Frome Valley Voice August 2024

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Meet your new MPs

VOTERS across the Frome Valley have two new MPs, after both the Liberal Democrats and Labour won seats in the area.

On a night when the Conservatives were swept out of power across the country, Lib Dem Claire Young overturned a Tory majority of 12,369 to take the Thornbury & Yate seat, which includes Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton, by 3,014 votes from Luke Hall.

Labour's Claire Hazelgrove won Filton & Bradley Stoke, which includes Winterbourne,

by exactly 10,000 votes from Jack Lopresti, who had held the seat for the Conservatives since it was first contested in 2010.

The Tory collapse means the party now has no MPs in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES or North Somerset.

Claire Young's win means she has given up her position as leader of South Gloucestershire Council, with Thornbury ward councillor Maggie Tyrrell being elected to take her place.

Full story: Pages 4, 5 & 6

Award for courage

TWO teenagers have won a police award for their courage in helping a victim of violence in Winterbourne.

PAGE 9

A432 changes planned

THE A432 Badminton Road is set to have new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and reduced speed limits under new plans drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council.

PAGE 3

Arson at school

POLICE are investigating an arson attack which badly damaged a former school building in Winterbourne.

PAGE 2

Festival returns

CROWDS basked in the summer sun for the return of the Frampton Festival – the first for five years.

PAGE 7

New MPs Claire Young and Claire Hazelgrove together at the count after their victories

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Our August deadline is August 21.

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Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

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

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Complaints

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101

Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

NHS Health

Well Aware

Call 111

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

Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

Arson attack on former school

POLICE are investigating an arson attack which badly damaged a former school building in Winterbourne.

A total of 16 fire crews from across the region were called to tackle the blaze at the derelict Silverhill School site in Swan Lane on the evening of July 12.

Fire investigators say the blaze was started deliberately, and police have confirmed that an investigation is underway to find out who was responsible.

An Avon Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews from Temple fire station in Bristol, Kingswood, Patchway, Yate, Bedminster, Thornbury and Portishead attended the incident."

The fire service was called in shortly after 7.10pm and it took until 10pm to extinguish the flames in the two-storey school building, with firefighters using multiple hoses and jets to bring the blaze under control.

Afterwards, they stayed on the scene throughout the night and the following morning, monitoring the building to ensure there was no chance of the remains reigniting.

A police spokesperson said: "We would ask anyone with information relating to a fire at a former school site in Winterbourne to please get in contact with us.

"The fire service informed us of an incident they were responding to in Swan Lane at about 7.35pm on July 12.

The school building in flames, from a video taken by a resident

with information about the incident, including any video footage from the surrounding area, to call 101 or contact them online, quoting the crime reference number 5224 181 746.

The former independent school, which had around 200 children aged from three months to 11 years on its roll, closed in July 2020, with the loss of 55 jobs.

At the time owners and operators Jenifer and Julian Capper blamed the deteriorating economic outlook for their decision, which also followed two scathing Ofsted reports.

They put the school's 9.5 acre site up for sale.

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

"There were no reported injuries."

Police have called on anyone

Although a local property agent later drew up a planning statement to turn one of the school's dormitories into a house, the only formal planning application to South Gloucestershire Council since then, made in early 2021, related to tree works.

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New cycle lanes and crossings for Badminton Road

THE main road from the Frome Valley to Yate and Bristol is set to have new cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and reduced speed limits under new plans drawn up by South Gloucestershire Council.

The council has launched a consultation on the plans to promote "active and sustainable travel" on the A432 Badminton Road between Yate town centre and the Avon Ring Road.

They include:

*A combination of segregated cycle lanes and 'shared use' paths in Coalpit Heath and Yate

*New or improved pedestrian crossings at Church Road, Woodside Road, Woodend Road, Station Road, Bell Road and near the viaduct in Coalpit Heath

*New pedestrian crossings at the Cuckoo Lane, Down Road and Park Lane junctions between Winterbourne and Coalpit Heath

*A new 20 mph speed limit along Station Road in Yate between the station and B&Q roundabout.

*Improvements to bus stops

wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushchair along Badminton Road easier.

Council cabinet member for transport

Chris Willmore said: "Our proposals are about creating a safer and more pleasant environment for people who want to or need to walk, wheel or cycle. "Encouraging more people out of their cars and reducing the traffic along our main roads, like the A432, will also improve the quality of life of those living in the communities along the route."

Frampton Cotterell ward councillor Jon Lean said: "The proposals for Coalpit Heath help address a number of long-standing issues and concerns local people have.

"For example, the new cycle lanes

will help prevent HGV parking outside Sainsbury's.

"Badminton Road can get very busy, so the introduction of signalised crossings at key locations like outside Sainsbury’s and at the Church Road and Beesmoor Road junctions will be very welcome.”

The proposals are in addition to the cycle lanes which have already been installed along the main road and, if approved, would be funded by the Department for Transport via a fund administered by the West of England Combined Authority and reserved for new transport infrastructure projects.

The council says it cannot be used for funding bus services, fixing potholes or other services.

The consultation runs until August 20 and maps of the plans can be viewed and commented on at www.southglos.gov.uk/ a432improvements.

Anyone not online can call 01454 868004 for help.

A council spokesperson said that if the plan goes ahead it would aim to complete all building work before the reopening of the bridge over the M4, which is due to take place by early 2026, coordinating with National Highways to limit the impact on traffic.

n NEWS

Lib Dems reclaim Thornbury & Yate

THORNBURY & Yate has a Liberal Democrat MP again, nine years after the party lost the seat to the Conservatives.

Claire Young took the seat from Luke Hall on July 4 at the third time of asking, having previously stood for her party in 2017 and 2019.

The Frampton Cotterell ward councillor and – at the time of the election – South Gloucestershire Council leader defeated Mr Hall by 3,014 votes, to win back the constituency, which includes Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton.

Ms Young overturned a Tory majority of 12,369 from the 2019 election. Lib Dem Steve Webb had held the seat and its predecessor, Northavon, from 1992 until 2015, when he lost to Mr Hall.

It was one of 79 seats won by the Lib Dems on a night of nationwide electoral disaster for the Tories, who saw big names such as former Prime Minister Liz Truss and Sir Jacob ReesMogg lose their seats, while Labour secured a majority of 172. After the result was declared Ms Young said it was a "truly historic night" for her party, with "gains around the country in places we would never have expected".

She thanked party leader Sir Ed Davey and the "wonderful people here in Thornbury & Yate", adding: "Thanks for sharing your concerns with me, and for the warm welcome I've received

across the constituency over the last few weeks and the last few months.

"It's a huge privilege to be elected to represent you in Parliament, and I look forward to standing up for everyone, however you voted.

"I will be a strong voice for our communities, especially on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, ending the sewage scandal and fixing the health and care crisis."

Defeated Mr Hall congratulated his successor, and wished her the best in representing the constituency.

He said: "I very much hope that I fought a positive campaign, based on the issues that people in our community care about the most, but the desire for change has been great, and this is clearly

a horrendous night for the Conservative Party.

"Divided political parties, focussed upon themselves rather than the issues that matter to our constituents get punished at the ballot box, and quite rightly so.

"I have always believed that South Gloucestershire is the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family, and I am hugely grateful to have had the opportunity to serve for the past nine years."

Reform UK's candidate Andy Banwell came third, with 7,529 votes – more than twice the size of the Lib Dem majority. Its predecessor the Brexit Party had not contested Thornbury & Yate in 2019, after deciding unilaterally not to stand against Conservative MPs.

Factory closure threat is first crisis for new MP

CLAIRE Young was presented with her first local crisis hours after the election result was declared early on July 5.

That morning the operator of Yate’s tumble dryer factory, Beko, announced it was considering closing the plant, with the loss of around 150 jobs.

Beko Europe said the plant had been "operating at a significant loss for some time", and it was considering closure "in response to changing consumer demand and competitiveness challenges posed by the site setup".

Ms Young told the Voice: "Beko contacted me the morning after the election and I met them in the early afternoon for an initial discussion.

"I'm hoping to meet them on site again in the coming weeks."

Another issue the new MP is taking early action on is the NHS.

Ms Young said she had written to the new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, calling for a meeting to progress plans for a new Thornbury Health Centre.

She said: "The town of Thornbury has been badly let down, with promises of new health facilities broken, downgraded and broken again.

"Last year the then Secretary of State announced funding but based on 2018 prices which, with the effect of inflation, won’t even cover the cost of a basic replacement of the dilapidated health

Reform pushed Labour, who were concentrating resources on Filton & Bradley Stoke and other target seats nearby, into fourth place, with the Greens coming fifth.

Result:

Claire Young (Lib Dem) 20,815

Luke Hall (Conservative): 17,801

Andy Banwell (Reform UK) 7,529

Rob Logan (Labour) 5,057

Alexandra Jenner-Fust (Green) 2,165 Majority: 3,014 Turnout: 68.44%.

centre currently in use."

Ms Young said the state of the health service, including "difficulties getting GP appointments, delays for hospital appointments, long waits for ambulances, lack of NHS dentists", was the most common issue that cropped up on doorsteps during the campaign.

The MP has also backed her first Parliamentary Motion, calling for compensation for women born in the 1950s who have suffered significant financial losses due to enforced changes in the pension age and maladministration by the Department of Work and Pensions.

She has stepped down as the leader of South Gloucestershire council to concentrate on her work as an MP.

New council leader: Page 6 MP writes: Page 18

Claire Young celebrates with supporters

Luke Hall makes his speech

Labour wins FABS as Tory vote collapses

LABOUR has its first MP in Filton & Bradley Stoke since the constituency was created 14 years ago.

Community engagement worker Claire Hazelgrove beat sitting Conservative MP Jack Lopresti by exactly 10,000 votes in July 4's general election.

Mr Lopresti had been defending a majority of 5,646 from the 2019 election, when he received 48.9% of all the votes cast in the constituency, which includes Winterbourne, Winterbourne Down, Moorend and Hambrook.

But the number of votes received by the sitting MP fell by more than half, from 26,293 five years ago to 12,905, leaving him with just over a quarter of the total this year.

Ms Hazelgrove increased Labour's share of the vote from 38.4% to 45.5%.

The total number of Labour votes was just 2,258 higher than in 2019, but the collapse in the Tory vote resulted in a swing of 17.6% to Labour.

Reform UK's Stephen Burge came third, with 6,819 votes. Unlike neighbouring Thornbury & Yate, Reform's vote was smaller than the size of the Labour majority.

Its predecessor, the Brexit Party, did not stand a candidate in 2019, after unilaterally deciding not to contest the seats of sitting Conservative MPs.

The Greens stayed in fourth place but increased their share of the vote from 2.9% to 8.2%.

The Liberal Democrats, who had concentrated their campaigning to elect Claire Young in Thornbury & Yate, fell from third place to fifth. Turnout in the election was

65.12% - down from 72.6% in 2019.

Speaking after the result was declared in the early hours of July 5, Ms Hazelgrove said:

"It's the honour of my life to stand before you as Filton & Bradley Stoke's first Labour MP.

"I'd like to thank everyone across our community who put their trust in me and in Labour to restore civility, security and fairness.

"I know that many people voted Labour for the very first time in this election.

"I will work hard to repay your trust, but no matter how you voted. I will work every day to serve everyone in our communities as an active, impactful and approachable MP you can be proud of.

"Coming from a family of teachers, NHS workers and RAF service members, I've long believed in the importance of stepping forward to serve others.

"It will take time to deliver the scale of the change that Britain needs, but in me you have an MP who will listen and

act and a government on your side again.

"While the campaign may have ended, the hard work of change starts now. Let's get to it."

Mr Lopresti, who had held the seat since it was created in 2010, thanked "the wonderful people of the Filton & Bradley Stoke constituency" for their support and kindness over the last 14 years.

He said: "We've got a fantastic new town being built on the airfield site, a STEM learning centre which pays homage to our fantastic aviation heritage and history, and a permanent, fitting memorial for the last Concorde."

Afterwards the Voice asked Ms Hazelgrove what would be the first thing she would do to improve life for her constituents.

The new MP said: "Local people voted for change, and I’ll be getting on with the job immediately. "I’ll be voting in support of the new Labour government’s programme to bring back security, stability

Mixed fortunes for councillors

CLAIRE Young was not the only local councillor standing for election on July 4.

Former Emersons Green town councillor Sadik Al-Hassan pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the general election when he became the first ever Labour MP for North Somerset.

Mr Al-Hassan, a pharmacist who

has lived in Lyde Green for ten years, overturned a majority of 17,536 to dump Conservative Dr Liam Fox out of office after 32 years, ending a Tory hold on the area that stretched back to 1918.

South Gloucestershire councillor Leigh Ingham, who resigned from her Kingswood ward when the general election was

Defeated Jack Lopresti makes his speech

and fairness so that we can start the hard work of change needed.

"I’ll also be setting up a local office and recruiting a great team to join me in serving local people well."

Ms Hazelgrove said the two issues that had cropped up most on doorsteps during her two years of campaigning in the constituency were the cost of living crisis and the state of the NHS.

She said: "These are two of the top priorities for me as your new MP and for our new Labour government."

Result:

Filton & Bradley Stoke

Claire Hazelgrove (Labour) 22,905

Jack Lopresti (Conservative) 12,905

Stephen Burge (Reform UK) 6,819

James Nelson (Green) 4,142

Benet Allen (Lib Dem) 3,596

Majority: 10,000 Turnout: 65.12%

called in May, was elected the Labour MP for Stafford, ousting Conservative Theo Clarke.

Frenchay & Downend ward

Conservative councillor Liz Brennan, who stood as her party's candidate in the Bristol South constituency, did not fare so well. Her party, which had been second to Labour in 2019, was pushed into fourth place behind the Greens in second and Reform UK in third.

Claire Hazelgrove celebrates with her supporters

New council leader after MP steps down

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has a new leader following Claire Young's election as an MP.

Fellow Liberal Democrat Maggie Tyrrell was elected at a meeting of the council on July 17.

Cllr Young stepped down from the position after being elected Thornbury & Yate's new MP at the general election.

Cllr Tyrrell is one of only two members to serve on the council since it was created 29 years ago, and also served on predecessor Northavon. In total she has represented residents of Thornbury for 37 years.

The other ever-present South Gloucestershire councillor, Mike Drew (Lib Dem, Yate North), nominated her as leader at the meeting.

The joint Lib Dem/Labour administration unanimously voted in favour of Cllr Tyrrell but opposition Conservatives voted against.

Cllr Tyrrell said: "It’s an enormous privilege to be elected as leader to this council and I want to thank my colleagues for

putting their trust in me and electing me to this privileged position.

“I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Claire Young. She served this council very well and was an excellent leader and was very diligent in all she did, so I thank her sincerely for her service.”

Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said: “I’m very happy to second

Maggie as leader of the council.

“Having known Maggie for a while – we’ve worked together co-chairing scrutiny – I’m sure this will be a seamless transition.”

Tory group deputy leader Cllr Liz Brennan (Frenchay & Downend) told the meeting: "Maggie is a longstanding member who has always executed her duties as a councillor with kindness, dignity

and a keen sense of fair play.

“Despite this, the Conservative group will be voting against the nominee presented to us tonight.

“To be clear, this is not a judgement on the nominee herself, but on the manner in which the joint administration has conducted itself over the past year."

For the time being Cllr Young will remain a Frampton Cotterell ward councillor but says she will stand down entirely from the council in due course, so she can "focus on doing one job well".

She said: "The important thing is to do this in a way that doesn’t cause unnecessary problems for the Council or most importantly the people in my ward.

"I would like to take time to progress issues raised by residents and other outstanding commitments before finally resigning as ward councillor."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Metro Mayor says he can do two jobs

METRO Mayor Dan Norris insists he can "do both jobs" after being re-elected as an MP.

Mr Norris has returned to Parliament after defeating Conservative Jacob ReesMogg in the North East Somerset & Hanham constituency.

He says he plans to combine both offices at least until the next scheduled West of England Mayor election next May.

Mr Norris was the Labour MP for the Wansdyke constituency, covering largely the same area as North East Somerset & Hanham, for 13 years from 1997.

He lost the seat to Sir Jacob in 2010, when the boundaries shifted and it was renamed North East Somerset, losing its South Gloucestershire wards.

The former Leader of the House of Commons held North East Somerset for 14 years, with a majority of 14,729 in 2019.

But on July 4 Mr Norris won the redrawn North East Somerset and Hanham seat by 5,319 votes from Sir Jacob, a notional swing of 19.5%.

Immediately after his election Mr Norris said he would "reflect on what has happened and work out how I can best serve the people of North East Somerset & Hanham and the West of England".

On July 9 he was at a meeting with the

Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for England’s 12 regional mayors at 10 Downing Street.

Mr Norris, Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner were the only politicians at both that meeting and an assembly held the previous day for the 412 Labour MPs elected on July 4 in Westminster.

He said: “Until at least next May I will do both jobs. And that makes sense, because

to call a by-election when you’ve got an electorate of about a million people is a hugely expensive thing.

"To have an election only to have it a few months later would be nonsensical."

In an interview with ITV, Mr Norris said he needed time "to work out how I can do both jobs and whether that’s possible in the longer term".

He said he would be "taking soundings" but there were precedents for people having two political jobs, such as MPs being ministers, which was "very similar".

Dan Jarvis, who has been an MP in Barnsley since 2011, was also the Metro Mayor of South Yorkshire between 2018 and 2022.

Mr Norris said: "I’m not going to make a decision now. I don’t have to do that. I think it’s important to get a real sense of it and make an informed and sensible decision."

Metro mayors are expected to be given more power by the new government – those at the July 9 meeting were asked to draw up “local growth plans” to identify local specialisms to contribute to a national industrial strategy.

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

New council leader Maggie Tyrrell (right) with co-leader Ian Boulton

Dan Norris

Festival makes triumphant return

CROWDS basked in the summer sun for the return of the Frampton Festival.

Around 2,000 people are believed to have visited Centenary Field on July 13 for the free community event, five years after it was last staged in the village.

Entertainment kicked off with the Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, line dancing group Laughter In Line, who invited festival-goers to have a go, and children’s entertainer Johnny G.

The stage was then taken over by live music, starting with Winterbourne Academy student band Brain Frog, playing indie rock in their first big live gig.

The G&Ts from Gloucestershire and Elvis Presley impersonator Mark Knight took over before local band Elevation, led by Frampton Cotterell musician Darren Addicott provided the headline set.

Ian Haddrell, of the festival committee, said: "We were extremely pleased that local lad Toby Fletcher, the fundraising mad keen rugby player, lit the beacon, the lighting of which signifies the end of the festival and the start of the low noise firework display.

"As well live entertainment, the festival saw the welcome return of fairground rides, steam traction rides, catering outlets, Bramble’s Bar and a variety of local organisations and businesses with a wide range of stalls."

Ian thanked Frampton Cotterell Parish Council for allowing the use of Centenary Field and helping fund the

firework display, as well as ETS and Manor Scrap, who also helped the event go ahead.

He said: "We are committed to keeping the Frampton Festival a free community event, and as such funding is generated from grants, sponsorship, donations, advertising in the festival leaflet, raffle, the sale of reusable plastic beer “glasses”, and the wonderful generosity of local people."

Ian said more than £1,000 was collected in buckets during the day and via a JustGiving page, which is still open at tinyurl.com/bdhmkf6k – all will go towards staging next year’s festival.

The committee is looking for more donations and more volunteers, both to help organise in advance and help out on the day.

Ian said: "If people could spare just an hour that would be great. It is hard work (but enjoyable) for the small committee on the day, and the setting up on the Friday and clearing up on the Sunday, but it is done because it is felt it is worthwhile in providing such a fantastic community event."

Saturday's festival was followed by a united church service on Centenary Field the following morning.

Ian said: "The stage was utilised by the church musicians and it was a pleasure to see so many attending the service, which is also so very much part of the Frampton Festival."

to contact the organisers email Framptonfest@gmail.com or visit www.framptonfestival. co.uk.

Brain Frog on stage

The view from the stage

Headliners Elevation

Laughter In Line lead the line dancing

n NEWS

School bus services in limbo

THE future of two bus services taking children to Winterbourne Academy is still undecided as the summer holidays get underway.

Pupils who live in Fishponds and Downend and used the axed 458 service have been told there is little hope of finding a replacement next year.

The school ran a service itself during the 2023/24 academic year but said it could not afford to do so again from September.

Parents have been lobbying for a replacement service, and organised a survey which they say shows up to 49 children would use it.

Libby Rogers, who has two children at the school, called on the council to find a solution at its cabinet meeting on July 15.

She said parents believed that some children who are on the route served by the 458 may be entitled to free travel to school,

which would mean the council was obliged to provide it.

Two other services for Winterbourne Academy pupils – the 427 from Frenchay and the 459 from Lyde Green, Emersons Green and Bromley Heath, "which is significantly oversubscribed" - have been undergoing a subsidised tendering process, after Stagecoach said it would no longer operate them commercially.

Libby said the situation was "immoral and unjust".

Cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: "We sympathise hugely with all of the families affected, both the 458 families and those on the 427 and 459 routes. Our difficulty is that we're not the transport authority, so there's very little we can do."

She blamed WECA for "pulling the plug" on all three services last year and said officers had been through "child-by-child" to see if

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any who used the 458 qualified for free school transport funding, but the plan "just didn't work".

Parents were set to lobby WECA at the end of July to call for a replacement for the 458.

However a WECA spokesperson told the Voice: "Unfortunately, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has a limited supported bus service budget, which is fully committed and has no available funding for any further services."

South Gloucestershire Council has awarded a new contract for the 427 service, which will be operated by Eurocoaches next year.

However an operator has yet to be found for the 459 service.

WECA is carrying out a contract tendering process on behalf of South Gloucestershire.

A WECA spokesperson said: "We have requested prices from operators to commence service

from September 2024, subject to affordability."

A South Gloucestershire spokesperson said: "This process is live at present but will not conclude until after the end of term. We are working closely with the school so that updates can be provided to parents over the school holidays."

Meanwhile users of the 84/85 bus service, which links Wickwar and Yate, have been told it will be axed from September 1 when funding runs out.

The council says it has been "doing all it can" to keep the service in operation and is working with WECA and Gloucestershire County Council to "explore alternative travel options".

The combined authority says a new WESTlocal "flexible, twohourly service" will cover Wickwar, Charfield, Chipping Sodbury and Yate, on Monday to Saturday.

Full explanation and costs given before any works carried out. All work fully guaranteed. No call-out fee

Laila and Maisie's courage recognised

TWO Winterbourne teenagers have won a police award for their courage in helping a victim of violence.

Avon & Somerset police said Laila Purdy-Hill and Maisie Osbourne helped a young man being assaulted violently at a recreation ground in Winterbourne in March this year.

A spokesperson said: "They went to his aid, collected his dog and helped him home.

"Due to Laila and Maisie’s courageous actions, which involved standing up to their peers, the perpetrator was prosecuted."

Their actions saw Laila and Maisie win the 'courageous' category of the first ever Children and Young People Policing Awards, run by the police.

They were among 11 children and young people from across the Avon and Somerset police area invited to Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier on July 3 to recognise their "significant community contribution".

A police spokesperson said: "Laila and Maisie demonstrated the importance of being upstanders and not bystanders."

They were given their award by charity Crimestoppers' regional manager in the West Country, Karen MacDonald.

The afternoon event saw police officers and PCSOs, parents, carers and representatives from councils and charities come together to celebrate "the altruistic actions of some of the youngest members of our communities".

Organised by the force's youth project and engagement coordinators, the awards aimed to promote four key values of caring, courage, inclusivity and learning shown in hard work, kind deeds and public-spiritedness of young people, with each award category having two or three nominees.

Police lead for children and young people Detective Chief Inspector Larisa Hunt said: "It’s heart-warming to hear the amazing work our young community members have been doing, and to be able to thank and reward them.

“Being a caring, courageous and inclusive person, and somebody willing to learn and adapt, is what we strive for every day at Avon and Somerset Police, from the Senior Leadership Team to police officers and police staff.

“We’re humbled and inspired by the award nominees who are already reflecting these values in their actions and behaviour.”

The force hopes to make the awards an annual event.

Frampton Garage

Laila Purdy-Hill and Maisie Osbourne with Crimestoppers Regional Manager Karen MacDonald

Record-breaking crowd at flower show

Organisers of Frenchay Flower Show say this year's event drew more than 4,000 visitors. Chairman Roger Lloyd reflects on the day

FRENCHAY Common was a vibrant sea of colour and activity as the annual Frenchay Flower Show drew an unprecedented crowd of over 4,000 visitors, doubling the previous attendance record.

The glorious weather on July 13 only added to the festive atmosphere, making this year's show an unforgettable experience for all.

From the moment the gates opened, attendees were treated to an incredible display of flowers, vegetables, and crafts, showcasing the remarkable talents of local gardeners and artisans.

The event featured a musical extravaganza and over 80 stalls offering various plants, gifts, jewellery, and delectable foods.

Among the culinary highlights were the famous Women's Institute cream teas, which proved to be as popular as ever.

A series of highlights included the presence of our newly-elected local MP, Claire Hazelgrove, who was on hand to present nearly 50 cups and trophies to the proud winners, adding prestige to the occasion.

The record-breaking turnout and positive feedback highlight the event's popularity and significance within the community.

Organisers would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Winterbourne Parish Council, whose unwavering support has allowed the use of Frenchay Common over the many years the show has been held.

It began on the grounds of the old Frenchay Hospital in 1945 to celebrate the end of World War II. Since then, it has become a cherished tradition, symbolising the resilience and community spirit of Frenchay.

Next year will mark the show's 80th anniversary, and we aim to make it even better.

A massive thank you goes out to the sponsors and the

volunteers who helped make the show a tremendous success.

Planning for next year's event has already begun, and we are eager to hear from anyone interested in volunteering, whether on the day or to join the organising committee.

We are particularly looking for individuals with skills in

general administration, including spreadsheets, invoicing, and payment processing.

If you're interested in volunteering for a couple of hours a week or sponsoring the event, please contact enquiries@ frenchayflowershow.com or leave a message at 0117 956 7405.

A call for new stallholders

and food concessions will go out in October.

With such a resounding success, the Frenchay Flower Show has set a high bar for future events.

We can't wait to see what next year's show will bring, and we're sure it will be even more enjoyable.

A marshal meets a morris dancer

New MP Claire Hazelgrove makes a presentation

Prize-winning onions

Floral displays

Crowds visit the classic cars

The Owl and Hawk Trust display A guide dog meets visitors

Wizard of Oz inspires scarecrow trail

PUPILS at a Winterbourne primary school were inspired to create their own scarecrow trail by a live production of The Wizard of Oz.

Children at St Michael's CE Primary School had a visit from the Hobgoblin Theatre Company at the start of the summer term, for a whole-school performance.

Reception teacher Sariah Ithier said: "The children were fascinated by the characters and story and used this as a stimulus for art and other subjects in Term 6."

In school the pupils wove rainbows, made flowers using clay and made hot air balloon models using papier mâché.

They used cardboard to produce textured lion collages, made tin man models and sewed the yellow brick road.

Making a large-scale school scarecrow led to a community scarecrow trail, which was organised around

(Above) A textured lion collage. (Right) The Tin Man appeared on the trail, made by one of the children.

(Far right) The school's Scarecrow looks like the character from the film.

Winterbourne. Mrs Ithier said: "Thank you to all the families that participated in either making a

scarecrow or purchasing a map to complete the scarecrow trail. "The scarecrows were made to a very high standard and it has been great fun for the community searching for all the scarecrows."

Protest as new sites added to blueprint

PROTESTERS staged a demonstration against proposals for thousands of homes on the Green Belt in South Gloucestershire.

The demo, organised by South Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG), was held before council leaders approved the next stage of a 15-year blueprint for the future of the district, including where more than 22,000 homes could be built.

A group of about 50 people, bearing placards, marched in the rain to a South Gloucestershire Council cabinet meeting in Kingswood on July 15.

Residents urged councillors to rethink the strategy, which includes thousands of homes on green fields in Shortwood, Siston and Warmley.

Proposals for 22,241 homes to be built from 2025 to 2040 are contained in the latest version of South Gloucestershire’s Local Plan, which is now open for fresh public consultation, after which the document will be finalised, consulted on again and then sent to government planning inspectors.

The latest version adds 17 new sites, with a total of 1,751 homes, to the previous draft published last November.

They include two sites in Hambrook, at The Oaks and Hambrook Business Park, as well as two in Yate.

They would be added to sites already contained in the council's 'preferred' version of the plan, which proposes allowing 235 new homes to be built on fields around Winterbourne.

Another 150 could be built around Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, while 800 could be built at Henfield, between Westerleigh Road and the M4.

A report to July's cabinet meeting said the new extra sites had been added to give the council a “buffer” in case some proposed developments did not go ahead.

It insisted that these still were not enough to meet any of Bristol’s unmet housing needs and that South Gloucestershire could not do anything to help its city neighbour, although the council had fulfilled its legal “duty to cooperate” with Bristol when drawing up the blueprint.

SOGS-SG member Martin Thomas told the cabinet:

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“Bristol’s housing need should be kept inside Bristol and it should be building up, not out into the countryside."

Thomas Garland said: "South Gloucestershire Council seem determined to press ahead with this hugely environmentally damaging Local Plan."

Liz Brennan (Con, Frenchay & Downend) told the meeting: “SOGS members represent a lot of people in South Gloucestershire who are concerned about what the development plan will mean for their communities."

Cllr Brennan said her group opposed the Local Plan, and their priority would be to protect the Green Belt.

Cabinet member for planning

Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: “In a worstpossible case, if all the sites the council was looking at were to be released, it would be a 2% loss to the current Green Belt, but we’re working to get it down as low as we possibly can.”

She said 20% of South Gloucestershire residents lived in insecure, unaffordable housing with no chance of getting on the property ladder and renting often required 70% of their income, with a one-bedroomed flat in Kingswood costing £1,000 and month and a room in a shared house £750.

Cllr Willmore said: “We’ve got to do something about that, and the only way we can do that is by producing higher numbers of social rent and affordable housing for local people."

Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said if the authority did not have a Local Plan, all green spaces in the district could be targeted by developers.

The latest public consultation will run until September 13.

Details can be found at www. southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan.

Following feedback, the final version of the Local Plan will be prepared and consulted on again next January.

It is expected to be submitted next June for examination by a planning inspector, which is likely to take place in October of that year, with a view to adoption by April 2026.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Dozens of campaigners turned out in the rain to protest at the development plans

n NEWS

Sienna's cancer fight inspires £7,000 fundraiser

A YOUNG girl's cancer battle has inspired a huge fundraising effort for Bristol Children's Hospital.

Sienna Mullins was diagnosed with leukaemia in April, at just two years old.

She then had to undergo invasive treatment and spent two weeks in hospital immediately after her diagnosis.

She is currently undergoing six months of “very intense” chemotherapy treatment, with a nurse coming four times a week to inject her, and faces two years of treatment in total.

She also needs four to five visits to the hospital every month for lumbar punctures and general anaesthetic for extra chemotherapy for her brain and spine.

Parents Jo and Joe noticed she had become unwell during a family holiday to Disneyland, with their three children, to celebrate Joe’s 40th birthday.

At first she was believed to have a viral infection but as her family discovered unusual spots and bruising they decided to take her to hospital, where the disease was diagnosed.

Jo said: "It is treatable; Sienna can recover. We’re grateful for the type it is – it could be so much worse”, but there is no

guarantee it won’t return."

Jo now wants to help raise awareness of the illness, as well as funds for the Grand Appeal, the children's hospital's charity.

She has been overwhelmed by the support of her community in Chipping Sodbury and Hollie Dennis, the co-owner of First Steps nursery in the town.

Hollie set up a JustGiving page for the Grand Appeal, as a thank you for their vital support to-date for Sienna and her family and to help support other families.

As the Voice went to print it had raised more than £7,000, including from a raffle held on July 17, with 50 prizes, including a trip to Alton Towers, donated by wellwishers and sponsors.

Sienna said: "The Grand Appeal funds an amazing playroom, which when you are in for 14 days becomes a lifeline, toys, DVDs, games, play therapists, music and art.

"They have a parent’s room which provides a fridge, kettle, TV – the essentials for parents who may be staying in longterm, for 12 weeks-plus.

"These are things you do not think of when you are rushed in through A&E.

"From nappies, toiletries, a treasure chest of goodies when the children have an operation. They have made it such a welcoming place and treat the children as much as possible."

More fundraising is planned, including a cookie sale at the nursery and a fitness event planned in September.

The donation page can be found at tinyurl.com/2ff5yye8

10 Reasons to Join Your Local Community Art Class

Looking for a new hobby? Loved art since school? Would like to meet your local creative community? Looking for ways to push through artist’s block? If the answer is yes to any of these, then we have put together 10 great reasons to join your local community art class with Brushstrokes Courses.

1. Be Inspired to Create

No matter your confidence level with art, we are here to accommodate to you. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced artist looking for fresh ideas, we have differentiated options within our mixed ability classes to inspire you.

2. Meet Your Creative Community

Having likeminded people around you whilst you create can help spark off ideas, styles, and help set down that inner imposter.

3. Art Courses Designed by Artists FOR Artists

A qualified teacher, Laura Truesdale, draws on her knowledge of art history & artist practice to design interesting, diverse, yet supportive courses. Issy Houghton brings her own experience, both as a local practicing artist and community worker.

4. Learn Technique

Each class contains differentiated resources to help those itching to learn technique as a beginner, those looking to refine pre-existing skillsets and artists looking for a fresh challenge.

5. Experiment with Varied Mediums

Art is simply mark making across the blank page. Explore everything from pencil, charcoals, pastels, watercolours, inks, acrylics, and oils to help discover your favourite way of mark making.

6. Learn Art History

Each week, we look at masters from the past

and present to be inspired by different styles, whilst learning the historical context of each subject matter.

7. All Inclusive!

Art materials, paper, canvas boards and digital resources are all included within the cost of each course. Our daytime courses include tea, coffee and biscuits.

8. Develop Your Style

Through an exploration of varied subject matter, mediums, and artists, you will have the opportunity to develop your creative style and discover what makes you unique as an artist.

9. Expand Your Skillset

Our courses cover a variety of themes and subject matter. Learn how to develop your skillset with everything from: Still Life to

Figure Drawing, Landscape to Portraiture, Charcoals to Soft Pastels, Watercolour to Oil Paint.

10. Make Time for You

Allow us to carve out time for you, to switch off, have fun, meet your fellow creatives and create in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Brushstrokes Courses runs art classes online and in/around the Bristol area. Choose from:

- 12 week daytime courses at Winterbourne Down on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

- 6 week evening courses online Mondays and at The Kingswood Estate, Bristol, BS15 on Thursdays.

- Corporate & Private Events.

- Private Tuition tailored to fit your personal creative journey, either: online, at your home, or at The Kingswood Estate.

Sienna Mullins and mum Jo

Sid dreams up his first novel

A WINTERBOURNE man has written his first novel – a 600-page tale about a boy who chances upon a magic land.

Sid Roberts says the idea for The Incredible Adventures of Freddie Fixit, which went on sale in July, came to him in a dream a couple of years ago, "about a boy who liked to fix things".

Rather than planning out a plot, like many writers, the story evolved in more dreams as Sid started to write the story down.

He believes the dreams were inspired by his late mother and, to honour her memory, he has published the book under her name, MEBM (Mary Elizabeth Beatrice May) Kirwin.

Sid said: "My late mother suffered with irritable leg syndrome and she would walk the house most nights.

"The only distraction she discovered was writing short stories of all genres, from horror to children's.

"It sounds improbable to say but I believe it was the spirit of my mother feeding my dream.

“It was a dream that I remember completely, and many subsequent dreams as

the story evolved.

"I rarely remember dreams, but this one haunted me for weeks before I decided to write it down as a way to clear it from my mind.

"The more I wrote the more filled my mind. As I slept, the next chapter would form in my subconscious that I would remember the following day.”

Sid said the story has been “labour of love" over the last two years.

Sid's central character is Freddie Fountain, a happy-go-lucky 10-year-old boy who lives in an idyllic village and is known as Freddie Fixit because he is always ready to help his friends, family and neighbours with problems.

While out exploring a nearby forest he makes a discovery that draws him Freddie "into a world of long-forgotten magic and mystery", putting his life in danger.

Sid says the book may appeal to fans of Harry Potter.

The Incredible Adventures of Freddie Fixit has been released via self-publishing house Grosvenor House Publishing and is available via Amazon, Waterstones and Foyles.

Presenting our next programme of further afield trips!

We have received some funding from the Quartet Community Foundation to assist with costs for these trips but the fares will be £10 for those with a bus pass and £12 for those without. Huge thanks to Quartet for their grant to enable us to continue these trips at a lower cost for our passengers.

We will endeavour to get every passenger onto at least one trip, we want to make it as fair as possible. We will have two buses for each trip, so we will have buses collecting in different areas but you can meet up with friends when you arrive. These are designed to be Days Out! Generally passengers can choose what they want to do at each destination but if you want some help booking somewhere to eat we’re more than happy to help. Earlier pickups likely to make sure you have a full day out!

Mon 24th June - Bourton-on-the-Water

Mon 1st July - Bradford on Avon

Weds 17th July - Weston Super Mare

Tues 30th July – Moreton-in-Marsh

Fri 9th Aug - Malmesbury

Tues 20th Aug - Ross on Wye

Mon 2nd Sept - Swindon Designer Outlet/ Museum of the Great Western Railway

Tues 29th October - Cirencester

Tues 12th November - Gloucester Docks

Tues 10th December - Bath

Sid Roberts with his book

Young writing talent rewarded

CHILDREN at a Frampton Cotterell school put their creative writing talent to use to win a stack of new books for their library.

The Year 5 children at Watermore Primary School in Lower Stone Close entered the Once Upon a Dream competition for seven to 12-year-old writers, run by Young Writers.

A total of 1,200 schools entered the competition and the Watermore children won first place, the Young Writers Award Of Excellence trophy and 24 poetry books.

The pupils had to write poems about dreams, and worked with teachers to improve their works before sending them in.

One pupil said: "My poem was about a mysterious monkey. I used similes, metaphors and personification to build suspense for the reader."

Another said: "I wrote a suspenseful poem about being lost in my nightmares.

"We had to edit and redraft the poem multiple times to improve it before we sent it to be published.

"I really enjoyed writing creatively because it was

a chance to show off what we can do!"

Young Writers is an organisation promoting poetry and creative writing within schools and has been running poetry competitions for the past 33 years.

LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?

Join the summer search

FAMILIES are being encouraged to head to Chipping Sodbury during the holidays to take part in the town's annual Summer Search.

The free event involves following a map, available at the Tourist Information Centre, Waitrose and other businesses in the town, looking for the clue posters in windows, then taking your answers to the "Answer board" located in Hatherell's Yard. Award Certificates and stickers for all those completing the search plus "while stocks last" an extra bonus prize available from the Sodbury Florist.

The theme this year is sports, in keeping with the Olympics.

Organisers Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce said: "This year is a particularly sporty year! "We are thankful to have been sponsored by Yate RFC and Yate & Sodbury Sports Network."

The event will run until September 2.

Watermore Primary School pupils with the books they won in a writing competition

n LOCAL MP for Thornbury & Yate

A privilege to serve you

THANK you to local people for placing your trust in me to be your new MP.

It is a huge privilege to be elected to represent the place I’ve made my home for the last 25 years, and which I have previously served as Leader of South Gloucestershire Council.

I’m excited to see what we can achieve together, and am committed to being a strong voice for our area in Parliament.

I’d also like to thank my predecessor for his work as our MP, and wish him all the best for the future.

Throughout my campaign, I spoke to people across the length and breadth of the constituency.

On the doorsteps you raised with me the issues that mattered to you the most. Unsurprisingly, one of the

biggest worries was the NHS and social care.

On the day I was sworn in as an MP, I wrote to the new Health Secretary to ask for a meeting on Thornbury Health Centre.

I’m calling on him to fund the facility the town needs.

I am also working with my fellow Liberal Democrat, Brian Mathew MP, to raise the financial concerns of the Three Shires Medical Practice.

Another big issue was the state of the economy.

Just hours after the result was declared, I was talking to Beko about their plans to close their Yate factory, with the potential loss of 150 jobs. I will work with the firm and others to support all those affected.

There are of course many other issues to tackle, including the scandal of sewage in our rivers, improving local bus services, and addressing the underfunding of our schools.

Many people are still struggling with the cost-ofliving crisis, and it will take time for the economy to recover.

I will champion your needs and support all the people in Thornbury and Yate – whether you voted Lib Dem or for another party.

It is fantastic to be one of 72 Lib Dem MPs. As the largest liberal voice in Parliament for

over a century, I am confident we can make a difference.

I’ve had a whirlwind start to life as an MP, and have already started recruiting staff, securing office space and finding venues to hold surgeries out in our different communities.

Please bear with me while I get up and running. If you would like to get in touch, please email me at claire.young. mp@parliament.uk.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Riding The Wave

The Wave is a slice of the ocean, inland near Bristol. Offering perfect, guaranteed waves for surfers of all abilities, it’s the perfect place to learn to surf this summer.

EAR WAX REMOVAL

• Using latest micro suction techniques

• Treatments carried out by EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS

• Very competitive prices

This year the launch of the 'Little Rippers' session allows for children as young as four to learn to surf. Or if you just want to get in for a splash, Play In The Bay is a summer favourite. For others looking to kick start their surfer journey, look no further than a beginner lesson. Already a keen surfer? The Wave offers great sessions from intermediate to expert every day.

But The Wave is more than just surfing. With free parking and free entry, families can spend a day at The Wave with or without getting wet. The play park and skate ramp keeps kids of all ages entertained for hours, and the shoreline café and restaurant offer all day dining, great tasting coffee and a licensed bar. And if you didn't want to drive home… book a night in a glamping style safari tent located right next to the lake.

The Wave is an unmissable trip this holiday. Visit The Wave just off Junction 17 of the M5, near Cribbs Causeway.

Claire Young MP writes for Thornbury Voice

Claire Young at the Relay for Life in Yate. Picture: RichMcD

Concern over rising murder rate

HOMICIDE rates are rising in Avon and Somerset, as new figures show 22 victims lost their lives in the past year.

Ten of these murders and manslaughters happened in the first three months of this year.

Homicide refers to violent offences which involve killing another person either intentionally or unintentionally. As well as youth

violence, domestic abuse also accounts for several of the recent deaths.

Sarah Crew, chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, was grilled on the rising rates during a police question time session on Wednesday, July 17, by the new Labour police and crime commissioner, Clare Moody.

Ms Crew said the figure of

22 homicides from July to July compared to 16 in the 12 months previously.

She said there had been "very

children Fares Bash, seven, Joury Bash, three, and Mohammed Bash, nine months old, who were fatally stabbed in their home in Sea Mills in February.

of one event," adding: "Since then,

teenagers Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, who were fatally stabbed

Domestic abuse accounts for several of the 22 deaths, including five partner-to-partner attacks. Knives were involved in 15 incidents.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Park and ride scrapped

TRANSPORT planners have scrapped a project to build a park and ride at junction one of the M32

The project, which could have been used by commuters to Bristol city centre, included installing new bus lanes on the M32, to encourage drivers to use the new park and ride.

But traffic modelling suggested

residential roads as alternative routes, if there was less space on the

This would make residential areas more polluted and even slow down some bus routes, according to the West of England Combined

An update on changes to the M32 was given to WECA's overview and scrutiny committee, which includes councillors from Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset councils, on July 22.

Scrapping the scheme would avoid “damaging impacts”, according to Malcolm Parsons, interim delivery director for transport infrastructure at the combined authority, caused by the planned changes. This includes traffic spilling over into residential areas, like Fishponds or Frenchay.

He said: “Effectively, you would reduce the capacity of the M32 to move people into a park and ride scheme, when in reality the satellite navigation systems in people’s cars just means they’ll find another

Buses would also be affected, as increased traffic on their routes could lead to delays and longer journey

Transport planners are now looking at alternative options to

looking at wider solutions to be able to intercept private vehicles and bring them off the network, before they get onto the M32 or try to rat-run through some of our more suburban residential areas.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Singing and dancing in the rain

MUSIC fans shrugged off the rain to enjoy two outdoor concerts in Iron Acton.

Organisers Acton Aid say the annual Music in the Meadows events were a "huge success", entertaining an audience of nearly 2,000 people over two nights on July 5 and 6 and raising money for local causes.

On the Friday night's Mash in the Meadows, 1,200 people were treated to an array of popular songs by Joey and the Lips, who are described as Britain’s funkiest 10 piece band.

Acton Aid spokesman Richard Hunter said: "Despite the rain, the audience were dancing as soon as the group started their set."

The headliner was Elton John tribute performer Nearly Elton.

Richard said: "Immensely talented, he looked and sounded like the real star and performed

over 20 of Elton’s well-known songs including Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Benny and the Jets and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."

On Saturday star soprano

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Garrett performed with the Bristol Ensemble Orchestra and Iron Acton Community Choir, entertaining the audience with some well-known songs from operas and musicals.

A jam-packed holiday at home

WE are now fully in the swing of summer and, while the weather this year has been unpredictable at best, we should (hopefully) see some warmer, dryer days ahead.

The school holidays are getting underway, and readers who have yet to book a holiday but are still eager to relax or have some adventures – whether that’s connecting with nature, or soaking up some art – are in luck.

In order to get a dose of wholesome fun, you really don’t need to go, well, anywhere.

For when it comes to our summer holidays, there really is no place like home.

Who knew that the solitude of the West of England could help recharge all our batteries?

Who realised that we could all feel reinvigorated by strolling through the gorgeous hills of our picturesque countryside – a walker’s paradise – where you can see for miles?

And who appreciated that from nationally-acclaimed galleries and museums to festivals and sporting activities – think of those regular summer fixtures at Gloucester-

shire Cricket Club, and Bath City FC – all the family can have a healthy dose of fun, right here in the West?

Well, the secret is out! The West of England is consistently rated as a top staycation destination, and for good reason.

From play and learning at family-friendly favourites like We The Curious, which I am delighted has now reopened after two long years, to hidden gems such as Saltford Brass Mill or Kingswood Museum – who I am backing through my mayoral fund to help smaller tourist sites – this incredible region is jam-packed with top places to explore and enjoy.

That’s why I am encouraging all of you to once again make the most of our fantastic local attractions and sites, and get behind them this summer.

My Explore Local campaign has already helped bring thousands of tourists back to our great region, but there is a way to go.

Tourism numbers have gone up by nearly 10% since I launched the campaign,

The evening finished with a Last Night of the Proms set, with flag-waving from the crowd and a firework display finale.

Richard said: "People from outside the area just cannot understand how Acton Aid is able to provide such wonderful events and attract well-known stars to perform in such a small village, to a combined audience of nearly two thousand.

"Our secret is that all of the staff are enthusiastic volunteers and almost a year of planning goes into making the events a success. We have already started to plan for 2025.”

Among the audience for both shows was Voice reader Maureen Pickles, who won a competition offering free tickets.

Richard said: "She will be telling her friends to come along next year!"

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

but are still down slightly versus before the pandemic.

So if this is the summer of the great British ‘staycation’, let’s take full advantage by visiting the truly amazing attractions we have locally.

We are so lucky to live in such a brilliant part of the world. Let’s all get out there, soak in the atmosphere (and sun, fingers crossed!) and enjoy a proper local staycation.

A big bonus of keeping it local and travelling less far is we can save some cash during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which I know is still tough on residents, and help save the planet too.

Leslie

Nearly Elton

Lesley Garrett performs

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Celebrating afternoon tea

A RATHER wonderful alert came up on my phone, telling me that August 12-18 is Afternoon Tea Week.

Afternoon tea was conjured up by one of Queen Victoria’s ladiesin-waiting who found dinner, which could be as late as 9pm in the grand houses, to be too long after luncheon, served as early as noon.

She came up with the idea of a good cup of tea and some goodies at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, to tide you through.

This delightful repast usually consisted of dainty finger sandwiches (crusts cut off, of course) scones and some form of cake.

The cake was generally quite plain - seed cake or Madeira cake - and possibly served with a small glass of Madeira wine from Portugal.

The well-known Victoria Sandwich cake was a favourite of Victoria: indeed it is named after her.

It is thought that traditionally it was a sponge cake with two layers of jam, probably raspberry. Whipped cream or buttercream came later.

Why not try my latest loaf cake, and invite your friends round for a treat and a catch up?

Orange Cardamom Loaf Cake

The addition of the orange and cardamom syrup makes this loaf

cake wonderfully moist. Makes one 1kg loaf cake.

Ingredients: For the sponge:

● First weigh 4 large eggs (in their shells) then use the same amount of:

● Unsalted butter (softened)

● Golden caster sugar

● Self-raising flour.

● 2 small oranges, juice and zestabout 4 tbsps

● 8 x green cardamom pods, bashed.

● 2 tbsp of pistachio nuts –optional – see Cook’s Tips

For the syrup – to be drizzled over the finished loaf cake

● Juice and zest of 2 more small oranges

● 6 green cardamom pods, bashed

● 2 tsp honey

Here’s what you do:

Preheat the oven to180C, gas mark 4

● Butter a 1kg loaf tin and line the bottom and sides with nonstick parchment.

● Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods and discard the husks. Chop the seeds, or pound them with a pestle and mortar, until roughly broken up. Put them in a small saucepan with the orange juice. Simmer for 5 mins. Put to one side and allow to infuse whilst you make the cake. Strain through a fine sieve, to remove the cardamom seeds before adding to the cake.

● Weigh the eggs in their shells and weigh out the same amount of butter, sugar and flour.

● In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then beat in the sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest. Stir the eggs so as to break up the yolks. Add the eggs, a little at a time, beating well after each addition. Add a tablespoon of sifted flour if the mix looks as if it's going to curdle. ● Fold in the rest of the flour.

● Add the cardamom infused

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.

orange juice. Gently combine well.

● Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Smooth the top.

● Bake for 35-40 mins until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

● Whilst the loaf cake is baking make the cardamom syrup:

● Put the orange zest, juice, cardamom and honey into a pan, simmer for three to four minutes, then leave to cool in the pan. Strain out the cardamom pods.

● When you take the cake out of the oven, immediately pierce the top all over with a skewer and pour over the syrup, letting it trickle all over the surface and down the sides. When the cake is completely cold, remove from the tin and remove the paper. Dust with caster or icing sugar and serve in fat slices.

Cook’s Tips:

● A couple of tablespoons of pistachio nuts can be sprinkled on the top for extra texture.

● If you have any of the syrup left over, you can pour it over fresh fruit salad, for an Asian twist.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Paul's Place celebrated in Small Charities Week

DURING Small Charities Week, we proudly joined the annual celebration that recognises the vital contributions small charities make to communities across the UK.

Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, small charities like ours play a significant role.

At Paul's’ Place we make sure physically disabled adults are not left alone or behind, and have opportunities to live life to the full.

We do this by providing social activities that connect people, reduce isolation, improve health and well-being, and give people the opportunity to develop new skills and enjoy new experiences.

Statistically, over 80% of disabled people acquired their disability later in life.

Fewer than 20% were born with a disability.

We’re here to catch and rebuild them, with life-enhancing opportunities.

In the UK, a gigantic 96% of charities are small. This means small charities are making a massive difference for millions of people every day.

Paul’s Place member Hannah Webb was born with spastic cerebral palsy.

It causes stiff and tight muscles, which makes it difficult to move.

Hannah said: "Without Paul’s Place I would stay at home, which would close doors and limit my life.

"I would often cry, as my anxiety would increase drastically.

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

"At Paul’s Place I’m with people who understand me. There’s various ages and physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities at Paul’s Place, but we learn from each other and find common ground.

"I love doing arts and crafts and taking part in Boccia tournaments – that takes us to leagues around the country.

"Closer to home, Paul’s Place supports us to go out into the community, such as theatre trips and restaurants.

"I was also supported to learn and

All change, platform one!

WE have a new government and as I write my article the new MPs are being sworn into parliament: it takes three days once the speaker has been hauled into place for all the niceties to be completed.

I am told that we now have the most ‘Godless Parliament’ in history, with 40% of MPs making a secular affirmation rather than a religious one.

This is, of course, broadly in line with national data, with 42% of the population saying they do not believe in a divine being (God) and 53% declaring no religious affiliation or membership.

We have come a long way since 1888, when the first openly atheistic MP, Charles Bradlaugh, was barred from taking his seat because he would not swear the oath of allegiance to God.

The papers tell me, in the light of this latest evidence of religious

decline, that there is a sense of rejoicing in humanist circles, as Christianity continues to circle the wagons and face up to what might be its last stand.

I have never quite grasped this rabidity and desire amongst some ‘humanists’ to dance on the grave of organised religion and, particularly in the UK, Christianity.

As well as being a priest I am also a qualified RE teacher, and have always advocated the importance of valuing and teaching the humanist position in the courses I have delivered in the classroom.

I have always admired their desire to promulgate the best qualities to be found in the human condition, promoting key values that can help society to be a better place for us all.

Like many Christians, I have to a degree reflected this in my own ministry, being focused on our

apply my skills in sign language, which secured my employment at Claremont School, where I support physically disabled pupils."

Paul’s Place was established in 1995 when a group of physically disabled adults got together to create a social club they could access.

Paul was the name of a founder member, who sadly died before the club had its first meeting. In his memory, the other group members decided to call the club Paul’s Place.

Over the last 29 years, Paul’s Place has evolved into a week-day service supporting physicallydisabled adults through a variety of projects.

On a weekly basis Paul’s Place supports around 100 people, providing services for up to 30 disabled adults a day.

At the end of June, we said ‘thank you’ during Small Charities Week while raising awareness of the importance of supporting local charities through donations, fundraising, and volunteering.

Our small charity is only possible with your support.

Please get in touch if you can help at www.paulsplace.org.uk/ volunteer.

David Sully

human talents, gifts and strengths as much as on divine deliverance: to be honest, there is something quite incarnational in all this.

What saddens me is that sometimes humanists can come across as just as fundamentalist as some of the religious positions, beliefs and practices they challenge and seek to eradicate.

This is a shame, given that one of the greatest of human strengths is the desire to understand others and value them as human beings.

In my experience of working with young people and families, it is clear that adherence to an organised faith position is very much in decline.

The one thing which is not, though, is the reality that most humans are very spiritual beings. Awareness of this is actually on the rise, as greater numbers engage with and explore the spiritual side

of their nature.

Perhaps it is in this spiritual oneness that both non-religious and religious people might find a common denominator which helps us all to live better lives and enhances our understanding of each other, thus enabling the communities in which we live to be built on the firm foundations of love and care for all.

Malcolm Strange Rector, Fromeside Benefice

Hannah Webb (left) with a fellow Paul's Place member and volunteer

n WHAT'S ON n WINTERBOURNE LIBRARY NEWS

REGULAR EVENTS

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.

TUESDAY

n WINTERBOURNE SHORT MAT

BOWLS CLUB meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1.30 until 4.30 pm at WADCA, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. 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 & co-ordination. 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, 11.45am12.45pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne.Contact Jenny on 07855 560257 or jksmith@blueyonder. co.uk for more information.

n TABLE TENNIS Henfield Hall, Ram Hill on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2-4pm. 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 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 WINTERBOURNE DOWN WI meets on the first Thursday of each

WINTERBOURNE Library is encouraging children aged from four to 11 to register for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers.

Read six library books over the school holidays, before September 14, collect rewards, a medal and certificate.

The library is running a series of free children's activities for the summer holidays.

Starting with Marvellous Makers colouring and puzzles on August 2 from 10-11am, There will be a puppet workshop on August 9 from 10am-12.30pm (booking essential)

Other sessions are Story Crafters on August 16 from 10-11am, Junk Box Builders on August 23 from 10-11am and more colouring and puzzles on August 30 from 10-11am.

Lego club meets on August 10 from 10-11am, for children of all ages – all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Adult craft group meets on August 3, 17 and 31, from 10amnoon: join a friendly group, do your own work and chat

month in All Saints Church Hall, Church Road, Winterbourne Down, at 7.30pm. Speakers, demonstrators & craft evenings. Guests welcome. More details from aspbury.m@gmail.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 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.

– refreshments available. Staff Crafty Saturday is on August 24.

Coffee morning is 11am every Wednesday: coffee, chat, friendship and crafts.

Story time for children aged 18 months to four years will stop for the holidays and restart in September.

Regular Rhymetimes take place on Wednesdays, 9.3010am. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months.

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.

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.

n FRAMPTON NATURE

Balsam bashing!

THROUGHOUT June and July a huge effort has been taking place to remove Himalayan balsam from along the banks of the River Frome.

Dozens of volunteers have spent many hours pulling, chopping and stomping to try and protect our river from this highly invasive non-native plant.

Himalayan balsam was first introduced to Kew Gardens in 1839.

It quickly began to naturalise, and over the last century has spread widely across the UK.

It is, in many ways, an impressive plant. It can grow up to three metres high in a single season. Each plant produces up to 800 seeds in explosive pods, and can scatter them up to seven metres away.

The seeds are spread particularly successfully along watercourses and, if left unchecked, it forms monoculture stands which entirely dominate riversides.

Because it grows so dense and tall, our native wildflowers are shaded out and can’t compete.

It produces a lot of nectar and is attractive to pollinating insects, but there are concerns that this too disadvantages native plant species.

When it dies back in the winter it leaves bare soil behind, which is prone to being washed away and contributes to the erosion of river banks.

This year it feels like real progress has been made in tackling the problem on the Frome.

The Upper Frome Friends group have held regular sessions around Stover Road in Yate, clearing huge amounts from the furthest point upstream that we’ve found it growing.

The aim is to co-ordinate efforts and gradually work downstream.

Volunteers from Frampton Cotterell Nature, Village Action and the Winterbourne

Potholes emergency could close roads

POTHOLES on country lanes in South Gloucestershire are becoming “extremely difficult” to fix due to a shortage of cash and worsening weather.

Council bosses are now planning to declare a “highways emergency” and are warning some lanes could be closed this later year.

Climate change means the winters in England are wetter, colder and stormier, all of which causes potholes to form more quickly.

South Gloucestershire Council is struggling to keep up with road maintenance, particularly on country lanes which previously were less of a focus.

It says roads are getting damaged more quickly than pothole gangs can fix them, and it only spends around a third of what is needed to keep roads properly maintained.

Council bosses are now due to discuss how to respond to the dire state of the roads.

A report to July's cabinet meeting said: "The impact of

Environment Group have cleared many thousands of plants all along the river through Nibley, Iron Acton, Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne and Winterbourne Down.

The effort will need to be kept up, as the seeds are thought to remain viable for at least three years.

Huge thanks to those who have organised volunteer sessions,

and to all the volunteers who have taken part.

If you’d like to hear about opportunities to join our friendly group of volunteers and take action to protect and enhance our river, then join the Upper Frome Friends group on Facebook or email framptoncotterellnature@ gmail.com

David Hanks

climate change means wetter winters, hotter summers and seasonal extreme events are becoming more frequent and will, in the long term, only speed up this deterioration."

The report said a "long list" of lanes which were in need of repair was being monitored, adding: "It’s likely that some road closures will be needed before the next winter.

"What is more concerning is the ability to address the remaining lanes with the funding available.”

The amount the council has for fixing potholes falls far short of the estimated £15 million which is needed.

The longer roads are left to deteriorate, the more expensive they then become to repair.

One small country lane cost more than £80,000 for preparation works to surface it, and there are around 80 other lanes within South Gloucestershire in a similar position.

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting

Service

Cutting down Himalayan balsam

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Crossbow Singers

THE Crossbow Singers' summer concerts were a great success, with the theme being music from the movies, spanning the decades since the 1930s.

The choir was led enthusiastically by the talented musical director Carolyn Dutton.

The programme included something for everyone, prompting one member of the audience to say that it was like a night in the West End.

Anthony Davies did a wonderful job as accompanist, stepping in for Mary Darby, who has been recovering from surgery. The choir were delighted to see Mary in the audience, maybe for the first time in decades not playing the piano.

As ever, the choir were indebted to the compere Rosie Williams, who linked the different sections and entertained with poems and anecdotes, ensuring the evening ran smoothly.

Zip-a-Dee-Doodah, from the 1946 film Song of the South, opened the show.

Other songs in the first half included Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, a medley from Oklahoma, Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music, Cabaret and the rousing Les Misérables, featuring solos by members of the choir.

In the second half the choir sang Up Where We Belong from An Officer and a Gentleman. From Chicago the audience were treated to And All That Jazz, before singing along to the Jungle Book favourite The Bare Necessities and the everpopular Mamma Mia

Carolyn arranged a four-part harmony of A Million Dreams from

The Greatest Showman for the concert, and the evening finished with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Concert Celebration medley.

Special guest electric violinist Christine Wright performed Misirlou, from Pulp Fiction, accompanied by Carolyn on the piano, and the title music from Skyfall.

Another highlight of the evening was Anthony’s rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, with impromptu singing from both the choir and the audience.

Afterwards Carolyn said she was buzzing from the fantastic performances, which were brought together in a special way.

She praised the choir for observing a range of dynamics and keeping the harmonies accurate, and sensed a wave of sound, soaring over the audience singing with voices in full harmony.

Audiences fully enjoyed a night out and a comment was made that the atmosphere was friendly, warm and welcoming, with fun thrown in, but still professional.

At the end of the evening bucket collections were made for several charities chosen by the choir. More details will follow about how funds were distributed to recipients.

The choir is now on the summer break, with rehearsals starting again at Crossbow House in September.

Anne Angus

Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir

FRAMPTON Cotterell Male Voice Choir has been on tour, for the

first time in many years.

They also joined in the Yate Rocks Choir Showcase and Frampton Festival, and are preparing for their centenary year in 2025 with a range of entertaining performances, and plans to increase membership at the start of a historic year.

After meticulous planning and fundraising, led by Mel Eveleigh, the choir travelled to Cornwall for two concerts on consecutive evenings in June.

Newquay Male Voice Choir shared an evening, including our respective shanty groups, at St Michaels Church, followed by less formal sociable singing at the football club.

The following night we sang with Imerys Male Voice Choir at the 200-year-old Wesleyan Leek Seed Chapel, near St Austell. The double-decker arrangement and stunning acoustics enhanced the performance, particularly for the split level joint finale.

Changeable weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of the travellers, nor the generosity of the hosts!

The choir performed from this year’s repertoire, led by musical director Tim Warren, with Anthony Davies stepping in as accompanist.

An impromptu Sunday morning concert at Mevagissey harbour, which turned out to be a natural amphitheatre, was heard by a wider audience than anticipated.

All the performances were well received, by the locals and travelling ‘fans’ alike.

All who travelled had a great time, and the choir agreed to not wait so long before our next touring adventure.

The last events of the summer were much closer to home, joining several choirs at the Yate Choir Showcase on June 23 in Kingsgate Park and opening proceedings at Frampton Festival on July 13 in Centenary Fields.

Preparations have already started to celebrate the centenary of the choir: watch out for more news of this in the coming months via our website, www. fcmvc.co.uk, or the choir's Facebook page.

The first rehearsal for next year will be at 7.30pm on Friday September 6 at Zion Church, Woodend Road.

There will also be a dedicated open rehearsal for potential new members to give the choir a try on September 20.

There is no audition: the only qualification is enthusiasm and shared joy in making music together. Everyone is welcome to join us and help the choir make 2025 an unforgettable centenary year.

The choir performing in Cornwall

Alan Fromberg

The Crossbow Singers at their summer concert

Holiday activities at the Barn

WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn is running a series of activities suitable for children and adults during the summer holidays.

There are four family crafts workshops in August: the first two are a mosaics workshop on August 8 from 10am-noon, for over-fives with an adult, and a Mandala dot painted tiles workshop on August 16 from 10.30am12.30pm. This is for children aged eight and over – parents and carers are welcome to make their own creation too.

Later that day, from 1.30-3.30pm is a Tree of Life suncatchers workshop for young people aged 11-plus.

A summer family crafts session, aimed at children aged from five to 11, is on August 22 at 10am or 1pm.

We have two nature walks for families looking for outdoor fun.

On August 12 from 10.30am join outdoor educator Steve England on a two-hour family bushcraft walk to explore local habitats and find out about wild plants and their uses for food, medicine, bushcraft and fire.

A bat walk, with drinks and nibbles afterwards, takes place on August 20 at 8pm

for over-12s, with naturalist Ed Drewitt leading an evening journey looking and listening for bats and birds, returning to the barn at about 9.30pm for refreshments and wildlife questions

to Ed.

