Hanham&LongwellGreen Voice February 2017 by Emma Cooper

hanham&longwellgreenvoice February, 2017 Issue 6

www.hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

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Cyber success STUDENTS from Hanham Woods Academy have been praised by the Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Andy Marsh for their work on helping the police tackle online crime. The teenagers were honoured with a visit from the top police officer and the force's dogs team after they won a competition called the Children's Takeover Challenge, beating off competition from five other schools. Full story: Page 12

Footballers meet Gareth Southgate Warmley Rangers U18s visited the FA's national football centre and ended up having lunch with England manager Gareth Southgate. PAGE 14

Minister vows to change law on danger drivers A FAMILY'S campaign to increase the maximum sentence for dangerous driving to a life term looks set for success. Relatives of Ross and Clare Simons, who were killed when the tandem they were riding in Hanham was hit by a speeding car, have been pressing since the tragedy four years ago for the

penalty to be made tougher. A consultation on proposed changes to the law closed last month and the Justice Secretary Liz Truss has told the family she is keen to see the maximum term increased to life from the current 14 years as soon as possible. The driver in the Hanham crash, Nicholas Lovell, who was

disqualified and had 69 previous convictions, was jailed for ten and half years and is expected to serve little more than five. Ross's sister Kelly Woodruff said after meeting Ms Truss in Parliament: "The Justice Secretary was quite horrified – it really hit home." Full story: Page 7

Family's tribute to brave doctor, 28 Chris and Sue Sims, from Longwell Green, say they are incredibly proud of their doctor son Mark, who raised £100,000 for Cancer Research before his death at the age of 28. PAGES 2 & 3

New leaders at troubled school A new leadership team is in place at The Meadows Primary in Bitton after Ofsted put the popular primary into special measures. PAGE 8

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February, 2017

Dr Mark Sims -

Family's pride at £100,000

Mark Sims and his fiancee Georgie Latcham

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March deadline Our March edition will go to print on March 2. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by February 24. 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 Chandag Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1NR. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.

THE Longwell Green parents of a young doctor who died from skin cancer have paid tribute to their son. Mark Sims died on January 19 at the age of 28 following a two-year battle with malignant melanoma. In that time he raised well over £100k for Cancer Research UK by galvanising more than 3,000 friends and strangers to contribute. During his illness he kept a brutally honest blog, wrestlingmelanoma.com, sharing the realities of dealing with cancer treatment. It led to other doctors commenting it had changed the way they dealt with cancer patients. Parents Chris and Sue, who have lived in Longwell Green for 25 years, said they were proud of what their son had achieved in his tragically short life. Chris said: “The fundraising was typical of his attitude. He would always try and find a positive out of a negative situation. “He wanted to do everything he could to raise awareness and to do something for good for other people. He has passed on his body for medical research so that further study can be done into melanoma. “He was a healthy boy who had a full life with so much promise for the future. Continuing with the fundraising helps give us a focus, but it is tinged with sadness. He would

have gone on to have a career as a brilliant doctor, and he planned to train as an oncologist if he’d recovered.” Mark grew up in Longwell Green with twin brother Dave, an A&E doctor, and older brothers Matthew, 32, and Paul, 30. He attended Cadbury Heath and John Cabot schools, and played in a range of local sports teams including Stanbridge Rangers football, Barton Hill rugby and Kingswood squash team. Before starting his medical degree and qualifying as a doctor, Mark and Dave spent six months working as healthcare assistants at Frenchay Hospital. Mark fought off skin cancer age 15, caused by a genetic defect, and had been healthy for 11 years afterwards until a sudden stomach pain one morning led to the discovery of tumours in his liver, lung and spleen. Sue said: “He set up his JustGiving page within five days of being admitted hospital in 2015 when he discovered the malignant melanoma had come back. It helped him to be doing something, and to make sense of it all. “Once the fundraising started it took on a life of its own. It got to £50k quickly, then slowed down. When Mark was told he only had a few weeks left, he told everyone his goal was to get to over £100k before he died. The fund passed that in less than 24

Useful numbers South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Citizens Advice Bureau 0344 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252

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 8,600 copies will be distributed around Hanham and Longwell Green.

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n NEWS

our local hero

raised for cancer charity “He would always try to find a positive out hours.” Sue is now looking to publish a book of Mark’s blog later this year through her publishing company, Poetry Space, to raise further funds for Cancer Research UK. Mark’s family and fiancée, Georgie Latcham, are holding a private service, which will be followed by a memorial service open to the public on Saturday February 18. Up to 400 people who knew Mark or were touched by his story are expected to attend. The memorial service will take place at 2.30pm at Leicester

of a negative situation.

”

Dad Chris Sims University, where Mark studied. Bakers Coaches in Bristol are donating a coach to take people from Bristol to and from the memorial. Anyone who would like a place on the coach can contact Chris via a link on wrestlingmelanoma.com

Mark Sims with his parents, Sue and Chris

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Mark Sims running with dad Chris and twin Dave in 2005

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UP TO

A FAMILY with young children was left terrified after burglars threatened them with weapons at their Kingswood home. The incident took place at around 7.30pm on Monday January 23 at a house in Castle Road. The three men forced their way into the property before threatening the homeowners and their children with weapons. The offenders are described as white, wearing hooded tops and had their faces covered. They left the scene with a number of items in a red vehicle thought to be an A class Mercedes or Audi. Detective Inspector Roger Doxsey said: “This was a terrifying experience for the victims, which included young children. “The suspects used violence against the victims and were armed with a crowbar and a hammer. Any information could prove crucial to use finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.” Call 101 quoting reference 5217016741.

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February, 2017

n NEWS

Woman, 81, knocked Merlin to build 89 to floor at the shops much-needed homes POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they want to talk to after an elderly woman suffered serious injuries when she was knocked to the floor of a shop at Gallagher Retail Park in Longwell Green. The 81-year-old woman was taken to hospital following the incident which happened in the food hall of Marks and Spencer at around 5.20pm on December 28. The victim fell to the floor after a man, who was fleeing the shop with a basket full of stolen meat, collided with her. She needed surgery to her hip and arm for her injuries. PC Daniel Andrews said: “The man responsible may not have set out to cause the victim harm but for the sake of a few beef steaks has put her in hospital where she required surgery. “Not only did the victim

suffer serious injuries in this incident but she has also been left extremely shaken by it. “I appreciate the image we’re releasing isn’t that clear but I firmly believe someone will recognise the man from the distinctive T-shirt he is wearing. “If you are the man pictured, or know who he is, please get in touch.” Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and provide the reference 5216286855.

MERLIN has secured £2.5m of Government money to fund the development of shared ownership homes, including some in Cadbury Heath. The housing society has been given the money to deliver 89 much needed homes under the Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme. The homes will be built between now and 2021. Head of development Amanda Swann said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding, which was exactly what we applied for. We’ve got ambitious plans to increase our development programme over the next few years and this funding will help us deliver these much-needed new shared ownership homes. “We have already identified sites in Filton and Cadbury Heath for around half of these homes and will be seeking planning permission for the first of these very soon. But although shared ownership is growing in importance for us as a type of tenure we can offer to new customers, we remain committed to providing homes for rent and the majority of new homes that we build will be for people to rent.” The funding is part of £1.28bn that has been awarded to build 39,403 homes across the country. Merlin had previously received funding from the Homes and Communities Agency to finance the construction of new affordable homes.

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February, 2017

n NEWS

Post office shuts for makeover

Keep dancing! Couple remain British champs SONIA Repetto, originally from Italy but now a proud resident of Fishponds, together with Patrick Moreno, also from Bristol, successfully defended their title as British Latin American Dance Champions in the over-35 category. The championship was held in Blackpool last November the day before the Strictly Come Dancing show. Sonia and Patrick are also proudly flying the flag on the international scene, finishing third at the World Dance Championships in Paris, last December. They have been dancing together since 2011, and fit in training around their busy schedules by hitting the dance floor at 7am every morning before going to work. Their

LONGWELL Green Post Office will soon be open seven days a week from 8am-8pm. It means, however, the branch, which operates from the Tesco Express store in Bath Road, will be out of action for a couple of weeks from Thursday February 9 whilst undergoing refurbishment. It will reopen at 1pm on Friday February 24 when it will provide an additional 37.5 hours of service a week. Alternative branches during the temporary closure can be found at High Street, Hanham (Hanham Post Office) and Hanham Road, Kingswood (Kingswood Post Office). Kingswood Post Office will relocate to WH Smith in Kings Chase Shopping Centre from February 23. WH Smith will continue to operate alongside the Post Office.

next big competition sees them representing Britain at the European Championship in Blackpool later this spring. Sonia said she is especially grateful to her “unofficial” team doctor Dr Simon Atkins from the Fishponds Family Practice. “I managed to catch a serious bout of bronchitis just before the championship. I was probably overdoing it, but thanks to Simon I was on top form on the night, retaining our title in some style". Sonia also teaches Beginners Ballroom and Latin Classes at the Kingswood Foundatio and she and Patric offer private lessons, wedding dance choreography, and shows. For more information contact dancefactorybristol@gmail.com.

