Frome Valley Voice February 2019 by Fromevalleyvoice

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2019 Issue 66

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

400 miles for Beatrice Drone Club is taking flight A NEW club is being set up to show drone owners how to have fun safely PAGE 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

fromevalleyvoice

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2019

FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew

Publisher and Editor 01454 800 120 contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk For advertising enquiries: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

March deadline

Your views

Our March edition will be going to print on February 19. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by February 13. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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

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

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

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

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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

South Glos Art Appreciation Society Passionate about

Art and Culture Enjoy meeting like minded people We have a programme of dynamic lectures and visits. Bring a friend, make a friend. 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Wood Lane, Bradley Stoke.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS

Drone club is taking to the air THEY have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons recently – but a new club in Frampton Cotterell will show drone owners the right way to fly. Millions of the high-tech remote operated flying machines have been sold in the UK, some for commercial use but most for fun, and they are becoming an increasingly common sight above parks and other open spaces. However the problems of misuse came into focus late last year when a drone was deliberately flown over Gatwick Airport, grounding more than 1,000 flights on one of the busiest weekends of the year and leaving 140,000 passengers stranded. While most owners use them responsibly, 117 near-misses with aircraft were reported across the UK last year. New laws governing drone use are set to be introduced later this year but anyone who owns one and wants to learn from an

expert can get ahead by joining the Frampton Community Projects Drone Club, which is starting up this spring. It will be run by the village charity, with indoor and outdoor sessions for all ages taken by an experienced drone pilot. It aims to show drone owners the joys of drone racing, aerial photography and other activities in a safe environment. Andrew Walker, the man behind the idea, said: “You can fly for fun, to take awesome photos, or race them. “We look to introduce all of these within our club – start with the basics and grow.” The law on drone flying was last updated in July last year, when they were banned from flying at over 400ft and within 1km of any airport. But another update is due to come into force in November this year, requiring people who use a drone weighing more than 250g to register with

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Experienced flyer Andrew Walker is launching a new drone club in Frampton Cotterell the Civil Aviation Authority and introducing online safety tests. Andrew said: “Drones can be dangerous, but if shown the right way and in a safe environment, it really is a lot of fun. “We want to give that

opportunity to others." If you’re interested in being involved with the club, which is due to be up and running by Easter, you can contact Andrew via droneclub@framptoncp.org.

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Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS NEW affordable homes could be built on five sites in Winterbourne. South Gloucestershire Council is looking to transfer small pieces of land it owns to a housing association, as it tries to meet a target of providing 10,000 affordable homes over the next eight years. Many of the sites are open spaces next to homes owned by Merlin Housing Society. Building on them – a process known as infilling – would help meet South Gloucestershire’s target of providing 10,000 affordable homes over the next eight years. But not all will be suitable for building on – the council believes the 54 spaces it has earmarked will provide a total of 34 new homes between them. Two of the Winterbourne sites are in Harcombe Road, while the others are in Perry Close, between Perry Close and Dragon Road and at Masons View. A council report on the 54 sites says seven of them are seen to have potential for development on the open market but their total area is relatively small, at 3,394 sq m or about eight tenths of an acre. The biggest group are sites which have limited value on their own but are next to land already owned by Merlin and could be combined with it to build homes.

Council hands over land for affordable homes The 26 sites cover a total area of around 12,750 sqm – just over three acres. Another 21 sites are costing the council money to maintain and the report said they would benefit from being taken over by Merlin. Their total area is 6,177 sqm – around one and a half acres. The council report says: “Not all sites will be capable of development. “Some sites, even once merged with Merlin’s adjoining land, will not be viable for Merlin to develop, but could provide for self-build plots for disposal on the open market, with the capital receipt then reinvested.” It recognised that Merlin “would be taking a degree of risk” if it took on the sites, as it would still need to gain planning permission for any building schemes. The council’s target is to build 28,000 homes by 2027, of which just over 10,000 should be classed as affordable – either available to rent below market rates or through shared ownership schemes. Cabinet councillor Rob Creer,

Land between Dragon Road and Perry Close is being handed over to Merlin Housing by South Gloucestershire Council who approved the transfer, said: “We’ve been working with Merlin to tidy up issues over land ownership and maintenance for a number of small sites, resulting in this positive outcome that will generate an estimated 34 residential units.” “These will be a mix of

single build plots, self-build and affordable housing. The transfer will help us keep our own costs down and will protect us from future maintenance expenses as the housing association will be taking on the sites at their own risk.”

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fromevalleyvoice 28

February, 2019

5 thornburyvo

n NEWS Continued from page 1 Zoe, who grew up in Coalpit Heath, said: “Since the day I found out at over 39 weeks pregnant that my baby wouldn’t be coming home, SANDS have been there for me and my family. They provided equipment for a specialist delivery suite. Their trained staff cared for us, their skill and compassion made Beatrice’s birth a memory I treasure. “They gave us the information and support we needed to arrange Beatrice’s post mortem and funeral, and provided kits to take casts of her hand and footprints that we will keep forever.” Before Beatrice was born, Emma had already bought her first road bike, which she was initially unable to ride. With help from people at a Fitquest local cycling club, she gradually built up her mileage until in August last year she cycled 70 miles. Emma said: “(It was) an achievement I was proud of and I was further aiming to achieve my first 100 mile bike ride in 2019. “But since nothing could be harder than what my friends and their family have gone through, I knew I had more to give than that.” Emma decided to set herself a far tougher challenge, and decided to ride to Scotland, where Zoe now lives. She found a friend through the cycling club,

■

Helen Jackson, who agreed to tackle the challenge with her. Helen has three boys, and had had a scare with one of her pregnancies, so Zoe’s experience hit home. The bike ride will mean cycling for 140 miles each day for three days, with little time for breaks. Cycling club members have already helped by organising practice rides, and by offering information about training, nutrition and bike maintenance. Some of them will now join the women to support them for sections of the ride. Emma said: “The aim of the bike ride is to encourage open conversations and to provide the necessary support that SANDS did for my friends during an immensely difficult time. “We are calling it Beatrice’s Bike Ride, because she will never be forgotten.” The ride takes place from May 17 to 19. A fundraising quiz will be held at the start and Emma is asking local businesses to get in touch if they can offer a raffle prize via Beatricesbikeride@ gmail.com. Zoe said: “The donations and awareness raised by Beatrice’s Bike Ride will help families on this terrible journey, and help more families bring their babies home.” For more information and to donate visit bit.ly/2AX0SyN online or email Emma at the address above.

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Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH Fundraisers Emma Steele (left) and Helen Jackson.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Festival to put the accordion back on the map A MUSICIAN is looking to “get the accordion back on the map” by organising the first regional festival dedicated to the instrument in nearly 40 years. Andy Coles helped organise the last South West accordion festival back in 1981. Now he is reviving the contest, including a free concert in Coalpit Heath to showcase local talent. Andy is inviting accordion players and groups which include at least one person playing the instrument to apply to take part. For Andy, organising the festival is a labour of love. He said: “I first saw an accordion played on The Good Old Days when I was six years old. It was a small buttonkeyboard model, but I was fascinated and wanted to play one. “My parents, sensibly, felt it might be a fad. I then saw another accordion on TV. This was a full-size, piano key, electronic instrument. I was hooked.” Andy nagged his parents for more than two years until they relented and his dad

arranged some lessons and bought his first instrument. He said: “I am forever grateful that my stone-deaf father, who would never hear me play, supported me.” Andy remembers annual competitions across the region in his youth. He said: “This is an attempt to get the accordion back on the map in South West. “The great thing is that coming along to

watch and listen is free. We’re keen to get as many people interested in and playing the accordion as possible – especially the younger folk, who will be the future of the instrument.” Andy, who has lived in Downend for nearly 20 years and works for Thornbury insurance brokers Europa Group, is hoping to attract around 40 competitors to the championship, which will be held at Coalpit Heath Village Hall (the Miners’ Club) on February 16. After the competitive rounds there will be a concert and prize-giving. The time of the afternoon concert will be set after the number of competitors is finalised, so anyone who is interested in attending should email andy. coles@blueyonder.co.uk after entries have closed on February 9. Any accordion players who would like to take part in the competition can email Andy or visit the National Accordion Organisation website at www.accordions.com/nao and check the area festivals tab.

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS

Council loses £382,000 on car parking SOUTH Gloucestershire Council lost more from parking enforcement than almost anywhere else in the country last year – but all three of its political parties stand by the policy. Figures from the Office South Gloucestershire's political parties have for National reaffirmed their commitment to free parking in the Statistics, analysed by the area, despite the policy costing the council money. Reach Data Unit, show the authority spent £1.1million in 2017/18 and got an income of £715,000 from charges – a loss of £382,000. In contrast, its neighbouring authorities spent more and got more in return. Bristol City Council made £9.5m and B&NES made a profit of £7.8m. Only three other councils had a bigger deficit. But council leader Toby Savage said: “I am proud that South Gloucestershire continues to be one of the few remaining places in the country that supports its high streets with free parking.” The council’s Lib Dem and Labour groups have also pledged their support for continuing the free parking policy. A council spokesman said any introduction of charges would require a political decision. He confirmed that no formal studies have been carried out into how much the authority could bring in if it charged the same amount as other councils. The £1.1million expenditure is on enforcement officers, appeals team, camera cars, corporate overheads, regulation signs and lining, and cleaning and maintenance of car parks. Income comes from penalty charge notices from on-street parking fines and bus lane enforcement. Clare Miller/Reach Data Unit.

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Pedestrian dies of injuries A MAN has died after he was hit by a vehicle reversing out of a driveway. Avon and Somerset police said the man, who was in his 90s, was walking in Manor Lane, Charfield, when he was “involved in a collision with a car” on January 16 at 8.55am. A spokesperson said: “The pedestrian suffered a fractured rib and was taken to Southmead Hospital, where sadly he died the following day.” Anyone who saw the incident should call 101 and ask for the collision investigation unit, quoting reference number 5219 011 618.

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS Dorothy Perkins to close YATE’S Dorothy Perkins store is to close, despite rent concessions being in place. Retail companies now review store leases every 5 years, so they have the option to pull out if they feel a store isn’t performing. Yate Shopping Centre manager Andrew Lowry said: “I’m very sorry to see them close their store, however unfortunately most retailers are reviewing their portfolios and where turnover is reducing decisions are being made to close stores. Yate is performing very well in a difficult retail market and I’m confident that we will attract a new retailer shortly.” This month Home Bargains will be opening at store on South Walk, and a new retailer is also due to move in to the former Prezzo unit at Yate Riverside. Mr Lowry said Christmas footfall was up 17.5 per cent on the previous year.

Thieves dig up plant displays A COMMUNITY group which brightens up Frampton Cotterell by planting flower displays has been targeted by thieves again. Last year the Voice reported that flowers planted by the Floral Friends of Frampton group had been stolen from planters in the village. The group says that thieves recently returned to its beds and planters. Group secretary Lena Clarke said floral gateways on the Bristol Road and Church Road had been targeted, along with some planters. Lena said: “We’d hoped that it would stop once the weather worsened. “This is very disappointing as we know that many people appreciate our efforts; perhaps the thieves don’t realise that they are stealing from their friends, neighbours and local businesses who fund all our work?” All the thefts have been reported to the police. It appears that only a few plants are taken each time, and not all the plants from any one planter, which has made it more difficult to spot the losses when they happen. Volunteers always wear high-vis jackets with the group’s flower logo displayed on them, so residents are being asked to tell the police if they see anyone not wearing one removing plants. They are also asking people to email them at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com if they see any suspicious activity.

One of the floral gateways on the Bristol Road which has had plants stolen from it

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS A CHARITY which supports terminally-ill children and their families has benefited from its involvement with the South Gloucestershire Show. Jessie May is the nominated charity for the show, which is held at the South Gloucestershire Showground, near Henfield. The charity raised over £1,000 by running a stand at the event and show organisers then donated an extra £2,500, giving it a total of £3,500. Kingswood-based Jessie May provides nurses across South Gloucestershire and the surrounding area to support terminally ill children and their families in their own homes. The charity has now learned that it will be the show’s chosen charity again for 2019. Head of fundraising and communications Julian Withers said: “The whole Jessie May team – including a brilliant group of volunteers – had a fantastic time at last year’s show. “We were delighted to be the show’s chosen charity and spent two gloriously sunny days

Show’s boost for children’s charity meeting supporters, sharing some amazing stories about our nurses’ work, and raising vital funds to ensure they can continue to support local families. Events like these make a huge difference to our charity and we are hugely grateful to the South Gloucestershire Show for the opportunity. “We are thrilled to be the show’s nominated charity for 2019 and look forward to working with the show’s team again as we count down until August 3rd. Keep your eyes peeled, as we are currently planning what Jessie May will bring to the show in the summer.” The show’s organisers launched another event last year, the South Gloucestershire Food & Drink Festival, which took place in May at the Bristol and Bath Science Park. More than 22,000 people went along and this year it will

Jessie May staff at last year's South Gloucestershire Show return on May 18 and 19, and again in September. This event will also support Jessie May. South Gloucestershire Show event manager Darren Hawkins said: “This is set to be an exciting year for us and we’re looking forward to having Jessie May

join us at our Food & Drink Festival in May, providing another opportunity to raise funds for this amazing charity that makes such a difference to so many in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and beyond.”

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS

‘Raise the Roof’ for Winterbourne Barn THE Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust is hoping to raise the funds it needs to restore an ancient roof by encouraging people to sponsor a tile. The roof on the West barn is made up of over 8,000 red clay tiles, known as pantiles, and needs extensive repairs. Anyone who takes part in the initiative will be acknowledged on the website. At the end of 2018 the Trust received two big grants to help it towards the total of £400,000 which it has to raise itself for the refurbishment. It was given £42,837 by LEADER, a fund jointly provided by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs. This will pay to restore the Victorian cow byres, so they can be used by micro businesses. A further £70,000 for the refurbishment of the building was one of the final grants given

Work is being carried out on Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust's South Barn (above) and West Barn this year. by the Hampshire-based HB Allen Charitable Trust before it was wound up at the end of last year. This leaves the WMBT in a strong position, with only

£128,000 of the £400,000 total left to raise. The trust says Winterbourne Medieval Barn is a building of national importance. Built in 1342, before the Black

Death swept across England, it is believed to be a unique survivor of the medieval agrarian economy. There are records of its use by Thomas de Bradeston, who was Lord of the Manor of Winterbourne and ordered the barn to be built, dating back to 1353. During 2019 most of the site will be shut, to enable work to start on the main medieval barn, the South and West barns and the outbuildings. In the Cartshed, a programme of activities will continue, with spring events including an apple grafting workshop, a wet felting workshop, and a talk on Viking words in the English language. For up to date information on events at the barn, visit its website www. winterbournebarn.org.uk. The site includes a link for anyone wanting to donate to the Raise the Roof appeal.

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February, 2019

fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

Car set ablaze POLICE are investigating after this wrecked car was found on fire in Frampton Cotterell. The blaze was discovered at about 11pm on January 3 on Frampton End Road. A fire crew from Yate was called in to put out the flames. Avon and Somerset police said it was believed the fire was started deliberately. Anyone with information which could help the police is asked to call 101 or visit the force website, quoting reference 1002.

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS

Even the horses have got coats on; a chilly start to the day near Nightingale Bridge, Frampton Cotterell.

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February, 2019

fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

Crossbow Singers are already preparing for summer THE Crossbow Singers are setting their sights on their summer concert, with rehearsals already underway for the event on July 1 and 2. The group has welcomed several new members. Proceeds from the evening always go to local charities. Recently the singers have been busy taking part in the Big Sing for Christian Aid, the Christmas Tree Festival for WaterAid, and at their own concert with guests the Frampton Shanty Men. One of their pieces was a Hawaiian Christmas song and the picture above shows the singers wearing Hawaiian floral garlands known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. For more information on the Crossbow singers, call Jenny Hollister on 01454 313037.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n BUSINESS FEATURE

An oasis of calm in a busy world

As Beauty Plus celebrates ten years in Frampton Cotterell, Richard Drew meets owner Myriam Rogerson. THE depth of winter, with Frome Valley Voice’s deadline looming, is not necessarily the most cheerful or calming time. But there was one date in the diary I was looking forward to – my hot stone back massage with Myriam, the owner of Beauty Plus on Church Road. There must have been something about my demeanour when I last dropped off the paper that made her suggest it, and I’m glad she did. It might be a steep walk up the old stairs to her salon next to the butcher’s shop, but it’s worth the effort. Her bijou two-room set up is calmness personified. That’s partly down to the soothing, anonymous music that plays, but it’s also down to Myriam herself. Even just to pop in for a brief chat leaves you feeling more at peace with the world. The last time I had a massage, it was administered by the Blind Massage School of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoyable though it was, I did feel like I’d accidentally wandered into a WWF wrestling ring. The hot stone back massage was considerably less traumatic, I’m pleased to

report. Imagine having two firm, smooth hot water bottles being moved around your back, sides and neck. Except that doesn’t really do it justice, especially when you are in the experienced hands of Myriam. The warmth of the stones was heavenly, the massaging movement on my back slowly expunging the stressful week I’d had up to then. I’m a chatty chap, but there was silence in the room as I allowed myself to savour the experience. Myriam says: “I do love massage. When you do massage, you know you are helping somebody else to really feel good. Sometimes they have problems; we try to help them with that as well and the hot stones penetrates deeper into the tissues and the muscles, so it’s more relaxing.” Myriam was born and grew up on Malta and came to the UK in the seventies. This year she celebrates ten years of Beauty Plus in Frampton Cotterell. She’s already become part of the community, organising Christmas parties for the elderly and supporting community champions. She also works closely with the Paul’s Place charity for adults with disabilities. She told me: “I love Frampton, the people are nice, the clients are very supportive, very loyal, very kind; they love it here, it’s a good energy.”

Myriam Rogerson (right) with colleague Beth Baker It was a bit of a shame when my time was up and I had to wrap up and head back into the winter chill – and the stack of unanswered emails. Like a lot of people in the area – including an increasing number of men, I suspect I may be back.

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Community rallies round for transplant family WHEN a Chipping Sodbury chef taking it again but I have had to and his family suffered a double reduce my dose so I’m not as affected blow in the space of a few weeks, the by the side effects”. community rallied round to help. It’s been a struggle to pay the At the end of last year Dave and bills with neither of them at work. Shamsi Kabbara were devastated after Additional costs for the family doctors told Dave that he needed a include accommodation near the lung transplant. Weeks later he lost Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Their his job working at Amigos Mexican previous neighbour, Claudia Carr, restaurant, which shut at short notice. set up a GoFundMe page which has But a crowdfunding drive launched anow had its target raised to £8,000. by friends to help the family through Shamsi says she and Dave have their difficult time has so far raised been overwhelmed by the kindness almost £6,000. of people in the Chipping Sodbury Just 10 weeks ago Dave was fit community. Dave and Shamsi Kabbara, pictured with their daughter and healthy, working long hours at She said: “We had a phone call Yasmine (left), have been amazed by the response of the Amigos and going at “a hundred miles offering us a restaurant! When Chipping Sodbury community to their plight. an hour,” according to Shamsi. But in you get better there is a restaurant November he got an infection which waiting for you! We’ve been amazed any transplant. caused scarring on his lungs. He was in and by the response from the Chipping Sodbury Shamsi has an autoimmune condition out of hospital before Christmas, and in community and the support and the which means she self-administers low level early January had the news that he needed a messages we’ve had.” chemotherapy treatment every week. transplant. Shamsi and Dave have a 12-year-old She said: “It knocks me out for about Since then the couple have been daughter, who is at home being looked after 24 hours. When Dave first came into effectively living in Southmead Hospital but by Shamsi’s Mum. hospital, I had to stop taking it because I’m are now being moved to the Queen Elizabeth To visit the GoFundMe page go to bit. immunosuppressed, so at risk of picking up Hospital in Birmingham. Doctors there need ly/2T2DeI6. infection. After five weeks I was told to start to carry out pre-assessment tests ahead of

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February, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS A FASCINATING insight into Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s illfated Antarctic Polar Expedition of 1910 was provided at Stroud Auction Rooms' January sale. Items from the expedition were consigned by direct descendants of Thomas Newland Rosser (1857-1935), dock master at Bute Docks. Captain Rosser hosted Scott and the Terra Nova before the expedition set off for Antarctica. Most of these items easily made the 25 highest selling lots, with an Adelie penguin egg in a glazed mahogany case, which had been presented to Captain Rosser, topping the list at £9,000. A signed menu from a complimentary dinner for Captain Scott and the officers of the Terra Nova at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on June 13, 1910 (two days before sailing), sold for £5,100, while a typed and handwritten receipt addressed to Captain Rosser for £2 2s 0d, signed by Scott in original Expedition envelope with postmark for Cardiff 1910 (£3,500). A full set of Beatles

Captain Scott and Beatles memories under the hammer autographs proved popular with collectors and eventually went under the hammer for £3,600. The signatures were obtained by the receptionist at the Castle Hotel, Taunton, on September 5, 1963. The Beatles were staying there after a performance at Taunton's Gaumont Theatre and their signatures are on the hotel's headed notepaper. The increasing interest in vinyl saw a copy of the Beatles' Please Please Me album, with black and gold label and Northern Songs credit, sell for £1,900, while a copy of Dr Z’s 1971 prog rock album Three Parts To My Soul sold for £900. Stamps continue to be sought-after and a Stanley Gibbons red crown album for George VI Commonwealth stamps, together with complete

mint Royal Silver Wedding and UPC mint omnibus sets, made £3,100. The next auction will be on February 6 and 7, when specialist sections will include guns and weapons, medals and militaria, sporting, taxidermy, toys, scientific instruments, weights and scales, cameras and binoculars. Viewing will be on Tuesday, February 5 (10am-7pm) and from 9am on sale days. Free valuation sessions are every Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (9am-12.30pm). For information about any aspect of buying or selling with Stroud Auction Rooms ring 01453 873800, email info@ stroudauctions.com or visit the website www.stroudauctions. co.uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS

Rotarian award A FRAMPTON Cotterell man has been awarded a top honour by a local Rotary Club. Anthony Bourne was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship, an honour awarded to individuals who give consistent service to their community. The presentation was made at an event for Chipping Sodbury Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs. President Richard Little, who presented the award said: “Anthony is a perfect example of someone who puts service above self – the Rotary motto. He is the person Anthony Bourne (left) with Chipping who always puts himself Sodbury Rotary president Richard Little forward to help out whenever help is needed.” Anthony joined the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury in 1986. Since then he has served on numerous committees and taken on the roles of secretary, treasurer and president. The award is named after Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who founded Rotary International in 1905.

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February, 2019

n NEWS ONE in every ten patients in the region is waiting at least three weeks to see a GP, new figures reveal.As the NHS faces its busiest time of the year, 56,250 people in the area covered by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group had to wait at least 21 days to see a doctor after booking an appointment. And 24,700 people waited more than a month for an appointment booked in October, the latest NHS Digital data shows. In two surgeries serving the Frome Valley population, around half of patients have to wait a week or more for an appointment. Figures from the annual NHS England patient survey in the area show that, among patients of the Frome Valley Medical Centre, 18% received a same-day appointment and 13% booked one for the following day. Some 20% had to wait between two days and a week and 46% waited more than a week. Figures for Yate’s West Walk Surgery, which includes Coalpit Heath Surgery, showed 20% of patients were able to book a same-day appointment, 1% had one on the following day, 16% waited between two days and a week and 58% had to wait more than a week. At the Kennedy Way Surgery in Yate, 70% were able to book a same-day appointment, 7% had one the next day, 11% had to wait between two days and a week and just 1% waited more than a week.

Patients face wait for GP Other patients answering the survey either could not remember how long they waited. The figures include patients who need regular appointments and are likely to be booking ahead. Patients Association chief executive Rachel Power said: "It can be incredibly stressful to face a long wait before getting to see a doctor, quite apart from prolonging the length of time someone has to live with the medical issue that is troubling them.” Dr Martin Jones, GP and Medical Director of Commissioning and Primary Care at Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Local GPs are working hard to provide the best quality care to their patients, with more than 500,000 appointments in October and around 40% of people seen by practice staff on the same day. However, we understand that some people struggle to get appointments quickly and we are working with local GPs to improve access to appointments. “Every practice in the area now offers appointments at the evenings or weekends, making it easier for people to see a doctor, nurse or other health professional at a time convenient to them. By offering more GP

Nominate your community hero PEOPLE are being asked to nominate unpaid volunteers and community groups to be recognised for the contribution they’ve made to South Gloucestershire. The South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Awards ceremony takes place in April, and nominations are open until February 28. Previous winners include charity fundraisers, local football club managers, sports coaches, and arts festival organisers. Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “During my year as Chair of the Council it has been an absolute honour to

meet so many people from across our area who work tirelessly, and without financial reward, for the benefit of their communities. These awards are a small way to recognise the importance of volunteering and to thank a few of our local community heroes.” Nominations can be made online at bit.ly/2W5hr4y. Anyone not online can call 01454 863019 for more information. Any supporting documents or printed forms can be sent to: Member Services, Community Awards, South Gloucestershire Council, Chief Executive & Corporate Resources Department, PO Box 1953, Bristol, BS37 0DB.

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At Frome Valley Medical Centre almost half of patients waited more than a week for an appointment, according to NHS survey data. and nurse appointments we hope to help keep our patients well and relieve pressure on the wider health system." “NHS Pharmacists are

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n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA February 1 n Cotswold Edge Events presents Paul Jones and Dave Kelly Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Friday 1 February 2019 7.30pm. Tickets from: www. cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk n Elton John Tribute act, Winterbourne Community Centre (WADCA) 8.30pm. Tickets £10 from www.ticketsource.co.uk or ca.winterbourne@gmail.com or call 01454 776268 n Quiz, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell, 8pm. £1.50 per person. Call 01454 772947 or email crossbowhouse@gmail.com February 2 n Sodbury Vale Model Railway Club's 35th Annual Model Railway Exhibition will be held on Saturday 2nd February 2019 at St Mary's Church, Church Road, Yate, BS37 5BG. Open 10.00am to 4.30pm. Full details at www. sodburyvalemrc.co.uk n Table Top Sale, Coalpit Heath Village Hall, 1-3pm. Tables £5, Tel. 07920 145352 February 4 n Gardening and Social Club, Manor Hall 2-3.30pm. £2.50 incl refreshments. February 6 n Coalpit Heath WI, St Saviours Church Hall, 7.45pm. Call 07935 071291 or email caitlin.reeves@ virginmedia.com. Visitors always welcome. February 8 n Frampton Folk club, Crossbow, 8pm. £2. All welcome. Email allinsonjohn2@gmail.com. February 11 n SYBA AGM 11th February at YOSC 17.30 - 19.00. Join us to appoint new roles for this year. If you are interested in taking on any of the roles, please email SYBA at enquiries@sodburyandyate.biz for more information. February 12

n Village walks start Miners Village Hall, Coalpit Heath, 10.30am. Footpath stroll with crocuses, up to 2 miles, or rural walk 3 miles – crocuses, ponds, fields, country lanes. n Community coffee morning, WADCA, 10.30am- 12.30pm. All welcome. n Mothers Union, St Saviours Hall, Coalpit Heath, 2.15pm. A variety of speakers. Call 01454 777664 for more information. February 12 n The Andrew Hook Memorial Meeting (incorporating The Bristol Group Annual Meeting): The Great Western Society Today’ presented by Richard Antliff. BAWA, 589 Southmead Road, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG 7:30 for 7:45 pm. The meeting is open to all and there is no admission charge, but a suggested donation of £3 to help defray expenses is appreciated. Contact: Dave Winter 01454 324230. February 13 nFrampton Singalong, Crossbow, 2pm-3.30pm. £3 includes tea and cakes. Call Hilary Jay on 07515 351813 or email hilary.coach@ icloud.com. nCarer's Club, Zion church, Frampton Cotterell, 2-4pm. Carers welcome to stay with the person they care for or use the free time as they wish. More details from Jean on 01454 775786 or Rona on 01454 886925. February 17-27: n Window Art Trail in Frampton and Coalpit Heath. Trail maps available from February 11 from the Brockeridge Centre in Frampton Cotterell or at www. villageaction.org.uk. February 20 n Community Coffee morning, Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, 10am-

midday. Call 07873 747513 fore more details. n Frampton Cotterell Local History Society, Zion 7.30pm. Non-members £4, including light refreshments. n Downend Flower Club, Overndale Road, Downend. Katherine Kear - The Little Green Orchard February 21 nWinterbourne and district flower arrangement club are welcoming Alwyn Page who will be demonstrating flower arrangements under the title 'Retrospective'. Held at St. Michael's room, High street, Winterbourne, doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. February 22 n Bingo at Crossbow House, 8pm. £1 for 5 games and 50p for snowball. Call 01454 772947. February 26 nVillage walks, meet opposite Gingerbread Cafe, Frampton Cotterell, 10.30am. Meander as much as you wish up to 3 miles, with chance to find beautifully decorated windows in Frampton. nFrampton Cotterell WI, St Peters Hall, School Rd, 7.45pm-10pm. £2.50. Call 01454 773426 or 778900, or email marycroberts@ talktalk.net. February 27 n Litter Busters 10am – midday. Contact info@litteraction.org.uk for more details. n Forget-me-not singalong group, Zion church, 2pm-3.30pm. For local people with dementia. Carers welcome to stay. Details from Jean on 01454 775786 or Rona on 01454 886925. February 28 n Thursday, 28th February: Avon Organic Group invites local gardeners and growers

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to join in our Seed Swap with Short Talk - “Fermenting your Veggies: a traditional preserving method” (AGM follows). 7pm, The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. £5, incl.refreshments. www. groworganicbristol.org nFrampton Friendship & Dance, 2-4 pm, Zion Church Hall. Learn easy, gentle dances. No partner needed. £4 including tea. Call 07515 351813 or email hilary. coach@icloud.com. March 3 & 4 n Get into Golf! Sunday 3rd March 2.30-4.30pm Monday 4th March 10-12pm FREE Ladies Golf Taster Sessions at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club. All ages and abilities welcome. All equipment provided. For more information or to book one of these sessions please contact Ruth Flowers on 07512270248 or email info@ chippingsodburygolfclub.co.uk

Tel: 01454 603992 Mob: 07811 424077 norcarp@hotmail.co.uk

Fitted Bedrooms Fitted Kitchens Garden Decking Loft Conversions Purpose Made Joinery Traditional Style Staircases Solid Wood & Laminate Floorings

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED March 9 n March 9th at 7pm, St Mary's Church Olveston BS35 4BZ. Tickets £7:50 and £5.00 for under 16's.Available from members of Thornbury Inner Wheel or thornburyiw@gmail.com Charity concert featuring Fascinating Rhythm and JFR their junior chorus, organised by Thornbury Inner Wheel in aid of Crohn's and Colitis UK. March 22 n Winterbourne District Flower Arrangement club are hosting an Emerald Anniversary Celebration event. Emily GordonBroomhead demonstrates flower arrangements.Title 'HipHip Hooray' at Winterbourne Community Centre. 6.30pm for 7.30 start. Tickets £10.00 from Jackie Ferris 01454 778390 n Belly Dance classes Beginners 7.00pm, Improvers 8.00pm, Methodist Church Hall (upstairs) with Anna 07971234236 or bristolbellydance@yahoo.co.uk term time only.

Regular events Monday n Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield

Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month except Bank Hols. Open to anyone with dementia, and Carers, and anyone with concerns about someone with memory problems. Just turn up. Tel. 0117 9610 693 n Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm. First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday). n 1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne. Contact dandow@computer.org n 1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. winterbournesmgsl@ cotswoldedgescouts.org.uk or 01454 775024 n North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday. n Women’s Fellowship Zion Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45 Programme of speakers, choirs., followed by a cup of tea. £1.50p per week. For details ring Pat Lax 886830 n Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month. n Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30. Term Time only, starting in September. We would love to welcome more tenors and basses. Please contact Dave on 07834 184142 n Winterbourne Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm n Line dancing with Laughter in Line, Zion Church Hall, Woodend Rd, Frampton Cotterell. Beginners 7.30pm, Improvers, 8.30pm. Info Sarah 01454 773929 www. laughterinline.org n Winterbourne Scrabble Club - weekly 2.00 - 4.30 pm at Winterbourne & District

Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Further info from Gill on 01454 773573. n Slimming World Monday: 5.30pm & 7.30pm Watermore Primary School Call Alison: 07972376055 n Winterbourne Afternoon WI meets at Salem Church Hall, Factory Road, Winterbourne on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm. We welcome visitors. Contact 01454 250817 for details or look at our web site www.wawimoonfruit. com or email lesleysharman@ gmail.com n Pickleball - the exciting new racquet sport - is now at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre. The club meets at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on Mondays from 9am to 11am. It welcomes new members and the first session is free, with a charge of £7 for two hours thereafter, or £5 for members. For more info email pickleballbristol@ gmail.com. Everybody welcome no upper age limit - all equipment provided, just wear comfortable clothing and trainers - first session FREE. Check us out on Facebook at Bristol Pickleball Club. n Pilates, and Pump & Tone, at Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. Mondays and Wednesdays :- Pump & Tone 6:30pm; Pilates 7:30pm. £6:00 per class; or a monthly tariff of £40.00 allowing unlimited access to the Chipping Sodbury and Bradley Stoke classes is available as well. www.exercisewithlailibrooks. com for full information. Ring 01454 618488, or email laili@tiscali. co.uk, or just turn up. n Frampton Cottrell. Watermore Primary School (Infants), Woodend Road, (Opposite the Brockeridge Centre) 5.30 & 7.30pm Tel: Jude 07968 426809 n Macular-support group meets monthly - 3rd Monday 1:30-3:30pm at Watkins room, Old Grammar School, highstreet Chipping

Sodbury. Contact Tony : 01454 314066 n Winterbourne Tennis Club. 4.30. Junior tennis coaching Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@msn.com n F&Fs. Club. Banjo, Mandolin, Guitarists etc. playing a wide range of styles. Meet Mondays. 8 to 10pm. at St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley. Visitors and new members welcome, support and encouragement given. Available for concerts. Secretary – 0117 9673668. Website www. fingersandfrets.wordpress.com n If you are interested in learning about the arts, in its widest sense, why not join The Arts Society Severn Valley. We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury normally on the third Monday of each month. In addition to the lecture programme, we arrange Days of Special Interest which examine facets of the arts in greater detail, as well as visits to art galleries, museums and gardens plus trips abroad. Full details can be found on our website www.svdfas. co.uk. So come along, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the lecture and, perhaps, do some shopping in this lovely market town. Visitors are charged £6 so, if you would like to “try before you buy”, please e-mail memb@svdfas.co.uk n Bristol Budgerigar Society hold meetings at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR. Meetings commence at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. Chairman Alan Fretten. Mob 07922538894 E-mail alan_fretten13@hotmail. com Details from the Secretary Colin Parsons Tel 01454 775878. E-mail colinpauline@hotmail. com Membership; Adult £7.00, senior £5.00, same address

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED partners £10.00, different address partners appropriate single rate each. Juniors free. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol Budgerigar Society can offer. Tuesday n Rhymetime. Winterbourne Library. 10.30- 11am. Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers to enjoy together. n Slimming World 9.30am & 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm, The Greenfield Centre, call Frankie 07519 347243 n Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704 n Yate Visually Impaired Group. Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@ btinternet.com n Winterbourne Tuesday group, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month. Everyone welcome. n Slimming World 7.30 Elm Park School, Winterbourne. Tel Becca 07721 907780 n Centre Squares (dancing).

Winterbourne Comunity Centre (WADCA), 7.45pm. Tel. 260168 n 60+ Dance Fit class. 11.00 at Crossbow House. £4.50 a session. Suitable for all levels of fitness. Please contact Nina for more information : 07833917974 n Winterbourne Down & District Horticultural Society, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, BS36 1BX, 7.30 pm. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Info: Richard on 01454 773218. n Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. n South Gloucestershire Waterpolo club. Junior & Senior players Male Female. Winterbourne Int Academy pool. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. For more info: kazrose@blueyonder.co.uk or nash17@virginmedia.com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday 1.30 - 3.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club. We meet every other Tuesday at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 7.45 pm to 8.15 pm. Contact Veronica Holder – 0117 937 2818 n Frome Valley Mens Probus Club. We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday

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Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

of each month. 10 – 12 noon at the Townhall, C/Sodbury. Guest Speaker every meeting, occasional lunches, day trips. Contact George for further info. Tele: 01454 882908 n Gentle Hatha Flow & Well Woman Yoga Find more freedom, flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit. Restore balance and energy.Fishponds Vassal Centre Tuesdays 5.30-6.30 (Gentle Flow) & 6.45-8pm (Well Woman Yoga) Frenchay Quaker House. Thursdays 10-11am & 11.15 -12.15pm (Gentle Hatha Flow) St Elizabeth Hall, Hambrook Tuesdays 9.45-10.45am, (Gentle Hatha Flow) Block price £6/ Drop in £7/6.50 concession. Beginners welcome. How to book/contact details: www. letgoyoga.co.uk/ or call 07904073535 n Yate Poetry Group. All welcome to join our small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems and verse. We meet for an hour 1-2 pm every other Tuesday afternoon in the library, refreshments provided. For the dates of meetings, please contact Tony on 07704 140682 or yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com n Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU 7.30pm-10.00pm. All ages and abilities and new members welcome. Contact WTC : 07725 954639 n Barnardo’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Project provides emotional and practical support to new mothers. Weekly groups are held at venues in Thornbury, Yate and across South Gloucestershire. The Yate group, called Yate BreastFriends, meets at Yate Childrens Centre on Cranleigh Court Road on Tuesdays between 11.30am - 1.00pm. n Ringcraft - dog showing skills and techniques. Every week at Henfield Hall, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath - 8.0 - 9.15pm. Puppies and dogs - all breeds welcome. Contact Shelagh Crowther on 01453 298974 for more details. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876 3334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Community Coffee Mornings, 2nd Tuesday of month, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am 12.30pm. Tel. 01454 776268

n Monthly social lunchtime meet up for disabled people at the Farmhouse Pub, Wellington Road, Yate, BS37 5UY. Open and friendly group, meets first Tuesday of month 12-2pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - 0797 962 6569. n Friendship and Dance for over 50s, no partner needed - NEW VENUE and NEW DAY! The Miner’s Welfare, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath. Beautiful new wooden dance floor. Every 4th Tuesday in the month, 2.00 - 4.00 pm. Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Social break with refreshments £4.00. All welcome. Further information contact Hilary Jay 07515 351 813 Wednesday n Pre School Storytime. Winterbourne Library10.30 - 11am, every week, term time only. n ‘Silver Chords Group, over 50’s social club. Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm. Entertainment and coach trips. Everyone welcome Contact Doreen 01454 776484. n Winterbourne Police Beat Post. Greenfield Centre 2-3pm n Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School. Tel Lisa 07815 759118 n Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath. First Wednesday of each month. 7.45pm. New members welcome. n The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689. n Beginners Meditation Class on Wednesdays 7pm to 8pm at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne To reserve your place on the next

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n Fishponds Friendship and Exercise Club Fishponds Baptist Church (scout hall) 10-11.30am each Tuesday. Chair based gentle exercise for older people.Tea, coffee, friendly chat. Instructor: Spencer Davies. Telephone 07825 155954.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED 5 week course, please contact Sarah Presley on 07590 621495/ sarahpresley@live.com n Actonians Drama Group 7.30 pm Parish Hall, Iron Acton More info 01454 228760 www.actonians. co.uk. Junior Actonians 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm Parish Hall Iron Acton More info 01454 228277. n 2nd Wednesday of each month - Carer’s Group 2 - 4pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. More information - contact Rona 886925 or Jean 775786. n 4th Wednesday of each month - Forget me Not sing along group 2pm - 3.30 pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. If you like a good sing song please come and join us. For more information ring Rona on 886925 or Jean on 775786. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Wednesday 1.30 - 4.30 and 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. n Manor Hall community coffee morning, open to all, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath. 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12 noon in the Jubilee Room. Free entry and all profits from the refreshments will go to the Manor Hall at Coalpit Heath Charity. Handmade cards will be on sale, sold in aid of the BRACE Charity. n Slimming World Frampton

Cotterell C of E School. Call Lisa: 07815759118 n Stapleton Probus meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month at Begbrook CA, Frenchay Park Road 10am -12noon. Also have an active Bowls Section. Visitors Welcome. Details available, contact Registrar, John Suddell 01454 250811 n The Frenchay Folk Dance Club meet fortnightly at Frenchay Village Hall from 7:45 until 10:15. Check frenchayfdc.co.uk or contact 0117 9409508 for more information n Wednesdays starting 6 September Bellydance Classes with Sacha From 7.30pm . Contact Sacha on 07971 578151 or email sachabellydance@yahoo.co.uk for full details Ridgewood Community Association, Yate BS37 4AF n Yate/ Chipping Sodbury Afternoon Choir meets on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm at St Marys Church Yate. No auditions required. Contact Nikki on 01761472468 for more details or just turn up at the church and have a free sing on the first visit. n Frenchay Probus Club. We meet every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Frenchay village hall. Coffee at 10.00am and the meeting is from 10.30 to 12.00. More details on frenchayprobusclub.com n Pilates, and Pump & Tone, at Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre.

Mondays and Wednesdays :- Pump & Tone 6:30pm; Pilates 7:30pm. £6:00 per class; or a monthly tariff of £40.00 allowing unlimited access to the Chipping Sodbury and Bradley Stoke classes is available as well. www.exercisewithlailibrooks. com for full information. Ring 01454 618488, or email laili@tiscali. co.uk, or just turn up. n Social tennis ladies Doubles Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 10am -12pm. All ages and abilities , new members welcome Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Social tennis. Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 7.30pm 10.00pm. All ages and abilities ,new members welcome. Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Ladies Shiatsu Massage Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session. n Frampton Singalong now 2nd Wednesday in the month, 2 pm 3.30 pm at Crossbow House, School Road, BS36 2DB. Favourite songs, live music & sitting exercises. Tea, cakes & fresh fruit £3.00. All welcome, no voice needed! Hilary

Tel. 07515 351 813 n Community Lunches 12.00 - 2pm at WADCA Community Centre. £5 or takeaway £3.50. Booking advised tel. 776268 n Frampton Cotterell Local History Society, 3rd Wednesday of month Sept - May, Zion church 7.30pm. Non-members welcome. £4 Thursday n Probus. The Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 10am, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month n Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For preschool children and their parents/ carers. n Stay & Play, 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. Call Helen 01454 n Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, n Steam Engine Club, Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 7pm, last Thursday of month. Line dancing. Iron Acton Parish Hall, High St, Iron Acton. New beginners, 7.20pm. Improvers, 8.30pm. www.laughterinline.com n Winterbourne Musical Theatre. 7.30pm WADCA Community Centre, 7.30pm. www.winterbournemusical.co.uk. n Winterbourne Flower Club. Our meetings take place tin St. Michaels rooms [opposite Tesco Filling Station] Hands on evenings

What’s on at Winterbourne Library Staffed Times Tuesday: 10.00am – 5.00pm Wednesday: 10.00am – 5.00pm Friday: 10.00am – 5.00pm Saturday: 9.30am – 12.30pm Open Access (Unstaffed) Everyday: 8.30am – 7.30pm If you register your card for our new Open Access system, and attend an induction, you’ll be able to access library facilities throughout the week. You can borrow and return books and use the computers. Speak to a member of staff for more details. Rhymetime: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together Every Tuesday morning 10.30 – 11.00am Pre School Storytime: Join us for stories and a simple craft. Every Wednesday morning 10.30 – 11.00am New! Code4Kids Scratch Fun interactive coding club for primary age children. Every Tuesday 3.30 – 4.45pm Lego Club: Listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library.

Suitable for the primary age range, children must be accompanied by an adult. We’ll be meeting on 9 February and 10.30 – 11.30am. Free Half Term Activities Chinese New Year Tuesday 19 February 2.30 – 3.30pm Find out if your Mum and Dad are Pigs or Roosters and which animal are you? Activities to celebrate Chinese New Year for Years 5 and 6 Limited places, contact the Library to book your place ‘Up, up and Away’ Drop in Friday 22 February 10.30 – 12 noon. Simple crafts to take you to the skies. Suitable for ages 4 – 10 ‘Loving My Books’ New Book Club for Teens Y7+ 20 February 3 – 4pm and (3rd Wednesday every Month) ‘Have you Read? A New Open Reading Group for All. Share your love of books, extend your reading horizons. 1st Friday every Month 11am – 12 noon. Starting Friday 1 February,

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

refreshments served The Craft Group is meeting on 2 and 16 January 10.00am – 12 noon New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects. Free IT Course Would you or someone you know benefit from learning or improving their computer skills? Mondays at Winterbourne Library starting 28 January. There still maybe places available. Contact Susannah Griffiths: 0117 9092 272 or email susannah.griffiths@sgscol.ac.uk For more information on any of the above please contact us: Telephone: 01454 868006 Email: winterbourne.library@southglos. gov.uk Visit our website to find out more: www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com@ southgloslibs ‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest at South Gloucestershire Libraries

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED and demonstrations on various Thursday evening at 7.30 pm Visitors and new members welcome. Ring for details 01454. 776753 n Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of every month except August n Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September). Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 n Frampton Cotterell British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Doors open @7.15pm. Bingo at 8pm-10pm . No entry fee. All Welcome. n South Gloucestershire Decorative and The Art Appreciation Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Lane Bradley Stoke. 3rd Thursday evening of the month. Starting October 7-00 for 7-30 start refreshments.Sallykitching@ googlemail.com Tel no 01454 774401 n Sugarcraft: If you are interested in sugar icing why not come along to our meeting? We have

demonstrations monthly on flowers and models and practice/ workshops with instruction. We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 7.30pm – 9.30pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Visitors welcome. Contact Jean Kington on 0117 956 8737 for more information. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Thursday 1.30 - 4.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Stationary Engine Club, Meets at Miner’s Club Coalpit Heath 7:30 pm first Thursday of every month. n Severn Counties Foreign & British Bird Society Meetings at 8pm, Winterbourne Down Methodist Church Hall, Down Road, Winterbourne, BS36 1BN on 3rd Thursday of each month. The local club for all keepers of canaries, finches or other birds. Monthly talks, club events, twice yearly shows. All welcome. Contact severncounties@gmail.com, Tel Molly Durbin 01275 373743. Web Address: http://www.foreignbritishbirds.info/index.html

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Thursday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 078763334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Thursday Travel Club. Meets first Thursday of the month. St Saviour’s Church Hall, Beesmoor Road, Coalpit Heath n Winterbourne Winds beginners/ intermediate/returners wind band rehearse Thursdays 7.30-9.30pm at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Brass & Woodwind players, percussionist, bassist wanted to join sociable group. Instruments available for loan. Contact Dan 01172 395210. Contact Roger: 07925 296930 or 01454 77701 n Winterbourne Down WI meet in All Saints Church Hall, BS36 1BX on the first Thursday of each month (except August) - 7.30pm. For more information contact Margaret on 01454 850241. New members are most welcome. n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus. We welcome visitors for a no obligation

taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Hambrook Sports Club Crib team are looking for new members to join our winter league, playing Thursday evenings at 8.30. Beginners welcome. Pre season meeting 20th September at Hambrook Sports Club at 8:30. For further information contact Dave Manley on 07531299786 n Friendship and Dance for over 50s, no partner needed – note new venue and day. The Miner’s Welfare, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath. Beautiful new wooden dance floor. Every 4th Tuesday in the month, 2pm-4pm. Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Social break with refreshments £4. All welcome. Further information contact Hilary Jay 07515 351 813 Friday n Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne. 1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9pm

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, search www.fcmvc.co.uk or email contact@fcmvc.co.uk.. n Frampton Cotterell Community Association. Fridays at Crossbow House School Road Ist Friday of every month Quiz- 3rd Friday of every month Bingo, start at 8 pm. n St Saviours Church Coalpit Heath. The Church opening every Friday meeting every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month but in the church hall. With a bring and buy lunch just bring something to go on the table to share, but tea and coffee will be provided from 11-15am till 1pm, Visitors are most welcome. n Frome Valley Art Group Winterbourne. Looking to find that inner talent or start a new interest? Drop in for a free taster session, Fridays at 2pm or 7pm. We have a busy programme of demonstrations and Saturday workshops by professional artists to help your development. Our Annual exhibition in May displays members’ work .

Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Contact Dave: 0117 9790043 Andrew: 01454 778310. Eric: 01454 615619 Lesley: 01454 250817. Email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@ gmail.com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Friday evenings from 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme 01179 793473 n Community Coffee Mornings, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am - 12.30. All welcome.

yrs. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@ msn.com n Patchwork and Quilting Beginner classes starting in September on alternate Saturdays. For more information contact Sallieann Harrison on 01454 774591. Also Patchwork and Quilting Classes Block of the Month for intermediate quilters. One Saturday every month for seven months starting in September. Contact Sallieann Harrison on 01454 774591.

Saturday n Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne. 10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month. n Frampton Cotterell Royal British Legion, Ryecroft Rd. Every Sat dancing to live bands.Bingo 8pm8.30pm Then dancing until until 11.30pm. Entry on door £4.50p. Everyone Welcome. n Junior tennis coaching. 9.30 -1pm, Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16

Sunday n Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly). Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147. n Nature Reserves, Winterbourne work party meets 1030am, Church Lane, Winterbourne, 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month. Newleaze reserve (Bristol Road) 10.30am Ist Sunday of month. Huckford Quarry 2.30pm 3rd Sunday of month. Contact Frank Smith 01454 778975. n Car Boot Sale Every Sunday

9am Beesmoor Road Playing Field, Frampton Cotterell. £5 per car/van Call 07802 336731 n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Established players and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653

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COTSWOLD EDGE EVENTS PRESENT

ZOOT MONEY and trio

AT CHIPPING SODBURY BAPTIST CHURCH FRIDAY MAY 17TH

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Flute Tuition Sue Juggins LGSM BMus(Hons) PGCE

To book tickets visit www.cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk Contact: T. 07733 898762 E. contact@cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

All abilities welcome, from complete beginners to advanced pupils Over 30 years’ teaching experience. Tel: 01454 319720 Mob. 07951 642966 sue.juggins@yahoo.co.uk

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n COMMUNITY NEWS

n NEWS

Bogus police target elderly BURGLARS pretending to be police officers stole from four pensioners in their 90s targeted by burglars in Bristol and South Gloucestershire in the space of two days. Police are urging neighbours in the area to call 999 immediately if they see anyone in their street who is only calling on elderly people. A 94-year-old woman had her purse, cash and phone stolen by a bogus police officer who pushed his way into her home Fishponds, Bristol, claiming there were burglars in her garden. He was white and in his 30s, with dark curly hair. He was wearing a navy blue hooded top. Within the 48 hour-period in December, a 90-year-old woman in Brentry, a 92-year-old man in Little Stoke and a 91-year-old woman’s home in Henleaze were also targeted. Detective Sergeant Laura Miller said: “Any genuine police officer will expect to show you identification and to wait while you call 101 to verify it if you’re unsure. "Please make your family or friends aware of these incidents and talk to them about the simple steps they can take to deter these criminals.” Anyone who thinks they have information that could help the police investigation should call 101, quoting crime reference number 5218 279 290.

Coalpit Heath WI DESPITE the dark and gloomy evening, a good number of members met for our January meeting. We started with a quiz testing our knowledge of women’s sport, famous lines from films and photos of well-known women. As ever, as soon as the answers were given out, we all suddenly realised that we knew them all along The fish and chip supper was extremely well organised and Frampton Fish Bar excelled themselves by having everything ready for a speedy pick-up while the rest of us were quizzing. We all tucked into a plentiful supply of food. Before we continued the formal meeting, members had the opportunity to swap their unwanted Christmas gifts. The book exchange table proved popular, too, and will continue each month. During the meeting we

heard that our Christmas carol concert was well attended, and the collection enabled us to be able to donate over £80 each to Blood Bikes, who came to give us a talk earlier in the year, and to St Saviours PCC. Thanks to all who attended. We also collected our beautifully-designed meeting programmes, giving us an overview of the year ahead. It was a fantastic way to start the year at WI, so good we might need to repeat it next year! Our February meeting is a talk on My Body Positive by Lisa Beasley, and then in March we look forward to a visit from Philip Taubenheim from Wotton Auction Rooms. New members are always welcome. Come along on the first Wednesday of every month, at 7.45pm, to St Saviours Church Hall. Caroline Johnston

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February, 2019

n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne Down WI SEASON’S Greetings were exchanged between our members at our January meeting as we embarked on a new year at WI. This month we had an interesting Speaker – Dr Francis Burroughs, who came to talk to us on the theme of the Wonderful World of Glass. He brought along old glass beads, dishes, jugs, goblets, decanters and vases. It was quite fascinating to hear how much glass was liked and desired ever since 1500bc, through the Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Victorians, right up to the present day. Glass making is a highly skilled process and if the glass is not at a high enough temperature bubbles and streaks will appear which is not acceptable. Venetian glass of course is very well known, and Venice became very popular for trading as it was the cross roads of the Silk Road and Spice Road trading routes hence a lot of business took place. Today we have the famous Bristol Blue Glass. We were shown three Bristol Blue decanters which

had decorative silver work round the neck and a Graal glass bowl which had an incredible pattern blown all the way through it. We were told it would have taken between 40 to 50 hours to engrave! We were shown a piece of Cranberry glass which is coloured with gold oxide and barium salt. Apparently, it’s better to look at and admire these pieces of red glass under gas light conditions. We have a very interesting and varied programme of talks throughout the coming year and everyone is most welcome to come and join us on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, BS36 1BX. In February the theme will be cutting back on plastic and waste and in March, the subject is a life in flowers and floristry. Sue Forse

Floral Friends of Frampton SADLY, thefts from the planters and the gateways continue – we’d hoped that it would stop once the weather worsened (see story on page 8). All instances of theft

have been reported to the police. Normally members of Floral Friends will always wear high-vis jackets with the Floral Friends logo on it when working on planters and gateways so, please, if you see anyone removing any plants – report it. Either email us at floralfriends offrampton@gmail. com or let the police know. If you could help with planting or maintaining a planter, we would love to hear from you. You don't have to be a gardening expert, just happy to lend a hand and help us to make our village beautiful. Please email us at the address above. Our annual Spring Coffee Morning and Plant Sale will be at the Brockeridge Centre on the morning of Saturday April 27, opening at 10 am. Come along and enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake in the Sensory Garden if the weather’s good, or inside if it’s

raining, and browse the plants for sale. We’re organising a Flower Festival with the theme of favourite a children’s story, rhyme or fairy tale for 15/16 June 15-16. If you’d be interested in making a floral display make a note of the date now. For example, you could grow some dwarf French beans in a pot and put a miniature ladder next to it and a soft toy to illustrate Jack and the Beanstalk. Much more information to follow. Remember – all our latest news is available online at bit.ly/2FGmLq7 Lena Clarke

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February, 2019

n NEWS

Alan’s challenge A MAN from Frampton Cotterell has pledged to raise thousands of pounds and cycle almost 1,000 miles for charity. Alan West has signed up to cycle the length of the UK to raise money for international development organisation Transaid, which helps make transport more available and affordable in Africa. The 42-year-old will cycle from Land’s End to John o’Groats next summer but as he starts training he is planning a year of events to raise money for the organisation. Alan has a target of £3,000 and his first event, on February 22 from 7.30pm, is a live music night at Yate Community Centre in Station Road. Alan will take to the stage himself with his guitar to sing a short set of acoustic numbers. The main act for the night will be local band Blutown who specialise in soul, Motown and old school blues. Tickets cost £6 each and are available on the door or in advance or by emailing alslejogteam@outlook. com. You can sponsor Alan online at bit.ly/2HDDlJ9

Third of parents not paying child maintenance MORE than a third of parents signed up to a government scheme to pay child maintenance are failing to pay their ex-partners. New figures show that, of the 410 South Gloucestershire parents due to pay support through the Child Maintenance Service between April and June last year, 35% were in arrears. The figure is lower than the national average and down from the 37% reported three months earlier. Single-parent families charity Gingerbread said the number of people failing to pay up is "worryingly high." The government payment service, Collect & Pay, is part of the Child Maintenance Service, which was set up in 2012 to replace the Child Support Agency. It has the power to take money from a parent's earnings or bank account if they try to avoid payments, or take a

parent to court. Parents can make arrangements to pay themselves after the CMS calculates the amount of child support to be paid: a scheme called Direct Pay. In South Gloucestershire, 1,170 parents made Direct Pay arrangements from July to September 2018. At the end of September 2018, two thirds of parents paying maintenance in Britain were using Direct Pay and a third the Collect & Pay Service. Gingerbread research officer Sumi Rabindrakumar said: "These figures show that the Government still needs to get to grips with unpaid child maintenance. Time and time again, parents come to Gingerbread frustrated by CMS inaction. "This is not just about introducing more powers. The CMS must deal with cases more promptly and make better use of existing powers."

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n INTERCHANGE BLOG

Get fit, stay fit MANY people start the year with grand plans of getting fit and shedding the extra pounds, but by early February those goals are often slipping away as we fall back into bad habits. If you’re one of the estimated six million people in the UK who don’t get any exercise, how do you even begin to get started? The Interchange spoke to a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness, Milena Opolska, who is based at the Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke, for her advice on sticking to those fitness goals. Here are her tips. Start slowly: There’s no need to be in the gym for hours at a time to start with – begin with just 20 minutes and slowly build up as you get fitter. Overtraining can cause injuries and will put you off before you’ve even started. Set realistic goals: If you’ve never done any running before, don’t assume you’ll be able to be on the start line of this year’s London Marathon; sign up for a 5k instead. Or perhaps set yourself a target of rowing or cycling a set distance using the gym equipment. Remember to reward yourself when you reach your goal. Find a fun activity: The people

who get the best results are those who enjoy what they do. It may sound obvious but if you know you hate running but love swimming, don’t start your fitness journey with a run! Ask for help: If you’re unsure about anything; don’t struggle on by yourself. Fitness instructors or personal trainers can give you advice if you want to try something new or if you’re having a wobble and can’t see any improvement. They’re also great for support and encouragement. Consistency is key: You need to make fitness a habit in your new life and this can take a few weeks to get established. Go to the gym on the same day each week or at the same time of day. Follow the same programme for at least the first few weeks before branching out and trying something new.

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars

Second hand Style Compact SUVs – a world tour When our faithful but ancient Nissan X-Trail started to become unreliable, I assumed the replacement decision would take about four seconds: another X-Trail. It had been an excellent car, the gruff but grunty 2.5 engine taking us 80,000 mostly troublefree miles. Not so fast though, because the market for compact SUVs has grown exponentially in the last 10 years and the choice is now bewildering. You lead a busy life, so let me save you time by revealing what we ended up with and why. Buying criteria was initially vague but eventually narrowed to something similar in size to the X-Trail, preferably with a manual gearbox and definitely petrol-powered. Until recently hardly anyone bought petrol SUVs, which made them a bargain, and although that tide is turning, they are still cheaper compared to diesels. An arbitrary but modest price limit was set that immediately

excluded anything new or nearly new. So, starting in Germany: The Audi Q5 is lovely but hugely expensive. The VW 2.0 engine it uses is prone to burning oil and then going pop, a problem not fixed until 2013. I couldn’t find a V6 version, even for ready money, so that option was out. The original VW Tiguan felt like it was designed for Lilliputians, and the very nice BMW X3 until recently came only with a diesel engine, so both of these were out as well. What about the Swedes? I drove a 2007 Volvo XC90, with the fabulous 4.4 V8 that went like an archaic wobbly muscle car. Too big, too old and we don’t need seven seats. The smaller Volvo XC60 is beautifully presented but somehow felt claustrophobic inside. Britain offered the Freelander, which I like, but it suffers from a very poor reliability record, and all the other offerings from Land Rover are simply too big. Ask me again in five years and

I’ll have a Range Rover Velar, please. And the rest? American cars didn’t appeal: Jeeps are still badly made, the Ford Kuga too small. The French and Italians only recently realised this market segment exists, so are playing catch-up. Kia and Hyundai offer several SUVs which are…just kidding: I refused to consider anything from Korea. That led us inexorably to Japan, where the compact SUV was invented by Toyota in the mid-90s. The punchy RAV-4 hybrid was above budget, so we tried the best-selling Honda CRV instead. Oh dear. This car does absolutely nothing wrong, is well priced, practical and readily available. It is also exceptionally bland to drive and sit in. So I asked again, what about another X-Trail? The current model, a seven-seater for which you pay a small premium, has much softer styling compared to the original square-jawed Mk1. It has a 1.6 petrol (that also features in sporty Renault Clios), and I’ve

with Richard Cooke previously covered the limitations of small turbocharged engines and their peaky power delivery. They simply don’t work well enough in SUVs - the Nissan was out. And that meant the clear choice, one I had initially overlooked, was the Mazda CX-5. Take the high compression 2.0 engine and slick gearbox from the MX-5 sports car, combine with a light stiff chassis and tune the suspension for the road rather than fields. Actually, don’t even bother fitting a heavy four wheel drivetrain. The result is a genuinely fun to drive and crucially light SUV that will return 35mpg in city traffic and has the practicality and space that you might expect. Mazda have long had a reputation for building well-engineered cars for keen drivers, and remarkably they’ve managed it in this often underwhelming sector. Do I wish Mazda offered the CX-5 with the 2.5 from their ‘6’ saloon? Of course I do – you can get it in the US, so why not here? 165hp is just about enough, though, and the six-speed gearbox is such a delight to use that I have forgiven them. Our 2014 model looks good, but the 2017 facelift version is even better and includes a welcome upgrade to interior design and quality. A year on and the CX-5 has been entirely faultless. Highly recommended. Next month: BMW 3 series

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n LOCAL MP

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

Working as a community to back local schools AS someone who was educated in South Gloucestershire’s state schools, I know that through our local education system, opportunity is widened, and our children are equipped for the world of work, taught to think critically, and prepared for the challenges ahead that life can bring. That’s why I have consistently campaigned for the introduction of the national schools funding formula. This new formula focuses upon the characteristics and pupil-led factors of each school. The old system was unfair and nontransparent. This new formula is already benefiting us here; we saw the 13th largest increase out of the 157 areas in England – a 5.5% rise in funding, or an extra £8 million for our schools in South Gloucestershire. And I was delighted that, after pressing Ministers in December, a further

£800,000 was provided to support special educational needs right here. Locally, our area is showing ambition and vision on supporting those with the most complex needs. £10 million extra is being spent in quality Special Educational Needs places, reducing the amount of vulnerable families who have to make a decision about whether to send their children with specific needs across the country because we don’t have the specialist support in South Gloucestershire. Whilst the new way our schools are funded is making a difference, with above inflation increase into our schools, we need to make sure we are not left behind. That is why I have reached out to primary and secondary head teachers across our area to ask them to help me make the case for how any extra funding will be put directly towards driving

up standards and encouraging achievement for our children. Improving progress levels and standards is the goal for young people in our schools, not spending more of your money to achieve the same ends. With schools such as the Castle School, Yate International Academy, and Watermore Primary taking spots in the top third of schools in England, outstanding education across our community can and is being delivered. As your MP I will continue to support this important issue – working alongside teachers, PTAs and our council to make the case in Government for improving standards and outcomes in South Gloucestershire schools, to ensure that each and every child has the best chance of thriving in our education system.

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n NEWS

Driving to success

February, 2019

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

SOUTH Gloucestershire’s only driving test centre has a higherthan-average pass rate. Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency show 49% of all learners passed their practical test at the Kingswood centre, in Station Road, between April and September last year. The average pass rate for test centres across Great Britain was 46%. Kingswood test centre conducted 2,360 tests over the sixth-month period and 1,152 people passed. Men had a higher success rate at the centre, with 50.5% passing compared to 47% of women. The centre with the lowest pass rate in the area was in Brislington, where 43% of candidates passed the practical test. At Southmead test centre, 48% of candidates passed, while Avonmouth was the only centre where more than half of candidates were successful, with 53% passing.

Faith and understanding

Revd Colin Lunt

Vicar St Saviour’s Church

I VISITED the local church school during a religious education day recently. The children in every class were getting to grips with the theme of the incarnation, a theme that we perhaps think about especially at Christmas, as we reflect on Jesus being born among us. Each class was doing something different, something appropriate to their age – making pictures, writing, discussing. I was asked to answer the questions some of the children had come up with. The idea is that they will revisit the topic each year and gain more depth of understanding year by year. Unfortunately, once we leave school we can succumb to the idea that there’s nothing more to learn, or perhaps we are just disinclined to learn any more. We live in a complicated world, a multi-faith society, where misunderstandings and ignorance

can escalate into hostility, abuse and violence. Myths and factual inaccuracies about religious beliefs and texts are common, and some people say that education about religion is as important to understanding the world as history, geography, science and art are. According to Harvard’s Religious Literacy Project: ‘Understanding complex religious influences is a critical dimension of understanding modern human affairs. In spite of this awareness, there remains a widespread illiteracy about religion that spans the globe. There are many consequences of this illiteracy, but the most urgent is that it fuels conflict.’ I hope that, as adults, we can continue to read, reflect, and learn, overcoming prejudice and ignorance, on the path to enlightenment and understanding.

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n NEWS

n BEAUTY BLOG

Women Still sticking to those new year resolutions? miss screening

BY THE TEAM AT SALON 98

THE new year has come and gone, but have the new year resolutions as well? Some may have been more realistic than others, some may have stuck - others gone by the wayside. Perhaps as we head through February the ambition should be a bit broader - to be the best version of yourself. Treat yourself a little here’s how.

Book a hair appointment Whether it’s a full on re-style or just some subtle colouring, perhaps trying a touch of Balayage colour, it’s good to refresh you hairstyle. You could opt for an Olaplex treatment to rebuild broken hair. Either way, a bit of pampering goes a long way. Plan a holiday Away from the salon, February can seem a dark and dismal month as winter drags on. If the finances permit, book a holiday to get some winter sun, forget about work and get a break from the day to day grind. A bit of peace and quiet - and a bit of a tan - will revitalise you just in time for spring to arrive. Make time for family and friends If your budget doesn’t stretch to a holiday, make time to get off the sofa and meet up with family and friends.

Connect with the people who matter the most, over brunch or a dinner reservation. Perhaps a trip to a spa would make for a special say out. Having said that, popping over for a cuppa can also make all the difference.

THOUSANDS of women in South Gloucestershire missed their last screening for breast cancer, NHS figures show. Women are invited for a mammogram every three years between the ages of 50 and 70, to try and catch cancer early. But NHS figures show the proportion of women accepting the invitation is declining. Only 75.6% of the 34,114 women in the South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group area due a screening in the three years to the end of March took up the offer. This means 8,325 women are not up to date with their checks. The uptake rate has fallen for the second year in a row, having stood at 78.6% two years ago.

n NEWS

Business group looks for new leaders A BUSINESS association is calling for new companies to come forward to join their ranks and to put people forward for executive roles. The Sodbury and Yate Business Association (SYBA) is a network of over 35 local businesses, including many from the Frome Valley area. The association’s Annual General Meeting takes place at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex on Monday February 1, between 5.30pm and 7pm. Peter Huish, the outgoing chair, said: “We have worked hard to make the executive roles comfortable for members to step in to and step out from each year. “I am therefore looking for members new and old to join and participate in taking SYBA forward, safe in the knowledge that support and help will be available to each new role.” The association meets once in a month in Yate and gives members the chance to touch base and catch up on news and views from the wider community. As well as regular networking and social events, the SYBA campaigns on issues that affect the local community and support local charities. Last year they raised over £2,000 for BUST and this year, they are raising funds to support the work taking place at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex. SYBA collaborates with the South Glos Council Economic Development team and receives funding from Small Business Saturday. For further details visit sodburyandyate.biz/about/

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n SPORT

Frampton cricketers head for the nets Tuesday evening training mean there are opportunities for seasoned veterans through to true beginners. “There is no obligation for people to play every week so, even if you can only spare the odd Saturday or midweek evening during the summer, the club will welcome you with open arms. “The social aspect of the club is just as important, too, and with our own bar running throughout the summer, The Park makes a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon or a sunny evening.” If you are interested in joining the club, email Luke Baker at lukebaker140@gmail.com or call 07562 995296 for further information or come to a training session.

Frampton Cotterell's crickters are already training for the summer.

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WINTER may still have some weeks to run but Frampton Cotterell’s cricketers are already preparing for the summer ahead. Indoor pre-season training for Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club’s junior and senior teams has begun at Yate International Academy. The club is inviting new players of all ages and abilities to the net sessions, as they look to recruit new players. Senior training runs from 1pm – 2pm every Sunday until the end of March, with junior training for ages 9 upwards between 2pm and 3pm. The club runs three adult Saturday league teams during the summer, spanning divisions 3 – 15 of the Bristol & District League. Club spokesman Phil Cordy said: “Regular midweek friendly 20-over evening games and

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fromevalleyvoice

February, 2019

n SPORT

Vets keep it in the family FRAMPTON Cotterell veterans fielded a side with half the side related to another team member in a fixture with Westbury on Severn vets. Frampton went down 26-12 to a Westbury side that included the dad of Wales and British Lions player Alex Cuthbert. Despite tries from Frampton head coach Andy Jarrett and prop Mark Smither Smith. The game saw a few appearances from father-and-son or brothers pairings including Mark and Zak Smith, Gary and Liam Plant, Martin and Graham Hill as well as Andy Jarrett and Giles Fletcher.

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n SPORT

Success indoors and out for athletes WITH winter in full flow and the track refurbishment only half complete, Yate & District AC athletes can do one of two things: brave the cold and wet of the cross-country season or compete indoors. For sprinters and jumpers the choice is an easy one. Two of the club’s promising youngsters headed for the relative warmth of the Cardiff indoor track and competed in the South West Indoor Championships. Phoebe Havard won the under-13 girls’ 60m for the second year running. Her time of 8.68 sec offered plenty of promise for the summer. Luke Ball took part in both 60m hurdles and long jump. He won both events, with a leap of 5.41m in the long jump and a time of 9.23 secs over the hurdles. For those happy to battle the elements, the Gwent League is the best local cross country competition and Yate athletes,

He’s behind you! Frampton Cotterell second row Mark Whiteside prepares to put in a tackle in the third team’s 32-19 loss at Bishopston.

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Cricket club launches girls’section WINTERBOURNE Cricket Club is launching a section dedicated to girls to ensure that it fully represents the local community. The club is inviting anyone from the community to an open meeting on Monday January 28 to discuss how the section should operate. The club has already been working on its new initiative. Youth co-ordinator Chris Shine said: “We have been blown away by the support so far, including from the parish council, the

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Gloucestershire Cricket Board and the charity Chance to Shine, who have helped allow us to run PE sessions and extraschool clubs at Elm Park and St Michael’s Primary in term five.” Speakers at the meeting will include Fi Morris, who plays for Winterbourne’s 2nd XI but also the Southern Vipers in the Kia Women’s Super League, and Lisa Pagett from the Gloucestershire Cricket Board. The meeting takes place at the St Michael’s Pavilion at 7pm.

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running as Westbury Harriers, have made a mark this year. After three races, several young runners are in contention for the overall title. Dalis Jones, Rosie Hamilton-James and Abdi Hasan are all leading their respective fields, and Seamus Robinson is in second place. Katie Howard, Amelia Honor and James Harrod are all within the top ten. The most recent race saw Abdi lose out by a few seconds to Sam Gentry of North Somerset AC, a man he has beaten regularly in the past. Seamus also came second behind a Welsh competitor. Abdi’s most recent race was in the South West Inter-Counties Championships in Yeovil where he came third behind two Devon runners. Rosie and Dalis also ran in Yeovil. Rosie finished in third place in the under-17 women’s and Dalis 7th in the under-15 race.

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