Frome Valley Voice May 2023

May, 2023 Issue 115

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

An 'exceptional' pre-school!

Village King and Queen are crowned

ORGANISERS of Winterbourne

Down Village Carnival unveiled this year's carnival Queen, King and attendants ahead of this year's event on May 1.

PAGE 5

Club's 'eyesore' barn

PLANS for an "absolutely huge" storage barn at a golf club in the Green Belt have been approved, despite residents’ objections.

PAGE 5

Pre-school leaders at Little Explorers pre-school in Coalpit Heath are 'ecstatic' after receiving their second outstanding rating in a row from inspectors. Full story: Page 4

Election battle underway

THE future of South Gloucestershire Council is up for grabs, as voters prepare to decide who should be in charge.

The council's ruling Conservatives are defending a majority of just five seats going in to the local elections on Thursday, May 4.

In the Frome Valley the Tories are defending two seats in Winterbourne in the face of challenges

from the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Green Party, while in Frampton Cotterell the Lib Dems are defending three seats as they try to dislodge the Tories as the council's biggest party. And on Winterbourne Parish Council, a total of 19 candidates are standing in a single ward.

Election guide: Pages 6 to 9

Netball success

WINTERBOURNE Academy's netball teams won two finals and were runners up in a third as they took the West of England Netball Finals by storm.

PAGE 3

Simon's inspiration

A HEALTH worker who grew up in Coalpit Heath has written an inspirational book – dedicated to the older sister he never met.

PAGE 13

fromevalleyvoice

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

May deadline

Our June deadline is May 17.

FromeValley Voice contacts

Richard Drew

Publisher

01454 800 120

contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

For advertising enquiries: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Your views

Ken McCormick Editor contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Go-ahead for Green Belt battery plant

A RENEWABLE energy battery storage plant has been approved on Green Belt land at Iron Acton, after negotiations over landscaping and nature protection.

The system will store electricity produced by a huge solar farm due to be built on 106 acres of land north of Iron Acton substation, at Lower Lark’s Farm, in Lark’s Lane.

The battery system has been given permission by planners despite being in the Green Belt, because of “very special circumstances” put forward by the developer RE Projects Developments.

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

We reserve the right to edit your letter.

Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk

01454 868582

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

Environment/trading standards

01454 868001

Complaints

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

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

NHS Health

Call 111

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

Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

A member of the

Planners said they accepted the need for renewable energy infrastructure, to support increasing use of renewable and low carbon energy.

In a report supporting the application, planning officers said: “Although a battery does not generate energy itself, it is critical to the functioning of renewable energy systems and cannot be separated from the wider system.

"They are therefore a vital part of renewable energy infrastructure and are a key component of the low-carbon energy infrastructure required to achieve net zero emissions.”

The plant will be made up of battery storage units, control buildings and a substation, covering three acres of land between the existing substation and the proposed solar panels. Those were given planning permission in 2021, and will produce enough electricity to supply 17,000 homes.

The batteries will allow electricity to be stored and supplied to the National Grid when needed.

When the application was submitted in July last year there were no objections from local residents or councils.

The developers have agreed to 12 conditions, including screening with new trees and plants, following a detailed ecology plan to protect wildlife during construction, as well as a plan to protect from future flooding.

Planners say the plant would support South Gloucestershire’s declaration of a 'Climate Emergency' and its aims of a lower carbon economy.

Officers said: “Given the screening of the site within the landscape, combined with the existing adjacent industrial uses, any harm to the openness of the Green Belt is deemed to be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.”

Shock at mum's death

MOVING tributes have been paid to a "devoted" mother-of-four who died after being hit by a car in Yate.

Rebecca Ashmead, known to friends and family as Beccy or Bex, died in a collision on Kennedy Way at around 5.40pm on March 29, despite efforts by police and paramedics to save her.

She worked as a lollipop lady at St Paul's Catholic Primary School in the town, and her family said she was a devoted mum, who was "passionate about road safety".

The school said Rebecca had "touched the hearts of so many with her enthusiasm and zest for life".

Police say an investigation into her death is ongoing and have asked anyone who saw the incident, the events leading up to it or saw a blue Ford driving in the area at the time to call 101 and quote reference number 5223 073 278.

A man in his 30s is on police bail after being arrested in connection with the incident.

Double success for school's netball stars

WINTERBOURNE Academy's netball teams won two finals and were runners up in a third as they took the West of England Netball Finals by storm.

The school's Under-16 side played Writhlington School in the final and came out very convincing 44-19 winners.

PE teacher Sophie Cleverly said: "From the first quarter, the girls gave it everything on the court. "Their determination and tenacity gave them a convincing lead from the get-go.

"The girls continued to fight throughout."

The Year 9 team then blew away the side from Redland Green in their final, chalking up a resounding 55-16 victory which Mrs Cleverly described as "a true team effort".

The school's Year 7 team also made their final and while they ended up on the wrong side of a 28-19 scoreline against Wellsway School in the final, Mrs Cleverly said the inexperienced team "really showed heart on the

court" and learnt a lot from the experience.

She added: "All the students were a credit to the school and showed impeccable behaviour and sportsmanship. As a PE

department we are very proud.

"We would also like to highlight Emma Brown, Beth Lewis and Eva Emmett for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the department

and school sport.

"Their contribution to school sport has been outstanding since they joined in year 7, culminating in coaching and mentoring the younger students."

Winterbourne Academy's Year 7 team in the front, Year 9s in the middle row and Under-16s at the back.

Pre-school leaders 'ecstatic' after second outstanding rating

A PRE-school in Coalpit Heath has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors for the second time.

Little Explorers, based in the Manor Hall, was started by manager Helen Moorfield in 2015.

The regulator praised Helen for inspiring and passionately supporting staff in delivering an ambitious, inclusive and interesting curriculum.

Inspector Stella Orfanidou visited the group in March.

She rated the pre-school as outstanding in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Her report said children thrived in a nurturing environment at the “excellent and well-established pre-school”.

The inspector said: “Staff cultivate strong professional relationships with both the children and their families, fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere of care and connection.

“As a result, children feel a deep sense of belonging, which contributes to their overall wellbeing. Children are confident and thoroughly enjoy their time here.

“The manager and staff highly regard each child as a unique individual, and strive to foster an inclusive environment.”

The report praised the way staff work with external agencies to create individual learning plans for children with special

educational needs or disabilities.

It said staff are “exceptional practitioners” who hold themselves to extremely high expectations.

The inspector said: "The manager and staff excel at supporting children's communication and language development. They create a language-rich environment and use a programme with diverse activities to help children learn and communicate effectively.”

The report welcomed the way staff introduce mathematical concepts to children from a very early age through everyday activities.

The inspector added: “Staff give top priority to the successful development of children's selfcare skills and independence throughout the setting.

“They offer children sufficient time and space to concentrate on tasks and persevere independently. For instance,

during morning snack time, children of all ages wash their hands, select and cut their own fruit and clean up after themselves by washing their plate and putting it away.

“Staff assist younger children when necessary and acknowledge and celebrate children's accomplishments and progress. This helps children experience a positive impact on their selfawareness and self-esteem.”

The inspector said staff also helped young children's emotional development by guiding them to confidently express their thoughts and feelings, while recognising the impact of their actions on others.

She said children cultivate a positive outlook towards the world around them, embracing visits to their school and local church with great delight, fostering a sense of appreciation for their community and instilling values of gratitude and

respect.

Little Explorers includes outdoor space where physical activities that enhance children's physical skills, including climbing and balancing.

The report says Helen and her staff receive high praise from parents for their support and dedication, especially towards SEND children, and parents feel highly involved in their children's learning.

Little Explorers, which caters for up to 52 children aged under four, also received an outstanding rating at its first inspection in 2017.

Helen said: "We are ecstatic to receive our second Ofsted 'outstanding' rating, back to back, which is very hard to achieve.

"We are a term time-only, pack-away setting and work extremely hard to provide a high quality provision.

"We aim to provide excellent foundations that support children into their transition to school and carry on into adulthood.

"I would like to thank all the staff for their continued hard work, as it’s a very difficult job to be in.

"Early years education does not get the recognition it deserves, and it’s extremely difficult under the rising economic costs.

"Thank you to all the parents, for their support and trusting us with their precious little ones."

Staff and children at Little Explorers pre-school in Coalpit Heath

Carnival-ready!

ORGANISERS of Winterbourne Down Village Carnival unveiled this year's carnival Queen, King and attendants ahead of this year's event on May 1.

Olivia Franklin is the Queen, while Ellis Saunders is the King. The attendants are Finn Morrison, Ava Plummer, Gwen Skilton and Erin Gale.

The carnival was due to get underway with a treasure hunt and scarecrow trail on Sunday April 30 at 2pm at Bethesda Methodist Church Hall followed by a Songs of Celebration event at 6pm at All Saints Church, before the main event the following day from 10am-6pm.

The procession from Bradley Avenue to Bethesda Methodist Church, to crown the May Day King & Queen was due to start at 10.15am. There will be entertainment and stalls along Down Road, and in the grounds of both village churches, for the rest of the day.

Golf club's 'eyesore' storage barn approved

PLANS for an “absolutely huge” storage barn at a South Gloucestershire golf club in the Green Belt have been approved, despite residents’ objections. Councillors granted permission for the 1,500 sq m U-shaped “eyesore” building around a new service yard at the Kendleshire course near Coalpit Heath, despite concerns about noise, fumes, its size and “industrial” appearance, the impact on wildlife and danger of stray golf balls from the neighbouring driving range.

Development management committee members heard the 7m-high structure would be used to keep trailers, mowers, fuel and equipment, replacing an existing off-site store which is being bulldozed and replaced with five homes.

But residents are angry because they believed planning consent had been granted for the grounds store’s demolition and new houses at nearby

Henfield Farm on the basis that the club would not require a new building, and would move the vehicles and machinery into existing facilities at the course.

Eight residents objected to the barn, which will be 55 metres (180ft) long and 33m (108ft) wide on its wings.

Committee member Brian Hopkinson (Con, Charlton & Cribbs) told the meeting on April 13: “What a massive building in the greenbelt - it’s absolutely huge.

“This situation where they get rid of buildings because they don’t need them for storage of equipment and then you get houses put in there, and they come back with this plan which is going to be absolutely terrible, I find this absolutely crazy - I just hate it.

“It’s running rings around our officers, and it’s not good.”

Mike Bell (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said: “I’m voting against it. The building will be an

eyesore because of its size in the greenbelt.”

Neighbour David Tooze told members: “This is a massive 1,500 sq m intrusion into the Green Belt that happens to be twice the size of the existing facilities.

“It is not for recreational purposes, there is no benefit for the golfers or anyone else: it’s purely to enable financial gain to be made in an application to build five luxury houses on the current site of the existing facilities.”

However, council officers recommended giving the go-ahead after concluding the impact on residents and the building’s design were not unacceptable - and because national planning policy gives golf clubs and other outdoor sports facilities an exception for development in the Green Belt as long as they “preserve the openness” of the countryside.

They said the grounds store

was essential for the club’s operations, the floorspace was justified and the applicants had reduced the height by one metre during the planning process.

Officers also agreed it was reasonable for the equipment to be kept in a secure and central location at the course.

Colin Hunt (Con, Emersons Green): “This application is in the greenbelt but it is a recreation, a sport, which allows for development in the greenbelt.

“Golf courses need places to maintain and store. I can’t see much of a problem.”

Councillors voted 5-2 in favour of granting permission, with an additional condition to have netting at the end of the driving range to stop golf balls being hit into a fishing lake beyond it, which has been annoying local anglers.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Control of council up for grabs

SOUTH Gloucestershire voters will decide the future political direction of the council when they go to the polls on Thursday, May 4.

The council's ruling Conservatives are defending 33 seats - an overall majority of five - after holding on to power when the party lost control of many nearby councils at the last elections in 2019.

The Liberal Democrats, the biggest opposition group going into the elections with 17 seats, are the only other party contesting all 61 seats up for election on the unitary authority, which has responsibility for public services including waste and recycling, school provision, road maintenance, housing and planning.

The Tories have run the council since 2007 and held an overall majority since 2015, while the Lib Dems last had one in 2003, with other parties holding the balance of power at times when no one party is in overall control.

The third largest party going into the elections is Labour, which is standing 43 candidates and defending 11 seats, while the Greens, who currently have no councillors, are standing 16 candidates.

There are six independent candidates, two from Reform UK, and one from the National Housing Party.

Whoever wins this time there will be a new council leader, after Toby Savage, who has led the ruling Tory cabinet since 2018, announced shortly before nominations closed that he was stepping down as a councillor, having recently become a father for the second time.

Labour leader Pat Rooney is also stepping down, announcing her retirement after 30 years on South Gloucestershire Council and predecessor Kingswood borough.

The Voice asked the four biggest parties in the election to sum up their manifesto pledges for readers.

Their responses are printed in order of their strength in the council chamber going into the election.

Conservative

THE Conservatives have a proven track record of delivering.

From record levels of investment in schools, multi-million pound road surfacing schemes, record breaking recycling rates and ensuring car parking remains free across South Glos, we have a proven record.

If re-elected, we will continue to prioritise the things that matter. We will ensure that new homes are built in the right places and that our precious environment is protected. We will continue to invest in our local road network to keep it in tip top condition and ensure attainment levels in schools remain high.

Labour

OUR community is brimming with potential, but years of Conservative control on South Gloucestershire Council are holding our people and places back.

Listening to residents, we will build a better South Gloucestershire together:

Housing: Enforcing planning laws so a third of all new housing developments are affordable. Working with landlords to make rental properties warmer and cheaper for tenants.

Transport: Increasing the Council’s financial contribution to bus services. Working with our Labour Metro Mayor to train more bus drivers.

NHS and social care: Campaigning for the promised Minor Injuries Unit at Cossham and community beds at Frenchay. Working with NHS partners on early mental health interventions.

We will continue to support our high streets and businesses by ensuring it remains free to park and will push the West of England Combined Authority for better public transport links.

We will also expand the soft plastic recycling scheme to further improve a recycling rate which is already one of the best in the country.

Liberal Democrats

WE face two huge challenges - the threat from Climate Change and the cost-of-living crisis.

Our priorities are : Tackling the Climate and Ecological emergency. Helping people insulate their homes, Cutting their carbon footprint and bills. Supporting innovation to build a greener economy.

Getting our area moving. We will work with communities and transport operators to deliver a joined-up transport system. Helping residents with the cost-of-living crisis. We will offer support and advice to people and businesses, to help them cut their bills and grow the local economy. Bringing back local decision making. Making sure your voices are heard and the issues that matter to you are tackled.

We will run South Gloucestershire Council in a completely different way - listening to and working with local people, residents, voluntary groups, Town and Parish Councils and other public authorities.

We can create a South Gloucestershire that works with everyone, for everyone.

Environment: Introducing a dedicated lead for Climate Change Action. Setting the highest standards for waste recovery and recycling. Ensuring major green spaces are accessible.

Childcare: Working with a future Labour government to build a modern childcare system that works for families and children.

Green

On 4th May, help South Gloucestershire follow our neighbours in Bristol by electing Green Party Councillors to our Council.

Our key priorities are:

Housing – balancing the needs of all residents in our local communities; supporting fair and affordable housing; and addressing the challenges of houses with multiple occupants.

Transport - reversing cuts to bus services; pushing for a bus franchise model; and continuing to oppose the development of further mega-roundabouts on the ring road. Local services - supporting local healthcare, schools, libraries and social care, and enhancing support to vulnerable communities.

Meaningful climate action - providing additional support for insulation for community buildings; enforcing the South Gloucestershire Council nature plan so that all developments protect biodiversity; and ensuring that the Council’s climate commitments are embedded throughout Council decision making.

Rivers – challenging water companies and Government to stop the dumping of raw sewage in our waterways.

Current Tory council leader Toby Savage is stepping down.

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Ward profile: Frampton Cotterell

FRAMPTON Cotterell ward includes far more than the village it is named after.

One of South Gloucestershire's biggest wards by size, it stretches from the M4 near Henfield in the south, through Kendleshire, Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell itself, then through Mayshill, Nibley, Iron Acton and Engine Common, including some mainly non-residential areas on the outskirts of Yate.

The ward then continues north through Latteridge, Rangeworthy, Itchington and Tytherington, ending north west of the M5 just outside Thornbury.

The ward covers five parishes, including the Coalpit Heath part of Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath parish.

It is also one of the biggest wards by population, with more than 10,000 voters at the last local elections.

Back in 2019, the Liberal Democrats won all three of the available seats, with the thirdplaced Lib Dem candidate 265 votes ahead of the leading Conservative in fourth.

An independent candidate came seventh, ahead of three Labour candidates.

This time around there are nine candidates standing for election: three Lib Dems, three Tories, two Labour and one from the Green Party.

The Voice invited all of the candidates, via their parties, to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Tristan

schools and works for Tesco in Yate.

Carolina Echegaray (Grn)

My partner and I live in Frampton Cotterell, running a business making bicycle frames. Local issues like transport infrastructure, housing and development, and green spaces are at the heart of Green Party politics. Good solutions are crucial in addressing the climate crisis and improving quality of life in our communities.

Tom Howell (Con)

Roger Millard (Lab)

Roger Millard has lived in Frampton Cotterell since 1976 and has served as both a Parish Councillor and a School Governor for several local schools.

Tim Niblett (Con)

Tom lives in Coalpit Heath and previously worked in a South Gloucestershire pub, before working as a local caseworker. Tom enjoys watching football and walks with his family. Tom is hoping to secure a return of health services to Frenchay, as well as rolling out softplastic recycling to every home.

