Frome Valley Voice June 2023

FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN

Winterbourne's own coronation

All change on council

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has new leadership, after the Conservatives lost power at the local elections.

The council's Liberal Democrat and Labour groups, both of which made gains at the Tories' expense on May 4, have agreed to work together to form a new administration.

Liberal Democrat group leader and Frampton

Cotterell ward councillor Claire Young is the new council leader, while Labour's Ian Boulton will be the council's co-leader.

Announcing the partnership deal two weeks after the elections that ended eight years of Tory control of the authority, they set out a series of priorities for the new administration.

Turn to page 3

Star's date in the meadows

BEST-selling classical singer Russell Watson will perform at an outdoor concert organised by a village charity.

PAGE 15

River pollution shock

CAMPAIGNERS say "shocking" levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the River Frome in Frampton Cotterell mean it is no longer suitable for swimming.

PAGE 2

'Wonderful' preschool

A PRESCHOOL in Frampton Cotterell has been described as “wonderful” by an inspector, who praised its high-quality and “ambitious” curriculum.

PAGE 7

Green Belt walk

A CAMPAIGN group which has been revived to fight largescale Green Belt development in the Frome Valley is inviting people to join them as they walk through some of the area's green spaces.

PAGE 8

DAYS before a certain other Coronation in London, Queen Olivia Franklin, King Ellis Saunders and attendants Finn Morrison, Ava Plummer, Gwen Skilton and Erin Gale were the royalty at this year's Winterbourne Down Village Carnival. Picture: Tony Bundy. Report and pictures: Page 6

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'Shocking' levels of bacteria in River Frome

Ken McCormick Editor contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

CAMPAIGNERS say "shocking" levels of potentially harmful bacteria in the River Frome in Frampton Cotterell mean it is no longer suitable for swimming.

Frampton Nature says tests showed the water in some places had more than 100 times the Government recommendation for coliform bacteria - the family containing harmful E. coli - for inland bathing waters.

Founder David Hanks said: “My dad learnt to swim in the river in Frampton, and I swam here as a child, but my children didn’t get to experience that because the river is so polluted now.

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Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

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

Environment/trading standards

01454 868001

Complaints

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

NHS Health

Call 111

Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk

Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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A member of the

“As well as being a threat to human health, the poor water quality is bad for our wildlife. The river here used to be full of fish but now you hardly see any.

“It’s a disgrace that the Government continues to allow water companies to dump raw sewage in our rivers.”

In the tests, two students from the University of the West of England took samples from five spots on two dates in March.

The samples were analysed and the number of colony forming units (CFU) for suspected E. coli per 100ml of water was calculated.

David said: “On both occasions four sites were found to have poor water quality, with every site found to have poor water quality at least once.

“One site was found to have a horrifying 103,000 CFU/100ml. This is over a hundred times worse than what the Government considers a poor standard for inland bathing water.

“Water with these high levels of faecal bacteria poses a real threat to human health.”

David said the latest data showed six monitored sewer overflows in Frampton Cotterell overspilled 213 times in 2022. But the students found the highest levels of bacteria downstream of another overflow, which is not monitored and was littered with sanitary waste.

Water companies recently announced a £10 billion plan to improve water quality - with much of the cost being passed on to consumers.

A spokesperson for Wessex Water said there are numerous sources of bacteria in rivers, especially in a rural area, including agriculture and wildlife.

The spokesperson said: “Regulated storm overflows, which are licensed to operate automatically during or after heavy rainfall to protect properties from flooding, account for less than 1% of the reasons why rivers in the Wessex Water region do not achieve good ecological status."

"We’re investing unprecedented amounts to help improve river and coastal water quality in our region.”

The Environment Agency said the River Frome is not a designated bathing water, and it was not required to monitor bacteriological water quality.

A spokesperson said: “However, the Environment Agency is a partner in the Resilient Frome project, and one of the benefits is expected to be improved water quality in the Bristol Frome.

“We are also aware that Wessex Water has been investigating several combined sewer outflows in the Frampton Cotterell area and looking at potential improvements as part of the periodic water company price review process.”

From page 1

They include:

*A shared focus on the climate emergency and helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis.

*A review of how the council makes policy, including local decision-making and more public involvement.

*Sharing the council's seat at the West of England Combined Authority, and working to improve local buses and the travel network.

The two groups spent a fortnight ironing out details of a deal following the elections which saw the Tories lose their overall majority.

The Conservatives lost ten seats at the elections, although they held both Winterbourne wards locally.

The Lib Dems gained three, including one in Frenchay & Downend, while Labour gained six seats overall, including two in Emersons Green.

There was also one independent gain in the elections, at Labour's expense.

While the Tories are still the largest party, with 23 seats in the chamber, the number needed to command a majority in the 61seat chamber is 31.

The 20 Lib Dem and 17 Labour members' combined 37 votes gives them an effective majority of 13.

After signing the written agreement to form an administration, Cllr Young, who was elected with an increased margin of victory on May 4, said: "People voted for change in May, following eight years of Conservative rule.

"In discussions with the Labour group it was apparent we had many shared goals to

Lib Dem-Labour deal to run South Gloucestershire Council

The former cabinet member for children and young people, who took over as Tory group leader after former council leader Toby Savage stood down at the elections, said: "We are disappointed that Labour and the Liberal Democrats have chosen to exclude the largest party from all discussions on how to run the council.

"On several occasions we have offered to meet to discuss how all residents’ views can be reflected in the new council, but each time this was met by silence."

improve the lives of local people.

"We want to take the council in a different direction, working with local people to make South Gloucestershire a better place for everyone.

Cllr Boulton, who represents Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, said: "This is a brilliant opportunity to put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire.

"We’re aware of the budgetary challenges at the moment, with the Conservative government failing to fund local authorities properly.

"That can change at next year’s general election."

Cllr Boulton took over as Labour group leader following the retirement of predecessor Pat Rooney at the elections.

Cabinet members for the new administration were due to be announced following the

Day Centre Activity Club

council's annual meeting on May 24, when the new leadership was being confirmed in a vote.

While the political groups held discussions the day-to-day running of and decision-making for the authority was managed by senior officers and managers.

Council chief executive Dave Perry said: “The role of officers during this period has been to ensure that the council continues to operate as it should, while supporting members in their conversations, providing, where required, legal and constitutional advice."

The council's new Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley, who represents Parkwall & Warmley ward, criticised the other parties for not involving his group in discussions on the future leadership of the authority.

Cllr Young said voters had clearly "had enough of the Conservatives", while Cllr Boulton said voters were "holding the Conservative party to account for the disastrous policies they have imposed on us — both locally and nationally".

Outgoing Tory leader Toby Savage said his party did better locally than on a national level, where it lost more than 1,000 seats, despite losing its majority in the district on a "disappointing evening".

He said: “I’m encouraged that a number of colleagues have been returned in wards that might well have fallen to the opposition parties were they to be tracking the national position, which suggests that South Gloucestershire Conservatives are outperforming the Conservatives nationally.”

Election round-up: Pages 4&5

Ian Boulton and Claire Young announce their parties' deal to share power on South Gloucestershire Council.

WINTERBOURNE Parish council has an independent majority after May's elections.

All six candidates running for seats in the 12-member Winterbourne ward under the banner 'Winterbourne Independent Voices - Working For You' were elected.

The council has two wardsWinterbourne, with 12 seats, and Frenchay, with four.

The battle for the Winterbourne ward involved the Conservatives, who fielded candidates for all 12 seats, the six Winterbourne Independent Voices candidates and Labour candidate John Lloyd.

After the votes were counted the six independents topped the poll.

Peter Bruce - who stood as a Liberal Democrat candidate in the South Gloucestershire Council elections - came first with 1,019 votes, followed by Fergus Arkley with 987, Laura Fogg-Rogers (915), Penny Sykes (875), Sharon Hancock (859) and David Eldridge (835), who

Independent majority for Winterbourne parish

also stood as a Lib Dem for South Gloucestershire in the Frenchay & Downend ward.

South Gloucestershire

Winterbourne ward councillor Nic Labuschagne was the leading Conservative in the election, with 799 votes, but his colleague Trevor Jones missed out on a parish council seat, polling 651 votes.

The other Tories elected were Nicole Beebee (748 votes), Jon Amos (747), Mike Goodman (727) and Diane Marriott (702).

Labour's John Lloyd won a seat, with 720 votes.

As well as Trevor Jones, Conservative candidates Lawrence Ward, Mary Newport, David Roughley, Venish Bansal, Carla Attwood and Theresa Van Der Merwe all missed out.

With the four Frenchay seats taken by members of the Frenchay Preservation Society standing under an independent label, who were elected unopposed, the council now has 10 councillors sitting as independents, with one Labour and five Tory members.

The only other parish ward in the area where an election took place is the Iron Acton ward of Iron Acton Parish Council, where five candidates, all of whom stood without party labels, contested the four seats.

John Wright topped the poll with 182 votes, followed by Paul Chapman (157), Denise Smith

(154), David Barker (145) and Catherine Spedding (113). Adrian Edmonds was the candidate who missed out, with 67 votes.

As reported in May's Voice, elections did not take place in the other Iron Acton ward, East, or any of the wards on Frampton Cotterell or Coalpit Heath & Westerleigh parish councils, as not enough candidates came forward to make a vote necessary.

Where seats are unfilled, nominations are reopened and new councillors can be co-opted if not enough candidates have come forward to make another election necessary.

ID rules cost 58 votes

MORE than 50 voters did not cast a ballot in South Gloucestershire's elections after falling foul of new rules on photo ID.

May's elections were the first to be held under new laws requiring proof of identification from everyone turning up at polling stations.

The council's returning officer said the "overwhelming majority" of electors brought photo ID that met the requirements.

A total of 216 electors were initially turned away after turning up to vote without a passport, driving licence or one of a number of other accepted forms of ID.

Of those, 158 returned with identification and were able to cast their ballots.

That left 58 who did not return.

The council says 43,798 people voted in the election and the number of people who did not get to vote represented just over 0.1% of the total who tried.

The council issued a total of 248 Voter Authority Certificates, for people who did not have another approved form of photo ID, before the election.

As you were for Frome Valley wards

ON a day when voters changed the balance of power on South Gloucestershire Council, the make-up of the Frome Valley's wards stayed the same.

The Conservatives lost ten seats across the district, and more than 1,000 across the country, but kept hold of both Winterbourne seats despite a swing towards the Liberal Democrats in the local elections of May 4.

In Frampton Cotterell all three Lib Dems won comfortably on one of the district's highest turnouts, with group leader and now council leader Claire Young leading the way.

Key to parties:

Con: Conservative

Lab: Labour

LD: Liberal Democrat

Grn: Green

Winterbourne

Frampton Cotterell

Winning candidates Nic Labuschagne and Trevor Jones

WINTERBOURNE'S Conservative South Gloucestershire councillors held on to their seats, but with a reduced margin ahead of the Liberal Democrats.

Nic Labuschagne (above right) topped the poll with 889 votes, with fellow sitting Tory councillor Trevor Jones (left) second with 819 votes.

The leading Liberal Democrat, Peter Bruce, was 141 votes behind Trevor Jones, cutting the deficit from 406 in 2019, when the same two candidates had come second and third.

Labour's leading candidate was 52 votes behind the fourth-placed Lib Dem and the Greens, standing for the first time, came in seventh and eighth.

Full results:

Nic Labuschagne (Con): 889

Trevor Jones (Con): 819

Peter Bruce (LD): 678

David Goodwin (LD): 572

John Lloyd (Lab): 342

Beth McKinlay (Lab): 290

Alan Lankester (Grn): 240

David Vernon (Grn): 158

Turnout 37%

Winning candidates Claire Young, Tristan Clark and Jon Lean

LIBERAL Democrats have further increased their margin of victory in Frampton Cotterell. All three sitting councillors - group leader Claire Young, Tristan Clark and Jon Lean - were comfortably re-elected.

Claire Young topped the poll with 2,556 votes, followed by Tristan Clark with 2,331 and Jon Lean with 2,190.

The leading Conservative candidate, Tom Howell, was 526 votes behind Jon Lean in fourth, with the gap between the same two candidates increasing from 265 four years ago.

Full results:

Claire Young (LD): 2,556

Tristan Clark (LD): 2,331

Jon Lean (LD): 2,190

Tom Howell (Con): 1,664

Tim Niblett (Con): 1,615

Andy Pullen (Con): 1,592

Carolina Echegaray (Grn): 444

Roger Millard (Lab): 283

Jonathan Trollope (Lab): 247

Turnout 43%

'Incredible' carnival unites community

THIS year's Winterbourne Down Village Carnival on May 1 brought big crowds onto the streets, and raised around £3,500 for a good cause. Kathryn Hopes from the carnival committee reflects on the day. All pictures by official carnival photographer Tony Bundy.

WORDS failed me when I finally sat down on the Monday evening to reflect on the success of this year’s May Day, but I realise that’s not so good when you have to write about it!

I’ve now had time to take stock of how truly incredible the day was and, on behalf of the carnival chair John Turner and the committee, we would like

to say a huge thank-you to each and every one of you who visited the Winterbourne Down Village Carnival ‘23.

We were thrilled and humbled by the turn-out - clearly word has spread, and we had visitors from far and wide this year.

We had a jam-packed lineup, with performance after

performance all day.

Food stalls sold out in record time and people were still browsing the stalls late into the afternoon, after which most of you headed in droves to the Cross Hands for the live music.

All in all, it was a thoroughly entertaining family day out.

As you know, our chosen charity this year was St Peter’s Hospice. They set up camp on the Methodist green and were overwhelmed by the response.

Their volunteers were kept busy all day, so we’re over the moon to be able to reward the charity with a sizeable donation.

Money is still rolling in, but

at the last count we’re looking to have raised in the region of £3,500.

John says he was “thrilled to see our community come together to celebrate May Day and raise so much money for charity”.

He's already thinking about next year and is keen to build on this year’s success, at which point I’d like to offer you the opportunity to join us in the planning.

If you’re keen to get involved, follow us on Facebook for details of our next meeting.

How about it, same time next year?

City of Bristol Pipes and Drums on parade

Dancers entertained the crowd

The carnival included a programme of live music

Dancers had some eye-catching costumes Maypole dancing

Praise for 'wonderful' preschool

A PRESCHOOL in Frampton Cotterell has been described as “wonderful” by an inspector, who praised its high-quality and “ambitious” curriculum.

Crossbow Preschool was rated as 'good' in all areas following a visit by Ofsted in March.

Inspector Sarah-Louise Clements said parents told her their children love attending the pre-school, based in St Peter’s Hall in School Road.

She said parents described staff as "friendly and nurturing", adding: "Parents are well informed about what their children are learning and how they can continue this at home.

"They also have the opportunity to be 'parent helpers' and be involved in the pre-school day.

"Families are valued and well supported."

The inspector said staff know the children very well and develop strong relationships, using information from parents and ongoing assessments to tailor teaching to meet the needs of each individual child.

The regulator found the pre-school to be well-equipped, with resources and activities that put children at its centre. It has 24 places for two to four-year-old children.

The inspector said: “Children build meaningful relationships and demonstrate they feel safe and secure.

“They confidently seek adults to share their achievements. Staff respond with delight and enthusiasm.

"Children play together co-operatively.”

The report highlighted outdoor activities including “muddy Mondays” when children are taken on trips to the local woods.

They can also ride on trikes and make obstacle courses in the garden.

The inspector said staff implement a “high-quality ambitious curriculum” that puts the children at the centre.

She said: "Staff create activities to follow the children's interests and challenge their learning.

“They enthusiastically facilitate and extend children's learning at all possible opportunities.”

Staff also have high expectations for children's behaviour, and encourage children to resolve their own disagreements and work together to achieve a positive outcome.

The inspector said the pre-school could still improve its support for with children with special educational needs or disabilities.

Crossbow Preschool was first established in 1971. However the provision was completely reorganised after Ofsted's last visit in 2019, when an inspector said it required improvement.

Managers say both the committee and the staff have worked “incredibly hard” to improve the pre-school and the report proved that the work had paid off.

The pre-school’s Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) chair Claire Wilkinson told the Voice the report was a testament to the hard work of all the team.

She said: “Crossbow is a very special place with fantastic opportunities to learn and play.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff for all of their efforts as they continue to build on this excellent foundation, giving the children the best possible experience at preschool.

“We are very proud of the strong relationships that the preschool has with parents and the wider community and we will continue to work together to ensure that Crossbow carries on being a welcoming, engaging and thriving place for our children."

Staff from the Crossbow Preschool team

Mast plan rejected

VILLAGERS have welcomed the rejection of plans for a huge phone mast in the centre of Wickwar.

The Voice reported in March that telecoms company CK Hutchinson (UK) Ltd wanted to build an 18 metre (59ft) mast for mobile phone 5G networks on land beside the High Street.

It is the latest of a series of applications for 5G masts in the area –one planned for Winterbourne was rejected by South Gloucestershire planners earlier this year, and one in Beesmoor Road, Frampton Cotterell, was rejected in 2021.

The company said the mast was needed to fill in 5G phone coverage black spots – and one Wickwar resident had commented in favour of the planning application, saying it would be a welcome improvement.

But others objected - local mum Lucy Pond had said she would stage a sit-in protest to stop it.

It was turned down after 174 letters of objection from local people who said it would be a blight on the village.

They included Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, who said it would affect the historic character of the village.

South Gloucestershire planners agreed, rejecting the plan and saying the mast would be “an imposing structure” in the conservation area, causing “an unacceptable level of visual and residential amenity impact”.

Wickwar parish councillor Angie Carroll, who was instrumental in the campaign, said: “The site they wanted to use was wholly unsuitable as they wanted to put it right in the middle of the grassed area at the entrance to our lovely old High Street."

She said villagers were not against having a mast - but it needed to be out of view and away from the conservation area and housing.

www.avonfire.gov.uk

Green belt campaigners start with a walk

A CAMPAIGN group which has been revived to fight large-scale Green Belt development in the Frome Valley is organising a walk through some of the area's green spaces.

VALID (Villages Against Locally Intended Development) campaigned successfully from 2016 to 2019 to stop 1,800 houses being built on green fields opposite Roundways, near the Ring O'Bells pub in Coalpit Heath.

Now the group has reformed with a new team, amid concerns that plans for hundreds more homes are in the pipeline on local fields.

In April's Voice the group said the presence of dormouse boxesused to survey the protected species before development - in hedges around fields between the River Frome and Bristol Road set alarm bells ringing.

The group held two meetings in May to rally supporters and form a new committee.

Members of VALID and the Frampton Nature Group will be leading a walk from the Centenary Field behind The Globe pub, off Mill Lane, from 2.30pm on June 17 and are inviting residents to join them.

Frampton Cotterell parish councillor Dave Hockey said: "If you are concerned about losing our beautiful countryside, we hope you will join us for this walk along the Frome Valley, stopping at Black Rocks for a break and a photo opportunity along the way.

"‘Save our Countryside’ T-shirts will be available for people on the walk."

The group is calling on anyone who is not able to join the walk but feels strongly about possible loss of our countryside to email validcampaign@gmail.com or check the VALID action group Facebook page for more details.

Politicians and volunteer campaigners at the VALID campaign meeting

Arrest after crash injures motorcyclist

A DRIVER has been arrested after a collision between Frampton Cotterell and Yate which left a motorcyclist seriously injured.

The collision, involving a car and motorcycle, happened at about 4.50pm on May 22, on the A432 Badminton Road at Nibley.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "The motorcyclist was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

"A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of careless driving causing serious injury and drug-driving. He has since been released under investigation."

Police are now appealing for anyone who thinks they witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to call them on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 119 312.

The accident happened near The Swan pub, in a 30mph section close to the Nibley Lane junction.

Great Western Air Ambulance sent a critical care team by helicopter and treated the injured man at the scene before he was taken to Southmead Hospital by road.

Badminton Road was closed for more than four hours afterwards, with traffic diverted through Frampton Cotterell village, causing long tailbacks.

Mental health services must improve

THE health regulator has told the NHS trust responsible for community mental health services in the region that it must improve.

The Care Quality Commission reduced its rating for the support, treatment and advice Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust provides for adults of working age from 'good' to 'requires improvement'.

The CQC said leadership of the service had also declined from 'good' to 'requires improvement' following the inspection, which took place in February but was published in May.

The safety of services also requires improvement, unchanged from the CQC's previous inspection, while ratings for the services' effectiveness, care and responsiveness all remain good.

The trust also requires improvement overall, says the CQC, a rating unchanged from the previous inspection.

CQC deputy director of operations in the South of England Serena Coleman said: "During our inspection of the trust’s community services for adults, we found deterioration in how well the service was being led.

"Our experience tells us that when a service isn’t well-led, this has a knock-on effect on the quality of care being received by people.

“These leadership issues were beginning to undermine people’s safety, as the service was unable to maintain improvements across some of the areas we looked at.

"For example while we saw improvements in how risks were being managed, we saw new issues with medicines management.

“We saw teams learned from when incidents occurred but didn’t share this learning with the wider organisation, meaning people experienced preventable incidents in other teams.

“However, the service offered a range of treatments informed by best practice and actively involved people in their care decisions.

"People also told us their care coordinators were brilliant and friendly."

A trust spokesperson said: "The CQC has acknowledged that our adult community mental health services remain caring and responsive, which is a testament to our staff during this challenging period.

"However, it is disappointing that the overall rating for the service has declined to requires improvement.

"We are committed to quickly bringing all areas back up to a suitable standard across every CQC domain."

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Flowers for Kings at Acton Court

ACTON Court is preparing for its 2023 public opening.

Summer activities include dancing and music with the Tudor Players, accompanied by Merchant’s House Musicians, a Tudor sewing display and demonstration with Lady Sam, a Tudor herb and medicine stall, Owl Occasions, the Acton Court Bee man and a painting activity directed by the artist in residence.

We’re also celebrating British Flower Week with our neighbours Organic Blooms, who recently coordinated the flowers for the Coronation.

At Acton Court they’ll be providing flowers for a different King, Henry VIII.

Acton Court and Organic Blooms have collaborated for a number years, as we’re neighbours and both sites are Soil Association certified.

Acton Court provides a fabulous setting for many Organic Blooms workshops during our opening season and also at Christmas.

This year we’ll be celebrating British Flower Week together. Organic Blooms will be decorating the house, making it ready for the visit of King Henry and Anne Boleyn on July 1 and 2.

They’ll also be running a stall and doing demonstrations during the season.

wild flower meadows to support the wildlife environment; we cultivate an organic vegetable garden and the glorious display of old variety wild roses should not be missed!

Acton Court is open to the public from May 31 until July 2.

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Acton Court also propagates its own

For details and booking information visit www.actoncourt.com, email info@actoncourt. com or phone the information line on 01454 228224.

Low rape charge rates concern

ONLY eight percent of rapes reported to Avon & Somerset Police are leading to charges being brought.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew told a meeting of the force's performance and accountability board that it was actually double the number of charges from the previous year but was "not enough".

In the year to April, she said the force brought 141 rape charges, more than double the 69 brought in 2021/22.

Ms Crew said: "We are now in the top quartile for positive outcome rates for rape and serious sexual offences, having been previously bottom quartile 24 months ago."

The meeting heard the number of sexual offences and domestic abuse crimes recorded across the last year has gone down but it was not clear whether this was due to "proactive and preventative work undertaken" or a loss of confidence in the police which is deterring victims from reporting.

The chief constable said: “Increasing trust and confidence is our top priority as an organisation."

Ms Crew is the National Police Chiefs’ Lead for Adult Sex Offences and the police force ran a pilot scheme of a new approach to rape cases, Operation Soteria Bluestone, in 2021.

It involved the creation of a specialist rape investigation team, improved collaboration with victim support services, and a focus on perpetrator behaviour rather than on the credibility of victims.

The approach is now being rolled out in police forces across the country.

The chief constable said: “We believe that what we are learning from Soteria Bluestone has the potential to improve our response to all male violence against women and girls offences.

"The dynamics are the same and, actually, the problems in rape that we are starting to overcome are the most difficult.”

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Music and dancing at Acton Court

Father and son's bike challenge helps school

A FATHER and son who took up cycling to keep fit during lockdown have just returned from a 1,000-mile trip which took them across the Channel, through France to Santander in Spain and back.

In the process Nick and Ben Jefferies have raised more than £2,000 for the Winterbourne primary school attended by Ben's eight-year-old son, Harlee.

IT consultant Ben, 29, first came up with the idea when he watched an inspirational talk by two Atlantic rowers during lockdown.

He roped in Rolls-Royce engineer Nick, aged 59, in and the pair started cycling longer distances but put the idea on hold until earlier this year, when Ben decided to bite the bullet and put in some serious training, which Nick said he "reluctantly" joined in.

After a 220-mile round trip test run between Winterbourne and the ferry port at

Portsmouth they decided the trip was viable and set off on their 11-day journey at the end of April, returning in May.

After crossing the Channel to St Malo they cycled down the French coast before crossing into Spain, where they caught another ferry back before the final leg home.

Nick said the journey had been full of challenges, including saddle sores, a bank holiday in France where no shops were open for them to buy food at the end of a gruelling day's riding, and a final day when they climbed around 2,000m on roads through the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Elm Park Primary School is moving into a

new home later this year and has launched an appeal to raise £13,000 to build an outdoor nature outdoor classroom.

Head teacher Carol Bond said: "We are working really hard to promote a love of the outdoors and designing a curriculum to promote a commitment to climate change.

"Our outdoor classroom will enable the children to experience not only learning in our amazing grounds but also to understand first-hand how nature changes over time and how, as humans, we need to look after our surroundings."

You can donate to Nick and Ben's fundraising appeal at gofund.me/e2cdb0b6

Nick and Ben Jefferies with Harlee and fellow pupils at Elm Park Primary School

King's Coronation celebrated in homes,

THE Coronation of King Charles III provided a reason to throw a party - and an extra bank holiday to do it in. Here are some of our local celebrations.

Beavers on Parade

THE 1st and 2nd Frampton Cotterell beavers joined together to mark the Coronation, decorating their own coronation carriages,

making crowns and waving flags.

They paraded the carriages through Frampton Cotterell from Zion Church, where the 1st Frampton Beavers meet, along Ryecroft Road, Clyde Road, Rectory Road and School Road to Crossbow, where 2nd Frampton Beavers meet.

Jo Howard, from the group, said: "The Beaver Scouts and Parents who joined the parade had a wonderful time and it was felt

St Michael's School

ST Michael’s Primary School in Winterbourne

celebrated the Coronation with a day of "patriotic activities".

Deputy head Jen Waller said:

"From dressing in red, white and blue to ‘Singing to the King’, laughs and excitement could be heard from all classrooms.

"Children worked with their parents to design and make regal crowns. Some were tall, some replicated the royal crowns, and some were covered in glitter. They were fantastic and creative.

"The children paraded around the playground to show off their creations.

"In classes children learnt about monarchs from the past, painted flags and made regal bookmarks. "As a school, the children came together to celebrate the day with a collaborative painting of the Union Jack and our new King.

"To continue the celebrations, we joined as a school for an afternoon of joyful singing and a tea party in the playground. The children feasted on jam sandwiches and cake – all of which they helped to make themselves.

"The day was a wonderful celebration that left everyone with smiles on their faces."

The school has published the singing from the day on its Facebook page.

the evening created lifelong memories of the Coronation for the Beavers.

"Along the way the two groups collected money for the Prince's Trust raising £15.93."

Frampton Cotterell's Scout groups are looking for new volunteers to help them increase the number of activities on offer.

Email danielle.newton@cesd.org.uk for more details.

Party in the garden

Picture: Luka Newton

Friends and neighbours on Lower Chapel Lane in Frampton Cotterell, held a garden party to celebrate the Coronation.

Picture: David Phippen.

streets gardens and schools Iron Acton Primary School

IRON Acton Primary School organised a range of activities to celebrate the Coronation, from designing and making crowns and bunting, which was hung up in the Parish Hall for a village celebration, to a joint procession with pupils from North Road Primary School for a procession along Iron Acton High Street.

Executive head teacher Mike Riches said: "The road had been closed for a street party later in the day.

"The children wore their crowns, waved flags and played instruments as they walked together in celebration."

Memories old and new at the Grove

AT the Grove residential dementia care home in Winterbourne High Street, residents helped put up balloons, flags and their own decorations.

Manager Sharon Tucker said: "We even had a life-size cut out of the King himself, which the residents had great pleasure having their photo taken with, as did all staff and even our directors when they visited.

"The King’s Coronation was both a special and exciting celebration for all our residents, their families and friends and the Team here at the home.

"In preparation for the weekend festivities our activities coordinator reminisced with the residents as to what they were doing at the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

"These memories were made into speech bubbles and put all around the home for everyone to enjoy.

"The residents had a great day celebrating with their families and friends, enjoying tasty food and treats and some fantastic singing and dancing hosted by the BU Dance Group, which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

"It was lovely to have our resident’s families and friends celebrating and reminiscing with us in the home."

Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch

CHIPPING Sodbury’s Coronation Big Lunch has been hailed a huge success – after thousands of people turned out to join celebrations. Broad Street was closed for Sunday May 7, the day after the Coronation, as organisers arranged bands, stalls and entertainment.

The Big Lunch team had decided to turn over their annual fund raising gathering to a Coronation celebration. It followed the huge success of a Big Lunch dedicated to the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last year.

Alexandra Dent, one of the organisers, said: “It was a wonderful fitting way to celebrate 10 years of the Big Lunch in Chipping Sodbury.

“It felt like the whole town came out to mark the Coronation and enjoy the fabulous free entertainment we were able to put on in our beautiful High Street, including local band Liquor & Poker, singer Yasmine Kabbala-Dolby, giant bubble fun and Winterbourne Border Morris.

“A special thanks to all our Big Lunch committee who worked so hard to put on such a great day for the whole town to enjoy.”

A resident of the Grove care home with the cut-out King Charles

Winterbourne Border Morris at the Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch. Picture: Rich McD

Big changes for Stroud Auctions n

WE are delighted to report huge changes at Stroud Auctions.

First and most importantly, our newly-built saleroom just outside Stroud was completed in mid-May, so the big move will be completed by the time you read this.

With two salerooms, lots of parking and an amazing location only five minutes from junction 13 of the M5, we are thrilled to finally be working from the new building and excited for all our customers to come along and see it too.

If you have ever thought of having something valued with a view to selling at auction, then why not come along between 9am and 4pm on any Friday after June 2?

The second big change is the name of the company, which from the date of our move to the new saleroom will become Harper Field Auctioneers & Valuers.

The change has been planned for some years now, and will come into effect as we move to the new building.

Despite the changes, we are still the same team, under the same ownership.

We are proud to be an independent company, our base firmly in Gloucestershire but dealing with clients from across the world.

With a team of specialist valuers and a global audience, we are the natural choice when you have something precious to sell.

The next auction will be on June 14 and 15, with viewing at our new saleroom on the 13th from 10am-6pm.

With over 1,500 lots of jewellery alone, plus watches, silver, coins and other small valuables, it is well worth coming along to view.

The fully illustrated catalogue is available online: please go to our new website at www.harperfield.co.uk for more details.

If you have any questions relating to auctions in general or our move, please call us on 01453 873800.

We are always happy to help.

Last chance for covid boosters

PEOPLE aged 75 and over or have a weakened immune system are being urged to come forward to have a covid booster jab by the end of the month.

The current offer of second COVID-19 vaccinations will end at the same time as spring vaccinations, on June 30.

After that date the NHS will concentrate on targeting people judged to be at increased risk, usually during seasonal vaccination campaigns.

Those most vulnerable to a covid infection, including care home residents, are being contacted by the NHS at the moment to arrange a jab.

However, carers and loved ones of those most at risk are not eligible for the booster.

Dr Geeta Iyer, clinical lead for the vaccination programme in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said: “We are learning to live with Covid but cannot afford to be complacent – we are only able to live with this virus thanks to the excellent vaccination rates locally and across England.

"Covid-19 is still in wide circulation, and over 8,000 people are in hospital with a Covid infection.

“Older people and those with a weakened immune system remain at greatest risk of severe illness and being hospitalised from Covid-19, so if you are entitled to a spring top up vaccination, I strongly encourage you to take up the offer.

"It’s quick and easy to recharge your immunity and will give you the protection you need for the months ahead.”

People who are eligible can book an appointment at their nearest doctor’s surgery when invited, or by calling 119.

You can also attend a walk-in community vaccination clinic: local ones are listed online at the grabajab.net website.

BRITAIN'S best-selling classical singer is set to appear in South Gloucestershire at a charity's outdoor festival.

Russell Watson is the headliner for the tenth annual Music in the Meadows open air concert in Iron Acton on July 1.

The event, organised by local charity Acton Aid, attracts hundreds of people to Iron Acton Parish Meadows every year.

The bigger sister event on Friday June 30, Mash in the Meadows, will feature a mix of rock and pop music, led by Queen tribute band Flash.

Money raised will go to fund local good causes, and a bucket collection at both nights will raise money for St Peter’s Hospice.

Acton Aid spokesman Rob Taylor said: “To attract Russell Watson to our Music in the Meadows is a major coup for Acton Aid.

“He will be appearing on a large professional stage, backed by the Bristol Millennium Orchestra.

“We look forward to welcoming a large appreciative audience for a very special evening in Iron Acton Parish Meadows.

“They can bring their own picnics or enjoy local foods from various stalls.

The finale of the Saturday evening will include Last Night of the Proms music followed by a spectacular fireworks display.”

Acton Aid is a not-for profit-organisation which is run

Classical star Russell Watson to play charity festival

entirely by volunteers from the village of Iron Acton.

Past events have funded local projects including an all weather track at the Parish Meadows, play equipment and Christmas parcels to around 100 pensioners in the parish each year.

In the past the bucket collections have raised money for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Ukrainian refugees.

Last year the two events were attended by 2,000 people, raising £3,500 for good causes.

Russell Watson has been described by the New York Times as a performer “who sings like Pavarotti and entertains the audience like Sinatra”.

He shot to fame after winning a local radio competition in 1999 – and his debut album The Voice was number one in the UK classical music album charts for 52 weeks.

He has performed for the royal family, the late Pope John Paul II, former US presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, and the Emperor of Japan.

Watson has also collaborated with artists including Meatloaf, Lionel Richie, Paul McCartney, Lulu, Alexandra Burke, Sean

Ryder and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

Flash are the UK’s leading Queen tribute band, and are returning after appearing at a previous Mash in the Meadow.

They will be supported by Joey the Lips – described as “the Nation’s funkiest ten-piece band”.

Over the years they have supported big names including Bob Geldof & The Boomtown Rats, Will Young, UB40, Gabrielle, and Bananarama.

Acton Aid's Richard Hunter said the tenth Mash could be the most successful ever.

He said: "We are so excited to

showcase two world class acts.

“The evening will be a wonderful start to the weekend. A full range of food stalls and a well-stocked bar will enable the audience to feast, drink and dance to their favourite music.”

Acton Aid was formed more than 40 years ago, and the twin concerts are their most high profile fund raising events. Anyone in Iron Acton parish who needs assistance from the charity can apply for help through its website www. actonaid.org.uk, where tickets to the Mash and Music in the Meadows are also on sale.

Win tickets to see Russell Watson at Music in the Meadows

The Voice has teamed up with Acton Aid to offer you the chance to win one of three pairs of free adult tickets, worth £100 per pair, to see Mash in the Meadows on the Friday and then Russell Watson & Guests Live on the Saturday.

Simply follow this link and answer a simple question about Russell Watson to be in with a chance to win. Good Luck!

www.actonaid.org.uk/2023-music-competition

Classical star Russell Watson

Queen tribute act Flash

n LOCAL MP

Soft plastic recycling scheme expands

I AM delighted that every house in South Gloucestershire will soon be able to have their softplastic recycling waste collected at the kerbside, following our successful campaign.

Thousands of households across South Gloucestershire, including homes in Olveston, are already part of the trial, which is seeing items such as plastic bags, cling film, bread bags and crisp packets collected along with other recyclables in weekly collections.

More than 1,000 bags of material are being collected from residents every week, reducing the amount sent to landfill.

This initial success has helped us make the case that houses

in households in Thornbury, Alveston, Tockington and the other Severn villages should also have their soft plastic collected, along with the other recycling, every week.

The national trial is helping to inform the Government and industry how soft plastic waste can be added to existing household recycling collection services, with plans to introduce consistent collections for all households in England in 2027.

Too many residents in our community have found it difficult to access soft plastic recycling, so when the opportunity came along, we submitted a bid to the Government which centred around South Gloucestershire’s

impressive record for recycling rates, and the region’s mix of urban areas and rural villages, which will be perfect for softplastic recycling.

We launched a community petition, and I held a debate in Parliament, pressing the need for our community to be part of the scheme.

I also met with the Minister for Nature Recovery and the Domestic Environment, to hammer home the point that there is strong local demand for soft plastic recycling.

the application from the local Council.

Delivering soft-plastic recycling is a key part of our positive plan for the environment in South Gloucestershire.

It will help boost our local recycling rate, and reduce the

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

Maypole tradition

CHILDREN from Iron Acton Primary School danced round the maypole on the village green as part of traditional May Day celebrations.

School executive head teacher Mike Riches said: "Children from across the school had been preparing their may pole dances ahead of the event. They did incredibly well!"

Hearing young voices

PUPILS from Winterbourne Academy were among 150 young people who gathered to talk to regional leaders about their future lives.

The students joined people from more than 60 secondary schools at Aerospace Bristol in Filton for the West of England Schools Summit, hosted by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and co-designed with Creative Youth Network.

They were there to learn about the possible careers they might follow in the future and were asked to make their voices heard on key regional issues affecting their lives, with a chance to shape the policy decisions of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority headed by Mr Norris.

The event included a series of interactive workshops led by regional employers, including a session from Bristol Energy Network on cutting energy use and a test of the engineers and planners of the future using a LEGO model of a city under the shocks and stresses of changing weather conditions.

Ten students were also able to pitch policy ideas to Mr Norris and a panel of business leaders in a live Dragon’s Den-style competition.

Mr Norris said: "They told me their number one issue was the climate and biodiversity emergency we face, but more importantly they also looked for solutions."

Mr Norris said ideas from the young people will directly feed into WECA policy - including an upcoming West of England plan for transport - and said the authority would issue progress reports on how the summit has shaped change.

He said: “This summit was all about asking young people what kind of West of England they want to see - and turning their ideas into reality.”

Easy home-made ice cream

AT long last the better weather seems to be coming.

Hopefully, we're set for a flaming June, or something like it.

So why not please family and friends with a home-made ice cream?

This ice cream is easy to make, with no need for an ice cream maker - and won’t cost anything like you'd pay for Ben and Jerry’s!

It has no extra additives or colourings, just natural ingredients. You can’t say fairer than that.

Plus, having recently given you a couple of more complex recipes with lots of ingredients, this one has only three - and is super quick to make, after allowing freezing time.

So what are you waiting for? Get freezing!

Ann’s honey ice cream

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

568ml (20 fl oz) carton whipping

cream

180g light cream cheese

7 tbsp clear honey

Ear Wax Removal

Here’s What You Do

Set freezer to fast freeze.

Place cream in large bowl and whip until it forms soft peaks.

Soften the cheese slightly in the microwave

Slowly whisk into cream

Fold in the honey

Place mixture in a shallow freezerproof container.

Cover and freeze for about 90 mins or until slushy.

Remove from freezer and whisk until smooth.

Cover and return to freezer until solid.

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.

Cook’s Tips

Leave the ice cream out of the freezer and put into the top of the fridge for about half an hour to soften slightly before serving.

This ice cream is a great dessert to follow a spicy main or a curry, as it is creamy but refreshing.

Serve with your favourite seasonal fruits, eg satsumas in winter, pears, plums or blackberries at the end of summer and all sorts of different berries at the height of summer.

Exotic fruits like papaya or pineapple are great after a curry.

Foot Clinic

in Brimsham Park, Yate Parking available directly outside the clinic

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Who does the church speak for now?

MAY was quite a month.

First, the local elections provided prophetic insight into a multitude of potential future outcomes for politicians locally and nationally.

Then the Coronation, with all its splendour and colour, pomp and circumstance, solemnity and partying, showed that as a country we do know how to put on an outstanding show at one of the world's most iconic settings, Westminster Abbey.

Who says the good old C of E has lost its touch - with a sprinkling of help from our friends in other denominations and faiths, of course?

Finally, there was a focus on the spirit of love and understanding, global friendship and acceptance as Liverpool hosted Eurovision; at least it was not nil point for the UK, despite the poor finish.

As an Anglican priest it has not passed me by that the

Archbishop of Canterbury had a roller-coaster month, from being a star player in enabling the Coronation of Charles III, anointing and crowning the new monarch with such splendour, to facing a £500-plus fine and 3 penalty points for doing 25 in a 20 limit. Do they not have speed awareness courses in London?

On top of this he has been embroiled in a confrontation with the Government and certain elements of the national press in light of his views on how to deal with the migrants travelling to the UK in small boats.

Now, we clearly need to address the ways we should deal with a situation where vulnerable people are put at risk by travelling in small boats across the channel, and how we find humane ways to help them achieve a better and safer future.

This concern in itself is not the central focus of my reflection

this month, however.

My question for you to ponder (in a country which the last census tells us is no longer ‘Christian’) is, what is the role of the state church?

Is it just there to perform intricate ceremonial manoeuvres for the nation, give Christmas the 'ahh' factor with lessons and Carols from Kings, bless a few battleships here and there, or continue to help deliver life events like weddings and funerals? Or is its role to be the moral and spiritual compass of the country?

If the answer is the latter, then whilst it does not have the power to make the political decisions, it clearly has the authority to challenge the motives of our leaders and the ethical and moral foundations of their proposals.

In this case, Archbishop Justin was clearly right to speak out, and it is up to our politicians

Malcolm Strange Rector of the Fromeside Benefice

to decide if his words have weight before making their final decision.

One irate caller on an LBC chat show claimed he was a paid-up member of the Church of England (whatever that means) and that the Archbishop did not speak for him.

Well the truth is, the Archbishop was not speaking for him - if he was speaking for anyone, perhaps he was just speaking for Jesus!

New birds added to Frampton's list

FIVE new species have been added to the list of birds found in the parish of Frampton Cotterell in the last 14 months, giving a total of 124 species now.

In February last year, a male teal was found on the River Frome during a wetland bird survey organised by the British Trust for Ornithology.

Teal is the smallest species of duck in the UK, and while a relatively small number of pairs breed, the majority visit here from northern Europe for the winter.

Then in April this year an amazing total of five species were added.

First, a cattle egret was found standing in a field at Black Rocks. Similar to the regular little egret, but with an orange bill rather than black, cattle egret is one of the most widespread bird species ranging across most of the globe, following one of the fastest expansions of range of any bird.

It is now starting to colonise the UK, having been an unusual visitor from the continent before they bred for the first and second times in 2008 and 2017.

Next, a great crested grebe was found on the lake at West Country Water Park on a morning visit. As this is the only large lake in the parish, and this species is a lake specialist, it was pretty much guaranteed that this location would be where it would be found, but the site is very under-watched, being away from local housing.

Then two greylag geese were seen to fly over Black Rocks. These geese are mainly a feral species in our part of the country – they have

originated, a long time ago, from escaped birds but now have a selfmaintaining population in the wild.

Also in April, an osprey flew low over Frampton Cotterell, heading north east.

These birds of prey spend the winter in Africa and this one would have been journeying to its breeding site to the north: most in the UK live in Scotland.

The local gulls sounded its presence by squawking loudly and mobbing the bird, as they do all raptors that fly over - usually buzzards or sparrowhawks, but it is always worth listening out for their cries, and looking up!

The full Frampton Cotterell species list now stands at 1,145 species, with new species being found and added regularly.

The list is available on our Facebook group and there are photos of many of the species on our website.

If you see anything interesting locally then please let us know!

Peter Hazelwood

Cattle Egret at Black Rocks (David Hanks)

n WHAT'S ON

June 17

n ST PETER'S CHURCH SUMMER FAIR, 2-4.30pm, Bridge House, Rectory Road, Frampton Cotterell. Land rover and train rides, stalls, games, tea, coffee and ice cream. Admission free.

June 17

n ROCKHAMPTON FOLK AND WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, from 2pm. Wide variety of music from Scotland to the Balkans and Africa, participation workshops and street art sessions. More information and tickets are available from rockhamptonfolkfest.org.uk.

June 30

n MASH IN THE MEADOWS

outdoor festival for Acton Aid, Iron Acton Parish Meadows. Gates open 6pm. Mix of rock and pop music, led by Queen tribute band Flash and 10-piece funk band Joey the Lips. Tickets in advance only. More details at www.actonaid.org.uk.

July 1

n MUSIC IN THE MEADOWS with Russell Watson & Guests, Iron Acton Parish Meadows. Gates open 6pm. UK’s best selling classical artist with the Bristol Millennium Orchestra. Tickets in advance only. More details at www.actonaid. org.uk.

REGULAR EVENTS

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE

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

n MONDAY: FRAMPTON

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

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE

DOWN LADIES PROBUS CLUB meets at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Talk followed by refreshments, £3.50 visitor, £25 annual membership. Call 01454 773647 for more details.

n TUESDAY: WINTERBOURNE

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

n TUESDAY: SUNRIDGE GOLF

CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit

Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. Contact croquet@ wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.

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

£4 per session: Kay 07792189276.

n WEDNESDAY: GENTLE SHIBASHI

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

n WEDNESDAY DOWNEND

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

n THURSDAY: WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music

including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members are welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com.

n THURSDAY: COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET-UP, every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For more details email volunteering@coeliac.org.uk.

n THURSDAY: CROSSBOW CAMERA CLUB meets every Thursday evening at 7.45pm at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Small friendly group who enjoy looking at and taking pictures. Call 0789 026 6650 or just turn up for free taster sessions.

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

Winterbourne Library

WINTERBOURNE Library staff thank everyone who helped create the library's community bunting and decorations, baked cakes and came to the Coronation celebration, with a particular thank you to Winterbourne Flower Club for their floral display.

The library is now looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, aged 14 and over, to join the team running the children's Summer Reading Challenge 2023.

Volunteers will support children, talk about the books they are reading and help with activities.

The closing date for applications is June 23 - ask in the library, email libraryvolunteers@southglos.gov.uk or visit southglos.gov.uk/libraryvolunteers for more details.

Coming soon: The Travelling Library of the World, a display celebrating ethnic diversity and showcasing stories from around the world, June 27-July 14.

Lego club next meets on June 10, from 10am to 11am – for children of all ages.

Storytime sessions, on term-time Fridays from 9.30-10am, are suitable for children aged 18 months to four years.

Regular Rhymetimes take place on Wednesdays, 9.30am-10am. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months.

An adult craft group meets on June 17 and 24, from 10am-noon: join a friendly group of crafters to do your own work and chat – refreshments available.

A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone. The volunteer is available on Fridays from 10am-noon: booking is essential.

Computer classes are held on Thursdays (term time only). Enrolment required with SGS College - for more information call Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk.

The library is open and staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm. Open Access seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm.

For more details of events or bookings, visit the library, email Winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk or phone 01454 868006. More information is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries or from library staff.

Winterbourne Medieval Barn

AS the weather warms up, the Barn opens for the bulk of its community events for the year.

First up is our Medieval Fayre, which takes place on Sunday June 11, from 11am-4pm.

In 1393 Blanche de Bradeston was granted the right to hold a fair adjacent to Winterbourne church each June and October and our fayre is held in recognition of this.

Living history group The Company of Chivalry will re-enact daily life during the 1300s when the Barn was built.

Come and wander around the authentic tents and fire pit, chat to the enactors, ask questions, and watch them go about daily tasks as they would have done them 700 years ago.

There will be a full programme of activities throughout the day, including talks and demonstrations about many different aspects of medieval life, plus live music, a wide range of artisan craft stalls, activities for children including hands-on craft and dressing-up, and plenty of excellent food and

Frome Valley Growing Project

AS the weather improves we have so enjoyed seeing an increase in visitors and volunteers here at the Frome Valley Growing Project.

We hold both weekly volunteer sessions on Wednesdays from noon to 4pm and also monthly Open Days, on the first Sunday of each month from 10am-2pm at our site just off Swan Lane in Winterbourne.

Please do get in contact if you are interested in joining us or just come on and down for a chat and to get involved.

We are busy getting plants in the ground at this time of year, and have been really enjoying seeing the green of the land return.

We have an abundance of seedlings and cuttings for sale. Please do get in contact if you would like to pop down and purchase some.

We currently have tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers, swede, cabbage, cavelo Nero, kale, amaranth, and many many more.

drink stalls.

It's a great day out for all ages. Entry is £5 (children £1) and tickets can be pre-paid online to avoid queues on the gate.

There is free parking at Winterbourne Academy on the High Street, with free shuttle buses to and from the barn all day.

There is no parking on Church Lane, as this impedes emergency vehicles, with limited disabled

parking at the Barn but this must be reserved in advance.

On June 17 there is the chance to have a proper barn dance in a real barn.

Excellent local band Sargents Mess will play traditional tunes.

No dance experience is needed - caller Rob shouts out the moves as you go along.

It's lots of fun for all ages, even if you just want to have a drink and

gorgeous little sweet red jewels, and has given us strawberries just that little bit earlier. This method could easily be replicated in greenhouses.

We have been so grateful to the group of Academy Students who have been coming to help us each Tuesday for the past few months.

This project was funded by Wesport and South Gloucestershire as a Green Social Prescribing programme.

The students have supported

listen to the band, and there is free parking on site.

On June 22 the incomparable Professor Ronald Hutton returns to the barn to talk about the Medieval and Early Modern Witch Hunts, and the impact they have had on beliefs and human rights today. Tickets are selling fast.

You can book online for all these events at www. winterbournebarn.org.uk, via Facebook or on Ticketsource.

For those without internet access, a box office is open 1.302.30pm on the first Thursday of each month for in-person ticket sales.

We are looking for more volunteers to join the Barnforce team, who spend 2 or 3 hours per month doing general maintenance and tidying up.

They usually meet on the third Saturday morning of the month at 10am, but this can depend on weather and events.

The next planned meeting is on June 10, to prepare for the Medieval Fayre.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Stef on stefano@ fantini.co.uk

Louise Harrison

us to plant trees, plant seeds, water plants, prepare our 'no dig' beds, and create a willow dome for our younger visitors to play in.

We hope that this project can continue to allow students the opportunity to eat the fruits of their labour as the abundant food season approaches.

If you want to know more please do get in contact via email at thegrowingproject123@gmail. com or call 0770 875 8370.

Kate Macdonald

So if seed planting has got away with you this year, please support a local project and get your seedlings from us. All seedlings are a £1 a pot and all sales go straight back into the project, to help us grow more food and create more biodiversity for the local community.

This year we are delighted to try a new way of growing strawberries. We have been growing them in pots in our polytunnel, raised up off the ground. Doing this has meant we aren't competing with the slugs and deer for these

Fighting drill at the Medieval Fayre

Floral Friends of Frampton

LOCAL school children sowed seeds in two large planters at Bridge House.

The seeds included sunflowers, marigolds and nasturtiums.

Hopefully, they will grow quickly to give Bridge House residents a colourful floral display to enjoy. Once the seed sowing was completed, children (and adults) enjoyed a train trip around the grounds of Bridge House, courtesy of local volunteers who keep the train running on high days and holidays.

FFF volunteers also spent a morning recently replacing the old wooden planters in the sensory garden, which had deteriorated badly, with new ones made from recycled plastic.

The new planters also have reservoirs in the bottom, which should help with watering.

The new containers will soon be fully planted with a mixture of perennials and summer bedding, to bring a colourful and scented display to delight the senses - and the local wildlife!

Thank you, Frampton Garage, for transporting the new planters from their winter residence to the Sensory Garden. Your help is very much appreciated.

We are also indebted to the family of Brian Tyrer, a local resident who recently passed away, who donated money collected at his funeral to support the purchase of one of these planters in his memory.

Thank you to the parish council for recognising us in the recent community awards for our "work in enhancing the village and organising community events".

We are also delighted that one

LIVE MUSIC

We host live music once a month on a Saturday starting at 8 pm!

May 27th - Mark Woodruff

June 17th - Alex Bayross

July 29th - Sunfest

August 5th - Stacey Charles

September 2nd - Angie McCoy

7th October - Oktoberfest Fest

November 11th - Simon Lloyd DJ

December 7th - Snowfest

SKITTLE ALLEY

We have a private functions room with a skittle alley it can cater for large groups & private events.

Please ask a member of staff if you would like to book out the skittle alley.

We do also offer a buffet menu.

of our most stalwart volunteers (and treasurer), Andrew Edgington, was recognised with a lifetime achievement award for his work in the community over many years, including for his involvement in the Good Neighbours scheme, Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, Village Action and with us.

Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently by making donations, which can be made either in person or online.

Our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds, 30-9897, account number 70582363.

Crossbow Singers

AS the weather begins to warm, the nights start to get lighter and many of our thoughts are turning to summer holidays and balmy

OFFERS ON FOOD

Wednesday - Friday : 2 for £14.95!

Offering a Roast of the day, Ham, Egg & Chips or Scampi, Peas & Chips or Veggie Sausages, Peas, Mash & Gravy 12pm -2pm

Wednesday Pie Night Pie of the day with a pint of Hop Union Beer, Dortmunder Vier, Thatchers Gold, Pepsi/Pepsi Max or Lemonade £13.95 6pm - 9pm

Thursday: Grill Night!

Selections of steaks at a discounted price, also offer Gammon and Cajun Chicken for £11.99.

6pm - 9pm

summer evenings (fingers crossed).

For Crossbow Singers, this time of year is also a time when we are excitedly preparing for our summer concert.

This year our concert is focused on all things regal, to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III, and is entitled ‘Songs Fit for a King’.

There will be a mix of traditionally British pieces, songs from the musicals and some specially arranged and composed pieces by our very talented musical director Carolyn Dutton, all centred on the interests of His Majesty.

There will of course be plenty of audience participation.

Our concerts will be on Monday July 3 and Tuesday July 4 from 7.30pm, at Crossbow House.

Tickets cost £8 each. To order tickets for Monday phone Rose on 01454 772675 and for Tuesday, phone Mary on 01454 887885 after

June 13.

We recently held our AGM, which was very well-attended and a great opportunity to socialise.

We were sad to hear that Bob Brain, a committee member of 15 years, has decided to stand down but the good news is that he will continue as librarian and script writer.

Bob was responsible for the staging, which is so important for us at our concerts. He has helped Carolyn design our concert seating and concert lighting for the stage, and writes the scripts for our concerts.

He has been a great servant to Crossbow Singers, and we hope he will continue to be for many years to come. Dave presented Bob with a garden voucher as a ‘thank you’ from the choir.

Louise Lewis

Crossbow Camera Club

WE are a small very friendly group who enjoy looking at and taking pictures.

We would stress that you do not need to be a camera buff to enjoy - our chairperson uses an iPhone most of the time!

Meetings are casual and light-hearted but we are affiliated to the Western Counties Photographic Federation, a source of many wonderful pictures and competitions.

Our annual subscription is only £20, but you can come and try four free sessions.

We meet every Thursday at 7.45pm at Crossbow House in School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Contact 0789 026 6650 or just turn up, and be assured of a warm welcome.

Mike Rich

FIZZ FRIDAYS & GIN OF THE WEEK

Every Friday from 12 - 11:30pm we offer our large bottles of prosecco at a discounted price of only £15! Every week we change our gin of the week!

LOCAL FOOD SUPPLIERS

Our rump steaks are from Buxton Butchers

Topside of Beef, Gammon Steaks, Chicken Breast, Rolled Lamb, Burgers & Pork Belly are from Trents Food & Beverages LTD

Children planting at Little Bridge House

Frampton Cotterell WI

AT our last meeting, Jenny Smith came along to give us a Tai Chi talk and demo - most of us took the opportunity to have a go, and it was great fun!

At our May meeting members were voting on this year's WI Resolutions campaign - the health and cleanliness of our rivers.

We're also lucky enough to be having a talk from our lovely member Michelle Armitage about the launch of her new book, Your Design Personality At Home, which explores the world of interior design from a new and interesting perspective.

This month we will have a talk and cookery demo from Fussels Rapeseed Oil on June 27, also daytime visits to Acton Court and Bristol Botanical Gardens.

On July 25 we have a talk by Rob Jones called Crime and the Serial Killer.

We have many other events/socials lined up for the coming year, including visits to the theatre, local gardens and other group trips.

We also have a monthly “lunch club”, open to all members and held at a different local venue each time.

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

Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Winterbourne Down WI

A NUMBER of our members enjoyed the spring meeting at the Jubilee Centre, where Jim Parkyn, a senior model maker at Aardman, showed slides and film footage of how he created characters such as Shaun the Sheep and Morph.

A team of us managed to tidy up the WI garden in order to make it look good for the Winterbourne Down May Day Carnival. We were lucky to have good weather for the event, which was a great success for all stallholders. We ran a bottle tombola, which was extremely popular, and also a home bake cake stall, which sold out very quickly. A number of our members also helped out with cream teas at the very busy church hall. This event was in aid of St Peter’s Hospice so we were more than happy to help

out.

Jill and Margaret made two beautiful Coronation flower arrangements in the church widow, with a photo of the young Prince Charles and memorabilia, including from Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.

At our May meeting we discussed the resolution ‘clean rivers for people and wildlife’ for our annual meeting in Cardiff this month, and had a demonstration on how to make a trinket box, followed by tea and cake.

Our next meeting is on June 1, will be held in the garden of one of our members and include strawberries and cream.

Victoria Goodman

Michelle Armitage

The WI's Coronation church window display

Coalpit Heath WI

WE have had a busy month at Coalpit Heath WI. We hosted the Sodbury Vale group meeting, the first chance for all the local WI groups to get together since Covid. Our members decorated the hall and made refreshments, including a special cake with our logo on the top.

Jeanne Long came along to give a talk on healing crystals and Reiki, and the twiddlemuff competition winner was chosen - a member from Hawkesbury and Horton.

In total 51 twiddlemuffs (knitted muffs for people with dementia) were made, and these will be distributed to local care homes.

Our May meeting was a discussion of this year’s resolution'clean rivers for people and wildlife' - and continued with a blind tasting of three different wines to see if we were able to match their flavour to a description. It was more challenging than we

thought!

Members of our day trips and theatre group enjoyed an afternoon tea at Tortworth Court for the Coronation, while others have signed up for a visit to the wildflower meadow at Highgrove.

If you fancy coming along and seeing what we have to offer you would be most welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm - further information and updates can be found on Facebook and Instagram.

Our next meeting is on June 7, with a talk on life as a blind VIP by Verna, followed by a talk from Briony May Williams on Life after Bake Off on July 5.

Caroline Johnston

Winterbourne Evening WI

WITH over 7,000 Institutes with 180,000 members, the WI is the largest women’s organisation in England and Wales.

As well as offering fun, friendship and social activities it also campaigns nationally on a wide range of issues - currently climate change, ageism, gender-based violence and friendship to refugee and asylum-seeking women.

This year's resolution to be put to the Annual Meeting in Cardiff is ‘clean rivers for people and wildlife’.

At our last meeting local historian David Cheesely gave a talk called ‘Milk, Coal and Any Old Iron’ - a fascinating trip into the past.

He entertained us with a slide show of all the Bristol street sellers over the last hundred years. There were hand carts selling milk, coal and bread, horse-drawn brewery drays and hurdy-gurdy men with barrel organs and maybe a pet monkey.

Most sad were the elderly men and women selling newspapers, apples or flowers because there were no pensions to support their retirement. Long gone are the rat catchers, cockle or onion sellers, the lamp-lighters or street entertainers.

Our next meeting on June 8 includes a presentation on needle crafting, by Amy Grimsby. It takes place at 7.30pm in St Michael’s School, Linden Close, Winterbourne.

All are welcome.

Margaret Grazebrook

Twiddlemuffs made by WI members

The Coronation display WI members created by Winterbourne Co-op.

Connor's softball call-up

A WINTERBOURNE teenager has been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Fastpitch Softball Championships.

Connor Peberdy, aged 16, is in the Under-18 squad for the tournament in the Czech Republic from July 3 to 8.

The Winterbourne Academy student, who is set to study at the elite football academy at SGS College after his GCSEs, has played for the Bristol Creamers softball team in the Bristol Softball League since the age of 14.

Connor said: “Softball is a really fun and sociable sport and it feels amazing to be representing my country, as well as being one of the few players selected from the Bristol league."

Because men's fastpitch softball is not an Olympic sport it does not qualify for Lottery funding, so Connor and his team-mates are covering their own travel, accommodation, kit and food when they take on the Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel and Croatia in a bid to qualify for the World Championships.

Connor’s family have set up a JustGiving page to help raise money towards the cost of the trip, and donations will be gratefully received at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarah-hobbs

The event will be shown live on the World Baseball Softball Confederation YouTube channel.

For more information on the sport visit www.britishsoftball.org.

Cricket club begins 99th season

FRAMPTON Cotterell

Cricket Club have begun their 99th year at The Park, where players of all levels are welcomed and celebrated.

After a wet start to the year we are slightly later in our square preparations, however, thanks to some hard work and long hours by our groundwork teams we have made up good time.

Our Youth section has benefited from a recent uptake in players, following a successful winter training period, and along with our seniors were hoping to get out on the grass in mid to late May.

Our senior training is on Tuesdays, with youth training on Wednesdays - both starting from 6pm at our ground, The Park, behind Crossbow Community Centre on School Road, Frampton Cotterell.

We are always looking for new members of all abilities, and are also on the look-out for local businesses to partner with as we firm up arrangements for our 100 year celebrations.

Please contact us at FramptonCotterellCC@gmail.com for further information.

George Foulger

The Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club ground

Olly joins coaching team

FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC is pleased to announce the appointment of special forwards coach Olly Slym, AKA Slimmer, who will support head coach Nige Smith and our junior coaches during our 50th anniversary season.

Olly, aged age 37, played at a high level until an injury at the age of 19.

He has been coaching for last 10 years and is head of rugby operations at Bristol University.

As well as coaching at the university he has coached at Clifton College and Gordano, and includes Under-9 to U16 and ladies sides on his CV.

Frampton's seniors start preseason training at their School Road training ground on July 4 at 7pm.

All new players are welcome for the club's three senior teams, colts and 10 junior age groups.

For more information contact club captains Mark Smith on 0772 174 8226 or Mike Ashwin on 0797 198 6014.

The Frampton Cotterell and

junior teams

Rugby juniors welcome back

French friends

FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC Juniors have welcomed back their counterparts from French club Parisis for the first time in four years.

At the end of April, the Fram welcomed more than 50 children from the club based in Franconville, North West Paris.

The two clubs' exchange has been running for over 40 years but this year was particularly important as it was the first visit since Covid.

With the previous three years of exchanges being cancelled, both clubs wanted to get this tradition back up and going again.

The event is quite unique within community rugby, as we are one of only a few clubs, if not the only one, that has run such an exchange for so long.

On the weekend there were three well-supported matches played throughout the junior age groups, from Under-12s to Under-16s.

Frampton were victorious in all three, with some excellent rugby, sportsmanship, and healthy competition seen throughout!

The event wouldn’t happen without a lot of organisation, host families and Google translate – thank you to everyone who supported a great weekend.

Next year it will be our turn to visit Parisis, and the plans have already started!

Parisis