Frome Valley Voice December 2019

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

December, 2019 Issue 76

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

New milestone for old tradition Election guide

AS Britain faces its third general election in five years, the Voice has a guide to all the candidates.

PAGES 6-8

Sophie plays for England

A TEENAGE goalkeeper from Winterbourne Down has helped England under-17s qualify for the next stage of a UEFA tournament.

PAGE 3 It is part of a centuries-old tradition but Winterbourne Down's Mummers play is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Find out why on page 11.

Time to tell on vandals POLICE are urging people to report vandal attacks and anti-social behaviour – instead of complaining about them on social media.

Officers say they need to hear about incidents directly after a spate of incidents where homes and cars were damaged, some of which went unreported.

They reached a peak in the week around Halloween and Bonfire Night, with multiple complaints on Facebook pages for Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath residents.

Now people are being urged to do something to stop their villages being "ruined" by the vandals.

Turn to page 4.

Poachers strike

A DEER was killed and skinned after being attacked in a Winterbourne field.

PAGE 20

Say goodbye to your old school

FORMER pupils of a Frampton Cotterell school are being invited to take a last look before it moves to a new site.

PAGE 15

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

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December, 2019

FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew

Ken MCcormick

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Editor

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January deadline

Your views

Our January edition will be going to print on December 17. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by December 11. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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

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

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

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

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December, 2019

3

n NEWS

Sophie stars for the Young Lionesses A YOUNG goalkeeper from Winterbourne Down is back from international duty after helping England under-17s qualify for the next stage of a UEFA tournament.

Sophie Hillyerd, 16, kept two clean sheets as the Young Lionesses reached the competition's elite round with victories over hosts Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia and Belgium. The final qualification matches take place in the spring, with a place in the finals in Sweden at stake.

The 11-day camp in Bosnia was the latest overseas trip for Sophie since first being picked for England at the age of 14. She has also been to Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden.

The call-ups are reward for many years of hard work and training at the SGS Wise campus in Stoke Gifford, where Sophie is part of the Bristol City set-up.

Sophie Hillyerd (in green) lines up with her England teammates She now features in the Bristol City under 21 squad, playing against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City in the FA Academy League.

Sophie was also on the bench for a recent Bristol City first-team game.

Her football career started at the age of seven for Downend

Flyers and then Frampton Rangers, where she was initially an outfield player until the goalie left and she decided to give it a go between the sticks.

Sophie previously attended Bristol Cathedral Choir School, where she juggled training with doing her GCSEs. She is now combining her football with a BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at SGS. Sophie said: “Walking out wearing the England badge and singing the national anthem makes me feel absolutely amazing.

“Every time I represent my country, I feel so proud and it proves that the hard work I put in on and off the football pitch, day in day out, pays off.

Women's football is going places at the moment and it's great to be a part of it.”

Just three candidates stand in election VOTERS in the Thornbury and Yate constituency have just three candidates to choose from in this month's general election.

The field has narrowed to the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour after the Greens agreed to drop out of the contest in a pact with the Lib Dems – then the Brexit Party unilaterally withdrew from all Tory-held seats.

It is the first time for more than 30 years that only three parties have stood in the constituency, which covers Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton.

In 2010, the year Thornbury and Yate replaced the Northavon constituency, there were six candidates, including two independents. UKIP and the Greens stood in 2015, while in 2017 the Greens contested the seat alongside the Tories, Lib Dems and Labour.

The Green Party announced it would not stand a candidate in Thornbury and Yate as part of a national agreement with the Liberal Democrats, called Unite to Remain, which aims to give pro-remain candidates a better chance of winning marginal seats against

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Labour or Tory MPs. At the last general election in 2017 the Greens came fourth in Thornbury and Yate: their candidate received just 633 votes from a total turnout of 50,690.

Their votes would not have changed the result, as Conservative Luke Hall's majority over the second-placed Lib Dems was 12,071.

In Filton and Bradley Stoke, which includes Winterbourne, five candidates are standing.

Election preview: Pages 6 to 8

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

4

December, 2019

n NEWS

Treasure Island a panto? Oh yes, it is!

ONE of the greatest adventure stories ever written is being brought into the world of pantomime this month.

Winterbourne Musical Theatre is performing Treasure Island – The Panto at WADCA from December 4 to 7.

The Robert Louis Stevenson story which brought the world Long John Silver and Bristol a lasting association with pirates gains a comedy-packed script by Alan P Frayn, songs, a pantomime dame and what the company describes as "and a little harmless innuendo for the adults".

Audience members, especially children, are invited to come dressed as pirates if they wish.

The panto starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night, with Saturday performances at 1pm and 6pm at the community centre in Watleys End Road.

For tickets, call 01454 317408.

Tell us about vandals, say police From page 1 Resident Lisa Rigby has been urging people to report incidents to police, to be vigilant and for parents to ask their children where they have been and what they have been doing.

Lisa's mum was one of several people affected by a spate of vandal attacks on October 28, when on various streets in Winterbourne, cars were vandalised, porches were egged, and a front room window was smashed.

Lisa contacted the Voice to highlight the problem, saying: “This disgusting behaviour comes with no understanding of the impact and distress they're

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"The innocent, hard-working people now have to pay out for these things to be fixed.

Winterbourne is a beautiful village that is sadly being ruined by disrespectful, bored and illbehaved vandals, something that needs to be stopped.”

Incidents in Frampton and Coalpit Heath highlighted on Facebook included a vandal attack on one of the scarecrows in the village scarecrow trail.

Lisa has been urging other users of local Facebook groups to report what they have seen or suffered to the police.

She said: "Things cannot change if the police are not made

aware of it."

Police say that only three of the incidents on October 28 were reported.

A spokesperson said: “There is no trend that could be attributed to Halloween related incidents other than an assault where two 13 year old lads, who I believe had been trick or treating, were assaulted by another group of similar age lads – however they do not wish to pursue a complaint.”

People are being advised to call 999 for an emergency response if a crime is taking place or there is a danger to life, to call 101 to report a crime after it has happened if an emergency

response is not needed.

Concerns about antisocial behaviour and graffiti can be raised with South Gloucestershire Council's anti-social behaviour team on 01454 868582 or by email to asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk.

The Winterbourne neighbourhood beat team is holding a surgery open to the public on December 10 from 2-3pm with PC Elizabeth Ball and PCSO Jacqui McCormack at the Greenfield Centre in Park Avenue, Winterbourne.

Anyone with information about the incidents of October 28 should call 101 and quote the crime number D141041686.

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BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THORNBURY & YATE

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Claire has a strong record of action in Thornbury & Yate constituency now she wants to take your issues to Parliament.

She led the way on declaring a climate emergency in our area. She has campaigned alongside local people to get Thornbury & Yate moving and oppose disastrous Conservative housing plans. She will fight for genuinely affordable, zero carbon homes and greener transport.

Claire is working to get increased funding for health services and local schools, which have been put under huge pressure by Conservative polices since 2015. On Brexit, Claire and the Lib Dems have been fighting to keep our voice in Europe.

Your two-way choice‌

Only a vote for Lib Dem Claire Young can stop Boris Johnson wrecking the United Kingdom.

Here in Thornbury & Yate, elections are a clear choice between Lib Dems and Tories. That's why the Green Party and many Labour supporters are lending us their votes this time, as well as traditional Conservatives. We all want an MP who will protect our NHS, recognise the climate emergency and put an end to the Brexit mess.

This could be your last chance to make your voice heard on Brexit.

Con 37%

Lib Dem 55%

Lab 5%

Votes in the Thornbury & Yate constituency in the 2019 local elections.

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fromevalleyvoice

6

December, 2019

n GENERAL ELECTION

Thornbury and Yate candidates guide VOTERS go to the polls on December 12 for the country's third general election in less than five years.

In Thornbury and Yate, the Conservatives are defending a majority of 12,071 from the last election in 2017.

Luke Hall has been the MP for Thornbury and Yate since 2015, when he defeated Liberal Democrat Steve Webb, who had won the seat at the first general election after

Luke Hall – Conservative "As a father who has lived locally all my life, I use the same roads, medical facilities and bus services as everybody in our community, and I have a Positive Plan for the future of South Gloucestershire.

"We are already making progress on the plan; protecting green spaces by defeating the plans to build thousands of houses at Thornbury, Charfield and

Robert Logan Labour “I have lived in the Bristol area for 13 years. We moved here when my eldest daughter was born, because my wife's family has lived in or around Thornbury for over 35 years.

"I have been a member of the Labour Party for over twenty years. The Party has changed a lot in that time, but the fundamental values remain.

Claire Young – Liberal Democrats "I'm standing for Parliament to stop the Brexit mess so we can focus on what really matters – tackling climate change, getting proper funding for our schools and health services and building a fairer society that works for everyone.

"I have a record of action working with local people across the constituency.

Together we've secured wins like longer opening

its creation in 2010 and held the previous Northavon seat since 1997. The Liberal Democrats came second in 2017.

This year, Labour is the only other party contesting the seat.

As in all Tory-held seats, the Brexit Party is not standing a candidate.

The Greens withdrew as part of the national Unite to Remain alliance.

In the Frome Valley, the Thornbury

Coalpit Heath, delivering better local health services by upgrading the Yate Minor Injuries Unit, funding transport infrastructure by scrapping the Severn Bridge Tolls and building a Yate Park and Ride.

"We are delivering better broadband; 96% of local homes now have a good connection, increasing school funding and special educational needs funding, with a 5.3% and 8.6% per pupil rise this year, and supporting the local economy with record low unemployment.

"Ultimately everyone joins Labour because they believe in social justice, but the reasons why are often very personal.

Mine is my grandfather, a working class boy who'd grown up in the Black Country in the 1920s, who later became a Church of England vicar.

He told me what Britain was like for his family before the NHS – he lost his brothers in childhood from diseases that don't kill people any more, and he lost his mother to what was

hours at Yate Minor Injury Unit and cheaper bus fares in our towns. I led a team at the inquiry opposing the Conservatives' unsustainable plans for large-scale housing on our green fields – we need truly affordable, zero carbon homes and greener transport.

I recently brought people together cross-party to declare a Climate Emergency locally.

"With two sons at local schools, I have campaigned alongside other parents for better funding for our schools. I

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and Yate consituency covers the Frampton Cotterell electoral ward, including Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton.

The Voice has asked every candidate nominated in the election to tell us about themselves and their aims.

They are included here in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.

"There is more to do. If we deliver Brexit, we can move on and build new Health Centres at Frenchay and Thornbury, deliver Charfield Railway station and junction 18A onto the M4. We will build two new primary schools in Yate, redevelop Castle School, we will keep business rates low and connect the remaining 4% of homes with good broadband.

"Support me to deliver this Positive Plan."

then called 'exhaustion'. Can you imagine how horrendous this must have been? But what struck me most was that he was never bitter or angry – he just remembered that world, and wanted to work for a better world where every human being is valued and given the chance to thrive and contribute to society. That's still my aim."

worked in the software industry locally and am determined to ensure that people of all ages can get the skills they need to access the high-tech opportunities on our doorstep.

"Having lived here for twenty years and served as a councillor for twelve, I'm committed to fighting for our area. With your support on 12th December, we can build a brighter future for Thornbury & Yate and our country."

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

7

n GENERAL ELECTION

Filton & Bradley Stoke candidates guide FILTON and Bradley Stoke is the parliamentary constituency where Winterbourne residents cast their votes.

The electoral ward, which also includes Watley's End and Hambrook, is at the eastern edge of the constituency.

In Filton and Bradley Stoke, the Conservatives are defending a majority of 4,190 from the last election in 2017.

Jack Lopresti was first elected the MP for

Elaine Hardwick Citizens Movement Party UK Elaine moved to Filton in 1994 with her husband and three children from Telford, Shropshire. In 1997 the family moved into Jordan Walk, Bradley Stoke, which is owned by a Housing Association and in 1999 moved to a private property in Hawkins Crescent, Bradley Stoke – they were only able to do this due to the

Louise Harris Liberal Democrats "I GREW up in Downend, went to Rodway, now Mangotsfield, school and know the area inside out. A graduate in European Politics and Economics, I’ve campaigned for a People’s Vote and, in a constituency where the majority voted Remain, am committed to stopping Brexit.

I want Article 50 revoked to protect local jobs and public services.

Jack Lopresti Conservative "I HAVE had the honour and privilege of representing this wonderful constituency since 2010. I have lived in Bristol and South Gloucestershire all my life, so this is home. I have worked hard to deliver for our local area, including securing £50m for a new junction on the M49; Government funding for the MetroBus project, which has greatly improved local

Filton and Bradley Stoke when the seat was created in 2010. Labour has come second each time so far.

This year, there are five parties vying for the seat: the others are the Liberal Democrats, Greens and the Citizens Movement Party UK. As in all Tory-held seats, the Brexit Party is not standing a candidate.

The Green candidate originally

selected for Filton and Bradley Stoke, Tom Meadowcroft, withdrew days before nominations closed and resigned from the party to support Labour. The Greens have selected another candidate.

The Voice has asked every candidate nominated in the election to tell us about themselves and their aims.

They are included here in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.

housing company paying the deposit.

Over the years Elaine has worked in many different industries, from fish and chip shops to factories and finance.

As a former Mayor and a current Councillor since 2011, party leader Cllr Elaine Hardwick of Bradley Stoke was under the ticket of the Conservatives until she resigned in 2018 and stood in the May 2019 local elections as an Independent.

In June 2019 she decided to

set up her own political party, called the Citizens Movement Party UK, when she listened to the members of the public who are disillusioned with the current political situation and wanting change locally and nationally.

"Campaigning to protect our environment has been my main focus going back to my student days. Most recently as a South Glos councillor I helped get cross-party backing for declaring a Climate Emergency in South Gloucestershire and am determined to build on my long record of action on the environment in Parliament.

"Professionally I have worked in the Voluntary Sector for 25 years, supporting vulnerable adults, promoting

their rights and independence.

As an MP, I will stand up for local people of all ages and backgrounds. Fighting for social justice and the environment are my passions in life I will take with me to Parliament.

"As the MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke, I will focus on building a brighter future for everyone - tackling the climate emergency, building a stronger and greener economy and getting proper funding for our schools and health services."

transport, and also successfully campaigning to remove tolls on the Severn Bridge.

"I helped steer legislation through the House of Commons which enshrined the Military Covenant in law for the first time. I used my maiden speech to campaign vigorously for the Government to commit to Airbus’s A400M aircraft, and was delighted when they announced in the Strategic Defence and Security Review that they would buy 22,

securing hundreds of local jobs and providing the RAF with a vital capability.

"In Parliament I have championed social mobility as Chair of the All-Party Group for Apprenticeships and Vice Chair of the All-Party Group for Social Mobility. I have met Schools Minister Nick Gibb in London and locally to press our case for more schools funding and was pleased that the Prime Minister has now pledged to give us a significant increase."

PROFILES CONTINUE ON PAGE 8

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

8

December, 2019

n GENERAL ELECTION Mhairi Threlfall Labour "WE have had nine years of cuts to the things that matter most to our community. We were told that these cuts had to be made because of the recession, yet the national debt under the Tories has increased to £1.8 trillion*. We have seen disinvestment in our NHS, with a loss of our local GP surgeries, and increased waiting times together with severe cuts to

Jenny Vernon The Green Party "HELLO, my name is Jenny and I’m the Green Party’s parliamentary candidate for Filton & Bradley Stoke. It’s where I’ve lived all my life and where I brought up my family with the support of local schools. Hence it’s not surprising that I would prioritise fighting for the funding our schools, teachers and young people need and deserve.

social services. Our schools are some of the most underfunded in the country and it is unacceptable that working families have to rely on foodbanks, with those who care for an elderly or disabled relative, often struggling to pay for the basics day to day.

"In the last couple of weeks, I have been listening to workers, staff in public services (schools, NHS, MoD), to people on the doorstep and community groups on the

issues that matter to them. As a local councillor, and educator at UWE, I am standing on my track record of delivery, and it is these conversations that have developed my pledges to you - to fight for the investment our communities need, and to be an accessible, open constituency MP. " For more information visit: www.mhairithrelfall.co.uk

"For me, this is also about giving something back. I want to ensure the NHS receives the funding it deserves – across social care too, especially our chronically underfunded mental health service, which desperately needs investment.

No more privatisation by stealth either!

"More social housing and proper welfare support are also priorities. But above all, this is a climate election. We need to be fossil free by 2030 to have even a hope of having

a planet to leave to our great great grandchildren. Investing in public transport and rolling out renewable energy will create thousands of green jobs – essential in our constituency, where we have several talented engineering and design businesses.

"And lastly, this is about doing politics differently.

We need to move away from the politics of hate to the politics of hope. And no more demonisation of people. Vote Green."

HAVE YOUR SAY

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

9

n NEWS

School is a dynamic learning community A WINTERBOURNE school has been rated 'excellent' by a church inspector.

St Michael’s Church of England Primary School has been given the top rating following an inspection by the Diocese of Bristol. As a church school, it is not only examined

by Ofsted, the government’s education watchdog, but also receives what is known as a statutory inspection of Anglican and Methodist schools (SIAMS).

The inspection assesses the effectiveness of the school’s Christian vision, and whether it is established and promoted by all levels of leadership to enable pupils and adults to flourish.

St Michael’s currently has 198 children on roll, with a lower than national average number of disadvantaged children and children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The inspector, Daphne Spitzer, found that the school

had made "highly significant progress" since the last SIAMS report.

She described it as a "dynamic learning community", with a creative curriculum which 2strongly reflects the school’s vision by inspiring pupils with a deep love of learning".

Kirsty Robson is in her second year as head teacher, having taught at the school since 1997.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we were awarded the highest judgement possible.

"The report recognized the special relationship that we have with our church and that this is used to benefit all children at St Michael’s, as well as noting how we are committed to developing the whole child.”

The inspector’s recommendations for improvement were to enable

pupils to take a greater role in worship and to involve them in the design of interactive prayer and reflective spaces.

The school was also awarded the Church and School Partnership Award from the Bristol Diocese in recognition of the successful relationship between the two bodies.

Mrs Robson praised her opposite number in the church, Fromeside Benefice rector Malcolm Strange, for his support.

She said: “Father Strange has been instrumental in both of these accolades. Without his support and dedication to the children and staff at our school, they would have been very hard to achieve. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him and his wife Jo for their unequivocal support. I am excited for what the future holds for everyone at St Michael’s Primary School.”

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

11

n NEWS

The tradition brought back from the dead IT is a tradition whose origins are shrouded in mystery – possibly medieval or even pagan.

But the annual Mummers play in Winterbourne Down almost died out forever after the First World War. Thanks to a group of villagers and an old lady who remembered the words, the play was revived in 1979 – and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

The traditional folk play, performed in the street on Boxing Day, had not been performed since 1913 after one of the players, Tom Biggs, was killed in the First World War. But 40 years ago it was rediscovered when some village elders were talking about the 'olden days’.

Organiser Terry Martin said: “One lady, Mrs Penton, told of a play that was performed on Boxing Day around the village.

Her father, who had followed the play since he was a boy, had learned the words and he would

recite it to her every Christmas.

She recounted it to me, which I recorded, and I persuaded my pals in the village to perform it.”

The play is based on the theme of death and the resurrection. Over time the theme has stayed the same, but because it was an oral tradition, each village developed its own version. In Winterbourne the villain of the story is a Turkish knight, but near the south coast the villain is Napoleon. There is always a popular hero, which in Winterbourne is St George.

They fight until the villain is killed. Then a doctor, who shows off about his ability to raise the dead, gives the villain a potion and brings him back to life. In the Winterbourne version there is a Father Christmas and a Little Fellow who support the knight.

It is thought that the story could have originated from pagan rituals which represent the dying of winter and the birth of spring.

Recently some plays have

been subject to complaints over the performers' practice of blacking their faces for the play.

But Terry says this tradition is based on a need to disguise the performers and not on any racial element.

Terry, who has played the Doctor for 40 years, said: “Mrs Penton told us that the characters disguised themselves, as it was considered bad luck to identify the players, and blacking faces was an effective way. They used soot and coal dust then but now we use theatrical blacking as it comes off nicely when someone gets ‘Mummed’ (kissed) on the cheek!

Some of us also have tatters hanging down and false beards.”

The play was traditionally performed in cottages, where the characters would enter unannounced. It was considered unlucky not to reward them with money, which would have been spent in the pub.

Nowadays the performers collect donations, which this year go to Coalpit Heath charity Paul’s Place.

The Winterbourn Down Christmas Boys and Winterbourn Down Border Morris will perform the play at four locations on December 26.

It will start at the junction of Stone Lane and the top of the Dingle at 10.30am, moving to All Saints Church Hall at 11am, then on to the junction of Colston Close and Station Road at 11.45am, and finally to the Cross Hands at 12.15pm.

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fromevalleyvoice

12

December, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Jag with royal pedigree goes under hammer CLASSIC cars were a highlight of Stroud Auction Rooms' November sale when a E-Type Jaguar, first owned by Prince Michael of Kent, went under the hammer for the princely sum of £36,500.

The 5.3 litre V12, pictured, was one of 17 cars in the specialist motoring section and comfortably topped the list of highest-selling lots.

Motoring is yet another growing specialist section at Stroud Auctions and there was a huge amount of interest in these vehicles, both in the saleroom and online, resulting in almost in a dozen of the cars on offer making it into the top 25 sold lots.

Among these were a 1953 Riley RMF (£10,400), a 1975 Land Rover series III with less than 25,000 miles from new (£8,200) and a 1947 Duncan Healey coupe project, one of only 7 believed to be in existence (£5,600).

Collectors of militaria were also out in force and a sought-after Royal Fleet Auxiliary group of ten medals, spanning almost 30 years

of service with the RFA, sold for £5,000. The recipient had been on the bridge of the RFA Sir Galahad when hit by Argentinian bombs during the Falklands conflict. An Army D-Day Military Cross medal group for Major H F Wheway, 22nd Dragoons, who landed on 'Queen' Beach (Sword Area) on June 6, 1944 in command of a detachment of mine-clearing flail tanks, made £900. It was sold together with a copy of his citation, in which his commanding officer Lieut-Col G H Grosvenor, said Major Wheway's conduct during days of fighting under heavy fire was an inspiration to all.

Another ever-popular specialist section is guns and weapons, where a number of items featured in the list of top lots. These included a J & W Tolley .303 double barrelled side by side rifle, with named and engraved locks (£4,000).

The Sergeant Tom Mason lifetime collection of bayonets was topped by a German 1914 pattern Gottscho sawback bayonet

(£1,500) - the whole collection totalled over £80,000 and spanned 700 lots. Large collections like this one always draw in the bidders, many coming in person from great distances.

Stroud Auction Rooms has become so well-known for selling weapons of all types that the sale was extended from two days to three in order to accommodate this specialist section.

In the toy section there were over 400 lots, and as usual die-cast models including Corgi and Dinky made excellent prices. But there were also excellent results with less commonplace toys. A Japanese Batman robot sold for £800 and a model tank kit £300, showing that not only the more well-known

items can be valuable.

Stroud Auctions staff are now busily preparing for the bumper three-day pre-Christmas sale on December 4-6 (10am each day).

Viewing will be on December 3 (10am-7pm) and from 9am until 10am on sale days. This auction is the ideal opportunity to find a unique Christmas gift for someone special – if you’re not sure how to buy at auction please contact our helpful staff and they will guide you through the process.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on January 8th & 9th

Including specialist sections of ceramics, glass, Asian & tribal art, books, stamps, ephemera, pictures & paintings, vinyl records & musical instruments Vinyl Records

Ceramics

Led Zepplelin One LP. Sold for £1,000

Royal Worcester pair of vases decorated with Highland cattle. Sold for £2,300

Stamps

Glass

A collection of stamps Sold for £3,500

Baccarat glass paperweight.

Sold for £1,400

FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) & Saturday (9am-12:30pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email a photograph to info@stroudauctions.com We are regularly ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders

Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

13

n NEWS

Martial arts skill runs in the family ALL five members of a Winterbourne Down family have come home with medals following the Tang Soo Do European Championships in Holland.

Emma and David Wilcox, and their three daughters Molly, 15, Ruby, 13, and 11-year-old Eva, were awarded six golds, two silvers and two bronzes between them.

Emma and the girls represented Great Britain, as well as their club. Emma won a silver, Molly won a gold and a silver, Ruby won three golds, Eva was awarded two golds and a bronze, while David won a bronze. Molly and Ruby also secured an additional trophy and Grand Champion status by scoring the highest points total in their class.

David, who trains in Thornbury, said: “Seeing our three girls being so successful was an absolute joy, especially as we know how hard each of them worked for that reward.”

Emma added: “Ruby started martial arts first and dropped other hobbies to focus on this, so Grand Champion was a great reward for her hard work.

She was delighted. Molly was surprised and overwhelmed at receiving this honour too.”

Eva received particular praise from the coaches for her bronze

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

medal in weapons, as she has only recently started training with one.

The girls led the way in taking up the martial art with David, 49, and Emma, 47, becoming hooked after attending a taster session for parents. David joined the Thornbury Club because it fitted around work commitments,

for the girls and Emma, the Chipping Sodbury Club sessions were more convenient, however sometimes the whole family trains in Thornbury.

Emma said: “It provides a really good level of fitness, it’s amazingly friendly and everybody encourages each other. We can train together on the Friday and it’s really good fun.”

“The girls are being taught self-defence techniques and it increases their confidence as they have to go up against their peers in front of a panel of judges in competitions. They will find things like job interviews easier in the future. They are learning skills for life.'

The family hope to represents Great Britain in the future international competitions.

For more information on Chipping Sodbury Tang Soo Do sessions call 07860 471232. For information on the Thornbury class call 07863 828271.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2019

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15

n NEWS

Lessons in money management Out with the old as school goes into the new building PUPILS past and present are saying goodbye to a Frampton Cotterell school’s old buildings as it prepares to move into its new home.

After more than seven years of planning, all the pupils from reception to year 6 at Watermore Primary School will move to their new building in Lower Stone Close in the New Year, bringing the school together on one site.

Before that, former pupils of are being invited to say their final farewells to the Victorian Brockeridge building and the Highcroft building in December.

The Brockeridge building on Woodend Road will be converted into 6 flats, and the Highcroft building in Lower Stone Close will be demolished to make way for new outdoor facilities.

The new building will provide 14 classrooms with room for 420 children, with another three built as pupil numbers rise.

By next summer the outside area will feature two multi-use games pitches, three playgrounds, and a hall with facilities for the community. The woodland area, pond and outdoor science lab which already exist will be retained.

Former pupils are invited to look around the existing buildings and say their goodbyes on Tuesday December 5, and on the morning of Saturday December 14 there will be a public sale of items such as furniture, toys and stationery which won’t be transferring to the new site.

The total cost of the new school building is around £6 million and is the end of a project which started after the 2011 amalgamation of Highcroft and Brockeridge Schools.

Building work started in November last year after a controversial planning process.

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PUPILS at Watermore Primary School could be taught how to manage their money – but first school supporters have to raise some money of their own to fund the scheme.

A pilot scheme called Helping Children Manage Money will teach them financial skills - which are not currently on the curriculum.

The school needs £2,000 to pay for a teaching assistant to lead the initiative, organising interactive assemblies, workshops, and saving schemes to capture the pupil’s imaginations.

The school has applied for £1,000 from the Aviva Community Fund but to qualify will have to crowdfund the remaining £1,000

by December 20.

Parent and PTFA member Catherine Pritchard has set up a crowdfunder page to raise the £1,000, which can be found at bit. ly/2NZBFKQ

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fromevalleyvoice

16

December, 2019

n NEWS

Resource base saved after community protest PLANS to shut a specialist centre which enables disabled children to learn alongside mainstream pupils have been shelved.

The resource base at Emersons Green Primary School caters for 12 children, aged from 4 to 11, with physical disabilities or visual impairment, giving them extra support and facilities while they have lessons and play with other children.

Children from across the area use the resource base and one of the mums who demonstrated against its closure was Kristy Hooper, of Winterbourne Down, whose daughter Lily-Grace, has been attending Emersons Green for more than three years.

South Gloucestershire Council is holding a review into special needs and disabilities education by the council, which suggested that the resource base be "phased out" after its current pupils left.

Parents were outraged at the prospect of closing the resource base and staged protests, with a

Kristy Hooper and her daughter Lily-Grace were among the families protesting against the closure of the Emersons Green Resource Base. petition calling for the resource base to be saved signed by 6,218 people.

They also marched through driving rain to a consultation meeting in September and wrote to the council arguing their case.

On November 6 the council's cabinet member for schools, skills and employment, Erica Williams, issued a statement which said the closure of the resource base would no longer

be included in the SEND strategy proposals.

A council spokesperson confirmed to the Voice that this means the resource base will stay open for the foreseeable future.

Cllr Williams said the review had been started to "improve access and to focus on broadening inclusion within all children’s local schools".

She said: “Although the feedback we received was

supportive of changes to increase the number of places across the district, it is clear that we also need to give further consideration to any phasing out of the Resource Base at Emersons Green Primary School. As a result, we will not be including this change in the proposals that will be taken forward to formal public consultation."

Parents and staff welcomed the decision, issuing a joint statement, which said: "We were extremely concerned that the proposal had not been properly thought through nor had it been subject to any reasonable degree of scrutiny. In asking our detailed questions it would seem that the council has agreed the proposal is either wrong or not ready.

"We are so grateful for the efforts of so many and for the wide support the campaign to challenge the recommendation received."

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

17

n NEWS

Carnival raises £2,000 for Jessie May Trust THIS year’s Winterbourne Down Carnival has raised £2000 for the Jessie May Trust, a charity which provides nursing care for children at home who have with life-limiting conditions.

The Chair of the carnival committee, John Turner, presented the cheque to Helen Mackie from the Jessie May Trust which is based in Bristol. Presentations were also made to representatives from two local churches, All Saints Winterbourne Down and the Methodist (Bethesda) Winterbourne Down.

John said: “The 2019 Carnival was a great success which would not have happened without the tireless efforts of committee members and other supporters.”

At the recent annual meeting a new committee was elected to organise the 2020 carnival, when the theme will be VE and VJ Day celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Because the May bank holiday has been moved to a Friday to mark the anniversary next year, carnival day will be Friday May 8, with other activities taking place on Sunday May 3.

Pensioner sent MP abuse A FRAMPTON Cotterell man who sent abusive emails to his constituency MP has been given a suspended prison sentence.

A court heard Peter Semenenko sent emails that were "of a grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character" between January and March this year to the MP for Thornbury and Yate, Luke Hall.

The 65-year-old was found guilty after a trial at Bristol Magistrates Court in October, which heard that the emails caused Mr Hall to fear for his and his family's safety.

Semenenko was given a nine-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay costs. He was also made subject to a restraining order banning him from any direct contact with Mr Hall, his family and his constituency offices in Chipping Sodbury.

New Art Class for Beginners Looking for an introduction to art?

Or want to improve your skills?

New 12 week art course starting this January is designed for complete beginners or improving amateur artists and is held in Winterbourne Down.

The courses run once a week, for 3 hours during the day and all your materials are provided.

If you have always wanted to learn how to draw or paint but have no idea where to start then this course will show you how. The curriculum is comprehensive, interesting and fun, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our qualified tutor provides step by step guidance each week, covering sketching, pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. By the end of the course you will have at least 8 pieces of your own original art including a pastel pet portrait and an acrylic country landscape! You can then show off your new found skills to family and friends at the end of course exhibition!

Art can help reduce stress, create a feeling of well-being and provide relaxation but most of all — it’s fun!

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For dates, times and venue, please call Tracy on 01454 227116 or email

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Student numbers are kept low to ensure that everyone gets maximum benefit so to reserve a place on our next course or for more information call today on 01454

227116

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

18

December, 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm celebrates 20 years!

A

S the picture shows, Father Christmas visited Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm in person this year, during his relaxing summer holiday. He came to wish the Christmas tree growers a very happy anniversary: 20 years of growing and cutting Christmas trees. Not only did he hand out presents to a few lucky children, he also remarked how beautiful the trees were.

“Thousands of trees! Enough for everyone!”

Having started out as a fairly modest concern of 6,000 trees in 1999, production has steadily increased to 35,000 trees to date, hoping to rise to 40,000 trees by 2021. So there really is plenty for all. For the growers, Peter and Simon Maughan, it has also been a gradual learning experience. “We pick up a lot of tips and techniques from our colleagues at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, but often we just learn the hard way – when things go wrong! Flooding in 2012, plagues of aphids in 2009, and drought in 2018. In each case we weather the storm and adapt accordingly.”

“One thing that I am particularly proud about,” explains Simon, “Is that we have stayed true to our environmental principles.” The farm was set up in 1999 with wildlife in mind. “While we are focused mainly on growing excellent Christmas Trees, I estimate that perhaps as much

as 60% of our land is not covered by tree foliage, and it is in places like these – in the hedgerows and in the spaces between trees – that native wildlife can exist.”

“With over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, it is important that we do what we can to conserve these habitats. We mow between the trees, rather than spray with weedkiller, which allows wildflowers to grow, and we have a lot of insect and animal life as a result.”

2019 looks to be a promising year for Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. The warm wet summer has boosted growth, producing fullbodied trees with good foliage, and the general appearance of the trees is very good. Most excitingly, a new fully biodegradable Christmas tree net will be on trial. The first of its kind, it will be a huge step towards keeping the farm free of plastic.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm will be welcoming visitors from late November until Christmas Eve, 9am-5pm every day. “Choose and Cut” runs for as long as stocks last. Prices start from just £25. See you there! www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk Instagram: @frenchaychristmastreefarm

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

n NEWS

Road closure schemes revised SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is planning to make permanent two road closures north of the Avon Ring Road aimed at stopping ratrunning.

But another 'experimental' closure near Winterbourne Down is being lifted.

The permanent restrictions are planned in Cuckoo Lane and Old Bromley Heath Road in Winterbourne, which will be closed to all through traffic with the exception of motorbikes north of the A4174.

On Old Bromley Heath Road and Cuckoo Lane residents will have keys to give them access via the gates and bollards which will be installed.

The restrictions are part of a programme of experimental traffic orders was started in the area back in April 2018 to prohibit cars from using various minor roads for environmental reasons, and to direct traffic onto major routes at peak times. The y are revisions to help South Gloucestershire Council to decide where permanent changes can be made in future.

But two other closure schemes have now been abandoned.

The council has said it is removing a restriction at Bury Hill, near Down Road, "as soon as feasible", as the closure and another at Ruffet Road and Coalsack Lane in Coalpit Heath had proved to be "too restrictive".

The revised restrictions are intended to give businesses and residents better access in the Moorend and Bury Hill areas without providing open access to motorists looking for rat runs to use during the morning and afternoon rush hour.

Anyone who wants to comment on the new plans has until April 30 next year to do so. Copies are available on the council’s consultations page, at Winterbourne library and Yate’s One Stop Shop.

Comments can be made online on the council's consultations page or by writing to John McCormack, Head of Legal, Governance and Democratic Services, Chief Executive & Corporate Resources, PO Box 1953, Bristol BS37 0DB. Questions on the plans can be sent to transportservices@ southglos.gov.uk or asked by calling 01454 868004.

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20

December, 2019

n NEWS

First look at new school A FIRST glimpse has been revealed of how a new building for a Winterbourne primary school will look.

Architect’s drawings of Elm Park Primary School have been unveiled to the school community, just under two years before the planned opening date.

The new school will be built on the current staff car park and replace existing buildings which have become too expensive to maintain.

As a one-form entry school it would have spaces for 210 pupils, and facilities available for community use. The current buildings will be demolished.

Repairs have been carried out to the existing premises to make sure that they can last until the new building is ready. There has been work to the roof, storm drainage, external doors and boundary fences.

The new building is due to open in September 2021.

Anyone who would like to see the plans, have a look around the current school or find out about admissions to Elm Park Primary should contact the school by phoning 01454 866750 or emailing elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.uk.

Poachers kill and skin deer in field POLICE and the RSPCA are investigating after a deer was killed by poachers in Winterbourne.

A landowner stumbled upon a carcass in Winterbourne in the middle of a field on November 6.

The landowner, who has asked not to be named, said the deer, which had roamed free in the area, appeared to have been attacked by poachers using lurcher dogs.

He said: “We love having the deer roam the fields and they're no bother to our customers' horses. The poachers had skinned the deer and left the head and skin in the middle of our field.”

Anyone who noticed suspicious behaviour has been asked to contact the police.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “It is believed the deer may have been attacked by dogs. The force's rural crime team have been made aware of the incident.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Hunting animals with dogs is very cruel. That's why the 2004 Hunting Act prohibits the hunting, or ‘poaching’ of any kind of wild animal with dogs, including deer. This must have been a very distressing find for the landowner.”

Anyone with information should call the police on 101.

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December, 2019 December, 2019

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

n nADVERTISING ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

22

n NEWS

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

Men jailed for 'incredibly dangerous' theft THIEVES who stole cable worth more than £12,000 from a railway line in South Gloucestershire have been jailed.

Twins Michael and Christopher Nugent, and Martin Ward, were caught after British Transport Police were alerted to their presence by a motion-sensing camera placed by the line at Charfield.

Network Rail had installed the camera after thefts and damage at the site on August 28, 2017.

Just two days later the camera detected trespassers and police caught the 23-year-old twins at the scene.

A vehicle registered to Ward, 24, was found nearby and all three men were arrested on suspicion of theft.

Mobile phone records placed them at the location at the estimated time of the earlier incident and forensics linked the vehicle owned by Ward, used to transport the stolen cable, to the Nugent brothers.

All three pleaded guilty to theft when they appeared at Bristol Crown Court on November 1.

Michael Nugent, of Atwood Drive, Lawrence Weston, was sentenced to 18 months in prison while his brother Christopher, of Clapton Walk, Sea Mills, was

Christopher Nugent, Michael Nugent and Martin Ward were each jailed for theft.

Picture: British Transport Police jailed for 16 months and ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

Ward, of Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, was jailed for a year and ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

After the case Detective Constable Dan Murdoch of British Transport Police said: “This was a determined theft, which cost the railway an estimated £12,700 in loss, delays

and damages and also had the potential to endanger the lives of workers and passengers.

“These sentences demonstrate just how seriously the courts take such incidents of theft, and we hope this will give the individuals involved time to reflect on their actions and stop them from committing similar offences in the future.

“We are committed to tackling all forms of theft and work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners to make the railway a difficult place for these criminals to operate.

Network Rail Western route director Mike Gallop said: “Cable theft results in significant delays and cancellations across the network and these penalties show just how seriously the rail industry and the British Transport Police take this crime.

“Any attempt to steal cable from the railway is not only a criminal offence but is also incredibly dangerous. Anyone trespassing on the railway risks serious injury – or worse.

“We want everyone home safe every day and we continually look for ways to protect the network from thieves, working with British Transport Police to prosecute anyone caught carrying out metal thefts.”

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

23

n NEWS

Major new music festival for Yate A BIG new music festival will take place in Yate next year.

Yate Town Football Club will host the Good Times Music Festival, a two-day event featuring some of the best tribute acts in the country, in May. Festival organiser James Murden said: “Tribute festivals are proving hugely popular around the UK and I truly feel that Yate deserves its own twoday event.

"I have personally scoured the country for some of the finest bands and I can’t wait to bring them to the event. I’m working with a local committee make this an annual event to remember.”

Technical designer Tom Campbell added: “We’re bringing a proper festival stage, complete with epic lighting rig and big screen, so audiences don’t miss a moment of the action.”

Some of the bands confirmed so far include QE2, Absolute Bowie, Pure Jovi, Kingz of Leon, Foo Fighterz, Good Vibrations

and The Blues Others, as well as local covers band For The Record.

The event will include a dedicated kids zone and promises a range of gourmet

food offerings as well as local beers and ales, served in reusable plastic pint cups that all festival goers will be given in a bid to cut down on single-use plastic.

Good Times Music Festival

will take place at Yate Town Football Club on May 23 and 24 2020 and early bird tickets are on sale now from GoodTimesYate.com.

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24

December, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA November 27 n Floral Friends of Frampton Christmas coffee morning, 10am, Brockeridge Centre, Frampton Cotterell. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of cake and browse the stalls for Christmas decorations and stocking fillers.

November 27-30 n Actonians Drama present The Wind in the Willows at Iron Acton Parish Hall. Tickets are available online at www.actonians.co.uk/ boxoffice.

December 1 n Crossbow Preschool Christmas Bazaar, St Peters Hall, Crossbow, Frampton Cotterell, 2-4pm. Stalls, games, refreshments, appearance

by Anna from Frozen and Santa's grotto (pre-book through preschool).

December 1 n Manor Hall Christmas Cracker, 2.30-5.30pm. Entry costs £2, includes a mince pie. Children free. Guest appearance by Elsa from Frozen, music including ukulele performance and Santa's grotto (tickets from Little Explorers Preschool). Bar with mulled wine and mulled cider.

December 1 n Christingle Service, St Peter's church, 4-5pm. All welcome.

December 3: n Churches Together in Frampton Cotterell & Coalpit Heath annual Big Christmas Sing at St Saviour’s Church, Coalpit Heath, 7pm. Local adult & school choirs, a community choir and carols for all: a lovely way to start the festive season. Entry free, with a retiring collection for Christian Aid. December 4:

n Frenchay & Hambrook Horticultural Society, 7.30pm at Friends’ Meeting House, Frenchay Common. Gardening talk by Julie Henderson, Twelve Plants for Christmas. All welcome, entry £2 including mince pies and nonalcoholic drinks.

December 4: n Downend Flower Arranging Club’s Christmas Demonstration: Elizabeth Graham, international floral designer and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist. Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, 6.30 for 7.30pm. Free coffee/mince pies. Visitors £8 at the door.

December 4 n South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group presents Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs – Rescuing Hemingfield Colliery, a talk by Steve Grudgings, 7.30pm, Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath. Non-members £2.

December 4-7 n Winterbourne Musical Theatre Group presents Treasure Island by Alan P Frayn, a pantomime version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic complete with songs and panto dame, performed by a company aged 8 to 80 at WADCA. Audience members invited to come dressed as pirates. 7.30pm Wednesday to Friday, 1pm and 6pm on Saturday.

December 7 n Fabric Christmas wreath-making workshop with Amy from Bath Artist Studios, 10am-12.30pm, the Cartshed, Winterbourne Medieval Barn. Advanced booking essential via Ticketsource.co.uk.

December 7 n Frampton Community Projects outdoor cinema, Good Will Hunting, Fromeside, 7pm. Tickets

£8.50: pre-book online at www. framptoncp.org/fcpcc.

December 9 n Bristol Budgerigar Society hot potato buffet, from 7.30pm at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane. More details from Colin Parsons on 01454 775878 or by email at colinpauline@hotmail. com.

December 9-10: n The Crossbow Singers present That Christmassy Feeling. Begin the Festive Season with a concert of enjoyable Christmas Music.

7.30pm, Crossbow House, School Rd, Frampton Cotterell. Tickets £6 each: for Monday tickets call Rose on 01454 772675, for Tuesday tickets call Mary 01454 887885.

December 13 n Filtones Choir Christmas concert, 7.30pm at Eden Grove Methodist Church, Eden Grove, Horfield.

Tickets £8 on the door or in advance from Dot Bryant on 07870 984760.

December 14 n Talk: The Twelve Plants of Christmas, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, 2-4pm. Explore the folklore, history, botany, and interesting facts behind festive plants. Tickets £5 online at Ticketsource.co.uk.

December 14 n Frampton Community Projects present outdoor cinema The Breakfast Club (15), Fromeside, 7pm. Tickets £8.50, pre-book online at www.framptoncp.org/fcpcc December 14 n NUTTYness (Madness tribute band), WADCA, 8.30pm. Tickets £10 available online from www. ticketsource.co.uk.

December 25

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• Purpose Made Joinery, Staircases, Extensions • Renovations, New Roofs and Roofing Repairs • All Types of Property Maintenance and Repairs • Free No Obligation Quotations

n Christmas Dinners at Winterbourne Community Centre (WADCA) for anyone who will be on their own on Christmas Day, including plastic-free crackers.

Advance booking essential: to book, call 01454 776268 or 07972 821508.

December 31 n Family New Year's Eve party, The Miners, Coalpit Heath, 7.30pm12.30am.

New Year's Eve party with Red Baron Roadshow, Coalpit Heath Cricket Club, 8pm. Tickets £5 online from Ticketsource or from the club.

January 4 n New Year Barn Dance, WADCA, Watley’s End Road, with the Mad Hatters Barn Dance Band and Caller. Doors open 7.30pm.

Tickets £6 in advance from WADCA 01454 776268‬ or online from Ticketsource. £7.50 on the door. n Belly Dance classes Beginners 7.00pm, Improvers 8.00pm, Methodist Church Hall (upstairs) with Anna 07971234236 or bristolbellydance@yahoo.co.uk term time only.

REGULAR EVENTS Monday n Free baby and toddler group, Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue.

9.30am-11.30am, term time only. n Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park

Tel: 01454 603992 Mob: 07811 424077 norcarp@hotmail.co.uk

Fitted Bedrooms Fitted Kitchens Garden Decking Loft Conversions Purpose Made Joinery Traditional Style Staircases Solid Wood & Laminate Floorings

www.northavoncarpentry.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month except Bank Hols. Open to anyone with dementia, and Carers, and anyone with concerns about someone with memory problems. Just turn up.

Tel. 0117 9610 693 n Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm.

First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday). n 1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne.

Contact clivemarston@rocketmail. com n 1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. dandow@ computer.org or 01454 775024 n North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday. n Women’s Fellowship Zion Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45 Programme of speakers, choirs., followed by a cup of tea. £1.50p per week. For details ring Pat Lax 886830 n Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month. n Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30.

Term Time only, starting in September. We would love to welcome more tenors and basses.

Please contact Dave on 07834 184142 n Winterbourne Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm n Winterbourne Scrabble Club - weekly 2.00 - 4.30 pm at Winterbourne & District Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Further info from Gill on 01454 773573. n Winterbourne Afternoon WI meets at Salem Church Hall, Factory Road, Winterbourne on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm. We welcome visitors. Contact 01454 250817 for details or look at our web site www.wawimoonfruit. com or email lesleysharman@gmail. com n Pickleball at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, 9am to 11am.

New members welcome – no upper age limit. First session free, all equipment provided.

For more information email pickleballbristol@gmail.com or visit Bristol Pickleball Club on Facebook.

n Slimming World Frampton Cottrell. Watermore Primary School (Infants), Woodend Road, (Opposite the Brockeridge Centre) 5.30 & 7.30pm Tel: Jude 07968 426809 n Macular-support group meets monthly - 3rd Monday 1:30-3:30pm at Watkins room, Old Grammar School, highstreet Chipping Sodbury. Contact Tony : 01454 314066 n Winterbourne Tennis Club. 4.30.

Junior tennis coaching Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@msn.com n F&Fs. Club. Banjo, Mandolin, Guitarists etc. playing a wide range of styles. Meet Mondays. 8 to 10pm. at St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley. Visitors and new members welcome, support and encouragement given.

Available for concerts. Secretary – 0117 9673668. Website www. fingersandfrets.wordpress.com n The Arts Society Severn Valley meets third Monday of the month at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

Lectures plus special interest days, gallery, garden and museum visits, trips abroad. Morning lectures 10.30am for 11am start. Afternoon lectures 1.30pm for 2pm start.

More details online at www.svdfas. co.uk. £6 charge for visitors – contact memb@svdfas.co.uk to ‘try before you buy’. n Bristol Budgerigar Society meets at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. More details including membership details from secretary Colin Parsons by calling 01454 775878 or emailing colinpauline@ hotmail.com. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge. n Butterflies babies and toddlers group. Friendly group welcomes mums, dads and grandparents at St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath. Mondays 10am-11.30am, term-time only, £3 per family per session. Toys, dressing up, a sit-andride zone, book corner and song time, baby changing facilities play area for crawlers.

Tuesday n Slimming World 9.30am & 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm, The Greenfield Centre, call Frankie 07519 347243 n Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

25

n Yate Poetry Group. All welcome to join our small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems and verse. We meet for an hour 1-2 pm every other Tuesday afternoon in the library, refreshments provided.

For the dates of meetings, please contact Tony on 07704 140682 or yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com n Winterbourne Down & District Horticultural Society, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, BS36 1BX, 7.30 pm. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Info: Richard on 01454 773218. n Yate Visually Impaired Group.

Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@ btinternet.com n GENTLE YOGA CLASS Every Tuesday at 2pm-3pm, only £7. Book on 07702 344287 Crossbow House,Frampton Cotterell,BS36 2DB Beginners welcome, Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfy clothes Facebook – Holisun therapies UK n Winterbourne Tuesday group, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month. Everyone welcome. n Centre Squares (dancing).

Winterbourne Comunity Centre (WADCA), 7.45pm. Tel. 260168 n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club.

We meet every other Tuesday at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 7.45 pm to 8.15 pm. Contact Veronica Holder – 0117 937 2818 n Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. n South Gloucestershire Waterpolo

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800 120 club. Junior & Senior players Male Female. Winterbourne Int Academy pool. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. For more info: kazrose@blueyonder.co.uk or nash17@virginmedia.com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday 1.30 - 3.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Chipping Sodbury Men's Probus.

We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 10 – 12 noon at the Townhall, C/Sodbury. Guest Speaker every meeting, occasional lunches, day trips. Contact George for further info. Tele: 01454 882908 n Social tennis: Winterbourne recreational field, BS36 1LU. 7.3010pm. All ages, abilities and new members welcome.Contact WTC on 0772 595 4639. n Barnardo’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Project provides emotional and practical support to new mothers. Weekly groups are held at venues in Thornbury, Yate and across South Gloucestershire. The Yate group,

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

26

December, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED called Yate BreastFriends, meets at Yate Childrens Centre on Cranleigh Court Road on Tuesdays between 11.30am - 1.00pm. n Ringcraft - dog showing skills and techniques. Every week at Henfield Hall, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath - 8.0 - 9.15pm. Puppies and dogs - all breeds welcome. Contact Shelagh Crowther on 01453 298974 for more details. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876 3334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Community Coffee Mornings, 2nd Tuesday of month, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am 12.30pm. Tel. 01454 776268 n Monthly social lunchtime meet up for disabled people at the Farmhouse Pub, Wellington Road, Yate, BS37 5UY. Open and friendly group, meets first Tuesday of month 12-2pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - 0797 962 6569. n Friendship and Dance group for over-50s takes a summer break after May 28 class, returning on

September 24 at Miners Social Club, Badminton Road, Coalpit Health. Fourth Tuesday in the month from 2-4pm. No partner needed. Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. More details from Hilary on 07515 351 813. n St Saviours church Mothers union meets second Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the church hall. Members welcome visitors to Bristol Cathedral and Ashfield Prison, support a relief fund and overseas fund and send money to Friends of Bristol Children’s Hospital for tea and coffee for parents’ rooms. For more information contact Mary on 01454 887880. n FRIENDSHIP & DANCE - Easy Circle Dancing for over 50s, Beginners welcome, live music, Experienced teachers, Classes only £4 to include refreshments No Partner needed! 4th Tuesday in month 2.00 - 4.00 pm Miners Social Club, 214 Badminton Road, Coalpit Health, BS36 2QB Contact Hilary: 07515 351 813 www.facebook. com/ worldancegroup Wednesday

Fostering.

When the extraordinary happens.

www.bristol.gov.uk/fostering

fostering.adoption@bristol.gov.uk /BristolFostering

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

n ‘Silver Chords Group, over 50’s social club. Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm.

Entertainment and coach trips.

Everyone welcome Contact Doreen 01454 776484. n Winterbourne Police Beat Post.

Greenfield Centre 2-3pm n Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School.

Tel Lisa 07815 759118 n Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath.

First Wednesday of each month.

7.45pm. New members welcome. n The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689. n Actonians Drama Group 7.30 pm Parish Hall, Iron Acton More info 01454 228760 www.actonians. co.uk. Junior Actonians 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm Parish Hall Iron Acton More info 01454 228277. n Carers group, Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell.

Meets second Wednesday of the month, 2pm-4pm. Call Rona on 01454 886925 or Jean on 01454 775786 for more information. n 4th Wednesday of each month - Forget me Not sing along group 2pm - 3.30 pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. If you like a good sing song please come and join us.

For more information ring Rona on 886925 or Jean on 775786. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Wednesday 1.30 - 4.30 and 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. n Manor Hall community coffee morning, open to all, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath. 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12 noon in the Jubilee Room. Free entry and all profits from the refreshments will go to the Manor Hall at Coalpit Heath Charity. Handmade cards will be on sale, sold in aid of the BRACE Charity. n Slimming World Frampton Cotterell C of E School. Call Lisa: 07815759118 n Stapleton Probus meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Begbrook CA, Frenchay Park Road, from 10amnoon. Active bowls section. Visitors welcome. For more details contact registrar Bernard Ferris on 01454 774490. n The Frenchay Folk Dance Club meet fortnightly at Frenchay Village Hall from 7:45 until 10:15. Check frenchayfdc.co.uk or

contact 0117 9409508 for more information n Social tennis ladies Doubles Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 10am -12pm.

All ages and abilities , new members welcome Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Social tennis. Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 7.30pm - 10.00pm. All ages and abilities ,new members welcome. Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Frampton Singalong, second Wednesday in the month, 2pm3.30pm at Crossbow House, School Road. Favourite songs, live music and sitting exercises. Call Hilary on 07515 351 813 for more details. n Yate/ Chipping Sodbury Afternoon Choir meets on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm at St Marys Church Yate. No auditions required. Contact Nikki on 01761472468 for more details or just turn up at the church and have a free sing on the first visit. n Frenchay Probus Club. We meet every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Frenchay village hall. Coffee at 10.00am and the meeting is from 10.30 to 12.00. More details on frenchayprobusclub.com n Community Lunches 12.00 2pm at WADCA Community Centre. £5 or takeaway £3.50. Booking advised tel. 776268 n Frampton Cotterell Local History Society, 3rd Wednesday of month Sept - May, Zion church 7.30pm.

Non-members welcome. £4 n Ladies Circle meets at The Beacon, Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell, every second and fourth Wednesday of each month except June, July and August at 7.30 pm. £3 per visit.

Variety of speakers at this friendly and welcoming group to any newcomers. n Phoenix Art Club meets at Guinea Lane, Fishponds in the Methodist church hall every Wednesday mornings 9.30am to 12noon. We have a number of artists with a wide range of skills and interests and we break for coffee at 11am to enjoy a chat with our friends and look around at what everyone is creating, be it watercolour, pencil, oils etc.

Anyone interested in joining is welcome to drop in for coffee and see what goes on. We welcome all abilities! n Frenchay & Hambrook Horticultural Society holds gardening talks, events and trips on the first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm at Friends’ Meeting House, Frenchay Common. All

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

27

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED welcome, entry £2. Contact Susie Davis fhhs1947@outlook.com Thursday n Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For preschool children and their parents/ carers. n Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, n Bristol and South Gloucestershire Stationary Engine Club. First Thursday of the month, 7.45pm at the Miners Social Club, Coalpit Heath. More information at www.bsgsec.co.uk. n Winterbourne Musical Theatre.

7.30pm WADCA Community Centre, 7.30pm. www. winterbournemusical.co.uk. n Winterbourne Flower Club.

Our meetings take place tin St. Michaels rooms [opposite Tesco Filling Station] Hands on evenings and demonstrations on various Thursday evening at 7.30 pm Visitors and new members welcome. Ring for details 01454.

776753 n Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of every month except August n Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September).

Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 n Frampton Cotterell British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Doors open @7.15pm. Bingo at 8pm-10pm . No entry fee. All Welcome. n South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, Bradley Stoke, 3rd Thursday evening of the month.

Starting October at 7.00 for 7.30

start. Refreshments provided.

Contact: Sallykitching@ googlemail.com Tel. 01454 774401 n Sugarcraft demonstrations and workshops. Third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Call Jean Kington on 0117 956 8737 for more information. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Thursday 1.30 - 4.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473.

New members welcome. n Severn Counties Foreign & British Bird Society, for keepers of canaries, finches and other birds.

Winterbourne Down Methodist Church Hall, Down Road. Third Thursday of the month at 8pm.

More information from Molly Durbin on 01275 373743 or email severncounties@gmail.com. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Thursday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 078763334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Thursday Travel Club. Meets first Thursday of the month. St Saviour’s Church Hall, Beesmoor Road, Coalpit Heath n Winterbourne Winds, beginners/ intermediate/returners wind band, rehearse on Thursdays 7.30pm9.30pm at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Brass and woodwind players wanted to join sociable group.

Instruments available for loan.

Contact Dan on 0117 239 5210 or email winterbournewinds@yahoo. com. n Winterbourne Down WI meet in All Saints Church Hall, BS36 1BX on

the first Thursday of each month (except August) - 7.30pm. For more information contact Margaret on 01454 850241. New members are most welcome. n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus. We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Hambrook Sports Club Crib team are looking for new members to join our winter league, playing Thursday evenings at 8.30.

Beginners welcome. Pre season meeting 20th September at Hambrook Sports Club at 8:30. For further information contact Dave Manley on 07531299786 n Friendship and Dance for over 50s, no partner needed – note new venue and day. The Miner’s Welfare, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath. Beautiful new wooden dance floor. Every 4th Tuesday in the month, 2pm-4pm. Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Social break with refreshments £4. All welcome.

Further information contact Hilary Jay 07515 351 813 n CRASH (Children Really Are Special Here), 5.30pm-7pm term times, Zion United Church. Funfilled evening for primary school children with games, crafts, songs and stories. Costs £1 per week.

Contact Heidi on 01454 776618 or email childrenyouthz@gmail.com for more details. n Vale of Frome Probus for retired men meets monthly at the Miners Club, Coalpit Heath, on 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800 120 10.00am. Ladies invited four times a year. Speakers on various subjects and social events. More details at www.valeoffromeprobus. co.uk or contact Terry on 0117 956 4259. n Winterbourne Down Art Group meets from 2-4pm at All Saints Church Hall. Friendly, sociable folk who enjoy painting. All abilities welcome. For more information call Terry on 01454 774781 or Graham on 01454 778921. n New walking football session for the over 50's at UWE's new sports ground at Hillside Gardens, Frenchay Campus. Every Thursday 2-3p.m. £3 per session. Contact Keith Gwilym on 0794 838 3536 or email buwfc2018@gmail.com for more information.

Friday n Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9pm

What’s on at Winterbourne Library Staffed opening: Tuesdays: 10am-5pm Wednesdays: 10am-5pm Fridays: 10am-5pm Saturdays: 9.30am-12.30pm Open access (unstaffed) 8am-7.30pm daily, except December 25 Christmas Singalong: Come and join us for a Festive Family Singalong, Friday December 6, 2-3pm. Suitable for all ages. Refreshments provided. To book your place, speak to a member of staff Rhymetime: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together. Every Tuesday morning, 10.30-11am.

Pre-School Storytime: Join us for stories and simple crafts. Every Wednesday morning, 10.30-11am.

Duplo Club: Saturday December 28, 10.3011.30am. Suitable for pre-school children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Free event – no booking required.

Lego Club: Listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library.

Suitable for children in primary school age range, who must be accompanied by an adult. Next meeting on December 21, 10.3011.30am. Free event – no booking required.

Have you Read…? Open reading group for all.

No set text – share your love of books, extend your reading horizons. First Friday of every month, 11am-noon.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

The Craft Group: Next meetings on Saturday December 14 & 28, 10am-noon. New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects.

Free Holiday drop-in: Chilly crafts. Friday January 3, 10.30am-noon.

Drop-in session making simple crafts. Suitable for ages 4-10.

For more information: Telephone 01454 868006 Email winterbourne.library@southglos.gov. uk Website: www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries Twitter: @southgloslibs Facebook: South Gloucestershire Libraries

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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28

December, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, search www.fcmvc.co.uk or email contact@fcmvc.co.uk.. n Frampton Cotterell Community Association. Fridays at Crossbow House School Road Ist Friday of every month Quiz- 3rd Friday of every month Bingo, start at 8 pm. n St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath: Coffee and teas with a warm welcome and new friends at 11.15am or stay for lunch, starting at midday. Donations towards church funds. n Frome Valley Art Group Winterbourne. Looking to find that inner talent or start a new interest? Drop in for a free taster session, Fridays at 2pm or 7pm.

We have a busy programme of demonstrations and Saturday workshops by professional artists to help your development.

Our Annual exhibition in May displays members’ work .

Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Contact Dave: 0117 9790043 Andrew:

01454 778310. Eric: 01454 615619 Lesley: 01454 250817. Email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail. com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Friday evenings from 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme 01179 793473 n Community Coffee Mornings, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am - 12.30. All welcome. n St Peter's Church Frampton Cotterell invite you to Friday Coffee every Friday 10:00 -12:30. Come in and have a chat. n Lunches in St Saviours church hall, 11.15am for refreshments and midday for lunches. Donations to church funds. n Folk at Frampton Cotterell: Folk/ acoustic music club, Crossbow House, second Friday of the month from 8-11pm. More details from Andrew Edgington on 0797 415 1437.

Saturday n Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

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10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month. n Frampton Cotterell Royal British Legion, Ryecroft Rd. Every Sat dancing to live bands.Bingo 8pm-8.30pm Then dancing until until 11.30pm. Entry on door £5.

Everyone Welcome. n Winterbourne Tennis Club Junior tennis coaching. 9.30 -1pm, Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs.

Rusty Racquets/Drill-Drill Group Coaching for adults of all abilities 11.30am-12-30pm. £5 pay and play. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@ msn.com n Connectz, meets 3.30pm5.30pm every 2nd Saturday, Zion United Church. Fun activities for families, followed by a meal. See www.zuchurch.co.uk or email childrenyouthz@gmail.com for more details n Messy Church at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Every third Saturday of the month from 4pm to 6pm.

All-age afternoon of fun, craft and activities, with a meal and praise service.

Sunday n Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly).

Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147. n Nature Reserves, Winterbourne work party meets 1030am, Church Lane, Winterbourne, 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month. Newleaze reserve (Bristol Road) 10.30am Ist Sunday of month. Huckford Quarry 2.30pm 3rd Sunday of month.

Contact Frank Smith 01454 778975. n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

Established players and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653 n Parish Praise at St Saviours Church, first Sunday of the month at 10am. Suitable for all ages – come and join in with the family praise and stay for coffee or tea afterwards if you wish. See the Church website for up to date information. Coalpitheath.org.uk/ social or coalpitheath.org.uk/news

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Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664

www.landcaretrees.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

29

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Something different for the festive season

I

’M often asked: “What can I do for Christmas for people who don’t like traditional Christmas cake or who have dietary issues?”

Now, I’m pleased to tell you, I have the perfect option. This cake is packed with nuts and has a beautiful zesty lemon flavour and a lemon glaze topped with pistachios.

To cap it all, it’s gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians. And it tastes simply delicious for anyone.

My husband and friends are my best critics, so I always try a new recipe out on them. This one definitely got the thumbs-up from them.

When everyone is getting so busy in the run-up to Christmas, this is the perfect, easy recipe to have up your sleeve. The great lemon flavour comes from cooking the lemons for about an hour to make a wonderfully zesty lemon paste. This is the only time-consuming part of the recipe, but don’t be tempted to skip it and just substitute it for zest and juice. The flavour just won’t be the same.

Another good thing is that it freezes really well and will keep in the freezer for a month, without losing any flavour. I like to cut the loaf into slices, then wrap it in cling film and a ziplock bag before freezing. That way I always have something to offer when someone says they are popping round.

(You will need to cut off separate slices and let them defrost at room temperature. Microwave defrosting would not work well with the icing.)

This is a real crowd-pleaser and if you don’t tell them, they’ll never know it’s healthy, too.

I wish all my readers a healthy, happy and joyous Christmas and New Year. I look forward to creating some exciting new recipes next year. Enjoy!

Lemon and Pistachio Loaf Cake

Makes 1x 1lb loaf or 6 small Bundt cakes – see picture 3 lemons Ground Pistachios- 120g (4.5 oz)– about 1 ¼ cup of whole pistachios Ground almonds – 165g (5.5oz) Eggs – 3 Honey or agave nectar – 150 ml Baking powder – ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon Lemon Glaze Icing sugar – 125g (4.5 oz) Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons Rosewater – 2 teaspoons – optional.

See Cook’s Tips Topping Pistachios – 4 heaped tablespoons, roughly chopped Here’s what you do: Rinse the lemons and leaving them whole, put them in a microwavable bowl. Cover them with water and cook on MEDIUM in your microwave for 45 – 60 mins until they are really

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soft when pierced with a skewer.

Place the pistachios in a food processor and grind to a fine powder with no lumpy bits.

When cool enough to handle, cut the lemons in half.

Remove the seeds and using a teaspoon, scoop out the soft pulp.

Leave to one side.

Grease your tins either 1x 1lb tin or 6 small Bundt tins. Or you can use paper liners for the loaf tin. This helps keep them moist.

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4 Mix all the cake ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix the dried ingredients first, then add the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a metal spoon ‘til well combined.

Put the mixture into your chosen tins.

If you’re making one large cake, bake in the oven for an hour. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Check the Bundt cakes after 25- 30mins.

The cakes are done when a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into

Ann Murray is from the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury.

She’s teamed up with Frome Valley Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen. the middle of the cake.

Remove from the oven. Leave in the tins for 5 mins, then turn out onto a cooling rack.

Whilst cooling, mix the lemon glaze ingredients together.

When the cake/cakes are still slightly warm, drizzle the icing on them. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top.

Cook’s Tip If you like Turkish Delight as I do, add the rosewater for an unusual flavour.

Otherwise just use 2 teaspoons of warm water instead.

For an extra Christmassy flavour, instead of lemons use 4-5 (depending on size) tangerines or clementines to make the pulp. They will take less time to cook – check after 30 mins.

Use 165g almonds, as in this recipe, and swap the 120g pistachios for walnuts, which you have ground in a blender.

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30

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

n NEWS

Awards celebrate volunteers' good work VOLUNTEERS from a group helping to improve Coalpit Heath were among more than 50 people thanked for the important work they do to help maintain the area's open spaces.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Spaces Network hosted the event at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, welcoming volunteers from 28 different groups who work across the district to maintain parks, nature reserves and public rights of way.

They included volunteer workers from Friends of Ram Hill Colliery in Coalpit Heath, the Friends Of St James Churchyard in Charfield, Wapley Bushes Conservation Group in Dodington and Avon Wildlife Trust.

The volunteers were thanked for the work they do by the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Brian Allinson, who said: “We know that without your help,

our natural environment and the places we hold so close to our hearts would not be as beautifully cared for as they are.

"Your help and hard work in all weathers is greatly appreciated and I would like to

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personally thank you and your members.”

Volunteers from the Forgotten Landscape project spoke about the importance of surveying wildlife and shared their experience of recording

water voles, great crested newts and wetland birds along the Severn Estuary, while council officers delivered talks on climate change and the measures being taken by the local authority to achieve its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and some friends’ groups hosted stands showcasing the work they do.

The Community Spaces Network is co-ordinated by the Community Spaces team at South Gloucestershire Council.

It has been set up to enable community groups which help care for public open spaces in South Gloucestershire to share knowledge and resources.

The network is free for groups to join and provides support and information, including volunteer insurance, volunteer support and training.

For more information email communityspaces@southglos. gov.uk.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Wish you and your loved ones a Happy Christmas We hope you can celebrate and enjoy time with those you love.

At Christmas we remember that God chose to come and live among us.

Keep Christmas special by showing generosity to those around you.

Sat 14th Dec 10.30-11.00am Nisa Stores Sat 21st Dec 10.30-11.00am Poplar Farm Shop

Sunday 22nd Carol Service Christmas Eve Crib Service Midnight Mass Christmas Day Family Eucharist

6.00pm 5.00pm 11.30pm 10.00am

Sunday 22nd ‘Well Good’ Nativity 10.30am Orchestral Carol Service 6.00pm Christmas Eve Carols with Schools’ Assembly Team 5.00pm Midnight Celtic Communion 11.15pm Christmas Day Family Service 10.30am

Sunday 8th Christmas Tree Service Sunday 22nd Carol Service Christmas Eve Crib Service Midnight Mass Christmas Day Family Communion

Sunday 15th Candlelit Carols Christmas Eve Crib Service Candlelit Communion Christmas Day Parish Communion

For Catholic Services: www.stlawrenceandstpaul.co.uk

4.00pm 6.00pm 4.00pm 11.30pm 10.30am

6.30pm 4.00pm 10.30pm 9.30am

32

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

n COMMUNITY NEWS News from Iron Acton WI

WE held the celebration of our centenary in Iron Acton Parish Hall on October 28.

Members of other local groups were invited, along with past members of Iron Acton WI. Entertainment was provided by the Actonians, who read a series of letters from the 1919 era, cleverly adapted so they referenced the businesses that used to grace Iron Acton High Street and the families who lived there.

Two monologues from that period were recited, including Albert and the Lion. Pianist Ben and singer Sarah also entertained, with songs from films and musicals from the relevant era.

A variety of sandwiches and cakes were consumed and there was a toast with Prosecco when the beautiful celebration cake (complete with maypole) was cut.

A specially-commissioned wooden bench, inscribed with the relevant dates, is to be sited in the grounds of the parish hall as a tribute to all the past WI members who have contributed in so many ways to the local community.

Anyone who is interested in joining our friendly group can contact our secretary, Bridget, on 01454 321741.

We meet on the second Monday of the month in the parish hall.

Sylvie Powell

As it was our AGM, our year was summarised and the committee members were thanked for their work. All were willing to continue and were re-elected, along with two additional members.

After the formal part of our meeting members were then invited to a blind tasting of Christmas food. Christmas cake, stollen, mince pies, cheese and biscuits and crisps were offered, sampled and scored before the prices and supermarket origin of each item were revealed. There were some surprises!

It was lovely to see so many contributions for the food bank brought along to the meeting. We will be accepting items from the Christmas list at the next meeting too: this can be found on our Facebook page @WICoalpit Heath and website.

It was noted that Dick King-Smith’s daughter had been in the village to visit the half-term scarecrow trail. Despite the poor weather, we were pleased to see that Emily from Emily’s Legs lasted the week. I hope you found her waiting on the bench outside St Saviour’s church.

On Wednesday December 11 at 7.30pm you are invited to join us at St Saviour’s church for a service of carols and poems. Refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies, will be served afterwards. Our collection will be shared between the church and a nominated charity.

If our meetings feel like something that you would like to be a part of, then why not come along? New members are always welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7.45pm in St Saviour's church hall.

We are trying our hand at Christmas flower arrangements at our December meeting. Please note the January meeting will be on January 8.

Happy Christmas from all at Coalpit Heath WI.

News from Coalpit Heath WI

with her rather than eat the plants in our winter displays!

Floral Friends have been busy changing the seasonal planter displays. Summer bedding has been removed and winter/spring flowering plants like heather, polyanthus and violas have been planted along with mini daffodil bulbs to add colour and brighten up the dull days of winter and give us all something to look forward to in the Spring.

We braved the dismal weather earlier in November to tidy up the triangle area opposite the Rising Sun. The wild flowers have now died down and their seed has been scattered for a repeat display next year. Verbena bonariensis plants, kindly donated by a local resident, have been planted for a lovely display next year. The area already looks much better and another tidy up session is planned later.

This autumn we have been replacing the summer wild flower displays in the gateway planters with small shrubs and perennials for more sustainability and to improve the environment for wildlife. Wallflowers and spring bulbs will add seasonal colour and interest.

Selected plants include heuchera, euonymus and tiarella.

Could you help?

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: Could you spare a few minutes regularly?

We always need help to maintain the planters (and we always try to share the load and ask people to look after a planter near their home/ business to minimise time and effort).

Could you spare a couple of hours twice a year (late spring and autumn)? We welcome help when we need to replenish the plants in the planters in spring and autumn.

We run various fund raising activities during the year (coffee mornings, plant sales) and we are always glad of help.

No time? Donations are always very welcome.

Sponsorship: If you have a business in the area, or would like to commemorate a special event or person, you may like to consider sponsoring a planter or gateway for an annual fee – with a plaque fixed to the planter/gateway it’s cheaper than most other forms of business advertising!

If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com.

Frampton Cotterell WI

News from Floral Friends of Frampton

COALPIT Heath WI continues to maintain a steady membership and provides a range of activities and talks for its members each month.

SOPHIE and her snail represented Floral Friends in the village scarecrow trail over half-term. She is from Dick King-Smith's popular children's story Sophie's Snail. Sophie, unlike most gardeners, loves snails. We’re hoping they stay

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Frampton Cotterell WI and Crossbow Frampton Cotterell and District Community Association have set up a community bookshelf for all to enjoy.

Come along to either swap good quality fact/fiction books or feel free to leave a small cash donation for the upkeep of Crossbow House.

Good quality book donations welcome.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

33

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Walking to health – not just in summer WINTER wonderland! We live in a beautiful area. Leaves have fallen, making it possible to see far over the countryside; but how much better it is to experience the view and walk through lanes, across fields, or past farmyards amongst like-minded people? Walks are published by South Gloucestershire Council and led by volunteer leaders once a month. Local walks begin at 10.30am and last for 1½ to 2 hours but a shorter option is offered (see programme below). New faces are welcomed – no charge, just turn up and introduce yourself.

It's easy to settle in a warm home this time of year, but healthier and more interesting to venture outdoors for exercise and a breath of fresh air, whatever one's age.

Suitable shoes and clothing allow for a comfortable stroll – if you can walk in wellies, that's fine!

October half-term allowed school children to join a walk round Frampton Cotterell on the scarecrow trail. Imaginative and artistic residents provided fun and photo opportunities for walkers. Coffee at the Gingerbread Cafe was available afterwards.

In December, a brisk walk in cooler conditions finishes at St Peter's Church with coffee and mince pies. Walkers are welcome to dress in festive hats or jumpers – whatever feels warm and promotes happiness.

One of our walk leaders (with an amusing mathematical mind) tried to calculate how many miles a retiring leader had walked with us. Multiply the number of miles per walk per week by the number of weeks in a year, multiplied by the number of years walked (and double the answer to allow for pre-walks), and the answer could equal a trek up Everest – but without the chill, hard terrain, breathlessness and isolation! Walkers have a wide experience of life, and love to share anecdotes and advice, and generally make every other walker feel their friendship is strong. The walking programme below gives an idea of the varied scenery and historical features encountered but, in wet or snowy weather, leaders sometimes suggest an easier detour. The photo shows an autumn walk from the Badminton Arms to Westerleigh, via Frog Lane.

A full programme of guided walks can be found on the FC Village Action website, www.villageaction.org.uk: this also has details of local walks which people can do at anytime by themselves.

Jean Frary

Walks programme December 2019 to June 2020 December 3:

rom St Peter's Church, Frampton Cotterell (1.5 or F 3.5 mile walk)

January 7:

pposite the cafe in Church Road, Frampton O Cotterell (2 or 3.5 mile walk)

February 4: Miners Village Hall, Coalpit Heath (2 or 3.75 mile walk) March 3:

Golden Heart, Kendleshire (1.8 or 3 mile walk)

April 7: St Peter's Church, Frampton Cotterell (1.5 or 3.5 mile walk) May 5:

Badminton Arms, Coalpit Heath (2 or 3.5 mile walk)

June 2:

New Inn, Mayshill (1.6 or 3.7 mile walk)

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Matthew’s version of the Christmas story

E

ACH time Christmas comes round we expect to hear about shepherds and angels, and it all seems very quaint and cosy – an infant wrapped up and snug in a manger and so on.

There are two sources for the stories of Christmas: Matthew and Luke. Luke tells more of the story and includes the shepherds and angels. However, this year, the church begins Year A in its threeyear cycle of readings (on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1), and so Matthew’s account comes

to the fore.

Matthew’s account is very different from Luke’s. Matthew is more concerned with Joseph than with Mary, and records a dream Joseph has telling him to marry Mary. He takes responsibility.

Then, a little later, a group of magi, number undefined (but traditionally thought of as three) from somewhere in the east come looking for an infant king.

They make the mistake of going to Herod’s palace, who is thereby alerted to this potential challenger to his throne, not that the baby

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knows anything about it.

This kind of advertising makes Joseph anxious. He becomes aware of Herod’s bad intentions, and so takes his family to live in Egypt for a while.

Thus the newborn saviour of the world becomes a refugee to avoid being murdered before he has even uttered a word.

This is a very different world to that of the fluffy sheep and the cosy crib. But it is important not to look away from the harsh realities of the world Jesus found himself in, much like ours in many parts of

Revd Colin Lunt, Vicar, St Saviour’s Church

the world.

He came among us, sharing fully in our humanity. He became as we are so that we might be as he is.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

34

December, 2019

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style A vintage Christmas

R

EGULAR mention of the ‘C’ word before December 1st is a sure-fire way to irritate me, and it would seem I’m not alone. Staff and customers of chain stores that pipe in music have started to rebel against November rotations of the usual 70s and 80s ‘seasonal’ dross, and not before time. I’m avoiding the Mall lest I get trapped in a Slade/ Wizard/McCartney/Mariah chintz-loop.

Instead let me take you gently by the hand and lead you back to a simpler, less commercial time. The year is 1928, and Triumph have yet to find their niche as makers of small sporty convertibles. Instead, from their Coventry factory, they are trying their hand at all manner of different vehicles. This month’s car is Triumph’s Type 15, a large coach built saloon fitted with a 2.2 litre 4 cylinder side valve (‘flathead’) engine of about 60hp. Launched in 1926 and in production for just four years, the 15 was exported heavily but today only two examples survive worldwide. Coincidentally, my late father owned both of them for nearly 60 years. They are highly unlikely to ever hit the used market.

So why should you care? Oh please, indulge me, it’s Christmas. Oh humbug, I said it…

The 15 is in many ways typical of the period – note the running boards, huge 22 inch wheels with a spare on the back and ‘suicide’ rear doors.

But Triumph were pioneering engineers, and this was the first British production car to be fitted with hydraulic brakes on all four wheels.

Triumph were so worried about lesser vehicles piling into the back of the 15 that they added a charming warning triangle with the words ‘Four Wheel Brakes’, feebly illuminated by a small red light, to the back. Today we would call it a brake light. Those brakes, imported Chrysler contracting-band drums, were hugely powerful when new, but soon became obsolete and today are problematic. They get wet in the rain, bind onto their drums when the fancy takes them and are generally a pain. The other fundamental problem with the 15 is that it is, unsurprisingly, underpowered. The body, made to order by your preferred coach builder, is far too heavy. Hills and hot days therefore equals overheating. The other surviving 15 is a two-door fabric bodied

lightweight by comparison and consequently suffers no such indignity.

So far, so what – all vintage cars have their foibles. However, for me, and many others in my family, these cars embody pure nostalgia. I was driven home from the hospital as a newborn in this car. It has served at half a dozen family weddings. My brother and I used to beg my dad to take us for a ride in it on warm summer weekends. It has taken countless family members to nearly every track in England as we attended Vintage Sports Car Club race meetings.

Today it still wins the cup for ‘most original car’ at Triumph club events – the immaculate leather and wood interior is completely unrestored. It looks perfect outside a country pub, and never fails to draw a crowd. Kids in particular love it, aided by the fact that you can get five or more in the back.

What is Christmas if not a time for family and gentle nostalgia? Beat the vulgar 21st century commercialisation of this time of year and start your own family tradition: Check out the Vintage (pre-1940) used car market. If you avoid the very expensive premium marques (Bentley, Rolls, Lagonda) there are some incredible bargains to be had amongst some still evocative British names. Riley in particular seems undervalued.

Alvis prices have shot up. Triumph – well, I’m biased. Deep pockets are required unless you are handy with a spanner, and you will also need a garage. Actually, you might need two, so that you can store all the spare parts. And join a club straight away. Ensure you spend more time driving than polishing. Accept that oil sometimes like to escape onto the floor and elsewhere. The Government classifies these cars as ‘historic vehicles’ and for once, they’ve got it spot on. Such warm waves of happy memories…Merry Christmas, all.

Advertise your business in Frome Valley Voice email contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2019

35

n INTERCHANGE BLOG

Getting hands-on with baking WHILST I don’t profess to being an expert, I’m something of an amateur baker myself. I had this notion that motherhood would mean beautiful cake creations for my children, so when my first-born was a year old, I went on a cake decorating course.

I’m not a creative person – yes, maybe with words, but not in an arty way – so I had my reservations that I’d be able to make aesthetically-pleasing masterpieces. However, I quickly realised a few things: It’s not as complicated as it looks The tools and equipment you need are endless The time is takes to make a cake compared with the price you can charge for selling it is hugely disproportionate.

Still, I continued with my passion and even began selling some cakes for people who’d ask if I made them professionally. Now, as I run my own business and cake making wasn’t on the agenda to be the next business, I eventually decided to stop making cakes for other people.

To be fair, it was taking some of the love and passion out of the

creating process. And the pressure of delivering someone’s wedding cake without smashing it to pieces was intense.

So now I just bake for friends and family.

I often get asked where I find the time. Making my mother’s 65th birthday cake took around eight hours. I make time, because whilst I’m baking I can switch off from all the other worries and concerns circling my head. In that moment, the only thing I’m thinking about it how to get the right colour for the fondant, or the shape of a flower just so. It takes time, yes, but it’s me-time and there’s something special about giving someone a cake that you both know you’ve spent hours lovingly creating.

Pyrex, the cookware firm that runs the annual National Baking Week, says baking has a job to suit everyone because it has lots of processes, "be it choosing the recipe, buying the ingredients, weighing out the ingredients, mixing, stirring, lining tins, kneading dough, washing up or simply eating".

“Baking is like art and craft, it can be a merry mess-making activity. This is all part of baking

but the mess made is easy to clean up, especially when you all do it together. Get your pinny on and make sure you have plenty of space.”

Like I said, I use baking as a way of de-stressing and zoning out. It’s been found that baking is great for mental health and conditions like depression.

Former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite has been known to say that baking helps lift his depression, as it’s a way of channelling all the negative energy into creating something positive.

There’s also the fact that you’re removing all of the processed rubbish from shop-bought cakes when you bake at home. They don’t need to look perfect, but they often still taste amazing.

If you’d like to learn to bake but, like me, you’d rather someone taught you how to do it first, then

there are plenty of schools and classes that will teach you how to do it.

Bristol Adult Education, in Shirehampton, is one of several providers running regular courses accessible via the Bristol Food Network website or, if you’re looking for something a little more high-brow, why not try Hobbs House Bakery?

Established in the Cotswolds in the 1920’s, it is a true family business, with five generations of baking experience.

Now based at their bakery in Chipping Sodbury, they offer bread, cake and even pie-making courses.

For more information visit hobbshousebakery.co.uk or bristolfoodnetwork.org/cookeryclasses/.

Follow us on

@_TheInterchange

Read more great stories on www.theinterchange.blog Family, community, lifestyle and entertainment in North Bristol

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@TheInterchange.SouthGlos @interchangesg

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fromevalleyvoice

36

December, 2019

n NEWS

Juliet King-Smith with the Sheep Pig

Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School won first prize for the Adventurous Snail.

Scarecrow trail captures imaginations THIS year's Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath scarecrow trail captured the imagination of residents – and drew praise from a special visitor.

The trail celebrated the life and work of author Dick KingSmith, best known for his book The Sheep-Pig, who lived for many years at Woodlands Farm, Coalpit Heath, and was inspired by the landscape and animals around him.

His daughter Juliet KingSmith visited the scarecrow trail, staged during the school halfterm holidays, which featured 19 scarecrows made by residents based on characters from the books.

She spent the morning walking around the trail, starting off at My English Home with Just Binnie, with the next stop Molesworths the butchers with the Mouse Butcher. Butcher Nick Rapps said he deliberately chose his character from one of the more unusual books written

by Mr King-Smith. The toy mice had been handmade by his wife.

At the Gingerbread café Juliet came across a scarecrow with a gingerbread nose, with the book The Queen’s Nose as its inspiration. She then passed the Finger Eater scarecrow to pose for a photo next to Sophie scarecrow on the bench outside St Peter’s Church.

Aristotle the Witch was the runner-up.

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The six novels featuring Sophie were based on Juliet's mother, Myrle, who shared her husband’s love of animals.

Juliet’s final stop was Sophie’s Snail, in the grounds of Frampton Cotterell Church of England Primary School, where many children had made their own drawings of the snail and hung them on the fence.

Juliet also visited her favourite haunts in the surrounding countryside, and signed copies of her father’s books at Manor Hall in Coalpit Heath, ending the session by reading a series of short stories written by him to children.

She said: “It was so nice to

be in Coalpit Heath again. I loved the brilliantly imaginative scarecrows. The gathering in the hall that used to be the primary school went very well, and it was nice to meet some locals and their kids and to read, ostensibly, to the children – but I noticed the parents and helpers seemed to enjoy listening in, too.”

The scarecrow voted best by the public was the Adventurous Snail, followed by Aristotle the Witch and the Water Horse.

Next year there will be another trial in October. Anyone with an idea for a theme can contact the parish council on 01454 864442 or email office@ framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk.

The Water Horse was the third-favourite.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

37

December, 2019

n SPORT

Frampton can learn from first defeat FRAMPTON'S first team enjoyed a successful start to the season and were unbeaten, with five wins and a draw, heading in to their toughest challenge of the season so far.

And while the scoreline of 47-0 suggests a good thumping at the hands of undefeated leaders Chosen Hill Former Pupils, these facts don’t tell the full story of the match. The reality was that for long periods of the game Frampton competed well and played some very good rugby but could not find a way through the home defence. Any Frampton errors were ruthlessly punished by Chosen Hill, who were very clinical in taking each scoring opportunity which came their way.

Chosen Hill were relegated at the end of last season and are pulling out all of the stops to go back up again this year. It will take a very good side to defeat them and Frampton need to put this result behind them, learn from the experience, and go again.

The result meant Frampton slipped from third to fourth place in the league, having achieved hard-fought wins recently over Berry Hill (16-10) and Cheltenham Saracens (2012).

One of the most pleasing aspects of the Frampton team is the young age of the players and that the great majority of them have come through the youth system at the club.

Frampton have progressed to the quarter finals of the Gloucestershire Vase and to

Frampton Cotterell win a lineout during their hard-fought victory over Berry Hill the semi-finals of the Bristol Combination Vase. All of this without playing a game. We all love a cup run! To date we don’t know when these matches will be played.

Following their promotion at the end of last season, the second team have found things tougher this year as most of their fixtures are against clubs whose first teams play in higher leagues than the Frampton first team. It should prove a good grounding for the younger players, who aren’t yet playing first team rugby. At the time of going to press Frampton lie in eighth place in the league. One notable result was a 29-all draw away at Old Centralians at the end of

October.

After a sticky start to the season the third team have started to come good and sit proudly in first place in their respective league. The highlight of the season so far was a convincing 85 points to 7 defeat of Kingswood second team in early November.

What is so pleasing about Frampton third team is that there are always so many people available to play each week when so many clubs struggle to field two teams.

Frampton Vets - not where you take your sick animals, but the elder statesmen of the club - welcomed their old friends Les Vieux Loups (The Old

Wolves) from the Parisis rugby club in Paris on the weekend of November 8-10.

The rugby relationship is now in its 42nd year and Frampton juniors still visit and host every May. Two players, Mike Weaver and Phillipe Colin, played in that first encounter in 1977 and donned their boots again in a 24 -12 win for Frampton in Le Crunch game, which took place in very muddy conditions at the Stade de Fram. No doubt our French friends will be looking to win back the trophy when the Vets travel over to Paris in the autumn of 2020.

Andrew Westcott

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December, 2019

38

n SPORT

Teen Maryam wins tennis club title WINTERBOURNE Tennis Club's first club championship for many years had a great response and most of the members took part.

Some of the more seasoned players were taken on by our junior players with surprising results, with all the finals consisting of mixed senior and junior players.

In a nail-biting ladies' final, 14-year-old Maryam Hamrouni proved to have the edge over senior player Sarah Bruce. Maryam and Sarah then teamed up to win the ladies' doubles against mother and 11-year-old daughter team of Laura and Alysia Robinson.

Jody Cockcroft dominated in the men’s final, beating 15-year-old Charlie Wells. In the men’s doubles final, Charlie and 12-yearold Zechariah Hamrouni battled bravely but experience triumphed over youth when Dave Golding and Jody won this match comfortably. But brother and sister Zechariah and Maryam proved to be a formidable team in the mixed doubles finals, beating seasoned players Dave Golding and Jane Kendrick.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the event was a great success and the players had a fantastic time. We hope that next year the WTC Championship will attract even more players.

Maryam was the overall WTC 2019 Club Champion, playing outstandingly to win three finals – the ladies' singles, the ladies' doubles and the mixed doubles – a terrific performance from a very talented junior.

Congratulations to all our club winners and well done to everybody who took part in this event.

WTC won a trophy at the Avon LTA Summer Mixed League awards, held on October 24.

The WTC mixed doubles first team won the Avon LTA Division 4A after an exceptionally successful summer league, topping the leader board against some very strong teams.

We would therefore all like to congratulate Dave Goldie, Jane Kendrick, Nate Simpson and Rachel Cockcroft, the core team members, on their awesome achievement.

A big thank you also to all the other team members who played so well during the summer season, including Joan Ward, Jody Cockcroft, Richard Davey, Liam Ellis, Sarah Bruce, Maryam Hamrouni, Cheryl Mc Murray, Patrick Grant, and Laura Swales.

Elsa Looij

Maryam Hamrouni (left) beat Sarah Bruce in the WTC ladies' singles final.

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