Leap Valley needs new friends
Friends of Leap Valley volunteers clearing weed from a pond.
MANY of you will know that the Friends of Leap Valley, a dedicated group of volunteers, help to look after and maintain the Leap Valley Open Space situated between Fouracre Crescent in Bromley Heath, Aintree Drive (off Badminton Road) and Bury Hill View.
The valley has woodland, wetland, a stream, pond, orchard, grassland and much more.
Check out the website friendsofleapvalley.uk for much more information about the area and about what the Friends do.
The Friends group was set up in 1994, 30 years ago. That means some of the volunteers are getting a bit old for working in the valley!
They are looking for more, maybe younger, people to help at workdays.
They currently meet on a Monday morning but this may change to another weekday or to occasional weekend days if it encourages more help.
Please contact the Friends via the website or email friendsofleapvalleysecretary@gmail.com if you are interested in helping for a few hours at a workday.
We want to keep Leap Valley, which is a designated Site of Conservation Interest, looking good for the benefit of local residents, walkers and for all the wildlife that call it home.
Mary Lewis
Friends of Leap Valley
Northern Lights over Downend
Downend Cricket Club president Miles Davis captured this image of the Northern Lights over Downend on the night of October 10
Community grants awarded
STAPLE Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council is pleased to announce the awarding of its first ever community grants to five deserving local organisations dedicated to enhancing our community.
The initial recipients include Ignite Life, which will receive £500 to create a community garden at the back of Page Community Association. Ignite works with young people who struggle to access education.
South Gloucestershire Armed Forces Day will £1,000 towards the cost of setting up and running the annual event, which is being held in Staple Hill in 2025.
Mangotsfield Residents Association will receive £350 to purchase swift boxes to put on Mangotsfield Scout HQ.
Staple Hill District Women’s Section is awarded £500 to fund room rental to ensure this organisation can continue to meet.
Staple Hill Hub will receive £500 to support with running costs so the current groups and activities currently provided can continue.
The council recognises the vital role these organisations play in fostering a vibrant community spirit and is proud to assist them in their endeavours.
There are still funds available for additional projects.
Applications are open until December 31.
For more information on how to apply for a community grant or to learn more about the awarded projects, please visit our website at tinyurl.com/3vkuv7s3.
Julie Fudge
Parish Clerk
Singers seek direction
IS there anyone willing to take up the position of musical director for the Cleeve Singers of Downend?
Our present conductor is stepping down at the end of December.
The members are a happy group, who sincerely wish to continue entertaining and supporting charities.
Anyone willing to help the choir can contact the secretary by emailing cleevesingers@gmail.com or leave a message by phone at 0117 956 1881.
Patricia Holmes
Do you know meaning of fist?
I dog walk most days around our area, from Rodway Common to Pomphrey Hill, Page Park, the golf course and elsewhere.
If there is something I see that I think that may be of interest, I take photos.
In this respect I recently saw a statuette of a closed fist, in the grounds of the former Mangotsfield railway station.
Does anyone know its significance?
Michael Bell
Mangotsfield
Take a dip for hospice
FOLLOWING the success of last year’s inaugural Cold Water Dip, St Peter’s Hospice is inviting brave fundraisers to take the plunge again.
Taking place at Portishead Open Air Pool on December 1, the event will see participants brave icy waters to raise much-needed funds for Bristol’s only adult hospice.
With hot drinks, pizza, live music, hot tubs, a warm room and a raffle, the atmosphere promises to be electric, and spectators are also welcome to watch and cheer on the dippers.
Taking the plunge with cold water swimming means you could experience amazing health benefits including boosting mood and immune system and improving fitness and circulation.
Every splash will make a difference in supporting patients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses.
Many participants will choose to take part in memory of a loved one. We’ll have our memory tree by the side of the pool and participants are invited to write and hang a message to commemorate loved ones.
The event will take place from 2.30pm-5.30pm. Entry costs £20 per person and is open to over-16s.
St Peter’s Hospice cares for adults with incurable illnesses in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire as well as providing support for their families.
Find out more at www.stpetershospice.org/coldwaterdip.
Molly O’Donoghue
St Peter’s Hospice