fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
March, 2021 Issue 89
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Council unveils recovery budget SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has agreed a budget of more than £400 million to deliver public services next financial year, focusing on helping people to recover from the pandemic and rise to meet the challenges of the future. The Recover and Rise budget will further the council’s key priorities of improving school standards and outcomes for young people, improving infrastructure within local communities, and delivering value for money. The budget is balanced, despite the tough financial climate.
Vital support
The budget allows for vital support for residents hit hardest by Covid-19. It includes a £1 million resilience funding package to widen the support net for those who had previously been ineligible; £102,000 “surge funding” for expanding welfare debt advice; more support for domestic violence victims, and a pay boost targeted at the lowest paid council staff.
Children and young people
Improving school standards remains the council’s top priority. Following last year’s launch of its trailblazing Recovery Curriculum, the budget includes a £1.2 million investment to launch phase two. This phase will continue the essen-
tial work to help schoolchildren to catch up on lost learning and support their general wellbeing. The council’s capital investment into school buildings hits a new record with funding committed to ensuring new primary school buildings in Winterbourne, Frenchay and Lyde Green are low carbon, reflecting the council’s climate emergency commitments. Elsewhere, upgrades and improvements to buildings are planned across the district.
Adult social care
The council tax rate will rise by 4.99 per cent, which includes three per cent to be focused on boosting adult social care services. As normal life returns, the pressure on adult social care services will continue. The remaining 1.99 per cent increase will go towards protecting wider services. This means the South Gloucestershire Council element of Council Tax for a Band D property for 2021/22 will be £1,620.39 –an extra £1.48 per week.
Boosting communities
The budget includes investment in major projects such as purchasing the Thornbury Hospital site for plans for a brand-new healthcare facility for the town; £25 million regeneration plans for Kingswood Town Centre and completing the new Yate Park and Ride, due later this year.
Getting around
Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Employment Cllr Erica Williams at Courtney School in Kingswood
The council will continue its record investment in the local highway network, with millions more to be invested in resurfacing roads and filling potholes across South Gloucestershire. It is also supporting sustainable travel options and improving cycle and pedestrian routes.
Platinum Jubilee
To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, the council has
View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage
WELCOME - We’re proud to partner with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition that brings you our latest news. It focuses on our new ‘Recover and Rise’ budget, designed to help you overcome the challenges of the past year. At the same time, we’re prudently managing our finances on your behalf. The pandemic is particularly tough on children and young people. For this reason, we’re launching the next phase of our trail-blazing Recovery Curriculum, a new Youth Employment Hub, and we’re significantly increasing record investments in school buildings including rebuilding Frenchay Primary School. The budget also triggers infrastructure projects to further improve local communities, including regeneration of Kingswood Town Centre, purchasing the Thornbury Hospital site to secure its future, and the completion of the Yate Park and Ride. We will also continue record investment in highways and improve how we get around the area. allocated £50,000 to prepare an activities programme across South Gloucestershire.
More to help Cllr Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This last year has changed our day-to-day lives and the council and our services have had to adapt
to meet the needs of residents, businesses and communities in the wake of Covid-19. I am proud that through this budget we are doing even more to help residents and their families recover and to rise above the challenges over the past year, widening the safety net to offer much-needed help to more people. “
2
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Financial support
Protecting wellbeing SOCIAL distancing and self-isolating can be daunting for all of us so it’s really important that we look after our mental and physical health. The South Glos One You service for adults, offers advice and support to help keep well, covering a range of topics, from how to stay active at home, to maintaining mental health, tips on sleeping well, quitting smoking, healthy eating and getting enough to eat. The website
is oneyou.southglos.gov.uk or people can call 01454 865337. The South Glos Mind You website www. mindyou.org.uk has advice and information on mental health for young people and children and their parents and carers, including videos and webinars, and contact details of where to get more help.
MANY people are struggling financially at the moment. It’s important to know that there are benefits and grants available. For support on looking at which options are available, please book an appointment to speak to one of the South Glos One Stop Shop customer advisors www.southglos.gov.uk/ contactus or call 01454 868009.
Successful local vaccination rollout LAST month (February), saw the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area reach a major milestone, as all care homes had been offered the Covid-19 vaccination. As of 18 February, in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) area, 200,000 people had received their first dose. That success continues. To keep up to date on the rollout, please visit the BNSSG Healthier Together’s website bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk. When you qualify for a vaccine, you can book online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 free of charge, anytime between 7am and 11pm seven days a week. At the time of going to print, those aged over 65; clinically vulnerable adults with underlying health conditions and those who work in social care, providing hands-on support to those vulnerable to Covid-19, are eligible for a vaccine. Remember that no one will be asked to provide personal details as part of this process and no payment is required.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults and Housing, Cllr Ben Stokes visiting the Vaccination Clinic at West Walk Surgery in Yate
Free support for South Glos businesses SMALL Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Gloucestershire, and residents considering setting up their own business, can get up to 12 hours of free business support from the South Gloucestershire Business Support Service. It is offering group webinars, and
one-to-one business coaching (subject to assessment and availability). The publicly funded programme forms part of Universal Business Support – a West of England Combined Authority initiative, delivered in partnership with the council.
Webinars cover topics such as starting and planning a business, business strategy, digital marketing, social media, finance and more. All the webinars can be viewed on this webpage: www.coolventures.co.uk/ training/
fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
March, 2021 Issue 89
FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN
A champion of the children Dave's big win
A WINTERBOURNE grandad is celebrating a £30,000 lottery win. PAGE 11
Comic's serious message to kids A COALPIT Heath woman living with skin cancer has written a digital comic book series aimed at educating young children about the dangers. PAGE 10
Tax tops £2,000 Christine Marshall with her grandsons. TRIBUTES have been paid to a Coalpit Heath grandmother who lost her life to COVID-19. Christine Marshall, 68, was a governor at Watermore Primary School in Frampton Cotterell, where she was described as "a champion of the children and the staff". The former head teacher ran a school improvement business after she retired and also volunteered for schools and an adoption charity.
Her son Andrew Marshall-Aherne, a former Ridings High School pupil who is now a senior teacher himself, decided to raise money for Southmead Hospital Charity while his mum was being treated there. Since her death the fund has grown to more than £5,500. Turn to page 4
AVERAGE council tax bills in several Frome Valley villages will top £2,000 for the first time this year. PAGE 6
Junction danger
RESIDENTS say a Winterbourne road junction is dangerous and something needs to be done after a series of crashes. PAGE 9
Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
4
fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
April deadline
Our April deadline is March 17.
FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew
Ken McCormick
01454 800 120 contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk For advertising enquiries: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
Publisher
Editor
Fi Picton
Journalist
contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
Your views Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.
Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001
Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
A member of the
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
March, 2021
n NEWS
Coronavirus claims life of From page 3 Andrew, 36, who grew up in Coalpit Heath, wants the money to be used to support the well-being and mental health of nurses and doctors working at the hospital. Christine was treated on a ventilator in the intensive care unit for 18 days but couldn’t be saved. Her whole family caught the virus at the New Year and within days Christine, who was healthy with no underlying conditions, was unable to stand or move, was fighting for breath and had a temperature of 40C. After being admitted to hospital she developed secondary pneumonia and a lung infection. Andrew, who now lives in Lyde Green, said the care and compassion his family received from the hospital was exemplary. He said: “Despite the fact
the hospital was so full, the staff never made you feel rushed. “It was reassuring to see the patients being cared for so well. It was busy yet all the staff were calm. “At the end my dad and I were able to be with my mum at the hospital." Christine’s grandsons George, seven, and Jacob, four, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their beloved Granny, who devoted hours to baking with them at her home in Orchard Road. Andrew said: “We’ve been to see my dad, Richard, because he’s on his own for the first time after 40 years of marriage. The boys saw my mum’s car outside and couldn’t understand that she wasn’t there too. “They chose a flower arrangement that looked like a cupcake for her memorial because that’s what they associate with her.”
More than 100 deaths from COVID-19 this year MORE than 100 people from South Gloucestershire have died with COVID-19 since the start of the year. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 103 residents who had recently been diagnosed with the virus had died – 63 of them in hospital, 38 in care homes and two at home – in the six weeks to February 12. The number for 2021 so far is already more than a third of the total of 276 deaths with COVID-19 registered in the area during the whole of 2020. Deaths peaked during the week to January 29, when 43 people died – 22 in hospital and 21 in care homes. Rates of coronavirus infection have been falling through February, as the government sets out the route away from the latest lockdown. During the week to February 17 – the most recent for which figures were available as the Voice went to press – there were 326 cases recorded in South Gloucestershire, a case rate of 114.3 per 100,000 people. That was down from 1,153 five weeks previously, when the case rate stood at 404.4 per 100,000. In Frampton Cotterell there were six positive tests in the week to February 17, down from 18 in the week to January 13. In Winterbourne there were just three cases in the same week, down from 15 five weeks earlier. In the ONS Pucklechurch & Westerleigh area, which includes Coalpit Heath, there were 19 confirmed cases, down from 46 five weeks previously. In Charfield, Wickwar & Iron Acton there were six, down from 32. A meeting of the council's health scrutiny committee heard that outbreaks had peaked in January, after sharp rises in November and early December, with the most significant occurring in care homes, and deaths occurring two to three weeks after spikes of infection in the community.
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
5
n NEWS
granny and governor who will be 'greatly missed'
Christine Marshall with son Andrew Andrew began fundraising when his mother was admitted to hospital. Despite not being a regular runner, he vowed to run 10k every day until she came home and ran well over 100 miles before completing a final run on the day she died. Since her death, he has been amazed that 300 people have contributed to the fund and left kind messages for him and his
family, including their memories of his mother. Christine was a head teacher for 30 years before setting up a school improvement business and carrying out voluntary roles for schools. She also spent time volunteering for Bristol charity CCS Adoption. Andrew, who is assistant principal at King’s Oak Academy in Kingswood, said: “I was so
proud of the work she did and it inspired me to go into teaching myself. “She was so supportive when I was growing up. I swam competitively for Southwold swimming club in Yate, then later for Gloucester County, and every Saturday she would give up her day to drive me around to competitions and watch me. “I used to speak to her all the time and her death has left a huge hole in my day-to day-life.” Christine had been a governor at Watermore Primary School for four years up until her death. Deputy head Chris Hotchin said: “She has been a huge support to the school, helping to drive improvements and supporting teachers and leaders in a range of subjects. “Most importantly, though, was that she was a champion of the children and the staff. She always had the well-being of the whole team at the heart of
the things she wanted to do and constantly ensured that plans for the school had everyone’s interests at the forefront. “She was great at asking the important questions and supporting staff throughout her time here. Both her expertise and care will be greatly missed.” Andrew has agreed with the Southmead Hospital Charity that money raised will support the well-being of the front-line hospital staff. He said: “They have been working at this level for a year and must be exhausted. My husband, Craig, works at Royal United Hospital in Bath and I’ve seen how hard things have been for him and his colleagues. I hope this goes some way to saying thank you for the amazing care they gave my mum.” Andrew’s fundraising page is at justgiving.com/fundraising/ Andrew-marshall-aherne
WINDOWS, FASCIAS, CONSERVATORIES AND ROOFS CO
NG ALISI SPECI IAN AND D R A FS GU S ROO GLAS
AZED LE GLWS B U O O D WIND OORS AND D RARY
PVCu S ACEM OLID E SOIL S NT FASCIA S TACKS & CLAD GUTT DING ERIN SOFF G & ITS
REPL
RIES VATO NSER IN OSITE COMPORS DO Y OF T VARIE RS U COLO NS IG & DES
L EMPO CONT ADITIONA OR TR
R
WE S OOFING
ALL T PECIALIS YP E I INCLU ES OF ROO N DING F PITCH ING LONG ED & LIF FLAT R E RUBBER OOFIN G
sales@southernplasticlad.co.uk www.southernplasticlad.co.uk SHOWROOM OPEN MON - FRI 9am - 5pm SAT 9am - 12pm FREEPHONE 0800 542 6066 Unit 4 Ram Hill Business Park, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath BS36 2TZ TELEPHONE 01454 777 732 Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
6
March, 2021
n NEWS
Average council tax bill tops £2,000 for first time AVERAGE council tax bills in several Frome Valley villages will top £2,000 for the first time this year. Increases in charges from bodies including South Gloucestershire Council, parish councils, the police and fire service mean that a median Band D council tax payer in Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath or Iron Acton will see their bill rise above £2,000. Winterbourne and Rangeworthy Band D taxpayers' bills will be just under £2,000. South Gloucestershire Council's share of the bill is going up by 4.99%, the maximum allowed, to £1,620.39, from £1,543.37 last year. Of that rise, 1.99% will go to general services, such as street lighting, libraries and repairing potholes, and 3% will cover some of the growing costs of adult social care. The other major element of the increase is in policing.
Band D taxpayers will pay the police £241.20 in 2021/22, up £13.39 or 5.88 % on the previous charge. But that increase is a compromise on the £15 rise originally proposed by police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, which was vetoed. Avon Fire Authority's charge of £76.43 is £1.49, or 1.99%, up on last year. Overall bills vary according to the size of a property – in Frampton they vary from under £1,400 in Band A to more than £4,100 in the highest Band H. The amount residents pay also varies according to the size of the precept parish councils charge for their services, while there are also "special expenses" for neighbourhood services specific to each area added by South Gloucestershire. The more services provided in each area, the higher the bill. This means that while the Band D bill in Frampton
Cotterell will be a total of £2,083.21 from April – more than £113 up on last year's total of £1,969.47 – in Winterbourne it will be £1,995.36, almost £88 less than in Frampton but still around £113 more than last year. People living in Coalpit Heath come under Westerleigh Parish Council, and face a total bill of £2,000.95 in Band D. Frampton Cotterell Parish Council's total tax income is up by just 1%, from £340,959 to £344,369, and its £133.19 precept is only 96p higher than last year. The South Gloucestershire budget was described as the "most important in its 25-year history" by council leader Toby Savage when it was agreed in February. The Conservative administration says the more than £400 million spending
Frampton Garage South Glos Ltd.
Your local choice for vehicle repairs and maintenance
MOT’s £34.95 st Free Rete Services available: Diagnostics Tracking Auto-electrics Air-con Tyres • Bulbs Wipers Engine Work
Full services from £160+vat
Interim services from £130+vat Seasonal services from £70+vat Prices vary de pending on ma ke and model
Free courtesy car available
6 The Causeway, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2PD Tel: 01454 777841 www.framptongarage.com
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
agreed for the coming financial year puts the district on a firm footing to “recover and rise” from the pandemic, with a wide range of support for communities, families and young people. Labour joined the Conservatives in voting to approve the budget while the Liberal Democrats abstained. The Lib Dems proposed giving the climate emergency greater priority, in an amendment supported by Labour but voted down by the majority Tories, who also rejected a Labour amendment starting moves to ensure the council’s lowest paid staff receive the Real Living Wage. Budget meeting reporting by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Band D council tax bills 2021/22 Parish/ area Frampton Cotterell Iron Acton
Parish budget
Parish precept
Special expenses
Total council tax*
£344,369 £133.19 £12.00 £56,313 £94.42 £1.37
£2,083.21 £2,033.81
Rangeworthy
£12,500 £37.61 £3.84
£1,979.47
Westerleigh
£87,296 £58.46 £4.47
£2,000.95
Winterbourne
£185,350 £48.91 £8.43
£1,995.36
*Total bill is parish and special expenses charge, plus South Gloucestershire, police and fire charges. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council and Local Democracy Reporting Service
F. Woodruff
Family Funeral Directors 2 High Street, Winterbourne BS36 1JN Tel: 01454 773776 192 Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath BS36 2SX Tel: 01454 778838 118-120 Station Road, Yate BS37 4PQ Tel: 01454 320005 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
7
ADVERTISING FEATURE
n NEWS
'Selfish' Frampton teen fined over rave A TEENAGER from Frampton Cotterell has been fined for obstructing police at an illegal rave in Yate. Josh Samson, of Wylington Road, was one of five men who appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on the same day to face charges over the incident at the Stover Trading Estate, which was attended by up to 700 people on Halloween last year. The 18-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing police and failing to leave the area when requested. He was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £34 victim surcharge. At the court hearing in February, District Judge Lynne Matthews said Samson and the other defendants had risked their own health and that of others, including police officers and their families, for their own "selfish gratification" by attending an illegal event where the virus could spread. The court heard Samson had been drinking before deciding to go to the rave after hearing it from his home. He had shouted and sworn at police as they tried to stop him from getting in and escorted him away. After the case Detective Sergeant Harriet Drewett said: “These men were selfish in believing it was acceptable to attend an unauthorised music event during the midst of a pandemic, which has claimed thousands of lives. “Their irresponsible actions on that Halloween evening have left them with a criminal record and hopefully will act as a warning to others.” Another 15 people have also been fined for attending the event.
LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?
We offer you friendly, professional expert advice
Your LOCAL Solicitors offer you friendly professional expert advice FLEXIBLE TIMES FOR APPOINTMENTS • Family Law - Divorce & Separation • Child matters • Employment Law • Criminal Defence (Private) • Road traffic Offences • Litigation & Legal Disputes
FREE 30 MINUTE INITIAL MEETING
Local Apprentice Opportunities Plummet “MUST DO BETTER”: is the message from Labour’s Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris who has condemned the Conservative West of England Metro Mayor for failing on apprenticeships. Latest figures show that during the current Metro Mayor’s term of office the number of new apprenticeships in the West of England has plummeted. There are 1630 fewer in South Gloucestershire, North East Somerset, Bristol and Bath than when the Tory Mayor came to power. The Metro Mayor is responsible for apprenticeship cash and policy but around 65% of small businesses across the West of England have never used apprentices. Dan Norris said “Apprenticeship opportunities in the West of England are at their lowest level in 5 years. That’s not good enough. The Metro Mayor is failing to create the opportunities local young people need. Investing in training will be central to rebuilding our economy after the pandemic. If elected I will be a ‘jobs first’ Metro Mayor.”
Want to vote safely in May? Visit: www.postalvote. labour.org.uk
CONTACT US TODAY
0333 320 8600 www.bevanevemy.co.uk
Meet the team Tina Bennett
Lynn Bevan
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Stephanie Allen
Promoted by Paul Tucker on behalf of Dan Norris both at 136a Walcot St, Bath BA1 5BG
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
8
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
March, 2021
n NEWS
'I didnot realiseI wasEuropean' HELP is on hand for EU nationals and their families who live in South Gloucestershire. They now have less than 100 days to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to be able to continue living and working in the UK. Home Office figures show that not everyone knows they need to apply: 11,360 EU citizens living in South Gloucestershire have made the application, out of an estimated 17,000. After applying, 98% of successfully achieved either pre-settled or settled status. The multilingual team at Southern Brooks Community Partnership is raising awareness and giving individuals across South Gloucestershire support with all aspects of the EU settlement scheme. EU Brexit Development Coordinator Tamara Smith said: "Time is running out. So far we've helped many successful applicants, but we see a lot of cases where people didn't realise they need to apply. "Today we ask friends, colleagues, employers and neighbours of EU nationals to highlight the urgent need to apply and their right to remain in the UK. "We can support individuals through their application, but after June 30, people who have lived here for decades are at risk of becoming irregular migrants overnight." One mother of two, who had moved to the UK from Germany as a child in the 1940s and is technically a German national, said: "I did not realise I was European; I would never have thought Brexit applied to me." Groups likely to be excluded include older people, young people in care, children born here to EU parents, domestic violence victims (including those with an EU ex-partner) and temporary workers. Free multilingual support with applications is available from Southern Brooks Community Partnerships for South Gloucestershire residents by calling 07929 787 473 or emailing euss@southernbrooks.org.uk.
WORRIED ABOUT
BREXIT?
WE ARE HERE
TO HELP!
Tony Nelmes (left) in action for Frampton Athletic in around 1970.
Tributes to football stalwart A FRAMPTON Cotterell man who spent his life looking after a local playing field has died. Tony Nelmes started his association with Beesmoor Road Playing Fields as a player for Frampton Athletic, but carried on long after he hung up his boots. He was a member of the committee that looks after the running of the field until his death from cancer in January, at the age of 75. For many years Tony organised the Sunday morning car boot sale on the field in the summer, which raised much-needed funds. Nick Talbot, a former player with Frampton Athletic, told the Voice: “Tony was a great stalwart to Frampton Athletic FC, with his involvement spanning over 40 years. Either as a player, manager or member of the committee, Tony was always willing to help the football club. “He would rarely miss a game down at Beesmoor Road and was also keen to give encouragement to the team along with his strong opinion as to how they should be playing. A great and honest gentleman who'll be missed by so many people involved with the football club and beyond.” Kate Colechin, a fellow volunteer trustee at Beesmoor playing fields said: “Tony was an active committee member and for over 50 years worked really hard to look after the playing field and took on many of the practical tasks. He was completely dedicated to making sure that everyone enjoyed the space, which was a really important part of the village for him personally too. "He has supported football teams, organised car boot sales, emptied the bins around the field and in recent years Tony and his wife Cheryl were involved in serving refreshments at the village picnics raising funds for the play area redevelopment. "The committee is very grateful for his commitment and he will be missed."
Contact us if you are worried about how Brexit will affect you, or your family’s rights in the UK Deadline: 30th June 2021
Contact us via: euss@southernbrooks.org.uk www.southernbrooks.org.uk/brexit/ Tel. 079 717 977 70 or 079 297 874 73
With the support of:
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Flat for sale in Chipping Sodbury Very light and spacious living area, 2 large double bedrooms, 1 bathroom Walking distance to Chipping Sodbury High St, easy access to all local amenities of the town Quiet location with pleasant, well maintained gardens Parking facilities on site Perfect for independent early retired and early seventies
For details & viewing please contact
Milbury’s Estate Agents,
52 High Street Chipping Sodbury Tel 01454 318338
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
9
n NEWS
'Do something before someone dies' RESIDENTS say a road junction is dangerous and something needs to be done after a series of crashes. Maureen and Adrian Allen live opposite the junction of Trench Lane and Old Gloucester Road in Winterbourne. They say there are frequent accidents because drivers go too fast down Trench Lane, and the risk is heightened by the nearby stream flooding onto the road. The couple say a previous fatal crash could be repeated if nothing is done. Adrian said: “They come down the hill and they realise when they get down to the end that there’s a stop, and they put the brakes on, and go right over the lane and straight through our gate and fence. "We are just getting accident after accident.” The couple say a fatal crash happened before they moved in to the house in 2004, when it
was occupied by a relative and they were visiting. Maureen said: “I remember the helicopter coming and being on my hands and knees on the tarmac in the pouring rain, speaking to someone who wasn’t going to make it. I don’t want to be in that situation again.” The couple have had to replace their gate and gateposts several times. In the most recent incident a driver went straight across the Old Gloucester Road
WE BUY COLLECTABLES
HIFI
£
Maureen Allen at the junction and flattened a signpost, then immediately drove off. Previously a car has ended up in a ditch, flood markers have been hit, and a give way sign has been knocked down. Adrian and Maureen say the stream floods easily onto the road and despite being promised two years ago that it would be dredged, nothing has been done. They want to see more signs, speed cameras or humps to slow drivers down.
Adrian said: “I have photos of these accidents, but if no one is injured it doesn’t go down as an incident. These accidents happen at night and people clear off.” South Gloucestershire Council said it did not have recent records of collisions causing injury or damage to property. A spokesperson said: “We recently looked at this junction due to safety concerns raised by residents. As a result of these discussions we installed new signs and road markings on the approach to Old Gloucester Road.” Winterbourne councillors Trevor Jones and Nic Labuschagne said: “We have taken the matter to highways officers and have requested the road markings are reemphasised and the flooding issues around the drains are investigated.”
£
DJ GEAR
ANY ITEMS CONSIDERED CASH | PAYPAL | BANK TRANSFER 07817 450005 or 07976 827967
collectorcaveltd@gmail.com
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
10
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
n NEWS
Comic aims to save children from cancer danger A COALPIT Heath woman living with skin cancer has written a digital comic book series aimed at educating young children about the dangers. Maggie-May Hughes, 46, wrote the series R.E.D Squad HQ after surgery on her face left her feeling hopeless about her future. R.E.D stands for Radiation Exposure Defence, and the characters are radiation experts travelling through space, measuring solar radiation to help aliens protect their offspring from harmful rays. Like mumof-three and grandmother Maggie-May herself, they are all redheads and come from countries around the world with high rates of skin cancer. She said: "If I can inspire just one child Maggie-May Hughes to embrace these characters and see them as role models for protecting their skin, then a full time student at the University of the that’ll put a wonderfully wonky smile on my West of England at the time, money was tight, new face." but she spent a year saving up before seeing Maggie-May noticed a tiny white bump a private consultant for a second opinion in on her lip shortly after her 30th birthday, in 2009. 2004. Following her appointment she was She had a history of sunburn, and the diagnosed with a nodular basal cell lump grew bigger over the next few years, but carcinoma, and had to have immediate she was told it was benign. surgery to remove the centre of her top lip A single parent with teenage children and the2 nose downwards, leaving her "totally WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 23/09/2020 21:57from Page
devastated". Maggie-May said: “It was in this very moment that I realised I would never kiss anyone ever again. Ever. Period. Now that’s a profound realisation to have at 35. “I was paranoid that I could somehow pass on one of those sneaky cancer cells and, I don’t want to make myself cry here, but I’ve never kissed my grandchildren.” For years Maggie-May withdrew from the world but when COVID-19 arrived last year she realised that life was too short, and wanted to put her experience to use. She said: “I knew that I needed to help prevent future skin cancers because it’s not just physical, there can be long-lasting social and emotional side effects too.” Maggie-May has since been told that she will need further surgery. Her digital comic book series is available monthly from May, which is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It will raise funds for YPFaceIT.co.uk, a UWE and Bristol University project providing online support for young people with conditions which affect their appearance. More information can be found online at redsquadhq.com.
willowbrookshopping.co.uk
t r a t s h Fr BRADLEY STOKE SHOPPING
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
11
n NEWS
Dave's £30,000 win is a 'lovely surprise' A WINTERBOURNE grandad is celebrating a £30,000 lottery win. Dave Anderson has described his windfall as a "lovely surprise" after finding out in a video phone call with People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Jeff Brazier. Dave, who has four grandchildren, was one of two winners in Dragon Road whose postcode – BS36 1BH – came up in the latest draw. The other £30,000 winner has chosen to stay anonymous. Dave, who is originally from Greenock in Scotland but has lived in England for more than 40 years, is currently living in a bubble with his daughter Mel to support her with childcare while she and her husband work. The 72-year-old retired miner said: "This is such a lovely surprise – I never expected to win as much as this! “If I wasn’t sitting down I would definitely have fallen over with the shock of all this. It’s just fantastic news. “It’s been a really strange few months, but I have loved getting all this extra time with my grandchildren and I can’t wait to spoil
Dave Anderson receives news of his big win via a video call them now I’ve won this money.” Once it is possible to travel again, Dave plans to visit his niece in Australia, where he lived for a while. Although he cannot take his family out for a meal he planned to treat them to a celebratory takeaway. TV presenter Jeff said: "It was great to
virtually meet Dave and present him with his cheque. It sounds like he has adventurous plans with his winnings, and I hope he has an amazing time in Australia when he’s able to travel.” People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which raises money for charities. Players sign up, enter their postcode and pay £10 per month to take part. They are automatically entered into a draw every day of the month, ranging from £10 to a share in a £3 million monthly draw. A minimum of 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities, and players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £600 million to date for thousands of good causes in Britain and beyond. The draw won by Dave was promoted on behalf of Postcode Animal Trust, which aims to educate, support and promote animal welfare and conservation, and demonstrate the enjoyment that animals bring to people’s lives. The Trust supports charities and good causes with those purposes through grant funding.
If it's News - Email us at: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk • Trusted reputation • Huge choice of doors, worktops appliances, sinks & taps
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A KITCHEN MAKEOVER BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW
FAMIL Y BUSIN RUN ESS
• Free planning & design service • Door swaps to full kitchens – tailored to your needs
20 21
D D 11/12 The Promenade, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL
NEW
0117 944 3223
YEAR ,
NEW
Call for a free estimate on: BEFORE
KITCH
EN
AVERAGE SCORE
9.8/10
www.dreamdoors.co.uk
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
®
THE UK’S #1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER EXPERTS
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
We are FACE – the Foundation for Active Community Engagement – we are a registered charity which runs several youth and community activities across the area. We have over 50 years’ experience providing quality youth work. FACE receive funding from the Parish Council and have been supporting the young people of Frampton Cotterell for a few years now and continue to develop the youth provision to meet the needs of the young people. Who are we? The current team are Dawn, Jess and Kat and we are currently recruiting more staff and volunteers over the next few months. Where are we? The wider organisation is based in Filton – and the youth workers have a base at The Brockeridge Centre and operate all over the village. What we do? Youth provision has evolved over the last year or so and has been working around the current guidelines set out for the COVID-19 restrictions. This has meant services and support has changed and it is hoped less restrictions will mean more indoor provision can be provided.
Youth Projects are: • Detached and Outreach work – Youth workers have been contacting young people who are out in the area and offering support. • Online Youth Club – this is running on Thursday evenings for young people from year 6 to 10 – fun activities, discussions and a chance to keep in touch with friends • Centre based youth clubs – this will be on Tuesdays for Juniors and Thursdays for Seniors at The Brockeridge Centre when restrictions allow. • After school youth café – this will be opening when restrictions allow and offer a safe space for young people after school to meet with friends and speak to the youth workers. • Youth Council – this is a newly established group of young people who are currently working on several projects in the community and developing ways to support young people in the area. They were recently awarded funding for hoodies and t shirts from the Parish Council to help promote themselves and encourage new members. They also took part in the Christmas window display. • 1 to 1 support – we are offering support sessions during lockdown for young people who may need some extra support, advice and guidance around issues currently affecting them. We have seen
Maintenance To look after the parish buildings and open spaces
8% Community Buildings Updating and improving the energy efficiency of our buildings
Community Spaces Conserving our green spaces and helping nature
Band D will pay £2.56 per week Community Services
Project Management Managing our community projects
8%
16% 13%
Community grants, youth services and community safety
22% 1% 32%
an increase in mental health issues and young people relating to the current climate around the lockdown and isolation. • School holidays activities – the youth work team will be providing accessible activities for young people to engage in during several weeks of the school holidays. We are always looking to develop the provision and are looking at recruiting local volunteers in the area that have a belief in young people and are willing to support some of our projects.
Check us out on: Facebook: FACE Charity Instagram: faceframpton
For further information on youth work in the area please contact Dawn Young on dawn@facecharity.org.uk or 07398153547 If you are a young person or know of a young person that may want to join the Youth Council or be part of the online youth club, please contact Jess on frampton@facecharity.org.uk or 07398166937
Would you like to make a difference?
Your Parish Council's Budget 2021/22 Budget of £371,500
NEWS FROM
Heritage Looking after our dry stone walls
Support Services Managing supporting Managing and supporting theCouncil Council and the and parishioners the parish
The Parish Council has enthusiastic Parish Councillors that care about the people and environment of Frampton Cotterell and would like you to join them to help with delivering its projects. There are currently six vacancies and there are plenty of projects and opportunities in which to get involved in making Frampton Cotterell an even better place to live, work, and visit Being a Parish Councillor can be rewarding, it does not have to be time consuming and you can use and expand your skills and experiences to make a difference. Ever wondered what a Parish Council meeting is like? I am glad to say they are not like the ‘Jackie Weaver’ parish council meetings! We welcome the public to attend, details can be found on the Notices section of the website or on the noticeboards. You can attend using the Zoom link or telephone in using the number on the agenda notice. If you are interested in being a Parish Councillor, the projects, or anything else we do, then please visit our website www.frampton-cotterell-pc. gov.uk , contact the Clerk on clerk@framptoncotterellpc.gov.uk , or ring 01454 864442. We would love to hear from you.
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
13
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Window displays were out of this world FANTASTIC! What an incredible display of windows in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath for Village Action’s event over February half-term. In keeping with the Beyond Our Planet theme, they were definitely ‘out of this world’, with diverse interpretations and a variety of materials (with much recycling) adding to the effect and enjoyment. There were amazing creatures, brilliant flying objects, splendid space scenes, famous sci-fi films – and even two wonderful changing light shows. Glad that I wrapped up warm and didn’t miss any of them – with the added delight of a child’s shriek of excitement coming through the darkness as they spotted a window. All ages were involved and there was evidence of art, craft, science, technology, maths and problem solving – plus obvious patience from some! It’s interesting
Some of the sci-fi displays in this year's Window Fun event to hear the reactions and enjoyment from residents both participating in decorating their own window and in viewing the efforts of others. People used everything from card to old bed sheets and glow-inthe-dark stars. One first-time exhibitor described making their display as
"an enjoyable and relaxing family activity for a cold, winter weekend". A 16-year-old did some "very complex maths" to ensure the planets in a display were to scale. And people who followed the trail said it was "a real pleasure walking round our village, spotting the wonderful windows on display", and they were "impressed
with the creativity". If you'd like to suggest a theme for next year's event, which will be publicised after January 1 2022, please contact Village Action via the website www.villageaction.org. uk or Facebook @FCVillageAction. Jen Dunford Village Action
DISCOVER WHAT COLSTON’S CAN OFFER YOUR CHILD Join our
Whole School Virtual Open Morning Friday 30th April from 9.30am To register, visit www.colstons.org/visiting-colstons Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
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 • Julie – General Manager
Telephone 01454 312726 or Email info@heathersnursinghome.co.uk
www.3abcare.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
n NEWS
The damaged bollard in Hovers Lane. Picture: Chris Horne.
Anti-tipping bollard flattened within days A BOLLARD installed to stop fly-tipping on a popular bridle path in Frampton Cotterell was flattened only days after being installed. The collapsible and lockable bollard was put up in Hovers Lane, where it joins Frampton End Road, after a multiple incidents of rubbish being dumped there. Bollards were put in at the other end of the lane, where it meets the Bristol Road, to stop fly tippers coming in from that side. South Gloucestershire Council carried out the work installing the collapsible bollards in early February after an agreement was reached between landowners and local councillors who were trying to resolve the problem of rubbish being dumped there. The aim was to enable walkers and horse-riders to continue using the bridle path, while also enabling vehicle access for the landowner and the council. But by the middle of the month one had been flattened, allowing unauthorised vehicles to get in to the lane again. South Gloucestershire Frampton Cotterell ward councillor Claire Young, who worked to ensure the council took action, said: “Many thanks to the team who installed the bollards in very challenging ground conditions. "For too long this lane has been blighted by fly tipping, which is an eyesore, a danger to wildlife and expensive for landowners and the council to clear up. “It is disappointing that the bollards have already been damaged. "We have raised this with the council, who are looking into possible solutions. "We will of course also continue to push for action on Frampton End Road and other hotspots in the area.” A council spokesperson said the authority was aware of the damage and is looking in to how it can sort out the problem. The council says it has a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and pursues those identified through the courts. It has recently toughened up on all environmental crimes, with officers due to carry out regular patrols wearing body cameras. People will also be issued with fixed penalty notices with fines ranging from £80-£300, for littering and other offences. Anyone with any information about fly tipping should contact streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or call the StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 8683000.
15
MOT & SERVICING COSTS TO MAKE YOU SMILE SERVICE FROM £99 MOT FROM £35
*
my c
my car • my choice • my garage
ThIS MONTh’S SpEc
EMERSONS GREEN 301 Farendell Road, SpEcIAL OFFErS Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FF T: 0844 846 3562
Car & Car & Van ThIS MONTh’S
OT ONLY M Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
*
KINGSWOOD Station Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 4XX T: 0844 846 3563
MOT ONLY
Se
Service Centre 99 * Book online at: www.mygaragebristol.co.uk
£39.
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
£
aj homes
ww
www.aj-homes.co.uk
Winterbourne Down £500,000
Frampton Cotterell £300,000 (o.i.e.o.)
Detached Character Cottage 2 Bedrooms Dining Room
Modern Townhouse Four Bedrooms First Floor Lounge Semi Detached
Living Room Kitchen/Breakfast Room Private Gardens Detached Garage
01
01454 252 140
Frampton Cotterell £430,000 (o.i.e.o.) EPC
B
14’ Kitchen/Dining Room Cloakroom En-Suite to Master Bedroom
Detached House
EPC
Four Bedrooms
D
Three Reception Rooms Conservatory Utility Room & Cloakroom Two En-Suites Garage & Parking
FramptonWinterbourne Cotterell £450,000 (o.i.e.o.)£625,000
● ● ● ●
Detached House Detached Family Home 64 Bedrooms Bedrooms Reception Rooms 33 Reception Rooms 15’ Kitchen/Breakfast 30' Kitchen/Family Room
● ● ●
Stapleton £460,000 Detached Family House Four Bedrooms Two Reception Rooms Conservatory
Frampton Cotterell £450,000 Frampton Cotterell £280,000 (o.i.e.o.)
Rear Garden
27' Master Bedroom & Balcony Room Double Garage Parking for Numerous cars Views Over Green Belt Farm Land Garage Private Development Of Only 4 Houses ●
Executive House Gas●Central HeatingDetached Semi Detached Home ● Deceptively Spacious Three Bedrooms No Onward Chain W/C & En-suite ● Two Receptions ●
Semi Detached Home 3 Bedrooms Open Plan Kitchen/Diner Living Room
Shower Room & Bathroom Garage & Parking MUST BE VIEWED
● ● ●
●
Cloakroom, Utility Room & Study En-suite & Family Bathroom Large Driveway & Garage
Frenchay £125,000 Top Floor Studio Apartment 1 Bedroom No Onward Chain
Separate Kitchen Ideal Investment White Bathroom Suite Off Street Parking
EPC
●
E
Winterbourne Down £279,950 ●
Victorian Semi Detached Three Bedrooms 24' Lounge/Dining Room 15' Kitchen
Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk ●
●
Conservatory Garage En-suite & Family Bathroom Beautifully Presented Double Garage Large Rear Garden
C
Coalpit Heath £359,950 Detached Family House 4 Double Bedrooms 29' Dual Aspect Lounge 16' Kitchen/Breakfast Room
●
●
Winterbourne £349,950
Kitchen/Breakfast Room Cloakroom & Utility Room En-Suite to Master Bedroom
EPC
●
Four Bedrooms
●
● ● ●
LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
● ● ● ●
Breakfast Area Circa 160ft Rear Garden Single Garage Workshop/Shed
Lettings Dept. 0145
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
17
n NEWS
Fairy and elf hunt boosts pre-school A PRE-SCHOOL sent children on a magic quest over the holidays – and raised hundreds of pounds into the bargain. The committee at the Crossbow Pre-School charity in Frampton Cotterell decided to build on the success of their Easter Egg trail, which has been running for seven years, by holding a fairy and elf hunt for the February half-term. Members of the committee made and handdecorated tiny houses for the elusive magical creatures and asked families to follow clues to find them, along with letters making up a mystery word, at various places around the Hillyfields area, with the permission of the landowner. A dragon also appeared on the trail, courtesy of a 3D printer the fundraisers used to create it. People paid £2.50 to enter the competition, with an extra drawing competition also offered for 50p. As the Voice went to press the trail had raised more than £600, with an auction of the fairy and elf houses underway to add more to the total. All money raised will go towards resources for the pre-school, including making improvements to the outdoor play space the children use. Louise Shortman, from the committee, said: "It was something that families could do together over the half-term break to get children outdoors in a safe environment.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has made it very hard to fundraise, particularly given the difficult circumstances many members of our community have found themselves in. "The Crossbow Christmas bazaar and other regular events haven’t been able to go ahead, however, the support for virtual events from our local community has been fantastic!" Anyone who missed the trail but would still like to donate to support the children at Crossbow can make a donation online at app.offspring.co/ crossbowfairy. The pre-school's next fundraiser will be the Easter egg trail planned for the next holidays.
Traveller site plan PLANS to turn a paddock between Winterbourne and Downend into pitches for travellers have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. The site at Bury Hill Lane, near Hambrook, would be converted into pitches for two mobile homes and two touring caravans, along with two dayrooms in permanent structures, if the change of use application is approved. The land currently has permission for use in agriculture and the keeping of horses. Spaces to park four vehicles are also included in the plans, submitted by a firm of Surreybased architects on behalf of applicant Dean Smith. The plans can be viewed and commented on at the planning section of the council's website, by searching for application P21/00326/F.
Takeaway Menu - Collection Only Served Friday & Saturdays 5-8.30pm & Sunday 12-3pm
Direct Funeral for £1545 Complete Funeral for £3459 Established independent Female Funeral Director
8 Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6BQ
Home visits welcome
Please call: 0117 9564796 24-hr service 7 days a week
www.jamiesonfunerals.com
The Grapevine Brasserie, St James Pl, Mangotsfield BS16 9JB You can view our menu on our website, Instagram or Facebook To place an order you can call us Friday & Saturday from 4.30pm or Sunday from 11.30am : 0117 9570614 Message us any time via Instagram or Facebook Email us any time on: info@grapevinebrasserie.co.uk Please leave us these details on ordering: Name | Day & time of collection | If ordering a burger state if you want cheddar cheese, blue cheese, vegan cheese or none | Any other special requests Payments are made via cash or card on collection
The Grapevine Brasserie www.grapevinebrasserie.co.uk
With our other sister company “MOKKA” on Downend High Street still waiting for the go ahead to open, for now we will continue to focus on the Grapevine and it’s takeaways until both can officially fully open. We hope to see you all soon, take care, team GVB.
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
18
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Floral Friends of Frampton THE Hellebores in the Beesmoor border have come into bloom – and the recent snow showed them off to perfection! The crocuses are out in the park and other bulbs are beginning to pop up around the village – let’s hope it’s not too long before we have a display of daffodils to brighten up the dull days. If you can help to maintain the planting around the village benefiting the local community, the environment, and the wildlife, there are various ways in which you can do so, form maintaining planters and replenishing plants to fundraising and sponsorship. If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@ gmail.com
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Winterbourne Medieval Barn WHILE waiting for Boris to announce how the lockdown will unfold, Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust has not organised any new in-person events but has been getting creative with online events – and the Medieval Movement one in March is one of the most unusual exercise-athome ideas. Ever wanted to know what dance was like back in medieval times? Now’s your chance to find out. Each day from March 1 to 5, at 10am, a video will go up on the Winterbourne Medieval Barn YouTube channel showing a section of a medieval dance. Join us each day, and we'll put it all together at the end of the week. You don’t need experience or specialist equipment, just bring your bodies: we’ll show you standing and seated versions, so however you move, we can do it together! You can also join in on our Facebook page and website. We are also running a decoupage lampshade making course on March 6 - visit the barn website www.winterbournebarn.org.uk for more details. An online Zoom talk tracing the history of English spelling, on March 23 at 7pm, will provide answers for anyone who wonders why words like son and sun sound the same but are spelt differently; why we write ‘c’ in choice but ‘s’ in choose; why we pronounce busy as though the first letter was an ‘i’ not a ‘u’; in other words, why the English spelling system is so irregular, quirky and seemingly unpredictable at times. If that is the case, this talk is definitely for you – more details at the website. It is hoped that the trust will be able to restart community events in person after Easter, and there are plans for an Easter egg hunt, various craft workshops, nature walks, talks, tours, and music events when these are allowed. Please keep checking the website or Facebook page for updates as the covid situation eases. WMBT will also continue to put resources online, particularly things for families and education. Louise Harrison
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
19
n NEWS
Festival cancelled THIS year's Frampton Festival has been cancelled. Organisers of the popular event, last held in 2019, say uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing issues with its regular venue, the Centenary Field, mean the festival, which usually takes place in mid-July, will take another year off. The organising committee issued a statement which said: "Taking our lead from Glastonbury, the Frampton Festival will be taking a break during 2021, due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. "The festival committee are working with Frampton Cotterell Parish Council to secure the use of the Centenary Field for the return of the festival in mid July 2022. "Currently access to the Centenary Field is partially blocked, but it is hoped that this can be resolved by the time the festival returns in 2022." Problems with access to Centenary Field and a lack of alternative venue meant that the festival had already been cancelled by the time the coronavirus pandemic led to last year's lockdown restrictions. The volunteer-run festival usually offers a range of activities and entertainments from fairground rides for toddlers, circus acts and rock bands to a spectacular evening firework display. It also offers an opportunity for local charities and community groups to have a stall at the festival for fundraising and the Saturday is followed by an open-air church service the following day. The festival is funded by income from advertising, sponsorship, donations, grants and collections on the gate, with support from groups including scouts and guides, and regular suppliers who give goods and services.
India Pool with one of her creations
Lockdown love A CRAFTER from Winterbourne has been leaving tiny macrame creations and poems to spread some happiness around the area. India Pool has created the macrame hearts as part of what she calls a "lockdown love" campaign, with the intention that people find them and keep them. India, who has worked as a theatre producer and events manager and is currently crafting while studying to be a financial adviser. She said: "I’ve been leaving macrame hearts with a handwritten poem all over Winterbourne, Frampton, Coalpit Heath and Bristol city centre, to bring joy to the communities in this hard lockdown. "Crafting really helps my mental health and I absolutely love making things for others." India also makes fairy doors, felt figures and key rings and exhibits her creations on her website Indiajadecreations.co.uk
WE’RE HERE
FOR YOU
0117 969 2638
Patchway Dental Practice
We have the full government suggested PPE in place to keep you and your family safe On-Site Parking Paid Dental Plans Well established Friendly and Professional WE ARE OPEN AND AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS NOW
www.patchwaydental.co.uk
Find us on Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
ST. ALDAMS FARM NURSERY EST. 1973
BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER
THE BEST PLANTS AT THE BEST PRICES
PANSIES 25 PLANTS £6.00
PERENNIALS From £6.00
PRIMROSES 15 PLANTS £6.00
PANSY BASKETS £7.00
LARGE SELECTION OF CERAMIC POTS
HEATHERS £2.00
ERIN MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST Top Quality
£6.00 each or 3 for £15
SEE OUR SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS staldamsnursery.co.uk
OPEN 7 DAYS - 9am - 5pm
Look forward to your visit. Come and find us on The Westerleigh Road between Pucklechurch village and the Westerleigh Crematorium
WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
21
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Joys of spring at the Frome Valley Growing Project
AS the spring begins to spring, we are planning all sorts of wonderful here at the Frome Valley Growing Project. We saved thousands of seeds from last year and were given many more through the Bristol Seed Swap scheme. Seed saving cuts down on our costs, fine tunes the varieties best suited to our growing conditions and offers food security. Growing will really get going once we put up our new polytunnel next month, and we can’t wait. This year we plan to develop a medicinal herb garden, composting loos and perennial vegetable plots. Our hope is to provide locally-grown food not just for members but also to local residents, in return for a donation, and to organisations tackling food poverty. This winter has been long and hard but the increasing biodiversity on our site has brought so much joy. We are developing a variety of microhabitats that are attracting lots more wildlife. We have seen
woodpeckers and finches and also now have a resident water vole. The bees are safely tucked away for winter: we are looking forward to them waking up soon. We have begun to plant our 'food forest', which mimics a
natural habitat by using layered planting like in a woodland or rainforest. Lots of different plants serve different functions, either to provide food, medicine or materials like wood, or to feed the soil. We are grateful for much
help from local experts, and Winterbourne Parish Council and One Planet Matters both generously donated the money for the first trees planted. We have purchased a variety of fruit and nut trees, mainly local varieties from local tree growers, including a Winterbourne Magnum Plum! Tree planting is very dirty work but well worth it: in a couple of years' time we hope to have fruit galore and be inviting you all to come to one of our community fruit picking days. Due to COVID restrictions we have not been able to invite volunteers recently, but as soon as that changes we are looking forward to welcoming new faces and old to come and help us get ready for the next growing season. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member please get in touch. Search for Frome Valley Growing Project on Facebook or email thegrowingproject123@gmail.com. Kate Macdonald
Help Bristol Build Back Better Invest in clean, community-owned energy. Share offer now open. Our co-op has been developing community-owned, green energy generation in the Bristol area since 2011. In that time, we’ve raised over £12million, installed over 9MWp of solar and battery assets, and facilitated over £250,000 of community benefit payments. To invest and find out more: Visit: www.bristolenergy.coop Email: invest@bristolenergy.coop
Call: 07503 372 689 Tweet: @briznrg
With investments, capital is always at risk.
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
22
March, 2021
n LOCAL MP
Delivering the best schools is an absolute priority AS we look to build back better and recover from the coronavirus pandemic, and with our children returning to their vital studies back at school, investing in South Gloucestershire’s education is more important than ever. It is an absolute priority to deliver the very best schools for our children. As part of our positive plan, we have overseen the rebuild of Watermore Primary School, with the brand-new school buildings standing proudly in the village. I was delighted to have helped secure the extra funding from Government to complete this project in one single phase. The school and governors did an incredible job in making the rebuild a reality. I am also thrilled at the news that our campaign to deliver a new secondary school
in Lyde Green has succeeded, having now secured the necessary funding through the Government’s Free Schools Programme. With the communities' support we took this campaign directly to the Secretary of State for Education and held a debate in the House of Commons to get the bid over the line. Having identified and secured a suitable site, plans for the new 900-place secondary school can now move onto the next important stage, with planning permission set to be determined imminently. The school will have 900 secondary places, so that children in Lyde Green, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and the neighbouring villages can attend a brand new school nearer home. The new school will
Emergency Number: 07798 905337 KEEP IT IN YOUR MOBILE
Lock Stuck
and Barrels
The complete door & window specialist
Locked Out? Need to replace or change your locks? ■ Swift low cost emergency service to all home and commercial lock-outs ■ Non destructive entry methods gaining entry quickly and efficiently from the initial call ■ Keys or handbag stolen? Burgled? Need your locks changed or re-keying on a new home? Call us.
focus on engineering and digital technology across all age groups, developing employability skills for older students, and will also provide an inclusive environment for children with autism. Locally, we are not just seeing investment for new schools either, as maintenance work has been announced for many of our rural schools, including in Frampton Cotterell, Old Sodbury, Iron Acton, Wickwar and Rangeworthy. Building this Lyde Green secondary school is a key part of our positive plan for schools and family life in South Gloucestershire. This is alongside ensuring that we get our fair share of school funding, building two new primary schools in Yate, redeveloping Castle School in Thornbury, building a new special school
Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice
at Marlwood, improving special needs provision and ensuring the implementation of £79 million of repairs and upgrades for South Gloucestershire schools. As a local father educated in state schools in South Gloucestershire, I am determined to deliver my positive plan for our schools: building new schools, delivering the very best resources, technology and buildings for our children to learn and thrive in.
Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury
Independent traditional nursery open to the public and serving the trade Over 1,000 potted trees in stock Specimen trees and shrubs for screening Shrubs, Herbaceous perennials and Wild flowers Fruit trees and soft fruit Quality plants for your projects
ALSO: Low cost repair/replacement of uPVC ALUMINIUM WINDOW & DOOR: LOCKS, HINGES, HANDLES & MISTED UP/BROKEN DOWN DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS Full explanation and costs given before any works carried out. All work fully guaranteed. No call-out fee
Call Dave on 07798 905337 www.thebristollocksmith.co.uk Based locally in South Glos
Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664
www.landcaretrees.co.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
23
n MOTORING
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second-hand Style No cars, no lamp posts – go off road in spring
WITH apologies to Tom Lehrer (he’s still alive!), spring is not yet here. And life, of late, has been neither skittles nor beer. However spring does, without fail, get me dreaming about motorbikes. Riding in temperatures of less than 10 degrees is painful, but in spring…each year I try and justify buying a bike, an objectively insane notion given that my demographic is right in the sweet spot of over-confidence and intensive care. Or worse. But what about off-road bikes? No cars in the way, no buses or lamp-posts to hit. No concrete, kerbs or pedestrians. Off-roading is heaven, and off road bikes become my favourite thing in the world by April. Funny thing is, no-one seems to buy them any more. Peak sales for off-roaders in the UK was the late 80s and throughout the 90s, which coincided with the main manufacturers getting these bikes just about ‘right’. They looked ace, were lightweight, powerful and well built for trail riding. Such machines are now attracting high prices as nascent classics, which makes me feel old. It also makes me pleased, now that others are starting to recognise how good these bikes are. So this month I’m sharing my top 4 springtime ‘classic’ off road bike recommendations with you. First a word of warning: twenty years ago I bought a ‘D’ reg (1987) Honda XR600R for £850 from an architect in Putney. It is this month’s picture, and it is wonderful.
I do not recommend this bike to you. It was never officially imported here, and for good reason. The ‘600’ figure, like all numbers I mention below, represents the engine size, so 600cc. This is too big and powerful for the sort of riding you will do off road in the UK. Bikes this size are built for the outback of Australia, fire roads of California and, in my case, the under-construction mud of the new A120. It was kick-start only – never again. If you dropped it, both carburettors flooded and it had to be left to stand for five minutes before it would start again. I loved that bike, but I wouldn’t buy it again and nor should you. Better to go smaller and lighter, for the narrow trails and steep muddy banks that you will be riding on. First up the Yamaha DT125. Two stroke, powerful when derestricted, very attractive to thieves back in the 90s. Kurt Benson rode one in Hollyoaks. An incredibly cool bike for a 17 year old. However, two strokes are pretty anti-social, and they need a load of maintenance if thrashed. So my remaining choices are thumpers rather than screamers. Next up is the Suzuki DR350. Probably the best compromise here, as it works nicely on-road as well as off. Softly sprung, enough power (c.30hp) without being too much and an electric start on some models. Much better looking than the DR400 that replaced it. I don’t think there is a better bike to learn to wheelie on.
Recommended. However, for the same power and a bit less weight try and track down the mean green Kawasaki KLX250. Stick to the original 1990s version, with the rectangular headlamp. I rode the current model a few years ago, and it just didn’t have the manic power delivery of the earlier nut-job 90s effort. If you want serious power and all your neighbours to hate you, look to the Kawasaki KDX range. Two-stroke insanity, with 40hp and properly feather-weight. The winner, and the bike I should have bought instead of the XR600, is Honda’s XR400. Same bike but less weight, an electric start (hooray!), officially imported so plenty of supply, and
enough power to ride on A-roads if required. They aren’t cheap though – prices reflect how good they are. Remember, motorcycles don’t depreciate like cars do. This bike is simple enough to service at home, with all the mechanical parts accessible. Honda just build their bikes better than the competition, with superb design, fit and finish. The flip side is a reputation for being a bit boring, but trust me, Honda XRs are anything but. Get out there! What to pay: Honda XR400 1996-2003 - £3,000.
Will Writing Will Writing & & Estate Planning Estate Planning A Will protect your your family’sfamily’s inheritance A Willlets letsyou you protect inheritance and decide youryour assets are shared out – if out you – if you and decidehow how assets are shared don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.
WEB-CAM
WILLS
Please feel free Please feel free to call us during call on: us during officetohours
hours 0117office 952 0698
on:
or email 0117 952 0698 info@elm-online.co.uk www.elm-online.co.uk
or email
info@elm-online.co.uk We have teamteam of We havea aBristol-based Bristol-based of trained trained Willawriting consultants whocan now We have Bristol-based team Will writing consultants who Mirror Wills Single Or www.elm-online.co.uk can now provide the same personal of trained Will writing consultants provide the same personal face to face face to face meetings via our Couples FROM £99.00 who provide a and, home visiting serviceand, meetings via our Web-Cam-Wills Web-Cam-Wills subject to health and safety, canto take your instructions in can the still subject safety, we and wehealth can stilland provide a homevisiting service to take your instructions in We have ayour Bristol-based team comfort own home. provide aofhomeMirror Wills Single Or the comfort of your own home. visiting service to writing take of trained Will consultants Couples FROM £99.00 your instructions the visiting Making Secure Plansservice for Uncertain Futures who provide a inhome comfort of your own and can take your instructions in the home.
Will Writing & Estate Planning
comfort of your own home.