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February, 2017

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Ultra marathon runner Ira - Still Not Bionic AUTHOR and ultra-marathon runner Ira Rainey knew it was time to seek help when he found himself steering his car into the path of a truck. Thankfully Ira, who grew up in Downend, jumped to his senses and steered away but the frightening incident was the wake up call he needed to seek help. Ira's journey of learning to cope with and manage his depression has been chronicled in his new book, Still Not Bionic: Adventures In Unremarkable Ultrarunning. In 2014, Ira was shortlisted for Best New Writer with his first book Fat Man to Green Man in the British Sports Book Awards and won the silver award in The Running Awards best book category. In Still Not Bionic, Ira continues his previous theme of running ultramarathon distances - this time taking on the challenge of a 100 mile foot race - but the book also confronts darker issues. Ira was diagnosed with severe depression and the book is a frank and revealing account of how he battled his inner demons and came to understand that running extreme distances is as much about mental endurance as physical. Ira’s second book examines how important mental state, support and friendship are, not just to running long distances but also to life and happiness as a whole. It’s a theme that has resonated with readers and many of the Amazon review

comments describe Ira’s account as ‘inspirational’ in helping readers confront mental health issues. Ira, 47, who is married with two children and a step-son, said he hadn't really recognised he was suffering with depression until the incident with the truck forced him to seek help. "I found myself really low but was in denial there was anything wrong," he said. "The crux point was when I drove to work one day and found myself steering towards a truck coming the other way. It wasn't a conscious thing; it just happened. I pulled back across, pulled over and ended up going to my doctor." His GP diagnosed Ira as having severe depression and signed him off work. His book

takes off from that point and examines how running, friends, family and cognitive behavioural therapy helped Ira deal with his depression. The book also examines Ira's journey to running 100 miles, which he achieved last June. "For me there wasn't any single trigger for my depression," he said. "Depression saps you of any joy. I was apathetic and would stay in bed all day. I wouldn't enjoy the things I'd normally enjoy. "I have looked back at that time but there's nothing I can put my finger on. In a way that's a worry because if you can pinpoint a cause, you can identify it and then deal with it. "Despite driving in front of a truck, I've never been suicidal. I'd been feeling low and had toyed with the idea of speaking to someone like the Samaritans but I didn't feel I could justify it; I didn't class myself as having a problem yet ironically I did. Once you verbalise it, you make it real and accept it's there and once you start talking to people about it, there's always someone who can help. Writing about it has also helped me." Now, if Ira, who now lives in Kingswood, recognises those feelings of apathy he makes sure that, however difficult it is, he

fights against it. "I do go up and down but have now learnt to recognise that. Now I can accept that it's ok not to be ok but it's important to do things because you probably will enjoy them once you get yourself motivated to do them. For me running addresses that. If I have a bad day the last thing I want to do is go out and run 10 miles but I make sure I always do it. "There's always light at the end of the tunnel but it's very hard to see that at the time." Still Not Bionic was originally scheduled for release in spring 2017 but the book was completed ahead of schedule allowing publisher Richard Jones to release a limited run of books before Christmas. That initial run sold out within days and the book was immediately reprinted to fulfil demand. Tangent Books publisher Richard Jones said: “Originally we were going to publish an ebook-only version of Still Not Bionic, but as the book neared completion I realised the quality of the story deserved a wider audience. Ira has a relaxed and humorous writing style and a gift for storytelling, but the book is also an important contribution to the current debate about mental health and the role of exercise in tackling depression.” Signed copies of Still Not Bionic: Adventures In Unremarkable Ultrarunning are available from www. tangentbooks.co.uk at the price of £9.99.

Children 'denied chance to learn to swim in east Bristol' SUPPORT for a new swimming pool in east Bristol has moved a step forward after a petition with more than 700 signatures was handed to the city council. Speedwell resident Lisa Murfin told a full council meeting in January that Speedwell Pool closed in 2005 with a promise of a imminent replacement - but to date nothing has happened. "Now after 12 years we feel it is time to deliver on this promise," she told them.

The petition stated: "East Bristol has been left behind as other parts of the city have had pools rebuilt – there is a great local demand from public and local schools for this much needed health and leisure facility. "Designs are in place for the Bristol Brunel Academy site and any subsidy is likely to be small and much less than for other facilities across Bristol. "We call upon the mayor to ensure that the next budget

provides capital funding to allow construction to begin and negotiate robustly with services providers to minimise any subsidy. It is time to bring back a vital service that has been missing for far too long." Lisa told councillors about a social media group called Friends of Speedwell Pool which has more than 550 members. "We have also visited no less than six potential sites for a pool and have explored ways to keep

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the running costs of the pool to a minimum." She said: "So many people I speak to say they have these amazing fond memories of going to Speedwell Pool with their friends. "We're denying the next generation that same pleasure and that's terrible." Plans have been submitted to Bristol City Council by Crossman Homes to demolish the derelict Speedwell Pool and build two four-storey blocks providing 29 one and two bedroom flats.

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February, 2017

n NEWS JUSTICE Secretary Liz Truss is supporting a family's campaign to increase the maximum sentence for dangerous driving to a life term. It follows the tragedy four years ago in which Ross and Clare Simons were killed when the tandem they were riding in Hanham was hit by a speeding car. The driver, Nicholas Lovell, who was disqualified and had 69 previous convictions, was jailed for ten and half years and is expected to serve little more than five. The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years. Ross and Clare’s family want to see it made tougher, especially for those who commit the offence when they are already banned from driving. The Justice for Ross and Clare Campaign has been pressing its case since the deaths in January 2013 and met former Prime Minister David Cameron and the previous Justice Secretary Chris Grayling to urge them to action. Backed by Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, the family met Ms Truss, the current Justice Secretary, in Parliament on January 16. Their talks came a fortnight before the closing date for the Government consultation on whether to increase the maximum sentence. Ms Truss told Ross’s parents, Dawn and Edwin Simons, and his sister Kelly Woodruff, that she wanted to see longer jail terms. She said after the meeting: “Killer drivers ruin lives. Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses. While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are

Justice Secretary backs Ross and Clare campaign

Campaigner Kelly Woodruff, Ross's sister, with Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore, Justice Secretary Liz Truss and parents Dawn and Edwin Simons determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.” Kelly Woodruff, who lives in Oldland Common, was pleased that Ms Truss was backing the campaign. She said: “The Justice Secretary was quite horrified – it really hit home. We asked her if something would be done by the close of this year and she said she thought it would be sooner than that. She was very committed. “This is the time for change – it is going to happen and this

is a chance for people to have their say. A lot of people in a community are affected by death by dangerous driving, such as the people whose house Ross and Clare were killed outside for example. "This is the time for everyone to look at the consultation and decide what they want to see in any future legislation and to be listened to.” Mr Skidmore urged local people to take part in the consultation and help make

sure the sentencing rules were changed. He said the judge at Lovell’s trial had wanted to imprison him for longer but was unable to do so. He said: “The Justice Secretary was shocked by the case. I would urge all of those that have followed our campaign to add their comments to the consultation so that we can deliver life sentences to those that carelessly wreck the lives of innocent people."

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February, 2017

n NEWS A DAMNING Ofsted report has put The Meadows primary school in Bitton into special measures. Inspectors found the school hadn’t addressed sexism and racism from teachers and pupils, and that girls at the school felt marginalised. Now the school is likely to be forced to come out of local authority management and become an academy. The news has come as a shock to many parents, because The Meadows had been rated “good” in all three of its previous inspections. But in this report, published last month, every aspect of the school was deemed to be inadequate or requiring improvement. Ofsted inspectors had flagged at the last inspection in 2011 that girls were falling behind in maths, and said this problem hasn’t been tackled in the five years since then and maths teaching remains “seriously weak.” Other criticisms included

Shock as Ofsted inspectors put school into special measures failure to deal with and record incidents of racism and bullying, and failure of the school governors to challenge the “decline in the school’s effectiveness.” Inspectors said that in 2016 the school did not meet the government’s minimum expectation for pupils’ attainment by the time they leave primary school. The report said: “The head teacher and governors do not demonstrate any capacity for securing improvement.” A new, temporary leadership team was put in place by South Gloucestershire Council within days. Ross Newman and Helen Porter, who have improved standards at Kings’ Forest

primary school in Kingswood, were brought in to manage the school. Parents were advised that the existing head teacher, Fran Harding, was now “absent from school.” In a letter to parents of the 191 pupils, chair of governors Sue Wakefield said: “Both Ross and Helen are highly experienced, capable leaders and will support staff and governors as we implement the recommendations made by Ofsted. “Governors and staff were surprised and very disappointed by the overall judgement. All parents were invited to take part in Ofsted’s parent view survey and 95 per cent of those who did said they would recommend The

Meadows to another parent.” Only 38 parents completed the survey. Despite the identified failings at the school, there were positive aspects. Most children enjoyed coming to school, opportunities for learning foreign languages were good, and procedures to safeguard children met requirements, the inspectors reported. A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: “The Meadows primary school was inspected on the 24 and 25 November by Ofsted and was judged to be inadequate. “We are working with the school to address the areas identified in the report.”

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February, 2017

n NEWS

'I found out about deadly bug by chance' A FISHPONDS mum says a trip to tint her eyebrows helped save her and her baby’s lives. Angela Belassie was 40 weeks pregnant and unaware her waters had broken when she popped in for a beauty treatment. But beautician Audrey Jones, herself 39 weeks pregnant, informed her that a small trickle - and not just the commonly believed ‘gush’ - could be a sign of waters breaking. Unknown to her, Angela was carrying Group B Strep (GBS) -the UK’s most common cause of life-threatening infection in new-born babies. Angela, 39, and her unborn child developed septicaemia and had to undergo an emergency C-section and receive intravenous antibiotics. Today Angela and her husband Alex have a healthy daughter called Amelia. But they fear it could have been much worse had it not been for Audrey’s intervention. Angela, who runs a PR firm, said: “I will be forever grateful to Audrey and believe she helped

Angela and Audrey, with their daughters, Amelia and Mia save both mine and Amelia’s lives. I had a trickle on and off for a few days, but had no idea my waters had broken. If they are broken for a longer period of time there is a higher risk of infection. I dread to think what could have happened if I had

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left it any longer, without the constant monitoring and medical assistance from all the staff at the hospital, who were great.” Angela, who conceived through IVF at Southmead, now wants other women to be aware of GBS. The normally harmless

bacteria, carried by 25 per cent of women, can be passed to infants during labour and childbirth. But they can be passed from mother to baby around birth and cause blood poisoning, pneumonia and meningitis. In one in 19 babies who develop GBS in the first six days (early onset GBS) of their life will die. Some babies who survive are left with long-term disabilities - physical, mental or both. The NHS does not screen for the infection and the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) recommends against it. A simple swab test, which costs around £10, is routinely offered in most developed countries, including France, Spain and Australia. Group B Strep Support say giving antibiotics to the mother during labour could reduce GBS infection in newborn babies by 60 per cent - and deaths from GBS in babies by 70 per cent. For more information on Group B Strep Support and testing visit www.gbss.org.uk/

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hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n NEWS SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is keeping a base at Kingswood Civic Centre after finding a new tenant for part of the building. Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) will move in later this year on a 20 year lease. The plans, which will save the authority around £400,000 in running costs, will mean the council maintaining ownership of the building and having use of the civic and training facilities, including the council chamber. The One Stop Shop will remain and ultimately the library will relocate to the civic centre to create a 'Community Hub' for Kingswood. Police facilities will be unaffected. The majority of staff currently working at the civic centre will relocate their office base to the council building in Yate, while others, including those who need to be based in Kingswood to deliver local-based services, will remain at the civic centre. The move follows a public consultation which confirmed support for council to prioritise reducing unnecessary office costs over cutting services. Staff affected are expected to move across to Yate from late April to July this year, ahead of AWP moving in during September. Councillor Matthew Riddle, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I am pleased that

Council keeps Kingswood base after finding new tenant for Civic Centre

we have been able to deliver our preferred option, to keep important services in Kingswood and at the same time save money that we would otherwise be spending on underused office space. “The centre of Kingswood will benefit from having a new group of workers coming to the area who will use local businesses and as a council we will be making better use of our building in Yate. “We have been able to make the savings we needed to, while remaining fully committed to

the Kingswood community and without reducing services.” Around 220 staff currently based at the civic centre are expected to relocate to the council’s Badminton Road office in Yate. Around 100 staff, including registrars, contact centre and staff who work directly with people in Kingswood and surrounding areas, will remain based in the building. Some works will be undertaken to prepare the building for AWP.

The council is in discussions with other organisations about potentially leasing out space in other areas of the civic centre. The authority says that should these discussions be successful, this could generate additional income that would reduce pressure on other budgets. Meanwhile the council is continuing to encourage green travel options by working on plans to extend the car park at Badminton Road which, if possible, would add a further 100 plus spaces.

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Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n NEWS

Paul Hill-Dear, above, and right with his team mates from BRSC Aidan in May 1989. Paul is in the back row, second from left

Tributes pour in for Paul, an 'absolute gentleman' and a true Gashead HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to much-loved Hanham character Paul Hill-Dear who has died of cancer at the age of 55. Paul, known affectionately as Sarge, has been described by friends as a "lovely man" and an "absolute gentleman". To his four children - Cara, 27, Callum, 24, Finley, 15 and Darcie, 13, - he was a brilliant father who would devote hours reading with them and taking them on great fun-filled adventures. Paul was known for his love of football and was a true Gashead. As an equally competent striker and centre half, he played for numerous teams including the Hanham-based Sunday team BRSC Aidan where he made many life-long friends and drinking companions. His footballing career included stints at managing Hanham FC as well as SunLife/ Axa FC. Paul was so well thought of in footballing circles that at the recent Rovers home game against Swindon Town, fans paid their respects with a minute's applause in the 55th minute of the game. Although football was Paul's main passion, he loved watching

and partaking in most sports including cricket and cycling. He was also a keen birdwatcher. In more recent years Paul loved taking Finley and Darcie kayaking. Born on July 1, 1961, the only-child of Mary and George Dear, Paul was a bright child who attended St George School before starting his career in insurance at SunLife at the age of 18. His intelligence and people skills shone through and Paul progressed up the career ladder, becoming a training manager and eventually a project manager. Known for his sharp brain, Paul was regarded as the fount of knowledge when it came to history, sport, geography and politics. Reading tomes on historical figures such as Hitler and Mao Tse-tung was par for the course, such was Paul's thirst to know as much as he could about the characters who shaped the history of the modern world. He was also well travelled, taking his wife Kath to China, a country which held a huge fascination for him. Not content with lying on a beach soaking up the rays, Paul saw holidays as opportunities

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to see more of the world and his itinerary always included taking in sights and sampling the local cuisine. The UK was also close to Paul's heart and he loved taking his children to his favourite place, Dartmouth, where he would spend hours rock pooling and jumping waves with them. Paul had battled cancer in the last few years, facing his illness with the stoicism he was known for. In fact, he underplayed his illness so much, many of his friends and acquaintances have been shocked by his untimely passing. Kath Hill-Dear said: "Paul was courageous and dignified, yet a realist. He faced his illness and wasn’t scared. He’d tell me ‘crying won’t help’ and ‘don’t make a fuss, you know how I don’t like a drama’. "Paul was a loving, caring dad. He was a proud father and supported his children in all that they did. "He'll be by our side and watching over us always and forever in our hearts. We loved and laughed with him and are proud to have had him in our lives." Daughter Cara Oxley, a nurse, said: "I will miss our heart-to-

hearts we shared during my recent visits to him in hospital and will miss being able to discuss my plans ahead with him. "He told me that if there's anything I want to do then I must get out there and do it. Dad made me feel like he really trusted me and my knowledge as a nurse, which is a feeling I keep with me. "My dad was strong, in control and dignified throughout the time he spent being poorly and maintained this until the end." Mark Rogers became great friends with Paul after playing alongside him at BRSC Aidan in the 1990s. When Paul became first team manager at Axa Football Club, Mark was his assistant for several years. He said: "Paul was such a lovely bloke and was an absolute gentleman. He had a great sense of humour and fun, and would love a wind up. "Everyone has only got good words to say about him. His death has had a massive impact on everyone and he will be sorely missed." Hundreds attended Paul's funeral, which was on February 3 at Haycombe Cemetery and

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n YOUTH & EDUCATION

Hanham Hackers hailed! A TEAM of students from Hanham Woods Academy, the ‘Hanham Hackers’, won a competition aimed at helping the police tackle online crime. The Year 10 students saw off competition from five other schools in the Avon and Somerset area in the Children’s Takeover Challenge with their plan to tackle what they identified as the top threat online: just how easy it is to create a false persona. The team were rewarded with the chance to talk to Chief Constable Andy Marsh about the issue when he visited their school. Afterwards, they were treated to a demonstration by the police dog handlers. Superintendent Simon Ellis,

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, PCSOs Andy Langana-Forbes and Catherine Boyce and students who was involved in selecting the winning plan, said: “Each of the six school teams who took part was challenged with carrying out some initial research into their peers’ use of the internet before For more INFO or to book your space please Contact us: info@majesticgymnastics.co.uk Michelle: 07794 204446 Candice: 07956 749506

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attending a pretty gruelling day where they carried out various tasks in order to devise their plans. What they achieved was a real credit to them and the research and ideas of all six will inform our force’s approach to tackling online crime going forward.” Team captain Charley Farrell, 14, said she had enjoyed the challenge and felt the team had been able to give the police some useful information. "There are things that older people would not know about how we are treated online and how we deal with it," she said. Team member Emilia Brobin, 15, agreed that adults sometimes did not understand teens' online lives or might turn a blind eye. "The competition was an amazing insight into what the

Structured gymnastics - For 2-3 year olds (with parent) and 3-4 year olds (independently) . Our themed sessions incorporate gymnastic skill learning including gross and ﬁne motor skills, actions songs and sensory activities. These are term based courses and must be booked and paid for in advance! All our gymnasts on the structured sessions have the opportunity to work towards British gymnastics badges.

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police do and how they deal with problems," she said. Police Community Support Officer Catherine Boyce, who mentored the students, all of whom are studying computer science GCSE, said she was proud of their success. "It is fantastic," she said. "They surprised me with their confidence and the way they spoke up on the day." Steve Kneller, Principal of Hanham Woods Academy, said: “The internet safety of our students is of paramount importance to us. In lessons in school students learn how to stay safe and secure while using the internet, so to win this prestigious award is amazing." For information about how to protect your children online, visit: www.getsafeonline.org.

Early years provision for children from 2 to 4 years

We aim to offer a wide and diverse range of activities providing each child with the opportunity to learn through play whilst socialising with other children. We trust that the time both you and your child spend with us will be the most enjoyable and positive learning experience. If you would like to ﬁnd out more about our pre-school or come in for a visit then please call or email us. We look forward to hearing from you.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n YOUTH & EDUCATION

LADS from Warmley Rangers U18s greeted a special lunch guest when they visited the FA's national football centre - England manager Gareth Southgate. The team of 12 players visited St George's Park in Burton Upon Trent courtesy of an invite from the Football Association but it was an added bonus to meet the former England international. They took part in a 90 minute training session conducted by a UEFA A accredited coach on one of the many 3G pitches at the 330-acre complex. This was followed by a tour of

Gareth joins Warmley lads (for lunch) the campus, which is the home of the English National team as well as a stop off point for premiership teams playing in the Midlands and overseas teams playing Champions League Football in the UK. Whilst the boys were enjoying their lunch, they were joined by the new England manager. Warmley Rangers U18s manager Chris Pring said: "Gareth Southgate was only too

happy to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk to the lads and coaches as well as pose for photos.With lunch over, the team moved into the Futsal arena where they had an hour's coaching on the format of the game which the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Mata all played and developed their football talent playing back in their home countries." The team ended their special

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

day with post training recovery featuring an hour's session in the state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite which includes an underwater treadmill, a variable depth pool and two contrast pools to assist with rehabilitation and recovery. Chris said: "It was a thoroughly enjoyable day f and we are looking to return in the not too distant future for further development opportunities."

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n NEWS

Digitech welcomes new principal DIGITECH Studio School is Warmley now has a new Principal as well as a £4 million new building. Lis Jolley has moved to the school, which specialises in equipping young people with the skills and qualifications for work in the creative and hi-tech industries, after taking leading roles at several other local schools including John Cabot Academy and Bristol Metropolitan Academy. She is excited by the vision of studio schools, in which educators can work with industry experts to co-design the learning, “Employers are saying that students are not leaving school with the skills they are looking for,” she said. “At Digitech we ensure that we focus on employability and skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, enterprise and applied thinking. “We are a small school for 14-

Lis Jolley with some Digitech students 19 year-olds are we are recruiting for Year 10 and Year 12 for September 2017.” Students at Digitech follow a curriculum that includes

If it’s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148

GCSEs and A-levels as well as professional and vocational qualifications. The school has strong links with employers and

students have regular weekly work experience placements. Business partners participate in project-based learning, giving students the chance to work on real-world assignments. They also deliver master classes, employability skills workshops, mock interviews, site visits and sponsorship. Its small size means it can help develop individual students through one-to-one coaching. Digitech is part of the Cabot Learning Federation which sponsors 14 primary and secondary academies in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and Weston-super-Mare, educating about 8,000 students. Ms Jolley said: “I am really proud to be the new Principal at Digitech Studio School. I have worked as senior leader in the Cabot Learning Federation for over ten years and working with young people is the best job in the world.”

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n NEWS

MP's visit highlights vital role of pharmacies PHARMACIES can play a vital role in helping ease the pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals during the busy winter months. That’s the message from Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore and the team at Ellacombe Pharmacy in Longwell Green. Mr Skidmore visited the pharmacy to have his flu jab and talk to superintendent pharmacist Ade Williams and his staff. He said: “It was great to meet Ade, Jess and everyone at Ellacombe Pharmacy and hear about the different ways they are helping our local community. "With our A&E helping more people than ever before, it is important that local pharmacies such as this one continues to do what it can to help residents with the minor ailments.” Pharmacist Jess Williams said: “At the time when the NHS is facing enormous pressure, it is really commendable that Chris Skidmore, a government

minister, has taken time to visit Ellacombe Pharmacy to understand the role and to strengthen the value that community pharmacies place in the wellbeing of community and residents in the area. “It also affords us the

opportunity to explain the local implication of the propose changes to the pharmacy funding which has been well highlighted, and I know it is something Chris has written to the minister in the past to seek clarity on the issue. Like many pharmacies

embedded in our community we are proud of the clinical role that we play in helping to take care, prevent, and to maintain the health of our residents and we appreciate Chris working with us to find a solution on this important issue.”

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Keynsham & District Mencap Society provide weekly social clubs and sports and fitness sessions to children and adults with learning disabilities. We also arrange day trips and holidays for our members. We are looking for fun, friendly people to join our team of volunteers and help us deliver activities. No experience necessary, just plenty of enthusiasm! Training and on-going support provided. If you have a couple of hours to spare and want to get involved get in touch today. Contact us: 44 Bath Hill, Keynsham, BS31 1HG. Tel: 0117 9865659 E: laura@keynshammencap.org.uk W: www.keynshammencap.org.uk Facebbok: Keynsham Mencap Twitter: @keynsham_mencap

Keynsham & District Mencap Society Reg Charity No 275561

If it’s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

n NEWS

Street lights to stay on all night THE controversial policy of turning off many street lights in South Gloucestershire for several hours a night is to end. Changes in technology mean it is now cheaper to keep the street lights on but dimmed in the early hours than to switch them off. South Gloucestershire’s Environment and Community Services Committee has therefore voted to drop part-night lighting, which began in 2008 and was fully implemented by 2014. Committee chair Councillor Heather Goddard said: “As part of an efficiency drive, the previous cross-party administration took the decision to switch off street lights for part of the night. “This was controversial in some areas, particularly where there were concerns over road safety and crime, and I know most councillors have been contacted with concerns about street lighting. “As such I am pleased to say that advancing technology allows us to reinstate whole-night lighting by dimming lights after a period of time, rather than switching them off. This will still save us money – it is a win-win that allows us to offer better service at reduced cost.” Labour’s lead member on the committee, Councillor Ian Boulton, said: “I am pleased to support this move, which takes Labour’s proposal of three years ago further forward. Turning the street lights off has proved controversial, and I suspect that many residents will welcome this change of policy. "It will cause a very small increase in CO2 emissions, which I regret, but we will be monitoring further advances in technology which will hopefully address this over time.”

QUALITY KITCHEN FACELIFTS

February, 2017

Post office moving into WH Smith KINGSOOD Post Office will move into Kings Chase Shopping Centre later this month. The Crown branch, which is currently based in Hanham Road, will operate out of the WH Smith store from February 23. It follows a six-week public consultation where some concerns were raised over car parking as the nearest car park costs from 60p for one hour to £5 for four hours or more. The second nearest car park in Halls Road will be out of action until next Christmas due to budget supermarket Lidl building a new store there. There is a small car park in South Road and larger ones in Bank Road and Cecil Road. Roger Gale, the Post Office’s sales and trade marketing director, said that the change would help to ensure the branch

is commercially viable into the future and therefore protect Post Office services on which customers in Kingswood depend. “Our customers’ needs continue to change and we are responding to that, taking the right action to sustain our services for years to come. We are committed to remaining on high streets and at the heart of communities and we are making changes right across our network to enable us to do so." The new branch will have four counter positions with opening hours from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday (9.30am opening on Tuesday mornings) and 9am-12.30pm on Saturdays. The last day of service is February 22. The new branch will open the following day with the existing branch team providing customer service.

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Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n AROUND THE WIs HANHAM (EVENING) WI

as part of her presentation she demonstrated the methods she uses. She also invited a couple of “willing” volunteers from the group to follow her in making a body cream by mixing together some of the the ingredients she had brought along with her. At the end of the meeting Maureen presented branch members with a sample of her products for them to take away and try. As well as the samples members also went away with a good understanding of what goes into making these products. Quizzing was also to fore in January when the branch entered three teams into the quiz organised by a local Neighbourhood Watch. One of teams managed a creditable third place. The programme for the coming year was unveiled and the branch is looking forward

TO many people the law and the beauty industry may seem unlikely bedfellows but at the first branch meeting of 2017 Maureen Campbell from St George explained how she manages to achieve mixing the two. Maureen works in the legal profession but her heart is in making beauty products and she takes the two widely differing disciplines in her stride. Making new and exciting products such as body creams and lotions, balms and soaps is her passion and she told the meeting how she uses only natural products to do this. Perfumes such as lavender, rose and citrus are used to enrich the products and give them their unique aroma and

to many exciting events to come. Dianna Coles LONGWELL GREEN WI THANKS to their Craft Club, Longwell Green WI members are all ready to 'Show the Love' on February 14 in support of the Climate Change Coalition’s

campaign to raise awareness of climate change. Each member received a handcrafted green heart at the last meeting. At our next meeting on February 17 we look forward to hearing Paul Evans read poems and readings. Visitors are welcome to join us from 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre in Shellards Road, BS30 9DU.

Would your WI like to have its reports included in Hanham and Longwell Green Voice? Email us at news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

WI.RED (Women's Institute Redfield) is a small, friendly WI meeting at St George Community Centre (rear of 321 Church Rd, Redfield) every third Wednesday at 7.45pm. This February we will have local craft brewer Dawkins Brewery and the East Bristol Hop Project coming to talk to us about Growing Hops and Brewing Beer, with an opportunity to get involved with this local hop growing co-operative (and have beer brewed from your own hops!).

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Meetings are free for WI.RED members, and guests are welcome (£4 guest fee applies). As always, tea and cake will be available! Suzanne Johnson

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hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n NEWS A HANHAM woman who has spent 25 years helping vulnerable people has been awarded the MBE in the New Year’s honours list. Susan Jotcham, 67, is now the chief executive of St James Priory by Bristol bus station, which provides supported accommodation for people recovering from addiction. She has been the fundamental driver behind the work of the charity since it first began helping homeless people in 1991. Her work has included carrying out a two-year refurbishment project to save the 900-year-old priory, which is Bristol’s oldest building still in use. As well as securing a £3.2 million grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, she needed to raise another £1.2 million herself. She said: “It was so difficult, as the recession had just hit and no one had any money to give. We had 11 months to raise it, or the Heritage Lottery would withdraw their funding. “It was 5.30pm on the day before the deadline and we were still just over £36k short. I thought we were going to have to give up. Then I got a phone call from a local trust fund, who said they would give us a cheque for the exact amount we were short. So the next morning I was able to telephone the Heritage Lottery and tell them we’d done it.” Thanks to Susan’s work and that of a huge number of volunteers, St James Priory is restored and open to the public, has a café, and hosts meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous and other support charities. Neighbouring St James House is home to up to 10 recovering addicts at a time, who are in the latter stages of recovery and stay at the house for up to two years while they learn life skills and carry out voluntary work or study. Since launching, the charity has helped more than 1,500 people get back on their feet. Susan said: “Obviously there are a few who relapse, but the vast majority of people are success stories. Lots are reunited with their families after many years. People often go on to work in caring professions such as social services and help for addicts, so they are giving something back.” Susan, who has two grown-up sons and four grandsons living in Longwell Green and

Susan is awarded MBE for helping homeless people

Susan Jotcham in St James Priory

Hambrook, began working with homeless people as a volunteer while still working as a primary teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Kingswood. Working with three Scottish monks, she ran a Sunday evening drop-in session on Stapleton Road. Illness forced Susan to give up teaching. At the same time, a derelict church that had been unused for a decade was offered by the local diocese to hold the drop-in sessions. St James Priory was founded in 1129 by the illegitimate grandson of Williams the Robert Fitzroy, who helped turn Bristol from a town into a major provincial capital. Despite the leaking roof and stonework, the volunteers set up a hostel for homeless

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people. They later realised there was need for a rehab facility and this was eventually housed in St James House. Susan said that the charity is needed more than ever, as the homelessness problem in Bristol has become markedly worse in the past year. She said: “I was very embarrassed when I found out I was to be awarded the MBE. I had no idea the Heritage Lottery were putting me forward for it. “I have no plans to retire and will keep going as long as I can. I like to think of St James Priory as being an oasis for people and I feel very glad that we’ve been able to help so many.”

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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n NEWS

Super swim teacher Julie honoured A SWIMMING teacher based in Longwell Green has been named employee of the year across all of South Gloucestershire’s leisure centres. Julie Gazzard, 50, has taught thousands of children and adults to swim since starting at Longwell Green leisure centre 10 years ago. Her achievement was recognised at an evening awards ceremony at the BAWA club on January 13, where she beat 630 colleagues to win the award for employee of the year. Her trophy was presented by comedian Rod Woodward, who hosted the awards ceremony, and Ian Jones, director of buildings and environment for Circadian Trust which runs South Gloucestershire’s leisure centres on behalf of the council. Mr Jones said: “Julie genuinely cares about increasing participation and creating an exercise habit that will last through to adulthood. “She is massively passionate

Ian Jones from Circadian Trust with Julie Gazzard, employee of the year, and comedian Rod Woodward about supporting and helping children and families with special needs.” Julie, who grew up in Downend and has lived in Willsbridge for the past 15 years, said she was shocked to receive the award. She said: “I felt very proud

but was completely gobsmacked to win. “Teaching swimming is my world. It’s rewarding because every child or adult who comes to me is an individual and needs to be taught in a different way so I need to keep learning and changing the way I do things

every day.” The mum of three joined Longwell Green leisure centre as a customer service adviser, but trained to be a swimming instructor after her talent for teaching was spotted. She said: “My daughter volunteered me to be a parent helper at a school swimming lesson. The swimming teacher saw what I was doing with the children and asked if I was a trained instructor. When I said I was just a mum, she told me I ought to get trained and start teaching.” Since then she has taught people from tiny babies to an 88-year-old beginner swimmer, and said she loves her job as swimming manager for the centre. This is the second time she has been up for the employee of the year award, being a runner up last year and nominated again by colleagues this year because of her “unquantifiable work ethic and dilligence.”

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n GARDENING YOUR own allotment not only provides you with the freshest and least travelled vegetables it also offers fresh air, exercise and a little relaxation. A perfect combination for a healthy and tasty diet. Situated a few minutes drive from the roundabout at the end of High Street, Hanham just behind the old Air Balloon pub, Hillside Allotments in Kenn Road offers plots of various sizes to gardeners from novice to the experienced. Despite as the name implies, Hillside is a fairly level site which is gated and has just over forty plots with parking and mains water. February is an ideal time to consider planning and preparing

February, 2017

From plot to plate - with an allotment, veg couldn't be fresher your plot for the season ahead. As the days begin to lengthen over the next few weeks and the soil starts to warm up potatoes can be planted and your first earlies, those that need no peeling, could be ready by June, simply dig them out of the ground, wash and boil gently in a saucepan. Add a little butter perhaps and eat, just superb. But there's more, all that summer veg, courgettes, runner beans, peas, spring onions and carrots all are very easy to grow and these are just a few examples. Think about autumn and winter crops, squash and pumpkins are not just for Halloween, they make amazing soups. And what about leeks, sprouts and parsnips for your Christmas dinner? Allotments are not only about growing vegetables. Soft

fruits such as strawberries and raspberries can produce abundant harvests with fairly little maintenance. Flowers too are essential in the mix of your plot. Apart from adding splashes of colour, flowers attract bees that will help pollinate other crops. Work with nature and nature will work with you. Taking on an allotment can perhaps be a little daunting

for someone with little or no gardening experience and our advice is, start with a small space and expand into a larger plot as you gain confidence and if you need help, others are often on hand to offer friendly advice when needed. If you would like to know more about plot vacancies at Hillside, call 0117 932 5852. Ron Heath

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February, 2017

n GARDENING TRADITIONALLY the coldest month, February is the beginning of the excitement I always get when I start to see signs of the end of winter, and the first tempting indication of spring emerging from the ground. Since mid January there have been signs of the Autumn sown bulbs, and even the buds of a Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ that I’d almost forgotten about. From that I’m going to take some root cuttings this week before it get’s too large, if I leave much longer it will be too late. Winter is a good time to take root cuttings and get the new plants growing for Spring but we are getting a little late by now. By the end of the month we’ll have the sun setting at around 6pm, that will really lift the spirits of anyone who has a tendency for the Winter blues. I usually have a positive disposition, but this season I have found even myself suffering from the prolonged damp and dark conditions. It’s also a busy month when it comes to starting to sow seeds for this years vegetables, annuals, and some more perennials. To make sure that nothing gets left out, and to manage sowing of so many different plants, I came up with a simple but effective system. Using little pots or just using elastic bands, I group the seeds

The

city gardener By Tim Barton

into months that they need to be sown, this means that each week, or simply when there’s space in the propagator, I just take the months seeds and sow something new or a successional sowing of one of this years vegetables. The February and March groups are by far the largest and so it takes a bit of planning to assure that I have enough space at any one time. Successional sowing is one of the most important keys to getting a long season out of vegetables, but annuals and perennial plants should really be sown according to the calendar, unless they’re growing under managed conditions. I did say that I’d report back on the grow lights that I acquired from Britain’s favourite (at least most popular) furniture store, and I’m glad to say that they are proving extremely useful. One of the issues that I have is that unless I move new seedlings into the greenhouse, which can get very cold, and is prone to severe slug damage when it’s clement, I have only a room that is insufficiently lit. As it stands I have lettuce, Rudbeckias, Chilli, Antirrhinum and various other seedlings all growing nicely, until they are big enough for the big time, or simply get moved because of space. I make my own seed compost from leaf mould from the allotment, perlite and a little compost. The proportions

are not an exact science, but as seedlings contain all of the energy and nutrients that they need to get going, you don’t want to give them anything too rich. This is why the leaf mould makes a good base and something for the roots to get started in, the perlite is there to add drainage and prevent water logging. I tend to use something in the region of 2:2:1 of leaf mould, perlite and compost but equal proportions would be fine, most plants aren’t too fussy. Some seeds like courgette and and pumpkin are prone to rotting so especially need the drainage. If you’re not making it though, I highly recommend getting a commercial mix for the job, the rate of success will be much higher than just sticking some seeds in a pot of all purpose compost. Now that the Wassail at the orchard is over, we can really start to look forward to another bountiful harvest and a year of joy in the company of the plants that hopefully most of us enjoy. If you haven’t got the space or time to tend your own then remember to stop once it a while and appreciate the trees, and even the humble weeds that surround us. This is the last chance before the garden will require more attention for you to get some of the more menial tasks over and done with, so wrap up warm and employ

yourself with some of these. • F orce rhubarb as it should be starting to grow quite nicely now • S ow early vegetables and ones that have a long season, like leeks, onions and celeriac •M any annuals are sown this month so looks at your seed packets and make sure you don’t miss anything •C ut back shrubs like Dogwood (Cornus) and Willow (Salix) down to their base to get a good new growth and a nice display at the end of the year • This is the last chance that you’ll get to move any shrubs and trees around • F inish clearing up any winter debris such as dead leaves and think about tidying up old plants in preparation for this years growth •P ot on rooted cuttings that were taken last year •P rune winter flowering shrubs now that the colour has faded * Get excited

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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA Friday March 17

n Popular Eighties tribute band Retro Electro are staging a gig at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy next month. The five-piece local outfit play covers of classic acts including Depeche Mode, Human League, Simple Minds, Gary Numan, Kraftwerk and David Bowie. Tickets are already on sale for the 80s Night, which takes place on Friday March 17. Its aim is to let more people know that the excellent performance facilities at the academy in Oldland Common are available for hire. Early bird tickets are on sale for the Retro Electro night, which takes place from 7.30-11pm, at £6. A drink package is available. www.ticketsource.co.uk/sbl or call 01454 868158 or 07946 585244 For information about venue hire, contact lettings@sblonline.org.uk

Regular events Mondays

n Longwell Green Netball, Longwell Green Community Centre, 6.15pm - 8.45pm, every week. Training times: Juniors (under 14s approx) 6.15pm 7.15pm; Seniors 7.15pm - 8.45pm For further information: Contact Sandra (Secretary) 0117 957 2588 or Sara 0117 947 7963 n Jazzercise Class, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7pm, every week For further information contact Carole Loughlin caroleloughlin@hotmail.com n Longwell Green Music Society, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm, Fortnightly. The club meet every fortnight on a Monday evening to listen to a range of good recorded music from Bach to Gershwin.

Contact Sheila Hufford Telephone 0117 932 3141. n Short Mat Bowls Group, Hanham Community Hall, Elbrow Suite, 10.30am-12.30pm. Cost £2.00 and HCC Membership. Contact: Sheena 0117 967-4439 We have three mats each with two teams of four players, and we play ‘just for fun’ so come along and join in. Also Mon pm, Tues eve and Friday am. n Pilates, Hanham Community Centre, Avon Room, 10am-10.55 and 11.15am to 12.15, £5.50 per class, contact:John Hennessy on 07837 302 678. Classes 10-10.55 and 11.15 - 12.15. n WI, Hanham Community Centre, Gloucester Room , first Monday of every month, 10.30am-noon. Contact Moira Mitchell on 0117 9353299. n Tai Chi , Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite, 10-11am and 11am-12pm, cost £4.50 per session. Contact Vicki Siggens on 01454 616624 or email: vickisiggens@ google.com n “In stitches”, Hanham Community Centre, Ridgeway Room, 1-3pm, cost £2. Contact Sonja Sillay on 0117 983-2805or email: sonja. sillay@blueyonder.co.uk We are a group who love to stitch! We make cross stitch, tat, knit, bobbin lace, crochet, embroider n WI , Hanham Community centre, Wessex Suite, 1.30pm-4pm, every second Monday, please contact Moira Mitchell on 07813140691. n Short Mat Bowls Group, Hanham Community Centre, Elbow Suite, 2-4pm, every Monday. Cost £2 and HCC membership. Please contact Sheena on 0117 967-4439 n Zumba Fitness, Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite, 7pm-8pm, cost £5 per class. Contact Celena Lewis 07525 214755 or email: celena45lewis@ yahoo.co.uk

n Kingswood Breastfeeding Group, Kingswood Children’s Centre, 10.30-12pm, every week. Peer Supporters available each week. Free tea and cake. Everybody welcome n 10.30 -11.15am, Zumba Gold, low impact, St Aidan's Church Hall, Fir Tree Lane, BS5 8BJ £3.50 per class. Contact Philomena on 07966 373089. n 6.15-7.15pm, Zumba Fitness, St Aidan's Church Hall, Fir Tree Lane, BS5 8BJ. £3.50 per class until end 2016. Contact Philomena on 07966 373089

Tuesday

n Art Class, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10am-12, every week in the coffee Lounge. Watercolour & Drawing with Fran McGarry. Have fun in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. All abilities very welcome. Just come along to one of our sessions or call for further information. Materials are supplied for the first two classes. Free tea, coffee & biscuits. £8 per session (10% discount when booking 4+ sessions) n Handprints Mother and Toddler Group, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10am-12, every week in Orton Room. Contact Jodie Simms on 07976 093004. n Badminton, Longwell Green Community Centre, 2pm4pm, every week. For further information: Contact Janet, 0117 932 3643 n The Tuesday Club, Longwell Green Community Centre, 2pm-4pm, every week. £3 and refreshments are available. For further information contact Pauline, 0117 932 2553. n Tuesday Stroke Club, Longwell Green Community Centre, 2-4pm every week. The Stroke Club is a mixed group - everyone is welcome. For further information:

February, 2017

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@hanhamand longwellgreenvoice.co.uk or call us on 07919199565 Contact John Harris on 0117 967 1186 n Pilates Class, Longwell Green Community Centre, 6.45-7.40pm, every week. Free 15 minute introductory session for beginners, Mats and equipment supplied. Pilates improves: body shape; posture (which will help with back pain); muscle strength; flexibility; coordination and much more. Your instructor is J Hennessy (qualified personal trainer and pilates instructor). For further information please contact J Hennessy, on 0117 986 4914 or 07837 302678. n Hanham Abbots Parish Council, Longwell Green Community Centre, Monthly. n Oldland Parish Council, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7pm, n Ballroom Dancing with Terry, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7pm-10pm, every week. For further information: Contact Terry, on 0117 932 3071 or email: terrysdanceschool@blueyonder. co.uk n Slimming World, Longwell Green Community Centre, 9.30-

Hanham Library What’s On Help with IT and/or Family History Do you need help using your computer, laptop or tablet? Do you need to brush up on your digital skills? Or does the thought of using technology completely scare you? Hanham Library offers FREE 1 to 1 50 minute sessions with volunteers which are tailored to your needs: such as emails, downloading photos from your phone/device, Ancestry, online shopping and loads more. Computers at Hanham library are free to use, or you can bring your

own device (phone, laptop etc) and connect to our FREE Wi-Fi. Printing facilities are available, and children can access free homework printing. Ask staff for more details… Why not book a slot with our IT volunteer Stewart to investigate into your family history? Stewart can help you to access Ancestry FREE from the library computers, and give you a guided tour of other family history sites to help you research your ancestor’s births, marriages and deaths. Ask staff for more details, and to book

a FREE session… Hanham Library February Events Mondays 9:30-10:00 & 11:00-11:30am Bounce & Rhyme Tuesdays 9:30-10:00am Story & Rhyme Time 5:00-6:30 Adult Craft Group Thursdays 2:15-2:45pm Storytime Sat 11th and 25th Feb 10:00-11:00 ‘Bookwurms’ (for teens aged 11-16) Fri 10th Feb 3:00-4:00 Police Beat Surgery (drop-in)

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

Sat 11th Feb 2:00-3:00 ‘Chatterbooks’ (for children aged 7-11) Tue 14th Feb 2:00-3:00 Explore Learning Workshop ‘Learning Shapes’ (age 5-7; booking essential) Thu 16th Feb 2:00-3:00 ‘February Fun Crafts’ (age 4-10; drop-in) Sat 18th Feb 2:00-3:00 Lego Club (for children 4+ with grownup; drop-in) Tue 28th Feb 1:00-3:00 Listening Service (drop-in)

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February, 2017 11am, every week. For further information: Contact Sara on 07841195725. n Real Fitness, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 9.30am-11am every week, cost £6.80 per class. Contact: Sarah Buscemi on 0117 9327533 Diet and fitness classes. Aerobic exercise suitable for all levels and abilities. n Tuesday Coffee Morning, Hanham Community Centre Coffee Lounge, 10.30am-12.30. A social group - so come along for a coffee and a chat - all welcome! n Yoga, Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite, 10.15am11.30am, cost £4.50. Contact: Vivien Tallis on 07801550842. Gentle stretches to improve flexibility, relaxation and well being - Drop in sessions. Suitable for beginners n Palette Art Club, Hanham Community Centre Avon Room, 2-4pm, cost £7.50 per month plus HCC Membership. n Craft Buddies, Hanham Community Centre, Wesley Room, 1.30pm-3.30pm, every week. Cost £5 per week. Contact 07946231796. Do you have lots of craft items that you are not sure what to do with? Bring them along to our craft group, you will be able to share ideas, get hints and tips, and make the most amazing things. n Slimming World, Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite. 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Cost £4.95 per week plus membership. Please contact Kate on 07979 494 964. Lose weight with the best support and motivation, group ideas and sharing. Warm friendly group - everyone welcome. n Zumba Fitness, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 6pm-7pm, every week. Cost £5 per class. Contact Philomena on 07966373089. n Chess Club, Hanham Community Centre, Somerset Room, 7.30pm10.30pm, cost £27 per annum plus HCC Membership. For more information please contact info@ hanhamchess.co.uk. The Chess club meets weekly for a game, and has players of all levels. n Weight Watchers, Hanham Tabernacle United Reform Church, 9.30-10.30am, every week Contact Alice on 07904745331. n Zest Tone Deaf Choir, Longwell Green UFC Church, Bath Rd, Term Time 10.30-12pm. Suitable for anyone who wants to join a fun happy community choir. Contact Mary 07954 170532 or visit www. zestchoirs.com. n Cadbury Heath Breastfeeding Group, Cadbury Heath Children’s Centre, 10-11.30am, every week. Supporters available each week. Free. Come along for tea and cake and support. All welcome. n Fitness class with Sarah, every Tuesday, 9.45-10.45am, Hanham Community Centre.

Everyone welcome. For more information, contact sarah. buscemi123@gmail.com n 10 - 10.45am. Zumba Gold low impact Cadbury Heath Hall, School Rd, BS30 8EN £3.50 per class. Philomena on 07966 373089

Wednesday

n Dementia Group, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10.3012pm, Every week. n Longwell Green Probus Club, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10am. 1st Wednesday of each month. Fully and semi retired men welcome for fellowship and activities and coffee. Contact Brian on 0117 9604 124. n Longwell Green Probus Club, Longwell Green Community Centre, 12pm. 3rd Wednesday of each month. Fully and semi retired men welcome for fellowship and activities and lunch. Contact Brian on 0117 9604 124. n Short Mat Bowls, Longwell Green Community Centre, 12.30-4.30pm, Every Week. For further information please contact Rosa on 0117 932 373 n Slimming World, Longwell Green Community Centre, 5pm-8pm, every week. n Bingo Night, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30-10.30pm, every week. n Public Bar, Longwell Green Community Centre, Orton Room, 7.30-11pm, every week. n Little Folk Toddler Group, Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite, 9.15-11.15am, cost £2 a week (£1 second child) plus HCC membership. Please contact Tracie 07887 871274 or email: tracie@ talinmedia.co.uk. Friendly mother and toddler group meeting weekly. n Over 50s - Light & Easy Aerobics, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 10-11am, cost £4.50 per session. Please contact Jenny Greenslade on 0117 9613327 bor email greensladejenny@yahoo. com. Light and easy aerobics for +50’s or the less fit. Mats provided but please bring a drink of water. n Slimming World. Hanham Community Centre, Ridgeway Room, 9am and 11am. Cost £4.95 per week plus membership. Contact Kate on 07979494964. Lose weight with the best support and motivation, group ideas and sharing. n Tea Dance, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2pm to 4pm. Cost £3 per person including tea/coffee. Contact HHC Office on 01179674439. n Hanham History, Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Cost £1.50 per week. Contact Roy Crew on 07813827822 or email hanhamhistory@gmail. com n Flower Club, Hanham Community Centre, Ridgeway

If it’s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148

Room, 1.15-3.15pm, cost £20 per 12 week session, per person. Contact Ann Reed on 01179374157 or Shelagh on 01179679255. Flower arranging classes for all ages and abilities. Demonstrate one week and make the next – it’s fun, addictive and social - tea/ coffee and biscuits supplied. n Hanham Players - Drama Club, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 8pm-10pm. Cost £12 per year and HCC membership. Contact John Blackwood on 07745134248. n Bridge Club, Hanham Community Centre, Avon Room, 7.15-10.15pm. Cost £2 per session plus HCC membership. Contact Graham on 07790491564 or email: Carolinej356@gmail.com. Very friendly & relaxed club, but some knowledge of Bridge will be needed - not suitable for complete beginners. n Hanham Detachment - Bristol Army Cadet Force, Hanham Community Centre, Ridgeway Room, 7pm-9.30pm. Contact SI Kim Duddridge on 07970690393 or email: kimduddridge@blueyonder. co.uk n Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green, 8pm-9pm, Contact: Bill 07799628252 or visit alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk A fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other - such that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. n Weight Watchers, Longwell Green Scout Hut, Longwell Green Comunity Centre, 6.15-7.15pm. Contact Alice on 07904745331. n Bingo at Hanham Community Centre, 7pm start for 7.30pm Eyes Down. Suitable for all ages and abilities, just bring a pen. For more information call 0117 9674439 n 6-7pm Zumba Fitness, Hanham Community Centre. Contact Philomena on 07966 373089. n 8-9.15pm, Fitness class with Sarah every Wednesday at Longwell Green Primary School. Everyone welcome. For more information, contact sarah. buscemi123@gmail.com n 8pm, Jive Fusion: Dance classes for beginners upwards mixing LeRoc, ballroom, latin, salsa and stroll. Community Centre, The Arch, High Street, Kingswood, BS15 4AB. Tutor Derek Knapman 07549 590269. £6 on the door or six sessions for £20.

Thursday

n Yoga Class, Hanham Community Centre, Somerset Room 7-8pm every week. Cost £6 per peson per class. Contact: denise 07814934653. www.devakiyoga. com n Stroke Conversation Group, Longwell Green Community Centre, 1.30-3pm, every week.

25 n Handprints Mother and Toddler Group, Longwell Green Community Centre, Orton Room, 10-12pm, every week. For further information: Please contact Jodie Simms, on 07976 093004. n Fitness Pilates class with Real Fitness with Sarah, every Thursday, 10-11am at Longwell Green Community Centre. Everyone welcome! For more information, contact sarah. buscemi123@gmail.com n Badminton, Longwell Green Community Centre, Phipps Hall, 6.15pm-7.45pm, every week. For further information: Contact Brian or Bill at lwgbadminton@ blueyonder.co.uk n Longwell Green Orchestra, Longwell Green Community Centre, Ellacombe Room, 7.30pm, every week. This community based orchestra plays mainly light classical music for many local groups, senior citizens clubs and charities in the South West. For further information: Contact Graham on 07972 844073, or email contact@longwellgreenorchestra. net n Avon Scale Model Club, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.3010.30pm, every third Thursday of the month. n Public Bar, Longwell Green Community Centre, Orton Room, 7.30-11pm, every week, n Line Dancing, Longwell Green Community Centre, 8pm-10.30pm, every week. For further information please Contact Claire, on 0117 967 7246. n Coffee Morning, Hanham Community Centre, Coffee Lounge, 10am -11am, cost 50p for coffee and biscuit. Contact Mrs Woodman on 07879458899. Pop in for a friendly chat; as well as coffee and a Biscuit. n Slimming World, Hanham Community Centre, Wessex Suite, 9.30am and 11.30am. Cost £4.95 per week plus membership. Contact Sara Hayes on 07894670808 or email:rog.suz@ bt.internet.com. Lose weight with the best support and motivation, group ideas and sharing. n Zumba Fitness, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Room, 9.30am-10.30am, cost 5 per class. Contact Philomena on 07966373089 or visit www. zumbainbristol.co.uk. An exhilarating Latin rhythm dance workout to tone and sculpture your body - with moves from Flamenco to Hip Hop. Lose yourself in music and find yourself in shape!! n Zumba Gold, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Room, 10.50am – 11.40am, cost £3 per class, contact Philomena on 07966373089 or visit www. zumbainbristol.co.uk.

Continued on next page

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

n WHAT’S ON A lower impact class with a more gentle pace. Ideal for active and older people, beginners, if you are pregnant or new to regular exercise. n Tiny Tutus, Hanham Community Centre, Ridgeway Room, 10am10.30am, cost £15 for 5 classes and first class is free. Contact Andrea Spearing on 07969265115 or email: tinytutusbris@outlook.com. Royal Ballet Registered Teacher. n Young at Heart, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Room, 1.30pm-3.30pm, cost £2 per week. Contact the centre office on 01179674439. Come along for a cup of tea, a piece of cake and an afternoon of entertainment. Contact the office for more details. n Hanham Art Club, Hanham Community Centre, Avon Room, 7pm-9pm, cost £20 per term, contact Sandra Burnham on 07491835285. n Learn to Dance the Ballroom Way, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 7pm-7.30pm. Contact David Biggs on 01179782667. at 7:30pm n Modern Sequence Dance Club, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Room, 7.45pm-10pm, cost £3 per person, £12 per annum and HCC membership. Contact David

hanham&longwellgreenvoice Foote on 01179657110 or Robin on 01179563151.Modern ballroom, Latin and old time sequence dancing. All new sequences taught as well as old favourites with professional teacher David Biggs (IDTA). Some knowledge of dancing essential. n Slimming World, Hanham Community Centre, 5.30pm and 7.30pm, cost £4.95 per week and membership. Contact Sara Hayes on 07894670808. Lose weight with the best support and motivation, group ideas and sharing. n Big Knits, Hanham Community Centre, Wesley Room, 7.30pm10pm every 3rd Thursday of the month. Cost £3 per session. Contact Linda on 01179400232. Hints and tips on machine knitting. n Bouncing Bobbins, Hanham Community Centre, Wesley Room, 2nd Thursday of the month, cost £12 per annum, contact Kathy Smart on 01179477839 or email kcs1@sky.com.We are a self help lace group that actively promotes lace through the making of traditional and contemporary bobbin, crocheted, knitted, needle, tatted lace and crafts associated with lace. n Weight Watchers, Warmley Community Centre, 10am, every week. Contact Alice on 07904745331. n Black Sheep Harmony A Cappella

Chorus, Cadbury Heath Hall School, 7.30-10pm. Always looking for female singers who can hold a tune. Ordinary people singing extraordinarily. Contact Mary on 07954 170532 or visit www. blacksheepharmony.com n 7-9pm Kingswood Choir at United Church Kingswood, Regent Street, all abilities welcome. Patsy Holdsworth 0117 907 8994

Friday

n Short Mat Bowls, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10.30am3.30pm, every week. For further information please Contact Rosa on 0117 932 3737 n Pilates Class. Longwell Green Community Centre, 10am-10.55am, every week. Free 15 minute introductory session. Mats and equipment supplied. For further information please contact J Hennessy on 0117 986 4914 or 07837 302678. n Public Bar, Longwell Green Community Centre, Orton Room, 7.30pm -11pm, every week. n Members’ Bar & Quiz Night, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm-11pm, last Friday of the month. n Ballroom Dancing with Terry, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7pm-10pm, every week. For further information please contact Terry, on 0117 932 3071or email terrysdanceschool@blueyonder. co.uk. n Short Mat Bowls Group, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 10.30am-12.30pm. Cost £2 per week and HCC membership. Contact Sheena on 01179674439. n Country Lines “A Line Dance Disco”, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, Monthly 8pm11.45pm. Cost £5. Contac Clare on 01179677246 or email:clarelines@ tiscali.co.uk. A monthly get together and longer evening of fun and dance. 2016 Dates: 30th Sept, 28th Oct, 25th Nov, 16th Dec. n Hanham Lace Class, Hanham Community Centre, Whittuck Room, 2pm-4pm. Contact: Mrs Jacobs on 01179611845. n Chair Exercise - Zumba Gold, Hanham Community Centre, Elbrow Suite, 1pm-1.45pm, cost £per class. Contact Philomena on 07966373089 or visit www. zumbainbristol.co.uk. n Hanham Lace Class, Hanham Community Centre, Whittuck Room, 2pm-4pm. Contact: Mrs Jacobs on 01179611845.

Saturday

n Senior Football: Longwell Green Sports, Longwell Green Community Centre, 3pm, every week. For further information visit www. longwellgreensports.co.uk n Public Bar, Longwell Green Community Centre, Orton Room, 4pm-11pm, every week.

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

February, 2017

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: news@hanhamand longwellgreenvoice.co.uk or call us on 07919199565

n The Pavilion Club Live Music & Bingo, Longwell Green Community Centre, 7.30pm-11.30pm.n Lounge Bar, Hanham Community Centre, 7.30PM-11.30PM, cost HCC membership. Contact Sheena on 0117 967 4439.

Sunday

n Junior Football, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10.30am, every week. For further information visit www.longwellgreensportsjfc.co.uk n Senior Football, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10.30am, every week. Ffi www. longwellgreencommunitycentre. org.uk/football/ n Mustard Tree Community Church, Longwell Green Community Centre, Calafornia Suite, 10.30am, every week. Ffi visit www.themustardtree.com n Short Mat Bowls, Longwell Green Community Centre, 10.30am12.30pm, every week. For further information contact Rosa, on 0117 932 3737. n Junior Girls’ Football, Longwell Green Community Centre, 1pm, every week. For further information visit: www. longwellgreensportsjfc.co.uk n Senior Football, Longwell Green Community Centre, 2.30pm, www. longwellgreencommunitycentre. org.uk/football/ n Bingo Night & Members’ Bar, Longwell Green Community Centre, 8pm-10pm, every week. If you like bingo, come and join in our regular Sunday Bingo night. Doors open at 8pm and bingo starts at 9pm. Bar open. n Lounge Bar, Hanham Community Centre, 12pm-2pm, cost HCC membership. Contact Sheena on 0117 967 4439. n Solo Rendezvous walk every Sunday in the local area, 11am. For details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210.

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February, 2017

n ON THE BEAT

Brought to justice: the villains who damage or make off with cars

With PC Lee Humpherys

A MAN is currently going through the courts after a number of cars in the Rowan Way area of Hanham were damaged on Monday December 5, affecting many people. The suspect is on bail with a tagged curfew until his next court appearance. I hope to be able to give you another update in next month’s issue. You may also remember a number of ‘car key’ burglaries in our area in October last year in which BMW cars were stolen. The thieves were breaking in while families were asleep and stealing the keys to make off with the cars. I’d like you to know that three teenagers have appeared in court over burglaries including some of those ‘car key’ break-ins. A 19-year-old man was jailed

If it’s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148

for four years and three months in December after admitting burglary and taking a vehicle without consent. He asked the court to take into consideration around 40 other offences over the past five years, in areas including Hanham, Downend, Mangotsfield, Speedwell and Staple Hill. At the same hearing an 18-yearold man was given a six month prison term, suspended for 18 months, for burglary and being carried in a stolen vehicle, while the third man, also 18, was given a 12-month community order, including 80 days’ unpaid work and a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement. We’re continuing to target our patrols to deter burglars, but everyone has a part to play in keeping thieves away from our

community: • Always lock up and set the alarm, if you have one, at night as well as when you go out • Hide your keys and handbag or wallet safely out of sight • Never leave your keys in the back of the door • Join Neighbourhood Watch If you hear a suspicious noise in the night, please check and call us immediately if you see someone running away or find any damage. Remember, only call 999 if a crime’s underway or there’s a suspect in the area, otherwise ring 101 – the lines are staffed 24/1. You can find more crime prevention information and advice on reporting incidents on our website, www.avonandsomerset. police.uk

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

n NEWS

Man jailed over fraud and burglaries

100th anniversary for bowls club FRY'S Bowling Club in Keynsham is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Formed in 1917 as part of J.S. Fry & Sons Chocolate Company, the club moved from Bristol to Somerdale in 1933 and has remained in Keynsham ever since. Celebrations have been planned throughout the season to mark the club's centenary. Fry's offers a range of friendly and league/cup matches, as well as internal competitions and social bowling from mid April to September. The club is based in the grounds of the old Cadbury's factory in Keynsham.

February, 2017

A MAN has been jailed after admitting fraud and burglaries in Hanham and Kingswood. Lee Hucker, 31, of Eagle Crescent, Pucklechurch, was imprisoned for a year when he appeared before Bristol Magistrates on January 25. He was charged with four walk-in burglaries in January in which cash, bank cards and iPads were stolen. These included the theft of petty cash from Hanham Community Centre, iPads from a school in Kingswood and bank cards from a unit at Hanham Business Park. He also admitted entering another unit as a trespasser with intent to steal and four incidents of fraud in which he used a stolen bank card at businesses in Hanham on Wednesday January 18. As well as being sentenced to 52 weeks in prison, the court ordered him to pay more than £2,400 in compensation. Neighbourhood sergeant Darren Warr said: "We're determined to catch burglars and put them before the courts. Our communities can make a huge contribution to making our neighbourhoods safer by taking sensible security measures and passing on information about criminal behaviour." If you see a crime being committed, call 999, otherwise ring 101 to report suspicious incidents as they happen.

More information is available on the club website, www. frysbowlsclub.webs.com If you are interested in joining Fry's Bowling Club or would like to give bowls a try, please contact secretary Christopher Day on 01225 872959 or email frysbowlsclub@gmail.com

n BOOKS OF THE MONTH

One Girl and her Dogs: Life, Love and Lambing in the Middle of Nowhere By Emma Gray WHEN 23 year old Emma Gray breaks off her engagement, the chance to take over an isolated Northumberland farm seems just the fresh start she needs. But whilst she appreciates the beautiful scenery, Emma finds that freak blizzards, fugitive sheep and a lot of very hard work are now the norm for her new way of life. Plus how do you find Mr Right when you’re buried in the depth of

the countryside? But Emma’s four collies are never far from her side and as she faces the ups and downs they provide both practical help and companionship. She learns her shepherding skills from a range of interesting characters and by trial and error and by the end of the book has survived her first year. She also has the possibility of romance on the horizon.

This book is interesting, funny and sad in places. It’s easy to empathise with Emma and her struggles and the book opens a door to a way of life unfamiliar to many of us. This true life story is worth reading and leaves you wondering what happened next. Julie.

www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n VETS ADVICE

Longwell Green Veterinary Centre, 1 Court Farm Road, Longwell Green BS30 9AA Tel 0117 932 3660

Ciara Taylor

MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon

Is my pet overweight?

LTHOUGH weighing your pet is a good place to start when determining if they are overweight, the guideline weights for certain breeds cannot always be relied upon - all individuals are different. The best thing to do is to look at your pet’s body shape and amount of body fat. To do this we generally perform a Body Condition Score, which is based on a points system of 1 to 9. A score of 1 - 3 is too thin; 4 – 5 is deemed an ideal weight; 6-7 is overweight; 8- 9 is obese. Visit our website www.highcroftvet.co.uk to watch a video explaining the technique. The ideal body shape of a cat or dog should be well proportioned, where the ribs are not visible but can be easily felt. They have an obvious waist when looked down on from above, and an evident abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. Much like in humans, obesity in pets can lead to many debilitating health issues such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and even forms of cancer. Apparently one sausage is the equivalent of two and a half hamburgers to a dog, whereas one cup of milk for a cat is the same as eating three hamburgers! So as tempting as it may be to give your pet the occasional human treat, think about how unhealthy it could actually be to an animal.

If you’re struggling to help your pet lose weight, sign them up to one of our FREE weight clinics with a veterinary nurse. The nurse will be able to tailor a diet and exercise plan to your pet and can schedule regular weigh-ins to monitor their progress. Contact Longwell Green Veterinary Centre on 0117 9323660 to find out how we can help your pet lose weight.

Your pet’s essentials from only

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Call us now or sign up at www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply

www.highcroftvet.co.uk If it’s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148 Keynsham Voice why choose ad 120 x 178.indd 1

Call 0117 932 3660 LONGWELL GREEN VETERINARY CENTRE 1 Court Farm Road, Bristol BS30 9AA

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk 25/01/2017 19:41

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February, 2017

n PHARMACY

What exactly is dementia?

0117 9322293 24 Ellacombe Road, Longwell Green, BS30 9BA Column by Jess Williams of Ellacombe Pharmacy aims to help educate patients on a range of conditions and provide information to help maintain their well being whilst also easing pressure on GP surgeries by promoting self care

THE over-60s are the fastestgrowing group in our society. Whilst ageing does come with challenges, many older members of our society are proof that age is only a number. They grapple and ultimately improvise with technology, they maintain their independent and dignified lifestyle with modifications whilst many contribute immensely to their families, employers and communities. Old age, however, can bring about a decline in mental and physical abilities. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported in November that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have replaced ischaemic heart disease as a leading cause of death in England and Wales for the first time. The human cost of this condition on individuals and their families is immense. Everyone knows someone affected.

Dementia is a progressive syndrome, which means a group of symptoms that will gradually get worse. These symptoms include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes. It is however, not an inevitable part of the ageing process. Most importantly, an early diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support so they can lead active, fulfilled lives. Common symptoms are memory loss – especially problems with memory for recent events, such as forgetting messages, remembering routes or names, and asking questions repetitively, increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning, becoming confused in unfamiliar environments, difficulty

finding the right words or with numbers and/or handling money in shops, changes in personality and mood and depression. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one. Researchers have discovered several important lifestyle factors that affect our risk of developing dementia. Giving up smoking, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and reducing alcohol, keeping socially active, reducing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure are all such ways. With our aging population it is estimated that by 2021, the number of people with dementia in the UK will have increased to around 1 million. Ellacombe Pharmacy is accredited as a Dementia Friendly pharmacy; this means our team is pro-actively committed to offer friendly advice and support to patients and carers in a sensitive way. We are here to help, come in and chat with us.

Gentlemen - could Probus Club be for you? LONGWELL Green Probus Club, now in its 29th year, have seen new president, Austin Darby, on the left of our picture, take over from Glynn Breddy. The club recruited seven new members during the year and is actively seeking more. If you are semi or fully retired and would like to join a very vibrant and active group of chaps enjoying a wide range of activities and events, mostly including their partners, give secretary, Brian Deeley, a call on 0117 960 4124, for more details Meanwhile, a club for retired businessmen is looking for new members to join in its fortnightly meetings near Kingswood. Kingswood Probus Club is running an open morning at 10.30am on Thursday February 9 to let prospective members find out more. An international series of clubs, Probus takes its name from PROfessional and BUSiness, the former career

choices of its members. It was created as a social outlet for retired men, and many have links to Rotary clubs, although Probus do not fundraise. The Kingswood branch, formed 42 years ago, is one of the oldest in the UK. Members meet every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 10.30am at Warmley Community Centre in Deanery Road. See: www.kingswoodprobus. co.uk

If it’s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Screening can be a life saver, so make sure you get yourself checked out

IT could mean the difference between life and death, yet figures show that 20% of women still do not attend their cervical screening appointments. Cervical Screening Awareness Week ran throughout January 22 to 28 and Consultant Gynaecologist Dr Amit Patel is urging women in the region to make sure they are up to date with their smear tests. Dr Patel who practices at Spire Bristol Hospital said: “Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. The signs that it may develop can be often be spotted early and it can be treated before it even fully starts. “While around 750 women each year in the UK die of cervical cancer every year, figures show that many of those who develop the disease have not been screened regularly. The single biggest risk factor for developing cervical cancer is not being regularly screened, yet it is thought that as many as one million women a year are missing out1.” Women aged 25 to 49 are invited to attend cervical screening, or smear tests, every three years; those aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years. The screening can detect abnormal (pre-cancerous) cells in the cervix in order to prevent cervical cancer. Dr Patel said: “It is important to get the message across that cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but instead allows for detection of abnormalities at an early stage.

“The routine of attending a cervical screening should be an important part of every woman’s health regime but for many women this message just isn’t getting through. Early detection is key to increasing survival rates so educating everyone about the disease, its symptoms and ways to prevent it is very important.”

From pregnancy, childbirth and menopause - women’s bodies go through a lot. And a variety of health conditions can affect the female body and reproductive organs - such as painful fibroids, vaginal prolapse and cancer. We offer a range of preventive and innovative treatment options for conditions that are specific to

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

the needs of your body. There is no need to be left on waiting lists. To book your appointment with a specialist call our Patient Treatment Advisers today on 0117 980 4080 or email them at info@spirebristol. com. *Figures from Office of National Statistics

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

LETTER FROM YOUR MP I CAN hardly believe that a month has already gone past in 2017. It's been a busy time at WestminsterI'm writing this column having just voted this evening to trigger Article 50 and to begin the process of leaving the EU. It's a historic moment that will be remembered for decades to come. For me, the most important thing was to reflect not only the wishes of the British people who voted to leave the EU, but also the wishes of the people of my constituency, who voted by 56% to 44% to leave, the most decisive margin of all local constituencies in the Bristol area. If 2016 was a historic year for that national referendum, then 2017 looks like also being a historic year for us locally in politics too. On May 4, local people will have the opportunity to vote in the first ever election for a Mayor for the Combined Authority Area of South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset. It's a vitally important election because this will mean that significant powers will be devolved from central government to our local area- including on transport, planning, infrastructure and skills.

A critical moment in history At the same time, the government is devolving a budget for the mayoral area of ÂŁ30million a year. What will this mean for local people? One of the questions that I am sometimes asked is: is this a return to the old Avon authority? The simple answer is no. Avon was imposed on local people from the top down, and merged local district and council areas together, taking away local voices and centralising power in Bristol. The new combined authority is the exact opposite of this. Not only has it been designed from the bottom up, with local engagement at every step of the way - councils were free to vote to join and share in the extra investment is they chose or not - but the new authority does not abolish South Glos or the other councils. It just means that we have a more powerful voice to plan the future of our area strategically, and at the same time share in the proceeds of investment and growth that can happen if we work together with the other

If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s News call 07919 100565 or 07880 731148

local authorities to sort out our transport and infrastructure problems (including, I hope, helping to make the case for a link road from the ring road to the M4). Manchester, Birmingham and the West Midlands have also agreed to create these powerful areas with a mayor - recognising the value that they can bring to their area. So look out for more information coming your way about the 2017 Mayoral electionsas your MP, and the minister responsible for democratic engagement, I want to make sure constituents are aware and informed about these elections, and that you have your say. Locally, I wanted to update residents that the definitive and essential feasibility study into the M4 Link that I secured from the government has now started work- there will be a public consultation later on in the year and I will be contacting residents asking for their views on this. In Hanham, I've been working behind

the scenes speaking with Tesco representatives to ensure that the Kleeneze factory site still in operation is protected when Tesco come to sell their site in Hanham, but also to ensure that we have answers as soon as possible for what will happen to the rest of the land - given the years that have passed since planning permission was given for a store that secured vital two hour free parking spaces which would help Hanham High Street, I want to see this remain in place if a new store is to replace what Tesco had planned. I'd also like to thank Longwell Green residents who recently attended my recent drop-in surgery at the Chapel CafĂŠ in Longwell Green - it's an excellent venue, and some important issues were raised with me I hold regular surgeries across the constituency, and if you want more information or want to see me, do contact me on chris@chrisskidmore.com or telephone 0117 908 1524. Chris Skidmore

Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH £225,000 Long Beach Road, Longwell Green. **NO ONWARD SALES CHAIN** A two bedroom end of terrace property situated in the ever popular California Estate in Longwell Green. The property benefits from UPVC double glazing, gas fired central heating and a secure rear garden. An internal inspection is highly recommended to fully appreciate what is on offer.

Eveleighs Estate Agents

E VELEIGHS

Sold within 24 hours – Similar properties urgently required in Longwell Green.

Sold within 24 hours – 3 bed semi’s urgently required. Longwell Green.

F SA OR LE

Extended 4 bed detached house with garage and garden. North Common. £385,000 OIRO

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Sales Oﬃce: 0117 904 9000

F SA OR LE

End of terrace 2 Bed with parking and garden. Vacant Possession £225,000 OIRO

Sold within 1 week of marketing, buyers waiting, Hanham.

Selling Fee Less than 1% 7 Days a Week Open 8am – 8pm

info@eveleighs.com

To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448.

www.eveleighs.com

Email: sales@hanhamandlongwellgreen voice.co.uk

E VELEIGHS

Sales Oﬃce: 0117 904 9000

Sold within 24 hours – Similar properties urgently required in Longwell Green.

Sold within 24 hours – 3 bed semi’s urgently required. Longwell Green.

F SA OR LE

Extended 4 bed detached house with garage and garden. North Common. £385,000 OIRO

F SA OR LE

End of terrace 2 Bed with parking and garden. Vacant Possession £225,000 OIRO

info@eveleighs.com

Sold within 1 week of marketing, buyers waiting, Hanham.

Selling Fee Less than 1% 7 Days a Week Open 8am – 8pm

www.eveleighs.com

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

February, 2017

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

LOC AL SERVICES To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448 APPLIANCE REPIRS

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Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

hanham&longwellgreenvoice

38 COMPUTER SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

February, 2017 GARDEN SERVICES

Free Quotes Inspection and Testing Landlord Certificates New builds and Extensions Extra Sockets and Lights Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors

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February, 2017 LOCKSMITH

39 PLUMBING SERVICES

PLASTERING SERVICES

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Taps, Washers A Specialist in: Toilets, Cisterns Internal & External Plastering Leaks, Blockages Rendering & Dry-lining Tanks, Overflows Fully insured. Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… Contact George Benson

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Email: news@hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk