Bishopston Voice May 2017 by Emma Cooper

bishopstonvoice May, 2017 Issue 54

www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Glos Road May Festival

Pages 29-31

FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS

It's our future and we have some great ideas

Pool set to be left high and dry The paddling pool at St Andrews Park is set to be closed at weekends from the end of this month unless last-minute funding can be found. PAGE 3

Double dose of election fever National politicians are flocking to Bristol to campaign in the first Metro Mayor polls this month and the general election in June. PAGES 2 and 6

Redmaids' High's first head girls Anjali Mehta and Alice Holder, both 17, have been selected as the first head girls of the new Redmaids' High School following the merger of Red Maids' and Redland High. PAGE 18

PUPILS from schools across Bristol, including Bishop Road, St Bonaventures, Westbury Park and Redland Green put forward their ideas for cross-school enrichment projects to senior teachers

and Cllr Claire Hiscott, Bristol Cabinet Member for Skills and Education at the NW24 Super School Teaching and Learning Partnership meeting. Full story: Page 14

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re truly local & proudly independentâ&#x20AC;Ś www.oceanhome.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS THE Green Party began its national election campaign on April 20 with a high profile launch at Clifton’s Avon Gorge Hotel. Co-leaders, Caroline Lucas MP and Jonathan Bartley, were supporting MEP Molly Scott Cato who will stand against Labour’s Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol West, a main target seat of the Green Party. The difficulties faced by young people are a significant part of Molly Scott Cato’s campaign. Calls to extend voting rights to 16-year olds and an end to student debt should all play well in a constituency that includes much of Bristol University. Molly Scott Cato said: “Look at the gulf opening up between young and old people. The only thing that young people can count on is debt. “It’s time to reverse elitism and division in our education section and make education a right, not a privilege. “Last June, we saw a horrendous example of not giving votes to 16 and 17-yearolds with the Brexit referendum. This was a decision that will impact 16-year-olds for the rest of their lives and they had to sit back and watch.” Co-leader of the Green party and their only current MP, Caroline Lucas said: “Winning Bristol West is within our grasp. I can’t wait to see

Green Party chooses Bristol to launch its election campaign

Left to right, Carla Denyer, Jonathan Bartley, Molly Scott Cato and Caroline Lucas Molly in Parliament. This is an opportunity to vote for a genuinely progressive party.” An enthusiastic crowd cheered messages about strong environmental protections after Brexit, a ratification referendum,

bishopstonvoice

Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

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

Sue Thomas News editor

07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Erica Benson

May, 2017

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ Bishopstonvoice

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

June deadline Our June deadline is May 17. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

rent controls and proposals for a hi-tech hub in Bristol focused on sustainable energy development. Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire won the Bristol West constituency with 36 per cent of the vote in 2015, defeating the

sitting MP, Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams. Darren Hall, who along with Stephen Williams is standing for election as Metro Mayor this May, gained 27 per cent of the vote for the Green Party at the last election.

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

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

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252

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 11,250 copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.

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

May, 2017

n NEWS COOLING off in a paddling pool may no longer be an option for children in St Andrews on summer weekends. Council budget cuts means the future of weekend opening for the popular tots’ paddling pool in St Andrews park is under question. Instead, opening may be limited to weekdays only after this month and next year’s timetable is also up in the air. St Andrews is just one of the 1,652 parks and green spaces maintained by the city council that are all having their maintenance budgets gradually axed over the next three years. This means all Bristol’s parks will need to generate enough income to fund the £7 million annual cost of running them, which includes grass and hedge cutting, providing play equipment and maintaining car parks and toilets. Despite some parks charging for events and car parking already, there is a £4 million shortfall every year that will need to be made up – or parks will have to close or be sold off. Tough decisions now need to be made about how to raise the money, which may include charging for services people have received for free in the past like parking, toilets and using areas such as the St Andrews paddling pool. Now children who want to save the pool from possible closure have written messages of support and attached them to the railings around the pool, which hasn’t yet opened for the 2017 summer season. But this year’s budget cuts of £400k for city parks mean overtime for park keepers and security workers who open and close the toilets has been slashed. Martin Weitz, a concerned resident and member of the group Friends of St Andrews Park, said that park users were already feeling the effects of the cuts. He said: “People have been complaining about people urinating in the park because the toilets are closing earlier. “Rubbish is piling up around bins at weekends and we’re told that there is no overtime any more to pay for extra collections. “We’re looking into whether the community can crowdfund the money needed to ensure the paddling pool remains open at weekends. We’ve also asked the

bishopstonvoice

Paddling pool under threat in massive park funding cut council whether volunteers can lock up the toilets so they can stay open later.” Ashley ward councillor Jude English said if parks are to become ‘cost neutral’ to the council then big changes need to happen to the way they are run. She said: “In Newcastle the parks are now owned by a charity trust, which means lottery funding and other grants can be applied for, so that could be a solution here. “By removing the council connection, money would also be able to be raised through sponsorship from businesses, or concessions of shops or coffee chains put into parks to raise funds. “There are other options to raise money such as running large events and festivals in parks. At the moment, though, there is no plan of how every park in the city is going to be cost neutral.” A meeting of the council’s Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Commission on April 24 was due to discuss initial ideas to make additional money. These include holding Christmas markets in parks, allowing camping, having treetop adventure courses, renting space to mobile food vans, running car boot sales and even selling water from a spring on the Blaise estate. Decisions are due by September on a city-wide plan to monetise park land. Councillor English said that the council doesn’t have any statutory requirement to maintain parks, so it wasn’t surprising that the city council had seen this as a way to cut expenditure. She said: “I don’t personally see how parks can be made cost neutral. Even if communities rally together and have groups of volunteers taking responsibility for local parks, it takes a huge amount of work to keep this kind of thing going year after year.” A Bristol City Council spokesman said: “The paddling pool is due to open during the final weekend of April. The pool will initially be open on weekdays and weekends but weekend

opening will be reviewed again at the end of May. “Toilets will be open until 3.30pm Monday to Thursday, 1pm on a Friday and until 7.30pm at the weekend. The parks team are currently looking at options to enable them to stay open later during the week. “All existing floral meadows at St Andrews park will continue to be maintained throughout this year and rubbish collections will continue to be seven days a week. “It is too early to comment on the future shape of parks services. There are further budget cut proposals for next year and beyond, and although the council is actively looking at ways that more income can be raised from parks, service reductions are a possibility.”

N FR OW A CO MP AT TT TO ER N EL L

The BBQ Specialists • Prize winning sausages • Tasty 8 week matured T Bones • Gower Salt Marsh Lamb Koftas • Free range Chinese pork ribs • Gluten free range • Butterflied legs of Gower lamb BBQ BOXES and more

MOLESWORTHS

101 Henleaze Road, Bristol, BS9 4JP

0117 962 1095

www.henleazebutchers.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

Local club bowled over by £50,000 grant A LOCAL bowling club has received a generous grant to fund much needed building refurbishment improvements. Work on a six month project to improve Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club will begin this October, thanks to a £50,000 grant by the Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB). Glen Wintle, who will be project managing and is also on the Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club committee, said: “The club committee and all of our members are ever so grateful to CETB for accepting our grant application. We would like to thank everyone who has supported the process so far, from the early application stage, to the club user groups, local neighbours and councillors who have provided letters of support. “We will be publishing regular updates throughout the project on our website and social media pages.” The historic clubhouse was opened in 1924 with an extension added to the building in the 1960s and a skittle alley installed in 1985. The club has been in desperate need of refurbishment in order to modernise and improve the appearance of the building, as well as to address health and safety concerns. The club currently has more than 50 members and can host private functions in the

upstairs function room. Following a consultation with user groups from the local community and the club’s members, the club approached CETB to assist with necessary upgrades to create a better environment. The works have a particular focus on improving accessibility to the site, to ensure it is usable for all, including those with limited mobility. As well as accessibility provisions, the grant will help to improve the club’s ventilation and

energy efficiency through installation of new doors and windows. Redecoration will also take place to revitalise the kitchen and toilets, and to improve the veranda and balcony. Additionally, the funding will be used to fix the leaking roof. Angela Haymonds, CETB Trust Secretary, said: “The CETB Trustees are delighted to have been able to offer funding for this extensive range of improvement works, which will help to create a much safer environment for members of the local community and the members of the bowling club. We hope the refurbishment works will create a fantastic social space for users, and can’t wait to see the finished results!” CETB funding is available for a wide range of projects that bring benefit to local communities. This may include refurbishment of churches or buildings of architectural or historical significance, or general amenity projects, such as improving disabled access or improvements to parks and nature reserves. For more information, or to see if your project would qualify for funding, visit www. cetb.org.uk For updates on the Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club refurbishment, visit www. facebook.com/bristolstandrewss

Animal Health Centre

Gloucester Road’s Independent Veterinary Practice

• A small expert team providing individual care for your pet • Free preventative healthcare clinics with qualified veterinary nurses • Modern surgical and x-ray facilities

• In-house laboratory and dentistry equipment Nicky Bromhall BVSc MRCVS Principal Veterinary Surgeon since 2002

0117 9247832 Consultations by appointment 24 hour Emergency Service

358 Gloucester Road, Horfield, BS7 8TP

www.animalhealthcentre.org

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Parents urged to join fight over school funding cuts A MEETING to discuss Fair Funding for all Schools Bristol is planned to take place on May 11 at The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road. Education campaigner Huw Williams is leading the event, which starts at 6.30pm. He said: “The level of cuts being proposed for Bristol schools is going to have a huge impact on our children's education and life chances. This meeting is open to anyone who is concerned about how thousands of pupils and future pupils will be disadvantaged by the new funding formula alongside general cuts to education. The meeting is being held in Southmead but all are welcome. This is part of building a campaign to defend school funding. “We set up a meeting in Ashley Down, who are facing cuts of around £400,000 and around 70 people turned up overwhelmingly parents. “This is a growing campaign and there will be a march in Bristol too on May 20.” So what’s it all about? Doesn’t the Government keep telling us that it is spending more on education than ever? Kevin Courtney, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, agrees but only because there are more schools and more children than before. Individually, almost all schools are facing a squeeze on their budgets that is going to get worse, even before the introduction of the proposed new National Funding Formula in April 2018. Increased National Insurance and pension contributions, wage rises and the apprenticeship levy mean that in real terms schools are set to have about eight per cent less money, according to the National Audit Office. These constraints will force them to make tough choices: cutting jobs, reducing the curriculum and stopping trips and after-school clubs. Head teachers say they are torn between wanting parents to be aware of the financial realities yet trying to reassure them that schools will do their very best for

Butchers of Southville

AWARDS 2016

Angela Athay-Hunt, who read the children with the money they out anonymous quotes from have available. school staff including one that Redland Green School (RGS) said: “This has to be led by sent out a letter to all parents parents. ‘They’ won’t listen to in March explaining that school teachers.” funds are at a critical level due Mr Courtney said the power to a reduction of funding of of the campaign was that it could £832,000 predicted for 2017-18. be supported by parents across RGS has increased the the country, no matter which number of students in the political party they voted for or school and class sizes, but which way they cast their ballot stated that: “This will not be in the referendum. enough to eliminate operational No parent had voted for the deficits and we are therefore increased class sizes, reduced in a position of having to think opportunities for dance, drama the unthinkable. We, along and PE and cuts in individual with other schools, may need to support that would come about consider: reducing leadership if, as expected, schools across time and roles; reducing staffing England had £3bn less a year to further; increasing class sizes spend. “If you think education’s and reducing the number of expensive, try ignorance,” he teachers employed; have some said. classes taught by non-specialist A website set up by the NUT teachers; charge parents for and other unions - schoolcuts. activities and resources we org - gives predictions for every currently provide for free.” school in England and the One-off or regular donations budget crisis each could face by from parents whose children 2020 based on Department for attend the school were some of Education figures. the funding suggestions, along The National Funding the lines of £10 per month. Formula was supposed to iron The organisers of Fair us on regional differences, but Funding for all Schools - SouthFind out campaigners say 98 per cent Glos were overwhelmed when of children across the land 300 people turned up for their will be worse off. That’s why meeting at the Holiday Inn on Fair Funding for all Schools is April 6. And they were encouraged urging parents, teachers and by the message from Kevin governors to lobby their local Courtney, who told them he MPs -to persuade them to join believed they could win their the protest. battle. Schools funding is expected The meeting heard from a to be a major issue in the general number of speakers, including election campaign.

AWARDS 2015

AWARDS 2014

Bristol’s Best Butcher 250 North Street, Southville, Bristol BS3 1JD Tel: 0117 966 3593

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

National political leaders give their support to Metro Mayor candidates ALL attention may now be focused on the General Election, but before that happens voters in Bishopston, Redland and Cotham have the opportunity to vote for a West of England Metro Mayor on May 4. National party leaders have been campaigning in force in the region, which stands to gain an extra £900 million to deliver infrastructure across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset over the next 30 years. Transport, housing, economic growth, adult training and skills will all come under the new Metro Mayor authority creating a muchneeded coordinated strategy for the whole area. Liberal Democrats candidate Stephen Williams was joined by Tim Farron MP, the leader of the party, at the Arnolfini gallery on Bristol’s harbourside on April 18, to launch the party's West of England mayor manifesto and to speak out against plans for a hard Brexit. Stephen Williams said:“As regional mayor I would stand up for the rights of the EU nationals who live in the West of England.

Over 30,000 people work in some of our key industries, such as aerospace, or in the NHS and other public services. In the two hard years ahead of us, while the government negotiates with the EU, our relationships with our closest neighbours will still be the most important, whatever the outcome of the Article 50 discussions. “People in Bristol and Bath voted decisively to remain in the EU. For all those who want to protect our local economy

by staying in the Single Market and ensure the people have the final say over what comes next, the elections are your chance to say no to the government’s hard Brexit.” Labour candidate, Lesley Mansell was joined by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in Bristol on April 21. She said: “I’m delighted Jeremy's come to Bristol to support my campaign. We share a passion for social justice and equality – two messages at the

very core of my manifesto. “The Metro Mayor is a new role and a chance to change the way things are done. It’s an opportunity for us to tackle the inequalities of our housing market, the insecurity of our jobs market and to end the frustrations of our journeys across Bristol.” An experienced negotiator, the NHS manager’s first priority is to address the region's housing problems. “I want to see more social and affordable housing being built, focusing on the areas of greatest need. We have already seen in Bristol what can be done when there is the will to build houses. I will work closely with Marvin Rees to replicate Labour’s success in Bristol across the rest of the region,” she said. The other candidates standing in the West of England Mayoral election are Tim Bowles, Conservative Party; Darren Hall, Green Party; John Savage, Independent and Aaron Foot, UKIP. Look out for the results in the June Voice, as well as profiles of the General Election candidates.

New home for property agents HOME for you property agents have moved up in the world. Managing Director Jackie Rich said: “We are delighted to have moved to larger premises and thrilled that we are still on Gloucester Road. "We moved into Gloucester Road in 1997 after being in Park Street for ten years. "We have moved four times and this will be the last time as this new office fits our staffing requirements perfectly. Home for you offers a range of letting services and full property management, for all property types and cover all areas of Bristol. The company is a family run business and has been trading for more than 30 years. “Although we have only been

in our new office for a few weeks it already feel like home, thanks to our lovely neighbours who

have made us feel very welcome. “Please pop into see us and

say hello - hopefully you’ll love our new office as much as we do,” Jackie added.

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

MAKE a date in your diary for the ever-popular, annual Redland May Fair which returns once more on Mayday - Monday May 1, filling Redland Green with music, games, stalls and a whole host of fun. It will be the 41st year the event has been held and committee chair, Julie Hart, has been the chief organiser for the past five years. The community event includes the church, Redland Green Bowling Club, the tennis club, the allotments, Redland Green Community Association and lots of other local associations too. Julie Hart said: “We have over 100 stalls, all sorts of different foods, entertainment including Bristol Samba Band, the Ambling Band, children’s games, a maypole and morris dancing. We have something for everybody throughout the whole afternoon and there is a lovely atmosphere. Redland May Fair runs from 1 - 5pm and is free for all to enter. Julie said: “ A couple of years ago we decided to have a bucket collection for charity as

All the fun of 41st May Fair

it is a free event. Our charity is Caring in Bristol which helps the destitute and homeless. We have people collecting on the four entrances of the Green and hope that people would like to donate something from the charity so that someone else can benefit from the event. “If anyone can spare an

hour to shake a bucket at one of those entrances that would be really good and help with the community effort.” Look out for the cream teas and cake on offer in the recently renovated halls of Redland Green Church and for taster sessions at Redland Tennis Club and the

Bowls Club. Plants, preserves and a host of stalls selling clothes, toys, jewellery and books will be there. Come and share in the fun! If you are able to donate your time to help with the collection contact: redland mayfair@rcas. org.uk

s Dr Mark Haseltine, B.D.S. Dr Susan Lavington, B.D.S. Dr Laura Birch, B.D.S.

What do you want your glasses to say about you? Find your own personal style in the Lynne Fernandes 2017 collection.

LynneFernandes The Collection

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

6 Weeks Membership Offer

Sign up to a rackets membership any time between May and July 2017 to qualify for our 6 Week Rackets Membership Offer of just £50 for a family or £25 for an individual Plus get 1st coaching session free when you sign up to any group coaching course and receive a £5 Pay and Play Voucher for friends and family to use

Terms and conditions apply

Redland Green Club Redland Green Bristol BS6 7HF Phone 0117 973 1139 info@redlandgreen.co.uk www.redlandgreen.co.uk

Gym membership also available Previously known as Bristol Lawn Tennis and Squash Club

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

Improving air quality to save lives A PUBLIC meeting held by the Bishopston Society has called for action to be taken on air pollution. Three experts spoke about urban air pollution, its causes and effects, and how it concerns Bristol and more locally, Bishopston and the Gloucester Road. The 70 strong audience took part in group discussions and feedback and were clearly engaged with the subject. The second half of the evening was planned so small groups could get together to pool their ideas on how to bring about some positive improvement in local air pollution. Jim Longhurst, the first speaker, is both a Bishopston resident and an air pollution scientist based at UWE whose research extends world-wide. Jim said: “Air pollution is a cause of premature death. In Bristol there is a problem of particulate matter and diesel and petrol fumes but are we willing to take action to improve things?” Jim went on to explain that an estimated 40 – 50,000 people in the UK die prematurely as a result of breathing nitrous oxides and particulate matter, the smallest of the latter being able to penetrate deeply into and through lung tissues directly into the blood system itself. However,

despite this understanding, to date no death certificates have recognised air pollution as a cause of death. The nitrogen dioxide and particulates produced create a problem in cities because there are so many vehicles operating within a congested space. There are known measures and methods to reduce the scale and complexity of air pollution, but we seem reluctant to take the necessary action through these

interventions. One positive note is that the government is to introduce a new Clean Air programme, a requirement of EU legislation. This should have the effect of making us speed up our compliance with existing European laws on air pollution. Gavin Spittlehouse, a leading member of Sustainable Bishopston (which co-organised the meeting) gave a wide ranging talk about air pollutants. He

pointed out that commercial vehicles are not necessarily the biggest polluters. Because of factors like their less efficient exhaust filtering systems, small diesel cars can, per litre of fuel burnt, produce 10 times the emissions of a large lorry. Bristol has an air quality monitoring area which covers the city centre with extensions outwards including the Gloucester Road approximately up to Monks Park. There are five major monitoring stations around Bristol (though none are located in North Bristol) which give readings every hour in real time, and these data can be accessed on a dedicated BCC website. A recently awarded £500,000 grant to Bristol and South Gloucestershire to investigate the setting up of low emission zones in the city could have an impact on pollution levels, though it is doubtful that such a zone would extend out to the Gloucester Road. Tom Brook, Labour councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down mentioned some of the actions being taken by big cities worldwide and said Bristol should use these to inform its own anti-pollution policies. The council is beginning to take action through the setting up of a freight consolidation centre, residents parking schemes, and efforts to improve the bus network. Jim Longhurst injected some further useful information concerning ClairCity, a new European wide project which UWE is about to begin. Bristol will be one of six cities involved and BCC is a partner in the project. The aim is to find out exactly how citizens of these cities want to live and work in the future - and perhaps, more importantly, what they are prepared to do to help improve the quality of the air they will be breathing in their future cities. Further information on this four year project can be found at claircity.eu.

