hanham&longwellgreenvoice October, 2021 Issue 60
www.hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
FREE EVERY MONTH IN HANHAM & LONGWELL GREEN
Marathon Mary pounds streets Mary Williams, 46, who only took up running during the pandemic, is this month set to run the Virtual London Marathon around Longwell Green. PAGE 2
How great is our valley Willsbridge Valley has been voted favourite nature reserve in the former Avon area. Conham river also proved popular. PAGE 8
Kaishu Flukes in action at the British BMX Championships, where he won the Cruiser title in his age group. Right, Kaishu with his brother Senshu, who came sixth in his category
Hanham's national BMX champ A BMX rider from Hanham has won a national title and his younger brother is not far behind. Kaishu Flukes, 13, won the 2021 Cruiser BMX British title for his age group at the British Championship held in Leicester. He also came sixth in the 20” category. Brother Senshu, 10, came sixth in his category. Both boys have honed their skills on the Longwell Green BMX Pump track. The track
reopened in June following £15,000 refurbishment and resurfacing work by Oldland Parish Council. Kaishu, a pupil at Wellsway School, took up racing when he was eight, inspired by his parents who were both keen racers when they were younger. Dad Jamie, a family liaison officer for B&NES council, began taking Senshu out when he was five. Turn to Page 3
Special needs school opens A private school for children with special needs, is opening on the site of the former Redroofs Nursery in Warmley. PAGE 11
On write lines A Hanham teacher has contributed to a book that aims to help support families. PAGE 17
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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
November deadline Our November edition deadline is October 20. 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
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Complaints 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.
A member of the
October, 2021
n NEWS
It’s a long way down Long Beach Road IF you spot a runner heading up – and down – and up – and down Long Beach Road, give her a cheer. Mary Williams, 46, is completing a full marathon just running in circuits around Long Beach Road in Longwell Green. She is taking part in the Virtual London Marathon on October 3rd, where the 26.2 miles can be run anywhere. This is an amazing feat for Mary because she only took up running during the pandemic, after not exercising since school. Even back then she confesses to hating PE, once faking an asthma attack to get out of doing a cross-country run. She said: “I did Couch to 5k in the first lockdown on a whim because I saw someone I knew had done it.I just put my trainers on and went out of the door. The app wanted me to run for 30 seconds and I struggled to do 20. The Couch to 5k programme is supposed to take nine weeks and it took me three months, but I did it.” Buoyed by her success, she built up to longer runs, completing 10k by December 2020 despite an ankle injury. She said: “I was a bit like Forest Gump – I just kept going. Then I wondered if I could do a half marathon, so signed up for the Bristol half marathon. “The someone said, ‘Well, if you can do a half marathon, I bet you can run a marathon.’ Once someone dares me to do something like that, I can’t say no, so I signed up for the virtual marathon.” Her training takes her up and down Long Beach Road, but also along the Bristol to Bath cycle track and along the Ring Road. Her longest training run has been 23 miles. Mary plans to start the run around 10am, following a breakfast of Protein Weetabix with banana and two cups of tea. She plans to leave snacks and drinks in a container outside her house in neighbouring Edgewood Close so she can refuel when needed during the expected fivehour run. Mid-run snacks will include
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cheese and Marmite sandwiches, jelly babies and flapjacks. Sadly, Mary’s husband, Drew, used to be a keen runner, but can’t join Mary on her runs because of a hip injury. Before the pandemic, Mary ran two choirs and missed the social aspect while rehearsals and performances for Avon Harmony and Zest Tone Deaf Choir during the lockdowns. She said: “I love singing and it was awful when everything stopped. I couldn’t sing and I couldn’t see my friends. When I go out to run I listen to my choir music on my headphones and sing along as I run. People probably think I’m mad but it’s given me a lot of headspace.” Mary favours the “Jeffing” running technique invented by Olympian Jeff Galloway. By running for 60 seconds then walking for 30 seconds repeatedly, she’s found she can cover longer distances in a faster time than if she solely ran. Mary is hoping that fellow Longwell Green residents will line Long Beach Road to cheer her on during the marathon, or even join in for a few laps to keep her company. She is raising money for Barnardo’s, which helped support her during many years as a foster carer and while she adopted one of her three daughters. To sponsor Mary’s marathon, go to uk.virginmoneygiving. com/MaryWilliams27
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
3
n NEWS
Brothers excel
at BMX contest
From Page 1 Senshu is currently in his final year at Beacon Rise primary school. The boys now train with Bath BMX in Odd Down, as well as Bristol BMX on Wednesday evenings. Mum Yoshiko, head of design at The Fine Cheese Company in Bath, said she was grateful to the local community for facilities and support. She said: “It’s really great that the track in Longwell Green has been repaired. It had got very rough and we couldn’t really use it, but now it’s really good. The boys can use it for a quick practice and Kaishu goes there with his friends. “We really appreciate the work Steve Skidmore and the parish council have done to support local youngsters.I’m also very grateful to John Woods
Cycle Repair Centre, who have been servicing the boys’ bikes for years. “Their shop is just behind our house and we’ll often take in a bike that’s broken and say we need it for a race the next day, and they’ll always get it done for us. There’s a really sweet community spirit here and everyone has been very supportive.” The family, who have lived in Hanham for 16 years, are planning a move to Keynsham in order to get more storage space for the 10 bikes they have between them. Yoshiko said: “They both compete in two categories – cruiser and 20” – which means taking four bikes with us to every event. I’ve had to change my car for a van now. We also like to go mountain biking as a family, so we’re always transporting bikes
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around. The events take us all over the UK and abroad so we try to use the events as a holiday as well, because it does get expensive.” The next big event for the boys will be the world championships in France next summer. The last two world championships, planned in America and the Netherlands, were both cancelled because of Covid restrictions. Kaishu and Senshu are keen to compete,
because winning gives them the right to have a “W” number plate on their bike to show they are a world champion." Cllr Steve Skidmore from Oldland Parish Council said: “This is an incredible achievement. It is testament for councils investing in sporting facilities that not only meet a local need, but the need for those like Kaishu and Senshu wishing to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations.”
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n NEWS
Start on teen jabs SECONDARY school pupils in the Kingswood area will be offered a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the same time as the annual flu vaccine this autumn. Students at John Cabot Academy will be offered their vaccines this month. Children who are 12 years old and over on the day the School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) team visits, will be offered a vaccination as part of the inschool vaccination programme. Local provider, Sirona Care & Health, is legally responsible for the delivery of the vaccines. The programme will be administered following the usual approach to school-based immunisation. Parents can provide consent for both the flu and the Covid-19 vaccine, for one or other of the vaccines or neither. All eligible pupils will be asked to attend the clinic, where their consent data will be checked by Sirona Care & Health staff. Kat Willis, principal of John Cabot Academy, said: "Over the last 18 months our students and families have had to cope with school lockdowns, online learning and frequent absences as close contacts. Throughout the pandemic they have shown their resilience, adaptability and positivity. The vaccination roll out will further protect our young people and their families from Covid, increasing the opportunity for greater continuity of learning, nurture and enabling students with the enriching activities they deserve.
October, 2021
New call for injuries unit A KINGSWOOD nurse has set up a petition asking for a Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) to be opened at Cossham hospital. Josh Ditte, a urology and blood service nurse at Southmead Hospital, has collected nearly 2,000 signatures on the petition to “Implement a Minor Injury Unit at Cossham Hospital, Josh Bristol.” Ditte It is addressed to the Prime Minister, Kingswood MP Chris “I’m not sure how much of a Skidmore, Bristol East MP Kerry difference my petition will make McCarthy, and Bristol Mayor but as a nurse I know how much Marvin Rees. help this could give the local Mr Ditte, 31, said: “Local area. I couldn’t sit back and do NHS services are over capacity in nothing. Bristol, with no structure in place “I realise it would cost money, for a minor injuries centre for but it’s daft that we’ve got all the east Bristol. There was an original facilities there and they’re not petition for Cossham to provide used. It wouldn’t be a problem minor injuries services. However, getting staff because loads of this never came around. I have nurses live in Kingswood. I’d created this new petition to show certainly work there – it’s a threethere is still demand and need for minute walk from my house!” the service. Mr Ditte will give the petition “My partner sliced his hand a few weeks to run before closing open on a glass cafetiere here in it and sending it to the addressees Kingswood a few weeks ago and in the hope they will take action. 111 told him to go to Southmead. Cossham Hospital, which At Southmead they asked why opened on Lodge Hill over a we were there and hadn’t gone century ago, was due to close somewhere local and we had to completely in 2004. Following keep r.epeating that there wasn’t a campaign it underwent a £19 anywhere more local. million refurbishment. “I felt really sorry for my Nowadays it is home to a colleagues at Southmead because birth centre, outpatient services, they’re really overstretched and physiotherapy, a dialysis unit, this could have been dealt with at audiology department and X-ray a MIU because all he needed was and scanning department. an X-ray and stitches. Although a MIU was “Cossham has the room considered, this was dropped in and facilities and I feel having favour of a two-year pilot service a hospital for the east of Bristol treating minor injuries at local GP would help out Southmead and surgeries. This was scrapped in the BRI and would also save lives, 2018 and residents now need to which is the most important thing. LOW travel to Southmead, Yate or the
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BRI if they need treatment for a minor injury. The petition can be signed online at bit.ly/Cossham Kingswood ward councillor Andrea Reid has encouraged people via her Facebook page to sign Mr Ditte’s petition. She wrote: “With the loss of Frenchay, it's now a six-mile drive to our nearest Acute Care hospital, and almost seven miles to our nearest Minor lnjuries Unit. Even car owners are denied prompt access to medical care as a result. For those without transport of their own, the bus journey is arduous. Our local ambulance services are being overwhelmed by taking up the slack. “The lack of easily accessible treatment options is widening health inequalities, and delays in treatment have the obvious consequence of poor health outcomes, meaning pressures are being placed on the NHS by increased demand for further treatments that could have been avoided.” Many of those signing Mr Ditte’s petition have expressed frustration that there are no facilities near their homes. Merle Prewett wrote: “We were promised one before the refurbishment and it’s about time they gave the people of Kingswood area what they promised.” Nick Wilson wrote: “We badly need such a facility on the eastern edge of Bristol. At the moment we only have Southmead Hospital, Bristol Royal Infirmary, or Yate, all of which are more than 30 minutes away (assuming you have access to a car!)”
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
5
n NEWS
Funds plea to fix Willsbridge Mill's pond
VOLUNTEERS looking after Willsbridge Mill need to raise £4,000 to secure the future of its mill pond. The pond at the site in Longwell Green was established in 1978, after the original mill pond broke its banks in a storm in 1968. It is popular with local children and groups who use it for pond dipping but over the last few years has developed a leak. Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh (WMCR), the group of volunteers who have regenerated the mill over the past seven years, have been told they need to raise 10 per cent of the £40,000 needed to repair the pond in order to apply for a grant. WMCR spokesperson Tom Baker said: “The mill pond keeps drying out and we know there’s a leak. “The whole thing needs digging out and new levels put in, including deeper areas that will attract a wider variety of wildlife.” Elsewhere on the site, the hard work of the volunteers is coming to fruition. The shop is fully open, staffed by volunteers, and the café is back to full opening hours now that Covid restrictions have eased.
The replica water mill turbine
The forest school run over the past few months was so popular that tickets sold out within five minutes of going on sale. They are now hoping to run a forest school throughout
the week, so more children, schools and childminding groups can access it. It is hoped that popular events at the mill, including for Halloween and Christmas, will be able to resume this year. The Willsbridge Valley nature reserve, in which Willsbridge Mill sits, has just been voted the most popular nature reserve to visit by people across Bristol, in a survey by Avon Wildlife Trust. Mr Baker said: “One of our main aims is inclusion and making this an enjoyable place for everyone, so it’s lovely to hear that so many people are making the most of it. “Our volunteers really are doing a wonderful job and have achieved so much in lockdown. The place has come on enormously in the past 12 months.” The mill was built over three centuries ago as an iron mill, eventually becoming a grain mill, but fell into disrepair half a century ago. The refurbished mill building now houses a museum, including a working replica water mill turbine. To donate to the fundraiser, go to www. gofundme.com/f/willsbridge-mill
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October, 2021
n NEWS
Delays to outdoor activity centre plans PLANS to create an outdoor activity centre at the disused Wick Quarry have been delayed. Applicants UK Outdoors Ltd, who are based in Pucklechurch, hoped that they would be up and running by Easter this year. However, delays to council departments responding to plans, as well as amendments being needed to the original plans submitted in January, mean a decision has still not been made. The site, which includes a huge lake, is a designated nature reserve. The plans would change use to include facilities for swimming, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, axe throwing, archery, target sports, bushcraft, wild art and conservation classes. It is hoped the site would be used by schools for outdoor education, as well as residents. Floating pontoons would allow safe access to the water and the path would be made accessible for wheelchairs. Timber structures and repurposed shipping containers would create space for a café and offices, using green energy such as solar power. A new entrance and car park would be created down a lane near Rock Road, using a one-way system, with parking for 40 cars and 40 cycles. The owners anticipate that many of the predicted visitors – around 300 people on weekdays and 560 on weekend days – would cycle to the site as part of triathlon training. The plans are for an initial 10-year period, after which they will be reviewed. In their application, UK Active Outdoors Ltd wrote: “The Wick outdoor centre aims to be the leading outdoor centre in the South West, providing outdoor education in a sustainable way whilst opening up people to new sustainable technology. “The benefits of reconnecting with nature are very much in the spotlight at the moment, not just from a mental health point of view but for many people working in cities and stuck in an office all day.” UK Active Outdoors Director Tristan Bawn said delays to the planning application
Stand up paddleboarding is one of the activities planned for the outdoor centre at Wick Quarry if permission is granted were frustrating. He said: “We’ve responded to all concerns, such as coming up with three or four options for traffic so we don’t need to use Rock Road. “We’ll also be running a minibus to the site from various pick-up points so that people don’t need to travel by car. “People in the community keeping asking us when they can sign up for activities, and we have schools lined up to work with us, but we can’t do anything until the planning permission is granted. We’ve now been told it’s been prioritised but still don’t have a date. “We’d really hope to be up and running by springtime with at least some activities, although it will take time for things to be built and we want it to evolve sustainably.” A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said there was no date set for the application to go before the planning committee. The firm already runs sites at Thornbury
Castle and Upper Vobster, as well as at Avon Valley Adventure Park, although that site will have to close once development work takes place. The new site would create 10 full-time jobs and 10 part-time ones, including some hired under the Government’s Kickstart scheme for paid internships for young people. There have been issues at the nature reserve in its current guise, with up to 200 trespassers a day climbing the perimeter fence to access the lake or have parties. It is hoped that this will be curbed once a business is running on the site and security cameras and lighting are installed. The site will be open from 8am to 8pm in summer, and 9am to 4pm in winter. The quarry opened in 1892 and closed in the 1970s. Ochre from the quarry was used to colour The Mall outside Buckingham Palace. Doynton Parish Council has responded to the plans raising concerns about additional traffic on local roads, especially Rock Road. In addition, more than 200 members of the public have written to South Gloucestershire Council regarding the planning application. Comments in support included: “This sounds great. It would be so nice for me and my family, and I’m sure so many other people, to have somewhere like this for safe, clean outdoor swimming and sports." “With the terrible state of rivers and all the dumped sewage, somewhere like this is really needed.” Among the objections: “The approaching lanes are all singe track with no passing places and I feel the increase in traffic will post a threat to the safety of the existing users. The lanes are used by horse riders, cyclists and walkers.” “We should be protecting nature reserves, not developing them. There are several similar facilities in the greater area. We do not need to build more at the expense of natural environment. Allow this old quarry to return to nature peacefully.”
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
7
n NEWS A VOLUNTEER from Soundwell was among 190 members of a group providing vital support to the NHS to receive medals in recognition of their service. A total of 190 members of the Freewheelers Blood Bikes group were awarded the Blood Bike Emergency Voluntary Service Medal at a special presentation in August. Among them was Andy Davies, a martial arts coach and motorbike instructor from Soundwell who also helps run West of England Rolling Thunder, an Armed Forces veterans motorbike group. Blood Bikes volunteers give up their spare time to transport life-saving blood and other supplies and equipment to hospitals throughout the region. The team of trained emergency response riders is on call to hospitals, medical centres and air ambulance services every day of the year, riding hi-viz bikes and supported by teams of coordinators and fundraisers, who deal with the day-to-day running and financing of the group, which is entirely funded
Freewheelers receive awards
Andy Davies with his medal Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol Peaches Golding with Freewheelers volunteers, including Andy Davies, charity patron Alex Lovell and representatives of the emergency services. by public donations. Andy said: "As a front line emergency service, it is fair to say that Blood Bikes have become an integral resource for the NHS saving it hundreds of thousands of pounds each year locally –
money that can be redirected to other essential needs." The medals were presented in a ceremony celebrating more than 30 years since the service was formed, at Fowlers Motorcycles near Temple Meads,
by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Peaches Golding, and Air Vice Marshall Martin Clark. Also there were senior officers from Avon and Somerset police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service, and BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell, who is a patron of the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service charity.
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October, 2021
n NEWS
Local wildlife is thriving – but needs more help MORE than 500 residents around Kingswood and Hanham got in touch with Avon Wildlife Trust after our story about urban wildlife in our May issue. Local people were keen to share their experiences with wildlife in their gardens and in local parks and nature areas. Most people were already doing something in their garden to help wildlife. Eight out of 10 people had planted nectar-rich plants to attract pollinators and seven out of 10 had put up bird feeders and tables. Residents reported spotting bats, badgers, deer, foxes and hedgehogs in their gardens and at nature reserves. One person living in Longwell Green said they had bats flying in and out of their dining room one evening when the doors were open. A pesticide- or peat-free approach to Willsbridge Valley - most popular in the area gardening was important for 69 per cent of people, while others had created gaps in fences for hedgehog access or built a wildlife Conham River was another popular nature pond. spot mentioned. Visitors spotted herons and Local nature reserve Willsbridge Valley was even a seal in the river. the most popular nature reserve in the former One survey respondent said: “Exploring Avon area, with 40 per cent of people voting the countryside of South Gloucestershire is for it as their favourite. magical and never gets old.”
Now Avon Wildlife Trust is launching an online mapping tool so people can share what they’re doing to help wildlife. By filling in the form at avonwildlifetrust. org.uk/30-30-action residents can flag up sightings of wildlife, or let the trust know about their efforts to help urban wildlife. Ideas from Avon Wildlife Trust to help local wildlife include picking up 30 pieces of litter, planting 30 wildflower seeds, or putting up a bird box or bee hotel. Rebecca Lockwood from Avon Wildlife Trust said: “We’re facing an ecological emergency, with wildlife plummeting and habitats disappearing everywhere. “We’re calling for 30 per cent of the former Avon area to be managed for wildlife by 2030: the bare minimum that’s needed to achieve nature’s recovery. “There is general concern about how development is affecting wildlife, with some people saying they’re seeing less than they once did. “We’re helping everyone get involved. Our leaflet makes 30 suggestions for practical things they can do.”
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
9
n NEWS KINGSWOOD HISTORY SOCIETY Our September talk, entitled “The Bristol Riots 1831” was presented by Professor Alan Johnson of the Frenchay Tuckett Society. We learned that with over 500 people believed killed, this was the greatest act of disobedience of the 19th century, far outstripping the better known Peterloo Massacre of 1819 when 10-20 died. However, reports of the Bristol riot were much suppressed by the ruling class. Prior to the general election of 1830 the Tories had been in power for 25 years, living standards for working people were extremely poor, Bristol’s trade was declining and working people were unrepresented in Parliament as only wealthy landowners could vote and “Rotten Boroughs” proliferated. Britain was a divided country while Bristol’s Corporation was viewed as ‘extravagant and remote’. The first Reform Act
of 1832 introduced the first of numerous stages that gradually enfranchised the ordinary citizens of the country. Slowly the underlying discontent was thereby addressed. Our meeting topic on 5th October will be ‘The Life & Times of Harry Dolman’ by Clive Burlton – Surely unmissable! The Kingswood History Society meets on the first Tuesday of each month (March – December) at 7.30pm, in the Park Centre, Kingswood High Street, (opposite the Civic Centre BS15 9TR, parking in Hollow Road, opposite the Civic Centre). Anyone interested in joining us should visit our website www. kingswoodhistorysociety.org or just come along to our meetings. Cost is £3.50 per visit including refreshments. Annual subscription will be reinstated in 2022.
6 Eldonwall Trading Estate, Bristol BS4 3QQ
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
10
n NEWS MORE than 1,300 people have signed a petition to scrap controversial £30 million plans for roadworks at five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road. The online petition calls on South Gloucestershire Council to drop its scheme, which has just been through a 12-week public consultation. Metro Mayor Dan Norris has stepped up his opposition to the A4174 proposals, branding them as “tinkering” when much more needs to be done to tackle the climate emergency. South Gloucestershire Council, which announced the scheme and launched public consultation in May, insists the measures will ease congestion and reduce air pollution. The plans are for new lanes to be built to take through traffic across the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts". The other two – Lyde Green roundabout, near the Bristol and Bath Science Park, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added. The improvements would be paid for largely by the government and include extra traffic lights and pedestrian crossings – but no bus lanes. South Gloucestershire Green Party started the petition opposing the plans, which had 1,375 signatures as the Voice went to press. It says the scheme will cause years of disruption, ignores buses, cyclists and pedestrians,
October, 2021
Ring road protest petition tops 1,300 signatures and does "nothing to address the climate emergency". One of the organisers, Emersons Green town councillor James Dowling, said the changes were a "complete waste of money" and would actually increase car journeys. He said: “You might get through the roundabout a bit quicker if you’re going straight ahead, but people will be waiting longer from all the side roads in Warmley, Longwell Green and Mangotsfield and will be idling, which is really bad for air quality. “When you increase capacity on roads, which they’re doing, you basically induce demand, so you make it easier for cars. “The other thing is the years and years of disruption this will cause." Mr Norris said the region's target of achieving 'net zero' CO2 emissions required them to be reduced by 10% every single year. He said: “What I’m concerned about is that when you do any road programme you just make it easier for cars in the short term, so more people make car journeys and you end up in the same place, or even worse. “The reality is that this is just tinkering. Because the climate emergency is so vast, we have to do more, frankly, than just tinker with five roundabouts on our ring road. “It’s crazy to spend £30million and not do something to improve public
A PUBLIC meeting to discuss traffic in Warmley took place last month so residents could air their views. The meeting at Warmley Community Centre was attended by about 50 people and organised by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, along with South Gloucestershire Council's Head of StreetCare, Mark King, and local councillors Sam Bromiley, Liz Bromiley and Steve Reade. Mr Skidmore said: “I have recently been contacted by several residents regarding their concerns about traffic in Warmley, especially on Stanley Road and the High Street. “This is as a result of works on the A4174 Ring Road and in particular the Tower Road roundabout. I am always keen for residents
transport so that people can switch from cars, because that is key.” Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, whose constituency includes all five roundabouts in the scheme, has written to the council saying that, while supports it in principle, the council should wait to see how effective the first 'throughabout' scheme at the Wraxall Road roundabout near Kingswood – which is due to be completed by the end of October – is before converting other junctions. Mr Skidmore also called for the extension of Metrobus services beyond the current terminus in Lyde Green and for the council to make "significant efforts" to minimise rat-running during the roadworks. He said: "The A4174 ring road is the transport backbone of our local economy. We must invest in it not only to protect existing jobs, but also to provide the jobs of the future – and must do so carefully and in consultation with local people. "Doing nothing represents an economic threat to our area that will ultimately undermine the quality of life for people living and working in Kingswood." South Gloucestershire Council received 884 responses to its consultation questionnaire on the roadworks. A spokesperson said the council was "currently appraising the feedback", adding: "Potential changes will be considered in
light of the public consultation responses and we will release a consultation summary report in October setting out the next steps, including any design change responses." An earlier consultation on the Wraxall Road scheme received 231 responses. Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: “There is an increasing volume of traffic, and having declared a climate emergency we do need to improve the efficiency of the roundabouts. “We are not building extra lanes, it is simply using the lanes that we’ve got. “It’s to enable people to move efficiently and stop the rat-running. It’s the rat-running which causes the problems and the pollution.” Cllr Reade said modelling showed that overall traffic delays would be “considerably less” under the planned changes. The petition can be found online at bit.ly/3zmXw3A. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
MP hears of traffic woes to be able to have their voice heard directly by those making the decisions.” Issues raised included Stanley Road being used as a rat run as well as the disruption and works on Wraxall Road roundabout, including trees being cut down. Mr Skidmore has had follow-up meetings with residents affected by the roundabout, visiting their gardens, and is now working with local councillors on potential extra barriers or trees being put in place. Mr Skidmore said: “I would like to thank those residents for taking the time to come along to my recent public meeting in
Warmley. "It was fantastic to see so many people in person after a difficult 18 months for the country. “A range of transport issues were raised and discussed, including rat-running through local communities, the council’s roundabout consultation and WECA’s recent bus cuts. “As the local MP, I will continue to fight on behalf of local residents and businesses for the transport investment we need to address these concerns and to help people get around our area and to give them choice in how they do so.”
If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
11
n NEWS
New special needs school opens doors A NEW special needs school for Warmley is almost ready to welcome its first pupils. Neptune School in Poplar Road takes over the site of the former Redroofs Nursery and the adjoining residential house. It will be attended by 25 pupils aged seven to 14 and cater for children with social, emotional and mental health developmental needs; speech and language needs; and children who have been exposed to trauma. The new independent school is part of the Phoenix Learning & Care group, who are based in Devon and run 40 facilities across the South West. Its first cohort of around 10 pupils will be offered places once the school receives its Ofsted registration, hopefully by November. The school will gradually expand as the first pupils move up through the school and younger pupils come in, but is not expected to exceed 25 children in total. Head teacher Rachel Lynch, who has a background in SEN teaching, said they were keen to get going. She said: “We are fully staffed now and are running staff training and finalising the curriculum while we wait for the Ofsted registration. “The building looks fantastic after its refurbishment. What was a nursery and a house, joined by a conservatory, is now one proper building. “We’ve got the classrooms ready and are excited to get our first pupils soon.” Pupils will be placed at the school when the local authority decides it is the most suitable setting for them based on the child’s individual needs and provisions outlined in their Education Health and Care Plan. South Gloucestershire council has been reproved by Ofsted for its lack of spaces for children who need to attend specialist schools. Until now the site was a residential house,
Dan Norris and headteacher Rachel Lynch cut the ribbon at the opening of Neptune School with the adjoining double garage used as a nursery, Redroofs Nursery. This was owned by Lesley and Roger Bates and closed in 2016 after a complaint was made to Ofsted. Subsequent planning applications to turn the nursery into two or three bungalows were declined because planning officers decided that the resulting living conditions would have been unsatisfactory for future owners. Mr and Mrs Bates then tried to sell the site for £935,000 in 2018, eventually settling for £850,000 last November. Metro Mayor Dan Norris officially opened
Neptune School with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. He said: “Getting a new school off the ground must be a big challenge, so I’m looking forward to learning more about what things the headteacher and her staff will be doing to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the children right from day one. “I know that helping the children feel rightly proud of all their achievements will be a central part of this new school’s philosophy, and I’m keen to find out more about the techniques staff will be using to boost the youngsters’ self-esteem."
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Emma Lambert Yoga
Vinyasa flow yoga to help stretch and strengthen the body whilst calming the mind. Suitable for all levels.
Personal care assistant for Disabled Man in Mangotsfield Personal Assistant required for disabled man in North East Bristol, to support with personal and domestic tasks, including use of hoist (training will be provided) – car driver essential. Pay rates weekday £8.91 per hour, weekend £10.00 per hour
Booking currently essential, please contact me for info. Tuesdays 7-8pm at Hanham Community Centre £7 a class or 6 classes for £35.
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
Minimum 18 hours per week Shifts required (there is some flexibility with the hours); Monday and Wednesday 09:15 – 14:15 Mon, Wed and Thurs evenings 1.5 to 2 hours Alternate Saturday morning 09:30 – 11:30 Alternate Sunday morning 09:30 – 11:30 Occasional sleep-in may be required and additional shifts may be available.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
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Various dates available. To reserve your space call 0117 992 7100 or email info@digitechstudioschool.co.uk
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October, 2021
n NEWS
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
13
Afghan refugee families arrive FOUR families of Afghan refugees have been offered homes in South Gloucestershire. The local authority says it is working with a community organisation to prepare for their arrival and hopes to make further re-settlement offers as soon as possible. South Gloucestershire Council asked private landlords to come forward with homes for Afghan families after Kabul fell to the Taliban last month. At that stage, it said it had found at least three homes for families fleeing militant rule but was hoping to identify more. In September, a spokesperson said: “So far we have offered to re-settle four Afghan families and have been in discussions with our contacts in social housing and the private rented sector, where we hope to identify further placements. “We are working with our partners at Southern Brooks Community Partnerships in preparation to welcome these families and help them to integrate within our local communities, as they re-build their lives. “Southern Brooks have already received generous offers of help from communities and will be in touch with people in due course.” Council cabinet member Franklin Owusu-Antwi, who is an Afghanistan veteran and the council’s Armed Forces champion, said the authority was "standing by to play our part in supporting those who are resettled from Afghanistan following the recent, dramatic changes there". He said: "We stand by our own Armed Forces veterans and others who risked and sacrificed so much to help in Afghanistan; so it is right that we also now stand by those local people who worked alongside them, often sharing the same risks, and who now need our help.” Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti, who also served in Afghanistan, said: "I cannot help but keep remembering the ordinary people of Afghanistan and the locally employed civilians who not only risked their lives
but, by helping Nato forces, risked the lives of their families, friends and villages to Taliban reprisals. "I was delighted and relieved beyond measure when the Prime Minister announced the resettlement and evacuation programme for refugees, which is a fantastic thing." A total of 61 Afghan refugees have already arrived in Bristol, with over 100 more are expected in the coming weeks. They will be put up in temporary accommodation before being resettled permanently, either in or outside the region. The Home Office is paying for emergency hotel accommodation for new arrivals. The figures were confirmed at a meeting of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group. Medical director Peter Brindle said: “The refugees arriving have been in a managed quarantine centre up until now, where they have received very little if any healthcare intervention and no healthcare screening." Bristol City Council director of public health Christina Gray, who is leading a multi-agency team managing the refugees, told the meeting: “Every local authority has been asked to do permanent settlements, so alongside the management and welcome and holding of people in transit we have the work to do to make sure people are permanently settled. “That will be going on across all our authorities. Bristol is a City of Sanctuary. We all feel proud to be part of this global response and do our local bit." She said: “People have already been coming forward to respond to our request to provide accommodation, people have made financial donations, clothes, volunteering." South Gloucestershire Council is inviting landlords or property owners who believe they may have suitable accommodation available to contact sghomes@ southglos.gov.uk. By Amanda Cameron and Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
As a South Gloucestershire Local Authority and Clifton Diocesan school, we offer a Catholic education which warmly welcomes families from Christian, other world religions or no faith backgrounds at all. Parents choose Our Lady of Lourdes because they identify with something distinctive that they want for their child. It may be good behaviour…high expectations…a small, family feel…traditional values…ethos or Mission Statement. Whatever the attraction, our families are united in their commitment to our school community, and our endeavour to enable… every…single…child to flourish. “This school makes me happy.” YEAR 5 PUPIL
SPACES AVAILABLE
For more information, virtual tours and a copy of our school prospectus please see our school website at:
www.ourladyoflourdesprimaryschool.org.uk
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
Your future starts here…
CLF Post 16
Open Evening
Wednesday 20th October 2021, 4.30-7.30pm 4 4 4 4 4
Find out more about the Post 16 experience Explore our courses Meet the teachers Take a tour See what CLF Post 16 can offer you!
Visit www.post16.clf.uk/open-event to book your place.
Principal tours
Various dates and times available throughout October and November. To reserve your space call 0117 988 2525 or visit www.post16.clf.uk/open-event
www.post16.clf.uk Woodside Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8BD
October, 2021
n NEWS
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
15
Ex Mini Mango signs for Chelsea
Students at King’s Oak Academy raised £981.88 for local charity Jessie May Trust during their Enterprise Week. During the annual even, which helps students in Years 7 to 10 to learn about enterprise and gain employability skills, activities during break and lunch times included bake sales, competitions, a photo booth, film club, BBQ, car washing and quick portraits. Teacher Chemin Alam-Lloydsaid: “It was fantastic to see a buzz around the school, watching enthusiastically work in teams, build confidence and develop FLP1013students Futura Sixth Half Page Advert AW.pdf 1 11/08/2021 13:46 their enterprise and employability skills, whilst raising money for an excellent cause.”
A YOUNG footballer who started playing in Mangotsfield United's under-5s has signed for Champions League winners Chelsea. Shaun Wade, who is 14, has signed for the Premier League giants from Bristol City. The winger is well remembered at Mangotsfield, where he first took to the pitch with the Mini Mangos around a decade ago. Mangotsfield Juniors chairman Colin Sutton announced news of the deal on the club's Facebook page in September, saying: "Huge congratulations to Shaun Wade, one of our own who today signed for Chelsea from Bristol City. Shaun has always been an incredible talent from U5s but has worked hard to achieve this! Good luck Shaun and remember you’re always part of the Mangofamily — feeling delighted at Mangotsfield United FC." As other Mangotsfield Juniors parents added their congratulations, Shaun's mum Kelly said he was "always a Mango". The club shared a message from Kelly, who said she was "so proud to finally be able to announce that Shaun is joining Chelsea Football Club".
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
16
October, 2021
n NEWS
Welcome to CLF Post 16 Central! STUDENTS and staff at the Cabot Learning Federation’s Post 16 provision have moved into their new temporary classrooms on site at John Cabot Academy. The 12 classrooms opened at the start of the academic year and are expected to be in use for three to five years while the CLF pursues its aim of opening a permanent Post 16 base at the former Speedwell Fire Station site close to Bristol Brunel Academy. Moving more of the CLF Post 16 students to the JCA site in Kingswood has freed up more space at Bristol Brunel Academy for Year 7 students. Bristol City Council has funded the new temporary sixth form accommodation for CLF, which has provided additional spaces at BBA, Bristol Metropolitan and City Academy to help ensure that all children
in the area who need secondary school places can have one. The council is also backing CLF's bid for the permanent Post 16 centre. CLF Post 16 students will continue to learn at Bristol
Brunel Academy as now, but the numbers there have been reduced as capacity in the temporary classrooms at John Cabot Academy has increas 0ed. Kath Cooper, Principal
C OL S TON’S INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATION SIXTH FORM
DEVELOPING INDIVIDUALS Join our Sixth Form Information Evening
Wednesday 6th October 6.00pm - 8.00pm Register at colstons.org If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
of Post 16, said: “We will of course continue to maintain the inclusive, high-quality provision for which CLF Post 16 is renowned. The interim plan will be in place for the next three to five years, as we work to realise the plans for a permanent building adjacent to Bristol Brunel. “I recognise recent months have caused uncertainty and the patience and support of our community during this period is greatly appreciated. I believe that this next step will mean we have stability and certainty as we plan for next year and beyond. “We are very excited about the prospect of having our own temporary home for Post 16 students, while also maintaining some of our provision within Bristol Brunel Academy. Our key focus will remain, as always, delivering excellent educational experiences for our students.”
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
17
n NEWS
Book aims to spread positivity for mums A HANHAM teacher has had her writing included in an international book to raise money for charity. Kim Mousley, 39, got involved when a university friend posted on Facebook asking for contributions to the book written by mothers. The book, Meanings Over Milestones, is a collection of written experiences from 64 mothers worldwide. The theme was what they want their children to learn from them to help them navigate the ups and downs of life. Ms Mousley, a teacher at Samuel White’s infant school and a part-time post-natal yoga teacher, wrote her contribution about her experiences of giving birth to her daughter four years ago. She said: “I was surprised when I gave birth because it all went much more smoothly than I’d expected. My body just did what it was supposed to do. “I’d done hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga in the lead up to the birth but was still expect-ing it to be something horrible.
Kim Mousley “It wasn’t like that at all, and I want to make more women aware that it doesn’t have to be awful. If we give women more knowledge, they will be able to have more positive birth experiences.” She trained as a pregnancy and post-natal yoga teacher and set up her LushTums franchise just six weeks before the first lockdown. She used the time in lockdown to complete more training, as well as move house to Han-ham from Fishponds. Now she is building up the business again, running classes at Hanham community centre and in Keynsham.
Other Bristol contributors to the book were Sarah Wilson from Fishponds, Kate Taylor from Mangotsfield, Rose Child from St Werburghs and Maria Honeker from High Littleton. Sarah Wilson, 36, has been so inspired by the response to her piece in the book that she’s decided to retrain as a counsellor. She said: “I almost didn’t get included in the book. “I saw the post on Facebook asking for contributors and dithered over it. By the time I got the courage up to say I’d take part, they were full. “Then another writer dropped out at the last minute so I was told I could be included if I could write my section in just five days before they went to print. “My message was that it’s ok to not be ok. I had my second son in lockdown and it was very isolating. All the things we’d normally do like baby groups
School delayed
were closed, so it was quite tough. “I wrote about how I felt. It felt really important to me to share this, especially as a mum of two boys. “The suicide rates for young men are terrifying and it’s so often said that family and friends didn’t know there was anything wrong. “I want my boys to know that they don’t always need to put on a brave face. It’s okay to say something when you’re feeling bad.” The book is the brainchild of Angharad Davies, who founded The Positive Motherhood Project and collated all the stories that made up the book. She said: “I was fortunate to find so many mums who believed in my vision of communicating life meaning with our children." Profits from the book will be used to fund projects tackling children’s emotional wellbeing.
Apply now for your places in September 2022
SOUNDWELL Academy students will be starting on their new site later than planned due to building delays. The school for pupils aged between five and 18 who have a combination of social, emotional, mental health or speech, language and communication needs started in temporary accommodation at Patchway Community School last year. Staff and pupils were due to move into new buildings on the former Soundwell College site in September. Learn@ Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: "We're working closely with families, contractors and the Department for Education to ensure that there are no further delays and that students have a phased start in their new classrooms before the autumn halfterm." Part of the college site has been demolished and rebuilt, with the rest of the buildings refurbished to create a new school with vocational areas for engineering, a vehicle workshop, hair and beauty and hospitality training.
Kingswood & Hanham RBL THE Annual General Meeting of the Kingswood & Hanham Branch RBL will take place at 3 pm on Friday 22 October at the Kingswood Sports & Entertainment Club (formerly the Legion Club), 104 Regent Street, Kingswood BS15 8SP. All current members are invited, as are any former members of the services, who may wish to join the Legion. It is hoped, there will be a march past, wreath laying ceremony and church service at Holy Trinity Church on Remembrance Sunday 14 November.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
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n ANTIQUES
October, 2021
n WHAT'S ON
Sinking feeling
IN the world of auctions, I’m very used to dealing with items from the past, but every now and then something linked to a key moment in our history turns up. Three weeks ago, during a routine valuation of assorted boxes sent in by a lady whose friend kindly volunteered to drop them off, I spotted something special – a napkin ring. That’s right – a napkin ring. At first glance, it appeared to be no more than a standard Edwardian napkin ring. It featured a fairly typical Art Nouveau design, and wasn’t even made of silver, rather silver plated nickel. But as a history lover, the emblem on the front immediately jumped out to me. A small engraved flag, with a star to the centre; the emblem for the White Star Line – of RMS Titanic fame. The Titanic disaster is one of those events in our history that evokes so many emotions, and anything that can be tied to the disaste or the ship itself usually carries a hefty price tag. An old newspaper clipping that accompanied the ring told of a similar example, found in the pocket of a survivor’s jacket. I studied the clipping. The napkin ring wasn’t just similar, it was virtually identical. My heart leapt as this meant only one thing – it was made in 1910 for use on either RMS Titanic or her sister ship, RMS Olympic. Both ships were constructed at the same time – Olympic being finished first in October 1910, and Titanic a little later in May 1911. These napkin rings would’ve entered the dockyard and would have either been sent left (for Titanic) or right (for Olympic). It was a fifty-fifty chance. Sadly – the vendor couldn’t remember how she had come by it. It was very likely from RMS Olympic – for obvious reasons (only one napkin ring survived Titanic) – but it still had that all important connection to one of the most well-known disasters in history. What did it sell for? Well – after some fierce bidding it fetched £250. Without the connection, it would have been worth a matter of pennies. Andrew Stowe
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
GROUPS organising events in the Hanham and Longwell Green areas are invited to tell readers about them. We offer free space to publicise non profit-making activities once more. Clubs, charities and societies can send details of events to the Voice by email at news@ hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk. Businesses staging profit-making events and paid-for classes in the area can advertise in the What's On section for a small charge every month, by contacting sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk. n Hanha m 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 begin their Autumn programme on Tuesday 19th October with a quiz and social afternoon. The 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. October 16 n Downend and Kingswood branch of the RNLI are holding a coffee morning on 16th October 2021 from 10am-midday. To be held at Staple Hill Methodist Church. Bric a brac table and RNLI merchandise, everyone welcome.
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Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
October, 2021
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n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Bus services need more government cash MY nephew rang me last week, shocked when he heard my voice booming out across the bus he was travelling on. Confused, he had searched for his uncle among the passengers until he realised I was not there in person, but only as a recorded message thanking people for wearing masks! I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to First Bus for supporting my campaign to encourage passengers to wear masks so we can keep everyone safe – and apologies to everyone who has to put up with my voice! I believe mask-wearing continues to matter on public transport as one way of encouraging more people back onto buses, which is vital to meet our ambitious net zero targets. But currently we only have about 60% of pre-covid passenger numbers, and that’s caused a problem. The government rightly subsidised buses during the pandemic but they figured passenger numbers would quickly recover from their covid nosedive once people started venturing out more. They fixed on a number of 80% of people travelling again. So with that over-optimistic figure in mind, at the end of August the government suddenly slashed two-thirds of its support for West of England bus services! The result was to be expected: bus companies cut back routes, leaving people frustrated
and angry about being unable to get to work or study, get to hospital or go shopping. I have some pots of money – but they are limited and can only be spent once. So I am having to see if there are some routes I can help save. But without more government cash many people will, I’m afraid, be left disappointed. Government needed to take a more measured approach that would adjust the funding to help our bus services recover to properly reflect gradually-rising passenger confidence and numbers. Across parties, MPs agree with me. I was delighted that Conservative MPs Chris Skidmore and Jack Lopresti, Lib Dem Wera Hobhouse, plus all Labour’s local MPs co-signed a letter I wrote to the transport minister calling for a rethink. I’m certain that bringing decision-makers and influencers together – to work in the interests of local people – is what’s needed if we’re to solve our region’s big challenges. It’s not just about saving buses. We also need to improve our public transport. Having lived all my life here, I know the problems well. And efforts to improve things haven’t always worked. Successes like Metrobus are easily overshadowed by major projects that never got off the ground, despite lots of talk. Across our region there are infrequent bus services. Often they don’t go where you need them to. Sometimes you have to sit and take
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice
detours to places you don’t want to go, in order to finally reach somewhere you do! None of this will be solved overnight, but I’m pleased to have secured half-a-billion pounds for transport improvements, which will start kicking in next year. This will allow me to act more quickly to sort local transport challenges now and in the medium-term, as we build the high-quality West of England transport system of the future. A reliable, affordable, environmentally-friendly way of getting around our amazing region is what we all need and deserve.
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Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
20
October, 2021
n NEWS FROM OUR MP
Regeneration can help protect the Green Belt AS the local MP, I have long believed that whilst we need to build more homes locally, this should not come at the expense of concreting over our precious Green Belt countryside. First and foremost, we need to ensure that we maximise the regeneration of brownfield sites across Kingswood, of which there are many. I was therefore delighted recently to receive positive news from government ministers that a £2 million funding bid put together by South Gloucestershire Council to regenerate the previouslydeveloped former Grange School site in Warmley has been successful. Thanks to this new funding – which I lobbied ministers about on behalf of our community – this eyesore site will become
a thriving new community, with 200 new homes, a school, green space and sports facilities. Seventy of the energy-efficient homes will be affordable and 10 will be self-build. We can now get on and allow this site to contribute to our community’s future, just as it contributed to its past. Brownfield regeneration is also a major feature of the Kingswood Masterplan that is currently being consulted on by South Gloucestershire Council. As well as the conversion of the Masters Church site into new flats and a park, there are proposals to re-imagine the Kings Chase Shopping Centre now that it is under public ownership. On most days of the week the community hub in the Kings Chase Shopping Centre will be
staffed by council officers, ready to answer people’s questions on the Masterplan proposals. The consultation closes on October 10, and you can find more details on the council’s website. There remain other brownfield sites that I am determined to see brought forward for regeneration and the fresh investment this brings into our communities, including the former Kleeneze site in Hanham, where construction work is expected to start in 2023, subject to planning. The Chief Trading Post site in Oldland Common is another previously-developed site and its proposed regeneration would allow for a new GP surgery, alongside new homes and jobs. A brownfield first approach to new development is something I
Chris Skidmore writes for
Hanham & Longwell Green Voice will continue to champion as your Member of Parliament.
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October, 2021
21
n NEWS
Will's skydive idea to help The Hive JUMPING out of a plane and falling more than 3,000m might not be everybody’s idea of fun but four locals are braving it for charity. They hope to raise more than £5,000 for Kingswood charity The Hive, a drop-in centre for adults with learning disabilities or autism. The service, which has 200 adults using its drop-in centre, has been badly hit by Covid restrictions, leaving it with a huge income shortfall. The funds raised will help the drop-in centre keep running and support the gradual reopening of its other sessions, including music, pottery, discos and art. The four skydivers are Hive member Will Lake, his sister Georgina Lake, Tony Sperring, parent of a Hive member, and The Hive’s Impact Projects Manager, Dominic Box. The jump will take place on 22 October near Salisbury and the quartet will free fall from the plane at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour before parachuting down to the ground. Mr Lake, who has been a member of The Hive for seven years, came up with the idea of the skydive. He said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. “I watched a lot of videos and that’s what got me interested. It looked like good fun. “I wanted to fundraise because I wanted to
xxx give something to The Hive. It’s a really lovely place to come and socialise with my friends” Covid restrictions meant the centre had to shut completely for 18 months and is only beginning to reopen now. Many of the adults who use the centre have health conditions that mean they have been shielding and are keen to keep numbers restricted for now. Mr Box said: “When Will put the idea to me I thought it was an exciting way to raise both
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
money for The Hive and awareness of our work. “All the jumpers have generously decided to pay for the jump themselves, so all the money we collect will go straight to the The Hive.” Ms Lake has stepped in at the last minute after member Chris Butler, who was due to jump, had to pull out because of illness. CEO Liz Cooke said: “We tried to keep things going over Zoom during the lockdowns, such as music sessions, a weekly quiz and games, and a book club. “We also had volunteers ringing people up to have a chat. It was a very isolating time for many of the people who attend The Hive. “We’re beginning to open up, at a speed our members feel comfortable with. “Our big issue, as well as raising funds to keep us open, is that many of our volunteers left during the pandemic and we need more help to run sessions. “We provide full training and would love to hear with anyone who’d like to get involved. Anything from sitting with someone and having a chat, to getting involved supporting members during our music, drama or independent living sessions.” To donate to the fundraiser, go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/ jumpingforthehive
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
23
n NEWS
Tabernacle project's exciting future METRO Mayor Dan Norris got a glimpse of the exciting future of Kingswood’s historic Whitfield Tabernacle when he went to see renovation work beginning to transform it into a community arts venue. The 18th century building, which has deteriorated for over 20 years after a devastating fire, is being restored and turned in to an educational, performance and community arts development venue with the help of a £682,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority, which Mr Norris leads. Dan Norris said: “For far too long Whitfield Tabernacle has been a derelict eyesore, but that’s changing thanks to the dedication of The Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, and to funding
from the West of England Combined Authority. “Kingswood residents can look forward to the exciting rebirth of this important part of the community’s heritage.” The building was acquired in 2019 by The Whitfield Tabernacle Trust, which is leading the work, with an ambition to restore the Grade-I listed building. It has a central role in the history of Kingswood as home to the birth of the nonconformist religious movement. The renovation work forms part of a wider plan to re-shape the surrounding Kingswood area. The Metro Mayor also dropped in to the Kings Chase Shopping Centre where a vacant shopping unit is being used to display maps of the proposed
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Metro Mayor Dan Norris (centre) pictured with Whitfield Tabernacle Trustees (L to R) April Begley, Pat Rooney, Rev Anthony Hick and Kim Scudamore, and Richard Thompson, contract manager and director of Carrek, the conservation contractors doing the work on site changes, asking residents to give their views on the proposals. The council's consultation on its masterplan for Kingswood closes this month. Councillor Rachael Hunt, cabinet member for communities, said: “Kingswood has a bright future ahead and we want to ensure that it is accessible and attractive
to all members of the community and offers a broad range of business, leisure, residential and community uses. Our masterplan consultation comes to a close at midnight on Sunday 10 October so please take part and have your say to help shape what Kingswood will be like 60 years from now."
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
24
October, 2021
n PHARMACY BLOG
Do you know the numbers that could save your life and prevent disability? We are all familiar with BP machines and the cuffs they use, but what is Blood Pressure? Blood goes around our body using a network of vessels like pipes. The force in this pipe is measured to find out systolic pressure (top number)– the pressure when your heart pushes blood out and diastolic pressure (bottom number) – the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Blood pressure (BP) measures the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. An ideal blood pressure is under 120/80mmHg Why is it important? Untreated high blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart
and other organs, damaging them. High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke - a serious lifethreatening medical condition when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Heart attacks happen when the blood supply to part of the heart is cut off because a blood clot blocks it. Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented. The number of strokes in younger adults is also on the increase. Kidneys can get damaged by high blood pressure, with the resulting damaged kidney further raising your blood pressure. A type of dementia called vascular dementia is caused by the damage of raised BP to blood
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vessels leading to the brain. High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the penis, leading to erectile problems. The good news is that high blood pressure can be easily treated and managed safely. The bad news; it has no specific symptoms, so it is a silent killer. We know 6 million people have high blood pressure and don’t even know it. Addressing unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, and not exercising enough, can lower raised BP. Still, we know family history with raised BP, being of black African or black Caribbean descent as we as particular jobs, work patterns, and even post codes increase your risk.
0117 9322293 24 Ellacombe Road, Longwell Green, BS30 9BA All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years. With pandemic health measures limiting usual opportunities to measure blood pressure, it is worth considering a home BP machine. Many also pick up an irregular heartbeat. Ellacombe Pharmacy team are happy to offer advice and guidance. Check out #KnowYourNumbers today.
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If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
October, 2021
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
25
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Tackling cybercrime and supporting victims I WAS elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) five months ago. Over this time, work has continued to gather momentum and there is much more to be done to ensure local people are receiving an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. Recently, I have been reflecting on the key successes my team and I have achieved so far and I wanted to share these with you. I have taken on the role as national lead PCC for the Economic and Cybercrime portfolio. I will be working with representatives from City of London Police to understand the challenges in identifying and bringing offenders to justice. My overall ambition is to make everyone more resistant and resilient to cybercrime and ensure nowhere is safe for criminals who
commit this crime in the UK. I have also taken on the role of the chair for the Local Criminal Justice Board and will be working in partnership with heads of organisations across the Criminal Justice Service, including Crown Prosecution Service, the courts, prisons and probation. We will also continue to work closely with colleagues from the Probation Service to develop a co-commissioned reducing reoffending service for the whole of Avon and Somerset. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s commissioning team has been extremely successful in a number of bids to the Ministry of Justice to further support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The total additional investment received from the Ministry of Justice for victim
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services supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Avon and Somerset is almost £1.6 million this year. Finally, we launched the search for a new chief constable for Avon and Somerset last month. The chief constable has overall responsibility for leading the force, creating a vision and setting direction and culture that builds public and organisational confidence. This will be accomplished by delivering a professional, effective and efficient police service. This is a crucial appointment. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are dedicated and hard-working, and I am looking for a chief constable that can enhance their considerable efforts and skills. I want a leader who is able to inspire their workforce and
With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford meet the needs of different communities across this geographically diverse area. The successful applicant will be in post early November following a police and crime panel confirmation. I will keep you updated as this process continues.
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No need need for for an an expensive care home No home home as they get olderNo expensivecare care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Noneed need for for an an expensive expensive care home ant tobelieve stay in their own home asvery get older We in only the best care affordable cost H Senior Citizens Special Stay independent atthey home with your ownat livean in carer carer Stay independent at home with your own live in bed Care hasStay been providing live in carers since 1986 independent at home with your own in carer Stay independent home with your own livelive inpeople carer Many want to stay in their own home as they get older ve in carers since 1986 H Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older eve in onlyMany the people very best care at in antheir affordable cost want to stay own home as they get older older Many people want to stay in their own home as they get Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older been providing ere athas an affordable cost live in carers since 1986 H Patios H Fencing H Tree Work H Turfing
only the very best care at has an affordable cost Featherbed Care been providing providing live in in carers since since 1986 1986 Featherbed Care has been H providing live in carers since Hedgecutting H Planting (Shrubs1986 etc) Featherbed Care has been live carers Featherbed Care hasthe been providing liveat in an carers since 1986 We believe in only very best care affordable cost Featherbed Care hasthe been providing live in carers since 1986 We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost We believe in only very best care at an affordable cost H Organic manure delivered — Also applied We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost H Professional and guaranteed work H Brick & Blocklaying
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01179 860710
QUOTE
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hanham&longwellgreenvoice
26
October, 2021
n SPORT
Making a splash for sixty years
Mark Crutchley, chief executive of Circadian Trust and Councillor Ruth Davis, chair of South Gloucestershire Council, celebrate the diamond anniversary of Kingswood Active Leisure Centre with councillors and staff and trustees of Circadian Trust GENERATIONS of local children have learned to swim at Soundwell Baths since it opened 60 years ago. The pool, now known as Kingswood Active Leisure Centre, celebrates its diamond jubilee this year. Among the guests at the anniversary event last month was Sue Green who has worked at the centre 33 years, initially as a fitness instructor and now behind reception. She said: “Many things have changed – before we had computers everything was done with a pencil and paper , so there were quite a lot of double
bookings because the pencil would fade so quickly. But what hasn’t changed is the fact that we’re like one big family, all the staff get on really well and our customers are just lovely. Many of them have been coming for years and are now bringing their grandchildren along.” Mark Crutchley, chief executive of Circadian Trust, which runs the centre, said: “Kingswood is the oldest facility we have in our portfolio of five centres across South Gloucestershire, but probably one of our most loved just because it has been a feature in the community for such a long
time. It has really transformed over the years but remains very much part of the local area. We have customers who are bringing their children and grandchildren to the swimming lessons they attended as a child.” Since the trust, a not for profit organisation, took over the running of the centre in 2005, it has made considerable investment into the facilities including: • 2010: a £2.6m facelift, in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council, which included a new gym, refurbished pool and viewing area and new reception area.
• 2012: a new softplay facility for its younger customers. • 2020: a complete refurbishment of the pool’s diving boards. In 2021, despite lockdowns, the centre achieved a ‘Very Good’ score from Sport national quality scheme for sport and leisure, Quest, for the role it plays in the local community. The centre in Church Road has a team of 50 staff and sees more than half a million customers using its facilities each year. It reopened all its facilities after the Covid-19 emergency in July this year.
n FRYS BOWLING CLUB Thursday August 19: The penultimate game of the season saw Frys make the short trip to face Keynsham ‘A’. Keynsham took the early lead with rink pulling away. Frys were able to counter on rinks 2 and 3, but Keynsham were able to halt progress. Keynsham held the lead at the halfway point, but rink 2 had a poor second half which handed the game to Keynsham. Despite a comeback from rink 1, Keynsham ran out 48-31 winners taking 10 points on a disappointing night for the visitors. Scores: Rink 1: 10-15; Rink 2: 9-16; Rink 3: 12-17; Frys 31-48 Keynsham ‘A’ (0-10). Thursday August 26 The final game of the Bristol and District League Division 2 season saw Canford visit Frys. The home side were
hoping for a good result to finish the season. After a close start, Canford took the advantage at the halfway point, thanks to rink 1 pulling away. Rinks 2 and 3 stayed close. Rink 2 lost out on the final end with Canford picking up the 2 shots required to take a 15-14 win. Rink 3 saw Frys pick up 3 in the final 2 ends to draw the rink, but Canford still held the overall advantage. A mistake on rink 1 gave Frys two shots with helped Frys on their way to closing the gap, with Canford struggling in the reduced light. The final end saw Frys needing 5 shots for the match and rink. Frys had the better end, but Frys skip narrowly missed Canford’s second bowl twice which would have given Frys enough to at least tie the game. Canford held
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
on to a 39-43 win with only 1 point going to the home side, bringing to an end a somewhat disappointing and up and down season with a 9th placed finish. With there being no promotion or relegation, Frys retain their position in Division 2. Scores: Rink 1: 12-15; Rink 2: 14-15; Rink 3: 13-13; Frys 39-43 Canford (1-9). Frys 2021 season record: Played: 18; Won: 7; Drew: 0; Lost: 11; Shots For: 795; Shots Against: 822; Shots Difference: -27; Points: 72. Please contact our secretary, Christopher Day, on 01225 872959, e-mail: frysbowlsclub@gmail. com, for updates, apply for membership, or arrange tuition. Or visit www.frysbowlingclub. Photo: Peter Ricketts wixsite.com/frys, or Twitter: @FrysBowls."
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021
27
n PUZZLE PAGE
The FIEND 5
Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the row, column or square.
For younger readers
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If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
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Easier sudoku Solution
Use the phone keypad to decode the clues. For example: 2 could be A, B or C ... and 5678 could be LOST
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Keynsham Tree Removal & Stump Grinding
Call Nick on 0117 2872375 0117 303 9000
• Tree felling • Stump grinding • All tree & hedge work undertaken • Fencing • Waste removal • Mini Digger & Operator • Good rates & reliable service
Tel: 0117 9117652 Mobile: 07747 131431 (All areas covered)
If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS From as little as
£20.00 +VAT
Per month EMAIL
sales@hanhamand longwellgreenvoice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
30
PAINTING DECORATING
KITCHEN SPECIALISTS
M JJ CRAWFORD M CRAWFORD CARPENTRY CARPENTRY & & KITCHEN KITCHEN FITTING SERVICES FITTING LTD
SJM DECORATING
Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Your local carpenter whoHOUR carries out LOCKSMITH Internal & External Decorating 24 all types of carpentry work . Fast, reliable & friendly service • Kitchens •& Bathrooms DOUBLE GLAZING Fully insured 24 HOUR LOCKSMITH
• Doors • Skirting • Flooring REPAIRS Free Quotations & DOUBLE GLAZING • Decking • Pvc cladding Call Scott 07515 523 623 Call Matt on 07909 928413 24 HOUR LOCKSMITH REPAIRS or 01179 864304 for a free quote & DOUBLE GLAZING0117 3824411 Dale Clements
E: mjcrawfordcarpenrtykitchen@yahoo.com REPAIRS
www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk
W: www.mjcrawfordcarpenrty.co.uk Dale Clements
24 hour Locksmith Service (all types of doors) 24 HOUR LOCKSMITH Dale Clements Locks,ofHandles 24LOCKSMITH hour Locksmith Service (all types doors) and Hinges RepairedPAINTING DECORATING &Locks,DOUBLE GLAZING Misted and Broken Glass Replaced Handles and Hinges Repaired Realign Dropped Doors and Windows Misted and Broken Glass Replaced 24 HOUR LOCKSMITH REPAIRS Realign Dropped Doors and Windows 24 hour Locksmith Service (all types of doors) Locks, Handles and Hinges Repaired Misted and Broken Glass Replaced Realign Dropped Doors and Windows
0117 3690046 & DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS Mobile: 07970 019830 0117 3690046 Dale 0117Clements 3690046 Mobile: 07970 019830 Mobile: 07970 019830
24 hour Locksmith Service (all types NO of CAdoors) LL Locks, Handles and Hinges Repaired OUT FEE FIXED PRICES Misted and Broken Glass Replaced Realign Dropped Doors and Windows
0117
957 5092
PLUMBING SERVICES
NO CALL OUT FEE
www.daleclements.co.uk 44 ABBOTS ROAD, HANHAM, BS15 3NG
FIXED PRICES
* TAPS, WASHERS * BALL VALVES * LEAKS, WASTES * OVERFLOWS, DRIPS * LEAD PIPES * TOILETS, FLUSHES
E
NO
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
NO CALL OUT FEE
FE ABBOTS BS15 3NG 44 ABBOTS ROAD, HANHAM, 3NG ROAD, THANHAM, 0117 3690046 44BS15 L OU ices r CAL p d
Fixe
NO CALL OUT FEE
PLUMBING SERVICES
FIXED PRICES
www.daleclements.co.uk www.daleclements.co.uk
Mobile: 07970 019830
October, 2021
FIXED PRICES OVEN CLEANING
www.daleclements.co.uk 44 ABBOTS ROAD, HANHAM, BS15 3NG
Tiler • Mason • Painter
Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry PAINTING DECORATING Interior & façade painting
PLUMBING & HEATING
PLUMBING SERVICES
Cherry Plumbing Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator
Builder & Interior Decorator
17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior & Facade T: 0117 401 8568 / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience
T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk
& Heating Services
EST 2004
Over 20 yrs experience
Boiler installation, servicing and repairs
Boiler Breakdown Service & Installation Engineer
10 Year Warranty’s available
All makes and models worked on
Finance also available
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.
518308
Call Darren on 07787 956651
Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
October, 2021 PLUMBING & HEATING
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
31 TOE NAIL CUTTING
Tom’s Property Maintenance
MR CLEAN
EXTERIOR CLEANING SERVICES
• GUTTER CLEANING & UNBLOCKING • FASCIA SOFFITS CLEANED
We would be pleased to help you with your
Boiler/Heating systems installed Unvented Cylinders, Electric Boilers Underfloor heating Boiler repairs Boiler servicing Gas & PAT safety testing
UP TO 10 YEAR FINANCE PLANS AVAILABLE Contact us via:
0117 9600296 or 07970122137 info@blueflameservice.co.uk www.blueflameservice.co.uk FULLY ACCREDITED WITH
• OLD WOODEN FASCIA BOARDS CLEANED & RE-PAINTED
No job too big or too small Call now for a reasonable quote
Tel: 0117 9117652 Mob: 07747 131431
tomspropertymaintenance11@yahoo.com
ROOFING SERVICES
Tel:
RF
ROOFING SPECIALIST
• Telephone Sockets Relocated • Additional Telephone Points • Telephone Systems • Data/Computer Cabling • WiFi Solutions and Access Points • Projector and Flat Panel TV Installation • CCTV • Fault Finding
Tel : 0117 3620313 Website : www.amg-solutions.co.uk TILING SERVICES
Bathroom, Kitchen & Floor Tiling
Electric showers repaired,sold & fitted competitive rates fast service Tel Paul at pj Home Electrical 07774747834 or 0117 2302010 approved
Keynsham based
website: bathshowersbristol
No Call out Charge
Kwik Care Pest Control
Jon 07483 826104 0117 9860642 www.kwik-care.co.uk
AMG SolutionS
faulty
WASP REMOVAL
Tel: 0117 987 0177 07738 054042 TELEPHONE ENGINEER
Shower
Call 07523299147 or visit www.neatfeet.net
Wasp Removal
rf.roofing@hotmail.com
PLUMBING SERVICES
Free foot massage!
• All aspects of roofing undertaken • Repairs • Complete reroofs • Flat roofs • Insurance work • No job too small *24 years’ experience*
For a friendly free quotation, call Ross
PLUMBING SERVICES
Give your toes a treat
• EXTERIOR HOUSE & WALL PAINTING • HEDGE TRIMMING • FENCE PAINTING & REPAIRS • NEW FENCE SUPPLIED & FITTED
Toenail cutting and foot care in the comfort of your own home. Affordable, professional.
Mosaic, Travertine, Porcelain & Ceramic Specialists
Fully qualified Competitive prices Call now for a free quote
WASTE DISPOSAL
RUBBISH CLEARED
Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074
We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
WASTE DISPOSAL
Garden, Clearance House, House,House, Garden, Garden, Office OfficeOffice Clearance Clearance
House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89
Andy on 07468 791619
Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179
Email: arhys-jones@sky.com
Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
A Keynsham business
www.tilingheaven.co.uk
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
If it’s News Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk
Expert care every step of the way With Spire Bristol Hospital you’ll see a leading specialist in a hospital where safety comes first. When you book an appointment with us, you can be sure that you’ll receive expert care in a secure environment.
Safety first We continue to screen our patients and colleagues for COVID-19 symptoms and maintain extensive protection protocols.
Fast access to diagnosis and treatment You can see one of our specialists quickly, because less waiting means less worrying.
Advanced technology We use the latest technology and techniques wherever possible to get the best outcome for you.
Book to see an expert today Search ‘Spire Bristol Hospital’ Call 0117 453 0403 Interest free finance – 0% representative APR available
Credit is subject to status. Spire Healthcare Limited is acting as a credit broker, Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is the lender. All named parties are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Spire Healthcare’s registered address is 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN.