New thriller
WINTERBOURNE again takes centre stage in a new thriller written by an author from the village.
PAGE 8
'Shocking' pollution
THE River Frome does not have a single stretch in good 'ecological health', a new report has found.
PAGE 5
New bus zone
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has revealed a raft of changes that will be brought in to recycling and bin collections.
The council wants to eventually make black bin collections every three weeks instead of every fortnight.
Before this happens it wants to cut the amount of recyclable materials and food waste going into black bins, which it says currently make up almost two
thirds of their contents.
To start off, it is extending a trial scheme for kerbside collections of 'flexible' plastics like bags and packaging, which currently account for over a quarter of the space taken up in the average black bin.
During May the soft plastics service will expand to include one in every five homes in the district, with a view to rolling it out everywhere by the end of next year. Turn to page 3
MAJOR changes to an ondemand bus service are being introduced to stop commuters from “abusing” the scheme.
PAGE 4
Family plea
RESEARCHERS are trying to find the family of a soldier with relatives in Iron Acton who died during World War II.
PAGE 19
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A WOMAN has died after the car she was driving hit a wall at Westerleigh.
Police were called to Westerleigh Road, between the village and Yate, at around 3am on March 5.
A police spokesperson said: "Sadly, a woman in her 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. We are offering them support from a specially-trained family liaison officer."
Westerleigh Road was closed in both directions at the junctions with Nibley Lane, Besom Lane and Shorthill Road,
as police collision investigators examined the scene.
Police have declined to confirm the name or any other details of the woman who died, or how the collision is believed to have happened.
The spokesperson added: "We are still carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of the collision."
Officers have called on anyone with information or video footage they think could be relevant to the investigation to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5224 056 982.
FIVE people have been arrested after a group of armed men forced their way into a home in Yate.
Police say the incident happened in Stanshawes Drive in the early hours of February 29.
An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: "We were told there were a number of people in the house, potentially carrying weapons, who subsequently left with a number of household items.
"Safeguarding action has been taken to help protect those living at the address.
"A little more than an hour after the call to police was made, five men had been arrested."
One man from Yate and
four others, from London and Kent, have been charged with aggravated burglary and remanded in custody.
They are: Santiago Pablo, aged 31, of Cater Drive in Yate, who has also been charged with attempted aggravated burglary relating to an incident on January 30; Anthony Docherty, 38, of Red Hill, Bromley; Daniel Gray, 32, of Bark Hart Road, Bromley; Adrian Kupperblatt, 62, of Meadowside, Greenwich; Michael Peters, 32, of Eltham Green Road, Greenwich.
The spokesperson said all five men appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on March 2 and have been remanded in custody, to appear at Bristol Crown Court on April 8.
A RACING driver from Coalpit Heath has been left with all his "fingers and toes" but no car after a serious accident.
Will Blackwell Chambers lost consciousness after the crash, at Silverstone, broke five ribs and suffered concussion and a tear to his superior mesenteric artery –the main artery in the abdomen – in the crash on March 13.
He is recovering slowly at home, nursed by partner Charlie, but the crash wrote off the car he and his father prepared – on the first day of the season.
Will, who has had to take time off work from his job as a Rolls-Royce mechanical engineer, said: "Coming through the final corners I was hit from behind, which turned my car across the track. However, while the initial contact was minimal, the consequences were massive.
"A following car was unable to avoid my stationary car and made significant contact with my driver's side door and rear quarter.
"During the accident, the roll cage bent in, crushed the seat and unfortunately me with it. I was knocked unconscious and
I'm told it took the marshals over 30 minutes to extricate me from the car."
Will was taken to hospital in Banbury and then Oxford to be assessed and was told his artery tear would heal without surgery.
He said it was the worst injury he had suffered in racing, but added: "I'm eternally thankful for still having all my fingers and toes.
"It's only pain, I'm alive and everything's connected."
Will, who is 29, has been
racing for around 16 years, having started in karts and moved on to Mazda MX-5 sports cars around 12 years ago.
He won the 2022 Mazda Supercup Championship and three other championships in 2018, 2017, and 2016.
But having lost his car he will have to sit out most if not all of the season.
He has launched an online fundraiser on website Gofundme to help pay for new safety gear such as a roll cage and HANs
head and neck protector, and had raised more than £1,800 as the Voice went to print, much of it from fellow members of the Mazda racing community.
Will said: "People have been very kind. It makes you realise there are quite a few friends in the paddock you didn't know about."
Will's fundraising page can be found at tinyurl.com/2czk78rn.
Anyone interested in sponsoring him can email wbcracing@gmail.com.
From page 1
Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall told the Voice Coalpit Heath would be one of the areas where the soft plastics scheme would be introduced this spring.
The council is currently in negotiations over a new waste and recycling contract, which will see the running of Sort It centres brought in-house and a new firm appointed to replace current operator Suez.
A cabinet meeting in March heard bids would be submitted over the summer, before a decision is made in October on a new contractor to take over from August next year.
The council says black bin collections would initially stay fortnightly, but contract bidders are being asked to also submit costs for threeweekly collections.
Council cabinet member with responsibility for waste and recycling Leigh Ingham said: "Our aim is to make recycling easier for everyone and by doing that, there will be less rubbish needing to go in people’s black bins.
"We will continue to talk and listen to residents about changes, and support is always available for those who need it, whether by collecting nappies or medical
waste for a period, or through assisted collections for people with mobility issues."
At a meeting of the Frome Valley Community Engagement Forum in March, council service director for place delivery Mark King said the move to three-weekly black bin collections was expected to happen by 2027.
It is expected to save the council at least £1 million per year.
Mr King said the council's recycling rate had "plateaued" at 60% and a lot of recyclable items were still going into black bins. The prospect of a future carbon tax on incinerated waste meant the council needed this to change.
He said: "We need to force those more stubborn residents to recycle a bit more and I think having less capacity to put some of those recyclables in black bins will encourage some of those people to participate in recycling – that's what's happened elsewhere."
Asked if the changes would affect residents who already recycle, Mr King said feedback from consultations was that many people who already recycled could cope with the change.
He said: "There's an appetite to do it and
there's definitely room in the black bin for a three-weekly collection."
Residents whose homes join the soft plastic recycling trial will be given a pack of plastic bags to put them in, which then need to be tied up and put in green recycling boxes.
People can order new bags online, by phone or at One Stop Shops – there is no charge for them, or for any other replacement bins or containers.
A booking system for anyone taking rubbish to one of South Gloucestershire Council's Sort It recycling centres is due to be introduced later this year.
As reported in March's Voice, the council says a new law means it has to limit how much DIY waste, such as rubble and plasterboard, people bring to recycling centres and says a booking system is the best way to do this.
A survey asking people how the booking system should work was due to close on April 1 and can be found at tinyurl.com/yc3fxj3u.
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help in making a response.
MP column: Page 18
MAJOR changes to the Westlink minibus service are planned form April to stop commuters from “abusing” the scheme. The dial-a-ride minibuses operate across the Bristol region but some users are booking trips far longer than intended, causing the service serious issues.
Westlink was launched in April last year, and is known as “demand responsive transport”. Passengers book a trip on an app, and a bright green minibus picks them up and in theory takes them to existing bus routes, for a £2 fare.
But the service, set up by the West of England Combined Authority, has faced several problems including a shortage of drivers.
From April 8, the transport zones will be made much smaller, to stop passengers from booking excessively long trips, such as to Bristol Airport.
In the Frome Valley area the changes will see the wide-ranging North zone, which stretched from Thornbury to Marshfield will be abolished and replaced by a Yate Rural zone, which ranges from Charfield to Tormarton but does not include Pucklechurch or Bradley Stoke.
A shared 'corridor' between Yate and
Thornbury will enable people to book journeys between the two towns.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris says the changes are to encourage shorter journeys.
In total there will be eight smaller “core” zones and 13 shared zones to replace the previous three-zone system.
There will also be changes to the booking system, as the app has previously allowed people to book trips where there were
already existing bus routes.
Mr Norris said: "I always said we would listen and learn as we went along.
"WESTlink’s aim is to allow all passengers to link up with the popular main bus routes that run every 15 minutes into our main cities."
Designed to help people in areas with little or no public transport to connect with main bus routes, 100,000 journeys have been made on WESTlink so far.
A West of England audit committee meeting in March heard the scheme, which has two more years of funding under the
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is asking people who live in Yate to share their experiences of getting around the town.
A new project called Getting About in Yate is asking how people currently travel around Yate for journeys including visiting shops or going to school and what barriers they face that prevent them going on foot or by bike, wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair.
The council plans to use the information to plan improvements which will make it "easier and more pleasant for people to walk, wheel or cycle".
People wanting to contribute to the project are being asked to go online and complete a travel survey and look at an interactive map where people can pinpoint locations and suggest improvements.
The survey also includes
information about a proposed new cycle route linking Yate Railway Station to the north of the town. Cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: “This is a real opportunity to improve accessibility in Yate.
"Working together we want to make it easier, safer and more attractive for people to walk, wheel or cycle, especially for those local journeys like going to school or popping to the shops.
“This funding is limited and can only be spent on supporting active and sustainable travel, so we need to prioritise the right improvements in the right places and that’s where local people come in. We want to know where the barriers are stopping people going about their daily lives.
“It’s a really exciting chance to get some of the things we have all been moaning about for years sorted out."
The survey is open until April 10 and can be found at www. southglos.gov.uk/getting-aboutin-yate.
THE River Frome does not have a single stretch in good 'ecological health', a new report has found.
Environmental charity the Rivers Trust analysed Environment Agency figures for 3,553 separate stretches of English rivers in two areas the regulator measures: chemical health – the presence of chemical pollutants; ecological health – the presence, absence and abundance of animal species.
It found that none of England's rivers were in good overall health, and only 15% were in good ecological health.
The trust said the Frome was in 'poor' ecological health on the stretch between its source near Chipping Sodbury and where it meets the Ladden Brook, north of Frampton Cotterell.
The stretch from Ladden Brook to the Folly Brook, which passes through Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne Down, was in 'moderate' ecological health, with phosphate pollution from agriculture and land management listed as a pollution source.
Downstream stretches of the Frome towards Bristol's Floating Harbour and the Folly Brook, which runs through Lyde Green before flowing into the Frome at Moorend, were
also in 'moderate' ecological health, with pollution from agricultural land and urban pollution listed as the causes.
The Rivers Trust said:
"Almost everything we do on land impacts our rivers. Rivers carry the chemical and physical fingerprint of their local catchments – the land area around rivers from which water drains.
"They have been polluted, channelised, fragmented by barriers and rarely still follow their natural course. Their current state reflects what we’ve done across their catchments over hundreds of years.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris called the report "shocking".
He said: "This isn’t just an attack on our precious natural environment, it’s a public health catastrophe."
Mr Norris said he was funding a suspended floating plant system to help fish and rare eels at Bristol's new Capricorn Quay development and working with partners including the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to reduce road run-off.
The Voice has asked the Environment Agency to comment on the measures currently in place to monitor water quality on the Frome and take enforcement action against any polluters who can be positively identified.
MORE people applied for a place at Winterbourne Academy than any other school in South Gloucestershire, new figures show.
The council says a total of 2,833 first-choice applications were made for Year 7 places at secondary schools in the district from September.
A total of 760 families made first, second or third-preference applications to Winterbourne, which made offers to 300 in March.
Of those, 304 made the school their first choice - the second highest number in the district behind Downend School, which had 359 first-preference applications – 216 made it their second preference and 240 third choice.
Winterbourne Academy offered places to 254 of its 304 first-preference applicants, 30 to second choice and 16 to third choice.
Places were offered to 13 children with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school, five children in care, 107 siblings of current pupils of
the school and 175 children living within two-and-a-half miles of the school.
Across the district the council says 83% of children were offered a place at their family's firstchoice school, down from 86% in the previous year.
Five schools are increasing their intake to offer extra classes, and the council says much of this is down to delays in building a 900-place school at Lyde Green, was originally supposed to open in 2022 but is not expected to be ready until 2026.
Council co-leader and cabinet member for schools Ian Boulton said that, following "a number of false starts" in previous years, the new administration had set "extremely challenging targets to try and make up for so much lost time".
Cllr Boulton said: "There is clearly a limit to the number of additional places other schools can offer, however we will be in an even better position to meet the preferences of local families when the delayed new secondary school for Lyde Green is finally open."
A VILLAGE school is set to introduce a nursery class for children aged three and four.
Hambrook Primary School is planning to expand its age range from the current four to 11 to include three-year-old children to tackle a "shortfall in placements" with other providers.
South Gloucestershire Council said the school's governing body had held consultations with parents and market research to assess the likely demand, as well as talking to existing pre-school local providers.
The council said: "An independent provider did exist on the Hambrook school site previously but has closed in recent years and has not been replaced, leaving a shortfall in placements.
"These activities have indicated that there is demand in the area for pre-school places and that a provision at Hambrook Primary will help to meet the need of the local community.
"Assessment of accommodation at the school has identified space for the proposed nursery without adverse effect on the accommodation and facilities for
school-aged children.
"The increased offer to working parents for funded childcare from April 2024 will see an increase in demand for pre-school places. A provision at Hambrook Primary School will help to meet the increase in demand."
The council held a four-week consultation, which was announced in late February and closed on March 20, ahead of a proposed introduction of the increased age range from April 1.
The consultation document said: "There are no plans to make any other changes in the organisation of Hambrook Primary School and the governing body, leadership and staffing arrangements will remain as they are.
"Discussions will take place with the existing staff and the governing body will be responsible for appointing staff to meet the needs of the proposed nursery class."
The council added: "It is not anticipated that this proposal will have any effect, including adverse effect, on any other schools in the area."
CHILDREN at St Michael's C of E Primary School found out about living in the prehistoric past when they had a Stone Age day.
Year 3 pupils at the school in Linden Close, Winterbourne, spent the morning leaning how to start a fire, using flint and cotton wool in place of kindling, then gathered round to roast a more modern treat – marshmallows.
They then practised spear throwing at a pretend woolly mammoth and built shelters to protect themselves from the elements.
Teacher Laurence Clee said: "Year Three thoroughly enjoyed being outside all day pretending to live like Stone Age people and learning what it would have been like to use simple tools."
Children celebrated World Book Day by wearing pyjamas to school for activities around bedtime stories, and staging a ‘book in a box’ competition where pupils were encouraged to create a scene from a book of their choice inside a box.
Year 1 pupils had a class trip to the SS Great Britain.
ORGANISERS of Winterbourne Down Village Carnival are expecting this year's procession to be busier than normal after May Day celebrations in nearby Iron Acton were cancelled.
The procession on Monday May 6 is the highlight of two days of events.
It will start at Bradley Avenue shops around 10.15am, with Bristol Pipers leading the parade through the streets to arrive at Winterbourne Down Methodist Church at around 10.45am, after which the carnival king and queen will be crowned. There will also be judging for a fancy dress competition for children attending the parade.
Carnival committee spokesperson Kathryn Hopes said: "We’d love to see the children dressed up on the theme of 'films', the more imaginative the better –
you’ll find an array of stalls, food offerings and entertainment, our biggest to date.
"We’re expecting this year to be busier than previous years, as Iron Acton’s May Day is not running, so with this in mind we have secured parking at Winterbourne Academy and the Greenfield Centre - we highly recommend using this, as there will be more road restrictions closer to the village.
"If approaching from Hambrook, please park on the Common."
Organisers of the Iron Acton May Fayre said the event was "undergoing a restructure and will not be running this year"
Describing it as "the end of an era", they said: "Future years are likely to look very different."
The organisers said they would work with Iron Acton Primary School PTA to ensure children "do
This year's Winterbourne Down for charity Suicide Prevention UK.
A WINTERBOURNE author who topped the Amazon bestsellers list with his first novel is celebrating a successful follow-up.
James Burgess wrote The Donor, which was set in and around Winterbourne, while on furlough during the first lockdown.
It sold almost 10,000 copies in the first month after publication – but his followup The Adopted Daughter is doing even better, and is being read all over the globe.
James, who publishes under the name JJ Burgess, said: "Its funny but when the new book was published it only reached number 3 on the Amazon chart, so my initial reaction was of disappointment.
"But then I discovered from the publishers that it actually
sold 12,000 copies in that first month so I was more than happy."
The Adopted Daughter is described as "a psychological thriller with a shocking twist" and, once again, James has set the story in and around his local area, on the basis that the formula worked so well last time.
He said: "I had an agreement with the publisher to write a second book, but after three months of trying I was really struggling to get anywhere – I had only written about half a page.
"So I abandoned that and started The Adopted Daughter, which was a totally different story, and the publisher hadn’t agreed to it.
"I didn’t tell them, which was a stupid thing to do because I had a contract
for a different book! "But very quickly I wrote 60,000 words and sent it to my editor, who sort of told me 'you really shouldn’t do this' but thankfully the publishers loved it. I finished writing it and it ended up around 75,000 to 80,000 words.
"I was very lucky that they accepted it and now I’ve got a contract for two further books, although they have told me very politely to just write those books that we have agreed on!"
Despite his success as an author, James is not intending to give up his day job who works as a sales director for a cookware and kitchenware company anytime soon.
He said: "Although my publishers are keen for me to do it, I am just at that tipping point where I’m not ready to contemplate the leap yet.
"I enjoy my day job and, of course, there is always that financial question as well.
"I think I will get to the stage where I go full time eventually, but at the minute I am just enjoying the way my life is laid out really."
James's friends and neighbours have given a positive reaction to his stories being based locally, and he even gave some of his friends some bit parts in the story of The Adopted Daughter, including his barber.
James said: "He read my first book and really enjoyed it, so he makes a little cameo appearance in the next one, which is a lot of fun.
"The third book I am writing is called The Student, which is going really well and once again is set in Winterbourne, so I am cracking on with that at the moment.
"Its really nice to have the support of local people who spread the word about my writing, although over 50% of sales are in America.
"People in Canada, Australia and even Japan are reading about Winterbourne, so that’s really nice."
The Adopted Daughter by JJ Burgess is published by Inkubator Books and is available at Amazon and all good bookshops.
A NOVEL telling the story of a boy who makes friends and takes courage from a ghost is this year's winner of the Concorde Book Award.
The literature prize run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries is one of the few in the country that involve children all the way through, from choosing the longlist and winner, to making presentations and interviewing authors at the award ceremony.
Pupils from Winterbourne Academy were among those at a celebration event at the Bristol & Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, where the winner was announced on March 12.
It was the first time the awards had been held since 2020, before the start of the Covid lockdown.
HOUSEHOLDERS in Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath are being warned to make sure parked cars and sheds are locked at night following a spate of thefts.
PCSO Jacqui McCormack told the March meeting of the Frome Vale Community Engagement Forum that thieves were trying car door handles and outbuilding doors and stealing anything they could carry away.
She said two or more different people or groups were behind the incidents between January and March, with more than a dozen reported in the area around Perrinpit Road and Old Gloucester Road.
This year's winner was Ghostcloud, by Michael Mann, who attended the ceremony and said: "I’m over the moon to have won the Concorde Book Award 2024.
"These awards mean so much to us authors. It’s so important to know you’ve connected with young readers – that’s what it’s all about for me.
"Ghostcloud is my first book
and I’m on cloud nine!”
Also there to meet young readers were Costa Awardwinning author Jasbinder Bilan and a previously-shortlisted Concorde award author, Sophie Cleverly.
Officers called to one incident had come close to catching the offender, who had left the stolen items behind.
Forensic tests are also being carried out on a crowbar and a disposable vape recovered from the scene of one attempted theft.
Extra night patrols are being carried out in all three villages, residents were told.
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A FORMER soldier from Yate whose life was saved by a heart transplant during the Covid lockdown is preparing to run in the Manchester Marathon as part of his pledge to raise money for the medical staff who gave him a new lease of life.
Phil Hardwell was just 29 when he was diagnosed with a rare and genetic form of heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in 2017.
After his condition rapidly deteriorated, he was admitted to the Royal Papworth hospital in Cambridge with severe heart failure to wait for a transplant and subsequently underwent successful surgery in April 2020.
Phil said: "It was a huge shock when I was diagnosed because I had no symptoms and there seemed to be nothing wrong with me. I couldn’t believe it for a few months because I felt fitter than I ever was.
“Being in the military I never considered my health and thought that I was invincible. Having something like that happen to you makes you feel a lot more grateful for what you have.”
Since then he has made a remarkable recovery, which has allowed him to enjoy the company of his young sons Reggie and Luca.
In 2021 Phil completed the Bristol Half
Marathon and took part in a charity football match to raise funds for the Royal Papworth Hospital charity.
The following year he ran the London Marathon, and now he has his sights set on the Manchester Marathon on 14th April where
he will be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.
Phil said: "I’m just hoping to enjoy the race as much as possible.
"In any transplant journey there are a few ups and downs with medication etc, but overall I’m feeling very good. Running is great for my mental health and allows me to escape from the stresses of everyday life."
Phil, who now works as a Health & Safety Advisor, warmed up for Manchester by running the Weston-super-Mare half marathon and has the Bristol Half pencilled in to his schedule in May.
He is hoping to improve on his London time of 6 hours 15 minutes and raise around £1,000 for the charity.
He said: “It will be four years since my heart transplant on April 8, so this will be an amazing way to celebrate what can be achieved from organ donation and signing up to become a donor.
"The BHF funds around £100 million of research each year into heart and circulatory diseases, and their causes, including stroke, vascular dementia and diabetes, so it is a special cause which I can particularly relate to."
To sponsor Phil online visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/phillip-hardwell2.
“From
A VOLUNTEER charity that enables 4x4 drivers to help communities and emergency services in times of need is on the lookout for new recruits from South Gloucestershire.
Wessex 4x4 Response is a charity whose members head out on the road to help in flooding, snow and other major incidents. They ensure essential workers such as NHS staff can make community rounds or get to shifts in the snow, and transport teams helping in police searches.
Volunteers' vehicles also provide logistical support at major events like Glastonbury Festival, Race for Life and the Somerset carnivals.
Driver and trustee Norman Dagger is encouraging other 4X4 owners to join him.
Any type of 4x4 vehicle can be useful – members drive a variety of vehicles from smaller Suzuki Skoda and VWs with four wheel drive to Land Rover Defenders, Discoveries and Nissan L200 pick-ups.
Norman said: "As long as it's got four-wheel drive it can be useful – especially vehicles with a low-ratio gearbox and 'diff lock' (locking differential).
"But you don't need to have a 4x4 to join up – we also have a computer-based control team, media, fundraising and training teams as well as support functions for the charity."
The group started in 2002
in Somerset and has grown to cover the whole of the Avon & Somerset police area, as well as Dorset and Wiltshire.
It is split into local teams – the Bristol and South Gloucestershire team has around 24 members, from a total of 226 responders overall.
They work with local resilience forums, which are partnerships involving the emergency services, councils, NHS and Environment Agency, to provide logistical support in emergencies.
Members are given training to help utilise their vehicles and build their own skills, and also hold social events to build team spirit and share their passion for 4x4s.
For more details visit www. wessex4x4response.org.uk, where there is a link to an application form.
THE government has issued a major warning to the West of England Combined Authority, and ordered its political leaders to get along. A “best value notice” issued to the combined authority in March by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities directs it to set up an "independent improvement panel" to tackle a host of issues, from poor relationships between political leaders to “confusion” about what the combined authority does.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who heads the three-council organisation, insisted he would “redouble” his efforts.
The notice said one concern identified was “the poor state of professional relationships between the West of England Combined Authority Mayor and the representatives of the constituent members of the Authority, which is impacting partnership working and potentially limiting the authority’s ability to optimise strategic opportunities.”
Auditors Grant Thornton had previously warned in 2022 that strained relationships between the political leaders were a “significant weakness” and called on them to work together – but the government notice warned there had been “inconsistent action” on this.
There have continued to be a number of high-profile spats between Mr Norris the leaders of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset councils, including a row over who should pay for subsidised bus services.
At a WECA scrutiny committee on March 12, Mr Norris said he would “do a reset” when Bristol's mayoral system is abolished after May's local elections.
Mr Norris said the change to South Gloucestershire Council's administration last year, with a Lib Dem/Labour coalition taking over, was also a "great opportunity for...hopefully new relationships.”
By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
THE Green Party has announced its candidate to be Thornbury & Yate's MP at the next general election.
Alexandra Jenner-Fust, who grew up in the Severn Vale and has lived near Thornbury for 14 years, has been selected to take on current Thornbury & Yate Conservative MP Luke Hall.
She is one of four candidates the party announced in March to contest the district's four Parliamentary constituencies.
Alex works as a gardener and school secretary.
A mother of two children, she has worked in the charitable, private and public sectors, as a researcher, journalist and editor, volunteers with family support charity Homestart and is clerk to her local parish meeting.
Alex said: "I grew up here, in the rural Severn Vale, before going to university, travelling and working abroad and settling in London for several years. I returned to live near Thornbury
in 2010 and I believe it’s a wonderful place to call home.
"I am passionate about both climate action and social justice, without which we do not have a viable future or hope for a society in which everyone can flourish. I joined the Green Party last year because I have spent too much time grumbling about our current political arrangements without taking any action.
"We are the only party putting the climate first, but we’re about much more than that, with sensible policies to tackle the cost of living crisis, improve the way housing is delivered, prioritise public transport and build a fairer society for everyone.
"In my view politics should help deliver a fairer society without compromising the planet. To achieve this, we need structural change –starting with proportional
representation, and to step away from point-scoring personality politics."
The Greens did not stand a candidate in Thornbury & Yate, which includes Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, at the last general election.
The party's candidate in 2017 came in fourth place, with 1.2% of the vote.
Mr Hall had a majority of more than 12,000 over the Liberal Democrats, in second, at the last two general elections.
James Nelson has been selected by the Greens to contest the Filton and Bradley Stoke seat, which covers Winterbourne and is currently held by Conservative Jack Lopresti.
The youngest candidate to be confirmed so far, James is a 19-year-old Bristol University law student and Bradley Stoke town councillor.
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young has revealed that she has received death threats during election campaigns.
The Frampton Cotterell ward Liberal Democrat councillor made the revelation during a discussion on the safety of politicians.
Cllr Young has been the leader of South Gloucestershire Council since May last year, when a Lib Dem/Labour coalition replaced the previous Conservative administration following the local elections, and will also stand for Parliament at the next general election, having been selected as her party's candidate for the Thornbury & Yate constituency.
In February the government announced that £31 million will be spent on extra security for MPs. Speaking to John Darvall on BBC Radio Bristol, Cllr Young spoke about the rising safety threats faced by politicians.
She said: “I have experienced threats in previous elections.
"It’s sadly something that you do face, but I would say on the whole I haven’t let them put me
off. I happily get out there, I’m out there every week meeting people.
“There are some people, who will pick up on whatever issue, who are predisposed to behaving in this way.
"Most people, however passionately they feel about something, are not going to do things like sending death threats. The vast majority of people don’t do things like that.
“People who make threats generally don’t follow through on them. We can’t let that stop us from taking part in democracy."
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting ServiceVOTERS are being asked to decide who should be in overall charge of Avon & Somerset police for the next four years.
In just over a month's time, elections will be held across the region to vote for the next Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC.
Coming with a salary of £88,600, the PCC's role is to oversee the force, ensuring it is "efficient and effective".
The PCC's powers include:
● Hiring and firing the chief constable, and holding them to account for running the force
● Setting objectives for the area
Born in Taunton, has worked in TV news and for a coach company. Former deputy leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council. Male voice choir singer and hospital charity fundraiser.
The Lib Dem plan for the police:
Make policing more visible and community-orientated
Increase prosecution rates for serious and violent crime
Help police to work with integrity and without discrimination
Focus on ‘broken windows’ - small crimes that damage confidence and trust
Predict and provide policing to help tackle rural crime as well as urban crime
Help make sure offenders don’t do it again – most want to ‘go straight’
through a police and crime plan
● Setting the budget and determining the precept charge paid by council tax payers
● Contributing to national and international policing capabilities
● Bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners, to 'join up' local priorities.
● Funding crime prevention services
The current PCC is Conservative Mark Sheldon, who was elected to the role in 2021, in an election postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.
He took over from independent
I am a councillor in Bristol, and an Avon and Somerset Magistrate. Before that, I worked for twenty years overseas with the UN on child protection and violence against women.
As Police Commissioner, I will prioritise preventing crime, working with community to support youth services and tackle the social causes of crime. Knife crime in cities will be a focus, with more visible neighbourhood policing and greater services to victims and families. To address poor performance and prejudice within the force, I will enhance the independence of misconduct panels, while recognising the integrity of the vast majority of officers. Above all, we will police by consent; and I will work tirelessly with the Avon and Somerset Police to get closer to and re-gain the trust of the communities we serve.
Sue Mountstevens, who stepped down having been in the post since it was created in 2012.
Nominations for the PCC will close at 4pm on April 5.
The election will take place on Thursday, May 2. Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 10pm.
There are no other scheduled elections on that day in South Gloucestershire, with council elections having happened last year and the Metro Mayor election not due until May of next year.
The deadline for registering to vote is midnight on April 16.
Anyone voting in person will need to bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, or can
Clare brings rich experience, from her current role as CEO of a charity to her time spent working in No 10. She previously represented our region as an MEP Investing in neighbourhood policing – to build safer communities and help prevent and solve crime.
Supporting victims of crime – making sure victims are properly listened to, and get the help they need when they need it.
Prioritising reducing violent crime – The scale of violent crime, including knife crime and violence against women and girls, isn't inevitable but it needs focus and commitment to fix it.
Preventing crime – work with agencies across the public sector and civil society to prevent crime and build safer communities.
Restoring trust and confidence in the police – enabling the police to take pride in high standards.
apply to South Gloucestershire Council for a Voter Authority Certificate, by 5pm April 24.
People can apply for a postal or proxy vote (where someone else is allowed to cast a vote on a resident's behalf) via the council's website, by 5pm on April 17.
For more information on the election, visit the website www. aspccelections.co.uk.
As the Voice went to press, four political parties had already announced candidates.
The Voice has asked them to send a short biography and manifesto to outline their priorities.
They appear in the order they will be on the ballot paper:
Mark has over 35 years of experience of serving our country in the military and local government and has been your PCC since 2021. Resides in Bath with his family.
When elected, Mark pledged more police, a focus on tackling serious crime and to represent every community when holding the police to account. He has delivered. The constabulary has trained over 1,500 new officers, is the best force for illegal drug disruptions and has seen a 300% increase in rape cases reaching court by designing a nationally acclaimed investigation model. He appointed a courageous Chief Constable determined to restore trust in policing.
Mark will prioritise crime prevention, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women. He remains committed to reducing re-offending, supporting skills programmes for prisoners and ensuring victims receive support.
want more info? get in touch!
office@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk www. framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk
01454 864442
Frampton Cotterell Parish Council @
Welcome to Frampton Cotterell Parish Council’s Annual Budget Newsletter for 2024/25. The proposed budget for Frampton Cotterell Parish Council for the financial year 2024/2025 is £414,801. This is an increase on the previous financial year which had a budget of £381,303. Please see page 2 for our planned spending breakdown.
Over the past year, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has been proud to undertake many projects, improvements, events, and more in the village. Take a look at some of our key achievements from 2023/24...
Refurbished Ridings Road Play Area; Renovation of the tennis courts at The Park, School Road; Installing external lighting at the Pavilion at The Park; Drainage works at The Park; Filling potholes in the carpark at The Park; Installing a new noticeboard at The Park; Replacing damaged fencing at The Park, including installing “Hedgehog Highways”.
Brockeridge Centre, Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, BS36 2LQ
Frampton Cotterell Parish Council currently has four councillor vacancies
If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor and helping improve and support our village, please visit our “Vacancies” page on our website and read our eligibility criteria. Alternatively, send us an email, give us a call, or visit us to have a chat and learn more!
Installed a dental recycling point at The Brockeridge Centre; Providing a free-to-use Bike Repair Kit (donated by South Glos. Council); Running monthly nature volunteering sessions; Installed a pond at Centenary Field; Upgraded gate and fencing at Jubilee & Mill Lane Allotments.
2024Frampton Cotterell
Frampton
Cotterell
PARISH COUNCIL PARISH COUNCIL
in collaboration with Frampton CotterelL
Nature Group
get the app!
April 25th: Evening Bat Walk
April 26th: Community Nature Reserves launch + nature activities, stalls, quiz + prizes and more!
April 27th: A day of free nature walks in the village.
Plus recording local nature on iNaturalist!
Visit our website & social media pages to learn more!
