Henleaze & Westbury Voice January 2022

SOMETIMES, rather like buses, consultations come along all at once. These are opportunities to have a say in how changes proposed to the local area may affect youbefore they actually happen!

Details of two consultations with bookable information sessions are outlined in this first edition of Henleaze & Westbury Voice of 2022.

To find out how to contribute to the debate about proposed changes to the number 2 bus route, which include proposals to alter roads in Henleaze, see Pages 2 & 3.

The designs for proposed conversion of the former St Christopher’s site into an ‘extra care’ retirement community were revealed in December. More than 200 people attended the exhibition of plans and a further public event will take place in mid-January. For more on this, see Pages 4 & 7.

Henleaze Christmas Festival jingled all the way, returning in style after 2020’s break. Entertainers sang to the crowds, the children’s rides were back in Cardigan Road and a host of handmade goodies were on sale. And, one very special guest was able to bring a smile to the faces of young and old as he made his rounds. Report and pictures: Pages 12 & 13

TV Carol opens sixth form centre

TV

PAGE 18

Crossing brings new traffic peril

Residents

PAGE 9

Gorilla woodland at new zoo site

Details have been revealed of how Bristol Zoo will look when it moves from Clifton to its new site in 2024. They include a wooded habitat for the gorillas.

PAGE 28

Bus gate U-turn

THE bus gate that was originally in the plans for the number 2 bus consultation has been withdrawn. Drivers in North View can breathe a sigh of relief for now but the council is still working with consultants on other ideas for this junction. Traffic flow around North View could be improved - residents can submit suggestions as part of the consultation.

Proposals being considered that will have an impact locally are:

• Southmead Road will be reduced to one carriageway each way between Wellington Hill and Henleaze Road.

• The entrance to Lake Road will be closed.

• The dual carriageway on Henleaze road will be reduced to single carriageways.

• Further along Henleaze Road, the Henley Grove junction will be narrowed and Holmes Grove and Henleaze Gardens will be closed off.

• The document says nothing about most of North View but does add a new zebra crossing on Parry’s Lane close to White Tree Roundabout and suggests closing Parry’s Lane slip road.

There is a massive amount of detail to look at and consider but drop in and online sessions run by Council officers have been set up to help. All sessions must be booked in advance.

January 4, 5pm - 7pm in person at Newman Hall

January 6, 6pm - 7.30pm online

January 12, 2pm - 4pm in person at Newman Hall

January 27, 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Henleaze Library

Consultation on changes to No2

TWO consultations on proposed designs for major changes to Bristol's transport network are now live.

Residents in Westbury Park, Henleaze and Westbury-onTrym are urged to have their say on improvements to the number 2 bus route that could be made to improve the safety, reliability and ease of catching the bus, cycling and walking.

The bus route goes from one side of Bristol to another - Cribbs Causeway to Stockwood - via the A4018 and the A37, passing through Henleaze and the Downs to Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin Street and Colston Street.

This comes as part of a wider transformation by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority over the next decade to make Bristol’s transport network better for all. The climate emergency and

Bristol’s 2030 carbon neutral targets mean that radical changes are needed to the road network that will transform bus travel and encourage cycling and walking.

Both consultations follow public engagement last year, where the council spoke to citizens and invited them to give their feedback on what improvements are needed along the A37/A4018 and on Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin Street and Colston Street.

The detailed proposals for the number 2 bus route look to achieve: bus infrastructure enhancements to help buses move quickly through the traffic, improved journey times and reliability, better pedestrian spaces which provide safe crossing points and attractive streetscapes, and reallocation of road space for cyclists to make it easier and safer to cycle. In the

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A member of the

major plans for bus service

area around Park Row they also aim to support local businesses to stay and thrive by increasing the number of pedestrians, and manage traffic flow and reduce pollution in the area around Park Row.

Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet member for Transport said: “Following a period of engagement last year, we’re now inviting the public to have their say on community-informed designs that lay out positive steps for changing a major transport corridor in and out of Bristol.

“As our city continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, these improvements will allow Bristol to feel more connected, with shorter journeys and more reliable services, welcoming more people to choose catching the bus, cycling or walking and make the air we breathe cleaner.”

Those who take the consultation surveys will be able to view the proposed designs and have their say on improvements across the North, Central and South sections of the A37 / A4018 route.

Improvements will also benefit the other bus services that use part of this route. In addition, anyone who lives, works, or travels through the area can also take part in a

survey on Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin Street and Colston Street. The proposals are to make the current, temporary traffic improvements permanent and to introduce further changes to Colston Street.

The consultation on improvements to the number 2 bus route is online on the Travel West website travelwest.info/ A37A4018. Further information and details of the drop-in and online events can also be found on the website. The online survey for the consultation on Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin, Marlborough Street and Colston Street can be found on the council’s website: bristol. gov.uk/ParkRowConsultation

If you do not have access to online facilities and would like a paper copy of the information and either survey please write to: Transport Engagement Team, PO Box 3399, Bristol, BS1 9NE. You can also email transport. engagement@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 903 6449 to leave a message with your request.

The consultation on Park Row, Perry Road, Upper Maudlin, Marlborough Street and Colston Street closes on 16 January 2022 and the consultation on improvements to the number 2 bus route closes on 28 January 2022.

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Call for feedback on St Christopher's site

RESIDENTS and the wider community were able to review and feed back on emerging proposals for an ultra-sustainable later living community planned for Westbury Park at a public exhibition.

The five-acre site of the former St Christopher’s School comprises about 93,000 sq ft of existing buildings, including the Grade-II listed Grace House. The proposals will provide about 120 much-needed specialist homes for seniors through the sustainable refurbishment of the existing buildings, along with a collection of two storey cottages and four low-rise blocks ranging from 4-6 storeys.

FORE Partnership, extra care operator Amicala and developer First Base, launched a public consultation on the proposals, with a public exhibition at St Christopher’s on December 1 and 4. The public consultation will continue until Wednesday

19 January, with a further exhibition to be held in the new year, most likely most likely

to be mid-January. Additional information is available at www. stchristophersbristol.com.

The latest designs by PRP Architects will see Grace House transformed into a hub for the wider community, with a publicly accessible café and activity rooms, as well as ‘wellness’ facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool and gym. The designs also include extensive open space, sensory gardens, community food growing spaces and other rich landscaping. The project team is committing to generating a biodiversity net gain of at least 10%.

Pledging to build to the highest levels of sustainability, the project will use low carbon construction techniques and materials. In operation, the community will be net zero carbon and fossil-fuel free, drawing energy from renewable electricity as well as generating onsite solar energy.

The plans will include 65 onsite parking spaces for residents, staff and visitors, including electric vehicle spaces, with the

proposals

primary vehicle access from Westbury Park.

Representing an investment of up to £80 million, a package of socio-economic benefits to Bristol includes local jobs and training opportunities, from construction through to the ongoing operation of the extra care community.

Lucinda Mitchell, Director, First Base, said: “We’re grateful to everyone who joined us at our drop-in events to learn more about plans to create a new ultra-sustainable community for older people in Westbury Park. More than 200 people attended during the two days and many others have engaged online.

“Our proposals will address a real need for high quality specialist housing in Bristol for older people as well as providing new community facilities. By retaining and enhancing existing buildings and adopting ultra-low carbon construction techniques, we will minimise environmental

impact and become the first retirement living community in Bristol to achieve net zero.

“These carefully considered plans provide for a scale and density that strikes an appropriate balance between optimising this important site for much-needed homes for seniors, while delivering designs that are environmentally friendly and

View

sensitive to the local area.

“Our consultation period is open until 19 January 2022 and we would encourage anyone who hasn’t already to get involved and tell us what they think. The plans remain at an early stage of development and have already evolved following feedback from the community, demonstrating we have listened to people at the

countless meetings, workshops and site tours we’ve held since the summer. Following the consultation period we will continue to explore how we can respond positively to feedback from the community as well as key stakeholders as the designs evolve.”

Design still tries to fit a quart in a pint pot: Pages 6-7

Ret irement liv ing t he way you wa nt it . Come a nd s ee s t res s -f ree ret irement for yours elf Ca ll t oday a nd v is it our new s how a pa r t ment s a t A bbey f ield Hous e in Redla nd.

Side elevations showing the projected height of buildings in relation to houses on neighbouring streets

Revised design 'still tries to put quart n

THE design for the St Christopher's site development is still at the consultation stage but many visitors emerged from the December consultation event with questions.

Basil Demeroutis, managing partner of FORE Partnership, the developer and investor, and Lucinda Mitchell, project director, First Base, the development manager, were asked why there were not simple 3D images at the public exhibition to show the height of the low-rise blocks?

Basil Demeroutis said: “Some of the reasons why there’s no 3D model is because they are expensive and we would really want to do one when we are closer to the final design. We’ve been spending the last few months soliciting genuine feedback and have been working up our designs so that’s why some of the stuff that you will have seen will be a bit necessarily incomplete.

“There was quite a bit of detail shownobviously we can always do better. There was some criticism about not having the actual height written on the drawings and maybe the sections weren’t through the exact right place. We’ll soon be addressing those points.”

Lucinda Mitchell added: “We will endeavour to show some images around the

edge of the site, albeit, they will be blocky. They will be mass, rather than showing the detail of the nature of the stone and brick that we are proposing.”

The size of the scheme has been raised.

Residents of Royal Albert Rd, Bayswater Ave and The Glen are concerned their views will be impacted by new buildings positioned close to their properties

The original design for 126 units has been reduced to 120, but could it be reduced further in size?

Basil Demeroutis: “With this type of later living property there is so much, in terms of

Consistent care, tailor made to suit your needs.

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in a pint pot'

care and also, community space. It’s difficult to make that work without a certain number of people to support it. We’re following the Bristol guidance in terms of density. If we were to sell this on to a homebuilder, they would put double the number of units there.”

Lucinda Mitchell: “We are marginally above what would be considered the absolute minimum by the Council, so there isn’t a massive amount of wriggle room. In planning policy terms, that’s the density you need to be delivering.”

Residents anticipate displaced parking locally as just 65 car parking spaces are allocated for residents, staff and visitors. Lucinda Mitchell explained: “My partners, Amicala, know from experience that the extra-care residents who have cars is much lower. Although residents can move in from age 65, the majority are over 75, and normally something has happened to precipitate that move. When it’s an extra-care facility, the vehicle movements from that site tend to be much lower than when it’s a residential site.”

Reassurance had been given that the access road from Bayswater Avenue would have minor use and wouldn’t have a route through to Westbury Park.

Lucinda Mitchell: “There is an existing route in and we have to maintain that because it is required to reach the sub-station in that corner of the site. We’ve put a small number of cottages along that boundary and the suggestion is to have four car parking spaces there to serve those cottages. The cohort of residents can’t really have their car parking spaces far from their homes.”

Basil Demeroutis added: “There are lots of other positive things that we are still awaiting feedback on as well as the lightning rod issues. We genuinely want this to be open to the community and be of genuine longterm durable benefit to all members of the community, including those most immediate to us. We’ve suggested community uses - a library, common room for events/supporting the local schools/a shop.”

Jeff Bishop, planning adviser to the Westbury Park Community Association, said: “The designs for the old St. Christopher’s site shown at the recent exhibitions had certainly moved on positively from those seen back in September but two serious problems still remain. The designs seem to be about ‘getting a quart into a pint pot’ and, as a result, there are still too many apartment blocks too high (one six storeys) and too close to neighbours' houses. And, still no certainty on whether there will be enough parking spaces to avoid spillage onto surrounding streets.

“Almost as importantly, what was shown

on the drawings totally failed to show what people wanted to see – heights (which had to be written on with a pen on the day!), views, parking, etc. So there is still some way to go, and watch this space – we are pressing for two more exhibitions in mid January…and pressing for decent drawings this time!”

SCAN - the St Christopher’s Action Network which is campaigning for sensitive and appropriate development of the sitesaid while some of the proposals have been changed, there has only been a reduction of five units; from 126 to 121.

“Although we acknowledge the developers have made some changes, the reality is that reducing the number of units by only 4% doesn’t make enough difference. There are still too many blocks that are too high and too dense, and out of keeping with the Downs conservation area. People living nearby still fear the impact on road safety, traffic and parking as well as the loss of too many mature trees.

“The overwhelming response we have had from people since the public consultation started has been negative, about the scale of the development and its consequences for our neighbourhood, particularly parking.

“We encourage everyone to have their say and write in - because your view counts - and we look forward to seeing how developers respond to community concerns.”

Orchard Learning blossoms again

THE gnarled apple and pear trees in gardens, allotments, and established orchards are a living reminder that planting fruit trees is an act of faith in the future.

Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) is a community food project looked after by its members who are volunteers. When the pandemic made group working sessions impossible, Shannon Smith, the Orchard Learning co-ordinator, developed one-to-one sessions as the safest way to care for HOCO members and fruit trees.

“Being out doors helped,” says Shannon, “and keeping a safe distance is much simpler with one other person. We also found huge benefits when teaching complex tasks like pruning.

“Caring for mature trees - and planting new ones - are acts of resilience in the face of extreme and unpredictable weather events caused by climate change. For thousands of years humans have raised orchard trees that rely on our care to be at their best. We need fruit trees, and our fruit trees need

us. Unlike people, trees cannot uproot and seek a better life elsewhere.”

Shannon has applied this experience to reshape the Orchard Learning Programme. A combination of group and one-to-one sessions will guide participants through a growing season in the rich outdoor learning environment of HOCO. Learners are partnered up with a couple of trees for the year and also enjoy a share of the harvest.

The Orchard Learning Programme is designed for people with some fruit growing experience. It’s ideal for professional gardeners, anyone involved with a community orchard or growing project that includes fruit trees, as well as keen amateur gardeners.

Deadline for applications is Friday 28 January. For more information, course dates, and to request an application pack, please go to the HOCO website: www.communityorchard.org.uk.

Contact: hocopips@gmail.com or phone 0117 373 1587.

Protests over Coldharbour Road crossing

TRAFFIC jams and driver standoffs in the lower section of Coldharbour Road, near Kellaway Avenue, are causing problems for residents and motorists. It’s an issue that people living nearby say needs to be addressed before there is a serious accident.

The problem with road congestion has become worse in the area since a zebra crossing was installed on Coldharbour Road by the intersection with Cairns Road as part of the Southmead Quietway project. As a result, there are now 20 fewer parking spaces for residents on this busy main thoroughfare. Based on the last Census, parking for 32 households has been reduced by 60% which is resulting in residents parking on both sides of the road, causing a build up of traffic trying to pass through the area.

Coldharbour Road resident Carol Marks explains: “It’s been a problem since the zebra crossing was put in. It’s always been a busy road but when drivers could pass each other it wasn’t a problem.

“It’s a nightmare now. There are regular standoffs in the street. People are debating about moving.”

Nick Taylor adds: “It’s dangerous because people queue at either end of the traffic, and speed through when they get the opportunity

to pass.”

Local resident Scott Forrest says: “I’m living in a car park with increased pollution and congestion. I’ve seen fights in the street about parking.”

Scott Forrest has launched a petition to install double yellow lines on the south side of road between Cairns Road and Linden Road, to revisit parking to enable residents to park safely and sensibly, and work with Avon & Somerset Police to monitor the speed of traffic and implement the relevant deterrents to adhere to the 20mph speed limit.

The petition states: “Double parking

not only obstructs cyclists, commuters, buses and emergency services vehicles, it has significantly increased pollution and congestion. There have been numerous cases of road rage and minor accidents as a result of the congestion being caused by double parking, which also makes the whole route very dangerous for cyclists. The volume, speed of traffic and residents’ parking is clearly an issue on this stretch of road but more importantly is the safety of residents and commuters.”

Councillor Geoff Gollop ((Westburyon-Trym and Henleaze) believes that removing some of the zig-zag lines, currently preventing parking by the Kellaway Avenue shops, would help. He presented a petition to the Council at the December meeting asking for parking restrictions on the inbound side of the road. This is designed to prevent traffic building up by the crossing and allow access for buses and heavy goods vehicles.

The Coldharbour Road Congestion ePetition runs from 25/11/2021 to 06/03/2022. To sign it go to:

https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/ mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=234&RPID=17 690931&HPID=17690931

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Hospice charity will collect your Christmas tree

BRISTOL charity St Peter’s Hospice is asking for a special after-Christmas gift this year: your real Christmas tree.

Community fundraiser Sophie Cullinane explains: “A real tree is a lovely thing to have in the home, but once the festivities are over it can be a bit of a pain. We’ll take it off your hands, and turn into something useful instead – wood chips! Some of the chips will be used to nurture the soil at local allotments and some will go to the Hospice garden, where our patients and families can spend time in the calm and comfort of nature. All we ask in return is a donation of your choice to help provide care for as many local patients and families as possible.”

St Peter's Hospice is the only adult hospice in the Bristol area providing care for patients and families facing life-limiting illness.

“We couldn’t do this without the support of our volunteer drivers, helpers and tree surgeons – a huge thank you,” adds Sophie. “Once we’re full up, we won’t be able to add any more spaces, so book soon!”

The tree collections will take place on 8, 9 and 10 January 2022 at selected postcodes across Bristol and the surrounding area: BS4, BS5, BS7, BS9, BS15, BS16, BS20 and BS21, with a limited collection in BS41 and BS48. Book your collection at: stpetershospice.org/ treecollection

Referendum: should we keep the mayoral system?

BRISTOL will go to the polls this year to decide whether to scrap the mayoral system after opposition councillors had a resounding victory in City Hall.

A majority of elected members of Bristol City Council backed a motion on December 7 to hold a legally binding second referendum. The referendum in May 2022 will offer Bristolians the choice of keeping an elected mayor or going back to the committee system of governance that was in place ten years ago before George Ferguson became the city’s first directly elected mayor in November 2012.

The debate, ahead of the decision to hold a referendum, heard claims from opposition councillors that the role of city mayor has ‘absolute power’ while the Labour group dismissed the motion and the debate as ‘navel gazing’.

Critics of the mayoral system say it has put too much power in the hands of one person and undermined the role of councillors, whereas opponents of the committee system say decision-making was too slow and nothing got done. The committee system saw full council appoint cross-party committees to make decisions on specific matters such as transport, but retain the power to set the annual budget and make other large decisions. A core executive of members of the majority party retained the right of veto.

The motion was brought by the Liberal Democrats with the support of the Green Party. Tthe motion passed with the support of almost all opposition members, with 41 votes in favour of holding a referendum next year against 24 votes from the Labour group.

Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporter

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Christmas Festival

HENLEAZE Christmas Festival was in full swing on December 1 and received a warm welcome from visitors excited that the fun-packed charity event had returned after a break last year. All its popular attractions were there including children's rides, stalls, Father Christmas and a charity prize draw.

Many local businesses remained open during the Festival providing evening shopping opportunities and a vast selection of stalls were on hand selling unique handmade goods. Along with plenty of tasty nibbles and mulled wine was top entertainment from the Storm Force Ten shanty singers, the Salvation Army Band and carol singing from local schools and St Peter’s Church. Making their first appearance at the event was singer Lizzie Yabsley, NotaBene a cappella ensemble, and the Bristol Concert Wind Band.

Plenty of people helped to put this special night together including the Freewheelers who helped raise funds for the festival’s chosen charities, the

high street traders who always generously donate prizes for the raffle, Trinity United Reform Church, the cadets and local volunteers who helped set up and clear up at the end.

Festival Co-ordinator Austin Ferrante said: "We were delighted with the number of people enjoying the Festival once more and with the support of so many stall holders who are such an important part of the evening. The Festival could not have happened without the huge efforts of the committee and other volunteers, both in organising the event and on the night. There were added pressures because of the Covid situation. But it was good to be able to bring the Festival back to the community.

"We will once more be making significant contributions to the four charities we supported in 2021. The figures are still being worked out and will be confirmed at the next meeting of the Festival Committee later in January.”

Songs from a woman’s heart

WESTBURY Park professional musicians, Rebecca Chellappah and Clare Alsop, are presenting a Valentines vocal recital celebrating love and female composers at St George's Hall on Saturday 12 February, 11.45am.

Mezzo soprano Rebecca and pianist Clare are performing Songs from a woman’s heart featuring work by pianist Clara Scumann, American composer Amy Beach, Mahler, Chaminade, and French mezzo-soprano, Pauline Viardot.

Rebecca said: “Especially after these last few years we are so thrilled to be able to perform live again.”

Tickets, £10, can be purchased from Headfirst Bristol =+++ or purchased at the door on the day.

Get ready for Clean Air Zone Christmas services

TRINITY-Henleaze United Reformed Church welcomes visitors to join them this Christmas.

The church, based in Waterford Road, Henleaze is holding an intergenerational service with fun and surprises all generations on Christmas Eve at 4pm. A Midnight Service with Holy Communion takes place on the same evening at 11.30pm.

A Christmas Celebration Service will be held at 10.30am on Christmas Day.

An after-Christmas tea is planned for December 29 at 2.30pm. Please register your interest by calling the office on 0117 962 3431 or by emailing admin@thurc.org. uk by 9am on the day. Cost £5 per person.

BRISTOL residents and business owners are being urged to check if their vehicles are compliant with the Clean Air Zone emission standards that will be introduced this summer.

Three quarters of vehicles in the city are already compliant so the Mayor of Bristol is urging people to check their vehicle as they might not need to pay a daily charge.

For those with noncompliant vehicles, Bristol City Council has secured £42m for grants or interestfree loans to reduce the cost of replacing vehicles that would be charged to enter the zone. The money can be used to buy a new or second-hand vehicle that meets the zone’s emissions standards.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “We have always said we don’t want a Clean Air Zone to detrimentally impact the finances of those on low incomes or businesses that have already had a difficult two years. That’s why we have worked hard to get the best deal for Bristol which includes £42m for people to get cleaner vehicles.

“We have also increased the limit for those deemed on a low income from £24,000 to £26,000. This will rise to £27,000 in spring 2022, so more people are eligible for this funding.

“I urge everyone to go online, enter your registration number and find out if you’re compliant. If your vehicle will be charged to enter the zone then contact us to find

out what help you can get with either exemptions, an interest free loan, or even a grant which you don’t pay back. You don’t need to buy a brand new electric car which is unaffordable for most people – it could be as simple as going to your local second hand dealer and upgrading your 2003 car for a 2006 one.”

One of several towns and cities mandated by the government to tackle air pollution, Mayor Rees was adamant that improving air quality must minimise any disproportionate impact on businesses and citizens.

Visit bristol.gov.uk/ cleanairzone to check your vehicle, find out how the zone will affect you and view a map of the zone.

Gospel concert success

O HOLY Night - St Bon’s annual Christmas Concert was a triumph. They were joined by the Renewal choir for a joyful evening of Gospel music and Christmas carols including ‘Rise up’, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ and ‘O Holy Night’.

On the night of the Christmas Concert St Bon’s always support local charities. This year they chose to support North Bristol Foodbank https://northbristol.foodbank.org.uk who provide emergency food to people in crisis and the Bristol Hospitality Network www.bhn.org. uk who work alongside asylum seekers facing destitution by sourcing hosted accommodation and creative community engagement across the city.

St Bon’s would like to thank everyone who joined them from the local community and who donated generously. Over £650 has been raised so far and donations are still coming in.

Sing in the new year

FILTONES Choir is back in action and looking for new members to join them.

Although the choir are disappointed they’ve been unable to do their usual Christmas Crackers concert this year, they are hopeful of meeting up with all their supporters at an annual charity concert in the summer of 2022. This is yet to be arranged and, as always, is subject to Covid regulations.

The choir's first rehearsal on a Wednesday afternoon restarts on January 5, 2022 from 1.45 - 3.45pm at St Teresa’s Community Centre, 71 Gloucester Road North, BS34 7PL.

Choir member Dot Bryant says: “We welcome new members of all voice ranges who might like to give us a try. There are no auditions and for your first four weeks there is no charge. Just drop in. We look forward to meeting you and can assure you of a very warm welcome.”

For more information please ring Dot on 07870 984760 or Janet on 0117 924 1534, or email Dot at dorothy.bryant@btinternet.com. See the website: www.thefiltones.weebly.com

ST Peter’s Hospice in Westburyon-Trym is asking supporters to get back on their bikes to pedal for patient care.

Taking place on Saturday 9 April, Tour de Bristol will be returning to the roads of Bristol and the surrounding areas with the choice of 40k, 65k, or 100k routes. The routes are fully signposted with feeding stations, chip timing, mechanical support and a medal for those that cross the finishing line.

The ride begins at UWE Frenchay Campus with staggered start times to help keep everyone safe.

St Peter’s Hospice events fundraiser, Hayley Ali, said: “We’re so excited to be returning for Tour de Bristol 2022 and hope to make it our biggest event to date. It’s with the help of our supporters, riding and raising funds for the Hospice, that we’re able to continue being there for patients and local families.”

“Every pound you raise helps us to provide a nurse on the doorstep, a listening ear on the phone and the best possible care

Bristol’s biggest charity bike ride is set to return this spring

stations.

“We feel that it’s always important to give something back to your local community and with St Peter's Hospice having cared for two of our colleagues previously and my wife’s uncle in late 2014, it’s a charity with which we have very strong links.”

Tour de Bristol first took place in 2015 with 350 riders but has since grown in popularity each year with over 1,000 people expected to take part in the next event.

at the most difficult of times.”

Tour de Bristol will also be welcoming back sponsors Total Produce for the seventh year. Regional Director, Nick

Matthews, said: “Our colleagues absolutely love being involved on the day, whether they are participating in the rides themselves or manning the feed

There’s also the option to take part in Tour de Bristol: Your Ride, allowing supporters to customise their route and pedal the kilometres at a time that suits them.

Registration is now open, visit tourdebristol.com or call 01275 391 400 to find out more and sign up.

YTL Developments has launched a public consultation to help shape the future of Brabazon – the new neighbourhood for Bristol being built on the former Filton Airfield.

In January a series of Open Days will be held at Site Operations Centre on the former airfield where people can come and find out more about the plans.

YTL Developments already has planning permission –granted in 2018 – to transform the site into a new urban community. Under the existing consent, YTL Developments would build 2,675 new homes, with 62 acres of commercial space to support 10,000 jobs and new community facilities including three schools, a library, doctor’s surgery and sports facilities, all surrounded by landscaped public squares and parkland.

In 2020, the company also received consent to reimagine the Brabazon Hangars – where every UK Concorde was built –into a supersonic 17,000 capacity arena for Bristol.

Can you help shape the future of Brabazon neighbourhood?

“Brabazon is perfectly placed to help Bristol and the wider region tackle the challenges we all face.”

YTL Developments intends to submit an updated Masterplan application for Brabazon in February 2022.

YTL Developments is inviting residents, local businesses and community groups to share their views. To take part in the consultation, please share your views either:

Online via the websitehttps://www.ytldevelopments. co.uk/brabazon-planning

Seb Loyn, planning & development director for YTL Developments says: “In Bristol and South Gloucestershire we face a housing crisis, and the region needs to build over 100,000 homes in the next 10 years to meet demand.

“We also face a climate crisis, so it is not enough just to build homes: we must build them in the right places. That means on brownfield land along existing transport corridors, rather than on green fields in out-of-town locations.

In person at one of three consultation events taking place at YTL Developments’ Site Operations Centre, Gloucester Road North, Bristol, BS34 7QD: Saturday 8 Jan: 11am to 4pm Tuesday 11 Jan: 10am to noon

Thursday 13 Jan: 6 to 8pm

n EDUCATION

CLIFTON High School’s new Sixth Form Centre was officially opened by TV host Carol Vorderman.

Carol delivered an inspiring forum for Senior School pupils and Scholars, followed by an evening of celebration in the beautiful new building.

Carol is a former parent of the school; her son Cameron moved to Clifton High to study for his A-levels. He needed ‘an enormous amount of assistance’ as he has high spectrum autism, ADD, dyslexia and ADHD but he’s since graduated with a degree and MA in Animation.

The dedicated Sixth Form Centre is a four-storey building set across the lawn from the main building, next to Woods House. It’s been designed to be like a university space with a mix of classrooms, a common room with games area, a collaborative learning room, and a digital green screen room, senior library, shower rooms and changing facilities.

Clifton High School bought the building 18 months ago and set about transforming it from a medical centre into a site designed for sixth form use.

Estates and operations director Louise Brennan said: “The school lacked a separate sixth form centre. We believe it helps students to have their own space and own kitchen and to prepare for the next stage of their education.

“For us, it was about delivering a first class facility, enabling pupils to have a quality learning and social space.”

Carol Vorderman cuts ribbon at Clifton High Sixth Form

Plans are in place (see below) for a lower ground floor annexe extension which should be ready for use in January 2023.

Clifton High has a rich history. Established in 1877, it has evolved from a traditional girls' school to a diverse coeducational day school.

Head of School Matthew Bennett said: “Our niche is as a pastoral, nurturing school.

It can also be about realising individual brilliance. Carol’s son thrived here. His path through education wasn’t the normal one but he ended up with a Masters in Animation.

“This new building has been a real game-changer for us. We have ambition to grow the sixth form from 80 pupils to 120 and as sixth formers enter the school they want facilities. It feels a bit

more adult in this building and sixth form pupils can go into the village at lunchtime and manage their time.

“We plan to offer new A-level classes in the near future including psychology, photography, economics and politics. We want to make sure that we can offer that breadth, and satisfy pupils' intellectual curiosity.”

Pupils in Clifton High School's sixth-form common room

How the proposed annexe extension could look

Pictured from left to right: Head of School, Matthew Bennett, Carol Vorderman, Estates and Operations Director, Louise Brennan and Head of Sixth Form, Katherine Rich.

A HISTORIC Bristol event when over 700 students from Redmaids' High School march from the Welsh Back to Bristol Cathedral for a special service returned on November 19.

Both the Head Girls, who led the procession, and eight of the school's students can be seen wearing traditional dress.

The school’s annual Founders’ Commemoration Day dates back hundreds of years and attracts people to Bristol from across the country as alumnae, parents and members of the public line the route to watch this historic spectacle.

For the Head Paul Dwyer, who joined the school in September 2020, it will be the first time he has marked the school’s founders in this way, as last year was disrupted by Covid restrictions.

He explains: “This is an extremely important day for us as we gather to celebrate the heritage of Redmaids’ High School, and remember our founders John Whitson, Reverends T G Rose and Urijah Thomas.

“This occasion allows us to thank these forward-thinking people whose commitment to girls’ education has had such a lasting impact.

“I think they would be delighted to know that all these years later, the school continues to thrive and flourish.”

Redmaids' procession returns

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Mauritian menu

Badminton School earns accolade

BADMINTON School in Westbury-on-Trym is proud to feature as the Number 4 in the Top Independent Secondary Schools in the southwest, as announced by the Times Power Schools Guide on 3 December.

The Times and Sunday Times has released the annual definitive ranking of schools in the UK for 2022, see: www.thetimes.co.uk/ article/best-secondary-schools-in-the-southwest-of-england-20229s3tmhtvw

The performance tables, based on pre-pandemic examination outcomes from 2017-19, rate schools on the proportions of A-level A*-B grades and the GCSEs at grades A*/A or 9-7, with outcomes for the senior exam double-weighted.

Badminton places importance on great intellectual curiosity, with the emphasis on a holistic education. Both the curriculum and the timetable are constructed to create a balance between academic achievement, personal development, life skills and other enterprising activity. Pupils can discover and develop not only their academic strengths but all their other talents via the wide-ranging extracurricular programme.

Mrs Rebecca Tear, Headmistress said: “It is always a pleasure to see great outcomes for our pupils and I am hugely grateful to the whole team at Badminton who have supported their journey. The deep engagement with learning through our metacognitive approach and hands-on practical application will have enabled this, but also will have embedded skills as lifelong learners with a genuine curiosity for the world around them, which will be a strong asset for their future.

Colston’s School to change its name in 2022

FOLLOWING an extensive period of consultation and reflection, the Governors of Colston’s School have decided that the school will change its name. The process of choosing a new name will now begin and will involve students, former pupils, parents and staff. The new name will be announced in the summer of 2022.

Colston’s School has borne the name of Edward Colston for over 300 years, not because of any attempt at any stage to glorify or celebrate the man, but because Edward Colston paid for the school to be established in 1710 in order to prepare boys from “poor families” for meaningful apprenticeships. His ‘hospital’, as it was called then, was established in a single house in the centre of Bristol during his lifetime and he visited the school when it was open. This school was not named after Colston, rather it was named by Colston.

The events that took place in Bristol in June 2020, namely the toppling of the Colston statue, prompted renewed questions over the retention of his name across the city. What became clear is that the name Colston has become a symbol of the city’s extensive links to slavery and will forever be associated with the enslavement and deaths of African men, women and children.

Colston’s School is currently a very different school to the one founded in 1710. Now situated on a 30-acre site in Stapleton, it is a diverse and inclusive school (the school is fully co educational, serves pupils from 3 to 18, and approximately 25% of its pupils are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds), so as well as reviewing the school’s curriculum earlier this year, the Governors launched an extensive name consultation with the school community, as well as inviting views from the general public. Alongside a wide-ranging set of educational materials, with contributions from a number of academics and political figures, the question was asked: Should Colston’s School

keep or change its name?

Of the survey’s 2,500 plus responses, more than 1,000 came from members of the public, with their overall opinion being in favour of retaining the name. However, analysis of the feedback of those respondents who are closer to the school, such as current pupils, more recent former pupils and staff, showed that they were more inclined to see a change in the name of the school as a positive step. One key aspect in these responses was the wish to make the name of the school relevant for the pupils and staff of today and tomorrow and to better reflect the values and ethos that the school stands for in modern times.

The Governors are adamant that changing the name of the school will not erase the school’s history, and that teaching of the transatlantic slave trade and the role of Edward Colston in Bristol’s history will remain a key part of the school’s curriculum. Nor will this change impact on the holistic, wide-ranging and high-quality education provided. However, it is hoped that a new identity will do more to reflect the character of this diverse and inclusive school and to make it even more welcoming to the local community it is proud to serve.

Elmfield School's new sites confirmed

FURTHER steps have been taken to support and invest in services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bristol.

Significant improvements will be made to Elmfield School for Deaf Children, including a new, £8m state-of-the-art school building designed for the sensory needs of deaf children, following planning approval being granted.

The city’s cabinet has also approved a decision to extend the SEND and You (SAY) information, advice, and support service (formerly known as SENDIASS) until March 2023 at cost of over £500,000 since the contract was first awarded in 2019.

These steps form part of the council's approach to delivering improvements to SEND services which will see over £28m invested in Bristol’s special schools.

They follow a damning report from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission in 2019 on Bristol's SEND provision.

Councillor Asher Craig, cabinet lead for children’s services, education and equalities said: “I am really pleased to see these exciting projects go ahead, and to know that the children and families who attend Elmfield School for the Deaf will soon have access to

a well-designed space that fully meets their needs. We are committed to inclusion and equality and our actions are testament to this. We have made a significant investment in our SEND provision and will continue to make improvements.”

The SEND Sufficiency and Capital Investment programme includes major improvements to special schools through refurbishment and new builds, including the redevelopment of Claremont School plus a new Independent Living Centre at the City of Bristol College.

As part of the improvement programme,

Elmfield Early Years and Primary will relocate to a new building on a shared site with Upper Horfield Community School, while Elmfield’s secondary unit will be moving from its current base within Fairfield High School to a more spacious site on the Redland Green school site in a separate but joined, large building which is currently occupied by Claremont Secondary School. Claremont, which is also a special school, is soon to be in a new, purpose-built £15m building in Henleaze.

The council says the projects will create approximately 50 new special school places, for students with certain types of SEND.

It comes as new figures show Bristol is still failing to meet its legal duty to issue all education, health and care plans for children with SEND within 20 weeks of a request

Along with other local authorities, the council is coming under “unprecedented” demand for the plans while facing a growing black hole in its schools budget.

You can find out more about Bristol City Council’s SEND services via the Local Offer website. If you need information or advice about early support for your child's additional needs, please contact FLORA on 0117 352 6020 or via email: flora@bristol.gov.uk

BADMINTON GET INTO IT

BADM INTO N GET INTO IT

Mrs Heidi Welch, Head of the Junior School, would like to invite your daughter to either of our taster days: Taster Day for Year 5 intake on 21 January 2022

11-18)

‘Sing & Swim’ for Reception intake (and their parents) on 25 January 2022 Come and find out what makes Badminton Junior School so special!

BDAA windfall

A CHARITY has received a cheque from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) is one of the nominated charities the Co-op supports through its community fund.

BDAA is a tiny charity, run by volunteers, but has a huge aim to make Bristol the most Dementia Friendly City in the UK. It has received £2,950 from the fund.

Chair of BDAA, Tony Hall said: “Thank you again to the Co-op Community Fund for their amazing support of our work. I hosted an information stand and received this cheque last Saturday at the Stoke Lane store.

“We are so delighted to have received an amazing £2,950.88 for being part of the Coop Community Fund last year. We are thrilled to have been chosen again this year. You can select BDAA as your chosen charity - no matter where you live in the UK.”

New Bristol Zoo will be home to some of the world’s most threatened species

EXCITING details about the new, world-class Bristol Zoo have been revealed.

Moving from its location in Clifton, the new Bristol Zoo is set to open in 2024 at Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire and will be home to some of the world’s most threatened species. It will reflect the vital conservation work that Bristol Zoological Society does with species and habitats around the world.

The new Bristol Zoo will have conservation and sustainability at its heart, with more than 78 percent of its species linked to the Society’s conservation work – more than any other zoo in the UK.

It will include a new Central African Forests area in which the gorilla troop from Bristol Zoo Gardens will live with a new group of Endangered cherrycrowned mangabey monkeys in an immersive woodland exhibit, reflecting their natural habitat as closely as possible.

The Central African Forests area will also include Endangered African grey parrots, as well as Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodile and extremely rare species of West African fish which visitors will be able to see in a new underwater viewing area.

A newly-created conservation breeding centre will also be built to house some of the world’s most threatened species of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, fish and birds, almost all of which will be categorised as either ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Extinct in the Wild’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and some will be bred for potential reintroduction to the wild.

Among them will be a variety of rare tortoises and turtles, blue spotted tree monitors, Henkel’s leaf-tailed geckos, tarictic hornbills, bleeding heart doves, Socorro doves – which are extinct in the wild – Madeiran land snails, Desertas wolf spiders, Javan green magpies, Rainbow goodeid fish, and much

more.

This area will feature indoor climate controlled enclosures, biosecure breeding rooms, as well as outdoor ponds and aviaries. These will be on view to visitors, who will learn about Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation breeding programmes as well as its work in the wild.

There will also be a new conservation learning centre, which will provide purpose-built facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate conservation degrees through partnerships that include University of the West of England and University of Bristol, and a conservation medicine centre, providing modern veterinary facilities to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare.

The new Bristol Zoo will retain many of the current exhibits at Wild Place, such as the award-winning Bear Wood and Gelada Rocks, and will see the enhancement of other areas.

Brian Zimmerman, Director of Conservation and Science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Our new Bristol Zoo will set the standard for a modern, forwardlooking zoo for the 21st century.

“We will lead the way in terms of conservation within a zoo, with at least 78 percent of our animals having a link to conservation when the first phase of development is complete and more than 90 percent by our bicentenary in 2035. The exhibits at the new Bristol Zoo will be larger and reflect the surroundings in which animals would live in the wild.

“The Conservation Breeding Centre will also include threatened species from the UK, such as white-clawed crayfish, and will showcase the important captive breeding work we do with a range of rare species.”

Dr Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, added: “The new Bristol Zoo will ensure future generations of children can come face-to-face with amazing animals in nature, and that our charity continues its critical conservation and education

work, to protect at-risk species and habitats.

“We want to make sure the animals we work with are those for whom we can make the biggest difference and link to those that we are working with in the wild. We also plan to add a number of new species and we look forward to being able to share exciting animal updates on this in the coming months.”

Public consultation on the plans for the new Bristol Zoo will take place in early February 2022 where further plans will be shared, ahead of a planning application in the spring. To find out more about the exciting future of Bristol Zoological Society, or to subscribe to the newsletter, visit future.

bristolzoo.org.uk/

The new Bristol zoo will see gorillas and mangabey in a mixed-species exhibit, similar to those shown here at Dublin zoo

An adult socorro dove

be optimistic in face of Covid challenges

Your Champion in Bristol

I WISH everyone in Henleaze, Westbury-on-Trym and across our constituency a happy new year! This time last year, some of the world’s first vaccinations were being administered down the road at Southmead Hospital. This past year has been hard for us all, and I would like to pay tribute to the resilience, generosity and care shown by everyone in Bristol throughout this pandemic. The new year is a time for optimism, and I am excited about the promise it brings. I know many of us are concerned about the new variant. But I am confident we will rise to this challenge, just as we have done before.

As I write this before Christmas, there are many things that we do not know about the Omicron variant. But, we do know the most important things that we can do to stop its spread. By getting your booster vaccination, wearing a mask in public spaces and self-isolating if you have Covid symptoms, you can help protect our community in Bristol. In Parliament, I will continue

to lobby the Government to ensure that no one is financially penalised for doing the right thing to protect others, including businesses that have had to adapt again.

Thank you to everyone that joined me at the Shirehampton Public Hall earlier in December. We held our first in-person Christmas Coffee Morning since 2019, and it was great to chat with so many of you about issues from public transport in Shirehampton to national questions on climate change. Together we raised over £100 for the Bristol North West Foodbank, which has been doing incredible work throughout the year.

Many of you shared feedback about your experience of dental care in Bristol with me earlier in November. It’s clear that right now it’s too difficult to get registered as an NHS Dental Patient in Bristol, with many people forced to contact several dentists before joining the waiting list. Our survey results also raise questions about value for money and wait times for treatment. Our dental practices in Bristol work incredibly

hard, and I’ve supported them in Parliament to get them support packages during the pandemic. However, I think it’s time for the Government to get serious about funding NHS dental care, and that is something I will be working on this year.

Your Voice in Parliament

Throughout 2021, I received thousands of emails from constituents across Bristol North West about the biggest issues facing our country today. It’s a privilege to represent such a politically engaged constituency, and speak with people about their views on what’s happening nationally and locally. On my website, darren-jones.co.uk, I publish my position and views on parliamentary votes, local issues and national campaigns so that you always know where your MP stands. I also hold regular fortnightly Q&As on Facebook Live on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm where I answer questions from constituents and give a summary of what is happening in Bristol

Jones writes for the Voice

and Westminster. I’ll keep doing this in 2022 so that you always know how to find my views on the issues important to you.

As usual, if you need my help or have a question, I’m running surgeries and regular fortnightly catch ups on Tuesday on Facebook. Please get in touch through my website darrenjones.co.uk darren.jones.mp@ parliament.uk or call the office on 0117 959 6545.

Darren

Probate Applications and Delays

SOPHIE Haskins of AMD Solicitors discusses the latest news about delays and probate applications.

issues and the timescales for the issuing of a Grant of Probate have increased substantially.

bishopston bishopstonvoice voice

Advertising Feature

Often when a loved one passes away, a Grant of Probate is needed to deal with their assets. A Grant of Probate is legal document, which provides Executors appointed under a Will the authority to deal with a person’s estate, collect in assets and distribute them as guided by the Will. Once an Executor has collected in details of assets and labilities, the next step is to apply for the Grant of Probate. This includes the preparation of Inheritance Tax forms, which may need to be sent to HMRC, and a Probate application form which is sent to the Probate Registry who will then issue a Grant of Probate.

July, 2014 E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice

The gift that pays for itself

By Shelley Faulkner, solicitor with AMD Solicitors

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the average application issue time for a Grant of Probate was around two to three weeks. However, over the past 18 months, Probate Registries have been affected by the pandemic by way of staff shortages and increased numbers of applications, which has resulted in a backlog of Probate applications. Add to this a change in the Probate application process to an online system which has experienced a number of

WHILE most of us support a number of charities in our lifetime, it is perhaps not surprising that a smaller number choose to remember a charity in their Will. Clearly the priority for most is to provide for a surviving spouse or children, or to ensure that the family wealth can be passed on to benefit the next generation.

However, government policy is clearly to encourage giving to charity, and a recent development in the law is intended to promote gifts to charity being made by Will. This change may also, on occasion, serve to save Inheritance Tax, or even to create a gift which literally pays for itself.

Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax

Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity.

Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value

A November 2021 Probate Application update put forward by the Law Society refers to an average application issue time, once the Probate Registry have received the application, of nine weeks but this could be longer if an application is stopped, perhaps because of an error or a lack of evidence supplied with an application.

will be. However a Will can be worded to provide that a gift of 10 % of the value of your estate at that time is given to a charity or charities of your choice. The effect of this will be that the rate of Inheritance Tax payable on the whole estate is reduced from 40 % to 36 %.

In same circumstances, it has been calculated that this reduction in the tax bill can serve to leave the estate, even after payment of the gift to charity, with a value as high as if the gift had not been made. Thus the gift can in some cases quite literally pay for itself.

Where Inheritance Tax needs to be paid, the Probate Registry ask that the Probate application is submitted to them 20 working days after the submission of Inheritance Tax forms to HMRC, which means the overall timescale is further extended. If an application is submitted sooner, this could cause further delay as the Probate Registry may not be able to match up the application with anything received from HMRC.

for the distribution of the estate, and the estate can then be divided as if the Will had been made in these terms. A Deed of Variation could therefore provide that 10 % of the estate is to pass to a chosen charity or charities, making the estate as a whole eligible for the reduced rate of Inheritance Tax.

members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the leading professional body in this field. We offer a free initial consultation for new clients.

Even where a Will has not been prepared in these terms, it may be possible to take advantage of this tax break. If the beneficiaries of the estate agree, it is possible to effectively amend the terms of a Will within two years of the date of death. A ‘Deed of Variation’ can be drawn up which sets out the family members’ agreed arrangements

We understand that HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) have been taking and continue to take steps to reduce delays and get back to their pre-Covid workload by taking on more staff and making improvements to the

This change in the law is clearly very good news both for charities, and potentially for some estates as well. However the detail of the application can be complex. For example, the estate is divided into different ‘components’ depending on how the property will pass to the beneficiaries, in order to calculate whether the 10 % test has been met. Taking specialist advice on the implications for your particular circumstances is therefore essential.

online system. However, they are of course mindful of the winter period and what this may bring.

For advice on administration of estates, trusts, wills, powers of attorney and all private client issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, Florence Pearce and the other members of the team on 0117 9621205, email probate@ amdsolicitors.com or call in at 15 The Mall Clifton, or 100 Henleaze Road Henleaze.

Our Probate team understand that dealing with the affairs of a loved one after death can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful, particularly where delays occur. We will do our very best to

AMD’s team of experienced private client solicitors and practitioners includes full

help and guide you through the process as efficiently as possible

AMD Solicitors takes pride in sponsoring local, Bristol based charities and this year is very pleased to be supporting the Bristol branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, the local branch of this national charity which works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in Great Britain. For full details of our fundraising activities visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com.

Our team are based in our Henleaze and Shirehampton branches. If you would like to get in touch, please telephone our Henleaze Road office on 0117 9621205 or email info@ amdsolicitors.com.

Copyright AMD Solicitors

n MAYOR'S VIEW

Delivering for Bristol in 2022

I’D like to begin by wishing readers a happy new year.

The new year provides an opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed, and also look ahead to what the coming year might bring. And though we face undoubted challenges and uncertainties ahead as a city, I’m ambitious about what we can collectively achieve for Bristol in 2022.

One of my priorities has been to transform the council into an organisation that is focussed on delivery, rather than being focussed inwards. Nowhere is that more in evidence than in our commitment to deliver the homes that Bristol urgently needs. This year we’ll continue to accelerate house building across the city to fulfil my pledge to deliver 1,000 affordable homes a year by 2024. This includes our flagship redevelopment of Hengrove Park, community-led housing and sustainable homes heated by air source heat pumps in Lockleaze, and the completion of Castle Park View to name just a few developments coming forward this year.

All these developments help us fulfil our ambition to provide everyone with a safe and secure home. We have more than 16,000

people on our housing waiting list. This is the most important intervention we can make to improve people’s life chances.

On transport too, we are consulting on how we can improve our transport network to help people travel around the city. Our plans for the number 2 bus route will allow buses to run more frequently and more reliably help people from Stockwood to Southmead and beyond to access the city centre. And of course we’re continuing our work to deliver a long-overdue sustainable mass transit system to connect people to people, people to jobs, and people to opportunity.

We will ensure children in Bristol have access to a school that inspires a love of learning, and sets them up with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life. And we’ll start work on our city’s first Youth Zone, an £8.4 million hub for young people to play, grow and learn.

We know we need to respond to these challenges in the face of a climate and ecological emergency. Here too, we are leading the way – from developing homes that don’t rely on fossil fuels for the power and heating; to bringing forward £1 billion of

The Mayor’s View

investment through City Leap to decarbonise our energy, transport and heating systems, making it easier for everyone to live a lowimpact life.

The work we do this year will help make sure Bristol meets the challenges we’re facing now, and ensure that we’re building a city that’s fit for the future. We have an exciting year ahead, and I’m excited to getting even more done with partners and communities across the city.

House

We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply

• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand

• Safe face-to-face visits where possible

Each month Bristol mayor Marvin Rees shares his views with Henleaze & Westbury Voice

News and views from our city councillors

Geoff Gollop (Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze)

• The Council has published its proposals for the number 2 bus route “improvements”. We fear that these proposals may actually slow the traffic down and are keen for as many residents as possible to take part in the consultation and the drop-in meetings. The key information is given below:

• The proposals, the consultation and details of the drop-in sessions are available at www. travelwest.info/A37A4018

• The drop-ins, which must be booked in advance, are at Newman Hall 4th January 5 - 7pm, 12th January 2 - 4pm, and a further one at Henleaze Library on 27th January 5.30 - 7.30pm, following our request.

• You can request a paper copy of the proposals and consultation by leaving your details on 0117 903 6449 and also use that number to book places at the drop ins.

• Most surprising is that the controversial bus gate on North View has been dropped

from the proposals…for the time being. We are relieved that it is not in the plans but are disappointed that there are no real proposals for North View, and an implication that something will be suggested with no clear outline of when.

• I, and many others, see this as a missed opportunity, particularly as the congestion on North View arises from the Council’s narrowing of the exit onto Westbury Road and Northumbria Drive. Widening these two exits to allow two lines of traffic would enable the buses to exit more quickly and reduce congestion time.

• I would encourage all residents to use all the space in the consultation to put forward suggested improvements and to emphasise that local residents are much more aware of the local traffic flows than traffic planners!

• Council Budget - The Mayor is due to publish his budget on 11th January, showing how he plans to deal with the £23m gap. The budget goes to cabinet on 18th January and then to full Council on 15th February. Contact me if you would like more information.

• New Year Greetings - We send our best wishes for 2022. Take care and stay safe.

Thank you for your support in 2021.

• If you receive a winter fuel allowance but don’t really need it, have you thought of giving it away?

Quartet Community Foundation run the local Surviving Winter campaign.

Go to quartetcf.org.uk/donate-now and select surviving winter from the drop down menu.

Keeping In Touch

We are holding our first 2022 ward zoom meeting at 7pm on 18th January, please go to http://tiny.cc/WandHJan22 to book in. The next meeting is on 9th February and details will follow.

Email me to receive our e-newsletter that helps us keep you up to date with local matters.

Contact. If you need help on any matter to do with Bristol City Council, email me Cllr. geoffrey.gollop@bristol.gov.uk or phone 0117 903 9946.

Smith (Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze)

As we head into 2022 there is a lot going on. The most immediate issue that we are deal- ing with is the proposal for changes to the no. 2 bus route, known as the A37 / A4018 project (despite not using either of those roads in our ward!).

Alongside this the Mayor will be publish- ing his budget for 2022/23 in early January, then in May we will have the chance to vote again on whether we want to keep an elected Mayor for Bristol (in addition to the regional one for the West of England) or change to the Council being run by com- mittees of Councillors.

A37 / A4018 Consultation

This consultation on some major changes to roads across the city is now live and it includes some significant changes in our area and routes into town, including new bus and cycle lanes and several roads being narrowed or closed. There isn’t space here to go into all of the detail, but you can see

it all online and give your views at travelwest.info/projects/a37-a4018-transhttps:// - port-corridor. You can also get a paper copy of the plans by calling 0117 903 6449 and leaving your name and address. The dead- line for responding is the 28th January.

There are three drop-in sessions in our area where you can go along and meet one of the team, see the plans and comment on them. We will be attending all three. The sessions are:

• 4th January, 5-7pm at Newman Hall

• 12th January, 2-4pm at Newman Hall

• 27th January, 5:30-7:30pm at Henleaze Library

There will also be two zoom drop-in sessions on the 20th December and 6th January, both 6-7:30pm.

