Hate has no home here
RECENT events, both locally and nationally, have left many people in our communities feeling anxious and unsettled.
Large scale marches, where some groups or individuals use certain rhetoric or language, create an unwelcoming environment, and are emboldening other people to commit verbal and physical attacks on people.
We are aware of several racially aggravated incidents or crimes reported in Avon and Somerset recently. That is why we want to speak jointly, as your local authority and policing leaders, to reassure every resident that hate has no home in Avon and Somerset.
Most people in our area treat each other with fairness and respect.
Yet, we cannot ignore that a small minority seek to divide us, sometimes misusing national flags or symbols to intimidate or exclude.
The Union Flag, the St George’s Cross, and other national symbols should be a source of pride for everyone, representing the diversity and shared values that are central to who we are as a community. We refuse to surrender these symbols to those who use them to spread fear, violence, or division.
True Britishness is found in everyday acts of kindness and service by those volunteering in our communities, supporting the vulnerable, and helping neighbours in need. It is communities pulling together in a crisis.
We are committed to working together to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.
We urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime or criminal damage to come forward.
Our message is clear: we are united against hate.
Clare Moody (Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset)
Tony Dyer (Bristol City Council)
Maggie Tyrrell and Ian Boulton (South Glos Council)
Bill Revans (Somerset Council)
Kevin Guy (B&NES)
Mike Bell (North Somerset Council)
Has compliance gone too far?
IN an increasingly risk-averse world, it’s easy to see how “compliance” has become a watchword for almost every endeavour, from government schemes to local community projects.
While the intention is always good – to ensure safety, fairness, and accountability – there is a creeping concern starting to emerge: have we, in pursuit of bulletproof compliance, gone too far?
Is the very fabric of local initiative being stifled by an ever-growing tangle of regulations and paperwork?
For those involved in launching and managing local projects here in Downend and the surrounding areas, the answer is often a resounding “yes”.
What once might have required a few phone calls and a bit of common sense now frequently demands a small mountain of documentation, risk assessment for every conceivable scenario, extensive consultation processes, and often professional indemnity insurance. This can feel disproportionate to the actual risk involved.
The cost, both financial and to volunteer morale, can be significant.
I’m not advocating a Wild West approach where anything goes. Sensible safeguards are, of course, essential.
But there is a delicate balance to be struck. When the pursuit of zero risk leads to paralysis, when the fear of litigation outweighs the desire for community engagement, we have surely tipped too far.
Ultimately the vibrancy of our local community depends on the willingness of individuals and groups to step forward and make things happen.
Let’s ensure that in our quest for order we don’t extinguish the spark of community spirit that makes places like Downend truly thrive.
John Lockwood
Downend
Join the Reindeer Run
ST PETER’S Hospice is inviting schoolchildren to dash, dance and prance their way into the festive season while raising vital funds for their local hospice.
The brand-new Reindeer Run fundraiser will see children take control of their fundraising, design their own antlers and take part in a fun run, jog or walk with their classmates in November or December.
We’ve really tried to make it as easy as possible for schools and groups to take part.
We’ll provide guidance for teachers, printable antler templates, a fundraising tracker for the children and festive resources to bring the event to life.
Aimed at primary schools, the sponsored Reindeer Run will raise money to help support adults with life-limiting illnesses, cared for by the hospice. Children will be encouraged to collect small donations from family and friends, just £1 or £2 each, or whatever they can manage.
Classes can pick the date they want to complete their challenge, raise as much as they can and choose the distance they cover.
We’re really hoping lots of schools get on board and support it and that it will become a favourite on their calendars for the festive period.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Reindeer Run can visit stpetershospice.org/ReindeerRun for more information and to register.
Meg Austin
Community Fundraising Officer,
St Peter’s Hospice
Wonderful concert
COME and enjoy a Christmas concert with the Cleeve Singers of Downend.
Songs of Light & Wonder is a matinee, taking place from 2-4pm on Saturday December 13, with guest artists at Lincombe Barn in Overndale Road, Downend.
The choir is under the direction of Marysia Gorska-Saj.
A talk and collection will be taken for Children’s Hospice South West, the choir’s charity of choice this year.
Tickets cost £6 and are available from Melanie’s Kitchen in Downend, Lincombe Barn, on the door or by email to cleevesingers@gmail.com.
Patricia Holmes
Cleeve Singers
Scouts need help
LYDE Green Scout group are looking for additional volunteers to help run the beavers and cubs.
The group also hope to start a scout section for young people aged 10-14.
If you think you could help in any way, please contact simondbudd@gmail.com or call 07765 201435.
Simon Budd
Lead volunteer