Hanham & Longwell Green Voice October 2023

MEET the heavy horses who have been hauled in t0 help develop the new Jubilee Park in Cadbury Heath.

Three of the magnificent beasts, named Flynn, Kipp and Quin, played their part by preparing the ground so that the former pitch and putt course can be turned into wildflower meadows.

The shire horses were admired by visitors young and old when they worked the land last month. They are due to be there again on October 4.

The park is being created to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.

The biodiversity initiatives are being funded by South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Combined Authority.

Full story: Page 3

BMX brothers win trophies

Senshu Flukes, 12, became UK champion and brother Kaishu, 15, also won a trophy at the national event. The boys practise in Longwell Green.

PAGE 7

School celebrates 'Good' Ofsted

Christ Church CofE Primary School in Hanham is celebrating after Ofsted upgraded it to Good, with early years provision rated Outstanding.

PAGE 5

National success for Majestics

Majestics Gymnastics, which recently moved from Longwell Green to a new base in Warmley, came away from the UK championships with trophies.

PAGE 9

Hanham & Longwell Green Voice contacts

Publisher Emma Cooper

0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448

sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Editor Linda Tanner 0777 0700579

news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Erica Benson

Advertising Sales

0117 908 2121

sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

November deadline

Our November edition deadline is October 25. 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

Complaints

Helicopter used in bid to tackle motorbike crime

POLICE have been dealing with a spate of motorcycle crime in east Bristol and Kingswood.

Officers received numerous calls on the afternoon of Saturday September 2, reporting a group of between 30 and 40 people riding antisocially on roads, pavements and green spaces.

Officers on the ground were supported by the drone unit and the National Police Air Service helicopter to safely monitor the group, several of whom were reportedly in their mid-teens and not wearing helmets.

A man in his 20s was arrested in Eastville for driving offences.

that was being ridden on the pavement.

The officers searched the area and saw a motorbike being pushed along in Grimsbury Road.

The male pushing the bike fled on foot into neighbouring gardens. Despite a search by officers on the ground, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, the man was not found.

The blue and white Honda CRF was seized after being identified as the motorbike stolen from Bath.

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

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.

Police will review footage submitted by the public as well as that recorded by the drone and helicopter units in order to investigate and take action against those involved in this anti-social behaviour.

On September 5, a motorbike was stolen from Westgate Buildings in Bath.

The force said officers responding to a report of an altercation in Regent Street, Kingswood, at about 8pm the same day found the involved parties had left, but a witness said it had happened after a member of the public challenged two people on a motorbike

Two days later the helicopter was used again to help officers on the ground track a suspected stolen motorbike with rider and pillion passenger.

When it was safe to do so, a stinger device was used to stop the vehicle on Clouds Hill Road, St George, at about 8pm. One person was detained nearby following a search involving a police dog handler.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police.

A black Honda motorbike PCX125, reported stolen from Laura Place, Bath on Thursday, has been recovered.

A member of the

Shire horses work to create meadows

HEAVY horses have been helping to sow new wildflower meadows at Jubilee Park in Cadbury Heath.

The shire horses, Flynn, Kipp and Quin, harrowed the soil before the seeds were sown and are rolling the land afterwards.

Some of the seeds for the meadows at the park, which is being created to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, have come from the king’s Highgrove estate.

South Gloucestershire Council has provided £55,000 from the council’s Climate and Nature Emergency funding towards the biodiversity park on a former pitch and putt course. Funding to create the wildflower meadows comes via a £53,000 grant from the Wesrt of England Combined Authority.

Five thousand wildflower plug plants are being sourced

from Grow Wilder, Avon Wildlife Trust’s plant nursery.

The aim is to create a haven for both wildlife and local people.

South Gloucestershire

Councillors Jayne Stansfield and Alex Doyle, were joined by Metro Mayor Dan Norris and residents

to mark the start of project to sow the wildflower meadows.

Councillor Stansfield said: “It is fantastic to see these magnificent horses in action as they prepare the soil at Jubilee Park for beautiful wildflower meadows which will teem with

wildlife when established. Heavy horses are being used due to their low environmental impact and as a sustainable alternative to heavy machinery, which would overly compact the soil. We are facing climate and ecological emergencies so projects like this are vital to provide wildlife havens where our residents can relax and enjoy nature.”

Mayor Dan Norris said: “Bees matter. Simply put, we can’t live without them. That’s why I was so delighted to meet Flynn, Kipp and Quin helping get Jubilee Park ready to bloom.

“I’m proud to be investing in projects supporting pollinators like this - good news for Cadbury Heath locals, and even better news for its pollinators who do so much for us. It’s projects like these that will really help us make our amazing West of England region the bee and pollinator capital of the country.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris meets the shire horses at Jubilee Park

n NEWS

THIRTEEN schools in South Gloucestershire have joined together to create a new academy trust.

The Leaf Trust formally started work at the beginning of the new academic year in September.

It brings together schools which were previously local authority controlled, some of which had already formed federations to work more closely together.

Among the schools involved are Samuel Whites Infants and Hanham Abbots Juniors, in Hanham, Cadbury Heath Primary, Kings Forest Primary nd St Barnabas.

The others are Blackhorse

Primary, Emersons Green

Primary, Mangotsfield Primary, Stanbridge Primary, Staple Hill

Primary The Tynings Primary, Bowsland Green Primary and Wheatfield Primary.

After the government announced it wanted all schools to be part of an academy trust by 2030, the 13 schools came together to form their own.

It is the only primary school-only trust in the area,

Primary schools join together to create new trust

Mangotsfield Primary School executive head Faye Kitchen, who has also been head teacher of Bromley Heath Junior school, Blackhorse Primary and Emersons Green executive head teacher Simon Botten, former Wheatfield head teacher Phil Winterburn and Blackhorse school business leader Debbie Beazer.

and head teachers have been working together for 18 months to get it up and running, holding consultations with staff, parents and the community.

The trust's chief executive is Ross Newman, who was previously executive head teacher of the Forest Hill partnership between Kings Forest Primary and Staple Hill Primary School.

He said: "I am incredibly grateful to each and every one who made this enormous undertaking possible. We have spent the past 18 months planning together, and we are looking forward to making sure we have a positive impact upon all of the learners in our care, in our new family of schools."

Mr Newman is supported by a leadership team of former

Tynings head teacher Lois Haydon said: "the opportunity of working together in a more formal way is extremely exciting.

"The Trust values of ‘Belong, Grow, Succeed,’ align with those of the schools in the trust, and the drive for excellence for all of the children in our schools is something we wanted to be part of from the very beginning.

"These are exciting times for the children and families in our area, as well as for the staff who work in our schools."

Members of the Leaf Trust leadership team Faye Kitchen, Ross Newman and Simon Botten

Ofsted: School gives pupils 'a flying start'

CHILDREN feel loved, cared for and flourish at Christ Church CofE Primary School in Hanham.

That's what parents and carers told Ofsted - and the inspectors agreed, upgrading the school to a judgement of Good.

The school's early years provision was rated Outstanding, while quality of education, leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes and personal development were all said to be Good.

The inspectors, who visited the 300-pupil school for two days in June, said in their report: "Staff know the pupils and their families well. Over time, pupils become confident, independent thinkers who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

"Leaders, including governors, have high expectations for pupils’ learning".

Headteacher Neil McKellar-

Turner said: “Since my arrival in November 2019, my staff team and I have been very clear in the type of school we wanted to create- one that provides all of our pupils with an excellent educational experience.

“As a school team, we set out our vision and journey for creating a place of excellence in Hanham. Our vision, (co-

constructed with parents, governors and staff), of Nurture with love- Grow through knowledge and wisdom- Flourish in hope is the central to all that we do. This vision has driven our improvement journey at pace, enabling us to focus on the most important aspects of school: improving the quality of teaching and curriculum; growing a

culture of high expectations, behaviour and respect; ensuring we are a fully inclusive school at the heart of a community; nurturing leaders at all levels to be able to drive sustainable improvement; and providing a centre of education in which staff and pupils feel valued, excited and motivated to grow and flourish.

“We are delighted that the improvements we have implemented, as part of our ongoing journey to excellence, have been recognised by Ofsted. We are especially pleased that the work that has gone in to ensuring that our Early Years Foundation Stage provides our children with high quality experiences and opportunities has been recognised with an outstanding judgement. We now look forward to continuing our journey further building upon the ‘flying start’ our children receive.”

Christ Church Hanham CE Primary School

Nurture with love - Grow through knowledge and wisdom - Flourish in hope

Prospective parents’ sessions for children due to start school in September 2024

If your child was born between 1st September 2019 and 31st August 2020, they will be due to start school in September 2024.

As the only Church of England school within Hanham, we believe that we can provide a place of excellence where your child will be empowered to develop, grow, and flourish, with a belief that anything is possible!

We would be delighted to welcome you and your child to Christ Church Hanham CE Primary School in order to tell you more about our school, our wonderful children and what we have to offer.

Come and see our school in action on one of the following dates:

Tuesday 26th September 2023, 9.30am

Monday 2nd October 2023, 2.00pm

Friday 13th October 2023, 9.30am

Wednesday 18th October 2023, 2.00pm

Thursday 2nd November 2023, 9.30am

Children are very welcome to join you on the tour!

Christ Church Hanham Information Evening Wednesday 8th November 2023, 6.00pm

*We will be hosting this meeting on Microsoft Teams as well for parents/ carers who are unable to attend in person. Stay and Play’ session for children.

Seeing how your child responds to the environment is key in helping you to make a decision about the right school.

Saturday 18th November 2023, 10.00am • Thursday 23rd November 2023, 3.45pm • Monday 27th November 2023, 3.45pm

Clifton

Diocesan school, we offer a Catholic education, warmly welcomes families from Christian, other world no faith backgrounds at all.

As a South Gloucestershire Local Aut hority and Clif ton Diocesan sc hool, we offer a Cat holic education whic h warmly welcomes families from Christian, ot her world religions or no faith bac kgrounds at all.

choose Our Lady of Lourdes because they identify with something they want for their child. It may be good behaviour… expectations…a small, family feel…traditional values…ethos or Statement. Whatever the attraction, our families are united in their to our school community, and our endeavour to enable… every…single…child to flourish.

SPACES AVAILABLE

information, virtual tours and a copy of our school prospectus please school website at: www.ourladyoflourdesprimaryschool.org.uk

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… ever y…single…child to flourish.

“This school makes me happy.” YEAR 5 PUPIL

To see what our welcoming and nurturing school has to offer, please come along to one of our Open Days below. If you are unable to make any of the dates, please contact us to book a tour of the school.

Monday 9th October 2023 at 9.30am

Monday 16th October 2023 at 9.30am

Further dates for November will be released in due course

We also have some spaces available in other year groups across the school (please call the school office on 01454 867160 for more information)

Big step for Florence fund

MIDWIVES from the Royal United Hospital completed a challenging sponsored walk in support of a fundraising drive by the family of a baby from Hanham who died at three days old.

Ryan and Ella Palmer’s daughter Florence Rose was born in September 2019 at the RUH in Bath and lost her life at Bristol Children’s Hospital.

While awaiting tests to find the cause of her death, Ryan regularly spent time with their daughter in hospital, singing nursery rhymes and watching films.

This gave the couple a vision: to create a home-like environment at the RUH where bereaved parents can have time with their child before the funeral. They are working with hospital officials to develop the Florence Rose Room, a pod-like building with a garden situated on the outskirts of the hospital site.

Four years on, the couple are more than three quarters of the way towards their £20,000 target. The pod is in place and now needs equipping, while the garden has to be landscaped. There are also plans for a metal memorial tree.

Tracey Martin, a retired midwife at the RUH and a friend of Ella’s grandma Cath, and Rachel Coleman, a midwife in Trowbridge, undertook a 55-mile sponsored walk over two days, starting and finishing at the RUH and calling in at birthing centres at Chippenham, Trowbridge, Frome and Paulton.

“We called it 55 for Florence,” said Tracey. “We started at 6am both days - we did just over 130,000 steps! The fundraising has been amazing - currently at £2,780. We’ve got a few blisters but every step was worth it. Florence will always have a very special place in our hearts."

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/55forflorence

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

Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15

“This school makes me happy.” YEAR 5 PUPIL

Tracey Martin and Rachel Coleman were joined by colleagues for part of their 55 for Florence walk

Senshu wins UK title

TALENTED BMX rider Senshu

Flukes is celebrating after being crowned UK champion.

Senshu, aged 12, triumphed in his age group at the national BMX championships in Derby, where his brother Kaishu also picked up a trophy for finishing seventh in the 15-16 Cruiser category. Kaishu, now aged 15, was UK champion in his age group two years ago.

The brothers, who honed their cycling skills on the pump track in Longwell Green and still practise there, also recently competed in the world championships in Glasgow, where Senshu finished ninth.

Their proud mum Yoshiko said: “As he just missed the world top eight in Glasgow, he was pleased that he’s got the British title.”

Spook-tacular!

TRADERS in Hanham High Street will be taking part in one of the most popular events of the year this month.

The Halloween trail will feature displays and exhibits, some of which have been created by customers. This year the event is set to feature a haunted dolls’ house.

From Monday 23 to Tuesday 31 October, families will be able to collect a trail map from Eclectic Gift Shop during opening hours (10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 10am-2pm Sunday).

They can then follow a circular route of the High Street searching for the Halloween characters in shop windows.

Nicola Bartlett, from Eclectic, said: “The trail has had a lot of support already. Fancy dress is encouraged and I’ll be running a photo competition with the Best Dressed (as voted for on on Facebook) winning a hamper of treats.”

The trail is sponsored by Jemima’s Beauty and Tollgate Hire.

Do you have a child starting school in September 2024?

She said the boys are supportive of each other and offer encouragement.

“They are good rivals, but always joking to each other about whose trophies are better!”

Yoshiko said her sons hope to continue striving for BMX success while also focusing on their education and other interests.

Senshu, for example, is also a keen footballer, playing for South Gloucester RTC football club.

Yoshiko said: “I believe he will continue racing, hoping to grab the European championships title, which he hasn’t won yet.”

Do you have a child starting school in September 2024?

We would love to welcome you to St Anne’s to share the fantastic opportunity we offer to all of our children. Last year, our learning was enhanced by visits from fire officers and three kings, teddy bears and cooks, Santa and several elves, superheroes and scientists . We believe in nurturing the whole child in a creative learning space. Let us know when you would like to visit. We look forward to meeting you and your children when you come to our wonderful school.

We would love to welcome you to St Anne’s to share the fantastic opportunity we offer to all of our children.

Do you have a child starting school in September 2024?

St Anne’s CE Primary School School Road, Oldland Common

Last year, our learning was enhanced by visits from fire officers and three kings, teddy bears and cooks, Santa and several elves, superheroes and scientists .

