Frome Valley Voice March 2020 by Fromevalleyvoice

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

March, 2020 Issue 79

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

Light in the darkness Head retires THE head of a Frampton Cotterell primary is to retire after leading the school into its new £6.7 million home. PAGE 19

Bypass plans People living in Frampton Cotterell helped brighten up a wet and miserable February with brightly-lit decorations for the village’s Window Fun Trail. Village Action: Page 17

Festival’s future in doubt THE future of the popular Frampton Festival is in doubt as organisers are struggling to find it a new home for this year. The one-day free festival attracts thousands of visitors with its live entertainment, fairground rides, dog show and firework display. It left its traditional home on Centenary Field last year because of a safety issue which has still not

been resolved. And last year’s venue at the Park, which was only intended to be used for a year, is already booked for another event. Organisers now need to find a new home before time to book acts and attractions runs out. Full story: page 3

NEW bypasses for Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, a metrobus route and park and ride are included in a new transport blueprint for the region. PAGE 5

Tax up COUNCIL tax bills for the average household in the area will rise by between £70 and £85 this year. PAGE 7

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March, 2020

FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew

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Our April edition will be going to print on March 24. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by March 18. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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

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

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

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS ORGANISERS of the Frampton Festival say they may be forced to cancel this year’s event as they struggle to find a venue. The festival has traditionally been held in the Centenary Field every July, but had to move last year because vehicle access to the field has been blocked by a collapsed stone wall. The rebuilding of the wall has been delayed by a dispute between a landowner and South Gloucestershire Council over who is responsible for carrying out the work. This forced the popular one-day festival, which attracts thousands of residents and visitors, to re-locate to the Park, also known as Crossbow playing fields, off School Road, last year. Festival organisers say they were told they could hold the festival there for two years, but the Park has been already been booked for another event on July 11, the date planned for this year’s festival. Organisers have looked at other venues, including Thornells, opposite the old Star pub, and Hoopers Field, owned by Winterbourne Academy, but neither of these options were viable. They then had talks with the Manor School in Coalpit Heath over hiring the field opposite St Saviour’s Church. But the school governors and head said they could not support the idea, which would in any case have cost the festival up to £1,000 in hire fees, an extra cost as the parish council had let the festival use its fields for free. The problem is compounded by the reductions in donations at last year’s festival because of the new location. Georgina Haddrell, one of

Festival struggles to find a new home

The Frampton Festival was held at the Park last year the organisers, said the chances of the festival continuing at the moment were “50/50”. She said: “I’m a little bit disheartened, as we don’t know what to do. We can’t do bookings or plan as everything is up in the air. “I find it very frustrating as I’d like it sorted now but can’t. “We’ve been talking with the Parish Council since the wall came down to sort something, but it’s a very slow process.” A statement from the Manor School said: “The governors and head teacher have met to discuss the Frampton Festival being held on our school field and regret that we are unable to support this at this time, due to concerns regarding parking

and the effect that it may have on our neighbours in the local community.” Anyone who can help the

festival find a suitable new site should contact the organisers by email at Info@framptonfestival. co.uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Underground pictures reveal what caused flooding

THE team behind a project to reduce flooding around South Gloucestershire has released pictures of work it has been doing in Winterbourne. The Flood Resilience Project has spent £3.35 million on work at nine sites in recent months, including High Street in Winterbourne. The work was designed to significantly reduce flooding on roads and outside properties,

by freeing up the flow of water through drains. It promises an end to puddles on pavements and road surfaces in the areas where work has been carried out. Pictures taken by the team show the variety of objects blocking drainage pipes in Winterbourne, from tree roots and dirt washed down from the surface to electricity cables and even utility pipes which have been installed through the

middle of the drains, breaking them. A spokesperson for the council said: “All of this work was carried out on time and under budget with involvement from local communities and we thank you for your patience. “Thank you to the communities and road users affected by these schemes. We know works on the carriageway cause disruption so we always

try to keep roads open where possible and work hard to minimise delays.” The workers used CCTV inside the pipes to identify problems, installed new manhole chambers and gullies which are easier to empty and maintain, and lined existing pipes where possible instead of digging up long stretches of road to replace them.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Bypasses and metrobus route in transport blueprint NEW bypasses for Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, a metrobus route and park and ride are included in a new transport blueprint for the region. The Joint Local Transport Plan aims to make walking, cycling and public transport the “natural” way to travel around the West of England. It includes an £8.9 billion wish-list of projects for completion in the region by 2036, including a £2.5billion “mass transit system” with sections of underground rail. But the most significant schemes for the Frome Valley area included in the plan are a bypass to the west of Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell and another to the east of Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh, to take through traffic away from the villages. The bypass for Coalpit Heath and Westerleigh would also provide a link road between Yate and a new junction 18A on the M4, potentially linking with the unfinished stretch of dual carriageway in Yate known as the Road to Nowhere. The extension of the Smart Motorway scheme on the M4 from Hambrook east to the A46 junction at Tormarton would be introduced alongside the new junction. A new metrobus route from Bromley Heath to Yate is among several included

in the plan, along with new routes from Emersons Green to south Bristol via the Avon Ring Road and Bristol city centre to Bristol Airport. A new park and ride on the A432 Badminton Road near Yate and another near the M32 are also in the plan. The revised plan, published at the end of January, follows a public consultation last year that drew around 4,200 responses. The plan’s authors say the goal of ensuring transport is carbon neutral by 2030, in line with the climate emergency declared by all four councils in the area, “requires a substantial modal shift away from cars to public transport, cycling and walking”. It means congestion charges for motorists are now seen as “likely”, as are fuel tax increases. The plan acknowledges private cars will remain “essential” for some, but envisages most of the vehicles remaining on the road by 2036 will be electric. The plan envisages a mass transit system branching out from central Bristol to the north, south and east of the city and Bath, involving on-street trams or light rail rather than underground, which would be expensive. Changes to the way private and

commercial vehicles are used are being mooted, including road user charges, cutting parking spaces, a workplace parking levy, congestion and emissions charging, delivery hubs for online retailers to replace doorto-door deliveries and pooling of space in delivery vehicles are also up for discussion. South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed its support for the plan, which is due to discussed by Bristol City Council on March 3 and the West of England Combined Authority on March 20, despite opposition from campaigners and Liberal Democrat councillors. At a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council on February 12, Roger Hall from Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP’d) said the council should “throw the plan back at Weca and tell them to start again” because it was based on housing levels predicted in the area’s spatial plan, which was thrown out by inspectors last year. But council cabinet member for planning and transport, Steve Reade, said the area needed an “up-to-date” transport plan “regardless” of the failed joint housing plan.

Have your say on walking and cycling plans CYCLISTS being able to ride against traffic on one-way streets and pedestrians having priority over vehicles pulling out of side roads are among the ideas in a vision for getting people out of cars. The West of England Combined Authority wants to know what residents think of its walking/cycling strategy, which includes a dozens of walking routes and cycleways in the region.

It has launched a public consultation into the infrastructure plan, which includes a number of improvements to footpaths and cycleways in Yate. The blueprint, along with a separate bus strategy, will fit into the latest version of the Joint Local Transport Plan for Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset. The proposals also envisage

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new 20mph zones in South Gloucestershire. Metro mayor Tim Bowles said Weca wanted “to make walking and cycling the natural choice for short journeys in the West of England”. He added: “More people are now choosing to cycle or walk because they have the safe, traffic-free routes to do it.” The plan could see a total of £411 million spent on pedestrian improvements in 30

high streets and 55 continuous cycle routes over the next 16 years, although all are subject to further technical and design work, consultation and funding. To take part, visit www.travelwest.info/ transportconsultations or call 0117 428 6210 to ask for a paper copy of the consultation documents. Consultation closes on March 15.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Share your wartime stories for VE Day exhibition

PEOPLE with memories or family stories of living in the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath areas during the Second World War are being asked to share them for an exhibition. Frampton Cotterell and District Local History Society is appealing for people to share experiences of living in the area between 1939 and 1945, be they personal memories or stories from parents or grandparents. The society is also looking for copies of photos from the time and pictures of memorabilia, including medals and diaries, for a VE Day display which will be on view at the Brockeridge Centre, in Woodend Road, throughout May. The exhibition material will then be stored in the society’s archives for future use. Stella Beecher, from the society, said: “It would also be

Celebrations in Frampton on VE Day in 1945. an amazing opportunity for us to interview local people and hear their personal testimony, perhaps even to record their voices. Anyone who would like to take part or knows someone

who could help should email secretary_fcdlhs@yahoo.com or visit the society’s Facebook page. May 8 marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.

South Gloucestershire Council is offering community groups, town and parish councils the chance to apply for a grant to fund events commemorating the anniversary. The council has put by £30,000 for grants to organisations planning events over the bank holiday weekend from May 8 to 10. Grants can be applied for to fund a range of expenses including publicity costs, PA hire, insurance, marshalling and entertainment. The closing date for applications is noon on Thursday March 5 and successful applicants will be notified after April 2. For more information about the grants and how to apply, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/veday75 or call the council’s grants team on 01454 865865.

Major May events switch dates for VE Day TWO of the area’s biggest community events are switching dates after the May Day bank holiday was moved. Winterbourne Down Carnival and Iron Acton’s May Day celebrations are traditionally held on the first Monday in May but are switching to Friday May 8 to coincide with the VE Day 75th anniversary bank holiday, which is replacing May Day this year. Some Winterbourne Down Carnival events will still be held on the first weekend of May, however, with the Village

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Treasure Hunt, Playing Out and Songs of Celebration – this year hosted by Bethesda Methodist Church – taking place on Sunday May 3. A full program of activities is currently being put together. Carnival chair John Turner said a grant from UWE Bristol and the Quartet Community Foundation was enabling the carnival to explore ways to reduce waste this year. He said: “UWE Bristol students will be working with us to install recycling bins on the day, as well as better ways to

package our food and drink. “Alongside expert advice from their lecturers, we will be exploring how to reduce waste on carnival day, as well as joining forces with Winterbourne Environmental Group to communicate about environmental issues. “If you are interested in how we can improve our environmental impact then get in touch.” The carnival has also been awarded a South Gloucestershire Council Grant to help with essential equipment.

The traditional maypole dancing, fairground rides and show at May Day on Iron Acton Green will now all be taking place on Friday May 8, from 10.30am to 4pm. The day will start with a procession through the village of the May Queen and King, who will be chosen from among local school pupils, and their entourage. A show ring will be set up on the green and, as well as the maypole dancing there will be tae-kwon do, live music and a dog agility show.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS THE average council tax payer in the Frome Valley area will see their council tax bill increase by up to £85 this year. South Gloucestershire Council has agreed a £232 million revenue budget, which will see the cost of the authority’s services rise by 3.99 per cent to £1,543.37 for a median Band D tax payer, up £59.22 from £1,484.15 last year. Just over half of the increase is a precept to be spent exclusively on meeting the growing cost to the authority of adult social care services. Added to that are the bills for police and fire services, as well as parish council precepts, which vary according to the area residents live in. Frampton Cotterell Parish Council’s budget has risen from £334,274 to £340,959. Its £132.23 precept charge for Band D residents is up by 1.47% from £130.32 last year. In addition a charge for “special expenses” – £11.72 for Band D tax payers – is added to bills for South Gloucestershire services which are specific to the Frampton Cotterell area. Residents living in areas covered by Winterbourne Parish Council will pay £49.55 for its services – up from £48.73 last year – plus £7.42 special expenses in Band D. Coalpit Heath residents are covered by Westerleigh Parish Council, whose Band D tax payers have a £58.48 precept – up from £56.89 last year – and a £4.68 special expenses bill. Iron Acton Parish Council’s Band D charge is up from £79.76 to £95.04 this year – a rise of 19.1% - with a £1.38 special expenses charge. In Rangeworthy, the Band D

Average council tax bill is around £1,900 precept charge has gone down from £47.00 to £46.84, with a special expenses charge of £4.15. The bill for policing services will rise by £10 for every Band D household in the Avon and Somerset force area this year, from £217.81 to £227.81 – a rise of 4.59% - while Avon Fire Authority has increased its precept by 1.99% to £74.94 for Band D tax payers. The overall Band D bill in Frampton Cotterell will be £1,969.47, up £72.80 on last year, while in Iron Acton it will be £1,921.94 (up £85.95), in Winterbourne it will be £1,882.49 (up £71.05), in Westerleigh £1,888.68 (up £72.19) and Rangeworthy £1,876.51 (up £70.57). Bills vary according to the size of property a resident lives in: in Frampton Cotterell this ranges from £1,312.97 for Band A to £3,938.94 for Band H. As well as spending on services and day-to-day operations, the council plans £145m in capital spending on roads and building projects, while a further £219m will be spent on council-run schools, up by £11.4m. Council leader Toby Savage

Council tax bills 2020-21 (all charges for Band D properties)

Parish Frampton Cotterell Iron Acton Rangeworthy Westerleigh Winterbourne

Tax revenue

Special expenses Precept charge

Total council tax

£340,959 £132.23 £11.72 £1,969.47 £54,771 £95.04 £1.38 £1,921.94 £14,000 £46.84 £4.15 £1,876.51 £81,800 £58.48 £4.68 £1,888.68 £181,750 £49.55 £7.42 £1,882.49

Figures from South Gloucestershire Council

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said the budget would deliver “the best possible value for money, while also taking action to respond to the climate emergency and improve our local environment”. He added: “We have been able to increase spending in some key areas this year, including on schools, where we continue to work hard to deliver our number one priority, which is to drive up educational standards for all.” Labour group leader Pat Rooney said accused the council of failing residents in three key

areas: schools, Metrobus, and the Joint Spatial Plan. She said: “The Conservatives have been in control of South Glos for the past 10 years and our secondary schools are still at the bottom of the national league tables. Parents see little or no improvements, and we are still suffering from a cash starved Schools budget.” Liberal Democrat leader Claire Young said two amendments to the budget, over protecting “environmentally valuable land” from sale and supporting men and LGBT victims of domestic abuse had been accepted by the ruling Conservatives. But she added: “We are disappointed that the Conservatives declined to accept our perfectly reasonable amendment that, in light of reports that the Chancellor has asked for Government departments to look for 5% cuts, the Council should write to the Government asking for local government funding to be put on a sustainable long-term footing.”

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Drainage work threatens cricket club’s season A CRICKET club could face severe disruption to its season because of large scale drainage work on its outfield. Frampton Cotterell Parish Council is planning to spend £300,000 tackling drainage problems at The Park. The work will be focused on the field, which includes the village cricket club’s main pitch, used to stage first and second team matches. Other parts of the field host rugby and football matches. Although clubs that use The Park were told that the council was looking into the issue of drainage, they were only informed on the day of a recent meeting that work was proposed to start in June. This would cause major problems for Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club, whose Bristol and District League season runs from May to the end of August. Although the club has a pitch on the other field in The Park,

Work is already underway to tackle drainage problems at the Park in Frampton Cotterell the square isn’t suitable for first team matches. Without the ability to fulfill their fixtures, the club could lose its place in the league structure. A Pitch Improvement Steering Group has been set up, with representatives of the council and sports clubs, and has met to look for solutions to the problems. One suggestion was to push back the start of the work to allow some games to go ahead. All parties agree that the work is

necessary; the task now is to try and come up with a solution that keeps disruption to a minimum. The Park is a popular open space with Green Belt status. More than 650 members of sports clubs play there, including Frampton Rangers, the rugby club and netball and tennis clubs. The council believes sport and leisure are at the heart of good villages. As the wet winter has proved, drainage is poor, especially on the side of the park which

includes the tennis courts and playground. The rugby pitch has often been under water in places. The council says it also wants to address undulations, sink holes and problems with the grass. Councillor Peter Halliday, chairman of the Pitch Improvement Steering Group, said: “The first phase of work and recovery will be carried out on the main playing field, will take approximately 12 months to complete, with a cost of approximately £300,000. Sports clubs will be able to use the second field during that time, but fixtures and training will be affected. “The Parish Council is working with the sports clubs as part of the consultation process and encouraging Clubs to find alternative facilities. Once completed, the field will meet the standards set by Sports England and British Standards and will be amongst the best in the area.”

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Barn prepares for reopening as project nears completion WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn is almost ready to reopen as a £1.74 million refurbishment project nears completion. The work, largely funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been underway since early last year and has involved modern structures being demolished, the West Barn gutted and re-roofed, and the cow byres being extended and re-roofed. Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust is now getting ready to re-open the whole site in late spring. The gallery linking the Medieval Barn to the newly-refurbished West Barn is now glazed and has an even, stone floor. When reopened it will house a display about the history of the barn and surrounding area. Volunteers were recently allowed to visit the garden, which has been untouched for a year, to start planning this year's crops. The trust is calling on anyone who would like to get involved with some gardening, or other jobs on site, to get in touch online or via Facebook. Louise Harrison, from the trust, said: “Once the site has been handed back to the Trust, volunteers will need to unload furniture and equipment that's been in

A picture in the Winterbourne Medieval Barn garden shows how the refurbished building looks now. storage containers for a year, and work out where things can go, as well as getting familiar with the new electrics, lighting, water, and so on. So until June, talks and craft workshops will continue in the Cartshed.” The trust is holding a series of events over the Easter holidays in the Cartshed. From April 7-10, local artist Fi Harris will be stationed in the Cartshed as Artist in Residence, offering free drop-in crafting

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opportunities all day. There will be sessions for craft techniques like drop-gap braiding, peg-loom weaving and big knitting, with people working to help create a community wall-hanging to celebrate the re-opening of the Barn. For more details of the workshops, contact Fi by email at feltbyfi@gmail.com. Fi will also run a screen printing workshop on April, 23, with more details online at booking site Ticketsource. On Good Friday, April 10, families are invited to the Barn at 11.30amfor Easter themed crafts and an Easter Egg hunt, which costs £3 per child and can also be booked on Ticketsource. On April 24, at 4pm, the barn will take part in the international City Nature Challenge on behalf of Bristol and Bath to spot wildlife species. The area was the European winner last year, spotting more species than anywhere else. The event is free but booking via Ticketsource is advised to help predict numbers. For more details visit www. WinterbourneBarn.org.uk or visit the Barn’s Facebook page.

Winterbourne Tennis club Mothers and Children “Mother’s Day” tennis Fun Day Sunday 8th March 10.30-12.30 Open to all ages and abilities. No experience necessary - come and have fun together - Non members welcome Mothers and children (boys or girls). For fun games, doubles matches and cake!!! £2 per person entry fee. Contact

Anna Pudaruth | The Old Rectory Clinic, Iron Acton 07487 511516 | anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk

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Rachel Cockcroft at 07980901967 or rachelcockcroft@outlook.com

Easter Holiday Tennis Camp for 5-16 year olds

We run week long holiday courses during the Easter and Summer Holidays. These courses are designed to encourage children age 5-16 to participate in tennis, beginners and improvers will benefit from this short course which is modestly priced. Week1: Monday 6th to Friday 10th April, 10am - 12:30pm. Week 2: Monday 13th to Friday 17th April, 10am - 12:30pm. Tennis Camps based on fun games, coordination activities and learning new skills, for children who have never played before and want to start tennis. Also for children who have played before and want to have some fun and improve their game. Contact Imed Hamrouni at 07459636436 or imedhamrouni@msn.com Winterbourne Tennis Club. Recreation field, Off Flaxpits Lane, BS36 1LU.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Cap badges – and a mantrap – capture auction bidders

EAPONS and militaria took centre stage at Stroud Auction Rooms' February sale. A private collection of over 4,000 Army cap badges took up all of day two of the auction, and several made exceptionally good prices. The single-owner collection was begun in 1945 and included a Royal Marines brass collar badge, which sold for £700; eight British Army Royal Engineers and Royal Signals metal shoulder titles, including three Territorial examples and RE Signal Service example (£550) and two New Zealand Army WWI 25th and 27th Mounted Rifles Reinforcements metal hat badges (£550). Two WWII Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders sporrans and tunics made £600. With over 1,300 online bidders taking part from around the world, there was particularly strong competition for the Australian and New Zealand badges, and after the sale the packing and postage team were kept busy organising delivery

to winning bidders around the globe. Very few auction salerooms offer a postage service, something Stroud Auctions has done for 10 years, and the additional bidders this attracts increases hammer prices. The guns and weapons section drew a large number of bidders into the saleroom, and results included a 20 bore side-by-side double-barrelled flintlock hammer action gun by Joseph Manton of London, which sold for £2,800, a William Powell & Son 12 bore side by side ejector shotgun which made £1,250 and a Winchester .410 underlever three-shot repeating shotgun, which sold for £850. In the popular toy section a Marklin Der Adler centenary 18351935 three rail electric 0 gauge train set, with tender, locomotive, two closed and one open passenger coach sold for a pleasing £2,300; a 19thC taxidermy study of exotic birds in glazed case made £1,300, while a collection of 115 various PC and computer games,

Military cap badges in the latest Stroud Auction Rooms sale attracted bids from around the world. all in original boxes, went under the hammer for £950. Of local interest was a late 18th century mantrap, with double spring mechanism and semi-circular trap with protruding metal teeth, stamped 1794, which

had been owned by the Hancox family of Daneway House, who also owned surrounding estates. Included with the lot was a reference to an incident in which the son of Henry William Hancox was caught in the trap when taking a short cut home through the woods. The next sale at Stroud Auctions will be on March 4-6, when jewellery, silver, bijouterie, watches, clocks, coins, motoring, transport and textiles and will be the specialist sections. Viewing will be on March 3 from 10am-7pm and from 9am on sale days. The April auction (April 1 and 2) will feature ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, musical instruments, vinyl records and pictures. Details of the May auction are in the advertisement below. For information about any aspect of buying or selling with Stroud Auction Rooms, call 01453 873800, email info@stroudauctions. com or visit www.stroudauctions. co.uk.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on May 6th & 7th

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

New homes for bats in Frampton BAT boxes made by Frampton Cotterell villagers have been put up in trees to provide new homes for the nocturnal creatures. The boxes were made at a workshop last summer and donated to the parish council, which had them installed in trees on the Centenary Field during the February school holidays. More than 20 people came to see the boxes go up and listen to a talk about the different species which might live in them, given by charity Bristol Bat Rescue. Emily Wilson, from the charity, said: “Opportunities like this are crucial for inspiring the new generation and securing the future of bats.” Frampton Cotterell Parish Council recently carried out a wildlife survey on the Centenary Field and will soon be implementing a new biodiversity management plan to help local plants and wildlife flourish. Council project officer Daisy Finniear said: “I walked

around the Centenary Field last year with my bat detector and recorded four different species in the space of 15 minutes, so we know we have lots of bats around that will be very happy with their new boxes. “Thank you to everyone that kindly donated their handmade boxes.” Bats are the only species of

mammal which can fly and use echolocation to find their way around and catch prey after dark. There are 18 different species of bat in the UK, all of which are legally protected. The parish council believes there may be as many as 14 species locally, including rare large species of bat such as the noctule.

During March and April, bats will begin to emerge from hibernation and search for food, and can be seen at dawn or dusk. Anyone who comes across an injured bat can get help on what to do from Bristol Bat Rescue online at www.bristolbatrescue. co.uk. For more information about bats visit www.bats.org. uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Come and help eco group clean up Winterbourne PEOPLE living in Winterbourne are being urged to make a difference to their area by helping to clean it up. Winterbourne Environmental Group is a community group aiming is to protect the local environment, wildlife and help turn the tide of climate change. One of the ways it is making a practical difference is by organising litter picks in the area and the next big one is happening this month. Winterbourne mum Sharon Hancock is one of the volunteers and is encouraging other people to join in. Sharon said: “We have a lot of people involved in the group with different aims and ideals but all pulling together and supporting each other in our many group endeavours. “One that I was recently involved in with my children was a litter pick. One of our members – Sheelagh Mason – was nominated as the Litter Pick Co-ordinator and she organised our first litter pick at the start of February on a Saturday morning.” Sharon and two of her children took part. She said: “We arrived at Greenfields and were handed our bin bags and litter pick grabbers. A lot of other families also arrived

to help out and Sheelagh told us all where our allocated part of Winterbourne was and off we went. “The kids absolutely loved it! It’s like a slightly weird treasure hunt, and trying to get hard-to-get wrappers out of hedges caused a lot of laughter and competitive spirit between them, the bag got heavier and heavier and we went all the way along by Elm Park school and down past the bus stop and up Cloisters before the bag got too full to carry. “We found all sorts of things - lots of cans and crisp wrappers but also yoghurt pots and things that looked like they’d escaped from people’s recycling boxes. “I think they were horrified about the amount of rubbish in hedges and I really hope they will think twice now about what they do with their own rubbish. “I also think I am looking at things differently now, and see rubbish everywhere! We’ll definitely be doing this again.” The group’s next litter pick is on March 14, from the Winterbourne Down Church Hall car park, starting at 9.30am. Anyone who would like to come and help should email winterbourneenvironmental@ gmail.com or contact the group via its

Sharon Hancock's children enjoyed helping clear up Winterbourne Facebook page so organisers can make sure they bring enough equipment along.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Disease hits Memorial Woodlands trees TREES planted at the Bristol Memorial Woodlands have been hit by fungal disease ash dieback. A small number of ash trees planted in the 1990s, when the woodlands at Alveston first started operating, have been hit by the fungus, which originated in Asia and was first spotted in the UK in 2012. Bristol Memorial Woodlands offers plots for burials or the interment of ashes, with trees planted as a memorial. As a result of the disease ash trees have been removed as an as an option for mourners at the 100-acre site, which is a regional centre for environmentally friendly funerals. Founder Christopher Baker said: “It is a great shame, as we are creating a natural woodland parkland that will be there for future generations and ideally we would like all species of native British trees. “The ash is a tall and graceful tree that is wonderful for

Memorial Woodlands founder Christopher Baker with one of the trees affected by ash dieback encouraging wildlife but at the moment it seems we need to clear out the affected trees. Once we are convinced that the fungus is gone or resistant strains have been developed, we will revert to offering ash trees.

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“At the moment we are able to offer families oaks, willow, cherry, apple, pear, rowan and silver birch so there is still a wonderful choice of native British species. Planting depends on the time of year and state

of the ground, but people find it a wonderful way to mark the passing of a loved one. “I remember when Dutch Elm disease robbed the British countryside of our magnificent elm trees and it is a shame that ash is now being affected in this way. Families who purchased an ash have been informed and replacement species have been arranged.” Bristol Memorial Woodlands was set up to offer unhurried burials at its chapel and garden, and a more environmentally sound alternative to traditional cremations and funerals. The woodlands are intended as a living memorial, where friends and family can visit long after a burial has taken place and which will be managed in future by a charitable trust. More information on Bristol Memorial Woodlands can be found at www. memorialwoodlands.com.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Some of the decorated windows from this year's trail

Village Action – thank you for taking part PARTICIPATION. Taking part is a good way to gain fun, happiness and satisfaction. Grateful thanks go to those residents who recently took part by

decorating a window for everyone to enjoy in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath. These wonderful night-time displays were evidence of the fun and satisfaction that was had by creating them, whilst the smiles, squeals of surprise and appreciation from all ages were proof of the enjoyment brought to many. Any suggested themes for 2021? Volunteering is a great form of participation. Volunteers are

known to be happy people. Village Action is a voluntary group, whose aim is to achieve improvements in all aspects of life in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, through working in partnership with residents and local agencies. Residents are invited to become involved – whether you have an idea, only an odd half-hour to spare or are willing to volunteer on a more regular basis. A full list of interesting initiatives undertaken by Village Action can be seen on

our website, www.villageaction. org.uk. You can contact Village Action via the website, which provides information about local events and activities, many of them free, plus opportunities for volunteering. You can also use our Facebook page @FCVillageAction or leave a message at the Brockeridge Centre in Woodend Road, by calling 01454 864442. Jen Dunford

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Bulldozers have demolished the former Highcroft building at Watermore Primary School after staff and pupils moved in to new buildings.

Old school demolished as head announces retirement BULLDOZERS have demolished the former Watermore Primary School buildings as staff and pupils settle in to their new buildings. It marks the next phase of development at the school in Lower Stone Close, as the former Highcroft buildings are cleared to make way for new outdoor facilities for the school. The school is also preparing to find a new head teacher after Janet Hoyle, who led staff and pupils through the move, announced that she would retire at the end of the academic year this summer. In a letter to parents, she said she would be “very sad” to leave, adding: “It has been a difficult decision as I love our school and feel privileged to have been the first Headteacher of the amalgamated school. “There will be time for me to say thank you to our staff, governors, to you as parents and not least to our children much later on. “For now, be assured of my commitment to the school and your children until I retire at the end of the summer term. “Be equally assured that the Governing Body is working hard to ensure that the right appointment is made for the autumn. “I was determined to see the new build project through, and I will be very happy to see everything finished before I leave in the summer.”

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STARS OF THE STOKES BROUGHT TO YOU BY

WillowBrookCentre Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for outstanding community engagement and personal achievement in the Frampton Cotterall, Winterbourne, Iron Acton and Coalpit Heath area? Willow Brook Centre has teamed up with many local services and businesses to launch the Stars of the Stokes awards, a set of community awards to recognise the personal achievments of individuals in our local area. The nominations will close on Sunday 10th May and the awards evening will be held on 24th July at the Aztec Hotel.

Visit www.starsofthestokes.co.uk before May 10th to add your nomination. IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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AWARD CATEGORIES STAR TEACHER Do you know a teacher who works in the area and goes above and beyond what you would expect? Has a teacher you know made a huge difference to your life? Maybe you know a teacher who has motivated and inspired students to achieve their best and who is always willing to give that extra time and effort.

CHAMPION CARER Carers, be they family, friends or professionals, are crucial to many families. Does someone you know provide care that is ‘beyond the norm’? Have they changed lives or put their lives on hold to help and care for you?

PARENT / GUARDIAN IN A MILLION PRE-SCHOOL CARER OF THE YEAR Can you see the difference your child minder or nanny makes to your child’s development? Does your child have a favourite member of staff at their nursery or pre-school who brightens their day? Maybe your child carer ends up caring for the whole family, or has helped you with short notice cover during family emergencies over the last year.

What do parents you know do to make them a parent/guardian in a million? Do they collect your children from school every day so that you can work? Do they fight to make sure you have everything you need and deserve? Perhaps something has happened in the last year that you couldn’t have got through without their support.

COACH OF THE YEAR ACHIEVEMENT AGAINST THE ODDS Do you know someone who achieves great things against the odds? Has someone you know overcome illness or disability to return to work, faced a battle to achieve something important to them, or achieved sporting prowess when told that they wouldn’t be able to?

BAILEY COOPER YOUNG HERO AWARD Do you know someone aged 18 or under who is a hero? Have they spent a lot of free time volunteering? Perhaps someone you know has achieved great things in sport or started a new hobby and become renowned for it. Maybe they care for their parents, mow the lawn for a neighbour, or have raised money for a cause that is close to them.

Do you know someone who gives up their free time to coach others? Perhaps a youth football coach or a cycling coach. Maybe you know someone who works in sport but goes above and beyond what would be expected. Perhaps a teacher who runs an out of school exercise club, or a personal trainer who has helped you achieve your goals in the last year.

UNSUNG HERO Do you know someone who is a hero to you but doesn’t see it themselves? Maybe they give their life to volunteering or have done the same job for many years. Perhaps they run a local sports team, raise money for charity. It may be that they are simply a hero to you and you’d love them to receive some recognition.

The Heathers Nursing Home Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide. The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.

First Class Facilities and Support • A history of providing 24 hour, high quality care in South Gloucestershire • Each resident is unique to us and treated as such • The home is small and family run, offering a highly personalised service • Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene • Respite, residential care and day care available • Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs

Get in touch and speak with our team, or arrange a viewing to see our facilities for yourself. Ian – Registered Manager • Vimala – Deputy Manager • Julie – General Manager

Telephone 01454 312726 or Email info@heathersnursinghome.co.uk

www.3abcare.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Workers ask what youth of Frampton wants YOUTH workers have been asking teenagers living in Frampton Cotterell to tell them what they would like to see provided for them to do. The Foundation for Active Community Engagement (FACE), a charity based in Filton, has finding out opinions before providing a report to Frampton Cotterell Parish Council in the next few weeks. The council will then decide where to spend its youth budget. FACE already provides a youth club at the Brockeridge Centre, aimed at children in years 6-8 at school. However the consultation is looking at provision for young people up to 17 year old and there is concern about how the older age group is catered for. FACE held a drop-in consultation at the Brockeridge centre over the half-term holidays, as the last stage of a process that has seen organisers visit local schools to get views about events and clubs that could be provided for them by the parish council. Dawn Young, from FACE, said: “We’ve been going to different areas, talking to different people and asking them what they want. We could offer different things, such as youth clubs, a cafe, projects or sports.

“There have been some issues around anti-social behaviour and we want to see what we can do to support them and help the community. “The consultation is all about making it representative; we are lacking views from the 14-17 year group. We’ve got a few weeks to try and get their opinions.” The council has also been commissioning the Yate Urby Bus, a mobile youth club, to visit various locations in the village once a week. The bus is aimed at 13 to 16 year olds, and provides a chance on get involved in activities including playing video games. The parish council’s budget runs from the start of April, but it is likely to continue with the current set up until new funding priorities are established. Any young people who have not yet had their say can to contact the FACE team by emailing dawn@facefilton.org.uk, calling 07749 488253 or visiting facefilton.org.uk online. There are also Instagram and Facebook pages which can be found be searching for @ facefilton. To contact the Urby Bus search for youth_ in_frampton on Facebook or Instagram.

Emily Crane and Sam Tilley with the Urby Bus, a mobile youth club for teenagers which has been visiting Frampton Cotterell

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA March 2 n Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group, 1.45pm in Westbury Methodist Church Hall. Talk by occupational therapist Maria Fitzgerald. All welcome. For more information call 07710 743613. March 4 n Frenchay & Hambrook Horticultural Society meets at 7.30pm at Friends Meeting House, Frenchay Common. Talk by Jane Lindsay of Chelsea Gold Medal Winners, Tynings Climbers Nursery, who have the National Collection of climbers. Non-members £3. More details from Susie Davis at fhhs1947@outlook.com. March 7 n Jubilate is one of Gloucestershire’s leading Chamber choirs conducted by Ian Higginson. The choir are returning to perform a free lunchtime recital (lasting one hour) at 1.15pm at Clifton cathedral on Saturday 7 March. There will be a retiring collection in aid of the cathedral. The Recital is entitled ‘Voyage européen’ and will feature music suitable for all the family ranging from the 16th Century through to the present

FREE TALKS

At: The Old Rectory Clinic, High St, Iron Acton, Bristol BS37 9UQ 1. Anxiety, Stress & Trauma Wednesday 4th March 10-11.30am 2. Anxiety, Stress & Trauma Saturday 7th March 10-11.30am 3. Phobias, Panic Attacks & PTSD Wednesday 18th March 10-11.30am 4. Bereavement, Depression & Low Self Esteem Wednesday 25th March 10-11.30am Contact NATALIE Phone: 07767213514 Email: haveningwithnatalie@sky.com Havening Bristol

day. The concert will be conducted by Ian Higginson and accompanied by Neil Fortin and the programme includes works by: Bach, Deprez, Faure, Higginson, Mozart, Poulenc and others. Why not come to listen to some sublime and memorable sacred music performed by a first class choir in this lovely venue during lunchtime. March 9 n Bristol Budgerigar Society Young Budgerigar Competition. Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome. Further details from secretary Ron Ramplin by email at ronnie. ramplin@btinternet.com or by calling 07748740794. March 18 n South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group AGM followed by talk: The Engine House Network. Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath. Steve Grudgings will speak about the recently proposed Engine House Network, a new purpose for old engine houses. AGM 7.30pm for 8pm, talk starts around 9.15pm. Non members welcome - £2 each for the talk. March 18 n Frampton Cotterell & District Local History Society meeting, Zion hall, 7.30pm. £4, including light refreshments (members free) Contact secretary_fcdlhs@yahoo. com for more details. March 21 Easter charity sale, Saturday 21 March 12-2pm at Coalpit Heath Village Hall (The Miners). Cake stalls, handicraft and knitted items, Easter gifts, tombola and table top stalls. Children games. All proceeds to Cancer Research March 27 n Fundraising Race Night, Coalpit

Heath Cricket Club, 7pm. £6 entry. March 23 n Community Cafe to End Loneliness opening day at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Volunteers needed. Email gill.flower@ blueyonder.co.uk or call 07948 393397 for more information. March 28 n Table Top Sale, St Peter's Church, Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-4pm. Tables £5 – contact Sarah on 07827 336656. 50p entry for adults. Homemade cakes, tea and coffee for sale April 4 n Easter Fayre, St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath, 2pm in the Church Hall. Refreshments and home made cakes, book stall, games, tombola, plants, raffle, toys and bric a brac. April 15 n Downend Flower Arranging Club, 7.30pm, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Floral demonstration with Mary Kelly: Guess What I Found In The Garage? Visitors welcome - £8 at the door. April 28-May 5 n Winterbourne Musical Theatre presents The Sorcerer, a Gilbert & Sullivan musical comedy brought up to date in a novel way. Suitable for all ages. WADCA. Wednesday to Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets £10, available by calling 01454 317408 or emailing weatherile10@toucansurf.com.

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

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9.30am-11.30am, term time only. n Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month except Bank Hols. Open to anyone with dementia, and Carers, and anyone with concerns about someone with memory problems. Just turn up. Tel. 0117 9610 693 n Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm. First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday). n 1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne. Contact clivemarston@rocketmail. com n 1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. dandow@ computer.org or 01454 775024 n North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday. n Women’s Fellowship Zion Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45 Programme of speakers, choirs., followed by a cup of tea. £1.50p per week. For details ring Pat Lax 886830 n Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month. n Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30. Term Time only, starting in September. We would love to welcome more tenors and basses. Please contact Dave on 07834 184142 n Winterbourne Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n Winterbourne Scrabble Club - weekly 2.00 - 4.30 pm at Winterbourne & District Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Further info from Gill on 01454 773573. n Winterbourne Afternoon WI meets at Salem Church Hall, Factory Road, Winterbourne on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm. We welcome visitors. Contact 01454 250817 for details or look at our web site www.wawimoonfruit. com or email lesleysharman@gmail. com n Avon Pickleball Club play at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre from 9-11am. Indoor racquet sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Email info@avonpickleball.club or phone 07801 715421 for more information. n Slimming World Frampton Cottrell. Watermore Primary School (Infants), Woodend Road, (Opposite the Brockeridge Centre) 5.30 & 7.30pm Tel: Jude 07968 426809 n Macular-support group meets monthly - 3rd Monday 1:30-3:30pm at Watkins room, Old Grammar School, highstreet Chipping Sodbury. Contact Tony : 01454 314066

n Winterbourne Tennis Club. 4.30. Junior tennis coaching Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@msn.com n F&Fs. Club. Banjo, Mandolin, Guitarists etc. playing a wide range of styles. Meet Mondays. 8 to 10pm. at St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley. Visitors and new members welcome, support and encouragement given. Available for concerts. Secretary – 0117 9673668. Website www. fingersandfrets.wordpress.com n The Arts Society Severn Valley meets third Monday of the month at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Lectures plus special interest days, gallery, garden and museum visits, trips abroad. Morning lectures 10.30am for 11am start. Afternoon lectures 1.30pm for 2pm start. More details online at www.svdfas. co.uk. £6 charge for visitors – contact memb@svdfas.co.uk to ‘try before you buy’. n Bristol Budgerigar Society meets at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. More details including membership details from secretary

Colin Parsons by calling 01454 775878 or emailing colinpauline@ hotmail.com. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge. n Butterflies babies and toddlers group. Friendly group welcomes mums, dads and grandparents at St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath. Mondays 10am-11.30am, term-time only, £3 per family per session. Toys, dressing up, a sit-andride zone, book corner and song time, baby changing facilities play area for crawlers. Tuesday n Slimming World 9.30am & 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm, The Greenfield Centre, call Frankie 07519 347243 n Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704 n Yate Poetry Group. All welcome to join our small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems and verse. We meet for an hour 1-2 pm every other Tuesday afternoon in the library, refreshments provided.

For the dates of meetings, please contact Tony on 07704 140682 or yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com n Winterbourne Down & District Horticultural Society, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, BS36 1BX, 7.30 pm. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Info: Richard on 01454 773218. n Yate Visually Impaired Group. Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@ btinternet.com n Winterbourne Tuesday group, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month. Everyone welcome. n Centre Squares (dancing). Winterbourne Comunity Centre (WADCA), 7.45pm. Tel. 260168 n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club. We meet every other Tuesday at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 7.45 pm to 8.15 pm. Contact Veronica Holder – 0117 937 2818 n Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. n South Gloucestershire Waterpolo club. Junior & Senior players Male Female. Winterbourne Int Academy pool. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. For more

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED info: kazrose@blueyonder.co.uk or nash17@virginmedia.com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday 1.30 - 3.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Chipping Sodbury Men's Probus. We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 10 – 12 noon at the Townhall, C/Sodbury. Guest Speaker every meeting, occasional lunches, day trips. Contact George for further info. Tele: 01454 882908 n Social tennis: Winterbourne recreational field, BS36 1LU. 7.3010pm. All ages, abilities and new members welcome.Contact WTC on 0772 595 4639. n Barnardo’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Project provides emotional and practical support to new mothers. Weekly groups are held at venues in Thornbury, Yate and across South Gloucestershire. The Yate group, called Yate BreastFriends, meets at Yate Childrens Centre on Cranleigh Court Road on Tuesdays between 11.30am - 1.00pm. n Ringcraft - dog showing skills and techniques. Every week at Henfield Hall, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath - 8.0 - 9.15pm. Puppies and dogs - all breeds welcome. Contact Shelagh Crowther on 01453 298974 for more details. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876 3334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Community Coffee Mornings, 2nd Tuesday of month, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am 12.30pm. Tel. 01454 776268 n Monthly social lunchtime meet up for disabled people at the Farmhouse Pub, Wellington Road, Yate, BS37 5UY. Open and

friendly group, meets first Tuesday of month 12-2pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - 0797 962 6569. n St Saviours church Mothers union meets second Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the church hall. Members welcome visitors to Bristol Cathedral and Ashfield Prison, support a relief fund and overseas fund and send money to Friends of Bristol Children’s Hospital for tea and coffee for parents’ rooms. For more information contact Mary on 01454 887880. n Friendship & Dance for over 50s returns in 2020 with a change to 2nd TUES IN THE MONTH (except Feb): 18th Feb, 10th Mar, 14th Apr, 12th May. Miners Social Club,Badminton Road, Coalpit Health, 2-4 pm. No partner needed, Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. Experienced teacher, beautiful dance floor, refreshments, friendly group.£4. More details from Hilary: 07515 351 813. n Miners Social Club, Badminton Road, Coalpit Health, 2-4pm. No partner needed, gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. £4. More details from Hilary on 07515 351 813. Wednesday n ‘Silver Chords Group, over 50’s social club. Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm. Entertainment and coach trips. Everyone welcome Contact Doreen 01454 776484. n Winterbourne Police Beat Post. Greenfield Centre 2-3pm n Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School. Tel Lisa 07815 759118 n Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath. First Wednesday of each month.

07960214476 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

7.45pm. New members welcome. n The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689. n Actonians Drama Group 7.30 pm Parish Hall, Iron Acton More info 01454 228760 www.actonians. co.uk. Junior Actonians 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm Parish Hall Iron Acton More info 01454 228277. n Carers group, Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. Meets second Wednesday of the month, 2pm-4pm. Call Rona on 01454 886925 or Jean on 01454 775786 for more information. n 4th Wednesday of each month - Forget me Not sing along group 2pm - 3.30 pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. If you like a good sing song please come and join us. For more information ring Rona on 886925 or Jean on 775786. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Wednesday 1.30 - 4.30 and 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. n Manor Hall community coffee morning, open to all, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath. 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12 noon in the Jubilee Room. Free entry and all profits from the refreshments will go to the Manor Hall at Coalpit Heath Charity. Handmade cards will be on sale, sold in aid of the BRACE Charity. n Slimming World Frampton Cotterell C of E School. Call Lisa: 07815759118 n Stapleton Probus meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Begbrook CA, Frenchay Park Road, from 10amnoon. Active bowls section. Visitors welcome. For more details contact registrar Bernard Ferris on 01454 774490. n The Frenchay Folk Dance Club meet fortnightly at Frenchay Village Hall from 7:45 until 10:15. Check frenchayfdc.co.uk or contact 0117 9409508 for more information n Social tennis ladies Doubles Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 10am -12pm. All ages and abilities , new members welcome Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Social tennis. Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 7.30pm - 10.00pm. All ages and abilities

,new members welcome. Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Frampton Singalong, second Wednesday in the month, 2pm3.30pm at Crossbow House, School Road. Favourite songs, live music and sitting exercises. Call Hilary on 07515 351 813 for more details. n Yate/ Chipping Sodbury Afternoon Choir meets on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm at St Marys Church Yate. No auditions required. Contact Nikki on 01761472468 for more details or just turn up at the church and have a free sing on the first visit. n Frenchay Probus Club. We meet every third Wednesday of the month in the Frenchay village hall. Coffee at 10.00am and the meeting is from 10.30 to 12.00. More details on frenchayprobusclub.com n Community Lunches 12.00 2pm at WADCA Community Centre. £5 or takeaway £3.50. Booking advised tel. 776268 n Frampton Cotterell Local History Society, 3rd Wednesday of month Sept - May, Zion church 7.30pm. Non-members welcome. £4 n Ladies Circle meets at The Beacon, Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell, every second and fourth Wednesday of each month except June, July and August at 7.30 pm. £3 per visit. Variety of speakers at this friendly and welcoming group to any newcomers. n Phoenix Art Club meets at Guinea Lane, Fishponds in the Methodist church hall every Wednesday mornings 9.30am to 12noon. We have a number of artists with a wide range of skills and interests and we break for coffee at 11am to enjoy a chat with our friends and look around at what everyone is creating, be it watercolour, pencil, oils etc. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to drop in for coffee and see what goes on. We welcome all abilities! n Frenchay & Hambrook Horticultural Society holds gardening talks, events and trips on the first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm at Friends’ Meeting House, Frenchay Common. All welcome, entry £2. Contact Susie Davis fhhs1947@outlook.com n Avon Pickleball Club play at Thornbury Leisure Centre from 10.15am-12.15pm. Indoor racquet sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Sessions cost £2.50 for an hour or £4 for two hours. Email info@avonpickleball.club or phone 07801 715421 for more

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED information. Thursday n Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For preschool children and their parents/ carers. n Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, n Bristol and South Gloucestershire Stationary Engine Club. First Thursday of the month, 7.45pm at the Miners Social Club, Coalpit Heath. More information at www.bsgsec.co.uk. n Winterbourne Musical Theatre. 7.30pm WADCA Community Centre, 7.30pm. www. winterbournemusical.co.uk. n Winterbourne Flower Club. Our meetings take place tin St. Michaels rooms [opposite Tesco Filling Station] Hands on evenings and demonstrations on various Thursday evening at 7.30 pm Visitors and new members welcome. Ring for details 01454. 776753 n Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of every month except August n Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September). Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 n Frampton Cotterell British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Doors open @7.15pm. Bingo at 8pm-10pm . No entry fee. All Welcome. n South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, Bradley Stoke, 3rd

Thursday evening of the month. Starting October at 7.00 for 7.30 start. Refreshments provided. Contact: Sallykitching@ googlemail.com Tel. 01454 774401 n Sugarcraft demonstrations and workshops. Third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Call Jean Kington on 0117 956 8737 for more information. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Thursday 1.30 - 4.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Severn Counties Foreign & British Bird Society, for keepers of canaries, finches and other birds. Winterbourne Down Methodist Church Hall, Down Road. Third Thursday of the month at 8pm. More information from Molly Durbin on 01275 373743 or email severncounties@gmail.com. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Thursday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 078763334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Thursday Travel Club. Meets first Thursday of the month. St Saviour’s Church Hall, Beesmoor Road, Coalpit Heath n Winterbourne Winds, beginners/ intermediate/returners wind band, rehearse on Thursdays 7.30pm9.30pm at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Brass and woodwind players wanted to join sociable group. Instruments available for loan. Contact Dan on 0117 239 5210 or email winterbournewinds@yahoo. com.

n Winterbourne Down WI meet in All Saints Church Hall, BS36 1BX on the first Thursday of each month (except August) - 7.30pm. For more information contact Margaret on 01454 850241. New members are most welcome. n Bristol Male Voice Choir has a broad repertoire, performing not just male voice standards, but songs from musicals, pop classics, spirituals, and classical favourites. You will be made very welcome when you sample your first rehearsal with us. You don’t have to read music to join but you will enjoy learning our repertoire as we prepare for our concerts and weekend tours. Come along and sample an evening at our regular practice sessions, held on Thursdays at 7.00pm in St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Filton, BS34 7PS. Ffi Tel 07587143220

n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus. We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Hambrook Sports Club Crib team are looking for new members to join our winter league, playing Thursday evenings at 8.30. Beginners welcome. Pre season meeting 20th September at Hambrook Sports Club at 8:30. For further information contact Dave Manley on 07531299786 n Vale of Frome Probus for retired

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

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

What’s on at Winterbourne Library Staffed opening: Tuesdays: 10am-5pm Wednesdays: 10am-5pm Fridays: 10am-5pm Saturdays: 9.30am-12.30pm Open access (unstaffed) 8am-7.30pm daily Rhymetime: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together. Every Tuesday morning, 10.30-11am. Come and meet Kipper at Rhymetime on March 3. Pre-School Storytime: Join us for stories and simple crafts. Every Wednesday morning, 10.30-11am. Science Week Storytime, March 11: Sing a Rainbow – sing a song, make a plate, eat coloured fruit and play with bubbles.

Duplo Club: Saturday March 21, 10.3011.30am. Suitable for pre-school children, who must be accompanied by an adult. Free event – no booking required. Lego Club: Listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library. Suitable for children in primary school age range, who must be accompanied by an adult. Next meeting on Saturday March 14, 10.3011.30am. Free event – no booking required. Have you Read…? Open reading group for all. No set text – share your love of books, extend your reading horizons. First Friday of every month, 11am-noon. The Craft Group: Next meetings on Saturday March 7 and 21, 10am-noon. New members will always be made welcome by this friendly

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects. Free Computer Course: Would you or someone you know benefit from learning or improving their computer skills? To book or ask questions, call Susannah Griffiths on 0117 9092 272 or email susannah.griffiths@sgscol. ac.uk. For more information on the library and events: Telephone 01454 868006 Email winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk Website: www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries Twitter: @southgloslibs Facebook: South Gloucestershire Libraries

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED Friday n Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne. 1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9pm n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, search www.fcmvc.co.uk or email contact@fcmvc.co.uk.. n Frampton Cotterell Community Association. Fridays at Crossbow House School Road Ist Friday of every month Quiz- 3rd Friday of every month Bingo, start at 8 pm. n St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath: Coffee and teas with a warm welcome and new friends at 11.15am or stay for lunch, starting at midday. Donations towards church funds. n Frome Valley Art Group Winterbourne. Looking to find that inner talent or start a new interest? Drop in for a free taster session, Fridays at 2pm or 7pm. We have a busy programme of demonstrations and Saturday workshops by professional artists to help your development. Our Annual exhibition in May displays members’ work . Greenfield Centre,

Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Contact Dave: 0117 9790043 Andrew: 01454 778310. Eric: 01454 615619 Lesley: 01454 250817. Email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail. com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Friday evenings from 7.30 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme 01179 793473 n Community Coffee Mornings, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am - 12.30. All welcome. n St Peter's Church Frampton Cotterell invite you to Friday Coffee every Friday 10:00 -12:30. Come in and have a chat. n Lunches in St Saviours church hall, 11.15am for refreshments and midday for lunches. Donations to church funds. n Folk at Frampton Cotterell: Folk/ acoustic music club, Crossbow House, second Friday of the month from 8-11pm. More details from Andrew Edgington on 0797 415 1437. Saturday n Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

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10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month. n Frampton Cotterell Royal British Legion, Ryecroft Rd. Every Sat dancing to live bands.Bingo 8pm-8.30pm Then dancing until until 11.30pm. Entry on door £5. Everyone Welcome. n Winterbourne Tennis Club Junior tennis coaching. 9.30 -1pm, Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs. Rusty Racquets/Drill-Drill Group Coaching for adults of all abilities 11.30am-12-30pm. £5 pay and play. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@ msn.com n Connectz meets 3.30pm-5.30pm on various Saturdays at Zion United Church. Fun activities for families, followed by a meal. Visit www. zuchurch.co.uk, email office@ zuchurch.co.uk or call 01454 776618 for more details. n Messy Church at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Every third Saturday of the month from 4pm to 6pm. All-age afternoon of fun, craft and activities, with a meal and praise service.

Sunday n Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly). Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147. n Nature Reserves, Winterbourne work party meets 1030am, Church Lane, Winterbourne, 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month. Newleaze reserve (Bristol Road) 10.30am Ist Sunday of month. Huckford Quarry 2.30pm 3rd Sunday of month. Contact Frank Smith 01454 778975. n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Established players and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653 n Parish Praise at St Saviours Church, first Sunday of the month at 10am. Suitable for all ages – come and join in with the family praise and stay for coffee or tea afterwards if you wish. See the Church website for up to date information. Coalpitheath.org.uk/ social or coalpitheath.org.uk/news

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

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

Soup that goes down a storm!

S I write this, Storm Dennis is blowing a gale and the rain is lashing down. So, what better than a hearty soup to keep you cheerful? This simple soup, made from Jerusalem artichokes, or celeriac as an alternative, is rich and creamy. The toppings you choose can make it hearty and homely or luxurious if you decide to push the boat out and use scallops. Don’t be put off by the knobbliness of the artichokes or celeriac. You will need to peel them with a speedy peeler, but if you’ve given them a good scrub to get any mud off, you needed worry about getting every little bit of skin off in the crevices. Two warnings come with artichokes. One, be aware that if you plant them in your garden, they will take over. So, unless you plan to use them a lot, just buy them in season. Two, artichokes are notorious for producing flatulence! So maybe don’t make this recipe

fromevalleyvoice

for a first date. I’ve been married for so long now that we are used to each other, so as the afternoon darkens I’m off to make a big batch – and to hell with the consequences.

Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Pizzazz Serves 4 as a lunch dish, or 6 as a starter. Ingredients: • Spanish (mild) onion – 1 large one, finely chopped. • Potatoes – 2 or 3 large sweet potatoes, plus 2 large ordinary potatoes, about 500g (just over 1lb) of each. • Jerusalem artichokes – about 500g (just over 1lb). • Vegetable stock – 1½ litres (just over 2 pints) made with either a good quality stock cube, preferably organic or take advantage of all the

super root veg and seasonal celery and make your own. • A little olive oil for frying. • Crème fraiche – 1 dessertspoonful per serving. Topping alternatives: • Crispy fried onion strips – as per the picture. • Pumpkin seeds and fresh thyme leaves. • Crispy bacon sticks. • Fresh scallops – 4 to 6 (one per serving.) Cut each one onto fine strips and lay on the bottom of the soup bowl. When you pour in the soup the heat will cook the scallop beautifully. Here’s What You Do: • Take a large frying pan and heat it first, then add the oil and fry off the chopped onions until they soften, but don’t brown. • Peel and chop the 2 types of potatoes and the artichoke into small cubes of about ½ inch.

400

IN WINTERBOURNE,

Drone Club is taking flightset up to being A NEW club is how to show drone owners have fun safely PAGE 3

Sites for homes be built

Emma Steele (right) and fellow cyclist Helen Jackson are riding 400 miles in memory of Emma’s friend’s baby daughter

on a gruelling woman is taking A COALPIT Heath£10,000 in memory of her challenge to raise in just daughter. over 400 miles friend’s baby aims to cycle Emma Steele Bristol to Edinburgh. she travels from for stillbirth and three days as to raise £10,000 She is doing it charity SANDS. friend Zoe Fyﬀe neonatal death childhood Last July Emma’s

to be told Rory were devastated her and her husband had died three days before girl the that their baby her stillborn and gave birth to due date. Zoe her Beatrice. to say or do couple named didn’t know what better.” Emma said: “I could make this because nothing 5 Turn to page

NEW homes could after South in Winterbourne Council Gloucestershire to a housing handed sites over association. PAGE 4

Thieves strikehas once group A COMMUNITY victim of the again become thieves PAGE 8

Community rallies the family FRIENDS are helping was lost his of a chef who being told he job weeks after transplant. needed a lung PAGE 15

Jerusalem artichokes are in season in January to March, but you could use celeriac for a change, and top with crispy bacon pieces.

fromevalleyvoice www.fromeval leyvoice.co.uk

View us online at www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

FRAMPTON COTTERELL,

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

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

February, 2019 Issue 66 COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOU RNE DOWN

Beatrice

Drone Club is taking flight

A NEW club is being show drone owners set up to how to have fun safely PAGE 3

Sites for homes

A COALPIT Heath challenge to raise woman is taking on a gruelling £10,000 in memory friend’s baby of her daughter. Emma Steele aims to cycle three days as she travels from over 400 miles in just Bristol to Edinburgh. She is doing it neonatal death to raise £10,000 for stillbirth charity and Last July Emma’s SANDS. childhood friend Zoe Fyﬀe

Emma Steele (right) and fellow cyclist Helen Jackson are riding 400 miles in memory of Emma’s friend’s baby daughter and her husband that their baby Rory were devastated to be girl had died three days beforetold due date. Zoe gave birth to her stillborn and her couple named her Beatrice. the Emma said: “I because nothing didn’t know what to say or do could make this better.” Turn to page

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• Add the stock, the potatoes and the artichokes to the onions in the pan. • Bring the pan slowly to the boil and then turn the heat down to medium and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft (about 10-15 mins). • Allow to cool slightly then, using a food processor or blender, blitz the soup until well- blended. • Return the soup to the pan and bring back to temperature. • Add salt and pepper to your own liking. • Place a spoonful of the crème fraiche on the top of the soup and swirl. • Add your preferred topping. • Serve immediately.

NEW homes could in Winterbourne be built after South Gloucestershire Council handed sites over to a housing association. PAGE 4

Thieves strike

A COMMUNITY group has once again become the victim of thieves PAGE 8

Community rallies FRIENDS are helping the family of a chef who was job weeks after lost his being told he needed a lung transplant. PAGE 15

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

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Extra 84p a month will fund better support for victims

AST month, the Police and Crime Panel backed my decision to increase the policing part of the council tax by £10 a year – less than 84p a month – for the average band D household. The decision follows a public consultation with local people who said they would support an increase in the precept. I was pleased that the Panel supported my decision but I am always conscious that any increase in household bills is felt by local people. I never take the decision to raise the policing part of the council tax lightly. It continues to be a priority of mine to put victims first and this increase means we can invest in an additional 75 police staff investigators who will help improve outcomes for victims. It

has never been more important to me to ensure victims have a voice and feel encouraged to come forward and speak out. Concerns have quite rightly been growing across the country as we hear of more young people becoming involved in serious violence. The additional funding will also go towards maintaining the 15 additional PCSOs who are working closely with local schools. This work allows the police and partners to capitalise on opportunities to intervene early to prevent the harm that such violence causes to young individuals, families and communities. We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to stop young people becoming victims of serious violence and the Panel’s decision to back the increase will help this

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

on-going work. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) awareness day is taking place this month. CSE is a form of child abuse in which victims are manipulated or forced into taking part in sexual activity often in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation. Victims of CSE are extremely vulnerable and many do not recognise that they are being exploited. We can never underestimate the damaging effects such a crime can have on victims. In order to tackle CSE for good, we need long term and consistent support to help children to survive and recover from their experiences. The police, educators, healthcare professionals and charities need

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens

to continue to work closely in partnership and be the ones to ask, ask again and keep asking so we can stop this horrendous crime and help victims rebuild their lives. The exploitation and abuse of children is happening now and together we need to stop it today.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n LOCAL MP

We need more electric car charging points

O protect and enhance our beautiful countryside in South Gloucestershire, we must take action to improve air quality along many of main through roads and in our towns and we must lead the way in tackling climate change. I am calling on South Gloucestershire Council to deliver more electric car charging points to be installed in our towns like Yate and Thornbury, and ensure that residents in and around Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and the surrounding towns and villages also have better access to publicly-available charge points. We all know that electric vehicles emit a fraction of the emissions compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, but many

motorists, completely fairly, feel there are simply not enough electric car charging points in our area at the moment to make the switch. Increasing our reliance on vehicles powered with renewable energy is just one step we must take reach the Government’s unwavering commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Last month, the Prime Minister announced that Britain will be bringing forward the date from which no new petrol or diesel cars will be allowed to be sold in the UK to 2035, with consideration being given to the feasibility of bringing this further forward. Clearly, the importance of providing the necessary infrastructure for car

users in South Gloucestershire has never been greater. South Gloucestershire Council have declared a Climate Emergency and are currently exploring options for substantially reducing the impact of their own operations. They have also urged people locally to take steps to address this situation, by reducing their own carbon footprint. We must use this opportunity to deliver more electric car charging points, ensuing that South Gloucestershire is a UK leader in sustainable technology, protecting our beautiful natural environment and providing cleaner air for our families and our community. Ensuring that these long-

Luke Hall MP

writes for Frome Valley Voice

need car charging points are finally delivered is a key pledge in my Positive Plan for Protecting Greenspaces and the Environment, alongside protecting our green spaces and fighting poorly planned housing development. For further information, or to join the campaign, please do not hesitate to get in touch at luke. hall.mp@parliament.uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

We all have our challenges in life

HIS is my first year of being a ‘vicar’ with the Methodist Church. I started on September 1 and it seems ridiculous that I’m already six months into living and working in the area.

At the end of February, I meet with the committee that decides if I can continue onto the second year of what we call Probation, so if you don’t see any more articles from me, you know it’s all gone badly wrong! But it’s been a great first six months from my point of view and it was great to spend so much time over Christmas leading whole communities in recalling what Christmas is all about. My first six months have flown by and the pattern of church life has flown by too: it feels like Christmas has only just happened, but here we are in the period of Lent. By the time you read this you will no doubt eaten your body weight in pancakes and perhaps seen people with

Ash over their foreheads. Lent is a reminder to Christians of the period at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in which he spent 40 days in the wilderness with God. At the end of the 40 days he was tempted by the devil, who was trying to pull Jesus away from his mission. Matthew chapter 4 tells you all about it if you want to read more. We all have our own challenges in life, though, don’t we? Challenges that knock us off course; challenges that make us reconsider our own values and beliefs; challenges that can, if we allow them bring us to our knees. Perhaps it’s challenges around work or, perhaps more difficult for many, the lack of work. Perhaps it’s ill health that brings us to a halt. Perhaps it’s finances. Perhaps even the loss of a loved one. As we journey through Lent we often give something up, or perhaps take on something new, as a way of challenging ourselves in more controlled conditions.

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So, we’re reminded in Lent that life is not straightforward or easy, we will all struggle at times, and that is mirrored in the life of Jesus. In the Church, as we journey through Lent, we work towards Easter (which we’ll celebrate in April), we watch and read of Jesus making his final journey into Jerusalem and we see his death on the cross. Even in that darkness of death though, there is hope. Hope in the resurrection of Jesus, the resurrection that we rejoice in this year on April 12 (and every day). And that hope is the hope that the Church wants to share with all, because with that hope, we are able to face all other challenges that life might throw at us. Together4Fromeside, the collection of eight churches across the area, has two events towards the end of Lent that we’d love to see you at. On Good Friday (April 10) we will be worshipping together at Zion

With Rev Leigh Maydew Probationer Presbyter

United Church at 7.30pm and, for part of this service, will hear a scratch choir singing songs from Jesus Christ Superstar. Then on Easter Sunday (April 12) we’ll gather at 6am on Hillyfields (BS36 2DW) to rejoice together in the resurrection. May the peace of God be with you now and always.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Keep your motor running: An ode to vehicle DIY

WENTY years ago I needed two tools for any DIY job: My phone and the yellow pages. Today my phone can do it all, and getting a man in has never been easier. Or a woman of course. I’m not ashamed to admit that all practical tasks in my house are performed ably by my wife: painting and decorating, putting up shelves, even designing and constructing built-in wardrobes. I’m utterly hopeless, all fingers and thumbs and ‘let’s have a quick coffee break’. Until quite recently it was the same story with cars. If anything at all needed fixing, the garage got the job. That was until I was shown how some jobs are so easy that even an incompetent like me can manage them. So, in the interests of keeping your older motors running for longer, and saving you money into the bargain, I urge you to have a go. By the by, this is also the environmentallyfriendly option, as ordering a new car is far more damaging to the planet than running an old one.

You will need some basic tools though, and your phone is just one of them. First up is the easiest of all: changing an air filter. This piece of fabric gauze can be bought for about £10 and replaced in less than 60 seconds. The box housing it is usually right there in front of you under the bonnet, and opens and closes via metal clips. No tools needed, immediate savings made. Pollen filters are often tucked away and harder to access (behind the glovebox? You’ll need a screwdriver). That said, they are fairly easy to replace and as cheap to buy. Both usually need doing every 20k miles. Next up, spark plugs, which will require a socket set. They sit under coil packs, the modern replacement for the distributor. Rather than bore you with a ‘how to’ here, take a look on YouTube – I guarantee there is an English language video that will guide you through every nuance of the process for your exact vehicle. If you are feeling brave, buy some axle stands or inspection ramps and do an oil

change yourself. Garages make good money on this work (check out what they charge you for oil!), so on a dry day or in a well-lit garage, this is one job you can do yourself if you are safe and confident. Let’s put the oily stuff to one side and focus on technology. The best tool you can buy, and it has served me very well over the years, is an OBD II fault code reader (see this month’s picture). OBD stands for on-board diagnostics, and it allows you to read your car’s electronic brain and see what’s wrong. That engine warning light you’ve been ignoring can mean all manner of things, and a garage will charge you £25 just to diagnose the problem. The OBD reader only costs £20, and you can use it again and again. If your car is less than 20 years old, the reader is likely compatible and plugs into a socket often found down by the pedals. Put the diagnosed error code into the internet and you’ll know in seconds what the problem is. No need to book in at the garage. The readers are powered by the car, so won’t need a battery. I saved a family member bundles of cash when we jointly diagnosed a misfire using my reader. The Vauxhall Meriva he wanted to flog is a niche car in the first place, but add in an undiagnosed engine warning light and no-one would have touched it. Vauxhall would have charged £200 for the diagnostics and resultant fix. We diagnosed it immediately (for free), cleaned a couple of spark plugs and replaced some corroded springs for £11. My invoice is in the post, old son. I do understand that a lot of you don’t have the time for all this under-bonnet fettling. But with the inclination and some practise, you can save yourself oodles of time and money. Now, I would offer to help – but it’s time for that coffee break…

Advertise your business in Frome Valley Voice email contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS FROM FLORAL FRIENDS OF FRAMPTON Spring is Coming!

Midlands on July 16? A guided tour of this lovely garden will be followed by a short visit to the Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Droitwich. The price is £30 per person, which includes the coach fare, guided tour of John’s Garden plus a small donation to Floral Friends. Further information will be available at our plant sale and coffee morning, when you can reserve your place with a deposit. Alternatively contact littlebrenc@ gmail.com for further details.

DESPITE the recent cold, wet and windy weather, Floral Friends have made a start at tidying up the sensory garden in readiness for spring. Bulbs and wall flowers are beginning to flower, a sure sign that spring is on its way. Our annual plant sale and coffee morning will take place on Saturday April 25 at the Brockeridge Centre in Frampton Cotterell, opening at 10am. Come along and browse the plants we will have for sale and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, with a slice of delicious cake. Hopefully spring will definitely have sprung by then and we might be able to sit in the sun in the sensory garden!

Flower Festival WE’RE organising a flower festival at Zion United Church in Frampton Cotterell, which will be open to the public on June 13-14. The theme is children’s literature, so we will be inviting people to create displays to illustrate a favourite children’s story, fairy tale or rhyme (think JK Rowling and Harry Potter, Dick

Could you help?

Floral hats were a hit at the last flower show in 2017 King-Smith and The Sheep-Pig, Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit, JRR Tolkien and Bilbo Baggins, Jack and the Beanstalk and many, many more). There will be much more information to follow – but make a note of the date now! Remember our last flower festival in 2017, with the theme of floral hats, which

attracted many visitors to the displays? Please help make this one just as successful.

Nursery visit WOULD you like to join us on a coach trip to John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries in the West

It takes time, effort and funds to maintain the planting around the village. If you would like to help there are various ways in which you can do so, including maintaining the planters, replenishing plants in spring and autumn, fundraising, donations and sponsorship. If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com. Our latest news is available at ffframpton.wixsite.com/framptoncotterell.

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Juniper Homes Ltd - Hatterswood Phase 2 Just four stunning family homes in generous grounds IF you’re looking for a beautiful family home set in generous grounds, Juniper Homes’ has a small development of just four stunning detached five-bedroom houses that will fit the bill to perfection. Set in a semi-rural location on Tanhouse Lane in Rangeworthy, these four country homes are built to an exceptionally high quality. The development features just two house designs, The Hallier and The Allsop; both draw their names from the historic Hatting families of Rangeworthy. The thoughtfully planned layouts and sizeable rooms are ideal for families. The Hallier is the epitome of style and elegance, a large 5-bedroom family house, set on a generous plot and designed to meet your families’ every need. The traditional timeless red brick exterior is a design classic. Crisp white window frames are offset with neat touches of soft grey render and mellow red slate tiles. A welcoming deep double-glazed bay window and front porch sit alongside an impressive double garage and paved drive way with ample parking for all the family. Open the smart secure front door to warm

underfloor heating and a mellow Engineered Oak floor running seamlessly through the spacious ground floor. With ample gardens, a double garage and parking this is truly a country residence with style. The Allsop is a handsome home in traditional time-honoured style. This brickclad family house simply exudes the feeling of grandeur. Quality features and bespoke details combine to create a sense of balance and harmony. Inside the seasoned oak flooring runs through from the hall to the living areas enhancing the open feel of this family home. Featuring the same high quality specification

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as the Hallier, the Allsop provides ample outdoor and living space for the family. The local area is one of South Gloucestershire`s most popular. From the old world charm of the main street in Chipping Sodbury to the contemporary amenities of nearby Yate, everything from schooling to leisure is on hand and a short drive away. The M4 & 5 motorways are in easy reach and Bristol is approx. just 20 minutes away. To view please call Andrews 0117 946 1799 Visit www.hatterswood.co.uk E: Bristol&bath@andrewsonline.co.uk

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n COMMUNITY NEWS Coalpit Heath WI OUR speaker this month, Susan Marshfield, spoke about her visit to Windsor Castle to receive her MBE. It was a memorable day for her and she managed to bring it alive for us with all the details she recalled. We were talked through the process, starting with the first very important envelope arriving at the door delivered by a very intrigued postman. We enjoyed details of the journey, descriptions of the yeoman, and the statue that was neither wax, nor marble but real! We learnt that the reason the medals can be attached so easily is that recipients have a pin with a bar that the medals hang on. Susan received her medal from Prince William and was able to talk with him about her work for BRACE and other services to the South Gloucestershire community. A fantastic achievement, and we added our congratulations and thanks. Members had been busy crafting again and 55 knitted, crocheted, sewn and felted hearts had been made ready to be distributed to our local NICU on Mother’s Day. A new list has been made of items needed for the food bank, but we were reminded that any items donated are gratefully received. At the next meeting it has been suggested that we could bring along Easter eggs. Our next meeting is on March 4, with Melanie Tiley talking on behalf of Brain Tumour Research. Members are encouraged to wear a hat to show their support. If our meetings feel like something that you would like to be a part of then why not come along? New members are always welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7.45pm in St Saviours Church Hall. Find us on Facebook @WICoalpitHeath Caroline Johnston

Frampton Cotterell WI

Winterbourne Evening WI

Annual New Year's Meal

Pam Pontin of Pammy's baskets

WE welcomed members back in the new year on Tuesday January 28, with a talk from Philippa Parish on The Foundations of Health. Philippa shared her extensive knowledge of good nutrition with us, covering the areas of digestion, blood sugar, hydration, liver function, sleep, stress, exercise and relaxation. As well as reminding us about some common sense ways that we can look after ourselves, we all learnt some new tips to put into practice for a happy, healthy 2020. On the night we also held a sale of donated Christmas gifts, to raise funds for charities supporting the recovery of the Australian bush fires. Delighted to report that a sum of over £210 has now been raised to send over to Oz. On February 4 we all enjoyed our annual New Year’s meal at the White Horse at Hambrook. It was a great night – lovely food in great surroundings up in the barn. The February talk on the 25th was entitled Midwifery – never a dull moment by Dorothy Cooke, and we were expecting some real-life Call The Midwife tales. Coming up later in the year we have talks on Dogs for Medical Detection (March 24), sculpture, crafts and local history, as well as a talk by BBC Radio Bristol’s Emma Britton in April, which we’re all really looking forward to. Over the summer we have a group trip to see Mamma Mia at the Bristol Hippodrome. We’ll also have our Summer meal out in June (venue TBC) and will be taking part, as always, with our WI cake stand at the Frampton Festival on Saturday July 11. 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. There is a charge of £2.50 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a membership fee. Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, craft group, choir and our skittles and darts teams. Please search for FramptonCottWI on Facebook to find out more, and to like our page.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

OUR February meeting was very well-attended, despite the dreadful weather. Our advertised speaker was unable to attend due to illness, so Pam Pontin, of Pammy’s Baskets, stepped in at very short notice, for which we were very grateful. Pam told us that although she had always enjoyed various crafts, she decided to make something using only materials which would normally be thrown away. The resulting recycled baskets are very strong and will easily hold eight tins in the medium size. She also told us many stories of happenings along the way. Pam holds workshops for four ladies at a time, which are very popular. Members also had the opportunity to ask questions and purchase the attractive bags. Our WI has a very varied and interesting programme of speakers for this year, as well as several outings, meals out, skittles and quiz evenings. One of our days out will be to Abergavenny on market day in June, and another to the RNLI headquarters and college in Poole. If you would like to come along as a visitor, we meet on the second Thursday of the month at the St Michael’s Rooms in the High Street at 7.30pm. You can be sure of a very warm welcome. For more information please telephone Margaret on 01454 772816. Margaret Beacham

Shopmobility hours A SERVICE to help disabled people access shops has made its increased opening hours permanent. Shopmobility South Gloucestershire, based in Yate Library, provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire on a daily and on a longer term basis, to help people who have limited mobility retain their independence and use the facilities of the centre. It can now be accessed from 9.30am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9.30am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

n NEWS

Cricket club looks to continue momentum PREPARATIONS are well underway for the new season at Winterbourne Cricket Club as we look to continue the momentum that has seen considerable recent progress both on and off the field. The playing season for the junior section starts in April, with the seniors commencing in May, and time will fly with much needing to be done. Winter senior nets are already underway at Winterbourne Academy on a Sunday between 5-7pm: all are welcome. The club runs 5 Senior sides, with the 1st team, playing in WEPL Prem 2 following promotion in 2018, finishing in an excellent 3rd position. The 2’s failed by a single point to achieve a notable promotion to the Bristol and North Somerset, with the 3’s achieving another excellent promotion to reach Div 4 of the B&D. The 4’s held their own in Div 10 after promotion the year before, with the 5’s gaining yet another promotion, to Div 13. Our junior section continues to thrive, as we look to grow and develop the senior teams of tomorrow. We have groups from U11 through to U17 and also participate in the ECB All Stars programme, which provides an opportunity for children of five to eight years old to enjoy the game in a very relaxed

The new Winterbourne CC netting facility environment. A further programme, Dynamo Cricket, is being introduced this year for 9-11 year olds. You can sign up for both at Winterbourne on-line via All Stars cricket: the fun takes place on a Friday night from 6.30-7.30pm, during which time the bar is open and the BBQ on. Last year saw the formation of our girls’ section, whose numbers grew incredibly from four to 28. The girls competed in many festivals and represented the club with great pride and enthusiasm. We also started the formation of a ladies softball section that

we’ll be looking to grow further this year. Off the field the most significant development though last year was the installation of our new ‘state of the art’ netting facility, which has provided us, at last, with a safe environment for all players, young and old, to develop their batting and bowling skills. Our thanks go to ETS, our project sponsor, St Michael’s school, with whom we share the school field, and of course the ECB, for their support and backing. The nets were opened by our very own Gloucestershire and England Lion, James Bracey, and his Gloucestershire teammate and captain Chris Dent, both of whom play for the club when county duties allow. We are very fortunate here at Winterbourne CC to have a very committed group of volunteers, including coaches, bar team, tea makers, scorers and ground staff, and kind sponsors. Contacts at the club are Chris Shine (junior section) at chrissy.shine@btinternet. com, Liz Bracey (secretary) at lizbracey@ hotmail.com and Bob Vickery (Chairman) on 07711 856472 or vickeryb1@outlook.com Bob Vickery

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March, 2020

fromevalleyvoice

n SPORT

Frampton win plaudits in losing final FRAMPTON’S 1st team were in the spotlight when they appeared in the final of the Gloucestershire RFU Senior Vase. The match against Chosen Hill was played under floodlights on Cheltenham Tigers’ 4G pitch. Chosen Hill are the runaway league leaders and quite rightly favourites to gain promotion at the end of the season. However, on the night Frampton competed admirably, and despite losing by 29 points to 15, their performance drew plaudits from everyone in attendance. Unfortunately, Frampton’s league form continues to evade them. Two matches have been played since the cup final and both have resulted in narrow defeats. In the first, Whitehall took Frampton’s undefeated home record with a 25 points to 20 win. Frampton started slowly and were 12 points down in the first 10 minutes. They clawed their way back into the match,

The Frampton Cotterell first team at the Gloucestershire RFU Senior Vase final.

weekend with a splendid 17-14 win over Lydney, a team that had soundly defeated Frampton back in November. Unfortunately, through postponements, the 3rd team have not managed to play any further fixtures following their win over Ashley Down. This has allowed Ashley Down to leapfrog Frampton to regain the league leadership by one point. The league title is still very much to play for. The Colts team continue to grow and mature together as a group. After a narrow defeat at Keynsham they overturned a 10-point deficit to beat Chippenham 12-10 away on a 4G pitch. Lastly, playing on the main pitch at Crossbow, Frampton enjoyed a comfortable bonus point 27-0 home league victory against Wellington.

but unfortunately, injuries disrupted Frampton badly in the second half which allowed Whitehall a way back into the game. Frampton also lost narrowly away to Berry Hill. Never an easy place to go and play, Frampton looked to have done enough to get that elusive first league win of 2020, but Berry Hill fought their way back into the match and took the spoils with a late

drop goal. Fram’s next home game is a league meeting with Chosen Hill on March 7, after their match against secondplaced Cheltenham North was postponed until March 14. The 2nd team’s improved form looks to be continuing. Despite losing at home by 29 points to 19 against a very quick Thornbury team, they redeemed themselves the following

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fromevalleyvoice

n SPORT Club supports share and repair cafe WINTERBOURNE Tennis Club is supporting an environmental group by donating used tennis balls. Club chair Joan Ward visited the Winterbourne Down Share & Repair Community Cafe at All

Saints Church Hall to donate the balls in support of the cafe’s promotion of repairing, re-using and recycling. Joan said: “Despite the wet and stormy weather outside, the cosy share and repair community cafe was very popular, with homemade cakes and biscuits, hot drinks, books, toiletries, preloved clothes and many other useful items. “Several ladies were very busy sewing and mending clothes,

and several chaps were busy repairing bikes, electrical items and other articles. “The Winterbourne Environmental Group and All Saints Church are running this wonderful event every month at All Saints Church Hall and WTC is very pleased to support this excellent local environmental group and help protect our planet.” For more details on the club contact coach Imed

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March, 2020

BRISTOL WIGS

Tel: 01454 822580 or Mobile: 07980 567726 mark.kembrey@hotmail.co.uk www.mkbuildingservicesbristol.co.uk

CLEANING

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes. Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com

BOILER REPAIR, SERVICING & INSTALLATION

Bathroom & Kitchen Specialists All work carried out by us

One call is all you need Book now for your makeover

OSBORNE & SONS All work guaranteed.

Call Tony 0777 6188595 tony1osborne@yahoo.co.uk Find us on Facebook osborneandsons

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2020

DRAINAGE SERVICES

HOUSE CLEARANCE

39 PLUMBING

PDay Plumbing Services Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, House, Garden, Garden, Office Office Clearance Clearance -- Plus Plus all other other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003

Bathroom Refurb Specialists www.pdayplumbingservices.co.uk info@pdayplumbingservices.co.uk

- Friendle - Reliable - Affordable - Est 2008

1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179

Call Peter

Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

PLUMBING SERVICES

ELECTRICIANS

07793 746958 PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

atom electrical specialist domestic installers

Colin Yeend Property Developments

All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS

For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

New Builds n Extensions n Ground Works n Kitchens / Bathrooms

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN - TESTIMONIALS ON REQUEST

07889 601111

info@colinyeendpropertydevelopments.co.uk www.colinyeendpropertydevelopments.co.uk

PLUMBING

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

JJ PLUMBING BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk

GARDEN SERVICES

GARDEN CARE

LAWNS CUT FROM £10.00 , HEDGE CUTTING, PRUNING, STRIMMING, PLANTING, POWER WASHING PATIOS RING MALCOLM ON

07958 673 882 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

PLUMBING

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

957 5092

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

YOUR award winning Independent Estate Agent & Letting Agent

We are always ready to SPRING into action Tel: 01454 252 140 Email: info@aj-homes.co.uk ESTATE AGENT AND RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS Website: www.aj-homes.co.uk