Frome Valley Voice February 2023

£6m to hold back floods

Jail for bus arsonist

A MAN who started fires which destroyed half of a Frampton Cotterell charity's minibus fleet has been jailed for three years.

Daniel Cron, aged 26, set fire to 20 vehicles, causing damage estimated at hundreds of thousands of pounds, in the early hours of April 3 last year.

Twelve of the vehicles were minibuses belonging

to Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport, which was left "shell-shocked" by the loss.

But staff and volunteers at the charity, which provides dial-a-ride transport for people with mobility problems and school bus services, were "uplifted" by offers of support from the community.

Full story: Page 3

Head resigns

THE head teacher of Winterbourne Academy, Vic Boynton, has resigned after less than a term in her post.

PAGE 2

Bus shake-up

A NEW 'on-demand' transport service enabling people in the Frome Valley area to 'hail' a minibus will be launched - as one village faces losing its subsidised service.

PAGES 4 & 5

Critical report

A FRAMPTON Cotterell

preschool says staff are working hard to make changes after being told to improve by regulator Ofsted.

PAGE 6

Champions!

A WINTERBOURNE primary school's football team is celebrating winning their county championship.

PAGE 15

A £6 MILLION series of projects, including creating storage ponds and dams, could make January's flooding on the River Frome at Rectory Road, Frampton Cotterell, a less common sight in future. Full story: Page 9

fromevalleyvoice

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

March deadline

Our March deadline is February 22.

FromeValley Voice contacts

Richard Drew

Publisher

01454 800 120

contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

For advertising enquiries: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Your views

Academy head resigns after a term

THE head teacher of Winterbourne Academy has resigned, after less than a term in her post.

Ken McCormick Editor contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

We reserve the right to edit your letter.

Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards

01454 868001

Complaints

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

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

A member of the

Parents and pupils have been told that Victoria Boynton, who took over in September, was unwell for the last two weeks of last term, and has now handed in her notice.

Senior deputy head Jenny Cartwright has stepped in as interim head teacher for the rest of the academic year while the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs the school, decides about the longer-term arrangements.

Trust chief executive Dave Baker told the Voice the school was sad to see Mrs Boynton leave.

She had wanted parents and pupils to know she had been suffering mental health issues, and had decided she could not continue in post.

In an open letter to parents, he said: “We have been in regular contact with her during that time and over the holidays but, unfortunately, she is still very unwell.

“She asked us to let you know that it is her mental health that has caused her to be unwell and that it is a long-standing issue.

“With reluctance, and after much discussion with her, we have accepted her resignation.

"We know you will join with all of us in wishing her well and hoping that she will start to feel better soon.

“We are grateful for all that she has done for the school and the Trust, during the last year in particular, and are really sad that she does not feel able to continue.”

Mr Baker asked parents to share the news with their children, and said pupils would be told in school.

He said: "This is a stark reminder for all of us to look after our own mental health and to look out for other people’s well-being in and out of school."

Winterbourne Academy is South Gloucestershire’s largest secondary school, with more than 1,700 pupils.

Mrs Boynton had been working alongside her predecessor Jason Beardmore during the last academic year, having previously been appointed to lead a new secondary school in Lyde Green that has suffered repeated delays in its building programme.

Jenny Cartwright has taken over as interim head teacher

Jail for arsonist who burned charity's minibus fleet

A MAN who started fires which destroyed 12 vehicles belonging to a Frampton Cotterell charity has been jailed for three years.

Daniel Cron, aged 26, set fire to a total of 20 vehicles, causing damage estimated at hundreds of thousands of pounds, in the early hours of April 3 last year.

Twelve vehicles belonging to Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport, which serves areas including Frampton, Winterbourne, Cromhall, Almondsbury, Tytherington and Thornbury, were destroyed where they were parked, at Rolls-Royce in Patchway.

A 13th was also damaged during the spree carried out by Cron and another man, who has yet to be identified by police.

A number of privately-owned vehicles were also damaged in the attacks.

Cron, of Filton, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on January 11 and was sentenced to three years in prison, having pleaded guilty to 21 counts of arson – the 21st related to a fence – at a previous hearing.

An Avon and Somerset spokesperson said dozens of people submitted footage from their private CCTV, doorbell cameras and dashcams in response to an appeal for video evidence after the attacks.

Using the footage, officers then tracked Cron and the other man as they set fire to the vehicles between 1am and 4.40am in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford, where the vehicles were stored.

After the sentencing hearing Inspector Steve Davey, of

Operation Remedy, said: "Cron has never offered any explanation for his actions and it was only by sheer luck that nobody was seriously injured or killed.

"While no one was hurt, vulnerable members of the community lost a vital transport resource, while the community group which owned the minibuses, along with other motorists, suffered a significant financial hit and the inconvenience of replacing their

vehicles.

"We’re extremely grateful for the support we received from the public following our appeals.

"Their help in providing us with footage saved a lot of

Devastating loss left charity 'shell-shocked'

FOUR Towns and Vale Link chief executive Nigel Davis said the charity had been left "shellshocked" by the attacks, which saw "over 50% of our vehicle fleet burnt out".

But staff and volunteers had been "uplifted by the offers of support which came from the community".

Trying to find vehicles in a matter of days to cover for its council school contracts and diala-ride service after the attacks had been "a very stressful time".

Mr Davis said: "We are still not back where we were, prior to the vandalism, despite a very good service from our insurance company.

"It was a very difficult and time-critical undertaking to try and replace the written-off minibuses in the open market.

"Certain vehicles were simply not available, or

valuable police time and enabled us to quickly put together a route Cron and the other man took and provided the evidence we needed to secure this conviction."

delivery timescales were advised to be up to 52 weeks. We could not wait longer than a few days, if all our commitments were to be achieved."

He said the charity was also given a week's notice to quit the area it had used to park its vehicles by landowner Rolls-Royce, which was "more of a blow than the actual fire itself".

The charity was lent vehicles by Callicroft School and vehicle leasing company ALD Automotive, and Crossbow House in Frampton Cotterell offered some free parking for its remaining vehicles as it tries to secure a long-term site.

Mr Davis said Four Towns and Vale Link had also been affected by the spike in fuel prices and a shortage of volunteer car drivers as it tries to meet increased demand.

It is currently looking for new paid drivers to maintain its school contracts and Dial a Ride services, as well as volunteer car drivers and admin assistants.

Anyone who is interested in a volunteer role should call 01454 250500 for further information.

Firefighters tackle the blaze. Picture: Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Daniel Cron

New 'on-demand' buses for Frome Valley

A NEW 'on-demand' transport service enabling people in the Frome Valley area to 'hail' a minibus will be launched this year.

The aim of the 'WEST link' service is to enable people who live in areas with little or no bus service to reach a stop or station where they can pick up another bus or a train.

Funded by the West of England Combined Authority, out of £3 million from the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan, the minibuses will run between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

The service was originally set to start in the summer but a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority in January heard it could start in April.

The new ‘demand-responsive transport’ WEST link minibus services will cover all of South Gloucestershire north of the M4, and other rural areas of the district, as well as large parts of North East Somerset and some parts of South Bristol.

People will be able to phone, go online or use an app to call up a minibus as a "feeder service", to reach a stop linking them up with main commercial routes.

The system works by splitting the region into zones and using an algorithm to work out when requests by several people in a zone can be combined into one minibus journey that collects

them all.

It has no timetable, and ticket prices will match regular fares on the region's buses, which have recently been reduced to a £2 flat rate single.

Details of how many minibuses will be provided and how far they can go from each town or village covered by the scheme have yet to be finalised.

The idea grew out of consultations held by Metro Mayor Dan Norris last year to try and find solutions to the public transport crisis facing the region.

He said the government had insisted that Bus Service Improvement Plan money cannot be spent to subsidise existing services but must instead be invested in "innovative and new" schemes.

Mr Norris said: "Everyone knows the buses don’t currently work as well as we need them to, so it’s time to try something new.

"WEST link will provide a much-needed new public transport option to help people get out and about to their destinations."

The Metro Mayor also hopes running a fleet of smaller minibuses will help solve the shortage of more than 250 drivers on the region's bus network: they are easier to drive and quicker to train on than a large bus, as drivers don't need a public service vehicle (PSV) licence.

Feel gd

A map of 'WEST link' coverage in South Gloucestershire (in green) includes the Frome Valley area.

Village's subsidised service faces axe

BUS passengers face further cuts to the struggling public transport network, with around 42 subsidised services facing the axe across the region from April.

The service cuts were signed off by the West of England combined authority on January 18, after the region’s political leaders heard how many of the services were crucial in connecting isolated communities and persuading drivers to use public transport instead.

Among the routes facing cuts in South Gloucestershire are the 626 Wotton-under-Edge to Bristol - which is the only current service for Iron Acton - the 622 Chipping Sodbury to Cribbs Causeway and the 202 Chipping Sodbury to Winterbourne.

School services the 963 from Patchway to Winterbourne and 680 North Yate to SGS College Filton will be funded until the end of the school year.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris blamed the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset councils for paying the combined authority too small a transport levy, which was less than inflation, so service cuts had to be made.

He said: "We have a real

term cut in supported bus services because the levy has not increased. The levy is much lower than in other parts of the country.

"At the moment we have about £20 a head per year for our transport levy, and that compares to the ones at the top of the combined authorities in other parts of the country, that are £60 a head. "There are huge reserves in some of our council areas that could perhaps be used in a way that deals with exactly these concerns, and that’s a political choice."

Mr Norris repeatedly denied that the WEST link minibus services were replacing the subsidised services.

South Gloucestershire

Community travel could fill gap

A COMMUNITY travel group is offering people who have already been left stranded by bus cuts the chance to use it for regular shopping trips in the new year.

Yate-based Green Community Travel started running regular shopping services from Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton to Yate and Chipping Sodbury on Wednesdays and Fridays this year.

Manager Jenny Bright said: "If we pick up people from the same village on the same trip, we can use less fuel than driving round all the villages every day, which helps us keep our prices down.

"We can of course still take people on other days, for example if they’ve got medical appointments in Yate.

"It will really help us to make the service more economical and sustainable if people use the regular days where they can.

"We can set it up as a regular booking so you only need to tell us if you ever need to cancel.”

Frampton Cotterell ward councillor Jon Lean said: "We want to make sure local residents know about these services. The regular Friday shopping trip from Iron Acton will really help those people who’ve been left isolated by the loss of the Y3 bus service.

"It will also be useful for those with mobility problems who live in the middle of Frampton Cotterell and find it too far to walk to Badminton Road to catch the Y1."

For more information email admin@greencommunitytravel.co.uk or call 01454 228706.

Frampton Cotterell ward councillors

Claire Young, Jon Lean and Tristan Clark in Iron Acton, were the 626 faces the axe.

Council leader Toby Savage said many of the council’s reserves are for specific areas and can’t be spent on saving subsidised bus routes - and countered that WECA was wasting money.

He said: "I’ve raised concerns in the past about the West of England’s new offices, and overreliance on interim staff that are often much more costly."

He said comparing the £20 a head WECA area levy to other regions with trams or metro systems was "comparing apples

and pears" and not particularly helpful to the public.

Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young spoke at the WECA meeting and said some services, such as the 622 and 626, were "the only regular bus for some villages".

She said: "We strongly support using demand responsive transport to supplement regular services - but not to replace them."

Cllr Young also raised concerns that replies to the Metro Mayor’s 'Big Choices on Buses' consultation last year did not appear to have been seen by officers working on WEST link, despite it being "the biggest shake-up in bus services in decades".

She added: "We don’t know whether the feedback was shared with the councils to help them decide which services to support in their area."

Meeting report by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Preschool told to improve by Ofsted

A FRAMPTON Cotterell pre-school says staff are working hard to make changes after their first visit from Ofsted in six years.

Organisers of Zion Community Preschool say they are taking on board feedback from the inspection last November and working with the local authority to make improvements.

Inspector Louise King said the preschool at Zion United Church Hall in Woodend Road “requires improvement” in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

The pre-school had been given a 'good' rating in its previous inspection in December 2016.

The inspector said that to meet the requirements of the early years foundation stage, the pre-school must ensure all areas of learning are covered and planned for to give children "adequate challenge" and changes are made to encourage children to access different learning opportunities.

Her report said: "Children are happy and settled. They have positive relationships with each other and share their toys.

"However, there is little interaction between the children. This results in them missing opportunities to get to know each other better."

The inspector said staff know the children well and talk to them throughout the day but do not always encourage the children to respond verbally, adding: "This means that children miss opportunities to practise their conversational skills."

She said leaders recognised the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the children's communication and language skills, so they plan music and singing activities to increase vocabulary.

However some children's language-building activities were "interrupted for routine tasks, such as handwashing".

The inspector said: "Staff are not always proactive in seizing opportunities to develop children's learning further. While staff join the children in their imaginative play and children respond positively, the interactions offer little challenge to move the children on in their learning."

The report said the pre-school, which was established in 1970 and has 30 pupils aged two to four, has effective safeguarding measures and a positive relationship with parents.

Chair of Zion Community Preschool Committee Emma Vowels said they have been working hard this term to create new opportunities for our children. She said: “We are taking all the feedback on board and are working closely with the local authority to implement the changes.

“After navigating difficult challenges throughout the pandemic, we are proud to have come out the other side with an unwavering commitment to being the best preschool we can be.

“We were pleased that the Ofsted inspection recognised that our children are happy and well cared for and enjoy coming to pre-school. They praised the way we encourage independence, and our positive relationships with parents and the local school.

“We are continuing our work with Jo Jingles and Sporting Chance - both these programmes are designed to encourage communication and social skills and develop language and numeracy whilst engaging in playful and fun, musical and sporting activities.”

Ms Vowels said that this term the preschool would hold forest school and woodworking sessions, to offer children opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in nature.

Children reading at Zion Community Preschool

Path celebrates 'unique and wonderful' rugby link

FRAMPTON Cotterell’s international rugby connection has been recognised, with the naming of a footpath on a new housing estate.

Parisis Path on the Blackberry Park estate in Coalpit Heath will be named after the French district, on the northern outskirts of Paris, which has had sporting connections with Frampton Rugby Football Club dating back 45 years.

It began in 1977 when Frampton juniors travelled to Parisis to play a match. Since then the two communities have retained the connection, with twice-yearly return fixtures.

To celebrate their 45th anniversary, the Parisis veterans team, Vieux Loups - which means Old Wolves in Frenchcame to Frampton for a special match between the clubs.

The French vets took on their Frampton counterparts – and among the players were two

players who competed in the original match as teenagers: Frampton's Mike Weaver and Philippe Colin, of Parisis.

Mike said that while today’s juniors from the two communities carry on the annual tradition, the older players also have a chance to play each other, in their respective veterans' teams.

He said: “As players have got older the vets have carried on the rugby relationship also, and that has gone on for many years.

“It's a truly unique and wonderful rugby relationship across two countries, and both teams enjoy the rugby, food and one or two beers and glasses of wine.”

At the most recent meeting there was a breakfast barbecue and dinner celebration, where Vieux Loups captain Erik Vassell was presented with a mock-up of the Parisis Path street sign to take home to France.

On the field the Fram vets won back the Victory trophy 30-12, so they keep the trophy until the next time they meet – in Parisis in November.

The new name was confirmed by Westerleigh Parish Council, which covers the area and is changing its name to Westerleigh and Coalpit Health Parish Council this year.

Parish clerk Sue Simmons

said: "It is always good to involve the Community and at the point we were considering names for Blackberry Park in 2019, we were delighted that the rugby club attended and had such an interesting suggestion. “We are looking for another parish councillor and a new resident of Blackberry Park or nearby would be ideal.”

Erik Vassell, captain of the French vets team Vieux Loups, with mocked-up sign

The site of Parisis Path, which has been named after the French rugby club, in Blackberry Park

Frampton and Parisis players at an English breakfast BBQ, with beer

Phillipe Colin and Mike Weaver played in the first match in 1977 as juniors and played in the Vets game in November 2022 – 45 years later.

A jobs fair is being held to showcase full and part-time opportunities on offer at a new stroke rehabilitation unit at South Bristol Community Hospital opening soon.

Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, health, care and voluntary sector partners are working together to improve services for people affected by stroke.

This includes work to improve the prevention of stroke, as well as to provide the best possible stroke emergency care, rehabilitation and care at home once individuals are discharged from hospital.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, and one of the largest causes of disability. Working with other healthcare partners, the aim is to ensure local people have the best opportunity to survive and thrive after stroke.

As part of this work, Sirona care & health is recruiting to a number of new positions for a dedicated rehabilitation unit, otherwise known as a Sub-Acute Stroke Rehab Unit (SSARU).

The unit will meet the needs of people who are unable to return home immediately after a hospital

New year, new NHS career?

stay as they need specialist rehabilitation following their stroke.

The team is made up of a variety of clinical and support professionals, including registered nurses, therapists and support workers, who all work together

to deliver the best rehabilitation experience possible for people. There will be on-the-day interviews available, too.

Join us – it’s free:

Thursday 2 February 09:30 – 16:30

South Bristol Community

Hospital, Hengrove Promenade, Hengrove, Whitchurch Lane, Bristol BS14 0DE Register via our website – https:// www.sirona-cic.org.uk/

If you can’t make the jobs fair –Sirona can be contacted by email via sirona.recruitment@nhs.net.

£6m for Frome flood projects

A SERIES of projects to help protect homes and businesses near the River Frome from flooding has won £6 million in government funding.

South Gloucestershire Council has been working with neighbouring Bristol City Council, Wessex Water and the Environment Agency on the programme, which has been named Resilient Frome.

Six different types of projects will be carried out over the next five years to help better protect areas at risk from flooding and ensure new building projects do not add to problems.

The Frome rises at Dodington, near Chipping Sodbury, and passes through Frampton Cotterell, past Winterbourne Down and Hambrook on its way to Bristol's Floating Harbour.

In rural upstream areas, including the Ladden Brook, which flows into the Frome between Iron Acton and Frampton, part of the funding will be used to support "sustainable land management practices", including creating new ‘storage’ ponds and woody dams.

South Gloucestershire Council is using

Picture:

the government funding to work with landowners, farmers and communities over the next five years to "deliver sustainable solutions to land and water management, improve flood resilience, respond to climate change and bring a range of benefits".

A spokesperson said: “Around £600,000 will be invested in the delivery of natural flood management (NFM). This is a way of working with natural processes to help manage the risk of flooding, whilst also improving water quality and habitat.

"We will be focusing delivery of NFM

interventions within the headwaters of the Ladden, Bradley Brook and the headwaters of the main River Frome, because benefits downstream are maximised when we work in the river’s headwater and tributaries.

“We are currently beginning to engage and discuss possible NFM interventions with landowners and community groups.”

Other projects will focus on areas including monitoring river flow, improving urban planning and sustainable drainage systems to better manage storm water drainage.

Council cabinet member for the environment, Steve Reade, said: "Climate change is happening now, and the Resilient Frome project will help in our response to protect and future proof the whole River Frome area.

"The river’s catchment is largely rural, but all the water flows downstream and meets in the centre of Bristol. Therefore, a whole system approach and working across local authority boundaries is needed and we’re pleased to be collaborating with partners Bristol City Council, the Environment Agency and Wessex Water on this.”

The issue of untreated sewage entering the River Frome through storm overflow drains during heavy rainfall recently sparked a political row in South Gloucestershire Council over whether to toughen rules on new surface water drain connections.

Wood dams like this one could be created in rural upstream areas of South Gloucestershire to help tackle flooding on the River Frome.

South Gloucestershire Council

Aqua Park set to open

WE are excited to announce the opening of our new AquaPark on 1st April! This state-of-theart facility features a variety of water slides, jumps, bounces and obstacles and is perfect for families and thrill-seekers.

In addition to the AquaPark, we are currently open for outdoor swimming, paddle boarding, water-ski, RC Boating and other water sports. Our beautiful outdoor setting is the perfect place to enjoy

the great British outdoors and get some exercise. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking to have fun, we have something for everyone.

Our café is also open for good cheer and refreshments, offering a wide range of food and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a full meal, our café has everything you need to enjoy your time at our water park.

We are also excited to announce that there will be various special events and activities throughout the year, including live music, movie nights, and more, making our venue the perfect place to spend a day with family and friends.

So mark your calendars and join us for the grand opening of our new AquaPark in April! We can't wait to see you there!

Rob says goodbye at 'living funeral'

A SOUTH Gloucestershire man was the guest of honour at his own funeral, after being told he has months to live.

Aerospace engineer Rob Hale, who is 33, arranged the “living funeral” to say goodbye to friends and family.

Rob, from Thornbury, has been fighting cancer for two years – but in December was told he only has months to live. So he decided he wanted to hold a special event and “go with a smile”.

Friends and family gathered at Cattle Country, near Berkeley – an old favourite with Rob for family outings when he was a child.

Rob said the living funeral was his way of thanking those around him.

He said: "I'd never seen or heard of one before so I really didn't have any expectations, but I was blown away by the love and kindness everyone showed me.

"I had told my parents I wanted an event where I could properly say goodbye to everyone - and because everyone I have known since childhood all have children of their own now, I wanted to hold it somewhere they could come.”

Rob became ill in early 2021 with coronavirus, and when his symptoms persisted, he assumed he had long covid.

When he finally sought help, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer that affects cells in the bone marrow.

He had three bouts of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and then stem cell treatment.

In December he put out a plea for more

people to donate stem cells.

Writing about the 'living funeral' to the many people who have followed him on Instagram and Facebook, he said: "I am so glad I got to see such a happy funeral rather than the usual sombre sad affair they usually are.

"I really am glad I was given the chance to say goodbye to you all, and I can't stress enough how overwhelming it was seeing and feeling the love.

"Most people never get the chance...to say goodbye properly.

"Death is usually so sudden and final and full of regret for things left unsaid. I feel like when I go, I can go with a smile."

Rob, who had to give up work because of his illness, has also drawn up a bucket list of visiting all the castles in the UK before he dies.

A fundraising page has already topped £4,300 to help pay for the trips.

People can visit Rob’s fundraising page at www.gofundme.com/f/roberts-bucket-list or follow him on Instagram at @robs_cancer_ journey and @robs_final_dance.

To find out more about the stem cell register visit the Anthony Nolan Trust at anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/joinstem-cell-register.

Rob Hale with his dog, Brian

Mummers raise £1,000

THE traditional mummers play on Boxing Day raised more than £1,000 for charity.

Performed for the 43rd year since its revival by the Christmas Boys of Winterbourn Down, the traditional open-air show beat last year's total for Paul's Place, the Coalpit Heath charity that enhances life for adults with physical disabilities, by £30.

Alan Mildren, from the Christmas Boys, said: "It was a really wonderful Boxing Day, the crowds were out in force and it was a bright sunny day.

"And it was nice for Becky, the new landlord in the Cross Hands pub, to have a welcome to village life."

Primary school celebrates high ranking

STAFF at a village primary school are celebrating keeping their position as one of the top-rated South Gloucestershire schools in a national guide.

Hambrook Primary School was the district's second highest-placed primary school in the the Sunday Times 2023 Schools Guide, out of 97 in total.

The rankings are compiled using annual Key Stage 2 SATs scores.

Head teacher Jennifer Rubel said the ranking put Hambrook in the top 1.7% of schools nationally.

She said: "We are delighted to once again be ranked the 2nd best Primary School in South Gloucestershire.

"Our children flourish at Hambrook and these results are testament to this.

"At Hambrook we focus on a whole child approach, ensuring our children are happy, engaged, challenged and supported through an exciting and inspiring curriculum.

"Our close partnership with parents and carers is vital in ensuring our children each reach their potential in all areas of school life."

The school was rated good by education regulator Ofsted at its last inspection in 2018.

Children from Hambrook Primary School spell out the school's rank in the national guide

School club 'feels like a second home'

STAFF at a sports coaching group have been praised for going “above and beyond” at an out of school club at Hambrook Primary School.

An Ofsted inspection in November found that operator Future Stars Coaching had met its requirements.

The sports coaching and mentoring organisation has been running term-time day care for 44 pupils, aged four to 11, at the school in Moorend Road since the end of 2020.

Inspector Charlotte Adcock's report said children thoroughly enjoy their time in the “welcoming, inclusive club”.

She said: “They arrive extremely happy and keen to take part in the physical 'warm up' games.

"Staff greet children warmly and develop strong relationships with them. They are good role models and have high expectations for children's behaviour.”

The report, the first to be carried out at the club, says staff

carefully consider children's interest when planning activities and providing resources.

The inspector said: "Children learn about healthy eating habits and hygiene routines, and independently know to wash their hands when they come in from outside play or before eating.

"Children understand what staff expect of them and develop their sense of responsibility and being involved in club life."

The inspector met parents who spoke highly about the club and its staff, telling her it "feels like a second home".

She said: "They say their children look forward to attending, often not wanting to leave at home time."

Future Stars Coaching employs more than 55 staff at 50 schools in North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Owner Ben Hazeldine said:

“I’m so proud to be part of an organisation that delivers such high quality provision - and it’s great that the hard work has been officially acknowledged by Ofsted.

He praised school head teacher Jenny Rubel, saying: "She has been an incredible leader, developing the team at the school - and we’ve loved supporting her to deliver such an outstanding service for the families of Hambrook Primary School.

"We’re keen to build on this positivity by inviting more parents to try the sessions over the coming weeks."

Head of wrap around care Leanne Selman said: “The team care so much about the welfare of the children and it’s great to know it’s been recognised by Ofsted.

“Jenny and the team have worked tirelessly to create sessions and ideas that the children love, and we’re looking forward to developing the provision even further.”

Ofsted said children enjoyed making "fruit kebabs" at the out of school club.

Picture: Future Stars Coaching.

Appeal to trace owner after dog's mutilated body found

ANIMAL welfare charity the RSPCA is investigating after the mutilated body of a dog was found dumped in Coalpit Heath.

The dead greyhound had its tail and ears removed, and had been dumped down a drain.

The RSPCA was contacted by a member of the public who found the male dog's body in a field off Box Hedge Lane, close to the railway line, on December 31.

It is investigating how the dog came to be dumped and is appealing to the local community to share any information they may have.

RSPCA inspector Kim Walters, who is investigating, said: "This was an upsetting and distressing discovery.

"While at this stage we cannot say for certain how he died, it is concerning that he had been dumped down a drain after having his tail and ears removed.

"We suspect his ears were removed because they were tattooed and would have identified the owner.

"Unfortunately, his microchip is unregistered but we’re trying to find out more information on the breeder, to help establish who owned this dog.

"We’d like to find out if anyone saw anything suspicious in the area which may help me trace those responsible."

Anyone with information about the dog should contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

Cruelty incidents can be reported at the RSPCA website, www. rspca.org.uk, where it is also appealing for donations and volunteers to help with its work.

Shop closes permanently

THE Yate branch of Shaws the Drapers has closed permanently after the company went into liquidation.

The shop in South Walk closed with no notice or explanation in December, following a sale in which stock was sold off at half price.

It was one of 28 stores nationwide run by the Cardiff-based company, which had been trading for more than 100 years, selling soft furnishings and craft supplies, including wool and yarn.

At the time of the closure there was no explanation from the company but, after the last of the stores closed two days before Christmas and the company's website, Shawsdirect.com, also shut down it was revealed that the company had ceased trading.

An email to staff, shown to the BBC, said they would be paid in full up to Christmas Eve and thanked them for their service.

It said: "I hope that you will understand that after 100 years of trading, this hasn't been an easy decision for us to make, and we fully appreciate the consequences for you, but the business simply is not viable and we cannot see a way of making it so."

A spokesperson for insolvency specialists Stones & Co confirmed they had been instructed by the directors of Shaws to help place it into creditors' voluntary liquidation, under which the company would be formally closed.

Its remaining assets would then be valued and sold to help meet its debts.

Ex-employees entitled to redundancy pay or pay in lieu of notice were being referred to the government's Redundancy Payments Service.

A WINTERBOURNE primary school's football team is celebrating winning their county championship.

The boys from Year 5 and 6 at St Michael's C of E Primary School will now represent Gloucestershire in the South West Small Schools tournament in March.

As schools returned to competitive sport for the first time since the pandemic, the team won two rounds of matches in October and November to go through to a tournament at Oxstalls Sports Park in Gloucester shortly before Christmas.

Teacher and football coach Jack Smith said: "The group games couldn’t have gone any better, with the whole team playing football that Lionel Messi would have been proud of.

"We made it through the first group with maximum points and went on to play two more matches, which would see us win the Gloucestershire regional medal if we topped the final group.

"The nerves settled in a little for the first match, and we were

We are the champions!

one down within 20 seconds.

"However, with Mrs Robson, our head teacher, cheering the boys on, they started playing some quality football and drew the game 2-2.

"By the time of our final match we were shivering and in need of a hot drink - especially me for my nerves.

"The boys came out like Argentina in the World Cup Final and smashed the final team 3-0,

Ear Wax Removal

•

which meant we topped the final group on goal difference.

"It was a huge achievement that we will cherish as a school for many years.

"There were many celebrations on the journey home - and many questionable songs could be heard from the back of the bus!"

Mr Smith said the win was a highlight of a "very successful" return to competitive sport,

which has also included South Gloucestershire indoor athletics, girls football and cross country trials.

He said: "Every child has demonstrated our core values and we couldn’t be any more proud of their achievements and efforts.

"We are very lucky to have children in our school who are dedicated to sport and physical activity."

Foot Clinic

•

•

The champions from St Michael's

n STROUD AUCTIONS

Games, toys and cartoons surprise at sale

STROUD Auctions’ January sale featured more than 1,000 lots in specialist sections of pictures and paintings, books, stamps, ephemera, cameras and binoculars, Asian art, vinyl records, musical instruments and toys.

As usual, there was a lot of interest, with almost 1,500 online bidders from 41 countries, most notably for the musical instruments, where three of the top selling lots were found.

The best of these comprised a 19th century rosewood cello, which sold for £4,600, a 1790’s Georg Hornsteiner violin (£3,200) and a W E Hill & Son violin bow (£2,900).

The auctioneer’s favourite lot was an original pen, ink, colour and gouache picture by cartoon by Daily Express cartoonist Ronald 'Carl' Giles (1916-1995).

The airport scene shows passengers about to board a BOAC aeroplane with a tired pilot and co-pilot walking past after all-night strike talks, while the skies are filled with aircraft from other airlines.

Signed and titled to mount "Let's get one of these bloody planes in the air and catch up on some sleep", it sold for £2,200.

The surprise result of the sale was for a collection of Dragon Models Ltd 1:6 scale action figures, together with a collection of clothing, accessories and five original boxes, which sold for £580.

The toy section saw modern collectable items realising some pleasing prices, including a

Nintendo games console (£340) and six Lego sets (£530).

More traditional items also performed well, including model railway items and die-cast model vehicles.

One of the other notable results saw a private collection of Dungeons & Dragons and similar role playing books and games sell for a total of £4,600 – a really pleasing outcome for an emerging collecting field.

More top results were found in the specialist camera section, where a Nikon D810 digital SLR camera realised a pleasing £850.

The next auction will be on February 8 and 9, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, bladed weapons, taxidermy and sporting and ceramics and glass.

Our biggest gun auction ever, this one looks exceptional, with over 700 lots of guns and air weapons alone.

If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not come along to our public viewing day on February 7, between 10am and 6pm?

We are still accepting entries for our March auction, which will include jewellery, silver, watches and coins as well as the ever-popular classic cars and motorbikes.

If you are thinking of selling please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation or just ask for advice from one of our specialists

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

This cartoon by Giles of the Daily Express sold for £2,200

n

Helping children live life after burns

A CHARITY which supports children and their families after burn injuries is looking for people to help its work.

Frenchay After Burns children's club (FAB) is entirely run by volunteers, receiving no government support for its work to help young burn survivors make friends, build confidence and self-esteem through free activities, from days out, parties and pantomimes to international residential camps.

Any child aged under 18 with a burn injury can join and the charity aims to support them "from injury through to adulthood".

Lizzie Evans, who lives in Almondsbury, is one of the founders of FAB - and her own personal experience inspired her.

She said: "I had a burn injury myself when I was eight, and when it happened there weren't support groups.

"I was in a school with a thousand pupils and I was the only one who had had a burn injury.

"I had support from my mum and dad, which helped me through.

"These days, with the pressures of social media, living with disfigurement can be very challenging."

Lizzie was visiting family when she suffered her injury; her dress caught fire as she dried

it in front of an open fire, after playing out in the snow.

Her older sister put the flames out but she suffered burns to her legs and was treated for ten days in Birmingham Children's Hospital, before going home and undergoing operations and skin grafts at Frenchay Hospital's burns unit.

Lizzie would go on to become a nurse and work on the same ward were she was treated at Frenchay, and it was while there in 2000 that she met Julie Scott, one of the charity's other founders and current chair.

The group started small, with Lizzie and her fellow volunteers taking three girls away to a national camp for children with burn injuries.

Over the years support has expanded to include events to support the whole family of the

child who has had the injury.

But Lizzie says the residential camps remain a vital part of the charity's work, and in recent years the group has taken children to camps in Canada, South Africa and Lapland.

She said: "It's a brilliant opportunity for children to meet up with others who have had the same experiences as them.

"A lot is about the child being accepted. Their injury isn't the focus, what they might look like and any disabilities from scarring - it's about peer support and having fun.

"The residential camps offer activities like rope climbing, archery and windsurfing that families wouldn't be able to provide.

"It's very rewarding - you see people that, before they came to a camp, are not confident

enough to express their feelings. By the end of the camp that's disregarded. It's a fantastic opportunity."

Although Frenchay Hospital has long since closed, Lizzie now works as a burns outreach nurse at Bristol Children's Hospital, looking after children across the region following injuries.

She uses her own experience in a positive way and tells the children she helps about it.

Lizzie said: "It can happen to anyone.

"It's made me who I am, helped me develop my role and given me the ability to empathise."

FAB relies entirely on fundraising to meet its costs of about £25,000 a year, and as well as volunteers to help on camps it is looking for people to help raise money. It also needs administrators, event organisers and support with its online and social media presence.

Anyone who would like to find out more is welcome to attend FAB's annual meeting at Christ Church Hall in North Street, Downend, on February 7 at 7.30pm.

More information can be found at the charity's Facebook page, website www.fabclub.org. uk, by emailing mail@fabclub. org.uk or by calling 07821 989845.

What's in a name? Find out at the barn

WE use place names every day, but do we know where they came from?

Maybe Bath or Clifton or Newport seem obvious, but what about Bristol or Chepstow or Gloucester?

What do Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Stoke Gifford, Chipping Sodbury and Yate tell us about the origins of our towns and villages?

Place names can sound quite odd if you are not familiar with them - Slad, Ozleworth, Framilode, Priddy, Devizes, Wookey, Catbrain, Barrow Gurney, Queen Camel, Nempnett Thrubwell and Great Snoring, to name a few!

On February 21 at 7pm Professor Richard Coates will look at where linguistics, history and geography meet, to show the origin of older English place names in a talk at Winterbourne Medieval Barn.

It will raise funds for both the barn and the RNLI, and will also be live-streamed on zoom.

After that the barn will host light-hearted entertainment from two local "big boy

bands", Bristol Male Voice Choir and Frampton Shantymen.

Music from spirituals and folk songs to modern musicals and sea-shanties will be sung in the relaxed setting of the barn on Sunday March 5, from 2.30pm.

Our next event is a tea and tour on February 2, at 2pm, when you can come and see the barn's superb medieval roof timbers, and discover how it was built and why it is nationally important.

Book online or turn up from 1.30pm.

For the other events, booking can be done online via the barn's website at www. winterbournebarn.org.uk, but from February 2 a box office will also open at the Barn from 1.302.30pm on the first Thursday of each month, for in-person ticket sales.

WMBT is always looking for new volunteers to join the large friendly local team.

It's a great way to meet people and help in the local community. No weekly commitment is required to help with community events or to help maintain the site.

For more details visit the website or call Ceara on 0117 403 1536 from Wednesday to Friday.

Louise Harrison

Frampton Shantymen

FAB founder member Lizzie Evans and fellow volunteers

Expert predicts tough election fight for Tories

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's ruling Conservatives face a serious fight to stay in power in this year's local elections, a polling expert predicts.

Independent statistician Nigel Marriott, who is credited with making the most accurate forecast for the last General Election, says the district bucked the national trend in the last local authority elections four years ago - but may not this time.

In 2019 the Tories retained overall control in South Gloucestershire, in contrast to nearby North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, where the party lost power to an independent-led coalition and the Liberal Democrats respectively, with the unpopular government of Theresa May blamed.

Mr Marriott, of Bath, has crunched the numbers on how residents in each of the four unitary authority areas in the region have voted at local, general and EU elections since

New ID rules

2009.

He says there are some striking similarities between South Gloucestershire and North Somerset in particular, as well as crucial differences.

Mr Marriott says the outcome this year depends on whether South Gloucestershire is once again apparently immune from national trends, as happened in 2019, or if that result was a one-off.

He said: “South Glos and North Somerset are similar politically, with Tories dominant and having grown their vote share notably since 2009.

“The vote shares are practically identical for South Glos and North Somerset.

“One difference is that North Somerset has been more open to independents, so the advance of independents in 2019 at Tory expense was not completely unexpected.

“South Glos has no history of independents or even minor parties, other than in EU elections.

VOTERS in South Gloucestershire will need to show an accepted form of identification at upcoming council elections.

Recent changes to the law mean people unable to show ID such as a driving licence, passport at polling stations could be barred from voting in the elections on May 4.

People who do not have an accepted form of ID will be able to apply online or by submitting a paper form to their council for a free ID card — although details of how to do this had yet to be confirmed as the Voice went to press.

“It is a solid three-party council and, unless something else is happening on the ground, I think you have to expect it to remain like that at the next election.”

Nationally, the Conservatives are polling at similar levels to May 2019, at around 25%.

Mr Marriott said it was hard to predict whether the Lib Dems or Labour – the second and third biggest party groups respectively – would benefit most in South Gloucestershire.

In May 2019 Labour was polling around 24% nationally, with the Brexit Party on 18%, Lib Dems on 16% and Greens on 7%. The first national YouGov poll of 2023, however, put Labour on 46%, with the Lib Dems on 9%, Greens on 6% and Reform UK on 7%.

Mr Marriott said: "The Tory vote in 2019 in South Glos was very resilient.

"Given the Tories are polling the same level again today as May 2019, if they are still polling 25 per cent come May 2023 then

But opposition politicians have raised questions about the new rules, particularly over which forms of ID will be accepted.

Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young told a council meeting in December that it was "outrageous ageism" that photo travel passes for older people are set to be accepted as ID but those for younger people aren’t.

She called on the council to commit to ensuring free ID was available in good time for the local elections.

The Electoral Commission says research shows people less likely to have an accepted form of ID include those over 85 and people with disabilities.

But council leaders said a recent pilot

Nigel Marriott

that points to an unchanged Tory vote in the election.

“The question for South Gloucestershire, though, is whether 2019 was the anomaly that corrects itself in 2023 –ie, big losses – or 2019 is the baseline, in which case they could be unchanged.”

The perils of forecasting individual elections are clear

- Mr Marriott predicted the Conservatives would win the 2021 Metro Mayor election, which was won by Labour.

Mr Marriott’s blog can be found online at marriott-stats. com/nigels-blog/

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

scheme showed that most people have “an acceptable form of voting”.

Conservative cabinet member Ben Burton said: "The most important thing to ensure is that the democratic process is well run and the people who can vote are able to vote. I have every confidence in the democratic services team, with their experience of elections, to get the message out there in terms of what people can vote with, how they can vote, and to ensure that the electoral process goes smoothly."

The deadline to register to vote for the next local elections is April 17.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Saying 'I love you' with cake

JUST when you thought you’d eaten all the goodies from Christmas and there was no more huge calorie intake to be had, along comes Valentine’s Day. You therefore feel you should make an effort and give a gift to your partner.

Nothing says “I love you” like something chocolatey.

Apparently, chocolate releases endorphins and serotonin into our bloodstream, which makes us feel happy. Serotonin is also released when we meet someone and begin to fall in love, so that may explain the connection!

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes, so my advice - if you don’t want to undo all that good work at the gym after Christmas - is to either freeze most of them for another day or pass them on.

Don't put them in a Tupperware box, where they will be winking at you every time you walk past them!

Whatever you do, be kind to yourself and your partner.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s chocolate cupcakes

Makes 12 deep cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cake:

Unsalted butter, softened

Cold water – 125ml

Dark chocolate- 70% cocoa solids (I use Green and Black’s)- 60g

Eggs – 2 large

Ground almonds - 40g

Self raising flour - 100g

Light Muscovado sugar – 200g

Best quality cocoa powder (I like Green and Black’s)

Frozen raspberries - 100g

For the decoration:

Best quality cocoa powder – 2 tbsps.

Icing sugar, – 80g

Raspberry jam – warmed and strained - 110g

Prepared fondant icing: 900g chocolate, 150g each – red and white Pink food colouring

Extra fresh raspberries

Here’s what you do :

Preheat oven to 170°C/Gas Mark 4 Line 2 x 12-hole standard muffin pans with 12 paper cases. Melt butter and water in a small saucepan on a low heat, stirring until smooth. Leave to one side to cool slightly. Meanwhile, beat eggs, butter and sugar together in another medium bowl until well combined. Use a handheld electric mixer if you have one. Otherwise, it’s a wooden spoon and energetic mixing until just combined.

Sift the cocoa into the flour. Add the almonds, then the warm chocolate mixture.

Fold in the frozen raspberries gently.

Divide the mixture between the cases, filling each one 2/3 full. Smooth the tops.

Bake for about 40 mins. Check they are done by inserting a cocktail stick in the middle - the stick should come out clean, with no gooiness.

Turn cakes onto wire trays to cool. Leave to cool before icing.

To decorate:

I like to do a very simple decoration of a few extra raspberries, halved, and stuck on the cake with a dab of raspberry jam. Sieve a little icing sugar over the top of the cake before placing the fruit on top. If you want to be more swanky you can cut 3 different sized hearts and place them on the top of the cake using a dab of the jam again. Knead a couple of drops into the white fondant icing to give a pale pink heart.

Cook’s tip:

These cakes will freeze beautifully.

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

Census gives first ever snapshot of sexuality

DETAILS of the number of people in South Gloucestershire who identify as straight, gay or bisexual have been revealed for the first time.

A question on sexual orientation for people aged 16 and over was added to the 2021 Census by the Office for National Statistics.

A question on gender identity - whether a person identified with their sex as registered at birth - was also included among the questions for the first time ever.

The ONS says the information it has received as a result will be "vital in helping shape services in years to come".

However, as the questions were voluntary, one significant factor is the number of people who declined to answer either of them.

In South Gloucestershire, just over nine out of ten respondents (90.64%) said they were straight or heterosexual.

A total of 2.82% of

respondents identified with a sexuality the ONS described as LGB+, with 1.29% saying that they were gay or lesbian; 1.24% bisexual; 0.19% pansexual (defined as attracted to people regardless of their sex or gender identity); 0.07% asexual (no sexual attraction to others), 0.02% queer (non-conventional sexuality) and 0.01% wrote in another sexual orientation.

However the second largest group was those who declined to answer the question about sexuality, who made up 6.53% of the population - more than double those who identified in an LGB+ category.

In Bristol 85.45% of respondents said they were straight or heterosexual.

More than twice the proportion of the Bristol population as in South Gloucestershire - 6.06%identified with an ONS LGB+ category: 2.2% said they were gay or lesbian; 3.08% bisexual; 0.49% pansexual; 0.11% asexual

Loft Boarding & Insulation

0.13% queer and 0.05% stated another sexual orientation.

An even higher proportion of Bristol residents, 8.48%, did not answer the question.

Nationally, 43.4 million people (89.4%) identified as straight or heterosexual, 1.5 million people (3.2%) identified with an LGB+ orientation and 3.6 million (7.5%) did not answer the question.

In response to the gender identity question, 94.59% of South Gloucestershire residents said theirs was the sex they were registered with at birth, while 5.02% of respondents did not answer the question.

Of the remaining 0.38% of respondents, 0.14% said their gender was different to birth but did not give any specifics, 0.07% identified as a trans woman (registered female at birth, but now identifies as a man), 0.07% as a trans man (registered female at birth, but now identifies as a

man), 0.06% were non-binary (not identifying as a man or woman), and 0.04% wrote in another gender identity.

In Bristol, 92.45% or respondents identified with their sex at birth, 6.73% did not answer the question and 0.82% identified with a different gender.

Nationally, the ONS said 262,000 people in England and Wales identified with a gender different from their sex registered at birth, representing 0.5% of the population or around one in every 200 people.

ONS director Jen Woolford said having figures on gender identity and sexual orientation at a local level was "crucial" to "better understand the extent and nature of disadvantage which people may be experiencing in terms of educational outcomes, health, employment, and housing".

Fewer people in work

THE percentage of South Gloucestershire residents in work has fallen in the past decade, the Census has found.

Office for National Statistics figures show 62.2% of residents aged over 16 were "economically active and in employment", including self-employed, on the day of the 2021 Census, down by 2.3% on the 2011 figure of 64.4%.

In neighbouring Bristol the number of people in employment has gone up by 0.9% since 2011 but at 61.2% is lower than in South Gloucestershire.

A total of 2.5% of South Gloucestershire residents said they were economically active and unemployed, compared to 3.6% in Bristol.

In England and Wales, around 27.8 million over-16s were in employment (57.2% of the population), 1.7m were unemployed (3.4%) and 19.1m were economically inactive (39.4%), including people who were not looking for work or could not work because they were retired, students, looking after a home or family and long-term sick or disabled.

Other facts about South Gloucestershire and Bristol from the Census published by the Office for National Statistics include:

*36.6% of South Gloucestershire residents own their homes outright, while 36.8% have a mortgage, other loan or shared ownership, 10.8% rent socially and 15.8% rent privately - in Bristol 25.2% own outright, 29.7% have a mortgage, 18.7% rent socially and 26.4% rent privately.

*Around one in eight South Gloucestershire households (12.3%) have no car or van, while 40.1% have one vehicle, 34.1% have two and 13.4% have three or more. In Bristol more than a quarter of households (26.1%) have no car; 45.8% have one, 21.6% have two and 6.4% have three or more.

For more Census information visit www.ons.gov.uk/census.

Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir

FOR the first time in its 97-year history, Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir has taken to the Great Bristol Buskathon stage at John Lewis, in aid of the Southmead Hospital Charity.

Customers were entertained with a variety of carols and Christmas songs at the event in December, and in just three quarters of an hour, over £470 was collected for the charity.

The choir not only survived the pandemic but came out of it with renewed determination to perform more concerts, to reach a wider audience and to raise more money for charity than ever in its history.

The John Lewis slot was the second event in this campaign: the first was a joint evening with the Frampton Shantymen, which raised £1,000 for New Futures Nepal.

The choir is also hoping to attract new members.

It’s a friendly choir and all men are welcome – there’s no requirement for previous singing experience or musical knowledge, and definitely no audition.

Rehearsals are on Friday evenings, from September to May, at Zion United Church in Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell.

Anyone interested in giving it a try can get more information from Russell by email at sec. fcmvc@gmail.com.

We also have a website at www.fcmvc.co.uk,

Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environment Group

A WILDFLOWER meadow in Hambrook has been featured by Avon Wildlife Trust as part of their Team Wilder project.

The meadow was created on the Small Common at Whiteshill by members of Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environment Group in 2020, and now has over 60 wild species.

It is now being promoted by the Avon Wildlife Trust as an example of how local people can increase biodiversity where they live.

As well as improving local biodiversity, the meadow is appreciated as a local amenity and helps to increase ecological awareness.

The first step to getting the meadow established was to let the site grow, to see what was there already.

The mowing regime was altered, then scything was used, which maintains biodiversity as it enables small creatures to escape.

The thriving insect life helps to support the important house martin colony at Hambrook School.

To keep the wildflower meadow more natural, some grass is removed to make way for yellow rattle, which prevents the grass from taking over.

Seeds are scattered and plant plugs are planted randomly, rather than in straight lines.

Plants already present in the area included columbine, lady’s smock, shepherd’s purse and honesty.

Flowers which have been added include yellow rattle, mallow, toadflax, self heal, kidney vetch, wild marjoram and clustered bellflower.

You can read more on the Avon Wildlife Trust website at bit.ly/3ZW19f7.

You can also get involved with Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environment Group by visiting our website at winterbourneenvironmental.uk, email winterbourneenvironmental@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook.

Tim Griffiths

where you can find more details about the choir and forthcoming events.

Steve Harrison

Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir's buskathon performance

Extra funds will benefit our schools

IN my role as your local MP, supporting schools and families has been an integral part of my positive plan for South Gloucestershire.

It is one of the key public services that defines our future.

I was delighted to see that the government has announced an extra £2.3 billion will be invested in schools across the country. As part of the commitment to increase funding, schools in Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages will see a large increase in funding from next year.

This is great news for our community in South Gloucestershire, where funding for schools will increase by over £13 million next year, representing a cash increase of 6.9%, above the average increase

for schools in England.

South Gloucestershire has historically been one of the lowest-funded local authorities for education, which is something I campaigned to change for some time.

These announcements mean we are now seeing the increases we need.

Many of our local schools will benefit, with secondary schools set to receive at least £5,715 a year per pupil, and at least £4,405 for each primary school child.

On top of this funding boost, £500m has been made available to schools and colleges to support energy efficiency upgrades, and to save on bills and manage energy consumption.

The government is also

giving further funding for young people in post-16 education: £125 million is being made available for schools, colleges and other education providers to 16 to 19 year olds next year, for investing in resources and skills qualifications that will offer more learning for students and access to high-quality qualifications, including T-Levels, A-Levels and technical qualifications.

This will make sure our young people can explore a wide variety of technical and vocational routes, giving them the qualifications needed to build successful careers.

I will continue to press for more support for our local town and village schools, to ensure we are not left behind.

Our positive plan for schools and education will see us

continue to invest in our local schools, to ensure our children get the best possible standard of education.

Improving school standards in South Gloucestershire is an absolute priority, so pupils living in our community have the best learning environments possible, and the opportunities they deserve to fulfil their potential in life.

Frome Valley Growing Project

WE are delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding from the National Lottery and from Wesport (the West of England Sport Trust) to extend the work we do in our community.

Over the spring we will be offering weekly sessions for a small group of students from Winterbourne Academy and throughout this year, we will have lots more opportunities to come and volunteer with us and learn more about growing food using permaculture methods.

We will also have the opportunity to make improvements to facilities on site.

This year we hope to continue planting in our Food Forest, which is a section of our site designed to mimic a natural diverse growing system like a woodland, whilst providing perennial food throughout the year.

We are looking for donations of

cuttings and seeds for this area, of plants such as lavender and more unusual herbs, such as valerian and liquorice.

We particularly love native and/ or low-maintenance plants!

We have been working closely with Feeding Fromeside and One Planet Matters to provide fresh locally-grown food to people who

n FRAMPTON NATURE

need it.

We hope for that work to continue next year.

We are also hoping to get some advice on how to drain our site more efficiently in the winter, from engineering students at UWE Bristol.

Their support will be so gratefully received, as the ground

is especially wet this year and parts of our field have flooded. In other water-related news, our composting toilet plans are well underway and we are looking forward to our 'loo with a view!'

Once again, the seed frenzy is upon us and we are frantically collecting, labelling, swapping and selling our seeds in preparation for the long-awaited seed planting season.

If you are interested in buying any of our seeds, they are available at the Nook and Cranny in Frampton Cotterell, who have kindly agreed to stock them in their shop.

We love to keep it local by collaborating with local businesses, so if you would like to get involved with what we do, then please do come and visit and find out more.

Check out our Facebook page to find out more about what we do and how you can get involved. Volunteers of all ages and walks of life are welcome: we thrive on diversity and friendship.

You can also reach us by email at thegrowingproject123@gmail. com.

Kate Macdonald

Frampton Cotterell Nature: our red-listed birds

THE parish of Frampton Cotterell annually supports in excess of 14 species of red-listed birds.

The Birds of Conservation Concern review is split into three categories – red, amber and green.

The most threatened, on the red list, are assessed on historical decline, recent population trends, range and size, localisation and international importance, as well as global and European status.

As everywhere, a major reason for declines in our parish is the loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, as well as pollution, but there are many other less noticeable factors that accumulate to drive species away.

Did you know that your garden greenfinch, the singing yellowhammer of Frampton End, summer house martins and aerial swifts are all red-listed?

These species have suffered catastrophic declines, so much so that you may be reminded by this article that they have actually disappeared from your gaze.

Tidy gardens, artificial ground coverings, lack of unkempt verges

containing weed-seed and insect food, weather-tight house roofs, outbuilding and barn conversions, and casual disturbance are all enough to impact on wildlife’s ability to live sustainably.

Some birds come here for our relatively mild winters. Lapwing, woodcock, fieldfare and starlings try to make a living in our fields and hedgerows, but early hedge cutting removes vital fruits such as haws, enthusiastic dogs put up

lapwing that really need to rest and feed following their journey from frozen Russia and Scandinavia from the fields.

Even well-meaning nature walkers cause disturbance.

Our summer visitors don’t fare any better.

I don’t even know if the oncecommon spotted flycatcher even breeds in the parish any more. Linnet and yellowhammer do, but in precariously small numbers,

and the pleasure one gets from the song and flight of the skylark in spring is soon terminated by the first cut of silage in May, when nests of chicks are destroyed by farm machinery.

We’ve all got to eat, and I’m not singling anyone out for creating less favourable conditions for wildlife, but sometimes we all need to stop and think of ways to avoid certain practices or just to reduce their impact.

Grey partridge, turtle dove, cuckoo and lesser spotted woodpecker are all ex-breeders in the parish but let’s not let other red-listed species such as starling, mistle thrush and house sparrow join them.

If we don’t stop, think and modify what we do, then they and others will be the next losses.

Frampton Cotterell Nature organises regular nature walks, surveys and practical conservation work.

If you’d like to join us and help protect our local wildlife, email framptoncotterellnature@gmail. com.

Mike Jackson

Volunteers start young at the Frome Valley Growing Project

A yellowhammer. Picture: David Hanks

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

The photo album charts life's journey

SPRING cleaning this year began with enthusiasm.

Success was measured by clean cupboards and uncluttered drawers, but this came to an abrupt halt upon discovering a pile of old photographs.

Although long forgotten, they were too precious to be thrown away. A crisp new photo album was purchased in which to put them but first they would require sorting.

When spread out on the kitchen table in chronological order, they resembled a pathway of stepping stones. The memories each picture held, and their place in this timeline of a life lived, meant it was a job that could not be rushed.

The journey across this pathway of pictures began with black and white baby photographs. These move into others of faded colours showing small children, siblings and older family members. Behind the formal smiles of school

n WHAT'S ON

February 16

portraits, hide the complexities of childhood friendships and difficulties understanding maths.

Holiday snaps reveal beaches and fields, reawakening memories of visits to family in faraway places. Others record significant life events: christenings, weddings and flowers at funerals.

These old photographs are a visual record of my life so far, and through them I am able to revisit my own history and unlock faded memories.

As a Christian, I began to reflect on where God had been throughout these photographic memories. Christening photos show a welcome into the church family, while those of a new sibling, and parents and grandparents, show love of immediate family.

Holidays brought love of creation, through nature’s flora and fauna, and school provided lifelong friendships.

As people have moved in and out of my life, they have each left

n ARTS APPRECIATION SOCIETY meets on the third Thursday of the month for illustrated talks on all aspects of the arts. This month, Ann Haward on ceramics. Bradley Stoke Community School, 7 for 7.30pm. More details from Sally on 01454 774401.

February 1

n WELLBEING FRIENDS, for people with dementia and their carers. WADCA 1.453.45pm. £3. Varied activities, games, refreshments and chat. For more information call Edna on 07789 662694.

February 7

n FRAMPTON COTTERELL PARISH COUNCIL coffee & cake morning, Brockeridge Centre, 11am-1pm. All welcome.

February 18

n SHARE AND REPAIR CAFE, Winterbourne Down Village Hall, 10.30am-noon. Repairs for clothes, electricals, furniture, bikes, and jewellery, plus cake and company. Organised by Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group.

REGULAR EVENTS

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE FLOWER CLUB now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details.

n MONDAY: GENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND

an impression, both good and bad. The whole journey has been supported by Christian faith - my own and that of others.

The psalmist writes: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light upon my path”.

This biblical saying is found in Psalm 119, verse 105 – the longest psalm.

It is written in praise of God and reveals the love God has for people by providing them with a pathway to follow.

Christians believe God accompanies us along this pathway, as a friend and a guiding light of presence, to support us through life’s journey, made visible through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Having faith will light our way forward, so that when we falter we can find the pathway once again and know we are not alone, as we navigate the pathway of our lives and live through the multitude of chapters within our own individual stories.

My brand new photo album

RELAXATION, accessible to all, 6-7pm, St Michael's Rooms, High Street, Winterbourne. Contact Jenny on 07855 560257or jksmith@ blueyonder.co.uk for more information.

n MONDAY: FRAMPTON SINGALONG meets on the first Monday in the month at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Live music from The Jays & The Rosettes. £5, refreshments included. Carers free. All profits to UNICEF supporting children affected by Ukraine war. More details 07515 351 813.

n T UESDAY: WINTERBOURNE DOWN METHODIST CHURCHDrop in for free cup of tea and chat or play board games, every Tuesday from 2-4pm.

n TUESDAY: SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.

n TUESDAY - CRAFTING: Come and join our group of crafters on the first Tuesday of every month in the Red Brick Annexe, Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2TG from 2-4pm. Bring your own project. £4 per session. Contact: Kay 07792189276.

n WEDNESDAY: BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome-

of life’s journey so far is now complete, and sits on the shelf, ready to view.

I have made sure there is plenty of space alongside it to make room for more albums of memories, both happy and sad, but lived with the knowledge of God’s presence throughout them all.

*For details of Lent courses across the Fromeside Benefice, email office@fromesidechurches. org.uk.

first visit free so come along and give us a try. For further information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk

n WEDNESDAY: GENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND RELAXATION, accessible to all, 10.30-11.30am and 11.45am-12.45pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne. Contact Jenny on 07855 560257or jksmith@blueyonder.co.uk for more information.

n WEDNESDAY DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. Call Genise on 0777 245 1217 for more information.

n THURSDAY: WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members, especially flute, oboe, trumpet, horn and percussion players, are welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com.

n FRIDAY: FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm. Thriving club with demonstrations and workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at fromevalleyartgroup.wordpress. com or email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@ gmail.com

Val Slade Licensed Lay Minister, Fromeside Benefice

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Down WI

AT our January meeting our speaker was Katie Bell, whose informative and well-presented talk was entitled ‘Behind the curtains at the Bristol Hippodrome’.

Katie worked at the Hippodrome for 22 years, first as an usherette selling ice-creams, rising to be the deputy bookings manager. After her last job was computerised, with bookings made online, Sally lost her job in 2019 but decided to share her passion and knowledge of the Hippodrome by giving group talks.

We played Rangeworthy WI in the first match of the skittles

knock-out competition. We were fortunate to win and thoroughly enjoyed their banter and the friendly atmosphere.

Unfortunately the Winter Walk

Winterbourne Evening WI

AFTER our January meeting many members went home vowing to make an extra New Year's resolution.

Our guests were from Avon Fire and Rescue Service and spoke about fire safety in the home.

Two officers from Bedminster Fire Station told us that in 20212022 there were 470 house fires in our area, with 80% of deaths occurring in domestic homes.

It only takes three minutes of breathing in toxic smoke to kill you or three minutes for a sitting room to be totally engulfed in flames.

Half of all fires occur in kitchens, during cooking. Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers can easily catch fire, so never use them in the middle of the night or when you are out.

Never overload electrical sockets or extension cables, and be very careful with candles.

Make a plan to get out of your house safely, check your house before going to bed and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once a week.

The fire service can visit your home and offer help and advice to vulnerable people, often free of charge - phone 0117 926 2061 to make an appointment.

Everyone enjoyed this valuable talk, given with humour and style.

Then we made a collection of loose change to be sent to the charity Associated Country Women of the World and signed up for various lunches and trips out. Our next meeting will be on the 9th of February and we shall be doing Tai Chi with Jenny Smith. Meetings are at 7.30pm at St. Michael's School, Linden Close, BS36 1LG. Visitors and new members are most welcome.

Margaret Grazebrook

Frampton Cotterell WI

WE'RE close to confirming our full programme for the 2023-2024 year - do get in touch if you fancy joining us, for any of these events, and more.

Monthly events normally run on the fourth Tuesday of the month, at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm.

On February 28 we welcome local dance tutor Karen Davis, and

on March 28, local historian John Winston-Smith will talk about the Norman hunting lodge.

Our new season starts in April, when Jenny Smith teaches us about Tai Chi.

May is our resolutions meeting and in June we have a talk and cookery demo from Fussels Rapeseed Oil.

In June we have a theatre trip to see Fisherman’s Friends and in July, Rob Jones will talk about crime and the serial killer.

In August we have our summer

planned for March 18 has been cancelled, due to the rain making the route water-logged and muddy. The Spring Walk around the same route will take place on

Coalpit Heath WI

April 18.

We have had our first committee meeting of the year and come up with a few suggestions for this month.

We are meeting up at the Vintage Birdcage at Stanshawes Court, Yate, for a coffee and chat. We have also booked the skittle alley at the Hambrook Social Club for a fun game of skittles or just to watch and have a drink.

Our president has offered to host a meal at her house in March to raise funds.

Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on February 2, and everyone is welcome.

THIS month we welcomed Tim Lewis and Sheila Furneaux, who accompanied him on keyboard, for a Jack and the Beanstalk-themed evening of entertainment.

Tim began by talking about some of the stars of music hall, and sang us a variety of musical hall favourites, like Side by Side, which we were encouraged to join in with.

Having warmed us up, we were further entertained by the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, told in rhyme with songs set to familiar tunes like When I’m Cleaning Windows and Three Blind Mice. We greatly enjoyed our evening.

As well as our regular meetings, we now offer a variety of other social activities.

The day trips and theatre group has already made bookings to see My Fair Lady and Evita, and have plans for future events.

Book club is held later this month, with a subsequent meeting scheduled for March. Members volunteer books to read - so far we have all read books that we might not otherwise have chosen.

After a break of several years the WI skittles league is back underway. The first match for us is towards the end of the month, and we look forward to competing and having fun.

Our next meeting is a talk from Susan Symons on Victoria and Albert, on February 1. Ann Fisher gives an iced flower demonstration on March 1 and on April 5, Briony May Williams will talk about life after Bake Off.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall, at 7.45pm. You are most welcome to come along and see what we have to offer.

Further information and updates are on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Caroline Johnston

picnic instead of a meeting and in September Carole Darling will give a talk called Confessions of a Lawyer.

Organic and sustainable beauty and skincare is our subject in October, before we hold our AGM in and quiz in November and Christmas bingo night in December.

We have other events and socials lined up, including more visits to the theatre and other local group trips throughout the coming year.

Watch this space and our Facebook page for confirmation of future event dates and more details.

Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings. There is a charge of £3.50 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a membership fee.

Special interest groups that meet separately including book clubs, craft group, gardening group and our skittles and darts teams.

Victoria Goodman

The Winterbourne Down WI skittles team

Officers from Avon Fire and Rescue with treasurer Valerie Hillier

Jack's gifts to club

FRAMPTON Cotterell Cricket Club is very honoured to have received four prints from Jack Russell. Jack’s renown as a Gloucester and England cricketer and artist is well known.

He was also a resident of Frampton Cotterell for some years, and is providing tangible support for the celebrations of 100 years of the village’s club at the Parks.

The centenary celebrations for FCCC will take place in 2024: if you wish to get involved, please contact the club at framptoncotterellcc@gmail.com and include the word 'centenary' in the title.

In the meantime, preparations for this season are underway.

Winter nets for adults and

juniors started in the last week of January at Yate Academy.

Adult nets are 11am to noon on Sundays, Junior nets 4-5pm Saturdays.

New members are always welcome, and all ages, abilities and experience levels are catered for. Please contact FCCC via our website: framptoncotterell.playcricket.com/Aboutus.

John Hughes

Bowls club in running for top award

A BOWLS club is in the running for a prestigious national award. Begbrook Green Bowling Club, which draws many of its members from the Frome Valley area, has been shortlisted for Bowls England's annual Club of the Year award, and is up against three other clubs from the 2,700 affiliated to the sport's governing body across the country.

Representatives of the club, which is based just off Frenchay Park Road in Stapleton, will find out if they have won the overall title at an awards ceremony in Leicester on February 25.

Ken Maynard, from the volunteer-run club, said it had had an "outstanding" year, attracting many new members, providing coaching and introducing newcomers to the sport through fun and open day events including the Bowls Big Weekend and Bowls Bash initiatives.

Ken said: "All this by voluntary members, who have worked particularly hard for the past year.

"Bowls is truly a sport for all – whether you are young or young at heart. There is no age barrier.

"It is a very social activity, which only takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master.

"The club welcomes those that have never tried the game as well as more experienced bowlers."

The new season commences in April and the club is inviting anyone who would like to find out more or is interested in some free coaching to get in touch.

For more details visit the club's Facebook page, call Jane Warburton on 07712 315981 or email jewarburton12@gmail.com.

Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club's John Hughes receives a print from Jack Russell’s PA Jane Gardiner.

Tributes to a rugby club legend

IT was with great sadness that we learned former Frampton Cotterell player and coach Paul 'Charlie' Chaplin had passed away just before Christmas, aged 74.

Frampton girls support Bristol

Bears Women

Paul 'Charlie' Chaplin

As well as Charlie's playing and coaching input, he was funny, friendly and a legend of the club.

Following retiring from playing he watched his younger family members from the touchline but, more importantly, ensured the beer was ready in the Crossbow clubhouse for after the games.

He will be sorely missed by all at Frampton RFC.

The club's playing sides held a minute's silence at their games on January 6 and many attended the funeral and wake, on January 13, to pay their respects to Charlie and family.

Mike Weaver

FRAMPTON'S girls' section came together for a special social event that included becoming match day flag-bearers for Bristol Bears women.

The day, just before Christmas, started off with a morning coaching session run by Bristol Bears coaches for the under-12s through to under-16s.

A good turnout from each age group, with plenty of new techniques on show, was followed by a private question and answer session with some of the current players, to understand more about what it takes to play for the Bears.

This then was swiftly followed by the Frampton girls bearing the guard of honour flags for the Bears' league game, as they ran out onto the pitch to play Loughborough Lightning.

The Bears came through a tough contest, winning 31-26, with our girls supporting all the way from the sidelines.

Finishing with Christmas gift presentations from girls' head coach Andy Jarrett, this was one day the girls will savour for a long time.

Our thanks of course go to Bristol Bears women and their coaches for accommodating the club on the day.

Matt Marsh

Frampton players hold a minute's silence

Frampton girls form a guard of honour at the Bears' match

FOLLOWING the election of a new chairman and officers, Coalpit Heath Cricket Club has ambitious plans for the coming year, both on and off the pitch.

New chairman Fraser Clark said: "Coalpit Heath is a fantastic club and a beautiful venue, and we are keen build on the amazing legacy of our outgoing chairman, Steve Gwinnell.

"We will continue to grow the youth section and encourage the senior teams to challenge for silverware.

"We also plan to create an all-girls team and, who knows, eventually a ladies' hard ball team!"

Fraser and his wife Michelle became involved with the club following coaching by the club at their daughter’s school back

Cricket club reveals ambitious plans for 2023 season

in 2016.

Since then, both their children have enjoyed playing in every age group to under-17, and Gracie is currently training with Gloucestershire U18s winter squad.

The club runs All-Stars and Dynamos cricket coaching for very young children, youth sides for under-11s to under-17s and three senior sides in the Bristol & District league, plus a ladies' softball team.

New players of all abilities are

Major refurbishment for Tennis Club

WINTERBOURNE Tennis Club ended last year on an unprecedented high.

The club secured generous funding from Winterbourne Parish Council and a grant from Enovert Community Trust for major refurbishment of its tennis courts.

Work on resurfacing the three courts and mini court, as well as new energy-efficient LED floodlights, should start at the beginning of April and be completed by mid-June.

This is not only a boost for the club but also a wonderful opportunity for the advancement of tennis in our local area.

The Winterbourne Tennis Club committee is working to secure an alternative venue to minimise disruption during the work - details will be published on the WTC website and Facebook page.

Tennis coach Rachel Cockcroft has been accepted on the training course for the new LTA Youth Girls Initiative, which will help with building the clubs junior girls’ team.

Junior player Zechariah Hamrouni has been invited to the prestigious national tennis camp at the LTA Tennis Centre, and has also been selected to represent team GB at the Junior Davis Cup qualifications in February.

The club welcomes new members of all abilities.

always welcome.

As a family-oriented club, you are sure of a warm welcome.

Members can enjoy the excellent bar facilities and family events planned throughout the year.

Also, members have the opportunity to hire the club for private functions.

You can find more details of the facilities on the website, www.coalpitheathcc.org.uk.

Bristol & West in charge

BRISTOL & West Hockey Club grabbed top spot in their division after an intense battle against former leaders Bristol University.

Currently, the men's 1st team is the only undefeated side in the league, retaining that accolade with an 8-1 thumping of Swansea away from home. A crucial fixture against Team Bath Buccs awaits.

The cold snap meant one round of fixtures had to be postponed across the club until February.

The 2nd team also won 8-1 away, to leapfrog opponents Whitchurch into 4th place in their division.

The 3rd and 4th teams were the only other Men’s sides to play after Christmas, both succumbing to defeats.

Like their male counterparts, B&WJ Ladies 1s are the only undefeated team in their league and are currently third, one point off top spot.

B&WJ2s also find themselves 3rd, 7 points behind top.

In December, eight players represented B&W at the annual West Indoor National Qualifiers in a gruelling all-day event.

B&W qualified in 1st place from their pool after comfortably beating Old Bristolians and Truro but they lost the semi-final 7-5 to Isca, who in turn went on to be thrashed by Bristol Uni in the final. The lads managed to place 3rd overall thanks to another victory (4-3) over Truro in the play-off. B&W’s Harry Bryant received the top goal scorer of the tournament accolade, with 14 goals in four games.

Elsa Looij

For more information or to apply for membership contact the club online at the website clubspark.lta.org.uk/WinterbourneTennisClub or email info@wtc.org.uk.

For more information please visit www.bandwhc.org.uk.

Richard Foley

Fraser Clark