Fromevalley july 2013

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fromevalleyvoice July, 2013 Issue 1

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Gary Lineker films in village, Page 6 | What’s On, Page18

Church in financial crisis St Peter’s in danger of going bust without cash injection The Anglican church in Frampton Cotterell is in danger of going to the wall unless local people do more to support it financially.

John Alexander, a Church Warden at St Peter’s, says the church there “is on the cusp of penury” and is struggling to cope with the £30,000 it spends each year.

He claims that if things continue the way there are, there will be no Anglican Church in Frampton Cotterell, and no-one able or willing to look after the historic building that is 700 years old.

The news comes as Zion Church, less than a mile up the road, is close to finishing a £600,000 facelift.

Full Story: Page 3

Parking problems at the barn Winterbourne Medieval barn is being forced to cancel showpiece events this summer because of a shortage of car parking.

Page 6

Festival fun

Frampton Festival draws on past years for this month’s big event.

We catch up with preparations and take a stroll down memory lane.

Page 12 & 13

Shut for good Another local pub closes it’s

doors, as the Star fails to shine.

Page 11

200 not out for local school Young guns at St Michael’s Church of England Primary school is celebrating it’s bi-centenary this month. The Winterbourne school, now on it’s 4th site in Linden Close has been involving pupils, parents and staff in activities, to mark the anniversary. The school was set up 20 years before parliament decided to fund education in England. It’s past pupils include the Harry Potter author, JK Rowling. More page 4.

Fram

Club ready to host Bristol’s best youth cricketers in finals day.

Page 23

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

August deadline Our August edition will be going to print on Thursday August 1st. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by Thursday July 24. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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 Emergency: 999 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999 NHS Direct 0845 46 47

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

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July, 2013

Welcome to Frome Valley Voice LOCALISM. The Big Society. These are buzz words used by politicians in times of austerity to suggest that so much more could be done (and more cheaply) if it was done locally. Keeping it close to home seems suddenly so much more fashionable, despite the hold over us that globalisation has.

Of course in reality it has always been thus. For all the importance of national and international affairs, what’s going on in the village or town has always been as crucial if not more. For all we might get steamed up about the European Union, it’s the planning application next door that is likely to raise our blood pressure.

Our local community has always been the anchor to our life. If you need any proof, have a look at our pictures of the Frampton Festival (or carnival as it was in the 1950’s) published in these pages.

Fashions may have changed. You don’t see many top hatted people riding penny farthings down Church Road, even at festival time. I’m pretty sure there won’t be a lovely legs competition this year.

And yet, the reason for staging the event remains the same. For local people to get together and have some fun, food and a good gossip. Of course, it’s not just Framptonites who enjoy this. The rival May Day events in Winterbourne Down and Iron Acton give local people a chance to let their hair down and show off their talents too.

In Winterbourne, the Medieval Barn is often a focus for community pride. The fact that major events there are having to be cancelled because of parking problems (see page 6) will exercise local people as much as anything happening in Westminster.

This is not to say that people in the Frome Valley don’t notice or care about things going on elsewhere. In this digital age we are all global citizens, in touch instantly with friends and family around the world. As someone who has lived in three countries in Asia and the Middle East, I love the BBC World Service and the World News sections of the newspapers.

It’s just that the local stuff happening on our doorstep defines who we are, gives us our identity (and our Bristolian accent). This is where Frome Valley Voice comes in. In the industry, this kind of newspaper is known as ‘hyper local’. We wear that badge with pride. For us it’s all about what’s happening in our patch and not beyond (although at a stretch we may mention something interesting in Yate). The vast majority of advertisers who make this venture possible are local too.

We want to cover stories that affect and concern you. We’d like to hear from you, whether it’s a letter on a story we’ve covered, or an issue you’d like us to cover. Already, in preparing this first edition, I’ve met some amazing people who put their heart and soul into their community. Each month we hope to bring you their stories, and uncover something that might surprise you, no matter how long you have lived in the area.

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July, 2013

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St Peter’s in cash emergency Plans in place to try and plug financial black hole A senior member of the Anglican Church in the Frome Valley says if finances continue the way they are, there will be no church in Frampton Cotterell within six years.

“Our survival isn’t guaranteed”, Church Warden John Alexander told the Voice, “and if we aren’t there to look after the building, no-one is”. It would be a sad end to a building that Mr Alexander describes as “the oldest, tallest and grandest in the village”.

The church is loosing more than £4,000 a year, and it’s reserves have almost halved in the last 6 years as officials struggle to find a way to stem the deficit.

Mr Alexander says although the church will never ask for a payment to come into the church he has noticed that “our congregations have gone up, but our collections haven’t. People don’t realise how much it costs to run per hour. I do notice some people give 20p or £1, or even 20p for a couple. I don’t think people realise there are costs”.

All the money raised from collections goes to the Diocese to to pay for their share of a vicar. They are helped by the fact that the Rev Malcolm Strange, who teaches full time, gives his services to the parish for free.

The cost of everything else has to be covered by donations, the summer fayre and other fund raising efforts. A recent appeal raised £2,000, which has provided a temporary respite. But with running costs approaching £600 a week, the pressure on those running the church hasn’t eased.

There has been a church on the site since 1087. The tower was consecrated in 1315 with the rest of the church re-built in 1858. The building is listed and on green belt land, which adds to the expense. It costs £10 an hour for heating, which is essential to stop old timbers deteriorating.

The church is home to a host of historic artifacts including the font that could date back to Norman times and a Church Warden’s Chest that is from at least as far back as the 1600’s.

It’s not just the church in Frampton that is suffering. The Anglican church in Winterbourne

Down , All Saints, is in more severe difficulties. It’s hoped a new grouping of local churches will help their plight.

It can’t help the spirits of Anglicans that less than a mile up the road a half million pound redevelopment of Zion Church is nearing completion. The majority of that has come from the congregation, with other cash coming from charities and trusts.

The Reverend Malcolm Strange, who has responibility for St Peter’s, admits the financial situation is challenging and feels some of that is down to local people not realising just where the church gets it’s money.

“I think people have the myth about the Church of England; they think we are funded by the state, like we are a branch of the NHS. We’re not, we get no money from the state. In fact the Bristol diocese is one of the poorest in the south of England, and so we have to raise it ourselves.”

But he says he is optimistic over the furture of St Peter’s, as long as action is taken now. And he says it’s the local community, not just the church goers who have to take responsibility.

“If you want a fantastic building like that, which is a listed building in your community and you want it there for your children’s baptisms, your children’s weddings, for your family funerals as a basic starter, we need the community to help maintain the building.”

The Rev Strange says he’s not looking to set up a formal organisation to raise funds. He wants individuals to help out the church in its efforts.

“What we are looking for is ‘St Peter’s Mates’ if you like.

That’s people in the community who say yes this is our parish church, and we may not go there every Sunday; we may only go there once a year at Christmas or whatever, but actually we want the church to remain at the heart of our community - it’s important to us and actually we will support it in some way.”

There is some cause for optimism. The church open day raised £3000 this year. It will become an annual event and other events are being planned for the future.

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FAITH IN THE FUTURE: St Peter’s worshippers say the community as a whole has to take responsibility if people in the area want the church to celebrate a millenium on the site.

‘Shedgate’ saga solved - for now THEY had been told to tear it down by the council, but now church goers can breath a sigh of releif as a wooden shed has been given a stay of execution.

Originally South Gloucestershire Council told the church to take the cabin, known as the ‘Jesus Shack’ down because it had been put up without permission on green belt land and next to a listed building.

The shed was erected to give children somewhere to go when there wasn’t a family friendly service at the church. However the church forgot to get planning permission to put it up and had

to lobby the parish and local authorities to let it stay.

Now it’s been been granted temporary planning permission for the next three years. The Rev Malcolm Strange hopes that will be enough time to redevlop and annex the back of the church building.

“Then the Jesus Shack becomes redundant, but what we need is the space to be able to work with our children when the service is on and that is why it’s there. So I think ‘Shedgate’ came to a good conclusion; in the end, common sense reigned.”

The “Jesus Shack” - staying put for now

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July, 2013

Winterbourne school celebrates bi-centenery IT started 200 years ago with a grant of £100 to set up the Winterbourne National School.

Famous names such as slave abolitionist William Wilberforce and local philanthropist Hannah More were instrumental in enabling the poor of the area to get an education.

Now the current pupils at what became St Michael’s C of E Primary School are celebrating

Former pupil JK Rowling has sent her best wishes

the schools long history.

A special service has been held at St Michael’s church, attended by local dignitaries.

With an eye to the future as well as the past, a special ceremony has been organised where a time capsule giving a snap shot of life in 2013 will be buried in the school grounds. A special flagpole will be erected to mark the spot.

The school has even managed to get the Red Arrows to fly past as part of the celebrations.

Pupils at the school have been studying the Victorians, and have made a special trip, dressed in period costumes to a Victorian school to get a taste of the harsh enviroment pupils 200 years ago had to suffer.

The school was first located in the Club Room of the Green Dragon Inn (now the George and Dragon Pub), whilst the new school in Dragon Road was built.

By 1869 the school had outgrown the building and moved to land donated on the High Street The last move got underway in 1970, as junior pupils moved to Linden Close. Infants joined

ABOVE: The pub where it all started. The red arrows will fly past

them in 1981. The school now is unrecognisable from the school set up 200 years ago. Abacus pre-school operates from a classroom, meaning children as young as 2 use St Michael’s.

In 1813 children had to be recommended by a Subscriber who would pay the child’s annual fee. Even then, they had to be approved by the school committe and be able to pay a penny to attend classes.

Kirsty Robson, the school’s Deputy Head said“It’s been fantastic, a learning journey with all the children and the staff together. It’s been really enjoyable. It’s linked in with our victorian topic and they were very excited about our trip to

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Sevington [Victorian School in Wiltshire] where the children got a real life experience of what life was like in a Victorian school.”

The school also put on a series of talks for the local community in June.

Christopher Dunn, the son of a previous headteacher, talked about the history of the school.

Other talks covered the local parish history, whilst there was a chance to find out about Hannah More and local inventor Harry Grindell Matthews.

The school has produced a colour booklet with more on the school’s history and current classes. It’s available from the school priced £3.50.

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New look for Frampton primary school CHILDREN at a local primary school have celebrated their new logo by staging a fashion show.

Pupils at Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School took to the catwalk to show off the new uniform range that is now available.

The logo was designed by parent and school governor, Gary Bristow, but only after a detailed consultation with pupils to find out what they wanted to see included.

The striking design includes the local church, the Centenery Wheel and the River Frome.

There is also a fox, to represent local wildlife and to remember Rev Foxe, who financed the re-building of St Peter’s Church in 1858 and who has a nearby street named after him. A much loved tree in the school grounds is also included.

Head teacher Rosie Brydon said; ”We think it’s lovely that the children have been

the ones to design it. They’ve come up with the whole design themselves. We think it’s vibrant, colourful and exciting”.

Designer Gary Bristow told the Voice; ‘the School Council made my job easy. They came up with the ideas on local history, architechture and wildlife. All I had to do was to make sure their vision was reflected in the logo. I think the kids did a great job and the logo looks great too”.

Children from all age groups took part in the fashion show launch. They performed in a special show to parents and also at an assembly in front of other pupils.

The new design has been a big hit with all the pupils at the school. Jenna, 7, said; “it’s really, really good. I love all the detail on it!”

The uniform is available to order online from School Wear For Less.

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The new logo is designed to show what is important to the children at the school. It also includes the colours of the four houses the children belong to

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July, 2013

No room at the Barn as two key events are cancelled ONE of the areas biggest historical attractions is being forced to cancel it’s showpiece events this year because of parking problems. Winterbourne Medieval Barn has scrapped the popular Medieval Fayre and Spring Craft Fayre because it has lost access to overflow parking. This Autumn’s Orchard Harvest Day has been given the go ahead only in the last few days.

The loss of two flagship events at the Barn is a massive blow for trust that runs the building that dates back to the 14th century. It comes as organisers prepare a £2million bid for lottery funding to improve the complex.

“It’s very disappointing, especially for the people that come year after year.

For the last few years the trust has been able to use part of a nearby field owned by a local farmer on a grace and favour basis. That agreement has now come to an end, partly because of concerns over insurance arrangements.

Although negotiations have taken place over buying the portion of land, it’s believed an independent valuation running into six figures was too expensive for the barn trustees to consider.

However, the farmer has decided to allow parking to go ahead on the field for the Harvest Day as he feels the event is an important one that should go ahead.

Without the extra parking this autumn, organisers had feared a repeat of last year, when wet weather restricted available parking and left the narrow Church Lane clogged with traffic.

Many people were forced to abandon plans to visit the barn. Officials estimate they lost at least a thousand

potential visitors The chairman of the Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust, Bill Martin told Frome Valley Voice that organisers had expected at least 1,500 people to visit the Medieval Fayre in June.

“It’s very disappointing, especially for the people that come year after year.

We are sad that they were disappointed. It’s disappointing for us because it’s one of the highlights of our year, it’s great fun’.

One option the trustees are exploring is a park and ride scheme. Initial talks have taken place with South Gloucestershire Council over using the car park by Parkway Station.

Other possible locations could be the Winterbourne International Academy or the Community Centre.

The fear is that a substatntial number of visitors who decide to visit the events on the spur of the moment may decide not to attend.

Mr Martin pledges; “We will sort it out by the Autumn one way or another.

We will have arrangements in place certainly for next year. Certainly our two big Christmas events will run”.

The late reprieve for the Orchard Harvest Day has raised the spirits of the volunteers who run the ancient building.

Rob Govier, a trustee of the charity says “it’s good for everyone, it’s our biggest draw really and it would have been a shame to have lost that”.

He hopes 2,000 people will come to the event in October.

As officials wrestle with the problems for their big dates, smaller events continue. This month the Barn hosts an opera on 6 July, basket weaving workshops on 9 and 13 July and the Annual Talk and AGM on July 24.

Winterbourne Medieval Barn: A lot quieter this year after the cancellation of 2 big events THERE have been some crisp days at the Medieval Barn, but none quite like the day Gary Lineker came to Winterbourne.

The former England footballer was at the historic building to film his latest Walkers Crisp advert. It got the barn some nationwide television publicity - but blink and you would have missed it.

In the advert the former England football star is seen driving a tractor outside the barn and then through the historic building which was transformed to look like a cheese store. Viewers were led to believe that the barn was in Somerset, holding Chedder cheese.

Rob Govier, of Winterbourne Willows, who has its business on the site was instrumental in helping Walkers to film there. He helped source props and assist the crew as they prepared to film.

“It was basically turned into a cheese factory, so there were 800 proper round cheeses set up in the barn itself which filled virtually two thirds of the barn. It looked pretty impressive.

They set up props for three or four days before he [Lineker] turned up. He probably didn’t get here until 3 O’Clock in the afternoon in a nice limousine, and he was there from 3 O’Clock until 7”.

“I got to meet him and shook hands with him and we had our photo taken together. They asked me if I could supply some chickens for him to make him look like a farmer. He had to have one under each arm which he wasn’t happy with because he wasn’t au fait with chickens”.

Rob, who is a Trustee at the Medieval Barn says filming there was good for the Trust, as any publicity is good publicity. Blink during the advert though, and you may have missed the old building’s 5 seconds of fame.

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July, 2013

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New community hub as coffee shop opens in Winterbourne

fromevalleyvoice

Owner Emma Gentry (right) outside the newly opened cafe A new cafe in the heart of Winterbourne has given the village a community focus, according to its owner.

Emma Gentry has opened Daisy’s Coffee Shop on Flaxpits Lane.

She says the new venture has been a hit with all sections of the community, with everyone from the local school chldren to ‘yummy mummys’ and grandparents with kids.

With hundreds of pupils from Winterbourne International Academy just around the corner, Emma says she endeavors to keep the menu healthy. She says she’s enjoying being at the heart of Winterbourne life.

“It’s lovely because it’s such a community driven village. The great thing about Winterbourne is that it has everything you need in it - a library, a swimming pool, a petrol station, a chemist - you can live in Winterbourne - and I’m sure a lot of people do - without actually leaving. But there wasn’t anywhere for people to go and just chat [and that is what the cafe provides]”.

Council accused of rewarding vandalism at travellers site WINTERBOURNE’S MP has called for action over the state of a travellers site on Old Gloucester Road.

Mr Lopresti challenged South Gloucestershire Council to act after visiting the area himself in response to concerns voiced by local people.

“To say that I was appalled by the state of the field is an understatement. It looked awful with rubbish strewn across a wide area. This rubbish must have accumulated over considerable time, with apparently no effort being made to clear it up”.

“I am astonished that South Gloucestershire Council have allowed the field to get into this state, particularly as it is visible from the M4 motorway and gives many thousands of people travelling a very negative view of this area.”

The MP has critisised plans

by the council to lease the field to the travellers. A council spokemsman said: “Members of the council’s Resources Sub-Committee took the decision to ask officers to look into the feasibility of issuing a grazing licence for this site. This work is ongoing and it is important to note that no decision has yet been taken.”

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D-day for Woodlands Farm development PLANNERS are to decide on the future of a big new development in the Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath area.

David Wilson and Barratt Homes want to build 380 new houses on land between Park Lane and Badminton Road.

There has been strong local opposition to the plans, which would see houses built on land next to the current Meads development.

Campaigners say too many houses are being built in the village and traffic congestion and the extra strain on local services would be too much.

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The decision by councillors is being made on July 4th, as Frome Valley Voice goes to print.

It’s expected councillors will refuse planning permission. If they do, Barratts are likely to appeal.

Planning officials are recommending refusal because South Gloucestershire has already earmarked land for 29,000 new houses in the next 5 years, and because of the adverse effect it will have on the local environment.

We will keep you updated on our website, and have more reaction in our August edition.

Yate shops looking up after cinema announcement BOSSES at Yate Shopping centre say they’ve received a surge in interest from national retailers after plans to build a cinema and retail units on an overflow car park were unveiled.

Work will start this month on converting the former Spirals nightclub into a gym, and four small units are being knocked into one in North Parade New Look has just signed a new ten year lease and Millets has decided to stay in its shop.

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July, 2013

Go slow on cards for Iron Acton roads

SPEED limits on Iron Acton roads could be slashed if new proposals get the go ahead.

Speeds in the village itself could be cut to 20mph, as well as on Nibley Road, where the current speed limit is 60mph.

Bristol Road would see speeds pegged back to 40mph instead of the current 50mph in an attempt to cut down accident numbers.

If public opinion is against the 20mph limits, then the council will ask for a 30mph limit.

A separate consultation is underway on 20mph speed limits in neighbouring Mays Hill, Frampton End Road and Station Road.

The council is pushing for the 20mph limits because the area has a high number of cyclists and pedestrians using the roads.

More information can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/ consultation.

Have a view on a local issue? Let us know by emailing richard@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Somebody obviously hasn’t grasped the real meaning of the village name.

Still, it’s the most creative fly tiping we’ve seen so far.......

Meadows music magic gets extra date ORGANISERS of Iron Acton’s Proms in the Meadows have added an extra night of entertainment.

Mash in the Meadows will be on Friday 12 July, the day before the Prom.

Flash Harry, one of Bristol’s best know bands have been booked to perform, as well as Lizzie Dean and her band Soul Source.

Spokesman , Richard Hunter said “We have been able to secure some fabulous acts.

This is an opportunity for people to kick off the weekend with a superb evening of music”.

114a Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2SZ Tel:01454 501312

A family run Cafe that serves freshly cooked home-made food and cakes Viaduct Nurseries is home to lots of different animals from small, cute, furry ones like baby rabbits and chicks to big, ugly ones like George and Alfie the KuneKune boars.

Come and see for yourself why we are being called Coalpit Heath's hidden treasure.

Also on site is Viaduct Poultry, who sell everything from eggs to kits that contain everything you need to get you started with your own Chickens at home

Lizzie Dean: Appearing in Iron Acton

Claire will be joining us at the beginning of July to run Viaduct Florists from an area adjoining the Cafe

The Little Gift Shop

Actonians in summer treat

A popular local amateur dramatics society are presenting an evening of comedy later this month.

The Actonians are staging two comedy one act plays. The first “No Entry” is being poduced by the organisations Junior Group, whilst the senior section have been rehearsing “Strictly Sex Factor on Ice”.

The performances get underway at 7.30 pm on 26 & 27 July at Iron Acton Parish Hall, Tickets are on sale and cost £10, which includes a ploughman’s supper. A bar is available too.

The Actonians advanced booking line is 07807 547 238.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

Beautiful gifts to suit all budgets Local honey Home-made Jams ● Hand-made Jewellery ● Hand-made Cards ● Local stockists of Slimbridge Soaps ● ●

Summer bedding plants, baskets & pots, a selection of perennials and shrubs

Come and visit the little shop with the big heart

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Steve Webb MP writes in Frome Valley Voice

GET US TO SOUTHMEAD! This time next year, Southmead will be up and running as the main acute hospital for our area. Like most people who live in the Frome Valley area I would have much preferred the chosen site to have been at Frenchay.

But regrettably that decision was taken some years ago and we now need to make sure that we get the best that we can out of the new hospital at

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Southmead. The good news is that it will be a modern, ‘stateof-the-art’ hospital, but the challenge will be getting there!

Many people will be planning to get to Southmead by public transport,whether to get to work there, to visit someone or to attend as a patient. So I recently contacted local NHS chiefs and the local Council to seek their assurances that there would be a proper public transport link from our area.

I was shocked to learn that there were no plans for a direct bus service to the new hospital. Despite the fact that around £1.5 million has been set aside over three years to improve public transport, the plans simply involved a slightly more frequent service to Bristol Parkway and then a change onto a shuttle bus to Southmead.

This means that a round trip would require four separate bus journeys, and seeing someone in hospital each day over the course of a week could require more than 20 journeys. In addition, there was no obvious evidence of plans for any service on a Sunday.

July, 2013

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I believe that this is totally unacceptable, and that is why I have launched a petition for a direct bus service. There are lots of ways in which you can register your support, including at the Frome Valley Medical Centre who have kindly put the petition out on display.

Anyone can sign up online at www. southmeadbuspetition. wordpress.com or if I’m your local MP you can e-mail me at steve@stevewebb.org.uk or drop me a line at Poole Court, Yate, BS37 5PP. We urgently need to show the Council the strength of feeling about this issue so that we can get a proper bus service in place before the new hospital is fully up and running.

Even for those who can drive to the new hospital there will be a benefit in having more people able to get there by bus as this will reduce the heavy congestion that there is likely to be around Southmead.

So whether or not you use public transport yourself, please add your name to the petition.

Thank you.

0117 956 7007

Youth centre re-opens

FROMESIDE Youth Centre has re-opened after the Transitions Skate took over its running from the council.

The building will have an indoor skatepark, a skate shop and community cafe.

The Community Interest Company, already has a project in Bedminster, Bristol, and hopes to engage with local young people through skateboarding activities.

Hats off to new book

A new book has been published that gives an insight into the hatting industry in Watley’s End and Frampton Cotterell.

The Hatters’ Trail provides three seperate walks that contain over 50 viewing points between them.

The business of hat making flourished in the area between 1770 and 1870.

Copies of the book can be picked up from local shops for £1.

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July, 2013

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Star closes as developer eyes housing Flats and houses on cards for latest pub closure THE Star pub in Frampton Cotterell has closed it’s doors for the last time and is to be developed for housing.

The Pub, on Church Road, has been bought by local developers who want to turn the pub building into flats and build houses in the garden.

Andy and Michelle Cake, who are based up the road at The Waterworks in Church Close, bought the property at auction after the company owning The Star went bankrupt.

Mrs Cake told the Voice that the pub closure was inevitable: “it couldn’t stay as a pub, it wasn’t popular as a pub. In the last five to ten years it’s struggled. We’ve been approached by neighbours so many times to see if we could do something”.

Not all locals agree though.

Peter Jackson campaigned to keep the pub open.

“The loss of the Star as a public house would be of significance to the communities of Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath. The pub was well used leading up to its closure and played a central role as a meeting place for people to enjoy social

time with members of their community. The pub was also a venue for the local darts team where the game was supported very enthusiastically” he said.

“There are several thousand homes planned for South Gloucestershire, surely two or three more are not really needed at the expense of this valuable community amenity”.

The Cakes, whose companies include Acton Homes, say they can be trusted to develop the site sympathetically. Their website states they build properties in the traditional penant stone, and recent developments include properties in Woodend Road and The Causeway.

The pub building is locally listed and developers says the

Pubs proud past: 172 years of history

style will be kept exactly the same if they get permission to convert the property into flats.

It’s the latest in a long line of pubs to close in the village.

Within the last ten years the Golden Lion on Beesmoor Road and the Western Coach House on Bristol Road have shut their doors and have been redeveloped for housing.

Pubs gone but not forgotten.........

COALPIT HEATH • Fire Engine Inn • Horse Shoe Inn Converted into 3 houses.

• Star Inn.

Landlord Albert Mitchell stands behind the bar counter of the Star Inn during the 1950’s. Albert was publican at the public house from 1926 till his death in 1964. He combined his duties as licensee with those of being a village postman.

RECORDS of the Star Inn go back to 1841. It has been at the heart of the community of what once was Watermore Lane and is now Church Road.

Much of the pub’s history is linked to one family. Albert and Emily Mitchell took over the running of The Star in 1929 on the death of Emily’s father Frederick Adams. Fred became landlord of the pub in 1911 taking over from his mother Emma who died that year, aged 86 years. Emma and her husband Thomas were recorded in the 1851 census as living at the pub.

The Star had an annual rateable of £14.10.0d. in 1891 and £14.0s.0d in 1903, when it closed at 11 p.m.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120 or 07815 201991

ABOVE:The Star Inn about 1936, complete with gas porch light. Mrs Emily Mitchell, wife of landlord Albert, and Ronald Roslyn stand on the steps.

BELOW:Guests enjoying a salmon supper evening held in the smoke room of the Star Inn. Ken Davis, who lived in Alexandra Road, cooked the 22lb fish in a large steamer for this one off occasion in 1954.

FRAMPTON COTTERELL • Bunch of Grapes now a private house on Woodend Road • Cottage of Content Harris Barton now a private residence.

• Cross Hands Inn (Western Coach House) Bristol Road. Converted into 3 private residences.

• Crown Inn, Brockridge - location unknown, possibly became Bunch of Grapes in Woodend Road • Golden Lion, Beesmore Road.Demolished • New Inn, Mill Lane - now a private residence • Stags Head Frampton Common (now Church Road)

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T: 01454 800 120

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July, 2013

Frampton ready for festival fun

Organisers ready for an action packed day on the Centenary Field SHE got involved intially as a way of getting to know people after moving back to the area, but organising the Frampton Festival is threatening to take over Michelle Dicksons life.

Not that she minds too much.

With the big event taking place on the Centenary Field on July 20th she is working flat out with a small army of other volunteers to make sure the Festival is a big success.

“It’s not just the organising” Michelle says, “it’s the insurance, risk assesments and all that kind of stuff; sourcing the bands, setting up the Facebook page - all the background stuff that looks like it won’t take time but it does”.

That Facebook page is an indication of the support the Festival has locally. Over 2,000 people have already read the page.

The event comes as a result of the huge success of the Jubilee Festival last year. Since the organising committee took charge from the Zion church in January, Michelle says she’s felt a real surge of support.

“It’s been really, really positive, so we are hoping, if the weather holds, for a good turn out. There were estimates of 1,500 [people attending] last year when the organisers expected 500, so we were really shocked when people started piling in the field”.

There will be lots to keep festival goers entertained when the event gets underway at 2pm.

Fairground rides will be provided by the Rogers family, whose rides can often be seen parked at their base in Park Lane.

Professor Panic’s Circus is sure to be a big draw. Children

can learn various circus skills including trapeze, tightrope walking, unicycling and stilt walking. As well as Punch and Judy shows, the circus will be putting on its own show at the end of the day.

For the adventurous there is an assault course and Bitton Archery will be providing a chance to release your inner Robin Hood.

There will be music throughout the event, including the Thornbuy Brass Band and Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir in the day and the Love Vultures in the evening.

The Globe Pub is providing a bar and food, and the evening will finish with a fireworks display at 10pm..

Aside from last year’s Jubilee event, the village has a long history of putting on similar celebrations. The Frampton Carnival was held for many years.

Organisers are confident that this event will be a big success, so much so that they have already started planning for next year. Michelle says they hope the festival be an annual event.

“We’ll have to see how we go this year, but we’ve already booked the field for next year and told the circus if it’s good this year, then we’ll book them for next year”.

Those organising the event will be busy in the run up to the event and on the day itself, but Michelle insists it is worth it; “sometimes you think ‘oh good Lord, 6 months work for seven or 8 hours when it could rain’, but you you’ve just got to take your chance and you know at the end of the day hopefully you will see everyone leaving smiling and hope it was all worth it”

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

Organiser Michelle Dickson at the Centenery Field

All the fun of the fair; what’s on at the Festival • 20 local stalls • Tractor and trailer rides • Fairground rides • ATC assault course • Bitton Archery • 1960’s fire engine selling ice cream • Circus with 40 foot mini big top • Circus skills • Punch and judy • Big bubble maker • Bands and bar • Big firework finale

The day starts at 2pm and ends at 10pm with the fireworks Look out for the Frome Valley Voice Stall!!

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

July, 2013

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

2013 event inspired by history

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13

THIS year’s festival may have been born after the success of the Jubilee celebrations, but as these pictures show, the people of the Frome Valley have historically always enjoyed a chance to let their hair down (and sometimes show a bit of ankle!). The Old Carnival was born in the 1920’s as a farming event. It re-started in the 40’s when the Beesmoor Playing Fields had just been bought for the community, and carried on until the 50’s. Many of these pictures are from that era.

The Carnival was ressurected in the 60’s and lasted until the 80’s. Let’s hope the new Festival is here to stay.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120 or 07815 201991

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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Ridings pupils get taste of future as sister school opens

WINTERBOURNE Interntional Academy may be a buiding site at the moment, but clues to what it may look like once the work is completed later next year can be found up the road in Yate.

Princess Anne visited Yate International Academy to offically open it last month. £16m was spent to re-build the former King Edmund’s School which is federated with the Winterbourne Academy.

She visited classrooms, sports facilities and met pupils

and staff during the visit.

Winterbourne International Academy is undergoing a similar transformation, costing £19m.

Building work should be finished by September 2014 and then work to tear down the current old buildings will start.

Many of those date back to the 1950’s, when the Winterbourne Secondary Modern opened.

The new site will include two new halls and a new music department.

Destination Mexico for Winterbourne Students Princess Anne meets pupils during her visit to Yate International Academy.

The Fruit and Veg Patch

LOCAL students will be returning to Winterbourne this month after a trip of a lifetime to Mexico.

The students and teachers from Winterbourne International School are spending 18 days helping underprivileged children in rural Mexico.

The school has been raising money for the trip for over 18 months and has been able to buy playground equipment for a poor primary school in the village of Mocochá.

The team has been helping to install the playground as well as painting murals and assisting in teaching English to the pupils. To save money and get a better taste of life in the country, the team have been staying with local families.

Work starts on Emersons Green extension WORK has got underway on building 2,500 new homes at Emerson’s Green East.

South Goucestershire Council gave plannng permission last month, and contractors Britannia have already moved in to prepare the site for building work.

Got News?

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Unbeatable Freshness Great Value Friendly service guaranteed!

Pop into the shop and see us: 147 Church Road, Frampton Cotterell BS36 2JX Or give Dave a call: 01454 775263

If you have a news story, or something to get off your chest on our letters page, contact us at: richard@ fromevalleyvoice. co.uk

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16

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk July, 2013 Fancy a dance? Come to Winterbourn* Down T: 01454 800 120

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Morris Dancers looking for new recruits A group of traditional dancers are hoping to attract a new generation of enthusiats.

The Winterbourn Down Border Morris group is hoping to find musicians as well as dancers to continue a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.

Ann Birkett from the group said: “We dance in a particular style called border morris. Not with the familiar handkerchiefs

of the Cotswold groups but with sticks. This style originated in the border regions between England and Wales.

Our music is suited to the step-hop style of our distinct dances, such as traditional hornpipes, jigs and polkas.

The dancers are encouraged to add their personal creativity!

This is what helps to keep the dances traditionally original.”

The group meet at All Saint’s Church Hall every Monday at 8.15 pm, and during the summer try to get around the district to showcase their talents. They’ve performed as far away as Spain.

Although it’s busy around Mayday, the highlight of the dancing year is Boxing Day, when they are involved in the ancient Mummer’s play around the village.

If you fancy having a go and want more information, email info@ winterbourndownbordermorris. co.uk. *Winterbourn is the old, traditional village name, used by the dancers

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Explore our village as you search for the cache, using your wits & eyes.

See what others have written in the log and what they have left behind.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

Bring a small item or toy to swap with a “treasure” inside the hidden container Write in the log book in each cache Replace container exactly where you find it (hidden in same place, to match the clue) Difficulty varies. Find more clues at www.villageaction.org.uk

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice 17 ‘Be Prepared’ - to help Thinking of Christmas already as drama company celebrates local young people 80th anniversary Volunteers sought for local IT started in October 1933 with a report in the paper; “a new society to be know as the Bristol Light Opera Society is to be formed”. scouting and guiding movement BLOC has come a long way in the intervening years, and is

July, 2013

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

A cronic lack of volunteer leaders is preventing more young people from being able to join groupsof the scouting tradition.

Kids from as young as 6 enjoy Rainbows and Beavers, all the way through Brownies and Cubs, to Guides and Scouts.

But a lack of leaders across the area mean that some sections are in danger of shutting down.

Rainbow groups in Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell need helpers or leaders.

Brownies are also short of help in both villages.

Coalpit Health needs people to help with Guides, and Winterbourne also has vacancies to fill.

Caroliine Hanks runs a Guide group in Frampton Cotterell, and is also running the Rainbow Group after the previous leader left.

She says: “Guiding is very popular

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in Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne. To maintain the units and the opportunites to girls in Rainbow, Brownie and Guide sections, we need volunteers”.

The same call is being made by the 1st Frampton Cotterell Scout Group.

It has been running in the community for over 50 years and has 70 children involved in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Leader Ian Robson says: “The best bit of all is it’s not just fun for the children, the adults enjoy it as well.

Remember that for every additional adult, potentially the group could move three to six children off a waiting list and into scouting” If would like to find out more, Scout leader Ian Robinson can be contacted on 01454 775107.

Caroline Hanks can put you in touch with Guiding groups in the area. Her number is 0117 9311157.

looking to celebrate its anniversary in style.

The Society has announced that it is putting on Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.This spectacular stage musical of Bing Crosby’s classic 1954 movie is brimming with classic Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean? Happy Holiday, Sisters and the unforgettable title song White Christmas.

The production will be staged at the Bristol Hippodrome from 19 to 13 November. Although it sounds a long way off, tickets are alread on sale at the Hippodrome and auditions have been held to find the cast.

Susanne Mitchell, Chairman of Bloc Productions said: “This year is Blocs’s 80th anniversary and we wanted to honour this milestone with a truly magical and feel good musical.”

“This is the first time White Christmas has been to the Hippodrome stage and it promises to be a fun filled show leaving the audiences singing all the way home”.

BLOC says it is always looking for new members, who have to pass an audition to perform. More BLOC performers on stage information can be found at www. blockproductions.co.uk

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Frampton cotterell computer club Courses run Monday - Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am and 2pm - 4pm at the Brockeridge Centre, Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell

Come and join our friendly groups To book, just drop in to the centre or call Jill on 01454 864442 We look forward to seeing you!

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Tel: Great Food 01454 772254 Guest Beers Clyde Road Special Events Frampton Cotterell BS36 2EF A Very Warm Welcome Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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July, 2013

Have you got an event you would like to publicise?

Do you run a club or society in the Frome Valley area?

N

July

July 3

Acton Court open until 11th August. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

July 5, 6 & 7

Frampton Sunfest, The Rising Sun, Ryecroft Road. In aid of Help for Heroes.

July 6

Family Walk and Tea + children’s quiz, All Saints Church Hall, 2.30 Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, 7.15pm. grounds open for picnics before performance.

July 9

Basket-weaving Course, Winterbourne Medieval Barn 9.30 - 4.30pm. £35. Advanced booking required. For further details and bookings tel. 778436 Talk by Roger Turner - ‘Amaze the Neighbours’ Winterbourne Down and District Horticulture Society. All Saints’ Hall, 7.30pm

July 10

Carers’ Club , Zion Church 2 – 4pm. For more information tel.

775786 or 886925

July 12

Mash in the Meadows concert, Iron Acton Parish Meadows.

7.15pm (gates open 6.30pm) £10 in advance, £15 on gate.

July 13

“Creepy House” Summer reading challenge. Launch Day, Winterbourne Library, 10am-4pm.

Basket-weaving Course, Winterbourne Medieval Barn 9.30 - 4.30pm. £35. Advanced booking required.

Proms in the Meadows, Iron Acton Parish Meadows. 6pm, gates open 5.30pm. SOLD OUT

July 18

Frampton history walk is now cancelled

July 20

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T: 01454 800 120

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The Frampton Festival, Centenary Field, with live music, stalls and food from 4pm.

Send details of your events or activities to richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800120

We will make sure thousands of people in the area get to hear about it Everyone welcome. Bring your own seating A talk by Naturalist and Broadcaster Chris Sperring MBE. ‘British Animals of the Past and Re-wilding’. Acton Court, 7.30. £7. All proceeds to the Hawk and Owl Trust.

Talk on ‘The Local Hatting Industry 1770-1870’, Winterbourne Medieval Barn 7.30pm. Free. Preceded at 7pm by the AGM of WMBT and refreshments.

July 26

Archaeology Tour, Acton Court.

7pm. £8 (£6 Concessions) Actonians present an evening of entertainment. 7.30 pm on 26 & 27 at Iron Acton Parish Hall

July 27

Litter Picking 09:30 – 12:00, start Truly Scrumptious, Church Road.

Actonians present an evening of entertainment. (See above)

July 29

Holiday Club, Zion Church Hall, 10-12.30. All ages, runs until 2nd Aug

July 31

Creepy Creations Workshop, Winterbourne Library, 10am–12 noon.

School age children only, MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Regular events Monday

Dementia Cafe, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm 4pm 1st Monday of month.

Scrabble, The Community Centre, Winterbourne, 2- 4.30pm North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday.

Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month.

Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30.

Winterbourn Down Border

Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm

Tuesday

Winterbourne Ladies, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month.

Crossbow Bridge Club, Crossbow House. 7.30pm Centre Squares (dancing).

Winterbourne Comunity Centre 7.45pm Frampton Cotterell WI. Crossbow House, 7.45, fourth Tuesday of month Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month.

Wednesday

Winterbourne Police Beat Post. Greenfield Centre 2pm 3pm Winterbourne Players.

Winterbourne Community Centre, 8pm

Thursday

Probus. The Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 10am, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month Manor Day Centre, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 10 - 2pm

St John’s Ambulance. St Saviour’s Hall, Beesmoor Road.

6.15 - 9pm (term time).

Steam Engine Club, Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 7pm, last Thursday of month.

Winterbourne Musical Theatre.

Winterbourne Community Association, 7.30pm.

Friday

St James The Less Parent and Toddler Group, The Marshall Rooms, Iron Acton. 10.30 12.30 term times.

Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Saturday

Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month.

Pigeon Club. British Royal Legion, Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell. Summer weekends.

More info: captaincliff0@gmail. com

Sunday

Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly).

Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

•Ideal for cleaning glass, frames and sills •Reaches inaccessible windows Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

July, 2013

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Acton Court opens for summer

19

Hopes for good turn out after flurry of interest from TV programme makers THE historic Acton Court opens its doors to the public this month, bouyed after being highlighted on national television twice last month.

Melvyn Bragg visited the House in Iron Acton whilst filming the BBC documentary The Most Dangerous Man in Tudor Britain, about William Tyndale’s mission to translate the Bible into English.

ITV have also been filming in the historic grounds. Acton Court was chosen as one of the top 50 interesting and historically

Melvyn Bragg at Acton Court

significant buildings in Britain’s Secret Homes.

The Grade I listed building is believed to be one of the most original Tudor houses in Britain.

It’s best known for it’s association with one of England’s most famous monarchs, Henry VIII. He stayed here with his second wife Anne Boleyn, while on his summer Progress around the West Country in 1535.

The owner of Acton Court, Nicholas Poyntz built the East Wing in just 9 months for his royal visitor.

After falling into repair in the last century, Acton Court and the surrounding gardens are now Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Because of the age and fragility of the building, the public are only allowed to visit it in small, escorted groups.

This year the guided tours are taking place between 2 and 3.30pm between July 3 August 11. The house is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The gardens of Acton Court have already welcomed the public in June, as it opened

it’s grounds for the National Gardens Scheme Festival Week.

Special events planned for this month include a talk by Naturalist and Broadcaster Chris Sperring. He will discuss which animals lost to the British countryside should be re-introduced. The event, on July 20 end with an ‘owl prowl’ through the grounds.

The man in charge of excavation works at Acton Court will give an archaeology tour on

July 26. Rob Bell will conduct an evening tour of the house and grounds.

On the last day of public tours, Pantagruel will perform songs and dance from Elizabethan England, taking Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare as inspiration.

Tickets to these events can be bought at www.actoncourt.com or by calling 01454 228 224.

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July, 2013

Devon Ham with Teleggio Cheese and New Season Asparagus

As served at The Daisy Chain Cafe, Frampton Cotterell

Ingredients 10cm pastry case 30g Devon ham 20g Taleggio cheese 1 asparagus tip 1 handful of spinach (washed) salt & pepper 150ml double cream; 2 eggs Method 1. Place spinach on the bottom of the tart case 2. Chop up ham and cheese & place around the tart 3. Cut asparagus in half and put on top 4. Whisk cream & eggs together with salt and pepper 5. Cook at 180degrees C for 35-40mins 6. Let it cool for 3mins Side salad Boil some water with salt in for the

asparagus, cook for 4 mins & then place it in cold water Wash salad leaves Soft boil some eggs (cool in cold water

JOHN GILBERT CARPET & FLOORING Ltd

then chop in half) Use some good tomatoes (like Isle of Wight) Dress with balsamic & oil

Daisychain Deli

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OOK

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H

TH

OF

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July, 2013

E MO

Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson

Kate Atkinson won the Whitbread (now Costa) Book of the Year prize with her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, but she is probably best known for her bestselling Case Histories series featuring Jackson Brodie.

Her latest novel, Life After Life was shortlisted for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction.

The book begins with a quote from E B Todd – ‘What if we had a chance to do it again and again, until we finally did get it right? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Ursula Todd gets to do just that.

The story opens on 11th Feb 1910 on a snowy night in

Pause for Thought Rev Stephen Newell I’M not quite sure what to make of the depiction this month of a giant breakdancing Jesus opposite an iconic Banksy painting.

At one level I’m thrilled, Jesus for once isn’t all gentle Jesus meek and mild; he’s standing upside down on one hand for goodness sake. In

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Buckinghamshire at the home of Sylvie and Hugh Todd. Their daughter, Ursula is born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and tragically does not survive.

But this is not the end – it is just the beginning.

On that same snowy night, Ursula Todd is born again, and this time she survives.

Every time Ursula dies, and she dies rather a lot, she is doomed or blessed to come back and try her life again. Her birth, death and rebirth are the umbilical cord that thread and weave this imaginative plot together In her numerous lives, Ursula witnesses some of the key events throughout the 20th Century. Although she has no recollection of her previous lives, she does experience feelings of déjà vu throughout which influence her thoughts and actions.

In one of her lives she befriends Hitler’s companion, Eva Braun, and has the unique opportunity to alter history - but the key question is, does she?

Despite some bleak and dark subplots, such as the Blitz and an abusive marriage, Ursula also encounters wonderful joys such as love, friendship and motherhood, rendering her story as ultimately uplifting.

This book is Kate Atkinson at her best; with her trademark quirky black humour, she has written a novel that that is a thought provoking examination of destiny and free will.

words my daughter might use he looks pretty hench!

On the other hand this is Jesus we’re talking about and I guess some people might be offended. Or worse still this is Jesus opposite a Banksy, perhaps some Banksy fans might be offended!

In the end though I’ve decided I like it. We all, including us religious types need a bit of shaking up occasionally.

Actually that is exactly what Jesus did. The main criticism he received was that he partied too much… hardly an accusation levelled regularly at his followers!

When people moaned at him he responded, “we played the flute and you didn’t dance we sang a dirge and you didn’t mourn”.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120 or 07815 201991

follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice

Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver The Women’s Prize for Fiction (originally the Orange Prize for Fiction) has been won this year by A.M. Homes for May We Be Forgiven.

The shortlist for the prize was very strong and included Flight Behaviour by Barbara Kingsolver, who won in 2010 for The Lacuna.

One of my very favourite books is Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible and I was keen to read her newest novel.

The story opens with the main character Dellarobia about to throw away her marriage with a lover’s tryst on the mountain above the poor farming community in the Appalachians where she lives.

On approaching the meeting point, she witnesses a vision of biblical proportion. The valley below her seems to be alight with flame. But it’s not a huge forest fire she is witnessing, instead an infestation of monarch butterflies forced from its usual habitat in Mexico by changing climate conditions.

The local community is part of the American Bible Belt and Kingsolver weaves the biblical imagery of fire and flood with the scientific reality of potential climate change scenarios. The scientific viewpoint is given voice through Ovid Byron – a character with an improbable name but an impeccable

21

scientific background – whose specialism is the monarch butterfly. He and fellow researchers camp in Dellarobia’s back yard to monitor the butterflies and to discover what has caused their unprecedented change of habitat. Other interested groups are the sensationalist media, who just want an arresting story, never mind the science; Dellarobia’s father-in-law who wants to sell logging rights to the forest above the farm in order to pay off his debts; and the women’s group who are intent on knitting butterflies as a visual form of protest against the logging.

Kingsolver, with a scientific background herself, has managed to set a personal story of emancipation within a wider framework of global significance. Although her sympathies lie with the scientists, she doesn’t lose sight of the complicated web of human relations and conflicting ideologies that inform her subject matter. And if Dellarobia’s own urgent need to escape her marriage is the secret that opens the book, we discover that other characters, for whom we initially feel little sympathy, have secrets of their own.

I was hugely moved by the book and could only wonder at the ever increasing number of serious weather events that we have witnessed over the last decade, just as Dellarobia’s impoverished farming community are beset by their own floods and climate misfortunes and the monarch butterflies struggle for survival.

That’s the real trick we need to learn; when is it right to let your hair down and party and when are the times to go easy, to sit quietly, perhaps even to mourn and reflect on the people or things we’ve lost.

Generally speaking we tend to do one or the other.

Either partying all the time, not appreciating the struggles others go through, or down in the dumps, not really enjoying the beauty all around us.

So there’s my thought: if you’re a misery cheer up and if you’re a hedonist grow up. Or as Jesus put it weep with those who weep but really laugh with those who laugh.

I reckon if we try hard enough we can even do that standing upside down on one hand!

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk July, 2013 Former Arsenal star drafted Crossbow House gets rugby in to boost pre-season training club makeover T: 01454 800 120

THE Sound of Wimbledon may only just be fading, and the Ashes series is only now gearing up, but footballers in the area are dusting off their boots to start pre-season training.

Frampton Cotterell Athletic, for example, get underway on July 3 at their Beesmoor Playing Field HQ. But in an attempt to cheer up any slacking players, and in an attempt to attract new blood to the club, officials feel they have an ace up their sleeve.

David Hillier, an FA Cup winner for Arsenal under George Graham has been drafted in to the first two training sessions on July 3 and 10.

Mark Hammond, a fitness trainer with professional clubs has also agreed to take some sessions as the club look to gain an early season fitness advantage.

Yinka Brownlow manages the reserve side that was promoted last season to

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Division 2 of the Bristol and District league.

He hopes the club as a whole can maintain the momentum; “We are hoping to kick on, both teams are looking for promotion this season. The first team want to eventually get back to Western League standard, and we want the reserves to get close to the firsts so there is not such a step up in standards for players making the switch”.

Yinka says the club is always looking for new players to join them and promises preseason won’t be all pain.

The club has organised a go-karting day, paintballing and a short pre-season tour to help team bonding.

The players won’t have much time to get their fitness levels up.

Pre-season friendlies get underway on 10th August and the season itself starts on the 24th August - when the fifth test between England and Australia will still be in play.

VOLUNTEERS from Frampton Cotterell Rugby Club have transformed their HQ thanks to a special grant.

Crossbow House, which is used by the club and the local Community Association, was spruced up thanks to £4,000 from the NatWest RugbyForce fund. It was one of only 35 clubs nationwide to benefit from a grant.

Over 70 volunteers turned up to transform the place during the close season weekend.

Club official Mike Weaver said ‘’It’s been a tremendous effort by all at the club. As well as lots of painting and decorating, the toilets have had a complete overhaul, new doors fitted throughout and new wooden flooring laid in the bar areas. The Club has been transformed to make the facility a better place.”

Andy Pullen, who helped secure the grant, said ‘’It’s been hard work sorting the weekend activities but this is what our Club is all about, volunteers who give their time up to make the Club a better place. With the demise of local Pubs we want to make the Club a focal point for the Community and a ‘go to’ venue.

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July, 2013

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Frampton to host cricket youth finals FRAMPTON Cotterell Cricket Club are preparing to host the best young talent in the region this month.

For the third year running, the club has been selected to host the Bristol and District Youth Cup Finals.

5 games will be staged at the clubs ground at The Park in Frampton Cotterell on July 28, covering ages groups from under 11 to under 17.

It will be a full programme, with play getting underway at 10.30, and the last game scheduled to start at 4.30.

The club are hoping local

fromevalleyvoice follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice 23 ‘Perfect May’ launchpad to strong start for Old Man Fram www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

people will turn out to see some of the days games on their two squares. A barbecue and bar will be on hand.

Club Secretary Phil Cordy played in the finals when they were held at the County Ground in Bristol.

“It was great to play there, but the ground was empty. I think the youngsters playing this year will have a better experience because there will be a great atmosphere and lots of people watching on”.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the finals again and I’m sure it will be a day to remember”

A 100% record for all three teams at Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club has heralded an unpturn in fortunes.

After relegation for the seconds last year, June form has been enough to keep the club’s sides near the top of the table.

One stand out performance came from teacher Sam Coleman, who made a maiden century and took 4 wickets for the first team against Barrow Guerney.

The firsts have continued their momentum, with just a single loss leaving them a strong second in their league.

The defeat to Barrow Gurney saw them bowled out for just 93.

The second XI are just 0.9 points behind second place Lodway in their league. They have also lost just the one league game so far in the season.

The third team has had a tougher June with a couple of losses including a seven run reverse to Carsons and Mangotsfield in a top of the table clash. Despite that, they lay in 3rd place

Sam Coleman: centre of attention

Heath on fire after great first half of the cricket season COALPIT Heath’s first team are top of the table after a stellar first half of the 2013 season. They top the Bristol & District 2nd division, having won five and lost just one of the games played.

The 2nd XI have been equally successful, only losing the one game and lie second in their division. Despite defeat in their first game of the season at Winterbourne at the beginning of the month, the team have bounced back with 2 wins, including a last over success against YMCA. It’s been a less rosy picture for the thirds, who occupy a relegation place in their division. A number of games were lost due to opponents not being able to raise a team.

The Sunday XI are currently unbeaten in the Sunday Village League and are top of the table.

Appeal for players as kids tournament takes to the Park A local youth football club is appealing for children to join them as they prepare for their annual tournament on July 13 and 14.

Frampton Rangers Youth FC will be holding an open tournament at The Park for age groups rainging from U-8 to U-13, with a mix of 7-a-side and 9-a-side games.

Organisers are hoping the event will help them attract new players to the club. They are particularly looking for children in school year 4 or below, and are launching an under-6 side this month.

Daniel Halstead said, “Anyone can come down to the festival and chat to one of the club officials. We will have a barbeque, bar and lots of fun games for the kids.

More information can be found by calling Richard Gast, the Chairman of Frampton Rangers on 07971 093726

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120 or 07815 201991

Tennis courts to stay free

Netball club looks to expand

COUNCIL tennis courts in Frampton Cotterell are to remain free to use because it’s too costly to keep them locked up.

The decision was highlighted by the Parish Council at their Annual General Meeting recently.

Income from the tennis courts, which was £412 the previous year, had dropped to just £12 this term.

This was because the tennis courts, at The Park, were left unlocked because of repeated vandalism to the locks.

Parish councillor John Fairbrother explained to concerned tennis players that the cost of damage to the locks was much more than the lost revenue, so it made financial sense to leave the courts open.

FRAMPTON Cotterell Netball Club are looking to form a second side as they prepare for the new winter season in September.

The club are hoping to build on the success of last term, when they gained promotion.

The club, which has been running for three years, has just returned from a tour to Torquay.

The netballers are hoping to attract new players to help them prepare for the new season.

Currently the Club are competing in a summer league, training on Saturdays at Crossbow and playing during the week at Bradley Stoke School.

Once the switch is made to Winter play, games switch to the Grange School in Warmley.

Sally Harding, a player with the club, told the Voice; “It’s really enjoyable and an extremely friendly club. As well as the playing aspect, it’s also a very sociable outfit with lots of social events put on” Anyone who might be interested should contact Catherine Neck on 07773 658446 or check out the clubs Facebook page.

Meanwhile the Parish Council is seeking the views of local people on extending the existing pavilion at The Park on School Road.

The proposals would add a second story over the cricket pavilion and could cost £650,000.

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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