A PUBLIC inquiry will be held after developers launched a planning appeal against refusal for 140 homes at The Batch in Hanham, which gave rise to more than 1,500 objections.
The hearing, starting on May 7, will be one of the first tests for the government’s new “grey belt” status, which is deemed to be relatively worthless greenbelt land.
South Gloucestershire Council turned down the application by Redrow and Ashfield Land last August to build on four fields south of Hencliffe Way and west of Castle Farm Park because the site was in open countryside.
However, the site is earmarked for development in the latest version of South Gloucestershire’s Local Plan, which says that some greenbelt land has to be sacrificed to meet demandind housing targets.
The council agreed the final draft of the plan last month in spite of vociferous objections from Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society and others.
The group is now encouraging opponents of the development to respond to the Local Plan consultation and to prepare for the planning inquiry. More details: Page 5
IF you travel on First's buses, it's likely you've heard the Bristolian tones of Hanham grandmother Fran Edwards. Fran, 63, a customer service ambassador at Bristol Bus Station, was chosen to voice the announcements on First's m1 route. She proved so popular that she can now be heard on other West of England services, having recorded more than 6,000 announcements in the past year. Her voice will be on all services by the end of 2025.
Event achieves equality goal
These girls at Longwell Green JFC were just some of those who took part in the first grassroots Her Game Too event aimed at promoting gender equality.
PAGE 24
Popular farm in funding crisis
A “community conversation” will try to find new ways to fund the council-owned Grimsbury Farm in Warmley.
PAGE 7
Coronation Centre opens
The community centre in Cadbury Heath, which has been closed for two years, has been refurbished and reopened as the Coronation Centre.
PAGE 9
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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.
Spending plans for the next financial year were approved in a full council meeting on February 19. They include new charges for drivers in council-owned car parks, and less money for maintaining public toilets and playing fields.
The plans also include support for young people who need help getting their lives back on track; for older people who want to live independently; and for South Gloucestershire’s veterans’ community. But council bosses said that demand is rising for social care, while government funding hasn’t kept up pace. This means both budget cuts and increased fees will be inevitable in future.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, leader of the council, said: “People recognise we simply, sadly, cannot afford to keep doing everything we always have done in the same way, because our spending power has not kept up with rising costs. It is increasingly difficult to find the right balance in these very challenging financial times.
“We are pleased to have been able to present a budget that will balance the books over the next two years, by making some prudent, if sometimes difficult choices. However, further ahead, there are clear shortfalls in our projected funding.”
Labour Councillor Ian
Boulton, co-leader of the council, added: “We’ve managed to balance the budget for the next two years whilst also making investments such as support for survivors of domestic abuse, and recruiting an occupational therapist to help people live independently in their own homes."
Members of the public raised concerns about the new parking charges.
The Tories called for more money to be spent on fixing potholes, installing acoustic cameras and supporting Grimsbury Farm.
Conservative Cllr Sam Bromiley, opposition leader, said: “We tabled a potholebusting budget amendment that would have seen almost £2 million of new money directed towards getting our roads back into shape. It is deeply regrettable that the joint Lib Dem-Labour coalition failed to support us."
Liberal Democrat Cllr Mike Drew said: “I think this is a terrible budget to be honest, because we have to make cuts as we’ve inherited a bad financial situation from [the former Conservative] government and we’re not getting much better from the Labour government. But we have to do what we can with the money we’ve got.
“Until we get proper reform of local government finance, we will be struggling on.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Salute to some of our community heroes
THREE people from east Bristol were among the local heroes honoured by the chair of South Gloucestershire Council for their voluntary work.
Roger Chilcott, Susan Weaver and Pete Goodwin joined others from across the district at a celebration event at SGS College’s WISE campus where they received community awards from Councillor Franklin OwusuAntwi.
Roger Chilcott has been volunteering since 2003. He advocates for good quality social housing in South Gloucestershire and most particularly in Kingswood. Throughout his volunteering life Roger has worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma attached to living in social housing by empowering tenants to engage with their landlord and improve the quality of the services they receive. He also leads on the King’s Forest Community Action
Group, holding various social housing providers to account and scrutinising their services.
Susan Weaver has been providing unpaid service for 15 years at Paul’s Place in Coalpit Heath, a charity that supports adults aged 18-65 years of age who have physical, cognitive, or sensory impairment.
Susan, from Oldland, has served as a day facility volunteer, short break volunteer and
evening programme volunteer. Susan has been praised for helping attendees achieve their potential, picking them up when they need moral support and being a trusted friend. She genuinely cares and has a passion to support others.
Pete Goodwin joined the Warmley Signal Box and Community Garden Group in 2016. He was a parish councillor for Siston and had a
keen interest in the local area, including industrial heritage and history. Pete has been a positive role model to the group and was key (along with the Vice Chair) in ensuring security for the Signal Box was improved through security camera, lighting and alarm systems. Through dedication, good management and leadership, he has ensured that the Warmley Signal Box is accessible to the public, every
The Community Award winners
n NEWS
Details of the places where new housing developments could be built across South Gloucestershire are set out in the council's Local Plan. The proposals, which are out for consultation this month, include removing part of the Green Belt to allow thousands of homes on Bristol’s eastern fring.
Hanham
A SITE known as The Batch in Hanham, turned down last year by the council for development because it is in the Green Belt, is included in the plan. The proposal is for 125 homes at Castle Farm Road and 60 at Castle Inn Farm.
A scheme for 85 homes south of Abbots Road that was included in an earlier version of the plan has been withdrawn.
North Warmley
FOUR sites north of the A420 are being put forward for 1,060 homes to form what the council is calling the North Warmley New Neighbourhood.
The development between London Road and Webbs Heath will require an area bounded by Siston Brook, Goose Green, Webbs Heath Road and Webbs Heath common to be removed from the Green Belt.
The scheme includes a play park, a shop, a nursery, work spaces and a play park. Rather than creating a local centre, developers’ cash will fund improvements to Warmley’s high street and community centre.
Shortwood
THREE sites near Shortwood are proposed to form part of what has been named the Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhoods.
East of the A4174 opposite Mangotsfield and Siston Hill, 1,600 homes are proposed for land including the former Shortwood Lodge Golf Club, which closed in 2019, stretching to the southern edge of Shortwood.
A further 330 homes would be built north of Shortwood, at Rockhouse Farm.
The council says 30% of homes would be classed as affordable, for social rent or nonmarket ownership schemes, and there would be an employment zone, hotel, convenience store,
Plan sets out sites for thousands of homes
GP surgery, nursery, affordable workspaces, a primary school, community centre and play area.
Around 660 of the homes would be built after the end of the Local Plan period in 2041.
Oldland & Bitton
AS reported in February’s Voice, more than 800 homes are earmarked for sites in Oldland and Bitton. The largest is 304 on a site to the rear of Park Farm, Barry Road, Oldland Common. Jarret’s Yard in Oldland Common is now listed for 140 properies and Jarretts Garden Centre on Bath Road for 95. Other sites are: The Park, Willsbridge, 15; Willsbridge Nursery, off Keynsham Road, 62; Land adjacent to Bitton Sports and Social Club, 33; Land adjoining Bath Road, Bridgeyate, 59; Land on the east side of Bath Road, North Common, 64; Land
on the east side of Bath Road, North Common, 41; Wick
FIVE sites in Wick are identified for a total of 115 homes and Pucklechurch is set for 60.
North Lyde Ecotech Village
ABOUT 2,050 homes and 18 hectares of employment land, extending the Bristol & Bath Science Park, have been proposed north of Lyde Green.
The area to be developed is bounded by the M4, Westerleigh Road and the railway line serving the Westerleigh fuel depot.
Around 1,350 homes would be built before 2041 and 700 afterwards.
The development would include shops and cafes, a community centre, nursery, primary school, library, GP
surgery and a central play park.
Mangotsfield
DEVELOPER Taylor Wimpey submitted plans last year to build 150 new homes on a field it owns between Cossham Street and Rodway Hill Road, next to Mangotsfield United FC, Cleve Rugby Club and Mangotsfield School.
The site, currently Green Belt, appears in the Local Plan as a potential site for 150 homes. Taylor Wimpey has asked for permission to develop it before the new plan is adopted.
Part of Cleve Rugby Club's Hayfields ground, which stands next to the Taylor Wimpey field, has now been put forward by the club as a potential site for 65 homes.
A further 72 homes have been proposed on two other sites off Pomphrey Hill - seven on a field between the rugby club and the pavilion car park, and a further 65 on a field by the ring road.
Staple Hill
THE former Bristol Uniforms factory in Wathen Street, Staple Hill has been removed from the final draft of the Local Plan.
Developer Woodstock Homes announced plans to build 66 one and two-bedroom flats in three and four-storey blocks on the site behind Fountain Square in 2023, a few months after the safety clothing company moved out after more than 120 years.
The plans are still awaiting a decision by the council's planning department, but the site has been removed from the plan, with the council saying it will "remain as safeguarded employment land".
Elsewhere in Staple Hill, the building occupied by Snap Fitness in Broad Street has been suggested as a site for 14 homes.
The final draft of the Local Plan is due to open for public comments on February 28.
Full details will be found on the plan website: sgcouncilplan.commonplace.is Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
n NEWS
Campaigners in fresh battle for The Batch
THE public inquiry into refusal of consent to plans for 140 homes at The Batch in Hanham will begin on May 7.
South Gloucestershire Council turned down the scheme from Ashfield Land and Redrow Homes last year because the site is in the Green Belt.
But the developers are appealing and their case will be heard by a government planning inspector.
In their appeal, the applicants said the site was on 'grey belt' rather than greenbelt land.
They said that in any case the benefits of the scheme, in providing housing to meet an acute need, outweighed any damage to the Green Belt.
“The residential development is of a scale and type that is appropriate in this location, given its proximity to existing facilities and services, on the edge of a suburb to a main city –Bristol," they said.
A total of 1,567 residents objected to the plans last year, along with Hanham Abbots Parish Council, Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society, the Woodland Trust, South Gloucestershire Council’s landscape officer and former Conservative MP Chris Skidmore.
A council spokesperson said: “The council has received a planning appeal against the refusal of the planning application ref: P23/01330/O for 140 houses at Land South of Hencliffe Way, Hanham.
“This site is sometimes referred to locally as The Batch.
“The appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspector at a public inquiry starting on May 7.
“The public inquiry is scheduled for 10 days over three weeks, and the council will defend the decision to refuse the application.”
However, since it turned down the plans, the council has put forward its Local Plan, which includes removal of The Batch, and other sites in east Bristol, from the Green Belt in order to identify sites for the 22,679 homes it has been ordered by the Government to build by 2041.
Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society and other objectors to the scale of housebuilding proposed, including the Save Our Green Spaces - South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG), made their case at meetings of the cabinet and full council last month.
Geoff Maggs, from the Hanham group, told councillors there was overwhelming evidence that including The Batch in the new Local Plan was "both unjustifiable and unsustainable". "
"The development would violate Green Belt policies, harm biodiversity, strain infrastructure, degrade heritage assets, and pose significant risks due to unstable ground and potential contamination, all while contradicting the council’s core planning objectives," he said.
SOGS-SG held demonstrations before both meetings and many members addressed councillors, imploring them to reduce the amount of development planned for east Bristol.
They said that Siston, Shortwood, Webbs Heath, Warmley and Oldland Common
did not have the infrastructure or transport links to cope with thousands more houses.
Councillor Chris Willmore, the cabinet member responsible for developing the Local Plan. admitted that she had frequently been in tears over some of the measures, such as taking some sites out of the Green Belt, that would be needed.
But she warned that unless the draft plan was published by March 12, the government would force the authority to increase the housebuilding target by a further 5,000 properties, which would cause even more pain.
Councillor Willmore said she was confident that evidence showed the plan was the best way to deliver what the area needed, including not only housing – 40 per cent of which would be for social rent or shared ownership – but also other priorities such as employment and environmental concerns.
She praised council officers for their work on the plan, which she said contained 48 important policies. In particular, she said the consultation undertaken early last year was the widest she had known in 40 years.
Councillor Willmore rejected residents’ claims that no notice had been taken of feedback from the 2024 consultation. She said “field by field” conversations had resulted in some sites being removed from the plan and others being adjusted to reduce the likely impact on neighbouring communities.
The Local Plan was formally adopted by the council on February 12. A six-week consultation was due to start on February 28.
The plan will go to an examination in public later in the year, at which all comments submitted by members of the public will be taken into consideration by a planning inspector.
Community farm faces cash crisis
HOW can we keep Grimsbury Farm as a treasured asset in our community?
That’s the question that cashstrapped South Gloucestershire Council is asking local people this spring.
It says it has no plans to close the attraction but admits that unless a way can be found to make it break even the large animals, including cows, pigs and goats, will be sent elsewhere, although the green space will remain open to the public.
Councillor Sam Bromiley, leader of the Conservative group on the council, is keen to save the farm and says a petition in support of it has gathered more than 1,000 names.
The Lib-Dem/Labour administration says the farm is costing the council £200,000 a year for vet bills, skilled staff, feed and welfare – money it can no longer afford. It is planning to launch a “community conversation” to “make the farm better for residents” and invite expressions of interest from groups who could run it instead.
The cabinet considered a report on the farm’s future on February 3 and rejected an option to mothball it after being told the security costs of fencing and surveillance for such an extensive site would be huge.
At the council meeting on February 19, Cllr Bromiley proposed an amendment to the council’s budget to maintain funding for the coming year, but
this was unsuccessful.
Helen Isaacs, who has lived next to Grimsbury Farm for 27 years, told the cabinet meeting:
“It’s a beautiful, much-loved, busy place used by visitors and the local Kingswood and Warmley community. After the gates have closed and the people have gone, the farm comes to life again. Flocks of birds land to feed on the field, the foxes appear and forage for food. There is a badger sett on the farm and bats start to appear in the spring.
“It’s a calm, safe place that people and nature share. I’m asking South Gloucestershire Council to think before any decisions are made.”
Cabinet member for communities and local place Cllr Sean Rhodes (Lab, Kingswood) replied: “I share all of the things that you said and I totally agree and recognise the value of all the things you mentioned, and that’s why there is no plan to close Grimsbury Farm.
“We are going to be engaging in community conversations with members of the public to get a better idea of what we need to do to keep Grimsbury Farm going as a little jewel within Kingswood.”
Ward Cllr Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock) said: “I’m sorry you came thinking that the farm might be closed and that would all be lost but that is something that is definitely not on our radar. We want to keep the farm open for use and to actually expand it for all those
biodiversity and wellbeing things you mentioned.”
Opposition group leader Cllr Bromiley (Parkwall & Warmley) said he was encouraged by the intention to secure the site’s future. He said support for the petition launched by the Tories showed its importance to the community.
Councillor Rhodes said: “The simple fact is that as the farm is operating at the moment it is haemorrhaging money and it would be irresponsible for us as a cabinet to continue to allow that money to be lost. It is crucial that we find a way of creating a new farm, making it better than it currently is, that delivers more for residents and visitors.
“There is a commitment to keeping Grimsbury Farm operating. It’s a well-loved community asset.”
The cabinet report said the council partnered with a further education provider in 2008 to train young people in farming and animal welfare.
Makers Market is back for spring
FOLLOWING the success of the first Makers Market at Hanham Community Centre last autumn, Nicola Bartlett is looking forward to running similar events this year.
Nicola, whose Eclectic Gift Shop business used to be in Hanham High Street and is now online, will hold the first of the 2025 markets on Saturday March 22 from 10am to 2pm.
She said: "It will be lovely to be back in Hanham this year to showcase some brilliant local artists, designers and makers. The community centre is a great venue, with free
parking, and I hope to see lots of familiar faces."
Among the items on sale will be handmade jewellery, Bristol art and souvenirs, greetings cards, vintage and upcycled homeware, handmade glass, gifts, macrame, local artists and Bristol chocolate, gin, vodka and rum.
Visitors will also have the chance to meet the author behind The Women Who Built Bristol, as Jane Duffus launches her third book in March, Jane, who lives in Hanham, will be signing copies of her book, which details the lives of 250 remarkable women,
Two years later the friends group, supported by the Brandon Trust, converted a stone barn into a community cafe which gives adults with learning difficulties work experience.
The report said: “During 2022/23, the FE provider gave notice that it would discontinue its educational courses from the 2023/24 academic year, resulting in an annual income loss. A replacement agriculturebased educational skills partner has not been found. In 2023/24, the average cost for each of the large animals was approximately £3,200. With no income from FE courses to offset these costs, the farm has been unable to achieve revenue neutrality or find alternative income streams or a new operating partner.
“Consequently, the public subsidy of the farm has increased, which is unsustainable.”
Meeting report by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Councillor Sam Bromiley launched a petition in support of Grimsbury Farm Photo: South Glos Conservatives
Tom Tainton and Steve Taylor
CLF forms link with Bristol Bears
CABOT Learning Federation (CLF) has teamed up with Bristol Bears for a partnership aimed at growing rugby in the region and raising aspirations of students.
The CLF, which runs 35 schools, including Hanham Woods Academy, says the link with the Bears, whose team which includes former John Cabot Academy student Ellis Genge – will benefit students.
It will include matchday visits, player visits to CLF schools, and the chance for students to participate in open days and inter-school tournaments. This will open doors to new sporting activities, and help raise ambitions for students who may be keen to follow in Ellis’s footsteps. Steve Taylor, CLF CEO, said: “We're looking forward to
collaborating with Bristol Bears to provide opportunities for young people within our trust to experience rugby for the first time."
Bristol Bears Chief Operating Officer, Tom Tainton, said: “We’re committed to growing the game in our city and that means thinking differently and bringing rugby to new and diverse audiences."
Clean Air Zone fines fund new bus service
NEW bus service for east Bristol is due to launch next month.
The half-hourly service 16 will run from Fishponds to Rupert Street in the city centre via Kingswood, St George, Barton Hill and Temple Meads.
It is one of three new routes being funded from April 6 by £4.3 million set aside by Bristol City Council from the income raised by Clean Air Zone charges.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “I am thrilled we are funding these important new bus services that will connect people to their places of work, families, friends, leisure, education and more.
“It’s fantastic, that by working towards clean air for Bristol, we have been able to put money aside to invest in sustainable public transport that will be invaluable to the communities they will serve.
“This follows on from the work of a task and finish group, which involved councillors from all political parties and was chaired by Councillor Tim Rippington, to consider how best to spend the Clean Air Zone income to support more bus services. We looked at gaps in Bristol’s bus network to identify services that would have the most benefit for people along these routes.
WEBB SYSTEMS
“I am especially pleased that residents in east Bristol will benefit from a new half hourly bus service. This will complement our East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial, offering residents a fantastic new resource and hopefully reducing pressure in the area.”
Councillor Tim Rippington said: “This is great news for our city, particularly for some of areas which have been poorly served by buses until now. Every Bristolian should have access to a reliable bus service. Whilst there’s a lot more work to do, I hope these routes serve as an important first step towards those ends.
“There are, of course, a lot more areas that need new bus routes. £4.3 million* does not buy very much these days in terms of buses, but we are hopeful that this is just the beginning and we can identify more funding and plug even more gaps in the future.
“The timescales for this project were
extremely tight - had we not initiated the Task and Finish Group when we did it would have been at least another six months before we saw any new routes coming into action.
“I’d like to thank council and Mayoral Combined Authority officers, in particular, for making this happen so quickly, and also my fellow councillors on the Task and Finish Group for their efforts in getting us over the line.”
First Bus has registered the three new bus services with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, who is responsible for overseeing and improving bus services in Bristol and the wider region and will manage the contracts for these new routes.
ROUTE DETAILS: From Rupert Street via Christmas Street, Quay Street, Nelson Street, Union Street, The Horsefair, Penn Street, Lower Castle Street, Old Market Roundabout, Temple Way, Avon Street, Feeder Road, Marsh Lane, Avonvale Road, Church Road, Summerhill Road, Air Balloon Road, Nags Head Hill, Kingsway, Two Mile Hill Road, Regent Street, Hanham Road, (Kingswood) Cecil Road, Moravian Road, Regent Street, Downed Road, Ingleside Road, Lodge Road, Lodge Hill, Lodge Causeway to Fishponds Road Cross Hands bus stop. From Fishponds Road Cross Hands bus stop via Downend Road, Overndale Road, Sheppard Road, Gill Avenue, Vassell Road, Straits Parade, Fishponds Road, Lodge Causeway, Lodge Hill, Lodge Road, Ingleside Road, Downend Road, Regent Street, Hanham Road, (Kingswood) Cecil Road, Moravian Road, Two Mile Hill Road, Kingsway, Nags Head Hill, Air Balloon Road, Summerhill Road, Church Road, Avonvale Road, Marsh Lane, Feeder Road, Avon Street, New Kingsley Road, Horton Street, Midland Road, Old Market Street, Old Market Roundabout, Temple Way, Bond Street, St James Barton Roundabout, The Haymarket, Bridgewell Street to Rupert Street.
A
Pictured right, are (l-r) Coronation Centre CIC trustees Jason and Kim Ball, Councillor Sean Rhodes, Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire Roger Deeks DL, trustees of Coronation Centre CIC Edna and Dennis Stinchcombe MBE, and High Sheriff of Gloucestershire Mark Hurrell DL
Community hails Coronation Centre
THE Coronation Centre in Cadbury Heath has officially opened its doors.
In the presence of the High Sheriff Mark Hurrell and Councillor Sean Rhodes from South Gloucestershire Council, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Roger Deeks cut the ribbon.
Guests from Oldland Parish Council, Milestones Trust and Creative Youth Network enjoyed a tour of the revamped facilities and had the opportunity to meet the directors of the community interest company and learn more about their hopes for the future.
Parish councillor Edna Stinchcombe said at the opening ceremony: “Today marks a new
chapter for Cadbury Heath as we proudly open the doors to the Coronation Community Centre. This space is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a beacon of hope, unity, and opportunity for our community. Together, we will create memories, foster growth, and build a brighter future for all.”
Formerly known as the Batch, the Centre was built by South Gloucestershire Council and opened in 2015. It was managed by Banjo Island Community and Sports Association (BICSA) until 2022. The following year the Coronation Centre CIC (Community Interest Company) was appointed the new long-term operator, with support from Oldland Parish Council.
The CIC appointed directors: Jason and Kim Ball, Nick Phelps, Dennis and Edna Stinchcombe MBE, all long-term residents of Cadbury Heath who understand the area’s needs.
Youth services will continue two nights a week, delivered by Creative Youth Network. The CIC hopes to welcome back Milestones Trust, which provides support to adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, supporting its return to the building.
To find out more, contact the CIC at: enquiries@coronationcentre.co.uk
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Dennis Stinchcombe and Councillor Sean Rhodes in the refurbished Coronation Centre
Vice-Lord Lieutenant Roger Deeks cuts the ribbon
YEAR 11 music students at Digital Studio School in Warmley are raising funds to help bring their Digifest dream to life in early April.
To kickstart their efforts, they hosted a successful ‘band T-shirt’ day, where students and staff donned T-shirts and hoodies in honour of their favorite bands and artists.
The festival promises to be an exciting celebration of live music and creativity, and all profits raised will be donated to Childline, a charity chosen by the students.
The Digifest team is still on the lookout
Banding together
for additional support to make the event a success. If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please contact digifest@ dssb.clf.uk. Here’s how you can help:
• Bands/artists – If you are a musician, solo artist, or part of a band and can donate 30 minutes of your time to perform at this charity event, the school would love to hear
from you.
• Sponsorship – Corporate or business sponsors willing to contribute to festival funds in exchange for promotional opportunities across social media channels and event materials, are being sought.
Sam Eason, teacher of music and deputy special needs coordinator at the school, said: “We encourage everyone to support this fantastic cause and help us make Digifest a memorable event for both our school and the wider community.”
On track for success
AN outstanding athlete from Hanham Woods Academy is celebrating after winning two medals at the Southwest Indoor Track & Field Athletics Championships held at the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Cardiff. Year 11 student Kezia Tarzey secured a silver medal in the 60 metres hurdles and a bronze medal in the 60 metres sprint.
She has gone on to further success at the London Indoor Games and the England Athletics Indoor Championships, achieving personal bests at both events.
Kezia said: “I am proud of my performance, and I have gained important learning to continue to develop and improve for future success”
Steve O’Callaghan, rincipal of Hanham Woods Academy, said: “We are absolute-ly delighted with Kezia’s achievements. Her commitment to training and her drive to succeed are an inspiration to her peers and a credit to our academy.”
Buddies make school safer
LONGWELL Green Primary School is stepping up safety at drop-off and pick-up times with the arrival of four 'Parking Buddy’ signs. These eye-catching figures serve as a friendly reminder to drivers not to stop on the zigzags, helping to keep pupils safe as they arrive and leave school.
This initiative was made possible thanks to Oldland Parish Council, which contributed half the cost from Community Infrastructure Levy funds, and Cllr Carol Strange, Longwell Green ward councillor, who provided the remaining funds through Member Awarded Funding.
Our picture shows parish council clerk Claire Dolman, parish councillors Ron Hardie and Barry West, and Carol Strange, who serves on both parish and district councils, with head teacher Darren Brown and pupils Ella, Jasper, Franklin, Maisie, Archie, and Harlow.
Kezia Tarzey
Cancer research coffee morning
A FUNDRAISING campaign started two years ago by a doctor who has bowel cancer is close to reaching £60,000.
Daniel Money, 26, from Keynsham, and his family and friends have organised and taken part in a number of activites, including cycling, running and swimming events as well as quizzes and coffee mornings, in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Their next event is a coffee morning at Keynsham Cricket Club on March 7 from 10am to noon.
Daniel said: “I appreciate how important up-to-date research is, as a patient and doctor, in helping increase treatment options for people like me who are currently undergoing chemotherapy.”
To contribute , go to: https://fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/unite/ daniels-fundraising
Questions over radio date
I WAS particularly interested in the article (Museum Page, Hanham & Longwell Green Voice February edition) regarding the edition of BBC Any Questions in 1988.
I can find no record of Any Questions coming to Kingswood in 1988, but I do know the panel of Douglas Hurd, Brenda Dean, Tony Benn and Paddy Ashdown did an edition of the programme broadcast from the Octagon Theatre of Kingsfield School on April 7th 1989. I was Chair of Governors at the time, and therefore wasn’t completely surprised when I was chosen to pose the first question.
After the recording, I remember serving canapes to the panel. It seems very unlikely that the BBC would have come to Kingswood twice in 12 months with the same panel.
I was even more surprised more recently while driving through Oldland. I turned the radio on and the first voice I heard was me asking Tony Benn a question. I think it was an archive programme
that the BBC were doing to mark 75 years of Any Questions.
Kim Scudamore, Oldland
• Kingswood Heritage Museum has admitted this was an honest mistake. The team would love to hear from anyone else who has similar "I was there" memories to share.
Museum news: Page 26
Please support parent carers
SOUTH Glos Parent Carers are celebrating our 15th year of supporting parent carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
From our humble beginnings in 2009, when our parent carer forum was set up by me and two other mums, we’ve grown into a robust team of 22, supporting a vibrant parent carer community of more than 3,400 members.
GRANTING GROWTH
The last 15 years have seen a lot of changes in our organisation but its heart and purpose have remained the same: to grow a wellinformed, empowered, supportive community of SEND families, and to represent the collective voice of our community, working with service providers to achieve positive change.
We set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £15,000 to help us achieve our dream of reaching all South Glos families who have a child or young person with an additional need or disability.
Anything you give will help us greatly – every penny helps us to run our support groups, workshops and open our Community Base.
If you are interested in getting involved, you can email SGPC15@ sglospc.org.uk, donate at tinyurl. com/y39prkpk or find out more at www.sgpc.org.uk
Rachel Trueman Chief executive SGPC
Email us at: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
The success stories behind new high street businesses
Thanks to South Gloucestershire Council’s Vacant Unit Grant Scheme, Harper Victoria has transformed a previously empty shop on Hanham’s High Street into a haven of beauty and relaxation.
Offering a range of aesthetics, beauty, and wellbeing services, Harper Victoria’s owner Chantelle says, “With other clinics closing nearby, we saw an opportunity to open in Hanham and offer treatments like facials, skin rejuvenation, and relaxation treatments.”
“The grant allowed me to carry out work inside and outside the premises to make the space work for my business.”
Further up the high street, Lauren Carter Cosmetic Tattooing has opened offering cosmetic and medical tattooing services. Lauren says, “The grant has made a huge difference in starting out in my own premises.”
Councillor Ian Boulton, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, Employment, and Business, said, “It is fantastic to see these new businesses opening on our high streets, in what were previously empty units. Having a range of services and shops available on residents’ doorsteps is hugely important in creating the sort of prosperous, bustling high streets South Gloucestershire needs.”
The Vacant Unit Grant Scheme, funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supports landlords in bringing vacant units back into use and helps new businesses move into these spaces.
To learn more about business support opportunities in SouthGloucestershire, visit: www.southglos.gov.uk/ investsouthglos
Harper Victoria
Lauren Carter Cosmetic Tattooing
Grieving family campaigns on male mental health
THE family of a teenager who took his own life want to save others by helping men talk about their mental health.
Cameron Williams died last year, aged 19, after being left devastated by the death of a friend in a road crash.
His family are setting up a foundation in his name to end the stigma around discussing men's mental health, to fund charities providing practical support and to direct men to help when they need it.
Cameron, described by his family as a "much-loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner and friend", took his life in September last year.
Cameron's aunt, Amelia Care, from Keynsham, said he had been devastated by the loss of his friend and work colleague Tyler Carley in a road accident on the Avon Ring Road in December 2023.
Cameron and Tyler were both passengers in a scaffolding
lorry which overturned near Mangotsfield. Tyler died in the crash, while Cameron was not physically injured.
Amelia said: "He came out without a scratch but it absolutely devastated him.
"Looking back now you can tell that he was struggling, but he kept it to himself - he was very good at hiding it.
"He had survivor's guilt and PTSD, and he always said 'it should have been me that died'.
"We tried encouraging him to go to the doctors but he didn't want to relive it - he was so
traumatised by what happened.
"For somebody so young as Cameron to take his life is so completely shocking."
Cameron lived with his mum Melissa Care in Downend, attending Stanbridge Primary School and Downend School as he grew up.
Cameron and Tyler, a former Mangotsfield School pupil, became friends after starting work together, and Amelia said they were planning to go to college together.
After Tyler's death, Cameron couldn't face working as a scaffolder again. He started a new job with a window fitting firm, and was enthusiastic about learning the trade.
But although he appeared to be rebuilding his life, going on holidays and attending a festival with his girlfriend, his mental health deteriorated over the nine months before his death.
Amelia said: "Cameron did not talk, he did not open up
about how he was feeling, always brushing it off and saying he was OK. He wanted to be brave but this is what we want to get overit's OK not to be OK."
Melissa, Amelia and their mum Karen Parker have set up the Cameron Williams Foundation to keep his memory alive and to help other men find help when they need it.
For its first fundraising event Amelia and four of Cameron's friends will run the Bristol Half Marathon on May 11, to raise money for two charities.
SOBS - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - has been supporting Melissa and Amelia and the family through their grief. Talk Club is a male mental health charity that meets in Bristol.
More information about the Cameron Williams Foundation is available on its Facebook page at tinyurl.com/4j8b7w7h
Donations can be made at gofund.me/00f4aae7
Cameron Williams
Pharmacy celebrates double success
NORTH East Somerset and Hanham MP Dan Norris visited an award-winning pharmacy to experience their services and learn more about the important work they do in the community.
His visit to saw him meet with owner Simon Harris, winner of the Independent Pharmacist of the year award, to discuss the role of pharmacies in delivering healthcare locally.
The MP’s visit follows the results of the national Chemist+Druggist (C+D) awards in which Cadbury Heath Pharmacy & Health Clinic won the Independent Pharmacy of the Year. Judges said it was a “great team delivering everything that a pharmacy should be doing today and tomorrow. A great example to other independents to follow, and a deserved winner.”
The family-run pharmacy
serves thousands of people across the area reaching people across neighbouring Bristol and as far away as Chippenham who travel for the exceptional service they receive.
Mr Norris said: “Pharmacies such as this one are at the frontline of keeping the nation healthy, they offer so much more than dispensing prescriptions – with vaccination clinics, and diagnosing and supporting with minor ailments. Their role must not be underestimated.
“Simon Harris and his team continue to go above and beyond and this award is testament to their efforts.”
Simon Harris added: “It was great to share our successes with our local MP Dan and to highlight the importance of pharmacy to their local communities.”
MP opens 'bar' at care home
A BAR area at Little Heath Care Home in Cadbury Heath has been officially opened by North East Somerset & Hanham MP Dan Norris.
The “Little Heath Arms” was dreamed up by staff members Jess Ward and Jess Segesdy, who wanted to repurpose a lounge space in the home into a ‘pub’ area.
The pub’s bar was built by Little Heath Care Home’s handyperson Gary Dady from recycled pallets and fencing,
and is fully stocked with a range of zero percent non-alcoholic beers and wines. The care home has also received a number of donations from the local community to help kit out the pub, including a flatscreen TV which residents can use to watch sports games and big events.
The Clandown Suite, Elm Hayes GP Surgery, Paulton BS39 7SF Daytime and Evening Appointments Available
MP Dan Norris with the prize-winning pharmacy team
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Full steam ahead for Portishead line
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
THE start of 2025 has been a busy time for the West of England, seeing more great news.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
My mayoral combined authority has continued to go from strength to strength, securing a record £380 million budget to invest in better buses, training for workers and jobseekers, and much more over the coming year.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
In February, I was proud to announce another project that this record funding will help deliver: reopening the long-awaited Bristol & Portishead Line, which was axed back in 1964
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
under the Beeching cuts.
After years of delays, thanks to £27m of further investment from my combined authority we have struck a deal to get on with it, after I went to London to strike a deal with Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy.
This project will cut journey times in half, reducing congestion and pollution. It will also unlock an extra £43m each year for our regional economy, and represents a major step towards delivering a train station at Ashton Gate – with other stations coming down the line for Lockleaze, St Anne’s, and a long held ambition of mine, Saltford.
This is a train line that was dreamed up by Isambard Kingdom Brunel almost 200 years ago, before opening in 1867.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
It was a victim of the historic rail cuts in the 1960s, meaning that the last time passengers were on it, The Beatles were top of the charts the first time round.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
All change here, though! After many false starts, we’ll be back on track this summer, when work starts.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
Once opened, in the next few years, journey times between Bristol and Portishead will be cut in half.
Rush hour at the moment takes motorists almost an hour, but the new trains will do the distance in around 20 minutes.
It’s not just full steam ahead for this line, though - far from it.
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
This is a red letter day for the West of England, that generations have waited eagerly to see.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
Since I’ve been mayor I’ve been proud to open two brand new stations for local passengers at Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down.
The Bristol & Portishead Line will be the latest giant leap forward, part of a wider programme to give 100,000 more people access to train services in our region.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
Full steam ahead!
Dan Norris at the Avon Valley Railway in Bitton
We’re all digging in
n SOUTH Gloucestershire’s Common Connections team were helped by school and community groups who joined in with planting fruit bushes, trees and hundreds of plants - despite some very wet weather. Among the volunteers were students from Warmley Park School as well as the Friends of Siston Common and Kingswood Climate Action Group. They planted marginal wetland plants and fruit trees, alongside the stream in Felicity Park next to Siston Common. Children from Wick Primary School also braved the weather, digging in to put fruit bushes in their allotment area.
Wills and Probate without the mystery
How do I choose the right executor of my will? I’m worried about putting a burden on someone or making the wrong choice that will have a negative effect on my children. Your Executor is the person who is going to handle all your affairs after you pass away.
Typically, your Executor should possess two essential qualities: they know you very well, and they are good at managing paperwork. In addition, they should also be someone who is willing and able to give up some of their time to actually administer your estate and distribute your assets as indicated. Going through probate or the administration of an estate can be complex. Knowing this, it’s best to pick someone who has the capacity to take on such a responsibility and is good in these types of situations.
WHITFIELD TABERNACLE
TRUSTEES of the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust were pleased to hear that an issue regarding the ownership of land around the 1741 Grade I listed Tabernacle in Kingswood had finally been resolved, allowing the Trust to go ahead with inviting contractors to quote for the extensive works required to turn the saved building into a useful building.
If all goes well, we should have a converted building ready open its doors in March 2026. But there’s a lot of work to be done to make sure everything’s in place for a successful opening, and the Trust is in good shape to manage the Tabernacle and deliver on its mission to educate people from Kingswood and beyond on the history of the building, its founders and the role it’s played in Kingswood over those 280 years’.
The Trust expects to set up a separate trading company to manage the building and plan the events and activities that will be on offer. That will require new Trustees with skills
and experience in financial management, fundraising and events management to serve on the Board of the Trust, and to serve as Directors of the anticipated trading company.
Anyone who feels they might be the right person to take on one of these roles should contact the Trust via our website (thetabernaclekingswood. org) or contact the secretary directly (Kim.Scudamore@ whitfieldtabernacle.org). Kim Scudamore
OLDLAND PLAYERS
OLDLAND Players are taking part in two one-act play festivals this month. Their entry is a play called Daisy Markham, by Janice Sampson and features a 102-yearold woman and a caring lady.
The players are at the Bristol One Act Play Festival at the Olympus Theatre at SGS College’s Wise Campus on Saturday March 1.
The following weekend they perform on Friday March 7 at the Avon Short Play Festival at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.
Many people pick a trustworthy family member or a close friend to be their Executor, but that isn’t the only option. I recommend that you choose someone who will get to know you well, earn your trust and whom is also a professional.
Will Writing
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family & Property Trusts
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
A professional Executor can also be an excellent choice for those who are worried about putting the burden on a family member or friend during a time of grief. They are an excellent option whose only stake in the situation is to do their job.
Probate Services
your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
Jim Emsley
Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristol-based ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
Why I had to raise the cost of policing
AS your police and crime commissioner, my role is not only to represent the people of Avon and Somerset locally but also to ensure your voices are heard at a national level.
I am the bridge between residents and decision-makers, championing the issues that matter most to you.
I use what I hear from people daily to shape what I do, and the actions I take.
I’m guided by the determination to bring about changes that benefit the people I’ve been elected to represent.
It is part of my job to share the key concerns that people bring to my attention, issues affecting so many lives including serious youth violence, police visibility, crime reporting, community safety, and the underlying causes of crime.
During January, I took part in a Home Office roundtable on
tech-enabled violence against women and girls.
This is something that people across all our areas are affected by. Technology has introduced new challenges in tackling abuse, and harassment, but it also offers opportunities for prevention and support.
With key stakeholders, including ministers Jess Phillips and Alex Davies-Jones, we explored the complexities of the issues and the solutions that government can deliver.
To be able to deliver against the priorities you’ve told me are most important, I’m responsible for setting the amount of money you contribute to local police services through your council tax bill each year.
This is known as the ‘Police Precept’. It accounts for 43% of the funding that Avon and Somerset police rely on, with the rest coming from central
It was great to host my ‘Meet Helen’ events across the West of England including in Bath & Keynsham. It was lovely to meet residents from right across our region and hear your views on how we make the West of England a better place to live.
government.
I confirmed an increase of £14 more per year for the average Band D household at a meeting on February 4.
I know the cost of living is a concern for many, and I did not take this decision lightly.
I must make sure our police service has the resources to continue tackling crime, keeping communities safe, and improving trust and confidence in policing.
The extra funding will support Avon and Somerset Police to keep delivering neighbourhood policing and other services, while progressing work on priority areas like tackling serious violence and violence against women and girls, and investing in ways to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour.
Through everything I do, my focus remains clear: I will make
HELEN
With Police and Crime Commissioner
Clare Moody
sure the voices and experiences of the people who live in Avon and Somerset will influence and shape national conversations around policing and crime.
Together, we can drive meaningful changes that create safer communities for everyone.
You can read the five priorities the public told me are most important in my Police and Crime Plan on my website at tinyurl.com/2zxte625.
GODWIN
Labour’s candidate for the West of England Mayor
MY PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND
Create an integrated transport network of buses and trains that local people can rely on to get around
Build new homes with the right infrastructure to help young people get onto the housing ladder
Bring investment into our region to make the West of England the home of new green jobs
n NEWS
Community cafe raises £111,000 in five years
A VOLUNTEER-run charity cafe is celebrating five years - and £111,500 raised to help others.
The Barton Hill RFC Charity Cafe, based at the rugby club in Duncombe Lane, Speedwell, first opened in February 2020.
Its aims were to provide a friendly, welcoming place for people to meet each Monday and Wednesday, along with cheap food and drink and an atmosphere to encourage good company and conversation.
Staffed and managed entirely by unpaid volunteers to keep costs to a minimum, the cafe held sales from its 'bargain table' of donated items to add to the amount it raised for good causes.
Just over a month after opening the covid pandemic hit and the cafe had to close its doors.
But the volunteers kept the fledgling community together during lockdown, writing and distributing newsletters and keeping in touch with more than 100 people via video calls, Messenger and WhatsApp groups each day.
The cafe also distributed food from charity FareShare to cafe supporters living near the venue, to food banks and people in need via Facebook.
Volunteers collected shopping, gave lifts to medical appointments, and started outdoor table top sales once it was allowed.
The cafe reopened in October 2021 and since then has continued to build up its support base - it now has 262 regular "café friends" - and has added new events, including weekend tabletop sales and discos. Its fundraising continues apace, and the total raised now stands at £111,500.
The money has been used to fund 22 projects buying medical aids for individual families in need, equipment for Bristol Children's Hospital, defibrillators and bleed
control kits.
Donations have also been given to mental health charity MIND.
In 2023 the cafe won the community group category at the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards.
Lead volunteer Mandy Bryant said: "All in all it is safe to say we have had a successful five years - time sure flies when you are having fun!
"Thank you to everyone who has joined us on our journey so far to make our BHRFC Charity Café such a success and something to be proud of.
"The charity cafe remains unique and multifaceted.
"The most important focus is that it’s about friendships and doing good things.
"Nobody takes any expenses or gets paid, which makes them pretty special. Kimmy, Paul, Raffle Chris, Natalia, Nicky, Sandy, Shirley Worley, Jeanette, Dave, Shirley Martin, Veronica, Lisa, Brother Chris, Nicky, Paulo, Disco Dancing Bob, Elizabeth, Nikki and Denis give their time and energy to make the café happen twice a week."
To mark the anniversary the café held a celebration week with free meals for supporters, and two quiz nights.
Whether
Volunteers Shirley Martin and Disco Dancing Bob
Same-day NHS treatments at Ellacombe Pharmacy
The Pharmacy First scheme offered at Ellacombe Pharmacy enables everyone in our area to just come in and receive NHS care for a variety of conditions. A year after the national launch, it continues to deliver popular, accessible, and timely care for our locality.
The Common conditions covered include:
1. Sinusitis – for children and adults 12 years and over;
2. Sore throat (examination) - for children and adults 5 years and over;
3. Earache (otoscopy examination) for children and adults 1 year and over;
4. Infected insect bite – for children and adults 1 year and over;
5. Impetigo – for children and adults 1 year and over;
6. Shingles – for adults 18 years and over;
7. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women 16 to 64 years.
8. Infected eye treatment – for children aged over 30 days to 2 years
This service is NHS-funded , so all medicines supplied will be like receiving NHS prescription items and you also do not pay for a consultation. Consultations with the pharmacist, include examination looking into the ear (otoscopy) and the throat as appropriate, to assess your symptoms and medical history and agree clinically appropriate next steps including supplying antibiotics or any other prescription only medicine that is required.
A referral may also be actioned to the appropriate healthcare access point, such as a GP surgery or A&E.
The pharmacist’a assessment delivers evidence-based care using the same clinical guidelines and tools used across the NHS.
GP surgeries and NHS 111 now also refer people directly into the service. The scheme is creating better integrated working between local GP Surgeries and Ellacombe Pharmacy with the pharmacy consultation details shared with the GP, further supporting better care continuity.
This service is a most welcome development for the health of our community and a step in the right direction; bringing NHS care closer to everyone.
Remember this NHS Walk-in service covers both children and adults. Need our Help? Any questions or queries? Come in to see us or just call us on 01179322293
n ANTIQUES
REGULAR readers will know how much I love seeing items related to our comedy history. For many people, such items bring back nostalgic memories and more importantly put a great big smile on their faces.
I grew up in an era of 1990s sitcoms – Only Fools & Horses, Blackadder, Alan Partridge etc. But my thirst to seek out more comedy shows let to me discovering Porridge, Dad’s Army, Last Of The Summer Wine, Terry and June and all of the classic shows. Then I’d sit and watch them with my grandparents, and we’d speak for hours about the ‘old’ shows. Both sets of grandparents experienced life during the war, and I’m lucky enough to be of the generation who got to hear those stories firsthand. As I’d sit and listen to stories of air raids and bombings, one name always cropped up – George Formby.
The banjolele (not ukulele as is commonly mistaken) playing maestro from Lancashire who was star of radio, stage and screen during the era has sadly begun to fade from living memory. But anyone who remembers him will remember his cheeky humorous songs that were a comfort for many during the war and after.
Formby was, at one stage, believed to be the highest paid musician in the country and made his living touring theatres and music halls with his comedy act until his death in the early sixties.
Imagine my delight when a few weeks back I was greeted by a signed George Formby banjolele, being held by a client in our valuation area. She had purchased it some years previously, and it was thought to have originally come from a member of a ukulele orchestra who met Formby in the mid-1950s. Wherever Formby went, he was often greeted by fans wanting him to sign their instrument, and he would nearly always oblige.
The instrument, along with a framed autograph, is currently in one of our online-only auctions and carries an estimate of £200300. A fun item for sure, and a somewhat inexpensive way to get hold of a real piece of comedy history.
Andy Stowe Auctioneum
n COMMUNITY NEWS
IMPERIAL WINTERGUARD
WINTERGUARD is a competitive sport that combines various dance styles, flags and props into a show. Imperial Winterguard is local to Kingswood, Hanham and Keynsham area.
This year the team is performing PINK, which so far has achieved them a third and first place, with two more competitions to attend before they reach finals on April 5.
If your daughter or son, age 7-13, is interested in dance, or fancies something a bit different, Imperial will be looking for new members to join from April 22, with the try out (first session) for free.
Check out our Facebook or Instagram page for further information.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
HANHAM WI
ANGELA Rippon’s nationwide
“Let’s Dance” initiative has set the country abuzz—not just with chatter, but with the rhythmic shuffle of eager feet. Designed to showcase the benefits of dance for people of all ages and abilities, the movement highlights how dancing can boost both physical and mental well-being. Inspired by this wave of enthusiasm, our branch
could not resist the challenge of getting the Branch moving!
And so, on a crisp winter’s morning, twenty-two intrepid members put on their dancing shoes and took to the floor, led by the ever-enthusiastic Louise Hopton, for a dance exercise class. A spirited effort left everyone feeling a little lighter on their feet and all the better for taking part.
Of course, not everyone was inclined to join in so they took on
the roles of cheerleaders and tea and coffee makers.
Everyone left with a smile on their face and feeling all the better for their morning’s exercise.
After the exertions of "Let’s Dance," the February Branch meeting took on a more relaxed and reflective atmosphere, transforming members into storytellers for the evening. The gathering featured a “show and tell" session, where attendees were
invited to bring along an item of personal significance and share the story behind it. And what remarkable stories they had to tell!
One member presented a 100-year-old christening gown, lovingly worn by four generations of her family. She even brought along photographs to illustrate its history—though some had faded with time, their sentimental value remained as strong as ever. Another member brought an exquisite “China” tea cup, purchased in China during a visit to Hong Kong before its reversion to China. Her story took us beyond the cup itself, offering a glimpse into the cultural experiences and unique lifestyle she encountered in China.
A further contribution came in the form of an autograph of Richard Chamberlain. The owner recounted an unforgettable trip to the United States where she had attended a magazine convention and secured this treasured signature.
Perhaps the most captivating story of the evening, however, was shared by a member born in 1936. She presented an invoice and receipt that had been carefully preserved by her mother, documenting the cost of her birth—a stark reminder of the days before the National Health Service. The receipt, dated nearly 90 years ago, listed the charge for the two-week stay in Southmead Hospital as "For Maintenance of Wife £5.12s.6d”. That would be a lot more in today’s money, In addition to these stories, the evening took a practical turn with a member sharing some ingenious household tips and hacks. From using tumble dryer lint as firelighters for woodburning stoves and barbecues to dissolving limescale in kettles with simple effervescent tablets, her advice was both resourceful and well-received.
This departure from our usual meeting format proved to be a great success, providing an evening of entertainment and nostalgia.
The camaraderie continues beyond our monthly meetings, with our cinema club recently enjoying the latest Bridget Jones film and the jigsaw club continuing to grow in strength.
Dianna Coles
n COMMUNITY NEWS
LONGWELL GREEN WI
AT the end of January, two of our hardy WI members joined local volunteers as well as students from Warmley Park School, braving the cold and a very wet day for a planting event at Felicity Park, in Kingswood. Regular local volunteers had previously cleared the area for planting and the pond had been de-silted. The event was organised to plant marginal plants alongside the pond plus of trees around the site and was funded by South Gloucestershire Council. The event was highlighted on BBC Points West in the evening that day.
In February, the WI Tuesday ‘Happy Feet’ walking group starting from Bitton, walked for just over two hours, which in places was very wet and muddy. The route included seeing a cottage where the notorious Benjamin Caines (member of the Cock Road Gang) was locked up and later hanged, St Mary’s Church dating back to Norman times and The Grange which has links to Jane Seymour the third wife of King Henry VIII, a
spot marking a tree planted in 1987 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign; the original tree has now been replanted to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Bitton Council School dating back to 1909 (now the Meadows Primary School). It was definitely an educational walk coming across sites that can only really be appreciated on foot.
The WI group has now reached 80 members, the largest membership to-date.
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’s meetings are held on the third Friday of the month at 7.30 pm at the Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting, please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening.
Kamann Huang
Loft Boarding & Insulation
BITTON WI
Our cheery group met again on a particularly cold Monday in February where all were welcomed and thanked for attending. Despite the gloomy weather our thoughts turned to our summer outing in August and forthcoming events and visits organised by the WI. We are still seeking ideas for our outing, though a visit to underneath the Suspension Bridge or a boat trip on the river have already been suggested. I understand a hard hat might be order of the day for the suspension bridge which sounds intriguing! Sadly, another of our longstanding members has passed away. Janet Ivans had been a familiar face for many years at Bitton WI and will be very much missed by those who knew her. Our speaker this meeting was Ann Hobdey. Ann’s talk on Lady Ann of a 1000 days promised to not be what we thought it was! Ann quickly dispelled any thoughts that her talk would be any of the things we were thinking and told us this was her story of how she moved with her new husband to the
Philippines when they were first married to undertake a position in the Embassy, how she got the nickname, Lady Ann and how she overcome the challenges of taking on the role of a diplomats wife to enjoy a thousand days of fun and making happy memories. A fascinating account and so much crammed into what sounded like a fabulous 3 years!
Our next meeting will be held on Monday March 10, 2pm, St Mary’s Church Hall, Bitton where we will be endeavouring to keep fit with Chair Zumba – come prepared for some gentle exercise! Guest welcome for £4 on the day, or come along for a free WI taster before you join us. For more info –email: bittonwi@gmail.com.
Karen Davidson, president
Successful kick-off
LONGWELL Green JFC hosted the first grassroots level Her Game Too (HGT) weekend aimed at encouraging girls and women into football.
Saturday began with training sessions from preschool group to U9 age group. In the afternoon, Longwell Green Men's 1st team faced Sturminster Newton, winning 3-2 with an 88th minute winner. The home team showed their support for the campaign by wearing dedicated HGT T-shirts during the warm up.
Sunday saw a range of matches taking place, with junior Longwell Green JFC teams including U8-U12s hitting the pitch. In the afternoon, Longwell Green Ladies played against Bristol North Wanderers, resulting in 1-2. During the warm-up, the home team sported the HGT T-shirts, whilst the away
team, who are also partnered with HGT, displayed their giant HGT flag during the match.
Ken Major, from Longwell Green JFC, said:
“Overall, we felt the weekend was a massive success and achieved what we set out to do. It was positive to see new kids turning up to the training session
Girl power! Pupils meet Red Roses
GIRLS from King's Oak Academy in Kingswood and other primaries in the Cabot Learning Federation were invited to take part in a T1 Rugby Festival.
T1 rugby is a non-contact sport that embodies the core elements of traditional rugby, including line-outs, scrums, kicking, and the breakdown, while maintaining a simple and accessible format. With a focus on fun, fitness, inclusion, and efficiency, T1 rugby can be played by anyone.
The Rugby Football Union event for girls –aimed at promoting inclusivity and engagement in the sport - was hosted by Kingswood Rugby Club.
What made this event particularly special was the opportunity for the girls to be coached by four
England Red Roses players – Hannah Botterman, Natasha Hunt, Alex Matthews, and Holly Aitchison. The players put the girls through their paces using the latest coaching techniques, offering insights and encouragement throughout the session.
The festival concluded with a Q&A session, allowing the young players to interact with the England stars, followed by a photo opportunity.
A spokesperson for CLF said: “The festival not only showcased the inclusivity of T1 rugby but also inspired our young athletes by connecting them with role models from the England Red Roses.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the RFU and Kingswood RFC.”
wanting to try football for the first time. We also had queries following the weekend about how girls can play."
For 2o26, the plan is to ensure that the club’s disability and women's walking teams take part in the event, reinforcing the message that football really is a game for all.
If you wish to find out more about Longwell Green JFC visit http://www. longwellgreensportsjfc.co.uk/. For more details about Her Game Too, visit https://www. hergametoo.co.uk/football
KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB
WITH members of Keynsham Bowling Club ticking off the days until the green opens and the bowling starts, activity is still focused on life in the clubhouse.
We welcomed back local magician Paul Preager to provide an evening of entertainment, with a ploughman’s supper during the interval.
On his previous visit Paul levitated our barman Dave Lewis, and this time Dave agreed to put his head in a wooden box into which Paul pushed metal swords. As one would expect, Dave emerged completely unscathed from the ordeal.
Our ladies’ and gents’ captains, Lynne Pearce and Paul Matthews, have chosen Cancer Research UK as the charity the club will support in 2025. To start the money rolling in, Paul’s wife Julie will be running the Weymouth Half Marathon on Sunday March 16,and is inviting club members to sponsor her.
Mike Barrow
n PUZZLE PAGE
Easier sudoku
KLEENEZE
This month’s “Memory” focuses on the homeware company Kleeneze, which until 2004 was based in Martins Road in Hanham.
Kleeneze was founded in 1923 by Harry Crook, who had returned to Bristol after emigrating to the United States and gaining experience as a sales representative with the Fuller Brush company. He started his business in Hanham making brushes, which were sold door-to-door by salesmen. Kleeneze remained at its original Hanham site for 80 years. In 1995, the company was bought by
Museum reopening
The Museum will reopen for the new season on Tuesday 1st April from 2.00 to 5.00. The Museum will be open until the end of November from 2 – 5pm every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holidays.
European Home Retail and in May 2004 Kleeneze relocated its headquarters and distribution centre to Warmley.
The company was bought by Findel Plc in 2007 after the collapse of European Home Retail and moved its operations to Hyndburn in Lancashire. It is now owned by Manchester-based brands house Ultimate Products, as part of their wider portfolio of homeware brands.
The site of the Hanham factory has been empty for some time, and is to be developed for housing in the coming years. However, before its move to Lancashire
This year’s major new exhibition is “ Spotlight on Kingswood”, which showcases the social, industrial and religious history of the area.
This year the Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary since opening in 1995, and one of this year’s other new exhibitions will feature a photographic display illustrating the changes that have taken place at the Museum over its first thirty years.
the company was a major employer in the local area. The photographs were taken during the company’s heyday, and show a visit to the site in 1979 by the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Mrs Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister that year, and the current year marks the 50th anniversary of her election as leader of the Conservative Party.
If you worked for Kleeneze, or were present when Mrs Thatcher visited the Hanham site, please share your memories with Kingswood Heritage Museum by email at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com, or by phone on 0117 9605664
Museum Talk: Witchcraft and Magic
The first talk of the year takes place at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday 12th March, when Ronald Hutton will explore the fantastical world of Witchcraft and Magic.
Admission costs £4.50, including tea or coffee; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; Seats must be booked in advance via 0117 9605664. or email:kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com
Volunteer with us
Kingswood Heritage Museum is run entirely by volunteers. Would you like to help us to conserve and display the history of our area, and to pass our knowledge on to future generations?
Whatever skills you can offer, Kingswood Heritage Museum would like to hear from you. If you would like to join our enthusiastic and friendly group of volunteers do get in touch by emailing us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail. com, or simply call us on 0117 9605664. We would love to hear from you!
WHAT'S ON
MONDAY
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, 1.30-3pm 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 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
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
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 ZEST CHOIR is an inclusive
happy singing group for all adults who love to sing - even if you think you can’t or might be Tone Deaf! We meet Term Time Wednesdays at Longwell Green Community Centre from 10.15am-11.45am. Contact Mary on 07954 170532 www. zestchoirs.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 WE ARE A SMALL FRIENDLY CLUB, all subjects are included, aircraft, cars, armoured vehicles, fantasy, etc we meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at St. Anne's Hall, Barry Road, Oldland Common. at 8pm. Please contact Ian on 0117 9603435
n BLACK SHEEP HARMONY
We welcome new singers to any of our weekly rehearsals, to join in or just to listen. 7:30pm on Thursdays in
Noey: 07899 088180 or check out our website www.blacksheepharmony.
com
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 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 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
Slimming World
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
WEDNESDAY
n BARRS COURT PROBUS CLUB
Retired and semi-retired Professional and Businessmen: Meet 2nd and
n JOIN OUR OVER 65s 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 Adam07875503586
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 AND KINGSWOOD PHOTO CLUB. A friendly club welcoming photographers of all abilities to share our hobby. Meeting 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start on most Wednesdays, St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley, BS30 5JJ. See the website for where meetings will be held (some on Zoom & some evenings out). For details visit https:// www.handkphoto.club or contact Geoff Mallin at email address, geoffmemsechps@gmail.com
Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road
Longwell Green BS30 9DU
Monday: 6.00pm & 7.30pm Tuesday: 9.30am
Tel: Karen 07889 408969
Hanham Baptist Church 157a High Street, Hanham BS15 3QZ Saturday: 9:00am