Do you have a child starting school in September 2024?

We believe in nurturing the whole child in a creative learning space. Let us know when you would like to visit. We look forward to meeting you and your children when you come to our wonderful school.

We would love to welcome you to St Anne’s to share the fantastic opportunity we offer to all of our children. Last year, our learning was enhanced by visits from fire officers and three kings, teddy bears and cooks, Santa and several elves, superheroes and scientists .

St Anne’s CE Primary School

School Road, Oldland Common

We would love to welcome you to St Anne’s to share the fantastic opportunity we offer to all of our children.

We believe in nurturing the whole child in a creative learning space. Let us know when you would like to visit. We look forward to meeting you and your children when you come to our wonderful school

St Anne’s CE Primary School School Road, Oldland Common

Last year, our learning was enhanced by visits from fire officers and three kings, teddy bears and cooks, Santa and several elves, superheroes and scientists.

St Anne’s CE Primary School School Road, Oldland Common

We believe in nurturing the whole child in a creative learning space.Let us know when you would like to visit. We look forward to meeting you and your children when you come to our wonderful school. Fantastic grounds, beautiful gardens, inspiring learning opportunities

Fabulous library, heated outdoor swimming pool, an exciting Reception learning environment

Support us and join the

We are welcoming parents/carers to come for a tour on the following dates:

Thursday 21st September 2023 at 1:45pm

Wednesday 4th October 2023 at 6.00pm

Fabulous library, heated outdoor swimming pool, an exciting Reception learning environment

Saturday 14th October 2023 at 9:30am

Thursday 16th November 2023 at 1:45pm

Tuesday 7th November 2023 at 11:00am

We are welcoming parents/carers to come for a tour on the following dates:

Saturday 25th November 2023 at 9.30am

Support us and join the

Support us and join the

Thursday 21st September 2023 at 1:45pm

Wednesday 4th October 2023 at 6.00pm

Saturday 14th October 2023 at 9:30am

For more information or to book a visit please call the school on 01454 862500

We care every day, all day from 7.45am until 5.45pm

Tuesday 7th November 2023 at 11:00am

St Anne’s After School Club

Thursday 16th November 2023 at 1:45pm

We care every day, all day from 7.45am until 5.45pm

St Anne’s After School Club

Fabulous library, heated outdoor swimming pool, an exciting Reception learning environment We are welcoming parents/carers to come for a tour on the following dates:

Fabulous library, heated outdoor swimming pool, an exciting Reception learning environment We are welcoming parents/carers to come for a tour on the following dates:

Saturday 25th November 2023 at 9.30am

For more information or to book a visit please call the school on 01454 862500

Thursday 21st September 2023 at 1:45pm

Fantastic grounds, beautiful gardens, inspiring learning opportunities

Fantastic grounds, beautiful gardens, inspiring learning opportunities

Reading challenge success

MORE than 6,300 children have taken part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at South Gloucestershire libraries, reading more than 117,000 books during the school summer holidays.

This summer, libraries and The Reading Agency partnered with The Youth Sport Trust for Ready, Set, Read!, a sports, games and play themed challenge to highlight the positive impact that reading, keeping active and having fun have on a child’s development.

Primary school children from across South Gloucestershire took part by reading books throughout the holidays and collected incentives including free swim vouchers and Ready, Set, Read! seeds. There was also a mini challenge = designed for pre-school children to help

prepare them for their first day at school.

To celebrate the success of everyone who took part this year, the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Councillor Mike Drew,met a group of local children and presented them with their Summer Reading Challenge medals and certificates.

Councillor Drew said: “It’s outstanding that over 6,000 children in South Gloucestershire have taken part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2023, Ready, Set, Read! Children’s reading can dip during the long summer holidays, but taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge at the library really helps children to boost their reading ability

and develop a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure. It has been great to meet some of the children and their families who have taken part this year. ”

Summer Reading Challenge volunteers have been on hand to encourage and support children taking part. To recognise their contribution, volunteers were also awarded certificates.

Councillor Mike Drew joins a group of children and volunteers

Majestics gymnasts are British champions

MAJESTIC Gymnastics is celebrating the best results in its history at the British TeamGym Championships.

It is especially satisfying for the club following a challenging year in which it has moved to a new headquarters.

Delays to the work on the base at the former Grange school in Warmley disrupted training routines ahead of the two-day competition in Newcastle.

Nevertheless the gymnasts and their coaches emerged with a clutch of successes.

The senior women’s team secured Majestic Gymnastics' first British Gold Medal in the category. Their performance has earned them the honour of representing Great Britain in the Mid European Championships in Italy in November 2023. Other achievements were:

1. Primary Challenge - silver medal

2. Youth National - 6th place

3. Junior Mixed - bronze medal

4. Junior Woman - bronze medal.

Club directors Candice Littleton and Michelle George said: “Congratulations to all our gymnasts and coaches for this historic success. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit have brought honour and recognition to the club and their community. This remarkable journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.”

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Making the weather, together

GOOD politicians are ones who can “make the weather” - so goes the old adage.

It speaks to how good politics and politicians can take the decisions necessary to grip the big issues of the day, and improve society.

Sadly, this metaphor has acquired a literal sense in recent years, as the impact of the climate emergency we all face becomes clearer by the day.

Our weather is changing. Think of last year’s ‘False Autumn’, which spelt disaster for our trees, and animals who rely on them, or our recent washout summer.

And it’s just the start. Experts say wetter winters, more intense cold spells and heatwaves will become more frequent due to climate change. ‘Unusual’ weather will become the norm.

One of the things that concerns me is the impact that will have on our West of England economy, and the million-plus people I represent as Metro Mayor.

It’s why I’m afraid I wasn’t surprised at this month’s GDP statistics, with this summer’s rainy weather apparently causing a big slump in the economy, particularly in retail and construction.

The truth is we must get on top of this

urgent problem and build a climate-resilient economy, here in the West and nationwide.

Otherwise we are sleepwalking into climate chaos, and economic chaos.

My Mayoral Combined Authority is getting on with the serious business of investing in climate resilience, in the absence of leadership from government.

I’m working with the Met Office on a brand new, region-wide climate adaptation plan after ministers’ one lacked the regional ambition necessary to take the tough choices we need to make to create a climate-resilient West of England economy.

That means planting even more trees like our new Great Avon Wood, the biggest new woodland in our region, funded by the Combined Authority, plus keeping streets cooler, measures to reduce flooding and retrofitting shops to keep them cosy.

This is stuff we’re already doing though my £60 million Green Recovery Fund, and other green programmes I’ve launched over the last two years.

Of course it’s also about transport, which is why we need to encourage more people out of cars, especially for those shorter everyday

journeys.

So if it’s your birthday coming up, please do apply for your free Birthday Bus pass at www. birthdaybus.co.uk - it’ll give you the chance to try out our buses for free for a whole month, and if you like them, I hope it might persuade you to make a switch longer-term.

These are steps everyone in our region can get behind, wherever they live, from our most rural communities to our beautiful market towns and great cities of Bristol and Bath.

Words are easy, but it is action that is required. So let’s brace for further storms ahead, and keep the West’s economy thriving.

We really can make the weather - together.

“My mother has been so incredibly well looked after. The nursing staff are so very kind, thoughtful and nothing is too much trouble. My

feels safe and comfortable.”

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

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

£3.36m bid to restore Kingswood Park

LONG-AWAITED improvements to Kingswood Park are a step closer after South Gloucestershire Council submitted a £3.36 million funding bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project aims to restore and enhance the park as the green heart of Kingswood.

The council has worked with the volunteer group Friends of Kingswood Park and the wider community to understand what matters to local people and reflect this in the proposals, with a decision on funding expected towards the end of the year.

If the Lottery bid is successful, money will be used to install accessible toilets and improve pathways, redesign the play area with better equipment, and introduce a mobile refreshment facility.

Running alongside the improvement works will be a three-year programme of community events and activities with a focus on health and

wellbeing. There will also be more wildlife-friendly tree planting and the creation of a wildflower meadow to boost biodiversity. Historic features such as the railings and walls will

be upgraded and the central amphitheatre restored as a performance space.

Once the improvement works are carried out, a three-year programme of community events with a focus on health and

wellbeing is planned.

The park restoration is part of the wider £25 million Kingswood Masterplan, a regeneration vision for the town centre, making Kingswood a better place to live, work and visit.

South Gloucestershire

Council and The Friends of Kingswood Park successfully secured £120,000 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Funding in October 2021 to develop these proposals.

Cabinet member for communities ward member for Kingswood, Cllr Leigh Ingham, said: “Kingswood Park is already a wonderful green space at the heart of the community and these plans, drawn up with the Friends group, aim to make it somewhere even more special, where local people can enjoy for years to come.”

Access will be improved, implementing the Kingswood Park Access Plan 2021, by building a ‘missing link’ footpath to create a full park path circuit.

Councillors Leigh Ingham and Jayne Stansfield with Kirsty Newberry from the council's Streetcare team at Kingswood Park

Ofsted 2022

Open events at Samuel White's Infant School

September 2024 starters

Children and grown ups are invited to Stay and Play on these dates:

Tue 3rd Oct 3.45pm-4.45pm

Thur 12th Oct 3.45pm-4.45pm

Tue 14th Nov 3.45pm-4.45pm

Please also come to our information session and tour of Hanham Primary Federation on Tue 21st Nov at 6pm

Please call the school office to book your places - 01454 866576 or scan this QR code.

'Pupils are thoughtful and inclusive. They appreciate difference and have a strong awareness of equality and respect for others.'

n FEATURE n WI NEWS

The Sarah Records story

Sarah Records was the indie label that signed the acts no major label would touch but who you wanted to hear. It put out a board game, produced cut’n’paste fanzines and thumbed its nose to the mainstream music industry. It was your secret world and it was located in the heart of Bristol from 1987 to 1995. In her new book, out this month, Hanham author Jane Duffus celebrates the significance of this most independent of indie labels.

IF asked to define the Bristol music scene, the names that spring to mind might include Massive Attack, Tricky and Portishead. Only the more astute music fans would add Sarah Records. But this internationally adored record label really deserves to be better known in its home city.

Sarah’s co-founders Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes were driven by feminism, ethics and a passion to truly embrace the DIY ethos of the post-punk scene. And fans were drawn to the label right from day one. When Sarah launched in November 1987, Clare was 19 and still at university, while Matt was 25 and a physics graduate who had been working as a car park attendant.

Clare and Matt were not concerned with forming a capitalist monolith to rival Virgin or EMI. Instead, they were eschewing the posturing and vanity of the pop charts and focusing on promoting the kind of bands that the major labels would be too scared to touch.

Clare remembers: “It wasn’t like we had a plan that we were going to do 100 7” singles and then throw a big party but we always knew we wanted to do more than one, we weren’t just putting a record out, we were starting a

record label.”

Talking about the ethos of Sarah, Matt says: “The label was in opposition to the capitalism of multi-format releases on the major labels. We were an anti-capitalist business, changing the world through the power of the 7” single. CDs in 1987 were £15, and major labels wanted everyone to re-buy their record collections. While 7”s were £1.50 so they were accessible and affordable.”

Birmingham band The Sea Urchins launched the label with ‘Pristine Christine’, a whoosh of pop that brilliantly introduced Sarah to the world. But nobody was asked to sign a contract, things didn’t operate in that way. This meant the bands were free to leave at any point, and that the label was free not to put out any further records by a particular act. “I suppose no one really had any security,” says Clare, “but it also meant no one was forced into doing anything they didn’t want to do. We never wanted to put records out because we thought they would sell, we always wanted to put records out that we thought were absolutely brilliant and hoped they’d sell.”

Which is why, in May 1988, Matt was writing to Glaswegian band The Orchids asking: “I take it you do want to do another single???

And, assuming you haven’t been offered vast sums by EMI, would you be happy doing it with us?

We’re a bit unsure.” And a few years later, Clare wrote to The Orchids to let them know that major label subsidiaries including Go! Discs and Food were interested in the band: “Assuming you have now quit the label as it were (or even if you haven’t), they might be worth following up.” Being The Orchids, the band stayed put.

Although Clare and Matt moved to London after they ended Sarah, they remain enormously fond of Bristol. “If I wasn’t living in London, Bristol would still be my top city to live in,” promises Matt. “London is where I’m from and I was starting to miss it. But I miss Bristol as well. Bristol is lovely because it’s a self-contained big city. You can stand on Brandon Hill and there’s greenery all around. So even though you’re in a big metropolis, it doesn’t take ages to get out.”

Containing almost 130 interviews and more than 250 pictures, ‘These Things Happen: The Sarah Records Story’ by Jane Duffus, published by Tangent Books, is out on 16 October. For more information, visit tangentbooks.co.uk and janeduffus.com

LONGWELL GREEN WI

THE nights are beginning to draw in and after a very hot week in September, autumn seems to be on the way.

At our September meeting we put our grey cells into action with a quiz evening. A lot of chat between the team members trying to find the answers and “Oh! Of course“ when the answers were given. This was followed by social time where members could catch up with friends after our summer break.

We welcomed several visitors and hope to see them again at our next meeting.

Some of our members, on a very hot day, had a very interesting guided tour round the King’s residence at Highgrove which was enjoyed by all.

At our meeting in October, we are looking forward to a talk Falling with Style – Skydiving by Lottie

Dale

We have lots of groups that our members can participate in. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group, skittles and social suppers. On the first Thursday of the month, we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat. Longwell Green WI regular meetings are on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting us please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening.

Linda Muller

Men urged to get free cancer check

A SUPPORT group for prostate cancer patients is calling on men in the city aged 40 and over to come to a free testing day this month.

Prospect has organised the event at Rose Green Centre in Gordon Rd on October 14 to offer Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, tests.

Prospect's Mark Wilcox said: "Unlike some other cancers there is at present no mandatory testing available on the NHS for prostate cancer, rather it is up to the individual to go and see their GP and request a test."

"Prostate cancer currently affects almost 1 in 8 men and the risk increases to 1 in 4 for black men. It is a slow-growing cancer, often without symptoms, but can be successfully treated - the earlier the better."

Blood tests taken on the day will be taken by medical professionals and analysed. Men who have a test will be told the results, and whether any follow-up action is needed, confidentially.

There will also be stalls offering advice and opportunities for conversations, as well as refreshments at the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm.

Tests need to be booked in advance online at tinyurl. com/48yvvmzb, as there will be no walk-in appointments on the day. For more details about the event email prospect.bristol@gmail. com or call 0800 035 5302.

More details on Prospect can be found at prostatecancerbristol. org.uk.

n KINGSWOOD HISTORY SOCIETY

Look Back at Old Market and Castle Street - 1st August

A reminisce as Mike Hooper took us back up Castle Street and on into Old Market. A great presentation of old photographs mainly before WW2 compared to more current. A great deal of Castle Street being destroyed in the blitz.

Castle Street being the main central shopping area for Bristol. In this Street you would of found BHS, M&S, Boots, the Coop but a few. Indeed the Coop was the only main shop to survive.

There was good interaction with the audience, as one remembered playing snooker on the top floor of BHS. There was some tittering as others remember getting off the bus outside The Tatler.

Rogers Brewery was quite a dominant building overlooking the area. Just a wall now remains on one side of Castlegate House. Other notable discussion points;

Central Hall ( still there) which had seating for 2000 people, Bristol’s first street light was in Old Market, The Empire Palace of Variety, Drill Hall for 4th battalion Glouc. Regiment. I could go on.

A quandary was Trinity Church, Mike showed us a picture of another similar church. However, no one new where this second church could be, has to be the same architect?

We were all greatly entertained, thanks to Mike.

Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday 5th September, 7pm for 7.30 pm start.

Presentation by Madeleine

Bills on Town Cryer (please refer to website for any late change).

Visitors £3.50 incl tea/coffee and biscuit.

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

POLICE are using drones to track down people using e-scooters illegally in Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire.

Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police Sarah Crew said: “If people are using those scooters, you might not see us visible, but be assured that we are eyes in the sky.”

She added: “You may not see someone following but you may well be spotted and you will expect us to come and find you.”

E-scooters are a bizarre legal minefield. It is legal to buy an e-scooter, but only to use on private property with the landowners permission. The only e-scooters that can be legally used on the road are ones which are part of council-run schemes, which form a government trial of the vehicles.

People also need a provisional licence to use an e-scooter, and they can only be used in places where a bicycle would be.

Speaking at a police performance and accountability board on August 30, Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford told Chief Constable Crew: “One of the criticisms I get in the post box is that the police never seem to enforce the law, particularly around private e-scooters that are driven illegally on our streets.”

Police use drones to find illegal e-scooters

Chief Constable Crew said: “Pursuing some of these vehicles — as we have seen examples in other parts of the country — can be quite hazardous for the public, for the riders, but also for the officers pursuing as well. So we need other ways of knowing who is responsible to be able to deal with them and prosecute them.”

Chief Constable Crew said the police were working with manufacturers and retailers to prevent theft of e-scooters, and were circulating leaflets encouraging people to share intelligence about people using e-scooters illegally.

Meanwhile, police’s drone team, neighbourhood teams, and road policing teams are working together on the issue as Operation Broad. In addition to e-scooters, the operation is also looking at electric mopeds, which Chief Constable Crew warned

could hit speeds of up to 55 mph.

Chief Constable Crew said: “What the drone, in particular, has enabled us to do is allowed us to track and identify who the riders are, where they are storing the e-scooters and bikes, and do so without increasing the risk to the public by pursuing them on the ground.”

But she said that it was not just about enforcement, and that police would also seek to educate people on the law around e-scooters where needed.

Chief Constable Crew said: “The most recent update we have had is that the legislation on these won’t be looked at until at least 2025, so we can expect these councilrun rental e-scooter schemes to continue for some time.”

by JohnWimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Servic

Where students get a second chance

STAFF at Bristol’s Snowdon Village family of schools have been praised for their ‘dedication and expertise’ by Ofsted inspectors who have rated the school ‘good’ for the first time.

Snowdon Village – which includes The Nest, Engage, Bristol Futures Academy and City School – is an alternative provision for students who have been excluded from mainstream schools or whose learning needs which make it hard to cope in a mainstream setting.

But despite the difficulties many of these students have faced in previous schools, Ofsted says Snowdon Village’s skilled staff are proving adept at encouraging pupils to ‘re-engage with learning in a positive way’.

Inspectors say the school’s focus on students’ social and emotional needs has been a ‘great success’, while the personal development offering is an ‘impressive’ strength.

As a result, they rated

Snowdon Village as ‘good’ – a signal of the substantial improvement made since they graded it as ‘requires improvement’ in their previous inspection.

The Ofsted report said: “Pupils come to Snowdon Village with previous negative

experiences of education. They have often had significant periods of non-attendance.

“Pupils are keen to describe the impact that staff have on them. They value the commitment that staff have to securing the very best for them. Parents agree. They are greatly

appreciative of the dedication, expertise and communication they have with staff to achieve goals that they never thought would be possible, for example pupils sitting GCSEs and attending school full time.

“Leaders provide a wealth of opportunities for pupils to experience success and increase their resilience. Pupils learn how to manage their emotions in response to demands placed on them. They are well prepared for their next steps and to become active members of their community.”

Snowdon Village – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – earned further praise in areas such as safeguarding, leadership and personal development.

Snowdon Village Principal Alex Davies said: “We are all thrilled with the outcome and have been working incredibly hard over the last four years to secure this – a judgement our children deserve. "

Staff celebrate first Good Ofsted for Snowdon Village schools

n EDUCATION

A LONG-awaited new sixth form in Speedwell has been given the green light by the government.

Up to 1,000 places will be provided for A-level, BTEC and other further education students aged 16-19 after the Cabot Learning Federation was given permission to establish a new free school on the site of the former Speedwell Fire Station, which closed in 2015.

The trust says the "state-of-the-art" school could be open by 2025.

The fire station on Speedwell Road is next to Bristol Brunel Academy, which is also run by the CLF.

Bristol City Council bought the site after the fire station closed, for just under £500,000, and announced the site would be transferred to CLF under a 125-year lease as part of a £4.5 million deal, agreed in 2020, to provide extra secondary school places.

The fire station was demolished in 2019. The site is boarded up but currently occupied by squatters.

CLF hopes the new school will "open new routes into further education for students who may traditionally have missed out in competition for the city’s post-16 places".

The Voice understands that it will become the new permanent home of the federation's CLF Post 16 centre, which currently operates from temporary buildings on the site of John Cabot Academy in Kingswood.

Sixth formers who were based at Bristol

New school for A-level students gets go-ahead

“This project will allow us to continue to grow our curriculum and meet the needs of all learners, while having a positive impact on the lives of students in our community, as they secure academic success and move on to aspirational careers. "

Chief executive Steve Taylor said: "This is the culmination of a long-held ambition for the CLF, and supports our wider goal of helping the region’s young people to overcome disadvantage to fulfil their potential and enhance their life prospects."

Brunel and the main buildings at John Cabot Academy were moved out to create extra space for Year 7 pupils under the 2020 deal with the city council.

CLF Post 16 principal Kath Cooper said: "I am thrilled with the DfE’s decision to support the CLF’s ambitions for Post 16 education in East and Central Bristol.

Announcing the new school as Cabot Sixth Form, on a list of 15 free schools it expects to open within four years, the DfE said they would be "opened in parts of the country where education outcomes are weakest, providing more opportunities for local young people".

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "We want to make more good school places available to families, and these 15 new free schools will bring brand new opportunities to young people from Bradford to Bristol."

Sixth Form Open Evening

Key Stage 4 Students

Thursday 5th October, between 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Sixth Form Open Morning

External Applicants

Wednesday 18th October, between 9.05am - 10.45am

At our Open Evening, students will be able to see the enhanced range of subjects and enrichment opportunities on offer at Wellsway School and learn how we work as a collaborative Sixth Form ‘Futura Sixth’to be a truly comprehensive sixth form. Students will have the opportunity to speak with staff; attend a presentation from school leaders; speak with sixth form students and discover more about our wide range of courses and experience that support students throughout Post-16 and to their next step

Chandag Road, Keynsham, BS31 1PH

“

Developing confident, respectful and successful young people ”

How the new school will look Inset: CLF Post 16 principal Kath Cooper

Two for one – get your Covid and flu jabs at the same time

ELLACOMBE Pharmacy is now providing Covid and flu vaccines to protect people in our community who are most at risk against Covid and flu this winter, rolled out earlier than planned because of the emergence of a new Covid variant. You can have both jabs together as we know it is safe and saves you time. Yep, a 2 for 1 Get protected todayY!

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says limited information about the new variant BA.2.86 is available. Still, we know it has many mutations and has appeared in several countries.

Anybody over 65, older adult care home residents and immunosuppressed people are being asked to receive jabs with the plan to provide to as many eligible people as

possible by 31 October.

The NHS will contact you if you are eligible to book, but you can also check on the NHS website. Alongside those aged over 65 years,eligible groups include:

• Anyone aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group.

• Front-line health and social care workers,

• anyone aged 12 to 64 years who lives in the same house as people with weakened immune systems.

• People aged 12 to 64 who are household contacts of people with weakened immune systems.

• People aged 16 to 64 who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults.

How do you book? You

can book your jabs through the NHS website, the NHS app or by calling 119. Provide our postcode BS30 9BA to access our lists. We have appointments at various times to make it convenient to attend.

Across the UK, by May 2023, nearly 176 million Covid vaccines had been given.

We will also be offering Walk-in appointments for both jabs.

Not sure if you are eligible for the Flu vaccine? Check out our website : https:// bristolfluclinic.co.uk/

Although free NHS flu jabs are no longer available to those aged over 50 years, not in the at-risk groups, Ellacombe Pharmacy has now rolled out an affordable private service.

Thewinter months can be a particular testing time for the NHS, but more importantly for people in our community who need care. Our aim will always be to protect the most vulnerable and facilitate timely access for all.

So do book in and get your jab as soon as possible. Any questions? Call: 0117 9322293

Sally and Sam are season's champs

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB

AT the time you are reading this, the green at Keynsham Bowling Club in the Memorial Park will be going into its winter mode.

Whilst maintenance continues, under the watchful eye of Derek Packer, the green’s manager, this will be geared to preparing the green for the 2024 season, hopefully to the same high standard we have experienced this season.

The end of the season means we can look back on how our teams performed.

Our men field three teams in each of the Thursday evening Bristol and District League and the Saturday Somerset County League.

Last season, our A team won promotion to Division 1 of the Bristol & District but found the competition somewhat tough this season and were relegated back to Division 2. Our B Team finished seventh in Division 3 and our C Team eighth in Division 4.

We performed much better in the Somerset League, where in the East 1 section our A Team finished fifth, while our B and C Teams were fourth and ninth in the East 2 section.

Our most successful men’s side was the

Friday Triples squad, which finished third out of 12 teams and also got to the semi-final of the Triples Cup.

On a Friday evening, we have a team in the Somerset Mixed Triples League. Whilst we finished bottom of the league of eight, we were not disheartened as we always field a side of established and novice bowlers, which provides good training and experience for those starting out in the game.

One of the highlights of the season is our finals weekend, when those members who have

Loft Boarding & Insulation

successfully battled through earlier rounds face one another in an attempt to pick up a trophy.

Our ladies champion was Sally Difazio, who also won the ladies’ handicap. Joan Harvey won the ladies’ two wood and then paired up with Jane Cols to win the ladies pairs. Jane then won another cup, being a member of the ladies triples team with Lindsey Allen and Lyn Dorey.

Sam Walker was men’s champion, becoming the oldest member to win that trophy, taking that record from Dave Bendall.

The men’s handicap was won by one of our most recent new bowlers, Paul Matthews, who teamed up with Bernard Crabbe to win the men’s pairs and finally with Maureen Cavill to win the Australian pairs.

The men’s plate winner was Roger Price, with Martin Barrett winning the men’s two wood. Martin won a second trophy when he teamed up with Graham Cavill and Bob Payne to win the men’s triples.

The over-70s winner was Ken Gaull, the mixed pairs victors were Pam and Bob Edge, and the novices’ winner was Robert Cole.

The trophies will be presented at the annual lunch in November at Saltford Golf Club.

So whilst some members are packing their woods away until next April, others will be playing indoors at various venues, but we all look forward to the varied programme of social events being held in our clubhouse during the winter months.

Mike Barrow

Women’s champion Sally Difazio and men’s champion Sam Walker

Carry on screaming!

ONE of the favourite parts of my job is meeting interesting people, and over the years I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many. Occasionally, this will include a celebrity or famous figure. Many years ago, I answered the phone to a very cautious individual who didn’t want to disclose who they were but had some items from their career they wished to sell. I enquired further as to what these pieces were, and items from James Bond were mentioned, along with some items from Carry On films and also Hammer Horror films. Now, I’ve always been into my classic television and films and I knew of only a handful of people associated with all three franchises. As we spoke I listened intently to the voice, and became quite sure of who I was speaking to. As the call ended I asked ‘are you Valerie Leon?’ and received a mischievous chuckle in return. It was indeed Valerie Leon – the star of so many Carry On films of the 1970s, and probably equally as famous for the Hai Karate aftershave adverts that so many will remember!

Flash forward to today, some three years later, and I’ve finally convinced Valerie to do a very special auction event. So – on October 27th at the old IMAX Cinema now owned by Bristol Aquarium, Valerie Leon will introduce her favourite film in which she appeared as the leading lady – Blood From The Mummy’s Tomb – a 1974 Hammer Horror classic, after which we’ll be hosting a very special auction of her own personal memorabilia. It should be a real scream!

Tickets for the evening can be purchased from mummystomb. eventbrite.co.uk and are priced at £15. Valerie will be taking questions from the audience, and there are some truly amazing items up for grabs.

Children invited to enter nativity art competition

THE OLDLAND PLAYERS

THE Oldland Players (TOPS) are a community drama group that perform productions at Longwell Green Community Centre. TOPS have performed two and sometime three play performances each year since 1967.

Currently rehearsing for their next production, The Flint Street Nativity, by Tim Firth, TOPS have written to local primary schools inviting them to enter a competition to design a nativitythemed image for posters and

flyers which will be distributed to local households to advertise the play. School entries will need to be submitted via email by Friday October 6, with the winners being announced during half term. Winners will receive a family ticket to Avon Valley Railway (Bitton) ‘Santa Special’.

The Flint Street Nativity play will be performed by TOPS at Longwell Green Community Centre on Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th and Saturday 25th November 2023 and will be directed by Sarah Marks. Tickets will be available online nearer the time.

Andrew Stowe East Bristol Auctions

n WHAT'S ON

n THE KINGSWOOD PLAYERS present Alan Ayckbourn’s’ A Snake in the Grass. Saturday 30th September

2.30pm and 7.30pm Tickets £11 (Concessions £10) Box Office:079519827891

Longwell Green BS30 9DU (opp. Aldi). Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341

WEDNESDAY

n BARRS COURT PROBUS

n HANHAM TENNIS CLUB Adult Play - Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30am - 11 am. Beginners' session coaching - Wednesday 7-8pm. Junior coachingmost early evenings. New players welcome. Fully qualified LTA coaching. See website for details www. hanhamtennisclub.co.uk

MONDAY

n YOGA CLASSES AT HANHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE - Monday evenings 7-8 pm All levels including Beginners welcome. To book your place or for further information please email yogashula@hotmail.com or Tel 07949333548.

TUESDAY

n LIP READING CLASS, 1.303pm at North Common Village Hall, Millers Drive, BS30 8YH. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@yahoo.com

n TUESDAY CLUB a social group meet every Tuesday 1.45-3.45pm at Longwell Green Community Centre

n LONGWELL GREEN LADIES

GROUP meet at 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road,

CLUB Retired and semi-retired Professional and Businessmen: Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10-12 at Longwell Green Community Centre. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Mick Funnell: 0117 932 4104 or email bcprobusclub@gmail.com to arrange a visit. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/

n BARRS COURT LADIES CLUB: Wives and partners of the Probus club members meet 10-12 on the second Wednesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/

n LONGWELL GREEN PROBUS CLUB meets at Warmley Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month.. New members welcomefor details contact Mike on 07817094147

n HANHAM BRIDGE CLUB

Every Weds 7-10pm at Hanham Community Centre, see www. hanhambridgeclub.co.uk.

n HANHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: We are a friendly club who welcome photographers of all abilities to share our hobby. Meetings are at 7,30p.m. Wednesday evenings at Hanham Methodist Church, 26 Chapel Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 8SD. Visit https://www.hanhamphoto. org.uk or contact Geoff Mallin by email geoffmemsechps@gmail. com.

n RWP BADMINTON CLUB play at Hanham woods Academy 6.307.30 social club, 7.30-9.30 league club. Visitors welcome, please look at the website for more details

n LIP READING CLASS, 10amnoon, Warmley Community Centre. Termtime only. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@yahoo.com

THURSDAY

n ‘STAND UP REACH OUT’ A social group meet every Thursday 2-4pm at Longwell Green Community Centre for different activities.

n TAI CHI MOVEMENTS FOR WELLBEING (TMW) - gentle, nourishing, easy to learn. Wesley Memorial Church Hall, Bryants Hill, BS5 8QS Thursdays 1.30pm. £8/class. Trial class free. Contact Helen helenc@tmwtraining.com 07968 361129

n HANHAM ART CLUB We are friendly group that meets on a Thursday evening at Hanham Community Centre 7pm9pm. New members welcome from beginners to the more experienced. For more information contact Hilary on 07880548481 or email tweenuk2003@yahoo.com

TAI CHI MOVEMENTS FOR WELLBEING (TMW) - gentle, nourishing, easy to learn. Wesley Memorial Church Hall, Bryants Hill, BS5 8QS Thursdays 1.30pm. £8/class. Trial class free. Contact Helen helenc@tmwtraining.com 07968 361129

n AVON SCALE MODEL SOCIETY: As a friendly long standing local model making club, we meet at Longwell Green Community Centre on the Third Thursday of every month at 8pm. All subjects in all scales are covered,- aircraft, AFV,s cars, bikes, sci-fi, etc. New members are

always welcome. Please phone Ian on 0117 9324053

FRIDAY

n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Please email longwellwi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782.

n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S: Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@Taichibodyandmind. co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@gmail.com (07815 662844)

n LONGWELL GREEN SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB, Fridays 13.30-15.30 At Longwell Green Community Centre. Bowls provided For information please E:mail maryjcoles@hotmail.co.uk Mary 0797 2062449 May 0117 9606454

n LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT, meets normally last Friday of each month at 8 pm. Bar available. For details please contact Marian.r.summerill@gmail.com, or ring 07503 989880.

n FASHION

New autumn trends you might already own

THE unexpected heatwave in September might have delayed my seasonal wardrobe reboot, but I’m looking forward to switching things up now.

If, like me, you’re recovering vacuum-packed bags from storage spots around the house, you could be happily discovering that items you already own are back in vogue.

As is the case with fashion, everything comes round again, and trends for autumn/winter ’23 have a little déjà vu about them.

I spied long black coats on international catwalks, as well as white shirts and leggings.

Yes, simple, classic pieces have returned to the fore, which is great for your wallet if you have these to hand.

Popular colours for this season include red (scarlet) and silver (or grey), and if you fancy dressing like Wednesday Adams, the goth look is in, and you’ll have no

trouble finding gothic dresses.

Silver or grey

Autumn 23 kicks off with a

little shimmer. Metallic silver is everywhere, and I’m sure gold colours will follow as we head into Christmas. As seen in the picture, if you want to put your best foot forward this season, wear a pair of silver shoes. Pleated skirts, bustier tops (yes, they’re back in) and coated jeans have all been given a spray down with silver shimmer.

Long black coats

Quietly sombre but ever-so-chic, a long black jacket in a simple design will get you through the next six months. Belted coats are fantastic for creating shape, and if you don’t fancy heavy wool, opt for a black trench. Wear over a white shirt and jeans for a super clean look, adding your personality through your choice of accessories.

Ballet flats and classic courtS

Lastly, these options are great for

those who are happy to teeter in heels and those who aren't. Both make a return to the fashion scene this season, in easy-to-wear black. These timeless shoes will look good worn with tailored wide-leg trousers, goth dresses, and jeans. On the latter, look out for puddle or flared jeans, which look great with a heel.

• Not sure what to wear or how to wear it? Email your fashion and style questions to info@ notgivinin.com and look out for the answers in future issues of the Voice

www.notgivinin.com

Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road

Longwell Green BS30 9DU

Monday: 6.00pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday: 9.30am

Tel: Karen 07889408969

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

Tuesday: 6pm & 7.30pm

Tel: Emma 07773689229

Friday:

Tel: Kate 07979494964

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

Saturday: 9.00am

Tel: Erica 07766425725

Abbey Clancy in silver and grey.

Picture: F&F

The FIEND 2

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.

NOTE After feedback from readers, we have made The Fiend SLIGHTLY easier!

For younger readers

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Successful season for Fry's Bowling Club

Friday Triples Cup Final:

The final of the Triples League Cup saw Fry's take on league winners St Anne's Park at Severn Vale. St Anne's Park took an early lead and controlled the game from there. Fry's were able to hold the deficit around the 11 shot mark, but St Anne's would pull further away in the second half, eventually taking a well-deserved 60-39 win.

Scores:

Fry's 39-60 St Anne's Park; Rink 1: 12-19; Rink 2: 9-31; Rink 3: 18-10.

Friday Triples League:

A tough home game in the Triples League against leaders St Anne's Park saw only 2 points for Fry's. With 2 rinks struggling, St Anne's always looked like taking the win. The third Fry's rink could not do enough to overcome the deficit with St Anne's taking a comfortable 63-47 win.

A rearranged game at Imperial saw a tight game decided by a single shot. Imperial

took 2 rinks, but the third rink would be comfortable for Fry's which was enough to overcome Imperial by a single shot.

A trip to Severn Vale was the penultimate match of the Triples League season. The game would follow the previous week, with Fry's giving up 2 rinks, but with Severn Vale only narrowly taking the rinks, Fry's would have enough of lead on the third rink to take the match 51-46.

The final game of the Triples League season saw Page Park visit Somerdale. It would a disappointing finish for the home side. Despite 2 rinks winning, Page Park would take the third rink which would see Page Park take a 3 shot win. That brought an end to a successful first league campaign for Fry's, winning 11 games with 142 points seeing Fry's finish 5th in the table.

Scores:

25th August: Fry's 47-63 St Anne's Park; Rink 1: 15-24; Rink 2: 14-26; Rink 3: 18-13; (2-10)

29th August: Fry's 44-43 Imperial; Rink 1: 14-

Dement ia Day Centre Memor y Lane

y Communit the in Caring

16; Rink 2: 23-8; Rink 3: 7-19; (8-4)

1st September: Fry's 51-46 Severn Vale; Rink 1: 14-15, Rink 2: 13-18; Rink 3: 24-13; (8-4)

8th September: Fry's 45-48 Page Park; Rink 1: 16-11; Rink 2: 11-26; Rink 3: 18-11; (4-8).

Bristol and District League:

The final game in the Bristol and District League season saw Fry's host Victoria Park, with Fry's trailing behind by 9 points in the table, with Victoria Park in 4th. The game saw a tight start with neither side taking an advantage. The game opened up after the halfway point, with rink 3 starting to pull away. Rink 2 also edged ahead helping Fry's to a 51-39 win. Rink 1 went to Victoria Park which gave 2 points, which was enough to see them take 4th place by a single point from Fry's.

Scores:

24th August: Fry's 51-39 Victoria Park; Rink 1: 13-17; Rink 2: 17-12; Rink 3: 21-10; (8-2).

Memor y Lane is a new Dementia Ser vice based at Caring Comes First in Kingswood. Our aim is to improve and maintain the wellbeing of those living with Dementia, through person centred activities and social oppor tunities.

Our goal is to offer enrichment to the lives of people living with Dementia, which has a positive effect and therefore increasing their wellbeing by engaging in stimulation and activity outside their normal routine.

We offer a fully engaging, interactive experience for all our clients, with activities including; Live Music & Singalongs | Music Therapy | Crafts | Flower Arranging | Gardening | Aromatherapy | Animal Therapy | Reminiscing Sessions | Tabletop Games | Armchair Yoga

Sessions are available Monday-Friday 9am - 12.30pm | 1pm - 4.30pm (Drinks & snacks included)

We are now taking referrals for private and funded clients, to find out more about our ser vices please call

n KINGSWOOD MEMORIES & HERITAGE MUSEUM

“FATMAN AND DOBIN”

Readers may remember an early HTV Wales and West early evening comedy show that featured a weekly sketch called “Fatman and Dobin”.

The sketch featured an early television appearance by Sir Richard Stilgoe, the well-known songwriter, lyricist, musician and broadcaster. Sir Richard is best known for his humorous songs and frequent television appearances but is also notable for his charity work, for which he was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2012.

The photograph was taken in 1970, when an episode of “Fatman and Dobin” was filmed at Warmley Station.

The filming of this episode in Warmley will feature in Alan Bryant’s talk at the Museum on 11th October. If you have any memories of the filming of this episode, or of the show itself, Kingswood Heritage Museum would love to hear from you on 0117 960 5664 or by email at: kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com

Museum Talk in October

This year’s programme of monthly talks continues at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday October 11th with a presentation by Alan Bryant on the history of Warmley.

Admission costs £4, including tea or coffee; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664

Museum at Night

Fancy something different to Trick or Treating this year? Join us for some ghoulish Halloween fun at Kingswood Heritage Museum from 6 to 9 pm on Sunday 29th October.

Meet the ghost of the old bootmaker, the owner of the mysterious Kingswood elephant and even the magical Mr William Champion himself, as well as other surprise visitors!

An expert curator will be on hand throughout the evening to answer any questions you may have, and you will be invited to explore the museum in the shadows, using your own torches and the lights of the museum stewards.

The Museum shop will be open selling various gifts and the Windmill Cafe will be serving up some spooky refreshments. For more information, please check our Facebook page or the Museum's website.

Knitting Natter Group

The popular "Knitting Natter” Group meets at Kingswood Heritage Museum every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Bring your knitting, crochet and embroidery for an enjoyable and sociable afternoon.

The entry fee is £3, and all proceeds go to the Museum. For more information, please telephone Linda Payne at the Museum on 0117 9605664, email kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com or just come along.

Volunteer opportunities

Kingswood Heritage Museum always welcomes new volunteers. The Museum would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone interested in helping with marketing or in managing or helping to run our café. If you are interested in helping the Museum in any capacity, please either: email us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com or call us on 0117 960 5664

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

Partnership could help save lives

AN important partnership between Avon and Somerset Police and defibrillator provider HeartSafe could help save lives.

Together, they have funded over 130 ‘bleed kits’, which will be installed alongside existing defibrillator cabinets across our county.

Emergency bleed kits are specifically designed to handle ‘catastrophic bleeding’.

They include items like dressings and a tourniquet, allowing bystanders and/or the injured person to provide immediate aid whilst waiting for the ambulance service to arrive at the scene.

Extra minutes can save lives. To find out where your nearest bleed kit is, please visit the HeartSafe website, www.heartsafe.org.uk.

September 9 marked Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day. This is a national day of recognition to promote the

work of the emergency services, and emphasises the importance of responsible public use of them.

I want to say a big thank you to all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep us safe, and the difference they are making in our communities.

To mark the occasion, I attended a flag raising at City Hall in Bristol, hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paula O’Rourke.

On September 5, I hosted the first of our autumn councillor forums for the Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) area. The session gave councillors an opportunity to gain an overview of my Police and Crime Plan and what my office and local police have been doing since the last forums.

The Police and Crime Plan outlines my priorities and specific areas of focus for improvement, by the Chief Constable, and police officers and staff.

My four police and crime priorities are:

Preventing and fighting crime

Engaging, supporting and working with communities, victims and partner organisations

Leading the police to be efficient and effective

Increasing the legitimacy of, and public confidence in, the police and criminal justice system

Councillors regularly speak to local residents and hear first-hand their thoughts about policing and crime in their area.

Since becoming your PCC, it has been of utmost importance to work with councillors to ensure we are delivering effective and efficient policing across all local communities.

I will be hosting a forum for South Gloucestershire councillors in October and Bristol councillors in November. If you would like your local councillor to raise any of your concerns, please get in touch with

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford

them directly.

September 18 marked the start of National Rural Crime Week. The impact of rural crime on its victims can be devastating. Through the Rural Crime Forum, I meet with the public to discuss issues around crime in rural communities and find solutions that meet the whole community’s needs.

n LETTERS

Jessie May charity's big impact

JESSIE May Children’s Hospice at Home provides vital at-home nursing, family support and respite care for children and young people who have a terminal or lifeshortening condition.

Families are able to make the most of the precious time they have left with their loved ones.

This year’s Impact Report captures the busy year that Jessie May has had.

Thanks to generous charitable donations, 79 children and families shared 4,377 hours of specialist nursing support, we supported 53 families through bereavement and are able to offer them support for at least a further five years.

We held a bereaved family picnic to foster a sense of connection and support among

families experiencing loss.

All of these achievements and more were made possible by our tireless staff, fundraisers and the generous trusts and foundations that support us.

We have launched the 'No Place Like Home' five-year strategy, with a commitment to working with more children and their wider families, offering 24/7 end of life support for children in their own homes and providing support to

siblings and other family members. Collectively, Jessie May, along with its supporters, raised an impressive sum of £1,668,789. You can read more in our impact report, which is packed with personal stories and statistics that capture the remarkable work Jessie May undertakes every day, at jessiemay.org.uk/communitynews/impact-report-2022-23.

Daniel Cheesman, CEO, Jessie May, Kingswood

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