Bishopston Voice September 2017 by Emma Cooper

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Starting life’s adventure Come and discover for yourself.

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September, 2017 Issue 58

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Our medal marvel! Redland para athlete Simran Kaur raced to the finishing line to win a silver and bronze medal in the 100m and 200m at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland. The youngest person chosen to join the GB team for the event, Simran shares her experience with the Bishopston Voice. Full story: Page 4

Celebrations as teens pick up A-levels results AUGUST 17 was a special day for the thousands of students from Bishopston, Cotham and Redland receiving their A-Level grades. The results show a strong performance from Bristol’s state and private schools, with 96 per cent of students achieving at least three A-levels with grades between A* and E in Bristol, despite the new tougher final exams.

Across the UK, the overall pass rate has fallen slightly, and the gender gap is closing as boys received a larger share of A and A* grades than girls for the first time. However, the top A-level grades are up with the proportion of A* grades rising to its highest level (8.3 per cent) since the top grade was introduced in 2010. Education special: Pages 17-29

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September, 2017

n NEWS

Plans for revamped Memorial Stadium BRISTOL Rovers will look to develop their current ground at their Memorial Stadium in Horfield, owner Wael al-Qadi confirmed in early August, after failing to agree on plans for a new 21,000 capacity stadium at the University of West of England. Despite many planning disputes over the land during the last decade, including a lengthy high court battle with Sainsbury’s after it pulled out of a deal to build a supermarket on the land, there is support locally for a sensitive development of the

ground, which is similar in size to Everton’s stadium. The club was purchased by Jordanian Football Association member Al-Qadi's family in February 2016, shortly before the club won promotion to the third tier of English football. Wael Al-Qadi has declared that he’s keen to include a safe standing area as part of a revamped Memorial Stadium. The UWE proposal would have involved the sale of the Memorial Stadium, where Rovers have played since 1996 but Al-Qadi

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Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher

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Sue Thomas News editor

07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

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says that redevelopment was always an alternative if the club failed to agree terms with UWE. Campaigner Jamie Carstairs raeacted to the decision by asking what a fitting and proportionate redevelopment would be and emphasising the importance of creative solutions to match day transport and parking issues. He called for constructive dialogue to help bring about a successful planning application. Jamie said: “Friends of the Memorial Ground (FOMG) broadly welcome the recent

proposal to rebuild Bristol’s famous sports ground. “It is heartening that a revitalisation of this very special war memorial sports ground will herald its centenary in 2021, granting a new lease of sporting life for the coming decades. “The Memorial Stadium is embedded in the local community: around it are people’s homes and gardens; nearby pubs, cafes and food outlets sustain visiting football fans. The sports ground gives character and historical

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

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 11,250 copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.

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September, 2017

n NEWS valid concerns of local people. “Avoiding these mistakes is possible through genuine consultation with neighbours and nearby residents, as well as with Rovers fans, community groups (including The Bishopston Society), local councillors, and the council. “Bristol Rugby former players and FOMG would support landscaping improvements around the listed entrance

gates and their professional restoration. "Dwane Sports Limited, being the owners of the gates, could apply for a grant for this work (http://www.warmemorials.org/ grants/). “The revamped sport ground could once again proudly be Bristol’s great war memorial, actively honouring the war dead through sport, as intended by its founders.”

Bristol Rovers have played at the stadium since 1996

significance to the residential area. Dwane Sports Limited now have the opportunity to enhance the site’s huge potential, and its Bristol Rugby heritage, and make

it Rovers’ own – for football. “Previous redevelopment proposals have foundered for not respecting the war memorial status of the site and ignoring the

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September, 2017

n NEWS

Para-athlete Simran Kaur wins silver and bronze at Junior World Championships RUNNER Simran Kaur enjoyed great success in her first experience of global competition at the World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Nottwil, Switzerland. Simran, a 14-year-old pupil at Redland Green School, competed in the 100m and 200m sprints in the T46* category (arm amputee or impairment). She was the youngest person chosen to join the GB para-athletics team at the championships which took place on August 3-6. Finishing just over a tenth of second behind the winner, Beatriz Hatz of the USA, Simran took silver in the 100 metres in the T42 to T47 category clocking 13.58 seconds. In the 200 metres she took bronze in 28.83 seconds for a personal best at 200 metres. Simran said: “It did feel amazing and emotional standing

on the podium. I felt ‘wow’! And to have family there supporting me made it even better.” Proud father Raj Singh added: “We were all in Switzerland,

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including her brother and all the extended family. We had a special mention from the commentator about all the noise we were making. “He said: ‘Simran Kaur, her family are here, I’ve seen them, and I can certainly hear them!’ ” Now Simran’s back she’s had some time off to recover from a knee injury before taking part in the final race of the season at the School Games in Loughborough on September 1. She’ll then begin winter training with the aim of qualifying for the Commonwealth Games and European Championships. “When I came back from the Worlds the first thing I said to my coach was that I’d like to do that again,” said Simran. “It was just such a great experience to go out by yourself there with a bunch of people that

I’d never met but who all had a disability. “I’ve made some really good friends with athletes from Germany, Australia and the USA too.” Simran has always been a sporty child. She’s played for the super-successful Westbury Park Foxes Girls Football team which won all their games last season to become Bristol Girls League under 14 Champions 2016-17. But, to avoid any risk of future ankle or knee injury she is going to concentrate her sporting efforts on athletics now. The 100m is her preferred event but she set a personal best in the 200m at the Juniors. To improve she needs to work on her balance as she sometimes leans to one side when she runs. Simran explained: “I have to work harder on my core to

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September, 2017

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n NEWS

stay up straight and to make me balance. “I get less of a pump when I push my arm than someone with two. Eighteen per cent of speed comes from your arms so I have to overcompensate on the other side.” The Limb Power games at Stoke Mandeville first sparked Simran’s interest in athletics. The event is for anyone who’s lost a limb to try out a number of sports, including seated volleyball, wheelchair basketball,

and archery. She was spotted by the British Athletics coaches on the athletics track and told that with the right training she could go far. Mum Gita Sawhney said: “It’s all happened very quickly. We always knew that she was a fast runner and she’s definitely got the ability to keep going. “The world record holder in Simran’s category has a very similar arm disability, so it can be overcome with training. “We now need to start saving

for all the competitions that she might qualify for. The World Games is on the Gold Coast and the Paralympics is in Tokyo.” The family are also keen to find some help with sponsorship, to help with the cost of training, attending local competitions and overnight stays. SportsAid have a scheme where individuals can be sponsored by partners to build a lasting relationship with a promising athlete. Nick Harris, UK Athletics trainer for Bristol & West Athletics Club and Simran’s trainer said: “Well done to Simran – a great start to her career as an International Para Athlete. “I am so proud of all our international athletes and look forward to helping them become the next generation of Bristol’s sporting stars.” Before the para team set out they met up for a training event with Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees who said: “As part of our work as European City of Sport we want to start recognising Bristol’s own local sporting talent. We want to take a stand on this issue to improve our offer as a global sporting city. “These amazing young people are the future of Bristol’s sporting ambition. " “It’s been a pleasure to meet these inspiring youngsters and watch them get in shape for the world class competition. “I hope they and their stories will prove to be inspiration to Bristolians of all ages to get out and try something new.”

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September, 2017

n NEWS ELEVEN years after the team at Golden Hill Sports Ground first set up the annual Party in the Park (PITP), this year’s event means that they are set to make a final repayment on the ground purchase loan of the community owned YMCA field. One of the organisers, Chris Drew said: “Everyone at Golden Hill Sports would like to say a big thank to all those people that have come along and supported PITP over the years and making it such a success. We would like to invite them all back again this year along with anyone who has never been before.” This year’s event promises a whole host of fun for all the family on Saturday 16 September from 1pm, finishing with a firework display at 8pm. During the day there will be Tethered Hot Air Balloon ride (weather permitting), Gryoscope (a ride for 4 people), Neuron Racer, Tractor Rides and a Demolition Zone - a chance to Bash the Car! It’s a chance to test your skills at Crazy Golf, a Zombie Shootout, Sports Zone and a Flight Simulator. Some great local acts will be performing on stage, plus displays from Japanese

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Hurrah for Party in the Park

Drummers, Tae Kwon-do, marching band and many, many more. Visitors to the event can relax away the cares of the day with drinks from the licensed bar and enjoy the tasty bites from the food village on site. PITP first started in 2007 and was created by the Golden Hill committee as a way of both raising money to repay the loan taken out to purchase the ground and giving something back to the community who helped the registered charity (Golden Hill Sports) acquire these valuable

Claudia Fragapane champions Bristol charity OLYMPIAN, Commonwealth champion and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Claudia Fragapane, has been announced as a Charity Champion for Above & Beyond, Bristol Hospital’s charity. Each year Above & Beyond raises £3m for projects that make a real difference to the care and experience of over 800,000 patients and the 9,000 hospital staff at all nine city centre hospital sites. Fragapane, who trains at Bristol Hawks Gymnastics, will work with the charity to help raise awareness about fundraising events and the difference donations to a local charity can make. On a recent visit, Claudia met some of the charity’s volunteers and saw the difference donations have already made in the hospitals, from funding state-of-the-art equipment in Bristol Royal Hospital for Children to funding groundbreaking research in Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre. She said: “I’m so excited to be working with Above & Beyond as a charity champion. It means a lot to me to work with a charity that supports a cause in my hometown of Bristol, where I live and train. “As a gymnast, I know how important it is to stay fit and healthy – a small injury could mean the end of my career – and I wanted to help raise awareness about the need to provide our hospitals with things above and beyond what the NHS has the means to do.”

playing fields. PITP has raised well over £80,000 in the 10 events held so far with close to £15,000 being raised at PITP 2016 alone when over 4,200 people attended during the course of the day. Chris Drew said: “Our slogan for PITP is "Bringing the community together" and we truly believe that this event does just that. It’s a great event with a variety of stalls and

entertainment on offer for all the family. We print 10,000 programmes that are hand delivered to homes in the local area and thousands of people come along and enjoy the day which is open to everyone. “We are so grateful for our PITP organising team, many of which have been with us since the start and give up countless hours to make this event the success it is. “The funds from all future events will now be put towards the next project - the renovation and re-development of the pavilion.” All funds from PITP go to the registered charity ‘Golden Hill Sports’ who’s charitable objectives are the protection and well being of the sports field & provision of sport for the membership which is open to everyone. For more details on the event a visit www.goldenhillsports.com or their facebook page.

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September, 2017

n NEWS

Bowls Club prepares for major refurb AS the summer season draws to a close, the historic St Andrews Bowling Club is preparing for a six-month refurbishment. The club, just off Derby Road, received a £50,000 grant from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB) to help fund the improvements. Mogford Prescott, from Westbury-On-Trym, has been chosen to carry out the revamp. Glen Wintle, project manager and club member, said: "Time has flown by since the initial application stage and preapplication to CETB in October 2016. We are looking forward to working with CETB and Mogford Prescott in transforming the club for our members and community group users. "We will be publishing regular updates throughout the project

on our website and social media pages." Angela Haymonds, CETB trust secretary, said: "The CETB trustees are delighted to have been able to offer funding for the much-needed improvement

works at the club. “These will help to create a much safer environment for members of the Bowling Club as well as the local community. We hope the refurbishment works will create a fantastic social space

for users, and can't wait to see the finished results." CETB funding is available for a range of projects that bring benefit to local communities. This may include refurbishment of churches or buildings of architectural or historical significance, or general amenity projects, such as improving disabled access or improvements to parks and nature reserves. Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club is located just over five miles from CEL’s Shortwood Quarry Landfill Site. For more information, or to see if your project would qualify for funding, visit www.cetb.org.uk. For updates on the Bristol St Andrews Bowling Club refurbishments visit www. facebook.com/bristolstandrews or www.twitter.com/bristolstabc.

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September, 2017

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n NEWS

Redland parking curbs are extended THE new residents’ parking zone extension went live in Redland on August 14. It’s bee n implemented on the roads either side of Redland Road, including Canowie Road, St Oswald’s Road and Manor Park. A permit system for users of the local allotments has also been created, to allow members from outside the zone to use parking places too. Redland councillors Fi Hance and Martin Fodor commented: “We shall keep a close watch on everything until it settles down and do get in touch if there are teething problems or issues that you can’t get answers to from the council. Please note that changes cannot now be made to markings

Residents' parking: Where have all the cars gone now? covered by the formally adopted road traffic regulation orders.” However, there are still problems over parking in the streets near the residents parking areas, due to commuter parking moving to the roads nearby, causing fresh obstruction. Fi Hance added: “We're still pressing the Mayor to make clear how new areas where people want obstructive parking to be managed can be created. “This was subject to a

question Martin put to the Mayor in July, and he's following up with a request to meet the new Cabinet member for transport to get clear the basis for testing how much support is needed for any new project to be started. “This was meant to be developed in March but the Cabinet was reshuffled then and the Mayor took on the issue himself for a while. “More recently a meeting of a group of residents on both

sides of Gloucester Rd (in St. Andrews and Bishopston) took place where similar problems caused by commuters and retail pressures were discussed. “Councillors from both Ashley and Redland wards are supporting residents so that they can demonstrate the problems and get action to create solutions. Do let us know if you’d like to be put in touch with other residents, as working together is a key to getting action.”

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

n FROM OUR MP

Thangam Debbonaire column ONE of the things I’m most proud about as your representative in Parliament is how strongly you feel about the environment. One of my jobs as Opposition Whip for the Shadow Environment team is to help challenge the government

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September, 2017

Plight of the bumblebee to honour international agreements on climate change and environmental protections. I’m regularly inspired by your questions, your campaigning, your activism. Many of you have written to me, for example, about your concerns about climate change, about species decline, or about air pollution, and you often link the different problems with solutions which could help with all of them. Here are two ways I’m working to do my bit! Many of you have urged me to do as much as possible to protect bumblebees, as the populations of most species are declining dramatically. I’m proud to say I’ve now become the species champion for the Shrill Carder Bee (Bombus Sylvarum), working closely with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and other wildlife organisations. The Shrill Carder Bee was common a century ago throughout the UK but it’s now confined to just a few areas in the South West, South Wales and

the South East and risks becoming extinct. Bumblebees are great pollinators and have a key role in producing much of our food; they also pollinate wildflowers that are the basis of complex food chains, feeding other wildlife. Declining populations will therefore affect our ability to grow crops, and generally undermine our whole ecosystem. So, expect to hear a lot about the Shrill Carder Bee from me over the coming years! You can find out more about the work of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on their website: www. bumblebeeconservation.org We also need to produce clean energy to start combating climate

change. We have considerable expertise in this area right here in Bristol. I’ve recently met with local firms who are doing pioneering work to help harness tidal energy. And I’ve visited a test tidal turbine complex at Den Oever in the Netherlands to find out how the technology works and what challenges the industry faces. Our region has considerable potential to develop this green technology. The Severn Barrage and Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon are two ideas that could provide a clean alternative in our energy supply. But they would need investment and government support to make tidal energy a viable source of power, and to care for the delicate ecosystems where they would be built. I’ll continue to stand up for our environment in Parliament, and I hope you’ll continue sending me your questions and your ideas to help me do that. Photo courtesy of Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

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September, 2017

n NEWS SOUTHMEAD Hospital Charity has funded new drug boxes to help parents of babies in neonatal intensive care prepare for their discharge home. The pin-controlled secure boxes are wall-mounted next to each baby’s cot, which allows medicines to be safely stored so parents can access the medication to learn how to administer the drugs themselves to their babies. Two weeks before discharge parents will be shown how to use the medications that their baby needs and will be expected to prepare and administer them so that they are used to doing this unaided before they go home. Until now parents are shown how to use medications on the day they leave hospital, which can add to the anxiety and fear that many parents feel when taking their babies home for the first time after a long spell in NICU - often many months. It is hoped that by allowing parents a longer time to get used to drug routines and giving them a sense of ownership it will make the transition from hospital to

Hospital charity funds new scheme to help sick babies

Michelle Jackson, NICU Matron, Stacy Hazelhurst mum to three week old twin boys Billy and Jude, and Lisa Ramsey, NICU lead nurse home a lot easier. Southmead Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides intensive care, high dependency care, special care and transitional care for hundreds of babies each year. Michelle Jackson, NICU

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Matron, said: “Enabling parents to learn how to draw up medications well in advance of going home will give them the confidence to do it themselves, by doing this we are working towards a family integrated care approach where parents do as

much as possible for their babies in preparation for going home.” Lisa Ramsey, NICU lead nurse for developmental care, said: “When we visit parents at home they have told us that they find checking the drugs on those first few days quite stressful because they are on their own for the first time. We’re pleased we’ve come up with a solution.” Southmead Hospital Charity provided £1,000 for the drugs boxes and the scheme will start in September. Elizabeth Bond, head of fundraising for Southmead Hospital Charity, said: “This is a brilliant example of a team listening to the people they care for and coming up with a solution that makes their journey a little bit easier." If you’d like to fundraise visit www.southmeadhospitalcharity. org.uk/events

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n NEWS

Top line-up for the Chandos Road Festival THE Chandos Road Festival, now in its fourth year, has become a firm favourite on the local festival scene. The standard of the acts it attracts to its main stage sponsored this year by ‘Bristol Property Centre’, the University of Bristol and UWE - sets this free event apart from other street parties in the area. The festival returns on Sunday 24 September with a terrific local band headlining at 6pm - Gee Baby I Love You - this is a gig you shouldn’t miss! The rest of the afternoon’s superb line up includes The Open Secrets, Lost Eleven Gypsy’s Kiss, Kevin Figes Quartet, Ponchartain and The Harrisons Trio. Visitors can expect an amazing, feel-good afternoon, along with tasty food, good drinks, interesting stalls and community information. The Lord Mayor of Bristol

will open proceedings at noon and then it all starts on the main stage at the corner of Lansdown Road and Chandos Road. It’s free to attend and goes on all afternoon. Ashley Day, director of Bristol Property Centre, said: “Last year, this free festival attracted hundreds of local, and not so local, people during the afternoon, generating very positive feedback from everyone who attended. With no charge to attend, it seems like a no-brainer to get yourself along.”

