fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
November, 2020 Issue 85
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Have your say on South Gloucestershire Council Budget SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is inviting residents, council tax and business rate payers to have their say on its budget and council tax for 2021/22.This is your opportunity to comment on the council’s priorities, council tax and its proposals to improve services and increase efficiency.
Changes To ensure sustainable services that continue to provide value for money, the council is proposing to repeat last year’s council tax increase of 1.99 per cent. This will help cover increased costs in providing services, coupled with an expected adult social care precept of two per cent. This will help meet the continued growth in demand for services, particularly those that support the most vulnerable. These changes will mean an increase of approximately £61.58 per year in overall council tax bills (equivalent to £5.13 per month) for a Band D household.
Better value for money By the end of 2021/22, the council will have made cumulative savings of over £100m in annual spending through efficiency measures. Wherever possible, this work has prioritised protecting frontline services from spending reductions, while delivering better value for money to residents. The council is continuing to implement a Transformation and Savings Programme to help meet the budget challenges ahead but
even assuming the full savings plan is achieved, there is still a predicted budget gap of £22.5m by 2022/23. The council is identifying further potential savings to balance the books. It continues to make the case to Government for additional funding for areas of work where demand and costs of delivering those services are rising significantly.
View from the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Toby Savage
Balancing the books South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Ben Burton, said: “Our top priorities are to deliver the best possible educational outcomes for all of our young people; to maintain and improve the places where we live; and to achieve the very best value for money. “We have been delivering millions in support to residents and to businesses who are impacted by Covid-19 and it will have an ongoing effect on our budget. This draft budget sets out how we would like South Gloucestershire to recover from Covid-19 and to continue to be such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. As demand for services needed by the most vulnerable, the young and the old increases, we need to deliver those services and ensure we get value for every pound we spend, and balance the books. This why each year we ask residents to have their say as we plan for the future.” Continued on next page.
WELCOME - We’re very proud to partner with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition. We bring you news on our budget and council tax and invite you to have your say. We have also included our new Council Plan and update you on support for those struggling with Covid-19. Unfortunately, coronavirus cases are rising here and if we are to avoid stricter measures, protect ourselves and our loved ones and keep South Gloucestershire safe, we must follow government guidance. Remember: Hands, Face, Space. Thank you all for your hard work so far and continuing support.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
How to have your say on the budget: View the budget at www.southglos.gov.uk/budget and then send your comments by 3 January 2021: • By email: consultation@southglos.gov.uk • By completing a survey (available online or download from the council website: www.southglos.gov.uk/budget) • By writing to: Freepost RTXL-YJXJ-BXEX, South Gloucestershire Council, Corporate Research & Consultation Team, Council Offices, Badminton Road, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5AF • By telephoning 01454 868154. A full council meeting on 10 February 2021 will consider the consultation responses and decide the council’s budget.
Ambitious new Council Plan in place SOUTH Gloucestershire Council now has a new Council Plan for the next four years. The priorities and commitments the council is outlining in this plan will help to ensure our district remains a great place to live, work and visit. The plan offers a new means of demonstrating how the council is making a difference for you, delivering ‘real value for money’ services.
• Promoting sustainable inclusive communities, infrastructure and growth • Realising the full potential of people and delivering value for money.
Your feedback
Action Plans
The council ran a public consultation on the draft plan earlier this year. The feedback from this consultation has shaped a really exciting and ambitious new plan.
Key priorities Building on your responses, the plan sets out four key priorities: • Creating the best start in life for children and young people • Identifying and supporting those most in need and helping people to help themselves
Wash your hands regularly.
Delivering value for money, addressing the climate emergency and promoting equality of opportunity are ‘threads’ that run through the plan.
In November, the council will approve 20 commitments and associated Action Plans setting out how it acts on these challenges and how progress is measured. Firstly, it will work with its partners and communities to create the best possible start in life for children and young people. By focusing on outcomes such as raising educational attainment, the council can make the biggest long-term cross generational impact. The second priority is to identify and support those most
*Wear a face covering in all shops, indoor and hospitality venues, on public transport & taxis.
Keep your distance from others.
*Exemptions include: ● children under the age of 11 ● people with breathing difficulties ● people living with a disability
Stop the spread. Do the right thing.
in need, with a focus on helping people to help themselves. Thirdly, the council wants to promote sustainable, inclusive communities, infrastructure and growth. It has a significant role to play in shaping future places. It’s making real progress on a Climate Emergency Action Plan to ensure that growth ambitions are delivered whilst maintaining a strong commitment to protecting the environment. Fourthly, it has set a priority to realise the full potential of its staff and services, to keep value for
money front of mind. The timing of this Council Plan is important. It takes into consideration the significant challenges that were evident long before Covid-19. The council has also drawn on lessons learnt from the response to the pandemic such as keeping residents better informed, and working with those who have stepped up to help communities play an active role in finding answers to local issues. Find out more about the plan at www.southglos.gov.uk/ councilplan
Test and Trace Support Payment THE Government’s new national Test and Trace Support scheme makes payments of £500 to those who are struggling to self-isolate because of financial constraints. To be eligible, you will need to have received notification from NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate, started self-isolation on or after 28 September 2020, and meet certain other criteria. The scheme is here to ensure that people on low incomes selfisolate when they test positive or are identified as a contact, and to encourage more people to get tested. This will help reduce the transmission of Covid-19 and avoid further social and economic restrictions, including local lockdowns. To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because you’ve tested positive for Covid-19 or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, and be employed or self-employed and unable to work from home and will lose income as a result. You will also need to be currently receiving one or more of the following: Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income based Employment and Support Allowance, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing benefit, or Pension Credit. To find out more, including whether you are eligible, and how to apply, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/apply-test-and-trace-supportpayment or call the South Glos team on 01454 434087.
fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
November, 2020 Issue 85
FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN
Zoinks! Here comes Scooby Doo Bringing the marathon home
A RUNNER from Frampton Cotterell who was due to take part in the London Marathon completed the challenge on the roads around his home village. PAGE 9
Black Rocks for sale
A street artist who created an eye-catching new mural of Scooby Doo and Shaggy in Winterbourne has explained his inspiration for the work. Page 5
Schools on alert as COVID-19 cases rise SCHOOLS in the Frome Valley area are among those who have had to send children home as coronavirus cases in the area rise. Parents of 60 children in Year 5 at Watermore Primary School in Frampton Cotterell had to keep their children at home and isolate for two weeks after a child was confirmed to have the virus.
Winterbourne Academy has had three confirmed COVID-19 cases, with those in close contact with the children involved also having to self-isolate. The cases come amid a background of increasing infection rates in the area. Turn to page 4
A well-used beauty spot by the river Frome has been put up for auction. PAGE 6
Revolt over housing targets Changes in planning rules could leave the area with "completely unachievable targets" for new housing, politicians say. PAGE 7
Happy trails
Two trails are set to brighten up village life over half-term, as other traditional events fall victim to COVID-19 restrictions. PAGE 13
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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001
Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
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November, 2020
n NEWS
COVID-19 cases rise From page 3 The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics as the Voice went to press showed that during the week to October 15 there had been 7 new confirmed cases in Winterbourne, 10 new cases in Frampton Cotterell, 8 in Charfield, Wickwar and Iron Acton, and 9 in the ONS's Pucklechurch and Westerleigh area, which includes Coalpit Heath. By contrast, four weeks earlier there had been no new infections reported in the same areas. In total, since the outbreak of the pandemic, there had been 1,700 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Gloucestershire by October 20 – 739 higher than four weeks previously. The overall infection rate stood at 596.3 per 100,000 population. However as of October 9 there had been no deaths of South Gloucestershire residents from COVID-19 for six weeks, with the total number of deaths reported with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic standing at 171. The positive test on a Year 5 pupil at Watermore Primary School was confirmed on September 29, and Year 5 pupils who did not develop symptoms were able to return to school on October 14. Like other schools, children at Watermore have been separated into year group 'bubbles' - pupils in each year group can mix among themselves but not with those in other year groups. Co-head teacher Christopher Hotchin said: “I would like to thank parents, carers and children for their support and understanding in this challenging and disruptive time.” At Winterbourne Academy parents have been informed of three cases of COVID-19 among pupils, with the first being confirmed on September 25, the second on October 15 and the third on October 20, as lessons ended for half-term. In two of the cases only those deemed to have been in close contact with the person involved were told to self-isolate. In the case on October 15, members of a Year 8 class were told to isolate at home for 14 days. Winterbourne Academy had broken up for the half-term holidays on October 20 and told parents that pupils who did not have symptoms could return after the end of the holidays on November 2 The letter to parents said: "We have liaised with Public Health England and can confirm that this is not considered a cluster as the confirmed case (of October 20) is from the same household as the previous case." Parents are being advised to arrange a test only if a child who is self-isolating develops one or more of the three most common symptoms of COVID-19: a new continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of, or change in, his or her normal sense of taste or smell. Tests are arranged via the NHS online portal or by phoning 119. Testing Centre opens: Page 8
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November, 2020
5
n NEWS
The new Scooby Doo artwork created by Magic Muralz
The previous 'horrible ugly alien' which has been covered
Street artist's Scooby inspired by Winterbourne's dog walkers A STREET artist who painted a mural of Shaggy and Scooby Doo on the wall of Winterbourne’s Community Centre says he chose the characters after noticing the number of dog walkers coming past. The calamity-prone ghostfearing TV cartoon duo can now be seen bursting through the wall of the centre in Watleys End Road. The artist, who is known as Magic Muralz and prefers to keep his real identity a secret, was asked by WADCA to cover up some old graffiti with "something nice". The new mural is spray painted onto the bricks and took about four hours to create. He said: “The original graffiti was a horrible ugly alien and it was so big – I looked at it and thought 'what can I cover that with?' "A lot of the bricks I’ve painted as bricks to cover what was there before, and I painted some black to look as if it’s coming through the wall. "I found an image of Scooby pulling Shaggy along and restyled it myself.” Magic Muralz had already created a piece of artwork on the wall of the nearby skateboard park, after asking permission to use the space. The South Gloucestershirebased artist covered up some old graffiti art and also provided
the venue with some signs, as a thank-you. The centre's management then recommended him to WADCA to brighten up the community centre's wall. He said: “I like that idea of a favour for a favour. "If you’re a skateboarder you can go and find a skatepark to skate in, if you’re a fisherman you can get a licence and go and do it, but you can’t if you’re a graffiti artist." Magic Muralz said he wrestled with the creative process of bringing his ideas to life. He said: “I don’t find it easy. I can’t do it with my eyes closed. For some people it comes naturally." He also praised the role of renowned Bristol street artist Banksy in changing the way the art form was seen, adding: "I’m not inspired by Banksy directly, but I believe a lot of people wouldn’t be doing it if he hadn’t done what he did first – because of him it stopped becoming a crime and became an art.” After the artwork is finished, Magic Muralz is happy to move on to the next piece. He said: “I get a photo of it and I walk away." Anyone who would like to offer Magic Muralz a space for his graffiti art, can contacted him by email at magicmuralz@ yahoo.com.
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November, 2020
n NEWS
Council to bid as beauty spot goes under the hammer
A WELL-used beauty spot by the river Frome in Frampton Cotterell is being sold. Black Rocks is due to be sold by auction on November 3.
The site off Mill Lane, which is popular with dog walkers and as a meeting place for young people, includes what used to be the mill pond for the old mill,
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and part of a woodland next to the river. Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has expressed an interest in buying the two-thirds of an acre patch of land, which surrounds a twisting stretch of the river. The council called an extraordinary meeting, which was held online at the end of September, to listen to views from members of the community before deciding to pursue an interest in buying the land. But the council will have to outbid any other interested party when Blacks Rocks goes under the hammer, unless they make an offer which is accepted and the purchase completed before the auction date. Bristol-based agents Maggs and Allen have set a guide
price of between £10,000 and £20,000 for the land, which has several restrictions covering its use. The online guide describes the auction as a "unique opportunity" to buy a "picturesque parcel of land". The section of river will be sold with its riparian rights, which means that the landowner has the right to make reasonable use of it, including fishing with a licence. The parish council says its interest in purchasing the land will be subject to legal and financial viability and it is now commissioning reports from the District Valuer and solicitors, and plans to hold another extraordinary council meeting once the reports are in.
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November, 2020
7
n NEWS
Revolt over new housebuilding rules POLITICIANS in South Gloucestershire say proposed changes in planning rules could leave them with "completely unachievable targets" for new housing. The council's ruling Conservative group says it needs the power to assess individual applications on their merits and not be put under "extreme pressure" to meet targets. And Liberal Democrats say the government white paper, which is open to consultation on the Gov.uk website until October 29, is a “serious threat to a democratic and transparent planning system”. But Winterbourne's MP has criticised colleagues he says have "made a virtue of opposing much-needed housing development" and accused them of a "failure of political leadership at the local and parliamentary level". Campaigners from pressure group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development say the reforms would require South Gloucestershire to build 51,000 new homes over the next 20 years – 23,000 more than under the current system. The council's Tory group says that while the proposed changes included "several positive steps" to modernise the planning system, rural areas faced being "slapped with an even higher annual housing delivery target than neighbouring Bristol". Cabinet member for planning Steve Reade said: “Many of our local communities are already facing massive unplanned expansions due to speculative developments succeeding through the appeal process after we turn them down and, if we are given completely unachievable targets to reach, this problem will grow exponentially, leaving us less equipped to manage the sustainable growth of our communities. “As a local authority, we need the power to assess applications based on their individual merits, and not be hindered by disruption to delivery timetables. "We would be under extreme pressure to preserve our beautiful rural area if we are being told to meet colossal targets that will benefit
Jayne Stansfield: Proposals remove power from public
Steve Reade: Council could face "colossal targets" for new homes
Jack Lopresti: Politicians need to 'get a grip' of housing crisis.
