Finally ... Flashback to the early days of the Cranbrook Road campaign, below Left, the crossing is being built
PROTESTERS who began the fight for a crossing on Cranbrook Road to make the route to two schools safer have finally seen their efforts pay off. Work is under way on a crossing island and a cycle lane on the steep and busy road.
story: Page 9. Councillors' update: Page 14
Bristol is mourning civil rights campaigner Dr Paul Stephenson, who died last month, aged 87, just as his work was being highlighted in a new poster campaign on bus shelters. PAGE 13
Westbury Park School is celebrating the rare feat of being judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. PAGE 5
Bristol Rovers and Gloucestershire Cricket are among supporters of a community campaign to distribute 1,000 Christmas hampers. PAGES 16 & 17
bishopstonvoice
Bishopstonvoice contacts
Emma Cooper
Publisher 0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448
emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
Advertising Sales 0117 908 2121
emma @bishopstonvoice.co.uk
January deadline
Follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ Bishopstonvoice
Our January deadline is December 11 . 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.
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
Complaints
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
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.
'Tis the season to go shopping ...
FOR many in the Bishopston area, the festive season really begins when Glos Rd Central holds in Christmas Street Party.
The 2024 event is on December 5. Shops and businesses at the top of Pigsty Hill on Gloucester Road will stay open until 8pm to give customers a chance to do some late night shopping.
Sidney & Eden, Jojo Beauty, Osna and others will be offering mulled wine and other festive drinks. Dave Giles will be barbecuing their famous burgers and bangers and Joes Bakery will be giving samples of their tasty Christmas products.
Billie Jean Cashmere will be making a welcome return with a stall of their gorgeous clothing. Boujon Bakery are a new business on a Gloucester Road and they will be setting
up outside Marialina with biscuit decorating while Paper Plane will offer paper snowflake cutting and Jojos will have (biodegradable) balloon decorating.
Rambling Rose will be selling lovely Christmas wreaths, table decorations and festive bunches and Oddsox will have an
Get set for night to remember
HENLEAZE Christmas Festival is all set for Wednesday December 4 with its popular attractions of stalls, entertainment and late-night shopping.
Nearly 50 stalls will offer edible treats and artisan craft products. This year there's even one offering a spinal health check and another selling recycled goods.
Twelve choirs will perform on the Open-Air Stage in Waterford Road and the Bradbury Hall. They include school choirs, and others performing rock music, sea shanties, a capella and choral. The Salvation Army Band will be there. There is a Pilates session with the chance to join in and a dance school demonstration. Radio Bristol presenter Steve Yabsley will again be Master of Ceremonies.
St Peter's Church in The Drive is holding children's craft activities and a Café Create Mic night. The church is also making its car park available for disabled parking. Shops will be open with offerings such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, burgers and hot roasted chestnuts.
Children's rides will again be in Cardigan Road. Father Christmas will be in his grotto to welcome young visitors. There is no fee.
The Prize Draw will support three local charities: the Marmalade Trust, a loneliness charity; the Bristol Down Syndrome Trust; and Suicide Prevention UK. Tickets are available in local shops in the run up the evening. On the night there will be stalls in Waterford Road and on the corner of Henley Grove. Festival goers are asked to have cash available as there will not be card machines on the stalls.
The festival, which runs from 4-8pm, is always looking for fresh volunteers to help organise the event or to help on the night. If anyone would like to help they are asked to contact Jane Emery at janeemery1951@gmail.com
evening sale on Frugi stocking fillers plus discounts galore.
Organisers say: "You're sure to find lots of inspiration in all the independent shops and stalls out on our pavements. It's a great way to get into the festive spirit so come on up Gloucester Road on December 5."
n NEWS
'Seven Saints' artist heads carnival board
ARTIST Michele Curtis has been named as the new chair of the St Paul’s Carnival board.
Michele, who was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bristol last year, is the creator of the Seven Saints of St Paul’s murals along the carnival route.
She succeeds celebrity chef Levi Roots, who is stepping down after five years.
Dr Curtis, who was born and raised in Bristol in a family of Caribbean descent, staged her Iconic Black Britons exhibition ten years ago and went on to develop her murals, which have played a vital role in celebrating and preserving the city’s black history.
St Paul’s Carnival CIC says on its website: “As the founder of Iconic Black Britons and an advocate for African-Caribbean heritage, Michele Curtis brings a fresh, grassroots perspective to Carnival’s leadership.”
The transition comes at a
pivotal time for Carnival, it says, following the launch of the It Takes A City campaign, which aims to bring together citizens, communities, businesses, and corporations to build a shared vision for the future of one of Bristol’s most valued and longstanding cultural events,
“Michele Curtis’ appointment signals an exciting era of collaboration. Her deep connection to St Pauls and
John Wills House
dedication to African Caribbean culture and heritage makes her an ideal leader to help drive this vision forward. Under her leadership, the organisation aims to broaden the Carnival’s reach and impact, ensuring that its benefits continue to be felt citywide.”
Michele Curtis served for several years as chair of Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association, the organisation
that founded the carnival in 1967. She said: “I am excited to work with the team and board of St Pauls Carnival CIC, and continue to leave a legacy of Carnival that is indicative of the vision and mission of its founders. A carnival that is sustainable and continues to share, educate, celebrate and preserve our rich African Caribbean Heritage for future generations.”
LaToyah McAllisterJones, chief executive of St Paul’s Carnival, added: “The appointment of Michele as the new chair is a very positive start to a new phase for St Paul’s Carnival. Having a strong voice that has such close links to Carnival’s roots and its founders is fantastic for the organisation. I have admired Michele’s work since moving to Bristol in 2015 and the Seven Saints is so deeply connected to how we have
WESTBURY Park School is celebrating after its first Ofsted inspection in ten years confirmed that the education it provides remains Outstanding.
The 415-pupil primary academy was given the top rating for its quality of education, leadership and management and early years provision and for children’s behaviour and attitudes and their personal development. Safeguarding was said to be effective.
The education watchdog no longer gives an overall judgement. When Westbury Park, a standalone academy, was last inspected in 2014 its overall effectiveness was rated Outstanding.
Richard Bamber, headteacher and chief executive of the academy trust, said the opening paragraph of the October 2024 inspection report captured the essence of the school in its opening paragraph.
This read: “Pupils love learning at Westbury Park School. The rich curriculum enables them to excel academically and thrive socially and emotionally. Pupils develop very high aspirations to succeed.”
The team of three inspectors were hugely impressed with the school, praising its very well-designed curriculum and the imaginative opportunities provided for children of all ages.
They said the learning environment was harmonious and calm and pupils were kind, helpful and respectful towards each other. Attendance was said to be strong, with children enthusiastic and eager to learn.
Ofsted highlighted the exceptional provision for the youngest children and for
Event
gets a warm welcome
Westbury Park School hails glowing Ofsted report
those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Among the many positive comments were:
• The school’s vision for pupils to be exceptionally well prepared for the world beyond school is shared by all staff.
• Pupils have many opportunities to discuss their ideas in depth. They articulate their thinking with maturity and a breadth of
MORE than 200 people attended an event aimed at helping save energy and keep your home warm.
The Warmer Westbury Homes Fair on November 16 was sponsored by Retrofit West on behalf of the West of England Combined Authority.
There were eight exhibitors including Retrofit West, and
sophisticated vocabulary.
• In Reception, children develop their knowledge of a breadth of subjects exceptionally well. The curriculum stimulates their curiosity about the world around them.
• The school is tenacious in monitoring the support provided to pupils with SEND. As a result, they are fully engaged and achieve very well.
The report added: “Leadership, including governance, is outstanding. Through a shared vision of excellence, they have ensured and assured a very well-designed curriculum for pupils. The board of trustees knows the school very well. It gathers a range of information with which to hold the headteacher to account. Staff are unanimously proud to work at the school.”
Mr Bamber said: “We are extremely proud of the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection where we were judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. This is testament to the care and commitment of our staff, the support of our families and is a celebration of our wonderful children.
“I would like to thank every member of the school and our community who work tirelessly to ensure Westbury Park Primary School is a great place for children to learn.”
six stalls run by Sustainable Westbury on Trym (Sus/ WoT). Three of the businesses involved are based in WestburyEcocetera, Go Renewable Energy and Eco Home UK
Thirty members of SusWoT were involved in running the event at Westbury Village Hall.
It was felt that the event was very successful and smoothly
run. Exhibitors ended up with many potential customers and those who attended learnt a great deal about what was possible for their home from experts.
If you missed the Fair and would like to learn more you can email advice@retrofitwest.co.uk, call Retrofit West on 0800 038 6733 and leave a voicemail or go to retrofitwest.co.uk.
Vital support for families
YOUNG people from across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire enjoyed meeting the animals at St Werburgh’s City Farm and taking part in craft activities and workshops.
They benefit from Sirona's Lifetime Service, which provides nursing and psychological support in the community to children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families.
Twenty-nine children, siblings and parents took part in the fun day to spend time together, meet the Lifetime Team and to get to know other families who are being supported by the service.
Amanda Wickham and her 15-year-old son Jacob spent the morning at the event. Jacob - who has Treacher-Collins syndrome, cerebral palsy and scoliosis – said: “I’ve had help from the Lifetime Service since he was born. They are great
and I’m so grateful, I’d be lost without them.”
“Jacob has complex medical needs and needs someone with him 24/7. The Lifetime Service provides night-time care four nights a week. . It means they can look after him overnight so I can get a full night’s sleep.
“I also have a Lifetime Nurse who supports me with any training I need and medical help at home. They make a massive difference to us.”
The Lifetime Service comprises three teams, the Core Team, the Continuing Care Team and the Lifetime Psychology Team.
Sirona care & health provides NHS and local authority funded adult and children’s community services.
The event was funded by the Sirona Foundation, which awards grants to local charities and projects which make a difference to the health and wellbeing of local communities.
Charity boutique opens its doors
AGE UK has opened a boutique charity shop at 11 Canford Lane, Westbury-on-Trym.
The shop was launched by Bristol's Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Goggin.
Every purchase made helps to raise funds to support services for older people, including Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service, free and confidential Advice Line and The Silver Line Helpline.
Age UK hopes the shop will encourage people to recycle their unwanted items. Donations to Age UK’s charity shops have stopped more than two kilos going into landfill and saved over 28 million kilos of CO2e so far this year.
The shop's manager Tony Golledge said: “We’re thrilled to open the doors of our stylish new boutique shop. We’re encouraging everyone to come and check out our range of pre-loved treasures and vintage fashion, as well as donate any unwanted quality items.
“We are also encouraging local people to join our shop team as volunteers. Volunteering is a great way of gaining valuable skills, as well as working alongside a team of passionate and friendly people. We offer a range of volunteering opportunities, so if you’re looking to develop new skills or simply make new friends, please pop into the shop and speak to one of the staff. Even small amounts of time can really make a huge difference.”
People interested can find out more and sign up by visiting Volunteer Shop Assistant (Westbury-On-Trym) | Age UK. To find out more about Age UK shops: www.ageuk.org.uk/shops
Hospice shop gets a vintage twist
THE St Peter's Hospice shop on Westbury Hill has been turned into a vintage boutique.
The new look of the shop, one of two in Westbury on Trym, has the backing of television presenter Briony May Williams, best known for her appearances on Great British Bake Off and on Escape to the Country.
She said: “I love shopping in charity shops and vintage stores so the new St Peter’s Hospice vintage boutique is perfect for me! Sustainable shopping is really having a moment right now. Shoppers are more cost conscious, especially at Christmas when money is extra tight. This year I’m making an
effort to either gift homemade items or pre-loved presents.
“I have a personal connection to St Peter’s Hospice so I know first-hand what incredible care and support they provide for patients and families. All the more reason to shop and donate to their high street stores.”
The shop will offer vintage clothing, home goods and small items of furniture and
furnishings. All proceeds from the shop will help support St Peter’s Hospice’s vital work in caring for adults with incurable illnesses in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
John Broomhead, retail director at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “We decided to make this move with the Westbury Hill shop in order to set it apart
from our other nearby store in Westbury-on-Trym which will continue to sell mens, ladies and kids clothing plus new goods, accessories and homewares.
“The Westbury Hill store has always had a vintage section but we have now made this the focus of the shop."
The charity will be launching a loyalty card, which can be used both the Westbury shops.
Get ahead of the cold weather – keep your home warm and leak free this winter.
1. Look after your boiler. Get it serviced early, so it can keep your home warm.
2. Find your stop tap. You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.
3. Going away? Remember to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC).
4. Check your outdoor tap. Fix any drips, and wrap it up or fit a tap jacket.
5. Protect exposed pipes. Wrap up pipes that are exposed to cold air (e.g. loft or garage) to stop them freezing/bursting. Get more information at bristolwater.co.uk/winter
Briony May Williams seeks out a pre-loved bargain at the St Peter's Hospice vintage shop on Westbury Hill
Official opening for diagnostic centre
THE North Bristol Community Diagnostic Centre at Cribbs Causeway is now fully open, bringing faster access to scans and tests.
The centre, next to Asda, offers radiology, endoscopy and health screening services.
It is run as a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and independent healthcare provider InHealth.
An official opening event was held at the centre on November 14. Mobile units have been used to provide scans during construction of the permanent buildings.
Diagnostic tests were first offered at the North Bristol CDC next door to the building in mobile units in the car park from April this year, with most services being offered in the permanent centre since September. Endoscopy has now moved into the centre completing the transition. Since April there have been
more than 11,000 appointments at the Cribbs Causeway site.
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) joint chief executive, Maria Kane, led proceedings for the opening.
She said: “North Bristol Community Diagnostic Centre is a fantastic facility that is really improving access to scans and
diagnostic tests for our local population.
“We have received great feedback from patients who have already benefited from the ease and convenience of the centre and its impact on waiting times.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with InHealth to deliver outstanding patient care, enabling people to access the tests they need sooner so
that they can either start the treatment they require or be reassured that no further care is required.
“Thank you and well done to everyone who has been involved in setting up and delivering this service.”
Geoff Searle, chief executive of InHealth, said “We’re delighted to have marked the official opening of North Bristol and we’re proud to have worked in partnership with NBT to provide key clinical services to the population through this centre.
“Across our network of CDCs, we’ve seen the positive impact centres like these can bring for patients, so it’s fantastic to be doing that here in Bristol. It epitomises the essence of what CDCs are all about – taking services and putting them in the heart of communities, supporting health inequalities and giving people much easier access outside of hospital settings.”
Success at last! Road gets safety measures 8 years on
A COMMUNITY campaign for a safer road crossing in Cranbrook Road has seen victory after eight years.
It began in 2016 after two children in a year were hit by cars. Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for a zebra crossing but although councillors were sympathetic the project was beset by delays.
Redland ward councillors
Martin Fodor and Fi Hance told the Voice that even after funding for a crossing island on the school route from Cairns Road to Harcourt Hill was agreed, the scheme was held up by staff shortages, a backlog of projects, the pandemic and rising costs.
“The delays and frustrations should now be in the past
MIKE PALMER BUILDING
however. We’re finally able to see the local funds we got allocated several years ago being spent. We’re delighted for residents,” they said.
Work is under way on the the improvements, which include a cycle lane.
Clare Freshwater-Turner, who started the campaign, said she was delighted.
"I have been stopped by many to say how happy they are that this work has finally been done. I saw a school child skip across the island smiling- it is just so great to see.
"It will benefit not only pedestrians but will also make it safer for cyclists and drivers pulling out from side roads.
"The local councillors Martin Fodor and Fi Hance and all of the local community have been amazing. It has been a great collaborative approach and we are all over the moon this has finally come to fruition."
Recycling rates stall
RECYCLING rates in Bristol are stagnating amid fears that residents are uncertain about what materials can be put in which containers. Just under half of household waste is sent for recycling or composting, with no improvement in these rates for several years.
A recent rise in online shopping has added to pressures on binmen, as much more cardboard is now thrown away.
The average Bristol resident throws away hundreds of kilos of rubbish into their black bins every year, some of which could be recycled. Last year residents threw away an average of 343 kilograms each of rubbish into their black bins, more than four times the body weight of the average person. The majority of this is burned in an incinerator, with the heat converted into energy and then used to power homes.
Between April and June this year, 46 per cent of household waste in Bristol was sent for recycling or composting. This is two percentage points less than the same period last year. The recycling rate has hovered around the same levels for six years, despite efforts to increase it.
Different materials are sent from Bristol across the country. For example, glass bottles and jars are sent to Harlow in Essex, and cardboard is sent to Sittingbourne in Kent.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Under construction: the long-awaited crossing island
'Sycle for Syd' raises £23k to help cricket hero
FUNDRAISERS have brought in £23,000 to support Gloucestershire cricket legend David ‘Syd’ Lawrence in his journey with motor neurone disease (MND).
Hundreds of people turned out to support Syd, who was diagnosed in June, by taking part in the 24hr 'Sycle for Syd' cycling challenge.
The event on November 9 saw the fundraisers cycle the equivalent distance between Gloucestershire's Seat Unique Stadium and Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, against whom Syd, now club president, made his international debut for England at Lord’s in 1988. The 6,525 mile distance was completed on static bikes with participants taking it in turns on 22 static bikes.
Matty Hudd, the owner of Trojan Fitness, said: "These events are not what we want to
be doing because they're always in a time of crisis. We all wish we were in the gym training with Syd but as he said in his own words, this is the hand he has been dealt, and all we want to do is to be there for Syd every single day.
"We just want to show Syd the love we all have for him and his family and I hope we achieved that over the weekend."
Syd took 625 wickets in 280 matches for Gloucestershire, bowling with blistering pace that earned him five Test and one ODI appearance with England, an international career that was cut short due to a career-ending knee injury vs New Zealand in 1992.
Syd with some of the fundraisers at Trojan Fitness
Parkway
over 35 years
Wanderland
ORGANISERS of Bishopston Window Wanderland would like your help.
They hope to make the 2025 event bigger and better than ever so they are asking people across the area to save the dateMarch 8-10 - and spread the word,
A spokesperson said:
"Please help by spreading the word on your socials, street Whatapp and Facebook groups, class Whatapp groups, community group newsletters - anyway you can. We'd also love to hear about your window ideas and memories of Wanderlands gone by so do get in touch.
"If you'd like to help out in some way, please give us a shout as there are lots of exciting plans in the pipeline."
Your tenant has requested an early exit from their commercial lease. What can you do?
It is not uncommon for commercial tenants to ask to exit their leases early, either because their business has failed, they no longer need the premises, or they are looking to reduce overheads by off-loading underperforming locations. This article covers a few common requests from tenants to exit their lease.
1. Surrender
This is where the lease is ended by entering into a deed of surrender, terminating all past and future obligations under the lease. However, agreeing to a surrender is at the landlord's discretion. The parties are not required to agree and the landlord will likely want some recompense for loss of rent, and professional costs for a new lease. There is also the issue of dilapidations to be considered for any existing repairs to enable re-letting of the premises.
2. Break clause
It is fairly commonplace for a
break clause to be included in a lease. If the lease includes a break clause and it is exercised by the tenant, it would be advisable to speak to us at the earliest opportunity so we can ensure the break notice has been validly served. The rules relating to break clauses can be quite tricky and there are often conditions which must be complied with in order for the break notice to be effective. Early termination of the lease via a break clause gives rise to an early dilapidation claim, and therefore landlords will need to consider the condition of the premises and the repairing covenant in the lease.
3. Assignment
This is where the tenant transfers their lease to another person or company (the assignee). Most leases contains an alienation clause which requires the tenant to obtain the landlord’s consent before an assignment occurs. This is so the landlord can
assess the financial viability of the assignee, and can stipulate reasonable conditions to the assignment. Often the landlord will require the outgoing tenant to enter into an authorised guarantee agreement, guaranteeing the obligations of the assignee under the lease; the outgoing tenant will remain prospectively liable until a new lease or further assignment occurs. The outgoing tenant and assignee will each have their own legal costs to pay and the landlord's legal costs are often split between them too.
4. Underletting
Underletting may be a viable option to the tenant if permitted under the lease. Underletting will also need the consent of the landlord and there will be costs to pay for this. The tenant will remain liable to the landlord for payment of the rent under its lease, so, even if the undertenant were to default, they still have to pay the rent. If the tenant’s busi-
ness is struggling, then a full surrender or lease assignment may be a more suitable option than underletting.
Conclusion
If you need advice on your lease, or on commercial property matters in general, then please contact Tom Halliday on 0117 973 3989 or tomhalliday@amdsolicitors.com who will be delighted to assist.
bishopstonvoice
n NEWS
Bristol celebrates life of civil rights campaigner Paul Stephenson
BRISTOL is mourning civil rights campaigner Paul Stephenson, who has died at the age of 87.
Dr Stephenson was best known for organising the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963, which ended the colour bar on black and Asian drivers and conductors,.
The following year he staged a sit-in at the Bay Horse pub, refusing to leave after the bartender refused to serve him. His arrest and subsequent trial gained national attention and influenced the eventual passage of the Race Relations Act of 1965, the UK’s first anti-racist law.
Dr Stephenson, the son of an African father and mixed race British mother, had arrived in Bristol in 1962 and became the city’s first black social worker.
He continued to champion equality and social justice over the decades and was awarded an OBE in 2009 for his services to equal opportunities and to community relations. He was the first black Freeman of the city of Bristol and received honorary degrees from both Bristol’s universities.
His death was announced by his daughter Fumi and son Paul Junior. In a statement, they said: “It is with a heavy heart that Stephenson family share the passing of our beloved father, Dr
Paul Stephenson, a true pioneer in the civil rights movement.
"He left this world on the evening of 2 November 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia, which he faced with the same unwavering determination that defined his life.
"We have been immensely fortunate to witness firsthand the profound impact Dr Paul Stephenson had on our community and our nation."
In a written personal message, they said that his spirit and impact "will continue to live on".
"Despite the demands of his
Dr Paul Stephenson
work, Dad's love and support for our family never wavered," his children said.
"He encouraged our independence and growth, always striving to ensure that we could forge our paths.
"Dad's unwavering commitment to improving the lives and experiences of people in our community was truly infectious.
"His tireless work and activism touched the lives of so many, both locally and on a broader national and global scale."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees were among
those leading the tributes to Dr Stephenson. His work is in the spotlight in Bristol this autumn following a commemorative art competition organised by Julz Davies, of Curiosity UnLtd, and the company Clear Channel.
The contest attracted more than 150 entries and the four winning designs – by Gwen Balmer, Amara Lawrence, Martha Clarke, and Marcia Brown - are on display on bus shelters across the city and on the big screen at We the Curious in Millennium Square. QR codes link to information about the artists. A celebration event was held at the Bay Horse, whose current operator formally apologised for the injustices that took place there.
Julz Davies said at the event, which took place just days before Dr Stephenson died: “We stand on the shoulders of giants, and none were broader than Paul Stephenson’s. Because of his unwavering fight for racial justice, he laid an enduring blueprint for positive change. Paul is a national treasure and inspiration to current and future generations of changemakers. Like Martin Luther King, his words, deeds, and legacy should be an essential part of the national curriculum.”
Martha Clarke
Amara Lawrence
Gwen Balmer, whose design was unveiled on her 18th birthday
Marcia Brown cuts the ribbon on her winning poster
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Redland: Martin Fodor and Fi Hance (Green Party)
Cranbrook Road crossing
AS we write we’re delighted that the crossing island on a school route from Cairns Road to Harcourt Hill is finally being built. This saga has been well reported in Bishopston Voice and started in 2016 when a vehicle collided with a child on their way to school. This led to months and years of petitioning by parents and residents and lobbying at the city council to prioritise the scheme.
We eventually secured local funding from the Area committee to support residents worried about the lack of a crossing on this fast, steep, busy road. Along the way were several long delays with staff shortages, too many projects in a backlog, and delays due to covid. The procurement process was also uncertain due to very high construction cost inflation and not all projects attract bids. The delays and frustrations should now be in the past however and we’re finally able to see the local funds we got allocated several years ago are finally being spent.
We’re delighted for residents. The issues around local road safety projects and delays with area priorities are ones we’re trying to get addressed as the years of uncertainty. The lack of ready funding to make streets safer is not good enough.
But at the moment we’re glad to know residents are looking forward to celebrating the arrival of the new crossing.
Protecting and restoring nature
We know how important contact with nature is for health and well-being. Lots of people are also involved in local conservation activities from their gardens to nature reserves. A new report has been issued by the Bristol Environment Records Centre that
catalogues the state of nature in the region.
A conference was also held in the country cricket ground with the West of England Nature Partnership to launch a toolkit with advice about actions for nature recovery. Lots of voluntary groups and organisations took part and Martin spoke at this about the partnership work, how the council plays its part, and the ways communities get involved. We're hoping there could be funds for supporting local groups do more in the future. This could complement the initiatives underway to help channel funds from developers into nature projects alongside new buildings.
Better recycling services
The recycling rate in Bristol has been stuck at about 45 percent since the different boxes, the food caddy, and cardboard bag were introduced. It's actually declined a bit the last few years. We're keen to see it increase since about half the material in the black wheeliebin is recyclable. By sorting and marketing our materials there's income to pay for the collections. Waste just costs us all money and extra charges for disposal of high carbon materials like plastic will be another financial burden to be paid for from council tax.
The council is planning a consultation that will be asking how residents feel about recycling, what services they use, including using charities, and how much they put in the black refuse bin. If better, litter proof, recycling sacks were
provided we think much more could be put to use again through recycling. There could then be less reliance on the wheeliebinsalthough we also think families with nappies and sanitary products, and larger households might want extra services.
At the time of writing there's been work to develop information and questions for residents but nothing has been issued yet. We'll let you know when it is ready.
Autumn leaves clearance
Residents have been contacting us about seasonal concerns like blocked gulleys and leaf fall and Martin has raised these issues with our street cleansing team.
Please do report blocked gulleys [drains] via the web site. There’s a regular service visit to the most sensitive locations like flooded underpasses and main roads and if you can help identify any blocked sites please do report them.
The leaf sweeping season is now much longer and less predictable so it's a growing problem for the council to tackle fallen leaves which can now be spread out over many months especially where there’s an extended mild period and no very cold spell or strong wind to mark the autumn leaf dropping season.
If you’re able to collect fallen leaves with your neighbours then this often speeds up getting them cleared so do ask Bristol Waste Company. We know this can be helpful to reduce slipping hazards. There are litter picking kits and bags available and if you register a collection point should be arranged.
Tackling anti-social behaviour
Fi attended a very productive meeting with officers, housing providers, local residents and businesses looking at ways to
CAMERAS are being installed around Bristol to catch criminals fly-tipping waste. The cameras are set up in known hotspots; some are mobile and will be relocated as new hotspots are reported.
An update about fly-tipping was given to the environment policy committee on November 7.
Lib Dem Cllr Tim Kent said: “There’s a problem with fly-tipping not being removed in certain parts of the council’s land, particularly housing land. It’s a blight on our communities. There are commercial fly-tippers out there who are making big money.”
Last year, 8,556 incidents of fly-tipping were reported and removed. Between April and June,
improve the situation around the area near Sainsburys at the bottom of Zetland Road. Complaints of threatening behaviour, overt illegal drug use and littering have been on the rise over the last few months, causing considerable distress to local people and shops. As a starter for ten, Fi and local residents are looking at the possibility of getting the nearby phone box removed, which seems to be acting as a magnet for some of the problematic activities. We’ll keep you posted.
More support for young people to tackle climate change
The council secured grant funds in summer to help youth groups around the city carry out climate projects. They were then able to talk to councillors including Martin about their projects and concerns in a round table where city partners listened to their messages. These were then sent to local MPs and these calls for action were passed to the international government conference on climate known as COP.
We were impressed with the range of projects they set up including a survey, collecting old electronics, and looking after nature. We want to have more regular ways to ensure young people can feed in to decisions in future and we're delighted that another round of funding should be available thanks to a further grant to help even more groups take action in the new year.
Fi: Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk.
Martin: Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol. gov.uk
Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin 0788 4736101
Facebook.com/cllrmartin.fodor or / cllrfi.hance
2,351 incidents were reported and removed. Each incident costs the taxpayer around £150 to remove.
Green Cllr Martin Fodor, chair of the environment committee, said: “There are more cameras out now. Vehicles have been seized. Places like the Old City and Gloucester Road are being made easier to keep clear, by removing big overflowing trade bins next to which people fly-tip.
“People think ‘there’s a big bin, I’ll just leave it next to it’. Now we’ve removed quite a lot of those trade bins, the streets are tidier. Some of the new cameras are mobile ...They’re being used already.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporter
n NEWS
Former councillor is Tories' choice
FORMER Bristol city councillor
Steve Smith has been named as the Conservatives’ candidate to be the next West of England metro mayor.
The former lord mayor, who represented Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze ward from 2018 to May 2024 when all three Tory incumbents in the ward were replaced by the Lib Dems at the local elections, was the first official nominee to be announced for the election next May.
The Greens’ candidate will be Bristol City Council deputy leader Cllr Heather Mack.
Labour members were due to decide late last month between a shortlist of three former cabinet members who served in exmayor Marvin Rees’s executive – ex-councillors Nicola Beech and Helen Godwin, and current opposition group leader Cllr Tom Renhard.
The Lib Dem candidate for the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) mayor is
thought likely to be from Bath & North East Somerset.
Mr Smith was officially named as the Conservatives’ contender following a meeting of party members on November 9.
During his time as a councillor he sat on the Weca scrutiny committee, chaired the city council’s health overview and scrutiny committee and was lord mayor of Bristol in 2021-22.
He has pledged to bring “grown-up leadership back to the combined authority” and boost economic growth across the region.
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Mr Smith said he would “undo the damage” to Weca’s reputation under the leadership of Labour metro mayor Dan Norris, who will not be standing next year because he was elected as MP for North East Somerset & Hanham at July’s general election, and new Labour rules ban second jobs in elected office.
The government slapped the combined authority with a formal warning earlier this year.
The “best value notice” issued in March directed the organisation to set up an independent improvement panel to address a host of issues, from poor relationships between political leaders to “confusion” about what Weca does.
Independent auditors have criticised the organisation’s poor governance and failure to provide value for money, although the combined authority has taken steps to improve this.
Mr Norris was also found to be responsible for unlawfully
Birthday Buses are back
I’D like to start this column by highlighting Poppies to Paddington, a project by GWR and the Veterans Charity.
This year, working with the RNLI, they organised ceremonies on platforms across our rail network on Armistice Day, laying wreaths which were then taken to the Great Western Railway War Memorial in London.
I joined a poignant ceremony at Bath Spa station, once again remembering and reflecting on the service of our Armed Forces, and spoke to the BBC on the train to Paddington about my great grandfather, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War.
The first year of Birthday Buses was an enormous success: 72,000 passengers took an amazing 1.2 million journeys.
On average, people took around 19 free journeys – saving almost £40 in fares.
An independent report found that the scheme was good value for money, providing £2.20 of benefit for every £1 spent.
Birthday Buses have helped people change their travel habits, reduce congestion, and cut carbon emissions by the equivalent of driving five million miles in a petrol car.
So, from December 1, I’m delighted to say that Birthday Buses are back!
This new £4 million investment offers everyone in the wider West of England a whole month of free bus travel for the month of their birthday.
This year, there will also be added retail discounts at shops, restaurants, and attractions across the region for Birthday Bus pass-holders.
If you apply before you turn 21 you will get a second month of free travel. To sign up for your month of free bus travel, visit BirthdayBus.co.uk.
November also saw the launch of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy – a watershed moment.
We were the first place in the whole country to complete this important work, working through the West of England Nature Partnership with organisations like Avon Wildlife Trust and community groups across our region.
That’s to be expected, but also something we should all be proud of.
People from the towns, villages and cities of the West of England love wildlife and nature.
From the majestic kingfishers along the Kennet and Avon canal, to mighty ancient oaks in Pensford and vibrant pollinator patches in Bristol’s parks, our region is home to some wonderful
spending £10,000 of public money plastering the side of a bus with huge images of him and his dog to promote the Birthday Bus scheme.
Following his nomination, Mr Smith said: “Our region has huge potential to lead in areas such as innovation, green technology and sustainable growth, but we need strong leadership to unlock that potential for everyone in our community. I am committed to working tirelessly to create a West of England that works for everybody, where political leaders can be trusted to work together and where the West of England is able to reach its full potential and grow our economy for everyone’s benefit.”
Mr Smith lives in Westburyon-Trym with his family and works as a self-employed business consultant helping small firms to win government contracts.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
species.
This new joint strategy puts our region on the map, with an ambitious plan to support nature to recover and thrive in every corner of the West of England.
With investment from businesses and landowners across our region, and everyone doing their bit, the future looks bright once again.
And finally, I have started official social media channels as the regional mayor to help people stay up to date between my monthly columns in the Voice.
On Instagram you can follow @WestOfEnglandMayor, on Twitter/X it is @WestOfEngMayor and on Facebook you can find me by searching for ‘Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England’.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
Conservative candidate Steve Smith
n FEATURE
Gianina Turner reports on an initiative bringing festive joy to people in need
THE festive hamper of luxury food that one family in need received was most welcome. But it was the green tinsel adorning the gift that caught the attention of the children of the house.
The youngsters removed it and fashioned it into a Christmas tree shape, alongside which they placed the presents they had also been given.
“Those little girls didn’t have a Christmas tree in their house, or any other presents,” explained the founder of Operation Community Hamper, Charlotte Churchill.
“It’s stories like this that really resonate in our hearts. It’s why I’m so passionate about what we are doing.”
Charlotte, who grew up in Keynsham and now lives in south Bristol, started the initiative in 2020 during the pandemic, appealing via social media for gifts to support vulnerable families and individuals at Christmas. Through her job in child protection, she was aware of the growing numbers of people using food banks to meet their basic needs. Her idea was to provide some cheer by offering families high quality food and some of the seasonal treats that better-off folk take for granted.
The hampers include items such as biscuits, pickles, chutney, mince pies, Christmas pudding, Christmas crackers, and chocolates as well as tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
The project increased rapidly during the cost-of-living crisis. In its first year, Operation Community Hamper, as it was then called, delivered 19 hampers; this year Charlotte and her huge team of volunteers are aiming for 1,000, to be distributed across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and beyond. The project has expanded to include bespoke Christmas gifts and in 2024 the intention is also to provide blankets.
Spreading seasonal cheer
“We operate on referrals from professional establishments such as schools, social services and health professionals,” said Charlotte.
OCH is helping people across a wide area, and Charlotte admitted that she had never intended to start something on such a scale.
“I am humbled - and a little nervous - by the momentum that keeps building,” she said.
OCH now operates all year round, offering help where needed, such as providing Easter eggs and funding enrichment activities for vulnerable children; hence the name change in July 2024 when it became a registered charity, with five trustees and a committee of 20.
Fortunately, the network of volunteer support from individuals and volunteers has grown too. Companies and organisations that have supported OCH over the years include Bristol Rovers Football Club, Gas Girls, Gloucestershire
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Anyone can get involved with Operation Community Hamper. At this time of year, donations for the hampers are being collected at a host of drop-off points, some of which are listed here. Fundraising is also an important part of the charity’s work. Recent events have included a summer fair and a 24hour Danceathon, which brought in more than £5,000.
In October, OCH invited businesses to an event to learn more about the charity’s work. Guests were shown a film, which can also be viewed on YouTube, Our Story | Operation Community Hamper, in which volunteers and recipients talk about the benefits of the project.
Ken Major, from Kingswood, one of the charity’s volunteers, told the Voice that support from businesses and from the community was vital.
“We are able to safely store
the items, thanks to the support we receive from businesses, who provide us not only with secure storage facilities throughout the year but also rooms to use when it comes to sorting items as well as preparing and finally creating the Christmas food hampers.
“Our focus is on helping people in the community and without the community itself, we wouldn't be able to do anything. After all, it is the community who donate items for the hampers, provide us with the information for referrals to make the hampers. They also give away their time to help throughout the year,” he said.
OCH is planning to run a Carol Bus in Bristol from December 7-14 and has a host of fundraising activities planned.
To find out more information about Operation Community Hamper visit: https://www. operationcommunityhamper. co.uk/ or join their Facebook group ‘Operation Community Hamper CIO'.
County Cricket Club, Robins Foundation, First Bus, BrisDoc and many others.
Operation Community Hamper volunteers gather at the Memorial Stadium in Horfield
2022 - 340 hampers
2023 - 656 hampers
2024
OCH SANTA BUS: 6pm- 8pm
Saturday December 7: Southmead, Westbury & Filton
Sunday December 8: Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Gifford & Abbey Wood
Monday December 9: Sea Mills, Lawrence Weston & Henbury
• OCH team will be at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday December 7 taking donations at the Bristol Rovers v Bolton Wanderers match
• OCH Santa Bus will be at Ashton Gate on Saturday December 14 to receive donations at the Bristol City v QPR match
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Mental Capacity including Powers of Attorney
Older and Vulnerable Clients
Estate planning
Family, Cohabitation and Divorce
Residential Conveyancing Disputes
Accident and Injury
Employment Law Advice
Commercial Property Company and Commercial Services
Notary Public
Driving and Road Traffic Offences
Criminal Defence
n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP
Bold action needed on renters' rights
THIS month I was delighted to be appointed to the Renters Rights Bill Committee in Parliament.
The cost of renting is a huge issue in Bristol Central, with the average rent hitting nearly £1,800 a month. I’m proud to be using my role on the committee to challenge the government to be bolder. Their draft bill would be a vast improvement to current laws on private renting, but it fails to tackle the affordability crisis. I’ve met with a lot of groups to hear about their experiences of private renting, including representatives from ACORN and from University of Bristol and the University of West of England’s Students’ Unions who shared with me the difficulties faced by students when renting in Bristol.
I was elected to be a strong, independent voice for Bristol Central, and in Parliament I’ve been speaking up for the issues that matter to our city. In October I co-sponsored the Climate &
Nature Bill to make sure the UK does its bit to address the climate crisis. I also pressed the Prime Minister on when he will call out what is happening in Gaza as a genocide and urged him to take action alongside the international community to prevent it.
In October I was proud to present my Private Members Bill on State-related Deaths in response to the tragic death of a young woman in Bristol who died after public services repeatedly failed her. Public and private bodies have a duty to keep us safe from harm and protect our lives, but every year hundreds of people die preventable state related deaths. This Bill aims to fix a gaping and inexcusable hole in the government's responsibility to keep its citizens safe.
This month I also responded to the Government’s Autumn Budget by calling out their decision to increase bus fares and keeping the two-child benefit
n FROM BRISTOL NORTH WEST'S MP
cap. We need a budget that makes our country fairer and our economy greener, and sadly the Government failed to deliver on this. As your MP I will continue to speak out against unjust Government decisions like this.
Finally, I had a wonderful time celebrating at the Bristol Somali Festival 2024. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Somali Community in Bristol through music, dance art and food. Bristol is an incredibly special place to live because of the rich tapestry of different voices, backgrounds and perspectives. This is one of the things I love most about living here and so it was an honour to be part of these celebrations.
If you live in Bristol Central and have a local issue you need support with, you can email me at bristolcentraloffice@parliament. uk or write to Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London,
In school for economy lesson
IN mid-November, about 200 constituents gathered at Bristol Free School for my Budget briefing, making it one of my biggest constituency events to date. (I think only the meeting about proposed changes to the A4018, back in 2019, and of course the Brexit debates, gathered larger crowds.)
I was able to give constituents a behind-the-scenes view of the Budget process, Budget Day and, of course, the key decisions in the Budget.
It was a big Budget that met the scale of the challenges we inherited as a new government, and our plans for change in the years ahead. It protected workers’ payslips, with no increases in income tax or employee National Insurance, and it helped smaller businesses on our high streets with permanent cuts to business rates and reduced employer National Insurance payments compared to bigger businesses.
I’ve done many media interviews since the Budget was announced, but if you missed those and this event, and still have a question about any of the announcements in the Budget, please feel free to be in touch and I’ll be happy to respond. (Contact details at the end.)
Now, I always try my best to keep you informed of upcoming events in this column, but sometimes one is arranged at short notice that falls between issues. That's what happened with my Assisted Dying Town Hall, which was organised for Friday, 22nd November in Westburyon-Trym ahead of a vote in the House of Commons on whether to legalise assisted death the following Friday.
I hope that many of you managed to hear about it from other means. But in case you missed it, I wanted to briefly outline my position here, as I know how emotive an issue this is
Carla Denyer writes for the Voice
SW1A 0AA
I hold regular constituency surgeries. To request an appointment, please contact me using any of the methods listed above.
For enquiries about Parliamentary matters, national issues, or policy, please email me using: carla.denyer.mp@ parliament.uk
across our communities in Bristol, with strong feelings on both sides of the debate.
My view is that a Private Member’s Bill is not the right way to try to introduce a change in law on such a complex issue.
Private Member’s Bills, which are introduced by backbench MPs, don't get anywhere near the same level of scrutiny and debate as the bills put forward by the Government. As someone who has passed a Private Member’s Bill in the last Parliament, I am aware that they are normally only used for small changes in law – and legalising assisted death does not fall under that category. I therefore plan to either abstain or vote against the Bill on these grounds.
My next event will be my annual Christmas Coffee Morning, which will be held this year in Henbury. Please pop along for a chat with me about the past year and what's on your mind for 2025
– all while enjoying a hot drink and a mince pie! To book, please visit darren-jones.co.uk/events or call my office.
I hope to see you at one of my events soon.
As always, you can email me at darren.jones.mp@parliament.uk, call my office on 0117 959 6545 or write to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
Birthday buses are back after over a million free journeys
Thanks to West of England Mayor Dan Norris, local residents across the Bishopston Voice area will once again be able to enjoy free bus rides throughout the whole month of their birthdays.
Birthday Buses are back and the Mayor says that he hopes the popular plan will go from strength to strength in its second year, after passengers took almost 1.2 million free journeys during its first year.
The Birthday Buses offer entitles every resident (young and old) in the West of England to take unlimited free bus journeys, at any time, across the 350 square miles of our region, throughout the entire month of their birthday. In addition, young people aged under 21 will receive a second month of free travel. The offer runs for 12 months from 1 December 2024.
Speaking at the Birthday Buses re-launch at a First Bus depot, Mayor Dan Norris said: “Birthday Buses has been a big hit with passengers so I’m delighted to
bring it back for a second year.
“Last year more than 72,000 passengers took, on average, around 19 free journeys each. That saved them almost £40 each in fares – not a bad birthday present!
“Even more importantly, people who tried out buses for free during their birthday month have started to make new habits. They are leaving the car at home and now using our region’s buses more often. That’s always been a vital end goal which is so important during the climate emergency.”
The more people that use the bus, the stronger the future for services in the West of England. A more sustainable and growing bus network has many benefits, including faster journey times for passengers and less congestion for everyone else on the road.
An independent report from auditors KPMG found that the first year of Birthday Buses helped cut an estimated 1,100 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to a petrol car driving more than 5 million miles. And for every £1 spent on Birthday Buses, the region saw £2.20 of benefits.
This year, Birthday Bus passes will also bring more birthday bonuses with discounts at local stores and tourism attractions.
In just the first week of registration, 26,500 people signed up. Bishopston Voice readers can apply for their free Birthday Bus month pass at BirthdayBus.
We used Birthday Busesyou can too:
Howard: “I made over 20 journeys. It opened my eyes to routes I hadn’t considered.”
Karon: “It was a lovely gesture to have the pass and if I wasn't given it, I would not have done the journey.”
Georgina: “We applied for a birthday bus pass for each family member. We went to Bath, into town shopping, to an appointment and I increased my use of the office. My son and daughters could catch the bus to school everyday and had the freedom to go out with friends on weekends too. I have been using buses much more since.”
co.uk. Anyone who had a Birthday Bus pass last year will receive an email, which will fast track their application, with no need for a new photo or another form.
and singles.”
Dan Norris added: “I look forward to wishing even more passengers many happy returns
MBST - Helping patients with Ar thritis and Osteoporosis
Over the last 7 years we’ve been using MBST to help patients with ar thritic conditions, bone conditions, acute injur y and professional spor ts injuries
Proven at cellular level to reset, resynchronise and regenerate damaged cells, numerous outcome studies on NMRT (nuclear magnetic resonance technology) are indicating ver y positive results from applying this therapy.
In addition to the existing evidence at cell and car tilage level, new study data is indicating ver y good results in several new areas:
• Improving post operative outcomes in total knee replacement
• Improving bone density and quality leading to reduced fracture risk in Osteoporosis patients.
The most common conditions we help patients with are:
Due to our newfound knowledge on exactly how MBST influences cells, it’s advisable to address the tissue damage as soon as possible Whilst we get great results with long term problems, early inter vention makes more sense 90% of our patients significantly improve af ter this non invasive treatment
Just as with MRI, there are no known side effects
If you’re interested in looking into this technology, call /email us.
Robin: MBST has killed the pain of his stage 4 knee arthritis
body treatment for arthritis and osteoporosis
n EDUCATION
From Olympic medal to Red Squirrel Award
WESTBURY on Trym CE Academy were delighted to welcome former pupil, Izzy Thorpe, back to their school family after she won a silver medal in Artistic Swimming at the Paris Olympics in the summer with her duet partner, Kate.
Izzy joined the children in an assembly where she shared her story of how her dream began at the age of 10 while she was at the school and swimming for the school gala team. After watching the Olympic Games in 2012, she decided that’s what she wanted to do and in 2019 was successful in being selected for the GB team. She spoke about the importance of resilience and how there will always be setbacks along the way - but hard work and practice makes perfect!
The children listened in awe about how nervous she was competing in front of 5,000 people at the pool in Paris but was supported by her family
including her Mum, who is her coach, by her side. Izzy explained what it was like in the Olympic village, with the children learning there were cardboard beds and delicious chocolate muffins in the canteen!
Izzy proudly showed the children her medal and told how
every medal presented at the Olympic Games in Paris had a small part of the Eiffel Tower in the centre of it, making it unique and incredibly special.
The children were enthralled by Izzy being able to hold her breath for a colossal three minutes; she challenged the
YEAR 7
children to hold their breath for 30 seconds which brought much amusement. She shared that this alone took a lot of training and she would train six days a week for up to 11 hours a day!
Pupils at Westbury on Trym academy who have made significant achievements during the term are presented with a Red Squirrel award. The school felt it apt that Izzy should have one too, so headteacher, Amanda Pritchard, presented the Olympian with her Red Squirrel certificate.
The assembly concluded with the children firing questions at Izzy, one of which was ‘How did it feel to win a silver medal?’ to which Izzy replied ‘It was a dream come true – I can’t quite describe how it felt!’
Huge thanks to Izzy for taking the time to share her experiences and for inspiring future generations to aim high and work hard to achieve their dreams.
n NEWS
Shining a light on SEND families
A CHRISTMAS display in Auden Mead, Horfield, is raising money for Bristol Children’s Hospital and shining a light on people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It’s been created by Kelly Mills, using her experience as a SEND parent. Instead of traditional brightly coloured lights, Kelly’s Arctic-themed show is just blue and white, to create calm and focus.
She said: “This has become a passion of mine. My son is SEND and I wanted to create something unique and special while also raising the importance of being SEND – for both the child and the families involved.
“My SEND display is inclusive to all and that is what is really important to me and my family. Most displays are hands off, however mine is not. Children can immerse themselves in the SEN den where there are calming lights inside. They can feel the display. It is built with sensory consideration at the core of it and is based on one theme so that children are not overwhelmed.”
Kelly is also keen to support the Shine Bright appeal for the hospital, where two of her children have ongoing treatment.
“My son has many health obstacles as well as learning disabilities,” she said. “The
hospital has always been so kind to us. Without them I would not have known my son has a rare genetic disease.”
When people visit, Kelly likes to explain the display. Visitors are free to explore and enjoy the hide-and seek-games. This year, she had support from a Year 11 design student who helped create a SEND-based logo to promote the display and raise awareness.
On December 7, Santa will be visiting between 5-7pm. There will be a small charge of £5, including a small gift. All money raised from this, and the JustGiving page, will go towards the patient hotel the hospital wants to build for parents.
Christmas Dubs, a group that drives decorated VW vehicles in support of Shine Bright, is also due to visit.
Kelly said: “I have been very lucky that I have the support from the Shine Bright team as well as Christmas Dubs. I want to say thank you in advance to anyone who stops by the display and supports the appeal. It is very much appreciated. Your generosity will ensure that families can stay together and children can have access to the care they need.”
To donate, visit https://tinyurl. com/2jcdv22s
ADVERTISING FEATURE
“I Have My Life Back Thanks to Surgery at Spire Bristol Hospital”
At Spire Healthcare, we understand that living with chronic pain can be both physically exhausting and emotionally challenging, impacting your ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Shona Peacock, who endured debilitating knee pain due to osteoarthritis, found herself forced into early retirement as standing for long periods became unbearable.
Fast access to clinical excellence
After years of frustration and being dismissed with phrases like “wear and tear” and “natural aging” Shona’s pain and the profound impact it was having on her life made her forced her to join the NHS waiting list in December 2023, fortunately was offered care through the NHS E-referral service. Having heard numerous positive reviews, she chose Spire Bristol Hospital for its reputation of prompt access to leading orthopaedic specialists and exceptional care. This decision marked the beginning of her rapid path to recovery.
Under the care of Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Andrew Porteous, Shona was referred for diagnostic imaging, including x ray and an MRI. This thorough examination uncovered that what was initially considered a partial knee replacement required a full knee replacement, ensuring the most effective treatment for her now bone on bone joint.
Exceptional treatment and rapid recovery
Shona’s surgery at Spire Bristol Hospital proceeded seamlessly. The hospital provided an immaculate environment, and the nursing staff were both professional and compassionate. The procedure lasted around two hours, and after just 24 hours post-surgery, Shona was discharged from the hospital and on her way home. What made the biggest impact was how quickly she regained mobility. By day three, she no longer needed walking aids, and by day five, she could walk up the stairs properly. The continuous support and detailed recovery guidance enabled Shona to rebuild her strength, making her recovery quicker than she had imagined.
A new lease of life
At 68, Shona describes her life as transformed. Freed from the constant pain and the limitations it imposed, she is more active, happy and confident than ever. She now walks unaided and pain free, without the limp or discomfort that once defined her life, something she never believed would be possible. Her follow-up appointment confirmed remarkable progress - three months ahead of expectations - and she only required one post-operative consultation.
Shona shares, “I feel fantastic. My confidence is restored, and I no longer need a walking stick or have to avoid social situations. Mr Porteous and the team at Spire Bristol Hospital given me back
my quality of life.”
Your path to a pain-free future
If you’re living with joint pain or a similar condition, take the step that Shona did. Spire Bristol Hospital offers a comprehensive range of joint replacement procedures and non-invasive treatments for various bone, muscle, and joint conditions. With fast access to consultations, diagnostic tests, and personalised care, Spire provides the expertise needed to help you get back to the life you love.
Spire Bristol Hospital offers a range of orthopaedic consultations (upper limb, knee, hand and wrist and hip) through the NHS e-referral service, speak to your GP about your options today.
Find out how Spire Bristol Hospital can help you today
Book to see an expert in as little as 48 hours: Search ‘Spire Healthcare’
The immersive SEN den in Kelly's blue and white lights display
Award-winning group likes to Bee Bold
LOCKLEAZE Neighbourhood Trust (LNT) has been honoured for planting huge wildflower meadows to support nature.
The organisation received the Community Space for Nature award at the West of England Combined Authority Bee Bold awards for the work done through its Really Wild Lockleaze project. This is part of the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnerships Community Climate Action Project, funded from the National Lottery.
The Bee Bold awards were launched this year by Metro Mayor Dan Norris to recognise businesses, organisations and schools that are taking positive action to support pollinators and wider nature, with the aim of increasing the wildlife in the West of England by 30 per cent by 2030.
A trust spokesperson said: “The award celebrates the fantastic work being done in
Bristol to support bees and other pollinators, and with over 1500 metres squared of wildflower meadows planted by Lockleaze residents and volunteers through the Really Wild Lockleaze Project, we’ve certainly done just that. We're so proud of everyone
Road scheme costs soar
THE costs of making Overton Road traffic free have been hugely underestimated, councillors have been told.
Bristol City Council says the pedestrianisation scheme and another for Princess Victoria Street in Clifton will be 40 per cent higher than first thought.
City Hall bosses are asking the West of England Combined Authority for an additional £500,000 to carry out the two projects.
Weca originally allocated £204,000 for Overton Road and £550,000 to make permanent the Clifton traffic-free scheme that began during the pandemic.
The decision to increase the budget, rather than reducing the scale of the projects or dropping either of them altogether, was made by a top officer earlier this month.
A notice on the council’s website said the amount had gone up since July “because tenders have returned and are considerably more than we had estimated”.
It said: “This means we need to overwrite the previous decision and add a value of £499,524 to the initial decision
via an officer executive decision.”
Asked to comment on the huge hike in costs, transport and connectivity policy committee chairman Cllr Ed Plowden (Green, Windmill Hill) said: “Delivering pedestrianisation schemes across the city allows us to create environments where walking, cycling and wheeling is made safer and easier, air pollution from traffic is reduced and local businesses can benefit from additional space and footfall.
“We have already delivered a number of successful schemes within Bristol including the pedestrianisation of the Old City and Cotham Hill, which was completed in December 2023 with the final elements of the project in place earlier this year.
“We are in the process of acquiring additional City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to complete the Princess Victoria Street and Overton Road schemes, which are both subject to approval of their full business cases.”
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
who got involved and made the project a success- it's been a real community effort.”
The ceremony was held at Redcatch Community Gardens in Knowle, and the award, presented by Dan Norris, was accepted by LNT chief executive
Melissa, community ecologist Eric, and Lockleaze residents including Martin, Huma and her children Zainab and Tahir, all of whom have been involved in Really Wild Lockleaze. You can find out more about the Bee Bold awards at www.westofengland-ca.gov. uk/bee-bold. To get involved with the work of Really Wild Lockleaze, take a look at www. lockleazehub.org.uk/reallywild-lockleaze, or contact them directly at reallywild@ lockleazent.co.uk.
Meet
a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family
Property Trusts
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens. Will Writing
Get ready for art trail draw
IF you attended North Bristol Arts Trail in November you might be in with a chance a chance of winning an original artwork.
Each of the 50 venues had a unique stamp. These were used to stamp visitors’ Art Collector ‘Passports’.
If you filled your ‘Passport’ with eight unique venue stamps, or six small and one large stamp, and handed it in, you are in with a chance of winning one of the donations from 28 of the North Bristol Artists (NBA).
Completed passports were being accepted until 30 November at: Room 212 Glos Rd BS7 8NU, Elephant Estate Agents Glos Rd, BS7 8AL, and 34 Kersteman Road, BS6 7BX
The live prize draw will be conducted by George Ferguson, chairman of the Royal West of England Academy of Art (RWA). on Saturday December 7 at 3pm at Room 212, Gloucester Road, BS7 8AL.
]All are welcome.
Boatyard painting
ARTIST Chantal Meza was so affected by last year’s devastating fire at Underfall Yard that she is auctioning a painting to raise funds towards its recovery.
Meza, originally from Mexico but now based in Bristol, produced the artwork, entitled The burning embers of hope, at the boatyard and in her studio.
It is on display until December 8. Bids can be submitted in person at the visitor centre or via a Google form on the Underfall Yard website.
For visitors keen to find out more about the painting, Chantal will be at Underfall Yard Christmas Market on November 30 and December 1 for a ‘Meet the artist’ session.
n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES Autumn reds in leaves and bottles ...
THE vineyard has been showing some lovely autumn reds and yellows this year with the final hints of colour dropping away to leave a rather empty space for the next few months. I’ll shortly begin all the usual winter pruning tasks but have been busy collecting in all the bird fruit protection nets and mulching drier areas of the vineyard in preparation for next year. I’ve been applying lots of our home-grown, willowwindbreak wood chip to improve some areas of the soil and help the vines within them withstand any dry periods next summer. Hard to imagine that right now I know!
Some exciting news this month is that our sparkling red wine has won an award...
We entered the sparkling red into an international competition called ‘Glass of Bubbly and it has been awarded a silver medal.
These awards are well known for their unusual, non-standard categories like ‘winter warmer’, ‘classic and elegant’ with our wine achieving a silver medal in the ‘summer days’ category. As the name suggests, the ‘summer days’ category is for wines that have a fun, fruit-forward taste profile.
It's really nice to win something like this, particularly for a wine
that is a bit unusual because it gives people the confidence to give it a try. People often ask me how to serve sparkling red. The answer is that it should be chilled to open because it is under pressure and fizzy, but once open, it’s nice to experiment and let it warm up to room temperature to experience some different flavours. Sparkling reds are less acidic than sparkling white wines so tend to pair with a wider variety of foods as a result.
Please do get in touch with any Christmas orders and remember we offer free delivery with no minimum order in central Bristol and some areas of North Somerset.
George Ferguson with some of the North Bristol Artists
Travelling abroad in 2025? Get a move on with those jabs
GOING somewhere nice this year? Gap year travel, school trip, holiday, religious pilgrimage or planning a business trip?If you need travel medicines and vaccinations, whether you need them as part of your job working with animals, in healthcare, waste management and recycling, cleaning or air conditioning, did you know Bristol Travel Clinic guarantees the lowest prices, with a price match promise and award-winning service and advice available at Kellaway Pharmacy? Call us free on 0800 7723575 or come in for details.
The recommended time to seek health advice is eight weeks before your trip, but if it is late, don’t panic; contact us now.
Our Same-day / Flexible Hours and Multiple locations mean that if you need same-day, multiple doses spread over several weeks, we will make it convenient.
We are always conscious that price should not be a barrier to accessing health services.
An increasing number of people are travelling across the bridge from Wales to access our services, so Bristol Travel Clinic is a destination for affordable protection.
Travelling is a beautiful experience, but it is crucial to do so safely. Different countries may have health risks that you require vaccinations to protect yourself from, which is why our free travel health consultation is so important.
Discovering another country’s health system as a patient when you are far from home is no holidaymaker’s dream. The additional cost and anxiety can all form part of what could be an endless avoidable nightmare. Well-travelled, award-winning NHS-regulated professionals run our travel clinics. They can provide you with expert NHS advice that you can rely on through your local pharmacy.
Alongside travel vaccinations, we also offer treatment to delay menstrual periods
0117 9246579
18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, BS6 7XR
while on holiday and altitude sickness treatment.
If you are not travelling but need vaccinations to protect from chicken pox, meningitis B and any work-related vaccinations, we can help. We also offer affordable private Covid and flu vaccinations.
Do you know we assist with corporate travel needs, such as occupational vaccinations provided for TV production crews and sportspersons alongside on-site seasonal vaccinations for our corporate clients?
By using the Bristol Travel Clinic's services, you are also supporting our communityfocused work, including donations to our partner charities.
Kellaway Pharmacy is a local independent pharmacy that is part of the local NHS. We pride ourselves on always providing the best care for our community. Thank you for placing your care in our hands.
• Providing expert, friendly and dedicated care since 2002
• A welcoming and relaxing atmosphere
• Free preventative health clinics for your pet
• Modern surgical, x-ray and dentistry facilities
local and friendly veterinary practice
EARACHE
(adults and children aged 1 year & above)
SINUSITIS
(adults and children aged 12 years & above)
INFECTED INSECT BITES
(adults and children aged 1 year & above)
SORE THROAT
(adults and children aged 5 years & above)
SHINGLES
(adults aged 18 years & above)
URINARY TRACT INFECTION
(women, aged 16 to 64 years)
BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS
(children aged 30 days to 2 years)
IMPETIGO
(adults and children aged 1 year & above)
Tackling isolation
THE first recipients of community fund grants, for organisations making a difference to social isolation and loneliness in older residents in North-West Bristol, have been announced by Westbury-onTrym-based financial advisers, Harold Stephens.
The grants, aimed at helping to foster social connections and enriching lives, have been awarded to three initiatives.
The first grant was awarded to Senior Footprints Group, a weekly term-time get together at Ebenezer Church in Horfield, which is attended by around 35 – 45 people ranging in age from 60 to 96. The group is open to all - carers included - and provides a safe and accessible space for participants to enjoy talks, singing, film afternoons, meals together, quizzes and crafts.
Another recipient is the BRACE Dementia Research Charity Carol Service, taking place at 3pm on Sunday December 8 at the Trinity URC Church in Henleaze. This
will provide an opportunity for people to come together during the festive season in what can sometimes be a lonely and isolating experience. The service not only raises awareness but also provides support for BRACE, a charity working to fund research into dementia, .
The third grant has been awarded to Singing to Remember, a structured group designed around the principles of music therapy and singing which is also hosted at Trinity URC.
The group is supported by volunteers and a paid facilitator and focuses on providing a nonjudgmental, caring environment where singing has positive effects on cognition, behaviour and social interaction.
Amy Wood, of Harold Stephens, said: We’re proud to support these remarkable organisations."
The deadline for the new round of applications is December 31. Details at https:// www.haroldstephens.co.uk/ community-fund
Roessler, Frankfurt, Degussa AG - German 999.9 (24 ct) gold 'ribbon‘ Sold for £11,000
Choir marks milestone
A CHOIR celebrated its 25th anniversary with a concert to raise money for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
The Cantanti Choir marked its milestone with a performance at Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church, showcasing classical and contemporary songs with a classic twist. The concert raised more than £500 for the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), which has a local centre at Charlton Farm near Wraxall.
CHSW area fundraiser Amanda Leonard said: “A sunny Saturday afternoon was spent enjoying the music from the Cantanti choir and to be the beneficiaries of its 25th anniversary celebration fundraising was wonderful. The money raised will go directly to supporting local families at time that is more challenging than most and it will help raise a smile at Christmas.”
Rare mid 17th century English marquetry-inlaid box-top chest Sold for £3,200
Late 18th or early 19th century, Italian carved marble bust of a laughing Satyr Sold for £1,400
Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21
BOOK REVIEW
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl
by Carrie Brownstein
CARRIE Brownstein is a songwriter and guitarist in the band SlaterKinney who formed in 1994 in Seattle, USA. Carrie grew up in Redmond, in the suburbs of Seattle, the home of Microsoft. Her mother left the family home, when Carrie was fourteen, seeking a cure for an eating disorder which had reduced her weight to six stone. Her father was a corporate lawyer, who was often away from home , travelling to China, Russia and Australia for his work. At school, she was a quiet child, too nervous to speak up in class. She discovers a lifetime love for music when she sees Madonna in concert in Seattle and purchases her first guitar at the age of 15, with a school friend showing her how to play chords. She forms a band called Excuse 17 with college friends, and moves to Olympia where she finds a new family of outlaws, queers and provocative punks. She finances
her way through college with a number of low paid, unsatisfying jobs including delivering readymade meals to office parks and telemarketing. Excuse 17 play at gigs with the band Heavens to Betsy whose singer is Corin Tucker. Carrie and Corin gel immediately and they form Slater-Kinney as a side project from their respective bands. When Excuse 17 and Heavens to Betsy both disband, Carrie & Corin recruit Janet Weiss as a drummer and Slater-Kinney become a band in their own right. Carrie chronicles the hardships of their early days, when they were lucky to get paid 350 dollars a show, and would end up sleeping in strangers houses or in the van next to their equipment. At the end of each performance, the band would politely ask for a place to stay for the night, and borrow shampoo and toothpaste in the morning. The band get their big break, when they open for
Pearl Jam on their nationwide tour. They employ a new booking agent and manager and sign to a new record label, going on to enjoy success as one of the most innovative and influential bands from the USA. This is a revealing, funny, candid and intimate memoir with music providing the writer with escape from a turbulent family life and the means by which she finds her true self. It also tells the story of a lifelong friendship between Carrie and Corin which has endured for over 30 years. For this book and many more, come and visit us at 100 Gloucester Road and walk out with a library card giving you access to over two million books. You will be sure of a warm welcome at your friendly local library.
Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
by Warsan Shire
Bishopston Library opening Hours:
Monday (1pm-7pm)
Tuesday ( closed)
Wednesday (11am-5pm)
Thursday (11am-5pm)
Friday (11am-5pm)
Saturday (11am-5pm)
Sunday (closed)
n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA
Wednesday December 11
December 8th
n JOIN BRISTOL CHAMBER CHOIR, 3pm at The Lord Mayor’s Chapel for an afternoon of Christmas choral music led by conductor David Bednall. Enjoy festive hymns and immerse yourself in the enchanting harmonies. Tickets: £10 on EventBrite - book online: tinyurl. com/BCC-concert
Saturday December 14
n SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, ST. GEORGE'S, BRISTOL. 7:30pm. Conductor: David Bednall. Accompaniment: Nigel Nash & Bristol Brass Consort. Tickets£25, £18, £12 (all reserved), £5 students/under 18s. Website – www.bristolbach.org.uk A special and uplifting evening of Christmas Music with Bristol Bach Choir and Bristol Brass Consort, whose Christmas CD Festive Brass has featured on Classic FM. The repertoire will extend from the Venetian Renaissance to the present day, and in moods ranging from the contemplative to the utterly joyful. Both groups will also display their individual skills in pieces appropriate to the season and the many emotions it brings. There will be the usual opportunity for a little audience participation in carols. A collection will be made in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Wednesday December 18
n FAIRFIELD'S WINTER GALA - 6-8PM. A CEILIDH CHRISTMAS - in memory of Languages teacher Vincent Le Goascoz, will bring live performances, music & festive treats with positivity, warmth & enthusiasm. Anyone interested in running a stall should email admin@fairfield.excalibur.org. uk. We look forward to seeing you there! More info on our website: - https://tinyurl.com/ y34skney
Saturday December 7
n BRISTOL SINFONIA annual Christmas concert, 4.30pm at Trinity Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, BS9 4BT. Carols, film music, mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets available on door (£10 adult, £5 child). More information on: https://www.brunelsinfonia. org.uk/
n MELODY MAKERS CHOIR & BRISTOL GAY MEN’S CHORUS CONCERT, St Peter’s Church, Henleaze, BS9 4LD, £10 adults. £6 concessions/children. 7.30-9.10pm (doors open at 7pm). Join these two Bristol choirs coming together for the first time. Retiring collection for Penny Brohn UK. Tickets available from: https://tinyurl.com/ yc4u6pkc
Friday December 13
n WESTBURY SINGERS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT at Westbury Baptist Church, Reedley Road, at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 to include refreshments. Ticket enquiries to wotsingers@gmail. com or available on the door.
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday
n SHARED READING AT ST PAUL’S LIBRARY. Meet and connect with others Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm. St Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol BS2 8XJ. Email: support@thereader.org.uk
n REDLAND WIND BAND has vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail.com
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) 2-4pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www. goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON
AREA DISCUSSION GROUP are a merry band of retired people who meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday morning (9.45) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to join and help to solve some of today's challenging issues, contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
n BRISTOL COMMUNITY GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4 ! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com
n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. We have interesting speakers, and extra activities of crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. For more information call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
Monday and Tuesday
n PILATES classes at the Northcote Scout Hall: Mondays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Mixed ability); Tuesdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Beginners). £8.50 per class booked as a course, or £12 single sessions. Small classes, that must be booked in advance. Full details at www. mindbodypilates.org. Contact: Leanne 07817189474 / leanne@ mindbodypilates.org
Tuesday n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL LECTURE welcomes new members. Our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, take place on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information visit our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk
n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST
GALLERY CHOIR and band sing and play lively church and village music from the 18thcentury. St Edyth’s Church Hall, St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, 7.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. All voices (SATB), string, wind and reed instruments welcome. No auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony. wordpress.com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.
n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday. Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL We are a 'threshold choir' looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/ loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join/support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org
n BRISTOL A CAPPELLA: Tuesdays 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church. Bristol A Cappella is an award-winning mixed barbershop chorus of around 30 members who love to sing close harmony a cappella. Our songs are mainly from pop music, with a bit of rock and some musicals. www.bristolacappella. co.uk/ Contact: membership@ bristolacappella.co.uk
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) on Monday afternoons 2.004.00pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www. goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
Tuesday and Saturday
n BRISTOL HF RAMBLING CLUB
We are a friendly sociable club with a variety of walks. We have 2 Tuesday walks of either 8-9 miles or 5-6 miles. On Saturdays we have varying length walks including a hill walk eg Brecon Beacons once a month. If you would like more information please visit our website.
Wednesday
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@yahoo.co.uk
n HEALING SESSIONS Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Road, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively, afternoon WI in BS6. We have a varied programme to offer members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@ gmail.com.
n WELCOME WEDNESDAY Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.
n SWIFTS INCLUSIVE SPORTS swimming sessions are for adults 18+ with any disability (hoist available) on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm. £5 per session at Henbury Leisure Centre. Contact Karen Lloyd at 07734 335 878.
bishopstonvoice
n BRISTOL VOICES COMMUNITY
CHOIR welcomes new members at any time. We meet at 7.30pm in St Werburghs Primary School during term time. See www.bristolvoices. org.uk for details.
Thursday
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@bristolbach.org.uk
n HIGHBURY BADMINTON
CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING
]Looking for a new hobby? Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! Thursdays: New/ Inexperienced dancers 7–8.30pm (£4). Intermediate/Advanced dancers 7.30–10pm (£6). St Monica Trust, Oatley House Main Hall, BS9 3TN. www.rscdsbristol.info. Contact Ruth 01179683057.
n THE STEPFORD SINGERS WOMEN'S COMMUNITY
CHOIR meets at Horfield Baptist Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music! Come for a free taster session with our friendly, supportive group and learn to sing in harmony. For info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com
n HENBURY SINGERS welcomes new members at Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park BS9 1BW, 7.30 – 9.15, a warm welcome awaits you at Henbury Singers. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. www. henburysingers.org Contact the secretary at secretary@ henburysingers.org
n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278
n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Drop-in at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. NEW
TIME 3.30 to 4.45 pm. Donation basis. Supported by Healing Trust members. Contact Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo. co.uk for dates and information.
n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Horfield Baptist Church, 160a Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8NT. Everyone welcome, no audition necessary. Contact us via email on bishoproadchoir@gmail. com
Friday
n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE
Come and meet a group of friendly people and enjoy talks in Spanish, musical events and social evenings. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www. spanishcirclebristol.com/
n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB.
Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout
the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for further details.
Saturday
n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE
offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am-12pm, every second Saturday of the month (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers. Donations welcome. FFI see Facebook @seamillsrepaircafe Seasonal events
n REFUTREES
Aid Box Community is running its Refutrees Christmas sales from a new venue this year. Trees, lights and stands will be on sale at St Barts church in St Andrews Park from November 28. The shop is open 10.30am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday and 10.30am to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday until stocks run out! The address is Maurice Road, BS6 5BZ. Deliveries, which are £8, are from Nov 29 to Dec 15. www.aidboxcommunity/ refutrees or call 07735 895538. All profits go to refugees and asylum seekers in need.
Everyday life and great events in 'leafy suburb'
STOKE Bishop, Bristol’s leafy suburb is a comprehensive, fully illustrated history of a unique part of Bristol by local author Keith Sheather. It tells the area's story from pre-history to the pandemic.
Drawing on local and national archives, newspaper cuttings and personal memories, it weaves local history with national events.
Stoke Bishop has been blessed with a special landscape, encompassing the Avon Gorge, Downs and the River Trym. Only on its fourth side does it merge with other neighbourhoods. This has given it a special appeal and over the decades it has attracted the mercantile gentry of Bristol, who wanted to build great mansions and live the life of country gentlemen. Even when the professional middle classes arrived, the estate agents’ brochures could still describe ‘the country air and channel breezes’ that would be enjoyed by the newcomer.
Iron-age peoples, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Tudor lords, business magnates have all left their mark and the book delves into their political machinations and eye-raising scandals. It addresses the myths and legends that have grown up, among them the stories of Pitch and Pay and Cook’s Folly. Great events,
‘Before Christmas, 1854, we were settled in the lovely village of Stoke Bishop, three miles out of Bristol on the road to Shirehampton. We were all delighted with such a lovely country home. The hilly rambling garden contained all the known English fruits, even quinces and medlars, besides a
such as the dissolution of the monasteries, the suffragette protest and the planning for D-Day, jostle with tales of everyday life.
Keith, a former BBC producer, came to Stoke Bishop in 1973. In 1999, he co-wrote the history of St Mary Magdalene, Stoke Bishop’s church, and three years later produced a video with the BBC’s David Garmston telling the story of Stoke Bishop.
He said: “One of the drawings in the book includes a lovely description of Stoke Bishop in 1854. It was written from memory by Emily Pearman, who was a young girl at the time living with her parents in The Glen in the centre of Stoke Bishop village. The drawing she did is of the same view as the photograph and looks down on The Glen from Druid Hill. The house was demolished to make
large fish pond well stocked with fish which was formed in a low part of the garden by a stream which ran outside the other parts of the premises, and divided them from the pretty hilly field crowned with trees which lay opposite to the drawing room window. An orchard stretched up the lane which divided it from Sneed Park, where at that time Alfred and Mary Waterhouse lived with all their family except their now famous son, Alfred Waterhouse RA. the great architect’
way for a parade of shops in the 1930s.”
Stoke Bishop, Bristol’s leafy suburb is published price £15 by Stoke Bishop Local History Group and is available from sblocalhistory@gmail.com. It can also be bought fromWe Make Bristol, Westbury-on-Trym; Salvatore’s Barber Shop, Stoke Bishop Village; Max Minerva Books, Henleaze; Create Hair, Shirehampton Road; and Lifestyle Express, Stoke Lane.
Above: Ena Clarke & friend on Druid Hill looking across fields to Sunnyside C1925
Left, Christine Molan's watercolour of the Roman Quay at Sea Mills (Roman Abona)
Emily Pearman’s description of Stoke Bishop, and her drawing of the view from her home
Raising awareness and taking action
THE past month has been a time for awareness, reflection and renewal.
Remembrance Day, to remember those in the Armed Forces who have given their lives in the line of duty, has been followed by some important awareness weeks focusing on addressing harm, upholding justice, and fostering meaningful change.
Restorative Justice Week, AntiSocial Behaviour Awareness Week, and Road Safety Week all took place in the second half of November.
The first of these is an opportunity to raise awareness of restorative justice, encouraging offenders to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their behaviour, allowing them to redeem themselves and discouraging future harm.
Restorative justice offers victims an active role in the justice process, helping to alleviate feelings of anxiety and powerlessness.
I am continually inspired by stories of success, where victims engage bravely in dialogue and
offenders acknowledge their actions, fostering genuine rehabilitation and community healing.
It adds to the range of support options available for victims, so everyone can find an approach that feels right for them.
Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week is an initiative to bring communities together against behaviour that has a profoundly unsettling impact on individuals, families, and communities.
It’s an issue I frequently hear about from residents.
According to YouGov research, almost one in five people have considered moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them – and one in 10 have moved.
Despite this, over half of victims and witnesses surveyed did not report the behaviour.
One of the core commitments in my Police and Crime Plan is to address ASB through strengthened neighbourhood policing and community engagement.
I am encouraging anyone
experiencing ASB to report it, whether to local police or anonymously through Crimestoppers. When people speak up, it provides evidence of the scale and locations of ASB and is essential to providing an effective response.
Working with the neighbourhood policing teams, I’m committed to ensuring that those affected feel heard and supported, while also putting in place longterm measures to reduce ASB and strengthen community resilience.
Road Safety Week is a campaign from Brake UK, which reminds us of the impact on people’s lives behind the road accident statistics and calls for meaningful action to support road safety.
On average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 80 are seriously injured. These are not mere numbers: each represents a family forever changed by the trauma of a road accident.
I’ve invited everyone in Avon and Somerset to get involved, whether by sharing your story, joining an
With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody
event, or supporting the efforts of organisations like Resolve West and Brake.
Let us embrace these opportunities to listen, to learn, and, most importantly, to come together in making our communities safer for everyone.
My survey asking for your views on the amount you would be willing to pay through your council tax for policing is still open.
You can have your say at tinyurl. com/34cj3xzu.
I hope you all have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.
n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence
The jay - a great mimic and hoarder
THERE is in our gardens a bird as eye-catching as a Christmas card, as loud as a coopedup terrier and nearly as big as a magpie and yet they go largely un-noticed. Their varied vocalisations and shrieking call give them their scientific name of Garrulus and a harsh screech is often the first sign that a jay is about. Look up and you may see one flying over, with a slightly jerky action on distinctive rounded wings. If you’re lucky the bird will perch nearby and you can enjoy their charming pink feathers and that flash of unlikely turquoise on the wing – one of our most striking birds.
They are garrulous indeed; jays are excellent mimics incorporating many sounds from wild birds, other animals and even inanimate objects (such as telephones) into their chatter. Captive and pet birds are known to copy dogs’ barks and cats’ miaows on seeing these animals, whilst one jay uttered the “ker-wick” of a tawny owl on being woken by that nocturnal predator, when it realised that its owner was nearby. We know that some monkeys have specific warning cries for different predators – could the jay be capable of the same feat?
The jay is widespread across Europe and Asia and wherever it goes it is always
associated with oak trees and acorns. Their diet is varied, especially in spring and summer, with caterpillars (especially those that are found on oaks) being an important food for the nestlings, but when the acorns are ripe the jay gets going. They not only collect and eat acorns but also cache them, usually by burying them (often covering the hole with fallen leaves for good measure). Close observation has shown that a typical jay stores around 5,000 acorns and will travel several kilometres to reach a good hiding place
(carrying around four at a time). This is to the advantage of the acorn which is removed from its parent’s shade and neatly planted, often in an open area. Competition makes jays wary of caching when another jay is watching –dominant jays have been known to blatantly steal the stores of subordinate neighbours in full view of the victim! Like the wood mice, jays have been seen to choose hiding places near “beacons” such as a horizontal twig of contrasting colour to its surroundings. Most cached acorns are eaten, with the adults relying heavily on acorns for most of the year, but the few acorns that escape are wellplaced to grow, having been neatly planted in a suitable site. However, even these acorns have one more trial – in spring jays will rootle out the cotyledons of oak seedlings (which they can tell from the other seedlings) and eat those too. However, the seedling often survives this brutal treatment and grows on.
The rapid spread of oak forests after the last Ice Age has been attributed to the industrious jay – a beneficial circle if ever there was one and a unique relationship between a bird, a tree and a forest.