Craft workshops for adults and older teens include a silver jewellery workshop on August 7 from 6.30-9pm, where people can design and make a real silver ring or bangle using specialist jewellers' tools.

The following day from 1-3.30pm a mosaic workshop will let you cut up glass and ceramic tiles to make your own design on a board, dish or mirror.

After the holidays finish the workshops continue with fused glass on September 12, at 10am or 1pm, making glass miniatures in the morning, or a single larger glass panel in the afternoon.

A talk on the piers of Weston-super-Mare will be held on August 6, at 7pm.

The latest barn dance at the end of June proved very popular, and great fun.

The next live music events are in September, when Leonie Evans presents a laid-back evening of blues, country, jazz, Latin, and gentle humour on the 5th at 7.30pm.

The Sisters of Swing then bring popular big band swing tunes, jazz songs, Latin, 60s, and more on September 27, at 7.30pm.

Pre-booking is essential for all workshops and strongly advised for all performances.

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

A NEW LOOK FOR YOUR OLD KITCHEN THIS SUMMER

Steve England will lead a family bushcraft walk this summer

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Coalpit Heath WI

UNTIL we had our meeting with Sarah Weaver, I’m not sure we’d given much thought to how important our feet are!

A quiz revealed the percentage of bones of the body found in the foot, and the huge number of nerves that there are.

Sarah runs holistic therapies locally, and took us through the process of foot reflexology using Marcia to demonstrate on.

It was really interesting to see how areas of the foot map to parts of the body.

A group of eight ladies met up in Chipping Sodbury for a 'bristles and bubbles' evening, to have a go at painting a highland cow. We had some excellent instruction and support, ending up with a lovely collection of beasties sporting names from Colin to Dougal.

Plans are in place for trips to Westonbirt and Tetbury, Cardiff and a Christmas meal at Highgrove.

The recycled sunflowers on the Badminton Road fence have now been joined by some real mini sunflower seedlings. Hopefully the recent rain will have kept them watered; a few members will be keeping an eye on them too. Some crushed eggshell has been added to discourage the slugs. If our meetings sound like something you would enjoy, why not come along? You would be most welcome.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm. Visitors pay £4.

Our next meeting is on August 7, when Ian Caskie talks about the SS Great Britain. Look out for updates on Facebook or Instagram.

Caroline Johnston

Frampton Cotterell WI

THE speaker at our June meeting was Amy Wade from the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.

BART is one of 65 charitable trusts in the UK, part of a growing movement to improve river habitats for both wildlife and people.

Sadly only 14% of UK rivers are currently deemed to be in good health, so there is much work to be done.

Members were very interested to hear more, particularly as locally there is a lot of improvement work being done along the banks of the river Frome.

We take our summer break in August and have no meeting.

When we return, our first meeting is a history of glassware, with Francis Burrows, on September 24, followed by a visit from women’s welfare charity Happy Handbag on October 22.

We have many other events lined up, including visits to the theatre, meals out, and a summer tapas evening in early August.

We also have a monthly 'lunch club', held at a different local venue each time.

Special interest groups include a book club, craft group, gardening

group, skittles and darts.

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 most months.

For more information, get in touch via our Facebook page, which has future event dates and more details. It can be found by searching for FramptonCottWI.

Winterbourne Evening WI

THE president welcomed us all on a lovely summer’s evening. Our speakers from Somerset Road Safety had already set up their display.

The presentation, by Barry and Steve, was the highlight of the evening.

It was aimed at older drivers, and most of the members could relate to it.

As the speakers told us, the Highway Code has changed considerably since most of us passed our driving tests!

We frequently hear about newlyqualified drivers being criticised but this can equally apply to those who are not up to date with some of the code's changes and additions.

This was demonstrated on the screen, showing some of the new road signs: members tested themselves, with varying results!

Both the speakers were lively and entertaining, as well as informative, and they answered many questions.

A number of free aids relating to driving were on offer to members after the presentation. I, along with many others, went home with an up-to-date Highway Code.

We feel we have been fortunate with the quality of our speakers and look forward to hearing from the Air Ambulance in September, after our summer break.

Sadly, due to low numbers our trip to West Lavington Manor Gardens in August has had to be cancelled.

We meet at St Michael's Primary School on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm, except August.

Visitors and new members are welcome.

Down WI

INSTEAD of a meeting in July we enjoyed a cream tea event at our president Margaret's house.

There was an abundance of delicious sandwiches, savouries and crudites, together with homemade scones, strawberries and cream.

The weather was changeable but some of us did manage to spend a little time in Margaret's beautiful garden. There was a bring & buy table with plants and small gifts, books and edibles to help raise funds for our WI.

There is no meeting in August but we will be having a lunch out at the Rising Sun pub in Frampton Cotterell.

There are many interesting speakers coming up in the months ahead, including David Nash and his hilarious game show, ‘Family Fortunes’, in September: this is always a lot of fun.

We usually meet on the first Thursday of the month, at 7.30pm in All Saints Hall, Winterbourne Down.

Why not come along? We welcome all visitors.

Susan Marshfield Winterbourne

Carol Tremlin

Foot reflexology

Guest speakers from Somerset Road Safety

The cream tea

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club

AFTER celebrating our Summer Lunch in June, our July meeting saw us getting back to normal with a musical topic, 'Our Harmonious Garden', provided by Lewis and Furneaux.

We were entertained with songs and poems, together with slides of different gardens and plants. The words for the songs were made available and everyone joined in, and a good time was had by all.

The afternoon was rounded up with members having a good natter, accompanied by cups of tea or coffee and biscuits.

The next social event is a coffee morning, held on the last Wednesday of each month at Kendleshire Golf Club.

Our next members' meeting is on Monday August 19, when Andrew Marker will be talking about 'The Beautiful World'.

If you 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 at a cost of £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.

Sue Humphreys Club Secretary

Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group

THE Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group is celebrating another successful Great Daffodil

Loft Boarding & Insulation

Appeal this year. Through collections in local supermarkets, garden centres and local high streets, the group raised an incredible sum of £3,073.36 for Marie Curie.

The group are currently looking for new members to help continue their amazing work in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, raising vital funds for people living with a terminal illness and those close to them.

The Five Stokes Fundraising Group play a hugely important role in the local community in raising awareness and funds for Marie Curie and are known locally for their collections, cake sales and tea parties.

Now celebrating their tenth year, the Five Stokes Fundraising Group has raised an incredible total of way over £93,500 for Marie Curie. Through their fundraising, the group have helped fund over 4,065 hours of Hospice at Home care for people living with a terminal illness, helping countless patients and families along the way.

Money raised for Marie Curie

helps fund Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals, who provide expert hospice care to people in the comfort of their own home in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and support those close to them.

Marie Curie also has a free information and support line, which is available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them.

It offers practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support.

Our volunteers play such an important role raising funds and awareness for Marie Curie, and we really couldn’t do our vital work without them.

By joining this wonderful group and volunteering your time, you will be able to make a huge difference to people’s lives.

For more information email hannah.drury@mariecurie.org.uk

Hannah Drury

n MESSAGE FROM POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Time to hear your concerns and ideas

WE are now in a time of change and of opportunity.

After weeks of being out campaigning over evenings and weekends and an exciting general election, I’m looking forward to working with the new government and all new and returning local MPs.

I welcome the government’s commitment to boosting police numbers and making neighbourhood policing more visible.

The King’s Speech also demonstrated there will be action on anti-social behaviour, shoplifting and on tackling violent crime, specifically on male violence against women and girls and knife crime.

I am pleased to say I will be spending a community engagement day in South Gloucestershire in mid-August, where I’ll meet with community groups and support services for victims of crime.

This visit is an opportunity for me to get out, meet people faceto-face and hear your concerns and

ideas about policing in your area.

I will also be holding a public forum in the evening on Thursday August 15.

I feel strongly that being out in the community is vital to understanding how we solve the unique challenges we face. The details to book on to the forum will be added to the website, www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk, soon.

This meeting will also help me to shape ideas for my Police and Crime Plan, but it won’t be the last opportunity to have your say.

The draft plan will be published next month for consultation, giving you a chance to share your views on both the plan and how it’s implemented.

During July, I launched a new initiative called Police Question Time (PQT), designed to make it easier for you to voice your opinions on local policing.

I will be posing questions monthly about the performance of Avon and Somerset Police to Chief

Constable Sarah Crew.

The first session was live streamed on the Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner Facebook page on July 17, and you can watch a recording there.

Another new initiative I’m pleased to announce is free bystander intervention training, helping night-time economy workers to recognise the signs of sexual harassment to those working in this sector, like pubs, nightclubs, and hospitality.

You can sign up to the in-person or virtual sessions at tinyurl.com/ ywrppa2v.

Ensuring safety in our communities requires proactive measures.

By empowering night time economy workers with bystander intervention training, we can enable them to play a key role in creating safer nightlife environments.

This training is essential for preventing male violence against women and girls, and fostering a

With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody

secure and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

Together, let’s keep building a safer, more inclusive community.

I look forward to meeting many of you across South Gloucestershire and working with you over the coming weeks, months and years to achieve our shared goals.

In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me and my office with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have at www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.

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• All work guaranteed • Free estimates

• Pressure washing Driveways & Patios

Tel: 01225 873587 or 07831 453821

Tel: 0117 9860485 or 07831 453821 www.agldrives.co.uk