Bishopston Voice January 2021 by Emma Cooper

bishopstonvoice

www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

January, 2021 Issue 96

FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS

Olivia makes a difference

Five decades in school kitchen Martin Cowles started work in the kitchens at Red Maids' School 50 years ago - and he is still there! PAGE 20

Air pollution rates soar again Bristol is looking again at measures to make the dity's air cleaner after pollution rates rose following the easing of lockdown measures. PAGES 2 & 3

Pavement repair work restarts GREETINGS cards made by Bishopston resident Olivia Cowell are helping to fund schools in Kenya. A volunteering project she worked on in 2019 has inspired Olivia to raise money for Porridge and

Rice, a charity which supports primary schools in Nairobi. Full story: Page 30

Repair work in Redland Hill where a pavement was blocked for three years has resumed after a legal dispute was resolved. PAGES 6 & 7

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Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

n NEWS

Charging zones as air pollution by Keri Beckingham

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

Sue Thomas

News Editor

07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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

February deadline Our February deadline is January 13. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Your views Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Bishopston Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

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

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 10,700 copies copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.

January, 2021

BRISTOL'S air pollution, which reduced as a result of the spring lockdown, has risen again, data reveals. Centre for Cities has found that toxic air is set to rise significantly across the country once Covid restrictions end. While the spring lockdown reduced NO2 levels by 38 per cent on average across 49 cities and large towns, pollution rose again in the second half of 2020 as activity increased, and Bristol has topped the list of places where NO2 emissions rebounded the most by September. As reported in Bishopston Voice, a consultation was launched by Bristol City Council in October for the public to have their say on revised proposals for a potential Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city, which would charge certain vehicles for driving into the city centre. Research estimates that 300 people each year in Bristol die prematurely because of our dirty air, compared to just 12 in traffic accidents, and that air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. The annual health cost of the impacts of poor air quality in Bristol is estimated at £83m. Bristol City Council missed the third deadline to submit a plan to clean up Bristol’s air in September 2019. However, following further air quality modelling to explore alternative ways that traffic pollution could be reduced, the council consulted on a small and larger charging zone option, and in our area the larger zone would likely end at the junction of Berkeley Road/ Gloucester Road. The consultation results are yet to be published. Speaking of Centre for Cities’ findings, Martin Fodor, Green councillor for Redland said: “We had countless messages during lockdown about the cleaner air and requests for action to keep it safe. More space for walking and cycling were top of the list.

“It’s sad to see illegal pollution levels back in the city so soon, with Bristol affected fastest by rising levels again. Sadly we anticipated the measures put in place in the city centre would not be enough to ensure safe, legal air. “The recent consultation required by the government offered fall back small or medium charging zones but hasn’t explained the likely effects - but one of these projects is now likely to be put forward. We need to know what’s proposed and how it will affect nearby streets which are already affected by rat running.” Tom Brook, Labour councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down said: “The consultation proposed to make use of air quality improvements experienced during the first Covid-19 lockdown thanks to changing driving patterns. The consultation also made clear that, if the improvements experienced proved not to be long-lasting, then charging zone options would be considered. “If the figures in the Centre for Cities’ press release are correct, then it would indicate that the council will need to pursue charging zone options. So, whilst charging zones may not be popular, if they are needed then they are something that any responsible citizen should support.” Anthony Negus, Lib Dem councillor for Cotham Ward added: “I can’t verify the source and timing of this data. It does not match currently intensified council monitoring. If correct, something like the earlier chargeable Clean Air Zones will be the city’s solution that seeks to control the problem of unhealthy air, rather than solving it. I hope these figures are wrong and there is sufficient ‘wriggle-room’ for the recent smarter active travel initiatives, nudging more sustainable behaviour to improve the long-term well-being of all citizens. “Fundamental to this progressive thinking should be franchising our bus service, using

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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January, 2021

back on agenda rates increase government active-travel funds to resolve the great demand in Bristol for a clean, reliable, safe and easily-accessed means of getting everyone moving as needed, not as profit dictates. “We need to accelerate our transfer to alternative means of clean(er) transport lest we slip back and also move up the agenda the movement of goods that no previous strategy has meaningfully addressed.” Geoff Gollop, Conservative councillor for Westbury-onTrym and Henleaze said: “Air quality is a challenge for every city in the UK, it should be a right for every citizen and not be optional. “Proposals must aim to reduce pollution, not just shift it elsewhere, and must be a delicate balance that does not threaten already fragile

businesses. For example, it is now difficult to access the Theatre Royal, the SS Great Britain and part of the central area from North Bristol following the closure of Baldwin Street and Bristol Bridge. That either stops people visiting, or results in them driving much further. “Most motorists accept we need to change, so I urge the city council to genuinely consult with the road users to find the best way forward, not introduce random schemes. The council might consider exempting blue badge holders from bus gates. Let residents contribute to the debate, not just hold a consultation to “rubber stamp” pet projects.” To find out more about Bristol’s clean air plans, visit: www.cleanairforbristol.org

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January, 2021

n NEWS

Bristol Greenpeace calls for safer walking and cycling routes in city BRISTOL Greenpeace is campaigning for more space for safe walking and cycling in the city to help achieve better air quality. It is part of Greenpeace UK's national Transform Transport campaign. Katy Spencer from the Bristol group handed over a giant Christmas card to Green Party Councillor for Redland, Martin Fodor, outside City Hall. Richard Baxter, from Bristol Greenpeace, said: "The city council must encourage more people to leave their cars at home and undertake active travel so better provision for safe walking and cycling is really crucial. This will help the city achieve clean air for all which has been demanded by so many campaign groups for years." The demand follows the result of a recent national league table that named Bristol as the city that has experienced the biggest increase in air pollution since the end of the first lockdown which was implemented to tackle the Coronavirus health crisis. The Government has budgeted for £27bn

to be spent on national road projects and Greenpeace demand that the money is reallocated to be spent on more active travel schemes in UK towns and cities. This will go

a long way to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions throughout the UK as people choose to travel more sustainably.

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January, 2021

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n NEWS BISHOPSTON, St. Andrews and Redland citizens are being asked how investment could be used to enhance several busy roads and high streets across the city. Thirteen roads are earmarked to receive funding from Bristol City Council to improve walking and cycling journeys across the city, including Cotham Hill, Overton Road, Mina Road, Park Row and Picton Street. The streets were chosen following suggestions made by the public during lockdown for ways to better manage through traffic and prevent rat running. These plans follow major improvements to the city centre delivered this summer, with the Old City now pedestrianised, new city centre bike lanes and the closure of Bristol Bridge and Baldwin Street to through traffic to give priority to buses, pedestrians and cyclists. Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “We are taking bold action to create a better, more connected future for everyone and to help Bristol emerge from this crisis in a more inclusive and sustainable way.

Neighbourhoods urged to shape future of road improvements

“By diverting through traffic away from our community hubs, we will protect public health and unlock barriers to inclusive economic growth with cleaner air, safer and better public transport, and improved walking and cycling routes for everyone. It is essential any change works

for the benefit of everyone in the community so we are asking for ideas from local people.” Potential changes could involve alterations to the road layout or traffic direction, widened pavements, timed or consistent traffic restrictions, new bike lanes, additional

seating, better lighting, resurfacing, or more greenery. Surveys will be distributed across households and businesses in each area to collect feedback on what people like about the road in question and what they feel needs improving. The council is also liaising with local groups and organisations to gather views and ideas from their members. For exact dates on engagement launch, links to the online surveys and more information, visit: bristol.gov. uk/roadchanges If you do not have access to the internet please write to: Transport Engagement Team, PO Box 3399, Bristol, BS1 9NE. Or call 0117 9036449 and leave a message on the Transport Engagement answerphone.

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n NEWS

January, 2021

Work at Redland Hill resumes after legal A FOOTPATH in Bristol was left dangerously blocked after a legal dispute dragged out repairs to a quarry wall for three years and counting. The 12-metre wall above the lower car park of the Spire Hospital in Redland was damaged when it was hit by a lorry in December 2017. The Redland Hill footpath at the top of the sheer drop – the only convenient route from Whiteladies Road, via a zebra crossing, to Durdham Park and Coldharbour Road – was immediately fenced off as it was unstable. But this left wheelchair users and mothers with pushchairs having to cross the road, and for a short time the pavement on the other side of the road was blocked as well. Three years later and the footpath is still impassable because the repairs to the wall are not yet finished as it took two

years for a legal agreement to be signed so the work could even begin, city councillors heard. But there is light at the end of the tunnel after Bristol City Council’s ruling Labour administration signed off the

extra amount owed to it by the private hospital, which will pay for the full cost of the repairs. Redland councillor Martin Fodor told cabinet members he and fellow ward councillor Fi Hance were grateful the council

had stepped in to “knock heads together” in the dispute between the hospital and the lorry company over who should foot the bill. He said: “It’s in fact now the third anniversary since the collision of the lorry with the wall, which rendered one of the pavements by it impassable. “We had so many complaints. It’s been utterly frustrating as you can imagine. “The temporary path was also impassable a lot of the time. “People in wheelchairs, people with buggies actually had to cross the road to the other pavement, and for a time, the other pavement was also blocked for other reasons, so it became dangerous, not just inconvenient. “But the frustration was the fact it had nothing to do with the council, it was between lawyers really: the site owner and the lorry company. “But getting the council

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January, 2021

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dispute is resolved lawyer to knock heads together and then take responsibility for managing this…has been really helpful so we’re really grateful for this. “We’re just hopeful that an end is finally in sight and [would like to] thank the council for helping manage this so that it can get sorted at no cost to ourselves.” Cabinet member for transport Kye Dudd said the estimated total cost of the project had shot up from about £230,000 to £942,000 after “a number of quarry face failures and slippages” requiring the wall to be stabilised. The hospital has promised to pay the entire sum in a legal agreement negotiated by the council, but the local authority will carry some of the costs in the meantime. Cllr Dudd said: “After two years of a dispute and a negotiation with the hospital,

Spire Hospital accepted full responsibility for the wall and quarry face, on the provision that Bristol City Council undertake the full design and supervise the works. “The revised forecast for the completion of these works are now £942,000, some £711,000 in excess of the original estimate. “The additional cost is being picked up by Spire Hospital in accordance with the legal agreement, and to date the council have been paid by the Spire in the sum of £653,000 with the remainder being paid on completion of the work. “At the moment the project is about 80 per cent complete.” Cabinet papers show the legal agreement negotiated by the council was signed in November 2019. The repair work began in December of that year. “Completing the scheme will allow both carriageways and the northernmost footway

of Redland Hill to be opened,” according to the paper to the December 1 cabinet meeting. “Opening both traffic lanes will remove congestion and associated pollution caused by the temporary traffic signals which are currently in situ.

“Completing the scheme will also allow Spire to have full safe use of their car park below, thus reducing pressure on local residential roads to have to accommodate excess vehicles.” Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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January, 2021

nN EWS FROM OUR MP

Looking forward to a happier New Year HAPPY New Year! I hope you were all able to enjoy a relaxing break, however you chose to spend it. For most of us (myself included) it was far from our usual Christmas holiday. But hopefully we can celebrate with friends and family this spring. The last year has been tough for everyone. Why the vaccine brings us hope for that happier new year While things may seem gloomy, the COVID-19 vaccine is the light at the end of a very long tunnel. In these dark days it shows us the route back to some kind of normality. Several people have written to me with questions about the various Covid vaccines. As many of you have said, the vaccine appears to have been produced at an almost miraculous speed. While this is unprecedented, there has been no compromise on testing of effectiveness or safety. First off, the research for these vaccines started many years ago, decades in some cases, as there have been strains of Covid and other similar conditions for some time.

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In any drug trial, several stages and processes have to take place. Usually, these stages happen consecutively because of the need to obtain funding, numbers of participants and other practical problems. In the Covid vaccine trials these were overlapping, speeding things up. This was possible because governments took the unusual step of effectively paying for vaccines in advance, allowing them to be mass produced and tested in large clinical trials before the earlier testing stages were completed. Additionally, the development took place at times of rapidly increasing infection across the world. This meant thousands of people could take part but also be observed for side effects for months after being injected. For me, one of the strongest arguments in favour of the vaccine is the balance of risk – as with all medical interventions. No medicine, from aspirin to chemotherapy is without some risk but they are licensed when the risks have been measured, identified and shown

to be outweighed by the risks of no treatment or vaccine. The trials and checks mean any risk from this vaccine is likely to be minuscule, compared to very real lethal risk from COVID-19. Similarly, any nonlethal side effects of the vaccine are likely to be less serious than ‘long covid’ which is seriously debilitating. For these reasons, I personally cannot wait to get vaccinated and I strongly urge everyone to take up the vaccine when it becomes available for you – then we can start to get back to something like normal life. Bristol’s businesses under strain Bristol’s independent business owners may have been even more excited about the vaccine than me. It has been an almost impossible year for many of our fantastic independent shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and other businesses forced to close. Those that managed to continue trading in some form had to set up websites and Covid-safe procedures, costing them even more. In the run-up to Christmas I ran a

Thangam Debbonaire column social media campaign highlighting some of these fantastic local businesses and encouraging people to buy local, whether online or in person. You can find the suggestions on my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Please do support them if you can – it would be sad to lose the life which makes the great high streets in Bristol. I am also thankful that spring is on the way. By the time you read this, the days will be getting longer. Please keep to the rules, as I know you have been doing for almost a year now, and look after each other. I know we will get through this together.

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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

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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January, 2021

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With an already stretched cour t system, how has Covid-19 aff ected the family cour ts? A local award winning law ﬁrm Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax

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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

If planning for inheritance tax is right for you our E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice HILE our family lawyers have found experienced specialist solicitors can help it relatively easy to switch to remote working over the last few months, the Telephone 0117 9621205 same cannot necessarily be said for our clients who are involved in court proceedings. or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com As always, with the nature of family cases, clients often need a high level of support particularly To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk during court hearings. This can be difficult to achieve remotely. The issues that have become evident to us are: • Clients may not have face to face contact with their solicitor/barrister during the hearing and so be. However a Will can be for the distribution of the estate, members of the Society of Trust they are lacking the level ofwill personal support they worded to provide that a gift of and the estate can then be and Estate Practitioners, the would usually receive. Contact between a client 10 % of the value of your estate divided as if the Will had been leading professional body in and their legal representative during a hearing at that time is given to a charity made in these terms. A Deed of this field. We offer a free initial is problematic. As solicitors are used to being or we charities of your choice. The Variation could therefore provide consultation for new clients. effect ofduring this willabe that the rate that 10 % of the estate is to pass able to pass a note to a barrister hearing For advice on administration of Inheritance Tax payable on the to a chosen charity or charities, of estates, trusts, wills, powers but, now, any such communication has to be whole estate is reduced from 40 making the estate as a whole of attorney and all private client electronic. % to 36 %. eligible for the reduced rate of issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, • It can be very triggering for aInclient be dealing it sameto circumstances, Inheritance Tax. Florence Pearce and the other with injunction or childrenhas issues sat inthat thethis beenwhile calculated members of the team on 0117 This change in the law is reduction in the tax bill can serve family home. 9621205, email probate@ clearly very good news both leave the estate, even after amdsolicitors.com or call in • Cross-examination may nottobe as effective without for charities, and potentially for payment of the gift to charity, at 15Court The Mall others Clifton, attending or 100 "Thesome reality to beasfaced that the Family remotely. Where it is not possible the pressures of the court room. estates well. isHowever with a value as high as if the Henleaze By Shelley the detail of the application for a sustained period, can seek to achieve theRoadtoHenleaze. conduct a Hybrid or fully attended hearing The Courts are very aware issuesThusmust now, gift had of not these been made. be complex. For example, the AMD Solicitors takes pride in fair, just and timely determination of a high volume of then a remote hearing may still be the only way and initially some hearings of can substance the gift in some were cases quite Faulkner, estate is divided into different sponsoring local, Bristol based literally pay for itself. that cases with radically reduced resources in sub-optimal forward. Remote hearings can take place either by adjourned due to the “potential unfairness” ‘components’ depending on charities and this year is very solicitor with Even where a Will has " property will pass to telephonethe or by video call. could result from a remote hearing. However, a not court settings. how the pleased to be supporting been these terms, In cases where thein parties are of the AtAlzheimer’s AMD Solicitors, our experienced family always needs to be prepared made ininchildren the benefi ciaries, order to or witnesses Bristol branch AMDjudgement Solicitors it may be possible to take calculate the 10 %and test which Society, the local branch of thisoffer you guidance and support to be called to whether give evidence are not solicitors can cases about the safety of the children concerned advantage of this tax break. If has met. hearings, Taking specialist charitythrough which works forbeen remote the Courtsnational are now, all aspects of family law. You can contact and the effect of any delay. More recently the benefi ciariesguidance of the estatesuitable advice on the implications for to improve the quality of life of WHILE has most been of us support on occasion, considering “Hybrid Hearings”. These them by calling our Henleaze office on 0117 962 issued on howagree, the itjudiciary should is possible to effectively your particular circumstances is people affected by dementia in a number of charities in our amend the terms of a Will within involve some of the parties attending court and For 1205 or contacting info@amdsolicitors.com. conduct the management of cases going forward. therefore essential. Great Britain. full details of lifetime, it is perhaps not

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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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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

bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n NEWS

Promising results in innovative birthing device trial AN innovative childbirth device aimed at reducing harm to mothers and babies across the world is being successfully tested at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. In the UK about one in eight women require assistance to give birth to their baby at the end of labour. Until now this has had to be performed using either forceps or ventouse (also known as a ‘suction cup’). The ‘Odon Device’ has been designed as an alternative to forceps or ventouse. It works by inflating a circular air chamber - similar to a swimming rubber ring around the baby’s head which enables the doctor to gently guide the baby through the mother’s birth canal. The device was invented by an Argentinean car mechanic, Jorge Odon, who based the idea on a party trick to extract a loose cork from inside an empty bottle. Initial testing of the device was carried out by the World Health Organisation in Argentina and South Africa. This was followed by further simulation work at Southmead Hospital.

The Odon Device was used for the first time with 40 women who required an assisted vaginal birth as part of the ASSIST Study conducted at Southmead Hospital. The world’s first birth using the Odon Device on a baby who needed assistance was performed at Southmead Hospital in 2018. Following the success of the ASSIST Study, a second study ASSIST II is now being conducted at Southmead Hospital and a sister study, Besançon ASSIST, is also under way in France. After a brief pause for Covid-19, the maternity research team are again asking women who may need an assisted birth at the end of their labour if they would like to take part in the ASSIST II Study. Women can contact the Maternity Research Team at Southmead Hospital for more information on ASSIST@nbt.nhs.uk Dr Jo Crofts, consultant obstetrician, Southmead Hospital and principal investigator of the ASSIST II study, said: “Most areas of medicine have moved on light years since the 1950s,

but in maternity there have been no new methods of assisting childbirth since the introduction of the ventouse in the 1950s. We have had the pleasure of working alongside the World Health Organisation and the Odon design team to see if we could introduce this new innovation into clinical practice, in a programme of work supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “Assisted vaginal birth can be a lifesaving intervention for both mothers and babies, but sadly across the world many women and their babies do not have access to an assisted vaginal birth when it is required. Although in its early stages of clinical development, this exciting but simple new device has the potential to reduce trauma and save lives. “Many women here in Bristol have been keen to take part as they know it could really help many millions of other women around the world in less fortunate circumstances.” To find out more about the ASSIST II Study see: www.nbt.nhs.uk/ASSISTII

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January, 2021

n NEWS

Window Wanderland needs your help

IF you are missing the Christmas lights and sparkle on your evening stroll and keen for something to keep you and the family entertained and creative, preparing for this year’s Bishopston Window Wanderland could be the perfect tonic to the winter blues in these crazy times. Window Wanderland takes place on Bishopston’s streets from Saturday 6 - Monday 8 March at 6 - 9pm each evening. A team of volunteers is busy preparing for the event which they hope will be bigger and brighter than ever. Everyone is welcome to join in and it’s free to enter. Organiser Sue Powell says: “We encourage residents of every age and creative ability to make displays in their windows or gardens that will then form a wonderful winter walking trail which can be explored by the whole community. What goes into the displays is totally up to you!” Previous years have seen elaborate, interactive and large-scale colourful displays alongside children’s magical creations, Lego constructions and community ensembles. But it is the creative community spirit that this event is all about. Inspiration can come from anywhere. Some displays have been made in memory of loved ones, some political and environmental statements, others the collective work of schools, families, streets or community groups. Over the festive period we saw many houses getting into the Wanderland spirit with brilliant

Christmas window displays and whole streets creating window advent calendars. Stanley Avenue resident, Sonia, said: “2020 has been a tough year but one of the silver linings has been how connected our small street has become. We’ve all come together to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer, every day in December one of us is decorating a window - much like an advent calendar minus the chocolate. It really lifts the spirits and the windows are all so beautiful. The

support, the laughs, and the care that we have all shared this year gives me so much hope for the future.” We asked what made Window Wanderland so special, apart from having a legitimate reason to stare into people’s windows! Display-maker and Wanderer, Catherine said: “The sense of community-people coming together in small ways to create something big and wonderful.” Trucie added: “It’s a way to show our children that there are

