A MAN who killed his 93-year-old father at the home they shared in Hambrook has been jailed after admitting murder.
Gary Moore, aged 65, must serve a minimum of 12 years of a life sentence imposed at Bristol Crown Court for suffocating his dad Robert, better known as Bob.
As their brother was sentenced, Bob's other children spoke of their disbelief that he could commit such a "heinous act".
They described their father as a generous, selfless and hard-working man who other people loved being around.
Turn to page 2
New councillor
FRAMPTON Cotterell has a new South Gloucestershire councillor after David Goodwin held the seat vacated by Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young at a by-election.
PAGE 6
Rallying round
ORGANISERS of a charity
Christmas lights display in Winterbourne Down say they have been "overwhelmed" by the response after their donation bucket was stolen.
PAGE 4
Karate kid
A SIX-year old boy from Winterbourne has returned from a national karate championship with two silver medals.
PAGE 22
Seasonal cheer
Pantomimes and Nativity plays have charmed and entertained audiences across the area.
PAGES 7, 8 & 9
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A member of the
Son killed his 'cherished' dad
From page 1
Police were called to the home the two men shared in Mill Lane on the morning of June 22 after Moore called an ambulance, saying he had killed his father.
A police spokesperson said: "Officers attended and arrested Moore at the scene, where he made further disclosures about what he had done.
"He also stated he had not taken his regular medication."
Bob's other children spoke of their loss and disbelief in statements read out at the sentencing hearing on November 29.
Gail Baines said: "Why would anyone want to kill my father?
"He was a very hard-working, proud and selfless man who, at 93, deserved to enjoy the rest of his life as he wanted, being cared for by those who really cared.
"It’s only since my father’s death that we’ve begun to realise the living conditions which he endured in the last years of his life, while providing a free home for the defendant.
"People loved being around my father; his little eccentricities and generosity brought so much joy to family and friends. He was renowned for hosting events in the home that he built with my mother.
"I can’t comprehend how such a heinous act could have been committed by his own son, in his own home, and that this was also my father’s last memory."
Kevin Moore described his dad as both a father and "best friend", who he would miss forever.
He said: “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to harm him and so when I was told what had happened, it was particularly difficult for me to deal with.
"Before my dad died, I would see him almost daily by travelling to his house on my pushbike.
"My dad was an extraordinary man. He was always fit and well and never took any medication.
"Since his death, I wake up every day and my immediate thoughts are toward my dad. I try not to think too much about him, as this just upsets me.
"Dad was a gentleman and he would always walk away from any trouble.
"It’s so hard and painful knowing that I will never see him again."
Sentencing Moore, who pleaded guilty to murder at an earlier hearing, Judge Julian Lambert acknowledged that he had been receiving mental health support in the months leading up to the murder.
The judge told Moore: "It is plain that the balance of your mind was disturbed at the time of the offence.
"I am well-aware there is a multi-generational, multi-focal family tragedy occasioned by your offending.
"Your father was well-respected by all and cherished by other family members who are, of course, left deeply affected by his death."
After the case the police officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Inspector Deb Hatch, said Bob’s family had shown "remarkable courage" throughout the investigation and court process.
Gary Moore
A family picture of Bob Moore
Lottery wins for residents and charities
RESIDENTS of a street in Westerleigh have shared a £1 million windfall after their postcode came up in a lottery draw.
Coalpit Heath-based charity Paul's Place is also celebrating after being given a £75,000 grant by the People's Postcode Lottery.
Nine residents of Mill Crescent in the village shared the competition's weekly jackpot between them when their numbers came up in December.
The prize was split 11 ways, into shares of £90,909. Two of the residents, who had bought two tickets each, doubled the size of their wins to £181,818.
Among the winners was NHS nurse Luke Packer, 25, who is splitting his prize with mum Maria and dad Rob after going halves on a ticket.
Luke used to split a ticket with his late great-gran Betty Smith, and Maria took over her half after Betty died in 2018.
Luke said: "I’m sure she’s watching over us."
Luke, who has been successfully treated for an aggressive form of skin cancer,
is planning to use the money to finish renovating the house he bought with girlfriend Milly Ford, next door to his parents. He said: "This has made my life, let alone Christmas. This is the sort of money you don’t come across that often and are unlikely to ever again. I feel fantastic, on top of the world."
IT manager Fraser Clark and his family are planning to use their share to fund a holiday of a lifetime in Canada and the US, and plan to hire a convertible car to drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles.
Card Factory worker, mumof-three and grandmother Heather Harding planned to buy
"extra presents" a new hairdo and two bottles of Baileys for starters.
Car auctioneer Matt Hewer is planning to but his wife a new motor and fund a family holiday from his winnings.
Mum-of-four Julie Weaver is planning a Caribbean cruise.
On the day she found out what her share of the prize would be she said: "I’ve been up since 3am. I just didn’t think this would happen to me, it’s amazing."
Sandie Bradley and husband Paul are planning an exotic holiday, upgrades to their home and to help their son, daughter and three grandchildren.
Sandie said: "This will make an amazing difference."
The couple started playing the Postcode Lottery because of the donations it makes to charities.
Under the People’s Postcode Lottery, people pay £12 a month to enter and postcodes are picked at random for daily, weekly and monthly draws, including the weekly Millionaire Street prize won by the Westerleigh residents.
Charity's £75,000 will help it expand
COALPIT Heath charity Paul’s Place has been awarded £75,000 by Postcode Community Trust.
The charity, which supports physically disabled adults, providing a place for them to socialise and access activities and opportunities, is one of three local charities to be given an award.
