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January, 2021 Issue 87
FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN
COVID-19 deaths at village care home
The headstone vandalised at Westerleigh Crematorium
TWO residents at a Winterbourne care home have died during an outbreak of coronavirus. PAGE 4
Masked gang strikes again
POLICE believe a gang who terrified a Coalpit Heath pensioner in her home are responsible for a second burglary. PAGE 2
Worst garden award
Liam Scarman with his mum Sue Witt
Why would anyone do this? THE devastated family of a Winterbourne Down man who died aged 22 want to know why his grave has been desecrated. White paint was poured over Liam Scarman's headstone at Westerleigh Crematorium and a note left with a mocking message. Liam died from diabetes three years ago and the
message referred to him by name, along with his condition. His family say Liam was a popular man and police have described the attack on his grave as "abhorrent". Turn to Page 3
A COALPIT Heath resident received a ‘certificate’ in the post criticising her overgrown front garden. PAGE 7
Changes at junction Part of a junction on the main road from Bristol to Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath could be made one-way, with some turns banned. PAGE 9
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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001
Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.
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January, 2021
n NEWS
Gang target second elderly victim A MASKED gang who terrorised an elderly woman in her home are believed to have struck again. Police say they are linking an incident where four men forced their way into the home of a woman in her 80s in Badminton Road, Yate, with a similar attack in nearby Coalpit Heath less than three weeks earlier. The latest burglary happened on December 7, at about 6.45pm. The victim answered the door to four men who burst in and stole two purses. She described them as being about 6ft tall, white, stocky, dressed in black and wearing face coverings. The stolen purses were found dumped on Bristol Road in Winterbourne, next to the Nicholls Field playing fields used by Winterbourne Academy, at about 8.25pm that evening. Police officers have carried out house-to-house enquiries in the area and have been scouring CCTV for evidence. They suspect the same gang was responsible for a break-in at the home of another woman in her 80s, in Boundary Road, Coalpit Heath, on November 18. In that burglary, reported in last month's Voice, four masked men took a safe and pension money from the handbag of their victim, after ordering her to sit in a chair while they searched her home. A spokesperson said: "Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or noticed any suspicious activity in the area. "They would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed or has dashcam footage of the stolen purses being dumped." Police are reminding residents to use a door chain or guard when unexpected visitors call and to ensure unattended doors and windows are closed and locked before opening the front door. A spokesperson said: "Remember, you don’t have to answer the door if you have any concerns, and a genuine caller will happily come back at a time when you can have someone with you." Anyone with information about the Yate burglary should call the police on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5220 275 077. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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January, 2021
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n NEWS
Who attacked Liam's grave – and why? From page 1 Police believe the vandal attack at Westerleigh Crematorium must have taken place sometime between 5pm on Thursday November 26 and 5am the following day. As well as daubing the front and back of the headstone with paint, a note was left which said: "Ha ha ha Liam! Looks like diabetes won again!” The note also called Liam a derogatory name. Liam's dad Trevor Scarman, who lives near Winterbourne Down, said that when he learned of the damage and went to the crematorium, Liam's friends stopped him from seeing the grave for his own sake. He is desperate to find out why the damage was caused. He said: "I just felt empty.
Losing my son was bad enough. "I initially felt angry. Now I just want to find out more and name and shame them.” Trevor learned that a young woman had been at the cemetery asking where Liam's headstone was about three days before the vandals struck. She was filmed on CCTV and police are now investigating the footage. The Voice asked Avon and Somerset police whether an image could be released to the public but the force declined, while officers make their own enquiries into her identity. Liam grew up with his mum Sue Witt, older brother Oliver, who now lives in Yate, and two stepsisters, Gemma and Sarah. He went to the Ridings High School, later Winterbourne Academy, and had worked for insurance firm LV at Aztec West,
although he was out of work at the time of his death. Trevor said: “We didn’t know he had diabetes until he was 16. "He was type one and had to inject four times a day, three daytime and one night-time injection. "He found that hard. He only died because he didn’t take the night-time injection. He went to his girlfriend’s parents for Christmas and we think he didn’t take it Christmas Eve and Christmas Day night. "He walked back to my house, went to bed, and never woke up." Trevor believes that the vandalism may be connected to a personal feud involving people who knew Liam, rather than relating to Liam himself. He said: “He was the life and soul of the party. We had 450 people at his funeral – there was
only standing room outside." Since Liam’s death, Trevor has raised funds for diabetes research by organising local music events. In 2019 he won an award for raising awareness and funds, and he hopes to hold an event at The Globe pub in Frampton Cotterell next year. Trevor said: "I’m still trying to raise awareness of diabetes as much as I can, and I will do that for the rest of my life.” Police investigating officer PC Kyle Maywood said: “To commit an act of criminal damage like this is unthinkable. There will be people out there that know who’s responsible and I’d urge them to do the right thing and come forward.” Anyone with information about the vandal attack should 101 and quote the crime reference number 5220 267 420.
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n NEWS TWO residents at a Winterbourne care home have died during an outbreak of coronavirus. The deaths were confirmed after an outbreak at Blossom Fields, in the High Street, which staff have worked "tremendously hard" to bring under control. The director of Grove Care, which runs Blossom Fields, said the team shared the sadness of families. Christopher Taylor said: “Our wonderful and dedicated staff have been working tirelessly to minimise the impact of lockdown and the regulatory restrictions on the vulnerable residents they support. “It is impossible to overstate just how careful everyone has been and families of residents, local GPs and the CQC have consistently given us the most positive feedback in this respect throughout. "My team and I have given our most sincere condolences to the families affected and share their sadness." The news came against a backdrop of increasing
'Sadness' as two care home residents die with COVID-19 COVID-19 case numbers in South Gloucestershire as a whole, which saw the area remain under the highest Tier 3 government restrictions on social contact and activity, despite neighbouring Bristol being moved down to Tier 2. And the overall number of deaths from the virus across South Gloucestershire has also started to rise again, passing 230. Visits to Blossom Fields have been stopped, and weekly testing has been carried out. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are working together with Public Health England and local NHS colleagues to support staff and residents of Blossom Fields nursing home. Both staff and affected families are being supported and we will be
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providing advice and assistance wherever required to prevent any further spread of the virus.” Deaths of South Gloucestershire residents with COVID-19 have risen by a total of 59 in the four weeks to December Blossom Fields care home in Winterbourne 4, the most recent High Street. for which figures are available. South Gloucestershire, a rolling Some 21 of those deaths came rate of 345.5. during the most recent of those New cases in the Frome weeks: 12 of them in care homes Valley area remained low in and nine in hospitals. the most recent local-level In total, 238 residents had figures released by the Office for died with coronavirus since the National Statistics, for the week start of the pandemic: 106 in to December 11. care homes, 122 in hospital and In Frampton Cotterell 10 at home. there were nine new cases, In the week to December 11 in Winterbourne there were there were 443 new confirmed six, with 13 in Pucklechurch & cases of COVID-19 in South Westerleigh, which includes Gloucestershire, an overall Coalpit Heath, and six in case rate of 155.4 per 100,000 Charfield, Wickwar & Iron Acton. population. That was below Four weeks earlier, during the the national rate of 196.3 but second lockdown, the numbers above neighbouring Bristol, were 16 in Frampton Cotterell, Bath & North East Somerset and 35 in Winterbourne, 59 in Gloucestershire. Pucklechurch and Westerleigh, It is also higher than the and 19 in Charfield, Wickwar & rate of 133.6 recorded a week Iron Acton. earlier in South Gloucestershire, The area of South showing that cases are rising Gloucestershire with by far again. the highest case numbers on The second lockdown helped December 11 was Bradley Stoke, cut infections from levels which with 60 – a rolling case rate of saw 985 new cases recorded 531.6. in the week to November 13 in
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January, 2021
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Alveston pensioner Jack Vokes, 98, was the first person in the region to receive a dose of the COVID-19 vaccination as a national programme got underway. Picture: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian
Vaccines on way – but stay on guard THE first doses of coronavirus vaccine have been given to patients of surgeries in South Gloucestershire as a national programme gets underway. People aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers, are the first to be invited to get the jab – but everyone is being urged to wait their turn to be called. The first person in the region to receive a dose of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine was Alveston pensioner Jack Vokes, aged 98. He received his jab at Southmead Hospital on December 8, and said: "I hope I’ve helped by having this in advance. I live in hope that by the middle of next year we’ll hopefully be living a normal life." From mid-December patients were receiving calls to come and have jabs at hubs set up by GP surgeries set up in cooperation with the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group. One South Gloucestershire hub is in the first wave, at Kingswood Health Centre in Kingswood. Dr Neil Kerfoot, from the surgery, said: "We are asking everyone to be patient and not to contact their surgery in relation to vaccination – we will contact you when we are ready to book you in." South Gloucestershire has remained subject Tier 3 of the government's COVID-19 restrictions and the district's director of public health, Sara Blackmore, said "I think people are still overwhelmingly trying to do the right thing, but COVID-19 is spread by contact and closeness to others and, as people have returned to work and been out and about more, even under the restrictions of Tier 3, cases have risen, as we’ve seen. "It will take a long time to vaccinate everyone, which is why at the same time as we can be happy that the vaccine is coming, we cannot let our guard down." Among those affected by the restrictions are local football clubs. At Ridings FC in Winterbourne, matches in the Bristol and Suburban League have had to be called off because teams in different tiers are not allowed to play each other. Teams also faced bans on crossing county league boundaries, even within the same tier, although this was later overturned. Manager Gary Dunn said: “Everyone’s missing out on playing football on a Saturday. "Families are allowed to watch with social distancing around the pitch.” Due to uncertainty over tiers the league was not expected to resume until early January. At schools in the area, some pupils have continued to have to selfisolate in December. Two year groups at Winterbourne Academy were self-isolating during the week to December 11, with 50 pupils having to self-isolate during the following week.
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January, 2021
n NEWS
Black Rocks sold FRAMPTON Cotterell's Black Rocks beauty spot has been sold at auction to an unknown private bidder, for £15,500. The woodland site next to the river Frome, which includes what used to be a mill pond and a public footpath, went under the hammer in early December at an online auction run by Bristol firm Maggs and Allen. Frampton Cotterell Parish Council was interested in buying the land but was not able to take part in the auction because its solicitor was awaiting answers to specific legal queries. The parish council has a responsibility to ensure that any purchase is both legally and financially viable. It was the second time that the site, which has several restrictions covering its use, had gone up for auction. In November it failed to reach the reserve price, as bidding peaked at £14,500, despite a stated guide price of between £10,000 and £20,000. This time the guide price was reduced to between £5,000 and £10,000. With interested parties bidding online, by proxy, and on the phone, in the final moments the price crept up by £500 a time, with the successful bid coming from an online buyer, whose identity has not been revealed. The area is popular and used by dog walkers and local people enjoying get-togethers. The part of the River Frome which it borders will be sold with its riparian rights, which means the landowner has the right to make reasonable use of it, including fishing with a licence.
Crash appeal POLICE are appealing for witnesses and video evidence from two serious crashes on the M4. In the first incident, a black Mercedes C2000 left the eastbound carriageway between Hambrook and Tormarton and ended up on a grass verge at just before 3pm on December 7. The driver of the car, a 63-year-old man from Gwent in Wales, was pronounced dead at the scene. Avon and Somerset police have called on anyone who believes they saw the car before the crash, or thinks they may have dashcam footage, to call 101 and quote the incident number 5220 274 869. An appeal has also been made over an earlier incident in which four people were left with "life-changing" injuries when the grey Vauxhall Astra car they were sitting in, in stationary traffic, was hit by a black Mitsubishi L200 pickup. Police issued an appeal two months on from the incident, which happened on the eastbound M4 near junction 22 Pilning interchange with the M49, at about 12.55pm on October 17, as they broadened the reach of their enquiry. They called on any witnesses or people with dashcam footage of the incident, which happened near the Prince of Wales Bridge/ Second Severn Crossing, to come forward. Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote the reference number 5220 238 440.
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fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
7
n NEWS
Award for 'worst garden' takes pride of place – in loo A COALPIT Heath resident who was sent a homemade ‘certificate’ criticising her overgrown front garden has given it pride of place – in her downstairs toilet. Kim Leonard received the anonymous A4 letter, which included two photos of the hedge growing over her front wall, by first class post. Bordered by 84 gold stars, it contained a message in jaunty Comic Sans lettering, saying: “Congratulations. You have been awarded the WORST kerb appeal front garden on the entire Badminton Road. “What a disgrace. You are letting down the entire Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell Community. “More respect, less neglect to our neighbourhood. “It’s embarrassing, don’t you think? “Please show some effort and give it a tidy please." There was nothing on the letter to identify the sender, who
The 'award' on the wall in Kim's downstairs loo Kim Leonard outside her front garden had chosen the worst time to post their rant – days after the hedge had been cut down. Kim said: “We felt surprised at the lengths someone would go to do this – a petty letter, colour photos and a star border too. "Ironically, the hedge had been cut down the weekend
before, but that's beside the point. "If a neighbour wanted it cut back, all they had to do is knock on the door and ask." Kim shared the certificate on a local Facebook group Frampton Cotterell And Coalpit Heath Blog, where it was widely
shared and drew more than 250 comments, overwhelmingly supportive of her. One user commented: “If they are as fastidious as they seem, they should probably revoke the award now the hedge has gone!” Another called on the anonymous award giver to "please come forward so we can all visit their garden”.
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January, 2021
n NEWS FROM STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
Tsar'sdogcollar gift hasbidders' tailsup ALWAYS a popular time with buyers, Stroud Auctions’ December sale exceeded expectations once again. And while jewellery and luxury wristwatches attracted the highest prices among more than 2,000 lots, the biggest stir at the auction was caused by a not-so-humble dog collar. It seems that the British are not alone in their devotion to their canines, and this particular collar was a fabulous one, with royal provenance. The Russian silver dog collar was a gift from the Tsar to the breeder of his Afghan hound, and eventually sold for £750 after some intense bidding. Luxury wristwatches continue to be extremely popular, so it was no surprise that a Molex Daytona example sold for £7,700. Equally desirable but lesser-known makes also made great prices, including a CWC military chronograph (£1,200) and a Butcherer (£2,100). Even vintage Seiko watches were
making up to £500. Good pocket watches are always sought after as Christmas gifts, this was reflected in the £1,600 hammer price of two gold examples and the £2,000 realised by a doctor’s chronograph. Antique pieces in good condition among the 850 lots in the jewellery section once again
sold extremely well. A Victorian rivière necklace, discovered in a lot of costume jewellery by Stroud auctions’ jewellery specialist Alexandra, made an astonishing £800 – once again proving the difference it can make when a qualified specialist valuer catalogues your items. Other notable results from the
jewellery section include an Art Deco platinum ring, set with a natural untreated cornflower blue Sri Lankan sapphire and diamonds, which sold for £3,500, a Victorian gold bangle set with pearls which sold for £1,050 and a Georgian ring set with seven foiled rose cut diamonds which made £1,100. Both port and whisky made excellent prices in the fine wines and spirits section, while a selection of high-quality wines including Chateau D’Yquem made as much as £300 a bottle. Even a missing label did not deter bidding on two bottles of Barros 1945 port, which eventually sold for £600. To have something you would like to have valued by one of Stroud Auctions’ specialists, contact us by phone on 01453 873800 or email valuations@stroudauctions. co.uk. We are accepting entries for all upcoming auctions including the next sale of jewellery, watches, silver and coins in March 2021.
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fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
9
n NEWS
Changes planned for Park Lane junction
A van travelling on the spur of the junction which would be made one way.
Kevin Brewer at his food business
A BUSY junction on the main road into Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath is set to be transformed with a one-way system and partial right-turn ban. South Gloucestershire Council is planning the changes to the junction of Park Lane with the A432 Badminton Road and has asked for residents' comments. The changes would see the south west spur of the junction made one-way for traffic heading from Bristol towards Frampton, and traffic coming from Coalpit Heath and Yate banned from turning right from Badminton Road on to the same spur. Traffic coming from Coalpit Heath and Yate would still be able to use the north-easterly
oblique angle which makes it difficult for drivers to make safely. "Similarly the right turn into the southern spur of Badminton Road is at a very acute angle and would also create difficulties for some drivers. "An added concern is that these manoeuvres that are currently permitted would risk conflict with pedestrians using the dropped kerbs to cross the southern spur off Badminton Road." The changes will be backed by a reduction in the speed limit on Badminton Road from 40mph to 30mph in the area around the junction. Kevin Brewer, who runs a hot food business in the nearby layby, said the proposed changes
spur of the junction to get on to Park Lane. Explaining the proposed changes, South Gloucestershire Council said the work was part of a planning agreement linked to the Blackberry Hill housing development. The council said: "These works involve widening of the highway and introducing a oneway restriction and prohibition of right turn, to aid traffic flow and create a safer road environment. "The one-way restriction will allow vehicles to access Park Lane from the southern spur off Badminton Road but will prevent vehicles from accessing Badminton Road from Park Lane via this spur. "This manoeuvre is at an
Sign of the times Kate Colechin, a volunteer trustee at Beesmoor Road Playing Field, unveils the park's new sign.
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were welcome. He said: “In my eyes it’s going to be a great help because I’ve been in the lay-by now 24 years and I’ve probably seen 24 accidents here, one a year minimum. "You see a lot of accidents here and some of them are at high speed, so I think it will be a great improvement for the area.” Comments on the planned changes need to be made by January 4. They can be made on the consultations section of South Gloucestershire Council's website. Anyone who is not online can call 01454 863503 for advice on having their say.
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January, 2021
n NEWS
PCSO speaks out as council vows to get tough on domestic abuse
A POLICE community support officer has shared her experience of being a victim of domestic abuse, as South Gloucestershire Council calls for tougher action. The PCSO, who spoke out anonymously, told how her apparently perfect boyfriend became coercive, controlling and eventually violent and cut her off from friends and family, in the hope of encouraging others to come forward for help. The PCSO said her partner hacked into her social media accounts, locked her out in the rain with her dogs at 3am and made her sit behind him on the sofa instead of alongside. She eventually dialled 999 when psychological torture turned to physical abuse and the man was arrested. South Gloucestershire Council unanimously passed a motion on
December 9, demanding tougher action on domestic abusers and stalkers. The proposal by the opposition Liberal Democrat group means the local authority wants the police and probation service to proactively identify and manage perpetrators and insists a cultural shift is needed to place greater emphasis on stopping them. This includes abusers’ details being included in the violent and sexual offenders register, while the council’s chief executive will write to the home secretary and Avon & Somerset police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, urging them to take action. The PCSO said she thought she had met her “forever partner” and ignored alarm bells when insignificant incidents sparked
irrational anger or coldness, with the controlling behaviour escalating during lockdown to emotional torment and finally physical abuse. She said seemingly romantic gestures soon became sinister and while her partner was often charming, thoughtful and generous but was also verbally abusive and would punch walls and throw her out of the house when he was angry with her, she said. The PCSO said: “Up until the very last incident, where he was arrested he had never punched or kicked me or left me with visible bruises or broken limbs. He’d ‘only’ dragged me off of the sofa, bent my arm and fingers, pushed me, pinned me down not allowing me to leave the house.” Yate North councillor Ben Nutland, who tabled the council
motion, told members: “On average, a woman is killed by a man every three days in this country. “One in four women in this country will suffer domestic violence in their lifetime – one in four. “Three-quarters of violence against women happens in a place where a woman should feel safest – her own home. “These are truly shocking statistics. “By passing this motion tonight we send out a clear signal for those who suffer in silence that they can speak out and receive the help they need. “We can change the narrative from ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’ to ‘Why doesn’t he just stop?’.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Addiction worry A WORLD OF
Quality
CONCERNS are growing about a rise in addiction to prescribed opioid painkillers in South Gloucestershire. More residents are becoming dependent on the pills for chronic pain but are less likely to get treatment because of the way existing drugs services are set up, councillors and health chiefs heard. And “large numbers” of people who use illegal substances are receiving help for addiction but not for associated mental health problems, South Gloucestershire health and well-being board was told on December 14, as members agreed a new five-year strategy. A report to the board said: “In South Gloucestershire, risks of drug use were notably higher among young people who regularly smoke tobacco, as well as those with parents in the armed forces." Four out of ten people needing treatment for opiate use were not receiving it, the report found.
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January, 2021
11
n NEWS
Community rallies around Reagan's homeless appeal A TEENAGER from Coalpit Heath has filled more than 20 rucksacks and shoeboxes with essentials to help homeless people after calling on her community to help. Reagan Norris, 13, was completing the volunteering section of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and found that because of the coronavirus pandemic she was unable to do the usual activities such as working in a charity shop. She had to come up with something she could do from home and, after doing her own research online, Reagan chose the Christmas appeal run by the charity Help Bristol’s Homeless, which was collecting essential items and packing them into rucksacks and shoeboxes. She then designed her own leaflet to encourage people to donate. Reagan said: “I made leaflets and delivered them to neighbours and friends,
my nanny helped as well with friends and customers from her pub. We asked for donations of hats, scarves, toiletries, chocolates, biscuits backpacks and sleeping bags. “It makes me feel good about myself that I’m helping homeless people especially at this time of the year when they need it the most.” Mum Lyndsey said: “I am just super proud of her, she targeted to do between 8 to 10 – it could be a rucksack or a shoebox – we’ve at least doubled that.” The final total filled was eleven rucksack and 10 shoeboxes, which Reagan and Lyndsey delivered to the Bristol charity, and were given a tour. Help Bristol’s Homeless focuses on getting living accommodation for homeless people as a priority. The Duke of Edinburgh award has four sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. To achieve the award young
Reagan Norris drops off the rucksacks full of essentials for homeless people she collected people must commit themselves to an activity and spend three months completing it, working at least and hour per week.
The team at Help Bristol’s Homeless are writing a letter to the awards organisers to confirm the work Reagan has done.
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fromevalleyvoice
12
January, 2021
n NEWS
Janet says goodbye after 10 years THE headteacher of Watermore Primary School in Frampton Cotterell has said her final farewell after exactly ten years in the job. Janet Hoyle retired at the end of term in December. She joined the school in January 2011, when it had just opened after the merger of two previously separate schools, Brockeridge Infants and Highcroft Juniors. The amalgamation took place because at the time they both had falling numbers of pupils. Janet said: “When I was appointed in 2009, I was told there would be a new school building within 3 to 5 years. "In the end it took nine years, and during this time the school had doubled in size – the predictions of falling pupil numbers turned out not to be accurate. "It was certainly a challenge for me working across a school on two sites, and also for
the staff, working to become one team whilst still being separated.” The staff and pupils moved into the new school building in January 2020, with new outdoor areas and brand-new play
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equipment funded by the PTFA. Since then the school community has faced all the challenges of Covid19, but Janet says the staff have worked ‘tirelessly’ to do their best for their families in the
circumstances. She describes the feeling of retirement as ‘bitter-sweet’. Janet said: “I am so proud to have been the first headteacher of Watermore. We have a wonderful staff team and now a fantastic environment in which to learn and work. “The children of Watermore are a credit to the school, and I will miss them hugely. "It is the right time for me to retire, after ten years, but it is a bitter-sweet feeling. I will be very sad to leave the school and everyone I have been privileged to work with, but I am confident that the school is in good hands and will go from strength to strength.” “The support of governors, parents and the community help to make the school a success, and I am grateful to everyone who has done so much to support me and the school in the past ten years.”
Virus squeezes school funds MONEY raised by schools' supporters groups pays for more than just the little extras nowadays. Parent teacher and friends associations provide vital funds schools have come to rely on. The coronavirus pandemic has hit fundraising hard, with most traditional events having to be cancelled and groups having to find new and innovative ways to keep money coming in. The Friends Association at Frampton Cotterell C of E primary would usually raise over £20,000 a year through events including a summer fete, discos and winter market, all of which have had to be cancelled. Meanwhile, the school has already spent over £20,000 on covid-related costs. Head teacher Peter Barnard said: “When you combine this with the amount of lost revenue through fundraising and lettings it only goes to highlight how important our Friends team are to ensuring our pupils get the best education possible.” A star trail, virtual fete and Christmas card printing are among the new events aiming to fill the gap. At St Michael’s Primary School in Winterbourne, PTA fundraising is down by at least £7,500 as events including Christmas and summer fairs have been cancelled. Parents have come up with a range of ideas from a contactless Christmas shop to selling hoodies and running a scarecrow trail. But head teacher Kirsty Robson says it’s not just a financial loss that the school is experiencing. She said: “The PTA have worked really hard to come up with innovative ways to raise funds for the school while we are unable to meet, and whilst they have been enjoyable, it is not quite the same as those events which bring the whole community together in one place.”
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fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
13
n NEWS
Carnival cancelled due to COVID-19 uncertainty WINTERBOURNE Down's traditional carnival will not take place in May, as coronavirus forces its cancellation for a second year in a row. Uncertainty around the nature of COVID-19 restrictions which might be in place during 2021's May Day weekend make it impossible to plan mass events like the traditional parade through the streets. Carnival committee members were also concerned that people running other attractions and stalls wouldn’t be able to commit to attending the event this far ahead. However the committee is planning to organise some smaller community events which are more feasible to run during the pandemic, to keep the carnival in the public eye ahead of a hoped-for return in 2022. Committee chair John Turner said: “Hopefully we’ll be able to run something, even if it’s a
Winterbourne Down Carnival in 2019 - the full street carnival is not now due to return until 2022. Picture courtesy of John Turner socially distanced treasure hunt. "We’re going to have a meeting in January when we should know a bit more as to how things are going, but it’s going to be a month or even a couple of weeks before the weekend event before we can be confident of what the government position is, and then we can make a decision. “We don’t want people to forget us. We didn’t have carnival this year. If we don’t
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have it next year, and do nothing, it could mean extra hard work for 2022.” The annual carnival is completely run by volunteers, from the organisers, to stewards and stallholders. It raises funds for specific charities, which are chosen at the start of each year. In 2020, Alzheimer's charity BRACE, foodbank operator the Trussell Trust, mental health charity Mind and SSAFA, the Armed
Forces charity, have each been given a donation of £400, which is less than usual, so they will remain the charities being supported during 2021. But John says the event is not just about the fundraising. Holding the carnival is about bringing the community together and building momentum for other local groups. He said: “There are so many little things going on in Winterbourne Down, and groups that haven’t been able to meet face to face. There’s the Winterbourne Environmental Group who started repair mornings, they did one or two then we were all in lockdown. The Winterbourne Down Horticultural Society – they haven’t been able to do anything this year – their meetings are by internet. "It’s little things like that which matter.”
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Dick King-Smith bench
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To commemorate the late local author, Dick KingSmith, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council have teamed up with Westerleigh Parish Council to commission a beautiful wood carved bench. This bench has been created by local company, Wildwood Carving, and features the animals from Dick King-Smith’s stories. Many of his novels were inspired by the farm animals he kept at Woodlands Farm in Coalpit Heath, where he lived for many years. The bench is located on the Westerleigh and Frampton parish boarder near Blackberry Drive, a stone’s throw away from where Dick once lived on Woodlands Farm. The Council are very pleased with the bench and hope residents will enjoy it for years to come (see teaser photo above).
Climate Comms. The Parish Council have signed up to a climate communications pilot study with the Centre for Sustainable Energy. We will be sharing lots of useful tips, tricks, and resources for reducing your carbon footprint. Many of the ideas shared will have the co-benefit of improving living conditions and reducing energy costs. December’s theme is insulation, where we will be sharing information on why you should insulate your house and grant opportunities to do so. January will kick off with the theme ‘land management’, February will follow with ‘reducing waste’ and March will be all about greener travel. Follow the Parish Council’s Facebook page for updates. Feel free to contact us with any questions or with your experiences reducing your carbon footprint. Contact Daisy on projectofficer@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk.
Pitch Improvement Project at The Park:
NEW YEARS RESOLUTION!
Would you like to make a difference?
Make a change and become a Parish Councillor! Frampton Cotterell Parish Council are looking for residents of Frampton Cotterell to join the Council. The Council is currently looking at projects for the next few years including carrying out a parish consultation with residents, community groups and businesses; investing in young people; improving the facilities at The Park and the Pavilion; updating play areas; developing wildlife areas at the Centenary Fields; and how we can all combat climate change. Maybe you have other ideas? If you are interested and would like to know more then please contact Andrea by email: clerk@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk or telephone 01454 864442.
The pitch improvements at The Park have proved to be a success. The ground has been levelled and drainage installed, which will make the pitches drier in the winter months and hopefully eliminate match cancellations caused by wet, boggy conditions. The grass is now establishing nicely, however the fencing will remain until at least March 2021 to protect the site. The Parish Council is aware of the mud accumulating around the perimeter of the fencing and, although nothing can be done to reduce the mud at this stage, it will only be an issue until the fence comes down. Your patience is greatly appreciated, and we hope the long-term benefits will be worth the short-term restrictions and ground conditions at The Park. Picture copywright of S Slade
January, 2021
fromevalleyvoice
15
n NEWS
Housebuilder promises new lights for football club YATE Town Football Club will receive new stand, which will be a great step forward for floodlights and other improvements if a new the club." housing development around its Lodge Road A planning application is expected to be home is approved. heard at some stage in January. Redrow Homes is seeking permission for The proposals will include a number of 118 new homes for the site off Iron Acton self-build plots, new allotments and play Way in North Yate, on land which surrounds areas, as well as electric vehicle charging the Universal Components Stadium in Lodge capability on all new houses. Road. The plans have been opposed by Iron The proposals include the plans to support Acton Parish Council, which says that the football club by providing new LED the development is not in line with South floodlights as well as the construction of a Gloucestershire’s Core Strategy. new wall and fence that will help the building It also said the site would be liable of a new covered stand in the future. to flooding and the extra traffic would But the plan faces opposition from nearby cause congestion and endanger local residents and parish councillors, who say it is schoolchildren. far too big for the area where it is proposed. In its submission, the council said: “The Yate Town chairman Colin Pick is backing scale of development would more than double the scheme. the size of the North Road Community yet is He said: “We’re excited about the isolated from it. opportunities that this new development "The development will spoil the rural could bring to the football club. aspect of Engine Common.” "New floodlights will make a considerable Redrow Bristol's managing director Lee improvement to the lighting quality on our Hawker said: “We’ve spent a great deal of pitch and the LEDs will reduce light pollution time over the past few years developing these and reduce our running costs considerably. plans in close discussion with the Football "Additional works along the boundary will Club, and council planning officers to ensure also put us in a good position to press ahead that the proposals deliver as many local with our future aspirations for new covered WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 a23/09/2020 21:57benefits Page 2as possible.”
The planned development will surround Yate Town's ground in Lodge Road. Image: Redrow Homes.
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fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
n NEWS
'Hate crime' at shop POLICE are trying to trace this man and woman, who were at a Coalpit Heath supermarket when a shop worker was subjected to abuse. The incident at the Sainsbury's Local in Badminton Road happened when a member of staff spotted that several expensive joints of meat had gone missing from a display and approached a man who was in the shop. A police spokesperson said: "The man took exception to this, denied involvement, and subjected the shop worker to homophobic abuse and threats before leaving the store. "He had a further altercation with another man in the car park." Police are treating the investigation as a hate crime and would like to trace two people who were in the store at the time and could have information about what happened. One is a man who is white, in his late 40s or early 50s, about 5ft 5in tall and stocky, with a bald head and stubble. He was wearing a red hooded fleece, jeans and white trainers at the time of the incident, between 9.30pm and 9.50pm on Tuesday October 20. The other is a woman who is white, in her early 40s, between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in tall and slim, with long brown hair in a bun. She wore a light blue jacket and jeans. Police are calling on the people in the CCTV pictures or anyone who recognises either of them to call 101, quoting crime reference number 5220 238 422. *Two people have been arrested in connection with a break-in at the same Sainsbury’s store in the early hours of December 14. A 44-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of burglary at the Badminton Road store as well as a Tesco Express in Kingswood, which was broken into on the same night. Anyone with information about the burglary should call 101, quoting reference number 5220 279 730.
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fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
n NEWS
Bollards bid to keep fly-tippers out BOLLARDS are to be installed to stop fly-tipping on a popular bridle path in Frampton Cotterell. The barriers will be put up at the entrance to Hovers Lane, which runs between Frampton End Road and the Bristol Road, after multiple incidents of rubbish being dumped there. The bollards will be spaced out so that dog walkers and horse riders can still use the track, and the landowner and council workers will be able to collapse them to allow vehicle access. The work is due to take place in January. The solution came after the problem was discussed at meetings between South Gloucestershire Frampton Cotterell ward councillor Claire Young, who leads the council's Liberal Democrats, fellow councillors and landowners. Claire said: “I’m delighted that the council is installing bollards to prevent fly tipping
Rubbish dumped in Hovers Lane in October on this lane, after we raised local people’s concerns. "Fly tips are an eyesore, a danger to wildlife and expensive for landowners and the council to clear up. We will, of course, continue to push for action to prevent fly tipping on Frampton End Road.” Claire updated attendees at a recent community engagement meeting on the option of installing a CCTV camera on
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Frampton End Road, which is complicated by a lack of a power supply and privacy issues. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping in South Gloucestershire and we will be relentless in our efforts to identify anyone responsible and bring them before the courts. "Anyone who fly-tips here is up to five times more likely to
be prosecuted than anywhere else in the country and we have a 100% success rate for securing convictions when we take a case to court.” The council has recently brought in a tougher policy for environmental crimes, which sets out how enforcement officers will carry out regular patrols wearing body cameras in ‘hotspot’ areas, dealing with fly tipping, fly posting, littering, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. Fixed penalty notices will be issued with fines ranging from £80 to £300 and may be followed by prosecution. The council is also asking residents to do their bit if they book a waste removal company by checking that it has a valid waste carriers licence. Anyone with information about fly tipping should email streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or call the StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000.
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
21
n NEWS
Rugby brings Frampton and Ghana together TWO players from Frampton Cotterell Rugby Club have been building links with players in Ghana. James Knight and Callum Bleakman are both first team players who started in the club's junior section and wanted to give something back to the rugby community. The players stayed in Teshie, a coastal town in the south east of the country, a rising rugby nation and full member of World Rugby since 2017, for a month from November to early December. They trained a junior team at the University of Ghana, and with the Nungua Tigers, an adult club team. They also donated some Fram kit and a rugby ball to the Tigers. Callum and James are best friends, who qualified as electricians at the same time. They wanted to "do something different and new" before settling down and concentrating on their careers. James said: "Rugby has always given us so much, and to be in a position to share some of what we have learned, whilst travelling, seemed perfect. "We have come away from this experience having learned more than we taught. "Fancy boots and the latest on-trend training gear isn't everything.
James Knight and Callum Bleakman with Ghanaian players – some wearing donated Frampton Cotterell RFC kit "The people we met were the kindest, warmest, most appreciative and humble people, some of which have become lifelong friends." The pair were so inspired by their trip that they would like to continue their link with
the Nungua Tigers by sending out more balls, cones and bibs. James is hoping that people will support the venture by donating old Frampton kit and equipment.
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fromevalleyvoice
22
January, 2021
n LOCAL MP
Park and ride is vital to our future
A
S we step into 2021 and build back better from the coronavirus pandemic, investing in our local infrastructure and public transport, such as the Yate Park and Ride, remains key. Living in South Gloucestershire my whole life, I have seen how congested our local roads can be, and know just how vital improving our local transport links is for local people. Schemes such as building Yate Park and Ride are now more important than ever, as our local economy begins to regain momentum. I am therefore delighted that as we step into a fresh year, we are taking one big success with us the Yate Park and Ride. The Yate Park and Ride has
been given final approval, with diggers now on the ground, and building work commencing. Due to be completed in the next few months, this park and ride will be located on Badminton Road, adjacent to the South Gloucestershire Council Offices. It will include 192 parking spaces, 38 electric vehicle charge points, secure cycle storage for 46 bikes, and click and collect parcel lockers. It will also have a traffic light-controlled pedestrian crossing linking the bus stop to the car park and bike storage and maintenance facilities, as well as a zebra crossing to continue along the same side of Badminton Road. This new service will help to reduce traffic along the congested
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A432 Badminton Road corridor, by encouraging people who travel locally and into Bristol to use alternative travel options, such as public transport, cycling or car sharing. The Yate Park and Ride joins the list of successful transport schemes we have worked, with the help of the community, to deliver in the past few years. These include scrapping the Severn Bridge tolls, agreeing new electric car charging points in Thornbury, Yate and Frampton Cotterell, doubling the frequency of trains to Yate, resurfacing our rural roads, and reinstating the Southmead Hospital bus link from Chipping Sodbury. As we start 2021, I want to reassure Voice readers that
Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice
I will continue to fight for better transport links in our area and continue pushing for schemes such as an A38 transport investment package for Thornbury, Junction 18A on the M4 and completing the Yate to Bristol cycle path. As ever, to find out more about our Positive Plan for Transport, or if there is anything else that you need assistance with, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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fromevalleyvoice
January, 2021
23
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
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.
Winner, winner, chicken...curry HAPPY New Year to you all. Some like it warm and comforting! This is the time of year when I find myself yearning for a dinner that’s nicely spiced to warm and comfort me on a chilly grey day: a plate of food that will give me a hug and make me feel better, like the scene in The Snowman where he hugs the boy. This is a curry bursting with veg and flavour, but not too hot. You can make it as hot as you like by the amount of curry paste you add. It’s full of veg, good for your 5-a-day and surprisingly low in calories (only 200 cals per portion). So, a good recipe for tackling those extra pounds put on over lockdowns and Christmas! Ready in half an hour, it’s sure to become a firm favourite. So never mind the January weather and the ups and downs of life, let’s get cooking and bring on some uplifting food.
Chicken curry Serves 4 Ingredients: Chicken fillets – 4 - skinned Vegetable oil- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) Fresh ginger – 2.5 cm (1 inch) 75g (3oz) each of fine green beans and chestnut mushrooms 125g (4oz) each of baby sweetcorn and aubergines. 227g tin of bamboo shoots Red curry paste- 2 tbsps or 3 if you like it hotter Fresh Red Chilli – finely chopped – ½ optional for those who like their curry
on the wild side Chicken stock – 450ml (15 fl oz) Fish sauce – 2 tbsps Tomato puree – 2 tbsps Soft brown sugar – 1 level tbsp Lime – ½, juice and the zest
Here’s what you do: Cut the chicken into finger-length strips. Peel the ginger and cut into fine matchsticks. Cut all the veg into bitesized pieces. Pre-heat your wok or large frying pan and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Fry for 5 mins or until the chicken is golden brown all over. Add the curry paste, ginger and chilli, if using, and cook for a minute. Add all the veg and cook for a minute, stirring to coat all the veg in the curry paste. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes. Serve immediately, with a squeeze of lime and a little zest over each serving. Serve with plain rice and a small dish of finely sliced tomatoes and red and green peppers.
Cook’s tips:
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January, 2021
n LETTERS Do you remember this wandering soul? IN 1906 the photographer WF Kuner traced the Frome from its source to the mouth with his camera, and a famous lecture series followed. Fifty years later, in September 1956, Bristol photographer Reece Winstone repeated the 'survey', and now it's time to digitise the results of both journeys for posterity, as the Reece Winstone Archive prepares to become a charitable trust. In this corner of the archive, one photograph remains short on detail and, although I was present, I was too young to remember the details of the story. Suddenly, a well-known manof-the-road appeared, walking through tall reeds on the riverbank between Frampton and Watley and, faced with several cameras, donned medals from his greatcoat pocket, to make a better portrait. As I recall he was well known, and the local constable was said to help him out when times became difficult.
Photographer Reece Winstone's son would like to hear from anyone who remembers the man in this picture, taken in 1956
Can anyone remind me of his name and background, please? If you don't use email the Voice Editor will copy on a letter to me. John Winstone reecewinstonearchive@gmail.com
Aid cut is a false economy THE Chancellor has cut the overseas aid budget from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%, to compensate for money spent on
COVID-19 measures. Although at first this may sound desirable, it will be disastrous for our country. If we are ever going to be free from covid misery in this age of global trade and travel, we have to rid the whole world of this virus. Well-directed aid can be a lifesaver, both here and abroad. We all know that hand-washing is essential to reduce the spread of covid. While half the health care centres in developing countries lack running water, and even doctors and nurses can't wash their hands, disease will spread. If we direct more UK aid to hygienic sanitation and handwashing facilities in developing countries, we will help protect our own health and stop the spread of deadly infectious diseases. Let's take action and work towards the day when the whole world has access to clean water and safe sanitation. Patricia Spry Chair, Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath WaterAid
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January, 2021
25
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Christmas doesn't end on Boxing Day
A
S this is the first minister’s message of 2021, I want to begin by wishing everyone a very happy, safe, prosperous and covid-free New Year! I also hope that everyone has been able to enjoy Christmas and the festive season as much as possible – even though I am sure that many of us have found the restrictions because of COVID-19 both frustrating and somewhat limiting. Well, here we are after the oddest Christmas I can ever remember and looking forward to a New Year which possibly offers more fear, uncertainty, and doubt than I think I have ever known. (I know that it might be a surprise to some of you, but no, I don’t remember the ‘War’!) However, while things might admittedly be ‘somewhat concerning’, I really do believe that January is also filled with many
opportunities for us to lift our hearts, our minds and our outlooks towards a brighter day and a better future. While for many people, and particularly for the big brand storekeepers, Christmas ends on Boxing Day, when they rip out the tinsel, turn off the soppy music and devalue every present bought before December the 25th. They are, however, simply wrong. Christmas continues well beyond Christmas Day itself, well into January and even, I must declare, into eternity. On January 6 we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when Jesus was revealed to the world at the visit of the Magi, those three intrepid travellers who knew that something really important was happening when the star they had observed and followed for months eventually stopped its journey and they were able to witness Christ’s wonder, revering
him and giving him presents of both great value and significance: gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Feast of the Epiphany is held 12 days after Christmas and is celebrated in many countries in a much more significant way than is usually the case in the UK. For example, in countries such as Spain, the main day for handing out presents over the festive season is on January 6 and, for many in those countries, it is the Three Wise Men who bring the presents, not Santa Claus. The significance of the Epiphany is paramount in these countries (and no, this isn’t just another cheap Geordie suggestion about waiting and going to the sales to buy your presents!). The Feast of the Epiphany tells us of the unveiling of the Messiah to the world, of the good news revealed in human form, a form which we can both identify with and take to our hearts to build a
Rev Bob Conway Associate Minister Fromeside Benefice of Churches
better, kinder, more wholesome future, for ourselves and for the whole world. A future in which all who seek goodness and Godliness can prosper simply by living out the two great commandments: to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself.
n NEWS
News from Winterbourne Medieval Barn WITH South Glos in covid tier 3, the Trust was unable to hold community events in the Barn in December. But we learnt how to keep some activities going, despite strict covid restrictions, and were able to put the talk on Magic and the Christmas Wreath workshop online. It became clear in the autumn that it would be impossible to hold the very popular Carols in the Barn with a live audience in December, but with amazing ingenuity and technology even this became a Virtual Community Event. Volunteers from Fromeside churches filmed their annual Nativity drama in sociallydistanced small groups in the Barn, and put it together as a video for everyone to watch at home online over the festive period. The video premiered online on December 19 and is then available to watch until the 31st – you can find the link on the barn website, www.winterbournebarn.org.uk. There is no charge, although donations would be warmly welcomed.
Angels in face masks at Fromeside churches' nativity performance, filmed at Winterbourne Medieval Barn We do not yet know exactly what community events it will be possible to hold in 2021, so keep an eye on the Barn's website and Facebook page for updates. All events must still be pre-booked in
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order to manage numbers and be covid-secure. Bookings are available for the following: The monthly 'tea and tour' restarts on February 4, at 2pm. If
you have not yet seen the results of the Barn's year-long closure for restoration in 2019, come along and be amazed! The popular apple grafting workshop will be held on February 27, again run by Ben Raskin of the Soil Association. Early booking is essential as rootstocks have to be ordered weeks in advance. The workshop will be socially-distanced and limited to eight places. If you have any queries, ring Robert on 0117 957 4921. The talk planned for November on 180 Years of the Gloucestershire Constabulary was postponed (for a second time) to Tuesday March 30 at 7pm. Fingers crossed that in 2021 we can move past covid chaos and once again enjoy opening the magnificent Medieval Barn to the community for heritage, craft, arts, and education. Maybe even weddings and big gatherings will be allowed again. Happy New Year! Louise Harrison Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust
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26
January, 2021
n NEWS A DEMAND to postpone the election of the region's next Metro Mayor has been made amid a row over the expansion of the West of England Combined Authority. A cross-party councillors group of councillors says delaying the election could be the only way to bring warring sides together for talks on the admission of North Somerset to the regional partnership. Last month the current West of England Mayor, Conservative Tim Bowles, and the leaders of South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset councils, accused Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees of “putting party politics before doing the right thing for the region” by blocking Weca’s expansion. Labour politician Mr Rees said he was disappointed “an ongoing internal debate” had been made public and said he did support North Somerset joining – but only when the Government had put in place “a clear financial offer that benefits Bristol and the West of England economy”. Bristol city councillors have passed a motion backing North Somerset’s inclusion but an amendment by the ruling
Call for delay in election to replace Metro Mayor
Marvin Rees
Tim Bowles
Labour group removed the deadline for the necessary public consultation, which Tories and Lib Dems claimed had “kicked the issue into the long grass” for at least another four years. Under devolution legislation, a combined authority cannot change its boundaries midterm between metro mayoral elections, because any new district would not have had a say in the vote.
Calls were made at a Weca overview and scrutiny committee in December for the election in May 2021 to be pushed back, until an agreement on North Somerset joining is reached. It follows a letter signed by all committee members – including Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems, Greens and independents – to the mayors and council leaders urging them to hurry up and sort it out.
They wrote: “We understand that if this issue cannot be resolved urgently then North Somerset will not be able to join Weca until 2025 at the earliest and this is not acceptable. “Therefore, we ask that all parties meet to discuss this urgently and try and ensure that our region has the ability to speak with one voice when decisions are being made by central government that impact on all our citizens.” Mr Bowles, a former South Gloucestershire councillor, recently announced that he would not stand for re-election to the post and intended to retire from politics. While the Tories have yet to announce a new candidate, Labour and the Lib Dems have already each selected a former MP to be their hopeful: Dan Norris for Labour and Stephen Williams for the Lib Dems. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Electoral maths lie at root of row THE argument over allowing North Somerset to join Weca seems to be a dry one about funding and representation, but just under the surface it is the electoral interests of the political parties that are fuelling the fire. And as with so many areas of life this year, it is the coronavirus pandemic which has changed the electoral maths. The first election took place in 2017, a month before that year's general election but with no other elections that day. Conservative Tim Bowles won, on a low turnout of just under 30%. The 2021 election might also have attracted a similar turnout – but when the pandemic led to the cancellation of Bristol's council and mayoral election in May this year, it changed the odds. The Bristol elections are now due to take place on the same day as the Metro Mayor elections in May 2021. With the turnout in the last Bristol elections at nearly 45%, the Tories and Lib Dems fear that the larger number of Bristol voters will boost Labour, handing
them an advantage in the metro mayor election because of its lower profile in other districts. Adding the electors of North Somerset into the equation, however, gives the Tories new hope. Traditionally a Tory stronghold – notwithstanding the council's current Independent-Lib Dem administration, elected at the nadir of Theresa May's unpopularity – the voters of North Somerset could tip things back in the Conservatives' favour. With independents and Lib Dems leaving them a distant fourth there in 2019, adding North Somerset to the electoral mix does Labour no favours at all, so you can understand the party crying foul at the prospect of the area being added at the 11th hour, however flimsy the reasons for resisting it sound. Likewise, moving the Metro Mayor election to a date away from the Bristol local elections also takes away Labour's potential turnout advantage. Other factors could yet change the
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game. Just as independents won in Bristol in 2012, and in the two police and crime commissioner elections, a candidate from outside the parties might yet emerge, although time is running out for one to start campaigning. The fallout from Brexit could lead to another national wave of unpopularity for the Tories. Or another wave of coronavirus could see elections postponed again – but it's hard to see the Weca vote moving to a different date from Bristol's local elections if that is the case. Of course, if the Tories who ran North Somerset Council back in 2016 had toed the party line and voted to join Weca, none of this would be happening now. Fearing membership of an authority dominated by a Labour-run Bristol, they voted to stay out. The irony is that, had they joined back then, the electoral maths would be far more favourable to the Tories now.
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January, 2021
27
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Village Action Window Fun is back! IT'S time to be thinking about involving yourself in 2021's Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath Window Fun. Enter by January 31 to be included in this free fun and community activity over the February half-term holidays. The theme this year is “Beyond Our Planet”, so, let your imagination run wild, from galaxies, stars, planets and exciting space exploration to science fiction, aliens and more. It’s easy and really enjoyable to do – ideal for involving the family, and do please encourage neighbours to do their windows too. Simple is often very effective but it’s your choice: make your design as simple and quick, or as complicated, as you wish.
An alien silhouette is one of the possible designs in this year's Window Fun trail
How to create a window design Choose your design and cut out the shape(s) in black paper/card or a dustbin liner. Then you can either: • Attach your cut-out silhouette(s) to the window; then colour the rest of the window with tissue paper or washable paints. • Attach your dark background to the window; then colour the hole(s) with tissue paper or
washable paints. Draw curtains over any remaining window or black it out with double dustbin liner or similar. Turn on a light and go outside to admire your creation, preferably after dark. Fantastic! Windows should be lit from dusk through the evening between Sunday February 14 and Tuesday February 23 (half-term plus a couple of days). A table lamp with a timer switch may be useful – or set your mobile alarm to remind you to switch on A completed space scene the light. To enter Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath Brockeridge Centre on 01454 Window Fun, by the deadline of 864442 January 31, we just need your Trail maps for you to enjoy the postcode and the first line of Window Fun trail will be available your address, ie road and house after February 11, from the number. Village Action Facebook page, Contact us in one of these ways: online at www.villageaction.org.uk • Email to framcottva@hotmail.co.uk or from the Brockeridge Centre. • Entry form at the Brockeridge Jen Dunford Centre, Woodend Road, BS36 2LQ Village Action • Phone message at The
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fromevalleyvoice
28
January, 2021
n BOOK REVIEW
The perfect book to challenge the know-it-all local IF, like me, you are a Bristolian, you might think you know almost everything there is to know about the place we call home. Been there, done it and got the ‘Gert Lush’ t-shirt. However, a new book is challenging people who are West Country know-it-alls. 111 places
HMV’s Nipper - a Bristolian canine
in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss is written by local journalist Martin Booth, and the book is brought alive by the images of Bristol-based photographer Barbara Evripidou. It’s not a complicated book, with a page about each place and a picture on the facing page. If you are local, some of the places highlighted may not be a huge surprise; the cross-harbour ferry, Brunel’s Buttery, Bristol Central Library and the County Ground, to name a few. However, Booth digs down into the rich underbelly of the city and surrounding area to highlight some obscure gems. Who knew there was a pub with a picture of Nicolas Cage on its sign, or that there’s a wicker nose stuck on the side of a house in Redland? How about Vale Street in Totterdown, the steepest residential street in the UK? If you like your food and drink there’s plenty to discover, from gin distilleries in Redland, cider houses, chocolate shops and cafes secreted away on the River Avon to the fabulous Bristol Sweet Mart in Easton. Art and culture - even the circus - is well
represented, as well as historic sites and tales. Apparently Nipper, the dog on the HMV logo, was a Bristolian. For those of you who still feel you know the city better than the book, perhaps put it in the guest bedroom and buy the sister book for Bath, which should keep you equally busy. For the rest of us, the book offers a chance to rediscover a place we may not know as well as we thought. Perhaps the first visit (definitely by bus or taxi) should be to Cheers Drive in Speedwell. Voted for by local residents, it is, as the author says, “Bristol’s very own Boaty McBoatface”. 111 Places in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss: £12.99, published by Emons Review by Richard Drew
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Let’s start the New Year with kindness and tolerance
I
’M sure many of us will be happy to see the end of 2020, which turned out to be an extraordinarily unusual year and a time that challenged us all. Our personal and professional lives changed beyond any of our expectations, and our communities and businesses have continued to adapt during the pandemic. It has also been a year where people across the country have lost loved ones as a result of this awful virus. My thoughts are with those families who will be having a very different Christmas and I wish them all the best for the New Year. This year has also been a time when we saw steps in the right direction for social change. In response to the horrific events in Minnesota that resulted in the death of George Floyd, we
witnessed powerful protests take place across the world and businesses realising the need to support and empower the BAME community. The global pandemic further highlighted the disparities and divides along racial and socio-economic lines and the disproportionate impact coronavirus has had on many communities. This year has served as a stark reminder that we still have so much to do, but such awareness puts us in a better position to start making these changes. On a positive note, during the global health emergency we have seen acts of kindness and wonderful stories of people and organisations coming together to support each other during these unprecedented times. The pandemic has proven the impor-
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tance of working together and supporting each other. I’m sure there are still many challenges ahead, but I am reassured that we will face these together. It is undeniable that we will have a very different Christmas to the ones we usually have. However, there will still be officers, police staff, paramedics and other emergency colleagues who will be working during the festive period to keep us safe. Regardless of coronavirus, it is always an extremely busy time of year for those who work in our emergency services and I know they always go above and beyond to keep us safe. I want to say a massive thank you to those in the NHS, police and other emergency services, as well as those in voluntary and charity organisations, for their
With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens hard work to support local communities during the festive period and for their efforts in protecting local people throughout this challenging year. Let’s start the New Year with kindness and tolerance towards one another, and continue to bring our communities together in 2021.
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January, 2021
29
n COMMUNITY NEWS Frampton Cotterell WI THIS December the WI committee worked behind the scenes on a little festive surprise for our members – we collated special Christmas goodie bags, containing items including chocolates, a candle and candle holder, tree decorations, party poppers, hot chocolate and, of course, Christmas cards! These were hand delivered to members’ homes by our committee members. We held our usual Christmas Bingo night on December 15, although this year it was of course on Zoom. And also this year, members donated food items for the Yate and Chipping Sodbury Food Bank instead of holding the usual Christmas raffle. As we go to press, we are hoping for better news with regard to our tier status, and will remain hopeful that we can all meet again before too long. In the meantime, we will continue to hold monthly events on Zoom, and the committee will stay in regular communication to keep things moving forward. As always, watch this space and our Facebook page - search for FramptonCottWI for dates and more details. Under normal circumstances, visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at
membership fee. In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page.
Coalpit Heath WI
Frampton Cotterell WI goodie bags 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a charge of £2.50 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a
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DROPPING off a December ‘meeting in a bag’ to all our members really demonstrated how much everyone is missing our monthly meeting. There were lots of lovely messages and emails thanking the committee for putting together such a thoughtful bag of goodies, and also hoping that it wouldn’t be too long before we are able to meet up again. We will continue to produce a newsletter until meetings can take place in person. Our programme is normally handed out in January, however, apart from acknowledging that the first meeting back will just be a chance to chat, we have the rest on hold until we are able to make some definite plans. Coalpit Heath WI wish everyone a happy and healthy 2021. Any updates and further information will be on our FaceBook page if you search @ WICoalpitHeath. Caroline Johnston
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January, 2021
n MOTORING
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second-hand Style New Year, new car?
JANUARY is typically a great month to buy a used car, precisely because not many other people are doing so. A dealer kicking their heels on a freezing forecourt is, the thinking goes, more likely to do you a deal. A private seller will find the phone doesn’t ring as much as it might in high summer. This January, I suspect, will be no different. Or will it? There are of course several external forces exerting some unpredictable influences on the market right now. Covid has meant that the government has suspended repossessions on lease-hire cars until the end of January, so supply is maybe artificially lower and prices higher. People are switching from public transport, perceived as riddled with germs, for private cars. Supply and demand then gets further out of whack.
On the other hand, some people are struggling for money as they lose their jobs, but are they yet forced sellers? When they are, this will drive prices down and supply up. I know one thing for certain – even the experts don’t really know. And my track record on the topic is pretty shaky as well. I wrote in November '19 about how I thought the classic car market, certainly for cars over 45 years old, would go bust. It had got to dizzy heights that were, in my view, unsustainable. I said that as elderly owners died, offspring would sell the cars and demand would not be there to soak them up. This year I thought covid would accelerate this trend, sad to say. However the market reports nothing of the sort: instead it seems that wealthy collectors are snapping up the best examples in
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what is now a fairly flat market (albeit flat at high price levels). I’m not sure what percentage of my readership is in the market for premium classic Ferraris, so let’s turn for a moment to more everyday buying concerns. If you need a new (used) car, there’s not much you can do about it. Forced purchases are never comfortable, and this January I reckon the bargains will be fewer and further between. As I said last month, wait for February if you can and in fact, the longer the better. That’s for modern daily drivers. If you want to buy something for high days and holidays (remember them?), then get on with it. Short term market fluctuations shouldn’t influence the purchase of something that is or will become a classic, especially if you’re going to hold onto it for many years. And let’s be clear, the clock is ticking on the internal combustion engine now – in a little over nine years the sale of new purely petrol-driven cars will be outlawed. So instead of the Jensen I wrote about previously, which starts at about £40k, what about the still-undervalued Jaguar XJS? This is arguably a better-built, more reliable and better driving car than the Jensen. Production started in 1976 and ran for twenty years. The last of the line cars even had twin airbags. You
can’t pick up a decent XJS for £5k, like you could ten years ago, but £10k will get you into a nice 4.0 6 cylinder coupe. Convertible prices are double that. By the early 90s, the engine was putting out 240hp and returning maybe 25mpg, all delivered silently through a 4-speed auto box. That’s where my money would go today. The visually identical 6.0 V12 will cost you 50% extra, and for that you get 300hp and 20mpg if you’re lucky. I think the late model cars from 1993 are really elegant – long, low and wide cruisers. Colour matters with the XJS, and some of the metallic greens and blues offered were stunning. Like the Jensen, they rust. Unlike the Jensen, they aren’t yet worth restoring (6.0 convertibles being the exception). The back seats are hopeless for anyone not aged between 4 and 8, rear visibility is woeful and spare parts supply patchy. I once saw a £1k bill for a few minor electrical parts. But what a wonderful way to start 2021, roaring out of this endless lockdown… What to pay: £10k - £15k for a 1994 Jaguar XJS 4.0 coupe.
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January, 2021
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PLUMBING
atom electrical
Alterations • Foundations/Drainage Works Extensions • Repairs/Insurance work Decking/Patios • Driveways - Block Paving
For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...
call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974
FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk
Good Grounds & Gardens Good Grounds & Gardens
07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk
CLEANING
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
0117
957 5092
PLUMBING
GARDEN SERVICES
629179
31
Specialists in wildlife Regular one-offgardens garden ponds or & nature maintenance Garden rescue, redesign and planting Specialists in wildlife gardening Orchard restoration wildlife ponds and&tree-pruning Seasonal maintenance Private & commercial work
PDay Plumbing Services Bathroom Refurb Specialists www.pdayplumbingservices.co.uk info@pdayplumbingservices.co.uk
- Friendle - Reliable - Affordable - Est 2008
07923 447362 07923 447362 info@goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk
www.goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk info@goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk www.goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk
HOUSE CLEARANCE
Call Peter
07793 746958 PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance
House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89
Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139
3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179
Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS
New Builds n Extensions n Ground Works n Kitchens / Bathrooms ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN - TESTIMONIALS ON REQUEST
07889 601111
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
OVEN CLEANING
Colin Yeend Property Developments
info@colinyeendpropertydevelopments.co.uk
www.colinyeendpropertydevelopments.co.uk
RUBBISH CLEARANCE
RUBBISH CLEARED
Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074
We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT
Contact Stuart or Sue
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13 Limited spaces for Reception 2021 and 2022. Join us for Year 7 and 8 and benefit from our enviable success in delivering entry into first choice senior schools
OPEN FOR BOOKED TOURS AND VIDEO TOURS Discover our small friendly classes, family approach to education, wrap-around care how we could be the perfect fit for your family. We are offering private tours of the School and Nursery out of school hours to minimise contact or 1-2-1 video tours and calls with our Headmaster. Please contact us to arrange your video call or tour: 01454 613229 asymonds@tockingtonmanorschool.com www.tockingtonmanorschool.com