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March, 2022 Issue 110
FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS
One year to find a new operator after council pulls out
Fired with enthusiasm ... Brittany Carter, a contestant on the 2022 series of BBC's The Apprentice, visited her former school, Montpelier High, to inspire and advise students. PAGE 19
Community votes to keep traffic ban Ninety per cent of respondents to a survey support the pedestrianisation of Cotham Hill being made permanent. PAGE 5
Rainbow cards net pot of gold Campaigners for Kingsdown Sports Centre lobbied the council but protests fell on deaf ears. Photo:
Save our sports centre!
REPORT: PAGE 3
A family's lockdown pastime of making cards has blossomed into a business that has raised £1,600 for a foodbank. PAGE 16
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bishopstonvoice Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher
0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448 emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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April deadline
March, 2022
Useful numbers Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061
Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am-2pm
Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bishopston Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. A member of the
Our April deadline is March 16. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.
Your views Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Bishopston Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 10,700 copies copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
3
n NEWS
Council pulls plug on sports centre funding ALMOST 100 campaigners battling to save Kingsdown Sports Centre held a protest ahead of a decision by councillors to halt funding. Bristol City Council’s cabinet confirmed at a meeting on February 8 that the local authority will no longer run Kingsdown Sports Centre and will instead look for another operator, or potentially the community, to take over. It is part of a leisure strategy agreed by members which includes a plan to upgrade Easton and Horfield leisure centres. Mayor Marvin Rees told the meeting the council had already received interest from organisations to take on Kingsdown and that the decision did not mean it would necessarily shut. But centre users and Cotham ward councillors, who presented a 2,000-name petition urging the Labour cabinet to change its mind, fear it will now close. Green Cllr Guy Poultney told the meeting: “There is no support for this policy or for the council to stop operating Kingsdown Sports Centre. There is an overwhelming majority who want to keep Kingsdown as a local civic sports centre." Campaigners told the meeting the council was basing its decision on “misleading” and “seriously flawed” information, including counting four people using a badminton court as only
a single user in its assessment, which did not show the true extent of usage. Geoff Collard said: “It is frankly insulting and disingenuous of the mayor to say you’re not intending to close the centre.The effective decision is to stop operating the centre, and without council support it will go under.” Mr Rees said: “This is not a decision to close Kingsdown. We are looking for alternative operators. It’s about searching for a solution. “Kingsdown’s operating contract is up in March 2023. We have already had several expressions of interest from organisations who are exploring an alternative lease arrangement with us, and we are looking on those favourably as a solution." A report to cabinet said five organisations had expressed an early interest in running the centre so the council was “confident” it would stay open following negotiations and approvals. After the meeting, Cllr Poultney said: “The community and people who use Kingsdown Sports Centre are understandably upset – it means a lot to us.Our sports centres need our support. The mayor cut the funding anyway. It’s a disgrace.” People can still sign the petition here: https:// actionnetwork.org/petitions/ save-kingsdown-sports-centre
MIKEBUILDING PALMER STAPLETON BRISTOL
Kingsdown Sports Centre will not be run by the city council after March next year
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Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
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March, 2022
n NEWS
Council budget in limbo BRISTOL City Council’s budget for the coming year has been delayed after Mayor Marvin Rees postponed a decision on whether to accept changes secured by opposition groups. Mr Rees ended the full council meeting on February 15, saying he would exercised his right to take up to five working days to decide on the amendments. This decision had not been made as the Voice went to print. A second meeting of all councillors was expected to be held on March 2. Five of the nine alternative sets of proposals to the Labour mayor’s budget were voted through – four tabled by the Greens and one by Knowle Community Party, while both the Tories’ and Lib Dems’ plans failed to get a majority in favour. The successful Green amendments included reversing the proposal to scrap 30 minutes’ free parking in residents’ parking zones (RPZs), more traffic-free
“school streets” schemes, at least one new RPZ and 18 more traffic wardens. Other suggestions that did not receive the backing of the Labour group, which lost its overall majority in last May’s local elections, might be less likely to be accepted by the mayor. Among these proposals were reopening public toilets, £4million of investment in parks and local neighbourhoods and a £280,000 borrowing facility for the new community management company of Jubilee Pool. After the meeting, Mr Rees said: “I have made the decision to bring the budget back to a second meeting, after all amendments put forward at the first budget have been carefully considered. “This was, first and foremost, a housing budget. It included £1.8bn for council homes, providing funding for 2,000 council homes, £80m to improve energy efficiency, and
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£12.5million funding for tenants to upgrade their bathrooms. “We look forward to the second budget meeting, after we’ve had time to consider the measures they put forward. I hope councillors acknowledge how important this budget is for Bristol and won’t stand in the way of £3.8bn investment.” Green group leader Cllr Heather Mack said: “It’s disappointing that the mayor is even considering ignoring the amendments that have been agreed by the majority of Bristol’s elected councillors – including by those in his own party." Conservative group leader Cllr Mark Weston said: “When the mayor had a majority, it was easy for Labour to simply block things they didn’t like. Now, that luxury no longer exists. He ought to reach out to his political rivals." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Parking fees at city parks PARKING charges aimed at raising investment for Bristol parks are set to begin at Blaise Castle Estate, Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court Estate this month. Bristol City Council says all revenue from the fees will be used for improving and maintaining the parks which have seen a large increase in visitors since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly 60 per cent of people say they visit their local park at least once a week, with other visitors coming from outside the Bristol boundaries. The new charges launch on 3 March and will operate between 9am and 6pm every day. Car users will be charged £1 per hour or £3 for five hours.
“One day I’ll explore the Amazon” Slow their short-sightedness not their ambition
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
5
n NEWS
Community votes to keep Cotham Hill traffic-free RESULTS from a survey show overwhelming support for keeping traffic out of Cotham Hill. The road was pedestrianised as a temporary measure to help with social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. It proved popular with many residents and businesses so Bristol City Council has been asking people if they’d like cars kept out permanently. More than 1,500 people who took part in a survey were asked to consider three options. Sixty five per cent of respondents live within a mile of Cotham Hill. The most popular suggestion was an option that keeps the road closures between Whiteladies Gate and Hampton Park and Hampton Park and Abbotsford Road and includes widening pavements, increasing space for outdoor trading and adding a dedicated cycle lane. This was favoured by 63 per cent of people, while 27 per cent chose to keep the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Reessaid: “The strong support shown for the approach taken on Cotham Hill speaks volumes for what residents want from their local areas. Our approach here has been to try to find a better balance between how streets are used for
transport and people, while boosting local businesses. These results show clearly that we’re on the right track. “Cotham Hill is one of a number of projects we’re working on across the city, to deliver that balance between liveable neighbourhoods with less traffic and pollution that also support local businesses to thrive. There is no one-size-fits-all model, and these results demonstrate it’s important we consider each area on its merits. It’s fantastic that the scheme has been so well received, and I look forward to seeing Cotham Hill continuing to thrive.” The council will look to proceed with the plans, which include a series of one-
way routes to reduce through traffic, and introduction of planters, blue badge parking, and cycle parking. There would also a “School Street” outside SS Peter and Paul Primary School, which would close part of Aberdeen Road at drop-off and pick-up times, making it safer for children to walk, cycle and scoot to school. Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, commented: “We need to transform the way we travel in Bristol, to ease congestion, reduce air pollution and ensure our local economy continues to thrive. “This can be achieved by enabling a good mix of transport options which includes increasing the number of journeys we walk, wheel or cycle, and using public transport as much as we can for longer trips. That’s why it’s so important that local communities can enjoy their neighbourhoods and are safe while out on Bristol’s streets. “The results of our Cotham Hill survey show there is willing to change the way our roads are used, and it will be fantastic to see the plans take shape.” Formal consultations on the proposed road closures will take place towards the end of 2022.
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March, 2022
n NEWS
Playing Out will bring neighbours together CHANDOS Road is holding a Playing Out session next month in a welcome move towards more community events in 2022. A section of the street will be closed to traffic for a few hours on the first Sunday morning in April so neighbours, young and old, will have a chance to get outside and meet each other. Chandos Neighbourhood Association will have a Brica-Brac stall and a toy-swap station, raising money for the annual Chandos Road Street Festival, which has been so missed during Covid. Chandos Atelier will be providing chalks and art fun, adding spring colour to the street, and some local businesses will be open for refreshments. The event is free to everyone who lives in the area - bring a warm drink, your roller skates, a skipping rope or a chair (or all four). Playing Out, a resident-led initiative, began on one street in Bristol in 2009 and is now a national and international movement for change, supporting children’s right to play outside for their health, happiness and sense of belonging.
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
7
n NEWS
Opposition to St Christopher's site plan grows CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the high-rise care and retirement development of the former St Christopher’s School in Westbury Park have canvassed support from residents living near to the site. The action group St Christopher’s Action Network (SCAN) said there was ‘utter dismay’ among neighbours to the planned retirement complex of 121 new flats and houses. Speaking for SCAN, Mark Ashford said: “We’ve had more than twenty volunteers knocking on 400 doors across Westbury Park - and we’ve been blown away by the strength of feeling. The overwhelming majority of people told us they are not only really concerned by such huge buildings going up just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Downs, but they are equally worried about the impact on traffic and parking. “A lot of young families expressed particular concern about road safety, especially close to Westbury Park Primary and the local nurseries. Many people said they are not convinced by the developers’ glossy leaflets and assurances. How can you add all those extra buildings, residents, staff, visitors, and deliveries into that space, and it not affect our neighbourhood?” Plans by developers FORE Group who acquired the redundant school in May 2021
are to transform the five-acre site into an ‘Extra Care Community’ for older people in partnership with Amicala who would operate the homes and Socius who would manage the construction. They have applied for planning permission and await a decision. Despite the developer’s presentations to locals and interested parties, many locals are not happy. Their main objections are to the height of the new residential blocks and to the amount of traffic the site will generate with more than a hundred homes complete with care and utility workers calling in. Plus, residents complained in the survey conducted by SCAN that there were already numerous retirement homes locally. Of the survey Mark Ashford said: “This has given us a very clear understanding of the strength of opinion. Some residents came up with some interesting alternative ideas for the site. It’s obvious that most people are horrified by the current plans and want St Christopher's to be developed in a more sensitive, appropriate and low-rise way.” The Westbury Park Community Association also has major concerns with the plans over the height of the new buildings, and possibly parking. The chair of the association Kevin Chidgey said they opposed the proposals but were not against the ‘Extra
Care’ aspect. He said they would work with SCAN and continue to voice ‘concerns’ with the developers, local councillors and the members of the association. FORE Group’s Freddy Palmer has held webinars as part of an engagement and consultation process that began last year. He said the process had included question and answer sessions, meetings with the City Council along with detailed diagrams showing the new layout of St Christopher’s with new builds as well as preserving and developing some of the existing structures. The consortium said St Christopher’s will be the first in a new generation of ultra-sustainable extra care communities. It will be net-zero carbon in operation, and no fossil fuels will be used on the property. During a video presentation the company representatives played down the level of expected traffic and implied the visual effect of the four and six storey buildings were mitigated by the number of mature trees. Founded in 1945 as a private residential Steiner school the site included the Grade II Grace House in the centre of the educational establishment as well as a number of classroom and accommodation blocks in the grounds. The school closed in 2020 and was sold the following year to FORE.
