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November, 2023 Issue 121 FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN MEMBERS of Winterbourne Musical Theatre are getting ready to put on a show at the WADCA Community Centre in November, when they present Bah! Humbug!, a musical play based on A Christmas Carol. Full story: Page 13
Showtime!
A MAN who stabbed his friend to death after a drunken row in a Charfield pub has been jailed for life. PAGE 6
Pub plan on hold
'Difficult decisions' for council AN end to free parking, hikes in charges and cuts to discounts on council tax bills are all in prospect as South Gloucestershire Council faces "incredibly difficult decisions" about its finances. The council needs to fill a £7.7 million hole in its finances before setting next year's budget and council tax. It has launched a series of consultations asking residents how money can be saved, from
Jailed for murder
introducing charges for on and off-street car parking to cutting black bin collections and library opening hours. The prospect of introducing car parking charges has already sparked a fierce row between the council's Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition and opposition Conservatives over who is to blame.
A DECISION on a plan to turn a former Frampton Cotterell pub into a Co-op shop and housing has been delayed to find out what effect it would have on other local shops. PAGE 4
Inspector sacked THE inspector in charge of the Frome Valley's neighbourhood policing teams raped a woman in a hotel room, a misconduct panel has found. PAGE 2
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4 Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, BS36 1JX - Tel: 01454 252 140 Email: info@aj-homes.co.uk
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inspector fromevalleyvoice Police raped woman n NEWS
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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001
Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252
Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
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A POLICE inspector raped a woman in a hotel room while he was offduty, a misconduct panel has found. Clive Summerill, who had been in charge of all South Gloucestershire's neighbourhood policing teams before the incident, has been sacked without notice for his "shocking and reprehensible" action. An Avon & Somerset police misconduct panel heard that Insp Summerill's actions were subject to a three-month criminal investigation by another police force, which has not been named. No further action was taken after it was decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges that could be proved beyond reasonable doubt, the test used in criminal cases. However the panel - which decides cases on the balance of probabilities - concluded that Insp Summerill had raped the woman. It found he took advantage of her when she was so drunk she could not remember the incident, but had awoken to find herself naked, knowing someone had had sex with her. Insp Summerill had denied the offence and alternative allegations of sexual assault and having sex with a person who was vulnerable due to intoxication. He claimed the woman had started kissing him, on a night when he was staying away from home in October 2021. Insp Summerill insisted he and the woman, who cannot be identified, did not have sexual intercourse, saying they had a “drunken fumble" but "more than a kiss and a cuddle”. The panel, led by a independent legally qualified chair (LQC), found that he raped the woman, and committed gross misconduct. Insp Summerill accepted a fourth allegation, that he had identified the woman to other people, but denied this amounted to misconduct. However, the panel disagreed. He was dismissed on the spot at the end of the five-day hearing on September 29. Insp Summerill had been the South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Inspector since at least 2015. He was suspended three weeks after the allegation was made against him, on full pay. Avon & Somerset Constabulary head of professional standards Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “The panel, led by an independent LQC, has found that on the balance of probabilities – the burden of proof required at misconduct hearings – this officer committed rape against a woman. “This has been a complex and sensitive investigation and our priority has been to safeguard and support the woman involved, while carrying out a robust and thorough examination of the circumstances. “The panel’s findings mean this officer has committed a shocking and reprehensible act, and while there was insufficient evidence for criminal proceedings to be brought, he’s not fit to have the privilege of serving our communities and will be banned from holding another position in policing or law enforcement again. “We’ll keep shining a light into all corners of the organisation to ensure there’s no place for those who engage in predatory behaviour such as this to hide, and when allegations are made, they will be subject to rigorous and decisive examination with criminal and/or misconduct proceedings being instigated if the evidential thresholds are met." Insp Barny Mabbett has been appointed the force's new neighbourhood inspector following Insp Summerill's sacking. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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November, 2023
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Public asked to help choose charges and cuts From page 1 A draft budget was approved in October, proposing an end to free parking, doubling green bin charges, a new admin fee for disabled blue-badge holders and a 20% rise in the cost of burial rights at cemeteries. The proposals are now open for public consultation. Consultants say a proposed increase in the garden waste charges from £30 to £60 would raise £1.3 million a year. The report said introducing car park charges would raise £1.5m to £2m a year, following set-up costs of up to £800,000, but further work was needed to consider details such as whether long and short stay charges and resident permit schemes were needed. Council-owned car parks include the Flaxpits Lane car park in Winterbourne, which has 50 standard parking bays, three for disabled drivers and one for motorbikes. The council also owns the Yate Park & Ride in Badminton Road, which has more than 240 spaces, and the Abbotswood, Cranleigh Court Road, Kennedy Way, Longs Drive, and Yate Leisure Centre car parks, which between them more than 300 spaces. Other shopping centre car parks, including Yate Shopping Centre, Willow Brook in Bradley Stoke and the Mall at Cribbs Causeway are not council-owned,
Council leader Claire Young and co-leader Ian Boulton say the authority faces some "incredibly difficult decisions" so would not be affected by the government, who seem content proposals. to pass the responsibility for Council leader Claire Young increasing amounts of services (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) onto local authorities without and co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, the money to pay for them, and Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said to blame councils for increasing they wanted the consultation council taxes to balance the to be meaningful but agreed books." the savings and revenue targets Cllr Boulton added: "We will would be “frustrating” for many have to prioritise, and that’s residents. why we want to talk to and Cllr Young said: “We are hear from residents during the going to be able to balance our consultations to come, about budget for the coming year, how they want us to act on their but not without taking some behalf." incredibly difficult decisions Arguments about who is that will affect much-loved and to blame for the proposed relied-upon services. charges boiled over when the “We do have choices ahead, draft budget was approved, on but none of them will be easy. October 5. “The reality is that councils The Lib Dem-Labour across the country are badly coalition says this year's budget, underfunded by central approved in February before
control of the authority changed hands at May’s local elections, included £7m of “income generating targets” for next year, with up to £2m of them from parking charges. Opposition Conservatives accused the coalition of “spreading deliberate mistruths” by pinning the proposed fees on the former Tory administration. Tory group leader Sam Bromiley said: “I can categorically state on the record now that the budget approved by council in February did not seek to introduce car parking charges in South Gloucestershire. “The budget contained a review of some potential income generating schemes with the aim of identifying other opportunities to raise income, but when parking charges were raised during the resource allocation process, we Conservatives, when in administration, chose to remove it. “To paint us as the architects of parking charges is incredibly dishonest.” However Cllr Young insisted: “Officers have assured us that the income generation targets assume the inclusion of parking charges.” Cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure Lib Dem Cllr Chris Willmore said if the Tories had a way of raising money without parking charges, she was "all ears". By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
South Gloucestershire Council wants to hear your views SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has launched a total of four consultations where it is asking residents their views on cuts or charges. *The main budget consultation runs until December 8 and asks people their views on introducing car parking charges, bringing in a £10 charge for blue badges for disabled drivers and increasing charges relating to burials and house purchases. Cuts to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, a discount for low-income households, are also being proposed. The consultation also includes questions on whether some services should be stopped, more services transferred to parish councils and community groups and whether council
working practices should be changed. People are also asked their preferred level of council tax rise for next year, from a freeze to a 4.99% rise - the maximum allowed - and which areas the council should prioritise to tackle inequality. *A household waste consultation asks people whether they would be prepared to have their black bins collected every three or four weeks and what effect this change would have on them. It runs until January 7. *A library savings consultation asks people where their local library is, how often they use it, which services they use and whether staffed opening hours or the budget for books should be cut, along with ideas
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for "other ways we could save money from within our library services". It runs until January 10. *A late night street lighting consultation, also running until January 10, asks people if they would support dimming the district's street lights by varying amounts in the middle of the night and whether some areas should be prioritised for brighter lighting at the expense of others. All of the consultations can be found on the consultations page of the council's website, consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ consult.ti. People who are not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
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Pub Co-op plan on hold over fears for shops A DECISION on plans to turn a former Frampton Cotterell pub into a Co-op shop and housing has been delayed. The plans for the Live and Let Live were due to be decided by South Gloucestershire councillors on October 12. But they deferred a final decision to find out further details about how the new Co-op would affect existing shops in the village. The pub on Clyde Road closed four years ago and has been empty ever since. The council's development management committee heard from both the developers and shopkeepers, including one who said her business "can’t survive another multiple retailer moving into our area". As well as building a shop on the former pub's car park the developers want to turn the pub into a house and build a bungalow and three flats on the site. Pure Town Planning associate director Chris Miell said: “The public house closed in 2019 and has remained vacant for the past four years. "It would be unviable for the pub to recommence trading due to substantial renovation costs and low levels of expected turnover. “The public house has been marketed for over two years and no offer has been received from pub operators or similar businesses. Therefore the loss of the public house is acceptable in planning terms.” The main concern raised during the meeting, rather than the loss of a community pub, was how a new shop could compete with existing convenience stores. Mr Miell said an extra shop in the area could encourage people living nearby to walk, instead of driving. He said: “There are approximately 2,600 local residents who live within 400 metres of this site. "At present there are no convenience shops in this part of the village, which means that these residents need to walk 13 minutes to reach their nearest store.
Above: The Live and Let Live closed in 2019 Below: The plans include a shop and five homes "In reality most residents would drive, which is an unsustainable pattern of movement.” Existing shopkeepers are opposing the plans, while concerns have also been raised by residents over the potential impact on parking and traffic in the village. Local planning consultant Stuart Rackham spoke at the meeting "on behalf of a number of local shops" to object to the application. He said: "The Village Roots is a local store embedded in the community and it’s been part of Frampton Cotterell for generations.
“The real fear here is that if you grant permission and allow another convenience store in this part of Frampton, it’ll be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back, in terms of the store surviving. There are significant cost increases which local businesses are incurring at the moment.” Edwina Pennell, who runs the Budgens shop on Woodend Road, added: “We’ve all been dreading today because we know that the decision you take could change our lives forever. "We survived the pandemic but now we’re under huge pressure from rising costs and the cost of retail goods rising. “But we’re confident we can survive and overcome these problems by working harder and longer and cutting costs and persevering. "However, we all honestly know, without a doubt, that we can’t survive another multiple retailer moving into our area. It would just be too much for us to take. "We are the high street and we are asking you for your protection." The decision will now be taken at a later planning meeting. By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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November, 2023
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After-school club celebrates 'fantastic' report A WINTERBOURNE afterschool club has been praised for its caring staff and highlyengaged children. The Greenfield Club, which supports 70 children aged between five and 11 in the village, was visited by an inspector from Ofsted in September. Her report congratulated the club's “child-centred” staff and facilities at the Greenfield Centre in Park Avenue. A change in rules means the regulator now only said that the club met its requirements. This means the club did not have a chance to retain the 'outstanding' rating achieved at its previous inspection five years ago. But manager Sian Plumford said inspector Shahnaz Scully's comments were "fantastic". The Ofsted report said staff "encourage children to share their ideas and value their feedback," adding: "For example, staff have recently introduced sewing, as well as finger knitting, following children's request. “During the inspection, children showed great concentration as they weaved wool between their fingers and made a simple chain." The report found children enjoy attending the club. The inspector said: “They receive a warm welcome by the caring staff team after a busy
Staff and children at the Greenfield Club day at school. All staff know the children well and this helps children to settle in and feel safe to explore their surroundings.” “All children show high levels of engagement and concentration.“ Staff encourage children to be independent, learning to wash their hands upon arrival to the club and hang up their
belongings without being prompted. Younger children are assigned a key person who is responsible for helping them settle in and feel secure. The inspector said staff know how to meet the needs of all children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities.
They ask parents of new children to complete a “play and learn diary” so staff know about about children's individual interests and preferences. The report highlighted club's an outdoor area for promoting daily exercise and encouragement of healthy eating, with nutritional food options including fresh fruit and lowsugar snacks. The inspector said staff ensured parents received up-todate information, both face-toface and online, and parents spoke highly of them. Good partnerships were had also been developed with the children's schools. Manager Sian Plumford said: "It’s wonderful to have all that we do at the Greenfield Club reflected in our fantastic Ofsted report. “The team are so committed to providing outstanding childcare. "They work hard to ensure that our children are safe, included, supported and thriving within our wonderful afterschool and holiday club. “I have read and re-read the report, looking for what we could better and what the inspector feels we should improve on. "There’s nothing but positive feedback - a true reflection of our amazing club!”
Cruising crackdown
Flu vaccine for children
NEW powers to stop "car cruising" in South Gloucestershire are being proposed. The council is consulting on a new public spaces protection order (PSPO) for the whole district which would ban any gathering of cars and spectators in car parks and other public places " in order to race, perform stunts or show off their vehicles". The council said: "Car cruises often result in reports of anti-social behaviour from residents and local businesses who are affected as well as impacting on other road
FREE flu vaccinations are being offered to all primary and secondary school children in south Gloucestershire this winter. The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the NHS in the area, has commissioned healthcare provider Sirona to carry out the programme. An immunisation team is visiting schools over the next few months to deliver the vaccine to pupils from Reception to Year 11. The vaccine is being
users. In addition, these often spontaneous events place a significant demand on policing resources, local private security staff and in some cases council resources." It says cruises cause a risk of injury to other road users, including pedestrians, damage to property and nuisance from revving, loud music and sounding horns. The authority has launched a consultation for people to have their say on the proposed ban it can be found online at tinyurl. com/3dthtfah and closes on January 1.
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administered via a nasal spray rather than a jab. A Sirona spokesperson said: "Flu can be a very unpleasant illness in children causing a fever, a stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, and extreme tiredness. "Some children can get a very high fever, sometimes without the usual flu symptoms, and may need to go to hospital for treatment. "The vaccine helps to protect children, their families, friends and the wider community against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia."
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November, 2023
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Murderer stabbed friend to death after row A MAN who stabbed his friend to death after a drunken row in a Charfield pub has been jailed for life. Grant Bradley, aged 46, had denied murdering Marcus Dunkerton on a Friday night in June last year. But a jury found him guilty and Judge Peter Blair jailed him for life, with a minimum term of 23 years, at the end of September. The trial at Bristol Crown Court heard that Bradley and Mr Dunkerton, who was 40, had spent the evening of June 24 last year at the Railway Tavern in Wotton Road. Avon and Somerset police said Mr Dunkerton was told to leave by the landlady, after a drunken row ended with him punching Bradley and pushing Bradley’s partner.
Grant Bradley has been jailed for life Bradley admitted going to Thames Close, where Mr Dunkerton lived with his partner and their young daughter.
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There he punched Mr Dunkerton, who was lying on a sofa, before stabbing him five times in the buttocks and leg. Bradley then left the house, despite Mr Dunkerton's partner's attempts to restrain him, and went to a house in Avon Road, where he was living at the time. Mr Dunkerton's partner called police and the ambulance service shortly before 11pm but he could not be saved, and died just before midnight. A post-mortem examination later found that Mr Dunkerton had been stabbed five times and that the cause of death was the severing of one of his femoral arteries, the main blood vessel for each leg. Bradley was arrested on Manor Lane shortly after 11.30pm. He denied intending to cause serious harm or inflicting the fatal blow. The court heard that detectives tracked Bradley leaving the pub, going to his home in Avon Road, and then to Thames Close, using CCTV and doorbell camera footage. The prosecution said he went home to get a knife, although Bradley claimed he had the kitchen knife with him already, and used it for work. Bradley, who gave an address in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, to the court, was convicted of murder. Afterwards, Detective Inspector Neil Meade of the Avon and Somerset police Major Crime Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said: "We may never know what triggered the dispute between these two friends, but it’s clear that alcohol played a significant part in the events leading up to Marcus’s death. "This has been an incredibly difficult time for Marcus’s family, and I would like to commend them for their dignity and support. "Marcus’s partner Nicola, especially, was cross-examined in court as Bradley tried to throw the blame on her - but the jury saw through this and
Marcus Dunkerton had been Bradley's friend determined that Grant Bradley alone was responsible for Marcus’s death." Afterwards Mr Dunkerton's family said they would never forgive Bradley for taking an "excellent father", whose loss had left "a huge hole in our lives". The family said: "Marcus was murdered in his family home, where he lived with his partner, daughter and two stepchildren. "Marcus was a much-loved partner, father, stepfather, son and brother, and he will be sadly missed by all of us. "As a family we are all now sentenced to a lifetime of being without him; there will be so many milestones and special occasions that Marcus will not see or be able to attend. "These occasions will be a constant reminder that he has been taken from us all. "He will never walk his daughter down the aisle when she gets married, he will never have the joy of becoming a grandfather. "Marcus was taken from us tragically and far too soon, in one senseless act of violence. "Our lives will never be the same without Marcus. "There isn’t a sentence that will make us feel better or bring Marcus back, but following a two-week harrowing trial, justice was finally served. "We will never forgive Grant Bradley for what he did."
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November, 2023
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Scarecrow trail brings books to life THIS year's Frampton Cotterell Scarecrow Trail brought families out on to the streets to look for some famous book characters. Among the familiar names rendered in straw and old clothes in Frampton and Coalpit Heath were Mary Poppins, Fantastic Mr Fox, Cruella de Vil, Wally and the BFG. The trail was organised by Frampton Cotterell Parish Council to coincide with the school half-term holidays and the run-up to Halloween. People were encouraged to vote online or at the Brockeridge Centre for their favourite display at the parish council's website, with the winner due to be announced at the Floral Friends of Frampton Autumn Fayre at the centre, on October 28 at 11am.
Above: More characters from The Scarecrows' Wedding in Lower Chapel Lane Below: The Big Friendly Giant in the sensory garden at the Brockeridge Centre
Above: Reginald Rake, a character from The Scarecrows' Wedding by Julia Donaldson, drives a tractor in Lower Chapel Lane Below: Mary Poppins looks down from the roof of a house in Beesmoor Road
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November, 2023
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40 fire service jobs to go in 'dangerous' cuts COUNCILLORS have "reluctantly" approved plans to decimate Avon’s full-time frontline firefighters - despite warnings that it will put lives and homes at risk. Avon Fire Authority's committee heard 40 posts needed to be cut to plug a £2 million budget gap. Members said it was the “least worst option”, because it meant no fire stations or fire engines would be lost. But the Fire Brigades Union told the meeting on October 4 that the cuts would endanger both residents and crews. FBU Avon brigade secretary Amanda Mills said householders would be left without adequate cover and that firefighters’ safety in life-or-death situations was on the line without the necessary resources. She told the meeting at Avon Fire & Rescue Service headquarters in Portishead: “The reduction of 40 firefighters amounts to just over 10% of whole-time frontline staff. “Should your constituents, who we serve, accept these dangerous cuts?” Ms Mills said the savings, which would be made largely through reducing crew sizes from five to four on water tender ladders that
attend incidents, would have a huge impact. She said: "In a house fire, a fifth person is a crucial safety measure who monitors our air supply and sends vital messages back to our incident commander. At the scene of a road traffic collision, all five crew play a vital role." South Gloucestershire councillor Ben Nutland (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: "Reluctantly we are going to have to do this because by law we have to have a balanced budget – I will hate myself for doing this." Bristol city councillor Richard Eddy (Con, Bishopsworth) said: “I don’t believe a single member around this table wants to receive this report today or make this decision." He said the cuts were "the least worst option". Fire authority chairwoman Brenda Massey (Lab, Southmead) said: “We all feel similar about this – it’s not something we would want to do but we have to do it and we will make the best out of it that we possibly can.” Chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: "In an ideal world we would not have to make these difficult decisions but unfortunately the harsh reality is that we must take the funding
we have and find innovative ways to use our resources. “We will not compromise firefighter safety, we will work with trade unions to ensure we put the right policies and procedures in place while finding these efficiency savings.” The job cuts will be made over the next three years by not replacing retiring firefighters, rather than redundancies. Members voted 12-2, with one abstention, in favour of having four personnel on every pumping appliance at wholetime stations, apart from Hicks Gate, whose ladder vehicles would remain at five. After the meeting FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said the union would "fiercely resist" the cuts. Regional secretary Dave Roberts said the authority had "voted to put cost-cutting before public and firefighter safety", adding: “Firefighters across the region are furious at this shameful decision." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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November, 2023
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Gold jewellery worth ‘thousands of pounds’ stolen POLICE are trying to trace two men who stole gold jewellery worth "thousands of pounds" from a home in Winterbourne. Officers have asked anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Down Road area on the afternoon of September 21, or has dashcam footage, to contact them. An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said the two men carried out a distraction burglary between 3pm and 4.30pm, stealing gold rings and chains. One was described as being 6ft tall and in his mid-30s, with
jet black hair that was slicked back. The other was wearing a yellow high-vis jacket with a chequered cap pulled down over his eyes. They arrived in a silver saloon car, which was parked in the road while they were in the house. Anyone who thinks they may have information or video footage that could help the police should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 230 674.
Detectorist's discovery A METAL detectorist has uncovered a cache of jewellery buried in Hambrook. David Upton, who searches local fields with permission from landowners, found almost 50 items of gold and silver jewellery buried in two silver-plated pots. Some of the jewellery appeared to be recent and police have been informed, to check whether the jewellery is linked to a crime. Mr Upton said he found the jewellery around 18 inches underground, at a spot that was overgrown with grass and did not appear to have been recently disturbed. One of the pots contained silver jewellery and the other contained gold - there were around 50 items in total, including rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and an antique brooch with a lock of
David Upton found the jewellery in two silver-plated pots hair. The items, which were found in late September, have been placed with a jeweller for safekeeping.
Fire was accidental FIREFIGHTERS were called in to tackle a kitchen fire in Winterbourne. The blaze broke out in Dawley Close shortly before 10am on October 7. Fire crews from Patchway and Yate attended the emergency, with two firefighters
putting on breathing apparatus to go in and extinguish the blaze. They then stayed to clear smoke from the house using a ventilation fan. An Avon Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said the fire is believed to have started accidentally.
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November, 2023
n NEWS
Businessman burned waste at farm A YATE flooring business owner has been given a suspended prison sentence for illegally burning business waste. The Environment Agency and South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted David Hemmings, aged 51, of Hatherley, after complaints about burning on a site at River Vale Farm, Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, in March last year. In October he was sentenced to a total of 15 weeks in prison, suspended for a year and ordered to pay costs totalling £9,050 and £154 victim surcharge after admitting five offences related to operating an illegal waste site, under the Environmental Protection Act and planning regulations. Bristol Magistrates Court heard that the Environment Agency and the council investigated following repeated complaints of burning at the farm site and found piles of mixed waste, including hardcore, wood, paper, black bin bags, electrical items, plastics and building waste. There was also a pile of carpet offcuts next to other partially burnt piles of waste. The agency said Hemmings had an exemption intended to allow for hardcore to be taken to the site to restore farm tracks and lanes, but this work had not been carried out. He claimed that he sorted through waste, removing mixed waste and plastic so that it could
be taken to a regulated site, but the exemption didn't allow him to take business waste for sorting. Hemmings admitted having a number of fires to dispose of waste from his flooring business, including wooden pallets, plastics and carpets. A five-year Community Behaviour Order banning him from burning waste at the site, except for green waste originating there, was imposed at the hearing. Hemmings was also prohibited from bringing waste onto the site, except for carpet off-cuts intended to be used as root protection for new trees being planted. Hemmings was also ordered to return the site to its previous state. Afterwards Environment Agency senior environmental crime officer Clive Clasby, said: “The defendant was trying to cut corners and save money without any regard for the environment. "It’s not acceptable to illegally take waste to a site instead of having it disposed of by contracting a licensed waste carrier to take it to a regulated site." Council cabinet member for environmental enforcement Leigh Ingham said: “This result follows a protracted investigation that demonstrates the tenacity and determination of both organisations in bringing offenders to court. “This was a shocking case that
Investigators found huge piles of waste dumped at the site showed a complete lack of regard for the laws regarding waste disposal and for the environment. "When the rest of us strive to recycle everything we can
and dispose of our rubbish responsibly, burning a vast amount of waste such as this is almost beyond belief and completely unacceptable."
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2023
11
n NEWS
Help a hedgehog to hibernate this winter FAMILIES in the Frome Valley are being asked to become hedgehog heroes – and make an extra effort to help the garden visitors. It’s the time of year when hedgehogs are finding places to hibernate – and as ever residents are being asked to keep an eye out – especially if they are planning a bonfire on November 5. Nature lovers regularly spot hedgehogs around the village – but there are concerns for their numbers, which have been in decline. A report by the British Hedgehog Preservation society last year found the population had fallen by a third since 2000. Urban populations are stable and showing signs of recovery, but in rural areas they are on the slide, with some areas seeing their populations fall by three-quarters since the Millennium. Frampton Cotterell Parish Council’s climate and nature officer, Daisy Finniear, has helped set up a Hedgehog Heroes group for Frampton and Westerleigh. Daisy said: “Frampton and Westerleigh's joint hedgehog group was started as part of South Glos Councils Hedgehog Heroes Project. “This is a project with the aim to install 3,000 hedgehog holes across South Gloucestershire, enhance hedgehog habitats and raise awareness on threats to hedgehogs. “The group is encouraging all of you to add your hedgehog holes and hedgehog sightings to
is big enough to allow then through but stop most pets from escaping. Lesley said: "It is also important we engage with others to ensure that our open spaces are managed for nature. “Our 'gardening for nature checklist' provides a list of simple things that everyone could do to increase biodiversity in any open space, however small. "If you're passionate about hedgehogs, then please do get in touch to join the Hedgehog Heroes Group and volunteer with us. “If, like me, you feel helpless about the destruction of wild spaces around our planet, surely helping nature thrive in our own gardens and communities is something positive we must all do!” For more information about the Hedgehog Heroes group contact Daisy at nature@ framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk.
A hedgehog house was the prize for the winner of a bake-off competition the Big Hedgehog Map to help holes in garden fences or walls so save our hogs.” hedgehogs can pass through. The map can be found at The animals often travel bighedgehogmap.org. around a mile every night and The group held an event a 13cm wide square or circular in October at the Brockeridge hole, around the size of a CD, Centre, including a nature art competition, hedgehog crafts, information and a hedgehog bake off cake competition. Lesley Johnson, chair of the hedgehog working group, said We offer you friendly, professional expert advice the aim is to help hedgehogs thrive in our neighbourhoods by keeping them healthy and creating safe spaces for them to live. She said: “Engaging with local residents on how to make gardens hedgehog and naturefriendly, along with the creation of 'hedgehog highways', are our key priorities." • Family Law - Divorce & Separation Hedgehog highways are created by people making small • Child matters
Hedgehog tombola prizes made by volunteers
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fromevalleyvoice
12
n NEWS
November, 2023
Sports clubs set for £1m upgrades TWO sports clubs based side by side in Frenchay are being given almost £1 million to help fund new facilities. South Gloucestershire Council has awarded Frenchay Cricket Club a total of £624,322 to build and maintain a new pavilion at its ground at Common Mead Lane, near the M32 Hambrook junction. Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club has been awarded £366,579 to build a club house at its site next to the cricket pitch off Filton Road. The money has come from contributions made by developers to improve local infrastructure, in return for planning permission at building sites including nearby Scholars Chase in Stoke Gifford. The tennis club's grant is a capital contribution while the cricket club's is divided into two parts, with £394,100 going towards building the pavilion and £230,221 towards its maintenance. The awards were among £1.5m of funding across the district announced by the council in October. For Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club the grant will help to provide a first building of its own on the site where it has been based for more than eight years. Established at Overnhill Road in 1906 and originally known as Fishponds Tennis Club, it had been based at two courts on Cleeve Hill from the 1950’s, but had to move so the site could be sold for development, relocating in 2015 to Frenchay Cricket Club, where it has four floodlit courts. Club chair Penny White said that while the tennis club was given occasional use of the cricket club's pavilion, it is 100m away from the courts, and it soon
Artist's impression of the new Downend and Frenchay Tennis Club clubhouse. Picture: GCP Architects became apparent that members would need their own building. She said: "Some shelter and toilets have been our main focus as a basic requirement, because all we can provide, and only when suitable ground conditions allow, is the hire of a Portaloo. "It has been noted that a club facility would help retain some members, as it will provide a hub and a social space." Moves to build a small clubhouse started five years ago and planning permission was granted in 2020, although this lapsed as delays have held up the project. With the new grant and further funding coming from the Enovert Trust and club savings, the club now expects to be able to start work subject to new planning approval the application can be found by searching for reference P23/02469/F on the council's planning website. Penny said: "DFTC look forward to welcoming new
The current Frenchay Cricket Club pavilion
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members to the club at any time - there is something for all ages and abilities."
New cricket pavilion to 'meet modern standards' Frenchay Cricket Club trustee and girls' coach Jim Donaldson said the club was "delighted and extremely grateful" for the funding for the new pavilion at its Bob Stone Ground. He said: "This substantial award will go a long way to helping to achieve the long-held aspiration of having a pavilion that meets modern standards. "With inflation having hit hard in recent times, there is still some way to go to secure sufficient funding. The current aim, with this huge and welcome support from South Glos Council for our work, is for a start to be made next autumn." The club has eight senior teams, and boys and girls' teams from under-9 through to U17s, providing cricket for 60 men, 30 women, 120 boys and 90 Girls, with two Falcons groups for players with disabilities from primary school age upwards, which have 30 members. Jim said: "The existing but deteriorating 50-year-old pavilion is now simply outdated, with cramped changing rooms and showers. "These are way below current English Cricket Board and Sport England standards, are simply less than suitable for
our increasing female use, and lacking disabled access and appropriate facilities for the Falcons." He said the new pavilion, currently being designed, would include four changing rooms for players plus changing for officials, including changing space suitable for the mixed gender senior teams the club is committed to, which have helped female players build skills and experience. Jim said two female Frenchay players, Nat Wraith and Izzy Patel, had joined elite women's ECB Kia Super League team Western Storm after coming through club's the youth system. He said: "The club needs modern 'off field' facilities to ensure such opportunities are available for more to follow in future years, as well as providing good quality facilities for all members and visiting players and guests. The council also announced more than £500,000 of investment using developer contributions in play areas, playing fields and a football pavilion in Yate and Wickwar. Council cabinet councillor for communities Leigh Ingham said: “It’s important that housing developers contribute towards the infrastructure required to meet the needs of growing populations. "These new and refurbished facilities and public open spaces will help meet local need and ensure more people can enjoy being active across the area.”
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
November, 2023
13
n NEWS
Scrooge on stage in Winterbourne
The cast of Bah! Humbug! in rehearsal WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre is preparing a show based on Charles Dickens' classic tale A Christmas Carol - just in time to kick off the festival season. Bah! Humbug! is described as a "gentle seasonal comedy with poignant scenes, which includes a range of well-known songs suitable for all the family". A spokesperson for the group said: "Featuring an all-age cast of local adults and children, Bah! Humbug! will start your festive season in the right mood." The show takes place at the Winterbourne and District Community Association (WADCA) community centre in Watleys End Road, from November 29 to December 2, with evening shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Free parking is available. and the WADCA bar will open half an hour before each performance, and during the interval. Tickets cost £10 and can be booked online at Ticketsource, by searching for 'Bah Humbug', or via the group's website at www.winterbournemusical. co.uk. Anyone not online can make a booking by calling 01454 317408. anyone who needs a wheelchair space for the show is advised to contact WMT before the show to ensure they get a suitable space. The community centre is fully accessible. Winterbourne Musical Theatre was founded in 1975 and is dedicated to everyone who enjoys musical theatre, rehearsing, socialising and putting on productions at WADCA.
Members recreate a Victorian street scene
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fromevalleyvoice
14
November, 2023
n NEWS
Awards for people who make a difference A FUNDRAISER from Yate and a street marshal from Chipping Sodbury have been honoured at a charity award ceremony. Sarah Hitchins raised £65,000 for the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital. She was highly commended in the BBC Make a Difference local radio awards. John Scully was nominated for his work helping keep Sodbury’s streets peaceful and safe, and was also honoured at the event. Sarah, who works as assistant manager at the Horsehoe pub in Chipping Sodbury, was nominated by landlady Joanne Lewis, who said Sarah had been tirelessly fund raising for 14 years, with raffles, gin nights and discos. Joanne said: “She has been fundraising with no recognition all these years and I thought that was very impressive. “She was doing it with her father, Jerry Milner, who she tragically lost earlier this year to a heart attack. "But Sarah has managed to find the strength through the tears to continue without him and hit the remarkable target of £65,000. “I nominated her so she would know local people care about what she has been doing.” Sarah said she started fundraising to help people in the community who needed a hand. On top of the £65,000 for the Grand Appeal, she has also raised money for other local causes, including to buy an electric wheelchair for a resident, school events and more.
Sarah Hitchins with her award She said: “I like to help local charities and local people. I try to do events everyone can join in with, like a Disney kids' disco, or a cocktail night for the adults. “I just enjoy doing it - it is nice to get people together for a good time, and at the same time raise awareness and funds for a charity. “My dad was my main supporter and always helped with any fundraising, and came along. "He was 72 when he died, so my next target is to reach £72,000 to say thanks to him.” At the same event, at Weston-superMare's Grand Pier, street marshal John
Scully was honoured in the bravery category, for his work on Chipping Sodbury High Street, where he tirelessly ensures the safety and well-being of the public and local community. John's commendation said: “His commitment to public safety has not gone unnoticed, as he has played a vital role in maintaining order and security in the heart of the town.” He was nominated by Gabrielle Davis, general manager of the George Hotel and chair of Chipping Sodbury Pub Watch, who described him as a “true hero”. Gabrielle said that over the years John has demonstrated unwavering dedication to his role. He has broken up fights, provided first aid, and even disarmed a man with a suspected firearm. John said he was honoured to be recognised. He said: "I love Chipping Sodbury and I've always believed in looking out for others. "To be recognised for doing what I love is a tremendous privilege." The BBC Make a Difference Awards were launched during the pandemic in 2020. Each BBC Local Radio station asks listeners to nominate local heroes, and hosts an award event. You can learn more about Sarah’s fund raising at the Horseshoe’s Facebook page, facebook.com/horseshoesodbury.
n LOCAL MP
We must make sure parking stays free FREE parking in South Gloucestershire Council has been something residents have been able to rely on for years. It helps and supports local families, businesses, and improves access for vulnerable people in our community. So it is extremely disappointing that South Gloucestershire have proposed introducing parking charges in council-owned car parks. For our rural communities, free, accessible parking is a lifeline. For those who cannot get
a bus to our local shopping centres and for families with their young children, the opportunity to park up in our council-owned car parks and not have to pay makes a huge difference. And equally for our local businesses, free car parking is a huge boost, ensuring regular footfall and encouraging customers to use local services. All these car parking charges are going to do is punish local businesses by making customers shop and visit elsewhere, force cars to
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park in all the surrounding residential roads rather than in designated car parks, and reduce access for some of the most vulnerable residents in South Gloucestershire. This feels like just another way to penalise motorists, undermine our local businesses and damage our High Street economy. I have launched a petition, calling on the council to stop the car parking charges, and to keep parking free in our towns and villages. The petition will be
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
submitted directly to South Gloucestershire Council, and I will be clear they should reverse this decision, and keep the pledge all parties made in their local manifestos to protect free car parking. South Gloucestershire has always been the best place in the country to live, work and start a business. We must keep it that way.
Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
fromevalleyvoice
November, 2023
15
Fight against 'poverty premium'
Bus stops and lanes for M32
THE poorest tenants in South Gloucestershire could be automatically put onto the cheapest energy tariffs after the council passed a motion to fight the “poverty premium”. Councillors voted in favour of proposals to stop residents on the lowest incomes being forced to pay more for essential services such as bills, loans and insurance.. The Liberal Democrat motion was backed by Labour while opposition Conservatives abstained, saying they supported it in principle but that it lacked details, such as the cost of the work to the local authority and officer time required. A council meeting on October 18 was told one in five low-income households in the district had to fork out an average of £400 more each year – collectively nearly £9 million in total – than their more affluent neighbours via expensive pre-paid meters, more expensive credit and a lack of free-to-use cash machines, known as the "poverty premium". Council leader Claire Young said: “We cannot stand idle
BUS stops and bus lanes will be introduced along the length of the M32 after it is reclassified as an A road, says Bristol City Council. The authority says the move would provide better and more reliable bus services for thousands of commuters, and would allow people living in St Paul's, Eastville and St Werburghs to catch metrobus services which currently pass through on the motorway without stopping. Updates on plans for the M32, which also include a park and ride at a still-undecided site near the Hambrook junction, were given to city councillors on the growth and regeneration scrutiny commission on September 28. Head of city transport Adam Crowther said: "The M32 is a motorway so it’s very difficult to have a stopping service, so we’re missing areas like St Paul's, Easton, St Werburghs. They’re missing out on connections and good-quality bus routes.” Changes are planned over
while a significant portion of our community is unfairly burdened with extra costs.” Cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and public health Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock) said people without access to a car were more likely to shop at corner shops than cheaper supermarkets - and also bought a higher proportion of cheaper processed food, leading to "unhealthy children and unhealthy families". The motion called on the government to address the additional costs for the poorest residents urgently, and committed the council to take local action, including working with social and private landlords to ensure every tenant is placed automatically onto the cheapest suitable energy tariff. Ben Burton (Con, Frenchay & Downend) said: “My fear is that the rushed nature of this motion with insufficient details has the potential to inadvertently harm vital services or activities that are supporting the most vulnerable in our communities." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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several years and will be split into two phases, with work led by the city council and West of England Combined Authority. Separate work is also planned by National Highways to carry out a £200 million refurbishment of the M32's Eastville flyover, which runs over Junction 2 near Ikea, starting in 2026 or 2027. The first phase of work would be to reclassify the M32 as an A road. It would still be classed as a trunk road and managed by National Highways. Councillors were told land will be bought for a new park and ride site, which will then also need planning permission. But a park and ride has been discussed for at least two decades, with no acceptable site having been found. New bus lanes will be created inbound from the park and ride and Hambrook junction into the city, and then outbound from Eastville to the park and ride. By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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fromevalleyvoice
18
November, 2023
n NEWS
Campaigners walk Green Belt fields as new plan looms GREEN Belt campaigners and naturalists joined up for the latest in a series of walks through areas they want to protect from development. Members of VALID (Villages Against Locally Intended Development) and Frampton Cotterell Nature walked across the fields from Bristol Road to the Withy Beds on a sunny day in October. Birds seen and heard on the walk included the great spotted woodpecker, skylark and goldcrest. Species of fungi including shaggy bracket, blushing bracket and jelly ears were identified. Campaigners are gearing up for the publication of the draft South Gloucestershire Local Plan on the council's planning website at the beginning of November: it is expected to go before the council's ruling cabinet on November 13 ahead of a public consultation period. The plan will include details of the number of new homes expected to be built, proposed locations and policies to govern individual developments.
VALID campaigners on their latest walk The draft plan will be open for consultation between the cabinet meeting and the end of January, allowing residents, parish councils, local groups and anyone who has an interest in development to submit their comments. Frampton Cotterell parish councillor and VALID chair Dave Hockey said: "When the last plan was published, there was considerable concern over proposals to build houses in the
Green Belt. "There is understandable pressure to ensure that a large number of affordable homes need to be built as a matter of priority. "The Bristol, Bath, Yate and Thornbury narrow Green Belt is crucial to both wildlife and residents in all of these areas. "It is vital in my view both for the well-being of nature and residents, that our Green Belt continues to be protected in the
new Local Plan. This applies to residents who live in the Green Belt, in Bristol, the rest of South Gloucestershire and beyond." Attempts to allocate the area for large-scale development go back to 1969, Dave said, when the Severnside Study put Frampton Cotterell in the centre of a new Greater Bristol, with continuous development for 22 miles up to Wotton-under-Edge. Frampton Cotterell Nature group chair David Hanks said: "The government has committed to protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030, but currently only 3% of land in England is effectively protected. "It is vital that more land is protected for nature in order to reverse the devastating decline in wildlife." The groups are calling on the four Frome Valley Parish Councils in the Green Belt - Frampton Cotterell, Iron Acton, Coalpit Heath & Westerleigh and Winterbourne - to respond to the draft Local Plan and comment.
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2023
19
n FRAMPTON NATURE
Fantastic Fungi MORE than 16,000 different species of fungi have been recorded in the UK. They come in an amazing variety of colours, structures and sizes - from microscopic yeasts to some of the largest organisms on the planet. They perform vital ecological roles - some breaking down decaying material and recycling nutrients, others living in symbiotic relationships with plants and trees. It is now thought that over 90% of plants have fungi associated with their roots, which help the plants to access and transfer water and nutrients. Fungi provide us with medicines and food statins, antibiotics such as penicillin, bread, beer and wine. They are even needed to produce chocolate! They also store vast amounts of carbon, and help to mitigate against climate change. An estimated 13 billion metric tons of CO2 is passed from plants to mycorrhizal fungi each year — equivalent to around a third of all annual global fossil fuel emissions. The main body of the fungus - the mycelium - lives underground. The parts we notice emerging in autumn as mushrooms are the fruiting bodies - structures that distribute spores. Now is the best time to get out and look for
them, so here is a quick guide to some of the species you might find: *Agaricus - This family has pinkish gills which turn brown, and contains the cultivated mushrooms found at the supermarket, field and horse mushrooms and the poisonous yellow stainer. *Waxcaps - Some of our most colourful fungi. Shiny mushrooms which can be white, brown, red, yellow, orange or green. Indicators of high quality grassland. *Corals - Some of the coral fungi look just like their underwater namesakes, with colourful branched fingers. Can be found in woodland and grassland. *Brittlegills - Often colourful mushrooms, with white stems that snap like a piece of chalk. As the name suggests, these are fragile. If you
A tiny holly parachute, found recently at Ram Hill Colliery, next to a pound coin for scale. Picture: David Hanks run your fingers across the white gills they break away and look like flaked almonds. *Milkcaps - Members of this family produce a milky substance called latex when their gills are damaged. The latex can be various colours, which helps with identification. *Boletes - Unlike most mushrooms, this family has pores instead of gills. Many species change colour when cut or bruised, sometimes to a vivid blue. There are many more! If you’d like help identifying anything you find, send photos to our Facebook group or email framptoncotterellnature@gmail.com - clear photos of the cap, stem and gills are usually needed. David Hanks
We are Collegiate DISCOVER MORE AT OUR AUTUMN OPEN EVENT WHOLE SCHOOL WORKING OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER Visit collegiate.org.uk to register Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
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November, 2023
n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne councillors community conversations COMMUNITY Conversations with Winterbourne Councillors continues with some great coverage of issues, and some useful ideas coming from participants on what can be done to improve Winterbourne longer term. The recent topics have included what to do for a safer Damson Bridge, with a temporary crossing and lights, with a more clear pedestrian paving across the bridge planned for the end of October. The reporting of HGVs to the council clerk is needed to support further campaigning. Safer roads are wanted with schools' access across Flaxpits Lane traffic, potholes filling, 20mph limits and clearing hedges for full pavement use. Councillors are working on these issues and will come back with further proposals for consultation. Applications for grants will include for youth services and greening Flaxpits Lane shops, so if you would like to volunteer to help with planting or watering, do get in touch. The lack of buses long-term in Winterbourne (currently the Y1/Y2 is still scheduled along Badminton Road, although we have the temporary diversion) continues to be a key campaign issue. The public are asked to support the change.
org petition which still has less than 600 signatories - numbers matter. It can be found at tinyurl.com/4f2kexun. An integrated set of activities around the repair cafe, community tool store and more mending/reuse activity is popular and being planned, if you would like to get involved in that too, or creating a 'what's on' of Winterbourne listings. If you are a social group in Winterbourne then do ask to have a meeting or come along to the Community Conversation sessions, on the second Monday of each month from 5.30-7.30pm in the welcoming library. Peter Bruce
Shopmobility South Gloucestershire
Shopmobility's 20th anniversary celebrations
SHOPMOBILITY South Gloucestershire, based in Yate Shopping Centre, is looking for more volunteers to help operate and promote the service. There are opportunities to help the organisation to deliver the service, especially if it is able to expand its operations, and there are opportunities to deliver its promotion strategy to help the service reach and help more users. If you are interested in volunteering for Shopmobility please contact the scheme on 07999 574474 or email shopmobilitysouthglos@ yahoo.com. Shopmobility is based in Yate Library and provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire on a daily and a longer-term basis to help people who have limited mobility to retain their independence, to use the facilities of the centre and access other services. People who need a wheelchair or scooter, even just for a short period to take on holiday, go shopping, visit friends or go on a trip, are welcome. The service helps users from all over South Gloucestershire and beyond, and celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year. Its opening hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9.30 am to 4pm. The scheme has announced its arrangements for the Christmas period. It will be closed over Christmas week, from December 23 until January 1, reopening on January 2.
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
It’s time to switch back to public transport HAVE you caught a bus recently? Perhaps atrain? Or maybe got on a bike? If not, please do give them a try. If just some of our car journeys were instead made by bus, train, WESTlink minibuses, e-scooters or the new WESTbikes then, despite what some would have us believe, it could help deal with the climate emergency, reduce pollution and boost our health to reduce the burden on the NHS, and cut congestion to aid our economy. Post pandemic, our travel habits have changed. Our trains had a 50-50 commuting to leisure split - now it’s only a third of passengers who are commuters. On buses, most passengers are now back, but they are travelling less often. Luckily there is no shortage of potential passengers out there, with one in nine regional commutes currently made by public transport. So if you can, do consider switching.
This is the main reason for Birthday Buses. For those of you who don’t know about Birthday Buses, it’s a simple idea. Throughout the whole month of your birthday, you get unlimited free bus travel. You can apply at www. birthdaybus.co.uk/register. The whole point of Birthday Buses is to encourage people to try the bus - and then stick with it to bring in more fares to invest in better local transport. So far, 52% of people who have used Birthday Buses say it has made them more likely to use public transport in the future. Of course, the proof is really if people keep using buses long term - but scientists tell us that a month is the minimum duration to create lasting behaviour change. So far, the early signs are positive. Once we’ve got new passengers, that cuts carbon and pollution
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(helping reduce the shocking 300 premature deaths locally every year from poor air quality), and cuts congestion (which costs our regional economy £300 million a year). It also brings in vital cash, for buses don’t run on kindness and fresh air. They cost money. Increasingly more money, as fuel costs have soared, and bus driver wages increased. The only way to have a growing and sustainable bus network in the future is to bring in more fare income. That’s especially the case for the buses that are subsidised by you, the hard-pressed taxpayer, through your council tax. Every extra passenger helps reduce the pressure to spend taxpayer money on bus subsidies. We have to try new things. Just throwing taxpayers’ money at subsidising buses forever doesn’t work. You spend it. It runs out. Instead, I’m determined we do things differently here. Whether it’s
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice Birthday Buses, WESTlink, where people share journeys, scooters, the new WESTbikes, or WESTlocal for innovative transport solutions, I’m determined we do things in a new way in the West. That’s why I’m driving through changes. So please give our public transport a go, to help create lasting improvements.
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November, 2023
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n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
Leaders must try to bring harmony, and hope AS I write, once again the tinder have no place in a world built box which is the Middle East on respect, understanding and has erupted into flames, with peace. thousands of people killed, mainly In 1968 Enoch Powell delivered civilians, as the conflict between his ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, where the Palestinians and Israelis he attacked liberal attitudes deepens once more. towards race and immigration. Whatever your view on this It was widely condemned at historic conflict, the demand by the time and led, rightly, to his Hamas for the total destruction of dismissal from the then shadow Israel is totally unacceptable in a cabinet. civilised world. In a television debate, Powell’s Our Government is right to vision of difference, portrayed in challenge these actions and the the language of fear and horror, rhetoric which underpins them. was challenged by presenter and They are the words of extremists writer Jonathan Miller with these who are whipping up the belief words: "You would have done that only violence can succeed, your duty as an ethical politician spreading fear in a way that leads much more productively if, sadly to the dehumanisation of instead of exciting the notion of those who are different as a result future strife, you had encouraged of their belief, ethnicity or colour. the notion of future cooperation I am sure we would all agree on the basis of understanding." that these words and actions It appears that after her WB Generic ads 2023 AW.qxp_Layout 1 30/03/2023 10:33 Page 4
speech to the political right in the USA, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, turned down the Archbishop of Canterbury’s invitation to tea at Lambeth Palace to discuss her views and comments; perhaps she feared a similar challenge and chastisement to an equally uncaring and unethical position towards vulnerable people in a troubled and divided world? When elected Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher famously quoted St Francis of Assisi. The words she uttered, which she felt appropriate to what we were facing as a country and a world in 1979, were: "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope."
Malcolm Strange Rector of the Fromeside Benefice
Perhaps our government, other world leaders and all those who pertain to stand up for ethnic groups - Black or White, Muslim or Jew, Catholic or Protestant would serve our world and their people so much more effectively if they embraced the spirit of Francis’s words.
e m i t e M
willowbrookshopping.co.uk
#
BRADLEY STOKE SHOPPING
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November, 2023
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
A quick and easy curry lunch
LAST weekend I went to a curry cookery class with my son, as we both enjoy making Indian food. I learnt a lot of very good tips, as well as trying some new authentic recipes. Our teacher stressed the importance of tasting and adjusting if necessary, then tasting again. He had deliberately chosen ingredients that are readily available in most large supermarkets, and he encouraged us to think of curry spices as something that can be used in all sorts of dishes other than curries. I’ve just added a shake of turmeric to a butternut squash soup that really lifted it. Likewise, a couple of pinches of curry powder added to a lasagna or spag bol can make an interesting, if subtle, change. There is a belief among some people that Indian cooking is complicated, time-consuming and very difficult. I hope to show that it can be quick and easy and, in these costcutting days, economical. This chickpea chaat (chaat means a snack) recipe is all of the above. It can also be very versatile. For a more substantial dish you can add cooked leftover meats or cooked prawns. If this has inspired you try more authentic Indian family recipes, I can recommend a jewel of a book given to me by an Indian friend. It’s called 'An Indian Housewife’s Recipe Book' by Laxmi Khurana. At £3.99, it’s a steal!
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.
and a squeeze of fresh lime to taste. For the rest of the dish:
Chickpea and potato chaat Serves 2 Ingredients For the tamarind and mint sauce:
• 400g chickpeas – drained and rinsed • Potatoes, red skinned for preference – scrubbed, not peeled 200-400g depending on how much you like potatoes • Cucumber and onion rings
• Tamarind paste - 2 tsps (M&S do a good one, or available in the Indian section of big supermarkets)
• Fresh tomatoes – 4 or 5, chopped into small pieces
• Green chillis – 2, finely chopped
• Chaat masala spice to sprinkle over the finished dish
• Mint leaves – 12, finely chopped, or 1 tsp mint sauce
• Fresh coriander as a garnish
• Cumin powder – ¼ tsp
Here’s what you do
• Jaggery – Indian cane sugar (alternatively normal granular brown sugar) – try a couple of teaspoons and then taste
Note: the trick with Indian food is to prep all the elements before starting to cook. Follow this order and all will be well! First make the tamarind and mint sauce and the chutney. You need to combine all the ingredients for each one, either by hand or in a small electric chopper, if you have one. Put to one side. Then chop the potatoes into
Lime and Chilli Chutney: You can make fresh but I like to use Geeta’s brand – 2 tbsps to which I have added a small bunch of finely chopped coriander, including stalks
small cubes and boil for 5-6 minutes until just soft. Drain using a sieve and rinse under the cold water tap, to stop them cooking any more. Put back into the saucepan you cooked them in. Cover with a clean tea towel, put the lid on to keep them warm. Make the salad. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the chickpeas and heat in the microwave on high for 2-3 mins To serve: • Share the chickpeas and the potatoes between 2 bowls • Spoon the tamarind sauce over the chickpea and potato mixture. • Top with the chutney, then the onion and cucumber rings. • Lastly add the chopped tomatoes and sprinkle with chaat masala spice. • Garnish with a few fresh coriander leaves • Also nice with leftover meat from Sunday roast – I added some lamb.
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November, 2023
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n WINTERBOURNE BARN
Barn celebrates harvest in the sun WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn held its annual Orchard Harvest Day in October. Hundreds of local families enjoyed a mix of entertainments, stalls and displays, and food and drink, in glorious sunshine. The feedback from visitors was lovely, and the whole day was a great community success. Orchard Harvest Day celebrates our heritage - the skill of the medieval craftsmen who built the magnificent Barn in 1342 - along with our local apples, orchards, skills, crafts, music and dance. Around 800 visitors enjoyed a great day out for all the family. A very welcome, though unseasonably hot, sun shone all day, and the ice-cream ran out - but there was plenty of other excellent food and drink from local businesses. There were varied entertainments throughout the day, including the ever-popular and slightly bonkers ferret-racing, Winterbourne Down Border Morris, the Frampton Shantymen, Bygonz minstrels, and 5678 Dance school. The historic River Severn salmon fisheries exhibition included an actual 1910 Severn punt, a coracle, and woven willow putchers used to trap the fish. Salmon and eel fishing was a significant industry on the Severn, only a few miles from Winterbourne, until the 20th century.
Morris dancing
Bygonz musicians
The barn was filled with a range of artisan craft stalls and displays, from straw dollies and woodturning, to silversmithing and cider. There were special activities for families with young children, including face-painting, hands-on craft, and the entertaining Chicken Charmer Farmer walkabout puppet characters. The young at heart enjoyed stalls like the coconut shy, and the opportunity to sit on a genuine 1949 "Little Grey Fergie" TEA 20 tractor - local MP Jack Lopresti was
Chicken puppet music and dance show
spotted on this! There was a 'guess the weight of the squash' competition (actual weight 5.22kg) - the squash was just a small part of the harvest of wonderful fruit and veg which volunteers have grown in the barn's walled garden. Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Mike Drew spent the afternoon at the barn, chatting to traders, visitors and the army of more than 30 local volunteers who kept everything running smoothly all day.
MP Jack Lopresti tries the tractor
Winterbourne Medieval Barn was built in 1342 for Sir Thomas de Bradeston, who at that time held the manor of Winterbourne. He was closely linked with Berkeley castle when king Edward II was murdered there, and had the ear of the new king, Edward III, who rewarded him well for military services. The fabric of the barn is over 90% original and its raised-cruck roof is a superb example of medieval craftsmanship. The Barn is owned by South Gloucestershire Council, having been rescued from dilapidation about 20 years ago. It is managed by a charitable trust made up entirely of almost a hundred local volunteers, who run community events to raise the funds needed to maintain this nationally-important heritage building, and keep it accessible to the public at events like this. Our workshops for November are now sold out, but there are a few spaces left in December for Christmas wreath-making and for family festive crafts. The last community event of the year will be the popular Carols in the Barn on December 9 and 10 tickets are available online. For more details about events and the Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust visit www. winterbournebarn.org.uk. Louise Harrison
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November, 2023
n WHAT'S ON NOVEMBER 11 n CHRISTMAS FAIR at St Peter's Church, Frampton Cotterell, 1.30-4pm. See Father Christmas, donkeys and receive a present from the elves. Stalls, games, hot drinks and cakes. Entry £1 for adults, £3 (with present) for children. NOVEMBER 16 n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm. Illustrated talk by Richard Box: Flora - the Language of Flowers. More details from Sally on 07946 508316. NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 2 n WINTERBOURNE MUSICAL THEATRE presents Bah! Humbug! a musical play based on Charles Dickens' famous tale A Christmas Carol, at WADCA Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Wednesday-Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets £10, online at ticketsource.co.uk, www.winterbournemusical.co.uk or by calling 01454 317408.
REGULAR EVENTS n MONDAY: 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 MONDAY: FRAMPTON SINGALONG first Monday of the month, Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Led by The Jays and Joy. £5, including refreshments. Carers free. All profits to UNICEF and other recognised charities. More details from Hilary on 07515 351813. n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE DOWN LADIES PROBUS CLUB meets at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Talk followed by refreshments, £3.50 visitor, £25 annual membership. Call 01454 773647 for more details. n TUESDAY: WINTERBOURNE DOWN METHODIST CHURCHDrop in for free cup of tea and chat or play board games, every Tuesday from 2-4pm. n TUESDAY: 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 TUESDAY - 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. n WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: ADULT BALLET- COALPIT HEATH Improve fitness, strength, flexibility & coordination. No experience necessary. Wednesday 9.30am Beginners/10.30am Over 60s Ballet- St Saviours Church Hall. Saturday 9.15am Beginners/ 10.15am Intermediate- Manor Hall. Book £5 trial. Contact georgiarsmart@yahoo.co.uk / 07751812701
n WEDNESDAY: GENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND RELAXATION, accessible to all, 10.30-11.30am and 11.45am12.45pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne. Contact Jenny on 07855 560257or jksmith@blueyonder.co.uk for more information. n WEDNESDAY: TABLE TENNIS Henfield Hall, Ram Hill on the first Wednesday of the month, 2-4.30pm. All abilities welcome. Equipment provided. £2 per session including tea, coffee, biscuits. For more details email henfieldhall@ yahoo.com or call 0785 119 8434. n WEDNESDAY 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. n THURSDAY: WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm. New members are welcome.
For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com. n THURSDAY: 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 THURSDAY: 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 THURSDAY: 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. n FRIDAY: 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 SATURDAY :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 SUNDAYS: GROUP GUIDED RELAXATION SESSIONS Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, from 8pm - 8:30pm ran fortnightly on Sundays. A welcoming and cosy place to just switch off and be guided into blissful relaxation. Contact Julie from Awaken Me awakenmehypnotherapy@ yahoo.com or visit http://www. awakenmehypnotherapy.co.uk
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2023
25
n NEWS
Backlog hits domestic abuse checks MORE than 300 requests to tell people if they are at risk of domestic abuse are currently in a police backlog. Avon and Somerset Police said that all applications for the crucial information were being processed by one person — and this had caused a bottleneck. Now they say they are bringing in more staff to tackle the issue. The domestic violence disclosure scheme, commonly known as 'Clare’s law', allows someone at risk of abuse to find out about the previous violent or abusive behaviour of a potential abuser, such as a new partner. Someone can request information from the police themselves, or a third party can ask the police to tell someone at risk of abuse about their potential abuser’s past. The police may also disclose information to someone without an application, if they believe they are at risk. But an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services published in March found there were delays in disclosing this information. The inspectorate rated the force “adequate” for protecting vulnerable people
but ordered them to reduce the backlog. The inspectorate warned: “If potential victims of domestic abuse or sexual offending aren’t given information promptly, they can’t make an informed decision about their safety and may unknowingly remain at risk.” Asked for an update at the police and crime commissioner’s performance and accountability board on October 12, Assistant Chief Constable Jon Riley said that the number of pending applications remained at a similar level to when the inspection happened — at just over 300. He said: “Clearly the volume’s coming in, we’ve cleared some of the backlog, and the numbers have stayed pretty static. But to reassure, we risk assess and triage those applications to make sure the highest risk are dealt with in the first instance.” Assistant Chief Constable Riley explained that processing the applications had been allocated as a task to one person, because it was a specialised task, but there had then been an increase in applications. He said: “We have found that individual is a bottleneck, which has caused some of the delays we’ve got at the moment.
“Clearly we’ve had a huge number coming in. The individual themself was not able to facilitate all of the disclosures and we’ve had to put more staff into that. "Critically, we have now been able to allocate three full time members of staff to join that individual. “So that recruitment is taking place now internally and they will be in place very quickly.” When force was inspected, there was also a backlog of applications to disclose information about child sex offenders — with 43 cases waiting to be processed. Mr Riley said the police had fully caught up with these. He said that the police were now planning to create a “disclosure team” with the Lighthouse safeguarding unit, to work on disclosure in both domestic violence and child sex offender cases and create “resilience” for both processes. By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
Together we can reduce hate crime I WANT to start by acknowledging the terrible crisis and conflict situation in the Middle East. I strongly condemn any acts of terrorism. I recognise that there will be communities in Avon and Somerset who feel concerned and have been impacted by these events. I want to reassure you that the Chief Constable is ensuring that Avon & Somerset Police is actively engaging with all communities affected, and other agencies, to monitor the situation. Every month I hold a performance and accountability board meeting, to hold the Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Police to account in delivering policing that is efficient, effective and legitimate, by scrutinising and asking questions about police performance and priorities. October’s topics were hate crime, anti-social behaviour and PEEL disclosure schemes.
Hate crime and ASB is unacceptable any time of year, but National Hate Crime Week, which took place between October 14 and 21, provided an opportunity to reinforce that Avon and Somerset is no place for hate. Reducing and preventing these crimes, which is priority one of four in my Police and Crime Plan, requires us to all work together, encourage reporting and ensure any victims receive support. Together we can reduce hate crime. Chief Constable Sarah Crew assured me that Avon and Somerset Police will be doing ongoing engagement with schools, communities and retailers to encourage and support the reporting of hate crime. If you are a victim or see hate crime or ASB take place, I would urge you to report it online or via 101. I also questioned the Chief
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Constable about the latest PEEL report. PEEL stands for Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy, and is the primary framework in which police forces are inspected. The most recent report found that an area identified for improvement is the need to reduce the backlog of applications waiting to be processed relating to domestic violence disclosure schemes. The two schemes are fantastic police policies, which enable you to find out about an individual’s domestic abuse history (if they have one) or if someone has a record for child sex offences. If you missed the meeting and want to see what happened, you can watch the recording via the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Facebook page. I want to take the opportunity to talk specifically about road safety, which is a key area of focus. If you are a road user, pedestrian
With police and crime commissioner
Mark Shelford
or cyclist or e-scooter rider, I urge you to be careful when using pathways and pavements. It is important to remember that pavements are solely for the use of pedestrians. If you do need to use the pavement to park, please do so with care, especially as the evenings become darker. This ensures accessibility and safety for all road users and pedestrians in Avon and Somerset.
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fromevalleyvoice
November, 2023
n COMMUNITY NEWS Floral Friends of Frampton
Winter bedding ready to be planted OUR winter bedding has arrived and is waiting to be planted. You may have noticed that some planters have already been cleared of the summer bedding to make room for the new winter
Beesmoor Road Playing Field BEESMOOR Road Playing Field now has 12 local volunteers helping to run the committee. But there is room for more – especially anyone with young children who use the wooden play equipment, or dog walkers who use the park. The management committee held its annual general meeting and welcomed a number of new members, including representatives of the local youth football teams and Floral Friends. Chair Richard Drew was re-elected. His annual report included recording the sad loss of long term volunteer Gary Dunn earlier in the year. The committee plans to work with his widow, Sally, to remember Gary permanently at the playing field. On a happier note, the playing field is ever popular with children and dog walkers, and has Frampton Rangers youth football teams now playing regularly. The financial report showed a small bank credit, despite having to spend out on ground works to fix the muddy problems in the play area, and other rising costs including insurance and maintenance. Richard thanks volunteers for their continued work – and Frampton Cotterell Parish Council for their support, including an annual grant to help with running costs. He also thanked Floral Friends for their work on the border of Woodend Road, and Budgens
plants, and over the next few weeks all the planters around the village will be replenished with a colourful mix of pansies, daisies and polyanthus. The sustainable perennials have been left in situ and all the planters already have daffodil bulbs waiting to pop up in the early spring to brighten the late, dull, days of winter. Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently by making donations and perhaps commemorating someone special by doing so. It is very much appreciated Donations can be made either in person or on-line. Our bank details are Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363. It takes time, effort and funds to maintain the planting around the village benefiting the local community, the environment, and the wildlife. If you would like to help there are various ways in which you can do so, from a few minutes regularly maintaining the planters or replenishing them once or twice a year to donations and sponsorship. If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com. All our latest news is available at our website and Facebook page.
Crossbow Singers
in Woodend Road for their continued financial support. You can find out more, including how to get in touch or have your say about anything you’d like to see at Beesmoor Road Playing Field, at www.beesmoor.uk.
explain the location, reason for the photo, subject matter etc. We also have quarterly competitions, when members can submit their photos to be judged by Western Counties Photographic Federation judges. Sometimes our programme secretary gives us a word, from which we have to provide a photo for each of the letters. This is always fun, and it’s amazing how many different photos appear, even though all members have had the same word with which to work! So you can see that our weekly activities are varied and often challenging, but we try to keep it light-hearted, and no-one needs to feel under any pressure. It’s a very sociable group and Audrey, our programme secretary, organises extracurricular activities from time to time – trips out or meals at a local hostelry. The most recent of these was a trip on the river Avon to Beese’s Tea Gardens, Hanham. This was supported by 34 club members, friends and partners, and all agreed it was a great day out. So why not come along and join us on a Thursday evening? You will be sure of a warm welcome. Fees are very reasonable at £40 per year, paid in two halves, every six months. For more details please contact Audrey Bosworth on 07908 994944 or Audrey.bosworth6@ gmail.com, call Mike Rich on 07890 266650 or email Mikerich691@gmail.com - or just come along. See you soon!
Crossbow Camera Club
The Crossbow Camera Club trip to Beese's Tea Rooms ENJOY taking photos? Interested in photography? Want to make new friends with similar interests? Look no further than Crossbow Camera Club. We meet every Thursday evening at 7.45pm for an 8pm start during term time, in Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell (in the newly named Charlie’s Room). What do we do? Well, our meetings are varied, interesting and fun! Sometimes we have a guest speaker, sometimes one or more of our members show some of their photos, giving a commentary to
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CROSSBOW Singers have returned after the summer break with gusto. We have welcomed a number of new members, and are now up to capacity. We are particularly pleased to have grown our bass and tenors section, adding to the overall sound. Unfortunately, our extraordinarily talented pianist Mary is not able to play for us for a while, so Anthony has stepped in to cover her. We are very grateful that he has been able to give his time each Monday to accompany us, not to mention the time outside of that to learn what are quite complex musical arrangements at times. As the nights draw in, many people will be starting to think and plan for Christmas. Please put the dates of Monday and Tuesday December 11 and 12 in your diaries. This is when our much-loved annual Christmas concerts will be held, from 7.309.30pm. As usual there will be a varied mix of traditional, modern, reflective and fun pieces with plenty of audience participation to get you in the Christmas spirit. We will also have a number of guest acts to be announced closer to the time. Louise Lewis
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November, 2023
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n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne Evening WI Susan Marshfield cuts the cake
OUR October meeting was a special one, as we were celebrating the 67th birthday of our institute. First of all Di Woodman gave a very detailed and interesting report on the Avon Federation's annual meeting - it now has 3,672 members. After this we welcomed Karen Davies and her daughter Yasmin, who had come to entertain us. Yasmin, who has a beautiful and expressive voice, sang and then her mother told us about her great love of dance and music. As well as running marathons she had taught hundreds of people to share her passion. We were all encouraged to learn a few basic steps of Zumba which was great fun and set the party mood.
The birthday cake was cut by Susan Marshfield, our oldest long-serving member, who joined in 1962. Happy Birthday was sung and a glass of wine was enjoyed. The next meeting will be our AGM on November 9, when we will have a sales table of Christmas presents. December 14 will be our Christmas party both meetings will be at St Michael's School in Linden Close, at 7.30pm. Visitors are always welcome. Margaret Grazebrook
Frampton Cotterell WI
The WI Arnos Vale visit SOME of our members joined other regional
WI’s for a tour of Arno’s Vale Cemetery, which was of great interest and, luckily for those that attended, fell on a beautifully sunny day in early October. Members recently enjoyed our September talk by Carole Darling, called Confessions of a Lawyer. As we go to press, we’re looking forward to our October talk by Wendy Howse - Wendy will be filling us in on the background and ethics behind luxury skincare company Tropic, whose founder was a finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice, receiving funding from from Sir Alan Sugar to help set up her company. Our next meeting on November 8 is a murder mystery night, with supper at Crossbow House. Other confirmed events for the coming months include our AGM and quiz night on November 28, and a Christmas games and social evening on December 5 at Crossbow House. Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. We have many events and socials lined up for the year ahead, and also have a monthly “lunch club”, open to all members and held at a different local venue each time. Watch this space and our Facebook page for confirmation of future event dates and more details.
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November, 2023
n COMMUNITY NEWS Coalpit Heath WI
Members at Westonbirt Arboretum WE welcomed Stephanie from Made in Fishponds Soap Company in October. She shared with us the different ways to make soap and gave us the opportunity to smell and test some of the different components used. Stephanie started making her own soaps after finding her skin was becoming more sensitive. After taking a course, and lots of trial and error, she made soaps to sell at local markets. Many of us took the opportunity to buy some of her products. September and October have been a busy time for our members. Those who went on the walking tour of St
Nicholas’ Market said it was very interesting. Westonbirt was excellent too, with a brilliant guided walk learning about some of the amazing trees at the arboretum, followed by a delicious meal in Tetbury. Scarecrow makers have been busy readying our latest creation for this year’s scarecrow trail, featuring book characters, for the school half term holidays. Poppies, Christmas meals and a carol service are all in the pipeline before the end of the year. If you fancy coming to see what we have to offer, you would be most welcome. Our AGM is on November 1 and Christmas Crafts on December 6. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm. Search @WICoalpitHeath on Facebook or @coalpitheathwi on Instagram for more information. Our 2024 programme is complete - we look forward to sharing details with you shortly. Caroline Johnston
Winterbourne Down WI DONNA Butcher has been recognised for her hard work and support in helping WIs across the
Avon Federation for 15 years as an adviser. She is a dedicated member of Winterbourne Down WI and is also president of Abbots Leigh WI. Donna is now retiring from the role as an adviser, and we wish her all the best. I am sure she will continue enjoying WI without the same responsibilities. Our speaker for October was Andrew Allsop, who kindly stepped in at the last minute after our booked speaker had to withdraw. Andrew has visited Madeira 27 times and described one of the island's subtropical gardens, which has plants from Australia, South Africa and Brazil, although the roses came from Wolverhampton! He explained that the island’s irrigation channels called levadas distribute the water that flows from the top of the mountains amongst the slopes and valleys. The word Madeira means wood, and the Portuguese island is often referred to as the floating island of the Atlantic. Andrew kindly brought with him a bottle of Blandy’s Malmsey Madeira for us to sample. Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on November 2 at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. The talk, by Helen Gray, is about ‘cold cures from your kitchen’. All are welcome. Victoria Goodman
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n SPORT
Rugby club celebrates milestone season FRAMPTON Cotterell rugby club is looking back and forwards as it celebrates its 50th anniversary season. The club, based at Crossbow playing fields, played its first game in 1973 and is marking the milestone with an anniversary dinner next year. The event takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Redcliffe Way, Bristol, on February 17. Club members and supporters who want to attend should email Mike Ashwin at mikeashwin@ hotmail.com for tickets. On the pitch the club's 1st team has got off to a great start to the new season, and was third in the league as the Voice went to press, two points off top spot. Fram 2s had an excellent win away to Chepstow to start their season and the club's veteran side enjoyed a great win over Westbury-on-Severn, as they prepared for a trip to France
The club's original team picture from 1973 to play Vieux Loups in early November. Frampton Cotterell's links with the French side based in Parisis, on the northern outskirts of Paris, are almost as old as the club itself, dating back 45 years, with some of the original players still involved in both clubs. Mike Weaver
This season's Frampton Cotterell First XV in their new kit
n WINTERBOURNE LIBRARY NEWS WINTERBOURNE Library is inviting residents to join its Tea at 2 event. Every Friday afternoon from 2-3pm, people can drop in for a cuppa and a friendly chat. The library is inviting people to come in and explore the services available while they are there, promising a friendly welcome and so much more than books on offer. Story time is every Friday from 9.30-10am, suitable for children aged 18 months to four years. Lego club meets on November 25, from 10am to 11am, for children of all ages - all children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular Rhymetimes take place on Wednesdays, 9.30am-10am. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months. An adult craft group meets on November 4 and 11, from 10amnoon: join a friendly group of crafters to do your own work and chat – refreshments available. Coffee afternoon is every Friday 2-3pm – come and make some new friends. 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 Fridays from 10amnoon: booking is essential. The library has new upgraded PCs which are free to use. 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.
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November, 2023
n SPORT
Bristol & West hit new heights xxx
BRISTOL & West Hockey Club Men's 1st team have made a more than solid start to life in their new division. After three games, the team sat in third place of the West Premiership table as the Voice went to press. Some fortune did play a part in the first result, as Swansea were caught fielding unregistered players: this resulted in a one point deduction for the team and a 5-0 walkover handed to us. Since then, we have taken on more local opposition in the form of Firebrands and then Wottonunder-Edge. B&W took the lead against Firebrands when Charlie Williams scored the first goal in the Premiership for the club. Brands snatched a 2-2 draw in the dying moments with a crashball into the circle, which found its way to an unmarked striker on the back post. Another home game followed against Wotton. It was a fairly
Bristol & West Hockey Club Men's 1st team even game at half time with the score 0-0, but a lack of discipline from Wotton proved to be their undoing, as they went down to nine men at one point. B&W needed no further invitation to take all three points, securing a well-deserved 2-0 victory. The haul of seven points is a great reward for the opening three games.
The lads are relishing the competition against some of the top clubs in the region and aim to continue to prove they belong at the top. Elsewhere, the Men's 2s have also made a good start to the new season, sitting in third after victories over Swansea A (5-2) and Yate (2-1), with the most recent trip to Bridgend (1-1)
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bringing a hard-fought point. The Ladies 1s have so far had a more difficult start to life in their new league following the brilliant success of promotion last season. Results so far include narrow defeats by 2-1 and 2-0 respectively to Bath Buccs and Firebrands, and a 7-1 loss to Clifton Robinsons, who seem to be in a league of their own. Despite the results, the Ladies remain determined that they are more than capable of competing in this league. Ladies 2s are off to a flyer, sitting joint top with Dursley 1s on 9pts after victories against Wotton-under-Edge (3-2), Badminton & Pucklechurch (3-0) and Redland (3-0) to put them on the path to promotion. The 2s narrowly missed out on going up last year and there's no doubt that they are more than motivated to secure top spot this time around. To find out more visit www. bandwhc.org.u
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