Bishopston Voice March 2023

Champion! We're backing the winners

'Safer and more friendly'

EARLY plans to close a road linking Gloucster Road to St Andrew's Park to traffic have been welcomed. Labour and the Greens say the proposals for Overton Road would make the area better for cyclists, pedestrians and businesses.

The road would be safer for cyclists and would create a more friendly atmosphere, with scope for outdoor seating, they say. Residents will be consulted on the scheme later this year. Full report: Page 3

Redmaids' High Under 16s netball team have retained their title as South West champions and will compete in the national finals this month. Report: Page 15

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'Ban on cars would be a welcome boost'

LOCAL councillors have welcomed plans to pedestrianise a street linking Gloucester Road and St Andrew's Park.

Bristol City Council has earmarked over £200,000 to close Overton Road to cars, which would free up spaces for businesses, pedestrians and cyclists, according to local Labour and Green councillors. The council will consult the public on the changes before any roadworks start taking place.

Similar moves to pedestrianise roads elsewhere in Bristol include one recently announced in Chandos Road in Redland, and successful schemes on Cotham Hill and Princess Victoria Street in Clifton.

Labour Councillor Amirah Cole, representing Ashley ward, said: “Pedestrianising Overton Road, which is perpendicular to Gloucester Road, will make the area a friendlier environment for cyclists and pedestrians and free up space for businesses. The proposals will be subject to consultation, but I know some of the businesses have already been in touch to express their support and I believe local residents will support the plans too.

“With the cost of living crisis and increase in energy prices, Bristol’s businesses are facing a tough time — I hope that by freeing up space for them to apply to install outdoor seating, we will give them a much-needed boost. Closing the road to motor traffic will also make it a safer

environment for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging people from St Andrew’s to travel to Gloucester Road and further afield via active travel.”

Closing Overton Road to cars could eventually lead to other similar ideas in the surrounding area, according to Green Cllr Tim Wye, such as installing a contraflow bike lane up North Road. He added that requests for pedestrianisation had been unde rway for a long while.

Cllr Wye, also representing the ward, said: “I am really pleased that the closure of Overton Road looks like it will be going ahead. It’s something that Green councillors in Ashley have been requesting for some time, and while we aware it was ‘in the pipeline’, it would have been good as the local ward councillors to have been notified by the administration that it is now progressing.

“While it is a relatively small change, I think the pedestrianisation will make a significant improvement to walking and cycling and help free up space for local businesses. In December I met with council transport officers to discuss traffic in the area, and this street change could also unlock some other ideas like making the one way North Road safer and possibly being able to complete the long planned cycling contraflow up that road.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Overton Road, which links Gloucester Road with St Andrew's Park

Lunar Optical

Lunar Optical has now been providing the local area with Ocular Health advice and care for 10 years so we wanted to take this opportunity to thank our patients.

Thank you very much for supporting us and our local independent Opticians, we very much look forward to the next 10 years and can’t wait to see what those years bring us.

Gentrification blamed as axe falls on school

ST BARNABAS C of E Primary School in Montpelier will shut its doors for the final time this summer.

Bristol City Council's cabinet has decided the school must shut because of falling pupil numbers. Children will be found places in schools nearby and nine teachers and 13 support staff face redeployment or redundancy.

The decision was taken on February 7 despite a petition signed by 2,495 people calling for the school to be saved.

Parent Lotty Cronk, who presented the petition, claimed St Barnabas was the “victim of gentrification and poor planning”.

She told the cabinet meeting: “St Barnabas is unique with exceptional support for children with SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs, and vulnerable families, unrivalled outdoor spaces and a 150-year history at the heart of the local community. The availability of empty spaces in the area has

been misrepresented.

"We have an autistic child in reception and there are no spaces at St Werburgh’s, Fairlawn, Sefton Park or Glenfrome in this year group. The schools with empty places are a considerable distance away and some, in my opinion, do not offer an acceptable level of educational care.

“We believe the proposed closure is short-sighted and that the consultation process has not been carried out fairly. St Barnabas is a victim of poor planning by the council and the gentrification of the local area.

We believe the school closure will further disadvantage the already disadvantaged.”

Numbers started to fall after two primary schools opened nearby, and Ofsted found St Barnabas “required improvement” in 2017 — although parents said the school had become much better since.

Mayor Marvin Rees said a low birth rate meant there was less demand for primary school places across Bristol.

Mr Rees said: “At St Barnabas the numbers have fallen to just over 50 pupils, when the school has capacity for 210. School

budgets are mainly based on pupil numbers, and therefore funding has been an issue for the school which is why the governors have decided to recommend closure.

“We understand that this is a very emotive issue and don’t underestimate the challenges on children and families that this will bring. However, the governors have concluded that the school is not sustainable. The school and ourselves will support parents to find new school places. I’m very alive to the dangers of gentrification in an area that I used to live in and spent my childhood playing in. It looks incredibly different to what it was then, in many ways. We don’t underestimate how passionate people are about the future of the school, and our education team will work with parents to make sure people are getting a good future for their children.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Metro Mayor Dan Norris with head Debbie Fisher and pupils in 2022

PLANS for two new stations in north Bristol have made significant progress in the first months of 2023.

The new North Filton station, which will serve the homes and arena being built on the former Filton Airfield, has been given planning permission after South Gloucestershire Council fasttracked the project. It is due for completion by 2026.

Meanwhile, funding has been secured for the Ashley Down station and work is due to begin soon.

As reported in February’s Voice, recreating the Ashley Hill station, which closed in 1964, will mean some diversions while construction takes place. A section of Concorde Way will be temporarily closed, and a diversion put in place along Boiling Wells Lane.

The station, funded by the West of England Combined Authority and being built by Network Rail, is due to open next year and will be served by an existing Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood hourly service. This will subsequently be extended to North Filton station and ultimately a new Henbury station.

Dan Norris, West of England Combined Authority Metro Mayor, said: “The last time Bristolians could get a Ticket to Ride here, the Beatles were storming the charts. 60 years on, our ‘reverse Beeching’ programme is going full steam ahead.

“ I know there will be some disruption while building work takes place, but this is the exciting bit when we actually see spades in the ground, and hopefully residents will be able to look forward to using their new station soon. Improving public transport is so important

It's full steam ahead for 'reverse Beeching' – Norris

Brabazon, as well as the arena. South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for planning and strategic infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “This is a significant milestone, and I am pleased the council has been able to prioritise its efforts to accelerate the delivery of the planning permission for the new station.

to help people get around and to meet our ambitious net-zero targets.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Residents will be able to catch trains locally for the first time in nearly sixty years, and Gloucestershire fans will have another way to get to the cricket and Gasheads to the football. This train station should never have closed and I’m proud that we’re reopening it to help connect communities and tackle congestion and pollution. It’s another great boost for sustainable public transport as we work towards the mass transit system that Bristolians need and deserve.”

David Davidson, interim route director for Network Rail, said: “ It’ll be a very busy year on site and we’ll be working hard to keep disruption to residents to a minimum. This new station will bring huge benefits to local

Hospital's solar panels

HUNDREDS of solar panels have been installed at Southmead Hospital to help reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs.

North Bristol NHS Trust says the 670 panels will produce 255,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, which will reduce emissions by 54 tonnes of carbon dioxide and save £80,000 a year. The panels have been funded through a grant secured in 2022 to carry out energy efficiency projects.

The £4.3 million grant will also pay for insulation, double glazing, LED lighting and replacement of steam boilers with clean electric heating via heat pumps. Matt Gitsham, Carbon and Energy Manager, said: “This is another great step in helping reach our net-zero goal, and we are hoping to install a further 450 panels across the Southmead site in a few months. "

people, cutting journey times for commuters and providing greener travel opportunities for the wider region.”

The new North Filton station will serve residents of the 6,000 homes on the airfield development, known as

“North Filton station will support not only the growing resident population, but the new and existing infrastructure, businesses and entertainment facilities, which will attract visitors from across the region and beyond to this part of South Gloucestershire. Having regular and reliable public transport links will be vital to make this area an attractive place to live, work and visit.”

How the North Filton station serving Brabazon will look

A NEW e-scooter rental scheme in Bristol will see parking spaces move onto roads in designated spots instead of on pavements. The new rental scheme, expected to be brought in around spring or summer this year, will likely also include electric bicycles as well as e-scooters.

Swedish company Voi has operated rentable e-scooters in Bristol in a trial beginning in October 2020.

But the scheme could soon be taken over by a new company, as the West of England has asked operators to bid for a long-term contract across the wider region.

Bristol City Council is planning to address some issues on “parking and rider behaviour” with the current Voi e-scooters by shifting parking spaces from virtual spots on pavements onto clearly marked areas on the road. The cabinet signed off these plans in January.

A cabinet report said: “It’s proposed to formalise rental

Scooters will park on roads, not pavements, in new scheme

parking hubs, bringing them under Bristol City Council control and physically marking the parking locations. The current model of unmarked virtual parking spaces on pavements selected by the e-scooter operator resulted from the original trial being set up at short notice, and only being planned to run for 12 months.

“With government plans to legalise e-scooters and for rental schemes to operate in the longer term, a more effective parking management regime is required. It’s proposed that the majority of parking hubs are sited on roads rather than pavements. Designs for low-cost on-road parking hubs are being developed based on designs currently used in London.”

Pavement parking will still

be used where this doesn’t obstruct pedestrians and where parking wouldn’t be possible on the road, such as on busy routes in the city centre. The shift is expected to take some time to roll out, as the council still needs to find funding for new on-road parking hubs.

Voi will carry on running e-scooters in Bristol until a new contract for the scheme starts, so there will be no gap in provision. Council chiefs are keen for the new scheme to include e-bikes as well, potentially attracting a wider range of people and for longer journeys.

The cabinet report said: “A significant number of operators have expressed an interest in setting up e-bike rental schemes in Bristol. Adding e-bikes to the rental market will improve

the range of travel options for residents and visitors, and will extend the benefit of the current rental scheme to a much wider range of people.

“E-bikes are better suited for longer trips and tend to be used more by older people than e-scooters, as well as having health benefits through active travels. A number of other UK cities already have combined e-bike and e-scooter schemes.”

The e-scooter rental trial in Bristol and South Gloucestershire is the most popular of the 31 trial areas across the country, with more than 7.3 million rides or 19 million kilometres of travel since the scheme began in October 2020.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

New face at helm as Greens become largest party

BISHOPSTON’S Councillor

Emma Edwards is the new leader of the Green Party group on Bristol City Council.

The Greens are the biggest group on the council following Patrick McAllister’s victory in the recent by-election in the Harbourside ward. They have 25 seats.

Emma Edwards has lived in Bristol all her life and is one of two Green councillors for Bishopston and Ashley Down. Emma has been particularly active on transport campaigns, sharing the Transport role in the Green group’s shadow cabinet with David Wilcox.

She said: “I am delighted to have been elected by the Green group to be leader. This is a critical year for Greens as we prepare for power under the committee system next year. We are now the largest group on Bristol council, and this indicates Bristol residents are keen for change. People want an

accountable council that listens to residents and takes practical action to make our city a better place to live.

“In the meantime I will

Loft Boarding & Insulation

continue to help Greens scrutinise council decisions and fight for social and environmental justice as the main opposition group.”

Former group leader Heather Mack did not re-stand in the internal election which also saw Tim Wye elected deputy leader.

Tim, a Green councillor for Ashley ward, has experience working as a manager at Bristol council and the NHS, with particular knowledge of adult social care.

Tim said: “I am really pleased to take on the role of deputy leader in the Green group. With my background in the public sector I feel I will be able to support Emma in her new role of group leader.”

Barry Parsons, a councillor in Easton ward, was elected as the group's whip.

Patrick McAllister's victory means that the Greens now hold 17 of the 20 council wards in the Bristol West constituency, which is a key target for the party at the general election. The Parliamentary seat is currently held by Labour's Thangam Debbonaire with a big majority.

Councillor Emma Edwards Councillor Tim Wye

Charity's vision of a traffic-free city

A CLIMATE charity has put up a billboard next to one of Bristol’s busiest roads showing what the area could look like without cars. An image shows Newfoundland Circus, at the bottom of the M32 by the entrance to the Cabot Circus car park, with a tramline, bike lane, new trees and benches.

Newfoundland Circus joins the M32 with Bond Street and currently has six lanes of traffic, rising to eight lanes in some parts, with narrow pavements and long waits for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the busy road. Climate charity Possible said it was

“car-dominated”.

Rob Bryher, car free Bristol campaigner at Possible, said: “I’m thrilled to unveil these visions for the future of Newfoundland Circus and Chelsea Road. In order to meet our climate goals, it’s essential that we get people driving less. That shouldn’t make us feel trepidation but excitement — and these visions embody that excitement.

“They are green, vibrant and would allow a diverse range of people to travel easily and give the people of Bristol more travel options, not fewer. Our cities have the potential to be

wonderful places to live and tools to combat climate change. Let’s make that change.”

Earlier this month a report found that Bristol’s roads are the second most congested in the United Kingdom, second only to London. Traffic information supplier Inrix said drivers spent an average of 91 hours sitting in traffic last year, with the delays costing each driver £805 and the city £175 million.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Carnival returns

ST PAUL’S Carnival 2023 will have the theme Learning from Legends and will include events marking the 75th anniversary of Windrush.

A series of fringe events will begin on June 22 in the run-up to carnival day on July 1.

The traditional street celebration of African-Caribbean culture will be the first since 2019 and is expected to attract tens of thousands of revellers.

Executive director LaToyah McAllister Jones said: “This year was always going to be a big one but is all the more important as we celebrate the lives and contributions so many people have made to carnival.”

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Matrimonial and non-matrimonial property

Emma Davey, Trainee Solicitor at AMD Solicitors, looks at the distinction between matrimonial and non-matrimonial property on divorce.

Advertising Feature

one or both parties have acquired during the marriage. For example, the family home, savings and pensions. In contrast, nonmatrimonial property is usually acquired by a party before the marriage, after the separation, or from a wholly external source such as inheritance.

The gift that pays for itself

When marriages break down, parties may be concerned about the impact the divorce may have on their assets, whether jointly or solely owned. Parties may be particularly concerned about how they will afford two separate homes, without having to make great compromises with regard to the living standard enjoyed by them and any children of the marriage.

will be. However a Will can be worded to provide that a gift of 10 % of the value of your estate at that time is given to a charity or charities of your choice. The effect of this will be that the rate of Inheritance Tax payable on the whole estate is reduced from 40 % to 36 %.

In an ideal world, the parties to the divorce would mutually agree how the assets and finances in the marriage should be divided, whilst considering fairness and each other’s needs. There are many out of court resolution methods that can assist with reaching such an agreement, including mediation and collaborative law.

By Shelley Faulkner,

If the parties disagree about how assets should be divided the Court can step in.

In same circumstances, it has been calculated that this reduction in the tax bill can serve to leave the estate, even after payment of the gift to charity, with a value as high as if the gift had not been made. Thus the gift can in some cases quite literally pay for itself.

solicitor with AMD Solicitors

When considering the division of assets, the court will distinguish between ‘matrimonial’ and ‘nonmatrimonial property’. Matrimonial property is financial assets that

WHILE most of us support 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.

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

Matrimonial assets will fall into the pot to be divided between the couple when reaching a financial settlement, with a starting point of equality, but non-matrimonial assets can be treated differently. In certain situations non-matrimonial property can be ringfenced. This is, however, subject to the exception of need, which would justify nonmatrimonial assets becoming part of the divisible assets. The Court can order this to happen if there would otherwise not be enough money to meet the housing and financial needs of the parties and any children. The Court will also consider factors such as the duration of the marriage when considering whether non-matrimonial assets should be shared between the parties, and the extent to which any non-matrimonial property has been mingled with other family resources.

How leaving money to charity can save you Inheritance Tax

for the distribution of the estate, and the estate can then be divided as if the Will had been made in these terms. A Deed of Variation could therefore provide that 10 % of the estate is to pass to a chosen charity or charities, making the estate as a whole eligible for the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax.

Even where a Will has not been prepared in these terms, 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

This change in the law is clearly very good news both for charities, and potentially for some estates as well. However the detail of the application can be complex. For example, the estate is divided into different ‘components’ depending on how the property will pass to 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.

The family home will usually be treated as matrimonial property, and will hold a central place in proceedings, even if it was purchased prior to the marriage by one party, and even if it continues to be held in the sole name of one party. Although the Court can have regard to contributions that each party has made to the marriage, including the source of the funds used to purchase the property, these contributions are only likely

of attorney and all private client issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, Florence Pearce and the other members of the team on 0117 9621205, email probate@ amdsolicitors.com or call in at 15 The Mall Clifton, or 100 Henleaze Road Henleaze.

to be relevant where there the needs of the parties can be properly met by the available funds.

Financial arrangements can be complex and are unique to your circumstances. Our team of family Solicitors have years of experience in divorce and financial proceedings. For confidential advice on resolving finances on divorce, including a free initial 30 minute consultation with one of our family specialists, please contact 0117 962 1205.

AMD’s team of experienced private client solicitors and practitioners includes full

AMD Solicitors takes pride in sponsoring local, Bristol based charities and this year is very pleased to be supporting the Bristol branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, the local branch of this national charity which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in Great Britain. For full details of our fundraising activities visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com.

Copyright AMD Solicitors

25 years of nourishing and flourishing

HUNDREDS of people braved ankle deep mud and icy winds to Wassail Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) on January 14.

The HOCO wassail involved traditional elements such as dipping branches in cider, offering toast and honey to the guardian spirits of the orchard, and making noise to wake up the trees from their slumbers. As well as the activities and entertainment, there was plenty of mulled juice and homemade cake for sale.

‘Waes hail’ is an Anglo Saxon greeting meaning good health or good fortune.

It has been 25 years since HOCO took root on some abandoned plots on the margins of the Golden Hill allotment site and it will be celebrating its silver anniversary in May.

Since 1998, volunteer members have looked after nearly a hundred fruiting trees

and during this time HOCO has also developed as a place of learning and experiment for a resilient future.

HOCO learning coordinator

Shannon Smith said: “We know that trees help us by mopping up carbon and cooling the air when

John Wills House Outstanding bishopstonvoice

it’s hot. Do we remember that trees in cities need our help too?

“Planting and caring for fruit trees reconnects us with a beautiful relationship between humans and orchard trees. It’s a bond that is many thousands of years old. As with any

relationship – understanding, knowledge and good skills ensure nourishing and flourishing.”

HOCO is open to new Harvest-share members this year. Active members are partnered with a Tree Buddy (usually an apple tree), and get involved with organising working meetings and events.

Ms Smith continued: “The call to plant more trees rings loud and true. If every garden in Bristol grew one or two fruit trees – our city would be transformed into a large urban orchard. Some of us are lucky to have older fruit trees in our garden or allotment – but we may not be sure how best to care for them.”

More information about membership and courses on the HOCO website: www. community-orchard.org.uk Contact: hocopips@gmail.com or phone 0117 373 1587

Final visit as St Christopher's site redevelopment decision day looms

COUNCILLORS are due to see for themselves the site of a controversial retirement village in Westbury Park, before making a decision on the proposal.

Members of Bristol City Council Development Control Committee will tour the five acre site at the former St Christopher’s School this month.

The committee’s chair, Councillor Richard Eddy, told the Voice the £85m scheme will then go to a committee meeting on either March 15 or April. 26.

The site visit will be conducted by the developers - investment firm FORE, in partnership with developer Socius, and care provider Amicala. They want to build 116 retirement flats.

Local campaign groups will not be allowed to attend to voice objections.

Bristol city councillor for Westbury on Trym and Henleaze

Geoff Gollop told the Voice this was normal procedure for such visits.

He said he’s never seen a planning application in Bristol that has attracted so much local concern.

He said: “This is the biggest planning application we’ve ever see in this ward, and we do want to see the site redeveloped, but our biggest concern is transport and access to the area.

“It is congested already and has narrow roads with heavy parking. The scale of this proposal and little onsite parking in this plan will cause more congestion.”

The imminent decision comes as a row has broken out between opponents and developers over new artist impressions of the proposed buildings, published by local campaign group St Christopher Action Network (SCAN).

SCAN says the images show the site before and after development and “were created on architectural software using the measurements provided by the developers in the plans".

Members have condemned the planned new buildings as “giant apartment blocks… an

Dispute over how blocks of retirement flats could look

absolutely shocking sight”.

Spokesman Robin Hambleton said: “The developers have spent over a year not showing images like this as they want to disguise the true impact of their appalling scheme.”

The developers dispute the accuracy of the images.

A spokesperson said: “This interpretation of the scheme is unverified and factually inaccurate.

“There are several points of difference between the actual proposals for the site and what has been conveyed in SCAN’s visuals. Namely, discrepancies in boundary positioning, building proximity and most significantly, the heights of the properties.”

More than 1300 objections have been registered on Bristol City Council’s planning portal, including the size and scale of the proposed new apartment blocks, and the lack of Special Educational Needs provision.

The old St Christopher’s independent school provided for special needs until it closed in

2020.

The developers say the proposal meets local housing needs for an aging population and will include a café and community hall which will benefit local people.

Westbury Park Community Association submitted a ten page response to the latest plans, saying they supported the idea for extra care provision but felt the plan damaged the character of the area and objected to the height of some new buildings and the way they were “crammed inappropriately” together.

Committee chair Councillor Richard Eddy told the Voice: “At present, the Development Control ‘A’ Committee is expecting to determine the St Christopher’s School site in early Spring, most probably in late April. However, at present, there is a small chance it could be referred to our DC ‘A’ Committee meeting on 15th March 2023

“A Members’ site-visit has been arranged, which will inform councillors in advance of our

decision-making meeting. If residents have views on this planning application, I urge them to submit their opinions to: democratic.services@bristol. gov.uk.”

Mark Ashford from SCAN said: “Despite all the glossy brochures and press releases sent out by the developers over the last year, we felt we still hadn’t been given a clear sense of what these giant apartment blocks would actually look like. And now we have it! Even after the so-called “revisions”, it’s an absolutely shocking sight - right on the edge of the Downs and slap-bang in the middle of a conservation area. How on earth can this be allowed to happen?”

Phil Gittins, also a member of the group, said: “The new images show how little the developers have listened to the community. Their proposed development is still way too large for the site, cramming in as many units as they can, with no thought for the consequences. It will ruin the current green space, home to so much wildlife and ignores the views and needs of the local community. That’s why so many of us have objected to these amended plans and hope our voice is heard by the council.”

Artist impressions of the proposed new buildings produced by opponents are disputed by the developers

Protests over end to free parking

A DECISION by Bristol City Council to bring in charges at 10 car parks has provoked a storm of protest.

There’s particular concern over the proposed fees for Westbury Hill car park in Westbury on Trym, which is used by people from across north Bristol.

Residents say the fees of £1 per hour, seven days a week, which are due to be introduced in the next few months, could “destroy” businesses and voluntary organisations and unfairly penalise patients visiting the doctor’s surgery at the back of the car park and those attending church services.

They say the plan is unfair on users of the surgery, shortterm visitors dropping off for classes at the church hall, and churchgoers

The council says that fees will discourage all-day parking and ensure effective turnover of spaces to support the local

economy.

More than 50 statements objecting to the Westbury car park charges were submitted to the council’s cabinet on January 24. Objections were also made at a budget scrutiny meeting on February 2.

Now residents have been to look out for the consultation that will be launched before the car park is changed. Ward councillors have set up an email address, wotcarpark@gmail.com, that people can contact to be sure they don’t miss the chance to have their say.

The other nine free car parks that will become pay and display are at Beechwood Road in Frome Vale, Callington Road in Brislington, Chalks Road in St George, Derby Street in St George, Ducie Road in Lawrence Hill, Machin Road in Henbury, Repton Road in Brislington, Stoke View Road in Eastville, Waverley Road in Shirehampton.

Hunt for witness

POLICE want to identify a potential witness following an assault in a Gloucester Road pub.

Officers believe the man in this photograph may have seen the incident at The Anchor on Saturday 17 December.

At about 11.10pm, the victim was punched in the face in an unprovoked attack. They sustained a broken jaw, for which they received hospital treatment.

The man photographed is described as a white man, around 5ft 8ins, with dark, curly hair. He is shown wearing dark clothing including a black T-shirt, black skinny jeans, and dark trainers.

If you have you any information about the incident or can help officers identify the individual in the photo, please call 101 and quote reference number 5222301423.

A legacy of kindness

Leaving a gift in your will to Age UK Bristol enables us to provide vital services for older people in your community.

"I know that Age UK Bristol does excellent work for older people in Bristol, but has difficulty in attracting adequate funding. We hope our legacy will enable it to continue its existing work, and perhaps develop new ways of easing the lives of older people in our home city."

Geoffrey, on why he decided to leave a legacy in his will.

Students build cultural connections in India

DANCE and sport provided some common ground when students from Redland Green School visited a partner school in India.

RGS youngsters and their teachers learned modern interpretations of local folk and Bhangra moves known more widely as Bollywood Dance while their hosts at The Hope Foundation School in Bhuj had an opportunity to learn a dance from UK musical theatre.

On the sports field, Redland Green students took football and rugby equipment to introduce these activities to the Indian students. In turn, the visitors enjoyed learning the Indian sport Kabaddi and playing a high level of cricket, which is clearly the most popular sport!

The Hope Foundation School was set up in 2001 after the Gujarat earthquake to enable children of the poorest families in the area to access an education. RGS, led by international coordinator Mr Peters, has been collaborating with the charity-funded school in many subject areas over the years and has been running visits since 2013.

During the week-long visit by 22 RGS Year 11 students and their teachers in December, virtual assemblies were held so that their experiences could be shared with others back home in Bristol.

They shared stories about their lives and led on many activities in maths, literature, art, dance, sports and language. The national language across India is Hindi, and students enjoyed learning a few sentences to both speak and write in Hindi.

They also enjoyed visiting the houses of students and the areas in which they live, seeing the community and areas around Bhuj, visiting many different shops, wearing local fashions and travelling further afield. The visit to a temple via Tuk-tuks, the Rann of Kutch (Rann meaning desert in Hindi) which is a salt desert, the house of the Maharaja, and Mhandvi beach were particular highlights .

If you’ve got any questions about making this incredible gift, please contact us on 0117 929 7537 or email us at fundraising@ageukbristol.org.uk

Registered charity number 1042548

Email:

Mr Peters said: “The students and staff were in very good hands and eternally grateful for the amazing hospitality shown to us by the Headmaster, Agilan, his family, and the teachers and other staff in the school. The trip is built on the much valued relationship with our partner school and enabled us to see first-hand the impact of our fundraising enabling children to go to school in India.

“The relationship between the two school is embedded within the Redland Green school community through our PSHE curriculum and the annual fundraising events aimed at not just supporting students in accessing an education but understanding there's so much to learn and share from each other.

“If you wish to help by sponsoring a child for £10 a month at Hope Foundation School, please email info@redlandgreen.bristol.sch.uk. This donation fully supports a child to attend the school.”

Net gains for Redmaids’ High players

REDMAIDS' High School has seen exceptional success on the netball court this seasons.

Both the Under 16 and the Under 11 teams won regional titles and qualified for the national finals this month while Year 10 student Neve found out that she has been selected for the U17 England Netball squad for the European Championships. The news came after Neve has spent the last few months training with the England Roses Academy, attending regular training camps and performing alongside the other Academy players.

Director of Sport Claire Maggs commended the students saying, “These are phenomenal achievements; the students played with such confidence, determination and composure, encouraging each other throughout the competitions. Netball is such an integral part of school life at Redmaids’

High and we are thrilled to see all the hard work from students and staff pay off at both regional and national levels. We wish all students involved the best of luck at the National Schools finals in March and to Neve for the Netball Europe.”

Redmaids’ is host for the Severn Stars

U17 Nova Academyunder the leadership of the school’s coach Kellie Hull; an exceptional netball player herself . The Severn Stars Performance Pathway provides first class training, coaching and competitions for young talented players.

St Bede's duo meet MPs

TWO students from the Areté sixth form at St Bede’s Catholic College visited Parliament for talks that could influence education policy.

Aleena Thomas and Chris Mathew were invited to a discussion with representatives of businesses, government and charities about Applied Learning.

They were chosen to represent English schools because of their school’s long-term participation in the Young Enterprise programme, an inter-school competition in which students run their own businesses for a year.

Young Enterprise is a great example of Applied Learning and it has partnered with The Entrepreneurs Network, a think tank, and the secretariat of the All-party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Entrepreneurship, to produce a report for MPs.

Chris and Aleena spoke about their experiences with the YE Company Programme in front of MPs Seema Malhotra, who is the Shadow Business Secretary and Anna Firth from the Parliamentary Education Committee, as well as former Education Secretary Justine Greening. Jade Hicks was able to discuss Applied Learning from a teacher’s perspective, as well as wider educational topics.

n EDUCATION

FAIRFIELD High School marked the annual World Hijab Day, where the school community were invited to wear a scarf around their necks in solidarity with women who wear hijabs across the globe. This year was special because it was student led. The young people created a powerful assembly to promote religious tolerance and eliminate discrimination.

Cardiologist Dr Sana Maqsood visited the school to share her education and career

journey as a Muslim female professional.

The day ended with a selfdefence class for the school’s Muslim girls.

Anilla Khan, Assistant Director of Science at FHS, said: “Thank you to all our students and staff who made this event so magnificent and memorable by allowing students to dress them in hijab.

"These young insightful minds will never fail to touch my heart.”

Trust promises bright future for primary

CABOT Primary School in St Paul’s held a ceremony to commemorate joining the Excalibur Academies Trust’s (EAT) family of schools. With music, singing, cakes, plaque unveiling, ribbon cutting and tree planting, the school community came together with trust representatives for this symbolic celebration.

Cabot Primary School, which has 175 pupils, joined EAT’s growing Trust of 15 schools last September and is benefiting from the sharing of resources, expertise and support brings.

The school’s principal, Felicity LlewelynHodgson, said: “We are delighted to have held this official ceremony. The children were thrilled to have a number of special guests at their assembly, in addition to their parents which undoubtedly gave them an extra boost as they stood up to perform. They were also very touched with their gifts of Excalibur pencil cases and cakes! We look forward to the next stage of our rosy future as we

contribute and grow with the trust.”

Nicky Edmondson, chief executive officer of EAT, pictured unveiling a plaque, said: “The best part of my job is coming, into schools for occasions such as these; the children’s inquisitiveness, flair, smiles and

Appeal for foster carers

MARVIN Rees, the Mayor of Bristol, is urging residents to consider fostering, after revealing a rapid decline in numbers of carers and continuing high demand.

In Bristol, there are more than 750 children and young people in care but only 353 households foster with Bristol City Council. This means the local authority needs to place about 40 per cent of children with private fostering agencies or in children’s homes, which can lead to sibling groups being separated and children living outside the city, away from everything they know.

Mr Rees said: “Sadly, we are not the only local authority facing a critical shortage of foster carers. It’s a national trend, which could be exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. That’s why we’re offering a welcome grant of £500 to every new foster carer along with their weekly allowance and other benefits."

To find out more go to www.bristol.gov.uk/foster

warmth make my job even more rewarding. We are very much looking forward to the year ahead, as we merge with Gatehouse Green Learning Trust, growing our Bristol hub of schools from three to eight.”

PSYCHOLOGY A-LEVEL TUITION

•Past paper exam questions set and marked

•Checks on knowledge and understanding

•Help with essay content and construction

Support

all

Staff show their solidarity, including Amanda Bridgewater, Principal, (fourth from left in back row)

I have been so impressed with the transition into Year 7. My child is speaking incredibly positively about the teachers and is motivated to learn.”

Parent

n EDUCATION

Really wild! Katy’s adventures are an inspiration

ADVENTURER Katy Parrott, a former Redmaid, inspired junior school pupils at Redmaids’ High with her tales of survival and exploration.

Katy, who took part in TV’s Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week, launched a day of learning about explorers by describing her travels around the world and activities such as mountaineering and Ironman triathlons.

She encouraged the girls to explore not only different places, by taking the opportunity to travel and experience different countries, but also to explore themselves –testing their limits, trying new things, and pursuing the things that excite them.

The pupils were bursting with enthusiasm and asked lots of questions, ranging from What’s the most poisonous animal you’ve come across? and How did you manage to lose all your toe nails?, to the very pragmatic question of How do you make a living from being an explorer? She encouraged the girls to get out of their comfort zone and take advantage of extraordinary and unexpected opportunities, that might come their way.

Katy’s visit was part of the school’s first ‘Wow day’ of the year, where they learned about explorers through a series of fun challenges including orienteering, taking blindfolded directions, learning about French

and English compass points, and planning their own expeditions.

The final challenge of the day ended with pupils taking part in a fun-filled ‘Staff adventures’ quiz where they were asked to try and match the type of real-life adventure with the member of staff. To the surprise and delight of the pupils, adventures ranged from

completing a two-day mountain marathon in the Lake District, sea kayaking and camping in Sweden, to taking a helicopter to the top of a glacier and snowboarding down it!

A spokeswoman said: “It was a hugely successful and enjoyable day for pupils and staff alike, made even more special by Katy’s visit.”

I work therefore I am . . . adjusting to retirement

The major change

Retirement is a major life change, a phase that can last as long as 20-30 years, yet we spend more time planning for a wedding!

Around one third of retirees have difficulty adjusting to retirement. Planning for this time of life is based on financial needs, but not on the needs that make for better personal outcomes, such as how to,

• identify a new purpose and identity

• make use of time meaningfully

• keep connected and relevant

• maintain physical and mental fitness

The experience

The positive buzz around retirement and expectation is so great, it can be hard to admit you’re apprehensive or unhappy. Just 5% of retirees experience positive changes in well-being on retirement. It is normal to feel anxiety, grief, emotional turmoil; this may not appear straight away.

25% of retirees have difficulties resulting in poorer well-being and mental health ( loneliness, stress, anxiety etc).

These are some common feelings from speaking to local people approaching, or in, retirement:

• ‘not sure who I am now and how to describe myself’

• ‘my work is me’

• ‘what will I do without any hobbies’

• ‘no structure makes me feel I’m free falling ’

The good news

It doesn’t have to be like this! Planning for the personal side of retirement has been found to improve well-being, contributing to a more positive and happy retirement experience. Non-financial retirement planning takes account of newly acquired time, supporting you to decide how you use it: experiences, relationships, conversations, making a difference.

Time is the most valuable asset of retirement; there are potentially many years ahead in this phase of life and creating a sustainable plan can be challenging but is an essential foundation for one of the biggest transitions in life.