Jon Lean (LD)

Tim has lived in Frampton Cotterell for 55 years and worked in the local Aerospace Industry. Tim's hobbies include motorcycling, rugby and golf. Tim is passionate about village life and has campaigned to bring our local roads up to standard and to reinstate vital bus services in our villages.

Andy Pullen (Con)

Jonathan stood for the Labour Party in Westerleigh in 2015 and then again in Frampton Cotterell in 2019. Committed to social justice, equality and sustainability, he has campaigned on a number of local issues including street lighting and affordable housing.

Claire Young (LD)

Tristan campaigns for the restoration of cut bus services and opposes unsustainable housing developments. He has represented Coalpit Heath on Westerleigh Parish Council since 2017 and been Vice Chair of Frampton Cotterell Parish Council since 2020. He lives in Coalpit Heath, attended local

Jon is passionate about local issues and is leading our campaign to stop water companies discharging sewage into our rivers. He has campaigned successfully on road surfaces, the nature reserve and more. On South Glos his business experience is invaluable as he leads for the Lib Dems on budget issues.

Andy lives in Coalpit Heath with his wife and three children. Andy is passionate about sport and has played for Frampton Cotterell RFC. In addition to watching his rugby team, Andy enjoys travel, gardening and DIY. Andy is passionate about securing more investment for local sports clubs and community facilities.

Claire has a long record of standing up for residents – including campaigning to protect our countryside and improve local transport. She proposed the council’s Climate Emergency declaration and chaired a Special Educational Needs review. An environmental researcher and Lib Dem Group Leader, she lives with her family in Coalpit Heath.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

Grn: Green Party

Lab: Labour Party

LD: Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Clark (LD)

Jonathan Trollope (Lab)

n LOCAL ELECTIONS

Ward profile: Winterbourne

WINTERBOURNE ward is smaller in size and population than neighbouring Frampton Cotterrell.

Covering Winterbourne, Winterbourne Down, Watley's End, Moorend, Whiteshill and Hambrook, its boundaries include the Avon Ring Road in the south, River Frome in the east and M4 in the north west.

The ward contains most of Winterbourne parish but not the Frenchay area south of the A4174.

At the last local elections its electorate was just over half the size of Frampton Cotterell's, with 5,758 voters on the register.

Its two councillors to Frampton's three mean it has fewer voters per council seat than Frampton.

In 2019 the Conservatives won both seats, with the party's secondplaced candidate 406 votes ahead of the leading Liberal Democrat in third. Labour's leading candidate was fifth, 162 votes behind the fourth-placed Lib Dem.

This time there are eight candidates - two each from the Tories, Lib Dems, Labour and the Green Party.

The Voice invited all of the candidates, via their parties, to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

Peter Bruce (LD)

A Parish Councillor in Frampton Cotterell, chair of the Climate & Nature Committee and vice chair of the Youth Committee. He works in South Glos and has a daughter that attends a local school. David guides Visually Impaired runners and attends martial arts classes. He is also decarbonising his house.

Trevor Jones (Con)

parks and green spaces. Vice-chair of Green Community Travel, he has vowed to fight cuts to bus services.

Alan Lankester (Grn)

bar steward for Winterbourne Utd Football Club, so I am fully aware of the needs and aspirations of Winterbourne residents."

Beth McKinlay (Lab)

The Labour Party has not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

David Vernon (Grn)

"I manage national IT developments for stem cell transplantation and have lived in South Gloucestershire with my family since 2022. A committee member and volunteer for Frampton Cotterell Nature, I joined the Greens because larger parties weren’t willing to commit to following the science on environment, biodiversity, or climate issues."

John Lloyd (Lab)

I have lived in Bradley Stoke and then Winterbourne for three years. I love to cycle and walk around the area, including the Frome Valley walkway, and to look after my plot in the Glebe allotments. I believe in a just transition and equity of opportunity.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Trevor has been a South Gloucestershire councillor for 16 years and has sat on Winterbourne Parish Council since 2019. His background is in clinical science, having worked for the NHS Blood and Transplant service. He has two daughters, has been a school governor for 35 years and championed school investment.

Nic Labuschagne (Con)

30 years in Winterbourne and the Aerospace industry, diverse local jobs and volunteering.

Peter’s focus is on community and encouraging co-operation between business, public sector, charities and academia, delivering partnerships with unlikely organisations and people. He has a passion for local food, buildings, the environment and creating opportunity.

Nic has lived in Winterbourne for over 20 years and been a parish and district councillor for the last six. A proud father-of-four, he loves spending time with his grandchildren in Winterbourne’s

"I was raised in nearby Frampton Cotterell and have lived in the Parish of Winterbourne for over 40 years. For more than 30 years I have been secretary/groundsman/

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

Grn: Green Party

Lab: Labour Party

LD: Liberal Democrats

David Goodwin (LD)

WHILE candidates in South Gloucestershire Council's elections prepare for polling day, most of the area's town and parish council elections are already over.

No parish elections will take place in 69 wards across the district - in some cases covering entire parishes - because not enough candidates came forward to make a vote necessary.

In the Frome Valley area they include the whole of Frampton Cotterell Parish Council, where one of the 15 seats remains unfilled, the whole of Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath Parish Council and the East Ward of Iron Acton Parish Council.

And no candidates have been nominated at all for the seven seats available on Tytherington and Itchington parish council.

Elections will only take place in 22 parish or town council wardsbut the one with the biggest battle shaping up is in Winterbourne.

While the parish council's Frenchay ward saw four Frenchay Preservation Society councillors elected unopposed, the Winterbourne ward has 19 candidates vying for one of 12 places.

The Conservatives are standing 12 candidates: Jon Amos, Carla Attwood, Venish Bansal, Nicole Beebee, Mike Goodman, South Gloucestershire councillors Trevor Jones and Nic Labuschagne, Diane Marriott, Mary Newport, David Roughley, Theresa van der Merwe and Lawrence Ward.

Six candidates are running under the banner 'Winterbourne Independent Voices - Working For You'.

They are: Fergus Arkley, Peter Bruce, David Eldridge, Laura FoggRogers, Sharon Hancock and Penny Sykes.

Both Peter Bruce and David

Winterbourne parish election is rare exception

Eldridge are also running for South Gloucestershire Council as Liberal Democrats.

Labour is standing one candidate, John Lloyd, who is also running for election to South Gloucestershire Council.

The other parish ward in the area where an election will take place is the Iron Acton ward of Iron Acton Parish Council.

There are five candidates, all of whom are standing without party labels, for the four seats: David Barker, Paul Chapman, Adrian Edmonds, Denise Smith, Catherine Spedding and Jon Wright.

Iron Acton's East ward has just one candidate, Robert Lomas, who is elected unopposed, with three seats left vacant.

In Frampton Cotterell the following candidates have been elected unopposed, with party labels in brackets where stated:

Central ward - Morgan Bolton, Tristan Clark, Edwina Pennell, Antonia Williams (Independent) and Linda Williams (Ind).

East ward - David Goodwin (Ind), Andy Pullen, David Williams.

West ward - Matthew Hemmings, Dave Hockey (Save our countryside), Pat hockey (Ind), Alan Lankester (Grn), Tim Niblett.

The six candidates elected unopposed in the Coalpit Heath ward of Coalpit Heath & Westerleigh are: Tristan Clark, Carolina Echegaray (Grn), Adam Hill, Kate Kelliher, Jon Lean and Rob McCullough (Ind).

Carol Goddard (Ind) is the only candidate who stood in the parish's Westerleigh ward, which leaves each ward with one vacancy.

In Rangeworthy, four of the five seats have been filled, and in Cromhall five of seven seats have been filled.

Nominations are reopened for unfilled vacancies within 35 days of

polling day on May 4. Those already elected unopposed do not have to run again but there could be elections if more nominations are submitted in a ward than there are vacancies. If seats still remain unfilled after nominations close again, parish councils have the power to appoint or 'co-opt' new members.

need photo ID to vote

POLLING takes place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 4, with counting getting underway immediately afterwards.

For the first time, all voters will need to bring formal photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport with them to the polling station or face being turned away, under a law which has just come into force.

Free Voter Authority Certificates, which allow people without other accepted forms of photo ID to vote, have been made available, but the deadline to apply for one has already passed.

Other acceptable forms of photo ID include: a biometric immigration document, Proof of Age Standards Scheme ID card, Ministry of Defence ID card, blue badge, national identity card issued by an EEA state, older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass, Oyster 60+ Card or Freedom Pass.

The photo ID law has been controversial, with opposition councillors warning earlier this year that more than 8,000 people in South Gloucestershire do not have the required identification and could be "disenfranchised" as a result.

The law has been brought in to prevent electoral fraud, but opponents say there have only been two convictions for the crime in the past five years, while hundreds were turned away from polling stations in trial areas in 2019.

Research by the Electoral Commission shows voters less likely to have an accepted form of ID are over-85s, people with disabilities, homeless and transgender people.

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has rejected claims it would take 742 years to repair all of its crumbling roads and potholes.

The figure was put to council leader Toby Savage at a cabinet meeting in March by Yate town councillor Chris Willmore, who said it was based on raw government data used to compile a league table of backlogs.

She told Mr Savage: "You have more A-road length than Bristol but only managed to repair a third as much. At the current rate of repairs, Bristol could repair all its A roads in 56 years – you would take 170 years.

“If we go to the other roads, South Glos repairs half as much each year, even though it has more roads. Bristol at its current rate would take 391 years to repair all those roads – South Glos would take 742 years.”

Council leader Toby Savage admitted there was work to do but said the administration had committed an extra £1 million in the budget, set in February, to improve the state of highways and pavements.

The numbers were based

'742-year pothole backlog' claim rejected by council

were based on the "inaccurate" assumption that all of the network needed to be repaired, whereas only 3% of A-roads and 7% of other roads needed urgent maintenance, with the network as a whole in "a very reasonable condition".

Potholes have worsened on many roads in the district in recent months and the council says it has "filled around 17% more potholes since the start of January compared to last year".

works in Perrinpit Road, Frampton Cotterell, Yate Road, Iron Acton and Old Gloucester Road, Winterbourne.

on Department for Transport figures which said the council reconstructed or re-laid 0.7 miles of its 119.2 miles of A-roads and 1.9 miles of its 1,409.8 minor roads in 2021-22.

However afterwards the council said the estimates

Road maintenance has been made an election issue by parties campaigning ahead of the local elections, with both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives claiming credit for a recent decision to resurface Church Road in Frampton Cotterell, after organising petitions.

Ahead of the campaign the council also announced the completion of flood resilience

A council spokesperson said four to eight maintenance crews were out five days a week and sometimes on weekends, adding: “This time of year is traditionally busy in terms of repairing potholes, as the cold and wet weather over the winter months takes its toll on our road surfaces.

"We repair around 11,000 potholes a year, although it is difficult to provide an exact number, as repairs may include multiple potholes under one job."

The council launched a new online system for residents to report potholes and other issues online last year, at www. southglos.gov.uk/reportit.

Town councillors floated a rubber duck in this large pothole in Sundridge Park, Yate

Wanted: help to save mining heritage

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help preserve Coalpit Heath’s 700-year mining heritage.

Friends of Ram Hill Colliery look after the 170 metre deep former coal mine at Broad Lane, Ram Hill.

Now they’d like people living in the area to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in and help.

The group has made its appeal as King Charles launches his Big Help Out appeal as part of the Coronation celebrations.

The Big Help Out aims to match up organisations all over the UK that need volunteers, with individuals who want to give their time.

Volunteers and organisations can register on a free app.

The Friends of Ram Hill are not on the app yet – the timing of their volunteer launch was a coincidence.

But they do need help, including a new treasurer, people to help with preserving the woodland walk area on site, and building a 'living wall' of herbs,

flowers and vegetables.

On World Heritage Day in April, Metro Mayor Dan Norris was given a guided tour by Friends of Ram Hill Colliery Secretary Kate Kelliher.

The mine, which is now filled

in, was first used in the 14th century. More recently it was used by the Coalpit Heath Colliery Company to transport coal to the River Avon and Keynsham between 1825 and 1865.

The site includes the old steam engine house, storage bunkers, and the Dramway– all key parts of a site that was one of the main suppliers of coal to Bristol during the Industrial Revolution.

Mr Norris, who is running an Explore Local campaign, said: “The Ram Hill Colliery has long been a firm favourite with locals wishing to drink in and learn more about the vital role mining played in our region’s story, and it’s no wonder.

“It’s all because of the extraordinary skills, talents and enthusiasm that the Friends of Ram Hill Colliery group, and other volunteer superheroes in the region, who continue to bring which genuinely never ceases to amaze me - we need more Kates!”

For more information about volunteering at Ram Hill email katekelliher@hotmail.co.uk.

Details of The Big Help Out can be found at thebighelpout. org.uk.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris with Friends of Ram Hill Colliery Secretary Kate Kelliher and volunteers

Jail for rogue roofing scammers

THREE rogue traders who targeted South Gloucestershire residents with a roofing scam have been jailed.

The men traded under names including Yate Roofing, and made £45,000 by cheating 18 home owners in an area stretching from Gloucestershire to Wiltshire and Bristol.

Trading standards officers say there may have been many more unknown victims in the area.

Brothers Matty Rossiter, aged 18, and James Rossiter, aged 24 from Sambourne Park, Minety, Wiltshire, were arrested and pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business and fraud by false representation.

Dean Smith, aged 21, from Aldermaston in Berkshire, admitted participating in a fraudulent business.

On April 13 at Swindon Crown Court, Matty Rossiter was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, James Rossiter was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, and Dean Smith was sentenced to three years in prison.

The prosecutions were brought by Wiltshire Trading Standards, who said the cases that formed the basis of the case happened between October 2020 and March 2021, when the men carried out unnecessary and overpriced work.

But a spokesperson said: “During the investigation many more consumers were interviewed who had also been defrauded but did not want to provide a witness statement.

"Some were cold called but many had engaged the men through Facebook and professional-looking websites.”

Trading standards officers say the three men also used the business names Southern Homecare, Chippenham Roofing, Skyline Roofing, Wiltshire Roofing, Tree Wise, RM Building & Landscapes and Enterprise Roofing.

Many of the victims ended up having to pay out more money to have the faulty work put right. The biggest loss was £9,000.

Among the victims was a Yate man, Stuart Dye. BBC News reported that he had been charged £3,000 for less than a day's work, with one of the tiles used by the gang taken directly from his neighbour's roof.

A chartered surveyor called to assess the work said it was "abysmal", "carried out with no attendant skill or competence" and "probably without the use of appropriate hand tools".

Trading standards also released a video made by the roofers showing them mocking

an 82-year-old Wiltshire man they had targeted, bragging about "doing some bodging" and how easily they could find elderly victims like him.

People are being urged to be extremely cautious of anyone who turns up on their doorstep offering to do work that perhaps they didn't even think was needed, at ‘too good to be true' prices.

They recommend always getting at least three quotes, with full details in writing, before any work takes place.

Anyone who thinks they have been the victim of a rogue trader should call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

The men filmed themselves as they carried out shoddy work

Simon's debt to sister he never met

A HEALTH worker who grew up in Coalpit Heath has written an inspirational book – dedicated to the older sister he never met.

Simon Reuter, now aged 51, was born with a heart defect, and needed life-saving open heart surgery when he was just four years old.

But despite lifelong health problems associated with his condition, he has never held back, and has always lived life to the fullest possible.

Now he has written a book about his experiences and the forces that drove him, hoping to inspire young people facing difficult health issues.

And he says he owes it all to his older sister Sally, who was also born with the same condition.

Simon told the Voice: “All my life I have personally felt a debt to Sally.

"She had the same heart condition as I have. She was a forerunner to what I had and she died, and so I have a debt to her.”

Sally was born in 1966, and was diagnosed as having 'transposition of the great arteries', which meant the arteries connecting her heart had developed incorrectly.

In his book Simon writes that when she was three years old, Sally was admitted to hospital for heart surgery to correct the defect. She died three days later.

He said: “Mum and Dad never got over Sally’s death. There were pictures of Sally up on the walls at home, and I always believed that Sally was spoken about within the family.

“Personally, I owe Sally very much; everything I write, and a lot of what I do in this book,

has an element of thanks to and inspiration from her.”

Simon was born later in the same year Sally died, in 1971, and to his parents' horror he was also diagnosed with TGA.

When he reached four, doctors decided to carry out the eight-hour operation needed to correct his heart defect – the same operation that Sally had.

He said: “Mum broke down into tears, not because I was going to finally have the surgery I needed, but because on that day, five years earlier, Sally had died.”

Simon’s surgery was a success, and despite other related health issues, he has been able to live a busy and active life, living in Henfield, and going to the Manor School in Coalpit Heath and the Ridings in Winterbourne.

He said: “I continued to be treated the same as my healthy brothers. My parents continued to encourage me to go out and play, climb trees, play football, and even occasionally fight with, my brothers and friends.

“I was encouraged to explore my world and not let my cardiac condition limit what I wanted to do. And I never have, thanks to my mum, dad and brothers.”

Simon went on to become a children's nurse and then an adolescent mental health nurse, and moved to Bristol.

His book, What is Life without Risk? is a series of autobiographical stories centred around the difficulties and struggles of a young person growing up with health conditions.

It focuses on how Simon chose to push past those limitations and live his life to

the full, having travelled on the Trans-Siberian railway, bungee jumped in New Zealand and gone skydiving.

Simon said: “My parents never held me back and never wrapped me in cotton wool.

"Yes I have missed out on some things – but I want to encourage others to do like me and push the boundaries.

"I hope it will give any teenager facing difficulties an insight, and some hope."

Mangotsfield Church of England Primary School, Church Farm Road, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7EY

Tel: 01454 867400

www.mangotsfieldprimary.org

Email: admin@mangoschool.org

Lunchbreak Supervisor

Hours: 2 hours per day, 5 shifts per week (Mon to Fri)

Term time only

Salary Scale: Hay 13 (£10.79 per hour)

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Lunchbreak Supervisor The successful applicant will support the lunchtime team with the supervision of pupils during the lunchtime break so as to ensure the safety, general welfare and proper conduct of pupils during this period.

No formal qualifications or previous experience is required but the ability to establish positive expectations of pupil behaviour, good relationships with staff and pupils, and sensitivity to pupils’ personal needs is important. A desire to be First Aid trained would be advantageous.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and all appointments will be subject to appropriate vetting, including an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

Some roles may need to comply with the ‘Childcare Act 2006’ and the ‘Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009’ were additional disclosure of information will be required.

Please apply by completing the application form which can be found on our website https://www.mangotsfieldprimary.org/Recruitment/

Simon Reuter skydiving

Simon as a young child

n STROUD AUCTIONS

Batmobile brings in the bids

TOYS and games are a serious business for collectors.

Bidders at Stroud Auctions' April sale paid excellent prices for toys of different types and ages, from die-cast Corgi models of Eddie Stobart vehicles, sold for just under £1,000, to a 1980s Nintendo NES console and games, which made £350.

The auctioneer’s favourite lot was a vintage diesel enginepowered model pylon racing car, in the style of a 1930 single-seat racing car, which sold for £2,797 to a buyer in Australia.

A Hornby train set made a pleasing £380, while a batteryoperated vintage tinplate Batmobile sold for £300.

The highest price achieved among the 1,017 lots in the two-day sale - which featured specialist sections of toys, vinyl records, musical instruments and equipment, stamps, books, ephemera, paintings and pictures and furniture - was a mint and used world stamp collection that sold

for £4,985.

The surprise result of the sale was the £3,890 paid for a 1930’s Clifford Essex ‘Paragon’ four string tenor banjo.

When the buyer was offered £2,000 for the instrument it seemed like a significant sum, but fierce bidding on the telephones

and online proved that auction is still the best possible way of achieving the best price for your item.

In total, 1,291 bidders from 33 countries took part in the sale.

The next auction will be on June 14 and 15 at our brandnew saleroom, and will feature

jewellery, silver, watches, coins, bijouterie and designer goods and textiles.

If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not come along to our public viewing day on June 13, from 10am to 6pm, and see us in our new surroundings.

We are still accepting items for our July auction, which will once again include vinyl records, toys, stamps, books, ephemera, paintings and pictures and musical instruments and equipment, along with twice-yearly cameras and scientific instruments section.

If you are thinking of selling, please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation or just email and ask for advice from one of our specialists.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

This Batmobile toy sold for £300

An Australian buyer paid almost £2,800 for this model car

Police told to improve by inspectors

INSPECTORS say Avon and Somerset police force “requires improvement” in investigating crimes including rape and serious sexual offences.

Half of all investigations carried out by the short-staffed force end up with no further action being taken, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said.

The force also needs to improve responding to the public and recording crime data.

The constabulary was graded as “adequate” in protecting vulnerable people and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, and “good” at treating the public with respect.

A 12-month review of Avon & Somerset Police was carried out by the inspectorate between 2021 and last year.

Inspectors said: “The constabulary’s capacity to conduct timely investigations into rape and other serious sexual offences is exceeded by the number of these offences.

"As a result, such crimes are often left without being allocated to an investigator for a period of time during which evidential opportunities could be lost — as could the confidence of the victim.

"The constabulary told us that, between April and June 2022, the number of such unallocated crimes varied between 125 and 48. Although these crimes are kept under review by supervisors and senior officers, they aren’t actually being actively investigated.”

Avon and Somerset Police has a dire shortage of detectives and investigators, the inspectors said. This means that half of all investigations considered for prosecution result in no further action being taken.

Another area needing improvement is recording data about crime. During the year covered by the inspection, the police force didn’t record an estimated 13,100 crimes, including 420 sexual offences. Particular crimes picked out by inspectors included rapes, crimes involving vulnerable victims, and anti-social behaviour.

They said: “The constabulary should improve its recording practices to make sure that rape crimes and reported incidents of rape are recorded correctly. Some unrecorded crimes were of a serious nature, such as controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual assaults and other assaults.

“When the crime was not recorded there was often limited evidence of investigation or safeguarding the victim. Failure to record these crimes can result in offenders not being identified or brought to justice.”

Police bosses said they had plans in place to address the problems in the inspection, like recruiting new staff, and added that extra demand from people suffering from mental health issues are increasing pressure on the police force.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew said: “Responding to the public more quickly, improving our investigations and better management of offenders are areas of intense focus for us, and we have plans in place to address the shortfalls outlined.

"The report recognises the sheer volume of non-emergency demand coming in the police service, much of which we know is spillover demand from other public services.

“In the last 12 months, we’ve taken more than 385,000 calls for service, with under a third of these relating to crime or anti-social behaviour. The rest are issues which go beyond the policing sphere, including incidents involving people in mental health crises.

Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: “I am delighted that Avon and Somerset Police has been graded outstanding for their work in ‘engaging with and treating the public with fairness and respect.’

"However, I’m concerned — as I’m sure local people will be — about the areas highlighted that still require improvement including investigating crime, recording data about crime, responding to the public and managing offenders.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Crossbow Singers

AS the long days of winter begin to feel a thing of the past and the rain seems to have finally let up slightly, we are looking towards the summer months and of course our summer concert.

If you have yet to put the dates in your diary, now's the time!

We will as usual be putting on two performances, on Monday July 3 and Tuesday July 4, both at 7.30pm at Crossbow House.

The theme will be ‘Songs Fit for a King’ in recognition of the coronation of King Charles III.

The programme is an engaging mix of modern songs, musical pieces and traditional numbers, and will feature quite a number where the audience will be able to sing along.

A huge thank-you to Crossbow volunteers who will be manning the bar, so audience and choir can lubricate their vocal chords before and during the concert.

There will be more details in next month's article to let you know how to order tickets. Alternatively, keep an eye on the Crossbow Singers Facebook page, where details on how to buy tickets will be posted.

We are also very proud to be taking part in two other community concerts, both at All Saints Church in Winterbourne Down.

The first is to celebrate the Winterbourne Down Carnival and is on April 30 at 6pm.

The second is on June 10 for a social and fund-raising event for the church: strawberries, cream and Prosecco/soft drinks will also be part of the evening, starting at 6pm again.

Louise Lewis

n LOCAL MP

Invite to Big Lunch

CHIPPING Sodbury's Big Lunch will once again be celebrating a royal milestone.

People are being invited to come and join this year's community takeover of Broad Street, which will be held on Sunday May 7, the day after King Charles III's Coronation and the middle of the second of three bank holiday weekends in the month.

Last year the Big Lunch marked the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee and was one of dozens of street parties and special events held across the district.

This time South Gloucestershire Council has not reported fewer official street closures in the district, with Chipping Sodbury’s Big Lunch is likely to be the biggest Coronation event locally – thousands expected to join the party as Broad Street is closed to traffic.

Organisers say there will be bands, dance acts and entertainment. Families are being invited to bring their own chairs and tables, and picnic, although local cafes and pubs are also set to open serving food and drink .

Alexandra Dent, from the voluntary committee that organises the event, said: “It is part of the organising committee’s ethos never to charge for anything at the Big Lunch and particularly this year with the cost of living crisis, we want to make sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to celebrate the Coronation.

“The line up this year includes some bands, dance acts and entertainment as well as fund for the children with bubble fun and a make your own crown competition.

“To honour the new King's love of nature, people can also take part in a miniature garden competition, which they should make in advance but bring on the day.

“There will be plenty of Union Jacks and a chance to enjoy our great British spirit - so put the date in your diary!”

Pub landlords' Westminster visit to boost jobs

THE latest employment figures published by the Office for National Statistics have shown that, in Thornbury and Yate, we are outperforming most areas across the country.

In our area, just 1.7% of people aged 16-64 are currently receiving out-of-work financial support, and youth unemployment is over 60% lower than the national average.

We are benefiting from growing business confidence and investment, whilst the Government have made it a priority to help get people back into work, and to help businesses thrive.

We are working hard to deliver on the Government’s priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce debt,

so we can create better-paid jobs and opportunities across the United Kingdom, guaranteeing a better future for the next generation.

As the local MP, supporting jobs and the local economy is a vital part of my positive plan for the community, and so it is particularly pleasing that these new figures show that we are performing so much better than most areas across the South West.

This follows a strong record of action to grow the local economy and increase jobs.

I have been holding regular jobs fairs, including a disability jobs fair, helping residents to find the right job for them.

Since first being elected as our local MP, I have held these jobs fairs in Thornbury and Yate,

helping local people get back into work or pursue a new career.

Recently pub landlords from across Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh came to Parliament so we could make the case to the Business Minister about the next set of steps the Government should take to support businesses in our community.

I also hosted my ninth jobs fair in Chipping Sodbury last year, which was our most successful yet.

There are now more people with the security of a job in South Gloucestershire, and we continue to rank as one of the lowest areas for unemployment anywhere in the country.

These latest statistics confirm that the plan for jobs

is bringing economic security to millions of workers, more trade for businesses, and greater prosperity throughout the country.

We cannot stop now, if we are to achieve our ambition of recovering from the pandemic and dealing with the effects of Putin’s war in Ukraine in the strongest way possible.

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

Join the Singalong

A GROUP that uses the power of song to spread friendship and improve well-being is looking for volunteers to help stage its events.

Frampton Singalong meets up at Crossbow House in Frampton Cotterell on the first Monday of every month, except July and August.

The sessions, which include refreshments, raise money for UNICEF's support of children affected by the war in Ukraine.

The group is now looking for a volunteer to join their "happy, enthusiastic team".

Organiser Hilary Jay said: "We need someone who is able to help put out the tables and chairs. A hand with the washing up would also be great, too!"

Anyone who would like to help should contact Hilary at jays. music@mac.com.

Ridings reunion

FORMER pupils of the Ridings High School who are about to turn 60 are being invited to a reunion.

In 1995, Suzanne Wembridge, Kate Ackerman (née Counsell) and Jane Cooke (née Wise) organised a '30 Something School Reunion Party' for everyone who started at the Ridings High School - now known as Winterbourne Academy - in September 1975.

Jane said: "At the time there was no internet, so we sat down with a list of names from the first-year register and a telephone directory to find fellow pupils.

"The reunion party at BAWA Leisure Club in Filton was a great success, with 160 attendees.

"It’s now nearly 30 years since that reunion, so we have decided to have another one with as many of the old school year together again for a catch-up, as everyone will be reaching the big 60 in the coming school year.

"Hopefully this time, with the help of the internet and social media, it should be easier to get the word out to make this a success."

The reunion is only for pupils of the Ridings High School born between September 1 1963 and August 31 1964, and teachers who taught there during the same years.

Miss Sedgwick was the head teacher at the time.

The event takes place in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on September 2.

Jane said: "It holds 200 people and we currently have 140 registered. It would be great to fill it!"

Anyone who started at the Ridings in September 1975 and would like to attend, or is still in contact with anyone else from that time who might be interested, is being urged to get in touch and pass the information on to old school friends.

The organisers can be reached at ridingsreunion@gmail.com, by anyone who wants to register an interest in the reunion.

The Frampton Singalong team

Advertising feature

New exhibition at Aerospace Bristol is out of this world!

Aerospace Bristol, on the site of the former Filton Airfield, will host Luke Jerram’s Mars as part of a new Journey to Mars exhibition. The artwork will be stunningly displayed from 4th May to 5th June alongside the last Concorde ever to fly.

The temporary exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Beagle 2 lander on Mars Express, Europe’s first mission to Mars. It will include models of Beagle 2 and the Mars Express Orbiter on display alongside Luke Jerram’s Mars sculpture.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, Mars features

detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. At an approximate scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 10 kilometres of the surface of Mars.

Visitors will have the chance to view Mars from the air, as though they are a satellite, mapping and studying the surface in perfect detail, with every valley, crater, volcano and mountain laid bare to inspect.

The Journey to Mars exhibition is included with museum entry.

Visit https://aerospacebristol.org/ for more information and for tickets.

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Routine and structure

MOST of us will run our lives on a series of events and activities punctuating them.

Those things that are important to us get a space in the diary: F1, Rovers games, holidays, evenings out with friends or family.

Perhaps for some of you there is delight at the return of Britain’s Got Talent or the Eurovision song contest, although I think many of us are now watching on demand.

The weather is of course breaking into a new summer season, and my caravan has already been taken out for its first holiday of the year, with many more already in the diary.

When I look at how my life is punctuated, I see how important it is to have a pattern or a routine.

I love my job, yet still I need

my holidays - not least because they usually fall following the busiest times at church. I love the winter but I know the summer will come.

Ecclesiastes tells us: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away."

I think most of us will see that there are things that punctuate our lives, patterns and routines. Perhaps we can even think of things we used

to do and do not any more? Was it time to keep and we threw away? Is it time to seek and we choose to lose?

On the whole, the western world has abandoned God.

It is perhaps most prevalent in the UK. My personal view is many people have thrown away something they needed. People have stopped seeking and now the faith of the nation is suffering and with it, much of the joy and happiness.

Hope is being placed in the wrong places and the wrong people.

I like to view this as the winter of the Christian faith in the country and I long for the new shoots of spring to be abundant.

I long to see the flourishing in people that God can bring and part of my job is to be involved in seeing that

happen. Have we reached the season where it is time for you to seek? Is it time you went back to church? I hope you will make space in your diary for God and make prayer part of your routine.

Rev Dave Jones, St Saviour's, Coalpit Heath

The sad state of our river

RIVERS are the lifeblood of our planet, and essential systems for all life on Earth.

In Frampton, our River Frome is an important wildlife corridor and home to many threatened species, including bats, otters and kingfishers.

We’ve been working with staff and students at the University of the West of England to carry out a survey of the river in Frampton.

We’ve been testing the water quality and surveying habitats and species.

We’ve also done outreach work in local schools, to help educate the next generation about the importance of the river and what we can do to protect it.

Our rivers nationally are in a very poor condition - just 14% of English rivers meet good

ecological status and all are chemically contaminated.

Our findings show that, unfortunately, the Frome is no exception.

The river is heavily polluted from a variety of sources, including agricultural run-off, road run-off, sewage overflows and plastic waste.

Our testing has found high levels of nutrients and shockingly high levels of bacteria in the water, which are a threat to aquatic life and human health.

In order to change this, we need to improve farming practices and end the scandal of sewage pollution in our rivers. Improving riverside habitats and rewilding our rivers is also key to improving water quality and building resilience to climate change.

Landowners have a particularly important role to play, and can help by improving buffer zones alongside the river.

Ideally, rivers should have a mixture of plants, shrubs and trees extending at least 10 metres from

the bank.

Riverside trees provide important wildlife habitat and help reduce pollution, regulate water temperature, sequester carbon and stabilise river banks.

Reconnecting the river to the floodplain and creating wetlands would also reduce pollution, sequester carbon, and help prevent flooding and drought.

The recent sighting of a beaver near the mouth of the River Frome in Bristol suggests one way this could be done.

Beavers are excellent ecosystem engineers - creating wetlands and improving habitats for other species.

Frampton Cotterell Nature are taking action to improve the riverside habitat at the Glebeland, and hold monthly nature volunteer sessions on the fourth Saturday of each month, from 10am until noon.

If you’d like to join us and help restore our local river, contact framptoncotterellnature@gmail. com. Thanks to all our student volunteers, to UWE Bristol and the Quartet Foundation, who have funded this project.

David Hanks

A mallard duck surrounded by plastic pollution. Picture: David Hanks

n WHAT'S ON

May 1

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN CARNIVAL, 10am-6pm. Procession from Bradley Avenue to Bethesda Methodist Church to crown May Day King & Queen starts at 10.15am. Stalls and entertainment including set from Glastonbury Festival DJ Simon Lloyd.

May 1

n MAY DAY FAYRE, Iron Acton Village Green, 10.30am-3.30pm. Family-oriented, free event, with activities and entertainment including maypole dancing from North Road and Iron Acton primary schools, art exhibition, marching band, traction engines, street food, martial arts, funfair and farmers' market.

May 1

n CREAM TEAS at Westerleigh Village Hall from 11am-3pm. Eyes down for bingo at 2pm, raffle at 3pm. All proceeds to St Peter’s Church, Wapley. For information contact Bonny on 07544 731250.

May 16

n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY presents Piatti String Quartet, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Adults £15, school-age children free. Tickets available on door, from Hobbs House Bakery, Chipping Sodbury or ticketsource.

co.uk/csmusicsociety. For more information call 01454 315741 or visit csmusicsociety.co.uk.

May 16-20

n WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, WADCA Community Centre, Tuesday to Friday, 7.30pm, Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. Tickets available online from Ticketsource or by calling 01454 317408. More information at www. winterbournemusical.co.uk.

May 18

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meets at Bradley Stoke Community School from 7pm with illustrated talk by Richard Box: A Stitch in Time - Embroidery through the Ages. For more details phone Sally on 01454 774401.

May 27

n FLORAL FRIENDs of Frampton Spring Fayre and Plant Sale, Brockeridge Centre, 10am-noon. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a cake, browse the stalls and buy some plants for your garden.

REGULAR EVENTS

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE FLOWER CLUB now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month

between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details.

n MONDAY: FRAMPTON

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

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE

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

n TUESDAY: WINTERBOURNE

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

n TUESDAY: SUNRIDGE GOLF

CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. Contact croquet@ wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.

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

£4 per session: Kay 07792189276.

n WEDNESDAY: GENTLE SHIBASHI

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

n WEDNESDAY DOWNEND

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

n THURSDAY: WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members are welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com.

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

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

Winterbourne Library

WINTERBOURNE Library is holding events for adults and children to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.

On Friday May 5 there will be afternoon tea and cake from 2-4pm.

On the same day from 3-4pm there will be a crown competition for children aged up to 11. Bring a home-made crown or make one in the library: staff will award a small prize to the best one on the day.

There will be a free drop-in farm-themed craft activity for the half-term holidays on Friday June 2 from 10.30-11.30am. Suitable for children aged four to 11 - craft bags can also be collected to make at home.

Lego club next meets on May 13, from 10am to 11am – for children aged four and up.

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

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

An adult craft group meets on May 20 and 27, from 10am-noon: join a friendly group of crafters to do your own work and chat – refreshments available.

A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone. The volunteer is available on Fridays from 10am-noon: booking is essential. Computer classes are held on Thursdays (term time only). Enrolment required with SGS College - for more information call Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk.

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

For more details of events or bookings, visit the library, email Winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk or phone 01454 868006.

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.

Spring on a plate!

SPRING is officially here, despite some bitterly cold days recently.

But let’s focus on the bright sunny days - and all the new seasonal fruit and veg.

My recipe for this month is a celebration of spring and a lighter, brighter way of cooking after the long winter.

It’s called Spring Vegetable Risotto or, as the Italians would say, Primavera Risotto.

It gives you free rein to make a vibrant traditional risotto cooked on the hob. It’s colourful, freshtasting and full of vitamins.

I’ve used my own favourite spring vegetables, just coming into the shops. British asparagus from the Wye Valley makes a sumptuous addition. But I’ve given other suggestions, if you want a change. It’s a dish that makes my heart sing.

Please don’t be put off by the number of ingredients. Each one is worth its place. This is a dish where the finished result is more than the sum of its parts. And if you can forage some wild garlic leaves (see cook’s tips) you’ll have a real showstopper on your plates.

This is probably the longest recipe I’ve written for the magazine. The reason for this is that I want to give you enough explanation to pull off this perfect example of Italian cooking: fresh, light and delicious.

Buon appetito!

Primavera Risotto

MAKE sure you use risotto riceCarnaroli or Arborio - and that you have plenty of stock simmering on the hob. Be aware that different brands of rice will need different cooking times and amounts of stock, so make sure you don’t mix brands in your cooking.

Serves 2 as a main course.

Ingredients:

Olive oil - 1 tbsp

Unsalted butter – 40g

Medium red onion- 1 finely chopped.

Spring onions – 2, sliced into half inch pieces.

Garlic clove 1, finely chopped. Wild garlic leaves – small bunch, about 30g. (see Cook’s Tip)

Dry white wine- 50 mls

Stock of choice, veg or chicken

– between 700mls and 1 litre (I usually find I use about 975g with the Sergio Carnaroli)

Risotto rice – 200g (7oz), Carnaroli, or Arborio.

Courgettes – 130g, chunkily chopped.

Fresh asparagus spears– 250g. Shelled broad beans – 100g frozen beans work very well. (See Cook’s Tip)

Frozen peas – defrosted, 70g

Unsalted butter to finish the dish –a good 1 ½ oz (25g)

Fresh flat leaf parsley and mint -a good handful, chopped.

Parmesan cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano 30 months matured if possible. 50g, finely grated. Here’s

what you do:

Heat the pan and then add the oil and 40g of butter. When the oil is hot and the butter melted add the onion, garlic, spring onions and courgettes. Sauté gently until it is translucent and lightly coloured.

In a separate pan, bring the stock to the boil and then keep on a gentle simmer all through the cooking of the rice.

Prepare the asparagus. Bend each spear until it breaks, then place these thick stems into the simmering stock to give extra flavour to the stock. (These will be binned when the stock is finished.)

Then cut each spear into half, lengthwise. Then cut each piece in 2. Put these delicate pieces to one side.

Add all the rice to the pan with the vegetables in it. Stir the rice

well to coat the grains of rice in the oil. Allow to cook for a couple of mins on a medium heat until the rice becomes translucent.

Turn up the heat and pour in the wine. Allow to bubble away, stirring constantly.

Once the wine has been absorbed (you will hear a little sigh!) add the hot stock a ladle at a time. Don’t add more than a ladle at a time or your risotto will not be creamy. Keep stirring.

Continue adding the stock a ladle at a time and allowing each ladle to be absorbed. Add the delicate spears when almost all the stock has been used. Add the wild garlic leaves if using at the same time.

The rice should look and taste creamy. When you drawer a wooden spoon across the bottom of the pan you should see a line. The rice should be cooked, but still retain a slight bite (‘al dente’ as the Italians would say.)

This is the key point. The amount of time and stock can vary. It may take about ½ hour and you may run out of stock. You can just use boiling water if this happens. Keep adding and stirring until you have the correct creamy texture for you.

Season with plenty of pepper, taste and add salt if necessary.

Stir in the 25g of butter with the Parmesan and mix well. Stir in most of the herbs leaving a little as a garnish.

Cover and leave for a couple of mins before serving onto warmed plates.

Sprinkle with the reserved parsley and mint.

Serve immediately.

Cook’s Tips:

Wild garlic leaves look like spinach leaves. They have a wonderfully subtle smell and taste of ordinary garlic. They can be foraged from woods and damp places. You will know when you find them because of the all-pervasive, delicate smell of garlic!

I find using frozen broad beans better and easier than using fresh. There’s none of that double podding to be done, only to find there’s only 2 beans in the pod! The beans are harvested at their best and frozen immediately, so you’re getting them probably fresher, unless you grow them yourself.

Try adding different Spring vegetables with the onions e.g. Add the white part of leeks, or celery or Swiss chard or green beans, mangetout or sugar snaps.

Coalpit Heath WI

AS Briony May Williams had to reschedule due to work commitments we took on the challenge of indoor curling.

Fortunately we had our expert, Trixie, on hand to help us set up and explain the rules.

Not that that helped one team, who had misunderstood the expectations - or at least that was the excuse when they lost by a significant amount! It was, however, a fun evening.

We were delighted to welcome some visitors, who joined in brilliantly, even commenting that "a dangerous evening was had" - we hope to see them again soon.

We held our Easter raffle too, to raise some funds for welfare as well as choosing our favourite Twiddlemuff -sensory therapy tools for those with dementia - which will go forward to the competition judged at the WI group meeting held later this month.

The book club met up this month too, and discussed ‘The Light between Oceans’, which proved to be an excellent book for provoking discussion about moral dilemmas and whether grief and loss justify actions.

Chosen for our next read is ‘How to Kill Your Family’, by Bella Mackie.

Members of our day trips and theatre group enjoyed the production of Evita at the Redgrave Theatre, and had excellent seats.

Coming up, for those interested is a King’s Coronation afternoon tea, a visit to the Wildflower meadow at Highgrove, and wine tasting.

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.

Search @WICoalpitHeath on Facebook or @coalpitheathwi on Instagram to find out any further information and updates.

Our upcoming meetings include: May 3, resolutions meeting with wine tasting; June 7, Life as a Blind VIP and July 5, Briony May Williams - Life after Bake Off.

Caroline Johnston

Winterbourne Down WI

OUR President kindly held a dinner party in order to raise funds for our WI. Margaret had put so much effort into giving us a night to remember, from the tables laid out with yellow serviettes and vases of yellow daffodils to a delicious meal and plenty to drink.

As we managed to win against Falfield WI in the skittles tournament: we will now be playing in the semi-finals against Old Sodbury.

At our April meeting Donna, one of our own members, demonstrated how to decorate a cake, supplying us with a mini sponge, butter icing, marzipan and a chocolate bunny, we created an Easter-themed decorated cake with much laughter in between.

The Winterbourne Down May Day Carnival is fast approaching, so we are asking members to help supply our stall with home baked cakes, jams and preserves.

We will also be holding a tombola, which proved to be very successful last year.

The Carnival is a well-supported event, which each year entices families from around the area. There are maypole dancing displays, the mummers, tug-of-war games, food and drink outlets and much much more.

All Saints’ Church Hall is popular for lunches, delicious cream teas and live music.

Let’s hope the weather is kind to us.

We meet at 7.30pm every first Thursday of the month at All Saints’ Church Hall.

Victoria Goodman

Winterbourne Evening WI

OUR April meeting is always a little different, as we pay our subscriptions for the coming year and look forward to more outside activities – such as a picnic tea by the river or a plant sale to restock our gardens.

However, top of the list are the Coronation celebrations. We are delighted to be helping the parish council put up the festive decorations on the green by the George and Dragon.

Our guest speaker was Alison Smith, who introduced us to the craft of diamond painting.

This, long ago, meant sticking real diamonds on to velvet cloth.

Now it means creating pictures with tiny coloured plastic dots, stuck on a board or canvas – rather similar to painting by numbers or cross stitch.

Alison had brought lots of colourful examples of her work, and each member was given a miniature kit to have a go.

There were lots of beautiful dinosaurs, turtles and other creatures produced, and we realised what an absorbing, relaxing and addictive craft it was.

It’s suitable to do alone or with friends and family.

After chocolate biscuits and a little box of mini Easter eggs for everyone, we went home with our ‘diamond’ masterpieces, looking forward to our next meeting.

This will be on Thursday, May 11, at 7.30pm at St Michael’s School, Linden Close, when David Cheesley will talk on ‘Muck, Coal and Any Old Iron’.

Visitors are always welcome.

Margaret Grazebrook

Cake decorating

Members try out diamond painting

Frampton Cotterell WI

AT our late March meeting we enjoyed a fascinating talk by local historian John Winston-Smith, about a Norman hunting lodge that was discovered in his back garden in Alveston!

We also got to see some of the archaeological finds that have been discovered at the site to date, where students from Bristol University continue to excavate.

At the end of April, Jenny Smith was coming along to give us a Tai Chi talk and demo - there's plenty of variety on offer for members this spring and summer!

Other confirmed events for the coming months are as follows: May 23, WI Annual Resolutions Meeting, June 27, Fussels Rapeseed Oil talk and cookery demo, July 25 'Crime and the Serial Killer' talk by Rob Jones.

We have many other events and socials lined up for the coming year, including visits to the theatre, local gardens and other local group trips. We have an Oakham Treasures Museum trip planned in October.

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

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

There is a charge of £4 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, which also contains confirmation of future event dates and more details.

Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, craft group, gardening group and our skittles and darts teams.

Winterbourne Barn news

WINTERBOURNE Barn was already 150 years old when John Cabot sailed The Matthew from Bristol across the Atlantic to discover the American mainland at Newfoundland.

The replica of his ship, made in 1997 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of this crossing, is now one of the most iconic symbols of modern Bristol's trading and seafaring heritage.

Clive Burlton tells the story of the replica Matthew and her voyage across the Atlantic on Thursday May 25 at 7pm in the Medieval Barn. This fascinating talk will include film footage.

Before that you can take a tour of the barn and St Michael's Church, on May 4 at 2pm, to find out how the Barn was built and learn something about its builder Sir Thomas de Bradeston of Winterbourne Manor, who was an important figure in medieval England.

May 4 is also the day you can buy tickets in person from the Barn for upcoming events, between 1 and 2pm. Bookings can be made online via the Barn website at other times.

You can enjoy a Wine-tasting in the Barn on May 20.

Local expert Ian Redfearn will guide you through a selection of South African wines, in a fun and informative evening. Tickets cost £20.

Tickets are also now on sale for the wonderful Medieval Fayre on June 11. Come and experience a day of medieval life re-enacted by the Company of Chivalry, and enjoy the laughs and chaos involved in a barn dance in a real barn, with traditional music from band Sargents' Mess and excellent caller Rob shouting the steps.

A summer barn dance takes place on June 17.

The Barn is hosting some more popular Craft workshops this summer. Fancy a go at fused glass? You can make a summer lantern on May 12, or a decorative glass panel on July 25, when there is also a special workshop for adults and children to try it together.

For more details visit www.winterbournebarn.org.uk.

Louise Harrison

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Musical Theatre

WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the well-loved musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, at WADCA Community Centre this month.

The musical tells the biblical story of 'Jacob and sons', in a fun family show packed with wellknown songs like Any Dream Will Do.

This is an amateur production licensed by the Really Useful Group Ltd, featuring a local all-age cast aged from eight to 85.

There is plenty of humour both visually and in Tim Rice's wonderful lyrics.

The show takes place from May 16-20 at the centre in Watleys End Road, with evening performances from Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets, costing £13, are available online from Ticketsource or by calling 01454 317408, and more information is available on the local group's website, www.winterbournemusical. co.uk, and Facebook page.

Louise Harrison

Winterbourne Ladies Probus Club

ARE you recently retired, looking to meet people

and socialise in a friendly group? Then you would be very welcome at Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus.

Our club was started in 1998 by a few likeminded ladies who wanted to get together on a regular basis with other retired professionals in the area.

We meet at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down.

Meetings start with a short club business session, followed by a talk from a visiting speaker. We then have tea and biscuits and time for a chat before the meeting ends at 4pm.

Over the next year, we are hoping to book various local social events as well as some day trips and possible theatre visits for members, Visitors can attend five meetings per year (March to February) at a cost of £3.50 per meeting or pay an annual membership of £25.

If you would like to visit us, or for more information, please call 01454 773647.

Sue Humphreys

Floral Friends of Frampton

CRAB apples, anyone? The newly planted crab apple tree in the Sensory Garden at the Brockeridge Centre has settled in well and is flowering beautifully.

Hopefully we will have some fruit in the

autumn -- anyone else like crab apple jelly?.

Did you know crab apples are so called, not because they look like crabs but because they are ‘crabbed’, that is small?

Our

Spring Fayre and Plant

Sale takes place at the Brockeridge Centre on May 27, from 10am-noon.

Come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a cake, browse the stalls and, maybe, buy some plants for your garden. An event not to be missed!

Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently by making donations, and perhaps commemorating someone special by doing so. It is very much appreciated

Donations can be made either in person or on-line. Our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363.

The new crab apple tree

Championships for hockey men and women

BRISTOL & West men's and women's hockey sides have both finished their seasons as unbeaten champions.

B&W Men’s 1s took on joint leaders Bristol University in an epic clash of the league titans, dispatching the students with a thumping 4-0 victory.

Only two games remained, but a draw in their penultimate match meant the boys were only a point above Bristol Uni ahead of the last game against Swansea.

However before the final fixture captain Jonathan Wilson received word that the Swans couldn't muster the courage to face our fearsome frontline.

He kept the news from the team and the lads arrived kitted, pumped up and ready to go before the captain announced the news as the squad huddled round in the changing room, ready for one last fight.

Half-stifled celebrations followed, as some feared a cruel April fool's joke, but once the realisation had finally kicked in, rapturous celebrations began, with champagne showers!

An automatic 5-0 walkover wasn’t quite the ending the team had pictured or wanted – one last home game in front of a big crowd at Mangotsfield School would’ve been a sweeter note to end on, but the three points guaranteed the Men's Division 1 North trophy and promotion to the Premiership, the highest the Men’s 1st Team have ever been in the club’s history.

The Ladies Jaspers 1st Team, who had already secured promotion to Division 1 next season, wrapped up their league campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Westberries on the final day to ensure that they also finished top of the pile.

Elsewhere, the men's 2s secured an away win in Wales to secure a respectable 4th place finish in Division 2, with striker Dan Lusmore ending an incredible goal scoring season with 43 goals in 23 games.

The Ladies’ 2s & 3s both finished in 3rd place in their leagues, while the men's 3s were unable to escape relegation despite a draw in their final match.

Harry Bryant

Bristol & West’s Men’s 1s. Picture: Shannon O’Halloran

Bristol & West Jaspers celebrate their title. Picture: Simon Goodwin/ Platinum Photography

Clean sweep for Fram U9s

FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC's youngsters are showing the club has a successful future ahead.

Frampton's under 8s, 9s and 11s attended a tournament in April hosted by Old Redcliffians RFC.

The juniors from Frampton Rugby were a credit to the club, showing great sportsmanship and a passion for rugby.

The Under 9s were victorious, winning all 10 matches, and are hopeful that the next tournament at Chipping Sodbury will be as successful!

Successful season for Coalpit Heath

COALPIT Heath football club have continued with their success this year.

Aside from growing the number of teams and players, supporting the club's ethos of giving everyone the chance to develop in a fun and inclusive environment, the club has seen three of its younger teams reach cup finals in their respective age groups.

Well done to the Under-9s, who won their cup final, whilst there was also brilliant work by the Under-9s colts and the Under-10s teams, who also reached their respective finals.

All players received medals in recognition of their great work.

As this article is published the club's Under-18s team, who have been together since the age of six, are competing to win their league.

Simply put, if they win their last game for Coalpit Heath, they will win the division.

It would be a fitting way for the team to finish, should they achieve this.

Coalpit Heath is also pleased to announce the commencement of the club's first Wildcats sessions for girls aged 5-11, who would like to try football.

Starting on May 3, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, they are running weekly.

Families who are interested in signing up for the session should email info@coalpitheathfc.org.uk for more details.

Steve Clemente

Frampton Cotterell's victorious under-9 team