planning and a failure to listen to the public. “For months now, many people have contacted me with their concerns over the current

road configuration. Poor traffic light phasing also seems to be a contributing factor in bringing vehicles to a standstill here. People can often wait for 40 minutes to get out of this junction. “Since the hospital reopened there has been a huge increase in traffic, with motorists using Dorian Road and the hospital as a cut-through.” “It is astonishing that council officers are taking such a defeatist stance and are making little effort to alleviate a known congestion and road safety issue, despite repeated pleas from residents who live on this road” “The time for prevarication and excuses has past. We need urgent action taken to tackle this obvious, road safety issue. I shall now be calling on the Mayor to intervene and get something done.” “For starters, this bonkers bus stop needs relocating, the traffic lights need re-phasing and the hospital must be required to control vehicles exiting its grounds.” Contact Claire Hiscott tel: 07775227274

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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OOK

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March, 2016

E MO with staff from Cheltenham Road Library Adult Fiction Read by the Library Reading Group in February, now Book of the Month for March

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

BLURB: In the din and stink that is Cannery Row a colourful blend of misfits – gamblers, drunks, bums and artists – survive side by side in a jumble of adventure and mischief. Lee Chong, the astute owner of the wellstocked grocery store, is also the proprietor of the Palace Flophouse that Mack and his troupe of good-natured ‘boys’ call home. Dora runs the Bear Flag Restaurant with clockwork efficiency and a generous heart, and Doc, secreted away in his home at Western Biological Laboratories, is the fount of all wisdom. Cannery Row is Steinbeck’s high-spirited tribute to his native California. READING GROUP REVIEW: Almost all of us loved this short novel. It has an intensity and richness which draws the reader into the colourful and chaotic world of Cannery Row, a sardine processing and canning port near Monterey. Its characters represent, at one level, society at its least

Why not give Cheltenham Road library a visit? successful, but from Steinbeck’s viewpoint, the essential humanity and warmth of people who preserve their dignity by resilience and charity in the most gruelling of circumstances. The main character, Doc, is based on Steinbeck’s long-time friend, Ed Rickets. Doc’s compassion, intellect and poignant loneliness stand as Steinbeck’s tribute to his friend. He also holds the novel together, a focus for the ultimate triumph of hope over experience. Children’s Fiction Read and enjoyed by Isabel Smith (age 9)

The Butterfly Club by Jacqueline Wilson

BLURB: Tina is a triplet, but she’s always been the odd one out. Her sisters Phil and Maddie are bigger and better at just about everything. Luckily, they look after teeny-tiny Tina wherever they go - but when the girls start in scary, super-strict Miss Lovejoy’s class, they’re split up, and Tina has to fend for herself. She is horrified when she’s paired up with angry bully Selma, who nobody wants to be friends with. But when Miss Lovejoy asks them

to help her create a butterfly garden in the school playground, Tina discovers she doesn’t always need her sisters - and that there’s a lot more to Selma than first meets the eye. ISABEL’S REVIEW: If you read my September review on Opal Plumstead, then you will know why I read this book. I managed to read it in four days! This is because the book is so-o-o addictive, but in a good way. A brilliant thing about Jacqueline’s books is that you feel as if the story is really happening and you are a character in the book. The most interesting thing about The Butterfly Club is that Tina, the main character, makes friends with the one person she isn’t likely to make friends with. All in all I enjoyed the book from start to finish. For these books and many more, visit us at Cheltenham Road Library. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, you can reserve any item from over 2 million across LibrariesWest and collect from a library of your choice for only £1 per item (free for young people 17 and under). Opening Hours: Monday: 10–1 & 2-5pm Wednesday: 10-1 & 2-5pm Friday: 10-1 & 2-5pm Saturday: 10-1 & 2-5pm

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March, 2016

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What is ancestral health? A BETTER appreciation of our evolutionary design and biology, or tapping into an ‘ancestral health blueprint’, could well help us to optimise our health and avoid many of the diseases associated with modern life styles. This is not a new idea. Back in the 1930s an American dentist named Weston Price questioned why his patients’ teeth were so decayed and overcrowded. He noted that the refined Western diet was causing both nutritional problems and a poorly developed facial structure with crowded teeth. He argued that aboriginal peoples who ate their traditional regional diet had much better dental and oral health. Price has been criticized for being romantic rather than truly scientific in his studies, but I do think it is fair to say that he was definitely ‘on to something’. Contemporary organizations

like the Ancestral Health Society are dedicated to exploring this line of thought, and postural pioneer Esther Gokhale speaks regularly at their conferences. She believes that much of the back and joint pain that we experience in modern life could be dramatically reduced by learning from aboriginal and traditional societies. Her bestselling book ‘8 Steps to a PainFree back’ beautifully illustrates the body-wisdom inherent in the posture of non-industrialised cultures. Gokhale explains how modern posture exists in a cultural blind-spot - we have lost sight of what a healthy human structure actually looks like. But we can still find good role models in our own ancestors, infants, and those in ‘undeveloped’ areas of the world. From them we can re-learn how best to raise our children, get fitter, design truly

posture-friendly furniture and fashion, and get informed about what is truly normal and healthy for our species. Take a look at your ancestral legacy at www. gokhalemethod.com Book a Free Posture Workshop: March 9th, 7pm, Halo, Gloucester Road gokhalemethod.com/biography/ Clare_Chapman

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March, 2016

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News

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Hotfoot it to join air ambulance’s daring fire walks

The Filton-based Great Western Air Ambulance has seen an increase in jobs across the region during the last year. The rise is down to the new helicopter, a Eurocopter 135, which arrived at our base in Filton in October 2014. In 2015 HM65 and her crew attended 1,655 life-saving incidents across Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and parts of Wiltshire. This is an increase of 270 incidents compared to 2014, when they were using our old Bolkow helicopter. The new helicopter is able land on any hospital helipad. The Bolkow was unable to land on the elevated helipads at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and Gloucester Royal Hospital. Another advantage of the EC135 is the additional interior space, which includes an extra seat to transport a relative with the patient, or train new doctors and paramedics.

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and organising three fire walks. “Participants will be supported every step of the way by our team, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening. Please put your best foot forward and help us to raise the £2.3million we need a year to stay operational.” The fire walks are taking place at Lansdown Cricket Club in Bath on Tuesday, March 1; at Cirencester Golf Club on Thursday, March 3; and on Tuesday, March 8, at Gloucestershire Cricket Club in Horfield. To register for a fire walk and for more information, visit www.greatwesternairambulance. com/fundraising/challengeyourself/

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A charity is inviting anyone with a burning ambition to walk over hot coals to join in a fundraising fire walk next month, including one at a local venue. Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is challenging daring fundraisers to take part in one of the three fire walks it has planned in Bristol, Bath and Cirencester in March. Entry is £25 per person with each walker asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship, which will all go towards keeping the charity’s helicopter in the air and responding to emergencies across the region. Head of fundraising and marketing Emma Carter said: “This year we are turning up the heat on our fundraising,

To Lashings advertise, contact Emma onB.indd 0117 19082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk 12x18 half page Ad 2 16 17/02/2016 10:08

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Have you got an event you would like to publicise? Or do you run a club or society in the Bishopston area? Send details of your events and activities to

news@ bishopstonvoice.co.uk and we will make sure thousands of people in the area know about them. 27 February n Window Wanderland, Saturday February 27th and Sunday February 28th 6pm to 8 pm : Chandos Road Community Association are delighted to present our first Chandos Window Wanderland event. Come & visit to see our area in a whole new light with magical window displays. For further details including an event map, please visit the Chandos webpage on windowwanderland. com or our event page on Facebook . No charge, just bring your camera. Refreshments available at local stores on Chandos Road. 27 February n Westbury Park Spiritualist church Cairns Rd BS6 7TH. Saturday 27th February 10am 4pm. Soul-- Sound-- and Mediumship workshop £20 .. Saturday evening 7pm. Music and Mediumship demonstration. £4-00 at the door. Tel 01179 771629 2 March n Westbury Park Spiritualist church Cairns Road, (off Kellaway Ave ) BS6 7TH. Coffee morning 10am -12 noon. Spiritual Healing Every Wednesday from 2pm - 3.30pm. Tel 0117 9771629 5 March n Spiritualist church Westbury

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Park, Cairns Road, off (Kellaway Ave) BS6 7TH Open Day “Special” Saturday 5th March 10am-4pm. Private sittings - Healing Crystals- Book sale. short talks .. Refreshments all day . Everyone welcome FREE ENTRY . Tel 0117 9771629 5 March n 7.30pm, Bristol Cathedral with Liberty Brass Ensemble, Nigel Nash organ, Christopher Finch conductor. From the majestic pomp and glory of Rutter’s exuberant Gloria to the intimate and profoundly personal expression of Poulenc’s sublime setting of the Mass, this is music that expresses the full range of human emotions. Finzi’s Lo, the Full Final Sacrifice is amongst the finest of all 20th century sacred choral compositions - a real gem that never fails to captivate the audience. Liberty Brass Ensemble, a group of exceptionally talented young professional musicians based in the South West, who delighted audiences at the choir’s Christmas concerts, return to perform alongside Bristol Bach Choir in the magnificent surroundings of Bristol Cathedral. In all, an evening to enthral, entertain and challenge. Tickets £10, £14, £17, £22 students and under 25s, £5 (subject to availability)* *When purchased with a fullpriced seat, under 25’s tickets will be allocated in the same seating area as the full-price seat. Otherwise, they will be allocated at the discretion of the Bristol Bach Choir Box Office. 16th and 24th March n We are the Bristol U3A – an organisation of lively and interesting people who run all sorts of groups for enjoyment, friendship and learning. If you have retired from full-time work, we offer a wide range of over 100 different activities, including art, computing, languages, music, walking, and science. Please come to one of our social groups, for details phone Jenny 0117 904 3697 - or just drop-in to Browns Restaurant, by the Museum, for one of our friendly meetings at 10.15am on the third Wednesday and fourth Thursday in every month. Visit our website: www.bristolu3a.org.uk. Make friends, learn new skills and have fun with Bristol U3A! 19 March n The next meeting of the South Western Branch of the Elgar Society is on Sat. 19th March. at 2.15pm at the Bristol Music Club, 76, St. Paul’s Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1LP. Our speaker will be Barry Collett who will

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present a programme entitled “Elgar’s Powick Asylum Music”. Barry recently made a recording of some of the music Elgar wrote for the institution in his early years. Visitors pay £3.00 which includes refreshments. We look forward to seeing you and any of your friends at this meeting. For more information please contact Doug Smith Tel. 0117 9673480, or email dougmusical@tiscali.co.uk 21 March n Laugh, Live and Learn with Bristol U3A. We have lots on offer for those who would like to make new friends with similar interests. If you have retired from full-time work, and want to take part in enjoyable learning with friendship and fun, we have a wide range of groups with over 100 different activities, including art, computing, languages, music, walking, and science. Find out more at the Horfield social group which meets at 10.30am on the third Monday in every month. For details, please phone Maureen 0117 909 0281 or visit our website: www. bristolu3a.org.uk. Don’t let life pass you by - come and join Bristol U3A! 22 March & 24 March n BYO Baby – a unique adult choir for parents, carers or parents to be! Bring Your Own Baby is holding free taster sessions for anyone who fancies singing uplifting songs and meeting new friends, all whilst the babies hang out and enjoy sweet harmonies. Guaranteed no nursery rhymes! Tuesday 22 nd March 3.45pm and Thursday 24th March 11.0012.15pm and 12.151.30pm at Wildgoose Space, 228 Mina Road, St Werburghs, BS2 9YP. Just come along and no previous experience is required. Contact Julia on: 07984 532 535 / julia@ekocollective.com www. juliaturner . co.uk 31 March n Spiritualist church Westbury Park, Cairns Road, BS6 7TH .... Hydesville celebration. Dining with Mediums evening Communication and Buffett supper included.. Ticket only £10-00. Followed by 3 day seminar with Minister Judith Seaman. Tel 0117 9771629 3 April n Antique & Vintage Fair Sunday 3rd April 10am3.30pm Ashton Court Mansion, Long Ashton Bristol BS41 9JN 40 quality stalls all in doors Antiques & Collectables Vintage & Reclaimed. Café with afternoon cream teas £2.00 entry (under 16s free) Car Park

March, 2016

access: Kennel Lodge entrance off Portishhead Rd A369

What’s on a regular basis Mondays n Toddler group at Ardagh Pavilion, Kellaway Avenue, Horfield Common. Ages 0-3, cost £2.50 per family - includes refreshments and biscuits. All welcome. Friendly vibrant group just drop in. Contact Kay on 01179426580 for further details. n FitSteps, Ashley Down Primary School, Olveston Road, 7-8pm. FitSteps® the new craze in dance fitness classes from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ very own Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Mark Foster. This really is the most fun, graceful way to get in shape. n Kick Start Fat Loss Club, Ashley Down Primary School, Olveston Road, 8-9pm. Kick Start Fat Loss is a revolutionary new diet and exercise club currently running in Bristol. There is no calorie counting, daily points, fad foods or complicated workouts. *Weekly weigh in, measure and body stat recording. *15 minute educational and motivational talk to discuss meal and recipe ideas, plus mindset & confidence coaching. *28 Day Detox Diet. *30 minute fat burning workout. *Online workouts, meal planners and recipes. n Morris for fitness and fun, 7.15pm – 8.15pm at Horfield URC, Muller Road, Horfield, BS7 9RE during term time only, no performance element, small groups. Sticks and hankies provided. Tel/text: 07813 346819 / 0117 940-1566, www. thegreatcaper.co.uk n Redland Wind Band rehearses at the Quakers Meeting Room on Gloucester Road at 7.30pm. We sometimes have vacancies, currently mainly for bass instruments, horns and percussionists. Contact Andy Brown at redlandwindband@ googlemail.com or on 07594240269 or via our website www.redlandwindband.co.uk. Also get in touch if you would like to be put on our mailing list or would like to book us for events or fundraisers. n Redland Green Choir meets for rehearsals every Monday 7.30pm-9.30pm at Redland Green School. We sing a wide variety of music. New members welcome: no auditions. For more information, visit www. rgscommunitychoir.wordpress. com or phone 0117 9443042. n Beaufort Junior Badminton Club. Venue: Cotham School

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

March, 2016

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Sports Hall, Cotham Lawn Road, BS6 6DT. Date/Time: Mondays from Sept 7th, 6-7pm. Term time only. Age Group: 11 - 18 years. All standards. Coaching and club play but also progression to Avon County Teams and senior clubs. Coaches CRB checked and Badminton England qualified. Contact: Penny Shears 0794 101 3514. Email: pennyshears@ googlemail.com n RAFA, City of Bristol branch and club Eastfield Westbury on Trym for ex-RAF and associate members. Skittle Ally, parties and functions. Live entertainment on Saturday evenings. Open Monday to Saturday lunchtimes and evenings. Sundays noon till 5pm. All enquiries telephone 0117 3291913. n New Fitness League (Exercise Movement and Dance class) for ladies. Low impact classes offer a fusion of dance, exercise and core strengthening, choreographed to music and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.15-7.25 pm at St Barts Church Hall, St Andrew’s, Maurice road, BS6 5BZ. Contact Rachael to find out more: 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net. £7 per class (1st Class Free). Tuesdays n The Golden Buds is a lovely and popular group aimed at 18 months to 4-year-olds and is a fabulous opportunity to be outside with your little ones, digging, playing, finding newts and frogs, watering, singing and making things all in the heart of urban Bristol! Sessions start from February 24 and run 10-11:30am and 1:30-3pm in school terms. We take booking on a term by term basis. Each session costs £5, a second sibling is £2 and under 12 months can come along free. There’s squash and biscuits and a snack from the garden as the seasons turn, as well as a hot drink for parents. For more info, visit: thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com n Scottish Country Dancing Get fit and have fun with Westbury Scottish Club. Classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze, (Tel: Tina 0117 9075462). Classes for more advanced dancers at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, (Tel: Cheryl 0117 9590970). 7.30pm to 9.30pm wscbristol.com for details. n Bristol Ladies Hockey Club. A friendly club based at Orchard School, Filton Road. Training on Tuesday 7.30 – 9pm, play on

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Saturdays. All ages welcome. If you would like to join us contact Michelle on 07980 598761 or: michesaunders@hotmail.com. n MOVE INTO FITNESS. Suitable exercise for the more mature ladies ran by a qualified teacher. Held at Horfield Baptist Church, 10.15am - 11.15am. Tel: 01454 614886. n Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation Classes at Horfield Leisure Centre, 7.30-9.30pm. Each session we have time for discussion and learning around different aspects of pregnancy, birth or parenting, getting to know other women in the group, yoga postures, positions and movements for labour, breathing, and simple relaxation and meditation techniques that are useful for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Suitable from 14 weeks of pregnancy until birth. With Relaxed Birth and Parenting Childbirth Educator and Doula Ly Malnick. Cost: £10 per session. Contact: Ly Malnick on 07843 377 718 (Booking essential) n Use the power of nutrition to improve your health, your mood and your figure. Eight week courses on Tuesdays at 2pm and 7pm, led by a BANT qualified nutritional therapist. Classes held at Lady Active, 180 Henleaze road, BS6 4NE. Tel: 07511 647 569 or email alex@alexbarton. co.uk for more details. www. nutritioncoachbristol.co.uk n After school French Club for primary children at Gloucester Rd Quaker Meeting House. KS1 class: 4.10-4.50pm. £4.50. Playful practical classes full of games, songs and general silliness to inspire interest and confidence in French. Like French Club Bristol on Facebook or email: alice_m_watson@msn. com n Scottish Country Dancing. Beginners classes at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Henleaze (Tel: Maggie 01934838175). Intermediate dancers at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze (Tel: Cheryl 01179590970). Every Tuesday, 7.30-9.30pm. www. wscbristol.com for details. n Women’s Reading Group looking for new members. Meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm. An informal group that reads a wide range of fiction. Contact Kay Snowdon ksnowdon29@gmail.com for further details. n A weekly Music Appreciation class is running throughout the winter. Come and join us as we listen to and talk about a selection of mainly classical music. No prior knowledge needed. Tuesdays 11-1 at St Mary Magdalene Church Rooms, Stoke Bishop. Music in Britain

1890-1939 including Elgar Delius and Vaughan Williams. Cost £15 for a single taster session or £100 for the whole 8-week term. To book email matthewhm@ peacemail.com, or phone 0117 214 0418. For more info visit: heartmusicbristol.wordpress.com n Bingo On Tuesday’s At 2pm St Gregory’s Church Community Hall Filton Road Horfield All proceeds to Church funds. n Melody Makers -Baby Friendly Choir - A fun and friendly daytime choir for ladies running Tuesdays during term time. 9:30-11:00am, The Beehive Pub, BS9 4QY. £5 per session, discounts for members. Contact Natalie www.facebook. com/melodymakerschoir 07890393175. n Bingo St Gregory’s Church Community Hall Filton Road Horfield Every Tuesday at 2pm all proceeds to Church funds Wednesdays n NCT Yoga for Pregnancy. 6.15-7:45, KudaCan, BS7. £9 per session. A warm and friendly class for all pregnant women from 14 weeks. No experience of yoga is needed - during the class we practice moves that will relax you, help you to bond with your baby, strengthen your changing body and prepare you for birth (any kind of birth!) and motherhood. I have been working with pregnant women, their partners and their babies in Bristol as a birth and parenting educator for ten years, and you will be welcome to ask any questions that you may have. Email me mitch@birthology.co.uk or visit www.birthology.co.uk for more information, concession details or to book. n Knit & Stitch Club 9.30 – 11.30am at Heart Space Studios textile workshop, 4 Harcourt Rd (just off Coldharbour Rd) Tel: 0117 9232391. A friendly group offering a chance to swap creative ideas and inspiration. The cost is £35 per term including tea and coffee. n The Golden Hill Community Garden. 10.00am – 4.00pm. Come and get involved in your local community garden! No experience necessary and kids welcome. Learn about growing and relax in our beautiful space with a cup of tea. No need to come every week or stay all day. Our site is wheelchair accessible including our toilet. For more information contact Lucy ghcgarden@gmail.com or 07506 905 394. We’re just through the gates at the end of Monk Rd BS7 8NE www. thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com n Bristol Voices Community

Choir are welcoming new members, £5 a week (£3 concs) payable at the start of each term. We meet during the school term from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in St Werburgh’s Primary School, James St, BS2 9US. The school is fully accessible and has free parking. No experience is necessary and there are no auditions. You don’t have to read music either as all the songs are taught by ear. Our repertoire includes pop, folk, gospel, jazz, show tunes and world music. Find out more about the choir, at www.bristolvoices.org n New Harmony Ladies Choir Bristol. An established choir of 19 years and are looking for ladies to come and join us. We have a very varied repertoire, something for everyone. We rehearse 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Horfield URC Church Hall, everyone welcome. For more information contact Margaret on 01179 698619 or Joan on 01275 791566. n Lazy Dog Film Club. A free, small, but perfectly formed community film club based at the Lazy Dog pub on Ashley Down Road. We run the club every other week (Wednesday) in the upstairs of the Pub on Ashley Hill. We screen from Oct - April every year. All showings start at 8pm but we do advise people to book free places via LazyDogFilmClub@ gmail.com, as we only have 35 seats per showing. For more information on the upcoming films, visit: www.facebook.com/ LazyDogFilmClub n Horfield Townswomen’s Guild. This friendly Townswomen’s Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Gregory the Great Church Hall, Filton Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0PD at 2.30pm. Why not come along and meet us? Just turn up, or ring Edna on 949 5413, and she will look out for you. n St Bon’s playgroup. Fun, friendly drop-in group for babies and toddlers, up to school age. An informal playgroup in a lovely big space with great selection of toys. Just turn up and have fun! We run on term time Wednesdays 1.30 to 3.00 pm upstairs in the church hall, BS7 8HR. Free car park (off Berkeley Road) next to St Bon’s church. £1.00 per adult and child, 20p for every extra child. Inc. refreshments. All welcome! Contact us at: stbonsplaygroup@ hotmail.co.uk) n Squirrel Camp Forest School, Badock’s Wood, 9.45 -11.15 (during term time). New

What’s On

Continued on Page 54

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Continued from previous page afternoon group starting in autumn, 1-2.30, £6 per family. Contact: jennysanderson@ blueyonder.co.uk. n Calling all dads! Not sure what to do with your kids over the summer holidays? Join us for six FREE workshops for you and your kids! Activities include gardening, IT cookery and much more. Spend time with your kids, and get to know some other local dads too. Call Rachel on 0117 909 1749 or email info@ connectlockleaze.com to book your places! 1-4pm, every Wednesday (from 23rd July) at The Wordsworth Centre. n Reading group with a difference at Cheltenham Road library, from 3pm (starts September 30). The group will

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meet every week to discuss short fiction, poems, essays, memoirs etc… and learn to look at these with a more critical eye than usual. Led by practicing writer Anita Mason, author of The Illusionist, Angel, The Right Hand of the Sun and other novels. For the over 60s. No reading to do in between meetings. First session is a drop-in. People interested, email amreadinggroup@gmail. com, or tell the librarian at Cheltenham Road library that you are interested. n Mindfulness & Movement – Meditation and Qi Gong/Tai Chi for well-being. Gentle aerobic exercise and secular meditations for strength of body and mind. Drop-in class, all equipment provided, 5.45-7.15pm £9 / £7 Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Gloucester Road BS7. Tel Tim Mason 07789 200685 for more info. See www.bristol-buddhistcentre.org/otheractivities/yogaand-qi-gong n Sing! with the Bristol Children’s Choir. Open to children aged 7-13 from any school in Bristol. If your child loves singing and would like to do more, Out There Music Children’s Choir could be what you are looking for. We meet every Wednesday in term time from 4.45-6pm in the

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performing arts studio at Cotham School. More info, contact Holly Shannon on 07866587424, admin@outtheremusicbristol. co.uk. n Clifton Women’s Institute. We meet at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2ES. Contact by email: thecliftonwi@gmail.com or visit www.cliftonwi.blogspot.co.uk. Take advantage of our guest visits which are just £4 (max. three per year). Full membership details upon request. For fun and friendship come and join in this very special Women Institute Centenary Year. n New Fitness League (Exercise Movement and Dance class) for ladies. Low impact classes offer a fusion of dance, exercise and core strengthening, choreographed to music and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 10.40-11.40am at St Alban’s Church Hall, Westbury Park, Coldharbour Road, BS6 7NU. Contact Rachael to find out more: 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net. £7 per class (1st Class Free). n Bristol Think and Grow Rich Meetup, 7-9pm at Cambridge Arms, Coldharbour Road, BS6 7JS. Starts January 13, 2016. We are a friendly group supporting each other to achieve our personal goals, be they creative, entrepreneurial, adventuresome, a charitable project or otherwise. Each week we read a chapter from “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill to study and discuss a skill that leads us to success. Join us and achieve your goals. Cost: £1 per meeting. For more information, contact Nicola on 07875 364910. n Clifton Women’s Institute,

March, 2016

7.30pm on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2ES. Contact by email: thecliftonwi@ gmail.com or visit www.cliftonwi. blogspot.co.uk. Take advantage of our guest visits which are just £4. Better still why not join us and enjoy our fabulous Clifton WI 2016 programme for the whole year plus social clubs. Full membership details available. n Sing In Spanish! Practise your language skills and have fun singing in Spanish. All abilities welcome! 7pm at La Ruca, 89 Gloucester Road, starting Wednesday 13 January. £2 per session. Please be punctual as door will close at 7.05pm. Phone Montse on 07905 741856 for more information. Thursdays n Bishop Road Community Choir. We are a mixed community choir, meeting at Bishop Road School at 7.45 to 9pm. Everyone welcome to join, regardless of singing experience. There is no audition and the choir is open to anyone, not just parents of children at the school. We sing a variety of songs and perform locally. Looking forward to welcoming some new faces! n Bristol Ladies Choir sings a wide range of music from classical to light. The choir rehearses weekly and gives two main concerts each year. The choir also participates in approximately 9 to 10 other concerts in the Bristol area each year. Meet at 2.15pm - 3.45pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, Bishop Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NA. New members welcome. For more information contact Hazel on 0117 9246587 or visit www.bristolladieschoir.org.uk n The Stepford Singers. Come and try Bishopston’s all-female

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AT’S

March, 2016

community choir. No need to read music and no auditions! We meet 1pm - 3pm so you can still be in time to pick up kids from school. For more info, email fran@naturalvoice.net n Knit & Stitch Club 7.30 – 9.30pm at Heart Space Studios textile workshop, 4 Harcourt Rd (just off Coldharbour Rd) Tel: 0117 9232391. A friendly group offering a chance to swap creative ideas and inspiration. The cost is £35 per term including tea and coffee. n West Bristol Orchestra meet at the United Reformed Church, Muller Road, from 7.15 - 9.15pm and play a wide range of classical music arranged for our small friendly orchestra. String players of Grade 5 and above are particularly welcome. For further information please ring 0117 968 3998. n Avon Harmony Ladies Acappella Chorus meets for rehearsals every Thursday 7.30 - 10pm at Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road BS7 9 NL. Visitors are always made welcome, and we are actively recruiting new members. There is no need to be able to read music; we provide teaching tracks for learning by ear. See out website for more details or contact Mandy on 0117 652693 or Barbara on 07717 424421 or email enquiries@ avonharmony.co.uk. www. avonharmony.co.uk n From October 1st 2015 Horfield Quakers will be introducing a half-hour meeting for worship to be held every Thursday evening from 6.307pm. The address is Horfield Quaker Meeting House, 300 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8PD. All are welcome. n Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation at Horfield Leisure Centre, 7.30-9.15pm. The classes offer you the time to celebrate your pregnancy, relax with your baby, ask questions and meet other mums-tobe in a safe and welcoming environment. We will cover breathing, relaxation, yoga and movement, active birth,

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hypnobirthing and physiology of labour and birth. For more information visit www.lymalnick. info, or contact Ly on 07843 377 718 / ly.malnick@gmail.com n Slimming World Bishopston. St Michael and All Angels Church (Pigsty Hill) Gloucester Road. Groups at 9.30am and 7.30pm every Thursday. A friendly, supportive and vibrant weekly group. Full support, advice and a liberating eating plan. No calorie counting and eating to satisfy everyone’s appetite. £9.95 to join and £4.95 per week after that. 6 and 12 week countdowns available. Just turn up or Call Sue on 0117 924 3556 or 07702 578 298 for a chat. n Kings Lawn Tennis Club Rusty Rackets, 19:30-21:00. Want to get back into tennis? Come along to our fun and welcoming Rusty Rackets session every Thursday evening at Kings Lawn Tennis Club, Maplemeade ( just off Kings Drive) BS7 8JG. Nonmembers (£8) and members (£6) welcome! Contact Head Coach Elly Shearman on ellytennis. kings@hotmail.com for more details! n Dance Classes with Cressida, 11am-12pm at St Peter’s Church, The Drive, Henleaze. If you love dancing come along to our weekly class, learning the basics of a single new dance every week! Dances include Flamenco, Bollywood, Cha Cha, Salsa, Samba, Charleston, Jazz and more! All dances are beginners level and particularly suitable for the over 40’s. More information www.clubcubana.com or 0117 3309549. £5.50 drop in (or £25 for the course). n Philosophy Discussion Group, every fourth Thursday of the month, 7-9pm. Eastfield Inn, 219 Henleaze Rd, Bristol BS9 4NQ. If you would like to be involved, please contact Lorna Tarr 0770 245 3827. n Drop-in Healing Centre at the Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, BS6 6JE, 5-6.30pm. Run by Bristol Healing Group on a donation basis and supported by members of NFSH The Healing Trust. Healing is beneficial for well-being and health, helping you to relax and feel better. Come along and try a healing session, everyone is welcome. For more information phone 0117 9820184. n Bridge for Beginners and Improvers - West of England Bridge Club now welcomes new / novice bridge players for weekly sessions held every

Thursday afternoon. Cost £3. Doors open at 1.45pm and play is from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. No partner needed and we have experienced players to help and advise. Beginners lessons also offered - email bridgeclassbristol@gmail.com or ring 0117 2302694 for more info. Venue: Golden Hill Sports Club, Wimbledon Road, Bristol BS6 7YA. Full details at www.woebc. co.uk n Westbury Park Spiritualist church Cairns Road, (off Kellaway Ave). Every Thursday evening Open developement circle all are welcome 7.30 start--- 9pm Pay at the door £4-00. Tel 01179 771629 Fridays n Mindfulness & Movement – Meditation and Qi Gong/Tai Chi for well being of health and mind and for all ages. Drop-in class, all equipment provided, 10.30 12.00am, £9/£7 Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Gloucester Road BS7. Tel Tim Mason 07789 200685 for more info. See www. bristol-buddhist-centre.org/ otheractivities/yoga-and-qi-gong n Philosophy Discussion Group.

Friendly and welcoming group. We meet every second Friday of the month 10 / 12 noon. Eastfield Inn, 219 Henleaze Rd, Bristol BS9 4NQ. If you would like to be involved please contact Lorna Tarr 0770 245 3827. Saturdays n Gloucester Road Market runs every Saturday from 10am-5pm on Pigsty Hill. Stalls include Herbert’s Bakery, The Spotless Leopard, Lee’s Teaks and Sam’s Jams. n Whiteladies Farmers’ and Fair Trading Market is now held EVERY Saturday to celebrate Green Capital, from 8.30am-2pm. Takes place at the junction of Whiteladies/Apsley/ Burlington Roads. Stalls cover bread, cheese, local lamb and chicken, fish, preserves, cakes, sushi, local fruit and veg, wild food larder, and recycled tools, wooden items and much more. n Coffee, Tea and Refreshments served every Saturday from 10.30am to noon at Bishopston Methodist Church, 245 Gloucester Road. Join us for a rest and a chat.

Home and Garden Electrics

07818 517 918 Vinny Cannon Canford Lane Westbury-on-Trym

acvcelectrical@hotmail.com Honest. Reliable. Friendly. Free Quotes.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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March, 2016

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The sheep-movers have moved in . . .

P E VI

me – his own fields are very wet this winter so he’s happy to move his sheep to my field and I’m happy they’ll nibble down the grass and fertilise the soil. Sheep are something we haven’t tried properly before so there’s always a risk they may damage the vines but we’ll keep a close eye on them and hope for the best.

Last year, a local farmer’s sheep escaped into the vineyard before the vines had started growing and I was worried they would strip the bark on the vines. Luckily they didn’t seem to do any damage so I thought

ORMALLY at this time of year the grass in the vineyard has been naturally shortened by successive frosts and cold weather causing the grass stems to wither and the soil to cool below optimum growing temperatures. This year is a different story! The grass is lovely, long and lush and I am worried when the spring comes around it’ll break my little mower when I attempt to cut it. As a result I’ve been forced to pull out the big guns and get the sheep in.

E H

with Ingrid Bates

OUGH T R

it’d be interesting to get them in again to act as living lawn

mowers. It should be a win-win situation for the farmer and for

Over in the winery on the Mendip hills, the 2015 wine is nearly ready which is handy because we’ve just sold out of our 2014 Pinot noir rose. It will be bottled in March and should be available around the end of April. Watch this space!

Your local independent Saab dealer for 26 years Sales - Service - Parts

Looking for a nearly new or used Saab?

The Pavilion, Filton Leisure Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS Mondays 5.00 p.m. & 7 p.m. E:Tuesdays news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk 9.30 a.m. Contact: Carolyn - 01454 898494

Horfield Leisure Centre, Dorian Road, Horfield, BS7 0XW Wednesdays 3.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m. & 7.30 p.m. Contact: Carolyn - 01454 898494

St. Michael and All Angels Church, 160 Gloucester Road Thursdays 9.30 a.m. & 7.30 p.m. Contact: Sue - 07702 578298 or 0117 9243556

The Hub, Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze Thursdays 7.30 pm. Tel Sharron 07947 064711

We have a wide selection of quality vehicles. Servicing. We follow precisely the same Saab service schedule as main dealers, only the price is different. All the latest Saab diagnostic equipment for all models including the new 9 – 3. Free loan cars provided. Need parts? The largest stock of new and used parts in the UK, fast mail order to all parts of the UK and Europe.

Simply Saab 9 Clothier Road Brislington BS4 5PS

W: www.simplysaab.co.uk E: info@simply-saab.com

How to find us: We’re on Clothier Road, just off Broomhill Road behind St Brendans

Sales Services Parts

0117 907 4298 0117 940 6121 0117 940 6151

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

IT’S my first column in the Bishopston Voice and I’m grateful to have the opportunity for a regular slot in a well read and enjoyed local newpaper, as it’s a great way to keep you up to date with issues affecting the area. We work regularly with colleagues at HMP Bristol to keep everyone on both sides of the walls safe. We know that packages of drugs and contraband items like mobile phones are often thrown over the walls into the prison and a number of these have been intercepted by prison staff recently. On one occasion in January, a drone carrying a package crashed into the grounds behind the walls and was recovered by staff. Our investigation into the incident continues. We would encourage the local community who live near the prison to report any suspicious events to us as soon as possible. Contact us via our website www. avonandsomerset.police.uk/contactus or call us on the nonemergency number 101. Last month we bid a fond farewell to Bishopston Beat manager PC Derek Black, who

finally retired after 17 years police service. His post is currently being advertised and we look forward to welcoming a new member to the beat team, who can get stuck into issues affecting the Bishopston community. We will keep you posted! In the meantime, veteran PCSO Dave Said, who is well known in the community, will be holding the fort. You may be aware that we hold regular neighbourhood forums and beat surgeries to discuss local issues with residents.

E BE H T

Keeping everyone safe inside AND outside our local prison

bishopstonvoice

March, 2016

News from the local policing team with Adam Dolling

At these meetings you can raise priorities important to the quality of life in your community. Details of the next quarterly Bishopston Neighbourhood Forum and other community events can be found by putting your postcode into the ‘Your Area” section of our website and viewing the team page. You can also keep up to date with our key dates and priorities here. Until next time.

Sergeant Adam Dolling

BATH BUILDINGS

CREATIVE STUDIOS & WORK SPACES (Average size 135 - 235 sq ft)

8 New studios being added at 9 Bath Buildings, Cheltenham Road, BS6 5PT

TO LET WORKSHOP

On the ground floor and situated just off the Gloucester Road near to all the amenities ie. the main post office 290 sq ft approx - phase 3 electrics (NOT SUITABLE FOR CAR REPAIRS) £ 60.00 per week. Terms are flexible please ring to view .

Tel: 0117 9422152

Rents are mainly inclusive and vary according to studio size. Available February 2016. Long term occupation available. Scope for individual fitting out. All first floor studios have a large window. www.bathbuildings.co.uk – availability/new studios

Tel:07970 758351 to discuss details

9 Bath Buildings, Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5PT E: clive@clivehughes.com

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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joked it must be some sort of hint (plumbers with leaking taps, shoemaker’s children unshod, designers living in pigsties). Anyhow, her method concentrates on letting go of things and how to do it with beautiful simplicity, and without too much soul searching. She describes the frankly genius Japanese way of folding clothes and stacking them sideways instead of in piles in drawers. This is particularly wonderful as nothing becomes creased under its own weight, and you can see everything at a glance so nothing gets neglected or goes unworn. Aside from all the useful tips, what I love the most is that in places it reads like a confession, from someone so desperate to establish order in her childhood home that she progressed from tidying other people’s possessions to throwing them away in secret when unused for a long period, in the (vain) hope that no one would ever notice. Let’s be honest, who hasn’t wanted at some stage to chuck out someone else’s stuff?! Having the audacity to actually do it is of course another matter. Thankfully Kondo does not recommend this practice, claiming that tidying can be infectious and subliminally causes others around you to start taking better care of their own things and discarding what they no longer love. Her follow up book ‘Spark Joy’ is now available, and I for one can’t wait to read it.

E ST D I

Y OR

The satisfaction of a good clean-up There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good spring clean to freshen things up around the home, but a really thorough decluttering goes even deeper. So many decluttering guides focus on clever spacesaving storage options, and avoid the uncomfortable truth that sometimes we really do need to decrease the volume of our acquisitions. It is necessary to part with some of our possessions to tidy up effectively, and make staying tidy easy. When I received a copy of world famous, decluttering expert, Marie Kondo’s book, ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying’ as a birthday gift, it caused much mirth among friends who

March, 2016

www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

INS

with interior designer Zoe Hewett

www.zoehewettinteriors.co.uk

Bishopston Andrewsonline.co.uk

Home

Investment Whether you’re selling or letting, why not find out how we can be of value to you?

Talk to us today to book a valuation Sales 0117 944 4400 Lettings 0117 923 2200 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

OPER

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H HE

E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

March, 2016

79 Egerton Road, Bishopston ÂŁ575,000 A beautifully presented 3 bedroom Victorian home located in arguably one of the best positions in West Bishopston. A very rare opportunity, this home is being offered with no chain and provides a superb base for a growing family to enjoy the best of what this area affords.

201 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8BG Tel: :0117 942 5855

Why leave choosing your agent to chance? FOR BUYING, RENTING OR SELLING IT CAN ONLY BE

THE AWARD WINNING INDEPENDENT ESTATE AND LETTING AGENCY

Tel: 0117 9073577 28 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PF info@bristolpropertycentre.co.uk www.bristolpropertycentre.co.uk

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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ESTSH IN N MO BFUTS E H

B OF

SINE U E MO

Opus Glass Design

Partners: Celia Frank & Jake Peggs Tell us about your company We had worked together as glass designers since 1987 and opened Opus Glass Design in 1996. Celia trained at Chelsea School of Art and Jake at Swansea College of Art where he completed the Architectural Glass course. We both ran our own businesses before we met, and our passion for contemporary glass design brought us together and has continued to grow with the establishment of our Studio. We are interested in all aspects of stained glass from small domestic work, both traditional and modern, to large architectural schemes. We enjoy using a variety of techniques including traditional leaded work and contemporary fused glass.

bishopstonvoice

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March, 2016

Opus Glass Design with partners Celia Frank and Jake Peggs What services do you provide ? Choosing Chandos Rd in Redland for our business was the best decision we could have made. North Bristol has a wealth of fabulous stained glass from High Victorian to Art Deco styles, so we are in a perfect location. We can repair damaged or old stained glass, make new work to match any style, or design an original ‘Opus’ artwork. Our glass can also be encapsulated into any specification of sealed unit to suit modern glazing systems. Public Art Work is another important part of our business. Over the years we have been commissioned to make large scale glass work for public spaces in Bristol, Manchester, London, Birmingham and all over the world. Many of these projects have been for healthcare environments, libraries and schools. For these we developed a special technique for wall mounting our fused glass and we now use this technique to make wonderful glass splashbacks for kitchens and bathrooms. If you want a practical, colourful and individual piece of art work for your new kitchen, a splash back from Opus Glass Design may be just what you are looking for!

What’s the best part of running your own business? Coming to our lovely studio on vibrant Chandos Rd is still a pleasure, but even more than that, being able to see a creative project through from an initial idea to installation is so satisfying. We really enjoy working closely with our clients as well. Some people have an idea of what type of work they want but many are open to ideas and we always use our experience to advise them.

What makes your services different from others? We are both experienced glass artists and enjoy solving design problems. Our first love is contemporary glass design and it has always been our aim to introduce people to the potential that our glass has for

transforming a space. I think that we are unusual in that every aspect of a commission, from design through to installation, is carried out by ourselves.

Future plans for your business? In the early years of our business we decided to remain a small, high quality concern rather than to expand. Although both originally from London we have lived in Bishopston for many years and love our neighbourhood and city. We will keep on experimenting with new ideas and techniques alongside restoring the existing stained glass of Bristol for the future.

Opus Glass Design 1b Chandos Rd Redland, Bristol, BS6 6PG Tel / Fax : 0117 987 3118 Email us : info@ opusglassdesign.co.uk Website: www.opusglassdesign. co.uk

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

March, 2016

E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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Sport Wet weather challenges for Sonics ALL of us at Golden Hill Sonics have been hugely frustrated by the weather so far this year! It has been extremely challenging trying to get games on when so many pitches have been damaged by all the rain. Most of our older year groups use astroturf surfaces for midweek training so the kids have been able to carry on playing at Henbury School and St.Bede’s but we haven’t had many matches on the weekends since Christmas. Most of our coaches and kids are keen to play whatever the weatherso we take advantage of various green spaces in Bristol for extra training sessions – we use The Downs, Canford Park and Wellington Hill Playing Field when our pitches at Golden Hill are unplayable. The support we have had from The Friends of Horfield Common has been much appreciated. Another option that some of our year groups have used is to hire a facility to play Futsal. Futsal is usually played indoors (we have used the sports hall at St Ursula’s) so we can avoid the wind, the rain and the cold.

The 5-a-side game is played with a heavier ball, which lends itself to creative play, with technical skills and quick, short passing on display in every game. The rules, including a four second restart rule, mean the matches are very fast paced with all the players

constantly involved. There can be a basketball-like nature to the game with players constantly switching between attacking and defending. Futsal is a fantastic, fun sport in its own right (the children have loved playing it) and it helps the kids develop lots of skills that transfer to football.

Fingers crossed the weather will improve very soon and we will be able to play our rescheduled fixtures before we hand Golden Hill back to the Bristol YMCA cricketers shortly after Easter! Andy Edwards

Orchard claims city rugby crown Just 20 minutes left ... still 0-0

For the first time in seven years, Orchard School Bristol in Horfield is extremely proud to have reclaimed the title as champions in the U14s Bristol schools rugby league. Recently, the Year 9 boys celebrated an outstanding 21-0 victory over St Bede’s, following

a successful season of five wins out of six. Orchard came from a 0-0 draw at half time to score 21 points in the final 20 minutes. Man of the Match went to Steen Maxwell and Frank Godfree, and Player of the Tournament went to Jake Baker.

Here is a shortened version of the match report, with the score still 0-0 ... Another break was created by Reece from Frank and Steen’s turnover. This time, the ball went down the line, Max threw the dummy and they took it. He stepped, charging for the line. Max dived and stretched. He scored... 7-0! The match restarted, 15 minutes left. The ball went up, bounced, Yasim was on it. He stepped, made it 20 metres but St Bede’s stole the ball. However, Steen recovered it. We stayed tight, with tackles pushing them back. The ball came out, we moves a few phases up the pitch, and the ball was turned over. A massive tackle took

the ball out of play. A line out to St Bede’s. The ball came in and the boys blitzed the scrum half. The ball popped up, Frank stretched and took the ball on the run. He broke the first tackle 15 metres out ... just enough gas in the legs to make it. Try and conversion made the score 14-0. Ten minutes on the clock... the pressure was on. St Bede’s were coming at us. But the boys held strong. Then all anyone recalls was Frank breaking through, scoring under the post and the conversion was good. 21-0! Two minutes left. St Bede’s crossed the line, and put it down, but no try. The scrum was set, Nathan picked up and kicked for touch. Game over.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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BUILDING SERVICES

LOCAL SERVICES

March, 2016

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Painting & Decorating Interior & Exterior • PVC • Tiling • Qualified electrician

No job too big or small Prompt & Reliable Service Competitive Rates

Contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448 ACUPUNCTURE

Kim Kakebe

CARPENTRY & SASH WINDOWS

Beeline Wardrobes

Our speciality

BScHons MBAcC

Constructed in either: TIMBER for a natural look MDF for painting to match existing decor.

118 Hampton Road, Redland

Customise your alcoves. Traditional & Contemporary

Clifton Physiotherapy 0117 970 6390

Also practising in Clifton & Westbury-on-Trym

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

All Carpentry services available

T: 0117 9467797

E: info@beelinecarpentry.com www.beelinecarpentry.com

AERIAL SPECIALISTS

CARPET CLEANING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning Carpets dry in 30 minutes!

Current Offer

CARPETS

1 Room 3 Rooms Whole House

£35* £60* £80*

UPHOLSTERY

1 Armchair £20* 1 Sofa £30* Rugs £5 to £20*

Call Nick / Alison at A.Cleaning Service on:

07812 730346 *PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT

BUILDING SERVICES

DRIVEWAYS

specialist domestic installers

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires. For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

GARDENING

AGL DRIVEWAYS

• Carpentry • Kitchen & Bathrooms • Extensions • Renovations

Call Toby: 07565 622 593

E-mail: probuildservice@gmail.com

Tarmac & Block Paving specialist • Family run business for 50 years • All work guaranteed • Free estimates Telephone: Keynsham

0117 9860485 or 07831 453821

www.agldrives.co.uk

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

March, 2016

E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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IRONING

MUSIC SERVICES

RECORDS WANTED

LAUNDRY

PAINTING & DECORATING

STONEMASONRY

Stephen Carter Painter & Decorator

Professional Decorating Services

Painting & Decorating Association Accredited (with PDA guarantee) For a free competitive quotation:

07786 513788 or 0117 907 6997

City & Guilds qualified - 25 years experience

www.carterdecorating.co.uk

www.ammonitestonemasonry.co.uk

PHOTO PRODUCT DESIGN

WINDOWS & DOORS

Cranside Avenue, Redland, BS6 7RA

LOGS FOR SALE

• Restoration of new & period properties • Stonewalling • Carving • Paint removal from stone • Bay window repair specialists

T: 0117 986 7376 / 07866 757 543

LOGS FOR SALE STILL ONLY £65 per dumpy bag

Our Window & Door online quotation service couldn’t be easier

(the big ones builders get sand in)

LOG BURNER FRIENDLY SIZE

www.pricemyownwindows.co.uk

• No high-pressure salesman • Easy to use • Trade or DIY • Fitting service available or supply only • All the advice you need to buy windows & doors online today!

(Stock up NOW for Winter) Telephone Chris Allcock 07770 754 622 (mob)

01275 373562

(Please use the mobile) MAN WITH A VAN

Unit 22e Durley Lane, Keynsham, BS31 2AJ

PLUMBING

LOW COST PLUMBING MAN WITH A VAN

available 7 days a week

Tel- Simon 07931587100 spaulson@btconnect.com

07931587100

Taps, Washers  Toilets, Cisterns  Leaks, Blockages  Tanks, Overflows  Lead Pipes, Stopcocks....etc.... OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

957 5092

WINDOWS & DOORS

MSP

MAINTENANCE

Having problems with your Upvc windows and doors? Misted panes, broken handles, faulty hinges or locks! For all types of Upvc maintenance and repair, contact Malcolm on

01179 686486 / 07548 928251 for a free quote

pidgemsp@aol.com

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

WINTER SALE ENDS MARCH 6TH

weston oak bedroom

stanton oak bedroom

bedsides

2 over 3 chest

oak wardrobe

£69

£249

from

£329

stanton rustic oak 4 chair styles

£89

oak sideboards from

£199

bedsides

5 drawer chest

double bed

£69

£279

£239

from

weston oak dining extending tables from

£329

2 chair styles

oak sideboards

£89

from

£199

extending tables from

£299