Frome Valley Voice April 2020

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

April, 2020 Issue 80

FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN

Row as Ofsted says school is ‘inadequate’

THE owners of an independent school declared inadequate

by Ofsted have lodged a formal complaint against the inspectors.

PAGES 12-13

YOUNG engineers building an electric racing car found themselves racing against time to finish it before coronavirus restrictions shut their school.

Full story: Page 9

Road works

Normal life is on hold NORMAL life has been put on hold as tough restrictions put in place to fight coronavirus affect every aspect of the community and economy.

From shops and schools to pubs and churches, places which are part of the everyday fabric of life have been closed, while long-planned events that form part of the area’s yearly calendar are postponed or cancelled.

Supermarket shelves are emptied in panic and loved ones are banned from seeing each other.

But across the area people are coming together to offer support to neighbours in self-isolation, give advice and suggestions for things to do at home and simply cheer each other up.

Reports: pages 2-6

The main road between Coalpit Heath and Bristol is set to be resurfaced this year.

PAGE 7

Gas buses on Yate-Bristol service

New biogas-powered buses are being introduced on a route to Yate and Bristol, with the promise that pollution will be cut as a result.

PAGE 21

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April, 2020

FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew

Ken McCormick

01454 800 120 contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk For advertising enquiries: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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Editor

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May deadline

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Our May edition will be going to print on April 28. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by April 22. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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April, 2020

3

n CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY groups have sprung up across the Frome Valley area in response to the Coronavirus emergency.

Within days of the scale of the problem facing vulnerable people who had been told to stay at home and self-isolate becoming clear, efforts to coordinate support were being organised via social media.

One such group on Facebook is the COVID-19 Winterbourne and Winterbourne Down Response Group.

The group emerged after people started asking questions about Coronavirus on the local blog.

One of the organisers is Amy Beardmore, pictured, who works in Public Health and Community Development at UWE. Amy said: “The group has grown very rapidly and we now have more than 470 members and counting. The response from everyone has been amazing – people have been out leafleting across the whole of Winterbourne and Winterbourne Down trying to make sure that everyone has a point of contact throughout the crisis.

“People have been so keen to help and we have been inundated with messages. It really has been a glimmer of light during what is a very worrying time for everyone. It's evolved rapidly and we are trying to keep on top of everything, but the admins have had so much support from local people – I can't believe the response really.”

Fellow group administrator Kristy Hooper said that from an initial idea of producing leaflets offering help to people who were self-isolating the group was also becoming a central point for

Communities step up to help those in need

information and for ideas for helping children sent home from school to keep learning.

In Frampton Cotterell a group of parish councillors, residents and voluntary workers have come together to set up the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath: Covid-19 Community Support group on Facebook.

Mark Baker, from the group, said: “The aim of the group is to provide community-based support to residents in need in the parishes of Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath throughout the COVID 19 outbreak in a safe, collaborative and timely manner; helping neighbours be good neighbours.

“They maybe able to support with shopping, phone conversations for company and general essential tasks.”

The group has more than 500 followers who have posted forms through more than 4,000 letter boxes in the two villages to enable people in need to be able

to contact their local volunteer.

Another group, called Volunteer Group: Frampton & Coalpit Covid 19, has more than 200 members and is organising people to find and help neighbours in need.

Coronavirus movement and social distancing restrictions meant that plans to set up a community cafe in Frampton Cottrell in March had to be put on hold – but organisers have instead set up a telephone befriending service for people self-isolating to reduce the feeling of loneliness.

Gillian Flower from the organisation behind the initiative explains: “It’s working really well and the feedback from both sides is very positive and uplifting.”

Anyone who wants to be helped by the service should call 0117 902 5779 or 07948 393397.

Groups across the area are being coordinated through the Bristol and South Glos Covid-19 help and Support group, which has more than 5,000 members.

Emersons Green town councillor Matt Palmer, who helps run the group, said: “The community really is stepping up across the whole of South Gloucestershire and Bristol, from random acts of kindness, singing, dancing, waving through windows, sending emails to food delivering, shopping and dog walking – people are all playing their part. This has been a volunteer run initiative

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Businesses are also getting involved in the effort.

One is Trent's Foods of Poplars Farm in Frampton Cotterell.

Owners Cindy and Tim Trent have offered a free delivery service for vulnerable people, which can be accessed by calling 01454 250652.

They are also helping social services to deliver food.

Since the groups set up, councils have also offered help in coordinating volunteer groups.

South Gloucestershire Council announced it was setting up a directory of groups and was making available a support pack for community aid groups, via parish councils and online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ communityaid.

The council is asking community groups to email their details to CommunityAid@ southglos.gov.uk so it can offer support.

The groups were set up before the NHS called for a ‘volunteer army’ of 250,000 people to help deliver medicines and shopping and transport people who were fit to go home.

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fromevalleyvoice

4

April, 2020

n CORONAVIRUS

What to do if you develop symptoms PEOPLE who become ill during the coronavirus outbreak have been given advice on what to do by the NHS at a local and national level.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds the area’s GP surgeries and hospitals, is reiterating NHS national advice to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, which include a new continuous cough and a high temperature.

The advice is: • Stay at home for 7 days.

• Do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice.

• If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.

• If anyone in your home then gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from

the day their symptoms start – even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days in total.

• If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service at 111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/ that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.

• Only phone 111 if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online.

Surgeries have changed their appointment procedures for all other patients, regardless of the reason for getting in touch, in the light of the outbreak.

Patients who believe they need medical help are being asked to call to arrange an appointment as face-to-face contact is minimised in favour of phone consultations.

Patients of Frome Valley Medical Centre are advised to call 01454 772153.

Patients of Coalpit Heath Surgery should call 01454

772150.

Patients of Kennedy Way Surgery in Yate should call 01454 313849.

Repeat Prescriptions can be ordered online, via your pharmacy, or via post – but the CCG has urged people not to stockpile medication during the outbreak to ensure that everyone can get the medication they need, after pharmacies in the area reported running low on essential medications and being inundated by orders for prescriptions.

Medical director Dr Martin Jones said: “Huge pressure is being put on primary care and community pharmacists with extra ordering of medicines. We want to reassure people in our area that there is no need for you to do anything new or different with your medicines. People should order their prescriptions and take their medicines as normal.”

Stockpiling or purchasing

medication that isn’t needed could disadvantage other patients, and there is also a risk of shortages if stockpiling disrupts normal supply chain.

Pharmacist Ade Williams said: “We appreciate this is a very worrying time, but our pharmacy processes are well prepared for additional strain – what we do need, however, is for people to cooperate with the advice not to stockpile.

“If you take medicines for a long-term medical condition, please order your repeat medication within 7 – 10 days of your current medication running out. Community pharmacies are part of the NHS front line, working tirelessly to provide ongoing healthcare and medicines. We will be there for you and your loved ones. Our processes are tested to withstand surges in demand – but do please support us and your community by following the usual procedures.”

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April, 2020

28 fromevalleyvoice

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n CORONAVIRUS

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Events and clubs fall victim to virus

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A member of Frampton Cotterell RFC closes the club's home at Crossbow House as the coronavirus shutdown takes effect THE coronavirus pandemic has cut a swathe through the social and community events that form milestones in the calendar every year.

Among the events called off is the Winterbourne Down Village Carnival, which was due to start on May 3 with the main procession on May 8.

Organisers posted a message on their Facebook page after the government first announced social distancing advice on March 17, which said: “We are all disappointed that this decision has had to be taken but we recognise that we all have a duty to ensure the health of everyone in our community.”

The event will not be rearranged for later in the year: instead supporters are being advised to look out for announcements on the 2021 carnival date later in the summer.

Another event which had been due to take place on the same day was the May Day event on Iron Acton village green.

Organisers said: “Further to the evolving coronavirus situation and our utmost wish to help put the health and well-being of everyone first, it is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we must announce the cancellation of this year’s May Day event.

“Stay safe, look after yourselves and each other and we'll look forward to seeing you for May Day 2021.”

Community group Floral Friends of Frampton has been particularly badly hit: its Flower Festival, planned for June 13-14, was called off until next year, while along with a fundraising annual plant sale on April 25 and a coach trip on July 16 were also cancelled.

Winterbourne Musical Theatre's show The Sorcerer, which had been due to be staged at WADCA from April 29 until May 2, has been postponed until 21-24 October.

But it is not only one-off social events which have been affected by the rules aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. Clubs and groups which are part of the heartbeat of village life have also had to close indefinitely, with Frampton Cotterell rugby club shutting up shop after the Rugby Football Union cut short the season and other sports suspending or delaying the start of their season.

Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust has cancelled all planned events up to the end of June and the Village Action Good Neighbours befriending service has closed to new referrals, with support limited to shopping and prescription collecting.

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6

April, 2020

n CORONAVIRUS

Life transformed as people told to stay at home SHOPS, schools, council services and churches have been forced to close as rules aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus tighten.

Government orders that people should only leave their homes for shopping for basic necessities, exercising once a day, for medical need or to travel to work that cannot be done from home have been combined with mandatory closures.

The first school to close locally was Elm Park Primary School in Winterbourne, which shut on March 16 after seven members of staff went down with symptoms consistent with the disease.

Acting head teacher Carol Bond told parents: “We were in the situation where 50% of our teaching staff and 33% of our teaching assistants have had to self-isolate due to high temperatures and a persistent cough, as per the current government guidelines. Due to this, it was impossible to obtain cover for the classes, meaning that we would not have been able to secure the health and safety pupil to staff ratio.”

Elm Park had been due to stay shut for seven days but by the end of the week every other school in the country had been closed, except to the children of essential workers such as NHS staff.

Pubs were also among the first businesses affected, with customers first being advised to stay away before they were forced to close on March 20.

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Supermarkets in the area have been under strain, with panic buying causing some products to run out.

The Co-op is reserving an hour at the start of each day for elderly and vulnerable shoppers to make their purchases.

All non-essential shops were ordered to shut down on March 23 but even before that, businesses which rely on close personal contact with customers were starting to shut.

Myriam Rogerson, who runs the Beauty Plus by Myriam salon in Frampton Cotterell, announced the closure of the salon until further notice on March 21.

She told customers: “I put our clients’ and our staff’s health first and foremost.

"I appreciate greatly your continued support and thank you for your understanding, cooperation and kind reassurances of your return once this dreadful time is over.”

Council services have also been cut back to help social distancing measures.

South Gloucestershire Council has shut all of its libraries, leisure centres and public toilets, and announced on March 24 that it was cutting recycling collections and closing Sort It centres as it reorganises to keep services running during the coronavirus outbreak.

From March 30, recycling and food waste collections will change from weekly to every fortnight and take place on

the same day as black bins are emptied.

This means residents will have all collections once every two weeks until further notice.

Garden waste and bulky waste collections are being temporarily suspended and all Sort It centres are closed until further notice.

Black bins, clinical waste and sharps will still be collected as normal.

The council has set up a Service Disruption page on its website southglos.gov.uk to provide updates.

Bus and train services have been changed to ensure essential workers can still use them while

many other people stay at home.

First West of England is running a Saturday service during the working week, while the numebr of trains has been cut by around half.

Time restrictions for use of the Diamond Travelcard concessionary pass, which usually allows free travel only after 9am, have been relaxed so elderly pass holders can travel to supermarkets opening early for them.

Community transport services have been hit: Four Towns and Vale Link community transport has suspended its ring and ride service in line with government advice.

PEOPLE stuck at home to comply with government stay at home instructions have been looking for ways to keep social life together – and stave off boredom.

Among the ideas which has taken off is the Chase the Rainbow movement, with people encouraged to make a rainbow and put it in their windows, as a symbol of hope for anyone passing.

The movement has inspired the organisers of the Frampton Cotterell Rocks Facebook group to become Frampton Cotterell Rainbows and Rocks, with members swapping pictures of their designs.

Frampton Community Projects is relaunching its half-hour live streaming video show, the Frampton Show, on Facebook and YouTube twice per day, at 1pm and 7pm.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

7

n NEWS

Main road will be resurfaced this year PART of the main road linking Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath to Bristol is set to be resurfaced this year.

The A432 Badminton Road will be resurfaced between the Park Lane and Ruffet Road junctions at a cost of £154,630.

It is part of a £10 million of highways spending planned

by South Gloucestershire Council over the next 12 months, including £7.24m in maintenance schemes.

Holmwood Close in Winterbourne is also set to be resurfaced at a cost of £46,201, while footpath work in Church Road and Badminton Road, Frampton Cotterell will also be carried out.

On top of the resurfacing and repair works, a number of new initiatives have been given the green light in a £2.3million investment scheme, including the installation of a cycle access ramp in Winterbourne, near Winterstream roundabout.

conditions for motorists, but also for cyclists, pedestrians and bus users.

“The installation of the cycle access ramp near Winterstream roundabout means it will be

easier and safer for cyclists to navigate the area, and the more people we can encourage onto their bikes and other forms of sustainable transport, the better!”

School parking review Trevor Jones, pictured with fellow Winterbourne ward councillor Nic Labuschagne, has welcomed plans for a cycle ramp at the Winterstream roundabout.

There will also be a review of parking restrictions which could see new yellow lines installed in the Moorend Road, Worrells Lane and Pye Corner area.

Winterbourne ward councillor Trevor Jones said: “I am pleased that these plans are not just focusing on improving

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is asking for people’s views as part of the second phase of a consultation on parking near the Watermore School site at Lower Stone Close.

The Junior and Infant schools are now situated together, and the pedestrian entrances are being relocated, which means that a crossing is being moved and Keep Clear zig-zags need to be altered. The council has decided to review other parking issues at the same time to try and relieve congestion around the school.

The current ‘Keep Clear’ markings may be changed to enforceable restrictions to stop people from parking at junctions and across driveways, with a 2-hour limit outside the shops to keep a turnover of customers.

The following streets will be affected: Church Road, Frampton End Road, Hillside Close, Lower Chapel Lane, Lower Stone Close, Meadow View, The Causeway, The Land, The Spot, Upper Stone Close and Woodend Road.

People can have their say on the Consultations section of South Gloucestershire Council’s website until April 10.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

9

n NEWS

Falcon flies at Frampton primary PUPILS at a primary school faced a race against time to get an electric car up and running.

Members of Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School’s engineering club had been working on the car, which comes as a kit of parts which they must put together, for seven months.

They were expecting to race it against cars from other schools later this year but as the coronavirus crisis loomed they instead had to work hard to make it work before the school closed.

They completed assembling the mechanical and electrical parts on the last day before the shutdown, so they could test it out in the school playground.

Four team members were at home in isolation, but the remaining 11 did three laps of the playground, watched by a small crowd of key stage 1 pupils.

Steve Harrison is a retired engineer who started the club

Members of the engineering club with the Frampton Falcon last year.

He said: “It was great to see a big grin through the helmet visor as each driver stopped at the finish line.”

Head teacher Pete Barnard was also there to watch.

He said: “The pupils have loved being a part of this exciting

club and to see the smiles on their faces made for a priceless memory in such tough times.”

Teaching assistant Lyn Cox, who runs the club with Steve, said: “They’ve achieved a huge amount, so it’s great that they’ve been able to see the fruits of that, whether or not the planned

events go ahead.”

The pupils chose to name their car the Frampton Falcon because the falcon is the fastest animal in the world.

They hope there will be time to take part in racing events against other schools and have already started designing the bodywork, which includes wings, feathers, and a beak that can be opened and shut by the driver using a foot pedal.

The project is part of an initiative by the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK-based charity which inspires young people around the world to excel in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The engineering club thanked local businesses Bisson Ltd, Cherry & White Tool Hire, Cotecs Ltd, Hallows Dental Practice, Renishaw, Rolls-Royce, Sabre Jetting Services Ltd and the Alex Timpson Trust for sponsoring the project.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

11

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Ferrari takes pole position at auction

T

HE March specialist jewellery section brought a sparkle to everyone's eyes at Stroud Auctions, making a total of over £200,000.

However, although jewellery made a good showing on the list of top selling lots, it shared the honours with the specialist sections for watches and transport.

Highlight of the transport section and top-selling lot in the sale was a 1979 Ferrari 308GT4 Dino, which sold for £18,000: a strong price for a car that was in need of a lot of restoration to restore it to its former glory. Other successful lots included a 1965 Royal Enfield 736cc Interceptor Swallow sidecar combination (£6,350); an Alfa Romeo Kamm-tail Spider 1750 (£6,300); and a 1961 BSA C15 trials motorcycle (£3,250 - pictured).

Best lots among the extensive watch section included a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner gentleman's diver's automatic wristwatch (£5,900); a Cartier Tankissime 18ct gold ladies

wristwatch (£3,700); an Omega Seamaster 300 automatic diver's wristwatch (2,500); a Lemania RAF pilot’s single button chronograph wristwatch (£2,200) and an Omega Flightmaster gentleman's chronograph wristwatch (£2,000).

However, jewellery valuer Alexandra Bowkett’s specialist jewellery section was yet again outstanding. Among the best lots were a platinum ring, set with a round cut diamond surrounded by eight further diamonds (£4,000); an Art Deco platinum ring set with a round cut diamond (£2,600); a French 18ct gold eternity ring set

with 21 square set cut diamonds and a Georgian/Victorian eternity ring set with old cut diamonds, each selling for £1,600.

Jewellery collectors were particularly excited by a Georgian ring (pictured) dated 1737 and engraved: “Lady Style OB 25 October 1737.”

Lady Style, born Elizabeth Hotham c1694, was the daughter of Sir Charles Hotham, 4th Baronet of Scarborough, and married Sir Thomas Style, 4th Baronet of

Wateringbury, Kent. The ring sold for an impressive £2,800.

The next auction at Stroud will be on April 1 and 2 when specialist sections will be ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, musical instruments, vinyl records, pictures and paintings.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS THE owners of a £9,500-a-year independent school declared inadequate by Ofsted because of “falling masonry” and a lack of checks on staff have lodged a formal complaint against the inspectors.

Silverhill School in Winterbourne was awarded the lowest possible rating despite having been judged as “outstanding” since 2008.

Principal Julian Capper, who has run the institution with his wife Jenifer for 16 years, said the report was a “complete misrepresentation” and fears it will now have to shut down because of the reputational damage.

The couple have submitted an official complaint with Ofsted, vehemently disputing its findings and accusing inspectors of “bullying and passive aggressive behaviour” during their visit in February.

In their report on the school, which has 200 children aged two to 11, inspectors Elizabeth Farr and Sarah McGinnis

12

School complains after watchdog rates it inadequate said: “Leaders do not follow the school’s health and safety procedures rigorously enough.”

They said the building was “poorly maintained”, with poor lighting and water-damaged ceilings, adding: “A fire alarm point is not in working order due to water damage.

“Furthermore, the external fabric of the building appears unsafe.

“In recent times, falling masonry has caused some parents and carers to rightly become concerned about their children’s safety.

“When such issues arise, leaders are too slow to address the dangers posed to pupils and staff.

“The site is not safely maintained.”

They also criticised the school’s safeguarding procedures and background checks on employees, describing recruitment processes as “poor”.

The inspectors said: “At the time of the inspection, some adults who work at the school did not have any recruitment checks in place.

“When checks have occurred, leaders do not record these on a single central record, as is required.

“The proprietors’ knowledge and oversight of this aspect is poor.

“Some staff, such as the school’s deputy designated safeguarding lead, do not hold the level of training required.

“The proprietor does not understand the appropriate

level of checks required for each member of staff, including those who work in the early years. Consequently, some staff have not been checked for their suitability to work with children.

This is unsafe.”

“Leaders do not demonstrate the skills needed to lead a safe school for adults or pupils.

“Leaders do not understand or fulfil their legal duties regarding safeguarding.

“The proprietor must take immediate action to address the unmet independent school standards relating to welfare, health and safety and premises.”

A separate inspection also rated Silverhill Day nursery at the same site, which has 21 under-2s on its roll, as inadequate.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

13

n NEWS

‘We are being thrown in the dustbin,’ says principal THE Principal of Silverhill School has described Ofsted’s report rating it inadequate as a “catalogue of misrepresentation of the school”.

Julian Capper said: “We are suffering from a brutal, inhumane inspection.

“The staff have been left in tears because they are being judged not on their teaching and care of the children but on whether they are documentfillers.

“We were caught out in one or two areas but the way they said it paints the school in the worst possible light.

“We have had three ‘outstanding’ ratings in the past, where leadership was of a very high level, but that same leadership has now been recorded as dire. It is almost as if they have reported on a school that does not exist.

“We had an instance when the wind affected a very small section of an old building, causing some dust on the ground.

“The masonry was protected immediately, so there were no problems for the children.

“We ordered scaffolding which has not been able to go up because of the wind.”

Mr Capper said Ofsted’s framework for inspections had “changed completely” and the school in Swan Lane was not alone in seeing its rating change from outstanding to inadequate.

He said the data recording criticism related to a “clerical task” of combining information the school had “in the same place in a certain format”.

He added: “We had a painter on site and we had not done a DBS on him. He had no contact with children.

“We have a protection officer who is a parent and a senior police officer for whom we did not do a DBS, because we didn’t think that was needed and there is a conflict with what is required under GDPR about handing over personal information.

“The report says children are not properly prepared for secondary education, which is totally incorrect and almost libellous.

“The children get into the top schools – several go to the QEH and Pate’s Grammar School.

“They asked a five-year-old whether he understood the word ‘deradicalisation’ and that is why they felt the children did not know enough words.

“Another child was asked to explain the difference between a business and an enterprise.

“There are lots of adults who would not be able to answer that.”

Mr Capper said the inspectors gave staff no opportunity to explain how the school works or provide context.

He said: “In a maths lesson

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where the children were not writing anything, the inspector said they were not helped or supervised to get over difficulties.

“Had they asked the teacher they would have been told that because we have small classes, these children are encouraged to work things out for themselves and develop resilience to overcome challenges, and in due course get the answers clarified.

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In their formal complaint to Ofsted, Mr and Mrs Capper asked for clarification over the report’s claim that some staff ‘do not hold the level of training required’ including the deputy designated safeguarding lead.

They wrote, “This is one of the most serious allegations the inspector has made against the school. The nominated safeguarding personnel all hold the level of training required and the inspector was shown all such documentation.”

An Ofsted spokesman said: “We judged this school to be inadequate for the reasons that are set out in our inspection report.

“We do not discuss individual complaints, but we do take them seriously and deal with them in line with our published procedures.”

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April, 2020

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n NEWS

Winterbourne pupils help choose book of the year YOUNG readers from Winterbourne International Academy were among the jury picking this year’s winner of the Concorde Book Award.

South Gloucestershire’s literature prize for young people was won by The Boy at the Back of the Class, a novel which tells the story of a boy who flees from a war torn country and makes new friends in the UK. Author Onjali Raúf was at the awards event, staged at the Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emersons Green on March 10.

Hundreds of children from schools and reading groups across the area read their way through a shortlist of six titles, which also included The Truth About Lies by Tracy Darnton, Whiteout by Gabriel Dylan, Thunderstruck by Ali Sparkes, Potkin and Stubbs by Sophie Green and The Land of Neverendings, by Kate Saunders, before voting on World Book Day, March 5.

Eleven schools and book groups across South Gloucestershire took part in the awards, with children giving presentations about their favourite books and interviewing shortlisted authors Ali Sparkes, Tracy Darnton and Gabriel Dylan.

Onjali said: “I’m so utterly thrilled to have the Concorde Book Award be gifted to Ahmet’s story - it means the world to me

that the story is deemed worthy enough of this lovely award, and that the story is still striking a chord with so many hearts.

Thank you so much for the honour.”

The Concorde Book Award was first staged in 2007 and is one of the few literary awards that involves children and young people all the way through from choosing the longlist to the winner, giving presentations

and conducting at the award ceremony.

Run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries, the scheme aims to promote a love of reading among 11 to 14 year olds in Years 7 to 9, encouraging them to join a group, read six books and talk about them with other group members, before voting for their favourite.

Shortlisted books are put into South Gloucestershire public and school libraries.

Council chair Brian Allinson said: “I’d like to congratulate Onjali for winning this award in what was a shortlist full of excellent books. The Concorde Book Award encourages young people to maintain a passion for reading through a time in their life when some turn to alternative activities instead.

“My thanks go to the organisers and to the young people for taking part, it is an inspirational event and I have really enjoyed being involved.”

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18

April, 2020

n COMMUNITY NEWS Frampton Cotterell WI OUR last talk, entitled Midwifery – never a dull moment,

by Dorothy Cooke, pictured, was a revelation for many of us.

Dorothy started as a midwife back in Glasgow in the 70’s and even worked for the Sultan of Oman and in other UAE countries before taking up her role in Bristol.

As such, she had a wealth of moving and hilarious anecdotes to share – as well as the lighter side of the profession. However there was also a mention of her experiences of FGM whilst working overseas and a reminder of how truly shocking this procedure and its repercussions are. So, there was indeed a serious side to Dorothy’s talk as well as a lot of laughter during the many lighter moments.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our next members’ meeting

owing to the coronavirus situation.

Future meetings and events may also need to be cancelled or postponed, so we'll try to keep you as up to date as possible going forward.

We're still very much here in mind and spirit as a WI of course and will look forward to seeing you all again when things get back to normal. If anyone has any worries or concerns, just let us know – the committee is here to help, so just shout if you need us!

Please search FramptonCottWI to find our Facebook page for more information.

Debbie Taylor

Coalpit Heath WI A BOWLER hat, cloche hat, straw hat, jester hat, knitted hat, riding hat and wedding hat were just some of the headwear that members were wearing for our March meeting.

Our speaker was Melanie Tiley, the fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research in the South West, and the hats were in support of their Wear a Hat charity day later

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in the month.

The charity is a volunteer-led organisation and was originally founded in 2009 by patients’ families. Melanie shared some of the statistics about brain tumours.

They kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Up to 40% of all cancers spread to the brain. Less than 2% of those diagnosed with brain tumour survive beyond five years. Despite this only 1% of the national spend on cancer research is allocated to this disease.

A Walk of Hope along the South Bristol Skyline is planned for September 26. Four of our members took part in this event last year and raised money to support this cause.

A lovely collection of Easter eggs and other foodbank items were collected from the members

HAVE YOUR SAY

again this month. Thanks to all those who donated. In view of the current situation, the Easter hamper collection has now also been donated to the Foodbank.

Our next meeting was to be on April 1, with Lt Col Neil Stace, who was runner up in 2015 Great British Sewing Bee. Sadly this has now been cancelled.

Members are urged to keep in touch via our Facebook page, by signing up to the group WhatsApp or by phoning one of the committee.

Please look after yourselves and stay safe; it is a worrying time for everyone but by being there for each other and the rest of the community, we can get through this.

Find us on Facebook @ WICoalpitHeath Caroline Johnston

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STARS OF THE STOKES At this time of uncertainty, and with the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak still to be determined, the organisers of Stars of the Stokes 2020 have reluctantly taken the decision that the celebrations will not go ahead as planned.

The Willow Brook team , along with the event sponsors, are hugely disappointed that we will not be able to recognise all of our community heroes this year. However, we are all looking forward to celebrating the acts of heroism and support in our community when Stars of the Stokes returns next year.

We are pleased to confirm now that Stars of the Stokes 2021 will take place culminating in an award ceremony at the Aztec Hotel and Spa on 25th June 2021.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

Warning over rogue traders targeting elderly POLICE have warned residents of Frampton Cotterell to be on the lookout for rogue traders after a series of suspicious incidents.

All three happened on February 29, and two of them involved elderly people being approached and asked about having work carried out on their homes.

One happened on Clyde Road in Frampton Cotterell, one in Kingswood, and one in Downend.

Avon and Somerset police said all three incidents happened during the day.

In two of them, the suspects were seen to be leave in a Mercedes Vito van and a blue Transit van.

A police spokesperson said the men were white and spoke with Irish accents.

One of them was described as wearing workman’s clothes and an orange jacket.

Another was aged between 25 and 30, slim and had dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

The spokesperson added: “We are appealing to residents who live in this area and have car dash cameras or home CCTV to please check their footage and get in touch if they have any information that can help with our enquiries.”

Police are calling on all residents to be alert to rogue traders and distraction burglars, with the following tips: • Never open the door to an unexpected caller until you’ve checked their identification – use a door chain or viewer, intercom or a ‘smart’ doorbell. Genuine callers expect it.

• If you’re not sure, don’t open the door.

• If you are suspicious of a caller tell us straight away – ring 999 if you feel threatened or intimidated, otherwise call 101.

• Store any high value items such as jewellery, passports and cash in a properly secured and hidden safe or bank vault.

• Keep windows and doors secured if you’re not in the room.

• If you see someone calling door-to-door, but only on frail or elderly neighbours, call 999 straight away.

• Ask a trusted neighbour to help you deal with unexpected callers.

• Join Neighbourhood Watch.

Anyone who has information which could help the police should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5220 044 191.

Police are asking for CCTV or dashcam footage of group travelling in two vans.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS NEW gas-powered buses are being introduced on the Y1 service linking Coalpit Heath to Bristol and Yate.

Operator First West of England has re-launched the South Glos Lynx fast services with 13 brand new doubledeckers powered by biomethane.

They are part of a total of 77 biogas buses being rolled out across the region, with others already serving on routes including the metrobus m3 via Hambrook.

First says greenhouse gas emissions from the new buses are more than 80% lower than the diesel vehicles they replace while poisonous nitrogen oxide emissions are 95% lower.

The move is part of First's efforts to meet Clean Air Zone requirements proposed by Bristol City Council which require operators to pay £100 per bus per day to enter the inner city from next year.

First West of England managing director James Freeman said: “Obviously this

21

Gas buses hit the road

is a very challenging time for everyone but the new South Glos Lynx services, like all our routes, will continue to run, albeit on a Saturday schedule, so those that still need essential travel can still get to where they need to be.

“The introduction of these bio gas buses means we are really putting the West of England at the forefront of clean bus operation.

“I am also delighted that we have been able to create a spectacular new yellow and blue colour scheme for our South Gloucestershire fleet and bring the very latest equipment to our many thousands of our customers who use our services.”

South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage said: “Whilst we are obviously in a very difficult situation at

the moment, acting on climate change will remain a top priority for the council and wider West of England region in the long term and this new Lynx fleet supports our ambition to encourage more people to consider a more sustainable way of moving around.”

The bio-methane gas comes from waste food and is supplied from anaerobic digesters, where waste is broken down to release the gas, across the UK. West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “These brand new, low emission buses make customers’ journeys cleaner and greener by dramatically improving air quality and cutting carbon emissions, compared to diesel buses.”

South Gloucestershire Council has also presented new minibuses to community transport services Four Towns Community Transport and Green Community Travel.

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fromevalleyvoice

22

April, 2020

n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

Let’s help each other through coronavirus THE COVID-19 Coronavirus emergency is making us all rethink how we organise our lives.

This is a particularly urgent public health emergency, which has significant consequences for our jobs, communities and the way we interact with each other.

This is a time for us all, as a community, to step up and think about how we can help each other, even as we try to keep ourselves safe.

Hopefully everybody has now seen the advice which has been posted by the Government, South Gloucestershire Council, the Red Cross and other agencies.

Moreover, this is an opportunity for us to reach out to our neighbours and friends, to ensure their well-being. It is easy to assume that someone else, or the Government will take care of things. Certainly Government is taking the lead, but we as citizens and neighbours have an opportunity to do a little bit extra.

My office and I are at

your disposal, to help with any problems you may be experiencing with Government agencies or local authorities.

My team will do what they can to assist. We are exercising precautions regarding meeting people, but if in doubt, please call my office.

It is heart-warming to see how local community initiatives are arising to respond to this emergency. Elderly citizens and those who have underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable, but they still need to feel that they are part of our community, and can rely on all our support.

We can all do something to help: volunteering our time or looking out for our neighbours.

Readers will be aware of the general advice, but do please refer to the Government’s latest advice for households on the gov. uk website.

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If you are asthmatic and concerned about your particular risks during this outbreak please visit the website asthma.org.uk, where there is a special section on advice and triggers.

If you are pregnant, please refer to this advice from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists at rcog.org.uk.

First Bus is offering advice for those travelling using their at firstgroup.com and GWR have put up the following information for rail services at gwr.com/safety.

For older people in need of assistance locally please visit Age UK’s South Gloucestershire site on: ageuk.org.uk/ southgloucestershire or call 01454 411707. There is also advice on the Age UK website.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

23

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Ann Murray is from the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Frome Valley Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

And now for some good news…a chocolate pudding you can make in five minutes

W

ITH all the anxiety over the coronavirus and the thousands of words that have been written about it, I have decided to give you an offering to make you feel better.

I hope.

It is a chocolate sponge pudding, which can be made from start to finish in only 5 minutes.

And without being flippant, chocolate always makes me feel in a better frame of mind. It’s something to do with the fact that eating chocolate releases the same chemicals in the blood as those released when one is falling in love!

Dramatic events always bring out the best and the worst in people. Across the country communities are pulling together to help the most vulnerable with food deliveries and human interaction. Jon and Lorraine of Howell’s Family Butchers in Chipping Sodbury are offering to make deliveries to those who need it and those from the Bird Cage in Yate are making and

fromevalleyvoice

delivering soup free of charge to the vulnerable.

At a time when small businesses are suffering it would be good to support them and others like Wendy, from the Health Food Shop in Chipping Sodbury, when buying food.

I’m sure many more people will be getting involved and helping where they can.

And then there’s those who are only thinking of themselves and stockpiling. This is what is creating the shortages, which we certainly don’t want. I’ll say no more.

Winston Churchill is reputed to have said Britain could never have won the war without tea, so I’m off to make that magical beverage AND a chocolate pudding, which should be ready by the time the tea has brewed.

Morale-lifting 5 minute chocolate sponge pudding Serves 2 – or 1 chocoholic

1 tablespoons good quality cocoa (I like Green and Blacks)

If you intend to turn the cake onto a plate, line the bottom of the mug with a circle of non-stick baking parchment to make turning out easier. Grease the mug with a butter paper and then a shake of flour.

1 large egg, preferably free-range

Pour mixture into your cup/s.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons self-raising flour 2 tablespoons golden caster sugar

1 tablespoon milk 1 ½ tablespoons melted unsalted butter, about ½ oz or 12g 1 ½ level tablespoons chocolate chips (I like to use plain chocolate ones) 2 large teacups or ramekins or 1 large mug – microwave safe Here’s what you do: Measure all the dry ingredients and tip into a medium sized bowl.

Mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips and mix again.

400

IN WINTERBOURNE,

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Emma Steele (right) and fellow cyclist Helen Jackson are riding 400 miles in memory of Emma’s friend’s baby daughter

on a gruelling woman is taking A COALPIT Heath£10,000 in memory of her challenge to raise in just daughter. over 400 miles friend’s baby aims to cycle Emma Steele Bristol to Edinburgh. she travels from for stillbirth and three days as to raise £10,000 She is doing it charity SANDS. friend Zoe Fyffe neonatal death childhood Last July Emma’s

to be told Rory were devastated her and her husband had died three days before girl the that their baby her stillborn and gave birth to due date. Zoe her Beatrice. to say or do couple named didn’t know what better.”

Emma said: “I could make this because nothing 5 Turn to page

NEW homes could after South in Winterbourne Council Gloucestershire to a housing handed sites over association.

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Thieves strikehas once group A COMMUNITY victim of the again become thieves PAGE 8

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Tip each pudding out onto a plate.

Decorate with raspberries/ strawberries in summer, tangerines in winter and a scoop of quality vanilla ice cream, pouring cream or squidgy cream.

Then eat – straight away!

Microwavable sponges do go hard very quickly if not eaten immediately.

fromevalleyvoice www.fromeval leyvoice.co.uk

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FRAMPTON COTTERELL,

es.co.uk 252 140 Email: info@aj-hom 1JX - Tel: 01454 mes.co.uk Winterbourne, BS36 Email: info@aj-ho 4 Flaxpits Lane, 01454 252 140 BS36 1JX - Tel: Winterbourne,

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February, 2019 Issue 66 COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOU RNE DOWN

Beatrice

Drone Club is taking flight

A NEW club is being show drone owners set up to how to have fun safely PAGE 3

Sites for homes

A COALPIT Heath challenge to raise woman is taking on a gruelling £10,000 in memory friend’s baby of her daughter.

Emma Steele aims to cycle three days as she travels from over 400 miles in just Bristol to Edinburgh.

She is doing it neonatal death to raise £10,000 for stillbirth charity and Last July Emma’s SANDS. childhood friend Zoe Fyffe

Emma Steele (right) and fellow cyclist Helen Jackson are riding 400 miles in memory of Emma’s friend’s baby daughter and her husband that their baby Rory were devastated to be girl had died three days beforetold due date. Zoe gave birth to her stillborn and her couple named her Beatrice. the Emma said: “I because nothing didn’t know what to say or do could make this better.”

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NEW homes could in Winterbourne be built after South Gloucestershire Council handed sites over to a housing association.

PAGE 4

Thieves strike

A COMMUNITY group has once again become the victim of thieves PAGE 8

Community rallies FRIENDS are helping the family of a chef who was job weeks after lost his being told he needed a lung transplant.

PAGE 15

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24

fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

We stand stronger when we support one another

W

E are living in unusual and unsettling times with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In these very exceptional circumstances, the Government announced that all local elections, including those for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), will be postponed for a year. In light of these developments, I would like to reassure local people that I will of course stay on as the PCC for Avon and Somerset until elections are held.

I want to you to know that my office and Avon and Somerset Police are doing everything we can to work with partners in health agencies and local authorities to keep you safe and ensure you can access

essential services during this unprecedented global health emergency.

I will continue to work closely with Chief Constable Andy Marsh to ensure Avon and Somerset Police has everything it needs to provide critical policing services and support our communities. My priority as PCC will be to make sure victims of crime are still at the forefront of everything the police do and it is crucial that the most vulnerable still have some level of vital services from the police and partners, despite the unusual measures taken as a result of the pandemic.

I am assured by the Chief Constable and his Chief Officer Group that Avon and Somerset Police is in a strong position to

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support the response to the virus and I urge you to all follow advice from the NHS, Public Health England and central government, to do your best to lessen the impact of the virus.

I cannot stress enough how important our dedicated ‘frontline’ officers, staff and volunteers are. This includes our handy people, mechanics, IT staff and other support functions, who help our officers do their jobs but often go unrecognised. We are all committed to being open with our communities, working in partnership and having courage during these unsettling times and I know officers, staff, teams and volunteers will continue to go above and beyond for our

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens

communities.

Finally, remember to have compassion and look out for one another, especially those who are more vulnerable.

We stand stronger when we support each other. We face this challenge together. Stay safe.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

25

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Churches closed for three weeks

Easter every week

I

DON’T know if you would like to celebrate Easter every week but that is, in effect, what the church does, for every Sunday is a sort of mini-Easter.

Lent, the church season we are in at the moment, a season of preparation for Easter, is commonly understood to be 40 days long – but if we count the days from the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, to Easter itself, we end up with the number 46.

The extra six days are the Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter, which are always festival days, and so excluded from the calculation of Lent itself.

The first Easter, the day of resurrection, had such an impact on the early church that they soon changed the main day of religious observance from Saturday, the Sabbath, the last day of the week to Sunday, the first day of the week.

If you can imagine the number of discussions, committees, reports and so on that would have been produced, arguing this way and that, it is remarkable that such a change occurred.

But such was the impact of that first day of resurrection that there was an irresistible move to mark it as the main day of Christian celebration.

The resurrection of Jesus has given rise to some wonderful and life-affirming hymns, paintings, poems and prayers.

And so, every Sunday service in church is marked with a sense of resurrection. That gives a resurrection shape not only to the week but to the whole year.

Whatever else is happening, it is always something to celebrate.

Rev Colin Lunt, Vicar, St Saviour’s Church

Revd Colin Lunt, Vicar, St Saviour’s Church

IN a message to churchgoers on the Fromeside Benefice Facebook page, rector Father Malcolm Strange confirmed that as a result of the Prime Minister’s announcement on coronavirus on March 23, all churches would be closed for at least the next three weeks.

He said: “Father Bob and I (just the two of us) will be filming a service which will be available around noon on our website (fromesidechurches.org.uk) this Sunday.

“We will give you further updates in the coming days of how we will support you in prayer.

“Please all take care and rest assured of my prayers and blessing.”

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fromevalleyvoice

26

April, 2020

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style The only way you’ll get near Ibiza right now…

I WAS presented with an age-old problem the other day by my barber: when to cut your losses and junk your old clunker? More to the point, what do you replace it with? His interest in cars is negligible, his budget only slightly larger.

Let’s say £1,500 for something to get from A to B. Size doesn’t matter, in fact smaller might be better (he’s a confident man). This column loves a challenge, so here are my Top 3 picks in reverse order: 3: Peugeot 207 1.4 90hp. 2008 model with 65k miles. How the mighty have fallen. Twenty years ago my top 3 list would all be variations of the ground-breaking Peugeot 205. What a truly superb car. Unfortunately somewhere around the year 2000 Peugeot went off the boil, and the 206 was pretty dire. The 207 is better and at least well priced and fairly strong mechanically. The 1.4 is the most powerful engine here, fuel economy holds up in a way that interior quality certainly doesn’t and there are plenty around to choose from. It is also more roomy than most alternatives at this price point. Not bad.

2: FIAT Panda 1.2 60hp. Again a 2008 model with around 65k miles. The budget doesn’t stretch to a 500, which is shame, because I think they are cute and cool. That said, the Panda is a great little car and uses the same underpinnings as the 500 anyhow. It has the best fuel economy of the three, the road tax is cheap and, although the 1.2 is not powerful by any standards, it is willing. In fact, it loves a good thrashing, which appeals to me but might not to someone who just needs transport. Reliability is about the same as the Peugeot (ie questionable in parts), and the interior looks and feels budget. For practicality

though, the Panda is superb, with a high boot and massive hatch for ease of loading.

1: SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sport 85hp. Within our budget we can manage a 70k mile 2007 model. The Volkswagen Group produces three broadly identical cars (VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and the Ibiza in this month’s picture). And what SEAT offer is, in my opinion, the sweet spot in the range. The Polo gets detuned engines, a more expensive image that you pay for second-hand, as it depreciates slowly, and, to my eyes, dull, worthy styling. The Fabia is brilliant but I don’t like the looks at the front end and the driving experience is bland. SEAT, by contrast, is VW’s sporty brand, and so gets pokier engines and styling that looks like they at least tried. And the best thing is that under the bonnet and in the cabin, it is all trusty and tough VW engineering. The Spanish screw the Ibiza together, but with parts made in Germany and Belgium, just like a Polo. The 1.4 here is economical and quick enough, and the manual gearbox is slightly more engaging than the Polo’s. But best of all, the interior has that superb Germanic feel. Years ago I had a SEAT Toledo V5, and it was great: a cheap Golf with a boot that went beautifully and yet had no image whatsoever.

The Ibiza adds a touch of flair but also delivers reliability into the bargain.

What about the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta and the multitude of Korean and Japanese offerings, then? Ok, in short: The Fiesta is great, the logical choice to some extent, but so predictable. I learnt

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to drive in one. The Corsa is simply not good enough, and never has been. It is also poorly designed - you can’t even change the headlight bulbs yourself - you need to take it to a dealer. Far East offerings at this price point are so incredibly dull that I can’t begin to recommend them. Even to someone who doesn’t care about cars. They’ve got vastly better in the last 10 years, but older and cheaper than that and, frankly, you can do better. So, until the borders are open again, get your Spanish (and German) kicks from SEAT’s funky little Ibiza.

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An Easter Message During Sad & Strange Times from Churches Together4Fromeside.

Easter affirms that not even death has the final say.

We offer love and prayers to all in our communities.

Church Services have been stripped like so much else‌.

But love remains. : Jesus wept for his community He died within his community But HE LIVES offering HOPE even in the face of Covid-19.

All Easter Services: are cancelled Some of our local churches have openings for private prayer.

Please refer to local church website and information.

fromevalleyvoice

28

April, 2020

n NEWS

Friendly spirit in mixed tennis match THE Winterbourne Tennis Club mixed tennis team had a tough home fixture in the Avon LTA Winter League.

The Winterbourne team were up against very experienced and talented opposition from Knowle Tennis Club, one of the largest in Bristol.

The Winterbourne Men’s pair started keenly, with Dave Goldie and Stuart Rutter putting up a good battle but eventually going down in 2 Straight Sets, 5-7, 4-6.

The Winterbourne Ladies pair Joan and Jo played some long rallies but couldn’t convert the vital deuce points and were defeated by the better Knowle Ladies pair 1-6, 1-6.

Dave and Jo faced difficult opposition in the first mixed match with Knowle, who deployed much spin to the ball and many tricky slice shots.

Despite the brave efforts from WTC, they went down 3-6, 3-6.

Stuart & Joan raised their game in the second mixed match

and gained more consistency, especially in the serve, and went on to win 6-3, 6-4, which was an unexpected bonus.

Overall Knowle won the match 8-2, but Winterbourne managed to gain a valuable 2 points from very skilful opposition and a much bigger club.

It was pleasing to see the matches were played in a very

friendly spirit and the two teams enjoyed tea and biscuits after the game in the WTC clubhouse.

On March 8 Winterbourne Tennis Club put on a Mother’s Day fun day for the second year running. The event was brought forward to an earlier date, due to people having prior commitments on Mother’s Day itself.

Arranged by a committee club

member and LTA tennis coach Rachel Cockcroft, the event was well attended by seasoned players as well as those wanting to try their hand at tennis for the first time. Two-year-old Emily Swales was the youngest child to attend with her mum Laura, who herself is a league player at WTC. Fortunately the weather played along and the few light showers did not dampen anybody's enthusiasm. Everybody had a super fun day playing tennis, taking part in games and enjoying the refreshments throughout.

Rachel’s famous cupcakes, as always, went down a treat. No formal matches were played but everybody agreed that the event was a great success.

For more information about WTC please contact coach Imed Hamrouni by calling 07459 636436 or emailing imedhamrouni@msn.com.

Joan Ward

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

29

n FITNESS

Coronavirus: staying active in self-isolation

Sarah West is a senior physiotherapist, Pilates and yoga instructor working at the Thornbury Clinic. Sarah has over 9 years’ clinical experience, having worked in professional sport, within the NHS and in private practice.

A

S health authorities look to contain the spread of COVID-19, more and more people are being asked to self-isolate each day.

Self-isolation provides individuals the opportunity to recover from the virus without spreading it to others, until the risk of secondary transmission is thought to be low.

You might find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of these measures; being stuck indoors everyday. But

fortunately the reality is far less terrifying, and we would like to share some advice on how to stay mentally and physically active whilst at home.

Here are some tips: • Take care of yourself: It is essential to maintain the principles of self-care whilst at home, which in general means continue doing the things that keep you healthy. It is important to rest but sitting all day should be avoided, as it can lead to increased physical tension and emotional stress. Keep yourself busy within your house, whether that involves doing the housework, gardening or any small tasks that you have been putting off.

• Talk to people and express how you feel: Use your social networks, email and telephone to communicate with people. Often friends and family may not be aware that someone is in isolation, so it is important to let them know and give them the opportunity to help. This is especially crucial for anyone living alone.

• Try some relaxation techniques: You may begin to feel agitated or unsettled, so use strategies that have helped you deal with stressful situations in the past. This might be reading a book, doing craft work, having a cup of tea, or trying some mindfulness, meditation or breathing techniques. It is important to relax in order to combat the worrying cycle.

• Limit your time looking at screens: Whether this is watching one TV programme after another or constantly checking the news, the temptation to spend time looking at screens is strong. Whilst

watching television can be a good way to pass time, it is crucial to find the right balance between screen time and finding a physical activity that will benefit you. It is alright to stay informed, but checking the news compulsively will keep us in a state of high alertness, which can potentially lead to anxiety.

• Keep physically active from your living room: There is a common misconception that fancy equipment is needed in order to exercise but you can perform body weight exercises such as squats, push ups, abdominal sit ups and planks without it. You can find video demonstrations on the Thornbury Clinic’s YouTube site, and Bristol-based gyms and yoga studios are now providing online classes. The biggest challenge is finding the right mental motivation: having an online video or coach can give you this. Exercise is proven to improve sleep, reduce stress hormones, improve mood, increase mental alertness and

maintain cardiovascular health.

• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat well and drink plenty of fluid – at least 2 litres of water per day. Try to maintain your fruit and vegetable intake to reach your vitamin requirements, or use multivitamin supplements. Cooking can also be a healthy way to keep the mind and body active. You can still order online or ask a friend to pop by with some essentials.

At this difficult time it can feel very overwhelming, but there are many people out there who are keen to help you in any way they can. Remember that reaching out for help is a brave step and one that will make you feel better in the long run. If you do find yourself struggling at this time you can always contact us on 01454 838366 or email us on info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

30

April, 2020

n SPORT

Rugby season is over for Frampton

THANKS to the combined impact of storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge, Frampton’s 1st team didn’t play a single match in February.

Having not played for six weeks, Frampton were then tasked with playing three tricky matches in a week. It was somewhat unfortunate that the first match after this winter break was against runaway league leaders Chosen Hill. Frampton competed well for periods of the match, but they couldn’t match their visitors’ organisation and ability to score points when an opportunity presented itself.

This was followed by a midweek away semi-final in the Bristol Combination Vase against Imperial. The match was played under floodlights at Bristol Harlequins’ ground in Brislington. Frampton were soundly defeated by a much heavier and more experienced side, who were able to use the awful conditions to their advantage.

Jack Woodman makes a break in Frampton's match against Cheltenham North The third and last of these three matches was played against Cheltenham North in a home league fixture. North are one of the form teams in the league, and they blew Frampton away with a fine display of power and pace with which the young Frampton side struggled to compete.

As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the RFU

has now suspended all rugby – both at a professional and at a community level – until April 14. This includes all matches and all training. In reality, this effectively means the end of the current season for all of those clubs not playing at a professional level. It will be interesting to see how promotion and relegation will be sorted out.

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The 2nd team’s fixtures were badly affected by the weather and no games were played in February. Their only recent fixture was a narrow 22-19 defeat away to local rivals Thornbury on the first weekend of March.

Currently they lie in seventh place in their league, many of whose clubs’ first teams play at a much higher level than Frampton.

With no league matches being played, the 3rds managed to fit in a couple of friendly matches to keep their competitive and postmatch juices flowing before the sport was suspended.

Somehow the Colts team managed to buck the trend and actually played some rugby. They suffered a narrow defeat in a friendly match on the dark side away at Caerleon, but they did manage splendid away victories in the league at Nailsea & Backwell and at Wellington.

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fromevalleyvoice

April, 2020

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