Paul’s Place currently runs a day centre at Coalpit Heath Cricket Club but is planning to relocate to the former Shire Way Community Centre in Yate during 2025, before its current lease runs out in the summer.
The charity is running a fundraising appeal to support the project, but recently had to spend £6,000 to repair the community centre's roof and ceiling, after thieves stripped lead from the tiles and rain soaked through.
An appeal for help raised almost £2,000 from supporters but the cost of the repair meant it had less to spend on other repairs and refurbishment work.
Paul’s Place was first
formed in 1995 when a group of friends created a social club for physically disabled adults, and it has already had to move premises twice to meet increased demand for its services.
Chief executive Lynda Williams said: "Around 100 adults use our services, but our current premises has a capacity of up to 30 people a day depending on need.
"We are at a point where our
demand drastically outweighs our supply, but next year we will be moving to our biggest space yet.
"It’s an incredibly exciting time for us as the development has everything for our serviceusers – sensory rooms, state of the art gym and a media centre to name a few.
"However, whilst we build plans for that we need to make sure we can keep our current
offering going."
The lottery grant will give its plans a big boost.
Lynda said: "Like most charities, we are feeling the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, especially at this time of year.
"The funding will play a key role in moving Paul’s Place forward and allow us to continue to keep our arms open to the community in the meantime."
Two other local organisations were also awarded funding: Age UK South Gloucestershire, which supports older people with activities, services and advice, and North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank, which provides emergency food and support to people in crisis.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £1.4 billion for thousands of charities and local good causes.
To read about the Paul’s Place Hub Appeal and donate, visit www.paulsplace.org.uk/hub.
Paul's Place members react as they are told about their award
Residents of Mill Crescent in Westerleigh celebrate their win.
Drink-drive crackdown
POLICE have launched their annual campaign against drinkand drug-driving over the festive season.
The Avon and Somerset Roads Policing Team started a month of extra roadside checks, engagement with motorists and appeals for intelligence on drivers on December 1.
Over the first 13 days of the campaign, named Operation Limit, they arrested 114 people on suspicion of drink or drug-driving, 20 in South Gloucestershire. In the previous 11 months more than 2,500 have been arrested.
Suspected drink-drivers can be reported to the police by calling 999 if they are out on the road, or 101 at other times. They can also be reported online at tinyurl.com/3nw678fy or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Community rallies after thieves take charity donations
ORGANISERS of a fundraising Christmas lights display in Winterbourne Down say they have been "overwhelmed" by the response after their donation bucket was stolen.
Richard Iles and his family are raising money for the Taxi Charity For Military Veterans with the display in Church Road.
On the evening of December 15 a donation box for visitors donating cash was taken while the display was on, between 5.30pm and 5.50pm.
Richard said he was "lost for words" after the theft, adding: "It really does make me wonder what a world we live in!"
Within a day of Richard sharing the news on Facebook, more than 60 people had made donations online and added at least £750 to the displays online donations page, pushing the total raised past the £2,300 mark.
FRAMPTON TAXIS
He was also flooded with supportive messages.
Richard said: "We’re overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from friends, family, social media and businesses in the local area after the theft of our charity bucket.
"We put on the display every year as we love to see people enjoying themselves and smiling, as well as raising money for great charities."
The display's JustGiving page can be found at tinyurl.com/ yxvubr35.
In nearby Down Road, organisers of the Winterbourne Wonderland display are organising some Disney events after Christmas to boost their fundraising total, on December 29 and 30, to boost donations to the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children's Hospital, which had passed £5,800 as the Voice went to print.
Ricky & Chrissie Fenning had to cancel the original Disney event because of Storm Darragh. Their online donation page can be found on JustGiving at tinyurl.com/4sbmjkwv.
The Winterbourne Down Christmas Lights display
Storms bring floods
TWO storms brought flooding and disruption to the area in the space of a fortnight.
First Storm Bert, on the weekend of November 23-24, brought heavy rainfall and high winds that left many roads and homes flooded.
Worst affected was an area of Yate and Chipping Sodbury around Shire Way, where around 100 homes in Slimbridge Close and Littledean were flooded, along with parked cars.
The nearby railway line was flooded, with trains between Bristol Parkway and London diverted for several days afterwards.
The River Frome also burst its banks in Iron Acton, Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne Down, where some drivers braved flooding on Damsons Bridge to make their way along Down Road.
Some roads in the district were closed for up to three days.
South Gloucestershire Council said 30 trees were blown over during the storm and around 1,500 sandbags were distributed to residents.
A fortnight later a rare red weather warning was issued by the Met Office for the area, as Storm Darragh hit the region.
The council said it recorded wind speeds of up to 55mph at weather stations, as emergency services advised that people travel only when essential.
The council's StreetCare teams dealt with 33 incidents during the night of December 6 and the following morning.
They included a fallen tree at Awkley Lane, Tockington, which brought down a BT phone cable, and a fallen tree in Canterbury Close.
Flooding affected Cowship Lane in Cromhall and Tytherington Road, Grovesend.
The severe wind also forced the cancellation of Santa's on a Bike, an annual fundraising ride from Winterbourne Academy to Charlton Farm hospice in North Somerset to raise money for charity Children's Hospice South West.
Around 900 bikers from across the UK were expected to form up at the school in Winterbourne on December 7 wearing festive costumes for the 21st anniversary ride.
Organisers said: "We are very sorry to have had to cancel the events planned, as we know how much our members enjoy them, and supporting the children’s hospices."
Work to alleviate sewer overflows in the Frampton Cotterell area triggered by heavy rain have continued through the winter.
A Wessex Water spokesperson said construction work on the first storage tank, at Church Road, finished in November, with final testing continuing into January.
Two other tanks being built as part of a £5 million project are also now in the ground.
The spokesperson said: "While the recent poor weather has inevitably caused some challenges, work to install the storage tanks near Nightingale’s Bridge and at Watley’s End continues to make good progress and we expect to complete the pipework, mechanical and electrical connections for them during January.
"We plan to write again to local customers and businesses about the progress and completion of these projects in the New Year."
Motorists drive through the flood at Damsons Bridge in Winterbourne Down. Picture: Colin Buchan
Lib Dems hold on to council seat
THE Liberal Democrats have held the seat on South Gloucestershire Council vacated by Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young.
At a by-election held on November 28 David Goodwin won the Frampton Cotterell ward, which also includes Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton, with a majority of 201 over Conservative Tim Niblett, with the Greens and Labour third and fourth respectively.
Ms Young stood down as a councillor to concentrate on her work in Westminster in October, after 17 years on the council.
The Lib Dems picked up 49.5% of the votes cast, down from the 55% they received when all three seats were contested in last year's local elections.
The Tory share was up from 38% to 41.7%, with the Greens on 6% and Labour on 3%.
Around one in every four voters turned out, down from
the 43% who voted in the local elections of 2023 when all council seats in South Gloucestershire were contested.
Cllr Goodwin said: "I am delighted and humbled to have been elected to serve the people of Frampton Cotterell ward alongside my fellow Lib Dem councillors Jon Lean and Tristan Clark.
"I want to stand up for local residents and fight for the issues that really matter to them.
"Thank you to everyone in Frampton Cotterell ward who came out on a cold November day to vote in this election whether you voted for me or not.
"My colleagues and I will stand up for you and fight your corner on the council.
"I will be tackling the various issues that residents have raised with me over the course of the campaign and keeping my election pledges to fight against bus cuts, fight against cuts to the
winter fuel allowance and fight against sewage dumping in our rivers."
The Tories said they were "the big winners" in the by-election and described the fall in the Lib Dems' share of the vote as a "collapse".
Conservative group leader
Sam Bromiley said: “Every other Party went backwards as local residents got behind local Conservative candidate Tim Niblett’s positive message to stop car parking charges. And to stop the reduction in black bin collections.
"We will stay on the side of residents and I just hope South Gloucestershire Council pay attention to this result and start listening to local people."
Result
David Paul Goodwin (Liberal Democrat) 1,315
Alan Lankester (Green) 160
Tim Niblett (Conservative) 1,114
Jonathan Trollope (Labour) 80
Turnout: 25.5%
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New Frampton Cotterell ward councillor David Goodwin
Panto is a sellout success
WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre members played to full houses throughout their fourday run of their pantomime.
Every performance of The Twelve Days of Christmas at the WADCA Community Centre sold out in advance.
The amateur group also put on a special free performance of the show, written by seasoned panto creator Alan P Frayn, for local people with dementia and their carers, which was also packed.
Louise Harrison, from the group, said: "The audiences loved it and were fantastic.
"The show was wall-to-wall jokes and physical comedy, with plenty of high octane songs.
"The colourful sets and costumes featured seven very different locations as the cast sped round the world searching for keys to unlock their Advent calendar to save Christmas.
"Of course the baddie was eventually defeated with his own dynamite, and the Christmas Fairy brought everyone home to live happily ever after."
After taking a week off the group has already started rehearsals for its next production, Shrek, which will be staged in
May.
With a full compliment of women and children already in place, they are appealing for more men, aged 16-plus, to join the cast, especially those with deep voices to sing bass parts.
Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings at WADCA Community Centre.
Anyone who is interested should email WinterbourneMTS@gmail.com, call the membership secretary on 07974 280708 or even just turn up on a Thursday night.
Louise added: "No experience is necessary and a lot of fun is guaranteed!"
Auditions for lead roles will be held in January.
For more information visit winterbournemusical.co.uk or Facebook.
Frampton Garage
Scenes from Winterbourne Musical Theatre's pantomime, captured by Gary Woodruff.
n NEWS
CHILDREN at schools in the Frome Valley area have been enchanting parents with Nativity plays – and having some fun of their own at pantomimes.
At Frampton Cotterell Primary School, Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils staged separate traditional Nativities to families before the end of term.
At Hambrook Primary School, Year 1 and 2 children performed their own version of the Christmas story, called Gabriel’s Big break.
Reception children at the school, aged four and five, also learned lines, songs and actions for their Nativity.
Head teacher Jennifer Rubel said: "They all did a fantastic job and made us all proud!"
At St Michael's Primary School in Winterbourne, more than 250 children, teachers and parents climbed into coaches and headed to the Bristol Hippodrome to watch pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Deputy head teacher Emma Hillocks said: "The day was full of laughter, magic, and
Schools celebrate the season
Christmas cheer.
"The cast, in dazzling costumes, quickly drew us into the action, and it wasn’t long before we were all joining in, shouting 'He’s behind you!' at
It’s good to talk...
Maria, Bristol “ ”
the right moments and laughing at the classic slapstick comedy.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
audience.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
"Perhaps the most incredible moment was when an enormous elephant appeared on stage, much to the delight of the
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
"We all left the theatre buzzing with excitement, discussing our favourite parts of the show. We can’t wait for next year’s trip!"
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends
plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
Maria, Bristol
Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories
Frampton Cotterell Primary School reception pupils
Hambrook Primary School Key Stage 1 pupils
New taxi rules confirmed
NEW rules that mean all hackney carriage taxis in South Gloucestershire must be wheelchair accessible have been confirmed by councillors.
The change has led to claims more drivers could quit and
switch over to private hire vehicles, such as Uber.
From July 2025 all hackney carriages – which can be hailed in the street or from a rank –registered in the district will have to be accessible to people in wheelchairs.
South Gloucestershire Council has been considering the policy for years but repeatedly delayed the new rules, most
recently due to a shortage of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Councillors on the regulatory committee finally voted through the changes in November.
Transport campaigner David Redgewell said: "There are hardly any buses now to the villages of Wotton-underEdge, Charfield, Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton. People in those areas are relying on public
Happy New Year!
taxi services.
"Local transport authorities should be making sure that the network is fully accessible.”
Councillors were told the new rules would accelerate the number of hackney carriage drivers switching over to driving private hire vehicles, which must be booked in advance and will not be subject to the new rule.
Bristol Parkway Taxis director Shashikumar Bhurton said: "The overall concern is there’s a lack of hackneys."
The change was previously delayed in March 2023. A survey was promised to explore the demand for wheelchairaccessible vehicles in South Gloucestershire, but this hasn’t been done.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Cinema Aldi plan
YATE'S former cinema could be turned into an Aldi supermarket.
The German discount food retailer has announced plans to take over the former Cineworld at Riverside Retail Park, which closed in October, for a new food store.
It would create up to 40 'fulltime equivalent' jobs.
Plans were announced on the Yate Shopping Centre website.
Aldi real estate director Simon Glover said: "We are committed to revitalising this empty site and providing people in Yate and the surrounding areas with access to our awardwinning range of low-cost, highquality products.
"This new store will not only improve local shopping options but also contribute to the economic growth of the area through job creation."
Aldi is working with retail park owner Northdale Asset Management, which also owns Yate Shopping Centre, on the proposal.
In their joint announcement at the end of November they said a planning application would be lodged with South Gloucestershire Council "in the coming weeks".
They said: "The plans do not involve any substantial changes to the building itself: the main alterations will be some minor changes to the car park, a new entrance/exit lobby and the creation of a new delivery bay in the rear service yard."
Labour picks mayor candidate
THE Labour Party has announced its candidate to succeed Dan Norris as the next West of England Metro Mayor.
Helen Godwin is a former Bristol City Council cabinet member, who won a members ballot over another ex-city councillor, Nicola Beech, and current Bristol Labour group leader Tom Renhard.
The result was announced in late November, shortly after the Conservatives selected another ex-Bristol councillor, Steve Smith, and Greens named current city council deputy leader Heather Mack as their choice for the election, which takes place on May 1.
Current Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who became an MP in July, cannot run again after the party banned its MPs from having second jobs.
Ms Godwin, who grew up in Stapleton and attended Begbrook Primary School, represented Southmead from 2016 until she stood down in 2021, when she took on a job with consultancy firm Pricewaterhousecoopers.
She said: "Our region is brimming with opportunity and promise.
"We have a Labour government with absolute commitment to devolution and to good growth, building on our economic success but making sure success benefits all.
"We need better transport across our region – that will be my priority.
"We need additional and affordable homes, and a better link between education and the jobs that our economy needs to grow."
'Difficult decisions' in budget
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is asking residents to give their views on the "unpopular choices" facing it in order to balance its books in future years.
Cost-cutting plans and bigger tax rises are among measures the authority says it will need to take in the future, to plug a looming £16 million hole in its finances.
The council is running a public consultation on its annual budget.
Among the immediate proposals is increasing garden waste collection charges from £60 to £70. Charges doubled from £30 in the last council budget, with residents told that in future they would go up only by the rate of inflation.
The council is also asking residents what they think about a possible rise in council tax above the current 5% cap – including 2% for social care – if the law is changed to allow higher increases without a local referendum. Each extra percentage rise represents another £1.9m to spend.
The council says that in future, it is "likely" to have to withdraw funding from public toilets, playing fields and other open spaces, and may have to hand over more of their upkeep to parish councils.
Council leader Maggie Tyrrell said £134.3m, or 44% of the council's budget, is spent on adult social care for older people, disabled people and people with learning disabilities, and a further £52.1m, or 17%, on children’s social care.
Cllr Tyrell, head of the joint Liberal Democrat/Labour administration that took charge in May 2023, said: “The difficult decisions we’re talking about will mean pain for local people, for our staff and for the partners we work with."
The consultation is open until January 8 and can be found online at budget2025.commonplace.is.
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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Bristol window company named best in the South West
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, was named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the recent G24 Awards in London.
The team were narrowly pipped to the ‘Best Installer’ gong, but were able to leave the English capital with a smile on their faces thanks to the ‘Best in the South West’ title.
The winners of G-Awards were announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel on November 29.
“Out of 12,500 companies across the UK, we made it to the last six! Best in the South West, narrowly being pipped to the UK title by another family-run independent business in Lancashire,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said.
Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a
business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it – 90% of reviews for The Window Hub on
Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
As well as being open and honest,The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.
“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely
energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.
“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk
n FRAMPTON NATURE
Winter wildlife surveys
TAKING part in citizen science surveys is a great way to engage with nature and support conservation efforts.
Why not start the year off by taking part in the New Year Plant Hunt and the Big Garden Birdwatch?
A surprising number of wild plants are still in flower during the dark days of winter, and we’ll be heading out to find as many as we can as part of the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) New Year Plant Hunt.
This year the survey runs from December 29 to January 1.
As well as being a fun and engaging activity, the survey is providing insights into how plants are responding to climate change.
You don’t need to be a wildflower expert to take part.
Photos of any wild plants in flower can be submitted to the BSBI and they will tell you what you’ve found.
Last year we recorded over 50 plants in flower.
One that I always look for is the tiny red anemone-like female flowers of Hazel. You can find these on the twigs above the catkins.
The catkins themselves are made up of around 240 individual male flowers, and each catkin can produce up to 8 million grains of pollen.
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is taking place from January 24 to 26.
To take part, you simply watch the birds in your garden or local park for an hour, and record all the birds that land.
Results can be submitted to the RSPB online or by post.
Last year 600,000 people took part, making this the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey.
House Sparrows were the most recorded species, despite
Surveying our local wildlife is vital in order to understand the current state of nature and monitor changes.
We’ll be carrying out surveys of a wide range of species
over the coming year. If you’d be interested in becoming a survey volunteer, and helping us monitor local wildlife, then we’d love to hear from you – email framptoncotterellnature@gmail. com for details.
David Hanks
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their numbers having fallen 60% since the first Birdwatch in 1979.
Female Hazel flower. Picture: David Hanks
n LOCAL MP
Claire Young Thornbury & Yate MP writes for the Frome Valley Voice
Airbus is focussed on the future
AIRBUS in Filton is one of the biggest employers in the area.
It may be outside of my Thornbury and Yate constituency, but hundreds who live here are employed by the company, and hundreds more by their suppliers.
It provides employment for many, but in South Gloucestershire it also provides a sense of pride and community.
The history of the company in its many guises goes from the Bristol Aircraft Company, back at the start of the last century, through to Airbus today.
There are not many people in South Gloucestershire who don’t have a deep love and affection for the iconic Concorde.
Airbus Filton is home to the world’s largest wing design centre, with more engineers under one roof than anywhere else in northern Europe. The AIRTeC research centre is home to most of them.
I recently visited Airbus and was shown their work as they look to drastically cut back greenhouse
gasses emitted by aircraft.
Wing design is crucial in
Airbus’s determination to provide fuel efficient aircraft. Their latest fleet is around 30% more efficient than their predecessors.
Wing design will also be crucial as Airbus looks to produce a plane powered by hydrogen. Other sustainable aviation fuels are being developed, which can reduce emissions by up to 80%.
With this potential switch to
alternative fuels, the wing work at Filton will have to look at different ways of storing and moving fuel around aircraft.
I was lucky to be able to see their impressive testing hall when I visited, and saw not only prototype new wings for the new generation of planes, but also the durability of current wings being tested as their design is also improved.
I’m keen to make sure that our
young people can take advantage of all the hi-tech opportunities on our doorstep.
Around the table when I was welcomed to Filton were two young engineering degree apprentices.
They and their colleagues are very much the future of the company and are thriving at Airbus, which is committed to training and providing a career path.
There are over 500 people involved in the Airbus Early Careers programme at Filton, with around 200 apprentices, 200 graduate trainees and 100 interns.
Airbus is working on recruiting many more in South Gloucestershire in future years. Their programme includes school outreach, focussing on under represented groups and getting 12,000 pupils involved in virtual work experience.
Aircraft building has been part of South Gloucestershire life for over 100 years.
My visit recently has convinced me it will remain part of the area’s DNA for many more years.
Claire Young with Airbus head of aerodynamics Simon Galpin and apprentice Archie West
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Gob-smackingly gorgeous trout
AFTER all that luscious Christmas food, don't feel guilty – but now it's time to move on.
One way to get back on track is to eat more fish, especially those high in omega 3 oils, like trout.
It's also good to try something new to develop your palate – and that’s where my recipe comes in.
If you’ve always thought you didn’t like fennel or anchovies, just give this recipe a go and you may change your mind.
Trout with fennel
Serves 4. Preparation time 10 mins; Cooking time 15 mins
Ingredients
Trout (organic if poss), heads on Fennel bulb – 1, thinly sliced (keep the green leafy fronds from the top)
Extra virgin olive oil- 3 tbsps
For the cooking sauce
Soy sauce – 2tbsps
Thai fish sauce – 2 tbsps
Anchovy puree (available in tubes along with tomato puree, or use
Gentleman’s Relish)
Demerara sugar – 1 ½ tbsps
Onion – ½ onion sliced into thin rings
Lemon – thinly slice into rings
To serve- 4 blocks of medium noodles.
Pre-heat the oven to 180C, 350F Gas mark 4
First, prepare the cooking sauce. Mix together all the sauce ingredients listed, apart from the lemon and onion.
Then make 3 or 4 diagonal slashes along the top of each fish. Brush a little of the olive oil on the base of an ovenproof dish large enough to take the fish.
Pile the sliced fennel into the dish.
Lay the fish side by side on top
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.
of the fennel.
Spoon some of the sauce into the cavity of each fish and then add some of the green fronds from the top of the fennel.
Divide the rest of the sauce between the fish, spooning into the slashes you have made.
Drizzle each of the fish with the remaining olive oil, onion and lemon slices. Roast for about 15 mins. (Check it's done by inserting the tip of a sharp knife into the
thickest part of the fish, just behind the head: when ready, the fish will flake easily and be opaque in appearance.)
Whilst the fish is cooking, get the noodles ready. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and about 5 mins before the fish is ready, add the noodles to the boiling water. Allow the water to come back to the boil and once it has, turn off the heat, cover the pan and allow the noodles 4 mins to cook in the hot water until separated and soft.
Serve the fish with the noodles and a selection of steamed vegetables like mange tout, sugar peas or broccoli (the purple sprouting variety is a particularly good when in season)
Cook’s tip
Cook the fish with the heads on, as this keeps them moist. You can remove them before serving if you don’t like the eyes looking at you!
Other whole fish like sea bass or John Dory also work well.
n WHAT'S ON
JANUARY 2
n BOARD AND CARD GAMES CLUB for friendly folk who enjoy playing games, Winterbourne Library, 5-7pm. Also on January 16 and 30. New members welcome. More information from GamesClubWinter1.2@aol.com.
JANUARY 9
n SING HAPPY IN HARMONY WITH FASCINATING RHYTHM at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.15-9pm. Every Thursday for five consecutive weeks until February 6. Free event. Learn a song in 4–part harmony, touch on vocal techniques, meet new people. Book at tinyurl. com/4kvkrjv7
JANUARY 16
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, at 2pm. Costume presentation: Dressing the Georgians, by Angela Rendell and Kate Peake. More details from 07946 508316.
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
WE TAKE THE DRAMA OUT OF MAKING A WILL.
Will Writing
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family & Property Trusts
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Lasting Powers of Attorney
Probate Services
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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 Gentle Shibashi Tai Chi and Relaxation, accessible to all, 10.3011.30am, 11.45am-12.45pm 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 SINGALONG WITH THE JAYS AND JOY, first Wednesday in the month at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Themed singalongs, friendly welcoming group with live music, refreshments. £5 carers free. Details from Hilary, 07515 351813.
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
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 FRIENDSHIP AND EXERCISE GROUP FOR SENIORS St Saviours Church: Thursdays 10 - 1130. A friendly group, exercising for over 5 years together. We aim to improve balance, strength and fitness in a fun and friendly environment. An hour of gentle exercise, followed by a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. £5 per session. Contact Adam: 07875503586 Adam@alwaysdeveloping.co.uk
n WINTERBOURNE DOWN WI meets on the first Thursday of each 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 WINTERBOURNE 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 details call the secretary on 07788 882386 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.
n FRIDAY LAUGHTER CLUB at St Peter's Church, Frampton Cotterell, every week from 10am-noon. Tea, coffee, cake and chat. All welcomedonations only.
SATURDAY
n WINTERBOURNE AND FROME VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP repair cafe, every third Saturday of the month, 10.30am, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Free electrical, textile and woodwork repairs, with voluntary donations going to the work of Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group.
The Big Christmas Sing
A BIG thank you to everyone who came along or took part in our local churches’ Big Christmas Sing for Christian Aid.
It was an evening full of superb singing from our local choirs, carols for all and some good oldfashioned Christmassy singalongs!
This year’s concert was compèred jointly by Rev Sharon Lovelock from Zion church and Rev David Jones from St Saviour’s.
We were delighted to welcome Junior Fascinating Rhythm, Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, the Frampton Shantymen, Rhythm Mix and the Crossbow Singers – also this year we were hugely entertained by the capers of Dave, Simon & Hamish, as they led us in The Twelve Days of Christmas!
All the choirs were amazing and as well as being lots of fun, the evening was full to the brim with community spirit.
This year’s Big Christmas Sing raised £909.23, to which will be added £103.75 in Gift Aid for a total of £1012.98 – absolutely amazing!
Your support will bring lasting joy to those who will benefit from your kind donations.
Alison Bray
Carols in the Barn
WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn and St Michael's church ran three sessions of Carols in the Barn in December.
The afternoons particularly attracted local families with young children, and many of the little ones joined us on the stage for the final carol.
There are a few hand-on workshops at the Barn in January and February and these can be be booked now on Ticketsource.
Big events restart in March, when the amazing Chris Green and Sophie Matthews will put on their entertaining A Brief History of Music in 90 Minutes.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust is looking for some more volunteers, particularly those who enjoy practical tasks.
The Barnforce group meets one Saturday morning per month to do maintenance, repairs and improvement to the buildings and grounds.
It's a great way to meet new friends and do something very useful in the community at the same time. You do not have to commit to being there for every session.
Other volunteering roles are also available, and the trust is holding an open evening on Thursday January 23, from 6-8pm,
for people to find out what goes on, meet other volunteers and see how they can help to save this amazing heritage building.
There is a volunteering page on the barn website, www. winterbournebarn.org.uk, where you can also find booking details for upcoming events.
Louise Harrison
Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir
OUR Christmas concert was a resounding success.
Along with classic Christmas carols and festive songs, the choir sang several unusual melodies including a Swedish Yuletide tune and a contemporary carol scored by the choir’s own music director, Tim Warren. There were also notable solo renditions across a wide variety of musical styles given by individual members of the choir.
2025 marks 100 years since the formation of the choir; a century of unbroken comradery in song and charitable activity by a group of like-minded men.
The centenary is being commemorated with a grand concert at the St Michael’s Centre auditorium in Stoke Gifford on April 26 at 7pm.
Talented young Welsh tenor Travis George, who was a finalist in the 2023 Britain’s Got Talent TV show, will be a guest performer singing along with the choir and performing his own material.
The choir’s repertoire will include songs that were sung at the very first concert by the original
male voice choir in 1925.
The inaugural choir sang a mixture of hymns and music hall numbers, including songs related to “that newfangled dance” the Charleston! Tickets will be available soon.
Anyone wishing to join the choir would be most welcome. No previous experience is necessary and there is no audition.
Pop along to the Zion church, Frampton Cotterell any Friday evening at 7.30pm from September to April and give it a go.
David Nelson
Fascinating Rhythm
FOR those interested in experiencing the joy of singing, Fascinating Rhythm is hosting a Sing Happy in Harmony event at the Greenfield Centre in Winterbourne.
Starting on Thursday, January 9, the event will take place over five consecutive weeks, from 7.15pm to 9pm, and is open to anyone interested in singing alongside the chorus.
The programme is free and offers a chance to learn about vocal techniques, explore different harmonies, and most importantly, have fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, this vibrant group welcomes you to join their journey. You can find more information and book online at tinyurl. com/4kvkrjv7
Chloe Roberts
Winterbourne library
WINTERBOURNE Library holds a coffee morning at 11am every Wednesday: coffee, chat, friendship and crafts.
Lego club meets on January 25 from 10-11am, for children aged four and over – all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult craft group meets on January 4 and 18, from 10am-noon: join a friendly group, do your own work and chat – refreshments available by donation.
Children's Rhymetime (up to 18 months) takes place on Wednesday at 10am; story time (18 months to four years) is on Fridays at 10am. Both sessions are term time only.
Computer Thursdays take place during term time – enrolment with SGS College is required. For further information contact Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk.
A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone or print documents. The volunteer is available on Friday mornings: booking is essential.
Staffed hours are Tuesday from 10am-3pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm.
Open Access, when the library is unstaffed, is between 8am and 7.30pm, every day.
For more details, visit the library, phone 01454 868006, email Winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk, or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries.
Junior Fascinating Rhythm perform
Children join the performers on stage at Winterbourne Barn
MY 2025 NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
“I’ join a Choir in
2025”
There’s a No-Audition Community Choir near YOU! Star ting back in January, Come along and meet us and our MIXED-VOICE Choir
Yate & Chipping Sodbury
Good Afternoon Choir
WEDNESDAY from 2pm-4pm at St Mary’s Church with SIAN WALTERS
See -
Thornbury Good Afternoon Choir
THURSDAY from 1pm-3pm at Thornbury United Reformed Church with BRENDAN CASEY
H Returning on January 8th H or the GRENVILLE MIXED-VOICE CHOIR
H Returning on January 9th H
EVERY TUESDAY EVENING
from 7:15pm-9pm at Rangeworthy Village Hall
H Returning on January 7th H
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Beesmoor Road Playing Field
DESPITE the weather warnings, families came out to support Christmas @Beesmoor at the beginning of December.
This event has helped to raise funds to maintain both the playing fields and play area.
Beesmoor is looked after by volunteers and they enjoyed organising this event. Children enjoyed Christmas crafts, face painting, a scavenger hunt around the play area – and Santa came, too! Mulled wine and hot chocolate helped everyone to stay warm.
This was a small event to test out the idea. Look out for more events at Beesmoor in 2025!
For more information or be part of the team, please contact field@beesmoor.uk
Kate Colechin
Floral Friends of Frampton
ALTHOUGH we’re well into winter, the generally mild weather has meant that the planters and Beesmoor border are still holding up, and for our volunteers the cooler weather means less watering!
Looking towards Spring, we’ll soon be deciding on colour schemes for the village planters and we hope to replace the sadly deteriorating wooden bench outside St Peters’ church with the help of a much appreciated donation from Frampton Cotterell Parish Council.
We had a very successful Autumn Family Fayre at the Brockeridge Centre in November and we’d like to thank everyone who came
along, donated raffle prizes or enjoyed our refreshments.
We especially wanted to include activities for children, and we were overwhelmed with the amount of families that came along and joined in.
After ten years in post, our Chair and Secretary decided that it was time to pass the baton on to other members of the committee and we’d like to say a huge thank you to Celia and Lena, who have both worked tirelessly.
Andrew is now chair, having been treasurer since our inception. Celia and Lena will still be busy planting and watering so they won’t be feeling left out!
Pat Densley
Frampton Cotterell WI
AT our AGM our president Jan Moore was voted in for another year, and the committee was confirmed for the year ahead.
We also hosted a fun quiz, along with the usual tea, cake and chat, so that we all had chance for a proper catch-up.
Our Christmas social evening and reindeer drive was held at Crossbow House on December 12, when members met up for a pre-Christmas get-together over drinks and nibbles.
Talks and activities so far for the New Year include a Vietnamese cuisine demo and tasting on January 28 and our members' annual New Year’s meal out on February 4, with Dogs for Medical Detection on February 25.
We have many other events and socials lined up for the year ahead, and a monthly lunch club, open to all members.
Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
Watch this space and our Facebook page for updates.
Coalpit Heath WI
OUR December meeting was a lovely end to the year.
We enjoyed painting Christmas ornaments brought along by Rachel and Jemima from Inspiration Ceramics, who took them away to be fired.
We enjoyed refreshments of mulled wine while the raffle was taking place. Congratulations to Catherine who won the
hamper; there were plenty of other prizes to be collected too. We finished the evening with a £5 secret Santa for those who wanted to take part.
Ann was thanked for running a stall at the St Saviour’s Christmas fair: Buddy, Cindy and Angelo all found new homes after people were asked to guess their birthdays.
Plans are being formalised for next year’s programme but included are a talk on forensic science, U3A and "Educating a Death Squad".
A meal has been booked for early January, as well as a trip to the ballet, and we are collecting names for the WI skittles tournament.
Our next book club will be in January, discussing The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah.
We usually meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm, but our January meeting is on the 8th. Visitors are welcome.
For updates follow @WICoalpitHeath on Facebook or @coalpitheathwi on Instagram.
Caroline Johnston
Winterbourne Evening WI
The floral demonstration
OUR December meeting was both a Christmas celebration, with an American supper, and a demonstration of flower displays.
We were welcomed by our president, Diane Woodman, and the evening's business included news of a National Federation of WIs lottery and resolutions to be voted on in January.
A group carol service was held at Whiteshill Chapel and hosted by Hambrook WI. It was well attended and very enjoyable, despite having to make a hasty exit because of the road works!
Our outing to Il Gusto in Chipping Sodbury was a great success.
There are a number of events coming up in the New Year, including the President's Coffee Morning in February.
Celia Davies, chair of Winterbourne Flower Club, gave a fascinating demonstration of flower arrangements for the Christmas table.
Using various greenery, carnations, roses and amaryllis, she created four beautiful displays. These were then raffled off. Carol Shield thanked Celia for her interesting talk.
Our next meeting will be on January 9 and our talk will be 'Caring for Triplets plus One.'
We meet at St Michael's School, in Linden Close – visitors are always welcome.
Margaret Timms
Face painting at the Christmas event
Lena and Celia
Ornaments decorated by members
Six medals for club
MEMBERS of Blackhorse Judo Club came back from a national championship with six medals.
The gold, silver and four bronze medals won by club competitors at the British Judo Council Closed National Championship in November represent its best result in recent years.
Tom Nunn, Appo Etoundi, Armand Etoundi and Wayne Iles with their medals
Tom Nunn won gold in the veteran male 1st Kyu to 4th Kyu (brown belt to orange belt) grade 81-90kg class.
Appo Etoundi won silver in the veteran male Dan Grades 90100kg category.
Four members came back with bronze medals: Armand Etoundi in the senior male 1st & 2nd Kyu (brown & blue belts) 66-73kg class, Wayne Iles in the veteran male Dan Grades 81-90kg class, Tony Wiskin in the veteran male 1st Kyu to 4th Kyu 66-73kg and Anthony Crocker in the veteran male 1st Kyu to 4th Kyu 100-130kg class.
The club has been based at Winterbourne Academy since 2008 but recently moved to a new training location at Shaftesbury Park rugby ground in Frenchay, where it runs both junior and senior sessions on a Friday evening in the sports hall.
Leonardo wins silver
A SIX-year old boy from Winterbourne has returned from a national karate championship with two silver medals.
Leonardo Monteiro Usher, who attends St Michael’s C of E Primary School, won the medals at the at the GKR Karate UK Championships in Sheffield on November 30.
He competed in the kata (choreographed movements) and kumite (sparring) categories.
Leonardo was inspired by his mum Fabrizia Aversano, who took part in the sport as a teenager.
Fabrizia said: "I used to do karate when I was 14 years old, and I loved the philosophy and teachings.
"I wanted my son to join and take advantage of the physical and mental health benefits karate brings.
"It is good for discipline, confidence, improving concentration and behaviour.
"We practise together two to three times per week."
Leonardo had been practising for just over a year.
He is currently a yellow belt and preparing to move to the next grade, orange, as the Voice went to print.
The tournament was the second Leonardo has taken part in so far and happened the month after his first, a regional competition in October.
There he picked up a bronze medal for kumite, which won him a place in the national finals.
He is planning to take part in another regional tournament in March.
Fabrizia said: “This will hopefully inspire young people to achieve their goals."
For more information visit www.bristoljudo.com or call Penny or Daniel on 0117 330 5813.
Iain Matthias
Boarding & Insulation
OAKLEY BATHROOMS
Bathroom Design & Installation
rob@oakleybathrooms.co.uk 07725529559
www.oakleybathrooms.co.uk
AGL DRIVEWAYS
Tarmac, Resin & Block Paving
•
• A wide range of colours & patterns
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• Local Saltford family run business for 70 years
• Pressure washing Driveways & Patios
Tel: 0117 9860485 or 07831 453821
Tel: 01225 873587 or 07831 453821
www.agldrives.co.uk
Carols Around the Tree 2024
On Friday the 6th of December, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council hosted our annual community Christmas event, Carols Around the Tree – despite the oncoming Storm Darragh!
The wonderful Crossbow Singers led the community in singing a selection of traditional carols around the Brockeridge Centre Christmas tree Our guests enthusiastically joined in, braving the blustery conditions for the sake of community spirit and a good old-fashioned sing along!
After the carol singing, everyone headed back inside for festive refreshments, shopping at local stalls, kids craft activities and wreath-making, a “ guess the cake weight” competition (cake donated by the wonderful Shirley!), and the chance to win some fantastic prizes at the charity tombola Thank you to all who donated prizes
We are pleased to let you know that this years Carols Around the Tree raised £299 37 for St Peter’s Hospice! A huge thank you to all our guests for helping us to raise so much money for so worthy a cause
We would also like to thank our volunteers who supported at this event Thank you to Rachel, Sally, Vicky, Mary, Anita and Matt for your help – you ’ re all true Christmas stars
We hope all of our parishioners had a merry Christmas, and we wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Frampton Cotterell Parish Council
New Defribrillator at The Brockeridge Centre
A new defibrillator has been installed at The Brockeridge Centre on Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell (BS36 2LQ)
This defibrillator is situated on an outer wall and will be available 24 hours per day
In the event that the defibrillator needs to be used, anyone can obtain the access code by dialling 999 and giving the location and postcode displayed on the defibrillator box
The code is also held by first-aid trained parish council staff, and by local First Responder, Geoff Bell
Learn more about defibrillators in the village (and other useful information) at: www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk/useful-links
Nominations for this year ’ s Frampton Cotterell Parish Council Community Awards will open on January 1st, 2025
Each year, Frampton Cotterell Parish Council is proud to present awards to local groups and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our community over the past 12 months
With your help, we will thank those groups and individuals who so greatly deserve our gratitude and recognition.
To learn more about this year ’ s awards and how you can nominate your local heroes, please visit:
