Green Belt campaigners hit out over housing proposals
HANHAM and District Green Belt Society has strongly criticised South Gloucestershire Council’s proposals for meeting the district’s housing needs over the next 15 years.
In its response to the latest consultation on preparation of a Local Plan, it accuses the authority of “short term thinking” and lack of imagination.
“The cobbling together of a selection of sites for housing, without consideration of travel links, job opportunities, retail and entertainment requirements, nor infrastructure, cannot be regarded as a comprehensive ‘Plan’,” the society says.
The council has come up with potential sites for more than 22,000 homes to be built by 2040, including hundreds in the Green Belt close to the Avon Ring Road.
But the society says that the council’s “broad sweep” numbers do not consider the types of housing needed: smaller homes for social rent, close to amenities, “entry level” apartments, and smaller homes suitable for older people wanting to downsize.
It wants to see semi-urban brownfield sites, such as the former Kleeneze in Hanham, be prioritised, and it points out that the reasons for recent refusal of planning permission for homes at the Batch in Hanham reflect the unsuitability of the area for large-scale development.
The society agrees with SGC’s decision that it cannot support the housing needs of Bristol in its Local Plan. Protest: Page 5
Flying the flag for GB
Sienna Wilkinson is one of seven elite gymnasts from Majestic Gymnastics in Warmley competing for Team GB at the European Gymnastics Championships in Bazu, Azerbaijan, this month. Report: Page 20
Hanham's Repair Cafe, which began earlier this year, is helping to save money and protect the planet – and it needs your help! PAGE 15
A 57-year-old man from Longwell Green has been jailed for 14 years for sexually abusing three girls.
PAGE 4
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has been accused of becoming an 'absenteee landlord' since he also became MP for North East Somerset and Hanham.
PAGE 6
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Hanham and Longwell Green Voice is distributed each month to residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or sales@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk This month 9,500 copies will be distributed around Hanham and Longwell Green.
A KINGSWOOD man was given a a 28-month jail sentence after throwing missiles at police and punching a member of the public during the summer disturbances in Bristol.
Judge Peter Blair described James Maine, 44 as “one of the central individuals” carrying our the violent disorder.
CCTV obtained during the police investigation shows Maine running at members of the public and throwing a punch.
He is one of 21 people sentenced since the troubles. There have been more than 50 arrests and 37 people have been charged,
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: “There was no excuse for violence that day.
The scenes played out in Bristol on 3 August were criminal and disgraceful, and now more than 20 people have been sentenced for what they did on that day.
“Detectives are continuing to investigate, and work with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to ensure all those responsible for such reprehensible scenes are brought to justice.”
Our investigation remains ongoing and we continue to ask the public for help identifying a number of people we’d like to speak to.
Images of the people we wish to identify remain on our online gallery and we’d ask anyone who recognises any of them to contact us via our dedicated online form.”
Driver admits causing death Man, 44, jailed over violent disorder
A 29-YEAR-OLD man is due to be sentenced this month for causing the death of Hanham teenager Daniel Davies.
Harry Charlton, of Kingswood, pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on September 6 to causing the death of 16-year-old Daniel by careless driving while over the prescribed limit of drugs.
Charlton’s Ford Fiesta collided with Daniel’s moped on the throughabout at the Wraxall Road junction with the ring road on Easter Sunday two years ago.
Daniel, who had bought the moped just four days before, died at the scene.
Charlton is due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Monday October 21.
Crash charges decision due
POLICE have finished their investigation into the death of a man who died when a scaffolding lorry overturned on the Avon Ring Road.
A file on the crash which caused the death of Tyler Carley on the A4174 between the Dramway and Siston Hill roundabouts last December has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will decide whether to charge anyone in connection with the incident. Tyler, who was 20, used to live in Kingswood and attended St Stephen's infant and junior schools. He was killed when the lorry he was a passenger in collided with the central reservation.
]Since his death Tyler's parents have set up a charitable foundation in his memory, supporting charities which support families affected by road deaths and the loss of children and young people.
Singer, 8, wows care home audience
RESIDENTS at Avon Valley Care Home in Kingswood were entertained by a young TV star.
Eight-year-old Lucciano
Mortimore, who captured audiences’ hearts last year when he performed on Britain’s Got Talent, was a big hit at the home in Tenniscourt Road, with everyone clapping and singing and dancing.
Lucciano is following in the footsteps of his mother Marisa, who appeared on The X Factor in 2008, and his grandad, Frankie Johns, who has been singing at Bristol venues for more than 30 years.
Frankie began taking his grandson along to perform when he was just two years old. Lucciano now performs solo.
“I just like to sing and make people happy,” Lucciano said. “Performing at Avon Valley Care Home was brilliant. The residents were charming, loved to dance, and were the nicest to sing to.”
Marisa, who was in the X Factor with Girlband alongside JLS and Alexandra Burke, was thrilled at her son’s performance.
“This is the proudest moment ever. Seeing Lucciano perform in care homes is amazing. He brings so much joy to the residents.”
Pam Bridgeman, a resident at the home, said, “The performance was fantastic. He is a born superstar. He can definitely come back again!”
Administrator at the Avery Healthcare-owned home, Sarah Donaldson, booked the performance. She said, “When I booked Lucciano to visit Avon Valley Care Home, I knew he was good, but I didn’t expect him to be that good!"
“His confidence, along with stage presence, was just incredible! The residents loved it and have already asked when we could have him back!”
Frankie said, “My family and I are so proud of Lucciano following in my footsteps and making a difference.”
Lucciano Mortimore goes down a storm at the care home
Sex abuser given 14-year sentence
A 57-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 14 years for sexually abusing three girls.
Robert Ponter, of Longwell Green, pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to three counts of rape of a girl aged under 16. His victim was aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the offences.
He also admitted three indecent assault charges – two related to one 14-year-old girl and one to another girl of the same age.
The assaults were in the Bristol area between 1998 and 2007.
“Robert Ponter took advantage of three girls over many years, exploiting their young age to carry out his vile crimes.
Diocesan school, we o er a Catholic education, mly welcomes families from Christian, other world no faith backgrounds at all.
Diocesan school, we offer a Catholic education, warmly welcomes families from Christian, other world no faith backgrounds at all.
As a South Gloucestershire Local Authority and Clif ton Diocesan school, we offer a Catholic education whic h warmly welcomes families from Christian, other world religions or no faith bac kgrounds at all.
In addition to his custodial sentence, Ponter was issued with an indefinite restraining order banning him from ever contacting his victims again. He was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will be registered as a sex offender indefinitely.
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 our school community, and our endeavour to enable… child to flourish.
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 our school community, and our endeavour to enable… every…single…child to flourish.
Police received reports about Ponter in 2007 and 2008. Investigations were carried out but at the time there was insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences.
“All three of his victims have demonstrated great courage by reporting what happened to them and by providing evidence which resulted in Ponter pleading guilty to all the offences during his first appearance at court. They continue to have access to specialist support services and I hope the fact he has been jailed for 14 years gives them a sense of closure.”
“This school makes me happy.” YEAR 5 PUPIL
school makes me happy.” YEAR 5 PUPIL SPACES AVAILABLE
SPACES AVAILABLE
information, virtual tours and a copy of our school prospectus please 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.
Detectives received a third report in 2021 and subsequently reapproached the victims who’d previously reported Ponter’s abuse to ask for their permission to further investigate what happened to them.
In July 2024, following the conclusion of this investigation, he was charged with sexually abusing all three victims.
nformation, virtual tours and a copy of our school prospectus please chool website at: www.ourladyoflourdesprimaryschool.org.uk
She added: “No investigation is ever closed and if new information or supporting evidence comes to light, such as in this case when we received the most recent report, we will revisit inquiries and do everything we can to get justice for victims. If you have been affected by this inquiry please do contact us, we can provide access to support and look into any reports you want to make.”
OFFER OF THE MONTH
“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 7th October 2024 at 10am
Tuesday 15th October 2024 at 2pm Thursday 24th October 2024 at 5.30pm
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)
5 DOORS FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR ONLY
Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 8PX
Robert Ponter
Green Belt protest as petition launched
MORE than 60 people took part in a protest march against South Gloucestershire Council's plans to make green-belt land available for housing.
The demo, organised by pressure group South Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG), was held between Warmley and Bridgeyate on September 7.
It came ahead of the closure of the latest stage of a consultation on the council's Local Plan, a 15-year blueprint for future development.
