Bishopston Voice March 2021 by Emma Cooper

bishopstonvoice

www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk

March, 2021 Issue 98

FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS

Help comes to our doors in many ways during a pandemic!

Attacking the digital divide Staff at Stoke Park Primary have been exercising in fancy dress to raise money for laptops and other devices for their pupils. PAGE 17

GLOUCESTER Road Medical Centre’s Dr Rich Waldock set’s out on a cold winter’s morning to vaccinate patients who are housebound, reaching each person using one of the hired Voi electric scooters available in the city. It was part of a successful effort that has led to a high proportion of people in the top four priority categories receiving their first dose of the vaccine to protect against coronavirus. For more information about the vaccination programme across the area including full details of locations and travel support - visit bnssghealthiertogether.org.

Clean Air Zone details unveiled Details of the proposed Clean Air Zone for central Bristol, in which drivers of polluting vehicles will have to pay £9 a day, have been revealed. PAGES 2 & 3

'Save the Ashley Down Oak' battle Campaigners are fighting to stop a 120-year-old oak tree in Ashley Down Road from being felled. PAGE 4

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March, 2021

n NEWS

£9 a day - Bristol's Clean Air Zone TENS of thousands of motorists will be charged £9 a day to enter a Clean Air Zone in Bristol if the council’s plans are approved by the Government. But some drivers of polluting cars will be able to apply for a one-year exemption before they have to start paying the fee, and others will not have to pay at all. Bristol City Council must have a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in place by October 29 and, after years of planning and consultation, it has decided to seek permission for a small zone in the city centre. It had hoped to avoid forcing drivers of polluting vehicles to pay to enter a CAZ, but has calculated it must impose charges to meet its legal obligation to reduce the city’s traffic air pollution to within legal limits in the shortest possible time. Still, with measures including the closure of Bristol Bridge and Baldwin Street, and plans

Non-compliant vehicles will be charged £9 a day to enter the CAZ if it is approved to close Cumberland Road to inbound traffic, it has managed to avoid a larger CAZ.

bishopstonvoice Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

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

Sue Thomas News Editor

07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

Erica Benson

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

April deadline

Under plans it intends to submit to the Government next week, polluting private cars,

taxis, and light goods vehicles (LGVs) will be charged £9 a day to enter a small-boot shaped zone in the central city. Larger vehicles – such as buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) – that emit unacceptably high levels of pollutants, will be charged £100 a day. Charges will only apply to diesel vehicles that are Euro 5 standard and below, so roughly 2014 and older, and to petrol vehicles that are Euro 3 and below, so about 2006 and older. City mayor Marvin Rees divulged key details of the proposed scheme in a press briefing on February 17, noting a number of exemptions and mitigations to protect certain groups. People who live in the Clean Air Zone as well as Bristolbased Blue Badge holders will be able to apply for a one-year exemption before they have to

Useful numbers Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am-2pm

Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Bishopston Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. A member of the

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 10,700 copies copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS

details revealed start paying a fee. People on low incomes will also be able to apply for a oneyear exemption if they have to drive in and out of the zone to get to work. This group – individuals earning less than £24,000 a year and no more than £12.45 per hour – will also be prioritised for financial support packages under the council’s proposals. The council is also proposing exemptions for people who have to go to hospital for admissions and appointments or to visit loved ones regularly. Mr Rees said: “We’re looking at a scheme with hospitals for families that have to be frequent visitors to loved ones, particularly children, for example, in hospital.” Most of the exemptions are for one year to allow time for people to upgrade to cleaner vehicles and take advantage of financial support and scrappage schemes.

Emergency service vehicles, disabled passenger vehicle tax classes 78 and 85, motorcycles, and classic cars are automatically exempt under CAZ rules set out by the Government. The council has estimated that, if traffic returns to preCovid levels, about 74,700 out of 258,000 vehicles would be charged to enter Bristol’s CAZ each day when the zone goes live. It estimates around 27 per cent of private cars are not compliant with emission standards and will attract a clean air charge. Similarly, it believes about 39 per cent of LGVs, 25 per cent of HGVs and five per cent of buses and coaches will have to pay a daily fee. However, the council is asking the government for money to provide financial support packages for households and businesses to upgrade their vehicles.

The plans are set to be approved by the Labour cabinet next week. The council intends to submit them to the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) the following day (February 26). Mr Rees said: “We have a moral responsibility to deliver clean air, we recognise that, but never forget we have a legal responsibility [to deliver] compliant air in the shortest possible time. “We will be putting

mitigations in place to support people through the transition… We don’t want the burden falling disproportionately on people who are most vulnerable and we don’t want to undermine jobs within the city. “But… our mitigations will not get through JAQU if they do anything to undermine the integrity of the scheme and deliver clean air, compliant air quality in the shortest possible time.” Amanda Cameron, LDRS

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March, 2021

n NEWS

Activists occupy tree to prevent felling A 120 YEAR OLD Holm Oak tree in Ashley Down Road has become the focus of a campaign to prevent its removal by Bristol City Council. Newly formed campaign group, Save The Ashley Down Oak (STADO) have built a platform in the tree and have begun occupying it. STADO believe that BCC's decision to fell the tree was made on the request of the insurance company of a nearby house over property damage allegedly caused by the tree's roots. The campaigners believe that felling the oak will not solve subsidence problems in this area which are likely to be related to the position of houses built on the side of a hill and increasingly hot summers drying our Bristol's clay soil. Save the Ashley Down Oak campaigner Torin Menzies said: “Things are going rather well for us. We’ve started building a

platform here and are making it into a tree house. “People on the ground are supporting those of us up in the tree. We’ve had a really positive experience with lots of local residents becoming engaged

and our meeting on 13 February showed the strength of support there is here. It’s good that people want to get involved.” Local resident Tessa Holmes said: "This grand old holm oak provides so much to our community. Its canopy is home to native wildlife, it absorbs the noise pollution of the busy road, it holds the ground beneath our feet and improves the air we breathe. As local residents we should be given the right to protect the one of the last remaining trees which make our streets a better place to live." Bristol City Council said

an independent expert had recommended that the tree should be removed and it was now ‘sadly unavoidable’. However, the council will be planting 250 new trees at nearby Sefton Park Primary school and 600 trees would follow within around a mile of Ashley Down Road within ‘this growing season’. While new trees are a good addition to the local environment, STADO argues: “A large, established tree is more valuable than planting smaller trees as they take longer to have the same positive impact. Such a large tree will also be home to birds and wildlife, who would be displaced by its removal. Bristol has a target to become carbon neutral by 2030, and has declared a commitment to tackling the climate emergency. The felling of established trees is not in line with this, especially where alternative solutions to property damage can be taken.” A petition started by the Bishopston & Ashley Down Green Party demanding that BCC not fell the tree has so far amassed over 1,600 signatures. https://actionnetwork.org/ petitions/stop-the-felling-of-theholm-oak-tree-on-ashley-downroad

LETUSKNOWYOURVIEWS 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

March, 2021

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n NEWS

Window displays light up Chandos Rd neighbourhood

IT was the biggest year to date for Chandos Road Window Wanderland which took place on the weekend of January 20-21. Organisers Fiona McVey and Di Swain said: “More than 60 households, including families, students, novices and veterans, took part this year, our biggest year yet. And

the weather was perfect for those lockdown walks, enticing many to come out and wander round the area for a walk with a difference. “Popular themes for our amazing windows included nature scenes, space exploration, Banksy, the Bristol skyline, colourful messages of hope and even the

Bristol Variant! There was a lockdown disco and Darth Vader was seen brandishing his lightsaber at his Star Wars-themed home. “From comments overheard, we know this wonderful event has brought a little light and fun into our community in this difficult time. We look forward to 2022!”

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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

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March, 2021

n NEWS

Charity seeks property for youth shelter THE director of local homelessness charity, Caring in Bristol, has written to Bristol letting agencies and landlords to find a four bedroom property with the aim of opening an emergency youth shelter in Bristol. The charity wants to meet a rise in the number of young homeless people needing support in the city, exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis. Centrepoint, a national youth homelessness charity supporting under-25s in England, has seen a 36 per cent increase in young people seeking support since lockdown began. In Bristol, the average number of young people not having a permanent home has risen from 7.1 to 9.6 per cent in 2020 alone. Caring in Bristol are calling on landlords and letting agencies to help them find the perfect space for the much-needed emergency accommodation. The four or five-bedroom house will become an overnight safe space for those under 25 with no other available housing options and considering a night on the street. This will make the shelter the only one of its kind in Bristol. The charity would be the sole tenant and is guaranteeing reliable rent, maintenance, health and safety and open communication with the

property owner and managers. Those seeking sanctuary in the shelter will always be accompanied by two trained adults offering 24/7 housing and wellbeing support. Traditional night shelters available for young people have relied on a network of volunteer hosts providing spare bedrooms and dormitory style shelters - both of which are no longer viable during the pandemic. Ben Richardson, Caring in Bristol director, said: “As a local charity it is imperative we work alongside our community to provide this safety net for valuable younger

members of our society, a city-centre space, managed by us, is an effective way to create immediate impact and long-term change.” Female client, T, is 21 years old, and has been given help by Caring in Bristol. T said: “They care about us and they have trust in us, they make us feel listened to, and they help us with food, clothes and household stuff. We get treated like adults and they teach us to take responsibility, they challenge us to make choices and don't place blame at our door when we get it wrong. They put young people at the centre of what they do with passion and they want to give us opportunities and second chances as they believe in us. Things are better for me now because of the support I get.” Antonia Cross, Caring in Bristol campaigns and communications manager, said: “We want the day to come where Bristol has solved homelessness and we can rest. It’s important that the Bristol public know that this day will come if we continue making smart decisions about how to support people.” If you are a landlord or letting agency and you think you can help, please contact partnerships@caringinbristol.org.uk

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March, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Lib Dems choose scientist to Former Lord Mayor run for Mayor of Bristol

joins race to try to topple Marvin Rees

ALASTAIR Watson, the former councillor for Westbury-on-Trym and Lord Mayor in 2014/15, has been confirmed as the Conservative party candidate to challenge Marvin Rees in this year’s Mayoral election. Alastair is a long term resident of Redland, living close to Gloucester Road where he and his family have shopped and dined over the years. He part-owned the Gallimaufry for a short period before buying the lease to No Man’s Grace in Chandos Road with his younger son John, a chef. The restaurant was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2015. Alastair ran this with John for five years, selling out in 2019. During his time as joint-owner of No Man’s Grace, Alastair chaired the Chandos Road Traders Association from 2014 - 2018. He organised the Chandos Road Festival with a committee of local traders, and the invaluable help of the Chandos Neighbourhood Association. The festival attracted people from across the city as well as residents and students due to its reputation for offering great music, food and a party atmosphere. Alastair stood as the local government candidate for Redland Ward twice in the 2000s before becoming the councillor for Westbury-onTrym in 2010. While Alastair was a city councillor he focused on children and young people’s services. As a cabinet member he set up a Mayoral Education and Skills Commission. Alastair led a task force to improve access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain work experience and opportunities in the high-tech and creative industries. He was vehemently opposed to the creation of Bristol Energy and spoke with passion in the council chamber and scrutiny commission to try to convince others of the unacceptable risk the venture would pose to the city’s finances. Alastair is a keen environmentalist, supporting Bristol Green Capital and with a history of encouraging low-carbon technologies through the Science City Bristol initiative he headed. He said: “As Mayor I will work to get Bristol’s economy fully functional again and ensure citizens do not suffer as our recovery from Covid gathers pace. “As well as guiding Bristol back to post-Covid normality, my focus will be on improving transport links in and around the city, increasing the number of affordable homes and achieving ambitious environment improvements. “My vision for Bristol is to have a vibrant economy, better quality of life and great opportunities for all citizens.”

THE Liberal Democrats have announced their new candidate for the Bristol mayoral elections on May 6. Dr Caroline Gooch replaces Mary Page, who dropped out of the mayoral race for personal reasons late last year. Still flying the flag for the Bristol Lib Dems’ “scrap the mayor” campaign, Dr Gooch will take on the incumbent, Labour’s Marvin Rees, at the ballot box later this year. The medical science consultant will also be up against the Greens’ candidate Sandy Hore-Ruthven in the elections, and Alastair Watson, who is standing for the Conservatives. Speaking about her selection, Caroline said: “I’m very pleased to take on the Liberal Democrat candidacy for Bristol mayor. “Abolishing the ‘spare mayor’ would be a huge step forward for democracy. The role is not needed now that we have the WECA ‘metro mayor’.” Dr Gooch said the role of Bristol mayor carries “too much power” and enables the views of local councillors to be overridden. “The office of mayor is costing Bristol council tax payers far too much money – money which is desperately needed elsewhere,” she added. Dr Gooch is also the Lib Dems’ candidate for Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze in the Bristol City Council elections.

BCR Public Forum Online Monday 15th March 2021 7pm - 8.30pm

Since face-to-face meetings may still be a few months away, Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Community Partnership will hold its first Public Forum for a year online. This society welcomes everyone to join the meeting to hear reports from local community groups and to discuss topics of local interest with our councillors. The meeting will also cover how to apply for local infrastructure grants, and will be the Annual General Meeting for BCR Community Partnership. If you would like to attend the meeting via Zoom, please register in advance using this Eventbrite link at no cost: Eventbrite: BCR CP Public Forum - 15 March 2021

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS FROM OUR MP The ‘Bristol variant’ of Covid-19 A new variant of COVID-19 was found in Bristol recently, making it even more important that we do all we can to control the virus. The ‘Bristol variant’ is a mutation of the more infectious version of the disease first identified in Kent. As a ‘variant of concern’, the mutation may be more resistant to the vaccine, potentially setting back efforts to get back to some kind of normality. However, I know that our scientists are already working on how to adapt the vaccines – and that this is entirely usual with some vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, which has to be adapted each year. In Bristol, the Council and local NHS have been working to capture more data on the new variant with a rapidly-rolled out programme of ‘surge testing’. They set up new

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testing sites across Bristol and invited everyone in specific postcodes to get tested. By the time you read this, the surge testing will have finished, but public health officials tell me there has been a fantastic response. As I write, over 36,500 tests and counting have been completed across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, through the in-person and collect and drop centres across the city. Thank you to everyone who took part, you can be proud to have helped fight back against this virus.

Four years after Grenfell, we must end the cladding scandal As Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, I am leading the Opposition’s efforts to get justice for the many thousands of people still living in homes

with dangerous cladding and unacceptable fire risks, almost four years after the Grenfell Tower disaster. I have heard terrible stories from constituents - people trapped in dangerous buildings they cannot sell, while being hit with escalating bills and eye-watering service charges. It is ruining people’s lives. In February my team and I forced a parliamentary vote on the scandal, demanding that MPs vote with their conscience and decisively state that blameless leaseholders should not be left with the bill. Unfortunately, the Tories refused to support our motion. The government came forward with its own proposal the following week, which will leave many people burdened with unfair debts. This is not good enough. I will keep pushing for justice. It is incredible to me that after almost four years, we still do not accurately know the number of people affected or the actual risks, because the government has not done any comprehensive evaluation of the scale of the problem.

Thangam Debbonaire writes for the Voice

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AMD Solicitors WHILE most of us support a number of charities in our lifetime, it is perhaps not surprising that a smaller number choose to remember a charity in their Will. Clearly the priority for most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to beneﬁt the next generation. However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.

it may be possible to take advantage of this tax break. If the beneﬁciaries of the estate agree, it is possible to effectively amend the terms of a Will within two years of the date of death. A ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn up which sets out the family members’ agreed arrangements

bishopstonvoice

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the beneﬁciaries, in order to calculate whether the 10 % test has been met. Taking specialist advice on the implications for your particular circumstances is therefore essential. AMD’s team of experienced private client solicitors and practitioners includes full

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March, 2021

ALISON Dukes, Solicitor of AMD have received if the marriage or civil Solicitors considers what you can do partnership had been dissolved if your expectations of inheritance rather than terminated by death. are disappointed and the possible For other claimants, the issue claims that can be brought under the is whether the deceased’s Will or Inheritance (Provision for Family and intestacy, in all the circumstances of Dependants) Act 1975. the case, made reasonable financial rate of The first point to make is that the provision forReduced their ‘maintenance’ . Inheritance Tax deceased must have been domiciled Claims must be issued within Where somebody dies after 6 in England and Wales before a claim 6 months of a Grant of Probate or April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estatealthough, can be can be brought under the Act. letters of administration If planning for inheritance tax is right for you our reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk July, Secondly, 2014 claims can beE:brought even exceptionally, leave may be granted follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice other words by 10 %), provided experienced specialist solicitors can help at least 10 % of the estate if the deceased left no Will. after this that deadline to issue an passes to charity. Applications may be made by application. Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly Telephone 0117 9621205 Spouses, parties to registered civil In considering the merits of a claim what value the assets you leave Will will various have on your statutory death or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com partnerships, former spouses who the Court bytakes for Inheritance Tax purposes, have not re-married, co-habitants, factors intoor account including what 10 % of the total value the dependants and children. Children size and nature of the It is908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk To advertise, contactEstate. Emma on 0117 include those who, during any important to note that under the marriage or civil partnership of the 1975 Act, the Court can treat as part deceased, were treated as children of an Estate property or other assets of the family and can include adult that the deceased owned jointly with children. someone else, even though these will be. However a Will can be for the distribution of the estate, members of the Society of Trust Dependants include persons who would usually pass and automatically to worded to provide that a gift of the estate can then be and Estate Practitioners, the were maintained wholly or10 partly by the surviving joint owner. % of the value of your estate divided as if the Will had been leading professional body in the deceased immediately before his is givenThe Court willmade alsoin these consider at that time to a charity terms. A Deed of this field. We offer a free initial or charities Thecircumstances Variation could therefore provide consultation for new clients. death. The deceased must have been of your the choice. financial of the effect of to this willClaimant, be that thethe ratecompeting that 10 % of theof estate is to pass For advice on administration making a substantial contribution needs of Inheritance Tax payable on the to a chosen charity or charities, of estates, trusts, wills, powers the reasonable needs of thewhole claimant. any beneficiaries or making other claimants, estate is reduced from 40 the estate as a whole of attorney and all private client The Act makes a distinction any obligations owed bythe the % to 36 %. eligible for reduced rate of issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, between claims by surviving spouses deceased toitthe claimant, any mental In same circumstances, Inheritance Tax. Florence Pearce and the other that thisdisability of the claimant or civil partners and thosehas by been othercalculated or physical the team on 0117 change in the law The is Act members was not of designed to subjective. reduction tax also bill can serve or anyThis email probate@ claimants. Surviving spouses or civilin theand conduct, other matter clearly very good newscorrect both acts of9621205, to leave the estate, even after unfairness or to reward Alison Dukes is a family solicitor amdsolicitors.com or call in partners are treated more favourably considered relevant by Court.and potentially for for the charities, payment of the gift to charity, just and at deserving. It Clifton, does not 15 The Mall or 100 at AMD Solicitors who also specialises some as well. the However and the Court will considerwith whether Most under by estates the Courts a value as high as if Orders the Henleaze Road Henleaze. remove freedom to in contentious probate matters and By Shelley detail of thefor application can a testator’s the deceased’s Will or intestacy made under 1975 Acttheare orders gift had not been made.the Thus dispose as he wishes. arising under The Inheritance be complex. For example, the of his estate AMD Solicitors takes prideclaims in the gift can in some cases quite such financial provision as it would the payment of lump sums, which Faulkner, estate is divided into different sponsoring local,itBristol based The question is not whether might (Provision for Family and Dependants) literally pay for itself. be reasonable in all circumstances are generally considered desirable ‘components’ depending on been reasonable charities and year is have for athis testator tovery Act 1975. Alison can be contacted solicitor with Even wherein a Will not of finality. of the case for the surviving partner the has interests how theHowever, property will pass to pleased to be supporting the assist claimant rather on 0117 9621460 or by e-mail to in these terms, the benefi ciaries, to a potential Bristol branch but of the Alzheimer’s receive ‘whether or been not prepared that the Courts do also have the power toin order AMDto Solicitors it may be possible to take whether provisions of the willof this alisondukes@amdsolicitors.com. calculate whether the 10 % test the Society, the local branch provision is required for his or her make periodical payment Orders and advantage of this tax break. If intestacy fail to make reasonable has been met. Takingor specialist national charity which works AMD have offices at Westbury Park, maintenance’. In practice, the thebenefi Courtciaries toof transfer property. advice on the implications for the estate the quality of life ofHenleaze, Clifton and Shirehampton. provision in to allimprove the circumstances. WHILE most of us support agree, it is possibleThe to effectively must look at what the survivor would Purpose of the Actparticular circumstances your is people affected by dementia a number of charities in our The question is objective rather than in Copyright AMD Solicitors amend the terms of a Will within

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How leaving money to charity can save you Inheritance Tax

therefore essential. lifetime, it is perhaps not two years of the date of death. A surprising that a smaller number AMD’s team of experienced ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn choose to remember a charity in up which sets Henleaze out the familyBS9 4JZprivate client solicitors and 100 for Henleaze Road, their Will. Clearly the priority practitioners includes full members’ agreed arrangements 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to beneﬁt the next generation. However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.

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Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity. Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value

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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

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS

Fund proposed to invest in neighbourhood streets and parks PARKS and local neighbourhood schemes will receive a much needed cash boost if a Green Party amendment is accepted by other parties at the Council’s budget meeting (due to take place in late February). The £12.5m capital investment fund would come from unspent money which was previously allocated to community investment linked to the cancelled Arena scheme. Greens want this to be reserved for a strategic fund to create local neighbourhood infrastructure to tackle rat running and make local roads safer, and investment in parks and green spaces which are under pressure from development. The fund would be spent over four years across the city – half on upgrading Bristol’s parks and green spaces and half on schemes to promote more liveable neighbourhoods to tackle pressures from Bristol’s growing population and congestion. Redland councillor Martin Fodor, who has tabled the proposal said: “Our parks and green spaces have hosted more people than ever since the start of the pandemic and many desperately need upgraded facilities. This funding would help improve accessibility and pathways, provide more waste and recycling facilities and deliver more water and power points for park cafes. We also need funding to improve drainage problems and invest in space for nature and wildlife. Our parks are the lungs of our city, and provide vital space for our communities, especially for those who don’t have gardens. They are where our children play, where we connect with nature and where we get our exercise. The pandemic has reminded us just how important they are, and now they must get the funding they need.” Winter Bishopton Voice ad.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2020 12:41 Page 1

Environmental webinars TWO local groups, Clifton Climate Action and the Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Energy Group, have joined forces to produce a programme of free, Bristol-focused webinars on environmental topics. The February/March programme includes talks on air pollution, nuclear power, single-use plastic, palm oil, and shipping. Speakers are experts drawn from the voluntary, business, medical and university sectors. A spokesperson said: "Since the pandemic forced us online, we’ve been able to reach the whole of the city with our talks. We also offer, via our websites, a lot of information about local green resources, a ‘wilding’ project, monthly themed eco-challenges, and much more. Everyone in Bristol is welcome to join us." The programme is available at CliftonClimateAction.org

Breaking Bread returns OUTDOOR hospitality initiative Breaking Bread plan to return to the Downs in 2021. Tipi Restaurants and the Outdoor Bar and Cafe Gardens will be joined by additional elements to the site in a collaboration with other Bristol businesses and organisations who have also been negatively impacted by the pandemic. The pop-up tipi village proved popular last year, hosting a mix of top food and drink businesses. If national restrictions allow, Breaking Bread hopes to be open from April 1 - October 3.

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bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS OUR local Window Wanderland is back in Bishopston for the 7th year on March 6, only a week or so away. We have all been inspired by the rainbows for the NHS and carers, by advent calendars in many of our streets and by other window displays over the strange days and evenings of the past year. Now it’s time to once again transform the whole neighbourhood into a huge magical outdoor gallery for all to enjoy in a Covid safe way. Taking part as a display maker is free and all are welcome. Your display can be as simple as fairy lights in a window (or your front garden) to more elaborate displays. From humorous to artistic what you do is entirely up to you. Anything goes as long as it’s family friendly. It’s time to get cutting, sticking , drawing and makinglet those creative juices run. You will find plenty of inspiration on the Window Wanderland website if you need some ideas! You can put your house, flat or business on the map right up until the event, but it is best to do it sooner to ensure you appear on the downloadable map. Tell your neighbours and encourage them to get involved too. Sign up here: www.windowwanderland. com/event/bishopstonbristol-2021/. Sue Powell, one of this year’s event organisers, says: “Although the official event dates are 6 -8 March (6 - 9pm each day) this year we are encouraging display makers to put up their displays on Friday 5 March if they can, and to leave them up for a couple of weeks. You could even leave them up until the clocks go forward at the end of the month. We hope that in this way

Final call for Bishopston Window Wanderland 2021

we can avoid crowded streets while enabling as many people as possible to enjoy your displays. “By mid February we have already had over 170 households sign up to make a display and we know all kinds of delights are being planned. Check the downloadable map a couple of days before the event to find out where the windows are, or just wander. One regular highlight

is Dale the Dalek on Thornleigh Road where Keith is once again collecting for Children’s Hospice South West.” Finally, there are of course a few new things to remember this time. Make your walks around the local streets your daily exercise and remember to follow the Covid rules when you are out and about. Stick to your family or support bubbles only,

keep your distance and avoid crowds forming around displays. There is plenty of time for us all to enjoy the event while staying safe. Sue Powell adds: “We hope you are looking forward to something brightening up our streets in March and thank you for making it happen. We can’t wait to see what you come up with this year.”

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS

Finding inspiration in artwork LOCKDOWN has brought many challenges but also exciting ideas and opportunities for local businesses. Room 212 on Gloucester Road is currently unable to open but it offers artwork by many Bristol artists in its online shop. Whenever owner Sarah Thorp organises customer collections she notices how many people look at the displays in the windows. To this end, Sarah restyles the displays every Friday and is inviting new artists to showcase their original art in the windows. One of the most popular paintings so far has been a giant Super Moon oil painting with gorgeous teal colours and gold leaf by Westbourne Park based artist Emma Catherine. Lunar Optical owner Jill Matthews saw the painting and realised it was perfect for the waiting area of her opticians nearby. Emma Catherine helped deliver it and was so thrilled that she's created another moon for the gallery, this time in silver, with more ideas in the pipeline. Local yoga studio Yoga Furie got in touch. Owner Freia said 'We wanted to say thank you to all our lovely customers who continue to support the Ashley Down studio. “We launched a discount subscription

to our full-feature Yoga video streaming platform, which we have built and continue to improve during lockdown. But we needed something more to really show our appreciation, and we knew immediately where to go. We enjoyed writing every single card to say a big thank you.” Yoga Furie bought over 100 cards by Room 212 artist Carla James, who creates lovely uplifting paintings of Bristol scenes. Carla's giant painting of the Suspension Bridge in a heart with a rainbow took pride of place in the February Love and Hope themed display at the gallery. The theme for March is Motherhood. Sarah says: 'Mothers Day is always about showing appreciation for our mums. This year it's especially true. So

many women are having to be super mums, working while educating and entertaining their kids at home. Window Wanderland is encouraging everyone to keep their displays up for the whole month so we're focusing on sending love to Mums and all hard working women walking past our windows. “We're also concentrating on helping people find original paintings for their homes. Our Bristol based artists are spending lockdown making beautiful artwork so it's lovely to help them team up with customers to create something special. After all, if we can't go anywhere in reality we may as well let our imaginations travel and find inspiration in artwork on our walls!” To find out more see: www.room212. co.uk

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bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n EDUCATION

Letting imaginations run wild with My IT is every child’s dream of a school where slides, escalators, unlimited ice cream and doughnuts, Michelin star dining and micro detentions are the norm, so when Fairfield High School (FHS) launched its annual Year 7 competition about what students would change if they ran the school it was, as always, entertained and impressed by the imaginative and creative entries. In this somewhat sombre world, FHS was delighted to see so many young people take themselves off on this fantasy journey. A big congratulations to Oscar Smith for his winning poem (below) and fantastic take on what his Ideal Fairfield would look like. Oscar said: "I was inspired to write this poem when I heard

of the poetry competition. It is about my dream fantasy of what I would want the school

to be like. It's a silly and light hearted poem but what I expect would be a vision of every

pupil's ideal school. “I enjoy English because of the creativity and imagination you can use to write whatever you want." A poem written by Thomas and a team entry from Robyn, Jessica and Georgie, were the runners up in the school's competition. Donavan Shand, Achievement Coordinator for Year 7 said: “I run this competition every year, finding that the creativity never fails to amaze or put a smile on my face. "I chose Oscar as this year’s winner because not only was I impressed with his novel ideas, but the fluidity was outstanding. “When Oscar returns to school, we look forward to presenting him with a prize, which might even stretch to a free doughnut or two!”

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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

March, 2021

Leading the way in developing teachers

Ideal School My ideal Fairfield If there was one thing I could change about the school that I work in, I would make our long textbooks a little bit more thin. But jokes aside, woe betide those who don't pick this school, for when they find all the fun we have they'll feel jealous, they will drool. Slides and lifts on every floor, in corridors pupils shall run but my presidency shan't end there, it has only just begun.

There'd be stampedes in the corridors to get to lessons first, and instead of the other way, last would be the worst. We would get an Ofsted outstanding every school inspection, and this technique would be adopted at the next election. So you see how fun it will be if we let pupils make the rules, how it would be, how it enthrals, give the voice to your future.

Practicals only science, time to chill when your work is done, and a Michelin star restaurant serving free doughnuts and a currant bun.

Oscar Smith 7N

TWO new Teaching School Hubs, giving greater access to expert teacher training and development, are to be set up at Montpelier High School under plans announced by the Department for Education. There will be 87 hubs across England, built around some of the best schools and multi-academy trusts, all of which will be operational and helping schools from this September. The former Colston’s Girls' School, part of Venturers Trust, has been selected to run a hub for Bristol and North Somerset and another for Somerset, serving about 250 schools with the support of Cabot Learning Federation. The scheme is backed by £65 million of new government funding, providing high-quality professional development to teachers and leaders at all stages of their career and playing a key role in helping to build up trainee teachers as they enter the workforce. David Watson OBE, CEO of Venturers Trust, said: “Building successful partnerships to develop and share best practice is a crucial part of delivering school improvement. The Teaching School Hubs will allow schools to work together more effectively than ever before and this collaborative, values-based approach will benefit all students. “Across the region, our aim is to drive up standards so that all schools are rated ‘Good’ as a minimum.” Kerry McCullagh, principal of CGS, said: “We are developing an innovative collaboration across the city and beyond with partners who have a proven track record of delivering substantial teacher and leadership development.”

Fairfield High School ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

Fairfield provides an excellent academic and holistic education, encouraging its students to become good citizens. I was particularly impressed by the strong tutorial system and fantastic pastoral care. - Former Parent

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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

March, 2021

n EDUCATION

The Dolphin School looks to the future THE Dolphin School in Montpelier has announced a partnership with accomplished Bristol-based artist Michele Curtis in the rebrand of its school emblem. In October last year, following a public consultation, the school community voted to replace its original emblem because the design echoed the Colston family crest. The school invited interest from artists and designers to which it received a positive response, with Michele being appointed to deliver this collaborative project. Vice Principal of The Dolphin School, Kate Jenkins, said: “We’re thrilled that Michele is working with us to develop our new emblem. She’s taken on board the feedback gathered during the public consultation and is now working with our pupils virtually to explore the power of images in telling a story.”

The Dolphin School pupils, SB, age 10 and Amy, age 9 with artist Michele Curtis (front left) and Vice Principal of The Dolphin School, Kate Jenkins Michele is the founder of Iconic Black Britons, a community interest company,

and she is also the architect and artist behind the Seven Saints of St Paul’s art project, designed to

celebrate the 50th anniversary of the St Paul’s Carnival and the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Windrush Generation. The Bristol-based trail of seven giant murals around the city profiles what Michele describes as “ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances”. In the previous academic year, as part of its CuriousCity curriculum and the One Bristol Curriculum, pupils from The Dolphin School followed the unique mural trail to inspire their own school project creating pieces of work to celebrate someone significant to them. The pupils hosted an exhibition and invited Michele to visit, which led to her becoming a regular visitor to the school before lockdown, accepting every invitation to engage with pupils about art and design. “Art is a wonderful way for young people to express themselves,” said

Life changing Get in touch with us to discover all that we can offer your child Contact us at admissions@bgs.bristol.sch.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

March, 2021

n EDUCATION Michele. “There is increasingly more crossover between the creative industries and so many different sectors and I welcome every opportunity to empower young people through art. “I was thrilled to be selected to work with the school community to develop their new emblem. I don’t believe in erasing history but we can evolve and move forward. It’s a privilege to be part of this collaborative project, working hand-in-hand with the school community to design a visual identity that reflects the hope and wonder that the children radiate in abundance. “Key words that came out of the public consultation include ‘values, community, diversity, curious, intelligent and inclusive’. It’s fascinating to explore with young children how symbols might be used to represent these positive messages and to apply that collaborative process to develop a new identity that truly reflects The Dolphin School.” Vice Principal Kate Jenkins added: “I believe that the school will gain so much more than a new emblem from this project. Michele is a positive role model who has hurdled barriers throughout her life to become a well-respected artist nationally. The children are inspired by her energy and optimism, in fact they already think of her as a local hero. I have no doubt that Michele will perfectly capture the vibrant spirit of our school.” The Dolphin School expects to reveal its new emblem this month.

Stoke Park Primary's Marathon Month

THE school community at Stoke Park Primary took part in a Marathon Month during February to raise essential funds to support remote learning for families without access to IT devices. Teachers, parents and friends of the school in Lockleaze have dusted off their running shoes, donned fancy dress costumes and began pounding the local streets, running or walking the equivalent of a marathon across the whole month. Remote learning is challenging for pupils, especially if one device is shared between several children or if a family has no access to IT equipment or the internet. Staff at the school are working with local families to provide devices to those who need them but are relying on donations from the public and using their existing school IT equipment. They’ve found that the need is greater than they can support currently, so have set about fundraising for devices and hope that the Marathon Month initiative will have a positive impact on wellbeing too during this challenging time. Assistant headteacher, Amy Higgitt, says: “The fundraising idea came about because we recognised the challenges of home learning without access to a device and we wanted to ensure that all of our children had equal access to home learning. “We also wanted to raise funds in a way

that would bring some joy to our whole school community. Each week school staff, in fancy dress, have been clocking up some of their miles on the streets of Lockleaze so our home learners can cheer on and wave at their teachers from their doorsteps. For Valentine’s Day, the staff team ran around Lockleaze, delivering flowers and cards.” Over £4,800 has been raised to date, enabling the school to purchase and distribute 50 devices. Staff have hit the ground running and are bringing a smile to the faces of the community in lockdown. If you would like to donate to Stoke Park Primary - Marathon Month see: www.justgiving. com/campaign/SPPSmarathonmonth

St Barnabas wins national award for pandemic work THE hard work of Montpelier's St Barnabas CE VC Primary School, to ensure that its pupils’ learning continued despite the Covid-19 pandemic has been recognised by a national education award. St Barnabas was announced as the winner in the Covid-19 Response Champion schools and colleges category at the international education trade show BettFest 2021. The awards paid tribute to companies and schools whose response to the Covid-19 outbreak had positive impacts on the education, health and wellbeing of the student population, with the Albany Road primary school forging partnerships throughout the surrounding St Pau'ls and

Montpelier community to raise funds. Members of the congregation at St Agnes Church in St Paul's were among those who donated funds to help ensure that that all children at the school had the laptops they needed to learn at home. An approach from IT software company Epic also saw a donation of laptops made via data disposal firm Byteback, which was upgrading its technology for employees to work from home. Debbie Fisher, co-headteacher at St Barnabas, said: “Covid-19 has presented many challenges to schools across the country but St Barnabas has built on the tradition of unity and solidarity in its communities

to meet those challenges and succeed. Our staff have worked tirelessly across the last 12 months to make sure children can learn.” The school also ran a foodbank that fed 20-30 families each week and this was sustained into 2021 in partnership with St Werburgh’s Community Centre. The school ensured that the 60% of school families eligible for free school meals had supermarket vouchers to spend between March 2020 and August 2020 and again over Christmas and into the 2021 lockdown. When the vouchers weren’t available the school made sure high quality food parcels were taken to families homes.

