Long Ashton and Failand Voice May 2023

Concerns over new bypass bus lane

THE Long Ashton Bypass bus lane is now complete – “the first bus service improvement plan scheme to be completed in the country”, said North Somerset Council.

The aim of the new lane is to: “improve journey times for buses and improve service reliability”, with the aim of making “bus travel faster, more reliable, convenient, greener and better coordinated across the region”.

However, there has been an outpouring of criticism on local social media with concerns including: lack of buses using this lane; slower traffic, more jams on the bypass and the emissions impact; and increased volumes of traffic through Long Ashton, especially at peak times; to name but a few.

We asked North Somerset Council to comment on the rationale for the bus lane in light of the above. They responded: “The works on the Long Ashton Bypass are part of major bus improvement schemes planned for North Somerset and part of ambitious service improvements which will make bus travel faster, greener, more reliable, convenient, and co-ordinated

across the region. The schemes planned in North Somerset will be over the next two years, following a £48 million grant from the Department of Transport.

“The X1, which runs along the Long Ashton Bypass, currently has four buses an hour in each direction, with one every 15 minutes. The bus improvements across Long Ashton and the rest of the North Somerset network will allow this main route to increase to approximately six an hour, or one every 10 minutes.

“By installing the new 24hour bus lane, the route will

become clearer, resulting in shorter journey times, which will then allow more buses –helping commuters, school runs and social activities. We’re also looking at increasing evening services into Bristol, which will open up more social trips into Bristol from North Somerset towns. It’s as much about reliability as it is about shorter journey times.

“As part of our regular monitoring of bus services across North Somerset, bus usage is monitored and communicated on an annual basis.”

Continued on page 2

Chair’s Report to the Long Ashton and Leigh Woods Annual Parish Meeting 2023

THIS year the Parish Council has focused on creating an environment in which we can all flourish, based on the discussion led by Professor Ian Walker at the 2022 Annual Parish Meeting. In workshops with local people, we identified the things we are doing, could start doing and ask others to do, to create a place where we can meet and enjoy a greener, safer environment.

We have focused on ‘Community’, including the importance of green spaces, public art and historic buildings, facilities for young people, remembrance and celebrations, and the quality of public life.

A significant part of our community involvement is our financial and practical support to LACA, the organisation that runs the Community Centre. We applaud the progress LACA has made in becoming an independent organisation, providing a wide range of facilities to all ages and groups of people. The council has allocated funds for the muchneeded improvements to the maintenance of the buildings and is willing to agree a new lease to enable LACA to apply for large grants. In November, we invited LACA to submit proposals for a community library/village hub in partnership with local people, building on the work of the library and the Health and Wellbeing Working Group.

Last summer we responded to North Somerset’s plans to build a new village on the site of Woodspring Golf Course in order to meet the government’s housing target. This is green belt land, set aside to prevent urban sprawl. We saw in lockdown how valuable our local green spaces are to local people. We also recognised the importance of woodlands, waterways and open spaces for the plant, insect

and animal life that supports our wellbeing.

At a meeting of North Somerset Council, we argued that all other suitable sites should be built on before sacrificing green belt land. North Somerset has suspended its plans while the government reconsiders its approach, giving us a temporary respite. In the meantime, we have recognised that some buildings and places, although not listed nationally, have local significance, such as Church House. We will ask North Somerset Council to add them to its local list to reduce the risk of inappropriate development.

Quality play spaces

The past three years have been difficult for everybody in our community, but particularly for young people who have not always had the quality of contact they need with people of their own age and adults beyond their immediate family. The Parish Council has supported young people by providing and maintaining good quality play spaces, offering small grants to local organisations including the Guides and Scouts, and providing an annual grant to the Youth Club. The Skate Park Project is engaging with local people again as it approaches the design phase. As a council, we recognise that young people need access to a range of groups and organisations as they explore who they are and how they fit in to the wider community. We need to watch out for everyone’s safety. Although the implementation of a residents’ parking zone has been a success, people in Leigh Woods have raised concerns about the speed of traffic on Rownham Hill and vehicles aquaplaning in wet weather. We are purchasing vehicle-activated speed signs

and have met with North Somerset Council. We have also visited Durnham Quarry and agreed measures to reduce the amount of mud on the roads, and supported the residents of Kingcott Park Homes in their campaign for safe access to the local bus service. One outstanding Long Ashton project is the Village Enhancement Scheme to widen the crossing by the Bird in Hand and smarten up the area outside Piccolo’s, so that pedestrians have a safer route between the shops.

For many people the death of the Queen marked the end of an era. We therefore supported a proposal for a memorial stone, and plan to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III by planting a tree. Dave Addis and his team are planning a great event, with the Parish Council

contributing to the cost. We look forward to the celebrations. Thank you, Mr Addis.

Any resident can become a councillor and decide on the many issues that affect local life. We signed up to the national Civility and Respect Pledge because we want our council meetings to be a place where different points of view can be considered and challenged without insult or animosity.