developers more than it will plans for my local council area do." residents." were consigned to the bin. The Voice asked Mr Lopresti's South Gloucestershire's These people seem completely office if he could clarify which Liberal Democrats say the oblivious to just what it is they colleagues he was referring to, government's changes would have thrown out. This failure of but did not receive a reply before "tear up" safeguards in the political leadership at the local going to press. current planning system. and parliamentary level will not Time to get a grip: Page 29 Councillor Jayne Stansfield, who is the Lib Dems' lead on the council's planning management committee, said: “These proposals remove most of the power of local councils to decide what gets built in their area, they remove the power of the public to have a say on what happens near them, they will massively protect your your family’sfamily’s inheritance A Will Willlets letsyou you protect inheritance reduce the amount of affordable and decide youryour assets are shared out – if out you – if you and decidehow how assets are shared WEB-CAM housing and vital infrastructure don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. that gets built and they pay little attention to the climate Please feel free emergency." However Filton and Bradley to call us during Stoke MP Jack Lopresti, whose constituency includes office hours on: Winterbourne, has said it is time for politicians to "get a grip" on 0117 952 0698 the shortage of homes being built or email for young people to buy. Writing in this month's info@elm-online.co.uk Voice, he said: "Too many of my www.elm-online.co.uk colleagues have made a virtue of opposing much-needed housing info@elm-online.co.uk We have teamteam of We havea aBristol-based Bristol-based of trained development anywhere in our trained Willawriting consultants whocan now We have Bristol-based team Will writing consultants who Mirror Wills Single Or www.elm-online.co.uk can now provide the same personal own areas. of trained Will writing consultants provide the same personal face to face face to face meetings via our Couples FROM £99.00 "They have graduated from who provide a and, home visiting serviceand, meetings via our Web-Cam-Wills Web-Cam-Wills subject to health NIMBYs to BANANAs, who want and safety, canto take your instructions in can the still subject safety, we and wehealth can stilland provide a homevisiting service to take your instructions in We have ayour Bristol-based team comfort own home. to Build Absolutely Nothing provide aofhomeMirror Wills Single Or the comfort of your own home. visiting service to writing take Anywhere Near Anywhere. When of trained Will consultants Couples FROM £99.00 your instructions the visiting did it become the fashionable Making Secure Plansservice for Uncertain Futures who provide a inhome comfort of your own thing to side with those who and can take your instructions in the home. want to pull the ladder up, rather comfort of your own home. A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance than put people on it? and decide how your assets are shared out – if you "I have witnessed colleagues don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what. Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures rejoice as local housing supply
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November, 2020
n NEWS
South Glos COVID-19 testing centre opens A CORONAVIRUS testing centre has been set up for South Gloucestershire. The drive-through facility, which opened at the University of the West of England's Frenchay campus on October 1, was opened after concerns that residents were having to travel "lengthy distances" to be tested. The Frenchay Campus, off the A4174 Filton Road close to the Hambrook junction of the M32, is also host to UWE's exhibition centre, which was transformed into a Nightingale hospital to treat COVID-19 patients earlier this year, but has so far not been used. The testing unit, which will be open six days per week, is the first community testing facility to open in South Gloucestershire and will serve both residents and UWE students, who will have a self-contained "walk-through service". It is being managed by
The testing centre is near the Nightingale hospital finance and professional services company Deloitte on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care. Tests are by appointment only, for people with coronavirus symptoms. Bookings are made via the nhs.uk/coronavirus website, or by calling 119. Signs directing people to the centre, which is accessed via the campus North Entrance, off the A4174, are in place from the M32
and Abbey Wood roundabouts. Announcing the opening of the centre, South Gloucestershire Council, which requested that the unit be set up, said: "You must not turn up at the site if you have not booked an appointment. Anyone who turns up without an appointment will be turned away. "The council requested the additional capacity for South Gloucestershire as part of its
ongoing work with partners to monitor and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the district." The council say the facility is "self-contained", which means people arriving by car for tests will not need to mix with students using the centre on foot or go into university buildings. Council cabinet member for public health Ben Stokes and director of public health Sara Blackmore issued a joint statement, which said: “We are pleased to have additional testing facilities locally because people in South Gloucestershire were having to travel quite lengthy distances to be tested." UWE vice-chancellor Professor Steve West said: “As the centre is completely segregated, members of the public will not need to access any university buildings and students will not be required to leave our covid-secure campus to receive their free swab test."
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
9
n NEWS
Marathon man Gary swaps London for Frampton A RUNNER from Frampton Cotterell who was due to take part in the London Marathon completed the challenge on the roads around his home village. Father-of-two Gary Kinsman was one of thousands of runners left to create their own route when the coronavirus crisis meant that the mass event was first postponed and then made a virtual race, with only elite runners allowed to run in the capital. Determined to press on, he devised a course and almost doubled the charity fundraising target he had set himself. Gary, who joined the Frampton Cotterell Harriers running club five years ago, took part in his first London Marathon last year, inspired by his fellow club runners. He enjoyed the event so much that he decided to take part again and started training in January. Gary was running up to 18 miles when the event was cancelled in March leaving him feeling "really disappointed". He said: “When the virtual marathon was announced in August I was immediately determined to do it. "Whilst I wouldn’t get the whole 'London experience', it would be a unique experience
Gary Kinsman is congratulated by his family after completing his virtual London Marathon. running 26.2 miles around streets that I know so well. "I contacted some running friends who were also due to run the event in London to see if they fancied joining forces to do
something combined. "I planned a route that was three loops from the Globe pub in Frampton Cotterell, and we hoped that we would be able to drum up some support from our families and friends to get us around the course." The run was a huge success, with Gary’s wife, who is also a runner, arranging support on the day and his two children cheering him on his way, along with many good friends who came to watch. His hard work fundraising over the year came to fruition, with all the coffee mornings, raffles and work tuck shops adding up, and more donations coming in during the week of the run. He exceeded his own target of £1,500 by raising £2,842 for the charity Children with Cancer UK. Gary is determined to run on the London Marathon course again. He said everybody who had a place for the 2020 London Marathon has been guaranteed place in the marathon in either 2021, 2022 or 2023, and he is waiting to find out which year he will be running. There’s still time to support Gary via his fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving. com/GaryKinsman1.
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November, 2020
n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
AutographscaptureFabFour'svisit tothePalace A SET of Beatles autographs which could only have been collected on one historic day were the star turn of the October sale at Stroud Auctions. There were several outstanding results in the ephemera section, defined as ‘collectable items that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity’ and including autographs, enamel advertising signs, postcards, tickets, leaflets and promotional items, programmes and posters. Beatles-related items continue to be extremely sought after, and lot 671 was no exception. The £6,000 price achieved was excellent simply because of the provenance – the story behind the autographs. Obtained on the day the Beatles received their MBEs at Buckingham Palace in October 1965, along with the famous four signatures was the addition of Robert Dougall, a newsreader popular in the 1960’s, who was another MBE recipient on the same day.
With so many fakes and copies around, the background to any autograph is vital, and in this case the story checked out perfectly. The auctioneer’s favourite lot of the 2,343 which went under the hammer over three days was the rugby programme for a match held at Kingsholm back in 1905, the year of a rugby tour still considered one of the greatest ever. Gloucester were beaten 44-0 on the day, but this programme, which sold for £2,100, is on its way to New Zealand, where the new owner definitely won’t feel bad about the result! The tour was famous for being the one where the All Blacks got their name – before this they wore white shorts, but swapped to black for the 1905/1906 tour, hence the nickname, which has definitely stuck. The surprise lot of the sale was a set of nine plans relating to Joseph Paxton's Crystal Palace, comprising three main floor plans, dated September 1900, which sold for £1,000. The October auction also
included ceramics and glass, stamps, books, pictures and paintings, vinyl records and furniture, and with a huge amount of interest online the prices achieved were very pleasing. The December auction (including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches and coins) is shaping up brilliantly, in particular the fine wines and spirits section. The deadline for entries is November 6. Stroud Auctions are now accepting items for the January auction, so if you have anything you would like valued with a view to selling, including ephemera like the items above, please get in touch by phone on 01453 873800 or email at valuations@ stroudauctions.co.uk. Valuations are free and without obligation. Right: The Beatles signed these autographs during their famous visit to Buckingham Palace in 1965 to become MBEs.
