hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2022 Issue 65
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022 -2023 budget. At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life. It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network. This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year - 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.
Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: • Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance • Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million • A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library • Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year– the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year • Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays - a
lifeline for some families • Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.
Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see page 2). In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.
Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike. The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.
Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives
View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage
Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate WELCOME - We’re very pleased to partner again with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund. We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too - spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies. I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.
such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district. In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for
nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits. Continued on next page
2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
BUDGET CONTINUED
A new jubilee park A brand-new park in Cadbury Heath will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and provide a green space for everyone to enjoy. The council is spending £500,000 on this unique project to enhance an existing open space in the community. As well as new landscaping, paths and planting, the new park will focus on wildlife and biodiversity to enable residents to reconnect with nature.
Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.
Looking after our environment Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.
self-sufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy. Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com
Join in the spring clean
Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid. Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid singleuse plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment. More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become
Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April. If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team. They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit southglos.gov.uk/springclean
Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog
Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone. The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly. Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.” The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years. If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF
Financial help for you Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open. Find out more and apply online at www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on 01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.
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March, 2022 Issue 65
FREE EVERY MONTH IN HANHAM & LONGWELL GREEN
Popular gymnastics club is thrown a lifeline NEW gymnastics and netball facilities are to be created on the former Grange School site in Warmley. South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet has committed £3.84 million to the project, which it is hoped will provide a permanent home for Majestics Gymnastics, whose current base in Longwell Green is set for redevelopment. The council intends to put forward a planning application to refurbish the former school sports hall. The proposed works include the addition of a single storey extension, the addition of a café, improved accessibility and general re-purposing of the existing facilities. The existing building fabric will also be repaired and upgraded. The site is already home to the Digitech School and on the southern part of the land, the council has identified the location for a new two-form entry primary school, which will ultimately accommodate 420 children. The council says the aim is for the school’s construction to begin next year and for the first pupils to be able to start lessons in September 2024. The school is due to be run by the Cabot
Residents help dementia charity Entertainer Frankie Johns has thanked residents at Avonlea Court in Longwell Green for raising £300 for Dementia UK at one of his performances. PAGE 9
Life-changing op for Oscar, 5 Following a huge fundraising effort, five-year-old Oscar Cridge, from Barrs Court, has had surgery that could help him walk independently. PAGE 11 Youngsters at Majestics Gymanstics celebrate with South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage Learning Federation. The northern playing field will be redeveloped for housing, generating between 150-200 units. Thirty five per cent of these properties will be affordable and a further proportion will be custom/self-build homes. The
council says it anticipates that, subject to the formal planning process, people will be able to move into new homes here in 2025. A contractor has been appointed for the initial Turn to Page 4
Together again after lockdown Michelle Ford, from Hanham, and her mum Gill Flower, are building up their community cafes in North Common and Kingswood after lockdown. PAGE 24
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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 23. 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.
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
March, 2022
n NEWS
Gymnastics club thrown a lifeline From Page 3
for installation by the end of spring 2023. Leader of South Gloucestershire Council Councillor Toby Savage said: “We’ve held a long-standing ambition to redevelop this brownfield site in Warmley and I am delighted we have been able to approve this funding which will provide excellent new sports facilities alongside the plans for new housing and a brand-new school. The council has been working hard to help the outstanding Majestics Gymnastics Club find a new home and this decision is certainly a step in the right direction. “The vision for this new community is for it to be socially inclusive, connected to the wider area and have a range of recreational opportunities and open spaces for the benefit of the people of Warmley. The mix of different types of homes will help meet the need for quality houses for local people and the next generation of this growing community. “As plans come forward and planning permission is sought, the community will have the opportunity to have their say
on proposals. We are already engaged with local people, which has helped shape our vision for the site and how it links to the wider Warmley area. We look forward to further developing the detailed plans and to sharing them with the community.” Candice Littleton and Michelle George, owners of Majestics Gymnastics, whose Longwell Green base could be redeveloped, said: “It is fantastic news that the council has been able to make this substantial investment to deliver brand new and exciting sporting facilities at the former Grange School. "We are truly grateful for all the effort the council continues to put into helping us find a permanent home, with this investment being a very big step.” The new sports elements will cost £3.84 million and are part funded by a Section 106 developer contribution of £435,000. The total investment for the Grange site is now £10.51 million including grant funding of £4.65 million from Homes England and £2.02 million from the Brownfield Land Release Fund via the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) One Public Estate programme.
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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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n NEWS
People power solves penguin palaver RESIDENTS sprang into action to save the half-term penguin trail in Hanham High Street when it looked as though funding had been withdrawn. Vicky Mersey and Lucy Morgan were looking forward to taking their children to spot pictures of penguins hidden in shop windows. However, organiser Nicola Bartlett, who runs the Eclectic Gift Shop, posted on Facebook that the agreed £250 funding from Hanham Business & Community Partnership (HBCP) had not been handed over. She said: “The funding was agreed at the January meeting but when I submitted my invoice at the February meeting the Chair and the Treasurer refused to pay it. “I wasn’t charging for any of my time to create the trail maps and goody bags, just the basic costs." The HBCP is funded by South Gloucestershire Council and, according to the minutes of its February meeting, currently has a bank balance of £6290. Ms Mersey said: “I can’t remember any business ever doing so much to bring the community together. Lucy and I decided to set up a Go Fund Me page to make sure the penguin trail could go ahead.” Within a few hours, the fundraising page had reached its target of £250, going on to raise more than £800 over the following days. Ms Mersey said: “The comments we’ve received show how much people value events like this on the high street. I was amazed at how quickly people donated. It was a small thing we
Molly and Isabelle on the trail, left,. Above, artist Rosie Webb could do to help and I’m really glad it’s been successful.” The additional money not only covered the costs of licensing the penguin pictures from artist Rosie Webb and a goody bag and certificate for each participant, but also some prizes. The winner will have their own penguin artwork painted by Rosie Webb, including their choice of accessories such as including their child’s own scarf or boots. Runner-up prizes include other penguin paintings. The money will be sufficient to organise another event on the high street later in the year, too. Resident Emma Holmes took daughters Molly and Isabelle to enjoy the trail during half term. She said: “It was lovely to see so many people out doing it. We need more of this on the high street. It’s fab!” Ms Bartlett said: “I had no
idea they were setting up the Go Fund Me and I’m absolutely blown away by how supportive everyone’s been.” HBCP chair Bernard Jackson, who owns Fleurtations florist in
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Hanham, said: “We took a vote in February and agreed the trail would go ahead but we were informed later that the vote was null and void because there were under seven people present at the meeting. “We will have another vote at the March meeting. We don’t like to pour water on what was a great idea. The problem is in the way it was executed.” To donate to the fundraiser go to bit.ly/penguin-trail
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n NEWS
n NEWS
March, 2022 February, 2022
n SPOTLIGHT ON FOSTER CARE
Club acts fast over safety concerns Hdy hdy OUT-OF-SCHOOL club The Zone was forced to take urgent action after an Ofsted inspection. hhh It was the first time Ofsted had assessed the club, which is run from a classroom at St Barnabas primary school in Bitton after school and during school holidays. The regulator raised serious concerns about safeguarding at the club and took enforcement action. In a report, Ofsted inspector Kelly Sunderland wrote: “This provision does not meet requirements. There are significant weaknesses in the management of the setting, which has an impact on the safety of children.” A child had escaped from the site because a perimeter fence wasn’t secure. In addition, managers hadn’t asked for references from previous employers to check whether staff were suitable to work with children. Ms Sunderland wrote: “The management team … do not follow the correct procedures for reporting concerns about a child. This puts children at significant risk of harm.” Despite the concerns, Ofsted noted that the children at the club enjoyed their time there and had plenty of opportunities to take part in a range of activities.
