Bishopston Voice November 2017 by Emma Cooper

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November, 2017 Issue 60

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Fight is on for clean air AS Transport for London introduces its controversial daily T-charge on vehicles that fail to meet European emissions standards, people in Bristol are considering how to clean up the city’s air. A recent report revealed that nitrogen dioxide levels were recorded at twice the legal limit in parts of central Bristol and have become worse in the past four years. Recognised as a contributory factor in cancer, heart and lung issues in adults, air pollution has also been linked to premature births and poor lung development in children, as well as increased cases of asthma. Mayor Marvin Rees has joined other Core City leaders in signing a statement in October criticising the Government’s Air Quality Plan and for failing to give councils enough funds to make a difference. Meanwhile, academics, politicians and campaigners came together at a joint meeting of the Bishopston Society and Sustainable Bishopston to consider what more can be done to improve local air quality. Full report: Page 2

Photography girl snaps up prize ELIBA Laws, 15, from Redmaids' High School, has won a national competition for her photographs from an expedition to Nepal. PAGE 20

Big response over cuts plans Bristol City Council has received nearly 3,750 responses to its consultation considering cuts to services including libraries, public toilets, and school crossing patrols. PAGE 9

Bristol Pound goes mobile Look who’s behind the pea sticks! Local hero Dale the Dalek sticks it to them for his latest charity raising wheeze: Page 4

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November, 2017

n NEWS A 2020 vision of how clean air in Bishopston could be realised was explored at October’s meeting of The Bishopston Society. Experts representing the global academic research, local political and Bristol campaign activist communities each responded to the need for clean air, in the face of the frightening annual figure of 8.5% of all deaths in Bristol (300) being caused by exposure to air pollution. Nick Plant from the Bishopston Society said: “It’s great that in the face of large-scale global concern about clean air, we’re working successfully with local partners on community responses, and we’re hugely grateful to meeting participants for their active contributions to our campaign planning.” The public meeting was held in partnership with Sustainable Bishopston at the Friends Meeting on Gloucester Road. Details of Bishopston Society Report are below. What’s the council doing? Fi Hance, local Green Party councillor and Chair of the Council’s Air Quality Management Group looked at how Bristol City Council at last seems to be treating the problem seriously. To comply with the government’s UK Air Quality Action Plan, the Council needs to submit its own plan by March

Air pollution: what next?

2018. The best option is seen to be to develop Clean Air Zones (CAZ). Essentially these would be created by imposing a charge on vehicles entering high pollution areas of the city, based on their emission levels. The feasibility study being undertaken will look at the most suitable size of CAZ area to set up. The small option would only cover parts of central Bristol. The medium-sized one would cover a much wider area, including the M32 corridor and

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Sue Thomas News editor

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the Gloucester Road as far as the edge of Southmead. The other decision still to be made is which categories of vehicles would be charged or even excluded – only buses, taxis, HGVs and LGVs or all vehicles? Walking alternatives Alan Morris gave an introduction to the aims and work of the Bristol Walking Alliance, an organisation which campaigns in conjunction with other groups

and organisations such as Bristol Civic Society, Living Streets and Sustrans to promote a welcoming, safe, convenient and inclusive urban environment that will encourage walking rather than motorised transport. What citizens can do In a wide-ranging talk, Dr Caroline Bartle from the Centre for Transport and Society at UWE looked at ways people can combat air pollution and reduce their exposure to it.

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

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November, 2017

n NEWS Bishopston has a higher rate of car ownership per household (1.24) than either the Bristol or national average figures which implies there is a need to adopt ways of reducing motor car use. Shifting to other modes of transport (cycling, walking, using the bus) is the most obvious means of achieving this but how do we succeed in this aim? Getting people to pledge they will reduce car use can work at community level; apps that provide real time bus travel information help make effective use of buses; saving on car costs by sharing or using car clubs; changing to electric cars; even adopting more eco-friendly driving habits like smoother acceleration and switching off when idling – all these can help. Clean Air Bishopston – a preview Kevin Molloy from Bishopston Society gave a preview of ‘Clean Air Bishopston’ (CAB), a project well into its planning phase being run by the Society in conjunction with Sustainable Bishopston, Bristol Walking Alliance and

others. He reminded people that the group discussions at the TBS April public meeting had identified a large number of selfhelp activities that would help improve air quality in Bishopston and that the CAB project aimed to respond to that challenge. He hoped others would be encouraged to get involved in the project. Four discussion groups focused on one of the planks of Clean Air Bishopston: • Improving Gloucester Road bus lanes and associated problems • Developing and encouraging more walking in Bishopston • Aligning with relevant items and issues on transport ‘bugbears’ and traffic choices • Setting up a web portal on clean air in Bishopston, showcasing positive actions, linking the project with wider clean air work, and launching the project. To find out more see www. bishopstonsociety.org.uk Photos courtesy of The Bishopston Society.

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November, 2017

n NEWS

Counting sticks with Dale the Dalek DALE the Dalek is back with a fresh challenge to local people to help raise money for Children’s Hospice South West. Dale’s owner, Keith Walker, is following last year’s crazy golf spectacular with something more mellow, to allow his garden to recover. This year’s challenge is to count the pea sticks in his front garden at 48 Thornleigh Road. Keith said: “When I

dismantled the golf course I discovered that after 1,000 people had walked on the garden it was like concrete. My wife Carol asked me if we could let the garden go fallow this winter, so I’ve gone and put some canes in the garden for people to count. “I’ve put up a piece of blue rope too in case a tie breaker is needed, which will be to guess ‘how long is a piece of string’. “We’ve already had our first

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entrant. I’m asking people to come along, leave at least a pound donation and make their guess." Last year Keith set a target of raising £1,000 and surpassed it. He’s hoping to do that again and has a number of prizes that the competition entrants can win including a £30 Tesco voucher, a blender from Nailsea Electrical, a £20 voucher for Tinto Lounge, a meal for two at The Grace, £20 voucher for Pizzarova and £20 to spend at Murray's Butcher. The competition will be running until the end of February and as always there will be plenty of action happening around Keith’s house during February’s Window Wanderland event. “Come along and have laugh and work out how many sticks there are. If we could raise £1,000 like last year that would be great.” Keith collects money each year for Children’s Hospice

South West who helped to care for his nephew while he was ill for many years with Muscular Dystrophy. This front garden in Bishopston has seen some action over the years due to Keith’s many offbeat charity challenges. He first made headlines with his popular Dale the Dalek display, and followed that up with a beach theme in the middle of winter, a stage for Bristol Has Talent, and last year’s incredible crazy golf.

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November, 2017

n NEWS ST Andrew’s Bowling Club held an all day Open Fours Tournament on October 1, attracting a large crowd of enthusiastic bowlers from Bristol and across the south west. Teams from nearby including Redland and St Andrews took part along with those who’d travelled from Cheltenham, Dorset and Wales. Club chairman John Pearce said: “We’ve invented a tournament that people enjoy taking part in and play it in the Autumn. The format we play is different. It’s all about 10 ends of bowls. There are 24 fours which amounts to 96 players.” Extensive plans to bring the clubhouse building up to scratch began the very next day when the scaffolding went up. A generous £50,000 refurbishment grant from the Cory Environmental Trust is helping to fund improvements to the old windows, doors and repair the leaking roof, as well as fit a new balcony and flooring. All the work is being carried out by local builders Mogford Prescott. Glen Wintle, club member tasked with project managing the refurbishment said: “The building is very old and a lot of heat escapes. The work is needed because it can be freezing cold in this room - it has been 4°

Work begins on revamp for St Andrew's Bowling Club

Left to right: John Pearce, club chairman, Pete Jones, tournament organiser, Glen Wintle, project manager and Spencer Wintle, club secretary in winter and as hot as 29° in summer. “The old windows leak energy and will be replaced with new windows and doors which

are energy saving. “There are holes in the roof it leaks when it rains. The whole roof is coming off and is to be replaced. “We want it to be a better meeting space as it is used by community groups for meetings as well as the Bowling Club. We’ve had a lot of support locally and hopefully by December, all of it should be done.“ The club have raised £5,000 for the project themselves by getting local neighbours involved with a combination of skittle evenings, quiz nights and race nights. They are also keen to be able to utilise the unused space

between the Bowls Club and the Tennis Club. Members would like to improve access to the building and have applied for a grant to install a stairlift, estimated at £5,000. They are also waiting to hear about a grant to site solar panels on the club roof. Membership to this historic club is open to the general public, and new players of all standards are always welcome. Taster sessions are offered from April each year. Further details can be found on the clubs website www. bristolstandrewsbowlingclub. co.uk

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bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

North Bristol Art Trail returns THE ever popular North Bristol Art Trail takes place over the weekend of November 25 - 26, with a preview night on Nov 24 when you can relax with a mulled wine and chat to artists and friends. This long established trail offers an unhurried opportunity to buy original artwork from paintings and prints to stone sculptures and jewellery with a myriad of objects between. It’s a perfect time of year to inspire people to buy original artwork and craft for loved ones. Trail goers can enjoy visiting artists in their own homes and studios, while bumping into friends and soaking up the atmosphere of streets bustling with art lovers. Some of the North Bristol artists are recognised at regional and national levels for their art, craft or design work, others working on international commissions. This year the trail will be particularly enlivened as the Gloucester Road Art Banners are being installed at the beginning of November (see page 8). Sarah Thorp said: “Over the past years galleries and independent shops on Gloucester Road have been set up by individual and groups of artists to give a year-round showcase of local artists’ work. This means if you can’t decide over the weekend you can return at other times of the year to browse and make a choice. This is especially true at Glos Rd Central, at the top of Pigsty Hill which is now

publishing books and starting new arts projects in education to community support and public works. The North Bristol Art trail is a time for every member to connect with the local community and share the wonderful wealth of art in the area. Once you fall in love with a piece of art you can pay with cash, Bristol Pounds or old fashioned cheques. Many

artists are also set up to take card payments. There are even specially created NBA vouchers which can be purchased at Room 212. The NBA website offers full details on every artist member, year round, while the Artists Profiles, facebook and twitter will give you lots more exciting news of our projects and achievements http://www.northbristolartists. org.uk

a ‘go-to destination’ for art and original gifts. Room 212 is full of work by North Bristol artists and even has an online shop to spread the word beyond Bristol.” Gloucester Road is a one of the hubs of the trail, with artist venues either side of this much loved high street. Some independent shops even host artists including Flo Jo Boutique, a venue for the first time, and favorites Artemis and the Eco House behind Room 212. St Michaels Church Hall has a myriad of artists showing their work so is a great way to see lots of art under one roof if you’re short of time. The skills of North Bristol artists are wide and varied from curating exhibitions,

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November, 2017

n NEWS

Art Banners are going up this month IF you go down to the North Bristol Art Trail this month youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in for a big surprise. If you down to the Gloucester Road you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe your eyes! After a year in the planning the Gloucester Road Art Banners are about to be put up along the whole of our wonderful High Street of independent shops and businesses. About 30 banners will be installed in November, in the build up to the North Bristol Art Trail (see page 7). Attached to lampposts, with artwork and words inspired by Gloucester Road and all it offers, each banner has a different image on either side. Financed by Gloucester Road BID traders, Neighbourhood Partnership and the North Bristol Artists, the banners will be placed on street lamps stretching from the Arches on Cheltenham Road up Pigsty Hill to Filton Avenue, with a spur on Zetland Road.

From well known street artists such as Inkie and Alex Lucas to much loved North Bristol artists Jenny Urquhart, Mary Collett and Toni Burrows the vibrant, fun artwork will brighten up the high street. The hope is to encourage people to leave their cars behind in order to stroll up and down the high street, admiring the art and learning about the wide range of shops, galleries, health, beauty or spiritual centres, cafes, restaurants and bars. The project is being put together by North Bristol Artist Sarah Thorp, whose Gloucester Road gallery, Room 212, shows work by a huge range of Bristol artists. Sarah teamed up with her neighbour, public artist Deborah Weinreb (+D) to put the Art Banner project together. Deborah created the Flagged Up Project as part of the European Green Capital 2015 resulting in street banners which can still be seen up on lampposts throughout

Horfield and Lockleaze. The open submission for artwork, launched last year, attracted over 150 artists with some fantastic images to choose from. Other ideas are already coming out of the project such as Gloucester Road Art Bin Stickers

and Gloucester Road Art Bags to encourage everyone to ditch the plastic. Room 212 will be selling prints of the artwork used for the banners so you'll be able to own a little bit of Gloucester Road creativity!

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

3,750 responses on cuts THE results of Bristol City Council’s Your Neighbourhood 2017 consultation report have been published and the council’s plans on how to deliver future services will be published in December. The council received nearly 3,750 responses to its consultation which ran over the summer considering savings proposals to local services including Bristol Community Links, Libraries, public toilets, school crossing patrols and the withdrawal of funding for Neighbourhood Partnerships. The Libraries consultation received the highest response rate with 93% of people taking part. The highest response rate by area was from Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym and the second highest response rate was from Redland residents. Both these areas have libraries that are well used but earmarked for closure under the proposals. Of those who responded to the Libraries consultation,

61% selected a preferred option from the three libraries options proposed in question 1. Furthermore, 39% of Libraries respondents provided free text comments - mostly expressing concern and/or alternative suggestions for running the future library service. More than a quarter of those taking part (26%) stated that none of the options were

acceptable, and 17% said that the council should not be closing any of the libraries. There were many objections to the closure of public toilets with six receiving 72% of requests to remain open. These are the toilets by the Suspension Bridge, Stoke Road, Sea Walls, Westbury Village, Colston Avenue and St George Park.

Colston cut out of Commemoration Day service COLSTON’S Girls’ School, named in honour of slave trader Edward Colston, has removed all mention of him in the annual service in his honour. Instead, the Commemoration Day service, due to take place at Bristol Cathedral on November 3, will raise awareness of slavery. The school issued a statement which said: “Over the last year the senior leadership and governors at CGS have worked to make the Commemoration service more inclusive and relevant to the students. After consultation with students from all year groups we have decided to remove all reference to Edward Colston from the service and we will no longer be asking the students to wear a chrysanthemum in his memory.” “By choosing to focus on the victims of slavery for Commemoration 2017 we are reflecting the values and moral values of the wonderfully diverse body of the students currently at CGS.”

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n FROM OUR MP

Prison needs a fair deal

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November, 2017

HIS month I want to focus on HM Prison Bristol, also known as Horfield Prison. This institution lies right in the heart of our city. Many of you will pass close to it every day, or have your allotments behind it. Some of you work there. Many of you may not give it a second thought, but some of you have raised concerns with me about noise or other problems arising from the prison. I’ve been in regular and positive contact with HMP Bristol from the start of my time as a Bristol West MP, so I know that Governor Steve Cross is keen to restart residents’ meetings. If you live near the prison you’ll have recently received a letter from Steve asking if you’re interesting in attending a first meeting. Be sure to get back to him if you’d like this opportunity to raise any concerns, such as noise levels. Before I became an MP, I

worked with people with a history of violent offending and had close contacts with the justice, prison and probation services, particularly those who ran programmes for prisoners to try to stop their violent behaviour towards partners and ex-partners. I believe prison should be a last resort, but is sometimes necessary to protect the public. A prison regime should ideally be focused on rehabilitation and education, so that people leave prison able to take up a job, support their family and play a meaningful role in society. Being deprived of liberty is in itself a punishment. I want prisoners to have opportunities to learn new skills, change their behaviour and maintain good relationships with their family as far as possible and safe. I want prison staff to have the tools to do their jobs and respect for what they are trying to do. I’ve been concerned about the effects of cuts to funding for staff,

so I was pleased that, following pressure, the government recently announced funding to recruit additional staff for Bristol Prison. I’ve just heard from Steve Cross that this recruitment is now under way, and he hopes to have an extra 30 prison officers in place by the end of next February. That’s great news. But I bitterly regret that over the last few years prisons have had to cut staff, putting prisoners and staff at increased risk, increasing the amount of time spent locked in cells and decreasing education. Prisons have lost staff and expertise, prisoners have lost opportunities and we all lose when people leave prisons only to go straight back to crime as a result. I put this to the Prisons Minister recently in Justice questions and I’ll keep up the pressure on government to help our prisons to play their part in keeping us all safe.

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

Church gifts begin their journey to Syria THE Samara’s Aid appeal launched by St Alban’s Church in Westbury Park has once again seen a fantastic response by the local community. All the aid goes to help people living in displacement camps in Syria and Iraq. The group are sending 11 Care Packs, 52 boy Smiley Bags, 54

girl Smiley bags, and 85 Dignity bags, along with approximately 237 boxes, 24 bags of bedding and towels. Nappies, sanitary towels and incontinence pads, a good number of crutches from the Nuffield, two wheelchairs (one brand new), and a few zimmer frames too were all packaged and ready to go too. There has been some fantastic hand knitting, including cardigans and jumpers. Reverend Emma Langley said: “The Smiley bags have really engaged people. They are packed with toys and toiletries for children. We’ve had a lot of Westbury Park School families who’ve taken

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away a little rucksack and returned it laden up with toys and books. “It’s probably the single, biggest thing we do that people really want to be involved with. What’s been lovely is the whole variety of people who’ve just pitched in and have come and sorted stuff, cleaned and ironed clothes, and we have loads of people who are turning up to load now.” The goods have to be transported to the depot in Somerset before a lorry takes the items to Syria. Two companies volunteered their help and their vans for free including local carpenter and handyman Ben Spiller, of Spillers Services and branded clothing suppliers, Mathias and Sons of Avonmouth. Church administrator Abigail Shepherd said: “We’ve had people helping from this church

and Redland church and all over. So by some miracle it’s all ready to go. Thanks for all your help this year. You have been amazing.”

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November, 2017

n NEWS RECENT cases of Meningitis B among young people in Bristol, highlighted by the death of 18- year-old St Brendan’s student George Zographou, has prompted fresh calls to look again at offering the Meningitis B vaccine to all teenagers. The bacteria that cause meningitis can spread to people through prolonged close contact. Meningitis can affect all ages, but it’s more common in babies and young children. A vaccine for Meningitis B has been available since May 2015, and has been given to all babies routinely since then. The next most vulnerable group is teenagers and young adults because of increased social mixing at these ages as they begin sixth form and university studies, leading to increased spreading of the bacteria. All teenagers are now vaccinated against the Meningitis ACWY strain at secondary school but not Meningitis B. Michelle Bresnahan set up ‘A life for a Cure’ in 2010 after her 16 year old son Ryan died

Call to increase take-up of Meningitis B injections Michelle (back row left) with students at A Life for a Cure Hockey suddenly after contracting Meningitis. Michelle said: “Ryan was a sports scholar at Clifton College, and we lost him very suddenly, within a few hours. We couldn’t understand how that could happen in this modern day, and weren’t aware that meningitis affected teenagers either. “We’ve been campaigning

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with the charity Meningitis Now to raise funds and awareness about meningitis vaccines because the symptoms are so hard to detect that prevention has to be the best way. “The problem that we experience is that people are under the misconception that if they’ve had one vaccine it’s covering them against all strains.

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Teenagers will have their Men ACWY at school but that does not protect them against Men B." Despite a petition and campaign to inoculate all teenagers against Meningitis B, so far the injections are only available privately at a total cost of between £200-£300. “We would encourage anyone who can afford it, to have it done privately. Ryan’s next chapter is all about trying to stop other amazing lives being lost to Meningitis,” added Michelle. Meningitis Now have funded a student awareness campaign to increase the take-up of the ACWY vaccination as it is now free for them. The Meningitis B injection is available at Cotham Pharmacy, Boots, Superdrug, and at Kellaway Pharmacy from November.

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

Room to Care Appeal aims to build a 21st-century hospice for Bristol ACTRESS Caroline Quentin launched an appeal at the beginning of October to help Bristol’s only adult hospice fund the multimillion pound redevelopment of its Inpatient Unit, ensuring continuing provision of outstanding care to patients and families in the city. The rebuild of St Peter’s Hospice Inpatient Unit is going to cost £6.53m and the hospice is appealing to the people of Bristol to help raise the shortfall £1.53m over the next 12 months. Caroline, who cut a ceremonial cake and officially launched the Room to Care Appeal in her role as appeal patron, was joined by nurses, patients, relatives and St Peter’s Hospice CEO Simon Caraffi. “Each time I visit St Peter’s Hospice I am struck by the passion and commitment of the staff and volunteers,” said Caroline. “I am also truly inspired by the patients and families they care for. “The last time I was here patients told me that their last, darkest, most difficult moments were made bearable by the care they received here. “The Room to Care Appeal will ensure St Peter’s Hospice will be able to provide local people with the very best palliative care, to the highest professional standards, within an environment of comfort and dignity for the next 20 years.” The main change will be replacing the current bedrooms, half of which are shared, with 15 individual ensuite rooms, providing patients and their families with the privacy and dignity they deserve during their final days. Over the next 20 years the redeveloped IPU is expected to support 6,250 patients and around 18,500 relatives and friends. The 15 larger bedrooms will all have ensuite bathrooms, a sofa-bed, and access to their own garden terrace. This will address the need for a more homely environment, offering enhanced patient privacy and

dignity, where visitors can stay overnight and where patients can welcome more visitors at any one time. “It’s about getting us set for the future 25 years. Palliative care has evolved significantly since St Peter’s Hospice first opened,” said Mr Caraffi. “We are now presented with different challenges in serving more acute clinical needs. The new Inpatient Unit needs to respond to these challenges to make the stay more comfortable for patients, families and friends. “St Peter’s is now the only adult hospice for Bristol and is the only provider of specialist palliative care in Bristol. We have all the expertise centralised in one place. “We are trying to create a better and more private space for the patient and for their loved ones.” The complete redesign and rebuild of the IPU will include a significant ground floor extension, plus expansion of the first floor,

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at a total cost of £6.53m. The generosity of St Peter’s Hospice supporters, alongside very careful planning, has already secured £4 million, with a further £1 million pledged from individuals, companies and institutions in and around Bristol. This leaves the hospice urgently needing to raise £1.53 million to complete the new Inpatient Unit. The hospice relies on its loyal, local support from companies, groups, and many people who give small amounts which collectively help towards the £20,000 a day running costs. The additional funding requirements for the redevelopment mean that the hospice will be launching new fundraising initiatives and will need the support of the people of Bristol. To make a donation to the Room to Care Appeal and help build a 21st Century Hospice for Bristol, visit roomtocare.co.uk, call: 01275 391400 or go to one of the St Peter’s Hospice charity shops.

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS A SERIES of initiatives across Bristol are successfully using tennis as a way to help mental health sufferers improve their quality of life through activity and social interaction. Thanks to a partnership between the LTA, local clubs, Avon and Wiltshire NHS Mental Health Trust, the Tennis Foundation and the Bristol Active Life Project, people in Redland, Cotham and Bishopston struggling with mental health problems have access to a network of groups that aim to address associated issues around social isolation and low activity levels. Projects in the city include Redland Green Club’s weekly tennis programme for those suffering with acute mental health conditions, a weekly tennis and wellbeing session for mothers and under 5s at Kings Lawn Tennis Club and welcoming Ability session at Cotham Park Tennis Club that caters to each participant’s needs. The sessions are tailored to the specific needs of the participants and their recovery programmes each week, with social interaction, activity and conversation some key elements of the weekly groups. Many existing programmes struggle to continue running through the winter months due to a lack of indoor facilities and floodlit courts. Investment into improving facilities is key to sustaining the programmes and increasing provision, especially during winter when social isolation and the negative effects of mental health problems can be most difficult. Redland Green Club is

Bristol leads the way as tennis serves up mental health relief hoping to benefit from the LTA’s unprecedented £125 million investment into grassroots tennis, Transforming British Tennis Together, with plans to improve current facilities and enable potential expansion of programmes such as this. The LTA has previously supported mental health initiatives through tennis with the appointment of Mental Health Ambassadors Naomi Cavaday and Oli Jones, who last year spoke out about their own struggles with depression and bipolar disorder respectively. To mark this year’s (L-R) Elfriede Seath Redland Green Club, Helen Abbott Disability World Mental Health Tennis Network, Toby Huddlestone Coach Redland Green Club Julie Jones LTA Day on 10 October, Regional Participation Manager the LTA has released a video in which Oli and tell us what they need to help get “We would love to expand Naomi talk about what more people playing more often.” these programmes to offer more they get out of tennis and how Helen Abbott, Disability sessions at more venues across the sport – and opening up about Tennis Coordinator for Bristol the city and year-round, but the their struggles – has benefitted said: “The programmes we run facilities have to be there first.” their own mental wellbeing. here and at other venues like The LTA is calling on tennis Julie Jones, Regional Tennis Cotham, Kings and Knowle are clubs, parks, local government, Participation Manager for invaluable for the participants volunteers, coaches and the South West at the Lawn and enable them to have a businesses across the region to Tennis Association, said: “We’re positive physical activity to look come together and register their looking forward to working with forward to each week, to help interest in bidding for the funds Redland Green Club and we’re improve overall fitness and to to transform their local tennis encouraging other community help reduce a feeling of social courts. For more information organisations and local isolation. visit www.lta.org.uk/TBTT authorities to get in touch and

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November, 2017

n NEWS

New Bristol Pound app bypasses the banks to boost our local economy

THE Bristol Pound is launching a new mobile app, unveiling the next exciting chapter for the city’s own dedicated currency. Already used by many Gloucester Road businesses and organisations across Bristol, this new digital wallet allows users to manage their account from their smartphone as well as make speedy payments to businesses which trade in the local currency. The app marks a significant development for the city in sidestepping commercial banks while also revitalising Bristol’s local economy. Ciaran Mundy, CEO at Bristol Pound said: “This new app enables users to circumvent high street banks and at the same time support the local independent businesses which make Bristol the vibrant and iconic city that we all love.” In recent years, Bristol has developed a reputation as a

Ciaran Mundy, left and Nic Hemley show off the app hotbed for Fintech; the term often used to describe the growing Financial Technology sector. Nic Hemley heads up the Bristol Office of UK software consultancy Scott Logic which developed the app pro-bono in partnership with the Bristol Pound. He said: “As a personal user

of The Bristol pound, I have always endorsed the concept but I could see how the existing technology presented users with unnecessary hurdles and would prevent the currency from reaching its full potential. Creating an app such as this was second nature to us and allowed us to use our expertise whilst

trialling some cutting edge open source technology. “The new app removes any of the perceived barriers for both retailers and the consumer and payment can quite literally be made at the touch of a button; users can now access their account and transfer money from any mobile device.” In 2012 the first paper Bristol Pound was spent by the Lord Mayor on a loaf of bread. Since then the Bristol Pound has become internationally recognised as a trend-setter in the local currency world, being the first you can use to pay energy bills and local taxes. Five years on, and five million Bristol Pounds later, the local currency has evolved. The Bristol Pound app is available to download for free from app stores now. For more information visit bristolpound. org

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Shop till you drop - it's for a worthy cause! THE perfect place for all your Christmas shopping – it’s St Peter’s Hospice’s annual Christmas Market! It returns to the magical Great Hall at Bristol Grammar School, University Road, off the Clifton Triangle on Saturday 18 November with doors opening at 10.30am. Free parking is available and customers will enjoy seasonal music performances throughout the day with Father Christmas making an appearance at 2pm for children of all ages to enjoy! Stalls are brimming with handcrafted toys, beautiful candles & glassware, gorgeous jewellery and lovingly home-made chocolates, cakes, preserves and chutneys. You’ll find a Christmas present for everyone with gift stalls including books and games, knitwear, stationary and hand-made cards and Christmas decorations. The smell of mulled wine and mince pies fills a cosy tearoom, where shoppers can have a break, a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Esther Hall, Community

Fundraiser for St Peter’s Hospice said: “This year’s market will be our largest yet, offering even more hand-crafted, locally-made gifts and delicious seasonal treats than ever before. “It’s such a fantastic way to do your Christmas shopping and support St Peter’s Hospice at the same time as there will be something for everyone on your list, including those with paws & tails! Family-friendly entertainment will be on offer throughout the day to create a truly magical day out. We hope to see you there!” St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol’s only adult hospice and each year cares for more than 2,200 patients as well as supporting family members. All money raised from our Christmas Market will go towards caring for people with life-limiting illnesses in the Bristol area. For more info, visit www. stpetershospice.org. £1 entry, kids go free and wheelchair access is available.

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION PARALYMPIC swimmer Kate Grey inspired Colston’s Girls’ School students and staff at the annual Prize Day with the story of her triumphs over adversity. Kate, 28, lost a hand in an accident on her family farm when she was two years old - but she has not let the disability hold her back in her school days or since. She told the audience at the event, held for the first time at Bristol Hippodrome, how she struggled for years from the age of four to learn to swim, as she kept going round in circles. “I was a rowing boat with one paddle,” she said. “I didn’t enjoy it, but I learned resilience; I didn’t give up. It wasn’t about being the best at everything, it was about being the best version of myself.” Having learned the skill, Kate took part in her first disability swimming competition - and was hooked. This led to daily training sessions, national competitions and eventually the Paralympics in Beijing, where she just missed out on a medal. By 2011, Kate was Number 1 in the world and had her sights set on the London Games in 2012. Despite having glandular fever, she took part in the trials, but missed qualifying by half a second. “I felt every decision I had made, everything I had given up, was all for nothing,” she said.

Resilience? Paralympian Kate shows girls what it means But a surprise call from the BBC changed the direction of Kate’s life again. She was invited to commentate on the Paralympics and then to take part in a training scheme to become a sports reporter, a role she still combines with work as a mentor for the Youth Sport Trust. She told the CGS girls that she had had two ambitions when growing up: to win a Paralympic medal and to become a PE teacher. Despite having achieved neither, she no longer considered herself a failure: “You can find success in many different areas of your life,” she said. “Always set yourself goals - but if that doesn’t quite go to plan, the journey will take you into many amazing and even better opportunities.” John Whitehead, in his first Prize Day as principal, spoke about the success of the new house system at CGS in which each was named after a strong woman: Jane Austen, Anne Frank, Marie Curie, Amy Johnson and Rosa Parks. “All these women were compelling individuals in

completely different ways,” he said. “They cared about the world. They showed resilience. They had to stand up to prejudice and discrimination. They all felt a responsibility to stand up for other people. They respected people who did not have what others have. “I am absolutely convinced that you young people can make a similar impact to these

amazing women.” Dozens of students received prizes. Emma Hilton was awarded the principal’s prize for achievement; Ellis Denney the John James award for outstanding achievement; and Madawah Odeh the Merchant Venturers’ leaving prize. A new house prize in memory of Tatiana Stankovic went to Lucy England.

CGS tops Bristol's Progress 8 table COLSTON’S Girls’ School is celebrating after provisional Government figures showed it to be the best-performing secondary in Bristol in this year’s GCSE exams. The school in Cheltenham Road had the highest Progress 8 score in the city. This measure has replaced the old five A*-C grade as the Department for Education’s headline way of judging schools, because it takes into account the achievements of pupils of all abilities. Progess 8, first used last year, looks at how much progress each student has made in the five years since they took their SATs tests at the end of primary school. It measures their success in eight demanding subjects including English, maths,

science, history, geography or a foreign language, and any three other high quality qualifications. A positive score means a student has made better than expected progress. CGS, which has a banding system for admissions that ensures it takes in students across the ability range, scored 0.39 overall, the highest in Bristol and rated above average by the DfE. Results were also among the city’s highest in the so-called basics measure, for the numbers achieving high grades in both English and maths. The figure for grade 5 or above - rated a good pass - was 68 per cent and for grade 4 or above (standard pass) 83 per cent. CGS had the best Bristol results in the EBacc

table at 47 per cent: this is for the proportion of students achieving good passes in English, maths, sciences, a language and either history or geography. Nine out of ten students studied this range of subjects to GCSE level, far more than in most other schools. Principal John Whitehead said: “While we are all obviously delighted at the number of high achievers - both at GCSE and A-level, where we had the best performance for some years, it is the Progress 8 figures that are most pleasing. “This is a new measure and is acknowledged as the most important one because it shows the added value that a school brings. It recognises the achievement of all students. Some of our girls make

exceptional progress from their starting points because our staff go the extra mile to support them. “High expectations, coupled with excellent teaching from subject specialists, are standard at CGS and are the reason why so many families seek places here for their daughters. Our fair banding system makes us a truly inclusive school for students from across greater Bristol.” The Government published the provisional tables earlier this month (October) so that families could compare schools before the local authority deadline for applications for places for 2018. Some of the figures will change in the final tables in January after some papers have been re-marked.

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n EDUCATION

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

Nursery School and Reception Open Morning: Thursday 9th November 2017 Redmaids' pupil Eliba during her trek in the Himalayas

National photography prize for Eliba's images of Nepal

Setting young minds alight for 140 years

ELIBA Laws, age 15 from Redmaids' High School, Bristol has won the 2017 Far Frontiers Expeditions Participant Photography Competition. This is a national competition which saw 100 entries submitted from schools across the UK. The students were asked to capture the essence of the expeditions they had enjoyed in far-flung parts of the world with travel and adventure company ‘Far Frontiers’. Eliba submitted a number of stunning photos from her 15-day expedition to Nepal. The experience, in July 2017, involved trekking through the Himalayas for three days to reach a remote rural community. Once there, the 26 students from Redmaids' High School completed community work before travelling on to Chitwan National Park to experience more of the culture and beauty of Nepal. Speaking of the trip Eliba said: “I found the Nepal trip was enriching and eye-opening to see the cultural difference, way of life and general positive ambience of the country. The Nepali people are so smiley and happy however whenever in front of the camera they behave seriously as if posing for a 'passport photo'. I found managing a candid shot was easier with a little bit of friendly conversation and when children were immersed in a game or chatter.” While they only needed to select one image, Far Frontiers said: “We have put a selection of Eliba’s images into a gallery as they are too good not to share. In fact it was really hard to choose which one we liked best.” Describing her images, the judging panel said: “Eliba has a great eye for shooting natural moments which really bring the expedition to life and capture the culture and beauty of Nepal, as well as the people that live there.” Far Frontiers have been working with Red Maids’ since 2001 and for the next adventure students will embark on a life-changing expedition to Borneo in 2019.

1877–2017 0117 933 9087 admissions@cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk The Diamond Edge Model

Realising Individual Brilliance

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Flying high: Redmaids’ leads the way

The Redmaids’ High trip to Cambodia, summer 2017, part of the school’s global outreach programme where sixth formers teach local children during a biennial humanitarian service expedition. Jenny (Year 10) and Alice (Year 11) played in England Hockey’s Futures Cup from which the U-16 national squad is selected. Year 11 student Maddie won a trial for Gloucestershire County Cricket’s U-17 squad, a whole

year early, and in tennis, Jess (Year 10), representing Avon, won the U-14 singles, U-16 singles and U-14 doubles. Furthermore, a group of seven Year 9 girls tested their engineering skills through the

We know boys often see things a little differently

Airbus Industrial Cadets scheme leading to a much deserved second place overall and full marks in the model-building and presentation board category. Isabel Tobias, Headmistress of Redmaids’ High, said: “These successes are just a snapshot of all the interests and achievements of our students, many of which the girls pursue at school as an extra-curricular activity but also in their own time at specialist clubs. “Their personal development is as important as their academic achievement and we provide the widest possible range of lunchtime and after school activities to encourage them to explore and discover new interests and talents.” There are many opportunities to visit Redmaids’ High or you are welcome to arrange an individual visit – www. redmaidshigh.co.uk/Admissionsvisit-us

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STUDENTS and staff returned to Redmaids’ High School following an action-packed summer which saw success come in all shapes and forms: excellent Sixth Form and GCSE results, horizonstretching overseas trips, and a range of sporting, creative arts and other achievements. Dozens gained ABRSM music qualifications on a wide variety of instruments, among them piano, violin, trumpet, guitar, harp, flute, saxophone, clarinet and voice. Many others succeeded in LAMDA speech and drama awards for their acting, and delivery of verse and prose. In sport, girls competed regionally, nationally and internationally: Kate (Year 11) swam in the World Swimming Championships in Hungary, qualifying as part of the official UK Olympic training programme. Jade (Year 11) fenced with Great Britain’s U-17 cadet Women’s Foil Squad.

For more information or to arrange a visit, call 0117 930 3068 or visit www.qehbristol.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 EDUCATION

November, 2017

Lord Mayor visits Fairlawn Primary

School shows off namesake mural

FAIRLAWN Primary pupils welcomed the Lord Mayor of Bristol Lesley Alexander to their school in Montpelier. Councillor Alexander attended an assembly and talked to the children, who are aged four to seven, before being taken on a tour of the renovated buildings in Fairlawn Road that once housed Fairfield Grammar School. She also took the opportunity to meet parents at school pick-up time. Fairlawn School is a primary school in the Venturers Trust and will eventually have up to 420 pupils aged up to 11. A series of open days are being held for families seeking reception class places for 2018. These are taking place on Monday November 13, 6pm; Tuesday December 5, 9.30-10.30am, 1.30-2.30pm; Wednesday January 10, 9.30-10.30am, 1.30-2.30pm. For further information, contact the school on 0117 955 3914.

RENOWNED graffiti artist Andy Council worked with children at The Dolphin School in Montpelier to create an artwork for their new building. He spent two days working with children in different year groups to develop designs for the mural. Headteacher Shelley Dixon explained that staff, children and families wanted to reflect some of the culture around the school and Stokes Croft is known for its graffiti. The children chose a dolphin shape to represent the school and asked for familiar buildings and the school colours of blue. Andy collated their designs and painted the mural in the summer holidays. Miss Dixon said: “The children loved having Andy come in and work alongside them to create this graffiti mural. It was inspiring for them to see their designs as a finished piece. The children have loved being able to touch the mural and work out where the school and other buildings are near to them.”

Life changing Open Morning

Thursday 9 November 10.00am–12.00 noon Call Hollie Matthews on 0117 933 9885 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Christmas Fair at Bishop Rd School THE annual Christmas Fair at Bishop Road School takes place on Saturday 25 November from 2pm 4.30pm. There is fun for all ages with donkey rides in the playground as well as Santa’s Grotto, mulled wine and mince pies (from Joe’s Bakery) and the ever-popular raffle with prizes donated by the lovely traders of Gloucester Road. With Christmas crafts, second hand books and toys, homemade cakes and lots of traditional fairground games, it’s a lovely way to spend a festive afternoon. Adults £1.50, free entry for children. Christmas trees will be for sale in the Bishop Road School reception playground on Saturday 2 December from 10am - 1pm. A netting machine is on hand so you can view before you buy. A range of sizes will be available - all the trees are Nordman fir from Frenchay.

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8 NO SDAY VEM 6.30p BER m

THE students of Claremont Secondary school in Redland will be running a cafe on Friday mornings* from 10.30 11.30am from November 3. They will be serving freshly made snacks along with tea, coffee or juice for your enjoyment. Each week there will be a different snack depending on what the students have decided to serve that week so come along and see! Money raised will help to buy more ingredients for the following weeks and any profit at the end of a term will be used to

An outstanding Sixth Form in the heart of Clifton go on an outing of the student’s choice. *The cafe will be open term time only and as much as we hope to run it each week there may be times when we have to close. Please see the website for details www.claremontbristol. org.uk

10.17.144

Claremont opens cafe

For more information or to arrange a visit, call 0117 930 3068 or visit www.qehbristol.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

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Swimmer Sophia has New girls’ day house opens at Clifton College her sights firmly set on the Olympics

Left to right - Annie Wooler (Head of Holland's House), Alison StreatfeildJames (Chair of Council) and Vanessa Walsh (First Head Girl) STAFF, pupils, Old Cliftonians, parents and visitors came together to celebrate 30 years of girls at Clifton College and the official opening of a new girls’ day house - Holland’s House. Girls have played an important role in Clifton College’s success since 1987 - their contribution in terms of both academic success and in what they have brought to the College’s Art, Music, Drama and Sport has been significant. Clifton College girls have gone on to achieve great things, including winning an Olympic gold medal playing hockey for Great Britain, winning the National Shooting Championships, becoming World Rackets Champion, featuring in the BBC Young Musician of the Year, working for NASA and contributing to a book written by Professor Stephen Hawking. A celebratory Chapel service to mark the 30th anniversary of girls was held in October followed by the official opening of Holland’s House, led by Alison Streatfeild-James, who is fittingly the first female Chair of Council for the College. Head of House, Annie Wooler, cut the ribbon on behalf of all of the Holland’s House girls. The event was also attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Bristol Colonel Jane Thompson, one of the first women to attend the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, and Bristol Lord Mayor Cllr Lesley Alexander. Holland's House, which is the 20th house at the College and the 9th girls’ house, has been named in honour of Louisa Percival, whose maiden name was Holland. Louisa and her husband John Percival, the founder of Clifton College, were strong advocates of the importance of giving girls the same educational opportunities and advantages as boys at a time when this was not the prevailing view. Holland's House will honour Louisa's forward-thinking contributions to female education. Dr Tim Greene, Head of College, explained the significance of the anniversary: “The opening of Holland’s House represents a very exciting period of expansion and the high demand for places reflects the superb opportunities available to girls at Clifton. The College is now 50/50 in terms of girls and boys and has achieved the vision that Council and others had 30 years ago when they took the brave and critical decision to turn the College into one of the foremost and successful co-educational public schools in the country. This is something of which we are immensely proud,” he said. More information can be viewed on the Clifton College website www.cliftoncollege.com. For enquiries please email info@ cliftoncollege.com or call 0117 315 7000.

YEAR 9 Fairfield High School (FHS) pupil Sophia Soteriou is a very talented sportswoman. She already has a variety of swimming medals behind her, winning both gold and silver at last year’s Bristol Schools' Swimming Competition. Sophia now has the English and British Championships firmly within her reach. For years, Sophia has dedicated hours and hours of time per week to her favourite sport. She trains seven times a week, including two sessions before school and five after. This is no mean feat for the teenager who must also fit in schooling and homework as she approaches the crucial GCSE years. Sophia’s strongest stroke is butterfly (50m) and she also shines in medley (a combination of four different swimming styles – butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle). Sophia said: “Swimming is one of the most important things to me. It can give me a good future. My ultimate goal and dream in life is to get to the Olympics! My coach has been so amazing and supportive, as have my parents who have never grumbled about paying and taking me to galas. I can only wait and see what the future holds, but I will never give up trying.” Lauren Gibbons, Head of Girls' PE at FHS added: “Sophia is a very talented swimmer who has represented her school and county in a variety of strokes including the 50m back fly and freestyle. She is a role model student who excels not only in swimming but also within PE lessons. We wish her luck this year as she prepares to compete in the Bristol schools swimming gala taking place Thursday November 9. We hope to see Sophia strive again in the pool as she takes on the local secondary schools."

Christmas shopping evening at Claremont CLAREMONT school are holding a Christmas Claremont School Christmas Shopping Evening shopping evening on Thursday 16 November Thursday 16 November from 6.30 – 8.30pm at their Redland Court 6.30 - 8.30 pm Road site. This will be an opportunity to pick up some unique gifts from some of the visiting stall holders or from the students themselves who will be planting spring bulbs, making chocolate truffles, baking Christmas cakes and puddings as well as gift tags and wrapping paper to sell on the evening. Ruth Glasspool said: “Come and get into the Christmas spirit by enjoying the festive music while having refreshments after looking around the stalls. “This is all in aid of a new minibus for Claremont school so that the students can continue to enjoy exploring their community as well as finding some new places to visit.” If you would like any more details please contact the school on 0117 353 3450. Local handcraft stalls Festive music and refreshments

In Aid of a new minibus for Claremont School Redland Court Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 7EH Tel: 0117 3533450

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

Remember - it's an extravaganza! THE fantastic Bishop Road Fireworks Extravaganza is back and is bigger and better than ever! With entertainment, food and bars and spectacular fireworks, it is sure to be a sellout event again this year. “We are really pleased to have the support of Kellaway Building Supplies this year as well as continued sponsorship from Campions Property Letting & Management. Boston Tea Party have again agreed to sell tickets from our local branch on Gloucester Road. We are really grateful for the support of all these local businesses that help to make the fireworks such a success,” said the organising committee. Gopal’s Curry Shack, Dave Giles Butchers and Biblos will again be providing the food. New this year, there will also be hot drinks and cake from Boston Tea Party. This lovely community event has SOLD OUT for the last five

years, so this year they are selling advance tickets only – there will not be any tickets available on the gate. Mrs Powe, Head Teacher at Bishop Road Primary School said: "The fireworks is a lovely family event that helps us to celebrate the time of year. We especially enjoy that so many people from the local community come along and join us." Tickets can be bought from Saturday 28 October to Saturday 4 November. Cash payment only is requested, £6 (adults), £3 (children), under 3s free of charge. Doors open at the event at 5pm on Saturday November 4 last entry is 6.30pm. There will

be two bars again this year, both serving Bath Ales beer and cider as well as mulled drink options, plus children’s entertainment and a Tuck Shop. Tickets can be bought from Boston Tea Party, 293 Gloucester

Road. Come and celebrate fireworks night and help support Bishop Road Primary School. Saturday 4 November, School field, Bishop Road (by One Way Garage).

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EVERYONE is invited to come and join the first Christmas party of the year with the spellbinding ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ organised by BID Clifton Village and in conjunction with Smiley Miley Events. Star of the show will be none other than the biggest Christmas tree in the South-West, a 50ft Norway Spruce which will take up residence in the Mall Gardens for eight weeks. The fun starts at 6pm on Wednesday 8 November with carol singing around the tree for all to enjoy, followed by the big switch on at 6.30pm and the appearance of a very special celebrity… In the run up to Christmas the streets will be glowing with decorations, fairy lights and over 100 little Christmas trees adorning many of the independent shops, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. Andrew Morgan MBE, Chairman BID Clifton Village said: “We want to make Christmas 2017 extra special. Clifton Village is the jewel in Bristol’s crown and promises to be the quintessential setting for everyone’s favourite season.''

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

November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS BRISTOL is relaunching its campaign to get more women and girls taking part in sport and physical activity during its year as a European City of Sport. As part of the campaign, the council will be holding a series of female-only sessions to give women an opportunity to take part in physical activity without fear of any perceived judgement. Nationally, 1.5 million fewer women take part in sport or physical activity than men, however 75% say they would like to do more. Fear of judgement is cited as one of the main barriers to this alongside childcare. In some areas of Bristol, up to 83% of women are not doing the Government recommended amount of exercise which is believed to be one of the key contributing factors in the health inequalities leading to an 11 year difference in life expectancy around the city. Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Although in Bristol we have some of the highest participation rates in the country, we are well aware that these benefits are not always accessible to everyone. “I hope our new Bristol Girls Can campaign will inspire lots of you to go out there and give something new a try however active you already are.” In an attempt to try and turn this around, Bristol put out a call to women and girls who were willing to put themselves forward as ambassadors for the campaign with inspirational stories to tell about how they got involved in sport or physical activity.

Bristol Girls Can! gets relaunch

One of the ambassadors is Redland resident Sara, 48, who started Nordic Walking after having breast cancer two years ago. It’s a sport that gives Sara an all over body workout and she is now much fitter than she was before having cancer. The social aspect of Nordic Walking is really important to Sara. She finds the group very supportive and she can chat to people along the way, or walk ahead if she wants to get a bit of headspace. They often go out for coffee and more chat after – which is an added incentive to get out and go for a walk! Sara says that the best thing about Nordic Walking is: “Anyone can do it, you don’t

have to be fast, you don’t have to be sporty and you get outdoors whatever the weather.” For information about all the events coming up, head to www.

BristolGirlsCan.co.uk where you can also find out about clubs and organisations you can join to get some friendly support.

Lighting up November with a sparkling night out A GROUP of concerned Bishopston residents have got together to organise a glittering party with a real difference – to help the many homeless people living on the streets of our city. Taking place at Kings Weston House on November 10 from 8pm till midnight, ‘The Big Do’ has everything you could want on a night out – a light buffet, live bands, disco, pay bar, and a raffle with an array of fantastic prizes. A spokesman said: “We are a small committee of friends who have been moved by the rising number of people rough sleeping in our city and wanted to do something to help. This way we can raise awareness of the issue as well as raise money to help the brilliant work of the Julian Trust.” The evening is a ticket only event, costing £21 a head, and all the money raised will go to support the Julian Trust Night Shelter which is open five nights a week all year round and is run entirely on voluntary donations. For tickets go to https://durtygurtiesdiningroom.co.uk/the-big-do/ - for a night to remember.

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Premier Homecare rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission WESTBURY-ON-TRYM and Stoke Bishop based Premier Homecare Limited has been rated ‘Outstanding’ for the overall quality of personal care and support provided to people living in their own homes, following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Carried out in August 2017 CQC inspectors rated the company as overall ‘Outstanding’ putting it in the top 2% of best Adult Social Care Providers in England, and the first and only general domiciliary home care provider to be rated ‘Outstanding’ in Bristol. Against the backdrop of recent reports citing poor standards of care in England, Premier Homecare received additional praise for being rated as ‘Outstanding’ for providing ‘Safe’ and ‘Well-Led’ care. This was endorsed by clients, and particularly relatives who live out of the areaHWV andLandscape were not on hand half page to oversee directly the care of a loved one.

The graph below demonstrates focused on ensuring Premier Homecare’s achievements; safety alongside only independence.” 2% of Adult Social Care Inspectors Providers in England, to have found that Premier achieved an Homecare worked ‘Outstanding’ Rating. in partnership with Judith Swindells Registered other organisations Manager and Founder for Premier to make sure they Homecare Limited said: followed current “We are absolutely delighted best practices to provide consistent the quality of our service has been high quality service. recognised by the Care Quality Clients were found to be Commission in this way, and is fully protected because risk testament to the hard work, talent management plans were in place and dedication of the whole team to reduce or mitigated the risks who over the last 14 years have associated with the care of people strived continuously to provide within their own environment, and the best home care and support people benefitted from a person available in North West Bristol.” centred service. Debbie Ivanova, Deputy Chief Premier Homecare Limited has Inspector for Adult Social Care served the people of North West (South), said: Bristol since 2003 and provides a “I was pleased to read how number of services from cleaning Premier Homecare Limited gives an and shopping to companionship, outstanding service to the people personal care, the administration NOV17-service-outstanding.pdf 1 18/10/2017 21:27 it cares for. I am struck by the of medicines and Live-In Care, extent to which the manager had with visit length starting from

45 minutes. Attaining this rating by CQC should give additional reassurance to current and future clients. If you would like to read Premier Homecare’s or any other regulated homecare service CQC report please visit www.cqc.org.uk. If you would like to find out more about Premier Homecare’s services or careers with Bristol’s leading home care provider, please either; Call in to offices at: 24 Canford Lane Westbury-on Trym, or 67 Stoke Hill, Stoke Bishop Telephone: 0117 9592013 or email: care@premier-homecare. com

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n BISHOPSTON MUM SINCE my column last month my family has a new addition: his name is Toby and he is small, brown and white and has a particular penchant for socks and slippers. That's right, we have a puppy and what a joy he is! The day before we brought Toby home for the first time I popped into the Aquarium Pet Centre on Gloucester Road for some essentials such as dog food, collar and lead, a food bowl and so on. I have to mention how helpful the shop owner was, he gave me some great advice and I could see that he shared in my excitement! After being a regular customer of the wonderful Joe's Bakery in Bishopston for many years (I love the huge range of freshly baked breads and my children love the chocolate yum-yums!) last month I went on an exciting behind the scenes tour there. Joe's Bakery has been running and serving the Bishopston community for over 130 years and is one of the last few real working bakeries in Bristol, freshly baking all the products that if offers. It was fascinating seeing a

normal busy working morning in progress and I enjoyed watching all manner of delicious things being created including fresh croissants, focaccia and pain traditional bread. Joe's bakery has won several awards in recent years and rightly so- we are lucky to have it on our

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doorstep. If you have very young children and are looking for a great local toddler group to go to, I would definitely recommend visiting Muller Road Toddler Group which I visited earlier this month. Muller Road Toddler Group is held at

Horfield United Reformed Church on Thursdays in term-time from 9.30 – 11.15am and has a £2 entry fee. This group is especially friendly, relaxed and inclusive and features a regular crafts table, a good range of toys, dressing up costumes, Wendy House and more. If you would like to come along please email hannahmoo@hotmail.com. All parents, carers and young children welcome! As I write this I am very much looking forward to taking Toby on his first proper walk outside and am ready to be immersed into a whole new world of being a dog owner. Toby has been such a positive addition to the family and the kids love him to bits. I'm not sure our cat is particularly impressed but he tolerates him well! Until next month,

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

Traders' news from GRE&T GRE&T (Gloucester Road Enterprise & Trade) is a voluntary association for all Gloucester Road shops and businesses, from the Arches to Filton Avenue, but particularly representing those operating above Pigsty Hill. Christmas on Gloucester Road There will be lights in the trees in the lower part of the road, with seven more trees than last time and other lights on columns. Ablectrics (131) is offering traders discounted sets of Christmas LED lights to display inside or outside premises at £15 to £20 and light up the Gloucester Road mile. There will be a Christmas Market on Saturday 2 December at Nailsea Electrical. Before Christmas, six shops will have ‘North Pole Letterboxes’ for children to post a letter to Santa. On 23 December, two letters will be drawn from each box and the writers will get a letter from Santa and a £10 voucher from the shop. Traders are invited to promote their business on 2 December by booking now to take part in the nationwide ‘Small Business Saturday’ scheme, see https:// smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/ my-small-business

On Thursday 7 December the 4th Annual Christmas Street Party in the Gloucester Road Central area will coincide with late opening of shops from 5.30 – 8pm. Members’ deals BID area traders tell us membership of their trade organisation has given them really big discounts – for example on electricity and credit card-processing. GRE&T has also negotiated 20% trade waste discounts with Bristol Waste and is investigating other deals for signed up members. Cost of membership This is currently £10 for 2017. The subscription for 2018 will be decided at the next AGM, probably early in the new year. The current Committee will recommend to the AGM that members who have joined in 2017 will pay only half the subscription the AGM fixes for 2018. So paying now to becoming a GRE&T Member before 31 December looks like a no-brainer. Why don’t BID area traders have to pay a membership fee to join their organisation? That is because in a Business Improvement District all the businesses have to pay an annual levy based on their rateable value - typically about £200 per

year (roughly £4 per week). This generates about £50,000 a year for the BID members to spend on improving their area. It’s a bit like paying some extra Business Rates, with the businesses (not the Council) deciding how the money is spent. GRE&T’s income from its voluntary membership fees is less than £1,000 a year! So why isn’t the whole of Gloucester Road a Business Improvement District? Well it could be if a majority of businesses voted to make the whole road a BID. The present BID scheme ends in 18 months’ time. Having this income for Gloucester Road to spend could be very valuable in the face of imminent, drastic Council budget cuts. GRE&T website GRE&T bought the domain name great-bristol.uk in order to use MailChimp to send out Newsletters. With the domain package comes free website hosting, so we are looking for someone to help us design a basic website. Facebook GRE&T committee Member Eva Fernandes is offering to give free help to any member of GRE&T who wants to use Facebook to promote their business. Her email address is: evafernandes1@gmail.com

Gloucester Road International Food celebration We have asked Bristol organisation 91 Ways to help to plan this. 91 Ways recently won the BBC West Food Hero Award 2017 for using the uniting power of food to bridge the gaps between Bristol's 91 language communities, in order to build a more united and sustainable city. Bristol Eating Better Award Scheme 30% of Gloucester Road businesses are food and drink outlets. This free award scheme gives publicity to food businesses that are taking some action to offer food that is healthier and more environmentally friendly. You’ll also be published on the award website and promoted elsewhere as opportunities arise. www.bristol.gov.uk/foodbusiness/bristol-eating-betteraward-scheme. 405 Gloucester Road Former Rainbow Wools premises has planning permission for change of use to a cafe, restaurant and cookery workshop. Planning application 17/04649/F can be found on the Council’s Planning Portal. We wish the new business every success but wonder how many more cafes and restaurants this part of Gloucester Road needs!

Gloucester Road art print gets an update A FUNDRAISING limited edition print of the Gloucester Road has hit the 'refresh' button. To

acknowledge the changing nature of the famous road, from Zetland Road to Somerville Road,

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an updated version has been released. Since it was first produced four years ago there have been close to 50 changes, some buildings changing twice in that time. So far the print has raised hundreds of pounds for charities at the shops where it is for sale. Harvest for Greenpeace, La Ruca for Chilean earthquake relief,

Shelter the homeless charity and Room 212 for Aid Box Community. The picture features the buildings as well as shop frontages and dotted throughout are little characters (some real) to add a whimsical note. Each A1 print is signed by the artist, Tim Foster, and costs £50 of which £30 goes to the charity.

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS In Bishopston this month... Allen House You may have seen in the news that one of the converted Muller Orphanages, Allen House, had to be evacuated in mid-September after the partial collapse of the first floor. After a structural assessment almost all of the residents were able to return, with remedial work underway. Happily no-one was injured in the incident. The residents we’ve spoken to have all expressed their gratitude for the professional, timely and effective response from the agencies involved; the Fire and Rescue Service, Council, Police and the Red Cross. Community Partnership The new Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Community Partnership is looking for volunteers. We are particularly in need of people interested in taking on roles concerned with chairing, administration, equalities, social media, communications and events. Whatever you can offer,

be it one of these or something else, we would be happy to have you involved – you can either get in touch with one of us or find out more on the website: http:// www.bcrnp.org.uk/ North Bristol Arts Trail The wonderful North Bristol Arts trail will be happening again on the 25th and 26th November. You can find out more and see the route at their website here: http://www.northbristolartists. org.uk/ Parcels of Comfort Exhibition We’re looking forward to seeing the Parcels of Comfort exhibition at the Bishopston Library this month. It’s an exhibition of textiles and mixed media showing the importance and exchange of parcels during the First World War, and is on until the 25th November. Your Neighbourhood Consultation

• Did you know we can collect and deliver prescriptions for free from all local surgeries inc. Bishopston Medical Practice, Fallodon Way, Horfield Medical Centre, Monks Park Surgery, Westbury on Trym, Western College, Whiteladies Surgery • Free NHS funded Smoking Cessation Products • Specialist Incontinence and Living Aid Products • Free NHS Flu vaccination available September onwards

Thank you to all those who took part in the recent Your Neighbourhood Consultation. The consultation was looking at how the council can continue to provide services in the light of government cuts, and included Bristol Community Links, libraries, public toilets, school crossing patrols and the withdrawal of Neighbourhood Partnership funding. The results can be viewed here: http://bristol.gov.uk/ yourneighbourhood Decisions on how the Council will be delivering these services in the future will be announced later in 2017 or in early 2018. Please do get in touch! Cllr Tom Brook cllr.tom.brook@bristol.gov.uk 07584370425 Cllr Eleanor Combley cllr.eleanor.combley@bristol. gov.uk 07584370427

Green MEP calls for ban on harmful pesticide EU ministers decide on October 25 whether to impose a Europewide ban on glyphosate or renew its licence. Molly Scott Cato MEP, who sits on the Agriculture Committee in the European Parliament, said: “The pesticides industry claim that a ban on glyphosate will be catastrophic for the EU farming sector because there are no alternatives. “Cutting out harmful chemicals in farming will increase biodiversity, improve the health of our soil, and safeguard human and animal health. If Michael Gove’s green Brexit means anything it has to mean supporting a ban on glyphosate and funding moves towards chemical free agriculture.”

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bishopstonvoice

n NEWS In Cotham this month... Cllr. Anthony Negus (Cotham, LibDem) writes: Libraries The consultation returned with a large number of “None of the Above”. I chaired a councillor group considering alternatives that recommended long-term solutions that will save more libraries/local hubs. Front gardens greening I am launching this new initiative to bring together long-term residents and students. The universities, student unions and other agencies have agreed to work together and with landlords to re-establish shrubs and small trees. The goal is lowmaintenance planting to re-green the HMO dead zones within our local streets, creating more opportunities for wildlife. It has taken some time to get round to all parties but I have gathered offers of assistance and shrubs from a number of sources including Bristol City Council and I’m looking for help in arranging work sessions,

where HMO landlords agree. This will tackle a great number of important issues particularly community cohesion, environmental and street scene improvements and well-being. If, with support, this takes off it could be a way of restoring our street scene, bringing together people of all ages, greening the differences between ownerships and maybe making all of us feel a bit happier about where we live, and our neighbours. It’s taken some time, and it’s not all there yet, but this could make a lasting difference in Cotham ward and many other parts of the city. CM Residents parking zone I have confirmed that there will be no changes to hours or days of operation in this zone which corresponds with the great majority of resident’s responses to the consultation. Anthony Please feel free to contact me: Cllr. Anthony Negus cllr.anthony.negus@bristol. gov.uk /07833 484344

FIRE Authorities: Inclusion, collaboration and towards a fourth service? In May of this year I joined the Avon Fire Authority board. Now overseen by the Home Office there is a suggestion that emergency services might better work together and collaborate as set out in the Policing and Crime Act 2017. On a basic level this could mean joint procurement, shared resources or sharing premises as is the case with the Avon Fire Authority Headquarters recently moving to Portishead to share HQ with the Police. Beyond this it could also be delivering a 'fourth service' responding to non urgent medical calls such as falls and trips for example and then using that as a basis for community safety outreach with a view to prevention and early intervention. I was recently voted in as Chair of the inclusion committee within the authority. In terms of inclusion and evolution of the service, London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton has

November, 2017

launched a campaign to rid the service of sexism by promoting the term firefighter rather than fireman #FirefightingSexism. Expanding the thinking on inclusion, inclusion could mean anything from recruiting and supporting underrepresented groups to allowing someone to have bright green hair (just as well as I currently have electric ginger braids!). Inclusion is about allowing people to be themselves and statistics show that an inclusive and diverse workforce is more productive so beyond ethics there is also a business case. Councillor Cleo Lake cllr.cleo.lake@bristol.gov.uk 07584 480531

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS In Redland this month... Air quality update MANY local people have taken an interest in recent Bishopston Society events focussed on air quality, in spring and this autumn. We've been delighted to take part in these in various capacities. Somewhat frustratingly, the council's plans to continue with a feasibility study into what measures will bring our air quality up to legal standards have been thwarted by a government direction issued in late summer. Fortunately for us, the lawyers Client Earth, spotted that we had used cost as a criterion in selecting options, which was not allowable. Officers are now negotiating with government what costs they mean (social, local health?) and also clarifying other matters, such as the area of Bristol which doesn't meet legal standards. Government's assessment is rather different to the council's! Do look out for ways to get involved in the local air quality debate and consider how you can help prevent

pollution as Gloucester Road and the main routes in the city are corridors that affect local health. Residents parking With a somewhat heavy heart we have to report that there is still no clear procedure by which new Residents Parking Schemes can be initiated. We know that not everyone is a fan, but there are increasing numbers of residents from various parts of our ward contacting us asking for a scheme to be installed in their street. We are pressing for clarification, but until we are know what process the Highways department is adopting, we are somewhat hamstrung. Do keep in touch with any comments or opinions on the matter. Food waste DId you know that the most significant recyclable item in people's black bins is food waste? There's still far too much of the stuff going into the fortnightly residual waste bins, causing nasty whiffs and costing the council precious money to dispose of. Fi had the absolute

pleasure of visiting Geneco in Avonmouth recently, where along with the waste of 1 million peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toilets, all our food waste is processed into valuable bio methane, farming compost and electricity generation. Nothing is wasted! Bristol Waste will be launching a campaign soon to encourage residents to keep their food waste out of their black bins. Other initiatives are also in the pipeline to help people reduce the amount of food waste created in the first place. Meanwhile Martin has a petition live on the council website collecting signatures calling for the council tackle single use disposable plastics. Look for the petitions page http://epetitions.bristol. gov.uk/epetition_core/view/ plasticsban and sign it if you'd like to see more done to get rid of plastic waste. Changes to Neighbourhood arrangements and funding We've reported before how the demise of Neighbourhood Partnerships means we're supporting community efforts to

keep local initiatives running in our area, like tackling flytipping, graffiti, and supporting local projects. Do get in touch with the steering group at info@bcrnp.org. uk to help if you can. But local projects need funding too. Up to now each NP area (usually three wards, like Bishopston, Cotham and Redland) has been allowed to keep 15% of the compulsory funds from developers in the area called Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The other 85% is kept by the Mayor for projects like the Arena. Now there's a proposal to increase the size of the areas allocated the 15%. This may become a six ward area stretching as far as Brentry and Southmead which could affect how the funds get used to deal with impacts from the developments. Martin Fodor cllrmartin.fodor@bristol.gov.uk 07884736101 Fi Hance cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk 0117 3534720

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ABF Adcontact Half Page 180x120 1 22/02/2017 11:09 To21435 advertise, Emma onAW.indd 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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November, 2017

n NEWS In St Andrews this month... AS you may be aware, last year some alterations were made to the junction of North Road and Cromwell Road, and we received many emails about the impact this had in exacerbating congestion. It was intended that there would be two lanes of traffic adjacent to the new traffic island, one for turning right towards the Arches and one for turning left up Cromwell Road. However, the space between the traffic island and the pavement was made too narrow for this to be possible. The Council then planned to narrow the traffic island, but there was a long delay in scheduling contractors to undertake the work. However, a date has now been found and by the time you read this the alterations should have been made – hopefully this will prevent so many tailbacks occurring at busy times of the day.

A full planning application has been submitted for the old Horfield police station on Somerville Road. The proposal is to retain the original building (with some additions) to create six two-bedroom apartments. If you would like to view the plans or comment on the application you can search the council website for reference 17/05345/F. Construction work is progressing on the site at 65 North Road (at the junction with Overton Road, behind the Hobgoblin pub) for a development of eight apartments. We received some correspondence from residents and business owners expressing concern that Overton Road would be closed off during construction, but we understand that some discussions have taken place and that the contractors

will try to keep disruption to a minimum. As we mentioned in the previous article, work is ongoing around finding more effective ways of responding to concerns about caravans and camper vans on our public highways. We have raised these concerns with the relevant cabinet members on the council. They will be working in conjunction with council officers to explore the options that are available when the concentration of these vehicles in an area becomes problematic, as well as looking to support people who are living in vehicles because they are struggling to afford decent housing. We are expecting that there will be progress on working toward solutions to the parking problems highlighted by St Andrews residents during

last year’s residents’ parking zones consultation. We have been told that the Highways department will be able to support councillors in developing a consultation template to survey households on possible measures that could be introduced to ease the pressure on parking in the area. We know that this is a complex situation and that the severity of the problem varies street-by-street. However, if there is clear and widespread support for a new residents’ parking zone, for example, then it is right that this should be responded to. 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

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n PRIMAL POSTURE with

Clare Chapman

Buzz your back pain better? IN today’s hi-tech world, people are turning to biofeedback devices with apps to help fix their back pain. Well, they are certainly right in that they identify poor posture as the major culprit! So, can the new wearables actually improve on the bad habits we’ve all had around us since we were children? For those unfamiliar with these gadgets, they contain sensors that read our position and let us know (usually with a beep or vibration) when our posture is slumping so that we can correct it. However, we should consider: 1. Many of these devices require the user to set their own ‘ideal’ from which the device will judge deviation. Yet if you do not know how to comfortably sit or stand in the first place, the ideal you set is unlikely to be ‘correct’, or optimal for you. 2. Modern ideas about good posture are also part of the problem, and so your device will be constantly pestering you to ‘straighten up’ and strain your body in an unnatural, tense position – you’ll probably go back to slumping!

3. F eedback wearables only address one area at a time. Postural health is a whole-person synergy, so for example, pelvic angle, shoulder position and overall body awareness are all an important component in solving back pain. 4. G uidance for postural improvement is best obtained from an experienced teacher. Working with you at first hand, they can guide and advise you – especially on how best to use bio-feedback devices if you wish to. The Gokhale Institute is dedicated to embracing effective ways of supporting our students to relearn their primal, pain-free posture. Our approach has always combined the best of ‘high tech’ with ‘high touch’. Our culture is only just beginning to harness the possibilities of wearable technology and biofeedback devices – but they must be based on correct principals or we replace one set of problems with another. For a fuller discussion, search “The Wearable Device Deep-Dive” at www.gokhalemethod. com or go online to book a free workshop place

to find out more about healthy posture: Bristol Workshop dates: • Monday 6th November, 3.30pm, Spicer+Cole, Gloucester Rd • Sunday 3rd December, 3pm, Bakesmiths, Whiteladies Rd • Sunday 14th January, 3pm, Spicer+Cole, Gloucester Rd

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n NEWS Yoga for Health by Diana Penny

of Yogawest (www.yogawest.co.uk)

Yoga Pose of the Month: November â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Uttanasana

Standing forward bend Practice time: 20 to 30 seconds. Benefits: Warms you up for the strengthening poses. Brings flexibility through the pelvis and spine. Relieves mental strain and physical tiredness. Stand up straight and tall with your feet hip width apart. Holding your legs firm, and pressing your thighs back, raise your arms out in front of you, in line with your shoulders. Draw your arm bones back into your shoulder girdle, and then slowly raise your arms above your head, palms facing each other. Move your trapezius muscles down and extend the bones of your arms up. Turn your palms forward. Exhale and, sweeping

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

your arms forward, bend forward from the hips. Reach down and press your fingers and thumbs onto the floor beside your feet and look up. Take one or two breaths. Extend your breastbone forward and roll your shoulders back. With an exhalation and keeping your abdomen soft, fold forward from the hip joints, extend the sides of your torso down, and release your head toward the floor. Widen your elbows, widen your collar bones. To bend farther forward, lift your inner thighs up into your pelvis and lift your sit bones. Without increasing the distance between the feet, hit out the inner thighs; hit out the inner knees. Allow your breath to become quiet and even. With an exhalation and keeping your abdomen soft, fold forward from the hip joints, extend the sides of your torso down, and release your head toward the floor. Widen your elbows, widen your collar bones. To bend farther forward, lift your inner thighs up into your pelvis and lift your sit bones. Without increasing the distance between the feet, hit out the inner thighs; hit out the inner knees. Allow your breath to become quiet and even. Practice note: If your hands do not reach the floor without bending your legs, hold your shins or place your hands on blocks. Those with herniated discs: do not practice the final pose

where the head is down. Drawings and posture text reproduced by kind permission of Bobby Clennell, a senior Iyengar teacher in New York who teaches biennial workshops at Yogawest.

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

£75 fines for litter louts DURING my annual State of the City speech last month I announced plans to get tough on fly-tipping. We know that Bristol still has a serious problem with litter and are working hard to try and get a grip on this. I launched my Cleaner Streets campaign last year and we had a great response from schools, community groups and individuals. But it is not right that these groups should have to try to combat the problem alone. To keep Bristol tidy we need to realise that we all have a part to play. I was glad to be able to announce our plans to introduce a new enforcement team in Bristol so that we can get tough on those people who are thoughtlessly spoiling the city for the rest of us. People who continue to drop litter, deface property with graffiti or let their dogs foul will face up to £75 on-the-spot fines. The new team is to be delivered at no cost to the council because it is predicted to be able to recover any costs through the payment of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). Any profit from on-the- spot fines will be

put back into tackling environmental issues around the city. This team will work alongside the educational and community work that already takes place to try and ensure that we are finally able to get a grip on this problem which costs the council huge amounts of money to deal with. If you see someone on the street dropping litter, fly tipping or damaging property with graffiti you can help us do something about it by reporting it on the council’s website (www. bristol.gov.uk/report-a- street-issue) You can also get involved with the efforts to clean up our streets and be a part of my Cleaner Streets campaign (www.bristol.gov. uk/cleanstreets). Together I hope we can work together to clean up Bristol and show how proud we are of our city. I’d like to thank everyone who came to my State of the City Speech this year. It has been a chance to look back at my past year and see how far we’ve come. Whilst it has not been without its challenges I am really proud of the things me and my cabinet have been able to

The Mayor’s View Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Bishopston Voice

achieve over the year. I am sure the coming year will hold many more challenges but I look forward to seeing what we can achieve by working together.

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES HARVEST is officially over for me and it’s a great feeling. Waiting those final few weeks before picking the grapes was very hard but I’m so pleased we held out. In the first week of October we gathered together a group of about thirty people on a sunny Sunday morning and managed to pick several tonnes of very ripe grapes in just a few hours. I’m still staggered that despite the severe frost damage we received back in April, we actually managed to achieve our largest harvest ever and it’s all thanks to the warm weather we

had in June and early July. Every summer the British weather takes us growers on a little rollercoaster ride but this year has been truly exceptional. Autumn in the vineyard is characterized by a change in bird behaviour and we tend to see large flocks of starlings as well as members of the crow family. The crows form spectacular flocks, which seem to fill the sky, circling and calling for several minutes each day before settling down again to roost in the trees. Quite why they do this in Autumn I’m not sure but it’s lovely to watch. Like trees, the vines sometimes have better Autumnal colours than other years and this year the Pinot noir leaves have gone a glorious shade of orange in a final hoorah to 2017. At the winery, we now have a new Pinot noir rosé, some sparkling white, and sparkling red in the tank, which I’m really looking forward to sharing next year and beyond. As usual we’re on course for selling out of our Pinot rosé around Christmas so do be sure to get in touch if you’d like some as a gift or for yourself. Email: hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

Search: www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk Twitter: @DYvineyards Facebook: dunleavy vineyards

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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA October 30 n BRACE is holding a 30th Anniversary Concert in October 2017 starring Julia Hwang (Violin) and Stephanie Cole, compered by David Garmston (BBC Points West). It will be a great evening! BRACE is a local charity raising money for research into Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. 7.30pm at All Saints, Penbrooke Road, Clifton. Tickets £12 each November 2 n 7pm at Henleaze Library; Rebecca Chellappah, locally based Opera Singer will talk and sing about, “A Life In Song”. She recently sang the title role in the Bristol Opera production of Carmen. Tickets £5, to include refreshments, from the Library. n November 3, 10, 17, 24 The Bristol Astronomical Society host a series of astronomical talks and activities each week. We provide free Saturday observing at our observatory in Failand and often stage Star Parties in and around Bristol. Friday evening talks are held at 7pm at Bristol Photographic Society, Montpelier, BS6 5EE. Details of all events are on our website: www.bristolastrosoc. org.uk - All welcome. November 3rd - Black Holes, 10th -Talks given by BAS members, 17th - Infrared and mm-wave astronomy , 24th - Telescope surgery: get free advice on telescopes and how to use them - includes hands-on demonstrations. November 8 n Friends Of Welsh National Opera and all visitors are very welcome at Redmaids High School Performing Arts Centre on Wed Nov 8th at 7.15pm to enjoy our Castaways Choice, the internationally renowned singer SUZANNE MURPHY. It will be fascinating to hear the choices she makes for her desert island. She will be in conversation with Andrew Borkowski. Friends £5, Guests £7 at the door. Further details from 01275 848526 or borkmail@gmail. com November 9 n Bristol bike shop Bike Science are running a series of free Open Evenings at their Clifton Down's shop, featuring special guests and speakers, as well as exclusive instore discounts and opportunities to meet new people and chat. 9th Nov - Ladies Night 2 : Mental Health and your Sport 17th November How to Find your Perfect Cycling Shoe - Shoe and Insole titting explained 7th December - Ladies Night 3 : Adventure Night More details are on the Bike Science

website. November 11 n “In Remembrance” with Bristol Bach Choir, Saturday 11 November 2017, 7.30pm St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6RA. Christopher Finch, conductor and Nigel Nash, organ. J S Bach: Jesu Meine Freude Vaughan Williams: Mass In G Minor Eleanor Daley: Requiem J S Bach: Komm, Jesu, Komm Tickets cost between £10-20 (£5 for under 25s subject to availability) and are available online at bristolbach. org.uk/tickets.php or by phoning 0117 214 0721 or emailing tickets@ bristolbach.org.uk November 23-25 n Charade Drama presents "Worlds Apart" three one-act plays: "Any Other Tuesday" by Kathy Mead, "The Final Movement" by Brian J Burton, "Ghost Night" by John Grange & Peter Vincent. A Park Bench, a Concert Hall Ante-Room, a Haunted House, each is the setting for a strange tale of Worlds Apart with a unexpected twist. Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th November, 7:30pm. Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church Hall, Westbury Hill. Tickets: Adult £7, Conc. £6, Child £5. Box Office 0117 9508488 or On-the-Door. November 23 n Avon Organic Group: The local group for everyone interested in organic growing and organic foods. Our talk this month is “Making Room for Wildlife” with Rupert Higgins, past vice-Chair of Avon Wildlife Trust and freelance ecologist, who has been studying the wildlife of Bristol for more than 30 years. Many of his observations come from his own garden, but he also explores the woods, heaths, rubbish tips and pavements of Bristol. Much wildlife thrives in our city, and much more just manages to cling on, with startling changes over the years and more expected. There is much that we can do to encourage urban wildlife and we will be able to discuss the best ways in which we can help. Thursday, 23rd November 2017, 7pm – 9pm at The Station (in the Dance Studio), Silver Street, Bristol. BS1 2AG. All welcome. Visitors £5 / Members £2. www.groworganicbristol.org / secretaryaog@gmail.com November 25 n Coffee Morning and Craft Sale in aid of Cancer Research UK Saturday 25th November 10.15am – 12.45pm at Horfield Parish Church hall, Wellington Hill, Horfield. Refreshments, including homemade cakes and biscuits. Crafts, gifts, Christmas decorations and

cards, cakes and books. November 26 n Christmas Fair at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: 11.00 am to 4.00 pm Gifts galore including artisan chocolates, soaps, handbags, decorations, jewellery, Italian food products, printed and textile gifts plus homemade cakes and preserves and carols from Bristol University Madrigal Ensemble at 11.30am and 12.45pm. Organised by Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives supporting Bristol Museums Service. Everybody welcome. December 2 n "New Harmony Ladies Choir and their guests Bristol Male Voice Choir invite you to celebrate with them their joint Christmas Concert, at Horfield United Reformed Church, Muller Road, BS7 9RB, on Saturday December 2nd at 7.30 pm. Enjoy a fabulous variety of music with the two choirs. For more information and tickets, see nhlcbristol. co.uk , bristolmvc.org.uk or ring 01179567874. "

WHAT’S ON A REGULAR BASIS Monday n Toddler group at Ardagh Pavilion, Kellaway Avenue, Horfield Common. Ages 0-3, 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. 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: Kim on 07813 346819 / 0117 9401566 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

November, 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

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 redlandgreenchoir.org.uk. 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 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@

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

November, 2017 bristolyogaspace.co.uk / 07530 053 543. n Senior Film Club, every third Monday in the month at 2pm 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 September 18th - “Chariots of Fire”, 1981 British drama recounting the events of the 1924 Olympics, starring Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, & Nicholas Farrell. n Westbury Park WI. The Westbury Park WI meet on the first Monday of every month at Redland Church Halls, Redland Green BS6 7HE, 7.309pm. For those who want to walk as a group across the park, please meet at the Metford Road entrance to park by 7.15pm. Contact: westburyparkwi@gmail.com 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 with one of our qualified coaches. Jean or Gerry :Tel 9624466 . HALF price membership for the first year (£50) n 8pm Fun Quiz Night: Tv, Film, Music & more! at the Bristol Flyer, Gloucester Road, Bishopston Just £1 to enter n After school French Club for primary children at Gloucester Rd Quaker Meeting House. the new class times are: Monday: Level 2 – 5.10 – 5.50 All classes take place at The Quaker Meeting House, Gloucester rd. Website – www. frenchclubbristol.com n The Arts Society Bristol (formerly BDFAS) is for those who enjoy the arts and welcomes new members. Activities include monthly lectures at 8pm in School of Chemistry, BS8 1TS by specialists in their field. More information on our website www.bristoldfas.co.uk 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 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 £2.50 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

bishopstonvoice 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 After school French Club for primary children at Gloucester Rd Quaker Meeting House. KS1 class: Tuesday: Level 1 – 4.10 – 4.45, Level 2 – 4.50 – 5.30 Level 3 – 5.40 – 6.20 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 Bristol Brunel Lions Club – We meet at Shirehampton Golf Club on the first Tuesday of every at 7 for 7.30 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month we have a social gathering normally with food. We raise money for charity both locally and beyond through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Lots of fun and fellowship raising and spending money for good causes. For more details of how to apply for assistance with charitable activities in Bristol or to become involved in our activities see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on line or contact our Club Secretary Bill O’Neill at lion. bill@virginmedia.com 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 necessary, no auditions and you don’t have to read music 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.uk 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 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 7.30-9.30. 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 Sept - July 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 and 1.00-2.30 (during term time). £6 per family. Contact: jennysanderson@ blueyonder.co.uk.

39 n Sing! with the Bristol Children’s Choir. Open to children aged 7-13 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. Meet every 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 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 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 at 7.15pm. Talks with music. Costs-£7.00 or £1.00 for students (Friends £5.00). For further information contact: Margaret Borkowski:borkmail@gmail.com n Melody Makers Pop Choir. An evening choir for men and women singing popular songs. Wednesday's term time 7:30-9:00pm The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. Book a FREE taster www. melodymakerschoir.co.uk n Read together a short story and poem. Weekly drop-in adult group, shared reading. It's fun, sometimes surprising, moving and exciting. No preparation, just come along and listen. Bishopston Library, every Wednesday 11.30am to 1.00pm. We read and chat. Refreshments provided. Free. 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. £3.00 per session. 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

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA 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. We 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. Classes offer you the time to celebrate your pregnancy, ask questions and meet other mumstobe in a safe and welcoming environment. 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. £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. 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 07757527634 or come along to the ground from 11am. n Henleaze Ladies Choir is a friendly welcoming group which meets in St Peters Church Hall, Henleaze on Thursdays between September and May from 1.30 – 3.30 pm (with a short break for tea). We give 2 charity concerts a year in December and May and from time to time are invited to entertain community groups around the city. There are also occasional social events organised. We are always pleased to see new members. Pease come and try a rehearsal without obligation. To find out more contact Jane English (07752 332278) or Jean Wickham (0117

9624466). Friday n Bristol University of the third age (u3a) scrabble group would welcome new members. We play very friendly and informal games every Friday at the Beehive, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY from 2 to 4pm. For further info please contact Heddy SARA on 0117 9241318 and indicate when asked to give your name that you are phoning about scrabble in order not to be blocked. also email : nigel.d.sara@btinternet.com Saturday n Whiteladies 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.

Feel the Warmth campaign Scout group issues THE Abbeyfield Society rolled out its new Feel the Warmth campaign to mark Older People’s Day on October 1st. While the Christmas build up is a time of excitement for many, for thousands of older people living alone, it signals a countdown to the time of year when feelings of isolation and anxiety can be at their greatest. Residents and their families, staff and volunteers at Abbeyfield’s Redland property and 500-strong houses throughout the UK, are backing the campaign and are urging people to think of ways to help lessen loneliness in older people - from striking up a conversation to dropping off a homemade

meal or popping a card through the door of a neighbour. Abbeyfield chief executive David McCullough said: “Feel the Warmth is all about encouraging and inspiring people to make what could seem like a small act of kindness and thoughtfulness but which could help bring a smile to someone’s face and simply makes them feel happier and not invisible, like stopping to talk to someone you see on a daily basis but have never yet acknowledged.” If you are worried about being alone or are concerned about a family member or friend who is lonely, contact Abbeyfield’s Feel the Warmth hotline on 01727 734144.

View us online at www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

urgent plea for help THE 1st Bishopston Bristol Scout Group is in need of volunteers to help out at the Scout Hut on Kings Drive. No previous experience in Scouting is necessary, just energy and enthusiasm. All adult volunteers receive full induction and ongoing training and support and, get just as much fun from Scouting as the boys and girls do. 1st Bishopston are currently looking for a Scout Troop Leader to join its team of volunteers to help run our Friday Scout Troop (Scouts are aged 10 and a half to 14 years) as well as a Cub Scout Leader to help run the Monday Cub Pack and a Beaver Scout Leader to help with the Friday Beaver Colony (Beavers are aged 6 to 8yrs). If you would like to find out more contact: chloe.harvey@ forzadt.f9.co.uk There are many ways in which you can give your time to help Scouting. Most volunteers have full-time jobs and help out on a flexible basis, around their other commitments. Whether you can spare two hours a week or one day a month, volunteers are needed to help young people experience the challenge and adventure of Scouting in our local area.

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

November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n PHARMACY

Is the flu jab safe? Is it for me? Busting the myth... 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.

NOW is the time to get your flu jab. The earlier you do so the better protected you are. However, there are many myths surrounding flu and the flu vaccine. Here are some common ones and the truth behind them. Flu is just like having a heavy cold, isn’t it? The flu is much worse than a heavy cold. Symptoms come on suddenly and sometimes severely. They include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, all leaving you laid up in bed. If you get complications, you could become seriously ill and be hospitalised. Up to 10,000 deaths yearly in UK are attributed to the Flu. I heard the flu vaccine gives you flu

No, it doesn’t. The injected flu vaccine given to adults contains inactivated flu viruses, so it can't give you flu. Your arm may feel a bit sore and some people get a slight temperature for a couple of days afterwards. Other reactions are very rare. The vaccine has an excellent safety record. I never get flu or I’ll just get antibiotics from my GP You may only get mild flu but you can still pass it on to other vulnerable people. Flu is caused by viruses – so antibiotics that work against bacteria can’t help. So, who exactly is eligible to receive a flu jab?

At Kellaway Pharmacy, we offer the free NHS funded flu jab, without appointment, to anyone who is over 18 and at a risk of getting flu. These include people aged 65 years and over with weakened immune system (cancer treatment) with certain medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease) pregnant women who receive a carer's allowance or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if they fall ill Unpaid main carer’s of family, friends or neighbours are eligible for the free NHS jab. Remember, it takes about two weeks after vaccination to gain optimal protection. So don't delay, just come in and get your jab today. Speak to us for more advice or contact your local GP surgery.

Above & Beyond for Bristol Heart Institute appeal ABOVE & Beyond, the local charity that raises funds for Bristol city centre hospitals, has launched an £830,000 appeal for the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI). As one of the leading cardiac centres in the UK, the BHI treats 40,000 patients each year, performing over 500 keyhole surgeries a month and 17,000 diagnostic scans annually, at a cost of £46 million. The Bristol Heart Institute Appeal will raise vital funds to enable the BHI to continue to deliver exceptional patient care and improve facilities to meet the growing demand for its services. Projects that require funding include the creation of a new echocardiography facility, so that patients are no longer moved between the BHI and Bristol Royal Infirmary when at their most vulnerable, and the provision of ultrasound equipment to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Paul Kearney, CEO of Above & Beyond, said: “I’ve seen firsthand the outstanding care provided by the dedicated staff at the Bristol Heart Institute and the Appeal will enable us to improve facilities and provide state of the art equipment that will keep the BHI at the forefront of cardiac research and treatment for years to come.” The Appeal was launched on 29 September at a special event at the BHI to coincide with World Heart Day. Above & Beyond staff and volunteers showcased the many ways that people can get involved and fundraise for the Appeal including holding bake sales, knitting for a heart-themed ‘yarn bomb’ set to take place in February and taking on challenge events.

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

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November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n VETS' ADVICE

Teaching children to be safe around dogs TEACHING your children how to behave around dogs is really important. The family dog may be very tolerant, however not all dogs will respond well to being stroked backwards or being prodded - for some dogs even being approached by a stranger can be very stressful. You can teach children basic rules for how to behave around dogs but also do remember that as an adult you should be watching out for any situations that could become dangerous. Meeting a new dog: Always ask the owner for permission before approaching their dog, this gives the owner a chance to say if they are afraid of strangers or children. Greet them by holding out the back of a hand with fingers folded to allow the dog to sniff you first. How to stroke a dog: Always check where a dog likes to be stroked from the owner as some dogs will not like having their head or feet touched. Always stroke in the direction that the fur lies in

rather than going against the fur. Teach children to never pull a dog’s ears or poke around eyes. Showing affection: It is safest to tell children not to hug or kiss dogs - for some dogs this can be frightening. Teasing: Teach your child never to take food or toys away from a dog. Dogs should be left alone when eating, drinking or sleeping. If a dog has a crate that they go to for peace and quiet, teach children to leave them alone when they are in the crate so they have a safe haven they can go to. Chasing: If a playful dog is paying your child too much attention, teach them to stand still with their arms crossed out of the way and to look away from the dog. If a puppy or dog chases them, they should stand still as this will stop the game. A child chasing a dog can cause them to become overexcited which can lead to dogs nipping. Teach children to be quiet and calm around dogs.

There are some brilliant videos and free teaching resources on the Dogs Trust website and they are also currently offering free dog safety workshops for parents and children. The Blue Dog website also has advice and a CD you can buy with additional guidance. As a final important note, never leave children unattended with a dog, even a dog that you think you know well. Children’s behaviour can be unpredictable and we cannot predict how any dog may respond to this. www.bedogsmart.org.uk http://www.thebluedog.org/

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n SUSTAINABILITY with Hamish Mills, Sustainable Redland

Barking up the wrong tree AFTER the VW pollution scandal, greening our cars is a hot topic. We know how much fossil fuel vehicles pollute our air and that the stories manufacturers have been telling us to the contrary are untrue, so it feels that the sooner they start electrifying them, the better for all of us. But is this the case? Perhaps the first question we might like to ask ourselves is what would it be like living with even more cars on our roads, electric or otherwise? How well do they serve the quality of our lives? Sure, it's nice to be able get into one and travel wherever we want at any time, but with our potential car owning population so big now, at what point does their value

start having diminishing returns? Individual ownership is one thing, but the effect on our cities being rammed with them and nowhere to park is another. Then there’s the question of health. Obesity and the fats food manufacturers add is another hot topic, but not so many of us discuss the evidence right there on the internet which shows things like a 99% correlation in a US study between mileage and obesity. Stands to reason. The more we drive, the less healthy we are. Exactly how green are electric vehicles? The answer appears to be not as much as we might think. Certainly bad gases don’t come out of their exhaust pipes, but they

have to be made and powered. If the latter comes from coal fired sources, such as is dominant in India, studies show that their carbon output over a 200,000 mile life span is greater than a fossil fuel powered one. So there’s no gain without green energy. And making batteries is energy intensive, which results in about two and a half times more CO2 being released with EV manufacture than a fossil fuel car. So that’s not so good. Sometimes I think the problem of what to about burgeoning car numbers and pollution is less of a technical one and more of something stuck in our heads. Do you remember those stories from 1930s America when General

Motors supposedly bought up some public transport companies and sold the buses so that the public were forced to buy their cars if they wanted to get around? I fear that over the century or so since we have had cars, ownership and dependency on them has become so hardwired into our brains, we cannot imagine life without both. So I would argue that rather than relying on technical solutions to the problems of car pollution and their numbers, we would best serve ourselves by looking at the advantages of having less of them, and adjusting our lives accordingly.

Puss in Boots opera The UK Premiere of the fairytale opera Puss in Boots, for children, with children, takes place at The Mackay Theatre at the new 1532 Performing Arts Centre at Bristol Grammar School. Tessitoura, a local touring opera company, presents performances of the short opera on Sunday 19 and 26 November at 2pm and 4pm. The production is a pilot for taking opera into schools with workshops and performance to introduce children to the beauty of opera in a really accessible way. Soprano Sophie Kirk-Harris has adapted, translated, designed and directed the opera and is aided by adult professional singers in the character roles and supported by a large group of children aged from 4-18 who go to local schools including The Redmaid's High School, Badminton, BGS and Henleaze.

Beat the autumn blues with a bit of French

Alchemy 17 Exhibition A CONTEMPORARY ceramics exhibition by sixteen local artists from Maze Studios runs from November 18-26 in Stokes Croft. This exciting exhibition showcases a diverse collection of work celebrating the creativity of this group of 16 ceramic artists. Brought together by a passion for making and exploring the properties of clay, each artist’s work has a unique identity. The exhibition takes place at PRSC The Space, 17-35 Jamaica Street, and will include sculptural and functional pieces by artists including work from Louise Blois, Pipistrelle Design and Wenda Vincent.

ALLIANCE Française de Bristol has plenty to keep you entertained this term. Join the French Drama workshop if you want an active way to learn and practise French; the cooking workshop will teach you to impress your friends with a une mousse de canard au porto; if you like crafts there is a Christmas wreath workshop with Vanina, florist from Les Fleurs - all that in French! Whatever your level, you can come and listen to Jac & Co, a great French Chanson duo complete with an accordion! So come and meet fellow francophiles and francophones. A bientôt! www.afbristol.org.uk For further info contact Audrey, 07903 821 655

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n BOOKS OF THE MONTH Witchfairy

by Brigitte Minne If you are looking for a heart warming story, with a cool sassy role model for young girls, which challenges traditional gender stereotypes, then this beautifully illustrated book is the one for you. Rosemary is a fairy who lives with her mum in a castle in the air. She is expected to be sweet, demure and neat and is persuaded to tell fairy tales with a honeyed voice. Rosemary would rather be a witch, because witches are allowed to get nice and dirty and to scream and shout with laughter. She packs her bags, leaves her mum in the castle and flies away to join the witches who live in the nearby woods. Will Rosemary be happy as a witch and leave her fairy life behind her? Will she mend her fractured relationship with her

mother and find her true place in the world? You will need to read this enchanting book to find out if there is a happy ending. Witchfairy is written by Brigitte Minne, illustrated by Carll Cneut, translated by Laura Watkinson and published in Bristol by Book Island. Book island books are available to purchase locally from Playful Toys, Here Gallery, Waterstones, Standfords, Foyles and the SS Great Britain. (Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library.)

The Italian Wedding by Nicky Pellegrino

I have just read this on a recent holiday- it’s a light and easy read, ideal for a relaxing escape. Nicky Pellegrino

has written many books set in Italy. Each one of her books I have read I have thoroughly enjoyed. Set in Italy and London in the past and present this novel weaves both era's into a delightful mix of romance and intrigue. The Italian Wedding follows the story of two sisters and their family and the feuds that have rumbled on through their parent’s lives. Pieta is a wedding dress designer and makes her sister's dress . As she sows beads onto the dress, her mother starts to tell her story of going to Italy, meeting her father and how they started their life together. The story is predictable but I didn’t find that this was a problem. (Review by Tracey, Bishopston library staff.) For these books and many more, visit us at Bishopston Library. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, there are over 2 million items from which you can reserve across LibrariesWest and collect from any library of your choice.

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Movember man talk could save your life Make time for man talk! That’s the advice being given to men as part of the national Movember campaign – the month that spotlights men’s health issues. A Movember survey showed that while 70% of men say their friends could rely on them for support only 48% say that they would rely on their friends! In other words men are happy to listen to other people’s problems but not so happy to talk about their own. Professor Hashim Hashim a world-renowned Consultant Urological Surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital said: “The key to successful treatment is down to men facing up to the fact that they might have a problem and seeking medical help as soon as possible.” “It is well known that men tend to keep things bottled up when it comes to medical issues but that really is the worst thing they can do. Growing a moustache in support of Movember is great but it’s when the talking starts that we

know we are getting somewhere.” Prostate cancer is the commonest type of cancer in men with over 41,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year, claiming approximately 10,500 lives. However it’s not just cancer related conditions that affect a man’s prostate. Despite thousands of men suffering from it on a daily basis, an enlarged prostate isn’t exactly the usual choice of conversation over a pint at your local pub. The condition known as benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and hypertrophy (BPH) does not occur because of the presence of cancer, but due to the fact the prostate continues to grow throughout most of a man’s adult life. The condition itself is not a threat to a man’s health, but it can have dramatic impacts on their quality of life. As the prostate enlarges it can cause pressure on the bladder causing a variety of symptoms

including; having difficulty when starting to urinate; a weak urine flow (stopping and starting); a sensation of not fully emptying your bladder leading to having to urinate more frequently (especially at night), subsequently disrupting your sleeping patterns and likewise that of your partner. A midnight trip to the bathroom is never warmly welcomed by anyone. “Surgery can be fraught with side-effects - bleeding, incontinence and sexual problems - whilst tablets may be ineffective or cause sexual function problems,” said Consultant Urologist, Professor Hashim. There is, however, a revolutionary day-case technique available which is suitable for most men, bringing relief to help them empty their bladders better with improved quality of life and minimal side-effects. “A new treatment called UroLift avoids the invasiveness of surgery and the unwanted side effects of

tablets. It involves no blood loss or 'cutting' and takes 10-15 minutes for implants to be inserted into the prostate, opening the prostatic urethra, restoring urinary flow and satisfactory bladder function.” explained Prof. Hashim “'It is being hailed the new minimally invasive treatment of the future for the majority of those with troublesome symptoms due to BPE(H) - only in rare cases with atypical prostate anatomy is Urolift unsuitable” He continued. UroLift is available at Spire Bristol Hospital and patients can usually be in and out of hospital within the same day. To find out more information about men’s prostate health and the treatment options available please book onto our complimentary patient information evening with Professor Hashim Hashim on Thursday 30 November at 7.00pm. Call 0117 980 4080 or email info@spirebristol. com to book your place.

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence

NOVEMBER comes and I can’t help thinking of Thomas Hood’s gloomy poem that ends “No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! November!” Thanks for that Mr Hood, but I beg to differ. It has been a wonderful year for fruit and many apples still hang on the trees - the thrushes will be feasting well into November. Botanically speaking, any seed-bearing structure is a fruit; an acorn and its cup and a winged ash key as much as an apple. There are some fascinating creations out there with intriguing and sometimes exotic names to go with them. English has some simple, earthy words for common types of fruit – pods, keys, burrs and conkers come to mind. I love the almost onomatopoeic quality of “pod” – you can almost hear it popping and shedding its dry seeds... po!... ddd! Burrs are fruits covered in hooked bristles which cling onto animal fur and woolly EXPERTS at Bristol Zoo Gardens want to dispel the myths surrounding spiders, and explain why people should appreciate these innocent invertebrates. Autumn is the season where spider phobia is at its peak. Spiders are more likely to be seen indoors at this time of year due to males searching for warmth and shelter as the temperature drops. It is also the breeding season, which means males are more active as they search for a mate. But rather than ‘invading our homes’ and seeking to scare us, these harmless housedwellers play an important role in the ecosystem and should be recognised for their amazing abilities. Mark Bushell, Curator of Invertebrates at Bristol Zoo, explains: “Spiders are in fact amazing. They also have a very important role to play in the food chain. They help control flies, mosquitoes, midges and other small insects that we class as pests - the world would be a much bleaker place without them.” As a child, Mark was scared of spiders himself, but grew to admire and appreciate them after

jumpers (they were the inspiration for Velcro, no, really). Keys, for instance of ash and maples, are seeds with wings; sometimes you can watch them travelling hundreds of metres from the parent tree. And I trust we all know conkers. Botanical terms tend to be more of a mouthful but can be delightful words – in botanical circles a key is a samara. This wonderful word almost suggests the distant land which the tree is dreaming of when it releases its fruits to fly for a few short but romantic moments. Botanists like to invent technical terms to distinguish between similar structures, for example the pods of the cabbage family. There are shorter, wider pods – such as the neat ones which give shepherd’s purse its name - and longer, thinner ones, for example those of cabbage itself. A wide pod is a silicula and a narrow pod is a siliqua. At this time of year the siliculae of honesty are particularly eye-catching – shiny, transparent silver purses showing the flat, penny-like seeds within (their name derives from this honest confession of their seed wealth). One of the most beautiful fruits belongs to the spindle, a somewhat nondescript hedgerow shrub. But in autumn, nestling amongst the candy-pink leaves, hot pink pods appear, cubic in shape, bulging at the corners, which split open to reveal the most astonishing orange

seeds. Such delicious colours – even the most glamorous sweet shop must be jealous (but don’t try to eat them – these must be left for the birds). And finally it is a good time of year to look for jays – they are out and about, collecting and storing their favourite fruit – the acorn. An acorn is the “fruit” of an oak tree and jays are thrifty hoarders, remembering where every acorn is stashed. Apparently some children’s dictionaries have dropped the word “acorn” on the grounds that children don’t use it much – shame on you, dictionary compilers! We should not let any child grow up without knowing what acorns are, and who likes eating them.

Why we should love our eight-legged friends

studying them. “I always wanted to work with invertebrates,” he explains, “but in order to become knowledgeable all round I knew I’d have to overcome my fear of

spiders. So I started researching them and quickly realised how amazing and fascinating they are.” Spider phobia is so common that Bristol Zoo has been offering

‘Living with Spiders’ courses for 20 years, to help arachnophobes overcome their fear through a combination of discussion, relaxation, hypnotherapy and learning about spiders. Simon Garrett, head of learning at the Zoo, said: “We are surrounded by myths and negative associations with spiders. Genuine spider phobias can seriously affect how people live their lives. “We help people manage their fear, and give them strategies to cope and take control of the situation should they encounter a spider in their home. We also help them realise that spiders are fantastic and nothing to be feared.” Bristol Zoo’s next Living with Spiders course is on November 14 and there is a topup course on December 12. To find out more visit the website at: www.bristolzoo.org.uk/whatson/living-with-spiders or phone 0117 974 7369.

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

20 years of song for Gasworks Choir THE inspiration for Bristol’s first community choir came from Dee Jarlett and Ali Orbaum, two singers in the Sweet Soul Sisters who were popular in Bristol during the 1990s. They wondered if they could find enough people who wanted to sing harmony together, without accompaniment or the ability to read music. They placed an ad in Venue Magazine and kept their fingers crossed – they couldn’t believe it when around 100 eager singers answered the ad! So, in 1997, a choir was born. The choir rehearsed in St Werburghs and was named after the local gasworks where a gasometer dominated the landscape. Before long, they were practising in the remarkable Gasworks Studio, which Dee had created next to her house in Narroways Road. They performed regularly at St George’s, dressed distinctively in red and orange and delighted

audiences with an eclectic repertoire of brilliantly arranged a cappella songs. The 160-strong Gasworks Choir, led by Ali and her talented co-leader Jessica Samuel, continues to refresh itself with new singers every year, creating a bright blend of voices and maintaining its unique reputation as one of the best community choirs in our thriving singing city. The choir’s singers hail from various parts of Bristol, including Bishopston, St Andrews, Horfield, Ashley Down, St Werburghs, Redland and Easton. There is a waiting list to join, but it’s not as long as it used to be – at one point, people had to wait six years before they could start singing! Nicola Ramsden, Bishopston resident and long-term member of Gasworks Choir, captures the spirit of singing in a community choir when she says: “There's something so special

about singing in harmony in a group; I can be tired, grumpy, frustrated – or all 3! – but a choir session takes me out of all that and I come away uplifted and energised. I'd recommend Gasworks Choir to anyone who'd

like to give singing a go - it's warm, welcoming and most important, a lot of fun!” To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Gasworks Choir will be holding a special gala concert at St George's on December 17.

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If you have a telescope lurking in the back of your attic then you might like home in on The Bristol Astronomical Society for one of the talks and activities they stage each week. Member John Bishop said: “We provide free Saturday observing at our observatory in Failand and often stage Star Parties in and around Bristol.” Friday evening talks are held at 7pm at Bristol Photographic Society, Montpelier, BS6 5EE. Details of all events are on the website: www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk All are welcome to come along to meetings, held this month on November 3rd - Black Holes, 10th -Talks given by BAS members, 17th - Infra-red and mm-wave astronomy, 24th - Telescope surgery: free advice on telescopes and how to use them.

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n ON THE BEAT

All in a week's work!

News from the local policing team with PCSO David Said Hello readers, IN this issue I want to share with you some of the things that we do in a normal working week. My week began at 2:30pm on Tuesday and ran until Sunday evening. After checking the ‘live’ police log screen and looking for any local crime trends, I went out

on patrol on Gloucester Road. My first job was to help free a lorry stuck in Merton Road. This involved checking for registered keepers of cars blocking the junction, and knocking on some doors. Eventually room was made for the lorry to move on. That evening I attended a local Neighbourhood Watch meeting. I updated local people on crime figures and answered questions and also listened to people’s concerns about any issues they had on the beat. Wednesday morning involved patrolling Whiteladies Road, enforcing the rules of the road and speaking to cyclists riding on pavements. I then made my way up the Gloucester Road on my bike for a cycle patrol and to carry out CCTV enquires at local stores. On Thursday I carried out some speed checks on Ashley Road and Gloucester Road. I know that

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speeding is an issue many local residents worry about, so always keep this at the front of my mind in my day to day duties. Many drivers were sticking to the limits, but some were driving closer to 40mph than 20 mph. These people were given words of advice. Thursday evening was spent dealing with some anti-social behaviour on Gloucester Road involving some drunk men. I had to switch on my body-worn camera due to the hostility shown towards me, which unfortunately is just a hazard of the job. On Friday I carried out house to house enquiries on Downend Road about a burglary and then patrolled two primary schools at picking up time. The rest of Friday was spent looking after a crime scene in another beat area. Saturday was a day of dealing with vehicle obstructions. The first involved a parked car that was

preventing a resident from getting to an urgent appointment. I then made registered keeper enquires and had to give the driver of a badly damaged vehicle some bad news about a fail to stop collision. Sunday involved catching up with some paperwork and updating some victims of crime on the progress of enquiries into their incidents. There was also another vehicle obstruction, this time in Stoke Bishop. The work by the neighbourhood police team can be quite varied and we have to be available to attend any incidents that may require our attention throughout the day. I hope this article has given you an insight into the type of work we do. Until next time PCSO David Said

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

Bishopston author’s travel guide sells out

A NEW guidebook book written by a Bishopston author has been so successful it has gone to reprint inside three months. The Outer Hebrides, the Western Isles from Lewis to Barra, is written by Mark Rowe and is the first dedicated guide to the islands. It has become the top-ranked seller for guides to Scotland on Amazon and the best-selling book for the travel publisher Bradt. The book is a practical guide to the islands, what to see, where to stay and what to eat and how to get there; but also includes lots of personal insights into the islands, based on visits made by Mark over the past 15 years. “They are true magical islands,” says Mark, who lives in Bishopston. “The landscape of moors, mountains, lochs, beaches

and coast is stunning. People are genuinely friendly and the Gaelic culture is really strong. The wildlife is amazing - it's like being in an episode of Springwatch!” The book includes lots of things for families to do something Mark is well placed to describe as he has taken his own three children up there every year for the past seven years. “It's a paradise for kids,” he says. 'They can just be themselves, there are huge beaches to roam over - you'll have them to yourselves - there is no one to scowl at them. They will love the wildlife - they will see otters, seals, red stags and golden eagles for sure. And the cafes are brilliant -the best milkshakes and home-made cakes you will ever have.” While researching the

book Mark met several people from the south-west who have relocated to the islands. These include a former Bristol university lecturer and a master baker from the city, Darren Cole and Chris Griffiths have set up Hebscape, a cafe and art gallery on Harris. Despite being a remote part of the UK, the Outer Hebrides are easily reached from Bristol. Mark says: “EasyJet's BristolInverness route is one of their most popular. You can pick up a hire car at Inverness and be at the port of Ullapool to cross to Lewis in just 90 minutes.” The book is stocked in Stanfords and Waterstones and available online from Bradt (www.bradtguides.com), Amazon and Hive (www.hive.co.uk), the online bookseller that supports high street bookshops. Mark

tweets updates about the islands at @wanderingrowe

£25,000 boost for Avon Riding Centre AVON Riding Centre for the Disabled is to receive a £25,000 Community Award from the Freemasons following an unprecedented public vote. The charity was one of several to be nominated by Freemasons in Bristol, with local people voting to decide the level of their Award. They were part of 178,801 people who voted across England and Wales. The Community Awards are a major part of Freemasonry’s 300th anniversary celebrations. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is distributing three million pounds to 300 charities across the country, with the public vote deciding on the range of Awards from £4,000 to £25,000.

Yvette Whiffen, Centre Manager at Avon Riding Centre said: “We’re thrilled that our friends and supporters voted for us to receive this grant of £25,000. It’s not just the money - although that will make a huge difference to our work - it’s also the feeling that we’re so well-supported locally. It’s wonderful to have some good news in what has been a tricky year for us.” Alan J. Vaughan from Bristol Freemasons said: “We are delighted so many people voted in Bristol. Avon Riding Centre was nominated by local Freemasons and I know they will use their £25,000 grant to continue with their outstanding work.” The Avon Riding Centre is going to spend their grant on the purchase of two horses

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and their training, the resurfacing of an outdoor paddock so it becomes all weather and not muddy and extending their car park. This will allow them to host the regional riding disability championships. Tim Brunton who is a Charity Steward for The Freemasons of Bristol was joined by Les Bakos from Moira Lodge (a newly joined mason). He was so impressed by their operation that he has now put himself forward as a volunteer. Other local projects also received a substantial donation including £15,000 for Bristol Underprivileged Children’s Charity, £6,000 for Bristol Playbus Project and £4,000 for Bristol District Tranquilliser Project.

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n SPORT BRISTOL St Andrews held their annual Open Fours Tournament on Sunday October 1st 2017 with 24 teams competing for the Derek Sharpe Memorial Trophy and prize money totalling £300. Entries this year travelled from Surrey, Dorset, Monmouthshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire, and after 48 games it was The Park (Willmott Park, Bristol) that were victorious. Second place went to Team McFuidge (Clevedon Prom) and third place went to Gauld Blend four brothers, led by Ian Gauld (Olveston BC).

Open Fours Tournament brings season to an end Glenhawkes (Bishop Cleve BC) led the table for most of the day but finished fourth, and last year’s winners Keeping it in the Family found the going a lot tougher this year, finishing 20th. A Charity Bowls Spider during the lunch interval raised £150. The money will be shared

between Prostate and Bowel Cancer charities. Next years Tournament is planned for Sunday September 30 and is already looking like being another sell out with 14 rinks registering interest in returning in 2018. Bristol St Andrews – Club Competitions Finals day was held on Sunday 24 September and

saw Pete Jones win three competitions. Bristol North East League Competitions Fours Winners: Trevor Wilkins, Adrian Dunford, Jason Sparkes, Richard Ludwell (Bristol St. Andrews). Runners up: Ian Jenking, John Wood, Dave Johnson, Roger Humphries (Avonvale).

Gloucestershire Young Cricketers' Awards GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cricket’s professional squad handed out the awards to the next generation of stars at the 2017 county presentation evening. Trophies were awarded for the player of the year and individual performance of the year in every squad from the under 10s to the under 17s. Bristol YMCA player, Jamie Brooks, who trains at Golden Hill Sports Ground picked up the player of the year award for the Under 10 boys. U10 coach Jon Tegg said: “The winner showed a great willingness to learn and batted with a maturity beyond his years, scoring 214 runs, with a highest score of 60. He also took nine wickets from 21 overs at a strike rate of just 14. His attitude and desire to win is second to none and he will undoubtedly be a name to look out for in the future.” Frenchay wicketkeeper/batter Natasha Wraith was one of the winners on the night, picking up the player of the year award in both the Under 15 and Under 17 girls county squads. And Dumbleton CC were the most

successful club with five of their players taking home silverware. The evening – which was held at the Bristol Pavilion - provided a chance to celebrate both the outstanding individual and collective achievements of the 2017 season. Team achievements included the Under 17 boys reaching the one-day semi-finals and the Under 12s and 13s boys squads winning their respective Taunton Festival - the latter going through the entire season undefeated. The event also featured an onstage conversation between Gloucestershire head of talent pathway Tim Hancock, Drissell and George Hankins who has progressed from the age group squads to the first team. Tim Hancock said: “It was fantastic to have so many people there to celebrate what was a very successful season across our age groups. “Over the last few years we have seen a growing trend of success for our county squads and that was no different this year with the Under 17 boys reaching a national semi-final and both the under 12s and 13s picking up silverware.

“The awards also highlighted the achievements of individuals within our pathway and demonstrate that the future is looking bright for Gloucestershire Cricket.”

Natasha Wraith and GCC player Ian Cockbain

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n INSIDE OUT THERE’S a new kid on the interiors block on Gloucester Road. Turning one this month, Stîl Homeware is bringing Scandinavian style to the high street, situated in fashion boutique Fox & Feather as a concession. Scandinavian chic is a hugely popular decorative style with its natural materials, simple clean lines, muted colour palette and graphic monochrome accents. So I caught up with owners Clare and Lola to find out what inspired them to branch out into interiors. What motivated you to open Stil? Our backgrounds combine fashion, visual merchandising, and styling for film and TV. We have always had a love of homeware and a passion for interior design, so it seemed like the right move! I love the little house, or should I say circumflex, on your logo. How did you come up with the name? Stîl means style in Danish. We thought this fitted in well with our Scandinavian feel... The selection of products in store is beautifully curated and there range is huge form kitchen ware to hanging planters and pictures. How do you decide what to buy in?

Our mission is to sell beautifully designed, quality products that will fit into any interior due to their timeless quality and style. We have a mix of brands from all over Europe and the U.K, with a strong emphasis on Scandinavian design. Selfishly, we basically buy what we love! But also what we feel can fit into many interiors due to it’s classic design, or neutral colour scheme. What’s next for Stil? We have some gorgeous new brands coming into the store and we hope to expand our range of products, we now stock rugs!

Any hints on forthcoming products to look out for? Watch this space..! After all, with Christmas approaching fast, the store will be have to be packed full of goodies! Shop in store or online at https://www.foxandfeather.co.uk/ collections/stil-homeware Struggling with an interior design decision? Ask a question you’d like me to answer in next month’s column by emailing zoe@ zoehewettinteriors.co.uk and I’ll see if I can help. www.zoehewettinteriors.co.uk

with interior designer Zoe Hewett

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

n PROPERTY

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bishopstonvoice

November, 2017

bishopstonvoice

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

bishopstonvoice

November, 2017 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

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