HUNDREDS of bin collections were still being missed across the city this summer in spite of repeated attempts to resolve the problems. It is hoped that the introduction of four new collection rounds will help resolve the problems, which affected homes in Ashley Down, Bishopston and Redland. Report: Page 10
Felicity Llewelyn Hodgson, principal of Cabot Primary School, enjoys a book with a pupil at celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the school's library.
22
Anoop Sood and his wife, Sunita, who ran a pharmacy in Gloucester Road for 44 years, have handed over to a new owner. PAGE 9
More than 100 artists and makers in 50 homes and studios will take part in the North Bristol Arts Trail on November 23-24.
17
SHIVER ME MUSICAL TIMBERS! This pirate crew from Sefton Park school are enjoying the chance to learn to play an instrument. Find out more on Page 3.
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n NEWS
Gloucester Old Spot wins 'Pub of the Year'
IF you have enjoyed a meal and a pint at the Gloucester Old Spot on Kellaway Avenue recently, you have enjoyed the “great food, great service and a nice environment” that has helped the pub win the Stonegate Group Pub Partners Pub of the Year award for 2024.
Unknown to the pub staff, they had been nominated by someone at the Stonegate group. They then received an email to say they were one of the five pubs shortlisted and after being interviewed in person by one of the judges, they were announced as the winners.
Owner Amy Devenish, who took over the pub a decade ago, said: “It all came completely out of the blue and came at a really nice time for us.”
Winning the award coincided with the pub’s 10-year anniversary party held at the end of September, which was, as Amy noted, “the busiest day
of the year, the sun shone and it was just amazing”. The ceremony in Manchester was “even more special as we were not expecting to win”.
Asked what it was that the judges were looking for, Amy said: “They consider things like
Ahoy there, me hearties!
BUDDING musicians from Sefton Park school are taking part in Folkstars, a weekly instrument learning club that aims to widen access to music for 5-11 year olds. Children receive a free guitar or violin to take home and borrow and free or low cost tuition from expert tutors. They are set to star in a Pirate Ceilidh night on Friday November 29 alongside guest singer Anna Cornish, who sang on the viral hit Wellerman during her time in The Longest Johns. T
This family friendly event, to be held at St Bonaventure's Hall (BS7 8HP) also features a sea shanty choir, morris dancers, Ceilidh Tree band and caller, grog and prize for best dressed pirates and mermaids! Tickets and info at www.folkstars.co.uk/pirate-ceilidh
Folkstars will be launching at Brunel Field school this month and hopefully other local schools soon. To register your child's interest in attending a free taster please email info@folkstars.co.uk
• INSTRUMENT AMNESTY: Folkstars needs your unwanted / unused instruments! Any condition, we will fix and rehouse with kids that wouldn't otherwise have an instrument at home. Guitars and violins especially needed but all types considered. Email info@folkstars.co.uk or text 07927 746661 to arrange a collection – thank you!
sustainability, but they also ask us why we think we deserve the award, and we just told them that we did!”
Popular as a true community pub, it hosts a range of events including quizzes, live music and even wedding receptions. Amy
says it is “100% the customers” that are her favourite thing about the pub. “They talk to you across the bar, they tell you about their life and hopefully you put a smile on their face.”.
Amy has just signed a new 10year lease and says of plans for the next few years: “We want to increase the number of functions we hold – they are our bread and butter. We have just put up a marquee and want to add new floor, electrics, even a disco ball! We’re also about to have a meeting on holding pottery sessions. We want to become the pub of choice and attract people from different areas who can then go back and recommend us.”
With a new winter menu recently introduced, a warm welcome guaranteed and a real ‘local’ feel, the Gloucester Old Spot can now also boast ‘awardwinning’ to its list of attributes.
Ashley Down Station opens at last –
THE long-awaited station at Ashley Down is up and running but calls have already begun for more services.
Trains currently run once an hour to Temple Meads in one direction and to Filton Abbey Wood in the other.
The services are operated by Great Western Railway, but funded by the West of England Combined Authority. Calls to increase the frequency of the services at Ashley Down were made during a member forum meeting at Bristol City Council.
Green Councillor Emma Edwards, representing Bishopston and Ashley Down, said: “This is not currently going to serve the cricket ground very well. They need more frequent trains. We also need to be looking at modal shift so that we’re getting people to use the train as a matter of course, and I think for that we need more frequent services.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Stephen Williams, a former MP for Bristol West, added: “It’s taken an awfully long time to get to this point, from first campaigning for it in 2010, to it finally opening in 2024. But it is disappointing that given all the political capital, with two MPs and numerous ward councillors, there’s only a perfunctory hourly service in between Filton Abbey Wood and Bristol Temple Meads, which is not really using the huge potential of the catchment area.”
He added that more services should stop at Ashley Down, including going to Cardiff, Bristol Parkway and Gloucester.
Direct trains run to Filton Abbey Wood as well as Stapleton Road, Lawrence Hill and Temple Meads, with connections to link to the wider rail network. It is anticipated that in the future trains to and from Ashley Down will also stop at North Filton and Henbury once these stations have been opened.
Green Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee, said: “The answer is to keep raising it wherever you can, particularly with the metro mayor, currently Dan Norris, and with the government. We’ve got this new station, and the trains to stop there are actually being funded by the mayoral combined
MIKE PALMER BUILDING
authority. It’s not been taken on as business as usual.
“I hope we could point out to our MPs and the government that as we move to Great British Rail and start taking over progressively more and more of this, stations such as this should be seen as an asset rather than an annoyance to business as usual. Keep petitioning, and I’ll continue to do that as well.”
The discussion followed a celebratory weekend when the station opened. Metro Mayor Mr Norris and his dog Angel were joined by Bristol's Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew Varney, Bristol North West MP Darren Jones, dignitaries, children from
Ashley Down Primary School and the 1st Bristol Muslim Scouts group and members of Lockleaze Community Hub, who provided artwork for the station, led by local artist Aumairah Hussan, for the opening ceremony on the Friday.
The following day, a large number of passengers took part in inaugural journeys from the station. Football fans visiting the Memorial Stadium on the Saturday and cricket fans attending an international at the Gloucestershire ground on the Sunday were also urged to travel by rail to Ashley Down.
Mr Norris said: “Getting more people out of their cars and
Crowds on the platform Irene and Captain Gas encourage fans to use the train
though we need more trains ...
onto trains is vital to building the better, more sustainable transport system we all want to see.”
Scenes from the opening day, including an MP, two mayors, artwork, Scouts, a cake and a dog
The opening of the station, 60 years after Ashley Hill closed, means 15,000 people in Ashley Down, Horfield and Lockleaze now live closer to a station than they did before, Mr Norris said. Includes content by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
... or do we?
Local resident Barry Cash gives his view on the new station
AT £23 million, is the new Ashley Down Railway station value for money? I went to have a look at it this morning. It’s fantastic! They’ve thought of everything. Braille signs on the handrails, there’s even a safety refuge in case of fire. But no toilet, which at 74 is the “safety refuge” I might need!
The first train left for Abbeywood at 7.29 am. Seven passengers got on and four got off.
The next train was the 7.48 to Temple Meads. Much more popular. 31 people got on and one got off. The 8.25 to Abbeywood delivered 10 passengers and collected 14.
The 8.47 to Temple Meads arrived at 8.53. It brought two people and collected 23 people and a dog.
At 9.03 the excellent electronic display announced the 9.13 to Abbeywood was cancelled. Fortunately there was only one woman waiting and she had brought her bicycle. I walked to my trusty little car and drove home.
I cannot fault the design or workmanship of the new station. But neither can I see us solving our transport problem when it costs £23 m to move 92 people and a dog in the morning rush hour!
n NEWS
Could you help revive library's Friends group?
THE Friends of Horfield Library (FoHL), which came into being in September 2020 during the pandemic, is winding up.
Members at the annual meeting last month felt it was time to hand over to new volunteers, but none have been found.
Group chair since it began, Chris Lindop, said: “Lots of organisations are struggling at present to get more involvement from volunteers and that’s certainly been the case with us. The events we’ve put on have always been popular, especially with kids, so it would be a shame to see it all dwindle to nothing.”
Despite the challenges of forming a group during Covid, over the four years FoHL has been involved in at least six successful funding bids. Noteworthy achievements include: an appearance in BBC news photos; a popular plant sale where plants sold before they made it on to the table; a standout mural; and an appearance on Radio 4’s Moneybox (on the difficulties of opening an account during Covid).
The group held a market and a celebration with street drama and face painting in 2023. Thios summer it was in the headlines over the theft of hanging baskets from the library and their subsequent replacement. At least three events have been held each year, among them treasure hunts, crafts, singing and a ukulele band.
Chris said: “Now we’ve got a locked container well equipped with folding tables, chairs, gazebos – everything you need for a fun event. But after nearly five years, it’s time for the team to hand on to people with fresh energy to keep the group going. We have a possible treasurer, but we need a few more people to help. We’ve done all the groundwork, but there’s lots of scope for new ideas.
“If you feel you'd like to be involved in continuing what the group started, the door is still open. It doesn't have to be a big undertaking. Email us at fohlbristol@ gmail.com if you'd like to find out more about it.”
Trust steps in to keep library service in Lockleaze
LOCKLEAZE Library will be moving to a new home later this month as work begins to build 37 new council homes for the local community.
The development of the Cameron Centre and police station is getting under way, meaning some library services will be moving to the reception of The Hub on Gainsborough Square.
The library service has worked with Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust (LNT) to create a small library access point with reservation collection, children’s picture books and item returns.
