Clifton Voice September 2024 by Emma Cooper

From Clifton High School to silver at the Paris Olympics

BRISTOL’S Izzy Thorpe and Kate Shortman made history by bringing home silver medals from the Paris Olympics.

The pair, who have been friends since they were eight years old, are Team GB’s first medallists in artistic swimming after their routine inspired by a rising phoenix earned

them Olympic glory.

Both attended Clifton High School. Izzy, 23, from Westbury on Trym, is at UWE Bristol while Kate, 22, who also attended Redland High and Redmaids’ High, studies international management and French in Bath. Full story: Page 3

Sports complex is ready for action

Clifton College's multi million pound new Chellaram Sports Centre at Beggar Bush Lane is ready for the start of the academic year.

PAGE 13

Growing Space puts down roots

Up to 40 planters will be installed at the new Clifton Down Growing Space on a littleused car park.

PAGE 3

Salute to the class of 2024

Clifton students notched up some remarkable results in this year's A-level exams.

PAGE 8

Photo: James Evans, Speller Metcalfe

Winning smiles from Izzy Thorpe and Kate Shortman

Pub revamp delayed Wander via the web

A MAJOR revamp of a Hotwells pub which has been closed since February has been held up.

The Rose of Denmark on Dowry Place was expected to reopen at the end of July following a £405,000 investment between Star Inns (owned by Heineken) and Bristol businessman Sam Gregory who operates a number of pubs in the city.

However, there has not been any sign of work taking place on the premises and the pub remains closed.

A spokesperson for Star Inns said: “The refurbishment of the pub was unfortunately delayed. However, we hope building work can commence in the next few weeks”.

Sam Gregory also has the nearby Nova Scotia in his

pub portfolio. After he took it over over the pub was closed for a week. New fire doors have been installed and new flooring and kitchen walls installed to meet health and safety regulations

The Nova Scotia has reopened but is not yet serving food as there are not any ovens and other cooking equipment.

A spokesperson for Star pubs said: “We anticipate that food will be available again early autumn once a kitchen upgrade has been undertaken”.

Sam Gregory is probably best known for running the Bank Hotel in John Street, city centre, which gained national headlines for its lengthy waiting list of bookings for roast lunches on Sundays.

THANKS to a suggestion from Clifton Voice, a Clifton man who writes and publishes online walks around London has agreed to do something similar in Bristol.

We put the idea of a Bristol walks website to Kevin Abbey and he tells us that he has now registered a Bristol walks website and already started the research necessary to produce the first Bristol walk, which will be around Clifton. He hopes it will be available later this year.

Kevin said: “One of the reasons for the success and excellent feedback from my London Walks is the amount of research I put into each one. They can take me six months or more to produce as besides the actual writing of the walk, they take a considerable amount of time to delve into the history and background of the various buildings and places each walk visits, as well as taking the photographs.”

The Bristol walks will follow a similar concept, with maps and photographs as well as the narrative.

Kevin said that, as with London, the walks would be free to view and download, so as to make them as accessible as possible to the widest number of people.

Kevin, who worked for the then Bristol Evening Post and Western Daily Press, later started up People & Planet, a fair trade company, then Dolphin Travel, which became Bakers Dolphin.

These days Kevin is active as a trustee for the Friends of Bristol Eye Hospital, which is holding a fund-raising wine tasting evening at the Clifton Club on September 19th.

Kevin’s London walks can be found at www.mylondonwalks.com

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A member of the

THE go-ahead has been given by Bristol City Council for a little-used car park at Clifton Down to be turned into a gardening centre. Up to 40 planters will be installed for growing flowers and vegetables.

Clifton Down Community Association (CDCA) is behind the project, which is being called Clifton Down Growing Space.

“We are so excited that we can now build our ‘Showroom’ which consists of two planters so that people can come and see the spaces we are offering,” said Merche Clark, a member of the Growing Space team.

Clifton Down Growing Space takes root Silver medals and golden Gromits!

The group will hold an open day later this month as part of their crowd funder aiming to raise money to install the planters.

“By then these two planters will be full of young vegetables and flowers and people visiting will be able to get a better sense of what they can do as a plot holder”

The Sustainable Flower arranging group from All Saints Church on Pembroke Road will take over one of the planters. They aim to grow as many flowers as they can for church decorations.

The car park is at the end of Alma

Kate and Izzy were given golden Gromits by The Grand Appeal

Star line-up for LitFest

WILDLIFE presenter and environmental campaigner Chris Packham will be the keynote speaker at Clifton LitFest.

The festival, which takes place from November 15-17, will be the most ambitious to date with a range of writers, artists and musicians taking part in more than 50 events.

Others lined up so far include novelist Kate Mosse, biographervHarriet Baker, local historian and television journalistJonathan Dimbleby and poet Kim Moore.

Moses Mckenzie makes a welcome return to discuss his latest novel, Fast By The Horns. To mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of the RNLI, Helen Doe discuss her book One Crew while Carol Vorderman will talk about how to fix broken Britain with her new book, Now What?

More contributors to the festival will follow soon.

Festival chair David Parker said: “We are absolutely thrilled

that Chris Packham is our keynote speaker at this year’s festival. Through his work for the BBC’s Natural History Unit Chris has a long and deep relationship with the city of Bristol and this, together with his tireless commitment and campaigning for many environmental causes, will ensure a massively successful beginning to the weekend’.

Chris Packham said: ”I'm greatly looking forward to joining the Clifton LitFest this year. My wildlife career is very much rooted in Bristol soil having been taken under the Natural History Unit's wing in 1984 as a trainee cameraman. A few years later I had moved from behind the camera to present the Really Wild Show. These distant decades seem a very long time ago as we now face and fight catastrophic biodiversity loss. Bristol boasts a strong activist movement which is another reason why I feel uplifted when I visit."

Vale Road at the back of the Clifton Down Shopping Centre and is owned by the Sovereign Housing Association.

“We are thankful to them for letting us use the space for the next two years. We are also thankful to the staff of the shopping centre for their continued support,” said Merche Clark.

The CDCA and SNG (Sovereign Group) have entered into a Tenancy at Will agreement. This gives the community association the opportunity to use the space for community-driven projects.

THE excitement of the Olympics has been brought home to Westbury on Trym with glorious silver medals around the necks of Izzy Thorpe and Kate Shortman, childhood friends whose success at Paris 2024 has earned them a place in artistic swimming history, securing the sport’s first-ever Olympic medal for Great Britain.

The swimmers were welcomed back to Bristol by proud family, friends and neighbours after their success on August 10.

Later they made a splash with a surprise visit to staff and patients at Bristol Children's Hospital. The pair were presented with golden Gromit statuettes by the hospital chariy The Grand Appeal.

Kate and Izzy are former Clifton High School pupils who have swum together since the age of eight. Their success is a culmination of years of gruelling training and commitment. Izzy, 23, who is studying sports rehabilitation at UWE and Kate, 22, a student of International Management and Modern Languages (French) at University of Bath, train relentlessly at Hengrove Leisure Centre, up to 10 hours a day, six days a week, with a regime that also includes yoga, gymnastics and video analyses, as well as spending minutes at a time submerged.

They are following their mothers, Maria Shortman and Karen Thorpe, who competed internationally as synchronised swimmers in the 1980s, before the sport became known as artistic swimming. Karen Thorpe is now the GB team performance director.

Izzy and Kate hope that their success will provide a boost to the sport and inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams too.

“Hopefully it’s inspired a lot of athletes,” Izzy said.

n SPINAL COLUMN

Staying balanced and aligned

When your body takes the strain

Staying balanced and aligned

STARTING the day with a bike ride to work can feel invigorating, but nothing puts the brakes on that morning buzz like a slipped chain.

It’s a familiar scene for many: lying in bed, replaying a minor embarrassment from years past or fretting over an upcoming event. Such moments highlight a unique human trait—we stress not only about current challenges but also about those in the distant past and future. This incessant worry triggers our primal fight-or-flight response, a system designed for immediate physical dangers, not the psychological stresses of modern life.

the day with a bike ride to work can feel invigorating, but nothing puts the brakes on that morning buzz like a slipped chain.

Recently, on several chilly mornings, I found myself wrestling with a stubborn bike chain. Picture this: my hands, slick with oil and numb from the cold, struggling to fix the chain so I could push on. It turns out, the root of the problem was a dry chain that desperately needed lubrication – a simple maintenance step I’d overlooked in the hustle of daily life. Just like my bike needs regular oiling to function smoothly, our bodies require consistent care to stay in top form.

When this ancient response activates, our body undergoes profound changes. Adrenaline courses through our veins, our heart rate spikes, and we start to sweat. Meanwhile, our body diverts resources away from “non-essential” processes like digestion to handle the perceived threat. While these reactions are invaluable in genuine emergencies, when constantly triggered by everyday anxieties, they can undermine our health.

susceptible to illnesses by dampening our immune responses. It’s vital, therefore, to find effective ways to manage stress, ensuring our body’s resources are focused on maintenance and healing rather than constant crisis management.

Just like my bike needs regular oiling to function smoothly, our bodies require consistent care to stay in top form.

Often, we don’t notice the ‘maintenance’ we need until something goes wrong. We might skip sleep, indulge in less-thannutritious food, or skimp on relaxation and exercise because our schedules are packed from dawn to dusk.

But just as a dry bike chain can

Chronic stress impacts us deeply, disturbing our sleep, harming our digestive systems, and even making us more

This is where chiropractic care comes into play. At Kasa, we understand that alleviating physical stressors through chiropractic adjustments can profoundly influence overall well-being. By correcting misalignments, chiropractic care helps free your body from mechanical stress, allowing your nervous system to function without interference. This restoration ensures clearer communication between your brain and body, promoting more efficient operation of all systems, including those that manage stress and heal damage.

eventually slip, our bodies can only handle neglect for so long before they signal for help.

To prevent breakdowns, think of selfcare as your daily dose of oil. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking moments to rest your mind.

Integrating regular chiropractic adjustments can be a game-changer in managing stress, leading to better sleep, improved digestion, and a stronger immune system. At Kasa, we don’t just treat symptoms; we aim to enhance your entire

life,

To prevent breakdowns, think of selfcare your daily dose of oil. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking moments to rest your mind.

Regular exercise keeps your system running smoothly, much like how oiled chain glides over the gears.

And don’t forget about professional tune-ups. Integrating routine chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy be likened to the regular maintenance that keeps your bike – and your body balanced and in perfect alignment.

By addressing potential issues before they turn into problems, you can your body’s ‘chain’ from slipping off

So, let’s make a pact to keep our chains well-oiled, both literally and metaphorically. Your body (and your bike) will thank you for it, ensuring smooth rides ahead

Charles Chiropractor | Director | Kasa 0117 974 www.kasachiro.com

New special school is all set to open

A NEW special school is opening this month in Coombe Dingle.

It has been built on the site of the former Sea Mills Infant School and will help address the shortage of places in Bristol for children with additional needs.

The school will be run by the North Star Academy Trust and will be for children aged seven to 16 who have social, emotional and mental health needs. It will open with 16 children in two Key Stage 2 classes and will grow to 85 pupils by September 2026.

The Department for Education and Bristol City Council have been working with the trust to develop North Star 265°.

The architects, DKA, say they have worked to integrate the two-storey building into the special character of the Sea Mills garden suburb conservation area site.

The school will have specialist teaching areas for food technology, construction skills, science and art, an all-weather

How the new school is set to look

pitch and a games court.

Headteacher Rob Skelton said the staff team was keen to get started.

“Our school has a unique

role within education in helping our students to navigate towards their next step in education,” he said.

“Students will often arrive at

our school having experienced challenges within learning environments and we aim to deliver a high-quality education that supports children who have been, or are at risk of, permanent exclusion from mainstream schools.

“Our role at NS265° is to offer a comprehensive alternative learning provision within Bristol which re-engages students in learning, helping them to experience success and to build on that to reinvigorate their ambitions. We provide a highly relevant curriculum which focuses on identifying where students need support and quickly putting the interventions in place to ensure children make accelerated progress.

"As well as this, many students need support to build effective relationships with peers and staff. Through our excellent facilities and staff, we provide flexible and bespoke provisions depending on students' needs.”

Senior - 28 September

Sixth Form - 10 October

Junior - 9 November

CLIFTON COLLEGE

TWO students from Clifton College are off to universities in the US. Clemmie planning to major in Chemistry at Princeton and Izzy majoring in Psychology with the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Clemmie leaves for America this Saturday, and Izzy is off to New Zealand in September to take a well-earned gap year.

Poppy achieved three A*s in Maths, Chemistry and Physics and is going on to Oxford University to study Chemistry. They were among a strong cohort who received A-level and BTEC results.

Nick Mills, Head of Sixth Form, said, “It’s wonderful to see our students fulfilling their aspirations, with the vast majority now heading to their chosen universities to embark upon a wide range of courses. It’s also great to see a record number of students winning places at leading universities overseas, notably in the US. Congratulations to all our leavers. I wish them all the best.”

BADMINTON

A-level students at Badminton had smuch to celebrate with over 60% achieving A/A* in three subjects, enabling over 80% to secure their first-choice university.

The school are proud of many outstanding achievements; Tammy secured 4 A* and will study Medicine at King’s College London. Sally, who achieved 3 A*, will study Physics at Imperial College. Ruth also achieved 4 A* and will go to the University of Warwick to study Mathematics.

Angharad has a won a place at Oxford to read Geography and Alice has secured her place at Cambridge to read Law. Alice also gained full marks in Paper 1 and only dropped two marks in Paper 2 of her A Level English.

Students from the Class of 2024 at Badminton will be off to study a huge range of exciting courses both in the UK and overseas, ranging from Veterinary Science, Medicine and Actuarial Science to Urban Planning, Music and Cyber Security.

Results day is also a chance to reflect on what students achieved beyond the classroom. Head Girl, Yijing, who is off to Warwick to study Law, made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of the school and was a keen participant in many local music festivals.

Headteacher Jessica Mile said: “This year’s cohort are the first I’ve really got to know since taking over as Head at Badminton 15 months ago. They are an impressive group who have contributed to the wider school community whilst succeeding academically. I look forward to seeing where their journey takes them as they have already shown they have the motivation and ability to succeed."

REDMAIDS' HIGH

MORE than half the grades gained by Redmaids’ High students at A-level were A* or A, significantly higher than the national average of 28%, with 79% of grades achieved at A*-B, and 94% A*-C.

Courses chosen by the cohort as next steps includes Medicine, Physics, International Social & Public Policy, TV and Film Production, Neuroscience and Ancient History & Classical Archaeology.

More students than ever are looking forward to studying degrees with a focus on the environment while several students are flourishing in the Performing Arts.

Olivia has been offered a degree apprenticeship studying Computer Science at Jaguar, and former Head Girl Muznah will be travelling to Somalia as part of her gap year.

Director of Sixth Form, Dr Alice England, said, “I am incredibly proud of the students in this year group and their tremendous dedication and effort over the past two years."

QEH

QEH saw 51% of all grades at A* or A, with 77% A* to B. Head, Rupert Heathcote, said, “It was fantastic to welcome students and parents to school to celebrate their achievements. The school was filled with great excitement and celebration as results were collected.

This year’s outstanding cohort includes both School Captains, Ed and Anastasia, who achieved straight A and A* grades. They have led by example, both academically and as exemplary role models. In addition, all of Oxbridge candidates have secured their places, as have all those hoping to study medicine and veterinary science. Over 20% of students achieved straight A*/A grades.

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

ONE of the largest A-level cohorts in Bristol Grammar School achieved outstanding A-level results. 53% of the almost 500 exams taken by BGS students were awarded one of the top two grades. Over a third of students achieved three or more A*/A grades, with 15 of them securing three or more A* grades.

Joe, who earned four A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Economics, and Geography, will now go on to St John’s College, Cambridge to study Economics, one of six BGS students heading to Oxford or Cambridge this year. He will be joined at Cambridge by Zoey who will study Natural Sciences. Zoey achieved five A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, along with an A* in her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Along with a number of pupils who have been at BGS since Reception – the first such cohort since the opening of our Infant section in 2010 – this year’s A Level cohort also includes 50 students who joined BGS at Sixth Form.

Jaideep Barot, Head of Bristol Grammar School said: “We’re so proud of all our students for their hard work and commitment, not just to their studies, but to all that BGS has to offer.:"

Reception – Sixth Form Open Morning

Saturday 28th September

n NEWS

Bristol Steiner School saved from closure after 'extraordinary' campaign

BRISTOL Steiner School is opening for the new academic year after what’s been described as an ‘extraordinary’ rescue effort.

The independent school was facing closure after half a century when it went into administration in December 2023 but parents and supporters raised nearly £1 million in loans and donations to save it.

Their work to bring in funds and create a transformation plan enabled the school in Redland Hill, which offers a holistic education, to exit administration this summer.

Lawyer Gareth Hegarty, who led the exit on behalf of the school’s Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) said it was a big achievement at a time when challenging financial circumstances were forcing other schools to shut.

“A solvent exit from administration is truly extraordinary and is testament to the efforts of the local community to bring this school back from the brink. This is a great result for the school, its pupils and the local area,” he said.

Lindsay Berresford, chair of the PTFA and a former pupil, said: "This school has been a cornerstone of our community for 50 years. To see it thrive once

again, thanks to the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals, is truly heartwarming.”

The rescue means that the 80 pupils aged four to 11 can return to their classrooms and the jobs of more than 20 staff have been saved. The school hopes in future to expand to include a middle school, for children aged 11 to 14.

Rowena Kennedy-Epstein, co-chair of trustees, said new systems of financial checks and balances would ensure longterm sustainability and stability. Renovations are also being carried out to the building and garden spaces, underscore the school's dedication to providing a stimulating and inspiring

learning environment.

"We know from speaking to parents across the city that an education that builds wellbeing and creativity alongside academic skills is badly needed in Bristol, and we are working to make it more accessible than ever," Rowena said.

"We have moved to a sliding scale fee system and are pleased to now offer bursaries to families of African/Caribbean heritage, reflecting our commitment to diversity and accessibility."

The school has welcomed four new trustees committed to its future vision and has appointed a new headteacher, Angela Cogan, who has decades of experience as an early years

and primary school teacher and leader, including three years as an Ofsted inspector.

Angela said: "I feel privileged to be part of such an exciting time. The Steiner approach is very close to my heart, and I aim to safeguard everything we hold dear while ensuring children make the best progress possible."

Bristol Steiner School, founded in 1974, is part of a worldwide network of SteinerWaldorf schools known for their focuson holistic development, nurturing creativity, critical thinking and a love for learning.

Alumni, current students, past and present parents, and teachers celebrated the school's rich history and its bright future at their summer fair.

One of the new trustees, Siobhan Allison, said: "Bristol Steiner School has always been more than just a place of learning; it's a family. Our new trustees are committed to preserving this legacy while driving forward with a sustainable vision for the future."

Rilke Hayne, the granddaughter of the founder, added: "It's incredibly moving to see the spirit of the school reignited by the very community it serves. My children are now part of this legacy, and I couldn't be prouder."

Opportunity follows

Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 11th October

badmintonschool.co.uk

Come and discover life at Clifton College. You will have the chance to meet our fantastic staff, learn more about our outstanding pastoral care and take a tour around the school to see our broad range of facilities.

Autumn Open Days

Preschool - Year 6 Open Day Friday 27th September

Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 4th October

Year 7 - Year 11 Open Day Saturday 5th October

Book your Open Event slot or book a personal tour at a time convenient to you at: cliftoncollege.com

Sports centre is ready for the kick-off

LAST-minute preparations are going ahead for the opening later this month of a multimillion pound sports complex for Clifton College.

The Chellaram Sports Centre at Beggar Bush Lane, Abbots Leigh, will include three netball courts, three tennis courts, twelve badminton courts and three basketball courts.

There will also be ten cricket net lanes, a bouldering wall, indoor hockey pitch and five places for touch rugby.

The new sports complex, which will have 208 seats for spectators, will replaces the indoor sports dome which was said to be “looking tired as well as being in need of a regular maintenance.”

The complex has been made possible thanks to a donation by former pupil Lel Chellaram, a shipping entrepreneur, and the Chellaram Foundation, which he founded.

Clifton College says that his was one of the largest gifts in the recent history of public schools.

On a donations board in the college the Foundation is listed as having made a gift in excess of £250,000.

The sports complex is due to be available for use by the college, community groups and schools at the start of the new academic year later this month.

n FROM BRISTOL CENTRAL'S MP

Coming together to reject hate

IT has been an incredibly difficult couple of weeks in Bristol, with a rise in coordinated violence and intimidation from the far right. Although racism and Islamophobia are daily issues in our communities, the recent surge in violence has created a new level of fear. There is no place in Bristol for Islamophobia, violence, or the far right. Our city has shown its strength by coming together to reject hate. I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly to stand up and protect our community. While Parliament takes a break over summer, I am really looking forward to spending more time in Bristol and meeting with local groups and residents.

Over the next few

weeks, I plan to visit Aid Box Community, a charity founded in response to the ongoing refugee crisis. While Aid Box provides a vital service to people who arrive in the country with nothing, their work can’t continue without a new premises.

The charity is now urgently seeking a new space to continue their essential work. To learn more about the free services they provide or to find out how you can support their efforts to find a new location, please visit their website through the link below: https:// www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk/

Over the past month I have heard from many of you who are concerned about the prison sentence for Gaie Delap. Gaie was one of the environmental non-violent protesters who was

The new building will meet current energy and sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent.

recently jailed for 20 months, a disproportionate sentence for peaceful protest. I have written to the Home Secretary asking for a review of Gaie’s case.

We have also seen a large number of people needing assistance with visa applications and asylum claims. We have been assisting them as much as possible, but it is clear that not enough safe routes exist and we need reform of the asylum and immigration system. Now more than ever we must make sure that people coming to our country are treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve.

If you need assistance with issues such as asylum or immigration, housing or welfare benefits, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team.

Please do contact me if you have any concerns or anything you'd like to make me aware of by emailing me at carla.denyer@greenparty. org.uk, or by writing to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

The Chellaram Sports Centre at Beggar Bush Lane Photo: James Evans, Speller Metcalfe

Campaigners' challenge stalls Zoo's homes plans

PLANS to build nearly 200 homes on the former Bristol Zoo site in Clifton are on hold because of a legal challenge.

Campaigners from Save Bristol Gardens Alliance Limited are seeking a Judicial Review of Bristol City Council’s decision last April to grant planning permission for the development of the 11.4 acre site.

Bristol Zoological Society closed the Clifton site two years ago and wants to sell it to fund its new conservation-led Bristol Zoo Project near Cribbs Causeway.

The campaign group says it has no objection to the decision to stop caging animals but it is against the Zoo’s plans to concrete over part of the Clifton site, which was bequeathed to the city as a pleasure garden.

It says none of the proposed 196 luxury flats will be affordable for ordinary Bristolians.

The group wants to work with BZS and the council on a constructive solution.

"We believe that together we can build an alternative vision for the Gardens which will meet the Zoo's commercial objectives AND preserve the precious biodiversity of this site - for nature and for all Bristolians," it says.

Save Bristol Gardens Alliance Limited, a community benefit society, has already raised more than £7,000 in an online appeal to fund its battle. You can find it at https://www.crowdjustice. com/case/save-bristols-historicgarden/

The planning permission states that 20% of the housing is affordable (30 homes for social rent and 10 for first time buyers) and that free public access to the gardens must be maintained 365 days of the year between 8am and 5pm or 7pm.

A Zoo spokesperson told the Voice last month that it proposed to plant 470 new trees to replace those that would be removed for the development.

The Zoo says it remains confident in its plans, which it believes are right for Bristol.

n FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS

News from

your

Green Party Clifton Down councillors George Calascione and Serena Ralston

Hello again from Serena and George, your Green Party councillors for Clifton Down. We’re writing this just over a month after the General Election. As many of you will know, Carla Denyer was previously a councillor in Clifton Down and we were delighted to see her elected as Bristol’s first ever Green M.P. Locally it’s been a busy too; we’ve been helping with many local issues and enjoying getting to know you.

Sharing good news

IIt was great to hear that the new food growing space at the back of Clifton Down Shopping Centre has been granted planning permission. We supported the application and were pleased that planning officers determined it so quickly. Congratulations to the Clifton Down Community Association whose members have put so much work into these plans. The first couple of planters were installed last month and the association is holding an open day on Saturday 7th September.

In more good news, we’ve learnt that, at long last, there is a new owner for the derelict Be in Bristol building at 59-61 Whiteladies Road who intends to bring it back into active use. The owner told us that they are working on plans that would involve keeping the ground floor bar and restaurant use and redeveloping the first and second floors into residential use. To find out more, we’ll ensure we meet them before they submit a planning application. We will also encourage them to engage with community groups and local businesses. Several of you living in the Abbotsford Road area reported that a tree planted outside the Cotham Off Licence had died, probably because of the recent heatwave. We contacted the council’s tree team who swiftly removed the tree and planted a new one in its place. They are watering it and keeping a careful eye on it.

Cllrs Serena Ralston and George Calascione with the new tree on Abbotsford Road

Welcome students!

A warm welcome to our student neighbours. Whether you are new or returning, there is support to help you settle in smoothly. The University of Bristol’s (UoB) Community Liaison team is running the ‘Students Move In’ campaign, with leaflet drops and door delivery by our wonderful resident associations with the community liaison team, Bristol Waste and the U.o.B Community Student Ambassadors, to all student properties in our area and others.

There’ll be several events this month including, in our area, pop-up stands at Film 59’s car park on Cotham Hill from 9 to 3pm on 24th and 25th September with tips on a range of issues.

More is planned for October. Do get in touch if you need our help.

Spotlight on… HAMPTON PARK & COTHAM HILL COMMUNITY GROUP

We enjoyed meeting The Hampton Park & Cotham Hill Community Group (HPCHCG) recently. We make room for a different community group in our column each month and this time it’s their turn.

The group was set up by its current chair, Dr Jill White, over 25 years ago. Its purpose is to bring the concerns of residents and traders to the attention of Bristol City Council and other relevant authorities. Membership is free and face-toface meetings are held as issues occur, with email contact between meetings.

What has the HPCHCG achieved over the years? For example, while the group welcomes the vitality and trade of the high density of students in our area (and sends round welcoming letters to all new students), they are aware that the anti-social behaviour of a minority of students causes residents of all ages considerable stress and inconvenience. In 2007, the HPCHCG brought this to the attention of the University of Bristol and UWE and subsequently played an active part in putting together the first rules and regulations governing student behaviour for community living. Now, of course there is a very effective Student Liaison Service, which has also improved the situation considerably, and the group continues to liaise with and support this service. For more information, contact Jill White: jillwhitemusic@ gmail.com

Cotham Hill defibrillator

]Thanks to Defibs4Bristol and funding by the Cotham Hill Trading Group we now have a defibrillator on Cotham Hill. It’s on the side of the Men’s Hire shop next to Jubo Raj. This is a lovely example of community organisation. Helen from Men’s Hire agreed to host it on her wall, Simon from Oxfam bookshop did the fundraising, Mike from the coffee shop agreed to be the defibrillator’s ‘guardian’, and 22 traders contributed to the cost. Well done to all. Immediate CPR and defibrillation before professional help arrives can increase cardiac arrest survival rates from less than 10% to over 70%, so these public access defibrillators are life savers. Fully automated, with visual and spoken instructions, they are designed for public use.

To learn about defibrillator use and how to offer CPR, come along to a training session by Simon Brookes of Defibs4Bristol: Tuesday 10th Sept, 4.30 or 7pm at the Whitmore Tap on Cotham Hill.

Serena Ralston cllr.serena.ralston@bristol.gov.uk

George Calascione cllr.george.calascione@bristol.gov.uk

A face of rich NHS diversity in our community

THE recent violence hijacked our shared grief at the shocking events in Southport, creating further trauma as we experienced and saw hate directed at Muslims, People of colour, asylum seekers, and individuals who look different because of their faith, culture or ethnicity.

Most of us will hold such views as appalling, but it caused great fear for our team here at Kellaway Pharmacy. The thought is that while we represent the NHS in our Community, we may still never be accepted as part of the society we care for.

Community Pharmacy is arguably the most visible expression of the diversity of the NHS—one of the world's largest and most diverse workforces. For us at Kellaway Pharmacy, the personal impact of the violence included helping colleagues commute to and from work, painful conversations checking on their wellbeing and supporting them to decide if they feel able to work despite concerns for the communities they are part of and their loved ones. Dark days indeed.

One thing, however, is never in doubt—We will always do our best to provide the best compassionate care for everyone in our Community, never considering who you are or where you are from. This is why the NHS exists: a universal offer now underpinned, as in our team, by individuals who have left their home countries and families to work and be part of beautiful communities like ours.

How now do we heal from this toxic infection in our society? We must challenge and remove false, divisive narratives, often spread on social media and endorsed by individuals who know better, for self-serving purposes. It all cloaks the mind in harmful ignorance, from stories that undermine proven health interventions to peddling false cures and remedies. Delivering health is about reinforcing dignity, so personal choice is sacrosanct; 'lies' rob us of the freedom to choose correctly.

It is a sad reality that health inequalities are a form of social injustice for significant population groups in our country; this must

never be ignored.

The work to address this unfair burden of physical and mental health needs, in our resource-blessed country, must also never be falsely presented as an "us versus them" narrative.

We all must work together to create a caring, welcoming society. This includes advocating through democratic channels and contributing to the discussions in a kind and compassionate tone. Locally, we must actively work to ensure everyone feels part of our Community. In truth, our personal interactions, no matter how brief, have the most impact—a warm smile, friendly chat, and genuine expressions of neighbourliness all define this.

Kellaway Pharmacy is proud to be part of this collective effort, aware that we have a remember to this Community far beyond whether we provide care to you or your family. Need us? Just call Kellaway Pharmacy: 0117 9246579

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News from your Green Party Clifton councillors Paula

O’Rourke and Jerome Thomas

WE hope you enjoyed your summer and the two ‘bugbears’ of Clifton in] July and August have not spoiled things for you. To what do we refer, but to bins and potholes! Perhaps they are not bugbears to all citizens, but to your local Clifton councillors, students moving out of accommodation, and the summer road resurfacing, is often a seasonal irritation. In this column we want to explain why the roads seems to be being partially fixed and the problem of students fly-tipping lots of perfectly good household items isn’t being fixed.

Road surface dressing

Every summer we get emails complaining about the ‘road

n NEWS

repairs’, or the poor quality of the ‘re-surfacing’. People complain that the surface isn’t as smooth as it was before the work was done, that the loose chippings cause damage to cars, and that it seems uneven. We too complained – until we understood what the process actually involves.

It isn’t about re-surfacing the roads (which is a repair) but it is ‘re-dressing’ the roads to prolong the life of the road–think of painting window frames to prevent rot from damp. Surface dressing extends the life of the road by sealing the surface, thereby preventing the embrittlement of the “tar” used to hold the “Mac” together. If water gets underneath the TarMac surface, then the cold weather causes it to swell, and we get …. potholes.

So, while it is annoying to see a smooth surface being replaced by a rough one, and having todrive very carefully on the loose chippings, we at least know that it is good practice and can mean that a road can last for up to 20 years without needing to be re-surfaced. Another annoying factor is that the bitumen used takes quite a long time to dry and that is weather dependent, and the replacement road lining can only be done in fair

weather, so there are often delays that seem unreasonable but are, in fact, unavoidable.

We may still not like what is happening - while it is happening - but knowing that reasons and the benefits will, we hope, make it more endurable.

The work is contracted out by Bristol City Council, and in previous years, we have reported shoddy work and insisted that the contractors returned to complete it to a higher standard. If residents believe that surface dressing is below standard, do please notify us and we will visit to view it.

Fly-tipping when students vacate tenancies

For the past few years, we have been attending bi-monthly meetings with representatives from both universities, the police, the student bodies and several residents’ associations. The aim is to help build ‘a balanced community’ and we discuss ways to manage noise, waste, etc.. In recent years, we have managed to get some landlords and agents involved, as it was felt that they were the one element which seemed to avoid liability. I It is very annoying to see students leaving premises in a manner

which ensures they get their deposit back, but leaving piles of detritus on the street for Bristol City Council to deal with. The universities have been excellent in their efforts to educate the students in the best ways to sell, donate or dispose of their belongings to avoid waste and fly-tipping. Students are getting better at limiting waste and data is collected, so we can measure this. Work still needs to be done to engage the landlords and agents. And to a degree, it might always be the case that in a city where there is a very large number of rentals being ‘changed-over’ on the last week in June, there will always be some unsightliness over a few weeks in summer, which has to be balanced against what the students bring to the life of the City.

So, our introduction was a bit misleading as the roads are being properly ‘fixed’ and there has been progress on the fly-tipping; it is being lessened, if not fully solved. These matters are vexing but be assured, your councillors are working hard to improve things year on year.

Paula O'Rourke: cllr.paula. orourke@bristol.gov.uk

Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome. thomas@bristol.gov.uk

Patient hotel 'will be home from home'

BRISTOL Children’s Hospital wants to build a “patient hotel” for children receiving longterm medical care and their parents.

The four-storey building behind the Cots for Tots House on Southwell Street, next to St Michael’s Hospital on St Michael’s Hill, is planned as a halfway house between acute hospital care and home.

The new facility will include 12 ensuite bedrooms, with a communal kitchen, laundry and lounge areas, as well as a therapy and gym space.

It will be used by families from Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, South Wales whose children require lengthy treatment. They will stay in the patient hotel while the children receive outpatient treatment, thus freeing up beds in the hospital.

The project is being funded via the hospital charity, the Grand Appeal, which says the scheme has been made possible thanks to the support of the Bristol-based Yogscast and the Jingle Jam foundation.

Planning documents submitted to Bristol

City Council say: “This development will be the first in the UK in a new generation of health facilities for children which is funded through private charity investment. With NHS waiting lists topping 7 million people nationally, the patient hotel will help by providing additional rooms for non-acute patients who are able to be treated close to the hospital as outpatients.

“The emphasis will be on keeping the patients out of the hospital environment by being able to stay close to the hospital with their parents, encouraging their independence and often adapting to a new way of life before returning home. Throughout England approximately 10 per cent of hospital beds are taken up by patients who are well enough to go home after treatment.

“In Scandinavian countries, that figure is less than three per cent as they provide patient hotel-type facilities as part of their whole health ecosystem. Since embarking on a major reform of its inpatient facilities in 2007, Denmark has reduced inpatient bed days by one fifth whilst increasing outpatient services by 50 per cent.”

The Bristol Children’s Hospital provides treatment and care to over 100,000 children from across the South West and South Wales each year. The hospital is a centre for excellence for treating conditions such as cancer, burns, neurosurgery and epilepsy.

How the facility could look

BOOKS

Swimming Home

THE setting for Swimming Home is a holiday villa in the south of France. The year is 1994. The story unfolds over one week in July. Joe and Isabel Jacobs and their 14 year old daughter Nina are sharing the villa with their friends Mitchell & Laura. Joe is a published poet with his work translated into 23 languages whilst Isabel is a war correspondent reporting from Northern Ireland, Lebanon & Kuwait. Mitchell & Laura own a loss making shop in London selling primitive Asian and European weapons and African jewellery.

Their peaceful holiday is changed forever when a naked woman climbs out of the villa swimming pool. Kitty Finch is in her early twenties. She is a botanist and aspiring poet who

n REVIEW

1983 by Tom Cox

dreams of visiting the poppy fields of Pakistan. She suffers from depression and has recently spent two months in a hospital in Kent. She is a regular visitor to the villa which is owned by a friend of her mothers. She has written a poem called Swimming Home and is keen for Joe to read it and to give her feedback. We also meet Jurgen, the German caretaker of the villa who has silver dreadlocks and is a militant vegetarian. He likes to smoke hash with his friend Claude, a Mick Jagger lookalike who owns a local café. We are also introduced to their neighbour, Madeline Sheridan a 79 year old who walked out of her marriage and who has lived in France for 15 years. What does Kitty really want from them all ? How will Joe respond to her poem ? and why is Isabel so keen to invite her to stay

THERE was a rather appalling news article recently about a school which will teach certain GCSE subjects this year solely using AI. Never mind the issues with the AI tools themselves, the exclusion of teachers from education and the transformation of fun, social, collaborative classrooms into individual pods staring at screens are shocking. Reading the novel 1983 might cure anyone of thinking this a good idea.

Benji, aged eight, attends a school a lot like the one that Tom Cox did: there are inspirational teachers encouraging curiosity, creativity and complete joy in learning, not to mention in being children. It’s not a perfect system, and the book is a layered puzzle of other stories too, but it is disarming, a setting and viewpoint rarely depicted in a novel.

Benji and his family and a wide cast of very ordinary and utterly eccentric (sometimes one person is both in one page) characters live in a mining village in Nottinghamshire. There is little money and a lot of subsidence, there are spoil heaps (“gob heaps” to some) and prejudices and Benji is convinced that he will one day be abducted by aliens.

Benji’s narration immerses the reader in the glittering, excitable and misunderstanding head of a young child experiencing a momentous year. Yet, the story is told in retrospect and there are hints of what the adult Benji may think now and how to treat that tricky matter of memory.

Other narrators enter, almost as if they are delivering a to-camera interview, the back-and-forth reminiscences of his parents being particularly enjoyable and teeming with clues about how surreal the story really is. Not that they themselves realise this.

Cox’s parents, perhaps unusually for the time, took many photos of everyday life and their inclusion adds another dimension which puts one in mind of books by John Berger and Laura Cumming. One photo also offers proof that Tom Cox, like Benji, did grow up next door to a man who made robots. Whether the real Rosa was best man at her creator’s wedding, one will have to consult the author. But her existence allows the imagination to run riot with Benji’s and the author’s and it leads to startling places.

Elizabeth Moss, owner of Heron Books, The Clifton Arcade

by Deborah Levy

with them in the villa ?

You can find this engaging and thrilling book with its dramatic ending on the shelf along with many others at Bishopston Library. Please come and visit us at 100 Gloucester Road. You can walk out with a library card, giving you free internet access, and the opportunity to select from a catalogue of over two million books, available via the Libraries West app and website.

Review by Bob Deacon of Bishopston Library Clifton Library opening hours

Monday 10am-2pm

Tuesday 1pm-5pm

Thursday 1pm-5pm

Friday 10am-2pm

Saturday 1pm-5pm

Photo: Jo Hansford Photography

n WHAT'S ON

Saturday October 12

n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR

AUTUMN CONCERT at 7:30pm

- All Saints Church, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3ED, Conductor: David Bednall; Organ: Nigel Nash. Join us for a concert celebrating the music of Vaughan Williams, Stanford, Parry, Tallis & Howells.

Tickets - £21 (reserved), £15 (unreserved - £12 if bought in advance), £1 students/under 18s Web: bristolbach.org.uk Tel: 0117 214 0721 Email: tickets@ bristolbach.org.uk

Regular events

Various days

n YOGA IN REDLAND

Tuesdays 6.30pm & 7.45 Wednesdays 7.30pm Suitable for beginners & improvers Yoga in Clifton Saturdays 10.30am Suitable for improvers Text Charlotte on 07533732035 www.yogabristol.com

n BLAISE COMMUNITY

GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, BS10 7QS. Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 10-2, plant table always available. Interesting walled kitchen garden, free to enter, new volunteers welcomed. Café open 10-2 on 15 June and 13 July

n WEST OF ENGLAND BRIDGE CLUB based at RAFA Club, 38 Eastfield, Henleaze. Five sessions every week, catering for different standards. Thursday afternoon is Improvers. Monday and Friday afternoon is for more capable players; this is an EBU recognised session. You may come alone to any afternoon session; a partner will be found. The evening sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays, and are open to pairs. www. woebridgeclub.co.uk or contact Secretary, Chris Frew, on 0117 962 5281.

Monday

n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579

n DICKENS SOCIETY. 7pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome. See www.dickenssociety.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further details.

n WESTBURY AND CLIFTON AREA DISCUSSION GROUP

meet at Westbury on Trym Baptist Church every Monday 9.45am to challenge ourselves with topical debate on what’s happening in the world. If you would like to help to solve some of today's challenging issues with good company, tea and biscuits - contact James Ball 01454 415165 or Ian Viney 0117 9501628.

n WESTBURY ON TRYM

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE meets on the third Monday of the month in the Westbury Village Hall, Eastfield Road, BS9 4AG, from 2-4 pm. Interesting speakers, crafts, lunch club, skittles and outings. Our lively, friendly and inclusive group welcomes visitors at any meeting. Call Sascha on 07961619806 or Traci on 07766073917

Tuesday n WESTBURY PARK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Girl Guide Hut on Westmorland Road from 7.00 - 9.30pm. We are an active and friendly group with a varied programme plus extra sessions for craft, coffee, book clubs, walks etc. Visitors are always welcome and for more information do call Sue on 07813795936 or email westburyparkwi@gmail.com

n COMPANION VOICES BRISTOL is recruiting new members We are a 'threshold choir' actively looking for new people to join us. We meet in Easton on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7 to 9 pm to learn soothing and uplifting songs by ear and build skills in sensitivity/compassion/ loving presence to sing at the bedsides of people nearing the end of life. To join or support us in this work, contact Valerie on bristol@companionvoices. org. Visit www.facebook.com/ CompanionVoicesBristol and www. companionvoices.org

n BRISTOL BRANCH OF THE KNITTING AND CROCHET GUILD meet on the third Tuesday of the month, 10am-12pm, usually in the function room at the Boston Tea Party on Whiteladies Road. Free to attend, all welcome (members and non-members). We cater for beginners through to experienced makers. Email BristolKCG@gmail. com for more info.

Wednesday n HENLEAZE CHORAL SOCIETY

We are a thriving, non- audition choir performing mainly classical repertoire. Rehearsals take place at Henleaze Bowling Club, Grange Court Road on Wednesdays 7.309.00pm New members welcome. Go to www.henleazechoralsociety. org.uk for more information and contact details.

n CLIFTON CRAFTERS

We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer

unloved – dig them out and come and share with us a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend. Clifton Library every Wednesday 10.30am12.30pm

n BLAISE COMMUNITY

GARDEN, behind Blaise Museum, open Wednesday and Saturday 10-2. Originally a walled kitchen garden. Free to enter. We’re looking for volunteers. Our Café (+ homemade cakes) open 10-2, 18 March and 8 April.

n WELCOME WEDNESDAY

Friendly and free coffee afternoon on the last Wednesday of the month, 2-3.30pm at The Beehive Pub, Wellington Hill West, BS9 4QY. Meet new people, have fun, and find out what’s happening in your area. Call 0117 435 0063.

n CLIFTON CRAFTERS We all have craft items we started and are now lurking in a drawer unloved –dig them out and come and share a morning of knitting, crochet, tapestry, rag rugs or whatever you would love to resurrect or mend!

Every Wednesday in October at Clifton Library 10 30-12 30pm.

n GOLDEN HILL WI Meets the first Wednesday of every month. 1-3pm. Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Rd, BS6 7YA

A vibrant, lively new afternoon WI in BS6. We have an exciting and varied programme to offer to members. For more information contact Pam Scull at goldenhillwi@ gmail.com.

n CLIFTON WOMENS INSTITUTE

We are a friendly bunch who meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Alma Church, Alma Road, Clifton BS8 2HG, from7.30pm. Anyone interested in coming to a meeting as a visitor is most welcome (£5). Visit our blog cliftonwi.blogspot. com for forthcoming events. For information about us contact thecliftonwi@gmail.com

Thursday

n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See website www.henburysingers.org contact secretary at secretary@ henburysingers.org.

n OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE

For those interested in developing their spiritual awareness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30pm start at Westbury Park Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit www. westburyparkspiritualistchurch.org

n HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us as we fill St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze

with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thursday afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. Contact Jeanette on 9685409 or Jane on 07752 332278.

n BRISTOL BACH CHOIR are now recruiting new members. We are a friendly auditioned choir of between 30 and 40 singers. All voice parts are welcome. We rehearse on a Thursday evening at Bristol Grammar School from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. If interested please contact Julie at membership@ bristolbach.org.uk

n HEALING FOR WELLBEING Feeling stressed? Come and try our drop in sessions run by trained volunteers. Healing/Reiki is a gentle, relaxing, complementary therapy that helps restore balance and vitality. Used in healthcare to reduce stress. Donation basis. Venue: Redland Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, BS6 6JE. s 3.30 pm to 4.45 pm. For information and dates, contact Selina at Bristol Healing Group: T:0117 9466434 or E:selinanewton@yahoo.co.uk. Friday

n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for further details.

n BRISTOL SPANISH CIRCLE. We meet every month from September to June, usually on the last Friday of the month, at St Peter’s Church Hall in Henleaze. For more info, see https://www.spanishcirclebristol. com/.

n F OLK NIGHT every third Wednesday of the month at the Victoria inn, Chock lane, Westbury on Trym. 7.30-10.30pm. All musicians and singers welcome or just pop in and listen. Call 0117 959 0834

Saturday

n SEA MILLS REPAIR CAFE offers sewing, woodwork, general, electrical and cycle repairs at the Methodist Church, Sea Mills Square, from 10am-12pm, every second Saturday of the month (except August). This is a voluntary service run by experienced repairers. Donations welcome. FFI see our Facebook page @ seamillsrepaircafe or email: repaircafe.seamills@gmail.com

n SPORT

New season brings excitement and continuity

The new term is always full of hope and expectation for sports clubs. Clifton Rugby are reflecting on the high league positions achieved in recent seasons by the 1St XV and the progress made by its second and third teams the Wanderers and Misfits in providing competitive league rugby to suit player’s abilities.

The outstanding coaching and training provides real pathways for players to develop. Last season a number of players showed how they are might progress through the ranks and play at a higher level within the club. A further attraction is the thriving social scene for players and supporters to experience. The same applies to the mini and junior players and their parents and carers who meet on Sunday mornings. Membership details for players and supporters are available from Russ Delaney russdelaney@ cliftonrugby.co.uk

Season opening matches are away at Exeter University followed by the first home game at Cribbs Causeway on 14th September at 2-30 with a local derby clash with Old Redcliffians. At that game the club will pay its respects to Dave Harding and Sandy Mitchell who have passed on over the summer. Dave featured on the 1st XV at the old Eastfield Road ground as well as the “new” ground and the RATS [veterans] Vice President Sandy Mitchell BEM was a pillar of the local rugby community and led the Lockleaze

Sainsbury on the charge

Sports club development as well as holding high office in county ranks.

The majority of the 2023-24 squad are returning with some exciting additions including returning former players in powerful number 8 Ed Gibbons and lock Ed Grinstead. Also rejoining is flanker Jamie Collier who featured in the Bristol Bears Academy as did Tom Quinlan with his more recent experience at Newcastle and Loughborough Universities.

Three players have moved across town from Dings Crusaders, full back Luke Daniels joins from Ealing Trailfinders with both centre Jamal Hamilton and lock Toby Hutchinson arriving

Extremely rare Austral Islands (French Polynesia) Chief's staff or pole club Sold for £15,500

Izzie

Canton

porcelain ‘Lotus’ bowl

from Leicester Lions. Hooker Tom Anderson [Cinderford] and prop Louis White [Chew Valley] will be aiming for 1st team places.

Attacking centre Marcus Nel remains as club captain and club favourites in the pack include Ricky Cano, Brad Talbot, Henry Harper and Shay Sainsbury

Potential players of all abilities seeking to wear the lavender and black shirt and enjoy a genuine rugby and social experience should turn up at training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Cartier - Lady’s 18k gold Tank Francaise ref. 2835 Sold for £4,000

Chinese

Famille Rose

Shay

Marcus Nel bursting through

Photos: Ian Clark

Roger Opie

Give your bathroom or wetroom the look it deserves with a beautiful range of traditional and modern styles. We take great

THE BRISTOL SCHOOL OF DANCING

Bristol’s centre of excellence in the training and education of Classical Ballet

www.thebristolschoolofdancing.co.uk info@thebristolschoolofdancing.co.uk

Enrolling now for September