Bishopston Voice August 2020 by Emma Cooper

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www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

August, 2020 Issue 91

Tanwen's on write lines See Page15

FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS

Look out for the balloons! Bristol International Balloon Fiesta can't take place this month because of Covid-19 but pilots are planning a spectacular flypast. PAGE 29

Crossing 'in wrong place'

Tracey, Gareth and Jane are back in business

Kindness at the cutting edge HAIRDRYERS ready for action! Two local salons are among many that have reopened - and revamped - post lockdown. For hairdressers Jane East and Tracey Yeelis from Artizann Hair Studio this was the moment they were able to thank Gareth

Robertshaw from Gareth Charles Hairdressing for his kindness in helping them keep their business going when their salon on Cranbrook Road was wrecked by a car crashing into it late last year. Full story: Page 10

A planned pedestrian crossing near Cotham School has been rejected because it is not in the right place for the pupils' entrance. PAGE 7

Traders' group seeks new chiefs Traders' organisation Gloucester Road Enterprise and Trade (GRE&T) is looking for a new generation of officials to take the group forward. PAGE 3

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Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448 emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Sue Thomas

News Editor

07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ Bishopstonvoice

Erica Benson

Advertising Sales 0117 908 2121 sales@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

September deadline Our September deadline is August 19. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. 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 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. 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 General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am-2pm

August, 2020

n NEWS

Van dweller numbers climb post lockdown VAN dwellers are on the rise again locally after their numbers fell during the coronavirus lockdown. Details were revealed in a written response to questions put to city mayor Marvin Rees by Councillor Steve Smith at this month’s full council meeting. Five encampments in the city are assessed as having a “high impact” by officers from the council and Avon and Somerset Police. The encampments are in Maurice Road next to St Andrew’s Park in St Andrew’s, Kellaway Avenue, Co-operation Road in Greenbank, Parry’s Lane on Durdham Downs, Mina Road and nearby streets in St Werburgh’s. Whether van dwellers are having a high or low impact on the neighbourhood is assessed using evidence generally derived from police and witness statements, photographs and videos, and officer observations, the council said. “There has been an increase in previously unrecorded vehicles in Bristol,” according to the official response supplied for the July 7 council meeting. “A number of new arrivals have said that they would normally be working at festivals over the summer but as these have been cancelled are looking for alternative employment. “This is a citywide issue and one that doesn’t have a simple solution. There are many reasons people live in vehicles: accommodation costs, complex needs of some vehicle dwellers and sometimes it is a lifestyle choice.” Under the new policy, the council responds in various ways to people living in vehicles on roads, from helping them find alternative accommodation to enforcement action against those causing antisocial problems.

Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bishopston Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. A member of the

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 10,700 copies copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.

Gas-powered buses for route 73 THREE biomethane gas buses will now join service 73 and give customers travelling on the route between Bristol Temple Meads and Cribbs Causeway (via Gloucester Road) a much-improved on-board experience, with modern, comfortable interiors, featuring USB charging points and a second wheelchair space on each bus. The new buses are painted bright green, so are easy to spot.

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

August, 2020

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Traders' organisation seeks new leaders THE chair and secretary of Gloucester Road Enterprise and Trade (GRE&T) are retiring from their positions and hope to pass the group on to the next generation of traders. Outgoing chair of GRE&T, Martin Hunt has been active in the traders' organisation for the last 20 years, and says: “To stay relevant, GRE&T needs to have several active and enthusiastic traders running it as well as the support of most traders on the road. “As traders you will have invested time and money in your business, but if the traders along the road also pull together with a common purpose then the likelihood of continued success for all is far greater.” Peter Browne, the outgoing secretary of GRE&T, is concerned

that the organisation faces the same membership commitment problems as the recently closed Bishopston Society and the former Gloucester Road Business Improvement District (GRBID). “Perhaps we need an organisation with at least the purpose and clout of a Neighbourhood Partnership or of a BID, but which does not rely for funding on a meagre council grant or on an unpopular compulsory levy on small businesses,” explained Peter. “If it had the potential to deliver locally the social and environmental agenda that people want, maybe there is a good chance that the funding and community engagement would follow?” Martin Hunt is keen that the successful trading along

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the Gloucester Road remains supported. He says: “Talk to your neighbouring traders and see what can be achieved. Remember: it is much easier to keep an organisation such as this going than it is to start again from scratch. “This is an open invitation to anybody who wants the

Gloucester Road to thrive, whether a GRE&T member, a GRE&T News subscriber or a supporter of our unique high street in other ways, to step up and help take the group forward into the future.” For more information please contact Martin Hunt at martinhunt_bristol@msn.com

Your Local Independent Opticians

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Lunar are really happy to see so many of our old customers and patients after the lockdown. We continue to offer eye examinations for those Who feel they have a change in their vision and have a prescription that is out of date Who have any visual concerns Who have specs that are no longer doing their job Who want new specs and need to update their prescription

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS

New space for vital foster carers in city THE first family is already benefiting from new rooms in a pilot scheme set up by Bristol City Council thanks to Redland councillor Martin Fodor’s budget amendment, which pays for extra rooms in cramped council housing. Bristol has a shortage of larger council houses – the waiting list is twice as long as for smaller properties, and families needing larger homes have to wait for around two years. Last year Green Party councillor Martin Fodor identified unspent funds in the Council’s Housing Revenue Account and proposed a budget amendment to use this spare money (unspent capital reserves) to create extensions in council homes where there is space for extra rooms. The amendment was unanimously voted through with support from all parties – a rare occurrence for budget amendments. The funding in question was reserved for

use on council housing so the amendment has not cost the council extra money. Cllr Fodor explained: “The idea is that all other properties, such as private sector owners and landlords, get extensions and spare rooms added when more space is needed. I suggested that as council houses become vacant they could be assessed and the most suitable types could have extensions added while being made ready to re-let.” One year on, his proposal is coming into play as the first council houses are being extended through a pilot scheme – with one extension just completed and other projects in development. This is a pilot scheme which could reach up to a maximum of ten properties. As well as providing more housing stock for larger families in Bristol, the amendment has also made it possible for foster families in the city to care for more children by providing much

needed space. Leader of the Green Group, Bishopston Councillor Eleanor Combley, said: “Like many councils, Bristol always needs more foster carers, who provide a crucial service providing a home and safe family environment for our children in care. Our ambition is to let every child grow up within a family, if that is the right thing for them. “We know that many of our committed foster carers would be willing to offer a home to another child, but are stopped by the lack of space. Now thanks to this amendment, the excellent way council officers and foster carers work together, and the collaborative approach taken by Family Services and Housing Departments, a first home has just been extended with a twostorey side extension and handed back to a foster family with extra rooms, and builders have started work on another property.” Councillor Fodor went to

visit the family and see the improvements himself. “It’s so rewarding to know my council house extension fund not only worked but is now helping people’s lives in an unexpected way, to provide a family life to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the city,” he said. “I feel like it’s one of the most direct ways I've made a difference to peoples lives since I became a councillor in 2014. I’m thrilled that this budget amendment is helping people so directly.” A teenager in the family said: “After the extension has been built it feels more spacious and not overcrowded, and now we can all socialise in one place without getting in each other's way. We can all help around the kitchen as it is big enough for all of us to help out when needed.” Foster parent Becky found that before the extension the family had limited space. She

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

August, 2020

bishopstonvoice

New council homes planned

housing wrote that with the extension completed she would be able to care for another child and described the benefits to her family: “Downstairs has created a larger communal area for the family where independence can be encouraged with cooking in the kitchen; extra family space for the whole family to interact and all children can have friends around which is encouraged. The extra space has enabled us to have a homework station in the kitchen diner area so that I can help support homework whilst cooking. “Even though it is early days of completion we are seeing the vast advantages to us as a family this has created.” To find out more about fostering a child see: www. bristol.gov.uk/web/foster-withbristol-city-council/home

Cllr. Martin Fodor outside the first council house extended using funds from the pilot scheme

Tennis for everyone in August · Holiday Camps for all ages · Adult Coaching with Rusty Rackets (beginners) and Cardio Fitness

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BRISTOL City Council has submitted planning applications for seven sites in North Bristol, to build more than 327 new affordable homes - the majority of which will be council housing. Lockleaze is set for the biggest transformation with over 260 homes planned for sites at Bonnington Walk, Muller Road and Branwhite Close. The other sites that have been submitted for planning, which will include a mix of council homes and shared ownership properties, are the former Brentry Elderly Persons Home, Knole Lane (34 homes), St Peters House, Horfield (28 homes), and three sites across Lawrence Weston (Capel Road, Littlemead and Oakhanger - 57 homes).

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS

Downs litter problem NEARLY eight tonnes of rubbish was left on The Downs in just 10 days. Bristol City Council workers collected 7.74 tonnes of waste from bins and the grounds at Clifton and Durdham Downs during the period from June 19 to 29. The 10-day period followed the easing of lockdown restrictions and coincided with a stretch of hot weather which saw people flock to parks and beaches across the region. Down’s maintenance manager Ben Skuse said “things became crazy in terms of litter” at the end of May when temperatures started to rise and people were told they could meet people from other households outside. Mr Skuse, who is employed by the council, said the weekend of May 30-31 was “one of the busiest I have ever seen on the Downs”. “It basically took all of the team a week afterwards to get the Downs looking reasonable again,” he wrote in a report to the Downs Committee this week. “The quantities of black bags of rubbish we were clearing daily was unprecedented. “So all in all this period has been quiet until the back end of May when things became crazy in terms of litter. “The hot conditions meaning slow grass growth has been a good thing as our tractor driver has had to spend most of his time driving to and from the waste transfer station with trailers full of rubbish cleared off the Downs.” By Amanda Cameron, LDRS

'Fight this change to planning system' CHANGES to local planning laws are being considered by the government, moving toward a zonal planning system where key decisions are taken from local councils and handed to development corporations. Bishopston ecologist Dawn Lawrence is concerned about the severing of local control and says: “At the moment we have a say about what is built in our neighbourhood because it goes through local planning and our elected councillors have an influence. “These proposals not only remove a vital layer of planning control, but also take away local people's voices from the process. It is a potential disaster for our cities and people and there’s little enough enough protection for wildlife locally.” Redland councillor Martin Fodor has been working on the crossparty group considering Bristol’s local plan, says: “My experience of existing planning deregulation makes me worried what will happen to our neighbourhood when changes can be made without local planning control or committees of councillors responsible to the electorate. Already office blocks have been turned into flats with these permitted development rights – the only say the local planning authority gets is features like additional details of bin and cycle storage or if cladding or an extra storey gets added. “If we can’t involve local people in drawing up policies for the city and neighbourhood then our ability to get the city fit for the climate emergency, to protect nature, soils, and the character of our streets like the Gloucester Road conservation area - goes out the window.”

ABF Ad Half Page 180x120 AW.indd 1 22/02/2017 11:09 To 21435 advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS PLANNERS have rejected a pedestrian crossing for Cotham School – because the school doesn’t want it and wasn’t even told about it. Head teacher Jo Butler told councillors its reputation had taken a “real bashing” after Bristol City Council’s education department submitted a planning application in its name but failed to inform or consult it. Ms Butler said if the authority had done so, she would have pointed out the crossing was in the wrong place because students now use a different entrance. The school was joined by a nursery, ward councillor and dozens of residents in objecting to the proposed crossing at the junction of Archfield Road and Cotham Grove. Development control committee members refused planning permission against the advice of officers, called it a “completely disastrous situation” and said the scheme had been “dumped” on the school. Cllr Steve Smith said: “The idea this application can come in today in the name of the school without the school even knowing about it is farcical. “It is another example of transport engineers believing they know better than the people who live and work in the area every day.” The meeting on June 8 was told a new crossing was a condition of planning permission granted in November 2017 for a new building with 12 classrooms, dining and meeting rooms, increasing pupil numbers by 135. Head of development Gary Collins said refusing the proposals would mean the expansion would not have the required safety mitigation. But Ms Butler told members: “The planning application was made in the school’s name without my knowledge. “I wasn’t told about the Bristol City Council plans, nor were my opinions sought on them. “If this had happened, I

Anger at school crossing fiasco

The road where the crossing would have gone, with Archfield House Nursery on the left would have said very quickly I did not believe a crossing was necessary in the location proposed. “Without my knowing, the school’s reputation took a real bashing. “As soon as I became aware of the plan I have been clear to BCC of our objections, and to the community that it wasn’t supported by the school.” She said when a previous pedestrian survey was done, students used the Cotham Lawn Road entrance but they now entered via Cotham Road and came from very different parts of the city. Rebecca Clevett, director of Archfield House Nursery, told councillors the crossing would have been in front of her drive and threatened children’s safety. “Officers have ignored me throughout this flawed process despite numerous requests for direct communication,” she said. “We have been treated atrociously.” Cotham ward Cllr Anthony Negus said: “It is hard to conceive how this saga could have been handled in a poorer manner.” A transport officer disputed the school’s assertion that students did not use the route. He said: “Because it has taken

a while to get to this point, if the school has changed the recommendation of pupils’ access, that is not something we can possibly be held responsible for.” Cllr Marg Hickman said the school should bear some responsibility and that officers should be given another chance to amend the scheme, which received 58 objections.

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But members voted by 6-4 to reject it and asked for a crossing to be proposed in a better location. After the meeting, Cllr Negus said: “I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and the highways department will now be talking to the people who are going to get the most out of this. “There is now an opportunity not only to make a crossing where Cotham School students regularly travel but also to very much help Cotham Gardens Primary School.” Rebecca Clevett said: “Throughout the past two-anda-half years we have felt isolated, vulnerable and so frustrated. “We know the area very well and that the vast majority of Cotham pupils do not use the area stated. There are clearly some other routes which would benefit from a crossing.” By Adam Postans, LDRS

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Yoga studio re-opens YOGAWEST will be reopening their studio at Denmark Place in Bishopston on July 27. Classes are re-starting on a very limited social distancing August trial, with an aim of opening more classes in September. Yogawest has been making structural and procedural changes to comply with government guidelines on coronavirus and enable everyone to be safe within the building and in class. Some Yogawest teachers are offering online classes so that those who regularly take part in yoga can keep practising.

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Autumn housing crisis fears My work as Shadow Housing Secretary AS another Parliamentary term comes to an end, I thought you may be interested in hearing what I have been doing as Shadow Housing Secretary. As an opposition front bencher, it is my job to expose the gaps in government policies and push them to do better. Warning of a wave of homelessness Even before this pandemic, people often talked about a ‘housing crisis’ with growing numbers of people unable to afford a decent place to live. But the current situation has exacerbated many of these problems, possibly leading to a much more serious crisis. There may be several million renters who have lost their incomes and fallen behind on their rent, according to some charities. The government paused evictions during lockdown, but this protection is due to expire

on 24 August, potentially leading to a huge spike in evictions and homelessness this autumn and winter. Together with other Labour colleagues, I have called for several support policies to help people keep their homes. I recently secured an urgent discussion of these policies in Parliament, but the government failed to reassure people who may be wondering where they will be sleeping as the days shorten. Calling out unhelpful subsidies Where the government is offering help, it is often to those who least need it. The Treasury recently announced a reduction in stamp duty, the tax on buying a house. Fair enough, if it helps people get on the housing ladder – but they also quietly extended this subsidy to buyers of buy-to-let properties, holiday homes and other second homes. I called this out, because it will end up making homes less affordable for those who need

them most. Building safety after Grenfell My housing work has not all been related to the pandemic. This June we marked the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. My colleagues and I are pressing the government to make urgent changes, as three years on from this tragic event there are still 56,000 people living in buildings with unsafe cladding. Many of these people are forced to pay hundreds of pounds every month for a ‘waking watch’, while others are unable to sell their homes. At the current rate, it would take decades for all these homes to be made safe – which is clearly not good enough. Rooting out Tory sleaze Many of you have written to me about my opposite number, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick. Over the last few months my colleagues and I have been pressing him to urgently clarify

Thangam Debbonaire column why he helped Tory donor Richard Desmond avoid up to £50 million in tax for a housing development. His story keeps unravelling, so we will keep the pressure up. There is no place for this kind of sleaze in public life. As you can see, it has been an eventful and busy few months. I am already working towards Parliament restarting in the autumn, where I will continue to fight for everyone to have a truly affordable, low-carbon, well-built home. Enjoy the summer, and please stay safe.

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bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS

ArtizannHair Studio on Cranbrook Road and Illusions, now Gareth Charles Hairdressing, on the Promenade are open again and Tracey Yeelis , centre of the photo on the right, and Jane East are so grateful for the help they got from Gareth Robertshaw

Hairdressers in a tangle thank salon owner for his generosity WHEN the owners of Artizann Hair Studio saw the damage a car had caused to their salon last year, their first thought was for their clients. Their salon on Cranbrook Road was all decked up for Christmas when it was driven into in the middle of the night of December 6. The front of the shop collapsed inwards, destroying the door and ceiling, leaving business partners of 30 years, Jane East and Tracey Yeelis, with a full book of clients all wanting to get their hair done for Christmas, but with nowhere to work. Jane explains: “We had clients all booked in for Christmas and didn’t want to

disappoint them so, having salvaged what we could from the debris left in our shop, we wondered what to do. “One idea was to ask Gareth Robertshaw, who runs Illusions on Gloucester Road promenade if he could help. Although he didn’t know us well, he kindly stepped in and let us continue to run our business by hiring a chair at his salon. We worked there until lockdown measures came in on March 21st.” The original premises at the bottom of Cranbrook Road are now restored, revamped and open for business once more. “It all seems like a dream now,” says Jane. “But I really want to say a big

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thank you to Gareth. He was so generous and accommodating at the time. “We arrived in our awful clothes, having crawled under the hoarding to get our stock out, and must have looked like hairdressers in distress! We had a real laugh working at his salon and miss the cameraderie.” Gareth’s salon has emerged from lockdown with a facelift and a change of name from Illusions to Gareth Charles Hairdressing. He says: “ The salon Gareth Robertshaw runs has emerged from lockdown with a facelift and new name - Illusions has become Gareth Charles Hairdressing as Gareth explains: “I took over the

business in 2014 and wanted to change the name then but stuck with it as I was new and the business established. “Lockdown has allowed me the time to make the changes I’ve wanted to make for years and reflect the salon as it is now.” Reflecting on the day when Jane and Tracey asked for his help, Gareth says: “I felt that could be me. Their livelihood had been ripped away from them. “We embraced them and loved having them, and their assistant Kirsty, with us in the salon. They gave our salon a real buzz too. We’ve been sad to see them go because they are such lovely characters but it’s great to see them back in action.”

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

Open Days Nursery to Upper School September and October For more information, please visit cliftoncollege.com/opendays

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

Flexi-Care for Professional Families Available at Mama Bear’s Whiteladies Road, Clifton

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27/07/2020 09:04

Life changing Contact us to discover all that we can offer your child Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 The only co-educational school in Bristol to offer A levels and the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n EDUCATION IT’S been the most unusual end to their secondary education, but in July, students in Year 13 at Redmaids’ High gained their IB Diplomas. All students passed, with the average point score for the group being 36 – far above the global average of 29 – with nearly a quarter of students gaining 40 points or more. The May 2020 examination session was cancelled due to restrictions and social distancing measures implemented to combat the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the IB is awarding grades for this session based on coursework, predicted grades and historic data. The qualification, whose core values promote an international mindedness and is highly regarded by top universities, is taught in 157 countries. This global awareness has influenced the students’ time in lockdown, as has the ‘Community, Activity and Service’ part of their studies; volunteering, coaching, fundraising and other community focused initiatives make up part of the Diploma.

Community-minded IB students at Redmaids’ High earn high marks Emily VaughanWilliams receives her IB Diploma Lucie Jones from Redland, took part in an NHS scheme to support someone who has been self-isolating and baked cupcakes every Sunday to give to Caring in Bristol. This autumn she will be heading to Cardiff University to study Law and French. Arabella Maguire from Henleaze has been learning basic Urdu and about Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Most days she supports her grandparents who have been shielding, by

cleaning, shopping and keeping them company. Her next step is to study Medicine at Queens’ College London. Alice Hemming from Westbury-on-Trym, has been volunteering at the North Bristol Foodbank and working as a hospital porter at Southmead Hospital. She has secured a spot at York studying History. Emily Vaughan-Williams, who has been awarded a place at Durham University to study Music, has spent the past few months writing a trumpet concerto and has been helping a younger pupil with reading and writing. IB Coordinator for Redmaids’ High, Pete Brealey said: “The ethos of the IB Diploma – and in fact, of Redmaids’ High itself has influenced how many of our students have spent their time

during lockdown. When they were expecting to be on study leave and sitting exams, they thought of ways to be productive and add value to those around them, and we couldn’t be more proud.” Head of Sixth Form, Lisa Jephcote added: “For students and teachers across the country and the world, the last few months have required a lot of adjustment. However, the results today reflect the hard work put in across several years at Redmaids’ High and we are excited for our students to be going out to make a real difference in the world.” If you are interested in studying the IB Diploma at Redmaids’ High School, you can find out more by visiting their Virtual Event at www. redmaidshigh.co.uk/sixth- formvirtual-event

V6bristol.org

A Co-Educational Post-16 Centre A city centre, post-16 collaboration between Colston’s Girls’ School and Fairfield High School.

Visit our website for information about our Virtual Open Evening in October 2020. 1 7 4 C H E LT E N H A M R O A D . B R I S T O L . B S 6 5 R D T: 0 1 1 7 9 4 2 4 3 2 8 E: INFO@V6BRISTOL.ORG

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n EDUCATION

Independent Day School for Boys and Girls

FHS student gets short story prize FAIRFIELD High School (FHS) Year 7 student Tanwen has been Highly Commended in her age group in the National Book Tokens and Puffin Short Story award, for her story ‘In a world full of cream be the crimson’, earning her £50 of book tokens. Tanwen was inspired to write her creative and unique story because Robin Stevens, her favourite author, was the judge. Tanwen said: “I like ski-ing and it is set in a resort. I like the story The Woman in Black, so this is the Woman in Crimson! Red suggests a great contrast with snow.” English is Tanwen’s favourite subject and she has written stories from a young age. Tanwen comments: “Narrative is my favourite thing to do in English and I love reading and getting ideas from that.” She would like to become a horror writer – the female version of Stephen King and her ambition is to have a better planet than the one today. Robin Stevens (author of the critically-acclaimed Murder Most Unladylike series), visited FHS two years ago to share her rise to fame. In doing so, she inspired Year 7 students with her infectious energy, knowledge and enthusiasm, before treating students to a special book signing.

Where education is a journey, not a race

BRISTOL STEINER SCHOOL Personalised Tours To book a personalised tour, contact Reception: 0117 933 9990 reception@bristolsteinerschool.org Redland Hill House, Redland, Bristol BS6 6UX

Fairfield High School ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE The sheer quantity of opportunities FHS provided to progress & improve our passions and interests is unbelievable - Alex (student)

For more information, including updates about our forthcoming OPEN EVENTS, please visit www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk or ring 0117 952 7100

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

Important local COVID-19 update People in Bristol are testing positive for COVID-19

There is no vaccine and no cure

We must act now to prevent a local lockdown Please make sure you:

Limit contact with people you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live with

Continue to work from home if you can

Stay 2m apart from others when out and about

Wear face coverings in shops and on public transport

Get tested and stay home if you, or someone in your household or bubble has symptoms

Wash your hands regularly

More at bristol.gov.uk

Together, we’ve got this. Bristol’s favourite places to shop, eat, drink and meet have reopened safely, ready to enjoy again. With your help, we can keep them safe. Plan your visit today at visitbristol.co.uk/bristol-together

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Be part of the conversation In July we held a series of online Focus Groups to find out what Bristol citizens want our post-COVID-19 future to look like.

These sessions helped us to understand what is important to you and shape our Citizen’s Recovery Survey. Launching in August, this survey is the next part of our engagement with Bristol communities to help us design a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for our city. Find out more here: bristol.gov.uk/bristolrecovery

20/07/2020 17:07

Have your say on improving bus, walking and cycling journeys across Bristol The Number 2 bus route, from Stockwood to Cribbs Causeway via the city centre, is the first to be assessed as Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority look to improve travel through key areas over the next decade. Give your views before Friday 11 September, visit Travelwest.info/A37A4018 If you would like a paper copy please write to: Transport Engagement Team, PO Box 3399, Bristol BS1 9NE

bishopstonvoice

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Bishopston this month... Coronavirus Advice Now that parts of the country are opening up again, the advice on Coronavirus is also changing. We encourage you to regularly visit bristol. gov.uk/coronavirus, where you can find information about what you can and can’t do, how to get tested and what council services are affected. Please continue to follow social distancing, wear a face covering on public transport and when shopping,

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and take part in the test and trace programme if necessary. Readers will have heard of places in the country, such as Leicester, where additional measures have been brought in to get the virus under control. The council has an Outbreak Management Plan to outline how it, and its partners, will respond to prevent outbreaks and limit the spread and impact of any that

Home or office visits to review and setup your devices, to protect personal or business data in line with GDPR. Small businesses, remote workers, freelancers and personal users. Please contact:

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August, 2020

occur. The Plan is available for anyone to read on the website above. If you need help or advice then contact the Council’s team on coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk or 0800 694 0184. Deaf BSL users can contact the phoneline through a BSL Interpreter using SignVideo. City Centre Transport Changes Changes to how traffic flows around the city centre will come into force from August 2, as part of the Council’s continuing effort to improve air quality and make it easier for people to catch the bus, walk and cycle in the city centre. Bristol Bridge will close to general traffic (buses, taxis, motorcycles and cyclists will still be allowed). Baldwin Street and the bottom of Union Street will also have similar closures. Other sustainable transport improvements include new cycling routes through the city centre that will reduce space for through traffic on Lewins Mead and Park Row/ Upper Maudlin St. This is all in addition to work being undertaken across Bristol to widen pavements and create new bike lanes. King Street has already been closed to all traffic to help improve the leisure and hospitality

24/07/2020 17:33

offer in that popular location. Access to the city centre for loading and car parks will still remain using alternative routes. A map of the changes is available on the council’s website, as are details of a six month consultation on the changes: bristol.gov.uk/bristolbridgeinfo New Council Homes (Brunel Ford Site) The Council has submitted a planning application to build 32 new council homes on the old Brunel Ford site on Muller Road (next to Lidl). The application forms part of the Council’s home-building programme, which you can find more about here: bristol.gov. uk/housing/new-council-homes The development is proposed to consist of a mix of flats and houses, ranging from 1-4 bedrooms. Residents can review the application and submit a comment on the council’s website here, by searching 20/02800/FB: planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/onlineapplications Stay safe! And of course please let us know if you have any comments or questions. Tom Brook – Cllr.Tom.Brook@bristol. gov.uk / 07584 370 425 Eleanor Combley – Cllr.Eleanor. Combley@bristol.gov.uk / 07584 370 427

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Cotham this month...

In Redland this month...

I’M going to focus on the issues that affect the 1/3 of Cotham ward centred on Chandos Road to which Bishopston Voice is delivered. The Elgin Park speedwatch group has disbanded following harassment from speeding motorists. The police have been unable to help; I am exploring options. Anti-social behaviour This unusual year, with no ‘Big Give’ bins, has caused even more street waste, cleared by additional collections funded jointly by the universities and BCC (us), with no landlords contribution. The Moving Out period was extended and many students have moved in to their new addresses, as yet unknown to the universities, and may stay all summer, living in a community for the first time. I have had many exchanges with the police, Neighbourhood Enforcement and the universities. UoB responds less to bad behaviour from its students than does UWE. The UoB’s police-person has been very active - but only after the (disruptive) event - and their offer to fund extra night-time patrols, using money

Roads in ruin The increasing number of potholes and deteriorating road surfaces are an unfortunate feature of our city. A decade of austerity and cuts to the highway maintenance budget has taken its toll. This doesn’t help those new to cycling as the city haltingly emerges from lockdown. We’ve been trying to get some of the worst problems tackled and recently had some possible good news for the appalling state of the Cranbrook Road/Kersterman Rd crossroads. Pressed by Martin, officers have told us they are currently preparing around 20 surfacing schemes, not all of which will be carried out this year, as the budget may run out. They are taking core samples of the road for analysis and applying for road closures, both of which take a bit of time. This junction is on the list. If surfacing is carried out, it will probably take place in the autumn or winter. Meanwhile, we regret that only minor repairs to make good any reoccuring potholes are being tackled. We’ve put our lockdown

unspent during lockdown, has not been taken up by A&S Police. My complaint has been escalated to the MP, Chief Constable and the PCC. Student behaviour complaints to: community-living@bristol.ac.uk and Community@uwe.ac.uk Despite paying £12m p.a. council tax to provide essential services not paid by student landlords or government, local residents are further insulted by little support when regular house - and street - parties destroy their family’s sleep. HMO licencing and planning ‘anomalies’ keep surfacing. BCC doesn’t use some waste enforcement legislation because it’s resourceheavy though just one wellpublicised prosecution saves work on many more. Rules might be ignored - but not science! Think about the harm you may do others by thought-less crowding. Anthony Negus cllr.anthomy.negus@ bristol.gov.uk / 07833 484344 Anthony Negus cllr.anthony.negus@bristol.gov.uk 07833 484344

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In St Andrews this month... WE have received many reports of gatherings of people in St Andrews Park, resulting in noise and antisocial behaviour. We are working with the Council and Police to work towards a solution for how best to manage this. We also know that, with the toilets closed, there are many people publicly toileting in the park. This is not just unpleasant for people to witness but creates a public health risk. The Council is looking into how they can open toilets safely as soon as possible and we have made sure they are aware of what is happening in the park. We are also aware that there has been an increase in lived-in caravan activity in Maurice Road. We are in regular contact with the Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) about this matter, and NET are exploring taking legal action to remove the encampment. The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has agreed £13m investment in measures to encourage cycling and walking in the region. It comes as Sport England reports that during

lockdown the number of people cycling has doubled from 8% to 16%. £3m will underwrite the cost of short-term measures to help people to maintain social distancing while walking and cycling. A further £10m has been agreed for longer term solutions to encourage active travel in the region. In Bristol the initial proposals include: pedestrianising the Old City; introducing a bus priority route over Bristol Bridge; new sustainable transport, walking and cycling upgrades in central areas; and citywide pavement widening for local shopping areas to enable social distancing. If you have a suggestion for a transport change you would like to see, you can use the Council’s request form: http://bit.ly/2A9YfN2 Cllr Davies is trying to find out what has happened about the Council parking consultation that was conducted in December/ January. We will hopefully have an update on the results of this soon. During lockdown Bristol City Council are conducting official meetings via videoconferencing, and you can watch these live on

their official Youtube channel (http://bit.ly/2V0hxLO). To find out when meetings are happening visit http://bristol.gov.uk/councilmeetings. Members of the public can still submit statements to meetings by emailing Democratic Services: democratic.services@ bristol.gov.uk Finally, we know this is a difficult time for many people, particularly those who are vulnerable or with health conditions. If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact the Council’s Covid-19 helpline 0800 694 0184 (currently operating 8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri and 10:00am-2.00pm Sat-Sun), or email coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk.

Mike Davies, cllr.mike.davies@bristol.gov.uk 07584 370 413 Jude English cllr.jude.english@bristol.gov.uk 07584 151 099 Carole Johnson cllr.carole.johnson@bristol.gov.uk 07584 370 414

exercise to good use and as we write we’ve visited all but the last couple of small streets in the entire ward to monitor and report the worst potholes and blocked drains, etc, across the ward. You’ll know when a repair is approved as the patch gets marked. Spire wall saga rumbles on For far too long we’ve been chasing progress on the Spire Hospital/ Redland Hill wall saga. Regular readers will remember how a legal dispute between a motor insurer and the landowner went on far too long after the wall was damaged in a crash, leading to a lengthy pavement closure. We got the council lawyers to mediate and eventually the two parties reached agreement in spring 2019. However the rebuild has been delayed as the underlying cliff below was then found to be unstable. Some rock pinning is now underway to stabilise the foundations and then the boundary wall can be rebuilt and the pavement reinstated, at last. We’re as frustrated as everyone else about this saga and the inconvenience to pedestrians and road users. We’re sorry it’s affected people for so long. Safe distancing on the Gloucester Road We’ve received reports from residents that maintaining social distancing is being hampered by A-boards obstructing pavements. This is particularly hard for people with visual impairments or those with buggies and wheelchairs. It is great to see so many of our beloved local shops open once more, but we do have concerns. Fi has asked officers to take a look at the road and offer advice to retailers so we can all stay safe. While distancing remains a high priority do please remember other ways to help. Do cut back hedges that overhang the street, and do please take in bins promptly after collection and not park on pavements. If you do drive, please be careful. Rubbish in parks Just a reminder to please please take your rubbish home with you after visiting our parks. So often we see neat bags of rubbish left beside park bins (probably with the best of intentions) which are ripped apart by foxes and seagulls in short order. We’d like to keep in touch with an occasional newsletter about our work in the ward – please register: http://eepurl.com/cms9Pr Martin Fodor & Fi Hance 0117 352 6156

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

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS THE fifth Ablaze poetry competition attracted nearly 600 entries from 22 local schools. A panel of judges, including Bristol’s first poet laureate Miles Chambers and Ablaze sponsor, Bristol Water, chose the category winners and overall winner. Although this year’s prizegiving event couldn’t be hosted due to Coronavirus restrictions, staff from independent charity Ablaze were able to meet their

August, 2020

Schools poetry contest success competition winners on their doorstep, hand them their certificate and prize, and let the children know how much their poems and pictures were loved. The theme for this year’s poetry competition was ‘Water’. Beatrice Brown, from Ashton Gate Primary School, was the

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under 7 category winner with her poem ‘Cloud Burst’. In the 7-9 year old category, Ryma Medjeboub, from Whitehall Primary School impressed the judges with her poem ‘The Boy and the Sea’ and Amelie Scanlon, from Ashton Gate Primary School with her poem ‘Look at Me!’ was the winning entry in the 9-11 year old category. For the first time the overall winner was in the under 7s category. Ablaze gave huge congratulations to Leilani Peglar, from St Ursula’s E-Act Academy for her wonderful poem, ‘Water’. At only 6 years old Leilani is clearly headed for great things! This cover design winner was Aliza Ali, from Woodlands Academy with her beautiful picture depicting the busy and colourful world under the surface. This year’s poetry book, with over 90 selected poems and a collection of pictures, is in production and will be

available to buy soon. To order a copy for just £5 see enquiries@ ablazebristol.org

Water by Leilani Peglar Year 2, St. Ursula’s E-ACT Academy My mummy says it's important to drink water every day So that I can keep healthy and keep illness away. I know I'm really lucky, the water we have is clean, Children in Tanzania drink water filled with disease. Those children aren't so lucky, they get sick and many will die, I watch the films with mummy and it makes me want to cry. No clean water to play in and none to wash in too, Water filled with worms and fleas, Drinking wee and poo. I wish that I could help them, to be as lucky as me, I promise to drink more water, so I can stay healthy.

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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21/07/2020

3:17 pm

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bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence

HE other day I found an old lady in our bedroom; what’s more she was in my dressing gown! I was reminded of a few years ago when my children rescued an old lady from the roadside on the way to school. She was gently guided to a nearby garden to recover. It has become one of those family stories – do you remember when we found that old lady in the gutter? You may be wondering why we appear to attract itinerant elderly gentlewomen. Okay, I admit it, the old lady is a moth. Before I go on, I must emphasise that she was not attempting to eat my dressing gown. She had simply blundered into the room and found a dark place to hide in the folds of the garment. Even the one species of moth (of the thousands we get in this part of the world) that will eat your clothes – the case-bearing clothes moth – would normally be tucked into an abandoned birds’ nest snacking on some old feathers if we didn’t leave those tasty woolly jumpers lying around! The old lady is one of our larger moths at around 7cm long. Her name comes from the colouring and pattern on her wings, suggesting an old woman wearing a dark shawl around her shoulders. The caterpillars overwinter in low vegetation, then, in spring, they head up into the canopy of nearby deciduous trees to eat the

Old Lady, photo by Ben Sale fresh leaves. Old ladies are strongly associated with gardens and parks throughout most of their range in Britain, so do keep an eye out for this impressive moth, and, if she needs some help in crossing the road, please lend her a hand. There is of course a far more well-known

lady-insect group – the ladybirds. The 7-spot with its cheerful red wing-cases marked with bold black dots is well-known to everyone – it is the archetype of ladybirds. Often seen with its wiggly warty larvae, they are hoovering up greenfly and other aphids in our gardens at this time of year. Ladybirds have evolved many variations on the theme and a bit of hunting around bushy places and in long grass will turn up several more species with different colours and patterns. Look out for the tiny kidneyspot ladybird, only around half a centimetre long, with a black background and two large and gaudy red spots, all polished to a high degree. The 14-spot is only around 4mm long and has purposeful black marks on its yellow back rather than spots, looking like a tiny jewel decorated with runes. Then there is the orange ladybird sporting 16 bright white spots. And yet another distinctive species is the 22-spot which manages to fit all its black spots onto a yellow body less than half a centimetre long. These last two, unusually for ladybirds, are not aphid feeders, instead they are completely vegetarian preferring a rather unappetising sounding diet of mildew. Happy ladybirding!

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS Coping in lockdown

n WHAT'S ON

THERE is plenty of advice and useful links on Bristol City Council’s website: www.bristol.gov.uk/crime-emergencies/coronavirus-covid19-what-you-need-to-know Contact details for volunteering, donating and helping others. https://tinyurl.com/helpvol Advice for older people via Age UK – see https://tinyurl.com/ agesupport If you can’t email or use the web site then a number for priority help via the council is available – 0800 6940184 There’s help for those under strain to signpost mental health support and advice on looking after your own well-being and the same for others: http://tinyurl.com/helpwellbeing With worrying reports of domestic violence and abuse during lockdown there’s a link for advice and help: http://tinyurl.com/ helpfromabuse

Managing the extra costs IF you are affected by extra bills from lockdown get advice from Welfare Rights and Money Advice Support Service (WRAMAS) – e.g. problems with benefits or finance, ask via http://www.tinyurl. com/wrmas. Helpline 0117 352 1888. Open Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri (8.30am to 1pm). Bills, expenditure and utilities advice – The specialist CSE advice team can help people who are struggling to afford extra utility costs while at home and to manage their fuel bills. In Bristol call 0800 082 2234. Improve your skills and confidence when cycling. There are FREE cycle lessons now open for bookings with Life Cycle UK: www. lifecycleuk.org.uk/cycle-training

General Building

n ONLINE YOGA with Selina Ratcliffe. Practice yoga with me from the comfort of your own home. All welcome from beginners to more experienced. Class prices start from £5. I've been running popular daily online classes since March. If interested to learn more go to: www.selinaratcliffe.com via Contact Me page.

n Bishop Road Community Choir are currently meeting online via Zoom on Wednesdays at 8pm for half an hour. If you would like to join us please use the following link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7 2808721853?pwd=YzFtb3ZCN0Rk NWlReW9kdUR2dkxuUT09. If you would like further information or help accessing rehearsals contact us via email on bishoproadchoir@ gmail.com. WNO Bristol Friends

TUESDAY n The Arts Society Bristol welcomes new members. In September we will recommence our lectures on arts related topics, delivered by specialists in their own field. Initially lectures will be delivered by internet, before resuming at Redmaids' High School, BS9 3AW. For full information see our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

n Friends of Welsh National Opera have a lively programme planned for 2020/2021. Sadly, they will not be able to resume their monthly meetings at Redmaids School until early next year, because of the pandemic and the challenge schools are having keeping students and staff safe. We look forward to welcoming you in 2021. Look out for further news.

Let us know your events: email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Your Local Builder

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August, 2020

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Helping those worst affected by pandemic AS we navigate our way through the recovery phase of lockdown, I want to ensure support and help is available to the people and communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. I have relaunched the Commissioner’s Community Action Fund (CCAF) and I will be offering an additional £200,000 to support charities, voluntary organisations and groups helping to deal with the consequences of the global health emergency. Such initiatives across Avon and Somerset can apply for grants up to £5,000. The extra funding will continue to strengthen those hard-working and courageous organisations who have been a lifeline to local people during these challenging times. By working together we can continue to make improvements in our communities. The CCAF application process is easy and straightforward.

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Please remember that we want to say yes to as many of these initiatives as much as possible. More information can be found on my website, www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk. I’m sure many of us are aware that local people living in domestic abuse environments have been more vulnerable and at risk due to the lockdown. My team and I have secured over £500,000 of additional funding for 17 local support services who help victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. This funding will help to cover organisations’ losses and costs incurred, following both adapting and increasing these services during the pandemic. The extra funding will also strengthen local support services’ response to any change in demand as life starts to return to some sort of ‘normal’. We will continue to work with our

partners to ensure victims and survivors know help is out there. There are many stereotypes surrounding domestic abuse that still need to be broken, including men only being perpetrators, women only being victims and domestic violence only taking place in spousal relationships. This is not the case. One type of domestic abuse that is not spoken about enough is child-toparent abuse (CPA). Since 2010, there has been an increase in CPA reports across the country and it is likely we will see a spike in such abuse as a result of lockdown. I want to reach out to these victims and survivors and say you are not alone and you do not need to suffer in silence. I know many victims feel too fearful and ashamed to come forward, as they do not want to get their loved ones in trouble, but I cannot stress enough that help is out there. You do not need to report to the police to access

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens help, and support services will work with you to reach the best outcome for you and your family. For more information about help available, please visit www. thisisnotanexcuse.org In these uncertain times, let’s all be cautious, act with common sense but still show compassion towards one another. Stay safe.

Anyone for cricket? Enjoy retirement living in your own apartment in the leafy suburbs of Westbury-on-Trym in Bristol. Established around a cricket pitch and oﬀering a haven of calm and an inviting community spirit, Westbury Fields is a most attractive place to call home. We’re sure you’ll be bowled over! Our show home is currently closed, however you can still call our sales team on 0117 919 4251 to find out more about living at Westbury Fields. www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/villages/westbury-fields

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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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August, 2020

n HOME IMPROVEMENT

Adapting your home or bathroom can increase independence Unfortunately, as people age, most houses become increasingly difficult to live in independently. The thought of moving house is not surprisingly very unappealing to most older people, many of whom have lived in their home for several decades. Children were raised in these homes, memories created. This is where home adaptations can help. Through a few relatively simple changes, homes can be made liveable in again and independence restored to the homeowner, giving a new lease of life not only to the property but also the person or people living there. There have even been studies that have shown how minor adaptations like accessible bathrooms not only help people stay in their homes, but they prevent falls and injuries, improving everyday activities and self-esteem.

We help hundreds of people every year to carry on living at home through a few small adaptations. We work directly with trusted tradespeople and make sure everything happens on schedule. We even handle all the finances, ensuring the contractors are only paid when you are completely satisfied with the finished work. We provide you with a dedicated project manager who will manage the entire process from start to finish and you will receive a personalised plan so you know what is happening and when. We are the only local bathroom provider with an in-house occupational therapist (OT) who can give you a personal assessment (the cost of this is deducted from your quote if you decide to go ahead with us as your chosen contractor). Our OT will visit you at home to get the best

understanding of your needs and wishes, taking your health and wellbeing into consideration. We recently fit a bathroom for Margaret after she had been living in respite care for nearly 5 months following a fall where she broke her arm. She had been told that she would not get full movement back in her arm and her daughter Sue was concerned about her falling. Margaret said she “was impressed by how tidy and considerate the builder was. I really think the new shower is fantastic. It’s such a help. And it was all so quick!”. In fact, it took just 10 weeks from the OT assessment to the new bathroom being finished. Sue added, “It’s a weight off my mind to know that my mum can relax and enjoy her new shower at the same time as staying safe.”

The Carpet Shop

Fatima Chudry, Technical Lead

5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk If you are considering a home or bathroom adaptation, or would like to know how we can help you or your loved ones to stay safe and independent at home, give us a call on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team, or email info@ wecr.org.uk.

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

bishopstonvoice

n PHARMACY BLOG

How to save the 2020 summer from Covid-19

0117 9246579 18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7XR

This column by Jess Williams of Kellaway Pharmacy aims to help educate patients on a range of conditions and provide information to help maintain their well being while also easing pressure on GP surgeries by promoting self care.

August, 2020

E are living through a time never imagined and the summer of 2020 will be a defining one. We may not yet fully appreciate the full impact of all these changes, as we cope with overcoming the pandemic. Here are some tips on how to regroup, recharge and prepare for what comes next.

Get out more!

Go outdoors in a socially distanced and responsible way. The easing of the lockdown rules is not a license to revel. It is an opportunity to reconnect – with family, friends and community – add nature too! Being outdoors will help to replenish our vitamin D from sunlight due to our staying indoors extensively. You cannot overdose on vitamin D through exposure to sunlight. Always remember to cover up or protect your skin if you're out in the sun for long periods to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.

Exercise Walk, run and keep riding – reports of people taking up more exercise during the lockdown has been one of the positives from this period and record numbers giving up smoking. Please don't park your bike. Many have now discovered it is not only going to the gym that helps. Go for walks, at your own comfortable pace.

Value community kindness

Our community has been our lifeline during this

period. You have all supported the Kellaway Pharmacy team, part of your local NHS to find strength and hope, during our exhaustion and sense of isolation from promised resources. We must all continue in the same spirit. Tidying up the community, giving up time to support each other. We have become so much more connected due to our shared vulnerability. Our strength is how, together, we build a better future. Join in!

Get ready for school and winter The best way to get prepared for the next academic year is to have a fun-filled summer. We all deserve this, especially the children. Travelling may have challenges but remember here in Westbury Park, we have a leading South West travel health and vaccination services provider in Kellaway pharmacy. The summer is also an excellent time to sort out vaccinations like chickenpox and Meningitis B. If your travel plans have been delayed, this is the best time to get all the jabs you need. Our price-match promise offers you peace of mind. We are already planning for the autumn and winter months, as some services may scale back to cope, so please act now. So summer is here. Hay fever, insect bites and all. Our pharmacy team is here to look after your health, whether close to home, a foreign holiday or gap year. Our lowest cost guarantee is a significant cost saver too. Travel or vaccination queries? Call free on 0800 7723575.

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Grapes and grasshoppers!

HIS time last year I was absolutely flat out controlling the huge amount of growth on the vines after a particularly wet but warm summer. This year the situation feels very different with much less growth on the vines and the ground being quite dry and hard. Every year there are winners and losers in the little ecosystem surrounding the vineyard and this year the winners include the clover and grasshoppers. We normally expect to see a decent amount of clover plants and flowers but this year, for whatever reason, there appear to be hundreds which is great news for all the bees that have been visiting them. Likewise with the grasshoppers, we normally expect a few but this year they seem to be chirruping everywhere. Thank goodness they don’t eat grapes! At the moment our grapes are at the very early stages of developing. The

vines have finished flowering and the tiny grapes are starting to swell. The process of making grapes is quite tiring for the vines so, contrary to what you might imagine, they love a good drink of rainwater to help them soak up some nutrients from the ground. On the wine front, our rosé has continued to fly out and we are down to our last few cases of 2017 sparkling white and red. Our 2019 sparkling red is about to enter its secondary bottlefermentation stage and we’ll be looking forward to sampling and releasing our latest sparkling red and white from 2018 very soon. It all gets a bit confusing with the different stages and vintages of sparkling wine but it’s very exciting! www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards (Facebook & Instagram)

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

bishopstonvoice

August, 2020

n INSIDE OUT

Macrame and why we love it (again) INTERIOR design trends have for several years been predicted to include revived 1970s fashions like rattan, terrazzo, wicker and macrame. There is evidence that decorative hand-knotting techniques were practiced in ancient times all over the world, but what we think of as macrame today is thought to have originated from Moorish culture and travelled to England in the 17th Century through Spain. There is debate around the origin of the word macrame and whether it is 13th Century Arabic ‘migramah' meaning fringe, or Turkish ‘makrama’ meaning towel. Both make sense, just think of striped cotton hammam towels with tasseled edges. A versatile technique, knotting can be applied to not only clothing like shawls and veils but jewellery, bags and perhaps the most popular purpose at the moment, hanging planters which offer great scope for embellishment with beads. Macrame was hugely popular in Victorian times, but it is the Bohemian 1970s associations that are driving its renaissance today - the non-traditional, nature-loving, simple living, creativity, the artisanal. Never so desperately have people needed to get outdoors to connect with nature or to unplug with hands-on, tangible craft activities for mental wellbeing, even before lockdown necessitated the acquisition of new hobbies.

with interior designer Zoe Hewett

Bristol is home to several macrame-makers and one brand, Skye And The Moon, stands out as it encompasses all of those ideals as well as lunar inspiration - the feminine energy of the zeitgeist. Crucially all of Skye’s creations are made with 100% recycled cotton rope or t-shirt yarn. The coloured threads are not dyed but instead fibres of shredded textiles in various colours, all production waste rescued from landfill, are carefully mixed to create the perfect shade. After that they are spun into thread anew. If time or dexterity are not your friends it is easy to buy small items like keyrings right up to large scale wall hangings. “I would love a macrame curtain,” says Skye. “I have seen some beautiful pictures of them being used at weddings. It would be lovely to have one hanging in a doorway, it would be like an entrance to a magical kingdom.” Just the escapism we all need right now! To be inspired and buy head to www.instagram.com/ skye.and.the.moon Zoe Hewett is interior designer at Stylemongers Of Bristol studio www.stylemongersofbristol.co.uk

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August, 2020

n VETS' ADVICE

Summer grass seeds

S the summer progresses so the grass grows longer and the seeds on the grasses dry ready for dispersal. We all love to see dogs running free in the long grass with ears flapping but these are the perfect conditions for the grass seeds to attach to our dogs and cause problems that require veterinary intervention. Every year at this time we see a large number of dogs in the practice with grass seed related conditions. Top of the grass seed list is always the spaniels with their hairy feet and ears perfect for grass seeds to attach to. Seeds that attach to the hair under the ear flaps can only move in one direction and that is down into the ear canal. This will produce an immediate and sudden onset of head shaking and distress. We can usually see the seed in the dog’s ear while conscious in a consultation using an otoscope, but the only safe way of

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removal involves a sedative or even a general anaesthetic to grasp the seed without damaging the eardrum. Hairy feet can also catch the grass seeds.They enter between the toes and work their way under the skin and up into the foot. These are very irritating to the dog and cause much licking and nibbling. Often the first sign an owner sees is a sore swollen red area between the toes. Again this is removed under sedation or general anaesthetic. If not found, the seed can sometimes be drawn out using a poultice but they can be surprisingly difficult to find at times. To give your vet the best chance of finding a grass seed in a foot please take your dog in for a check up as soon as you see a sore area. We also see grass seeds occasionally caught in the eye wrapped up in the conjunctiva. Using local anaesthetic on the eye in a consultation we can often find the offending seed but occasionally

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it needs a general anaesthetic to remove safely. A grass seed in the eye can cause a huge amount of damage if not treated as quickly as possible so if you are suspicious of one in your dog do have it looked at immediately. So, how do you avoid these problems? One way is to avoid walking your dog in areas where the grass is long and it has dry seeds. Hairy dogs. particularly spaniels, should have the hair between their toes and under their ear flaps clipped as short as possible to prevent the seeds from attaching in the first place. And finally after each walk carefully check your dog’s coat for any seeds. And while you are looking, don't forget to check for that other summer peril, the tick which is also found in the long grass at this time of year! Nicky Bromhall BVSc MRCVS Animal Health Centre

Gloucester Road’s Independent Veterinary Practice 358 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8TP 0117 9247832 www.animalhealthcentre.org

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August, 2020

n NEWS

All eyes on the skies for Fiesta Flypast 2020 ORGANISERS of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced plans for this year, which will include activity in the sky and online, but no on-theground activity at Ashton Court. In order to adhere to the governmental guidelines around social distancing and mass gatherings, the 2020 edition of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta cannot take place as normal. An inaugural ‘Fiesta Flypast’ will take to the skies on a date to be selected between 1 - 14 August, which will see iconic balloons flying over the city and, depending on which way the wind is blowing, may be seen passing over gardens in Bishopston and the Downs. Chris Allcock, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta chair, explains: “We’re all deeply saddened that we can’t gather at Ashton Court to celebrate

the 42nd Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, but we have been working with our balloonists and the authorities to create an event which adheres to the social distancing restrictions. “We are inviting Bristolians to watch the balloons from the

safety of their own doorsteps and gardens. Social distancing means we absolutely cannot gather in parks or Bristol’s open spaces or invite our audiences to see the balloons take off or land, to protect our pilots and the public. Instead we’re asking people to

give them a wave as they fly past Bristol’s communities.” Organisers have teamed up with BBC Radio Bristol for another lockdown treat, in the form of a virtual nightglow, staged with extra special additions and a soundtrack produced to lift the spirits of the city on Saturday 8 August. Anyone who has already purchased car parking for the event will be able to log into the ticket platform to select a refund, which will be processed within 25 days of selecting. Those wishing to support the event through 2020 can select the option to donate their ticket, either the full, or partial amount, using the same process. For more information, follow the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on @bristolballoon. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Rooms needed for asylum seekers BRISTOL Hospitality Network (BHN) are appealing for big hearted residents living in Bishopston, Cotham and Redland to help people seeking sanctuary by offering a spare room for free. Currently many asylum seekers are being housed in local hotels but once businesses start to take their rooms back, these people will end up on the streets since there is not enough hostel accommodation in Bristol for them. The organisation is keen to find a room,

or a self-contained annex, which can be offered for free for a period of 3-6 months to house someone seeking asylum and experiencing destitution, perhaps from Iraq, Syria or Palestine. Laura of BHN says: “Our members have fled their home country to the UK for sanctuary yet many become homeless due to the Government's hostile immigration policies. “Bristol Hospitality Network will support you in taking this first step and

then be with you all the way through. “Once someone is hosted and safe they usually make good progress and over 70% of our hosted members have resolved their situation with our support.” For more information see: www.bhn. org.uk/community If you have a spare room and would like to help please email laura@bhn.org.uk or call for a chat on 07544 917 885.

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bishopstonvoice

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Established 1989 • Based in Bishopston

CALL 07769 693300

The Bristol Plumber Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator

ROOFING

JPK PLUMBING

LOGS FOR SALE (thebig bigones ones builders builders get in)in) (the getsand sand

957 5092

SnugSash

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 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

From as little as

£18

CALL EMMA ON: .33 07715770448

+VAT

Per month

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

Bristol

Carpet & Flooring Group

Carpet, Flooring & Curtains New trends - Fabulous colourways Beautiful fabrics Nailsea

Westbury-on-Trym

Fishponds

10 Clevedon Walk, Nailsea Bristol BS48 1RS nailsea@ bristolcarpetflooring.co.uk 01275 868838

11a Canford Lane, W-O-T, Bristol BS9 3DE westbury@ bristolcarpetflooring.co.uk 0117 9592128

Unit 4 Crofts End Ind. Est, Fishponds, BS5 7UW warehouse@ bristolcarpetflooring.co.uk 0117 9516881