The council's revised proposals are for 22,241 homes to be built across the district from 2025 to 2040, including huge developments in Warmley, Siston and Shortwood.
A group of about 60 people took part in the march, which was held as a new petition against the proposals was launched on the change.org website.
Among those taking part was Jill Barnes, from Mangotsfield, who said: "There was a great spirit and camaraderie on the march, with more than 60 people taking part.
"We had lots of beeps from passing motorists. We were led by 95-year-old John Lawrence, who was born near Siston
The group's petition can be found online at tinyurl.com/6we5xsf9 and volunteers will also be out collecting signatures around the area in the coming weeks.
An update to the Local Plan unveiled in the summer added 17 new sites, with a total of 1,751 homes, to the previous draft published last November.
The latest public consultation ended on September 13. Once the feedback has been processed, a final version of the Local Plan will be prepared and consulted on again next
Experienced Painter & Decorator
January. It is expected to be submitted next June for examination by a planning inspector, which is likely to take place in October of that year, with a view to adoption by April 2026.
However the council may have to go back and find sites for more new homes in the light of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which underpins the planning system, announced by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The changes could see another 6,000 homes added to the target for South Gloucester-shire.
Common."
Campaigners at the start of the latest protest march. Picture: SOGS-SG
n NEWS
Metro Mayor is 'absentee landlord'
METRO Mayor Dan Norris has been branded an "absentee landlord" in charge of the West of England Combined Authority, after taking on a second job as an MP.
The accusation came during a debate by councillors into the spending of £10,000 on an advertising wrap to decorate a double-decker promoting the mayor's Birthday Bus scheme, which was described as a "complete scandal".
External auditors Grant Thornton found the incident exposed “significant weaknesses” in the combined authority’s value-for-money arrangements.
A report by the finance firm upheld a previous finding that spending £10,000 last year on the advert, with huge images of Mr Norris and his dog, was for "political gain".
The ad had been intended to promote the Birthday Bus free travel scheme, but officials in the mayor’s office were able
to "bypass key governance controls and financial controls" and circumvent oversight by senior officers that would have prevented the purchase going ahead, auditors concluded.
The wrap was never used because WECA chief executive Richard Ennis, who has since left the organisation, found out about it and ordered that it be pulled.
Liberal Democrat B&NES councillor Toby Simon told WECA's audit committee on September 9 that the report’s findings highlighted serious issues with the working style of Mr Norris, who is now also the Labour MP for North East Somerset & Hanham.
He said: "I was rather shocked to read that the mayor isn’t regularly present in the combined authority office.
"The mayor uses his political adviser as an intermediary when communicating with senior officers.
"And the mayor doesn’t give enough guidance to officers on his priorities, so he ends up vetoing recommendations at committee.
“This adds up to an ‘absentee landlord’ mayor who picks favourites in the office and can’t work effectively with stakeholders."
In March the government warned WECA over the poor state of professional relationships between the Metro Mayor and leaders of the three councils who comprise the combined authority.
South Gloucestershire
Conservative councillor Ben Burton (Frenchay & Downend) said Mr Norris taking on a second job as an MP could directly impact his focus and time needed to address the serious concerns and could even make the situation worse, such as officers working in “silos” with poor communication between them.
Fellow Tory and Bristol city councillor Jonathan Hucker said the handling of the £10,000 bus advertising spend was "a complete scandal".
He said: "The organisation is obviously dysfunctional on so many levels. I’m not terribly optimistic that these issues will be fixed because the metro mayor now has another job."
WECA's current chief executive, Stephen Peacock, said an independent ‘best value improvement panel’ had now met, with WECA committee members confirming their commitment to improvements.
He said: "There are a lot of things within the organisation that need to improve and change."
Mr Norris, who has previously denied any wrongdoing, has been approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
n NEWS
Bus franchising a step closer
THE long-awaited first steps towards public control of bus routes and fares in the region are finally set to be taken.
At present, private companies such as First and Stagecoach run the area’s buses on a commercial basis, with local authorities subsidising services that are seen as vital but lose money.
Now Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset councils, who sit on the West of England Combined Authority committee, are being asked to commit £500,000 to develop plans for a “radical rethink” that could see them taking back control of routes and fares.
Franchising would bring all services into one network overseen by a single organisation, along the lines of Transport for London in the capital.
Metro mayors in Manchester and Sheffield have moved to
where buses should run as well as ticket prices, then commissioning bus companies to run them.
Mr Norris has previously warned franchising is not a "silver bullet" to solve the region's transport issues because the West of England does not have a mass transit system like a tram network, which in other regions provides a huge income to help pay for buses.
The other big stumbling block is that the West has no passenger transport executive (PTE) to make operational decisions at 'arms-length' from WECA, which deals with strategic transport planning.
Now WECA could explore options including franchising and establishing a PTE.
WECA's committee is being asked to fund a £500,000 feasibility study by external consultants into the possible local bus reforms, which would report back next year or in 2026.
The report said the study
would "consider a wide range of options for future bus reform", including bus franchising, municipal ownership of the whole system and "enhanced partnership" models where authorities work closer with commercial operators without taking on the financial risks of franchising services.
This week the government unveiled “bus revolution” measures in Parliament that would give all local transport authorities new powers to run their own buses.
The Department for Transport also launched a consultation on new, simplified guidance to speed up processes and reduce the costs of bringing services under public control.
The Buses Bill will introduce changes to further support franchising, as well as other measures on areas such as funding and accessible travel.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
New route
A NEW bus route now links villages between Keynsham and Yate.
The 532, which is being operated by Eurocoaches, runs on weekdays as part of the new WESTlocal scheme, which supports local people to design services to meet the needs of their communities.
The parish councils of Bitton, Oldland, Pucklechurch and Siston came together to to design the route, based on where residents said they would like to go.
They are now urging people to use the service to ensure it is a success.
The service is funded by the West of England Combined Authority from the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “This is what WESTlocal is all about – the community coming together to create bus services specially tailored for the needs of local people.”
Gianina Turner talks to author Russell Anderson-Willimas about his first children’s book
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you started writing
I've always been a creative person. I studied graphic design here in Bristol, and have been running my own design agency called The Prezenter. I've always enjoyed writing blogs and articles for the business, and the many years of doing that helped me develop my own style of writing. Eventually, I realised that I loved writing so much I wanted to write a full story and try to publish it. Where did the idea behind The Truth about Shampoo come from?
I'm always trying to get my kids to wash their hair at bath times, and one day I joked with them that they might end up bald like me if they don't. That led to a conversation about shampoo and where it comes from, and the idea behind the book was born from there.
Who is your target audience?
The Truth about Shampoo is aimed at 7-11 year olds. The main character Ellie is based on my daughter, which made it very easy for me to think about how she would talk and act as the story unfolds.The story appeals to
both girls and buys. Give us a synopsis of your book The story is based in a world where shampoo doesn't exist. One day, the world wakes up completely bald and nobody knows why it happened. After six months, the Queen of England decides to pull together a team of experts to find a cure. It just so happens that one of the team is Ellie's grandad, who once used to be a renowned explorer and is friendly with the Queen. He takes Ellie with him on an amazing adventure, where they visit Buckingham Palace, track down a long-lost tribe, and have a close encounter with an ancient beast. It's a non-stop roller coaster ride and the reviews I've had so far have been fantastic!
Who were some of your favourite writers and books as a child?
I have to admit that one of my biggest regrets is that I didn't read enough as a child. I remember being lost in a few Terry Pratchett Discworld books, but my time was mainly spent drawing, painting, and honing my creative skills. I wish I would have made the connection between creativity and books back then. What was it like growing up in Kingwood?
I had a fantastic childhood and spent
most of it on the Bristol to Bath cycle track, which is still one of my favourite things about Bristol today. Have you written or published any other books before?
Only a couple of business books, which I was commissioned to write by a publishing house. That was really useful and it taught me all about the writing process, but definitely not as fun as getting my own crazy story out into the world.
Are you planning to write more books for children?
Right now I'm back to writing a new business book to help promote my design agency, but eventually I'd like to write a whole series of 'The Truth About...' books. I already have an idea in mind for a sequel.
What would you advise anyone with an idea for a children’s book?
Just do it! If you feel like you have a good story in you, just start typing. If you can write a chapter or two, I'd really recommend you read it to your kids or your friend's children as they are your best critic. Children are brutally honest. I would read a new chapter to my kids once a week to test their reaction. After reading the first two chapters to them, their eyes lit up and they were so excited to find out more about the story. And that
Stop smoking for Stoptober and
’
was the fuel I needed to keep going.
Anything else you'd like to share? If anyone works in a school and is looking for authors to come in, I'm happy to hear from you. Email me on russell@theprezenter.com
The Truth about Shampoo is available on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/ bBDGxco
Are you ready to take charge of your health and finally break free from smoking, but don’t know where to start?
Our free stop smoking service provides a range of services from behavioural support, motivational advice, and access to a wide range of Nicotine Replacement Therapies. For further information contact our friendly team today to take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future.
Children triumph in reading challenge
MORE than 5,500 children took part in the Summer Reading Challenge at South Gloucestershire Libraries, reading thousands of books during the summer holidays.
The Summer Reading Challenge increases children’s reading engagement and confidence. Libraries and The Reading Agency partnered with leading arts charity Create for this year’s challenge named Marvellous Makers, to celebrate kids’ creativity and storytelling abilities.
Primary school children from Hanham and Longwell Green and others across the district got involved by reading books of their choice during the holidays and collected incentives including free swim vouchers, and packets of seeds to plant. There was also a mini challenge which was specially designed for pre-school children to help prepare them for their first day at school.
Councillors Sean Rhodes and Franklin Owusu-Antwi with young readers
South Gloucestershire Libraries delivered outreach sessions along with Turtle CYP this summer to bring the Summer Reading Challenge to children taking part in the
Army of India Medal 17991826 and Army of the Sutlej medal, Moodkee 1845 Sold for £2,600
everyone who took part this year, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi, and cabinet member for libraries, Councillor Sean Rhodes attended an event at Bradley Stoke Library to present children with medals and certificates.
Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF). The HAF Programme is also offered by the council to keep children fed and active through the school, summer holidays.
To celebrate the success of
Councillor Owusu-Antwi said: “I’m delighted to present children and volunteers with their well-deserved medals and certificates for taking part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a wonderful, annual event that keeps so many of our children engaged in reading throughout the school, summer holidays when reading levels can dip. It also encourages children to read for pleasure and helps them return to school ready to learn.
Visit www.southglos.gov. uk/childrenslibrary to find out more about library services for children and families.
info@clevedonsalerooms.com
Andrew Nicholl R.H.A. (Irish, 18041886) - Watercolour - Colombo, Ceylon [Sri Lanka] Sold for £5,500
Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, Bristol,
IT is time to come into Ellacombe Pharmacy for your Autumn Covid booster and annual fluvaccinations. Walk-in appointments are available, but you can book by calling 119 or using the NHS website. We will offer you the opportunity to have both together, which is recommended and safe, or you can pick separate dates and times. We will offer our quick, organised service and extended weekend clinics you can attend. Early vaccination means you start building an immune response that protects you. Who can get these vaccinations?
Covid vaccine doses will be offered to:
• adults aged 65 years and over
• people with health conditions which put them at higher risk
• Care home staff
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People with long-term health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, breathing problems like asthma
People who are immunocompromised
• People who are pregnant
• People in long-stay residential care, including hospice
• Cares for older or disabled persons
Why should I get these recommended jabs?
It is now well-proven that the flu and Covid vaccinations are safe and work. However, their protection will wane over time, so a top-up vaccination is needed for continued protection and against new emerging variants.
As we saw during the Summer Olympics, even elite athletes contracted Covid-19 infections.
Surely, flu and Covid are now mild, just like the
common cold?
Flu remains an infection that kills people every year. While we have all lived through the pandemic years, the respiratory distress caused by Covid remains severe and life-threatening. Cases of both pick up over the winter months, hence why the NHS offer of vaccination protection is so important.
What will I be getting?
You will receive the NHSrecommended flu and Covid vaccinations based on previously used vaccines in the programme. They are reengineered yearly for optimum protection.
But I have never caught the flu or Covid before.
Many people may not recognise the symptoms they are experiencing as being caused by the infections or may even have no symptoms. Remember
that you will still pass the symptoms on, even if you have no symptoms, putting others at risk.
Ellacombe Pharmacy remains determined to protect everyone in our community. We know people want a timely, accessible vaccination experience. To make our clinics more accessible, we also offer extended opening hours over the weekends that you can attend. Feel free to call us on 0117 932 2293 if you have any further questions.
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Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
10-year ban for owner who let horses starve
A KINGSWOOD man who failed to provide suitable care for his starving horses has been banned from keeping equines for ten years.
Shane Paul Sims, 35, of Gilpin Close, was also given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, after he pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
=Concerns were raised about two ponies owned by Sims by callers to the RSPCA who reported that one horse was dead and the other very underweight on land in Westerleigh.
When the charity’s officers arrived, they found Denz dead on the ground, with a second horse, known as Soul, underweight with his bones visible.
There was no evidence of supplementary feeding and no evidence of any hay out in the
muddy field.
The vet who examined Soul described his condition in a report. It said: “This poor body condition score demonstrates that Soul may have been on an unacceptable diet, especially for a young horse.
“This will have led to hunger, muscle breakdown, lethargy and potentially poor development. It is estimated that this weight loss and associated suffering caused by the aforementioned will have occurred over a period of approximately two months.”
Further examination by the vet found that he had thrush in the deep, narrow crevices of the hoof caused by standing in wet conditions and lack of routine foot care. Further tests found he had a worm burden but showed nothing abnormal to account for the poor body condition, aside from prolonged starvation.
A post mortem examination
Visit Dyrham Park near Bristol this season to walk in acres of parkland, look out for deer and soak up the
carried out on the dead horse showed that Denz was starved and had a high worm burden.
The vet said: “It is in my opinion that Denz had suffered, although it is impossible to say a specific time, I do not believe an animal could have reached a state of such emaciation within less than one month. In terms of what suffering Denz would have felt, I am confident that this would not have been a comfortable experience.”
RSPCA Inspector Dan Hatfield, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, thanked members of the public who voiced their concerns over Soul’s welfare, enabling his rescue.
He said: “There is never an excuse to leave animals to suffer. Owners have a duty and responsibility to ensure the needs of their animals are met, this includes making sure they have a suitable diet and the care
they need to stay healthy.
“When Soul was rescued he was in a shocking state. It was heartbreaking to see him in such an awful condition alongside his dead friend.
“Thankfully he’s now recovered and looking amazing after getting the help and care he needed.”
Soul was given care by the charity HorseWorld where he has made a full recovery.
In mitigation, it was said this was not deliberate cruelty by Sims. It was said he had no knowledge of horses and knew he should have done more.
Alongside the suspended prison sentence and ten year disqualification, which he cannot appeal for eight years, Sims was ordered to pay £200 when he appeared for sentencing at Bristol Magistrates Court on August 5.
BRISTOL u3a
BRISTOL u3a is for anyone with some free time for themselves.
There’s no lower age limit but most of our members are retired or semi-retired.
There are over 350 of us in East & North-East Bristol, and around 1,700 members across Greater Bristol as a whole.
We’re fiercely proud that everything we do is by members, for members.
We have no staff, so everyone chips in with ideas for one-off social activities or brand new “interest groups”, formed when a small group of members decides to pursue a hobby or interest in the company of others.
This can include activities like walking, cycling, dancing, Tai Chi or table tennis; playing games such as Scrabble or Mah Jong; learning and practising a language; visiting the cinema, gardens or places of interest; learning about the history of our local area; book groups; discussion groups; painting, drawing and crafting groups – anything goes! There are now over 170 groups across Bristol and over 30 in our area.
Once you’ve joined Bristol u3a (£20 a year for single membership, £34 for joint membership), almost everything else is free. Google
“Bristol u3a” and you’ll find the full list of groups and how to join.
If this has piqued your curiosity, why not come along to an informal social next month to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with some current members?
You don’t have to be a member to come along. We're at the Market Café and Lounge above Kingswood Indoor Market in Regent Street on October 21 from 2.30pm at the Crafty Egg in Fishponds on October 23 from 2.30pm.
To find out more, email learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk
Lindsay Gough
Singing for the brain
BRISTOL Care Homes is excited to introduce Singing for the Brain, a monthly event in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society. This initiative harnesses the power of music to support people living with dementia, helping them reconnect with memories, boost well-being, and foster social connections.
Music has been proven to aid memory recall, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being, particularly for those with dementia. Singing for the Brain offers a warm, supportive environment where participants can enjoy familiar songs, share stories, and build connections.
The events will be held monthly at two locations: Quarry House Care Home and Glebe House Care Home. Open to residents, families, and the community, no RSVP is required. Join us for an uplifting experience and enjoy tea, coffee, and cakes on the house. For details, visit www. bristolcarehomes.co.uk.
n AROUND THE WIs
HANHAM EVENING WI
\As summer – yes, blink and you will have missed it – rolls into autumn, branch events continue to move on at pace with meetings, trips and other activities.
Our most recent trip took members to visit St Fagans, a natural history museum just over an hours’ drive away on the outskirts of Cardiff. Here we were able to see a” living” museum standing in the grounds of St Fagans Castle a 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. Since then, over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100-acre parkland. These include houses, a farm, a school, a chapel and a Workmen's Institute. We were encouraged to wander around these at our leisure to experience life from times gone by.
At the end of our visit. we had some time to visit the on-site restaurant and gift shop. It proved to be a worthwhile trip made all the better by some lovely weather.
With autumn almost here the
branch took on the responsibility for organising an event for the Kings Chase Group of Branches consisting of, in addition to our branch, Hanham Afternoon Branch, St George Branch, Longwell Green Branch and Bitton Branch. The theme for this took the form of a Harvest Supper.
We took the decision that we would try to source as much as we could for the evening locally. The food was a traditional ploughman’s fayre so all the ingredients were bought from local shops in Hanham and Kingswood. Again, by and large, the room decorations, raffle prizes and ancillary items were bought locally but where we could not find what we wanted we resorted to supermarkets – the
local ones.
Over sixty members attended the evening which was held at Hanham Community Centre and, as well as enjoying the supper, were entertained by Danny Guest a local singer, reminiscent of Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble.
The Branches were also encouraged to bring along nonperishable food items which we collected for a local food bank. Members felt this was a great initiative and received an excellent response.
Everyone agreed that it was a successful and entertaining evening.
Following a suggestion from a couple of our members our September meeting took the form of a games night which these members took responsibility for organising, and didn’t they do well.
A variety of games were on offer for members to try. These ranged from card games to Jenga to Boggle and many more. One game which was new to a lot of members but which they particularly enjoyed was Genius Square, a Rubiks Cube type of board game. It was a fun night
with everyone joining in, not just the games but the spirit of the evening.
Our attention is now turning to finalising arrangements for our ever-popular annual Autumn Fayre which is being held at the Hanham Community Centre on Saturday 9th November from 10.00am until 1.00pm.
There will be 28 tables, all of which are now sold, offering a wide variety of goods for sale. These include Christmas gifts, craft items, art work, greetings cards, jewellery, children and baby items, bric-a-brac, books and of course traditional homemade WI cake.
Our speciality bacon rolls will again be on sale as well as other hot and cold refreshments.
There will be a grand raffle with superb hampers as prizes so why not come along to browse and brunch and perhaps pick up a bargain or two.
Entry is free and there is ample free parking – so why join us even if it is just for a coffee and a chat with friends. Everyone is welcome.
Dianna Coles
Repair Cafe needs you!
THE Hanham Repair Cafe started in February of this year and is delighted to invite the community back to its regular sessions after a summer break starting on Saturday September 28 and then every second Wednesday, 7-9pm, and last Saturday of the month, 10am-noon.
This local initiative helps residents fix their broken items by offering free repairs on household items.
It takes place at Ivy’s Cafe & Bar at Hanham Hall, BS15 3FR
At the Hanham Repair Café, skilled volunteers are ready to help you breathe new life into your broken household items, whether it’s a small appliance, piece of clothing, or an electronic gadget. Instead of buying new replacements, bring your damaged items to us and save both money and the environment!
“We want to show people that with a little know-how, many broken items can be repaired rather than thrown away,” says Matt Pang, one of the organisers of Hanham Repair Cafe. “Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves people the cost of constantly replacing things.”
The Repair Cafe’s mission is to promote sustainability, reduce landfill waste, and offer a practical solution to save money. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with neighbours and learn repair skills for the future. It’s free (Cash donations are welcome!) and while you wait, you can grab a drink and a cake from Ivy’s Cafe!)
Get Involved:
Hanham Repair Cafe thrives thanks to community involvement. If you have repair skills or simply want to contribute, we’d love for you to join us as a volunteer! You can also support the cafe by donating tools, materials, or funds to help keep this valuable service going. For more information, visit our website https://hanhamrepair.cafe, get updates on Facebook or email: matt.p@hanhamrepair.cafe
Thinking about Sixth Form?
OPEN EVENINGS
Repaire Cafe volunteers at work
n NATURE WATCH
with Dawn Lawrence
The ram’s horn gall is caused by the wasp Andricus aries. The old galls can stay on the oak tree for several years and the fresh gall frequently harbours the Andricus larvae plus parasitoids and inquilines.
All photos: Rupert Higgins
Common spangle galls (left) are caused by the larvae of the wasp Neuroterus quercusbaccarum which has a complicated life cycle. In brief, the larvae mature inside these galls on the fallen leaves over winter and the first generation of adults emerges in spring to lay eggs in the new oak buds that cause a second type of gall to grow (a currant gall). A second generation then emerges, mates and lays eggs on the leaves causing these spangle galls to develop later in the summer and completing the life cycle. Silk button spangle galls (right) are caused by the larvae of a different Neuroterus wasp, N. numismalis. This species has a similar alternation of generations over the course of a year also producing two types of gall on the oak.
The striking robin’s pincushions are also caused by a gall wasp - Diplolepis rosae. Its life cycle is simple compared to the Neuroterus species but males are very rare in this species and most females lay fertile eggs without mating. The pincushion is internally divided into many chambers, each containing a larva and in Germany this gall is said to aid sleep if placed under your pillow.
Gruesome Greek tragedies of gall gnats
LAST month I promised you more about gall gnats – I don’t know how you’ve waited! You may have seen oak apples on oak trees and robin’s pincushions (see photo) on wild roses and not be surprised to learn that they are nothing to do with actual apples, robins or indeed pincushions. Rather, they are galls - the abnormal growth of plant tissues induced by another organism. Both those galls (one looking like a tiny apple, the other like a fuzzy red ball) are caused by wasps, tiny species not at all like the well-known stripey pirates of the picnic. Gall gnats are, as we saw last month, one of the most numerous insect groups in the world and there is no shortage of them in our area. But it is not just gnats and wasps that create galls; mites, flies, aphids, sawflies
and fungi are some of the many organisms that cause plants to form galls. The benefit to the galler (the organism that causes the gall) is that the overgrowth of the host plant’s tissue forms not only a home, hidden from predators and protected from the weather, but also an easy supply of food. There is apparently no benefit to the host (although galls rarely cause the plant a significant problem) and so these gall-forming creatures are parasites.
Gall gnats have varied life histories, some of which recall those gruesome Greek myths – yes, I’m afraid there are gall gnats whose larvae eat their own mothers (this is not unknown in other insect groups too).
Another strange feature is that several species can reproduce as
larvae, never reaching the adult stage and dispensing altogether with all that awkward mating malarkey – they just go ahead and lay eggs whilst they’re still babies (again, this is known in several insect groups).
There are many galls to look out for locally. Check the street limes for the bright pimples caused by a mite – they look like the pointy end of red nails protruding out of the leaves. Knopper galls, caused by yet another wasp, are acorns deformed into strange ridged and fluted shapes whilst many gallers cause plant leaves to fold over, curl up or twist around. Galls can appear as fluffy balls, rosettes, discoloured patches, thorns and swollen buds – once you start looking you will spot them everywhere!
Most extraordinary of all is that inside a gall there may be more than just the original galler. Indeed, what hatches from the gall may not be the gallers at all – they may have been completely parasitised by another species – there are several wasps that specialise in laying their eggs inside the larvae inside a gall. These are called parasitoids because they destroy their host (true parasites do not). There may also be inquilines –unwanted lodgers - often flies, that have simply moved in, taking advantage without paying their way at all. A single gall can contain dozens of individuals of several species – all this life inside an oak apple!
WHEN it comes to making our public transport better, there’s nothing like real people power.
The people reading this know what you and your community need to get around better than anyone else.
That’s why when I came up with the WESTlocal bus services, I wanted local people to be at the heart of it.
WESTlocal is my scheme that lets communities get their hands on cash to design and run their very own, brand new, not-for-profit bus services.
I am delighted that so many local communities and organisations took up my challenge and put together winning bids.
Because of their involvement, the routes are imaginative and designed with the needs of their communities in mind. They’ve benefited hundreds of local people already, and I’m pleased to say there are now more of them.
Alongside the two existing routes, the new WESTlocals – eight in total – started operating on September 1, and are getting people around in Keynsham, Yate, Charfield, Chew Valley, Winford, Avonmouth, and to SGS College, to name just a few places.
Other WESTlocal routes are being extended
because of the feedback people have given. I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories that have come through from the people involved.
In The Dings, they’ve numbered their WESTlocal 61 in honour of 87-year-old Marilyn, who moved there in 1961 and has been a fierce campaigner for the new service.
The 99 Chew Valley service has been nicknamed the “Cat” because of the shape of its route. This wouldn’t have happened if there wasn’t a real sense of community ownership. How many other bus routes have got their own nickname?
People who use the WESTlocals have told me they really value the service, especially the great community spirit on board. They’re getting people to work, to the shops, and connecting them to the busier routes into our towns and cities.
There’s a big debate happening about the kind of public transport our country needs. Here in our region, we are taking forward these conversations too.
I am determined that, whatever happens, we create public transport in the West of England that is more sustainable and represents value for money for local people, because only by making buses more affordable, reliable, and frequent will we
Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today!
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
encourage people to leave the car at home and use other ways of getting around.
I don’t underestimate the scale of this challenge. There’s much more to do.
The success of WESTlocal has shown that local communities want to get involved, so I’m going to be working with the government to get the West of England more money for these kinds of projects.
We’ve shown that there’s demand for them locally and I’m determined to aim even bigger next time.
I’m doing everything I can to make sure the West of England has a bus system we can be proud of – one that’s better for passengers and better for the planet, too.
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n ANTIQUES n NEWS
Dam-busting Marbles
Last month saw one of the most interest sales of the year – a collection of memorabilia relating to the Dambusters Raid of the Second World War. Officially labelled ‘Operation Chastise,’ the raid was an audacious plan to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley, Germany, during the war by the British Government. Undertaken by specially trained members of the RAF’s 617 Squadron on the night of 16th / 17th May 1943 using a new weapon – ‘Upkeep’ – the famous ‘bouncing-bomb.’
The brainchild of British engineer Barnes Wallis, the bouncing bomb was one of the most famous inventions during the war. As battleships became harder to penetrate, the need for a surface-level weapon that could ‘skip’ across the surface became more urgent. Some of Wallis’ earliest experiments took place in the back garden of his home, using the family tin bath filled with water, a catapult and a box of his daughter’s glass marbles. For weeks in 1942, Wallis would attempt to work out the best angle to catapult the marbles in order to skip along the surface. Once he’d worked that out, he began designing the fullsize version.
How lucky we were, back in June, to discover the last two known original marbles that Barnes Wallis used. Brought in to our saleroom by a gentleman who had purchased them some years prior, with excellent provenance. The two marbles were now displayed in a frame, with an engraved brass plaque. I picked them up and instantly got goosebumps. These weren’t just marbles – but incredible and important pieces of history.
The press interest around the sale was intense – with features on both BBC and ITV national news, and a good spread across the national papers. Those two small marbles sold for an eye-watering £15,200. I’m confident these are now the most expensive marbles in the world!
New £120m bin contract
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has awarded a new eight-year, £120 million contract to collect waste and recycling from homes and businesses to current provider Suez.
The council says the new contract, which is subject to final ratification by the ruling Lib Dem-Labour cabinet in November, follows an "extensive, competitive tendering process".
The new contract will start in August next year, and replaces the current 25-year PFI (Private Finance Initiative) arrangement.
The authority says it will "deliver improved value for money" and also allow for the council to improve its recycling rate.
The contract only covers kerbside waste and recycling collections, as the council is taking the running of its Sort It recycling centres and waste transfer stations back in-house.
It says most improvements will be "behind the scenes", but residents will be able to use a new app to make it quicker and easier to report problems.
Cabinet member for waste and recycling services Sean Rhodes said: "The new contract will also allow us to make even greater progress to increase recycling rates.
"It provides the flexibility to, over time, recycle more and different materials from households at the kerbside, making it easier for everyone to play their part to improve our environment and reduce waste."
Earlier this year the council said that it wants to eventually make black bin collections every three weeks instead of every fortnight, with bidders for the contract asked to submit costs for three-weekly as well as fortnightly collections.
But a spokesperson said at the time that changes to the frequency of black bin collections would only happen after steps to recycle more had reduced the amount of recyclables and food waste being put into black bins, which currently make up almost two thirds of their contents.
Suez chief executive officer John Scanlon said the new contract included extending the collection of flexible plastic packaging to all households.
Big rise in rape reports
THE number of rape cases reported to Avon & Somerset Police in the last year soared by almost half, from about 2,000 to just over 3,000.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew said the 47% rise means the force area has a rate of reports higher than anywhere else in the country.
She said this was largely down to more victims coming forward to report attacks, as they had more confidence in police to bring charges.
Speaking during a streamed question session with Police & Crime Commissioner Clare Moody, Ms Crew said the increase in recorded rapes was "quite staggering", adding: "Something is going on."
She said the proportion of victims reporting attacks had risen from 3.5% three years ago to 17.4%.
The National Crime Survey suggested there had not been a big rise in rapes committed in the Avon & Somerset force area, so the rise was probably caused by much higher levels of reporting, the chief constable said, adding: "It’s about people being willing to report to the police."
The force pioneered a new way of dealing with rape cases called Operation Bluestone in 2021, where a specialist investigation team was formed, along with better collaboration with victim support services and a focus on perpetrator behaviour rather than victims’ credibility.
Ms Crew said it had resulted in big improvements in charge rates. She said: “From our perspective, there is a strong hypothesis that people have greater confidence in Avon & Somerset Police and they are coming forward.”
Ms Crew said a change in how crime is recorded means cases where a victim was raped many times during the course of a relationship by the same perpetrator were correctly recorded as multiple crimes.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
n KINGSWOOD HISTORY SOCIETY
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.
n LONGWELL GREEN ART CLUB, no tutors. Would you like to do your own thing in the company of a small, friendly group that meet Mondays 9.30 to 12.30, arrive and leave as you please. URC Wesley room. Contact Jackie on 01179600273 or email colown@ blueyonder.co.uk
n CPK BADMINTON CLUB CPK Badminton club play at Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street, Keynsham on Mondays 7.30-9.30. We are a friendly but competitive club looking for new members interested in playing league badminton. If you are interested in joining please email info@cpkbadminton. club
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 HANHAM TENNIS CLUB Adult Play - Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30am - 11 am. NEW! Ladies coaching session Fridays 12:30 - 1:30pm. Beginners' session coaching - Wednesday 7-8pm. Junior coaching - most early evenings. New players welcome. Fully qualified LTA coaching. See website for details www. hanhamtennisclub.co.uk
n LONGWELL GREEN LADIES GROUP meet at 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green BS30 9DU (opp. Aldi). Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341
n LONGWELL GREEN SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB, We meet Wednesday and Fridays 1.30 to 3.30 at the Longwell Green community centre , Shellards road, in the California suite. All equipment provided.
Beginners very welcome. We are a friendly group who need additional members. Email. Michael8bence@ gmail.com. Tel 07800869837
WEDNESDAY
n BARRS COURT PROBUS CLUB Retired and semi-retired Professional and Businessmen: Meet 2nd and 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 JOIN OUR OVER 65’S EXERCISE AND FRIENDSHIP GROUP at The Community Project in Cadbury Heath (BS30 8EL) every Wednesday, 10-11:30am. Improve strength, balance, and more in a fun, inclusive environment. Just £5/session includes tea/coffee and chat. Don’t miss out on boosting your well-being! For more information contact Adam - 07875503586
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
The Berkeley Estate in the 18th Century
By Dr Jim Pimpernell – 3rd September 2024
An intriguing look into the finances of a major landowner, The Berkely Family 1699 – 1809.
Firstly, how did they come to own the land? Well, it starts with a wealthy Bristol merchant Robert Fitzharding in the 12th century. He was a supporter of Matilda the mother of the future King Henry II. His reward were the lands held by the previous occupant who had supported Stephen. Fitzharding then took on the name Berkeley.
Jim’s research focused on the finances of the estate from the 2nd Earl to the death of the 5th Earl. In this period the income for the estate rose from £1800+ to £22000+ per year. It was only in the time of the 5th Earl that there was a dramatic increase, although through no real action of his own.
In the main the income of the estate relied on various types of lease agreements with the agents of farmers or directly with farmers that worked on the land. All rather complicated and various maps highlighted the structure of these agreements.
It is thought that the Earls were not the best at managing their finances and money was spent elsewhere. Indeed, the estate may have broken up by the time of the 5th Earl. However, he married Mary Cole who is said was the saviour of the estate who reorganised and optimised the income. Mary is an interesting historical character in her own right, born of lowly birth, 5 illegitimate and 7 legitimate children. Well worth investigating.
Jim finished by fielding some thoughtful taxing questions. Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday 1st October 2024, 7pm for 7,30pm start. Visitors £4 Full schedule of presentations can be found at = www.kingswoodhistorysociety.org
Church, 26 Chapel Rd, Hanham, Bristol BS15 8SD. Visit https://www.hanhamphoto. org.uk or contact Geoff Mallin by email geoffmemsechps@gmail. com.
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FRIDAY
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
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 HANHAM ART CLUB We are friendly group that meets on a Thursday evening at Hanham Community Centre 7pm-9pm. New members welcome from beginners to the more experienced. For more information contact Hilary on 07880548481 or email tweenuk2003@yahoo.com
n BLACK SHEEP HARMONY
We welcome new singers to any of our weekly rehearsals, to join in or just to listen. 7:30pm on Thursdays in Hanham Community Centre. Contact Noey: 07899 088180 or check out our website www.
n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Email longwellwi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782. n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S: Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@Taichibodyandmind. co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@gmail.com (07815 662844)
n LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT, meets normally first Friday of each month at 8 pm. Bar available. For details please contact Marian.r.summerill@gmail.com, or ring 07503 989880.
n CROFT END SILVER BAND Hanham Tabernacle, Tabernacle Road, practice 7.15pm - 8.45pm. Players needed on all sections , all ages welcome and training given. We are a happy Band with a good atmosphere. More details contact Rob (Chairman) on 07788 473404
Magnificent seven aim for Euro titles
SEVEN elite gymnasts training at Majestics in Warmley will compete for Team GB at the European Gymnastics Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, this month.
The championship, from October 16-19, will involve top gymnasts from nearly 50 European countries.
The seven are:
● Katie Iles, 25, Senior Women's Team
● Sienna Wilkinson, 18, Senior Women's Team
● Zoe Cummins, 19, Senior Women's Team
● Emily Cummins, 22, Senior Mixed Team
● Toby Stewart ,17, Senior Men’s Team
● Harry Mannay, 17, Junior Mixed Team
● Ffion Brooks, 15, Junior Women's Team
Katie Iles is on her fourth
European Championship and is part of the senior mixed team, who are the current European
Vacancy
Lunchbreak Supervisor
We are looking to recruit some new people to join our amazing lunch break team at Christ Church Hanham CE Primary School. This role is vital in supporting our children to have safe and successful lunchtimes.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in finding out more about this role, please ask them to contact the school office on 01454 867145 or office@christchurchhanham.org.uk
champions.
Emily Cummins said: “For me it’s proof that anything you set your mind to, you can achieve! It’s a big thing for me, as this is never something I thought was within my reach. When I go to my training sessions, I always think back to when I first started gymnastics. I think about how that little girl would feel if she knew that one day she’d be competing for GB!”
Some of the gymnasts selected have been with Majestic Gymnastics since its formation in 2011, while others joined in recent years.
While hundreds of amateur gymnasts have attended classes at Majestic Gymnastics over the past 13 years, only a few have pursued the sport at competitive
level.
Candice Littleton, from Majestics, said: “These gymnasts are determined and extremely committed to the sport and training. They have exceptional attention to detail, and a desire to always be the best version of themselves and succeed. They have the ambition to strive for more and reach for a goal.”
=“Each gymnast has a set programme they follow during training, provided by Stacey Langley, the club’s head coach. The gymnasts also have access to specialist coaches including sprint coaching and tumble workshops provided by other gyms.”
As members of Majestic Gymnastics' TeamGym - a competitive programme with routines on apparatus - the gymnasts are not only talented athletes but they are also skilled team players, Candice added. They understand their role within the team and know how to motivate and encourage each other to succeed.
Majestic Gymnastics offers a variety of classes for babies and children of all ages and adults. The club’s motto is to make everyone feel part of the Majestic family and feel ‘Majestic’ when they leave. To find out more about Majestic Gymnastics and the classes they run visit: https://www. majesticgymnastics.co.uk
If you wish to follow the European Gymnastics Championship this month and cheer for the local gymnasts visit: https://www. europeangymnastics.com
Emily Cummins
Zoe Cummins
Time to have your say on policing
AS your Police and Crime Commissioner, my role is to ensure that the voices of people in Avon and Somerset are central to the policing strategy.
Today, I’m inviting you to help shape the future of local policing by participating in several key initiatives.
I’m pleased to announce the launch of a public consultation on the draft Police and Crime Plan. This plan will set the priorities for Avon and Somerset Police through to 2029, and it’s essential that it reflects what matters to you.
The plan focuses on five key priorities:
• Strengthening neighbourhood policing: ensuring a visible police presence that actively engages with communities and tackles antisocial behaviour.
• Reducing violent crime: addressing male violence against women and girls, as well as serious youth violence.
• Preventing crime: collaborating with other organisations and the public to build safer communities.
• Supporting victims: ensuring victims receive the help they need, when they need it.
• Improving policing standards: providing a fair and effective police service.
This consultation is your opportunity to comment on the draft plan and suggest how these priorities can be implemented.
Additionally, I’m seeking your views on local police funding, particularly regarding how much extra, if any, you would be willing to contribute through your council tax.
Your insights are vital to ensuring the plan reflects the needs and concerns of your community.
The consultation is open until the end of October.
You can participate by completing the survey online or by attending one of my public forums.
The forums are attended by myself, local policing leads, and my team, providing an opportunity for us to hear from you directly.
To find out more, visit the Police and Crime Plan page on my website,
Christ Church Hanham
www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.
Your voice matters — I look forward to hearing your views as we address these important issues together.
I recently marked my first 100 days in office. I have really enjoyed them, and I feel privileged to represent all the diverse communities of Avon and Somerset. I have visited police teams, community leaders, charities, community interest companies, commissioned services, local authority leaders, statutory partners and business leaders in Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Somerset, North Somerset and finally Bristol.
It’s been a steep learning curve, and there has been so much to take on board, but luckily I am someone who really enjoys being in the detail and I’ve been reading reports, meeting people, having conversations and learning in greater depth about the policing issues faced by communities in our area.
Meeting the police leaders and many teams in different departments
CE Primary School
With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody
has been invaluable in developing my understanding of some of the challenges we face.
Getting out and about and meeting people face-to-face in my community engagement days has been brilliant in helping me to understand how much is being done in terms of supporting victims and working with young people to support their futures.
It has made me realise just how many excellent individuals there are in key roles and organisations, who are using their roles to really make a difference.
Nurture with love - Grow through knowledge and wisdom - Flourish in hope
Prospective parents’ sessions for children due to start school in September 2025
If your child was born between 1st September 2020 and 31st August 2021, they will be due to start school in September 2025
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. Our prospective parent sessions, delivered over three separate events, are designed to give you as much information about our school as possible.
As the only Church of England school within Hanham, we provide a place of excellence where our children are loved and nurtured, empowering them to grow and flourish as confident, successful and happy young people. At Christ Church Hanham, we reach high and dream big knowing that anything is possible!
Part 1: Tour of the school
Come and see our school in action and talk to the children and staff on one of the following dates:
Wednesday 25th September 2024 @9.30am
Monday 30th September 2024 @2.00pm
Tuesday 8th October 2024 @9.30am
Wednesday 16th October 2024 @2.00pm
Children are very welcome to join you on the tour!
Part 2: Welcome to Christ Church Hanham Information Evening
This will be an information session which will last for approximately 1 hour. We will provide you with an overview of the school, our vision and values and information about how children learn in the EYFS. This will be followed by a Question and Answer session. This will take place on:
Wednesday 6th November 2024 @6.00pm
*W e will be hosting this meeting on Microsoft Teams as well for parents/ carers who are unable to attend in person.
We kindly ask that parents attend these sessions without children.
Part 3: ‘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. With this in mind, we would like to invite you and your child/ children to a short ‘Stay and Play session to explore life in a Reception classroom!
These will take place on the following dates:
Monday 11th November 2024 @3.45pm
Saturday 16th November 2024 @10.00am
Wednesday 20th November 2024 @3.45pm
To book your place, please email office@christchurchhanham.org.uk with your name, telephone number and email address, stating which session(s)/ dates you wish to attend. We look forward to meeting you and your child very soon!
Find out more about us by visiting our website: www.christchurchhanhamprimaryschool.co.uk
Email: office@christchurchhanham.org.uk
Telephone: 01454 867145
Check out our Twitter account: @CCHPri
Reaching high, dreaming big, filled with the fullness of God’s love
£60k for good causes
ORGANISERS of Downend's annual firework display have given more than £60,000 to good causes since last year's event.
Details of some of the 47 community projects and charities to benefit have been revealed as Downend Round Table prepares to put tickets for this year's display on sale.
The volunteer group puts profits from each year's event into a fund from which donations of between £250 and £7,000 are made to causes in the area.
Among the groups to benefit are the Friends of King George V playing fields. Downend Round Table has sponsored the planting of ten new trees at the playing fields, at a cost of £250 each.
Funds raised at the display have been granted to install a new bench seat at another nearby green space, Leap Valley.
A grant has been awarded to Warmley Wheelers to help buy a side-by-side tandem bike so people they support can cycle alongside a family member,
friend or support worker, and to help meet its running costs. The organisation relies on donations and grants to survive.
Other recent beneficiaries include: charity Raeyah's Hands of Support, which helps children with autism who are undergoing cancer treatment; Julian Trust Night Shelter, which provides shelter and support for homeless people in Bristol; Green Community Travel, which provides transport for people unable to access buses and trains; Emersons Green Village Hall; Holly Hedge animal sanctuary. Funding for educational and recreational activities for children and teenagers has been provided to local scout and guide groups, and school PTAs.
This year's display will be on Friday November 8 from 5.30pm, with a quiet children's show at 6.30pm followed by bonfire lighting at 7.15pm and the main display at 8pm.
Tickets go on sale on October 1 via downendrt.co.uk
Workshop is a good choice
MORE than 300 Bristol children from Years 7, 8, and 9 at King’s Oak Academy in Kingswood took part in a workshop aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol and alcohol abuse.
The Smashed Project uses a combination of live theatre, video, and interactive workshops to illustrate the real-life consequences of alcohol misuse. Sessions are designed to help students understand the long-term effects alcohol can have on their lives, encouraging them to make informed decisions.
The programme is supported by online resources. It is part of the academy’s ongoing commitment to ensuring students are wellequipped to make positive and informed choices for their future
Daniel Jackson, Second in Health & Community Partnerships at King’s Oak Academy, praised the workshop, stating: “This was a great production delivered in a memorable and fun manner. We look forward to hopefully welcoming back Collingwood Learning to deliver more key messages around PSHE in the future.”
To
Dog groomer Ava is a star on TV's The Voice
SHE'S more used to singing to the dogs at the grooming parlour where she works.
But when Ava Mannings decided to try her luck on TV talent show The Voice UK she found a much more appreciative audience.
All of the celebrity coaches on the show made a bid to add Ava to their teams, putting her through to the main competition on the 13th series of the hit show.
It means family, friends and customers of Top Groom in Downend will be able to follow Ava's fortunes as she bids to win the potentially life-changing competition.
Ava appeared on the second episode of the latest series of the show, in the 'blind audition' stage where the celebrity coaches –will.i.am, LeAnn Rimes, Sir Tom Jones and the joint team of McFly's Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones – sit with their backs to each contestant as they hear them sing for the first time. Coaches who want to add a singer to their team turn their chair around.
Early in her performance of Damn Your Eyes, by Etta James, Tom and Danny turned around for her, followed soon after by the others. All of the coaches showered her with praise, with will.i.am telling her: "You're going to put Bristol on the map."
LeAnn told Ava her performance was
"stunning", beautifully executed and had "incredible feeling".
Sir Tom said: "You're unique in yourself and I love that."
Danny told her: "I don't think you realise
n FILM & BOOK REVIEWS
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Jenna Ortega & Willem Dafoe - Warner Bros.
A sequel revisiting Tim Burton’s 1988 film Beetlejuice, the newly released Beetlejuice Beetlejuice has returned to the cinemas just in time for the seasons to turn, bringing a Halloween vibe to autumn. As with all Tim Burton films, the latest release brings a quirky, gothic feel and sees Beetlejuice (played by Michael Keaton), an unpredictable and mischievous ghost, return to the life of Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder).
Set three decades after the first film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice centres around Deetz’s daughter Astrid (played by star of Netflix's Wednesday, Jenna Ortega), a moody teenager battling with the loss of her father and embarrassed by her mother’s paranormal influences as a celebrity medium. In a gripping turn of events, Beetlejuice, who once plagued Lydia Deetz as a young girl, becomes the only one that can help her save her daughter when an unsuspecting character tricks her and she finds herself facing life in the underworld forever. This turns out to be reciprocated with Beetlejuice being hunted down by his soul-sucking death-cult leader ex-wife.
Suitable for children over the age of 12 and adults alike, Beetlejuice is a visually engaging and humorous ride with set designs and effects that take viewers back to the twisted, otherworldly realm that made the original film a firm favourite.
Carys Evans
how good that was – that was absolutely impeccable, it was unbelievable.
"You're a one-off."
Ava chose Danny and Tom to be her coaches on the show, which was filmed between October and June this year. The result is a closely-guarded secret.
Ava grew up in Fishponds, Downend and Frenchay, and attended Chester Park Infant School, Hambrook Primary School and Winterbourne Academy.
During two years of working as a groomer Ava has sung publicly at the occasional event, including one-off gigs and funerals, "where it means the most".
She also sings to the dogs at the grooming parlour "to make it through the day".
Even though she knew the result, Ava watched the ITV show nervously when it was screened in September.
She said: "I was sitting there biting my lip, not knowing what they were going to put on –it was a crazy experience.
"I still feel extremely lucky to have had those chairs turn around for me, and very privileged."
Ava will next appear on The Voice UK in October – the show screens on Saturdays at 8.30pm and is available via ITV's website.
Ultra Processed People
By Chris van Tulleken - Penguin
Chris van Tulleken, a medical doctor with a PHD in molecular virology, explores the rise of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) and their impact on human health. The success of ‘Ultra Processed People’ lies in Tulleken’s ability to turn complex and scientific information into content accessible to a general audience.
Focusing both on scientific research and personal anecdotes, Tulleken presents findings from colleagues' and associates’ research as well as from his own deep dive into the topic of UPF.
The book flows nicely due to being structured into light-hearted chapter themes such as ‘Why is there bacterial slime in my ice cream? The invention of UPF’, and ‘(I can’t believe it’s not) coal butter: the ultimate UPF’.
Both entertaining and educational, Ultra Processed People explores topics such as how our bodies manage calories, the influences of exercise and willpower, how UPF 'hacks our brains', and the concept of ‘additive anxiety’.
From his findings, Tulleken argues that UPF, which is present in almost all modern diets, contributes to various health problems including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, largely due to their artificial ingredients and heavy processing.
Whilst not overly pushy in his thoughts and views, Tulleken presents readers with useful information to take away, enabling them to be more mindful of what they are putting into their bodies.
Carys Evans
n SPORT
FRYS BOWLING CLUB
Bristol and District League: Fry's brought a disappointing Bristol and District League season to a close with fellow strugglers Canford travelling to a sunny but windy Somerdale. Fry's went into the game in the relegation zone, 6 points behind Canford who still have a game in hand due to the previous week's game against Ardagh being suspended due to the weather. The game saw a tight start with rink 1 storming out to a 20 shot lead in the first 7 ends. A slow start on rink 2 saw Canford grab a lead, with rink 3 tight. Rink 2 got some shots back, and with a back and forth encounter, but Fry's held the lead thanks to rink 1. Rink 1 continued to increase the lead, albeit at a slower rate, but a late surge from rink 3 as darkness fell dispelled any hopes Canford had to win the game. With the match sorted, attention turned to the rink points. With Fry's taking 4 points from rink 1 and 3, Canford limited Fry's scoring to 4 singles in the final 5 ends, which saw Canford take the final 2 points as Fry's recorded a 58-36 win, which left Fry's and Canford level on points with Fry's ahead on shots difference.
The following week, Canford and Ardagh resumed their suspended match. Canford would take a comfortable win, seeing Fry’s and Ardagh relegated to Division 3.
In the Friday Triples League, Fry’s had another good season, finishing the season with a 5th place finish after the final week of the season was cancelled due to the weather.
Off the green, Fry’s have run some social events. In June Fry’s held an Ascot themed day, with attendees encouraged to dress up with Pims and a Cream Tea on offer. In July, the Summer Barbecue was held, along with along with an
Australian Pairs competition. With the summer season coming to an end attention turns to green and clubhouse renovations, along with the anticipated short mat sessions in the clubhouse.
If you would like more information about Frys Bowling Club, please visit our website: frysbowlingclub.wixsite.com/frys, follow us on Twitter: @FrysBowls, or contact our Secretary, Stephen Day, e-mail: frysbowlsclub@gmail.com, tel: 01225 872959.
Ascot Day
Cup crowns club's successful season
KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB
AFTER the success of Keynsham Bowling Club’s men’s A and C teams in winning promotion in the Thursday night Bristol and District League - as reported last month - there is more good news for the club, now that competitions have finished.
Our ladies compete in the North Somerset Ladies League, fielding two teams – the Reds and the Whites. The Reds finished top of the league but unfortunately, with the low number of ladies’ teams in the area, there is no higher division to be promoted to. With 40 ladies signed on, captain Lynne Pearce says they hope to field two sides again in 2025,
In the Somerset County League, which plays on a Saturday, our men’s B team required just one point from their final game to win promotion from East 2 division to East 1, to join our A team next season.
Captain Barrie Davis led his team on to the home green against St Anne’s Park, who were the runaway leaders and the strongest team in the division. We could only be caught by Knowle, but they ended up dropping points while we picked up the one point needed.
Our Friday men’s triples side finished second in a league of 12, missing out on a few shots to St Anne’s Park. They then travelled to St Anne’s Park, who were hosting the cup final against Severnvale.
This turned out to be a most enthralling game to play in and to watch, by the good number
of spectators. The result came down to the last of the 324 woods bowled, when the Severnvale skip needed one shot to tie the game.
To the relief of everyone from Keynsham, he bowled short, and victory for Keynsham was assured. Severnvale won on two of the three rinks, and Keynsham on the third, with a final score of 42 to 41 shots.
Our picture shows our victorious team with their trophy.
As the competitive leagues finished, just over 20 of our men travelled to Bournemouth for the annual tour, based in a local hotel. Because of the weather, one of the four games had to be moved indoors.
As usual, the Keynsham players took the Pig, a large money box to collect money for the captains’ annual charity. They came home
with £250 on board.
We had the privilege of hosting a men’s county game between Somerset and Worcestershire, and the fine weather ensured a good turnout of spectators. Our thanks go to our ladies for preparing a super meal for the players after the game.
Being selected to host such fixtures is a strong endorsement of the quality of our green, the maintenance of which is diligently monitored by greens manager Derek Packer.
The first weekend in September was our finals weekend, and our picture shows our ladies’ and gents’ champions - Maggie Davies and Paul Matthews.
Other winners were: ladies handicap Margaret Bevan; ladies pairs Maggie Davies and Jane Coles; ladies triples Marlene Tidy,
Christine Crabbe and Jennie Crockford; mixed pairs Brian and Lynne Pearce; men’s triples Ken Gaull, Steve Palfrey and Geoff Yorath; men’s pairs Paul Matthews and Bernie Crabbe; men’s two wood Ken Gaull; men’s plate Martin Moore; men’s handicap Paul Matthews; over 70s Bob Payne; Australian pairs Paul Matthews and Jason Potgieter.
Special mention goes to Paul Matthews for winning four trophies, and thanks to Martin Moore, assisted by Sam Walker, for arranging the weekend.
As the season draws to a close, some members will bowl indoors while we all look forward to the club’s social programme.
Mike Barrow
Cricket club secures promotion double
THE final day of the season saw a double promotion for Carsons and Mangotsfield Cricket Club.
Going in to the final round of matches the 1st team sat in second place in the Bristol & District Fifth Division, having lost top spot to Bristol Aces the previous week, when bad weather claimed their penultimate match.
The final match was a title decider against the Aces, who batted first and scored 228-9, with Will Thatcher taking 3-38, including two early wickets.
In response, steady batting throughout the innings saw the total overhauled in the
final over. The batting was led by Kieran Gallagher, who scored an unbeaten 101, there were also useful contributions from George Farmer and Oli Clatworthy as the 1sts took top spot by three points.
The 2nd team had a more straightforward match at Chilcompton, with the Division 8 East championship already guaranteed. They bowled out the hosts for 93, with Tour Ponting taking 3-20 and James Davis 3-24. Tom Smurthwaite scored 24 not out in the run chase.
The 3rd team retained their position in Division 8 North prior to the final match of the season against Bishopston. At one point
struggling at 11-3, they recovered to 215-8 but Bishopston overhauled their target off the penultimate ball of the match.
The 4th team's league finished several week before the end of the season.
The Sunday team's final match of the season was abandoned due to weather. Finishing 9th, they await confirmation as to whether they have been relegated.
Club chair Andy King thanked all those who had helped in the club's success over the season, which included the Bateman cup and U11's cup.
Andy also thanked all those who have sponsored the club this season.
The cup final team after their close victory over Severnvale
Ladies champion Maggie Davies and gents champ Paul Matthews
WHEN JOHNY MORRIS CAME TO WICK
Those of us that grew up in the sixties, seventies and eighties will remember with great affection the entertainer and broadcaster the late Ernest John (“Johny”) Morris OBE.
In the 1960’s Johny was most famous for his narration of the Tales of the Riverbank series of stories about Hammy the Hamster, Roderick the Rat, GP the Guinea Pig, and their many animal friends along a riverbank. Johny was perhaps most famous for his television role as the presenter, narrator and 'zoo keeper' for “Animal Magic”, which ran for more than 400 editions from 1962 until 1983. Johny created comic dialogues with
Museum opening
The Museum is open until the end of November from 2 – 5pm every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holidays.
Step into the Shadows: Museum at Night event
As the nights grow longer and the shadows deepen, the Kingswood Heritage Museum invites you to experience history like never before. On Sunday, 27th October, from 6-9pm, our doors will open to a world where the past comes alive—literally.
Wander through our Museum and encounter the ghosts of Kingswood’s past. Perhaps an air raid warden will guide you through the perils of wartime Bristol, or maybe you’ll meet the legendary William Champion, the mastermind
the animals, whom he also voiced.
The programme also featured inserts shot at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. Johny’s regular companion on the show was Dotty, the ringtailed lemur. Sadly, when the idea of imposing human qualities and voices upon animals fell out of favour the series was discontinued .
The photograph features a visit by Johny to Wick school in 1982. Kingswood Heritage Museum would like to hear from any of our readers who remember Johny’s visit.
If you have any memories that you would like to share please contact us on 0117 960 5664 or by email at: kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com
behind the Brassworks. Every corner holds a new surprise, as the Museum's history comes to life in a thrilling, spine-tingling adventure.
Perfect for a family night out or a spooky date night, this event is full of excitement for everyone. Adults can enjoy a free glass of wine or juice with their ticket, while children can dive into a fun quiz with a small prize for those who complete it. And if you're feeling peckish, our Windmill Cafe will be serving up some delightfully spooky snacks.
Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £3.50 for children under 16, and children under 3 go free. Check our website (www. kingswoodmuseum.org.uk) or Facebook for more details.
Museum Talk: Stories of Warmley
This month’s talk takes place at Kingswood
Heritage Museum on Wednesday 9th October, when Alan Bryant will provide the second instalment of his very popular “Stories of Warmley”.
Admission costs £4, and light refreshments are available; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; seats can be reserved by calling 0117 960 5664.
Volunteer opportunities
Kingswood Heritage Museum always welcomes new volunteers. The Museum would particularly like to hear from anyone with experience of, or an interest in marketing and publicity. 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.