Library customers will be able to drop off library items and pick up reservations from The Hub. There will also be a collection of picture books and board books for underfives that can be “swapped” in an informal way to support local families.
Kate Murray, head of Bristol’s library service, said: “I would like to thank the
Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust for supporting us and providing a space for the library in the heart of the local community.
“This will be a pilot of an innovative new way of working with a community organisation to provide access to library services in the city, and continue to provide children and families with access to books and stories.
“We hope that local residents will continue to make use of the library provision, and also enjoy the facilities at The Hub, including the Hubbub community café.”
Melissa Blackburn, CEO of Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust said: “We’re pleased that we’ve been able to step in and stop Lockleaze losing its library service following the closure of the Cameron Centre. We see the current situation as a pilot, and we will be working with residents to review this model in 12 months’ time.”
Work is due to start later this month
on the new housing development and community facility with the demolition of the former police station on Cameron Walk.
The development will provide 37 homes which will include a mixture of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments. All of the homes will be council-owned and 100% affordable. There will also be a non-residential space on the ground floor which could be used for local community and learning facilities.
Elsewhere in Lockleaze, Goram Homes has completed its first homes at One Lockleaze, 55 per cent of which will be council-owned housing, and they will be welcoming its first council tenants before Christmas.
The new services will move to The Hub from Monday 11 November.
To find out more about the city’s library services or to join up, visit Libraries and Archives (bristol.gov.uk)
Scenes from winter and summer events organised by the Friends of Horfield Library
Concern over fall in primary pupils' test results
TEST results in Bristol primary schools have on average dropped to the bottom 10 per cent across England. Fewer pupils reach the expected standard in reading, writing and maths than the national average, with results continuing to decline since the pandemic.
The percentage of Key Stage 2 pupils reaching the expected standards has dropped to 55 per cent in Bristol, compared to 60 per cent nationally. According to Bristol City Council, this is down from 65 per cent in 2019, when the city’s schools were at the same level as the national average.
An update about school performance was given to the children and young people policy committee on October 17. Hannah Woodhouse, executive director of children and education, said: “It’s concerning that the performance of Bristol compared to the national average continues to drop. The whole country dropped after Covid.
The rest of the country has stabilised and slightly improved, but Bristol continues to decline. On average, we’re in the bottom 10 per cent of local authorities in the country for primary level outcomes. The good news is that we can improve this.”
One possible link is attendance. Bristol has worse attendance levels on average
than across the country. Other potential factors include the pandemic and poverty. Bristol has a wide wealth gap, affecting everything from obesity levels to life expectancy, with the richest areas living on average a decade longer than the poorest.
Committee chair Councillor Christine Townsend said: “Different communities and
groups up and down the country experienced those lockdowns differently. This is an average, so there will be some primaries who will be a lot higher than this, and it doesn’t take Einstein to work out where those are probably located. There will be primaries that will be much lower than this, and on the whole we probably know where those primaries are located.
"This is why I am reminding officers every time — and we need to do this every time there’s some project somebody wants to bring into schools — the question is: how are you making sure that you’re reaching the most disadvantaged?
“There’ll be parts of the city where they’ll be above average, knocking on 75 or 80 per cent [reaching expected standards] and there’ll be parts of the city that are much lower. That huge gap is part of things that all of us need to be thinking about.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
3.
MP honours Olympic star
BRISTOL North West MP Darren Jones joined forced with Olympic silver medallist Izzy Thorpe for a special event entitled Stroke of Inspiration.
At the session, the MP heard about the years of hard work as an artistic swimmer that led to Izzy’s success at this year’s Olympics in Paris, and what’s next for the Westbury on Trym athlete as she navigates what it means to be a role model for the next generation. Darren said: “It’s an incredible accomplishment to win a medal at the Olympics, and I know that many people in Bristol North West were cheering for Izzy this summer. I’m pleased we can celebrate her success and to discuss the importance of inspiring others.”
Warning to SUV drivers
DRIVERS of larger, heavier and more polluting cars could be charged more when paying to park in Bristol.
Plans are at the “very early stages” of being drawn up for a radical change in rules, which could also include reducing the space available for parking cars on the side of the road.
Transport bosses at Bristol City Council are “heavily influenced” by Lambeth, where the London borough council is planning to turn a quarter of space along the side of streets into places for trees, benches and bicycle storage. Previously, 94 per cent of kerbside space was for parking.
Lambeth also bases the cost of a resident’s parking permit based on the carbon dioxide emissions of their vehicle. Councillors on the transport policy committee were due to vote on October 24, on establishing a task and finish group to explore all the options.
A committee report said: “The project will include outlining our
strategy for managing on-street, off-street and resident parking scheme parking, including pricing strategy, demand management and variations on pricing categories, e.g. weight, emissions and size-based pricing.
“The kerbside is currently dominated by parking and parking-related infrastructure and restrictions, which is out of step with corporate policies and a highly inefficient use of land. Reallocating space away from parking to other modes of transport will ensure residents and visitors to Bristol have more choice and can make the switch from private vehicles.”
Other cities, including Bath, have recently rolled out extra parking charges for larger cars.
The task group would meet online in private and the project is expected to take a year to develop. The council would then consult on proposed changes, before the transport committee takes the final decision.
By Alex Seabrook, LDRS
n NEWS
End of era as Soods hand pharmacy to new owner
HAVING served the community in and around Gloucester Road for 44 (and a half!) years, the owners of Sood Chemists have decided it is time to move their premises into new hands. It is not, however, a complete farewell for Anoop Sood and his wife, Sunita, who have run the Gloucester Road pharmacy, as well as a second branch in the area, since 1980.
The family’s other premises began life on the corner of Nevil Road, before relocating to the current home at the Gloucester Road Medical Centre on Church Road, and this smaller pharmacy will continue under the present ownership.
While the pair will still be involved in the business, both plan to take a step back to concentrate on family and grandchildren. “We have no plans at the moment,” said Anoop, “visiting family in London, maybe taking a holiday. It will take some adjustment”.
Reflecting on what brought him into community pharmacy, Anoop explained that he began working in hospitals when he finished his training, but found it “very enclosed”. He realised he preferred meeting different people face to face, providing that reassurance and building relationships, often across several generations.
“I have served one family where I looked after the mother-in-law, the husband, children and their children – three, even four, generations. Even though some of them have moved to London, they still phone me for advice”.
It is this sense of being the last port of call after primary and secondary care, to work and serve the community, providing reassurance and dispensing advice along with medication, that gives Anoop most satisfaction.
He enjoys seeing people in their twenties coming in with pushchairs and being able to
THE St Peter's Hospice shop in Westbury Park has been named The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop in the South West by the Charity Retail Association.
The shop, which stocks men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, books, homeware, toys and more, has taken the title in the first nationwide search.
One of 6,500 retail units nominated across the UK, Westbury Park’s St Peter’s Hospice shop claimed the win in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.
Manager Harriet Wheadon said: ““This is a huge boost for
say to them, “I used to serve you when you were in a pushchair!”
Over the last 44 years, Anoop and Sunita have seen relentless changes in the area, but have survived the closing of many independent shops and businesses along Gloucester Road, have weathered the storm of the pandemic (“a step into the unknown”), and risen to the challenges brought by further responsibilities passed onto them from GP referrals, while many other smaller pharmacies have closed.
The Soods’ last day of goodbyes was September 14, before the shop reopened on the following Monday with a new owner and a new name - Gloucester Road Pharmacy.
The new owner, Min, is keen that the Soods’
commitment to its customers continues, while Anoop knows it will be satisfying to see his regulars continue to be well looked after. The rest of the pharmacy team will be staying on to provide the continuity and familiarity that is so reassuring. Indeed, as one member of the team stated, “I’ve only been here since March, but I already feel part of the family. Anoop looks after the team, as well as the customers.”
Anoop considered how strange it will feel, being at home, without so many people to talk to. “I will have to go down to the centre and talk to people there, “he said. One suspects he will remain a friendly and familiar sight around the local area, which will delight his many loyal customers.
Shop's award success
our amazing team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to run our shop and welcome our lovely and supportive community through the doors every day. We’re hoping that the win will mean more people will visit us to see what the region’s favourite charity shop can offer and that in turn we continue to raise vital funds for our much-loved local Hospice.”
John Broomhead, St Peter’s Hospice retail director, said:
“This is fantastic news for our Westbury Park shop and for the Hospice. Our charity retail offering really is second to none and to be recognised by a body like the Charity Retail Association is a testament to that.
“Shoppers are becoming both increasingly cost-conscious and sustainability-conscious so our shops, providing high quality pre-loved items at affordable prices, tick those boxes while
also raising money for Hospice care. We’re incredibly proud of our shops across Bristol and we couldn’t do it without the generosity of those who donate and those who shop, so thank you.”
Robin Osterley, of the of the Charity Retail Association, who visited the shop in October to present the award, said: “Huge congratulations to St Peter's Hospice. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community."
Anoop Sood, who has run Sood Chemists in Gloucester Road since 1980, with new owner Min
Bin collections getting better – but many roads are still being missed
HOUSEHOLDS in Redland, Westbury on Trym & Henleaze are continuing to suffer missed bin collections in spite of three attempts to resolve the problems.
A report to councillors showed how Bristol Waste repeatedly failed to collect rubbish and recycling after route changes.
Since late May, more than 200 missed collections have been reported in each of the wards, as well as in Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston.
The problems began last summer when Bristol City Council told its waste company to cut costs, leading in November to the first major changes to collection routes for more than a decade. This led to crews consistently dropping certain roads and missing more collections.
Further changes to routes were implemented in May and then July this year and Bristol Waste rolled out an extra four recycling rounds across the city to cover the dropped roads. The report to the council’s environment committee said further improvements to collection rates were expected from September but it warned that the cost of the extra rounds would affect whether Bristol Waste could be able to cut costs as instructed.
Another issue is the difficulty many face when reporting that their bins haven’t been collected. Conservative Cllr Henry Michallat (Stoke Bishop) said: “They call Bristol Waste and try to get in touch with somebody, and they don’t get an answer. They get angry,
upset and annoyed about it.”
One problem facing the company, especially since the pandemic, is the growing amount of cardboard people throw away, given the rise in online shopping. This means crews have to offload lorries more often.
Another issue is converted housing, which has led to more cars on the roads, with some parked cars obstructing access. A rising number of battery fires is also an ongoing challenge.
Bristol Waste and the council are now exploring ways to increase processing capacity at recycling depots. Online reporting could be made easier for missed collections, and additional vehicles might be hired from neighbouring councils.
Green Cllr Martin Fodor (Redland), chair of the environment policy committee, said: “I asked for this report because we hadn’t had
Covid loan cheat jailed
A MAN who applied for Covid Bounce Back Loans using fake business names and fake account details was sentenced to 19 months in prison when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court.
Attila Kovacs, 45, of Gloucester Road, was investigated by Bristol Trading Standards after they discovered evidence during a different investigation of false loan applications totalling £96,500. The evidence was uncovered when investigating Kovacs for the illegal importation and sale of dogs.
The government-backed loans were intended to provide support to small and medium sized businesses who were affected by the pandemic. Rules of the loan scheme made it clear to applicants that they must
confirm they were running a business.
In May and June 2020, Kovacs applied for the Covid Bounce Back Loans with false business names and account details. He used the identity of a former acquaintance to apply for the loan and spent the money on personal items such as clothes, furniture, and cash withdrawals.
He pleaded guilty to two offences under the Fraud Act 2006.
Cllr Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills committee said: “Bristol City Council takes fraudulent activity very seriously and we will continue to take action when presented with evidence which shows fraud has taken place. These actions are a blatant abuse of the system." The NGS
anything in public from the council about the way the services had been disrupted. The point of the report is not to point blame, it’s to look at what’s being done to address it, to learn lessons, and to make sure actions are being taken.
“We know there’s been a lot of effort to try and improve the reliability of the service, understand what went wrong and what we can learn from that.”
Liberal Democrat Cllr Tim Kent (Hengrove & Whitchurch Park) added: “People can see that we’re reflecting that yes, something has gone wrong. I’m hoping that over the next few months many of our residents will see the continued improvement that the report shows is the direction we’re going in.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
10 years of support
MACMILLAN Wellbeing Centre at Southmead Hospital has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The centre provides a welcoming, non-clinical space for people affected by cancer to come for information, advice, support or a chat. It is available to those living with cancer, relatives and friends to provide support and a listening ear as well as a host of resources.
When it opened in 2014, as part of a partnership between North Bristol NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, it was the first centre of its kind in the Bristol area.
As well as a drop-in service for anyone seeking information or someone to talk to, the centre provides Cancer Information Sessions for people with a new diagnosis and facilitates patient support groups for several different types of cancer, including prostate, bladder, and brain tumour support.
Pre-surgery and rehabilitation sessions are held at the centre for people having operations for cancers including colorectal, breast and melanoma. Advice sessions are also provided at the centre.
Since opening in 2014 many thousands of people have benefited from the services the centre provides.
Centre manager, Arthur Quinn said: “We see the impact this service has on people living with and beyond cancer every day, and we know how important it is for them to have somewhere they can come, have a cup of tea and talk to someone, and be listened to."
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AMD’s Grant McCall discusses Model Articles of Association, sole director companies and share buybacks
All companies are required to have a set of Articles of Association which govern how the company makes decisions and the powers of those involved in the company. For private limited companies in the UK, the Model Articles are the default set of Articles and as such are commonly adopted. The Model Articles are free to be amended or replaced for more bespoke requirements. For companies with a sole director, it is worth reviewing to make sure the Articles are fit for purpose.
Model Articles and sole directors: Model Articles 7 and 11 deal with how directors can take decisions. Article 7 provides the general rule that director decisions must be made by majority subject to Article 7(2) which states: “if – (a) the company only has one director, and (b) no provision of the articles requires it to have more than one director, the general rules does not apply and the director may take decisions
without regard to any of the provisions of the articles relating to directors’ decision-making”
Article 11 states that “The quorum for directors’ meetings… must never be less than two, and unless otherwise fixed it is two.”. This creates a possible contradiction between article 7 and article 11. Article 11 could be seen as a provision requiring more than one director as it states that the quorum (being the minimum amount of directors present to make a valid decision) can ‘never be less than two’.
So which Article takes precedence? Until relatively recently it was generally understood that Article 7 intended for sole directors to be able to execute board decisions. A case from 2022 (Hashmi v Lorimer-Wing) cast some doubt on this however, where the judge ruled that Article 11 was a clear caveat to Article 7 and any decision made by a sole director was outside of their authority. In contrast, another
(unreported) 2022 case (Re Active Wear Limited) found that Article 11 was disapplied by Article 7 in cases of sole directors with unamended Model Articles.
Risks of contravening the model articles: A risk of contravening a company’s articles is that board decisions made without requisite authority could be invalid. This could be a particular issue in relation to a share buyback which requires a certain procedure to be followed. If a company fails to comply with the procedural requirements before implementing a share buyback, it could mean that a selling shareholder who had been paid for their shares, would still remain the legal owner of the shares and entitled to dividend payments since the void buyback (even though they had received the sale price for their shares).
What can companies with a sole director do going forward? As there is potential for uncer-
tainty for decision making of sole directors who adopt the model articles, for belt and braces, a sole director company could: appoint an additional director to ensure any meetings are quorate, or amend the model articles to allow for decisions to be made by a sole director.
If you would like any assistance with your company’s articles of association or in planning for a company buyback of shares, please contact AMD’s corporate and commercial team on 0117 973 3989, email info@amdsolicitors.com or drop into one of our four Bristol offices.
n NEWS
Petition urges council to clear up estate
RESIDENTS in an area of Horfield are calling on Bristol City Council to clear up their streets.
People living in and around Bishopthorpe Road and surrounding Manor Farm streets have formed an action group to lobby the council for improvements to their area.
In their plea to the authority, they state: “We are a group of residents who care about our street and would like to improve the local environment by making the space safer, cleaner, greener and more pleasant for all residents.”
The residents are concerned that the area in front of the parade of shops is neglected, creating a health and safety hazard, as the wide pavement is broken and potholed, making it unsafe especially for the many vulnerable residents living nearby. Cars parked in a disorganised manner on the
pavement also make it unsafe for pedestrians to access the shops. They say there is only one small litter bin, which is often
overflowing with rubbish, and the area is used as a fly-tipping space, including rubbish and furniture.
The campaigners have launched an online petition calling for:
• the pavement area in front of the shops to be resurfaced;
• improved provision of waste bins;
• signage to be erected to address fly-tipping;
• arranged marked parking bays on the asphalt area;
• the installation of large wooden pots, trees, planters to improve the local environment;
• the installation of a speed bump in front of the shops to enforce the 20mph speed limit.
The group believes that these changes will significantly improve the wellbeing of the local community, as well as complementing the new homes nearing completion on the opposite side of the road. You can sign the petition at: https:// bit.ly/3NwejKN
A campaign group is urging Bristol council to clean up Manor Farm
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS
Redland: Martin Fodor and Fi Hance (Green Party)
Allotment rises made fairer Last year controversial increases of allotment rents and new rules were proposed with steep rent rises then approved by the old administration under the Mayor. After an outcry from allotmenters Martin 'called in' the Cabinet decision on the grounds it had not followed correct procedures and responded to the 3500 consultation responses. This rent rise was then actually reversed by the Mayor.
Greens have now secured a much fairer rent increase, the first since 2018, half the initial proposals and to be based on allotment sizes in future. The funds will help fund the service into the future and we're delighted there will soon be a new allotment officer recruited to deal with a long backlog in lettings, repairs and maintenance thanks to the work of Fi and Green colleagues on the committee now managing the service.
Securing cemetery space
Many residents have been worried about the site of nature conservation interest next to South Bristol Crematorium. After fraught discussions within the council and campaigns to protect rare grassland habitat Green councillors proposed an amendment that protects the SNCI addresses the fears of those worried about the
fate of Yew Tree Farm through reviewing the options.
The practical outcome of the work by Fi and her committee colleagues is that burials across the council will still pay for themselves, stopping money coming from the parks budget at a time when the council is under significant financial pressure.
We know it's not easy to secure burial space in the city while at the same time show a committment to addressing the ecological emergency to make sure that the SNCI remains protected, now and in the future. This amendment gives the city more time to develop a comprehensive burial strategy
New train information at stations
We’re glad to see that new overhead Customer Information Screens (CIS) have been installed at Redland and Montpelier stations. They will be rolled out to other stations on the Severn Beach line. The metal gantries, on which these have been attached, were put up in 2022. Train information will offer a much better guide for people waiting at the platforms and we hope this helps support use of the trains.
Blocked culvert grill cleared Residents raised concerns a blocked grill on Redland Green
would lead to flooding in heavy rain. We were delighted that once we reported this it was cleared promptly.
With more intense rainfall becoming common this is now a real problem for cities to manage and to help prevent this the council is now promoting more sustainable drainage solutions and nature based solutions to hold back water and reduce instant run off.