Rediscover St Nick’s Market St Nicholas Markets, also known as “St Nick’s” is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old City. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, the historic indoor and outdoor markets house over 60 stalls, selling a range of unique gifts, quality crafts, clothing and fashion, accessories, books, records and food. Eat in or take away, it is a food lover’s paradise, with food and flavours from across the world. From shoe repairs to key cutting and knife sharpening, you’re sure to find a trader to fix anything that’s broken. Open Monday to Saturday, enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Old City.
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Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
8
March, 2022
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
Our youth mental health crisis Young people’s mental health: the next epidemic? In February I launched a campaign for better mental health support in Bristol schools and a guarantee that young people needing mental health treatment will get it within a month. New data shows two in three (69%) children referred for mental health treatment in the Bristol area are now waiting more than four weeks to be seen. I am asking government to • Guarantee mental health treatment for young people within a month of referral • Put an open access mental health hub for children and young people in every community • Ensure specialist mental health support in every school, to support pupils and resolve problems before they escalate. Young people may have been less susceptible to Covid, but the pandemic has hit them hard
in other ways. They have been much more affected by loneliness, depression, anxiety and a wide range of complex disorders. You can see it in scientific studies and I see it in my own inbox. I’m in regular contact with more and more young people – and their parents – who are desperate for help but struggling to get it. The national statistics are stark. The number of children needing treatment for severe mental health issues has increased 77% since 2019. Over the last decade, a quarter of mental health beds have been cut. Over a third of children were turned away from mental health services last year alone, and right now 1.6 million people are waiting for mental health treatment. As a result, only about a third of children (32%) with probable mental health conditions were able to access treatment, according to the Children’s Commissioner.
As part of this campaign, I want to hear from young people from all secondary schools in my constituency and visit a wide range of organisations providing mental health support in the Bristol area. You can sign up to updates and share your views on my website. Energy bills going up Many people in Bristol are already under pressure due to a steep rise in food and fuel prices. In Parliament I’ve been arguing for measures that would cut bills, insulate homes and pay for it by taxing the oil and gas companies profiting from higher prices. So far the government has rejected these measures, instead opting to force more debt onto people. The government’s plan will mean a huge spike in everyone’s energy bills this year. I believe this is insufficient and will lead to real hardship. Let’s see if the
Thangam Debbonaire writes for the Voice government U-turns on this one. A fresh face at the despatch box In Parliament I am Shadow Leader of the House of Commons. For almost a year, I’ve faced Jacob Rees-Mogg as my opposite number. In February he was replaced by a new Leader of the House, Mark Spencer. Politics watchers may be interested in tuning in to BBC Parliament on Thursday mornings to see me question my new counterpart about a wide range of issues, including missing legislation, corruption and MPs’ behaviour…
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bishopstonvoice
10
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
March, 2022
Inheritance disappointment
SARAH Burgess, Solicitor of AMD Solicitors deceased’s Will or intestacy, in all the circumstances considers what you can do if your expectations of the case, made reasonable financial provision of inheritance are disappointed and the possible for their ‘maintenance’. E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk us on6 Twitter @bishopstonvoice July, 2014 claims that can be brought under the Inheritance Claims must be issuedfollow within months of (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. a Grant of Probate or letters of administration The first point to make is that the deceased although, exceptionally, leave may be granted must have been domiciled in England and after this deadline to issue an application. Wales before a claim can be brought under the In considering the merits of a claim the Court Act. Secondly, claims can be brought even if the takes various statutory factors into account deceased left no Will. including the size and nature of the Estate. It is Applications may be made by Spouses, important to note that under the 1975 Act, the parties to registered civil partnerships, former Court can treat as part of an Estate property or spouses who have not re-married, co-habitants, other assets that the deceased owned jointly with dependants and children. Children include those someone else, even though these would usually who, during any marriage or civil partnership pass automatically to the surviving joint owner. will be.asHowever Willthe can be TheforCourt the distribution the estate,the financial members of the Society of Trust of the deceased, were treated childrena of will alsoof consider worded to provide that a gift ofcircumstances and the estate canClaimant, then be the competing and Estate Practitioners, the family and can include adult children. of the 10 % of the value of your estate divided as if the Will had been leading professional body in Dependants includeat that persons who were needs of any beneficiaries or other claimants, any time is given to a charity made in these terms. A Deed of this field. We offer a free initial maintained wholly or partly by the deceased obligations owed by the deceased to the claimant, or charities of your choice. The Variation could therefore provide consultation for new clients. immediately before his death. deceased must any mental disability of the claimant effectThe of this will be that the rate that 10or%physical of the estate is to pass For advice on administration of Inheritance Tax payable the also to conduct, a chosen or charity charities, have been making a substantial contribution to on and any or other matter considered of estates, trusts, wills, powers whole estate is reduced from 40 making the estate as a whole the reasonable needs of the claimant. relevant by the Court. of attorney and failalltoprivate makeclient reasonable provision in all the % to 36 %. eligible for the reduced rateCourts of issues, Shelley Faulkner, The Act makes a distinction between claims Most Orders under by the under thecontact circumstances. The question is objective rather In same circumstances, it Inheritance Tax. Florence the other by surviving spouses or civil partners and those 1975 Act are orders for the payment of lump Pearce thanand subjective. has been calculated that this members of the team on 0117 by other claimants. Surviving spouses or civil sums, which are generally considered desirable This change in the law is Sarah Burgess is a family solicitor at AMD reduction in the tax bill can serve 9621205, email probate@ clearly very good news both the Courts partners are treated more favourably andeven theafterin the interests of finality. However, do to leave the estate, Solicitors amdsolicitors.com or callwho in also specialises in contentious for charities, and potentially for Court will consider whether the of deceased’s Will also have the power to make periodical payment payment the gift to charity, probate at 15 The Mall Clifton, matters or 100 and claims arising under The some estates as well. However a value as high as or intestacy made such with financial provision as ifitthe Orders and to transfer property. Henleaze Road Henleaze. Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) By Shelley the detail of the application can gift circumstances had not been made. would be reasonable in all of theThus Thebe Purpose of the Act 1975. Alison complex. For Act example, the AMD Solicitors takes pride in can be contacted on 0117 the gift can in some cases quite Faulkner, case for the surviving partner to receive ‘whether Theestate Act was not designed to correctsponsoring acts of local, is divided into different Bristolor based 9235562 by e-mail to info@amdsolicitors. literally pay for itself. or notwith that provision is required for his or her unfairness or to reward the just It andcom. ‘components’ depending onand deserving. charities this year is very AMD have offices at Henleaze, Clifton and solicitor EvenCourt wheremust a Willlook has not does not howremove the property will pass to supporting the maintenance’. In practice, the a testator’s freedom to pleased disposeto beShirehampton. been prepared in these terms, the benefi ciaries, in order to question Bristol branch of the Alzheimer’s AMD atSolicitors what the survivor would have received if the of his estate as he wishes. The is not it may be possible to take calculate whether 10 %reasonable test Society, marriage or civil partnership had been dissolved it might havethebeen for athe local branch of this advantage of this tax break. Ifwhether has been met. Taking specialist national charity which works rather than terminated bythe death. to assist a potential claimant but rather beneficiaries of the estate testatoradvice on the implications for to improve the quality of life of WHILE most of us support Copyright Solicitors agree, it isispossible to the effectively For other claimants, the issue whether whether the provisions of the will your particular circumstances is or intestacy people affected by dementiaAMD in
bishopston voice bishopstonvoice
23
Advertising Feature
The gift that pays for itself
How leaving money to charity can save you Inheritance Tax
a number of charities in our amend the terms of a Will within therefore essential. ifetime, it is perhaps not two years of the date of death. A surprising that a smaller number AMD’s team of experienced ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn choose to remember a charity 100inHenleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZprivate client solicitors and up which sets out the family heir Will. Clearly the priority for15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS practitioners includes full members’ agreed arrangements most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure hat the family wealth can be passed on to benefit the next generation. However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is ntended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which iterally pays for itself.
Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax
Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided hat at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity. Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death or Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value
Great Britain. For full details of our fundraising activities visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com. 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL Copyright AMDShirehampton Solicitors 2 Station Road, BS11 9TT
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Telephone our experts on 0117 9621205 If planning for inheritance tax is right for you our experienced specialist solicitors can help Telephone 0117 9621205 or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
11
n NEWS
March with the Bears to help hospice ST Peter’s Hospice has teamed up with the Bristol Bears for a fundraiser. The Rugby March takes place on Sunday 13 March, starting with a six-mile circular sponsored walk from Ashton Gate that before the Bristol Bears v Harlequins match. The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Steve Smith is preparing to take on the walk with his wife and children. As well as being a councillor for Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze, he’s a volunteer blood bank biker and has dropped off vital supplies at the hospice many times. He said: “I’m a big Bears fan myself. I think this event is a fantastic one to take part in and am looking forward to seeing the rugby at the end of the walk.” The circular route begins at Ashton Gate and follows the river to Leigh Woods, across the Suspension Bridge to the stunning viewpoint at Clifton, then heads back across the grounds of Ashton Court past the Mansion House. On reaching the finish six miles later, walkers will head into the stadium with the rest of the fans to watch the game. Bristol Bears player Sam Jeffries says: “Make sure to get your family and friends involved. It’s going to be a nice walk around AbbBristol Showarea, Voicefinishing ad.qxp_Layout 1 Gate, 14/10/2021 the at Ashton
The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Steve Smith, prepares for the March ahead of our game against Harlequins.” Darren Chilcott is stepping out in memory of his mum and his wife, Mandy, who were both cared for by the Hospice. Darren says: “I’ll be taking part in The Rugby March and walking with friends, 13:03 Page 1 family and colleagues from Bristol Port -
together we make up Mandy’s Mob. We’ve taken part in the Rugby March, and the Men’s Walk before that, every year to all come together, raise funds, and celebrate Mandy’s memory while also supporting the Hospice. “It’s a place where you hope your family never have to go, but if they do, the people there look after your loved ones and visiting family and friends in a way which can only be described as amazing. When they took our Mandy in, it felt like they had put their arms around her and us and said, “don't worry we've got you, everything is ok’.” Taking part in The Rugby March means each person will be directly contributing to this vital work. Entry to the Rugby March is £30, which includes your match ticket and covers the cost of running the event, so all the money that you raise or donate in addition will go toward making a difference for local families. If you would like to take part in the sponsored walk but not receive a rugby ticket for the match, you can sign up for £20. To find out more, see: www.rugbymarch. co.uk To find out more about St Peter's services and how you can support the hospice visit stpetershospice.org.uk
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12
March, 2022
n NEWS
£100k to help sex crime victims MORE than £100,000 has been allocated to help support victims of sexual violence in Avon and Somerset. The office of the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford has secured an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West to support services, which have faced increased demand and/or disruption due to the pandemic. The funding allocation includes: - Womankind - £1,000 - Trauma Breakthrough - £12,885 - Opoka - £3,600 - SARSAS - £7,011 - Kinergy - £3,120 - The Greenhouse - £3180.50 Across these services, funding will be used to support counselling, helplines and generally increase capacity to support victims and survivors. Support also went to Kinergy (£20,000), Southmead Project (£20,000) and Womankind (£30,000). This will fund therapeutic sessions and a befriending service. Mr Shelford said: “The work of our local victim services must be complemented by the improvements to policing to ensure victims and survivors of these awful crimes are helped on their journey to recovery.” • Help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. Find out more about local support services: https://www.survivorpathway.org.uk/
Co-op donations boost Foodbank NORTH Bristol Foodbank is to receive a £500 donation thanks to Southern Co-op members scanning their cards in December. Membership cards were scanned on nearly 300,000 separate occasions which the co-operative is converting to 10p per swipe and rounding up, enabling it to hand over a total of £30,000. The Co-op also has collection points in stores where customers can leave donations of food and other goods for Trussell Trust foodbanks. Gemma Lacey, Southern Co-op's director of sustainability and communications, said: "We'd hoped that this campaign would bring together our members and engage them in a concerted effort to target food poverty and make a difference to so many local food banks. "Not only does this demonstrate that there is power in cooperatives and our members, but it also shows that our members care about their local communities and small gestures go a long way." Between April 2020 and March 2021 food banks in the Trussell Trust network gave out 2.5million emergency food parcels across the UK. Many of these will have been supported by food donated by people in their local communities. Through financial donations, goods donations, volunteering and drop off points in 97 retail stores and funeral branches, Southern Co-op colleagues currently support 60 local community food banks.
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
13
n NEWS
Bristol pioneers Big Issue eBikes partnership with The Big Issue, ShareBike sees a unique opportunity to help people whilst providing sustainable mobility. With more than 20 years’ experience in global bike sharing we have ensured that Big Issue eBikes offer a comfortable and convenient alternative to fossil fuel-based transportation, as well as providing an affordable mode of travelling around cities in the UK."
PEOPLE in Bishopston now have a new way of tackling the city’s hills in an environmentally friendly way. The popular rental electric scooters on our streets have now been joined by a scheme that hires out eBikes. Bristol is the first city in the UK to take part in the national project, which has been launched by The Big Issue Group in partnership with the Norwegian company ShareBike. Riders can locate and hire the eco-friendly bikes via an app under the scheme, which is aimed at reducing pollution and providing opportunities for unemployed and vulnerable people. Organisers say the estimated benefit for Bristol with about 500 bikes is a direct reduction of 1,900 car trips a day. They say that the people they train to run the Big Issue eBikes will be paid the Living Wage and will receive access to support and
services to improve their lives. The scheme is backed by a £450,000 investment from City Funds, a Bristol-based impact investment fund run by Bristol & Bath Regional Capital (BBRC). Paul Cheal, CEO of The Big Issue Group, said: “We are incredibly excited to have worked in collaboration with Charities Aid Foundation, BBRC, Bristol
City Council and many local community groups in Bristol on the launch of the first The Big Issue eBikes scheme. Renting an eBike from The Big Issue is not only good for the environment, but it also creates opportunities for marginalised people. You are biking for good.” Jan Tore Endresen, CEO of ShareBike, said: "In our
• The monthly subscription is £19.95/month. This is for unlimited rides up to 10 minutes per ride and then charged at 20p per minute to a maximum of £12 a day. The subscription can be cancelled at any time without penalty. There is also a pay-as-you-go option which only requires a £10 deposit and 50p to get started and then is charged at 20p per minute up to a maximum of £12 for the day.
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bishopstonvoice
14
March, 2022
n NEWS
City appoints international ambassadors BRISTOL has appointed three new international ambassadors to help increase the city’s cultural and economic presence on the world stage. Marti Burgess, Fuad Mahamed and Clare Reddington will support the council with its ambition to be a global city. It is hoped that they can use their expertise and connections to share Bristol’s story and develop opportunities with cities around the world. Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “Our international strategy was developed in 2016, with the aim of creating a stronger and more inclusive city. We are very proud of the work we’ve done so far. Our international work is not just about trade and investment but also about leadership on global issues that affect cities, such as climate change, and working in partnership with those who have international connections to open up opportunities for culture, education and business. “With an inspiring passion for creating these essential international links, Marti, Fuad and Clare will each bring with them experience from a range of sectors and existing relationships with people and businesses from around the world. I know they will all promote Bristol brilliantly.”
Marti is a partner and leads the corporate team within the Bristol office of national law firm Bevan Brittan with a focus of advice and support to SMEs. She has been active in building links across the African Diaspora but particularly with Jamaica and the Caribbean. She is also chair of Black South West Network, sits on the Bristol Ideas Board and has director roles with several key social enterprises in the city.
Fuad came to the UK as a refugee from Somalia with no English and went on to obtain a first-class degree in Engineering and an MSc in Management. He set up Ashley Community Housing in 2008 to support the resettlement of refugees and has built the organisation into one of the leading providers of integration support. It spans three cities, employs 80 people and works with 3,500 individuals a year. Fuad is often invited to present his work on integration and resettlement to international audiences. Clare joined Bristol’s Watershed, one of Europe’s leading film culture and digital media centres, in 2004 establishing its creative technology programmes including Pervasive Media Studio. She became CEO in 2018. Clare is a trustee of the British Council and as part of Watershed’s Playable City Programme is collaborating with creative communities in Lagos, Seoul, Tokyo and Durban. The three new international ambassadors started their voluntary posts in January. The posts will initially be for one year, but with the intention that they continue on an annual basis to build a stronger and wider network of international ambassadors for the city.
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
15
n NEWS
Could you foster a family? New fire chief named FIVE sets of siblings are in urgent need of fostering with Bristol City Council doing everything it can to keep the children together. Following the BBC documentary last month, Split up in Care – Life Without Siblings, the council is renewing calls for Bristolians to consider if they could become foster carers for sibling groups, with 29 sets of siblings already fostered in the city. Director of children, families and safer communities, Sarah Parker, said keeping siblings together often helps them settle into a foster family more quickly because they can support each other. “It’s heart breaking to see siblings fostered separately, so we do everything we can to keep families together. Separating siblings can add to their distress and leave them feeling lost at an already difficult time so it helps for them to have a friend and playmate they’ve known all their lives. “We have wonderful foster carers in Bristol, but we simply do not have enough to meet demand, both for individual children, and sibling groups which is often harder for people to find space for. “I’d appeal to anyone who has considered fostering before to find out more. Anyone can be a foster carer, you don’t need to be married, or own your own house or have specific qualifications. You just need to be over 21 and have space at home. Children under the age of eight and children of the same gender can share a room. “Sadly, there are too many children in Bristol that need that care and support, so we always need more foster carers. You won’t be alone – we will support you every step of the way and even match you with your own experienced foster carer ‘buddy’.” About 40 children in the city currently need foster carers. Foster carers are paid, and a range of support is available. Find out more about fostering on Bristol City Council’s website.
A NEW chief fire officer has been appointed for Avon Fire & Rescue Service. The service's current assistant chief fire officer, Simon Shilton, has been appointed by Avon Fire Authority to take over the top job from Mick Crennell, who will retire at the end of March. Simon's nomination was approved unanimously by the authority on February 11 and he said it was "truly an honour" to take charge. He said: "Having spent most of my career with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, I’m looking forward to all that the role has in store. "I will of course be building on the outstanding contribution made by Mick and personally, and on behalf of the service, I wish him all the very best on his next adventure. "I am committed to working hard to ensure the highest levels of safety for all who live and work in our communities and,
working side-by-side with our dedicated and hard-working staff, we will continue to make our communities safer and make our service stronger." Having been part of the fire and rescue service for 28 years, Simon has been a station manager, incident command trainer and training manager. He spent the first 15 years of his career at Avon Fire & Rescue Service as an operational firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations, before moving to West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service in 2008 and rising to the rank of area commander. He rejoined the Avon service in 2017 as assistant chief fire officer for service delivery support. Avon Fire Authority chair Brenda Massey said: “"Simon’s passion and wealth of operational and strategic experience gave us full confidence he is the right person to lead the organisation."
Housing Forums
for Bristol council tenants – get involved!
Evening:
Afternoon:
Monday 7 March 2022, 6–8pm
Wednesday 9 March 2022, 1–3pm
Your opinions help us make decisions! If you’re a council tenant, you can have your say on how the housing service is run and make suggestions about improvements. For Spring 2022, we are hosting online meetings focussing on issues we know matter most to tenants.
● Come along and find out about the outcome of our investing in council homes consultation and how residents’ views have helped shape our 30year plans for council housing.
● Places must be booked, you can do this online at: www.bristol.gov.uk/LocalHousingForums
● If you are not online but would like to take part, there is also a free dial-in option which you can join using your phone. For more information about how you can access the meetings contact Tenant Participation 0117 352 1444 or email tpu@bristol.gov.uk
Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
16
n NEWS
March, 2022
Rainbow cards create pot of gold A MOTHER and her two daughters kept themselves busy during the lockdowns by getting creative and raising cash for the North Bristol Foodbank in an unusual way. Shelley Bosdet of Henleaze was determined to make the most of the downtime by spending time with her daughters with arts and crafts as well as schoolwork. She said: “In February last year during the lockdown I sat down with my two young daughters with the idea to make some birthday cards and play about with some fabric, which the girls love doing. “We were thinking of different designs and before we knew it, we had come up with a fundraising idea for the North Bristol Foodbank and created a rainbow card! “Our fundraising cards project was then named 'Rainbow Leopard Cards' by Fearne.
The designs are created by Shelley’s creative daughters As we had been struggling to find nice cards in lockdown we sent texts to a few local friends to see if anyone wanted to buy any (the price would include a donation to North Bristol Foodbank) and the response was unbelievable. “A couple of friends suggested we should put them on local Facebook selling sites (which we did) and they were so popular - we were blown away by the support. “The process: the girls design the colour combinations and are in charge of designing the packaging. After a quick quality control check I stick them down, they select cards for orders, and we deliver them together.”
The trio have now sold more than 3,000 cards, raising £1,600 for the foodbank. The cards are available from Room 212, Gloucester Road Bishopston; the Little Shop and Pantry, Henleaze; Phat and Co, in Picton Street; and We make Bristol, in Westburyon-Trym. The family now plan on adding more lines including a hot air balloon card, shooting stars, dinosaurs, hearts, a candle birthday card, and numbers for landmark birthdays. For details of the cards email rainbowleopardcards@hotmail.com or see the Instagram and Facebook sites for Rainbow Leopard Cards.
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
17
n NEWS
‘A giant lantern on the waterfront’
A LIGHT installation highlighting Bristol’s connection to the sea has opened at M Shed museum. Tidelight uses real-time water level data to illuminate M Shed after dark, in a display visible around the harbourside. As the tides rise and fall, the colour of the light will change accordingly. Sensors in the Bristol Channel will send data to M Shed where it converts into coloured light. Low tide translates into red light. As the water rises, the light transitions through shades of orange, yellow, green, and blue, all the way to purple at the very highest tides. Tidelight runs alongside the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at M Shed and aims to connect people with the natural world and prompt visitors to reflect on their relationship with the environment. Jon Finch, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol
City Council, said: “Tidelight reminds us of Bristol’s links to the tides, even if that isn’t always obvious to us in the city centre. It highlights our exposure to the impact of rising sea levels as the climate warms and sea ice melts. M Shed’s location on the Floating Harbour makes it a perfect venue for this visual gauge, which echoes the themes in Wildlife Photographer of the Year. This
summer, M Shed will continue to explore this topic with Think Global: Act Bristol, a project responding to the climate and ecological crises.” Chris Bodle, artist and project creator, said: "M Shed will become a giant lantern on the waterfront that symbolically reconnects the city to the sea beyond. Tidelight will become a kind of beacon - on a very high
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spring tide, the building will be lit in a particularly intense violet, and during low spring tides, the ‘lantern’ will glow a deep, blood red. Tidelight aims to prompt conversations about Bristol’s history, its geography and our vulnerability to rising sea levels in the face of climate change.” Before the construction of the Floating Harbour, the river Avon was completely tidal with water rushing up and down the river channel creating huge variations in water level in the heart of the city. The tides would lift boats up to the quaysides at high water and then strand them in the mud at low tide. Following the construction of the Floating Harbour in 1809, the water level was kept constant in the commercial centre of the city and the river was diverted to the south into the New Cut. Tidelight runs until April 11 and is funded by Arts Council England. More information is available at www.tidelight.live
C ‘O QC uts ra tan ted din g’
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
n NOSTALGIA
Whisky, football and Victorians I BLAME it on a bottle of budget whisky I bought in the Gateway supermarket on the way home from work on Gloucester Road. Out of that purchase was created an entire football league, along with a generation of men of a certain age who thought they could be slightly older versions of Jacki Dziekanowski or Marco van Basten. And a lot of weekend jobs around the house were left undone as these residents of North Bristol pulled on football jerseys and laced up their boots. After reading a book on Victorian football from Henleaze Library I had somehow created in my own mind that what football needed in 1993 were proper football teams. No kissing when goals were scored, the art of dribbling restored and a glass of port or sherry at half time instead of an energy drink. A letter to the Bristol Evening Post written ‘under the influence’ was penned that night challenging any modern football team in Bristol to play a true Victorian outfit called The Henleaze Corinthians - a team that existed entirely in my imagination. The newspaper printed the appeal and the following day a team from Lockleaze called to say they would take up the challenge. I assumed they were essentially
A press cutting from 1993 setting up the first match of the Henleaze Corinthians a group of shepherds and relief dairymen from somewhere in Gloucestershire by their name - not realising they were the complete opposite of that notion. Such was my knowledge of Lockleaze. At this point I started to recruit players to join my imaginary football team. In scenes similar to the movie The Magnificent Seven a motley set of players were recruited. One in a shop, one outside Henleaze Junior School, another in The Mouse in Westbury-on-Trym. Their names were to become the stuff of Henleaze legend: Keith Tilley, Chris Stark, John Monks, Roger Hastings, Nick Palmer, Carl Concannon, Willy the Scotsman, Charles Russell-Smith and Nick Deakin. At 6am one March morning on
The Henleaze Corinthians pose for their inaugural match on the Downs
Durdham Downs goals were set up and the match kicked off - or rather the mismatch kicked off as the final score was 1-9 to the Golden Bottle. Carl managed to score our only goal, but a generous referee kept the scores down as several of the Golden Bottle’s efforts were ruled too low or ungentlemanly or even un-Victorian. Despite bruises, aching legs and the realisation that none of us would play for England it was agreed we should meet up again and er... practice. And so the team was born and after that dawn encounter the Corinthians went on to play several other teams of a like mind although not as Victorians. It was repeated encounters with Red Star Bedminster FC based at Windmill Hill that it was decided
we should form a league of - well not geriatric footballers - but ones who were as it was coined at the time: too old, too fat and too slow, to play proper football. The Bristol Casual League was formed at a meeting in the Highbury Vaults and the first season kicked off with just five teams. Now the renamed league (the Bristol Corinthians League) has several divisions, its own website, a cup competition and bills itself as the UK’s biggest veterans’ football league. And they say drinking whisky achieves nothing. For more on the league and many teams who now huff and puff their way around the football pitches of the city visit https:// bristolcorinthiansleague.co.uk/ Harry Mottram
The Henleaze Corinthians finding their Victorian inner selves
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
19
n EDUCATION
TV Apprentice candidate visits her old school BRITTANY Carter, a competitor in the current series of The Apprentice on BBC 1, visited her old school to give students some tips on life after education. Brittany, who left Colston’s Girls’ School ten years ago, is now a sales manager with Marriott Hotels in Bristol and one of the 12 hopefuls bidding to win the support of Sir Alan Sugar and fellow judges Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell. Her business idea is to develop the first alcoholic protein drink. She returned to what is now Montpelier High School and V6 sixth form in Montpelier, Bristol, to talk to students during National Apprenticeship Week. Brittany gave a talk to the whole school about careers, further education and apprenticeship opportunities. She also met the school’s own apprentices, Team Chenna, who have spent the past few months competing with other budding entrepreneurs in Bristol schools
as part of the national Young Enterprise (YE) contest. YE gives young people a taste of the world of work and the excitement of running their own business, in partnership with businesses and volunteers. Team Chenna produce henna candles and will have them on sale at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, on March 5.
Students from throughout the school submitted questions to Brittany, who studied hotel management at the University of Essex after attending St Brendan’s Sixth Form College. They wanted to know about the TV show and Lord Sugar, apprenticeship opportunities and the advantages of on-thejob training compared with
Life changing Open Morning Wednesday 16 March 10.00am–12.00 noon Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
an academic route, and about Brittany’s own school days: her favourite subjects, teachers and which house she had been in. After the visit, Brittany wrote on her social media: “It was such a pleasure to return to my secondary school, @ MontpelierHigh, to speak to the girls about my career journey and being a woman in business. The students are so talented and I have no doubt they will take the business world by storm!” Montpelier High School principal Kerry McCullagh said: “Brittany was a really inspirational visitor. We are proud to have her as a former students and wish her all the best for the rest of the series of The Apprentice.” The show began its 12week run on January 6. The eventual winner will be given the opportunity to be Lord Sugar’s business partner and receive an investment to the value of £250,000.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
21
n EDUCATION
Students show solidarity on World Hijab Day
Students and staff join together to celebrate World Hijab Day.
STAFF and students at Fairfield High School took part in World Hijab Day by wearing scarves in solidarity with women who wear hijabs around the globe. The event launched a month-long programme of activities in the run-up to International Women’s Day on March 8. Staff have created posters for their doors, choosing a local, national or international inspirational character in the worlds of women’s rights, writing, medicine, arts, music, science, politics and sports. Vice Principal Amanda Bridgewater said: “We have wonderful gender diversity in our curriculum already so this month provides an additional opportunity to celebrate and showcase this. The posters on doors around school demonstrate a vast and overwhelming support for female Scott Mears, director icons, and the number of staff and students of science, on the left with FHS principal Nick wearing a scarf for World Hijab Day is Lewis heart-warming.”
Dolphin School pupils plant Japanese cherry tree PUPILS planted a flowering cherry tree on the school’s driveway to mark 150 years of the link between the two countries. The event was organised by languages lead Hannah White and Megumi Brooker, who teaches at the school’s Japanese club. Children who are learning Japanese and others with family links to Japan took part. After planting the tree, they sang a song in Japanese. Headteacher Shelley Flanagan said: “The tree is one of 6,000 being planted across the country as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, marking the continued co-operation between the UK and Japan. We look forward to The Dolphin School families and staff enjoying the beautiful blossom every spring for generations to come.”
Singing a song of friendship
Planting the tree
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GET IT GET BADMINTON BADMINTON IT IT BADMINTON GET INTO
On Tuesday 8 March parents are invited to stay and join their daughNursery Junior School Open Morning Nursery &&Junior School Open Morning CREATIVITY • CURIOSITY • COURTESY ter for a splash around in our onsite pool, which will be followed by a Wednesday 18September September (ages 3-11) Wednesday 18 (ages 3-11) musical session refreshments. Find out howwith pupils at Badminton learn through our key Senior Sixth Formsession OpenMorning Senior &&Sixth Form The values “Swim &atSing” isMorning for who School are approaching reception the Open Nursery &girls Junior Open Day Friday 20 September (ages 11-18) Friday September (ages 11-18) school20 age and will take place from 9.45am-11.30am at the school on Wednesday 9 February 2022. which is situated in Westbury-on-Trym. Book your place online now | admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk | www.badmintonschool.co.uk Book your free place now | admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk | badmintonschool.co.uk
BADMINTON GET BADMINTON GET INTO IT IT
Nursery & Junior School Open Morning HOLISTIC EDUCATION • SMALL CLASS SIZES Wednesday 18 September (ages 3-11) • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • Senior & Sixth for Formour Open Morning Register Senior & Sixth Form Open Day Friday 20 September (ages 11-18) on Friday 4 March 2022. Book your place online now | admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk | badmintonschool.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
n EDUCATION A VOLUNTEER who has helped thousands of Bristol children has been presented with an award. Judy Lee helps out at the Lifeskills Safety Education Centre, which hosts visits from children in Year 6 from schools. Lifeskills has been designed to replicate a village setting and is a unique attraction. In small groups, children take a guided, interactive tour of the village (set indoors) visiting different realistic scenes which include homes, Green Cross Road, a dark alley way, and a beach. During the tour, children get to experience lots of common hazards and are taught how to handle risky day-to-day situations in a safe environment. They also practise making emergency 999 calls, discover and react to a house fire, carry out first aid, and learn about the consequences of trespassing on a railway line – all made realistic with the use of props and special effects. Since joining in 2003, Judy has completed more than 1,000 safety tours for the charity, based at The Create Centre, Bristol, and
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Volunteer helps thousands of children learn skills for life
Volunteer Judy Lee with Year 6 pupils at ‘The Lifeskills Co-op’ has helped more than 4,000 ten and 11-year-olds. Upon receiving her reward, Judy said, “It’s a privilege to have worked with so many children and like-minded volunteers over the years. Although every group is different, the level of
excitement and willingness to take part is always the same. Such a rewarding way to spend my time.” Gemma Graville, centre manager, said: “Teaching children at this age and in such a practical way alerts them to
the risks and consequences of everyday life. It’s a valuable element to their education which means that school visits are always in high demand.” “We know what we do makes a difference and saves lives; one child helped his family escape a house fire, another prevented a gas explosion, and a boy knew how to make a 999 call to help his mother. None of this would be possible with volunteers like Judy.” Lifeskills need more help and are running hour-long ‘taster sessions’ for anyone interested in exploring volunteering with children. Open during term-time only, Lifeskills offers flexible volunteering, pays volunteer expenses, and provides full training and support. To find out more, contact Dan Radford on 0117 922 4511 or email dan@ lifeskills-bristol-org.uk.
I have been so impressed with the transition into Year 7. My child is speaking incredibly positively about the teachers and is motivated to learn.” Parent
www.fairfield.excalibur.org.uk To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
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n ADVERTISING FEATURE
n EDUCATION
BRISTOL Technology and Engineering Academy (BTEA) joined the Olympus Academy Trust in September 2021. We plan to merge BTEA with Abbeywood Community School and retain the specialist Engineering/STEM curriculum pathway for Years 10-13. Our purpose is to develop young people with the skills, qualities and qualifications necessary to progress successfully within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field in the local, regional and national employment market. Our Key stage 4 and Post 16 curriculum enables students to study specialist Engineering courses alongside GCSEs and A-levels. BTEA works closely with a range of local employers to develop Employer-Led Projects (ELPs) that enable our students to work alongside industry professionals and develop soughtafter employability skills and sector-specific work experience.
MILLIE Morfitt, a personal trainer specialising in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and allies, is running online self defence and fitness classes for students at Fairfield High School. The sessions focus as much on physical fitness as mental health. In a virtual talk, Millie told of her personal experience of coming out as gay and of how movement and its benefits helped her cope with anxiety. She told them: “Even when you come out it’s an on-going thing throughout your life as people will often make the wrong assumptions. However the more confident you are within yourself, the more healthy you will feel. The key is to keep talking about these things as much as you can. Don’t forget to be yourself and don’t change for anybody. I wish I had had a similar society at school. I felt really isolated, so a club like this would have made the world of difference.” Vice Principal Edel Cronin said: “A big thank you to Millie for speaking with us so openly and honestly about her background and experiences. We are really fortunate too that Millie will be leading the self defence and fitness classes at Fairfield; her expertise will ensure the impact on the students’ physical and mental well-being is farreaching.”
BTEA joins the Olympus Academy Trust
Self defence classes for LGBTQ+ teens
WHY ARE VALUES SO IMPORTANT? FIND OUT AT OUR OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 4 MARCH qehbristol.co.uk
Boys 7-16. Co-ed 16-18. Independent since 1590.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
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March, 2022
n EDUCATION
Online safety in spotlight AS part of Safer Internet Week, Fairlawn Primary School appointed its first Online Safety Ambassadors. These pupils took part in two days of drama, dance and creative workshops with local creative project team Unique Voice. At the end of their training the ambassadors gave an online safety performance to a packed house of parents. A spokesman said: "This is an ongoing role of responsibility within the school and we are immensely proud of the hard work and attitude of these young people. "This project was funded by the Friends of Fairlawn and is designed to empower young people to teach their peers how to stay safe online."
INDEPENDENT shop and botanical expert Wild Leaf in Gloucester Road has donated three Norfolk Pine trees to Fairfield High School. The trees will initially be cared for inside the school but will eventually be planted out and will help counter pollution. Ed Hunt, learning support assistant at FHS, pictured with Year 7 co-ordinator Donanvan Shand, right, and students, said: “I put out a plea to local businesses not knowing what kind of response I would receive, however Wild Leaf jumped on board by donating these beautiful trees which will be enjoyed and appreciated by countless people, both within the school community and beyond. We look forward to nurturing and watching their growth.”
“We love to play and learn. Our teachers are really kind and nice.” Discover more at our next Scan to meet Theo & Elena
Working Open Morning Friday 29th April 2022 Register at colstons.org
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Redland this month...
Supporting our High Streets Supporting local shops and traders and visiting high streets has been more important than ever since the pandemic. The council has a web site www.wheresittobristol. com and a social media campaign to remind everyone of the many special gems available around the city. Limited funds for local projects Each year a round of local funds from developers is allocated to projects in our neighbourhood and is disbursed between a group of six wards, from Henbury to Cotham. As this area has had limited construction activity it’s not surprising we haven’t got much of a funding pot to spend – probably a little over £30,000 by the November meeting when the awards get decided, although if the Filton Arena gets going there will be more. See www.bristol. gov.uk/people-communities/ funding-local-projects. If you have any bright ideas for projects with limited costs do get in touch. The deadline for proposals to be reviewed by officers is April 4th and we’d be happy to discuss ideas with local residents’ groups as soon as possible. Consultation on Cranbrook Rd After tireless efforts from the local community, we’re delighted that at long last the consultation on designs for the long-awaited Cranbrook Road crossing got underway. We hope things will
progress promptly from now on and regret that such a vital facility has taken so long to get in place. Once we know when its likely to be installed we’ll let you know. Budget time – uncertainty but a little good news for city services A combination of shrinking government funds and less income due to the pandemic means this is a harsh budget round for the city council and bad news for local services. Councillors were briefed in detail on the council’s financial situation but we were not then involved in the decisions made to draw up the Mayor’s published budget. That means our role was limited to proposing amendments in the February Budget meeting. A great many of the proposed savings are uncertain and many will be subject to consultation anyway. Fi was involved in a proposal to try to retain full funding for the council’s twinning officer who links to the city’s various international twinned communities and to refund public toilet provision across the city. Martin drew up a proposal to make available unallocated strategic funds to create a citywide capital pot to invest in improvements to neighbourhood streets and parks. Our amendments were both successfully passed by a majority of the council, with 4 Green proposals in total. But the outcome is uncertain as we write - instead
In Bishopston this month... Budget Setting We are now halfway through the budget process, and 4 out of 5 Green proposed amendments were voted through. Amendment 3 proposed extra funding for school streets schemes and for the implementation of up to 1 new Residents Parking Scheme per year. We know that these projects are popular in the area, so we hope that this amendment gets carried through to the next stage of budget setting. Liveable Neighbourhoods As well as the RPZ amendment, Emma also gave a speech seconding Cllr Martin Fodor’s amendment to reallocate strategic CIL money to go towards funding Liveable Neighbourhoods and green spaces, this money
reallocated could help more communities in Bristol stay greener and healthier. We know that residents are asking for solutions to traffic, bad parking and rat runs in the area and that many would welcome Liveable Neighbourhood schemes in the future. We hope that this amendment gets through to the next stage of the budget process. Housing Forums The council will be running citywide online housing forums on Monday the 7th of March (6pm8pm) and Wednesday the 9th of March (1pm-3pm). The forums are open to all council tenants who wish to learn more about the outcomes of the Investing in Council Homes consultation. Details to register are on the council website, and there is an
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of accepting the decisions of the council the Mayor then chose not to accept the changes voted by councillors; he got the meeting adjourned until March 2nd while he decides what to do. Councillors were put under immense pressure by the authority’s chief legal officer to approve the Mayor’s budget. But we believe this needs to be a collaborative process. He may now accept some, all, or none of the amendments councillors have voted for and table a different budget or the same as before. These amendments have now been agreed by the majority of Bristol’s elected councillors – including by those in his own party so we hope they will be incorporated. The Council will vote on proposals at the second budget meeting on 2 March. Blow for democracy and planet We know many residents are as disappointed as we are that the government Planning inspectors chose to set aside climate and other impacts when overruling the North Somerset Planning Committee’s decision to refuse the expansion of Bristol Airport. The overstated benefits and many local and global impacts mean this sets a dangerous precedent for many proposed airport expansion plans. A massive increase in capacity and night flights, traffic and carbon pollution are going to set back climate protection by many years. Making spending sustainable How to get more benefits for
the local community and the environment from council spending has been important. As backbench councillors our role is to assist policy development and scrutiny of the administration. Martin got invited to chair a working group of cross party councillors and city organisations to help review and comment on plans to manage council contracts more sustainably. He reported the recommendations of the group to the council Cabinet in February. This includes finding ways to measure green claims by companies more effectively and avoid ‘greenwash’ and supporting smaller businesses through the process of meeting the requirements so they can get access to opportunities to supply the council. Take care with Covid While restrictions are being relaxed as more people get vaccine protection and the worst risks to many people decline from the pandemic do remember to protect family, friends and colleagues from infection. You could still get very ill. It’s still wise to take precautions and avoid passing on infection if you test positive as there are still vulnerable people at risk.
option to phone in as well.
Airport Expansion Campaign, and believe that the airport expansion will contribute to devastating levels of pollution over Bristol, as well as making it impossible for Bristol to meet its carbon targets. Lily gave a speech on College Green on the 12th February at a rally opposing the airport. Lily said “This is the single largest climate decision we face in the South West.” We will carry on protesting the decision in any way we can.
Trees for Horfield Common We were delighted to find out this month that plans are going ahead to plant more trees on Horfield Common next winter. These plans were sparked by a local resident who has a vision for extra trees on the common and came to us with ideas. We have been working with the council, the Bristol Tree Forum and One Tree Per Child to get these plans started. There will be a consultation later in the year with local residents to confirm the location of the trees, but we look forward to starting planting at the end of the year. Bristol Airport We were heartbroken and sad to see the decision by the planning inspectorate to approve the Bristol Airport expansion, after so many residents campaigned to against it. We have both been keen supporters of the Stop Bristol
Contacts: Fi: E: Cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 353 4720 Martin: E: Cllr.martin.fodor@bristol. gov.uk Tel: 0788 473 6101 Find us on http://Facebook.com/ cllrmartin.fodor & /cllrfi.hance
Litter Picking We will be out and about again on March 19, doing some litter picking as well as door knocking. Please get in contact if you would like to come join us, we always welcome volunteers! Contacts: Cllr.EmmaEdwards@bristol.gov.uk 07584 184605 Cllr.LilyFitzgibbon@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 07584 186534 Facebook: @ EmmaEdwardsLilyFitzGibbon
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
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March, 2022
n MAYOR'S VIEW
A fair deal for Bristol’s renters PROVIDING a safe and affordable home is the single biggest intervention we can make to improve people’s health, wellbeing and life chances. That is why we have committed to accelerating the delivery of more affordable homes and in improving the energy efficiency of our council homes. One in three Bristolians, almost 134,000 people rent their home privately, so our influence over conditions and prices in this sector reduced. Nonetheless, I am determined to improve the affordability and quality of homes for rent in Bristol. We have introduced licencing schemes which cover different types of rented property across the city. This puts responsibilities on landlords to make sure that properties they manage are wellmaintained, and reassures tenants that their rights are protected. These schemes sit alongside the work of our Private Renting team,
who support tenants wherever they live in Bristol. From supporting tenants threatened with harassment or unlawful eviction, to prosecuting rogue landlords who fail to provide safe properties for our tenants – we are committed to being on tenants’ side. However, government can help us take further action, for example by bringing in a mandatory database of landlords so we can prevent those who treat tenants and their homes badly from slipping through the net. Guaranteeing safety and standards in the private rented sector is important. So too is ensuring that homes on offer for private rent are affordable for our residents. Over the last decade, rents have risen far faster than wages. Private rents in Bristol have increased by 52% on average whereas wages have only risen by 24%. We want to correct this
imbalance. That’s why I promised in my manifesto last year to campaign for the powers to make Bristol an affordable Living Rent city. That includes lobbying government for the power to control rents in the city. We believe that rent controls, alongside developing new affordable homes for rent, will help us tackle the crisis of affordability in our private rental sector. We want renters at the heart of that conversation. As I write, we are preparing for our Bristol Renter’s Summit, which will give an opportunity for renters in Bristol to share their experiences, to tell us what enforcement powers they would like us to lobby for, and to hear about different models for what a Living Rent in Bristol could look like if we had the power to introduce rent controls. We need a reset in the relationship both between
The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Bishopston Voice
tenants and landlords, and between local and national government. We’re determined to do everything in our power to make sure we have an affordable and high-quality private rented sector in Bristol that everybody can have confidence in.
Generation Care – Is it time for a change? Careers in care are diverse and rewarding With the recent challenges in the care sector behind us, now is the time to start building the next generation of care workers – our Generation Care. Working at St Monica Trust is about so much more than care. It’s having the opportunity to build your career and develop your skills, whilst delivering the best experience of aging to our wonderful residents. We’ll provide award-winning training and all the mentoring you’ll need to build a fulfilling and successful career.
For more information about the fantastic opportunities in care please email recruitment@stmonicatrust.org.uk or call 0117 949 4091. www.stmonicatrust.org.uk/jobs
With dignity at the heart of all we do, you’ll be improving the lives of our residents by helping with day-to-day practical things like bathing, dressing, meal times and activities. In fact, you’ll be such an important part of their lives you’ll get to know them, their families and friends. And who knows what direction this could take you, nursing, management or towards head office support functions? Become Generation Care and start your amazing journey
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
March, 2022
bishopstonvoice
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n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Tax increase is a positive step for policing LAST month, I announced that I would be increasing the policing part of the council tax – known as the precept – by 4.1% for local residents, equivalent to 83p more per month for the average band D household. I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel and local people for their support. This increase will help deliver my ambitious Police and Crime Plan, which aims to provide you with an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people but, without it, it is likely cuts would have had to be made that would impact frontline services. This is why I was determined to hear from as many residents as possible and, through my consultation, I heard from 6,335 residents, of which the majority were in support of an
increase to support policing. This increase is a really positive step for policing. It allows the force and my office to work towards our vision of more visible policing, better community engagement, preventing crime, strengthening partnership work, and improving outcomes and support for victims of crime. The increase will also allow us to give pay rises to the policing family, ensuring we are recognising the hard work of officers and staff that go above and beyond for our communities. If you want an outstanding police service you have to fund it and, as your PCC, I will ensure Avon and Somerset Police deliver. I’m also delighted to announce that my team and I have been successful in securing over £100,000 in additional funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services in Avon
and Somerset; an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of Justice’s Critical Support Fund and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West. As PCC, my team and I will continue to work with other commissioners – including health and local authorities – to ensure there are effective and efficient services across Avon and Somerset that can be accessed by everyone, which supports victims and survivors to cope and recover. Preventing and fighting crime is a priority in my recentlypublished Police and Crime Plan and this includes tackling male violence against women and girls, specifically domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. As well as ensuring there are good provisions for victims and survivors, we must address the attitudes and behaviours of the
With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford perpetrator and ensure police investigations are evidence-led and focus on the actions of the offender rather than the victim. Finally, for anyone who is a victim or survivor of sexual violence or domestic abuse, remember help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. You can find you more about local services at www.survivorpathway.org.uk
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
Get ready for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone
Summer 2022
Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone. Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone.
bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone
March, 2022
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n LOCAL HISTORY
The filthy wasteland of Horfield and its ancient churchyard Harry Mottram explores the history of a place of worship DRIVING along Kellaway Avenue it is hard to believe now this was once a wild hilltop land of woodland and heathland with just a few track ways trudged by the early inhabitants. How old the parish church is – well it’s anyone’s guess – but it seems likely that due to the construction of the church and its circular border there may well have been a pre-Christian shrine taking the date back to pre-Roman times. The name of Horfield – nothing to do with sex workers or thorny bushes - we do know comes from Old Anglo Saxon meaning Horu for filthy – and Feld for open land – essentially open unenclosed land. And as such it would seem likely the reason it is circular is that a preNorman wooden chapel was constructed on the site of the present-day Church of the Holy Trinity with St Edmund when it was open and unclaimed land. Whether it dates to the seventh century is an open question as it is not until 1291 that it is recorded in a taxation document commissioned by Pope Nicolas IV. Up until 1836 when the church was substantially altered and rebuilt to house the growing congregation of the surrounding and expanding suburbs it would have been a comparatively small chapel. Andy Buchan’s book, the History of Horfield Church, gives details of the church’s past but reminds readers that precious few documents exist giving details of its evolution as a place of worship. What little is known includes the tower dating from around 1500, a major enlargement in 1836, the interior nave and aisles added in 1847 and the central tower constructed in 1893. One of the reasons why it is generally felt the church – or rather the early church - dates back into the mists of pre-Norman Britain is the circular boundary to the church yard. It has been variously encroached upon as roads and construction of buildings nearby have happened, but essentially it is not the usual squared off shape you might expect. It was likely to have been bordered by a hedge and
The Church of the Holy Trinity with St Edmund in Horfield. Picture: Harry Mottram ditch to keep away grazing livestock and has been variously updated with railings and fences although some parts of the hedge remain. The church’s website states: “Until the building of the school in 1838 (for which authority to enclose part of the common was granted) the churchyard was completely circular in form. This, together with the many springs still in evidence, suggests that the site was originally a pre-Christian place of worship.” Andy Buchan records how it may originally have been dedicated to St Andrew and was variously under the control of the Diocese of Worcester, St Augustine’s Abbey in Bristol, Almondsbury, the Diocese of Gloucester and eventually as Horfield Parish and Bristol. Of course, for the first 500 or so years the church was Roman Catholic but in 1534 with the Act of Supremacy on the insistence of Henry VIII the church broke from Rome. A year later the
Government undertook a financial assessment of church property with a plan to seize much of the wealth of the monasteries but somehow Horfield got missed. In 1542 it passed from the Diocese of Gloucester to Bristol. Today the church remains at the centre of the community in Horfield, its rector the Rev’d Canon David McGladdery oversees the various services. It is notable that the church gives a nod to its Roman Catholic past with these words: “Creating connections through the inclusive Catholic tradition in worship, welcome and service.” That past was revived to an extent in the mid 19th century when the church was linked to the Oxford Movement which became a hybrid of Anglo-Catholicism. For more about the church visit https:// www.horfieldparishchurch.org.uk/ Andy Buchan’s book, the History of Horfield Church, is available from book shops and online
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
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March, 2022
n PUZZLES
The FIEND
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
For younger readers
8 3 6 5 3 7
1
4 8 2 1 6
9 4 9 1 8 2
5 7
Theme: Capital cities 1
2
3
4
5
6
Easier sudoku Solution
Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
Each row, column and square (4 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-4, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
Across 1 2376 (4) 5 582632 (6) 7 5462 (4) 8 54566493 (8)
7
Down 1 27877357 (8) 2 6885 (4) 3 72684246 (8) 4 6222263 (7) 6 6756 (4)
1 3
3 FUNERALS FROM £975 1 2
8
Txtpert
Cross Sum answers Top row: 5,1,8 Middle row: 6,3,7 Bottom row: 2,4,9
Txtpert
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7 5 8 6
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
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March, 2022
bishopstonvoice
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n SPORTS NEWS IN BRIEF BRISTOL City FC: The Robins are lying well down the Sky Bet Championship table. They have two home games this month - one against Birmingham City on the 5th and another Midlands team to visit when they entertain West Bromwich Albion on the 19th. They travel north up the M5 on the 12th to play Blackburn Rovers and on the 15th they have Barnsley as opponents up in Yorkshire. Bristol City Women Footballers: The club play at the Robins High Performance Centre at Failand. The first team play in the FA Women's Championship (the second tier of the national professional structure) and lie in mid table with a chance of a late run at the leaders with fixtures away at Lewes on the 6th and Sheffield on the 27th. Home games are on the 13th when they play Watford and on April 3rd when they welcome Liverpool to Failand. Bristol Rovers FC: The Gas play their football in League Two at the Memorial Stadium - off Gloucester Road - the former home of Bristol Rugby. They have fixtures this month at home: Barrow on the 1st; Harrogate on the 12th; and Colchester United on the 15th. Rovers have some travelling to do visiting Carlisle on the 26th, Northampton on the 19th and Crawley on the 8th - with a shorter trip over the bridge to Newport on the 5th of March. Bristol Rovers Women’s FC: The current Bristol City Women’s football team emerged from Bristol Rovers women’s footballers back in 2005. The team changed into Bristol Academy and finally Bristol City Women in 2019, meaning for several years the Rovers’ female side didn’t exist due to financial problems - until it was reformed in 2019. The Gas Girls are now in their third season - moving out of the Gloucestershire league and into the South West Regional Women’s Football League Division One, which they won in style on February 13 with a 4-0 victory. Next season they will be promoted to the Region’s Premier Division. From there they will be aiming to progress to the National League South, the Championship and finally to the top flight in the WFL Premiership - to catch up with their rivals south of the river. Bristol Rugby Men: The Bristol Bears play in the Gallagher Premiership but have seen things slide this season. This month they play Bath at the Rec on the 5th and travel to Saracens on the 26th. Home games are Harlequins on the 13th and Gloucester on the 29th March. They also have a Premiership Rugby Cup game against Bath on the 18th. Bristol Rugby Women: The team play at The Bears High Performance Centre, Beggar Bush Lane, Bristol, BS8 3TF. For details visit https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com/ teams/bristol-bears-women/ Fixtures this month are on the 5th of March at home in the
Allianz Premier 15s against Loughborough Lightening and away to Harlequins in the Allianz Cup on the 26th. The team play in the top flight of women's rugby - the Allianz Premier 15s - and are battling it out at the top to try and win the league. Hockey: Firebrands Hockey Club is the home of hockey in Bristol. Since 1947 the club has not only been hugely successful on a national and local level with a number of teams including the indoor women's team The Vixens. The Vixens also have an outdoor team who play on a Sunday. The First Team the Firebrands L1 face off against Cheltenham on the 13th and Sutton Coldfield on the 20th March at home - and travel to Bath on the 6th and Clifton Ronison on the 27th March. Bristol Falcons Badminton Club: Sessions and games are held at Badminton School Sports Hall on Westbury Road in Henleaze. Bristol Falcons welcome new players with junior and senior sections. Junior players can start from complete beginners and can progress to intermediate and advanced levels with opportunities to play with the junior County, in National tournaments and with the senior club where they can become established players
Beaufort Badminton Club: Established in 1919, Beaufort Badminton Club in Bristol is one of the oldest in the country. It caters for a broad range of standards from newer players to league and county standard. The club has three sections to cater for this variety of standard. Beaufort merged with Parkside Badminton Club in 20052006 and provides competitive badminton at Kingsdown Sports Centre under the name Beaufort Park. A junior club with accredited coaches and adhering to Badminton England child protection policy plays weekly in the season. Feather shuttles are used in all sections. For details and to join visit http://www. beaufortbadminton.club/ Lacrosse: Formed in 2007 Bristol Bombers has now grown into one of the best men's and women's lacrosse clubs in the country. The females have been league champions for three years and Division 1: National Champions for the two. To get up to speed with stick and net enthusiasts visit https://www.facebook.com/ BristolBombersLacrosse/ Harry Mottram
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
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March, 2022
n BOOKS The Wrong End of The Telescope by Rabih Alameddine Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library The Wrong End of The Telescope is set on the Greek island of Lesbos in 2016 when it became home for thousands of refugees escaping persecution and conflict in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The refugees are still there today, living in overcrowded and insanitary conditions whilst they wait for their asylum cases to be heard. The main narrator of the novel is Mina, a transgender woman doctor from Lebanon, now residing in the United States who decides to travel to Lesbos to meet up with her Swedish friend, Emma who is working with humanitarian and relief agencies in providing assistance to the refugees. The author, Rabih Alameddine, now resident in the United States, is
himself a refugee, his parents shipping him to boarding school in England in 1975, when his family home in Lebanon is destroyed by shells fired by a US battleship during the Lebanese Civil War. After arriving on Lesbos, Mina meets and befriends Sumaiya , a 58 year old Syrian refugee who arrives on Lesbos with her husband Sammy and their children. Mina diagnoses that Sumaiya is dying from terminal liver cancer and resolves
with the help of her brother Mazen and her friend Emma to make Sumaiya’s last days as comfortable as possible.The novel alternates between Mina’s story, the story of Sumaiya and her family, and that of an unnamed writer who Mina addresses as You. Whilst Mina is portrayed as an empathetic and fully engaged volunteer who uses her medical skills to provide relief and comfort to Sumaiya and other refugees, we find the unnamed writer despairing about his inability to write a novel based on his own experience as a volunteer on Lesbos, where he finds himself, holed up in a hotel room, unable to face the scale of the humanitarian crisis outside his apartment. It becomes apparent that both Mina and the unnamed writer represent the conflicting views and thoughts of the author on the humanitarian work being carried out on Lesbos. Whilst mindful of the good work being done by the volunteers he is shocked by the actions of some whose first thought on rescuing refugees from their overcrowded boats is to capture the moment with an selfie. He worries that whilst we in
the affluent parts of Europe , may spend a few moments thinking how terrible it is for those refugees and get outraged on social media for ten minutes we then pour another glass of chardonnay and their plight is soon forgotten. He does however acknowledge that the volunteers on Lesbos are the best that humanity can offer and records the humanity of the villagers of Lesbos who provide food and friendship to the refugees, the villagers themselves being the sons and daughters of refugees kicked out of Anatolia in 1922 after the Greco-Turkish war. This is a beautifully written, acutely observed and thought provoking novel about the refugee crisis and our response to it. For this book and many more please visit us at Bishopston Library, 100A Gloucester Road Opening Hours Monday (1pm-7pm) Tuesday (closed) Wednesday (11am-5pm) Thursday (11am-5pm) Friday (11am-5pm) Saturday (11am-5pm) Sunday (closed)
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
37
n BOOKS
John writes a novel while volunteering SOME seek inspiration to write a novel from the wide-open spaces, the rolling waves along the shore or from ideas conjured up in the silence of the night. But for Westbury Park resident John McLellan, 65, inspiration came from quietly pacing the corridors of Southmead Hospital where he worked as a frontline volunteer during the pandemic. The author said: “I had a novel in my head which I had started and stopped writing during a holiday, but it was during the pandemic when I was working at Southmead Hospital as a volunteer that I completed the book in just 100 days. “I would often be on my own taking what was needed by the medics from ward to ward or carrying messages and I began to compose the novel in my head.
And later I would write it up on my laptop.” They say write about what you know and so Faultline was created as John looked to his own past when as a young man in 1977. He had an interest in geology while visiting Scotland and was trying to discover who he was – a time that clearly stayed with him. Faultline is set in that year and is a coming of age, romantic novel featuring three young people on a field
trip in the north of Scotland. In the rugged landscape of lochs and mountains the trio of two men and one female must decide on their feelings and their relationships with the others. “I have published it myself although before it went to press, I got feedback from a wide group of friends and the response was very positive,” he said, “several said it was a very emotional read and had connected with them personally.”
John has a background of working within HR in the NHS and admits he still finds geology fascinating and still collects rocks and is a passionate supporter of the NHS. In support of the NHS John is donating £1 to the Southmead Hospital Charity for each book sold. Faultline is available from Max Minerva’s Books in Northview, Henleaze, or from the author by emailing johnmac201@live.co.uk
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Next Specialist Sale: Thursday 10th March 10:30am To Browse & Bid Visit: www.clevedonsalerooms.com
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
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March, 2022
n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES
Winetaster sessions prove popular WE’RE a bit ahead of the game with our vine pruning this year because most of our current vines are quite young and easy to prune in one or two snips of the secateurs. Once we’ve finished the pruning we’ll be making each of our baby vines its own little mulch mat to keep the weeds at bay without having to resort to using weedkiller. Keeping the weeds away from the baby vines is particularly important in the first two years of their lives because their small, undeveloped roots struggle to compete with the tough grass until they’re older. We still have sheep in the vineyard and they are helping keep the weeds down too but soon it’ll be time for them to move on to fresh pastures. Away from the vineyard, we’ve started hosting our crowdfunder winetasting sessions and have just finished one at the amazing Michelin starred Ethicurean restaurant in North Somerset. If
you’ve never been there do book because it’s an amazing place. It’s set in a beautiful walled garden where you can see right across the Yeo Valley and the whole experience is very special. We have more tasting sessions to come over the coming months at Grape&grind on Gloucester Road and one at Vintage&Vine
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were linked to our crowdfunder supporters which has been fun to work out! More details coming soon… hello@dunleavyvineyards. co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards (facebook & instagram)
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
39
n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence EARLY spring is the time of the pussy willow with its pussy-footed flowers of silver silk which bloom into a riot of primrose-yellow pollen. This is one of those plants that I have never not known; my mum would bring in sprays of bare branches set with little gosling flowers which would then gently shed their pollen onto the sideboard. Pussy willows have separate male and female plants and it is the male catkins, so distinctively decked out with huge amounts of pollen, that are the classic pussy willow (see photo). The pollen takes its chance on the mad March breezes to reach the female catkins, also furry but lacking the colourful pollen (only tiny amounts stick to the stigmas to effect pollination). The abundant pollen is vital to the first insects, one of Drone fly on pussy willow, photo by Rupert Higgins. which has the satisfying name of early bumblebee (Bombus pratorum). This cuddly called goat willow and grey willow which are little bee is even fluffier than the pussy rather hard to tell apart. Once their glory days willows and is striped in bright yellow and soft of catkin splendour have passed they retreat black. The queen emerges from hibernation in into obscurity, both wearing an undistinguished March and relies heavily on protein-rich pollen cloak of rounded, grey-green, slightly hairy for her first meal. The female flowers of pussy leaves. There is an unusual way of telling them willows produce nectar, apparently unwilling to apart – a magical little botanical trick which is rely entirely on the vagaries of windy weather, very pleasing to demonstrate. You peel back the so they are of double value to early insects. bark from a section of twig (ideally last year’s, The pussy willow is, on closer inspection, actually two species of sallow (shrubby willow) still thinner than your little finger) and if you
find discontinuous ridges which run along the wood then you have a goat willow, whilst smooth wood indicates the grey willow. Hybrids also occur, with twigs of intermediate “ridginess”. As you might expect, they often grow in damp places, but can also be found tucked into hedgerows and they come up in abundance in our untamed garden (usually the hybrid). The leaves are pressed into useful service over the summer, providing food for many insects such as the caterpillars of the sallow kitten moth (kitten caterpillars on pussy willows, this is all getting very feline!) Sallow leaves are also the favourite food of the caterpillar of the spectacular eyed hawkmoth. The upper wings of the large adult moth are delicately shaded in drab tones of grey and brown, however, should a bird see through this cryptic camouflage and attack, the moth has a stunning second line of defence. When alarmed the moth sweeps its upper wings apart, revealing the underwings which are patterned with two huge staring eyes – bright blue on a crimson ground – this is often enough to startle the bird into retreat, allowing the moth a chance to escape.
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bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
n WHAT'S ON Monday n PLAY BOWLS AT CANFORD PARK in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
Tuesday
THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL LECTURE on 8 March is on "The Women Who Saved the Birds" and is expected to be delivered at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information and updates visit www. theartssociety-bristol.org.uk BRISTOL HARMONY WEST GALLERY CHOIR AND BAND are now rehearsing regularly again. We are looking for new members SATB as well as string, reed and wind instrumentalists. We sing and play lively church and village music from the 18th century. We meet at St Edyth’s Church Hall in Sea Mills on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. No auditions but ability to read music is helpful. Ring Fritjof on 0117 924 3440 or see www.bristolharmony.wordpress.com. Please contact before attending so we can have music ready.
Thursday
n BISHOP ROAD COMMUNITY CHOIR are meeting online Thursday evenings via Zoom at 8pm for an hour. Contact us via bishoproad choir@gmail.com for a link.
n ENJOY SCOTTISH DANCING at St. Monica’s Oatley Hall, Cote Lane, BS9 3UN on Thursdays 7.30 – 10.00 p.m. £6.00 per session. Have fun, make friends, keep fit. Phone Trish 0788 052 8925/www.rscdsbristol. info
n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR are rehearsing for our 2022 concerts and warmly invite you to join us; the ability to read music is helpful but not essential as we regularly rehearse our wide-ranging repertoire, from classical to pop, traditional male voice favourites to musicals and gospel songs in various languages. We meet every Thursday at 7.00pm in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. For further information see our website, www. bristolmvc.org.uk, or Facebook, or phone 07587 143 220. Our next concert is on March 19, 2022, in Christ the King Church, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8EE For details phone the above number.
Various days
n WESTBURY PARK SPIRITUALIST CHURCH (off Kellaway Ave), Cairns Rd BS6 7TH Tel: 01179 771629 Sunday services 11am and 6.30pm Wednesday Spiritual Healing from 2pm until 3.30pm Thursday development group 7.15 for
7.30 start Healing circle every fortnight on a Tuesday n GCCC LOCAL RESIDENTS MEETING After an enforced break last year, the preseason residents meeting will be taking place on Thursday 7 April at the cricket ground. Refreshments from 6.15, for a 6.30 start. As usual, representatives from the Club and CG2 will be there to answer questions and update you on the forthcoming season. n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR CONCERT, Saturday March 19, 7.30pm, St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6NL. The choir presents Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem and Cristobal de Morales's Missa Pro Defunctis. The organist is Nigel Nash and the conductor is Christopher Finch. Tickets: £22, £14 (unreserved), students and under 18s, £5. Box Office 0117 214 0721 n BRISTOL CHAMBER CHOIR CONCERT, Sunday April 3, 2pm, Christ Church, Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2EJ. Drop, Drop Slow Tear Music for Lent and Holy Week. Programme will include Tallis's Lamentations of Jeremiah, Allegri's Miserere and music by Purcell, Vaughan Williams, Walton and others. Tickets are £10 (children and students free) available from the choir's website), from Eventbrite or at the door or from Opus 13, 20-21 Lower Park Row, Bristol, BS1 BN www.bristolchamberchoir.org.uk or ring 07342 954249
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
41
n PHARMACY BLOG Why are Children being offered the COVID jab, and is it safe? Children have indeed been heroes of the pandemic, sacrificing lost learning, familytime and playtime, supporting struggling parents, siblings and neighbours, enduring lockdown and isolation at home. While few children and young people develop severe illnesses after a COVID-19 infection, the adverse educational impacts of school closures or days off school have been noted with a particularly disproportionate effect on students from more deprived areas. For some international trips, evidence of COVID-19 vaccination is also now required. Is it safe? UK Independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that vaccination is safe and very effective for children. Millions of children worldwide have now had a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine continues to be closely monitored. We also have knowledge and experience using vaccines to protect children from
other diseases. What are the benefits? Some children and young people are at greater risk, including those who live with severe neurodisabilities, severe learning difficulties, Down's syndrome and other serious conditions. Vaccinating children can also help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people, including vulnerable and frail adults. One dose of the COVID-19 vaccine gives good protection against a child getting seriously ill, while TWO doses gives stronger and longer-lasting protection. What are the risks? You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccine. It does not change or alter any genetic material. After the vaccination, if your child has allergies, they will be observed for 15 minutes after having the vaccine. This is in the unlikely event they have a severe reaction to the vaccine. If your child has allergies or had a reaction after a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, tell the staff at the vaccination centre
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 with Bristol Women’s Voice
or pharmacy before they are vaccinated. Research has found it is rare to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes. Side effects? Like all medicines, the COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and should only last 1 or 2 days, such as a sore arm from the injection feeling tired, a headache, feeling achy, flu-like symptoms including shivering (chills) Children should rest, and you can give them paracetamol to help make them feel better. There have been extremely rare reports of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) after COVID-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments. Go to A&E or call 999 if your child has any of these symptoms within a few days of being vaccinated: chest pain, shortness of breath, a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart
0117 9246579 18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7XR (palpitations) Can we Walk-In or Book? Your child, accompanied by an adult, can get the 1st dose at the Kellaway Pharmacy COVID-19 Vaccination Walk-in Clinics, and they can get the 2nd dose if it's been 12 weeks since their 1st dose. Call 0117 9246579 for more details. You can also book your appointment online on the National Vaccination Booking System. Be assured that with our experience providing childhood and travel vaccinations, we have the expertise to ensure it is a safe and pleasant experience.
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To find out about community transport, email info@bristolwomensvoice.org.uk
Saturday 5 March 2022, 10.30am – 4pm Bristol City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
43
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Cost of living crisis needs urgent action
T
HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the number
of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so cut their bills.
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Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice
What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.
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OFFICE / STUDIO / WORKSHOP On the first floor and situated just off the Gloucester Road with LED lighting and near to all amenities ie. the main post office Price on application Terms are flexible Please ring to view
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On the ground floor and situated just off the Gloucester Road near to all the amenities ie. the main post office 290 sq ft approx (NOT SUITABLE FOR CAR REPAIRS) Price on application Terms are flexible please ring to view
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
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March, 2022
n HOME CARE & FUNDING
Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead
We Care & Repair
Empty homes week WITH over 230,000 homes lying empty across the UK, Empty Homes Week is a national campaign raising awareness of the impact of these homes, and how to take action. Many councils now implement higher council tax rates for homes which have been empty for 2 years or more, and purchasers of empty properties should also note that this increased council tax premium passes on with the property. There are many reasons why people leave homes empty, and the issues can sometimes be complex, costly and timely to resolve. One common problem is the cost of repairs to make homes habitable, particularly where a project has run over-budget and the owner does not have access to cash to complete the works. This is where Bristol City council may be able to assist. Working in partnership with Lendology CIC, a social enterprise lender providing finance packages to a wide range of homeowners, the council have invested funds to be lent via this unique loan scheme. Since 2005, Lendology have lent over £3.3 million to homeowners across the city, for home repairs, improvements, energy efficiency or renewable energy measures, and bringing empty properties back into use.
5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk Ellie Lister Service Delivery Manager
Lendology
www.lendology.org.uk, loans@lendology.org.uk, and 01823 461099
loans/, call Lendology on 01823 461099 or email loans@lendology.org.uk
Over £2 million has been repaid, ready to be re-lent again, creating a recycling funding pot. With empty properties, Lendology recognise that many people will need to complete the project before being able to make monthly repayments. Their deferred loan option of between 6 months to 2 years gives owners the space to rent, sell or move into the property before monthly repayments commence. For more information, visit www. lendology.org.uk/loans/empty-property-
* Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
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the cost of works to your home**
Working in partnership with We Care Home Improvements and Lendology CIC, the partnership takes the stress out of funding and finding contractors for home repairs, improvements or adaptations. If you are a homeowner, of any age, and need to make essential repairs to your home, call us today for more information. Works covered under the scheme include roof repair, electrical and plumbing work, damp and structural remedies, heating installations or replacement, amongst other works.
For an informal chat about the loan scheme and eligibility, call Lendology on 01823 461099, email loans@lendology.org.uk or visit www.lendology.org.uk
For more information on the services provided by We Care Home Improvements, call 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk
*Subject to eligibility. **A maximum reduction of £1,000 from an approved loan over £2,000. For loans £2,000 or less, the reduction will be 50% of the loan value. Budget is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Typical Example (4% fixed interest rate, Typical 4.2% APR). Borrow £5,000 over 60 months. £92.08 monthly repayments. Total amount repayable = £5,544.96, including £20 fee for registering the Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future. Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. This means that you may not be able to sell your home without our permission unless the loan is fully repaid. This is a financial promotion approved by Lendology CIC. Lendology CIC is a trading name of Wessex Resolutions C.I.C.: a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225. Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1EU. Wessex Resolutions C.I.C is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (675263) for credit regulated activities.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
March, 2022
45
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Does pruning fruit trees leave you stumped? DAYS are growing longer. Buds are swelling and will soon burst into blossom and leaf. It’s 24 years since Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) took root in some very overgrown allotment plots. During this time orchard members have been delighted by the growing numbers of people planting new fruit trees, and wishing to better care for older trees in their gardens and
allotments. Even long-time gardeners will admit their enthusiasm is not always matched by skills or confidence. Gardeners keen to improve their pruning confidence and skill, and untangle their trees, will welcome the range of new Pruning courses coming soon to HOCO. ”Pruning fruit trees is the most complex aspect of their care,”
bishopstonvoice
LOCAL SERVICES
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk AERIAL SPECIALISTS
says Shannon Smith, the Orchard Learning co-ordinator. “Courses introduce the seasonal pruning cycle. Participants also meet the best tools for the job, work with real trees, and learn by planning and doing. A small group session at HOCO is followed up with oneto-one sessions in the garden or allotment of the learner. Feed back from earlier courses shows this the best way for participants to apply
BUILDING SERVICES
the learning to their own trees.” More information on the HOCO website: www.community-orchard. org.uk Course Dates: range from Friday 18 March to Sunday 7 August Contact: hocopips@gmail. com or phone 0117 373 1587
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Kevin Gapper Roofing We cover all aspects of roofing work
• Tiled roofs • Flat roofs • Lead roofs • Installation of Velux Windows • Timber works 10 year guarantee with all new roofs
Call Nick on 0117 2872082 0117 303 9000 CLEANING
Local Bristol family run roofing business with over 20 years experience From planning to end product
Poor Reception Problems Solved Digital Aerials Satellites Repairs
T: 01179 510319 or 07872 484994 W: kevingapper@me.com
Fully Guaranteed Additional TV Points
Humax Recorders TV Sales
www.theaerialman.co.uk | info@theaerialman.co.uk
AERIAL SPECIALISTS
BUILDING SERVICES
H&P Aerials Digital, Freeview and Freesat Specialists
• TV, FM & DAB • Radio Aerials • Extra Points • Fully Guaranteed • OAP Concessions
For a free quote
Tel: 0117 908 7232 or Mobile: 07815 029775 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
bishopstonvoice
46 ELECTRICAL SERVICES
March, 2022
GARDENING SERVICES
LOCKSMITHS
D. ATTWELL
Free Quotes Inspection and Testing Landlord Certificates New builds and Extensions Extra Sockets and Lights Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors
LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building
Contact Dave Staynings
For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
GARDENING SERVICES
specialist domestic installers
All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires. For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...
call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974
FREE Quotations
www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk
DRIVEWAYS
•• AA wide wide range range of of colours colours & & patterns patterns • Local Saltford family run business • Local Keynsham family run for 50 years business for 50 yearsestimates • All work guaranteed • Free ••All work guaranteed • Free estimates Pressure washing Driveways & Patios
Tel:0117 012259860485 873587 Tel: or 453821 or07831 07831 453821 www.agldrives.co.uk
FLOORING
0117 925 6828
• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
Mobile:
07765 208690
d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
LOGS
Gardening Services Friendly, reliable, female gardener * Maintenance * Planting * Tidy up * Pruning *Mowing * and more...
LOGS FOR SALE STILL ONLY ONLY £70£65 perper dumpy bag
(thebig bigones ones builders builders get in)in) (the getsand sand
LOG BURNER LOG FRIENDLY SIZE
RHS Qualified
Call Kate 07775 755671
(Stock (Stock up up NOW NOW for for Winter) Winter) Telephone Chris Telephone Chris Allcock Allcock 07770 754 07770 754622 622(mob) (mob)
01275 373562 01275 373562
(Please the mobile) mobile) (Please use the OVEN CLEANING
HANDYMAN
AGL DRIVEWAYS Tarmac & Block Paving
LOCKSMITHS 24HRS
www.ElderwoodElectrical.com Office - 0117 9322379 Mobile - 07725 058581
atom electrical
NIGHT & DAY
Handy Man Services
• Hang • Repair • Plumb • Assemble • Install • Fix • Replace • Paint Experienced, reliable, friendly Jobs big and small
Contact Gary 07984 614108 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS From as little as
£20.00 +VAT
Per month
E-MAIL:
sales@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
PAINTING & DECORATING
Stephen Carter Painter & Decorator
Professional Decorating Services
Painting & Decorating Association Accredited (with PDA guarantee) For a free competitive quotation:
07786 513788 or 0117 907 6997 Cranside Avenue, Redland, BS6 7RA
www.carterdecorating.co.uk
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.
Classic & Natural stone tiles
Specialising in 2022 Italian showers March,
High Quality Finish Free Quote Bristol & Surrounding Areas
Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Interior & Exterior Masonry& DECORATING PAINTING Interior & façade painting
bishopstonvoice PLUMBING
ROOFING
JPK PLUMBING
T M HOBBS ROOFING
Phone: John Keegan 125 Bishop Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8LX
Pitched or flat roofs repaired or replaced Guttering & Cladding, uPVC Fascias & Soffits Chimneys, flashings & parapet walls repaired Skylights & Veluxes Installed Insurance Work Undertaken • Free Estimates Minor work welcome
From a dripping tap upwards Reliable, qualified, fully insured
Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator
Builder & Interior Decorator
17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior Facade T: 0117 401 8568& / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience
T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
PLUMBING
47
elfontanero@hotmail.co.uk www.jpkplumbingbristol.co.uk
07900 582 817 • 0117 924 7286
Established 1989 • Based in Bishopston
Tel: 01179 426 436
SASH WINDOWS
REUPHOLSTERY
SnugSash.co.uk
The Bristol Plumber Bathroom & Kitchen Installation
Sash window specialist
5+ Years Experience, Tiling, Bathroom Fitting, Kitchens, Radiators, All Small Jobs
Reuse & Recycle
No VAT, Free no obligation quote
• Renovation • Draughtproofing • Double glazing • Repairs • Painting We can fit double glazing to your sash windows!
Let it live again!
07540607626
www.snugsash.co.uk
ed@thebristolplumber.com
07736 229727
facebook.com/thebristolplumber
PLUMBING
TREE SURGEON
COPPERMILL HEATING PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS
FREE collection & delivery on
all orders placed in March. (Valued at £80!)
• CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION & REPAIR • GAS, OIL & LPG • P O W E R F L U S H I N G • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • BOILER SERVICING • PLUMBING INSTALLATION & REPAIR
0117 924 8383 119 Coldharbour Road. BS6 7SD sofa.magic @sofamagic
FREE ESTIMATES
CALL 07769 693300
WWW.COPPERMILLHEATING.COM
PLUMBING
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Support for Landlords and Owners 15 years of experience
● ● ● ●
SnugSash
After
Before
● ● ● ● ● ●
• Tree Removal & Felling • Crown Reduction • Hedge Trimming • Crown Lifting • Dead Wood Removal Fully Qualified
Free quotes & advice
Insured
Tel: Robert Woodgate
07548 367044 or 0117 239 8343 greenglobetreesurgery@gmail.com
www.greenglobetreesurgery.com WASTE DISPOSAL
RUBBISH CLEARED
Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074
We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue
BristolPad Property Maintenance Services
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk.