Frome Valley Voice March 2022 by Fromevalleyvoice

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March, 2022 Issue 103

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022 -2023 budget. At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life. It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network. This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year - 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.

Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: • Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance • Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million • A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library • Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year– the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year • Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays - a

lifeline for some families • Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.

Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see page 2). In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.

Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike. The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.

Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives

View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage

Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate WELCOME - We’re very pleased to partner again with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund. We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too - spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies. I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.

such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district. In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for

nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits. Continued on next page

2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

BUDGET CONTINUED

A new jubilee park A brand-new park in Cadbury Heath will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and provide a green space for everyone to enjoy. The council is spending £500,000 on this unique project to enhance an existing open space in the community. As well as new landscaping, paths and planting, the new park will focus on wildlife and biodiversity to enable residents to reconnect with nature.

Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.

Looking after our environment Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.

self-sufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy. Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com

Join in the spring clean

Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid. Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid singleuse plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment. More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become

Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April. If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team. They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit southglos.gov.uk/springclean

Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog

Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone. The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly. Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.” The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years. If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF

Financial help for you Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open. Find out more and apply online at www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on 01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.

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March, 2022 Issue 103

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

Woman is punched by dog walker A WOMAN was punched in the face as she walked her dog in fields at Frampton Cotterell. Police say the woman, who is in her 70s, "became involved in a verbal dispute with a male dog walker", who then punched her, leaving her in need of hospital treatment. The incident happened in fields near Frampton End Road between 8am and 8.15am on February 2. A man in his 50s was being interviewed in connection with the incident, which is being investigated as an assault. A police spokesperson said: "The victim was walking her dog... when she became involved in a verbal dispute with a male dog walker. "The male then punched her to the face. She was treated in hospital for facial bruising and is now recovering. "Police believe a number of people were present when the assault took place and are asking any witnesses to make contact." Anyone with information should call on 101, quoting crime reference number 5222 026 456.

Conmen jailed

TWO brothers have been jailed for conning elderly and vulnerable people out of thousands of pounds. PAGE 9

NHS dentist struggle

PEOPLE in the Frome Valley area are struggling to find new dentists after two practices stopped treating NHS patients. PAGE 5

'Modest' start for park and ride

Max signs for Man City A TEENAGE footballer who grew up in Coalpit Heath and played for the village's Under-8 side has signed for the Premier League champions in a £1.5 million deal. Full story: Page 4

YATE'S new £4.5 million park and ride is now open for business – but its operators face a wait to see if it will take off with travellers. PAGE 10

Toby's TV date

A YOUNG rugby player who has raised more than £8,000 for charity is set to appear on primetime TV. PAGE 11

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

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April deadline Our April deadline is March 16.

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

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

Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. 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

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March, 2022

n NEWS

Teen footballer Max signs for Manchester City IT'S a long way from the ranks of Coalpit Heath juniors to the Etihad stadium but teenage footballer Max Alleyne has made the journey after signing for Premier League champions Manchester City. Max, 16, whose parents still live in the village, said it was a "proud moment" when he transferred from Southampton for a fee of £1.5 million. "I’ll work as hard as I possibly can and I feel that City is the perfect place for me to continue my development and progress Max Alleyne in his early days at as a player," said the central Southampton's academy. defender. "I can't wait to get for having guided Max's started." football development since Max, who made his underhe was plucked from Coalpit 18s debut for Saints last season, Heath's Under-8s to join was offered a scholarship deal at the Premier League club's St Mary's but turned it down as youth development centre in several clubs near the top of the Keynsham. table showed an interest. "Southampton are a really His dad Mark is well-known good club and gave Max a great to Gloucestershire County grounding in football," said Cricket Club fans as a former Mark. cup-winning captain. He said it had been Mark said: "Max is now "important to get the balance fully-based at the Etihad, which right" between football, was one of the main reasons for education and being a child. choosing City. Mark said: "You can't throw "They are the only club that everything into sport and forget can host sports scholars on-site. everything else. I was able to It's a hothouse where they have encourage him, along with my full-time house parents looking wife, to keep it sensible and after them and there's football enjoy the sport for what it is. on tap, as well as the academic "He travels well – and there's stuff. a lot of travel involved – he's "He's a bright boy and is easy to get on with and makes doing a scholarship, with a new friends easily. And he commitment to becoming a pro respects the game for what it is." at the end." Coalpit Heath FC chair Mark expects Max to be in Stuart Aris said: "The club has Manchester for the next four to watched Max’s progress and five years at least, as he pursues are so pleased he’s fulfilling the the golden chance to play his potential he showed at such a way into one of world football's young age when he was playing most talented squads. with Coalpit Heath." Aside from being a proud Mr Aris, whose own son dad, Mark coaches cricket played alongside Max at Coalpit scholars at Marlborough College, Heath, said: "It acts as a great in Wiltshire. He also recently inspiration to current players toured the West Indies with and the coaches to know that England's Twenty20 cricket there might be another ‘Max’ squad. amongst the club." Mark praised Southampton

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March, 2022

n NEWS

Frampton's rugby union THERE was an egg-shaped guard of honour when Frampton Cotterell RFC members gathered to celebrate a special wedding. Club captain Mike Weaver's daughter Laura married club player Joe Cleary in January, with members holding rugby balls up for them to pass under on their way out of the ceremony. Mike said: "It was a great day for the happy couple and a definite Fram affair, as Laura’s Grandad John was club secretary, Uncle Mike was 1st team captain and Mum Jane is the treasurer!" Rugby update: Page 36

Patients struggle to find NHS dentists PEOPLE whose dentist announced he would only treat private patients have been unable to find another practice willing to treat them on the NHS, after almost six months of trying. Many of Dimitri Haddjeri's 14,000 patients are thought to have agreed to pay to stay on the books at the practices in Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne and Park Lane, Frampton Cotterell, although he declined to say how many. But research by the Voice suggests those who have chosen to leave, or cannot afford to stay and pay, will struggle to find another dentist prepared to treat them on the NHS. We could find no dentists in South Gloucestershire willing to welcome new NHS-funded patients. The local health watchdog expressed concern about the implications for patients' dental health. Vicky Marriott, of Healthwatch, said: "Patients being offered private care and not having an option to have NHS care is a real concern." Ges Rosenberg, formerly a patient at the Winterbourne practice, warned last autumn that he was concerned people, especially families with young children, would not be able to access affordable dental care. Asked if he had found an alternative in February, Mr Rosenberg said: "The news is there is no news, and therein lies the problem.

Frampton Dental Practice in Park Lane "I haven’t found a new dentist. The Government recently announced an additional £50 million in funding for dentistry – but that's about 80 pence per person." One of Mr Rosenberg's concerns over Mr Haddjeri's proposal that patients either choose a "pay-as-you-go" option, pay into a monthly insurance plan or go elsewhere, was that it would lead to "massive increases in charges." The cost of a routine check-up, for instance, would rise by 68%, from £23.80 to £40. Another of Mr Haddjeri's former patients has bitten the bullet and gone private – albeit at another practice. The man, who asked not to be named, poured scorn on

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assertions by the Flaxpits and Frampton practice that there was "not much difference" between the new charges and current NHS fees. He added: "My partner and I consciously put off making an appointment for some 'niggles' during the pandemic, to do our bit to 'help out.' It looks like we are going to be penalised for that decision." The former patient said he had to fight to have a broken tooth filled as an NHS-funded patient following Mr Haddjeri's announcement, even though it was subject to a 12-month guarantee on NHS dental work. As when the Voice reported on the initial decision to ask NHS patients to go elsewhere, Mr

Haddjeri declined to respond to our requests for comment. However, she told Frampton Cottrell resident Bill Hall wrote to Rachel Pearce, regional director of commissioning NHS services in the South-West, to highlight his concerns. Her reply, shared on a local Facebook forum, said: "Access to NHS dental services in South Gloucestershire has historically been challenging. "Demand exceeds the capacity available, mainly due to insufficient workforce and the capacity of practices to take on new patients. "It is important to know that if you have a dental emergency there are arrangements in place to ensure that anyone who does not have a dentist – and has an urgent dental need – can access an urgent appointment. "Patients in South Gloucestershire should contact NHS 111." In his letter to patients, Mr Haddjeri advised he was going private because NHS dentistry was "not fit for purpose." In response, Ms Pearce acknowledged that managing services during the Covid-19 pandemic had been "challenging for dental practices," but said: "Currently practices are working to a minimum 65% of their normal contracted activity, whilst in receipt of their full contract funding."

