Long Ashton and Failand Voice August 2023

Annual report just released on water company environmental performance

The Environment Agency has just released its annual report on the environmental performance of England’s nine water and sewerage companies.

The report shows some modest improvements to water company star ratings under the Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) report in 2022, compared to 2021.

Measured against the Environment Agency’s four-star rating, four companies have stayed the same, three have improved and two have got worse.

Wessex Water stays the same as the previous year at two stars.

Since 2011, the Environment Agency has used

the Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) to rate each company in England from one star to four star. The rating takes into account performance on environmental commitments such as pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year an updated reporting approach was introduced, with

revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.

This year’s report has found that:

• The number of serious pollution incidents has reduced from 62 in 2021 to 44 in 2022 but remains unacceptably

Cont on page 3 >

‘It is unacceptable to [see] this level of pollution’

Wessex Water ‘needs improvement’

high. More than half of serious pollution incidents were from assets of Anglian Water and Thames Water – EA have taken enforcement action against both companies.

• Total pollution incidents were similar to 2021 and remain too high.

• Incident self-reporting was at 82% – the best since the start of the EPA in 2011. However, this contrasts to self-reporting on serious incidents which was only 48%.

The results show that although there have been some improvements, all water companies need to go further and faster.

Environment Agency chair Alan Lovell said: “Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it.

“While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome –but that must translate to profound, long-term change.

“The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.”

Locally, Wessex Water has been described as a company that ‘requires improvement’ for the second year running, according to the report.

The company performance has failed to improve its twostar rating in the tables (out of a possible four stars), due to five serious pollution incidents. Overall, there were 110 pollution incidents in 2022, up from 72 incidents the previous year, partly due to spills proactively reported by the company.

Despite the rating, the

Environment Agency recognises there are positive aspects of the Wessex Water report including being the leading company for self-reporting of incidents, a high level of permit compliance and maintaining resilient water supplies against increased demand last year.

Area environment manager for the Environment Agency Ian Withers said: “Wessex Water’s two-star rating is a consequence of five serious pollution incidents the company was responsible for last year. The company accepts that it has more to do to reduce the frequency of pollution events, and our regulation of their operations tells us that Wessex Water is working hard to achieve this.

“We will continue to demand that the company focuses on this priority, and our officers will be undertaking a rigorous programme of inspections that we hope will encourage Wessex Water to deliver improvements to its sewerage networks, treatment processes and overall environmental performance.”

The report comes as the government published a new law to allow the Environment

Agency to impose unlimited civil sanctions on water companies for environmental offences. It means it will be quicker and easier for penalties to be imposed, although the most serious cases will still be taken through criminal proceedings.

The Environment Agency has also set out how it will:

. Create a bigger specialised workforce to focus solely on water company regulation. By autumn this year nearly 100 officers will be trained in carrying out more detailed audits of water companies to quickly identify issues and put improvement actions in place.

. Significantly increase compliance checks for every company – making sure they are sticking to the permits agreed with the Environment Agency.

. Recruit more data specialists to make better use of analytics and technology.

. Transform huge quantities of monitoring data into stronger regulatory intelligence. That includes using data-driven analytics to map monitoring data against rainfall to detect potential dry weather operation of storm overflows – known as ‘dry spills’.

It means the Environment Agency can quickly direct new specialist officers to any sites at risk and stop it happening.

Water minister Rebecca Pow said: “[The] report shows there is significant work to do to drive the improvements in our rivers and seas that we need to see.

“The government’s Plan for Water is focused on more investment, tougher enforcement and tighter regulation. I am committed personally to driving that forward and demanding more from each and every water company.

“We have also put new regulatory powers in place to allow the Environment Agency to impose sanctions on water companies without always going through the courts. This will be an important tool in its armoury to hold companies to account.”

Since 2015 the Environment Agency’s prosecutions against water companies have secured fines of over £150 million. In 2022 the Environment Agency concluded nine prosecutions against water and sewerage companies with fines of more than £4 million.

Wessex Water fails to improve its two-star year on year and ‘needs improvement’

Record-breaking £300,000 raised for children’s hospices

It was a weekend of pedalling for 110 cyclists who completed a 205-mile ride, and have raised more than £300,000 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

The annual Ride for Precious Lives saw cyclists ride through three counties in three days in the event which is now in its 14th year and sponsored by Edwards Vacuum.

The route started at the charity’s Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell on Friday 7 July, stopped off at the Little Bridge House hospice in Barnstaple on Saturday, and finished at the Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxhall on Sunday.

Riders included family members of children supported by CHSW’s three hospices, bereaved parents, longterm supporters of the charity, and supporters from local businesses.

Kiley Pearce, events fundraiser for CHSW, said: “This year’s cohort of riders has come from all over the South West, and we are overwhelmed by their determination and commitment; they are truly inspirational.

“It has been another recordbreaking year, and we are over the moon that the event has raised £300,000, with money still coming in. It’s an incredible total and will help hundreds of children and young people, and their families, across the region who need support from their local children’s hospice. Thank you to absolutely everyone involved in making this event happen.”

CHSW’s three hospices – Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, Charlton Farm near Bristol and Little Harbour in St Austell – provide vital care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, meaning that sadly they won’t live into adulthood. The hospice teams provide day visits, overnight stays and end of life care as well as home visits, virtual support and bereavement support.

With the hospices’ running costs totalling more than £11 million a year, CHSW relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to ensure this care can continue being offered.

If you have been inspired by this year’s riders, registration is open now for Ride for Precious Lives 2024. To book a place or for more information, visit: www.chsw.org.uk/ride24

To advertise, contact Ruth on 07590 527 664 or email ruth@longashtonandfailandvoice.co.uk

n LOCAL HISTORY

Brave protestors met with betrayal and subterfuge

A 1973s bitter struggle to save the village’s 250-year-old chestnut tree... History is littered with examples of resistance in the face of a seemingly superior foe. Our own Agent Rose, Madame Peel herself a member of the French Resistance in WWII. Countless groups throughout history have fought oppression, communism, fascism and, in the case of Long Ashton, an overly aggressive road development.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of an extraordinary chapter in our local history. Today, we rightly celebrate the heroic struggle of the women of the Westleaze Women’s Institute who united with their sisters in arms of Failand and Abbots Leigh. Together they formed a formidable force of resistance in their fight with the oppressive iron fist of the Somerset County Council’s Road and Transport Department.

A dip into the archives of the Long Ashton History Society reveals a file thick with the unfolding struggle to save a 250-year-old chestnut tree situated at the end of the village at Clarken Coombe opposite the gatehouse entrance to Ashton Court. This coincided with 1973 being ‘Plant a Tree Year’.

The proposal put forward by the Somerset County Council was for road development of an M5 diversion, which would banish the tree in a road widening and roundabout scheme. This was strongly opposed by the Parish Council and the cause taken up by the women of the Women’s Institute.

The proposed felling of the ancient tree was argued on the basis that it would save some £16,000 of cash-strapped council money and avoid building the road across valuable agricultural land.

