Post office is a disgrace
IS Morrisons trying to close down Downend post office, which actually is owned and run (ruined?) by it?
Since it reopened months ago, it has been closed on and off for several reasons – computer line down, staff unavailable.
Although there is a crackingly better one in Staple Hill, that one is 15 minutes’ walk away: OK for me as I am able-bodied, but for many served by the premises that is out of the question.
All the staff – when there – are very good, and patient under trying and very cramped conditions.
Accepting that the grocery part has been there for years, and is more cramped than before, is there really a need for it? The Co-op and Sainsbury’s are yards away.
It seems like a deliberate move by Morrisons to close the post office due to “lack of use”!
Perhaps a solution is for the Post Office to move into the back of the Co-op (as at Straits Parade in Fishponds), and close the grocery shop and stop fooling the locals that there is a “service” for them?
Alan Elkan
Downend
SINCE Morrisons took over the business, the post office counter no longer operates.
First of all it was always closed for lunch, then we were told they can’t get anyone to work on it.
What was in place originally actually worked very efficiently.
What a disgrace!
We no longer have a local working post office. Shame on you, Morrisons.
Bring back a working, efficient post office counter as a matter of urgency.
Mary Burgess
Bromley Heath
Test yourself in the Hard Half Marathon
THE next Doynton Hard Half Marathon is now open for entries.
Hosted by Emersons Green Running Club and now in its ninth year, this brilliant cross-country race starts and finishes at Doynton and takes runners on a tour of Doynton, Dyrham and Wick across beautiful countryside, farmland, the Cotswold escarpment and the Golden Valley Nature Reserve.
Runners will cross rivers, climb hills, navigate ditches, cross bridges, scramble over stiles, and leap muddy puddles throughout the well-marked 13 mile course.
The popularity of the race has increased every year and more than 650 runners are expected to line up at the start of the next race, on February 2, 2025.
The race attracts lots of returning fans and those giving it a go for the first time, from serious racers to those who want to have some fun and enjoy the challenge with friends.
They’re supported over the whole route by over 90 marshals, with four water stations.
Over the years the Doynton Hard Half Marathon has raised over £8,000 for charities including Suicide Prevention UK, Motivation, Air Cadets and the Royal United Hospital.
The race raises money for charity through entry fees, donations from runners and a cake and hot drink stall at headquarters on race day.
This year the main charities supported by the race will be North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank, Bath Welcomes Refugees, Medical Detection Dogs and the Cotswold Way Association.
The race is open to over 18s: you can enter at doyntonhardhalfmarathon.co.uk.
Victoria Burchill
Race organiser & director
Join our quiz night
KINGSWOOD Y’s Men’s Club is a local group based at Lincombe Barn who hold fundraising events to support local charities.
Our next occasion is our annual quiz night on October 26. All profits will go to our charity fund.
It will be held at Tynings School in Eastleigh Close, Staple Hill, at 7pm.
Why not get together some friends, to form a group of six to make a team? We charge £10 a head, which includes a buffet supper.
Our charity fund supports many local charities, many of which nowadays are struggling for financial support. You can even suggest a local charity we may be able to help!
Application forms may be obtained either from our secretary Alan Wallington on 07876 418337 and wally@ysmen.co.uk or our treasurer on 0117 9564320 and chrisholmes25@gmail.com.
Come along and join us for a fun evening!
Jeremy Mundy
Get your jab
CHILDREN and pregnant women are the first in line for the annual flu vaccination programme which is now underway in the South West.
Older people, clinically at-risk adults, care home residents and frontline workers will start receiving their jabs from October.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are our best defences against these viruses and can be lifesaving, so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them.
These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months, when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure – please come forward as soon as you are invited.
Dr Kheelna Bavalia
South West Medical Director, NHS England