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS
Entries now invited for our January auction including toys, vinyl records, musical instruments, pictures & paintings, books, stamps, ephemera and Asian & tribal art Deadline for entries 5th December Vinyl Records
Asian Art
Toys
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WE ARE HAVING A NEW SCHOOL BUILT READY TO MOVE IN DURING 2021-22 CONTINUES TO BE A GOOD SCHOOL - NOVEMBER 2019 ‘Elm Park is a happy and friendly school’ ‘Pupils love learning because teachers make it fun’
01454 866750 email: elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.uk Is your child due to start school next September?
ELM PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL
Reception Open Afternoons
Please contact the school office to book a socially distanced tour Inspiring Learners, Enriching Lives, Achieving Together We would love to welcome you to Elm Park. Come along and enjoy a guided tour led by our Head Teacher and Reception Class Teacher. See our wonderful school and let us show off the amazing learning opportunities we provide. ‘Elm Park is a happy and friendly school Pupils love learning because teachers make it fun. • The Early Years is a welcoming and interesting place for children to learn. • Staff care deeply about their pupils and are sensitive to their needs. • Leaders and teachers share a passion for igniting pupils’ enthusiasm and nurturing talents’ OfSTED November 2019 Please contact us by phone 01454 866750 or email elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.uk to book a place for one of our open mornings. If you are unable to make the dates/times above, please contact us and we will find an alternative time to show you around.
New Headteacher
The governors are pleased to announce that Carol Bond has been appointed the permanent Headteacher of Elm Park School. Mrs Bond has been part of The Elm Park community for ten years, most recently as Acting Head and she is delighted to be the permanent Headteacher, leading Elm Park through its next exciting phase. Ofsted recognised Elm Park as a ‘good’ school in 2019 and Mrs Bond is looking forward to continuing to build on the strengths of the school in her role as Headteacher. “For me, Elm Park is much more than a school, it is a community with the pupils at its heart. Nothing makes me prouder than working with the pupils, staff and parents to do all we can to make the school the best it can be” Carol said. For Elm Park Primary School, exciting times are beckoning. Building work is underway for the first Passivhaus Standard school in South Gloucestershire. The Passivhaus Standard ensures buildings are constructed to reduce energy costs, lessening the impact on the environment. “This brand new, environmentally friendly school will provide a high-quality environment to match the high-quality learning and behaviour of our school” explains Mrs Bond, “and over the coming months we will be exploring the role this wonderful building can play in our wider community”. To find out more about Elm Park School and what it has to offer, please contact the school office on 01454 866750.
November, 2020
fromevalleyvoice
13
n NEWS
Fireworks and mummers off – but look out for pumpkins and scarecrows CORONAVIRUS restrictions have put paid to two of the Frome Valley area's best loved traditional events. A scarecrow The annual bonfire and firework display from last organised by the 1st Winterbourne (St year's Michael) Scout Group to mark Bonfire Night Frampton has joined the ever-lengthening list of events Cotterell which cannot go ahead due to restrictions on trail. This mass gatherings. year's Group scout leader Yvonne Andow said: theme is Mr. "We are sad to announce that their annual Men and Community Bonfire will not be going ahead Little Miss this year – no prizes for guessing why! This characters. event is an important fundraiser for the Scouts but public safety and the safety of performing their annual play after 40 years our volunteers has to take precedence. Many of their tradition. families will be disappointed but we are "We wish all our followers and friends a looking forward to seeing you all again in Merry Christmas in the circumstances, and November 2021. hope for a better New Year to follow." And the organisers of the Winterbourne However there is better news for fans of Down Mummers Play and Morris Dancing, a the annual Frampton Cotterell Scarecrow revived tradition which has taken place every Trail, which was due to go ahead this year Boxing Day for four decades, has also fallen from October 28 until November 1. foul of the regulations. This year's theme for the trail is the Mr. Organiser Terry Martin said: "The and WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2020 17:08Men Page 7 Little Miss books, so families who Winterbourn Down Christmas Boys will miss trawl the streets can expect to see plenty of
favourites from Roger Hargreaves' series of children's stories sitting in front gardens across the area. There will be a prize-giving ceremony for the public's favourite scarecrow on October 31 at 11am at the Brockeridge Centre in Woodend Road. For more information about the trail contact Sue Walters by email at sawalters@ blueyonder.co.uk. And scarecrow-spotting families can also take part in a pumpkin trail around Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath organised to help raise money for Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School. The trail will take place on the same days as the scarecrow trail and people can download a map from app.offspring.co/ eT562gKGF in return for a donation to the school's friends group, which is organising the event. There is a suggested contribution of £2.50 per map. For more information, join the Frampton Cotterell & Coalpit Heath Pumpkin Trail Facebook group.
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14
fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
n NEWS
Climate emergency action plan unveiled METRO mayor Tim Bowles unveiled the region’s long-awaited climate emergency action plan – and came under immediate fire. West of England Combined Authority scrutiny committee members said the 45page document lacked measurable goals and was more like a set of principles than an actual plan. And they criticised it for failing to make a single mention of the “elephant in the room next door”, Bristol Airport, which has launched an appeal against North Somerset Council’s decision to refuse its controversial expansion plans. Weca declared a climate emergency in July last year and says the plan sets out to “ensure that climate emergency ambitions are properly integrated into everything with the goal of the region being zero carbon by 2030”. It sets out five main “challenges” – a low-carbon transport system, low-carbon business, renewable energy, low-carbon buildings and places, and the green environment. But Bristol city councillor Mhairi Threlfall told Mr Bowles that the region lagged behind others in how much it spent encouraging active travel. She said Greater Manchester had
launched an £85million cycling project to bring 55 miles of protected routes and 140 new road crossings by the end of 2021. “By contrast we have committed only £14.1m to active travel specifically, which is less than we’re spending on buses or rail and, crucially, less than we’re spending on road building. “How does spending less on active travel compared with other modes sit with our climate emergency action plan?” Mr Bowles, who is also a Winterbourne parish councillor, said: “We are investing heavily in cycling and walking and we are championing that as Weca. “I understand you’re picking out one other region. “Active travel is not just what you’re putting in in terms of cycling and walking, it’s about how we get people to leave cars at home. “We have developed the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, we’ve got a broader walking and cycling policy and we are investing and constantly reviewing that, so we are making a huge commitment to this. “We need to find active ways to leave cars at home, bearing in mind not everybody can cycle or walk, so it’s got to be about that collective package, improving public
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
transport and encouraging people to cycle and walk.” Committee chairman and Bristol Green councillor Stephen Clarke told the remote meeting on October 8, that the document but it had a “real flaw” in Tim Bowles having no "smart goals," adding: “It talks about retrofitting homes but it doesn’t say how many. It talks about reducing car trips but doesn’t say how much reduction.” Mr Bowles said: “Over the next six months officers will be working to incorporate metrics from different projects into these plans. “It is really important this is based on evidence and how we assess that evidence so we bring this forward in that realistic way. “Everybody can set targets but unless you’ve done that evidence and base rate, you can’t actually come up with things that are going to be realistic for us all to work with.” The action plan can be read online at bit. ly/34gmwNs. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
n NEWS YATE'S Peacocks store looks set to close after its owner called in administrators. The clothing store in North Walk, in the town's shopping centre, has "closing down sale" posters in its windows. Owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, which provides protection from its creditors for 10 days. It operates about 1,100 stores, which also include Bonmarché, Jaeger, Ponden Mill and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill brand itself. EWM Group's media representatives did not respond to a request from the Voice to confirm whether a closing date for the store had been set. Business advisors FRP, who have been called in by EWM group, said: "Our team is working with the directors of a number of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group subsidiaries to explore all options for the future of its retail brands Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Jaeger,
15
Clothes store to close as cinema shuts for 6 months Closing down sale signs have gone up at Peacocks in Yate Ponden Mill, and Peacocks.” The move comes as the town's Cineworld Cinema closes for up to six months. The national chain took the decision to shut all 101 of its sites across the country early in October after it was announced that the release of the new James Bond film, No Time To Die, was being delayed for a second time
due to the reduction in demand due to COVID-19. The movie was originally due for release in April and was delayed until November but will now not be shown until April of next year. Yate's branch of travel agent TUI remains shut, although the travel giant has not yet made the closure permanent.
TUI announced it would shut 166 stores in the UK in September as it aimed to cut costs by 30%, with 8,000 jobs set to go globally. The closures included other stores in the Bristol area, which have now been cleared of all of their contents and signs. However the South Walk store appears to be among the 350 which are still part of the company's network, although a TUI spokesperson said it remained closed for now, adding: "We are unable to confirm at this stage when the store will reopen again." TUI is making cuts "following a review of UK customer booking behaviours" in the face of what the company describes as "the greatest crisis the travel industry has ever faced".
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The Heathers Nursing Home Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide. The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.
First Class Facilities and Support • A history of providing 24 hour, high quality care in South Gloucestershire • Each resident is unique to us and treated as such • The home is small and family run, offering a highly personalised service • Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene • Respite, residential care and day care available • Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs
Get in touch and speak with our team, or arrange a viewing to see our facilities for yourself. Ian – Registered Manager • Julie – General Manager
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Winterbourne Medieval Barn welcomed visitors for this year's Heritage Open Days.
News from Winterbourne Barn TOURS, talks and activity sessions are on offer at Winterbourne Medieval Barn in the coming weeks. The barn trust is organising a series of covid-secure events, which all need to be booked in advance, with numbers strictly limited. Socially distanced seating and contract tracing are in place, so groups of up to six who want to be seated together need to book together. Adults need to wear a face covering indoors, and hand sanitizer and toilet facilities are available. The next two monthly talks are on November 10 and December 1, at 7pm each time. November's talk is on 180 years of the Gloucestershire Constabulary, with force archivist Sue Webb. December's is on magic in medieval communities. Dr Tabitha Stanmore will explore how magic and the supernatural were seen as a part of everyday life and look at some common spells and beliefs. The trust is streaming the talks for anyone who does not yet feel ready to get out and about, or has transport difficulties. Upcoming activities include a medieval Christmas family activity trail day on November28, including a chance to have a go at centuries-old crafts and carolling, and an adults' fabric wreath informal workshop on December 5, led by Amy from Bath Artists Studios. All materials are provided and no sewing experience is needed. The barn is also hosting 'Tea and Tour' open afternoons on November 5 and December 1, at 2pm, where people can hear about the history of Winterbourne Medieval Barn. For more information and to book any of the events, visit the barn website at www.winterbournebarn.org.uk or Ticketsource. As the barn can be cool at this time of year, visitors need to dress appropriately. Louise Harrison
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
21
n NEWS
New drive to tackle binge drinking A MAJOR drive to tackle problem drinking is being launched in South Gloucestershire amid a surge in hospital admissions, especially among girls. Health and council chiefs say a worrying increase in hospital admissions is bucking the national trend. The district has the highest estimated rate of binge drinking in the Avon & Somerset Police area at 23 per cent of the population, compared with 17 per cent for England overall, according to a report to South Gloucestershire's health and well-being board. It said: “Rates of hospital admissions caused by alcohol in South Gloucestershire are increasing and are higher than regional and national levels, particularly for females. “Between a quarter and a third of the adult population in South Gloucestershire are estimated to be drinking alcohol at increasing or higher risk levels. “For young people in year 10 (aged 14-15), 27 per cent reported drinking sometimes and 14 per cent frequently. “Rates of alcohol-specific admissions to hospital for under-18s have increased in South Gloucestershire in contrast with decreasing rates nationally. Young
women and girls are of particular concern, accounting for 66 per cent of admissions in the last five years in this age group. “One in 10 Year 8 children at South Gloucestershire schools might be drinking alcohol every month, and this is generally drunk at home with their parents’ permission. “Nearly a third of Year 10 children obtained alcohol from their friends.” An alcohol strategy will be launched in November, followed by an action plan focusing on prevention as well as treatment. Council public health programme lead officer Rosie Closs told a remote meeting at the end of September that the number of
people accessing alcohol treatment was lower than the rest of England – six per cent for South Gloucestershire compared with 18 per cent nationally. She said: “We know, though, that when people do get into treatment in South Gloucestershire they do very well. “We had three-quarters of alcoholonly clients exiting treatment in 2017/18 successfully. “We are in the top tenth for successful treatment, so we know that when we get people in, we can support them, it’s just getting people there in the first place that can be a challenge. “The vision for the strategy is for us to work together with all of our partners and people that use our services to reduce the harms and risks caused by alcohol to individuals, families, communities and businesses while creating a culture where people can enjoy life safely with or without alcohol." Ms Closs said people "didn’t want it to be a finger-wagging ‘alcohol is all bad'” campaign. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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November, 2020
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Stopping the virus is our personal responsibility IT has been over six months since coronavirus restrictions were introduced and I’m sure many of us are just as frustrated and concerned as we were back in March. It is important that we do not let our guard down. We all need to continue to play our part and follow the Government’s three tier regulations to prevent the virus transmission increasing any further in our area. We have seen how certain parts of the country are now facing increased restrictions and we must do all we can to avoid this from happening across Avon and Somerset. I know local people are concerned what will happen if a national lockdown is enforced, and how this will impact our lives, local businesses, workplaces and schools. Let’s hope it does not reach this stage and, if it does, it is not for as long as the lockdown in the spring.
Please continue to follow the rules and guidance to keep you and your family safe as well as protecting the most vulnerable in our communities. As I’ve said many times over the last six months, please take personal responsibility; you might not feel you are vulnerable to the virus but other people’s loved ones will be. We know that the transmission of this virus can be rapid, so we have to work as a collective to stop coronavirus and put an end to its disruptive nature. Last month, we marked National Hate Crime Awareness Week and it was an ideal opportunity to talk about the impact this crime has on many people’s lives. This year, the global conversation has shone a light on the grave injustices experienced by black people, people of colour, disabled people and many other communities as a result of coronavirus,
the national lockdown and the criminal justice system. A brave victim of hate crime wrote about their experience, which was published on the PCC website. Despite living and working in the UK for 15 years, they were told they “didn’t belong here” as “this is England for English people” and was called a “foreigner”. The victim explained how the experience affected their well-being and why they believe others should report similar hate crime incidents to the police or services. Being targeted because of your age, race, sexual orientation, religion or any other reason is unacceptable. We must stand together united against hate crime. We need to reach out to victims of this awful crime and remind them they are not alone: there are organisations, services and individuals who are
With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens out there who can offer support, including SWAN (www.swanadvocacy.org.uk) and SARI (www. sariweb.org.uk). I want to reassure victims that if you report hate incidents to the police, you will be taken seriously. I know many survivors feel like they will be wasting police time if they report but this is not the case: you will be listened to and supported.
INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATION SIXTH FORM
JOIN US AT OUR SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENING Tuesday 3rd November from 6pm To register your interest visit: www.colstons.org/welcome-to-sixth-form To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
23
n COMMUNITY NEWS Coalpit Heath WI ‘DOES anyone have any straw?’ When that question arrives in the WhatsApp group, we all know it’s nearly scarecrow time. Once again, the ladies of Coalpit Heath WI were very keen to support the half-term scarecrow trail based on Mr Men and Little Miss characters. Items were assembled including wool, a dumpy bag, a hat and straw which was sourced through a members’ work colleague. The nominated group were
then gathered at scarecrow headquarters for an evening of stuffing, drawing, cutting and sticking. By the end of the evening, a recognisable character had appeared. After a few final tweaks, we look forward to sharing our character, who will be sitting on the bench outside St Saviour’s church. Also keeping members busy is a reassembly of the waterfall of poppies that were displayed outside the entrance to St Saviour’s church a couple of years ago, as
part of the centenary exhibition. More poppies are being made and will need attaching to a new net, as the previous one had suffered some damage. Help will be needed to complete this task in time for Remembrance Sunday. Our planned programme of events will resume when we are able, and any further information will be on our Facebook page – search for @WICoalpitHeath. Caroline Johnston
The Coalpit Heath WI entry for this year's Scarecrow Trail
Winterbourne Evening WI WINTERBOURNE Evening WI celebrated their 64th Birthday on October 8. Unfortunately, due the current covid restrictions, it was not possible to hold our usual birthday party at our meeting. Instead, our committee sourced and delivered an individual cake, a card and a quiz to everyone of our members. This surprise was received with much pleasure, and even more so because of the opportunity of a “socially distant” chat with friends, which is much missed by us all. Winterbourne Evening WI was founded in 1956 by Mrs Leslie Mead, wife of Colonel Mead of The Mount. The first meeting was attended by over 100 ladies, most wearing their best hats and all eager to be part of the WI family. The group very quickly became a hive of activity in the village, with groups for drama, gardening, handicrafts, cooking, a choir and more. Many of the members were young women who had moved into the many new houses being built a that time. Their husbands and children were often roped in to help, especially with the drama group, which produced a very professional pantomime or play every year at the Ridings High School. Members were also very active in the community, and conducted a long and ultimately successful campaign for a pedestrian crossing on the High Street by Harris’ Hardware shop, which was finally officially opened in
A drama group performance
The cake and card delivered to members for the birthday celebrations September 1973. In 1977 the much-loved WI market opened in a garage in Flaxpits Lane, for one hour only. It proved a great success and was later moved to the new Scout Hut on Green Dragon Road, where it remained for many years before being closed in the name of health and safety! Every summer, an afternoon tea and entertainment was provided for over 100 Winterbourne pensioners. This was very much anticipated and enjoyed by all. Winterbourne WI is still regularly attended by over 50 ladies, who all enjoy the varied
Opening High Street crossing in 1973 programme of speakers and events, which we hope will happen again very soon. We are keeping in touch by telephone, email and occasional “doorstep” chats, but will be very happy indeed when normal service is resumed. When that time comes, we will be very pleased to have visitors and new members at our meetings on the second Thursday of each month, except August. You can be sure of a very warm welcome and a lot of fun. Margaret Beacham
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fromevalleyvoice
24
November, 2020
n LOCAL MP
New school is needed to keep up with growth
H
ERE in South Gloucestershire we need a new secondary and primary school in Lyde Green, to ensure that education provision keeps up with the rate of growth in our area. That is why I have been pushing for a new secondary school, with 420 primary places and 900 secondary places, so that children in Lyde Green, Yate, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and the neighbouring villages shall be able to attend a new school near their homes. We have already made great progress on this new school: Firstly, South Gloucestershire Council have begun their consultation on the design for
the new Lyde Green School. The school facilities, including its sports pitches, will be available for community use outside of school hours. The new buildings will also be constructed to high environmental standards that seek to minimise carbon emissions. Secondly, I have recently brought this campaign to the Secretary of State for Education’s attention to champion the need for this new school and to support South Gloucestershire Council’s bid to secure the necessary government funding. Most recently, we were able to secure a Parliamentary debate on the same subject – with the Schools Minister Nick Gibb
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MP agreeing that there is “an increasing need for places for secondary school-age pupils in this part of South Gloucestershire”. We are expecting any decisions from government later this term, and I will keep Voice readers updated on any progress that we make. Building this Lyde Green Secondary school is a key part of our Positive Plan for Schools and Family Life in South Gloucestershire. This is alongside ensuring that we get our fair share of school funding, building two new primary schools in Yate, redeveloping Castle School in Thornbury, building a new special school at Marlwood, improving special
Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice
needs provision and ensuring the implementation of £79 million of repairs and upgrades for South Gloucestershire schools. To find out more about our Positive Plan for Schools and Family Life, or if there is anything else that I can be of assistance with, please do not hesitate to drop me a message.
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
25
n COMMUNITY NEWS
News from the Floral Friends of Frampton difficult to maintain. We have therefore decided to dismantle them. Bulbs have been planted in their place for a lovely spring display, and we hope that with the addition of wildflowers in the summer, this will help to increase the biodiversity in these areas. The large gateway planter on Bristol Road, near the traffic lights, will continue to be planted and cared for, to provide a bright welcome to Frampton Cotterell.
Gateways
THREE of the village gateway planters have been constantly targeted by thieves over the last few years and have also proved
Frampton Cotterell WI AT the time of going to press, we remain hopeful that we will be able to meet up in person again before too long. In the meantime, we’re organising monthly events on Zoom to help members stay in touch, including another recent quiz night which was great fun and much appreciated. It may be a little quieter than normal in terms of socialising and events, however Frampton Cotterell WI member Georgina Moore has recently given us all good reason to smile! Georgina has brought some great news at a time when we could all do with it – she has a record out with the other 2019 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Heroes, with the one and
Planters
WE have started to update the seasonal displays around the village. With support from the parish council, we are replacing some of our wooden planters with only Rick Astley – it's called Every One of Us and is in aid of Children in Need. The track can be downloaded at bbc.co.uk/sport/getinspired/27037119, streamed on Spotify or Apple Music for only 99p and the video – featuring George, as well as Rick, of course – can be seen at youtu.be/74BbbZ9zLeY. We’re all agreed, it’s a great, uplifting track and we are so proud of Georgina for being involved. Hopefully it will raise plenty of funding for Children In Need, which is due to take place in mid November. Our AGM, which was scheduled to take place on November 24, may now take place in some shape or form online (details still TBC) and we’re also still planning on holding our Christmas Bingo Evening in December, should restrictions at
Amberol self-watering half barrel planters, made from recycled plastic. They are planted with a mixture of perennial evergreens and winter bedding, and underplanted with bulbs that will pop up in early Spring to bring additional colour. Our thanks to Giles Davis, of PlantCare, for supplying compost and for his help in transporting and setting up these planters. We are also replacing the summer bedding in the remaining planters around the village with violas, polyanthus and bellis. Hopefully these new displays will help to brighten the spirits on dark, dreary winter days. In the spring, more of the wooden planters will be replaced with Amberol self watering
planters; hopefully these will be easier to maintain than the older, wooden, planters. Good homes are needed for our older wooden planters, in return for a donation. If you’re interested please contact us by email at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com
Georgina Moore with Rick Astley that time allow – watch this space and our Facebook page for more details. If you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page.
Special interest groups that meet separately include a book club, craft group, choir and our skittles and darts teams. Please search for FramptonCottWI to find out more and to like our page.
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fromevalleyvoice
26
November, 2020
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
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.
Lemon Polenta Cake: Be kind to yourself THIS time of year can seem a little dreary at the best of times. Warm summer days seem a far distant memory, but this year with all of the Covid restrictions biting we can feel less than bouncy. My solution? Eat cake! Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you go mad, because I for one have put on weight over lockdown. But a warm slice of my polenta cake is sure to make you smile. Just don’t go back for a second slice! Polenta is ground cornmeal and is usually served with savoury dishes, instead of rice or pasta. But it has a wonderful crunchy texture and, when mixed with ordinary flour, gives a great nutty flavour, as in this deliciously moist, unusual cake. You can serve it as a dessert or with a cup of tea as an afternoon treat. Go on, be kind to yourself.
Lemon Polenta Cake Serves 6-8 Ingredients: Butter- 175g (6oz) Light brown sugar-100g (4oz) Eggs, free range, large-2, lightly beaten Plain flour- 115g (about 4oz) Polenta-110g (4 ½ oz) Baking powder -1 ½ tsp Sodium bicarbonate – ½ tsp Ground almonds – 50g (2 ½ oz) Soured cream – 142ml Lemons – 1, large or 2 small, finely grated rind and juice.
To serve C rème fraîche – a small tub, about 200ml B est quality lemon curd – 3 or 4 tbsps, to taste A little caster sugar Preheat the oven to 180c, 350f, or gas mark 4 G rease and line with greaseproof paper a 23cm (about 8 inches) cake tin. B eat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A dd the eggs a little at a time, beating well in between each addition of egg. (If the mixture starts to curdle, add a little flour, and then continue adding the eggs.) I n a separate bowl, mix the flour and polenta with the baking powder and the sodium bicarb. G ently, in a figure of 8 movement, fold the flour mixture into the creamed butter, using a metal spoon. G ently fold in the almonds, soured cream and the lemon juice and rind. P ut into the prepared tin, level the top and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 mins until a rich brown. (Insert a skewer into the middle, it should come out clean if the cake is cooked. If not, give it another 5mins and check again.) A llow to cool in the tin in the oven which has now been switched off. Leave to cool for about 5 mins before turning out onto a wire cooling tray. Sprinkle with caster sugar. S erve warm with the crème fraîche mixed with the lemon curd.
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2020
27
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
In these times, it's a struggle to rejoice
R
EJOICE in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice’ was a verse that we shared in church recently. I’m writing this on the day that the Government has announced its new three-tier system and for many across the country, and the world, rejoicing is probably the furthest thing from their minds. As I write, here in the South West we are in Tier 1 or at Medium level, but the further we journey towards the North, the greater the restrictions. Family in the Midlands have more restrictions than we do and Boys’ Brigade colleagues I know in and around Liverpool have even more. People at church have been sharing their frustration about being at home so much, about not being able to engage in the social activities that added structure to their week and for some, not
seeing anyone from one Sunday to the next. I’m sure this is replicated for so many others across the Frome Valley, and in the last edition Stephen shared with us just one way that we might seek to tackle this through the ‘Let’s Chat’ leaflet produced by the churches across the area: an encouragement to share stories of what the whole COVID period has been like for us. I’m sure that many of us are finding things tough, whether it’s because we can’t do what we took for granted pre-lockdown, or perhaps more seriously because we have lost our jobs and income. Other parts of this land are now dealing with the fact that they cannot mix with other households: they are now potentially facing real isolation and all the challenges that this brings. As churches we are very
aware of the varying impact that COVID-19 is having on the neighbourhoods we serve. We are seeing the mental health issues that some are facing; we are seeing the isolation that some are facing; we are seeing the poverty that some are facing; we’re seeing that so many around us are struggling to rejoice, and we are trying to do our part to help. Like so many others, we are striving to support the work of the North Bristol Foodbank; we’re trying to provide a listening ear for those that need it; we’re trying to support our schools and young people and over the coming months; we are working together to see what more we can do to support all of you and I’m sure we will be sharing more in these pages as time goes on. But going back to where we began: "Rejoice in the Lord always,
Rev Leigh A Maydew Minister, Salem Methodist Church, Watley’s End
again I say Rejoice." Yes, we might be isolated and alone physically, but spiritually we will always have someone walking along the journey of life with us. Someone that helps us, if we allow him, to rejoice in all that we do. So, even in the difficulties that we face, I encourage you to find reasons to rejoice!
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fromevalleyvoice
28
November, 2020
n MOTORING
A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke
Second-hand Style
2012 Mercedes E Class convertible ‘A207’: The sweet spot
I LOVE large Mercedes convertibles. They may be the only convertibles I do like, actually. The brutalist elegance of the Bruno Sacco early 90s ‘W124’ E-Class remains a particular favourite. I’ll never buy one though – these old barges need oil changes every 6k miles and, sadly, they rust. As does the CLK that sort of replaced it, only that took corrosion to a whole new level. CLKs not yet scrapped are either garage queens or tragic rust-infested wrecks. Prices are low for a reason – walk away quickly. Mercedes never got the CLK right, and whilst the newer models introduced in 2002 didn’t rust (much), their engines did implode. The V6 petrol examples were the worst offenders: Mercedes got successfully taken to court in the US over the matter. At the other end of the price scale, nearly-new Merc soft tops always look far too expensive. I put this down to fashion. For a short window, say four or five years, demand tends to outstrip supply. A certain demographic desperately wants the newest car on their drive, and Mercedes know it. Prices stay high; supply is moderated to keep them that way.
So old Merc convertibles are either in classic car territory, or money pits (sometimes both) and new ones are fashionable and therefore overpriced. The sweet spot, in my view, is this month’s car. Mercedes brought the E Class badge back to the drop top segment in 2009, but underneath it is, like the CLK, based on the smaller C class. No matter – there’s plenty of room, front and back, and the boot is a decent size, even with the roof down. My test car was a 2012 E250 CDi, which translates to a 2.1 litre diesel engine with 200hp and endless torque. The colour is fabulous, and compliments the black leather. In fact, someone ticked every box (with one notable exception) when specifying this particular car. Toys that stood out as unusual in an eight year old car included lane departure warning (no thanks), blind spot monitoring mirrors (excellent) and heat scarves in the front headrests (lovely). There’s also an electric front air deflector and rear mesh guard, both of which reduce wind noise and turbulence in the cabin at speed. The doors feel heavy and clunky, like a Merc should. A big improvement on the flimsy
affairs from ten years previously. The roof goes up in 25 seconds, which seemed quick but won’t be in the rain. The diesel was almost silent on tick over, showing 62k miles on the clock. This engine powers nearly every taxi in Germany and will do ten times that mileage, with proper servicing. On the road it is rapid, by any standard, and returns 50 miles per gallon of diesel. Do fuel prices matter at the moment? Costs are down, annual mileages significantly reduced. Discuss. Regardless, I’d have the 250CDi over the much softer-tuned 220CDi. Same engine, more grunt. So, what’s not to like? Well, this is a heavy car (1.7 tons), so don’t look at it as anything other than a cruiser. Modest 17in wheels and that weight makes the ride fabulous though, with none of the compromises in rigidity you sometimes get from a convertible. What 99.9% of Mercedes buyers won’t like is the manual gearbox this example has. I suspect that the automatic option is the first box punters tick in the showroom, costing £2,000 extra. What we have here is a car less common than manure with rocking horse provenance. And I’m not sure why – the six speed gearbox is very good. It also perked up the performance and made me work a bit for my power. Or if I wasn’t in the mood, I just shifted early and rode the wave of torque. Why don’t more Mercs come specified this way? That’s back to the demographics of people who buy them new, and the perceived premium attached to a slushbox. Well, sorry - they’re all wrong. Mercedes make a good manual shifter, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Mercedes E250 CDi, 2010 – 2017. What to pay: £10k for a 2012 model, 60k miles
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fromevalleyvoice
29
November, 2020
n NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL MP
Housing unaffordability is shredding our social contract
T
HE manifesto on which my party fought and won the 1951 general election stated: “Housing is the first of the social services. It is also one of the keys to increased productivity. Work, family life, health and education are all undermined by overcrowded homes. Therefore a Conservative and Unionist Government will give housing a priority second only to national defence.” Analysis shows that the 2010s saw the fewest new houses built in England since the Second World War, but the same could have been said for the 2000s, the 1990s and probably every decade before that for the past half century. The inability of governments in recent decades to address the housing crisis means that the laws of supply and demand push house prices ever higher. Locally, in Charlton Hayes, a new-build three-bedroom endterrace house now fetches over £330,000, while a four-bedroom family home costs more than £400,000. Housing has become increasingly unaffordable. In 1995 the average house price was £51,084, approximately 2.75 times the average annual salary of £18,500. Now, the average house price is around £235,000, which is over 8 times the average annual salary of £29,000. This is unsustainable. This crisis relates not only to the
private sector but to the overall lack of housing, including council housing and social housing. There is a chronic shortage of homes and what is available is taking up ever greater proportions of people’s income. We must consider the crucial value of social housing, which provides homes for growing families who are struggling to keep up with house prices that look like phone numbers. They form an integral and indispensable part of our community and we sorely need more so that all families can flourish. The time has come for politicians to say “the buck stops here” and to get a grip on this problem. Too many of my colleagues have made a virtue of opposing much-needed housing development anywhere in our own areas. They have graduated from NIMBYs to BANANAs, who want to Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anywhere. When did it become the fashionable thing to side with those who want to pull the ladder up, rather than put people on it? I have witnessed colleagues rejoice as local housing supply plans for my local council area were consigned to the bin. These people seem completely oblivious to just what it is they have thrown out. This failure of political leadership at the local and parliamentary level will not do. It is no mere piece of
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paper and abstract plan that has been scrapped. For our younger generations, it could also be the chance to ever own their own home that is being done away with. In the post-war era, Britain faced a similar housing crisis, and a Conservative government solved it. Macmillan oversaw a programme that built 2.8 million homes in the 1950s and 3.6 million in the 1960s. That is the scale on which we have to act today. As the working-class son of immigrants, one of the many reasons I became a Conservative was because of the aspiration that our party promoted and believed in. Our party also understood the pride people took in home ownership and the benefits thereof. John Major, in his first speech to our party conference as Prime Minister in 1991, called it “the power to choose the right to own”. What are we offering some of our young people today? Some £50,000 of student debt and a room in a shared house if they are lucky. This problem not only affects young people, of course, but will have deeper social consequences. Young people not being able to afford to live in the villages in which they grew up will lead to families being scattered because their children are forced to move away to find somewhere to live. Those villages will find their services
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reduced, as bus services no longer make financial sense to the operators, demand for retail shrinks, and there aren’t enough employed people to support local businesses. Alternatively, some children may simply never leave home and live with their parents or grandparents well into middle age, which creates a very different social pressure. Tim Bowles, the West of England Mayor, will shortly be putting his Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) out to public consultation, and I would encourage all of you to keep an eye out and take part. We are clearly faced with a situation in which difficult decisions are required, but it is imperative that we show leadership, at the Parliamentary, regional, and council level. Housing unaffordability is shredding our social contract. We cannot expect young people to feel passionately about the advancement of a society in which they have no stake, and have no hope of sharing in the country’s present and future success. It is time for the Government to firmly grasp this nettle and tear it out by the root.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Responding to the Climate Emergency Working with residents, businesses and organisations across the district, South Gloucestershire Council is continuing to tackle the increasing challenges of climate change. As an area we are: • Reducing our carbon emissions to become carbon neutral by 2030 • Restoring nature • Adapting to the local impacts of a changing climate.
What is the council doing? The council set out an action plan and is delivering this work in partnership with others. You can read details of this plan on the council website. Current projects include an area-wide study of renewable energy opportunities, upgrading the energy efficiency of new school buildings, a study looking at rural needs for electric
3
vehicle infrastructure, trials of managing highway verges to increase biodiversity, and flood water risk mapping. Each December, the council will review progress and set out a plan for the next year. To deliver the 2030 goal, it needs to work with everyone in the area.
What can you do now? Sign the South Gloucestershire Climate Emergency Pledge here: www.southglos.gov.uk/ climatepledge Retrofit your home to save energy: The following schemes can support you: • Green Homes GrantVouchers for energy efficiency improvements or low carbon heating up to £10,000 • ECO Funding - Grants for insulation for those on low incomes • Warm Homes Fund – Grant funded scheme to install first time central heating • Renewable Heat Incentive - Payments for low carbon heating systems • Lendology - Low-cost council funded loans for energy efficiency and renewables. To find the right scheme for you, call Severn Wye who run our council-funded service on 0800 500 3076 or visit www. warmandwell.co.uk Support nature: Autumn and winter are a great time for planting trees, putting out bird food, and building insect and hedgehog homes. Your local Wildlife Trust has lots of useful tips and guidance. Visit www. avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/ or call 0117 9177270.
Making better choices today can have a big impact on your physical and mental health. One You South Gloucestershire is here to help you get healthier and feel better with free tips, tools and support. Whether it's moving more, eating more healthily or checking yourself, the One You team can help you make small, practical changes that fit in with your life. It’s offering services
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Rachael Hunt, next to one of the new solar powered bins on Kingswood high street
Climate emergency volunteering: Join the Conservation Volunteers who do amazing work in our area. Visit www.tcv.org.uk or call 01302 388 883. Be prepared for severe weather: In the South West, winters are likely to be considerably wetter and summers hotter. Check out the Met Office’s Weather Ready website for advice on preparing
for and coping with severe weather here: www.metoffice.gov.uk/ weatherready Join a climate emergency group: Our area-wide Climate Emergency Community Engagement group meets every three months. To sign up to this group email: www.climate. emergency@southglos.gov.uk or call 01454 868004.
Looking after your wellbeing such as courses online and advice on the telephone. The team is here and ready to help you take the next step in improving your health. To find out more visit www.oneyou.
southglos.gov.uk or call us on 01454 865337. For anyone who is choosing to shield at this time because you are clinically vulnerable to the effects of covid-19, you can still contact us for support on 0800 953 7778.
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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL EDITION
Can you help?
Redundancy support The Covid-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for people and for many they are now facing the challenge of redundancy from their jobs. If this applies to you, there is support and information available to help you find a new job, look at training options available to you, understand what benefits you can claim and provide you with useful sources of information Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ redundancysupport Or call: 01454 868009.
Allie from Swagger Gifts wears a face covering and has made her shop Covid-secure. She’s doing everything she can to keep herself and her customers safe. Please be like Allie and do everything you can to Keep South Gloucestershire Safe.
Subscribe for the latest news Sign up to receive a weekly update on South Gloucestershire Covid-19 cases and advice, and council service updates including waste and recycling news. Register for our enewsletter at: www.southglos.gov.uk/covid19newsletter or if you would like a printed copy please let us know on 01454 868009.
Residents, you can help stop the spread of Covid-19 by sharing South Gloucestershire Council’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram messages on your own social media channels. If you are on the Nextdoor app, be sure to recommend it to your neighbours so the council can continue to grow its South Gloucestershire online community and share messages of specific importance to your area. Businesses and community groups will find images, posters and flyers to share online or download and print. Visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ covid19resources