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n FROM OUR LOCAL MP

Thangam Debbonaire column

ONE of my priorities as your MP is to make Bristol a truly autismfriendly city. So last month, I hosted representatives from major employers in Bristol West for a round table discussion on tackling barriers to employment for those with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The National Autistic Society’s recent research into autistic people’s experiences of work highlights some stark inequalities. Just 16 per cent of autistic adults are in full-time employment. What’s more, those with ASD often experience negative treatment at work: 48 per cent say they’ve been bullied or harassed. It’s true there’s now greater awareness of the needs of those who have ASD. Yet the National Autistic Society has shown that many employers feel underequipped to support staff. 60 per cent of employers say they don’t know where to go for support and advice about employing an autistic person. I was glad so many large

employers were able to join the discussion. Representatives from Rolls Royce, Airbus, Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol, Network Rail, North Bristol NHS Trust, Avon Fire and Rescue and Lloyds Banking Group all attended and spoke about what support their organisations put in place for autistic staff and shared ideas. We heard from the National Autistic Society how individual needs should be attended to, and that even positive myths surrounding ASD can have the unintended effect of stereotyping and glossing over needs. Autistic people have important skills they can contribute to a workplace, and it was great to hear so many local employers keen to learn more about autism and how to support workers with ASD. Several constituents have come to me with concerns about children with ASD struggling with school places and support for their education. I’m glad to say my team and I have successfully helped most, but lack of government

funding remains a problem. I’ll continue to campaign for Bristol to become a truly autismfriendly city. I want to see much better employment rates; I’ll ensure policy makers understand needs and potential; I’ll encourage key visitor attractions to use autismfriendly information and help. I’ve been planning, with the National Autistic Society, a constituency MP surgery especially for people with ASD and their families. Above all, I want people with autism to tell me they notice clear differences. Of course, Theresa May has now called a General Election. This is your chance to have a say on how the country is run. Your vote is your voice, and your voice matters. Obviously I hope to remain your MP to continue my campaigns on autism, housing, clean air, refugees and to fight against Tory plans for Brexit, and much more. But that’s entirely up to you. Above all, make sure you register to vote; and use that vote on 8 June!

Home care Home withcareHome with care a difference a differencea difference

Tailor made Tailor to your made toTailor your made to yo individual requirements individual requirements individual require

• Award winning•care Award winning care • Award winning care • Companionship• services Companionship services • Companionship servi • Home help services • Home help services • Home help services • Personal care services • Personal care services • Personal care services • Highly trained CAREGivers • Highly trained CAREGivers • Highly trained CAREG

If someone in your family If someone needsina your family If needs someone a in your famil little help please calllittle Johnhelp or Kirsty please call Johnlittle or Kirsty help please call John on 0117 989 8210on 0117 989 8210 on 0117 989 82

w.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth 0117 989Tel: 8210 0117 989 8210 Tel: 0117 989 8210

nstead Senior Care© franchise office Eachis Home independently Instead Senior ownedCare and ©operated. franchiseCopyright office is independently © Each HomeHome Instead owned Instead 2017. and Senior operated. Care©Copyright franchise office © Home is independently Instead 2017. owned and operated. Copyright © Home Instead 2017.

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

Celebrate 10 years of Big Screen A FILM club in Bishopston will celebrate their 10th anniversary in May with a screen of a 1975 classic, Dog Day Afternoon. Bishop Road Big Screen grew out of a film club run for the children at Bishop Road Primary School for several years. The organisers thought that a similar event for grown-ups would both benefit the community and raise some funds for the school's PTFA. After proposing and (several milliseconds later) rejecting the name "Adult Film Club", the event was christened Bishop Road Big Screen. The policy was, and remains, free admission and a cash bar, with no children allowed. Friday 5th May

Steve Hull, who's been with Big Screen from the beginning, said: “We ran our first evening on May 3rd 2007, screening a double bill of Citizen Kane and The Thin Man to a very forgiving audience of about 8 or 9: the projector broke down 3 minutes before the end of Citizen Kane and we had to tell our patrons the identity of Rosebud. “Since then there have been no breakdowns, and we have run six films a year to audiences varying from four or five to about 135 (Mamma Mia!, 9th January 2009). We mostly run films that are just out on DVD, but try to get one classic in per year as well as one or two special screenings for the kiddies. Dog Day Afternoon, starring Al Pacino, will be screened on May 5th from 8pm. In addition to the usual refreshments, the organisers are laying on a supply of ice-cold margaritas to enhance the 70s mood. "The great thing about our film evenings has always been the atmosphere. An intimate space, candlelit tables, perhaps a bottle of wine or a box of Malteasers and a great movie. The anniversary screening will be no different -- except, of course, for the margaritas! “We believe that Bishop Road Big Screen is the longest-running independent film event in Bristol. We hope you'll come down on the 5th of May and see why,” added Steve.

Bristol Welcomes All Bishopston residents and Labour Party members have launched a “Bristol Welcomes All” poster, aimed at promoting community cohesion and a welcoming atmosphere in the city. Poster designer Christina de la Mare said: “There was a strong desire to do something positive. We don’t believe people in the UK should turn their back on people from other countries.” Tom Brook, Councillor for Bishopston and Ashley Down said: “Bristol is a City of Sanctuary with a proud history of welcoming newcomers, and it’s great to see an initiative that started in Bishopston going city-wide.” Look out for copies of the poster in windows near you.

View us online at www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Celebrate our 10th anniversary with a special screening of this 70s classic. Al Pacino is the bungling bank robbery who unleashes a series of event no-one could have predicted.

QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

FREE ADMISSION CASH BAR including margaritas for this special event! Doors open at 7:30 - Film begins at 8:00 Bar open until 10:30 Sorry no children

A fresh approach to a new kitchen!

All profits go to the Bishop Road PTFA

EST.

Before

1999

• From doors to a complete kitchen • Large choice of doors, worktops, appliances and accessories • Free planning & design service ®

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE:

0117 911 6773 dreamdoors.co.uk

Visit our showroom: 11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

Tennis club open day is a smash hit WHAT a day it was. With the sun shining, Kings started the tennis season in style. The free Open Day, a firm favourite in the community, attracted the highest numbers ever, with over 200 people taking part in the fun packed day. With a wide range of activities on offer, adults, teenagers and kids got the chance to try out tennis for the first time, or the opportunity to enhance their skills, but most importantly this day was about meeting new people and having fun. The perfect day ended with live music from Bristol Sax Quartet which added to the festival atmosphere. "There's always something going on at Kings- we love coming here" said one visitor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to join this club, just because everyone is so happy and welcoming here,â&#x20AC;? said another. If this has spiked an interest in tennis, this very friendly club could be just what you are looking for. They offer taster membership for 4 months at a

very reasonable cost, for details and to find out about coaching and play check out the Kings website www.clubspark.lta.org. uk/KingsLawnTennisClub Regular club night specials which are open to non-members are a good opportunity for adults to give Kings a try. The next one is Tuesday May 2 - see the events page of the website for details. Proud to be part of the community, Kings also has another fantastic new and free community event happening on Saturday June 24. Focusing on women and girls in sport, and linked with the Bristol European City of Sport and LTA She Rallies Campaigns, all women and girls are invited to sign up now for the Kings women and girls free event - Are You Game? Details of how to sign up are on the Kings website at www.clubspark.lta. org.uk/KingsLawnTennisClub For any enquiries about Kings get in touch with Head Coach Elly at ellytennis.kings@hotmail. com

News? Give Sue a call on 07976706120 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

Project aims to support ethnic minority elders A £15K PROJECT is under way to break down barriers for ethnic minority elders needing mental health counselling. Social enterprise Oasis-Talk, which provides 2,000 mental health sessions across Bristol and South Gloucestershire every month, wants to understand what barriers are in place that stop people seeking help. Black and ethnic minority communities are more likely to be affected by depression, particularly people over 50, yet take up of free NHS therapy is much lower for older people than those of working age. The Elders Project, funded by a grant from Bristol Ageing Better, aims to find out the reasons for this, and connect people who need help to the right services. Local community groups aimed at black and ethnic minority people across the city will be visited as part of the project, and asked about their encounters with mental health services in Bristol

and how these could be improved. Taster sessions on topics including stress and mindfulness are also being offered at groups, so members can see whether attending a longer free course might be of help to them. One of the groups that will benefit is Opoka, an EasternEuropean support centre in Montpelier. It is hoped that over the course of the nine-month project, 100 people will be given access

to mental health support who wouldn’t normally have got in touch. Oasis-Talk Relationship manager Ruth Richardson said uptake of mental health counselling was low among older people from ethnic minorities and the project aimed to change that. She said: “Lots of these people grew up in another country before coming to Britain, so don’t have English as their first language. “We’re finding so far that

one of the main barriers is a cultural difference in how people talk about mental health. In English it’s common to talk about mental health in addition to physical health, but this isn’t true everywhere. “It’s important that people have access to counselling or group services in their own language, with someone who can understand the subtle differences words can have in different cultures. For instance, in Somali there isn’t a word for depression. “By going direct to people where they feel comfortable, we cut out the bureaucracy. We have no waiting list, whereas if people go and see their GP and wait to be seen through the NHS there’s usually a wait of eight weeks or more.” Anyone wanting to take part in the project and share their own experience, or wanting a visit to their own community group, can contact elders community worker Shazia Riaz on 0117 970 9423.

The heart of yoga in Bristol

GOsC registered Osteopath in practice for over 20 years and can help with: • Back and neck pain • Headaches/Sinus problems

0117 924 3330

• Trapped nerves • Arm and leg pain • Sports Injuries • Arthritic pain For appointments please visit my website

www.alexprinceosteopathy.co.uk or email/call me alex@alexprinceosteopathy.co.uk

M: 07951 942262 T: 0117 973 6477 I am based at

Active8 MAIN HEADER SIGN.indd 1

08/07/2013 15:12:06

13-21 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PT

Thinking of trying yoga? Special offer for Voice readers: 5-week foundation course for only £30 (usual price £49). Quote code VOICE30 when booking* *course must be started before end June 2017

www.yogawest.co.uk

Denmark Place, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NW

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

n NEWS PUPILS from schools in Bristol, including Bishop Road, St Bonaventure’s, Westbury Park and Redland Green, presented their ideas about cross school projects they’d like to see happen to senior teachers gathered together at the Bristol Pavilion for a NW24 Super School Teaching and Learning Partnership collaboration meeting. An empowering children’s conference was held in March at St John’s C of E Primary School where pupils were encouraged to set their own enrichment agenda children’s conference. School council reps, from primary and secondary, mainstream and special needs schools, shared ideas for cross school projects. Organised into six categories (Charity and the Community, Sports, The Arts, STEM, Languages and Random) the reps pooled and developed the ideas they had brought, held a final vote and shortlisted the best. Three ideas from each category were pitched by a final

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

Pupils put forward their ideas for working together

team of twelve school council reps to school leaders attending the full NW24 Conference 2017: Empowering Pupils, Enriching Lives, on April 4. Governors, headteachers, deputy headteachers and Cllr Claire Hiscott, Bristol Cabinet Member

for Skills and Education listened to the proposals pitched on the day. The school leaders have already pledged to deliver as many as they consider viable over the next academic year. Matt Simpson, elected member of Bristol’s Youth

Parliament took part in the workshops and Bristol Youth Mayors, Jack Payne and Eve Szczelkun, made an address speaking about the opportunity to produce change and get involved in politics. Jai and Urte, Y6 pupils from Bishop Road School presented their ideas about Sport, proposing an inter-school sport competition, coaching buddies and a NW24 Olympics. Jai said: “I think it might encourage younger kids to take up sport. It gives new opportunities for pupils and an idea of what the coaching might be like.” Urte added: “Olympic and coaching buddies would be encouraging for the children.” Mr Greenburgs, a teacher at Bishop Road School, said: “This is a new initiative since we’ve

A t A n i m a l H o u s e w e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t r e g i s t e r i n g y o u r p e t w i t h a n e w v e t i s a b i g d e c i s i o n . S o t o m a k e i t a l i t t l e e a s i e r w e a r e m a k i n g t h i s o f f e r t o y o u . M a k e a ‘ M e e t t h e v e t ’ a p p o i n t m e n t a t a n y o f o u r s u r g e r i e s a n d w e w i l l g i ve you the ﬁ r s t c o n s u l t a t i o n a b s o l u t e l y f r e e . T h e o n l y c o s t t o y o u w o u l d b e i f y o u r p e t n e e d e d a n y t r e a t m e n t a g r e e d w i t h T h e A n i m a l H o u s e V e t . W e h o p e t h a t t h i s a p p o i n t m e n t w i l l g i v e y o u t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o e x p e r i e n c e t h e A n i m a l H o u s e p e r s o n a l a p p r o a c h t o v e t e r i n a r y c a r e . T o t a k e a d v a n t a g e o f t h i s o f f e r , s i m p l y f i l l o u t t h e f o r m o n o u r w e b s i t e t o r e c e i v e y o u r v o u c h e r . C h a l k s R o a d S t G e o r g e B r i s t o l . B S 5 7 A A

C h i p p i n g S o d b u r y 6 1 H o r s e S t r e e t C h i p p i n g S o d b u r y B r i s t o l . B S 3 7 6 D A

D o w n e n d 1 1 C l e e v e W o o d R o a d , D o w n e n d B r i s t o l . B S 1 6 2 S F

W e s t b u r y P a r k 1 1 N o r t h V i e w W e s t b u r y P a r k B r i s t o l . B S 6 7 P T

T e l : 0 1 1 7 3 3 5 5 9 9 9 w w w . a n i m a l h o u s e v e t s . c o . u k To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS been having the school council in Bishop Road. It’s exciting because the children had to come together and think of all the ideas, discuss them and flesh out how the ideas might look in reality. It’s quite a big undertaking for the children but it’s really exciting to be a part of it.” The NW24 group has been working to improve children's outcomes for the last three years and was formed out of a group of schools that already worked together informally and has continued to plough its own form of collaborative working. Matt Simpson is a Y10 pupil at Redland Green School and believes that it helps both the students and staff if all the schools work together. Matt explained: “It gets the whole wider school community involved as it allows them to work together and get links with other schools.” Redland Green Y9 pupil, India Garrett-Cox, added: “We went through them with

the Super School Council and everyone brought ideas from their own schools which we bounced off each other. "We presented the section of Charity and Community which is important in getting students involved and learning about the wider community from a younger age and understanding what’s out there. I think it’s really good that we can get our ideas heard.” Bristol Gateway School pupils Georgia Max and Dante Thomas presented the Languages ideas, included exciting proposals for a world food day, a multi-school spelling bee and a story writing competition. Georgia said: “We are hoping that our ideas will be shared with all the schools - not just the six schools that came today so that hopefully we can collaborate better. It’s nice to get to know different people and children of different ages.” Dante added: "It was great to see the primary school pupils and how creative and talented they are as a team.”

Now we can teach Classics ad infinitum ORCHARD School Bristol, Filton Avenue Primary, Horfield CofE Primary and Bishop Road Primary have secured £9,000 funding from Classics for All, a charity set up to promote the teaching of Latin, Greek and classical civilisation in schools. The money will be used to support staff training in Latin and classical civilisation across the three schools, giving them the chance to develop the subject in years to come. There will also be work done on etymology with Trust in Learning academies in South Bristol. Teachers believe the teaching of the Classics goes beyond knowledge of the language. Children learn about philosophy, culture, critical thinking and broader thinking, using the insights from the past to interpret events of today. Kathleen McGillycuddy, deputy head teacher of Orchard School Bristol in Horfield, said: “We were thrilled to win this funding from Classics for All. “It means whole new generations of children will benefit from learning about the Classics. This will take them into areas such as philosophy and critical thinking as well as helping them understand the connection between Latin and English, which will have a huge impact on levels of literacy.”

Are You Fed Up With Mess And Clutter?

MOVING HOUSE

Decluttering your property before putting it on the market increases the selling price enormously and stops you importing clutter into your new home. It presents your property in the best possible light and maximises its full selling potential

Wardrobes, Drawers, Cupboards and Shelves full to bursting. Hoarding & Collecting Dealing with a relatives home Moving House

Do You Need Help To Declutter?

HOUSE NOT SELLING LOW OFFERS POOR VIEWINGS

I work with you at your pace with empathy and understanding

The first time a buyer see’s your property is online. These images need to be eye catching and enticing. I offer a House Doctor and DIY service to attract potential buyers and create a sale

Free Consultation For help, advice and solutions call

Decluttering and reorganising your home ‘declutters the mind’, reduces anxiety and stress levels by making your home an inviting, pleasurable place to live in and somewhere to be proud of

DeClutter Services

Fay Gregory faymaxrecycling@ymail.com 0117 9550713 078 2107 8526

FM DeClutter Services offer a tailor made service to suit your needs

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk 05/04 DeClutter.indd 1

05/04 DeClutter.indd 2 19/04/2017 09:57

19/04/2017 09:57

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n EDUCATION

New head teacher for The Dolphin School

SHELLEY Dixon is the new head teacher at The Dolphin School in Bristol. She has taken up her post in time for the primary school's move into its new purpose-built premises in Montpelier. The Dolphin School, which opened in 2012 and is rated good by Ofsted, is one of five primaries and a secondary in the Bristolbased CGS Trust. Miss Dixon was deputy head and acting head at Sea Mills Primary in Bristol and previously worked at Henleaze Infant School in the city as well

News?

Give Sue a call on 07976 706120

as for an international charity in Guyana. She said: “I am thrilled to be leading The Dolphin School on the next stage of its journey, driving forward improvements and establishing it at the heart of its diverse, inner-city community. “Working with families and the community is really important to me. “CGST is a very supportive trust which offers opportunities for collaborative working with similar schools and very different schools. We can learn a lot from each other.” Paula Shore, CGST executive principal for primaries, said: “CGST is forward thinking and inclusive, wanting to recruit the very best people who will continue to afford the very best opportunities to the school communities. Shelley is passionately committed to the children and the wider school and has an excellent track record.”

Art and Sole - a community art trail Saturday, 20th May, 11am - 3pm 3

Fonthill Primary School (Art Building) Ascot Road BS10 5SW

Southmead Youth Club Greystoke Ave BS10 6AS

Venues

*Opens at noon

SCART Shop Greystoke Ave BS10 6AS

Orchard School Bristol Filton Road (A38) BS7 0XZ

St Andrew’s Youth Club Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS

Upper Horfield Community School Sheridan Road BS7 0PU

4 7

Horfield Library Filton Ave BS7 0BD

2 1 8 Filton Avenue Primary School Lockleaze Road BS7 9RP

6 5

Most activities FREE - just come along and have a go!

Upper Horfield Primary

presents

Woods next to The Vench, Lockleaze Youth & Play Space BS7 9TB 7 9 8

Filton Ave Primary

10 Buzz Lockleaze 6 Gainsborough Square BS7 9XA

11 11

The Art & Sole arts trail, brought to you by the With One Voice Partnership of schools, aims to celebrate and promote the creativity and diversity in our community. The trail, across 11 venues in Horfield, Southmead, Lockleaze and Filton, will show off some of the amazing work of both children and adults in many different art forms. It will also give you the opportunity to find out more about what you can get involved in around your community, giving you the chance to have a go at things that you may have never tried before.

The Hub Gainsborough Square BS7 9FB

Contact Helen at h.howard@osb. school for more information With One Voice Partnership schools are: Orchard School Bristol, Filton Avenue Primary, Fonthill Primary, Upper Horfield Primary and Filton Avenue Children’s Centre.

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

FHS pupil wins Bristol Young Heroes Award YEAR 7 Fairfield High School (FHS) student, Archie Drummond, has won the Caring Hero award at the Bristol Young Heroes Awards. This ceremony, held on March 31 at the Wills Memorial Building in central Bristol, saw a number of famous faces in attendance, including Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane, international DJ Roni Size, singer Beth Rowley and Hollywood actor Liam Garrigan. Archie was nominated by his tutor Miss Thompson after she learnt about the number of acts of kindness towards other students, coupled with his dedication and caring role he plays at home for his brother, Dexter who has autism. At the beginning of his time at FHS, Archie ensured that a student with special educational needs was given priority on a bus home by asking the other Year 11 students waiting to let him have a seat first. Archie also made sure a Year 9 student with autism was looked after in the playground

and did not hesitate to show him support in front of other students. It was only at this stage when Miss Thompson phoned home to share these positive stories that Archie’s home life came to light. His Mum told about the poor health of Archie’s step father, which has resulted in Archie taking a key role in the upbringing and care of his 5 year old brother. Miss Thompson then promptly entered Archie for the Caring Hero award. After being narrowed down to three finalists in this category, Archie was declared the winner, with the award being presented by Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol. Natalie Thompson, tutor and teacher at FHS, said: “We are unbelievably proud of Archie and thrilled that he has won this award. What makes it so special is his modesty; at no stage did he share his acts of kindness or caring role at home with me or his other teachers. Archie is an exceptional individual who deserves every ounce of this Archie Drummond with his tutor, Miss Thompson recognition.”

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n EDUCATION

Redmaids’ High selects first head girls THE first head girls of Bristol’s newest school – Redmaids’ High School - have been announced. This follows the merger of Redland High School and The Red Maids’ School announced last March. Anjali Mehta (right) and Alice Holder, both aged 17, have been selected to lead the student body following a voting and interview process involving the girls and staff at the 382-year-old school. Anjali, from Stoke Park, joined Red Maids’ in Year 10 from East Africa where she attended a French-speaking school. Her first language is Indian Gujarati but she is also fluent in French and English. She achieved 10 A*s and an A grade in her GCSEs and is currently studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and French alongside an Extended Project Qualification. “I grew up in Burundi where students did not have a voice,” Anjali told the school. “It’s only when I moved to the UK, to Red Maids’ that I realised that’s not normal. And that is what I what to emphasise - how lucky we are here.” Alice, from Chew Magna, joined

Redland High School in Year 7 and moved to the Westbury site into Year 12 in September. A keen drama student Alice is studying English Literature, Drama and Spanish at A level. She has always been involved in school productions and recently directed one of her own, The Miscast, to raise funds for Redmaids' High's link school in Cambodia which Alice will visit during the summer break. Alice said: "I hope to be a really positive role model for younger students particularly those from Redland High who have recently moved to the Westbury site and are getting used to their new surroundings." Headmistress Isabel Tobias said: “This is a momentous year in the long and distinguished histories of our founding schools and an extremely exciting time for both Anjali and Alice. We all wish them every success in these important leadership roles.” The next visiting morning for the Redmaids’ High Senior School is on Thursday 4 May at 10am. Please contact the Admissions Team on 0117 989 8252 or by emailing admissions@redmaids. bristol.sch.uk to reserve a place.

Cli on High School co-educa onal nursery school to sixth form

Nursery to Year 6 Open Morning: Wednesday 26th April 2017

“The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent” ISI Inspection 2016

0117 933 9087 | admissions@cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk The Diamond Edge Model

Realising Individual Brilliance

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Sticking it to meningitis at Ryan’s hockey tournament ENTHUSIASTIC hockey players of all abilities are invited to sign up for an annual charity tournament in Bristol to help knock meningitis into touch. Ryan’s Hockey Tournament, in memory of 16-year-old Ryan Bresnahan who died from meningitis in 2010, is taking place at Clifton College Sports Ground on Sunday 28 May. Mixed teams of six-a-side minimum can enter a team for £10 a person, to include lunch. All money raised will go to ‘a life for a cure’, the Bristolbased charity founded in Ryan’s name, which works closely with national charity Meningitis Now to fight the devastating disease. Since it launched, ‘a Life for a Cure’ is closing in on raising £500,000 towards vital vaccine research, campaigning for greater vaccine take-up, particularly among students, and raising awareness of the disease’s symptoms. Ryan’s mother Michelle, founder of ‘a Life for a Cure’, said: “This was the very first event we organised following Ryan’s death and encompasses everything he would love - great hockey, competition, lots of fun and people of all ages joining together to play sport. Ryan was an exceptionally talented sportsman and had played hockey since he was a youngster. “This event gets bigger and better each year. Last year there were over 300 players all in fancy dress and we hope for even more this year. Please come along and join in the fun for a great and vital cause.” Ryan, a sports scholar at Clifton College, was a fit and active teenager when he fell ill and died from meningitis B in March 2010. “We had no notice or even time to say goodbye. It all happened within an hour,” Michelle added. Alongside the hockey there will be a prize for the best fancy dress at the tournament and throughout the day a BBQ, cakes and raffle will be available. The action starts at 10am with registration at 9.45am. Entry is free for spectators. To enter a team email Emily Atkinson on emilyatkinson10@ hotmail.com or Michelle Bresnahan on michellebres@

btinternet.com To donate by phone text RYAN94 £1, £5 or £10 to 70070. The event is sponsored by Burston Cook, Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants in Bristol. Steve Dayman, Meningitis Now founder, said: “We’re so grateful to Michelle, and everyone who has supported her through ‘a Life for a Cure’ since Ryan’s untimely death. It’s impossible to underestimate the impact her fundraising has had on our research and awareness work. “As a charity that receives no Government funding we rely entirely on the generosity, energy and initiative of our supporters to raise the vital funds we need to carry out our lifesaving and life-changing work. “Her dedication makes a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.” Meningitis Now is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need. It does this by funding research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people

living with the impact of the disease. For more information on meningitis and the work of

Meningitis Now visit www. meningitisnow.org For more on ’a life for a cure’ see www. ryanbresnahan.org

MATHS AND ENGLISH

TUTORING For students aged 5 -16 Watch your child’s confidence, self-esteem and motivation to succeed grow. Enrol your child now. Maths • English • Reading • Spelling • Entrance Exams • GCSEs • SATs

Book your free assessment today ✓ Proven Methods ✓ Qualified Teachers ✓ Personalised Learning Programmes ✓ Primary-Secondary ✓ English and Maths

Kip McGrath Bristol Central

3 Portwall Lane, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6NB

0117 370 4525

www.kipmcgrathbristolcentral.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n BISHOPSTON MUM REGULAR readers of my column over the years will know that I am a real book worm and enjoy regular trips to Henleaze Library with my children. As you can imagine I was very pleased to hear the news about the opening of the new Bishopston Library on Wednesday 3 May. What's more it includes its own Children's Library which my children and I are looking forward to using! I have recently had a big clear out of books belonging to my children that they no longer read, however, some books I just could not get rid of, books that were firm favourites of my children during their pre-school years and that we have good memories of enjoying together. I thought I would share a few of our personal favourites that I recommend you looking for in the new Bishopston Library. These include Slob Cat by Paul Geraghty, The Tiger Who Came For Tea by Judith Kerr, Peace at Last by Jill Murphy, In the Woods by Chris Wormell, Daddy's Lullaby by Tony Bradman and Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. We have also

enjoyed the Blackberry Farm series of books by Jane Pilgrim over the years. I must also mention a book that we recently borrowed from Henleaze Library for my 6 year old, The Mice in the Churchyard by Kes Gray. The story features real cats who live in the village the author lives in, illustrated exactly as they really are. All of the cats are listed along with their names and photos at the end of the book and my

daughter had great fun spotting each of these cats throughout the book! It's been so good to have some hot, sunny days recently and my family has really made the most of them. One particularly hot day over the Easter holidays my children requested a trip to the beach so we drove to Burnham-on-Sea and what a great afternoon we had. My children loved building sandcastles on the beach, collecting seaweed

in buckets and paddling in the sea. Burnham-on-Sea offers a sandy beach and doesn't have the crowds that Weston-Super-Mare can have so it was altogether a great day out, completed by eating fish and chips as we watched the tide come in late in the afternoon. Along with the sunny weather comes lots of upcoming great local events. Aside from the opening of the new library comes Glos Rd Central Mayfest on Saturday 6 May. There will be creative activities, face painting, community choirs, live music, cakes and more. Special guest, Jack in the Green will be making his annual appearance, accompanied by his merry band of Morris dancers and musicians as he parades through Bishopston until he reaches his final destination on Horfield Common – an event not to be missed! Here's to a wonderful, sunny May! Bishopston Mum www.bishopstonmum.com www.bristolmum.com

Train to Teach with UWE Bristol from September 2017 Places available to train to teach the following subjects at secondary school level: Art & Design, Business, Computer Science, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) plus Primary School Direct. “I had a fantastic experience The programme trains teachers to teach the 11-16 age group, during my PGCE at UWE along with opportunities to teach at A level. Bristol. I feel it equipped me • Tax-free bursaries of up to £30,000 available in some subjects. immensely well throughout • Well-established partnership with many local schools. the year; there were a • Employment rate is 94%. number of sessions that I truly enjoyed and I found Interested? What to do next: Visit uwe.ac.uk/traintoteach incredibly rich and fulfilling.” and fill in the form to find out more. Come to one of our drop-in sessions (search UWE Bristol PGCE drop-in online to find out more). Trainee Teacher, PGCE Secondary Mathematics, 2014–15 Apply through UCAS (search UCAS Teacher Training online).

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS In Bishopston this month... Bristol North Baths and Bishopston Library The new build project at the Bristol North Baths is nearing completion, with the books and materials currently being transferred from the now closed Cheltenham Road library ready for opening on May 3. Whilst library services will be restructured due to the council cuts, no decisions have been made yet and the opening of the new Bishopston Library is not affected. We want to add our support to the call for those interested in a "Friends of" group. Such groups make libraries all the more successful, and may be especially important for Bishopston Library to help either secure its future as a Council-run library, or to keep it in community use if not. Cricket Club Residents’ Meeting In late March a pre-season meeting was held for residents near the Cricket Club. Both the club and HowZat? (the residents’

group) gave their views on last season and the upcoming one. HowZat? will be distributing meeting notes with actions, and they’ll be available on their website once agreed: http://howzatgccc. wordpress.com The current season promises to be a great one in terms of the cricket that is coming to Bristol, namely the Women’s World Cup and some men’s international matches, but with that will come the usual problems of noise, traffic, parking and antisocial behaviour. The meeting considered a number of these issues and agreed on routes to address them. Last season, the Neighbourhood Partnership compiled an FAQs list including how to report match day issues. It will be updated for this season but most of it is still valid and can be accessed here: http://bit. ly/2o5wCfd Horfield Common We recently had a meeting with the Ardagh Community Trust from Horfield Common, where

H&P Aerials Digital, Freeview and Freesat specialists

• TV, FM and DAB • Radio Aerials • Extra points

• OAP Concessions • Fully Guaranteed • Prompt and efficient

For a free quote

0117 908 7232 or 07815 029775

Thoughtful Garden Design & Maintenance

Creating & maintaining beautiful gardens throughout the South West. Experienced & reliable t: 07834 626007

e: lucysarafoat@gmail.com

they gave us an update on their plans for the Ardagh bowling club building. They’re exploring what funding options they have and are putting grant applications together accordingly. They’ve also brought on more volunteers which is great to hear, and they’ve been working with students from UWE to design how the building will look in the future. It’s really exciting to see such a promising project with such a motivated and committed team behind it. Muller Road B&Q Plans have been released for the old B&Q site on Muller Road, to turn it into an Aldi and Home Bargains. This will involve keeping the current building but changing the interior. Residents can view the plans on the council's website, with reference 17/01466/F: https://www.bristol. gov.uk/planning-and-buildingregulations/look-at-and-trackplanning-applications A decision is expected towards the end of May.

Neighbourhood Partnership Almost all funding for Neighbourhood Partnerships will be removed. Our next meeting, on April 25, will be based around working out the details of what structure we want our future work to take. Keep an eye out on social media and the Neighbourhood Partnership website (www.bcrnp. org.uk) for the location. And please don't wait until the next meeting to get in touch! If you're interested in playing a part, big or small, in the future of community working across the area please let us know. The Queen Vic Readers may have noticed that the Queen Vic pub has closed. The new owners haven't released any details of their plans for the future but we'll keep an eye out and let residents know when things become clear. Please do get in touch! Tom Brook – Cllr.Tom.Brook@ bristol.gov.uk Eleanor Combley – Cllr. Eleanor.Combley@bristol.gov.uk

FFEleRan AL O I et c C r a E c SP house p suite

e Wholeplus 3 piec tchguard c in Sco

£14

Carpet /Upholstery Cleaning

Carpets dry in 30 minutes! Carpets 1 Room 3 Rooms Whole House

Current Offer £40* £70* £90*

Upholstery 1 Armchair 1 Sofa Rugs

£25* £30* £10 to £30*

• Commercial Retail and Domestic • Fully Insured and Certificated • Scotch Guard Treatment Available • Polite, Friendly, Fast and Efficient • Furniture Moved and Put Back in Place • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Nick / Alison at A Carpet Cleaning Service Ltd

07812 730346

www.acarpet.cleaning

*PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT

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

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS In Cotham this month... IN the midst of all the action trying to save our parks, libraries and our community voice, and with the Metro Mayor campaign in full swing a general election is visited upon us! This is not a place for party politics but I will urge everyone to make sure they are registered to vote, have organised a postal vote if needed and have familiarised themselves with what candidates are saying. Then please all cast your vote for whoever you believe will best represent you and do a good job. I think our variable seasons are character-forming and for me spring is the best. Last year Cotham Ward had a trial of glyphosate-free alternative weed treatments. It turned out that steam treatment and hoeing had been discounted before it started through cost or practicality and there is some doubt about record-keeping. Street weeds grew prodigiously when sprayed with vinegar though there were better outcomes in green spaces. We

should be wary of any chemical without clear evidence. Officers recommend the grading of glyphosate use to minimise risk in areas of greater exposure such as park playgrounds. What do you think? There has recently been a spate of replacement (and relocated) streetlights around Chandos Road as sufficient recovered lampposts become available for some streets in this conservation area. If you feel that narrow footpaths are being restricted by bad placement contact BCC immediately via: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ streets-travel/street-lightsreport-a-fault. The white LED lamps are more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective but they can be shaded if intrusive to residents. Contact me with any concerns. Anthony Negus cllr.Anthony.Negus@bristol. Gov.Uk 07833 484344

Care home nursing - a fulfilling profession

Bristol Care Homes operates 3 care homes in Horfield, Almondsbury and Thornbury, and will soon be opening a 4th home in Fishponds. Our commitment is to excellence of care with constant innovation. We are keen to hear from nurses to lead our teams. Care home nursing is a challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling professional career. It addresses long term holistic personcentred care in a community setting. Nurses set the strategies and lead the care team. We’d be pleased to hear from you and invite you to visit one of our homes to see contemporary professional nursing in advanced care of the elderly.

May, 2017

Spring, snap election and rounders v round-up! I hope you have had a good break or perhaps like me you were snapped out of it by the announcement of the election in June, which along with the Metro Mayor election on May 4 means a very politically busy spring. Thinking about Spring it is a wonderful time to get out in our green spaces and perhaps enjoy some sports - Bristol is a City of Sport this year after all. I enjoy playing rounders so any local players out there do get in touch and maybe we could organize a game or two over the coming weeks and months. As many of you will know, there has been an ongoing alternative to pesticide use trial in Cotham and St Andrews Park. The trial is over and findings can be viewed on page 47 of this document: https://democracy. bristol.gov.uk/ieListDocuments. aspx?CId=149&MId=375&Ver=4

Like most things the cost of alternative weed management such as hand weeding or purchasing a large machine called Foamstream, is a major factor. Opponents to Glyphosate (Round-Up) will argue that public health and the life of important insects like bees should be prioritised. So how will this progress? With Bristol's reputation for its universities, engineering and innovation I really hope that we might find a collective solution to the dilemma very soon that is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. Meanwhile I am embracing the sunshine of the dandelions!

Cleo Lake cllr.cleo.lake@bristol.gov.uk 07584 480531

Full Service

CLEANING

We pride ourselves on being professional, fully insured, well mannered, efficient and competitively priced.

Regular Domestic & Commercial Cleaning (weekly & fortnightly, end of tenancy cleaning, one off cleaning, carpet cleaning, communal area cleaning or by request) All cleaning products supplied and included in price.

NO FEES OR CONTRACTS!

Have a look

All you have to pay is the agreed rate when you use our services.

Please e-mail careers@bristolcarehomes.co.uk to arrange a visit.

fullservicecleaning.co.uk

bristolnursing.com

Bristol Care Homes

providing a unique care service

Office: 01173 215 815 Mobile: 07572 412 600

s pprric icees rom gg ffrom in t r a n t i sstart

£8

2*u*r! £1 r h er hoour! ppe

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS In Redland this month... The new Bishopston Library Opens! By the time this appears, the new Bishopston Library on the Gloucester Road should at long last have opened on May 3. We are both absolutely delighted that this has finally taken place after so many years of delays. Do remember to look out your library membership card or take a recent, addressed bill to sign up for one and become a member on the spot. It will have the same hours as the now closed Cheltenham Rd site and has many of the most popular books plus many new ones bought specially. While the library is due to be operating for the rest of this financial year the recent council cuts mean it will still be subject to a consultation later this year on reduced library funding for the city. Clearly that's not good news - these new budget cuts will almost certainly affect our local service. The important thing for now is to get a new Friends group up and running and for anyone

interested in running classes or activities to drop into the library and join the group - we want to see this thriving as a community facility. If you have been involved in the Cheltenham Road library thanks for being a Friend – you’ll be hearing from the group again. As well as the flexible library space at ground and first floor levels there's a small meeting room, a toilet, and a lift to make it fully accessible. The rest of the new development below the flats is under review in the light of budget cuts and viability. Plans for the use of the old baths building have also yet to be finalised. Public toilets under threat We’re sorry to report that the temporary public toilets in Sommerville Rd have closed due to the sale of the building. We’re very disappointed to have to say that the new toilet facilities adjacent to the old baths are not being completed now. This is a great loss to the area which has

already led to complaints from residents. There’s a new proposed council strategy for public toilets under way due to 90% budget cuts being implemented. The plan is to consult on finding other facilities that can be offered to the public along high streets. Tackling Air Quality Thanks to the Bishopston Society and Sustainable Bishopston for organising a well attended joint meeting to debate air quality. There were dozens of good ideas on many themes like traffic near schools, public transport, car clubs, ways commuters could get to work, and parking issues. Highlights were reported back to the meeting, and a great many other ideas were noted by groups. Martin has encouraged the organisers to send the results in to the Mayor once they have been collated. On a related point a practical Five Point Plan for tackling air quality in the West of England has just been launched by the Green Party - it's on the new pages of our website.

Meanwhile at City Hall, Fi is chairing the Mayoral Air Quality group which is looking at what a Clean Air Zone would mean for Bristol. Parking News for local residents both sides of Gloucester Rd is that the outgoing Cabinet Member for Transport has agreed there should be work by officers to review parking issues on both sides of Gloucester Rd. Elections Another election looms, or dawns, depending on your view point. Do make sure you're registered to vote by looking at https://www. gov.uk/register-to-vote. Martin & Fi Martin Fodor cllrmartin.fodor@bristol. gov.uk 07884736101 Fi Hance cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk 0117 3534720

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS In St Andrews this month... SPRING has arrived and it’s been great to see so many people of all ages enjoying St Andrews Park in the (occasional) sunny weather. However, concern has been prompted around the park’s services and facilities and the ability of the Council to operate them in a way which can satisfy demand in a challenging climate of budget cuts. You may be aware that the toilets have been closing earlier than has been the case in the past, although we understand this will be reviewed in due course. The paddling pool will be re-opening (and be opening at weekends) and should be open by the time you read this column. The Council will also continue to provide a park keeper, grass-cutting, horticultural work, graffiti removal, rubbish collection and inspections of the play area, although it cannot be confirmed what the picture will be in the long-term. The Council are actively looking at ways to raise more income from parks to ensure that as many of these services can remain in place as possible. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support the Friends of St Andrews Park group, who

are continuing to do great work campaigning, fundraising and supporting the maintenance and amenity of the park. As you may be aware, the old Horfield police station site at 6-8 Somerville Road has been sold off by the Council. The public toilets that were there are no longer available, however the new Bishopston Library, a short distance away, opened on 3 May and will provide a toilet facility during opening hours. An application (17/01999/ COU) has now been submitted for a “permitted development” of the old police station site to convert the internal space of the building into seven apartments. Permitted development is a mechanism introduced by the Government in recent years to allow buildings to be converted into residential accommodation without needing to go through a full planning application process, and with no meaningful way for local people to object. Although we are aware that there is a great need for housing in Bristol, we would also prefer the local community to be able to have a say in the future of this historic site.

Neighbourhood Partnerships - the next step NEIGHBOURHOOD Partnerships, which have been Council-funded and facilitated, have proven to be a useful way of improving local areas. With the imminent removal of funding, the Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Neighbourhood Partnership is considering options for the future. Bishopston councillors, Tom Brook and Eleanor Combley are keen to keep local projects going. “We want to continue in some form but need help from residents to do so,” said Tom Brook. A public forum meeting was held in March to discuss the situation, as well as possible options for the future. Tom Brook added: “We discussed what people had liked about the current

structure, what they might do differently, and what kind of community organisation they would like after June, when the current structure will come to a close. “It was great to see so many people from across the area present and interested in the future of community engagement in the area. There were a variety of opinions, but there was a consensus that the Partnership had added value to the area and that something should continue in its place. It’s now a case of working out what that should be!” The next meeting was due to be held on April 25 to work out the details of the structure for future work to take. Keep an eye on social media and the Neighbourhood Partnership website.

We are pleased to report that, following on from the RPZ review that began late last year, the Council are planning to initiate a process for further consultation for people in the streets on either side of Gloucester Road about how they’d like the parking problems in their area to be tackled. This was taken forward because the councillors for Ashley and Redland wards identified these issues as being of significant concern and this was fed back to the Council’s review team, alongside emails from a large number of local residents. We will be sure to keep you updated as to how this process will take shape, e.g. in terms of the consultation methods, timescale and area covered. If there is a strong demand for a certain course of action, then we will work hard to make sure that that is responded to. Finally, we all found out recently that the Prime Minister has called a snap election, to be held on 8 June. We hope that during the election campaign there will be an honest and constructive debate around the important issues facing the country. Having spent just a year as councillors, we can see

starkly the effect of government policy on public services, voluntary groups, community facilities, and programmes for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. We sincerely hope that after the election, whoever the government is, things will start to change.calloway@bristol.gov.uk. Mike Davies, cllr.mike.davies@bristol.gov.uk 07584 370 413 Jude English cllr.jude.english@bristol.gov.uk 07584 151 099 Carole Johnson cllr.carole.johnson@bristol.gov.uk 07584 370 414

Making Gloucester Road GRE&T UNTIL 2013 the Gloucester Road Traders Association (GRTA) represented all the shops and businesses from the Arches to Filton Avenue. That association was dissolved after members’ businesses to the south of Pigsty Hill became a Business Improvement District. The result is that there is now no association to represent the shops and businesses in the top section of Gloucester Road, from Pigsty Hill to Filton Avenue. However, there are ongoing issues where the voice of the traders as a group needs to be heard. These include, for example, parking, business rates, Council budget cuts, graffiti and litter and the promotion of the whole of Gloucester Road as the

greatest British high street of mainly independent traders. Retired former secretary of GRTA, Peter Browne, has been visiting businesses to see what support there would be for a new traders association. Peter said: “Most of those I have spoken to so far would like a new association and I am still gathering feedback on how people would want it to be organised and operate. The name GRE&T has been suggested – Gloucester Road Enterprise & Trade.” Peter is keen for interested business owners to get in touch with their contact details - name and an email address peter753@btinternet.com

News?

Give Sue a call on 07976706120

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Will Self backs St Mungo's WILL Self, one of the UK's leading authors, broadcasters and journalists, is at The Watershed on Wednesday 10 May from 7.30 - 9pm. Taking part in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week and in support for SOS Bristol campaign, Will joins St Mungo’s to talk about the issues surrounding homelessness and mental health. He will also be doing a Q&A. Will Self crops up regularly on key radio and television programmes such as Newsnight and Question Time, sharing his expressive, insightful and sometimes controversial opinions on a wide range of social and political matters. All monies raised through this event will go towards the SOS Bristol Campaign which is providing 70 emergency bed spaces for people sleeping rough in Bristol. To purchase tickets for this event please visit fundsurfer.com/SOSBristol. Tickets are priced at £10 each.

WE'RE ONLINE TOO

WWW.BISHOPSTONVOICE.CO.UK

Time to get your leaking roof and damp walls fixed for good!

Dementia Awareness Week BRACE Alzheimer’s Research has a free legal advice event on Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) planned for Dementia Awareness Week which runs from Monday 15 May - Friday 19 May. The legal workshop is open to the public and explains the two types of LPA, which lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. The event is held at Newman Hall, Grange Court Road, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 4DR on Tuesday 16 May, from 6 - 7pm. Talks will be given by Mark Poarch, CEO of BRACE Alzheimer’s Research and Jenny Pierce, Head of Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity at WARDS Solicitors, followed by a question and answer session. To book a place email amanda@alzheimers-brace.org. uk or call 0117 414 4831.

With several years experience of providing care to elderly and vulnerable people in Bristol, our privately funded clients, the NHS and Bristol City Council trust us to provide care and support to local people when they need it the most. With over 10 years’ experience of

We guarantee to keep you dry and damp free Coping covers specialise in treating damp at source Coping covers experts in all aspects of roofing

providing carestaff to elderly andprofessionally Our care are vulnerable people, our clients to and assist you with a trusttrained us to support care for them when they need it the most. range of tasks including:

This is because we are truly passionate about helping people remain in their homes whilst still With over 10 years’ experience of receiving the care that they providing care to elderly and needed. vulnerable people, our clients Our trust us to support and care forstaff are all professionally trained and are able to assist you with a range of tasks including washing and them when they need it the most. dressing, prompting medication, collecting shopping This is because we are truly and help keeping the house tidy. passionate about helping people Providing quality service is at the core of our values remain in their homes whilst still which is why the NHS and South Gloucestershire City receiving the care that they needed. Council contract us to provide care to the most vulnerable in able the community Our staff are all professionally trainedpeople and are to

• Washing & Dressing

• Managing Medication

• Shopping • House Work • Carers Breaks

• Sitting Services including night sitters

assist you with a range of We tasks including washingwith and our clients providing a also work privately dressing, prompting medication, shopping flexiblecollecting service that caters directly to your needs. and help keeping the house tidy. Contact us today to see how we can help you Providing quality service is at the core of our values which is why the NHS and South Gloucestershire City Council contract us to provide care to the most vulnerable people in the community

• 24 hour “live in care” a perfect alternative to a care home

0117 968 48 09

We also work privately with our clients providing a flexible service that caters directly to your needs.

Coping Covers.com EMAIL: copingcovers@gmail.com CALL: 0117 2872192 MOB: 07974 242989

From 30 minutes welfare checks to 24 hour live in care we Contact us today to see how we can help you are here to help. Please call us on

0117 968 48 09

We are a Bristol Based Company with an enviable track record, rated good by CQC and with an outstanding reputation with the local authorities.

www.care1sthomecare.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

May, 2017

Players to stage Ladies' Day

Packed programme The ever-popular Westbury Park Community Festival returns this summer with a packed programme of events. Kevin Chigley, Chair of the Westbury Park Community Association said: “Plans for the 2017 Festival are now firmly in place. The Festival will run from Friday, 23 June until Sunday, 9 July. “At a recent meeting of the Festival Committee it was agreed to support two charities in 2017 - Cancer Research UK and Bridge Foundation, a Bristol based charity which provides counselling to young people.” The provisional list of events includes an opening night quiz, a kids disco, live music at Grounded cafe, and an evening of antiques at St Alban’s Church. There will be Open Gardens, a film night, a talk by architectural expert Jeff Bishop about Westbury Park through Maps, a summer buffet and much more. The Festival leaflet giving full details of each event and where to purchase tickets will be circulated to every household in Westbury Park in early June.

AWARD-WINNING theatre company St Alban’s Players take to the stage with their latest comedy production, “Ladies’ Day” by Amanda Whittington. Meet the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda whose fortunes are set to change when Linda finds tickets to Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York. The production runs from Thursday 18 May – Saturday 20 May, at St Alban’s Church Hall, Bayswater Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7NU. 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) Price £9 adult or £6 Friend/Student Book online: stalbansplayers.co.uk/boxoffice or call 0117 924 7266.

Digging up history HORFIELD Allotments plan to run a community history project to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. Jeremy Iles said: “We will be running a series of small events to collect personal memories, anecdotes, photos and historical information from past and present allotment plot-holders, members of the local community and school children who use the site. “We’d love to hear from anyone with links to our three sites at Golden Hill (behind Bishop Road School), Wessex Avenue and Birchall Road, so please get in touch!” Drop in on Saturday 13 May, 2-4pm at Golden Hill Community Garden Spring Fair - entrance on Monk Road. Or, write up to 200 words on your memories, anecdotes and local history and submit it online at www.greenfuture.org.uk/ hdaa

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

Broken or Damaged Windows? Faulty Hinges, Handles or Locks? Suffering Internal Condensation? 5 year guarantee on new double glazing.

...we make saving money perfectly clear... Call Freephone

0800 61 21118

www.cloudy2clear.com

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n WI

Westbury Park WI says 'Come and join us!' WESTBURY Park Women’s Institute - or the WI as it is usually known - meet once a month at the newly renovated Redland Church Halls on Redland Green. These sessions are held on the first Wednesday of the month from 7.30 pm with tea, coffee or wine and this friendly group of women are keen for more to join them. Sue Wyatt-Jones, President of Westbury Park WI, has been inspired by the ability the WI has to make decisions on subjects that impact on people’s lives. Sue said: “I was always intrigued as to what the WI was and did before I joined. “The WI has national resolutions and each year any WI can put forward resolutions. The ones we are voting on this year are ‘Alleviating Loneliness’ and doing something about the ‘Microplastic Soup’ in the ocean. “The WI were the first society that gave women in England the democratic vote and they

also voted on having midwives and women-only centres. They have been very instrumental in putting things in place that we take for granted these days and are led by the members interests.” Westbury Park WI has a membership of around 40 women and usually attract about 20 people on a regular evening. Nordic walking, a fashion evening and a chocolate tasting are all events planned for the next few months. Fiona Wisloff is a recent convert and has become a keen member: “Some of my friends were coming to the WI and I was tempted to come along when there was a burlesque evening. I had a great evening and thought why not come and do this. I would have come earlier if I’d have known that it was going to be so much fun. “With the resolutions it’s a bit like joining a union that has the same value as yourself. And

being able to make use the new facilities at the Redland Green Halls gives us a great base.” Each WI supports their own chosen charity and Westbury Park WI is committed to helping Bristol charity One25 One25 reaches out to women trapped in street sex work, supporting them to break free and build new lives away from

violence, poverty and addiction. Each year they help many women to access health services, therapy, and treatment for addiction, to find safe housing, reduce offending, get back into education or training, volunteer themselves and find other work. The next WI meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd - come along!

01172 591 591

LOCAL COMPANY NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER

01172 591 591

NEW REDLAND OFFICE

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

home for you Property Management - Accommodation Agents

Landlords SPECIAL OFFER 3 MONTHS FULL MANAGEMENT

*FREE

ON ALL NEW PROPERTIES *Subject to terms and conditions

WITH OVER 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ESTABLISHED FOR 35 YEARS YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL HAVE PEACE OF MIND

THIS OFFER IS NOT TO BE MISSED

Let Only Part Managed Fully Managed Landlord Insurance Your Property on . . . 1 Zoopla.co.uk 2 Rightmove.co.uk 3 Primelocation.com 4 Property Index 5 Gumtree

Home For You, 182 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NU

Tel: 0117 949 4943

Email: property@h4y.co.uk

www.h4y.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n GLOS ROAD CENTRAL MAY FESTIVAL IT’S May and that means it’s time for the Gloucester Road Central Mayfest! This year's Mayfest takes place on May 6, 10am - 5pm. As usual the day will be a celebration of our community, culminating in the arrival of Jack in the Green and his procession of dancers and musicians. Jack in the Green is a traditional Bristolian way to welcome summer. A 9ft tall 'Jack', covered in greenery and flowers, leads a procession of dancers and musicians from the harbourside, up Gloucester Road, and on to a final ceremony at Horfield Common when the spirit of summer is released! Gloucester Road Central traders first invited Jack in the Green to stop and dance three years ago and hosted a day of celebration out on the wide pavement in front of their shops. The first Gloucester Road Central Mayfest proved so popular

that traders applied to close a section of Bishop Road to give a safer space for community stalls, music and family activities. Jack in the Green arrives with a beat of drums and a lively procession at about 3.30pm. They stop and dance on Bishop Road and it’s a real sight to see! This year will be the biggest yet, as more stalls and community groups have asked to join in and set up on the closed off part of Bishop Road. The Bishopston WI will offer lovely homemade cakes, Bishopston Garden Society will be raising money for Bristol Refugees with a plant sale and Avon Wildlife Trust will once again be offering tips on keeping wildlife flourishing in our gardens. The Golden Lion is organising a bar and music on Bishop Road with Ruzz Guitar's Blues Revue, The Slimline Shufflers and Paruski, playing live. The Glos Vox Choir will perform at midday and Bishop Road Community Choir at 2pm so come along and support your friends in these community choirs. Children can meet their favourite shop owner Mr Gotalot or have their faces painted. There'll be origami animal making outside Paper Plane and card making and colouring outside Room 212. You'll find vintage clothing and bric a brac stalls including a welcome return from Billie Jean's Cashmere Event. Pop into Artemis to find out more about how their service to recycle and re-fashion unworn jewellery into cherished contemporary pieces. Bristol Furniture Works will have a box of coloured chalks to encourage everyone to colour in the pavement around their funky garden furniture.

LAST CHANCE FOR OUR

SPRING OFFER UP TO 50%* OFF Nikon Occupational Lenses Come in and see our lovely new range of sunglasses *conditions apply

Turn to Page 30

SAME DAY DRY CLEANING AND LAUNDRY

Mon-Fri 08.00-20.00 Last Wash 18.30 Sat & Sun 08.00-20.00 Last Wash 18.30 Counter Hrs Mon-Fri 08.00-20.00 Sat till 18.00

307 Gloucester Road, Horfield, BS7 8PE

Tel: 01179248697

291 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NY Opening Times: Monday and Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm Tuesday- Friday 9.30am - 6.00pm

Tel: 0117 9420011 E: info@lunaroptical.com

www.lunaroptical.com

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n GLOS ROAD CENTRAL MAY FESTIVAL The Golden Lion's in-house Burger Theory will be serving up lunch, along with a barbeque outside Dave Giles' Butchers, Italian ice creams from the Street Treats bike, Jack Benny's American style grilled cheese sandwiches and an array of tasty biscuits and pastries outside Joe’s Bakery. While you're enjoying your ice cream outside Millards you could also find out electric bikes as they have become Bristol's first dealers for Powabyke. Pop in to try the latest models on offer. Bristol Jam Plan is a community project which turns donated surplus produce & fruit & vegetable gluts that might otherwise be wasted into delicious preserves. Every month they donate funds raised from preserves sales to a different local charity so the sales at Mayfest will go to Golden Hill Community Garden who will also have a stall at Mayfest. Jam plan will set up outside Joe’s Bakery and have also offered jam for the scones at temporary cafe in the garden of 212 Eco House. The 212 Eco House is tucked

DENTAL CARE

down Bishop Lane and is a lovely little guesthouse offering discounts to visiting friends and relatives. If you haven't had the opportunity to look round the Eco House then Mayfest is your chance. The house, built entirely from sustainable and recycled materials, will be open to visitors all day, with homemade tea and cakes on sale in the garden. The Eco House is also a venue

during the North Bristol Art Trail and has art from Room 212 on the walls year round. Room 212 artists and makers will be offering Creative Workshops in the 212 Eco House garden during the summer. Classes will include Weave a Wicker Fox or Hare, making aromatherapy perfume and lip balms, upcycling furntiure, decoupage and floristry

with British grown flowers. Find out more about the classes, try out some taster sessions and get an early bird discount at Glos Rd Central Mayfest. Bristol Pound are creating a free map of Gloucester Road to include all local businesses accepting the Bristol Pound. This is the first in a series of maps to be created for Bristol. The Bristol Pound is real money designed to support independent businesses in and around Bristol. The map will be designed using artwork submitted for the Gloucester Road Art Banners and is scheduled to be launched at Mayfest. Gloucester Road Central Mayfest is a wonderful day to be out and about on the central part of Gloucester Road, meeting your friends and neighbours and celebrating the arrival of summer. Come rain or shine we look forward to seeing you on May 6th! This event is organised by Room 212 (stalls and community activities) and the Golden Lion (music and street closure) For more information 'like' the GlosRdCentral facebook page or visit www. glosrdcentral.co.uk

TO VISIT your vet vets4pets.com/ greatreasons

DID YOU KNOW? REGULAR DENTAL CHECKS CAN HELP TO PREVENT YOUR PET SUFFERING FROM PAINFUL DENTAL DISEASE.

FLEA & WORMING DID YOU KNOW?

OUR PRODUCTS ARE VET RECOMMENDED AND CLINICALLY APPROVED, SO YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT YOU ARE GETTING THE BEST FOR YOUR PET.

FITNESS & Wellbeing DID YOU KNOW?

OUR VETS CAN OFFER ADVICE ON EXERCISE, NUTRITION AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT.

£10 Vet Consultation for new pets*

Bring this voucher to your appointment to get a £10 Vet Consultation for your pet *This offer is promoted by Pets at Home Vet Group Limited, Epsom Avenue, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Handforth, Cheshire, SK9 3RN. Valid at Vets4Pets Bishopston only. Offer only valid for newly registered pets and must be presented or referred to at the time of registering the new pet. Voucher entitles you to a £10 veterinary consultation. Vet will perform a physical examination of your pet; further consultations, treatment or medication will be charged at full price. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time. Appointment to be booked in advance before 30/06/2017 and you must present this voucher at your appointment. Single use voucher. No cash alternative. Offer expires 30/06/2017.

There are lots more great reasons to visit your local Vets4Pets. To find out more visit: vets4pets.com/greatreasons Vets4Pets Bishopston 275-277 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NY Call: 0117 942 4243 or visit: vets4pets.com/bishopston

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

May, 2017

n NEWS

bishopstonvoice

700 riders join hospice Tour de Bristol CYCLISTS have raised £75k for St Peter’s Hospice in the annual Tour de Bristol. More than 700 participants took on a 35, 50 or 100-kilometre route through north Somerset on April 8, enjoying one of the sunniest days of the year so far. Johnny Flanagan, head of supporter relations for the hospice, said the annual event helped keep Bristol’s only adult hospice running. He said: “It costs £19,000 a day to run the hospice so fundraising events are what keep us going and able to provide all our care for free. “We had more cyclists this year and added the option of a 100k route for the first time. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we raised around £75,000 for the hospice, compared to £60k last year. “We’re already looking at routes for next year’s Tour de Bristol.” Cyclist Toby Cummins, 37, completed the 100k route with six friends and raised nearly £15,000. He said: “We rode in memory of my best friend’s wife, Tam

Huggett Haines, who was cared for at St Peter’s Hospice for five days in January. “She was suffering from cancer and was a mum to two little girls, so it was a huge shock. She had only just turned 40. It really brings it home when someone from your friendship group dies. I have three small kids myself and can’t imagine what it would be like for them if something happened to me. “I was lucky enough to be able to visit Tam at the hospice when we knew she didn’t have long left, and I saw the amazing care the doctors and nurses were providing for her. “While I was there I saw the leaflet for the Tour de Bristol and picked one up, then other people who knew her decided to ride too. “I cycle regularly, but some of our friends hadn’t been on a bike for years so found it a challenge. The route was lovely, with lots of beautiful views. “I think Tam would have found it fitting that we raised enough to cover the cost of her stay at the

St Paul's beat bobby earns top accolade ST Paul’s beat manager PC Ifor Williams was presented with a Queen’s Police Medal on April 19 in recognition of his ‘courage and distinguished service’. Ifor, who is 50 and originally from the Wolverhampton area of the West Midlands, has been with Avon and Somerset Police since the late 1990s and took up his current post on the St Paul’s team seven years ago. Last month, he received an Angela Yeoman Award for the pivotal role he played in sending 79 drug dealers to prison for 213 years. They had, in the words of the judge, plagued the community 'like a cancer’. PC Ifor Williams said: "I’m honoured to be receiving a QPM. It’s something I never even imagined would happen to me. “I’m just an old fashioned beat bobby, but it’s great to see the value in that role recognised at the highest level. “The fact I’m receiving the medal says so much about the

strength of the community I serve and the team I work alongside, particularly my sergeant, Mark Aston, and PCSO Jackie Harper,” he added. Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I have a great amount of respect for Ifor both as a person and as a police officer. His dedication, enthusiasm and passion for serving the local community as a neighbourhood police officer is undeniable.”

hospice and to ‘pay it forward’ by funding the care of some other patients. Toby became best friends with Tam’s husband, Dan, while at school in Bath, and has watched Tam’s daughters Lois, five, and Bay, three, grow up. St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,000 people each year and only receives 25 per cent funding, so relies on fundraisers to provide £7 million annually. Forthcoming events include the Bubble Rush on September 16, which will see adults and children walk or run a 5k course through a sea of coloured foam. Another landmark annual event, the Midnight Walk, takes place on July 8 when fancy-dress clad revellers will take to the streets of Bristol to see the city’s landmarks by night. This year’s event has an 80s theme. The Summer Party Season invites supporters to hold an event in June, July or August with the aim of raising a total of £35,000 to fund a St Peter's community nurse specialist for a year.

motaman Serving the people of Bristol and North Somerset for over 30 years

CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE es) CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING d lin DOWN SALE e t c e (selCLOSING CLOSING DOWN SALE DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE CLOSING DOWN SALE

G N I H O T Y R G E T V E MUS 0% OFF to 7 Up

HURRY ALONG TO

94-96 Bedminster Parade, Bedminster, BS3 4HL

www.motaman.co.uk

Tel: 0117 9666142 sales@motaman.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n PRIMAL POSTURE with

Clare Chapman SPRING’S in full fling - it’s time to greet your feet again and dig out those summer shoes and sandals. For many people, there’s nothing nicer now than a good pedicure, or a foot massage to make them feel wonderful. But if you develop a foot problem, seeing a professional chiropodist/podiatrist is part of a good strategy for addressing it - corns, misshapen or misaligned toes, fallen arches, plantar fasciitis – we have a long list of foot

Greet feet and save your sole problems in our culture! We can also do far more ourselves to improve and preserve foot health. Obviously we know that extreme fashions such as ‘killer heels’ hurt our feet, but most foot damage is more subtle and accumulates over time. As a postural health teacher I help people understand about natural foot shape and function, and the best ways to improve or support it. Firstly, we can get really savvy about footwear! Beware! Even ‘sensible’ shoes and trainers can distort the foot if: • The toe box is rounded • Toes are bent upward by footbed • Body weight is tipped forward • Excess cushioning dulls feedback • Footbed encourages pronation In addition to better footwear, the best investment of all is to

learn how to let the foot do its natural job: •3 foot arches are strengthened • F oot is Kidney-Bean shaped, not straight • L and gently on the heel • Engage whole foot to push off,not bend • Stand with weight mostly in heel In addition to bad shoes, poor postural habits certainly challenge the feet; for example, standing with the pelvis too far forward and knees locked will thrust undue weight onto the delicate bones of the forefoot, typically causing bunions or claw toes. Similarly, foot problems such as fallen arches will result in knock-knees and poor posture further up the body. Therefore, in the 6-lesson Gokhale Method Course we focus on good posture throughout the body, and

include some well-chosen foot exercises. Find out more about your posture and foot health: Free Workshop: Bakesmiths, Whiteladies Rd Sunday 25th June, 4-6pm Book at: gokhalemethod.com Yoga for postural health class: Bishopston, Thursdays 9.30 am Contact Clare on 07982 231317

Alpine LANDSCAPING • Free Sleep Apnoea Screening • Free Health Care Advice • Prescriptions Collected and Delivered from all Local Surgeries • Free NHS funded Smoking Cessation Products • Specialist Incontinence and Living Aid Products

Established family firm with 25 years experience

25% OF

WITH T F H ADVERTIS

H Senior Citizens Special H Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off H Patios H Fencing H Tree Work H Turfing H Hedgecutting H Planting (Shrubs etc) H Organic manure delivered — Also applied H Professional and guaranteed work H Brick & Blocklaying

CALL JOE FOR A FREE QUOTE

Tel: 0117 959 2143 Mob: 07891 253 122

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n VINEYARD NEWS

with Ingrid Bates

A LOT has happened over the last month. Last week I finally finished the pruning, a process I started way back before Christmas. As always the final moment was a slight anti-climax but I’m really looking forward to doing something other than pruning in the coming few weeks. The little leaf buds were bursting just before Easter so the tense days fearing overnight frost are upon us. Some vineyard owners go to great lengths to avoid damage on a cold night using various methods from spraying water to lighting bonfires but living away from the vineyard means I tend to just take my chances. I

do the little things I can to help, including keeping the grass very short and leaving a frost reserve stem poking high above the frost risk area. If the buds get damaged they go black, drop off and don’t grow back for about two weeks – the regrowth tends not to be so fruitful so one cold night in April can make a big difference to the harvest in October Exciting news is that our new 2016 Pinot noir rosé is ready for release and our 2015 Pinot noir rosé just won an award at a great new competition based in Bristol. The IEWA (Independent English Wine Awards) was set up by Alex Taylor of Wine Taste Bristol. The awards, which aim to raise awareness of English wines to a larger audience were held at The Rummer in the centre of the city and judged by a group of high calibre Masters of Wine and experts. Winning a medal at a competition like this isn’t easy so we were thrilled to be one of only a handful of wines to get one. Just like last year, we have tried to create a fun wine label for

our new vintage. This time we’ve teamed up with Children’s Laureate and illustrator Chris Riddell again to create 200 individually numbered, limited edition labels, which are only available if bought direct. Wines with our standard label will be available from the usual local outlets but visit our website for the best prices. For the first time, we’ve added some silver to our label which I think you’ll agree adds a nice shine to the new wine.

With the days warming up, I’m about to get very busy delivering orders as well as managing the vineyard. The sheep have gone to pastures new and the vines and hedgerows are full of the promise of spring. hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards (facebook & instagram)

Graham Cook Gardener and handyman

Grass cutting, hedge and shrub trimming, weeding, planting, felling small trees, clearing, small painting jobs including garden fences and other maintenance work. Please call for a no-obligation chat

Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205

Need more space? You’ve already got it -

Maximise the potential under your own roof!

FOR ONLY

£299 YOU GET

• 53 square feet (5 sq m) of usable floor area • A fully fitted deluxe smooth glide aluminium loft ladder • professional installation, inclusive of all cost

ATTIC ALERT

Call Jeff on 0785 6065463 Visit our website at www.atticalertservices.co.uk or e-mail atticalertservices@yahoo.co.uk

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

n NEWS Yoga for Health by

Diana Penny of Yogawest (www.yogawest. co.uk)

Yoga Pose of the Month:

Parivritta Parsvakonasana Another step in the sequence begun last September. Although this is another challenging pose, it’s shown starting from the floor, which gives you the opportunity to go as far as you can while learning it: just stop at the stage you feel is appropriate. Practice time: 30 – 60 seconds. 1. Start from kneeling on the left leg with the right leg bent in front of you, and the right foot flat on the floor.

bishopstonvoice 2. Hook your left elbow around the outside of the right knee. 3. Press the left elbow against the stable right knee, and turn the torso to the right. 4. Revolve your left waist and torso to the right. 5. Lift your right knee, and straighten your left leg. Hips should remain parallel with your shoulders. 6. Move the groins away from each other: bent leg groin to front knee. Straight leg groin to the back. 7. Extend your right arm straight up then diagonally over your head, turning it in toward your right ear as you do so. Lower your right heel to the floor as much as possible without disturbing the alignment of the torso. Move your right leg, outer hip in — press your right heel down. Drawings and posture text reproduced by kind permission of Bobby Clennell, a senior Iyengar teacher in New York. Bobby is teaching a weekend of yoga at Yogawest on May 5-7th 2017.

May, 2017 3

at our lovely houses in Redland and Henleaze

To 21435 advertise, Emma onAW.indd 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk ABF Adcontact Half Page 180x120 1 22/02/2017 11:09

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NEWS

Bristol Walk Fest 2017 is just around the corner ONE of the country’s largest urban walking festivals is set to return this May as the Bristol Walk Fest gears up for another year of strolling, scrambling and hiking with something for all ages and abilities. There is a packed program of walks planned in and around Bristol throughout May that will be available for residents of Bishopston, Cotham and Redland to enjoy. The majority are free and with different walks available nearly every day, there's something for everyone. Highlights this year include an opportunity to go on a treasure hunt, doing yoga whilst on the move, walking football, bug hunting, getting fit with your buggy and even playing ping pong whilst taking a stroll. Becky Pollard, Director of Public Health, said: “For the last five years, Bristol Walk Fest has encouraged people of all ages to go out and get active at whatever level they can. With over 140 walks to choose from there really is something for everyone, whether it is exploring Bristol’s

vibrant street art culture, trying out one of the buggy fit sessions or taking part longer rambles through our parks and green spaces. “Walking is a great way to be active and by getting out just once a day for a stroll can make such a difference to your health and wellbeing. I hope that we see more people than ever before getting out and taking part this year.” The festival will launch on 27

Growing together A COMMUNITY event is being held in Arthur Milton Street on Saturday May 13 designed to get local people Growing Together. Residents are being encouraged to grow bee and butterfly-friendly herbs and plants in their gardens and to come out to meet their neighbours on the street. Local people around the area of Brunel Field School, Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground and City of Bristol College have been working to encourage the community around the area to think creatively about their urban spaces. They set up the 'Living Room project' in conjunction with Sustainable Bishopston and have held some small events to promote recycling and reuse, as well as planting in the area. Jenny Maddalena said: “Thanks to a Neighbourhood Partnership grant we were able to order some wooden planters from recycled wood at Bristol Wood Recycling Project - a series of eight for Arthur Milton Street to plant up with residents and the school, and another set of three larger ones for GCCC to collaborate with Brunel Field Primary School Gardening Club. “Local people have expressed interest in more green spaces, encouraging wildlife and discouraging thoughtless development, spaces that are unsafe to cycle and reducing the dominance or tarmac.” The event is from 10.30am-2.30pm, includes a planting session, recipe cards, make your own homemade lemonade, seed bomb making, bird box making, games for families, face painting and refreshments. There will be a local bee trail map and bee-keeper on hand, plus an art exhibition.

April along with a challenge for Bristol: Can you get more active by walking a mile a day? On the day, children from local schools and members of the public will be invited to walk around College Green five times which is the equivalent distance to walking a mile. This will kick off an online campaign that people can sign up to if they want to challenge themselves

to completing the mile a day challenge. Bristol Walk Fest 2017 is coordinated by Bristol City Council with support from Bristol Ramblers, Living Streets, Walk for Health Bristol and in association with Bristol University. The program is now available online at: www.bristolwalkfest. com

Domestic and Commercial Fencing Specialists

We supply and install all types of fencing, decking and gates

Installation Types n Closed board n Feather Edge n Timber panel n Picket fencing n Slotted post, Panel & Gravel boards

n General Repairs n Chainlink n Gates n Decking n Railings

Henleaze House,13 Harbury Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4PN

0117 9898208 or 07811 149095 e-mail: info@heads-apart.co.uk www.heads-apart-fencing.co.uk

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

Bristol’s Largest Indoor Window and Door Showroom is Open at Crystal Clear

WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES • ROOFLIGHTS

View the extensive range of stunning designer and traditional doors, windows and rooflights at Crystal Clear’s showroom or online at www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk ✓ Extensive Showroom ✓ Striking Designs, offering Low Upkeep, Energy Efficiency, Ease of Use and High Security ✓ PVCu, Aluminium, Sliding Sash and Casement Windows ✓ Composite, Bi-fold, Sliding, French, Stable and Patio Doors ✓ Exclusive Supplier of the MODO Collection from Apeer ✓ Established Local Company with an Excellent Reputation

✓ Secondary Glazing ✓ Experienced Team ✓ Free Quotations ✓ DGCOS Founder Member ✓ GGF and Trustmark Member ✓ Registered with BM Trada and BFRC ✓ Swish Authorised Installer

To find out more, please call us on:

01179 110 494 or visit www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk www.facebook.com/crystalclearbristol

24 Emery Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5PF

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n PHARMACY

How to ease hay fever misery

0117 9246579 18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park , Bristol, BS6 7XR www.kellawaypharmacy. co.uk This column by Jess Williams of Kellaway Pharmacy aims to help educate patients on a range of conditions and provide information to help maintain their well being while also easing pressure on GP surgeries by promoting self care.

SNEEZING, runny noses, itchy eyes? The long awaited warmer weather can signal the beginning of months of misery for hay fever suffers. Although some people develop hay fever for the first time as adults, most people are lifelong sufferers. It usually begins in childhood or during the teenage years. It's more common in boys than girls. You're also more likely to develop hay fever if you have a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema. Hay fever is caused by an allergy to the pollen found in plants. Grass pollen is the usual cause but pollen from trees and weed can also bring on symptoms. These symptoms not only wear you down daily, making life unbearable this time of year but can also stop you enjoying the outdoors or even getting on with your daily activities. Days off school and work can be the result. The good

news is that your community pharmacy is able to help you identify hay fever correctly and recommend the best treatment option, compatible with any other medical conditions, pregnancy or prescribed regular medications. The options include antihistamines which block the body’s allergic reaction to pollen and steroid that reduce inflammation and swelling associated with hay fever. These products come in tablets, liquid, drops, and sprays and can be used alongside non-medicinal products. It's also possible to prevent hay fever by taking some basic precautions: • Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors • Staying indoors, avoid grassy areas when the pollen count is high (shut windows & doors) • Vacuum regularly • Whenever possible, keep pets out of the house during the hay

fever season • Avoid smoking indoors as this can worsen symptoms • Use an air purifier to extract pollen particles • Wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes when you're outdoors. At Kellaway Pharmacy, we offer the advice, support, information and products you need to manage your specific hay fever symptoms effectively. Worryingly, some people visit A&E in desperation for help with hay fever symptoms. Our pharmacy team is confident that as your first port of call, we will save you rushing off to the GP or A&E when these symptoms appear. That said, the great British summer and your lawn that needs mowing; now those are beyond our reach. We can,however help get you ready for both.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Half-price offer THERE’S a new way to get to work for Bristolians, and to celebrate, Bishopston Voice is offering readers half-price fares for a week. The new service is called Slide, a business which hopes to tempt commuters out of their cars with a service that’s more comfortable and convenient than a bus. Slide now picks up commuters from all over North Bristol, in an area which now stretches from Emersons Green to Westbury-on-Trym and Patchway. Users get an app, which will guide them to their nearest virtual stop, no more than five minutes’ walk, where they will be picked up in a minibus. They will be dropped near their workplace in the city centre – usually not more than two minutes’ walk from their destination. Fares range from £4 to £7 – about half that of a taxi and a little more than a bus fare, but with more flexible routes and comfortable, airconditioned vehicles with free wi-fi. Slide also offers real-time updates through the app, so users can know when they’re going to be picked up. Up to eight people can share a Slide vehicle. New areas including Emersons Green and Brislington have been added after a vote by potential users. Already much of north and central Bristol is covered. Voice readers who would like to try Slide for the first time can get half price fares for a week. To take advantage, download the Slide app and enter the code VOICE50. Terms apply – see below*. Slide is part of a French group called RATP Dev, which runs bus services in London and the Manchester tram network as well as public transport networks across Paris. slidebristol.com Code is limited to 10 trips per passenger. Valid from 1/5/17 until 26/5/17

Now serving this area

Serving Bristol from 6:45am - 9:45am & 3:30pm - 7:30pm Upfront fares from £4 - £7

slidebristol.com * Valid from 1/5/17 until 26/5/17 for use on up to 10 rides

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

bishopstonvoice

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA May 2 n Bristol Music Club Clifton Tuesday 2nd May at 7.30pm. 6 Klavierstücke, Op. 118 Brahms Piano Sonata No.31 Op 110, Beethoven. Cello sonata "Arpeggione" D821 Schubert Leah Leong cello, Francesa Orlando piano. Royal Academy Students May 6 n Piano and Cello recital at St Alban's Church, Bayswater Avenue (BS6 7NU), Brian Mullan (Cello) and Claire Alsop (Piano). Beethoven 5th Cello Sonata, Bach Concerto in E, Walton Cello Concerto (Movement 1) and new music by Bristol composer Phil Dixon. 7.30pm £10 (£5) wine and nibbles May 9 n Japanese sword-work classes. Study the principles of an iconic weapon. Shin Bokuto Do (the way of the wooden sword). It's a good starting point. No experience necessary. Just an open mind. I can supply the necessary equipment, but it's you, too Learn something ostensibly useless that might change your life... Awareness, concentration, mindfulness, etc. etc. Starts Tuesday 9th May @ the Scout Hut, Hurle Road, (off Whiteladies Road), Clifton, BS8 2SY. Check "Bristolaikijutsu.co.uk". For more info call Charles on 07967 142148. May 12 n 'Friends on Friday',dementia friendly cafe,for all those with dementia & their friends/family/ carers;Friday 12th May,2-4pm,All Saints Church, Pembroke Road, Clifton. Come & join us for tea,cake & activities in a friendly,fun & supportive environment. 2pm4pm. Contact helen@helensutton. com for more details. May 13 & 14 n Free Annual Music Festival to be held at the Bristol Music Club Clifton. Details www. reallyclassicalrelay.co.uk May 17 & 25 n We are Bristol U3A - a unique organisation offering friendship, fun and learning. If you have retired from full-time work and would like to learn a new skill, explore a new hobby, or just socialise - we have a wide range of groups with over 100 different activities, including art, computing, languages, gardens, music, books, walking, science and current affairs. Drop-in to one of our many social groups. Come to Browns Restaurant, by the Museum, at 10.15am on the 3rd Wednesday & 4th Thursday of every month,

details: Jenny 0117 9043697. Or our coffee morning and talk in the Broadmead Baptist Church on the 3rd Tuesday at 10.00am. Please visit our website: www.bristolu3a.org. uk. If we’re going to live longer, make the most of it - don't let life pass you by! May 18 & 20 n St Alban’s Players present “Ladies’ Day” by Amanda Whittington. Meet the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda whose fortunes are set to change when Linda finds tickets to Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York. A fun comedy from the award winning Players! Thursday 18th May – Saturday 20th May 2017 St Alban’s Church Hall, Bayswater Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7NU. 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) Price £9 adult or £6 Friend/Student Book online: stalbansplayers.co.uk/ boxoffice or telephone: 0117 924 7266 May 20 n Redland Wind Band's spring concert will be on Saturday 20th May at The Redmaids’ School, featuring the world premiere of a piece commissioned for our 25 birthday! Tickets £9 or £11 on the door. Come and join us. www. redlandwindband.co.uk May 25 n Avon Organic Group - Our last meeting before the summer break is on Thursday, 25th May 2017, 7pm – 9pm at The Station (in the Dance Studio), Silver Street, Bristol. BS1 2AG. 25th May 2017: Talk "Pests & Diseases" with Tim Foster, local author & lecturer. We will be holding our annual Plant sale on the night so bring along any spare plants and seedlings too. All welcome. Visitors £5/Members £2. www.groworganicbristol.org / secretaryaog@gmail.com

WHAT’S ON A REGULAR BASIS Monday n Toddler group at Ardagh Pavilion, Kellaway Avenue, Horfield Common. Ages 03, cost £2.50 per family includes refreshments and biscuits. All welcome. Friendly vibrant group just drop in. Contact Kay on 01179426580 for further details. n FitSteps, Ashley Down Primary School, Olveston Road, 7-8pm. FitSteps® the new craze in dance fitness classes from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ very own Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Mark Foster. This

really is the most fun, graceful way to get in shape. n Kick Start Fat Loss Club, Ashley Down Primary School, Olveston Road, 8-9pm. Kick Start Fat Loss is a revolutionary new diet and exercise club currently running in Bristol. There is no calorie counting, daily points, fad foods or complicated workouts. *Weekly weigh in, measure and body stat recording. n Morris for fitness and fun, 7.15pm – 8.15pm at Horfield URC, Muller Road, Horfield, BS7 9RE during term time only, no performance element, small groups. Sticks and hankies provided. Tel/text: 07813 346819 / 0117 9401566, www.thegreatcaper. co.uk n Redland Wind Band rehearses at the Quakers Meeting Room on Gloucester Road at 7.30pm. We sometimes have vacancies, currently mainly for bass instruments, horns and percussionists. Contact Andy Brown at redlandwindband@googlemail. com or on 07594240269 or via our website www.redlandwindband. co.uk . Get in touch if you would like to be put on our mailing list or would like to book us for events or fundraisers. n Redland Green Choir meets for rehearsals every Monday 7.30pm9.30pm at Redland Green School. We sing a wide variety of music. New members welcome: no auditions. For more information, visit www.rgscommunitychoir. wordpress.com or phone 0117 9443042. n Beaufort Junior Badminton Club. Venue: Cotham School Sports Hall, Cotham Lawn Road, BS6 6DT. Date/Time: Mondays from 6-7pm, term time only. Age Group: 11 18 years. All standards. Coaching and club play but also progression to Avon County Teams and senior clubs. Coaches CRB checked and Badminton England qualified. Contact: Penny Shears 0794 101 3514. Email: pennyshears@ googlemail.com n RAFA, City of Bristol branch and club Eastfield Westbury on Trym for ex-RAF and associate members. Skittle Alley, parties and functions. Live entertainment on Saturday evenings. Open Monday to Saturday lunchtimes and evenings. Sundays noon till 5pm. All enquiries telephone 0117 3291913. n New Fitness League (Exercise Movement and Dance class) for

May, 2017

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

ladies. Low impact classes offer a fusion of dance, exercise and core strengthening, choreographed to music. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.20-7.45pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Contact Rachael on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@ talktalk.net . The classes are ran on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking. This works out at £8 per class (1st Class Free). n Mondays 10:00am, 11:15am, 18:00pm. Yoga for everyone and all stages of life. Move, breathe, strengthen, calm at our beautiful YogaSpace Bishopston studio. Find out more at www.bristolyogaspace. co.uk or contact Clara hello@ bristolyogaspace.co.uk / 07530 053 543. n Senior Film Club, every third Monday in the month at 2pm n St Peter's Hall, The Drive, Henleaze, BS9 4LD. All Welcome. Refreshments £3. Dial-a-ride transport possible by personal arrangement ; 0845 130 1875. Next gathering is on Monday May 15th, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" starring Audrey Hepburn. n Redland Green Bowls Club welcomes new members, come along to our club on Redland Green any Monday after 4pm , or book a free taster session any other time ,with one of our qualified coaches. Jean or Gerry :Tel 9624466 . HALF PRICE membership for the first year (£50) Tuesday n The Golden Buds is a group aimed at 18 months to 4yearolds and is a fabulous opportunity to be outside with your little ones, digging, playing, finding newts and frogs, watering, singing and making things all in the heart of

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017 urban Bristol! Sessions run from 9.30-11am and 11.30-1pm in school terms. We take booking on a term by term basis. Each session costs £5, a second sibling is £2 and under 12 months can come along free. There’s squash and biscuits and a snack from the garden as well as a hot drink for parents. For more info, visit: thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com n Scottish Country Dancing Get fit with Westbury Scottish Club. Classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze, (Tel: Tina 0117 9075462). Classes for more advanced dancers at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, (Tel: Cheryl 0117 9590970). 7.30pm to 9.30pm wscbristol.com n Friendly club based at Orchard School, Filton Road. Training on Tuesday 7.30 – 9pm, play on Saturdays. All ages welcome. If you would like to join us contact Michelle on 07980 598761 or: michesaunders@hotmail.com . n MOVE INTO FITNESS. Suitable exercise for the more mature ladies ran by a qualified teacher. Held at Horfield Baptist Church, 10.15am 11.15am. Tel: 01454 614886. n Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation Classes at Horfield Leisure Centre, 7.309.30pm. Each session we have time for discussion and learning around different aspects of pregnancy, birth or parenting, getting to know other women in the group, yoga postures, positions and movements for labour, breathing, and simple relaxation and meditation techniques that are useful for pregnancy, birth and beyond. Suitable from 14 weeks of pregnancy until birth. With Relaxed Birth and Parenting Childbirth Educator and Doula Ly Malnick. Cost: £10 per session. Contact: Ly Malnick on 07843 377 718 (Booking essential) n Use the power of nutrition to improve your health, your mood and your figure. Eight week courses on Tuesdays at 2pm and 7pm, led by a BANT qualified nutritional therapist. Classes held at Lady Active, 180 Henleaze road, BS6 4NE. Tel: 07511 647 569 or email alex@ alexbarton.co.uk for more details. www.nutritioncoachbristol.co.uk n After school French Club for primary children at Gloucester Rd Quaker Meeting House. KS1 class: 4.10-4.50pm. £4.50. Playful practical classes full of games, songs and general silliness to inspire interest and confidence in French. Like French Club Bristol on Facebook or

email: alice_m_watson@msn.com n Women’s Reading Group looking for new members. Meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm. An informal group that reads a wide range of fiction. Contact Kay Snowdon ksnowdon29@gmail.com for further details. n A weekly Music Appreciation class is running throughout the winter. Come and join us as we listen to and talk about a selection of mainly classical music. No prior knowledge needed. Tuesdays 11-1 at St Mary Magdalene Church Rooms, Stoke Bishop. Music in Britain 18901939 including Elgar Delius and Vaughan Williams. Cost £15 for a single taster session or £100 for the whole 8week term. To book email matthewhm@ peacemail.com, or phone 0117 214 0418. For more info visit: heartmusicbristol.wordpress.com n Melody Makers Baby Friendly Choir A fun and friendly daytime choir for ladies running Tuesdays during term time.9:30-11:00am, The Beehive Pub, BS9 4QY. £5 per session, discounts for members. Contact Natalie www.facebook. com/melodymakerschoir 07890393175. n Bingo St Gregory’s Church hall Filton Road Horfield Every Tuesday at 2-00pm Everyone welcome all proceeds to church funds Wednesday n Golden Hill Community Garden. 10.00am – 4.00pm. Come and get involved in your local community garden! No experience necessary and kids welcome. Learn about growing and relax in our beautiful space with a cup of tea. No need to come every week or stay all day. Our site is wheelchair accessible including our toilet. For more information contact Lucy ghcgarden@gmail. com or 07506 905 394. We’re just through the gates at the end of Monk Rd BS7 8NE www. thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com n Bristol Voices Community Choir are welcoming new members, £5 a week (£3 concs) payable at the start of each term. We meet during the school term from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in St Werburgh’s Primary School, James St, BS2 9US. The school is fully accessible and has free parking. No experience is necessary and there are no auditions. You don’t have to read music either as all the songs are taught by ear. Our repertoire includes pop, folk, gospel, jazz, show tunes and world music. Find

out more about the choir, at www. bristolvoices.org n New Harmony Ladies’ Choir Bristol. Established choir since 1994, we offer a chance for ladies to get together and have a good old sing! No auditions are necessary apart from placing you into the correct voice group soprano, mezzo soprano or alto. We are a very socially minded group and often enjoy activities outside the singing role. We perform several concerts a year and sometimes travel to other parts of the country to sing with other choirs. Our repertoire covers classical, choral, jazz, popular, folk, and show songs. Everyone is welcome to Horfield URC church hall, Muller Rd on Wednesdays 7.30-9. We’d love to meet you. For more information contact our website www.nhlcbristol.co.uk or our secretary, Angela nhlc@talktalk. com n Lazy Dog Film Club. A free, small, but perfectly formed community film club based at the Lazy Dog pub on Ashley Down Road. We run the club every other week (Wednesday) in the upstairs of the Pub on Ashley Hill. We screen from Oct April every year. All showings start at 8pm but we do advise people to book free places

via LazyDogFilmClub@gmail.com , as we only have 35 seats per showing. For more information on the upcoming films, visit: www. facebook.com/LazyDogFilmClub n Horfield Townswomen’s Guild. This friendly Townswomen’s Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Gregory the Great Church Hall, Filton Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0PD at 2.30pm. Why not come along and meet us? Just turn up, or ring Edna on 949 5413, and she will look out for you. n Squirrel Camp Forest School, Badock’s Wood, 9.45 11.15 (during term time). New afternoon group starting in autumn, 12.30, £6 per family. Contact: jennysanderson@ blueyonder.co.uk . n Reading group with a difference at Cheltenham Road Library, from 3pm. The group meets every fortnight to discuss short fiction, essays, memoirs and learn to look at these with a more critical eye. For the over 60's. No reading to do between meetings. People interested please speak to the Librarian at Cheltenham Road Library. n Mindfulness & Movement – Meditation and Qi Gong/Tai Chi for wellbeing. Gentle aerobic exercise

Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 June 11am – 5pm

One postcode – so much to see!

MEET THE ARTISTS

76 artists in venues around Henleaze, Westbury-on-Trym and Stoke Bishop. Affordable paintings, prints, turned wood, sculpture, jewellery, mosaics, ceramics, photography and more! Brochures, with the Trail map and artists’ details, available at local libraries, cafés and shops.

www.bs9arts.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED and secular meditations for strength of body and mind. Dropin class, all equipment provided, 5.45-7.15pm £9 / £7 Bristol Buddhist Centre, 162 Gloucester Road BS7. Tel Tim Mason 07789 200685 for more info. See www. bristolbuddhistcentre. org/ otheractivities/yogaandqigong n Sing! with the Bristol Children’s Choir. Open to children aged 713 from any school in Bristol. If your child loves singing and would like to do more, Out There Music Children’s Choir could be what you are looking for. We meet every Wednesday in term time from 4.45-6pm in the performing arts studio at Cotham School. More info, contact Holly Shannon on 07866587424, admin@ outtheremusicbristol.co.uk . n Clifton Women’s Institute, 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2ES. Contact by email: thecliftonwi@gmail.com or visit www.cliftonwi.blogspot.co.uk . Take advantage of our guest visits which are just £4. Better still why not join us and enjoy our fabulous Clifton WI 2016 programme for the whole year plus social clubs. Full membership details available. n Spiritual Healing at Westbury Park Spiritualist church BS6 7TH Every Wednesday, 2pm - 3.30pm every week. No appointment necessary, animals welcome. Come along and feel the benefit. Also healing after Sunday evening service@8pm. n Margaret Morris Movement dance/exercise. Bradbury Hall, Henleaze. All welcome 1.0-2.0 pm £4 per session, 1st free Tricia, 07896346486 n Wednesdays 10:00am. Baby & Me post-natal yoga class, 10:00 11:00am plus tea and chat after. Supportive, friendly class with babies made very welcome. Move, breathe, meet and chat with other new mums at YogaSpace Bishopston. Find out more at www. bristolyogaspace.co.uk or contact Clara hello@bristolyogaspace.co.uk / 07530 053 543. n Why not join welsh national opera Friends. We support this world class company and everyone is very welcome to join. We offer:Monthly evening meetings at Redmaids High School MONTHLY on WEDNESDAYS at 7.15pm-these are talks with music. Costs-Friends £5.0 - There are many other benefits For further information contact: Margaret Borkowski:borkmail@

gmail.com Thursday n Bishop Road Community Choir. We are a mixed community choir, meeting at Bishop Road School from 7.45pm to 9pm. Everyone welcome to join, regardless of singing experience. There is no audition and the choir is open to anyone, not just parents of children at the school. We sing a variety of songs and perform locally. Looking forward to welcoming some new faces! n Bristol Ladies Choir sings a wide range of music from classical to light. The choir rehearses weekly and gives two main concerts each year. The choir also participates in approximately 9 to 10 other concerts in the Bristol area each year. Meet at 2.15pm - 3.45pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, Bishop Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NA. New members welcome. For more information contact Hazel on 0117 9246587 or visit www. bristolladieschoir.org.uk n The Stepford Singers. Come and try Bishopston’s all female community choir. No need to read music and no auditions! We meet 1pm - 3pm so you can still be in time to pick up kids from school. For more info, email fran@ naturalvoice.net n West Bristol Orchestra meet at the United Reformed Church, Muller Road, from 7.15 - 9.15pm and play a wide range of classical music arranged for our small friendly orchestra. String players of Grade 5 and above are particularly welcome. For further information please ring 0117 968 3998. n Avon Harmony Ladies A Cappella Chorus meets for rehearsals every Thursday 7.30 -10pm at Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road BS7 9NL. Visitors are always made welcome, and we are actively recruiting new members. There is no need to be able to read music; we provide teaching tracks for learning by ear. See our website for more details www.avonharmony. co.uk or contact Mandy on 0117 652693 or Barbara on 07717 424421. n Horfield Quakers hold a halfhour meeting for worship to be held every Thursday Evening from 6.307pm, at Horfield Quaker Meeting House, 300 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8PD. All are welcome. n Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation at Horfield Leisure Centre, 7.30-9.15pm. The classes

offer you the time to celebrate your pregnancy, relax with your baby, ask questions and meet other mumstobe in a safe and welcoming environment. We cover breathing, relaxation, yoga and movement, active birth, hypnobirthing and physiology of labour and birth. For more information visit www. lymalnick.info, or contact Ly on 07843 377 718 / ly.malnick@gmail. com n Slimming World Bishopston. St Michael and All Angels Church (Pigsty Hill) Gloucester Road. Groups at 9.30am and 7.30pm every Thursday. A friendly, supportive and vibrant weekly group. Full support, advice and a liberating eating plan. No calorie counting and eating to satisfy everyone’s appetite. £9.95 to join and £4.95 per week after that. 6 and 12 week countdowns available. Just turn up or Call Sue on 0117 924 3556 or 07702 578 298 for a chat. n Kings Lawn Tennis Club Rusty Rackets, 19:30-21: 00. Want to get back into tennis? Come along to our fun and welcoming Rusty Rackets session every Thursday evening at Kings Lawn Tennis Club, Maplemeade ( just off Kings Drive) BS7 8JG. Nonmembers (£8) and members (£6) welcome! Contact Head Coach Elly Shearman only tennis .kings@hotmail.com for more details! n Bridge for Beginners and Improvers West of England Bridge Club now welcomes new/novice bridge players for weekly sessions held every Thursday afternoon. Cost £3. Doors open at 1.45pm and play is from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. No partner needed and we have experienced players to help and advice. Beginners lessons also offered email bridgeclassbristol @ gmail.com or ring 0117 2302694 for more info. Venue: Golden Hill Sports Club, Wimbledon Road, Bristol BS6 7YA. Full details at www. woebc.co.uk n Spiritualist church Westbury Park Cairns Road BS6 7TH Open development circle Thursday evening at 7.15 for 7.30 start All are welcome to come along and find the Spirit within you. You don’t have to be a church member. n Sporting Memories Group at the Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground most Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm. A group suitable for people that are isolated or lonely and may have memory difficulties. The group is particularly for those that are interested in sport. Please contact John Collis on

May, 2017 07757527634 or come along to the ground from 11am. Saturday n Gloucester Road Market runs every Saturday from 10am-5pm on Pigsty Hill. Stalls include Herbert’s Bakery, The Spotless Leopard, Lee’s Teaks and Sam’s Jams. nWhiteladies Farmers’ and Fair Trading Market is now held EVERY Saturday, from 8.30am-2pm. Takes place at the junction of Whiteladies/Apsley/Burlington Roads. Stalls cover bread, cheese, local lamb and chicken, fish, preserves, cakes, sushi, local fruit and veg, wild food larder, and recycled tools, wooden items and much more. n Coffee, Tea and Refreshments served every Saturday from 10.30am to noon at Bishopston Methodist Church, 245 Gloucester Road. Join us for a rest and a chat. n The Clifton Garden Society are eager to attract new members from all parts of Bristol. The Society offer monthly visits by coach to country houses and gardens, a quarterly newsletter. and an annual holiday. If you would like to join this friendly group please call 0117 9737296 for full details. n 10:00am and 11:30am. Pregnancy yoga and birth preparation classes with Vivien Tallis at the beautiful YogaSpace Bishopston studio. Move, breathe, calm, chat and discover helpful, practical active birth support. Find out more at www.bristolyogaspace. co.uk or contact Clara hello@ bristolyogaspace.co.uk / 07530 053 543.

Home design workshops Bristol Life Awards Finalist Zoë Hewett Interiors: Stylemongers of Bristol has begun running introductory Interior Design Workshops in the heart of Bristol’s arts quarter at Hamilton House on Stokes Croft, empowering participants to confidently colour and decorate their homes by learning about the design process and creating a moodboard to take away. The next half day workshops will take place back to back on 13th May 2017. Participants are encouraged to share the fruits of the labours on Instagram using the hashtag #mybristolhome for the whole of this creative city to see and celebrate. For more information: www. zoehewettinteriors.co.uk/workshop

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

German Bierfest Bristol

6 1 0 2 y a M 8 5

7 1 0 2 , y a M h t 9 2 h l 25t o t s i r B e r a u e q r S a u m q u S i n Milleinllennium

www.bristol.bierfest.co.uk GB_PosterA3.indd 4

13.03.16 17:13

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n SUSTAINABILITY with Hamish Mills, Sustainable Redland If money is driving climate change, here are a few facts and figures which might help us do something about it. In 2012 over £66 billion was invested by UK banks in fossil fuel extraction – that doesn’t include refining, transport or anything else associated with it. With profits rather than ethics and sustainability pushing them, the influence of the latter two is low in investment making decisions, despite the banks knowing about the effects of their actions. For example, by the end of 2012 HSBC had financed £22 billion in oil, gas and coal extraction, and wanted to get into fracking. Barclays put in £20 billion and developed a partnership with Third Energy which wants to frack in the NorthYork Moors National Park. Despite their sustainability policies and recognition of the importance of “environmental lending”, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and HSBC were the UK’s three biggest banks lending to the coal industry. Including Santander and

Money and climate change Lloyds, these five are among the biggest fossil fuel funders in the world. Doom and gloom, or is it? It turns out that by April 2016, the RBS had reduced its worldwide fossil fuel investment by 70% and doubled what it puts into UK green energy to £1 billion, as well as saying that being guided by environmental risks, it won’t invest in tar sands projects or any company whose sole focus is coal. That is encouraging. Let’s hope it’s targeting by environmentalists and public ownership that are the main reasons for this positive news, and not a decline in those areas of the fossil fuel industry. So where does this leave we residents of Bishopston, Redland and Cotham? The truth is, it’s us who says to these banks I need somewhere to put my money, here you are, take care of it and

don’t lose it. What we don’t ask is, what are you going to do with it? Because of that, they feel free to do whatever they want, even if they know it means the destruction of our planet. Serious stuff, made more so if we do nothing about it, because that makes us colluders. Here’s what we can do: • Ask your bank how much it lends to the fossil fuel industry and whether it is planning to divest • if the answer is unsatisfactory, let it know you’re switching • Here’s a couple of banks that don’t invest in fossil fuels, though there will be plenty more – the Coop and Nationwide, and there are many building societies offering current accounts with cards. • if you’re looking for savings accounts, go for Triodos, the Ecology BS or the Charity Bank.

If public pressure can get the RBS to change, there’s no reason why we can’t do the same with Barclays and the rest of them. Hamish Wills Sustainable Redland

News? Give Sue a call on 07976 706120

Expand is a Bristol based building company delivering high quality construction and high standard workmanship with a customer focus.

0117 959 1777

www.expandbuilding.co.uk

We specialise in

WeEXTENSIONS specialise in & Extensions LOFTS To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n VET'S ADVICE

Don't delay if rabbits fall ill IF you have a rabbit that you are currently very worried about, then do not read this article; call your vet straight away! Rabbits hide disease so if you can see symptoms you are worried about then it is worth calling for immediate advice. If your rabbit is currently well then read on to learn symptoms to be on the watch for. Rabbits that are sitting hunched and have stopped eating need to be seen as soon as possible. Bunnies can stop eating for many reasons, a sudden scare overnight from a predator, pain including sore teeth, muscle or joint painâ&#x20AC;Ś the list goes on. However the key thing to remember is that a bunny that is not eating is an emergency if they do not eat they can develop a condition called gut stasis where the gut stops moving properly regardless of the original cause. This can be rapidly fatal. Diarrhoea

in rabbits is also a big concern: severe diarrhoea is an emergency. Head tilts are another emergency in rabbits - there is a parasite called E.cuniculi that can cause rabbits to show neurological symptoms and rapidly deteriorate. Ear disease can be another cause of a head being held at an abnormal angle. It is best to book your rabbit in to see a vet as soon as possible to start treatment for these conditions straight away. Absolute emergency symptoms that require you to call the vet immediately are bunnies with difficulty breathing, a collapsed bunny or a seizuring bunny. Also any rabbit that has been attacked by a predator or with wounds that are bleeding uncontrollably. Rabbits that have fallen or jumped from a height and are showing signs of discomfort must be seen. If you are worried about your

bunny give us a call on 0117 924 7832. And a reminder for fit and healthy rabbits that this is the time of year to check that their booster vaccinations for Myxomatous and Viral Haemorrhagic disease (VHD) are up to date before the flying insect vectors arrive. We now have stocks of the new VHD vaccine covering the latest strains so please call to book your booster appointment.

Sophie McGill. Veterinary Surgeon

Animal Health Centre Gloucester Roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independent Veterinary Practice 358 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8TP 0117 9247832 www.animalhealthcentre.org

www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

12 year old girl: You could see my heart pounding through my clothes

SPIRE Bristol Hospital and Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Mark Walsh came to the aid of twelve year old Lucy Blanchard where others couldn’t. As a result of her Type 1 diabetes, Lucy suffered a Hypoglycaemic episode, falling unconscious and suffering several seizures. It was not until this occurred that the Yorkshire based family noticed something wasn’t quite right with Lucy’s heart. Considering the resting heart rate of a regular 12 year old is usually around 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) Lucy’s heart was beating at and exceptional rate. She was experiencing heart palpitations up to four times faster reaching 250-280bpm. Lucy explained how she felt during this “It made me feel anxious, faint, dizzy and sick. You could see my heart pounding through my clothes.” Naturally concerned, Lucy’s parents turned to the diabetic care team, based in Leeds, who informed them that it was just a result of the adrenaline. However these episodes of increased heart rate continued for a couple of weeks, causing Lucy to feel rather unwell. Parents Danny and Caroline took their daughter to see a doctor at their local medical practice. It was here the doctor immediately called for emergency services to rush Lucy to the nearest accident and emergency unit. Then diagnosed with Supra-Ventricular Tachycardia (SVT) they planned to refer her to a Paediatric Cardiologist on the NHS to determine the cause. However covered by their medical insurance the family

decided to arrange a private appointment at Nuffield Hospital, Leeds. It was there where Consultant Dr Thompson performed a number of scans and test to reveal that Lucy had a condition called Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome (WPW). WPW is caused by an extra electrical connection in the heart. It is a congenital heart defect where symptoms may not develop until later in life. Many cases are usually diagnosed in otherwise healthy adults aged between 20 and 40. “My condition was making me feel quite left out when I couldn’t join in with P.E and sport at school.” said Lucy. Despite being diagnosed at Nuffield Hospital the family were informed that they did not have the expertise or specialist facilities to perform the correcting procedure that Lucy required. The only place in the region equipped to perform this procedure was Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). “We grew more and more anxious as the weeks went on. Despite her medication of beta blockers our daughter suffered another episode of SVT, which resulted in another agonising trip to A&E.” Explained Caroline, Lucy’s mother. Days and weeks passed and the parents’ worries and the stress of Lucy’s condition only grew and after two cancelled dates for the procedure at the LGI they began to look elsewhere. “We hadn’t realised how difficult it was going to prove to be to find somewhere to help. I lost count of how many private hospitals I contacted around the country, just to be informed they didn’t have the facilities

to perform the procedure.” Said Danny, Lucy’s father. “I was determined not to see my daughter suffer anymore and it was then I found Spire Bristol Hospital. I was quite surprised to speak to Dr Mark Walsh (Consultant Cardiologist) directly and he immediately reassured me that he would be able to help us.” Caroline explains their experience of Spire Bristol Hospital. ‘We were offered to view the hospital before our visit but politely declined due to the distance of travel. When we first arrived it was astonishing. Lucy thought it seemed more like a hotel than a hospital. She was allocated her own room and nurse, who I must say was really nice and friendly. When Lucy went down to Theatre we were kept up to date with what was happening and how it was going. On completion of the ablation, Dr Walsh had a chat with us and gave us all a full brief of how and where they had operated, to both mine and my husband’s relieve he informed us it was a great success.” Lucy has recovered well and has had no more symptoms since the ablation. Spire Bristol Hospital is a national Centre of Excellence for Cardiac and Cardiology services and is one of only a few private facilities which can offer paediatric treatments to children. Should you require any more information or would like to book a consultation with a Consultant then you can call their patient treatment advisers on 0117 980 4080 or email info@spirebristol.com

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n GARDENING WITH TIM BARTON IT always alarms me how fast the year appears to be careering past as I write this article several weeks before the end of the month, so in the middle of April I’m already talking about May. Unfortunately the same seems to be happening in reality and I feel like I’m constantly playing catch up with the impending seasons. The last of the dormant foliage will now have slipped out from it from its winter state and we can begin to see how all of the herbaceous plants are going to present themselves this year. Some plants have a habit of slowly moving around as the roots spread and send up new shoots the following year and some are just thugs that need some severe treatment to keep them in check. The weather so far though, has lent itself to promoting an abundance of growth and even now the place is starting to look a lot more like the garden that I’ve been longing for the last 4 months. Starting a new garden can be daunting, with bare patches of soil in between small plants. Then doing battle with the pests

that target the young and tender foliage. Unfortunately, unless you have very deep pockets, the only way is to take time and slowly let it all come together, it’s a long game, but one that has a very rewarding end. Personally I find that the slow process of building a garden to be infinitely more satisfying and rewarding than just popping along to the garden center, emptying your wallet and decorating your garden as if it were a living room from Ikea. Part of the pleasure that I derive from doing it this way is the fact that you have to propagate to increase the stock of plants that you have at your disposal. Seeds are cheap, for example I had a packet of Amaranthus caudatus “Love Lies Bleeding” that germinated into 1000 seedlings, and many Aquilegia that I was given that are now coming into flower and filling a bed one year later. Some of these sell for £5-10, and they have cost me little more than patience. Cuttings are another fabulous way of increasing the plants that you have already, and we are getting to a time in the year when it’s good to start looking around for

things that you’d like more of. A while ago I mentioned a venture that I’d embarked upon in my constant war on the slugs that seem to have a vendetta on me and my attempts at growing anything beyond a few inches tall. I’ve found that even once robust perennials are having a hard time getting going this this year due to the unrelenting onslaught. The new weapon was a strong solution of garlic (2-3 cloves crushed into a litre of water and left overnight), that is sprayed on anything that I want left alone. Although this has not been a total deterrent, along with a nightly five-minute patrol I’ve managed to keep ahead of the game this year, I’d put the current score at slugs 1; Tim 2. Even with my two cats being very disabled, they still seem to keep the frogs from making much of an appearance and doing what I hoped they would, in hoover them up for me. As the slug hunting is an evening exercise, you can be getting on with some of these jobs during the day. * Keep an eye out for late frosts, after our very warm April, the night temperatures have plummeted

again. * Start to water more regularly, early and late to make better use of it. • Although the nights can be cold, the days can warm up with the sun, so make sure you vent any greenhouses in the day. • Lift and divide any crowded clumps of spring flowering bulbs like Narcissi and Bluebells. • The weeds will be growing with vigor so try to keep on top of them while they’re still small. • Overseed lawns to give a better chance of lush grass over the summer. • Edge any lawns too as the grass will start to wander into the beds. Prune overcrowded or diseased early clematis such as Montana once it’s done flowering. Look up the 3 clematis groups, this one is in group 1 and can take quite a beating. • Take softwood cuttings of deciduous shrubs like Physocarpus or Fuchsia (or Euphorbia). Pest are also on the rise so you’ll have to start to keep an eye out for aphids caterpillars and worse; please keep it pesticide free though.

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n BOOKS OF THE MONTH Coraline

A graphic novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted and illustrated by P Craig Russel Coraline is a tale of dark-fantasy from acclaimed author Neil Gaiman (b. 1960), who has gained cult status for the game-changing Sandman graphic novel series, as well as award winning novels such as Stardust (1999), American Gods (2001) Anansi Boys (2005), Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances (short stories, 2015), and the children’s title The Graveyard Book (2008), all of which are available from your library. The story of Coraline has taken many forms since its emergence as a highly original children’s novella in 2002. It has since transfigured into a musical, a video game, and on the Libraries West catalogue you can find it as an audio book, a stop-motion film adaption by Henry Selick (2009), and a young adult graphic novel, illustrated by P Craig Russell. The central character, Coraline, is a lonely young girl, who moves into an isolated and very large house, divided into AFTER many delays, Bishopston Library will open its doors to the public for the first time on Wednesday 3 May at 11am. Although it’s looked ready for opening for several weeks, there was various building work that needed to be completed before the building was ready to receive its first visitors.

flats, with her very busy, and very neglectful parents. They always have something to do, something far more important than paying attention to her, and the pain she feels from their remoteness is very poignant and affecting. Being an inventive and resourceful girl, she sets out to make her world a little warmer by befriending other residents in the building. After exploring the house and finding a strange sealed off doorway, she meets Mr Bobo, who tells her that his mice have a message for her: ‘don’t go through that door’. This story has been compared to Alice in Wonderland, and you can certainly see why, as she finds herself drawn to doing just that, and falling down a kind of rabbit-hole into a parallel world where animas speak - where her (literally) button-eyed parents pay her all the attention she could wish for. Relishing her mother’s doting affection, family mealtimes become veritable banquets, with course upon course of her favourite foods. But, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for: Coraline soon feels that they are paying her too much attention, and initial claustrophobia descends into a horror of sinister entrapment. This ‘other world’, with its ‘other mother’ and ‘other father’, grows ever more fearsome and

threatening, but Coraline finds she is not entirely alone. In another similarity to Alice, she encounters an animal guardian, like Dinah, who both befuddles and advises her, cryptically embodying an exchange with her ever strengthening inner-voice. She overcomes her persecutors and achieves a new personal freedom using her bravery and her wits; an empowering message to young teenage girls and boys alike. This is a moving and sincere comingof-age tale, a smart and brutally honest story of the fears that can engulf a young mind, and homage to the redeeming power of a maturing instinct that is just waiting to be drawn on. This potent, enchanting story is made all the more tangible in the graphic novel, with its vivid illustrative style.

The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell A non-fiction review this month – about an Englishman and his unusual and special bond with a

Magellan penguin. Tom Michell is taking a break from Britain, teaching at an upmarket school in Argentina. Before he begins his new job, he takes a holiday in a friend’s luxury apartment in Uruguay. On his last day as he strolls along the seashore, he is horrified to come across many suffering penguins, covered in oil – seemingly all of them already dead after ingesting the tar and the sticky substance rendering their feathers no longer waterproof. Moved by one bird’s plight, Tom attempts to clean it and give it a chance at survival. So ensues a battle of wits between the two, with the penguin at last seeming to understand that human intervention will be beneficial. Tom’s plan to return the penguin back to the coastline fails – the creature follows him back up the beach. It becomes obvious that the penguin has become fixated with his rescuer and does not intend to leave Tom’s side. There is a dark backdrop– it is set during the murky period of Argentina’s Peronist government and the ensuing military intervention, and this makes for thought-provoking reading. A heart-warming, enchanting story – if you weren’t a penguin lover before reading this book, you will be after!

A new library for Bishopston The library is on two floors, with an accessible lift to the first floor where there is a dedicated area for users to plug in laptops and other portable devices so they never run out of power while using them in the library. There are several study tables on this floor, which we hope will help during the revision season. There is a wide range of stock available, including a big selection of graphic novels and children’s books as well as books in large print and audio format. Offering eight computers for adults, including one on a height-adjustable table with the option of large print and large format keyboards and a rollerball mouse and two children’s computers, these will prove a helpful addition to community facilities. A meeting room on the ground floor will be available for groups to hire with local

community groups being able to book the room ‘at cost’ (which in many cases will be free of charge – ask staff for details once the library is open). When the meeting room is not in use by groups, we intend to offer it as a quiet study room, which we know has proved popular at Junction 3 Library where we have a similar room. There are already plans to hold singing sessions and storytimes in the bright and cheery children’s area and the reading group that used to meet at Cheltenham Road Library will relocate to the new library. An additional weekly reading group will also start on 10 May – details will be displayed in the library. Over the past few months, we’ve been gathering the names of people who are interested in becoming involved in a Friends of Bishopston Library group. We’ll be holding a get together

soon so that potential Friends can find out more. We’re also keen to hear from anyone who has an idea for activities they’d like to see at the library. Just talk to staff and we’ll see what we can do. One idea that we’ve already had is to host a Repair Café – anyone who thinks they’d like to coordinate/get involved in this can get in touch. Opening hours will be: Monday 1-7pm Tuesday Closed Wednesday 11am-5pm Thursday 11am-5pm Friday 11am-5pm Saturday 11am-5pm Sunday Closed Christine Brown Library Group Manager – East Bristol Group of libraries

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

First class care

when you need it Registered Charity 202151

Nursing and Dementia Care

Registered Charity 202151

Whether you’re planning ahead or if you have more immediate needs, St Monica Trust’s care homes provide the highest quality care across Bristol and North Somerset. Our friendly care teams are specialists who take their time to get to know our residents and what matters to them. This means we can tailor activities and services according to your wishes.

Call us for a chat and we’d be pleased to tell you more.

Call us to find out more

Facilities and Services

0117 949 4735

Landscaped gardens • Interesting activities • Physiotherapy En-suite bedrooms • Excellent food • Well-appointed rooms

carehomes@stmonicatrust.org.uk

www.stmonicatrust.org.uk

Garden House Bristol

John Wills House Bristol

Russets and Sherwood Sandford, North Somerset

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n TAKE A BREAK PUZZLES FOR EVERYONE Adult puzzles Children’s puzzles

S P H O T O G R A P H E R S U T Z D

Y H B D E N G I N E E R W W F U X I

C Y A U A Q L K C G A P R I N T E R

H S R A C L A B O U R E R B Y O J E

O I S P H T T G U L C D D P U R C C

L C T I E K U T R E H O I V B Y H T

O I A L R L R I I C I S O D A F E O

G S F O I A N W E T T U D K R S M R

I T F T I B E C R U E R C R R U I W

S D D N S L R F L R C G A Y I R S A

T U E E D Q M A A E T E S B S V T I

E R N E S A B B R R A O H C T E E T

D F R U N I P N A I M N I L E Y Q R

I C D A R B G A I K A E E E R O O E

T V G Q B S L N R O E N R R H R L S

O E G A R D E N E R R R C K B A W S

R H T O L A W Y E R F S Z C H E F O

3 4 1 3

Each horizontal row, each 2x2 square and each column must contain all the numbers 1-4, only once each.

SOLUTIONS

P S X T R A N S L A T O R A Z S W D

EASY for children

TXT PERT

Can you find 41 jobs or professions vertically, horizontally or diagonally?

SUDOKU

Across 2 Altar, 6 Nun, 7 Shrine, 9 Imam, 10 Hell, 11 God Down 1 Sin, 3 Taoism, 4 Reverend, 5 Instill, 8 Myth

WORDSEARCH

A-MAZING

There’s only one way to help the dog find her bone – but which is it?

TXT PERT

The numbers point you to the letters on a phone keypad

Clues Across 2 25827 (5) 6 686 (3) 7 747463 (6) 9 4626 (4) 10 4355 (4) 11 463 (3)

Down 1 746 (3) 3 826476 (6) 4 73837363 (8) 5 4678455 (7) 8 6984 (4)

2 is A, B or C 3 is D, E or F 4 is G, H or I 5 is J, K, or L

6 is M, N or O 7 is P, Q, R or S 8 is T, U or V 9 is W, X, Y or Z

5 6 7 8 9

The Carpet Shop • Free measuring service • Fitting included in the carpet price • Wide selection of styles and colours • Fitters with over 20 years experience • Professional, friendly and prompt service

Visit our showroom:

45 North View Westbury Park BS6 7PY www.thecarpetshopbristol.co.uk

For free advice please call:

0117 973 4912

Homegrown, organic vegetables

VE BOX G ES

Direct from your local Somerset farm Unbeatable freshness Order today: plowrightorganic.co.uk

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence

LAST month I took a flight of fancy with the wild daffodil but this month my feet are firmly back on our city streets. I decided to consider your plight if your smart shoes never taste mud and you don’t even own a pair of binoculars. Do not despair – everything described here can be seen without specialist equipment and without even leaving the pavement! Once, many years ago, we stood at the top of Park Street gazing up at a peregrine soaring around the Wills Tower. When it had disappeared from view we looked down to find that we had collected quite a crowd, craning their necks. Not one of them asked what we were looking at! Nowadays the peregrines are joined by ravens and you can see both throughout the city. Listen out for the raven’s doom-laden croak (or cronk) but the best trick is to notice when there is a

sudden aerial disturbance. The crows will fly up to chase off the intruders, the pigeons will scatter. A sparrowhawk has the same effect as it describes elegant circles in the air above our parks and gardens, easily visible from the street. There is also plenty to see when you look down –the walls that line our pavements provide a distinctive wildlife habitat. Native species living on damp, shady walls include several ferns, such as the well-named wall rue, and dog violets, usually a woodland flower, somehow scrape a living in that crack between wall and pavement. In some streets this crack is lined with a jumble of plants including native weeds (plants of open ground such as poppies and dandelions), garden plants gone feral (such as those opulent purple bellflowers) and other woodland species, such as pendulous sedge, all elbowing for space in an odd mix that occurs nowhere else. Where there are plants, there are animals: you can often see a butterfly perched on a sunny surface, particularly red admirals and small tortoiseshells, warming up before flying away again. Moths can spend the day camouflaged on a rough wall - once you are tuned in to the outline you’ll be surprised how many you can spot. Actually living on the wall, lion of this miniature vertical savannah, is the zebra spider. It likes a warm wall, stalking its planes, the predator of very small insects. It may only be

live happy! with

Slimming World

Muslin moth on city wall: photo by Rupert Higgins half a centimetre long but it can leap distances of several centimetres and defy gravity by landing safely back on its vertical surface. There are even a few rarities - most obvious is the strange brownish pink flower spike of the ivy broomrape. This parasitic plant, completely without leaves, dispensing altogether with chlorophyll, grows on the roots of ivy, taking all its sustenance directly from that plant. It is nationally scarce, but is relatively common in our area; look for it on the ground wherever you see ivy. Happy city hunting!

Will Writing & Estate Planning

Trinity URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze live happy! Tuesdays 9.30 a.m & 11.30 a.m, with

3.30World p.m, 5.30 p.m & 7.30 p.m. Slimming

Contact: Selina - 07949 406079

Horfield Leisure Centre, Dorian Road

Wednesdays 3.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m. & 7.30 p.m. Contact: Carolyn - 07715 942226

slimmingworld.co.uk St. Michael and All Angels Church, 0344 897 8000

160 Gloucester Road

Thursdays 9.30 a.m, 11.30 a.m & 7.30 p.m. Contact: Sue - 07702 578298

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –

if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

Please feel free to call us during office hours on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online. co.uk

Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n ON THE BEAT

News from the local policing team with Adam Dolling IT’S been great to see the sun shining over recent weeks and it certainly makes for more enjoyable foot patrols! New beat manager PC David Rockell has been leading some work to reduce the ongoing vehicle crime problem. As a result, one man was arrested and subsequently charged to court for theft from a motor

vehicle on Queen’s Road. Another man has also recently been charged. The same advice applies, though: please ensure you leave your vehicle secure and remove all property from view. Also, if you see someone acting suspiciously, report it – don’t rely on someone else to pick up the phone. If you believe a crime is in progress, call 999. Or, if you have information that might help, report it online or on the non-emergency number, 101. A number of people have raised concerns about drug use in the Dirac Road and Ashley Down Green areas. In response, we’ve carried out both high visibility patrols to deter and reassure, as well as undercover operations to challenge suspects. We are also working with the nearby college to ensure students are aware of both the health risks and potential consequences of being caught in possession of drugs. Sheds are still being targeted in the area, particularly for bikes. Please ensure you review just how secure any outbuildings are and consider the value of what you’re

storing in them. Think about purchasing a shed alarm, which are relatively inexpensive, and ensure bikes are hidden, well-secured and registered on www.bikeregister.com Over recent months, we’ve had reports of cold callers selling over-priced products, rogue traders taking money for half-completed jobs and distraction burglars conning their way into homes. In May, Rogue Trader Week will highlight the impact this has on their victims and what you can do to prevent it. Follow these top tips to keep you and your neighbours safe from rogue traders: • Who are they? Check they have ID and give their company a call to confirm. • No details, no deal. If they don’t have any company details or offer to work for cash then remember it’s ok to say no • Don’t speak to them alone. Genuine callers won’t mind coming back on another day when you’re not alone. • Keep your house safe. If you

have a safety chain fitted, always attach the chain before opening the door to strangers. • Say hello to your neighbour, have a chat with them about the tradesmen they use or even offer to be with them when a tradesman next calls. Our message to the community is that it’s ok to say no! As you will know, Southmead Police Station has now closed and the neighbourhood police team are temporarily based at The Bridewell in the city centre. We are working on finding them a permanent home in Southmead and will update on this as soon as we can. In the meantime, the front office continues to operate Monday to Friday from 10am - 6pm from the mobile police station, temporarily housed on the forecourt of the fire station opposite Southmead Station. Don’t forget you can follow what the team is up to on Twitter on @ ASPBristolNorth Until next time Sergeant Adam Dolling

FULL SERVICE FACILITIES INCL TECH-2 & 9-5 SECURITY DIGITAL FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT & MOT FACILITIES AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES INCL THE LATEST R1234YF GAS FREE COURTESY CARS FOR ALL SERVICE WORK * 10,000 SQUARE FEET OF NEW, USED AND RECONDITIONED PARTS ELV REGISTERED FOR ALL YOUR SAAB RECYCLING A GOOD RANGE OF LATE SAABS ALWAYS AVAILABLE Friendly and Highly Knowledgeable Staff

Email: saabs@simply-saab.com www.simply-saab.com *subject to availability

9 CLOTHIER ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL, BS4 5PS

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

May, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n INSIDE OUT GREY has been a hugely popular for interiors in recent years, and although it may not be the most obvious choice for a children’s bedroom it really can work. It might seem counter-intuitive, but the result is anything but drab or depressing, as children’s colourful toys and furniture really pop out against darker hues, but often we shy away from anything more interesting than off-white. Darker coloured walls are ideal for creating cosseting, cosy spaces and in combination with blackout-lined curtains aid daytime napping. Using pattern only sparingly, this room aims not to be too bedazzling or over-stimulating, and pointedly avoids any cartoon characters on the furnishings. Decorating is so disruptive, that no one wants to be making inconvenient or expensive changes every time a growing child acquires a new passion. Parents are also allowed to enjoy the surroundings too, so there is no harm in choosing paints and papers that can be pleasurable for everyone to look at, and will grow with the child to some extent. Choosing a gender neutral colour scheme is also a good idea, as you never know, there might be a new sibling to share the same space later on. Although a futon bed means the room is missing out on an obvious storage opportunity, it suits the inhabitant of this space who has difficulty climbing and is prone to falling out of bed. Wardrobe units can often be imposing so here they have been painted the same colour as the walls, and even look at first glance as though they have been built into the alcove, keeping the ‘visual noise’ down.

with interior designer Zoe Hewett

This room is home to a few upcycled items including a chest of drawers given new handles and a vibrant lick of paint using leftovers from previous furniture projects; home-made upcycled headboards (using a duvet and leftover curtain fabric) to soften the bed corner; and a hand painted artwork in a giant old picture frame covered in fabric scraps, all to give it a unique touch. www.zoehewettinteriors.co.uk

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

Taking

ExtraCare of you

Stoke Gifford Village An ExtraCare Charitable Trust Village

Retirement living with tailored support For over 55s, even with significant care needs, Stoke Gifford Village offers so many new opportunities to live more independently in a supportive, friendly neighbourhood community. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have your own comfortable new one or two bedroom apartment where everything is designed to make later living as easy as possible, with access to a wealth of superb social and leisure facilities, which include an award-winning Well-being centre to help you stay fit and well and manage health conditions. Our dedicated on-site team are on hand to provide emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can also tailor an assessed care package to suit your needs which can be provided in the comfort of your own home. Stoke Gifford Village is a vision of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, a registered charity creating better lives for older people since 1988

To register your interest in Stoke Gifford Village call

01173 216639 or online at www.stokegiffordvillage.co.uk StokeGiffordVillage

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a registered Charity since 1988. Charges will apply. Details of any costs associated with your home, care and Village services will be provided as part of your application. The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, registered charity number 327816, is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales as company number 2205136. Its registered office is at 7 Harry Weston Road, Binley Business Park, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2SN. Copyright ÂŠ 2017 - The ExtraCare Charitable Trust

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017

n PROPERTY

Loft House, Ashley Down, Bristol Ocean Estate Agents are delighted to be appointed by multi award winning independent developers, Acorn Property Group, to market an exciting and innovative new development in Bristol. Acorn will be using their renowned and unique style to develop Brunel House in Ashley Down, blending the conversion of a historic Grade II Listed stone building, with a collection of new build homes under the name Loft House. With offices in London, Bristol, Cardiff, Newquay and Southampton, Acorn have gathered a wealth of experience and awards over the last 20 years and being shortlisted for the prestigious RICS Awards 2017 in the regeneration category, demonstrates their perfect suitability to develop this historic building into new distinctive and bespoke homes, which will include apartments, duplexes and houses.

Following Acorn’s ‘Different by Design’ ethos they pride themselves on delivering bespoke new homes with a strong focus on detail that complement the surrounding community. Ocean’s unrivalled knowledge of the area will be a great asset in this regard. With over thirty years’ experience and now with ten offices, Ocean are Bristol’s premier independent agent, but the ties to

the bustling and exciting nearby Gloucester Road and Bishopston remain as strong as ever, being the location of Ocean’s very first office. Ocean’s specialist Land and New Homes team will be applying their considerable property knowledge and experience, collectively over 90 years, to market this flagship scheme and will work alongside the highly regarded sales team based at the

Bishopston office. For further details or to register your interest, please call Ocean on 0117 946 9838 or e-mail landandnewhomes@oceanhome. co.uk

#EverythingProperty

Invest in our experience, expertise and local knowledge all available in-house and in-person. It really is the best approach to selling or letting your property.

Pop in for a chat or visit andrewsonline.co.uk/everythingproperty

Phone

Online

In person

Bishopston Sales 0117 405 7662 Lettings 0117 405 7680

ToAndrewsQ2Ad_Corners_Bishopston_180x120mm.indd advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 1or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk 30/03/2017 2:05 pm

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017 DRIVEWAYS

LOCAL SERVICES TO ADVERTISE CALL EMMA ON:

0117 9082121 or 07715 770448

AGL DRIVEWAYS

Tarmac & Block Paving specialist • Family run business for 50 years • All work guaranteed • Free estimates Telephone: Keynsham

0117 9860485 or 07831 453821

www.agldrives.co.uk ELECTRICAL SERVICES

AERIAL SPECIALISTS

D Turner

Painting, Decorating & Property Maintenance • Tiling • PVC • Full Electrics • Fencing • Flooring Interior & Exterior Free Estimates Competitive Rates

Office: 0117 982 3930 or 0777 391 6802 BUILDING SERVICES

BUILDING SERVICES

Call Nick on 0117 2892082 0117 303 9000 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical specialist domestic installers

Kevin Gapper Roofing

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.

We cover all aspects of roofing work

For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

• Tiled roofs • Flat roofs • Lead roofs • Installation of Velux Windows • Timber works 10 year guarantee with all new roofs Local Bristol family run roofing business with over 20 years experience

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

CARPET CLEANING

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

From planning to end product

T: 01179 510319 or 07872 484994 W: kevingapper@me.com

Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning Carpets dry in 30 minutes!

Current Offer

CARPETS

1 Room 3 Rooms Whole House

£40* £70* £90*

UPHOLSTERY

1 Armchair £25* 1 Sofa £30* Rugs £10 to £30*

Nick/Alison at A Carpet Cleaning Service Ltd

07812 730346

www.acarpet.cleaning

*PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT

Free Quotes Inspection and Testing Landlord Certificates New builds and Extensions Extra Sockets and Lights Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors

www.ElderwoodElectrical.com Office - 0117 9322379 Mobile - 07725 058581

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

bishopstonvoice

May, 2017 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

KC Electrical Services

LOGS FOR SALE

LOGS FOR SALE STILL ONLY £65 per dumpy bag

(the big ones builders get sand in)

LOG BURNER FRIENDLY SIZE

(Stock up NOW for Winter) Telephone Chris Allcock 07770 754 622 (mob)

01275 373562

(Please use the mobile) GARDENING SERVICES

PAINTING & DECORATING

55 ROOFING

T M HOBBS ROOFING Established 1989 • Based in Bishopston

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

Tel: 01179 426 436 tim_hobbs@outlook.com

STONEMASONRY

Stephen Carter Painter & Decorator

www.rescapebristol.co.uk A close team of highly skilled landscapers Over 10 years of experience Passionate about creating beautiful gardens Helpful, friendly, reliable and hardworking For a free quote contact Sam or Josh on

Professional Decorating Services

Painting & Decorating Association Accredited (with PDA guarantee) For a free competitive quotation:

• Restoration of new & period properties • Stonewalling • Carving • Paint removal from stone • Bay window repair specialists

07432570530 / 07854024732

07786 513788 or 0117 907 6997

City & Guilds qualified - 25 years experience

10% discount when quoting Fishponds Voice

www.carterdecorating.co.uk

www.ammonitestonemasonry.co.uk

PLUMBING

WINDOWS & DOORS

rescapebristol@gmail.com

LAUNDRY

Cranside Avenue, Redland, BS6 7RA

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117 LOCKSMITHS

957 5092

PLUMBING

JPK PLUMBING Emergency Locksmith 24 Hour Service Replacements Locks Commercial & Residential Services

Call El on

07775 44 63 54 or 01225 68 36 37 www.accesslocksmithsw.co.uk

From a dripping tap upwards Reliable, qualified, fully insured

Phone: John Keegan 125 Bishop Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8LX elfontanero@hotmail.co.uk www.jpkplumbingbristol.co.uk

07900 582 817 • 0117 924 7286

T: 0117 986 7376 / 07866 757 543

Our Window & Door online quotation service couldn’t be easier

www.pricemyownwindows.co.uk

• No high-pressure salesman • Easy to use • Trade or DIY • Fitting service available or supply only • All the advice you need to buy windows & doors online today! Unit 22e Durley Lane, Keynsham, BS31 2AJ

WINDOWS & DOORS

MSP

MAINTENANCE

Having problems with your Upvc windows and doors? Misted panes, broken handles, faulty hinges or locks! For all types of Upvc maintenance and repair, contact Malcolm on

01179 686486 / 07548 928251 for a free quote

pidgemsp@aol.com

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

KH ad.pdf

20/01/2017

09:22

kendallharper 0117 909 4400 www.kendallharper.com enquiries@kendallharper.com @KHBishopston

Selling homes of all shapes and sizes

CMY