Frome Valley Voice August 2021 by Fromevalleyvoice

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

August, 2021 Issue 94

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Bee a winner on our high street trail Your chance to win a share of £10,000 and support local traders THIS summer, 16 bright and beautiful bees will be buzzing about on our local high streets and community spaces. Over the next eight weeks, you can ‘collect’ these bees by taking a photo of yourself with them and entering a weekly draw to win £150 vouchers per South Gloucestershire high street to spend with our independent traders. The trail is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s campaign to support local high street traders who have so much to offer customers: whether it is food and drink with friends and family, shopping for essentials, leisure, learning or looking good. Covid-19 has been a difficult time for traders. We now want people from across South Gloucestershire to rediscover their high streets where most restrictions are now removed. Come and see what they have to offer. The bee trail creates something for everyone to enjoy and win vouchers to spend in independent shops. All the traders in Yate & Chipping Sodbury are buzzing for you to spend time there. All the fibreglass bees are very different and have been decorated by local artists. When the Bee Trail Challenge is complete the bees will be auctioned for charity.

South Gloucestershire artist Emma Beavis painting Astronobee – one of sixteen bees on the trail challenge

Enter the bee trail challenge Follow some simple steps to be in to win £150 of high street vouchers for independent traders - also, learn more about how your high streets are changing.

Page 2 Which traders are accepting vouchers A list so far of the business where you could spend the high street vouchers if you enter and win - and where you can find the latest list online.

Inside back page

Where are the bees on your high street? Find out in which locations you can discover the bees, take a selfie and win prizes.

Back page

buzzing to summer

We are see you this 2704 Voice Header.indd 1

16/07/2021 14:03

2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Your high streets are changing Your high streets are changing – now its time to get behind them, says South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage

How to take part in the Bee Trail challenge Our sixteen bees buzz onto South Gloucestershire high streets from Saturday 24 July and will remain until 18 September. Step One: Find your two bees on a South Gloucestershire high street. Use the Bee Trail map on the back page to discover the location of the bees on the high street or visit southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos where you can also find full terms and conditions.

Step Two: Take a selfie with your mobile device at the first bee. You can then scan the QR code or website URL displayed on the information panel (see example right) to access our competition site. Upload your photograph and name/ details.

Step Three:

‘Everyone at the council is proud that we are funding the bee trail challenge. I cannot thank the local artists enough who have decorated the fibreglass bees that will become a colourful, vibrant part of our high streets and community spaces for the next eight weeks. Ultimately, the challenge is about supporting our high streets to thrive. They were already changing before the pandemic. Covid-19 has simply accelerated that change and we are supporting them in that reinvention. Shopping is part of the picture. But following the pandemic, people increasingly use high streets for leisure, learning, meeting up with friends, family, and work colleagues. The different high street uses all reinforce each other. For example, a family may take out books at the library, visit a café for lunch, buy hardware items for a DIY project, and finish their trip at the local play park. So, I’d like to ask all Voice readers to please participate in the bee trail. Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful changes taking place on the high street driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of our traders. Good luck winning high street vouchers!”

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BEE TRAIL CHALLENGE Help South Helpcreate createa abuzz buzzaround around Glos and takeand a selfie the South Glos takewith a selﬁe bees on the high street for a with the two bees in Staple to Hillwin for£150 a chance to chance of shopping win £150 of shopping vouchers! vouchers! TO ENTER VISIT OR southglos.gov.uk/stapletrail

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ABOUT THE ARTIST

Repeat Step Two but at the second bee at the same town location. You are now entered into the competition. You must be over 16 years old to submit a photograph.

Step Four: Enjoy the hive of activity in the high street and repeat the process on a different high street for a chance to win again. Now, take time and rediscover your high street. If you are a winner, we will let you know in the next 10 days.

Find out how more visit www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

August, 2021 Issue 94

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

What a way to finish! Last chance for Geronimo?

A FARMER is heading back to the High Court for what could be her last chance to save an alpaca from being put down in a dispute over a deadly disease. PAGE 6

Quarry expansion 'will save jobs'

PLANS for a big expansion of Wickwar Quarry have been approved by councillors. PAGE 8 YEAR 6 pupils at the Manor Church of England Primary School had a send-off to remember as they left the school this summer. Full story: Page 7

'Devastating' covid toll on care homes FIGURES released by the care homes regulator have revealed the toll of coronavirus on individual care homes. The Care Quality Commission says a total of 191 people died with COVID-19 in care homes in South Gloucestershire between March last year and the

beginning of April this year. The watchdog described the impact of the virus on residents and staff as "devastating". In the Frome Valley area a total of 30 people died with the virus in care and nursing homes. Turn to page 4

Village will 'double'

A VILLAGE near Iron Acton will “effectively double” in size after a third housing development was approved in the space of just seven months. PAGE 12

GP waits cut

PATIENTS at surgeries in the area are being offered more sameday appointments – and fewer people are waiting more than a week. PAGE 10

Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk

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September deadline Our September deadline is August 18.

FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew

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

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

Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. 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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Toll of COVID-19 on care homes is revealed From page 3 The CQC's report showed that a total of 15 residents from The Grove dementia care home in Winterbourne High Street died with COVID-19, 14 of them during the last three months of 2020 and the 15th in the first three months of this year. CQC chief inspector Kate Terroni Seven residents of Blossom Fields, a nursing home next to the Grove, died, six of them late last year and the seventh in early 2021. Six people who lived at Woodlands Manor Care Home at Kendleshire died: three of them near the start of the pandemic and three at the beginning of this year. Another two people died from Crossley House in Winterbourne High Street, also early this year. A further 13 care home residents died with COVID-19 in neighbouring Yate and Chipping Sodbury, nine of them at Oaktree Care Home. A total of 31 care and nursing homes in South Gloucestershire lost residents to the virus – the single biggest number of deaths was at Olive Tree House in Patchway, where 23 people died. On publishing the information, the CQC said: "The impact of the pandemic on people who draw on and work in adult social care services has been devastating and, despite the best efforts of staff, COVID-19 has contributed to a significant increase in the number of deaths in nursing and residential care settings. "Throughout the pandemic, CQC has encouraged care providers to be open with people in their care and their loved ones and most providers have ensured that information about the circumstance of people’s deaths is shared appropriately. "It is important to note that death notifications do not in themselves indicate poor quality care, particularly given the potential influence of variable factors, including rates of local community transmission, size of the care home, and the age and health and care needs of the people living there. Moreover, many notifications relate to the deaths of care home residents which occurred in other care settings. "Across all care settings, staff have gone to great lengths to try to contain the effects of this virus, as our report published today on infection prevention and control in hospitals shows." CQC chief inspector for adult social care Kate Terroni said: "In considering this data it is important to remember that every number represents a life lost – and families, friends and those who cared for them who are having to face the sadness and consequences of their death." At the end of last year the director of Grove Care, which runs Blossom Fields and The Grove, told the Voice staff had worked "tirelessly" to protect residents and shared the sadness of their families. CQC inspectors found infection prevention and control practice to be safe in a subsequent visit.

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August, 2021

n NEWS SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is calling on people to keep wearing masks in its public buildings despite the end of legal restrictions. The council is asking visitors to its indoor facilities such as libraries and one-stop shops to continue to wear a face covering, in line with public health guidance, as the number of COVID-19 cases surges locally. Official government figures for the week up to July 22 showed that 2,068 people in South Gloucestershire had a confirmed positive test result – almost five times the number who had tested positive four weeks previously. Locally numbers had doubled in a week in Frampton Cotterell, where there were 70 confirmed cases in the week to July 22, up from 33 a week previously and more than three times the 21 cases reported four weeks earlier. In Winterbourne the number of confirmed cases was 56 in the week to July 22, up from 51, and in Pucklechurch & Westerleigh, which includes Coalpit Heath, numbers rose by four to 92

Keep wearing a mask in our buildings, says council confirmed cases for the same week: four weeks earlier the area had had only 17 positive tests. Case rates were between 817.9 per 100,000 in Pucklechurch & Westerleigh and 997 per 100,000 people in the area on July 22, three days after most restrictions on social contact ended on July 19. Only Charfield, Wickwar & Iron Acton had falling case rates, with 22 confirmed cases in the week to July 22, down from 35 a week earlier. The Frome Valley area had also seen a high take-up of coronavirus vaccinations, however. Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that by July 26, 90.3% of Winterbourne residents had received their first jab and 75% had been given a second. In Frampton Cotterell

the numbers were 91.2% and 75.3% for first and second doses respectively, while in Pucklechurch & Westerleigh they were 87.6% and 67.8%. In Charfield, Wickwar & Iron Acton vaccination rates were 90.1% and 73.3% Calling for people to continue to mask up, council cabinet member for adults and housing, Ben Stokes, said: “Residents can now make their own choices, but we are following Government guidance and recommending that everyone who can, continues to wear a face covering when visiting one of our One Stop Shops or libraries, especially when services are busy. “Face coverings provide additional protection for you, but even more so, for others. That is why we are encouraging people to look out for one another and respect our staff and others by

continuing to wear one if you can." The council confirmed that around one in every 10 school pupils in South Gloucestershire was having to self-isolate and learn at home as the summer term came to an end. The council said an increase in infections in school-aged children was in line with neighbouring areas and national trends, as COVID-19 surged to its highest recorded levels in the area. South Gloucestershire Director of Public Health, Sara Blackmore, said: “Covid has not gone away. "We are all keen to get back to living without restrictions, but the measures we are asking people to now choose to follow are simple. We are all used to doing these things and they are an easy way of helping to look after those around us."

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n NEWS A FARMER is heading back to the High Court for what could be the final stage in her four year battle to save an alpaca from being put down in a dispute over whether he has a deadly disease. Geronimo tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) after being imported from New Zealand in 2017. But farmer Helen Macdonald, from Wickwar, claims that the result was a false positive, because he had had injections of tuberculin – a protein combination used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis – as part of a skin test carried out in New Zealand for bTB surveillance. The impact of tuberculin on Alpacas has never been assessed. Helen lost her case in the High Court in 2019 and requested an appeal hearing which was refused. Defra then applied for a warrant to kill Geronimo in December 2020, which was granted by a district judge. Helen is now appealing his decision. She said: “If the High Court agrees with the district judge,

Alpaca's life-or-death case goes back to court

Geronimo has been in quarantine since 2017 Geronimo will get shot. "George Eustice (the Environment Secretary) is relying on information which is wrong and has been for three

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years. "He won't admit there's a problem and he won't put it right. He could order that Geronimo be re-tested, he could order that he's not slaughtered pending a validated test. "He won't do anything – he won't even respond to my MP." Geronimo is currently living in quarantine, and has shown no bTB symptoms in four years. The validated camelid test for bTB costs £20 and there is now a new test, called Actiphage, which works in a different way. Helen argues that if Geronimo had both of these tests and was found to be positive she

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would accept that he had to be slaughtered. Alpacas carrying bTB infect their companions, but the other animals quarantined with Geronimo have not been tested. The ongoing legal dispute has had a huge impact on Helen’s livelihood. She said: "My whole herd is under movement restrictions; for four years I’ve had no farm income and I can’t progress my breeding herd. "They’ve basically destroyed my life because I won’t agree with their dogma. They don’t seem to have any concept of the harm they are doing to me personally, or to the industry. "It’s a cost to the taxpayer, pursuing a person with legitimate concerns over their conduct for four years." A DEFRA spokesperson said: “Bovine TB causes devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities and that is why we need to do everything we can to reduce risk of the disease spreading. "This case is part of ongoing legal proceedings and as such it would be inappropriate for us to comment further." Helen is crowdfunding online to help pay the cost of her case, at crowdjustice.com/case/ savegeronimo.

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Family Funeral Directors 2 High Street, Winterbourne BS36 1JN Tel: 01454 773776 192 Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath BS36 2SX Tel: 01454 778838 118-120 Station Road, Yate BS37 4PQ Tel: 01454 320005 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Colourful end to school for Manor leavers

Celebrating the end of school

AFTER a year of COVID-19 restrictions including lockdowns, home-schooling and bubbles, Year 6 pupils at The Manor Primary School in Coalpit Heath enjoyed a great send-off. Although restrictions were still in place, the children celebrated the end of their primary school careers with a sleepover and barbecue at the school, and a fun day involving Zorb inflatables, a Nerf foam gun war and a colour run, where they were covered with powder paints. The Year 6 performance of Alice in Wonderland was filmed so that pupils could keep it, and parents were able to attend the leavers' service. Head teacher Amanda Flanagan said: "As they finally exited the building for the last time, they continued the Manor tradition of running through an archway of ribbons being waved at by their teachers, followed by an ice cream from the ice cream van.” It was the end of an era too for dinner lady and breakfast club supervisor Julie Elliot, who has been at the school for many years and is now retiring. The school community is now looking forwards to September when it’s hoped that school life will return to something closer to ‘normal’. Mrs Flanagan said: "We are looking forward to being able to start clubs up again, have lunch altogether in the hall, have trips and welcome parents and carers back into school again – we have really missed all of these things!”

A pupil after the colour run

Message to planners: don't cut parking RESIDENTS who attended a workshop as part of a project to create a future vision for Yate gave the consultants a clear message: they don’t want a reduction in parking spaces. A workshop for residents was held as part of a series on the Yate Masterplan project, which aims to create a direction for development of the town. It took place online as part of a 12-week consultation period, with face-to-face events scheduled for September. Representatives from consultancy firms Arup and Jacobs, who have been commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council, told the session that once alternative transport opportunities are improved and people start to use them, car parking provision could be reduced. They said this would only happen after the creation of segregated cycle lanes, safe crossings for pedestrians, new walking routes, integrated transport at the train station, an improved bus service and bus station, and possibly a metro bus station. Part of the aim would be to improve transport connections for people on the edge of the town to the North, and for people coming in from nearby villages such as

A street with no on-street parking used to illustrate the plans Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath. There was also suggestion that some residential streets might benefit from the removal of traffic. Arup lead urban designer Edgar Kiviet said: “Just to get rid of a myth, we’re not getting rid of parking – we are integrating parking so where there was surface parking it might be underground or structured parking, and we’re looking at a very gradual transformation. “Firstly, there is that transition and stepby-step change, and people need to change behaviour. Once it gets safer and more

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people cycle and walk that will become an opportunity. We are not taking out parking from the start.” Resident Claire Sangster said: “It’s all well and good allowing people to travel by other modes of transport but lots of people like to do weekly shops, and even when I lived five minutes from Asda at Cribbs Causeway I drove, because I’m not taking a weekly shop on a bus when I have a car with a boot – it’s impractical.” Another resident, Judith Cameron, said: “I’m not totally convinced that removing traffic from local residential streets is going to have any effect. "People have cars and want to use them, its lovely to put trees in, but this vision I’m finding quite difficult to grasp." South Gloucestershire Council's strategic masterplan lead Helen Young said: “We absolutely understand that some people will need to continue to drive – it’s a vision about changing as much as we can how we travel but insuring that people who need access by car still have that.” The consultation continues until September 13. For more information visit www. yatefuture.com.

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Quarry expansion 'will secure 50 jobs' PLANS to extend Wickwar Quarry have been approved by councillors. South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee granted permission for the northern expansion of the quarry and the extraction of another 17.7 million tonnes of limestone, despite suspicions that blasting has caused cracks in historic neighbouring properties. The quarry's operators say the expansion will secure 50 jobs at the site, which would otherwise have run out of limestone in the next 18 months. Members heard the nearest homes in the hamlet of Churchend would now be just 170 metres from the application site boundary. But a report to the committee said the council’s environmental protection officer had no objections and that limits on noise, dust, vibration and traffic movements were acceptable. Shaun Denny, on behalf of

Satellite image of Wickwar Quarry, with the expansion site near Churchend ringed in red applicants Breedon Southern and Tortworth Estate Company, told the meeting at Kingswood civic centre: “This will secure the equivalent of 50 jobs for 18 years which would otherwise be lost as the quarry would run out of limestone in the next 18 months.” He said the quarry, which celebrated its centenary in 2019, changed ownership last year but the management and regulatory team remained the same and that the successful quarry liaison group, which includes parish

and district councillors and residents, would continue. Charfield Parish Council said in its representation: “The extension to Wickwar Quarry brings operations very close indeed to the hamlet of Churchend and there is reasonable concern that nearby residents may be adversely impacted by noise, vibration, light pollution and dust. “The extension moves the quarry much closer to Charfield village, and the parish council has the same concerns. “In recent years investigations have been carried out to try to ascertain if quarry workings were a cause of cracks appearing in Churchend residents’ homes, many of which are without foundations and are several hundred years old. “No definitive evidence was found, but as quarrying advances towards these old homes it is reasonable to fear the vibration from operations will impact them. “Vibration may also cause significant further deterioration to the church.” The parish council said the

plans would blight a well-used public right of way, which would have to be diverted. Seven residents, including two involved in the Churches Conservation Trust, objected with concerns about noise, HGVs, blasting and the impact on the Grade I-listed St James church. But the report to members said there was “minimal risk” to nearby buildings from groundborne vibration. It said: “It is considered that given the location of the quarry in relation to the nearest properties and the environmental requirements of the conditions proposed that sufficient distance remains and that measures can satisfactorily address any issues of local amenity.” The report said the operators were donating about £3,000 towards the church to “help redress any ongoing deterioration of historic assets”. It said the public right of way across the 36-hectare extension site would be kept open until an order for a diversion was made by a different committee. Wickwar Parish Council said it supported the proposals, which include a new tunnel under Churchend Lane at the southern end of the new working site to link it with the existing quarry, because of the “positive impact on the local economy”. The site will be restored as a lake as operations cease. Members approved the plans unanimously on July 8. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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A challenge with a purpose A GROUP of nine friends from the Frome Valley took on the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland to raise money and awareness for a charity helping people with suicidal thoughts. Leah and Matt Hemmings, Tash and Dan Calder, Laura and Ash Rowland, Andrew Pratt, Sarah Masters and Tom Rich took the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon at the end of June, aiming to complete it in less than 24 hours. In the end they did it with minutes to spare – in 23 hours and 41 minutes. But more importantly the friends have raised more than £6,000 for Suicide Prevention Bristol, a leading suicide prevention charity that provides telephone and social media support as well as a community outreach team of volunteers who patrol known hotspots in the Bristol area. Writing on their fundraising page, the team said: "The very sad reality is that most people will have been touched by suicide in some form or another. "Whether it be from personal mental health struggles, or through a close or more distant loss, we all know, or know of, someone who has felt so desperate they have either attempted to, or indeed have taken their own life. "And with the impact of the pandemic taking a huge toll on people’s mental well-being, concern for those struggling is even greater. "Suicide is something close to all our hearts and as such we really wanted to do something that would raise vital funds for this incredible charity, whilst at the same time challenging ourselves personally." After the challenge Leah said the team – nicknamed No Peak Too Steep – had found the challenge "the toughest yet most rewarding experience". She said: "It’s called a ‘challenge’ for a reason and boy did we find that out this weekend! "We laughed together, we cried together but above all we supported one another and that’s how we got through. "Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone that has a made a donation. "Our original goal was to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention Bristol and much needed funds to help this entirely volunteer based charity continue the life saving work that they carry out. "We had hoped to reach £2k. With donations still coming in, we can’t believe the total and are grateful to every single one of you." The team's fundraising page is still open at justgiving.com/ fundraising/framptons3peaks. For more information about Suicide Prevention Bristol visit www. spbristol.org. The charity's phone helpline is on 0800 689 5652.

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LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages

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Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.

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n NEWS

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

More patients given same-day appointments at GP surgeries

PATIENTS at surgeries in the Frome Valley area are being offered more same-day appointments than they were three years ago – and fewer people are waiting more than a week. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published in July, found that 39% of patients of Frome Valley Medical Centre were offered appointments on the day they called – up from just 18% in 2018 – while the number waiting more than a week for an appointment had gone down from 46% to 17% over the same period. a week had risen slightly, to 12%, At Yate’s West Walk Surgery, having been just 1% in 2018 and which includes Coalpit Heath 8% in 2020. Surgery, 30% of patients had Some patients responding to same-day appointments – up the survey couldn't remember from 20% in 2018 and 20% last the length of their wait. year, and the number waiting Most people found it easy to more than a week had fallen get through to their surgery on from 58% in 2018 and 51% last the phone, although numbers year to 26%. varied from 81% at Frome Valley At Kennedy Way surgery in Medical Centre to 82% at West Yate, 75% of patients who called Walk and 92% at Kennedy Way. for an appointment had it the Receptionists were rated same day, up from 70% in 2018. as helpful at all surgeries, with WB garden ad.qxp_Layout 1 than 29/05/2021 20:48 Page 1 a 97% rating, The number waiting longer Frome Valley given

West Walk 91% and Kennedy Way 96%. The vast majority of patients also said their overall experience of their GP surgery was good: at Frome Valley Medical Centre 94% of patients said it was good versus 1% who said it was poor, with some not expressing a preference. At West Walk, satisfaction levels were 84% good and 9% poor, and at Kennedy Way they were 95% good and 3% poor. Satisfaction levels have remained broadly the same over the past three years at all three practices. The survey was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI for NHS England and NHS Improvement, and was based on around 850,000 responses to questionnaires sent out

nationwide from January to March this year. Dr Geeta Iyer, a GP and representative of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds GP services, said: “As a result of quickly embedding new technologies in the last 18 months, there are now more ways than ever to contact your GP surgery, so it’s really encouraging to see this positively reflected in the results of the patient survey for our area. “We are continuing to ensure that we share learning between practices about what works well, and we are working together to identify areas where we can support practices to deliver services that best meet the needs of their population.”

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Frampton Fox takes to the track YOUNG engineers at Frampton Cotterell Primary School had a head-to-head race day to test the car they built against another machine. A team of pupils built the Greenpower Goblin electric car under the guidance of retired engineer Steve Harrison. Usually there is a huge race day for schools who have built cars, with up to 15 teams competing against each other and awards from racing performance to the best presented team and best decorated car. But this year, so many pupils were unable to attend their respective Greenpower afterschool clubs because of the pandemic that the event was cancelled. The Greenpower Educational Trust is a UK-based charity which inspires young people to engage with science, technology, engineering and maths by building and racing an electric

The Frampton Fox team car. At a primary school level, it’s a standard kit of parts which the children assemble with the mechanics set but the bodywork designed and built to the pupils’ own design. With much less time than usual, Frampton’s team and a team from Horfield Church of England Primary School

managed to build the car and the bodywork. Frampton’s car was named Frampton Fox and included a head and bushy tail with greenery. Horfield Primary School’s car was a futuristic design, which they named Galaxy. The schools named their mini race day Avon Goblins 2021,

and held drag races, slaloms and raced laps at the Horfield school site. Steve said: “With so much school time lost to covid this year it’s been a remarkable achievement by both teams to get their cars ready in time, and it was great to see the reward for all that hard work. "We’re very grateful to Horfield school for hosting this event.” "I thought we’d just drive a bare car around. I’m amazed they had any bodywork at all. "One of the pupils even sewed a fox’s tail at home.” The Frampton sponsors of Avon 2021 who paid for team kit, event costs and other expenses, were Trinity Floors & Blinds, Imperial Engineering and Sanlam Wealthsmiths. The mini race day was so successful that the schools may run it again as a pre-season friendly.

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Village will 'double' in size with third new estate A VILLAGE near Iron Acton will “effectively double” in size after a third housing development was approved in the space of just seven months. Opponents said Engine Common could not take any more housing, due to a lack of shops, school places and health facilities. But a planning committee voted to approve plans for 31 more homes to be built there on July 19, as recommended by council officers. The new houses from Cotswold Homes, 11 of which will be affordable, will sit on fields to the west of the village in the open countryside, just outside the official settlement boundary. Development in the open countryside runs contrary to the local authority’s planning policies. But Cotswold Homes said its application represented “infill development” in the context of two other housing estates approved near the two fields, north of Lodge Road, earlier this year. South Gloucestershire Council gave permission to Redrow Homes to build 118 homes on fields immediately to the west and granted Newland Homes consent for another 89 houses on North Road, to the north east, in January of this year. All three applications were approved despite strong public opposition. Liberal Democrat councillor Claire Young, who represents Frampton Cotterell on the district council, said: “This council – if you give permission today – will have given permission to effectively double the size of Engine Common in just seven months. “That’s quite a dramatic change to the size of the community and with the consequent impacts on the identity of that community.” Written objections to the latest application were submitted by 30 residents, local Lib Dem councillor Tristan Clarke, Iron Acton Parish Council and Yate Town Council. Only three members of the public expressed support for the proposal. Opponents objected for a raft of reasons, including the conflict with the council’s planning policy, a lack of local facilities, a consequent reliance on cars, and the effect of the development on the immediate neighbours, traffic, parking and road safety, especially on match days at Yate Town Football Club, which is next to the application site. Parish council chair Catherine Spedding said the two earlier applications were granted “without any plans to increase facilities” and granting the third “would result in 238 homes all vying for a share in local resources, for which no extra provision seems to have been made”. Lynn Noble, who sits on the parish council but spoke as a resident, said Lodge Road was “not suitable” for development and the extra cars would make it dangerous for children

The latest development at Engine Common (marked D) on the map is next to Yate Town FC's ground (C) and close to two other sites already given permission (A&B) who walk along the road to school. “The school is oversubscribed for a minimum of three years,” she added. “We have no shops, no amenities. You could possibly walk to the shop but you’d never walk back with shopping. “How much more development can North Road and Engine Common take?” The three closest schools to the development site are full, the nearest shop is two miles away, and the closest healthcare facility is a pharmacy 1.8 miles away, the meeting heard. But a planning officer said the distances were compliant with council policy and the proximity of Yate Railway Station made Engine Common one of the most “sustainable” development sites in South Gloucestershire. He said officers were satisfied the development would not cause significant problems on the roads or for existing residents, and had good access to services and facilities. He acknowledged the conflict with the council’s adopted spatial strategy, but said officers concluded the harms were outweighed by the benefits, which included adding to the council’s five-year supply of housing, which a planning inspector has described as “marginal”. All three developers, including Cotswold Homes, will pay a community infrastructure

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levy to “offset the impacts of these developments”, the officer said. Cotswold Homes' agent Liam Rinn said the company had modified its proposal after “extensive discussions” with statutory consultees and council officers, reducing the number of homes by three and widening the green corridor separating it from the Redrow Homes estate. The new homes will be two storeys high at most but will lie close to the back gardens of existing homes on North Road. Committee members expressed reservations about the development but voted four to one in favour of approval. Two councillors abstained from the vote. Roger Avenin (Con, Bradley Stoke South) said there did not appear to be enough local facilities when the “cumulative impact” of the three developments was considered. Michael Bell (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said he was concerned by the distances people would have to travel to get basic services such as shops, schools, doctors and dentists. June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said future occupiers would have to get in their cars to go shopping, and the schools were full, but there were “some positives” to the development, such as good design and landscaping. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Outdoor celebrations for Iron Acton leavers YEAR 6 pupils leaving Iron Acton Primary School for secondary school this summer has their celebrations outdoors. Adaptations were made to ensure pupils had a great sendoff while keeping coronavirus guidelines in mind. The traditional leavers' service was held outside, with families able to attend, and the usual disco swapped for a giant inflatable slide, funded by the PTA. The annual summer sports day was also able to go ahead with families watching. After a year of lockdowns, home-schooling and bubbles, the leadership team were relieved to have got to the end of the academic year with no bubble closures due to coronavirus. The school community also said goodbye to Pat Taylor, the caretaker, who has been in the role for 30 years, and to Ellie Blanch, the chair of governors who is standing down after 7 years.

Some of the outdoor leavers celebrations at Iron Acton Primary School

Bullying complaints against councillors COMPLAINTS of bullying and shouting have been made against councillors in South Gloucestershire over the past year, according to a new report. The report, which does not name any individual councillors or councils, says a “pattern is emerging” in a small number of town and parish councils. South Gloucestershire Council received seven complaints about councillor behaviour in the year to March, the report by the council’s monitoring officer says. Five of them involved parish councils, including one allegation of bullying by a parish councillor. Three investigations are currently underway. Two complaints related to three councillors at a single parish council, the report said. One town councillor was found to have breached expected standards of behaviour after a complaint they had shouted at a member of staff. The councillor was told to apologise for “failing to show respect”, according to the report. A district councillor made a “full apology” to residents for a comment he made at a committee meeting, but he was not found to have breached the Member Code of Conduct. The councillor said his comment, which was reported in the press, was “taken out of context” and he had not intended to cause any offence. In his report, monitoring officer John McCormack said: “When comparing the complaints made in recent years, a pattern is emerging amongst a small number of parish/town councils. A council spokesperson said the authority was unable to provide any more details about any of the complaints in the report because the information is “kept confidential/anonymised unless a panel is formally appointed to deal with the matter”. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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August, 2021

n NEWS

Matt Holway before and after the big shave

Matt's big shave raises £1,500 for charity A FRAMPTON Cotterell man who had been growing his hair since the start of the first lockdown had it shaved off – and helped two charities.

Matt Holway, who had also been growing his beard since February last year, had his big shave completed just in time for the recent heatwave, opting for a grade 1 cut and beard shave at the same time. The charity challenge raised over £1,500 for the Kendleshire Kids Foundation, based at the Kendleshire Golf Club where Matt’s teenage son, Ethan, plays. The Foundation supports disadvantaged young people who have had adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Matt also donated his long locks to another charity, the Little Princess Trust,

which makes them into wigs for children who lose their hair due to cancer or other illnesses. He said: “It’s quite a relief to have short hair now that the summer weather has kicked in. "Apparently it suits me – however, I was getting quite attached to the longer hair and I’m missing it a little. "Thank you to all that have supported me with the fundraising and to all the friends and family who attended the event at the Kendleshire Golf Club. "I might do it all over again."

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Georgina takes on a new challenge A WOMAN who won national awards for creating an inclusive sports club is taking on a new fundraising challenge to help more young people take part. Georgina Moore, who won a BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero Award in 2019 for her work setting up an inclusive boccia sports club in Yate. Georgina, who has a severe physical disability, grew up in Frampton Cotterell but now lives independently in Chipping Sodbury, supported by carers. She has taken on the challenge as part of the At Home Superhero initiative, a disability sports challenge set up by GB Paralympian athlete Sophia Warner, as she can do it in her own hallway with the help of her boccia coach and carer, Tom Isaac. Boccia is related to bowls and pétanque and involves aiming balls at a jack. The ball can be moved with hands, feet or an assistive device, making it ideal for people with physical disabilities. Georgina and Tom will continuously throw boccia balls until they have reached 12km consecutively. As they can only throw each ball around 2 metres due to the length of the hallway, they expect it will take them about 12 hours to complete. Georgina said: “The most daunting thing about the challenge is having to keep going for 12 hours. "I fatigue very quickly and get pains from this. Thankfully completing this with my carer means if I need longer breaks then Tom can carry on for us.” Training has involved 30-minute daily workouts for

Georgina Moore and her boccia coach and carer, Tom Isaac Georgina to increase her strength using a hand bike and different resistance bands. In addition, there is Boccia training most days of the week, which is either at home or at Crossbow House in Frampton Cotterell, where Georgina can train alone. She is clinically extremely vulnerable and, after shielding for over a year, is being careful about social contact. Training is important to her because her personal aspiration is to be on the GB Paralympic squad. The money Georgina raises will go the boccia’s governing body, Boccia England, which like many other organisations has been affected financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The body runs clubs and provides insurance, equipment, training and competitions. Georgina would like the sport

to be more widely available as she has personally benefited from it so much. She said: “Boccia has given

me a purpose in life and I see the difference it makes to disabled people in my community. "We aren’t given many opportunities when it comes to sport, yet boccia is fully inclusive and at my club we do not discriminate against anyone. "All our members can play a competitive sport and socialise together.” Georgina’s challenge is being supported by her other carer Lisa Hutton, and her husband Jimmy, who will be running 24 miles in 24 hours to raise further funds. Georgina has set up a fundraising page for sponsors to make donations at justgiving.com/fundraising/ bocciabombers. She had raised more than £600 as the Voice went to press. The GEM Boccia Club which she runs in Yate is hoping to start again on September 7, as long as government restrictions allow.

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Award recognises church's green focus A WINTERBOURNE church has been recognised for its work to put concern for the environment into every aspect of its life. St Michael’s Church has achieved a Bronze Eco-Church Award for efforts to improve its approach to the environment in areas from worship and engagement with the wider community to encouraging wildlife in the churchyard. Working towards the award was part of its contribution towards meeting the Church of England’s target of being carbon neutral by 2030. As part of its commitment to the award, run by Christian charity A Rocha UK, the church signed up to a 'toilet twinning' initiative whereby each of its toilets is paired with a toilet in Uganda, with money paid to support public sanitation projects. Parishioners joined a food bank collection scheme held at All Saints’ Church in Winterbourne Down, and links were made with the Winterbourne Environment

WEEKEND 'mega clinics' are being used to tackle a “horrifying” backlog of breast cancer checks at a Bristol hospital. Less than one in six women who showed potential symptoms of the disease, such as a lump or pain, to their GP in March were seen by a specialist at Southmead within two weeks. By April the North Bristol Trust’s figures had plummeted further still, with only one in 16 women seen within a fortnight – down from a rate of nine in 10 last year. The poor performance – described as “horrifying” by the trust’s own chair, Michele Romaine – has been blamed on a national shortage of radiologists that could soon be addressed by using artificial intelligence. Peter Brindle, the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s medical director of clinical

St Michael's Primary head Kirsty Robson with church warden Jeff Conway and rector Malcolm Strange at the clothes recycling bank. group. A clothes recycling bank has been sited at St Michael’s Room, opposite the Tesco garage, with St Michael’s Primary School benefiting from any proceeds. At the end of October, a special climate service will be

held at St Michael’s, just before the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, with speakers invited to attend. Prior to all these additional projects, concern for the world and nature has always been part of church services, and for some

time the grass in the older part of the churchyard has been able to grow until wildflowers have seeded, to benefit wildlife and biodiversity. The next challenge will be energy efficiency, as the church is heated by oil and the boiler will need replacing at some point. Chris Greef, the lead on the St Michael’s Eco-Church project, said: “A straight replacement will not be acceptable and so we need to explore carefully how best to proceed – not easy in a large medieval building built without concern for such things. "As a first step we are commissioning an energy audit to advise us on potential ways forward. “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. "We will also need to engage more proactively with our community and on the global scene. "Our individual lifestyles need to change too: we will be looking at ways in which the church can help us to make these changes."

' Horrifying' backlog in breast cancer checks effectiveness, told its governing body on July 6: “Although we reached a really difficult peak of 798 people in a backlog waiting for an appointment, the figures out this morning have come down to 294. “Although we have a terrible problem, the trajectory towards improvement is good. They’re running a seven-day service with mega clinics at the weekend, lots of extra time. “In terms of mutual aid, we’ve convened a number of meetings. Although NBT have really struggled for reasons particularly around workforce, as a proportion their backlogs haven’t been as bad as some other parts of the region. “The overall numbers have been dramatic in NBT because

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of the large volume the service delivers. “We haven’t got anything signed and sealed yet for mutual aid. We have preliminary offers from Gloucester, Yeovil and the RUH (Bath) but the precise details are yet to be completely nailed. “We still have a very significant challenge but we can be assured that the 24 actions are making a significant impact. We’re heading in the right direction.” He said the CCG was close to trialling artificial intelligence to read X-rays, adding: “It’s a very exciting potential way of mitigating what is a national and quite long-term radiologist shortage that just won’t be mitigated very quickly.”

NBT medical director Chris Burton said: “We are very sorry to anyone who has been affected by delays in our breast service due to increased demand over the last eight months and compounded by staff vacancies. “Our team has been working incredibly hard to run additional clinics so we can see patients as quickly as possible and we are seeing improvements in waiting times. There is more work to do to meet the growing numbers being referred to us, but we would like to reassure patients that we are prioritising urgent cases.” By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Homes plans move forward PLANS to build hundreds of homes on land owned by South Gloucestershire Council have taken a big step forward. Cabinet members pledged to meet the needs of communities, get local people on the housing ladder and build high quality, energy efficient, affordable homes for families, couples and individuals as they formally approved teaming up with Bath & North East Somerset Council’s construction company Aequus. Councillors said those priorities would be met along with earning cash for the authority’s coffers from the development of six sites in Frenchay, Hambrook, Emersons Green, Thornbury, Filton and Warmley. The local authority will join forces with Aequus to build homes on five of the sites. The sixth, at Mulgrove Farm in Hambrook, will be developed in partnership with Wain Homes, next to a plot the housing firm is already developing. The deals will be subject to planning permission and full business cases, with the council having the option to cancel the arrangement at any point during a formal three-stage process and work with another organisation. Malmains Drive in Frenchay will be the first site developed, with Aequus having submitted a planning application for 30 homes, of which 35 per cent will be affordable, with the local authority and the housing business sharing profits. Cabinet’s decision on Monday, July 12, gives the green light for the B&NES company to draw up proposals for similar schemes at a pipeline of locations including Vinney Green House in Emersons Green, which was demolished in 2019, and Charlborough Road in Filton. Councillors also approved an extra £400,000 for costs of securing planning permission, making land ready for sale and legal advice. Opposition Lib Dem group leader Claire Young asked what work had been done to identify the right type of housing need in each area rather than allowing the development partner to simply maximise profits. Conservative cabinet member for corporate resources Ben Burton said "other council objectives and aims” including ensuring the types of homes met communities’ needs and went to local people, would be factors. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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n NEWS THE leader of South Gloucestershire Council has defended £30 million plans to widen the Avon Ring Road, which opponents say would create “monstrous megaroundabouts”. Toby Savage said he wanted to put the record straight after criticism that the money would be better spent on other services, improving the environment or on public transport and active travel. He told a West of England Combined Authority committee meeting that the money for the scheme would come from the Government and would only be allocated if a business case for the changes to five roundabouts on the A4174 was accepted by the Department for Transport. The £30 million scheme would see new lanes built to take through traffic across the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts". The other two – Lyde Green roundabout, near the Bristol and Bath Science Park, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added. South Gloucestershire Council has launched a public consultation on the plans, which it says are aimed at tackling congestion on the A4174 and stopping drivers using nearby residential roads as rat-runs. But they have come under fire from the area's Green Party, which called them "five

August, 2021

Council leader defends 'mega-roundabout' plans

How the Siston Hill roundabout would look if the plans went ahead monstrous mega-roundabouts will do nothing to tackle the climate emergency and will instead cause environmental damage and an increase in car dependency". New West of England metro mayor Dan Norris also said there was a “strong possibility that just widening roads simply causes increased journeys by car and does not alleviate congestion”. And transport campaigner David Redgewell asked the Weca committee why the plans had gone out to public consultation with “very little if any reference to the importance of walking and cycling and improving bus lanes or priority measures”.

Cllr Savage told the Weca meeting on June 25: “We are doing the consultation to understand how it can benefit as many transport users in getting around the area in their preferred way as much as possible. “I want to be very clear that it is the DfT that has invited us, as the highways authority, to bid for funds that support improvements through the major routes network. “The debate isn’t about whether it’s £30m we should be spending on something else, the debate is whether this £30m will come into the West of England area.

“The idea that this can just be moved around and spent as we see fit as a combined authority is an erroneous statement." The meeting heard pedestrian and cycling improvements and bus priority measures at the junctions were included in the plans. People can have their say on the proposals until August 16, after which the council could make amendments before submitting them to Whitehall for approval. A public event at Emersons Green Village Hall to give people a chance to see and ask questions about the plans was postponed from its original date of July 10 due to the delay in relaxing covid restrictions and is now due to take place on August 3 from 5pm-7.30pm. The consultation can be found online at consultations.southglos. gov.uk/A4174Improvements. Anyone not online can call 01454 868 000 for more details. An animation of traffic movements now and under the proposed scheme can be found at bit.ly/3Br0vdw. If the DfT approves the project, work is expected to begin in 2022 in phases and take three years to complete. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Back to the drawing board on climate emergency THE region’s mayors and council leaders have made a shock decision to go back to the drawing board on how to tackle the climate crisis. An action plan that the West of England Combined Authority has spent two years working on since declaring a climate emergency in July 2019 is being ripped up and will be rewritten by September. In a surprise move at a meeting of the Weca committee, metro mayor Dan Norris, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage and Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy agreed it was not ambitious enough. They had been expected to rubber-stamp a progress update but Cllr Guy tabled an amendment to approve measures in the

report to stimulate a green recovery and launch a solar panel collective purchase scheme called Solar Together – but withdraw the rest of it. Crucially, the amendment included a commitment for the civic leaders to “review the combined authority’s approach to climate emergency and bring back recommendations to a special meeting” of Weca committee and the West of England joint committee, which includes North Somerset Council leader Don Davies, in September. At that meeting they will “confirm a new and ambitious approach towards a climate emergency strategy and action plan ahead of the COP26”, the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow in November, the amendment said. Weca’s climate emergency action plan has

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faced repeated criticism from Greens and environmental activists for lacking ambition, urgency and measurable targets since it was adopted last October. It sets out broad goals for a low-carbon transport system, low-carbon business, renewable energy, the green environment and low-carbon buildings and places. But the update report, which committee members refused to accept, said: “Delivering our regional goal will be complex and will require action by national government, unitary authorities, individuals, business and international government. “The combined authority simply does not have the funding or levers to do it all alone.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

A sofa dumped by Jordan Payne

Rubbish dumped on Henfield Road

'Brazen' fly-tipper blocked road A MAN left a huge trail of rubbish on a country road after setting up a waste disposal business on Facebook. Jordan Payne, of Arnold Road, Siston, fly-tipped waste including a sofa, breeze blocks and double-glazing at Henfield Road, which links Coalpit Heath to Pucklechurch, in August last year. An investigation by South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental enforcement team found some of the waste, found on a stretch of the road near Lyde Green, had been removed from the home of a resident who had paid Payne to dispose of it. Payne was given an 18-week suspended jail sentence, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a total of £2,391 in prosecution and clear-up costs when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on June 28. The council said Payne had obtained a registered waste carriers licence last July and created a Facebook page to advertise his business, called Jordan’s Waste Clearance.

Over the next six weeks, he travelled across Bristol and South Gloucestershire collecting waste in return for payment, often storing it outside or near his home before moving it elsewhere. A council spokesperson said: "During an interview, Payne produced a pre-prepared statement admitting that he had dumped some of the waste at Henfield Road – but not all of it. "He claimed to have disposed of the waste at a waste management business in Bristol but stated that his records had been thrown away when his vehicle was recently sold. "No Bristol-based waste businesses had record of him disposing of anything at their premises." Payne was prosecuted for fly-tipping, not holding any waste transfer notes and storing collected waste in and around his home address. Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: "This was a brazen act of fly-tipping on the public highway, without

any thought given to the impact it would have on our residents, or the hazard and disruption it would cause to road users. “We advise residents to always ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where their waste is being taken, otherwise you could be liable. "Do not be tempted to use people offering cheap waste clearance on sites such as Facebook and Gumtree unless you have confirmed that they are registered with the Environment Agency.” Waste businesses can be checked by calling the agency on 08708 506506 or visiting its website at bit.ly/2VnBpM3. Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be disposed of at Sort It centres. Anyone who sees illegal fly-tipping should report it by contacting the StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping.

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n LOCAL MP

More support for our local businesses LOCAL businesses are the backbone of South Gloucestershire’s economy. As the pandemic has proven, business and the High Street are fundamental to the normality of our daily lives. As someone who worked in Lidl in Yate before being elected as the MP, I know first-hand that our local economy is as innovative and dynamic as anywhere in the country. Many industries have w experienced new challenges and unfamiliar pressures during the pandemic, but the dogged determination and spirit of South Gloucestershire businesses have seen so many battle through this difficult period. Throughout the pandemic, more than 15,300 local jobs were supported in our area by the furlough scheme, where the Government covered 80% of people’s wages. Locally, self-employed people have

claimed £6.1 million through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and £46.3m in Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, given to 171 businesses in our constituency. Now, as we move on to Stage 4 of the roadmap and the easing of restrictions, we are continuing to back our local businesses. The job retention scheme, self-employed support scheme, business grants, business rates relief and loan programmes all extend into the autumn and beyond, and the Government will ensure there is no cliff edge at the end of the financial support being made available. Businesses are also benefiting from the new Recovery Loan Scheme, which provides 80% Government-backed guarantees to lenders, and runs until the end of the year. This will give lenders the confidence they need, and ensure viable businesses continue to have

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access to the Government-backed finance needed throughout 2021. As well as this, a new Business Rates Relief Fund of £1.5 billion for businesses affected by COVID-19 outside the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors has been announced, targeting those business which could not access such support previously. To ensure fairness in who is receiving the necessary support, the fund will be distributed across the country according to which sectors have suffered most economically, rather than on the basis of falls in property values. Locally, we have a positive plan for jobs and the economy. This plan means supporting businesses and the local economy throughout the COVID-19 recovery, supporting our rural and farming industries, continuing to hold Jobs Fairs across the constituency to help people into work, and giving South Gloucestershire businesses

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

and High Streets a bigger voice in Parliament. South Gloucestershire businesses are the most innovate, dynamic and passionate anywhere in the country. I hope this new £1.5bn package of support will help to support even more firms locally. We stood behind our local businesses and workers as we came into the crisis and I want to ensure that we stand behind them as we come through the other side.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

New skills for the jobs of the future I’M writing this column as my Jobs and Skills Summit, which I pledged to hold during my first 100 days in office, draws to a close. It wasn’t quite as I envisaged (there’s still too much covid for that) but I have met hundreds of people who are in and out of work, or studying, as well as hearing from businesses and trade unions. One thing that stood out for me was the power of technology. When I visited apprentices training to be locksmiths, I suppose I’d thought it would be about things like cutting keys. But actually lots of keys, locks and security systems are high tech these days. So, it was about transponders, face recognition software and key cards that only let specific people into certain parts of a building at set times. Likewise, when I met apprentice mechanics, they weren’t servicing petrol cars. Instead I found out about the training they are doing to work on electric cars. It’s vital we skill up more people, otherwise there is going to be a real roadblock to the plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and our ambitious West of England plan for net zero by the same year. The Institute of the Motor Industry says that just 5% of garage and dealer technicians are appropriately trained to work on electric

cars at the moment. So we definitely need more great people like those I met at S&B Automotive Academy. I met apprentices studying at the University of Bath, where we talked about the exciting possibilities for quantum computing, where our region is leading the way. Quantum computers can do a calculation in just over an hour that it would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer eight years to crack. Another inspiring visit was to the Women’s Work Lab that is helping mums get back to work. Some had been unemployed for many years and others had lost their jobs due to the pandemic. What the two inspiring women leading the programme had done was give the other women a rocket booster of confidence, identifying their skills and arranging work experience. We are at a tricky time. There is the danger of the furlough cliff edge, and business owners told me the pandemic has been the toughest time they have ever known. At the same time, covid case numbers are rising again, which is why we need a science-led approach to reopening. So what’s next? I will be working with employers and trade

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unions to create 23,000 new green jobs. I plan to introduce a good employers charter to encourage businesses to do the right thing by our communities and their staff. I will keep pressing the Government to support businesses struggling with the effects of covid, because it’s a lot easier to save a job than create new ones. And on skills, I am determined to replicate that supportive go-getter atmosphere I found, so even more people can find a job that allows them to fulfil their potential.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Personal responsibility means loving your neighbour THE other day someone stopped me and asked in an angry voice: “Hey vicar, when has 200 deaths a day become acceptable?" The question, of course, was in response to government data which had made it clear we should expect over 2,000 covid hospitalisations a day in August, with fatalities being in excess of 200 people: some 6,000 plus for the month which, if levels remained that high, is the equivalent of 72,000 deaths a year. Of course, our prayer has to be that the wave of infections this summer will be the last significant one and that the death toll is far less than scientific models are predicting. The reality is that we now have to learn to live with the virus. We know that the really successful vaccination programme has pointed the way to how this is possible. Coupled with each of

us following heightened hygienic practice in our daily lives, it is likely we will be able to deal with covid the same way we deal with influenza. However, the key to this is personal responsibility, which means we cannot now all go out and do what we like, throw away our face masks and show little concern for others. I was appalled to hear people saying they would not be prepared to wear a face covering in a crowded store after July 19, because it was just too much effort to put it on. Equally, I am not sure what sort of leadership and example we have received from some Tory MPs who have pronounced, with glee, that they would be throwing away their face masks. Not the most sensible or responsible proclamation at a time when the pandemic is not yet over and still might hold one final

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sting in its tail. The truth is, my friends, that true freedom does not come from selfish desire or whim, but from selfless action, encapsulated in respect and care for one’s neighbours. Throughout this pandemic there have been countless examples, both small and great, of tangible support and care for the marginalised in our society. In our own community of the Fromeside, the church's Comfort and Joy appeal to support struggling families and our schools continues to be a fine example of this, as has the work of local food banks, the commitment of our workers and the monumental sacrifice of those who work in the NHS. At the heart of Jesus’s teaching is the Great Commandment: to love your neighbour. For Christians and other people of faith, this is the most effective

Rev Malcolm Strange Fromeside Benefice

way of expressing your love for God. In truth, whether we are people of faith or not, if we all continue to live out this core human value, in our care for others and in our daily lives, then the Government’s gamble of relying on "personal responsibility" may just work out and keep us all safe and well.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

TV garden is tribute to The Pirate A NAUTICAL-themed garden has been created in Yate by the daughter of a man known as ‘The Pirate’. Liz Cantle’s father, Bruce Besant, died of cancer in 2019, aged 71. He was a founder of the Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club, one of the first parody clubs ever established – none of its members own a boat and the town is a long way from the sea. Bruce also loved gardening, and while he was unwell, he Liz joked about building a pirate garden with a pirate pond at the home she was to share with her future husband, Geoff Cantle. Liz had hoped Bruce would live long enough to take the lead, as she isn’t an experienced gardener. But he died just after Liz and Geoff married and she realised she didn’t know how to make the dream a reality. She said: “I like quirky things, so a pirate garden, well why not? It’s a talking point and I like things that are fun – but

Geoff and Liz Cantle with daughter Lois and the Rich brothers from the BBC's Garden Rescue in the pirate-themed garden. of course without Dad and his directional vision – I was a bit stuck.” Liz successfully applied to the Garden Rescue programme on BBC1, whose presenters Charlie Dimmock and the Rich brothers design and revamp people’s gardens in 48 hours. The design

n LIBRARY NEWS

is free, but participants pay for the materials. They day that the work was due to start ended up being day one of the first national lockdown last year, and the revamp was postponed until July. When the filming was done social distancing rules were

in place, and with the garden designs chosen on a laptop rather than in person. The couple chose a design by the Rich brothers. Liz said: “It’s contemporary with a nautical flair – they’ve used a lot of wood. It’s rustic looking but very well put together – the decking is cedar in the shape of the ship with a pirate flag attached to a fence at one end. "The pond has got a bridge across it but it’s actually a plank to walk the plank. There are lots of barrels in the garden and they created a Kraken sea monster made from box bushes with chicken wire for a frame. “It makes me laugh, although it’s beautiful it’s very ridiculous, a pirate-y themed garden for grown-ups. It keeps memories of my Dad alive.” The garden was finally shown to the viewing public when the latest series of Garden Rescue screened this summer.

Will Writing Will Writing & & Estate Planning Estate Planning

WINTERBOURNE Library is welcoming children to take part in the Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge. To get involved, children read six books over the summer holiday protect your your family’sfamily’s inheritance A Will Willlets letsyou you protect inheritance and decide youryour assets are shared out – if out you – if you and collect stickers to complete their and decidehow how assets are shared WEB-CAM don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. special Wild World Heroes poster to don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. get a medal and certificate. It’s free to take part. Please feel free The challenge is taking place at South Gloucestershire libraries until to call us during September 11, and children taking part office hours on: can discover how to make a difference to the environment, too. New this year is the mini challenge, specially designed for pre0117 952 0698 school children, who can pick up a free craft bag of animal activities to make at home when you join Wild World Heroes. or email To find out more, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges online. Winterbourne library is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday info@elm-online.co.uk from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am until 12.30pm. www.elm-online.co.uk Face coverings must be worn unless you are exempt, and users info@elm-online.co.uk should use the hand sanitiser provided and keep a safe distance from We have teamteam of We havea aBristol-based Bristol-based of trained trained Willawriting consultants whocan now others. We have Bristol-based team Will writing consultants who Mirror Wills Single Or www.elm-online.co.uk can now provide the same personal of trained Will writing consultants provide the same personal face to face Open access has now resumed at South Gloucestershire Libraries face to face meetings via our Couples FROM £99.00 who provide a and, home visiting serviceand, meetings via our Web-Cam-Wills during unstaffed hours and is available on Saturday from 12.45pm to Web-Cam-Wills subject to health and safety, canto take your instructions in can the still subject safety, we and wehealth can stilland provide a home5pm and Sunday from 8am to 5pm, for members who have signed up visiting service to take your instructions in We have ayour Bristol-based team comfort own home. provide aofhomeMirror Wills Single Or for the free Open Access service and completed an induction session. the comfort of your own visiting service to writing takehome.consultants of trained Will For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/openaccess. Couples FROM £99.00 your instructions in the Making Secure Plansservice for Uncertain Futures who provide a home visiting The library is a testing kit collection point. comfort of your own With everyone in the UK aged over 16 without covid symptoms and can take your instructions in the home. is encouraged to have two rapid (lateral flow) tests each week, you comfort of your own home. A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance can collect testing kits during opening hours, take your box home,and decide how your assets are shared out – if you complete your test following the instructions provided and recorddon’t your make a Will, the law says who gets what. Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures result online.

WILLS

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or email

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Please feel free to callcontact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk us during Email: office hours on: 0117 952 0698

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

Deputy takes charge of police AVON and Somerset police has a temporary chief constable as the search begins for a new officer to take charge. Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Crew took over the role on an interim basis at the start of July after Andy Marsh, who took the top job in 2016, stepped down after deciding not to renew his contract, saying it was the right time for a new challenge. Sarah has served as a police officer in Avon and Somerset Police since 1994 and has been deputy chief constable since 2017. She said: "I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Temporary Chief Constable at Avon and Somerset Police – a force I have been honoured to work for since September 1994. "Andy has been an outstanding leader and on behalf of our organisation, I would like to thank him for everything he’s achieved during his time as Chief Constable.

Sarah Crew has taken charge of Avon and Somerset police after Andy Marsh stepped down as chief constable. “I would like to pay tribute to all our officers, staff and volunteers who are making a difference every day and have tirelessly served the public during what’s been an incredibly challenging year. “Looking ahead, I am wholly committed to delivering outstanding policing to all of our communities and building on the already strong and positive relationships with the public, our partner agencies and community leaders from across Avon and Somerset."

The appointment was confirmed by the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel in June. Police and crime commissioner Mark Shelford said: "Andy Marsh has been an inspirational chief constable and has shaped Avon and Somerset to be one of best Police forces in the country. “I am pleased that the Police and Crime Panel has approved the appointment of Sarah Crew as temporary chief constable. As NPCC lead for rape and

adult sex offences, Sarah is a nationally recognised senior police officer and her leadership in transforming the response to rape and serious sexual offences through the work of Project Bluestone has been exceptional. "Sarah will provide stability, innovation and can build on the many strengths of Avon and Somerset Police. I have no doubt Sarah will take the force forward in its journey to becoming outstanding." The formal process to recruit a Chief Constable will take place over coming weeks with the new Chief Constable appointment due to be made by this Autumn. Papers released ahead of the police and crime panel hearing said an independent consultancy would be involved in recruiting the new chief constable, with "a gap of at least six months" expected before a candidate for the permanent position can be approved.

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

What matters most to you? IN June, I launched my Police and Crime Survey as an opportunity for residents across Avon and Somerset to tell me what policing issues matter most to them. The 12-week long survey, which only takes 10 minutes to complete, includes a number of questions focusing on my draft Police and Crime Plan priorities and objectives. These objectives cover a range of police topics, including anti-social behaviour, burglary, hate crime, rural crime, domestic abuse and how you want the police to be open and transparent. It is essential that, as your PCC, I am listening to all communities and their concerns, and that is why I want as many local people as possible to share their views on these draft objectives. My priorities and objectives

are the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan, a legal document that sets out the policing of the area, how the Chief Constable will be held to account and how I will use your money – taxpayers’ money – to deliver an effective and efficient police service and support other services, such as victim support providers. In my role as PCC, I am the bridge between local people and the police, and it is absolutely essential that I hear from as many of you as possible, including victims of crime, about my proposed Police and Crime Plan and the direction I am setting for Avon and Somerset Police. When I came into the role, I promised I would make Avon and Somerset a safer place for everyone, and part of achieving this is listening to your views,

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thoughts and concerns. The survey is an opportunity for you to tell me what you want your police service to focus on. To complete the survey online, visit avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-and-crime-survey. Last month, we were told by the Prime Minister that there was to be a big lifting of lockdown restrictions. Most of the coronavirus rules we have lived with since last March, including face masks, social distancing and working from home were set to end on July 19 thanks to the roll-out of the vaccines. Despite the fact that life is closer than ever to returning to ‘normal’, I encourage you to remain vigilant, take personal responsibility and be aware of others around you. We have lived with these restrictions for a considerable amount of time –

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford longer than any of us expected – and not everyone will be as comfortable walking around with no face mask on or being in close proximity to others. Let’s be sensible and, together, ensure we do not have to take a step backwards at any point in the future.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS

New pop-up shop will help charities A NEW pop-up shop opening in Yate will raise money for local charities impacted by the pandemic. Three local mums – Samantha Kenney, Ami Bowden and Tracey Siddall – have taken over a unit at 1 North Walk rent free. The women are running an ongoing initiative which is sponsored by Chipping Sodbury Mayor, Councillor James Ball, to help charities that are struggling due to the pandemic. Samantha said: “We change our charity every month – this month our chosen charity is Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church and next month it’s PIMHS, Primary Infant Mental Health Services. "We are also a collection point for Blonde Angel Street Team and FF4F (Family Food 4 Free). We are all volunteers with extensive retail and charity work experience and committed to helping as many people as possible.” Yate Shopping Centre Manager Andrew Lowrey said: “We are always delighted to support the local community and it’s great to be able to assist when local people are using their own time and initiative to raise funds for much needed causes. We hope that the new pop-up will be hugely

successful and significantly increase awareness and donations to the charities involved.” Meanwhile the town's Children’s Hospice South West shop is urging people to donate summer clothing after an increase in demand, and also needs more children’s toys and bric-a-brac. Shop manager Anne Mosby said: “We have been very busy since the easing of lockdown and while we have a great choice in store right now, we know we are going to need more summer clothing to meet the demand of the next few weeks. “We think that because of the lockdown last summer, people didn’t refresh their wardrobe as much as normal. Then with lockdown in the early part of this year, they weren’t able to have a clear out and donate any pre-loved summer clothing.” Donations can be dropped off at the shop in East Walk. Everything sold helps the charity’s three hospices, including Charlton Farm in North Somerset, which have stayed open throughout the pandemic. Right: Fundraisers Samantha Kenney, Ami Bowden and Tracey Siddal. Photo: Rich McD

n COUNCIL NEWS

Restoring nature South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage explains how people can work together to make a real difference for our wildlife WE are lucky to have such beautiful open spaces, communities and landscapes in South Gloucestershire and we must safeguard them for the health, well-being and enjoyment of future generations. Restoring nature in our communities is critical, not only for wildlife but also for people, and it is a central part of our response to the climate and ecological emergencies. As our population grows, more pressure is put on nature. The effects of intensive farming, pollution, urbanisation, climate change, nonnative species and overfishing can be seen in declining species, with numbers of hedgehogs falling by a third since the year 2000, for example. The good news is that by acting now and working together, we can make a real difference. Between us we can do an enormous amount to protect and restore nature. As a council we are working with residents and landowners to plant thousands of new trees and managing grassland to support wild flowers

and pollinators. You can also create habitats and support nature in your own gardens, at work, or on land you own. Here are just some of the ways you can help: • Put up a nest box for swifts or other birds • A log pile in your garden provides shelter for insects, amphibians and hedgehogs. Use a mixture of fallen branches or offcuts from pruning, bark and twigs, and locate it under a bush or in a quiet corner • Leave your grass to grow over the summer to encourage more plant life and insects • Planting a fruit tree will provide an incredible year-round resource for wildlife - and food for you • Take part in litter picking. If you are a regular walker, take a bag and pick up litter as you go • Set your outside lights on a motion sensor, angling them downwards, and turn off any decorative lights overnight, to save energy and

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reduce light pollution for nocturnal wildlife • Avoid using pesticides and weedkiller, which can harm wildlife • Use peat-free compost or try producing your own, with a composter or compost heap • When buying plants, aim for native, UK-grown species • Save rainwater in water butts and barrels. Pond life will much prefer natural rain water if you need to top up your water features These initiatives will not only support nature and the environment but help to keep our communities as pleasant and healthy places for everyone. For more information about gardening for wildlife visit the Creating a Wildlife-friendly Garden section of the RSPB website or ptes.org/ get-involved/wildlife-action/. A free online climate emergency training course is available at bit.ly/2UDeL1K

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice kingswoodvoice

28 August 2021

August, 2021 15

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Could this be Britain’s stinkiest museum? THIS SUMMER, visitors to Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol are promised more smells and sounds than ever before as they explore the historic ocean liner and two family-friendly museums. Natalie Fey manages interactive experiences for visitors. She says: "They can try out the bunks and cabins for size, wander among the sounds and smells imagining what a 60-day voyage would have been like, and spot rats scurrying about in the galley." The smells and sounds extend to the two museums on site. The Dockyard Museum brings engineering to life with the interactive propeller lifting frame. In the Being Brunel museum, step aboard the shaking broad gauge carriage to experience the bumpy railway lines of Victorian times. Be sure to stop and talk to Mr Brunel and challenge him with your questions about the SS Great Britain

n WHAT'S ON Iron Island: the SS Great Britain Refloated 23rd August – 19th September 2021

or simply pose for a selfie with the great Victorian engineer. Families can also see behind-the-scenes of a working shipyard for the first time with a new viewing area offering

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spectacular views of the harbour and the city's historic dry dock. Don't worry if you run out of time. Tickets include free unlimited returns for one year.

This summer, the iron ship floats again as Limbic Cinema bring the sea back to the SS Great Britain. Dive down into the Dry Dock to discover a new, immersive theatre experience, combining poetry, sounds and digital projections.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk Email: news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Move over BBQs: Jambalaya

Ann Murray founded 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. Onion – 1, sliced Garlic cloves – 2, crushed Cajun seasoning – ½ tsp Cayenne pepper – ¼ - ½ tsp Olive oil – 1 dessertspoon

WE'VE had a very mixed bag of weather this summer. For many people, as soon as the sun shines it’s out with the barbecue. My recipe this month is an alternative. It's jambalaya, another quick and easy recipe from the Deep South of America. Jambalaya is interesting for people who enjoy their food, but not so spicy that some people will just push it round their plate! It’s economical, especially if you like to use chicken thighs, with skin removed - and it's easy to do. Perfect for a family gathering, a real

crowd pleaser. It ticks all my boxes and I hope it’ll tick yours.

Jambalaya

Here's what you do Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the onion and the chorizo together for a couple of mins Add the rice and stir gently until all the grains of rice are coated with the oil. Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper with the

chicken strips and fry until they begin to go brown. Add the tomatoes and the stock, stir and then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and then simmer for 20-25 mins until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with roasted peppers, red onions and perhaps a few sweet potato chips Cook’s tip You can use pork strips and cook in the same way, or prawns, but they need less cooking, so add them 3 or 4 mins before the end of the cooking time.

Serves 2

Ingredients Chicken breasts, skinned and cut into strips – 2 Chorizo sausage, cut into chunks – 100g (3oz) Long grain rice – 125g (4oz) Chopped, tinned tomatoes – 200g (7oz) Chicken stock – 250 ml (8 fl oz, ½ pint)

Row over cancelled meeting A ROW has erupted after a council meeting was cancelled at the 11th hour because of sweltering heat and soaring covid cases. Opposition groups branded the Government “reckless and shortsighted” for refusing to allow remote meetings to continue, following the decision to call off a full council meeting of South Gloucestershire Council on July 21. Up to 61 members, as well as officers and members of the public, would have crammed into Kingswood civic centre’s chamber as both temperatures and coronavirus rates across the district remained high. It was postponed on the advice of director of public health, Sara Blackmore, because of the extreme heat, number of attendees expected and increasing incidents of Covid-19. Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young said: “Despite the country still being in the middle of a pandemic, in April the Government decided not to extend the law allowing councils to meet remotely. That was a foolish and anti-democratic decision." The ruling Conservative group hit back at the criticism, saying that holding the meeting posed a health hazard and that the opposition attacks were “redundant” because virtual meetings would require new legislation – and that they “could not blame the Government for the weather”. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Computer group returns FRAMPTON Cotterell Computer Group is planning to resume normal operations at the Brockeridge Centre in September. After more than a year since being forced to suspend activities due to coronavirus restrictions, the club hopes to be able to welcome new or returning members with a full programme of sessions from Monday to Thursday, starting in the week beginning September 6. Although younger people have grown up with computers, many older people have had limited experience of them in either their working or personal life. Frampton Cotterell Comp Group aims to help people to improve their knowledge, confidence and understanding, either through structured exercises which they can work through at their own pace or by answering specific questions which are raised. Because of the informal nature of the group, people can also learn from each other as they try different things. The group would also welcome new volunteers who have some experience of using computers or tablets. You don’t need to be an IT expert as a basic knowledge, an enquiring mind, and a willingness to share are sufficient to deal with most issues. For more complex questions, experienced people are at hand to offer support to other volunteers. Final details for the sessions are still being worked out, so anyone who would like to get involved can contact the volunteer helpers via the Brockeridge Centre on 01454 864442, email over50it_1@hotmail. co.uk, or visit the Computer Group website, www.fccomputergroup.uk. Phil Handy

Crossbow Singers IN common with so many other choirs, Crossbow Singers haven’t been able to meet and sing together since March 2020. Our only contact has been via Zoom and, unfortunately, this wasn’t accessible to all members. Nevertheless, the group who did meet regularly on Crossbow Singers meet over Zoom a Monday evenings have enjoyed chatting to one another, learning some musical theory, and practising our individual parts in the comfort (and safety) of our own homes. All this has been made possible due to the hard work of our musical director, Carolyn Dutton. Many thanks, also, to Eric Bray for facilitating these Zoom meetings, which have now come to an end. Looking forward, we will be holding our long-overdue annual general meeting in Crossbow House on Monday August 9 at 7.30 pm, subject, of course, to any Government changes in restrictions. We are still planning to start rehearsals again on Monday September 6, when we hope we will be able to sing as a choir. Fingers crossed for that! We are trying to remain hopeful and optimistic. We can’t wait to start singing together again and possibly even preparing for a Christmas Concert with our loyal audience. Christine Palmer

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n NEWS FROM WINTERBOURNE BARN WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn's main event in August is Shakespeare's historic drama Henry V. The Festival Players were set to return to the Barn with their professional touring production on Tuesday August 3, presenting the Bard's exhilarating historic tale of leadership, bravery, humour and love. The play will be inside the barn at 7pm, but the grounds are available for visitors to picnic beforehand from 5.30pm. Please note, on-site parking is only for people with mobility problems – contact the Barn to reserve a place. For everyone else, free car parking is available at Winterbourne Academy, a 10 to 15 minute walk down Church Lane. No parking is allowed on Church Lane itself. There are also activities for families with young children on each Tuesday in August at either 10am or 1pm. Aimed at children under 12, there is a different theme each week, including the Olympics, time travel, mystical magic and carnival.

Shakespeare and summer fun

Refreshments are available and there is free parking on site for these workshops. A more specialist opportunity is offered on August 7 for anyone who would like to learn how to spin wool using a historic method. Running from 10am until 4pm, a one-day workshop will introduce you to the European method of spinning wool with a distaff and spindle. You will be taught several ways to dress a distaff and the two principal ways of spinning from it. The cost of the workshop includes

all materials, tuition and lunch. Tea and tour events are being held on the first Thursday of the month at 2pm for a short talk about the history of the barn, with a cup of tea, followed and an exploration of the recentlyrenovated West Barn and the rest of the site. Looking ahead to September two musical events are coming up. A Summer Swing Barn Dance takes place on September 4, at 7pm. What better way to celebrate late summer than a real barn dance

in a real barn, with rousing tunes from Sargent’s Mess, and expert caller Rob? The bar and grounds are open from 6pm. On September 21 at 7.30pm acclaimed musicians Chris Green and Sophie Matthews will present A Brief History of Music, taking in 600 years of musical history in 90 minutes from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This show is a whistle-stop tour of Western musical history using tunes, songs and humour to take you on an epic journey. All events at the barn must be pre-booked. For prices, booking details and more information visit the website www.winterbournebarn.org.uk. Although covid restrictions are no longer a legal requirement, the Trust would prefer visitors to wear a mask while moving around indoors, and to respect personal space around others. Louise Harrison

We warmly invite you to watch the Annual Convention which is being presented online this year due to COVID. The program will show how we can overcome many of life’s challenges and have a positive hope for the future. Pre-recorded video sessions are being released free to view on JW.ORG during July and August. No registration or personal details are required. For further information please contact: yatecongregation@gmail.com or 07587 408058 Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Floral Friends plant trail blooms WE hope everyone has enjoyed walking around the village to admire all the innovative and interesting displays that local residents created for the Sort It, Sow It Plant Trail. The weather has been kind, and all the displays have been much appreciated. Well done everyone and thank you all for taking part. We have not aimed to raise money from this event (although donations are always welcome) and, of course, we have not been able to hold plant sales and coffee mornings. With restrictions lifting we hope to be able to do so in the not-sodistant future. If you go down to the Sensory Garden today, you will find that the Owl and Hedgehog have been joined by a new friend – the Snail! Our thanks to Andy O’Neill, who carved him, and to Nisa, who funded him. We also very much appreciate the kind donations we have received from local residents of

plants and compost. It takes time, effort and funds to maintain the planting around the village benefiting the local community, the environment, and the wildlife. If you would like to help there are various ways in which you can do so, from regularly maintaining the planters, to fundraising, donating or sponsoring a planter or gateway. If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@ gmail.com.

Andy O’Neill carved this snail for the Sensory Garden

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS our Facebook page at @ WICoalpitHeath. Caroline Johnston

Coalpit Heath WI THE first outdoor meeting took place in July in the Glebe field, next to St Saviour’s church, with about half of the membership able to attend. The original date was postponed due to predicted poor weather and a clash with a certain football match! However, a week later it was great to have a face-toface social in a larger group and members had lots of opportunities to chat. There was a book stall available and an opportunity to complete a fence head, as materials were provided. The completed fence heads, made from milk cartons, tins, washing tablet boxes, fabric conditioner bottles amongst other things, were added to the Badminton Road fence ready for the Sow it, Sort it, Plant it trail. The faces all look fantastic, with features added and additional accessories made from fabric before being planted up. A watering rota is now in place which is essential during this hot spell. They will stay up until at least

Frampton Cotterell WI

A decorated 'fence head' the end of July and longer if they still look good. Our next meeting will take place in St Saviour’s hall on Wednesday August 4, starting at 8pm, which will allow for any cleaning needed. Members will be asked to bring their own refreshments for the time being. If you feel you would like to join us you would be very welcome. Any updates and further information will be on

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SADLY, our summer picnic was cancelled yet again due to the weather not being on our side! We’re still hoping to hold it some time before September, so we’re keeping an eye on the weather and will let our members know if we can find a sunny day that works for us all. That said, our programme for the rest of the year has now been confirmed. In August we have a group visit organised to Camers Gardens in Old Sodbury, which we’re really looking forward to. It takes place on the 18th, at 2pm. The remainder of our programme for the year has now been confirmed as follows - if you fancy joining us for any of these events and talks, please get in touch. September 28: Michelle Armitage (Light & Frank Interiors) Personality and Interior Design October 26: Craft evening and

Christmas gift stalls November 23: AGM. December: Christmas Bingo, date to be confirmed January 25 (2022): Emma Britton - From Radio Shows to Funerals and Weddings February 22: dogs for medical detection March 22: Welcome back to Paul Green (Green Leaves Nursery) - Plant care and sale. Watch this space and our Facebook page for confirmation of future event dates and more details. Under normal circumstances, visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a charge of £2.50 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a membership fee. In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us, please get in touch via our Facebook page at FramptonCottWI. Special interest groups that meet separately include a book club, craft group, choir and our skittles and darts teams.

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n SPORT

Club is thriving through challenging times THE last 18 months have been a challenging period for grassroots football clubs, with the sport stopping and starting on numerous occasions. However, Coalpit Heath FC have continued to thrive, with new teams being formed and new members joining the committee. The under-16s have had a tough 18 months, with limited football and their education severely impacted while undertaking their GCSEs. On finishing school, one of the U16s teams gave up their free time to tidy up the Manor compound for the junior section. Team manager Kevin Eynon said: "The team cleared the compound of undergrowth and painted three football cabins to a surprisingly high standard for novice painters and gardeners. "After much hard work, a BBQ and football match obviously followed." Despite the recent challenges,

Coalpit Heath U16s clearing the compound at the Manor playing fields the club has continued to grow and now has the most teams it has ever had, which are continuing to train and play friendlies. We have a Soccertots section for aged 4+, new U7s for the forthcoming season, two U8 sides, U9s, U10s, three U11 sides, U12s, U13s, U14s and two U18 sides. We are still looking for a few additional players across the U7s, U11s, U12s and U13s. As our numbers continue

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to grow, we are always looking for new recruits to assist in coaching. The club will assist new coaches in achieving their FA Level 1 and will also support those that are interested in achieving FA Level 2. The club has a very dedicated committee and over the last 18 months, we have said goodbye to several members who have provided many years of service. Unfortunately, we have not been able to provide them with the send-off they deserve. Ade

Cooke, Jer Kinsman and Steve Begbie-Dilks, who is continuing in his role as U18 coach, committed many years of service to the club and held multiple roles between them from coach, chairman and club secretary to child welfare officer and league secretary. Our appreciation for the work they have undertaken for the club cannot be underestimated. Andrea Farrant and Karen Cooke have also recently relinquished their roles, following several years supporting the club as Child Welfare Officer and League Secretary. We are very fortunate to have a thriving junior section and have recently welcomed Tim Bisp and James Coombs onto the committee. If you are interested in joining Coalpit Heath as a player or coach please email info@ coalpitheathfc.org.uk Steve Clemente

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n SPORT

Summer success for Bristol & West Pickleball BRISTOL & West have won hockey's Bristol & District Summer League for the first time. The men’s 1st team's achievement is all the more impressive considering that five of the other six teams competing play in higher leagues during the winter season. The remaining four games of July were 2-2 draw against Firebrands, a 4-2 win over Clifton Robinson’s, a 6-1 win against Team Bath Buccaneers and an 8-2 victory over Westbury in their last game – with youngster Luke Berry grabbing a hat-trick. Whilst many results are still outstanding, B&W finish on a total of 20 out of 24 points from eight games – six wins, two draws and no defeats – and cannot be caught. B&W scored 39 goals and conceded the lowest amount in the league (17), finishing with a goal difference of +22. The club formed a mixed team for the first time this year, to take part in a new and friendly summer league. Comprised of mixed hockey teams from around the area, B&W won all four of their games, beating Old Bristolians 4-2 in the last fixture. With 12 out of 12 points they scored 21 and conceded only three times, finishing with a goal difference of +18. Lots of fun was had by all, especially in the great

returns

weather. There is one month of rest now for B&W before pre-season fixtures and team trials begin in late August. With the previous winter leagues abandoned due to COVID-19, they’re all set and ready to go again in late September...fingers crossed. If you're interested in getting back to hockey, we've got space for you - whether you've not played in years, just moved to the area or are looking for something new. For more details visit the website at www.bandwhc.org.uk or email Communicationsbawhc@outlook.com.

AVON Pickleball Club has relaunched sessions at two South Gloucestershire venues. The paddleball sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, had to stop during the covid lockdown but has now returned to Thornbury Leisure Centre from 10am to midday on Wednesdays. Outdoor sessions are being held on Mondays from 10am until midday at the Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke, where the town council has included four pickleball courts. Pickleball is played using a solid wood paddle and perforated ball on a court similar to a doubles badminton court. For further information email the club at avonpickleball@gmail.com, visit the Facebook page or the website www.avonpickleball. club.

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n SPORT

Maiden centuries for Frampton duo GARY Winsor (pictured left) and Jimmy Dickinson both hit maiden league tons in the same match, when Frampton Cotterell cruised past Failand & Portbury by 121 runs in Division Three of the Martin Berrill Bristol & District League. Winsor, who opened, ended unbeaten on 133 off 104 (12 fours, four sixes) while Dickinson was 110 not out (78 balls, ten fours, six sixes) as the pair shared an unbroken third wicket stand of 237. Frampton totalled an imposing 300-2 before Failand were restricted to 179, Brendan Foreman (4-36 from eight), Hari Kammula (2-32) and Ryan Cater (2-32) combining to complete their side’s sixth win of the campaign. Steve Hill

Seconds lead the way for Winterbourne CC WE are into the heart of the cricket season and Winterbourne 2nds lead the way, sitting top of the Bristol & District Cricket First Division with 184 points, 21 points ahead of the chasing pack. In recent weeks, maintaining their position has involved a couple of close results, with two-wicket victories over Downend 2nds (C Brown 40, J Studley 3-12) and Hanham 1st (L Ford 39, N Sanders 3-20). During the season the top performers with the bat have been C Kay (242 runs) and T Curnock (172 runs), with the bowlers backing up the batting with wickets for J Studley (18), K Slade (16) and A Tabraiz (14). With important fixtures across August deciding the direction of the league, Mike Green's team will be looking to carry on their good form well into August. The 4ths find themselves in a similar position to the 2nds, with no traffic in front of them at the top of the league with the chasing

pack at least 17 points behind them. The one difference is that they have had no such close games in recent weeks, winning three of their last four games by a cumulative total of 262 runs and the one game, when chasing, by 10 wickets. The 5ths are following suit at the top of their league, however the view is not so comfortable with them ahead by the finest of margins. The 3rds will require a late-season burst to reignite their dreams of promotion. Currently fourth, they are 20 points short of second place, although two upcoming games against the team in front of them mean that there is still hope for the more optimistic WCC supporters. Two close victories recently mean that the 1sts have been able to move out of the bottom two and up to 7th. Hopes of moving up the table were hanging by a thread when 1sts were bowled out for 89 by Western-super-Mare. However,

Bronze medal for gymnasts YOUNG gymnasts from Hambrook, Charfield, Yate and Chipping Sodbury won a bronze medal at the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships. Eight members of the King Edmund Acro club, based in Yate, were picked to represent Great Britain at the tournament in Geneva, along with coaches Nikki Thorne and Vladimir Makarchenko. The men's four of Joel Compton, 17, from Charfield, 18-year-old Harry Hole, of Hambrook, Vinny Panetta, 14, from Yate and Alex Reeve, 15, from Chipping Sodbury, won their bronze medal with three routines in the 12-18 age group at the event in early July, beating some tough opposition.

The medal-winning men's four in action Senior mixed pair Dylan Howells and Tash Hutchinson made a slight mistake in their combined routine, which cost them a place in the final. The women's pair in the 12-18 age group,

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Winterbourne then put Weston under pressure, taking wickets in clusters and leaving their opponents at 54-7. With the game coming to a close it looked as if Winterbourne would fall just short, before a breakdown in communication between the final batting pair led to a runout and a win by the smallest of margins, as Weston were all out for 88. A close-run contest against Ilminster, with WCC scoring 125 and setting up a defendable total, saw early wickets put Ilminster in a position they could not recover from, as they were dismissed for 94. There is no time to rest for the 1sts: sitting only four points from safety, the games across August will decide their fate in the league. For more information about the club contact chairman Bob Vickery on 07711 856472 or by email at vickeryb1@outlook. com. Nick Crane Polly Maggs and Chloe Hopkins, were outstanding and show great promise as a partnership going forward. With the club's regular training venue at Yate International Gymnastics Centre shut due to covid restrictions in the months leading up to the event, training was moved to Bristol Hawks gym, Spiltz Gym in Westonsuper-Mare and the Play Shed soft play centre in Yate, meaning preparations were far from ideal. But the coaching team said all eight gymnasts had put in some outstanding performances. Nikki said: "I'm very proud of the eight gymnasts and their performances gave a good insight into what can be achieved with hard work and commitment. "We look forward to the Europeans later this year and hope they all get selected to represent the country again." Mark Thorne

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

n SPORT

Places filling for 10k Frampton back in action FRAMPTON Cotterell got back to some competitive rugby at the Whitehall RFC 10s tournament. The tournament on July 24 was arranged in memory of Whitehall club stalwart Chris Scott, who passed away last year. Frampton won some silverware for the first time in a while as they lifted the Plate trophy, beating Scottys Barbarians 24-5. It could have gone much better if Fram had not lost to eventual winners Whitehall by one score in the semi-final. It was a great day, and a return to a little normality. Special mentions go to skipper Adam Pullen, who motivated the team all day long and to youngster Adam Harris, who was Fram's player of the day. Mike Weaver

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fromevalleyvoice

August, 2021

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• Craig Anthony • Good Frydays • Mokka Lounge • Victoria’s Health and Beauty • West 70 Photography Filton Station Road • Crocsrus • Bristol Pet Stop Ltd • Goto - IT • Little Bathroom and Boiler Company • Borowiec Ltd TA Rozmaryn Polish Delicatessen Hanham • Eclectic Gift Shop • John Woods Cycle Repair Centre • 54A Hair & Beauty • A.S.Golding • Fleurtations Florist • Artime - Vincent Brown • Sassy hair studio • Travel Buddy UK • Hanham Florist Ltd • Ninos Barber Shop • Sticky Fingers Bakehaus ltd • Carpet Cave Ltd T/A Hanham Flooring

• Venus School of Dance • Pzazz Kingswood • Fuzchias Hair • Fresco Fish Market • Rainbow Bakery Café • JM South West • Beauty Within Staple Hill • Hair and Beauty @ the Square • American Candy Bristol • Farleys Pet food • Dury and Tippett Eyecare Ltd • Platinum Pet Care • The Friendly Eco Bristol • Jason’s Trading Post • Jay Jay’s Hair • Bunch Florists Thornbury • Beespoke • Castle Crafts • Celebration Fairs • Rosie & Rex • Bristol Coffee Company • Shampooches

• Swan Thornbury Ltd • Castle Crafts • Rosie & Rex • Papilio (Heritage) Ltd • Horders - Thornbury Press • Celebrations Fair • Hawkes House • Beespoke • Ronnie’s • Jolies Fleurs • Thornbury Garden Shop • Roobroo • Elite Fitness • Lee’s Mend A Shoe • The Malthouse • The Thornbury Deli • C The World • Hard Pressed for Time • Surroundings • The White Lion • The Thornbury Clinic Yate • Del’s Café Station Road • Pisces Station Road • Susan Charles Ladies Hairdressers • Bike Station UK Limited • Hollisters

THORNBURY High Street/ Outside Papilio BS35 2AH High Street/ Outside The Swan BS35 2AE

YATE Cranleigh Court Road/ Station Road BS37 5DH

FILTON Community Gardens Gloucester Road North BS34 7PF

Near Reptile Zone Crocs-r-Us Gloucester Road North BS34 7BL

The YMCA – garden at the rear of the hall Station Road BS37 4PQ

CHIPPING SODBURY Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church High Street BS37 6AH

DOWNEND King George V Playing Fields Westerleigh Road entrance BS16 6AH

The Horseshoe Downend Road BS16 6BA

STAPLE HILL Page Park Sensory Garden nr Bean Tree Café Park Road BS16 5LU

KINGSWOOD Regent Street/ Outside Iceland BS15 8LA

Kingswood Park High Street entrance BS15 4AD

Hatherell’s Yard Market High Street BS37 6BA

HANHAM The Maypole High Street BS15 3AB

Hanham Community Centre High Street BS15 3EJ

Fountain Square Broad Street BS16 5LN

# SGBeeTrail The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.

2704 Bees High Streets Trail - Voice.indd 1

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southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos

26/07/2021 15:52