Big Issue statement: Page 2
A spokesperson said: “If this issue is not fixed with our e-bikes, Bristol will be a no-go zone for all providers looking to introduce e-bike options”.
Wheels come off e-bike scheme
Community toilet scheme criticised Campaigners battling for reopening of public toilets say a scheme for use of toilets in restaurants and shops is not working. PAGE 3 Floral glory has to be funded Residents are being urged to support a fund for Westbury on Trym's excellent street flower displays. PAGE 16
BRISTOL'S electric bike hire scheme has been halted after six months because of widespread vandalism.TheBig Issue, which runs the scheme, says its fleet of 400 bikes has been reduced to 200 because of the damage. It announced it would pause the public hire project, which has 7,000 registered users, from August 21, and warned that without more support from the police and local authorities the scheme might have to end for good. This would be a sad end. Bristol was chosen as the first UK city to have the Big Issue e-bikes because of its green credentials but the providers soon found that more e-bikes were being wrecked in the city than in all the other schemes they operate put together.
FREE EVERY MONTH IN HENLEAZE, WESTBURY-ON-TRYM & WESTBURY PARK henleaze westburyvoicewww.henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.ukSeptember, 2022 Issue 93 & Elderwood Electrical Electrical Installation, Maintenance and Testing Need an Electrician ? Office: - 0117 9322379 Mobile:- 07725 058581 Free Quotes -Inspection and Testing New builds and Extensions Extra Sockets and Lights -Fire Alarm, Smoke Detectors Anything Electrical we can do www.ElderwoodElectrical.com!!! Full Electrical Test with Certificate from £95 Consumer Unit Change from £250 305305 105105Full EICR Electrical Test from £105 Consumer unit change from £305 Students triumph in A-level exams These students from Bristol Free School are among hundreds who are celebrating A-levels success. PAGES 27-37
“This is not a decision we have made lightly. Big Issue eBikes was set up as a not-for-profit partnership between Norwegian micro mobility experts ShareBike and the Big Issue to deliver ‘biking for good’ in Bristol – providing sustainable and affordable electric cycling in the city whilst creating job opportunities and training for long-term unemployed people.
“We would like to thank our regular and many customers for their support and apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment that we know this announcement will cause.
“We sincerely hope that this is a temporary decision and that, with the support of the police and local authorities, we are able to resume and increase the open, public rental service in Bristol.”
This is Big Issue’s statement in full: “IT is with sincere regret that we are announcing a pause to our current open, public-rental e-bike service in Bristol, from the 21 August.“Since we launched in the city six months ago, we have experienced extensive and relentless levels of vandalism to our“Wee-bikes.have taken many measures to try to overcome this issue, including making changes to the design of the e-bikes and trying to work with the local authorities, the police and our subscriber community.“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the vandalism has not reduced. Having begun with a fleet of over 400, we currently have around 200 e-bikes on the street and approximately 10 per cent of these are damaged every day.
“Since we first launched the service in February 2022, over 7,000 people have registered to use Big Issue e-bikes.
“In practice, this means that our entire fleet is vandalised every two weeks. We have more e-bikes destroyed in Bristol in one week than in all our facilities combined anywhere else in the world. “It is disappointing that the actions of a minority of people means we are left with no choice but to pause the current scheme.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Henleaze & Westbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Henleaze & Westbury Voice is distributed each month to residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is always welcomed, contact Emma Cooper on 0117 908 2121 or sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk This month 8,500 copies will be distributed around Henleaze, Westbury Park and Westbury-on-Trym. Our October edition deadline is September 14. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by this date. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date. October deadline Erica AdvertisingBensonSales 0117 908 sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk2121 Editor news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Emma PublisherCooper 0117 908 2121 / 07715 sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk770448 henleaze&westburyvoice www.henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Henleaze & Westbury Voice contacts Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0344 499 4718 Police Emergency:Generalwww.avonandsomersetpolice.ukenquiries:101999 Fire Generalwww.avonfire.gov.ukenquiries:0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) Freephone:www.wellaware.org.uk08088085252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri Weekends8.30am-5pm10am-2pm Useful Complaintsnumbers Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Henleaze & Westbury Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter. Your views Follow us on @henandwestvoiceTwitterFindusonFacebookwww.facebook.com/henleazeandwestburyvoice To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoice September, 20222 Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Henleaze & Westbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of Furtherbehaviour.details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
n BikeNEWSvandals
“Bristol was chosen as the first city in the UK to offer the service because of its green credentials and“Inaspirations.theshort-term, we are planning to provide an alternative service, offering businesses and individuals long-term rental of our electric bikes. This means that anyone signing up will have exclusive use of specific e-bikes, which can be taken home or to work – and be stored safely – with BigIssue eBikes providing the maintenance and repairs.
A member of the
“We urge the local authorities – namely Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority – and Avon & Somerset Police to work with us to see if there is a way to avoid a permanent removal of our current public rental service from the city’s mix of safe and affordable green transport options. It is clear to us that if this issue is not fixed with our e-bikes, Bristol will be a no-go zone for all providers looking to introduce e-bike options.”
One of the Big Issue bikes in the river Photo: Chopsy Bristol
A recent open letter addressed to council chiefs, signed by Acorn Bristol and several other groups including Bristol Women’s Commission, described the Community Toilet Scheme as a “sticking plaster”. Council chiefs said all toilets listed have been checked recently, to make sure signs were up and staff were aware. Planning permission was also granted last month for replacement public toilets on the Downs, funded by a new cafe. More than 2,500 people have signed an Acorn petition urging the council to reopen public toilets in: Greville Smyth Park, Mina Road Park, Colston Avenue, Fishponds Park, Bridgewater Road and Bedminster Common, Blackboy Hill, and Station Road in Shirehampton. If Acorn’s petition received 3,500 signatures, the issue would be debated by the full council. You can find it at com/yckx4rk6https://tinyurl.
Earlier this year, a majority of cross-party councillors called for the council’s new budget to include cash for reopening public toilets, but this ultimately didn’t happen. Also, an unspent £900,000 ended up going into reserves, despite calls for it to go towards reopening public toilets.
Another Acorn member who took part in the research, Barbara Segal, said she had checked 40 venues herself. She said some days she walked up to nine miles across Bristol, checking for posters advertising the scheme, and few staff knew their business was participating.
Salem Bennett, an Acorn member, said he faced trouble from a security guard in a supermarket in Henleaze after using the toilets. In a video shared by Acorn, he said: “I asked a store assistant where the toilets were, who told me, but said they’re only for customers. I didn’t think this would be a problem since I had recently bought something from the shop.“When I came out of the toilet, there was a security guard who asked me if I had bought a bag from the store today. I explained that I had, as well as a wrap. He asked to see the packaging for the wrap, to which I agreed and offered to take him to the till where I had bought my items.“After I pointed to the right one, and after seeing the packaging for the wrap, he said I could go. I didn’t think anything of it until a couple of weeks later, when an Acorn member did an inspection of this toilet and I realised this toilet wasn’t just for customers, but was instead for all members of the public. Therefore I shouldn’t have experienced this.”
Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Community Toilet Scheme 'is not working'
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 3 Cllr Geoff Gollop with the newly installed out-of-hours swipe card device LUNAR OPTICAL 0117 9420 011 | info@lunaroptical.com 291 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NY CHECK OUT OUR NEW CONSULTATING ROOM • Increased appointment availability • More lovely Lunar team to help you with your Ocular needs and advise you on your gorgeous spectacle frames • A dedicated Contact Lens Optician - Sarah Long who can offer you excellent contact lens advice • We not only make you see more clearly, we can make you hear more clearly too with an assessment with Ric Gethin our audiologist EYE EXAMINATIONS | CONTACT LENSES | AUDIOLOGY WHAT DOES A SECOND CONSULTING ROOM MEAN FOR YOU? BOOK IN WITH US NOW . . . n NEWS Now taking bookings in your area! • For people unable to drive but wish to remain independent • Supported trips to the doctor, hospital, shops, hairdresser… • Social outings, holidays, help at home & much, much more • DBS checked, First-Aid trained & Dementia friendly • Wheelchair Accessible & Fully Licensed Vehicle To book your Daisy: 07951 079 558 / 0333 014 6211 northbristol@drivingmissdaisy.co.uk / DRIVINGCOMPANIONwww.drivingmissdaisy.co.ukANDSERVICE CAMPAIGNERS are continuing to battle for the reopening of seven public toilets in Bristol, including those in Blackboy Hill andTheyShirehampton.saythatthe alternative scheme suggested when the city council shut 18 public toilets in 2018 to save £440,000 is not working.TheCommunity Toilet Scheme sees shops, cafes, pubs and other venues offer their toilets to the public, free to use, without ordering anything. But research conducted by the community union Acorn has shown that most of the 126 toilets do not have a poster up clearly advertising the scheme and many staff appear to be unaware they are involved in the scheme.Some Acorn campaigners were even told they were not allowed to use loos in certain venues, raising questions about how well the Community Toilet Scheme makes up for the recently closed public toilets, and adding pressure on the council to reopen them.
It’s been two years since the glorious spectacle of balloons over Bristol was last seen. Crowds gathered in the usual places. People were there at Bedminster Down looking across to the balloon launch area at Ashton Court where thousands enjoyed the sight close up. There were crowds around the suspension bridge and again at Brandon Hill. But the wind that would later in the day bring the heat across Bristol took the balloons away from the city - breezing in from the Continent to the East and taking them away to the West. In the past the “butterman” balloon has skimmed Brandon Hill. The Scots Piper was seen against the Suspension Bridge. Others had landed on the Downs, memorably the “Triumph has the bra for the way you are” canopy gradually descending dangerously close to the heads of onlookers. This year though the balloons brightened the sky, they were just on the horizon – and then shortly after they dipped down below the tree line and were gone. The festival has been going on in Bristol since 1979 and, weather permitting, they’ll be back next year.
henleaze&westburyvoice To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk September, 20224 ® FAMILY UPBUSINESSRUNTO 50% LESS THAN A NEW FITTED KITCHEN by simply replacing the doors and worktops MODERN CLASSIC TRADITIONAL CONTEMPORARY > Replacement kitchen doors > Cost effective made to measure solution > Worktops and appliances > Installation in as little as 2-3 days by local professionals 9.8/10 11/12 The GloucesterPromenade,Road,Bristol BS7 8AL Call us now for a free estimate: 0117 944 3223 THE UK’S # 1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER COMPANYdreamdoors.co.ukBEFORE AFTER UK MANUFACTURED
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HUNDREDS gathered on the Downs by the Sea Wall to watch the 6am mass ascent of the balloons from Ashton Court this year. Less committed folk positioned themselves for the evening lift-offs. But they never happened because during the heatwave, apparently, the air is too hot for hot-air balloons. Too dangerous to fly they said. If you think about it, if the surrounding air is as hot, or hotter, than the air inside the balloon then said balloon will sink rather than float.
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 5 Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk bishopstonvoice
n NEWS
Mrs N, client’s daughter
DETAILS have been revealed for a huge redevelopment of the Galleries including a 28-storey apartment tower that would become the tallest building in Bristol.The Galleries shopping centre behind Castle Park would be demolished under developers’ plan to use the site to build 450 new homes, as well as offices, student flats, a hotel, shops, and cafes. Developers Deeley Freed have published the details as part of a new consultation.
“Over the last two years, we’ve been working with regeneration and city experts on the scheme, and are now delighted to share the emerging plans. We’re really keen to get your feedback. Are we going in the right direction, can these proposals be improved, and have we missed anything?”
The care our Mum received went way beyond our expectations. It was so reassuring to know that she was happy and in such good hands.
Each block shows height G ground plus the number of storeys high
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 20226 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk “ Trusted, reliable care, for you and your loved ones. We can help with ● tasks around the home ● meal preparation & tidy away ● medication support & collecting prescriptions ● companionship & activities to stimulate the mind & body ● shopping & delivery ● personal care ● specialist dementia support For more information or a chat about our service please call 0117 435 0063 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/bristolnorth
The giant height of the new apartment tower will be two storeys taller than Castle Park View, another similar tower recently built overlooking the park from the east. Much of the frontage along the park, currently shut off from the street, will be open for new shops and cafes.Developers said: “The shopping centre is facing significant challenges, including a 35 per cent drop in footfall from pre-pandemic levels. The current situation, accelerated by the pandemic, isn’t sustainable. However, it provides an exciting opportunity to reinvent this city centre site, and address many of the city’s priorities.
The new details released show the apartment tower in the southeast corner with 240 apartments. The redevelopment will also include 9,500 square metres of offices with space for 800 jobs; 23,000 square metres of ‘flexible workspace’ with space for 2,000 jobs; a 300-room hotel; 5,200 square metres of shops and cafes; 800 student beds and 230 apartments. The shops in the Galleries will remain open for at least the new two years. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with the scheme finished in 2027. Full details can be found on the websiteDemocracygalleriesfuture.com.AlexSeabrook,LocalReportingService Galleries redevelopment is set to include 28-storey apartment tower
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 Offices in: Bradley Stoke | Central Bristol | Clevedon | Henleaze | Keynsham | Nailsea Portishead | Staple Hill | Thornbury | Weston-super-Mare | Worle | Yate Get in touch: 0117 428 1999 51 Henleaze Rd, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4JU wards.uk.com Need legal advice? We offer expert legal services for you, your family and your business. Solving your legal problems ...locally MONTHOFBIRDTHE IF you happen to be waiting for a train at Sea Mills station in early April you may be lucky enough to see the arrival of the house martins as they swoop above the river and circle over the station, one of their traditional nesting sites . The river bank close by provides plenty of mud for the birds to use to build up their nests under the station eaves, and the wooden frame work is ideal for the mud to stick to. This year they arrived later than usual, and only four nests were completed. These nests seemed successful with small heads peeping out expectantly as the adults swooped in and out to feed them. It is usual for there to be two broods and sometimes even three, but that is unlikely this year as they were very late starting. The UK house martin population is shrinking, possibly due to fewer insects as food, poor habitat and food in winter grounds in Africa, and reduced suitable nesting areas in Britain.The house martins stay with us for the summer, sometimes into late September. They must then prepare for the long migration to Southern and Western Africa, crossing the Sahara. Di bristolornithologicalclub.co.ukBunniss
Photo: Pete Bunniss
Birds on your doorstep: house martins
Bristol households urged to apply for £150 council tax rebate
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 20228 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk n NEWS
“The rising cost of living is affecting everybody in the city and I know that £150 will make a significant difference to many people so we want to ensure that those residents who are eligible have the opportunity to apply for it. If you know someone who is eligible please encourage them to apply.“Ifthey can’t use the internet they can call our Citizen Service Centre on 0117 922 2900 or someone else can do it on their behalf, provided they have the correct council tax account number and the person’s bank details. Alternatively they could ask for the money to be credited to their council tax account.”
Exercise prescription?on DID you know that you can get an exercise prescription from your GP practice, nurse practitioner, or physiotherapist?Theschemeis aimed at reducing heart disease, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing mobility, helping with sleep problems, regulating blood sugar problems, increasing bone density and helping with stress, mental health and well-being. If you think you could benefit have a word with your GP practice and see if they will agree to refer you.
