Thanks for your support
THANK you to everyone who made a fundraiser in honour of my late father Colin Wotley a success.
It was held on what would have been his 84th birthday, on June 20 by my family and I for St Peter’s Hospice, who cared for him during the last few days of his life.
We held a BBQ at our home in Downend and ran a raffle, bake sale and sold tea and coffee cosies knitted by my mum, along with home-grown flowers courtesy of April’s Flower Patch.
In the run-up to the event we contacted local businesses seeking donations for raffle prizes, and were overwhelmed by the generosity of Kustom Home, Ali Iles reflexology and massage therapist, Lyfe Health, the Duck and Willow, the White Horse Hambrook, Loungers, Shield Environmental Services, Co-op Downend, Bristol Aztecs American Football, Bristol Rovers, Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey and Gloucestershire Cricket.
Despite some early rain, we had a fantastic afternoon and evening, raising £1,835.07 for St Peter’s Hospice!
Emma Saville
Downend
Bus service is getting worse
I USE the 48x or 49x six or seven days per week.
Over a three-week period the 48x bus service from Blackhorse Lane at 9.10am hasn’t turned up.
I walked to Meadgate for the 49x one day, and that bus was also non-existent.
I am trying to get to work. If the service is cancelled, why does the First Bus app not show it is cancelled?
It is so frustrating turning up at a bus stop when your required bus will not be arriving.
The timetables were improved in April – but the service seems to have worsened.
Suzanne Parker
Working together for woods
OVER the past year, local families have been getting hands-on with nature at Lincombe Barn Woods with Mud Pie Explorers, thanks to funding from the Wessex Water Foundation.
Five free family sessions brought together children and adults to explore the woodland while learning simple ways to support local wildlife.
Activities included creating bee habitats, searching for woodland minibeasts, planting seeds, learning about pollinators and improving a small dam created during a previous conservation project.
The aim was simple: to show that everyone can play a part in looking after local green spaces.
As well as benefiting nature, the sessions gave families the opportunity to spend time outdoors together, explore the changing seasons and meet others from the local community.
Mud Pie Explorers would like to thank the Wessex Water Foundation for supporting the project, and everyone who came along and got involved.
Caring for nature doesn’t always require big changes: sometimes it starts with noticing a bee, planting a seed or simply spending time in the woods.
You can learn more about the work we do here: www.mud-pies.co.uk
Nickie Corr
Mud Pie Explorers CIC
Let’s all tackle the weeds
I HAVE been a Downend resident for 38 years and have noticed recently the state of the weeds growing along the edges of the roads and pavements.
We all like to live here, and are proud of the homes we have.
I don’t think the council will be doing anything about the state of the weeds – it takes long enough to get them to do any potholes!
My suggestion is, let’s spend 15 minutes of our weekend and look at the outside of your house: does it have the kerb appeal we want?
If you say no, then take a spade, scrap the weeds and pop them in your bin, and look out for your neighbour’s property too if they are elderly; a good turn done.
Sandra Britton
Nominate a pet for awards
BRISTOL Animal Rescue Centre has officially launched its first-ever Bristol Pet Awards, honouring the region’s most beloved companion animals and the extraordinary bonds they share with their humans.
We are calling on the public to submit nominations and help shine a spotlight on Bristol’s furry, feathered, or scaly heroes.
The five categories celebrating both incredible animals and the humans who stand up for them are: Bristol’s Pet of the Year for an all-around exceptional pet; Bristol’s Animal Hero for a remarkable person supporting animals; Remarkable Rescue Journey, for a rescue animal that has transitioned into a thriving, happy new life; the Unbreakable Bond Award for a deep, meaningful connection between a pet and their human companion; the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by ELM Legal Services, recognising a service animal or one that has had a profound impact on people.
We are also aiming to raise £15,000 directly towards supporting our vital rescue work.
Submitting a nomination is quick, easy, and completely free at tinyurl.com/mryefk6e.
Nominations close on September 1 at midnight.
Sally Hearn-Smith
Bristol ARC