The Park Pathway Proposal
Ran public surveys on: Ran two Hedgehog Heroes events in collaboration with Frampton Cotterell Nature & Westerleigh Parish Council; Hosted the first Local Nature Art Exhibition at the Brockeridge Centre; Declared a Climate & Nature Emergency and produced a new Environment Policy.
Courts development; Climate & Nature declaration; King’s Coronation celebration plans; Local Nature Art Exhibitions; Additional nature volunteering sessions; Park Pathway proposal.
Frampton Cotterell Parish Council wants your feedback on our proposed pathway at The Park, School Road.
Learn more and have your say by visiting our website and completing our pathway survey. Scan the QR code below or visit the surveys page on our website!
9%
Community Build ings
25%
Utilities and improvements to Parish Council owned or managed buildings, e.g. the Brockeridge Centre and the Pavilion.
Community events, benches, bins, Christmas lights, Climate & Nature works, and more!
Costs associated with the general running of the parish council, including support staff, broadband, and materials.
7% 5%
Costs of materials & labour for maintenance, including parks, vehicles, buildings, car parks, etc.
Professional contracts such as auditing services, health & safety services, legal services & more.
The parish council secured external funding for projects in 2023/24, including:
Ridings Road Play Area Cost: £62,391
Outsourced Funding: 77.8%
FCPC Budget: 22.2%
We received £43,700 from the Suez Communities Fund, £716 from CIL, and £500 from South Gloucestershire Council Member Awards Funding towards our refurbishment of the Ridings Road Play Area.
Tennis Courts Cost: £121, 294
Outsourced Funding: 100%
We received £78,047.80 from South Gloucestershire Council’s Section 106 money, £41,780.76 from the UK Government and the Lawn Tennis Association, and £1,466 from CIL for improvements to the tennis courts at The Park, School Road.
14%
Costs for the enhancement and improvement of play areas & open spaces within the parish.
3% Highway Ser v i ces
Costs for emptying litter bins and grass-cutting on all verges within the Frampton Cotterell parish curtilage.
The parish precept will be increased by 6.79% in 2024/25.
Band D properties will see a precept increase of £9.90 for the year, or 82p per month. This increase was resolved based on overall increasing costs, the number of projects being carried out, and the loss of certain grant funding monies.
Weekly “Coffee & Cake Mornings” at The Brockeridge Centre; Bi-monthly “Crochet & Knit Club” sessions; Free inclusive Bat Walks & Talks with braille & BSL provision; Installed public boot scraper at The Park;
We awarded several grant funding awards, including:
£608 to Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir; £3,950 to Beesmoor Road Playing Field Committee; £2,000 to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau
£100 to the Frampton Cotterell Legion
Sneak-peek at 2024/25 plans
Finalising the renovations of the tennis courts; Youth Survey on recreation facilities development; Park Pathway project; Making more accessibility improvements;
Improvements to play areas & open spaces; Events including 2024 BioBlitz, Community Awards / “Thank You Cream Tea”, D-Day Celebrations, Christmas lights, Carols Around The Tree ...& more!
Held our Community Awards Nominations and prize-giving (2024 award winners announced soon!); Hosted the 2023 Scarecrow Trail ...
...and so much more! Visit our website to learn more about the parish council and what we do for you.
OVER the past two years, I have been fighting to introduce soft plastic recycling collections at the kerbside to every home in South Gloucestershire.
Last year, following a debate in the House of Commons, I was thrilled to secure agreement from Government Ministers that South Gloucestershire could be a trial area for the kerbside soft plastic recycling scheme.
Several local villages were included in the first stage of the trial, and it has proven to be a huge success.
Around 2,000 households participated in the first stage and since it started, more than three tons of plastic bags, wrappers and various packets have been
diverted away from landfill – the equivalent of over a million crisp packets.
Since then, I’ve been pushing for soft plastic recycling at the kerbside to be rolled out to every home across South Gloucestershire and I am delighted to confirm that parts of Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath are expected to be included in the Phase 2 of the rollout.
Collection of soft plastics at the kerbside is planned to begin in May this year.
Suez waste collection will collect residents’ soft plastic recycling, such as plastic bags, fruit and vegetable packing, chocolate and sweet wrappers, cling film or crisp
We are a 24hours service provider, Domiciliary Care Services.
Domiciliary Care / Home Care / Supported Living: We are committed to providing 24 hours homecare support in the comfort of your own home.
Live-in Care:
We provide full-time care in the comfort of your own home, a viable alternative to residential care, especially for individual and couples.
Respite Care / Night care:
We step in when you need to make time for yourself from caring for your loved ones.
Community care / Support:
We support you with all community activities such as shopping, attending medical appointment and all social activities within the community.
Extra care / support:
We provide specialist care for people with special needs / complex care while at home.
Our staff include: Registered Nurses (RN) / Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMN) / Registered Learning Disabilities Nurses (RLDN) / Senior Support worker (Medication competent) / Support Worker.
Contact us today:
info@macritahealthcare.co.uk or visit www.macritahealthcare.co.uk
And complete an Who needs care form or call 01173361135 or 07383691944. Citibase, Aztec Centre, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol. BS32 4TD. Our prices are affordable and negotiable.
packets, and will provide the bags to put it all in. These bags will then be collected weekly, with the other recycling.
Residents will receive further information from the council shortly, about the types of plastic which will be collected and confirming all the final details.
I am so grateful to everybody who signed my petition, supported the debate in Parliament, and supported my calls for every home in South Gloucestershire to have softplastic recycling at the kerbside.
Together, as a community, we are making South Gloucestershire greener, reducing the amount of plastic and household waste that is being sent to landfill
and helping to protect our local environment for future generations.
As we roll out the second phase of the soft-plastic recycling scheme, we are delivering a key part of our positive plan for the environment, and keeping South Gloucestershire as the best place to live, work and raise a family.
CHILDREN from Elm Park Primary School in Winterbourne were among 50 who took part in a tournament to test their tech skills.
Hotpoint’s tumble dryer factory in Yate was the scene for this year's Institution of Engineering and Technology First Lego League Challenge Bristol tournament.
The team was among six from schools across Bristol and South Gloucestershire taking part in the tournament, part of an international science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) competition for children aged between nine and 16, held in over 100 countries worldwide.
Teams have to build and program robots to complete a series of missions in competitive matches.
This year a team from Frenchay Primary School won the local title and will take part in the national finals later in the
year. Hotpoint's Ian Moverley said: "In our industry, we're very aware of the need to encourage young people into STEM careers and see first-hand the importance of helping to bridge the skills gap between school leavers and the workforce."
Schools that want to take part next year can email events@ consciouscomms.com for more information.
A RESEARCHER in Holland is asking for help in tracing the descendants of a soldier from Yate who was killed in action during the Allied liberation of Europe.
Theo Vervoort is appealing for information about Private Ivor Vernon Williams, of 2nd Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on November 25, 1944.
Ivor, who lived at The British, on the outskirts of Yate near Engine Common, is buried in the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Venray in the south of the Netherlands.
Theo, who works for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Venray War Cemetery Foundation for the Adoption of War Graves, said: "I live nearby and am looking for information about the brave young men who are buried there. They all deserve their story to be told.
"I would like to get in contact with relatives to get to know the story that ended so sadly.
“We are trying to find out who he was and it would be great if we can find relatives and obtain a photograph, so that there will be a face and not only a name to remember him by.”
Yate resident Sue Swanborough is helping in the search.
She said: “According to the census, Ivor’s mother, Alice Blanche Williams, died in 1978 at Iron Acton.
"Those that care for his grave and others are trying to piece together these young men's history.
"Theo and his team would love to have a photo of Ivor and a background to Ivor’s life before WW2."
Anyone who has information which could help find Ivor's relatives can contact Sue by email at swanbo42@btinternet.com.
AS part of my preparation for Holy Week I went to see Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hippodrome.
I was left feeling somewhat disappointed, that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice have seen that story of Jesus's passion in a different way to that which I have.
Perhaps I'm wrong, perhaps they're wrong, perhaps we are all wrong, but maybe we are all right.
I think what disappointed me most was probably the way that Jesus is portrayed through all of their adaptation.
A man who is God himself is shown as being weak and feeble, without any power; there is no indication that God chose to empty himself and take that form of servant.
The production does grasp the concept that Jesus is very much misunderstood, without offering a better understanding.
I have to get over the fact that Mary Magdalene is painted as a
lady of the night, even though there's no biblical evidence for that.
We know that Mary Magdalene funded the ministry of Jesus by her own means and therefore she was probably from a very wealthy family, something of a socialite. Now, as then, the wealthiest families are not most likely to be the most morally upright, even though they often claim to be. But to suggest Jesus had succumbed to the charms of a lady of the night is outright blasphemy!
My third problem is the way that Judas is painted. It is almost certainly true that Judas doesn’t understand the mission of Jesus. It is also true that he was the betrayer and he had denied this was to be the case. Judas’ motivations for betraying Jesus are painted as jealousy and fear. I don't think they exist in the biblical narrative – it doesn't really tell as much about Judas at all.
Problem four. Where does it end? For me it appeared that Jesus had met with Judas in death, or even hell.
Perhaps l have misunderstood what Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are trying to get across. But for me that overwhelming sense that we've not stuck close enough to a biblical narrative is real.
I am fortunate that this is a story I am familiar with, but what about those for whom this is the only experience of the story of the death of Christ?
Of all those people in the Hippodrome that night probably only 5% of people will hear the story of Jesus in a different way this Easter.
They will be left with the idea that it was the end for Jesus and not a new beginning.
I suppose that actually, I should be pleased that people of gone in mass numbers in order to experience something of the story
of Jesus, but in my heart, I can't help but to think they would have got a better story of Jesus had they gone to church, had they picked up a Bible and read it for themselves.
That way we might not have ended in a confused state and got to the start of the next act – the resurrection, where Christians believe we live as those forgiven through the sacrifice of Christ.
OUR Community Nature Reserve launch party will be held at the British Legion on Friday April 26, from 6.30pm.
Join us to learn about the project, and sign up your garden or green space to be a part of the reserve.
Everyone who joins will be entered into a prize draw. There will be a hedgehog cake competition, a seed swap, and a free plant stall. Please bring along hedgehog themed cakes, any spare seeds you have to swap and any wildlife friendly plants you’d like to donate.
The evening will finish with a pub quiz at 8pm to raise funds for the project. There will be a bar – please note that the event and venue are cash-only.
The end of April also sees the weekend of our annual bioblitz, which is part of the City Nature Challenge.
This is a friendly competition between different cities around the world, to see who can
identify the most species over the weekend.
The event uses the iNaturalist app to help people identify and record their local wildlife. Taking part helps us learn about
our local nature and provides useful data for conservation.
There will be a bat walk on Thursday April 25, and we will be leading nature walks from the red wheel at the Centenary Field
THE recent loss of young lives across the West of England is a huge concern.
At my annual Schools Summit, students pitch ideas to me for new policies.
Sometimes it’s the environment, transport, or about skills. This year’s big theme turned out to be how to tackle knife crime.
Many young people are currently worried, anxious and unclear about what they can do to best avoid knife violence. But they know the awful toll of young lives only too well.
Mason Rist and Max Dixon – aged just 15 and 16 respectively – were stabbed in Knowle West back in January.
Darrian Williams, also just 16, was killed in Easton in February.
Another 16-year-old, Mikey Roynon, was stabbed and killed at a birthday party in Bath last June.
In 2022, Radstock teenager Charley Bates was another young victim. His killer was prosecuted last August.
Knife crime is impacting young people, who are changing their behaviour from fear, for example staying in more and not seeing their friends so frequently.
There is no single answer – far from it. But I do know we must act.
We need to invest in young people and the resources that help them. Real-terms reductions to local council budgets for the past 14 years have hit youth services very badly.
There is also a lack of mental health support for youngsters growing up in an ever more complex and fast-changing world. As a former NSPCC-trained child protection officer, this is something close to my heart.
Young people need mentors, to take part in activities that build their self-esteem. They also need access to first rate support from qualified professionals.
Sadly, young people are staying away from youth clubs and youth provision because they and their parents are frightened. That’s a vicious circle we need to break.
We also need to smash the myth that carrying a knife makes you safer. It doesn’t.
However secure it makes you feel, you’re actually more likely to be stabbed with your own knife than anyone else’s. By carrying a knife, you’re potentially arming your attacker.
The police are right to hold knife amnesties. But the fall in police numbers and prosecutions under this government is unacceptable. I also can’t fathom the reason to wait until the autumn to ban dangerous ‘zombie knives’ and
at 10am and 2pm on Saturday April 27. We will have experts on hand to help identify trees, wildflowers, butterflies, birds and anything else we might find. Between 10am and 2pm there will also be nature activities at our base camp in the Centenary Field.
Come along and learn how to use the iNaturalist app to identify and record the species you find, and take part in our nature ID challenge.
If you’d like to do more to help our local wildlife and keep fit at the same time, then why not come and join our friendly group of volunteers and help us to manage local green spaces for nature?
To join our mailing list and keep up to date with all our nature and volunteering events, please email framptoncotterellnature@ gmail.com
David Hanks
machetes. And when the worst happens, we need people trained to react.
At my schools summit, youngsters learnt from the brilliant anti-knife crime campaigner Leanne Reynolds how to use ‘bleed kits’, which contain everything needed to give first aid to someone rapidly losing blood.
So, here’s the deal: to tackle knife crime head-on, we need to get everyone on board – community groups, charities, businesses, police and especially young people.
It also requires political parties to work together, something as West of England Mayor I’m keen to encourage.
The senseless loss of young life is an utter and total tragedy. It’s time for action, so we can beat it – together.
HAVING given you some ideas for a simple curry last month, this time I thought it might be fun to look at what to serve with it.
You can of course buy precooked rice, which should always be fluffy.
However, it’s an expensive way of doing rice. My recipe for cooking rice in the microwave is foolproof, as long as you follow the instructions carefully.
Then I’ve given you a typical Indian chutney. Forget English chutneys, like Branston pickle,
This is quick, fresh and really good with Indian dishes, especially lamb.
Both this and the raita are much cheaper than buying them in little plastic tubs, and they taste so much fresher.
So go on, take that next step in your curry journey.
I find the easiest way to make perfect fluffy rice is to cook it in the microwave.
The average serving of rice (or pasta) is 75g/3oz. Rice doubles in size as it cooks, so decide on a cup or container which is looks enough for 1 serving.
Fill with rice (I prefer Basmati)
and follow the instructions below, bearing in mind you will need to add double the amount of boiling water to the measured amount of rice, eg one cup of rice = two cups of boiling water and will give you two servings of rice.
Here’s what you do:
● Measure the amount of rice you need using your chosen container and pour it into a fine sieve.
● Wash the rice under a running cold tap until the water runs clear.
● Place the rice in a microwavable dish with lid.
● Pour twice the amount of boiling water into the dish, over the rice.
● Cook on high for 8-10 mins, or until all the water has been absorbed.
Serves 4
● Greek yoghurt – 290ml (½ pint)
● Cucumber – deseeded and finely chopped – ¼
● Fresh mint – finely chopped – 1 tbsp.
● Cumin seeds – toasted and ground – ½ teaspoon.
Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Frome Valley Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.
● Cayenne pepper – a pinch.
● Salt and freshly ground pepper.
Mix all the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Cling film and chill before serving.
Substitute a half ripe mango, finely chopped, or a small banana, chopped, instead of the cucumber.
Serve this with any Indian dishes –particularly good with lamb. Makes 200ml/7 fl oz (enough to serve as an accompaniment with 2 curries)
Ingredients:
● 80g/2 ¾ oz fresh mint leaves
● 20g/ ¾ oz fresh coriander leaves
● 1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped
● 2.5cm/1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
● ½ small onion, chopped
● 1-2 green chillies, or to taste, seeds removed, chopped
● 15 raw pistachio nuts, chopped
● 2 tbsps lemon juice
● 3 tbsps water
● Salt, to taste
Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth.
APRIL 3
n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP AGM at the Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 7.30pm. followed by talk: The Somerset Coal Canal (past present and future), by Derrick Hunt, Chairman of Somerset Coal Canal Society. Non members welcome - £2 each. more details at www.sgmrg.co.uk
APRIL 18
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by David Cuthbert on 'Colours of the South'. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.
APRIL 27
n FRAMPTON COTTERELL
MALE VOICE CHOIR 99th Annual Concert, Zion Church, 7pm. Come and enjoy a varied programme including songs arranged by our own musical director, Tim Warren. Tickets £10 adult, £5 under 18, available from TicketSource at tinyurl.com/4zxu5s5j or via www. fcmvc.co.uk
MONDAY
n WINTERBOURNE FLOWER
CLUB now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details.
n WINTERBOURNE DOWN
LADIES PROBUS CLUB meets at meets at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Join us for an interesting talk and refreshments. £3.50 visitors, £25 annual membership. Call 01454 773647 for more details.
n SINGALONG WITH THE JAYS AND JOY first Monday of the month at Miners Social Club, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 2-3.30pm. Live music: song books and refreshments provided. £5, carers free. Bring a friend free, first time. Details from Hilary, 07515 351813.
TUESDAY
n WINTERBOURNE SHORT
MAT BOWLS CLUB meets every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1.30
until 4.30 pm at WADCA, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Also on Fridays, 1.30-4pm. All welcome. Free trial and tuition available. Call 07542 052837 for more details.
n WINTERBOURNE DOWN
METHODIST CHURCHDrop in for free cup of tea and chat or play board games, every Tuesday from 2-4pm.
n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. Contact croquet@wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.
n CRAFTING: Come and join our group of crafters on the first Tuesday of every month in the Red Brick Annexe, Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2TG from 2-4pm. Bring your own project.
£4 per session: Kay 07792189276.
n OPEN DOOR at Winterbourne
Down Methodist Church, Down Road, every Tuesday 2-4pm. Social gathering - enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, games, music and friendship, especially for those who live on their own.
WEDNESDAY
n WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY:
ADULT BALLET- COALPIT
HEATH Improve fitness, strength, flexibility & coordination. No experience necessary. Wednesday 9.30am Beginners/10.30am Over 60s Ballet- St Saviours Church Hall. Saturday 9.15am Beginners/ 10.15am Intermediate- Manor Hall. Book £5 trial. Contact georgiarsmart@yahoo.co.uk / 07751812701
n GENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND RELAXATION, accessible to all, 10.30-11.30am and 11.45am12.45pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne. Contact Jenny on 07855 560257or jksmith@blueyonder.co.uk for more information.
n TABLE TENNIS Henfield Hall, Ram Hill on the first Wednesday of the month, 2-4.30pm. All abilities welcome. Equipment provided. £2 per session including tea, coffee, biscuits. For more details email henfieldhall@yahoo.com or call 0785 119 8434.
n DOWNEND FLOWER
WINTERBOURNE Library is holding a free Easter holiday craft activity.
The activity, called Space!, takes place on April 5 from 1011am.
Children can stay and make crafts or collect a free takeaway bag to make at home.
The library will be closed from Good Friday until Easter Monday (March 29-April 1).
Craft drop-in takes place on April 6, from 10am-noon. Come in with your own craft or try one of ours – all welcome.
An adult craft group meets on April 13 and 27, from 10amnoon: join a friendly group of crafters to do your own work and chat – refreshments available.
Tea at 2 is every Friday afternoon from 2-3pm: drop in for a cuppa and a friendly chat.
Story time is every Friday from 9.30-10am, suitable for children aged 18 months to four years.
Lego club meets on April 20 from 10am to 11am, for children of all ages – all children must be
ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. Call Genise on 0777 245 1217 for information.
THURSDAY
n WINTERBOURNE WINDS, friendly amateur wind band rehearses at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo. com
n DOWN ART GROUP meets on Thursdays from 2-4pm at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Friendly non-profit making group welcomes new members of all abilities. More information from Alison Sansum on 01454 775133
n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET-UP, every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For more details email volunteering@coeliac.org.uk.
n CROSSBOW CAMERA CLUB meets every Thursday evening at 7.45pm at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Small friendly group who enjoy looking at and taking pictures. Call 0789
accompanied by an adult.
Regular Rhymetimes take place on Wednesdays, 9.30am-10am. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months.
Computer Thursdays take place during term time – enrolment with SGS College is required. For further information contact Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk
A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone or print documents. The volunteer is available on Friday mornings: booking is essential.
The library is staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm.
Open Access is seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm.
For more details of events or bookings, visit the library, email Winterbourne.library@southglos. gov.uk or phone 01454 868006.
More information is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries or from library staff.
026 6650 or just turn up for free taster sessions.
n HAMBROOK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-noon at Whiteshill Chapel, Hambrook, with a speaker at each meeting. Friendly group, new members welcome. For more details call the secretary on 01454 778250.
FRIDAY
n FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm. Thriving club with demonstrations and workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at winterbourneart.uk or email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail. com.
SATURDAY
n WINTERBOURNE AND FROME VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP repair cafe, every third Saturday of the month, 10.30am, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Free electrical, textile and woodwork repairs, with voluntary donations going to the work of Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group.
THE spring programme of activities is underway at Winterbourne Medieval Barn, with around five varied events every month.
There are two live music events in the next few weeks, starting with the award-winning UWE Big Band on April 26, playing a wide variety of jazz and swing favourites, from Nina Simone to Duke Ellington. Then on May 12 the Harlequin Singers bring a gentle Sunday afternoon of songs, from madrigals and folk to sacred music, spirituals and 20th century pop.
During the Easter holidays children can have a go at making a fused glass decorative panel on April 11. This workshop is for younger people, aged from eight to 18, to design their own glass mosaic picture, either square or egg shaped, without having to cut any glass themselves. Adult fused glass workshops will take place on May 10.
Adult-only activities this spring include a foraging walk with Steve England on April 12. Steve is wellknown locally as a horticulturalist
and wildlife educator, who loves to share his knowledge about wild foods and bushcraft.
He will lead a walk to gather wild plants with a small group, who will then make a tasty snack with their finds back at the barn, under Steve's guidance.
April's Talk in the Barn is Bristol's Lost City, the story of the Bristol International Exhibition of 1914. This extraordinary venture, that few local people are aware of, was part trade fair and part theme park, and cost £110 million in today’s money!
The 30-acre site was host to a roller-coaster, a jungle, a massive exhibition pavilions, replicas of Bristol Castle, Drake’s ship Revenge, and buildings from Shakespeare’s England.
There were daily pageants, music and sports, but with no public funding and the First World War looming, it was doomed to
probably bring a tear to a few eyes!
Nearly 30 club members are going on a trip to Savernake Forest to see the bluebells.
The coach passes through several villages en route, with lunch at Whitehall Garden Centre before we go on to see the flowers.
There is also a coffee morning arranged at Kendleshire Golf Club which, although the venue might change occasionally, will now be a monthly occurrence
If you are recently retired, have time on your hands and would like to socialise in a friendly group, you would be very welcome at Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club.
We meet at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down.
Meetings start with a short club business session followed by a talk from a visiting speaker. We then have tea and biscuits and time for a chat before the meeting ends at 4pm.
Visitors can attend five meetings per year for £3.50 per meeting, or pay an annual membership of £25.
If you would like to visit us, or would like more information, please contact me on 01454 773647.
financial failure and the site turned into barracks.
Clive Burlton's talk, on April 16 at 7pm, is filled with amazing facts and photographs, and will also be live-streamed on Zoom.
Advanced booking is essential for all workshops because numbers are very limited, and is strongly advised for other events.
You can book on Ticketsource via the website Winterbournebarn. org.uk
Louise HarrisonOUR new committee members are settling in for their term of office and we are all looking forward to hearing all the interesting speakers that have been booked for the next year.
At our March meeting we participated in a reality game show, which was very entertaining. The organisers of the show raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and their fee and other money raised at the meeting goes to the charity.
Next month, there is a talk on Bristol Dogs Home, which will
Sue HumphreysA QUICK reminder that our Spring Fayre and Plant Sale will take place on Saturday May 25, from 10amnoon.
Come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a cake, browse the stalls and maybe buy some plants for your garden. An event not to be missed!
Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently by making donations and perhaps commemorating someone special by doing so.
Donations can be made either in person or on-line. Our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363.
We also welcome help, from maintaining a planter to replenishing plants or sponsoring a gateway.
If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail. com.
AT our latest meeting we discussed the upcoming May Day event where we hold a stall: requests were made for donations for Tombola, cakes and jams etc.
In February we took part in a skittles match against Westburyon-Trym WI: it was a very close match but our opponents had an excellent last round, so were victorious; they were delightful opponents, so it was a fun evening.
If you think this is an activity you would enjoy then why not join us
and become part of our team?
Some of our members met for our regular monthly coffee mornings at Parkers Garden Centre and Magnolia Mews Café.
Our president, Margaret, presented a craft evening where we made pyramid gift boxes and colourful gift bags made with wrapping paper, which proved to be great fun with some excellent results.
We have many events coming up in the months ahead: at our next meeting we will be welcoming Amy Grimsby, who will be instructing us on needle felting greetings cards.
There is a Frome Valley trip to Cardiff and on April 23 a Frome Valley meeting at Bradley Stoke, where a nurse will be delivering a talk on treading the wards.
Our next meeting will be on April 4: meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, where all visitors are made welcome.
Carol TremlinAfter months of rainy evenings it was only a drizzle as we made our way to the March meeting!
The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to create your own design to make a ceramic coaster, with everything supplied by our tutor, Sally Dunn.
As with everything, some members were more skilled than others and there were a number of really beautiful designs created but despite clear instructions from the speaker, and some written notes there were a number (like mine) that looked more like the attempts of a six year old.
We were given all the equipment to create the coasters and then took them home to allow the glue to set before grouting them.
It was very quiet while members concentrated on their designs – we should have had a friendly competition to select a winner!
Sally was sincerely thanked for
giving us all such a good evening.
The speakers for our April meeting will be Jackie and Tracey from the Avon and Somerset Police force. Members will be able to pose questions after listening to the presentation.
Another popular event is a plant sale and coffee morning on May 17 at the home of our secretary, where members can bring plants for sale or simply come to buy some or have coffee.
We meet on the second Thursday evening each month at 7.30pm in St Michael's School, when new members or visitors are welcome.
Susan Marshfield
TALENTED crafter Amy Grimsby introduced us to the art of felting in February.
Members had the opportunity to create their own felted bee, ready for framing or being made into a card.
It was a really sociable evening, lots of fun was had and we were all very happy with our
creative work. (Thanks to Amy’s help and patience!).
Other events to look forward to this year include a talk from David Hardill of Yate Heritage Centre about the First World War in Yate and Sodbury on April 24 and a quiz night on May 28, when we will also discuss resolutions to the WI conference.
We have many other events and socials lined up for the year ahead, including a visit to see the musical Hamilton and various trips for meals out, garden and historic visits.
We also have a monthly lunch club, open to all members and held at a different local venue each time.
Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
There is a charge of £4 for the evening, or you can join by paying a membership fee.
In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our
Facebook page.
Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, craft group, gardening group and our skittles and darts teams.
WE welcomed Amy Grimsby and her needle felting workshop back for a second visit this month.
All supplies were provided to make some cute felted chick cards for Easter.
Before we began we were advised to make sure the needle went into the felting block vertically to avoid any needles breaking and to keep our fingers clear to prevent accidental puncture wounds. After a brief demonstration, members were keen to get started on their creations.
Obviously Amy had made it look very easy!
The skittles team had their
first outing in the annual skittles tournament, beating Rodway Rubies by 24 points.
Each Coalpit Heath team member managed to knock down more pins than their opponent, with our top scorer taking down 33. Both teams agreed that it was a fun night. We look forward to the next match soon.
More trips have been planned as well as monthly lunches so there’s plenty to keep everyone busy between meetings.
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, why not come along and meet us on the first Wednesday of the month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm.
On April 3 Fauve Birch will talk about her time on Sewing Bee and on May 1 Samantha Rees will discuss the Tudor Royalty Experience.
Caroline Johnston
FRAMPTON Cotterell Cricket Club is marking its centenary this year.
To mark the event the club is holding a series of events and new initiatives.
Chief among them is developing a ladies' team, and the club is looking for players.
If you would like to join us, training is on a Sunday morning at The Park, from 11am to noon, starting from May 12.
The sessions will be a mixture of skills, drills and mini games, suitable for all abilities.
If you are interested in joining, please contact Gina Williams on 0777 339 3889.
This ladies team will join three men's adult teams who will play a full league programme, cup and friendly fixtures. There are also junior fixtures and All Stars/Dynamos teams for younger players.
The first centenary event is an all-day sponsored walk, From Club House to County Ground, to mark the first day of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club's season, against Yorkshire, on April 12. The walk departs at 9am.
On May 25 there will be a race night for members and guests at the Club House at Crossbow fields off School Road, followed by a quiz night on June 22.
The club will stage a Week of Cricket at the end of June, starting on Sunday 23rd with a morning event for Dynamos and All Stars, a lunchtime social with food for All Starts, Dynamos, Juniors sides and parents and Junior event in the afternoon.
On Tuesday, June 25 there will be an evening T20 game, followed by an all-day game on Wednesday 26th.
Another evening T20 game will be staged on Friday June 28 and there will be another all-day game on Sunday 30th.
On July 12 a wine and cheese evening for members
IN March Frampton Cotterell members embarked on the rugby club's senior tour to Northampton.
Questions were asked of organiser Larry Pullen on the destination over the weekend –and continued well into the days after return!
As always there was a theme, and this time it was safari. First time tourists were allocated an animal and all other tourists were rangers.
Elder statesmen Mark Smith and Mike Weaver were chief rangers and given the task of ensuring no animals (or rangers) went astray or were overfed or watered.
On the Saturday Fram played and beat Northampton BB OBs 3227 in a festival of rugby.
Liam Hennessy’s unique captaincy made the difference; Cameron Smith teased the opposition at scrum half and Callum Wyatt’s two brutal twominute cameos were the main difference between the two sides.
Afterwards it was into the bar for the Six Nations, and a Sunday stopover at Bromsgrove RFC, home of ex-Fram player Ed Spalds.
All in all, it was a great weekend of fun and rugby.
Mike Weaverand guests will be held at the Club House. The club will host a Sixes Tournament (six-a-side teams) on August 25 with invited teams, followed by a grand raffle draw
An end of season barbecues on August 31 at the Club House will be followed by a cricket tour in September, for which 30 members have already signed up.
Plans are already underway for a golf tournament (details to be finalised), and other events may also be arranged as the season develops.
If you are interested in any
or all of these events and want to become part of a friendly local cricket team, contact us via the About Us section of our website, framptoncotterell. play-cricket.com.
One area where we are hoping for help is with our honours board, which covers 1st, 2nd and 3rd team captains, clubman of the year awards and club chairs (we have only had two of those in the past 50 years, so there are no gaps there).
We have a complete record of 1st team captains, and clubman winners, but have few gaps in the records of former captains of the second and third team over the last 50 years.
If you, or anyone you know, was involved with Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club in the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s and could help fill in the blanks, let us know.
Don't worry if you are unsure about the role that anyone played – it would be good to make contact with former players and supporters anyway.
We will be producing a document to mark 100 years of cricket at Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club: let us know if you are interested.
John Hughes
WITH still over a month of league hockey to play, Bristol & West Men’s 4th team and the Ladies Jaspers 2nd team have managed to secure early promotions already.
The Men’s 4th team wrapped up their league title in early March, beating North Somerset 2s 5-0 away.
In their latest fixture they celebrated as champions, defeating South Glos 2s 9-1 as they look to finish with an undefeated record, having won 13 and drawn 4 to date.
They’ve scored 78 goals and have only conceded 10 thus far.
On March 13, the Ladies 2nd team secured a 1-0 victory over Dursley in a mid-week rearranged fixture under the lights at Mangotsfield School.
This result guaranteed a promotion, with one point needed from the team's
remaining two games in order to claim the title.
The Ladies are also looking to see out the remainder of the season with an undefeated record, having won 14 and
drawn two so far.
They have scored an impressive 64 goals, whilst only conceding 15.
Elsewhere in the club, the Men’s 1s are engaged in a
fierce mid-table battle against the other local Bristol clubs, currently sitting 8th, with a game or two in hand above others and only one point needed to secure mathematical safety in what is their inaugural year in the West Premiership Division.
Another team to keep an eye on are the Ladies 3rds. Currently sitting pretty at the top of their league with 45pts, and only 1 loss, they still have some work to do in order to get over the line, as they are top on goal difference and five points ahead of the team in third.
We hope that in next month’s update we can give you all some good news about another promotion for the club!
Harry Bryant
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