ABOUT 40,000 Bristol households have not yet applied to receive the £150 council tax rebate announced by the Government earlier this year. Most households that pay their council tax via direct debit will have already automatically received this money. Those who need to apply are people who pay by a different method, don’t pay council tax due to being exempt or being on the council tax reduction scheme, or whose direct debit bank details didn’t match the council tax Ifaccount.thesepeople have not applied by Wednesday 31 August, they will still receive the rebate but instead of a lump sum will have their council tax account credited, with the £150 being distributed across the remaining instalments for the year. Those who have no council tax to pay will receive a Post Office voucher to claim the £150 payment. Filling out the online form is the quickest way to get the money. About 181,000 council tax account holders in the city were eligible for payment as they live in properties in council tax bands A to D. Despite letters going to those households that still need to apply, around 40,000 have still not Thoseresponded.anxiousabout giving their bank details to the council are reassured that they will only be used to pay the £150 rebate and will not be used for future payments of council tax, unless requested.Councillor Craig Cheney, deputy mayor, said: “I am really pleased to say that we have already successfully paid over 141,000 households their £150 but there are still a lot of people we need to reach.
The Everyone Active people who run the city’s leisure centres have fully qualified staff trained especially to work with people with those problems.
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 9 Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk FREE VALUATION DAYS Held at the salerooms Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 10am 1pm & 2pm 5pm NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers info@clevedonsalerooms.com01934www.clevedonsalerooms.com830111ValuersforBristol,SouthGloucestershire,Somerset&Wells A Trusted Presence Since 1860 *Free Bristol Valuation Day* Tuesday 13th September St. Mary’s Church Hall, Mariners Drive, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1QJ (The Hulbert Room) 10am 3pm Free, No Obligation Valuations, No Appointment Necessary Amongst our many recent prestigious instructions Entire Contents of Barrow Court, to be sold by auction at Clevedon Salerooms The Autumn Specialist Sale: Thursday 1st September at 10:30am To browse & bid visit: www.clevedonsalerooms.com Fund opens for those who don’t qualify EVEN if you don’t qualify for the £150 you could still get the money as a discretionary payment scheme is now open. All payments for the discretionary scheme have to be made by the council before the end of November 2022 but residents are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Households can apply if, on 1 April 2022, they were living in either: • a property in bands E to H and are of state pension age or shared accommodation or a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), or • a property in bands A to D in shared accommodation or HMO and their landlord is liable for the council tax on their home
"This will also help fulfil our ongoing commitment for the St Monica Trust to be a real living-wage employer, while offering a package of enhancements that exceed the industry standards for the health and social care sector."
Only one application can be made per household. Where more than one person in a household applies, the recipient will be:
People are advised to ensure they complete the correct application form, based on their circumstances, to ensure fast payment.
Care workers strike
Unison also says that St Monica Trust has repeatedly been asked to meet for talks and it’s been four months since the union has had any negotiations with the management. St Monica’s says all care home staff will be guaranteed two years’ pay protection leaving no one worse off. It says there will be another pay rise at the beginning of September – the second in 12 months resulting in a 15 per cent increase in basic pay for 2022.
•
In a written statement the St Monica Trust said: "The care home restructure aims to deliver consistency in the ways of working across all of the Trust's care homes, improve recruitment and attract new workers into the social care sector.
THIS summer has seen strikes by care workers at St Monica's Trust affecting the Cote Lane home. Unionised workers –about 96 in all across homes in Bristol and North Somerset – took part in a number of one day strikes in June and July and August. The union Unison says there have been cuts to pay, with senior workers hit by a 21 per cent cut to weekend pay rates while other staff are being asked to take a 10 per cent cut to their salaries. Additionally staff face a 50 per cent cut to their sick pay and there are proposed reductions in working hours.
For full eligibility criteria visit the Bristol City Council website.
Residents will need to provide evidence, including council tax account number, photo ID and proof of address.
• the person liable for council tax, or the person who pays the energy bill, if the liability for council tax is in more than one name, or • the first member of the household to apply when the energy bill is in multiple names or there is a pre-payment meter. The recipient will receive the payment on behalf of the household.
The weirdest stuff we Bristolians throw away E VERY morning, the Reuse Shop's container at Avonmouth is filled to the brim once again with unusual donations and I’m part of the dedicated team that sells the unwanted treasures that no longer want. I’ve been volunteering in the Avonmouth Reuse Shop for a year, one of many who sort and clean, PAT-test electrical goods, display and sell the thousands of items that get donated each week. Since it opened, the Avonmouth shop alone has managed to save over 79,000 items from going into a big hole in the ground and we volunteers are part of the reuse operations at all three of Bristol’s Reuse and Recycling Centres. The Shops are playing a massive role in Bristol Waste’s expanding commitment to recycling and reusing and are always full of customers looking for a bargain. There are so many tempting items squirrelled away that it’s hard to resist! They may come to recycle their hedge trimmings but, like our photo of book expert and volunteer Simon shows, they tend to leave with a pair of cricket pads, a fascinator, a camping chair and a three-foot red funeral urn. A constant surprise is the number of boxed and unopened electrical goods that are donated. Anything from TVs to kettles, toasters and all kinds of kitchen appliances. After Christmas, items sometimes come in still in their wrapping paper! The Reuse Shop also sells massive amounts of old garden tools in the summer. Although super rusty, the tools are
you
all
andgasoutfit,beekeeper'sincludedonationsstrangestofsayandTeam,themembersgardeners. withpopularextremelynewOtherofReuseJayTracey,sometheirafullamaskawedding dress complete with garter and train. But the most valuable item was a £1,000 carbon fibre racing bike. Even items with historical importance make their way into the waste stream. Two albums full of photos from 1944 of 30 Squadron based in Africa have been saved and the Reuse Shop is donating these beautiful photos to the squadron for their archive. The money raised in the shops goes to expanding Bristol Waste’s reuse work and to support multiple charities. For example, since Avonmouth Reuse Shop opened, £15,000 has been donated to St Peter's Hospice. Come along and visit one of three Reuse Shops in Avonmouth, St Philips and Hartcliffe Way to continue to reuse and help Bristol become a cleaner, greener city. You never know what you will find! To find out more about the shops, or how to volunteer, please visit the Bristol Waste website reuse. www.bristolwastecompany.co.uk/
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202210 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk A conversation, YOUR ENTHUSIASM, laughter,ORGANISATIONALcompanionship,SKILLS,asmile. Have a love for the great outdoors? Enjoy the health and well being benefits of walking? Could you help support our residents enjoy organised group walks? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Would you like to help make a difference to the lives of older people? For details of the wide range of volunteering opportunities across our award winning care homes and retirement villages please call 07817 633 011 / 07875 406 891 or email volunteering@stmonicatrust.org.uk What can you share as a volunteer with THE St Monica Trust? walking group volunteers Registered Charity: 202151 n BARBARA'S VOICE
Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy ReportingService
Mum’s Awards Bristol 2022 FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 7PM - 11PM BRISTOL MERCURE GRAND HOTEL A night of celebrating and recognising amazing mums in Bristol Celebrity mums will be attending keep checking our socials to find out who and further info For further info please go www.lifecoach4mums.comto
Strong like Ron. Fall-proof is a strength and balance plan made up of exercises that can be done alongside your daily routine to keep you steady, strong and able to get out and about independently. Visit www.fallproofwest.org.uk to find out more.
COUNCILLORS have called for faster tree planting in Bristol to protect the city from the impact of extreme heatwaves. Last month saw record high temperatures across the country, and experts predict similar extreme heatwaves to occur more often as the climate warms up. One way of protecting vulnerable people from heat is through planting trees, as the canopy providesBristolshade.CityCouncil is aiming to double the city’s tree canopy by 2046, from a baseline of 12% in 2018. During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 2, council chiefs said they have made good progress so far, but opposition councillors have urged for the planting to be sped up.Councillor Heather Mack, leader of the Green group, said: “Given the recent heatwave and the concerns about overheating, are we moving fast enough to replace where we’re losing canopy? I think it’s crucial that a lot of the purpose of the canopy in the city is protecting from heat.”
'Plant trees more quickly to protect our city from extreme heatwaves'
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 11 n NEWS
Cllr Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic planning, resilience and floods, said: “Canopy changes are actually the last mile in this story, because everything that comes before is important—finding the plots, what’s the safest, quickest and most practical tree pit you want—it’s that kind of stuff that happens all summer while we get ready to plant the trees in the next planting season. So there’s a huge amount of work happening right“Thenow.majority of ash is not in publicly accessible spaces in this city, it’s in nature reserves or the big woodlands. So in a wooded environment, you’re not looking to replace like-for-like because the natural progression of that woodland will fill that canopy space.“I’m slightly confused about your question on resilience and the heatwave, because where we’re losing trees in the city is not in areas where we have the most resilience challenges. Generally speaking it’s in our highly wooded parts of the city.”
Latest estimates put the current canopy cover at 18%, according to mayor Marvin Rees, although this was disputed by environmental campaigners from the Bristol Tree Forum. One problem the council faces is replacing ash trees lost to the killer fungal disease ash dieback.
A dream come true
THE police say phone call scammers are working the area. The callers say they are from the “Fraud Squad” offering some sort of service. They then ask whoever answers to withdraw large sums of money from bank accounts and then say that arrangements will be made to collect the money from their home address. Police warn that this is not a legitimate call and say people should simply hang up. And this is also important – do not use the landline again for 15 minutes. Police further warn that any door to door callers who are after personal information – whatever their excuse – should be treated with caution if not suspicion. The general rule is that if it sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is. Report scam calls by calling 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Also Age UK offer a scams advice service face to face, over the phone or online – scamsadvice@ageukbristol.org.uk
If this sounds like your cup of tea, then visit the volunteering page on www.stpetershospice.org (you can register interest in other local stores too) or drop into the store at 3 Charlecombe Court, Stoke Lane. Thom and his team are ready to welcome you and organise a trial shift to give volunteering in a charity shop a go!
Stoke Lane shop seeks volunteers
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202212 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Loft Boarding & USEwww.useyourloftspace.co.ukInsulationYOURLOFTSPACEisthereliable,affordableandtrustedlocalcompanyforallyourloftboarding,andloftinsulationrequirements01172980810INFO@USEYOURLOFTSPACE.CO.UK n NEWS n ADVERTISING FEATURE
THOSE of us who regularly shop on Coldharbour Road will have been famil iar with Sofa Magic for some years. And in early July, there was a new addition to the Magic family: Bed Magic, at number 110.Taking up resi dence at the address formerly occupied by a post office, kitchen showroom and bicy cle repair shop, Bed Magic is a much more glamorous presence on the corner with Greendale Road.As its name suggests, the shop offers a range of upholstered divans and bed bases, including with drawers or ottoman storage mechanisms; like their sofas, all hand-made in their Bristol workshop. However, as Sofa Magic offers much more than just sofas, Bed Magic wants to provide everything for you to style the bedroom of your dreams by providing curtains, blinds, chairs, blanket boxes and bedspreads, all which can be made bespoke. And to complete the look of your bedroom, they are also a retailer of the luxurious Hypnos mattresses, and plan to add bedside cabinets and lamps to their range in the near future. To celebrate its launch, Bed Magic is offering some great opening deals until the end of August.
Phone scam alert
HAVE you considered volunteering? St Peter’s Hospice is looking for people to join the volunteer team at their Stoke Lane shop. All roles are flexible to work around your lifestyle and offer a chance to form friendships, build confidence, and support the local hospice and give back to your community. If you have a love for fashion or antiques there will be plenty of opportunities to develop these passions working behind the scenes in the back office.
Renew your seat and back cushions. Select from a wide range of designer fabrics and feet. Samples available. Your sofa will look as good as new. FREE collection & delivery. Reupholster your much loved furniture. FREE Collection & Delivery Valued @ £80! Visit our showroom at: sofa.magicwww.sofamagic.co.ukinfo@sofamagic.co.uk@sofamagic119ColdharbourRoadBS67SD01179248383 What we do best at Sofa Magic! Take the green option with our complete reupholstery service.
n NEWS September, 202214 Bristol is introducing a Clean Air Zone to reduce harmful pollution. Older and more polluting vehicles will be charged to enter the zone. Check your vehicle online and find out how we can help you prepare for the zone. CleanBristol’sGetbristol.gov.uk/cleanairzonereadyforAirZone Summer2022
Pamela Nowicka said: “I would like Bristol City Council to commit to plantbased catering for all its conferences and events. It’s a tiny ask but one that promotes social justice and inclusion, not just in Bristol but globally. Far from being the preserve of avocado-chomping middle classes, most peasant food is and was mainly plant-based.
“Vegetables and pulses are cheaper, more accessible, healthier, and more climate-friendly than animal products. This is where Bristol City Council can lead by example, putting aside personal prejudices for the wider good, vital in these times of austerity. Everyone can eat plant-based, it’s fairer and more inclusive, particularly important in a diverse city like Bristol.”
Michaela Andres added: “This is an amazing opportunity to show climate leadership by stipulating that meals and refreshments supplied are plant-based. This is a real chance for Bristol to lead the way on climate action. It’s indisputable that we urgently need a major shift away from meat, dairy and fish consumption.
Campaigners urge Bristol City Council to ban meat and dairy from City Hall events
Three campaigners urged council chiefs during a cabinet meeting to scrap all ham, cheese and milk from council catering, and switch to solely serving plant-based products. They said it would help the council reduce its carbon emissions, and saveCouncilmoney.chiefs voted to renew catering contracts as they are, with few changes, ahead of a potential big change across the board next year. Switching to completely plant-based catering would “become part of the conversation” then, one said.
Alex Seabrook, Local ReportingDemocracyService
CAMPAIGNERS are urging Bristol City Council to ban meat and dairy products from all City Hall events and conferences.
September, 2022 15 Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk n NEWS RHS Level 2 Theory courses now booking for Autumn 2022 at theGardenBotanic For further details botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.ukbotanic-garden.bristol.visitac.uk01174282041 Start your career change here… Learn more about your garden… Voice RHS ad_Aug22.indd 1 11/08/2022 11:58
“It’s important for councils, schools and hospitals to lead by example, normalising plant-based meals by serving tasty and attractive dishes and putting them at the forefront of menus. Plant-based catering saves money, encourages good dietary habits and is one of the easiest and most effective ways for organisations to reduce their carbon emissions.”
At least two councils elsewhere in England have already made the switch to plant-based catering. Oxfordshire County Council voted to switch in March earlier this year, at a packed meeting which saw TV presenter and farmer Jeremy Clarkson protest the decision with other local farmers. Cambridge City Council took a similar decision this May, but with exceptions.
stpetershospice.org/lottery
For more information and application pack please contact the school via email Henleaze.i@bristol-schools.ukat or go to Eteach (Job ID 1262834) to see the full recruitment pack. Please all applications must be on BCC application forms. CVs will not be accepted.
Park Grove, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4LG SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR Part time, TTO (plus INSET days and 5 days during the holidays) 26 hours per week over 4 days 8.30am
4.00pm Salary: Bristol Grade
Henleaze Infant School is looking for a School Administrator to join our busy school office to support HR processes and support the Headteacher in school admissions and attendance. For this role we will require someone with strong admin and communication skills to provide an efficient and effective service essential to the running of the school.
HENLEAZE INFANT SCHOOL,7 £20,852 - £22,129 September 2022
Funding care in your community THE flowers in Westbury on Trym Village have been blooming fantastic once more and the Society want to make it clear how much they owe to everyone who makes it possible. The team at Blaise Nurseries who plant the pots can be seen watering them from their bowser early in the morning – sometimes every day in the extreme summer heat. It’s a phenomenal undertaking as each watering takes about two hours. The displays delight the many who visit the village shops, but of course there is no magic money basket to pay for it all and just now there’s the Annual Flower Appeal
Counting the cost of village blooms
There’sFund.asmall team at the Society who make this happenJane Plummer (who also does the weeding) Rosemary Evitts and Malcom Neave. “The funds come in bit by bit - in coin, cheques and dedicated sponsorships from businesses and some people who want to remember a loved one. Anyone can apply to sponsor a whole or half pot for these dedications. This year a whole pot of flowers or a hanging basket for a business cost £100,” says chairman Hilary Long. “Last year the annual costs for both our spring and summer seasons together were around £10,000.”
per annum, pro-rated Plus Local Authority Pension Benefit Closing date for applications 13th
“We hope that it is still far off, but being aware also of climate changes, we are discussing other forms of sustainable planting that may have to succeed flowers later on, when we shall need a new team of volunteers to help with maintenance,” says Hilary Long."Anyone who would like to help with maintaining the displays of whatever kind is more than welcome to join us." Please visit the Society's website to get in touch if you can help: westburyontrymsociety.org.ukwww.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202216 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk n NEWS
Join today for less than £5 a month!
jackp£1000ot!
The Society acknowledges that a considerable sum was raised as “Gift Aid” – funds returned to the charity by the government if contributors declare they are taxpayers. But there is a question mark over the future. Pressures within the city council may prevent Blaise Nurseries from continuing with some of their services.
•
To learn more about village life book your place on a guided tour now by calling 0117 919 4272 or visit www.stmonicatrust.org.uk for more information and details of available properties.
• A bee can fly at 15mph – their wings beat at 250 times a second
Did you know:
A bee returns to the hive with nectar weighing almost its whole body weight
A worker bee lives for only six weeks - three of hard labour in the hive and then three weeks in the sun flying miles to collect nectar and pollen non-stop.
•
One bee collects about a twelfth of a teaspoon worth of honey in its lifetime
•
A bee visits 100 flowers each trip It takes 12,000 forage trips to make a pound of honey – that’s about 90,000 miles flown
•
A Queen bee lays 2000 eggs a day
• A Queen bee egg is fed royal jelly to make a new Queen. They live for 3-5 years.
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 17 n NEWS To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
• Luckily there are 60,000 bees to do the work in the hive in Spring
• A virgin Queen typically mates with about 12 drones – there are 2000 drones in a hive in summer, they have no function except to mate with the Queen. In winter they are kicked out of the hive to save food for the rest.
• A hive requires at least 100kg of honey each year buzzing after Nigel's talk
We're all just
202151CharityRegistered
•
NIGEL Hurst, a beekeeper, was at the Westbury Wildlife Centre on its open day and scores of families piled in to enjoy a funfilled sunny day with many craft activities and games as well as nature studies.
• In winter there are just 15,000 worker bees who live for 6 months looking after the Queen for the next season and surviving on the honey they collected.
Nigel gave a talk about bees – he has two hives at the Centre - to an enthralled young audience who enjoyed the fun facts he came up with.
•
Enjoy the very best in later living at a St Monica Trust retirement village.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202218 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely FREE of charge. CALL US TODAY ON: 01454 740 034 MOBILE: 07537 149 128 WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: • EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING • 2 REMOTE CONTROLS • ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION • FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR • AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS garagefifor£895From*afullyttedelectricdoor. *O er valid for openings up to 2.4m wide & including 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override. SINCE SusWoT started in 2008 we’ve learnt that people work best on things that interest them. For many years SusWoT struggled to engage people in projects related to energy, they were not interested, but found it very easy to run projects about growing things or improving the environment. At October’s meeting we asked for suggestions for things to investigate, and three emerged. SusWoT split into groups and investigated foraging, reporting issues and air source heat pumps. The results are on the SusWoT website.Foraging and Food is relevant as there are many things that can be foraged in the autumn or produce to share. Blackberries have been prolific this year and are easy to forage. Skilled foragers offer foraging walks, goforaging.co.uk and walksmeetup-group/meetup.com/bristol-foraging-givedetailsofrunlocally,butunfortunately not free. Lots of people have fruit trees, bushes and vegetable plants that are at their most productive now. Apples, courgettes, beans, plums, chilies, and more go to waste because so much is available now. Some people put excess out by their gates for people to take, some tell neighbours about the glut they have. Maybe more of us should do SusWoTthis?organises litter picking and river cleaning locally. We have learnt how to report related problems such as pollution in the river, flytipping in the street or needles in the park. Some issues must be reported fast to get results. If river incidents aren’t reported promptly the pollution can wash down stream making it impossible to identify the source. A section on the SusWoT website explains how to report various problems. So that river pollution can be reported fast we suggest putting the numbers on your phone. If you see sewage or sewage debris in the river or by a manhole cover call Wessex Water 0345 6004600 or if you see non sewage pollution in the river, call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70The60.third topic we looked at was air source heat pumps. These will be needed to replace gas boilers so that we can heat our homes without producing CO2, helping us become zero carbon by 2050. We learnt a lot but there were issues: insulation, radiator size, hot water tanks, noise, running costs, appearance and how actually does a heat pump work? We were lucky, we were invited to visit the home of somebody who was using an air source heat pump to heat their home and water and did not use gas at all. It was January, the house was warm and we saw it was possible. Since then we’ve teamed up with the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol to help people install heat pumps locally. Foraging, reporting problems and heat pumps n NEWS FROM S us WoT www.elm-online.co.uk Meet with one of our qualified estate planning consultants to discuss your needs. Protect your family's inheritance Single & joint Wills £99.00from*IncludingVAT Call us today on 0117 952 0698 or email info@elm-online.co.uk Home visits or online appointments are available. • If you have an idea for a project that SusWoT might be interested you can email SusWoT suswot2050@gmail.com.at
September, 2022 19 Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoice n NEWS FROM S us WoT St Mary Redcliffe Church Stained Glass Design Competition And Who is My Neighbour? stmaryredcliffe.co.uk Free exhibition of five shortlisted designs to replace four small panels of one of the major stained-glass windows of St Mary Redcliffe Church Contact parish.office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or visit our website for further information SAT 20 AUGUST - MON 19 SEPTEMBER / MON - SAT 8AM-5PM • SUN 12:30PM-5PM Discover a range of We are one of the first businesses in the UK to offer Google Interactive Virtual Reality Tours Carpets • Vinyls Laminates • Karndean Commercial solutions Open: Mon-Fri 9 - 5.30pm | Sat 9 - 5pm | Sun 10 - 4pm A WORLD OF Quality A WORLD OF Choice A WORLD OF Value The Old Coachworks, Bath Road, Longwell Green, Bristol BS30 6DL Tel: 0117 947 7721 | www.thecarpetbarn.co.uk THE UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the reduction of gas supplies to Europe means the price of gas has rocketed. The exceptionally hot weather in Westbury and Henleaze this summer was partly due to the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere in the last 80 years. This will result in higher energy bills and the loss of crops locally and around the world, leading to food shortages.
Heating help on offer from local campaign group
‘Think Global, Act Local’ as Patrick Geddes said in 1915. By good fortune Bristol based Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) and Sustainable Westbury-on-Trym (SusWoT) have teamed up to promote the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme. They will be working to help local people understand the scheme and how it could benefit them as well as the planet.The Boiler Upgrade Scheme aims to kickstart the move to heat pumps to heat our homes. Heat pumps run on electricity and extract the heat needed to heat homes from the air, ground or water. They work like a fridge but with the heat on the inside and the cold on the outside. The really clever thing with heat pumps is that they transfer more energy than they use, 10 kW of electricity input into an air source heat pump transfers about 30 kW of heat into a house from the outside air. Electricity can be generated without producing CO2 by solar panels, wind, nuclear, wave and hydro meaning we can heat our homes without producing any CO2.The Government will contribute up to £5000 to the cost of installing an air source heat pump, like the subsidy of home insulation and solar panels previously. Why aren’t we using heat pumps already? Because many of our houses are very badly insulated and heat pumps work best when heating a properly insulated building.Infact, the £5000 grant is not available to houses with uninsulated lofts or unfilled cavity walls. Where insulation is poor, running a heat pump may cost more than other heating. If your house is poorly insulated, improving the insulation is beneficial even if you decide not to get a heat pump. This autumn SusWoT and CSE will be organising local events, with other experts, to explain the Boiler Upgrade scheme, how heat pumps work and answer your questions. If you are interested and want to learn more, please email suswot2050@gmail.com Alex Dunn, SusWoT
We're online too: www.henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
The protagonist of the novel, 16 year old Prue, has lived through some challenging times, including the recent death of her grandmother and the death many years earlier of her baby sister. Awaiting her GCSE results, it is decided that the reluctant Prue should spend the summer with her Aunt Ruth, Uncle Archie and Archie’s grandmother (Ronnie) on the remote island of Noost in the Shetland islands - as her mother has been recently admitted to hospital after Prue finds her lying in the bath following a suicide attempt. Arriving in Scotland to stay in the old, draughty, priest hole ridden, gothic Dynrost House –the family home, Prue decides she will take the opportunity to tackle her aunt and attempt to discover who her father is – but her aunt is difficult to extract information from. Prue starts to build a relationship with Ronnie – who has filled the house and gardens with a myriad of weird and wonderful plants which she uses for medicinal purposes.
The Gone and WhitfieldByForgottentheClare
Prue makes the most of the time on her own to wander around the island and gets into conversations with the islanders, many of whom still blame her uncle for the disappearance of a local girl, Evie O’Hara who went missing 20 years previously. She also meets and is attracted to 18 year old James, who works as the barman in a local hotel. Prue begins to feel more and more unsettled as she discovers some of the events that have previously happened and she has many restless nights. Leafing through some of the books in her room she is intrigued to find old love letters – and large piles of cash!There are many different strands to this novel, and the story lines I’ve mentioned lead to the revelation of more secrets – and boy are there are lot of them! I did find this a gripping and entertaining novel, if you like a tangled tale, riddled with lots of dark and sinister stories and twists, this is the book for
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202220 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk n LIBRARY NEWS AND BOOK REVIEW
you! JM New Shared Reading Group –Septemberstarts2022 Wednesdays 2.00-3.30pm Henleaze Library, Northumbria Drive, BS9 4HP Shared Reading Groups bring people together through great literature to talk, laugh and share. Drop in and enjoy listening to a story or poem. No pressure to talk, read aloud or read a book before you come. Something new every week, and it’s all free! Henleaze Library 0117 SaturdaysFridaysThursdaysWednesdaysTuesdaysMondays903854111am-5pm11am-5pm1pm–7pm11am-5pm1pm–7pm10amto5pm Westbury Library (Staffed) 0117 Mondays90385522pm – 7pm Tuesdays 11am – 4pm Wednesdays 11am – 4pm Thursdays 11am – 4pm Fridays 11am – 4pm Saturdays 11am – 4pm 1 WESTWAY FARM | BISHOP SUTTON | BRISTOL | BS39 5XP www.orientalrugsofbath.com | 01275 319950 MattWill Ltd trading as Oriental Rugs of Bath
There are a number of competition classes for children and young people, including cookery, art, craft, colouring, handwriting and photography.
henleaze&westburyvoice 21September, 2022 Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk n NEWS You have our best – every time Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury and central Bristol Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price. If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to. This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No: 568743. We’re specialists in: + Buying and Selling + Family Law + Divorce + Separation + Wills, Trusts and Probate + Powers of Attorney + Dispute Resolution + Employment + Corporate + Commercial + Commercial Property + Medical Negligence + Personal Injury + Court of Protection + Notary Looking for a solicitor? Keep it local barcankirby.co.uk 0117 905 7088 hello@barcankirby.co.uk @barcankirby barcankirby Get set for showvillage THE popular Westbury on Trym Village Show will be returning to the Village Hall on Saturday 3rd September. The show will be open from 11am with the presentation of prizes taking place at 4.30pm. This year the show is celebrating 100 Years of the BBC so some classes align to this theme.
Of note are two classes - the Arthur Brice Young Gardener for the Future Trophy; once again it will be awarded for the best children’s living garden in a two- litre ice cream tub, and a dessert on a dinner plate.
SusWOT (Sustainable Westbury on Trym) is sponsoring a class in which people are asked to submit a video (maximum duration two minutes) entitled ‘Natural History in Westbury and the River Trym.’ The gardens will be full of stalls and attractions for all ages and interests; these include Bristol Bee Keepers, Claire’s Crafts, Avon Wildlife Trust and local sculptor Jenny Pamphilon. Bill Long, our ‘Town Crier’, will be keeping everyone informed about what is happening, so look out for him in his regalia on the day.
The work of talented local people will be on display. Gardening, flower arranging, art handicrafts, cookery and photography will all be on display. Marshfield Brass Band will be entertaining us once again.
Briony May Williams, a semi-finalist in the 2018 series of the Great British Bake Off and resident of Bristol, will open the show at 11 am.
Contact Leila Goodarzi at lgoodarzi@vwv.co.uk or call on 0117 925 2020. Do You Need Legal Advice? Get specialist support from award-winning solicitors on: • Buying or selling a house • Challenges to Wills • Family law & divorce • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Personal injury • Wills & inheritance tax planning
19_0000_VolunteerPostcard_Jan2022.indd 1 26/01/2022 23:29 htuognidiuglrilotsirB&GSerihsretsecuolG n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 23 Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk girlguiding.org.uk/interested
‘I enjoy it so much. The girls are lovely and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. It’s amazing!’ Tayba, leader
Money on offer to groups preventing crime
With Police and Crime MarkCommissionerShelford
REFLECTING on this summer, it has been wonderful to see our area being able to showcase itself as a hub of things to do, especially following the pandemic. Now, with September upon us, everyone is getting ready for the busyness of the school run and returning back to work after summer breaks and holidays. After a particularly hot summer, I am looking forward to welcoming the autumn months. Last month, I held my second Performance and Accountability Board.The purpose of the meeting is to hold Chief Constable Sarah Crew to account and discuss the crime and policing concerns faced by Avon and Somerset. We spoke about a range of topics, including the National Police Race Action Plan and work being done to tackle violence against women and girls. The meeting was broadcast live and is still available on my website to watch back. I would also love your feedback on the meetings themselves: it’s important that we ensure our public meetings and events are accessible, informative and easy to follow.Wehave launched a survey for you to share your thoughts about the Performance and Accountability Board meeting, which can be completed via the feedback section of my website at Crimeeveryonecontact/feedback.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/Movingon,IwanttoremindthattheCommissioner’sPreventionFundisonce
again open for applications. A partnership between my office, Somerset Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation, the fund aims to support community projects and activities across the force area that help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Interested groups can apply for a grant of up to £5,000 until Friday September 30, with more details on my website. In the last round of funding, the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund was able to support 18 brilliant local organisations, including children and youth charities such as Escapeline, Ignite Life and Youth Connect South West, as well as organisations like Opoka that support Polish women and girls with lived experiences of domestic abuse. I know these groups will find the additional funding really beneficial in supporting their work, which prevents crime in our organisationscommunitycommunities.Iactivelyencouragegroupsandtoapplyfor grants, as we want to support as many initiatives as possible.
withVolunteerus
30 years
Henleaze Road in 1936 Henleaze Road back in the day 1947 Skating on the lake Pic from Henleaze Swimming Club
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202224 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
n LOCAL HISTORY by Harry Mottram
DESPITE its bustling modern appearance as one of Bristol’s northern suburbs, Henleaze’s beginnings date to at least the 17th century when Robert Henley owned land in the area. So runs the informative overview of the origins of Henleaze in The Henleaze Book written by Veronica Bowerman. This volume, first published in 1991, continues to give a comprehensive account of the suburb’s history. One of the questions Veronica raises is the name of Henleaze itself. Why Henleaze? she asks. The author gives two possible explanations. The first is a link to the area’s ancient past as a forest or rather a wild wood filled with the sound of birds or even a high meadow derived from the Early English of Anglo Saxon. Leaze is linked to a clearing in early Medieval English so it sounds quite plausible – a meadow in a clearing in a wood. The second possible answer is more prosaic – that of a corruption of Robert Henley’s surname and spelled as Henleaze which in the days before spelling was standardised is also quite possible.Personally, I prefer the AngloSaxon suggestion as anyone who has walked through Badock’s Wood at dawn on a spring morning will have heard the voices of a thousand wild birds – and it is a reminder that until the Middle Ages forests covered much of the area of Bristol with clearings here and there as farmers increasingly cleared the land of arboreal cover. As the author states, ‘Henleaze cannot boast any real depth of history.’ With the area of no strategic value for previous occupiers, only the rise of Horfield Common and Golden Hill gives any clue to its long-lost past. For on Golden Hill - where Tesco’s now stands - a copper figure of Mercury was found, suggesting perhaps it was dropped by a passing Roman on the ancient track from Gloucester way to the River Avon. Who knows? But, as the author points out, we have to wait a few centuries until the 1500s when Henleaze formed part of the Manor of Westbury-on-Trym.Thecoverphotograph is clearly recognisable as Henleaze Road as we look down towards what is now Boots the Chemist on the left with the bay windowed buildings on the right. The main difference is the much smaller automobiles and the sunshades on the shop frontages. Despite its rural and indeed forested beginnings Henleaze is largely built up these days and the author gives some insight into some of the builders who have been responsible. She charts the backgrounds of Charles H Reed who worked in the 1920s, the Vokes who are still active in the industry and can be traced back to the mid 19th century, and Leonard Watts, who constructed homes in the 1930s including four semis in Cheriton Place. The book concentrates on various aspects rather than taking a chronological history of the community, with chapters on featured larger homes such as Burfield House, Claremont House, Henley Park Mansion and Waterdale House. Then there are the lodges in Henley Grove and Henleaze Park and the schools from Miss Rutter’s to Henleaze Junior School. There’s a good chapter on the Second World War when a large public air raid shelter was opposite the Henleaze Park Drive junction where Studland Court now stands. American soldiers became a feature of the population before D-Day with troops billeted in Henleaze and Westbury-on-Trym including GIs staying in Badminton School. Some of the wartime stories certainly paint a different picture from that of today - the Eastfield was closed as they ran out of alcohol after thirsty Yanks spent their wages and the ladies of the United Reformed Church ran an evening canteen for servicemen in Leonard Hall. One wonders how many young women in Henleaze were wowed by the US troops so often described as ‘oversexed, over paid and over here.’A section on the clubs and societies in Henleaze gives colour to a suburb and community that has seen countless public-spirited individuals step forward to create activities that have benefitted so many. From Henleaze Swimming Lake to the bowling and tennis clubs, and the YMCA Cricket Club to the eponymous Henleaze Society, which continues to inform and bring together the people who populate this most fascinating volume. on, The Henleaze Book offers glimpses into the past
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No need for an a far maybe which is where, a whopping third of What that tells is that having a decent job really matters. all done jobs that aren’t great. I was never a fan of 6am shifts at a factory job I did; nor of the particles of rust that irritated my eyes as a young scaffolder’s assistant; and there have been a few bosses that I met that would give fictional boss David Brent a run for his money. But equally, you remember those fantastic men tors in your career, the people that made time to invest in you, and where you felt every day was worthwhile.So,because we spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, I am determined to try and make sure those hours are the very best they can be. That’s why, as part of my push for decent jobs, I have launched my Good Employment Charter, fulfilling a manifesto pledge I gave to you in the Metro Mayor election last year. The charter is a co-operative effort between employers, employees and trade unions. There are two tiers: “supporters” - working with aspiring organisations to help them raise employment standards – and “members”, where employers prove they are exemplars.
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from a staycation, enjoying everything our amazing West of England has to offer. But now it’s back to work,
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First to sign up were Wallace and Gromit’s creators, Aardman, the world famous, four-time Oscar-winning animation studio. They’re being joined by businesses and organisations big and small from across the West of England. Why? Because happy and healthy staff are also productive staff and mean a successful business. It’s a win-win for employees and employers.But,sadly, across our region there remains a less good side, with too many jobs not offering workers the respect, security, wages or future prospects they deserve, and their hard work and effortsShockinglymerit. today, one in six West of England workers take home less pay than the Real Living Wage and a record one in six families live in poverty.Inflation has hit a 40-year high, even as wages fall at their fastest rate in two decades. Plus, too many people don’t know what hours they will work and so what salary they’ll earn from week to week, as they languish on zero hours contracts when they would rather have certainty.Every company that signs up to the charter receives bespoke training organised by the West of England Combined Authority that I lead. I’m proud the West of England Good Employment Charter is making a difference in something so central to our lives.
No need for an expensive care home
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Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older
Giving West of England workers a fair share
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astonishingly, we spend
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The tests are about secure work, where peo ple know when the next shift is coming; paying a real living wage; making sure workers are listened to and can get training and promotions.
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expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer Many people want to stay in their own home as they get older Featherbed Care has been providing live in carers since 1986 We believe in only the very best care at an affordable cost Call for a brochure today 0117 9860710 / Freephone: 0800 111 4885 Email: featherbed@featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk 01179 860710 REPLACEMENTFORYOURTRANSFORMKITCHENAFRACTIONOFTHECOSTWITHDOORS&WORKTOPS ✓ Replacement made-to-measure doors & worktops ✓ Save £1000s compared to a new kitchen ✓ Door swaps in as little as one day ✓ 100s of designs and colour options 0117 990 customer@bristolkitchenmakeovers.co.uk2809www.bristolkitchenmakeovers.co.ukBEFOREBEFOREAFTER AFTER SHOWROOM NOW OPEN: Unit 3, Farrington Farm, Farrington Gurney BS39 6UB Bristol Kitchen Makeovers.indd 1 14/07/2022 09:41:46 n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR MANY of us will be feeling refreshed from
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Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
Sustainable Fashion Week’s four community partners include Bristol-based Wear My Wardrobe Out, which offers rental outfits for every occasion and Black2Nature who environmentally-focusedfoster conversations with ethnically diverse communities. They will be joined by Future Leap, working in partnership with popular clothing brand Lucy & Yak. City of Bristol College, will be representing the Reconnect theme, and are using textiles for their designs donated by St Peter’s Hospice. The finished garments will be showcased in some of the charity’s shop windows, which will be specially decorated by the students. Drag artist Astro Zenica will bring their glamour and theatrical flair to the catwalk as the show’s lead host and sponsor,Bedminster-basedKASKWine,will provide a variety of vegan, organically-sourced welcome drinks for the Sustainableevent.Fashion Week starts on Friday September 16. Taking place in locations across Bristol and online, the community-led events are accessible for all to join. Bristol students can expect a wardrobe upgrade with a Refresher Your Style sustainable student shopping day, taking place in Broadmead and throughout the city centre on Thursday 22nd September. This event will be followed by a panel discussion and live styling from industry experts in the evening at 6:30pm at The Vintage Thrift Store. Tickets are on sale now for events taking place throughout Sustainable Fashion Week, and can be booked at fashion-week-2022-catwalkco/experiences/sustainable-www.yuup.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202226 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk themakershedbristol themakershedbristolf Visit our website for more information and to book your place today! www.themakershedbristol.co.uk Makershed the @ St Pauls Learning Centre a creative space for doing, making & learning new skills weaving sewing carvingwood palletwood fabric garment sharpeningdyeingfabrictool woodwork upholsteryprintinglino footstoolvouchersgiftthewood projects joinery Autumn terms courses & workshops in...BOOKINGNOW The VOICE SEPT 2022.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2022 11:43 Page 1 n NEWS THE highlight of the UK’s first and only Sustainable Fashion Week, taking place in Bristol, will be the catwalk show on Wednesday September 21. Models will strut their stuff in upcycled, vintage and sustainable clothing at The Mount Without.
Organisers of the Bristol Sustainable FashionWeek
City hosts Sustainable Fashion Week
The fashion show unites the week’s four themes –Regenerate, Rewear, Repurpose and Reconnect – encouraging attendees to look at their wardrobes in a new light to end the fast-fashion cycle.
Amelia Twine, founder of Sustainable Fashion Week, said: “By showcasing how pre-loved and sustainable fashion can be worn again and again in a variety of different ways, we hope to inspire visitors to look at what they already have in their wardrobes and get creative! “Just by switching up your perspective on what you already have, or swapping for something “new”, you’re already disrupting the fast-fashion cycle.”
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Bristol Free School
celebrates
Life changing To book your place, contact Catherine Ball on 0117 933 9631 Reception Open Morning Tuesday 27 Junior9.30am–11.30amSeptemberSchoolOpen Morning Tuesday 11 9.30am–11.30amOctober henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 27 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
Students said:”I'm delighted, relieved, and excited to see what I can do next!”; 'I’m happy that all my hard work has paid off and I got my first choice of Uni” and “Thank you to all my teachers for encouraging and supporting me.”
EDUCATION
BRISTOL Free School is celebrating a fantastic set of A-level results. Following a significant amount of disruption to learning due to the pandemic, students showed true grit and resilience throughout their time in the Sixth Form and have been richly rewarded for their efforts. Forty four per cent of grades awarded were either an A or an A* while 90 per cent of grades awarded were a C or higher. A total of 38 A* Grades at A Level and 5 Distinction* Grades at BTEC were awarded to BFS students. It was also another bumper year for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 87% of students achieving between an A* and a B. Head of Sixth Form, Mr Smith, said: "Pupils from Bristol Free School will be leaving here to enrol at university courses from Plymouth to Glasgow and in a diverse set of fields ranging from Computer Science to Criminology to Engineering. Two of our university applicants have been accepted on to courses at Oxbridge universities. A number of students are also taking up lucrative apprenticeship and employment opportunities. We wish all students the best of the luck as they embark on their new ventures, and we hope that they will stay in touch with the BFS family through volunteering and alumni activities."
RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | CURIOSITY | RESILIENCE OPEN EVENT BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Please see our website to book your place www.montpschool.org Thursday 6th October 4:00pm - 8.00pm YEAR 7 RESPECT | RESPONSIBILITY | CURIOSITY | RESILIENCE OPEN EVENT Welcome from the Head of Sixth Form at 5.45pm and 6.00pm for Year 11 students choosing a Sixth Form place for 2023. Tuesday 18th October 5.45pm - 7.45pm
Head of Sixth Form Justin Harford said: “It has been my privilege to watch this group develop over the last two years, not only academically as they have progressed through their studies, but also as a community, offering friendship and support to one another. As for so many young people, recent years have not been without their challenges and I thank their families for the support they have shown to their children and to the school as we have negotiated them together. Our students are leaving us with an excellent foundation in place for the next stage of their lives and I wish them all the best as they move on from BGS.”
Alongside their A levels, many BGS students choose to complete an additional elective qualification. This year, forty pupils opted to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), achieving a 100% pass rate with an impressive 75% securing an A* or A grade. Other electives included Maths Studies, Creative Writing and the Sports Leader qualification, which with the co-curricular activities at BGS, means that each pupil can plot a course which suits them.
Millie, who joined BGS Sixth Form from a local state school, was equally pleased with her results of A*, A*, B in Business Studies, Design Technology and Biology. After an Art Foundation course, Millie will study Primary Education with an Art and Design specialism, in Plymouth from 2023. She said: “I’ve loved my time in the Sixth Form at BGS and I am so glad I moved here. I’ve made some brilliant friends and had so many great experiences – I especially enjoyed the chance to make a film during Lower Sixth, when Covid meant we couldn’t put on a play. The facilities at BGS are fantastic – for DT they are the best of any school I’ve ever seen – and I’m delighted by my results.”
Life changing Sixth Form Information Evening Thursday 13 5.00pm–7.15pmOctoberOpenEveningFriday7OctoberYear3toYear6:4.00pm–6.00pmYear7toLowerSixth:4.00pm–8.00pmIndividualtoursavailablemostweekdaymorningsContactuson01179339885 Scholarships and Bursaries available We can help with up to 100% of the fees and other costs. Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 29 n EDUCATION BGS students are celebrating a fantastic set of A-level results. Almost half of 140 A-level students gained three or more A* and A grades, and over a third of all results were at the highest A* grade. This includes eleven pupils who will be taking up places at Oxford and Cambridge, where they will study courses including Arabic, History, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Classics, Philosophy & Theology, andWithoutPhysics.the experience of sitting GCSEs to draw on, there were inevitably some nerves as pupils collected the results of their first public examinations. After opening his results, sixth form student Charlie said: “I was really nervous coming in today; I just didn’t know how my exams had gone so I really didn’t know what to expect. I’m so pleased with my results (I got 3 As) and I’m looking forward to studying Geography, a subject I love, at my first choice university, Southampton.”
Commenting on the results, BGS Headmaster, Jaideep Barot, said: “We are incredibly proud of this cohort and the excellent results they have achieved across the board, joining their IB Diploma counterparts who received their outstanding results in July. “What our brilliant staff at BGS focus on is not simply the final grades that our pupils achieve, but rather the value we add to each of the individuals in our care – the “extra” that they do, and achieve, at BGS that they might not elsewhere. For some, the results they received may have felt beyond their reach a year or two ago, and they are now going on to the university courses, foundation years, and apprenticeships that they worked so hard for. They should be as proud as we are of what they have“Forachieved.thosefew who are yet to finalise their next steps, our Higher Education & Careers staff continue to offer support and guidance to help each one find the right path for them.”
11 off to Oxbridge from Bristol Grammar
EDUCATION AFTER a huge build up to the first “normal” examination results since 2019, Clifton High School is delighted with the outstanding success of their hardworking A and AS level students, who achieved their highest grades in a public examination year since the A level reform of 2015. 1 in 4 students obtained at least 3 A grades or above 45.8% of Clifton High students grades awarded were A*-A; 77.5% of grades were A*-B Excellence was achieved in a range of subjects including History, Art, and Product Design as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), in which over 50% of students received A*-A. Among the EPQ students was Tom, who will take Engineering at Imperial College. Of his time at Clifton High. He said, “I will miss it: the teachers, the students, my classmates. This is a really good school.” Examples of other subject successes include: • 100% of our Modern Foreign Language students received grades A*-B • In Mathematics, students received 83% A*-B grades •b22.2% of Chemistry students were graded A* Maddi’s Chemistry results have secured her place studying Medicine at Anglia Ruskin. Of Results Day she said: “It’s been emotional – happy tears!” Head of School, Matthew Bennett, said, “Most of all, we celebrate our students’ resilience and determination. Their ability to cope with every challenge thrown at them speaks volumes for their strength of character and they are true ambassadors of everything our school stands for. We are proud of them all and wish them the best.”
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Hard work pays off for Clifton High sixth-formers Emotional day
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 31 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
Open Days Leading independent co-educational day & boarding school for 0-18. In Clifton, Bristol. Book your place at: cliftoncollege.com Sixth Form Friday 30th September Whole School Saturday 1st October Reception Discovery Friday 2nd December
Badminton School students excel at A-levels
Mrs Tear, Headmistress said: “I am immensely proud of this year’s cohort: not only have they showed great resilience in the way that they have handled the challenges of recent years. They have been supported by a dedicated and skilled team; not just their teachers, but also the wider staff community at Badminton who make so much possible. It is enormously satisfying to see our students going off to pursue a diverse range of subjects, from Set Design to Architecture or Computing to Veterinary Science. I know they have the motivation and ability to succeed and I applaud every student for what they have achieved at Badminton”.
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 33 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
n EDUCATION STUDENTS at Badminton joined their peers across the country in being deservedly proud of impressive results. Two thirds of students achieved three grades at A/A* level and over a quarter of students gained an exceptional three A* grades. Every candidate studying a Modern Foreign Language achieved an A* or A grade, a standout success with students excelling across the range of languages, including A LevelBadmintonJapanese.students gained places on courses at a range of top universities including Oxford, Imperial College London and Durham University, as well as other renowned establishments such as The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. An exceptional 86 per cent of placements were at the students’ first choice university. Notable successes were to be found in applications to read Law: one student has a place at Pembroke College Oxford, while two others have places at the London School of Economics. One of the four successful students going on to study Medicine was Ankita who said: 'I am really looking forward to studying at Imperial in October. While Alevels have been a fairly gruelling process, I have enjoyed other activities during this time such as Diversity Club, Sign Language Club and being Head Girl.' Art student Sarah Al was delighted to find that she has been awarded a scholarship to study for an Art foundation course at Bath Spa University as she exceeded the conditions of her offer. “I am very excited to take the first steps in pursuing a career in Graphic Communication, an area that I am really interested in. The teaching and resources that I’ve had at Badminton have given me skills and confidence in my subject ability”. It’s not just in terms of examinations that students have shown a willingness to embrace new challenges. The prospect of broadening their horizons and moving on to new surroundings led a number of students to apply for the School’s travel award which was awarded this year to Helena and Chloe who plan to travel to volunteer in Albania and Hong Kong respectively. Helena who will next year take up a place to study Law said “I am so pleased to know that I will be starting to study at the London School of Economics and Political Science this September. My time at Badminton has equipped me with fundamental skills such as public speaking and debating which have all given me extra confidence when starting university this September. I feel excited and ready for my future!”
Like our students, our staff are energetic, passionate and committed professionals, who stretch and challenge our young people both inside and outside of the classroom - we all learn something new everyday and it enriches and improves us all.
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OPEN EVENING | Thursday 29 th September Reserve your place stkaths.org.uk/admissions St Katherine’s School, Ham Green, BS20 0HU | 01275 373737 Find us on: St Katherine’s School @stkathsschool
Besides our track record of academic success - our GCSE, A level and vocational subject results continue to reach new heights, securing pathways for all our young people. Our curriculum is broad, including our co-curricular offer shaped around SKYwards - St Katherine’s Youth Award designed to ensure everyone enjoys new experiences, helping them develop into young adults equipped socially and academically to take on the opportunities and challenges of life. Above all, a St Katherine’s education is busy, inspiring, ambitious and great fun! Come along to our September open evening (details below) to experience it for yourself. You and your child are guaranteed a warm welcome.
ST Katherine’s is a thriving, diverse school community that has educated students from all over Bristol for many years. Year 7 students from over 50 primary schools are joining us this September. So why do so many parents and carers choose St Katherine’s for their child’s secondary education? believe it’s because our approach is based on the principle that, as individuals, we all perform at our best when we feel confident, secure and valued. Along with my committed team, I am passionate about giving every student an environment where they feel safe and happy so they can achieve their full potential and pursue their dreams. We do this through our exceptional pastoral care and absolute commitment to wellbeing which makes St Katherine’s such a happy, thriving school. We take full advantage of St Katherine’s size to create a friendly atmosphere where every child is well known and cared for as an individual.
n MEET THE HEAD SchoolStHeadHumphreys,fromMessageJustinofKatherine’s henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202234 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
I’d also like to acknowledge the support their families have provided during these recent challenging times, as well as thanking the QEH staff who have provided both academic and pastoral support. I wish these young people every success in life beyond QEH.” Theo Akande was celebrating four A* grades and a high score in the STEP exam, ensuring he can take up his place at Imperial College London to study Computing (Visual Computing and Robotics).
Head of QEH congratulates students
henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 35 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Boys 7-16. Co-ed 16-18. Independent since 1590. qehbristol.co.uk WHAT MAKES HAPPY CHILDREN HAPPY ADULTS? FIND OUT AT OUR OPEN SATURDAYMORNING8OCTOBER
Ruby Parker moves on to an Art Foundation course at Bristol, after achieving three A* and one A grade and Lili Bishop will be studying Italian and the History of Art at UCL, following three A* grades in Art, English Lit and History. All students who applied to medical school this year achieved their required grades, with a number of students also taking up places at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities.
n EDUCATION
RUPERT Heathcote, Head of QEH, has congratulated all students who have received their A-level results.
Mackenzie Dutton and Bo Wang also achieved four A* grades; Mackenzie will be moving on to study Economics at the University of Edinburgh, while Bo takes up his place studying Medicine at Cambridge.
Lili Bishop Theo Akande
“I am delighted to see our students able to celebrate success right across the curriculum. They have worked extremely hard throughout their time in our Sixth Form, and it is wonderful to see this hard work pay off.
Directors of Post 16 Aimi Potter (Cotham School) and Owen Tiplady (Redland Green School) say: "We could not be more proud of the resilience and maturity our Year 13 students have demonstrated in preparing themselves for this examination series. The past two years have been incredibly tough for us all, but this age group really has been hit the hardest. “Our students have maintained a positive outlook and shown both patience and ambition as we have navigated national uncertainties, as well as the impact of school closure and close-contact isolation."
North Bristol P16 students shine
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202236 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Open events for Cathedral Schools Trust secondary schools St Katherine’s School, Ham Green, North Somerset, BS20 0HU Thursday 29th stkaths.org.uk/admissionsSeptember Bristol Cathedral Choir School, College Square, Bristol, BS1 5TS Thursday 15th September Thursday 22nd bccs.bristol.sch.uk/admissionsSeptember Trinity Academy, Romney Avenue, Bristol, BS7 9BY Tuesday 20th September Thursday 29th trinityacademybristol.org/admissionsSeptember Please visit the schools’ websites for details and to book your place n EDUCATION
NORTH Bristol Post 16 Centre has hailed an outstanding set of A-level results. The incredible hard work invested by both students and staff to overcome the challenges of the last two and a half years has been rewarded. Most university applicants from the centre, which is a collaboration between Cotham School and Redland Green School and takes in students from schools across the area, won places on their chosen courses. Others secured higher apprenticeships and progression pathways in the arts.
“It has been an incredible boost to be able to see our students today to collect and celebrate a set of results which they have worked so incredibly hard to achieve. We have been happy to share in their successes and excitement for the future in the many conversations that have already taken place.
“For more than ten years, our schools have been working together, as the North Bristol Post 16 Centre, to make sure every student has the opportunity and support they need to reach their goals.”
Amy and Petrina both gained 3 A*s confirming their places to study Medicine at Oxford and Politics and International Relations at Warwick
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 37 Collegiate School, Bell Hill, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BJ Telephone: 0117 992 3194 Email: admissions@collegiate.org.uk SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2022 JOIN US AT OUR NEXT WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING We are Collegiate Visit collegiate.org.uk to register n EDUCATION AFTER a period of uncertainty in two of the most important years of their lives, students at Redmaids' High School were thrilled to receive an excellent set of A-level results that reflected the hard work and commitment they have nextenablingGradesshown.wereoutstanding,studentstostartthechapteroftheirlivesat some of the UK’s top institutions, on adventure-filled gap years or undertaking apprenticeships in a range of professional areas. Students have secured places on a range of courses; from Chemistry at Bristol, Animation Production at Bournemouth, to Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham, Medicine, and French at Oxford and Business Management at Cardiff. Results were similarly strong in STEM-related subjects with students preparing to study Engineering at Bristol and Computer Science at Birmingham. Others will be heading off to read Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Midwifery, Maths, Automotive Engineering and Nursing at destinations including Bristol, Worcester, Exeter, and Newcastle. Students also excelled in creative and performing arts, with subjects such as Art, Music, and Drama, all achieving 100% A* - B grades. A number of students will be pursuing their creative passions further, taking places at The Met Film School to study Practical Filmmaking, Arts University Bournemouth for Animation and Drama, and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. Redmaids' High has seen a number of students interested in pursuing opportunities:apprenticeshipforexample, a six-year law apprenticeship at Bristol City Council. Head of Redmaids’ High, Paul Dwyer, commended the students saying: “We are extremely proud of this cohort. They have worked so hard over the past two years, adapting to online learning and disruptions to their studies and we are delighted that their dedication and hard work are reflected in the grades they have received. We know they will go on to succeed and shape the world in unique and incredible ways and are excited to see what the future holds for them.”
Diverse destinations for Redmaids’ High girls
Charles Dickens
Dickens and Müller
Charles Dickens’ s full account of his Bristol visit can be read at the Dickens Society website and demonstrates that George Müller was a quite wonderful benefactor for the children and young people of Bristol. Locally the Bristol and Clifton Dickens Society have been celebrating the man and his works for 120 years. Their Book of the Year is Bleak House – a legacy, an interminable legal action, secrets and lies, astonishing entanglements, shameful behaviour, the terror of a monumental scandal, towering public shame and, unlike today, a full and miserable reckoning. There’s a happy ending too for some of the characters – Dickens knew his readers.TheSociety meets on eight Monday evenings, at Leonard Hall, next to Henleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. There are talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members welcome.Seewww.dickens-society.org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further details. Firstmeeting – Monday, 12th September at 7pm.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202238 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE BUILD YOUR NETWORK BUILD YOUR FUTURE Attend one of our FREE construction breakfast or lunch workshops ScantheQRcodetoregister FREE SUPPORT for small and medium sized construction business across the West of England Funded by Delivered by S O U T H W E S T n LOCAL HISTORY
THE Müller orphanages in Bristol were founded when George and his wife, Mary, converted their own home to look after children in 1836. Eventually this expanded to five huge houses in Ashley Down. But did you know that local gossip and rumour suggested that there was something not quite right about the management of the orphanages? When this reached the ear of novelist Charles Dickens maybe his imagination called up the excesses of Oliver Twist or the abuse of children at Dotheboys Hall in Nicholas Nickleby. This was in 1857 – both novels had been published long before this. Outraged, he travelled to Bristol, presented himself at the orphanages and by sheer stubbornness and determination succeeded in gaining admission and made a full tour of the homes. The rumours and his fury were completely misplaced. He was so impressed that on return to London he wrote an extensive account of the work of George Müller whose homes cared for many hundreds of children – all funded by voluntary donation. Charles Dickens was completely won over by Müller; he clearly spent some time with him and gave a full account of his life and his calling to look after impoverished children. Müller trusted entirely in his belief that his faith would somehow find the money to run the orphanages, and that faith was amply rewarded. You can’t help but be reminded of the fictional Mr. Micawber and his “something will turn up” approach to life.
WE'RE ONLINE TOO: WWW.HENLEAZEANDWESTBURYVOICE.CO.UK
“Ladies’ Mile” was written by Victoria Hughes, the attendant at the building for more than 30 years until the sixties. Hard to imagine that level of dedication from anyone today. She re-tells from her diaries the remarkable and sometimes shocking stories of part of Bristol’s twilight world involving the many people who she greeted each day. Many were working girls who had their own stories to tell. Others, extraordinary characters who she befriended and listened to. Then there’s her own story of struggle, overcoming antipathy from her in-laws, caring for a disabled husband, fighting to survive against the grinding poverty of the post-war years. She wrote her story when she was 80 and was later honoured with a blue plaque on the building to commemorate her service.
“Please don’t let this Victorian gem of a building decay any further,” she says. com/crowdfunding/ladiesmilehttps://www.justgiving.
Toilet block with a tale to tell
Expand is a Bristol based building company delivering high quality construction and high standard workmanship with a customer focus. Contact us today for a quotation. 0117 959 www.expandbuilding.co.uk1777 07813 328 387 | 07972 577 827 | email: info@expandbuilding.co.uk Extensions New Builds Home Improvements Sub Contracting Insurance Work Commercial Maintenance Commercial Interior Refurbishments Renovations/Alterations We specialise in: Expand Building, 124 Falcondale Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3JD | Company Registration No. 7933161 www.expandbuilding.co.ukFind out more 0117 959 1777 We specialise in EXTENSIONS & LOFT CONVERSIONS 07813 328 387 | 07972 577 827 | email: info@expandbuilding.co.uk Extensions New Builds Home Improvements Sub Contracting Insurance Work Commercial Maintenance Commercial Interior Refurbishments Renovations/Alterations We specialise in: Expand Building, 124 Falcondale Road, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3JD | Company Registration No. 7933161 www.expandbuilding.co.ukFind out more 0117 959 1777 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 39 AT first glance you can see that great care went into the design and construction of this public convenience – feel sure the Victorians would have called it that because “toilet block” does not have the same ring to it. Still in use today, the building is just by the water tower on the Downs on Stoke Road. Its beauty though has faded over the many decades since and now there’s a move to restore the structure to its former glory.Fundraising for the project has taken an imaginative turn with the plan to re-publish a remarkable history of the building. That’s right, the history of a public toilet.
The driving force behind the restoration project, Kerris Harrop, initially needs funds to re-publish this story and the sales of the book, first published in 1977, will go towards the restoration fund. Kerris describes herself as a proud Bristolian, a former pupil at Redmaids School, a graduate of UWE.
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By AMDsolicitorFaulkner,ShelleywithSolicitors
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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 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. 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 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. 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 practitionersprivateAMD’sessential.teamofexperiencedclientsolicitorsandincludesfull of attorney and all private client issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, Florence Pearce and the other members of the team on 0117 9621205, email Henleazeatamdsolicitors.comprobate@orcallin15TheMallClifton,or100RoadHenleaze.AMDSolicitorstakespride 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 fundraising activities website www.amdsolicitors.com. Solicitors inheritance 9621205 Morris, a family law specialist at AMD Solicitors considers the implications of owning property as an unmarried couple – an update on law of co-ownership of property UNLIKE marriage, cohabitation does not confer special legal rights relating to finances upon the ending of a relationship. Therefore, where a couple purchases a property in unequal contributions, a document known as a Declaration of Trust can enable purchasers to set out clearly their respective contributions, and to make provision for equity to be shared in unequal shares. This document allows the couple to make more detailed provisions for the division of equity upon the sale of a property than is possible in the transfer deed that will be signed by bothDeclarationspurchasers. are therefore especially attractive when one purchaser is gifted money by family or contributes a greater proportion of the deposit, and would like to ring fence the return of it at a later date.But what happens when there is no Declaration of Trust in place, but unmarried parties contributed unequally to the purchase price? If no Declaration of Trust is in place, the parties can seek to show that despite this, they had a different common intention at the time of purchase, or formed a different common intention after the purchase. A party may make a claim under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (‘TOLATA’). Evidence will be required to prove a different intention to that which was set out on the transfer deed. Where parties have children and a property was purchased to provide a home for them, a court may not order the home be sold, while they are still minors.
our
tax is right for you our experienced specialist solicitors can help Telephone 0117
or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com A local award winning law firm Telephone our experts on 0117 9621205 100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT www.amdsolicitors.com Jo
Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax
The gift that pays for itself How leaving money to charity can save you Inheritance Tax A local award winning law firm If planning for
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.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202240 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk Think about what it means to own a property as an unmarried couple n ADVERTISING FEATURE bishopston bishopstonvoice voiceJuly, 2014 E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice 23 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk Advertising Feature
The importance of a Declaration of Trust Claims under TOLATA can be time consuming and very expensive particularly when compared to the cost of preparing a Declaration of Trust at the time of purchase. It is therefore vital that a Declaration of Trust is drawn up where parties are unmarried and contribute unequally to the purchase price of a property and want to protect their initial investment. Unmarried couples do not benefit from the assistance of the family courts in determining what a ‘fair’ division of matrimonial assets should be on the breakdown of their relationship. If you require assistance with drawing up a Declaration of Trust to give effect to your intentions, do not hesitate to get in contact with our conveyancing team at convey@ amdsolicitors.com or 0117 962 1205.If you require assistance with distribution of assets on the breakdown of your relationship, our family team would be delighted to help. Get in contact with them by telephoning 0117 962 1205.
• Next ward Zoom meeting at 7pm on Tuesday 6th September; please go to http://tiny.cc/WandHSep22 to book in. The following meeting will be 4th October. 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 9039946.
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Once we have looked at the many options available to us, we will ask for views from residents and local organisations. There is a delicate balance between decisions being transparent, decision makers being accountable, and decisions being made properly and in a timely fashion. If you are interested in hearing more as our work develops, please email me.
Geoff Gollop (Westbury-on-Trym & Henleaze)
• I have written for several months promising details of a report from external auditors on value for money at WECA (the West of England Combined Authority). At long last I am promised that this report will be submitted to the WECA Audit Committee, which I chair, on 15th September. I will share more details next month.
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A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT FIELD HOUSE NURSING HOME We’d love to hear from you and we’d be very happy to give you a virtual tour of the home... Give us a call on 0117 969 0990 or visit our website at bristolcarehomes.co.uk BEST FOR IN CLASS CARE PLANS BEST FOR IN CLASS CATERING BEST FOR IN CLASS ACTIVITIESBEST FOR IN CLASS CATERINGBEST FOR IN CLASS CARE PLANS BEST FOR IN CLASS CARE PLANS BEST FOR IN CLASS CATERING BEST FOR IN CLASS ACTIVITIESBEST FOR IN CLASS CATERINGBEST FOR IN CLASS CARE PLANS BEST FOR IN CLASS CARE PLANS BEST FOR IN CLASS CATERING BEST FOR IN CLASS ACTIVITIESBEST FOR IN CLASS CATERINGBEST FOR IN CLASS CARE PLANS Providing top quality, best value, holistic care Field House in Horfield offers safe and nurturing care 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. We also ensure: • Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented • Care staff wear PPE 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
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoice 41September,News2022and views from our city councillors
• On a positive note, WECA has at long last reached agreement on the investment needed for the Portishead rail line. Given all parties and all councils seem to agree how essential this is, I very much hope this can now go ahead without further delay.
Having voted to do away with the Mayoral system, Councillors now have to sort out detailed proposals for the committee system that will replace it. I am one of 12 councillors from all parties on the council who have to draft recommendations. We will look at how many committees are needed and what the process will be for making the decisions .
• My positive comment on “Fixmystreet” in last month’s article provoked a number of examples of the opposite where items have been marked as complete and closed when nothing has been done. I have reported these myself in an attempt to get some action. Please notify me of issues where there is no response • Case work has continued to flow in the last month, tree issues in Stole Lane and Reedley Road, repeated missed bin collections in Canford Lane, pavement tarring issues everywhere,almostCounciltaxissuesinHenleazeaswell as planning and planning enforcement.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202242 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk News and views from our city councillors
Henleaze) HELP NEEDED
There is a shortage of accommodation forrefugees from Ukraine, so we are appealingfor more hosts to please step forward. Thereare thousands seeking sponsorship in theUK, so anyone who has a spare room coulddo something wonderful and offer it to arefugee family.There is now a well-established network forboth hosts and new arrivals. The councilhas an excellent dedicated team that helpwith support for Ukrainians, plus muchcommunity help with ‘Welcome Hubs’ inthe Hostsarea.are expected to commit to 6 monthsminimum, and this will be compensated at£350 per month by the council (up to 12months). Hosts aren’t expected to providefood, though it makes things much easierfor your guests if you can help a littlewhile they find jobs or have their benefits
Anyoneassessed.with a suitable room(s) can registerwith LoveBristol.org, a local charity thatworks on the Ukrainian border. Please note,registering on the Government’s Homes forUkraine does not match you with a refugee,which is why organisations like LoveBristol.org are vital. The other need is for rental properties.Many early arrivals are coming to the end oftheir initial six months, so they are lookingto rent in the area. Apart from supply, themain hurdles being faced are lack of workand credit history. With many Ukrainiansreceiving Universal Credit they are eligiblefor Housing Benefit when they find atenancy. There is also a cultural differenceregarding accommodation size, as a familyof four will often only need a one-bed flatbecause the sofa bed in the living room isused by the parents.Families are not expecting discounts,and any shortfall would be made up withincome, but agents and landlords who areopen to these circumstances are desperatelyneeded. The majority of arrivals are lonewomen with young children, so they arekeen to stay in the area and not have to add another school move to all the upheavaltheir children have Bristolendured.City Counciloffer a package tohelp Ukrainians withthese difficulties, and will fund a deposit, the first month’s rent, plus afurniture support package, each up to £1k.In addition, a landlord renting to Ukrainianswill be eligible for a bonus of up £1k.With this in mind, if anyone has a propertythey let out, even if currently tenantedbut who would be open to offering this toUkrainians when the tenancy ends, pleaseget in touch with Zelda, who is an organiserwith the local Westbury-on-Trym Hub. Zeldacan be contacted on 07812 175689.If you need any help on any matter to dowith Bristol City Council, you can contactme by email on cllr.sharon.scott@bristol.gov.uk – I also have a facebook page where Ipost regular updates: Cllr-Sharon-Scott-10433537851413www.facebook.com/
Sharon Scott (Westbury-on-Trym & FOR UKRAINIAN FAMILIES
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
News councillors
and views from our city
The Metro Mayor Dan Norris now has new government funding of just over £105mover three years to form something calledan “Enhanced Partnership Plan” with the buscompanies. That is getting off the groundnow, and they are working on a plan to makeservices more reliable. This plan is likely toinvolve some major changes to services withdifferent types of buses running on differentroutes, potentially with more public fundingand new infrastructure. Many of the busroutes that exist today follow old tram routesthat were set out a century or more ago! Itis likely to be the biggest change to busservices that we have seen in decades, andit will probably happen within the next 12months.Atthe moment the Metro Mayor isholding what he calls a “big conversation”about all of this, with a survey and a series ofpublic meetings. You can read more aboutthat and complete the survey on his websitewhich you can find if you search for “bigchoices on buses”.
Steve Smith (Westbury-on-Trym &Henleaze)
Bus services set to facemajor changesWe are receiving lots of complaintsabout cancelled or delayed bus services.Unfortunately as Councillors we have nocontrol over bus services, which are run byprivate companies. Local government onlygets involved in subsidising a small numberof routes and (more significantly) agreeinginfrastructure projects such as building buslanes. Those responsibilities have movedfrom Bristol City Council to the West ofEngland Combined Authority under “MetroMayor” Dan Norris.Bus operators are facing a perfect storm atthe moment with a combination of reducedrevenue because fewer people are travelling,and a critical shortage of drivers. Togetherthese two things mean that services are verypoor and unreliable.
Building Excellence - Design to finish We build and refurbish properties to the highest standards. We provide high-end luxury construction projects for residential customers and property developers in Bristol and surrounding areas • Extensions • Kitchens • Refurbishments • Bathrooms The Studio, 23 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol , BS6 6PG Tel: 0117 2 591 591 www.halbuild.co.ukinfo@halgroup.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 43
Geoff and myself are two of the fiveCouncillors from Bristol who sit on the “Wecascrutiny” committee that oversees what theMetro Mayor and West of England CombinedAuthority are doing. We will be watching this very closelyover the comingmonths to make sure that the £105m is spent wisely, andthat changes toservices are made in the interests of passengers, notthose of the bus companies. Stay in Touch We hold regular Zoom meetings for peopleto stay in touch with us, ask questions or raiseconcerns. The next ones will be on the 6thSeptember (you can register to attend at tiny.cc/WandHSep22) and the 4th October (tiny.cc/WandHOct22). The meetings start at 7pmand they usually last around 45 minutes toan Youhour.canalso contact me by email on cllr.steve.smith@bristol.gov.uk, or phone on07769 285266. I also try to post regularupdates on my Facebook page at fb.com/CouncillorSteveSmith. We publish regularemail updates – please contact me if you’dlike to be added to the mailing list for these.
THERE’S a lot of pessimism about politics at the moment, so I want to start by sharing a recent success story. In late July, a bill that I introduced to Parliament, asking for a change in the law that would give the Forensic Science Regulator statutory powers to enforce quality standards, came into force. This will help to avoid miscarriages of justice and improve criminal prosecutions. It’s a small law, but one that I hope will make a big difference.
In other news from Westminster, the committee that I chair, the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, recently released a report on energy pricing. The report calls on the Government to update its support to help with rising energy bills, with energy companies set to start charging the Earth for people to heat their homes this autumn and winter. We also suggest that taxpayers’ money can be better targeted to help those who need it the most. For example, people who can afford to own multiple homes should not receive £400 support towards their energy bills for each of theirThehomes.long-term solution, though, is to make our homes more energy efficient, and so the report calls for the roll out a nationwide insulation programme. It may seem counter-intuitive but insulating our homes not only keeps them warmer in winter (stopping the heat from seeping out), but it also helps to keep them cooler in summer (stopping the hot air from coming in). While we wait for a response from the Government to the report, I am pushing forward with organising an event in my constituency to offer you practical advice and help with the energy crisis. Whether you want to see live demonstrations on installing insulation in your loft, speak to organisations for help and advice on benefits and fuel debt, or hear from a range of experts on the latest green technologies, please come to Charge the Earth Summit at the Greenway Centre in Southmead on Saturday 1st October. The event will also include an interesting programme of talks, covering everything from the wider political landscape to a lively debate on whether the energy crisis will be good for the environment, or if it will tempt us back to coal. We’ll also be answering the question 'I'm a tenant, what can I do?’. You don’t need to book to attend, but I would appreciate it if you could RSVP via my Facebook event page. For full details, visit earthdarren-jones.co.uk/charge-theAhead of that event, I am running an hour-long Facebook Live Q&A on Monday 5th September about the Clean Air Zone, which will be introduced in Bristol in late eventconcernsandpeopleimplement,GovernmentThisreducingairAirquestions.onCityRepresentativesNovember.fromBristolCouncilwillbejoiningmethepaneltoansweryourThegoaloftheCleanZoneistomakeBristol'scleanerandhealthierbytransportemissions.isarequirementsetbythethatBristolmustbutitwillaffecthowtravelaroundBristolIknowmanyofyouhaveaboutit.JointheonmyFacebookchannel: fb.com/darrenjonesmp This event will be the first day of the next Parliamentary session. For now, during the summer recess, I am back in Bristol full-time and enjoying exploring some local community events with my family. The Southmead Festival was a big hit with my daughters, and it was great to see the event back up and running for the first time since the start of the pandemic. I was also honoured to be invited to hand out the cups and prizes at this year’s Henbury Flower Show. Please take care of yourself and others when you’re out enjoying the sunshine. Avon Fire & Rescue Service have already had to put out several grass fires in Bristol this summer. A picnic is always a better option, as BBQs (and cigarettes, for that matter) can easily ignite dry grass. As always, if you need my help or have a question, you can get in touch with me on e-mail at darren.jones.mp@parliament. uk, by calling my office on 0117 959 6545 or by writing to me at the House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202244 The Carpet Shop0117 973 4912For free advice please call: Visit ourWestbury45showroom:NorthViewParkBS67PY • Free measuring service • Fitting included in the carpet price • Wide selection of styles and colours • Fitters with over 20 years experience • Professional, friendly and prompt www.thecarpetshopbristol.co.ukservice MIKEBUILDINGPALMER STAPLETON BRISTOL All Building work undertaken ROOFING, EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS, PLASTERING & RENDERING BRICKWORK & LANDSCAPING Professional Local Building Contractor 07833 michaeldickasonpalmer@gmail.com691895
writesDarrenJonesfortheVoice MP out what you can do to curb soaring energy bills
n FROM OUR
Find
“refresh”
New PM must
Mr Rees told a city council cabinet meeting o that whoever was announced as the Conservative Party leader on September 5 needed to grasp the unique challenges facing cities and the opportunities they present in leading the fight against climate change.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk common eye symptoms Sore eyes Eye strain Glaucoma Blurry vision Red eye whatever your eye care needs, our expert eye care team are ready to help you at both of our practices. 768 Fishponds Road, Bristol, BS16 3UA 57 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4JT 0117 965 4434 0117 962 2474 eyecareteam@turnersopticians co uk www turnersopticians co uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 45 n NEWS Full Service CLEANING We pride ourselves on being professional, fully insured, well mannered, efficient and competitively priced.www.fullservicecleaning.co.uk startingfrom£12perhour!* Office: 01173 215 815 Mobile: 07572 412 600 All you have to pay is the agreed rate when you use our services. Regular Domestic & Commercial Cleaning (weekly & fortnightly, end of tenancy cleaning, one off cleaning, carpet cleaning, communal area cleaning or by request) All cleaning products supplied and included in price. forDiscountregularcustomers! NO FEES OR CONTRACTS! AIRNEWBNBSERVICE 1st cleaninghourFREE* *Subject to availability and terms and conditions
The annual contest will be hosted in the UK in May 2023, but Bristol did not secured a place on the recently announced shortlist. A recent freedom of information request has now revealed that the city council spent £50 on making a video for the bid, and £20.42 on travel expenses. The video, made by an external videographer, was ultimately not used due to licensing issues.
BRISTOL City Council spent only £70.42 on a failed bid to bring the Eurovision song contest to the city next year.
BRISTOL'S mayor Marvin Rees is urging the two contenders vying be the next Prime Minister to the Government’s relationship with councils and forge a national plan for UK cities.Mr Rees is joining the leaders of 10 other major cities in writing to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, imploring them to better understand the critical role local authorities play in “keeping this country stitched together”.
to
The mayor said: “We are going to write a letter to both the Prime Ministerial candidates through the Core Cities making a number of points to them. “One of them is ‘this is your opportunity to refresh your relationship with local government’, and part of that refresh includes really understanding the role of local government and how important we are to delivery in keeping this country stitched together, particularly with the cost-ofliving crisis which is a another demand on our need to support children and adults in this crisis period.“The second point we are going to make is that we want Government to have a particular understanding of cities." engage with cities– Marvin
The cost of £70.42 is much smaller than what some other cities have spent in their bids to host Eurovision. Aberdeen City Council committed to spend £30,000 of taxpayers’ money on its bid, but also ended up not making the shortlist of host cities.
A Bristol council spokesperson said: “Working with key city partners like YTL Arena Bristol, we tabled a serious bid from our global city at a minimal cost to council tax payers. Ukrainians were at the heart of Bristol’s bid, and we continue to support them as a proud City of Sanctuary.”
Cost of failed Eurovision bid
Pension Consolidation henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202246
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk 50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ 0117 3636 212 office@haroldstephens co uk www.haroldstephens.co.uk Inheritance Tax Planning Long Term Care Planning PTrusts ensions & Retirement Savings & Investments Wills & Power of Attorney If you want a relaxed chat about how to manage your assets in later life, then we are on hand to deliver it the good old fashioned way face to face right here in your local community FINANCE With Richard Higgs BA (hons) CFP FPFS Harold Stephens 50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ T: 0117 3636212 E: ••••effectively,sensiblebutpension,ifneedsmoreproducedwithwordPensionoffice@haroldstephens.co.ukconsolidationisabuzzinfinancialplanningmanyarticlesandvideoswhichmakeitsoundcomplexthanitperhapstobe.Simplyput,itmeansyouhavemorethanonegettingthemorganised,gettingthemorganisedinaway.Toconsolidateyourpensionsyoumustknow:Whatareyourgoals?Howcloseareyoutomeetingthem?ThevalueofyourpensionsThecostsofyourpensionsWhatyourpoliciesofferyou,forexampleprotection,greaterstandardbenefits,guaranteed annuity rates or more tax free cashOnce you know the answer to these points, we can understand what they mean to you and what you want to achieve at and in retirement.Allofyour investments and pensions can then be invested together in a way you are comfortable with (for example how much risk are you happy to take) and in line with your goals, whether this is capital growth, tax efficiency, withdrawal of income or inheritance tax planning. Many people ask the best time to consolidate their pensions. Of course, this always depends on an individual’s circumstances but more often than not, the best time to consolidate is when you are coming to retirement, or at retirement.Atthispoint, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your goals and ensure your affairs are in order. This is important not only for you, but also provides you with reassurance that you have organised your finances to make everything as straightforward as possible for your next of kin. We can help you to understand your position, recommend suitable changes in line with your goals based on our intensive independent due diligence and assist in all areas of later life financial planning so you can give up work with peace of mind that you have put yourself in the best possible position to enjoy your well-earned retirement!
If you would like us to review your investments as part of a complimentary financial review, call 0117 3636 212 or taxterminvestmentsadvisingBS950basislocalfriendlyoffice@haroldstephens.co.uk.emailHaroldStephensprovidesfinancialadviceinthecommunityonaface-to-faceinawelcominglocationatHighStreet,WestburyonTrym,3DZ.Thefirmspecialisesinlaterlifeclientsaboutandpensions,long-careplanning,inheritanceandestateplanning.
Rob (above) is a great example of how MBST heals cartilage in a moderate to severe arthritic knee. 15 months after his MBST therapy he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain and that’s without his braces. He’s recently done a course on his severe arthritic neck and after 3-4 months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next 6 months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement. This translates to you and I as a healing process in the tissue the energy is applied to which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive
I’ve also
RF Gradientcoilcoil RF coils Sweep coils · Electromagnets Detector coils
Construction of MRI and MBST devices
Rob (above) is a great example of how MBST heals cartilage in a moderate to severe arthritic knee. 15 months after his MBST therapy he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain and that’s without his braces. He’s recently done a course on his severe arthritic neck and after 3-4 months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next 6 months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement. This translates to you and I as a healing process in the tissue the energy is applied to which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive Obviouslytherapy. there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.
MBST uses exactly the same technology as MRI scanning, just without the detector coils and imaging software. MBST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation. It was discovered by a German doctor who noticed that some of his MRI patients had reduced symptoms following their MRI scans. He then assembled a team of biologists and physicists to research these positive effects at a cellular level. Cells that had not functioned properly due to damage , were stimulated in such a way by the energy transfer that they could again fulfil their original tasks. It does this at cell level in a number of ways: - Optimising cell oxygen levels - Improving Cell energy production - Optimising intercellular signalling pathways - Reducing inflammatory mediators - Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction. This translates to you and I as a healing process in the tissue the energy is applied to which leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive therapy.
The results we’re seeing now in patients with varying injuries and conditions is really remarkable.
Rosemary had over 5 years of pain and swelling in her wrists and hands. Mouse use, washing up, gripping things we’re all very painful. We were able to diagnose osteoarthritis of both her thumbs and proceeded with MBST. 6 months later she’s finding everything much more comfortable and has even gone back to scything her grass!! Far more energy than I’ve got!! Great response.
Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.
CHRONIC - Optimising cell oxygen levels - Improving Cell energy production - Optimising intercellular signalling pathways - Reducing inflammatory mediators - Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction.
CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT ADVERTISING FEATURE
MBST is an adaptation of MRI
James Scrimshaw of CUR A CLINIC AL explains how new technologies are providing ef fec tive answers to people’s pain and suf fering
PAIN MANAGEMENT ADVERTISING FEATURE
James Scrimshaw of CUR A CLINIC AL explains how new technologies are providing ef fec tive answers to people’s pain and suf fering death and cell reproduction.
dischargedjustKate5monthsfollowingtreatmentforherarthriticknees(she’dalreadyhadahalfkneereplaced).She’snowpainfree…Ianticipatetheseresultswilllastanumberofyears.
5 months following treatment for her arthritic knees (she’d already had a half knee replaced). She’s now pain free… I anticipate these results will last a number of years. Superconductive magnets
MBST Cell regeneration: What is MBST?
Scanner & control unit High performance computer with special imaging software Control unit with interactive display
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Michael was suffering chronic hip and leg pain since the summer of 2020. Physio and chiropractic helped but short term and symptoms returned re peatedly. We’re delighted to say he is now ‘almost pain free’ following MBST treatment for his arthritic left hip and a second course dealing with degen erative discs with nerve radiation into the leg. Still some healing time to go too. He’s a happy chap with a spring in his step!!
The results we’re seeing now in patients with varying injuries and conditions is really remarkable.
Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results.
"Compliments turned into insults, then eventually insults turned into physical abuse. "You say 'oh, that will never happen to me' but after experiencing all that, it showed me how anyone can be affected." Amy left her abuser, who has since been convicted of assault for beating her. A friend who had been through a similar experience told her about Refuge which, as well as providing emergency accommodation for women and children fleeing abuse, runs local support groups and a 24-hour helpline offering advice.
While Amy never needed to stay in the was a chance to both tick off a challenge from her 'bucket list' and "turn something that was negative into something positive".Amysaid: "I would like to repay my gratitude to Refuge for the much-needed help and support they gave me. "And if just one woman recognises the warning signs of domestic violence and finds the courage to get in touch with Refuge, then that is potentially one life saved." Amy aims to raise £2,000 for Refuge at the marathon, which takes place in October. To support Amy's appeal visit
From 23 July until 4 September 2022. n DISHES OF DISCOVERY AT BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN - Already known as the ‘world’s smelliest museum’ with hundreds of sights, sounds and smells, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is about to get tasty this summer. Embark on a global voyage of taste without leaving Bristol as you sample delicacies inspired by Victorian voyages to destinations visited by the ship. September 26 n HENLEAZE SENIOR FILM CLUB at 2pm The Madness of King George (PG) The 1994 multi awardwinning comedy drama starring Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren. Tickets: £4.00 including tea & cake. Carers welcome, easy access. For more information and to book, please call 0117 435 0063. St. Peter’s Hall, The Drive, Henleaze BS9 4LD October 8 n AUTUMN FAIR IN AID OF BRACE DEMENTIA RESEARCH. Redmaids’ Junior High School, Grange Court Road, BS9 4DP. 10.00 am – 1.00 pm. Entry by donation. Shopping stalls, Raffle, Tombola, Games, Refreshments, Christmas stall, Cake stall and much more Regular events n CALL THE BRITISH RED CROSS'S FREE AND CONFIDEN TIAL CORONAVIRUS support line on 0808 196 3651 to speak to a friendly volunteer for a chat if you are lonely, worried or need practi cal support, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, or email support line@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 Improv ers, where experienced Club members help players with bid ding and card play. A brief lesson is often included. Monday and Friday afternoon is for more capable play ers; relaxed but competitive, this is an EBU-recognised session. You may come alone to any afternoon session; a partner will be found. The evening sessions are on 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.
inhadwhentakendistanceFishponds.insupportedUniversity,studyingishaving–therewhenfriends.someonewhenprovidedaccommodation,charity'sitshelplineinvaluablesupportsheneededtotalktooutsideherfamilyandShesaid:"IneverrealisedIwasinthatsituationthatwassomuchhelpoutthereduringthosecriticalmoments,someonetoreassureyousoimportant."AstudentparamedicatGloucestershireAmyalsoworksforlivingproviderAspireDownend,StapleHillandShehasruninanumberofracesbuthasneveronamarathonbefore,andshediscoveredthatRefugeplacesforfundraiserstheLondonMarathonit
PHYSICAL
n WESTBURY SINGERS: if you enjoy singing, we invite you to join our friendly, non-auditioned, 4 part choir, in term-time on Monday eve nings 7.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.at Reedley Road Baptist Church. Please email the Secretary: gwenalwakeel@ yahoo.co.uk. n DICKENS SOCIETY. 8pm, at Leonard Hall, Henleaze URC, Waterford Rd, Bristol BS9 4BT. Talks, costumed readings, book club and social events. New members wel come. See www.dickens-society. org.uk or phone Roma on 0117 9279875 for further details.
FM DeClutter Services provide a friendly tailor made service that works with you, at your pace, with empathy and understanding.
A WOMAN who survived domestic abuse is taking on the London Marathon to raise money and awareness of the charity which has supported her. Amy Yapp is sharing her story to help charity Refuge – and to encourage other women in abusive relationships to seek help.Amy, a former Downend School pupil who grew up in the area and now lives in Fishponds, found herself in a relationship where she was subjected to physical, psychological and emotional abuse over four years. She was beaten, isolated from her family and friends and lost control of her finances.
Monday n PLAY BOWLS at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equip ment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
Tel: 078 2107 8526 or 0117 955 0713 www.fmdeclutterservices.com
Amy said: "When I look back, I do not recognise the person I had become at all. I was conditioned how to behave and even speak. Living by rules which I was not allowed to break.
at Westburyon-Trym Methodist Church, 10.30am-noon. An interesting pro gramme of speakers; come along to make friends. For more details, ring Kate 07905 064720. n SCOTTISH DANCING to GET FIT and HAVE FUN and HAVE FUN with Westbury Scottish Country Dancing Club. Classes for beginners (Email: tish.org.ukDetailsTuesdaysPeter'sCherylmoregiekirkup@gmail.commag)andadvanceddancers(Tel:01174012416)atStChurchHall,Henleaze,7.30to9.30pm.atwww.westburyscot Wednesday n BCCS (BRISTOL CATHEn WHAT'S ON henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202248 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.ukTo advertise, contact Gary on 0779 9461169 Or 0117 907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579 April, 2022 17downendvoice n NEWS n ADVERTISING FEATURE Wardrobes, Drawers, Cupboards and Shelves full to bursting Hoarding & Collecting Dealing with a relatives home Divorce Bereavement Moving House 078 2107 8526 0117 www.fmdeclutterservices.com9550713FayGregory fmdeclutterservices@gmx.com Do You Need HelpTo Declutter? I work with you at your pace with empathy and understanding Free Consultation For help, advice and solutions DeClutter ServicesFM DeClutter 2020 v5.indd 1 20/01/2020 10:54
isdomesticwebsitethefundraising/amyyapp98.www.justgiving.com/FormoreinformationaboutworkofRefugevisitthewww.refuge.org.uk.Thecharity'sfreenationalabuse24-hourhelplineon08082000247.
Amy runs to help other domestic abuse survivors
Amy Yapp taking part in a Bristol 10k
n WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP meet on Tuesday mornings
Decluttering does wonders for mental health environments influence emotions, cognition, and behaviors. Cluttered environments can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, depressing and stressful. They can cause friction between household members and create feelings of not being in control. Clutter causes negativity. If your hallway has become a dumping ground, every time you come into your home it will feel negative rather than positive. If the clutter continues into the kitchen these negative feelings continue, and so on and so forth. I have been running the declutter service for over 10 years and thankfully have seen many positive changes in recycling. It is a great resource, and if an item can be recycled it is far easier to let it go. There is no harm in asking for help and people find that once they’ve tackled their clutter, they feel that a weight has been lifted, their mood improves and they enjoy a sense of freedom. Reorganising and decluttering and your home is not about making a ‘show home’. It is about managing your belongings and making your home an inviting, pleasurable place to live in and somewhere to feel proud of. Whether you have hoarding tendencies or are just fed up with general mess and clutter, help is at hand to get you motivated.
Tuesday n WESTBURY PARK WOMEN’S INSTITUTE meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the Girl Guide Hut on Westmorland Road from 7.00 - 9.30pm. We are an active and friendly group with a varied programme plus extra ses sions for craft, coffee, book clubs, walks etc. Visitors are always wel come and for more information do call Sue on 07813795936 or westburyparkwi@gmail.comemail
For further information, help, advice and solutions, call Fay Gregory at FM DeClutter Services
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 con tact Heddy tel 07534717254/ email nigel.d.sara@btinternet.com n COUNTRY MARKET, Westbury on Trym at Methodist Church Hall 10.00am – 11.30am. Home baked, crafted and home grown. We would love to see. 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 mem bers. Come and meet us on Friday or call Peter at 0117 329 4516. n LADIES BADMINTON, WoT Village Hall, Friday 10-12noon. New members welcome to join our friendly group. Contact Elizabeth on 0117-968-1759 We're online too! www.henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk We would love to yourpubliciseevent
If you would like to find out about how you can lend your support to WAGS, visit wagsretiredpolicedogs.co.ukwww.
n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR are rehearsing for our 2022 concerts and warmly invite you to join us; the ability to read music is helpful but not essential as we regularly rehearse our wide-ranging rep ertoire, from classical to pop, traditional male voice favourites to musicals and gospel songs in various languages. We meet every Thursday at 7.00pm in St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. For further information see our website, www.bristolmvc.org. uk, or Facebook, or phone 07587 143 220. n
HIGHBURY BADMINTON CLUB: Pete Stables 0117 950 1524 or Westbury-on-Trymmidhighburybadmintonwww.pete4458.wixsite.com/Thurs7:30pmSeptembertoEndApril,VillageHall
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908 2121 Or
n NEWS
WHAT IT IS • WHERE IT IS • WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: Email: andwestburyvoice.co.uknews@henleaze To advertise, contact Emma on
Thursday n
n LOCAL CHOIR ACTIVELY RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS. We meet at Stoke Bishop CE Primary School, BS9 1BW on Thursday, 7.45 - 9.15pm. We are a well-established mixed choir performing both sacred and secular music. See our website www.henburysingers.org or contact the secretary at secre tary@henburysingers.org. n LADIES KEEP FIT, Thursdays 10-11am, at St Peter's Church Hall, Henleaze. This friendly session, which has a dance element to it, is suitable for all. New members are always welcome. £6. Ring 01454 618488, or email laili@tiscali.co.uk FFor more see: lailibrooks.comwww.exercisewith
Fundraiser for police dogs
DRALCHOIR SCHOOL) CHORAL SOCIETY is now meeting at the Henleaze Bowling Club in Grange Court Road, on Wednesdays from 7.30 to 9pm. We are a small, friend ly, unauditioned choir singing varied music , from choral works to more modern pieces and we would welcome new members of all standards. For information, contact Kathy, tel 0117 949362 www.bccschoralsociety.org.uk//email n
Sgt Nick Dalrymple said: “This amazing charity event will make such a difference to so many former police dogs. They put their lives and limbs on the line for us every day and this money will allow WAGS to continue to provide a muchneeded support system for them, so they can fully enjoy their wellearned“Weretirement.aretrulygrateful to our charity abseilers and for the generosity of all who donated.”
KNITNATTERSTITCH meet on Wednesdays (term time only) 10-12 @ Henleaze United Reform Church’s coffee bar. For more information contact Paula at knitnatterstitch @ gmail.com HEALING SESSIONS run by accredited healers take place 2 til 3.30pm at Westbury Park Spiritual ist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info contact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit istchurch.orgwww.westburyparkspiritual PAINTERS IN WATERCOL OUR are invited to join the THURSDAY PAINTING GROUP. We are a well-established, friendly group of 20+ people, meeting most Thursdays from 10.00am until 1.00pm in New man Hall, St Ursula’s, Grange Court Road, Henleaze. Our aim is to enjoy painting together, whilst expanding techniques and experience on a wide range of subjects and themes. Whilst we are not formally an instruc tional class, we welcome artists with a wide range of abilities and enthusiasm for watercolour particularly. For more informa tion, please contact David on 01275 857197 or email: david@ eastendstable.co.uk
770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 49
Send details of your events and activities in the following format: 0117 07715
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THE Deputy Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, Nikki Watson and BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell were among 25 people taking part in a charity abseil in support of police dogs. They abseiled from the 200ft high mast at Avon and Somerset Police’s headquarters, off Valley Road in Portishead, on August 20 in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for WAGS Retired Police DogTheCharity.event was organised by Dog Unit Sergeant Nick Dalrymple and Operational Trainer Clive Bush, and Andrew Jamieson-Jerreat, a former dog handler, who founded and chairs the WAGS Alongsidecharity.thehumans taking on the challenge was Nick’s explosives search police dog (PD) Fred, a springer spaniel, who demonstrated one of his officially trained canine police skills. Police dogs can be involved in dangerous situations and can sometimes be injured while protecting the public and police officers or detaining offenders. They are commonly not eligible for pet insurance. So, when retired dogs have required surgery for medical emergencies or treatment of cancer, WAGS has stepped in to provide the lifesaving procedures.
n HENLEAZE BOWLING CLUB. Come along at 5.45pm on Fridays to see if bowling could be the sport for you. Coaching available. 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 furtherhenleazebowlingclub.org.ukhbcsec@fordetails.
Spiritualist Church, Cairns Road BS6 7TH. Just turn up, or for info con tact Marian Bishop 0117 9771629 or visit istchurch.orgwww.westburyparkspiritual Friday
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HENLEAZE LADIES’ CHOIR Come and join us as we fill St Pe ter’s Church Hall in Henleaze with a diverse selection of music. We are a friendly choir and meet on Thurs day afternoons in term time from 1.45 to 3.45. There are no auditions, and the ability to read music is not necessary. For more information contact Jean on 01179 624466 or Jane on 07752 332278.
OPEN DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE starting Sept 8. For those interested in developing their spiritual aware ness and mediumistic ability. 7.15 for 7.30pm start at Westbury Park
BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Commu nity Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@ blueyonder.co.uk
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n HENLEAZE FLOWER CLUB has a full program for the coming year, Covid permitting. All flower dem onstrations are held at Bradbury Hall,Waterford Road, Henleaze and begin at 2pm. Demonstrators include, Cathryn Brown on Feb 10 and Margaret Heal on March 10. We have alternate Thursdays demo or practise classes. Call Jenny for more information 07880 700270. All welcome.
BRISTOL goodafter noon The - A friendly choir for youCome along to a rehearsal and meet s www.goodafternoonchoir.org Every MONDAY from 2pm - 4pm MEET YOUR GOOD AFTERNOON Community Choir with our leader NOW at Westbury-on-Trym Methodist Church, 46 Westbury Hill, Bristol, BS9 3AA Everyone is welcome to come along and meet John and our popular friendly community choir. Come along Monday, there’s no charge to attend your first ‘discover’ rehearsal - bring a friend! Email: gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk 01761 472468 There are Good Afternoon Choirs in Bath, Keynsham, Norton Radstock, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Thornbury, Yate/Chipping Sodbury, Devizes, Chippenham/Calne, Frome, North Somerset, Wells, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Cheddar Valley, Weston Super Mare, Cirencester/Stroud, Taunton, Malmesbury, North Swindon, Salisbury, Truro, Falmouth and Newquay.
n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH 75 Falcondale Road £845,000 A SPACIOUS & impressive look ing1930s semi detached home situated on a prominent corner of Falcondale Road & Lampeter Road. The property is located conveni ently for the beautiful Westbury on Trym village and its eclectic mixture of shops, cafés, restaurant and bars. The wonderful Canford Park is just opposite the house and highly reputable schools are in easy reach.The accommodation is light, welcoming and modern com mencing with the ground floor you have entrance vestibule, entrance hall, sizeable lounge with two bay windows and single French door to garden, an L shaped kitchen/diner with bay window, downstairs guest suite/bedroom 4 & cloakroom. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms, family bathroom, study/ office & a generous master bed room with walk in wardrobe and ensuite shower room. Finally on the top floor there is a useful loft area and eaves Externallystorage.there are wonderful mature private gardens to three sides stocked full of trees, shrubs and plants. There is off street park ing under a carport that is accessed directly from Canford lane via a remote controlled roller door. Material Information - EPC E, Council tax band E, Freehold 73 Westbury Hill, BS9 3AD 0117 962 1973 WWW.RDAVIESFUNERALS.CO.UK Pricing is correct at time of print and is subject to change. Price stated is for an Unattended Funeral. Unattended Funerals Attended Funerals Bristol Funeral FUNERALS FROM £975 9 Chessel Street BEDMINSTER 0117 963 7848 143 Church Road BISHOPSWORTH 0117 964 1133 The Poplars HAMBROOK 0117 956 6774 381 Gloucester Road HORFIELD 0117 942 4039 49 High Street KINGSWOOD 0117 944 6051 2 Pembroke Road SHIREHAMPTON 0117 982 3188 63 Westbury Hill WESTBURY ON TRYM 0117 962 8954 10 Gilda Parade WHITCHURCH 01275 833 441 CONTACT US AT: Whatever your funeral wishes or budget, we can provide a funeral to suit you. Prepaid funeral plans also available. TALK TO US ANYTIME henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 51 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk
The queen black ant is one of the longest lived of all the eusocial insects and commonly survives for 15 years (and up to 29!) Eusocial insects are those with specialised “castes” which only do one job –the honey bee is the best known example. The black ant hibernates for the winter, avoiding the need for winter stores – but colonies can last for years so I must locate their entrance to the kitchen!
Ant hills in the Malverns, by Philip Halling –our garden one is not quite so photogenic.
The common black ant is not my favourite. They still invade our kitchen despite all the blutak blocks (other tacky substances are available but were not to hand).
There are, like the stripes on the German flag, three colours of common ant in our area, black, yellow and red, though (spoiler alert) it turns out that none of them prepare harvest stores for the winter, the lazy grasshoppers!
The anthill I nearly tripped over is the nest of the yellow meadow ant – these are the structures which look gloriously sculptural on old pastures in the low evening sun. Ours (well, our yellow ants’) is now some 50cm across and 40cm tall and could penetrate up to a metre below the soil level. I am very fond of our yellow ants, partly because they arrived and built that impressive home almost as soon as we stopped mowing the lawn, as if to affirm our premise that if you give nature a chance she will always return, but also because they are mysterious. They don’t go above ground much because they farm aphids on the roots of grasses and the honeydew is their main source of food. During the winter they sometimes eat the aphids too – very similar to our own raising of cows! They don’t invade the house, they don’t bother the picnicker and their ability to construct hills of graded soil is a wonderful addition to the landscape and the garden. The red ants can have multiple nest sites and many queens in a single colony. They nest under any structure that you leave lying around on the allotment. If you then move the plank, which you only put there yesterday, the workers get a bit upset. After all, not only have you revealed their eggs to the eager robin but you have also given them more work to do. As a result you can be punished by a very nasty bite. They can often be found taking food – especially protein-rich dead insects – to their colony. They also farm aphids and can cover your broad beans with black fly as soon as your back is turned. However, like the black ants they hibernate during the winter and consequently they don’t make jam.
henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202252 To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk All types of plumbing, heating & electrical services. • Full Rewires • Consumer Unit Changes • Heating Systems • Boiler Breakdowns • All Gas & Electrical Inspections T: 07768 932695 E: coleplumbingandheatingltd@live.co.uk W: www.coleplumbingandheatingltd.co.uk COLE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 5 DOORS FITTED FOR £479 ANY 5 WHITE PRIMED 6-PANEL ‘COLONIAL’ OR 5-PANEL ‘SUFFOLK’ DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF 6 STYLES OF HANDLE, HINGES, MORTICE CATCH, FITTED IN YOUR HOME FOR £479* GLAZED DOORS EXTRA COST Additional Doors available DOOR EXPRESS 08000 973333 - 07767 376770 A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR FITTING ORDER DATE This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27” Other sizes available for a small extra charge www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk CALL JOE FOR A FREE QUOTE Tel: 0117 959 2143 Mob: 07891 253 www.alpine-landscaping.co.uk122LANDSCAPING Established family firm with 25 years experience H Senior Citizens Special H Garden Clearance — Regular or one-off H Patios H Fencing H Tree Work H Turfing H Hedgecutting H Planting (Shrubs etc) H Organic manure delivered — Also applied H Professional and guaranteed work H Brick & Blocklaying 25% OFFWITHADVERTTHIS Alpine n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence I HAVE been making jam – a jumble of our wild plum, blackberries, and worcesterberries – a hybrid between blackcurrants and gooseberries. Whilst gathering my dark harvest of glossy, matte and bloomed fruit I almost tripped over our anthill, and suddenly my thoughts turned to the ants, imagining them laying down their equivalent of jam.
Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk henleaze&westburyvoice 53 AERIAL SPECIALISTS AERIAL H&P Aerials Digital, Freeview and Freesat Specialists • TV, FM & DAB • Radio Aerials • Extra Points • Fully Guaranteed • OAP Concessions For a free quote Tel: 0117 908 7232 or Mobile: 07815 029775 September, 2022 BUILDING SERVICES 40yrs of trade experience in Bristol Friendly, local and professional services. Now semi retired, no VAT. Plumbing repairs and andGeneralandTimberalterations.decksfencing.buildingmaintenance. Based Westburyin on Trym Call David on Daviddaveabrahams@yahoo.com07973416505AbrahamsBuilding & Property Maintenance Ltd BUILDING SERVICES Kevin Gapper Roofing We cover all aspects of roofing work • Tiled roofs • Flat roofs • Lead roofs • Installation of Velux Windows • Timber works 10 year guarantee with all new roofs Local Bristol family run roofing business with over 20 years experience From planning to end product T: 01179 510319 or 07872 484994 W: kevingapper@me.com BUILDING SERVICES CLEANING henleaze&westburyvoice SERVICESLOCAL To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 or 07715 770448 BEDS & HEADBOARDS 0117 924 8383 110 Coldharbour Road. BS6 7SD Beds & HandcraftedHeadboardsinBristolADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS YOURADVERTISEBUSINESS07715770448From as little as Per month CALL EMMA ON: +VAT £20.00
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk PAINTING & DECORATING henleaze&westburyvoice September, 202254 HOUSE CLEARANCE OVEN CLEANING JET PAINTINGWASHING&DECORATING Builder & Interior DecoratorDacrisco Builder E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com T: 0117 401 8568 / 07557 335 956 Classic & Natural stone tiles Specialising in Italian showers Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Interior & Exterior Masonry Interior & façade painting High Quality Finish Free Quote Bristol & Surrounding Areas Tiler • Mason • Painter17Years ExperienceInterior & Exterior Masonry Tiling Interior & Facade Painting No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator T: 0117 382 7716 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com B RROW LODGE CLEARANCES “Full or Part House Clearance” HOUSE CLEARANCE Fully Licensed & Insured Houses • OutbuildingsFlats•ShedsLargeorSmall A family business • 30 years experience Mob: 07810 www.barrowlodgeclearances.co.uk462142 DECORATINGPAINTINGS.DAMSELL&Ltd• Interior & Exterior & wallpapering • Small maintenance works & repairs • Fully insured • Free quotes • City & Guilds served • 38 years experience Mobile 07971 252715 Email stephen.damsell@hotmail.co.uk GARDEN SERVICES AFRESH GARDENS For a quality, comprehensive and efficient garden service • Maintenence • Make over • Private / Commercial Contact Chris Knowles RHs dip, Nch hort T: 07794 701637 E: christopher.knowles@mypostoffice.co.uk FLOOR SANDING Call Nick on 0117 2872082 ELECTRICIANS ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS ELECTRICIANS For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service... call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974 infowww.atomelectrical.co.uk@atomelectrical.co.uk All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires. FREE Quotations specialist domestic installers atom electrical ELECTRICIANSCLEANINGSERVICES Domestic house cleaning services Local Weekly/Fortnightlyladies house cleaning services cleaning needs fortnightly cleaning your cleanersbs9@gmail.comSandrarequirementsBS9CleaningServicesorKim984697 BS9 Cleaning Services Contact Sandra or Kim T: 07840 984 697 E: cleanersbs9@gmail.com ADVERTISEYOURBUSINESSsales@bishopstonvoice.co.uk From as little as Per month EMAIL +VAT £20.00
PAINTING & DECORATING PAINTING & DECORATING Stephen Carter Painter & Decorator DecoratingProfessionalServices Painting & Decorating Association Accredited (with PDA guarantee) For a free competitive quotation: 07786 513788 or 0117 907 6997 Cranside Avenue, Redland, BS6 7RA www.carterdecorating.co.uk Got News? Call 0117 9082121 Email: news@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk PLUMBING Electrical & Plumbing All electrical work from complete rewire to additional sockets Domestic plumbing & tiling Showers, undertile heating etc. City & Guilds and NVQ Part P compliant Free estimates Call to discuss your requirements Matt Pederick 0117 9246886 or 07958 753588 henleaze&westburyvoiceSeptember, 2022 55 ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TREE SERVICES TREE SERVICES SASH WINDOWS PLASTERING D. ATTWELL • FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES WallsAllPLASTERINGJSHtypesofplasteringandCeilings Local, reliable work from qualified & experienced plasterers Call John on 07967 697 361 or Matt on 07814 554 917 Or jshoggett@outlook.com SnugSash.co.uk Sash window specialist • Renovation • Draughtproofing • Double glazing • Repairs • Painting We can fit double glazing to your sash windows! www.snugsash.co.uk07736229727 SnugSash PLUMBING The Bristol Plumber Bathroom & Kitchen Installation 5+ Years Experience, Tiling, Bathroom Fitting, Kitchens, Radiators, All Small Jobs ed@thebristolplumber.com07540607626facebook.com/thebristolplumberNoVAT,Freenoobligationquote PLUMBING CALL 07 769 WWW.COPPERMILLHEATING.COM693300FREEESTIMATES • CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION & REPAIR • GAS, OIL & LPG • POWERFLUSHING • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • BOILER SERVICING • PLUMBING INSTALLATION & REPAI R PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS C O PPERMILL HEATING ADVERTISEBUSINESSYOUR From as little as Per month +VAT £20.00 E-MAIL: sales@henleazeand westburyvoice.co.uk 07956 thomasabrahams115@gmail.com555950-Treefelling-Deadwooding - Reduction - Hedge trimming - General tree works Fully qualified & Insured Based in BS9PLUMBINGRUBBISHCLEARANCE House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On Average cheaper than a skip. 1/4 Load £99 Half Load £149 4 Load £199 Full Load £249 Tel: 07592 506 www.junkmonsters.co.uk003 House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus all other waste removal - On average cheaper than a skip Tel: 07592 506 003 House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On Average cheaper than a skip. 1/4 Load £99 Half Load £149 4 Load £199 Full Load £249 Tel: 07592 506 www.junkmonsters.co.uk003 House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus all other waste removal - On average cheaper than a skip Tel: 07592 506 003 House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On Average cheaper than a skip. 1/4 Load £99 Half Load £149 3/4 Load £199 Full Load £249 Tel: 07592 506 www.junkmonsters.co.uk003 House, Garden, Office Clearance - Plus all other waste removal - On average cheaper than a skip Tel: 07592 506 003
Book your place online now | admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk | badmintonschool.co.uk GET BADM INTO N OUR COMMUNITY Whole School Open Day Saturday 1 October 2022
