Respect the common
I RECENTLY collected two bags of litter collected from the mountain bike track in the wooded area of Rodway Common.
This covered only a third of the area, and should be of concern to any parents whose children visit this area, as it’s their kids who are creating a mess. All the litter was plastic pop bottles, sweet and crisp packets.
It’s amazing how many people thank you for picking up litter, however it would be better if it wasn’t there in the first place!
If everyone stopped walking past a piece of litter but actually picked it up and deposited in a bin, what a wonderful place this country would be. But all too common is the phrase “It’s not mine, I’m not picking up someone else’s mess!”.
Most users of the common have little objection to its use for cycling, however it’s the complete disrespect for the surroundings and other users that upsets people.
Rob Higgins
Council needs balance on religion
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council’s recent eNews email on February 18 included an article titled ‘Blessed Ramadan’, that went on to explain that “Ramadan is a significant period marked by fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection”.
Whilst I have no problem with the principle of supporting any members of the South Gloucestershire community, I do find it strange the council didn’t also include an article on Lent, a significant 40-day period marked by fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection, starting on Ash Wednesday – which was February 18 this year.
The Al Jazeera news channel, based in Qatar, reported both the start of Ramadan and Lent, so I find it strange and rather disappointing that the council is unable to have a balanced and unbiased approach.
The omission makes the article appear to be an example of political correctness rather than a sincere support for the 1.5% to 1.6% of the South Gloucestershire population who identify as Muslim, as the council is not also expressing support for the 44.1% of residents who identify as Christian.
In future please can we have similar messages of support for all the significant Christian festivals, similar articles for other Muslim festivals and of course the festivals and significant spiritual days for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish and any other faith groups in South Gloucestershire?
Or maybe the council should simply focus on its core activities of providing social services, education, environment and infrastructure, planning and development and fixing all the potholes?
David Quintin
(Retired Baptist minister, writing in a personal capacity)
Tell me your Page Park stories
I’M currently making a film all about Page Park and the surrounding area, where I have a strong local connection.
My great-grandfather was George Gerrish, who owned the big house on the corner of South View and Hill House Road. I lived in South View as a child up until 1979, before moving to North View, where my mother and brother still live today.
I’m looking for people to interview on camera, telling their stories or memories of Page Park.
I would like to hear from people who use the park for different activities, from running, playing music, bowls or gardening to the artisan markets, walking their dogs and much more.
I would particularly like to hear local people’s stories about Page Park and what it means to them.
I have already done some filming in the park, with the council’s permission.
Further filming will take place throughout the year: the more people who can contribute to the story of Page Park, the better the film will be.
I’m funding the film myself and hope it will help the Friends of Page Park secure some further funding, and maybe more.
If you’d like to share your story, email info@julianwillmottphotography.co.uk
Julian Willmott
Help local families thrive
A Home-Start volunteer with a mum and child
ARE you a parent or grandparent?
Local charity Home-Start Bristol & South Gloucestershire is looking for new volunteers who have parenting skills.
We support families with under-5s across Bristol and South Gloucestershire who are going through tough times. Volunteers are needed for home-visiting or to help at parent groups, for two or three hours a week.
We currently have a high demand for our services, with several families waiting to be allocated a volunteer.
We’re particularly looking for home visiting support in South Gloucestershire.
Families may be experiencing isolation, financial difficulties, physical or mental health issues, multiple births or other challenges, and need extra support while their children are young. Volunteers provide a listening ear, practical help, and encouragement to help give children the best start in life.
One mum said her volunteer left a “big glow in my life”.
Volunteers also benefit from giving their time, building their own skills and confidence. They receive free training and are fully supported by our expert staff team.
The next volunteer training course starts on April 30 at The Greenway Centre, in Southmead, running every Thursday for four weeks, from 9.30am-2.30pm.
There will also be a course in October.
Visit www.homestartbsg.org.uk, email admin@homestartbsg.org.uk or call 0117 950 1170 to find out more.
Catherine Potter
Trustee, HomeStart