A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out – if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures Please feel free to call us during Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk office hours on: 0117 952 0698
24
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne Afternoon WI
Coalpit Heath WI
look forward to being able to get together once we are able. Over 40 hearts were made again this year for the NICU ward. These are left in cots for the babies to give to their mums on Mother’s Day. Any updates and further information will be on our Facebook page, @WICoalpitHeath. Caroline Johnston
Frampton Cotterell WI
WINTERBOURNE Afternoon WI members are showing their support for the NHS and especially the nurses at the Bristol Children's Hospital by baking a continuous supply of delicious cakes for their breaks. There are about eight members baking at the moment: we started in the New Year, mainly because we wished the staff to know we are all supporting them in whichever way we can. I have a personal link nurse and she is my "cake runner", taking one or two in each week on her shift – here are some of her colleagues, who wished to thank us. Lesley Sharman
THE WI is a founding member of the Climate Coalition, whose aim is to highlight the problems that climate change is causing. Every February since 2015, green hearts have been used to show support for a cleaner, greener world. Coalpit Heath WI added a large green heart made from foliage to the fence on Badminton Road over the half term this year, which we hope will start conversations about climate change and what we can all do to protect the world we love. News feels much more hopeful this month, as the number of members receiving their first inoculation increases weekly. As a result we are provisionally mapping out future meetings and
THIS February the WI committee has been working behind the scenes again – this time on a little Valentine’s themed surprise for our members! A gift bag was distributed to members’ homes, containing a bespoke WI flower pot, soil, freesia corms and a “Show the Love” card. The idea is that members will nurture the plants and post photos on our Facebook page. We hope that by the time the plants flower we will know when we might all be able to meet again in person. Many members have had their vaccinations and we're all impressed and grateful for the speed and organisation that has gone in to the UK vaccination programme — our thanks go out to the NHS and volunteers who have helped to make this happen, as it means that each day really does bring us a step closer to being able to meet again as a WI. We’re planning on continuing with a monthly online Zoom quiz in March, and in May we may be able to meet up, even if that’s outside.
For the best in eye care Full eye examinations and retinal photography Qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians A wide range of glasses available in store Call today to book an appointment
01454 775530
3 Whitegates, Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne BS36 1JX
Passenger AssistantAssistant required by local Passenger
required by local community transport provider. Escorting children on community transport provider. Escorting a mini-bus to and am andto pm. 20 hrsfrom per week Monday to children onfrom a school, mini-bus and school, Friday term time only. Full training provided, successful candidate must am and pm. 20 hrs per week Monday to be prepared to have full DBS (security checking), immediate start. Full Friday termCovid time only. competitive Full training PPE will be supplied, compliant, rates of pay.
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
provided, successful candidate must be prepared to have fullyour DBS details (securityto For more info email checking), immediate start. Full PPE will be info@4tvl.org.uk or phone 01454 250500 supplied, Covid compliant, competitive rates of pay.
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk For more info email your details to
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
25
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
n NEWS
Valuing ourselves and each other
Litter pick
OFTEN, people invest a lot in their jobs and in their families. Some people live for their times of holiday. The current situation has upset all this. Many jobs are insecure or have changed out of all recognition. Much as we love our families, we don’t necessarily want them under our feet 24 hours a day. For holidays, it looks as though we will have to find somewhere in Britain to go – take a woolly jumper and an umbrella! The isolation each of us feels, whether chosen or not, changes our perspective on things. It was reported the other day that a third of teenage girls are now unhappy with their appearance – too much time to think, perhaps. But we are all thinking and reflecting more. For some, this is unwelcome, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, even anger. For
others, it is a welcome opportunity to re-evaluate our lives. One woman I read about said she was grateful for being made redundant, because it prompted her to start up her own business, which she found much more satisfying than her previous work. Many of us will have been thinking more about what is really important in life. It is an opportunity to look at the wider picture. When King Edwin ruled Northumbria in the seventh century, Paulinus was sent north to share the Christian faith in his kingdom. One of the councillors at a debate that was held in the winter of 626-7 said that human life as we understand it is like a sparrow which flies into the warmth and light of a feasting hall from the darkness and storms outside. It flies in through the lit
Rev Colin Lunt Vicar, St Saviour’s Church
hall, and then flies out again, into the darkness, through the opposite door. We see life on earth, but of what goes before or after we have no knowledge. Paulinus has now spoken of this: let us accept his teachings. Edwin and his councillors did so and were baptised the next Easter.
WINTERBOURNE and Frome Valley Environmental Group is holding a community litter pick on Saturday, March 13 for Winterbourne, Winterbourne Down, Watleys End, Moorend, Hambrook, Kendleshire and Frenchay. People will be taking part in individual or family groups to fit in with coronavirus rules. Winterbourne Environmental Group is a local community group whose aim is to help the local environment, wildlife and help turn the tide of climate change. Anyone interested in supporting one of the group's projects can get in touch via email at winterbourne environmentalgroup@gmail. com, search for @winterbourne environmentalgroup on Facebook or call 07799 640420 for more details.
You Are Welcome to Attend! On the night before he died, Jesus told his followers to commemorate his death when he said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) Please join us for this annual commemoration on: Saturday 27th March 2021 at 7:00PM Related to this, a special Bible talk “Have You Found a ‘Pearl of High Value’?” will be given worldwide on: Sunday 21st March 2021 at 10:00AM These events will be held by videoconference this year. For further details please contact: yatecongregation@gmail.com or 07587 408058 Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
WWW.JW.ORG ABOUT US > MEMORIAL
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13 Limited spaces for Reception 2021 and 2022. Join us for Year 7 and 8 and benefit from our enviable success in delivering entry into first choice senior schools
We are offering personalised tours of the school and nursery from the comfort of your own home. Discover how Tockington could be the perfect fit for your family with our small friendly classes, excellent distance learning programme, family approach to education and wrap-around care. Contact us to book your 1-2-1 video call and tour with our Headmaster at a time convenient for you. 01454 613229
asymonds@tockingtonmanorschool.com
www.tockingtonmanorschool.com
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021
27
n SPORT
Cricket club gears up for new season WITH the country in lockdown and rain continuing to fall, the cricket season may seem a long way off. However at Winterbourne Cricket Club preparations for the 2021 season are well underway. The first senior cricket is due to take place on April 25, with the club entering the NatWest Village Cup and five senior teams scheduled to commence league cricket from May 1. Along with the traditional Saturday cricket returning, the club have entered the NatWest T20 tournament, which starts on May 2 against Thornbury and Stroud. Senior nets have been delayed until restrictions start to be lifted but in the youth setup, we are working hard to get ready for a full summer. Online booking for our ECB All Stars and Dynamos programmes (5-9 years) is coming shortly and we hope large numbers of local children will sign up for the fun sessions, which take place on Friday
evenings from 6.30-7.30pm, when the bar and tuck shop will be open and our BBQ cooking. This year we have competitive teams for boys and girls from the ages of seven all the way to 19, competing in a range of different leagues, cups and festivals throughout the summer. The club continues to grow ties with Gloucestershire Cricket Club, with six youth games due to be hosted this season. Youth-related
enquiries can be directed to Chris Shine at Chrissy.shine@ btinternet.com. Youth and senior cricket will provide great opportunities this summer to come to the clubhouse, enjoy a drink and watch high-quality cricket. We are looking to improve the club’s facilities with new sight screens, ordered with funding assistance from the parish council. To help the
club's dedicated grounds staff we are planning to give them additional storage: we would be very grateful if anyone in the community would be prepared to sponsor all or some part of this vital wooden storage facility. With the club continuing to grow we have great sponsorship opportunities: please contact our chairman, Bob Vickery, on 07711 856472 or vickeryb1@outlook. com. The first social event of the season is the club's golf day, planned for April 10, the first of many social events including quiz nights and a family day. Throughout the season the club will be open on a Friday evening after training. For further information on any club events, or if you are looking to get involved this season, contact Bob, Chris or our secretary, Liz Bracey, at lizbracey@hotmail.com. Nick Crane
John Harris
079199 12966 01454 772 502 quarrygardens@hotmail.co.uk
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
28
March, 2021
n SPORT
Tennis club gets set
Working behind the scenes WHILST rugby at Frampton Cotterell has been very quiet, the committee and sponsors have been busy behind the scenes. We are really lucky to have such great support from our members, parents and local businesses. From our Some of the new shirts membership monies, the support of ETS electrical, Harris Sport and Chipping Sodbury Motors, we have been able to replace all of our Under 7, 8 and 9 shirts and also replace 25 shirts for our older Juniors - that's over 100 shirts in total. On behalf of the club, a massive thank-you for all the support to ensure we have the best turned-out squads in the region. Some older Frampton players and sponsors of the club had a covid virtual call to help keep people engaged during this difficult period. It was full of fun and laughter, memories of good times playing and social encounters. The call had an international flavour, with ex first-team captain Dean Morsner joining from Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as players from Ireland, Scotland and Wales invited by current club captains Mike Weaver and Mark Smith. More calls are planned over the coming weeks with current players. Matt Marsh & Mike Weaver
fromevalleyvoice
LOCAL SERVICES To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
AERIAL MAN
www.theaerialman.co.uk
• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders Affordable Prices - Reliable Service
01454 660046
WITH outdoor sports due to reopen at the end of March, Winterbourne Tennis Club is looking forward to welcoming back regular members and new members for the coming season. In the meantime, during lockdown WTC acting chair Jo Lougheed and the committee members worked hard at improving facilities, ensuring COVID-19 rules are in place and updating the website. The WTC website is now linked to the LTA through Club Spark, at clubspark.lta.org.uk/WinterbourneTennisClub. This gives members as well as non-members the opportunity to make enquiries, book courts, coaching sessions and cardio tennis and make all payments for membership and other fees. We have had an increase in membership after the first lockdown and junior coaching sessions have seen a significant rise. One of the most important changes at the club has been the addition of a secure gate to Court 3. Non-members have direct access to the court and any member of the public can book the court a week in advance, subject to club rules. On Monday March 15, we will be holding a virtual AGM for members as well as anyone who would be interested in the running of this community tennis club. There are various posts on the committee that need to be filled and if you have time and would like to get involved, please contact the club secretary at sec.wtcbs36@gmail.com by March 7 to register. There are a lot of new and exciting projects planned for the future of WTC so why not join your local friendly club this year. For membership enquiries contact Jody Cockcroft at WinterbourneTC@gmail.com. Elsa Looij
BATHROOM
CLEANING
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
BUILDING SERVICES
MK Building Services Alterations • Foundations/Drainage Works Extensions • Repairs/Insurance work Decking/Patios • Driveways - Block Paving Friendly Service & Competitive Rates
Tel: 01454 822580 or Mobile: 07980 567726 mark.kembrey@hotmail.co.uk www.mkbuildingservicesbristol.co.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
March, 2021 CENTRAL HEATING
29
PLUMBING & HEATING Bristol: 0117 9000 986 Mobile: 07834 633376
3 generations in the plumbing and heating industry and a quality service from a local family business.
629179
Boiler service and repair, New boilers supplied and installed, full system and design, Free 10 year parts and labour warranty on new boilers, general plumbing. We are also Gas safe registered. OAP DISCOUNTS
07878249260 phil@andersonheatingservices.co.uk
HOUSE CLEARANCE
ELECTRICIANS
atom electrical specialist domestic installers
Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance
House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89
All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires.
Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139
For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...
call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974
3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179
FREE Quotations
Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk
GARDEN SERVICES
GARDEN CARE
LAWNS CUT FROM £10.00 , HEDGE CUTTING, PRUNING, STRIMMING, PLANTING, POWER WASHING PATIOS
PLUMBING
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
OVEN CLEANING
Specialists in wildlife Regular one-offgardens garden ponds or & nature maintenance Garden rescue, redesign and planting Specialists in wildlife gardening Orchard restoration wildlife ponds and&tree-pruning Seasonal maintenance Private & commercial work
07923 447362
957 5092
Colin Yeend Property Developments
FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS
New Builds n Extensions n Ground Works n Kitchens / Bathrooms
RING MALCOLM ON
Good Grounds & Gardens Good Grounds & Gardens
0117
PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN - TESTIMONIALS ON REQUEST
07958 673 882 FOR A FREE QUOTATION GARDEN SERVICES
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
07889 601111
info@colinyeendpropertydevelopments.co.uk
www.colinyeendpropertydevelopments.co.uk
RUBBISH CLEARANCE
PLUMBING
PDay Plumbing Services Bathroom Refurb Specialists www.pdayplumbingservices.co.uk info@pdayplumbingservices.co.uk
- Friendle - Reliable - Affordable - Est 2008
www.goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
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
Call Peter
07923 447362 info@goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk www.goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk info@goodgroundsandgardens.co.uk
RUBBISH CLEARED
07793 746958
Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
aj homes
Hambrook £1,000,000 (o.i.e.o.) Rural Location 18th Century Eight Bedrooms Six Reception Rooms
24’5 Master Bedroom Triple Garage Flexible Accommodation Period Features
● ● ●
Frampton Cotterell £495,000 Detached Chalet Bungalow 4 Double bedrooms 19’ kitchen/breakfast
room Living Room Utility Room Good Sized Rear Garden
● ●
B
EPC
●
●
Detached House
Two Reception Rooms ●
Frampton Cotterell £585,000 ●
●
Detached Family House 4 Double Bedrooms 29' Dual Aspect Lounge 16' Kitchen/Breakfast Room
●
Semi Detached Bungalow ●
●
●
●
Frampton Cotterell £420,000 Detached Home Village Location Four Bedrooms En-suite & Cloak Room
Cloakroom, Utility Room & Study En-suite & Family Bathroom Large Driveway & Garage
●
●
24’ Lounge/Diner Gas Central Heating & Double Glazing Garage & Parking
D
Coalpit Heath £200,000 (o.i.e.o.) First Floor Apartment Great Investment Opportunity Two Double Bedrooms
●
Bathroom & En-suite Allocated Off Street Parking Gas Central Heating
EPC
E
Winterbourne Down £279,950 ●
Victorian Semi Detached Three Bedrooms 24' Lounge/Dining Room 15' Kitchen
Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk ●
Garage
C
Coalpit Heath £359,950 ●
En-Suite & Family Bathroom 12’ Kitchen/Breakfast Room
Double Garage Deceptively En-suite & Family Bathroom 2 Double Bedrooms No chain Beautifully Presented 21’ Kitchen/Dining Room Spacious Viewing Recommended Views Over Green Belt Farm Land Two Receptions Living Room Double Garage Throughout Cloakroom Garden aspect Kitchen Driveway Three Bedrooms En-Suite Shower Room Private Development Of Only 4 Houses Four Bedrooms Large Rear Garden
EPC
●
Coalpit Heath £325,000 Modern Semi Detached House Three Bedrooms Cloakroom
Winterbourne £625,000 FramptonCoalpit Cotterell £450,000 Heath £299,950 Frampton Cotterell £450,000 27' Master Bedroom & Balcony Executive Detached House Conservatory
Detached House 6 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms 30' Kitchen/Family Room
David Wilson ‘Chelworth’ House Ex-Show Home Four Double Bedrooms Three Reception Rooms Kitchen/Breakfast/ Family Room High Specification En-Suite to Master Bedroom Cloakroom & Utility Room Detached Double Garage Large Rear Garden
●
ww
www.aj-homes.co.uk
EPC
●
01
01454 252 140
● ● ●
LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
● ● ● ●
Breakfast Area Circa 160ft Rear Garden Single Garage Workshop/Shed
Lettings Dept. 0145
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
3
Getting around: Major project updates GETTING around in South Gloucestershire is set to be safer, quicker and greener, thanks to major projects which are currently underway. These include: • Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension: The bridge move, the heaviest ever bridge lift of its kind in the U.K, has now been completed as part of this project. Once the remaining works are finalised, the metrobus route will travel through the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood, on the former airfield site, and link with Highwood Road at the San Andreas roundabout, next to the Mall at Cribbs Causeway • Wraxall Road roundabout: Work is underway on South Gloucestershire’s first through-about (a roundabout with lanes of traffic through the middle). The improvements will reduce traffic congestion and increase capacity at the busy junction on the A4174 Avon Ring Road • Yate Park and Ride site: Opening later this year, the £3.5 million park and ride on Badminton Road will help reduce traffic by encouraging people to use other travel options such as public transport, cycling or car sharing. It will include 192 parking spaces, 38 electric vehicle (EV) charge points, and secure cycle storage for 46 bicycles. Existing bus routes and
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, Cllr Steve Reade next to the new electric vehicle charging hub at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green services, ahead of the expansion of metrobus services to the area, will take passengers into Bristol and Yate • Electric vehicle charging hub at the Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green: the council has installed a 12-charging bay hub complete with a solar canopy, with six EV charge points, as part of the Revive vehicle charging
Land purchased for new Thornbury healthcare facility SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is to purchase the Thornbury Hospital site to support the development of new healthcare facilities. In a landmark agreement with North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT), South Gloucestershire Council will secure the land to advance longterm proposals to deliver improved GP primary care, outpatient and social care services for Thornbury. This follows a £13.3 million bid to Government for the redevelopment of the site. It will also provide a new home for the town’s local GP practices, enhanced mental health support, social care and NHS beds and a proactive ‘frailty hub’ which would focus on the elderly community receiving care in their own homes.
network • Links between Lyde Green and Emersons Green: A £6.5 million project to improve pedestrian and cycling routes between Emersons Green and Lyde Green • Flood resilience: The Government has awarded £3.2 million to help improve the drainage of roads in South Gloucestershire. The council is also contributing a further
£500,000 to the scheme from existing maintenance budgets • E-scooters: Following the successful launch of the West of England e-scooter trial, the trial area for the ‘hop-on hop-off’ rental e-scooters is expanding to include areas such as Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Filton in South Gloucestershire.
Extra funds for Kingswood town centre project KINGSWOOD’S town centre regeneration project has received significant additional funding. The West of England Combined Authority has announced a £7.56 million investment, supported by a further £5 million from South Gloucestershire Council. Together, this matches the £12.5 million secured by the council through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, announced in December. The funding will pay for: the pedestrianisation of Regent Street; the creation of a new public open space providing opportunities for markets, performance arts and cultural events; traffic re-routing; and promoting cycling, walking and access to nearby green spaces and Kingswood’s local heritage sites. It will also fund the full restoration of the historic Whitfield Tabernacle, which has lain derelict for three decades, to become a cultural and community venue. Finally, the funding will allow the council to invest in property and commercial premises that will directly contribute to the town centre regeneration at a time when the market faces considerable challenges. Local feedback has played a major part in developing a masterplan for Kingswood and the council aims to publicly consult on this more widely in the coming year.
4
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Think NHS 111 first
Census 2021: Take part
IF you have an urgent but non-life-threatening medical need, make sure you use NHS 111 first rather than going straight to A&E. NHS 111 will help you right away. If you need urgent care, the NHS can book you in to be seen quickly and safely at an appropriate local service such as a minor injury unit or the out-of-hours GP. If you need an emergency ambulance, one can be dispatched immediately. Clinicians, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists and paramedics, play an increasingly important role in NHS 111. In many cases clinicians in the service can assess patients and provide the advice you need over the phone without having to visit a physical service You should still dial 999 if you have a life-threatening illness or injury. Just think 111 first. When you think you need A&E, contact NHS 111 by phone or online.
HOUSEHOLDS across South Gloucestershire will be asked to take part in Census 2021 this spring. Census day is Sunday 21 March, it is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. Understanding the needs of the nation helps everyone from central Government to organisations, such as councils and health authorities, plan and fund public services across England and Wales. Census outputs inform where billions of pounds of public funding are spent on services such as transport, education and health. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.
EU Settlement Scheme: reminder
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family members need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. To be eligible, you need to have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. You can apply and find organisations that can help with your application on this website www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
Keep in touch with the latest South Glos news
Sign up now for our weekly update on the latest
Covid-19 news for the local area and council service updates: www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on 01454 868009
Businesses can also sign up for weekly updates on
Covid-19, support grants, and other local resources and updates: www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19businessupdates www.southglos.gov.uk/coronavirus