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n NEWS AVERAGE council tax bills will top £2,000 across the Frome Valley area this year. The total bill faced by an average Band D tax payer in Winterbourne and Rangeworthy, including charges for police, fire and other services, will pass the landmark figure in April, joining residents of other parishes nearby where the total passed £2,000 last year. But householders in council tax bands A-D – around 80% of taxpayers – will receive a one-off £150 rebate from the government this year, as part of a package to mitigate the cost of living crisis. South Gloucestershire Council has raised its share of the bill by 2.99%, one per cent of which is reserved to pay for adult social care. The local authority’s element of the bill to a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45. Added to all bills are charges for policing and fire services, which are set independently by the region's police and crime panel and fire authority. This year the policing bill for a Band D taxpayer will rise by £10 – 4.1% per cent – to a total of £251.20. It is the maximum increase the government told police and crime commissioners they could ask for. The fire authority's charge of £77.95 is £1.52 more than last year, an increase of 1.99 per cent. The total amount paid by each taxpayer varies by the tax band their home is in and the parish they live in, as different parish councils provide different

Council tax on the rise – but rebate will soften the blow Band D council tax bills 2022/23 Parish area Frampton Cotterell Iron Acton Rangeworthy Westerleigh Winterbourne

Parish budget £354,700 £57,758 £13,000 £92,438 £185,350

Parish special precept expenses £135.80 £12.26 £94.22 £1.38 £40.50 £4.11 £58.47 £4.45 £47.75 £7.64

levels of services. For Band D tax payers the total bill, including charges for police, fire and other services, will vary from £2,021.42 for people living in Rangeworthy, to £2,124.87 for people living in Frampton Cotterell. There are also 'special expenses' charges, which vary in each area, for specific local services provided by South Gloucestershire Council and not funded by the parish council, which can include upkeep of some open spaces, halls and cemeteries. In Frampton the cheapest bill is £1,416.57 in Band A, rising to £4,249.74 for the most expensive Band H homes. The total Band D charge of £2,124.87 is up £62.54 on last

year. This includes a £135.80 charge for Frampton Cotterell Parish Council - £2.61 higher than last year – and £12.26 to cover special expenses, up by 26p. The total Band D bill of £2,039.73 for residents of Coalpit Heath, which is part of Westerleigh Parish Council is up £59.66 from last year. It includes a parish council

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Saturday 19th March 7.30pm to late Tickets £3 per person everyone welcome

*total council tax £2,124.87 £2,072.41 £2,021.42 £2,039.73 £2,032.20

*Total bill is parish and special expenses charge, plus South Gloucestershire, police and fire charges. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council

Coalpit Heath Village Hall Saturday 5th March 1pm to 3pm To book Tel: 07920 145352

March, 2022

The Miners Bar Social Club We have a fully stocked licensed bar with a big screen TV set in a modern room with comfy chairs & a great atmosphere. The Membership has a good cross-section of Members from Coalpit Heath/ Frampton Cotterell and surrounding areas who enjoy the facilities, meeting new people and supporting the various social events that are put on from time to time. Membership is only £5 per person which runs from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023. You are more than welcome to pop in for a visit.

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charge of £58.47 and special expenses of £4.45. Although the parish council has increased its precept budget by 5.9%, from £87,296 to £92,438, the charge has only risen by 1p due to the number of new homes liable for council tax for the first time, and the special expenses charge is down by 2p. In homes covered by Winterbourne Parish Council, this year's parish charge to Band D taxpayers of £47.75 is actually £1.16 less than last year, as the parish council has frozen its precept budget at £185,350, with the arrival of extra taxpaying residents in newbuild homes bringing the charge per household down. Special expenses are also down by 79p. In Iron Acton, the parish council's Band D charge is down by 20p per year despite a 2.6% budget increase, while in Rangeworthy it is up by 60p after a 4% budget rise. *Figures supplied by South Gloucestershire Council

£150 rebate is a one-off HOUSEHOLDERS whose homes are in council tax bands A to D will receive a one-off £150 rebate in April. The move was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the same time as a £200 energy bill "upfront discount" aimed to cushion the expected £700 rise in the cost of average gas and electricity bills this year. But while the £200 energy bill 'discount' will have to be paid back, at a rate of £40 a year over five years from 2023, the council tax rebate will not. The Treasury said: "This one-off payment will benefit around 80 per cent of all homes in England and is £1 billion more generous and more targeted towards lower-income families than a VAT cut on energy bills."

Help with energy bills A £1 MILLION grant will help some social housing tenants cut their energy bills. The West of England Combined Authority has been given the funding to install new double glazing, roof and wall insulation, solar panels and heat pumps in 56 homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The money will be targeted at socially-rented houses with low energy efficiency ratings, to bring them up to the level the Climate Change Committee is proposing all UK homes should reach in order to help meet the UK’s net zero carbon target. The South West Energy Hub, hosted by the West of England Combined Authority, is working with Elim Housing Association and Live West to deliver the project.

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March, 2022

n NEWS

Budget 'will protect Police rise will help 'rebuild' service frontline services'

Toby Savage, Pat Rooney and Claire Young at the budget meeting SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's budget was approved unanimously at a tax-setting meeting. The budget includes more money for street cleaning, school buildings, roads and potholes, and children’s services. Opposition groups secured extra funding to help retrofit homes and reduce waiting times for therapy for sex attack victims from up to 42 months down to three. The Conservative administration’s budget keeps parking free at council-run car parks in the district. But while frontline services are protected, the budget also includes £9.5 million of cutbacks in 2022/23 and £23.6m over the next four years, including staff redundancies, higher pest control fees and the end of subsidies for the HandyVan repairs service for older and disabled residents. Almost £260m will be spent on South Gloucestershire Council day-to-day services, plus £140.5m on capital projects, over the next 12 months. Street cleaning teams will receive an additional £639,000, more than £12m will go on road repairs, and there will be £15.3m extra for children’s services amid ongoing criticism from Ofsted that vulnerable youngsters are at risk. Schools will share an additional £7.3million from increased government funding, up by 6.6 per cent from 2021/22 to £191m for the coming year, with spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities rising by £5m. Another £21m was approved towards major transport projects over the next three years, including a park and ride for the

M32 – although a location has still not been determined – and improvements on the A432 Badminton Road, which links Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath to Yate and the Avon Ring Road. Council leader Toby Savage said: "This balanced four-year budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. "We are protecting the vital frontline services that so many people rely on and we are investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire." The 2.99% rise is the maximum permitted by the government this year without the need for a local referendum. Both opposition groups tabled budget amendments which were approved unanimously following negotiations, and some changes, before a meeting at Kingswood civic centre on February 16. Labour secured £7,300 from reserves for 10 more climate change workshops in schools and £75,000 from the newly created £1m prevention fund to ensure 50 victims of rape and sexual assault will receive therapy within three months rather than up to three-and-a-half years. Group leader Pat Rooney said the money "will have an immediate impact for some of our most vulnerable victims of sexual assault and rape". The Liberal Democrats secured an extra £110,000 to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. Group leader Claire Young told the meeting: “It appears that our repeated calls for more funding for climate action are finally hitting home." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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HUNDREDS more officers and a “relentless focus” on perpetrators will lead Avon and Somerset police to “sunny uplands”, says new chief constable Sarah Crew. The force's top officer said a £10 tax rise for the average Band D household in the coming year – the maximum allowed – was modest compared to the £87 million the force has cut from its budget in the last 10 years. Significant future savings will still need to be made in the coming years, she warned. The force also faces new costs and a 25 per cent hike in gas and electricity bills, and will need to save £3million Ms Crew told the police and crime panel’s budget setting meeting in February: “We’ve been fighting fires for a long time. I liken it to a hard winter where we’ve had our heads down, hats pulled over our eyes and looking just ahead. It’s time for us to look a bit further ahead. “Rebuilding in three years what took 10 years to disassemble does have some challenges. “We’re seeing a growth of 456 officers. That means introducing over 1,300 new officers by next March." Ms Crew said the force would “turn the dial up on perpetrators”, with high quality case-building, prevention and disruption at the earliest possible stage.Officers' pay was frozen last year but is expected to increase by a “reasonable” 3.5 per cent in September. By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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March, 2022

n NEWS

Brothers jailed for conning the vulnerable TWO brothers have been jailed for conning elderly and vulnerable people out of thousands of pounds through their rogue roofing company. Michael Coffey, aged 29, and his 25-year-old brother Richard, ran MRC Roofing and Building from an address at Northwood Park in Winterbourne. After a series of complaints linking the company to doorstep crime the National Trading Standards South West Regional Investigation Team looked into the business. It found a total of 19 victims from the South West and as far as London lost a total of more than £45,000 to the brothers for shoddy work and overinflated prices. National Trading Standards said between July 2018 and May 2020, the brothers cold-called victims and agreed to work, only to inflate the price once they had started. A spokesperson said: "If challenged, they became threatening and intimidating. "The brothers would typically start a small job and then suggest that other work was required, escalating costs. "On one occasion the brothers quoted £170 to clean the driveway of a man in his 80’s, then £50 to clean the gutters. "On cleaning the gutters, they claimed the roof timbers were rotten and charged a further £7,000 to carry out the repairs." The case was the first in the country by trading standards to involve an extradition. The spokesperson said

Michael had left the country when investigators tried to question him and was eventually traced to Cork prison in his native Ireland, where he was serving time for an unrelated offence. He was extradited to the UK and held on remand in Bristol Prison Michael Coffey was Richard Coffey was until he was sentenced. jailed for 26 months jailed for 18 months Richard Coffey, who had remained in Regional Investigation Team for Winterbourne, was interviewed their ongoing work to identify and made no comment on the suspects and bring enforcement allegations. action." At Bristol Crown Court in The national team is hosted February Michael Coffey was by Bristol City Council, whose sentenced to two years and two cabinet member of trading months in jail, while Richard standards, Nicola Beech, Coffey received an 18-month said: "These offenders do sentence after they each not recognise local authority pleaded guilty to one count of boundaries and this case further participating in a fraudulent demonstrates the value of Bristol roofing and building business. City Council hosting the National The brothers were also issued Trading Standards Regional with criminal behaviour orders banning them from obtaining roofing and building work, directly or indirectly, for seven years, and banned from being company directors for seven years. National Trading Standards director Wendy Martin said: "The use of aggressive and deceitful practices to mislead elderly and vulnerable people in their homes will not be tolerated. "This investigation underlines our commitment to take action against fraudulent traders to protect consumers from harm. "I congratulate the National Trading Standards South West

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Some shoddy roofing work carried out by the brothers. Investigation Team. “This case also demonstrates the remarkable skill of the team, who not only successfully worked cross-boundary to secure justice for their victims, but also secured the extradition of a defendant to ensure he did not evade prosecution." Anyone who has fallen victim to a similar fraud should report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Park and ride makes 'modest' start YATE'S new £4.5 million park and ride is now open for business – but its operators face a wait to see if it will take off with travellers. The "transport hub" off Badminton Road, opposite South Gloucestershire Council's offices, opened on February 7 after almost a year of building work and many more years of planning. South Gloucestershire Council will be monitoring the site over the next year to see how much it is used. When the Voice visited to take pictures – on a weekday afternoon at 4pm, the week after the park and ride opened – there were just 11 cars on the site, including a learner driver practising parking. One car was using the new electric charging stations installed on the site. Bus company First, which has rerouted its Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y6

services to serve the new stops, described use in the first two weeks as "modest" but said it expected more people to use it as spring arrived. The car park has been built using funding from the West of England Combined Authority, which along with the council is trying to get more people out of cars and onto public transport. It includes 198 car parking spaces and cycle parking for 46 bikes. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: "We will be monitoring the site over the next 12 months as it becomes fully operational with people settling into new travel habits, and we continue to recover from the pandemic. "We are providing people with credible travel options that will enable them to make the shift out of a car onto public transport, or to more sustainable travel options.

The Yate Park and Ride "The Park and Ride is part of a package of measures we are delivering to improve sustainable transport in and around Yate, including the new cycle lanes along Station Road and Badminton Road, plans to link Yate to the Bristol Bath Railway Path via Westerleigh, and improvements along the A432." The spokesperson said that, while buses were already

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 with Bristol Women’s Voice

providing services every 30 minutes from the park and ride into both Yate and Bristol, "we will be continuing discussions with service providers to ensure more buses will be making use of this facility". First West of England operations director Chris Hanson said: "Numbers to date are modest, which is to be expected at the early stages of a new facility such as this. "We are planning some more marketing activities at Easter, when we traditionally see an uplift in people using the bus to get out during the school holidays but want to avoid the hassle and cost of parking if they go into the city."

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Toby's Bearathon is set for TV fame A YOUNG rugby player who has raised more than £8,800 and run nearly 250 miles for charity is set to appear on a primetime TV show. Toby Fletcher, who plays for Frampton Cotterell, pledged to run 1km for every point Bristol Bears conceded this season, in return for sponsorship in memory of his grandmother. But the Premiership side's leaky defence means he has already passed the 400km mark, and has been straining to get all of his 'Bearathon' runs in before the team plays its next fixture. The 11-year-old Winterbourne Academy pupil went to his latest game on February 11, when the Bears took on London Irish at Ashton Gate. The Bears' 49-32 defeat left Toby with a lot more running to do. But the match also had a big surprise in store for him: his fundraising efforts have led to him being nominated for recognition as a local hero on BBC programme The One Show. At the half-time break, Toby was invited to the pitch to meet former Scottish international Thom Evans, who thanked him

Toby Fletcher with Thom Evans and the Bristol Bears mascot for his fundraising achievement. Toby then had a video message from England World Cup-winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson. The thank-you event was filmed by The One Show and will be broadcast next month. Toby said: "A big thank you for everyone who cheered my name and helped with my surprise. Ii was amazing! "I need to go to bed now as I have 49 kilometres to run before Friday.” Toby is raising funds for St Peter’s Hospice, which looked after his Nanny June

after she was diagnosed with cancer. Nanny June was a massive rugby fan and passed on her love of the game to her family and friends. Toby’s mum Claire said: “Toby wanted to do something to fundraise for the hospice, as they gave her such great care, and we are thrilled that he has brought in so much money.” Toby will join other Bears supporters for The Rugby March, a sponsored walk on behalf of St Peter’s Hospice which at Ashton Gate ahead of the Bears' match against Harlequins on March 13. The six-mile sponsored walk starts at 11.30am and will finish in time for kick-off at 3pm. The charity is encouraging everyone to take part by paying £30, which includes a match ticket and covers the cost of running the event, and raising sponsorship. People can also take part in the walk without going on to the match for £20. For more information visit stpetershospice.org/support-us/join-ourevents/the-rugby-march. To support Toby’s Bearathon challenge visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ClaireFletcher22.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Window art brightens dark winter nights FRAMPTON Cotterell and Coalpit Heath residents have once again been putting their artistic talents on display. The annual Window Art Trail organised by community group Village Action brightened up dark evenings during the school halfterm holidays. People who ventured out were treated to a variety of colour and silhouette artworks, all created to fit the event's hobby theme. The artworks in people's windows were lit up from dusk through the evening. Trail maps were made available online through the Village Action website and Facebook page, as well as on paper at the Brockeridge Centre. The event, finishing on March 1, was the last to be organised by Village Action's Jen Dunford. Anyone who would like to take over the organisation of the event next year should email framcottva@hotmail.co.uk for more information. For more information on Village Action visit the website at www. villageaction.org.uk or the @FCVillageAction Facebook page.

Two familiar faces on this Queen of Hearts playing card in Wayside Close. Picture: Shelley Armorgie

A multitude of hobbies on this colourful artwork

Circus skills. Picture: Jen Dunford.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Scholars taste university life

PUPILS at Winterbourne Academy have been given a chance to get a taste of university life. Seven children from years 8 and 9 took part in the Scholars Programme, which enabled them to work over three months with a PhD tutor on a research project, taking online lectures and tutorials, before visiting a university for a 'graduation' ceremony. The project was organised by the Brilliant Club, a non-profit organisation that aims to widen access to university for students from social groups which are under-represented there at present. Assistant head teacher Andrea William-Jones said: "The Scholars Programme exists to enable students who might be the first from their family to attend university to aspire to higher educational study." Dr Josie Elliott of Bath University led the Winterbourne

Winterbourne Academy Scholars Programme graduates at Bath University pupils in a biology project called Disease Detectives. They were then invited to the university itself, for the graduation ceremony, tours and chats with students about life at university and how to apply. Mrs William-Jones said the day gave the Winterbourne pupils a "sneak peek into student

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

life", adding: "The students were excellent ambassadors and a credit to themselves and their families. "There was unanimous agreement that we should aim wherever possible to maintain our participation in the programme because it is so beneficial to students."

School will provide extra places WINTERBOURNE Academy will provide 60 extra places for Year 7 pupils in September after plans to open a new school were delayed. Part of the Winterbourne site was due to be used as temporary accommodation for the first 120 students of Lyde Green Secondary School before it moved to its new home in 2023. But delays to the project mean that the new school will not be ready for at least another year. As a result the 120 children who would have become the first cohort at Lyde Green will instead be offered places at other South Gloucestershire schools, with 60 extra places added at Winterbourne and Downend. Dave Baker, chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs Winterbourne Academy, told the Voice Winterbourne was now expected to host the new school on a segregated area of its grounds from 2023-24.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Storms tear through South Gloucestershire

THREE storms in the space of the week caused widespread damage to trees, buildings and power lines in South Gloucestershire. Storm Eunice, which hit the UK on February 18, is believed to have been one of the most damaging storms to hit the UK in decades – and was sandwiched between two other named storms, Dudley and Franklin. South Gloucestershire Council's StreetCare department had 12 tree teams with chainsaws out dealing with 46 trees that had fallen or lost branches on February 18. The council and police also worked with police after what was described as a "large shed" ended up being blown into the B4058 Yate Road in Iron Acton that morning. Responding to a post reporting the incident, a resident said it was actually part of a stable block belonging to them and had eventually been cleared

A wooden stable block wall blown into Yate Road, Iron Acton, by Storm Eunice. Picture: South Gloucestershire Council. from the road by a tractor driven a local farmer, guided by a team of neighbours, friends and family. Trees were blown down in Bennett's Court, Yate, and in Wickwar. The storm also ripped off roof tiles on buildings in Thornbury, while the Environment Agency said it took early action to protect thousands of homes and

businesses along the Severn Estuary from flooding. Many schools switched to remote learning or simply closed after the council issued safety advice about the storm the night before it hit. Bin and recycling collections were cancelled, and the council was opening Sort It centres for extended hours in the week following the storm to allow

residents whose collections had been missed to dispose of extra waste and recycling, as well as storm-damaged items like fence panels. The Met Office issued a rare red warning of "danger to life" for the region and, while no deaths were reported in the West, four people were killed elsewhere in the UK. Electricity provider Western Power Distribution (WPD) said the day the storm hit saw the most power cuts the South West had ever experienced, with 28,000 homes in South West England without power. Two days later, as Storm Franklin hit, Thornbury Leisure Centre was left without power when wind brought down a tree, which broke a high-voltage electricity cable. The tree also blocked the B4061 Alveston Hill/Bristol Road when it fell on the evening of Sunday February 20.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS A NEW book aimed at helping young children through the sometimes traumatic adoption process has been written and published by a Frampton Cotterell author. Lauren Manning, who works as an osteopath, hopes to make the whole experience a little less Lauren is herself going through the process of adopting a new family together with her wife Sara, and has written the children's book using a young lion as the subject. The story charts his progress as he leaves his natural-born family and is then placed in foster homes with some squirrels and rabbits before eventually finding his forever home with two lionesses. The book is illustrated by Grace Spalding Lauren, who owns Frome Valley Osteopaths, said: "I’ve always used writing to help me make sense of what is happening in my life and understanding how I feel about it. "My wife and I started the adoption process in November 2020 and I had just begun to get my head around how difficult, A FIRST-time author from Rangeworthy is celebrating after publishing her first novel – completing a project that she first started in 2016 at university. Ellie MacLachlan, who grew up in Frampton Cotterell, has published a young adults' fantasy story called Colours in the Mist, set in a world in which the heroine Lorian wakes up to discover that colour has vanished from the world. She then spends the rest of the story looking for a way to get home or at least finding somewhere safe to stay. Ellie, who is 26, works as an assistant stylist dog groomer at Pets at Home and finds that her work can be very therapeutic when she is thinking up storylines. She said: "I’ve always been interested in fantasy and the idea that there is magic and everything like that. "It's a little bit of escapism, I guess, so I decided to give it a go myself, and thankfully it has been received fairly well. "I started it at uni as something to do in my

Little Lion helps children through the adoption process

Lauren Manning with The Little Lion. stressful, scary it was going to be for the children, while at the same time we were both thinking it was going to be exciting. "Obviously for children the

feelings are age-dependent, with some being more aware than others. Initially I wrote the story for myself, really, but my wife thought it was good, so I sent it in to a publisher and they thought so too." Although this is the first book she has written, Lauren used to write journals when she was young and also has an online blog. She said: "It's a bit of an LGBT story, which says that all feelings are fine, all families are different and all feelings are allowed for all children. "As adults I think we want children to feel one way about things and we almost tell them that they should, but life is always more complicated than that" As she goes through the adoption process, Lauren hopes

that her story, which she says is appropriate reading for children aged four and upwards, can actually help her new children in their transition from foster care to their new home. She said: "I hope it helps them to understand what to expect. "Lots of friends have bought it for their children and have found it has opened up conversations that they wouldn’t have necessarily had before. "There is an active adoption community on Instagram and the best thing has been seeing people reading the story to their adoptive children and seeing them enjoy it." The Little Lion is available from Olympia Publishers as a paperback or ebook priced £5.99 at olympiapublishers.com/ books/the-little-lion.

Ellie's project goes into print

Ellie MacLachlan with a copy of her book downtime, and then I left it for a while when I got into work. But I picked it up again and here we are, with the book published! "I published through Amazon

and the system was quite easy and I know a lot of people in the writing community who I could ask for help. There are a lot of elements involved apart from

the writing, for instance I had to find a cover designer for the book who also sorted out the margins for me. "It is hard to get into the traditional side of publishing which is a much longer process and it has cost me money to get to this stage, but at least I have got the book published when I wanted it to be out." Ellie hopes one day to be a full-time writer but admits that she enjoys the contrast that her current day job provides. She said: "There is going to be a sequel, which I have already started and I am hoping it is going to be a trilogy, but I will wait to see how book two goes, because I don’t want to stretch the story beyond where it should be. "However, I do have some other ideas for projects down the line.” Colours in the Mist is available from Amazon as either an ebook or in paperback.

NEWS - Email us at: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

March, 2022

New wardens aim to keep streets clean

A NEW team of wardens is helping to keep the streets of South Gloucestershire clean. Two street enforcement officers (SEOs) have been employed by the council as part of a £130,000 pilot scheme to target litterbugs and people who leave their dogs' mess on the pavement, encouraging people to either use bins or take their rubbish home. The SEOs are covering the whole district, and South Gloucestershire Council says it has introduced the role following overwhelming support in a public survey, which found 94 per cent of people backed a "proactive approach" to preventing littering and dog fouling. The pilot scheme was funded from the council’s 2020-21 budget and the authority says it is building on the success of the council’s Envirocrime team, which works to protect the environment by preventing and deterring littering.

South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member Rachael Hunt with street enforcement officers Jim Bell and Michelle Britton in Kingswood High Street The council’s 2022-23 budget includes an extra £639,000 in the street cleaning teams who work to ensure communities are clean and attractive places to live and work. The SEOs have powers under the Environmental Protection Act to issue warning notices, and fines as a last resort. But a council spokesperson said: "Their emphasis is more on reminding people to be responsible rather than issuing

fines. "They will work closely with local police and council’s Streetcare teams as part of their role, preventing and reporting fly-posting and any abandoned vehicles they see while on patrol." Council cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said: “Our Street Enforcement Officers are already out and about in our towns and in rural areas, with patrols

covering parks, open spaces and some residential streets. "Their role is very much about education and encouraging a change into positive habits. "This is already having an impact, with High Street traders telling us town centres are already looking better, with less litter and cigarette ends being dropped. "Some traders have also been putting out bins and taking litter from customers who are now more conscious about littering since the introduction of the Street Enforcement Officers, so we’re already seeing local communities benefiting from their introduction." The SEOs wear black and green uniforms and have badges and cards to identify them – they also wear video cameras like those used by police officers. They first went on patrol in December and the council says it will evaluate their effectiveness over time.

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Lorry convoy tribute to trucker Andy THE partner of a lorry driver from Yate who died in an accident says she still cannot believe he won't walk through the door again. A huge convoy of lorries drove from Yate to Westerleigh Crematorium in February to honour Andy Palmer. On December 20 Andy, an experienced 38-year-old driver, died in Holland on his way home to spend Christmas with friends and family. Partner Louise Wherlock said: "We were childhood sweethearts and he's always been in my life. "It is just awful. I never expected him not to be here." In an emotional display of support, dozens of lorries from Andy's company, Opex Logistics, and other hauliers for whom he had worked over 15 years as a trucker, took part in the funeral convoy, escorting his coffin on the day of his funeral on February 5.

Louise, who lives in Hanham, said: "First it was going to be seven lorries, then it was almost 50. "The funeral at Westerleigh was held on a Saturday so the Opex guys could be there, then other companies said they wanted to take part too. "I was in the lorry carrying Andy's coffin, along with Steve Dill, his best friend. "When we turned into Armstrong Way, Yate, and saw all the lorries lined up, we were in tears." She praised the staff at Co-op Funeral Services who had organised the funeral and has started a fundraiser for Globetruckers UK, a charity which supports truckers and their families. In a statement after the funeral, Andy's family said: "We are incredibly grateful and completely overwhelmed. "Every single person made it such a special day and the best

Andy Palmer

Lorries line up in Yate

send off for our beautiful Andy. "The convoy was such a perfect tribute. The crematorium was packed to the rafters. We were really touched that people came in their hundreds. "Andy was a larger-than-life character and very passionate about everything he tried to do in life. "He was a huge family man and all he ever wanted to do was drive trucks and work on cars." Peter Scrivin, owner of Hambrook-based of Opex, said:

"Andy spent over ten years with OPEX and always gave everything to ensure he achieved a successful end result – that was the mark of the man. "Andy will be sadly missed at Opex – but his presence and contribution will always be felt." The fund set up in Andy's memory has already raised £1,500. Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so online at gofundme.com/f/andy-palmer.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

N e w s F r o m Frampton Cotterell Parish Council's

Budget for 2022/2023

2022/23

2021/22

Council Tax Band D:

£2.61 per week

% Commu Buildin nity gs

Projects

Budget: £382, 581 includes

£27,881 from Council

reserves.

Support Services General running of the Council, including costs associated with employment of staff, broadband

Professional Services

& stationery.

Community Services Includes events, Civic Furniture (benches, bins) & Christmas

13%

Maintenance

20%

lights, etc.

Community Buildings Includes all utilities and all enhancements of the Brockeridge Centre and the

£2.56 per week

Highway Service s 3%

20%

7%%

Community Services

Pavilion.

Projects Enhancement of play areas & open spaces.

Professional Services

43%

Professional contracts such as auditing services, H&S, Legal & more.

Maintenance All costs of materials & labour

43%

for all aspects of maintenance,

Support Services

including parks, vehicles, buildings, car parks, etc.

Highway Services Costs to empty litter bins & grass-cutting all verges within the curtilage of Frampton Cotterell Parish.

Council Achievements 2021/2022 With Frampton Cotterell 2nd Scouts Group & the

New community noticeboard at St. Peter's Church.

Nature Group, we planted over 300 trees at

Installation of new litter bins following an audit of all

Centenary Field for the Queen's Green Canopy.

litter/dog bins owned by the Parish Council.

Created a Local Climate & Nature Action plan for

Tree survey of all trees owned by the P.C., to

Frampton Cotterell with support from volunteers

manage ash die back & ensure tree health etc.

and Frampton Cotterell Nature Group (see overleaf for more details). Approved a pesticide policy to stop the use of herbicides and insecticides on parish land. Made plans to plant a COVID Reflection tree at the Centenary Field. Plans to place a bench to commemorate those who lost their lives during Covid-19, conveying thanks to the volunteers: installation planned for

Charitable donations to: Above and Beyond Paul’s Place -

£500

OSCAR’S afterschool -

£971.86

Frampton Cotterell District Community Association -

£2,200

1st Frampton Cotterell Scout Group -

£2,500

Extensive drainage scheme improvements and upgrades to sports pitches at The Park totalling over

£300k (inc. Section 106 funding of c.£238k).

May 2022.

Approved a bird nesting policy to protect birdlife.

Enhanced the Hearing Loop at the Brockeridge

Conservation enhancement plan for The Park.

Centre.

Our solar panels now generate enough power to run

www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk/

our electric van!

email: office@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/ framptoncotterell.org.uk

Help Us Apply for Community Assets Let

know

Cotterell

which

you

think

areas

should

land

have

Frampton

Community

Asset

status! Community Asset Status means that we would gain the Right To Bid on any "Community Asset"

land that

is put up for sale. If this application was successful, it could help us to protect green spaces in the village. Which areas do you think we should apply for? Let us

Call for Contractors Frampton Cotterell Parish Council would like to formally invite contractors to express their interest to

know! Email your thoughts to our Nature Officer, Daisy, on:

contractors list.

nature@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

We re currently seeking the following trades and services for ad hoc and contract works:

Happy To Chat!

Happy to to Happy

be included in the Parish Councils preferred

• Glazing contractors and out of hours repairs. • Intruder Alarms systems - lighting

Cake, Coffee & Conversation

Chat! Chat!

• Fencing Contractors • Dry stone walling • General builders • Ground workers • Refuse removal – Transport, “man with a van” • Building materials and supplies

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council are now hosting Happy To Chat coffee mornings for local people! These

coffee

mornings

are

everybody

absolutely

free

attend,

welcome,

and

including

our

running

these

morning

from

fantastic coffee 10AM

volunteers,

mornings 12PM

every the

• Electrical Contractors • Carpenters

Public liability insurance certification required.

caregivers with their young children in tow. Alongside

• Play safety repairs

will

Thursday

Brockeridge

If you are interested, or for more information, please apply in writing to:

maintenance@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

Centre. For

information,

please

office@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk,

Rewilding

contact

or give us a

call on 01454 864 442

“Rewilding”, or returning to nature, doesn’t just mean reintroducing big species such as wolves and

Climate & Nature Action Plan

beavers. Rewilding can be as simple as embracing messy areas in your garden. That pile of old leaves

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has recognized the

could be a home for a hedgehog or a hiding place

urgency of the Climate and Nature Emergency and the

for insects!

need to take action to protect our local biodiversity

Check out Rewilding Britain’s website for more tips

and reduce the impact of climate change. With support

on making your garden wilder!

from volunteers and South Gloucestershire Council’s Local

Nature

Action

Plan

Guidance,

the

www.rewildlingbritain.org.uk

committee

have created a 3-year Local Climate & Nature Action

This action plan is an ongoing working document, and

Plan for the village.

we not only welcome but

You can read our Climate & Nature Plan online on our website, at:

www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk/climatenature

telephone: 01454 864 442

open Monday - Friday, 9AM - 2PM

encourage

feedback from

our parishioners! To learn more, or to let us know what you think about our plan, please email Daisy, at:

nature@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/ framptoncotterell.org.uk

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Cost of living crisis needs urgent action

HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the number

of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so cut their bills.

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Retired GPs could go back to work

Shop's donation boosts Frampton preschool

Donation boosts Frampton preschool STAFF at a Frampton Cotterell preschool have welcomed a donation from a shop which has enabled them to buy a laptop and printer. Zion Community Preschool leader Vicky Glanville said the staff would be able to digitally communicate with families and provide more resources for children thanks to the equipment, bought with a donation of £620 from the village Nisa store's charity fund. The committee-run preschool at Zion United Church Hall, Woodend Road, has been going for more than 50 years. Vicky said: "Zion community preschool would like to say a huge thank you to Nisa. "This will help us with moving the preschool forward."

DOCTORS who have hung up their stethoscopes are being asked to come out of retirement to provide online consultations for patients. The move is among a raft of measures to make more GP appointments available as practices struggle to keep up with patient demand. Health bosses hope the “attractive home working opportunity” for recently-retired GPs, those who would otherwise retire or those taking a career break will help ease the crisis. But some councillors are concerned that not enough is being done to provide extra face-to-face consultations. Members of South Gloucestershire’s health scrutiny committee heard about the scheme from Jenny Bowker, head of primary care development at the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, on January 26. Ms Bowker said the schemes were paid for with £4 million of government ‘winter access’ funding that had to be spent by the end of March. She said the CCG had tried to create a retired GP network, working remotely, in December but the attempt was overshadowed by a call for the same doctors to help with the covid booster programme. Ms Bowker said: "That’s a scheme that we’re going to look at again this year, to see if we can attract more people." Kingswood ward councillor Andrea Reid said “by far the most common problem” for residents has been an inability to get face-toface appointments with a GP. She asked whether the CCG would be making more face-to-face appointments available or would just be increasing the number of remote consultations. Ms Bowker said it would be a “combination of the two”. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Children's silk creations help history lessons CHILDREN at Elm Park Primary School in Winterbourne found a creative way to find out more about history. While learning about early Islamic civilisation and the Silk Road trade route, the pupils explored Islamic artwork, created their own geometric designs and painted them onto silk. The activity was one of the highlights of a term which also saw the school learn about climate change, looking after their own environment by litter picking and learning to play badminton. The school also held a house sports tournament in February, including throwing, jumping and balancing, hockey and netball. Head Teacher Carol Bond said: "As the summer approaches, our eagerly awaited new build will start. "The measurements and markings for the new build have been painted on the old

Elm Park children with their silk paintings playground and the contractors are making increased visits to the site in preparation for the enabling works to commence at the beginning of the summer, ready for us to

move in in September 2023. We are all truly excited about the build and cannot wait to update you as the year progresses."

Cherry tree donation to parish council CHERRY trees have been given a home in Iron Acton as a token of friendship with Japan. The parish council is one of several community groups and organisations throughout South Gloucestershire to have been given trees as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree initiative. Thousands of the trees are being planted in public spaces across the UK as part of the project to build friendship between the two countries. Some are being planted at Iron Acton Village Green, Latteridge Village Green, and the cemetery in Iron Acton village. Elsewhere in South Gloucestershire trees are being planted at Lyde Green, Yate's Kingsgate Park and Thornbury. The trees have been grown in the UK but paid for by the people of Japan. Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall worked with community groups find suitable locations and met Iron Acton parish councillors Paul Chapman and John Wright as they helped to plant their village's trees. Luke said: “Paul and John have done a brilliant job planting these beautiful cherry

Luke Hall MP with Iron Acton Parish Councillors John Paul Chapman and John Wright, and South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage. trees, which I am sure will look wonderful in our local villages. "These trees will help to boost our local biodiversity and help to

support our local tree planting initiative. "I am grateful for the community’s and South

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Gloucestershire Council’s support with this great initiative."

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Carnival brings first 'chatty bench' to area IT'S safe to say the past couple of years have impacted everyone’s mental health in very different ways. The committee at the Winterbourne Down Village Carnival recognised this, and wanted to do something to help. Many of us heard touching stories of our community supporting each other during the pandemic - those small acts of kindness, simply chatting to the lonely person sitting on the bench overlooking the River Frome. So, inspired by a similar scheme in Cornwall, there came the idea of the Chatty Bench. Chatty Bench plaques have now been installed on benches located in Winterbourne Down, The Dingle, the duck pond and soon on Hambrook Common. Scanning the QR code will take you to the carnival webpage dedicated to improving mental health. It contains useful links and contact numbers to support organisations and NHS resources to help identify and manage the different issues related to mental health. We continue to support the charity Mind this year, along with BRACE, the Trussell Trust and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. With your generosity at events across the

Brian Serjent and Richard Climmer of Winterbourne Parish Council with Liz Perrins and John Turner from the Winterbourne Down Village Carnival, at a 'chatty bench'. May Day weekend, we hope to make an even bigger donation than previous years have allowed.

Special thanks to Voodoo Designs for plaque design. Kathryn Hopes

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Lent – not just for Christians? THIS is a time of year which offers us each the opportunity to consider our own lives and our relationships, particularly our relationships with those around us, within our families, our local communities, and indeed the whole world. We can reassess and alter our thoughts and behaviour for a better future. From a Christian perspective, this is because March 2 this year is Ash Wednesday, the day which signifies the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of abstention and preparation for the trials and sacrifice of Good Friday, and for the joy and celebration of Easter. I believe it can also be a useful opportunity for others, whether they be people of different faiths or no faith, to consider these same relationships in their own lives. Especially, we can consider the effects and impact of our own individual attitudes, behaviours and actions on those immediately around us, and on the whole world.

The season of Lent is usually a time when people give up something they enjoy, such as chocolate, beer, or another treat, and put the money saved aside for charity, whether that be the church itself or some other good cause such as a hospice or food bank. However, I believe that there really should be a bit more to Lent, and that a process of selfassessment and realignment for forty days or so can be beneficial to everyone, no matter what their religious beliefs. This period shouldn’t just focus on material abstention and diversion of money from one way of spending to another. Consequently, I’d like everyone, regardless of religion, to consider their own lives and the way they spend not only their money but their talents and their time, and in so doing see how we can each enrich our relationships within our families, our communities and our world at large.

Within Christianity, there are three traditional practices known as the three pillars of Lent focussed on generating greater levels of justice in our lives. These are: Justice towards God – through prayer and contemplation; Justice towards ourselves – through fasting and self-denial; Justice towards our neighbours, both local and distant – through almsgiving, care, and consideration. Even for anyone without belief, taking some time out to contemplate can lead to fruitful changes to our attitudes and behaviours. Justice towards self can have a far wider perspective than abstinence from chocolate or wine. How about abstinence from prejudice, hasty and poor judgement, or from other life choices that damage the wellbeing of ourselves or others? Justice towards neighbours can too often be reduced to almsgiving, but what about justice in opinions, attitudes and

Rev Bob Conway Associate Minister Fromeside Benefice

behaviour towards those around us, and the impact that our own lifestyles might be having on our planet and future generations? I hope this gives you food for thought, and an opportunity for personal enrichment, whatever your core beliefs. And while I’m encouraging us all to take a deeper look at our inner selves, please do continue to give something up and give the money to charity!

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS A NEW chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service has been appointed. The service's current assistant chief fire officer, Simon Shilton, has been appointed by Avon Fire Authority to take over the top job from Mick Crennell, who will retire at the end of March. Simon's nomination was approved unanimously by the authority on February 11 and he said it was "truly an honour" to take charge. He said: "Having spent most of my career with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, I’m looking forward to all that the role has in store. "I will of course be building on the outstanding contribution made by Mick and personally, and on behalf of the service, I wish him all the very best on his next adventure. "I am committed to working hard to ensure the highest levels of safety for all who live and work in our communities and, working side-by-side with our dedicated and hard-working staff, we will continue to make our communities safer and make

New brigade chief takes over

Simon Shilton is set to become the new chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service our service stronger." Having been part of the fire and rescue service for 28 years, Simon has been a station manager, incident command trainer and training manager. He spent the first 15 years of his career at Avon Fire & Rescue Service as an operational firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations, before moving to

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service in 2008 and rising to the rank of area commander. He rejoined the Avon service in 2017 as assistant chief fire officer for service delivery support. Avon Fire Authority chair Brenda Massey said: “On behalf of the fire authority, we are delighted to unanimously approve Simon’s appointment as the new chief fire officer for Avon

Fire & Rescue Service. “The process for appointing the service’s next chief fire officer was incredibly rigorous, and both candidates involved in the process were of high calibre. "Simon’s passion and wealth of operational and strategic experience gave us full confidence he is the right person to lead the organisation. “The fire authority would also like to thank Mick for the dedication and leadership he has shown in the role of chief fire officer, particularly in leading the organisation through a difficult time following the Baker Review and throughout the ongoing pandemic. We wish him well in the future. "We are assured that, under Simon’s leadership, the service will continue to thrive on its continual improvement journey in being the best fire and rescue service for the communities we serve."

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Tax increase is a positive step for policing LAST month, I announced that I would be increasing the policing part of the council tax – known as the precept – by 4.1% for local residents, equivalent to 83p more per month for the average band D household. I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel and local people for their support. This increase will help deliver my ambitious Police and Crime Plan, which aims to provide you with an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people but, without it, it is likely cuts would have had to be made that would impact frontline services. This is why I was determined to hear from as many residents as possible and, through my consultation, I heard from 6,335 residents, of which the majority were in support of an

increase to support policing. This increase is a really positive step for policing. It allows the force and my office to work towards our vision of more visible policing, better community engagement, preventing crime, strengthening partnership work, and improving outcomes and support for victims of crime. The increase will also allow us to give pay rises to the policing family, ensuring we are recognising the hard work of officers and staff that go above and beyond for our communities. If you want an outstanding police service you have to fund it and, as your PCC, I will ensure Avon and Somerset Police deliver. I’m also delighted to announce that my team and I have been successful in securing over £100,000 in additional funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services in Avon

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

and Somerset; an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of Justice’s Critical Support Fund and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West. As PCC, my team and I will continue to work with other commissioners – including health and local authorities – to ensure there are effective and efficient services across Avon and Somerset that can be accessed by everyone, which supports victims and survivors to cope and recover. Preventing and fighting crime is a priority in my recentlypublished Police and Crime Plan and this includes tackling male violence against women and girls, specifically domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. As well as ensuring there are good provisions for victims and survivors, we must address the attitudes and behaviours of the

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford perpetrator and ensure police investigations are evidence-led and focus on the actions of the offender rather than the victim. Finally, for anyone who is a victim or survivor of sexual violence or domestic abuse, remember help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. You can find you more about local services at www.survivorpathway.org.uk

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Frampton Cotterell Nature RECORD numbers of wintering birds have been seen at Frampton End this year. These have included flocks of more than 60 skylarks, 40 yellowhammers and 1,500 Linnets. This is the largest count of linnets ever recorded in South Gloucestershire! Skylarks, yellowhammers and linnets are on the UK red list because of steep declines in their populations, and are considered priority species, having been identified as some of our most threatened birds. Thirty or more bramblings have also joined the chaffinch flocks here. Bramblings are colourful finches, with orange shoulders and a white rump. They are winter visitors to the UK, migrating here to avoid the harsh conditions in Scandinavia and Russia. Large parts of Frampton End are owned by South

A brambling at Frampton End. Picture: David Hanks Gloucestershire Council, who have put the area forward as a potential site for development as part of the Local Plan.

The phase 2 consultations for the Local Plan are now taking place, until March 21. In February we worked with

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council to plant over 100 trees at the Centenary Field. It was great to have so many volunteers turn up, and we managed to plant all the trees in under an hour! Thanks to everyone who came and helped. We’re now working to identify suitable places to plant more trees for next year’s planting season. We also carried out a river clean-up, removing three boxes full of glass and plastic bottles, cans, cups and other waste from in and around the Frome. Future river clean-ups are being planned, so get in touch if you’d like to help! We have a new website with information about wildlife in Frampton Cotterell and details of our events, at www. framptoncotterellnature. wordpress.com. David Hanks

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS FROM THE WI WINTERBOURNE EVENING WI

Some of the silver jewellery made by Sarah Tucker

COALPIT HEATH WI SARAH Tucker from A Spoonful of Silver was the speaker at our February meeting. We enjoyed being able to share her passion and enthusiasm for creating beautiful pieces of silver jewellery. Sarah brought along various tools and explained their functions, as well as showing us the raw silver forms that can be used to create pieces. We learnt about the steps involved in creating a silver ring and what each of the hallmarks on silver signify. Our top tip from this meeting is that toothpaste can be used to clean silver! Sarah had brought along some beautiful completed pieces to show us, including some made from an unexpected source – and as a result, members may be searching cupboards for Great Granny’s silver teaspoons! Outside of our regular meeting times, some ladies have come together to enjoy additional events. One group enjoyed a meal out at a local pub and have already planned another evening, while others went to see the Nutcracker Ballet at the Hippodrome and are organising tickets for another production soon. Crafters in the group have started making hearts for the NICU unit at the BRI. These are being collected at the end of the month, so they can be handed out for Mother’s Day. A reminder that we are once again collecting items for the local food bank and welcome any donations at our meetings. A current list is on the Facebook page, however all donations are gratefully received. If you fancy coming along and seeing what we have to offer, you would be most welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall, at 7.45pm. The next meeting is on March 2, when Clair Armstrong will be talking about Paul’s Place. Search @WICoalpitHeath on Facebook to find out any further information and updates. Caroline Johnston

FRAMPTON COTTERELL WI WE kicked off the New Year with a great talk from ex-Radio Bristol presenter Emma Britton. Emma is a now a celebrant for weddings, funerals and other special events, and it was truly interesting and inspirational to hear all about her career to date and her reasons for changing to a career as a celebrant. We also had our New Year’s annual meal out at the White Horse at Hambrook, and it was wonderful to be out and enjoying ourselves again after a break of over two years, thanks to the pandemic, of course. Our talk for February was from

Dogs for Medical Detection, a very interesting charity. On March 22, we welcome back Paul Green of Green Leaves Nursery for a return visit – a talk all about plant care and a plant sale afterwards. April sees the launch of our new programme for the coming year, which includes talks from a variety of experts and professionals, including a charity shop/ sustainable stylist, a member of the RAF and an aerial photographer. Future events include theatre trips, garden visits and social evenings. Watch this space and our Facebook page for confirmation of future event dates and more details. Visitors and new members are

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

THERE was a very happy atmosphere at Winterbourne Evening WI as members enjoyed chatting to each other and catching up on past evenings. It felt that life had returned to normal at last. The president, Carol Shield, paid a special tribute of thanks to Margaret Beacham for her long years of active involvement on the committee, and wished her a happy retirement. As press secretary, she will be sorely missed. The highlight of the evening was a talk by Andrew Stowe, of East Bristol Auctions. They are famous for selling iconic items from Only Fools and Horses and Star Wars, and are worldwide experts in Gandhi memorabilia (famously, a pair of his spectacles fetched over £260,000 at auction). Andrew explained how important it was to get items you wish to sell properly described and photographed, as online auctions attract a huge number of buyers Andrew Stowe with a collectible from all over the world. Mr Potato Head toy worth Most people do not know the around £500. true value of their possessions and often give away or take the most valuable items to the tip! Andrew ended his talk with a hilarious game, where we had to guess the value of similar items. We all failed to find the most valuable and this generated much laughter, as we realised we were no good and spotting 'treasure'. We always meet on the second Thursday of the month at St Michael's C of E Primary School in Linden Close, Winterbourne, at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. Visitors and new members are very warmly welcomed. The speaker on March 10 will be Mrs Bateman, who will talk about the Bronte family. We look forward to another interesting evening. Margaret Grazebrook

The Frampton Cotterell WI New Year meal at the White Horse, Hambrook. welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a charge of £2.50 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a membership fee.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us, please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page. Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, craft group, choir and our skittles and darts teams.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS Crossbow Singers AFTER a year and a half of meeting on Zoom, the Crossbow Singers were delighted to finally get back together. Despite having to wear visors and be safely distanced from one another, it was still really brilliant to be singing together again. This started in September and has continued into this year, with over half the choir returning to Crossbow House in January and the rest planning to re-join shortly. We’re still wearing our visors and trying to maintain a flow of ventilation through the hall, in order to keep ourselves safe. Needless to say, with the colder weather, members are wrapping up warmly now and no longer in short sleeves, as we were in the Autumn! Our amazing musical director, Carolyn Dutton, is working hard to

Crossbow Singers are rehearsing for their summer concert bring the choir up to standard with the intention of holding a summer concert. So, please make a note in your diary to come and support us on

Monday or Tuesday, July 4-5. The theme of the concert will be ‘Love Songs’ and we hope it will be uplifting and joyful – just what we need!

Every good wish to you all. Keep safe and well, and we look forward to seeing you in July. Chris Palmer Choir Secretary

Floral Friends of Frampton SPRING really is on its way. Hard to believe at times I know, but we found crocuses and daffodils in the Park and on Church Road – a real tonic! Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all those who have recently made donations, either in person or online. It is very much appreciated, especially since we have not been able to hold our usual fundraising events. If anyone else would like to help out by making a donation online – either a one-off or a regular one is very much Crocuses in Frampton Cotterell appreciated – our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, HSBC, 40-47-34, account 41555326. Thank you everyone for all your support. It takes time, effort and funds to maintain the planting around the village benefiting the local community, the environment, and the wildlife. If you would like to help, there are various ways in which you can. If you can spare a few minutes regularly, we always need help to maintain the planters. We try to share the load and ask people to look after a planter near their home or business. We also welcome help when we need to replenish the plants in the planters in spring and autumn. If you have a business in the area or would like to commemorate a special event or person, you may like to consider sponsoring a planter or gateway for an annual fee. If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

TOGETHER WITH BRISTOL CATHEDRAL SCHOOL CHORAL SOCIETY

CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF

GEOFF. WICKHAM AS CONDUCTOR A celebratory programme including ZADOK THE PRIEST – Handel

MISSA BREVIS – Mozart

GRAND MARCH FROM “AIDA” – Verdi

LIFE ON A NORTH DEVON FARM – G. WICKHAM (Written to celebrate the life of Hazel Wickham) ETHEL-JANE CORMACK

Soprano

NATHALIE BENDING

Contralto

THOMAS WOOD

Tenor

CHARLIE MORRIS

Bass

HELEN GOODMAN

Leader of the Orchestra

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fromevalleyvoice

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

March, 2022

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

A Platinum Jubilee treat PEOPLE are already beginning to start thinking about what the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be like. Hopefully it should be a fun weekend, with an extra day off courtesy of Her Majesty. Just in case you are planning a special meal, I’ve got a sparkling

suggestion for a Platinum Dessert, which comes in two parts. This month you get the recipe for brandy snaps, a forgotten favourite of mine. They are light, crisp and utterly delicious as an accompaniment to a creamy, rich pudding. Alternatively, you can serve them

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with coffee, for a taste sensation! It is true you can buy good versions in the shops but to me, nothing says care and thought like a home-made, lacy little biscuit. They are a little bit fiddly, but once you’ve made a couple of batches, you’ll see they are well worth the effort. In the lead up to the Jubilee weekend I’ll be sharing some delectable desserts to go with your brandy snaps, so don’t forget to save this recipe to go with them. Now all we need is the sunshine for a truly happy and glorious time!

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Makes 12 Ingredients: Butter – 50g (2oz) Caster sugar- 50g (2oz) Golden syrup- 2 tbsps Self raising flour- 50g (2oz) Ground ginger – ½ tsp, or two pinches of ground star anise spice ½ tsp lemon juice Brandy- 1 tbsp (optional) Can be served with whipped cream or crème fraiche. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F, Gas Mark 4 Here’s what you do: Line 2 large baking trays with nonstick baking parchment. Grease the handles of 4 wooden spoons. Mix the ginger/star anise with the flour. In a small saucepan melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup on a low heat on the hob. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Then sift in the flour and the ginger/star anise. Add the lemon juice and brandy if using. Mix thoroughly. Mould the dough into a ball. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 20 mins.

Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment until 1-2mm thick. Using a cutter of 2-3 inches, cut out 4 rounds of the dough and place on a lined baking sheet – 4 inches apart, because they will spread! Bake for 10-15 minutes. When cooked they should be thin and well spread out. They should be golden brown all over and lacy in appearance. Remove the 2 trays from the oven and leave on the parchment for about 4 mins to firm up. Remove from the parchment by sliding a non-stick palate knife under the edge of the snap. If it lifts easily and isn’t floppy then it’s done. If not, leave for a couple of minutes more until done. Turn over each one and carefully roll around the greased handle of the wooden spoon. Leave to harden on a cooling rack before removing the spoons. (Should take about 7-8 mins) Whilst hardening prepare another 2 trays. Repeat until all the mixture has been used. When cold, store in an airtight tin. They will remain crisp for at least a week. Cook’s tips: Only bake a few at a time (6 max) as they will spread out amazingly and you will only be able to do a couple at a time around the handles. If the biscuits become too stiff to handle, pop them back into the oven for a minute to soften again. The cylinders can be filled with a mix of whipped cream and crème fraiche Shards to decorate a prepped dessert can be made from a square of the mix, baked and smashed with a rolling pin.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n LOCAL MP

Supporting those who have served their country IN January the Government unveiled its new Veterans Strategy, setting how we will support our amazing armed forces men and women, who have given so much to our country. Both at home and overseas, whether in supporting our world-leading vaccine rollout, or showing the amazing courage and dedication in bringing British people home from Afghanistan, we owe them enormously. They are some of our nation’s true heroes. Whilst many former Armed Forces personnel are able to transition back into civilian life, in too many cases this isn’t always easy. So, we have a duty to do even more to support

those who veterans who need it most. The Government has announced a £70 million action plan to help former armed services personnel to apply their military skills to public service roles, and to provide mental health support to those in need. A “step into health” scheme has been introduced, which will see work done to encourage veterans to apply for healthcare roles across the Home Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and NHS England. We will also see the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme put into force, which will guarantee that any veteran applying to any Civil Service

role will be guaranteed an interview. As we know, for so many people, getting into work is the best way of finding a place in society. However, for many veterans it is not that easy. Returning to civilian life presents its own challenges for people suffering with fragile mental health, and it is right that the Government does more. The Veterans Strategy will see NHS England bring three separate mental health services together within the ‘Op Courage’ mental health service for veterans, which was launched by NHS England last year. This will be vital in helping those in need to support to access it.

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

The UK Armed Forces' men and women who bravely serve our country are amongst the best and most courageous anywhere in the world. It is only right that we return that commitment, by making Britain the greatest place in the world to be a veteran.

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16/11/2020 15:55:27 Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

n WHAT'S ON

fromevalleyvoice

March 2 n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB flower arranging demonstration with Jenny York, 7.30pm, Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend. Visitors welcome, £8 at the door. March 16 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE OVER-50S FORUM, 2-4pm, Lyde Green Community Centre, Thistle Close. Speaker, South Glos Council leader Toby Savage. Stalls from

various organisations including police, public health, community transport providers. Open to anyone over the age of 50. For more information contact Janice on 07426 862121.

Winterbourne Barn

delivered economic and social gain for 100 years until mechanisation saw local hatters fighting for their jobs against a background of social, economic, political, agricultural and technological reform. Tickets are available to attend in person or to watch on Zoom. On March 29 at 7.30pm The Canterbury Tales brings medieval tales to the medieval barn. The wonderful GreenMatthews return to present six stories packed with colourful characters and strange situations. The cast of three uses drama, verse, physical theatre and song to bring Chaucer's characters to riotous life. The show is fast, furious, occasionally filthy and invariably funny - and unsuitable for under-12s. Booking and information for all events is on the barn's website, www.winterbournebarn. org.uk. The barn is still looking for volunteers - email contact@winterbournebarn.org.uk or call 0117 403 1536 if you want to help. Louise Harrison

WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn has three special events this month. On March 17 at 7.30pm, singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Leonie Evans, pictured right, hosts an evening of acoustic music. Expect to hear an array of languages and her amazing ‘Frumpet’ (vocal trumpet), in jazz, blues, country, gospel and Latin music. Leonie is joined this month by guest musicians Mohamed Errebbaa and Driss Yamdah, playing Moroccan gnawa music. On March 22 at 7pm is a talk: The Hatting Industry and Radical Change. Hatting was a lucrative artisan skilled trade, and work locally boomed from the 1760s. Watleys End was built as a 'greenfield' hatting village and the cottage industry

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REGULAR EVENTS n Monday: Winterbourne Flower Club now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details.

March, 2022

Winterbourne library news WINTERBOURNE Library welcomes everyone, whether browsing and borrowing from the shelves, using a computer, bringing children to the library or meeting friends. Rhymetime, Wednesdays, 9.30am-10am, most suitable for 0-18 months – limited spaces. Storytime, Fridays, 9.30am-10am, most suitable for 18 months to four years – limited spaces. Lego club 10am to 11am, every four weeks from March 5. All children’s activities places need to be booked at www.southglos.gov.uk/ childrenslibrary due to limited spaces and children must be accompanied by an adult. Coming soon – Easter holiday crafts. Digital Champions are now available for oneto-one IT support: covid-safe slots bookable on a Friday between 10am and noon. For more details, visit the library or email Winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk. The library is open and staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am to midday, with Open Access between 8am and 7.30pm on other days. More information is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges.

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March, 2022

fromevalleyvoice

n SPORT

Hockey club leaves Winterbourne after 19 years BRISTOL & West Hockey Club has had its home pitch at Winterbourne School since the Astroturf pitch was built about 19 years ago. Sadly, however, in the spring of 2021 the school took the decision to replace the current ‘2G’ pitch surface with a ‘3G’ pitch surface by the autumn of the same year. For those not familiar with different types of artificial pitch surface, a 3G surface has a much longer pile length than 2G and it is not suitable for the very fastpaced and highly skilful modern game of hockey. The club was unfortunately A poignant moment as the last junior training session at unable to change the school’s Winterbourne Academy comes to an end decision, although thankfully they did eventually agree to delay and training. They have also to Mangotsfield School. There the works until late February this carried out a pitch deep clean were initial teething problems year, which allowed vital time and refurbishment, purchased with getting the facility open for the club to move its over 350 new dugouts and new goals. again after the various covid strong membership, comprising The club are very grateful to lockdowns, but since then the 10 senior and 4 junior teams, to a Mangotsfield School, Wesport school has been very welcoming new venue. and England Hockey for the and allowed the club to take all of We are now just in the final WB Essentials AW.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 15:56 Pagefor1 matches support that they have provided the sessions needed stages of completing our move

during this very difficult time. Since the club moved to Winterbourne School 19 years ago, a great many pupils from the school have taken up hockey with the club through our junior training sessions and gone on to discover what a fantastically absorbing and healthy pastime hockey is. Breaking that close relationship with the school will therefore be tough. In addition, the club will miss the hospitality at the Hambrook Sports Club, where players, officials and supporters used to socialise after games. Sadly, the Hambrook will probably also miss the financial support provided by so many thirsty hockey players! Despite the upheaval of the last year, the membership of the club continues to grow and prosper in all sections. New members, both junior and senior, experienced or novice, are always made to feel very welcome. Andy Bryce Club chair

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fromevalleyvoice

March, 2022

n SPORT

Frampton in the winning habit

BELOW: Action from Frampton 2s' win over BAC

A GOOD month for Frampton Cotterell RFC has seen some great wins across the club. The Fram First XV sits fourth in the Gloucester Premier division, level on points with thirdplaced Dings Crusaders New forwards II, after bonus-point coach Nic Carver wins in January over Old Elizabethans and Old Richians were followed by a 71-0 victory over Ross-on-Wye, a 27-12 win over Bristol Saracens and a 26-15 away win at Cheltenham Saracens in February. Next up on March 5 is a home fixture against second-placed Clifton II. The 2s sit mid-table in Gloucester South Division 2 after enjoying a bonus-point win over BAC 1st team. The 3s also sit in a potential promotion place – the next few games will determine the outcome. Frampton have appointed ex-Greek international Nic Carver as forward coach to assist head coach Nige Smith. Nic represented Greece back in the late 80s before coming to the UK. He has had an instant impact. Mike Weaver

fromevalleyvoice

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March, 2022

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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3

Improving our places

South Gloucestershire communities will see yet more exciting improvements and a boost to our local economy thanks to the new budget’s spending plans.

Regenerating Kingswood In a major step towards the regeneration of Kingswood’s town centre, the council completed a £10million acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park last year. Alongside the funding in place to pedestrianise Regent Street, and the restoration of the Whitfield Tabernacle, the acquisition will transform the town. Options for redevelopment of the Kings Chase centre include leisure, housing and community services to complement shopping. As part of these plans, the council is also looking at reviewing the parking charges. The acquisition, and other regeneration plans, are funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Following extensive public consultation last year, the council will be bringing a final masterplan for Kingswood before its Cabinet in March. Feedback from local people included the potential for new leisure centre facilities in the town centre. Others commented that the council should prioritise connecting the green and open spaces across the area.

Yate on the move Yate’s new £4.5million park and ride is now open. Located on Badminton Road, the facility is already helping to reduce traffic by providing attractive alternative travel options such as public transport, Cllr Steve Reade at the new park and ride cycling or car sharing. The park and ride is open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) and includes 198 parking spaces, cycle parking for 46 bicycles, and improved bus stops. The car park will also be available for rail users at Yate Station. Looking ahead, a new masterplan, which sets out the aspirations for developing Yate, could see around £600million invested in the town over the next 15 to 20 years. Produced with partners including the town council, local business and residents’ groups, the Town Improvement Masterplan for Yate’s vision sets out how organisations can work together to help the town change. During public consultation last summer on the draft vision, local people fed back that they wanted to see more investment in Yate and a modernised town. Their responses shaped the final masterplan which you can view on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/yatemasterplan

Helping Thornbury Thrive The council has secured a further £4.577million to progress its plans for Thornbury’s historic high street to create a welcoming destination. The scheme is also set to boost the town’s economy. The investment will create dedicated blue-badge parking, loading and drop off bays, stopping through-traffic, widened footways, increased cycle parking and new seating, planting and wayfinding along the much-loved high street. The next steps are for the council to complete a detailed design, taking on board views expressed so far by the community, and prepare the full business case. It will then engage again with local people and stakeholder groups. In further good news for the town, the council has bought the former Thornbury Hospital site with a focus on developing a much needed new health centre and at least 70 extra care homes. Demolition of the hospital buildings will start later this year. The council is working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to progress plans for the replacement health centre.

Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be fully open by September this year, with metrobus services then commencing on the CPME route in spring 2023. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

New bridge in place at Gipsy Patch Lane

Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.

4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee. The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.

Digital Champions here to help get online The council’s digital champions can help if you, or someone you know, needs help to get online or would like to learn more. The digital champions run free one-to-one support sessions to help you feel more confident using the internet and online services. Based in seven South Gloucestershire libraries Downend, Emersons Green, Hanham, Staple Hill, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate - digital champions can help you complete specific tasks such as applying for a blue badge, setting up an email account or learning how to make video calls. You can book a session and bring your own device along (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone), or use one of the library computers on the day. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12pm). With 12 libraries, a mobile library and many community libraries open throughout the week, the council is here to help. Find your nearest library at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries

Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services. To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter

Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at  www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on  01454 868009

Follow our social media channels at  southglos.gov.uk/twitter  southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit  southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk

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