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lots of other people all around us who love making beautiful things, just like they do, even if we don’t know them.” For Soph it’s: “The excitement of stumbling across a beautifully decorated window that I wasn’t expecting on an otherwise dark street.” Sue Powell added: “We already have many houses and businesses signed up for the event, and both regular and new participants are busy planning their displays. We also know that local favourite ‘Dale the Dalek’ on Thornhill Road (with the help of Keith) will again be raising money for South West Children’s Hospice. I’m really looking forward to this as an inclusive community event that is aimed at bringing everyone together in a Covid-safe way to have FUN.” 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 event – you can sign up any time beforehand but the sooner the better: www. windowwanderland.com/area/ bishopston-bristol/ Window Wanderland will once again be offering free membership to Children's Scrapstore in the weeks leading up to the event for those who have registered to make a display. And if you are in search of inspiration or have limited time kits to make displays can now be purchased from the main Window Wanderland online shop https:// windowwanderland.square. site/

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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

Pre-Preparatory Virtual Open Day From mud-splattered days in our Forest School to snuggling up in our cosy reading tunnel, we foster the awe and wonder of learning for each of our pupils. To find out more visit cliftoncollege.com/prepreplearning

Join us at our next virtual Open Days Nursery: Friday 29th January 2021 Pre-Preparatory School: Friday 29th January 2021 Preparatory School: Saturday 6th February 2021 Upper School: Saturday 30th January 2021 To book your place visit cliftoncollege.com

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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n EDUCATION

St Bon’s will Seek the Truth in 2021 JANUARY at St Bon’s will mark the start of a new whole school theme, Seek the Truth. In 2019-20, the teachers reorganised the way they structure the academic curriculum, splitting the curriculum into three themes which link directly with their Gospel values. Seek the Truth provides pupils with opportunities to engage in Science and History investigative outcomes linked to the whole school theme. This year, staff are looking for ways to produce a year group outcome that engages with the school and the wider St Bon’s community. Looking ahead to the remainder of the academic year, St Bon’s teachers are determined to adapt and find a new normal so that school events can continue in a Covid-secure way. At the start of Term 3, St Bon’s staff are excited to be able to provide a virtual curriculum information evening for parents

An example of the well-being pod St Bon’s will be installing focusing on sharing initiatives put in place this year to support children’s spelling and maths. They are also busy behind the scenes preparing for the

installation of a well-being pod. Work is due to start in April on a purpose-built outbuilding which will be used by all children to engage in well-being

activities such as drumming and mindfulness. St Bon’s will provide an update on the progress of this exciting project next year.

S T B O N AV E N T U R E ’ S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Striving to be the best we can, guided by the light of Christ

MID-YEAR PLACES AVAILABLE For pupils in Years 2, 3, 5 and 6. Appointments for tours available by request.

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

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

2021

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bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION CHILDREN at Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-Schools across Bristol had to get creative with their Children in Need fundraising efforts to abide by coronavirus rules. Instead of the usual bake sales, raffles, teddy bear picnics and spare change collections, the tots enjoyed pyjama days, crazy hair days, bear hunts and Pudsey crafts to mark the important cause. And instead of donating cash parents and carers supported the charity via an online link raising over £1,000. Tony Driffield, co-owner of the family-run Mama Bear’s group, said: “We are great supporters of Children in Need every year and each one of our nurseries took part in some activity to raise money for the charity, albeit in a different way this year. “As with most things in 2020 we got creative to ensure we still raised a fantastic amount for the cause and gave the children a week of fun activities to enjoy and remember. “Every day was a dressing

January, 2021

Nurseries' lockdown-friendly fun in support of Children in Need

up day with a couple of crazy hair days thrown in as well. The nursery managers also organised a host of additional activities including arts and crafts, games

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and story time sessions. “This charity has always been close to our hearts as it is all about helping children. We’re so pleased to have raised

such a fantastic amount, especially under the circumstances of this year, and we hope it makes a small difference to those in need.” Mama Bear’s offers high-quality, affordable care. across the South West. Established in 2002 the group now includes 24 nursery settings in Bristol, including two in Clifton, which are consistently rated by Ofsted as Good or Outstanding. To donate visit https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ erica-cross2 For more information about Mama Bear’s visit www.mamabear.co.uk

New head teacher In January, Bristol Steiner School welcomed Nicola Forder to her post as Head Teacher of the Redland-based school. The independent day school has a rich history dating back to 1973 and welcomes children from the age of 3 to 11 years. Nicola joins the school following the departure of previous Head Teacher Ruth Glover as she embarks on a new challenge in the charity sector. As a child-centred school, pupils benefit from a vibrant, uplifting, Waldorf education that integrates the virtues of academic achievement, emotional intelligence and individuality to benefit the whole-child. Small class sizes promote the wellbeing and self-belief of each child. Nicola was the Head of Teaching and Learning at the Exmoor Federation of small primary schools, where she was also seconded for a time as an Acting Head Teacher for a school within the Federation. She is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management in Education and is a trained practitioner in ‘Attachment Aware’ approaches that inform children’s development. Following her appointment, Nicola stated: “This is a thrilling new venture for me, having gained most of my experience working extensively in small school settings. This is where I feel most at home and I enjoy the close partnerships with children, families and the wider community.” New applications are accepted throughout the academic year. To book a personalised, virtual meeting please contact Admissions and Business Development Manager Vishwa Wijedasa: T: 0117 933 9990 E: vishwawijedasa@bristolsteinerschool.org W: www.bristolsteinerschool.org

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

Preparatory School Virtual Open Day Our unique House system provides our pupils with the tailored support and care they need to help them grow, develop and spread their wings. To find out more visit cliftoncollege.com/housesystem

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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n EDUCATION

Schools praised BRISTOL’S education leaders have thanked school students, staff and parents for the way they have coped with the continuing coronavirus restrictions. Cabinet councillor Anna Keen and director of education Alison Hurley issued a joint statement at the end of the autumn term in which they praised teachers and school leaders for tackling self-isolations, and year group and school closures when required. From Nov 2 - Dec 16, there were 549 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in students and 394 cases in staff in 150 schools and nurseries. They said they were working with schools and public health colleagues on plans for the return in January.

We want girls who act out, play up and make noise! AS we put 2020 behind us and look towards the future, Redmaids’ High Junior School is placing a renewed emphasis on the arts – an area that has been a true casualty of the pandemic. Headteacher Lisa Brown said: “Careers in the arts are essential to our country's economy, not to mention our collective wellbeing, sense of community and general enjoyment of life. At Redmaids' High Junior School, we feel passionately that the future of music and theatre needs to be preserved and invested in, rather than sidelined and ignored. Our feeling is so strong that we are making a significant financial investment. “Any Year 3 pupil joining t from Sept 2021 will have one-toone music or drama lessons with a specialist teacher, completely free of charge for a year.”

Lisa Brown, Redmaids' High Juniors headteacher Girls can choose between instrument or singing. Alternatively, they can opt for weekly speech and drama lessons, building confidence and vocabulary that could lead them to take LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) qualifications. The investment amounts to £600 per pupil and is in addition to class music and drama lessons. This offer will run until the end of the 2021-22 academic year, but the school guarantees that anyone who joins its Year 3 waiting list by 31 August 2021 –

even if their daughter is in infant or nursery school – will qualify for these lessons when their daughter starts at the school. As well as encouraging a love of performing arts, there is also an academic benefit. Studies have found that music students often outperform their peers in English, maths and science, and engagement with theatre can boost academic performance, social bonding, emotional and cognitive skills in children.* “Our aim is to inspire a generation of children who have a discerning appreciation of music and performance, as well as enhancing their general development,” Mrs Brown said. “Long gone are the days when children should be seen and not heard. We want our pupils to act out, play up and make some noise!”

MAGIC DRAGON PRESCHOOL Book a visit for Magic Dragon Preschool today Here is what some of our current parents say about our preschool:

I leave my son there 4 days a week in absolute confidence that all his needs will be met with expertise and brilliance! The staff are a dream team who incorporate all the best wisdom of child development and educational philosophies to meet the children’s needs that are in their care. The communication and parent links are second to none. Check it out and see for yourself. You won’t regret it. Will be the best decision you make. Harriet The staff are so kind and caring and passionate about what they do. My 2 year old started in September and every day she asks if she can go because she has so much fun there. Martha

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Magic Dragon to any family looking for a nurturing, personal, caring and fun pre school where the children and their interests are at the very heart. Rachael Such wonderful staff and a magical learning environment. My little girl adores every single second! Katie

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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

January, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Former FHS student reaches Masterchef semi-final FAIRFIELD High School (FHS) is delighted to share news of a former student with which many people have become familiar over recent weeks – Jamaar Semper reached the semi-finals of this year’s Masterchef on BBC1. Jamaar was happy to share memories of his past experiences both at school and work, his Masterchef journey and future ambitions. Back in 2009 when Jamaar’s Fairfield days began, he recalls these school days with much fondness. Asked about his inspirations, Jamaar named a former Maths teacher who not only helped him pass his GCSE, but always had his door open and looked out for him. He also mentioned his Head of Year who spotted Jamaar’s talent and (thankfully) suggested a career as a chef! After learning the ropes from his Mum, who was also a chef, it was at the tender age of 14 that Jamaar set his sights firmly on his future career, never dreaming for one moment that he would end up on national TV sharing his talent with the nation. After leaving Fairfield, Jamaar attended catering college before securing a job at a hotel and spa where his Michelin star vision and dishes have earnt him much praise, not to mention promotions! He enjoys the

freedom he is given with input into new dishes, often coming up with mouth-watering creations. It was his colleagues who gave Jamaar the idea of applying for Masterchef – it was no mean feat, however, with numerous interviews and designing of menus. Jamaar describes the moment he found out he had been successful: “It was crazy. I was excited for about five minutes before it dawned on me I actually had to do it! I never thought it was going to happen. The hardest thing was

keeping it all a secret until it was aired, I was dying to tell everyone I saw!” As reality kicked in, Jamaar put in hundreds of hours reading cookery books, thinking of new ideas and preparing every which way for the skills tests. He explains: “Everything has to be on point, there are so many chefs cooking great food and you have to go out there to stand out from the rest.” Jamaar made some great friends on Masterchef, adding: “We all speak a lot, they’re quality guys and girls who have amazing talents.” Whilst sadly missing out on a place in the final, Jamaar and his family are incredibly proud of his achievements especially being the youngest member of the competition. Jamaar wishes to give a special mention to his Mum, his biggest fan and inspiration who he says: “Is the proudest Mum in the world and without her I wouldn’t be where I am.” And as for the future? Jamaar recognises the great exposure that having appeared in Masterchef has given him; his sights are now set upon pop up events to further demonstrate his culinary skills. The world, as they say, is his oyster.

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

Saturday 23rd January at 9.30am Please register to join us at

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

bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n NEWS

Celebrating a special man Eco team plant school’s and 50 years of service first fruit orchard MARTIN Cowles has marked his 65th birthday and also celebrates 50 years spent working at Redmaids’ High School. Martin joined the school in 1970 when he was 15 years old. As a boy, he was originally employed to prepare all the fresh vegetables ready for the girls’ lunch. All these years later, he is a highly-valued member of the school’s award-winning catering team. Students and staff over the past five decades have benefited from Martin’s huge personality and immense warmth as he greets everyone, without exception, with the same positive energy. That said, the last few months have been particularly challenging for Martin as he relies on lip-reading to communicate – which is not easy when everyone is wearing masks – but he remains an important part of the day-to-day life of this school. As one former student said: “For years, I would see Martin every morning at breakfast club – and he always helped to get my day off to a really positive start.” His colleagues also pay tribute to a man “who manages to make everyone feel known and special, and is very much at the heart of this school community.”

THE Eco team at Fairfield High School (FHS) rolled up their sleeves and furthered the school’s dedication to its status of “Young Tree Champion School” by planting five young fruit trees and fruiting hedge saplings. The apple, cherry and pear trees were courtesy of a donation from The Tree Council, which FHS hopes will soon become the school’s first fruit orchard. The donation came about as a result of the Eco team’s application to The Tree Council and contributes to achieving Excalibur Academy Trust’s sustainability action to increase biodiversity on school grounds. It’s hoped that the trees will provide fruit for the school kitchens, Food Technology Department and staff and students’ wellbeing.

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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 vaccine 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 phoneline through a BSL Interpreter using SignVideo. Bishopston Library – Call And Collect service Since the first lockdown began Bishopston Library was sadly closed to the public and, whilst some libraries across the city have been reopening, it hasn’t yet been possible to implement sufficient safety measures at Bishopston to allow a reopening. Whilst the library will remain closed for the foreseeable future, a call and collect service has been

introduced, where people are able to request books over the phone or by email, with a maximum of five per person (or eight for children). Call 0117 357 6220 or email bishopston.library@bristol.gov.uk to reserve. Café on the Common Congratulations to the Ardagh Community Trust, who have opened the Café On The Common in its new, year-round, facilities. We’d like to thank the Trust so much for their commitment and drive to regenerate this site for the benefit of the whole local community. If anyone is on Horfield Common in need of refreshment, then we’d highly recommend paying the café a visit!

January, 2021

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... Cllr. Anthony Negus (Cotham, LibDem) writes: As you read this, you will be well into the New Year and muted festivities will be over - though I’m writing this in mid-December, wishing everyone a recovering 2021, looking back and to the future. Despite all the Covid heartache and personal loss, mental anguish and financial concern which has affected so many, I want to applaud Bristol’s responsive organisation

around the city, with local ‘hubs’ co-ordinating support. I was moved and impressed with the speed and resourcefulness of ordinary citizens, including less established students and migrants, who rapidly found ways of communicating and working together locally to help those in need. I’ve had many messages praising this community kindness that some had feared lost. My personal view is that today’s lifestyle presents fewer opportunities for our natural humanity to be

expressed. So I hope that when hugging returns, soon, we might – unmasked - also embrace a wider community spirit? Individuals and business sectors have been permanently damaged by the pandemic outfall that, with Brexit, will clobber us for some time. Alongside this all of us share a responsibility in restoring our world to good health. I don’t see as cataclysmic the replacement of fossil fuels and the internal combustion engine with more sustainable,

healthier and smarter ways of living. Engaging with the Sustainable Revolution offers the prospect of much better lives than not accepting change. I believe skills will need to be acquired more flexibly and resources shared more fairly. It’s a challenge that humanity can rise to and that could bring out our hidden best. Anthony Negus cllr.anthony.negus@bristol.gov.uk 07833 484344

Raising funds for life-saving device on Kellaway Ave A FUNDRAISING page for a lifesaving defibrillator sited by the shops on Kellaway Avenue has been set up by Simon Brookes. This will be the eighth 24hour, public access defibrillator that Simon has raised funds for around North West Bristol in the last year, including one recently installed at The Beehive pub in Wellington Hill West. The equipment can be used by a bystander to help someone having a heart attack and will increase the chances of a cardiac arrest victim's survival. Simon said: “I was a community first responder for the ambulance service for nine years and realise the importance of bystander CPR and access to urgent defibrillation. “I have made it my aim to spread 24-hour community

public access defibrillators across the city. I raise money through crowdfunding, accepting donations from those taught CPR free of charge, from local community groups and businesses. And if that doesn't reach the target - leafleting! “The shops at the Coldharbour Road end of Kellaway Ave is a great site for a

CPAD which cost £1,644 with the cabinet, heater and consumable package for 8 years.” Pledges have already been received from Bristol Osteopaths, Trainhers and Neptune Finance covering the installation cost and the first £935 leaving a balance of £709 to be raised.” Local businesses Kellaway

Hire and Kellaway Pharmacy have been added to the total. With donations from residents, the fundraising target is in sight. In the event of a Cardiac arrest life expectancy decreases by 10% per minute without help. Bystander help with CPR and access to urgent defibrillation increase the victim's chances threefold. Community Public access defibrillators (CPADs) can play a vital part in this process. Passers-by need to call 999, 24 hours a day, and they will be given the access code by South Western Ambulance Service, followed by clear instructions on how to use the equipment. If you would like to contribute to the crowdfunding campaign see: www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/simonbrookes-112

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

bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Redland this month... Happy if untypical New Year Like many of our readers we are hoping for things to get better in the year ahead. Progress tackling the pandemic will take time and we do remind everyone to continue to support family, friends and neighbours and to take care with the physical and mental health of everyone around them. The impacts of the pandemic will be a big blow to many households and businesses. This is just a gentle reminder to do what you can to support local traders as our high streets, cultural and hospitality businesses continue to take a knock. For local food shopping you could try services like www.goodsixty.co.uk if you are looking for deliveries. Charges for school travel waived Fi was horrified to be told by parents of post-16 disabled children that they had been sent bills for their travel to school. Families with disabled children have already had an incredibly tough year with respite services withdrawn and schools closed for long periods. The last thing they

needed was an unexpected bill for hundreds of pounds in the run-up to Christmas. Fi asked the council to reconsider and was delighted to hear that the invoices have been withdrawn for now. Spire wall - end in sight at last! After the third anniversary of the lorry collision which damaged the Spire Hospital wall and closed the pavement on Redland Hill an end to the saga is at last approaching. Following the dispute between insurers we received regular complaints about the impassable pavement, despite attempts at providing a temporary path. What was meant to be a replacement wall escalated to a major rock underpinning exercise. We submitted a supporting statement to the Cabinet in December supporting this temporary financing as has been reported on pages 6 - 7. Air pollution bounces back Like many people we were disappointed at the return of so much traffic and pollution to our roads. The failure of the

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In St Andrews this month... Friends of St Andrews Park fundraiser Friends of St Andrews Park are aiming to raise £12,000 for new play equipment in the play area. To contribute visit www.gofundme. com/f/st-andrews-park-playgroundreplacement Future road improvements Bristol citizens are being asked how investment could be used to enhance a number of roads and high streets across the city. The roads under consideration are all earmarked to receive funding from Bristol City Council to improve walking and cycling journeys across the city. Potential changes could involve alterations to the road layout or traffic direction, widened pavements, timed or consistent traffic restrictions, new bike lanes, additional seating, better lighting, resurfacing, or more greenery. Surveys will be distributed across households and businesses in each area to collect

feedback on what people like about the road in question and what they feel needs improving. One of these roads is Overton Road in our area (the section between Gloucester Road and North Road) and engagement is planned to take place in January. For more information visit bristol.gov.uk/ roadchanges Covid-19 rapid testing in schools The Government has announced that every secondary school and college in England, as well as special schools and alternative provision, will have access to rapid testing from January to help keep staff and students as safe as possible and in education. Students will be eligible for daily testing for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for the virus. Staff will also be eligible for daily testing if they are identified as a close contact. In addition, both of Bristol’s

temporary//experimental city centre measures to keep pollution levels legal means some form of clean air zone is now very likely, though we don’t know what extent the scheme may have. However the proposed medium charging zone could cause extra traffic and rat running through this ward, including vans trying to avoid a charge at the entrance to Berkeley Rd. We’ll try and keep you posted on proposals. Thanks to the street scene volunteers A small but determined army of street scene volunteers have been hard at work all year cleaning up tagging, reporting flytipping and generally keeping our neighbourhood spruce. If you’d like to join them - it’s really a lot of fun please do let us know. Looking back on 2020 As well as our local work in the ward we’re involved in many other issues on the council and beyond. Recently Fi has worked with campaigners to resist collaboration with the Home Office on an

universities have plans in place for a managed reopening for the New Year, which includes staggered returns, testing of students and blended learning. Covid-19 vaccine Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our communities against ill health. They prevent up to three million deaths worldwide every year. Vaccines: • protect you from many serious and potentially deadly diseases • protect other people in your community – by helping to stop diseases spreading to people who cannot have vaccines • reduce or even get rid of some diseases – if enough people are vaccinated. If you would like to know more about the Covid-19 vaccination programme, visit bit.ly/389sQa8 Avon and Somerset Police council tax consultation Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens is encouraging local

immigration rule change that can criminalise homeless people. Rough sleeping is now grounds for refusal of permission to stay for some non-UK nationals. Fi says it is discriminatory and is pressing the council to protect the most vulnerable. Martin has been encouraging the creation of ‘green community investment bonds’ that are used elsewhere to enable people to make green energy investments through the council, helping tackle the climate emergency though practical local energy projects. He also welcomed online access to council meetings and is pressing for online participation by the public to be continued. It enabled people to have their say when council meetings were first suspended and will hopefully be continued to ensure wider participation in meetings. We’d like to keep in touch with an occasional newsletter about our work in the ward – please register: http://www.eepurl.com/dDKyB1 Martin Fodor & Fi Hance 0117 352 6156

people to fill out a survey to share their opinion on a possible increase in the policing part of council tax. She said: "I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people and after this extraordinary year, an increase in any bills is an even bigger ask." To have your say visit bit.ly/2Ki7KhV 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 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

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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January, 2021

n NEWS

Family campaigns to fund Will's Woodland Retreat CHILDHOOD brain tumour charity Little Hero, set up in 2019 in memory of six-year-old Will Rainsbury, is embarking on a new countryside adventure. Will’s parents, John and Lee-Ann, moved their family from Westbury Park to a small holding near Tiverton in Devon in September, with the purpose of creating an isolated retreat for children and their families who are going through cancer treatment. The family has been working hard to prepare the land, start planning, get suppliers and purchase a therapy pig, goat and pony. John says: “We thoroughly believe that these kids deserve to enjoy their days out as much as any other child. The work Little Hero does in this area helps to provide critical tiny nuggets of joy to help things feel a little more normal and give these brave boys and girls a chance to feel like a child again, not to mention making happy memories for families to hold on to.” Since the project was launched on what would have been Will’s eighth birthday, November 20, more than 300 pledges have been made and a forest school in Bristol is linking up to offer ideas about what to set up on site. Little Hero charity is fundraising to cover the cost of groundworks and to construct and build huts, which will enable families with a child experiencing cancer treatment to have a fullyfunded countryside break in a safe environment.

Will was diagnosed with a Group 3, Medulloblastoma, a particularly aggressive high-grade childhood brain tumour. He experienced nine months of treatment, including 32 radiotherapy sessions, six months of high-dose chemotherapy and 12-hour brain surgery before his death in January 2019. When children are undergoing treatment, they’re often neutropenic and susceptible to infection, so finding things to do is particularly tricky. They can spend a lot of time in isolation due to a compromised immune system and never-ending infections, and the children can feel self-conscious and may want to go at a different pace. Will’s Woodland Retreat is a

magical six-acre plot that John and his family are creating as a free holiday respite destination for families affected by childhood cancer. John says: “When our respite retreat is not being used by children and their families impacted by cancer, the plan is to offer the facility to the glamping crowd, with all of the proceeds going to fund the facility and further brain tumour research. People are making an investment in someone’s happiness.” Little Hero charity supports those going through treatment and funds research into the causes and treatment of childhood brain tumours. Family, friends, pupils, teachers and parents from Westbury Park School and the community took part in many fundraising events

for Little Hero in 2019, £30,000 of which went to The Brain Tumour Charity for a study into the origin of which cells turn into cancer. Together with another children's brain tumour charity Blue Skye Thinking, Little Hero is funding the £150,000 research costs in 2021 for work by the INSTINCT network, which brings together the work of leading scientists and clinicians at Newcastle University, University College London Institute of Child Health and the Institute of Cancer Research, in the field of highrisk paediatric brain tumour. Scientists will be testing different drug combinations to identify which treatment combinations are effective and which options aren’t necessary. This is novel research, looking at all possible combinations of treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation. “Will is always going to be a Bristol boy,” says John. “It’s important for people to understand that there is a long road ahead with research but it doesn’t have to be complicated with the respite holiday. As long as the environment is warm, safe and clean, then children can enjoy being in a different but comfortable environment, sitting by a campfire or enjoying a walk through the woods.” To support the campaign see: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/woodlandretreat To find out more about Little Hero see: www.facebook.com/ Littlehero.org.uk/

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

January, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Eco-conscious parents vow to start changing their little bit of the world THE Westbury Park parent eco-group has started a new community campaign: ‘A greener Westbury Park 2021’. The aim is to reduce the collective carbon footprint of the neighbourhood and help work towards the Bristol City Council goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. It can be difficult to know where to start with such an ambitious goal so the group are breaking it down into achievable monthly targets. In January they are hoping to inspire their neighbours, friends and fellow parents at Westbury Park Primary School to join them in trying a more carbon reduced diet such as eating less meat or dairy. After this, a plastic reduction month is planned, followed by recycling more. The eco-group was set up by parents of young children who

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were very concerned about the impact of climate change on the future of their children. They decided to work together locally with the community in Westbury Park to reduce carbon emissions. Lou Cullen, one of the group founders, explains: “We’re a group of parents committed

to creating a greener, more sustainable environment for our community and for the future of our children. Although we can’t change the world, we wanted to start with our little piece of it.” Their first big project was getting involved in the organisation of the yearly

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summer party at the local primary school on Bayswater Avenue in 2019. They worked towards making this waste-free with the use of reusable cups, refillable water stations, reusable hand sewn decorations and recycling stations. For Christmas 2020 the group compiled a comprehensive list of options for shopping locally, published on their website. They are also publishing weekly green tips in the school newsletter and would be very keen to collaborate with other schools on this. Please get in touch via their website (https:// agreenerwestburypark.weebly. com) if you would be interested in either joining the campaign of monthly green goals for all or in receiving weekly eco-tips for a community newsletter.

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January, 2021

n NEWS

24-hour cricket net session to raise money for childhood cancer research GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cricket U15s bowler Freddie Collinson was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in September, a rare, but treatable, form of bone cancer for which he is undergoing intensive treatment in Bristol. After this news was broken to his fellow U15 County teammates, they wanted to group together and organise a fundraising event to show their support for Freddie and raise as much money as possible to get him back on the field. Gloucestershire Cricket will host a 24-hour Cricket Net Session at the Bristol County Ground on January 2-3 to raise funds for the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust, for research into this rare form of bone cancer. The players will start at noon on Saturday and will play continuously in relay groups, with the aim of beating Alastair Cook’s record of scoring 12,472 test match runs. Each ball hit = 1 run. A fundraising page has been set up to collect the donations: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ Team/24hrsforFC Cricketing greats including Joe Root, Eaon Morgan, Chris Dent and James Bracey have been sending messages of support to Freddie, which can be seen on his fundraising page.

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January, 2021

n NEWS

Hug a tree! Orchard needs more buddies ONE lesson to carry into 2021 - humans are not separate from nature. Orchards are an example of a living relationship between human culture and nature. The wild ancestors of fruit trees form small, sour fruits - think crab apples. Why are there thousands of apple varieties? It’s because gardeners in the past had a passion to grow fruits with better qualities and different characteristics. For members of Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) another lesson came about as an unintended experiment. Many orchard members have Tree Buddies – trees they volunteer to look after over the year. HOCO has more trees than members. During 2020 there wasn’t the person power to give every tree the care it needed. Several trees were totally neglected. Others were regularly watered, with

HOCO fruit tree sale, October 2020 their problems and pruning attended to. The less fortunate trees showed early signs of water stress and suffered more from pests and diseases. Steadily cared for trees gave a good crop of quality fruit and made healthy new growth.

HOCO members are disappointed the traditional, community wassail cannot take place in January. “We know this popular winter event is dear to the hearts of many in our local community,” says Shannon Smith.

“The good news is the trees aren’t going anywhere! They, and we, will spring back into life later in 2021, when we hope to welcome our neighbours into the orchard again. Meanwhile we invite readers to support the orchard by joining as members.” HOCO is open to new members for the new growing year. Active members are buddied up with a tree or two. Supporting members help keep the orchard financially afloat. Active members benefit from working outdoors in a gorgeous, green space. They also learn how to look after fruit trees, and enjoy a share of the harvest. Spending time in the orchard - mulching, weeding, watering, pruning, and harvesting - sustains the trees and the people who care for them. Find out more: www. community-orchard.org.uk or call 0117 373 1587.

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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n NEWS

When will we sing again? “THAT’S a question that thousands of people will be asking across the UK as we enter into January and hopefully a new world, post-Coronavirus,” says Grenville Jones. Back in March we all had to cancel our live choir rehearsals and move our singing into peoples’ front rooms. Sofasinging became the norm, either through the medium of Zoom or with pre-recorded rehearsals online. With no other alternative, sofa singing was born. Hundreds of choirs quite literally moved to the internet to enable their members to keep singing and as technical skills developed, more concerts went online,

BRISTOL Male Voice Choir is glad to announce that after the disruption and frustrations of 2020 the New Year will see them singing their way back to normality, giving concerts and performing for charity events, weddings, special birthdays and celebrations. Unable to rehearse at their regular venue in Filton, the choir have been gathering every week on Zoom - not for a quiz or a chat - but to continue practising their repertoire under the guidance of music director, Jo Scullin, who has also produced video presentations to go with recordings they have made in the past. Their website has also been transformed and if you go to bristolmvc.org.uk you can see what their webmaster has created after the renovation of the old site. Choirmaster John Hollyman

leading up to Christmas with ample opportunities to sing your favourite carols in the comfort of your own home. As we enter 2021, choir leaders and singers from across the world look forward to the day when rehearsals will recommence in rehearsal rooms and plans can be made for concerts and choir Tours abroad. Grenville added: “If we believe what we are told by those in power, we should be singing again sometime around the spring and, most certainly, by Christmas 2021 carols and Christmas music will again ring out throughout the UK. “Together with two of my leaders, Matt Finch and

Ben England, I have been taking regular Wednesday online rehearsals with our GoodAfternoonChoir/online with a membership of singers from across the world. Our next (and probably) final online term starts on Wednesday January 20 running through to March 31, Easter week. See - www. goodafternoonchoir.org “When we look back on 2020, we will do so with sad thoughts and some despair. For those who love to sing, 2020 was the NO-SING year! Let’s hope that is now behind us and we can again look ahead with hope to the day when we will set out for our rehearsal rooms and meet the friends again in our choirs.”

Grenville leads a number of choirs across the West of England, including the Keynsham Good Afternoon Choir and the City of Bath Male Choir. He is also the founder of the Golden-Oldies Charity.

Choir keen to return to normal

says: “Our website and Facebook page will both keep you in touch with our hopes for 2021, and this is where you come in. If you've been considering joining a choir,

we will always welcome you, experienced or not in singing, as long as you can hold a tune and ask advice from the mentor you will be sitting next to, helping

you out along the way. “If you are eager to renew your fundraising campaigns, organise an event to celebrate anniversaries and special occasions, and get your club, church or neighbourhood projects going again with a male voice concert, we are ready to support you. “Lockdowns are still with us. 2021 however, will take only a while to get our social life warmed up and ready to fly but we know you'll want to get back to normal as quickly as possible.” To find out more about Bristol Male Voice Choir see the website bristolmvc.org.uk and Facebook page, ring their secretary on 07941 040 472 or email secretary@bristolmvc. org.uk

Bristol backs action on cladding BRISTOL City Council has unanimously voted in favour of a motion regarding support for leaseholders living in buildings with potentially-unsafe cladding. The Council has supported the ten pledges of the #EndOurCladdingScandal campaign, and voted to explore options to accelerate remediation and certification of EWS1 forms – while calling on the Government to provide much needed national clarity and funding.

Speaking during the meeting on December 8, Councillor Nicola Beech said: “In the wake of Grenfell, the Council took swift action to ensure the tragedy could not be repeated in Bristol. While none of our blocks had the same style of cladding as Grenfell, we have worked alongside Avon Fire and Rescue to carry out assessments of our blocks’ cladding, and made repairs where needed. Sadly, the private sector has been

much slower, and much more reluctant, to follow in our footsteps. “It is completely unfair that leaseholders in Bristol are being faced with five figure bills for removing cladding. We should all be in agreement that freeholders should be responsible for covering these costs, and not the leaseholders “We can, and will, do all we can in the council to help residents with this.”

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

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS by Keri Beckingham A BISHOPSTON resident has been inspired to raise funds for schools in Kenya by making and selling greetings cards, after experiencing the difficulties faced by staff and pupils first hand. Four months ago 23-yearold Olivia Cowell set up her HopeForExcel business with the intention to raise money for the charity Porridge and Rice, which supports five primary schools in Nairobi with a feeding programme and teacher training. Olivia is a Bishopston native and has lived on Egerton Road all her life. She works with SEN children at Cotham School, and went to university in London. In Nairobi parents pay £5 a month to send their children to the schools that Porridge and Rice supports, and the rest of the fees are funded by the charity, but as schools were forced to close as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic their incomes stopped and there was also the risk that land would be lost and teachers would get other jobs.