If you have concerns about retirement, whether you've retired or are approaching retirement, contact me, Sian Jones, for a free 30 minute consultation Sian.Reclaim@gmail.com I'm a certified coach, specialising in non-financial retirement. www.ReclaimLife.co.uk

n EDUCATION

SGS Pegasus names new headteacher

CHERIE White has been appointed headteacher at SGS Pegasus School.

She joined the special school in Patchway in an interim role in September and has now got the permanent post.

The school for pupils with autism spectrum conditions opened in 2017 and now has more than 90 pupils.

Chris Berry, chair of the Local School Board, said: “This year, the school has made significant advances. Cherie has been instrumental in driving these, proving herself to be an inspirational and effective leader who has the trust and confidence of her colleagues and the respect of the whole school community.”

Ms White said: “We are very proud of our school, which is a happy, caring and nurturing environment, with an ethos that every child is able to achieve. We are fully committed to building children’s confidence and preparing them for their lifelong journey of discovery. I am thrilled to be able to lead the school forward in the coming years. I am grateful to the dedicated staff for supporting me in my time as interim headteacher, and I am excited about what we will all achieve together.”

Eyes on the prize

BRISTOL Free School’s Under 14 Girls Football Team are through to the final eight teams in the country competing in the English Schools FA National Cup.

The team won the Bristol schools competition and were crowned overall county champions at the end of the last academic year. This year, they have taken on a bigger challenge by entering the National Cup. They started the knockout campaign in style, beating Five Acres School in Gloucester 17-0! The team continued their run with the following results 7-1, 12-0, 4-2, 4-1 and in the round of 16 against Kings of Wessex Academy, they won 12-1.

Bristol Free School are the last remaining school in the South West, scoring a total 56 goals in six games and only conceding five in the entire competition. A special mention to Emily G who has scored an

incredible 22 goals.

Laura Ballard, Head of PE at Bristol Free School, said “I am so proud of the squad and what they have achieved. Not only have they conducted themselves with a great skill level throughout the competition but the team cohesion and respect for opponents and officials has been admirable and I hope we can go all the way.”

Susan King, headteacher, said “I am absolutely delighted with the success of our U14 girls football team. When the England women's team won the European Cup last summer there was so much discussion about the impact this would have on girls' football. BFS girls were already leading the way in this regard with their amazing team spirit, skill and determination.

Bristol Free School face Dame Alice Owen School from Watford on March 1.

Providing top quality, best value, holistic care

Field House in Horfield offers safe and nurturing care

We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

We also ensure:

• Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented

• Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply

• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand

• Safe face-to-face visits where possible

n NEWS FROM OUR MP

Marvelling at magic of music

Meeting President Zelenskyy

A few weeks ago I was honoured to listen to the speech to Parliament by President Zelenskyy, the brave head of state for Ukraine, and to meet and talk with him personally afterwards. We talked of the importance of standing firm with our allies against aggression and how important that is for peace and freedom worldwide.

All that President Zelenskyy wants is peace and freedom for his country – a peace which was directly attacked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago and a freedom which the Ukrainian people still enjoy, giving them the courage to defend their country. As President Zelenskyy said himself, standing up to Russia is so important, because it sends a clear message to any aggressor “who will try to push boundaries by force, who will inflict destruction on other peoples, who will try to endure his dictatorship at the expense of other people’s blood in criminal and unprovoked wars.”

Music venues need our support

On February 16 I met representatives of Bristol’s

grassroot music venues to hear about the challenges they face. These incredible people found creative ways of getting through the Covid crisis and after pressure from local MPs including me, the government provided some support. However, having come through Covid, they’re now facing energy bills five or six times what they were, audience members hit by cost of living and much more.

Britain has creative heritage that is the envy of the world, and the government should be doing more to not risk losing it. Their approach to touring rights for UK musicians post-Brexit has been a shambles.

The government need to urgently get back to the negotiating table with our EU neighbours, to secure a proper deal for creative workers. As well as visas, the long-term future for UK music also depends on a better deal for musicians from streaming. I and my Labour colleagues are talking to our EU colleagues already to start this process.

Small music venues are hugely important – fostering homegrown talent, providing a source of joy and connection for people from all walks of life, and boosting the local economy.

Eagerly awaiting the transformed Bristol Beacon

I was recently given a tour of Bristol Beacon as it gets ready for the re-opening in November. This venue will be world-class, accessible, and a site for the amazing music education and outreach Bristol Plays Music does with our city’s young people.

Seeing it all come together has been one of the highlights of the year already. I saw the painstaking efforts being made to bring alive the architectural splendour. Whether it is steel columns from the 1800s or balustrades from the 90s, they have all found a place in the 21st century version of this historic building.

The Bristol Beacon plays an important role in showcasing the arts but also in widening access to music for so many people from different backgrounds and abilities. I am particularly proud of the amazing work they do in providing free music tuition for children in care and those with disabilities.

Seeing the cellars being converted to education and performance spaces and being used for the first time, showed how much more the people of Bristol can expect from the

transformed Bristol Beacon. I certainly can’t wait.

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

The last few weeks have been dominated by the tragic scenes from the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. It is impossible for me to put into words the scale of human suffering with people being left in the cold without food, shelter or medical supplies.

The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched a Turkey-Syria Earthquakes Appeal. If you would like to contribute, please visit www.dec.org.uk.

Hospitals pay tribute to volunteers

VOLUNTEERS have been thanked for their support for the hospitals in North Bristol NHS Trust.

A celebratory afternoon tea, hosted by NBT Chair Michele Romaine and Chief Nursing Officer Professor Steve Hams and supported by Southmead Hospital Charity, was held at The Bristol Hotel.

More than 350 people give their time to support Southmead Hospital and Cossham Hospital, collectively donating more than 28,000 hours during 2022.

Among the volunteers at the event were representatives from both Southmead Hospital and Cossham Hospital League of Friends, Move Makers, Patient Befrienders, Ward Support volunteers, Patient and Carer Partners, Kidney Peer Mentors,

Alcohol Peer Mentors, Major Trauma Volunteers, Purple Butterfly end of life volunteers, Pets as Therapy and Bristol Sight Loss Council.

Professor Hams said: “I volunteered at the start of my career and recognise the value of being a volunteer and the huge contribution every one of our volunteers makes to the experience of patients, staff and visitors to our services every day.”

A long service award went to Sandra Stocker in recognition of the 25 years she has managed the League of Friends café at Southmead Hospital.

Muriel Carter was presented with an award for her 20 years of service, volunteering in the Cossham League of Friends cafe.

Pianist and Move Maker, Jan Bartlett, received a certificate to mark her 20 years of volunteering.

Southmead Hospital League of Friends Chair, Mike Long, received an award for 15 years of volunteer service.

The League of Friends run a cafe and shop in the Brunel building, supported by approximately 30 volunteers, and the money they make supports the hospital.

Mike wanted to support the hospital after he had a kidney transplant because he feels it’s “nice to be able to give something back”.

His wife Jenny, a former nurse, also received a long service award, for her 10 years of volunteering for the League of Friends.

Thangam Debbonaire writes for the Voice

UWE Bristol degree apprenticeships praised

UWE Bristol has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted inspectors for its provision of degree apprenticeships.

The University began offering apprenticeships in 2017-18 and now has 2,300 learners across 25 apprenticeship standards, including advanced engineering, built environment, construction, health, applied science, protective services and business management. The University is one of the largest providers in the South West, delivering degree and higher apprenticeships to 350 employers.

Following their visit to UWE Bristol in December last year, Government inspectors from Ofsted rated provision at the University as ‘good’ in all areas. Their report said: “UWE Bristol’s leaders have rapidly developed a successful apprenticeship offer that builds on the university’s long history of working with industries in the region.”

The report added that apprentices “gain the knowledge they need to be successful in their career because

lecturers and employers plan curriculums that reflect the industries in which apprentices work” and “develop a good understanding of what constitutes high professional standards in the workplace”.

Housing Forums for

Bristol council tenants – get involved!

Evening: Monday 20 March, 6–8pm

Afternoon: Wednesday 22 March, 1–3pm

Your opinions help us make decisions!

If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and make suggestions about improvements. For March 2023, we are hosting online meetings focussing on issues we know matter most to tenants.

● Come along and find out about our rapid repairs response service, which we’ve been piloting across the city over the last 12 months. The team has been carrying out repairs to high and low-rise blocks of flats to improve the look and feel in and around communal areas.

● Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums

● If you are not online but would like to take part, there is also a free dial-in option which you can join using your phone. For more information about how you can access the meetings contact Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email  tpu@bristol.gov.uk

Professor Steve West, ViceChancellor, said: “This is an important achievement for the University and is testament to the hard work of our staff, partners and employers."

New classroom opens lessons to nature

A PRIMARY school has opened a new outdoor classroom and learning space after a fundraising campaign.

The new space helps pupils to connect with nature at Glenfrome Primary School and is being used in subjects across the curriculum, as well as for bird and wildlife watching. It is sited next to the orchard in the grounds of the school in Cottisford Road.

Supporters group the Friends of Glenfrome raised £5,000 towards the project, including a sponsored wing walk by school administrator Jo Edkins and a 'crazy hair day'.

With views out over Purdown, the outdoor classroom is already a hit with pupils, who have been spotting different types of birds, making observations for nature and science lessons, and enjoying being outside more.

Head teacher Inger O'Callaghan said: "It is a valuable addition to the school, and

means that outdoor learning sessions can be even more inspiring.

"We have six acres of grounds, and use them to really enrich the whole curriculum.

"We can inspire children to be writers, historians, mathematicians, scientists and geographers by getting out and doing practical, fun activities in the grounds.

"All we need to do now is confirm the name for the classroom - watch this space!"

The school held an outdoor learning day to celebrate the completion of the project.

Jay Jethwa with Dan Norris at Tiffins

New focus for takeaway

A POPULAR Indian takeaway in St Michael’s Hill is planning to open a cookery school.

Jay Jethwa, who opened Tiffins in 2003 with her late husband Nick, wants to show others how to create authentic vegan and vegetarian Gujarati dishes.

Jay is passionate about tackling food waste and helping people deal with the cost-of-living crisis and has secured a £7,800 grant from the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) to help her develop these areas of her business.

Weca Mayor Dan Norris visited Tiffins to see Jay at work and said it was wonderful to see a business that started in Bristol 20 years ago giving back to its community.

Jay thanked Weca for the support given to Tiffins.

The takeaway is open Monday to Friday, noon to 8pm.

£1.95m parks plan

PROPOSED cuts to Bristol’s parks budget were dropped before the city council finalised its budget plans.

The U-turn followed an outcry from campaigners who called for investment in the city’s parks and open spaces. Bristol Parks Forum, which includes groups such as the Friends of St Andrew's Park and Friends of Badock's Wood, made a robust response to the consultation, which appears to have been heeded.

Now councillors are hopeful of a £1.95m programme that will include improvements such as new or upgraded playparks, better paths and accessibility, a café, and new and refurbished public toilets. Blaise Estate and Oldbury Court Estate are among those set to benefit, as well as some smaller parks.

Cabinet Councillor Ellie King said final plans would be unveiled soon and she stressed that the council’s aim was for everyone to have a good quality park or greenspace within walking distance of their home.

She urged anyone who would like to see investment in their local park to contact their local councillor.

Councillor King said: “Bristol has an amazing variety of parks. Research found that we have the third greenest city centre in the UK – with more tree cover, parks, and vegetation than almost anywhere else – and that we have two of the top ten green spaces in the country for ‘welfare value’, in Ashton Court and Blaise.

“But we know our parks can be even better. I look forward to hearing local residents’ and community groups’ views on our proposals.”

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

March to the match!

LOCAL charity, St Peter’s Hospice, has teamed up with the Bristol Bears for a rugby game that makes a difference to patients and families in Bristol when they need it most.

The Rugby March takes place on Sunday 12 March, starting with a sixmile sponsored walk from 11.30am that’ll get you pumped and ready for a thrilling Bristol Bears v Harlequins live match at 3pm.

One team stepping up in honour of their friend is ‘Steve’s Buddies’ (pictured above). They said: “We sadly lost Steve a few days after taking part in The Rugby March in 2020. Steve was so honoured we all took part in his name as ‘Steve’s Buddies’.

“Steve was a gentle soul with a big heart. We take part in The Rugby March because Steve said what a wonderful place the Hospice was. He said the people there were like angels.

“We are all Steve’s friends, and this is our way of thanking St Peter’s To find out more, see: www.rugbymarch.co.uk

Six-mile sponsored walk Bristol Bears vs Harlequins

CAMPAIGNERS have reacted with dismay to the recent ruling that gives the green light for Bristol’s airport expansion plans.

Environmentalists had argued six grounds on which they said the planning inspectorate’s decision should be overturned, but Mr Justice Lane found that each of them failed and the planning inspectorate had made no error in law.

Following the High Court ruling on January 31, youth climate activists held a symbolic action with fake blood to highlight their opposition to the airport expansion.

Members of Extinction Rebellion Youth Bristol (XRYB) sat down outside the Bristol Civil Justice Centre - where the announcement was made - and had fake blood poured over them in front of a banner reading ‘Lungs before profits' - a reference to the worsened air pollution as one of the negative effects of airport expansions.

Bristol Airport says that sustainability is part of its expansion plans and it wants the airport to be net zero by 2030.

Chief executive David Lees said: “The main issue in this case is not whether emissions from any additional aircraft using Bristol Airport should be ignored. Plainly, they should not. Rather, it is about how and by whom those emissions should be addressed.”

Mr Lees described the decision as “excellent news” for the region’s economy and said the expansion will create up to 5,000 jobs while delivering more international destinations for the South West and South Wales.

He added: “We will do this while working towards our ambitious target of net zero carbon operations by 2030. We look forward to working with stakeholders and the community

Outcry as airport expansion gets High Court go-ahead

“Lord Justice Lane confirmed that the expansion will impact the environment but as we know Government policy gives no consideration to the combined impact of airport emissions.

“This must change. We are all seeing the devastating effects of climate change with floods in Keynsham a few weeks ago and record breaking temperatures this summer. So many plants and animals are under threat of being lost forever.”

Expansion would see the airport increase its capacity from ten million to 12 million passengers per year.

to deliver our vision to be everyone’s favourite airport.”

An XR Youth spokesperson said: "We took action to highlight the blood that’s on the hands of those in the so-called ‘justice’ system that allowed the expansion of Bristol Airport.

“People in the global south are already dying because of the climate crisis, with every year bringing more and more extreme weather events.

“We will not allow our government to prioritise immediate profits for overseas companies - such as the Ontario Teachers Fund that owns the airport - over the lives that are being and will continue to be lost due to the climate crisis.”

The appeal was mounted by the Bristol Airport Action

A PILOT project to support neurodiverse young people, who find it hard to leave their home, to access short breaks has been given the go-ahead.

Bristol City Council has secured over £740,000 of funding from the Department for Education (DfE) for an innovative scheme called Pathway to Short Breaks, which aims to break the cycle of anxiety, for children and young people aged seven to 18. The trial project will have 80 places.

Cabinet councillor Asher Craig said: “We know that the long periods of isolation and lockdowns during the pandemic negatively affected our children and young people,

Network (BAAN), which has been arguing planning inspectors were wrong to ignore the impact a bigger airport would have on climate change.

But the inspectorate, which is an agency of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, says a local decision cannot overturn national government policy.

Reacting to the High Court decision on the airport, Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “The deep concerns of local people and the decisions of local politicians have come into head-on collision with national government policy that is not fit for purpose.

“For all their warm words this decision shows the government is not serious about the climate emergency.

Project helps tackle severe anxiety

who were unable to practice the social and emotional skills needed in daily life, so we are looking at innovative ways to address this.”

“This new programme is one that parents and carers of neurodiverse children and young people have told us is needed. We have worked with families whose children are withdrawing themselves from daily life

Green Party co-leader and councillor for Clifton Down Carla Denyer, said: “This is a devastating outcome. Bristol airport’s unnecessary expansion will mean thousands of extra flights which will produce one million tonnes of CO2 equivalents every year, right at the point we most need to be reducing our emissions. Not to mention more traffic, noise and air pollution for local people, and it will risk harming endangered local species. All this in face of clear local opposition.

“Unfortunately, both the Conservatives and Labour want to have their cake and eat it when it comes to climate change, claiming to support climate action but unwilling to accept any change from business as usual. In the real world there is no such thing as green aviation or carbon neutral jet fuel. We must listen to the scientists, not the airports.”

due to anxiety to help us better understand what is needed to break this cycle and support these children and young people to access Short Breaks.”

The Pathway to Short Breaks project will be delivered in-house by the Bristol Autism Team, where a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of a clinical psychologist and a team of wellbeing practitioners and engagement workers will be working alongside external partners FACE, Neon Daisy and Horus Wellbeing.

The Pathway to Short Breaks project is set to commence in April and will run until March 2024.

XR youth members are covered in fake blood at January's protest

An anti-airport campaigner outside the November hearing

We have a shortage of foster carers and need more people in Bristol to come forward. Please help us keep local children close to their schools and communities.

Get in touch with us to find out what support, training and benefits we offer our amazing foster carers.

Foster with Bristol City Council and make a difference.

0117 353 4200

www.bristol.gov.uk/foster

A walk on the wild side

OVER the last weekend evenings in January, in surprisingly good weather, visitors and residents were treated to the annual Chandos Neighbourhood Window Wanderland. Although a little quieter this year, there were some beautiful, imaginative and fun displays. The theme (optional) was animals, which was very creatively interpreted. There were lots of representations of wildlife from foxes, cats, squirrels, badgers, bats, blue tits and blackbirds to the more exotic parrots, safari animals and underwater scenes. There was a special commemorative farewell to Bristol Zoo; a celebration of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit; a jolly teddy bears picnic – all bravely sitting out in the chilly evening with their other toy friends;

Alice disappearing down her rabbit hole and even dinosaurs – who knew that we have a herd of dinosaurs in the area? Or visiting aliens? And in Lansdown Road, there were more pigs than you could imagine – flying pigs, pigs in space, pigs in blankets, piggies going to market, road hogs, and of course the three little pigs defending their homes from Mr Fox. Many of our local traders joined in with displays in their windows.

Chandos Neighbourhood Association would like to thank everyone who joined in – we are aware how much effort goes into preparing these displays and we appreciate and admire every one from the simple strings of lights to the amazingly creative displays. We hope you enjoyed it too!

Fiona McVey

Some of the creatures on display in windows around the 2023 Chandos Neighbourhood Window Wanderland trail

Cricket success

NINE young players identified and developed by Bristol’s African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) Academy have been selected for county age group programmes in the South West.

Six have been inducted into Gloucestershire’s Talent Pathway while one has been selected for Somerset’s Pathway and two for Wiltshire’s.

The ACE Programme began in September 2021 and is led byTheo Gordon. It has delivered regular coaching sessions in urban areas of Bristol in the hope of unearthing talented youngsters from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

ACE Academy sessions are held every Saturday between 6.30pm and 9.30pm at the Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Road, Bristol. For more information on how to get involved with ACE, email Theo Gordon at theo@ aceprogramme.com.

Dan named top county coach

DAN Church from Westbury Park Tennis Club has been named Development Coach of the Year by Avon Tennis.

The LTA-backed award is based on criteria such as coaching programmes, member and community engagement together with diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Dan will now go forward with other county winners to a regional judging panel for the south and south-west with the regional winners announced in April. The national ceremony will be held in London in July.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FREE SKILLS SUPPORT?

These awards recognise and champion the people who deliver tennis locally and are split into nine categories.

Avon Tennis secretary Clive Sampson said: “The standard of entries this year was really high and I would like to congratulate all the winners. It is heartening to reward those who put so much effort into providing opportunities for others to play and enjoy tennis.”

To find out more about the LTA Tennis Awards, visit www.lta.org.uk/awards .

Workforce for the Future provides free tailored, in-depth support to help you ensure your employees have access to the skills, training and support that your business needs to thrive.

Our expert partners, who span a range of industries, will work with you to help identify these ongoing skills needs and deliver the necessary training to help you invest in your current and future workforce.

n SPORT

Helen's a true tennis champion

HELEN Abbott, from Cotham Park Tennis Club, is to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from Avon Tennis.

The LTA-backed award is a testament to the exceptional contribution Helen has made to her club and to the County over many years.

A retired physiotherapist, Helen has championed making tennis available to all, no matter what their age or ability. She has been the Disability Network Coordinator in Bristol for many years and has worked with the LTA and the Tennis Foundation to bring greater awareness of the physical and mental health benefits of tennis for all. The Walking Tennis initiative, which she co-created, is now well established within the LTA, and rolled out across the country.

Helen will now go forward with other county winners to a regional judging panel for the south and south-west with the regional winners announced in April. The national ceremony will be held in London in July.

These awards recognise and applaud the people who deliver tennis locally and are split into nine categories.

Avon Tennis secretary Clive

Charity fixture

THE red and blue sides of Bristol are putting aside their colours for a charity match in May.

The game at the Memorial Stadium between a South West Legends side and an All-Star XI will raise money for and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Sampson said: “The standard of entries this year was really high and I would like to congratulate all the winners. It is heartening to reward those who put so much effort into providing opportunities for others to play and enjoy tennis.”

To find out more about the LTA Tennis Awards, visit www. lta.org.uk/awards .

Bristol Rovers legend Marcus Stewart was recently diagnosed with MND and he united with City’s kitman and former player Scott Murray to urge fans to support the event on May 13 in aid of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

He said: “This is going to be a celebration of football. There will be big names on the pitch at The Mem in May to lend their support and I just hope they brush up on their Bristolian before the game so they can understand what’s being said on the terraces!”

Helen Abbott, in red hoodie, with members of the Wheely Good tennis group she founded

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS

In Redland this month...

Belvedere Rd care home rejected

The third proposal in recent years for additional care home development in Belvedere Road has been rejected. The applicant went to the government Planning Inspectorate after their proposal wasn't dealt with in time - it's called a non-determination appeal. Previous proposals for more care home rooms were also turned down in planning committees due to traffic and parking issues and this was affirmed by the Inspector who rejected the appeal on these grounds again. Many residents objected that another house was to be converted in the street and asked for advice.

Planning delays due to staff shortages have continued to slow down the handling of applications small and large and this is something we've reported in the past and taken up on behalf of residents. There seems little sign that the backlog is being dealt with yet, unfortunately.

Can we improve Bishop Road traffic safety?

Fi recently met with the deputy head of Bishop Road school to discuss the traffic problems in the area that local people and parents have raised with us. The school is one of the largest in the city with well over 800 pupils, so it only takes a small proportion of carers and parents driving to cause significant problems in the narrow residential streets in the area. Not surprisingly the school shares our concerns

and has taken a number of steps to try to deal with what in clearly a potentially dangerous situation. Together with the school, we hope to be able to work with highways officers and local residents to see what measures are effective and available. If you are interested in getting involved, please do get in touch with us.

Cranbrook Road Crossing

The long awaited delivery of the Cranbrook Road crossing is inching forwards. We've finally been told that legal work to allow restrictions at the corners of Cairns Rd and Harcourt Hill to improve safety with double yellow lines will be drafted. Up to date legal protection for corners is needed so they can be kept clear where the new island crossing will be put in. We're doing what we can to keep the project moving despite the slow pace of all highway schemes in the city. The money was first secured by us from developer funds in 2019 after a campaign by residents. A child was hit in a collision by a vehicle at this vital school crossing route and there's been no safe crossing. We're hoping there are no more delays. Mental health helpline number Bristol Mindline, a free helpline to support callers’ mental health and emotional wellbeing, have been in touch.

If you sometimes speak to people who are struggling with life the number could be helpful to them. It's a confidential and anonymous service that anybody in the area

In Bishopston this month...

Horfield Common tree planting

The first phase of the new tree planted started on February 15 on Horfield Common, with more planting taking part in March. This project has been in the pipeline for a while, and we are so delighted that it has started. We went down to help, and saw the new fruit orchard being planted, and we even mucked in helping to plant an avenue of ginko trees along the Southmead side pathway. The trees will contribute to carbon capture, improve biodiversity on the common and help with flooding. A big thanks to all who filled in the consultation and to those volunteering.

Ashley Down School Street

The consultation for a School Street for Ashley Down School is

now closed, as of February 17 and we thank everyone who filled in the public survey. We excitedly look forward to the next phase of the project and find out what the results of the consultation were. We are also delighted to find out that our funding bid for new pencil bollards has got through the next round for Community Interest Levy funding. We hope that securing this funding for bollards, along with the School Street initiative will really help the children and parents of Ashley Down school feel safer at drop off and pick up times. To find out more about school streets, visit https://travelwest.info/projects/ bristol-school-streets

Airport expansion

We were both sad to hear the news that Bristol Airport won their appeal to expand. We have

can call if they are experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, or anything else that is concerning them.

The line is staffed by highly trained volunteers who will listen, support callers, and help them to work through and better understand their feelings. The Bristol Mindline number is 0808 808 0330 Green Group grows

We're delighted to be joined by our 25th colleague in the Green Group on the council after a local by election in Hotwells and Harbourside. This makes our group the largest on the city council. But this does not affect control before the post of Mayor is abolished in May 2024. Until then the elected Mayor is still in charge of most decisions. However towards the end of this year the budget for the new council in 2024 led by proportionate committees will be drawn up by a cross party group of councillors. There are now a series of committee meetings being held in public to draw up the new model of how committees will take over running the council. You can find details on the council website pages for Council meetings - a public forum is part of the agenda - and can also email questions to: committeesystem@bristol.gov.uk Redesign of junction South Rd with Redland Rd

There’s been a road safety scheme in development for many years due to accidents at the South Rd/ Redland Rd junction. It's being

progressed slowly - the same pace as other highway schemes! - and the proposed design is changing. The changes could affect waiting restrictions on South Rd to make it safer for cyclists squeezed by parked cars. We understand there will be an additional consultation in the vicinity about modifying the proposal. This is needed to make sure that larger vehicles can make the Redland Rd/Zetland Rd turn once a widened footway has been built. Do submit your comments or get in touch if you have queries about proposals being circulated to addresses near the junction. New group supporting Redland station

We're delighted that local volunteers have set up a station adoption group for Redland & Montpelier train stations and are working with the Severnside Community Rail Partnership. As the stations are only two minutes apart the two stations are being adopted together. As well as work parties there it's hoped the planters and herb garden will be looked after by volunteers. The Facebook page for Redland station is - Friends of Redland Station Bristol - FoRed. There's also a community notice board at the platform.

Contacts:

Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk.

Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk

Fi: 0117 3534720. Martin 0788 4736101 Facebook.com/cllrmartin.fodor or /cllrfi.hance

both been very active in the protest against the expansion of the airport, since before we were both Councillors. Emma gave a speech at a rally on College Green following the news, where she promised that we would continue to speak up in our role as councillors agains the expansion. So many residents have told us how concerned they are about the impact of the airport expansion on air quality in Bristol and we share those concerns. We will continue to support Bristol Airport Action Network in their work to appeal this decision.

Muller Road update

We know many people have been concerned about how long Muller Road is taking and when the project will be finished and the road reopened. We met with the

new lead officer in February, who said while the roadworks were a little behind schedule, due to adverse weather, that the roads are looked to be reopened by Spring. We also discussed ways we can protect the green at the bottom of Springfield and if there is any scope for more trees on Ralph road, but this is yet to be confirmed.

Our surgeries continue at the Ardargh every first Friday of the month from 4pm-5pm, if you wish to book a slot you can email us, though there is usually space if you just turn up!

Contacts:

Cllr.EmmaEdwards@bristol.gov.uk

Cllr.LilyFitzgibbon@bristol.gov.uk

Facebook: @ EmmaEdwardsLilyFitzGibbon

Council to open two children's care homes

TWO new children’s care homes will soon be set up in Bristol to meet rising demand for teenagers needing care and accommodation. The homes will give care for teenage boys with criminal records and children with challenging mental health problems.

The care homes are expected to cost £911,000 to open, which will be funded by a grant from the Department for Education. Bristol City Council will refurbish two buildings it owns, and then commission a provider to run the care homes.

The council hopes the homes will reduce the number of expensive out-of-city placements for children needing care, saving money and providing a better environment for the children. The decision was signed off by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, January 24.

Labour Councillor Asher Craig, cabinet member for education, said: “The care population in Bristol is growing. It’s likely to rise by 5% in the next year, and we are already struggling to find placements to meet the needs of our most complex children. This spend will help us to try and reduce the number of children who are placed in expensive placements outside of the city, improving outcomes while also reducing our overall expenditure.

“The [first home] will enable medically fit children who require clinical and social care to be discharged from hospital settings within suitable timescales. The second is a home for adolescent boys aged 15 to 17 with challenging and aggressive behaviour. This will provide a therapeutic setting for restorative care for young men with criminal justice involvement, and where exploitation is part of their risk profile.

“We need to develop more in-house provision in Bristol because we are currently at the mercy of the market — and the market is killing us financially. It’s so expensive to send some of our children outside of the city.”

Over the past three years, increasingly more children in Bristol needing care have been sent at least 20 miles away from their home, according to a cabinet report. This rose from 21% in 2019–20 to 23% in 2021–22. There are relatively few children’s homes in Bristol, partly due to the very high general cost of accommodation in the city.

There are 727 Bristol children in care currently, with more children expected to need care in the next few years. The council already struggles to find care placements for children with very complex needs, and these are often extremely expensive. At the moment 17 young people aged over 15 are placed in residential care outside of Bristol, each costing the council between £300,000 and £830,000 a year.

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said: “We have a growing population, our young people have been under phenomenal pressure, and families have been under phenomenal pressure, particularly over the last few years. That pressure is still with us, so we anticipate more need coming through the system, so we have to begin to increase our ability to support people.

“Existential threats in 20 years time are very real. But we want to create the emotional and financial space for the people, who are too easily left behind and left out of council debates, to think about more than the next week of their existence in this city and on this planet.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Westbury on Trym Village Show

ONE of the highlights of the year in our community, the Westbury on Trym Village Show, will be returning to the Village Hall and gardens on Saturday 2nd September 2023. The names of many of the classes will be inspired by this year’s theme of ‘Harvest Time’. There will be plenty of opportunities for growers, crafters, gardeners, cooks and photographers of all ages to showcase their talents and interests. Money raised goes towards the support and maintenance of the Hall.

We are delighted that this year we will be linking with Family Food Action, which is a community-based charity working with five local community-based partners (St Paul’s Children’s Centre, Southmead Children’s Centre, May Park Primary School, The Vench in Lockleaze and Felix Road Adventure Playground) to support local families experiencing food poverty. The Ardagh on Horfield Common is a collecting and sorting hub for donations of food from residents and businesses in the North Bristol area. Volunteers sort, allocate and deliver food to the above partners who then ensure that families who need it most receive support. There will be an opportunity for visitors to the show to make donations this vital work.

Bookings for stalls and attractions are being taken. The ever-popular Marshfield Brass Band, which adds to the traditional village show atmosphere, has already been booked.

The show schedule will be published at the end of April and will be available in local shops, businesses and the WOT Library.

Remember to add 2nd September to your diaries and calendars. It is always a lovely way to end the summer holidays and to look forward to the coming of autumn. If you would like to help to organise the show the committee would be delighted to hear from you and may be contacted via the website

Further information, including the Stallholders’ Application Form may be found on the show’s Facebook Page and website (wotvs.co.uk).

Carole Thorpe (WOT Village Show Chairman)

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Rays of hope for a bumper grape harvest

AFTER a grey and wet few months there have been some beautifully sunny days recently which made working in the vineyard feel almost euphoric! It’s amazing how a bit of sun can completely change the feel of a place from being slightly austere and lifeless to full of warmth and birdsong. As always we seem to go from one extreme to the other - an extremely wet to an extremely dry period. My hope for this spring going forward is that we get sun but also a fair amount of rain once the vines start to wake up and grow. This won’t happen until mid April so we’ve a little way to go yet but many of the new vines have been slightly stunted or ‘held back’ by last years extreme heat. It’d be great to see the baby vines really get going this year and put on some good growth so we can get closer to harvesting grapes from them.

On the wine front things are getting really busy as we start to prepare for the release of new wines. We have a new 2022 still rosé to bottle and our 2021 sparkling red and white wines to disgorge. There are boxes to order, labels to design and decisions to be made. As many of you know, I like to try and push the boundaries a bit with my wine labels and I’ve got some really exciting plans for our labels

this year. It’s all a bit top secret at the moment but all will be revealed soon!

In other news, we are to feature in a beautiful new photo book called ‘New British Wine’ published by Hoxton Mini Press. We are also in a podcast called ‘Wine Flight’ with wine experts Ben Franks and Sophia Longhi. If that wasn’t enough, our new beer collaboration with Left Handed Giant is set to be released soon. They’re calling it ‘Afterglow’.

hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards Facebook & Instagram)

n COMMUNITY NEWS BRISTOL NORTH SWIMMING CLUB

IT’S been a fantastic start to the competitive year for us here at Bristol North. We kicked off with a very successful training camp in Crete during October half term, during which 26 swimmers aged 10 – 16 attended our first overseas camp for nearly 15 years. It didn’t take long for the results of their hard work during camp to pay off as we doubled our number of Gloucester County Qualifiers from 2022. We’re looking forward to seeing more results from our developing team going into the Cotswold Leage coming up in the spring. To support our fast growing competitive club, we’re expanding our coaching team and are looking to recruit a new Level 2 Swim Coach to help us reach our goals as a club.

We’re a social, inclusive, family friendly club with a thriving Masters section. We

develop swimmers to reach their full potential from Learn to Swim right up to County and Regional level. We train across 3 pools in North Bristol (Filton, Winterbourne and Horfield) and have decades of experience within

our coaching team to support and develop coaching skills. We also fund further qualification and professional development in exchange for small commitment of time with us.

We’re looking for someone who

shares our vision and values of building a stronger Bristol North and can use their knowledge and energy to inspire our swimmers.

For details on the role including rewards package contact Steph via Chair@bristolnorthsc.org.uk

Singers aid charity

itself on its fund raising efforts and the members are delighted to be able to return to these after so long a break.”

made donations last year

The group

Ukraine and to St Peter’s Hospice from its family and friends only concerts.

Dorothy Bryant, from the choir, which meets in St Teresa’s Community Centre in Gloucester Road, said: "The choir does pride

Committee members handed over a cheque to two representatives from the Sense Family Centre in Kingswood. The charity provides short breaks for children with multi-sensory impairment and complex needs across Bristol and South Glos.

n BOOKS

Limberlost

by Robbie Arnott

Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library

Limberlost is the third novel by the prize winning Australian author Robbie Arnott. Set in the writer’s native state of Tasmania, the main character is Ned who lives on an apple orchard farm with his father and his sister Maggie. His mother died when Ned was only a few months old and his older brothers Bill & Toby are away fighting in the Second World War. His best friend is Jackbird, a neighbour and schoolmate, who has a sister called Callie. Left largely to his own devices , 15 year old Ned, spends a lot of his time, setting animal traps, so he can kill rabbits and sell their pelts to the army. He saves the money he gets for the pelts, with the aim of buying and sailing his own boat. One day, he discovers a Quoll, a carnivorous marsupial, whose leg is caught in one of his traps. After freeing the Quoll’s leg from the trap, Ned decides to keep it captive in his father’s garden shed, where he nurses it back to health. On a visit to the orchard, Callie discovers Ned feeding the quoll, and promises not to tell anyone, if she can be involved in looking after the Quoll.

Once the quoll is nursed back to full health, it is Callie who convinces Ned to release it back into the wild, the start of a lifelong relationship between the teenagers. Ned is introduced to Falmouth, who has several beaten up old boats for sale. He is drawn to a badly scratched boat, with a mast, a snapped off oar and no rudder. He purchases the boat and arranges for it to be transported to a boatshed on the family orchard. He painstakingly sandpapers off the peeling paint, and makes and fits a new rudder, from an old oak stump. Ned learns how to sail his boat and invites Maggie to join him on its

maiden voyage down the river. His joy is short, however, as he becomes aware that the orchard is in financial trouble with large debts. Ned then has to choose whether to continue to fulfill his childhood dream or to accept his responsibilities to his family. This is an engaging and delightful coming of age novel, with most of the action taking place over a single summer. It beautifully captures the flora and fauna of Tasmania, with descriptions of ghostly strands of cider gums, thick needled pencil pines, blackheart sassafras, dappled leatherwoods, mossy myrtles and giant stringybarks. You can find a copy of this book at Bishopston Library. If you are not already a member, please come and visit us at 100A Gloucester Road and sign up for a library card, giving you access to over two million books.

Opening Hours

Monday (1pm-7pm)

Tuesday (closed)

Wednesday (11am-5pm)

Thursday (11am-5pm)

Friday (11am-5pm)

Saturday (11am-5pm)

Sunday (closed)

Laurence Stephen Lowry, (1887-1976) –signed print –‘Britain at play’

As the damage to nature becomes more visible, saving wildlife has never been more important.

Our plans for a new Bristol Zoo at our 136 acre Wild Place Project site, just 20 minutes from the centre of Bristol, will set the standard for a forward-looking zoo. Home to some of the world’s most threatened species, living in spaces that better reflect their natural habitats, our new zoo will reflect the vital conservation work we do around the world.

We’re a conservation charity and every penny we raise will support our missionWe’re saving wildlife together with the people of Bristol.

Be home to some of the world’s most threatened species

We direct 14 field conservation projects with 31 local partner organisations that conserve and protect some of the world’s most threatened species.

Inspire current and future generations to value and protect wildlife

In 2023 we will engage over 15,000 children through our education sessions. By 2035, we aim to inspire over 90,000 school children and teach 600 higher education students per year.

“I became a trustee of Bristol Zoological Society because I believe its new direction will help tackle the extinction crisis. By focusing on animals that are most in need of conservation, moving to the larger Wild Place Project site, and taking the difficult decision to close Bristol Zoo Gardens, the charity is doing the right thing. It is focusing on how best to save wildlife together – now and into the future.”

Jane Smart, Director of the Global Species Programme International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Look sharp! Your eyesight is precious

THE human eyes are amazingly able to differentiate approximately 10 million colours. Did you know the phrase ‘‘in the blink of an eye’’ is because the eyes are the fastest muscle in the body! The most common eye problem people visit the pharmacy for is conjunctivitis, or red/pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. It rarely affects your vision.

The common symptoms include redness, pus that can stick to the lashes and is contagious, itchiness, a burning sensation, wateriness, a gritty feeling.

Conjunctivitis is generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection (known as infective conjunctivitis), an allergic

reaction such as hay fever, a reaction to a chemical such as chlorine or shampoo or an eyelash, or particularly affecting babies, a partially blocked tear duct.

Conjunctivitis symptoms usually last 7 – 10 days and should completely clear up within 2 weeks. Infective conjunctivitis can be contagious for up to 14 days from the start of symptoms. It is essential to do things that help ease your symptoms and stop the spread of conjunctivitis:

• Washing your hands with soap regularly, especially after touching your eyes

.

• Regularly clean any sticky discharge or secretions from your eyelids with cotton wool soaked in boiled and cooled water. (Use one piece for each eye to avoid cross infection).

• Place cool compresses (such as

Hearing Impaired Support Scheme

HEARING Impaired Support Scheme, a small Bristol charity, is looking for new volunteers.

We maintain hospital-provided hearing aids in people’s homes; we are not audiologists, but are trained in small repairs.

Please contact us by email info@hissbristol.org.uk or on 0117 3361612 (leave message).

Staying in touch with life and friends when you are hard of hearing is really hard and tiring.

Tips for better communication:

Ask how best to communicate.

Don’t shout!

Catch my attention: use my name or ask if you can touch my arm. Say WHAT TOPIC you are talking about first.

Face me with full attention: we cannot hear round corners!

Use gestures and facial expression.

Speak slowly: give me time to work it out.

Check that what you’re saying is being understood.

Light on your face and not behind you: we ALL lip read to some extent.

Quieter background: ask to turn music off and don’t clatter cutlery. Hearing aids help a lot.

Get support and equipment from The Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: cfd.org.uk

a flannel soaked in cold water) on the affected eye(s) to ease symptoms.

• Always store eye drops as directed on the package (not always in the fridge) and discard them as instructed – usually 28 days after opening - by returning them to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

Do not: rub your eyes; share towels: pillows or utensils (keep a separate towel, face cloth and soap for yourself.): allow anyone else to use any ointment or drops you are using; wear a contact lens in the affected eye(s) until all symptoms and signs of infection have gone, and any treatment has been completed for 24 hours.

The Kellaway pharmacy team, where appropriate, can recommend and provide antibiotic eye drops, including for children under two years.

Seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if a baby less than 28 days old has conjunctivitis. Also, speak with your GP if your symptoms have not cleared up after two weeks, you experience pain in your eyes, sensitivity to light, changes in your vision, like wavy lines, flashing or very blurred vision, very red eye/ eyes or Spots or blisters on your eyelids

Sight is consistently recognised as the sense people fear losing the most. So we must take good care of our eyes. Take your sight test every two years or more frequently if advised by your optometrist.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

£15 increase will help to close the funding gap

THANK you to those of you who completed my precept survey and shared their thoughts about my proposal to increase the policing part of the council tax by £15 a year for the average band D household.

A couple of weeks ago, the Police and Crime Panel supported this proposal to increase the precept.

This funding will help reduce the impact of Avon and Somerset Police’s funding gap, but will still leave a projected deficit of £3.4 million in the year 2023/24 and £7.10 million in the year 2024/25.

Inflationary increases, combined with limited additional funding from central Government, have left a funding gap that, without the precept increase, would have resulted in significant cuts to police staff and services.

I know that many households are facing difficult financial circumstances. However, as

your PCC, it would have been irresponsible not to address the policing service’s funding gap and help reduce this deficit while I had the opportunity.

We will be using the £3.4 million reserve funding to address the shortfall so that the chief constable has capacity to develop a sensible savings programme while still delivering an effective, efficient and legitimate service.

Moving on, I want to touch on the brilliant work that Avon and Somerset Police’s fraud and cyber protection team do protecting and preventing people falling victim to fraud.

The fraud and cyber protect officers provide training, advice and guidance to individuals and businesses across Avon and Somerset and, in innovative ways, make sure to get prevention messages to people who need to know them.

Fraud is so vast and there’s so much to consider when tackling this crime. Sadly, a high proportion of fraud victims are repeat victims. By providing extra support to these residents, the aim is to prevent future crimes. We need to continue to raise awareness about the different types of fraud and what to do if you’re targeted, to ensure everyone is resilient and resistant to scammers’ methods.

I also want to acknowledge the ongoing work of Avon and Somerset Police officers in keeping our roads safe. Last December, officers took part in Operation Tonic, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s winter drink and drug driving operation.

The force has recently published the results from this week of action, which reveal that between November 21 and December 31, 346 drink and drug drive arrests were made.

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

I am shocked at the number of people who, despite warnings from the police, got behind the wheel under the influence.

There is no excuse to drink and drive at any time of the year - by doing so, you’re putting your own life and others’ at risk.

Please do tell Avon and Somerset Police if you suspect drink/drug driving is happening, and help us keep our roads safe.

‘I enjoy it so much. The girls are lovely and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s amazing!’ Tayba, leader

n LOCAL HISTORY

Mike Jempson contrasts two exhibitions, a century apart

A FEW weeks before Christmas, while visiting friends in Germany, I came across an intriguing little museum in Heidelberg. Its sole purpose is to house and display works of art created by people who spent time in mental hospitals prior to 1922.

Its current exhibition coincided with the Looking To The Light project at the Glenside Hospital Museum.

The Bristol exhibition featured works by artists who drew their inspiration from the museum, which catalogues the development of mental health treatments, as well as the patients and staff of what began in 1861 as a municipal lunatic asylum.

The Heidelberg exhibition focused on a collection of works by patients, put together by art historian Hans Prinzhorn (18861933). Having also trained in England to be a singer, he took up psychiatry after his second wife became ill. Combining his interests, he produced a seminal work, Artistry of the Mentally Ill. First published in 1922, an English translation had to wait 50 years.

Prinzhorn was more interested in the aesthetic value of artefacts made by patients than in their diagnostic potential.

His book was a sensation at the time, but not for being a breakthrough in the treatment of mental illness. Instead it influenced the artistic movements of the early 20th century, especially Dadaism and Surrealism, and gained notoriety among the fascists of National Socialism.

It became a source of inspiration among the avant-garde when multi-talented German

Inspired by 'insane art'

artist Max Ernst showed it to his contemporaries in Paris. Many were fascinated by the theories of Sigmund Freud and saw the collection as a window into the subconscious.

This 'art of the outsider' led French painter and sculptor Jean Dubuffet to form the Art Brut movement, a term that also came to be associated with Hitler’s notion of "degenerate art".

Despised by Nazis who sought to promote a heroic form of German culture, examples of ‘modern art’, including some of Prinzhorn’s collection, were put on display as evidence of this degeneracy. It was a prelude to censorship and the destruction of artworks.

Another sickening consequence was Aktion-T4, the Nazi policy to eradicate those who did not fit their notion of 'the norm'. More than two dozen of the artists featured in Prinzhorn's book would be murdered in ‘nursing homes’ set up to kill those regarded unfit to be citizens of the Third Reich. Bristol artist Liz Crow explored this in her short film Resistance, which can be found at www.roaring-girl.com/ work/resistance.

The patients’ fate was sealed when Prinzhorn was replaced at Heidelberg hospital by Carl Schnieder, a Nazi sympathiser. Prinzhorn himself would throw in his lot with the National Socialists, evidence perhaps of his naïveté.

By contrast, the sophistication of the artworks prepared for Looking To The Light adds meaning to the structure, history, and artefacts of Glenside Museum. They are reflective pieces based on what the artists saw and thought about

while visiting the museum.

The exhibition’s title was inspired by a photograph taken in 1897 of bearded local furniture salesman Charles West looking towards the sky during a short stay at the hospital. He features in several of the artworks, which range from drawings and photographs to textiles, and installations. Despite many dissimilarities, there are some extraordinary resonances with items from Prinzhorn’s collection.

On the reverse side of Anna Rathbone’s quilt, made from cutup images photographed in the museum, is a poem stitched into an NHS sheet:

From the tangle of infinite fragmented echoes we tug at the threads of what might be stories fraying with each retelling trying to stitch a knotted history of a person, a place, a thing into a fabric of guesswork unravelling as we sew

fibres pulled loose by time, memory, perspective leaving a single strand of truth

How can we ever really know?

The concept and the content reminded me of a handmade jacket on display in the Prinzhorn Collection. By Agnes Richter (18441918), it is embroidered inside and out with memories from her life.

There is great wit in the Glenside artists’ pieces, as there is in many of the Prinzhorn artefacts.

The fact that some of their creators were commenting on the madness of the world outside the asylum appears to have been lost on their curator. He would die of typhus, a recluse, just as Hitler came to power in 1933.

The exhibition booklet Looking To The Light is on sale at the museum, which is open on Wednesdays 10-11 pm and all day on Saturdays.

• Extended versions of these history columns can be found at www.mikejempson.eu

Agnes Richter's handmade jacket, embroidered with memories

n WHAT'S ON

14 March

n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL lecture on Arts and Crafts in Cotswold Churches is at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW. We welcome new members and guests. For more information on our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, see our website www.theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

24 March

n WESTBURY WILDLIFE PARK reopens. coffee shop, gift shop and playground, will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10m to 4pm Organisers promise a programme of free fundraising days, with free entry, activities and events for the whole family aw well as ticketed talks and themed activities. Westbury Wildlife Park Foundation is seeking more volunteers, for café, gift shop and welcome roles. Details can be found at these links https://candobristol.co.uk/ activity/cafe-volunteer and https:// candobristol.co.uk/activity/giftshop-volunteer. Training will be provided.

REGUL AR EVENTS

Monday

n REDLAND WIND BAND has vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail.com

n TAI CHI & QI GONG. Weekly beginners / improvers classes with Tai Chi Body and Mind. These classes are for your physical and mental health and wellbeing –there is no fighting. In Person: Mondays, Fairfield High School, Alfoxton Rd. 7.30 – 8.30pm. Online: Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm. Contact: Claire - Claire@taichibodyandmind. co.uk (07769 857672).

n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further details.

n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579

n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP are a merry band of retired people who meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday morning (0945) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on

what’s happening in the worldnear and far. If you would like to join us and help to solve some of today's challenging issues whilst enjoying good company, tea, and chocolate biscuits - please contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628. We would very much like to hear from you.

n BRISTOL COMMUNITY GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4 ! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com

Tuesday

n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL LECTURE welcomes new members. Our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, take place on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information on our lectures and other activities visit our website www.theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST GALLERY CHOIR AND BAND are now rehearsing regularly again. We are looking for new members SATB as well as string, reed and wind instrumentalists. We sing and play lively church and village music from the 18th century. We meet at St Edyth’s Church Hall in Sea Mills on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. No auditions but ability to read music is helpful. Ring Fritjof on 0117 924 3440 or see www. bristolharmony.wordpress.com. Please contact before attending so we can have music ready.

n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday. Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com

n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL is recruiting new members We are a 'threshold choir' actively looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn soothing and uplifting songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/ loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join or support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www.

companionvoices.org.

Wednesday

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk

n HEALING SESSIONS run by accredited healers take place 2 til 3.30pm at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org

n BRISTOL VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR welcomes new members at any time. We meet at 7.30pm in St Werburghs Primary School during term time. See www.bristolvoices. org.uk for details.

Thursday

n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Drop-in 3.00 - 4.15 pm at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. Donation basis. Supported by members of The Healing Trust. Contact: Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo. co.uk.

n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at St Michael's and All Angels Church on Gloucester Road. Everyone welcome, no audition necessary. Contact us via email on bishoproadchoir@gmail.com

n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. For more information contact Jean on 01179 624466 or Jane on 07752 332278

n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See our website www.henburysingers. org or contact the secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org.

n HIGHBURY BADMINTON

CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall

We would love to publicise your event

Send details of your events and activities in the following format: WHAT

IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS

in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@bishopstonvoice. co.uk

n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE

For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30pm start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

CHOIR Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. Ffi : www. bristolmvc.org.uk ; facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk;or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220

n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING at St. Monica’s Oatley Hall, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN on Thursdays 7.30 – 10.00 p.m. £6.00 per session. Have fun, make friends, keep fit. Phone Trish 0788 052 8925/www. rscdsbristol.info

n THE STEPFORD SINGERS

WOMEN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR meets at St Michael & All Angels Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music - just come and sing, laugh and have a cuppa! For more info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail. com

Friday

n CALLIGRAPHERS wanted to join us at St Edyth’s Church Hall, Sea Mills, on Fridays 1000-1200. We are a long established self-led group who would welcome new members. Come and meet us on Friday or call Peter at 0117 329 4516.

n NATURE WATCH

With Dawn Lawrence

“ENDEAR slugs to me!” demanded a friend. I like a challenge so here goes.

Slugs are exotic acrobats, they have inspired medical advances and some even help the gardener but let’s tackle the main problem head on. How many times have we gone to admire an exciting new floral purchase only to find that the dreaded molluscs have felled it at the base or eaten every single flower bud… it is upsetting, it is enraging! However, whilst you probably have over a dozen different species of slug in your garden, only a couple of them are giving you trouble.

Our garden list currently stands at 15 slugs, with only the grey field slug and Budapest keeled slug considered major pests. The other species are mostly omnivorous and whilst they may occasionally nibble at a fresh plant they mostly do us a great favour by eating dead plant and animal matter which is an important contribution to soil formation. The leopard slug is an omnivore which includes in its diet other slugs – so be kind to that one if you find it.

Then there’s the slime, not exactly attractive. But hang on - mucus is actually an amazing substance which serves multiple

functions, not the least being protection from drying out. The mucus lubricates the slug’s movement and, at the same time, sticks the slug to even the most slippery of surfaces. It can be anti-parasitic and antibiotic and it is off-putting to predators – it gums up birds’ beaks encouraging them to choose alternative prey. The leopard slug even uses its mucus to produce a thread from which a pair will dangle elegantly during mating. If you’re still not convinced of the delights of mucus then

perhaps I can win you over with the fact that scientists have produced hydrogel “sticking plasters” inspired by the compounds in mucus which serve in place of stitches for delicate organs after surgical repairs.

The easiest slug to find is the large black slug, a 10-15cm long beast that is as black as licorice (though it can also come in other colour forms including a smart tan brown with a striking orange edge to its “foot” – the flat base). It has the scientific name Arion ater. Ater simply means black, but Arion is from Greek mythology and was a large and extremely swift horse: I suppose, for a slug, this one is large and fast, but I suspect that Linnaeus (the man who named it) was being a tad sarcastic.

Lastly, one of the hardest to find is the ghost slug. It spends its life underground, sucking up earthworms “like spaghetti” I am told. It has no eyes, having no need, and was only discovered in the UK in the Noughties. It most closely resembles slugs from Turkey and Georgia but ours is unique. It is the only animal to have a scientific name inspired by Welsh –Selenochlamys ysbrada meaning moon cape (in Greek) and then ghost in Welsh.

The prettiest slug is the leopard slug.

Photo by Gail Hampshire.

n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

65 Monk Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NE - £725,000

A BEAUTIFULLY presented and thoughtfully designed Victorian home, located on a desirable road in West Bishopston - being offered with a complete chain.

This home has a traditional layout down stairs made up of two generous receptions, a handy WC and an extended kitchen/diner measuring an impressive 24'6 ft in length. Upstairs on the first floor there is a family bathroom, two double bedrooms (with the master making up the full width at the front of the property - also incorporating a large bay window) and a third single bedroom/office.

Stairs rise from the landing up into a cleverly designed loft conversion.

This is anything but traditional with an additional bay window having been added to the roof above the third bedroom and bathroom section of the property. This connects to the dormer sat to the rear of the main body of the roof, giving an additional bedroom to the 2nd floor and a spacious landing connecting to a separate shower room. This really now feels like a full additional floor rather than a typical loft conversion.

Outside the sunny westerly facing rear garden, has been professionally designed to makes best use of the space. A slate paved patio extends from the house and connects to a good sized lawn - bordered by raised beds sat behind reclaimed brick walls. The neighbouring properties are set at a reasonable distance giving a greater sense of space and privacy.

The location is popular with families due to it falling with in catchment for the very popular Bishop Road Primary and Redland Green secondary catchment. Further benefits include the many

local amenities a short walk awaythese include Gloucester Road with all its shops, cafés and restaurants, St Andrews Park and Redland train station.

We think this is a property that

really needs to be viewed to fully appreciate the quality of finish and overall generous size. The relative peace of this end of Monk Road is also something unusual in this popular suburb.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

150 years of the chocolate Easter egg

WHAT’S your favourite chocolate treat? A Mars Bar? A KitKat? An Aero, or perhaps a Fry’s Chocolate Mint Creme?

As winter turns to spring, it’s not just budding daffodils that are appearing. No, it’s Easter eggs showing up in all good West of England shops, too!

I love seeing Easter eggs displayed every year, because we live in the place where the hollow chocolate egg was invented.

And this year there’s an eggs-tra reason to celebrate - because it was exactly 150 years ago that it happened.

When I nipped to the local shops on my travels last week and got chatting to staff busy putting a huge range of eggs on shelves, I told them that Fry’s chocolate makers - who started out in Bristol but later moved their factory to Somerdale, Keynsham, having merged with Cadbury - came up with the idea of the hollow chocolate egg.

The Fry family’s innovation was to

make chocolate by mixing cocoa fat with cocoa powder and sugar. This made a super-smooth paste, which could be poured into egg moulds.

These new eggs were just as tasty but lighter than solid continental eggs, which made them easier to afford.

People couldn’t get enough of these new egg-shaped chocolate treats, and it wasn’t long before they were selling all over the world.

I love it when something that starts out as a new idea in our great region goes global - now as well as back in 1873. It’s a tradition we need to keep going!

In acknowledging our local history of chocolate manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries, we also need to recognise its ugly side, for sugar and cocoa grown on Caribbean plantations exploited and abused people of African descent, who were forced into slave labour.

While it is true that Quakers in the UK, like the Fry and Cadbury families, helped

lead the anti-slavery movement, it is also correct to say that not every Quaker held this view, particularly in America.

Despite the closure of the Fry’s/ Cadbury factory at Keynsham just over a decade ago, our region is today home to many, many independent chocolate makers - using creative talent and ethical practices including Fairtrade chocolate. The commitment from chocolate companies to learn from the past actions, both good and bad, of their predecessors is encouraging and very important.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

I WAS pleased to see three Robins in my garden the other day. They were not at all thrilled to see each other though. Robins are very territorial and there was a lot of chasing around until one disappeared elsewhere. The two remaining Robins are probably male and female - the plumages are very similar – but even so they compete for the best perch and food. Although it might seem like mid Winter to us birds are already preparing for nesting. There were signs even before Christmas. Blue and Great Tits look splendid in their breeding plumage, calling and researching nest sites. ‘Teacher Teacher’ is the Spring call of the Great Tit. This is why you should clean out or install nest boxes in the Autumn. The birds’ breeding season starts earlier than you think. Global warming is having a detrimental effect on breeding success. Many birds rely on insect larvae and caterpillars to feed their young –even seed eating birds. The earlier and warmer Springs cause insects to advance their breeding making peak caterpillar production out of sync with chick development. So should

you help the birds by feeding during the breeding season? Probably not. Fats, peanuts and seeds are not suitable for young chicks. Plant some native trees or shrubs instead. Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Ivy

Birds on your doorstep bishopstonvoice

provide free bird food throughout the year.

Alastair Fraser Bristol Ornithological Club Avonbirding.blogspot.com

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PAINTING & DECORATING Rob

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