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n EDUCATION

Forest School funding for St John's Primary ST John’s Primary School Clifton and Redland PTA have received a £1,216 cheque from Classlist to support their Forest School. Classlist co-founder Clare Wright presented the cheque to St John’s Primary School PTA co-chair Charlotte Westcott at a presentation ceremony held on Zoom on February 5. St John’s Primary School PTA, along with dozens of other Bristol schools, uses Classlist, which is the UK’s biggest school parent community app, to help parents link up, organise events, share recommendations and trade stuff. Classlist is entirely free, funded by local sponsors. Where school communities help find advertisers they keep 25% of proceeds, see https://classlist. com/advertise-with-us/refersponsors-and-earn-25/ St John’s PTA introduced

local businesses who went on to advertise on the Classlist app, including swim school Splash Happy and art school Chandos Atelier. Hazel Lees from Splash Happy provides swimming lessons for local pupils – and with pools closed is helping set up Covid vaccination centres. Emma Wreyford’s Creative Maker sessions and videos from Chandos Atelier help kids make art objects, costumes

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and props, and explore their creativity – remotely and through after school courses when this is possible. Clare Wright said: "With school finances so tight we’re proud that Classlist can help raise funds, linking school communities and local businesses in a really positive way.” The PTA responded: “It’s so nice to have some good news during these crazy times”.

Emma Wreyford, from Chandos Atelier

Concern over depot plans CONTROVERSIAL plans for a Wales & West Utilities depot on a “dangerously narrow” school route have been approved. Bristol city councillors granted permission for the twostorey building at the former gas holder site in Glenfrome Road, Eastville, despite objections from dozens of neighbours and ward members. A development control committee meeting was told the company, which will move from its site nearby, had rejected requests from planning officers to widen the pavement alongside the red brick wall boundary. But it had agreed to pay for other safety measures, including no-right-turns from the new site and double yellow lines on the opposite side of the road. Officers, who recommended approval, said the location could be used for another purpose without the need for consent, which would mean losing the highways improvements. Resident Adam Laity told the meeting: “The footways on both sides of the stretch of road fall short or the recommended width

of two metres. “The red brick wall means this 200m section of road is effectively a canyon of fumes and noise and speeding metal and glass and it’s terrifying to be a pedestrian or cyclist during these peak times.” Members heard children had to walk past the site and through a small tunnel under the railway line, with a pavement on only one side of the road, to get to St Werburgh’s Primary School, which raised concerns along with Fairfield High School. Lockleaze ward councillor Gill Kirk said a wider pavement and a planted boundary were needed. A Wales & West representative said: “The proposal will fund two traffic regulation orders to restrict long-term parking along Glenfrome Road so the pavements on both sides can be used unobstructed.” The committee voted 7-0, with two abstentions, to approve. Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n EDUCATION FOR almost a year, teenagers have been stuck at home, staring at computer screens. Everything from school to entertainment to seeing friends is now online, blending the days into one. Gen Z has already, in 2019, been reported to be the ‘loneliest generation’, making friendships an increasingly important aspect of teenage development. But how has the lockdown affected friendships for teenagers, and what are the consequences of social isolation? According to Stanford Children’s Health, friendships are an integral part of teenage development. During adolescence, teenagers seek more independence and begin to drift emotionally from their families. Often, friendships are formed around shared interests and experiences, providing stability and a sense of identity during turbulent teenage years. However when Covid-19 hit the UK in late March last year, Bristol’s students were ill-equipped for the sudden closure of social hubs and the strain of isolation on relationships. So far in the pandemic, teenagers have spent more time alone than with their family

How Covid has affected teenage relationships due to online learning or online gatherings. According to a survey I conducted, girls previously preferred to see friends at school whereas boys favoured nights out. Now, 65% of teenagers text as a way to maintain friendships, with secondary students also doing this during online learning as a way to replicate school days. Three-quarters of female university students use video calls for hours to get their social boost, while half of male students text for minutes at a time. This has had different effects on those at university, with the majority of female students reporting to be happy with their friendships compared to only half of male students. Part of this is due to how each gender utilises friendships. For boys, friends act as alliances that provide selfworth through actions and are less meaningful. Girls have much more personal relationships as they

discuss emotions and experiences. The lockdown has altered the dynamics of teenage friendships in many ways. Those who still go to work have found social solace and friendship in co-workers, while others have readjusted their friendship groups resulting in the removal of ‘casual friends’. “I lost touch with a few [friends] and it made me see who my real friends are and who’s just a mate,” one university student explained. For many, however, the physical separation from peers and differing lockdown experiences has caused friends to outgrow each other or have doubts in the relationship. One stated: “It’s hard to keep up talking to everyone I’m friends with, so I’m not sure if they still like me or not…” In my own survey, many teenagers commented on the distance that’s formed between them and school friends, with

one student citing: “There’s a growing divide between friends I see in person vs online… There’s a stronger bond between people we actually see in person.” In the same survey, 93% of teenagers claimed they’d rather see friends in-person than online. One of the main concerns after lockdown is the continuation of social isolation among teenagers. A Newport Academy article highlighted that, with families distressed about the pandemic, the absence of friends has left the vast majority of teenagers without an escape or distraction from home life. Loneliness has been exacerbated, allowing mental health issues like anxiety and depression to creep into teenagers' lives even more. When normality eventually returns, it’s unknown how many teenagers may struggle with maintaining friendships. Erin Botten

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Whole School Virtual Open Morning Friday 30th April from 9.30am To register, visit www.colstons.org/visiting-colstons 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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bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Clevedon Salerooms – a trusted name in art and antiques for more than 160 years FOUNDED in 1860, Clevedon Salerooms is one of the longest established fine art auction houses in the South West. We hold regular Interiors sales and specialist Fine Art auctions. Our popular Interiors sales offer a diverse range of antiques and later furnishings and collectables, whilst our quarterly specialist Fine Art auctions attract buyers from around the world. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can assist with all aspects of buying and selling as well as certified valuations for Probate, Insurance and family division. Our experienced valuers are always happy to provide free sale estimates, either by email or where appropriate, by home visit. The start of 2021 saw us welcoming Chris Yeo to our Valuations team. Chris is a familiar face to many from his appearances on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

Managing Director Marc Burridge which he joined in 2015. As well as playing an important part in cataloguing our specialist Fine Art auctions and our regular Interiors sales, Chris will be using his skills to develop our reputation for 20th Century Design – due in no small part to his Curatorship of the renowned Ken Stradling Collection in Bristol, a post which he will continue to hold. Chris looks forward to meeting the public to deal with a broad

Chris Yeo on Antiques Roadshow with presenter Fiona Bruce spectrum of valuation enquiries. This appointment enhances our team of valuers covering Bristol, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds,

complementing our existing coverage of Clevedon, Somerset, and the wider South West and Wales.

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bishopstonvoice

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Bishopston this month... Coronavirus advice For Coronavirus advice, we encourage everyone to regularly visit bristol.gov.uk/coronavirus, where you can find information about what you can and can’t do, how to get tested and what council services are affected. Whilst rollout of the vaccines is very good news, please still follow the rules, such as continuing to follow social distancing, wearing a face covering, washing hands, using the NHS app, and taking part in the test and trace programme if necessary. If you need help or advice then contact the Council’s team on coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk or 0800 694 0184. Deaf BSL users can contact the phoneline through a BSL Interpreter using SignVideo. E-scooter trial The trial of hireable e-scooters that has been taking place in central bristol has been extended to include our area. The scheme, from company Voi, involves electric scooters that users can hire for a £1 fixed fee + 20p per minute. The scooters can be used in a wide area covering central Bristol and are envisaged as a new, low-carbon

way of getting around. To ensure safety the scooters are limited to 10mph, and all users must have a driving licence. The scooters should only be driven where bicycles can go, so not on the pavement. Also like bicycles, wearing a helmet is optional but strongly encouraged. The scooters are dockless, which means they can be left at convenient locations on the pavement. However they should not be obstructive, and Voi’s team travels the city daily to ensure this. Issues with bad parking can be reported here: voiscooters.com/ report/uk/ We would be interested in hearing from residents about their views on the trial. Are the scooters being driven responsibly? Are they being left in appropriate locations? Are they in convenient places when you need them? We will feed your views back to the Metro Mayor, who is leading on the trial. Finally please note – all other e-scooters remain illegal for use on both pavements and roads. If caught using a non-Voi scooter the scooter may be confiscated and ultimately destroyed, with penalties for the rider.

March, 2021

Fairfield School Congratulations to Fairfield School, who have had a very successful fundraiser to buy laptops to loan to families who don’t have suitable devices at home, enabling pupils to access the curriculum during lockdown. More than £6,000 was raised from the school community and is being spent on laptops and dongles. Oak tree on Ashley Down Road Residents are understandably concerned that a large oak tree on Ashley Down Road, next to the Down View flats, is to be felled. There have been rumours that this was because of damage to a nearby garden wall, but that is not the case, the damage to nearby properties is much more extensive. No one wants to see a beautiful mature tree felled, least of all the council’s experienced tree team, and they have been carefully considering all the options to avoid removal. If felling is necessary, as the only way to alleviate the significant continuing risk posed by the roots of the tree to the adjacent house, the tree will be replaced nearby as soon as possible. Parks In the current lockdown, parks should only be used for exercise

once a day, and your nearest park should be used. Major parks such as Stoke Park, Ashton Court, Blaise Castle and Oldbury Court are becoming very busy at peak times and are extremely muddy in places. Please act responsibly and use your local park for your daily exercise. Vaccination scams Be on your guard for scams linked to the Coronavirus vaccination. Bogus text messages are in circulation, which claim to be from the NHS, that tell people they are eligible for the vaccine and then ask them to provide payment details. Please be aware that the NHS would never ask anyone for their bank details. Look out for spelling and grammar errors, convincing looking but inauthentic websites/messages, and messages asking you to provide bank details. Trust your instinct – if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

Please get in touch if you have any questions: Tom Brook – Cllr.Tom.Brook@ bristol.gov.uk / 07584 370 425 Eleanor Combley – Cllr.Eleanor. Combley@bristol.gov.uk / 07584 370 427

In Cotham this month... End of term report Local champion for 12 years – addressing all constituents’ casework, supporting local groups, campaigning on my special interests: balanced sustainable communities, trees, waste/recycling, gardens, better places (ex-architect!), local decisionmaking, traffic moderation, parks+schools, local networks, youth services, loneliness, controlling pesticides and much more - and improving most. I’ve knocked on every householder’s door many times. I’m heartened by the goodness of people I’ve met and worked with. Most of my annual residents’ surveys - but only two previously regular Focus newsletters - were delivered in 2020, by local volunteers, with encouraging responses. I seek out consensus, for we all have similar basic hopes. I champion the Cotham area where I’ve lived and worked for so long, driving improvements or providing backseat support. I am a proud green Liberal Democrat who enjoys working with anyone and l don’t let politics spoil that. I have my own ideas but I’m content following up solutions that energise others. My wider council role is as a critical friend steering better and fairer care around our diverse city, and our only world. I’m known by other councillors and officers for speaking

common sense in Council, though I bear down on secrecy and poor consultation. I pitch for solutions over compromises, and getting things done. A councillor’s role is challenging and at times very demanding - you’ve really got to want to do it well. I find it so rewarding and I hope I will be given your support on 6th May to serve another term. If you might be less inclined to vote at a polling station why not consider a postal vote? www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/34696/ Postal+vote+application+form 0117 922 3400. Take care; protect others. Anthony Negus cllr.anthony.negus@bristol.gov.uk 07833 484344

Risks of phishing for romance COVID has brought changes to many aspects of our lifestyles, not least the amount of time we spend online. Whether it is work, school, exercise or socialising being ‘zoomed out’ seems to be a common phrase! In some ways it is encouraging to see a wider range of people engaging with this online revolution, however like most things, this does come with some dangers including various forms of cyber crime. Many of you will have heard about fraudulent

coronavirus vaccine emails. Known as phishing, they often show up in your inbox appearing to be from a legitimate organisation but attempt to lure you into providing sensitive data in order to steal your identity, money or both. I myself received an email allegedly from my bank just a few days ago but when I clicked on the senders email address, it was clear that it was not authentic. Another form of cyber crime dubbed ‘romance fraud’, is where people unwittingly enter into false relationships with scammers. Between August 2019 and August 2020 Avon & Somerset police had 198 reports totalling an estimated £2.4 million lost. On the whole these come about through fraudulent false social media profiles and in essence the people that you think you might be dating, do not exist. So, keep your enemies close and your emails even closer... or something like that! If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk. Can I take this opportunity to say farewell as your Councillor for Cotham in this, my final column! Thank you to all the great people I have met and who help to make Cotham the amazing place it is. Cleo Lake 07584 480531 cllr.cleo.lake@bristol.gov.uk

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March, 2021

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS In Redland this month... More improvements for Redland Green Like most open spaces Redland Green is suffering under heavy use and wet weather through lockdown. The area around the entry of the playground is suffering with some really boggy patches. After Fi and Martin met with officers to look at it and talk through a number of drainage issues we got some good news. We’ve been promised the area around the path will be excavated to create better soakaways and then ‘rain garden’ features will be created, including thirsty plants which should improve the conditions. We also arranged some maintenance work, with repairs to a damaged bench and new wooden posts to protect the grass. We’re grateful to council officers who have promised to clear other drains. E mobility expands Battery powered e-scooters are being hired across the whole ward and ever further across the city.

These red scooters are at street corners and take up is reported to be high. We know there are some issues about use of these during the pandemic and everyone needs to take sensible precautions - as well as observe the rules about where and how they can be used or left to avoid pavement hazards. Martin asked a range of questions about the trial last summer before it started and continues to keep a close watch. The police report they are reassured by highway safety issues. These vehicles offer mobility but not exercise so we are pressing for studies to see whether they are replacing car trips or physical activity. Private e -cooters are still not legal in public spaces. The hire scooters can be used by people with driving licenses and only where bicycles are allowed. Helping access a local vaccination centre A new NHS vaccination centre has opened in Kellaway Pharmacy.

We were asked to help ensure spaces for patients to access it and within a day we arranged for parking services to provide cones to reserve drop off parking bays outside for those who need this. Clean Air Zone – almost decided Despite what the Mayor may have said in a live conversation it seems the choice of clean air zone is not yet decided. The Cabinet papers reveal that the government requires a final assessment of whether there may be either a smaller central charging zone affecting all the most polluting vehicles (including older cars) or a larger ‘medium’ zone for commercial vehicles but not private cars. While modelling of the smaller zone makes it look able to achieve legal air quality there must be an option of a larger charging zone until the government approves the project. This could affect Redland ward if it ends at Berkeley Rd. There will be exemptions e.g. for disabled people and support for

the transition to cleaner vehicles. We’ll be keeping watch on the final adopted proposals and looking for how it impacts on people in the ward such as rat-running by trucks to avoid charges. The project is due to be in place in October this year – five years after a Green motion was adopted by the city council calling for action. Lots of new development The pace of new development in the ward has been very visible, with skips outside sites and builders active through lockdown. The deregulation of the planning system means less control of what can be built or changed now, but where we can we have been advising residents faced with planning applications in many parts of the ward and explaining how the development process is managed, or what to expect if a proposal is going to committee for a decision in public. Martin Fodor & Fi Hance 0117 352 6156

In St Andrews this month... THIS will be the final article that I (Mike Davies) write for you as your councillor, as I am stepping down at the local election in May. It’s been a great honour to serve as councillor for Ashley ward – I’d like to thank you for letting me have this opportunity, and for your kindness and support over the last five years. As a councillor I have learnt so much, in particular, about how passionately so many people work and campaign to make this city a better place, in all kinds of ways, and in all kinds of capacities, from charities to advice agencies, from campaign groups to neighbourhood associations. It has been a politically eventful few years, with: the Brexit referendum; the creation of the metro-mayor; two general elections; two new prime ministers; and the coronavirus pandemic, which delayed the 2020 election by one year. One thing that has been enduring over this period, however, is austerity. Local government has had to deal with the most severe cuts of any government department, losing 60p in every £1 of funding. It has been sad to see the effect this has had on funding for services and organisations in the city.

Another major factor that has shaped my experience of being a councillor is the governance system we have in Bristol, the elected mayoral system. Almost all power in the Council lies with the Mayor and Cabinet, and most important decisions are made in Cabinet meetings rather than Full Council. Backbench councillors have little genuine input into decision-making. However, in theory, the city is split into wards that elect councillors so that communities, wherever they are, can have a voice when decisions are made. The mayoral system has, for the most part, minimised the role of councillor to a role of responding to complaints and undertaking casework. While this can be rewarding, there are easier ways to fulfil such a penchant (volunteering for an advice agency, for example). Without being able to effectively realise change – in a consistent and transparent way that rewards effort and creativity – our role is hollow, and our communities are let down. It’s no wonder that so many good councillors are stepping down in May. We have had two terms of a mayoral system, and I think we

can now appraise how well this experiment has fared, and to what extent it has eroded the vitality of our democratic process. Next year Bristol will have a choice to make about whether to keep or abolish the mayoral system (there will be a referendum if a petition gets enough signatures). While undoubtedly there have been achievements in the last nine years, we should consider carefully whether the cost to democracy, transparency and accountability in this city has been too high.

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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March, 2021

n NEWS

Griefspace community offers online support for bereaved A FACEBOOK group has been set up to help people who've been bereaved through the grieving process. Redland resident Safoora Mian-Cudmore created the group as a supportive place for people to share the feelings, emotions and experiences brought on by grief and loss. Safoora says: “After losing my father and my grandmother within a short period, I looked for a place where I could explore my grief and its effect on me, but I didn’t really find anything that fulfilled that need. People were being supportive but many didn't understand or know what it is like to lose a loved one. I wanted to keep talking about my Dad, to keep his memory alive but often people shy away from that, perhaps because they think it will

upset me. What I wanted was for people to acknowledge my loss.” This experience compelled Safoora to extend her coaching practice and to create a “griefspace” Facebook group to provide that place for other people who need it. The group is free and offers the necessary space, clarity, supportive and empathic companionship that is needed to move towards a new, post-grief life. It allows those who have suffered loss to be amongst others who understand the loss and the life changing impact it has and continues to have. “The group gives people somewhere to go,” explains Safoora. “A space where you can talk about your loss, share memories, share photos and keep their memories alive.

Grieving is so personal, we are all so different in how we grieve, for how long, in what way, what triggers us .” As Safoora says, "This won’t lessen anyone’s pain or stop the lonely journey of grief, but I want to create a community where you know that you are not alone, there are others that you can ‘sit’ with that are on a similar journey, they may be a little further along it or a little behind you but they are there with you.” Nikki, one of the members of griefspace lost her Mum during lockdown. She found the hardest thing has been not being able to grieve properly. “In Indian culture,” says Nikki, “the house would have been opened to mourners and life would have come to a standstill for us. People would

have come to support me and my family; to make our meals and to look after our children while we grieve. But it’s not been like that. Instead I’ve been thrown back into the real world and expected just to get on with life. “There’s been no gathering after the funeral, no hugs from family, and mostly, it’s been really sad that people have not been able to attend the funeral. In normal circumstances all Mum's friends and family would have been there to say their final farewell to her and to support us. It’s the shock of the loss coupled with the fact that there is no one to grieve with that has made this time so difficult. I believe it has prolonged the grief and increased the trauma. “And now the funeral is over, we are planning a memorial

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March, 2021

service later in the year but we still don’t know when that can be and when we will be able to see Mum's friends and family. I am long overdue some much needed hugs.” Another member of griefspace is Larissa. Her father was a DJ and pillar in his local Caribbean community. Larissa says: “Lockdown hugely impacted him as everything that gave him a quality of life evaporated. Socialising and gathering people were all the things he knew, it’s all he did every day of his life on the music scene. “Dealing with grief whilst we are in lockdown has been deeply isolating. One of the conditions

of me being with my Dad in ICU when he passed was that I would have to isolate for 14 days. I spent Christmas and New Year in a very discombobulating space between those four walls. Hoards of flowers came along with endless phone calls, I’d never felt so loved yet so alone. All I really wanted was for someone to come and hug me for a really long time. Phone calls and flowers do not replace hugs or a rambling natter that can only take place when you are sitting on the sofa next to someone you love with a cup of tea. “The Caribbean community in Bristol is close knit, my Dad was one of the threads that held it together. Our culture is rooted

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in respect and joy, a funeral is a big deal, an opportunity for a celebration. A 30 person limit meant only immediate family and three close friends could attend. On the day of Dad’s funeral cars and people came out in droves to pay respects and farewell. ‘We can’t hug or praise with you but we hope you can feel us here for you all’ was the message I felt as I heard the sound system blare and the people singing outside the Church.” “I was invited to griefspace four weeks after Dad passed. Initially I wondered if it was too soon to engage in a space dedicated exclusively to grief. I wasn’t sure if I could hold space to hear others pain. But griefspace has been the opposite, it has been delightful to learn about the other member’s loved ones. It has been comforting to share experiences only those who have grieved can really get. It has been cathartic for me to share as and when I need to, with perfect strangers who somehow are familiar and supportive. My hope is when this time passes that we

can hold physical space for one another again, but for now this is doing something great!” To help a person come to terms with their grief Safoora recommends that friends and family acknowledge and comment on that person’s loss and listen. She says: “Don’t feel that it will upset them. The most upsetting thing has already happened. Just being able to listen to a person who has lost a loved one is validating and healing.” "No one wants to be a member of the grief club but we all will be one day and being there for someone in whatever way you can be is the biggest thing that you can do at this time." “I’m learning that you don’t get over grief. It’s about learning to get along with it.” If you have, or anyone you know has, suffered a loss and is looking for support to cope with their grief, you can find out more about griefspace see: www.facebook.com/ groups/griefspacecommunity or email Safoora at safoora@ platformcoaching.co.uk

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n VET'S ADVICE

Protect pets from peril AT this time of year as the weather improves and we look forward to Easter there are a few potential hazards to look out for and be aware of to keep our pets safe. In the garden we have new growth of garden plants and flowers as well as weeds. Daffodil bulbs and flowers are actually quite toxic if ingested, often dogs will helpfully dig up recently planted bulbs and eat them to destroy the evidence! All parts of a daffodil contain toxic agents but they are most concentrated in the bulb. Effects vary from vomiting and diarrhoea to lethargy, high temperature, reduced blood pressure and slow heart rate and dehydration in severe cases. Contact with the sap can lead to itchy skin and reddening. With treatment dogs usually recover well. Other bulbs such as grape

hyacinth, tulip and primrose are of low toxicity with very mild symptoms that probably would not require any treatment. Spring crocus is also of very low toxicity unlike the autumn variety which is highly toxic and gives severe gastrointestinal signs. Garden lilies as well as cut flowers are potentially very dangerous to our cats. All parts of the lily are toxic to cats’ kidneys and cause kidney failure which can be life threatening. Even a brushing of lily pollen on a cat’s coat is sufficient to cause toxicity. Fertilisers are generally of a low toxicity unless they contain moss or weed killer. We are also seeing a few cases of toxicity from mycotoxins, these are produced from fungi particularly found on mouldy foods, especially dairy foods such as cheeses, and also silage,

compost and mouldy fruit and nuts. The signs of toxicity relate to the nervous system and cause muscle tremors as well as panting, hyperactivity and dilated pupils. Beware of your dog picking up mouldy food while out on a walk, signs usually are seen within 30 minutes but can be up to three hours after ingestion. And finally as Easter arrives, a reminder about the dangers of chocolate particularly to dogs. Plain chocolate and cocoa powder are the most toxic and all Easter eggs should be kept well away from pets. And, don’t forget to keep your dog in the house if you have set up an Easter Egg Hunt in the garden!