The archives contain a large pile of correspondence from the women dating from early 1973 addressed to local MP Paul Dean at the House of Commons. The letters are filled

with impassioned appeals to save the tree. Sadly, the response on the House of Commons letterhead was tepid at best. Deaf ears and cold heart met the ever more fervent pleas to spare the doomed chestnut. In the face of this indifference, the massed ranks of the three Women’s Institute groups of the local parishes galvanised their efforts.

Meanwhile, the council seeking to gain public support for their plans suggest the tree is ailing. One council spokesman was quoted thus: “The tree, having been examined by our experts, was found to have a completely hollow trunk and they have declared it rotten. It would not withstand the rigors of nearby roadworks. Work therefore should proceed forthwith.”

This only succeeded in drawing the ire of the WI and they stepped up their actions, mounting an around-the-clock guard of the tree. “This is supposed to be Plant a Tree Year,” said one member, “We are going to save a tree. We shall link arms and sing Jerusalem.” Another said, “If it comes to the chop, I shall go and sit on the tree and stop them felling it.”

Work on gaining as much publicity for their cause as possible began in earnest. Numerous local and national newspaper articles did much to gain support for their cause. Then an appearance on BBC TV’s topical news programme Nationwide made their struggle known throughout the land.

Then in early May 1973 and as negotiations between the Somerset County Council and the local parish council continued, workmen from the council’s execution squad set about their grim task under cover of early morning darkness. On guard duty at the time was Mrs Violet Taylor. On seeing the approaching workmen, she hurried home to raise the alarm, only to discover to her horror her phone line had mysteriously been cut. By the time reinforcements arrived the 250-year-old Chestnut had been felled.

The tree did not go without a last fight:

Ashton Boys choose CHSW

Under-11s football club select Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) logo to print on their away kits, after receiving a donation by a member of the public.

Terry Hosier, a member of the local community, had spotted team coach Kelly Hennessy out in all weathers drawing out the pitch lines at The Clanage, Bristol. Terry said: “I was so inspired by Kelly’s commitment to go out in all weathers to make sure the team had proper facilities, I wanted to help and so I offered to pay for their muchneeded away kit.”

Terry is a long-standing supporter of CHSW and agreed to print the charity’s logo on to the kits

Copyright: Home & Country March 1973

Journal of WI

workmen had chewed through three of their chainsaws owing to it being peppered with WWII shrapnel from a bomb. The tree finally came crashing down at dawn through overhead cables and a wire fence.

Pictures of the fallen tree show the trunk not to be hollow and, according to tree experts, could have lived another 50 years. The council’s fait accompli was announced at 8am that morning on BBC Radio Bristol to a shocked and grieving audience.

Women who arrived at the scene of destruction were said to have wept “a river of tears” at the desolate sight of the fallen tree. Local MP Paul Dean vowed to find the culprits and reprimand those who had given the order to proceed.

Fifty years on and a few members of the original WI still reside in the village and surrounding area. One still has a piece of bark from the tree. Three members of the group became local councillors soon after and it was agreed that replacement trees would be planted in the field adjoining All Saints Church where they still stand today.

David Milne 07732 488816

milnedavidmurray@gmail.com

to raise awareness of the service it offers across the South West.

Coach Kelly Hennessy said: “We are truly grateful for the kind donation from Terry as his generosity has given the team a real boost and enabled us to purchase a pop-up goal for our training.”

Amanda Leonard, area fundraiser for CHSW, said: “This was such an incredible example of the community coming together to help each other in lots of special ways. Terry has shown his support to encourage grass roots football in the community, the team get a fab new away kit and, at the same time, help to raise awareness of the charity.”

n READERS LETTERS

Readers react to Epic development

In response to our coverage of Epic’s proposed plans last issue and calls for feedback, local residents aired their concerns…

Good afternoon

I hope the company sticks to its promises regarding the “Green wedge” and does not have any plans to build housing. We know how easily such promises are made and how easily they are forgotten/ignored.

The residents in Brook Close were advised that when Northleaze School was relocated, the parents would not use the close for parking and dropping off children… that was forgotten/ignored and the close is like a carpark most mornings, lunchtimes and afternoons with the carpark at the top of the hill virtually empty!

I’d be interested to know what improvements are planned for the Long Ashton bypass [and] the cycle network, including Festival Way. Since it was introduced, it’s become like a racing track and a lot of cyclists seem to have the impression that the roundabout, giveway markings, etc do not apply to them. Many a time, I have had to stop on the roundabout and give way to a cyclist going the wrong way round!

Keep our green belt land and keep us out of Bristol City clutches. Please.

Concerned local resident

Dear Ruth

I feel I must air my views on the proposed planning proposals of Epic.

Many of us living in Long Ashton settled here because of its closeness to Bristol but with the reassurance of having green belt stopping us being eaten up by the big city.

The thought of having this development employing up to 2,000 people within a very short distance will destroy our quality of life. 2,000 people coming and going to work every day will make for an even busier and noisier place to live.

To say there will be three-story buildings indicates it will be an eyesore to us all who enjoy our walks in the area.

To offer to gift the cricket pitch to the club is surely a sweetener we can all see through.

I can’t think that the residents of

Long Ashton will allow the passing of any plans without a fight. The people of Failand fought off the recent planning for more houses and am sure we will do the same.

RR

We asked Epic to respond on said concerns. A spokesperson said: “We appreciate the engagement from the local community, which has helped guide our planning.

“We have no plans to build housing. Our plans include only office buildings and related space such as for training.

“To commit to our promise of protecting green space between Long Ashton and Bristol, we’ve engaged a specialist land conveyancing solicitor to draft a legal agreement. That agreement will restrict anyone from constructing buildings on the 30 acres of green space on the site closest to Long Ashton.

“We will work with the

community and local councils to invest in safe cycling and walking routes, and we’ll share detailed plans on new links into Festival Way when those plans are ready. Regarding the bypass and easing congestion, we are discussing ways to improve the Gurney roundabout with North Somerset Council.

“To minimise reflective surfaces and to blend with the existing environment, natural materials will be used in the construction of the office buildings. The landscape design will complement the buildings and the local area.

“We are committed to investing in improving facilities in and around the village. Working with Long Ashton Cricket Club is just one part of our long-term commitment to support projects in the local area.”

Please do continue to send in any feedback on the proposed development or anything else in our locality to: editor@ longashtonandfailandvoice.co.uk

Tell us about your business

Everyone thought we were mad to take on a pub at that uncertain time, but the pub was going to close and we didn’t want to see the village lose such a wonderful pub. Initially, we opened with no food offering, but after a few weeks, Moe joined the team as head chef along with his partner Bev. And with Liz and Bev’s South African roots, they developed a menu based on pub classics with some excellent South African specialities.

The pub has not changed much since then – a covered and heated garden area has been a real asset through the colder months, which in effect extends the capacity of pub and proves popular with cyclists and walkers alike. The pub is dog friendly and has a great local following, as well as a large number of visitors who come for the ‘Bunny Chow’.

What service do you provide to the people of Long Ashton?

The food is very popular and we try to keep the menu in line with traditional ‘pub grub’ but with a few South African specialities. The Bunny Chow is one of our most popular dishes, which is a Durban spiced lamb curry served in a bread roll with rice sambals.

Other South African dishes served are Bobotie, Chicken Sosaties and, during the colder winter months, you will see a variety of Potjiekos (a casserole-like dish served in a three-legged cauldron) with both vegan and vegetarian options to choose from.

There is also a good selection of burgers and salads to choose from during the summer, as well as roasts on Sunday and specials such as

The Bird in Hand

17 Weston Road, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9LA Telephone: 01275 395 222

Email: info@thebirdinla.co.uk

www.thebirdinla.co.uk

Kedgeree Arancini or Mushroom Bourguignon on the weekends.

There is a great selection of drinks to choose from including: Tribute, Otter Amber, Thatchers Gold, Moretti, Red Strip and Neck Oil, to name a few; an extensive wine list, which we hope caters for most tastes; as well as a comprehensive gin selection from as far as Knysna in South Africa to Long Ashton’s very own Shipshape gin.

We have always wanted the pub to be used by all in the community and there is no ‘formal’ dining area, so people are encouraged to eat, drink and socialise in all areas of the pub. You can hire out areas of the pub for private functions or parties, but we do not offer the option to hire out the pub in its entirety as we feel that this could alienate our other customers.

With plenty of sporting events coming up, including Wimbledon, the Women’s Football World Cup and the Rugby World Cup, we are always happy to show these games on the TVs and have the ability to show them in the garden area, which proved very popular for the Euros and last year’s Football World Cup.

We do have occasional live music and BBQs throughout the year and it is best to keep an eye on our Facebook page for any upcoming events, and keep an eye out for some rock-and-roll bingo nights coming soon.

What is the best part of running your business and working in the area?

The customers have to be the best part of running the business. Whether they’re just popping in for a chat, a bit to eat or meeting with family or friends, it’s always nice to see them enjoying themselves in a warm and comforting environment. The pub really comes alive in the winter months with two woodburning fires and it’s lovely to see people

gathering around the warmth and socialising with others. There are few jobs where you can sit down and have a cold beer and a chat and call it work. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes, but the rewards certainly outweigh the effort.

With so many locals supporting us as a business, we feel it’s only right to be able to give something back, so it’s also great to be able to support some of the clubs, charities and schools in the village. Not only do we sponsor Long Ashton Football Club First Team, we regularly provide vouchers and prizes for both the schools and charities in the village, too, and are always happy to talk to others on how we can give something back to the community as a whole.

What makes your service different from other companies?

Apart from the South African theme, I would hope it’s the staff. All live locally and it’s great to see some of the younger people join us in the kitchen and work their way through the business, serving at tables, taking orders and eventually, when old enough, behind the bar. Many of the staff have been with us from the beginning and it’s great that we can trust them to run the pub in our absence so we can all get some time off – although you will likely see us in one of the other two pubs in the village when we do get some free time!

What are your future plans for your business?

There is not a lot more we can do with The Bird in Hand, apart from keeping on top of the menu and providing a varied choice throughout the year, listening to what people would like to see and providing it for them. That being said, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities and with the next chapter in our sight… Well, let’s see… maybe we can do this again!

We talk to Rob and Liz who took over The Bird in Hand three years ago, after the first lockdown

n EATING OUT

Kids eat free this summer

Check out some of the many places offering cheap or free food for children over the summer holidays…

The Real Greek www.therealgreek.com

Children under 12 can eat free on Sundays. The offer is for one free kid’s mean per adult only and a minimum spend of £10 per adult to qualify. Visit the website for full T&Cs.

Beefeater & Brewers

Fayre breakfasts

www.beefeater.co.uk/en-gb/ breakfast

www.brewersfayre.co.uk/ en-gb/breakfast

Two children under 16 can eat for free with every £9.99 adult unlimited breakfast purchased.

YO!

www.yosushi.com/kids-eatfree

One free kid’s meal deal Bento Box per child when dining in with a paying adult £10

minimum spend (Mondays to Fridays) at select restaurants. See website for T&Cs

Tesco cafés

www.tesco.com

From 24 July to 1 September

Children eat free as long as a purchase of +60p is made. Clubcard/app required.

Purezza

www.purezza.co.uk/kidseat-free

Children under the age of 10 can get a free mini pizza at Purezza, with every full paying adult, otherwise priced as standard 8” pizza.

Asda Cafés

asda.com/cafe

Receive a free Ella’s Kitchen baby food pouch for babies under 18 months with any purchase in Asda’s cafés.

Plus, kids up to age 16 can eat for just £1 at any time of day, seven days a week, with no minimum adult spend required. Choose from penne pasta with meatballs or a vegan hidden veg pasta meal either with chips or a salad or peas. You can also get a free piece of fruit (apple, pear or banana) when purchasing the hot kids £1 meal deal. Asda Cafés also offer a £1 cold pick-and-mix selection that includes a sandwich, drink and piece of fruit.

Failand get-together

A new monthly get-together is launching at Failand Village Hall at the end of July.

Liz Cornelius, hall manager, said: ‘’The Failand Village Hall Bar will be open on Friday 21 July from 17:30 to 19:30 for a village get-together. It will be a great opportunity to spend time with friends and neighbours. Everyone is welcome.

“We’d like this to become a monthly event, so if you can’t make it this month, we hope to see you at the Failand Village Hall one Friday evening soon.’’

Physiotherapy is often seen as something that can only be accessed if people can make it to the clinic. However, most physiotherapy services can easily carried out in a person’s home and can be of great help to those with mobility problems or long-term conditions. Studies have shown time again the importance of active ageing and the positive role that home visits can have on quality of life.

Home visits allow the physiotherapist to evaluate possible problems in the living environment of older adults, assess their physical and mental health status, provide professional support, and refer them to specialist care if needed. This can reduce the risk of functional deterioration and associated problems. We offer a home visit physiotherapy service which can be especially helpful if people are having difficulty with their day-to-day activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of bed. Whether you are suffering from balance problems, have had falls or a recent operation we can help improve strength, balance, mobility and confidence around the home and outdoors.

Go ahead and book your appointment at Bristol Physio today

Contact info@bristolphysio.com for more details.

Quote Failand10 for your 10% discount today.

Incontinence

Post natal checks

Return to exercise

Joint muscle and nerve pain

Sports injuries

Chronic pain

Paediatric problems

Vestibular rehab

Got a niggle?

Get it checked out before it gets worse.

Had pain for a long time?

We can help with that too.

Stress/Urge incontinence – don’t suffer in silence

Worried about your little one – get help fast

Can’t get out? We do home visits

We have a great team of experienced specialists to help with all your pain and injury needs

Quote Failand10 for your 10% discount today

LACA play park appeal

LACA needs funds and volunteers to update the play park

The play park has been a staple for the Long Ashton community for generations.

The park also serves an important role in the wellbeing and health of the children of the community. You may have noticed that the park is starting to deteriorate and, unfortunately, LACA does not have the funds to be able to replace items at the moment.

Are you able to make a donation to help fund repairs and replacement play equipment for the park?

Your donations will also help with the maintenance of the park, keeping it clean and safe for anyone who wishes to use it.

As LACA is a charity, it has to rely on grants and donations to fund the park.LACA would like to form a play park volunteer group

Councillor calls for council to pay living wage

A councillor on North Somerset Council has called on the council to “set an example” and become a living wage employer.

to help fundraise and design a new space for the children. If you would like to get involved, please contact us at: centremanager@ longashtoncommunitycentre.

org

To donate, please follow the QR code to the GoFundMe page.

Speaking at the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board in July, Weston-super-Mare Uphill councillor Helen Thornton said: “One of the biggest issues with health and inequality is low wages. […] One of the things we could do is… become a living wage council.”

She added: “We could use our contracting ability to encourage organisations all across North Somerset to become living wage employers.”

But children’s services director Sheila Smith said it was “lofty ambitions”, given the council’s budget.

Congresbury and Puxton councillor Dan Thomas said: “I would like to see what a difference in council budget that would be.”

Members of the board were discussing ways the council factors improving health and wellbeing in all areas of its functions.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Thornton added that Bristol City Council, where she is employed as her day job, is already a living wage employer. She said: “There’s a lot of evidence to say [that] the lower the wages are, the worse your health [and] wellbeing are likely to be. The council could set an example of becoming a living wage employer. But, of course, the costs will have to be looked into.”

By: John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter

Autumn Years support

Autumn Years Friends at Home service is available to anyone living in Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire and offers respite, support and companionship to people living in isolation and those living with dementia and their caregivers.

The service helps people to live independently for longer, and gives them the peace of mind that they have a friend close by to make sure that they are safe and well cared for.

The Friend can help around the home, get involved in activities, accompany the person to clubs and appointments and help them to stay active and enjoy a more sociable life – whether that be a trip out to a museum or local attraction, gardening, flower arranging, baking a cake, plane spotting, walking the dog or simply enjoying a cup of coffee and a piece of cake while sat on a bench admiring the view.

A recent group visit to Oakham Treasures in Portbury – home to a

Have your say

North Somerset consultation on antisocial behaviour orders

Have your say on measures to tackle antisocial behaviour and make public spaces more welcoming.

Long Ashton – introduce a dogs on leads order in some parts of the Ashton Court grounds for deer protection.

unique collection of memorabilia – provided an opportunity for everyone to take a step back in time with an uplifting trip down memory lane. The award-winning attraction features thousands of items and is reported to be the largest privately-owned museum of retail and farming history in the country.

“We always love trips out to places that can offer a stimulating and thought-provoking experience for our clients. It was an amazing day enjoyed by everyone,” said Autumn Years director Vicky Irish.

Email: info@autumnyears communitycare.com

Tel: 07741 977 122

North Somerset Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to give their views on existing, and proposed, changes to Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

In the consultation, the council is proposing changes to areawide orders including whether it should:

• impose a limit on how many dogs can be walked at any one time

• expand its powers in order to be able to confiscate intoxicating substances and associated paraphernalia

The local changes include proposals to:

Dundry – restrict access to Hill Road, an area which appears to be a hotspot for antisocial behaviour.

Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “I’d like to encourage everyone to please take the time to complete the survey and give us your feedback, thoughts and questions on these proposals. We will take all views into consideration before making any final decisions.”

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 30 July 2023.

Find out more online at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ pspoconsult

n WOMEN’S INSTITUTE UPDATE

Members of Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes (AFWI) have been keeping busy – not only with their own WIs, but also attending events organised by AFWI (the county level of WI).

In April, there was a holiday to Cambridgeshire, incorporating trips to Kings College Chapel, The Imperial War Museum at Duxford, and Knebworth House, among others.

In May, the annual Federation Quiz took place. Thirty-three teams of four joined us at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall for an evening of testing their knowledge (and decision-making when team members proposed different answers). The winning team were members from Stockwood WI.

The annual Meeting of National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) also took place in May in St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Here, every WI in the country is represented by a delegate who votes on their behalf. They vote on constitutional matters, necessary for a charity, and also on the chosen resolution for the year.

This year’s resolution relates to cleaner rivers, the wording being: “Water quality in our rivers is shameful. Legally, designated bathing waters must be regularly monitored for pollution. The NFWI urges its members, the wider public, local authorities and government to make, support and promote applications for official designated bathing sites on appropriate stretches of rivers in their area. This will be

n COUNCILLOR NEWS

as instrumental to the clean-up of rivers as it has been for water quality improvement at coastal beaches.” The vote in favour of this resolution was 84%.

Days out were on the agenda in June. One was a coach trip to Hinkley Point C, and the other a steam train journey around the Cotswolds – very different days out, but both very much enjoyed by members who took part.

As we progressed into July, we had an evening of pétanque with City of Bath Pétanque Club, where members enjoyed a taster session of the game. We also had the annual Federation Lunch, where members enjoyed a meal and listened to guest speakers. This year’s lunch was held at Mendip Spring Golf Club in Congresbury, and the speakers were Gill Wilding of the ‘Friends for Parents’ volunteer initiative at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, and Maria Kane OBE, the chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, based at Southmead Hospital. A related theme of healthcare, however very different, but both very interesting.

These events were all possible because of the work done by trustees and team members of Avon Federation. If you are a WI member reading this and think you would like to help, we would be happy to see you. If you are not yet a WI member, then the first step is to join.

Please ring our office on 0117 9864782 to find out details of WIs near to you.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Early Years at Birdwell School

Are you looking ahead to your child starting school in Reception or thinking about pre-school for your three- or four-year old?

At Birdwell, “everybody is a somebody”. Our Early Years provision is a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore and learn, to reach their full potential. Indoor classrooms and our extensive outdoor spaces allow for imaginative play and learning.

Children are taught phonics and numeracy but we are also

passionate about developing important communication, physical development and creative skills. Birdwell’s Early Years curriculum is taught through childled play and activities, continually supported by our highly-skilled and experienced team of specialist Early Years teachers and teaching assistants, who will extend each child’s learning at their own pace.

Come and visit us to see Birdwell’s amazing facilities and meet our incredible Early Years team for yourself.

Working through the hottest June on record has been a reminder that although many other challenges press for our attention, the climate emergency cannot be forgotten.

To this end, this month I have been focused on small ways North Somerset can reduce impacts from transport in the area by encouraging walking, cycling and public transport. I have helped Long Ashton Parish Council with the long-awaited second phase of the village enhancement scheme (VES). This is focused on making the village centre accessible to pedestrians by improving the area in front of Piccolos and Golden Valley vets and the crossing at Brocks Lane. More details on the proposed changes will be available over the summer, and work is scheduled for September.

I have also been talking to officers for the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) to ensure that efforts are made to improve bus reliability through the villages of Long Ashton and Failand.

I have also attended a public consultation event regarding the Epic proposal and talked to both their representatives and residents about this proposal there. I again encourage residents to engage with Epic, Long Ashton Parish Council, and North Somerset Council regarding this significant application.

Finally, I am preparing for a planning committee meeting on the 19 July that will determine the future of the Roots allotment application, which I know residents of Leigh Woods are concerned about.

T: 07866 512 391

E: stuart.mcquillan@n-somerset.gov.uk

Councillor Stuart McQuillan (he/him) Green Party

THE BRISTOL SOUTH SPACE PROGRAM

n COMPETITION

WIN! A copy of The Maid of the Haystack

‘Woman in haystack’ was the first ‘viral’ story – it’s a story about a woman who spent four years living in a haystack after walking through Long Ashton. It went viral around the world 200 years before the advent of computers or mobile phones and when most people could not read.

Louisa, who became known as ‘The Maid of the Haystack’, turned up in Flax Bourton, near Bristol, in 1776 wearing fine clothes and with a foreign accent, making her home in a haystack. Her behaviour prompted one of the first viral stories.

She became a tourist attraction with fashionable people from London travelling to see her. A pupil of Joshua Reynolds painted her; poets wrote about her; and eventually philanthropist Hannah More removed her from her romantic haystack home and paid for her to spend the rest of her life in an asylum.

Once out of sight, rumours circulated around the world that she was European royalty with pamphlets in French, German and English speculating on who she might be.

Journalist and author Martin J Powell has turned the tale into an historical novel called Maid of the Haystack, piecing together the conflicting conspiracy theory stories about Louisa to highlight the mystery and draw conclusions about why she acted so oddly.

He said: “It is one of the earliest examples of a story going viral around the world. It was the age of Romanticism and an attractive woman behaving so oddly and

living a seemingly idyllic life fascinated people.

“I first heard about her in the 1980s and over the years gathered information, trying to sort what was true from what was conjecture and conspiracy theory. My original aim was a factual book, but in the end, it better suited an historical novel so that the full intrigue and mystery could be explored.

“Louisa clearly had mental health issues and she eventually died in Guy’s Hospital in London and was buried there. But what caused her to have those problems? As far as I am aware her grave is unmarked. Yet, she could be related to some of the most famous figures in history.

“The book gives an insight into what it was like to live in Long Ashton, Hotwells and Flax Bourton in the 18th Century and features local characters and land owners at the time.”

The story has themes relevant to today including the treatment of women, charitable work by the rich and famous and mental health.

Maid of the Haystack is published by Bristol Books £14 and is available in book stores, online or signed copies from the publisher’s website: www.bristolbooks.org

WIN!

We have a copy of the Maid of The Haystack to give away to one lucky reader!

TO ENTER

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

Q. In which century is the novel set? Please send your answer to editor@longashtonandfailandvoice.co.uk by midnight on 1 August 2023 with HAYSTACK COMPETITION in the email subject line. The winner will be chosen at random.

By entering the Long Ashton & Failand Voice competition in issue 5, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions: The prize promotion is open to UK residents only.

• Entrants must be 18 or over and all entries must be made from within the United Kingdom.

• The prize shall be awarded at the discretion of Long Ashton & Failand Voice. We reserve the right, at any time, to verify entries and to disqualify any entries by any person who tampers with the entry process or who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these Conditions of Entry.

• Directors, employees and their immediate families of the Promoter and the agencies associated with this promotion are not eligible to enter. • Multiple entries per household and individual are accepted, but only one prize will be distributed. • No purchase is necessary. • The closing date for receipt of entries is midnight on 1 August 2023. • The winner will be chosen at random. • The Prize: As specified above • The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and no cash alternative is available. • Other than where such liability cannot be excluded by law, Long Ashton & Failand Voice cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any person entering the competition or as a result of accepting the prize.

n PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS Picture This with Nick Church

BETTER PHONE PORTRAITS

One of the easiest ways to improve your phone photos of people is to think about light. Light is everywhere, but taking photos in the wrong light is always going to limit the quality of the picture. This applies to selfies, shots of the kids, photos of your partner or even the cat!

Firstly, don’t shoot where it’s dark. Photos need light, and unless you have a camera costing £2,000, you are not going to be able to get successful shots when there is insufficient light. This is especially true of phone cameras because the sensor that records the photo on a phone is so tiny, it just can’t get enough light.

This photo will look familiar if anyone has tried to take a photo in a pub at night time!

Balloon Fiesta Road Closures

Your quick guide to parking restrictions within Long Ashton during the fiesta (10-13 August):

• Road closures from 7pm each evening around Ashton Court.

• No waiting restrictions along Long Ashton Road so that twoway traffic can flow through the village during the event.

• Residents Parking Zones will be created at appropriate points along Long Ashton Road for residents who do not have access to off-street parking.

Take it when there is some light, it will make a world of difference!

Another thing a photo needs (and what the above one has) is contrast in light. So, place your subject with the light facing them, so that they are the brightest thing in the image.

Look at this example of me today in my studio, both taken in exactly the same spot with my phone. The first one has the light behind me so that’s not a good shot. When I turn around, with the light making me the brightest thing, it makes all the difference. Sure, it’s still me, there’s not much I can do about that I’m afraid, but you get the idea!

• Residents living on Parsonage Road and Glebe Road will be able to apply for a Residents Parking Pass to enable them to park within the Resident Parking Zones and must have a permit to park here. For info: www.bristolballoonfiesta. co.uk/visitor-information/ residents

Get ready for the balloon fiesta at Ashton Court

NB: Vehicles parking within these areas that do not display a valid Residents Parking Pass will be issued with a Penalty Notice. Access to Bristol between 9.00pm and 11.00pm will not be possible via the B3128 and past The Ashton. Instead, use Yanley Lane, Wild Country Lane or join the A370 at the Flax Bourton/ Barrow Gurney junction. This closure and diversion will be kept to an absolute minimum and emergency vehicles will be granted access.

Opening hours: 5.30pm - 11pm ever y day

If you’re interested in learning more about photography, do get in touch as I have a range of courses for beginners, improvers and full-on enthusiasts or professionals. Contact me at nick@nickchurchphotography.co.uk

A takeaway menu is available f or collection and a 10% discount is offered on this service. Full licensed and air conditioned

To advertise, contact Ruth on 07590 527 664 or email ruth@longashtonandfailandvoice.co.uk

Kids Go Free This Summer at Brunel’s SS Great Britain

This year marks 180 years since the SS Great Britain was launched into Bristol harbour – changing global travel forever.

To celebrate, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is welcoming children 16 years and under for free this summer when you book tickets online.

Highlights include an exciting new food trail – ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ – where families can follow a series of clues hidden throughout the ship. The trail will teach children about the food that passengers would have eaten on board.

Iona Keen, head of interpretation at Brunel’s SS Great Britain said:

“The new ‘Birthday Banquet Blunder’ family trail is a fun way of showcasing the sights, sounds and smells of a

Victorian voyage. And there’s a culinary twist to tie in with our 180th anniversary this summer – families can help solve party preparation blunders, all based on real-life events that happened on board the ship.”

Visitors can also step back in time by peering through a pair of augmented reality binoculars that will transport them to 1843. Created by Zubr, a leading augmented reality studio based in the South West, the experience will allow visitors to see the ship and the floating harbour as they were 180 years ago.

Book a visit between 19 July and 3 September to redeem the ‘Kids Go Free This Summer’ offer. Terms & conditions apply. www.ssgreatbritain.org/

summer

n SUSTAINABILITY

Going plastic free

How to make it a habit

Last month Zero Green shared some ideas for starting to reduce the amount of plastic in your life. Did you give them a go?

If you have identified which aspects of your lifestyle are producing the most plastic, and have started making substitutions, you might be ready to take the next steps and reduce your plastic consumption even further.

Challenge yourself to explore plastic-free alternatives for a whole area of your life; for example, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, or when travelling.

During lockdown, we decided to try and achieve a plastic-free bathroom. It took a bit of trial and error to find the products that really worked for us, but some switches – like investing in a safety razor –were so easy that we have never looked back.

If going for a totally plasticfree kitchen seems like too much, maybe you could focus on one meal per day, such as breakfast. Placing empty jars by the door, next to your cotton tote bag, can be a handy habit to remind you to top up. Investing in beautiful jars that will inspire you to refill can be a good way to keep the

Swap

n LONG ASHTON PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE

LANCE Trust wins Bee Bold award

momentum going, but please don’t feel you have to do this to get started. Any container can be used to refill.

Once you start really paying attention, you will notice how the small but frequent pieces of single-use plastic add up. It is so easy to grab a take-away coffee, or a bottle of water, without thinking of what will happen to the container. If you notice yourself doing this regularly, perhaps you could keep an eye out for a reusable bottle or travel cup that you really love. You can use these time and time again, and each time you do, that’s one less piece of plastic entering our environment.

Partners Rob and Anwen took over at Zero Green in July 2022. Zero Green’s mission is to help minimise the plastic that is polluting our beautiful planet, by stocking a range of bulk-buy and plastic-free groceries, cleaning, hygiene and wellbeing products.

The Long Ashton Nature and Community Trust (LANCE Trust) has been recognised for its efforts to create a more pollinator-friendly environment in Long Ashton including Peel Park. Trustees and volunteers received the Bee Bold award in the ‘People for nature’ category from the Metro Mayor, Dan Norris.

The Bee Bold awards are part of the West of England Combined Authority’s initiative to support biodiversity and tackle the climate emergency. The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups, schools and businesses who have taken action to help pollinators thrive in the region.

As part of the Every Garden Counts initiative, the Parish Council approached the LANCE Trust to see how Peel Park could be made more wildlife friendly and act as an inspiration to others. The LANCE Trust came up with a plan that was agreed by the council’s Environment Committee. The Trust approached a contractor, so that the banks could be strimmed back hard, and purchased appropriate seeds. The Trust also gave Brownies the chance to sow their own individual patches of seed on the banks.

Since then, the Trust and volunteers have added plug plants this year to boost the planting and monitored the site with both a pollen count and butterfly count to show what progress is being made. This work will be ongoing. The Parish Council bought the raw materials (the seeds, plug plants) and paid for the contractor; the LANCE Trust provided the expertise

and volunteers and facilitated the project. As a result, the whole community was offered the chance to get involved in making Peel Park a haven for pollinators.

The project has been a success, attracting a variety of bees, butterflies and other insects to the wildflower bank. The LANCE Trust also runs educational activities and events to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and how to protect them.

The award was presented by Metro Mayor Dan Norris at the Climate Hub in Hartcliffe on 13 June 2023. The Climate Hub is a community-led space that showcases local solutions to the climate crisis and offers workshops, talks and activities for all ages.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “I’m delighted to present this award to the Long Ashton Parish Council and the LANCE Trust for their fantastic work including their project in Peel Park. They have shown how we can all make a difference by creating pollinator-friendly spaces in our gardens, parks and public places. Pollinators are vital for our food security, our health and our wellbeing, and they need our help more than ever. I hope this project will inspire others to join us in taking action for nature and our climate.”

The LANCE Trust said: “We are passionate about supporting pollinators and we hope that Peel Park and our other work will be a model for other key stakeholders within the parish to get engaged and do their own bit to help nature recover here. We invite everyone to visit Peel Park and enjoy the beauty and diversity of life that it offers.”

The LANCE TRUST is recognised for pollinator-friendly project supported by Long Ashton Parish Council

LANCE Trust members receiving the Bee Bold Award from Metro Mayor Dan Norris

Home-Start seeks new volunteers

A local charity needs help supporting local families

A North Somerset charity that supports families through tough times has launched a campaign to recruit more volunteers to join its team. Home-Start North Somerset is looking for people who can spare just two hours a week to help deliver their services to families.

Home-Start North Somerset’s homevisiting volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to parents with at least one child under the age of five.

Home-Start North Somerset’s senior organiser Julie Parsons said: “Our volunteers support around 60 North Somerset families each year. We are here for parents when they need us most – but we need more amazing volunteers to help us do that.

“The support we offer is tailored to the family: some might just need someone to talk to; others may need more practical support such as getting out of the house to the local park or library or reading with the children. Volunteering with us can be a truly rewarding experience.

“If you have parenting experience and a compassionate attitude, you could make a lasting difference to a child’s life.”

Volunteer Kate said: “The best thing was feeling like I really made a difference to both the mum and children and forming a strong bond with them. Volunteering with HomeStart is an amazing thing to do – if you’ve got the time, it’s really worth it. I learned a lot, too, from the family, from seeing different parenting styles. I had all the information and support I needed from the training course I did at the start.”

Volunteers complete an in-depth training programme after which they are carefully matched to a family who they visit once a week.

If you are interested in applying to be a home-visiting volunteer, just call HomeStart for an initial discussion on 07771 179007 or find full details on the Home-Start North Somerset website at www.homestartnorthsomerset.org.uk

Ready, Set, Read!

North Somerset libraries are holding a Summer Reading Challenge for children aged four to 11 and you can sign up for free at any North Somerset library from now.

This year’s theme is the power of play, sport, games and physical activity and children are invited to read or listen to books over the summer.

Each child will be given a free collector’s folder when they register, followed by a free scented sticker for each book they read. Those who complete the challenge by reading six library books of their choice before Saturday 9 September will collect a certificate and a medal (while stocks last).

The Summer Reading Challenge is produced by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with libraries.

North Somerset libraries are also hosting a series of free events for children to celebrate the Reading Challenge:

Detective Dog

Nailsea Library

Wednesday 16 August, 2-3pm

An engaging theatrical experience which brings to life this wellloved Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s story. This will feature captivating puppetry, surprising smells and toe-tapping live music.

n GARDENING Garden tips for August

Local gardener Ben Collison shares his tips for summer gardening

Summer is in full swing as we enter August. We have had a much wetter summer than last year, which is a blessing for the plants after such a dry April and May. It’s lovely to see the abundance of delightful gardens in the local area.

There are plenty of tasks in the gardens to keep us busy. Vegetable gardens should be burgeoning with tasty offerings. If you regularly harvest tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and beans, they should continue fruiting. I usually find it hard to keep up with eating the vegetables, so give surplus away to neighbours or consider pickling or freezing them. It’s still warm enough to sow late autumn or winter crops of radishes, lettuce and beetroot, too.

Summer can be a tricky time if you’ve got clay soil, which is the soil profile of the local area. In dryer times, the soil can crack due to the lack of moisture, which in turn can create air pockets and expose plants roots. If you see the soil cracking, break it up and dig in bulky organic matter such as compost. Applying a thick mulch around trees, shrubs and perennials will also help to conserve moisture in the soil.

Late August and September is a great time to give espalier or fan trained apple and pear trees their summer prune. This helps to let light onto the fruit and encourages a good crop for the following year. Pruning later in the month helps to prevent secondary growth on the stems.

August is a month of both maintenance and enjoyment, allowing you to nurture your plants and enjoy the rewards of your gardening efforts.

Happy gardening!

Ben Collison, garden designer, www.collisongardening.co.uk

Shake, Rattle and Roleplay

Nailsea Library

Thursday 24 August, 9.45-10.15am

Delivered by Theatre Orchard, these free magical storytelling sessions will have an extra sprinkling of music and drama for those aged under five and their families.

For more information on how to book and dates at other North Somerset libraries, go to: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ libraries

Nailsea Library moves

home

Nailsea Library should be installed in its new home at 6-8 Colliers Walk by the time you read this, following its temporary closure on 1 July.

This follows North Somerset Council’s announcement in October 2022 that it signed a 125year lease to secure the long-term future of a library in Nailsea.

The new library includes improved digital facilities funded by the Department for Levelling Up using an award of £27,595 from its UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Extended Access allows registered users to borrow books, use computers and Wi-Fi outside of staffed library hours.

phone: 07767 444 878

email: collisongardening@gmail.com or www.collisongardening.co.uk

Before and Afterschool Wraparound Childcare Playworkers

Northleaze Afterschool Play Club is an independent before and after school club that services Northleaze Primary School, Long Ashton.

We are looking for a suitably qualified, committed and enthusiastic individual to join our amazing team.

Hours are negotiable but could be a maximum of 18 hours per week and may include both before and after school sessions and some INSET Days.

We could offer funding and support towards a Playworker/Child Care Qualification. Reduced rates can be negotiated for your child/ren’s places at NAP Club while you support us.

Hourly rates of pay start at £10.42 (unqualified) and £11.52 (qualified)

You would be joining a happy, supportive and welcoming team and an awesome group of children!

As an employer we are committed to safer recruitment and all positions will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure and barring service check and two appropriate written references.

Please enquire to Kathleen Williams (Play Leader)

t. 07853 088919 e. hellosls74@gmail.com

w. www.northleaze.n-somerset.sch.uk/nap-northleaze-afterschool-play-club-wrap-around-c

n HEALTH

Staying one step ahead of hayfever

If you suffer with hayfever, you’ll know that the season is already in full swing.

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including runny nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation.

Happily there are a number of measures you can take to stay one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe:

• Keep your body as free from

toxins as possible by avoiding junk and eating wholefoods.

• Keep your caffeine and alcohol intake low and avoid nicotine.

• If you live in a polluted area or work with chemicals or in trafficridden areas, regular detoxes to keep your system clear will help.

• Simple steps such as drinking plenty of water and keeping your bowel moving daily will reduce the toxic load on your system.

Avoid dairy foods as they cause mucus formation that can exacerbate hayfever symptoms, and keep your intake of refined sugar low. If you suffer with any type of allergy, hayfever included, you’re more likely to have wobbly blood sugar and be sensitive to refined sugar. Sugar can trigger surges and drops in

blood sugar levels that cause adrenalin production to kick in, which involves the production of histamine – just what you don’t want.

And, finally, make sure you’re sleeping well. Whilst scientists are still trying to figure out the exact relationship between sleep and the immune system, studies show

that sleep helps to shift the balance of anti-inflammatory proteins so that the immune system can recognise and respond better to bugs and allergens, which may help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Words

by Natalie, Health Unlimited, 248 North Street

Local peace of mind service WILL & PROBATE ADVICE

Local service for peace of mind

John Baden-Daintree

Death and dementia are upsetting issues to think about, yet you know you need to see a law firm to make sure your legal affairs are properly sorted to protect those you care about.

Death and dementia are upsetting issues to think about, yet you know you need to see a law firm to make sure your legal affairs are properly sorted to protect those you care about.

John and Michelle opened Simpson Solicitors to make sure everybody in our area could easily access FREE legal advice from a proper regulated law firm. They offer our readers:

Our local legal experts in this area of law are Simpson Solicitors and they offer our readers:

● A friendly service when you phone to find out about booking a FREE meeting on 01275 857 122

● A friendly service when you phone to find out about booking a FREE meeting on 01275 857 122

● Feel welcome and wanted when you come to see us in our Nailsea office (opposite The Post Office in the Crown Glass Shopping Centre) or in Westbury on Trym High Street.

● Feel welcome and wanted when you come to see us in our Nailsea office (opposite The Post Office in the Crown Glass Shopping Centre) or in Westbury on Trym High Street.

● Put you at ease as they guide you through your various options for making a Will to provide for those you most care about.

● Put you at ease as they guide you through your various options for

● An understanding service, whether your concerns are guardians for young children or protecting against care home fees.

making a Will to provide for those you most care about.

● An understanding service, whether your concerns are guardians for young children or protecting against care home fees.

● Use of plain English (not legal jargon).

● Help deciding the best options for you in the event you lose the ability to manage without support by setting up our Lasting Powers of Attorney.

● Use of plain English (not legal jargon).

● Help deciding the best options for you in the event you lose the ability to manage without support by setting up our Lasting Powers of Attorney.

● Take as long as you need when having your FREE review meeting.

● Take as long as you need when having your FREE review meeting.

● Home or Hospital Visit service if getting to the office is difficult - at no extra charge

● Home or Hospital Visit service if getting to the office is difficult - at no extra charge

● Clear fixed prices with no hidden costs if you decide to instruct them.

● Clear fixed prices with no hidden

● Help you make changes – so everything works in the way that is right for you.

costs if you decide to instruct them.

● Help you make changes – so everything works in the way that is right for you.

● See you to sign your Will and LPAs – to make sure everything is legally valid.

● See you to sign your Will and LPAs – to make sure everything is legally valid.

● Provide a complementary aftercare service that leaves you feeling cared for.

● Provide a complementary aftercare service that leaves you feeling cared for.

It all adds up to a service that leaves clients with peace of mind. They currently have a special offer of 20% off the price of LPAs for our readers.

It all adds up to a service that leaves clients with peace of mind. They currently have a special offer of 20% off the price of LPAs for our readers.

To book your free review pop into our Nailsea office (opposite The Post Office in the Crown Glass Shopping Centre) or in Westbury on Trym High Street or call 01275 857 122

To book your free review pop into our Nailsea office (opposite The Post Office in the Crown Glass Shopping Centre) or in Westbury on Trym High Street or call 01275 857 122.

Michelle Baden-Daintree

15 Crown Glass Place, Crown Glass Shopping Centre, Nailsea 01275 857 122 message@simpsonslawuk.com

WHAT’S ON

Find out what’s happening this August in and around your neighbourhood

Harbourside Treasure Hunt

£9.99 per trail (not per person) plus small fee for ferry crossing. www.treasuretrails.co.uk

Follow the trail, solve the clues and see the sights on any day of your choosing. All trails are designed to be completed in daylight. Trails are self-guided and can be downloaded from the website.

payment is essential. Please contact Mary Lord on longashtonhortsoc@ gmail.com to book. Also contact Mary if you would like to become a member, which is only £5.

10 August

Bristol Balloon Fiesta 10-13 August. Morning ascents at 6am; music, food & entertainment; night glow on Thursday and Saturday at 9pm; and more!

16 August

Quiz Night – The Angel Inn 7.45pm start. Teams of up to six; £2 per player. Book your table by calling 01275 392244. Half of the funds raised go to the winning team and the remainder to a charity chosen by the losing team.

25 August

Live music at The Angel Inn

From 8pm

Ken Trowbridge will be singing hits from the 1960s to present day.

27 August

Cider festival and live music

The Angel Inn

From 12-8pm (music from 2pm)

Pirate Pete’s walking tours

Bristol’s Martime History

Adults: £12.50; children: £6.50; family ticket: £30.00 (2 adults 2 children) 2.00pm on Saturdays & Sundays. Tel 07950 566 483 for info. Discover Bristol’s turbulent history at the harbourside haunts of the pirates and swashbucklers of the 17th & 18th centuries. The walk is flat and has wheelchair access. Meet at the Black Beetle statue, Anchor Square, outside the aquarium.

22 July

Aerospace Museum: The Art of Flight 22 Jul to 3 Sep. Visit https://aerospacebristol.org/ whats-on for ticket pricing.

Discover an array of artistic activities that celebrate The Art of Flight. Luke Jerram’s chocolate Concorde – one of five artworks that form the Bristol artist’s Edible Histories project – is on display, along with Harry Uni-Kane, a unicorn artwork that is part of the Unicornfest trail. You’ll find sketching stations around the museum, or get creative outdoors, where there will be an attempt to colour in a life-size Concorde shape with chalk drawings.

1 August

Long Ashton Horticultural Society visit to Goldney Gardens, Hotwells. 6.00pm for 6.15pm start. Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens, grotto and orchard by Alan Stealey, head of external estates, who has led the university’s cider project. Plus cider tasting. Booking and

1 September FORWARDS

1&2 Sep; Bristol Downs. Tickets from £68.14 for adults & £18.08 for 5-15s www.forwardsbristol.co.uk/tickets

The new inner-city music festival aims to present high-quality, diverse and heritage music acts alongside emerging artists from Bristol and beyond. With three stages, the festival aims to present a contemporary curation of music while paying homage to Bristol’s long-standing history of being a music city.

2 September Long Ashton Horticultural Society 97th Long Ashton Flower Show 2.30-5.00pm at the Village Hall. Admission £1. Members and children free. We have something to interest everyone. There are classes for all ages to enter – fruit, flowers, vegetables, baking, preserves, arts, crafts and photography. Bring your entries along between 8.30 and 10.00am. Look out for the green show schedules at various venues in the village. We have a wonderful raffle with lots of prizes kindly donated by local businesses. While you wait for the raffle and prize-giving, why not sit and have a cuppa and a delicious cake or two? If you would like to become a member, contact Mary on longashtonhortsoc@ gmail.com

30 September

Beer and Cider Festival

4pm onwards, Long Ashton Community Centre. Tickets available from September at the Post Office.

This year heralds the 10th Long Ashton Beer & Cider Festival. Come along and sample the very best in beers and ciders that are made nearby and enjoy local bands and fabulous food. All profits goes to help Long Ashton Community Centre.

REGULAR EVENTS

Mondays Youth Club 18.00-20.30 kathy@epicyour@gmail.com

Failand Village Hall

The Failand Village Hall is a local community hub set in the North Somerset countryside. We are a large hall with licensed bar, commercial standard kitchen, stage and ample parking. A perfect venue for everything from wedding receptions to yoga classes, pop-up markets and children’s parties. For more information, go to www.failandvillagehall.org.uk

Wednesdays

Failand Arts & Crafts Group 2.00–4.30pm.

Bring your art, craft or hobby along and join the group at Failand Village Hall, Oxhouse Lane. £2.50 per visit; first one FREE plus £12 per year (pro rata) from Jan to Dec. Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits included. Occasional demos, members’ skills sharing and chat always welcome. Please contact Fi Harris at feltbyfi@gmail.com for more info.

Cafe@Keedwell 10-12:00

Pop in to Keedwell Church, Long Ashton, for a coffee and a chat, meet new people or just enjoy a change of scene. Run by volunteers from the community and church. Open every Wednesday morning. Contact office@ allsaintsla.org.uk or tel 01275 393109 for more info. We look forward to seeing you.

Long Ashton Memory Café

This free to attend event runs every 4th Thursday monthly at the Jubilee Pavilion. Refreshments are provided. Email: lamemorycafe@gmail. com or tel: Liz Anderson 07967587411

Youth Club 16.00-18.30. kathy@epicyour@gmail.com

LAMBS

11.00-13.00. A group for mums with babies to meet and chat. henna.crabb@n-somerset.go.uk

Thursdays Youth Club 18.00- 20.30. kathy@epicyour@gmail.com

Failand Whist Club

We are a small club that is looking for new players to join us each week. We meet at Failand Village Hall on Thursday evenings at 7pm. For information, please contact Val on 01275 463263 OR Helen on 01275 392676 or 07837 379076.

Fridays

Warm Lounge 10:00-13:00. Long Ashton Community Centre. Pop in for a cuppa and a chat. info@la-together.org

Toddler Group 10.00-12.00. info@la-together.org

FREE ACTIVITIES

Check out some of the many free activities in and around Bristol

The Georgian House Museum 7 Great George St, Bristol

Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays & Sundays 11-4. Take a trip back to the 18th century to see what life was like then.

Blaise Museum

Thursdays-Sundays 11-4. Free entry but check parking charges. Visit the costume collection dating from the 1730s to the present day and find out about fashions through time and learn about the social changes which shaped them.

The George Müller Museum

Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm 45-47 Loft House, College Road, Bristol. Tel 0117 9245001 or email museum@mullers.org

www.mullers.org/museum

The museum celebrates the incredible story of how George Müller cared for and educated over 10,000 orphans in Victorian Bristol.

Kings Weston Roman Villa Lawrence Weston. Explore where the Romans used to live right on Bristol’s doorstep; see the only Roman bath suite in Bristol, original mosaic floors and discover Roman central heating! Book tickets for up to six at https://pretix.eu/ bristolmuseums/KWRV/. Collect key from Blaise Museum – £10 refundable deposit is needed.

Stitching Together: An Exhibition

Arnolfini 22 Jul-29 Oct 2023

The exhibition will showcase the beautiful textile creations and stories of women from across Bristol, including the work of Arnolfini’s Friday Women’s Craft Club and Bridges for Communities’ Stitching Together group.

To advertise, contact Ruth on 07590 527 664 or email ruth@longashtonandfailandvoice.co.uk

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