We know there will be seasonal concerns about blocked gulleys and leaf fall and Martin is looking into preparations for this. Please do report blocked gulleys [drains] via the web site. If you’re able to collect fallen leaves then this often speeds up getting them cleared so do ask if sacks would be useful to store them for collection.
Tackling anti-social behaviour Fi attended a very productive meeting with officers, housing providers, local residents and businesses looking at ways to improve the situation around the area near Sainsburys at the bottom of Zetland Road. Complaints of threatening behaviour, overt illegal drug use and littering have been on the rise over the last few months, causing considerable distress to local people and shops. As a starter for ten, Fi and local residents are looking at the
possibility of getting the nearby phone box removed, which seems to be acting as a magnet for some of the problematic activities. We’ll keep you posted.
Youth messages to the global climate talks
The council secured grant funds this summer to help youth groups around the city carry out climate projects. Martin took part in a round table where city partners listened to their messages about climate with a view to sending these calls for action to the international government conference on climate known as COP. We heard from youth council members in the city, local schools anout their climate survey, plus details of projects under way such as a reuse and repair initiative at Fairfield School. We're intending to have more regular ways to ensure young people can feed in to decisions in future.
Bishopston & Ashley Down: Emma Edwards and James Crawford (Green Party)
248 Gloucester Road
We have been meeting with the developer to discuss the future of the 248 Gloucester Road, opposite Sainsburys Longmead Avenue. The most recent application for demolition with the façade retained (24/01490/F) has been rejected on the grounds that there was no linked redevelopment of the site. They have assured us that the next application will be for the whole development and will be in keeping with the Baroque style and original roof, based on the original building.
We are very keen to see progress on this site as we are becoming worried that the façade will continue to deteriorate through the winter. We are hopeful that the new application will be a strike a good balance between securing the future of the historic façade whilst securing some much needed new housing.
Ashley Down Train Station and Concorde Way
We were really pleased to have attended the
opening ceremony for the new Ashley Down Railway Station. Emma also joined residents to welcome the first scheduled train the next morning. We are really pleased to see how many residents are already making good use of it, however we would like to see the utility of the station to be improved, with more trains and a direct link to Bristol Parkway.
To that end, Emma asked a question at Member's Forum regarding increasing the frequency of services, and we know that Bristol City Council and WECA both have aspirations to improve service frequency. Both of us will be pushing to ensure that this aspiration becomes a reality by lobbying WECA and our local MP
What we've been doing at the Council
We have been busy on our respective committees. On the Transport committee, Emma has been working hard, supporting an amendment on parking charges to protect
women in the night time economy, and spoke on an amendment to improve the accessibility of the city for disabled people at Full Council. Meanwhile James has been working on holding Bristol Waste to account for sub par collections, as well as endorsing the one city tree strategy.
If you want to know a bit more information about how the committee system works and how to engage with it, such as asking a question about a city wide issue, feel free to drop either of us a line at:
Cllr.james.crawford@bristol.gov.uk
Cllr.Emma.edwwards@bristol.gov.uk
And we would be happy to support you. The true value of the committee system lies in residents having much better access to political decision making.
n NEWS
Scrapstore unveils bid for homes
A CHARITY in St Werburgh’s is planning to sell some land for housing to fund improvements to its building.
Children’s Scrapstore is working with an architect and design consultant on proposals for 12 two-bed townhouses.
It intends to submit a planning application for six homes on each of two sites, the main car park to the east, and an area next to the Ivy Pentecostal Church to the west.
It says the development will only be on part of each car park, so there will still be room for visitors to park.
Details of the scheme are on the charity’s website and a drop-in session will be held on Wednesday 27 November from 2- 6pm for anyone who has questions.
Children’s Scrapstore moved to its current home more than 20 years ago, inhabiting a historic building that has served the area since the 19th century.
It says: “Despite significant efforts to maintain the building, it has been more than two decades since any major refurbishment has been undertaken. The wear and tear is becoming increasingly costly for the charity.
“The charity is facing escalating maintenance costs, from leaking roofs to windows and vintage lifts, requiring ongoing investments of tens of thousands of pounds each year.
“The building’s energy inefficiency also means increased monthly costs to heat in the winter and to keep cool in the summer.
“Equally as the charity’s services, facilities and provision has grown, expansion has been constrained by the building’s layout, limiting how effectively the space can be used.
“With the charity now owning the building outright, there is a unique opportunity to sell some undeveloped, brownfield land on the site, which will fund essential renovations to create an improved and future-proofed space for members, tenants, staff and the visiting public.”
Once planning permission is granted, the charity will look to sell the two sites to a property developer so the income from the sales can be reinvested in the main building to enable the much-needed renovations and protect the long-term future of the building.
The charity says it considered moving to a new location but did not want to sacrifice the “unique benefits” of being at the heart of a vibrant community on a site that offers the a large warehouse with vehicular access and parking as well as the shop and playroom which are central to its work.
“Moving to a new location would mean sacrificing this rare combination of community integration and operational capacity.
By investing in the refurbishment of the existing building, Children’s Scrapstore can preserve and enhance its connection to St Werburghs and the wider city while creating a space that better serves its users now, and in the future,” the charity says.
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Time to unlock our region’s potential
THIS month, I joined the Prime Minister and other regional leaders in the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions up in Edinburgh.
While the name may sound a little grand, in reality it’s an important step towards a more equal relationship between national government, the devolved parliaments, and regional mayors.
By working together, we can unlock much more of the great potential we have in the West of England. That’s why, as mayors, we have committed to producing Local Growth Plans, which will identify what we need from central government to help us tackle challenges around transport, housing, and skills.
This plan will show the way to greater economic growth. Alongside that, a new era of genuine partnership working with Westminster will see regional mayors given further powers to further deliver for our communities.
Central to delivering the Local Growth Plan is bringing investment into the region. I was proud to show off the West of England to investors from around the world at the Prime Minister’s International Investment Summit, showcasing our existing strengths and the enormous potential we have here.
In the West of England, we already have a strong record of delivering investment to create better infrastructure and public services.
Just in the last few weeks, the second new railway station in 100 years has opened at Ashley Down.
Since being elected Mayor, I have been working to deliver our very own “reverse-Beeching”, opening new stations for the first time since those disastrous rail cuts back in the 1960s.
Two new stations have opened in the last year and there are more planned, including at Henbury and North Filton and, I hope, at Saltford.
Now, in Ashley Down, thousands of residents are closer to a train station than at any time since before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. With it, there are now more sustainable travel options to get into the centre of Bristol.
I have always believed that if you give people affordable and reliable public transport options, they will take them up. Good transport infrastructure is also crucial to delivering business investment, and these new stations will support our ambitions in this area.
But we also know that, even as we invest in securing growth, we also must transition to a
greener and more sustainable economy. That is why my mayoral combined authority is setting up a new fund to drive £100 million of green investment in our region.
With £10m of public money to kick-start it, this fund will vitally lever in private investment in renewable energy, retrofit projects, and nature recovery projects.
It is because of this track record of delivery that I can say to businesses at events like the Investment Summit: the West of England is open for business, so come and invest here.
The West of England is going from strength to strength, and a new partnership with national government will help us deliver even more in the future.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
n
n Room 212 is proud to be a venue on the North Bristol Art Trail. Owner Sarah Thorp opens up her living room and studio as an exhibition space with entry via her garden off Bishop Lane. She'll be showing her bronze and copper jewellery plus vases and mirrors upcycled with colourful decoupage.
She's invited other Room 212 artists to join her. Jenny Urquhart and Emma Catherine will show their original paintings along with quirky card maker, Maita Robinson.
The Downstairs Studio will be open for the art trail Preview Evening on Friday Nov 22, from 6-pm.
Get ready for North Bristol Art Trail
THE North Bristol Art Trail (NBA) returns to our streets over the weekend of November 23-24. This popular trail includes 110 artists and makers opening 50 homes and studios to welcome you in!
There will be original paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glassware and more, offered with a warm welcome including refreshments and facilities along your route.
Royal Poppies by Nancy Chambers
Printmaker and Chair of NBA, Michelle Hinshelwood says: “As artists, we welcome the chance to share our creative process as well as our finished pieces so come to browse, chat and find out what’s involved behind the scenes.”
A new feature on the 2024 trail is the Art Collectors Trail encouraging you to visit a mix of small and multi-artist venues, with the chance to win one of 20 original artworks donated by artists including an original poppy painting by Nancy Chambers, a polymer clay bowl by Caroline Casswell, silver earrings by Sue Lutkenhouse and an etching by Louella Frankel Jones.
The trail stretches over Redland, Bishopston, Henleaze, St Andrews, Ashley and Horfield, subdivided into smaller areas on the trail map to make it easy to plan your route.
You can find the free North Bristol Arts Trail map online or pick up a physical copy in shops, cafes, libraries, framing shops and galleries in the area, including Future Leap, Elephant Estate Agent and Room 212 on Gloucester Road, Niche Frames on Zetland Road, Coldharbour Gallery on Kellaway Road, Waitrose in Westbury Park and at the RWA in Clifton.
This art trail is a fun, relaxed, free event and is a great way to spend times with friends and family, buy yourself a treat or find reasonably priced original gifts for Christmas!
Look for the North Bristol Arts Trail signs, sponsored by Elephant Estate Agents, that go up outside each of the venues and check out https:// northbristolartists.org.uk for further information about all artists, venues, facilities and access.
23–24 November 2024 10am-5pm
Meet over 100 Artists & Makers in homes, studios & group shows around North Bristol. Discover original artwork, jewellery, ceramics, photography and more.
www.northbristolartists.org.uk
Polymer clay bowl by Caroline Caswell, above Etching by Louise Frankel Jones, below
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Mental Capacity including Powers of Attorney
Older and Vulnerable Clients
Estate planning
Family, Cohabitation and Divorce
Residential Conveyancing Disputes
Accident and Injury
Employment Law Advice
Commercial Property Company and Commercial Services
Notary Public
Driving and Road Traffic Offences
Criminal Defence
n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP
City can be a beacon of hope
HELLO, it’s been a busy month and I’ve loved being out and about in Bristol Central meeting so many of you. This month I was also delighted to be awarded Politician of the Year at the Women in Green Business Awards 2024. It’s such an honour to serve as the MP for Bristol Central and feels incredibly special to be recognised for this.
I recently visited Fareshare South West to hear about the amazing work they are doing to tackle food waste and food poverty both here in Bristol and across the country. Their incredible volunteers and staff do such valuable work to fight hunger and food waste. I will continue to do what I can to support their work and push the government to make sure that no one has to choose between eating and other essential living costs.
This month I was also invited
to speak at the Festival of Sustainable Business Exhibition about how we can create a better, fairer and thriving Bristol. My message to the businesses at the Festival was simple– we can be a beacon of hope. Our city truly is a special place and I believe we can be a leader by showing how tackling the climate emergency and creating a fairer society must go hand in hand.
I’ve continued to receive lots of enquiries from constituents across Bristol – in particular about asylum and immigration.
My team and I have been working hard to support on these individual cases. I also recently met with Bristol Refugee Rights and Bristol Law Centre to talk about how I can continue to advocate for refugees in Parliament.
We are tragically now more than one year on from the horrific events of 7 October and it’s
n FROM BRISTOL NORTH WEST'S MP
heartbreaking to see the violence continue to escalate. In response to the increasingly dangerous, escalating conflict in Lebanon I asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will create a Lebanese family scheme to enable immediate family members of British nationals to come to the UK. I am still waiting on an answer to this so watch this space. Alongside my fellow Green MPs I will continue to call for an end to the violence, and to stand in solidarity with civilians under attack everywhere, whether in Israel, Lebanon, Gaza or elsewhere, and demand that all sides de-escalate this dangerous and mounting conflict.
If you live in Bristol Central and have a local issue or specific casework you need support with, you can email or write any time using the details below: bristolcentraloffice@parliament.uk
Tackling our housing crisis
EVER since I was first elected as the MP for Bristol North West, housing has consistently been the biggest issue for casework. This year alone, my office has helped more than 150 constituents with housing and planning issues.
As someone who grew up in a council flat in Lawrence Weston, I understand the security that such housing offers low-income families. That’s why, when I was still sitting on the opposition benches in Parliament, I repeatedly backed calls for more social housing (what we now call council houses).
Bristol City Council has made huge strides in getting new social and affordable homes built in Bristol North West, with new developments completed or nearcompletion in Brentry, Lawrence Weston, Manor Farm, and Southmead. But what was needed to solve our housing problem is action on a national level – and we needed a new government to get Britain building again.
At the time of writing, we’ve just marked the first 100 days of our Labour government, and I’m pleased to share some of the action that has been taken to address the housing crisis.
In mid-October, in my capacity as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I hosted a roundtable to instigate a new partnership with major ‘impact investors’ – companies with money to invest to help address social and environmental challenges, including affordable housing. Working in partnership with government, social impact investing can change people’s lives and improve communities across the country.
Following this roundtable, our government was able to announce over half a billion pounds worth of impact investments to fund tens of thousands of new homes. This includes £200 million of funding to build at least 5,000 new social and affordable homes, and to invest in social infrastructure, such
Carla Denyer writes for the Voice
Carla Denyer MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA I also hold regular constituency surgeries. To request an appointment, please contact me and my team using any of the methods listed above. For enquiries about Parliamentary matters, national issues, or policy, please email me using: carla. denyer.mp@parliament.uk
as public transport, green spaces, schools and GP surgeries.
Furthermore, I’m pleased to share that Bristol City Council will get nearly £2.5 million of government funding from Brownfield Land Release Fund to transform land that has previously been built on but is now neglected or disused into 171 new homes. I think it’s unlikely these will be built in Bristol North West – I don’t believe we have any suitable brownfield sites left – but I’m pleased there will be more housing available in the city.
And, finally, I would like to invite you to a special event that I'm holding on the afternoon of Saturday November 9. Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer – and my boss! – will deliver her Budget at the end of October. To answer any questions that my constituents have once the Budget has been announced, I’ll be holding a Budget Town Hall in a venue near Westbury-on-Trym the following
week. To book a ticket for this event, visit www.darren-jones. co.uk/events. If you don’t have internet access, you can call my office to book on 0117 959 6545. I hope to see many of you there! As always, you can email me at darren.jones.mp@parliament.uk, call my office on 0117 959 6545 or write to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
RATMAN. Mouseman.
Bedbugman,cockroachman,fleaman. These arethenamesthatpeoplecallme,dependingonthetype ofwork.
A SINGING duo from Westburyon-Trym have recorded a single in memory of a little girl who was cared for by Children’s Hospice South West.
Claire Champness and husband Dean have recorded their own version of the song Special, originally written by ska and reggae band The Dualers, to raise money following the death of seven-year-old Phoebe Pring earlier this year.
They were asked to support the fundraising for CHSW by Dan Ryan, friend and business partner of Phoebe’s dad Josh.
The couple recorded their CD at Brunel Studios in Hengrove. Sales at their gigs and donations have reached £550 – exceeding Claire and Dean’s initial target. The pair also performed at a fun day in tribute to Phoebe at Failand Village Hall.
Claire said: “This is our way of remembering Phoebe and raising money for such an incredible charity which supported the family so much.”
When Phoebe was born, Josh
and his partner Jessica took their baby home to Nailsea thinking she was a healthy little girl, but became concerned something was wrong when Phoebe started to choke on her milk. Tests found that instead of being able to swallow her milk, it was going into Phoebe’s lungs, causing her to choke and affecting her
breathing. Phoebe was also diagnosed with hypotonia, a disease that affects the muscles, and it was decided, to keep her safe, that she should be tube fed.
At the age of three, Phoebe was rushed back into hospital suffering with pneumonia and apnoea episodes. During another six-week stay in Bristol Children’s Hospital, the family were dealt the devastating blow that Phoebe had Rett Syndrome – a rare, genetic disease that affects brain development and causes severe disability.Phoebe was then referred to Charlton Farm which proved gamechanging Josh, Jess, their son Harvey and other daughter Tilleigh who was born in the summer of 2023.
“It gave us time to do things with Harvey and Tilleigh as a family. “We always, always tried our best to include Phoebe in everything we did, but there were some things that practically we just could not do and wanted to keep her well from certain weathers,” said Josh.
Phoebe fell unwell again when the family were on holiday in Paignton in April this year and on her return home was rushed into intensive care at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Sadly, doctors said Phoebe’s heart and brain was failing and there was nothing else they could do for her. The family returned to Charlton Farm to spend their final days together. Phoebe died at Charlton Farm with her loving family around her, with Jess and Josh cradling her in her bed.
You can listen to the single and donate at www.justgiving. com/page/claire-champness
18th October at 10am 11th November at 2pm
Henleaze Infant School BS9 4LG, enter via the main office
Claire and Dean Champness
Phoebe Pring
Library celebrations inspire pupils
MARCUS Rashford’s ghost writer Alex Falase Koya and JT Williams, whose debut short story featured in Robin Stevens’s The Very Merry Murder Club, were just two of the stars to visit Cabot Primary to contribute to the 10th anniversary celebrations of the school library.
Pupils also had a chance to shine, as they animatedly led their poetry performances, before a cake specially made for the occasion was devoured.
Illustrator Paula Bowles delivered workshops around her When I feel books. She was joined by Alex Falase-Koya to give a workshop based on their popular superhero Marv books. The children were transported into an action-packed fantastical world.
The week of celebration events was rounded off by JT Williams, who led an assembly based on her book Bright Stars of Black British History, which linked well with with Black History Month.
Felicity Llewelyn-Hodgson, principal of Cabot Primary School, said: “We felt very privileged to receive funding from the Storytale Festival so that we could celebrate the library’s anniversary in style.
"The children were made to not only feel special, but were energised to discover, or continue discovering, the wonder and magic in books.
“One of my highlights was inviting the parents and carers to see their children delivering some fantastic poetry performances, with the biggest smiles on their faces.”
School earns Ofsted praise
ST Werburgh’s Primary School is celebrating a glowing Ofsted report.
Inspectors visited in July 2024 and their report was published this term. The school was judged as Good overall, with children’s behaviour and attitudes and personal development rated as Outstanding.
The inspectors commented on how the school is ambitious for all and that diversity
is celebrated. Pupils are tolerant and accept everyone’s uniqueness and behaviour is excellent.
They noted that parents and carers were overwhelmingly positive about the education and the opportunities the school provides, commenting that “the school goes beyond teaching the bare bones of the curriculum and helps my child thrive as an individual and grow important skills for life.”
The inspection recognised that pupils’ personal development is a high priority within the school’s curriculum and beyond. Inspectors praised the school for providing “a wealth of wider enrichment opportunities identified through the ‘Passport of Experience’’’. Jack Lacey, Deputy CEO, said: “This is a wonderful report which rightly recognises what a happy, ambitious and inclusive school St Werburgh’s is.”
Cabot Primary School principal Felicity Llewelyn-Hodgson, chair of governors Albert Gardiner and Reading Recovery Teacher Gemma Davies with pupils at the celebrations
Paula Bowles (illustrator), Alex Falase Koya (author), Ellie Freeman from the Storytale Festival & Josie Abram Millar, school librarian
Cabot Primary School pupils share the joy
n EDUCATION
Spirit of carnival breaks the ice
REDMAIDS’ High Junior School started the academic year with a fun-filled Big Girl Little Girl day. The girls threw themselves into carnival culture with a full day of activities. It began with a lively assembly led by guest visitors Afidance. Girls were then split into groups –each new girl was partnered with her big girl, allowing them to get to know each other. Pupils enjoyed learning about different carnivals around the world and made flags to represent them. They created their own vibrant carnival masks and took part in energetic African dance and drumming workshops. The school came together at the
end of the day to showcase their workshops and celebrate the carnival theme of unity, togetherness and community.
Each September, Big Girl Little Girl day helps new joiners settle into the Junior School and get to know their “buddy” - usually an older girl, who can help show them around, and be a familiar face for them in the first few weeks.
The Big Girl Little Girl day forms part of several initiatives at the Junior School to help new girls settle in across Years 3 - 6.
The school recently welcomed new parents in for Breakfast Club with their daughters and invited them in to enjoy lunch together.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
GLOUCESTER ROAD WI
THE days may be getting shorter but that’s not slowed us down at Gloucester Road WI.
In September we tried line dancing, trying out our new moves to everything from the classic Achy Breaky Heart to pop songs and even a sea shanty! It just goes to show how learning a new skill can be applied in so many different ways. We had a great teacher, who encouraged us not to think of making mistakes but embracing them as our ‘natural variations’. The photo shows us doing just this – following our own natural rhythms but joined together in a shared experience filled with good humour and no judgement. This is truly what the Gloucester Road WI is all about.
In October we held our AGM and up-cycled old towels and sheets into reusable face cloths, thanks to Tweed & Bird. This was a bittersweet occasion as we chose to do a sewing craft in the memory of one of members, who sadly died last year, and was the founder of our knit and stitch club. We wanted to celebrate her contribution to the group and for that legacy to live on. It also gave us some ideas for Christmas gifts, readying us for next month’s Christmas Wreath Making workshop on Tuesday November 26 (see What's On page for details) This is free to members and is also open to visitors at a cost of £25. This includes everything you need to make a wreath. Details of how to join as a member can be found at www.gloucesterroadwi.org
GOLDEN HILL WI
WE are lucky enough to have a member whose husband, Huw Richards Evans, is a contemporary artist. He kindly came and did a talk and demonstration of his work at our July meeting. He then very generously donated his painting to our raffle. The winner of the painting, pictured, is Tansin Brown.
Huw owns a gallery, 14 Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton, BS8 4AA where his art is displayed and it can also be seen on line. Hrevansart@ gmail.com. and huwrichardsevens.com.
As a group we were delighted and impressed seeing Huw in action. And learnt a lot in the process!
Golden Hill WI meets on the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pmat Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA.We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
and receive full guidance and support. Family
Lasting Powers of Attorney Probate
Our
help make a difficult time as
and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
ACTOR and BBC Radio Bristol
Breakfast presenter Joe Sims hosted Bristol Dementia Action Alliance’s third annual Awards Ceremony.
The event celebrated the amazing work that organisations, groups, businesses and schools have been doing to raise awareness of dementia throughout the city.
Winners received Bronze, Silver or Gold awards - many returning to try to achieve the next level up.
This was the second year that schools and children’s groups
Dementia awards
aimed for The Barbara Award named in memory of founder Tony Hall’s wife Barbara who lived with dementia for over 20 years. The Barbara Award winner was Stoke Bishop Primary which has created a dementia awareness culture throughout the school by visiting care homes, forming intergenerational friendships, hosting Singing for the Brain
groups and other activities at the school, including a tea party.
BRONZE
Avonmouth Community Centre
Deaf Dementia Club
Doynton Memory Café
Sea Mills Community Initiative
SILVER
Age UK Bristol
Alina Homecare
BNP Paribas LLP
Bristol Zoo Project
Carers Support Centre
Lovell Place Care Home
We Care Home Improvements
GOLD
All Saints Clifton
Alive Activities
Autumn Years Community Care
Avon & Somerset Police
Barcan+Kirby
Best Life Companions
BRACE
Bristol Brunel Lions
Greenway Community Practice
Harold Stephens
Home Instead Bristol North
Wessex Water
Westbury Baptist Church
Individual – Inspector Stuart King for Dementia Safeguarding Scheme
n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES Raindrops are not the only sound ...
BY the time you read this, our grape harvest will be over and all the grapes will be safely pressed and in the tank at the winery.
This year feels a bit different to previous years because there are a lot less grapes around and I suspect we will only have enough juice to make one batch of still rosé rather than our usual mixture of sparkling and still wine. The smaller harvest is not due to recent poor weather but is in fact due to the poor weather we had back at the start of July. This is the critical week when the grapes flower and poor weather during this period dictates the size of the crop we get at the end of the year (now). The excessive rain we've had more recently has caused its own problems simply because it makes the logistics of people and vehicles more complicated on wet ground but the size of the crop was determined months ago.
I imagine everyone will feel quite relieved when harvest is over. That said, I would not say it was a disastrous year by any means, we’ve had quite a good crop of white Seyval grapes which reached a really
high level of ripeness and our red Regent grapes were also really ripe, it's just that there weren’t many of them!
Radio 4 fans may be interested to know that the vineyard featured on ‘On Your Farm’ recently and can be accessed on the BBC Sounds listen again feature. The show focused on our new vineyard soundscape label as well as the birds and wildlife that live in the vineyard with a special performance from my vineyard neighbour Marshall Clements the dairy farmer!
I'm not sure if I dare mention the word Christmas, but do get in touch if you want some wine. We have a small amount of sparkling white left but it will sell out before Christmas. We have still rosé, sparkling rosé and sparkling red as well and offer free delivery with no minimum order in central Bristol.
hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk
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Bristol window company up for national excellence award
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, has been nominated for a prestigious industry award, and is the only one to represent the whole of the South West.
“The G-Awards celebrate the very best in the double glazing industry in the UK, and we are super excited to have been shortlisted in the Installer of the Year category,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said. “We may only have been in business for four and a half years, but the judges have selected us alongside six other fantastic retail companies as representing the cream of the crop.”
Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny Robb, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The
Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it.
90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism,
friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
As well as being open and honest, The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.
“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.
“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”
The winners of G-Awards will be announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel in London on November 29.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk
Don't let flu or Covid ruin your Christmas - get your jab today!
LAST winter, 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, despite the relatively mild flu season, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season.
Uptake in eligible groups declined, including older people over 65 years and people with long-term health conditions, with just 1 in 3 pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine. This also includes paid and unpaid carers: everyone receiving a carer's allowance or are the main carers of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill. Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals and frontline health and social care staff are also eligible for the vaccine.
Worryingly, last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people hospitalised due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and then again at the end of January.
Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time, and the types of flu viruses the vaccine protects against are updated yearly. This is why it's vital to get the flu vaccine every year.
Every year, the World Health Organization recommends which strains should be included in the flu vaccine, and the UKHSA contributes to this work. Vaccines are then developed to help fight off the types of flu viruses expected to be circulating in the coming season. As the viruses can change every year, and protection from the vaccine reduces over time, those eligible must get a vaccine every year.
Let's clear one common myth: The injected flu vaccines used in the UK cannot give you flu as they do not contain live flu viruses. However, as it usually takes up to 14 days to work, you may catch the flu or, more likely, a cold. Get your jab today!
Carers need to get their vaccines too.
0117 9246579
18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, BS6 7XR
Who is a carer? Many people do not realise that they are unpaid carers – they care for someone who, through physical or mental health needs, relies on them for support in performing activities of daily living and tasks. This can be neighbours, family, or friends, whether doing so short-term or long-term.
If you are unwell, it means this person's welfare will be at risk, but also, as you are a close contact, you can spread the flu virus to them. This is why getting your flu and Covid vaccinations is so necessary.
Like paid carers, including those working in the community, social or residential care and all frontline healthcare professionals the NHS values you.
You can now walk-in (no appointment required) to get your free NHS Covid and flu vaccinations at Kellaway Pharmacy if you are eligible. Don't delay; get vaccinated today. For details: Call 0117 9246579. Private affordable flu and Covid jabs are also now available.
• Providing expert, friendly and dedicated care since 2002
• A welcoming and relaxing atmosphere
• Free preventative health clinics for your pet
• Modern surgical, x-ray and dentistry facilities
n BOOKS
Home thoughts
WITH the publication of her first children’s book, a local author has brought a small part of her homeland with her to her home in Redland.
Khabo Piggott’s Corn on the Cob is a story about dedication, determination and loyalty to the family. From the stresses of picking the corn, to the effort of selling it, Musa and Wawa’s actions show how much they care about their family and will do whatever they can to help earn money.
Beautifully illustrated by Ahya Kim, this colourful book evokes the hardships of life for the villagers relying on the rains to reap the harvest, but also the glory of the land in which they live and how everyone, including the children, work together to give themselves a better life. Dedicating her book “to all the children of the kingdom of eSwatini”, Khabo says of her book: “I live in Bristol with my family, but am originally from eSwatini. Writing this during Covid was an escapism and an absolute joy, but more importantly, it has enabled me to ‘always carry’ a small part of my home country with me, wherever I am.”
From the classroom to the page
YEARS as a teacher, working in state and independent schools in and around Bristol in a diverse career of teaching English, History, RE and PE, have provided local author Geoff Stock with the experiences to inform his new children’s book, his first success at publication.
Jimmy Evans and The New School is written, Geoff says, “from my experiences, directly for children but hopefully appreciated by all ages, and particularly dedicated to those children and young people who are changing schools.”
Geoff was born and educated in Bristol, before gaining a General Arts degree and diploma in education from Durham. In 1975, concerned by the lack of youth facilities in the area, he founded Horfield Young People’s Club and in 2017, while still leader of the club, he was awarded an MBE for Services to Youth and the Community.
His story tells of Jimmy Evans, who is excited to be going to a new school with a football team, but who soon realises that everyone wants their chance to shine on the pitch and not everyone will play fair to do so. As Jimmy learns the real value of trust, honesty and kindness, both on and off the pitch, who will be the real winner?
The paperback book is on sale at Gloucester Road Books, Max Minerva’s
Quantum of
for £2,200 Walt Disney - Animation cel from 'Snow White and the Seven
and Waterstones, and also online via Amazon, RRP £7.99. More information on the book can also be found at: www. onwardsandupwards.org/jimmy-evansand-the-new-school
Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT
Omega - Limited edition
James Bond
Solace watch
Dwarfs'
/geoff Stock with his book
BOOK REVIEW
Bless The Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head
NO one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark. You only run for the border when you see the whole city running as well. The boy you went to school with, who kissed you dizzy behind the old tin factory, is holding a gun bigger than his body. You only leave home when home won’t let you stay. This is the opening verse of Home, a poem written by Warsan Shire, providing a vivid and shocking description of the plight of refugees as well as the racism and loneliness that follows after starting a new life in another country. Warsan Shire was born in Kenya, to Somali parents. She came to the UK in 1989 as a one year old refugee. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and their two children. Bless The Daughter Raised By A Voice In Her Head is her first full length poetry collection consisting of 49 poems. The collection covers
a range of subjects. Extreme Childhood deals with the plight of baby girls brought up in a culture where the birth of a girl is met with disappointment that it is not a boy. My Loneliness Is Killing Me is written from the perspective of an elderly male refugee, who yearns for his homeland and simple pleasures like swimming at Jazeera Beach in Mogadishu. Drowning In Dawsons Creek relates to the remains of a murdered Somali woman found in Washington State in 2010, and who was misidentified for a decade as a Caucasian Jane Doe. Photographs of Hooyo(Harlesden 1990-2000) refers to a series of polaroids of Warsan’s mother , chronicling what she had to leave behind in order to survive and assimilate into her new country. Warsan’s mental health issues along with those of her mother are chronicled in Hooyoo, Full of Grace. She confronts the
by Warsan Shire by Warsan Shire
reader with the horrors of female genital mutilation and its impact on young girls in The Abubaker Girls Are Different and tackles the sexual abuse of young girls in Bless This School For Girls. These are beautifully crafted poems, drawn from Warsan’s own life and the lives of loved ones as well as newspaper headlines. Whilst they are unflinching in expressing the trauma and sense of dislocation experienced by refugees, this collection is also a celebration of survival against all the odds. You can find this book and many others at Bishopston Library. Come and visit us at 100 Gloucester Road and walk out with a library card giving you free access to over two million books. You will be sure of a warm welcome at your friendly local library. Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library
Bishopston Library opening Hours:
Monday (1pm-7pm)
Tuesday ( closed)
Wednesday (11am-5pm)
Thursday (11am-5pm)
Friday (11am-5pm)
Saturday (11am-5pm)
Sunday (closed)
Saturday November 23
n BRISTOL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S CONCERT at Trinity Henleaze URC, 7:30pm. Playing works by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Elgar and Hummel. For details and prices see our website, bristolchamberorchestra.org.uk.
Friday 29th November
n Pirate Ceilidh starring Ceilidh Tree and caller, Anna Cornish (singer from viral chart hit Wellerman), traditional sea shanty band, morris dancers, full bar with grog, rum, scrumpy and local ales, hot food on sale. At St Bonaventures Parish Hall, Friary Road, BS7 8AF. Advance tickets from £8 Adult / £6 Concession, more closer to the time and on the door (booking early advised). All ages welcome - family friendly event. Ceilidh Tree feature stomping fiddles, accordion and caller to show the moves - no prior dance experience required! Prize for best dressed pirate, mermaid, cap'n and wench! Tickets at www.folkstars.co.uk/pirateceilidh Doors at 6.30pm. Event is a fundraiser for Folkstars - a project which is giving more local primary school kids the chance to learn an instrument.
Saturday December 14
n SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, ST. GEORGE'S, BRISTOL. 7:30pm. Conductor: David Bednall. Accompaniment: Nigel Nash & Bristol Brass Consort. Tickets£25, £18, £12 (all reserved), £5 students/under 18s. Website – www.bristolbach.org.uk A special and uplifting evening of Christmas Music with Bristol Bach Choir and Bristol Brass Consort, whose Christmas CD Festive Brass has featured on Classic FM. The repertoire will extend from the Venetian Renaissance to the present day, and in moods ranging from the contemplative to the utterly joyful. Both groups will also display their individual skills in pieces appropriate to the season and the many emotions it brings. There will be the usual opportunity for a little audience participation in carols. A collection will be made in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Bristol Care Homes is launching Singing for the Brain in collaboration with Alzheimer's Society
BRISTOL Care Homes is excited to introduce Singing for the Brain, a monthly event in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society. This initiative harnesses the power of music to support people living with dementia, helping them reconnect with memories, boost well-being, and foster social connections.
Music has been proven to aid memory recall, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being, particularly for those with dementia. Singing for the Brain offers a warm, supportive environment where participants can enjoy familiar songs, share stories, and build connections.
The events will be held monthly at two locations: Quarry House Care Home and Glebe House Care Home. Open to residents, families, and the community, no RSVP is required. Join us for an uplifting experience and enjoy tea, coffee, and cakes on the house. For details, visit www. bristolcarehomes.co.uk.
Friday December 13
n WESTBURY SINGERS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT at Westbury Baptist Church, Reedley Road, at 7.30pm. Tickets £8 to include refreshments. Ticket enquiries to wotsingers@gmail. com or available on the door.
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday
n SHARED READING AT ST PAUL’S LIBRARY. Meet and connect with others Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm. St Paul’s Learning Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol BS2 8XJ. Email: support@thereader.org.uk
n REDLAND WIND BAND has vacancies for some woodwind, brass and percussion players. This friendly group meets 7.30-9.30pm at Redland Church Hall, Redland Green. Contact via email on redlandwindband@gmail.com
n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875.
n BRISTOL GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR rehearses at Westbury-onTrym Methodist Church (BS9 3AA) 2-4pm (term time only). We are a fun and friendly, non-audition, community choir for both male and female voices - one of 32 Good Afternoon Choirs who ‘sing in the afternoon’ around the South West and further afield. New members are always welcome and, whether you come alone or with
n PILATES classes at the Northcote Scout Hall: Mondays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Mixed ability); Tuesdays 9.30am (Improvers), 10.30am (Beginners). £8.50 per class booked as a course, or £12 single sessions. Small classes, that must be booked in advance. Full details at www. mindbodypilates.org. Contact: Leanne 07817189474 / leanne@ mindbodypilates.org
Tuesday
n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL LECTURE welcomes new members. Our lectures, given by specialists in their own field, take place on the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information visit our website www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk
a friend, we will be very pleased to meet you! For further details please visit our website – www. goodafternoonchoir.org – or contact us on 01761 472468 or via e-mail at gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk
n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP are a merry band of retired people who meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday morning (9.45) and like to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to join and help to solve some of today's challenging issues, contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.
n BRISTOL COMMUNITY GAMELAN play the music of Java at Cotham School from 6.30-8.30. We play by numbers – only 1-6, without the 4 ! So no auditions, no need to read music. If you fancy a different musical experience, contact us via email on keithripley27@gmail.com
n WESTBURY ON TRYM WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2.00 - 4.00 pm. We have interesting speakers, and extra activities of crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. For more information call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917
Monday and Tuesday
n BRISTOL HARMONY WEST GALLERY CHOIR and band sing and play lively church and village music from the 18thcentury. St Edyth’s Church Hall, St Edyth’s Road, Sea Mills, 7.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. All voices (SATB), string, wind and reed instruments welcome. No auditions but ability to read music helpful. www.bristolharmony. wordpress.com or call Fritjof 0117 924 3440. Contact before attending.
n POETRY UNLIMITED – poetry circle meet on the First Tuesday of every month 11am - 12 midday. Basement Room, Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3RU. £2.50 - £3.00 donation towards the cost of the room. Bring a couple of poems to share, other poets or your own. Contact Dee: wetwo@ gentlyblown.co.uk Web: www. poetryunlimitedbristol.weebly.com
n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL We are a 'threshold choir' looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join/support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org
n BRISTOL A CAPPELLA: Tuesdays 7.30pm, Victoria Methodist Church. Bristol A Cappella is an awardwinning mixed barbershop chorus of around 30 members who love to sing close harmony a cappella. Our songs are mainly from pop music, with a bit of rock and some musicals. www.
We are a friendly sociable club with a variety of walks. We have 2 Tuesday walks of either 8-9 miles or 5-6 miles. On Saturdays we have varying length walks including a hill walk eg Brecon Beacons once a month. If you would like more information please visit our website.
Wednesday
n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Tania by email at tanialake@yahoo.co.uk
n HEALING SESSIONS Spiritual Healing is available from 2pm to 3.30pm by the accredited healing team at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE
For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30 start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up or or visit www. westburyparksc.org
n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA. A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. Visitors and new members will be given a warm welcome. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@gmail.com.
n WELCOME WEDNESDAY Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your local area. Call 0117 435 0063 for more information.
n SWIFTS INCLUSIVE SPORTS
bishopstonvoice
swimming sessions are for adults 18+ with any disability (hoist available) on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm. £5 per session at Henbury Leisure Centre. Contact Karen Lloyd at 07734 335 878.
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 HENBURY SINGERS WELCOMES
NEW MEMBERS at Stoke Bishop Primary School, Cedar Park BS9 1BW, 7.30 – 9.15, a warm welcome awaits you at Henbury Singers. We perform sacred and secular music under our conductor Andrew Kirk. No auditions. www.henburysingers. org Contact the secretary at secretary@henburysingers.org
n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278
n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@bristolbach.org.uk
n HIGHBURY BADMINTON
CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING
aLooking for a new hobby? Join us for fun, fitness and friendship (singles welcome). First evening free! Thursdays: New/Inexperienced dancers 7–8.30pm (£4). Intermediate/Advanced dancers 7.30–10pm (£6). St Monica Trust, Oatley House Main Hall, BS9 3TN. www.rscdsbristol.info. Contact Ruth 01179683057.
n THE STEPFORD SINGERS WOMEN'S COMMUNITY CHOIR meets at Horfield Baptist Church, Bishopston on Thursday afternoons, 1pm to 3pm. No auditions and no need to read music! Come for a free taster session with our friendly,
supportive group and learn to sing in harmony. For info, contact Fran franbolton66@gmail.com
n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feel more relaxed, peaceful, calmer. Drop-in at Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. NEW TIME 3.30 to 4.45 pm. Donation basis. Supported by Healing Trust members. Contact Selina 0117 9466434 or selinanewton@yahoo. co.uk for dates and information.
n BISHOPSTON COMMUNITY CHOIR Meet on Thursday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.00pm at Horfield Baptist Church, 160a Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8NT. Everyone welcome, no audition necessary. Contact us via email on bishoproadchoir@gmail.com
Friday
n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE
Come and meet a group of friendly people and enjoy talks in Spanish, musical events and social evenings. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www. spanishcirclebristol.com/
Seasonal events n REFUTREES
Aid Box Community is running its Refutrees Christmas sales from a new venue this year. Trees, lights and stands will be on sale at St Barts church in St Andrews Park from November 28. The shop is open 10.30am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday and 10.30am to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday until stocks run out! The address is Maurice Road, BS6 5BZ. Trees can be ordered from Nov 15. Deliveries, which are £8, are from Nov 29 to Dec 15. www.aidboxcommunity/ refutrees or call 07735 895538. All profits go to refugees and asylum seekers in need.
n WREATH MAKING
Gloucester Road WI are holding a wreath making workshop on Tuesday November 26. This is free to members and is open to visitors at a cost of £25. Members and visitors alike will need to confirm their attendance in advance. If you wish to attend as a visitor, please email info@gloucesterroadwi.org Payment in advance, so we can order the necessary materials.
Bristol Arrow Bowling Club ended its 130th anniversary season on a high note by presenting a cheque for £1,230 to its charity of the year, Jessie May. It is one of the oldest clubs in the region and has been playing at its current green in Redland Road for more than a century. The mixed club has about 50 members and plays in the Bristol and District League and the North East League as well as friendly games.
THE mid-October eight-try demolition of Devonport Services provided Clifton rugby with a confidence boost following a couple of results which had not gone their way through some unnecessary errors - sometimes brought about by their adventurous, free-flowing style of play.
Established players Marcus Nel and AJ Kilbane both crossed the line twice in the win with new recruit Toby Hutchinson being named the Clifton Sausage man of the match. Hutchinson has joined a group of new players this season with impressive number eight forward Niall Gibbons returning to the fold.
A September start saw an exciting drawn game at Exeter University followed by a home win against local rivals Old Redcliffians
Eight-try win boosts Clifton
and two disappointing defeats on the road. Injuries to club captain Henry Harper and Brad Talbot have prevented them from appearing.
In the run-up to Christmas home fixtures at Cribbs Causeway with 1430 kick offs include Taunton on 9 November, Hornets on 23 November and Bournville on 14 December.
Such are the vagaries of the geographical knowledge in those of the national rugby game at Twickenham HQ that Clifton’s National 2 West league contains teams from Cheshire in the North West to Camborne and Redruth in the deep South West, whose away fixtures feature some 720 miles
round trips and overnight stays. Budgets are therefore stretched and players mainly with full time jobs and family commitments give much time to their clubs. Clubs frequently request re-structuring of the league system!
On a bright note, the second string side the Wanderers are riding high in the Counties league where they face many clubs who not too long ago were regular 1st XV fixtures.
Off pitch the club’s commercial manager Alison Harvey has secured some impressive sponsorship partnerships including new sponsor Lunar Optical from Clifton Village who join other
local businesses and individuals in taking out a pitch side signboard. Player sponsorship is thriving and other opportunities still exist. The club’s function room is available for family and business functions as is the club’s car park to aid commuting into town on local buses. Contact alisonharvey @ cliftonrugby.co.uk
On a sad note, Roger Harper, who served as a Vice President , Honorary Secretary for many years and a keen player has recently passed on. Roger’s family will be holding a celebration event of his life at the club with details to be announced.
Roger Opie
AJ Kilbane shows determination
Marcus Nel drives forward for Clifton
Photos: Ian Clark
Neighbourhood policing is your priorit y – and mine
AVON and Somerset Police recently took part in a week of action to target criminals who exploit roads across Avon and Somerset by transporting illegal drugs and money through our region and the wider South West area.
The success of Avon and Somerset Police in tackling drugrelated crime often depends on information provided by the public. I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with vital information for this operation, or has done so in the past: please be assured that your contributions are essential in helping officers catch and charge those involved.
You can report suspicious activity in your area to your local police online, on 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can also contact your local
neighbourhood policing team – find out who they are through the Avon and Somerset police website at tinyurl.com/yfwnz6dx.
I understand the importance of people feeling connected to their local policing teams.
I recently held my sixth and final public forum on October 9 in Yeovil, Somerset.
At each of the forums, I’ve asked people to share their priorities for policing, to help me develop a Police and Crime Plan to address the evolving challenges in policing and to deliver lasting solutions. I’m very grateful to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts – I’ve heard lots of ideas and suggestions.
One of the most recurring subjects I’ve heard from the public, through these forums and from those who have filled out my current consultation survey, is that people
want to feel safer where they live and work.
People are telling me they would like more investment in police officers based in communities.
The first priority in my draft plan seeks to provide action in this area, focusing on strengthening neighbourhood policing to provide a visible police presence, engage with communities, and tackle anti-social behaviour.
I know that policing is not the only answer to feeling safe in your community.
One of the practical ways I am supporting communities to deliver their own solutions is through my Crime Prevention Fund, which is currently open for applications.
I’m offering grants between £1,000 and £10,000 for projects that aim to reduce crime, serious violence, and antisocial behaviour.
With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody
Whether you are a community group, charity, or organisation working to make a difference, this fund provides an excellent opportunity to secure financial support for your work in Avon and Somerset.
The deadline for applications is November 8. To find out more and apply visit tinyurl.com/2s3vb29j.
For more information on my draft Police and Crime Plan, or to take part in the consultation, please visit my website at tinyurl.com/5dvaks2e.
n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence
Ancient and modern tales of mice and men
IN Aesop's fable the idle town mouse dines in splendour on tasty crumbs from the table but lives in terror of the cat so that the visiting country mouse prefers to return to his plain diet of wild seeds rather than live in fearful luxury. I am not going to offer an ecological critique of this fable (though I will point out that the country mouse had plenty of predators to fear too) but rather update it, because the country mouse has conquered his fear of the town cat.
It may not be obvious but the house mouse (who plays the part of the town mouse) is a different species to the wood mouse (the country bumpkin). In fact wood mice are two species, one having a yellow neck and one not. The house mouse probably arrived in Britain in the Iron Age, assisted by humans, and has lived among us ever since. It has brownish grey fur and the prominent shining dark eyes you would expect of a Beatrix Potter character; but it also has the unfortunate habit of spoiling stored foods if it can get at them as well as chewing cables. Direct competition with other small rodents keeps it out of wilder habitats such as the woodlands and hedgerows favoured by the wood mice. This has led to it specialising in garnering
what crumbs it can from us, cementing its close relationship with human habitation (like house sparrows). It would therefore seem rather rude of the two wood mice to have invaded the house mouse’s territory but this is what has happened: in town, as well as in country, the wood mouse is now our most common species. With a browner coat and a contrasting white belly, plus even bigger eyes and ears, this mouse is easily distinguished
from the house mouse at close range (though harder to tell from the yellow-necked mouse which has a band of yellow above its white belly, which it is not always keen to show you).
Wood mice will shelter in buildings in bad weather but normally live in underground burrows, which can be enlarged and adapted through several generations. They eat nuts, seeds, other plant material and various small invertebrates: in autumn they love a blackberry. The wood mouse has an unusual use of tools; making way-markers from distinctive leaves and twigs, reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel. In an experiment to test this behaviour, obvious natural markers were removed from a territory and small plastic discs were provided instead (rude!) which the mice duly picked up and placed – it seems likely that they were sign-posting the best foraging areas because they then spent the most time in those areas that they had marked. What an extraordinary habit! I would love to test it in our garden but what with renovations, repairs, the introduction of a cat and the arrival of both foxes and badgers in the garden, mice (both wood and house) are sadly a lot less common than they used to be.
