Frome Valley Voice October 2023

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

October, 2023 Issue 120 FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN

10 years of the 10k Tour draws crowds THOUSANDS of people took to the streets to watch Tour of Britain cyclists race through South Gloucestershire.

PAGE 11

School opening date PARENTS of children attending a Frampton Cotterell school have been told their brand new building should be ready in the New Year.

PAGE 4 Watermore Primary School pupils took part in a rainbow run, collecting coloured paint on their t-shirts, as part of this year's tenth anniversary Watermore 10k race, which raised £4,000 to support the school.

Full story: Page 7

Pollution warning for river HIGH levels of pollutants have been found in the River Frome.

Measurements of phosphate and nitrate nutrients were carried out by a team of 193 volunteer 'citizen scientists' for the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust as part of its RiverBlitz event.

They took sampling kits and monitored rivers across the Bristol Avon catchment, including the Frome and tributaries the Ham Brook, Ladden

Brook and Folly Brook during a weekend in July.

The river conservation charity analysed the 293 samples, and its results show all of those collected in the Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne Down and Hambrook area showed high levels of nitrates, and high or medium levels of phosphates, pollutants which can have harmful effects on wildlife.

Turn to page 3

Row over path

A ROW has broken out over trees being cut down and new fencing going up along parts of the Frome Valley Walkway in Frampton Cotterell.

PAGE 6

Energy from grass

GRASS cuttings from roadside verges are being turned into green energy in a three-year trial by South Gloucestershire Council.

PAGE 12

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October, 2023

fromevalleyvoice Life-saving kit at pub n NEWS

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November deadline Our November deadline is October 18.

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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.

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A member of the

A LIFE-saving kit to control bleeding after someone suffers a traumatic injury will be installed at a Frampton Cotterell pub.

The bleed control kits are being installed on the side of defibrillators at 144 sites across the Avon & Somerset Police region, including at the Globe in Church Road, as part of a project the force is coordinating and funding with NHS England South West and defibrillator manufacturer HeartSafe.

They include dressings and tourniquets to help manage bleeding, as well as surgical gloves, scissors and a colour-coded instruction guide on what to use depending on the type of injury being treated.

The initiative is part of police work around knife crime, but the kits can be used in any incident where a person is suffering from major bleeding, whatever the cause.

The idea is for people to use them in the time between a 999 call and the arrival of an ambulance, in any life-threatening emergency involving major bleeding.

Police knife crime lead Chief Inspector Mike Vass, said: “We employ a number of different tactics to deal with knife crime and prevent it at the source but in the unfortunate event that a person is seriously injured, we hope that these kits will go some way to preventing tragic loss of life.”

NHS England South West medical director Dr Michael Marsh said: “NHS ambulance crews and trauma teams do a great job when confronted with a patient who’s losing a lot of blood, but we wanted to go further in those crucial minutes when an ambulance was still on its way."

You can find out more about bleed kits and their locations at www.heartsafe.org.uk.

Police and Crime Commissioner: Page 23

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October, 2023

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n NEWS

High levels of river pollution found by 'citizen scientists' From page 1 Levels of both pollutants were high at The Dingle in Winterbourne Down and next to the Frome Valley walkway in Hambrook. High levels of nitrates and medium levels of phosphates were found at Huckford Quarry, opposite Frome Bank Gardens, by the M4 bridge in Hambrook and in the Ladden Brook in Iron Acton.

Invasive plant giant hogweed and litter was also seen in the Frome Valley, which the river passes through on its way from Dodington to Bristol.

BART says pollutants can enter streams and rivers from a variety of sources, including pesticides and fertilisers washing off fields, livestock waste, sewage overflows and treated sewage discharges.

Higher levels of nitrates in upstream areas are likely to be linked to farming; phosphate levels - linked to sewage and urban run-off as well as agriculture - were higher downstream.

BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: "As this presents just a single snapshot of phosphate and nitrate data, it is challenging to single out

the cause and source of the particular issue.

"However, what our citizen science data does show is that there is a problem regarding the levels of nutrients entering our watercourse at that given time - in the case of the 2023 Blitz, following a significant rainfall event following a very dry period in summer.

"The causes of high nutrient levels are likely to be as a result of water industry discharges as well as misconceptions from homes and possibly businesses, and impacts from agricultural land-use too."

A map produced by the Rivers Trust nationally recorded 248 overflows into the Frome from Wessex Water storm drains at Harcombe Farm in Winterbourne, Sunny Acres Footbridge and Nightingales Bridge at Watley's End, and Rectory Road, Clyde Road, Church Road and Bridge Way in Frampton Cotterell last year.

BART says 89% of sample locations across the region recorded high levels of nutrients, with only one out of 293 showing a low concentration: 83% of samples were high in nitrates and 42% high in phosphates, with levels of both higher than

average over previous surveys.

Wessex Water, which is responsible for the region's waste water, recently featured in a BBC investigation into sewage releases into watercourses during dry weather last year.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said none of the sites were in the Frome Valley.

The spokesperson said: "Phosphates are the main pollutant in the Bristol Avon catchments. Wessex Water has already removed 100 tonnes of phosphate per year from water recycling centres and we’re spending a further £57 million to remove another 70 tonnes by 2025.

"The remaining phosphates largely come from agriculture and urban run-off, so we’re working with farmers and other landowners to reduce this through use of nature-based solutions."

The company has 121 sewage treatment works, 714 pumping stations and 670 storm overflows within the River Avon catchment, which includes the Frome.

The spokesperson said it has spent £15 million on the Frome Valley relief sewer scheme, completed in 2018, which

Volunteers young and old took part in the pollution survey.

Picture: BART "provides additional sewerage capacity for new and future development in the area and safeguards river quality".

A map showing where samples were taken can be found at bristolavonriverstrust.org/ riverblitz.

Earlier this year the Voice reported that researchers from the University of the West of England found “shocking” levels of potentially harmful coliform bacteria - the family containing harmful E. coli - in the Frome in Frampton Cotterel

Otter sighting shows importance of protecting river COUNTRYSIDE campaigners say a recent spotting of an otter in the River Frome near Iron Acton proves the importance of protecting our waterways and

the wildlife that use them.

The otter was filmed swimming in the river at Algars Mill close to the Frampton End Lane bridge in September.

VALID members on their latest walk

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Campaign group VALID (Villagers Against Local Inappropriate Development), which has reactivated in recent months, amid concerns about future developments in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, organised a walk on the Frome Valley walkway which passed Algars Mill shortly after the sighting by a resident, who captured the otter on video.

They have teamed up with Frampton Cotterell Nature Group to campaign to save the countryside and Green Belt, both for local residents and wildlife.

Frampton Nature Group founder David Hanks said: “It's great to see otters there my hope is that the otters will displace the non-native minks, and allow water voles to return.

"Algars Manor was always the place to see Water Voles when I

was young.”

VALID organiser Dave Hockey said: “The otter had probably been feeding on the invasive species of crayfish which are now commonplace in the Yate stretch of the River Frome.”

The group is inviting members of the public to join them on a series of public walks in the local countryside, to highlight the wildlife that could be at risk.

The next Save Our Countryside walk will start from opposite the Frome Valley Medical Centre, Bristol Road, Frampton Cotterell, at 2.30pm on October 14th.

Dave added: “We will walk along the footpath to The Old Withy Bed, home to woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Everyone welcome!”

Footpath row: Page 6

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

4

n NEWS PARENTS of children attending Elm Park Primary School have been told their brand new building should be ready to move into next January.

South Gloucestershire Council is spending £11 million on the project to replace all of the existing Elm Park Primary School buildings in Nicholls Lane with modern low-energy buildings which are being built on what was previously the staff car park.

The original intention was for the new school buildings to open at the start of the academic year in September.

However as the start of term approached the council told the Voice the new building would not be ready in time and it was not possible to give a date for them to open.

The council has now told parents and carers that it now expects the school to be ready by the start of the spring term.

A letter sent via the school said: "Construction is almost complete, but due to issues beyond our control, we need to advise you of changes to the completion date.

"The original intention was to welcome children into the new building at the start of the new academic year, but you will recall from previous correspondence that the opening was delayed.

"Unfortunately, there has been a further delay and we now expect children to move into their new school at the start of the January school term, 2024.

"Works to complete the car parking and landscaping will continue after occupation.

"Every effort is being made by all parties involved to minimize the delay and complete the school as soon as possible.

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

New Year opening date for new primary school School staff and Council officers are being kept informed as we progress towards completion."

The council's letter said it hoped to be in a position to confirm "specific moving dates"

by October 20, when the halfterm holidays begin.