What is the difference between an independent fostering agency and a Local Authority? that the environments Foster carers in the assessments UK can apply to to ensure work with either a local safe for children. addition, authority (LA) or anare independent fosteringIn agency (IFA).the The reviewed and updated their choice depends on provider what feelshas right for them. recruitment procedures toafter ensure staff are Finding good-quality foster parents to look theall rising withchallenge children.for local number of childrensuitable in care isto anwork ongoing “We arethe satisfied provider hassiblings, met the authorities. This is particularly case forthe older children, safeguarding and welfare actions raised.” and young people with disabilities, where it can be a little more Perry, who has been a needs. manager at difficult to find suitableNicole foster homes due to complex The Zone since itagencies opened in 2019, Therefore, independent fostering in the UKsaid: work“We Ofsted’s and are so hard to recruit, trainhave and met support fosterrequirements parents to be able to care grateful the support from our parents. for these young people and for provide them with theall enjoyable “We weren’t overly impressed by the childhood they deserve. Ofsted report. We will wait a new The level of support – especially practical - is now oftenfor higher inspection in 12 months and hopefully we will a local authority. Supervising Social Workers Ms Sunderland wrote: “Staffwith haveana agency good than be rated as Good. We werecaseloads worried and the report in independent fostering agencies have lower are understanding of children’s interests and mightahave negative impact on business but therefore able to provide morea therapeutic approach to support use this information to plan activities that it hasn’t and we have had parents email us to foster carers. children enjoy. support about us.” becoming a foster carer, initially enquiring “Parents speak positively of theWhen club and One parent wrote: “Wefrom have nothing but it is important talks or arrange visits several comment that staff know their children well.”to attend good things to Team This Zone! independent fostering agencies or say localabout authorities. willAll of A month after the inspection, Ofsted The Zone team are professional, kind and allow you to discuss their process for foster carer training and inspectors followed up with a phone caring and we are assured that when the girls support. call to check whether the club had made are with them they are wellproviders, looked after.” The training programme can vary between so be improvements. Another The like Zone my son sure said: to ask lots of questions. Alsowrote: look at“At things statements In a summary of the call, Ofsted has reports always so feltyou secure, happy able to ofimproved purpose and Ofsted are aware of and strengths and “We found that the provider had confide any worries or concerns, which is areasof for improvement. their knowledge and understanding not alwaysyou easy I must Whichever chosen, willfor behim. carrying outexpress a very how child protection procedures and now fully way is every member of stable The Zone team deserves worthwhile role providing a safe and home for children understands their responsibilities. recognition for how they look after and care and young adults. “The provider has improved their risk for our children.”
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March, 2022
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'A balanced budget for everyone' COUNCIL tax bills in South Gloucestershire will rise by nearly three per cent from April. The increase, comprising 1.99 per cent for general services and one per cent for adult social care, means the local authority’s element for a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45 on the current year, or 93p extra a week. It was approved unanimously at a full council meeting on February 16 along with the annual budget, which includes more money for street cleaning, school buildings, roads and potholes, and children’s services. Opposition groups secured extra funding to help retrofit homes and reduce waiting times for therapy for sex attack victims from up to 42 months down to three. The Conservative administration’s budget keeps parking free at council-run car parks in the district, with a review of charges at Kings Chase shopping centre, which the authority bought last year. But while frontline services are protected, it also includes £9.5m of cutbacks in 2022/23 and £23.6m over the next four years, including staff redundancies, higher pest control fees and the end of subsidies for the HandyVan repairs service.
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Almost £260mwill be spent on day-to-day services, plus £140.5m on capital projects, over the next 12 months. Street cleaning teams will receive an additional £639,000, more than £12million will go on road repairs, £15.3million extra for children’s services amid ongoing criticism from Ofsted that vulnerable youngsters are at risk, and there will be a £1million prevention fund to help people stay healthier for longer. Schools will share an additional £7.3m from increased government funding, with spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) rising by £5m. Council leader Conservative Cllr Toby Savage said: “This balanced four-year budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. “We are protecting frontline services and investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire. We want to secure our area’s prosperity through investment in transport and infrastructure, schools and continued action to play our part in responding to the climate and environmental emergencies. Support for people in financial difficulties through our community resilience fund and our £1m commitment to preventing health issues are
just some of the features of this budget." Both opposition groups tabled budget amendments which were approved unanimously following negotiations, and some changes, before the meeting at Kingswood Civic Centre. Labour secured £7,300 from reserves for 10 more climate change workshops in schools and £75k from the newly created £1m prevention fund to ensure 50 victims of rape and sexual assault get therapy within three months rather than three-and-a-half years. Group leader Cllr Pat Rooney said: “In the short term our budget proposals will have an immediate impact for some of our most vulnerable victims of sexual assault and rape, and in the medium to longer term the workshops will give potentially lifesaving advice on how to cope with the real threat of catastrophic climate change events.” The Lib Dems secured an extra £110,000 to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. Group leader Cllr Claire Young said: “It appears that our repeated calls for more funding for climate action are finally hitting home.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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March, 2022
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Jubilee park HALF a million pounds will be spent creating a new park in Cadbury Heath to celebrate this summer’s Jubilee. A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said that the council’s cabinet had agreed to include £500,000 in its budget to create Queen’s Jubilee Park. He said: “Marking the Queen’s Jubilee and in memory of HRH Duke of Edinburgh and his interest in wildlife and nature, the new park will promote biodiversity and nature recovery in an urban environment. “The proposal will enhance an existing open space in Cadbury Heath to create a place for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. “Works will include new landscaping, paths and sympathetic planting.” South Gloucestershire Council said the site of the new park hasn’t been decided yet.
Ofsted's high praise for Parkwall OFSTED has said a Cadbury Heath school could be upgraded from Good to Outstanding at its next inspection. The regulator visited Parkwall primary school for the first time in six years. In that time, a new head of school and a new executive headteacher had been taken on. Ofsted inspector Paul Walker wrote in a report: “There is enough evidence of improved performance to suggest that the school could be judged Outstanding if we were to carry out a [full] inspection now. “Leaders have been successful in their aspiration to make the school the centre of the community. “One parent commented that the staff’s ‘attention to each pupil goes above and beyond.’ Many parents shared this view.” The school was praised for low amounts of bullying, encouraging pupils to be
ambitious and high standards in maths and English. Mr Walker wrote: “Staff and pupils develop very positive relationships, which helps pupils understand how to behave appropriately. “Staff feel valued by and supported by leaders. They talk positively about working in the school. “There is a wide range of opportunities available to the pupils, including trips and visits.
Leaders ensure that pupils are productive members of the local and wider community.” Head of school Gary Risdale said: “We are delighted that the hard work has paid off. “We really hope that local people are proud to read of their community's achievements.” The full inspection should take place within two years. The report can be found at https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/ file/50175828
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March, 2022
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Singer Frankie's charity surprise MORE than £300 was raised for charity by retirement housing residents at Avonlea Court in Longwell Green. Kingswood-based entertainer Frankie Johns had just finished one of his regular performances of golden oldies when he was in for a surprise. The residents, who knew of Mr Johns’s long-standing efforts to raise money for Dementia UK, donated the funds from their raffle and collection to his favourite cause. He said: “It was very generous of them. I’ve performed there lots of times but of course there was a big gap due to Covid. “People are gradually coming around to the idea of having performances again, although I performed behind a screen to make it safer.”
The selection of singalong songs went down a treat and included Maybe It’s Because I’m A Londoner, When You’re Smiling, Pack Up Your Troubles and Show Me The Way To Go Home. Mr Johns, 63, has supported Dementia UK since his motherin-law died from the condition in 2017. In total he has raised more than £70,000 for charity during his nearly 30 years as a performer. He said: “I was always an entertainer at school. “Back in those days I was expected to follow my father into his career, so I became a painter and decorator. But I performed whenever I could and loved karaoke. Eventually in 1995 I became a professional
Frankie Johns presents a certificate to Avonlea Court residents entertainer and I haven’t looked back since. I just love making people happy.” Mr Johns returned to Avonlea Court after his show to present the residents with a certificate,
thanking them for their donation. When he isn’t performing golden oldies, his act includes a cabaret show with props from different musicals, as well as an Elvis tribute.
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
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March, 2022
n NEWS Singers plea SINGERS are wanted for a choir which will perform in a celebration of the 800th anniversary of St James Church in Mangotsfield. The choir is set to perform at the closing concert for this year's Ham Farm Festival on July 31 from 5-6pm. Festival organiser Emily Correa is linking up with the church for the performance of Misa Criolla, a 20-minute mass by Argentinian composer Ariel Ramirez, with a professional soloist, conductor and ensemble. Emily is looking for between 40 and 60 singers who can commit to ten rehearsals, either in Mangotsfield or central Bristol, between May and the festival performance. To take part in the choir email hamfarmfestival@gmail.com. For more information on the festival visit www. hamfarmfestival.com.
Education Minister visits leading primary school PUPILS at Beacon Rise primary school received a prestigious visit from the Department for Education to show off their academic skills. Baroness Diana Barran, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Education, visited the school with Hannah Woodhouse, the Regional Schools Commissioner. Beacon Rise was selected for the meeting because it is in the top three per cent of schools for academic progress. The visitors toured the school before having a meeting with local headteachers including Beacon Rise principal Chris Thomas. Mr Thomas is chair of the South Gloucestershire Learning Alliance, which incorporates nearly 80 schools. The meeting was part of
Beacon Rise had the chance to give views about education reform a consultation with schools on national educational developments to be incorporated in a white paper on education reform. Mr Thomas said: “I shared
current school organisational structures and their impact on school performance. “The school welcomed the opportunity to share their achievements at a national level.”
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT QUARRY HOUSE NURSING HOME Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Quarry House in Fishponds offers safe and nurturing care We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.
We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply • Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible
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If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2022
n NEWS
11
Surgery takes place to help Oscar walk A LITTLE boy with cerebral palsy has undergone surgery to help him walk independently after his parents raised over £60k. Oscar Cridge, five, from Barrs Court, had the specialist SDR spinal surgery at the private Portland hospital in London because it wasn’t available on the NHS. As well as £35k for the operation, costs have included £2.5k for splints, rental of a flat in London for a month, plus hundreds of pounds each week on physiotherapy for the next two years. Father Shaun, 39, said it looked hopeful that the operation has helped Oscar. He said: “Already he’s able to sit up straight and cross his legs, which he couldn’t do before. “He’s finding it frustrating because it will take about six months for him to be able to do everything he could do before, such as pull himself upright without wearing splints. “There is definitely more movement in his feet. Before the operation his muscles wouldn’t allow his feet to straighten and he was permanently on tip toe. “We’re very glad to be back home now.” The five-and-a-half-hour operation went
to plan and Oscar spent six days in hospital before transferring to the family’s rented apartment in order to attend twice-daily
physio appointments for three weeks. A specialist, £7,500 wheelchair has been organised by fundraising musician Daz, via the Variety Club. Daz has organised several events and a charity single to help raise the money needed for the operation and rehabilitation. Oscar will now become one of the Variety Club’s young ambassadors. Mr Cridge said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us to date. We couldn’t have got this far without the support of the public. "We want to thank Daz and the Variety Club for all their help. “It seems very unfair that the surgery and rehabilitation isn’t available on the NHS and we are still having to ask other people to help us.” Oscar has begun a phased return to Emerson’s Green primary school and was delighted to see his friends again. His dream is to one day be able to play football with his friends without needing to use a frame to stand. Money for Oscar’s rehab and equipment can be donated at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/shaun-cridge-5
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice n KINGSWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM 12
March, 2022
The coming of Rome to the Avon Valley: invasion and settlement The first of this year’s programme of monthly talks will be held at the Museum on Wednesday 13th April, starting at 7.30. This is the first of two talks telling the story of the Roman invasion, occupation and
settlement of the area. The first talk will be provided by Stephen Bird MBE, the recently retired Head of Heritage Services for Bath and North East Somerset, and will feature the early Roman military and invasion period,
the laying out of roads and the establishment of civilian settlements. Admission costs £4, including tea or coffee, and seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664.
Museum opening The Museum reopens for the new season on 2 April, and will feature revamped permanent displays and three new temporary exhibitions: the Lucas factory in Kingswood; the Kingswood Tizer factory, and the Ambassador cinema (which later became the Odeon cinema and Kingswood Bowling Centre).
Further exhibitions will spotlight the areas of Cadbury Heath, Barrs Court, Longwell Green and Willsbridge. The photo shows part of one of the new exhibits featuring Dalton Young Products, a subsidiary of Kleeneze.
Rediscover St Nick’s Market St Nicholas Markets, also known as “St Nick’s” is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old City. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, the historic indoor and outdoor markets house over 60 stalls, selling a range of unique gifts, quality crafts, clothing and fashion, accessories, books, records and food. Eat in or take away, it is a food lover’s paradise, with food and flavours from across the world. From shoe repairs to key cutting and knife sharpening, you’re sure to find a trader to fix anything that’s broken. Open Monday to Saturday, enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Old City.
stnicholasmarkets.co.uk Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ Reopening High Streets Safely / Welcome Back Fund delivered with funding from:
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
ingswoodvoice
1
March, 2022
n NEWS
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
13
Squats for tots
SPONSORED squatters are raising money for charity with morning and evening exercise sessions All children and adults at St Barnabas primary school in North Common have been challenged to perform 1,400 squats in a month. This equates to 50 squats a day, which is no mean feat for little legs. For 28 school days until March 18, everyone will do 25 squats at the start and 25 squats at the end of the school day. The Year Six charity committee has organised the event for the school. Pupil Phoebe McLennon said: “We want to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. “This charity helps to support children and their families who have life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
“Parents and carers from our school will be able to sponsor us and all the money will go to the charity. “By doing this we hope we will be able to help children and their families.” Deputy headteacher Sally Cornelius said: “Squats will be completed in class as part of the school day with the added bonus of giving us an active start to our day.”
Children and staff at St Barnabas Primary are doing squats for charity
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To advertise, contactEmail: Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
March, 2022
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
BTEA joins the Olympus Academy Trust BRISTOL Technology and Engineering Academy (BTEA) joined the Olympus Academy Trust in September 2021. We plan to merge BTEA with Abbeywood Community School and retain the specialist Engineering/STEM curriculum pathway for Years 10-13. Our purpose is to develop young people with the skills, qualities and qualifications necessary to progress successfully within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field in the local, regional and national employment market. Our Key stage 4 and Post 16 curriculum enables students to study specialist Engineering courses alongside GCSEs and A-levels. BTEA works closely with a range of local employers to develop Employer-Led Projects (ELPs) that enable our students to work alongside industry professionals and develop soughtafter employability skills and sector-specific work experience.
BRISTOL STEINER SCHOOL Independent Day School for Children
Where education is a journey, not a race
Bursaries available 0117 933 9990 reception@bristolsteinerschool.org www.bristolsteinerschool.org
15
n NEWS
Churches step out for climate crisis THREE local churches are staging a Lenten Pilgrimage Walk to raise awareness of the climate emergency. The churches involved are St Anne’s in Syston, St Barnabas in Warmley, and St Mary’s in Bitton and the walk takes place on Sunday March 20. Sally Sibley, one of the organisers, said they wanted to run an outdoor activity following the pandemic. The day will start at St Mary’s at 8.30 with the walkers setting off from Bitton Station at 9.30 to join a Climate Sunday service at St Barnabas an hour later before heading to St Anne’s for 1pm. “The churches are responding to the climate emergency and hoping to explore ways to become more green and take both individual and collective responsibility to address this massive problem that affects not only the here and now but for generations to come,” she said. “We would welcome members of the local community that would like to join us for the whole day or even just share a cuppa.” The walk, which will include a scavenger hunt, takes place during Lent. St Barnabas Church will also be offering a Lent Course focusing on Caring for Creation. Anyone can join at any point but the churches would like to know numbers so they can organise the catering. Sally can be contacted on 07799416142 email: sallysibley4@hotmail.com
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Where education is a journey, not a race BRISTOL Steiner School is an independent day school for children from the age of 3 to 11 years. Fundamental to the Steiner Waldorf philosophy is the belief in a child-centred, relational approach to learning and a commitment to promoting the development of the whole child. This is embraced and cherished throughout all aspects of life at school, through lived values rooted in the delivery of contextual learning, with true meaning and purpose. It is these guiding principles, that provide the time and space to allow each child to grow and develop an appreciation of themselves and a genuine love of learning, as they journey through the school. Small class sizes promote the wellbeing and self-belief of each child. There is an authentic and tangible sense of community and culture that cultivates excellence, within a safe environment, in which the children can be curious. Opportunities to explore are embedded throughout the curriculum and this discretely encourages independence, resilience and respect. Language and oracy play an important part in school life and children participate in activities that enhance this. Mathematics is taught in class and then used across the curriculum in woodwork, handwork and form drawing. Pupils learn science in class and through outdoor learning in the school garden. Eurythmy is an expressive artform that combines language, music and movement. Physical education, swimming, music and forest school complement the diverse curriculum. Bursaries are available. New pupils are accepted throughout the academic year. To book a personalised tour please contact: Contact: Vishwa Wijedasa Telephone: 0117 933 9990 Email: vishwawijedasa@bristolsteinerschool.org Website: www.bristolsteinerschool.org
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
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March, 2022
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
17
n NEWS
Mandala art work takes shape A HUGE piece of community art is being created for Kingswood and residents are encouraged to get involved. The Kingswood Mandala Project aims to create a 1.5m diameter mandala to go on display at the Share Bristol Library of Things on Kingswood High Street. A mandala is a circle made up of geometric shapes, in this case 470 laser-cut MDF discs. Workshops are being held so residents can paint their own disc to be included in the final artwork. They can also paint a second disc to turn into a fridge magnet to take home with them. Regular workshops happen every Wednesday from 12-2pm at the Share Bristol Library of Things. Extra sessions are being organised on April 13 and 20 in Kingswood Park from 2-4pm, as well as a session in King’s Chase shopping centre during the next couple of months. Community interest company Brick Project are running the sessions. Their expertise is in organising collaborative, community art projects. Fraisia Bruist-Papazian from Brick Project said: “We have already had 60 people come along to paint their disc and we’ve only just launched. We plan to have all 470 pieces complete by June 4, the Saturday of the Jubilee weekend. “As well as the community painting sessions, we are going
Mandala workshops in Kingswood are already proving popular with children of all ages to schools and Scouts and Guides groups so that as many people as possible can have their artwork form part of the mural.” The discs will be mounted in a
frame then displayed on the wall of Share Bristol Library of Things as a permanent artwork. Southern Brooks Partnerships are funding the project, which has
been created in conjunction with Connecting Kingswood and Brick Project. To book a place on one of the Wednesday workshops go to bit.ly/Kingswood-Mandala
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March, 2022
n AROUND THE WIs LONGWELL GREEN WI So far it seems to have been a long and grey winter with only a few sunny and frosty days. Our first WI meeting in January hopefully lifted the spirits of our members. We were all wished a Happy New Year by our President and instead of a speaker we played games including Handbag Bingo, Scattergories and Quizzes. There was a lot of laughter and fun with some of the answers. We then had social time where we could catch up with friends with a cup of tea or coffee and of course a piece of cake. We have an interesting and varied programme for this year which includes talks from St.Mungos for the homeless, Queen Victoria's life and local arts and crafts amongst others. We also have a skittles evening and a quiz night planned. We have trips organised to Chavenage House and Windsor which includes a boat
trip on the Thames. We have lots of groups that our members can participate in and most of them are up and running now. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group and craft club. On the first Thursday of the month we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat. Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting us please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening. Linda Muller
HANHAM EVENING WI Was this the moment we’ve all been waiting for? Was this the moment we returned to the “old
normal”? Well, judging by the attendance at our February meeting one would think that moment had arrived. Previous meetings had either taken place outdoors or had been restricted in some way but this meeting saw us return to our old practices. A large turnout saw the majority of our members come along to listen to an excellent and amusing talk given by the Chocolate Dinosaurs about the story of Frys Somerdale. Although only one “dinosaur” was able to make it this did not detract from the quality of the presentation which charted the history of the company from its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to the present day. In its early days the factory was based in Union Street in the centre of Bristol and not in Keynsham. The entrance was where the Odeon cinema is now sited and they started by producing only drinking
chocolate before moving on to Frys Chocolate Cream which are still being made today, albeit abroad! When they moved to Keynsham in the 1930s, they held a competition for the public to name the factory site with a prize of £500.00 for the winner. Over 100 people came up with what proved to be the winning name Somerdale – and they were each given £5.00. How times have changed. They speaker treated us to many other anecdotes as well as, you’ve guessed it, some samples. That finished the evening very nicely. We are now looking forward and have already planned for summer trips to The Forest of Dean and Windsor. Plans are also in place to hold our ever-popular Autumn Fayre in November which many local people have missed for the last two years. Dianna Coles
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2022
19
n WHAT'S ON
n ANTIQUES
Selling with a sweet tooth
WE recently sold a large collection of antique postcards showing various views from Bristol and the surrounding areas – many of which were some of the smaller villages around us. The thing that always strikes me in these old photographs are the wonderful old shops that one sees. Those vital corner shops from the Edwardian era, with all the resplendent shop displays and old advertising signs outside. Hanham had a few such shops back in that period. Well, many of those old signs are now worth a small fortune. One such sign came through our saleroom last month. It was a Cadbury’s Chocolate sign, circa 1910, made of glass and in a simple oak frame. It was small in size, measuring just forty-four centimetres long. It was probably originally made to hang above a counter, in a shop window, or perhaps even be attached to a large display cabinet showcasing Cadbury’s range. Its condition was excellent, and could be described as a ‘rare survivor!’ The customer was pleased with the one to two-hundred pounds valuation and so it went off to auction. Whilst the catalogue was online the sign became the most ‘watched’ item in the sale. The bids started off gently but then grew quicker, and it soon rose past it’s estimate. Then double the estimate. Then triple. The sign ended up selling for nine hundred pounds, to a collector in London. It’ll now spend the rest of its life on display in a small museum, hanging above a counter just like it was made to do over one hundred years ago. Why did it sell for so much? Well – the short answer is; because two people really fell in love with it. The top two bidders just really wanted it, and they weren’t backing down. I can’t blame them, it was a lovely sign - afterall, who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate?! Andy Stowe East Bristol Auctions
EAST BRISTOL AUCTIONS
T: 0117 967 1000 E: info@eastbristol.co.uk www.eastbristol.co.uk East Bristol Auctions, 1 Hanham Business Park, Memorial Road, Hanham, Bristol BS153JE
n HANHAM TENNIS CLUB Adult Play - Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30 11 am Beginners session coaching - Wednesday 7-8pm Junior coaching -Tuesday & Wednesday 4pm - 7pm New players welcome. Fully qualified LTA coaching. See website for details www.hanhamtennisclub.co.uk n BRISTOL U3A: Would you like to take part in activities where you can share skills, abilities or hobbies whilst having fun and making new friends? Go to www.bristolu3a.org.uk for details. 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). Meetings are friendly and relaxed with interesting speakers and social activities, if you'd like to come along - we'd love to see you. Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341 for further information. n LONGWELL GREEN PROBUS CLUB meets at Warmley community centre on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. New members welcome - if interested please contact club secretary Brian on 0117 9604124. n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Please email longwellwi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782 if you would like to visit us. n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S: Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. We meet for Tai Chi, tea and cake at Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Time: 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 AVON SCALE MODEL SOCIETY: As a friendly long standing local model making club, we meet at Longwell Green Community Centre on the Third Thursday of every month at 8pm. All subjects in all scales are covered,- aircraft, AFV,s cars, bikes, sci-fi, etc. New members are always welcome. Please phone Ian on 0117 9324053 for further details.
REGULAR EVENTS TUESDAY n TUESDAY CLUB a social group meet every Tuesday 1.45-3.45pm at Longwell Green Community Centre WEDNESDAY n BARRS COURT PROBUS. Meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday 1012pm at Longwell Green Community Centre n HANHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: We are a friendly club who welcome photographers of all abilities to share our hobby. Meetings are at 7,30p.m. Wednesday evenings at Hanham Methodist Church, 26 Chapel Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 8SD. Visit https://www.hanhamphoto.org.uk or contact Geoff Mallin by email geoffmemsechps@gmail.com. THURSDAY n ‘STAND UP REACH OUT’ A social group meet every Thursday 2-4pm at Longwell Green Community Centre for different activities.
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2022
21
n PHARMACY BLOG
Children and Covid jabs: the facts Why are children being offered the Covid jab, and is it safe? While few children and young people develop severe illnesses after a Covid-19 infection, the adverse educational impacts of school closures or days off school have been noted with a disproportionate effect on students from more deprived areas. For some international trips, evidence of Covid-19 vaccination is also now required. Is it safe? UK Independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that vaccination is safe and very effective for children. Millions of children worldwide have now had a Covid-19 vaccine. The vaccine continues to be closely monitored. What are the benefits? Some children and young people are at greater risk, including those who live with severe neurodisabilities, severe learning
difficulties, Down's syndrome and other serious conditions. Vaccinating children can also help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people, including vulnerable and frail adults. One dose of the Covid-19 vaccine gives good protection against a child getting seriously ill, while TWO doses gives stronger and longer-lasting protection. What are the risks? You cannot catch Covid-19 from the vaccine. It does not change or alter any genetic material. After the vaccination, if your child has allergies, they will be observed for 15 minutes after having the vaccine. This is in the unlikely event they have a severe reaction to the vaccine. If your child has allergies or had a reaction after a previous dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, tell the staff at the vaccination centre or pharmacy before they are vaccinated. Research has found it is rare to
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have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes. Side effects? Like all medicines, the Covid-19 vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and should only last 1 or 2 days, such as a sore arm from the injection feeling tired, a headache, feeling achy, flu-like symptoms including shivering (chills) Children should rest, and you can give them paracetamol to help make them feel better. There have been extremely rare reports of inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) after Covid-19 vaccination. Most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.
0117 9322293 24 Ellacombe Road, Longwell Green, BS30 9BA Longwell Green Community Centre Covid-19 Vaccination Walk-in Clinics, and they can get the 2nd dose if it's been 12 weeks since their 1st dose. Call 0117 9322293 for more details. You can also book your appointments online on the National Vaccination Booking System. Be assured that with our experience providing childhood and travel vaccinations, we have the expertise to ensure it is a safe and pleasant experience.
Can we walk-In or book? Your child, accompanied by an adult, can get the 1st dose at the Ellacombe Pharmacy or the
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March, 2022
n NEWS
Rotary's community heroes New fire chief A NEW chief fire officer has been appointed for Avon Fire & Rescue Service. The service's current assistant chief fire officer, Simon Shilton, has been appointed by Avon Fire Authority to take over the top job from Mick Crennell, who will retire at the end of March. Simon's nomination was approved unanimously by the authority on February 11 and he said it was "truly an honour" to take charge. von Fire Authority chair Brenda Massey said: “On behalf of the fire authority, we are delighted to unanimously approve Simon’s appointment as the new chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service."
KINGSWOOD Rotary Club has launched a new award scheme for non-Rotarians – the Kingswood Rotary Community Service Award. Its purpose is to recognise and thank an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community: a person who has demonstrated their commitment to the Rotary principle of “Service above Self.” In addition to a certificate, the recipien of the award is given £100 to go to the charity of their choice. The first two recipients were Jim Whittaker and Eunice Hawkins. Jim Whittaker received the award for leading pioneering work with Friends of Kingswood Park. He encouraged a team of dedicated volunteers to maintain and improve the park. He has also worked to enhance Kingswood’s Regent Street shopping area with hanging baskets and planted pots. He instigated the monthly ‘walkabout’, bringing in a variety of local decision-makers to inspect Regent Street and to resolve to deal with issues such as graffiti, fly tipping and empty shops. He followed up these ‘walkabouts’ with notes to ensure action was taken. This commitment to getting things
done, his persistence and resourcefulness marked Jim clearly as a Friend of Kingswood, a Friend of Kingswood Park and of the community. Jim has donated his £100 to Water Aid. The second Rotary Community Service Award was presented to Eunice Hawkins. Eunice has worked at the Kingswood Community Association (KCA) for over 37 years, mostly as the administrator, a title which perhaps understates her importance to the running of the centre, with multiple responsibilities ranging from finance to room hiring. Her dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm have been vital in keeping the centre a successful and important hub in the Kingswood community. Although she decided to retire three years ago, with the problems caused by Covid and the death of the association's chairman, she agreed to continue until a new team is established. In memory of the late KCA chairman, Albert Rankin, Eunice has donated her £100 award to Pancreatic Cancer UK. Kingswood Rotary Club hopes to make this Community Service Award each year and is keen to hear of any potential recipients.
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March, 2022
n NEWS
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23
Plea to help track down missing trophies FOUR missing trophies might have accidentally ended up in Warmley or Hanham. The trophies were prizes at the Horticultural and Craft Show for St Saviour’s church in Coalpit Heath back in 2019. Usually, trophies are handed back after a year, but the pandemic delayed this because the show was cancelled in 2020. By the time festivities resumed in 2021, some of the trophies had gone AWOL and the organisers are keen to track them down before this year’s show takes place. Prize winner Lesley Walding, who may since have changed her surname to McCarthy, lived in Coalpit Heath at the time but is thought to have moved to Warmley or Hanham since. She walked away with cups for the longest stick of rhubarb, the best sweet peas and the highest points across the handicraft
Some of the entries and trophies at previous Horticultural and Craft Shows in Coalpit Heath categories. She attended with her friend Sally Brain, who won a trophy shaped like a wooden sponge cake, the prize for the best Victoria sponge. This trophy is also missing. Show secretary Karen Bidwell has been trying in vain to get in touch with the former winners, but doesn’t have their new contact details so hasn’t managed to ask for the cups back.
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She said: “The cups are not of great value, but due to their sentimental value we would like them back. “The wooden sponge cake trophy was made by my predecessor, Len Webb. “The other cups are the Lambert Short Cup, the Bill Coles Cup and the Handicraft Cup, which were donated by previous winners or their families, in memory of them.
“The show has been held every year since 1945, apart from 2020 which would have been our 75th anniversary. “We managed to run a smaller event last year, although it was all outdoors to make sure everyone stayed safe.” If you’re able to help reunite the show with their missing cups, Ms Bidwell can be contacted on 07914 070535.
Have you heard about Shared Lives yet? It’s a bit like foster care – but for an adult. As a Shared Lives carer, you will be paid to support adults who need a little extra help from your own home.You’ll help them to achieve their goals and support them to live independently, helping them live their life, their way. They could spend the day with you, stay overnight or even move in, it’s flexible to you.
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
24
March, 2022
n NEWS
Community cafe is back in action CAKE, coffee and lively conversation were on the menu when the Kingswood Community Cafe reopened its doors last month. The popular, weekly cafe in Kingswood Community Centre remained closed throughout the pandemic. Now it has started up again every Wednesday from 122.30pm. The first session saw lots of former visitors return, as well as many newcomers. In total around 60 people sat chatting at the tables, filling up the hall. A new addition to the cafe is a playmat so parents can watch their children while talking to other parents. Gillian Flower, 68, from St George, set up the community cafe in a bid to bring people together and reduce loneliness in Kingswood. She said: “I lost my first husband and felt so sad with so much pain inside. “Even when I met Mark, my lovely husband now who has been such a good support, the pain just wouldn’t go away. “I realised that if I was suffering, there must be lots of other people suffering. “The cafes are my way of helping people get out and connect with other people. For anyone who’s experienced loneliness or loss, it can be a way for them to start rebuilding their life.” She runs the cafes with daughter Michelle, from Hanham, who does the cooking
Gillian Flower, Michelle Ford and Mark Flower with volunteers at Kingswood Community Cafe and finances. Husband Mark picks up and takes home visitors who can’t get to the cafes otherwise. He also collects donations of unwanted items that are sold to help fund the rent of the halls where the cafes run. Under the banner of Bristol Community Cafes, Gillian runs a second cafe at North Common village hall every Tuesday from 12-2.30pm. This cafe has a bigger kitchen so is about to relaunch its Sunday lunch club, to run every four to
six weeks. Gillian said she works seven days and evenings a week organising everything for the two not-for-profit cafes. She said: “In the evening I’m mainly uploading things to our Facebook selling page to keep bringing in the money needed for rent and to keep the costs of the cafes really low. “I see this as my mission in life. “I think loneliness kills more people than cancer. There might be someone sitting at home right now, head in hands, and not
knowing where to turn. “If they come along to the cafe, I can introduce people to each other. They get chatting, then often take things from there by arranging to meet up on other days. “It was lovely to be able to reopen finally and see lots of old faces come back and say how much they’ve missed us.” For more details on attending or donating to the community cafes, visit www. bristolcommunitycafes. co.uk or call Gillian on 07948 393397.
Inspectors praise healthcare provider SIRONA care & health has retained its overall rating of good following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission. Janet Rowse, chief executive of the organisation that provides community health services in the Kingswood area, praised staff for their commitment, dedication and passion in delivering services during the challenges of the pandemic. CQC inspectors visited the service in November to inspect community inpatients and urgent care services and to look at whether the organisation was being well-led.
Janet said: “The CQC report highlights how colleagues are trying to do their best for people and are taking the care they provide personally. Importantly the inspectors recognised our focus on the needs of people receiving care and our desire to plan and manage services to meet those needs. The report highlighted how Sirona was: • Committed to keeping service users and staff safe and well during the pandemic. • Staff worked well together for the benefit of people and advised them on how to lead healthier lives.
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• Committed to improving services by listening and learning when things go well and not so well. Janet said: “As with any inspection there were a number of recommendations which will help us deliver even better services and some of these have been actioned already. It was reassuring that many of the areas identified by the Inspectors we had already included in our priorities for the year ahead and work has already started on improvements. The reports are on the CQC website.
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
March, 2022
25
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
A park for the royal anniversary I WELCOME the approval of South Gloucestershire Council’s budget for the forthcoming financial year and believe it will be of significant benefit to the communities, residents and businesses across Kingswood. The council says it pursues robust financial management of taxpayers’ money and this is immediately apparent through its four- year balanced budget, increased investment in frontline services and below inflation rise in council tax. Our local environment and communities will benefit from extra funding going into street cleansing and highway maintenance, including road resurfacing and filling potholes. There’s extra resource to accelerate work locally to address our changing climate, including helping biodiversity and nature
recovery across various of our local green spaces. A new flagship park will be created in Cadbury Heath, through upgrading an existing green space. The project will begin later this year to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and it will have a focus on supporting wildlife in a built-up area. Vulnerable children will be supported with £15m of extra funding, on top of over £12m extra investment into our schools. This is money for day-to-day support for children, but investment in new school buildings is also important. The council is also extending its Youth Employment Hub to support local youngsters into employment and training and there is new investment into boosting child literacy through local libraries.
Support for our local economy and jobs comes through the unlocking of over £100m of new transport investment into buses, cycling and walking. I am delighted that the council has begun a formal review into the future of car parking charges at the Kings Chase Shopping Centre following my campaign. High Street Coordinators will continue their work to help our high streets thrive, including in areas such as Hanham. And finally the cycling event – the Tour of Britain – will come to South Gloucestershire this summer. For those residents struggling with the cost of living, it should be reassuring that the council has extended its Community Resilience Fund. You can apply online through the council’s website or call 01454 868009. Both I and my office team will
Chris Skidmore writes for
Hanham & Longwell Green Voice continue to support residents needing any help and advice. Please email me at chris. skidmore.mp@parliament.uk or call 01179081524
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
26
March, 2022
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Cost of living crisis needs urgent action
T
HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the number
of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so cut their bills.
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice
What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.
New beginnings for Grimsbury Farm GRIMSBURY Community Farm will have to become financially independent because council funding is being withdrawn. The popular farm off Grimsbury Road is home to animals that can be viewed by visitors, a cafe and a playpark. Within three to four years, the farm will have to generate enough income to sustain itself without council input. South Gloucestershire Council has said it is gradually reducing its funding of the community farm. It said it will improve its education offer at the farm to generate more income, as well as assist the farm to make improvements to increase its income. A council spokesperson said: “There are no plans to introduce entry charges.
“We know that the farm is hugely valuable to the community and we are not currently considering any options that would see the farm privatised. “We are exploring options that may include setting up a trustee board and/or creating a Community Interest Company (CIC) to run it. “The long-term business plan for the farm is currently under review and we hope to have a clear direction of travel later this year.” The Hop Skip & Jump centre on the Grimsbury Farm site has already closed, after falling into administration before the first lockdown. The centre provided indoor and outdoor play areas for children with additional needs and their families.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3
Improving our places
South Gloucestershire communities will see yet more exciting improvements and a boost to our local economy thanks to the new budget’s spending plans.
Regenerating Kingswood In a major step towards the regeneration of Kingswood’s town centre, the council completed a £10million acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park last year. Alongside the funding in place to pedestrianise Regent Street, and the restoration of the Whitfield Tabernacle, the acquisition will transform the town. Options for redevelopment of the Kings Chase centre include leisure, housing and community services to complement shopping. As part of these plans, the council is also looking at reviewing the parking charges. The acquisition, and other regeneration plans, are funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Following extensive public consultation last year, the council will be bringing a final masterplan for Kingswood before its Cabinet in March. Feedback from local people included the potential for new leisure centre facilities in the town centre. Others commented that the council should prioritise connecting the green and open spaces across the area.
Yate on the move Yate’s new £4.5million park and ride is now open. Located on Badminton Road, the facility is already helping to reduce traffic by providing attractive alternative travel options such as public transport, Cllr Steve Reade at the new park and ride cycling or car sharing. The park and ride is open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) and includes 198 parking spaces, cycle parking for 46 bicycles, and improved bus stops. The car park will also be available for rail users at Yate Station. Looking ahead, a new masterplan, which sets out the aspirations for developing Yate, could see around £600million invested in the town over the next 15 to 20 years. Produced with partners including the town council, local business and residents’ groups, the Town Improvement Masterplan for Yate’s vision sets out how organisations can work together to help the town change. During public consultation last summer on the draft vision, local people fed back that they wanted to see more investment in Yate and a modernised town. Their responses shaped the final masterplan which you can view on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/yatemasterplan
Helping Thornbury Thrive The council has secured a further £4.577million to progress its plans for Thornbury’s historic high street to create a welcoming destination. The scheme is also set to boost the town’s economy. The investment will create dedicated blue-badge parking, loading and drop off bays, stopping through-traffic, widened footways, increased cycle parking and new seating, planting and wayfinding along the much-loved high street. The next steps are for the council to complete a detailed design, taking on board views expressed so far by the community, and prepare the full business case. It will then engage again with local people and stakeholder groups. In further good news for the town, the council has bought the former Thornbury Hospital site with a focus on developing a much needed new health centre and at least 70 extra care homes. Demolition of the hospital buildings will start later this year. The council is working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to progress plans for the replacement health centre.
Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be fully open by September this year, with metrobus services then commencing on the CPME route in spring 2023. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus
New bridge in place at Gipsy Patch Lane
Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.
4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee. The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.
Digital Champions here to help get online The council’s digital champions can help if you, or someone you know, needs help to get online or would like to learn more. The digital champions run free one-to-one support sessions to help you feel more confident using the internet and online services. Based in seven South Gloucestershire libraries Downend, Emersons Green, Hanham, Staple Hill, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate - digital champions can help you complete specific tasks such as applying for a blue badge, setting up an email account or learning how to make video calls. You can book a session and bring your own device along (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone), or use one of the library computers on the day. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12pm). With 12 libraries, a mobile library and many community libraries open throughout the week, the council is here to help. Find your nearest library at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries
Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services. To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter
Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on 01454 868009
Follow our social media channels at southglos.gov.uk/twitter southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call 01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk
WE'VE BEEN BOOSTED GET PROTECTED JOIN US LET'S 3016 Keep In Touch.indd 1
18/02/2022 10:27
Over time, two doses do not give enough protection against Covid-19. Find your nearest vaccine clinic at bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/COVID ›››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››