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September, 2017

New funding to target criminal landlords

BRISTOL City Council has been given additional funding to target criminal landlords and help protect tenants in Redland and Cotham and across the city. The Home Office has given the council £321,750 from the Controlling Migration Fund to help drive up standards in the private rented sector over the next two years. Migrants are over-represented in the private rented sector in Bristol, particularly in properties in poor condition. The council now plans to use the government funding to conduct intelligence work to identify and target rogue landlords in the city, and to take enforcement action where necessary. The council investigates unsafe houses and flats every day, but usually it relies upon tenants reporting poor conditions. The council is now actively encouraging tenants to come forward if they have concerns

about the conditions of their rented properties, which they have not been able to resolve with their landlord. Councillor Paul Smith, Cabinet Member for Homes, said: “Across the city people are finding it increasingly difficult to access decent, affordable homes. “In Bristol we are working hard to tackle criminal landlords and through this extra funding, we expect to see a reduction in the number of these criminal landlords letting out poor quality accommodation and exploiting tenants.” The officers will work to identify properties where there are likely to be high levels of exploitation and trafficking and carry out proactive inspections of these premises, using powers of entry to gain access to all dwellings. To report a landlord or rented property, call in confidence: 0117 352 5010 during office hours.

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS BRISTOL welcomed two Drag Queen Story Time events in August at Bishopston and Bishopsworth libraries. Parents and children were invited to two different session to listen to the stories being read in a way they may not have seen or heard before. Bristol is believed to be the first city in the UK to host a Drag Queen Story Time in a library and is hoped that this could become a more regular event in the city’s libraries during the holidays. The inventor of the story time, Tom Canham, was inspired by Drag Queen Story Hour, which is a similar programme which originated in San Francisco, America. The aim of the programme is to teach children from an early age the importance of selfacceptance. Tom said: “Drag queens and children don’t usually encounter each other, which we believe is a shame and one of the many reasons why we host this event, which has so far been really well received. We believe it is fundamental that children are taught the value of accepting

Bishopston Library hosts Drag Queen Story Time themselves and others and this is a useful way of introducing children to people who may be different to them.” Drag Queen Story Time is designed to engage young children with the joys of reading with theatrical recitals of children’s favourite books. Cllr Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for communities, including libraries and equalities said: “Bristol is a Learning City and also an inclusive city. The idea of drag queens engaging with children in an educational manner is very beneficial as it teaches them about accepting themselves and others, which is essential in this day and age. “We know that good reading skills can help set children up for life and reduce inequalities so this event was designed to be a fun learning activity for the summer holiday. I hope

that it will play some part in encouraging children to continuing reading outside of school." A parent who attended one of the events, said: “It was

something a bit different and the children were all so engaged. We loved how flamboyant it was and it was also great to have something that worked so well for children of different ages.”

Redland May Fair raises more than £1,500 THE Redland May Fair is a free, not-for-profit community event, organised by the Redland & Cotham Amenities Society each year. Abigail Shepherd said: “Overall it was a lovely day (particularly given last year’s drenching) and the bucket collection came to £1,543.27 which, plus Gift Aid will be given to this year's nominated

charity, Caring in Bristol – a small, local charity which helps homeless and vulnerable people in Bristol.” The Ambling Band got things started at 1pm on Redland Green and the May Fair was soon busy with fairgoers coming to explore the stalls, meet friends and enjoy everything the May Fair has to offer.

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In the main arena there was Morris dancing from Rag Morris dancers complete with hankies, bells and a hobby horse, and maypole dancing by pupils from the Steiner School. There were fun-fuelled games for kids, including the team from Sharky & George, and Mr Brown's Pig's puppet show, Fez the Jester and storytelling with Cassandra.

The church halls, bowling club and tennis club were kept busy providing refreshments and a chance for fair-goers to recharge before Bristol Samba performed, drawing an appreciative audience to watch their dancing and drumming. Abigail added: “We’re grateful to all the volunteers who make the fair possible and we can never have too many.”

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n NEWS CONFETTI and bunting were the order of the day at the Ardagh Bowling and Sports Club when Bryony Enright and Darren Roberts tied the knot at the community venue at the heart of Horfield Common on Saturday August 19. The couple, who met at university in 2009, wanted their special day to be as close to home as possible and found somewhere virtually on their doorstep. Darren is from a large family, the 10th of 12 children, who grew up on Logan Road. He said: “We asked how local could we make our wedding? “You can see the trees on the Common from our front door on Beloe Road and it meant things were nearby and we could relax on the day.” Bryony added: “We wanted an informal wedding and one that was not too traditional. “The Ardagh is low key and has a real charm and we could really imagine it as a wedding venue. It’s really pretty with the lawns outside. “The Common, cafe, and Ardagh make this area what it is, and we love it!” Kay Thomson, manager of the Ardagh, is used to catering for the bowls team and informal events but was delighted to be of help when the couple approached her about using the location for their wedding celebrations. Kay said: “It is an honour for the Ardagh Bowling Club to be the venue chosen for the wedding blessing. A lovely building set in a beautiful part of Horfield Common close to home for Briony and Darren. “The bowls club ensured that the day went smoothly and was enjoyed by all.”

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

Ardagh hosts its first wedding

One big happy family at the wedding of Darren Roberts aand Bryony Enright, right, at The Ardagh on Horfield Common, below left The Ardagh isn’t licensed as a wedding venue so the couple married formally at Corn Street the day before and Humanist celebrant, Karen Partridge, carried out a special ceremony on the Saturday in front of Bryony and Darren’s friends and family. Not surprisingly, Darren’s immediate family took up 54 of the invited guests! He is the last in the family to get married and has 27 nieces and nephews. A UK wedding doesn’t come cheap these days - with £27,000 the average cost last year. Bristol University careers adviser Bryony and Bristol Museum researcher Darren were keen to make the most of their budget

but to design the wedding in their own informal style. “We wanted to put together the wedding as cheaply as possible - our budget all in was £4,000. My dress was from ASOS and we borrowed bunting from friends and picnic blankets from the University to give it a village fete feel. There were lots of fun and games, with quoits and bubbles for the children. “Keen to save money, we entered a competition to have a Yeo Valley ice-cream bike at the wedding and won!” added Bryony. Lots of their friends have been involved, from making the cake (Lovely Cakes by Laura on Facebook) to helping decorate

the venue. They couple made a pagoda for the end of the aisle by wrapping white lace around a structure. Much of the budget was spent on the food which came locally too, from pizza company, Pizza Rova who made the pizzas onsite from their Land Rover. Darren added: “Nothing is from the ‘official’ wedding organisers - we avoided anything that said ‘wedding’ on it. Our photographers, Lucas Cookson and Luke Mundy, are both just starting out in the wedding photography business and trying to build a name for themselves." "The day was everything we hoped for and more. Seeing all our friends and family in one place all wishing us well was so heartwarming, the perfect start to our marriage. We're so grateful to everyone who helped make the day what it was, and now we're ready for our honeymoon - Italy, here we come!"

Photography: www.tealphotos. com www.facebook.com/ LukeMundyPhotography

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS A BRISTOL-based partnership has launched an innovative series of short films in six different languages giving information about dementia and relevant support services in the city. The Dementia Wellbeing Service, a partnership between Alzheimer’s Society and Devon Partnership NHS Trust, commissioned the six short films - in Urdu, Punjabi, Cantonese, Somali, Polish and Englishlanguage - to address the stigma, misunderstanding and lack of accurate information currently available for the culturally diverse communities across the city. Community Development Co-ordinator for the Dementia Wellbeing Service and the films' producer Trish Caverly says: “The latest census says there are 6,907 people of Black African people living in the Bristol West constituency. “Alongside other BME communities, Somali has no word for dementia. This can make it even more difficult for family members to discuss a dementia diagnosis and contribute to a stigma in many of these communities.” A dementia All Party Parliamentary report in 2013 suggested that nationally people from BME communities are under-represented in dementia services; they are often diagnosed at a later stage of the illness or not at all. A recent research report, overseen by the University of the West of England, shows Bristol reflects the national picture with nearly half of all people with dementia from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in Bristol not accessing the services available to them.

Foreign-language films about dementia welcomed in city

Research conducted by Alzheimer’s Society has concluded that this can lead to a far greater risk of late diagnosis and not being prescribed appropriate medication and medical interventions for dementia. Mrs Kwan, who is originally from China, has lived in Bristol with her husband for 45 years and raised their family here. She is now carer to her husband, who has dementia. “Life changes significantly for someone with dementia, and for their carer and family too. It’s really important to get help. In our community, a lot of people don’t know what dementia is, we don’t even have a word for it. This means that lots of people with the disease run the risk of being forgotten,” she said. There are an estimated 25,000 BME people with dementia in the UK. While the number of white, British people with dementia is expected to double by 2051, the numbers of people from BME communities

is expected to increase sevenfold within the same timeframe. Trish Caverly explains: “At the Dementia Wellbeing Service we work closely with people with dementia and their carers to support them to lead as full a life as possible, offering therapeutic and clinical interventions as well as signposting them to information about groups, activities and support available to them. “During community consultations one common finding was the lack of culturally appropriate, accessible information about dementia and the support available, for people for whom English is not their first language. “In many of the communities that we work with, we’ve found that there is a lack of knowledge about what dementia is. This is backed up by recent research overseen by the University of the West of England which has found that many people fail to understand that dementia is a health condition. It’s often

thought of as a ‘normal’ part of ageing, and for many there is stigma attached. This stops people from seeking out the help available to them. We know that language barriers can compound this situation, which is why it was vital to make this series of short films.” Within each of the films, medical experts, people affected by dementia and members of the relevant communities explain what dementia is, outline how people can gain a diagnosis and access the free support available from the Dementia Wellbeing Service.. Khadra Abdi, who cares for her mother with dementia and is active in the Somali community in Bristol, says: “Many older people within our community have limited English language, and when they don’t understand what dementia is it can be very scary. “These films explain about the disease and the help available in a simple, clear way, and most importantly in their native language, making it far easier for them to gain a genuine understanding of dementia, get a diagnosis from their GP and to get support from the Dementia Wellbeing Service”. The films are available to view via the Dementia Wellbeing Service website www. bristoldementiawellbeing.org and limited DVDs can be ordered from via the Dementia Wellbeing Service Access Line 0117 904 5151.

Cotham Park Rugby Club Founded in Cotham in 1901 and now playing in Beggar Bush Lane. We are recruiting both boys and girls for their Years 6 and 7 squads. Everyone gets a game in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere with the emphasis on enjoyment Register at

www.Cothampark.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

Looking for an exceptional local school? Look no further as we celebrate a significant rise in overall results from last year! Open Evening: Thursday 21st September, 6-9pm Open Mornings: Thursday 5th October, Friday 6th October, Tuesday 10th October and Wednesday 11th October, 9.15-10.30am

Beyond academic learning, the children at Fairfield learn and display wonderful social skills, tolerance, acceptance of diversity and camaraderie. They look out for one another. The school has a lovely energy - Parent www.fairfield.bristol.sch.uk

September, 2017

bishopstonvoice

Education Special

Another year of excellent A-level and BTEC results for North Bristol Post 16 Centre STUDENTS from the North Bristol Post 16 Centre celebrated a 99 per cent pass rate for their A-levels and BTEC exams. Staff at the sixth form, where pupils are taught at both Cotham and Redland Green learning communities, were delighted and offered “congratulations to all our students on another set of outstanding results.” Marian Curran, director of the North Bristol Post 16 Centre, commented: “Our students have achieved exceptionally well in a reformed A-level landscape. We have enjoyed scenes of elation and happiness as students received their results. We are very pleased to see the percentage of students achieving the highest grades has increased this year and is above the national average; we are especially pleased with our 99 per cent pass rate. “We are particularly proud of our students who have overcome personal adversity to achieve great success. Their hard work, commitment and determination has paid off and the vast majority of students have gained places at their first choice university. "I am proud and humbled

by our students’ achievements and also delighted for their parents who’ve supported them throughout their Post 16 journey and staff at the centre who have worked tirelessly to make these achievements a reality. I would like to thank all the students, parents and teachers at both learning communities for their hard work and dedication over the past two years. We support a very broad range of students, including those with modest starting points, making these outcomes all the more impressive.” In over 26 subjects there was a 100 per cent pass rate, with 42 students achieving A*-As in three or more of their A-levels. Five students will be taking up offers of places at Oxford and Cambridge and six students, some of whom are from partner schools, will begin courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. A large proportion of students have successfully secured Russell Group university places and the school has been particularly pleased this year with the number of students who have secured places on

competitive vocational degree courses such as midwifery, as well as higher-level apprenticeships. Students were also highly successful in their BTEC courses; over three quarters of grades equivalent to C or above at A-level.

Supported

Marian Curran added: “These results demonstrate that the centre is continuously providing high quality education, especially in a reformed A-level and BTEC landscape to all students in the wider Bristol area and more importantly that students feel challenged and supported to achieve their very best. We are particularly pleased that students from partner schools (Fairfield, Henbury, Orchard School and Oasis Brightstowe) have done so well this year.” In further maths, mathematics, chemistry, classic civilisation, ancient history, English Literature, English, fine art, French, German and Spanish results were outstanding with over 65 per cent of students gaining A*-B grades. Mathematics and science

represent half of all entries. The results in these subjects were a real strength of the centre, reflecting the specialisms of the two schools. Sarah Baker, headteacher of Redland Green School, said: “It is excellent to see how our students thrive in our Post 16 partnership. It clearly offers excellent teaching and provides a wider choice and greater flexibility of courses than would be possible if we delivered on our own.” Jo Butler, headteacher of Cotham School, said: “Working together means staff share resources and expertise. Every student can experience great teaching here. This is leading to consistently strong outcomes and constantly improving standards for the Centre's students. North Bristol Post 16 Centre will have over 850 students next year, at the comprehensive sixth form. Students attending Cotham, Fairfield, Henbury, Orchard School and Redland Green are guaranteed places however, applications from the wider Bristol area are welcome. For further information see the website www.nbp16c.org.uk

Achieve Senior School Open Morning – Saturday 23 September Junior School Visiting Morning – Tuesday 3 October

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0117 962 2641

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Open Days

Preparatory School (Nursery to Year 8) - Saturday 23rd September Upper School (Year 9 to Year 13) - Saturday 7th October Sixth Form Open Evening (Year 12 Entry) - Wednesday 11th October

0117 405 8417 | cliftoncollege.com

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n EDUCATION

A great day for Colston's Girls

COLSTON’S Girls’ School is celebrating a fantastic set of A level results with many exceptional individual performances. Three CGS students who all achieved perfect A/A* grades will be studying at Exeter University: Emma Hilton (A*A*A*A) will read Mathematics; Ellis Deeny (A*A*A and A in the Extended Project Qualification) will read Liberal Arts with study abroad; whilst Emily Craner (A*A*A) will read English. They praised the help they had been given at CGS. Ellis said: “CGS has always been a school that I have loved and the teachers will never be forgotten.” Emma added: “Having been here since Year 7 I have known some of my teachers for years and they have all been really supportive and have helped me to achieve my best.” Almost one quarter of all results were A/A*, 58% were A*B, 79% A*-C and 96% A*-D. Head of Sixth Form, Kerry McCullagh, said: “I am so delighted with this outstanding set of results. The hard work and talent of the students, with the support of our fantastic teachers, has led to wonderful

grades. Whilst I am so impressed by the exceptional individual achievements of those with perfect A/A*s, we are very proud of all our students and especially those who have made significant amounts of progress over the last two academic years. For example, Rahma Duale smashed her target grades, achieving A*BB.” Other achievements include Emilie Farrow (A*AB and B in the Extended Project Qualification), who will read Fine Art at De Montfort University; Mawadah Mohammed Odeh (A*AB), who will read Law at Bristol; Hanna Paul (A*AB) who will read Architecture at UWE; Monika Sandhu (AAA), who will read Forensic Computing and Security at UWE; Jodie Miller (AAB) will read Russian with Czech at the University of Sheffield. Jodie said: “Colston’s Girls’ has set me up for life. I’m going to miss everything about the school after seven years! The Languages Department is fantastic - Miss Phillips has inspired me and made me so excited and optimistic about the future.”

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER 2017 9.30AM-12.00PM Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport scholarship opportunities Bursaries available

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n EDUCATION

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

Senior School and Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday 21st September 2017 Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 14th October 2017

Citywide celebration of exam successes THOUSANDS of Bristol students collected their A-level results on August 17 after having studied for two years in preparation. This is the first year of results for the new A-level qualifications, which means that AS levels no longer count towards the final grade and assessment is mainly by exam. The content of the exams has also been refreshed, with greater input from universities. The grading standards and scale of A*- E remains the same. The provisional results show a strong performance from Bristol schools with 96 per cent of students achieving at least three A-levels at grade A*- E. Some key successes this year include St Bede’s Catholic College, which saw all its pupils achieve at least three A-level grades A*- E. St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School saw 32 per cent of students getting the very highest grades of A*- A, which is a rise of five percentage points on last year. Nine students from the school are heading to Oxford and Cambridge universities and 45 pupils achieved three A*- A grades or better. Bristol Cathedral Choir School is also celebrating as a third of all results were A* or A grades, 65 per centA*- B, 82 per cent A*- C and 100 per cent A*-E. At City of Bristol College 85

per cent achieved at least three A-levels grade A*- E. Lee Probert, Principal and Chief Executive said: "These results, combined with our recently improved Ofsted grade, reflect the general positive direction of travel for the college. Everyone at the college is very proud of this achievement. Each year we continue to equip students with the skills they need to successfully progress on to further study or to launch their intended career. "We are extremely proud of each of our students and I wish them every success for the future." St Brendan’s College saw 97 per cent of students pass. Mr Jaffrain said: “I am thrilled with how our teachers and students have handled the dramatic change to the more rigorous linear style.” Councillor Claire Hiscott, Bristol's Cabinet Member for Education, added: “Collecting your A-level results can be a nerve wracking time, and the first year of changes to exams is always challenging. It’s important to celebrate the success of students today, but to those who haven’t done as well as they’d hoped I would say that there is support available. It’s helpful to keep an open mind and talk to your teachers about the different options available.”

Setting young minds alight for 140 years 1877–2017 0117 933 9087 admissions@cliftonhigh.bristol.sch.uk The Diamond Edge Model

Realising Individual Brilliance

Cllr Hiscott with students and staff at City of Bristol College

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September, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION

Redmaids’ High sees Five go to Oxbridge! REDMAIDS’ High School is celebrating the success of its Year 13 students’ A Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results including a total of five girls who are heading off to Oxford or Cambridge. Lily Bickers who gained three A*s and an A, and Isla Waring who gained 43 points in the IB Diploma are off to Cambridge. Starting at Oxford are Romilly Leech, also an IB student with 38 points, and Georgia Watts and Tilly Guthrie who gained three A*s, and an A*AA respectively at A Level. Tilly, who will be reading history at Oxford, says she owes her place to her teachers: “The support I’ve received couldn’t have been any better. I don’t think I would have made it without their belief in me.” Aisha Adelopo, who earned an A*and two As, securing her place at the University of Liverpool to study Medicine echoed Tilly’s sentiments. “The teachers give you some

serious tough love! When I felt like giving up or didn’t think I could do it, they never stopped telling me that I could. Their encouragement and support goes above and beyond.” As well as these successes, Redmaids’ High is celebrating students going off to study a diverse range of subjects at top UK and overseas universities,

starting the next exciting chapter in their lives. Christie-Carol Beauchamp, A*AAB is going to LSE to study economics Georgia Scott who got straight A*s is going to Manchester to study philosophy and criminology Lily Huang who got A*BB is starting a film practice

course at the University of Arts LondonRosanna Boxall, ABB, is heading to Birmingham to study biological sciences Isabella Harrison-Wan got A*AA to secure her place at the University of Bath studying psychology Eleni Psarros is reading geography at Edinburgh after gaining 37 points in the IB The school is also delighted for Ellie Wallace, who achieved A*AA. She continues her higher education at the University of San Francisco where she has been awarded a full Athletics Scholarship, and has plans to study Marketing. Headmistress, Isabel Tobias said: “I am delighted for our girls who have done tremendously well today. It is testament to their individual hard work and the wonderful, supportive relationships with their teachers, who have been equally excited to see them opening their envelopes this morning.”

WHO

LE S

OPECHOOL MOR N NI SAT 7 OC NG 10 T o 12

What are you doing today?

OBE

noo

08.17.108

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For more information or to arrange a visit, call 0117 930 3068 or visit www.qehbristol.co.uk To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n EDUCATION

A school that really Double delight with knows its children Daisychain nurseries

WE pride ourselves here at Torwood House School in knowing every child personally therefore no child is ever unnoticed or invisible. Every child’s aspirations are wholeheartedly supported, whatever direction they wish to take. Our Independent School’s Association (ISA) Junior and Prep School Award for Excellence and Innovation clearly demonstrates our passion for our children’s learning and our commitment to providing a cutting edge curriculum. Our award winning education coupled with a nurturing environment means each child receives a tailored teaching style to suit them, allowing them to truly flourish. Our pupils learn a modern foreign language, which gives pupils a wider world view and an appreciation of cultures other than English at an earlier age than

many. Other provision includes, unlike many other schools, weekly swimming lessons and Forest School for Reception children, which sees them exploring the natural world in nearby woodland. Clearly, our children are at the heart of everything we do! Why not come and meet our children, our greatest ambassadors! Open Morning Event is being held on Friday October 6 from 9.30 am until noon. We offer primary education for boys and girls between the ages of 4 -11 years and are based in Redland.

DAISYCHAIN nurseries are proud to have two vibrant, safe and happy environments to offer in Westbury Park and Clifton Village. We are fortunate to be based in beautiful settings close to the Downs. Both of our nurseries have newly renovated play areas which allows babies, toddlers and children’s imaginations to run wild! We pride ourselves on being able to offer age appropriate activities and our children are actively encouraged to express themselves. Self-initiated play, messy play, forest school and trips ensure that your child will experience a varied and fun-filled day. We offer wrap-around care from 7.30 am until 5.50 pm every day, a balanced diet as well as a stimulating day for your little ones! We offer childcare for babies, toddlers and children aged between 0 – 5 years.

As you well know it is important to choose the right nursery for your child, if you would like to find out more about our nurseries please do call or email us to arrange a visit or further information. We can be reached on 0117 970 6808 / admin@daisychainnursery.co.uk

Open Morning Event at Torwood House School, Redland. Where no child is invisible.

TORWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL

With class sizes of 8-12 pupils, every child gets the attention they deserve. Friday 6th October, 9:30am – 12noon Register by calling 0117 9736620 or email hello@torwoodhouseschool.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

September, 2017

n EDUCATION

Impressive performances from BGS students STUDENTS at Bristol Grammar School are celebrating another impressive set of A-level results across the board. Sixty per cent of all grades were awarded A*–As, including those achieving distinctions in their Pre-U English Literature, with 26 per cent of these grades being A*s. Fifty six students – the same number as last year – achieved three or more A*/A grades. Sixty six students achieved at least one A* grade, with 17 of them gaining three or more A*s. Eighty three per cent of all grades were A*–B, with a 100 per cent success rate of A*–B in ten courses: creative writing, design & technology: systems & control, drama & theatre studies, French, German, Greek, Latin, music, philosophy, and Russian. Other highlights include 67 per cent of all mathematics grades at A/A* while English Literature students excelled at

the demanding Pre-U course, with 77% achieving the top Distinction grades, D1 to D3, equivalent to A* and A grades. Seventy five per cent of all Science grades were A*/As. BGS headmaster Roderick MacKinnon said: “These results are a tremendous credit to the hard work of our students and staff. Our Upper Sixth have dealt with the rigorous new linear curriculum very well, while taking advantage of the full breadth of subjects and activities offered at BGS, including our A- level and Pre-U courses, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Extended Project Qualification.” EPQ results were also extremely strong with 100 per cent being awarded A*–B grades, and 77 per cent of these being A*–A. Director of Sixth Form Justin Harford said: “I am delighted with this fantastic set of results. Our students are moving on

National top ten of non-selective state schools for proportion of students taking up places at Oxford and Cambridge (Sutton Trust’s Degrees of Success Report)

to study an exciting range of courses at universities across the UK and beyond. It comes down to the students making the right choices for their futures, coupled with the support of our careers department, tutors and dedicated teaching staff, who have inspired them into choosing the right subjects.” Alex Conway joined BGS Sixth Form in 2015 from St Bede’s Catholic College on a scholarship and was delighted to achieve maths A, chemistry A*, physics A*, biology A*. “I am really pleased with my results, and am now heading to Imperial College London to study medicine, which I am looking forward to. I am not sure what I want to specialise in yet, but will see what happens,” he said. Talented mathematician, Elise Evans is going to study physics at Exeter University after achieving A*s in maths, further maths and physics, and an A in

chemistry. Elise said: “My plan afterwards is to research into astrophysics. I have really enjoyed the environment at BGS: it is such a lovely place and everyone is supportive.”

Results day: student Alex Conway

Open Evenings Thursday 19th October 6.00pm - 8.00pm

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n EDUCATION

Colston’s School 'Richly talented' BTE Academy students hits high spots achieve strong results

COLSTON’S students have again done very well in their Sixth Form studies and have secured impressive A-level and BTEC results. Thirty eight per cent of grades were A*/A and 71 per cent A*/B. Twenty two per cent of students achieved AAA or better and 42 per cent ABB or better. The majority of Colston’s students have secured places on their first or second choice university courses . The school says that, importantly, through the innovative Future Leaders employability programme and via their study for Extended Project Qualifications, the young people will be in strong positions to make the most of their next steps.

A number of highperforming students have decided to follow higher level apprenticeships and the school is delighted that Colstonians will be joining Rolls-Royce, Dyson and Grant Thornton. Jeremy McCullough, headmaster, said: “While it is inevitable that some of the headlines will be grabbed by the very high scoring candidates, we take great pleasure in each student’s grades being the best that they can be for that individual. It is also very important to us that these young people will have learned so much more at school than how to pass exams. We wish them all the very best for the future.”

WHY

ALMOST two-thirds of this year’s A-level students at Bristol Technology and Engineering Academy achieved passes of A*-C with 30 per cent at A* or A. Based in Stoke Gifford, BTE Academy is one of the UK’s University Technical Colleges (UTCs), which focus on the socalled STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Over half of all A-level grades at BTE Academy in maths/ further maths were at A* or A while 76 per cent of grades in maths and science were A*-C, with a 100 per cent pass rate. Engineering grades were excellent too with 76% at Distinction* or Distinction, with 14 students achieving maximum marks across all units.

Rhian Priest, Principal at BTE Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of our Year 13 students, many of whom are among our first four-year cohort. There are some wonderful individual successes which are richly deserved. “Every single university applicant has gained their first choice place, with a significant number taking up their first choice apprenticeship. This group of young people and their teachers are the most conscientious and talented I have ever had the privilege to work with.” Meanwhile many of BTE Academy’s Year 13 cohort are taking the apprenticeship route, training at Renishaw and Universal Balancing.

PLUS: Open mornings on Sep 28th, Oct 3rd, 10th and 12th ... and by appointment

Orchard School?

... find out on

October 5th

Open evening Make a date in your diary Inspire today... empower for life

Filton Road, Horfield BS7 0XZ Web: www.osb.school Email: info@osb.school Phone: 0117 377 2000 Facebook: orchschoolbristol Twitter: @OrchardSB

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n EDUCATION PUPILS at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (QEH) are celebrating another set of outstanding A-level results. In a year which has seen national grades in the new linear A-levels fall, QEH students have bucked the trend by continuing to achieve the top grades. One third of students achieved straight A*/A grades, with the top grades making up over half of all results awarded. For the 12th year running the pass rate at the school is 100 per cent. This success has extended right across the curriculum. The mathematics department has much to celebrate – nearly threequarters of all grades awarded were A*/A grades – while 100 per cent of students studying art and music achieved the very top grade of A*. Stephen Holliday, headmaster at QEH, says: “I am delighted to see our students celebrating. These superb results highlight the quality of education provided at QEH, putting students on a sound footing for higher education and successful future careers.

Outstanding! Lads at QEH notch up some top grades “In September we look forward to opening the doors of our Sixth Form to girls for the first time and allowing girls to also benefit from a first class QEH education.” All Oxbridge students successfully achieved the required grades to take up their places in September. Lukha Aggarwal, who is celebrating straight A* grades in maths, economics and geography, will take up his place studying economics at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge University. Andreas Richardson will be beginning his degree course in chemical engineering at Imperial College London next term, having achieved straight 4 A*s in chemistry, maths, further maths and advanced physics (engineering). Joe White is also celebrating straight A* grades. Joe, who

joined the school in Year 12, was awarded an Ogden Scholarship and was supported through the

Sixth Form by the Ogden Trust and the generous support of former pupils of the school.

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n EDUCATION BRISTOL Steiner School is opening its doors in September 2017 as a newly rejuvenated Kindergarten and Primary School. School trustee Daniel Black said: “We are focusing on the school’s exceptional strengths in nurturing children from three to 11 years old. We feel that the wonderful education and environment that this school offers is unique in Bristol and highly desirable.

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

Take a look at Steiner School “The school already has a fantastic reputation as a highly supportive community with an ability to inspire creative thought and a love of learning. Alongside this, the school is committed to enabling children to work closely with the natural world and an informed and balanced application of technology.” An Open Evening is being held on September 20 at the school’s site on Redland Hill, and will be an opportunity to meet interim headteacher, James Wetz. James was head of Cotham School, the first director of Human Scale Education, and is a passionate advocate for the small schools movement, an adviser to Government, a visiting researcher at University of Bristol as well as a trustee of Colston Hall. Keen to demystify Steiner education, at a meeting in June James described the benefits of this system: “For mainstream schools it’s about hitting targets,

getting from A to B. But what about personal development and personal care of the child? Steiner brings a sense of community to children where children can be known, and well known.” Alongside a comprehensive review of the school’s governance, led by Mr Wetz, the school are refurbishing and upgrading of the Grade II Listed manor house with its spectacular and inspiring garden and

views over the city at the top of Whiteladies Road on the Downs. Daniel Black added: “We very much look forward to seeing prospective parents and interested others at our open evening or hearing from them. “If any parents are interested, please get in touch with James directly at: jameswetz3@gmail. com. We look forward to seeing you there or hearing from you soon so we can share our exciting plans for the future.”

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n EDUCATION

Clifton College students 'prepare for next chapter' CLIFTON College celebrated its A Level results with 31 students scoring only A* and A grades. In total, 76 per cent of grades were A* to B and 48 per cent were A* to A with subjects like economics, languages and mathematics seeing some of the highest grades. In languages and classics 95 per cent of grades were A* to B while in both economics and history 88 per cent of grades were A* to B. Half of students studying mathematics and further mathematics were awarded double A* while over a quarter of all psychology students also received A*s. Eighty five per cent of students have won a place at their chosen university, including places at two American universities (Duke and Boston), Oxford, Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Music. Head of College Dr Tim Greene said: “We are really proud of our students, and what they have achieved, across all areas of college life, through their hard work and commitment over the past few years. They have become exceptional young adults. “It is fantastic to see our students prepare for the next chapter after their time with us, some of whom started at Clifton College in the PrePrep or Preparatory School. “We wish them all the very best for the future and hope we will be hearing lots more about their further successes in years to come.”

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bishopstonvoice

n EDUCATION STAFF and pupils at The Dolphin School in Montpelier are looking forward to pioneering a Bristol-based curriculum in the new academic year. The school has chosen to follow Curious-city, which actively links learning to the rich heritage and cultural opportunities available in the city and is designed to encourage curiosity and creativity in primary school children. Head teacher Shelley Dixon said: “Our new school building has provided us with a launchpad for our exciting new curriculum Curious-city which fits perfectly with the ethos and values of our school.” The curriculum is enquiryled and children are encouraged to interact with the local community and with visitors, such as Michael Goreley from Historic England, who took the children on a walk to find out about the rich history in the area around the school. Baraawi Marsal in Year 4 said: “From the roof garden we can see so much of Bristol, and then we head out with our

Bristol inspires curriculum for children at The Dolphin School

The roof garden at The Dolphin School is a great setting for enquiry-based learning teacher to explore for ourselves.” The Dolphin School moved into its new school building on Bath Buildings road, in May.

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS

Golden Hill Garden's all set for harvest AUTUMN seems to have come early this year and although it brought with it the rain, it also brought an early harvest of delicious fruit and vegetables grown by the volunteers at Golden Hill Community Garden. To celebrate the coming of autumn the garden will host its annual Harvest Fair Saturday September 9 from 1-4pm. This is a fabulous local community event with traditional fair games, free family activities, treasure hunts, pond dipping, music and pizza from a frog clay oven! This year, with the support of Barcan+Kirby, organisers aim to make the event as accessible as possible to people and families with disabilities or special educational needs; this will include a sensory trail and play area for children. Another exciting development in the garden this month is that it intends to open to the public on Sundays, from September 10, and then fortnightly. Sessions will run from 10am until noon.

Pete Clee, from the garden, said: "We are hoping that this will encourage volunteers who are unable to come to our Wednesday sessions because of

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work. They will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to have fun in the sun, which always shines on us! “Come and enjoy our award winning garden, and see how we have developed over six years of growing success. We welcome everybody, however able, and are specially proud of our wheelchair accessibility." The garden can be found in Bishopston, just through the gates at the end of Monk Rd, behind Bishop Road School and Horfield Prison. Further information can be found on the website thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com

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September, 2017

n NEWS In Bishopston this month... Clean Air Zone Plans A preliminary report has been released on the feasibility study into a Clean Air Zone for Bristol. Two of the four possibilities being taken forward could have the Zone include parts of Bishopston & Ashley Down. Both of us have campaigned on the issue of air quality and we are very excited to see the progress made so far. On a related note, the city’s first double decker Biogas Bus was launched in August – hopefully the first of many! Community Partnership The new Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Community Partnership is looking for volunteers. Do you have experience of community engagement? Are you skilled at graphic design and website building? Or maybe you just have some time you want to spend helping the local area. Whatever you can offer, we would be happy to have you involved – you can

either get in touch with one of us or find out more on the website: http://www.bcrnp.org.uk/ Community SpeedWatch Is speeding traffic making your street a dangerous and unpleasant place? Community SpeedWatch could be a solution to tackle this. Using volunteers to monitor speeds and report them to the Police gives your local Police the evidence they need to allocate their resources to address this anti-social behaviour. Volunteers are needed for new Community SpeedWatch in our area. If you are interested in helping out please get in touch with us. Here’s the link to further information about the scheme: www.avonandsomerset.police. uk/csw Council Tax Reduction Consultation The council is consulting on its Council Tax Reduction scheme.

This is a discount provided to support low income households with the cost of their council tax. The consultation proposes changes to this and offers some options. You can find out more and take part here: www.bristol. gov.uk/counciltaxreduction Muller Road Recreation Ground Just outside our ward, there is work on Muller Road Rec to improve the changing facilities and the top field playing surface so that pupils at Fairfield High School can use the field for sport. This will hopefully result in a better facility for all users, and the school assure us they plan to protect community access to the fields; however while the works are ongoing the Muller Road gate will be closed and the upper field fenced off. There is still access via Downend Park or Dovercourt Road to the lower field, which is unaffected. More details of the

works programme are available on the school’s website: https:// tinyurl.com/MullerRdRec Memorial Stadium As you may have seen in the news, the deal between Bristol Rovers and UWE to build a new stadium at the latter’s Frenchay Campus has fallen through. Rovers have now said that they will be seeking to regenerate the Memorial Stadium. What this means for local residents, businesses and fans is not yet known. We will be sure to keep you informed in this column of any developments.

Please do get in touch! Cllr Tom Brook cllr.tom.brook@bristol.gov.uk 07584370425 Cllr Eleanor Combley cllr.eleanor.combley@bristol. gov.uk 07584370427

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bishopstonvoice

n NEWS In Cotham this month... Summer thoughts... It’s been council business as usual over the summer to catch up many weeks lost during the recent elections – but there is little good news apart from a few snippets, e.g. we have forced some realism over maintaining our street trees and tackling Bristol’s air quality. Long overdue minor variations to CN RPZ are finishing and I have completed my sixth meeting on more serious changes to KN and CM where I have won the battle for proper consultation. The BigGive, student moving-out waste collection produced 101 tonnes, saving landfill and raising up to £177,100 for charity, up from last year. The Harbour festival and Balloon fiesta were great – but are up against raised charges from BCC. But, politics is driving the proposed closure of more libraries than needed and crushing the Neighbourhood Partnerships that have been such a locally-run force for good, particularly for our area. This is going to be a period, short I hope, when our lives are going to

be run from the centre just when organised local groups might have been more able or willing to raise funds for communities. We will have fewer public buildings and little venue-hiring allowance for local forums. I have been developing some Cotham-trialled initiatives such as a contact service between supermarkets and collectors of leftover food and a community improvement project (more later) to bind together agencies and all residents. Also, I would love to hear from anyone in this area who is willing to, or already helping with supporting people of all ages who feel isolated. Please don’t forget to respond before 5th September to the consultation on cuts to libraries, neighbourhood partnerships, school crossings and public conveniences at: www.bristol.gov.uk/councilspending-performance/ your-neighbourhoodconsultation-2017 (paper copies available at libraries). Cllr. Anthony Negus cllr.anthony.negus@bristol. gov.uk /07833 484344

Congratulations to the community weeding folks Deemed as probably causing cancer by the World Health Organisation and thus banned in many countries, the non use of glyphosate trial continues in Cotham and as a result there has been a noticeable increase in weed growth on the highways. Although the trial commenced before Bristol Waste were contracted, weed management is their responsibility. Bristol Waste intends to use Pelargonic Acid but have yet to be granted the licence so in the meantime they are digging out weeds by hand, which is far more time consuming - so please bear with them as they make their way around the ward. Many community teams and individuals have organised action days to take the weeds into their own hands and clear overgrown areas. Whilst I understand that this won't be possible for many people and that we would normally expect this service to be

September, 2017

delivered under our council tax payments, I think this proactive and self determined citizens approach is to be applauded. There is also an increase in epicormic growth which is where tree foliage grows out towards the base of the tree particularly from trees that have been copped. Such trees may be blocking pavements. BCC will come and cut these back if there is a health and safety risk. Please report this via 'fix my street' on the BCC website which is a good way of adding pictures which helps getthings done. https://www.fixmystreet.com/ reports/Bristol.

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

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS In Redland this month... Current consultations Several important consultations are currently under way so please do take part if you can. The Council is asking for input into its reviews of services in your neighbourhoods (eg libraries) with a deadline of September 5th. We're encouraging everyone to respond as soon as possible to a set of up to five consultations covering cuts and changes to vital local services. Please read and respond to any or all of the documents, either on paper or on line. Remember that there’s no need to make a choice of the ‘options’ that are presented – any tick for one of these will be taken as support, whereas putting your own written comments in the text boxes available allow you to say ‘none of the above’ or that you’d rather see things done differently. On paper the boxes are small, but online you can add as much as you want, making alternative proposals. The council is open to suggestions for rethinking

services despite only offering a few specific choices, for fewer libraries or fewer school crossing patrols. We’d rather the options do not encourage areas to be played off against each other to save their local facilities. There is also a review into Council tax benefit taking place which would see a reduction in the benefit available to some residents. The deadline for this is September 26th and details are here: https://bristol.citizenspace. com/neighbourhoods/ council-tax-reduction-schemefor-2018-19/ Public toilets We are disappointed to see that the council decided to pull the plug on completing our new local toilet facilities in the Baths complex on Gloucester Rd. A consultation is under way right now about the future of all council run toilets that front on to streets (not ones within parks for now). If you have views on this make sure you read and respond to the consultation that

covers this (see above). There are however toilets available inside the library, although obviously only during opening hours. Students, fly-tipping, and waste The end of term was, as usual, marked with a surge of flytipping around the city where students vacated their houses. We’re probably all familiar with the heaps of rubbish left behind in gardens and streets. While this may be from students themselves some is undoubtedly deposited by landlords or agents – who may have kept the forfeited deposits for non cleaning of the house but then failed to make legal arrangements to remove the waste. Other waste is from refurbishment which they then undertake. Fi is asking officers to look into how we can try to learn from the practice of some other councils in increasing enforcement on rogue landlords. Ready for the new term the BCR community partnership

have guidance for student houses to make sure they know about the days and ways recycling and waste are dealt with here. Contact info@bcrnp.org.uk asking for student house waste leaflets if you can deliver helpful information to students moving in near you. New community partnership and Library – get involved Please get in touch with our temporary steering group to offer help the new Community Partnership get going. There are lots of ways to help with practical arrangements, projects and publicity. Please contact info@ bcrnp.org.uk Don’t forget to get involved in the new Friends of Bishopston Library as well! Martin Fodor cllrmartin.fodor@bristol. gov.uk 07884736101 Fi Hance cllr.fi.hance@bristol.gov.uk 0117 3534720

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

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September, 2017

n NEWS In St Andrews this month... WE hope you’ve been able to have a relaxing and enjoyable summer, despite the unpredictable weather. Recently councillors were briefed on the Council’s ‘Medium-Term Financial Plan’, and it demonstrated the continuing challenges the authority is facing in delivering services and balancing its budget within a shrinking financial envelope. The council is having to look at a wide range of options to reduce expenditure, and one area it is currently consulting on concerns the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. This is a discount scheme that supports low income households with the cost of their council tax. Bristol is one of a very small number of local authorities that have continued to offer a full discount to some households. The consultation presents options for introducing a ‘minimum payment’, which would mean that all working-age households would have to make a contribution (for example

of 25%) toward their council tax liability. The consultation closes on 24 September and you can share your views by visiting www.bristol.gov.uk/ counciltaxreduction However, even with all the savings proposals and incomegeneration measures that have been announced and are planned, Bristol may still be on course for a financial deficit. The government needs to understand that not only has it placed councils in extremely difficult positions, having to make cuts that cause hardship for many people, but that these cuts are damaging the country’s economy more widely. Bristol has teamed up with the other Core Cities (Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield) to deliver a ‘Green Paper’ to the government this month arguing that our major cities – which account for 26.5% of the UK economy – need investment not cuts, and greater autonomy over their affairs.

This will help to stimulate growth that will benefit the whole UK economy. We hope the government will listen and be responsive to these concerns, particularly as we move into a period of economic uncertainty brought about by Brexit. The application for a student accommodation development at 147-149 Gloucester Road (above and behind the Peacocks store) has now been submitted, and you can look at the plans by searching for application reference 17/03949/F. The proposal involves 58 bedrooms, and Cllr Davies will be meeting with the planning officer assigned to this case to discuss objections raised by local residents. More widely, applications like this will become more commonplace in Bristol as the two universities engage in a significant expansion in student numbers. This is causing concern in terms of the effect this stands to have on the character and amenity of neighbourhoods, demand for housing in the city,

and the provision of council services (since students are exempt from paying council tax). At the last Full Council meeting there was cross-party support for investigating approaches to addressing these impacts, engaging with central government and working with the two universities. We are now into the busy autumn period but we are still always available to deal with any issues you would like to raise. If you’d like to speak to us in person we are continuing to run our surgeries on the first Friday of the month, 1-2pm, in the library at St Paul's Learning Centre (94 Grosvenor Rd, BS2 8XJ). 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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September, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Community Partnership seeks help COULD you spare a few hours once a month to help run a local community partnership? The newly formed Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Community Partnership (BCRCP) is seeking a volunteer treasurer who will help manage the community led partnership which has funds of less than £7,000. Alison Bromilow, from BCRNP, said: “We rely on volunteers who are passionate about making our area an even better place to live and this role will offer you the opportunity to meet those people, and new ones, share a common purpose and make a difference. “With such a limited amount of money, we don’t envisage this role being too onerous but the person will be responsible for the normal treasury type activities of managing the partnership’s money and keeping accounts of expenditure and income. As well as contributing to discussions and reporting to the Committee to help us make informed decisions about our financial situation.” If you think you can support BCRNP in anyway then they would love to hear from you at info@bcrnp.org.uk See our website here www.bcrcp.org.uk

May Fair Makers THE organisers of the Redland May Fair are looking for people to join their pool of volunteers and be part of making this fun-filled, family event happen. Would you enjoy helping to organise the stalls? Are you a foodie with or without catering experience? Are you good with spreadsheets and admin? Are you practical and good at thinking on your feet? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” then email mayfairinfo@rcas.org.uk to say hello and find out more. The May Fair is a free, not-for-profit community event run by volunteers on behalf of the Redland & Cotham Amenities Society. Getting involved is a great way to build on strengths, learn new skills and be part of making the May Fair happen. Abigail Shepherd, one of the organisers, said: "You get involved with planning the May Fair and pulling it all together then on the day it takes on a life of its own! “There's only a small group of organisers but it means you learn about running an event from every angle - all you need is to love the May Fair, get hands-on and help out."

Last few days to have your say TO take part in the Your Neighbourhood and Supporting People consultations you can do so online at www.bristol.gov.uk/ YourNeighbourhood or paper copies are available at your local library. Your views are sought on future funding for libraries, public toilets, school crossing patrols, Community links and Adult Day centres. The survey remains open until Tuesday September 5

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

September, 2017

n PRIMAL POSTURE with

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Bikes ‘n’ Backs HOW can you ensure that cycling is not only healthy for your back, but will also train your core and torso muscles to engage better, retain length in your hamstrings, and lighten pressure on your hands, neck and shoulders? The racing cyclist below is an example of compromising healthy posture for performance gain. His tail is tucked under, placing the spine in a flexed position, over-stretching his back muscles and ligaments and compressing the front of the discs. At the neck the effect is reversed, compressing the back of the cervical spine. Though he is crouched like this for aerodynamic advantage, even recreational and commuter cyclists often round their backs simply because they are used to sitting in a slumped, curved position.

This cyclist takes stress off her spine and maintains an open front-of-body by sitting more forward on her sitting bones. Tilting the saddle down a little can help keep the pelvis well positioned and the behind behind. Unlike rounding over, it invites the long back muscles to work in harmony with the core muscles to maintain the length and strength of the whole torso. Pressure on the shoulders, neck, arms and hands is also reduced as she no longer rests as much weight on the handlebars. Engaging the torso muscles means no twisting shoulder girdle or pelvic movement dissipating energy that needs to go down to the pedals - far more efficient. This is extra effort at first if you are not used to hip-hinging in this way, but it is the same muscle recruitment you want to use when bending over for daily tasks such as making a bed, washing at the sink, or picking something up. Good posture trains you for life, including cycling! To find out more about how posture can support your activities and leave back pain behind, come to a free workshop: Sunday 10th September, 3pm, Spicer+Cole, Gloucester Rd Sunday 15th October, 3pm, Bakesmiths, Whiteladies Rd Please book at: www.gokhalemethod.com Further information: 07982 231317

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Book your appointment today Vets4Pets Bishopston, 275-277 Gloucester Road, Bishopston Bristol, BS7 8NY Call: 0117 942 42 43 worming flea treatments Visit: www.vets4pets.com/bishopston *Terms & conditions apply. Initial vaccination course is payable separately. Please ask in practice for the full range of vaccinations included and for more details.

CALL JOE FOR A FREE QUOTE

Tel: 0117 959 2143 Mob: 07891 253 122

From £6 www.alpine-landscaping.co.uk 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 everything your pet needs 4 continued

September, 2017

n NEWS

ONE of the highlights of vet Nicky Bromhall’s summer was completing the Bristol to Bordeaux bike ride. Nicky took leave from her role as veterinary surgeon at Animal Health Centre on Gloucester Road and joined a team of 68 riders on July 5 that set off from Temple Quay to cycle to Bordeaux. This was the ninth annual Bristol to Bordeaux ride organised by PROPS (Providing Opportunities and Support for those with Special needs), a Bristol-based charity raising money to support learning disabled adults in Bristol based at the Vassall Centre in Fishponds. There were two ride options, the ‘Classic' 300-mile route and the ‘Epic’ 500-mile route. All set out to cover the distance in four days: that’s 125 miles a day for the epic riders. Four students from The Vassall Centre rode with the team, together with a huge entourage of volunteer support crew and vehicles. Nicky’s ride flew by as she explained: “Fabulous company,

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Bristol to Bordeaux à vélo

stunning scenery, glorious weather (except for day three when we got absolutely soaked for the first 50 miles!) and an amazing experience. “The miles whizzed by and we were in Bordeaux before we knew it! “I rode the ‘Epic’ 500 mile route on my Trek Madone, Marvin, and loved every minute;

it was a treat to have nothing else to worry about other than pedalling as our every need was catered for by the support crew, even down to the post-ride massages!” All those taking part on the ride paid their own expenses so every penny raised in sponsorship went directly to the charity. In all, over £80,000 was

raised for PROPS. For those of you tempted to join in next year sadly, you will have to wait until 2019 as the tenth annual B2B in 2018 is already full. More information is available on the website and donations are still being accepted. Nicky’s link is mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ nickybromhall1

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

n NEWS Yoga for Health by Diana Penny

of Yogawest (www.yogawest.co.uk)

Yoga Pose of the Month: Adho

Mukha Virasana (downward facing hero pose) Practice time: 1 – 3 minutes. Benefits: Prepares you for practice. Stretches out the shoulder joints and relieves back pain. Breathe consciously throughout this pose. Continually bringing your awareness back to your breath will help relax your mind and body even further, preparing your body for a deep, renewed state of health and wellbeing. Here begins a new academic year of yoga asanas (poses) drawn and described by the wonderful Bobby

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

Clennell. These can be practiced separately (you may need to warm up) or as a sequence. Watch out for a new asana every month to help you practise yoga at home. You may need to improvise with the equipment for some poses, but as yoga props are based on household items, be inventive and inspiration will come! If you have any questions, pop into Yogawest with this page and ask a teacher for some help.

the floor in front of you. Allow your sit bones to nestle down onto your heels.

1. Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels. Separate your knees to the width your hips. If you are stiff, widen your knees a little more. Hook your thumbs into the place where the top of your thighs meet the front of the hips. Pull back through your thumbs and fold your torso forward over your thighs.

4. To come up, slide your hands back toward you and pressing them into the floor, inhale, and then swing your torso back up to a sitting position. Pivot your legs out to the sides and then extend them out in front of you.

2. Release your thumbs and stretching your arms forward oneby-one, extend your torso further forward and down between your thighs, the left side of the torso resting along the inner left thigh and the right side along the right inner thigh. Place your hands on

3. Rest your forehead on the floor. Without lifting your hips, walk your arms even further out in front of you. Press the index finger and base of the thumb down. Lengthen through the fingers. Draw the upper arm muscles back back onto your shoulder-blades.

Drawings and posture text reproduced by kind permission of Bobby Clennell, a senior Iyengar teacher in New York who teaches biennial workshops at Yogawest. Several of this year's offerings are taken from two chapters Bobby wrote for a new book by Frank Lipman MD: 10 Reasons You Feel Old and Get Fat...And How You Can Stay Young, Slim, and Happy!

www.halgroup.co.uk

0117 2 591 591 Formerly

YOUR LOCAL BUILDER

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER

0117 2 591 591 REDLAND OFFICE

23 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PG www.halgroup.co.uk info@halgroup.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

September, 2017

n NEWS

bishopstonvoice

Telebuddies: what happened next ... IT’S a minor brush with fame, but taking part in Channel 4’s Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds - broadcast at the start of August - has led to some of the elderly participants who captured the hearts of the nation being greeted warmly by strangers and staff in Waitrose. More than 2.2 million viewers tuned in to watch eleven St Monica Trust residents and ten children from Bristol preschools share daily activities designed by three experts – a gerontologist, a geriatrician and a physiotherapist. Filming took place over six weeks at the Trust’s Cote Lane retirement community on Durdham Downs when the older group's physical and mental progress was measured and analysed throughout to see whether bringing the two groups together would transform the lives of the older volunteers for the better. Mary Evans, aged 86, who spent many years working with children who were unable to hear or speak, said: “I went shopping in Waitrose and was greeted with ‘Hello Mary’ by the staff. It was a bit embarrassing but also heartening. “We became very fond of the children. They arrived hand-inhand, singing and would all jump in and climb all over us. They were dear little children and were ever so excited. “I could cope with them because of my teaching experience plus I’m a great aunt

with a lot of nieces and nephews. “As an experiment we sat round on a ring of children’s balloons. I enjoyed that a lot. Some of them would find a book and ask me to read it to them. “Nelson was very lively and bright. He organised the other boys and built a really good garage out of Lego.” Retired professor of geology at Bristol University, David Dineley, worked all over the world, including the Arctic, before moving to St Monica’s when his wife was in the final stages of Parkinson’s disease, five years ago. David said: “The whole thing was unexpectedly pleasant. I got to know Hamish and Michael well and became

good friends with little Eva, who came to visit yesterday with her grandma. “We all found the children were keen to talk to us. The TV team were understanding and sympathetic to our needs and I was impressed with the treatment that we received. “They tended to think that older people would be depressed and some were slow to respond at the beginning.” The programme saw a number of improvements in the residents’ mental and physical health, including 80-year-old, Linda whose mobility is affected by osteoporosis. Described as “very down” when she first joined the experiment, Linda’s friendship with four-year-old Amiya saw the two of them running across the croquet lawn hand-in-hand during a sports day. Meanwhile, viewers saw 77-year Zina, whose tests revealed a high depression score, laughing with delight as she hit a Pinata and the children swooped to collect the sweets that fall out of the papier-mache donkey. David added: “The experiment was conducted well and I think if we did this once a year it would be grand. “I think something has been reawakened in us. The young folks have so much to learn and explore and it’s great to see the mystery through their eyes. I’d like to think that the kids got as much out of it as we did.”

Lively 88-year-old Hamish Hall, who lost a leg when he was aged 14, was doubtful about the benefits of appearing in the show, but by the end of the first episode he was seen lying on the floor playing dead lions with the children – much to their delight! Hamish said: “They all regarded my artificial leg as part of me – just Hamish. There he is – poor old chap who walks with a stick, doesn’t walk very fast and hobbles about. However, one is thankful that one is still healthy and at all ages one should be thankful for one’s health.” Chief executive of the St Monica Trust, David Williams, confirmed that they will continue to nurture the wonderful relationships established between residents and the children of the preschools. He said: “The St Monica Trust will create a lasting legacy to the ground-breaking social experiment by establishing a nursery at one of its sites. “We will also be installing children’s playgrounds at all of our sites, including an indoor play area at our newest development in Keynsham, the Chocolate Quarter. “Seeing the benefits of this ground breaking project has only strengthened the Trust’s desire to create open communities that actively encourage contact across different generations.” Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds can still seen on catch up TV, All 4.

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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September, 2017

nPHARMACY

Making a healthy school term start for all IT’S that time of the year again! After weeks of summer fun, it’s time to go back to school - and your local pharmacy is at hand to help make a healthy start and also deal with any health questions and worries.

0117 9246579 18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7XR www.kellawaypharmacy. co.uk

What help is available? Healthy eating; There are lots of messages around promoting healthy eating but some can be confusing. Why not come into the pharmacy to pick up some clear information or talk to one of our friendly health advisers? Remember a healthy diet, helps growth and development, reduces sick days off school but also improves academic results! If your child is a picky eater, we can discuss options to support them with multivitamins. Kellaway Pharmacy is proud to support the Sugar Smart initiative, encouraging children to swap sugary drinks and snacks for fruits and yogurts.

Head lice or nits affect one in three school children and their families. Nits can survive in long hair for a long time if untreated. Performing a head check weekly especially for young children is a good idea. Not sure what to look for? The pharmacy team is able to advise on the correct comb detection method. Threadworms are tiny worms that you may notice around your child's bottom or in their poo, particularly in children under 10. They don't always cause symptoms although itchiness around the bottom or vagina is common.This can be worse at night and disturb sleep. Don't panic if you come across them, we can help! Small lumps appearing on the skin of hands or feet could be warts or verrucas. They tend to affect children more than adults. They

are caught by close skin-to-skin contact e.g sharing shoes, socks and towels. The infection can also be caught from contaminated objects or surfaces, such as the area surrounding a swimming pool. Kellaway Pharmacy offers help diagnosing all of these conditions correctly, alongside providing scientifically proven cost effective treatment options suitable for the whole family. Don't forget to also check with your GP surgery that your children's vaccinations are up-todate. For the rest of the family, as part of our commitment to promoting healthy living and well being, this September we are starting our FREE walk-in NHS Flu vaccinations. No appointments required. In addition, FREE blood pressure checks are available as part of the ''Know Your Numbers " month.

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

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

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

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

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

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September, 2017

n VINEYARD NEWS

with Ingrid Bates

AUGUST took on a distinctly autumnal tone, which I think we’re all hoping will be replaced by a nice hot Indian summer like the one we experienced in 2016. As it happens, most of this summer has been pretty dry and warm so the grapes are actually on schedule to be harvested early despite the cool August we’ve had. As I write this in mid August, our Pinot noir grapes have just started to turn red which means they’ve stopped swelling and turned their energy toward ripening instead. This colour change is called veraison and usually means that the grapes will be harvested in around six weeks’ time. This colour change is my cue for harvest but also to get the nets out and start protecting the grapes from the marauding starlings, pheasants and anything else that wants to get its little teeth or beak into them. I’m also on the look out for wasps that can descend on the vineyard en masse at this time of year as they experience a phenomenon called colony collapse. As we move towards autumn, wasp social structure changes and so too do their feeding habits. It’s a normal process but means that wasps tend to stop hunting for insects and instead start lolling around in an almost drunken state looking for anything sweet to eat instead. Colony collapse tends to coincide

with our grapes ripening (hurrah) but some years we don’t see them at all. Fingers crossed they’ll keep away. Aside from worrying about potential disasters, I’m excited because we look like we’re on for a big Seyval blanc harvest. I would never have expected this when I surveyed my frost damaged vineyard back on that cold morning

in April, but both the Seyval blanc and Pinot noir have produced fairly decent crops which I am very much looking forward to getting into the winery tanks! My previous experience with frost was that any secondary growth after frost damage produced little to no fruit, but this year I have been happily proved wrong. In a few weeks I’ll visit our other growing site at Secret Valley Glamping near Bridgwater to see how their crops are progressing as well. On the wine front, our Pinot rosé is now being sold by the glass in the Watershed bar and cinema in the centre of Bristol, and our sparkling wine is one step closer to completion as it makes its way down to the acclaimed sparkling winemakers at Furleigh Estate in Dorset. Once here, it will undergo its secondary fermentation before being finished off ready for sale in around 12 months’ time. My usual winemaker doesn’t have the equipment needed for these final sparkling winemaking stages, hence the change of home mid-way through production. It’ll be worth the wait I’m sure! Email: hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk Search: www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk Twitter: @DYvineyards Facebook: dunleavy vineyards

n NEWS

'Handmade with love' labels - in Arabic THE church in Westbury Park has registered with Samara’s Aid to organise another clothing appeal for Iraq and Syria. They received a massive response when they put out an appeal in January and were overwhelmed by the generosity of local people. The aid goes to those living in displacement camps, often in freezing conditions. Warm clothes are a priority as well as coats, snow wear, boots, shoes, baby equipment, sanitary products, blankets, duvets and wheelchairs. Everything sent should be in excellent condition, clean with working zips and buttons, stain free with no holes. The church is taking donations and has asked local residents to start looking now for clothes and other items to donate. Items need to be taken to the Methodist Church rather than St. Alban’s from September 4 - 29. A donation towards transport costs of between £5£10 is requested and should be posted through the office door at the Methodist Church. It costs

£6,500 to send each lorry to the Middle East. One way of supporting the appeal is to put together a personalised care pack of new items for an expectant mother, a baby or a family. The care packs will be sent to displaced people, refugees and people in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria and Iraq. Information about what to put in the care packs and how to pack the items in banana boxes can be found on the Samara's Aid website. Handknitted items are always popular. The website recommends that people make clothing items or blankets that people here would use or give as gifts and which are universal. Strong colours are recommended over pastels and whites as it is difficult for many displaced people to wash their clothes. To add an even more personal touch, some knitters have been attaching beautiful labels in Arabic which say "handmade for you with love". These can be downloaded and printed at

http://www.samarasaidappeal. org/s/Arabic-labels.pdf and they work specially well when stuck on pretty paper and laminated. The church is planning packing sessions once or twice a week to keep on top of the packing, rather than leaving it all

to the end. Contact the Church Office if you would like to help with the packing so that a rota can be drawn up. For more information contact Abigail Shepherd on 0117 973 1562 or email office@ westburyparkchurch.org .

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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September, 2017

n NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Get involved - and help us tackle food poverty in city YOU may have seen advertised a Rally for Bristol I am holding on September 9 on College Green, Bristol, working with trade unions, the People’s Assembly and other organisations. This is aimed at promoting the need for greater investment in cities, as they are at breaking point when it comes to adult and children’s social care and council-provided services. I hope that you will be able to attend. As a group of core cities, representing the biggest economic drivers outside of London, we are also presenting a ‘green paper’ to the Government calling for more investment and more powers. We don’t just want to campaign for more money for services, we need funds and powers to grow an inclusive economy with more housing – including affordable homes – sustainable diverse jobs and a transport system that provides connectivity. Elsewhere, I am pleased that we were able to host a recent Feed Bristol event with businesses

and partners at City Hall to look at tackling food poverty within the city. Food poverty is defined as the inability to afford a healthy balanced diet which is strongly associated with people on a low income. Shockingly, more than 25 per cent of children in Bristol are classed as living in poverty; it’s a statistic that highlights the scale of the problem we are dealing with. If we want to tackle it we will need the help of organisations from around the city. Poor nutrition in early years undermines people’s health and their academic and skills development. This affects the young people we rely upon for a healthy economy. With food prices on the rise and the wages frozen and reducing in real terms, this problem is one that is only set to get worse. I was glad to hear at the Feed Bristol event that many practical conversations are already taking place and I hope this momentum

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

continues to start improving the lives of some of the city’s most vulnerable people. If you are a local business who thinks you can help, I encourage you to keep an eye out for other events and get involved.

n BISHOPSTON MUM AS I write this, the sun is shining and the sky is blue and I find it hard to believe that my children and I are already more than half-way through the summer holidays. The summer seems to have gone so quickly, probably due to us being so busy. We've done holiday club sessions with the Golden Hill Community Garden and the Outdoors Project, play dates with friends, trips to the library, visits to the park as well as walks and rambles around Bishopston and surrounding areas. But the biggest event of our summertime has been my children's camping trip with the 91st Bristol Scout Group to which my son went for one week and my daughter for the last weekend. All of the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers had an amazing time. The Cubs and Scouts took part in activities such as raft-building, crate stacking, swimming, beach visits, endless sports and games, plus a trip to Brownsea Island, where Lord Baden-Powell's first ever scout camp took place in 1907. The Beavers weren't short of fun things to do on their weekend either and enjoyed climbing, walking, singing, a quiz and more. The entire camping trip was amazingly well-organised by the 91st Scout Leader, David Da Silva

and his team and I would like to say a personal thank you to them for all for their hard work and for giving the kids such a wonderful experience. September is looming and with it, a host of clubs and activities for children ready to re-start for a new term. I recently mentioned that my son had started rugby with Ashley Down Juniors, a rugby club

situated in Lockleaze. Rugby is my son's favourite sport and has given him confidence and drive since he started. Ashley Down Juniors is led by a local man, James Hall, who is dedicated to making the club a success. The club also has a brand new all-weather pitch. The club is currently looking for new children to join and I would wholeheartedly recommend signing up your daughter or son. The first training

session of the season is September 3 – to contact James email coots@live. co.uk. If your kids ever need some fresh air and exercise, there's a great place to try not too far away from Bishopston which offers a fantastic play park for children of all ages, plus acres of green space and woodland to explore with a castle, too. Blaise Castle Estate is in Henbury and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's one of those places I tend to forget about visiting as it's not on my doorstep, yet every time I do visit with the kids I am reminded what a great place it is. We went there this week and my son indulged his love of climbing on the huge rope climbing frame, my daughter made new friends, and both loved the see-saw, swings and zip wire! There is also a free museum on the estate; there's an old school room and a collection of period toys, clothes and more. Blaise Castle Estate is open at all times and will keep your kids thoroughly entertained. Enjoy your month!

Bishopston Mum

www.bishopstonmum.com www.bristolmum.com

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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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA September 4 n Avon Wind Band Association Registered Charity No 1165352. A new learner class will begin on at Bailey’s Court Primary School, Bradley Stoke starting at 7.30 p.m. for those wishing to play a woodwind or brass instrument. To join the Class please contact Keith Hunt, Chairman of the Association on 0117 9049125 or by e-mail keh35@blueyonder.co.uk. Don’t worry if you do not have your own instrument as the charity can loan you one at no extra cost. For more information visit our website www. avonwindbandassociation.com September 14 n Does local history give you a buzz? West Bristol History Group have some fantastic talks coming up for the autumn months: Sept 14th: The iconography of Edward Colston, by Francis Greenacre Oct 12th Archaeology: Exhibitions and the modern museum audience, by Gail Boyle Where? The Friends’ Meeting House, Hampton Road, BS6 6JE at When? 7.30pm. Nonmembers £2. Membership only £10 yr. A warm welcome awaits. Contact: Pat Walker 07790 172451 September 21 n Henbury Singers free Taster Evening - 7.30pm, Thursday 21st September, Stoke Bishop Primary School. We are a friendly choir and welcome new members. Ample free parking. No audition. We sing choral music, carols, songs from musicals etc. Contact Maggie Cavanna 0117 973 4794. September 26 n FREE Concert at Colston Hall celebrating its 5372 pipe concert organ with brilliant globally acclaimed organist Richard Hills. Exciting mix of old, new, melodious, loud music with the magic of giving goose bumps. 7.30pm. FREE, no booking required, local charity collection. Info. VoxOrganisona@aol.com or 07866 692089 September 28 n Avon Organic Group. The local group for everyone interested in organic growing and organic foods. Our new year’s Talks Programme begins with Sue Redfern: “Growing and Using Medicinal Herbs” on Thursday, 28th September 2017, 7pm – 9pm at The Station (in the Dance Studio), Silver Street, Bristol. BS1 2AG. Sue is a medical herbalist working in Bristol for 30 years using mainly local common “weeds”. She will talk about the growing, wildcrafting and

harvesting of common plants growing in our neighbourhoods and their medicinal use. All welcome. Visitors £5/Members £2. www.groworganicbristol.org / secretaryaog@gmail.com October 1 n Antique Vintage & Collectables Fair. Ashton Court Mansion, Long Ashton Bristol BS41 9JN. Sunday 1st October- 10am-3.30pm 40 stalls inside Georgian lounges and grand music hall Fine jewellery, china, furniture, memorabilia pictures, retro items, vintage, clothing plus lots more Café with afternoon cream teas - £2.00 entry under 16s free. Car park Kennel Lodge Entrance via Portishead Rd (A369) October 30 n BRACE is holding a 30th Anniversary Concert in October 2017 starring Julia Hwang (Violin) and Stephanie Cole, compered by David Garmston (BBC Points West). It will be a great evening! BRACE is a local charity raising money for research into Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. 7.30pm at All Saints, Penbrooke Road, Clifton. Tickets £12 each

WHAT’S ON A REGULAR BASIS Monday n Toddler group at Ardagh Pavilion, Kellaway Avenue, Horfield Common. Ages 0-3, cost £2.50 per family includes refreshments and biscuits. All welcome. Friendly vibrant group just drop in. Contact Kay on 01179426580 for further details. n FitSteps, Ashley Down Primary School, Olveston Road, 7-8pm. FitSteps® the new craze in dance fitness classes from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ very own Natalie Lowe, Ian Waite and Mark Foster. n Morris for fitness and fun, 7.15pm – 8.15pm at Horfield URC, Muller Road, Horfield, BS7 9RE during term time only, no performance element, small groups. Sticks and hankies provided. Tel/text: Kim on 07813 346819 / 0117 9401566 n Redland Wind Band rehearses at the Quakers Meeting Room on Gloucester Road at 7.30pm. We sometimes have vacancies, currently mainly for bass instruments, horns and percussionists. Contact Andy Brown at redlandwindband@googlemail. com or on 07594240269 or via our website www.redlandwindband. co.uk . Get in touch if you would like to be put on our mailing list or would like to book us for events or

fundraisers. n Redland Green Choir meets for rehearsals every Monday 7.30pm9.30pm at Redland Green School. We sing a wide variety of music. New members welcome: no auditions. For more information, visit redlandgreenchoir.org.uk. or phone 0117 9443042. n Beaufort Junior Badminton Club. Venue: Cotham School Sports Hall, Cotham Lawn Road, BS6 6DT. Date/Time: Mondays from 6-7pm, term time only. Age Group: 11 18 years. All standards. Coaching and club play but also progression to Avon County Teams and senior clubs. Coaches CRB checked and Badminton England qualified. Contact: Penny Shears 0794 101 3514. Email: pennyshears@ googlemail.com n RAFA, City of Bristol branch and club Eastfield Westbury on Trym for ex-RAF and associate members. Skittle Alley, parties and functions. Live entertainment on Saturday evenings. Open Monday to Saturday lunchtimes and evenings. Sundays noon till 5pm. All enquiries telephone 0117 3291913. n New Fitness League (Exercise Movement and Dance class) for ladies. Low impact classes offer a fusion of dance, exercise and core strengthening, choreographed to music. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints. 6.20-7.45pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Contact Rachael on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@ talktalk.net . The classes are ran on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking. This works out at £8 per class (1st Class Free). n Mondays 10:00am, 11:15am, 18:00pm. Yoga for everyone and all stages of life. Move, breathe, strengthen, calm at our beautiful YogaSpace Bishopston studio. Find out more at www.bristolyogaspace. co.uk or contact Clara hello@ bristolyogaspace.co.uk / 07530 053 543. n Senior Film Club, every third Monday in the month at 2pm St Peter's Hall, The Drive, Henleaze, BS9 4LD. All Welcome. Refreshments £3. Dial-a-ride transport possible by personal arrangement ; 0845 130 1875. Next gathering is on September 18th - “Chariots of Fire”, 1981 British drama recounting the events of the 1924 Olympics, starring Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, & Nicholas Farrell. n Redland Green Bowls Club welcomes new members, come along to our club on Redland Green

September, 2017

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

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

any Monday after 4pm , or book a free taster session any other time ,with one of our qualified coaches. Jean or Gerry :Tel 9624466 . HALF PRICE membership for the first year (£50) n Westbury Park WI. The Westbury Park WI meet on the first Monday of every month at Redland Church Halls, Redland Green BS6 7HE, 7.309pm. For those who want to walk as a group across the park, please meet at the Metford Road entrance to park by 7.15pm. Contact: westburyparkwi@gmail.com n Redland Green Bowls Club welcomes new members, come along to our club on Redland Green any Monday after 4pm , or book a free taster session with one of our qualified coaches. Jean or Gerry :Tel 9624466 . HALF price membership for the first year (£50) n 8pm Fun Quiz Night: Tv, Film, Music & more! at the Bristol Flyer, Gloucester Road, Bishopston Just £1 to enter n After school French Club for primary children at Gloucester Rd Quaker Meeting House. the new class times are: Monday: Level 2 – 5.10 – 5.50 All classes take place at The Quaker Meeting House, Gloucester rd. Website – www. frenchclubbristol.com Tuesday n The Golden Buds is a group aimed at 18 months to 4yearolds and is a fabulous opportunity to be outside with your little ones, digging, playing, finding newts and frogs, watering, singing and making things all in the heart of urban Bristol! Sessions run from 9.30-11am and 11.30-1pm in school terms. We take booking on a term by term basis. Each session costs £5, a second sibling is £2.50 and under 12 months can come along free. There’s squash and biscuits and a snack from the garden as well as a hot drink

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

September, 2017 for parents. For more info, visit: thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com n Scottish Country Dancing Get fit with Westbury Scottish Club. Classes for beginners at Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Henleaze, (Tel: Tina 0117 9075462). Classes for more advanced dancers at St Peter’s Church Hall, Henleaze, (Tel: Cheryl 0117 9590970). 7.30pm to 9.30pm wscbristol.com n After school French Club for primary children at Gloucester Rd Quaker Meeting House. KS1 class: Tuesday: Level 1 – 4.10 – 4.45, Level 2 – 4.50 – 5.30 Level 3 – 5.40 – 6.20 Playful practical classes full of games, songs and general silliness to inspire interest and confidence in French. Like French Club Bristol on Facebook or email: alice_m_ watson@msn.com n Women’s Reading Group looking for new members. Meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm. An informal group that reads a wide range of fiction. Contact Kay Snowdon ksnowdon29@gmail.com for further details. n A weekly Music Appreciation class is running throughout the winter. Come and join us as we listen to and talk about a selection of mainly classical music. No prior knowledge needed. Tuesdays 11-1 at St Mary Magdalene Church Rooms, Stoke Bishop. Music in Britain 18901939 including Elgar Delius and Vaughan Williams. Cost £15 for a single taster session or £100 for the whole 8week term. To book email matthewhm@ peacemail.com, or phone 0117 214 0418. For more info visit: heartmusicbristol.wordpress.com n Melody Makers Baby Friendly Choir A fun and friendly daytime choir for ladies running Tuesdays during term time.9:30-11:00am, The Beehive Pub, BS9 4QY. £5 per session, discounts for members. Contact Natalie www.facebook. com/melodymakerschoir 07890393175. n Bristol Brunel Lions Club – We meet at Shirehampton Golf Club on the first Tuesday of every at 7 for 7.30 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month we have a social gathering normally with food. We raise money for charity both locally and beyond through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Lots of fun and fellowship raising and spending money for good causes. For more details of how to apply for assistance with charitable activities in Bristol or to become involved in our activities see Bristol Brunel Lions Club on line or contact our Club Secretary Bill O’Neill at lion. bill@virginmedia.com

bishopstonvoice Wednesday n Golden Hill Community Garden. 10.00am – 4.00pm. Come and get involved in your local community garden! No experience necessary and kids welcome. Learn about growing and relax in our beautiful space with a cup of tea. No need to come every week or stay all day. Our site is wheelchair accessible including our toilet. For more information contact Lucy ghcgarden@gmail. com or 07506 905 394. We’re just through the gates at the end of Monk Rd BS7 8NE www. thegoldenhillcommunitygarden. com n Bristol Voices Community Choir are welcoming new members, £5 a week (£3 concs) payable at the start of each term. We meet during the school term from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in St Werburgh’s Primary School, James St, BS2 9US. The school is fully accessible and has free parking. No experience necessary, no auditions and you don’t have to read music as all the songs are taught by ear. Our repertoire includes pop, folk, gospel, jazz, show tunes and world music. Find out more about the choir, at www.bristolvoices.org.uk n New Harmony Ladies’ Choir Bristol. Established choir since 1994, we offer a chance for ladies to get together and have a good old sing! No auditions are necessary apart from placing you into the correct voice group soprano, mezzo soprano or alto. We perform several concerts a year and sometimes travel to other parts of the country to sing with other choirs. Our repertoire covers classical, choral, jazz, popular, folk, and show songs. Everyone is welcome to Horfield URC church hall, Muller Rd on Wednesdays 7.30-9.30. We’d love to meet you. For more information contact our website www.nhlcbristol.co.uk or our secretary, Angela nhlc@talktalk. com n Lazy Dog Film Club. A free, small, but perfectly formed community film club based at the Lazy Dog pub on Ashley Down Road. We run the club every other week (Wednesday) in the upstairs of the Pub on Ashley Hill. We screen from Sept - July every year. All showings start at 8pm but we do advise people to book free places via LazyDogFilmClub@gmail.com , as we only have 35 seats per showing. For more information on the upcoming films, visit: www. facebook.com/LazyDogFilmClub n Horfield Townswomen’s Guild. This friendly Townswomen’s Guild meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Gregory the Great Church Hall, Filton Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 0PD at 2.30pm. Why not

come along and meet us? Just turn up, or ring Edna on 949 5413, and she will look out for you. n Squirrel Camp Forest School, Badock’s Wood, 9.45-11.15 and 1.00-2.30 (during term time). £6 per family. Contact: jennysanderson@ blueyonder.co.uk. n Sing! with the Bristol Children’s Choir. Open to children aged 7-13 from any school in Bristol. If your child loves singing and would like to do more, Out There Music Children’s Choir could be what you are looking for. Meet every in term time from 4.45-6pm in the performing arts studio at Cotham School. More info, contact Holly Shannon on 07866587424, admin@ outtheremusicbristol.co.uk . n Spiritual Healing at Westbury Park Spiritualist church BS6 7TH Every Wednesday, 2pm - 3.30pm every week. No appointment necessary, animals welcome. Come along and feel the benefit. Also healing after Sunday evening service@8pm. n Wednesdays 10:00am. Baby & Me post-natal yoga class, 10:00 11:00am plus tea and chat after. Supportive, friendly class with babies made very welcome. Move, breathe, meet and chat with other new mums at YogaSpace Bishopston. Find out more at www. bristolyogaspace.co.uk or contact Clara hello@bristolyogaspace.co.uk / 07530 053 543. n Why not join welsh national opera Friends. We support this world class company and everyone is very welcome to join. We offer monthly evening meetings at Redmaids High School MONTHLY at 7.15pm. Talks with music. Costs-£7.00 or £1.00 for students (Friends £5.00). For further information contact: Margaret Borkowski:borkmail@gmail.com n Melody Makers Pop Choir. An evening choir for men and women singing popular songs. Wednesday's term time 7:30-9:00pm The Eastfield Inn, Henleaze. Book a FREE taster www. melodymakerschoir.co.uk n Read together a short story and poem. Weekly drop-in adult group, shared reading. It's fun, sometimes surprising, moving and exciting. No preparation, just come along and listen. Bishopston Library, every Wednesday 11.30am to 1.00pm. We read and chat. Refreshments provided. Free. Thursday n Bishop Road Community Choir. We are a mixed community choir, meeting at Bishop Road School from 7.45pm to 9pm. Everyone welcome to join, regardless of singing experience. There is no audition and the choir is open to

45 anyone, not just parents of children at the school. We sing a variety of songs and perform locally. £3.00 per session. n Bristol Ladies Choir sings a wide range of music from classical to light. The choir rehearses weekly and gives two main concerts each year. The choir also participates in approximately 9 to 10 other concerts in the Bristol area each year. Meet at 2.15pm - 3.45pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, Bishop Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NA. New members welcome. For more information contact Hazel on 0117 9246587 or visit www. bristolladieschoir.org.uk n The Stepford Singers. Come and try Bishopston’s all female community choir. No need to read music and no auditions! We meet 1pm - 3pm so you can still be in time to pick up kids from school. For more info, email fran@ naturalvoice.net n West Bristol Orchestra meet at the United Reformed Church, Muller Road, from 7.15 - 9.15pm and play a wide range of classical music arranged for our small friendly orchestra. String players of Grade 5 and above are particularly welcome. For further information please ring 0117 968 3998. n Avon Harmony Ladies A Cappella Chorus meets for rehearsals every Thursday 7.30 -10pm at Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road BS7 9NL. We are always made welcome, and we are actively recruiting new members. There is no need to be able to read music; we provide teaching tracks for learning by ear. See our website for more details www.avonharmony.co.uk or contact Mandy on 0117 652693 or Barbara on 07717 424421. n Horfield Quakers hold a halfhour meeting for worship to be held every Thursday Evening from 6.307pm, at Horfield Quaker Meeting House, 300 Gloucester Road, Bristol, BS7 8PD. All are welcome. n Pregnancy Yoga and Birth Preparation at Horfield Leisure Centre, 7.30-9.15pm. Classes offer you the time to celebrate your pregnancy, ask questions and meet other mumstobe in a safe and welcoming environment. For more information visit www.lymalnick. info, or contact Ly on 07843 377 718 / ly.malnick@gmail.com n Slimming World Bishopston. St Michael and All Angels Church (Pigsty Hill) Gloucester Road. Groups at 9.30am and 7.30pm every Thursday. £9.95 to join and £4.95 per week after that. 6 and 12 week countdowns available. Just turn up or Call Sue on 0117 924 3556 or 07702 578 298 for a chat. n Kings Lawn Tennis Club Rusty Rackets, 19:30-21: 00. Want to get

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA back into tennis? Come along to our fun and welcoming Rusty Rackets session every Thursday evening at Kings Lawn Tennis Club, Maplemeade ( just off Kings Drive) BS7 8JG. Nonmembers (£8) and members (£6) welcome! Contact Head Coach Elly Shearman only tennis .kings@hotmail.com for more details! n Bridge for Beginners and

Improvers West of England Bridge Club now welcomes new/novice bridge players for weekly sessions held every Thursday afternoon. Cost £3. Doors open at 1.45pm and play is from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. No partner needed and we have experienced players to help and advice. Beginners lessons also offered email bridgeclassbristol @ gmail.com or ring 0117 2302694 for

Physiotherapy Led Pilates Beginner/Improver Drop in Classes

Mondays 10-11 @ Yogafurie, 201 Ashley Down Road, Bristol BS7 9DD £10 class £48 block of 6 Move GB welcome

Sports and Holistic Massage Mon/Wed/Fri - Enso Healing Rooms, 190 Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5RB £40 per 60 mins Move GB welcome **£30 for first 3 bookings

Book Online at www.handsonactive.co.uk Fliss Smith, Senior Physiotherapist MCP fliss.hands.on@googlemail.com 07538131177

Learn the WEA way. Your way Try something new this autumn. Exciting new courses at WEA, 7 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8HQ.

Our friendly courses are free for those on a qualifying means tested benefit. To enrol Tel: 0300 303 3464 or enrolonline.wea.org.uk If you would like a copy of our Bristol brochure to show our whole range of courses, including printmaking, drawing and calligraphy please ring 0117 916 6500 or email: bristoloffice@wea.org.uk

Introduction to Physics

C3528561 11 sessions Tue 19 Sept 12.45 - 2.45pm £81.00

Play Reading -

C3528766 10 sessions Wed 27 Sept 2.00 - 4.00pm £73.00

History of the Present

C3528768 7 sessions 3.00 - 5.00pm £52.00

Mon 2 Oct

History of the Women’s Movement

C3528769 7 sessions 3.00 - 5.00pm £52.00

Wed 4 Oct

Get that Novel Writing Going

C3528557 7 sessions 6.00 - 9.00pm £77.00

Thur 19 Oct

Creative Writing for All

C3528559 9 sessions 1.30 - 4.00pm £83.00

Fri 13 Oct

The Workers’ Educational Association is a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 1113775) and in Scotland (no. SC039239).

more info. Venue: Golden Hill Sports Club, Wimbledon Road, Bristol BS6 7YA. Full details at www. woebc.co.uk n Spiritualist church Westbury Park Cairns Road BS6 7TH Open development circle Thursday evening at 7.15 for 7.30 start All are welcome. n Sporting Memories Group at the Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground most Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm. A group suitable for people that are isolated or lonely and may have memory difficulties. The group is particularly for those that are interested in sport. Please contact John Collis on 07757527634 or come along to the ground from 11am. Friday n Bristol University of the third age (u3a) scrabble group would welcome new members. We play very friendly and informal games every Friday at the Beehive, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY from 2 to 4pm. For further info please contact Heddy SARA on 0117 9241318 and

indicate when asked to give your name that you are phoning about scrabble in order not to be blocked. also email : nigel.d.sara@btinternet. com Saturday n Whiteladies Farmers’ and Fair Trading Market is now held EVERY Saturday, from 8.30am-2pm. Takes place at the junction of Whiteladies/Apsley/Burlington Roads. Stalls cover bread, cheese, local lamb and chicken, fish, preserves, cakes, sushi, local fruit and veg, wild food larder, and recycled tools, wooden items and much more. n Coffee, Tea and Refreshments served every Saturday from 10.30am to noon at Bishopston Methodist Church, 245 Gloucester Road. Join us for a rest and a chat. n The Clifton Garden Society are eager to attract new members from all parts of Bristol. The Society offer monthly visits by coach to country houses and gardens, a quarterly newsletter. and an annual holiday. If you would like to join this friendly group please call 0117 9737296 for full details.

Join the Memory Walk JAYNE Coles, whose mum Sandra has dementia, is urging people to register for the Bristol Memory Walk to help the Alzheimer’s Society raise money for research and services. Three generations of Jayne’s family took part in last year’s event and she is asking supporters to sign up this year by going to memorywalk.org.uk Jayne said: “We had a fantastic time at Memory Walk last year. The atmosphere was incredible and it was great to see people from all walks of life coming together for one cause. “As we walked we heard lots of moving stories and it was

lovely that people of all ages and abilities took part. Most importantly, it was an event my mum could be involved with and she really enjoyed herself.” A total of 1,100 supporters have already registered to take part in the Bristol Memory Walk on Saturday September 23, which will begin at the Lloyds Amphitheatre on Canon’s Marsh. More than 4,600 people in Bristol are living with dementia and last year’s event – attended by 2,300 people – raised more than £164,000 to help people living with the condition. Register now at memorywalk. org.uk

Anniversary concert for BRACE BRACE is holding a 30th anniversary concert on Saturday October 7 starring Julia Hwang (Violin) and Stephanie Cole, compered by David Garmston from BBC Points West. It promises to be a great evening at All Saints, Pembroke Road, Clifton, when these keen supporters of the charity will be joined by soprano Deborah Gjeloshaj and Bristol Male Voice Choir. BRACE is a local charity raising money for research into Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia. Tickets £12, 0117 414 4831, www.alzheimers-brace.org/concert

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS

Follow the Buzz at the Botanic Gardens THE Bee and Pollination Festival at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden on Saturday September 2 and Sunday 3 invites you to ‘follow the buzz’ and find out more. Come and see the Giant Amazon waterlilies, live hive demonstrations, Bristol beekeepers’ annual ‘honey show’ and research displays on pollinator behaviour. Explore the nurseries with bee-friendly plants, talks and willow weaving, wildlife exhibits, summer art/ science exhibition plus free tours of the Botanic Garden. Doreen Symonds said: “Avon

Organic Group have been busy preparing their stall again for this year’s Bee & Pollination

Festival. “We will have bee friendly plants and organic produce for

sale - plus seasonal planting guides and various other information leaflets for anyone keen to try “growing their own”. “It is a brilliant event and popular too as more and more people are becoming interested in our bees and other pollinators.” Admission from 10am - 5pm: Adults £6.00. Children, Friends of the Garden, University staff and students FREE. University of Bristol Botanic Garden Stoke Park Road, Bristol BS9 1JG Tel: 0117 428 2041, www. bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Helping Bishopston beat the back-to-work blues • Annual leave all used up save for a few days you’re keeping for Christmas - check! • The realisation that there’s no more bank holidays left until Christmas - check! • Boss is back from holiday, goodbye long lunch breaks - check! WHETHER the summer holiday you took in July feels like a lifetime ago, you’ve just got back from a week in the sun or you’re lucky enough to have teacher’s holidays, chances are you’ll be suffering from one or all of the above symptoms of the back to work blues! But September doesn’t have to be a struggle, by making a few little tweaks to your daily routine and taking advantage of one of the best new services to pop up in Bristol these last 12 months, you’ll barely notice those nights drawing in. A local solution Slide, Bristol’s smart bus, launched in our area in 2016 making the lives of local residents easier and their commutes that little bit more pleasant. ‘Kate Hembise’ from Bishopston is a convert; “Slide has given me the gift of time! Commuting with Slide saves me around an hour every day which, as a working mum, is priceless.” Slide’s better than the bus, there are no bus stops, instead when you book using the clever app, you’re allocated a pick up

point just a short stroll from your door, and updates let you know when it’s going to arrive, so the days of waiting in the rain are numbered. Kate says; “I can set my pick up or arrive by times. This allows me to spend more time at home and maximises the time I have at work: I don't need to leave my desk until the app tells me my Slide is 4 minutes away! Calm, quiet time at the start and finish of my busy working day. If I have no work I need to do, I relax and watch Bristol go by or relax with my kindle” A shared experience Slide will cleverly group together local residents who book along a similar route and because, unlike a bus, it’s not stopping at bus stops every few yards, you’ll get to work in a fraction of the time, leaving you with more time to enjoy your morning. That’s enough time for a bit of morning exercise, extra time with the kids before school, or another couple of snoozes on the alarm! It’s not easy knowing you’re just about to embark on that big old slog up to Christmas so what better time to kick off a new routine. Special offer: Slide are giving readers of South Bristol Voice 20% off a whole week’s travel on Slide. That’s 20% off your ride to and from work every day. To claim just download the Slide app and enter the code ‘BISHVOICE20’ when you book*.

Find out more about Slide at www.slidebristol.com *Code gives 20% off, valid for

use on up to 2 bookings during the month of September. One use per customer.

A smart bus for Bristol

with others, arrive on time

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

slidebristol.com * Valid from 1/9/17 until 30/9/17 for use on up to 10 rides

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS

Does the young person in your house love to sing?

BRISTOL Choral Society (BCS) has been running an Apprenticeship Scheme for more than 10 years for young people who love singing. Available to pupils from Year 9 upwards, there is an opportunity for young people to join the new programme starting in September. Apprentices don’t need any musical knowledge or experience – just a love of music. They join the choir and are supported by an individual mentor. They sing in all concerts, with professional soloists and orchestras in national venues (an option in August was in the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall). There are also opportunities to work towards an Arts Award, to enhance CVs, make new friends, and there are no costs involved at all. Young people have joined from all over Bristol, including Bishopston and Redland, and some have gone on

to choral careers and solo singing. Hannah, a 15-year old apprentice, explains how she came to join the course: “I went to a few BCS concerts and really liked them, and then I thought, because I wanted to try

something new, ‘why not?’ – and I asked if I could join. I’m still there, well over a year later. “There’s a lovely atmosphere at rehearsals every week, the people are incredibly friendly and helpful, and I have met a

lot of amazing people I wouldn’t have normally met. But the main reason is: it’s fun. “Young people and children need creative outlets to express themselves and their opinions, and to chill out for a while, and there aren’t enough opportunities for them to do so. Music gives me a chance to relax and tap out of my busy life. “There’s an underlying problem of people not wanting to try new things, maybe because they’re scared, and so not getting involved in something that they’d turn out to love. The Apprentice scheme helps any young people who’d like to try something musical.” Rehearsals are on Wednesday evening from 7.15pm in Central Bristol. Why not come along to one and see if it could be for you, or a young person you know? If you’re interested, check out the website www.bristolchoral. co.uk or call the Apprentice manager on 0117 942 4620.

Free 10 week

course starts September 2017

Philosophy for living BATH: Tuesdays at 7.15pm starting 26th Sep 2017 at 30 Milsom St Bath BA1 1DG

BRISTOL: Thursdays at 7.15pm starting 28th Sep 2017 at Charnwood House, 30 Cotham Park, Bristol, BS6 6BU

The aim of philosophy is to set people free; free from pressure and free from worry; free to grow, free to be themselves. So it seems fitting that a philosophy course should be free. This ten session course, called Philosophy , looks at life and its meaning, the world and its causes and applying mindfulness to every moment. Based on the classic philosophies of East and West, it invites us to see life as a place to test the words of the wise. Feel free to join us.

If you would like to know more or to register please contact: Email: bathandbristolphilosophy@gmail.com Or call: 07873 230651 Bath and Bristol School of Philosophy: branch of The Fellowship of the School of Economic Science.

www.bathandbristolphilosophy.org

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

September, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n VETS' ADVICE

The dangers of lungworm in dogs

MANY pet owners are unsure how often they should treat their dogs for worms with some treating every month and others worming their pet once a year. With the threat of lungworm being highest in the South of England, how often is best in this area of the country? Lungworm (also known as Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a parasite spread to dogs by eating slugs and snails or possibly through their slime trail, dogs can potentially pick up lungworm larvae by eating grass. Slugs and snails can pick up the parasite through foxes, a recent study suggested that around 18.3% of foxes in the UK carry the parasite. The clinical signs shown by dogs with lungworm can be very variable, some dogs do not show any signs at all however clinically affected dogs can cough, have

trouble exercising and sometimes trouble breathing. They can also show bleeding disorders. Lungworm can be diagnosed through a blood test or a poo sample and can be treated if it is picked up early enough. Unfortunately, in severe cases, lungworm can be fatal. In the South-West of England, prevention is the best option particularly if you know your dog eats slugs and snails. Monthly preventatives are advisable and there are several options available for this. There is a monthly spot on treatment that treats for fleas and prevents lungworm infection. There is also a monthly chew treat which treats for fleas, ticks and gastrointestinal worms as well as preventing lungworm, the chew treat can be preferable for some dogs as they enjoy their treatment and it does not wash off if they like to go swimming or need a bath! If you would like to know more about protecting your dog from lungworm, give us a call on 0117 9247832.

Animal Health Centre

Sophie McGill Veterinary Surgeon

Gloucester Road’s Independent Veterinary Practice 358 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8TP 0117 9247832 www.animalhealthcentre.org

Valid for one transaction only until 30th September 2017

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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

September, 2017

n BOOKS OF THE MONTH The Mayor of Casterbridge Thomas Hardy

After finishing '4321', the American writer's latest novel set around New Jersey and New York City I decided to read a classic English novel and selected 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' by the 19th century writer Thomas Hardy. The novel begins with Michael Henchard, a skilled agricultural worker who made his living through trussing hay, walking with his wife and young daughter into a small town which was hosting a fair that night. Michael Henchard ended up getting extremely inebriated and in a drunken rage sold his wife and daughter for 5 guineas to a sailor. He tries without success to find his wife and daughter and over the years becomes extremely rich and successful as well as the Mayor

of Casterbridge, a large town in Dorset. Years later his wife and daughter turn up in Casterbridge and Michael Henchard's life starts to fall apart. The novel describes his fall from grace and how he deals with his changing social and economic circumstances. I found it difficult to put this novel down. Thomas Hardy presents a realistic picture of life in the south west of England towards the end of the 19th century and the fragility of human existence. The author's use of language helps to maintain the interest of the reader. Bishopston Library has a copy of this book as well as other novels by Thomas Hardy and the Paul Auster book can also be found on our shelves. Rupert Hopkins (Library Assistant)

The Dragons of Ordinary Farm

by Tad Williams and Deborah Blake Read and enjoyed by Freya The Dragons of Ordinary Farm is about siblings Tyler and Lucina who have to spend a summer at

their Uncles farm. They expect it to be an extremely dull visit, full of boring sheep and cows, however they are in for a surprise. Ordinary farm isn’t ordinary at all, and they find that instead of normal farm animals it is home to dragons, unicorns and a flying Monkey and nothing is as expected. It is a very gripping read that

kept me entertained all the way through. I would recommend this book to anyone age 10 and above. For these books and many more, visit us at Bishopston Library. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, there are over 2 million items from which you can reserve across LibrariesWest and collect from any library of your choice. Opening Hours: Monday……….1–7pm Tuesday……….closed Wednesday…..11am-5pm Thursday……..11am-5pm Friday…………11am-5pm Saturday:……..11am–5pm Sunday………..closed

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n LETTERS Does Bristol really need to destroy the Library Service? I WAS shocked to read in the July edition of Bishopston Voice that Mayor Marvin and his team are proposing to close most of Bristol’s libraries. Libraries played a vital role in my childhood education (a quiet place to read, study, and learn away from a busy home), and I’ve continued to use them in my adult life. Now as a parent they are an invaluable resource. I understand that the council needs to make savings, but closing 17 out of 27 libraries and leaving only four operating full-time, is surely an act of wilful destruction. I believe that the library budget is being cut by 35 per cent, yet the Council is proposing that 65 per cent of the branch libraries should go. This makes no sense. I would have thought that the priority should be to keep as many libraries going until the national funding environment changes and key local authority services such as libraries again get the recognition and funding they deserve. The deputy mayor says that this is an opportunity to do things differently and more efficiently. There are councils around the country such as York or Devon that are coming up with radically different ways of organising their library services that cut costs, but result in limited closures. Some involve setting up Public Service

Mutual Organisations, independent of the council to supply services. These can seek other funding sources and potentially be more ambitious than council-run services. One clear way to keep libraries open is encouraging Friends schemes and the use of volunteers. Nobody wants librarians to lose their jobs, but the council proposals involve closing buildings and librarian job losses. Wouldn’t it be better to have more libraries open, run by professional librarians, but supported by volunteers? The ideas are out there, yet the council consultation at the moment doesn’t seem to be embracing alternatives to multiple closures. We can all have our say in the current consultation, but come on Mayor Marvin, this is giving up. Bristol can do better than this.

that can be seen from space! More women are being drawn into the Industry and the laddish culture is on the wane. It is not an "easy" option but if you want to contribute to society in a subject that is as difficult as medicine, then look no further than civil engineering or architecture. Do some research - the house you live in, hospitals, airports, the multi storey car parks - all are civil engineering. The Romans were the best engineers and the Greeks were the best architects, as the Parthenon in Athens shows. Team work is essential and you have to be a good "communicator". Douglas James Reid

Ian Harris

I AM writing to thank all of your readers for their tremendous support during my time as CEO of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). I wanted to take the time to express my gratitude for everyone who has ever supported our cause by holding a fundraising event, volunteering, or making a donation. Our charity relies on donations to continue flying, and your generosity has meant that we can continue to provide a life saving service for the 2.1m people of our region. Since those early days when we really were in a hand to mouth position, the charity has grown and

Civil engineering is a great career I AM now almost retired so I would like to encourage young people to consider studying Civil Engineering - or Architecture, for which I was also accepted. Not many other professions can give you the "buzz" of walking away from my largest project, The Galleries, after two years of blood, sweat and tears but all constructed within mms! You get to "draw on the landscape" constructing things

Thanks for backing the air ambulance

flourished, thanks to the support of some amazing volunteers, our charity team, our trustees, the crew that work at our air base, the NHS clinical team and of course not forgetting all of the individuals who have fundraised for us – I cannot thank you enough as you have all helped us get to where we are today. I know that the people we have saved and their families are also extremely grateful for your support too. I am excited to see what the future holds for GWAAC, and know that I am leaving the charity with a very capable team in charge!. John Christensen Great Western Air Ambulance Charity

Abi’s fundraiser for year in South Africa ABIGAIL Hall, aged 18, departs for her gap year this autumn to teach at a primary school in South Africa. Project Trust is a charity that sends teenagers, between the ages of 17 to 19 who have finished school, overseas to volunteer in developing countries. The Trust has been sending volunteers overseas for nearly 50 years and in doing so, making a huge difference to both the communities and the volunteers themselves. Abi explained: “On September 7 I'll be teaching the full curriculum to 25 children aged 6-12 that have been moved to Thembilihle home because of abusive families. It is a place of safety for children who have been abused or are at risk of abuse, so not only will I will be teaching, I will be involved in a lot of social care work as well. “I became interested when one of the

Project Trust volunteers spoke at school. I went along to their rigorous selection course on the Isle of Coll in the Hebrides, which I passed.”

Abi, who lives in Bishopston, took her A-levels at the North Bristol Post 16 Centre in Cotham. A keen singer, she has a place lined up to study music at Sheffield University on her return next year. However, she has a big adventure planned before she takes up her studies again and she stills needs to raise another £1,000 of the £6,200 total to cover the majority of the cost of her flights and living costs for her year overseas. “I’ve been very busy raising money through cake sales, buckets at charity evenings and spent many hours setting up a charity concert at my local church. I’m almost there with fundraising but still need to ask for more donations,” said Abi. If you would like to support Abi’s work with the Project Trust see: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AbigailHall2

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS

KERRY Postle, St Andrew's resident and former secondary school teacher, has just written her first novel, The Artist’s Muse. Set in the seemingly glittering art world of turn-of-the-century Vienna, when Gustav Klimt is at the height of his fame and Egon Schiele is a tortured and talented young soul keen to push artistic boundaries, it tells the story of their model, Wally Neuzil. Kerry said: “The idea to write the novel came to me after a visit to an Egon Schiele exhibition in Vienna 2015. Images of his model Wally Neuzil were everywhere and in them evidence of a relationship that encapsulated much of the conflicted spirit of the age. I left the exhibition wanting to tell Wally’s story, to give her a voice, to look at the relationship through her eyes. Neuzil is a girl with a strong sense of self - she’s sharp, intelligent, with an emotional honesty that is at times disarming. And she also happens to be the narrator, exactly the type of person to allow us an honest look behind all the

Kerry's first novel is published charcoal and paints. Everything is stripped bare - Neuzil leaves nothing untouched, not even herself. She shows us how she is pushed to her very limits on her quest for acceptance in a world marbled through with rich veins of misogyny and class division. Poor, fatherless, female, attractive, young. The cards, when dealt out together, at this time, in this city, are undoubtedly stacked against her, and she must battle to survive. And she does, sharing with us her hopes and disappointments , her loves and hates, all of which she reveals with an honesty that is at times quite painful to contemplate. Kerry’s novel is an insightful look into the seemingly beautiful, golden world of art where conventional morality is left at the studio door. Yet, where does this leave the working class model when she has to return to

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her everyday world? You will love Wally Neuzil. She’s both infuriating and inspiring, with an ironic sense of humour. A seeming victim on the outside but with a soul and spirit that burst forth from her every word. Then there’s the generally acknowledged enfant terrible Egon Schiele, the bad boy of the art world. And in these pages we see why - he is a great character. Though Schiele the man is not spared (neither is Klimt, come to that), his art is presented with insight and affection, making me want to see the many works referred to within its pages. The novel offers a rare insight into art in all its timeless beauty and perfection while showing the very chaotic and flawed society out of which it grows. Yet this story is not Schiele’s. It’s not Klimt’s. It’s Wally Neuzil’s. In this novel it is her survival that we’re interested in and she…but that’s enough of

that. There will be no spoilers here. The Artist’s Muse by Kerry Postle is due out August 25, published by HQDigital, an imprint of Harpers Collins. To see the paintings in the novel and more go to https:// theartistsmuseblog.wordpress. com/

The Colour Fun Run is back AFTER the success of last year’s Colour Fun Run, more laughs and messy fun can be had this Autumn when the event returns on Sunday October 1. Gemma Allsop, Event Fundraiser for See Change (the new name for Julian House in Bristol) said: “It’s a really fun day for all the family, and raises money for those facing homelessness and addiction who need our support to help rebuild their lives. “There will be face painting, music, food and drink on offer, so bring your family and friends to cheer you on!” So, grab your running shoes and race down to Oldbury Court Estate, Fishponds for the most colourful fun run ever. Best of all, to join in the fun you don't even need to be a runner. Walk, skip, hop or even dance your way around the 5K course, whilst an army of volunteers will be taking aim and throwing brightly coloured powdered paint, leaving you showered head to toe in colour! Over 750 participants of all ages took to the course last year, to be showered with brightly coloured pain. It's one of the messiest and happiest events around and you'll make it over the finish line in an explosion of colours like no other! Sign up now for tickets and create your fundraising page: www. thecolourfunrun.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

September, 2017

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Child of the 90s? Play your part in cutting-edge research RESEARCHERS at the University of Bristol are calling on 24- to 26-year-olds living in the Bishopston area to take part in one of the most detailed health studies of its kind in the world. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (also known as Children of the 90s) is an internationally renowned research study, following the health and development of more than 14,000 families with a child born in Bristol and the surrounding area between April 1991 and December 1992. Researchers have used the data collected over the last 25 years to help answer important questions on key health issues, including asthma, childhood obesity, and dementia. Lily from Clifton (featured) is one of

almost 4,000 young people who have already attended the most recent data collection clinic, Focus@24+, and taken part in a series of cutting-edge tests, including blood pressure, liver and lung function checks. Now, with the Focus@24+ clinics drawing to a close this autumn, the Children of the 90s team is keen to hear from anyone living in the Bishopston Voice area who was born in or around the city in 1991/2 and would like to play their part in building an even more detailed picture of the health of their generation. To find out more, please call 0117 331 0010, email info@childrenofthe90s.ac.uk or visit the website: childrenofthe90s.ac.uk.

Questions and answers from Lily Name: Lily Age: 25 Lives: Clifton

seamless, and the staff were friendly as always. Plus I'm a sucker for a free breakfast!

Why are you proud to be a Child of the 90s? Because I know I am making a difference. It's a unique study group, which I have been part of since before I was born. I hope my mum’s participation, my participation and one day my children's participation will provide data that will help future findings.

What have you enjoyed most about being part of Children of the 90s? I find the study really interesting, I like to see my X-rays and it was interesting having my liver scanned. The bit I like most is getting the news reports through the post, it's nice to think that in some way I’ve helped with some of the discoveries! What research discovery are you most proud of? It’s hard to choose, but I guess any that I feel relate to me directly. I feel proud of any of the studies about sex, puberty, drugs or drinking, as I remember getting questionnaires when I was a teenager and being both embarrassed, and tempted to not complete the forms (or lie). I understood that it was important to be truthful though, so I guess I feel proud that hopefully my honest answers helped the study! What advice would you give someone thinking about taking part? You definitely should. It hardly takes up any time and it gives you a feel-good feeling when you are able to pop in. It requires minimal effort from the participants and there is no pressure if you are unable to (or do not want to) do a questionnaire or visit the focus centre for whatever reason.

What is your favourite childhood memory of taking part in the study? I remember once there was a task on the computer that my mum and I had to work together on to complete, but it was near on impossible! Another study was a facial symmetry session where I was given two symmetrical images of my face, one of the left hand side and one of the right - that was strange! Why did you choose to attend a Focus@24+ clinic? It would be a real waste for me to stop the study now, and I like to participate where ever I can. I always learn something new when I go, plus the clinic is just up the hill from me so I had no excuse! What was your experience of the clinic? It was great. The sessions were

To find out more, please call 0117 331 0010, email info@ childrenofthe90s.ac.uk or visit their

website: www.childrenofthe90s. ac.uk.

REMEMBER US? BORN 1991-92? WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOU AGAIN Book a Focus@24+ visit now! Phone us: 0117 331 0010 Text us: 07789 753 722 Email us: info@childrenofthe90s.ac.uk www.childrenofthe90s.ac.uk/focus24 Get a shopping voucher as a thank you. All travel costs reimbursed.

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bristol hospital is a site for sore eyes IT is estimated that over 3000 people in Bristol are living with cataracts. Cataract is a condition that occurs when the lens of the eye changes and becomes less transparent subsequently causing blurred vision for those experiencing it. The condition which is 95% age related is reported to affect 30% of people 65 years or older. We often take for granted the clarity of which we experience life’s special moments; a grandchild’s first birthday, a daughter’s graduation or even just fully viewing the artist wonders that nature provides. Spire Bristol Hospital understand this and are now pleased to announce that they will be offering a surgical treatment option at the South West’s largest private hospital right here in Bristol. The team behind Spire Bristol Hospital’s new eye service will consist of three Consultant Ophthalmologists who each have a wealth of knowledge within eye care. Mr Mo Majid, Mr Rafik Girgis and Mr Philip Jaycock will together be launching cataract surgery at Spire Bristol Hospital. We spoke to Mr Majid to give us an insight into who might benefit from cataract

surgery. “Cataract is a common and very much gradual condition that worsens over time. The speed at which the severity of blurred vision increases varies from individual to individual and unfortunately there are no medications, eye drops, or dietary supplements that have

been proven to reverse cataracts.” Traditionally people with cataracts are required to wait until they have significant sight loss before any treatment starts. This can significantly impact on their daily lifestyles. The introduction of a private cataract service at Spire Bristol Hospital now gives patients

with cataracts the option to seek eye care at any stage. "With some of the new and most advanced technology available at the Spire, we can advise on many treatment options. We will also be able to offer some of the most advanced lenses available today, including Premium corrective lenses to correct distance, astigmatic and reading vision. If immediate treatment isn't deemed necessary or a patient would like to wait before having surgery, there are some additional measures that may also be helpful. We are very excited about the new service at Spire Bristol.” Concluded Mr Majid All three Spire Bristol consultants will be holding a free ‘Cataracts and Blurry Vision’ Patient Information Evening for anyone who may be suffering from cataracts or wishing to find out more information around the surgical treatment. The evening is designed to allow you the opportunity to directly ask the experts the questions that you do not have answers to. The event will be held at Spire Bristol Hospital, Durdham Down on Tuesday 26 September at 7:00pm. The evening will last approximately just over an hour. To book on to this event please visit our website or alternatively call our patient treatment advisers on 0117 980 4080 or info@ spirebristol.com

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

September, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence

RETURNING from a holiday in the Tyrol just before my September deadline, I was soon missing the snow-capped mountains and the noble ibex silhouetted against the blue alpine sky (well, just some blue sky would have been nice). So I began to wonder, what would a visitor from the Alps be most keen to see in Bristol, in the wildlife line. The answer soon leaps to mind: it would be our foxes, cheeky, bold and beautiful. Foxes have colonised many cities around the world but the Bristol fox is world famous (well, it is in vulpine circles) and their habits and adaptations to city life have been studied for many years. Dusk is the best time to look. It used to be called “the hour ’twixt dog and wolf” - the dogs are called in and the wolves wait until dark.

Perhaps that is why foxes love this hour, an instinctive memory of the brief interregnum. On my way home one evening the easy flick of a white-tipped tail caught my eye, a fox was jumping down from a skip. Round the corner another fox was simply sitting in the middle of the road having a scratch, but he skedaddled. At this point the birder’s “pish” comes in handy: you make a kissy noise by sucking through pursed lips. Every now and again this peculiar noise will tempt a shy bird out of deep cover to take a look: it often works with foxes. The disappearing fox stopped to gaze at me, puzzled by the sound, whilst I watched his expressive face. Foxes in Bristol are now so cocky that they saunter about in broad daylight. Zorro is the Spanish word for fox – the famous character is cunning and fox-like and sports with the authorities, always evading them, often humiliating them. To a fox, our dogs represent “the authorities”. Walking your dog at dusk you turn a corner and spot a fox, some way ahead. The fox lopes along the road, pausing to look over her shoulder in an offhand manner. Seeing your dog the fox sits down (the dog suddenly notices the intruder and leaps into action, hauling you along with him). The fox sighs heavily, yawns perhaps, (the dog becomes more enraged and strains to break his lead- he longs

to show you what he’s made of ). Slowly the fox gets to her feet, has a bit of a stretch (impotent fury from dog, who may let loose a volley of barking at this point) and then she casually strolls into a nearby garden. You know what your desperate dog does not – that if you were to let him off the lead the cunning little vixen would vanish as assuredly as Zorro, without a trace. Yes, a visitor from the Tyrol would enjoy a close encounter with an urban fox! Photo by Airwolfhound, British Wildlife Centre.

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

bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n ON THE BEAT

News from the local policing team with Adam Dolling WE recently dealt with an incident where a bike was stolen from a car in Redland after being left on view in the boot. The thief smashed the back window to remove it. Our advice would always be to remove all your property – especially valuables – from your vehicle. But, if you really have no option but to leave a bike or push chair inside, then make sure it can’t be seen and, where possible, it’s locked to

a solid part. We know this is a pain to do, but the people committing these crimes rely on speed and going undetected – the harder and noisier an item is to steal, the less attractive it is. Recently, a number of people have reported thefts from their sheds and garages, but have been unable to provide frame numbers for bikes or serial numbers for tools. Please take time not just to ensure items and outbuildings are secure, but that you have up to date records of the property you own. We’d also encourage you to register bikes on www.bikeregister. com and other valuables on www. immobilise.com so that, if the worst happens, we have a greater chance of returning them to you. At the beginning of August, a number of vehicles and a bicycle were damaged on Kersteman Road and Redland Court Road, as well as a car stolen and burnt out. We need witnesses – if you saw anything suspicious or have any information that could help, please contact us online or on the non-emergency number, 101. A number of incidents have

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been reported in Bristol and South Gloucestershire where elderly and vulnerable people have been the victims of scams, most recently involving criminals posing as HMRC workers stating victims owe money, requesting cash is transferred and threatening arrest if a fine is unpaid. These criminals can be very convincing and it’s not just the elderly, vulnerable and less ‘tech-savvy’ that are taken in. Remember, it’s always ok to say no. Genuine callers will always be happy for you to get advice and support from family, friends or professionals such as bank staff. Our advice is: • If you get this sort of unexpected call, end it immediately • Never phone an unexpected caller back on the number displayed when they call, or any number they give you • I f you are concerned about your tax status, contact HMRC directly using details from www.gov. uk, the phone book, or HMRC correspondence you know to be genuine • I f you believe you have been contacted by a fraudster, report

it and receive a police crime reference number by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or using their online fraud reporting tool: www.actionfraud.police.uk/ report_fraud There’s information on the Action Fraud website,www. actionfraud.police.uk about this and other scams, and on www. avonandsomerset.police.uk For those of you with children at Cotham School, please keep an eye out for PC Gabriela Hatter, who begins a new post as school beat manager from mid-September. We have a number of dedicated schools officers working across the city, who build valuable relationships with students, staff and parents, to ensure their safety and wellbeing within school and the wider community. Thanks to everyone that attended the Bishopston, Cotham and Redland Neighbourhood Forum. Please keep an eye on the ‘in your area’ section of our website for future dates. Sergeant Adam Dolling

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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

September, 2017

n NEWS

Dawn steps up for Parkinson’s at Ashton Court DAWN May, 64, will be picking up the pace against Parkinson’s in the Walk/Run for Parkinson’s – Ashton Court on Sunday September 3. Retired secondary school teacher Dawn from Clifton is taking on the longer four-mile walking route around the estate, and is hoping to raise £100 for Parkinson’s UK. Dawn, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012, said: “Some of my Parkinson’s symptoms are that I drag my left leg and I hold my arm in a strange way. But since taking on Nordic Walking I’ve found my symptoms have improved, and now I’ve decided to get involved in the Walk for Parkinson’s event at Ashton Court. “I’m looking forward to joining my friends on the day and walking together to help beat Parkinson’s. Taking part in the fundraiser will help fund vital research into the condition.” The Walk/Run for Parkinson’s – Ashton Court, offers the choice of a 1.2 mile and four-mile walk, as well as a 5K or 10K run. Sky Sports Presenter and Champion of Walking for Parkinson’s UK Dave Clark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s himself in 2011. Dave is encouraging as many people as possible to step up at the event. He says: “Thank you to Dawn

for signing up to walk for us this year. “In 2016 I completed my own 200-mile Coast to Coast walk for Parkinson’s UK, it was tough but the sense of achievement when I crossed the finish line was fantastic. “I know not everyone can walk that far, which is why our Walk/ Run for Parkinson’s at Ashton Court with a choice of distances, is perfect for everyone. “2017 is going to be our most ambitious year yet for the Walk for Parkinson’s series. With every pound that we raise we get closer to a cure. So please join us at Ashton Court and help us step closer to our goal of improving the lives of every person affected by Parkinson’s.” To sign up to the Walk/Run for Parkinson’s – Ashton Court visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/ walkashtoncourt, call 020 7963 3912 or email fundraising@ parkinsons.org.uk Entry fee for walkers is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. The fee for runners is £15 for the 10K and £12 for the 5K. The funds raised by Walk/ Run for Parkinson’s – Ashton Court will help Parkinson’s UK’s work to provide support and information for people affected by Parkinson’s and to help find better treatments, and ultimately a cure.

New website for carers

Sprogs Sale A NEARLY new sale of children’s items will be held at Horfield Parish Church on Saturday September 30, from 10am - 11.30am. Designed to appeal to parents of young children, there will be plenty of stalls selling good quality children’s clothes, toys and nursery equipment. All enquiries and to book a table call 0783 460 8780 or sprogs@ yahoo.com Entry £1, and all donations go to Children’s Hospice South West.

LOCAL charity Carers Support Centre has launched a new website (carerssupportcentre.org.uk). It provides valuable help and advice to unpaid carers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The information is locally relevant and written by their experienced carers advice specialists. The website answers carers' questions, whether they are new to caring or have been caring for some time. It includes advice and information on money and benefits, legal rights, employment, getting out and about, Carers Assessments, getting a break, residential care, and much more. Local carer, Mike Brittan, who was included in consultation, said: "I have been through the process of obtaining power of attorney to manage my mum's affairs and found the information and advice on the website exactly matched my experience. I just wish I had been able to access it at the time. It's spot on." If you are a carer and would like to find out what support you can get, visit www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk or call CarersLine on 0117 965 2200.

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

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

Can you find 64 British Isles castles vertically, horizontally or diagonally?

R O X F O R D B C R O O K S T O N

E D O V E R E R B E E S T O N A L

S O G M O R E O L X P D U N S Y R

S M V X E C Z C D U M I E W M V A

L J A W H N H H R A H E E N A S F

E Y L I N O U Q K S U E E L P S F

D O R B T A U N T O N M A Y P M L

E K I L C H U R N C T M O Y L M E

A F H A A V A D E E L A N Y E I C

L A O R R M I M N D Y I C Y B L K

Y S T N E B B P T Y E D X R Y L C

TXT PERT

E T L E W E S E C O M E I L E O D

S D G Y L E N X R A W N D R U M L

T D O T E B P O O L G E D Z E L L

E A B O Y N E L F P E N R I T H C

R A B Y N R A I T K D Y O R K V L

FRACTIONS IN COLOUR Which coloured pattern relates to the blue numbered fractions? Draw a line from the pattern to the correct fraction. Clue – the red panels are the numerator, the top number. © www.123rf.com/profile_ratselmeister

This month: Music

Down:Taunton 2 729 (3) Tenby 3 843 (3) Tilbury(8) 4 77256478 6 786 Udny (3) 8 76636 (5) Urquhart 10 2586 (4) Wressle 11 3838 (4)

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

Aboyne, Acre, Affleck, Amberley, Appleby, Beeston, Bere, Blarney, Carew, Chirk, Croft, Crookston, Deal, Donne, Doon, Dote, Dover, Drum, Duns, Edzell, Elcho, Ewloe, Fast, Gylen, Hay, Huntly, Kilchurn, Leod, Lewes, Lymne, Maiden, Maol, Maud, May, Mey, Millom, Moy, Nunney, Odo, Oer, Ogmore, Oxford, Penrith, Piel, Pool, Raby, Raheen, Rait, Sween, Taunton, Tenby, Tilbury, Udny, Urquhart, Wressle, Yester, York

(We don’t usually give the answers to Wordsearch, but this one is hard!)

WORDSEARCH

SOLUTION

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

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

4 2

The numbers point you to Sween the letters on a phone keypad Odo

Clues Oer Across: Ogmore 1 3738 (4) 4Oxford 767 (3) 5Penrith 5973 (4) 7Piel 247 (3) 9Pool 22637626 (8) 12 62838 (5)

EASY for children

SOLUTION

W M A U D Q T I L B U R Y S I J D

SUDOKU

TXT PERT

September, 2017

Across 1 Fret, 4 Pop, 5 Lyre, 7 Air, 9 Bandsman, 12 Octet Down 2 Ray, 3 Tie, 4 Psalmist, 6 Run, 8 Rondo, 10 Alto, 11 Duet

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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

September, 2017

bishopstonvoice

n NEWS

Celebrating Age Festival seeks work from local artists IT’S time for creative over 50s to shine - with Bristol’s Celebrating Age Festival calling for entries for its annual art and craft competition. The Festival will take place at City Hall, College Green, on Saturday 23 September - where prizes will be awarded to three successful artists and their work will be displayed. Celebrating Age Festival chair Mark Baker is looking for art and craft entries ‘in any medium’ - from paintings and sculptures to collage and tapestry. He says: “If you live in Bishopston, Redland or Cotham and are over 50, we look forward to receiving your entries. I feel really excited about this. There is so much mature talent in Bristol - I want everyone to show the city what they can do. This year's theme is “age-friendly city”. Entries could illustrate this through photography, model modelling, painting or other innovative ideas showcasing all that is positive, old and young, across Bristol. Mark Baker added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for those of 50 and above to celebrate their skills and interests. When people see the work displayed they will be amazed at the wealth of talent we have in this age-friendly city.” All entries must be submitted to central library on Saturday 19 August, where a ballot box will be available so people can vote for their favourite entry. For more information about the competition visit www. celebratingagefestival.co.uk or contact Shelley Hankins by email shelleyhankins@ageukbristol.org.uk or call 0117 929 7537.

Making a grand entrance at St George’s NATIONAL Lottery funders inspected major works at St George’s in August, including the removal and repair of the concert hall’s 200-year-old pennant steps. Representatives from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) met with members of the team from St George’s and Hancock Stone responsible for delivering the restoration elements of the project. The work is part of a wider initiative to transform St George’s into a world-class creative space for music and ideas, due to relaunch in February 2018. The ‘Building a Sound Future’ project, valued at £6.3million, includes a new extension, with multi-purpose spaces, a café bar and improved access. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the HLF’s £775,000 grant is also supporting heritage interpretation, and activities, retelling stories of the many lives of the Great George

Street building – from an 1823 ‘Waterloo Church’ to World War 2 air raid shelter and finally as a music venue attracting some of the world’s leading musicians. The St George’s project, undertaken by Hancock Stone, includes the removal of 140 very heavy, large stones. Glenn Hancock, managing director of Hancock Stone, explained the scope of the work involved: “The steps were in a very poor state. They were uneven and tipping backwards,

meaning a lot of water ingress onto the old mortar beds below. The mortar had turned to a soft soil in most places, which would have continued to deteriorate if left, and would have eventually caused the steps to collapse.“ “Moving each individual step was a task in itself with some weighing in excess of half a tonne. Once the steps were removed, we dug out all of the loose soil and poured a lime concrete, all by hand, to form the shape of the steps. The stones

were then refixed to a straight line and slightly tipped forward in order to shed any water.” Nerys Watts, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “We’re delighted to support this project which will ensure the physical heritage of this Grade II building and its decades of cultural heritage remain an integral part of St George’s exciting future. It’s fantastic to see first-hand the hard work being put into this project and we look forward to seeing the benefits it will have for Bristol’s culture and communities.” St George’s chief executive Suzanne Rolt said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of the National Lottery, which is helping us to create a beautiful grand entrance as well as sharing fascinating, and unexpected, stories of St George’s and the people involved in its history.” Work on the steps is due for completion in time for St George’s autumn season.

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bishopstonvoice

September, 2017

n NEWS

Bristol to host Family History Fair BRISTOL and Avon Family History Society are holding a free Family History Fair on September 9 at British Aerospace Welfare Association (BAWA) Leisure Centre, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG. The day will be an opportunity for anyone who needs help or advice on researching family history to talk with local experts and representatives of Bristol and Avon Family History Society. If you have an interest in, or a question about, your family’s history this is an event you cannot afford to miss. Representatives from Bath Archives and the Somerset Heritage Centre will be on hand to give advice, plus more than 30 exhibitors, including a number of local history societies. Museums staff will be there too, allowing visitors to gather

more information on the work and living conditions that their ancestors may have experienced. New and second-hand books, postcards, maps, family history CDs, software and accessories will be available from a range of commercial exhibitors while Bristol and Avon FHS itself will have many of its own publications at reduced prices for the day. Former Society Chairman Geoff Gardiner says: “This is an ideal opportunity for anyone who has yet to start their family history research to come along to our free event and get an introduction to the basics before they start. A wide range of experts from different organisations can also be consulted on the day about those ‘brick walls’ everyone finds at some point in their research. There will be a free

introductory talk on ‘Starting your Family History Research’ at 10.45am. All attendees will be given free informative handouts, magazines and other useful research and recording tools. There will also be four other talks during the day on the subjects of: ‘Giving Your Research The Who Do You Think You Are? Experience’ by Sarah Williams, Editor of the magazine of the same name. ‘The Know Your Place West of England Historic Mapping Project’ by Peter Insole, the lead officer of the original project which started in Bristol but which now covers historic Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire as well as Bristol and Bath. The talk will be tailored to how the mapping system can be used in family history research. ‘Researching Adoption’ by

Dr. Penny Walters, professional genealogist, who will outline useful processes for this area of research from her own experience. ‘Don’t Throw that out! The Delights of Ephemera’ by Dr. Jane Howells of the British Association for Local History. Jane discusses why you should not necessarily throw things out when they may be of value in your research. There will be a raffle for prizes which include subscriptions to commercial websites and publications, data CDs, books and storage materials. Doors open from 10am - 4pm, with refreshments available. For more information, a full list of exhibitors and details of the talks please visit the B&A FHS website: www.bafhs.org.uk

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September, 2017

n PROPERTY

Cromwell Road, St. Andrews £599,950 This semi-detached period property measures over 1700 sq ft and spread over three storeys. The accommodation offers flexible accommodation and has previously been let out as student accommodation but would also make a wonderful family home. In brief the property comprise of; entrance hall to front bedroom / sitting room with bay window; two further double bedrooms / reception rooms and offers access to the first and lower ground floor. The lower ground floors also benefits from access to the front garden; open plan style kitchen with lounge / diner; utility room and showroom. The first floors has Three further double bedrooms; separate wc and Bathroom with four piece suite. To the front of the property is one off-street parking space and to the rear is a tiered garden with patio area and bike storage shed. We have been advised by the vendor that there is no onward purchase

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September, 2017

n INSIDE OUT CREATING a balanced interior scheme that uses strong colour can be challenging and daunting, especially if you remember some of the lurid hues of Changing Rooms back in the 1990s. Many of my clients want a colourful home but lack the confidence to go really for it so I thought I’d share one way to guarantee success. Very few interior designers will ever use a colour wheel to devise their schemes, as they should have either an innate sense of colour or enough experience to know what works well, but there is no shame in using the wheel and a little colour theory to help give you confidence. Complimentary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel, which you can easily look up online or buy from an art or craft shop. The secret to success is to vary the intensity of the colours, so that they are not all shouting at the same ‘volume’, as that can be fatiguing. If using yellow, you might prefer a quiet, pale yellow on the larger surfaces, and to confine the louder yellows, or pops of purple to smaller accessories, for example. Or you might want blue to dominate in which case you can use a variety

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