Hanham & Longwell Green Voice June 2023

Have your say over plans for 149 homes

DEVELOPERS Redrow Homes have submitted a planning application to build 149 homes on a green-belt site off Hencliffe Way in Hanham. More than 100 people have already posted objections to the scheme. Hanham Abbots Parish Council, which opposes development in the green belt, is inviting residents to a meeting at Longwell Green Primary School on June 6 at 6.15pm to air their views. Report: Pages 4 & 5

LibDems and Labour in charge

The Liberal Democrats and Labour have reached a deal to run South Gloucestershire Council after winning a combined 37 seats at the elections to the Tories' 23. PAGE 3

Tragedy on the ring road

Police are appealing for witnesses after a pedestrian died in a collision with a car on the ring road in Warmley.

PAGE 9

Views on pews? Let church know

Views are being sought on a redesigned pew for St Mary's Church in Bitton. It has retractable wheels so it can be moved when necessary.

PAGE 14

Basil Brush and Olaf, pictured with Lucas and Zac Burr, were among exhibits in the Christ Church primary school Scarecrow Trail in Hanham. Report and more pictures: Pages 6 & 7

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Our July edition deadline is June 21. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by then. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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

Useful numbers

South Gloucestershire Council

www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Citizens Advice Bureau

0344 499 4718

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

General enquiries: 101

Emergency: 999

Fire

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General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

Complaints

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is distributed each month to residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk This month 9,500 copies will be distributed around Hanham and Longwell Green.

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n ELECTION

BITTON AND OLDLAND COMMON (two seats)

– CON HOLD x 2

Paul Hughes – Conservative – 899

Erica Williams – Conservative – 833

Darren Langley – Labour – 711

Peter Hallett – Green – 521

Kenton Boon – Liberal Democrats – 373

Sarah Freeman – Green – 361

Stanley Perry – Liberal Democrats – 288

BOYD VALLEY (two seats)

– LD GAIN FROM CON; CON HOLD

Marilyn Palmer – Liberal Democrats

– 1316

Ben Stokes – Conservative – 1234

Steve Reade – Conservative – 1211

Neil Willmott – Liberal Democrats – 1130

Andy Banwell – Reform UK – 155

EMERSONS GREEN (three seats)

– LAB GAIN FROM CON x 2; CON HOLD

Katrina Al-Hassan – Labour – 1614

Rachael Hunt – Conservative – 1532

Ron Hardie – Labour – 1508

Sadik Al-Hassan – Labour – 1498

Colin Hunt – Conservative – 1482

Alka Mehta-Graham – Conservative –1183

Sian Harris – Green – 876

Gabriela Miron – Liberal Democrats –424

Susan Walker – Liberal Democrats – 324

Laurence Walker – Liberal Democrats – 306

FRENCHAY AND DOWNEND (three seats)

– LD GAIN FROM CON; CON HOLD x 2

Raj Kumar Sood – Liberal Democrats

– 1994

Ben Burton – Conservative – 1780

Liz Brennan – Conservative – 1678

David Eldridge – Liberal Democrats –1673

James Griffiths – Conservative – 1622

John Tansey – Liberal Democrats – 1487

Jacky Dockerty – Labour – 1034

Mike Richards – Labour – 1033

Andrew Smith – Labour – 858

HANHAM (three seats)

– CON HOLD x 2; LAB GAIN FROM CON

June Bamford – Conservative – 1525

Brenda Langley – Conservative – 1455

April Begley – Labour – 1336

Matt Pitts – Conservative – 1314

Michael Newman – Labour – 1195

Kelly Allen – Green – 651

William Huddy – Green – 543

Daniel Johnston – Green – 385

John Gawn – Liberal Democrats – 275

Margaret Marshall – Liberal Democrats – 254

Patrick Thoyts – Liberal Democrats – 172

KINGSWOOD (two seats) – LAB HOLD x 2

Leigh Ingham – Labour – 901

Sean Rhodes – Labour – 848

Ken Dando – Conservative – 469

Jayashri Krishnesh Chandar –Conservative – 361

Susan Hope – Liberal Democrats – 202

Mark Poarch – Liberal Democrats – 193

LONGWELL GREEN (two seats) – CON HOLD x 2

Carol Strange – Conservative – 1442

Kristopher Murphy – Conservative –1170

Edward Allinson – Liberal Democrats – 906

Christine Price – Independent – 626

Crispin Allard – Liberal Democrats – 621

NEW CHELTENHAM (two seats) – LAB HOLD x 2

Matt Palmer – Labour – 936

Sandie Davis – Labour – 907

Ian Adams – Conservative – 664

Gagan Singh – Conservative – 546

Ruth Davis – Liberal Democrats – 204

Richard Parkinson – Liberal Democrats – 152

PARKWALL AND WARMLEY (two seats) – CON HOLD x 2

Elizabeth Bromiley – Conservative – 914

Sam Bromiley – Conservative – 890

Martin Farmer – Labour – 801

Kenneth Rabone – Labour – 699

Philippa Marsden – Liberal Democrats – 213

Hossein Pirooz – Liberal Democrats –193

STAPLE HILL AND MANGOTSFIELD (three seats) – LAB HOLD x 3

Ian Boulton – Labour – 2331

Michael Bell – Labour – 2153

Katie Cooper – Labour – 2014

Andy O’Hara – Conservative – 789

Andrew Shore – Conservative – 604

Anil Mishra – Conservative – 556

Andrew Daer – Liberal Democrats – 337

Brenda Allen – Liberal Democrats – 228

Gabrielle Davis – Liberal Democrats – 222

WOODSTOCK (two seats) – LAB HOLD x 2

Alison Evans – Labour – 1039

Ian Scott – Labour – 928

Jack Groenewald – Conservative – 545

Kamni Shambhu – Conservative – 477

Jim Corrigan – Liberal Democrats – 335

Tony Davis – Liberal Democrats – 209

CABINET

Leader and Member for Council Governance - Claire Young (LD)

Co-Leader and Member for Education, Skills, Employment and Business –Ian Boulton (Lab)

Member for Planning, Regeneration, and Infrastructure – Chris Willmore (LD)

Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Public Health – Alison Evans (Lab)

Member for Climate and Nature Emergency – Louise Harris (LD)

Member for Children and Young People Councillor - Maggie Tyrell (LD)

Member for Adults and Homes – John O’Neil (LD)

Member for Resources – Adam Monk (Lab)

Member for Communities and Local Place – Leigh Ingham (Lab)

n ELECTION

Lib Dems and Labour reach a deal to run South Gloucestershire Council

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has new leadership after the Conservatives lost their majority at the local elections.

The council's Liberal Democrat and Labour groups, both of which made gains at the Tories' expense on May 4, have agreed to work together to form a new administration.

Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young is the new council leader, while Ian Boulton will be the council's co-leader, having taken over as the Labour group's leader following the retirement of Kingswood councillor Pat Rooney.

The roles, and those of cabinet members and shadow teams, were confirmed at the annual meeting of the council on May 24.

Councillor Young said: “I am delighted to take on the role of council leader and very pleased to announce this new cabinet, which delivers a broad range of experience across the council’s work areas.

“This is an excellent opportunity to put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire and to help improve the lives of local people. We want to change the way decisions are made and work with residents and communities to ensure they are supportive of our plans.

“Our priorities include tackling the climate and nature emergency and helping residents with the cost of living crisis –both of these will be taken in

to account with all decision making. We will also be focusing on improving lives of children and families, working with schools to address educational inequalities, and promoting age friendly communities. We will be developing a new local plan to protect South Gloucestershire from speculative development, working with health partners to improve the range of health services across the area and working with the West of England Combined Authority to identify improvements to bus services.’

The two groups had spent a fortnight ironing out details of a deal following the elections which saw the Tories lose their overall majority and therefore

control of the council, which they have run for eight years..

While the Conservatives are still the largest party, with 23 seats in the chamber, the 20 Lib Dem and 17 Labour members combined take the two parties above the 31 votes needed to command a majority in the chamber.

The Conservative leader Sam Bromiley, who took on the role following the retirement from local politics at the elections of former council leader Toby Savage, was critical of the new leadership, calling it "a coalition destined to fail".

He said the Tories’ offer of talks with the Lib Dems and Labour was “met by silence or refusal” and that the new

coalition was “determined to shut out the views" of residents who voted for the Conservatives.

“There are so many unknowns to what the two groups have agreed that residents are left in the dark as to what will happen in the next four years.This is an agreement that neither we nor the public have seen. This is a coalition which is destined to fail, ” he said.

Cllr Bromiley said residents should not foot the bill for a proposed pay allowance for the “fabricated” role of co-leader.

Cllr Boulton said the’ comments were “obviously saddening” and that residents voted for change because many were upset that the former Tory administration “imposed” schemes on them without listening to their views.

“That is a lesson for this new administration to actively engage and listen to our residents,” he said.

“I’m surprised that the job title of co-leader has come up so much. I don’t know where that came from, to be honest – I will answer to anything I’m called. I’m obviously not as fussed about it as you are.”

He said there was “no great secret or controversy” in the partnership agreement which would be published soon.

• At the annual meeting, Cllr Mike Drew was elected chair of the council for the coming year and Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi vice chair.

Councillor Claire Young, Liberal Democrat, and Councillor Ian Boulton, Labour, who will lead South Gloucestershire Council

Bargain Hunt visits

THE popular BBC daytime television show Bargain Hunt has been filming in Hanham.

Presenter Charlie Ross and his experts visited East Bristol Auctions for their Selected Antiques & Collectables Auction.

The scenes of amateur antiques enthusiasts touring the showroom to select their bargains, then having them valued and put under the hammer, will feature in the next series of the show, which has formed part of the schedules for more than 20 years.

Antiques column: Page 22

Say No to Redrow:

PEOPLE have until June 16 to comment on plans for 149 homes off Hencliffe Way in Hanham.

The proposals were unveiled in February by developers Redrow Homes and Ashfield Land and a formal outline planning application was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council last month.

The developers say the site is “a sustainable location for a new residential development to deliver much-needed market and affordable homes for the local community”.

But many people in the area oppose the scheme, which they fear would open the gates to further housebuilding in the countryside.

They are backed by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, who says the site is a vital “green lung” between the cities iof Bristol and Bath.

Residents are also concerned that the development would put

huge pressure on local roads and services, particularly health and education.

The proposed development would include one-bedroomed to four-bedroomed homes. Sixty of them would be affordable, with a mix of first homes and social rented housing, and up to 15 would be self-build/custom built.

Access to the site would be from Hencliffe Way, where one house, which is understood to have been bought by the developers, being demolished to facilitate this. Emergency access would be from Castle Farm Road.

The developers say a lot of the site would be public open space, including a play area, picnic area and footpaths.

More than 100 residents posted objections to the scheme in the first two weeks after it was made public.

Many of them said that schools and the doctors’ surgery

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Campaign steps up

in Hanham were already overloaded and this would be made worse following a development already approved for more than 200 homes on the brownfield Kleeneze site.

“There comes a point when you need to stop building houses and start upgrading infrastructure to support people. I believe we have already reached that point,” one objector said.

Others were worried about the impact on traffic of up to 300 more cars. They said there were already long queues on Memorial Road and Whittucks Road at peak times, and many local roads were already in bad condition.

Opponents said the site was a wildlife haven, with badgers, buzzards, bats and deer often seen there.

One resident said: “It is imperative that South Gloucestershire Council fully explores and exhausts all other reasonable options for

development before considering encroachment upon the Green Belt. The protection and preservation of our Green Belt land, as well as the provision of adequate educational resources, must take precedence over shortterm housing demands.”

The scheme is expected to go before a South Gloucestershire Council planning committee later in the summer.

Meanwhile, Hanham Abbots Parish Council, which opposes development in the green belt, has invited residents to a meeting at Longwell Green Primary School on June 6 at 6.15pm to air their views about the proposals.

A petition on the change.org website from Hanham Say No to Redrow had 1,257 signatures as the Voice went to print.

The plans can be found on the planning section of the council website with the reference P23/01330/O

Play Bowls The Sport for All

Boom boom! Basil Brush and friends prove popular

A HOST of comedy characters popped up on Hanham High Street to raise money for a primary school.

The annual scarecrow trail organised by the Friends of Christ Church CE Primary attracted 29 entries. Twelve were made by staff and children at the school and the rest by parents and community groups such as the Guides and a local pre-school.

Designs included Basil Brush, Olaf, Donald Duck, Ant and Dec, Mr Bump and Mr Tickle. Shops and cafes supported

the event by displaying scarecrows and families enjoyed guessing all the characters, competing for a prize of a family ticket to Noah’s Ark.

Refreshments were served at the community centre.

The event on May 20 and 21 followed a successful effort in the Bristol 10k by a team of teachers and parents running for the Friends in the Bristol 10K and raising more than £2,000 towards their £20,000 target for a Forest School in the school grounds.

Left: Eddie and Anya Watkins with Basil Brush

Donald Duck, Mr Bump and Geordie duo Ant and Dec were some of the comedy characters in this year's scarecrow trail

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HANHAM METHODIST CHURCH

After discussion it was decided that we would commemorate the Coronation of Charles IIIby revamping our Church Garden.

With The Beacon Cafe we applied for and received a “Big Help Out” Grant with which we were able to purchase compost, bark and provide refreshments for the volunteers on the day.

Prior to the Bank Holiday much hard work was done in clearing the borders and preparing

the ground. We also purchased a time capsule which we filled with local newspapers of that weekend, national papers with photos of the King and Queen, details of activities in the church, history of the church and the mount, a photo of the membership and a stamp with the King’s head and several coins.

Our Church membership were asked to donate plants or money with which to purchase plants.

On the day over 20 volunteers braved the weather. A tree was planted with a plaque to

mark the occasion and the time capsule was buried with a plaque asking that it should be opened in May 2073.

A memory book is being made with photos of the day and dedications to anyone for whom a plant or shrub was purchased.

After the work was done an excellent picnic lunch was prepared by the Beacon Cafe and it was agreed that we had enjoyed a very worthwhile day.

Pamela Liddiard

Hopes for The Batch

HOPES are rising for a reopening of The Batch community centre in Cadbury Heath.

Oldland Parish Council is backing a new group called the Coronation Community Centre, which will soon be presenting a business plan to South Gloucestershire Council. The group, headed by Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, Edna Stinchcombe MBE, Cllr Martin Farmer and newly appointed Cllr Jason Ball, wants to take on the organisation of the centre, which closed last October and has since been undergoing refurbishment.

The parish council is inviting comments from local people on what activities they would like the centre to offer.

Email steve.skidmore@ oldlandparishcouncil.gov.uk

100 years of brush making

BRUSH maker Kleeneze-Koti has celebrated its centenary. The Kleen-e-ze Brush Company was founded in May 1923 in Whitehall and moved to Hanham five years later. It eventually relocated its homecare business to Accrington in 2006 and is now part of Koti, which is based in The Netherlands. The firm continues to employ 35 people in Hanham, where it makes brush strips for industries from agriculture to aerospace, and energy conservation to escalator safety.

To mark 100 years of brush making in Bristol, the company has invited 100 customers, suppliers and former employees to a celebration cream tea.

Tragedy on ring road

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a pedestrian died on the ring road in the early hours of Thursday May 25.

Emergency services were called to the A4174 near Warmley at about 4.20am, following a collision involving a van and a pedestrian.

Despite paramedics' best efforts, the pedestrian died at the scene. Their next of kin has been informed and they will be offered support by a speciallytrained family liaison officer. The road was closed while officers carried out enquiries at the scene. Anyone who saw what happened or has dashcam footage which might help our inquiry is asked to contact us.

If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223121662.

Plastics promise

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council insists that hard plastics left at its Sort It centre in Mangotsfield are still being recycled, despite the removal of a dedicated collection bay.

Rigid plastics that cannot be left out for kerbside collection, such as garden furniture and toys, have been collected at the tip in Carsons Road for several years. The dedicated bay was removed earlier this year, and the space is now used for wood recycling.

The change was not widely publicised by the council and when Mangotsfield residents Mike and Linda Reeves went to the centre to dispose of some plastic items Mike says staff could only tell him there had been a directive to put all hard plastics in with general waste.

A council spokesperson said the rigid plastic collection bay had been removed to make way for a separate collection point for soft and stuffed furnishings such as sofas, in line with rules on these so-called Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Visitors who ask about the change should be given leaflets about the changes, the spokesperson said, adding: "The changes were due to limited space on site to allow us to segregate the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) materials and separately collect rigid plastics.

Rigid plastics are now placed in with the general waste pile at the recycling centres, which is then sent to a facility in Bristol which sorts the waste and removes recyclable materials, including rigid plastics."

Mike said: "It's ridiculous to do this when people were already separating the plastic out. It's doubling the work - somebody's got to watch it go through a conveyor belt and pick out the plastic from the rubbish."

The council says rigid plastics can be "easily separated" at the site in Bristol. The stuffed furnishings are sent to an "energy from waste" for incineration.

Rare bee found on Troopers Hill

A RARE species of bee has been recorded in the West of England for the first time.

The Nomad Bee, also known as Nomada zonata, was discovered by volunteer Susan Acton Campbell on Troopers Hill in St George.

She was taking part in a project run by the Natural History Consortium thanks to a £100,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

The bee, with a distinctive wasp-like appearance, is hairless and does not collect pollen for its young, but is nonetheless known as an important pollinator of plants, fruit trees and wildflowers.

It was first recorded in England back in 2016, and there have been only 113 sightings of it in total - the closest one being in Stroud back in 2020. The identification has been confirmed by bee experts.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who wants to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK, said he was "thrilled" to have recorded the new species which, as a “cuckoo bee” - one that lay eggs in the nest of others - is a good sign of a “super healthy” bee population in general.

well looked after. The nursing staff are so very kind, thoughtful and nothing is too much trouble. My mum feels safe and comfortable.”

Joanna, Daughter of Resident at Quarry House (source: carehome.co.uk)

Super slimmer Sally sheds 15 stone

A FORMER midwife who once tipped the scales at more than 26 stone has made a new life for herself after losing an astonishing 15-and-a-half stone.

Sally Offer, 56, spent years caring for others while her own health took a back seat and eventually left her career when she found that the physical side of delivering babies had become incredibly demanding.

Sally joined Slimming World after hearing how it had helped many expectant mums to manage their weight.

She said: “I have so much more energy now, which is needed with five grandchildren!“These days I’m busy with swimming, long dog walks and Pilates classes. I started small with all of them and found over time I could do more and more. It’s a running joke that I’m busier now than

before I retired!”

Sally, who now weighs 10 stone 8lb, tried to lose weight alone but realised she needed support to make lifelong changes.

“I plucked up the courage to join Slimming World – and I’m so glad I did. Everyone there was so welcoming and friendly.”

Sally credits her group in Keynsham for giving her the support she needed to learn about herself and her eating habits, and how to turn her life around.

“Everything I learned about my trigger foods (those foods that I found very difficult not to overeat) and potential pitfalls really helped me to understand myself as a slimmer.

“Two weeks after I reached my target weight, I went on holiday to Portugal with my girlfriends. For the first time in

years, I didn’t need a seatbelt extender on the aeroplane!”

Sally recently reached the finals of Slimming World’s Greatest Loser competition, which celebrates the success of members who have achieved life-changing weight losses.

Sally’s consultant, Kelly Watts, who runs groups in Keynsham, said: “We could not be prouder of Sally. Sally is also the kindest person who wants everyone else to succeed too. Her caring nature will never be lost, and we’re so lucky to have her with us in group each week.”

Sally Offer, right, celebrates with Kelly Watts, her Slimming World consultant. Above left, Sally used to weigh 26 stone

Action on anti-social behaviour

AS the local MP, I want local people to feel safe and be safe. In Westminster I have led and taken part in debates to push for action and locally around the constituency I have held joint surgeries with our Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford to enable residents to express their concerns and highlight their local policing priorities.

The Prime Minister promised to cut crime, crack down on anti-social behaviour, and make our streets safer – and at the heart of that pledge is recruiting 20,000 additional police officers across the country. I am therefore delighted that he confirmed that this manifesto commitment has now been met.

Reaching this target means that in our Avon and Somerset Constabulary area there are over 500 more police officers to crack down on crime, relentlessly pursue criminals, and protect victims. Furthermore, the police are also being given greater powers to deal with criminals and bring perpetrators to justice, including through the government’s new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan. New measures include:

• Banning nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to send a clear message to intimidating gangs that hang

around high streets and parks and litter them with empty cannisters that they will not get away with this behaviour. The drug is now the third most used among 16 to 24 year olds in England;

• Increasing the punishment for those who graffiti, litter or fly tip with fines of up to £500 and £1,000. This will complement South Gloucestershire Council’s existing zero-tolerance approach on these issues;

• Giving landlords and housing associations more powers to evict unruly tenants who ruin neighbour’s lives through persistent noise or by being drunk and disorderly;

• Giving police new powers to crackdown on illegal drug use, often a catalyst for other crimes, including expanding powers for drug testing on arrest so more suspected criminals can be tested, and more drugs tested for.

There will also be some pilot areas around the country where offenders will be made to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits and work under supervision to pick up litter, remove graffiti and wash police cars as punishment for their actions. I look forward to the lessons learned from these pilots informing a wider roll-out of new initiatives to help people be and feel even safer locally.

Pupils and staff have a story to tell

Kirsty McLeodHughes meets the Queen, left. Right, Her Majesty with Francesca Simon, Cressida Cowell and others at the libraries celebration event

The day we met Queen Camilla

QUEEN Camilla’s first solo engagement since the Coronation was in Bristol – and some children from two local schools were lucky enough to share it.

The Queen is patron of the National Literacy Trust, which has been spearheading a campaign to improve primary school libraries in recognition of the role they can play in fostering a lifelong love of reading.

The Primary School Library Alliance campaign will include 50 Coronation libraries at schools around the country, the first of which is at Shirehampton Primary in north Bristol.

Children and staff from ten schools in the West, including Air Balloon Hill Primary and Summerhill Academy, were invited to visit Shirehampton for a celebration event with leading authors and illustrators.

It was only after they arrived that the pupils, librarians and teachers learned that the Queen was also attending.

The day involved a “draw your dream library’ workshop alongside two former Children’s Laureates, How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell and Noughts and Crosses author Malorie Blackman. This was followed by reading sessions with Francesca Simon, who wrote the Horrid Henry series, and contributions from illustrators Chris Smith and Rob Biddulph

and author Jasbinder Bilal.

Her Majesty was presented with the Coronation Collection –a selection of 23 books voted for by over 12,000 children across the UK. One of the aims of the Primary School Library Alliance is to improve access to ageappropriate and diverse books. It also wants to create inspirational reading spaces and train more staff to deliver reading activities.

National Literacy Trust CEO, Jonathan Douglas said: “Astonishingly, 1 in 7 state primary schools does not have a library so we are very proud to be working with our partners and helping to enhance 1,000 reading spaces in primary schools across the UK. It has been fantastic to launch the Coronation Libraries project and to mark such an important milestone for the Primary School Library Alliance.”

Summerhill vice principal, Kirsty McLeod-Hughes, who attended the event, said: "As always, I couldn't have been more proud of our fabulous children for the way they represented our community during the event.

“They spoke with respect and confidence and put to good use all of the skills that we teach them every day in school."

A spokesman for Air Balloon Hill school said: “It was a truly inspiring day.”

Bristol's Lord Lieutenant Peaches Golding, right, with two pupils from Summerhill Academy who had an amazing day out

Francesca Simon shows the Queen some Horrid Henry books in the new Coronation library

Listening to young people

TWO Year 10 students from Sir Bernard Lovell Academy represented the Oldland Common school at the West of England’s first School Summit.

An SBL spokesman said Josie Hole and Sebastian Daneasa were great ambassadors for the academy at the event, hosted by Metro Mayor Dan Norris at Aerospace Bristol in Filton.

More than 150 young people from 60 schools attended to learn about the careers of the future they might follow and to make their voices heard on key issues affecting their lives.

Mr Norris said: “This summit was all about asking young people what kind of West of England they want to see - and turning their ideas into reality.”

Give your views on the pews

PEOPLE in Bitton are being invited to drop in to St Mary’s Church on Saturday June 3 to try out a redesigned pew.

The prototype uses the oak and elm of the current pews but has remodelled them so that they are not only more comfortable but have retractable wheels that will allow them to be moved. The individually carved pew ends, dating from the 1880s, will be retained within the new design.

The proposal is part of a project intended to make the church a centre for the whole community and be used for a wide variety of activities, while continuing as a place of worship.

The current phase of work is focused on the interior of St Mary’s. In addition to work on the pews, work is also needed to provide a suitable and stable floor for the main part of the church and to conserve and clean its walls – some of which date back to Anglo Saxon times.

The prototype pew has been a collaboration between the church’s Future Committee, the church crchitect (Chedburn Codd), Newman’s Joinery of Bath, and Hanney Welding of Bitton. Cushions have been made by The Church Cushion Company.

The Drop In lasts from 11am to 3pm. Coffee, tea and cakes will be available as well as a short presentation on the history of seating in the church and further information on the church’s

development project .

St Mary’s has received some sponsorship for the redesign work. These sponsors include Bitton Parish Council, The Bristol Archdeaconry Charity, Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, The Asda Foundation, Wessex Water, The Renishaw Charities Committee, The Ken Biggs Trust, The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust

Individuals or groups can sponsor a pew for £1000. There have been six sponsorships so far and the church is seeking additional sponsors to complete this part of the project.

The redesigned pew at St Mary's, Bitton

n AROUND THE WIs

LONGWELL GREEN WI

IT has been lovely to see some sunny days and our demonstration at Fonthill garden centre came just at the right time to help us to plant up our pots and baskets ready for a colourful summer display in our gardens.

Our Birthday/Coronation celebration was a great success. With the room and tables decorated in red, white and blue and members also dressed in these colours along with their crowns everyone was in the mood to enjoy themselves. The buffet was delicious and the entertainment from Andy Tee was very good. Even King Charles made an appearance! There was lots of flag waving and dancing- a very enjoyable evening.

During our May meeting we discussed and voted on the proposed NFWI resolution for this year. There were originally 5 resolutions to vote on and members from WI's across the country voted that "Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife" should go forward. The proposal is that designated areas of rivers should be clean enough for people to swim in. After some discussion members voted in favour that the resolution should go forward to become a campaign by the WI. Our vote will now go to the NFWI Annual meeting where a final decision will be made.

We were then introduced to Choir Master Beth Morgan from The Great Day Choir. We started with singing exercises which caused much laughter and then Beth taught us some well known songs and we even managed harmony. A lively and uplifting experience and with the number of smiles by the end of the evening everyone enjoyed themselves. Thank you Beth.

We have lots of groups that our members can participate in. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group, skittles and social suppers. On the first Thursday of the month we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat.

Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting us please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening.

Linda Muller

HANHAM AFTERNOON WI

AS I write it appears the weather has turned for the better. The non stop rain has disappeared (hopefully), and we can look forward to summer, at long last.

At our members' meeting this month we welcomed speaker, Elizabeth Harvey, the events manager from Norland Nannies. Elizabeth explained about their history and how their students are trained.

Their story began in 1892 when Emily Ward a pioneer educationalist recognised a need for childcare training. This was needed to be structured for these early years children and to be centred around love and nurturing.

The first College was set up in Kent in 1892, eventually moving to Bedfordshire and latterly to Bath. Last year the college celebrated its 130th Anniversary.

During 1999 the first male trainee was accepted. The annual intake is about 100 Students who take a three year, Early Years and Development Course in the College. The fourth year they are placed into a low earnings work situation, with a family on a trainee basis. After this final year they receive an NQN Diploma as a Newly Qualified Nanny.

During the course of the training, students learn about looking after babies from birth, their growth and development over the following years. During the training period the student has to learn about general making and mending to recycle garments etc. The importance of food, cooking and nutrition, also they have to drive,.with special training in tactical driving as well as self defence. This is required in case they are hired by high-profile clients, whose children might need such protection. Checks are made on the students to clear them for suitability for the careers they hope to embark on, which could take them anywhere in the world.

In addition to be being an education provider Norland Nannies function as an agency that can place their graduates with families.

Hanham Afternoon WI meet on the second Monday of each month at 1.30pm in Hanham Community Centre. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining and require any further information, please get in touch by email at hanhamafternoonwi@ outlook.com or tel. 01179325027.

Ann Baulch

Tour de Bristol raises £100k for hospice

A CHARITY cycle challenge for the region’s only adult hospice has raised over £100,000.

The sun came out for the 1,200 riders taking part in the Tour de Bristol sponsored bike ride on April 15.

Fundraisers set off from the Centre for Sport at UWE’s Frenchay campus riding distances of 40km, 65km and 100km through the Bristol and Gloucestershire countryside in aid of St Peter’s Hospice.

Some rode in teams while others went solo. One competitor, Jim Reynolds aged 90, was in a category of his own. The former PE teacher rode the race with his daughter Louise Vandyke, completing the 40km circuit in three hours and 15 minutes.

Riding in memory of his wife who received treatment from St Peter’s Hospice, Jim Reynolds said: “I don’t think there are many 90 year olds doing it. Two years ago I was the only person in the 80 – 90 year group but a young one – an 80 year old I think – came in last year, so then there were two. This year I’ve moved up a group so I’m now in the 90 – 100 age group so I’m hoping that there’s no one else there!”

The Tour de Bristol is now in its ninth

year and has raised over £1 million in total for the hospice. It’s a magnificent sum that will help to provide vital funds for patient care during the most difficult of times.

David Brown, CEO of The Bristol Port Company, corporate sponsors of the Tour de Bristol, said: “Sadly, the hospice has been a huge friend and comfort to a number of our employees and dependents in their final days of life. Through supporting this event we can continue to fund the fabulous work that Hospice staff provide for the people of Bristol.”

St Peter’s Hospice director of fundraising and communications, Sarah Allen-Gunn said: “This year’s event was one of the best yet. We’re incredibly grateful to each and every one of the 1,200 participants who signed up to take on the challenge in aid of the hospice.

"They all fundraised incredibly hard to help us reach the £100k target. In the current cost of living crisis, when people have less to give, we have been overwhelmed by people’s support and generosity.”

Register your interest for the 2024 Tour de Bristol: tourdebristol.co.uk

Open Morning and Evenings at Wellsway School

Year 5 - Tuesday 4th July - Tours from 9.15am - 10.45am

Year 6 - Thursday 21st September - Tours from 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Year 6 - Tuesday 26th September - Tours from 9.15am - 10.45am

We are delighted to confirm our two open morning dates; we are offering tours to students and families who are interested in joining Wellsway School in September 2024. Visitors always comment on the purposeful, caring and happy ethos of the school, so what better way for you to find out about our vision and values then to come and experience them for yourselves? For those parents/carers who are unable to attend, there will be an additional Year 6 Open Evening in September. The morning will provide an opportunity to see the school in action; to visit curriculum areas and discuss the Wellsway School experience with students and staff. Please be advised that the morning will finish at 10.45am, the last tour will depart at 10.20am. Our staff and students are the biggest advocate to our school and I am sure when you visit, you will see why we believe Wellsway School is a unique community.

Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 5th October, between 6.00pm - 8.00pm

We are delighted to invite key stage 4 students to our Sixth form open evening. On the evening students will be able to see the enhanced range of subjects and enrichment opportunities on offer at Wellsway School and learn how we work as a collaborative Sixth Form ‘Futura Sixth’to be a truly comprehensive sixth form. Students will have the opportunity to speak with staff; attend a presentation from school leaders; speak with sixth form students and discover more about our wide range of courses and experience that support students throughout Post-16 and to their next step. This will be followed up by our Open Morning for external applicants, on Wednesday 18th October 2023, between 9.05am - 10.45am.

The Wheely Oldies team get ready to pedal

Flights booked, passport ready - don't forget your travel jabs

TRAVELLING can be such a great adventure, discovering local food and culture. No surprise that the travel industry has been reporting a post-pandemic international travel boom!

People are ticking off bucketlist destinations, heading off to exotic holiday destinations, and taking up delayed Gap Year travel or Career breaks to recharge and seek new experiences.

For many, it is not the lure of a five-star holiday break or a safari adventure; going abroad is the chance to meet up again with friends and family after the separation brought about during the pandemic years. Whatever the inspiration reason for the trip, it is vital to do so safely.

Discovering your destination country's health system is not

usually on your wish list or a memory to cherish. Still then, worryingly, there could be up to 42 million trips abroad each year where the traveller doesn't seek any travel health advice before heading off.

Putting aside the Channel 4 documentaries, you know, the ones … where "Unfortunate person stranded on a hospital bed in Paradise" … travel insurance was not taken out ("I knew I had forgotten something") or invalidated cover ("I did not know they required me to have travel jabs!").

The unplanned additional cost and anxiety could become an endless nightmare.

Many countries will have health risks that require vaccinations for protection. First

Loft Boarding & Insulation

thing is to contact your local GP to find out about availability for NHS travel health consultation and also obtain records of your previous vaccinations. Many people's records will now be available on their NHS App. Getting all the information together saves time and ensures you only obtain the required private vaccinations. The recommended time to seek health advice is eight weeks before your trip. Last-minute? Don't panic, just get in touch with Bristol Travel Clinic on 0800 7723575.

Our prices reflect our ethos that money should not be a barrier to accessing health services. We also offer treatment to delay periods while on holiday and for with altitude sickness. If you are not travelling but need vaccinations to protect you from

Chicken-Pox, Meningitis B or any other work-related risks, we can help.

To get advice or book an appointment, Call Bristol Travel Clinic on 0800 7723575, Complete the online query form : www. bristoltravelclinic.co.uk or drop into Ellacombe Pharmacy today. We'll get you ready for wherever your journey takes you.

A chance to foster your green fingers

A SERIES of free gardening workshops are taking place in Kingswood this spring.

Anyone who would like to learn more is welcome; no experience necessary, all tools will be provided.

The workshops run from 1-3pm on the following dates. There’s no need to book, just turn at the bandstand at Kingswood Park.

24 May – Weed identification and management: Learn to identify and manage common weeds.

31 May – Seasonal bedding maintenance: It’s time to remove the winter bedding and prepare for summer, reusing as much of the seasonal planting as possible by lifting and replanting bulbs.

7 June – Seasonal bedding planting: Learn about the kind of plants that can be added to a summer display what their care requirements are.

14 June – Pruning techniques – Spring flowering shrubs: Spring flowering shrubs need to be pruned just after they have finished flowering, to ensure that they flower just as spectacularly the following year.

28 June – Summer maintenance – Herbaceous borders: Learn about the tasks that keep garden borders looking beautiful.

This graphic shows some of the many options for enjoying the outdoors in Kingswood

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

with us against knife crime

IN May I attended the first ever Avon and Somerset Police Outstanding Policing Awards, a remarkable opportunity to honour the outstanding achievements of the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

May also marked the start of Operation Sceptre, a national targeted initiative to reduce knife-related violence, increase public safety and engage communities in the fight against knife crime.

Proactively tackling knife crime is central to my police and crime plan, and I would encourage people to safely discard any weapons or knives they may carry in the ‘weapons surrender bins’ installed by Avon and Somerset Police.

The bins are in areas where we know they are needed, and offer people a safe and anonymous way of getting rid of a weapon. If you know someone who carries a weapon, please encourage them to surrender it. You can find your nearest bin in the crime prevention advice section of the police website.

Avon and Somerset Police and partners already carry out a large range of activities to raise awareness of and combat knife crime, and the Violence Reduction Units’ work is at the heart of this, delivering talks to young people in schools, running Blunt Truth workshops in partnership with the NHS and hosting pop-up information stands.

While we have seen a reduction in street-based knife crime across Avon and Somerset, more still needs to be done to ensure people feel safe in their communities. Let’s raise awareness, educate, and stand against knife crime.

As the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ national fraud lead, I also welcome the publication of the government’s long-awaited strategy, setting out how it plans to tackle fraud and bring more offenders to justice.

This strategy, and the accompanying Economic Crime Plan, is an important step forward. I fully support the Government’s three-pillar approach to stop, block, pursue, and

to educate the public.

I have been able to have a direct impact on two important areas within the strategy, which will ensure there is national central coordination of prevention and awareness messaging, and ensure banks are delaying and doing extra due diligence checks on large BACS payments out of accounts that could be fraudulent.

However, the strategy does not recognise some fundamental challenges, including the highly complex landscape of investigating fraud, which needs to be fully supported.

I am calling for more to be done to recognise this crime’s significant impact and harm on victims. Fraud can leave lasting mental and physical trauma, with some victims taking their own lives.

Finally, I am pleased to say that the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund grant has opened for applications.

This grant, set up by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in partnership with Somerset

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation, aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities.

Community groups previously awarded this grant have delivered some fantastic crime-reducing initiatives and activities.

I implore local organisations to apply for this worthwhile funding, to reduce anti-social behaviour and make our communities safe.

n ANTIQUES

Don't be a plonker, Rodney

n NEWS

Family affair as Mark makes piano debut with orchestra

HANHAM pianist Mark Sterlini Smith is to perform with Keynsham Orchestra on June 10.

He will play the Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor, while the orchestra will also perform Grieg Symphonic Dances and Borodin’s In the Steppes of Central Asia.

The concert at St John’s Church, Keynsham, starts at 7.30pm.

A VERY familiar theme tune came on the television as I started to write this – the intro to Only Fools & Horses. Suddenly I remembered this tale from a couple of years ago:

2021 marked the 40th anniversary of the first episode of Only Fools & Horses and we were honoured to host the Official Anniversary Auction, which contained over one hundred and fifty lots of memorabilia from the show - original props, costumes, scripts etc. The highlight was an original Reliant Regal Supervan III ‘Trotter Van’.

The van offered for sale wasn’t used in the show – but did have some important connections. It had been owned by the Only Fools Appreciation Society for thirty years and had been used in various BBC publications - including DVD covers, Only Fools & Horses books and various merchandise. Even Sir David Jason had used the van during a BBC interview in the 1990s. So, whilst it wasn’t directly from the show, it was as close as one could get.

The van arrived to us on a low-loader, and had travelled from the other side of the country. It had been sat in a field for a number of years and had been hastily recommissioned just a few days before, in order to get it running. I was handed the keys, so I opened the door and got in. It’s fair to say it was authentically grotty in every way!

Turning the key caused it to judder in a manner more akin to a tractor, and it made noises that I’d never heard before. Selecting first gear took around ten minutes and finding reverse was impossible. But perseverance paid off, and I was finally able to pull away. It smelled, it was noisy, and I feared for my life with every turn of the wheel – but – I loved it.

It remained in our car park for several days and there would always be a queue of passers-by wanting their picture taken with it, or popping in to ask questions. I’ve never seen a vehicle make so many people happy. Forget your supercars – Del’s van made everyone smile!

It ended up selling for just shy of £30,000 (inc fees) to a client who has now fully restored it and tours it around the South West raising money for charity. I think Del-Boy would be proud!

Andy Stowe East Bristol Auctions

Mark, who lives in Hanham, was brought up in Keynsham and attended St John’s C of E Primary School, St Gregory’s Catholic College and then Wellsway’s sixth form.

After attaining a firstclass degree in music at Cardiff University, he was a peripatetic instrumental teacher for Bath and North East Somerset Council before studying for his masters in piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

He returned to the West for his PGCE at Bristol University and now teaches at KLB in Wotton-under-Edge.

Mark usually plays viola for Keynsham Orchestra, which is a real family affair as his wife, mum and dad are also among its musicians.

This will be the first time Mark has played a concerto with an orchestra.

Tickets for the concert on June 10 are available on the door priced £10, with accompanied children (under 18) free. Refreshments will be served in the interval.

n WHAT'S ON

n HANHAM TENNIS

CLUB reopens after court repainting and the addition of new lighting. Adult PlayTuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30am - 11 am. 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

MONDAY

n YOGA CLASSES AT HANHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE - Monday evenings 7-8 pm plus a NEW CLASS starting from Monday 03 April 8-9pm. All levels including Beginners welcome. To book your place or for further information please email yogashula@hotmail. com or Tel 07949333548.

n TAI CHI CLASS, Hanham Community Centre, 118-124 High Street BS15 3EJ. Mondays 7-8pm starting May 15. All welcome, £7 per class or £35 for 6 classes. Contact Georgina Green - 07845 748568, georginagreen@mindfultaichi. org.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 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. Aldi). Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341

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 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 welcome- for 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

n KINGSWOOD HISTORY SOCIETY

Robinson Crusoe 300 presented by Mark Steeds

We were castaway by Mark into the very colourful life of the author Daniel Defoe. Daniel frequented Bristol often staying at the Cock and Bottle Inn. This was to avoid the debt collectors in London. Frankly he was just rubbish with money.

However, he did write the book Robinson Crusoe known as the first English novel. Possibly only second to the bible in number of translations.

He did write other well know novels such as Captain Singleton and Moll Flanders.

In Daniel's life he was placed in the stocks, then imprisoned, was a spy, involved in the Act of Union, commissioner of glass

duty, journalist for the Great Storm. Experienced The Plague and the Great Fire of London. All in all an interesting life. To finish the evening there was a great number of questions asked by the audience. Mark answered them admirably showing his bredth of knowledge on many related subjects.

Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday 6th June, 7pm for 7.30 pm start.

Presentation by Professor Brian Vincent on Butler Tar Works at Crews Hole. Visitors £3.50 incl tea/coffee and biscuit.

Full schedule of presentations for 2023 can be found at www. kingswoodhistorysociety

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 geoffmemsechps@gmail.com.

n RWP BADMINTON CLUB play at Hanham woods Academy 6.307.30 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 BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire, no audition. No need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc.org.uk email secretary@bristolmvc.org. uk Telephone 07764447699.

n HANHAM ART CLUB We are friendly group that meets on a Thursday evening at Hanham Community Centre 7pm9pm. 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 9324053 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. Please 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 LONGWELL GREEN SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB, Fridays 13.30-15.30 At Longwell Green Community Centre. Bowls provided For information E:mail maryjcoles@hotmail.co.uk Mary 0797 2062449 May 0117 9606454

n LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT, meets normally last Friday of each month at 8 pm. Bar available. For details please contact Marian.r.summerill@gmail.com, or ring me on 07503989880.

SATURDAY JUNE 10

Hanham locals, Holly and Sarah, host the Hanham Hall Summer Fete from 11-5pm. Come along for a fun-filled day of market stalls, games and refreshments! The fete features market stalls, familyfriendly games, ice cream van and microbrewery for some deliciously local beverages with soft drinks available too.

The market will be held in the beautiful formal lawns in front of the Grade II* listed building . No booking or tickets are needed, just come along and enjoy yourself!

n NEWS FROM THE

Many happy returns (and singles)

AS your Metro Mayor, there are three things that are constantly on my mind.

The first is the cost-of-living crisis, which is frightening to many of the one million people I proudly represent.

The second is the climate emergency, with the latest research suggesting things are far worse than feared.

The third is, how do we encourage people to voluntarily change their behaviour on an ongoing basis to meet the huge challenges of the modern world?

With these three things in mind, I’m delighted to tell you about a special birthday initiative I’m introducing as your regional mayor.

Starting soon, you’ll be able to ride the buses of the West of England completely free throughout the month of your birthday. This will help your pocket, the planet, and, I hope, see positive change in the way we all travel in future to reduce congestion, pollution and delays.

This innovative offer - which applies to the vast majority of buses running in the West of England, as well as the region’s WESTlink bookable minibuses - begins for lo-

cals with a July birthday and runs 12 months until every resident has had the chance to benefit from their free Birthday Month Bus Pass.

If you’re not a regular bus user, this birthday month of free bus travel is particularly aimed at you. Give it a go - you’ve literally got nothing to lose.

If you are a car user, think how many times you could avoid filling up at a petrol station during the month of your birthday? I hope, with a whole birthday month to try the bus for free, we come to like (even love) bus travel to continue to use it into the future.

Other places in the UK have tried free bus travel for a day, or a weekend, but this is very different. It’s about encouraging lasting behaviour change. Try a whole month - maybe you won’t look back!

This offer is also for you if you’re already a bus user. I hope this birthday bonanza is a boon to you too. A free month to help during the cost-of-living crisis. Plus, you can use it for extra days out too - perhaps to enjoy the amazing attractions and beauty of our fantastic region. You could be better off by one twelfth of the bus costs you shell

out annually. It’s super easy to claim your free Birthday Month Bus Pass – simply go to www.birthdaybus.co.uk. We’ll send you your pass in the post, and you’re away!

People tell me buses are important. That affordable transport is critical. That behaviour change of an ongoing kind is key to overcoming the climate emergency.

This initiative to give free bus travel in the month of your birthday is a UK first. It is innovative and new. It allows our brilliant region to show the rest of the country how to take on the big challenges of our time.

I wish you many happy returns - and singles!

Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road Longwell Green BS30 9DU

Monday: 6.00pm &

Tuesday: 9.30am

Karen 07889408969

North Common Village Hall, 16 Millers Dr, North Common BS30 8XX

Tuesday: 6pm & 7.30pm Tel: Emma 07773689229

Friday: 9.00am Tel: Kate 07979494964

Hanham Baptist Church, 157A High Street, Hanham BS15 3QY

Saturday: 9.00am

Tel: Erica 07766425725

For younger readers

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We will better any like all inclusive

n KINGSWOOD MEMORIES & HERITAGE MUSEUM

MORECAMBE AND WISE VISIT LEO’S Leo’s Supermarket traded successfully for many years on Kingswood High Street. The Kingswood Heritage Museum archives include a number of photographs of the site on which the store stood. These include photographs illustrating a visit to the store in 1971 by the famous and well-loved comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, one of which is reproduced here.

Morecambe and Wise worked together for over 40 years in variety, radio, film and television. During the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s they were extremely popular and their shows regularly attracted huge numbers of viewers. Their Christmas Show on BBC in 1977 scored one of the highest ever audiences in British television history with over 20 million viewers.

The photograph (below) shows the Leo’s store when it was in its heyday. The store sadly closed many years ago, and the site is now boarded up and unused. However, the site of the supermarket has a long and interesting history.

As shown in the photograph (below left), it was once the site of the Regent Cinema, and Aaron Jackson’s foundry. It was then the site of the Regent Garage and an earlier Co-Op store.

Museum Talk: The Temperance Movement in Somerset & Gloucestershire

This month’s talk takes place at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday June 14th, when Alan Clark will tell the story of the Temperance Movement in Somerset and Gloucestershire. 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

Father’s Day

Celebrate Father's Day in style at the Kingswood Heritage Museum on Sunday June 18th from 2-5pm. Our Fantastical Father's Day event will include a range of activities such as woodworking, making clocks and designing a Father's Day card. Spend quality time with your dad and make memories that will last a lifetime - and don't forget to stop by the Windmill Cafe for some delicious refreshments!

William Champion’s Gardens and Grotto

The remarkable and rare surviving 18th century garden of the industrialist William Champion is hidden behind his brass mill (now Kingswood Heritage Museum). Grotto and Garden tours will start on the second Sunday of the month from June – October, meeting at the museum entrance at 2.15 pm. The cost is £5 per person, children free.

Volunteer opportunities

Kingswood Heritage Museum always welcomes new volunteers. 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

The Friends of William Champion’s Gardens also welcome new volunteers. They hold monthly working parties on the second Sunday of the month from 11-3. For more information please either: email kross@ kingswoodmuseum.org.uk or call Kingswood Heritage Museum on 0117 960 5664.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

n FRYS BOWLING CLUB

Historic first ladies match ends in victory

A BUSY start to season for Frys Bowling Club, was highlighted with a historic day on Tuesday 2nd May as the club had their first ever ladies match hosting Victoria Park. With 3 triples rinks, the day would be a successful one for Frys with all three rinks taking a win with Frys the overall winners 58-39. With further games to come later in the season, it's a promising start for Frys Bowling Club Ladies team. Scores: Rink 1: 19-15; Rink 2: 19-12; Rink 3: 19-12; Frys 58-39 Victoria Park.

Bristol and District League:

Frys began their Division 2 campaign with a matchup against Redland Green. Rainy conditions were less than ideal for the home team as Redland Green took the lead past halfway. Rinks 2 and 3 were unable to pull back the deficit, leading Redland Green to a comfortable win. Rink 1 was a closer match, with Redland Green just edging ahead in the closing stages and with Frys just missing out on the final bowl with Redland Green taking all 10 points.

The following week Frys suffered a challenging night in their trip to Knowle 'A'. Frys took a while to settle into the game with Knowle taking a good lead early on. Rinks 1 and 3 were able to pull themselves back into the game, with rink 1 taking a small lead before Knowle closed the gap again. Rink 3 just missed out on the final bowl, but with rink 1 just about saving a count on the final end to tie the rink giving Frys the first point of season from the 50-34 loss.

The third game against Henleaze ‘A’ was more successful as rinks 1 and 2 dominated the game. A closer game on rink 3 saw Henleaze take a lead past the halfway point, but Fry’s hung on, just missing out on the final bowl. That miss saw Fry’s settle for 8 points from the 51-34 win. After 3 games, Fry’s currently sit 8th in the nine team division.

Scores:

27th April: Fry's 31-48 Redland Green; Rink 1: 8-13, Rink 2: 9-16; Rink 3: 14-19; (0-10)

4th May: Fry’s 34-50 Knowle 'A'; Rink 1: 14-14; Rink 2: 7-20; Rink 3: 13-16; (1-9)

11th May: Frys 51-34 Henleaze 'A'; Rink

1: 19-11; Rink 2: 19-6; Rink 3: 13-17; (8-2)

Friday Triples League:

Fry’s re-entered the Friday Triples League after more than a decade

out. After a delayed start to the season, the first game in rain against Keynsham was one to forget, with Keynsham dominating, ending any hope of points Fry’s had in the closing ends.

A rearranged game against Knowle saw Frys pick up their first win. 2 rinks were able to pick up wins which saw Frys take the game 59-42 with 12 points.

Frys continued that momentum in the third game, hosting Imperial. A strong performance saw big wins on 2 rinks, and with rink 3 also picking up a win, Fry’s took a maximum 12 points from the 78-31 win.

Things would get better the following week at Victoria Park as Fry’s picked another victory. One rink won by 16 shots seeing Frys to comfortable win. The other 2 rinks were much closer, with the honours shared as both clubs would win rinks by 2 shots, seeing Fry’s take 10 points.

A trip to Bristol Greenbank was next and it would be another successful trip, but would be much closer. Both clubs had a rink with a big win. With the score offset, the third rink would prove key. It would be Fry’s taking the third rink seeing Fry’s win 53-46 and another 10 points gained.

A home game against Bristol rounded off a strong start to the season. Another dominant performance saw Fry’s take a 71-33 win, with all 3 rinks winning giving Fry’s 12 points to see them sit second in the table, 5 points off the lead.

Scores:

21st April: Fry’s 32-74 Keynsham; Rink 1: 14-24; Rink 2: 10-19; Rink 3: 8-31; (0-12)

25th April: Fry’s 59-42 Knowle; Rink 1 2212; Rink 2: 16-17; Rink 3: 21-13; (10-2)

28th April: Fry’s 78-31 Imperial; Rink 1:

25-6; Rink 2: 20-13; Rink 3: 33-12; (12-0)

5th May: Fry’s 53-37 Victoria Park

(Bristol); Rink 1: 24-8; Rink 2: 13-15; Rink 3: 16-14; (10-2)

12th May: Fry’s 53-46 Bristol Greenbank; Rink 1: 21-14; Rink 2: 24-7; Rink 3: 8-25; (10-2)

19th May: Fry’s 71-33 Bristol; Rink 1: 3010; Rink 2: 23-12; Rink 3: 18-11; (12-0)

MORE than 200 people from across the Cabot Learning Federation took on a series of challenges to raise money in support of the trust’s most vulnerable pupils.

Staff and teachers from the trust’s 22 schools completed the CLF’s annual Big Run and Big Walk events on Sunday.

More than 60 team members put months of preparation and training to good use by tackling running events, with groups competing in the 10k and half marathon at the Great Bristol Run, and others completing the scenic 13 miles of the Weston Super Half.

Meanwhile, some 140 walkers took a trip

Going the extra mile

to Wales to climb Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, a four-mile walk and 2,906ft ascent amid stunning scenery.

Behind each of these challenges was an important cause, as the runners and walkers combined to raise money for a trust initiative to support disadvantaged students.

The CLF Big Trip is an action-packed summer adventure in Abergavenny for 72 of the trust’s most vulnerable pupils.

It’s an opportunity for pupils to enjoy

a range of outdoor activities they have not previously experienced – all paid for by the efforts of the CLF team.

CLF executive principal Kate Richardson, who leads the trust’s Big Events, said: “The efforts of our runners and walkers will help to provide a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for dozens of our most vulnerable students this summer.

“So huge congratulations to all those who made it to the finish line in Bristol or Weston, or to the top of Pen y Fan. It was a terrific achievement, and we are immensely proud of every one of them.”

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