Carnival preparations build

ORGANISERS of Winterbourne Down Carnival are making their final preparations for this year's event.

The carnival's volunteer committee was preparing to pick the event's king, queen and attendants as the Voice went to print, after asking for nominations from Hambrook, St Michael’s and Elm Park Primary schools: the winners are drawn at random from the entries.

May Day programmes are due to appear in shops over the next few weeks, after the events programme has been finalised.

Some stalls are still available for people who would like to sell crafts, cakes and other items at the main event on May 1, with hire charges going to St Peter’s Hospice.

Anyone who is interested should email winterbournedowncarnival@ gmail.com to find out more.

Kathryn Hopes, from the committee, said: "Don’t forget, not only do we have the Carnival itself on Monday, but Sunday also offers the chance to join in the Songs of Celebration, Treasure Hunt and Scarecrow Trail.

"And finally a message to the children, get planning your fancy dress. This year’s theme is ‘My Hero’ - there are prizes up for grabs, so go big!"

Updates on the event, which is sponsored by the Cross Hands & Ben’s Reclamation, are being made via Facebook.

The GREEN BELT protects our open spaces, but the areas in RED have been put forward as potential sites for development Map source : South Gloucestershire Council interactive call for sites map https://maps.southglos.gov.uk/Map2/Map.aspx?mapName=CFS_MAP_01

Villagers Against Local Intended Development (VALID) reasons to say no to more housing on our green belt

• SERVICES - Our health services, schools and transport systems are already stretched to breaking point and will not cope with increased demand.

• WELLBEING - Spending time in nature is vital for our wellbeing and mental health. Some of our most well loved places to visit are threatened.

• NATURE - Some of our most important local sites for nature are threatened with development which would destroy habitats and damage biodiversity.

• ENVIRONMENT - More commuter housing will add to the climate emergency, damage air quality and increase pollution in the River Frome.

• FOOD - Building on farmland limits the food we can grow, threatening our food security.

Once it’s gone it’s gone - act now! What you can do to help…..

Display the poster in a prominent position

Come to a public meeting held by VALID at the Miners Club in Coalpit Heath on 10th May at 7.30pm to discuss our concerns and organise the campaign.

We need your help and welcome all offers of support. Contact VALID validcampaign@gmail.com