January, 2021

Charity greetings cards raise funds for schools in Nairobi

Olivia spent a month in Kenya volunteering for the charity during the summer of 2019, where she met a pupil called Carolyne, who wrote to her in

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April this year to alert her to the issues the schools were facing. Olivia has donated over £3,000 to the charity so far, and told Bishopston Voice: “Porridge and Rice is a tiny charity, and the experience of volunteering with them really changed my life. The schools were hit hard by Coronavirus and were on the brink of collapse, but after my fundraising from my cards I was able to see them through the pandemic and allow the schools to reopen after lockdown eased. “After receiving a really emotional letter from a student I taught during my time in Kenya, I wondered what I could do to help. I initially launched a Go Fund Me appeal which raised £700, but I wanted to do something more consistent. I started to think about what I

could sell, and greetings cards came to mind. “I have handmade about 10,000 cards so far, which I make in my evenings, and my friends and Mum have helped me out if I get a big order. Everyone is really proud, and I’ve been really grateful for their support! I also put a table outside my house when it was sunny during the summer too, and raised £100 from donations from people walking by which was fantastic, and have also sold the cards in an African shop in The Galleries called Craft & Curios Africa. “I have sent orders all over the world, to the USA, Germany, South Africa, and Australia, which is amazing! All feedback from customers has been positive, and the charity has told me that they wouldn’t have survived without my cards which has been really humbling.” To find out more about Olivia’s fundraising, visit her shop on Etsy: www.etsy.com/ uk/shop/hopeforexcel.

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Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures Please feel free to call us during To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk office hours on: 0117 952 0698

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January, 2021

n NEWS A LECTURER from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has been awarded one of photography’s most prestigious international awards for her most recent book depicting life in Iran. Amak Mahmoodian, who is a senior lecturer in photography, was awarded Best Photo-Text Book in the Recontres D’Arles Awards 2020 for her book, Zanjir. Born in Iran and now living in Bristol, Amak explores the themes of home, identity and exile in her award-winning book. Zanjir features imagery of Persian royalty from the Golestan archives in Tehran, alongside photographs that Amak took while in Iran between 2002-2009. The images explore Amak’s feelings of loss and separation from her family and homeland which she has not visited for 10 years. The book also features poetry written by Amak herself alongside the Persian princess and memoirist Taj Saltaneh (1883-1936) in an imagined conversation where both figures describe their feelings of home

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UWE photography lecturer wins international acclaim

and exile. Amak said: ‘‘I invited poetry into my book as a way of sequencing my photography, but also as a way of describing the images that I have in my heart and mind but couldn't see in real life. “Taj Saltaneh is a remarkable woman and I felt that her diary connected me to the past. When I read her memoir, I found

that she shared similar feelings about her family and homeland as I do. Though living our lives almost a century apart, we share many similarities so it was important that Taj Saltaneh’s writings also featured in Zanjir; her writings deserve to be seen

and known.” The Recontres D’Arles Awards are open to artists globally and this year celebrated its 50th anniversary. Each award comes with a prize fund including €6,000 for the Best Photo-Text Book Award. Speaking of her accomplishment, Amak said: ‘‘I am honoured to win the

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Recontres D’Arles Award and to have recognition for my work. My projects are deeply personal and are like the chapters of my life, while also pertaining to wider social issues. Like I always say to my students, it is important that your work forms personal connections and this award proves that something which is personal can also be successful.” In January this year Arnolfini premiered an exhibition of Amak’s new body of work and associated book, Zanjir. The exhibition created a truly virtuous circle given Amak’s profile as both a local and international artist, her work as an academic with UWE Bristol and the university’s successful partnership with Arnolfini. Zanjir by Amak Mahmoodian is available to purchase at www. rrbphotobooks.com/products/ amak-mahmoodian-zanjir

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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n NEWS

Library Call and Collect service resumes THE popular Call and Collect service returned at seven libraries across Bristol from December 3. People are able to access Call and Collect, including reservations, and a new quick book bundle offer, with Central Library also open for computer access. The service is available locally at Henleaze, Henbury and Bishopston branch libraries. A spokesperson for Bristol Libraries said: “We understand the disappointment and frustration that not having your nearest library open brings, but the health and safety of library users and staff is our prime concern so we thank you for your patience as we gradually begin to restart services once again.” It is expected that the service will run as described until February, when Bristol Libraries will be reviewing services in line with government guidance. In the meantime they continue to offer a wide variety of services online for people to access at home, such as eBooks which can be borrowed from CloudLibrary and Overdrive as well as access to eAudio books through BorrowBox. In addition, the library team are running a number of online events from children’s story time and quizzes, through to a virtual Lego club, the Libraries Podcast, author events and a new virtual book group.

Bristol Walking Football charity tournament BRISTOL United Walking Football Club held a Charity Tournament on December 15 at Horfield Leisure Centre. The tournament was a great success with a total of 28 players, in four teams, taking part. To minimise contact and stay within Covid guidelines two separate pitches at Horfield were used and the games were non-contact, refereed by two very experienced refs. The final worthy winners were the Purple Team and Orange were runners up. A total of £300 each was donated to two charities - North Bristol Foodbank and Refresh Bedminster. Keith Gwilym said: “We are very grateful to the Leisure Centre for providing the pitches free of charge which has allowed us to donate the fees to the charities.” Afterwards there was a socially distanced outdoor social with mince pies and a drop of mulled wine to try to bring a bit of normality to the occasion.

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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n HOME IMPROVEMENT

Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

Practical advice to see you safely and cosily through the coldest part of the year As we get older, our immune systems have more of a battle on their hands when it comes to fighting viruses. Add in colder weather that affects circulation and less moving about than usual, and existing health conditions like arthritis become much more troublesome. But don’t worry – there’s a lot that you can do to keep yourself warm, cosy and healthy this winter and every winter to come. Here are our top tips at We Care: Keep your home warm throughout the winter This might seem like an obvious one, but did you know that the ideal temperature of the room that you spend the most time in should be 21°C? Even more ideally, the other rooms in your home should be at least 18°C to keep you nice and toasty wherever you are. It’s important to know how to operate your heating system, including the thermostat and timer controls. Having the heating on at a consistent temperature throughout the day is the key thing, followed by keeping doors and windows closed to keep the heat in and the cold out. Many people heat their homes overnight or during

the early hours of the morning too, as it’s usually coldest just before dawn. Keep yourself warm in the winter Again, it seems an obvious thing to say. But did you know that several thin layers of clothing are better than just having one thick layer of clothing? Vests, thermal underwear, tights and leggings, long-johns, as well as the usual hats, gloves and scarves if you’re out and about. Being prepared is key, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. You’ll want to wear your warmest shoes or boots, ideally with non-slip soles in case it is icy or – shock, horror – snowy. You’ll also want a

The Carpet Shop

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

scarf or snood to cover your neck and face against chill winds (as well as your face mask when you’re in the shops). Check the weather forecast ahead of time so you can plan and prepare accordingly. Keep active – keep healthy Even the smallest amount of activity can help keep your circulation going strong and prevent muscle loss. Try to make a point of keeping active. The experts say not to spend more than an hour at a time just sitting, no matter how good that TV boxset is! Having trouble with any of the above? Our website is packed full of more information on how we can help with advice and repairs. Worried about the cost of the repairs? We’ve got a helpful page on financial options too. So there we have it. Our simple but effective advice for keeping warm and healthy this winter. From all of us at We Care Home Improvements, stay safe and have a Happy New Year! Visit: www.wecr.org.uk email: info@wecr. org.uk Call: 0300 323 0700

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n MAYOR'S VIEW

January, 2021

A hopeful beginning: let’s kick-start 2021 HAPPY New Year! 2020 has tested our city’s resilience and I am still humbled by the outpouring of community support that residents of Bristol showed each other during what was an extraordinarily difficult year. So I would like to wish all of Bristol’s residents a happier, healthy and hopeful 2021. As the Covid-19 vaccine is rolled out across Bristol, we start the year with optimism. But that doesn’t mean that this year is a clean slate. The virus is still with us and the damage that it has inflicted on our community, our mental health and on our economy requires continued and sustained effort for us to build back better, greener and more inclusive than we were before. One way that we can support our community this year as we recover from the pandemic is to buy locally and support our local high streets whenever we can. Our already struggling high streets were dealt a further blow as people’s shopping habits changed. Our challenge is to reimagine our high streets and transform them into community hubs as well as shopping centres. As part of the Love Our High Streets pilot we’ve been allocated £275,000, which we’ve used on improving East Street in Bedminster and will look to roll out across as many of our

47 local highstreets as we can. With further investment and our collective support we can breathe new life into our high streets, supporting an inclusive economy. Another issue we know is troubling Bristol’s families is employment. Our economy lost at least 8,000 jobs last year and our retail, hospitality, aviation and creative sectors were hit particularly hard. The job contraction and reduced opportunities left many, especially our young people, feeling deeply worried for their future. Our city risks a pandemic legacy that increases inequality if we don’t act. One of the ways we are providing opportunities to young people in Bristol is through our engagement with the Kickstart scheme. This governmentfunded programme offers six-month work placements to 16-24-year-olds on Universal Credit. At the time of writing we have received applications for 136 potential placements across the city and we are expecting to see our first placements start this January. They will be working in a variety of industries in Bristol, including creative, digital, marketing and hospitality sectors. If you’re an employer who would like to improve your business and take on young and enthusiastic staff you can find more

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The Mayor’s View

Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Bishopston Voice

information through our website: bristol. gov.uk/business-support-advice/guide-to-thebristol-kickstart-scheme. Bristol City Council is setting an example fby offering a range of Kickstart placements, apprenticeships and internships that pay the Real Living Wage. Our young people missed out on a lot last year; let’s make up for that with jobs and opportunities this year. So here’s to a happy new year, an inclusive economic recovery and a hopeful future for everybody in Bristol.

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Accountancy | Corporate Finance | Taxation | Business Advisory | Private Clients To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

January, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n WHAT'S ON

n NEWS

Men with alopecia sought by researchers for new study RESEARCHERS from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) are seeking men who have experienced hair loss to take part in a new study. Fabio Zucchelli, a research associate at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR), and Nick Sharratt, a research fellow, together with Alopecia UK, have been awarded funding to explore an area where little research exists: men’s experience of hair loss. They are aiming to recruit UK-based men aged 16+ who have experienced any form of hair loss (such as alopecia areata and male pattern baldness). Participants will be asked to complete a short online survey. Little research has been done up until this point. Fabio Zucchelli offers an explanation: “This dearth of research may be because so few men access support for hair loss, so assumptions abound that men are relatively unconcerned about their hair loss. “Just like in the wider area of mental health, we now know that lack of support-seeking does not mean men are not struggling with concerns. In fact, it may point to the opposite.” If you are interested in taking part in the study visit: go.uwe. ac.uk/MensHairLossSurvey

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 via Zoom on Wednesdays at 8pm for half an hour. If you would like to join us please use the following link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72808721853?pwd=YzFtb3 ZCN0RkNWlReW9kdUR2dkxuUT09.

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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

January, 2021

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence

OWARDS the end of last year we heard on the birders’ grapevine that a firecrest had been seen in local gardens. This was an exciting piece of news: it is not often nowadays that we get the chance to add a bird species to our garden list. We had never seen a firecrest in Bishopston and a year can go by without our seeing one in Britain. Chief Birder patrolled the back garden several times, but it was in our wildlife-friendly front garden that it made its appearance. Suddenly CB leapt from his front room chair – so I could tell that something was up. “Firecrest,” he announced, having heard it call. It produced a high pitched “peep” that I could barely hear. We anxiously followed the shady flutterings as an almost invisible bird wove in and out of the bamboo. At last the movement resolved into a sudden flash of orange as the bird perched on a stem, inclined at just the right angle for its fiery crest to catch the light, so close we could almost have leant out of the window and touched it. It was a flash of colour more suited to a tropical forest

In this image by Tony Castro the bird is raising its fiery crest

than a dull December thicket. The firecrest is a tiny teaspoonful of bird. It barely tips the scales to the goldcrest (its close cousin and officially Britain’s smallest at 5g when adult). Nonetheless it is a lively, characterful little creature with

a black mask across its eyes and a sunset-striped black cap on its head. It is dressed in shades of olive green and grey with a pale belly, rendering it beautifully camouflaged when it hunts for food amongst the leaves and twigs of trees and shrubs. To give you

some idea of just how small this creature is, the RSPB lists the diet of a firecrest as including food such as moth eggs – about the size of this full stop. However, they can also take larger prey such as orb web spiders which are beaten to death against a branch before being eaten. I found this pleasingly incongruous, though it is purely a practical matter for the firecrest. Firecrests began breeding in Britain in the early 1960’s but they are still very uncommon here, unlike the goldcrest which can be seen regularly. At this time of year both ‘crests will join flocks of other small birds such as blue and great tits – feeding together offers all the birds a degree of extra protection. Firecrests have been known to choose nest sites close to a large bird of prey’s nest – the large raptor will then prey on the firecrests’ predators, such as sparrowhawks, and will also take potential nest robbers, such as grey squirrels. If you have the space, please try to cultivate a bit of dense shrubbery as it is a perfect habitat for small birds, and they need all the foraging opportunities they can get at this hungry time of year.

Tits aren't the only birds ... in need of a nest box Amateur naturalist and RSPB member Dave Peck shares his tips with Bishopston Voice to help encourage more birds to nest in our gardens. I made my first nest box in the late 60s at the age of about twelve or thirteen, following a design produced by the YOC (the Young Ornithologists Club), built from a single plank of 6”x1” sawn timber. It was occupied the following spring by a pair of blue tits and I remember my excitement when I counted thirteen fledglings. Fifty plus years later, I have no idea how many blue tits and great tits have fledged from the boxes I’ve placed in gardens wherever I have lived in all those decades but it must be quite a number. However, I cannot help wondering how many young of other species might have taken their first flight

in my garden had I been a little less blinkered. The vast majority of nest boxes on sale in garden centres and online are tit boxes, with round holes from 25-28mm suitable for blue and great tits respectively. Open-fronted boxes suitable for robins are sometimes available too but other species rarely get a look-in. So I’ve decided to diversify and devote some Covid spare time

to making up for this, building bridges with those species I’ve ignored and failed to provide with nesting opportunities in the past. House sparrows and starlings (like swifts and bats - see November and December issues of Bishopston Voice) suffer from a shortage of nest holes because of the way we keep our buildings in good repair. House sparrows like a multiple occupancy nest box with

three or four 28mm holes. Starlings need a bigger box with a 45mm hole. These species may not be quite as pretty as tits but both have suffered serious declines in their numbers and they need our help. I’ve also promised a tawny owl box to friends who live out in the countryside. There are plans online for all three types of box. However, nature can be fickle and often confounds the best-laid plans of men. In the past few years I have had tree bumblebees in my tit boxes, wrens nesting in a bat box and great tits in my swift boxes (luckily with young fledgling before the swifts arrived). Finally, one thing nobody should waste money on is a pretty little gift-shop box, pastelcoloured, painted with flowers and creepers and with a tiny opening. These are about as likely to be occupied by birds as they are by a pair of My Little Ponies.

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

bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Mulch ado about our wines WITH Christmas over I think we’re all looking forward to the arrival of spring and the chance to get back to life as we knew it, give or take some minor adjustments. In the vineyard the annual cycle of growth, decay and dormancy continues regardless so we’re in the midst of our winter pruning. Every year we cut all of our vines back quite hard to encourage growth in the “right” places for next summer. If we didn’t do this the vines may try and produce too much leafy growth and not have the strength to ripen any grapes that develop. Pruning also helps to ensure that the grapes are in an easy position to see and pick! One of the simple joys of winter has always been burning our prunings on a big bonfire. Whilst we may have a few small fires, we’ve decided to chip the bulk of what we cut back this year and use it as a weed suppressing mulch around the vines. With the

help of a few volunteers, we’ve trimmed back the huge willow wind break at the base of the vineyard and will be adding that to the mulch mix as well! Summer 2021 will be very different for us because we’re gradually replacing some of our labour intensive Pinot noir with an equally tasty red grape variety that should be much

by Keri Beckingham A LOCAL youth group is making sleeping bags for the homeless out of recycled crisp packets, after being inspired as part of a group sleep out. The Gateway Group is for 11 – 18 year olds and is based at Horfield Parish Church. Following a sleep out in the church last December, where they slept overnight with no heating, the group have been inspired to make sleeping bags for homeless people who are sleeping rough. The group have been collecting crisp packets all year and preparing the material to make it into the sleeping bag. Jackie Victory works with the youth group, and said: “During the sleepout the kids wrote down how it felt to be without home comforts, and the idea came to give things to people on streets. They started off by giving sanitary products to female rough sleepers in St Pauls, and then began to wonder what it would be like to sleep outside when it was raining. “After learning about someone who had made a sleeping bag out of recycled crisps packets, at the start of this year they started a campaign for people to donate washed crisp packets, with the view of making a sleeping bag. The idea is to cut open each packet, iron them together in strips before ironing onto

easier to look after. This is quite an exciting prospect for us and makes the thought of summer vineyard management a lot less daunting – roll on spring 2021! All things being well, our new 2020 rosé will be bottled in March and go on sale in April. It’s tasting great so we’re looking forward to sharing it with people in the spring. In the meantime, some

shops still have a few bottles of last year's rosé in stock and we still have sparkling red and sparkling white if you have an urge for some local wine. hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards (facebook & instagram)

Crisp packets are turned into sleeping bags for homeless clear plastic. However, because of the second lockdown the group have not been able to make the finished product as yet, but the idea is to present a sleeping bag or several to The Sisters of The Church in St Pauls so they can give one to someone they know on the street. “The sleeping bag will be quite big, as it is designed to go over the top of blankets. It will be waterproof and creates a barrier from elements, and is an option if people can’t get into a hostel for the night. “The kids have been quite excited about the project, and we have had a couple of Zoom meetings about it. It’s been hard not being able to complete the project when it has been ongoing all year, and we are looking forward to finishing. “It’s been quite an interesting project to work on, especially to show that it’s possible to make something effective out of rubbish. Teenagers today are very much into sustainability and helping the planet, and they have really enjoyed helping others.”

Jemima, left, and Flossie Victory making the bags

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

bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n NEWS

Don't need your Winter Fuel Payment? Consider giving it to those who do THIS winter is set to be like no other for many older people. And for thousands of retired people living in poverty in the Bristol area, the struggle to keep warm and fight isolation is crucial. The pandemic has caused social fracturing, prompting new concerns about a silent epidemic of loneliness. That’s why this winter Quartet Community Foundation is asking older people who don’t need their Winter Fuel Payment to consider donating it to the Surviving Winter appeal. Anyone can make a contribution and join with others of all ages who have already supported the appeal. Launched in 2011, the Surviving Winter appeal raises funds for local charitable causes that work year round to help our older citizens. Since 2011 the Surviving Winter appeal run by Quartet Community Foundation has

Helen Wilde, former Quartet chair, is supporting Surviving Winter raised £197,000 for 85 projects run by groups across Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and South Glos. Together, they all add up to a lot of change for the better for local older people. Quartet’s Claire Wynne

Hughes, who leads the appeal, said: “Imagine you’re one of the many older people in our patch who are living in poverty this winter. Now imagine one of the wonderful local organisations that support older people contact

you and asks how you are, or invites you to an online event, or even (when this is possible again) invites you to a lunch club, travel included. Or offers you help with your fuel bill. “We’re very aware of the terrible impact Covid is having on older people’s mental health and wellbeing, and the isolation many face while trying to avoid unnecessary social contact. “That’s why we’ve launched our Surviving Winter appeal to help older people in winter. “We know that older people are very proud and are often very reluctant to ask for help. So we work with local charitable organisations who can reach the older people that need help and help them get through winter well.” To find out more and donate see: www.quartetcf.org.uk/ Surviving-Winter

n SPORT

Bowls club spruced up for new season BRISTOL St Andrews Bowling Club has been working hard over the winter to prepare for the new playing season, when hopefully we will be able to resume matches and social activities. Last year, Bristol St Andrews were successful in obtaining funding from Sport England for floodlights, and planning permission was granted over the summer. The lights have now been installed, allowing the club to extend the health and wellbeing benefits of bowling to more people, and play a bit later into the evenings at the end of the season when the nights start to draw in. As well as the lights, Ibstock Enovert Trust awarded the Club a grant in November 2019 for full refurbishment of all windows and doors in the Club House, the changing rooms and skittles alley have been decorated, and maintenance completed on the gardens and borders around the green. All this work has been a monumental task for the club. It was made possible by the commitment of members, who volunteered their time and energy week after week to dig, lift, carry, paint and clean, fuelled by fish and chips and cups of tea! At a time when sadly many bowling clubs

around the city are earmarked by the Council for closure, Bristol St Andrews Bowling cCub continues to thrive. New women members will be playing league matches next season and following the success of their taster day with families, the club are making arrangements to start junior sessions. This is all alongside a full programme of

mens matches in the Bristol and Gloucester leagues. The club looks forward to welcoming new members and neighbours back to the club as soon as they are able. In the meantime, visit their new website at www.bsabowls.co.uk for details of forthcoming events and to see the new, improved facilities.

