Hanham & Longwell Green Voice July 2024 by Emma Cooper

Longwell Green Sports FC representatives and family members of Neale Saunders in the stand named in his honour

AN annual football competition has been launched in memory of a stalwart of Longwell Green Community Centre.

Neale Saunders died suddenly and unexpectedly in November last year at the age of 60.

Neale had been a trustee and deputy chairman of the centre for a decade and was instrumental in securing the new 3G football pitch and its main

stand has been renamed in his honour. He was also chairman of Longwell Green Juniors FC. The inaugural Neale Saunders Memorial Cup match between a “Neale’s 11” and a team from Longwell Green Sports FC Seniors took place on June 15. Money raised will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and Longwell Green Community Centre. Match details: Page 25

A teacher at Hanham Woods Academy will retire this summer after more than three decades at the secondary school. PAGE 8

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VOTERS in Kingswood will have two votes to cast on General Election day as there is also a byelection for the ward on South Gloucestershire Council.

The MP constituency bearing the town’s name may be no more following recent parliamentary boundary changes but there is a vacancy for a Kingswood councillor following a recent resignation.

Labour Cllr Leigh Ingham has stepped down to pursue dreams of a political career in Westminster as the party’s candidate in Stafford.

It means there will be a byelection to replace her on the same day the nation goes to the polls to elect a new government, Thursday, July 4.

Cllr Ingham was voted in for the first time as one of the ward’s

Leigh Ingham

two councillors at the South Gloucestershire Council local elections in May 2023 and was instantly promoted to Labour group deputy leader and cabinet member for communities and local place in the new Lib Dem/ Labour administration.

Labour held both Kingswood seats – the other ward member being Cllr Sean Rhodes who has replaced her in the local authority’s cabinet – with an 11 per cent swing from the two Conservatives in third and fourth place to extend its majority from the polls four years earlier,

The Liberal Democrats finished fifth and sixth with a collective 13 per cent of the vote.

All three parties are

contesting the vacant seat again, along with a candidate from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

They are:

• James Corrigan – Lib Dem

• Amy Sage – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

• Gagan Singh – Conservative

• Julie Snelling – Labour

South Gloucestershire Council co-leader and Labour group leader Cllr Ian Boulton said: “We’re missing Leigh here in South Glos, however we’re really proud that she is campaigning as Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Stafford and send her our very best wishes for July 4.

“We’re delighted that Julie Snelling has agreed to be our Labour candidate in this Kingswood by-election.

“Many Kingswood residents may recognise Julie’s name from her time working in Roger Berry’s office when he was our Labour MP, so Julie will bring many years of experience of working for residents and managing the range of casework we deal with as councillors.”

Kingswood parliamentary constituency has been abolished after 50 years, with the area being split between two new seats – North East Somerset & Hanham, and Bristol North East.

Seven candidates are contesting North East Somerset and Hanham. You can find out more about them on Pages 4 and 5.

Eight people are fighting to represent the Bristol North East constituency, which includes four South Glos electoral wards – Kingswood, New Cheltenham, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield and Woodstock – along with Bristol's Eastville, Frome Vale, Hillfields and Lockleaze wards.

They are Asif Ali, Independent; Damien Egan, Labour; Lorrain Francis, Green; Louise Harris, Liberal Democrat; Rose Hulse, Conservative; Anthony New, Reform UK; Dan Smart, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition; Tommy Trueman, Social Democratic Party.

Election round-up: Pages 4 & 5

River swimming campaigners launch film

THE group campaigning for safer bathing water in the river Avon at Conham River Park & Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve has stepped up its efforts.

Conham Bathing, which wants the popular swimming spot to be given Designated Bathing Water Status, has launched a documentary-length film, Rave on for the Avon, which details the' battle.

The movie, made by Eighty Sita Productions, was shown last month at the Tobacco Factory in Southville as Conham Bathing presented its Thriving Avon Charter with the support of another prominent group of activists, Surfers Against Sewage.

Former Bristol Mayor George Ferguson and actor and comedian Jayde Adams have given the film their backing.

Mr Ferguson said: “I am delighted that this vital ‘call for action’ film has been shown at Tobacco Factory. It’s a testament to the power of persistence. I shall be supporting the Thriving Avon Charter and implore others to do so.”

Jayde Adams said: “As a Bristolian who loves outdoor swimming, I support Conham Bathing’s Thriving Avon Charter and encourage residents of Bristol to do so too, to ensure that Bristol’s precious River Avon can

flow free from sewage and is protected for generations to come. During these difficult times, people from all backgrounds rely on open water for their mental health and that is something worth getting behind, don’t you think?”

Charlotte Sawyer, director and rroducer of Rave on for the Avon said: “I see the gorgeous River Avon following past my house and it brings me such peace and joy. Two

years ago I heard of the mad, wonderful and so distinctly Bristol ways river swimmers were pushing back in the face of such horrific river pollution. I grabbed my camera and started rolling. Rave On For The Avon emerged and shows just how much rivers mean to people and how grave we sense its destruction.

"It is the actions of us ordinary folk that is conveying the urgency of this issue. It is not coming from those at the top, they seem to be asleep at the wheel. So we will keep shouting, raving and swimming until our rivers are healthy again”.

Emma Nicol, Conham Bathing campaigner, said: “The release of Rave on for the Avon has been instrumental for keeping the Conham Bathing campaign alive in the minds of local councillors.

"We are pleased to have endorsement from George Ferguson and Jayde Adams and hope this will help catalyse much needed action for our well-loved river."

Conham Bathing campaigners Aggie Nyagari, Em Nicol, Charlotte Sawyer, Eva Perrin and Becca Blease Photo: Jack Hill

n ELECTION: H anham and North East Somerset

SEVEN candidates are contesting the new North East Somerset and Hanham seat at the General Election on July 4.

The contenders for the two main parties are the Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has represented the area in Parliament since 2010, and Labour's Dan Norris, who was our MP for the 13 years before that. Mr Norris is currently the elected Mayor of the West of England.

The other candidates represent the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, Reform, and the Monster Raving Loony Party. There is one independent candidate.

The Voice invited all seven to tell our readers about themselves. Candidates appear in our guide in the order they will be on the ballot paper.

This is the second time this year that people in Hanham and Longwell Green have voted for a new MP. In February, there was a by-election in the old Kingswood seat, which was won by Labour's Damien Egan.

Since then, the boundaries have changed and Hanham and Longwell Green have been placed in the North East Somerset and Hanham (NESH) constituency. The Kingswood seat has been abolished and the area moved into the new Bristol North East seat.

Voting will take place from 7am until 10pm on July 4, with the votes being counted immediately afterwards and results expected to be declared early on July 5.

Remember that you will need to take ID if voting in person at a polling station. You can use passports, driving licences, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) cards, blue badges, Defence Identity Cards and some concessionary travel cards as proof. The full list can be found online at tinyurl.com/t3yspjdz.

As the Official Monster Raving Loony Candidate for North East Somerset and Hanham, this is a constituency I’m passionate about. I believe I could make real change.

I bring a dash of eccentricity and a dollop of humour to the serious business in the new constituency of North East Somerset and Hanham. I’ve lived in BANES for 24 years and I’m ready to shake up the STATUS QUO (not the band) with some truly innovative policies.

First and foremost, I pledge to put an end to the tyranny of the traditional workday. No more dreary lunch breaks spent munching on soggy sandwiches at your desk! Instead, I'll fight for the establishment of a statutory brunch hour, from 11am to 12pm, where work and play will harmoniously converge.

During this sacred hour, all places of work will pause to serve up delectable brunch delights, or allow employees to indulge in an hour of compassionate mindfulness (for those on a diet). Because, let’s face it, kindness is the most important ingredient in any political recipe!

You can say what you like about this, but I believe mental health is important. It needs radical change and I’m the person to use it. There is still stigma around it and this needs to change. I believe I’m the person to do it.

Remember, a vote for Barmy Brunch is a vote for a brighter, brunchier future! Let's flip the script on politics and bring a smile to every constituency. Together, we can make brunch great again! Vote to give the constituency a Portillo moment and put an end to Moggy politics!

Nothing works in Britain. Every organisation has ‘decolonised’, committed to ‘trans inclusivity’, and is (not) working from home. Brexit? That’s not even a thing.

What’s happened? Here’s some background. In the 1990s, universities in America subjected professors and students to bans against speech that might offend newly-identified ‘victim’ groups. When the madness got to Britain, every university had a diversity bureaucracy to bully students and fire professors breaking the new rules. Law was the first degree course to include it (remember this when you contemplate PM Starmer).

New courses were created to indoctrinate students into believing that the British, their empire, and Americans were racist scum. By the 2000s it had spread to nearly all university courses, even physics!

The safety-obsessed children of this sorry history now run Britain. The Conservatives, Labour and, most rabidly, the Liberal Democrats have all promoted this madness. American psychologist Jonathan Haidt describes how media hysteria and campus dogmas are the emotional battery that charges this safetyist culture - now led by the most ‘educated’ (and indebted) part of the population. Want to know why no one cried “stop” when the Conservatives shut down the country leaving us at the brink of fiscal ruin? Look no further.

It is my mission to help end the madness, restore sanity to the public finances, and lead our institutions back from the brink and, in particular, back from their passive-aggressive opposition to Brexit.

There is a reason why my opponents in North East Somerset and Hanham are not going to solve the problem in this country. They created it and their political survival depends upon its continuation.

I’m standing to be your MP to turn the page on 14 years of unacceptable chaos and decline.

North East Somerset and Hanham has been hit hard. Little is working properly - think record high hospital waiting lists; the shortage of NHS dentists; local shoplifting at epidemic levels; and a cost-of-living crisis with most of those depending on food banks being people in work.

The knife incident in Keynsham reminds us of the shockingly high levels of violence - including against women and children. That’s not to mention sewage polluting rivers, farmers undermined by poorly negotiated trade deals, and too few mental health services.

If I have the honour to become your MP, I’ll help tackle the costof-living crisis, get the NHS back on its feet, and take back our streets. I'll protect our green spaces, tackle the climate crisis and create more green jobs. As a former child protection officer, I’ll always prioritise the safety and education of our young people. I’ll be working hard to protect animals and ban fox hunting once and for all.

My top priority is to be a strong voice for you, your family, and our communities - as I did before as your MP for 13 years. And to listen carefully and bring back integrity.

I’ve also been doing this as your West of England Mayor, and I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved - together. Whether it’s securing record sums of investment for our region, rolling out my antishoplifting grants to help local shopkeepers, reducing bus fares, and starting to plant the biggest new wood in the West near Pensford.

The choice here in this election is very simple - Labour or Conservative. This is a highly marginal seat, which has swung between both for 30 years. Every vote counts. Let’s turn the page, and get Britain’s future back.

Paul McDonnell (Reform UK)

Barmy Brunch (Monster Raving Loony)

Dan Norris (Labour)

n ELECTION: H anham and North East Somerset

I moved to Keynsham in 1997 to work at the university and have never wanted to leave this area. I love the beautiful countryside and the amazing pieces of industrial heritage. And there are some excellent dance floors in Bath, which matters as my wife and I are ballroom dancers (even if not as good as Strictly).

I am an economist and have provided advice to Labour and Coalition government departments. I have the skills to evaluate policies that are made in Westminster but whose effects are felt here in Somerset and Gloucestershire. If elected, I would relish the chance to get involved in the detail of policy to provide better health care, better social care and better housing.

Finding the money to repair public services will not be easy. The Green Party has an original and credible plan to tax the super wealthy so that our society becomes better and fairer. Obviously, billionaires are saying that it won’t work (they would, wouldn’t they?) but the evidence I have seen makes me confident that this is the best way to sort out the terrible mess that we are in.

We know that the Labour Party will win this election. If you vote for me, you will get someone who will hold Labour to account and be a committed local MP. Please vote Green, to bring new and exciting ideas to our political system and make a difference for us and for our children. Real hope, real change.

I stand, in this election, to take water supply back into public ownership. Legally companies involved in water supply have to look after shareholder interests, in other words, provide maximised profits. So we the customers lose.

They cannot repair the water infrastructure and provide profits so costs to supply will rise. Southern Water wants a 91% increase by 2030.

Bolivia has managed to change back to a public ownership of water, so can we. Humanity must survive the ecological crisis. We are showing the world a truly awful model of water supply and must change back. In some places, people living next to water utility production facilities go without. Shareholders know they are onto a good thing because everything living needs water. VOTE FOR CLEAN WATER.

Our rivers are full of crap, industrial effluent and agricultural chemicals. How can there be competition, that idiotic conservative policies said would better run utilities, if we cannot choose whom we buy from? Privately owned water is madness. In the Bond film Quantum of Solace, the Spectre villain is trying to do exactly what privatisation has done, get a monopoly on water.

(Nick has three engineering degrees; served in the Royal Navy Reserve on fishery protection and 5 weeks in the Falklands; worked his holidays on conservation projects; worked for a long period with the Samaritans, Oxfam, the RUH and Save the Children; has now retired from engineering and works for Children’s Hospice South West, STC and Mind. He continues to write on safety critical issues including environmental issues for scientific publications.)

I am not the best person in the world but I have the best intent. I have no interest in more money than my pensions so cannot be corrupted. I will put half my MP salary back into the community.

The past few years have been difficult for this country but we have now turned a corner, with inflation back down to normal levels. The future is looking brighter.

The economy has grown by 0.6 per cent this quarter, the joint fastest growth in the G7. Brexit Britain has leapt above France, Japan, and the Netherlands to become the world’s fourth biggest exporter.

It would be a great mistake to change course now and risk harming our route back to prosperity. Keir Starmer has admitted that Labour would ‘raise specific taxes’ and his plans to de-carbonise the energy grid by 2030 would cost £116 billion, leading to much higher energy bills.

We cut small-boat crossings by 36 per cent last year but we must go further – flights are ready to take off to deport illegal migrants who have no right to be here. In contrast, Labour’s open door policy would see 250,000 more migrants come to the UK a year.

The Labour record in Wales shows what life would be like under a socialist government, with waiting times for NHS treatment 40% longer than in England, and collapsing rankings in education.

A typical failure was changing 30mph speed limits to 20mph, only to reverse the decision after record levels of opposition.

Every vote will count in this election. That is why I am asking for your support - please vote for me to ensure a secure future and strong defence for the country.

I am delighted to be the Liberal Democrat candidate standing in North East Somerset and Hanham. This is a new constituency so the only comprehensive election data covering the whole of the new area is from the last local elections, where 12 Liberal Democrat councillors were elected, 9 Conservatives, 4 Labour and 1 from the Green Party. This suggests that the Liberal Democrats have a great opportunity to win, as we are building on recent success.

As a party we are campaigning for a Fair Deal for people across the country, and are focusing on the NHS crisis, the cost of living crisis and environmental concerns such as water companies dumping sewage in our rivers and sea.

I hope that voters across North East Somerset and Hanham will see that I offer a real alternative to the two main parties battling it out for this constituency, and will vote for me for positive change!

Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)

Nicholas Hales (Independent)

Dine Romero (Liberal Democrat)

Edmund Cannon (Green)

Martha's Rule on the way RUH thanks volunteers

THE BRI and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) have been selected to test and roll out Martha’s Rule in its first year.

The purpose of Martha’s Rule is to provide a consistent and understandable way for patients and families to seek an urgent review if their, or their loved one’s condition deteriorates, and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

The scheme is named after Martha Mills, who died from sepsis aged 13 in 2021. She was being treated at King’s College Hospital, London. Her family raised concerns about her deteriorating condition following a cycling injury, but staff did not transfer her to intensive care.

The hospitals in University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust will implement the initiative alongside another 140 hospitals, with the aim being to have the first phase of the programme in place by March 2025.

Evaluation of how the system works over the course of this year will inform proposals for Martha’s Rule to be expanded further across all acute hospitals, subject to future government funding.

Once the initiative is in place an escalation process will be available 24/7 at the BRI, Weston General Hospital and BRHC. NHS staff will also have access to this same process if they have concerns about a patient’s condition.Alongside this, clinicians will also formally record daily insights and information about a patient’s health directly from families.

Merope Mills and Paul Laity, Martha’s parents, said: "We are pleased that the roll-out of Martha's Rule is off to a flying start and that the need for it has been so widely recognised."

“It will save lives and encourage better, more open, communication on hospital wards, so that patients feel they are listened to."

BOB the Dog was one attendee at a party at the Royal United Hospitals (Bath) NHS Foundation Trust to celebrate volunteers.

The National Volunteers’ Week 2024 event was a way to thank all those who give their time. In 2023, 250 people volunteered with the RUH, ranging from 16-year-olds up to people in their 80s. Together, they gave 21,000 hours of time – with 71 individuals helping for more than 100 hours each.

The volunteers offer practical and emotional support to those at all stages of a hospital journey, from the Welcome Volunteers in the Atrium who help visitors find their way around, to the Dorothy House Compassionate Companions who sit with end-of-life patients to ensure they are not alone.

Others serve cake and gifts in the ‘Friends of the RUH’ café and Atrium shop, or help with the gardening. Some also assist with specialist services, such as the spiritual care volunteers and breastfeeding peer supporters.

Canine volunteers like Bob are known as ‘Pets as Therapy’ (PAT) dogs, who along with their volunteer owners, visit staff and patients throughout the hospital.

The volunteers don’t just support in the hospital: many also help the hospital charity, RUHX, with fundraising events.

The RUH also supports volunteers considering a career in healthcare. Run in collaboration with St John’s Ambulance, the NHS Cadets programme aims to widen access to health volunteering for young people, particularly those who might not have traditionally experienced these opportunities.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer at the RUH can find out more on the RUH website.

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

Tributes pour in for 'incredible' Sandie

FAMILY, colleagues and friends have hailed the "incredible legacy" of foster mum and councillor Sandie Davis.

Sandie died on June 8, less than three months after being diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.

Sandie's husband Jim said she was a pioneer of "standing up for people with disabilities".

A South Gloucestershire councillor, charity trustee and school governor, it was Sandie's personal dedication to improving life for people with disabilities as an adoptive and foster parent that brought her national recognition.

Born in London in 1954, Sandie started nursing after leaving home at 16 and moved to Northampton, where she and Jim met, for her training.

She specialised in the care of disabled children but became disillusioned with the hospital practices of the time, which she described as "changing nappies all day".

She and Jim, a police officer, married in 1974 and started a family, having three children – Louise, Charley and Liam –between 1976 and 1984.

They then started fostering, and soon decided to adopt. Jim says they were drawn to children with Down's syndrome and adopted three – Kate and Jamie, who now live independently near the family home, and Jack, who also had cerebral palsy and died in 2013. They adopted a fourth child, Darren, who has the progressive genetic condition myotonic dystrophy.

Jim said: "Back in the 70s and 80s, people with a disability were just dismissed and shut away.

"We both felt that just because somebody's got a disability, it doesn't mean they shouldn't be treated the same as everybody else."

Over the years Sandie and Jim fostered around 35 children, from a baby who was brought straight from the hospital at five

Sandie Davis died shortly after her 70th birthday

hours old to a teenager who arrived with only a carrier bag containing three pairs of odd socks.

Moving to Downend in the late 1980s, they set up a youth group and the Sticky Fish playgroup at their house in Overnhill Road.

The family moved to Emersons Green in 2000, while Sandie was undergoing successful cancer treatment.

She supported Incredible Kids, a Bristol charity for families of children with disabilities, from its foundation 12 years ago, becoming a trustee in 2017.

In a tribute on its website the Incredible Kids website said Sandie "genuinely cared about improving the support for disabled children and challenged the status quo", and had left an "incredible legacy".

She had helped the charity and its services survive through the pandemic, even when she was unable to leave home herself.

The charity said: "Without Sandie’s unwavering support, Incredible Kids would not have reached its current success. Thanks to her, 6500 individuals from Bristol and beyond have found a place where they are accepted, welcomed, and understood."

Sandie, who had six grandchildren, was also a trustee for Keynsham Mencap, and a

Can Joyce get 107 cards?

A RESIDENT at Kingswood Court Care Home turns 107 this month - and staff want to see if they can arrange for her to receive 107 cards.

Joyce's birthday is on July 8 and the home is asking anyone who can send a card to do so care of Sarah Walton at 220 Soundwell Road, BS126 1PN.

The home is run by Barchester Healthcare. Staff and residents enjoy many activities, including fundraising for Barchester Healthcare's charitable foundation.

governor at Warmley Park special school and St Stephen's Junior School in Soundwell. She was elected as a Labour councillor for South Gloucestershire's New Cheltenham ward in 2019, stepping down in March because of her illness.

Fellow ward councillor Matt Palmer said: "Sandie Davis was a fantastic councillor who was conscientious, helpful and thoughtful to every single person that needed her help.

"The world has lost an incredible, kind, loving and honest woman."

Sandie's dedication was recognised with awards including the Caron Keating Foundation's Inspirational Mother award in 2014 and Parent Carer of the Year at the 2022 Include Awards.

Sandie began to feel unwell last autumn and, after delays in being able to see a GP, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer the day before the couple's golden wedding anniversary in March.

Jim and Sandie had planned some special holidays to celebrate their anniversary year. Instead, Sandie had to move in to St Peter's Hospice the day before her 70th birthday. They held the party they had planned for the family at the hospice. Rather than asking for presents, Sandie set up an online JustGiving fundraiser for Incredible Kids and encouraged people to donate.

The donation page can be found at tinyurl.com/2p9kzcez and had raised £870 as the Voice went to press.

Sandie died less than two weeks after her birthday.

Since then Jim has received an overwhelming number of messages showing love and appreciation, including from people Sandie had never met.

Jim said: "She said she was quite happy she'd achieved everything she wanted to achieve.

"She had a remarkable life, and her family is her legacy."

School gets set for farewell

A TEACHER at Hanham Woods Academy will be retiring this summer after 36 years in teaching.

Dom Singleton started his teaching career Moulsham High School, Chelmsford in 1988, before Joining Bristol’s Hanham Woods, where he has taught for the past 31 years.

Looking ahead to his retirement, Dom, who is subject lead for humanities and history at Hanham Woods Academy, said: “During lockdown I became very interested in wildlife photography and I want to pursue this interest further and become better at it.

“I'm also keen to travel more, perhaps exploring my wildlife interest further while doing this.”

Steve O’Callaghan, Hanham Woods Principal, said: “Dom has been a valued member of the team here at Hanham Woods for more than 30 years, educating thousands of students that have come through the academy.

“His impact as a curriculum leader has been far-reaching

and he leaves a strong legacy within the academy.

"We will be forever indebted to his loyal service to the academy and the wider community.

“I'm sure everyone at Hanham Woods will join me in wishing Dom the very best wishes for the future.”

Trainers' top marks

THE Cabot Learning Federation's teacher training institute has earned the highest possible grade of ‘Outstanding’ from education regulator Ofsted.

The CLF SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) was established in 2015 and has since helped launch the classroom careers of more than 500 new teachers across an area from South Gloucestershire to Somerset. It has become the only school-based teacher training provider in the region to be rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, after inspectors heaped praise upon the quality of its provision and the leadership team at its helm.

This followed a four-day inspection, after which Ofsted’s representatives judged the CLF SCITT, based at the CLF Institute in Redfield, to be ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

Making a song and dance about Sir's retirement

A TALENTED Kingswood teacher is retiring this summer after 44 years in teaching.

Tim Warren, a music teacher at King’s Oak Academy, first started teaching in 1979 at St George Comprehensive (now City Academy) – a school he first attended as a student.

Tim then moved to Lockleaze Comprehensive as Head of Department, before starting at what was then Kingsfield Secondary School (now King’s Oak Academy) in 1996 as Head of Music. He was later promoted to Head of Faculty (music, drama, art, PE and creative media).

Tim said: “I have many happy memories, both inside and outside of the classroom, but especially of our numerous Colston Hall (now Bristol Beacon) concerts and many other events in which my main objective was to get students engaged in the enjoyment of making live music.”

Were you there? One of Mr Warren's many concerts

Kath Ogden, principal of King’s Oak said: "Tim has given a rem,arkable service to education and specifically to the children and families within the Kingsfield and King's Oak Community. We have been able to see the impact of Tim's work whenever alumni return to the academy for events such as Open Evening Parents' Evening

and they ask, 'Is Mr Warren still here?' before proceeding to describe fond memories of their music lessons and concerts that they had participated in.

"Tim's passion for creating a love for music and performance in children will always remain at heart of the Performing Arts department values and I know the staff will build on his legacy.

"I hope that Tim thoroughly enjoys his retirement (whilst I am sure remaining a friend of King's Oak for many years to come!”)

To celebrate his retirement, Tim has set up two events. The first event is exclusively for exstudents and staff of King’s Oak and the second event a mixture of present and ex-students.

Tim would welcome exstudents from any of his previous schools to participate.

The first event is on Monday July 15, 7pm, at Kingswood Rugby Club. This will be an 'open mic' event to feature ex-students/staff. Donation to charity for The Teenage Cancer Trust, entrance fee TBC.

The second is at the Hexagon Theatre, King’s Oak Academy. Featuring current students and ex-students. Entrance by ticket, info to follow.

For more information, or to show your interest contact Tim at timothywarren1957@icloud.com

Digging deep for funds

STAFF, children and families of St Barnabas school in Warmley climbed the highest mountain in South Wales to raise money for their allotment. Their sponsored hike up Pen y Fan raised £1425, which will go towards a greenhouse and some poly tunnels as well as new tools.

Headteacher Sarah Sheppard said: "We are incredibly proud of the dedication and spirit shown by our staff, children, and their families who participated in this challenging hike. Their incredible efforts will ensure the continued growth and success of our allotment, a vital resource that provides invaluable outdoor learning experiences for all our children."

The school's allotment plays a crucial role in enriching the curriculum. It allows pupils to develop a deeper connection to nature. The greenhouse will further enhance this experience.

Sold for £3,400

Celebrating diversity

OUR Lady of Lourdes school has pupils from 30 different countries and all were celebrated at a Culture Day.

Children were invited to come to school reflecting their heritage and culture through traditional dress or clothing which linked to their national flag. When everyone came together, the rich tapestry of colours and designs was clear to see.

Each class class explored their different cultures and traditions

One of the highlights of the day for many was the overwhelming generosity which families displayed by sharing a range of amazing dishes and food from their native countries and culture. Each year group were treated to a feast from all four corners of the world. Dishes from Ethiopia to Ghana, from England to Germany were on offer.

info@clevedonsalerooms.com

(1862-1954)

Sold for £4,500

VALUATION DAY* Tuesday 13th August, Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Rd, BS9 1BN, 10am–3pm Rolex - GMT-Master ref:1675 stainless steel cased Officially Certified Chronograph Sold for £8,250

VALUATION DAYS Clevedon Salerooms, every Monday, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm

01934 830 111 *Join Chris Yeo and Izzie Balmer, as seen on BBC's Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip, along with our

Centre, Kenn Road,

Bristol, BS21 6TT

Clevedon Salerooms

The Auction

Kenn, Clevedon,

Edwardian diamond bracelet

Andrew Beer,

- Oil on canvas –'Easter Old Bird Fly'

EARACHE and ear pain can affect one or both ears. While they may not be a sign of anything serious, the pain and discomfort can be unbearable, causing anxiety and restlessness.

The good news is you can now come into Ellacombe Pharmacy for free NHS-funded care for moderate to severe earache symptoms not eased by pain relief. This care includes examination, management advice, and appropriate treatment.

The good news is that we can offer this NHS care across most age groups, starting from 1-year-old children. A young child with earache may be unable to communicate what is wrong. Signs to look out for include:

· rubbing or pulling their ear · not reacting to some sounds · a temperature of 38C or above · being irritable or restless · off their food

· losing their balance

Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which clears up within three to five days without treatment. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used for adults and children in pain or with a high temperature.

Antibiotics aren't usually needed unless symptoms persist or are particularly severe, but we will offer an examination that will help determine the best course of action. Access to this free NHS

examination and care offers rest of mind and speedy treatment, with antibiotics only used when appropriate.

We use an otoscope to examine your ears for signs of infection, take a medical history, and consider other symptoms. If we find any signs of a more serious condition, such as a perforated eardrum, a foreign object in the ear, or a sudden, severe hearing loss, we will refer you to your GP or other sources of help for immediate attention.

We can provide ear drops or antibiotics as part of your NHS treatment if you need them.

Remember, it's crucial to avoid improper ear-cleaning practices, such as using cotton buds or other objects in your ear.

These can do more harm than good. Take care of your ears; they're precious.

To access our care, please Call us 0117 9322293 or visit us at 24 Ellacombe Pharmacy BS30 9BA

Award for lifetime achievement

A LOCAL education leader has won a national Lifetime Achievement award.

Andrea Arlidge, chief executive of Futura Learning Partnership, has received a Silver Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards and is now in the running for the Gold title, which will be decided later in the year.

Andrea will retire this summer from her role at the multi academy trust, which includes 26 schools including Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common and The Meadows primary in Bitton. She said: “My greatest memories are of the amazing things pupils can do when they are inspired and encouraged. A key role for schools is to give

children opportunities and experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

She was presented with her award by Futura’s chairman Malcolm Broad on National Thank a Teacher Day, an event that celebrates the education community and all those who work in it.

Mr Broad said: “I am delighted that Andrea has been recognised with this

national honour. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has dedicated their life to the teaching profession and made a real difference throughout their career, inspiring and enriching education for others. Andrea epitomises everything expected of someone achieving this award and more."

The awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an

OPEN MORNINGS AND EVENING

COME AND VISIT US

Opening Morning - Tuesday 2nd July - Tours from 9.15am-10.20am

We are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2025. Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am

Open Evening - Thursday 19th September

Headteacher’s introduction starts at 6pm

The Headteacher’s introduction will be repeated at 6.45pm and 7.40pm to ensure all our visitors have the opportunity to hear about our unique community. Families will then be able to freely explore our facilities and will be guided throughout by our wonderful young people. A variety of activities will take place throughout the evening — showcasing all aspects of life at Wellsway School.

independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers and support staffplay in inspiring young people, every single day.

Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the trust, said: “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal."

Andrea Arlidge with Malcolm Broad and leaders from Futura Learning Partnership

SOUTH Gloucestershire is at risk of running out of taxis –and councillors are so worried, they could scrap a planned rule that every one must be made accessible for wheelchairs.

The number of hackney carriages, which can be flagged down by passengers on the street, has plummeted from 300 in 2016 to 81 this year.

Seven years ago, the council decided all taxis must be wheelchair accessible. But the deadline for compliance has been pushed back twice and the rule has never come into force: only 25 of the current fleet have the necessary ramps and facilities.

Now councillors have agreed to delay the deadline again, until June next year, while officers review the authority’s licensing policy and consult the public.

The biggest concern is the huge cost of converting a vehicle, at a time when many drivers have already given up on the trade.

A report to the council's regulatory committee in May said that, should the decline in the number of hackney cabs

Taxi crisis prompts wheelchair rethink

continue, the district "runs a risk of having no, or so few, Hackney Carriage taxi vehicles that any policy would be ineffective and be of detriment to all members of the public".

The total number of licensed vehicles has increased, from 450 in 2016 to more than 3,000 last year. But this includes a huge rise in private hire vehicles, which have to be pre-booked, including via apps like Uber.

The report said most wheelchair-accessible vehicles currently available are diesel powered, and there is "genuine concern" drivers will be required to buy hybrid or electric vehicles if the council’s goal is for all licensed vehicles to be electric by 2030.

The report said wheelchairaccessible electric vehicles are "currently prohibitively

expensive", and the council could not force private hire vehicles to be accessible.

Imploring councillors not to scrap the policy, David Redgewell, of South Gloucestershire Disabilities Equalities Network, told the meeting in May: “We’re very concerned about the level of wheelchair accessible taxis in the district. We only have 25 to cover an area from Filton right up to Wickwar, Charfield and the villages.

“It’s very difficult to get a wheelchair taxi in South Gloucestershire.

“We would urge you not to go backwards.”

Council service director for place Andrew Birch said a "full-scale review of the whole taxi policy", including a 12-week public consultation, would

happen this year.

Mr Birch said the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles had fallen from 31 in 2016 to 25 now, prices were rising and moving from a saloon car to a wheelchair-accessible vehicle costs drivers "tens of thousands of pounds extra".

Mike Drew (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: “Ideally any disabled person should be able to hail down any passing taxi and make use of it."

But he said the "very difficult situation" meant councillors had been weighing idealism against practicality.

Keith Cranney (Con, Stoke Gifford) said there was not a "gigantic" number of people wanting to take a wheelchair into a taxi.

He said: "How can you just hail a taxi and expect them to have a wheelchair ramp and hoist and everything else on board? It comes at a great cost."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n NEWS

Couple have their longed-for family – thanks to embryo selection

A COUPLE from Hanham who were struggling to have a baby now have a three-year old son and a five-month-old daughter who probably would not have been born were it not for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

Under the care of Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM), Michelle and Paul were able to establish that the possible cause of their problems was a rare chromosomal disorder.

It was selection of healthy embryos in the clinic’s laboratory that finally gave the pair the family of their dreams.

The couple started trying for a family in 2016 when Michelle was 29, and she became pregnant but miscarried at six weeks.

After a year with no new pregnancies, they consulted their GP and were dismayed to learn they would not be eligible for NHS treatment until two years had passed since the date of the previous pregnancy.

They decided to pay for private treatment, but investigations in January 2018 offered no explanation for their problems: nothing ‘fixable’ was identified.

They started on IVF and the first cycle yielded 10 very good eggs, but all had perished by day three.

Michelle said: “I felt very low and started fearing I would never be able to have a baby, even with help. Our experience at that first private clinic wasn’t great. We saw a different doctor every time we went and had to travel two hours for the bigger procedures.

“A further cycle of IVF yielded nine eggs from which nine blastocysts were created, which all survived to day five and were graded highly.

“When no baby resulted from our first transfer, I fell apart.

“More heartbreak followed our second transfer: we thought I was pregnant, but it turned out to be a bio-chemical pregnancy and the six-week scan showed there was no baby.

“We started looking at other clinics.”

After one of the regular public open evenings offered by BCRM, Michelle and Paul decided to transfer there for future IVF treatment. Arrangements were made to transfer the couple’s remaining frozen embryos from the original clinic to BCRM and in April 2019 they embarked on their next transfer with their new clinic.

The first embryo transfer resulted in a positive pregnancy test and the six-week scan revealed a heartbeat.

However, a lack of pregnancyrelated symptoms led the pair to seek another scan at nine weeks, and tragically this one revealed that Michelle had suffered what is referred to as a ‘missed miscarriage.’

They agreed the foetus should be examined to try and establish what the issue was, and when the results were explained to

them by BCRM’s clinical lead, Valentine Akande, they learned the problem was a chromosomal disorder.

Michelle said: “We had six remaining frozen embryos. Valentine said the chances were good that at least one of them would be free of the chromosomal disorder, so we decided to invest in genetic testing. He was right: precisely one embryo tested clear. By now it was late 2020: a year had passed, and we finally qualified for treatment on the NHS.

“This confronted us with a choice: we could either have that final embryo transferred, or we could go in for a whole new round of IVF which would enable us to have more embryos created and frozen.

“We decided to go for the whole round but then we faced a six-month delay because of

Covid. Later that year another round yielded 10 eggs, which resulted in six blastocysts. We again paid to have these tested, and again just one of the embryos was free of the chromosomal disorder.

“We continued under the NHS within BCRM and had the most recent embryo transferred but sadly no pregnancy resulted.

“So then we paid for the original embryo to be transferred with BCRM and, finally, success!”

Michelle and Paul celebrated the arrival of baby Seth at the RUH in Bath in October 2021.

Michelle said: “We hadn’t intended to go in for a second baby, but by the time he had his first birthday we knew we really wanted a sibling for Seth, although we’d have to start from scratch and take out a bank loan to do it.

“We decided that if it didn’t work first time we would leave it, but we wanted to have just one more try. So in February 2023 we started again: this would be my fourth egg retrieval, and it yielded eight eggs.

“Five days later there were five embryos suitable for testing, and then we faced a three-week wait for the test result but the results were promising: this time three of the embryos tested suitable for transfer.

“In May 2023 the first of the three was transferred, and in January 2024 baby Nancy was born.

"We are so thankful for the advances in reproductive medicine and with preimplantation genetic testing that have made it possible for couples like us to have a baby when our attempts at natural conception were proving so heartbreaking.

"It’s an expensive process, but the results are priceless really!

“We attended the celebration party BCRM threw last month to mark the 40th anniversary of the first ‘made in Bristol’ IVF baby and it was amazing to meet so many other families who owe their existence to the wonderful team who work at that clinic. We are forever grateful to them.”

Michelle with two-year-old Seth and baby Nancy

Scarecrow splendour:

Families had lots of fun following the annual scarecrow trail organised by the friends of Christ Church School over the weekend of June 8 and 9. Many people enjoyed guessing the names of the 29 scarecrows, which were all book characters. Eleven were made by the school and/ or children while the others were made by parents, or local community groups such as Hanham Pre-school. The event raised more than £600 for the school. Organisers have thanked DW Smith for sponsoring the trail and funding the main prize of a family ticket to Bristol Zoo Project, as well as being grateful to all the shops along the high street who supported them by allowing scarecrows to be placed in their shop windows.

How to be cool this summer

THE weather in England has been all over the place so far this summer – but if the mercury does shoot up and we’re roasting in some balmier temperatures, what should we wear to keep cool?

Working in an office or rushing from A to B in order to get through a busy day means you could be hot under the collar come July and August.

However, there are some simple changes to your daily outfits that you can adopt that will help you cope with the heat.

First off, think about the choice of fabric you wear.

Natural fibres offer more breathability than man-made options. So, avoid polyester and nylon, which keep the heat in, and opt for linen and cotton. Even light jersey clothing can be more comfortable.

If you’re not keen on linen, and think the creases look too relaxed for formal workwear, find garments with a linen blend for less wrinkles.

Switch up heavy denim to chambray or cotton cargo trousers; or lose jeans and trousers altogether and pick up a pair of the longer-length shorts that are in fashion this summer.

Pictured is a suit from John Lewis, just one of many stores offering co-ordinated tailored and softer fabric pieces.

I’ve seen quite a few relaxed shirts and short co-ord combos for men while I’ve been doing personal shopping.

Lastly, wearing light layers is important –think strappy and floaty cotton maxi dresses, loose-fitting skirts and shorts, and palazzostyle trousers. Full skirts are a key look for summer ‘24, and wide-leg trousers sporting large prints are all the rage this year.

For more ideas on the latest shopping ‘finds’ follow me at @gailpainter on Instagram.

Not sure what to wear or how to wear it? Email your fashion and style questions to info@notgivinin.com and look out for the answers in future issues of the Voice. www.notgivinin.com

Pinstripe waistcoat, shorts and blazer, with heels, from John Lewis.

D-Day commemoration

HUNDREDS of people attended events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.

Siston Parish Council said about 300 people attended the lighting of a commemorative beacon on Siston Common on the evening of June 6, the anniversary of the start of the Allied invasion of Normandy which hastened the end of the Second World War.

Steve Bellamy

Car pets

The event included songs from the 1940s sung a cappella by The Songsmiths Quartet and a bagpipe performance by James Meiklejohn. A service by Rev Rosemary Radcliffe culminated in the beacon being lit simultaneously with more than 1,000 others across the UK.

Steve Bellamy

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n ANTIQUES n NEWS

Money For ‘Old Bill’

Many years ago, long before my career as an auctioneer started, I just so happened to be present at a recording of the Antiques Roadshow, at a venue in Bristol. I’d gone along as a spectator, with a keen interest in seeing how the show was filmed and hoping to meet the then-host Michael Aspel.

One memory I’ve always carried with me from that day, was seeing a large collection of Bruce Bairnsfather items being filmed for the show. Who was Bruce Bairnsfather? Well, Charles Bruce Bairnsfather was a Second Lieutenant in the British Army during the First World War, and served in France until 1915 when he was hospitalised after being wounded. A keen artist, his convalescence in Salisbury allowed him to spend more time sketching and drawing. Several of his cartoons were published in the ‘Bystander’ magazine, and he developed a character called ‘Old Bill’ – a walrus-moustached middle-aged Cockney soldier. His cartoons were gritty and real, with a satirical twist that brought a smile to the faces of many serving soldiers. ‘Old Bill’ and Bairnsfather became an overnight success, with publications selling in their millions. He continued his cartoons until his death, in 1959.

So, imagine my delight a few weeks back when a colleague popped a car radiator mascot on my desk in the form of Old Bill, that had just been consigned from a client. I’d never seen one before, but my thoughts flew straight back to that day watching the other items be filmed for television. It was old, probably 1930s, and featured ‘Old Bill’ with his trademark helmet and moustache, with a large ‘Bairnsfather,’ signature to the top. One can just imagine a demobbed Captain or Major returning home from service, buying himself a grand new motor car and ordering this splendid ‘Old Bill,’ mascot to adorn the front. He’s coming up for auction in a few weeks with an estimate of three-hundred to five-hundred pounds. ‘Old Bill,’ is as popular as he ever was!

(PS – I met Michael Aspel, and he was lovely!)

Andrew Stowe, Auctioneum

Fundraising in memory of Tyler

A FRIEND of a young man who was killed in a lorry crash has completed a month-long fundraising challenge.

Adam Young pledged to run 5k every day in May in memory of Tyler Carley, who died aged 20 in December when the lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield.

Adam, a fellow Bristol Rovers fan who got to know Tyler and his dad Mark from attending away games with them, embarked on the challenge because he was abroad on the day when other friends and relatives of Tyler took part in the Great Bristol 10k to raise money for the foundation set up in his memory.

Adam ran a total of 155km over the course of the month, including several runs during a trip to Lanzarote. Adam was running for a total of 12 hours 15 minutes and 51 seconds and, as the Voice went to print, had raised more than £1,300 on his JustGiving page, which is still open for donations at tinyurl. com/dffmwdbz.

Adam, who works at Bristol Airport, said: "It was a really enjoyable experience, the support I received from people was beyond what I imagined and I am very grateful for that.

"To smash my fundraising target was incredible, and I can’t thank people enough for donating. The toughest part of

the month was running after my shifts – my energy was always low, so I really had to dig deep to get those runs done.

"Having my friends and family at the finish line for my final run was a very nice feeling and an emotional moment. I haven’t run since!"

Tyler's dad Mark, mum Gemma and siblings Kylan, Skye and Ronni-Irene founded The Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation to support road accident victims' families in the light of their own experience.

Its initial fundraising will go to two charities which helped the family in the aftermath of Tyler's death: SCARD (Support & Care After Road Death & Injury), which provides a helpline, counselling and other support for families affected by road deaths and serious injuries, and 2Wish, which supports the families of children and young people who have passed away.

On July 7 Tyler’s mum Gemma, her family and friends will be climbing Welsh mountain Pen y Fan to raise money for 2wish. More details of fundraising activity can be found at the Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation Facebook page.

*A 37-year-old man arrested in connection with Tyler's death was later released under investigation. Police say their enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

JULY 17TH

n TABERNACLE LADIES CIRCLE

2pm at Hanham United Reformed Church - Silk Painting with Margaret Miller. Come and join with us - subs £2 including Tea/Coffee/Biscuits.

JULY 20TH

n STRAWBERRY TEA with music by CROFTS END SILVER BAND 3pm at Hanham United Reformed Church - Everyone welcome but please call 9602077 in advance to book a tea table.

31ST AUGUST

n TABERNACLE TREAT 7.30pm with MUSIC FOR YOU presented by DODINGTON PARISH BAND at Hanham United Reformed Church. Tickets £10 in advance now available. Call 0117 9602077 to reserve a seat. Proceeds will be placed towards essential repairs or replacement of our Church windows.

MONDAY

n YOGA CLASSES AT HANHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE - Monday evenings 7-8 pm All levels including Beginners welcome. To book your place or for further information please email yogashula@hotmail.com or Tel 07949333548.

n LONGWELL GREEN ART CLUB, no tutors. Would you like to do your own thing in the company of a small, friendly group that meet Mondays 9.30 to 12.30, arrive and leave as you please. URC Wesley room. Contact Jackie on 01179600273 or email colown@blueyonder.co.uk

TUESDAY

n LIP READING CLASS, 1.303pm at North Common Village Hall, Millers Drive, BS30 8YH. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@yahoo.com

n TUESDAY CLUB a social group meet every Tuesday 1.45-3.45pm at Longwell Green Community Centre

n LONGWELL GREEN SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB, We meet Wednesday and Fridays 1.30 to 3.30 at the Longwell Green community centre , Shellards road, in the California suite. All equipment provided. Beginners very welcome. We are a friendly group who need additional members. Email. Michael8bence@ gmail.com. Tel 07800869837

n LONGWELL GREEN LADIES GROUP meet at 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green BS30 9DU (opp.

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

Aldi). Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341

n HANHAM TENNIS CLUB

Adult Play - Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30am - 11 am. NEW! Ladies coaching session Fridays 12:30 - 1:30pm. Beginners' session coaching - Wednesday 7-8pm. Junior coaching - most early evenings. New players welcome. Fully qualified LTA coaching. See website for details www.hanhamtennisclub. co.uk

WEDNESDAY

n BARRS COURT PROBUS CLUB

Retired and semi-retired Professional and Businessmen: Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10-12 at Longwell Green Community Centre. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Mick Funnell: 0117 932 4104 or email bcprobusclub@gmail.com to arrange a visit. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/

n JOIN OUR OVER 65’S EXERCISE AND FRIENDSHIP GROUP at The Community Project in Cadbury Heath (BS30 8EL) every Wednesday, 10-11:30am. Improve strength, balance, and more in a fun, inclusive environment. Just £5/ session includes tea/coffee and chat. Don’t miss out on boosting your well-being! For more information contact Adam - 07875503586

n BARRS COURT LADIES CLUB: Wives and partners of the Probus club members meet 10-12 on the second Wednesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/ n LONGWELL GREEN PROBUS CLUB meets at Warmley Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month.. New members welcomefor details contact Mike on 07817094147

n HANHAM BRIDGE CLUB

Every Weds 7-10pm at Hanham Community Centre, see www. hanhambridgeclub.co.uk.

n HANHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC

SOCIETY: We are a friendly club who welcome photographers of all abilities to share our hobby. Meetings are at 7,30p.m. Wednesday evenings at Hanham Methodist Church, 26 Chapel Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 8SD.

Visit https://www.hanhamphoto.org. uk or contact Geoff Mallin by email

n KINGSWOOD HISTORY SOCIETY

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Presented by Martin Hall – 4th June 2024

A well attended event where attendees were hoping to relive their childhood memories. They were not disappointed by Martin who showed many old pictures of the zoo as well as an interesting and sometimes amusing dialogue.

Bristol is the 5th oldest zoo in the world although small at 12 acres. Vienna being the first at 40 acres, in comparison.

It opened in 1836 and has help save 175 species from extinction over the years. It is still involved in projects around the world. Indeed, it still maintains the Avon Gorge habitat and its unique plants.

In 1914 the zoo was home to the first chimpanzee born in captivity, named Adam. Other notable events, Monkey Temple opened in 1928, 1935 the polar bear enclosure, 1958 first black rhino born in captivity, 1963 introduction of White Tigers.

Probably the most famous resident was Alfred the gorilla, 1930 –1948, weighing 25 stone. In comparison today, Jock weighs 32 stone and with the other gorillas are still on site.

Why did it close? It was losing money and was not doing the animals any good.

The future: Bristol Zoo Project at Cribbs Causeway, in time (a long time) will be larger than Longleat.

The talk finished with some poignant questioning, admirably fielded by Martin.

Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday 2nd July 2024, 7pm for 7,30pm start. Visitors £4 incl tea/coffee and biscuits.

Full schedule of presentations can be found at www. kingswoodhistorysociety.org

geoffmemsechps@gmail.com.

n RWP BADMINTON CLUB play at Hanham woods Academy 6.30-7.30 social club, 7.30-9.30 league club. Visitors welcome, please look at the website for more details

n LIP READING CLASS, 10amnoon, Warmley Community Centre. Termtime only. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@ yahoo.com

THURSDAY

n ‘STAND UP REACH OUT’ A social group meet every Thursday 2-4pm at Longwell Green Community Centre for different activities.

n HANHAM ART CLUB We are friendly group that meets on a Thursday evening at Hanham Community Centre 7pm-9pm. New members welcome from beginners to the more experienced. For more information contact Hilary on 07880548481 or email tweenuk2003@yahoo.com

n AVON SCALE MODEL SOCIETY: As a friendly long standing local model making club, we meet at Longwell Green Community Centre on the Third Thursday of every month at 8pm. All subjects in all scales are covered,- aircraft, AFV,s cars, bikes, sci-fi, etc. New members are always welcome. Please phone Ian on 0117 9603435

FRIDAY

n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Email longwellwi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782.

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S: Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@ Taichibodyandmind.co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@ gmail.com (07815 662844)

n CROFT END SILVER BAND Hanham Tabernacle, Tabernacle Road, practice 7.15pm - 8.45pm. Players needed on all sections , all ages welcome and training given. We are a happy Band with a good atmosphere. More details contact Rob (Chairman) on 07788 473404

n LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT, meets normally first Friday of each month at 8 pm. Bar available. For details please contact Marian.r.summerill@gmail.com, or ring 07503 989880.

n LIBRARY NEWS

Get set for summer reading challenge

THIS month sees the return of the Summer Reading Challenge in libraries across South Gloucestershire. Between Saturday 6 July and Saturday 14 September children aged between 4 and 11 can join the free challenge at their local library. Kingswood Library will also run a series of free activities, where children can explore their creativity and imagination through music, arts and crafts and junk modelling.

The theme for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is Marvellous Makers and it aims to inspire children's creativity and storytelling skills. What makes the challenge fun and inclusive is that children can borrow books in hardcopy, paperback, eBooks and audiobooks.

A child at Kingswood Library said: “I like going to the library to pick up new books. I’m excited about the reading challenge, it’s fun! And you also get a medal and certificate for completing it.”

When they register, children get an activity bag containing a Marvellous Makers poster, where they can add stickers as they read. Once they complete the Challenge, children receive a medal and certificate, and a voucher for a swim at anl Active Lifestyle Centre.

A parent at Emersons Green Library said: “This has been excellent – a really good way to encourage a reluctant reader and introduce him to the amazing world of books!”

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running

since 1999 with funding from the Reading Agency and Arts Council England. It is a great initiative that helps to keep children engaged with books and continue to develop their reading during the summer school holiday. Year on year, more and more children join the challenge. South Gloucestershire libraries had the highest participation rate in the Southwest last year, with 6,350 children completing the challenge. Across the UK, 635,115 children took part in the challenge and 133,697 children became library members.

Summer activities

HANHAM

Marvellous Inventions, Thursday 25 July, 10.30am to 11.30am. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children. Puppetry Workshop, Thursday 1 August, 10.30am to midday. Places are limited. Book tickets on Eventbrite from 1 July.

www.windowdoorservice.co.uk I

Junk Box Builders, Thursday 8 August, 10.30am to 11.30am. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Mystery Makers Thursday 15 August, 10.30am to 11.30am. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Story Crafters Thursday 22 August, 10.30am to 11.30am. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Grand Finale Craft Activity Thursday 29 August, 10.30am to 11:30am. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

CADBURY HEATH

Marvellous Inventions craft activity, Friday 26 July, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Junk Box Builders, Friday 2 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Puppetry Workshop, Friday 9

August, 2pm to 3.30pm. Places are limited for this activity. Book your tickets on Eventbrite from1 July.

Mystery Makers, Friday 16 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Story Crafters, Friday 23 August, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

Grand Finale craft activity, Friday 30 August 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children.

KINGSWOOD

Marvellous Inventions craft activity Wednesday 24 July, 2.303.30pm.

Free drop in most suitable for primary school aged children. Puppetry Workshop, Wednesday 31 July, 2-3.30pm. This activity has limited spaces and requires booking by visiting: sglibraries. eventbrite.com

Junk Box Builders Craft Activity, Wednesday 7 August, 2.303.30pm.

Mystery Makers, Wednesday 14 August, 2.30-3.30pm.

Story Crafters, Wednesday 21 August, 2.30-3.30pm.

Grand Finale Craft Activity, Wednesday 28 August, 2.303.30pm.

To find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and all South Gloucestershire library activities visit: www.southglos. gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge or the Reading Agency dedicated web page: Summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Debut author raises funds for charities

AUTHOR Emma-Louise James has published her first book, entitled Jo’s Hidden Secret.

Inspired by real life, the story focuses on the main character Jo, detailing the struggles she faces and the support she gets that helps her overcome them. Inside the front cover of the book, readers can find a list of charities that offer support for people facing similar difficulties.

Emma-Louise said: “Jo is based on me. My book covers every challenge I’ve experienced in my life: from the head injury that caused my epilepsy, to bullying at school, living with epilepsy, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, eating disorder, being in a challenging relationship, my eldest being LGBTQ. Getting support from wonderful charities saved me in so many ways.”

In her book, Emma-Louise’s main character tells her story of developing epilepsy aged seven and the changes and challenges

EmmaLouise hopes her book will help others

this entailed. The story follows Jo into adulthood, when she faces multiple challenges: mental illness, eating disorders, domestic abuse in different forms, challenges at work, and battling post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to this, Jo also faces desperate poverty, inadequate housing and debt.

However, through all these difficult times, Jo meets extraordinary people who offer support and kindness. With support from the NHS and several charities (listed in

the book), she overcomes her struggles and dedicates herself to charity work.

As well as being an author, Emma-Louise works tirelessly to raise funds for multiple charities that have supported her through challenging times. Her dedication and hard work has led to her being nominated for the West Country Women's awards.

On a mission to help others, especially teenagers, EmmaLouise raises money to donate mental health and domestic violence support packs to local secondary schools and libraries. She has already donated a copy of her book to Kingswood Library for free access.

Emma-Louise said: “I want to let teenagers know that they are not alone and there are lots of wonderful charities out there to help them. My book raises money for two charities: Next Link and Mothers for Mothers, both of which helped me at my darkest times.”

HANHAM HIGH ST. SUMMER FAIR

Emma-Louise said: “Every pack contains my book Jo's hidden secrets, leaflets from about 10 different charities such as Young Carers, Next Link domestic, epilepsy charities, mental health charities, etc., so teenagers know what support is out there.”

Since finishing her first book, Emma Louise has been working on 76 stories hoping to publish as many of them as possible. As the stories become published, her aim is to choose a different charity to support with each story.

For anyone interested in reading Emma-Louise’s book, you can borrow it from Kingwood Library.

To purchase the book, you can order a copy on Amazon or via its publisher, the Listening People: https://thelisteningpeople. co.uk/.

To make a donation to her fundraising page visit: https:// tinyurl.com/ywk4t6eh

n

COMMUNITY NEWS

KINGSWOOD TITANS WALKING RUGBY

FOLLOWING the success and growth of Kingswood Rugby Football Club’s (KRFC) walking rugby section launched in May 2017, the Walking Rugby Section ran its first festival/ tournament in May 2018.

We rebranded to Kingswood Titans in 2022 to align with the other sections in Kingswood RFC (Kingswood Spartans, Knights & Athenas). We are now looking at running our sixth successful Walking Rugby Festival in July 2024. Walking rugby participation has continued to grow in popularity not just throughout the Southwest but across the whole of the United Kingdom and we believe this could be the largest Walking Rugby Festival in the World!!

We currently have over 40 teams registered to play; each team is made up of 10 players so we are excited to be hosting over 400 players along with their supporters at Kingswood RFC on Saturday 13th July 2024.

This is going to be an amazing day in the 70th anniversary year of the Club with food stalls providing refreshments throughout the day and a live band playing in the evening not forgetting our Clubhouse bar where refreshments can be purchased.

Teams are coming from all over the UK from Dover in the East, Crediton in the West, Birmingham in the North, and teams from Wales.

Kingswood Titans continues to be proactive by participating in other walking rugby festivals and tournaments held across the South of

England and the Midlands. We also continue to develop good relationships with many clubs in South Wales, playing by invitation at some of their Welsh Rugby Union sponsored events. We have established strong links with local clubs in the local area including Trowbridge RFC, Chippenham RFC, Broad Plain Pioneers RFC and North Bristol RFC, sharing in mixed training sessions.

The Walking Rugby Festival circuit for 2024 is now in full-swing and Kingswood Titans

n NATURE WATCH with Dawn Lawrence

have already sent teams to play at Salisbury, Richmond, Crediton, Crickhowell, Burgess Hill, Neath & Guildfordians. Later in the summer we will be attending more festivals throughout England and Wales.

Kingswood Titans currently has a membership of 50 (plus) playing members with a strong training group of 30 or more participating at their regular Wednesday evening sessions and smaller but no less enthusiastic group attending Thursday morning sessions.

Ten years of urban wildlife observations

IT is ten years since I began writing about our urban wildlife on these pages and to celebrate (and because I almost missed this month’s deadline…) I am recycling a column from my first year.

In a well-balanced ecosystem every pest has its predator and some of our favourite garden visitors think of those pests as lunch! Blue tits and great tits prefer to feed their young on caterpillars at first, then later they will move on to aphids. We once found a thrush’s anvil in our garden; a large angular stone against which the song thrush had been busy breaking the shells of snails plucked from our flower beds. In return for those snails, he sings us his tuneful and inventive song. Slugs are much less palatable to birds, though once, in a dry spell, we watched a blackbird wiping a big slug against a brick to remove the slime before gulping it down with a look of distaste in his beady yellow eye. However, the violet ground beetle loves the taste of wet slug on a cold morning. These beautiful beetles have black wing cases tinged with violet with a shining edge when they catch the light. Certain species acquire an undeserved notoriety amongst gardeners. Some dislike the

rose chafer beetle because of its reputation for eating rose petals and, in the words of one disapproving gardener, “because they do buzz so!” For me their buzzing is a pleasant musical accompaniment to warm summer days, but it is true, they will nibble roses as part of their diet. However, they also are brilliant at making compost – this is junior beetle’s job. Find a big fat grub in your compost heap? Think, “oh yuk!”

or maybe even, “hmm... perhaps sauté with garlic and ginger?” Stop! This ugly grub is no idle squatter, it is busily turning your garden waste into valuable compost. And then it will turn itself into a sparkling metallic green beetle and go and fly into a garden wall and land upside down on the pavement, where it will catch your eye as it lies there wriggling its golden-rose underbelly (they’re not great fliers!). So please, don’t crush it: pick it up and place it on a flower. It’s done sterling work making compost for most of its life, surely we can spare it a few bites of rose petal in return during its few weeks of adult life.

Now, I can’t claim that installing a couple of tit boxes in your garden will sort out your aphid problems and nor will the ground beetles ever eradicate all the slugs but it is worth choosing a specific molluscide to apply to your slugs, and an aphidicide for your roses rather than a wide spectrum pesticide which will kill off your ground beetles and ladybirds as well as your slugs and aphids. And it is worth installing a bird box for the tits, if only for the sheer pleasure of watching them!

A rose chafer on hogweed. Photograph by Rupert Higgins Photo: Rupert Higgins

n ADVERTORIAL

Child of the 90s? Play your part in cutting-edge research

Researchers at the University of Bristol are calling on 31-33 year olds living in the Bristol area to take part in one of the most detailed health studies of its kind in the world.

The 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 30 years to help answer important questions on key health issues, including asthma, childhood obesity, and dementia.

Almost 4,000 young people have already attended the latest @30 clinic and taken part in a series of physical and mental health measures including full-body bone density scans, liver scans and lung function tests.

Now, as the @30 clinic comes to an end in July, the Children of the 90s team want to hear from anyone who was born in or around the city in 1991/2 and would like to take part in this ground breaking

research. As a thank you for taking part, you’ll get £40 (bank transfer or voucher) – with free parking and travel expenses covered.

Children

of the 90s Q&A

with Danielle

How long have you been involved with Children of the 90s and what are your earliest memories of the study?

My earliest memories of Children of the 90s are from primary school, however at that point I wasn’t actually attending and was jealous of all my class mates getting time off school and showing off their skeleton scans!

When I was in my early 20’s I received a letter asking if I wanted to start taking part. I asked my mum if she signed me up as a baby and she did recall being approached about it. I was really excited to say I was finally part of Children of the 90s!

Why is it important to you to be involved in the study?

Not only is the clinic visit a great health check, checking areas of

24 HOUR LOCKSMITH & DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

my body and development that wouldn’t usually be checked, it’s also great to be taking part in a research project that will help towards the future.

What makes you continue to be part of Children of the 90s?

My first visit was similar to @30 but I was in my early 20’s. Since then our family has become part of the study – I have been coming in for CoCo (Children of the Children of the 90s) visits with my children, doing the

questionnaires and even got the hubby to sign up too!

What would you say to a participant considering taking part in the @30 clinic?

It is a really interesting few hours, from liver scans to full body scans, breathing tests and samples. It’s never a dull experience. You also get your transport costs covered and a £40 voucher for coming along, which is a nice touch.

To find out more:

Call 0117 331 0011 or text 07989 209557. Email info@ childrenofthe90s.ac.uk.

There is more info about what happens at the clinic at childrenofthe90s.ac.uk/at30 –and participants only do as much or as little as they want!

Scan me

Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road Longwell Green BS30 9DU Monday: 6.00pm & 7.30pm Tuesday: 9.30am Tel: Karen 07889 408969

AEK Boco FC, Greenbank Road, Hanham BS15 3RZ

Thursday: 9.15am, 11.00am 3.45, 5.15 & 7.00pm Friday: 9.00am Tel: Kate 07979 494964

North Common Village Hall, 16 Millers Dr, North Common BS30 8XX Tuesday: 6pm & 7.30pm Tel: Emma 07773 689229

Danielle with her husband Daniel in clinic.

n SPORT

BRISTOL AND DISTRICT LEAGUE:

AFTER a difficult start in the Bristol and District League, Fry’s continued their good form in the latest set of matches. Things didn’t start too brightly in the trip to Victoria Park as it was the home side which took a comfortable lead at the halfway point, with Fry’s struggling on rinks 1 and 3. A strong set of ends from rink 2 saw Fry’s back into the game but still having lots of work to do. With Fry’s 6 shots back with 3 ends left, rink 3 picked up 5 on their final end, leaving Fry’s 2 behind with rink 2 to finish. A dramatic finish saw Victoria Park’s skip gift Fry’s 2 shots in addition to the shot Fry’s already had seeing Fry’s take 6 points with the single shot win. The next two games were more comfortable for Fry’s. The home match with Knowle saw a formality on rink 3 as they conceded only 5 singles. Rinks 1 and 2 were closer; rink 2 took a 10 shot lead, preventing any comeback. Rink 3 saw Fry’s 1 up heading into the final end. After Knowle surrounded Fry’s single shot, Knowle’s skip hit the

jack to a waiting Fry’s bowl, with the insurance shot added for 10 points. The following week against Ardagh, now playing at Canford, Fry’s took another 10 points, with the same rink dropping only singles again helping Fry’s to a good lead. Rinks 2 and 3 battled to wins for all 10 points. Fry’s currently sit 3rd, 13 points behind Keynsham ‘A’ in second.

Scores: 23rd May: Fry's 47-46 Victoria Park; Rink 1: 11-21; Rink 2: 21-9; Rink 3: 15-16; (6-4)

30th May: Fry's 54-27 Knowle 'A'; Rink 1: 17-14; Rink 2: 14-8; Rink 3: 23-5; (10-0)

6th June: Fry's 53-33 Ardagh; Rink 1: 18-7; Rink 2: 15-11; Rink 3: 20-15; (10-0). Friday Triples League:

A close game against leaders St Anne’s Park saw Fry’s miss out by 4 shots only picking up 2 points. After a tight start at Bristol, Fry's opened up a lead in the second half they would not relinquish seeing out the game 57-46 taking 10 points. The tenth game in the Friday Triples League saw Knowle travel to Somerdale. Two rinks were close with Knowle taking them by 1 shot and 3 shots. The home side took a 13 shot win on the third rink, which saw Fry's take the overall win 54-45 with 8 points and sit 4th in the table on 72 points.

Scores: 31st May: Fry's 44-48 St Anne's Park; Rink 1: 17-12; Rink 2: 23-20; Rink 3: 13-20; (2-10) 7th June: Fry's 57-46 Bristol; Rink 1: 17-12; Rink 2: 21-13; Rink 3: 19-21; (10-2) 14th June: Fry's 54-45 Knowle: Rink 1: 16-17; Rink 2: 15-18; Rink 3: 23-10; (8-4).

Lloyd Trophy: The Lloyd Trophy ended in disappointment as Bristol St Andrews overcame a large deficit at halfway to take a 12 shot victory. Score: Fry's 43-55 Bristol St Andrews: Rink 1: 18-18; Rink 2: 19-12; Rink 3: 6-25.

Loft Boarding & Insulation

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB

DESPITE disappointing weather, the bowling green in Keynsham Park is now at its busiest.

As well as the league and friendly games being played against other clubs, Keynsham Bowling Club members are facing one another in the various internal club competitions, in addition to other full-day knock-out events being staged.

In relation to the latter, we staged the Ray Percival Cup at the start of June, when 10 ladies and 20 gents played in a series of triples leagues against each other, resulting in a winning team of Jan Isles, Dave Howell and Graham Cavill.

Later in the month, 19 men took part in the men’s two-wood competition, again on a league basis and then quarter and semi-finals. The winners were Ken Gaull and Geoff Yorath, who will play each other on our Finals Day in September to decide who will take home the cup.

In the Men’s Friday Triples, we recently played against Begbrook in a cup match. Despite trailing throughout the game, being one shot down as we started the 18th and final end, we came good and won by two shots.

Needless to say, the team was delighted!

During June, our chairman, Ian Tweedie, was delighted to visit the Tesco store in Keynsham to collect a cheque for £410, the proceeds from book sales during May.

Our principle sponsor, Meryton Care Homes, followed up last year’s donation with another one this year, which will enable us to subsidise trousers and shorts to match the shirts bought last year.

The appearance of our green surrounds is enhanced by the floral displays in troughs and hanging baskets which are nurtured by our gardening team. We have submitted an entry for the annual Keynsham in Bloom contest.

Mike Barrow

Socialising with other dogs is essential for a dog's overall wellbeing and development. It helps dogs learn crucial social skills, such as reading body language, understanding social cues, and practicing appropriate play behaviours. These interactions can reduce fear and aggression towards other dogs, leading to more peaceful and enjoyable encounters.

If you feel your dog is ready to have a great play and meet other friendly, sociable dogs then it's time get in contact with Pooch Play Time today. Pooch Play Time 07432556255

n SPORT

Memorial match for Neale

A FOOTBALL match has been staged in memory of “Longwell Green legend” Neale Saunders.

Neale, who was 60, died suddenly and unexpectedly last November. The Neale Saunders Memorial Cup has been established as a tribute to him, and the first match in what it is hoped will be an annual competition, took place on June 15.

Neale’s 11 was made up of his daughter Caitlin (captain), his sons Brad and Mitch, members of their team Seymour United, and a number of guests including Bristol City legends. Neale was a lifelong Bristol City supporter and season ticket holder at Ashton Gate.

They played against a team from Longwell Green Sports FC Seniors, who won the game 4-2.

Neale was a trustee and deputy chairman of Longwell Green Community Centre and chairman of Longwell Green Sports Junior FC.

Neale was one of a team of volunteers involved with

Longwell Green Sports JFC who built the junior football club to be one of the largest in the South West, providing opportunities for young people to play and enjoy football. Neale gained the respect of other clubs, Gloucestershire and Somerset County FA, the Football Association and many parents as the team won awards for all their hard work.

A community centre spokesman said: “Some 10 years ago, Neale took on the role and responsibility of trustee and deputy chairman of the centre with great enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment. He played a key role in organising and developing the Centre. His strong business acumen, experience, professionalism, and integrity shone through, and it was recogonised by everyone he met.

“Neale played a significant role in the development of ‘Longwell Green Community Sports’ new 3G Football

Facility; that would not have been achieved if it were not for Neale’s hard work, diligence, and commitment.

“The main stand within the 3G Facility has been named The Neale Saunders Stand. Neale was one of the truly good guys and is greatly missed.”

All money raised from donations, raffles and BBQ are to be shared between the British Heart Foundation and Longwell Green Community Centre.

A minute's silence is observed before kick-off in memory of Neale Saunders

Brad Saunders

Caitlin Saunders

Mitch Saunders

n KINGSWOOD MEMORIES & HERITAGE MUSEUM

VISITS BY POLITICIANS

Residents of the Kingswood area have gone to the polls twice this year, and politicians and other campaigners have been on the streets of the area for several weeks attempting to secure votes for their respective candidates.

Kingswood Heritage Museum has delved into its image archives to find a selection of photographs of visits to the area by politicians in previous years. The three featured on this page show:

1: A walkabout in 1990 at Kings Chase shopping centre by the late Baron (Jim) Prior, who was a Conservative MP from 1959 to 1987 and was a Cabinet Minister. He is accompanied by Baron (Rob) Hayward, who was the MP for Kingswood from 1983 to 1992.

2: Another walkabout in 1990 at Kings Chase shopping centre by Baron (Roy) Hattersley, who was an MP from 1964 to 1997 and served as a Cabinet Minister and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Also featured in the photograph is Terry Walker, who was the first MP for the then-new constituency of Kingswood from 1974 to 1979.

3: A visit in 1989 to Kings Chase shopping centre by Baron (David) Owen, who was an MP from 1966 to 1992 for the Labour and Social Democratic Parties, and was a Cabinet Minister.

Kingswood Heritage Museum would like to hear from any of our readers who remember any of these visits. If you have any memories that you would like to share please contact us on 0117 960 5664 or by email at: kingswoodmuseum@gmail. com

Museum opening

The Museum is open until the end of November from 2 – 5pm every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holidays.

Museum talk: Highs and lows of 'Elf and Safety'

This month’s talk takes place at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday July 10, when Roy Akrill will provide us with a mixture of funny and serious thoughts on “ Elf and Safety”.

Admission costs £4, and light refreshments are available; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664.

Table top sale

The Friends of the Museum are holding a Table Top Sale on Saturday July 6, from 11am to 4pm. Tables cost £10; to book a table please call on 0117 9605664, or send an email to kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com. Setting up starts at 10 am.

Light Refreshments will be available, and the Museum Gift Shop will be open. There will also be a 50 pence Second Hand Book Sale, with Vinyl Records and Jig Saw Puzzles also for sale.

East Bristol Auctions Valuation Day

The Museum will host an East Bristol Auctions Valuation Day on Saturday July 13, 10am to 2pm, presented by Andy Stowe. Members of the public are invited to bring in items to be

valued. Light Refreshments will be available.

Volunteer opportunities

Kingswood Heritage Museum always welcomes new volunteers. The Museum would particularly like to hear from anyone with experience of, or an interest in marketing and publicity. If you are interested in helping the Museum in any capacity, please either: email us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com or call us on 0117 960 5664

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

n COMMUNITY NEWS

BRISTOL u3a

THIS month you'll find u3a's East & North East Bristol group at three events, starting with the Frenchay Flower Show on July 13.

If you're free on July 17, from 2.30pm onwards, we have an informal social at the Crafty Egg in Fishponds Road.

We're also at the Patchway Throwback Festival on July 20.

You can meet some existing

members and have a chance to find out more about u3a, including what we’re up to in East & North-East Bristol.

Bristol u3a members have access to over 150 interest groups across greater Bristol, including around 25 local to East & North East Bristol.

Once you are a member, almost everything is free to join, because we provide a subsidy for

groups needing premises.

You’ll have to pay for external expenses, like cinema tickets, travel and refreshments, and sometimes a small contribution if your group’s costs exceed the subsidy.

Single membership is just £20, but there are other options available for couples living at the same address and members of other u3as.

If you join now, we won’t ask you to renew until September next year. Most of our communications are by email, but you can request paper copies of our quarterly newsletter at a small extra charge. Google “Bristol u3a” to find the full list of groups and how to join. Contact learnlaughlive@ bristolu3a.org.uk to find out more.

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