hanham&longwellgreenvoice March, 2021 Issue 53
www.hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Council unveils recovery budget SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has agreed a budget of more than £400 million to deliver public services next financial year, focusing on helping people to recover from the pandemic and rise to meet the challenges of the future. The Recover and Rise budget will further the council’s key priorities of improving school standards and outcomes for young people, improving infrastructure within local communities, and delivering value for money. The budget is balanced, despite the tough financial climate.
Vital support
The budget allows for vital support for residents hit hardest by Covid-19. It includes a £1 million resilience funding package to widen the support net for those who had previously been ineligible; £102,000 “surge funding” for expanding welfare debt advice; more support for domestic violence victims, and a pay boost targeted at the lowest paid council staff.
Children and young people
Improving school standards remains the council’s top priority. Following last year’s launch of its trailblazing Recovery Curriculum, the budget includes a £1.2 million investment to launch phase two. This phase will continue the essen-
tial work to help schoolchildren to catch up on lost learning and support their general wellbeing. The council’s capital investment into school buildings hits a new record with funding committed to ensuring new primary school buildings in Winterbourne, Frenchay and Lyde Green are low carbon, reflecting the council’s climate emergency commitments. Elsewhere, upgrades and improvements to buildings are planned across the district.
Adult social care
The council tax rate will rise by 4.99 per cent, which includes three per cent to be focused on boosting adult social care services. As normal life returns, the pressure on adult social care services will continue. The remaining 1.99 per cent increase will go towards protecting wider services. This means the South Gloucestershire Council element of Council Tax for a Band D property for 2021/22 will be £1,620.39 –an extra £1.48 per week.
Boosting communities
The budget includes investment in major projects such as purchasing the Thornbury Hospital site for plans for a brand-new healthcare facility for the town; £25 million regeneration plans for Kingswood Town Centre and completing the new Yate Park and Ride, due later this year.
Getting around
Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Employment Cllr Erica Williams at Courtney School in Kingswood
The council will continue its record investment in the local highway network, with millions more to be invested in resurfacing roads and filling potholes across South Gloucestershire. It is also supporting sustainable travel options and improving cycle and pedestrian routes.
Platinum Jubilee
To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the council has
View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage
WELCOME - We’re proud to partner with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition that brings you our latest news. It focuses on our new ‘Recover and Rise’ budget, designed to help you overcome the challenges of the past year. At the same time, we’re prudently managing our finances on your behalf. The pandemic is particularly tough on children and young people. For this reason, we’re launching the next phase of our trail-blazing Recovery Curriculum, a new Youth Employment Hub, and we’re significantly increasing record investments in school buildings including rebuilding Frenchay Primary School. The budget also triggers infrastructure projects to further improve local communities, including regeneration of Kingswood Town Centre, purchasing the Thornbury Hospital site to secure its future, and the completion of the Yate Park and Ride. We will also continue record investment in highways and improve how we get around the area. allocated £50,000 to prepare an activities programme across South Gloucestershire.
More to help Cllr Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This last year has changed our day-to-day lives and the council and our services have had to adapt
to meet the needs of residents, businesses and communities in the wake of Covid-19. I am proud that through this budget we are doing even more to help residents and their families recover and to rise above the challenges over the past year, widening the safety net to offer much-needed help to more people. “
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Financial support
Protecting wellbeing SOCIAL distancing and self-isolating can be daunting for all of us so it’s really important that we look after our mental and physical health. The South Glos One You service for adults, offers advice and support to help keep well, covering a range of topics, from how to stay active at home, to maintaining mental health, tips on sleeping well, quitting smoking, healthy eating and getting enough to eat. The website
is oneyou.southglos.gov.uk or people can call 01454 865337. The South Glos Mind You website www. mindyou.org.uk has advice and information on mental health for young people and children and their parents and carers, including videos and webinars, and contact details of where to get more help.
MANY people are struggling financially at the moment. It’s important to know that there are benefits and grants available. For support on looking at which options are available, please book an appointment to speak to one of the South Glos One Stop Shop customer advisors www.southglos.gov.uk/ contactus or call 01454 868009.
Successful local vaccination rollout LAST month (February), saw the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area reach a major milestone, as all care homes had been offered the Covid-19 vaccination. As of 18 February, in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) area, 200,000 people had received their first dose. That success continues. To keep up to date on the rollout, please visit the BNSSG Healthier Together’s website bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk. When you qualify for a vaccine, you can book online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. At the time of going to print, those aged over 65; clinically vulnerable adults with underlying health conditions and those who work in social care, providing hands-on support to those vulnerable to Covid-19, are eligible for a vaccine. Remember that no one will be asked to provide personal details as part of this process and no payment is required.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults and Housing, Cllr Ben Stokes visiting the Vaccination Clinic at West Walk Surgery in Yate
Free support for South Glos businesses SMALL Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Gloucestershire, and residents considering setting up their own business, can get up to 12 hours of free business support from the South Gloucestershire Business Support Service. It is offering group webinars, and
one-to-one business coaching (subject to assessment and availability). The publicly funded programme forms part of Universal Business Support – a West of England Combined Authority initiative, delivered in partnership with the council.
Webinars cover topics such as starting and planning a business, business strategy, digital marketing, social media, finance and more. All the webinars can be viewed on this webpage: www.coolventures.co.uk/ training/
hanham&longwellgreenvoice March, 2021 Issue 53
www.hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
FREE EVERY MONTH IN HANHAM & LONGWELL GREEN
Hundreds back Majestic's fight for life In non-Covid times, the gym is packed with children and parents
Rapid rollout of Covid jabs Thousands of people in our area have now had their first vaccinations against Covid 19 and can look forward to a gradual easing of restrictions from this month. PAGE 10
SAVE OUR GYM! THOUSANDS of children a week could miss out on exercise if a gymnastics club is forced to close. Majestic Gymnastic Academy has been running for 10 years, seven of which have been at its current site on Marsham Way, part of Longwell Green trading estate and shopping area. But plans submitted to South Gloucestershire Council to redevelop the site would see the facility razed to the ground. Owners Michelle George and
Candice Fry are devastated and have already garnered more than 1,000 signatures on a petition through their Facebook page. The facility is used by more than 1,000 youngsters every week, from pre-schoolers right up to elite national and international athletes. It is also a popular venue for children’s birthday parties, is used weekly by Culverhill School for children with complex learning difficulties, and runs parkour sessions.
Michelle, 40, from Hanham, said the new owners bought the site two years ago and had always said Majestic would remain when the area was redeveloped. She said: “We’ve been up to London to meet with them and were shown plans with Majestic in it. But the plans they’ve submitted to the council don’t include us at all. “We’ve asked whether we’d be able to have a different building Turn to Page 2
£5k raised for hospital heroes Teacher Andy Marshall-Aherne, whose mum lost her life to coronavirus has raised more than £5,000 for Southmead Hospital Charity. PAGE 7
Rapid rollout of Covid jabs A 14-year-old student at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy has designed and made a device that has been put into use to improve mass testing at the school. PAGE 8
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Hanham & Longwell Green Voice contacts Publisher Emma Cooper 0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448 sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk Editor Follow us on Twitter Linda Tanner @ twitter.com/Hanham LWGvoice 0777 0700579 news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk Erica Benson Advertising Sales 0117 908 2121 sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk Find us on Facebook Journalist www.facebook.com/ Jackie Novels hanhamandlongwell greenvoice 0117 908 2121 news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
April deadline Our April edition deadline is March 24. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by then. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.
Your views 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.
March, 2021
n NEWS
Find us a new gym,
From Page 1 within the development and they said we wouldn’t be able to afford it as the rent would be double what we pay now.” Candice, 35, from Kingswood, said they had employed a solicitor who has said they have a good case because there are no similar facilities nearby. She said: “Under the planning laws they need to find a suitable replacement for us. We have spoked to our ward councillors and parish councillors and everyone is in support of us. “When we already have Outfit and Café Nero closed down and standing empty, there isn’t a need to create more buildings that no one can fill.” The women, who first met as child gymnasts training together, are hoping they will not be forced out when their current lease ends in September. The centre is the only place in the region that specialises
in TeamGym, where gymnasts perform in a coordinated group. It requires specialist training areas in a long, narrow building and Sport England has spent £50,000 kitting out the current building with the correct flooring and equipment specific to TeamGym. Four Majestic athletes have been selected to represent Great Britain in the European TeamGym Championships taking place in Portugal this December. If they lose Majestic, the next nearest TeamGym training facility is nearly 100 miles away in Bracknell. They follow in the footsteps of more than 120 youngsters who have trained at the club then gone on to perform at national level. Because of the building specifications needed, the academy wouldn’t by able to find a new home easily, and seven full-time and 15 part-time
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 www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061
Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am-2pm
Complaints
Steve Bellamy Ctta eeetllsllaam S e myy S ev vre epB B
Sport England has spent £50k kitting out the building
Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Hanham & Longwell Green Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. 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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March, 2021
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plead Majestic owners coaches and support staff stand to lose their jobs. Training programmes for coaches and young leaders would also have to be scrapped if the building goes. As well as Majestic Gymnastics, the neighbouring Flip Out inflatable play arena will also be removed under the plans, taking away two of the main places for local children to exercise indoors. A Flip Out spokesman said: “We are discussing with the relevant parties and reviewing our options.” The plans from developer West Midland Authority Pension Fund propose replacing most of the warehouse-style buildings alongside Aldermoor Way and Marsham Way, including the former Saville’s Freight Depot. They would be replaced with work space, retail or leisure outlets plus a drive-through restaurant or a hotel, creating 411
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Economic circumstances have materially altered since early 2019 - developer
Some of the many youngsters who take part in Majestic gymnastics new jobs. As part of the planning statement submitted to South Gloucestershire Council, the developer said: “In relation to Majestic which occupies approximately 975 sq.m. within the former Savilles Freight Ltd site, at the time of the pre-application, the economic circumstances provided a basis for enabling the gym
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use to be retained within the redevelopment based on predicted rental levels within the retail space proposed. “Economic circumstances have materially altered since early 2019, not least because of the effects of Covid-19 and the substantial collapse of the outof-centre retail market, which is not expected to recover, given the continued rise in on-line sales
and the lack of demand for bricks and mortar shopping space.” Under planning regulations, only houses within 100m of the site are alerted to the plans so Michelle and Candice want to make all users of their facilities aware of what is going on. Hundreds of letters of objection to the plans have been submitted to South Glos, which is due to close the consultation on 23 March and meet to consider the plans at a later date. To comment, visit the planning section of South Gloucestershire Council website and use the reference P20/22431/O. Steve Skidmore of Oldland Parish Council said that an extra meeting was being convened by the parish council to discuss its response to the plans. He said: “We’re very supportive of Majestics and what they do and hopefully there will be a positive outcome for everybody.”
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March, 2021
n NEWS A GROUP bringing cheer to front-line workers, hospital patients and care home residents is looking for donations of treats to deliver in the run-up to Easter. Andy Davies, a veteran from Soundwell who served with the Royal Air Force Police during the 1980s, formed South West Volunteer Riders with two fellow ex-veterans, Phil Rhestigini and Sue Mackel, at the start of the latest lockdown. They now have a team of 24 volunteers collecting and distributing donations to hospitals, fire and police stations, care homes, and charities supporting veterans and people in need across the region, mostly by motorbike. Andy usually works as a martial arts and motorcycling instructor, but each lockdown leaves him unable to work, with his gym unable to open and motorbike training and testing suspended, so he turns his energy to helping other people in need. In the first lockdown last year he was part of a group
Bringing cheer by bike
called NHS Band of Hope, which collected PPE and other essentials for NHS and care home workers. During the latest lockdown the new group has been collecting toiletries in bottles and tubes, such as shower gel, toothpaste and moisturiser, for NHS and care home staff and patients. The volunteer network now stretches from Somerset and Wiltshire to Gloucester. The group is also collecting
clothing which is donated to a homeless veterans' charity. Now they are adding Easter eggs, sweets, biscuits and other treats to the list of donations they are looking to distribute to children in hospital, nurses, care home residents and staff. Anyone who would like to donate items for the South West Volunteer Riders to deliver can email Andy at daviesa98@yahoo. co.uk or call 07598 505299. Andy is also a member of the Volunteer Blood Bikes
emergency service and veterans group West of England Rolling Thunder. He said: "When the latest lockdown started I thought 'I've got no work on, so what can I do to help'? "Delivering by bike works well because we can get through traffic and the helmet and gloves are a good form of PPE when we do deliveries and collections." • ANOTHER group of motorcylists, The Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, made up of serving and retired law enforcement personnel, is looking to recruit new members to get involved in fundraising activities once restrictions allow. The organisation covers the world and has 27 chapters throughout the UK. The local chapter has 44 members. Potential members can apply for membership via the website at www.england14.org
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March, 2021
n NEWS A KING'S Oak Academy teacher who lost his mother to Covid has raised more than £5,000 to thank staff at Southmead hospital. Andy Marshall-Aherne, 36, wants the money to be used to support the wellbeing and mental health of nurses and doctors working tirelessly at the hospital. Christine Marshall, 68, was treated on a ventilator in the intensive care unit for 18 days but couldn’t be saved. Her whole family caught the virus at new year but only Christine, who was healthy with no underlying conditions, became ill enough to be hospitalised. Within days of catching Covid she was unable to stand or move, was fighting for breath and had a temperature of 40C. After being rushed to Southmead hospital she developed secondary pneumonia and a lung infection. Andy, from Lyde Green, said the care and compassion his family received from the hospital was exemplary. He said: “Despite the fact the hospital was so full, the staff never made you feel rushed. “It was reassuring to see the patients being cared for so well. It was busy yet all the staff were calm. At the end my dad and I were able to be with my mum at the hospital. The staff even made some handprints of my mum to give to my children to remember her by.” Christine’s grandsons George, seven, and Jacob, four, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their beloved Granny, who devoted hours to baking with them at her home. Andy said: “We’ve been to see my dad, Richard, because he’s on his own for the first time
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£5k raised after Covid claims life of loving mum and gran
after 40 years of marriage. The boys saw my mum’s car outside and couldn’t understand that she wasn’t there too. “They chose a flower arrangement that looked like a cupcake for her memorial because that’s what they associate with her.” Andy began his fundraising when his mother was admitted. Despite not being a regular runner, he vowed to run 10k every day until she came home. He began pounding the pavements in Emerson’s Green and Downend during the dark, winter evenings and ran well over 100 miles before completing a final run on the day she died. Since her death, he has been amazed that 300 people have contributed to the fund and left kind messages for him and his family, including their memories of his mother. Christine was a headteacher
for 30 years before setting up a school improvement business and carrying out voluntary roles for schools. She also spent time volunteering for Bristol charity CCS Adoption. Andy said: “I was so proud of the work she did and it inspired me to go into teaching myself. “She was so supportive when I was growing up. I swam competitively for Southwold swimming club in Yate, then later for Gloucester County, and every Saturday she would give up her day to drive me around to competitions and watch me. “I used to speak to her all the time and her death has left a huge hole in my day-to day-life.” Instead of a standard funeral, Andy and his brother, Nick, organised a celebration of Christine’s life. The 30 permitted guests were asked to wear bright colours and many more people
attended via video link. In the evening friends and family were asked to light a candle in remembrance and listen to music by Coldplay, Christine’s favourite band. They’re hoping to organise a bigger celebration in July, on what would have been Christine’s 69th birthday. Andy was given compassionate leave before starting back as assistant principal at King’s Oak Academy and received supportive messages from fellow members of staff and the CEO of Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school. He said: “The school has been amazing. Even though I only started there last September it feels like I’m part of a family. “I’ve also had lovely messages from staff and former pupils at Merchant’s Academy where I worked before.” Andy said he’d agreed with the Southmead Hospital Charity that the funds would support the wellbeing of the frontline staff he’d seen working so hard with Covid patients. He said: “They have been working at this level for a year and must be exhausted. My husband, Craig, works at Royal United Hospital in Bath and I’ve seen how hard things have been for him and his colleagues. I hope this goes some way to saying thank you for the amazing care they gave my mum.”
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March, 2021
n NEWS
Young inventor Tom saves the day A TEENAGE engineer has developed a piece of equipment to help with Covid-19 testing in his school. Like all secondary schools, Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common is carrying out regular lateral flow tests for staff. The process needs specialist equipment and the school was finding it challenging to order a large quantity of a specific test tube holder. But Tom Fairclough, a Year 10 Engineering student, came to the rescue by designing a holder and then using his own 3D printer to manufacture a batch of them. His teachers said that 14-year-old Tom designed
Technology helps keep nurseries Covid safe
his product independently with the printer, which he had saved up his money to buy. Principal Dean Anderson said: “Tom’s innovative design performs much better than similar products on the market. The design has proven so successful he was commissioned to produce a set that is already in use at another school. “We are so proud of the way Tom has used his skills to develop something that is helping others. Congratulations to him.” Tom, who lives in Longwell Green, hopes to pursue a career in engineering, mechanical engineering or aerospace.
HANHAM-based nursery group Mama Bear’s has invested in the latest anti-viral fogging equipment to keep its 24 settings safe. It has introduced fogging machines in all of its nurseries to sanitise each room at the end of the day. The group says that fogging decontamination is the fastest and most effective way to sanitise a space and will help to protect staff and children against coronavirus and other germs. Tony Driffield, who co-owns Mama Bear’s with wife Bev, said: “Using this equipment has been proven to kill the Covid-19 virus so it gives further
reassurance to both our staff and parents that the settings are as safe as possible. “The machines work by covering the whole room with tiny droplets of a non-toxic, non-alcoholic, water-based sanitising solution. “We have worked throughout the pandemic, supporting key-worker and vulnerable families, and more recently we have been open to all families. This has meant that our Covid-19 procedures are firmly in place and this latest precaution is just another tool to ensure our environments are as hygienic as possible.”
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March, 2021
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n NEWS
Sasha plans charity skydive A SCHOOLGIRL from Longwell Green plans to throw herself out of a plane for charity. Sasha Dornan, 17, is doing the 15,000ft skydive to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice. She has had a Saturday job at the Downend charity shop for the hospice since last summer so has witnessed first-hand how repeated lockdowns have impacted the amount of money the charity makes. Sasha, a student at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy, hopes to raise over £1,000 through fundraising and has paid for the skydive herself so that all the money goes to the charity. She said: “My manager told me that St Peter’s Hospice is really struggling because it’s lost all the normal income from sponsored walks, marathons, running the charity shops and so on. “They’ve had to close some
of the beds at the hospice in Brentry because they haven’t got enough money to run them. “I came up with the idea of a sponsored skydive and my manager said, ‘But who will do that?’” “I said, ‘I will!’” St Peter’s Hospice is the only hospice in Bristol that cares for adults with progressive life-limiting illness. Last year it
missed out on £2 million, with all 52 shops in the city having to close for much of the year. Sasha’s tandem jump will take place on 16 May, having being moved back from this month because of Covid restrictions. She is jumping from an airfield in Salisbury and hopes for a soft landing on nearby fields. She said: “I’m trying not to think about it because I’ll get too scared. I started watching some YouTube videos of people skydiving then realised that was a bad idea. “The only other thing I’ve done to raise money for charity was a sponsored silence at primary school so this is a bit more dramatic! My mum is a bit worried and would rather I stay on the ground. I’m hoping I’ll enjoy it on the day.” Sasha’s fundraising page is at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Sasha-DornanSPH
Breaches: 50 fined POLICE have expressed disappointment at the number of people in the Bristol area who are breaking Covid regulations. Over the weekend of February 20-21, officers received 489 reports of suspected breaches and issued 66 fixed penalty notices. Fifty people were fined across the force area for attending unauthorised gatherings and 14 fines were issued to people found to be outside their homes or making journeys without a reasonable excuse. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cullen said: ““No one should still be in any doubt as to what the current rules are, or the importance of abiding by them.”
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March, 2021
n NEWS The Covid-19 testing programme at John Cabot Academy in Kingswood has been given the OK by the army. Principal Kate Willis is pictured with Sergeant Sam Curtis and Gunner Alex Clifford
Moving into 'new normal' one step at a time PEOPLE in the Hanham and Longwell Green area should be able to take the first steps out of lockdown and look forward to a brighter future from this month. Thousands of people have now had the first dose of a vaccine protecting them against
coronavirus, all children are due to return to school from March 8 and many businesses can prepare to reopen in the coming weeks. Following the Prime Minister's announcements on February 22, the intended timetable for ending Covid
restrictions is more clear, although it still depends on the number of cases continuing to fall. The figures have dropped massively since January. The latest data from the Office of National Statistics shows eight cases in Hanham area in the week to February 23, equating to 86.8 per 100,000 people. However, this is a 300 per cent rise on the previous seven days, showing that there is still a need for caution. In Longwell Green, the number of cases was just three a rate of 29 per 100,000. The average for South Gloucestershire as a whole is down to 99 per 100,000. Schools are busy preparing for the return of all children to classrooms. Most primaries will see all children return on March 8, while secondary schools are likely to stagger the entry to
ensure all the required tests have been administered so that staff and students can be kept as safe as possible. The start to a gradual reduction in restrictions has been made possible by the rapid rollout of the vaccination programme. Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, 250,000 people have had their jabs so far. Locally, GPs are working in groups and giving vaccinations at Kingswood Health Centre, Lodgeside Surgery, Christchurch Medical Centre and East Trees Medical Centre. Two pharmacies, Ellacombe Pharmacy in Longwell Green and Billings Pharmacy in Kingswood are supporting the NHS programme and there are also mass vaccination centres at Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol and at Bath Racecourse.
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March, 2021
hanham&longwellgreenvoice ADVERTISING FEATURE
n NEWS
Thousands take virus surge tests MORE than 40,000 people took Covid-19 tests as part of a twoweek 'community surge testing' programme to detect a new variant of the virus. People in Downend, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield were among those who attended mobile testing units or collected home self-testing kits after the coronavirus mutation was detected in the area. Mobile testing units were set up at the Bristol & Bath Science Park in Emersons Green and five other sites in Bristol and South Glos. People who had no symptoms of coronavirus were encouraged to attend and have a test in order to better trace the virus's spread. Libraries served as 'collect and drop' centres, where people could pick up a kit to carry out a test at home, then drop it off to be taken away for analysis. The programme was launched by the NHS to trace the VOC202102/02 variant, which has been designated as a "variant of concern", because it contains a mutation some scientists think could make it more easily spread and more resistant to vaccines. A Public Health England spokesperson said all positive tests found during the surge testing programme were sent for genomic sequencing, a test to establish whether they are cases of the new variant. Sara Blackmore, director of public health for South Gloucestershire said: “I want to send a huge thank you to all
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of our residents and staff who helped us in completing over 40,000 community surge tests in just two weeks. From Covid marshals to those helping to get tests to the right people, so many people have played their part in protecting our communities. “To continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities, we must all continue to follow public health guidance and remember: Hands, Face, Space and to isolate if you receive a positive test result. “If you have symptoms of Covid-19 and need to get a test, you can do so by booking an appointment at a ‘symptomatic’ testing site, through nhs.uk/ coronavirus or by calling 119. “Rapid testing is also available to critical workers who cannot work from home and to those in particular areas of South Gloucestershire and Bristol. The more information we have about the virus and the more cases we are able to identify and isolate, the better we are able to stem the spread and to remain on track to follow the road map to coming out of Lockdown and restrictions.” For further details about different types of testing in Bristol, visit the ‘Get a test’ dropdown on: Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to know - bristol.gov.uk. For further details about testing in South Gloucestershire, visit: Testing and self-isolating | BETA - South Gloucestershire Council (southglos.gov.uk)
Local Apprentice Opportunities Plummet “MUST DO BETTER”: is the message from Labour’s Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris who has condemned the Conservative West of England Metro Mayor for failing on apprenticeships. Latest figures show that during the current Metro Mayor’s term of office the number of new apprenticeships in the West of England has plummeted. There are 1630 fewer in South Gloucestershire, North East Somerset, Bristol and Bath than when the Tory Mayor came to power. The Metro Mayor is responsible for apprenticeship cash and policy but around 65% of small businesses across the West of England have never used apprentices. Dan Norris said “Apprenticeship opportunities in the West of England are at their lowest level in 5 years. That’s not good enough. The Metro Mayor is failing to create the opportunities local young people need. Investing in training will be central to rebuilding our economy after the pandemic. If elected I will be a ‘jobs first’ Metro Mayor.”
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March, 2021
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n NEWS
Unique stories of new mums revealed in Born in Lockdown
A BOOK telling the heartfelt stories of mothers with babies born in 2020 has been launched online by a Bristol author. Entitled Born in Lockdown, the 20,000-word piece of prose recounts the experiences of 277 mothers who gave birth during the coronavirus pandemic. It includes contributions women in many parts of Bristol and will strike a chord with those in Hanham & Longwell Green who became parents in 2020. The book can now be downloaded online, and a voluntary donation is encouraged towards Sands – a charity supporting families affected by stillbirth and neonatal death. Emylia Hall, who lives locally with her husband and son, and is the founder of Mothership Writers – a project that runs writing courses for
Emylia Hall
new mothers – came up with the idea for Born in Lockdown to encourage self-expression during challenging times. Each contributor submitted up to
three 50-word segments, which have been amalgamated to create the unique story. According to Emylia, ‘there was no brief or fixed direction’ – she wanted the book to ‘reflect the diversity of the mothering experience’. In the book’s introduction, Emylia writes: “The idea was to encourage writing for pleasure and purpose: to find, amidst the clamour, the space to hear one’s own voice. And, together, to tell the story of what it was like to become a new mum in 2020.” Emylia adds: “It’s been a great privilege to have the job of finding the narrative threads and stitching together this vast patchwork experience. “You’ll notice the recurring themes of the missing ‘village’, of isolation and uncertainty, and the extra pressures on mental
health, just as you’ll read of silver linings, new connections and incredible gifts.” Victoria Luk from Sands said: “We are grateful to Mothership Writers for choosing to support Sands through Born in Lockdown.” Born in Lockdown can be downloaded at: www. mothershipwriters.com/ borninlockdown. To make a donation to Sands, please visit: www.sands.enthuse.com/pf/ borninlockdown More information about Emylia and Mothership Writers can be found at www. mothershipwriters.com
Business for Sale Successful local oven cleaning business for sale. Very simple to run, this well established franchise offers many advantages including: Immediate cash flow with work scheduled in the diary from day one. Lots of lovely repeat customers with new customers added every week. Hours to suit: part-time or full-time, one or two people. Full training and support. Experience days available.
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Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
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March, 2021
n NEWS ACCESS to a new play park could be blocked by fly-tipping, a resident fears. Last month the Voice reported that £80,000 funding has been awarded to build a new children’s play area at Colebrook park, off Two Mile Hill. However, the path to the play area is via a private lane behind Hillside Avenue, used by residents to access their garages, which has been badly affected by fly-tipping in the past year. Hillside Avenue resident James Fey said that during Covid lockdowns the lane was blocked by fly-tipping on numerous occasions. He said residents recorded the van registration of the fly-tipper and provided their name and address to Bristol City Council. However, because the lane is private property, the residents were told by the council that they’d have to clear up the waste themselves each time. He said, “We were told
'Fly-tipping could affect access to new play area' it wasn’t their problem even though the lane was blocked off by mattresses, nappies and so on. “The lane is also full of potholes so it’s not suitable to get a wheelchair or buggy over into the park, or for kids on bikes. “I’d also like to know what the council is going to do about safety at night, such as locking the gate and installing lighting. “When the old play equipment was there, we had problems with graffiti and vandalism of our garages. Teenagers would hang around and leave those little silver balloons everywhere. “I’m not against the play park at all. I used to play there as a kid myself. But how will Bristol
City Council be able to carry out the works without gaining permission from residents to use the lane? How will they get in if the lane is blocked with refuse? “The point is, what will Bristol City Council be doing to make the lane safe for public access route entry points to the park? Why is fly tipping on one side of the park railings not their issue when the public and their pets could be exposed to hazardous waste?” The Friends of Colebrook Park group, which has applied for the grants to fund the new play area, said concerns weren’t raised during the local consultation about the play area. It is hoped that work on the
new play area will begin this month. A spokesperson from Bristol City Council said: “Work to refurbish the children’s play area includes the upgrade and extension of an existing access lane to provide a connecting path from Colebrook road. “The nearby lane in question is private and clearing fly-tipping on private lane is the duty of the landowner. “Installation of lighting and locking of the park would require additional revenue costs which funding does not cover.” It said the council’s enforcement team hasn’t had any contact about the fly-tipping in the lane.
Help Bristol Build Back Better Invest in clean, community-owned energy. Share offer now open. Our co-op has been developing community-owned, green energy generation in the Bristol area since 2011. In that time, we’ve raised over £12million, installed over 9MWp of solar and battery assets, and facilitated over £250,000 of community benefit payments. To invest and find out more: Visit: www.bristolenergy.coop Email: invest@bristolenergy.coop
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2021
n NEWS
15
Bold move to boost £25m scheme SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has snapped up vacant property in the centre of Kingswood to help bring about a £25million transformation of the high street. But as yet it has not been disclosed which buildings have been bought – or what will be done with them. The council says describes the purchase as providing “significant new assets”. The deal came to light as cabinet members approved £5 million funding for the revitalisation of the high street. This sum comes on top of £12.5million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund announced on Boxing Day and £7.5million match funding from the West of England Combined Authority committee on Friday, January 29. The council's masterplan includes the pedestrianisation
of Regent Street and a new public open space for markets, performance arts and cultural events. The unprecedented investment in the area will also see traffic rerouted and cycling and walking promoted with access to nearby green spaces and heritage sites. It will mean the full
restoration of the derelict Grade I-listed Whitfield Tabernacle into a cultural and community venue providing family and evening entertainment. Labour Cllr Kim Scudamore said residents would appreciate the regeneration funding and vision but too much attention had been given to the tabernacle, which was only one element. “The other elements, which
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I appreciate we are not in a position to discuss in much detail at this stage, are crucial and I’m sure much more difficult to progress,” he said. “Unfortunately, Kingswood has a few landlords who seem reluctant to take responsibility for the upkeep of their property and don’t seem to care about the impact that their deteriorating buildings can have on the entire area.” But Conservative cabinet member Cllr Steve Reade said: “This is an exciting time for Kingswood and its residents and I’m looking forward to unveiling future plans soon. There will be more consultation so there will be more opportunity for the public to give its viewpoint.” Cabinet member Cllr Ben Burton said the aim of buying and repurposing vacant buildings was to ensure the high street remained a relevant destination.
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2021
n NEWS ‘Joyous’ Feast Day at Our Lady of Lourdes LAST year at Our Lady of Lourdes, we were able to celebrate our Feast Day with a mass followed by planting projects, where members of the parent and parish community were invited in to help and engage with the children. That day marks the last time we have been able to connect in such a way with our community due to Covid-19 restrictions. As ever, though, we have continued to adapt to new ways of working and celebrating together, and on Thursday February 11, we marked this year’s Feast Day in a unique and inclusive way. Our Parish Priest Father Jim spoke to the children virtually, via Zoom, about the significance of the story of Saint Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes. This follows a year where we have been unable to gather for school masses and assemblies, but have embraced technology to deliver a daily diet of spiritual worship for children in school and at home.
During the day, teachers planned a series of exciting activities for our children, including
artwork, an online party, sweet, cake and biscuit making, magic tricks, a quiz and a bake-off contest. All children at home received special Feast Day cards, each containing a small art activity and a sachet of hot chocolate. Lockdown challenges and Covid-19 restrictions may have caused our Feast Day to be planned differently this year, but it was the most joyous occasion. As one child commented during the day, ‘Even though we are all apart, coming together like this makes us one big family.’
Charity seeks youth shelter property THE director of homelessness charity Caring in Bristol has written to Bristol letting agencies and landlords to find a four bedroom property with the aim of opening an emergency youth shelter in Bristol. The charity wants to meet a rise in the number of young homeless people needing support in the city, exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis. Centrepoint, a national youth homelessness charity supporting under-25s in England, has seen a 36 per cent increase in young people seeking support since lockdown began. In Bristol, the average number of young people not having a permanent home has risen from 7.1 to 9.6 per cent in 2020 alone. Caring in Bristol are calling on landlords and letting agencies to help them find the perfect space for the much-needed accommodation. The four or five-bedroom house will become an overnight safe space for those under 25 with no other available housing options and considering
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
a night on the street. This will make the shelter the only one of its kind in Bristol. The charity would be the sole tenant and is guaranteeing reliable rent, maintenance, health and safety and open communication with the property owner and managers. Those seeking sanctuary in the shelter will always be accompanied by two trained adults offering 24/7 housing and wellbeing support. Traditional night shelters available for young people have relied on a network of volunteer hosts providing spare bedrooms and dormitory style shelters - both of which are no longer viable during the pandemic. Ben Richardson, Caring in Bristol director, said: “It is imperative we work alongside our community to provide this safety net for valuable younger members of our society.” If you think you might be able to help, please contact by emailing partnerships@ caringinbristol.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2021
17
n C ONNECTING KINGSWOOD
n NEWS
Your views really count
Investing in future of teaching
CONNECTING KINGSWOOD is a group of businesses, charities and public services who work together in Kingswood. Last summer we created a survey to hear from Kingswood residents. The results of that survey are now in! Thank you to everyone who took time to fill it in. Here is a look at some of the findings. Of 433 responses 60% of people felt satisfied living in Kingswood. This included 11% who felt very satisfied and 49% who felt satisfied. 23% felt neither satisfied nor unsatisfied living in Kingswood, whilst 15% felt unsatisfied and 1% very unsatisfied. Crime was cited as the most important issue for residents affecting Kingswood today. When asked to select which, of a list of issues, were of most concern to individuals, Anti-Social Behaviour was scored most highly. Connecting Kingswood's Crime and Anti-Social behaviour group are listening to these concerns and want to work long term to improve the situation. To do this they need as much information on issues as possible. If you are experiencing or have witnessed anti-social behaviour, please contact the Community Safety Team on 01454 86 8582 or asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk. Other concerns highlighted in the survey included violent offences and racial incidents. Cases of Domestic Violence have sadly risen during Coronavirus. If you are aware of abuse, please report to the police; you can remain anonymous. If you need to plan a safe exit from a violent or controlling partner you can visit www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk/southglos/whatto-do-in-a-crisis/. Lockdown restrictions do not apply to those suffering domestic abuse. You can also report incident of racial abuse to the police. If you would rather not talk to the police you can call SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality) on 0800 171 2272. www.sariweb.org.uk. You can find more results from the Connecting Kingswood Survey on Facebook by searching for Connecting Kingswood.
Plans for slip road at tip PLANS for a slip road to ease traffic problems at the Mangotsfield Sort It centre have been submitted. South Glos Council bought the land for the slip road last year for an undisclosed sum. Niall Kelly, planning manager for council waste contractors SUEZ, said the slip road would "alleviate issues associated with traffic queuing to access the site" by separating vehicles waiting to get in to the tip from traffic heading to Siston Hill and Mangotsfield. He said: "No increase in traffic into the site is proposed as a result of the development." The council also wants to relocate its recycling lorries to Mangotsfield from their base in Cowhorn Hill in Warmley. If the plans get permission work on the slip road would begin during the autumn. Find out more on the council website: P21/00540/F.
CABOT Learning Federation, which is based in Kingswood, will be at the forefront of professional development for teachers following a Government announcement. The Department for Education has created Teaching School Hubs for Bristol and North Somerset, South Glos and B&NES and Somerset. CLF supported the successful bids for running the hubs, which came from Venturers Trust and Mangotsfield Primary School. Venturers Trust, through Colston’s Girls’ School, will lead the Somerset and Bristol and North Somerset hubs, with CLF as strategic partner, while Mangotsfield will lead the South Glos and B&NES hub. Alison Fletcher, director of the CLF Institute, said it would bring together a coalition of partners willing to collaborate under the ‘umbrella’ of the five counties and three hub areas. She said: “We have extensive experience delivering School Centred Initial Teacher Training, supporting early career teachers after qualification and developing leaders throughout their careers. We will bring this experience into our ongoing input to professional development and school improvement.” Faye Kitchen, headteacher at Mangotsfield, said the collaboration would make a difference across the area.
Future Bright scheme extended FUTURE Bright, a free career coaching and support service, delivered by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), is being extended from 1 March following a successful pilot. Future Bright has already helped over 2,000 people across the region with one-to-one support from a professional career coach. Over 1,000 of those have entered training and at least 600 have increased their income. Ahead of Careers Week (1-6 March), WECA has announced that it’s investing £3.6m to extend the scheme to those aged 18 and over and to those who earn below the real living wage. To find out more about the Future Bright scheme visit: https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/future-bright/.
If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
18
March, 2021
n NEWS
Engineering apprentice leads the way A YOUNG engineer from Kingswood is helping to highlight the benefit of apprenticeships with the Ministry of Defence. Iona Williams completed a threeyear advanced engineering scheme with Equipment & Support (DE&S) at Abbey Wood and is now employed there as a corrosion engineer in Naval Ships Support. Iona, 23, said “Since leaving the apprenticeship and regrading in September, I have become a level one engineer and one of the job roles I have taken on is managing the Warpaint publication document, which is used as the main acceptance document for paints that are approved for Royal Navy vessels.” She chose the apprenticeship route rather than university after her college course in engineering and has valued the flexibility it offered. “At the end of it, you leave with a Level 4 HNC and a Level 3 BTEC. It is quite good education wise and for you
to be able to choose where you want to regrade, whether it be ships or land or air, it’s great if you want a career path in DE&S. There’s definitely lots of chances to progress.” DE&S, the procurement arm of the MoD, employs more than 400 apprentices at a number of UK sites. It is currently seeking applicants for apprenticeships in engineering, finance and accounting and project management. Sue Snowball, from DE&S, said: “We’re always looking for talented and enthusiastic people across all backgrounds to start their exciting and fulfilling career with us. Our opportunities suit individuals who can apply themselves, bring their drive and energy at the start of their career and are outcome focused. We’re always expanding our range of training and what we offer through our apprenticeship schemes. To find out more, visit https://des. mod.uk/careers/graduate-schemes
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Iona Williams, an engineer at Abbey Wood
£1.1m railway path scheme CHANGES to the Bristol and Bath Railway Path between east Bristol and the city centre have been unveiled. Transport charity Sustrans and the city council are overseeing a £1.1m improvement scheme for the path on the stretch from Clay Bottom through Whitehall, Easton and St Philip's. The designs include widening the Clay Bottom "wiggle", where the path goes through a sharp S-bend, to create segregated paths for cyclists and pedestrians. Sustrans says many accidents or near misses have been reported there due to poor visibility, and the new layout will reduce the risks. It will also include a new, level access point from Rose Green Road, to make it easier for people to join and leave the path there. Other areas where there will be major changes include the junction at Easton Community Centre, where a large mound of earth will be levelled to create what Sustrans calls a more open, "social space".
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
A new path and seating is planned for the crossing near Whitehall Primary School. At Russell Town Avenue, near City Academy school, access from the road will be moved to make it easier for people using wheelchairs or pushing buggies, removing a sharp corner and making the slope more gentle. The path will also be widened, with separate cycle and pedestrian lanes marked out, at the St Philip's Causeway underpass. The designs were produced following a series of community consultations in late 2019 and early last year. Work has already started at Clay Bottom, where trees have been removed to enable the widening. Sustrans says that in total, 19 trees will be removed for the scheme but 250 will be planted, including a new woodland link to to Coombe Brook Nature Reserve. In other areas the work is being planned to minimise. The designs and more details can be found online at www. sustrans.org.uk/bbrp-project.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2021
19
n NEWS
Nick tackles charity cycle challenge WHEN Nick Look wanted to help a charity club he attends, he didn’t let lockdown stand in the way of a big challenge. Nick, 39, decided to cycle the distance from John O’Groats to Land’s End on an exercise bike to raise money for Keynsham Mencap, which provides leisure and social opportunities for 150 people with learning disabilities and autism. Nick, who has Down’s syndrome, is a member of the charity’s Club 25 for adults, and wanted to support them because he enjoys the events and holidays they organise. The charity has had to suspend its regular events because of coronavirus restrictions but is continuing to organise activities and fitness sessions over Zoom, and make sociallydistanced visits to members. Having started cycling for a couple of and had already raised more than £3,700, hours a day at his at his mum’s house in including gift aid, as the Voice went to print. Pucklechurch to keep fit during lockdown, Nick, who is staying with his mum during Nick decided to attempt the equivalent of the lockdown but usually lives in his own flat, 840 miles it takes to cycle from one end of said he decided on the challenge because he the country to another. was keen to continue to exercise, which had He aimed to complete the challenge by helped him lose five stone over the past two Easter and raise £500 in the process. But not years. only is Nick pedalling more than 30 miles a He said: Winter ad.qxp_Layout 1 of 19/09/2020 1 “I don’t find it hard at all – my day, heVoice is racking up hundreds donations,23:14 Page bum gets sore, but only occasionally!”
A HAPPY RETIREMENT IS JUST ROUND THE CORNER
Nick has been boosted by the comments and good wishes he has had on social media, which he said made him cheerful and proud of himself. He said: “I am totally amazed at people who sponsored me, who have been so generous, giving so much money for Mencap.” Nick’s love of music, particularly from the 60s, and James Bond films has also been helping him through lockdown. His mum Rosemary said Nick had been a member of Keynsham Mencap’s “brilliant” volunteer-run clubs since he was eight or nine years old, and had carried on attending after leaving home to live independently 15 years ago. She said: “We are all astounded at people’s generosity.” Amanda Leonard, of Keynsham Mencap, said all the money raised would go straight to supporting members. She said: “This is an amazing amount of money and we are truly grateful.” To donate online, visit easydonate.org/ NICK For more information about Keynsham Mencap visit www.keynshammencap.org.uk
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
20
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
March, 2021
n NEWS
'I didnot realiseI wasEuropean' Martin named as a HELP is on hand for EU nationals and their families who live in South Gloucestershire. They now have less than 100 days to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to be able to continue living and working in the UK. Home Office figures show that not everyone knows they need to apply: 11,360 EU citizens living in South Gloucestershire have made the application, out of an estimated 17,000. After applying, 98% of successfully achieved either pre-settled or settled status. The multilingual team at Southern Brooks Community Partnership is raising awareness and giving individuals across South Gloucestershire support with all aspects of the EU settlement scheme. EU Brexit Development Coordinator Tamara Smith said: "Time is running out. So far we've helped many successful applicants, but we see a lot of cases where people didn't realise they need to apply. "Today we ask friends, colleagues, employers and neighbours of EU nationals to highlight the urgent need to apply and their right to remain in the UK. "We can support individuals through their application, but after June 30, people who have lived here for decades are at risk of becoming irregular migrants overnight." One mother of two, who had moved to the UK from Germany as a child in the 1940s and is technically a German national, said: "I did not realise I was European; I would never have thought Brexit applied to me." Groups likely to be excluded include older people, young people in care, children born here to EU parents, domestic violence victims (including those with an EU ex-partner) and temporary workers. Free multilingual support with applications is available from Southern Brooks Community Partnerships for South Gloucestershire residents by calling 07929 787 473 or emailing euss@southernbrooks.org.uk.
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With the support of:
top change maker A LOCAL man has found his way onto a national list of the UK's top 100 change makers – a list of the innovators, creators and radical thinkers who are making a difference. Martin Bisp, co-founder of charity Empire Fighting Chance, came in at number 33 on the Big Issue's annual celebration of people who are making the world a better place. Martin and his friend Jamie Sanigar, started the Eastonbased boxing charity 13 years ago. Their non-contact boxing programmes have been credited with transforming the lives of thousands of young people. Martin finds himself in good company – Marcus Rashford is number one for his campaign in persuading the government to provide holiday meal vouchers to 1.3 million children. Martin, 50, who lives in Downend, said: “I have no idea how they identified our work but it was flattering that we were included.” Martin's place in the list acknowledges the challenges the charity has faced during lockdown. It also gave him a platform to call for organisations such as schools and police to take a more compassionate view of young people. “I never met a 13-year-old who wants to become a drug dealer. Circumstances such as complex home lives dictate it,” he told the Big Issue. Martin's work during lockdown reveals how passionate he is about reaching out to the most vulnerable in society. “It became obvious last February that we might have a problem so we started to look at different ways we could engage kids if we couldn't meet faceto-face. We rang every single young person on our one-to-one therapy programme - those who are the most vulnerable - and told them whatever happens we will support you. We guaranteed they could still access support from a mentor.” This not only included Zoom work but also socially distanced sessions at car parks adjoining
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tower blocks. They also worked with the Pasco Group, which owns Subway franchises, to deliver food parcels. “Every week we visited a number of families where we delivered food and a session at the same time.” When restrictions started to lift, Martin oversaw the construction of a makeshift outdoor gym on the basketball court at the charity's base in Easton. “It was pretty weather proof so we started to do socially distanced face-to-face sessions, carrying on our usual work.” Martin and his team were able to continue working with schools as many stayed open to support vulnerable children. The charity found itself receiving additional referrals, fuelled by other services and charities floundering because of the pandemic. Martin fears the future will hold even bigger challenges. “Furlough ends at the end of April so we are going to have more unemployment and poverty, and there are published links between poverty and mental health issues. "Having young people out of school for so long will lead to problems. We also have a huge issue of young people being groomed for gangs and poverty is a big driver for that. It is a concern.” Martin is currently working with the Home Office to investigate long-term solutions to youth violence.
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March, 2021
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21
n PHOTOGRAPHY HANHAM
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Autumn silhouettes: Teresa Hopkins, left A nice wee drop of weather we are having: Cynthia Mallin, right
n NEWS
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Cyclist's appeal to hit-and-run driver
AN NHS worker who was left injured in the road by a hit-andrun driver has spoken of her ordeal. Samantha Needle was cycling home from a shift as a crisis support worker for Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust when a car sped through a junction in Speedwell, ignoring give way lines, and ploughed into the front of her bike, throwing her along the side of the car and in to the road. The car went into a cul-desac, where the driver turned around, then mounted the kerb to go around Samantha, who was lying next to her damaged bike, before driving off, leaving her in "agony". The 54-year-old cyclist suffered multiple fractures to her ribs, chest, spine and pelvis, and a knee injury and damage to tendons in her shoulder. She was in pain for a month afterwards and has only just got back on her bike, after more than three months. Avon and Somerset police have released shocking CCTV video of the incident at the junction of Kingsmead Road, Meadow Vale and Kingsmead Walk, which happened at around 8.15pm on November 25, in the hope that someone will come forward and identify the driver. The car was a rare convertible Peugeot 206cc or 207cc, and may have suffered damage to the front. Samantha had right of way
and was "lit up like a Christmas tree", with lights on her bike and helmet, and a high-vis jacket, when the car drove straight across from Meadow Vale Road into Kingsmead Walk. Samantha was taken to Southmead Hospital where she was initially thought to have only suffered bruising, until staff took a close look at scans and x-rays and found multiple fractures. Although she returned to work a few days later, Samantha was in pain for a month afterwards and still has problems with her knee and shoulder. It was not until after police told her about the CCTV that she learned about the driver turning back and driving around her. Samantha said: "It enrages me that someone could have such disregard for another human being. "If you do know that person, if nothing happens and they aren't held accountable, will they do that to somebody else? "If somebody does know who it is, this is just about doing the right thing and putting a stop to someone else being in that situation." The police appeal including video of the collision can be viewed by searching for 'Speedwell collision on the police website, avonandsomerset.police. uk. Police have called on anyone with information to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5220 266 271.
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March, 2021
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
My positive plan LAST month I reported on the fantastic news we had on two of our long-running campaigns that feature as part of my Positive Plan for Kingswood. First, we had confirmation that we had secured £25 million of public investment from South Gloucestershire Council, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and from Government to transform the heart of Kingswood in ways that are fit for the future. We also had news that our bid for a new £26 million school in Lyde Green had been approved, which will give more choice for pupils and their families in this growing part of South Gloucestershire. This month I want to encourage your ideas for the
next stage of my Positive Plan. As part of the Government’s plan to invest in local infrastructure and help boost the local economy as we recover from coronavirus, a new £4 billion Levelling Up Fund has been announced, to be invested in projects which will have a visible and positive impact on people and their communities and drive economic growth. As your MP, I would like to know your ideas and priorities for this Levelling Up Fund. I can then work with the council, WECA and others on how best to achieve these for our area. This could include preparing one or more funding bid(s) that will command local support and stand the best possible chance of success in what will be a competitive process. Should we be successful, this investment would be on top of what is already planned across
the Kingswood constituency this year. Across council budgets and schools funding, we will see almost £200million of investment in the 2021/2022 financial year here in Kingswood. This equates to almost £5,000 per household and is an increase since last year. From investing in children’s futures through the launch of a new Youth Employment Hub, supporting the most vulnerable with extra access to advice services, boosting the attractiveness of our high streets and working towards a net zero carbon Kingswood - all this is so important for supporting our local economy and securing our area’s future prosperity as we recover from unprecedented twelve months. Have your say on these projects by taking part in my survey, found at this link: https:// www.surveymonkey.co.uk/
Chris Skidmore writes for
Hanham & Longwell GreenVoice r/9BVJQDG You will find a list of potential options and projects for investment, but I am also keen to hear your thoughts and feedback. You can also email me your comments and ideas on chris. skidmore.mp@parliament.uk
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March, 2021
23
n KINGSWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM
New displays, new season THE team at Kingswood Heritage Museum have been preparing four new displays for the 2021 season. These include two centenary celebrations, featuring a major employer in the area, Fantasie Foundations, and the history of education at Brook Road (formerly Kingswood Grammar School and now King`s Oak Academy). Further displays will celebrate the bi-centeniary of the consecration of the Holy Trinity Church at Kingswood, and the bizarre story of the death of the first person to be hanged at Bristol New Gaol, John Horwood (featured in the picture).
Lucas Ruskit Mills display
Kingswood Heritage Museum is open every year from April to November. It is located in the former Champion Brass Works, at Tower Lane, Warmley, BS30 8XT, just off Avon Ring Road (Cadbury Heath exit). Buses 19, 19a, 42 and 43 stop nearby.
Quarry Court
Kingswood Heritage Museum is creating a new display featuring the Lucas factory in Kingswood, and in the last edition appealed for information from anyone involved with the company. The Museum was once again delighted with a reply from a reader. This super picture of a
Adelaide Place, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2FX
Lucas van was part of a postcard collection of a former employee, who worked for the company until it moved to Portbury. If you can provide any information, photographs or artefacts please contact the Museum on 0117 960 5664 or by email: kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com
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Face Masks The wearing of face masks so much of the time when we venture away from home is highly effective in minimizing the spread of the Covid19 virus. However, if you walk around any street nowadays, you will see disposable masks that have been dropped on the ground after use which is really concerning. These masks are made from layers of plastic which are not biodegradable and will easily end up in watercourses, potentially harming wildlife. A used mask can also potentially carry the Covid19 virus and is hazardous to those people employed or who volunteer to pick litter off the streets. Wearing masks can be uncomfortable and inconvenient and we all have to do it to beat the spread of this horrible virus but there’s no excuse to drop them on the ground when you’ve finished with them. We know that most of you dispose of your masks responsibly but, to the minority of people who drop them on the ground, please put them in a bin.
Hanham Common Fayre cancelled for 2021 It is with great regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the 2021 Hanham Common Fayre which was planned for the 15th May. We were really hoping that the Covid19 situation would have allowed us to go ahead but there is no way that social distancing can be managed with the large number of people that attend. Although vaccinations are being rolled out at a rapid rate, there is no possibility that all age groups will be fully vaccinated by May 2021. To give you something to look forward to, next year’s Hanham Common Fayre will be held on 14th May 2022. Booking forms for stallholders will be available on the parish council website www.hanhamabbots-pc.gov.uk once the committee have met in November 2021 to set the stall fees etc.
Recycling As we are required to put the recycling out by 7am many residents, very understandably, put recycling out the night before collection day. However, with the windy weather we’ve experienced lately and animals such as foxes sniffing around, items of recycling often end up being scattered around the area. SITA operatives do their best with picking up items of recycling but they cannot be expected to carry out a complete litter pick of every street. Can we ask that every resident secures items of recycling within whatever container you are using, particularly if you need to put your recycling out the night before collection day. Discarded mask – a common sight on our streets and open spaces
The Clerk can be contacted at:Email: clerk@hanhamabbots-pc.gov.uk Tel: 0117 3039137 Parish Council Website: www.hanhamabbots-pc.gov.uk
Parish Council Meetings Hanham Abbots Parish Council is continuing to meet online via Zoom at least until 7th May 2021. Unless government legislation is extended to allow local councils to meet remotely beyond 7th May, we will then need to return to face to face meetings.
Details of how members of the public can attend virtual meetings are shown on each meeting agenda which can be accessed via the parish council’s website www.hanhamabbotspc-gov.uk.
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2021
25
n NEWS
Cheryl Rowley, 25
Raegan Foster, 31
Liam Ramsey, 23
George Hiscox, 21
Rhys Barwick, 22
I go to Ashley Down college and during lockdown I completed my work placement. The placement was packing boxes full of food for people and families who can’t get out and about and elderly people. It was very hot work!
I found a job in Primark. During lockdown the queues were horrendous. I just stayed calm and got on with it, which was a big achievement for me.
During lockdown I took part in a three-week course with Prince’s Trust, which helped me gain confidence in myself. I have also learned how to manage my money and, as a result, I have saved enough money to go on my dream holiday to Poland and Italy once Covid-19 is over.
I’ve spent lots of time learning card games, specifically poker, which I’ve become very good at. It’s been a fun way to pass the time and I really enjoy playing. Lockdown has also made me appreciate the fun things I do in my life, such as going to the cinema, and I shouldn’t take them for granted.
I applied for five jobs and, after many interviews, I finally managed to get a job that I am really enjoying. I have also managed to change my diet and lose weight, which has made me feel good about myself. When we weren’t in lockdown I started playing tennis again and realised that doing activities you enjoy is really important. I’ve also started making videos on YouTube: you can find me on Mrmusicman.
Lockdown success stories! WHILE many of us spent months on the sofa, a group of young adults were setting and achieving lockdown challenges for themselves. Residents of two supported living homes, Lodge Road in Kingswood and Air Balloon in St George, decided to use the time constructively rather than dwell on what they couldn’t do. Between them they have achieved all their goals, including applying for and securing jobs, getting college qualifications and focusing on healthy living. The two homes support young adults with a range of needs, including care leavers, mild learning or physical disabilities, and autism. They are part of a network of six Bristol homes run by Transformations Care and Support. Operations manager Luke Fain said he had great admiration for what the residents had achieved. He said: “It’s been remarkable to see how they’ve all matured and discovered what they’re capable of by pushing themselves to do something new. “For a lot of these young people routine is really important and of course that all blew up when we went into
lockdown. They all decided to use the time to focus on something positive, whether it was simply keeping on top of their own laundry and eating healthily, or getting qualifications or jobs for the first time. “We’ve seen such a huge boost in their self-motivation. protect your your family’sfamily’s inheritance A Will Willlets letsyou you protect inheritance It was part steely determination and decide youryour assets are shared out – if out you – if you and decidehow how assets are shared WEB-CAM in the face of adversity and part don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. support from the home manager, Charlie, and her team who have Please feel free done an amazing job.” The next challenge is to get to call us during more involved in community life. office hours on: Luke said: “These young people are just like anyone else 0117 952 0698 and want to socialise with other people their age. However, they or email haven’t got the networks most info@elm-online.co.uk people have of old school friends www.elm-online.co.uk and so on, because they might have moved about a lot or been info@elm-online.co.uk We have teamteam of We havea aBristol-based Bristol-based of trained in care. We have done things like trained Willawriting consultants whocan now We have Bristol-based team Will writing consultants who Mirror Wills Single Or www.elm-online.co.uk Zoom quizzes to keep everyone can now provide the same personal of trained Will writing consultants provide the same personal face to face face to face meetings via our Couples FROM £99.00 entertained, but we’d like to who provide a and, home visiting serviceand, meetings via our Web-Cam-Wills Web-Cam-Wills subject to health expand on that. We’d love to find and safety, canto take your instructions in can the still subject safety, we and wehealth can stilland provide a homeopportunities in the community visiting service to take your instructions in We have ayour Bristol-based comfort own home. team provide aofhomeMirror Wills Single Or the comfort of your own home. where they can get to know visiting service to writing take of trained Will consultants Couples FROM £99.00 other people in the area outside your instructions the visiting Making Secure Plansservice for Uncertain Futures who provide a inhome comfort of your own of their own little group in the and can take your instructions in the home. homes.” comfort of your own home. Any suggestions would A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out – if you be welcomed by manager don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. Charlie Bees at CharlieB@ Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures transformationscareandsupport. Please feel free com
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2021
n LOCAL HISTORY
Handel Cossham: preacher, educationalist andpolitician
A bust of Handel Cossham stands in the hospital funded by his legacy and named in his honour
Last month Mangotsfield Residents Association member and historian David Blackmore looked at the early life and industrial success of Handel Cossham, who owned mines which now lie disused under the area, and land on which thousands of our homes are now built. But how did his name end up on roads, a hall and even a hospital? This month, David looks at his public life and legacy. AS Handel Cossham grew up in Thornbury, he listened to some of the most celebrated nonconformist speakers and ministers. At 16 Cossham himself became a teacher in the Thornbury Congregationalist Chapel's Sunday school. By 18, he was addressing temperance meetings, and became a school teacher and a lay preacher. It was only the start of a lifetime of service, which would see him continue to preach, found schools and eventually lead to him becoming an MP – and a benefactor for the public good after his death. The 1858 Primitive Methodist magazine gives an account of the opening of Mangotsfield Primitive Methodist chapel, which had operated from a single room since 1836.
Cossham's memorial in Avonview Cemetery, St George
Cossham became very interested in the church, and his drive and enthusiasm bought new life into its activities. A revival in January 1857, with 60-70 new members, made more room essential and the foundation stone of a new chapel was laid by Cossham, then living at Shortwood Lodge. It was built by local preacher Mr Lambert and opened that November. A Sunday school was added and it eventually became Cossham Street Methodist Church. Education was of huge importance to Cossham, and he helped set up the British School (to provide Christian but non-sectarian education) near the colliery in Thornbury in 1850, before establishing an infants school at Pucklechurch, and British Schools at Mangotsfield, Staple Hill and Gillingstool, Thornbury, which was built in 1862. He also started schools for his colliers' children in Yate and Parkfield, between Pucklechurch and Lyde Green. Cossham was involved in the temperance movement to curtail alcohol consumption from the age of 13 and it was a fundamental part of his lifelong beliefs. In his later life it was reported that Cossham said of his 1,500 employees that "if total abstinence prevailed, wages would be raised 25 per cent without strikes or agitation, and with injury to no one". When he bought the old Wesleyan Chapel in Thornbury for £150 in 1888 and donated it to a group of trustees for use as a public hall – later to be named Cossham Hall – he stated that “liquors and tobacco shall not be sold or supplied”. The hall was to be used for “philanthropic, religious, moral, political, educational, musical and general purposes”.
In the 1860s Cossham entered politics, becoming a Bristol city councillor for the St Paul’s ward, where he defeated the Conservative candidate by a large majority, and he then turned his ambition towards Parliament, standing unsuccessfully at Nottingham in 1866, Dewsbury in 1868 and Chippenham in 1874. From 1882 to 1885 he was mayor of Bath and, in November 1885, became the first Liberal MP for the newly-created East Bristol constituency. The November 28 edition of the Western Daily Press recorded the celebrations on a dark and wet night on Troopers Hill, saying: "A large crowd of three or four thousand persons assembled, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. Numerous tar barrels were placed together and ignited, and the bonfire might have been seen from the greater part of Bristol." During his time in Parliament Cossham contributed to 272 debates and it was in London that he died of a heart attack on April 23 1890, either at the National Liberal Club in Whitehall or in the House of Commons, according to conflicting reports. At the time of his death his home was Holly Lodge, in Holly Lodge Road, St George, where he
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had served on the local and school boards. On the day of Cossham's funeral an estimated 50,000 people were present at the St George Cemetery – now Avonview – or lined the route. Cossham was a staunch advocate for a local park, with St George Park eventually being laid out after his death, on 38 acres of land at Fire Engine Farm in 1894. Having no children, in his will he directed his trustees to build and endow a hospital near Kingswood Hill for the treatment and relief of the sick and injured. The hospital cost £30,000 to build and furnish, with a further £90,000 invested in an endowment to maintain 50 beds. Cossham Hospital eventually opened in 1907 on Lodge Hill, on the border of Fishponds and Kingswood. Cossham dedicated it to the working people of East Bristol and South Gloucestershire, "that I may hereafter be remembered by the sick and suffering as a friend who, in death, as well as in life, felt it his duty to try to lessen human suffering and increase human happiness". *Elements of this article were produced with the help of Thornbury Roots website, www. thornburyroots.co.uk
Cossham Hospital was paid for by a bequest in Handel Cossham's will
March, 2021
n FRYS BOWLING CLUB WITH the arrival of spring and the government announcing the restart of outdoor sports at the end of March, Frys Bowling Club in Keynsham are starting to plan for the new bowls season. If you are looking for something new to try this summer, or have played bowls before and want to get back into the game, and meet new people, why not come and join us. Our season runs from mid-April to the end of September. The club plays friendly matches on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, and for those who like a competitive match, we play in the Bristol and District League on Thursday evenings, as well as a number of cup matches. We also offer
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice internal club competitions and there are plenty of opportunities for those who prefer to play socially. The club will look to offer as much play as the regulations from Bowls England and the government allow. For more information about Frys Bowling Club or if you wish to apply for membership, or arrange tuition, please contact our Secretary, Christopher Day, on 01225 872959, e-mail: frysbowlsclub@gmail.com. You can also visit our website for more information: www. frysbowlsclub.webs.com.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
3
Getting around: Major project updates GETTING around in South Gloucestershire is set to be safer, quicker and greener, thanks to major projects which are currently underway. These include: • Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension: The bridge move, the heaviest ever bridge lift of its kind in the U.K, has now been completed as part of this project. Once the remaining works are finalised, the metrobus route will travel through the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, on the former airfield site, and link with Highwood Road at the San Andreas roundabout, next to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway • Wraxall Road roundabout: Work is underway on South Gloucestershire’s first through-about (a roundabout with lanes of traffic through the middle). The improvements will reduce traffic congestion and increase capacity at the busy junction on the A4174 Avon Ring Road • Yate Park and Ride site: Opening later this year, the £3.5 million park and ride on Badminton Road will help reduce traffic by encouraging people to use other travel options such as public transport, cycling or car sharing. It will include 192 parking spaces, 38 electric vehicle (EV) charge points, and secure cycle storage for 46 bicycles. Existing bus routes and
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade next to the new electric vehicle charging hub at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green services, ahead of the expansion of metrobus services to the area, will take passengers into Bristol and Yate • Electric vehicle charging hub at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green: the council has installed a 12-charging bay hub complete with a solar canopy, with six EV charge points, as part of the Revive vehicle charging
Land purchased for new Thornbury healthcare facility SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is to purchase the Thornbury Hospital site to support the development of new healthcare facilities. In a landmark agreement with North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), South Gloucestershire Council will secure the land to advance longterm proposals to deliver improved GP primary care, outpatient and social care services for Thornbury. This follows a £13.3 million bid to Government for the redevelopment of the site. It will also provide a new home for the town’s local GP practices, enhanced mental health support, social care and NHS beds and a proactive ‘frailty hub’ which would focus on the elderly community receiving care in their own homes.
network • Links between Lyde Green and Emersons Green: A £6.5 million project to improve pedestrian and cycling routes between Emersons Green and Lyde Green • Flood resilience: The Government has awarded £3.2 million to help improve the drainage of roads in South Gloucestershire. The council is also contributing a further
£500,000 to the scheme from existing maintenance budgets • E-scooters: Following the successful launch of the West of England e-scooter trial, the trial area for the ‘hop-on hop-off’ rental e-scooters is expanding to include areas such as Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Filton in South Gloucestershire.
Extra funds for Kingswood town centre project KINGSWOOD’S town centre regeneration project has received significant additional funding. The West of England Combined Authority has announced a £7.56 million investment, supported by a further £5 million from South Gloucestershire Council. Together, this matches the £12.5 million secured by the council through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, announced in December. The funding will pay for: the pedestrianisation of Regent Street; the creation of a new public open space providing opportunities for markets, performance arts and cultural events; traffic re-routing; and promoting cycling, walking and access to nearby green spaces and Kingswood’s local heritage sites. It will also fund the full restoration of the historic Whitfield Tabernacle, which has lain derelict for three decades, to become a cultural and community venue. Finally, the funding will allow the council to invest in property and commercial premises that will directly contribute to the town centre regeneration at a time when the market faces considerable challenges. Local feedback has played a major part in developing a masterplan for Kingswood and the council aims to publicly consult on this more widely in the coming year.
4
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Think NHS 111 first
Census 2021: Take part
IF you have an urgent but non-life-threatening medical need, make sure you use NHS 111 first rather than going straight to A&E. NHS 111 will help you right away. If you need urgent care, the NHS can book you in to be seen quickly and safely at an appropriate local service such as a minor injury unit or the out-of-hours GP. If you need an emergency ambulance, one can be dispatched immediately. Clinicians, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and paramedics, play an increasingly important role in NHS 111. In many cases clinicians in the service can assess patients and provide the advice you need over the phone without having to visit a physical service You should still dial 999 if you have a life-threatening illness or injury. Just think 111 first. When you think you need A&E, contact NHS 111 by phone or online.
HOUSEHOLDS across South Gloucestershire will be asked to take part in Census 2021 this spring. Census day is Sunday 21 March, it is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central Government to organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services across England and Wales. Census outputs inform where billions of pounds of public funding are spent on services such as transport, education and health. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
EU Settlement Scheme: reminder
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family members need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. To be eligible, you need to have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. You can apply and find organisations that can help with your application on this website www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
Keep in touch with the latest South Glos news
Sign up now for our weekly update on the latest
Covid-19 news for the local area and council service updates: www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on 01454 868009
Businesses can also sign up for weekly updates on
Covid-19, support grants, and other local resources and updates: www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19businessupdates www.southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus