bishopstonvoice
www.bishopstonvoice.co.uk
May, 2021 Issue 100
FREE EVERY MONTH IN BISHOPSTON, REDLAND & ST ANDREWS
Time for action! Dan takes reins at Sefton Park Dan Simson has been appointed headteacher of Sefton Park School following the retirement of long-serving Jan Lonsdale. PAGE 21
Four elections on one day Bristol is voting in a new Metro Mayor, Police and Crime Commissioner, Mayor and councillors this month. We profile the candidates. PAGES 11-17 Campaigners are determined that pavement parking should be stopped Photo courtesy of Paul Bullivant BISHOPSTON and St Andrew’s Traffic and Parking Group (BOSA) have raised the stakes in their ongoing campaign to get the mayor and council candidates to commit to urgent action to restore the pavements to pedestrians. Out on the streets of Bishopston, St Andrews
and Ashley Down, BOSA has been highlighting the increasing problem and potential dangers of pavement parking, as well as parking near or on road junctions.
60 people face street sleeping Charities want action to prevent 60 people from being made homeless this month once the Everyone's In initiative comes to an end. PAGE 26
Report: Pages 2-3
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May, 2021
n NEWS
Call for action on pavement parking hell #PavementsR4Pedestrians – but often not in Bishopston, St Andrews and Ashley Down where traffic and parking is largely unregulated. Or, if it is regulated, the regulations are rarely enforced. The result is a daily, unsafe and unpleasant assault course for pedestrians and cyclists, say Bishopston and St Andrew’s Traffic and Parking Group (BOSA). It is a situation they want to change. Despite a high profile campaign launched by BOSA, featuring on Channel Five’s ‘Britain’s Parking Hell’, no systematic pavement parking and traffic regulations measures have been put in place in the past five years in the Bishopston and St Andrews area - despite repeated requests, a council survey of residents and ongoing communications to the mayor, the cabinet lead for transport and meetings with local councillors.
BOSA says that residents’ pleas to the current mayor Marvin Rees have met with inaction locally and want to know what the next Bristol mayor will do about it? In the run up to the mayoral and council elections in May, BOSA is campaigning to find out. A spokesperson for Bishopston and St. Andrews Traffic and Parking group says: “After some months of requests for a meeting with the Mayor, a meeting with Councillor Dudd, the Cabinet lead for transport took place by zoom on April 13. Although Councillor Dudd was sympathetic to BOSA’s concerns and was positive about the concept of ‘low traffic neighbourhoods’ as a way forward, he was unable to offer any concrete proposals to improve the situation in the near future. We will be continuing to seek a commitment to making Bristol’s pavements
bishopstonvoice Bishopstonvoice contacts Emma Cooper Publisher
0117 908 2121 / 07715 770448 emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
Sue Thomas News Editor
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07976 706120 news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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Advertising Sales 0117 908 2121 sales@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
June deadline
accessible and safe, providing unobstructed, pedestrian access along them for everyone including disabled people, children, the elderly, and those pushing and using wheelchairs and buggies.” Residents have taken to the streets to highlight the parking mayhem on roads in St Andrews. They photographed the vehicles of inconsiderate drivers who store their vehicles on pavements, across corners, parking near junctions, on yellow lines and dropped kerbs. Inconsiderate parking causes a real issue for those with mobility and sensory impairments and for those who use buggies and wheelchairs to get around. The pavements in Bishopston, St Andrews and Ashley Down are often inaccessible, unsafe and unwelcoming. When drivers store their vehicles on street corners,
A BOSA campaigner across dropped kerbs and on pavements, they oblige often vulnerable pedestrians to walk in the road – unlit after dark; or prevent them from leaving home for fear of the dangers of
Useful numbers Bristol City Council 0117 922 2000 Citizens Advice Bureau 0844 499 4718 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk General enquiries: 101 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061
Emergency: 999 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware (health and social care information) www.wellaware.org.uk Freephone: 0808 808 5252 We are Bristol helpline Freephone 0800 694 0184 Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm Weekends 10am-2pm
Complaints 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 Bishopston Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. A member of the
Our June deadline is May 12. 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.
Your views Letters for publication can be sent to the above email addresses or by post to Letters, Bishopston Voice, 16 Ashmead Business Centre, Ashmead Road, Keynsham, BS31 1SX. The editor reserves the right to edit your letter.
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Bishopston 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. Bishopston Voice is distributed each month to Bishopston 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 emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. This month 10,700 copies copies will be distributed around Bishopston, Redland and St Andrews.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021 obstructive parking, denying them the right to access work, shops, leisure opportunities and a social life. A RNIB volunteer campaign coordinator says: “Going out independently is enough of a challenge as it is, the added stress caused by thoughtless drivers is something I really don't need and makes a life with already limited choices even more difficult.” A BOSA spokesman added: “If police or council enforcement officers are asked to sanction drivers’ behaviour, local residents are told that the double yellow lines are too faded to enforce; it is possible to squeeze past vehicles stored on the pavement; staff resources are too low to enforce the regulations; and it is suggested to lobby the council to provide more double yellow lines, dropped kerbs and enforcement. "But residents have been in dialogue with councillors and Mayor Marvin Rees for five years – to no avail, despite a recent survey undertaken by council officers favouring action to regulate traffic and parking in
A WORLD OF
Quality
the area.” The May elections for mayor and councillors give residents the opportunity to log how fed up they are with living in a largely unregulated vehicle storage zone, wedged between three Residents’ Parking Zones and soon the new Clean Air Zone as well. Bristol City Council and Avon and Somerset Police between them already have the powers to regulate traffic and parking on residential streets. Already in Scotland, London, Exeter, Worcester and Hereford parking on the pavement is illegal unless otherwise stated by street signs. In Bristol current highways legislation is ambiguous and costly to enforce, falling between local authority and police enforcement powers. The result in Bristol is that many drivers obstruct pavements and dropped kerbs on a daily basis, even where double yellow lines prohibit any parking. Often they are unaware of the danger to pedestrians that their parking habits cause. But will the next mayor and councillors use these powers?
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Inconsiderate parking makes life difficult for people with buggies
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS ENVIRONMENTALISTS and residents have written to Councillor Afzal Shah, the cabinet member for ecology to outline their demands in respect of the Ashley Down Oak tree. Save The Ashley Down Oak (STADO) campaigners began to occupy the 100+-year-old holm oak tree on the corner of Ashley Down Road and Stoney Lane in early February and have continued to do while the tree is under threat of being felled. Members believe Bristol City Council’s decision to axe the tree was made on the request of Zurich, the insurance company of the neighbouring property. STADO does not agree that the Ashley Down Oak has been proven to be the major cause of reported subsidence in the property. Following a meeting with Councillor Shah, campaigners Gaby Solly and Isobel Stuart Clark (with the support of STADO) have written to him to request that BCC release any specialist arboricultural and/ or structural reports relating to the Ashley Down Oak. They have also asked for a meeting between campaigners and residents, BCC and Zurich Insurance and, most urgently, an immediate moratorium on felling of the tree. In the letter Gaby Solly and Isobel Stuart Clark state: “We witness busy Ashley Down Road filling with traffic from 7am, and it remains highly polluted for the rest of the day, both in regards to its air quality and its noise levels. It is disingenuous for the council to suggest that tree planting schemes, such as the one at Sefton Park school comprising small fruit trees, and others grown in pots or used as hedging - would really be able to replicate the functions that this mature oak currently performs; functions which support the mental and physical wellbeing of so many who live in its environs. "You might be aware that the Bristol Tree Forum carbon calculator shows that about 100 six year-old saplings would need to be planted to create carbonneutral equivalence by 2030, and they would need to be trees that could grow to a similar size to the Ashley Down Oak.” The oak is appreciated by residents nearby. One Down View resident said: “This tree is important to me as it shelters my home from the street noise
Give us some answers, say Save Ashley Down Oak folk
and pollution, it is beautiful and huge and can be seen from far and wide. With it gone there would be something magnificent and historic missing from my skyline.” Another Down View resident said: “This garden is the main playground for us - it is where the children play, this space with the big tree makes a big difference to us." Gaby Solly said: "These graceful, green giants are our city’s lungs, bringing peaceful respite from the dirt, noise and fumes of our concrete jungle. It is an absolute nonsense to be cutting down mature, urban trees without due process, particularly in this unparalleled time of ecological and climate emergency." A petition of nearly 2000 signatures started by the Bishopston & Ashley Down Green Party demanding that BCC not fell the tree was presented to the council by Emma Edwards. Furthermore, numerous Freedom Of Information requests have also been made in pursuance of greater transparency of BCC's decision to fell the tree. As the Voice went to print,
Torin Menzies, one of those who has been occupying the tree, said Cllr Shah had expressed interest in meeting with the protesters again and discussion had been taking place with councillors including Mr Shah and Stephen Fulham, policy advisor to the Mayor. The activists say they are taking care not to spread Covid-19 while carrying out their occupation and related activities, including maintaining social distancing at all times, avoiding
mass gatherings and wearing face masks when appropriate. Bristol City Council said that an independent expert had recommended that the tree should be removed and it was now ‘sadly unavoidable’ as significant subsidence damage had been caused to a house nearby. However, the council will be planting 250 new trees at Sefton Park Primary school and 600 trees within around a mile of Ashley Down Road .
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
May, 2021
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n NEWS
Traders welcome Cotham Hill closure COTHAM Hill closed to through traffic on April 12, allowing hospitality venues to reopen using outdoor seating areas. It’s a move that’s been welcomed by traders, finally able to open to customers once more. Many of the hospitality businesses on Cotham Hill have small indoor premises, so need to use the pavement and road to provide outdoor seating for customers, and keep their businesses going. Two parts of the road have closed to through traffic - the section between Whiteladies Gate and Hampton Lane and between Hampton Park and Abbotsford Road. Access is still permitted for cyclists and pedestrians. “If this didn’t happen we might not be here,” says Louis Lewis-Smith, owner of Crying Wolf cocktail bar, which is constructing a terrace for customers to sit at outside the premises. Louis was expecting
to open by late April and has worked with neighbouring Pasta Loco to deliver an aesthetically designed terrace that works well for both businesses. Louis says: “We want to make Cotham Hill look beautiful so that it feels like a lovely place to be. The scheme is a really wonderful thing for the area. I love the feeling of the street and all the little shops and bars and am really proud to be part of this scheme.” The staff of long-time Cotham Hill establishment, Jon Hurst Hairdressing, have noticed a difference to the atmosphere on the road since the scheme began. Claire Hurst says: “There was always lots of double-parking and noise from traffic roaring by. “We are very supportive of the scheme and really enjoying it. It’s created a real buzz in the area and we hope it will attract more businesses to the street. We hope that it becomes permanent.”
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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n NEWS
May, 2021
Bid for 65 homes on zoo's west car park
Over-development rethink A HOUSE in Melbourne Road that was subject to a planning application to convert it into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) is back on the market. The sale of the terraced three bedroom property has fallen through and the house has been listed for sale again. Many neighbours objected to the proposal stating concerns about the over-development of a small Victorian property into a five-bed HMO and the impact that would have on people living nearby.
BRISTOL Zoo has submitted a planning application for residential development of Bristol Zoo Gardens West Car Park, on College Road in Clifton. The sale of the site will provide a vital contribution to the funds required to deliver the new Bristol Zoo which will be relocated to their Wild Place Project site near Cribbs Causeway. The zoo has developed plans for the West Car Park that they believe respond sensitively to the setting and context of the site. The intention is a high-quality, sustainable scheme, making use of materials that are sympathetic to the surrounding environment. The design consists of 65 high-quality new homes
in a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments and 4-bed mews houses, of which 20% will be affordable housing. Building heights range from 4.5 storeys along College Road, to 2.5 storeys within the site, in response to the surrounding context. Informal, mews-style homes will be located on the westernmost part of the site that borders neighbouring properties. A larger, more formal, apartment block will front on to College Road, creating an attractive frontage. The planning application was submitted in early April Ref: 21/01999/F and full details are now on the Bristol City Council ‘Planning Online’ website.
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS LAST spring a small group of St Andrews neighbours started collecting food for local families struggling in the first Covid lockdown. One year on and Family Food Action (FFA) has grown into 40 streets in North Bristol collecting weekly to help support 200+ families in Easton, Lockleaze and St Paul’s. Founding member Emily Ryan says: “These are families who have been taken to the brink and can no longer afford to eat properly. “To reach them we have worked with two Easton primary schools; and through St Paul’s Children’s Centre and The Vench Adventure Playground in Lockleaze, who both run community Food Clubs set up by a national charity called, coincidentally, Family Action. “Now with unemployment at its highest level in five years, the September time limit on the top-up to universal credit looming, and numbers claiming job seekers allowance doubled since 2020, the true economic fallout of Covid is only just
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the challenges faced by other neighbourhoods across our city - it starts new conversations and keeps the community alive.” One member of the Food Club in St Paul’s describes the difference joining a community Food Club has made: “It has helped my family on dark days to be able to eat and made a real difference to my mental health!” Another said it gave them: “A warm welcome. Support and community. It really helped us through the lowest times.” FFA are actively exploring, with local councillors and MPs, what more can be done locally and nationally, to end childhood hunger and are keen to share this grassroots model. To find out more call 07948 530644 or email: familyfoodaction@hotmail.com
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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n NEWS
ELECTRIC scooter riders have been warned against "dangerous, foolish and illegal" behaviour after a surge in complaints. Residents in Bishopston and Redland have been riding Voi scooters since January. The experimental scheme which allows people to hire and use e-scooters on the road, as an alternative to driving short distances, was expanded from central Bristol to its outskirts including the Southmead Hospital area and South Gloucestershire in March. The hire scheme, introduced by the West of England Combined Authority and operated by Voi Technology, is the only way to legally use e-scooters: privately-owned scooters remain banned from use in any public space. The Voi scooters can only be hired by over-18s, who need to prove they have a full or provisional driving licence. But many of the complaints involve children using scooters antisocially. Voi says the "vast majority" of
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
Complaints surge as some scooter riders flout rules anti-social behaviour incidents involve private e-scooters and not its machines. Ian Boulton, a councillor in South Gloucestershire, said complaints over e-scooter misuse were taking up much of his time. He said: "While the Voi e-scooters are undoubtedly replacing many ‘car miles’ with a cleaner alternative, it is obvious that some people are failing to recognise that hiring a Voi e-scooter makes them as liable to the same rules of the road as if they hired any other motor vehicle. "We are also getting anecdotal evidence that some adults are, almost unbelievably, trying to overcome the law and terms of booking by hiring e-scooters on behalf of their children." As well as risking their
child's life, anyone hiring a Voi e-scooter for someone under-18 risks prosecution and penalty points, both for themselves and the child once they apply for a licence. A police spokesman said the force had received "a number of anecdotal reports of antisocial/underage riding since the trials started" and was policing e-scooter offences as part of regular neighbourhood patrols. The spokesman said while officers would first "engage and explain" with e-scooter users, enforcement was "an option for repeat or serious offences". The police are urging people with concerns over underage riding to report it to Voi, which can revoke hire agreements before enforcement action is taken. A Voi spokesman said that
on the whole the trial had been well-received, with more than 445,000 trips taken on its scooters since it launched in October. "If an adult allows an underage person to ride an e-scooter, it’s the same as letting an underage person drive a car. Users can receive fines for this infraction, and points can be added to their driving licence. "Occasionally we receive reports of anti-social behaviour. "In these situations, we work closely with the Avon and Somerset Police, and we have a three-strike policy – if the user does not comply with our guidelines e-scooter regulations, they can have their account blocked and won’t be able to ride a Voi scooter again."
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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.
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
bishopstonvoice
10
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
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If planning for inheritance tax is right for you our
E: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk a tumultuous year, the that require shareholder consent follow us on Twitter @bishopstonvoice experienced specialist solicitors can help changing way in which we live and under the Act. The shareholders’ work has created opportunities for agreement can reserve additional Telephone 0117 9621205 new business models to spring up decisions for the shareholders, other or e-mail probate@amdsolicitors.com and we have been pleased to advise than just those required by statute many new business owners who have which can be particularly useful started a business during lockdown. if there areTo advertise, minority contactshareholders Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk Whilst setting up a business is without a board seat. an exciting time, it is worth setting • Share transfers aside some time to put in place the While all businesses start with appropriate legal framework to help a shared goal, the shareholders’ support and protect your business personal circumstances and will be. However a Will can be for the distribution of the estate, members of the Society of Trust through its early years. For aworded company objectives may change along the to provide that a gift of and the estate can then be and Estate Practitioners, the with two or more shareholders, way. It isestate imperative to document 10 % ofthis the value of your divided as if the Will had been leading professional body in includes creating a shareholders’ the to agreed terms made at the earliest at that time is given a charity in these terms. A Deed of this field. We offer a free initial charities choice. The Variation could therefore provide consultation for new clients. agreement to regulate or how the of your opportunity while the shareholders bestill thaton thethe rate that 10 % of the estate is to pass For advice on administration shareholders work together.effect of this willare same page. of Inheritance Tax payable on the to a chosen charity or charities, of estates, trusts, wills, powers A shareholders’ agreement requirement to have a shareholders’ A Company’s internal affairs A departing shareholder may whole estate is reduced from 40 making the estate as a whole of attorney and allhappen private client can also specify what will agreement, companies with two or are regulated by the Companies wish to sell their shares to whomever % to 36 %. eligible for the reduced rate of issues, contact Shelley Faulkner, to a shareholder’s shares in the more shareholders should consider Act 2006 (‘the Act’) and the Articles they choose,it whereas the remaining In same circumstances, Inheritance Tax. Florence Pearce and the other that this may not want to end event of theirmembers incapacity death. of Association. In additionhastobeen this,calculated shareholders of theorteam on 0117putting one in place. There is less This change in the law is reduction taxin billbusiness can servewith someone may need hold potential for serious conflict between 9621205, email to probate@ the shareholders can enter into ain theup theynewsShareholders clearly very good both to leave the estate, even after amdsolicitors.com call in shareholders when their roles and frank forconversations about orhow shareholders’ agreement which is a had not chosen toforwork with. charities, andApotentially payment of the gift to charity, 15 The Mall or 100 responsibilities have been clearly somecan estates as well. they However can bestatbalance theClifton, interests flexible way of regulating the balance with rights a value asshareholders’ high as if the agreement Henleaze Road Henleaze. By Shelley the detail of the application can of the remaining shareholders recorded at the outset, particularly in and responsibilities of the gift individual these objectives had not been made. Thus by providing a clear be complex. For example, AMD Solicitors takes pridecircumstances in the giftthat can in some cases quite and the the incapacitated or deceased where and emotions shareholders. Some of the areas procedure for share transfers, for Faulkner, estate is divided into different sponsoring local, Bristol based itself. shareholder’s family members. For are likely to be running high on both are typically considered literally withinpay a for example by requiring the selling ‘components’ depending on charities and this year is very solicitor with Even whereshareholder a Will has notto offerhow example, what should tothe sides. shareholders’ agreement include: their theshares propertytowill pass to pleased to behappen supporting been prepared the in these terms, the beneficiaries, of the Alzheimer’s For further advice and assistance theirto voting Bristol rights branch and dividends? remaining shareholders firstin order AMD• Decision-making Solicitors it may be possible to take calculate whether % test Society, the local branch of this Should the incapacitated or deceased on shareholders’ agreements and The directors have control of the day- of this before they can the shares to a the 10 advantage tax break. If sellhas been met. 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Reduced rate of Inheritance Tax Where somebody dies after 6 April 2012 the rate of Inheritance Tax applied to the estate can be reduced from 40 % to 36 % (in other words by 10 %), provided that at least 10 % of the estate passes to charity. Clearly it is not possible to determine in advance exactly what value the assets you leave by Will will have on your death for Inheritance Tax purposes, or what 10 % of the total value
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 908 2121 Or 07715 770448. Got News? Call Rebecca On 07912 484405. Email: emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
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n ELECTION SPECIAL
Four elections - don’t forget to vote! A GIANT ballot box has been installed at Cabot Circus to remind the citizens of Bristol to vote in the four elections being held on Thursday, 6 May. Elections will take place for the Mayor of Bristol, the Police and Crime Commissioner, West of England Combined Authority Mayor (also known as the Metro Mayor), and 70 local councillors for the 34 wards of Bristol. It’s the first time this number of elections will be held on one day, the second time all 70 councillors will be up for election at once, and the third time a Bristol Mayor is voted for. The elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Mayor of Bristol and local councillors skills policy and will oversee were due to take place last year, the spending of more than £1.1 but elections across the country billion over the next 30 years. were postponed due to Covid-19. Aiming to keep the seat for The boss of the West of the conservatives is Samuel England Combined August, Williams, former Wansdyke or WECA, is in charge of MP Dan Norris is the Labour coordinating the region’s Party candidate, the Liberal transport, housing, Voice jobs and Winter Bishopton ad.qxp_Layout 1 18/09/2020 Page 1 Democrats’ choice 12:41 is former
Bristol West MP Stephen Williams and the Green Party has selected Jerome Thomas, deputy group leader on Bristol City Council. Cotham councillor and former Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake is standing for the Green Party as Avon and Somerset Police
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and Crime Commissioner. She’s joined by criminal barrister Kerry Barker, Labour; vice chair of Somerset's Police & Crime Panel, Heather Shearer, Lib Dem; former army officer Mark Shelford, Conservative and John Smith, chief executive and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner in Avon & Somerset who’s standing as an Independent candidate. Policy details of the candidates standing to be elected for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner were featured in the April edition of Bishopston Voice. This month on the coming pages we ask questions of those standing to become Mayor of Bristol and feature the candidates hoping to be elected as local councillors for the Bishopston & Ashley Down and Redland wards. All political parties were invited to submit details of their candidates.
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May, 2021
n BRISTOL MAYOR ELECTIONS Running for re-election this year for Labour is Marvin Rees, who has been his party's candidate in all three polls so far, losing the first to independent George Ferguson before winning in 2016. The Conservatives were third five years ago. This year their candidate is Alastair Watson, a former city councillor, cabinet member and Lord Mayor. The Greens, fourth in 2016, have selected Sandy Hore-
What are the three biggest issues facing the city? Caroline Gooch: Recovery from the pandemic comes first and foremost. My background as a scientist and in business gives me the perfect combination of experiences to lead the city’s recovery, both from a health
Marvin Rees
Alastair Watson
Ruthven, a charity chief executive. Medical science consultant Dr Caroline Gooch is the Liberal Democrats' candidate. Two of the parties – the Tories perspective and economically. The climate crisis requires urgent action, and we must play our part in this global challenge. The third is social justice: we must tackle the housing crisis, ensure high-equality education, and prioritise diversity and inclusion to give every individual an equal opportunity to succeed. Sandy Hore-Ruthven: The
Sandy Hore-Ruthven
and Liberal Democrats – say the role should be abolished. Also standing for the role is Tom Baldwin, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition; Robert Clark, Reform UK; and key challenge is to recover our economy and make sure we don’t suffer high rates of unemployment and an economic slump after the pandemic. My plan for our economic recovery will create 10,000 new jobs and invest in local businesses. I will prioritise cutting congestion and improving public transport. I will invest £6m annually in our buses, a cycle network
Dr Caroline Gooch
independent candidate Sean Patrick Donnelly, John Langley, Independent and Oska Damon Shaw, Independent.
for Bristol and better pedestrian routes. Housing continues to be the other main issue, with rents and prices rising. Marvin Rees: Jobs. Post Covid, we will need to build back better with a sustainable, inclusive recovery, as part of the One City Plan. Homes. After the slowdown of housebuilding from Brexit and Covid, we will accelerate past our
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May, 2021 targets of 2,000 homes per year including 1,000 affordable, building communities and improving outcomes for all. Transport. We will prioritise public transport and active travel, building a low carbon mass transit system that will transform the way people move around the city. Alastair Watson: More homes and better housing – I will work closely with developers to bring forward those developments that provide affordable housing and deliver the next generation of council housing. Better transport – I will work with neighbouring councils to deliver our rail ambitions and improve bus services across the city. Economic recovery from Covid – the city centre is the beating heart of Bristol, along with all our smaller suburban high streets, and we must do everything we can to ensure their survival.
If you win the election, what would your first action be?
Sandy Hore-Ruthven: I will put my economic recovery plan into place. It includes support for young people to get into work, investment in our local high
streets, creative and hospitality businesses. In the long term I will create jobs through building 2,000 new council homes and insulating the existing stock – creating 10,000 new jobs and reducing emissions. Marvin Rees: Thank Bristol for their support and get back to work with the city to deliver the One City Plan including the climate and ecological plans. We’ll keep on facing up to the key challenges and driving the change Bristol needs. Alastair Watson: I will work with businesses to produce a practical plan to assist those badly affected by Covid. Our retail, hospitality and leisure businesses have really suffered over the last 12 months and it is essential the council supports them. Caroline Gooch: I would find specialist school places for the 250 children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with no specialist school place for September. Every child deserves to have their needs met, so this is a major priority.
What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job? Marvin Rees: I grew up here
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experiencing the best and worst of the city. I worked here: NHS, voluntary sector, BBC. Five years as mayor, delivering on homes, jobs, climate and ecology; facing the pandemic and austerity. I’ve got Bristol working together. Alastair Watson: I have served as a Bristol city councillor and been Lord Mayor, so I know the whole city and understand how the council works. My background in business means I will make pragmatic decisions, ensuring less waste. Caroline Gooch: As a scientist, with 20 years’ experience in business, I’ve worked with masses of information, the NHS, and budget constraints. 20 years as a rowing cox, rowing umpire, and residential tutor taught me to make difficult decisions and lead teams. Sandy Hore-Ruthven: I have been a CEO for 15 years, growing a small East Bristol Charity to the largest of its kind. We support tens of thousands of young people, employ hundreds of staff and have brought derelict buildings back to life.
Is the balance of power between the Bristol
Mayor, councillors, Metro Mayor and government right?
Alastair Watson: The Bristol Mayor has too much power and cannot be held to account during their term of office. With the West of England Mayor in place and all-out elections for councillors, there is no need for an elected Bristol Mayor. Caroline Gooch: No. The Bristol Mayor has too much power, rendering the councillors voiceless. The narrower, more strategic remit of the Metro Mayor can benefit our city without us needing the Bristol Mayor. More devolution away from government would empower our communities. Sandy Hore-Ruthven: No, the Mayor needs to be more accountable to the council and I have plans to change the balance of power. I will have a cross party cabinet, strengthen scrutiny and abide by council votes on large scale developments. Marvin Rees: No. Government needs to release powers and funds to cities, who are far better placed to work with their communities on 21st century challenges, to enable us to properly plan and work for the city's best interests.
“on THURSDAY 6th MAY VOTE CONSERVATIVE TO DELIVER OUR POSITIVE PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND” Mark Shelford More Police ON THE STREETS TO Cut Crime
Samuel Williams BETTER ROAD & RAIL LINKS
BOOST TRAINING, Education & SKILLS
CREATE jobs & SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
Protect green spaces & our environment
Only a vote for Samuel Williams as West of England Mayor and Mark Shelford as Police and Crime Commissioner will ensure our region is safer and more successful WE’RE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS, Don’t risk our recovery with Labour or the lib dems
Promoted by Max Hopfl on behalf of Samuel Williams and Mark Shelford, all at West of England Conservatives, 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT.
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May, 2021
n BRISTOL ELECTIONS: BISHOPSTON & ASHLEY DOWN Emma Edwards, Green
Lily Fitzgibbon, Green
I have lived in Bristol for 39 years, and in the Bishopston area for 13, which I was attracted to for its vibrant community. A Green Party member since 2015, and an active volunteer, in 2020 I felt it was time to get more involved and put myself forward as a candidate. I’ve run my own business for 10 years, as a therapist and yoga teacher, and also is a diversity trainer. My work and volunteering with many local groups, charities and organisations, including LGBTQ+ and women’s groups, schools, St Peter’s Hospice, and Bristol Autism Support, have given me a real passion for community engagement. My work as a solution-focused therapist means that I love helping people find solutions to issues, with practicality and compassion. Also, as someone who runs her own business, as well as being a massive fan of the Gloucester Road. Current issues, including Covid recovery, environmental issues and changes to city infrastructure require local representatives to scrutinise impact, providing support and advocacy to the community. Local businesses need support more than ever to survive and thrive in a community that values them so much.
I grew up in Bishopston and have
been an active member of the Green Party for two years. When I was 16 I became a founding member of Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate, and played a key role in the campaign against Bristol Airport expansion, organising three specific protests against it. In February 2020, I helped to organise the protest attended by Greta Thunberg, which had a turnout of 30,000. I am the current elected co-chair of the Young Greens, who are working on delivering a national series of radical political education lectures for young people, as well as supporting rent strikers across the country (including in Bristol). I am running to be your councillor as I strongly believe that tackling the Climate Crisis will begin with improving local areas. In Bishopston I am particularly concerned about pavement parking, and keen to work on traffic calming measures that work for local residents. I am already pushing for a new pedestrian crossing on the Gloucester Road, to allow for better accessibility to the GP and Ashley Down Primary School.
Eileen Means, Labour
My name may be familiar to some readers, as I stood as the Labour
candidate previously, so know the area well. I am an experienced former councillor who saved the local library from closure under the previous mayor. Since 2012, I have worked to settle refugees in Bristol. As a member of Bristol Older People’s Forum, I’m committed to getting the voices of often overlooked older people heard. I am a former Chair of Bristol for Europe and now campaigning with our local MP Thangam Debbonaire against the cladding scandal which affects hundreds, if not thousands, of leaseholders in this city. My priorities if elected are for cleaner/greener/safer neighbourhoods. An essential element for reducing pollution is more tree-planting, including the potential for ‘tiny forests’. Joe Rayment and I are looking at the green behind Dirac Road, where trees would provide shade for the playground there. I have considerable experience of working with community organisations, empowering local people to achieve their aims. P.S. On the voting slip, I’ll be listed as Beryl Eileen Means – but I’ve always been known as Eileen.
Joe Rayment, Labour I stand for social, economic and
climate justice. Those are what I’ll be fighting for if I’m elected as your councillor, and those are the things I’ve helped deliver in the past. I was previously a councillor in Bath, facing a Conservative majority, but despite that I still managed to get them to oppose Bristol Airport expansion, ban the badger cull, exempt care leavers from council tax, resettle refugees in the city, and provide free period products in schools. Eileen and I have a plan to sort out the local roads. If elected, one of our first projects will be setting up a Bishopston & Ashley Down Roads Commission. The commission will be made up of us, residents and businesses, it will look holistically at all the problems on the roads in the ward (parking, air quality, road safety and cars being unable to pass in narrow roads), come up with a proposed package of solutions, and seek the consensus we need to make change. For a strong, experienced team who will deliver results, elect Joe Rayment and Eileen Means. • Also standing for election is Adam Brown and Tony Holdsworth Conservative Party; Phil Kemp and Becky Lockyer, Liberal Democrat Party.
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May, 2021
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n BRISTOL ELECTIONS: REDLAND Kirsten Malcolm, Labour
Having raised my three children, I left my corporate background and retrained to provide therapy for adults with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, autism and dementia; demonstrating my heartfelt desire to work with those often overlooked in society. In addition, I’m training to be a Psychotherapist to increase the support I can give to an even wider range of people. My husband and I are musicians; active in Bristol's vibrant Arts community. My long-term interest in politics finally sees me take the plunge into representing Labour to play my role in forging positive change. Creating a fairer, greener society is central to my hopes and dreams by engaging on many levels and contributing to making Bristol a better place for everyone to live and call home. With a background of supporting and engaging with people in all walks of life, I look forward to listening to Redland residents’ ideas and concerns and tackling issues such as air quality, transport and road safety, plus netcarbon and affordable housing.
Andrew Milton, Labour I am an Environmental Engineer,
to residents, supporting them with planning issues, chasing repairs, attending community events and council meetings. I promote the council buying from local businesses and supporting community initiatives. I’ve secured funds for local noticeboards, cycling facilities, and traffic calming schemes, and have run courses to help residents save energy at home. I’ve promoted council action and partnerships for reuse and repair and instigated a successful petition to get the council to cut use of single-use plastics and developed a food waste recycling service for local businesses. An experienced councillor, I’ve scrutinised how parks, libraries and council housing are managed. My successful budget amendments paid for extra rooms in council houses to support foster families and training staff in fitting energy-saving technologies to upgrade housing. A champion for self-build community-led housing, I chaired a planning committee and have challenged policies that encourage tall buildings and billboards. I lead pressure on the council to end pension fund investments in fossil fuels, pushing for renewable energy solutions, and promote green bonds
keen cyclist, and father. As an Environmental Engineer with Swindon, Lambeth, and Islington councils I prioritised environmental projects that improved the lives of local people, particularly around flood alleviation, traffic calming, and building children’s play areas. I'm passionate about cycling and as your councillor I would promote provisions for cyclists as part of Labour’s city-wide drive for cleaner air. Later in my career, as a Project Manager for household names, I delivered multi-million pound IT projects. I know how councils work and how to get things done, and as part of the Labour Group will be able to achieve results making life in Redland better. I will work together with Kirsten Malcolm to improve safety on your roads and paths, protect and maintain our wonderful green spaces, and support local businesses. As your councillor I will prioritise improving local services, air quality, and transport in Redland.
Martin Fodor, Green I have represented Redland since 2014 and live here. I’m an active councillor, responding promptly
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Fi Hance, Green
I have represented Redland ward for nearly 12 years. During that time, I’ve had a huge variety of roles within the council, but particularly enjoy sitting on planning and licensing committees, making sure that residents are listened to and that decisions are made fairly. I really like the community side of being a councillor and try to attend as many parks and neighbourhood groups as possible, doing my best to get stuff done quickly - often no mean feat. Like other councillors, I’m there to help residents find their way through council processes, helping with issues as varied as disabled parking bays and dead foxes in the road. I have campaigned on improving air quality in Redland, better highway safely and most recently, forced the council to withdraw unexpected bills for home to school transport for post 16 disabled children. • Also standing for election is Richard Manns and Malcolm Ravenscroft, Conservative Party; Rebecca Hutcheon and James Wetz, Liberal Democrat Party.
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May, 2021
n BRISTOL ELECTIONS: METRO MAYOR VOTERS in Bristol are among those who will vote for the next West of England Mayor on May 6. The boss of the West of England Combined Authority, or WECA, is in charge of coordinating the region’s transport, housing jobs and skills policy, securing government funding and overseeing the spending of more than £1.1 billion over the next 30 years. Current Metro Mayor Tim Bowles, a Conservative, is standing down from the position, which he has held since 2017. Everyone is given a first and second choice vote. If no one receives more than half of the votes when the votes are first counted, the two candidates with the least votes are knocked out. Any second choice votes from their ballot papers are added to the remaining candidates' total to find a winner. The Voice has asked each candidate in the election to send us a 100-word manifesto explaining their priorities, plus a short biography to tell readers more about themselves. They are printed here in
alphabetical order, as they will appear on ballot papers. Dan Norris, Labour Local. Experienced. Active. Dan’s been an NSPCC-trained child protection officer, a local MP, Environment Minister and run his own businesses. I’ll be a jobs first Metro Mayor and get people back to work launching my Green Recovery Plan to create 23,000 new jobs. I want to rejuvenate our high streets, double investment in affordable homes, improve public transport, tackle the climate emergency and make the West of England the bee capital of the UK. As an active and visible Metro Mayor, I will lead our recovery, bringing people together to ensure
our area is on the map: nationally and internationally. The pandemic has shown what really matters so let’s keep looking out for each other and value what’s truly important. Jerome Thomas, Green I’ve lived locally with my family for many years, run a successful UK business and I’m a hardworking city councillor. We need to rapidly move to a low carbon economy, while making sure workers don’t lose out. We need clean energy, affordable green transport, a thriving agricultural sector to supply local food, better support for people who need care and their carers, and more power to communities to take action in
the ways they know will work. I’ve identified £1bn of existing regional funds for local investment in green jobs and growth industries, including support for small businesses. I’ll subsidise rural bus routes and lower fares for young people and I’ll give a greater voice to communities in regional decision-making. Samuel Williams, Conservative Samuel is a Business founder and charity leader who has worked domestically and internationally to lead social and economic change. The West of England Mayor is a big job that decides how hundreds of millions of pounds are invested across the region. This is time to take hold
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May, 2021
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n BRISTOL ELECTIONS: PCC of opportunity and secure our recovery by: Implementing a modern transport system that works – delivering at least six new stations, crucial rail improvements, ‘on-demand’ services, and cycling and walking services; Deliver improved skills training for high value and sustainable jobs of the future; Boosting local enterprise, increasing employment and attracting greater investment; Unblocking the redevelopment logjam and pioneering more sustainable future communities. Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat Former Bristol West MP and Minister for Communities. Worked as a business trouble-shooter and is a Bristol University history graduate.
I will be a strong champion for the West of England, using my experience in business, as an MP and government minister to get our voice heard loudly in London, winning new investment and powers. I will also: Lead a green and socially just economic recovery; Take control of our buses and run them on clean fuel; Build thousands of new homes to suit all budgets, built to the highest green standards; Demand a range of new powers from government, making more big decisions locally. We can’t afford another inexperienced Conservative mayor. Put my experience to work for you!
VOTING DAY IS MAY 6
VOTERS will choose the next Avon and Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner on May 6. The PCC is responsible for the effective policing of the region, drawing up a budget – including the annual precept charged to council tax payers – setting priorities for the force through a police and crime plan and holding the chief constable and officers to account for delivering it. Current commissioner Sue Mountstevens, an independent, is standing down from the position, which she has held since 2012. The election had been due to take place last year but was delayed because of the lockdown. It is being contested by four party political candidates and an independent. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are barrister Kerry Barker, Labour; city councillor and former Lord Mayor Cleo Lake, Green; Heather Shearer, Liberal Democrat; Mark Shelford, Conservative and John Smith, Independent.
Most of us, including PM, can't name current Metro Mayor WHOEVER becomes the next Metro Mayor following the election will first need to ensure voters know who they are. Independent political think-tank Centre for Cities found that just 7% of people polled in the West of England area, which includes Bristol and B&NES as well as South Gloucestershire, could name current mayor Tim Bowles. In fact, more people (10%) incorrectly thought that Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees was the metro mayor than knew Mr Bowles was the incumbent. They were not alone: the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asked on a visit to Gloucestershire last month if he could name the current Metro Mayor, was unable to say it was Tim Bowles.
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May, 2021
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n EDUCATION
Montpelier High School reveals ‘an emblem to feel proud of’ STUDENTS and staff at Colston’s Girls’ School (CGS) have chosen an emblem to represent Montpelier High School, the new name for CGS, effective from this coming September. Following a public consultation last year, students and staff captured the attention of the world when they voted to change the name of their 130-year-old school. Principal Kerry McCullagh said at the time that the school was proud to be based in Montpelier and that “the new name will allow the school to forge a new identity that represents its diverse and inclusive community”. CGS students have played a key role in the name-change process from the beginning. With the support of their teachers, a working party of students shaped the public consultation and developed a detailed bank of resources to help others make an informed choice about the school’s name going forward. After the decision was made to change the school’s name to Montpelier High School, a working party of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) students began to develop a design brief to help shape the school’s new visual identity. The project explored the symbolism of images and the various ways in which the vision, values and the history of the school could be represented visually. Students presented their brief to prospective designers, including local designer Suffia Khanan, who was subsequently invited to partner with the school in developing the visual identity for Montpelier High School. Kerry McCullagh said: “Suffia is an independent designer based in Montpelier who struck up an immediate rapport with our school community. She took the time to engage with the history of CGS, which is vast, complex and diverse; and she wanted to know about our future aspirations. Suffia listened to a range of voices across the school, not only staff and students, but also parents, governors and trustees, and she reviewed the feedback from our public consultation.
Kerry McCullagh (back row, left) and Suffia Khanan (back row, right) with students (L-R) Jasmin Jamieson, Hazel Anderton and Anna Raju. Photo: CGS “The school itself is a mix of old and new – we have a beautiful, historic, iconic building, as well as high-tech, modern facilities. It’s important that we don’t erase our history, but we do want to look at it through a different lens. We felt confident that Suffia’s talent for creating expressive visual imagery would allow us to combine the old with the new and tell the story of our school in a completely different way.” Suffia didn’t underestimate the task. “This is a significant and unique moment to redefine the school’s identity,” she said. “The students wanted an emblem they could identify with and feel proud to wear on their uniforms. The challenge was to find a way to tie together the ethos and values of the school, acknowledge its long history in Montpelier and use creative imagery to inspire students, all within a single emblem.” Three unique designs were developed and presented to students and staff in a virtual assembly. Rather than putting the decision to a vote, Kerry McCullagh wanted the school’s new visual identity to emerge in a more organic way and so the school community took part in a survey. “We want to change the way people see the school,” said Kerry McCullagh. “So the process of choosing the right emblem had to be deeper than a straight
forward binary vote. In taking this approach, one design really stood out to everyone.” Head Student, Betsy Maguire, said: “There’s a real sense of excitement in school. The emblem we’ve chosen for Montpelier High School feels empowering and it tells a positive story about the history and the future of our school. To me, the new emblem suggests determination, aspiration, hope, longevity and renewal. Suffia has perfectly captured the spirit of our community and created a badge that we will feel proud to wear.” Suffia felt that it was important for the ideas generated by the students in their STEAM project to be present in the final design. The shield concept came from student Anna Raju who proposed using four images to represent the school’s core values: respect, responsibility, curiosity and resilience. The fruit tree, suggested by student Hana Sultan, acknowledges the orchards that once surrounded what is now the school site. The water wheel, inspired by an idea from student Ellie Lunt, references the two mills on the Cutler’s Mill Brook, when Montpelier was known as the Ashley Estate. The mill and the fruit tree also reflect hard work and industry, alongside the respect for nature needed to achieve growth.
The phoenix was suggested by student Labibah Ahmed, to represent strength and hope; a powerful contrast to the gentle, delicate nature of the butterfly that symbolises change, transformation and freedom. The stripes across the shield draw inspiration from the school's iconic building. Chair of Governors, Chris Patterson, said: “The new emblem is a breath of fresh air. The design articulates our school identity and values. As we focus on the future, we are conscious not to lose the sense of courage and hope that brought us to this place of change and we have reviewed the curriculum to ensure that all students are taught a full and honest account of Bristol’s past. “We are incredibly proud of our diverse, inclusive school community and now we have a name and an emblem to help articulate that sense of pride. The fact that our students have been the architects of this movement for change, steering the process with integrity and determination, perfectly illustrates how young people with access to an excellent education really can achieve anything they set their mind to.” Kerry McCullagh concluded: “This entire process, from designing the initial namechange consultation, right through to choosing a new name and an inspiring emblem, has provided us with the opportunity to reflect on who we are and what exactly makes us unique as a school. I believe that we have emerged stronger and with our eyes wide open. Our story began in 1891 as Colston’s Girls’ School and we are now beginning a new chapter as Montpelier High School. However, one constant that will remain is the school’s commitment to educate and inspire compelling young people with the confidence and ability to learn from history and shape the future.” The new Montpelier High School name and emblem will be installed throughout the school and across all uniform in time for the new academic year in September.
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May, 2021
n EDUCATION DAN Simson has been appointed headteacher of Sefton Park School with effect from Easter. Governors said Mr Simson, who took over as acting head after the retirement of longstanding head Jan Lonsdale last year, was the outstanding candidate, selected after a very rigorous and thorough process which attracted a strong field of twice the number of candidates compared with the average number at Bristol schools. Sally Dore, chair of governors of the school at Ashley Down, said: “We are really delighted at the appointment of Dan Simson as our permanent headteacher. At Sefton Park children really have a childhood – there aren’t many schools where Year 6 children see the SATS tests as an interesting change from normal work, rather than a source of pressure. We take a holistic, child-centred approach to a truly creative, broad and balanced education, where everyone can learn, have fun and feel safe. "But we don’t do that at the expense of attainment, which is strong throughout the school, building on our outstanding Early Years with an active learning approach that enables all children to achieve their very
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Sefton Park School parents welcome new headteacher
best. “This is really not an easy balance to strike, it requires inspiring leadership of staff and children, as well as the wider community. We know that in Dan Simson, we’ve found the right person to take the school
forward, maintaining the ethos we all value while building on our current successes to develop further. Happily, we also know that it’s a very popular appointment!” Dan Simson said: “I am delighted to be the new
headteacher of Sefton Park School, a school with a great reputation for putting the child at the heart of everything it does. I look forward to working with the whole Sefton Park community and doing our very best by the children that we teach.” Josh, aged 8, summed up the reaction of fellow pupils, saying: “Yay! We all wanted Mr Simson to be headteacher, he’s very good and kind and caring.” A comment typical of very many from parents who greeted the news warmly was “Dan Simson has done a fantastic job shepherding the school through this difficult year. As a parent, you get the impression that he bases his decisions on the best available evidence, always with an eye on the needs and welfare of the children. Sefton Park School is a really special place, and I feel confident that the appointment of Dan as headteacher will keep it that way.”
Deputy head appointed Director of finance and at Redmaids' High Juniors operations for Badminton CHRISTOPHER Haynes has been appointed to the role of Redmaids’ High Junior School deputy head with effect from September 2021. Mr Haynes joins the school from Oliver House School in London, where he has held the position of deputy head for the last five years. Having studied mathematics at university, Mr Haynes started his career in finance, but changed direction having volunteered at a summer camp for disadvantaged children. His professional interests include mathematical pedagogy, leadership and school improvement and he is currently studying parttime for a master’s degree in educational leadership at Cambridge University. Outside of work he enjoys travel, scuba diving, running, cycling and country walking. “I am delighted to be moving to Bristol to take up this position,” said Mr Haynes. “I am passionate about education and look forward to playing my part in seeing every pupil at Redmaids’ High Junior School thrive.” Speaking of this appointment, Lisa Brown, headteacher at Redmaids’ High Juniorsm said: “Christopher has a wealth of experience of working closely with pupils and parents to provide academic excellence and outstanding pastoral support, which makes him an excellent fit for our school.” Mr Haynes will be replacing Maggie Edbrooke who is retiring after 35 years at the school.
BADMINTON School has appointed Mr Michael Waymouth as its director of finance and operations, effective from 1 July 2021. Mr Waymouth joins Badminton after a long and distinguished army career and brings a truly international perspective, having served in 40 countries to date, most recently as the Commander of British Forces in Ukraine. Pursuing a long-held ambition to support the delivery of education, he has been fortunate to have spent most of the last decade in relevant appointments, including Deputy Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and as a Director within the United Kingdom Defence Academy. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Waymouth said: “I could not be more delighted to be joining the team at Badminton. The school has a fantastic reputation that spreads right across the UK. Happily it sits in my favourite city too, but more importantly it is poised on the brink of further innovation and evolution that I am now privileged to be a part of. I am determined to give of my very best in supporting our pupils, their families and the School.” Mrs Tear, head of Badminton School said: “We are delighted to have Mr Waymouth joining us at an exciting time for Badminton with record pupil numbers expected in September and a range of strategic and development initiatives to drive forward. I’m sure he will quickly establish himself as a key member of the executive leadership team working with both governors and staff to execute our plans.”
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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n EDUCATION
Redland Green benefits from tech gifts SUPPORT from businesses and the community has helped school children stay connected during and after the Covid-19 emergency. Gatehouse Green Learning Trust was overwhelmed by the response to an appeal for devices to aid students over the winter. Help came from people and firms linked to parents, governors and trustees – and also from organisations that had no prior connection to the trust and its five Bristol schools. A particularly generous donation was made by law firm Burges Salmon, which handed over 15 laptops that were given out to students learning at home during the lockdowns. Burges Salmon also gave the trust 50 desktop computers, which have been shared between Ashton Park School and Redland Green School. The trust’s head of IT Dan Pitman said: “We have installed
Dan Pitman with some of the donated computers 25 PCs at Ashton Park and 25 at Redland Green to replace ageing equipment in some of our IT suites. “This support has been extremely welcome at a time when we are striving to ensure that our young people are given every opportunity to succeed after a period of disrupted learning. “As businesses reconsider
their arrangements after the pandemic, with many employees opting to continue remote working using laptops and other devices, we hope they will consider donating any surplus computers to their local schools.” Sarah Baker, chief executive of GGLT, said: “We are very grateful to Burges Salmon for the donation of 15 laptops and 50 desktop PCs. This generous
donation is making a difference to the lives of our students, who have shown great resilience over the past year and deserve every investment in their futures. “Our schools are rooted in their communities and we value highly the links we are developing with local employers and organisations. We welcome any partnerships that can benefit the young people we serve.” Kirsty Green-Mann, head of corporate responsibility at Burges Salmon LLP, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to make this equipment donation to help students stay connected, as part of our Burges Salmon ‘Working with Schools’ programme. Digital inclusion and helping less advantaged students keep pace has never been so important given the challenges presented by the pandemic. Our thanks go to the Gatehouse Green Learning Trust.”
DISCOVER WHAT COLSTON’S CAN OFFER YOUR CHILD “We are confident that any child who joins us for Year 5 will thrive in our nurturing and supportive environment.” Mr D Edwards, Head of Lower School
Discover more about our exciting opportunity to join Year 5 this September by contacting our Admissions Team on admissions@colstons.org or by calling 0117 9992 3194
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
May, 2021
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n EDUCATION
A
CROSS the private, public and not-forprofit sectors, today’s leaders are facing the most challenging operating circumstances for generations. In this landscape of global uncertainty, leaner workforces, budget cuts, and reliance upon digital communications and the competencies needed to lead organisations successfully have shifted. Leaders now need to be skilled at crisis management, dealing with uncertainty and high-level strategic leadership. Due to the continued success of the School of Management‘s part-time Executive Masters in Strategy Change and Leadership, the University of Bristol is now taking applications for its 9th cohort in September 2021. This challenging and rewarding programme is designed for those aspiring to, or holding senior manager and leadership positions and will fit around the demands of a busy, professional leadership role. This bespoke Executive Master’s degree in Strategy, Change and Leadership is aimed at providing senior managers with the tools and WORK on the sports facilities at The Lawns at Cribbs Causeway, is now under way. The site was purchased by Redmaids’ High School in 2017 for student use, with a continued emphasis on community access. The school has recently appointed Verde Recreo, a local firm of specialists in sports design and construction, who, along with award-winning architects, O’Leary Goss, are working hard to realise the school’s vision for the sports site. Head of Redmaids’ High School Paul Dwyer said: “After a year that has asked much from all members of our community and seen us pause and reflect on the best way to realise our ambitions with this project, we are excited to be able to look to the horizon. These kind of facilities will benefit all students across the Junior, Senior and Sixth Form at Redmaids’ High for many years to come.” Phase one will primarily focus on the creation of a brand-new international hockey federation standard pitch, ready for use at the start of the 21/22 academic
Become a better leader!
Helen Ballard techniques they need to navigate their organisations through demanding times. By attending the programme, you will learn how to: • improve your ability to manage change and uncertainty • increase your leadership impact • understand organisational complexity and issues affecting success • make better choices about growth and strategic direction Programme Director Helen
Ballard says: “I am delighted to be recruiting our 9th cohort of Executive students to this successful and practical master’s programme. Excellent leadership is critical in this challenging climate, and organisations recognise the importance of developing their management talent in such uncertain times. This practical master’s degree will offer a return on investment from day one.” To find out more or to apply
for September 2021 entry on the part-time MSc Strategy, Change and Leadership programme, please visit: bristol.ac.uk/strategychange-leadership If you would like to have a chat about the programme or to attend our next Webinar on Monday 8 June 6pm-7pm, please contact Cheralyn Dark, Programme Manager by phone on Tel: 01179546694 or you can contact Cheralyn by email at: mgmt-scl@bristol.ac.uk
Redmaids' High set to get top-grade sports pitches
year. Redmaids’ High Director of Sport, Claire Maggs has been leading the school’s sports teams to fantastic achievements
across all sports, and these vital investments will ensure momentum continues in the right direction. Claire Maggs said: “This is
a fantastic development for the students of Redmaids’ High as well as for the wider community. Sport at the school has been going from strength to strength, and this incredible ground will enable greater access to sport for all our student body.” James Jenkins, director of Verde Recreo, added: “After getting to know the school, we are delighted to have assisted in bringing this project to life. We can’t wait to see the next generation grow and develop on this superb facility.” The school is working closely with Cribbs Sports and Social Club who are remaining on site as well as Cribbs FC who are continuing to use The Lawns as their home site. Further phases will see a new sports pavilion, netball courts and athletics provision.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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Primary school places allocated for September FAMILIES across Bristol have received offers of primary school places for September 2021. This year an overwhelming majority of families in Bristol are being offered one of their top three choices. Applications were slightly lower this year (5,121) compared to 2020 (5,497). All families who applied for a reception school place have been allocated one. The number of families being offered their first preference school stood at 89% (4,544), an increase from 87.5% (4,624) in 2020. Those who were not offered one of their preferred schools decreased slightly to 2% (86 compared to 129 in 2020 and 104 in 2019). Alison Hurley, director for education and skills said: “I am really pleased that this year we can again offer the majority of parents their first preference for a primary school reception place. “If parents have concerns with the offer they have received, I’d encourage them to get in touch with our school admissions team, via email if possible, to discuss their options.” Families who applied online received an email on April 16 with their offer. Families are advised to check their spam folders for this email. Families who applied by post were being sent a letter. Offers have to be accepted by April 30. Waiting lists become available from 10 May and a second-round allocation, where any places that may become available will be reallocated, will take place in early June. The best and quickest way to contact Bristol City Council’s school admissions team is via email: school.admissions@bristol.gov.uk. If email is not possible, please contact the school admissions team on 0117 903 7694.
BRISTOL STEINER SCHOOL Independent Day School for Boys and Girls
National role for uni chief PROFESSOR Steve West ViceChancellor, President and Chief Executive of UWE Bristol, has been elected as the next President of Universities UK (UUK) following a ballot of UUK’s members. He will succeed the current President, Professor Julia Buckingham, ViceChancellor of Brunel University London, from 1 August 2021 and will hold the post for two years. Professor West trained as a Podiatrist and Podiatric Surgeon in London, working in the NHS and private/ commercial sector before entering academia in 1984. He joined UWE Bristol in 1995 as Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care and Professor of Health and Social Care, and went on to hold a number of senior posts at the university before taking up the role of ViceChancellor in 2008. Alongside being a vice-chancellor, Professor West has chaired UUK’s Health Policy Network and continues to champion the sector’s work to address a wide range of mental health and wellbeing issues as chair of UUK’s mental health in higher education advisory group. Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: "Steve is a successful and experienced leader, widely respected across the sector. His experience spanning health, business and education will be invaluable as he leads our university sector.” Professor Steve West said: “I firmly believe that together we are stronger, and intend to do all I can to ensure universities work as a team to ensure the UK’s higher education sector remains world leading at this time of great change.”
S T B O N AV E N T U R E ’ S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Striving to be the best we can, guided by the light of Christ
MID-YEAR PLACES AVAILABLE For pupils in Years 2, 3, 5 and 6. Appointments for tours available by request.
Where education is a journey, not a race
Kindergarten and Main School places available Contact Reception to book a personalised meeting 0117 933 9990 reception@bristolsteinerschool.org | www.bristolsteinerschool.org
Please contact: Email: admissions.stbonaventures@bristol-schools.uk Web: stbons.uk Phone: 0117 353 2830 All are welcome at St Bonaventure’s.
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n EDUCATION SCIENTISTS from UWE Bristol have devised a biosensor which tackles cocoa disease and aims to revitalize West Africa’s endangered cocoa industry. Most chocolate consumers are naturally unaware of infections that can damage cocoa production; the cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) infection can lead to the death of cocoa trees and threaten the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. Dr. Joel Allainguillaume, Associate Professor in Conservation Science, and Dr. Jackie Barnett, Senior Research Fellow in the Health and Applied Science Faculty, are developing an innovative, handheld device which identifies whether or not the plant has the virus before any symptoms appear. The timely detection of disease enables early intervention to prevent it from spreading further, as well as offering economic benefits. Dr. Allainguillaume said: “This is mobile rapid early detection - if samples were taken back to the lab for analysis, this would be expensive and time-consuming. For farmers,
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UWE Bristol scientists help protect the world’s chocolate supply
early detection means regular production of cocoa continues and they won’t lose the revenue from their crop. “With this device, there is a better likelihood of keeping it healthy, and therefore less pressure on the farmers’ finances, allowing them to do
things like send their children to school. This will have a significant impact on the economic prospects of cocoa farmers in West Africa.” The team are now looking into the feasibility of production of the device, and test screening in the field in areas where the
virus has been identified. In the future, the team intends its sensor to function as an optical sensor. At present, they are developing a bespoke device to help them achieve exceptional sensitivity in the presence of plant material. “Our aim is to be able to monitor the epidemiology of the disease, as well as test new planting material,” says Barnett. “As a result of developing highly sensitive and specific tests to detect CSSV in pre-symptomatic trees, we can make sure that new plants are not sent out that would grow into infected trees.” Allainguillaume, Barnett and their team are collaborating with Mars Wrigley on this project, as they work towards a shared goal of tackling the prevalence of CSSV and enhancing cocoa production in the region.
Clifton High supports teacher’s charity run BRISTOL PE teacher Tom Morison and his friend, actor Ed Speelers, both based in Bishopston, have undertaken the challenge of running 200km in two days to raise £30,000 for The National Brain Appeal, a charity close to Tom’s heart. In December 2019 Tom’s father Oliver was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, Logopenic Progressive Aphasia. This is rooted in Alzheimer’s disease and affects the way that people diagnosed find and process words. Tom’s family noticed a dramatic deterioration in Oliver’s health as a result of the pandemic and the two national lockdowns. Tom feels the process of seeing his dad’s health decline has been made more difficult by watching the strain it puts on his mother Judi, who cares for Oliver and continues to cope with the development of his symptoms on a daily basis. “Running has always been an important outlet for me,” says Tom, “but since my father’s diagnosis I have used this time to help gather my thoughts and cope with the fact that I might have already had my last meaningful conversation with my Dad. This has been hard and running with my neighbour, Ed, has allowed me to share my fears and frustrations and talk about the illness and how it affects me and my family.” To help process what has been a difficult period of time for the Morison family and to raise awareness of rare dementia, Tom and
Ed Speelers and Tom Morison prepare for their 200km charity challenge Ed decided to take action and embark on a joint challenge. On the weekend of 29-30th May the pair will be embarking on a 200km coast path run starting on the North Cornish coast in Portreath and finishing in Portscatho on the South coast of Cornwall. Tom adds: “Fundraising for this event has provided great motivation. In a very short space of time we reached our goal of £5,000. This was then doubled by an anonymous donor and we set ourselves a new goal of raising £30,000 to help The National Brain
Appeal’s campaign to establish the world’s first Centre for Rare Dementia Support. “We are grateful that the school where I teach, Clifton High School, have agreed to support our fundraising throughout the summer term by holding a non-uniform day and dedicating the retiring collection from their annual Rose Day Service to the charity. “I hope that the suffering that the impending 200km will provide will go some way to easing the pain of watching this dreadful illness take hold of such a loving, talented and clever man.”
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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60 people at risk of street homelessness FUNDING for the ‘Everyone In’ initiative is coming to an end, and while Bristol City Council has committed to continue to house people until May 17, there is a need to find more permanent housing for people in emergency accommodation. With accessible overnight shelter options still unsafe due to the pandemic, the 60 remaining people placed into hotels will be at risk of street homelessness unless they are able to fund their stays, charities fear These people have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). They include sanctuary seekers, some whom are destitute, with no recourse to welfare entitlements, no right to social housing, no right to rent privately and no permission to work, and EEA nationals, who do have the right to work. All are at risk of becoming street homeless on May 17. Many people with No Recourse to Public Funds would previously have relied on places such as The Julian Trust Night Shelter for their immediate needs. However, the facility has remained closed as Public Health England deem dormitory-style accommodation too high risk. As an alternative, the Julian Trust has agreed to use a proportion of its funds to pay for temporary accommodation for nine
individuals who would otherwise have faced a very uncertain future after mid-May. Jenny Oates, Julian Trust chair said: “As we are currently unable to offer our hospitality to vulnerable guests in the usual way, we are happy to use monies generously donated by our supporters to ensure that people can stay in Covid-safe accommodation for several more months.” Charity directors and organisations are appealing to the Bristol public and businesses to donate to homelessness charities who continue to support the remaining 51 individuals, such as Caring in Bristol. Ben Richardson, Caring in Bristol director said: "We are proud of the huge community effort we have made together during Covid
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to house and support people irrespective of their immigration status or right and ability to work. Unfortunately, we are now facing the devastating prospect of some of these people being pushed back onto the streets. This will see all of that good work undone, with serious and potentially life-threatening implications for some very vulnerable people in our city. The government can choose not to do this. They must take into account the emergency public health restrictions we face together, and act immediately to fund and safeguard the support cities like Bristol can offer." Since the onset of the pandemic, Bristol City Council has helped about 1,500 people to move into emergency accommodation. The council is working with partners and the refugee and homelessness sectors to look at how it can continue to support these people and make sure nobody has to return to rough sleeping. Support is still available for anyone who is at risk of rough sleeping either through commissioned services or the voluntary sector, including help accessing Home Office accommodation, applying for settled status, getting into work or to return to their country of origin if they wish. For further information contact: friends@juliantrust.org.uk
Join learning disability charity Brandon Trust, and discover a genuinely rewarding role as a support worker. You’ll support and care for people with a learning disability, autism or both, at home and in the community to live life in the way they choose. Experience is valued, however isn’t always essential as we provide full training.
Full training provided with ongoing support Casual, part-time and full-time positions Range of benefits including a pension Supportive recruitment process
We currently have vacancies in a wide variety of locations, including Henleaze, Westbury-on-Trym, Knowle, Longwell Green, across Bristol and Portishead. Take the first step to a career with us, apply today.
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Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures Please feel free to call us during To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk office hours on: 0117 952 0698
May, 2021
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n NEWS
Pride crossing on Wine Street
LOCKLEAZE Community Football Club are now recruiting for the new season. Gary Mitchell says: “All positions are available subject to experience due to the standard we play at. “We play in the Bristol and Suburban League Division 2. Our Home Ground is Lockleaze Sports Centre and we play on the 4G all weather surface.” Lockleaze Community FC train on a Thursday night, starting from 7.30pm on April 1st. Home games are played on a Saturday afternoon starting in late August. Friendly matches will take place throughout the summer so that manager, Jake Walsh, can finalise the squad. Gary adds: “Our facilities are second to none with everything for the player and their families. If you’re looking at putting the boots on, let's be seeing you every Thursday at training.”
TO coincide with Pride Month and to celebrate the return of Bristol Pride on Saturday 10 July, a crossing on Wine Street will be painted as the Pride flag. A street crossing will be marked with the Pride Progress flag which is inclusive of the transgender community and LGBT+ people of colour. The chevron symbolises a forward movement and that progress still needs to be made. Daryn Carter MBE, Bristol Pride said: “We are so excited to be getting a rainbow crossing here in Bristol, it's a great way to showcase the city's commitment to equality. Visibility for the LGBT+ community is still an issue and after a year apart, where some people may have felt isolated and disconnected, this crossing will be a positive, unmissable beacon for Bristol as Pride returns to the city, and will be a visible reminder to celebrate diversity in all its forms. ”
Time for a cuppa
THE annual Dementia UK caKe and tea event takes place from May 1-8. Fundraisers will be perfecting their lockdown baking skills to support families with dementia at this most challenging time, raising funds and awareness of Dementia UK’s dementia specialist Admiral Nurses. For more information about how to host your own tea party with a free fundraising pack, please visit: dementiauk.org/timeforacuppa, call 020 8036 5380 or email: timeforacuppa@ dementiauk.org
Eileen Means and Joe Rayment: Your hardworking, experienced team for Bishopston & Ashley Down An experienced team Eileen Means and Joe Rayment have both been councillors before, so they know how to get things done and will be able to deliver results for residents from day one. Prioritising the climate emergency Making Bristol carbon neutral by 2030 is going to need councillors who know how to deliver the radical, ambitious policies we need. Labour’s plans for public transport, active travel and tree planting will get us there. Empowering communities Eileen Means and Joe Rayment want to give power to residents to improve the local area, like deciding on how we solve parking, congestion, air pollution and road safety in Bishopston & Ashley Down.
Remember: Use both votes for a strong, Labour team on 6 May.
Promoted by Andy Burkitt on behalf of Eileen Means and Joe Rayment, all at Unit B, Bradley Pavilions, Pear Tree Road, Bristol, BS32 0BQ.
Community FC seeks players
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
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n NEWS
Four new goats help tackle Avon Gorge scrub FOUR new billy goats have been introduced to Avon Gorge to help control unwanted scrub. The new animals bring the number in “goat gully” back up to six after four of the original herd died several years ago. Six wild Kashmiri goats were introduced into the enclosure on a steep section of the gorge by Seawalls in 2011. Their job was to control scrub growth so that rare wildflowers and grasses, such as the Bristol onion and Bristol rock cress, can grow freely on the limestone ridge. Bristol City Council has been wanting to restock the herd ever since two goats died of old age in 2019 and two were chased off the cliffs by dogs in separate incidents in 2017. But its plans to get four new Kashmiri goats from Wales last June were delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, four goats of another primitive breed were secured
from Bristol charity, StreetGoat. The four young Bagot goats joined the older Kashmiri goats in goat gully last month, after a short stint grazing on a patch of land next to Patchway Station. Black and white with long curved horns, Bagot goats are
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one of Britain’s oldest breeds of goat, according to the Bagot Goat Society. They are the only primitive goat breed in the UK to have developed in the English lowlands, the society’s website says.
The council’s grounds supervisor, Ben Skuse, told members of the Downs Committee last month that the goats were due to be introduced to the gully on March 25. “The amount of browsing and scrub control in the gully has been somewhat lacking when we’ve been down to two mouths, rather than six,” he said. “So I’m very glad that we’ve been able to source some new animals. “They’re quite a bit younger than our current goats, which is what we wanted.” The Avon Gorge runs through a limestone ridge and is the only place in the world where the rare Bristol onion and Bristol rock cress grow. Kashmiri goats eat woody plants in preference to the rare plant species because of their primitive stomachs. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Dance classes return
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LIVE rehearsals have resumed at RISE Youth Dance. Two of their classes - Juniors and Horison - have started back, face-to-face in the studio. The company specialise in contemporary dance and carnival dance, working in different world styles. Dance classes for Juniors resume on a Saturday morning from 10am - 12 noon at Cotham Parish Church. These are fun, weekly dance classes for young people in school Years 2 - 4. Classes for Juniors (Year 5 - Year 6) take place at DanceSpace, The Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol, BS1 2AG on Sundays from 10am-12pm. Horison is a weekly class for students Year 7 - Year 11 who want to build their contemporary technique, meet new people and work with professional dancers. Horison North dance classes take place at Cotham Parish Church, BS6 6DR on Thursdays, from 5pm - 6.30pm. Horison South - Workout Crossfit Gym, Baynton Road, Ashton Gate, Bristol, BS3 2EB - Monday 3.45-5.15pm. To find out more please contact echivers.riseyd@gmail.com
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
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n NEWS
Senior Film Club resumes after an interval BRINGING joy to people and encouraging them to carry on living life to the full is the reason John Moore of Home Instead set up a Senior Film Club. The monthly meet-up for a film screening plus tea and cake was a regular fixture in Henleaze
and Downend before the pandemic and John can’t wait to get it going again. “It’s for anyone who wants to come along, catch up with old friends, meet new friends or just sit quietly at the back,” says John.
A pre-Covid meeting of the Senior Film Club
“We see the Senior Film Club as so important. It’s a way for people to regain some of their confidence, getting out there and meeting people again. “I’m really looking forward to getting people together to have fun. It’s always been such a highlight to see people leaving the event with a smile on their face. We’ve seen the impact of the aging process on people as they are missing out on the stimulation of company so now that we can, we’re bringing back the Senior Film Club and hope it gives people a boost.” May’s film is The Greatest Showman. It’s a lighthearted film that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. The event takes place at St Peter’s Hall in Henleaze on May 24, costs £4 and includes tea and cake. Doors open at 1.30pm, film
First on the bill: The Greatest Showman begins at 2pm. The film for June's event will be Fisherman’s Friends. Pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited due to Covid measures. To book please call 0117 435 0063.
A WARM WELCOME AWAITS AT FIELD HOUSE NURSING HOME Field House in Horfield offers safe and nurturing care Whilst we are taking care to ensure distancing, residents are still enjoying daily activities, and access to our beautiful gardens. We also have the technology to keep our residents in ‘virtual’ touch with their families.
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
“Field Field House remains a place of happy daily life and excellent nursing care.” care Dee, Nurse Manager
• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand • Safe face-to-face visits where possible
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
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
31
n PHARMACY BLOG
Embracing kindness to all is how we'll face challenges
T
HE last few weeks have been dominated by commentary on a report by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. The commission was established partly in response to the Black Lives Matter Protest. The report itself, its approach, findings and recommendations have struggled to find any friends. The UN, also joining many other organisations, including many NHS organisations and professional bodies like the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, all distancing themselves from the findings. Many are calling it out, using less bland language; most unhelpful. As we start to navigate our way out of the pandemic, its lasting impact is
also becoming apparent. The financial implications for families and individuals – over 450,000 families likely currently in arrears due to the Covid-19 crisis. Young workers, in general, have borne a disproportionate brunt of job losses in lockdown as many work in industries such as hospitality and leisure. According to the Resolution Foundation, the UK jobless rate for young black people rose by more than a third to 35 per cent over the past year. Compared with 24 per cent for young people of Asian descent and a rate of 13 per cent for young white people. A young generation under attack. Long treatment delays for physical and mental health are also now to be tackled. Long Covid is a whole new condition to
manage. It is so easy to lose heart. I would like to ask us all to please help bring about the change so desperately needed. A recommendation every report should make is now my plea: We all must Embrace Kindness to Ourselves, Each other and the Environment that we all share and live in. I mention kindness because, in many ways, it is a universal value to grasp. Fairness, generosity will always flow out of kindness. In the last 12 months, we have seen our community excel at being kind. I also know that for most, the cost involves setting aside our own needs, even being unkind to ourselves to help others. As we all continue to face all the unwelcome things Covid-19 has brought on us, we must now
0117 9246579 18 Kellaway Avenue, Westbury Park, Bristol, BS6 7XR
become kindness advocates - a kind friend and neighbour. That friend and neighbour, you can always text, talk with and seek help from. This will help us respond correctly and on time to the challenges ahead, improving our own contentment, also health and wellbeing for all.
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32
May, 2021
n VET'S ADVICE
Post Brexit pet travel
A
S it seems we might soon be able to travel abroad for our holidays once again, here is a timely reminder that travel with your pet is now a little more complicated than previously. Changes to Pet Travel since Brexit means that now any GB issued Pet Passport is no longer valid for travel abroad. Instead pet dogs, cats and ferrets must travel using an Animal Health Certificate. Pets still need to be microchipped and vaccinated with Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel. Rabies vaccinations must be kept up to date. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) has to be issued for each separate trip abroad to an EU member state and Northern Ireland. The certificate has to be issued within 10 days of travel and is valid for onward travel within the EU for up to four months. Up to five pets can be entered onto a
single AHC. AHCs can only be issued by government Official Veterinarians (OV), most practices have an OV in their veterinary staff. The certificate is in dual language depending on the port of entry into the EU. Pets are only allowed to travel through a designated Travellers Point of Entry (TPE) and a list of these can be found on the gov.uk website under pet travel. Completion of the certificate is a lengthy process and an owner needs to show evidence that they are accompanying their pet on the trip using a boarding pass or flight ticket. The owner needs to sign a declaration stating that the movement of the pet(s) is noncommercial. Rules for commercial travel are different. Rules are different if your pet has an EU or Northern Ireland issued Pet passport which can still be used for travel however if rabies vaccination in an EU issued
passport has expired while the pet has been in GB, an AHC must be issued for travel. As before, any dog re-entering GB will need treatment for a tapeworm, echinococcus, between 24 and 120 hours before travel home and this needs to be entered onto the AHC by a veterinarian. The new system is not as simple or spontaneous as our previous Pet Passport. It now needs some planning as the vet will want advance information before you travel so as to ensure that they issue the correct AHC. It will also be considerably more expensive to travel on repeat trips as a new AHC must be issued each time. Further information is available from the government website www.gov.uk/pettravel as well as the Pet travel Scheme Helpline 0370 241 1710. Do give us a call if you need any further help and ask to speak to one of our OV’s, either Nicky or
Graham Cook
Call 0117 377 0644 or 07415 658 205
Holly will be happy to help. Nicky Bromhall MRCVS Animal Health Centre
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May, 2021
bishopstonvoice
n NEWS
33
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Wildflower meadow at St Andrew’s Park PLANS are afoot to create a wildflower meadow in a section of St Andrew’s Park. Steve Perry, chair of Friends of St Andrew’s Park, says: "Working with the city council, we are looking to create a perennial meadow on the southern end of St Andrew’s Park, adjacent to Leopold Road. This exciting initiative, which will greatly improve the biodiversity of our lovely Park, is now under way.” The ground was being prepared in April and working parties will be formed to help to sow and manage the area during the summer. More details about the project will be revealed in the next issue of Bishopston Voice.
BRISTOL Zoo Gardens is the perfect fresh-air destinations for half-term with over 12 acres of outdoor space and the chance to see animals from all over the globe, including many endangered species. Spot the youngest western lowland gorilla, Juni (born December 2020; pictured) on Gorilla Island and say hello to the first sloth (born April 2021) to be born at the Zoo in almost a decade. Bristol Zoo has a one-way system, social distancing measures and additional hand washing facilities in place to ensure a fun and safe day out. Book tickets online in advance bristolzoo.org.uk
Commercial Serviced Office to Rent Bishopston Bristol (BS7 8ND) 1500 sq ft. Made up of 2 workspaces connected to a large open plan space.
GOOD WINDOWS AND NATURAL LIGHT – high ceilings, wood floor. FIRST FLOOR WITH SHARED PARKING. Near to Bishop Road School and Gloucester Road. Modern, warm, and very well glazed spaces. Suitable for a range of commercial, creative, medical, architectural activities. All enquiries welcome. Includes, L/G facilities, separate kitchen/lunch space, private entrance, and lobby. Wi-Fi /intranet wiring. Rents are inclusive (business rates, Insurance, water, gas, external maintenance). Electricity and contents insurance excluded. This is a licence to occupy and not a formal lease - subject to a minimum period of occupation. Rent quoted is for Suite 8 only. Available April 2021 for the first time in 10 years. All occupiers are local. To include a range of office furniture and storage units, subject to negotiation. Floor plan and dimensions available on request. SHARING WELCOME Viewing and discussion essential.
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
34
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n VINEYARD NEWS with INGRID BATES
Woodchips keep weeds off our baby vines THINGS are suddenly getting very hectic in the vineyard and on the wine front. In the vineyard we’ve started laying out our experimental weed control of cardboard and willow wood chips. It’s amazing how a huge pile of willow trunks can be reduced to a relatively tiny pile of woodchips so we may need to use a combination of methods to help our baby vines through their second year of life. Once the baby vines are established, competition from weeds isn’t such a problem but for the first few years we have to help the baby vines establish good trunks and roots. Unlike last year the vine buds haven’t burst yet because it’s been so chilly. In a week or so they’ll spring to life and there will be no stopping them. On the wine front we’re in the process of releasing our new 2020 rosé. Most of the restaurants
we usually supply have been closed since Christmas so it feels really nice to be seeing familiar faces during wine deliveries again. Having every single trade customer order wine all in the same week is a little bit daunting but we’re working our way through the list and will open up
the rosé for direct sales as soon as we can. Last month we mentioned a new wine we were shortly to release which was quite unusual. Unfortunately, we have been so busy that we’ve not had a second to pop down to the winery to pick the new wine up! We’ll do this
very soon and can’t wait to show people the wacky labels we’ve gone for. hello@dunleavyvineyards.co.uk www.dunleavyvineyards.co.uk @DYvineyards (twitter) dunleavy vineyards (facebook & instagram)
432 Gloucester Road, t: 0117 924 7767 Bristol BS7 8TX e: mail@evansentwistle.co.uk Accountancy | Corporate Finance | Taxation | Business Advisory | Private Clients To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
35
n NEWS
Arts & Craft garden City's nature challenge and urban woodland THE international City Nature Challenge is taking place on Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May. Bristol is one of the cities taking part and anyone can join in and make a contribution as a citizen scientist. Simply download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone or tablet and use it to upload photos of any wildlife in Bishopston, Cotham and Redland that you see from your windows, gardens and during your daily outdoor exercise. You don’t have to be an expert, as the app will give you some handy suggestions of what it thinks you’ve seen, and you can join the iNaturalist online community to learn more about the wildlife around you. Best of all, the records you submit will help inform local and national conservation work. City Nature Challenge is an epic, global citizen science project to collect information about our local wildlife. In 2021 UK cities are collaborating with 400+ cities across the world to find and record as much wildlife as possible to help track how nature is bouncing back this spring.
Alpine LANDSCAPING
Established family firm with 25 years experience
LOCAL gardens are reopening for the National Garden Scheme (NGS). Plant-filled Lucombe House in Stoke Bishop will open on Sunday 23 May. The owners have been opening the garden for the NGS for the past 21 years. It’s a garden for tree lovers of all ages! In addition to the 255 yr old Lucombe Oak - registered as one of the most significant trees in the UK - there are over 30 mature English trees planted together with ferns and bluebells to create an urban woodland. Come and see the newly designed Arts & Craft front garden which has been created along with a new path winding through the woodland. Lucombe House, 12 Druid Stoke Avenue, Stoke Bishop, BS9 1DD will open between 1.00 and 5.00pm with four hourly slots for 20 people. Booking online at www.ngs.org.uk is essential.
0300 323 0700 info@wecr.org.uk www.wecr.org.uk Previously known as We Care & Repair, we have over 30 years of experience
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
36
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n LETTERS Can you design 'heroes' stamp? I HOPE parents will encourage their children to take part in Royal Mail’s stamp design competition, to honour the heroes of the pandemic. The competition is open to children, aged 4 to 14. Eight designs will be chosen to become stamps which will be on sale across the UK. Children may choose to illustrate frontline workers in health or social care. They may want to celebrate other key workers who have kept the country going, such as refuse collectors, cleaners, teachers, supermarket workers, public transport staff, delivery drivers or, indeed, postmen and postwomen. Or they might highlight the volunteers who have helped in their local communities or raised money for charity, such as Captain Sir Tom Moore. The competition is open until Friday 28 May. A special panel of judges will select the winners. As with all Special Stamps, the final eight designs will be sent to The Queen before they can be printed and issued as stamps. The winners will be announced in the autumn. We cannot wait to see who children choose to honour on their stamp. The past year has been very difficult for everyone, so let’s show
the heroes of the pandemic just how much we appreciate what they have done for us. Full details can be found at www.royalmail.com/ stampcompetition David Gold Royal Mail Director of External Affairs & Policy
'Rat' jibes won't get my vote READING the comments by our councillors in the “Voice” and the election literature from candidates, one can get the impression that traffic is the only problem in the world. It's almost as if our councillors can't find anything else to campaign about. At 70, my priority is leaving a safe world for today's children when I die. That means stopping climate change and the loss of biodiversity. But there are many more local problems in our city. 16,000 families on the waiting list for housing, 250 children with special educational needs, families depending on food banks etc. Are we really so comfortable in Bishopston and Ashley Down that
the only issues are where to put yet another pedestrian crossing? Or complaining that your road is a “rat run”. I drive around the area and like most motorists I drive with care, courtesy and consideration for other road users. I object to being called a rat. I shan't be voting for candidates talking about rat runs, but for one who one who has practical proposals for the real issues. Barry Cash Bishopston
Spread word on Pension Credit The last year has been tough for a lot of people, particularly those who are living in poverty. All too often at Independent Age, we hear from people in later life who have to choose between eating and heating their homes. That’s why we were pleased to see the annual increase of Pension Credit last week – a single person who is eligible for the entitlement will now receive up to £177.10 per week, and couples who are eligible will now receive up to £270.30. We know this money is a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people, but we estimate that up to 1 million older people who could be eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it. Our analysis shows this could be affecting up to 84,000 households across the South West. This means there is more than £182million that isn’t reaching
those who need it most. Uptake of Pension Credit has not risen above 64% for around a decade – the worst uptake of any income-related benefit. It acts as a gateway to a free TV licence for over 75s, free NHS prescriptions, council tax support, Housing Benefit, free eye tests and much more. Combined, this could be worth around £7,000 per year for an individual. We welcome efforts by the government to ensure more people receive Pension Credit but they haven’t yet had the impact needed. We need the government to urgently produce an action plan to tackle low uptake in a more strategic and effective way. This should include a full communications strategy, including awareness raising campaigns, as well as new highquality research into who is not claiming Pension Credit and why. As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, full uptake could also bring savings to the taxpayer. Research we recently commissioned suggests that full take-up could over time result in net savings as people’s health improves and they are less likely to need health or social care services. By working together with the government to identify and overcome any barriers, we are confident we can increase uptake and ultimately, improve the lives of people in the South West in later life who are facing unnecessary financial struggles. Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age
LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS Email news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n NEWS FOUR Bristol libraries have expanded their services to include browsing. Henleaze, Henbury, Stockwood and the Central Library all welcomed back customers from 12 April, with Bishopston, Marksbury Road and Fishponds staying open for the Call and Collect service. From Monday 19 April a total of 17 libraries were due to be open – with seven offering browsing and limited computer use, and 10 offering Call and Collect, including Redland and Clifton Libraries. Kate Murray, Head of Libraries, said: “We are really pleased to be able to start safely re-opening and expanding our services and we are looking forward to welcoming people back. “Library staff have taken on critical roles during the pandemic response, and they are now finishing off these jobs before coming back to the library service so that we can start to open more libraries around the city. “We know how much our libraries mean to their local
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Bishopston and Redland libraries open for Call and Collect service communities, and we are doing everything we can to reopen our libraries in a safe and responsible manner. “We will also be looking to carry on with our excellent digital offering as we start to reopen our buildings.” Libraries may look a little different when they reopen, as measures have been put in place to keep staff and customers safe. All toilets will remain closed. Staff and members of the public are required to wear face coverings and libraries will be well ventilated. All visitors will be required to check in with NHS Test and Trace via the app or using the simple paper form. Books will be quarantined for 72 hours on return. All items currently on loan from closed libraries have been automatically extended, but reservations and charges for open libraries will
restart. The Call and Collect service allows people to request books over the phone or by email, with a maximum of five per person (or eight for children). The library team will constantly review the government guidance as they work towards opening more libraries and increasing services – all in a safe and controlled way. Bristol Libraries offer a wide variety of services online for people to access at home. There are eBooks which you can borrow from CloudLibrary and Overdrive and also access to eAudio books through BorrowBox. Members can read 1,000s of daily newspapers from around the world, as well as popular eMagazines, including; New Scientist, Gardeners World, Gracia and the Radio Times.
Recently eComics have become available. In addition, the library team are running a number of online events from children’s story time and quizzes, through to a virtual Lego club and a new podcast. These will continue while the library services start to gradually reopen. It’s really easy for people to join the library online. For information on joining, new opening hours and all the services you can access at home, please visit www.bristol.gov. uk/libraries or search Bristol Libraries online.
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
38
May, 2021
n NATURE WATCH With Dawn Lawrence THE plants that live on our city pavements and walls have a hundred tales to tell. They come not only from British habitats, ranging from cornfields to woodlands, but also from distant lands where they have consorted with tigers and kangaroos. In fact, the only continent not represented on our streets is Antarctica! Many members of our street flora started off as garden treasures, such as Buddleia the butterfly bush. It comes from China and was brought to Britain in the rush of Victorian enthusiasm for all things exotic. Its winged seeds and tolerance of stony ground enabled its rapid spread along railway lines and across waste ground and now it can be found everywhere from chimney pots to pavement cracks. It is hugely popular with butterflies, a slightly tamer role than one it played in China where an early visitor noted that it provided a “famous harbourage for tigers”. Some plants are introduced accidentally and their tales of arrival can be remarkably complicated, picking up names
Kangaroo apple on Gloucester Road, photo by Rupert Higgins and stories as they go. Hoary cress has foamy flowers of creamy white and arrived at Ramsgate in soldiers’ mattresses after their crestfallen return from the Walcheren expedition, a fruitless sally to the Netherlands in the Napoleonic Wars. A nearby farmer ploughed the hay mattresses in as compost (admirable recycling there!) and the little weed spread so quickly that it acquired the name Thanet cress. It also began spreading from
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other ports, arriving in the same disguise, which may be how it first got to Bristol. Some plants’ journeys are a complete mystery. A couple of years ago I was excited to find a stranger shyly peeping from the crack where pavement meets the wall at the top of Kersteman Road (near the street sign in fact). It had delicate blue flowers and was obviously a borage, but not the usual one of Pimm’s fame. It turned
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out to be pygmy borage, a native of Corsica and Sardinia. No garden plant, if anyone can explain how it got there I would love to know! A few weeks later we found a rangy stem of long, narrow leaves, clinging to the base of a signpost on Gloucester Road, intriguing us with its unidentifiableness, risking loss from the Council sprayers before we had a chance to find out what it was. At last it produced a beautiful flower, showing it to be a Solanum (think of a rich purple potato flower). It had come all the way from Australia where it is called kangaroo apple, the leaf shape recalling the long paw-print of a kangaroo. There is a move in many local authorities to welcome these plants and to manage them without resorting to the regular spraying of herbicide. Many are beautiful, they feed our pollinators, encouraging insects that in turn feed the birds, increasing bird song in our city. And they have taken such trouble to get here – let’s celebrate the adventurous plants of our pavements.
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oes your home need some attention after months of having everyone home, and being out of routine? I am a professional home organiser, and would love to help. Whether it’s a spare room, overflowing cupboards, the children’s bedrooms and toys, your kitchen cupboards, or piles of “stuff” lying around, I can sort it. My Facebook page, Louise Declutter Bristol, has lots of before and after photos and testimonials.
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To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
n SPORT HISTORY will be made this summer as, for the first time in the 132-year history of the venue, the Bristol County Ground will play host to an England Women’s Test Match. The England Women v India Women fixture has been announced as one of three international women’s fixtures being played in Bristol this season, with One Day Internationals also featuring, against India and New Zealand respectively. England Women’s international schedule at Bristol is as follows: • Wednesday 16-19 June – LV= Insurance Test Match – England v India • Sunday 27 June - Royal London International - England v India • Thursday 16 September – Royal London One-Day International – England v New Zealand The Priority Windows for England Women 2021 ticket sales opened to 2021 Gloucestershire Cricket Members and Previous International Ticket Buyers from 19 April.
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Bristol to host three England Women international matches
Tickets were going on general sale from Wednesday 28 April. The England Women’s Test Match against India promises to be a mouth-watering fixture, as India Women boast an excellent squad, including former Western Storm player Smriti Mandhana. The One-Day International in Bristol will be a must-watch as many England fans will remember the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final between the two sides at Lord’s in 2017 in the ICC Women’s World Cup as England secured a famous
nine-run victory with Western Storm’s Anya Shrubsole the star of the final. The International fixtures at the Bristol County Ground provides another chance to see two of England’s greatest women cricketers, and local heroes, Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole, in action at their regular Western Storm home. New Zealand Women last played at the Bristol County Ground in 2018 as part of a T20 Tri-Series that also featured South Africa. England defeated New Zealand by seven wickets with Sarah Taylor top scoring with an impressive 51 runs. This match is also the series opening match between the two sides. Will Brown, Gloucestershire Cricket chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming England Women to the Bristol County Ground for three matches this summer. We
have a really good track record in attracting large crowds for England Women’s matches here, and we know that supporters will look forward to what promises to be some excellent cricket in Bristol this year. “It will be an historic moment for us to be able to host a first-ever Test Match at our ground. In a year where we are celebrating a belated 150th anniversary for the club, it is fitting that we will be adding another milestone moment to add to a distinguished list. We know that Heather Knight and her team have a good record and enjoy playing in Bristol, so it will be fantastic to see how they go against both India and New Zealand.” You can register your interest for these matches at: www. gloscricket.co.uk/englandwomen-international-matchesregister-your-interest/
Gloucestershire sign Glenn Phillips GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cricket has announced the signing of New Zealand international Glenn Phillips for the 2021 Vitality Blast campaign. The 24-year-old top-order wicketkeeperbatsman has had a mightily impressive start to his white-ball career, breaking records and scoring runs around the world. Speaking on signing for The Shire, Glenn said: “I’m really excited to join up with Gloucestershire and can’t wait to get over to Bristol soon. I loved my time in the UK in 2016 playing club cricket for
Brondesbury CC and for the MCC Young Cricketers. “I’ve always been keen to experience county cricket and I’m very grateful to Gloucestershire for giving me the opportunity.” Phillips, who will be available to Gloucestershire for the entirety of the Vitality Blast season, recently broke the record for the fastest century by a New Zealand batsman in a T20I match, reaching triple digits in just 46 balls against West Indies.
Interim Head Coach, Ian Harvey is full of praise for the Kiwi: “I’ve followed him quite a bit over the last couple of seasons; Glenn is very exciting to watch and he’s going to add a massive amount to what is already a powerful T20 batting lineup. “He can bat at the top of the order, in the middle and also add to our firepower at the end. He’s a bit of an all-rounder because he bowls and keeps wicket as well so he will give us plenty of options and I’m looking forward to getting him in the team.”
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
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bishopstonvoice
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n WHAT'S ON
May, 2021
n NEWS
n Bishop Road Community Choir are meeting online Thursday evenings via Zoom at 8pm for an hour. If anyone is interested they should contact us via bishoproadchoir@gmail.com and I will send them a link. n The Arts Society Bristol Would you like to join us for lectures on a wide range of arts related subjects, given by specialists in their own field? These are currently being delivered online and we would welcome new members. The lecture on 11 May is about "Foreigners in London 15201677". For more information visit our website www.theartssociety-bristol. org.uk
Monday
n Play bowls at Canford Park in a friendly, social atmosphere. Qualified coaches and equipment provided. Contact: Les on 07305695579
The Mind Map A NEW ‘one stop shop’ for mental health is allowing people in Bishopston to book counselling at the click of a button and find the free mental health services in their area. Residents can also read expert advice and articles on The Mind Map’s innovative mental health platform www.themindmap.co.uk The platform is the result of a groundbreaking research project carried out between The Mind Map and leading organisations with Mental Health at the centre of their agenda, with contributions from Imperial College London and the NHS. Visit www.themindmap.co.uk or follow on social media @themindmapco
General Building General Building Refurbishments
Grand plant sale ST Matthew’s Church, Clare Road, Kingsdown is holding a plant sale in its beautiful garden on Saturday 22 May, from 1pm - 3pm. On sale will be flowering garden plants, vegetable seedlings, home-grown herbs and house plants - most of which have been propagated by church members. The plant sale is in aid of St Matthews ECO fund which supports a range of green projects from making the garden more accessible and community friendly to installing a ground coil heating system to decrease our carbon footprint. Come along and find a bargain - there are good prices to be had. This event will go ahead subject to Covid regulations - social distancing/Covid-safe measures will apply. See www.stmatthews-bristol.org.uk/whats-on/events/ for latest details or contact office@stmatthews-bristol.org.uk Tel: 0117 944 1598..
Your Local Builder Your Local Builder
New Build New Build Extensions
Refurbishments Carpentry
Extensions Refurbishment
Carpentry Decorating New Build
Refurbishment Alterations
Decorating Handyman Extensions
Alterations Kitchen Install
Handyman Plumbing Refurbishment
MAINTENANCE
BUILD
Kitchen Install Bathroom Install
Plumbing Electrical Alterations
MAINTENANCE
BUILD
Bathroom Install Roofing Works
Electrical Roofing Kitchen Install Roofing Gardens Bathroom Install Gardens Roofing Works
0117 2591 591 www.halgroup.co.uk 0117 2591 591 info@halgroup.co.uk www.halgroup.co.uk info@halgroup.co.uk
RoofingBuilding Works General Works General Building Works
General Building ONE COMPANY • ONE SOLUTION Works ONE • ONE SOLUTION Redland Office: 23COMPANY Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PG Redland Office:
23 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 Redland Office: 23 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS66PG 6PG
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
Bristol BS6 6PG
*
Buy now and save up to £15,000. Thanks to the Stamp Duty Relief extension you can now buy a new apartment at Redland Court and save up to £15,000.
A collection of luxury apartments set in private landscaped grounds. Experience Redland Court for yourself. Book a private tour of the development today. Stamp Duty Relief deadline extended to the end June 21- don’t miss this opportunity! CGI imagery used for illustrative purposes only. Prices correct at time of going to press. *Of current phased release.
• • • •
1 & 2 bedroom apartments Stunning specification throughout Outside space with many apartments Access to private, secluded 3-acre grounds
• • • •
High quality, individually designed finishes Allocated parking available 1-bed apartments from £395,000 2-bed apartments from £525,000
the place for you… Spring sales, lettings, mortgages & conveyancing. Call: 0117 942 5855
oceanhome.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
43
n PROPERTY OF THE MONTH Guide price £950,000 6 bed semi-detached house, Lancashire Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 An exquisite and rather special 6 double bedroom Victorian semidetached family home situated on a sought after road, offering a beautifully finished interior, a level 36ft x 25ft rear garden and the rare advantage of off street parking for 2 cars. Spectacular extended kitchen/dining/living space. Located in the heart of Bishopston on a desirable Road. Offering the convenience of Gloucester Road nearby, as well as being within a few hundred metres of Brunel fields Primary School and the green open space of St Andrews Park.
201 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8BG Phone: 0117 942 5855
n NEWS
VIP hosts seek city's top sporting firm THE Bristol based movement One Sporting World has persuaded stars of cricket, football, rugby, hockey, cycling, rowing among other sports to launch the city's version of One Sporting City. One Sporting City involves VIP hosted tournaments and competitions in numerous sports throughout 2021, to raise funds for good causes, including grass roots sports clubs. The series starts with the first national events, involving the GB Rowers and GB slalom canoeists in May 2021 at the iconic venues of Henley-on-Thames and the Olympic White Water Centre, with the first Bristol event in June 2021, an eight-a-side cricket tournament hosted by former England internationals. Each event provides sporting rewards (bonus goals, tries, runs, etc) to those who fundraise the most for their chosen good
cause, through provided auction platforms and donation pages. GB rowing gold medallist Matt Langridge is looking forward to being part of the series having already posted a video message on his Twitter feed stating: "I am excited by
this project and looking forward to a day of coaching and helping propel your firm to victory and help towards crowning you as Bristol champions.” Each event will be limited in numbers, with the VIP hosts either coaching each company
team or playing alongside you, but all events include time for a Q and A to learn from their sporting careers. Each event is outdoors in spacious areas and will follow the Covid-19 protocols of the day. Other events include a touch rugby event hosted by Bristol Barbarians RFC in September, hockey with the GB hockey squads and football with premier league legends, plus an equal representation from the blue and red halves of the city. Further events will be added subject to demand. The project is looking to add to the £505K raised in donations by the Olympic athlete initiative Legacy 300, which sees participants pay for exclusive experience days themselves and create donations on top. Interested companies are invited to visit www. onesportingcity.com/bristol
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
Image taken prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. All services undertaken are covid-compliant.
How the Support Hub can help you The Support Hub is a collaboration of local organisations offering free or low cost practical, social and emotional support to people over the age of 50 living in Bristol. Help available includes: Home support, maintenance and adaptations Advice on benefits and allowances Befriending and virtual activities (online & telephone) Contact us: 0117 929 7537 admin@ageukbristol.org.uk www.ageukbristol.org.uk
bishopstonvoice
May, 2021
45
n HOME IMPROVEMENT
Tom Jackson, Commercial Lead
Saving water in the bathroom – don’t put your money down the drain WITH so many of us struggling with our household bills, one of the easiest to keep under control is your water bill. If you’re on a water meter, being aware of your water consumption is very important. Saving water isn’t only good for your wallet though - it’s great for the environment and our local community. It’s up to us all to play our part and save water where we can, just using the amount we actually need. Over half of the average water use comes in the bathroom, with around a third coming from taking showers and baths. We all know that showers use less water than baths. However, the average shower still uses around 10 to 11 litres per minute. If the average family cut shower time by a minute, they could save £45 on their water bills and over 11,500 litres of water per year in total. Why not try putting a time limit on your shower? You can do this by simply setting a timer on your phone, or by fitting a new smart shower with time limit functionality built into it.
Drips and leaks can also cost you money and waste massive amounts of water in the long run, if you don’t get them fixed. A leaking toilet or constantly filling cistern can waste 400 litres of water every day. Not only is it a terrible waste, it could also cost someone on a water meter over £300 a year. A single dripping tap can waste over 60 litres per day – that’s the same as 39 bathtubs full of water. It’s never too late to get it sorted, and our handyperson team is equipped to take care of replacing washers, broken seals and even
AERIAL SPECIALISTS
5 Hide Market, Waterloo Road, Bristol BS2 0BH 0300 323 0700 www.wecr.org.uk info@wecr.org.uk
whole taps. Nowadays there are many products available which actively help you save water, from dual flush toilets to showers and taps with flow limiters A dual flush allows you to choose a short flush or a longer flush depending on what is needed to clear the waste away. We often don’t realise how much water is being used at a higher pressure, so switching to a lower pressure can help a lot. Innovative water-saving aerated shower heads mix air with the water flow. This uses up to 30% less
BUILDING SERVICES
water without losing any of the power of your shower. Built-in flow limiters reduce the amount of water you use by automatically limiting flow or by giving the option to switch to eco mode. Smart shower systems allow you to customise your showering experience and set your shower to run for a specified length of time. Then there’s new cuttingedge underfloor heating. You can control when and how you use your heating, which is much more efficient than central heating. Smart digital thermostats even learn the best times and temperatures for your heating, making the whole thing effortless. Contact our friendly team today to discuss how we can create a modern eco-friendly shower room that’s built around you - but won’t cost the earth.
BUILDING SERVICES
H&P Aerials Digital, Freeview and Freesat Specialists
Kevin Gapper Roofing
• TV, FM & DAB • Radio Aerials • Extra Points • Fully Guaranteed • OAP Concessions
We cover all aspects of roofing work
• Tiled roofs • Flat roofs • Lead roofs • Installation of Velux Windows • Timber works
For a free quote
Tel: 0117 908 7232 or Mobile: 07815 029775 AERIAL SPECIALISTS
DRIVEWAYS
AGL DRIVEWAYS www.theaerialman.co.uk
• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders Affordable Prices - Reliable Service
0117 967 9028
Tarmac & Block Paving
•• AA wide wide range range of of colours colours & & patterns patterns • Local Saltford family run business • Local Keynsham family run for 50 years business for 50 yearsestimates • All work guaranteed • Free ••All work guaranteed • Free Pressure washing Drivewaysestimates & Patios
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
Tel:0117 012259860485 873587 Tel: or 453821 or07831 07831 453821 www.agldrives.co.uk
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
bishopstonvoice
46 CLEANING
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
May, 2021 GARDENING SERVICES
atom electrical specialist domestic installers
All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.
For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...
call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974
FREE Quotations
www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Garden design, inspiration and advice Call 07950905669 diwhiteuk@yahoo.co.uk GARDENING SERVICES
D. ATTWELL
Free Quotes Inspection and Testing Landlord Certificates New builds and Extensions Extra Sockets and Lights Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors
www.ElderwoodElectrical.com Office - 0117 9322379 Mobile - 07725 058581 CURTAINS & BLINDS
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Call Nick on 0117 2872082
20% off all designer fabrics! Made-to-Measure. FREE Consultation & Fitting.
Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building
• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
HANDYMAN
Handy Man Services
Curtains & Blinds
Spring Special
LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works
0117 303 9000 FLOORING
• Hang • Repair • Plumb • Assemble • Install • Fix • Replace • Paint Experienced, reliable, friendly Jobs big and small
Contact Gary 07984 614108 LOCKSMITHS
NIGHT & DAY
LOCKSMITHS 24HRS Contact Dave Staynings
0117 924 8383 119 Coldharbour Road. BS6 7SD. www.sofamagic.co.uk
0117 925 6828 Mobile:
07765 208690
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
May, 2021 LOGS FOR SALE
bishopstonvoice PETCARE
LOGS FOR SALE STILL ONLY ONLY £70£65 perper dumpy bag
(thebig bigones ones builders builders get in)in) (the getsand sand
LOG BURNER LOG FRIENDLY SIZE
(Stock (Stock up up NOW NOW for for Winter) Winter) Telephone Chris Telephone Chris Allcock Allcock 07770 754 07770 754622 622(mob) (mob)
01275 373562 01275 373562
(Please the mobile) mobile) (Please use the OVEN CLEANING
Tiler • Mason • Painter
Friendly, trustworthy & reliable Pop-ins to clean, feed and socialise with your cats, dogs & other small family members
07518 537251
rosieposiepets@gmail.com www.rosieposiepetservices.co.uk
Builder & Interior Decorator
17 Years Experience Tiling Interior & Exterior Masonry E: dacriscobuilder3@gmail.com Interior & Facade T: 0117 401 8568 / 07557 335 956 PaintingDacrisco Builder No Job Too Small Free Quote 17 Years Experience
T: 0117 431 2726 / 07557 335 956 E: dacriscobuilder9@gmail.com
PAINTING & DECORATING
Stephen Carter Painter & Decorator
Professional Decorating Services
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
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
0117
957 5092
ROOFING
JPK PLUMBING
T M HOBBS ROOFING
Phone: John Keegan 125 Bishop Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8LX
Pitched or flat roofs repaired or replaced Guttering & Cladding, uPVC Fascias & Soffits Chimneys, flashings & parapet walls repaired Skylights & Veluxes Installed Insurance Work Undertaken • Free Estimates Minor work welcome
From a dripping tap upwards Reliable, qualified, fully insured
07900 582 817 • 0117 924 7286 PLUMBING
COPPERMILL HEATING
Renovation Painter Tiler Decorator
PLUMBING
PLUMBING
elfontanero@hotmail.co.uk www.jpkplumbingbristol.co.uk
Classic & Natural stone tiles High Quality Finish Specialising in Italian showers Free Quote Contemporary & Provençale kitchens Bristol & Surrounding Areas Interior & Exterior Masonry & DECORATING PAINTING Interior & façade painting
47
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS
Established 1989 • Based in Bishopston
Tel: 01179 426 436
SASH WINDOWS
SnugSash.co.uk Sash window specialist • Renovation • Draughtproofing • Double glazing • Repairs • Painting
• CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATION & REPAIR • GAS, OIL & LPG • P O W E R F L U S H I N G • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • BOILER SERVICING • PLUMBING INSTALLATION & REPAIR
We can fit double glazing to your sash windows! www.snugsash.co.uk
FREE ESTIMATES
CALL 07769 693300
07736 229727 SnugSash
WWW.COPPERMILLHEATING.COM
PLUMBING
WIGS
The Bristol Plumber
Wigs Bristol
Bathroom & Kitchen Installation
5+ Years Experience, Tiling, Bathroom Fitting, Kitchens, Radiators, All Small Jobs No VAT, Free no obligation quote
07540607626
ed@thebristolplumber.com facebook.com/thebristolplumber
LOCATED IN DOWNEND
We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.
Please book an appointment on:
0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com
To advertise, contact Emma on 0117 9082121 or 07715 770448 or email emma@bishopstonvoice.co.uk. Got news? Email: news@bishopstonvoice.co.uk
Free Measure & Quotation Service • High Quality Fitting • 2 Stunning Showrooms
Wool Carpet, Easy Care Carpet, Natural Flooring, Sisal, Engineered Wood, Amtico, Karndean & more...
@cameronleecarpets
@cameronleecarpets
@cameroncarpets