Long Ashton has a reputation for being a well-run council and I am grateful to Hannah Harwood, our parish clerk, and Karen Aniola, our assistant clerk, for all their hard work. It is a pleasure to work with them. As we approach the May elections, and the appointment of a new council, they will provide the continuity and leadership while the new councillors find their feet.

New Clean Air Zone exemptions

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter

SOME patients at Bristol city centre’s hospitals have been granted new exemptions to the Clean Air Zone after the council agreed to a three-month trial.

They include people attending emergency departments at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Children’s Hospital or Bristol Eye Hospital and those receiving cancer treatment or end-of-life care. Residents will also not have to pay to enter the zone for tests and treatment if they are eligible for support under the NHS healthcare travel costs scheme, such as those on certain benefits, including universal credit, income support and jobseeker’s allowance.

Patients may be eligible if they are on a low income and have savings of £16,000 or less, along with carers and parents who qualify for the scheme and whose child has been referred.

This also applies to appointments at the Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol Haematology

and Oncology Centre, St Michael’s Hospital, Bristol Dental Hospital and Central Health Clinic.

Most temporary exemptions for the CAZ, which came into force in November, ended on 31 March, including residents who live in the zone, Blue Badge holders, low income workers and community transport vehicles.

A report to the University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Trust (UHBW) board, which runs the hospitals, said bosses

had successfully negotiated the additional exemptions from 1 April with Bristol City Council.

Chief executive Eugine Yafele’s report to the meeting on 18 April said two longterm exemptions were also still in place – frequent outpatients who have three or more appointments a month for at least three months and visitors of long-stay inpatients.

For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3GSQlXi

Failand playground

opening day celebrations

ON any given day, wet or sunny, passing through Failand you can now see a trickle of families making their way to the newly opened playground. It is situated at the Failand Village Hall, fast becoming the local hub for the area, within walking distance from the Failand Triangle and Lower Failand.

Failand Play took many years to come to fruition, ultimately achieved by the efforts of the local community and a partnership forged between Wraxall and Failand Parish Council and the Failand Village Hall. It was funded by generous grants from North Somerset Council and Wraxall and Failand Parish Council, with further funding by the National Grid, National Lottery and the local community, also a significant factor.

The playground is ready to serve and has already started bringing the community together. The opening celebration on 1 April 2023 was a busy and happy occasion, with friends and neighbours gathering, along with members from the Failand Village Hall Committee, Failand Play Committee, Wraxall and Failand Parish Council and North Somerset Council (pictured)

The new Failand playground is a place for fun in the heart of a thriving rural community. Come and play!

Clifton Suspension Bridge to go ‘card only’

CLIFTON Suspension Bridge will be taking card-only payments from July 2023.

The toll will remain at £1, which you can pay by debit or credit card, bridge card or by Samsung, Google or Apple Pay.

Since Covid, there has been a reduction in cash payments. In 2022, almost 90% of bridge users paid the toll using either contactless or a bridge card, with just over 10% of bridge users paying by cash.

This, together with the end of the current tolling contract, reduced support for the maintenance of coin baskets and the phasing out of coin sorters, has led to the decision to go card only.

5

Trish Johnson, bridge master, said: “Bridge users are increasingly preferring to pay by card. It’s quicker for the driver and, if using a bridge card, saves them money.

“The change to card only will make our processes more efficient by removing cash and reducing the amount of downtime for maintenance of what is now outdated machinery.”

Bridge cards can be purchased at https://bit. ly/3KpdbH7 and topped up online or by phone.

For more information, go to: www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/ crossing-the-bridge

FITTED FOR £579

A bridge user paying the toll using the current system

Stellar win for BCWFC

AFTER a fantastic season, Bristol City Women’s Football Club (BCWFC) has finished its final game with a stunning 4-0 win –winning it a promotion to the Super League.

The final home game of the season was played at Ashton Gate on Sunday 23 April to a crowd of over 7,000. The team battled for its place against Charlton Athletic WFC to progress to the Barclays Women’s Super League. The game saw goals from:

Grace Clinton 25′

Brooke Aspin 46′, 80′ and Ffion Morgan 88′

BCWFC put on a stunning performance and were the champions throughout. Well done to the coaches, manager, players and all the staff for all their hard work – we can’t wait to see what you can do in the Super League.

Looking for local heroes

Do you know someone or a local company who has gone above and beyond – maybe to help someone else, or has raised funds for the community or a charity?

We would love you to get in touch and tell us.

Please contact: editor@longashtonandfailandvoice.co.uk

L A Hair – a place for a haircut, cuppa and a chat!

Claire Thompson, owner of L A Hair, tells us about her local hair salon:

“L A Hair first opened its doors in 2003, when it was then known as Olala. We then changed its premises and name in 2010.

“I have been trading in the village for 20 years, having a few breaks due to starting a family.

“The team at L A Hair is passionate about not only providing a fantastic service but striving to operate as an inclusive salon for all, with our friendly, warm welcome in a professional relaxed environment.

“We do all aspects of hair which includes children, men, perming, all colouring methods using high-end products, as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest trends.

“You don’t just get your hair done here – you get a cuppa, a chat and a friend.”

£500,000 fund for green spaces

APPLICATIONS are now open for a new Green Spaces Fund, which will support communities to enhance their environment and encourage people to make the most of their green spaces.

The Green Spaces initiative is the latest phase of the Community Matters Fund by National Grid Electricity Distribution.

The aim of the fund is to support the development of green spaces to bring communities together, encourage more wildlife and biodiversity, improve air quality and reduce noise, as well as delivering health benefits and creating valuable employment and volunteering opportunities.

Applications are welcome from community organisations of all kinds, particularly those supporting vulnerable groups to overcome barriers to accessing green spaces. Projects that create volunteering opportunities for members of the local community are also encouraged to apply.

The fund will award grants of up to £2,000 for unregistered organisations. Registered charities and eligible non-profit companies can apply for up to £10,000. The closing date for applications is Friday 12 May.

For more information, visit: https://localgiving.org/about/ community-matters-fund

Long Ashton Chicken Share

Liz Fox gives a potted history of the Long Ashton Chicken Share initiative

The Long Ashton Chicken Share is part of the Long Ashton transition group (www. transitionlongashton.co.uk) – a community working towards a low-carbon future. It was set up in April 2009 on a plot in Yanley Lane and is for Long Ashton residents.

Liz tells us: “We erected a second-hand shed as the chicken house and another as the feed shed and made a run from reclaimed wood and bought three feeders – all still in use today.

“Our first flock of 24 were battery hens – they were very happy and produced well for several months but within a year we had to replace them. Some became quite sickly and egg production reduced. Since then, we have bought our hens from farms rather than ex battery. Usually, we buy a flock of around 26 chickens every two years and they are all layer chickens.

“All members of the group will share all the responsibilities of caring for the chickens with the other sharers. You’ll be rewarded with the pleasure of fresh eggs and the simple enjoyment of watching

the girls enjoy themselves out on the grass and laying wholesome free-range eggs for you.

“We have an introduction leaflet if anyone is interested in knowing more. You will, of course, have someone to show you everything if you decided you’d like to join us. We have a monthly meeting and it’s important we all attend in order to keep up-to-date with everything that’s going on with the flock.

“We also share responsibility for the maintenance of the site as well as the welfare of the chickens. Keeping the sheds, run, fencing, etc in good order and ensuring the site is kept tidy, bramble and nettle free is a requirement of our renting the plot.”

If you would like to know more, please contact elambert49@btinternet.com

The seed library is open

The seed library is simply a way of sharing seeds within the village. It is based inside the community centre (just inside the blue doors of the village hall) – just help yourself and, if you can, please donate back any spare seeds and/or harvest seeds after the growing season.

Please only donate in-date seeds (the date is often printed on the packs and is usually within three years of harvest). Available 9am – 1pm, Monday to Friday.

THE BRISTOL SOUTH SPACE PROGRAM

n LOCAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

Get ready for the local elections

The local elections will be held on Thursday 4 May 2023. We invited all five nominees for the Long Ashton and Failand Ward to outline their top three priorities, if elected to post. (See below and right)

Remember – you need photo ID to vote!

ID can include any of the following, according to the North Somerset Council website:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country

• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state

• Biometric immigration document

• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)

• Blue badge

• National identity card issued by an EEA state

• Older Person’s Bus Pass

• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

• Oyster 60+ Card

• Freedom Pass

For the complete list, go to: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/councildemocracy/voting-elections/upcoming-scheduled-elections/ local-elections-thursday-4-may-2023/voter-id-polling-stations

If your photo ID has expired, it will still be accepted as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.

Ashley Cartman Liberal Democrats

A lot has happened since I was first elected in 2019. Although Brexit, Covid and Ukraine may have dominated the national headlines, my focus has been local, working to keep the promises I made to you four years ago: promises to improve our environment, protect our services, and to create villages for everyone.

Whether it has been blocking inappropriate green belt development, getting funding for play equipment, or fighting to prevent the closure of key services, such as the recycling centre, it has been a privilege to represent you. Although much has been achieved, there is still lots to do.

I have lived in the area for 14 years, 10 years in Long Ashton and four years in Failand. I understand the issues that we all face; your issues are my issues. If re-elected, there will be lots to work on, and below I have listed my three priorities:

1. Protect our green spaces

Protect the green belt. I will continue to oppose inappropriate development and campaign for more investment for our parks and local countryside.

2. Better buses and public transport

Significant improvements in the bus service. Bus travel needs to be cheap, reliable and convenient.

3. Investment in our villages

Whether it’s road repairs, footpath improvements, or supporting our local services, I will make sure we get the investment we need.

Most of all I promise to represent you, to make sure your voice is heard and taken seriously. Please consider voting for me on 4 May.

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

Charles Cave Conservative Party

I believe that the most important task of an elected councillor is to support residents in their dealings with the council as well as promoting the interests of the community as a whole. I undertake to prioritise both.

Our Greenbelt land in North Somerset is a valuable and finite resource and I will campaign to defend it from both housing and commercial development. There are shortterm threats of commercial development to the south of Long Ashton and housing development in Wraxall to the north of Nailsea, and near Wild Country Lane, Long Ashton.

I will campaign to resolve the unacceptable state of the roads in Failand. Lorry wheels must be cleaned prior to leaving Durnford Quarry. I will do all I can to help bring about a resolution.

The volume of cars and lorries thundering along our B-roads as a result of the Bristol CAZ inclusion of the Portway and Cumberland basin is unacceptable. I have begun to lobby for pressure to be brought to bear to exclude that area.

I question the wisdom of the bus lanes on the A370 Long Ashton Bypass. It seeks to solve a problem that does not exist and creates traffic congestion where there was none.

I will bring eight years’ experience on the council having taken an active role in the work of the council chairing a scrutiny panel as well as work on a number of panels. I had the privilege of being chairman of the council, gaining as a result an invaluable and much greater understanding of issues within North Somerset as a whole.

In addition, being semi-retired, I have the time to represent and respond to your issues and interests.

David Oyns Conservative Party

Representing and supporting residents in matters such as planning and wider issues of concern to the community are, I believe, at the heart of being a councillor. Ease of communication is essential so that residents may reach their councillor promptly and issues speedily addressed.

I recognise the vital importance of preserving our greenbelt from both housing and commercial development for the benefit and wellbeing of all. Interest already exists to develop surrounding green spaces which I will seek to oppose.

The introduction of bus lanes on the Long Ashton Bypass is a policy which I oppose, as I believe that it will restrict the flow of traffic and increase journey times. I recognise that a reliable and frequent bus service is essential and must be maintained.

Speeding is a major issue in the town and surrounding villages. Realistic speed limits are essential as are the measures taken to promote observance. Speeding HGV vehicles are a particular concern as is the mud often carpeting roads around Durnford quarry.

I am opposed to the possible closure of Backwell Recycling Centre which has been discussed by the current North Somerset Council. Having previously chaired the Waste and Recycling Committee at North Somerset Council, I recognise the value of this facility especially in the reduction of fly-tipping.

I am a retired teacher and my 40 years’ experience in education proved to be a huge advantage whilst serving as committee vice chair for the Children and Young Persons’ Service at North Somerset Council. As well as maintaining a strong interest in the opportunities available for young people, this enthusiasm extends to the whole community.

William Hall Labour Party

I have lived with my family in Long Ashton for many years and worked as a Long Ashton Parish Councillor in the past. As an active North Somerset Labour Party member, I believe that local government must make a real difference in people’s lives.

I am running for district councillor because I want to help build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has access to the opportunities and services they need to thrive.

My priorities will be to listen to the concerns of my constituents, work collaboratively with other councillors, and advocate for Labour Party policies that benefit the community as a whole and hold central government to account.

I am committed to promoting: a fairer and greener future; affordable decent housing to meet the needs of local people; integrated, reliable and accessible public transport; high-quality local businesses and better work opportunities; and to ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality public services.

I believe that community engagement and Labour Party policies are crucial to the success of local government, am committed to its transparency and accountability, will ensure that constituents have their voices heard and will always put the needs of the community first. I will bring my 40 years of knowledge and experience in senior IT positions in government, financial and insurance services, my passion for active service, and my commitment to Labour Party values to this role. I believe that, by working together, we can build a better future for our community.

Stuart McQuillan (he/him) Green Party

My three priorities for Long Ashton and Failand if re-elected on 4 May 2023 are as follows:

1. Protect the Green Belt from inappropriate development

I understand how important the Green Belt is to many residents in Long Ashton and Failand, and how it defines the rural character of these settlements. Therefore, I will do my utmost to prevent inappropriate and unsustainable development on the Green Belt being included in North Somerset’s local plan. Specifically, I will oppose the inclusion of the housing developments proposed at Woodspring Golf Course and the land adjacent to the Failand triangle.

2. Improve the sustainability and safety of transport

I will seek to encourage more sustainable transport methods and look to improve road safety across Long Ashton and Failand through the implementation of appropriate highway schemes. I will look to improve the village centre in Long Ashton, expanding the 20mph zone, where appropriate, and continue to press for action to improve safety near Kingcott Mill Farm. I will also work to create a safe crossing to Failand Village Hall, to allow easier access to the building and the new play park.

3. Continue to manage environmental impact of Durnford Quarry

As mentioned in my article last month, I know how much the impact of the quarry is concerning residents of Long Ashton and Failand. There have been some signs of improvements recently, but I will continue to prioritise this issue, meeting with quarry management and communicating with residents regularly.

Bristol Harbour Festival 2023

Get ready for three days of maritime magic at the 2023 Bristol Harbour Festival!

The free family event returns this summer from 14-16 July, offering a variety of entertainment, from local talent to world-class circus and music acts. Plus, you can enjoy on-the-water activity from cardboard boat races to highoctane jetpack stunts.

There will be five areas filled with music and entertainment, including:

• Cirque Bijou at the Circus Playground on College Green – enjoy tricks and trapeze, children’s entertainment and pop-up performances

• Jelli Shack at Millennium Square – check out the acoustic programme brought to you by Jelli Records

• At the Amphitheatre indulge in a bite to eat from the Food Court with music from Access Creative College, Ujima Radio and BCFM Radio

• On the water, be entertained

with a range of activities from jet ski stunts to the iconic Pyrounaut showing off its skills

• Queen Square will be transformed into the Music Quarter, curated by Harbour Festival programming legend, Tony Benjamin. This space will

kick-start the festival on Friday night and will also feature the brightest talent from Access Creative College alongside established acts.

The festival has opened its annual Expression of Interest for

those wanting to perform and get involved with the festival this year.

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, said: “Bristol’s Harbour Festival is a big part of our city’s calendar, and an incredible platform for aspiring artists and local talent to perform in front of huge audiences.

“The Harbour Festival is an event for all communities and is an opportunity to showcase the diverse Bristol we’re proud to call home. We look forward to celebrating together and bringing another brilliant free-festival to Bristol this Summer.”

Boat owners and visiting vessels who wish to attend this year’s festival can apply from the 17 April 2023 on the Sail Bristol app. Allocations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis and more information can be found on the Harbour Festival website.

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, Jon Domaille, head of centre for Access Creative College, and music students with Young Bristol will officially launch and amplify the 2023 Harbour Festival plans

Picture This with Nick Church

I’M Nick Church from Nick Church Photography, and in a series of articles for Long Ashton & Failand Voice, I’ll be sharing hints, tips and advice on the popular topic of photography.

The best camera is the one you have on you, and for most of us that’s our phone. With huge technical advances, you can take some good snaps. And by employing my ‘Top Tips to Better Phone Pictures’, you will improve them further and get pretty professional-looking photos.

Photography takes patience. When you have a scene ready to take, sometimes it’s a good idea to just wait a little…

In the mid-20th Century, influential photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson coined the term ‘The Decisive Moment’ – the moment that all the elements in a shot come together.

This is important when I’m photographing weddings as the moment needs to tell a story.

Failand Whist Club seeks new players

The bride and groom suddenly doing a bit of ‘dress management’ creates the energy and emotion in this shot.

FAILAND Whist Club has been running for many years and is thought to have originated from a group of people playing whist in someone’s home in Long Ashton in the early 1950s. When the numbers exceeded the capacity of their house, the group moved to Failand Village Hall. Why they didn’t find a venue in Long Ashton is not known.

However the group went from strength to strength and soon there were enough members for about 15 tables each week. It is even said that, at one time, the organiser of the whist group had to curtail any new members joining as serving refreshments was reducing playing time!

Things today are very different. A lack of new players over the years has meant numbers have dropped gradually and even more so recently. The onset of Covid meant the Whist Club was unable to meet for nearly two years.

Failand Whist Club is now meeting again and enjoying a weekly social evening playing whist. It is currently looking for new members, ideally people who have played whist. However anyone who is keen to take up whist again or would like to learn would be made most welcome.

This game of Jenga really tried my patience, but I got the shot eventually!

How does this affect YOUR photography? When you’re shooting a scene, what might happen if you wait a little? Someone smiling, a person or wildlife moving through the scene. This will all improve your photo.

To help this idea, take lots and lots of photos of the same thing. This increases your chance of getting that ‘Decisive Moment’.

There are members of the club who would be happy to host an informal morning or afternoon time as a refresher session or for beginner whist. Hopefully, this would give potential new players the confidence to join the club on a Thursday evening and add a new string to their bow.

All would be very welcome. At the moment it is a small but very friendly group who would love to have more players.

The club meets every week at Failand Village Hall on Thursday evenings at 7pm. For more details, please contact Val on 01275 463263 OR Helen on 01275 392676 or 07837 379076.

This shot outside MSHED needed something different, and I knew if I waited long enough, it would happen. OK, I couldn’t have guessed it would be two people on a bike with a bottle of wine, but that’s the great thing about photography!

If anyone is keen to improve their photography skills, with a camera or just their phone, do let me know as I run a suite of workshops that might be of interest. Contact me on nick@nickchurchphotography.co.uk

That’s all for now. Happy shooting!

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

St Patrick’s & Club Night round-up

By Timo Kindred

THIS March, Long Ashton’s Community Centre hosted two fantastically popular nights – St Patrick’s and Club Night – putting the spring in the step of many of Long Ashton’s residents after a bleak and rainy start to the year.

The fabulous O’Malley School of Irish Dance, based in Frenchay, Bristol, set the St Patrick’s evening up nicely for the dancing frenzy that followed.

Then on came popular local band Grizzly and the Bears who performed a two-hour set with ‘up for the craic’ residents enjoying many of their popular covers and many of those, in turn, danced like possessed rockstars until closing.

Organised by Susanne Naismith, the Community Centre deputy manager, and with help from Rob at The Bird in Hand, centre staff and volunteers, everyone’s efforts helped to keep the Guinness flowing and the free Baby Guinness pouring whilst also ensuring party goers participated in what some would describe as dancing but others as ‘moving around in some way or another’.

Speaking about the evening, local resident Lisa Greenfield said, “I can’t believe how lucky we are to have such amazing events in the village. The evening was great fun

and the dance floor was literally jumping.

“Community has become so important over the last few years, so having the team at the centre put on such professionally-run events means everything.”

The following Saturday saw the return of Long Ashton’s Disco Nights starting with a Club Night, a night of dancing and all-round good times, with legendary local DJs Ben and Pete smashing out anthem after anthem and smooth grooves.

Rachel May said of the night: “It was fab, my first time at a club night and I really enjoyed myself! I haven’t danced like that in a long time. Thanks to all who organised it.”

Club Night was organised by

Ruth McCallister and supported by the Long Ashton Football Club. With a thumping sound system, pulsing lights and lasers, a disco ball (of course) and a cheap bar, residents had a blast and have pleaded for a whole host of further disco nights. Watch this space!

Both nights even saw the use of the village hall podium which has made many a Long Ashton resident famous!

After costs, the evenings collectively raised over £2,000 for the Community Centre.

Do you know the Community Centre is a registered charity?

It is run by LACA (Long Ashton Community Association) and fundraising events are essential to contribute towards the operational costs, so please keep supporting events that take place.

If you have any ideas to help fundraise or would like to get involved, please pop into the Community Centre Office for a chat or email: enquiries@ longashtoncommunitycentre.org

Having a ‘craic’ on St Patrick’s night dancing to the tunes of local band

Legendary local DJs smashed out anthem after anthem!

n WHAT’S ON

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

n 30 April – 1 May

Henry VIII is looking for a wife! Show times: 11am 30 April; 5pm 1 May

A unique, frivolous yet factual family-friendly show at Berkeley Castle. For pricing, visit www.berkeley-castle.com

Make a day of it – take a historic trip to Berkeley Castle in South Glos – catch a show and visit the castle.

n 2 May

Big Fish

Redgrave Theatre 2-6 May 2023 | Price: £18.50 https://redgravetheatre.com

Bristol Musical Comedy Club brings the musical BIG FISH to life at the Redgrave. BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! An engaging and magical musical.

n 5 May

Woodchuck

The Angel Inn, from 8.30pm

Be entertained by one-man band Woodchuck, who plays a range of music including some Irish numbers.

n 6 May

Coronation Cream Tea

FREE – reserve your ticket at Long Ashton Village Shop & Post Office from 1 May

Commemorate the King’s Coronation with a cream tea in the village hall on Saturday 6 May at 3pm.

Sausage and Cider Festival

The Bird in Hand, from 7.30pm til 1:00am

Music from local DJ George Durbin followed by Grizzly and the Bear from 8pm and Turbo Disco to finish the night off.

n 8 May

Failand coronation celebrations

Failand Hall is hosting a fete/picnic/pop-up market to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. This will be a family event, with plenty of things to keep the children amused. Please let any hall committee member know if you would like to help in any way.

n 9 May

The Greatest Magician Redgrave Theatre From £19 https://redgravetheatre.com

A dazzling, five-star rated magic show directed by the late Paul Daniels.

n 27 May

Live Music at The Bird in Hand

From 7pm

Elvis is back in the building!

n 27-28 May

Love Saves The Day

Ashton Court | Tickets: www. lovesavestheday.org

Performers include: Fatboy Slim, Years & Years, Andy C, Archie Hamilton, Artwork and 34 more.

n 6 June

Laura Belbin: Knee Deep in Life

Tickets: £20 | Tobacco Factory Laura is no stranger to getting down to the reality of womanhood. This show is the brutally honest take on being that awkward woman who says all the wrong things at all the wrong times, what it’s like to be in the weird world of online influencing – and how not to be a plonker with it.

n 9-11 June

Volksfest

www.bristolvolksfest.co.uk

Celebrating its 30th year, Bristol Volksfest offers a weekend of cars, camping, music and entertainment! Various ticket options available from single days to the whole weekend.

n 10 June

Live Music at The Angel Inn

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 further information, go to www.failandvillagehall.org.uk

n Wednesdays 2-4.30pm

Failand Arts & Crafts Group

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 demonstrations, members’ skills sharing and chat always welcome. Please contact Fi Harris at feltbyfi@ gmail.com for more info.

n Thursday

n 13 May

Plant Sale – Long Ashton Horticultural Society

9.00am – 11.00am

In Long Ashton each year during May, we hold a plant sale outside the Co-op. This has always been very successful, thanks in the main part to our generous members and local residents who kindly bring along plants for us to sell. All profit goes towards funding the Long Ashton Flower Show in September. We sell all sorts of plants, vegetable and flower seedlings and cuttings, all at very reasonable prices.

To get the pick of the crop, it’s best to come along early. Remember to bring a box or bag with you to carry your purchases home. We look forward to seeing you there. If you would like to become a member, contact Mary at longashtonhortsoc@gmail.com

Eurovision – The Final Long Ashton Community Centre

From 7.30pm £15 – tickets available from the Post Office Dress to impress and celebrate the Eurovision in true glam style! Tickets include welcome drink, Eurovision platter and a fun-filled evening with DJ Dave

n 17 May

Quiz Night at The Angel Inn £2 per team player. Starts 7.45pm

Brigadier Purple From 8pm Enjoy an eclectic mix of covers with this Bristol-based band.

n 10&11 June

Dig for Victory

North Somerset Showground

Tickets: www.digforvictoryshow. com

Enjoy a nostalgic trip back to the 1940s with music and dancing, vintage stalls, tea rooms, and more.

n 14 June

Vintage Tea Dance for all Long Ashton Community Centre Village Hall 2-4pm. Tickets are FREE and can be picked up from LA Post Office from 28 April. Music & refreshments. Hosted by LA Memory Cafe

REGULAR EVENTS

n Wednesday

Long Ashton Westleaze WI

First WEDNESDAY in the month Jubilee Pavilion, Long Ashton Meetings held at: 2.30pm in the winter and 7.30pm in the summer.

We welcome visitors and are looking for new members to join this friendly group. For details of our next meeting, contact Sally on 01275 393591 Sallyjmsterland@gmail.com

Long Ashton Memory Café Runs every 4th Thursday monthly. Email: lamemorycafe@gmail.com or tel: Liz Anderson 07967587411

Failand Whist Club

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

n Saturday

YOUNG THEATRE MAKERS

Tobacco Factory Age 3-5 Term-time until 15 Jul 2023 https://tobaccofactorytheatres. com

Pay What You Choose – either £60 or £96 for the full term. Bursary places available.

Designed to be a safe space of creative exploration for 3-5-yearolds, children will build their confidence by learning new skills, making new friends and most importantly having fun.

These workshops are not just about acting, they are about teamwork, social skills, imagination, and creative expression.

Sessions also available for 5-7s and 8-10s – check the website for dates and timings.

Martin Lewis TV show on death and dementia

The financial expert Martin Lewis recently focussed his TV programme on the difficult issues of death and dementia that so many families avoid discussing.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM HIS PROGRAMME WERE:

1: All adults need an up to date Will (for when they die) to provide for those they love, and to save money spent on family disputes.

2: Having Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) is now even more important than having a Will.

3: The age for adults to set up LPAs is NOW!

LPAs need to be set up whilst you have mental capacity, and you don’t know what life will bring – LPAs

make sure your wishes are followed if you became seriously ill or injured and lost mental capacity. The alternative to LPAs was described as horrendously expensive, slow, and may still not give you the results you’d want.

4: The gold standard to aim for is a Will and LPAs prepared by a firm of solicitors. They may cost a little more, but you should take professional advice and they will make sure they are legally valid.

5: Also, a firm of solicitors will (as part of their service) help you avoid other

problems as they will check related documents such as property titles.

The programme is Episode 14 and is still available on ITVX – but everyone should take professional advice on their own individual circumstances.

A FREE (no obligation) Will and LPA review is offered to readers of the Voice by your local experts, Simpson Solicitors.

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

Dig for Victory Show returns

THE 1940s-themed show will be returning to The North Somerset Showground on 10 & 11 June.

The event will include military vehicles, re-enactors, live music, dancing, history talks, vintage stalls, local food including a vintage tea room and bar, arena events, a 1940s farm, a vintage fun-fair and children’s trail and more.

Show organiser James Shopland said: “After a five-year break, a global pandemic and very uncertain times, we’re so happy to be returning to our old stomping ground, supporting local businesses and the community and bringing back some much-needed 1940s fun.”

The show is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company and is run almost entirely by volunteers to raise money for its chosen charities. The show has raised over £25,000 for charity to-date. Visit www.digforvictoryshow.com for details.

Bristol Airport: new TUI summer 2024 flights

TUI has added two new routes to Cape Verde, plus additional flights for summer 2024.

Next summer, you will be able to fly to Boa Vista and Sal in Cape Verde, as well as Marrakesh from Bristol Airport.

TUI will also be offering daily flights to Palma de Mallorca and has increased the frequency of many more flights including: four times weekly flights to Antalya, Corfu, Heraklion, Ibiza, Kos and Zakynthos.

n GARDENING Garden tips for May

Local gardener Ben Collison shares his tips for late spring gardening

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, May is an ideal time to enjoy the garden as it starts to blossom with life.

A few wild flowers to look out for while taking a walk include red campion, foxgloves, yellow rattle, cow parsley and red and white clover.

After diligently pruning wisteria in late winter, it’s now time to enjoy the fruits (or flowers) of your labour. The hanging blooms of blue, white or purple flowers look great over a pergola or on the side of a house. My favourite is the delightfully fragrant Wisteria floribunda ‘Lawrence’.

Be sure to deadhead any faded blooms on plants to encourage new growth and keep your garden looking vibrant. It’s also a good time to plant new annuals and perennials.

In the vegetable garden, it’s time to start sowing seeds directly in the ground. Some great options include beans, peas, lettuce, radishes and carrots. You can also plant the tomato and pepper seedlings that you started indoors earlier in the season.

As the amount of weeding picks up, you could try adding an organic mulch to your borders. It can help keep weeds at bay and retain water, in turn reducing the amount of watering needed, especially in times of drought. Equally, try leaving a patch of ‘weeds’ and see what they grow into.

Whether you’re planting new flowers, tending to your vegetable garden or simply relaxing in the sunshine, gardening in May is a rewarding and rejuvenating experience.

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

Northleaze School Choir at the Mid-Somerset Festival

The pupils of Northleaze School Choir took part in the Mid-Somerset Festival in Bath at the end of last term, singing two contrasting songs at the Pavilion in front of a number of other schools and many parents.

The 39-strong choir entered the ‘Primary Music Makers’ category and performed with confidence, pride and real musicality. The adjudicator commented on their full, warm sound, lovely clear words, use of dynamics and the joy with which they sang.

Their conductor, and headteacher, Mrs Victoria Reyes was delighted with their performance and so proud of the way in which they represented themselves and Northleaze School.

n SPINAL COLUMN

I WAS in Cornwall the other weekend and there was no signal. I got to fully switch off from the outside world and relax listening to the waves crash against the cliffs below. We swam in the sea (it was extremely cold), barbecued local fish and played board games by the fire.

There are two things I think of about how a weekend like that affects our brain.

Number 1 is pretty obvious and, ironically, is something you see a lot talked about on social media: switching off from the noise of the world and social media is amazing. It’s a big reset and quietens down the mind to allow proper relaxation. No distractions, good food, quality interactions and conversations with others. A wholesome weekend.

Number 2 is more the opposite: for our conscious mind, it’s good to stitch off

from the constant dopamine hits. For the subconscious mind, though, it’s important that it stays connected.

The subconscious mind controls your body: it tells your heart to beat; your lungs to breathe; your stomach to digest.

Clear communication and a strong signal between your brain and every cell and organ

in your body is essential. And that is where the true magic of chiropractic comes in. Besides the fun popping noise and how good it looks on YouTube, very important changes happen in your body through the chiropractic adjustment. Your brain and body talk to each other through your nerves. Messages are sent

down your spinal cord and out through all the nerves to the cells and organs of your body. Adjustments to the spine help remove interference on this pathway, so your brain and body can communicate clearly with a strong signal.

Recent research is also backing up the way an adjustment in your spine actually influences how your brain is working, too. So an adjustment not only removes interference from your nervous system, it also helps balance your brain so that the messages to the brain are the right ones, too. Clever stuff and no wonder we see such amazing results in our clinics.

Charles Herbert Kasa Chiro

Advertising feature

New exhibition at Aerospace Bristol is out of this world!

Aerospace Bristol, on the site of the former Filton Airfield, will host Luke Jerram’s Mars as part of a new Journey to Mars exhibition. The artwork will be stunningly displayed from 4th May to 5th June alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.

The temporary exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars Express, Europe’s first mission to Mars. It will include models of Beagle 2 and the Mars Express Orbiter on display alongside Luke Jerram’s Mars sculpture.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Mars features

detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.

Visitors will have the chance to view Mars from the air, as though they are a satellite, mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain laid bare to inspect.

The Journey to Mars exhibition is included with museum entry.

Visit https://aerospacebristol.org/ for more information and for tickets.

Share Bristol update

A word from Anna, volunteer director

Lots of you enjoyed our story about Share Bristol bringing

a Library of Things to South Bristol, and there’s a unique way to join the club.

The team has secured a ‘match fund’ from Aviva, meaning that every pound donated will be doubled. The initial target has already been smashed, but the team is eager to hit £6,000 – a realistic cost for fitting out a new library.

Not only will a donation help make sure that we get a local library, there’s also a clear benefit for donors. Annual

membership of Share Bristol costs from £20 per year, and then borrowing is free.

However, Share Bristol is offering gift certificates for a year’s membership for every £50 donation. So, if someone wants to join, they can donate £50, then receive a gift certificate to start their membership whenever they choose and Share Bristol will receive £100 in total!

You can find out more here: https://bit.ly/40r1FRB