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March, 2021

n PHARMACY BLOG Kellaway Pharmacy started providing COVID-19 vaccinations at our pharmacy alongside all our other travel and health services on February 4 - one of the smallest pharmacy locations doing so in the country. The goodwill and generosity of Cairns Road Baptist Church, Church of the Good Shepherd, Kellaway Hire and Bristol Premier Printers - Out of Hands, literally carried us through the door - especially after logistical ‘challenges’ with our NHS supplies. The support and patience of our patients and community gave daily reminders what a great privilege this is, bringing this project into our community. The national vaccination programme is moving at an incredible pace. People over 65 and the clinically extremely vulnerable are now being sent invitations to book online using the NHS website or calling 119. How quickly does the vaccine work? Protection starts 12-14 days after

the first dose. The second dose is crucial to get the best level of protection and longer-lasting protection, so it’s vital to come back for your second dose. Which vaccine will I get, and which is better? You cannot choose which vaccine to have, so it’s crucial to have the vaccine you are offered. Remember, whichever vaccine you are offered has been shown to be safe and work well at preventing disease from the virus. The researchers looking at effectiveness have measured them in different ways, so it isn’t necessarily helpful to compare them like for like. Does the vaccine contain animal products? No. They do not contain any ingredients derived from pigs, cows or other animals. I’m allergic to penicillin - can I have the coronavirus vaccine? Yes, all of the available vaccines are safe if you are allergic to penicillin. I’ve already had Covid-19. Do I still need to get vaccinated? Yes, it’s really important to get the

vaccine, even if you’ve already had Covid-19. You may have some level of immunity if you’ve had the disease, but this varies and may not last long. Will I be able to pass on the virus to others if I’ve had the vaccine? We don’t yet know for sure, so even after vaccination, it remains essential to follow guidelines around social distancing, hand washing and other guidance to stop the spread of coronavirus. You will also still need to selfisolate if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has. How much does the vaccine cost? The vaccine is offered free on the NHS. It is not available privately, so you can’t pay to get it sooner. Don’t fall for any scams offering it for cash. With 10-minute appointment journeys, we did not expect to experience such a flood of human experiences: birthday zoom calls, family pictures, tears, hugs and relief. Reminders that for many of the most vulnerable, the jab trip

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March, 2021

n NEWS

Woodland workshops boost mental health and wellbeing A SERIES of free woodland workshops will begin in Bristol this spring, helping people to learn new ways to stay well and boost their mental health. Spending time in green spaces has been recognised as one of the ways people have coped with the stresses of the current pandemic. The Human Nature Project is open to anyone (16 years+) who wants to maintain or improve their general wellbeing, as well as those who may have experienced poor mental health. How will it work? The rolling programme of two-hour, outdoor workshops takes place between 20 April and 27 October in woodland at Blaise Castle Estate - the Dairy Garden (every Tuesday) and Leigh Woods - the Green Barn (every Wednesday). Each workshop will be led by qualified psychotherapists and forest therapy guides and will have two-parts: ● an introduction to forest therapy, a form of mindfulness shown to harness the mood promoting and immunity boosting benefits of time spent among trees; ● group discussion, pair-work and exercises exploring psychological wellbeing and identifying practical steps that can be

Photo courtesy of Sam Hobson applied in everyday life after taking part. The free workshops are available to book on a first-come, first-served basis and will explore seven different themes in a relaxing and fun way: Creativity, Choice, Connection, Centredness, Character, Curiosity and Confidence. The Human Nature Project has been established by Bristol-based Lightbox Leadership, the UK’s only resilience and leadership development provider that reinvests all of its profits into promoting mental health in community settings. It builds on the success of Bristol’s Happiness Project, a previous Lightbox

initiative which ran arts-based workshops in the city to promote good mental health. More than 3,200 participants took part over a three year period, with 97% saying it made a lasting impact on how they look after their mental health. Lightbox director Lucy Duggan will be one of those leading the workshops. She says: “This project was in the planning stages before Covid-19, but it is an opportunity for people to discover new ways to improve their own mental health and resilience during this sustained period of change and uncertainty. “Forest therapy, or ‘forest bathing’, is now quite widely known in the UK, having been adapted from the Japanese practise of Shinrin-Yoku. We believe this is the first time it has been combined with psychoeducation in this way - giving people the immediate benefits of time spent mindfully in a woodland setting, as well as planning active steps to improve their wellbeing in the longer term too.” The project outcomes will be evaluated using a protocol devised with support from the University of West England. To find out more and book online: www. wearelightbox.co.uk/the-human-natureproject

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS

Dance will always Rise IN a year that’s seen few opportunities for live performance, Bristol based RISE Youth Dance have been delivering engaging classes online, helping to build the resilience of their students during lockdown. Dance teacher and RISE administrator, Erin Chivers says: “We have been working with local artists and RISE Alumni, producing online screenings. Many of our groups have collaborated with a sound designer to produce original music scores for film projects to help keep the young people's creativity alive during these difficult times. We are in the process of supporting local schools with online dance videos for their students as well as 'rise and shine' online dance videos for our youngest participants.” Outside of lockdown, RISE provides high quality dance training for young people aged 4-25 years, through a range of classes, based at sites across Bristol, including some at Cotham Parish Church and at school settings. The company, whose motto is ‘For young people by young people’ specialise in contemporary dance and carnival dance, working in different world styles. The dancers

have a youth RISE committee and make costumes for their performances. If dancers are aged 16 or above they may audition for the RISE Performance Group where members have the opportunity to receive more advanced training, attend additional workshops and perform at national events. Online teaching of dance has its challenges as young people are already having many lessons on screen from their school. To help make things as entertaining as possible guest teachers such as Claire

The Carpet Shop

Benson from Motion House have been brought in, and former RISE alumni who’ve become professional dancers have returned to inspire the students. Children have been encouraged to record an item outside, using the help of a sound engineer. RISE online classes are suitable for both girls and boys aged 4 - 16. New participants are welcomed throughout the year to their Junior and Horizon classes. To find out more see www.riseyouthdance.com or email: echivers.rise@gmail.com

0300 323 0700 info@wecr.org.uk www.wecr.org.uk

• Free measuring service • Fitting included in the carpet price • Wide selection of styles and colours

Previously known as We Care & Repair, we have over 30 years of experience

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For free advice please call:

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MIKE PALMER BUILDING & PROPERTY RENOVATION STAPLETON BRISTOL All Building work undertaken ROOFING, EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS, PLASTERING & RENDERING BRICKWORK & LANDSCAPING

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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

March, 2021

n MAYOR'S VIEW

Domestic abuse is everyone’s business DOMESTIC abuse and sexual violence affect the lives of too many people in our city. The majority of victims and survivors are women, but these are crimes which threaten people in all walks of life and from all backgrounds. They can also have lifelong effects on children who grow up witnessing it in their home. And in the most devastating cases, domestic abuse kills. That’s why we want to end it. One of my administration’s first acts was to give victims of domestic abuse priority for housing, to ensure survivors have somewhere safe and secure where they can recover. This month, we build on that commitment by welcoming over £1 million of government funding to help the council meet the requirements of the new Domestic Abuse Act. This funding coincides with

the launch of a report from the Mayoral Commission on Domestic Abuse, which sets out the principles that we want to underpin our city’s response to abuse and sexual violence. The Commission was established last summer, when we convened a group of experts and support services from across the city to discuss the impact that Covid-19 restrictions would have on domestic abuse and sexual violence and on our ability – as a city – to support survivors. As well as responding to this challenge, we were clear that this was a call to action: to harness the energy and expertise in Bristol to improve our response to domestic abuse and help keep people safe over the long-term. I invited Councillor Asher Craig (Cabinet Member for Equalities, Communities and Public Health) and Councillor Helen Godwin (Cabinet Member

for Homes, Children and Families) to co-chair the commission. Over a Each month Bristol mayor series of workshops, Marvin Rees shares his views they brought together local and with Bishopston Voice national support services, charities and researchers to examine all aspects to join us in making it clear of our response to that Bristol is a Zero Tolerance abuse. City for domestic abuse and To support the principles sexual violence. You can help by put forward in the report, checking in on your friends and commissioners developed 35 family: visit bristolsafeguarding. recommendations covering org/areyouok for more issues ranging from developing information. accommodation options, to how Help is available for we help people recover from businesses from Hestia, who abuse over their lifetime, through have been commissioned to how we can prevent abuse by the government to help from occurring in the first place. employers shape their response One of the key principles that to domestic abuse. We are asking emerged from the commission’s all employers in the city to visit work is the need to make sure Hestia’s website to find out how that tackling domestic abuse and you can help support employees sexual violence is everybody’s who may be experiencing business. domestic abuse: www.hestia. That means we need the org/pages/category/everyoneswhole city to unite and feel business. confident in taking action when By working together as One they witness or when someone City, we can fulfil our ambition discloses they are experiencing to eliminate domestic abuse and abuse. We need businesses, sexual violence in Bristol, and community organisations, help survivors to build safety, public services, support services, recover, and to thrive. neighbours, friends and families

The Mayor’s View

Business for Sale Successful local oven cleaning business for sale. Very simple to run, this well established franchise offers many advantages including: Immediate cash flow with work scheduled in the diary from day one. Lots of lovely repeat customers with new customers added every week. Hours to suit: part-time or full-time, one or two people. Full training and support. Experience days available.

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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

March, 2021

n NEWS

n WHAT'S ON

Nominate your Bristol Dementia Hero

n ONLINE YOGA with Selina Ratcliffe. Practice yoga with me from the comfort of your own home. All welcome from beginners to more experienced. Class prices start from £5. I've been running popular daily online classes since March. If interested to learn more go to: www. selinaratcliffe.com via Contact Me page.

Individuals and organisations in Bristol who have gone the extra mile to support people affected by dementia over the past year could be recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Nominations are now open for Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Heroes Awards 2021 which will be hosted by Alzheimer’s Society supporter and journalist Richard Madeley in May. The awards, which are sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare, will take place virtually on May 20 during Dementia Action Week (17-23 May) and will showcase the stories of people doing outstanding things during the pandemic – Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia heroes. Lorna Robertson, Alzheimer’s Society’s Area Manager for Bristol, said: “Lockdown has been tough for all of us. But imagine how much worse it would have been if you couldn’t understand why it was happening: why you no longer saw your loved ones; why your carers stopped visiting or why they wore masks. Tragically, this was reality for tens of thousands of people living with dementia in the UK. And it was also the reality for carers, who were left unable to visit their loved ones, or without precious respite. “Throughout the pandemic, individuals, groups and organisations have shown incredible support for people affected by dementia. We want to recognise these dementia heroes. “Our services have been used nearly three million times since lockdown began in March 2020, showing that people affected by dementia need us now more than ever.” Nominations close on Friday 5 March, visit www.alzheimers.org. uk/dementiaheroawards

n Bishop Road Community Choir are meeting online Thursday evenings via Zoom at 8pm for an hour. If anyone is interested they should contact us via bishoproadchoir@gmail.com and I will send them a link. n The Arts Society Bristol Would you like to join us for lectures on a wide range of arts related subjects, given by specialists in their own field? These are currently being delivered online and we would welcome new members. The lecture on 9 March is on the artist Frank Brangwyn. For more information visit our website www.theartssociety-bristol.org.uk

Census 2021 CENSUS 2021 will be key to making sure the big decisions on the future of our hospitals, schools, transport and other public services, following the pandemic and EU exit, are based on the best information possible. Run by the Office for National Statistics, the census – taking place on March 21 - is the once-in-a-decade survey that gives the most accurate estimate of all people and households in England and Wales. The digital-first census will not only provide a fresh picture of the size of all communities, it will also shed light on the health, social and economic changes to our lives. Every household will soon receive a postcard, explaining what a census is, and in early March letters will arrive in the post inviting people to take part in the digital-first census. For more information, visit census.gov.uk.

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

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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

March, 2021

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence THIS is the season of the dandelions! We know them so well, familiar weeds from childhood; but their ruffled flowerheads are Shakespeare’s “golden lads and girls”, and they merit the praise. Children still play games with them, blowing the silver globes of airy seeds to tell the time. They are also useful, providing a safe herbal diuretic, and tasty greens in the early spring “hunger gap”. Their leaves can be eaten as salad or lightly cooked in oil and dressed with vinegar as a side dish. The flowers are edible too and have a honeyed flavour; most guinea pigs of my acquaintance consider them a delicacy. In early spring when dandelions begin to flower, they’re not just a welcome treat for a guinea pig bored with winter cabbage. Dandelion flowers provide a vital spring tonic for the winter-starved bumblebees, bee flies, hoverflies and butterflies that are first to brave the chilly air and stiff breezes. Watching a patch of dandelions in the sun is a good way to catch up with these pioneers of the new season. Bee flies are fat flies with brown, furry bodies that mimic bumblebees, but their long

Hoverflies feeding on a dandelion flower proboscis gives them away; and orange tips are amongst the first butterflies, wingtips as bright as a satsuma whilst the backs of their wings are patterned with a delicate mosaic of moss green. In full bloom the dandelion is as dandy as a well-groomed lion, but the name originally comes from the French “dent de lion” because

of the fiercely toothed leaves. In spring dandelions pour their floral sunshine from unmown grasslands, verges and weedy gardens, but they will also cling to the tiniest crack in the pavement or cliff face, cope with wet or dry soils, acidic or limey, trampled or not; there are dandelions everywhere! They vary a lot, some bearing fleshy

leaves that are almost knee-high whilst others sport a tiny rosette of leaves shorter than a finger joint. The dandelion is not, in fact, one species at all but a large group of closely related species – over 200 microspecies are recognised in Britain alone, many of them having come from other parts of the world, accidentally or on purpose for their edible or medicinal value. That isn’t the only surprise the dandelion is hiding. Carefully pull out a petal and you will see it is actually a whole flower, the “petal” being an asymmetric structure called a ligule; the seed-beard is already visible at the base. Dandelions are in the Daisy family (Asteracea) and its cousins are all arranged this way – dozens of tiny flowers clustered together to give the appearance of one large flower. The little parachute of white fuzz that tops the seed is called the pappus from a Greek word signifying a bearded old man. This “beard” will enable the seed to become airborne and, riding a warm updraught, they can travel as far as a kilometre from their parent plant. Photo courtesy of Rupert Higgins

n NEWS

Crimestoppers: speak up to help save lives THE relaunched Crimestoppers #YouAreNotPowerless campaign highlights it’s better to be safe than sorry and that bystanders have options to report abuse in the home anonymously. In the first three weeks of March 2020 in the UK, 14 women and two children were killed as a result of domestic abuse - this is the highest rate for 11 years. Almost one year on, and as Covid-19 restrictions remain in place, the charity Crimestoppers is appealing for anyone who is aware of domestic abuse happening to contact us 100% anonymously. Last year, Crimestoppers – along with Refuge who run the National Domestic Abuse Helpline – saw a worrying rise in domestic abuse reports, largely

put down to people being forced to remain at home to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. During a lockdown, home isn’t always a safe place, as victims of domestic abuse are trapped with their abuser, with less chances to seek support from loved ones. Domestic abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or financial. Any adult can be a perpetrator, with I in 4 people reoffending. It affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men during their lifetime. In too many cases, it results in death with two women murdered by a current or former partner each week across the UK. Statistics also tell us that 1 in 5 children sadly witness domestic abuse, which can impact their physical, psychological and emotional

well-being and development. You may be a neighbour who has seen or heard threatening and intimidating arguments, which may involve abusive language that can escalate into a violent argument where the partner blames the other for their actions, saying they are “asking for it” or deserve the abuse. You may have seen bruising or other visible marks on a friend, family member or work colleague – this may be the sign of physical abuse. It’s always better to be safer than sorry, so please contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously. A team of professionals working at the national contact centre anonymise all information received – to ensure the person giving the details can never

be identified - before passing it on to police to investigate and safeguard. Whether it is a neighbour, friend, work colleague or relative, no one will ever know who provided the information. Previous domestic abuse lockdown campaigns and appeals last year saw numerous victims safeguarded and action taken against perpetrators as a result of anonymous information the charity received and passed on. To report domestic abuse 100% anonymously, visit Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form or call the 24/7 UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year. In an emergency, always call 999.

WE'RE ONLINE TOO: WWW.BISHOPSTONVOICE.CO.UK To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS JOURNALIST and author Maurice Fells has written his thirteenth local history book. Like some of his other books The Little History of Bristol is a compendium of people, places and events that have played a major role in the development of the city its earliest days to the present time. “Although there is no evidence that Bristol was a Roman town like Bath or Cirencester, the Romans did have a big presence at what we now know as Sea Mills. It was here that they built a port which they called Portus Abonae,” says Maurice Fells. “They used it to transport soldiers, equipment and provisions to a fortress they had built at present day Caerleon in Wales.” The book also looks at Sea Mills garden suburb as the first housing estate of its kind in the city, built in the early 1920s. The Little History of Bristol puts a spotlight on nearby

The Little History of Bristol

Westbury-on-Trym, which is much older than Bristol itself. “As long ago as the eighth century a church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul stood near the River Trym. Later there was a Benedictine monastery at Westbury and in 1194 Bishop Celestine set up a college of priests which existed for 300

years making Westbury an important ecclesiastical centre. The earliest parts of the present Holy Trinity parish church date back to about 1200,” says Maurice. Bristol’s city boundary was extended in 1904 to take in Westbury-on-Trym, which had previously been in Gloucestershire. Maurice adds: “Although this is my thirteenth local history book, finding clues to Bristol’s past is a labour of love for me. It seems that every street in the city from Georgian crescents to culde sacs has a story to tell about the city’s past.” “Tucked away for example in the heart of Westbury is the Dial House. I’m told that a lady who lived here was courted by a young man from the village who had second thoughts and jilted her. Understandably, she was

devastated but decided to put on a brave face. "She had the dial of a clock painted on the end wall of the house, with the hands set at the time her boyfriend left her. Apparently this was to humiliate the young man and remind the villagers of his ungentlemanly behaviour. Amazingly, after all these years and different people living in the house the clock face is still there. “I’d love to discover the full story behind this so that I could put it in another book. There are so many questions to be asked…. who were the couple? What caused him to jilt her? Were they due to be married in Trinity Church? Who painted the clock face? The Little History of Bristol, an illustrated hardback book, is published on March 23 by The History Press at £12.

Heartfelt stories of new mums revealed in Born in Lockdown A ‘ONE-of-a-kind’ book, telling the heartfelt stories of mothers with babies born in 2020, has been launched online by a Bristol author. Entitled Born in Lockdown, the 20,000-word piece of prose recounts the experiences of 277 mothers who gave birth during the coronavirus pandemic. It can now be downloaded online, and a voluntary donation is encouraged towards Sands – a charity supporting families affected by stillbirth and neonatal death. Emylia Hall, who lives locally with her husband and son, and is the founder of Mothership Writers – a project which runs writing courses for new mothers – came up with the idea for Born in Lockdown to encourage self-expression during incredibly challenging times. Each contributor submitted up to three, 50-word segments, which have been amalgamated to create the unique story. According to Emylia, ‘there was no brief or fixed direction’ – she wanted the book to ‘reflect the diversity of the mothering

Emylia Hall

experience’. In the book’s introduction, Emylia writes: “The idea was to encourage writing for pleasure and purpose: to find, amidst the clamour, the space to hear one’s own voice. And, together, to tell the story of what it was like to become a new mum in 2020.” One of the authors of Born in Lockdown is Windmill Hill resident Juliette Boakes, who gave birth to her daughter Chloe in May 2020. It was Juliette’s story which inspired Emylia to choose to support Sands through Born in Lockdown. The charity provided

invaluable support to Juliette after her son Daniel was stillborn in autumn 2018 and during her pregnancy with Chloe. Juliette said: “Pregnancy after a loss is incredibly stressful and with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic the anxiety was often overwhelming. “Throughout my pregnancy I was suffering with PTSD which made hospital appointments and scans extremely triggering. As the pandemic progressed, I had to face these and the early stages of labour alone. “With immense gratitude and a tremendous sigh of relief our beautiful daughter Chloe was born safely in May 2020. A little sister to our beloved Daniel. “Contributing to this creative and collaborative project was an opportunity to document a very unique moment in time. It also provided a wonderful feeling of community during what was, and still is, a very isolating time as a new mother.” Emylia adds: “It’s been a great privilege to have the job of finding the narrative threads and stitching together this vast

patchwork experience. “You’ll notice the recurring themes of the missing ‘village’, of isolation and uncertainty, and the extra pressures on mental health, just as you’ll read of silver linings, new connections and incredible gifts.” Victoria Luk from Sands said: “We are grateful to Mothership Writers for choosing to support Sands through Born in Lockdown. “Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.” Born in Lockdown can be downloaded at: www. mothershipwriters.com/ borninlockdown. To make a donation to Sands, please visit: www.sands.enthuse.com/pf/ borninlockdown More information about Emylia and Mothership Writers can be found at www. mothershipwriters.com

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES

Getting set to plant new grape varieties

E’RE starting to get the first glimpses of spring in the vineyard. Primroses at the field edge and silvery, furry catkins forming on the willow windbreak. The willow is the first tree in the field to start showing signs of life at the end of winter and it’s beautiful to watch it change. The transformation from a somewhat lifeless looking field into something green and lush never ceases to amaze me. After the long and cold winter we’ve had, I think we’re all open to appreciating these changes more than ever! In the vineyard we’ve been busy preparing the way for more vine planting in the spring. We’re experimenting with two new grape varieties called Divico and a mildew-resistant Pinot Noir clone called Volturnis! Impressive sounding names for these red

General Building

grapes, both of which have received positive press as ones to watch for the future. Surprisingly, however, the plant nursery tell me that most UK growers tend to stick to the three traditional champagne grape varieties and don’t like to experiment with anything different or new. I’m

trying very hard to find grapes that can be grown organically with minimum intervention from me as a grower so am looking forward to trying them. As I write this, we only have sparkling red wine in stock but hope to have more still rosé and

Your Local Builder

sparkling white available very soon. hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards (facebook & instagram)

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Decorating

Alterations

Handyman

Kitchen Install

Plumbing Electrical Roofing Gardens

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BUILD

0117 2591 591 www.halgroup.co.uk info@halgroup.co.uk

Bathroom Install Roofing Works General Building Works

ONE COMPANY • ONE SOLUTION Redland Office: 23 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PG To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021

n NEWS ARCHITECTURE students from UWE Bristol have taken part in a week-long competition to design a prefabricated housing scheme to address particular conditions of homelessness in the city. The competition, sponsored by housing manufacturer Totally Modular, provided students with the opportunity to work on reallife design case studies, whilst also highlighting the discussion around homelessness and its possible solutions. The challenge attracted entries from all five of the undergraduate architectural courses - from first year to final year students. Students formed teams and submitted their proposals for housing on sites in the city that have been identified as suitable for affordable housing. Their designs were judged on elements such as how they responded to the brief, design and innovation. First place went to Team Y; Seanne Christhian, Mahek Khushalani, Isuri Ratnayake and Zoe Restrick. The judging panel also gave two other groups a ‘highly commended’ award. The winning team received a £500 prize, a tour of the Totally Modular manufacturing facility, and their winning designs will be considered for implementation on a Bristol site. Student Milly Harvey, whose team was highly commended, said: “It felt great to be recognised as architects, not just students. I think we have all come away from this

Students devise schemes to house the homeless

project feeling inspired and encouraged.” James Burch, Associate Head of Department of Architecture and the Built Environment at UWE Bristol, said: “The students enjoyed tackling a real-life brief and acting as design teams, working under pressure to deliver their proposals. “In less than a week the teams created a range of sensitive,

well-researched and well-argued proposals that they, and we, are proud of. With this work we are pleased to be raising the level of debate of contemporary housing design in the city.” Mark Southgate, Chief Executive of MoBIE and head judge of the competition, said: “We were genuinely wowed by the standard of work the teams produced and had to remind

ourselves the teams were not yet professionals and that they only had 4.5 days to create these designs from scratch - the results were amazing! “We were highly impressed by the way the teams addressed all parts of a challenging brief. The future of housing design is in great hands - we can't wait to see what you all do next.”

Bid to reduce unwanted black kittens DESPITE Covid, the Moggery in Bishopston is once again offering free black cat neutering. The Moggery will neuter black cats for free in the hope of reducing the number of black unwanted kittens born this spring and summer. A gentle friendly black cat called Maureen was viewed six times before being chosen. One couple rejected her from a distance as soon as they saw she was black. She has now been chosen by a kind family who love her personality. “Selfies are still causing a serious problem for cat rescues,” said Christine Bayka Founder of The Moggery. Christine began offering free neutering

for black cats in 2018 when she realised that black cats were not considered photogenic.

Be a responsible owner Limit unwanted black kittens Act now Call The Moggery on 0117 924 3128

Keep the number of un-homeable black cats in rescues down.

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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Easton

March, 2021

bishopstonvoice

n HOME IMPROVEMENT

37 Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead

Spring Cleaning – it’s not just about dusting! Spring has now most definitely sprung, and we want to talk about some things that we all forget when we’re about our Spring cleaning routine There are some other essential maintenance and repairs around and outside of your home that often need some attention. We’re all guilty of delaying things and putting them out of our minds when they seem a chore. You don’t want to end up with a worse mess later though, when now is the perfect time to get a handyman or handywoman out to nip it in the. I know what you’re thinking – it’s all well and good us saying this. After all, we’ve got a team of handypeople right here to impart advice to us about home maintenance every day. Well, we want to share their expertise with you and help make you and your loved ones’ lives a little easier. Here are some important things to look out for that our squad of experts can take care of for you. Now we need to preface this by saying that we aren’t a “cleaning” service per se, but we can help a little bit in that area, as you’ll see below. Around the home There are lots of little general tasks about the house that you might have been delaying whilst hunkering down for the cold winter. Maybe you’ve had some nice Bristol Blue Glass for Christmas that you’d like to display. We can help with putting up shelving, either out of the box or made-to-measure by us. Not to forget assembling the Ikea flat-pack furniture that’s been sat in the box waiting for you to get fed up of piles on the floor. Our carpenters can take on anything you like, and there’s no such thing as a job too small. We do two-man jobs for the larger furniture – safety first! We’re often finding that we are asked to move furniture around the home. We don’t do removals, but we can help to move a bed or a sofa or any other larger items of furniture to accommodate your needs. We have much experience in adapting homes for patients returning home from the hospital where a hospital bed is to be delivered. Like a real-life game of Tetris, we can configure your living spaces to the way you would like them to be or offer some advice on practical solutions.

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LOCAL SERVICES

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk AERIAL SPECIALISTS

We should also mention that it’s a good idea to look at your blinds and curtains as well. Are they starting to look lop-sided or the blinds won’t open properly? Repairing and replacing blinds and curtains is important for privacy and security – if curtains and blinds remain open or drawn for long stretches of time it could look like a property is vacant and an easy target… So, it’s a good idea to get them taken care of. It’s a quick fix for privacy and peace. In the bathroom How are your drains and plug holes looking? Hair and fluff can block them up steadily over time. Perhaps the plug is also perishing after many years of use, causing the opposite issue. Time to inspect those now if the water is draining away slowly or draining when you don’t want it to. Leaking taps are a nuisance with their constant “dripdrip-drip”. That’s money down the drain quite literally if you’re on a water meter. Replacing tap washers is a simple but effective first step. We are well versed in this as you’d expect, as well as replacing whole tap fixtures. Are you finding turning those old-style taps difficult nowadays? You might consider replacing them with lever taps or a mixer style tap for ease of use. This can be done in the shower as well – if you don’t have an electric powershower that is. In either case, the showerhead can also get clogged over time as hard water leads to limescale. This can be cleaned, or replaced if it’s broken or leaky. Shower doors and screens may have similar problems if the seals are worn, cracked or broken. Again, these can simply be replaced. Better to have them swapped out than for the leaking to go onto the bathroom floor where water is definitely not

AERIAL SPECIALISTS

5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk wanted. In the garden and outside your home Ah the garden. We all want to enjoy it as much as possible, especially in the current lockdown. We’re performing limited garden works at the moment, with a focus on safety first rather than aesthetic. However, do check back with us in the coming months as the coronavirus situation changes, because we would definitely like to resume our full garden maintenance service as soon as possible. Some things that aren’t commonly done but can make your garden safer and more pleasing to the eye include having the lawn mowed, bushes trimmed back, paving stones and paths jet washed, sheds being repaired or built, and decking stained. We continue to offer a full gutter cleaning service, using a very nice piece of kit called a Skyvac that thoroughly cleans the entire guttering around the perimeter of the house without us even having to get on a ladder! It’s got a camera that lets our handyperson see all the action ensuring we don’t miss a single leaf. Though for more tricky blockages we will certainly get up the ladder and give it some elbow grease. Phew! I know – that’s a lot of things to look out for. You may not want to have all these things taken care of at once, or cannot afford to. Don’t forget that we can offer a subsidised rate on some of the works that we do. You may be eligible for a grant or a low-cost loan to help with some larger repairs or maintenance – please call us on 0300 323 0700 or email info@wecareandrepair.org.uk if you’d like some more information about this. It’s our passion and our pleasure to help you with all aspects of home improvements and maintenance, throughout the year.

CARPENTRY

Beeline Wardrobes H&P Aerials Our speciality Digital, Freeview and Freesat Specialists

• TV, FM & DAB • Radio Aerials • Extra Points • Fully Guaranteed • OAP Concessions

For a free quote

Tel: 0117 908 7232 or Mobile: 07815 029775 BUILDING SERVICES

Constructed in either: TIMBER for a natural look MDF for painting to match existing decor.

Customise your alcoves. Traditional & Contemporary

All Carpentry services available

T: 0117 9467797

E: mark@beelinecarpentry.com www.beelinecarpentry.com

DRIVEWAYS

AGL DRIVEWAYS www.theaerialman.co.uk

• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders Affordable Prices - Reliable Service

0117 967 9028

Tarmac & Block Paving

•• AA wide wide range range of of colours colours & & patterns patterns • Local Saltford family run business • Local Keynsham family run for 50 years business for 50 years • All work guaranteed • Free estimates ••All work guaranteed • Free estimates Pressure washing Driveways & Patios

Tel:0117 012259860485 873587 Tel: or 453821 or07831 07831 453821 www.agldrives.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

38 BUILDING SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

March, 2021 GARDENING SERVICES

D. ATTWELL

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works

Kevin Gapper Roofing We cover all aspects of roofing work

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

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

Call Nick on 0117 2872082

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

0117 303 9000 ELECTRICAL SERVICES

atom electrical specialist domestic installers

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires. For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

FREE Quotations

www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

CLEANING

Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

HANDYMAN

Handy Man Services

• Hang • Repair • Plumb • Assemble • Install • Fix • Replace • Paint Experienced, reliable, friendly Jobs big and small

Contact Gary 07984 614108 LOCKSMITHS

NIGHT & DAY

     

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

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

LOCKSMITHS 24HRS Contact Dave Staynings

0117 925 6828 Mobile:

07765 208690 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

From as little as

£18

CALL EMMA ON: .33 07715770448

+VAT

Per month

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

bishopstonvoice

March, 2021 OVEN CLEANING

PLUMBING

COPPERMILL HEATING

 Tiler • Mason • Painter

PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS • CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION & REPAIR • GAS, OIL & LPG • P O W E R F L U S H I N G • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • BOILER SERVICING • PLUMBING INSTALLATION & REPAIR

39 SASH WINDOWS

SnugSash.co.uk Sash window specialist • Renovation • Draughtproofing • Double glazing • Repairs • Painting We can fit double glazing to your sash windows! www.snugsash.co.uk

FREE ESTIMATES

Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry & DECORATING PAINTING Interior & façade painting

CALL 07769 693300

07736 229727 SnugSash

WWW.COPPERMILLHEATING.COM

PLUMBING

UPHOLSTERY

The Bristol Plumber Bathroom & Kitchen Installation

Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator

Builder & Interior Decorator

17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior & Facade T: 0117 401 8568 / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience

T: 0117 431 2726 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com

PAINTING & DECORATING

Stephen Carter Painter & Decorator

5+ Years Experience, Tiling, Bathroom Fitting, Kitchens, Radiators, All Small Jobs No VAT, Free no obligation quote

ed@thebristolplumber.com facebook.com/thebristolplumber

PLUMBING

07786 513788 or 0117 907 6997

www.carterdecorating.co.uk

0117

Painting & Decorating Association Accredited (with PDA guarantee) For a free competitive quotation: Cranside Avenue, Redland, BS6 7RA

Made-to-Measure.

07540607626

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

Professional Decorating Services

Curtains & Blinds

957 5092

FREE Consultation & Fitting. 0117 924 8383 119 Coldharbour Road. BS6 7SD

PLUMBING

ROOFING

WIGS

JPK PLUMBING

T M HOBBS ROOFING

Wigs Bristol

Phone: John Keegan 125 Bishop Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8LX

Pitched or flat roofs repaired or replaced Guttering & Cladding, uPVC Fascias & Soffits Chimneys, flashings & parapet walls repaired Skylights & Veluxes Installed Insurance Work Undertaken • Free Estimates Minor work welcome

From a dripping tap upwards Reliable, qualified, fully insured

elfontanero@hotmail.co.uk www.jpkplumbingbristol.co.uk

07900 582 817 • 0117 924 7286

Established 1989 • Based in Bishopston

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.

Please book an appointment on:

956 6556 Tel: 01179 426 436 0117 www.wigsbristol.com

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

FIRST 3 & 4 BED HOMES IN PHASE 2 NOW RELEASED FOR SALE

Brooks Dye Works offers a range of contemporary 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes in the vibrant Bristol district of St. Werburghs. The new homes feature open plan design with private outside space and parking. Select homes are ready to move into now, and are available with our Key Worker discount or deposit contribution*! 2, 3 & 4 BEDROOM HOMES FROM £385,000 - £10,000 KEY WORKER DISCOUNT OR DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION*

SHOW HOME OPEN BY APPOINTMENT OR VIEWABLE ONLINE

- HOUSE TO SELL? ASK ABOUT OUR ASSISTED MOVE SCHEME*

SEVIER STREET, ST. WERBURGHS, BRISTOL BS2 9QS

acornpropertygroup.org brooksdyeworks@acornpg.org 0117 405 4002

*On selected homes only. For full Assisted Move and Key Worker Terms & Conditions speak to a sales advisor. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Prices correct at time of print.

An Acorn Property Group development in conjunction with Galliard homes.