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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January, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n PROPERTY A new home for 2021 and beyond WITH the impact of the past year, our homes have become even more important to our well-being. Working from Home is here to stay, so space and outdoor space is a priority for many buyers. Set in 3-acres of private residents’ gardens, Redland Court is Bristol’s most prestigious landmark development. Juniper Homes has now opened a long-awaited show apartment in the contemporary Science Building, now home to 17 stunning apartments. As well as the residents’ gardens many apartments enjoy private outdoor terraces and breath-taking views. A choice of one, two and three bedroom options, solves the working from home dilemma. The show home, a 1194 Sqft 2-bedroom ground floor apartment, is so beautifully dressed that sales agents’ feedback includes accolades such as “just like a 5 star hotel” and “genuinely the best show apartment in Bristol”.

Each building on the scheme has a specification designed to match its character and period, so the Science Building has a more contemporary specification than the Old School Hall or the Manor House. Features include skirtings and architraves matched to wall colours to create visually dramatic seamless effects in the spacious rooms. As you move up through the building, the views from these lust-worthy apartments just add

to their appeal; let in the Spring sunshine with the gliding Bi-fold or French doors and large windows, most opening on to private outdoor terraces or courtyards. Communal areas reflect this exemplary finish and a smooth lift provides access to all four levels in the Science Building. Parking is available to all 2+ bedroom apartments. 1-bed apartments from £345,000 • 2-bed apartments from £525,000 • 3-bed apartments

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n NEWS

Bevan Brittan’s £10k donation supports St Peter’s Hospice’s vital services UK-Top 100 law firm Bevan Brittan has donated £10,000 to Bristol-based charity St Peter’s Hospice. The donation will go towards providing vital services for the life limiting illness charity. £10,000 can help to keep the 24-hour Hospice Advice Line – which has seen a 100% increase in calls since the start of the pandemic – open for two weeks. Each year, staff from each of Bevan Brittan’s offices in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and London vote for a charity to support. Many of the charities are chosen due to personal connections with members of staff and their families. The firm’s Bristol office selected St Peter’s Hospice. Commenting on the donation, head of the firm’s Bristol office, Rosemary Jago, said: “I am delighted that we are able to offer some extra support after what has been a very challenging year for St Peter’s

Hospice and the people they look after. £10,000 will make a real difference and we are proud to support such a worthy cause with this donation. “Community engagement is a big part of our culture at the firm and we play an active role in local communities in Bristol and the South West, through both individual and

collective fundraising activities as well as pro bono work. We will look forward to continuing to fundraise and support our Bristol office charity in 2021.” Louise Turner, corporate fundraising manager at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with such a generous donation from our Charity of the Year partner

Bevan Brittan, in particular during such challenging times for our fundraising. We are working hard to try and limit the effect that the pandemic has had on our services and this money will go a long way in helping us to be there for patients when it matters most. “We want to thank Bevan Brittan for supporting us throughout the year as well as with this donation. Staff have volunteered, donated stock to our shops and held many fundraising events and we couldn’t ask for a better partnership.” Bevan Brittan is donating a total of £40,000 across its local office charities, with each of its four offices giving £10,000 to the causes they support throughout the year. For more details about Bevan Brittan’s community support in Bristol and the South West, visit the website.

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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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n VET'S ADVICE

Resolutions for your pets

T’S that time of year again when we make all kinds of seemingly impossible resolutions with great enthusiasm that fall by the wayside as January progresses. So why not set an achievable resolution for our pets instead of ourselves? 1. Resolve to check vaccines are up to date. Vaccination is the key word for 2021, is your pet cat, dog, rabbit or ferret fully up to date with his or her vaccinations? A vaccine also encompasses a full health check for your pet giving you reassurance that all is well, or finding any issues that need addressing that you may not be aware of. Take a look at your pet vaccination certificate to check and if in doubt give your vet a call to check if all in date. 2. Check your pet’s microchip details are up to date. It is very easy to miss changing your address or telephone number on your registered chip details. It is a legal requirement for dogs to be chipped and that all details are current. Cats do not legally need to be chipped but we very strongly recommend it to save heartache if they go missing. 3. With your new Christmas calendar, write in dates of worm and flea treatments so they are not missed. Or call your surgery to check if you are registered to receive text reminders. For monthly treatments pick a date of the month for example 1st and simply repeat on that date. Even at this time of year fleas can be a major problem happily living and breeding in our warm centrally heated houses so don’t drop your guard. 4. Have you been intending to get your pet insured but somehow

Gloucester Road’s Independent Veterinary Practice 358 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8TP 0117 9247832 www.animalhealthcentre.org never got around to it? There is never a better time than now to insure, the longer you leave it the more likely you will have exclusions put onto your policy. If your pet needs to visit a vet for any condition that will likely trigger an exclusion on any new policy taken out so insure as soon as you can while your pet is healthy. Most insurers have an upper age limit beyond which you cannot start a new policy so again do not leave it too late! 5. Get fit! Resolve to spend more time walking your dog, you will both benefit from increased levels of fitness as well as bonding. Cats can be played with inside using fishing toys or laser pens

to increase their activity levels. At this time of year it is all too easy to go outside less and that applies to our pets as well, especially cats who are often not keen to explore outside in the wet and cold when a cosy sofa beckons. Trackers and pedometers are now available for cats and dogs to record their activity. 6. And finally, weight loss! That perennial resolution after Christmas, our pets tend to gain weight over the winter as well as us. It can be more difficult to notice in pets as they do not have to squeeze into too small clothes although a tightening harness in a dog can be a good clue. Why not resolve to book in for a weight

check and feeding advice or even join a pet weight watchers. With so many new low calorie foods on the market it is easier to be able to diet your pet without them being permanently hungry. I hope this may have given you some ideas or maybe just jogged your memory on forgotten intentions. Please do give us a call at the practice for any help and advice on the above, 0117 924 7832. Meanwhile, I wish you all a healthy 2021 ahead. Nicky Bromhall MRCVS Animal Health Centre

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bishopstonvoice

January, 2021

n PHARMACY NEWS

Getting the NHS care you need on time

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

ONE thing that frustrates members of our community is the hassle of navigating through the NHS - to get the care needed quickly. Systems that were strained before Covid, sometimes now buckling. How can we all work together to make things better? The first thing to note is that nothing pains NHS professionals: pharmacists, nurses, GPs, clinical and administrative colleagues more than knowing people cannot reach us for the help we desperately want to provide. This is the reason all of us work well beyond our contracts: late working, an everyday norm. I know that regularly calling or visiting patients after hours is something we all do. It is undoubtedly not more dedication but better solutions that are needed. Starting the journey right is critical. I would suggest that anyone who needs to order their repeat medication contact their local pharmacy. We all have processes to manage this. Put in a medicine request at least seven days before you run out. If you do run out, don’t panic, speak with your pharmacist. Emergency medicine supply may be possible. About 650,000 visits to A&E and over 18 million GP consultations every year could ideally happen in community pharmacy. The NHS is now better linkedup to do this safely. So, if you contact NHS111 or a local GP, you may get a formal referral to a community

pharmacy with your clinical details shared. Why? Pharmacists are trained clinicians, undertaking five years of initial training before qualification. Experts at identifying the right treatment choice for you and your loved ones which most times will not be a medicine. In Bristol, our local NHS is committed to making the most of this broad expertise by allowing pharmacists to issue prescription-only-medicines for certain conditions without the need for a prescription. Patients can access this care directly in Kellaway Pharmacy for: • Urinary Tract (Water) Infections – Females aged 16-64 • Impetigo – Adults and children aged 2 and over • Hydrocortisone – Children aged 1 to 10 and use on the face in patients over 1 year • Chloramphenicol drops and ointment to children aged from 31 days to under 2 years As always, we agree all decisions together after considering the safest and best option for you. Part of a local network of NHS Clinicians, Kellaway Pharmacy is committed to being a conduit of inclusion and excellence in this community. That is what you deserve and what we strive for daily. Need us? Call: 0117 924 6579

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Fire service aims for more diverse workforce LOCAL people from across our vibrant communities are being encouraged to apply to become a wholetime firefighter, as Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is looking for those who want to make a difference to join the Service. Over the next three months, AF&RS will be hosting a range of recruitment activity to explore the role of a firefighter, give an idea of what it is like to be part of the Service, as well as provide insight into what is required throughout the application process. It is hoped that applications will be received from across Bristol as well as from more under-represented communities. AF&RS are planning to raise awareness through recruitment outreach, followed by online workshops in January. Applications go live in March 2021. More information regarding the selection stages of this recruitment campaign can be found on their ‘Yes You Can’ website www.yesyoucan.careers/

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

January, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n SPORT

Dan Worrall returns to Gloucestershire GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cricket is pleased to announce that right-arm fast bowler Dan ‘Franky’ Worrall will be returning to play for The Shire in 2021. The 29-year-old Australia International will be eligible to play in all formats in 2021 having previously played in the County Championship and Royal London Cup for the Club. Speaking on his return to Gloucestershire, Dan said: “I’m really excited to be back with Glos in 2021. They have a cracking bunch of lads who are all really dedicated to competing with the best and I can’t wait to be a part of that culture again. “I have played a couple of seasons with Gloucestershire and love being in Bristol. The squad has had a couple of changes and the injection of some young talent into the group is exciting for the future of the Club. “My goal is to perform individually to a high standard and help lead the young players in the squad to develop and fulfil their potential.” Worrall is currently playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). In their opening match of the competition against Hobart Hurricanes, Dan took one wicket but his batting was what stole

the show. He made a career best 62* that included 7 fours and 3 sixes. Two days later, the two sides met again and Dan took 1/21 in his four overs. Head Coach Richard Dawson is happy to be welcoming Worrall back to Gloucestershire said: “Dan is a quality opening bowler who has shown previously

at Gloucestershire how highly skilled he is, especially in English conditions. “He’s a great person to have in the changing room and to have a new ball bowler for the whole season is a positive boost not just for the bowling attack but for the whole squad. “He can play in all formats; he‘s showing that right now in the BBL and he’s played a couple of four-day games for South Australia so he’s very flexible in what he can do with his skills which is very useful to have.” Worrall last played in England in 2019 when he featured in two One-Day cup matches, taking two wickets in each encounter. This winter, he played four-day cricket for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield and took four wickets in two matches while bowling economically. In 2018, Worrall made four appearances in the County Championship and made a good impression in his short time, taking 16 wickets in four matches with best figures of 6/85. He also recorded his First-class career best with the bat, making 50 on his home debut against Glamorgan. 2021 will be the first year in which Dan will be available for selection for the entire season.

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bishopstonvoice

46 BUILDING SERVICES

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Expert care every step of the way With Spire Bristol Hospital you’ll see a leading specialist in a hospital where safety comes first. When you book an appointment with us, you can be sure that you’ll receive expert care in a secure environment.

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Credit is subject to status. Spire Healthcare Limited is acting as a credit broker, Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is the lender. All named parties are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Spire Healthcare’s registered address is 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN.