fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
July, 2020 Issue 81
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Together in South Gloucestershire: getting back on our feet
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S lockdown eases, South Gloucestershire Council is making changes to help revive its communities while keeping people safe. In this special edition of The Voice, we explain the plans, how you can help, and how to get help if you need it. New measures will help make social distancing easier, revive the economy and support everyone to adapt to a ‘new normal’. The changes could bring extra longterm benefits too – for instance, new social distancing measures outside re-opened schools are already improving air quality. The council is also pedestrianising some high streets and widening pavements. This is not only supporting social distancing but creating more pleasant environments in which to shop and socialise. Read about how council services are changing and plans for high streets and other public spaces on the next page.
Supporting businesses South Gloucestershire Council is supporting and advising local businesses as they face the challenges posed by Covid-19. It has administered different grants including the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund and the Discretionary Grant. So far it has issued over £34 million in funding to businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, and to small and micro businesses who have experienced a drop in income. To find out how to apply,
see the contact details on the back page.
Safety first: how you can help Safety remains the top priority for the council. We are still at a critical point in the Covid-19 pandemic because the virus will continue to be with us until there is a vaccine. Everyone can help by continuing with social distancing, practising good hand hygiene, and selfisolation at home and getting tested if they have symptoms, to manage the spread of the virus.
How the council can help you The council offers a wide range of help and can also put you in touch with community support groups in your area. Full details of how to get help are on the back page.
Getting around The council wants to encourage people who have taken up cycling or walking more during lockdown to use this as their regular way of getting around. Less traffic means more space on streets, improving the experience for cyclists and pedestrians. It has introduced new measures such as temporary changes to the road layout under Bristol Parkway railway bridge. The extra space on either side of the lane is designated for people walking or cycling under the bridge and helps them to keep a safe distance from each other.
View from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage WELCOME to this special edition of The Voice. It’s here especially for those South Gloucestershire residents who may not have easy access to the internet - just one of the steps we’ve taken to try to reach everyone. The Voice is a local business that we’re very proud to partner with. Thank you so much for your support during this crisis. I saw for myself how hard our frontline workers are working when I went out with our waste collection teams last month. We’re all having to get used to a new normal whether it’s wearing face coverings or remembering to always keep a social distance. In this issue, we explain what to do if you need support, especially if you’re not online. We share the positive steps we’re taking as lockdown eases to revive the district and move forward. We’re adapting our services and supporting local businesses as they emerge from lockdown, including our much-loved high street shops. We also showcase volunteers (on the inside back page) – those fantastic individuals contributing enormously to our communities. If you’re already volunteering then a big thank you. If you haven’t tried it, then why not give it a go?
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Making publicplaces safer COUNCILS have been directed by government to introduce measures as quickly as possible to help make social distancing in public places easier. Last month, South Gloucestershire Council published ‘Making Public Places Safer’. This explains the measures it is putting in place in high streets, parks and open spaces, routes to work, at bus stops and outside schools. As well as helping to control and limit the spread of Covid-19, these measures should also help ‘lock in’ some of the positive changes such as an increase in cycling and fewer cars on the road. The funding for this work comes from central government through the West of England Combined Authority.
High Streets Our high streets will look and feel different as the lockdown is lifted. Shops, restaurants and cafes may start to trade outside, immediately in front of their premises, and have space for customers to queue outside too. People will need extra space to get around safely and maintain social distancing, whether on foot or by bike. In some places, this will mean road space for cars will need to be reduced. Council car parks and disabled parking will be maintained however and continue to be free for all. The council wants to make it as easy and safe as possible for people to access their local high street, kickstart the economy and support businesses so it is introducing measures to support more walking and cycling in and around town centres and local communities. This will support local trade and business by enabling easy and safe access. Changes to some local high streets are already helping with this. For example, in Thornbury, the High Street between The Close and Castle Court is now closed to all through traffic, effectively pedestrianising the town centre, allowing people to shop safely and with confidence. Some retailers can trade from directly outside their premises, adding a welcoming and vibrant feel to the area.
Parks and open spaces All skate parks, tennis courts and multi-use games areas that the council is responsible for are now open in parks and open spaces. This is in line with government advice and follows risk assessments and safety inspections of all the sites. The council has put in various measures including locking open some gates to reduce contact, ‘give way’ systems to people entering or exiting, and social distancing signs and markings on the ground.
Schools New social distancing measures at school entrances and on nearby roads include reminders of the requirements on signs and on pavements outside almost 30 primary and some secondary schools. These schools were prioritised because of their location in a busy area or because they have narrow access. To provide more room for parents to take their children back to school safely, the council has suspended parking bays outside some of these schools.
Adapting council services
Household waste collections in South Gloucestershire are back to normal. At the time of going to print, Mangotsfield, Thornbury and Yate Sort It recycling centres are opening between 6am and 4.30pm seven days a week until further notice. They accept the normal range of waste and recycling apart from clothing and textiles. Little Stoke Sort It recycling centre and the Re-use Shop at the Thornbury site remain temporarily closed. The council hopes to open its libraries gradually from July. These libraries will offer a Click and Collect service for books and other items. IT services will be available through bookable slots. Gradual opening will mean the council can review how well the new way of doing things is working before opening more libraries. Public toilets will open where possible, in line with government guidance, as will customer service One Stop Shops.
fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
July, 2020 Issue 81
FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN
Emerging from lockdown AFTER three months like no others in memory, our area is emerging from coronavirus lockdown. While the toll, in lives lost, has not been as heavy in Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton as in some neighbouring areas, the villages have still been touched by tragedy. But there has also been a huge outpouring of love and support for those who have had to isolate to avoid the virus, and for those on the front line fighting it. Hundreds of volunteers have come together to ensure no-one in their neighbourhood goes hungry. The lockdown has changed the way people interact and even how we use our streets, with a new schemes to keep motorists away from a village school during pick-up times one of the latest attempts to make social distancing work. The Frome Valley Voice has also been impacted by the virus. The closure of many of our advertisers and rule changes for our deliverers left us unable to bring our paper to you for three
Back to school? MORE children have been returning to schools – but the prospect of a full re-opening of classrooms remains a long way off. PAGES 8&9
Volunteer armies HUNDREDS of volunteers have been going shopping, collecting prescriptions and providing company by phone to help vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis. PAGE 5
PC’s road rage A POLICE officer left a pensioner with a broken jaw after punching him during a road rage incident in Frampton Cotterell. PAGE 6 months. Having continued to bring you the news on our website, now we are back in print, as more businesses in the area prepare to reopen. While there are too many
to recognise them all on our pages, we salute everyone, from NHS staff and shop workers to recycling crews and phone buddies, who has helped keep life going through lockdown.
Homes approved NEW homes next to a primary school have been approved, despite objections from villagers over safety and design. PAGE 7
Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk
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fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
n CORONAVIRUS
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August deadline Our August edition will be going to print on July 21. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by July 15. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.
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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
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Coronavirus claims 6 lives in Frome Valley CORONAVIRUS has claimed the lives of six people in the Frome Valley area, according to the latest official figures. An in-depth breakdown from the Office for National Statistics, released today, shows deaths from every area in the country which involved COVID-19 in March, April and May. The ONS has published an interactive online map dividing the country into small geographic areas, each with a population of around 7,500 people, and recording how many people in each area died with coronavirus. It shows that three people died in Frampton Cotterell, one in Winterbourne and two in the area that includes Iron Acton. In Yate and Chipping Sodbury, 14 people died with the virus, while in Thornbury 24 people lost their lives to the virus. Twelve of those people were residents at Beech House care home in the town. Another Thornbury care home, Grace Care Centre, also had a COVID-19 outbreak but neither the home’s operator nor the authorities have confirmed whether anyone died. Eight people have died with the virus in the Alveston, Olveston and Oldbury area and there were a further three deaths in the Almondsbury, Pilning and Severn Beach area. April was the deadliest month of the pandemic in the area, with all six of the fatalities in the Frome Valley area recorded by the ONS during that month. ONS figures released earlier in the week found that, across the whole of South Gloucestershire, 167 people had died with COVID-19 in the year to June 12. In Bristol the total was 238. As of June 22 there had been a total of 406 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Gloucestershire. You can see the map online at bit.ly/2NlyWu5.
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July, 2020
n CORONAVIRUS HUNDREDS of volunteers have been going shopping, collecting prescriptions and providing food to help vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis. From spontaneously-formed Facebook and WhatsApp groups to existing community organisations, charities and councillors, a huge number of people have been giving up time to ensure those who have had to stay at home to shield from the virus are not forgotten. Volunteers have also come together to help the NHS and carers, from sewing scrubs to producing personal protective equipment on 3D printers. Among the groups which formed on Facebook as the crisis began to transform lives is Frampton Cotterell/Coalpit Heath COVID-19 Community Support. People who signed up as ‘neighbour volunteers’ with the group online have teamed up with Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh parish councillors, churches and charities to help those who have been selfisolating, from shopping to providing company with a phone call. Mark Baker from the group said: “There have been many acts of neighbourly kindness which have helped so many in our community, which have only been made possible due to the 240 amazing neighbour volunteers. Thank you to each and every one of you. “With the continued support of the neighbour volunteers it is our hope that the group will continue to run for the length of time required to support our community through this difficult time.” The group has worked
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Surge of goodwill helps vulnerable through crisis with charities CVS South Gloucestershire, Southern Brooks and other local volunteer organisations who have helped ensure its “neighbour to neighbour support” gets to everyone who needs it, including people who are not online and may have missed the initial leaflet drop offering help. Anyone who needs help, knows a neighbour who is in need or has ideas about how the group can continue to help vulnerable members of the community can get in touch via Facebook, by emailing COVID19FramptonAndCoalpit@ gmail.com or calling 07742 604 988. Nearby, the Covid-19 Winterbourne and Winterbourne Down Response Group also formed on Facebook and now has almost 600 members. In Iron Acton, existing group Acton Aid has been offering help to those who are self-isolating or shielding, including collecting prescriptions, shopping and supplies, and providing friendly phone calls. Anyone in the village who needs help or wants to offer it can call 01454 300190 to get in touch with the group, which has more than 40 members and has been established for more than 40 years. South Gloucestershire Council is offering small scale grants to COVID-19 support groups, which can be allocated by individual ward councillors through its member-awarded funding scheme. The council has praised the “incredible efforts” of
the neighbourhood support groups, saying: “They are already providing a lifeline for people unable to get to the shops for provisions or to collect prescriptions from local pharmacies, for example, as well providing welfare support by reaching out by telephone, email, text or social media to let people who cannot get out hear a friendly voice or messages and offers of support.” The council has been working with Southern Brooks Community Partnerships and CVS South Gloucestershire to help reach people who are not online to ensure they are helped. Residents can contact Southern Brooks Community Partnerships to find out the support available to them by calling a helpline, 07773 209943, which is staffed from 8am to 8pm, seven days a-week For those who are online, a full list of groups offering help is available by area at the council’s website at bit.ly/2BzHhaS. Chief Executive of Southern Brooks Community Partnerships, Julie Close, said: “The power of communities and the people who live here is making such a difference at this time, and the mutual aid groups are amazing.” Amazing work has also been going on in South Gloucestershire homes – and a village hall – to produce vital personal protective equipment. Volunteer group Hack the Pandemic was born out of a Facebook group for 3D printer users to help make up the shortfall in PPE for medical and care workers on the front line in
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Staff at Southmead Hospital are among those who have used protective equipment produced by South Gloucestershire-based volunteer group Hack the Pandemic. the fight against COVID-19. So far members have produced 10,000 face covers, almost 6,000 mask clips, and more than 1,500 ‘DoorMate’ tools, which enable people to turn a door handle without touching it. They have given the equipment away to health and care workers, police and schools, with funding for the supplies of plastic and printer spares coming via a JustGiving crowdfunding page which has raised more than £17,000. The equipment is prepared for delivery or collection at Emersons Green Village Hall and, having paused production after the government insisted designs were put through a new certification process, they are set to go into production again. Another group, Scrub Hub Bristol, was set up to make scrubs for NHS and care workers, keeping them supplied during April and May.
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July, 2020
n NEWS A POLICE officer left a pensioner with a broken jaw after punching him during a road rage incident in Frampton Cotterell. Stuart Box was off-duty and riding his bike in Church Road when he attacked 70-year-old driver Peter Burgum. Mr Burgum died of unrelated causes soon afterwards and spent the last weeks of his life in pain, a police misconduct panel heard. His wife Caroline, who was also hurt in the incident, has suffered “insomnia, nightmares and flashbacks” ever since. PC Box, who was 44 at the time of the incident in April last year and had 23 years’ service, would have been sacked for gross misconduct had he not already resigned from Avon and Somerset police, the hearing in June was told. The former officer, who was serving in South Gloucestershire at the time, admitted gross misconduct. No criminal charges were brought and a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson told the Voice that “the available evidence
PC broke pensionser’s jaw in road rage attack did not support a charge”, despite a request from the police to review the original prosecutor’s decision. The incident unfolded after Mr Burgum overtook the officer and PC Box banged on the side of the car, hitting the wing mirror. PC Box shouted abuse, telling the driver he had nearly killed him, the panel heard. He slapped and then punched Mr Burgum, who fell to the ground, possibly losing consciousness, as Mrs Burgum shouted: “You’ve killed him!” Despite her attempts to stop him, PC Box got on his bike and rode off without calling 999 or leaving his details. Avon and Somerset police issued an appeal for witnesses and information to track down
the cyclist before PC Box was eventually identified from dashcam footage. Representing the force, barrister Elliot Gold said Mr Burgum suffered two fractures to his jaw, requiring surgery that left him unable to eat solid foods, as well as cuts and bruises. Mr Gold said: “For reasons that were unrelated, Mr Burgum tragically died from other matters. “Mr and Mrs Burgums’ last weeks together were affected in the most adverse way.” Police Federation representative Andy Roebuck said the former officer had expressed remorse and “could only apologise” for what happened. The force’s head of
professional standards, Superintendent Simon Wilstead, publicly apologised to Mrs Burgum and her family. He said: “A thorough and proportionate criminal investigation was carried out before the Crown Prosecution Service was presented with the evidence.” A CPS spokesperson said: “Following the review of the case file, the reviewing CPS prosecutor took the decision that the available evidence did not support a charge. Following a request from the police, the case file was subsequently reviewed by a second CPS prosecutor who came to the same decision.” By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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July, 2020
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An image from planning consultants Nash Partnership shows how the completed houses are expected to look
Homes on school site approved PLANS for five new homes alongside Watermore Primary School in Frampton Cotterell have been approved. The parish council, two Liberal Democrat ward councillors and 18 residents objected, arguing that the detached houses’ metal roofs and Juliet balconies were out of character with the area, pupils’ safety would be at risk from vehicles and the proposals would cause parking and flooding issues. They said South Gloucestershire Council officers had “given no weight whatsoever to the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath Village Design Statement that was painstakingly produced by local residents, with the support and encouragement of the parish council”. But development control committee members agreed with the recommendation to grant permission. The committee gave outline consent for the houses in Lower Stone Close in 2018 as part of a larger scheme that saw the new Watermore Primary School building built at the same junior school site, with another 16 homes planned for the former infants’ site in Woodend Road. Councillors approved the detailed design and layout of the five new five-bedroom homes on the site of demolished former junior school buildings, at a remote meeting on June 11. Ward councillor Tristan Clarke told the committee: “We still have strong concerns about the drive-on parking spaces, because there is no turning space and it would involve vehicles going over the pavement. That section of Lower Stone Close is one of the principal pedestrian routes for pupils going to and from the school.” He said the parish council and neighbours opposed the homes’ design because of the metal roofs and that having a fifth bedroom in the loft space would create townhouses in an area with two-storey houses and bungalows. Cllr Clarke said: “It clearly contradicts the village design statement. “It is quite clear residents feel angry when they go through the trouble of entering into consultations like the village design statement and then they are disregarded.” But Bradley Stoke Central ward councillor Brian Hopkinson said: “This is going to be making that area a little bit smarter and hopefully some of the other properties will take the lead from this and smarten themselves up. “I am really looking forward to seeing this. It has got a wow factor.” The committee was told that the metal roofs were similar to those on the new school building and planning officers did not consider that they went against the village design statement. Members approved the application from LP Housing by 7-1 votes. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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July, 2020
n NEWS
Schools welcome back some pupils – but full reopening a long way off CHILDREN in the Frome Valley area have been returning to school – but the prospect of a full re-opening of classrooms remains a long way off. Staff in both primary and secondary sectors have been providing online learning since lockdown, but are now able to have face-to-face lessons with some pupils. Peter Barnard, head teacher at Frampton Cotterell CofE School, has been busy as the school adapted to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. The school was initially nominated as the location for key worker children from several schools in the area which form the Frome Valley Alliance. It meant that Frampton hosted children from around the surrounding area, including over the Easter holidays. As individual schools have welcomed children back to the classroom, the school has been focussing on its own pupils. Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils are back in class, as well as those of key workers. The school now operates in ‘bubbles’ of 10 pupils, each with two adults: there are 13 altogether. This means teachers and other staff are working their allocated hours in school. The bubbles of children attend four days a week, with Wednesday just for children of key workers, so other areas can be deepcleaned. Mr Barnard told the Voice that the school was “full to
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Frampton Cotterell CofE Primary School head teacher Peter Barnard with some returning reception children.
bursting” and had had to tell some parents it did not have the space to accommodate them, which was “heartbreaking”. He said: “We are incredibly proud of all our children and families. Both through the home learning taking place and the pupils who have returned to school, they have shown remarkable levels of resilience. “A huge amount of credit must go to every household who have kept their children learning and safe throughout these uncertain times and we are really
pleased to see so many happy faces, both through video calls and in the class room bubbles.” As the Voice went to press, Year 6 pupils were getting back to school at St Michael’s Primary in Winterbourne, joining Reception, Year 1 and key workers’ children. Head teacher Kirsty Robson said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome back Year 6, so that they are able to enjoy their last four weeks of primary school together after most of them have spent 7 years
together.” Like many other schools, St Michael’s has stayed open through lockdown for the children of key worker parents, including in the holidays, and reached capacity for the initial 2m social distancing guidelines. Ms Robson said: “Our wonderful school is slowly coming back to life. The chatter in the classrooms and the laughter in the playground has been like music to my ears these past few weeks. We cannot wait to be able to extend this offer to more children, when we are allowed.” Most of the 1,650 students at Winterbourne Academy have been learning at home for more than three months. The secondary school made provision for the families of critical workers and for the most vulnerable children throughout and on June 15 it began welcoming back pupils who will be taking GCSE and A-level exams next summer. Winterbourne has had a quarter of Year 10 students in each day from Monday to Thursday, with the rest of the learning being delivered online. The pattern in the sixth form is similar, with small groups gradually being re-introduced to school while continuing to study remotely at other times. The school has been improving its distance learning, which now includes pre-recorded narrated lessons in every subject,
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July, 2020 as well as a project-based approach for Years 7 to 9 and Google classroom units for Year 11 pupils to help them prepare for post-16 study. A Zoom induction evening for parents of September’s year 7s was attended by 250 people, and children have received an induction pack, with more subject-specific information this month to help them prepare to join the school. Like all other school leaders, principal Jason Beardmore and his team are waiting for detail on the Government’s stated aim to have all students back in September. In the meantime, they are working on ensuring that all students have access to adequate IT to enable them to learn at home if and when necessary. Dave Baker, chief executive of Olympus trust, which runs the school, said: “It has been lovely to be able to welcome more children back into school.” He said the focus for the final weeks of this academic year was on nurturing and supporting students and reconnecting with school.
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Traffic ban for school pick-up A ROAD outside a primary school is being closed during pick-up time to help the safety of children and their families. South Gloucestershire Council’s first ‘School Street’ has been launched at Frampton Cotterell CofE Primary following a request by the school. The council says it will enable children and families to adhere to social distancing guidelines whilst also providing a healthier and safer environment. A section of road outside of the school will close to traffic in term time between 3pm and 3.45pm on weekdays. A member of staff from the school will put out and remove the cones and closure signs at the end of each day and diversion signs will be in place around the area to ensure drivers are aware of the changes. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained. The council liaised with residents directly affected and the scheme will be implemented on a trial basis. Head teacher Peter Barnard said: "Keeping our children and families safe is our number one priority and we have been increasingly worried by how many parents are having to
stand on the opposite side of the street and then cross or encourage their children to cross safely.” “With over 120 children being collected under social distancing rules at staggered times it is very difficult to do this without parents spilling out into the road. Closing a small section of Rectory Road would ensure all children and families were kept safe and will also promote other safe ways of travelling to school like walking, scooting or cycling." The Safe Streets initiative comes as other school run plans come into force in the area, including suspension of parking bays outside Watermore Primary in Frampton Cotterell to cut down the number of cars with their engines running. The council has also agreed that fines for parking infringements can be issued immediately in high risk areas close to schools, rather than first allowing two minutes’ observation time. Other changes include additional signs to remind people of distancing rules and bollards outside school gates where space is limited.
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July, 2020
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n NEWS
Bus services under threat Club for men’s mental health BUS services face the axe because social distancing is stopping them filling with passengers, West of England mayor Tim Bowles has told MPs. Operators will have to rely on government funding for a “long time” even as the coronavirus lockdown eases, because routes cannot pay their way, Mr Bowles said during evidence to the House of Commons transport select committee on the impact of COVID-19. The rules mean double-deckers can currently carry about 20 people instead of the usual 75. But Mr Bowles said even halving social distancing from two metres to one, would mean only one extra passenger on each bus. Operator First has adapted its buses, blocking off seats to ensure passengers are separated according to social distancing rules. It is also using a mobile phone app to tell passengers how many available seats there are on services. Rules requiring passengers to wear face masks or face a fine of up to £100 have also been introduced, although it is estimated that up to half of passengers using services have not been complying so far. Speaking to MPs on June 17, Mr Bowles said that bus services were expected to have been restored on about 80 per cent of routes in the region by July 5 – but that passenger numbers had only reached 19 per cent of pre-lockdown levels by mid-June. He called for greater control of devolved transport budgets to put metro mayors in charge of their regions’ bus networks. The Government is currently paying operators directly under an emergency Covid-19 fund. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
A SUPPORT network for men’s mental health is expanding to cover the Frome Valley area. Talk Club, a talking and listening club for men to improve their mental fitness, was formed because suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Co-founder Ben Akers lost his childhood best friend, Steve Yates, to suicide in 2014 and Talk Club grew out of his efforts to work through his grief. It aims to get men to talk more openly about their thoughts, feelings, worries and day-to-day problems in a relaxed, informal and non-judgemental environment. Ben said: “We want to help men to be mentally fit so they don’t get mentally ill. If we can encourage and enable men to look at their mental fitness the way they look after their physical fitness, the world will be a better place.” Starting in April last year at the Bristol Beer Factory in Southville, organisers say Talk Club is currently the fastestgrowing men’s mental fitness movement in the UK, with 38 local groups nationally and internationally, as well as a growing online network of over 1,300 men. The group has seen membership grow 30% since the coronavirus lockdown, as meet-ups have moved online. Talk Club’s Ian Browne said support was being extended to the Winterbourne area as a South Gloucestershire group is formed, with all men over 18 encouraged to join. To find out more visit www.wetalkclub.com online or join the Talk Club South Glos group on Facebook.
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sales@southernplasticlad.co.uk www.southernplasticlad.co.uk SHOWROOM OPEN MON - FRI 9am - 5pm SAT 9am - 12pm FREEPHONE 0800 542 6066 Unit 4 Ram Hill Business Park, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath BS36 2TZ TELEPHONE 01454 777 732 Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
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Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13 Discover our small friendly classes, family approach to education, wrap-around care and our enviable success rate in delivering entry into first choice senior schools.
OPEN FOR TOURS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER Worried about the education your child may have missed due to lockdown? Find out how we can help and how we could be the perfect fit for your family. Throughout the summer we will be offering tours of the School and Nursery plus 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
fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
13
n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
The importance of a specialised team
I
’M sure we all agree that the past few weeks have been an unusual time for everyone, and as owner of Stroud Auction Rooms I am not used to having a great deal of spare time to take stock of things. However, as the restrictions on business begin to ease, and we can once again begin to offer the free valuations and advice we are well known for, I have taken on the vast majority of the work due to limiting the number of staff in the saleroom. So, it has fallen to me to value and catalogue a far wider range of items than I usually would, and while doing this I have realised just how important our team of specialist valuers really are. As a general auctioneer I have a good all-round knowledge of most items, but I very soon concluded that I will never know enough about every one of the huge variety of categories which our valuers cover. From a coin collection to a classic
car, motorcycles to medals and militaria, guns, stamps, toys, watches, jewellery, vinyl records and more – Stroud Auctions are fortunate to have specialists in all these areas on whom I rely for their unbelievable knowledge and expertise. After concluding that they would do a far better job than I possibly can, I have decided to let the specialists take over and give
our customers the service they have come to expect. As things slowly return to normal, we are looking forward to holding our usual monthly sales, beginning on July 8 and 9, as listed in our auction calendar. Looking ahead, we have exciting consignments of toys, guns, medals, militaria and sporting items ready for our August 5 and 6 auction, including
an exceptional private collection of air rifles, and the September sale, on the 9th and 10th of the month, already has more than 750 lots of jewellery consigned – and we can still accept a few more. At the moment we are offering free valuations at our saleroom or in your own home, and if the government updates any of their guidelines over coming weeks then we may be able to return to the open valuation sessions everyone is used to, without the need to book. Home visits are currently very popular, and fortunately it has proved very straightforward to maintain social distancing and keep everyone safe. Please remember that not all auction salerooms are the same, do make sure to have your items valued by a specialist before making a decision about selling them. Nick Bowkett, Head Auctioneer
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on September 9th , 10th & 11th Including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches, clocks & coins
Jewellery
Coins
Wristwatches
Contact Alexandra Bowkett (DGA, FGA) Contact Mike Gardner Victorian ring set with blue Henry VIII gold half crown. guilloche enamel, a pearl Sold for £600 & two old cut diamonds Sold for £1200
Silver
Contact Stuart Maule Contact Mark Rozelaar Heuer Autavia Silver cigarette case. 'Orange Boy' automatic Sold for £950 wristwatch. Sold for £3,200
FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph to valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF
01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
More, more, more included... With our high-quality specification homes, designed for modern living.
The Stancombe Plot 35 & 36 , Priced from £430,000 An attractive 4 bedroom detached chalet style home, offering extremely flexible living. • Final 2 Stancombe homes remaining • High-quality specification • Integrated NEFF appliances • Spacious ground floor & first floor bedrooms • Or additional spaces to tailor to your own lifestyle
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Viewings by appointment, available daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm Amberley, Broad Lane, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 7LB
01454 549265 www.newlandhomes.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
15
n NEWS
Jess captures Colston statue protest drama
Jess Knight’s picture captures the moment protesters climbed onto the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol
A PHOTOGRAPHY student from Winterbourne captured dramatic scenes from the protest which saw a statue of Bristol slave trader Edward Colston torn down. Jess Knight has just finished her first year studying photojournalism and documentary photography at the University of Gloucestershire. She went to June’s Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol to record the event and gain valuable professional experience. One of her pictures caught the moment when protesters climbed on to the statue, as ropes were thrown up and tied on to it, while others showed some of the thousands marching through the city. The statue was pulled down and later thrown into the Floating Harbour. It has since been retrieved by Bristol City Council and taken to a secret location, before a final decision is taken on its future. Jess, who attended St Michaels C of E Primary and Winterbourne Academy before starting her course, aims to work for news agencies after finishing her course and says her ambition is to become a war photographer. She said: “It was actually at the Ridings where I started to fall in love with photography, after reading a poem by Carol Ann Duffy called War Photographer. “I proceeded to learn about photography and after finishing college I decided I wanted to take a photojournalist course at university, which is the best decision I have made. “I can’t wait to start my second year in September!”
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Newland Homes opens covid-19 secure marketing suites
NEWLAND Homes has re-opened the doors of its show homes and marketing suites across the South West in response to a phenomenal demand for new homes. The company, currently building in Yate, has applied Covid-19 Government guidelines at its marketing suites and show homes to ensure a safe and socially distanced environment for the benefit of staff and visitors alike. Viewing appointments must now be booked in advance, enabling the sales team to tailor the viewings to specific requirements and make it bespoke, whilst also limiting visitor numbers to two people at any one time. A whole host of other measures have been introduced such as safety screens, hand sanitizers and gloves, plus each site has recruited a Special Cleaning Operative who is responsible for rigorously cleaning all touchpoints to help keep people safe. The company has experienced astonishing levels of interest in its nine developments located across the South West during the lockdown period, with people continuing to reserve their desired
plots remotely. Since Newland Homes was given the green light by the Government to re-open its show homes, more reservations have been recorded and a bumper crop of new interested parties has come forward. One scheme in particular, Barbican Walk in Barnstaple, sold over 60% of its available properties during the lockdown period, leaving only two plots remaining for sale. Erica Povey, Field Sales Manager at Newland Homes, commented: “We had a number of transactions in process when lockdown started, and our focus was on keeping these moving and providing
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
reassurance to the many buyers who were stuck in limbo. What we hadn’t anticipated over the last few months was the level of interest we would receive from new buyers, who have used the enforced time at home to research their next move and who have been the first out of the blocks when lockdown eased.” The sales teams continued to work remotely during lockdown and adapted to a virtual world of online video demonstrations and show home tours. These will continue, as they have proven popular with people who enjoy the ability to view from the comfort of their armchair.
Erica continues: “Understandably, people’s search criteria has changed in light of Coronavirus and as our homes are thoughtfully design in handpicked locations, our schemes tick a lot of boxes. We are seeing increased interest in the few remaining plots at Amberley, thanks to their good outdoor space, provision to create a home office, reliable broadband and easy access to the great outdoors.” There are just a handful of four-bedroom detached homes remaining for sale at Amberley, including the four bed, double fronted Hilmarton with parking and garage. The Hilmarton boasts a south facing garden to the rear, with patio and a fully turfed lawn, and looks out over mature hedgerows to the front. It’s ready to move into now with Amtico flooring and carpets throughout. Tailor-made appointments are available daily, from 11am to 5pm, at Newland Homes’ marketing suites and show homes at Amberley. Please visit www. newlandhomes.co.uk/amberleyyate or call 01454 549265. Current prices start from £430,000.
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
aj homes
Downend £575,000 Executive Detached Home 4 Bedrooms 20’ Living Room
Dining Room & Study Conservatory Double Garage Corner Plot Location
014
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ww
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Frampton Cotterell £500,000 (o.i.e.o.)
Frampton Cotterell £475,000 (o.i.e.o.)
Detached Family Home Deceptively Spacious Four Bedrooms Two Reception Rooms
Detached Benson Dormer Bungalow Four Double Bedrooms Three Reception Rooms
Kitchen/Breakfast Room En-Suite Shower Room Garage & Off Street Parking
Downstairs Shower Room En-Suite Shower Room Jack and Jill Bathroom
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Winterbourne Cotterell Winterbourne Down £575,000£625,000Yate £350,000 Frampton Frampton Cotterell £450,000 £325,000
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Detached House Executive Detached 6Home Bedrooms Bedrooms & Two 3Four Reception Rooms En Suites 30' Kitchen/Family Room
27' Master Bedroom & Home Balcony Two Reception Rooms Brand New Double Garage HELP TO BUY & ●Part 4 Bedrooms Exchange Considered 12’ Living Room ● Views Over Green Belt Farm Land Fantastic Location 17’ Kit/Breakfast Room ● ●
House En-suite Executive Shower RoomDetached Semi Detached House ● Deceptively Spacious Family ●Bathroom Four Bedrooms Off Street Parking ● Two Receptions Lounge/Dining Room ● Cloakroom & Utility Room Kitchen ● Four Bedrooms ● Private Development Of Only 4 Houses ●
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Conservatory Gas Central Heating En-suite Family Bathroom UPVC&Double Glazing Garage & Off Street Double Garage Parking Large Rear Garden
Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19 FIVE STEPS TO SAFER WORKING TOGETHER
We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who work here We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance We have taken all reasonable steps to help people work from home
Winterbourne £324,950 Semi Detached House Three Bedrooms 22’ Lounge/Dining Room Cloakroom
Utility Area Gas Central Heating Partially Converted Garage
Winterbourne £320,000
We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance in the workplace Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk
Employer
AJ Homes Ltd
Date
18 May 2020
Mid Terrace House Three Bedrooms Three Reception Rooms Garage
Front & Rear Gardens Popular Location Close to Local Amenities Off Street Parking
(or the Health and Safety Executive at www.hse.gov.uk or 0300 003 1647)
EPC
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EPC
Coalpit Heath £359,950 ● ● ● ●
Detached Family House 4 Double Bedrooms 29' Dual Aspect Lounge 16' Kitchen/Breakfast Room
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Cloakroom, Utility Room & Study En-suite & Family Bathroom Large Driveway & Garage
Winterbourne Down £279,950 ●
Victorian Semi Detached Three Bedrooms 24' Lounge/Dining Room 15' Kitchen
Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk ● ●
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LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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Breakfast Area Circa 160ft Rear Garden Single Garage Workshop/Shed
Lettings Dept. 0145
July, 2020
fromevalleyvoice
17
n NEWS
Lockdown poem
Choir sings on YouTube WHEN their VE Day anniversary performance was cancelled, girls from a junior choir went online to share their singing with the world. Members of Junior Fascinating Rhythm had been working on a song about being a child during the Second World War. But the lockdown meant they would be unable to perform it to an audience. To keep the girls singing, Kitty Davies, part of the team running the group, came up with some new lyrics and the renamed Covid Chorus was born. The girls learned the new words, recorded their performances on video and Kitty pulled them all together for a video, which was shared on YouTube. JFR, which usually rehearses every Friday in Iron Acton Village Hall, has 33 members, aged seven and over, from schools including Watermore, Elm Park, Iron Acton, Winterbourne Academy and Brimsham Green, and is the junior arm of Winterbourne-based Fascinating Rhythm. It was started in 2011 by Fascinating Rhythm’s choreographer and assistant director, Wendy Howse and members regularly perform at events including the Big Sing, Iron Acton May Day and Proms in the Meadows. Wendy said: “The girls work on many aspects of singing, including practising posture, breathing, diction, pitch and singing with confidence. “The ultimate aim is to bring the joy of singing to as many girls as possible, whilst improving confidence.” Appearing in the video are Becky Griffiths, Rosie and Jasmin Wright, Izzy Cousins, Jess Page, Olivia Heal, Lillimay and Lottie Jackson, Carys Herdman, Anna and Elizabeth White, Eve Morgan, Evie Allchorne, Danielle Chappell, Emi Dunne-Squire, Eleanor and Sophia Pearce, Lily Howse, Layla Norris, Anna Southwell and Amelie Gibson. To watch and listen to the video, search for Junior FR Covid Chorus on YouTube.
All work carried out will be following government guidelines regarding social distancing
A COALPIT Heath girl has written a poem about her feelings in lockdown. Kiara Huntly, 10, was set the task be her school, Iron Acton Primary, as the pandemic took hold and has updated it to reflect the easing of the lockdown. Kiara’s proud grandfather Mike Graham has submitted the poem to be shared with Voice readers: Lockdown Swept away by a torrent of grief and sadness, Frightened children hide, terrified of the danger arising. Friends locked away, desperate to see the sunrise, Hospitals filling, nurses trying helplessly to stop the wave of death. Walls closing in as hungry people struggle, Tears of anguish fall as children see their parents one last time. But there is still hope… People working hard to find a good vaccine, Loving friends FaceTime to help cheer each other up in the hard times. Every country working together in peace, Families grow close, finding out new and fun activities. Three months later… Kids waiting longingly, soon to be let out, Parents relaxing as the wave of death is minimized. No vaccine but a life-saving drug found, Cheap, available and easy to use, it is a great hope. Friends already busy planning parties, What has carried me through? Hope? Faith? Love? Or maybe it’s all three. Hope is still there.
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fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
n NEWS
Street hits jackpot FIVE residents of a street in Coalpit Heath have won a cash windfall of £1,000 each in a fundraising lottery. The residents of Roundways landed the windfall when BS36 2LU was announced as a People’s Postcode Lottery winner. People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which raises money for charities. Players sign up, enter their postcode and pay £10 per month to take part. They are automatically entered into a draw every day of the month, ranging from £10 to a share in a £3 million monthly draw. There are £1,000 daily jackpots, such as the one won by the Roundways residents on May 21. A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £500 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond. They include development charity ActionAid, which promoted the draw and has received more than £8.4 million in funding to change the lives of disadvantaged women and children all over the world.
19
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fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
21
n NEWS
Socially-distanced centenary for Dolly FAMILY and neighbours helped a Winterbourne greatgrandmother celebrate her 100th birthday with a sociallydistanced celebration. Dolly Cole has lived in the village for 96 years, the last 68 of them in her current home. And because of coronavirus restrictions, it was from the doorstep of her home that Dolly, a mother-of-three who has four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, celebrated her birthday. Her two daughters, a grandson and granddaughter, and four of her great grandchildren, aged 14, 10, five and three, all live in the village and were able to help celebrate by making her hand made cards and banners. Granddaughter Helen Fogg said: “Due to the current climate and social restrictions the planned celebrations had to be altered; instead we had a selection of 35 family, friends
Dolly with her daughter Susan Shellard and neighbours gather to sing Happy Birthday with social distancing at the front of her home. “She didn’t think she knew that many people but she does, after living for so long locally. Although she doesn’t get out and about now, she likes to sit in the
Man badly injured in footpath attack A MAN needed surgery after being attacked by three people on a footpath between Frampton Cotterell and Iron Acton. Police have appealed for anyone who saw the incident or recognises the description of the attackers to come forward. The victim, who is in his 50s, suffered a fractured eye socket and other facial injuries after challenging one of the three attackers, who was riding a moped on footpath at about 5.30pm on May 6. Police say the man suffered grievous bodily harm in the incident. They say the attackers were in their late teens or early 20s. Two had brown hair and the other had blond hair. One was riding a red moped with an L plate and another was on a bike the victim described as having a “wonky wheel”. All three attackers had carried rucksacks. Police were unable to give a precise location for the attack but it is understood to have happened on either the Frome Valley Walkway or the part of Frampton End Road which is closed to motor traffic. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “The victim had challenged one of his attackers about riding a moped along the path prior to being assaulted. “Several people using the path at the time are believed to have witnessed the incident and we’re particularly keen for them to get in touch.” Anyone with information should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5220 098 795. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online.
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
window and watch the world go by and see her family!” Born in Bristol, Dolly moved to Winterbourne as a young girl and attended St Michael’s infant and junior school when it was located on the High Street. After leaving school she went into domestic service at
Winterbourne Court, looking after the family who lived there, as well as pilots posted there during the Second World War. Helen said her nan is in great health, adding: “She believes this is down to being a non-smoker and having a little of everything in moderation!”
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fromevalleyvoice
22
July, 2020
n LOCAL MP
Supporting our high streets has never been more important IT has been an incredibly difficult few months for many people living here in South Gloucestershire. With the guidelines starting to be relaxed, it is a difficult balancing act of continuing to reduce the spread of coronavirus whilst getting the economy moving to protect jobs and livelihoods. At this time, we must do everything possible to support our high streets and local businesses and help them wherever we can to thrive. As someone who worked in Lidl in Yate before being elected, I know that our economy is as innovative and dynamic as anywhere in the country. Small and local businesses are the backbone of South Gloucestershire’s economy. Supporting jobs, businesses and our High Streets has never been more important than it is now. To protect jobs, we have
produced one of the most comprehensive packages of support anywhere in the world, both for workers and for businesses. We are doing everything possible to ensure people can pay their bills, put food on the table and get customers back on to the shop floor. In Thornbury and Yate alone, over 10,400 people have been furloughed through the Government’s Job Retention Scheme, and 3,200 claims were made to the Self Employment Income Support Scheme. To further ensure that businesses are protected, we also created a £330 billion package of loans and guarantees. With non-essential retail employing more than 1.3 million people in the UK, many of these payments have been to support people in retail and hospitality. Retail is hard graft; retail workers
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are some of the unsung heroes of this pandemic. They deserve our gratitude, support and respect. Supporting our high streets to thrive has always been central to our mission level up the regions, and this is truer than ever as we start to come out of lockdown. Many local businesses have already introduced creative ways of trading, such as contactless collection or taking orders by instant messaging. This demonstrates that many businesses are ready for the challenges ahead that a return to trading will bring. This dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit will be needed more than ever as we move into the next phase of recovery. We’ve opened a new £50m fund to support our high streets to reopen safely. The Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund will give
Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice
money directly to councils so they can make the changes needed to safely reopen their high streets, town centres and busy public spaces like beach fronts and promenades. To every small and local business in South Gloucestershire; we are here to support you. We stand behind you. We are indebted to you. If there is anything more I can do to help navigate these difficult times, please let me know and I will do everything I can to help.
Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury
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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
23
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Winterbourne Medieval Barn prepares to reopen WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn is no stranger to epidemics. It was built in 1342, just a few years before the Black Death or plague spread across Europe from central Asia, sweeping across England in 1348. Millions of people in Europe, Asia and North Africa died from this disease between 1346 and 1353, and the sudden loss of a third of the population changed the social structure and history of our country forever, leading to events like the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. COVID-19 has hit the world with an unexpected force and disrupted our lives significantly, but thank goodness for our NHS and modern science and technology. We are beginning to see signs of life after the COVID-19 crisis, including the hope of re-opening Winterbourne Medieval Barn in late summer. None of us has yet seen the outcome of the year-long closure for refurbishment work, which was completed immediately before lockdown hit, but provided that COVID recovery rules allow it, the hope is to re-open for guided tours as part of the national Heritage Open Days weekend of 12-13th September 12-13. Tours will take place hourly
at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm each day and although there is no charge, they must be pre-booked. So, be one of the first to have a guided tour of the newly renovated Barn which has seen so many changes over almost 700 years! Numbers will be strictly limited to enable safe social distancing. Book a free place on Ticketsource via the Barn website, winterbournebarn.org.uk, from mid-August. If you can’t join us in person, we’ll also
be putting up lots of digital content over the weekend, including family activity ideas and audio stories from our volunteers. We cannot anticipate how the lifting of lockdown will progress, so no other summer events are currently on offer, but the Trust hopes that the programme of community talks and craft workshops will resume in October. Details will be posted on the Barn website and Facebook as soon as we are able to confirm when public events are allowed to restart. Additional digital content will also be available online. As part of the restoration project, the Victorian cow byres have been updated and transformed into modern versatile workshop spaces. Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust can now offer these for rent to small arts, heritage, craft, and rural businesses. Spaces in the newly-refurbished West Barn are also available for hire by the hour throughout the year, and bookings are now being taken for bigger private events like wedding receptions in the medieval barn. For more details contact hazel.hatton@ winterbournebarn.org.uk. Louise Harrison Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Community is an essential part of life IN The Methodist Church we’re not great at enabling our ministers to live where they minister, mainly because we all have several churches, congregations and communities to care for. Not only am I minister at Salem in Watley’s End, but I also cover Yate, Shortwood and Hawkesbury Upton methodist churches. This means that because of the restrictions of lockdown I’ve only been across to Watley’s End twice, once to erect the Easter Cross and once when I ‘installed the new minister’, our contribution to the scarecrow trail. Although being on the outside as it were, it has been great to see during this time, how the community has pulled together. Hearing from colleagues from Zion, Fromeside Benefice and Coalpit Heath Parish about all that is going on in the Frome Valley is wonderful. To hear about how communities have pulled together
to serve one another, seeing and hearing about the scarecrow trail in Winterbourne is fantastic, and no doubt there’s so much more that I’ve not heard about. In a recent Sunday Gospel reading we (the followers of Christ) were given the Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19); but what do we mean by the term disciples? Community is an essential part of both faith and secular life. We are not designed to be in isolation, but rather to be in community with others; in a way we’ve seen this recently with the Black Lives Matter campaign. One person protesting has very little impact but when people come together, changes begin to be made. Similarly, throughout the COVID-19 period, one person might be able to help a handful of people, but when a number of people come together and coordinate, support can be offered to a huge number. And for me, that is what being
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a disciple is all about. Some of us might recognise ourselves as disciples of Christ and work together because of our faith to make the world a better place. Others might be offering support purely because they want to help, but by doing good, by standing up for injustice together, we are making a better world for others to live in. Whether we follow a faith or not, all of us can work for a better world, and if we can do it in community with others we can make a bigger difference than trying to do it alone. By the time you read this, some of our church buildings might be re-open for private prayer, others might still be closed – as I write this, none of us really know for sure. For updated information please keep an eye on our websites: www.salemchurch.org. uk, www.zuchurch.co.uk, www. fromesidechurches.org.uk and www. coalpithealth.org.uk.
With Rev Leigh Maydew Methodist Minister for Watley’s End
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fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
n COMMUNITY NEWS
News from Floral Friends of Frampton IN these somewhat strange times, anything that can help to bring a little cheer into everyday life is to be appreciated. We are trying to maintain the flowers around the village as best we can and we hope that you have been able to enjoy, when out for your daily walk, some of the flowers that have been blooming in the village over recent weeks. We have now replenished the plants in all our village planters with summer bedding and the hanging baskets have arrived to complete the scene. Due to current COVID-19 constrictions, we have not been able to completely renew the displays but they will, nevertheless, help to brighten up the village. The work continues Volunteers have tidied the gateway planter by the traffic lights and planted verbena bonariensis kindly donated by a resident and bedding begonias, for summer colour. The Triangle flower bed has also been tidied; due to recent drought conditions the plants are struggling to survive but, with the kind support of the landlord of the Rising Sun, we watered the area and then scattered some wild flower seeds to create a bright display later this summer. Recently we planted more wild flower plug
plants in the Glebeland wild flower area and more wild flower seeds were also sown. This was to add variety to the display and promote biodiversity. After a very dry spell they have received some welcome rain and are looking healthy and ready to put on a good display later in the year. Woodend Border Flourishes Despite drought conditions, through careful care and management, the Woodend/Beesmoor border (pictured) continues to thrive and is full of beautiful colourful flowers this June. We would like to thank everyone for their support over the last few months, and in particular the kind, anonymous, donor of some marigold plants left on the Beesmoor bed. These have now been planted and will soon be flowering. All our planned events (the plant sale and coffee morning, the flower festival and the coach trip) for the foreseeable future have been cancelled. Hopefully we will be able to organise something once things begin to return to normal. In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy the flowers around the village and that they help to cheer everyone up. If you can help, maintaining the planters, helping with fundraising, donations or
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sponsorship, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com.
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fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
25
n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environment Group AT a time when good news is needed and we emerge from lockdown like hibernators, here it is: WEG have still been working hard behind the scenes at various projects during the lockdown, one of which is that of the Whiteshill common, on the smaller section to the right as you come off Bristol Road onto Worrells lane. In early April, Winterbourne Parish Council gave the group the goahead to start planting the wild flower meadow and look at options for a natural play area; due to the lockdown the play area will be on hold for the time being. It was agreed with the parish council that the small common would not be mown in the centre, to allow wildflowers to grow, and this year will give us an idea of what to expect to then see what we can then plant to encourage further natural wild flowering. It has helped that May was ‘No Mow May’, set up by the National Trust. The idea will be to look at perhaps a few gentle paths mown through the meadow, so people can walk through and engage closely with the wildlife if they so wish. With many a volunteer in the local area to help out with the digging and planting, it was all-action over the last month and now there are a variety of wild flowers and an abundance of insects, birds and probably most interesting is the natural circular pattern in which the flowers have taken to growing. What has been most interesting to watch over the last month is that there have been a lot more walkers and cyclists due to the exercise regime and with that are people sitting down on the small common to rest and take photos of the flowers and wild life there. We have also set in place blue hearts on the edging of the meadow to advise people that it is being left to grow wild on purpose – for more information on this campaign visit bluecampaignhub. com. The group has also planted a wildflower meadow at Winterbourne library and this has proved very successful and beautiful, providing a natural habitat for a lot local wildlife. We are also working with Frome Valley growing project, a few families in Winterbourne who have come together with a shared belief
in an ethical framework to create a sustainable space to grow food as a community using permaculture growing methods. If you would like to get involved please contact thegrowingproject123@gmail.com. Kim Palmer
Frampton Cotterell WI SADLY, this year’s diary events have taken a beating for us all. Still, you just can’t keep a good WI down and the members of Frampton Cotterell WI have been no exception! Many of our members have been taking specific positive action or getting creative over the last few months in order to help others at this difficult time. For example, our president Rosey Simpkins has been sewing scrub bags and masks, member Georgina Moore has been making crocheted rainbow keyrings, window hangings and fabric masks, and other members will have been volunteering in local groups and helping their neighbours with shopping, deliveries, etc. The committee has become high-tech overnight, like many of us, and continued to meet every month on Zoom so that we are ready to hit the ground running once we are able to socialise again. This has also allowed us to arrange a monthly quiz night, so we can at least have a virtual “get-together” and catch up whilst having a lot of fun. Many thanks to Jan Moore for chairing those for us and to Elaine and Rosey for setting everything up! Many of us have to give a shout out to our "honorary member" Karen Daniels at Karen At LTD. She has been helping many of us through these difficult times with her amazingly uplifting online Zumba classes. Thank you so much Karen – you're a star and we’ll be forever grateful for all you are doing! As we go to press, we cannot be 100% sure when we’ll be able to take up our monthly meetings again, however that day will come – and if we can be optimistic, perhaps our September meeting(green craft evening on the 22nd), or our October talk (wire sculptures on the 27th) will be the one where we can all start to get back to normal. And when it is possible, we certainly plan on arranging a buffet night or similar as soon as we can, as there is going
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One of Georgina Moore’s rainbow key rings – all donations going to the NHS to be a lot of catching up to do amongst members! If you’re interested in joining us, please get in touch via our Facebook page. Please search FramptonCottWI to find out more, and to like our page. Debbie Taylor
Coalpit Heath WI LOCKDOWN has meant different situations for us all, from continuing to work as key workers, working at home, being furloughed, to shielding and selfisolating. As our monthly meetings are on hold at the moment, we are working hard to keep in touch with all members in a variety of ways. Our WhatsApp group is very popular and particularly useful for celebrating birthdays and sharing quick updates, while emails have also been helping to keep members connected, along with regular phone calls to those who are not able to access either. A newsletter has also been sent out to all members for June, and the July edition is in the planning stage. News from members included updates on nesting ducks to photos of the ducklings, a weekly
tea cosy knit with the completed project revealed section by section, and various garden photos including our flower bed at The Manor Hall. In honour of VE Day, we collected photos of our decorated houses and many enjoyed a celebratory tea. Several members have also been able to use their sewing skills and have made and supplied kit bags and button bands for the BRI, St Peter’s Hospice and local care homes. Our WI added a special thank you banner to the fence on the Badminton Road to show our support for all keyworkers. Obviously members were very disappointed that Lt Col Neil Stace from the television programme the Sewing Bee was the first meeting from our programme to be postponed; we hope he will be able to join us next year. Our annual resolutions meeting has also now passed and subsequent meetings, including the group meeting, also look unlikely. The beautiful posters made for this event were used on VE Day. Our planned programme of events will resume when we are able and any further information will be on our Facebook page: search for @WICoalpitHeath. Caroline Johnston
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26
n MOTORING
fromevalleyvoice
July, 2020
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second-hand Style Chamois weather CARS available for test drive have been a bit thin on the ground recently, so normal service won’t be resumed until next month. Sorry. In the meantime I’ve ventured over to the dark side. Or at least the clean side. Yep, I’ve washed both our cars, inside and out. I did mine twice! “Big deal” you say, but trust me, this is an event. I never wash our cars. I don’t even pay someone else to do it, they just get really dirty, outside at least, and stay that way for months. This is because cleaning your daily driver, or at least being seen to clean it, was viewed rather suspiciously in my house when I was growing
up. Caring about something as petit-bourgeoise as a clean car? The late motoring enthusiast Alan Clark never washed any of his cars (maybe not such a great recommendation): this was something that people in the suburbs did. And when I say people I mean men, on a Sunday, to avoid their wives. Well, whatever, I’ve cleaned ‘em both down and hoovered them out and can now report back to you dear reader on the efficacy of the potions and lotions I used under that hot COVID-19 sun: Washing: Water and an old cloth. Sponges don’t seem to give me enough purchase, brushes make me think I’m going to scratch the paint. There are all manner of shampoos to add to the water; some even smell nice. The one I used was a fluorescent green. Don’t use washing-up liquid by mistake – it’s not good for the paint. And never use a pressure washer; that’s asking for trouble. I even gave the door jams a wipe down. Waxing: Not yet! See below. Before waxing, the avid car detailer must first ‘clay bar’. Neither a dodgy cocktail nor a Scottish reel, this means spraying the surface with magic liquid and then taking a – surprise – bar of clay and gently working it over the paint. My neighbour lent me his kit and it works. The clay takes off all the fine grains and particles you missed when washing. Fold the clay over after each panel, reform it and the result is paint that feels new from the showroom, utterly smooth to the touch. Market leader is the American ‘Mothers California Gold’ clay kit: $17 over there, a rip-off £25 here. More research needed. Waxing: By this point I was feeling knackered, but if you want to do a proper job you have to wax. That
came out wrong, but anyway waxing is mighty hard work in the heat. I tried a German product (‘Sonax’, not bad) and then good old Autoglym (better). If you can find a spray-on wax you’re winning, as it takes most of the effort out. Time for a beer and a sit down really, but there was more to do… Detailing: My usual cheat is to only clean the windows and the wheels, as to my eyes it makes the car itself look pretty clean. Any old window cleaning product will do. For the wheels you need a spray and ideally a hose, or even a pressure washer, but a cloth will do. I like Sonax’s spray here, and although it smells funky it gets all the brake dust off. Don’t underestimate how much difference a tyre blackener (Simoniz) and plastic trim spray (Autoglym Silicone) will make. Interior: Energy levels seriously flagging now, so I simply got the hoover out and, after cleaning the carpets and boot, used a duster and a spray (Turtlewax Fresh Shine) to go over the dash, steering wheel and screens. This spray is great and lasts a long time, much better than a simple dust. As we slowly emerge from our homes, back to workplaces and the daily commute, I wonder briefly if I should keep up this fastidious cleaning routine. Not a chance; this experience has reminded me why I rarely clean our cars, and why there are so many reasonably-priced car wash shops around: It’s hard work, quite boring and usually there are so many other more important things to do. Quick, someone give me a car to test…
F. Woodruff
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July, 2020
fromevalleyvoice
n SPORT
Under-10s raise £1,200 THE under-10s team at Frampton Cotterell rugby club has been playing its part in fundraising. Team coach Jake Darby set the youngsters a challenge of collectively running, walking or cycling 222 miles in seven days to raise £250, with the total to be split between the club and the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital. The figure represents the distance from Frampton to Brixham in Devon and back again. Jake said: “Brixham holds a special place in our junior section as its where we go on tour each year but couldn’t go in March due to COVID-19. “We absolutely smashed our challenge, doing a total of 487.95 miles. What an achievement as a team.” The appeal also smashed its target, raising more than £1,200 as the Voice went to press. To donate, visit the JustGiving page at bit.ly/3fSBmNk.
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Crowdfunder helps keep Fram afloat A CROWDFUNDING campaign has raised more than £13,000 to support Frampton Cotterell Rugby Club. Members, supporters and well-wishers have been rallying to help provide a financial lifeline for the club, one of the thousands across the country whose future has been put at risk by the coronavirus lockdown. After the rugby season finished early and the clubhouse at Crossbow House closed in mid-March, the club lost all of its income. Club chairman Tony Bleakman set up an appeal on website JustGiving in early May. Within three days it had already topped the £7,000 mark from 130 donations, as word spread. By mid-June it had passed £13,500. Launching the appeal, Tony wrote: “We are really struggling financially due to an early end of of season and closure on the clubhouse bar and social events. “We are asking for your support in any way you can think of for raising money, lads – by washing your family's car, cleaning the house, cutting the grass (please make sure that you follow the Government guidelines) or anything else you can think up. Or just donate a few quid!” As the donations started to roll in, he said: “A massive thank you to all that have donated so far! This club means a lot to me, as I am sure it does to many. It’s quite emotional how many have you have given their support so quickly.” Donations to the appeal can be made on the club's online JustGiving page at bit.ly/2BuAPlC.
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n SPORT
July, 2020
Winterbourne Tennis Club reopens
National winners Congratulations to Amber Lewis and Joey Latham, who excelled in the Club National Junior League, which started in September last year and finished just before lockdown in March, winning the under-10s division 2 league.
AFTER a long hiatus from club tennis due to lockdown, Winterbourne Tennic Club opened its doors, or rather gates, again on May 13, in line with government and LTA restrictions. Tennis is one of the fortunate sports allowed to reopen since it is not seen as a group sport. This came as a welcome relief, when singles playing and one-onone coaching was allowed. Four Ladies from Wednesday morning tennis club took the opportunity to play and enjoy the sunshine. Janet Vince played an enjoyable game with Jo Lougheed and talented youngster Kadie Robinson (10) played a fun game against her mum, Laura Robinson. It was also good to see promising young player, Eric RamseyWade, having a good coaching session with WTC Club Coach Imed Hamrounie. Even better news is that WTC are now playing doubles again, in line with LTA social distancing and good hygiene measures. As per our usual schedule, small group coaching recommenced for our juniors on Saturday mornings Our coach Rachel Cockcroft has also restarted the popular cardio tennis sessions – why not come along and have a good work out to funky music on the courts? Book soon, as places are going fast – call 07980 901967 for more details. Winterbourne Tennis Club also have a new website wtc.org.uk, where new members can easily join the club, send payments and, with a few clicks, book a court. For more details visit the site or email info@wtc.org.uk. Elsa Looij
Double promotions for hockey club despite virus effects BRISTOL & West Hockey Club have regained Championship status for the first time since the merger between North Bristol and West Gloucestershire back in 2008. Lead into battle by captain Ed Ledger, and bolstered by the arrival of 2 Premiership level players, the 1st team started the 2019/20 campaign with promotion as their primary objective. The lads started strong, topping the table for the first few weeks. After suffering
back-to-back defeats to the two Bath based teams, they found themselves slip to 5th place but managed to work themselves into a battle for 2nd place against Leominster towards the end of the season, with Bath Buccs B safely at the top. After a last-gasp win at Chippenham and a home victory over Cirencester at the Ridings, they had cut the gap to 1st place to just 4 points. Then, late drama – Leominster lodged a formal
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complaint against the league leaders in relation to their match squad paperwork. Their request was successful and the overall outcome was that they gained 3 points, with Buccs losing 3 points and 5 goals, and given a further 3-point penalty for incorrectly filled paperwork. The league confirmed that Bristol & West were champions of the Conference North Division and are promoted to the Championship Division! Under new captain Simon
Barrett, the 2nd XI also won promotion. They won 17 of their 21 games, only losing 2. Somehow, it still wasn’t enough for 1st place but on the last day of the season they secured their promotion to the De Cymru & The Marches 1 league. Bristol & West Jaspers 1st XI were also aiming for promotion back to the Premiership leagues, but with only 1 team gaining promotion the ladies came agonisingly close, finishing second. Harry Bryant
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Hidden heroes MANY heroes have emerged during Covid-19. Here we feature just a few of you who are helping make South Gloucestershire such a caring place to live in: Christine is a member of the council’s libraries staff team but she’s switched to distributing emergency food parcels rather than books. The food parcels are for local people who need to stay at home because they’re at greatest risk from the virus. The Pucklechurch & Shortwood Good Neighbours’ Scheme is a voluntary group that has been working hard to support local people by completing small tasks like shopping. They have started a food bank in the village. Paige is the founder of Mamas Bristol CIC, a support
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Community partnerships
Pucklechurch Good Neighbours’ Scheme in a photograph taken before Covid-19 Paige
network for parents across South Gloucestershire and Bristol. When the pandemic started, all of the group’s normal activities and events had to stop. But since the end of March, the small team at Mamas Bristol CIC have distributed
Julie Close, Southern Brooks’ Chief Executive, describes how they are responding to Covid-19: “We quickly refocused our resources to respond to Covid-19. Working directly with the community, the council and the Clinical Commissioning Group, we’re providing practical support to people identified as vulnerable or high risk. Every day, we provide information and emotional support, arrange food parcel deliveries, prescription collections and referrals to Mutual Aid Groups and other local services. Projects include supporting those most severely isolated by lockdown measures, perhaps as a result of digital exclusion or shielding requirements. From the outset, the priority has been to support and keep people safe. For example, as the guidance around shielding different groups within of our community changes we have adapted our offering to meet this. Inevitably, services will change as volunteers return to work and a daily routine as lockdown eases but the impact of Covid-19 will be felt for weeks and months to come, if not longer. Our existing services will continue for as long as required, but new programmes are in development to respond to longer term needs. The best support people can give is to follow social distancing and personal hygiene rules and guidance.”
approximately 3,500 hot meals to vulnerable people, families in need and keyworkers needing a helping hand. The organisation has also made available any leftover food and ingredients to those who have struggled to shop during lockdown.
THE superb response from volunteers and voluntary groups across the district during the Covid-19 crisis is heartening and inspiring. The council is working in partnership with these groups which is helping it to respond effectively to those who need the most support, and to those who help. Southern Brooks is an example of the excellent partnership working taking place. A lead voluntary sector partner, it is playing a key role, liaising between the council and the Mutual Aid Groups and volunteers in the district. Southern Brooks keeps in weekly contact with the groups. Because it knows and understands what they offer, it is able to refer people for support. The council’s community aid web pages lists the support available.
Spotlight on volunteering Charlotte Lester, 35, from Patchway, volunteers for two hours a week with a FareShare Project run by Southern Brooks from the Brooks Café at the Coniston Community Centre. FareShare redistributes surplus food to charities to turn into meals. Charlotte puts together food parcels that are then delivered to vulnerable people in the district. She says: “I started volunteering with the project in April as I want to help people and be useful. I enjoy it – I used to work away from home and didn’t really know my area but, because of volunteering, I feel much more connected to my community. I’ve met loads of great people, always socially distancing of course! I’d encourage other people to give it a go.” If you've been inspired by how communities have pulled together during this crisis and want to find out how to volunteer, or need help yourself, call Southern Brooks on 0333 5774666 or visit https://southernbrooks.org.uk/ or call CVS South Gloucestershire 01454 865205 or visit https://www.cvs-sg.org.uk/ volunteer-centres/.
How to get help and support If you’re not online, call the South Gloucestershire Council freephone helpline 0800 953 7778. We can also send printed weekly updates out to you. Or if you’re online, email your questions to CustomerCare@southglos.gov.uk Coronavirus help and information hub www.southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest news & updates follow us on:
Facebook www.facebook.com/sgloscouncil Twitter @sgloscouncil To contact South Gloucestershire Council, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/contact or call 01454 868009 Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 See our website for: • updates on council services • sign up to our weekly email updates • financial support for residents and businesses • South Glos Community aid hub – where you can get help from local voluntary groups • a wide range of other support services and information such as: • free educational resources • mental health tips and advice and much more. Supporting people who aren’t online Richard* received the recent letter from the council about support for people who are shielding from coronavirus. He phoned us to find out what it’s all about. He didn’t remember receiving an earlier letter from the NHS advising him to shield and apply for support. He wouldn’t have known how to apply online. The council offered to apply on his behalf and he was surprised and grateful for the help. He is now receiving his free food *Name changed and stock image used for confidentiality parcel from the government every week.
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