You need to book in advance to attend any of these in-person or virtual sessions, which you can do at the website or phone number above.

Proposed new 5G Phone Mast in West- bury

An application has just come in for planning permission for a 5G phone mast outside Carlton Court car park on Westbury Court

Rd. This would be a 15m high mast. You can see the details of the plans and send planning officers your views by going to the Council’s planning website and searching for application refer- ence 21/06356/Y.

Stay in Touch

We have held regular zoom meetings throughout the pandemic for people to stay in touch with us, ask questions or raise concerns. The next one will be on the 18th January and you can register to attend at tiny.cc/WandHJan22 The meeting will start at 7pm and they usually last around 45 minutes to an hour.

You can also contact me by email on cllr.steve.smith@bristol.gov.uk, or phone on 07769 285266. I also try to post regular updates on my Facebook page at fb.com/ CouncillorSteveSmith. We publish regular email updates – please contact me if you’d like to be added to the mailing list for these.

Steve

News and views from our city councillors

Scott (Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze)

Happy New Year!

May I start by wishing you all a very happy New Year. Thank you for all your support in 2021 and let’s hope 2022 is a better year for us all.

St Christopher’s update

On 23rd November Geoff and I were invited to the St Christopher’s site to preview plans to transform the former St Christopher’s school to give older people the opportunity to live in a purpose-built community, in the heart of Westbury Park.

Previous plans had not gone down well with residents in a consultation earlier in the year, therefore developers had taken that on board and gone back to look again at the plans. On 1st December there was a launch of a period of consultation so that residents and other interested parties could view the new plans and give their feedback to the project team.

Ethical investor FORE partnership acquired the former St Christopher’s School

site which includes the Grade II Listed Grace House building earlier this year. The consulta- tion commenced on 1st December and will close on 19th January 2022. If you have any comments or questions, or would like to pro- vide feedback on the proposals, you can get in touch with the project team by emailing them on feedback@stchristophersbristol.com or by calling them on 0800 148 8911.

Mayoral Referendum to be held in 2022

At Full Council on 7th December the majority of councillors backed a motion to hold a legally binding second referendum 10 years after the first in 2012 which created the post of Mayor of Bristol.

The referendum in May 2022 will offer Bristo- lians the choice of keeping an elected Mayor or going back to the committee system of governance that was in place about 10 years before George Ferguson became the city’s first directly elected Mayor in November 2012.

After an impassioned debate, the motion passed with the support of almost all op- position members, with 41 votes in favour of holding a referendum next year against 24 votes from the Labour group.

Wood Burning Stoves

I recently wrote to the Mayor about the

potential risk of log burners and the harm they can do to people’s health. However, rather than proscription, I said I would prefer a persuasive/educamoretional approach be adopted. This would seek to inform residents of the real risks of burning fuels. The Mayor has said “as fuel burning for heating occurs inside residents’ homes, the Council has no right of entry to inspect appliances or fuels”. Although there are projects like Slow the Smoke and the Clean Air Zone, if you have any ideas for how we can encourage residents to reduce the air quality impact of solid fuel burning then please let me know.

Keeping in touch

If you need any help on any matter to do with Bristol City Council, you can contact me by email on cllr.sharon.scott@bristol. gov.uk or by phone on 07584 182792. I also have a facebook page where I post regular updates: Scott-10433537851413www.facebook.com/Cllr-Sharon-

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

Care in your own home

Sharon

n NEWS

New clinic for reproductive medicine

A NEW state-of-the-art fertility and IVF clinic serving the South West is set to open soon at Aztec West, Bristol.

The Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM) will move from its current premises at Southmead Hospital into the new larger premises with completely upgraded facilities at the beginning of the New Year.

The clinic will continue to treat both NHS and private patients and will provide the latest technology laboratories, equipment, and treatment rooms for those undergoing IVF and other fertility treatments.

With more energy-efficient features and ultra-modern theatres to provide best-in-class care, the larger upgraded new clinic will provide better privacy for patients, plus ample parking and more comfortable surroundings for both patients and staff.

The improved facilities will enable BCRM’s internationally recognised specialists to advise and support a greater number of people with IVF and ICSI treatment, IUI treatment, use of donor sperm, egg donation, frozen embryo transfer and complex treatments including fertility surgery.

Purpose-built, with the latest testing equipment to enable diagnosis of both female and male fertility problems, and with cutting-edge laboratories for testing and research, the space will also allow more teaching, training and research to take place.

FINANCE

With Richard Higgs BA (hons) CFP FPFS

Harold Stephens

50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ

T: 0117 3636212

E: office@haroldstephens.co.uk

Estate planning: the cost of being unprepared

ESTATE planning is about you deciding what you would like to happen to everything you own on your death and how to provide for those you’ll leave behind. Ensuring your affairs are in order not only makes things easier for your loved ones but can also reduce inheritance tax and protect your estate for your beneficiaries.

The first step to estate planning is often to make a valid Will. A staggering 60% of adults in the UK don’t have one! If you die without this, your estate will be subject to The Rules of Intestacy which don’t

allow for your wishes. An oftenoverlooked reason for preparing a Will is to make the estate administration process as clear and straightforward as possible.

Take time to choose the most appropriate executor(s) to deal with your estate. Faced with a wide range of actions required in the immediate aftermath of a death, and as executors are often close relatives, having this extra responsibility can provide another great stress at an already highly emotional time.

Do you have a Lasting Power of

Attorney agreement (LPA) in place? Without appointing an attorney to look after your health and/ or financial affairs, you and your loved ones lose the ability to make decisions about this if you lose capacity to make them yourself. Without an LPA, your loved ones may be faced with the costly and stressful route of dealing with the Court of Protection.

We can help you create an Estate Action Plan in 2022 with a holistic view of your circumstances to ensure you have taken steps to be prepared to reduce costs and emotional strain for your loved ones.

We have extended our services as later life planning specialists to offer: Wills, Power of Attorney,

Trusts, Investments & Pensions, Inheritance Tax Planning and Probate all under one roof.

To discuss how we can help you organise your estate and protect your assets, book your complimentary financial planning review with Chartered independent financial adviser Richard Higgs, by calling 0117 363 6212 or emailing office@haroldstephens.co.uk.

Harold Stephens provides friendly financial advice in the local community on a face-to-face basis in a welcoming location at 50 High Street, Westbury-on-Trym, BS9 3DZ. The firm specialises in advising later life clients on their investments and pensions, longterm care, inheritance tax and estate planning.

A job that matters

Looking

for a career change?

Looking for part-time work?

Looking for a job that can fit around family life?

Join our teams of amazing local care workers

Whether you are looking for a fresh challenge or a job to fit around other commitments, a role in care could be for you. A range of local jobs are available:

Katherine is a support worker helping adults with learning disabilities. She fits her job around being a mum.

Casey visits people’s homes as a domiciliary care worker. She’s also studying for her NVQs in health and social care.

Glenn works in a residential home. After 10 years of office work, he loves the difference he’s making to people’s lives.

To find out more, get in touch with our Proud to Care Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire teams. We work closely with care providers across the area and can help you explore your options, explain the opportunities available and introduce you to employers. Everyone is welcome, with or without experience, as we’ll offer all the relevant training and support.

www.beproudtocare.co.uk

Support workers

Domiciliary care workers

Residential care workers

Katherine, Bristol

Casey, Bristol

Glenn, South Gloucestershire

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

AS your PCC, I am responsible for setting the amount of money that residents – you – contribute to local policing through the council tax, known as the precept.

It’s that time of year again where PCCs up and down the country will need to make a decision whether or not to increase the precept, and the impact this will have on local people.

Before making this decision, I want to hear from communities and find out your views about this potential increase. So, I have launched a survey asking if you would be willing to pay an increase in the policing part of the council tax.

Why is an increase needed? Local policing is funded by a combination of Home Office and other grants, as well as council tax contributions. In 2022/23, the Home Office grant funding is increasing to fund additional

officers as part of Operation Uplift but this is not enough to manage inflationary pressures, like pay rises for police officers.

The Government has told PCCs that they can raise the precept next year by £10 for an average band D household. A £10 increase, approximately 83p per month, would mean any savings that still need to be made would be less likely to impact frontline services.

If the policing part of the council tax is not increased, the force would have to make significant savings, resulting in a reduction of services that would impact our communities.

As your PCC, I have to balance the challenges facing policing with local people’s views in order to best resource an efficient and effective police service that can keep people safe.

However, I know that any increase in household bills is

felt by local people. This is why I want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to tell me their thoughts and opinions before I make any decision regarding an increase.

The survey can be completed via the PCC website at www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-tax-survey/

If you need a paper version please contact the team on 01278 646188.

I’m sure many of you will be shopping online over January to make the most of the New Year sales. I want to take a moment to remind you to take extra care when shopping on the internet and ensure you do not fall victim to online shopping fraud.

We need to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of our online shopping habits and, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

There are numerous ways

online shoppers can protect themselves online including: using a payment method that offers protection such as a credit card, using a strong separate password for your email account and watching out for phishing emails and texts.

More advice on how to stay safe online can be found on Action Fraud’s website.

January 11

n THE ARTS SOCIETY BRISTOL

Would you like to join us for lectures on a wide range of arts related subjects, given by specialists in their own field?

The lecture on 11 January is on Understanding the Sahara Desert and is expected to be delivered at 8pm at Redmaids' High BS9 3AW and by internet. For more information and updates visit our website www.theartssocietybristol.org.uk

January 11

n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY BRISTOL GROUP Tuesday 11 Jan, 7:30 for 7:45 pm. ‘A Broad Gauge Journey – Part 3 Exeter to Penzance’ presented by Brian Arman at BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, BS34 7RF. Meetings are open to all and there is no admission charge, but a suggested donation of £3 to help defray expenses is appreciated. Contact: Dave Winter 01454 324230.

January 24

n HENLEAZE SENIOR FILM CLUB

Monday 24 Jan at 2pm. Shall we Dance? An American romantic comedy starring Richard Gere (2004). Tickets £4 including tea &

cake. Carers welcome, easy access. To book, please call 0117 435 0063. St Peter’s Hall, The Drive, Henleaze BS9 4LD.

Regular events

n CALL THE BRITISH RED CROSS'S FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL CORONAVIRUS support line on 0808 196 3651 to speak to a friendly volunteer for a chat if you are lonely, worried or need practical support, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, or email supportline@redcross.org.uk

Various days

n WEST OF ENGLAND BRIDGE CLUB has restarted real, face-toface bridge at its new home in the RAFA Club, 38 Eastfield, Henleaze. There are five sessions every week, catering for different standards. Thursday afternoon is for Improvers, where experienced Club members help players with bidding and card play. A brief lesson is often included. Monday afternoon is for more capable players; relaxed but competitive, this is an EBUrecognised session. You may come alone to any afternoon session; a partner will be found. The three evening sessions are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and are open to pairs. For more informa-

tion at www.woebridgeclub.co.uk or contact our Secretary, Chris Frew, on 0117 962 5281.

Monday

n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579

n WESTBURY SINGERS: if you enjoy singing, we invite you to join our friendly, non-auditioned, 4 part choir, in term-time on Monday evenings 7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.at Reedley Road Baptist Church. Please email the Secretary: gwenalwakeel@ yahoo.co.uk.

Tuesday

n WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP meet on Tuesday mornings at Westburyon-Trym Methodist Church, 10.30am-noon. An interesting programme of speakers; come along to make friends. For more details, ring Kate 07905 064720.

n SCOTTISH DANCING to GET FIT and HAVE FUN with Westbury Scottish Country Dancing Club. Classes for beginners (Tel: Maggie 01934 838175) and more advanced dancers (Tel: Cheryl 0117 4012416) at St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze, Tuesdays 7.30 to 9.30 pm. Details at www.westburyscot-

Church Gloucester Road. Anyone wishing to come along, please contact us by email at bishoproadchoir@gmail.com

n HIGHBURY BADMINTON

CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or www.pete4458.wixsite.com/ highburybadminton Thurs 7:30pm mid September to End April, Westbury-on-Trym Village Hall

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

CHOIR has returned to regular rehearsals and is looking for new members in its tenor, baritone and bass sections. You don't need to be a reader of music, but if you can hold a tune, and enjoy singing , whatever the style of music in our wide-ranging repertoire, then come along to our regular Thursday rehearsals held from 7 till 9 at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS. We are a sociable and friendly choir, and we are looking forward to two concerts before the end of 2021. We will rehearse observing whatever Covid requirements are in force and we look forward to seeing new singers as well as experienced returning singers. For more information go to our Facebook page, our website

small, friendly, unauditioned choir singing varied music , from choral works to more modern pieces and we would welcome new members of all standards. Please come and give us a try. For information, contact Kathy, tel 0117 949362 /email www.bccschoralsociety.org.uk/

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday at 7.15pm at Upper Horfield Community Trust (next to Eden Grove Church). New members welcome - first visit free so come and give it a try. For further information contact Sheila on 0117 957 0792, 07435 316458 or shinett@blueyonder.co.uk

Thursday

n HENLEAZE FLOWER CLUB. We are delighted to be starting our flower arranging club from August. We hope to continue our usual alternate Thursdays from September. Covid precautions will be taken (please wear a mask). All are very welcome. Contact for information Kath on 01454 412087 or Marg on 0117 9075724.

n BISHOP ROAD COMMUNITY CHOIR ARE MEETING in person on Thursdays 7.30 - 9pm at B&A

Experienced bowlers welcome. Situated in Grange Court Road, by Newman Hall. This is a friendly Club with good bowling facilities and social events throughout the year. Phone Secretary, Tom Logan, on 0117 962 1669 or email hbcsec@ henleazebowlingclub.org.uk for further details.

n U3A SCRABBLE GROUP meets at the Beehive pub , Wellington Hill West, on Fridays from 2 to 4pm. We are a very friendly non competitive group and welcome new members. For more information, please contact Heddy tel 07534717254/ email nigel.d.sara@btinternet.com

n CALLIGRAPHERS wanted to join us at St Edyth’s Church Hall, Sea Mills, on Fridays 1000-1200. We are a long established self-led group who would welcome new members. Come and meet us on Friday or call Peter at 0117 329 4156.

n LADIES BADMINTON, WoT Village Hall, Friday 10-12noon. New members welcome to join our friendly group. Contact Elizabeth on 0117-968-1759

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from VWV

Award-winning expert legal advice for you and your family.

Whether your New Year's resolution is to review your old Will, to make a Will for the very first time, to move house in 2022, or to finally put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney - we would be delighted to welcome you to our Henleaze office to assist with a full range of Private Client, Property and Commercial Services.

entrance hall, downstairs wc, lounge, sizeable kitchen/ diner, two landings, four bedrooms, bathroom and ensuite shower room.

purchase this sizeable refurbished three storey terraced home on one of Coombe Dingles favoured Roads.

A

The property is located on Arbutus Drive which offers convenient access to the beautiful grade two parkland's estate at Blaise (450m), local shops, local bus routes and access to the Downs and Bristol centre.

The property has been totally refurbished throughout offering modern and stylish accommodation consisting

Externally to the front there is off street parking, an electric vehicle charge point & bike and bin storage. At the rear there is an attractive rear garden with an easterly aspect and an extremely useful garden building with electric, hard-wired TV, hard-wired broadband, insulation and insurer approved double glazed windows that is currently being used as a home office and separate garden storage area.

There are six solar panels fitted on the roof ownership will be passed to the buyers.

Glos Cricket appoint Dale Benkenstein as head coach on three-year deal

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cricket has announced the appointment of Dale Benkenstein as the club’s new head coach.

The 47-year-old South African, who has previously coached internationally with the Proteas, joins The Shire on a three-year-deal that will see him lead the club’s coaching department until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Benkenstein, a former Durham captain, made his name as a coach at Hampshire between 2014 and 2016 when he led the side to two Vitality Blast Finals Days and secured a promotion back to the top tier of the County Championship. He has also coached at South African side Dolphins and has most recently served as Head Coach at Mike Procter’s former school, Hilton College in his home country, where he is

credited with coaching a number of talented young cricketers into the professional game.

Benkenstein said: “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be the Head Coach of Gloucestershire Cricket.

“I am looking forward to working with a well-balanced squad of youth and experience and I feel the club as a whole have the ingredients to be consistently successful in all formats. It is exciting to be back involved in English county cricket where I have many fond memories.”

During a long and successful playing career spanning 20 years, Benkenstein made 300 List A and 264 first-class appearances, racking up more than 15,000 first-class runs and close to 10,000 limited overs runs.

Born in Zimbabwe, Benkenstein started his career at

Natal, in South Africa, and after being named captain at the age of just 22, led the side to both a four-day and a one-day domestic title. That success earned him international recognition and in 1998/99, Benkenstein made his senior ODI debut for South Africa against England and went on to play in a further 22 matches for his country.

Aged 29, Benkenstein signed for Durham in 2005 and skippered the side to their first major trophy in 2007, when his team defeated Shane Warne’s Hampshire in the final of the Friends Provident competition.

In the two years that followed, Benkenstein captained Durham to successive County

Championship titles.

Gloucestershire Cricket

Chief Executive, Will Brown, said: “We’re hugely excited to be welcoming Dale to Gloucestershire; he brings with him a wealth of experience and a knowledge of what it takes to achieve success on the cricket field. It’s no secret that we are hungry for trophies and we’re certain that with someone of Dale’s calibre as Head Coach, we’ll be in the best possible position to challenge for silverware. ale inherits a squad full of exciting talent, including a number of new additions with more to come, and alongside the club’s new Performance Director, Steve Snell, we believe Dale will be able to deliver fans, members, and visitors to Bristol County Ground an outstanding and memorable few years of cricket."