Bishopston Voice February 2021 by Emma Cooper

bishopstonvoice

www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

February, 2021 Issue 97

FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS

We WILL have to pay for driving into city

Proud as punch!

A CLEAN Air Zone, which will mean charging motorists for entry into Bristol city centre, will be in place later this year. The government has ordered Bristol City Council to put a clean air scheme in place to reduce air pollution as quickly as possible and to the legal limits. The council had hoped road changes introduced during the pandemic to help social distancing and encourage walking and cycling would satisfy the Government that improvements in air quality were enough to avoid charges but now it has been told the zone must be introduced by October. Although controversial, it’s a measure that some campaigners in Bristol think is long overdue. Full story: Page 3

The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List hailed the outstanding community work of some of Bishopston’s residents. Awards went to world kick-boxing world champion and martial arts instructor, Sharon Gill, pictured, visual impairments campaigner DanGallimore and to two Bristol police officers. Pages 5-7

Opportunity for languages aces Three GCSE German students from Fairfield High School have won places on a Language Masterclass programme at Trinity College Cambridge. PAGE 19

The joys of double glazing! Two areas are preparing for Window Wanderland events, which they say will brighten up people's lives during lockdown. PAGES 12 & 13

School hails laptop gift An anonymous donor brought joy to Cotham School by handing over a new laptop. It followed an appeal for old devices to be converted for home learning. PAGE 16

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February, 2021

n NEWS

New move to transform transport THE West of England Combined Authority (WECA) has announced the next steps for its plan to transform the region’s transport network to meet the needs of the growing population. With 1.1 million residents, the West of England’s population is growing at a faster rate than other regions and this is putting a strain on the transport network. WECA has invested £1.5m to identify options for mass transit, a high capacity transport network that could be made up of several different types of transport. Over the next few months route options will be developed across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire that have the potential to connect the highest volumes of people, city and town centres and employment hubs. Routes will connect with existing

and planned bus and rail services bringing benefits to people across the region. West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “This is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to transform the way people travel around our region, so that people can live, get to jobs and education right across the West of England and not have to rely on cars. That will cut congestion, improve air quality and cut our carbon emissions so that as we recover from the pandemic, we build back better. “Over the next few months we will be talking to communities and businesses to make sure that our plans meet the needs of the people who live and work here in the West of England. Mass transit is part of our ambitious plans to get our region moving and deliver a better connected and greener future.” A variety of options are being

bishopstonvoice Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

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

Sue Thomas News Editor

07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Erica Benson

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

March deadline

assessed to understand which technologies might work best. Meanwhile engagement will begin with communities and businesses to make sure that a mass transit system meets current and future needs. The mass transit programme is being led by the West of England Combined Authority in partnership with Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “This exciting project will transform the transport network in the region and contribute to our plans to build back an inclusive and sustainable economy. Despite the pandemic and the changes to the way people travel, we must look ahead to tackling the challenges of air pollution, traffic congestion and climate change while planning for population

growth in the city region. “We are ambitious about delivering a world-class public transport network which will better connect people to employment opportunities as well as shopping and leisure facilities. An investment of this scale in our future will help us rebuild from the coronavirus crisis by generating jobs, developing local supply chains and a low carbon transport system.” This is the early stage of the project to understand what mass transit might look like, how much it would cost and consider what is the most appropriate mass transit technology for the region. Following this early work, a public consultation will be held in summer 2021. For more information on the mass transit project visit: https://www.westofengland-ca. gov.uk/mass-transit-project/

Useful numbers Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

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

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

Our March deadline is February 17. 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.

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.

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

bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n NEWS MOTORISTS will be charged to enter a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city centre, mayor Marvin Rees has revealed. Bristol City Council had wanted to avoid forcing drivers of polluting vehicles to pay to enter a CAZ. It hoped the road changes introduced during the pandemic to help social distancing and encourage walking and cycling would satisfy the Government that improvements in air quality over the last few months were enough to avoid charges. But Bristol’s mayor revealed during a Facebook Live on January 13 that it will have to introduce a zone covering a small area of central Bristol where older, more polluting commercial vehicles and polluting private cars would pay to drive, referred to as a ‘small CAZ D’. It was one of two options the council had been required to consult on for a Clean Air Zone, the other being a ‘medium CAZ C’ which would be a larger zone with a fee on commercial vehicles but not private cars. Whitehall has ordered the

Drivers to be charged after all authority to find the fastest way to get Bristol’s air pollution to within legal limits. A clean air scheme must be in by October. Mr Rees said that the council’s full business case would go to City Hall cabinet next month before formal submission to government. The mayor said: “We have always said a charging zone is a blunt instrument. We want to work with behaviour change. “We are concerned about the potential unintended consequences of charging on household and business income particularly at this time of financial challenge for so many. “So what we are going to do is, as well as taking action to deliver that compliance, we will be looking at how we can support people through that transition. “This will hit the pockets of households and businesses within Bristol.” Green Party candidate for

Mayor of Bristol Sandy HoreRuthven responded to the announcement, stating: “After four years of inaction that has contributed to hundreds of earlier deaths, the Mayor has finally made a decision on the Clean Air Zone. “The choice of a small area charging zone is the solution the

Green Party said was needed four years ago, and we’ve repeated those calls ever since. It looks like we’re finally there but we wait to see details of the proposals and we remain concerned that some areas may be left even longer with illegal unsafe air quality.”

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n NEWS A MAN who threatened police officers with a machete he used to rob a service station hours earlier has been jailed. On 6 September last year police were called to Copley Gardens in Bristol to a report of a man with a knife. On arrival the man – later established to be 37-year-old Darrel Curtis – initially made off from officers before brandishing the blade at them. Once in custody officers linked him to armed robberies carried out the night before and in the early hours of that day. Curtis, of no fixed address, appeared at Bristol Crown Court in early January where he was sentenced to four years and six months in prison having admitted two counts each of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and assaulting an emergency worker. At around 3.30am on 6 September Curtis used the machete to threaten an employee at a service station on Gloucester Road before stealing cash, cigarettes and alcohol.

Man jailed for armed robberies and assaulting police officers baseball cap he was wearing for a balaclava prior to entering the store. On his release from prison Curtis will be subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for the subsequent seven years which prohibits him from entering any retail premises in the BS7 postcode area. Investigating officer PC Joy Main said: “Darrel Curtis caused

both members of the public and police force to fear for their own safety when he threatened them with a machete and a screwdriver. “Curtis is well known to retailers in the Lockleaze area and I’m sure they will welcome the CBO imposed on him which will prevent him carrying out any crimes in the area for a long time to come.”

Darrel Curtis The previous day he also used a screwdriver to threaten staff at a shop on Filton Avenue before making off with cash from the till. CCTV from outside the shop captured Curtis swapping the

Can you help police burglary investigation? AVON and Somerset Police have released CCTV footage as part of an appeal for information following a burglary inRedland. Offenders forced entry into a property undergoing renovation on Redland Park at around 11.30pm on Sunday, 20 December. They stole a significant number of tools before walking off in the direction of Hampton Road. Crime scene investigators examined the scene while officers have also reviewed CCTV from the area. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police stated: “As part of our investigation we’re releasing CCTV of three men who we’d like to identify and speak to. “We’d also like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time who may have information which could help our inquiry.” If you can help, please call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5220285046. Alternatively, can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

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

February, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Martial arts expert gets British Empire Medal

SHARON Gill, a kick-boxing world champion and Martial Arts instructor, based on Gloucester Road, is being awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List because of the positive impact she has made in her field and to her community. Sharon has made significant contributions to the field of British Martial Arts on the world stage, and has made a difference to the lives of hundreds of children and adults under her supervision over the last twentyplus years. A world kickboxing champion, Sharon has been representing Great Britain in global martial arts events for over twenty years. She is a British Kung Fu Association Guardian (5th Degree Black Belt), and she is known worldwide in the kickboxing community as a woman who excels in her sport and who is famous for her generosity, fair

play and sportsmanship. “I am absolutely honoured and overwhelmed to be awarded a BEM in the 2020 Queens awards,” says Sharon. “Winning World Championships is an amazing feeling but to be awarded with this achievement is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Sharon is the co-founder and co-owner of her own business, GB Fit, a Bristol-based martial arts club that tailors its programs for people of all ages and abilities, from the Little Dragons Club (for 4-8 years old) to people past retirement age. Sharon and GB Fit also work with local primary schools, providing workshops and events that focus more on teamwork and achieving personal goals to gain selfconfidence. As well as running several classes a week from her Bishopston gym, Sharon also works tirelessly, giving up incredible amounts of her free

time to coach, unpaid, in the evenings and weekends, and to give extra training sessions and to coach her students at kickboxing tournaments around the country and abroad. Her brilliant coaching has paid off, and her students regularly win international tournaments. Among the many titles her students have won, she is coaching two current European and the current World champions. She is also a coach for Team GB, which currently receives no national funding, so she frequently fundraises in the local community to give her students the chance to compete because she believes that talent and hard work should be rewarded, and that a lack of funds shouldn’t be a barrier for her students to compete. Sharon often pays out of her own pockets for new equipment, tournament fees and travel costs for her students who cannot always afford it.

She is a fantastic motivator, and instils discipline and respect in the children she teaches. She has turned around the lives of several troubled youngsters, giving them self-confidence and an activity to put their energy into, instead of hanging out on the streets and getting into trouble.

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n NEWS

Officers awarded Queen's Police Medal TWO Avon and Somerset police officers appear in the New Year Honours list. Superintendent for Bristol Andy Bennett and Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Watson have both been awarded the Queen's Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished service and gallantry. Supt Bennett is recognised for his work tackling hate crime and bringing policing and communities closer. He said: "I am humbled to receive this award, particularly at a time when so many are working tirelessly to help others during the pandemic. I also want to recognise those members of the community who have been prepared to take a step forward, to talk to us and help to break down barriers so we can move towards our goal of truly representing the diverse citizens of Bristol." Much of Supt Bennett’s 30

years in policing has been spent in neighbourhood roles, working with the community, including a period as the neighbourhood inspector for the area including Ashley and St Paul's. Supt Bennett's current role includes responsibility for neighbourhood officers across Bristol and working with partners to keep the most vulnerable in the city safe. He's also Avon and Somerset's hate crime lead, and is dedicated to the constabulary's goal of making organisation more inclusive. ACC Watson is recognised for leading the Avon and Somerset policing response to the Covid-19 health crisis. She said: "I always wanted to make a difference and it is an honour to serve the communities of Avon and Somerset. To receive the QPM for following my vocation makes me feel extremely grateful and proud. There are many others

whose dedication and support have been key to how we have coped with policing during this pandemic, not least our communities who have given up so much to follow the regulations and guidance. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you." ACC Watson joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1987. Her career has included developing, in partnership with the Director of Public Prosecutions, a pilot programme to tackle domestic abuse. She has also worked to improve access to drug treatment for offenders as well as liaising

to improve joint working and deliver swifter justice. She's the Avon and Somerset lead for gender. This role has seen her supporting a campaign to demystify the effects of the menopause in the workplace. Her current responsibilities include overseeing the constabulary's investigations and operations and chairing the Local Resilience Forum which brings different agencies and organisations together to plan and prepare for civil contingencies and major incidents.

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February, 2021

n NEWS DANIEL Gallimore’s charity, Have Stick Will Travel, raises money to buy mainly electronic gadgets that can enhance the lives of blind and poorly sighted people. He has been awarded a Bristol Empire Medal in this year’s Honours List for services to people with visual impairments in Bristol. Dan lost his own sight when he was 21, having gone to the aid of a young man of 18 who was being attacked by three older men by a Lloyds Bank cash point in Bristol. The original victim got off lightly with just a broken nose and bruises while Daniel was in Frenchay Hospital in a coma for several months, waking up to discover he had lost his sight. Daniel’s ordeal was told in a book his mother wrote called The Wind Beneath My Wings, detailing this terrible time for him and his family. For this original act of bravery Dan received the Police Waley-Cohen award for bravery. This was followed in 1998 by the Young Achievers Award and a visit to the Palace to meet the

bishopstonvoice

Dan’s aid for people with visual impairment earns royal reward

Queen and other members of the Royal Family. He then became the first Bravery Award winner at the Pride of Britain Awards in 1999. He has been to two Palace Garden Parties. He was also awarded the Bristol Lord Mayor's Medal for his charity work,. When Dan realised how expensive the items were that

were needed to make life more normal for unsighted people he set up a charity, Have Stick Will Travel. His mother Sylvia and brother Adam are trustees and help with fundraising. Dan also gives talks on how to interact with blind people, going into schools, offices, shops, anywhere he is asked. He especially enjoys talking in schools to show children that losing your sight is not the end of the world, though it feels like it initially. He also likes youngsters to understand how a moment of madness, brought on by alcohol or drugs, can ruin a person's life, explaining how he lost his sight. For many years, the charity also organised long weekends away, combining the sighted members of the Somerville Club

in Bishopston with the poorly sighted members of Avon Sports and Leisure for the Visually Impaired. Money has been raised by raffles, dances, dinners, Elvis evenings and poetry readings. Dan has fundraised by abseiling down the Avon Gorge, off-road driving, flying a glider and scuba diving. Coronavirus has made fundraising difficult in 2020 so Dan has changed directions and now, with the help of Amazon self publishing, is publishing books to raise money for his charity. The first one came out a few months ago, titled The Penultimate Sacrifice, about recurring dreams. The second book, The Unseeing Prince: and other Fairy Tales is written by Dan and his mother.

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

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February, 2021

nN EWS FROM OUR MP

Support for Bristol’s hospitality THE UK’s hospitality industry has never had it so tough - and Bristol is more dependent on these businesses than many other parts of the country. Lively restaurants, bars, music venues make our city a great place to live – and employ a lot of people too. Throughout the crisis I’ve been in touch with businesspeople, campaign groups, Bristol City Council, government Ministers and colleagues in the Labour Party to ensure that I am doing everything I can to support businesses in the hospitality and nightlife sector. Nationally, the hospitality industry is the third largest UK employer – responsible for about 3 million jobs, generates £130 billion in activity. Managers in these businesses have told me how the move to Tier 2 meant they stocked up before the sudden move to a national lockdown a week later – resulting in a lot of wasted produce. They

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tell me new small business grants aren’t enough – I know that only a small minority of businesses will be receiving the full £9,000, and even that is lower than what was offered in March and insufficient to cover fixed costs with no income. All this should concern anyone looking forward to going out in Bristol again. Before Covid, most of these businesses were thriving. 2019 was a great year but 2020 was the worst that it has ever been. Please contact me if you run a hospitality business and think there’s anything I can do to help or want me to know about the impact of the crisis. Children without laptops risk being left behind Schools have also been in turmoil, with dedicated staff preparing during the holidays for a return to school with mass testing and then a sudden switch to national lockdown. Our wonderful teachers are making the best of online

learning but we are all concerned about children who are not able to work effectively from home. I’m doing everything I can to help children and young people get the kit and connections they need immediately. I am in regular contact with schools and some tell me that changing government rules last year left them with insufficient equipment for this lockdown. Schools are still open for some children and must be top priority for full re-opening when safe. I'll push the government to work with schools, headteachers, support staff and trade unions and consider prioritising school staff for vaccination. Vaccination – here at last! Vaccines are the way out of the crisis and now we have two in distribution, starting with the oldest and most vulnerable people and the key NHS and social care workers. I’m in regular

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AMD Solicitors WHILE most of us support a number of charities in our lifetime, it is perhaps not surprising that a smaller number choose to remember a charity in their Will. Clearly the priority for most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to beneﬁt the next generation. However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.

bishopstonvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity. Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value

it may be possible to take advantage of this tax break. If the beneﬁciaries of the estate agree, it is possible to effectively amend the terms of a Will within two years of the date of death. A ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn up which sets out the family members’ agreed arrangements

the beneﬁciaries, in order to calculate whether the 10 % test has been met. Taking specialist advice on the implications for your particular circumstances is therefore essential.

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If planning for inheritance tax is right for you our E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice Smyth of AMD Solicitors purposes. experienced specialist solicitors can help considers the tax implications when Consideration of the Inheritance dealing with the administration of an Tax liability does not end once the Telephone 0117 9621205 estate. Grant of Probate has been issued. If When applying for a Grant of further assets or liabilities come to or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com Probate, the Personal Representatives light or there is any other change in of an estate must complete and the value of the estate for Inheritance To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk submit an Inheritance Tax form giving Tax purposes, these may need details of all assets and liabilities of to be disclosed to HM Revenue an estate. This may need to include and Customs. There may also be details of lifetime gifts made by the additional reliefs to consider. deceased or any interests in trusts Inheritance Tax is not the only will be.had. However Willconsider can be when for administering the distribution of the estate, members of the Society of Trust which the deceased may have taxa to worded to provide that a gift of and the estate can then be and Estate Practitioners, the Personal Representatives have a duty an estate. If an asset is sold during 10 % of the value of your estate divided as if the Will had been leading professional body in to make full enquiries to obtain the the course of the administration of at that time is given to a charity made in these terms. A Deed of this field. We offer a free initial necessary information to or complete an estate, be a could Capital charities of your choice. there The may Variation therefore provide consultation for new clients. effecttoofdo this willGains be that theliability rate thatthe 10 %Personal of the estate is to pass the form correctly and failure Tax on For advice on administration of Inheritance Tax payable on the to a chosen charity or charities, of estates, trusts, wills, powers so may result in interest having to be Representatives. It may be that, with whole estate is reduced from 40 making the estate as a whole of attorney and all private client paid on tax paid late or even careful planning and % toin 36tax %. eligibledepending for the reduced rate of issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, penalties. on the circumstances, it is possible In same circumstances, it Inheritance Tax. Florence Pearce and the other Due to current circumstances to mitigate has been calculated that this or even eliminate this members of the team on 0117 This change in the law is reduction tax bill can serve and long delays with both HMRC andin theliability. 9621205, email probate@ clearly very good news both to leave the estate,Any even income after amdsolicitors.com or call in the Probate Registry it is even more received by the for charities, and potentially for payment of the gift to charity, at 15 The Mall Clifton, or 100 important to get things right the first asPersonal Representatives in as thewell. However some estates with a value high as if the Henleaze Road Henleaze. By Shelley the detailisof the application can time to avoid unnecessary interest or been course of the subject gift had not made. Thusadministration be complex. For example, the AMD Solicitors takes pride in penalties relating to lack of disclosure. to Income Tax and must be disclosed the gift can in some cases quite Faulkner, estate is divided into different sponsoring local, Bristol in a tax saving or maybasedprivate client matters, contact Brenda pay for to itself. Even when the literally Personal HM Revenue and‘components’ Customs by depending the thisonmay resultcharities and this year is very solicitor with avoid adverse tax consequences for Smyth or one of her colleagues at Even wherePersonal a Will hasRepresentatives. not Representatives correctly ascertain how the property will pass to pleased to be supporting the been prepared in these terms, the to person giving his orofher AMD Solicitors 100 Henleaze Road, disclose assets and liabilities in Sometimes beneficiaries mayin order the beneficiaries, Bristolup branch theright Alzheimer’s AMDandSolicitors may be possible to take to benefit the estate. Bristol BS9 4JZ, Phone 0117 962 1205, % test from Society, the local branch of this the estate, mistakes can stillitbe made, decide to vary thecalculate terms whether of the the 10 advantage of this tax break. If has beenand met. the Taking specialist national charity which works email info@amdsolicitors.com or visit For further advice on the such as not claiming all allowances distribution estate the beneficiaries of the estateof the advice on the implications for to improve the quality of life ofour website www.amdsolicitors.com WHILE and most reliefs of us support administration of estates, Wills, available to reduce tax implications this particular need to circumstances be agree, itthe is possible to effectively of your people affected by dementia in a number of charities in our LastingisPowers of Attorney andfull other amend Tax the terms of a Will within value of the estate for Inheritance considered. In some circumstances, therefore essential. Great Britain. 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July, BRENDA 2014

Advertising Feature

The gift that pays for itself

How leaving money to charity can save you Inheritance Tax

two years of the date of death. A surprising that a smaller number AMD’s team of experienced ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn choose to remember a charity in up which sets Henleaze out the familyBS9 4JZprivate client solicitors and 100 for Henleaze Road, their Will. Clearly the priority practitioners includes full members’ agreed arrangements 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to beneﬁt the next generation. However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.

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Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity. Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value

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Telephone our experts on 0117 9621205 If planning for inheritance tax is right for you our experienced specialist solicitors can help Telephone 0117 9621205 or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com

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

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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February, 2021

n NEWS

E-scooter trial expands to Bristol suburbs FOLLOWING the successful launch of the West of England Combined Authority’s e-scooter trial in October the operating area for e-scooters has been expanded in Bristol and Bath. The expansion will allow people to reach new destinations by e-scooter beyond the city centre including Bishopston, St Werburghs, St Andrews and Redland. It comes as e-scooter operator Voi announced that the Voi-4-Heroes programme is to be reintroduced during the new lockdown period. The scheme gives free rides to NHS workers, emergency service personnel and the armed forces offering an alternative way to access essential work. The 12-month trial introduced 100 rental e-scooters in central Bristol and 50 scooters in central Bath. In Bristol there have been over 50,000 rides taken by over 14,000 unique riders with over 127,000 km travelled since the launch. To service the new and those on low-incomes. To unlock an expanded areas the numbers of scooters will e-scooter, riders can download the Voi app, gradually increase to 450 in Bristol. (available on iOS and Android) must be 18 E-scooters are available to unlock for years old or over and have a valid UK driving £0.99 and cost 14p per minute. There are also licence (full or provisional). a variety of subscriptions available, as well as There is also a second scheme which is discounted passes for students, key workers, also run by Voi, where Winter Bishopton Voice ad.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2020 12:41 Page 1 people hire a scooter

A HAPPY RETIREMENT IS JUST ROUND THE CORNER

for longer periods of time and use the scooter as if it were their own vehicle. This scheme will be active from 18 January with limited numbers and will cover the entirety of the WECA area which includes all of the area covered by Bristol City Council, except again in parks and certain roads such as Motorways. Only hire scooters are legal anywhere public, and so commuting with private e-scooters isn’t allowed. The police have seized and destroyed some illegal private scooters. Richard Corbett, regional general manager of UK, Ireland and Benelux for Voi, said: “The trial has been really well received and we are delighted to be expanding our operational area to meet the growing demand for this socially distanced mode of transport. As more residents, particularly key workers, use our e-scooters to go about their daily lives, the number of short car journeys will be reduced, leading to cuts in carbon emissions and congestion and ultimately creating better cities for living." To view the expanded boundary, visit the Voi app at: www.voiscooters.com/

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February, 2021

n NEWS The Bishopston Voice area is blessed with not one, but two Window Wanderland events this winter. The Chandos Road neighbourhood kicks off the annual display of creativity in February while Bishopston residents are working on their displays for a March spectacular. It’s a fabulous free event. Join in, create a window and enjoy the spectacular sights that await you

Join in - this is going to be a glass act! SATURDAY February 20 and Sunday February 21 from 6 to 9 pm Is your lockdown life lacking a little lustre? Do you need some sparkle to light up your daily walk? Chandos Neighbourhood has just the thing for you – Window Wanderland returns on February 20 and 21 from 6 to 9pm. A fun, family friendly event, connecting our community in Covid-secure way. Local residents in this area

of Redland are encouraged to decorate their windows or gardens anyway they wish. Decorations can be very creative or delightfully simple, strings of lights or laser displays, pictures

of favourite things, dreams of exotic places, abstract designs… the only limit is imagination! To see and admire the lovely window and garden decorations around the Chandos Road area:

- check the map of participating locations on https://www. windowwanderland. com/event/chandosbristol-2021 - wrap up warm and put on your walking shoes for your exercise hour with a difference - come on your own or bring your household or ‘social bubble’ - wander freely round the Chandos neighbourhood (be sure to keep social distance!) Enjoy!

HENLEAZE INFANT SCHOOL, Park Grove, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4LG

FINANCE AND PAYROLL ADMINISTRATOR Part time, TTO plus 1 week 40 weeks per academic year - 23 hours per week

(This role requires the postholder to work 5 days per week)

Closing date for applications 10am 22nd February 2021 Henleaze Infant School is looking for a Finance and Payroll Administrator to join our busy school office. For this role we will require finance and payroll experience together with strong admin skills to provide an efficient and effective service.

For more information and application pack please contact the school via email at:

recruitment@henleaze-inf.bristol.sch.uk

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

February, 2021

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A fantastic way to brighten up our lives WITH so many of us indoors at the moment and our constitutional walk the highlight of our day, remember that Window Wanderland is just around the corner to brighten up our evening strolls and give us a creative project to sink our teeth into. Anyone can take part in the event which takes place on 5-8 March, from 6-9pm, and anything goes. The idea is to bring light, colour and stories to our windows, gardens and streets for us all to share and enjoy. Get the whole family involved or create a solo piece, use one window or all of them. Over the past six years Bishopston residents have created more than 2,000 displays for the community to enjoy, and hopefully, there will be more this year than ever. The organisers of Bishopston Window Wanderland are suggesting that you leave your displays up for longer if you can, until the clocks go forward on Sunday 28 March. That way people can spread out their wanders, and avoid crowds. One Window Wanderland contributor, Wayne Cullum, tells us how he got started. “I first came across the brilliant Window Wanderland when I lived and worked in London four years ago,” says Wayne. “I ran Crafted London which ran art workshops and a Soft Play and we were encouraged to join in by the local organiser. We were thrilled to be part of such a creative community event. We ran workshops, made large displays for the local church café

and had a great time over the weekend seeing all the brilliant windows. We continued to be heavily involved for the next few years until we left London to move to Bristol last year to begin studying to become a vicar. “I knew Window Wanderland had started in Bristol, but I didn’t know exactly whereabouts. We found a house in Ashley Down, and when we came to view it saw adverts in a local guide and on the flags on Gloucester Road advertising Bishopston as its home. I, and my family, were excited to be able to continue to stay involved as it was such a highlight of our year in London. As soon as we moved to York Avenue it became clear there was a great community on the street, and

it didn’t take much persuasion to get a cluster of houses signed up for last year’s event. As a street we decided to theme our windows to different games we had scrabble, snakes and ladders, pop-up pirates and more. “Lots of us decorated our windows with rainbows and other colourful creations during lockdown 1.0, and for the VE celebrations in June. We have also made a huge street effort to create a York Avenue Living Advent Calendar. Of the 38 houses, 24 were involved and decorated a window to create a Christmas Countdown throughout December. We were really impressed with the variety of displays and it really brightened up the street

and pulled the community together even more. You can see the outcomes here https://www.facebook.com/ yorkaveadvent2020/. “We are already looking forward to Window Wanderland 2021 - why not try and get as many people on your street involved too - the more people who get involved, the more colourful, creative and community building the event becomes. We can’t wait to see your window displays!” It’s easy to put your house on the virtual map if you want to make a display, and please make sure you do so everyone can see your hard work. Just visit the Bishopston Window Wanderland event page www. windowwanderland.com/ area/bishopston-bristol/. You can add your house any time so even if you don’t decide to do it until the last minute you can still put yourself on the map. See display ideas or find Window Wanderland on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest @windowwander. Free membership to Children's Scrapstore in the weeks leading up to the event is offered. At the time of going to press they are open for Click and Collect only. Registered Bishopston display makers will get a code for a 10% discount on any items in their Window Display section: https://shop. childrensscrapstore.co.uk/ collections/window-display Kits to make displays can also now be purchased directly from the main Window Wanderland online Shop https:// windowwanderland.square.site/

Exterminate a rubbish year ONE sight that’s well worth a visit during Window Wanderland is Dale the Dalek’s home in Thornleigh Road. Dale’s owner, Keith Walker, has been creating wacky displays for many years, collecting funds for Children’s Hospice Southwest. Keith is hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity in 2021. The theme this year is an art installation depicting the rubbish year that 2020 was! It’s a witty display of a load of old rubbish - literally! Did someone mention Trump? Come and see for yourself, press the lion’s nose to get Dale moving, and leave a donation if you can

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

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION THE community at The Dolphin School in Montpelier rallied round to make sure children did not miss out on learning during the winter lockdown. The school was quick to adapt to the return to remote learning for most of its 340 pupils from January 6, offering a mix of live and pre-recorded lessons to support the learning for pupils. However, it was aware that many families would struggle to get online, or to have enough suitable technological devices to access learning. An appeal went out to families; some parents donated old laptops and tablets to be wiped clear and handed out to those in need, while the school was also able to convert and loan out some of its own devices. Some families bought and gave new laptops and smartphones to The Dolphin School. One parent contacted the Medlock Charitable Trust, which generously donated 13 new devices and has offered to match the sum raised on the Go Fund Me page, set up by The Friends

February, 2021

Community effort to help pupils at The Dolphin School get online

of The Dolphin School with the aim of raising £5,000 to buy laptops, software and associated technology such as chargers and routers. The Friends’ online fundraiser can be found at https://gofund.me/aaa50077 and states that: “We must do all we can to try to ensure Dolphin children are being given equal

opportunities to learn and thrive.” Headteacher Shelley Flanagan said many pupils at the school in Bath Buildings, Montpelier, came from large families where, when there were only one or two laptops, older siblings had priority. It was important for the primary pupils to have access to school online, she said, not only for the lessons

but for other activities such as virtual lunches with their class teacher, exercise sessions and assemblies. “We try to provide a variety of learning activities and also to offer as much as we can of the holistic school experience for the 75 per cent of our children who are learning at home during this pandemic,” Shelley Flanagan said. “I am incredibly proud of our school community for the way they are pulling together and helping each other out at this difficult time.” Parents also appreciate the efforts of Mrs Flanagan and her team. One said: “We are so grateful for the laptop – it has made such a difference. The teachers are working amazingly hard. Although things are tough, this crisis has brought our community closer together.”

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Please contact: Email: admissions.stbonaventures@bristol-schools.uk Web: stbons.uk Phone: 0117 353 2830 All are welcome at St Bonaventure’s.

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n EDUCATION STAFF, students and alumni from UWE Bristol have been working to support Aerospace Bristol through the pandemic, to ensure future generations can enjoy the aerospace museum. The museum, based in Filton, has seen a loss of vital visitor and event income due to the pandemic, leaving the future of the museum and preservation of Bristol’s aviation heritage, in real jeopardy. Teams from across the university have collaborated to

UWE helps Aerospace museum support the museum in their plans for a safe reopening once measures are eased, providing 3D printed masks and visors for museum staff and volunteers, and supplying hand gel for visitors. Despite being closed to the public, the museum has continued to provide online educational activities and

resources. The Engineering Design and Mathematics (EDM) department at UWE Bristol has developed a range of flightthemed activities for people to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. The EDM department has also developed a suite of inspirational career films, designed to inspire

Special delivery for Cotham School COTHAM School’s appeal to raise funds to alleviate digital poverty at the school has almost reached its £22,500 target. A spokesperson stated: “Our GoFundMe page has had a staggering response and we have already been able to order 70 new Chromebooks and 20 dongles to supplement our supply of equipment to those families who need it. We continue to be truly humbled by our parents and the public’s response to our fundraising efforts.” The school’s appeal to collect disused laptops has seen 186 donations so far. One new laptop was donated to Cotham School with just a card containing a special message. It said: "Dear School Pupil, I decided to give you my new laptop for this reason. When I was young, like you, a university gave me a chance and it changed my life. Now I want to give you a chance too. "Please work hard, please aim high, don't let anyone put you off." Staff and pupils were very touched by the kind message, saying: “It did bring a tear to the eye of some of our staff.”

and encourage careers in engineering. The films are a series of interviews with staff, students and alumni from UWE Bristol, sharing stories of their experiences and insights into studying engineering at the university. The department has also developed an Aeroplane BoxEd for the education team at the museum, providing an engaging and interactive tool for use in future education sessions. Amy Seadon, Learning and Community Engagement Manager at Aerospace Bristol, said: "It has been incredibly beneficial for Aerospace Bristol to work with students, researchers and teaching staff from UWE Bristol. We'd like to say a huge thank you to UWE Bristol for all of their support throughout this challenging time. “The partnership perfectly blends the story of our aerospace history with the inspirational stories and input of the next generation of engineers.”

Life changing Get in touch with us to discover all that we can offer your child Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

February, 2021

n EDUCATION Teenager Erin Botten looks at how students are coping with a very different university experience from the one they had imagined WITH the first term drawing to a close and the second getting under way, the students of 2020-21 have gained an insight into what it means to start university during a global pandemic. Long gone is the perception that university is a place to let loose away from your parents’ gaze. Instead of living it up and balling on a budget as previous cohorts have, this year’s new arrivals were faced with a much more bitter reality. The usual challenges of navigating newfound independence as well as a new city came coupled with the immense risk of infection, forcing many to isolate alone. This time last year, thousands were applying for university. The rumours of a virus were dismissed, and students were beginning to anticipate an exciting year ahead. For me, I was looking forward to meeting new people and starting the next phase of my life. To many, university meant freedom and an independence that they'd never had before. However, upon arrival, it was realised that these freedoms would be stripped away. Instead of attending lectures in grand halls listening to new ideas, students found themselves sitting in cramped bedrooms staring at screens. The imagined array of people and partying students quickly whittled down to five flatmates and a few coloured lights - acting as the only company for the majority of the semester. And, to top it off, many universities employed security to regulate students’ activities, preventing them from entering the buildings they’d paid to be at and enforcing the government’s Covid laws. As one Cardiff student put it, “It felt like I was treated as a child instead of an adult.” This was a huge blow for new students. They were left to their own devices, expected to educate themselves, resulting in large numbers feeling overloaded and isolated. Despite these challenges, many universities have tried to emulate the uni experience with online engagements. As one Students' Union explains: “We’ve organised a Lockdown 2.0 online event schedule, including over 40

bishopstonvoice

Stuck in with five flatmates and a few coloured lights

online events. Also, we created a Lockdown Buddy Scheme to help combat loneliness and create friendships.” Support initiatives like these have gained a lot of praise from students, particularly in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and are definitely helping combat the negative side effects of attending university right now. Life is a little easier for second and final year students, it seems. Having already built up friendships in the previous years, as well as typically living off-campus, these students are far less restricted than the newcomers. Although, for them took being confined to their rooms with online learning has been hard to adjust to. Like first-years, many struggle to grasp the teaching online or feel able to ask questions. Teaching is distant and impersonal. Additionally, over Zoom, it’s harder to meet or chat with classmates, adding to the sense of isolation. This is the case for almost every university it seems, until you look at Oxford. Oxford seems to have taken a different approach to the pandemic. It’s already wellknown that Oxford recruits highly academic students and it is a privilege to go there. Yet, throughout this pandemic, Oxford students have still had access to social engagements organised and paid for by the University that other universities cannot afford. Talking to a final year student, she revealed: “I haven’t been able to see my whole friendship group, apart from at formals.” In addition to these outdoor formals that Oxford has hosted, the university

paid for mixers with pizza provided for student households - a stark contrast to Manchester’s university experience. There, students found themselves caged in their accommodation unexpectedly, inevitably leading to student protests about the conditions. Overall, this year more than any has made students question the

£9,250 a year price tag that comes with attending university, along with the hefty accommodation fees. Universities are currently still in dispute over how much of these fees should be refunded, which has only added to the stress of students’ families. Knowing that you’re paying thousands for a partly self-taught degree whilst reaping few of the social benefits has been frustrating. Those, like me, who deferred cling to the hope that the freedoms of the past will return in time for September, dreading the conditions that this year's cohort faced. However, as the vaccine rollouts commence, there’s still time to regain the university life that so many had hoped for. Until normality begins to resurface, it’s up to students to adapt to the new digital university experience.

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

bishopstonvoice

BRISTOL STEINER SCHOOL Independent Day School for Boys and Girls

Where education is a journey, not a race

Personalised Tours Contact Reception to book a personalised tour 0117 933 9990 reception@bristolsteinerschool.org | www.bristolsteinerschool.org

February, 2021

n EDUCATION

Youth teams offer free support for vulnerable WITH schools shut and opportunities to socialise minimised, the mental health and wellbeing of young people is suffering. The good news is that youth workers at Creative Youth Network and their partners in Bristol and South Gloucestershire continue to provide essential support for children and young people, and particularly the most vulnerable. Sandy Hore Ruthven, chief executive of Creative Youth Network, says: “At this difficult time it’s crucial that our youth workers are continuing to offer one to one support and small group work for 11-19 year olds online and face-to-face. We cannot leave young people to fall through the net, and this generation is facing an unprecedented crisis.” Kate Gough, head of Bristol youth services for Creative Youth Network, advises those who are concerned to get in touch: “Parents and teachers know best who the young people who need support are. Our doors are open, and we are urging you to refer young people to get the support they need from youth workers. We will work with families to identify the best way to help each individual young person, whether online, over the phone or face to face. “We provide information on spotting the signs that a young person could benefit from a youth worker, so we ask you to get in touch with us as soon as you can. “We urge you to think of the young people in your life who are isolated, who are showing mental health concerns, who need guidance to make healthy life choices, or who are facing difficulty with unemployment. We are here for them.” You can refer a young person to Creative Youth Network online or on 0117 947 7948.

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

February, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Fairfield students win language programme places

GERMAN GCSE Year 11 students from Fairfield High School (FHS) have secured a place on the Trinity College Cambridge Language Masterclass programme. Students Morien, Alice and Camilla (pictured from left to right) will take part in the programme which involves monthly virtual sessions to hear from, and engage with, inspirational speakers from countries around the world to provide an insight into different languages and cultures. The aim not only is to educate the young people, but to broaden their horizons by gaining a deeper understanding of how billions of people across the globe live their lives. The latest speaker was a professor from Japan who gave an overview of the Japanese language and its history. The live interactive session invited students to pose their own questions and take part in a quiz. All three students expressed their surprise at being accepted onto the programme and recognised the privileges this brings. Morien comments: “This programme has helped me to understand the world better and connect with different cultures.” Alice adds: “This is great for later on in life when we’re older and want to live

in another country, such as Germany. It’s opening up lots of opportunities for us.” Camilla states: “I really like the way languages, and in particular German, is taught at Fairfield. I like the fact that this has

led to other doors being opened up for us. We feel very lucky.” FHS would like to thank Trinity College Cambridge for this excellent opportunity and our students for so willingly sharing it.

THINKING ABOUT A RECEPTION PLACE IN SEPTEMBER 2021? View our Virtual Open Event to discover what Colston’s can offer your child

Visit www.colstons.org/visiting-colstons To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

2021

New Beginnings at Cliion High

Our Head of School, Mr Maahew Bennee, is pleased to share the following exciing new developments for Cliion High School in 2021... • Now acceppng 15 free hours in our Nursery Pre-School and Receppon •

• Brand new locaaon and faciliies for Receppon now open • • Junior School STEM Lab and new IT faciliies opening Summer 2021 • • iPads for all Year 7 pupils from September 2021 • Sports Science Lab now open • •Ab brand new, Sixth Form Centre on Cliion Park, opening September 2021 •

There is no beeer me to start your ‘New Beginning’ at Cliion High School Contact us today for more informaaon or to book a virtual private tour: wwww.cliionhigh.co.uk | admissions@cliionhigh.co.uk | 0117 933 9087

bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n NEWS

Floodlights installed at Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club THANKS to a generous grant from Sport England, Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club has installed floodlights on the bowling green to further enhance the facilities available to members and the wider community. In the world of lawn bowls, Bristol St Andrews were faced with a greatly restricted season in 2020. Club members spent the summer playing interClub Competitions rather than the usual packed schedule of friendlies, league matches and touring sides. However, with an eye firmly on the future, the Club has been working hard over the winter to prepare for the new playing season and hope

to resume playing and social activities in April. The installation of floodlights will extend the health and welfare benefits of bowling to more people, and players will be able to play a bit later in the evenings when the nights start to draw in. John Pearce, chairman of Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club, says: “At a time when sadly many of Bristol’s bowls clubs are earmarked by the Council for closure, our club continues to thrive. The number of women players has grown, and this year we will be entering womens’ league matches for the first time in over 12 years. Following our successful Open Day in the

summer – which attracted over 100 visitors to the Club - we also hope to start junior sessions. This will all be alongside our usual full programme of men’s and mixed matches in the friendlies, Bristol and Gloucester Leagues. “The installation of

floodlights puts Bristol St Andrews at the top of the league for club facilities, and we are launching a five-week Floodlit League this September. A big thank you to Sport England and our hard-working members for making this happen.”

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

bishopstonvoice

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Bishopston this month... Coronavirus advice For Coronavirus advice, we encourage everyone to regularly visit bristol.gov.uk/coronavirus, where you can find information about what you can and can’t do, how to get tested and what council services are affected. Whilst rollout of the vaccines is very good news, please still follow the rules, such as continuing to follow social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing hands, using the NHS app, and taking part in the test and trace programme if necessary. If you need help or advice then contact the Council’s team on coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk or 0800 694 0184. Deaf BSL users can contact the phone line through a BSL Interpreter using SignVideo. E-Scooter trial The trial of hireable e-scooters that has been taking place in central Bristol has been extended to include our area. The scheme,

from company Voi, involves electric scooters that users can hire for a £1 fixed fee + 20p per minute. The scooters can be used in a wide area covering central Bristol and are envisaged as a new, low-carbon way of getting around. To ensure safety the scooters are limited to 10mph, and all users must have a driving licence. The scooters should only be driven where bicycles can go, so not on the pavement. Also like bicycles, wearing a helmet is optional but strongly encouraged. The scooters are dockless, which means they can be left at convenient locations on the pavement. However they should not be obstructive, and Voi’s team travels the city daily to ensure this. Issues with bad parking can be reported here: voiscooters.com/ report/uk/ We would be interested in hearing from residents about their views on the trial. Are the scooters

February, 2021

being driven responsibly? Are they being left in appropriate locations? Are they in convenient places when you need them? We will feed your views back to the Metro Mayor, who is leading on the trial. Finally please note – all other e-scooters remain illegal for use on both pavements and roads. If caught using a non-Voi scooter the scooter may be confiscated and ultimately destroyed, with penalties for the rider. Parks In the current lockdown, parks should only be used for exercise once a day, and your nearest park should be used. Major parks such as Ashton Court, Blaise Castle and Oldbury Court are becoming very busy at peak times. Please act responsibly and use your local park for your daily exercise. Vaccination scams Be on your guard for scams linked to the Coronavirus vaccination. Bogus text messages are in circulation, which claim to be from the NHS, that tell people they are eligible for the vaccine and then ask them to provide payment

details. Please be aware that the NHS would never ask anyone for their bank details. Look out for spelling and grammar errors, convincing looking but inauthentic websites/messages, and messages asking you to provide bank details. Trust your instinct – if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. Volunteer with Can Do Bristol Bristol City Council is working with community organisations to match volunteers to citizens needing a range of help from befriending to shopping to dog walking and more. Whilst the volunteering response from the people of Bristol during the pandemic has been phenomenal, volunteers are still wanted. Find out more and sign up here: candobristol.co.uk/activity/ c19-winter Please get in touch if you have any questions: Tom Brook – Cllr.Tom.Brook@ bristol.gov.uk / 07584 370 425 Eleanor Combley – Cllr.Eleanor. Combley@bristol.gov.uk / 07584 370 427

In Cotham this month... What does a local councillor do especially during the lockdown? Well, I try to keep business going as much as usual. This week I’ve asked questions to the mayor, local and city-focused, and presented my motion to Council about setting up a one-stop energy-efficiency centre for technical and financial advice to every household in the city. I chair the Communities Scrutiny Commission so I’m securing all the information needed to scrutinise and advise on the council’s performance. The February meeting will include major items on recycling and the future of our parks. There’s much casework - people needing help and guidance (last week was especially successful). I rely on local residents reporting issues to me to fix with bins, lights, HMOs and planning issues, gullies and the rest. I’m working on more initiatives with the universities and customised waste solutions alongside the gull sacks trialling in Chandos Road, where our team is consulting residents about this street’s future. I walk round a different part of our ward every day, replacing door-knocking with telephoning and my delivered Focus newsletter with electronic messaging. Meetings are all via screens, with good and bad points. The IT situation at BCC remains challenging for councillors as well as citizens, particularly with complaints so I‘m grappling with that too. For added fun, I also chair the Bristol Buildings Preservation Trust that is working up a large scheme to re-create Bristol’s story from its beginnings to near end around what is now Castle Park.

Take care of yourselves and protect others. Anthony Negus cllr.anthony.negus@bristol.gov.uk 07833 484344 Valuing local and documenting place Through this extended on and off period of lockdown I have, apart from communicating via email on various bits of case work and queries, felt a little disconnected. Now that I’m more confident in understanding all the shifts in Covid safety advice, I have been taking regular ward walks which I have really valued and enjoyed. I live just in the next ward of Ashley so it has been great exercise and a perfect opportunity to check in on things. Although just outside the ward boundaries, the Cotham Hill consultation focusing on ‘liveable neighbourhoods’ is soon to close as I write this and with a clear shift forced in part by circumstances, more than ever we are noticing what we have in our immediate vicinity, what changes we might need and what we would never want to see gone. What we appreciate in our locations can be anything from some of the best eateries in the city on Chandos Road, Cotham Gardens park (much of which remains temporarily fenced off), a favourite tree, bench or even, as seen on my last walk, the bright and unusual organgeness of a lamp post light! Sometimes it’s only through the threat of losing something that we are able to realise what we have and what we hold dear (the lamppost is not under threat, can you tell where in the ward this photo was taken)? I’m joining other photographers including Colin Moody, author of The Great Bristol High Street,

to document different aspects of the city and I encourage you to join in too. Take a picture of something in Cotham and upload to Instagram using the hashtag #LoseItBristol. Cleo Lake 07584 480531 cllr.cleo.lake@bristol.gov.uk

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

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February, 2021

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Redland this month... Fit to play on the Green We’re not happy with the state of the access to the Redland Green play area. Parks and play spaces like this are more important than ever but suffering in the heavy use and adverse weather. The worst conditions are sadly just outside the gate of the play park. Fi and Martin have met with officers to look at this and a number of drainage issues on Redland Green, especially looking for solutions to the path just outside the play area. It's not just muddy and messy but in icy weather it could turn dangerous. We’re also raising some maintenance issues to try and keep the facilities in good condition. We’re pleased that the council promptly dealt with a large area of graffiti once it was reported. Will you get to vote? You may be aware that the delayed

local elections are due to take place in May. That means both last year’s ward and city Mayor election are due but also the regional West of England metro Mayor, plus the Police and Crime Commissioner. Whilst there are rumours as we write that they will be delayed still further, now is a good time to consider applying for a postal vote so that you can take part. Airport expansion challenged Greens in Bristol managed to get a motion passed which finally ensured a vote confirming that the Council expressed its opposition to Bristol Airport’s expansion. The Mayor has previously publicised his support for expansion. The statement points out increasing airport capacity is incompatible with tackling the climate emergency. Whilst the airport’s application to expand was rejected by

planners, the airport is now appealing that decision. Were it to go ahead, this would mean an extra 1 million tonnes of carbon being produced every year, and thousands more flights being marketed. At a time of climate breakdown this simply doesn't make sense. We are also seeking to get the regional authority WECA to reflect the opposition of two of its three councils to the same development and end its support. We'll keep you posted on any updates. Your City, Our Future - Citizens' Assembly Following a motion proposed by Green Councillor Paula O’Rourke last January, the Council is now holding a Citizens’ Assembly in January, February and March to talk about how we recover from Covid-19 and create a better future for all in Bristol.

Invitations to join the Assembly were sent randomly across the city by an independent partner and residents who received a letter were invited to put in an expression of interest. Panel members should provide a representative cross section of people in the city and help broaden participation in decision Repairs completed It’s hard to believe, but the wall adjoining the Spire hospital on Redland Hill has finally been repaired, three years after the lorry collision. We now have the luxury of two pavements again. Another crumbling road junction, where Berkeley Rd meets Sommerville Rd, has been resurfaced. Do keep reporting potholes elsewhere to keep our roads fit for use. Martin Fodor & Fi Hance 0117 352 6156

details. All those who are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to be vaccinated. Council meetings BCC are still conducting official meetings via videoconferencing, and you can watch these live on their official Youtube channel (bit. ly/35HSFOQ). To find out when meetings are happening visit bristol.gov.uk/council-meetings. Members of the public can still submit questions and statements to meetings by emailing Democratic Services (democratic. services@bristol.gov.uk). Help and support available We know this is a difficult time for many people. Support is available

through the We Are Bristol free helpline on 0800 694 0184, open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am- 2pm. A 24/7 helpline is also available for people in Bristol to get immediate emotional and practical mental health support, on 0800 012 6549.

In St Andrews this month... Overton Road consultation During the summer, Bristol City Council responded to the Covid-19 crisis by providing more space for walking and cycling on certain community roads to support social distancing. This included using temporary barriers to widen pavements and provide bike lanes. The council has now secured further funding to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists while public transport capacity is reduced. As a result, they are now looking for suggestions on how they can change a number of busy neighbourhood roads and high streets around the city, including Overton Road (the section between Gloucester Road and North Road). The Council are asking businesses, residents and anyone who enjoys Overton Road to make suggestions on how to make walking and cycling easier and how to improve the general street environment. To complete the consultation visit bristol.gov. uk/overtonroad by 7 February. One possible change that is being considered is closing the road to motorised through-traffic at the Gloucester Road end while maintaining access for parking, residents and deliveries. This would be implemented temporarily initially with the intention of making it permanent if it’s successful. Any permanent change

would be subject to further public consultation. Friends of St Andrews Park fundraiser Friends of St Andrews Park are aiming to raise money for new play equipment in the play area. To contribute visit www. gofundme.com/f/st-andrews-parkplayground-replacement Bristol Citizen’s Assembly Bristol’s first citizen’s assembly, which will see a group of residents help shape the city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, took place on 16 January. The assembly is being created as a response to the city-wide conversation ‘Your City Our Future’ that took place last year, where more than 6,500 citizens gave their views on the future of the city. Further information about Bristol’s Citizens’ Assembly can be found on bristol. citizenspace.com/ycof/ Beware of vaccination scam text messages Health leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are warning people to be on their guard for scams linked to the Covid-19 vaccination. Bogus text messages are in circulation, which claim to be from the NHS that tell people they have been identified as eligible for the vaccine and then ask them to provide payment details. Please be aware that the NHS would never ask anyone for their bank

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

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bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Plans to convert former Rovers fan pub into flats A PLANNING application has been lodged to convert The Queen Victoria pub at 426 Gloucester Road into a four bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The pub was a regular haunt for Bristol Rovers fans, before and after matches at the club’s stadium nearby. When the tenants left the pub in 2017 it was purchased by the Motor Fuel Group, who also own the Shell garage next door. Property and construction consultancy Ingleton Wood, writing to the council on behalf of applicants Motor Fuel Group, state that the building is no longer viable as a pub. Planning application 20/04840/F details a change of use of the former public house (Class Sui Generis) to a small four bedroom HMO (Class C4), including partial demolition of the flat roofed structure at the rear of the building for the creation of courtyard amenity area. Comments are ongoing. The determination deadline is Wednesday 27 January. Picture: Google Maps

February, 2021

When will we learn SIX years ago, Bristol city chiefs were pinning their hopes on a new council-owned energy firm to lift residents out of fuel poverty and, eventually, turn a profit for the local authority. Fast forward to today, and Bristol Energy has accumulated debt of nearly £50 million and been broken up and sold. Now taxpayers want to know exactly how much of their money was lost in the ill-fated venture and who is to blame. Bristol Energy was set up in 2015 by the council’s previous cross-party cabinet under then mayor George Ferguson, and millions more has been poured in during the intervening five years by the Labour administration, headed by mayor Marvin Rees. The original business plan committed the council to spend around £16 million, and the current administration raised the spending cap to £37.7 million,

and set aside an extra £7.3 million in risk reserves, in April 2019. The firm’s final annual report released on January 10 showed it lost £14.8 million in 2019/20. That followed escalating losses each year since it was set up, of £2.9million in 2015/16, £8.4million in 2016/17, £11.2million in 2017/18 and £12.1million in 2018/19, records at Companies House show. Last year, as the council announced it was selling Bristol Energy for £15.3million, deputy mayor Craig Cheney said the council had ploughed “£36.5million or so” into the company altogether. But Lib Dem councillor Tim Kent, who has become enraged by the administration’s refusal to “come clean” on the exact amount spent, said he expects the final sum will be more like £50 million. He and other councillors on

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February, 2021

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why Bristol Energy failed? the opposition benches, who have been warning about the company for years, are pinning their hopes on an independent report to reveal the extent of the financial losses and, crucially, why the council continued to invest in Bristol Energy when those losses were escalating. Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze Conservative councillor Geoff Gollop said: “I feel an enormous sense of frustration at Bristol Energy losing almost £50m of taxpayers’ money that could have been spent on public services here in Bristol. “Over the last three years, I have repeatedly warned the Mayor of the risks of continuing to fund this failing company and I have been ignored on each occasion. The council’s auditors have now publicly criticised the way cabinet decisions were taken about the company. Sadly this is too late to stop this huge loss, but maybe it will stop such

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stupidity in the future.” It’s not just opposition councillors who are hoping for answers. Announcing last month that the council had asked its external auditor, Grant Thornton, to undertake a “public interest report” into the company, Bristol’s Labour mayor warned that such a report would investigate from the “very beginnings of this journey” and include “how did we end up inheriting the mess?” Grant Thornton says it has not yet decided whether it will undertake a public interest report into Bristol Energy which would assess the council’s involvement in the company from inception to sale. But in its value-for-money report on the financial year 2019-20, it criticises the governance arrangements for the failed energy company. It concludes the cabinet was

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not properly informed before it invested extra money into Bristol Energy. Information the cabinet received from the shareholder group was “inadequate”, “did not clearly state the risks”, and was “out of date”. The auditor made 12 recommendations relating

to governance, openness and scrutiny in relation to the council’s companies. Mr Rees said: “This report shows exactly why Bristol should never have been operating in the commercial energy market.”

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February, 2021

n VET'S ADVICE

The top benefits of pets WE are all under more stress and living in difficult times at the moment. Those of us fortunate to have a pet companion have the benefit of a stress busting friend living with us who we can turn to for comfort at any time. At times of stress and uncertainty many pet owners

feel intuitively that they are given strength from their pet. This now has scientific backing to prove that our pets give us great benefits. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) in the USA has plenty of evidence to show how we are helped. They list the top five benefits of owning a

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pet: 1. Pets alleviate stress. Pet owners have been shown to have significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure in response to stress and have a faster return to the normal base line after the cessation of stress. The majority of pet owners believe that owning a pet helps them to reduce their stress, they provide companionship, a connection to other people and a reason to exercise. 2. Pets help us to fight depression. By providing a distraction from typical symptoms of depression and encouraging activity, pets have been shown to help sufferers cope with depression and other long term mental illnesses. 3. Pets reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness. In studies pet owning was shown to reduce loneliness and the human pet interaction helps to address social isolation. Pets help to develop routines that provide emotional and social support. In the elderly these benefits can also increase resilience against mental health disorders. 4. Pets improve physical fitness and encourage activity. Research shows that owning a dog can lead to lower rates of obesity and increased weekly exercise. Dog walking accounts for a significant increase in walking activity and physical activity compared with non dog owners. 5. Pets can facilitate healing and resilience. Studies have shown an association between pet ownership and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and heart related health issues. Dog

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February, 2021

n NEWS

Cycle challenge celebrates Dambuster Johnny

A CYCLE challenge has been launched to celebrate the centenary of Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson DFM. Johnny, 99, is the last surviving original member of Operation Chastise, also known as the Dambusters raid of 1943. The Dambusters Ride, due to take place on 15 May 2021, has been created by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, to celebrate Johnny’s 100th year. The Dambusters were members of the RAF's 617 Squadron who were specially assembled in March 1943 to bomb three dams in Germany's Ruhr Valley. The raid, on the night of May 16/17, involved 133 aircrew flying 19 specially adapted Lancaster bombers. Johnny, who lives in Westbury-on-Trym, has given his support to the ride. He said: “I am grateful to have never needed the support of the RAF Benevolent Fund but nonetheless I have always known they are there for those less fortunate than I. I was honoured to hear The Dambusters Ride would be launched on my birthday in November – what a birthday surprise! “Not only will this event raise vital funds to support RAF personnel, past and present, it will also pay tribute to the brave men of Bomber Command who made the

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ultimate sacrifice on the Dambusters raid and throughout the Second World War. Their loss must never be forgotten and it is my hope through this event, a new generation will learn about the cost of the freedom they enjoy today. “The RAF Benevolent Fund does incredible work supporting RAF veterans and serving personnel and I would like to thank anyone who signs up for this cycle ride.” Fundraisers can take part in either a 100-mile or 56-mile bike ride starting and finishing at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, the home of 617 Squadron. The route will also cover RAF Scampton; RAF College Cranwell; and Highfields School in Newark where Johnny was a teacher after leaving the RAF. Participants can also choose to take part in the Dambusters Ride virtually, registering to complete the 100-mile or 56-mile challenge elsewhere in the country over the 15 and 16 May 2021. Chris Elliot, controller at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Johnny showed true heroism in his time with 617 Squadron, so what better way to honour his centenary than by launching a new fundraising challenge that will help support other RAF veterans and personnel?

“Operation Chastise was an important part of the RAF’s history, so in addition to raising much-needed funds, I hope the Dambusters Ride encourages younger generations to learn more about 617 Squadron and their brave sacrifice all those years ago.” Over the course of 2020, the RAF Benevolent Fund has launched a range of welfare initiatives to support personnel and their families throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. It has introduced a 24hour emotional support helpline and created an online mental wellbeing zone, as well as offering Headspace memberships to partners of serving personnel. The Fund has also offered a grant of £2,500 to each RAF station to provide an activity and wellbeing pack for RAF children and launched Airplay Connect, an online version of its youth support service.

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February, 2021

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

We’re closer to beating the virus, so please don’t flout the lockdown

HORTLY after the New Year, we all received the news we would be entering a third national lockdown. Although unsurprising, I know it was not how we wanted to enter 2021 but, as I’m sure you will agree, the restrictions were and continue to be needed to avoid further harm in our community. With cases rising to new heights, I welcome the Government’s decision to implement this lockdown to slow the transmission and ensure the NHS can cope. I urge you all to continue to stay at home to protect yourself and your loved ones from this fatal virus. For those of you who might be frustrated with another lockdown and are tempted to flout the rules, please don’t. We

all know how lockdown works, and irresponsible and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated. Avon and Somerset Police and their dedicated COVID-19 team have my full support in responding to breaches of the emergency regulations by engaging, explaining, encouraging and enforcing the law. We might feel disheartened at the current situation but it is only temporary. With every vaccine administered, we are changing the odds against the virus and are one step closer to beating it. For this reason, please be responsible during the winter months and follow regulations. For some of you, I know, home is not always a safe place, and as a community we all have a part to play in ensuring our

family, friends and neighbours are supported during these difficult times. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, please remember that lockdown and isolation rules do not apply. If you need to leave your home because you are worried about your safety, you can. You are not – and never will be – alone. Young people continue to be further impacted by the pandemic and are now not able to attend school or college. Alongside the difficulties of home learning, young people are more at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation online, and also might be vulnerable to abuse at home. It is our duty to look out for our children and young adults; they might not always recognise the signs of

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens abuse or feel like they can speak up about it – we need to be their voice and offer them much-needed support. If you are ever concerned for your safety or safety of someone you know, the police and support services are there to help. Please remember you never need to suffer in silence.

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February, 2021

n HOME IMPROVEMENT

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

Adapting your bathroom can increase independence UNFORTUNATELY, as people age, most houses become increasingly difficult to live independently. The thought of moving house is not surprisingly very unappealing to most older people, many of whom have lived in their home for several decades. Children were raised in these homes, memories created. This is where home adaptations can help. Through a few relatively simple changes, homes can be made liveable in again and independence restored to the homeowner, giving a new lease of life not only to the property but also the person or people living there. There have even been studies that have shown how minor adaptations like accessible bathrooms not only help people stay in their homes, but they prevent falls and injuries, improving everyday activities and mental health. How a bathroom adaptation helped Margaret We help hundreds of people every year to carry on living at home through a few small adaptations. One of these people is Margaret. Margaret had been living in respite care for nearly 5 months following a fall where she broke her arm. Her daughter, Sue, contacted us as she wanted to help her mum to get home and back to the independent living she was used to, but was concerned about her safety. She had previously had a couple of falls and had now been told that she would not get full movement back in her arm. After an initial phone call we started with an assessment by our in-house occupational therapist

(OT), Maria, who visited them both at Margaret’s flat. Maria spent time talking to both Margaret and Sue and looking around the home to best understand Margaret’s needs and wishes. “I was a bit nervous and was expecting the occupational therapist to be a bit bossy to be honest!” Margaret said. “But by the end of the visit I felt like I had made a new friend in Maria. She was very reassuring.” After Maria’s visit, our technical officer, Chris C, and builder, Chris D, visited to provide a quote for adapting the bathroom to meet Margaret’s personal needs. Margaret had a level access shower installed with a free-standing chair. “I was impressed by how tidy and considerate the builder was.” Margaret commented. “I really think the new shower is fantastic. It’s such a help. And it was all so quick!” Sue added, “It’s a weight off my mind to know

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n MAYOR'S VIEW

Vaccinating Bristol

his time last year, we were starting to see the first cases in England of a virus that would transform how we live, work, and connect with one another. As the threat that Covid-19 posed to human life became clear, our communities mobilised to protect those most at risk and help people through the restrictions and lockdowns that were needed to get the virus under control. Alongside this, scientists and clinicians – including many at our city’s universities – got to work to try and understand the virus better, and ultimately work out how to stop it. Hope for the success of those efforts has sustained many of us over the last twelve months. And though we are once again experiencing a national lockdown to try and dampen down the spread of the virus, that hope is being realised through the approval and distribution of three different vaccines that can protect those who are most vulnerable to Covid-19 and grant them protection from this disease. As with so many aspects of Bristol’s response to coronavirus, I am humbled by the sheer scale of logistical effort and community mobilisation to roll out the vaccine across our city. From our hospitals and GP surgeries, contacting local residents who are at the top

of the priority groups, to the large vaccination centre at Ashton Gate – one of seven which opened across the country in January. As I write, over 3.3 million people in England have received the first dose of a vaccine, including almost a quarter of a million in our region. I pay tribute to the NHS staff, volunteers and city partners who have helped so many Bristolians get access to this vaccine, giving vital protection to some of those who are most vulnerable and exposed to Covid-19. The vaccine is being rolled out in stages, with those over 80 and front-line health and care staff among the first to receive the vaccine. While I understand that people will be keen to get themselves and their loved ones protected, the NHS have asked us all to be patient as it will still take some time before everyone gets an appointment. Please let the NHS concentrate on the huge task at hand, and don’t contact them to find out when you will be getting a vaccination. Be assured that you will be contacted when it is your turn. Sadly, we have received reports of scams in circulation. Bogus text messages are in circulation that claim to be from the NHS, telling people they are eligible for the vaccine and asking people to provide payment details

The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Bishopston Voice

to prove their eligibility. The NHS will never ask anyone for their bank details. Please be alert to scams like this, and speak to your family and friends if you’ve received anything you’re not sure about. In the meantime, it is vital that we all stick to the rules. By staying at home as asked, washing our hands, wearing face coverings and keeping distance from one another, we can save lives, protect the NHS, and ensure many more people are able to get the vaccine so that life can begin to return to normal.

n NEWS

Exposure to green spaces helps curb anxiety, study finds RESEARCHERS from UWE Bristol have found evidence that exposure to green spaces and nature can benefit the mental health of young people. They reviewed a range of scientific studies and spoke to young people with experiences of anxiety and depression to explore the role that green spaces have in preventing anxiety and depression among people aged 14-24 living in urban settings. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust as part of its Mental Health Programme and Active Ingredients Commission, suggested that being in green spaces created ‘effortless mindfulness’; allowing young people to have a break from the distractions of modern life, such as noise, traffic and social media which are known to increase feelings of anger and anxiety. This is believed to have a similar effect to practising yoga, bringing calm and relaxation that can help deal with stress and increase resilience.

It is estimated that one in five young adults in the UK has symptoms of depression or anxiety while depression is the fourth most common cause of illness and disability in 15 to 19-year-olds worldwide. Researchers found that stress and anxiety levels among young people are reduced by between 14% to 19% after a 15-minute walk in an urban park compared with a street with traffic. While time spent in urban green spaces were found to be beneficial, the study found that the positive impact on wellbeing was greater and longer-lasting when time was spent in larger green spaces

outside of cities, such as forests and woodland. For example, a 15-minute walk in a forest was found to reduce anxiety by 23% to 31% compared to a street with traffic. As well as providing time away from the pressures of everyday life and an opportunity to engage with and appreciate nature, green spaces also enable social interaction and encourage physical activity which are both known to prevent depression. Despite the numerous benefits, the study found a tendency for young people to underestimate the mental health

benefits of their local green spaces which means many do not engage in behaviours that could improve their mood and wellbeing. UWE Bristol researcher, Dr Issy Bray, said: ‘‘The mental health of young people is a serious concern, especially as we face another national lockdown. The 14-24 age group which we focused on in this study is particularly important as it is a formative period which spans both childhood and adulthood and is when many mental health conditions begin. The findings will be useful in supporting young people to look after and improve their mental health; encouraging more people to utilise their local green spaces especially during this difficult winter period. The findings also provide increasing evidence of the benefits of green spaces, helping communities and local authorities to promote and protect their local parks and natural areas.’’

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

February, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

n WHAT'S ON n ONLINE YOGA with Selina Ratcliffe. Practice yoga with me from the comfort of your own home. All welcome from beginners to more experienced. Class prices start from £5. I've been running popular daily online classes since March. If interested to learn more go to: www. selinaratcliffe.com via Contact Me page. n Bishop Road Community Choir are meeting online Thursday evenings via Zoom at 8pm for an hour. If anyone is interested they should contact us via bishoproadchoir@gmail.com and I will send them a link. n The Arts Society Bristol Would you like to join us for lectures on a wide range of arts related subjects, given by specialists in their own field? These are currently being delivered online and we would welcome new members. "David Lean's art of cinema" lecture on February 9 and "Giotto's Scrovegni chapel" lecture February 16. For more information visit our website www.theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

Glass smashed in play park GLASS was smashed over play equipment in Cotham Gardens Play Park on January 15. Visitors to the park, which has been closed for months for refurbishment and has only just reopened, were shocked to see a substantial amount of glass in the bark area and around the sandpit. Local residents helped with the community effort to clear up the glass quickly and put up warning signs. The matter has been referred to the police as it has also occurred at two other play parks in the past two months.

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n NEWS

Family appeals for information following asbestos-related diagnosis A MAN who has been diagnosed with pleural plaques and pleural thickening following exposure to asbestos has issued a heartfelt appeal to his ex-colleagues for information about his workplace conditions. David Charles March of Stapleton, Bristol, was informed of his diagnosis in 2017 after visiting his GP complaining of breathlessness and discomfort. A former carpenter, the 81-year-old who lives with his wife, Pauline, had worked at construction firm John Perkins and Son for most of his career between 1962-1993, having left school aged 15. Despite suffering from early stage Dementia/Alzheimer’s, he can remember coming into contact with the deadly asbestos fibres during this time, and he has instructed industrial disease lawyers at Simpson Millar to investigate his working conditions, and whether more could have been done to

protect him. Recalling his time at John Perkins, Mr March said: “I remember working on types of corrugated roofing. I would be covered in cement and asbestos dust and I do not remember being given any particular overalls. “I remember working on a job at the University of Bristol, which involved asbestos boarding the hearths for fireplaces. In cutting up the asbestos boards, I would end up covered in white asbestos dust. “We were not given any masks and I can remember a fine white dust on my clothing and skin. I also completed jobs at Lloyds Bank and Frenchay Hospital in the mid-late 60s, both of which involved significant exposure to asbestos dust whilst I completed jobs as the carpenter.” Mr March’s lawyer, Helen Grady from

Simpson Millar’s specialist industrial disease team, said: “If you worked for John Perkins and Son for any period of time between 19621993, please do get in touch as you may be able to provide vital information. “Mr March and his wife, Pauline, have so many questions about how and when David was exposed to asbestos, and whether more could have been done to protect him. “While the dangers of asbestos have been known for many decades there are still, sadly, many people developing health issues such as pleural plaques and pleural thickening, because they were not made aware of its presence and provided with protective equipment.” If you have any information please contact Helen Grady at Simpson Millar via e-mail at helen.grady@simpsonmillar.co.uk or call 0345 357 9600.

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence FEBRUARY, short as it is, can seem long and dull, with few flowers or insects to be seen. But when the ground is bare, just look up. The leafless trees display distinctive shapes and branching habits: they are worth a good long stare. Lime trees make lacy patterns with wide spreading twigs, especially on un-trimmed specimens, whilst silver birch have bushy clusters complete with catkins. Horse-chestnuts have fat knobbly sticky-buds whilst beech have slender pointed buds, like long fingernails on elegant hands. It is also fun to look up because passers-by often join in, whilst being too shy to ask what it is you are staring at! Look up to see how tree canopies meet. The photo here was taken in St Andrew’s Park and shows four lime trees coming together – their shapes depend on whether they have been cut back or not. In this picture (emphasised by using a wide-angle lens) you can see the phenomenon called crown shyness. Trees sometimes leave a visible gap between their crowns - a beautiful arrangement of fitting together whilst remaining apart. I wasn’t thinking of social

Lime trees in winter, photo by Dawn Lawrence distancing when I began this train of thought, but I am now irresistibly reminded of our current rules and regulations. Indeed, investigators have suggested that crown shyness may help to limit the spread of pests and diseases – you can see how it would hold up a plague of caterpillars, for example.

It is becoming clear that trees communicate with one another in many ways and direct touch is one of them. As the twigs of one tree meet and rub against those of another tree they stop growing in that direction and also avoid damaging each other in windy weather. I love the way that natural

processes can create beautiful patterns: here the trees practise a harmonious sharing of the available space. It can be easy to imagine that a tree just grows in order to fill the space – even if they do respect others’ boundaries – but they do far more than that. Another clever adaptation, and one which can best be seen on a damp day in February – coming soon to a park near you – is how they cope with rain. You might expect the drops to fall randomly off the ends of the twigs. In fact, many tree species channel the rain down the trunk, direct to their own roots, wasting as little as possible. Beeches, which often live on droughty soils in chalk and limestone areas, are a good example of this. As it begins to rain you can see trickles of water running down the upper parts of the trunk and ultimately damp lines all down the trunk where trickles gather into tree-streams, running down to the roots below. A tree that does this is the best one to shelter under in a rain storm – just don’t lean against the trunk! So, look up – it’s not just a sleeping tree, waiting for spring, it’s busy coping with winter.

WE'RE ONLINE TOO: WWW.BISHOPSTONVOICE.CO.UK To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME AND TO SAVE ON STAMP DUTY? CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Time to prune our old vines AS the weather fluctuates from warm and wet to dry and cold, we plod ever onwards with our pruning and old vine removal. Our pruning pile is getting enormous! The recent cold snap has knocked back the tender weeds and plants making the vineyard look very bleak and open. The only real signs of life we see at the moment are the constant scuffles between rooks and buzzards intermingled with bursts of activity from smaller birds in the hedgerows. As part of our old vine removal we’ve discovered a great tool called a ‘tree popper’ which acts like a giant pair of pliers. The tree popper can pull a fully established vine clean out of the ground, roots and all, in just a few seconds with only man or woman-power behind it. It’s made the removal of 800 vines a much easier task! Looking ahead to February and March we’re hoping for some dry but cold weather.

ahead and making sure we are all stocked up and ready to release our new rosé at the end of March. We’re also mid-way through riddling our second batch of 2018 sparkling white after the first batch sold out unexpectedly over Christmas. Lovely as warm weather is, we don’t want temperatures to be warm for extended periods or the vines may get confused and begin growing too early which

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bishopstonvoice

February, 2021

n PROPERTY Great living spaces that really work St Gabriel’s Court has just thirteen contemporary town houses, set within a private courtyard and including dedicated parking for each unit. Set in the heart of Easton, rated ‘highly’ for its “globe-spanning food and drink, plethora of community projects and genuinely neighbourly atmosphere” by Time Out, the location is so central. Light and spacious with much sought after private outdoor space, house styles include a three-bed design and a three bed with a study and master suite with roof terrace. The specification complements the modern architecture, with contemporary kitchens and integrated appliances make the living space familyfriendly. High quality finishes and fittings also include oak plank luxury vinyl floor and an energy efficient timber frame construction. Outdoor space is now a priority for buyers so the private rear gardens

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bishopstonvoice

38 BUILDING SERVICES

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February, 2021 GARDENING SERVICES

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