The move will involve "a short period of closure", the letter said.

Head teacher Carol Bond said staff and pupils remained excited by the project and were preparing an event to say goodbye to the current school building.

She said: "Although our move in date has been slightly delayed, we still continue to be very excited to see how the building has changed.

"As I write this, wooden cladding is being added to the external walls, which looks truly beautiful.

"Whilst we are really excited to move into our new home, it is mixed with sadness at leaving behind our current building.

"Anyone that has been to Elm Park has special memories about the building, memories of teachers and friends from days gone by.

"As a school, we are really keen to welcome former families to come along and say goodbye to our lovely building.

"Further information about dates and times for this event will be supplied later in the year."

Mrs Bond said school life continued regardless of the

The new Elm Park Primary School building under construction delay, with new Reception children settling in with support from 'buddies' in Year 6, who were themselves looking forward to a residential camp in October.

School trips to destinations including Bath Literature Festival and a smallholding are also planned.

The school is organising tours of its existing building for parents of prospective pupils, as well as organising open mornings on October 10 and November 23.

For more details call the school on 01454 866750 or email elmparkprimary@sgmail.org.

A corridor inside the new school

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October, 2023

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n NEWS

Free shuttle bus to get stranded residents moving A NEW free shuttle bus is being laid on to help people stranded by the closure of the A432 bridge over the M4.

The half-hourly weekday service starts at 7am to ferry passengers along Badminton Road from Yate Park & Ride via Coalpit Heath to Cuckoo Lane, just north of the bridge.

From there pedestrians can walk across the bridge to reach the Metrobus stops on the Avon Ring Road by the Wick Wick roundabout in Downend.

National Highways, which closed the bridge in July after cracks were found in the concrete structure, is paying for the new bus service, which is being run by bus company Transpora under contract to South Gloucestershire Council, and launched in mid-September.

Each journey is timetabled to take nine minutes, with the first buses of the day leaving Cuckoo Lane at 7am and Yate Park & Ride at 7.24am.

The last bus in each direction leaves at 6.13pm from Cuckoo Lane and 6.38pm from the park & ride.

It will stop on request at all bus stops on the road, linking up with Y1 and Y2 stops at the park & ride and in Coalpit Heath, and with the metrobus m3 and m3x at Wick Wick, by the Willy Wicket pub.

The service is initially running until the end of the year, when National Highways is expected

to give an update on the future of the bridge after completing its survey work.

Commuters have faced jams and long diversions on the main route between Yate and Bristol since the closure, with the return of schools after the summer holidays adding to the volume of traffic.

Council leader Claire Young said: “We understand the closure of the A432 Badminton Road bridge has caused significant disruption, and have been working closely with National Highways to minimise the impact of their work on our residents.

“Some elderly and vulnerable residents have been telling us they have been left isolated as their normal bus services have been cut off by the closure.

“We raised this with National

Highways and are pleased they have agreed to fund a shuttle bus to link up with regular bus services.

“We also hope this will help more people use public transport rather than battling with the extra congestion the bridge closure is causing on our local roads.”

Cllr Young and co-leader Ian Boulton recently visited the bridge and were shown the damage first-hand by National Highways engineers, with a video uploaded onto the local authority’s YouTube channel at tinyurl.com/3zcdpr5e.

The agency said it was continuing to develop options for the bridge in parallel with its analysis of the condition of the structure, and still anticipated making a decision on "next steps" in December.

South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young with one of the new buses A spokesperson said: “The council will be included in discussions and kept fully informed as matters progress.

“During this time, we will fund a shuttle bus to mitigate some of the disruption to public transport on the A432.

“We understand people’s frustration at the disruption in the locality and we appreciate your patience as we work towards a solution.”

The council maintains the local road network but National Highways is responsible for the bridge over the motorway.

More information on the bus service and timetable can be found online at tinyurl. com/y9uu4s6h or by calling Transpora on 0208 191 1437.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

School trials replacement for axed bus service A SCHOOL is organising its own bus service for some of its pupils area after their route was axed by operator Stagecoach.

Olympus Academy Trust, which runs Winterbourne Academy, is using its post-16 bus, which usually transports sixth form students between secondary school sites during the day, to pick up pupils who used the cancelled 458 service from Fishponds and Downend last year.

But parents are reporting "teething problems" with the new service, as well as the remaining 'stacked' services where one bus serves two routes in the morning and afternoon.

In a letter to parents at the beginning of term, head teacher Jenny Cartwright said the school had worked over the summer to find a possible solution.

She said that, while the school had no

funding and was not officially responsible for transporting pupils to school, it had worked out a way to use the post-16 bus to cover the 458 and another axed route, the 963 from Patchway, "at considerable cost".

Mrs Cartwright said: “This has been a distressing situation for parents and we have been very concerned about the impact on families and young people from the withdrawal of the 963 and 458 services.

"We have been raising our concerns with WECA and with South Gloucestershire Council and will continue to so.

"Finding any financially viable resolution to this issue has been very challenging."

"Providing this service will place an additional administrative and financial burden on the school at a time when the budgets in education are extremely stretched, but we felt it was important to

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

do what was within our power to help our school community and are pleased with the take-up so far from parents.”

Parent Jenny Rawling, from Downend, said the new 458 service was more than 30 minutes late on the first day her son tried to use it, and other children were walking to get the 459 from Emersons and Lyde Green, which "has therefore been dangerously overcrowded".

Jenny said that as a result, the 'stacked' 460 and 427 services, which serve Coalpit Heath and Frenchay, were being made late getting pupils to and from school.

She said: "I hope this is just teething problems and we appreciate school are doing their best in an impossible situation - WECA needs to sort this out, and each bus-load of students needs a bus."

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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October, 2023

n NEWS

New row over path works A NEW row has broken out over trees being cut down and new fencing going up along parts of the Frome Valley Walkway in Frampton Cotterell.

Walkers say they’re concerned that if more of the public footpath is fenced in, it can be hard to walk along when vegetation grows back.

But farmer Robin Lowe says he’s simply carried out maintenance work on trees and shrubs - and says fencing is needed so dog walkers stick to public footpaths.

He says some residents "don’t seem to get it" and do not realise the fields are "part of a farm, not a public park for people to run

Robin Lowe says the fencing is to keep dogs off fields he farms

Walkers say some parts of the Frome Valley Walkway are now hard to walk along because of fencing and overgrown vegetation their dogs around".

Last year the Voice reported that the Environment Agency had met with Mr Lowe after

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complaints about work a few hundred yards west along the River Frome, at Rockwell Woods.

The agency said that work had not been carried out “in sympathy for the natural habitat and surrounding area”, and they had offered him advice.

Now a regular walker has been in touch to raise concerns over work along the footpath from Bridge House to Nightingale Bridge.

The villager, who asked not to be named, said they were concerned more fencing could be installed to separate the footpath from the field, and that willow trees had been cut down.

The resident said: “I appreciate that the tenant farmer wants to keep his cattle safe from the occasional rogue dog but this seems to be taking things to extremes.

“It is important, if the footpath is fenced, that it is wide enough and is properly maintained.”

The resident said the stretch through Rockwell Woods was now overgrown and hard to negotiate.

Tristan Clark, a South Gloucestershire and parish councillor for Frampton Cotterell, says he met with Mr Lowe after concerns were raised.

Cllr Clark said past attacks on livestock by dogs had been a problem.

He said: “I think 99.9% of walkers are respectful of the landowner’s property

but, unfortunately, it is that thoughtless 0.1% who prompt landowners to make their land secure.

“It’s a very difficult balancing act between the rights of walkers and the rights of farmers to protect their property and their livelihood.”

Cllr Clark said responsibility for maintenance usually falls to the landowner or tenant, and most rural councils cannot afford to carry out this work on the huge numbers of footpaths in their parishes.

Mr Lowe farms Aberdeen Angus cross and Charolais cross beef cattle and arable at Sunnyside Farm in Winterbourne, which has been in the family for 70 years.

He rents the field by Bridge House and confirmed that he plans to fence along the footpath next year, in preparation for returning livestock to the field in 2025.

Mr Lowe said: “I’m not stopping people from using the footpath.

"We are not fencing people in, we are just asking them to keep to the footpath, which is what they should be doing.

“People don’t get it. They think it’s an open space and assume they can go all over it wherever they like with their dogs. That’s not safe for livestock, or the dogs.

“We had to take down the willows - they were rotten inside and leaning over the footpath and were dangerous. We gave the rest a short back and sides.”

He said the field would be seeded for winter wheat this year, and cattle would probably return in two years.

Cllr Clark said the parish council tries to actively engage with landowners and farmers to discuss concerns, and said anyone worried about footpaths not being properly maintained should contact South Gloucestershire Council’s Public Rights of Way team.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

October, 2023

fromevalleyvoice

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n NEWS

Runners start their stopwatches as they set off on this year's Watermore 10k

Watermore 10k celebrates decade of success IT started as a good idea for a school fundraiser - and the Watermore 10k has grown into a firm fixture on the sporting calendar for runners.

The tenth running saw 240 people take part in the This year's Watermore 10k organising 10 kilometre race around the streets of committee of parents and volunteers, who are handing over to a new team next year.

Frampton Cotterell, with children also getting involved through a 'rainbow run' event held the same day.

The event on September 17 raised more than £4,000 for Watermore Primary School in the process. The money pays for extra supplies and experiences for the children.

Race secretary Sarah Hart said the wet weather didn’t put the runners off.

The winner was Maciej Bialogonski, who set a new course record of 33m 37s. The first female finisher was Joanne Widdup with a time of 46m 00s.

Sarah said: “This year was the ten-year anniversary of the Watermore 10k and it was great to see so many people out supporting the event.

“The rain held off for the 10k itself and whilst the Rainbow Run was quite damp, it didn't stop the kids having a fabulous time!

“We have had some lovely comments from people that took part in the race and are really pleased that we can continue to run this local event to raise money for the school.

"If you enjoyed the event, save the date for next year - September 22.”

Villagers lined key parts of the route to cheer on runners, who completed a circular course of the village, starting and finishing at the school.

The Rainbow Run involved children, from reception to year six,and took place after the winners' presentation for the main race.

They pulled on old white t-shirts and ran around the school field ‘collecting’ different coloured powder paints, thrown by volunteers.

The event also had a barbecue and bar.

Full results can be found at tinyurl.com/4ue7pxwc.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

LUKE HALL MP Working hard for South Gloucestershire Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk lukehall.org.uk LukeHallThornburyandYate 01454 311267 Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

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n NEWS

Georgina's appeal A DISABLED athlete has launched an online appeal to help support her goal of reaching the Paralympic Games in 2028.

Georgina Moore, who grew up in Frampton Cotterell, made her international debut in the Boccia UK teams and pairs open competition in Swansea in July, winning a gold medal.

Georgina, who lives in Chipping Sodbury, has her sights set on representing Great Britain in the Paralympic Games.

But she needs more funding to keep going, as each competition costs at least £300 in travel, accommodation and entry costs for Georgina, who has a severe physical disability, to attend with carers.

She has launched an online fundraiser called Georgie’s Boccia Journey to bring in some support, with an initial target of £1,000, saying: "I am extremely driven and hard working but the only thing holding me back is cost."

The fundraising page can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/ georgiesbocciajourney.

October, 2023

School's outdoor focus is a success CHILDREN at a Winterbourne primary school are benefiting from a project to increase the amount of time they spend outside.

The school started its Outdoor Play and Learning Project (OPAL) last year and it has been such a success, it is being continued in the new academic year.

Head teacher Kirsty Robson said: "We are really excited to build on the positives from last year.

"It has transformed the children’s play opportunities at St Michael’s immensely.

"The children spend about 20% of their school week playing outside in an unstructured environment, so it’s important that we get this right to enhance their learning physically and socially.

"Children across all age groups can be seen playing with water, dancing to music, building dens, riding scooters and bikes, playing team sports, dressing up, playing with small world toys and chalking the playground to name but a few."

Mrs Robson said the OPAL project was

Children at St Michael's enjoy learning outdoors developing alongside enhancements to the curriculum including new periods in history and places in geography, including some field trips, with a train trip to tour Bristol's important landmarks planned.

The school is also planning to repeat some events which were revived last year, including its Grandparents’ Day and Bristol Hippodrome Panto visit.

For more information about St Michael's call 01454 867105.

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October, 2023

fromevalleyvoice

9

n NEWS

Police inspector accused of raping vulnerable woman AN Avon & Somerset Police inspector is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room after a night out, a force misconduct hearing has been told.

Inspector Clive Summerill, who was in charge of neighbourhood teams in South Gloucestershire, is alleged to have had sex with a woman who was so drunk she was not in a position to give consent, the panel heard.

Insp Summerill, who denies the allegations, is currently suspended from duty.

A criminal investigation was launched by an independent police force but no further action was taken, the misconduct panel heard.

Insp Summerill said in a police interview that it was the woman who initiated kissing and that the pair had a “drunken fumble but it was more than a kiss and a cuddle”.

He denied that they had sexual intercourse.

Insp Summerill, who was away overnight, told investigators that he had a “moment of clarity” and asked if she wanted him to stop and she said yes, so he did and left her room.

But the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons and is being referred to as Person A during the hearing, said in a police interview that when she woke up a short time later she was naked and knew she had had sex, but did not know who with, as she had no memory of it.

Barrister Sarah Clarke KC, representing Avon & Somerset Constabulary, said Insp Summerill told the woman the next day that they had “sealed the deal”.

Ms Clarke told day one of the misconduct hearing, at force headquarters in Portishead on September 25, that this could only refer to having had sex.

The married inspector denies rape, sexual assault and having sex with a person who was vulnerable due to intoxication.

He admits a fourth allegation of identifying the alleged victim, which the panel heard he regretted, but denies misconduct.

Ms Clarke said the alleged breaches of the standards of professional behaviour for police officers amounted to gross misconduct.

She said the pair, who knew each other but were not in a relationship, went to the pub where Person A drank about a bottle of wine on an empty stomach having not had lunch and was “very drunk” to the point of falling off the bar stool.

They went on to a restaurant where they had more drinks before returning to a hotel to go to the bar, Ms Clarke said.

The barrister said the woman went to her room alone to get changed but did not return.

But she said the officer found the room she was in.

Ms Clarke said Person A had no intention of having sex with anyone that night, adding: “She has no memory between the knock on the door and waking up naked."

She said the officer told the woman the next day that she had leaned across and kissed him passionately in the restaurant although she had no recollection of this.

Person A had previously texted someone to say the inspector was “weird” and she was not attracted to him, said Ms Clarke.

The hearing was ongoing as the Voice went to press.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

10

n NEWS

October, 2023

Electric bus will help people get mobile A NEW electric mini bus will be taking to the streets of South Gloucestershire in the coming weeks, paid for as part of a quarter of a million pound grant to a local mobility charity.

The aptly-named Green Community Travel, based in Yate, offers dial a ride and day trips across much of the district, including the Frome Valley area, to people who cannot access public transport.

They have just been awarded new funding, which will pay for three new accessible minibuses.

The first is an all electric 8-seater, which they have named Pippin, and which should be in service this month.

The other two, called Gandalf and Galadriel, should be on the road by the end of the year.

GCT’s manager, Jenny Bright, described the grant as the biggest single amount they have had, and said it was a once-in-alifetime opportunity.

The new electric bus Jenny said: “The difference that these new vehicles will make to our organisation will be very long lasting.

“The funds have also supported some advertising, training for our volunteers as well as some volunteer events to try to recruit some more amazing volunteers to join our team.

“We can tell them that they’ll have some much nicer vehicles to drive too!

"The improved flexibility of seating of these minibuses will also mean we can do even more for those passenger that use us that consider themselves

disabled.”

GCT says it has set itself targets to help more people that consider themselves disabled, and helping an increased number of younger people.

They will offer reduced rates to groups booking the electric minibus – to encourage a reduction in carbon footprint.

GCT was formed as a not for profit organisation in 1989, and helps more than 40,000 passengers a year.

The money comes from the Motability Foundation, which funds, supports, and conducts research so that all disabled

people can make the journeys they choose, and provides transport for disabled people from community buses to wheelchairs.

Lisa Jones, Director of Charitable Operations at the Motability Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to award Green Community Travel with this grant to support with new buses for their community transport service, so that disabled people in South Gloucestershire have greater access to travel.

“For many disabled people, transport can be a challenge, so having access to a service like this can be a lifeline. Awarding grants to experienced community transport organisations, like Green Community Travel, helps disabled people make the journeys they choose.”

You can find out more about GCT at www. greencommunitytravel.co.uk.

Three arrests after attack Day Centre Activity Club Living the best life in later life Join us for laughter-filled sessions with intergenerational events, chair-based sport, art & painting, craft, day trips and much more!

Bristol & South Glos Venues Transport available Hot Healthy Lunch included

We also have limited availability to host sessions in Residential settings

POLICE have arrested three people on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after a teenager was stabbed in Yate.

The assault took place in Cranleigh Court at about 10.30pm on Sunday September 10.

Officers say the victim, a boy in his late teens, suffered neck and back injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital but later discharged.

Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man have been arrested and are currently on bail while enquiries continue.

Police recovered a knife at the scene and have called on anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information or video footage which could help their inquiry, to call them on 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 220 207.

Information can also be given to the police online or anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the independent charity's website.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

11

n NEWS

Tour of Britain brings crowds onto streets

The peloton arrives in Chipping Sodbury High Street, lead by Wout van Aert's Jumbo-Visma team THOUSANDS of people stood at the roadside to watch the Tour of Britain speed through South Gloucestershire.

Stage Seven of this year's race passed through Horton, Chipping Sodbury, Iron Acton, Rangeworthy, Cromhall and Charfield on its way from Tewkesbury to Gloucester on September 9.

Crowds waited in sweltering conditions, with cycling fans joined by residents enjoying the chance to watch a major sporting event on their doorsteps.

First the police outriders and marshals passed through to put a rolling roadblock in place, then a breakaway leading group of riders was followed by the main race peloton and dozens of support vehicles, with TV cameras on motorbikes and cars filming the action.

The riders passed in a matter of seconds, cheered and applauded by the crowds while cameras and smartphones were held out to capture the occasion for posterity.

South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young took pictures of the race as it passed through Iron Acton in her Frampton Cotterell ward.

She said: “We were delighted to welcome the Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire.

"The event was a great success and had a fantastic atmosphere. Despite the very hot weather, thousands of residents lined the route to cheer the

riders on as they raced past.

“Thanks to residents and those travelling through, or visiting the area, for respecting the temporary road closures and parking suspensions.

“We hope that the excitement of the race has inspired more people to get out on their bikes to enjoy the local area and support the Big Switch to more active travel.”

Yate Mayor Cheryl Kirby said: "I was thrilled to see the Tour of Britain pass through Yate.

"It was a fantastic spectacle and was enjoyed by the many who lined the route to watch.”

A Tour of Britain spokesperson said: "The stage was a great success, with fantastic crowds right along the route, from the start in Tewkesbury to the finish in Gloucester, enjoying the race in the great weather.

"We’d like to thank everyone for their support of the race through Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, and for providing such amazing support for the riders."

In the stage itself, overall leader Wout van Aert missed out on a stage victory in Gloucester when he was caught within 850 metres of the finish line.

Norwegian Rasmus Tiller, of the Uno-X Pro Cycling Team, won the stage but Belgian van Aert, of the Jumbo-Visma team, went on to win the overall race the next day.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Eventual race winner Wout van Aert during the stage.

Picture: SWPix.com

A crowd at the junction of Yate Road and Wotton Road in Iron Acton as the peloton passes through on the way to Gloucester.

Picture: Claire Young

Rasmus Tiller wins the stage in Gloucester. Picture: SWPix.com

Riders in the peloton pass through the junction of Yate Road and Wotton Road. Picture: Claire Young

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

12

October, 2023

n NEWS

Project will recover energy from grass cuttings GRASS cuttings from roadside verges are being turned into green energy in a three year trial in Yate.

Tractor-driven mowers have been out in the town, cutting the grass and sending it off to a plant at Avonmouth to generate power.

The project run by South Gloucestershire Council is aimed at reducing the district’s carbon footprint.

Workers are collecting grass from highway verges and other green spaces, where it is normally left to lie.

The grass is then mixed with the council’s food waste and taken to an energy-from-waste plant where the mixture will be subject to a process called anaerobic digestion.

The project, called Greenprint, will investigate new ways the cuttings could be used, including producing biogas, biomethane fuel for vehicles and as an additive for asphalt road surfacing material called biochar.

The council hopes the Greenprint project will reduce its carbon footprint, encourage wildflowers, help insects to thrive, and allow the soil to store more carbon.

The council says normally grass areas are mowed eight to ten times a year, and the cuttings left on the ground.

But under the new scheme, cuts will be reduced to 2-5 times a year. This will encourage greater biodiversity and increases the levels of carbon stored in the soil.

The new arrangements started in Yate over the summer using existing tractor-driven

Council tractors will collect cuttings to recover methane gas cutters – but new machines will arrive later in the year.

The pilot is gradually being rolled out to more than 600 areas of grass in Yate, including the banks of the River Frome, and verges in Greenways Road, Goose Green Way, Kennedy Way, and Scott Way, as well as residential areas between St Briavels Drive and Rodford Way. It will be expanded to other parts of South Gloucestershire from next year.

The trial will last three years, which will be followed by a further five years of monitoring of the environmental benefits and impacts, and costs. This information, as well as feedback from the community, will be used to decide whether to make the changes permanent.

The council says the cuttings will be transported with existing food waste in Yate before being transported to Avonmouth – so

there will be no extra journeys, but there will be an increase in lorry fuel consumption because of the extra weight. This will be taken into account as the project is reviewed.

A spokesperson said it was known that mixing grass cuttings with food can enhance the production of methane gasses, and the trial aims to establish if using this to turn the waste into a gas that can be used to produce power will have overall green benefits.

Council cabinet member with responsibility for the climate and nature emergency, Louise Harris, said if successful, the scheme could be used by other councils across the UK. She said: “This is an exciting, innovative project which is considering new ways of working to help with our climate and nature emergency goals.

“Our green spaces are an

important local amenity, but they also play a key part in supporting the nature recovery and how we manage a changing climate.

“For this trial we will be changing the way we manage our grass areas, along highways and in green spaces, to see if we can make a difference supporting ecology and biodiversity.”

Giles Perkins, Programme Director at Live Labs 2, who are behind the project, said the trial highlights how roadside grass areas could be a great green asset.

“This first step is an exciting one in considering how we approach local roads as a whole system from a decarbonisation point of view.”

More information about the project can be found online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ greenprint.

When you mention The Voice

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

13

n NEWS

£453,000 cost of changing WECA boss IT cost taxpayers £453,000 for the West of England Combined Authority to part company with its former boss.

WECA announced it had agreed a £219,000 severance payoff to departing chief executive Patricia Greer.

But the golden handshake was less than half the amount of money the organisation had to spend over the prolonged saga, which began when Dr Greer began a leave of absence at the end of last November and did not return to work before the settlement on August 31.

On top of this, WECA also spent £97,000 on legal costs, contributed £14,000 towards Ms Greer's costs, as well as paying her nine months’ full salary (£123,500) during time she was on leave, at the same time as it was paying interim chief executive Richard Ennis,

Patricia Greer at an earlier meeting of WECA with Metro Mayor Dan Norris who cost even more as an agency worker.

The figures were revealed at a meeting of the combined authority’s cross-party audit committee on September 18.

But councillors said they were satisfied that the process had been undertaken correctly.

The £219,000 exit payment was approved in July at a behind-closed-doors meeting of Weca’s employment and appointments committee, comprising Metro Mayor Dan Norris and the leaders of WECA's three constituent councils, although as minutes have not been published it is not known who was actually there.

Audit committee chairman and Bristol councillor Geoff Gollop said: “It is important

we are open about this and the fact it has happened and we disclose what the costs were, and then others can make up their minds what they think about that.

“My take is that it was a difficult and delicate situation and what was important was the fact it was resolved in a way with the lowest possible cost and damage to the authority, so I’m very happy it was being dealt with in an appropriate way.

“There was an awareness of a need to comply with all the requirements of the decisions being taken in the right way but also to arrive at a result that crystallised the situation without potentially developing further."

Interim director of law and democratic services Dan Dickinson said: “The employment committee received very careful and considered advice on all the relevant matters that applied in reaching the decision so I’m content the governance process around that was fine.

“I’m content that the way it was handled was correct.”

A WECA spokesperson confirmed the costs, including that the authority had paid £14,000 to Ms Greer "as a contribution to her personal legal support, as required to do so in order to settle".

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The Playing Field Volunteers invite you to attend the

Annual General Meeting

Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club

Centenary Sponsorship Opportunities Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club has long been at the heart of our community, and in 2024 we celebrate our 100th birthday

At 7:30pm: in the Pavilion Beesmoor Road Playing Fields

Frampton Cotterell Playing Fields Management Committee

As a not-for-profit organisation we are supported by our members and through sponsorship from local businesses.

There are many ways that businesses can support the club as it continues to offer facilities and opportunities for people in Frampton Cotterell.

Ground Sponsorship Ball Sponsor

(Registered Charity 301534)

Advertising Banner (8ft x 3ft) Interested in joining the committee, or for further details please email field@beesmoor.uk

Your company Name/Logo on a set of stumps which is displayed throughout the year. £200 to sponsor our primary pitch (1st, 2nd, T20 and Youth Sides for 18 weeks) £100 to sponsor our secondary pitch (3rd XI for 9 weeks)

Your company Name & Logo displayed on our pre & post-match social media posts (Can be offered as a season sponsorship or for individual matches).

1st XI - £50 per match (18 games per season) 2nd XI - £30 per match (18 games per season) 3rd XI - £30 per match (18 games per season) T20 XI - £30 per match (10 games per season) Youth Teams - £30 per match (6 games per team per season) £100 to have your company branding displayed on advertising banners on each home match-day.

We would be delighted to discuss any level of sponsorship, including any ideas you may have

Centenary Opportunities

2024 will mark 100 years for The Fram. We are planning a host of events, and we would love you to be a part of our celebrations. The year of fundraising is aimed at the provision of permanent nets - enabling the further development of the club into its second century.

Want to learn more?

Contact us at FramptonCotterellCC@gmail.com or via Social Media.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

14

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

n AUCTION REPORT

Watch with showbiz history takes centre stage A WATCH which once belonged to a famous actress was one of the stars of the show at Harper Field's September auction.

The Cartier Art Deco ladies wristwatch belonged to Marie Dainton, a music hall and theatre actress who was in demand on both sides of the Atlantic from the 1890s to the 1930s.

It sold for £21,300 in an auction where watches led the way, with the top seven lots realising a combined hammer price of nearly £100,000 and many more lots selling for well above their expected estimates.

The highest price achieved was for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner gentleman's wristwatch, which sold for £26,750.

Whilst the top brands such as Rolex, Cartier,

The Cartier watch which belonged to actress Marie Dainton Omega and Hublot headlined as expected, there were also some good results for Seiko and Citizen, as well as pocket watches.

Some remarkable prices were achieved across the board in the specialist sections, also including jewellery, silver, coins and clocks.

The jewellery section of over 1,100 lots included an Art Deco platinum ring, which sold for double its estimate at £2,700 and an Arts & Crafts ring set with an opal cabochon selling for more than five times its estimate at £850.

The surprise lot was a set of six Chinese

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

19thC porcelain cups and saucers decorated with immortals, which sold for £3,400.

The silver and bijouterie sections also saw some pleasant surprises, with a table lighter in the form of RMS Queen Mary selling for £790, an etui case realising £600 and a silver and enamel vesta case making £560 despite significant damage.

Some excellent results were also achieved for other small collectibles including fountain pens, Mouseman bowls, sewing items and lighters.

A total of 1,178 online bidders from 42 countries competed for the 2,113 lots.

The next auction at Harper Field will be on November 8 and 9, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, taxidermy, sporting, ceramics and glass.

If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, come along to our public viewing day on November 7, between 10am and 6pm.

We are also still accepting items for our December 6 auction, which will include jewellery, silver, watches and coins plus an extremely popular fine wines and spirits section.

The auction just before Christmas is popular with bidders looking to buy a unique gift and fills up very quickly, so if you are thinking of selling, please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation appointment with one of our auctioneers or specialists.

Alternatively email images to valuations@harperfield.co.uk for a quick and easy valuation.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

n LOCAL MP

15

n WINTERBOURNE

Council needs a plan to stop inappropriate development A NEW Local Plan for housing is set to be published by South Gloucestershire Council in the coming weeks.

The one thing everyone agrees on is that Frampton and Coalpit Heath have already taken a fair share of housing development.

There is now significant pressure on local roads, medical services, and community facilities.

One proposal that I am adamant must not feature in the new housing plan is the ridiculous proposal to concrete over our precious Green Belt in Coalpit Heath.

I have always campaigned fiercely against these inappropriate proposals to slap

such a vast extension onto the edge of Coalpit Heath.

It would transform the identity of local villages, infringe upon our landscape and natural environment, and undermine local heritage and public services. Destroying our greenbelt was always a ridiculous proposal.

Together, we surveyed every household in Coalpit Heath, and the results demonstrated the complete lack of community support for the plans. I held debates in Parliament and raised our concerns repeatedly with Ministers.

The lack of new employment opportunities in the proposals, the reliance on existing health facilities, the extreme pressure

it would put on the already congested road network, and the environmental impact means the proposals lost all credibility years ago.

It’s obvious the council will have to reject the plans. They have no other option.

But that doesn’t mean the challenges we face in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath have disappeared.

It won’t be good enough for South Gloucestershire Council to simply reject bad plans. They must deliver a good one. Our villages need a positive plan to cope with the expansion we have already seen.

I am campaigning for better infrastructure: better roads, a proper plan to bring back

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

buses to Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath, health services back to Thornbury and Frenchay, more community facilities, and a guarantee of free parking in public car parks.

South Gloucestershire is the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family.

No wonder developers want to build here.

But it’s not enough to just reject bad ideas for Coalpit Heath, the council needs good ones.

It’s time that residents are listened to.

Tockington Manor School and Nursery for boys & girls aged 2 - 13

Where friendships bloom and children blossom Ask us about our Pathway Programme for children in Years 7 & 8 - recognising special skills and talents and supporting them with unique experiences and specialist tuition.

Scan the QR code to find out more or call 01454 613229 to book an appointment today.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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fromevalleyvoice

18

October, 2023

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Making the weather, together GOOD politicians are ones who can “make the weather” - so goes the old adage.

It speaks to how good politics and politicians can take the decisions necessary to grip the big issues of the day, and improve society.

Sadly, this metaphor has acquired a literal sense in recent years, as the impact of the climate emergency we all face becomes clearer by the day.

Our weather is changing. Think of last year’s ‘False Autumn’, which spelt disaster for our trees, and animals who rely on them, or our recent washout summer.

And it’s just the start. Experts say wetter winters, more intense cold spells and heatwaves will become more frequent due to climate change. ‘Unusual’ weather will become the norm.

One of the things that concerns me is the impact that will have on our West of England economy, and the million-plus people I represent as Metro Mayor.

It’s why I’m afraid I wasn’t surprised at this month’s GDP statistics, with this summer’s rainy weather apparently causing a big slump in the economy, particularly in retail and construction.

The truth is we must get on top of this

urgent problem and build a climate-resilient economy, here in the West and nationwide.

Otherwise we are sleepwalking into climate chaos, and economic chaos.

My Mayoral Combined Authority is getting on with the serious business of investing in climate resilience, in the absence of leadership from government.

I’m working with the Met Office on a brand new, region-wide climate adaptation plan after ministers’ one lacked the regional ambition necessary to take the tough choices we need to make to create a climate-resilient West of England economy.

That means planting even more trees like our new Great Avon Wood, the biggest new woodland in our region, funded by the Combined Authority, plus keeping streets cooler, measures to reduce flooding and retrofitting shops to keep them cosy.

This is stuff we’re already doing though my £60 million Green Recovery Fund, and other green programmes I’ve launched over the last two years.

Of course it’s also about transport, which is why we need to encourage more people out of cars, especially for those shorter everyday

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice journeys.

So if it’s your birthday coming up, please do apply for your free Birthday Bus pass at www. birthdaybus.co.uk - it’ll give you the chance to try out our buses for free for a whole month, and if you like them, I hope it might persuade you to make a switch longer-term.

These are steps everyone in our region can get behind, wherever they live, from our most rural communities to our beautiful market towns and great cities of Bristol and Bath.

Words are easy, but it is action that is required. So let’s brace for further storms ahead, and keep the West’s economy thriving.

We really can make the weather - together.

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www.southernplasticlad.co.uk SHOWROOM OPEN MON - FRI 9am - 5pm SAT 9am - 1pm FREEPHONE 0800 542 6066 Unit 4 Ram Hill Business Park, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath BS36 2TZ TELEPHONE 01454 777 732 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

19

n FRAMPTON NATURE

Nature Needs You! NATURE is essential for our health and wellbeing, and to provide us with clean air, water and food. The UK is sadly one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

We’ve lost 40 million birds in the last 50 years, a quarter of our mammal species are threatened with extinction and flying insect numbers have declined by 60% in the last 20 years.

This dangerous decline in nature can feel hopeless at times, but there are things we can all do to help: *Connect with nature - The first step is to get out there and enjoy it! Without an understanding and appreciation of our amazing natural world, very few people are interested in trying to protect or restore it. We regularly organise nature walks, and our Facebook page shares photos and sightings of local wildlife. *Garden for nature - Gardening for wildlife is a cheap and low-maintenance approach, which allows you to enjoy wildlife at home. Things you can do include planting a native tree, putting a hedgehog hole in your fence, making a pond, putting up a bird box, making a log pile, leaving some areas of grass to grow long and growing some native wildflowers. Avoid using pesticides,

Frampton Cotterell Nature volunteers scything the wildflower area at the Glebeland. peat-based compost and artificial grass. If you don’t have your own space then we have wildlife gardening projects, and organise regular volunteer sessions. *Record nature - Recording nature is a fun and easy way to help. Having a better understanding of wildlife populations helps with conservation efforts. Records can be collected using apps such as irecord and inaturalist, which can also help you identify the things you find.

If you’d like to help us survey local wildlife then get in touch. *Be a voice for nature - Learn about the issues that are affecting nature and support the campaigning work of wildlife and conservation groups. Make sure that your MP and local

council know that nature is important to you.

Talk to your employer, school or university about how they can be more nature-friendly. *Join Frampton Cotterell Nature - Our annual general meeting will be held at the British Legion in Frampton at 7pm on Monday November 6. New members and volunteers are very welcome. We’ll be discussing what we’ve achieved over the last year and making plans for the next.

There will be a bar if anyone wants to join us for drinks afterwards!

You can contact us at framptoncotterellnature@gmail.com.

David Hanks

We are Collegiate DISCOVER MORE AT OUR AUTUMN OPEN EVENTS: SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING - THURSDAY 5th OCTOBER WHOLE SCHOOL WORKING OPEN MORNING - FRIDAY 17th NOVEMBER

Visit collegiate.org.uk to register Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

News From

Brockeridge Room Hire Find your perfect local venue at The Brockeridge Centre! Whether for a private gathering or a business event, our wellequipped rooms (including a kitchen) could provide the ideal setting. For more information or to check availability, contact us on 01454 864442 or office@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

Ridings Road Play Area

Last year, the Parish Council conducted a survey asking parishioners what improvements they would like to see at the Ridings Road Play Area. Following the analysis of these responses, the Parish Council published a tender document, the deadline for which was 18/08/23. The Parish Council has now agreed on a contractor, and work will soon be moving forward. We will keep the parish updated as this project progresses!

Tennis Courts Update

Funding has now been successfully secured form the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) for use in upgrading the tennis courts at The Park, School Road.

Conversations are ongoing with the LTA's contractors, and we are hopeful that work can begin this year. Thank you to all who responded to our Courts Development Survey. Your feedback helps us shape the future of our village.

01454 864 442

Become a Parish Councillor!

Scarecrow Trail 2023

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council currently has several councillor vacancies. We are looking for dedicated individuals to step up and help us make a positive impact on our local community.

Join a group of dedicated individuals who share your passion for improving and maintaining Frampton Cotterell By joining the parish council, your fresh ideas and perspectives can lead to tangible improvements in the village in areas including local amenities, nature, events and more.

It’s time again for the spookiest local event of the year... That’s right, it’s the Frampton Cotterell Scarecrow Trail!

This year, we asked our parishioners to vote for the Scarecrow Trail theme, and you all voted for Book Characters.

If you would like to enter a scarecrow in this year’s trail, please submit your entry form by October 6th. These can be found at The Brockeridge Centre or on our website.

The trail will come alive from October 20th to the 28th. Be ready to grab your Trail Map from the 2nd week of October at The Brockeridge Centre and online.

Don’t miss your chance to vote for your favourite Scarecrow! We will announce the 1st and 2nd place winners on Saturday October 28th.

We can’t wait to see your spooky, book-ish creations!

How To Apply Interested? For full details on the application process and eligibility criteria visit our Vacancies Page at www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk /vacancies , email at clerk@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk or call us on 01454 864442.

Nature Art Competition – Showcase Your Art! On Thursday, October 26th, we will be opening our Local Nature Art Exhibition at The Brockeridge Centre. We would love to invite local people of all ages to showcase your art at this gallery. Whether you write poetry, paint landscapes, crochet bunny rabbits, or pursue any other creative endeavour, we’d love for you to share your nature-themed creations with the village!

To enter your art, simply bring it to the Brockeridge Centre before the deadline of 12:30pm on Wednesday October 25th. The exhibition will be unveiled during our Hedgehog Heroes Event (see below) and is planned to remain open for one week.

We will also be awarding two prizes, one for under 18s and one for over 18s!

If you would like to find out more, get in touch at 01454 864442 or email at nature@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

Hedgehog Heroes Event Join us at The Brockeridge Centre on Thursday, October 26th, from 2pm to 5pm, for another fantastic Hedgehog Heroes Event! We will have nature crafts, info stalls, a tombola, and the return of The Great Hedgehog Cake Bake Off, where you can bake a hedgehog-themed cake to enter our competition! See photo (right) for last year’s winner.

We will also be opening our Local Nature Art Exhibition at this event, showcasing nature-themed poetry, paintings, and crafts, all created by Frampton Cotterell residents. If you are interested in entering your art, please see our article above.

For more information on our Hedgehog Heroes event, contact us at 01454 864442 or via email at nature@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

21

n COMMUNITY NEWS Frome Valley Growing Project THE change in season, as the berries brighten our hedgerow and the evenings draw in, is a wonderful time to reflect on a busy and joyful year here at the Frome Valley Growing Project.

We have loved supporting people on their food-growing journeys by selling locally handsaved seeds and seedlings, and we hope to do more of this in the coming seasons.

We have enjoyed offering more events for the community, too.

This year we have been running 'stay and play' events for families in the school holidays, willow weaving days, mindfulness in nature day retreats and drumming circles.

Our monthly open days, on the first Sunday of each month from 11am-2pm, have proved popular come rain or shine, and we warmly welcome everyone to come and take a tour of our space and get stuck in - please come down A young helper at the Frome Valley Growing and join.

Project You can also visit on Wednesdays from 10.30am-2.30pm, when members join and develop a wetland wildflower meadow to volunteers for a day of community, land-based improve biodiversity, particularly for pollinator work and collaboration. species.

You can find more details of our upcoming This is part of a wider project called the events on our Facebook page.

Frome Valley Pollinator Pathway, funded As reported in last month's Voice, we are through the West of England Combined collaborating with Winterbourne & Frome Authority, to create and improve pollinator Valley Environmental Group to extend our1site WB Generic ads 2023 AW.qxp_Layout 30/03/2023 10:33 Page 4Winterbourne, Frampton habitats throughout

Cotterell and Hambrook and link with existing sites in Frenchay, to create a corridor of speciesrich sites.

We will be working with Winterbourne Library and local schools, connecting to their curriculums and developing biodiversity on their sites. We are looking forward to having lots of visitors from our local primary and secondary schools to learn about pollinators and permaculture.

We are hosting the Edventure Project CIC for weekly nature-based sessions for home educated children and young people on Fridays from 9.30am-2.30pm, including bushcraft, forest school and permaculture.

Someone recently asked a colleague of mine: "Why should I 'help' nature? What has it ever done to us?"

This question has reverberated round my brain and body since.

Nature is us, we are nature, and yet I would propose nature doesn't need our 'help'. Humans perhaps have forgotten our relationship to the Web of Life.

There is emerging research that suggests that the more biodiversity that is found in an area, the more the mental health and well-being of the human population there increases.

When spending time near plants and trees, I like to contemplate this deeply, to give my being a chance to remember how beneficial and integral our relationship with these beings are.

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fromevalleyvoice

22

October, 2023

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Comfort food for changing seasons WE'RE into October, and my thoughts turn to warming stews and comfort puddings.

The summer fruits and berries are out of season and, although you can get strawberries all the year round, I really prefer to stay seasonal.

At this time of year, I look forward to the seasonal fruits like pears, apples and plums.

So, my recipe for this month is a classic French dessert, pear frangipane tart.

Despite its impressive looks, it’s actually easy to make, especially if you use shop-bought pastry. You can make it in advance or freeze it, making it easy to get ahead.

Frangipani is a blend of almonds, butter, sugar and eggs; then the mix is baked in a crisp tart.

The addition of pears, apples or plums gives it a fruity twist.

The tart dates from the 16th century.

The Italian Marquis Frangipane, who was a perfume maker in Paris, made a bitter almond perfume (often used to perfume gloves) which gave the French King’s chef the idea for the tart.

Enjoy this with cream or ice cream. Delicious!

Pear frangipane tart Ingredients For the pastry: To make 1 x 10” Flan or 6-8 Individual flans 375g best quality shop-bought shortcrust or dessert pastry.

For the filling: Butter- 80g, at room temperature Light brown muscovado sugar80g.

Nuts – e.g. Almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, pecans – 40g, freshly chopped Self raising flour – 50g.

Free range eggs – 2, lightly beaten.

Conserve – e.g. Apricot or ginger – 6 tbsps for large flan 1 heaped teaspoon per individual.

For the topping: Pears – ripe- 1-2 depending on size Unsalted butter - 25g (1oz) Golden caster sugar- about 25g (1oz) to sprinkle over pears Here’s What You Do: Preheat oven to 180C, 350F or Gas Mark 4.

Chill the prepared pastry in the fridge for 30 mins before starting the tart.

First, make the filling by beating the butter with the sugar until creamy. Beat in the whole eggs a

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.

little at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the nuts and lastly, fold the flour in gently. Leave to one side in a cool place.

Remove pastry from the fridge: roll to the thickness of a £1 coin.

Line tin, letting the pastry overhang the edge of the tin all round. Don’t trim. Leave to rest for 20 minutes back in the fridge.

Put the baking sheet in the pre heated oven and remove pastry from the fridge. Then prick the base all over with a fork.

Now, trim off any excess pastry overhanging the tin.

Line the tin with non-stick baking parchment and baking beans or dried beans.

Blind bake for 15 minutes, 10 minutes with the paper and beans and 5 minutes without. (Baking the pastry without a filling in order to keep it crispy is called baking blind). Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Whilst the tarts are baking, prepare the pears. Wash and peel pears, squeeze lemon juice over them to prevent browning.

Slice each pear into quarters and slice thinly Turn up oven to 190C, 375F or Gas Mark 5.

Spoon the conserve over the baked pastry bases. Add the filling and the pears. Arrange in an attractive pattern on top of the filling.

Dot with flecks of butter and sprinkle the caster sugar over the pears.

Bake in a preheated oven for 30 - 35 mins for a large tart, until golden brown and firm to the touch. Check individual tarts after 20 minutes.

Lightly dust with icing sugar and serve with Amaretto and almond ice cream or Amaretto cream.

Cook’s Tips If your pears are rather hard, you can cook them before using in the tart.

Place them in a saucepan with 75g (3 oz) caster sugar and 500ml (1/2 pint) of ginger wine.

Gently simmer for 20 minutes until fruit has softened. Drain the fruit and slice each pear into 6, removing the core with a teaspoon.

If you have any pears left over, these will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be served with blue cheese.

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fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

23

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Partnership could help save lives AN important partnership between Avon and Somerset Police and defibrillator provider HeartSafe could help save lives.

Together, they have funded over 130 ‘bleed kits’, which will be installed alongside existing defibrillator cabinets across our county.

Emergency bleed kits are specifically designed to handle ‘catastrophic bleeding’.

They include items like dressings and a tourniquet, allowing bystanders and/or the injured person to provide immediate aid whilst waiting for the ambulance service to arrive at the scene.

Extra minutes can save lives. To find out where your nearest bleed kit is, please visit the HeartSafe website, www.heartsafe.org.uk.

September 9 marked Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day. This is a national day of recognition to promote the

work of the emergency services, and emphasises the importance of responsible public use of them.

I want to say a big thank you to all the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep us safe, and the difference they are making in our communities.

To mark the occasion, I attended a flag raising at City Hall in Bristol, hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paula O’Rourke.

On September 5, I hosted the first of our autumn councillor forums for the Bath & North East Somerset (BANES) area. The session gave councillors an opportunity to gain an overview of my Police and Crime Plan and what my office and local police have been doing since the last forums.

The Police and Crime Plan outlines my priorities and specific areas of focus for improvement, by the Chief Constable, and police officers and staff.

My four police and crime priorities are: Preventing and fighting crime Engaging, supporting and working with communities, victims and partner organisations Leading the police to be efficient and effective Increasing the legitimacy of, and public confidence in, the police and criminal justice system Councillors regularly speak to local residents and hear first-hand their thoughts about policing and crime in their area.

Since becoming your PCC, it has been of utmost importance to work with councillors to ensure we are delivering effective and efficient policing across all local communities.

I will be hosting a forum for South Gloucestershire councillors in October and Bristol councillors in November. If you would like your local councillor to raise any of your concerns, please get in touch with

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford them directly.

September 18 marked the start of National Rural Crime Week.

The impact of rural crime on its victims can be devastating.

Through the Rural Crime Forum, I meet with the public to discuss issues around crime in rural communities and find solutions that meet the whole community’s needs.

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fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

n WHAT'S ON October 1 n WALKS FOR SINGLE PEOPLE - meet Sandie at 11am at Warmley Station car park for a walk across Syston common, woods & fields.

October 19 n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP free taster session, Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm.

Illustrated talk by John Ericson, 'The Art of Illusion'. Refreshments provided. More details from Sally on 0794 650 8316.

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 FRAMPTON SINGALONG meets on the first Monday of the month at Crossbow House,School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30 pm.

Singalong led by The Jays and Joy. £5 including refreshments.Carers free. All profits given to UNICEF for children affected by war and other

recognised charities. Contact Hilary on 07515 351813 for more details. n MONDAY: FRAMPTON SINGALONG meets on the first Monday in the month at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Live music from Singalong led by The Jays and Joy. £5, refreshments included.

Carers free. All profits given to UNICEF, for children affected by war, and other recognised charities.

More details 07515 351 813. 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: 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 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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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

25

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Harvest thanksgiving - time for thanks, and giving AS our headline says, the harvest festival of thanksgiving is literally a time of thanks and giving.

Christians believe that God is a giving God. It is His nature to give all of His gifts to us.

Then in return, He longs for us to reciprocate that love in thankfulness, by the offering our gifts and our lives back to Him. One important way we can do this is in the giving and provision of food necessary for the sustaining of all life.

It’s up to us all to act, and thankfully today many people are doing this locally, through their churches and by passing on gifts to those in need, especially to the foodbanks and charities that look after the homeless and those living on the breadline.

More widely, I hope all of us help support those charities that work in the many countries that have starving and homeless

people affected by wars, famines and natural disasters - the latter being particularly prevalent at the moment, due in part or mostly to climate change.

Here is a lovely story that I hope will help us think about how we might respond to the poor and needy: The King asked for people to come to his palace to choose his successor.

A candidate came to visit the King dressed in his fancy clothes, and with fine foods for the king.

On his way, the candidate met a beggar, who was cold and hungry.

The candidate gave his food and clothes to the beggar. When he got to the throne room, dressed in ragged clothes, imagine his surprise when the man on the throne was wearing his clothes!

“I knew you would be nice to the King," said the King. "I had to find out if you would be good to the subjects.”

Christians believe that life itself is a gift of God, part of His creation. We remind ourselves that God wants us to have a fullness or abundance of life, and it is hugely important to thank Him for it.

The amount we give is entirely a matter for our personal decision, but I believe it should be given thankfully, cheerfully and in proportion to our means, both regularly and with commitment.

This is the way we can be different, and set an example to a world which often seems to be self-centred and spiralling out of control.

If we can produce a harvest of good things out of our abundance, that can make us and the world in which we live the sort of place God intended it to be all along.

Christians believe Jesus demonstrated a principle for us, which is that it is in giving that we

Rev Howard V Smith Associate Minister, Fromeside Benefice

receive.

May we long for a day when for all people, giving becomes an act of joy and is never thought of as a tax or a subscription due, but a gift born out of love for God Himself and for all of His creation.

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26

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne Medieval Barn

Chicken puppets are part of the entertainment at Orchard Harvest Day this year WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn was delighted to welcome hundreds of visitors for the national Heritage Open Days festival in September.

Our next big event is Orchard Harvest Day on Sunday October 8, from 11am-4pm, celebrating the skill of the medieval craftsmen who built the barn, along with British orchards, crafts and skills, music, dance, and food.

There's a full programme of entertainment through the day, including ferret-racing, Winterbourne Down Border Morris, Frampton Shantymen, Bygonz minstrels, 5678 Dance school, a historic river Severn salmon fisheries exhibition, Chicken Charmer Farmer walkabout characters, artisan craft stalls and displays, kids' activities, face-painting, coconut shy activities, and more.

Excellent West Country food is available all day, including Old Sodbury lamb, Harcombe cakes and savouries.

There is free car parking at Winterbourne Academy, with a free shuttle bus to and from the barn all day.

Tickets can be booked online in advance to avoid the queues.

The barn is also running a series of workshops in October, including a pottery taster afternoon - Saturday 14th where you can learn how to hand-make a bowl to glaze and sgraffito with your own design.

On our wine-tasting evening on October 21, expert Ian Redfearn will guide you through a selection of white and red French country wines, and a dessert wine.

To start the half-term holidays there are family Halloween craft sessions on October 23, making spooky slime, lanterns, spiders' webs and other haunted house decorations.

Booking online is essential for workshops for more details visit the barn website at www.winterbournebarn.org.uk.

Louise Harrison

Beesmoor Road Playing Fields PARENTS, dog owners, walkers and nature lovers are being urged to help run a popular play area and park in Frampton Cotterell.

Beesmoor Road Playing Field is holding its AGM in October – and the call is going out for more volunteers to join the management committee.

The playing fields are home to several local football teams including junior teams from Frampton Rangers, and the Frampton Athletics Veterans, and health and fitness training with Novo3 run by local mum Hannah Tomlin.

They also boast a large wooden play area with slides, swings, climbing frames and balance logs.

The pavilion building has sports changing rooms, and a kitchen – but the committee are eager to hear from anyone who has suggestions for updating the facilities.

Volunteers help run fundraising activities, coordinate bookings for the football pitches, join in clearing undergrowth and planning for the future of the park.

The AGM will be in the Beesmoor Road Playing Field pavilion at 7.30pm on October 10.

Everyone from the local community is welcome. If you can’t make it but would like to offer support or a suggestion, please email field@beesmoor.uk.

Phil Kerswell

Floral Friends of Frampton

Floral Friends planters are still flourishing OUR Autumn Fayre will take place on Saturday October 28 from 10am to noon at the Brockeridge Centre.

Do come along for coffee (or tea), cake and a chat – we will have a stall selling small gifts, plants and a raffle, and the Parish Council will be awarding prizes for their Scarecrow Trail at 11am.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Despite the recent weather (hot one day, pouring with rain the next) the planters and hanging baskets around the village are still flourishing, as is the Beesmoor border.

We hope you continue to enjoy the display.

Soon work will begin on replenishing the planters with colourful winter bedding and bulbs to cheer everyone up in the dark days ahead.

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.

There are various ways in which you can help, from maintaining your nearest planter to sponsoring one.

If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you: please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com.

Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club WE are now entering into autumn and have a few changes to our agenda.

The skittles match has been arranged for November (not September as in last month’s issue) and the planned coach trip will now be early next year, due to other club events.

We are also looking forward to our Autumn Lunch, which this year is being held at Thornbury Golf Club.

Over the next few months, we are having talks entitled 'Harriet Tubman – Underground Railroad' and 'A Countdown to Christmas'.

We finish the year with a seasonally appropriate Frank Sinatra-style Christmas music afternoon.

If you are recently retired and looking to socialise in a friendly group, you would be very welcome at Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club.

We meet at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down.

Meetings start with a short business session followed by a talk from a visiting speaker.

We then have tea and biscuits and time for a chat before the meeting ends at 4pm.

Visitors can attend five meetings per year at a cost of £3.50 per meeting, or pay an annual membership of £25.

If you would like to visit us, or would like more information, please contact me on 01454 773647.

Sue Humphreys

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

October, 2023

27

n COMMUNITY NEWS Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir

The choir in rehearsal FRAMPTON Cotterell Male Voice Choir’s latest recruitment evening on September 15 was its most successful yet.

Six new members joined the choir and a further two former members decided to return.

Musical director Tim Warren taught the choir two of his latest arrangements, an old Lead Belly song Bring Me Little Water, Silvy and the spiritual Paul and Silas.

As usual, the rehearsal was followed by a pint or two for those who fancied it, with some enthusiastic singing of sea shanties.

The repertoire for the coming season is the usual eclectic mix, including pop songs (The Hollies’ He Ain’t Heavy and Carly Simon’s Let The River Run), show tunes (Bring Him Home from

Les Miserables), folk songs (The Turtle Dove) and a smattering of male voice classics.

Recruitment isn’t limited to the open rehearsal in September.

Men are welcome to come along any time to give it a try.

Rehearsals are at Zion United Church in Upper Chapel Lane from 7.30pm to 9pm on Friday evenings, from September to May. For more information go to www.fcmvc.co.uk or contact Russell at sec.fcmvc@gmail.com.

Steve Harrison

and Frome Valley Environmental Group.

Upcoming dates this year are October 21, November 18, December 16, and next year are January 20, February 17, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15 and July 20.

Laura Fogg-Rogers

Winterbourne & Frome Valley Environmental Group

FOLLOWING sell-out shows The Snow Queen and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Winterbourne Musical Theatre is doing a 'home-grown' version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at WADCA in Watleys End Rd in November.

Entitled Bah! Humbug! the show is a gentle comedy with poignant scenes, and includes a selection of well-known songs suitable for all the family.

The script was written by Winterbourne resident Mike Couzins and the show's producer, Maggie Williams. The show has a large cast of local people, aged from eight to 85.

Bah! Humbug! runs for three evenings from November 29 to December 1, plus a Saturday matinee on December 2. Tickets can be booked online at Ticketsource or via the group's website www.winterbournemusical.co.uk.

Louise Harrison

OUR volunteer repair team were pleased to return to another year of repair cafes in September. The team includes experts in electricals, textiles, woodwork and we have occasional bikes and jewellery repairs.

We aim to share skills and save useable goods from landfill, plus share cake and company!

Join us on the third Saturday of each month at 10.30am at All Saints Church Hall in Winterbourne Down.

Repairs are offered for free, with voluntary donations going to the work of Winterbourne

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28

n COMMUNITY NEWS Winterbourne Evening WI

October, 2023

in Malmesbury, with four either hanged or murdered. Naked highwaymen would attack you in Cherwell and numerous husbands brutally murdered their wives – it all made for a fascinating talk.

The biggest mystery was that all the hundred men who died digging Brunel’s Box Tunnel have no graves. So, what happened to their bodies? Their ghosts still linger, as do the ones at Avebury Manor. Thanks go to Claire for a very unusual talk.

Our next meeting, on October 12, will mark our 67th birthday and we will celebrate with Zumba – then cake!

We meet at 7.30 pm at St Michael’s School, Linden Close. Visitors are always welcome.

Winterbourne Evening WI President Di Woodman with speaker Claire Mills.

Gill Parker

OUR September meeting always starts in a happy and lively way, with members glad to see each other after the summer break.

There are lots of outings and events to enjoy this autumn, as well as online classes and talks in the new Denman College programme.

To celebrate the end of summer our harvest sales table was popular, with produce from local gardens.

Our speaker was Claire Mills, who entertained us with tales of murders, ghosts and immoral behaviour in darkest Wiltshire. She showed us pictures of the sites and buildings where these shocking events occurred.

Fourteen women were accused of witchcraft

®

Winterbourne Down WI

OUR WI does not meet up in August but we still like to get together, so we arranged an American-style lunch, which was held in our member Victoria’s garden.

On the menu was good food, good company and perfect weather. Everything went to plan and a good time was had by all.

Our September meeting was open to guests and was a fun event with Dave and Jean Nash entertaining us with a ‘reality game show', loosely based on a well-known television programme.

They have 15 different styles of games in their repertoire, so I am sure we will be inviting them to entertain us again in the future. Dave and Jean perform their show at WIs, clubs and elderly people's homes, and all the proceeds go to the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.

They have also raised money for Breast Cancer Support Trust (BUST).

Over the past 10 years their charity work has raised over £8,500.

Our next meeting is on October 5 at All Saints’ Church Hall at 7.30pm, where Jordan Coates, a fraud protection officer with the police, will be giving us advice on how to avoid various types of scams in our every-day lives.

Jill Hemmings

The August lunch meeting

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29

n COMMUNITY NEWS Coalpit Heath WI

CONGRATULATIONS to three of our talented members, who took part in the local horticultural show.

Jenny, Tracy and Deb won cups for their cross stitch, flower arrangements and handcrafts.

Sadly the speaker for our September meeting didn’t make it to us, however we used the opportunity for some different activities.

As we have recently gained some new members and had a visitor, we took the time to introduce ourselves properly.

Then we followed up with a good discussion on this year’s poppy display. We have plenty of knitted poppies ready and will bring these along to the November meeting, along with the wreaths we have already made that need a bit of attention before being put back up.

We also gathered suggestions for the half term scarecrow trail: the theme this year is book

characters.

Plans have been made for some crafting sessions and a list of items needed has been circulated.

Our autumn walk will be around Westonbirt, with a meal in Tetbury, and a walking tour around St Nicholas market is planned. We have plans for a carol service and future trips suggested include Xmas markets and a spring trip out.

If you fancy coming along and seeing what we have to offer you would be most welcome.

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 and updates.

Our October 4 meeting features Stephanie Sydney from the M.I.F Soap company, and our AGM is on November 1.

Caroline Johnston

Frampton Cotterell WI

DURING August, we tend to meet up socially as opposed to having a speaker.

We had a lovely social get-together, a luxury cream tea at Tortworth Court, which we all really enjoyed.

Our September talk was Confessions of a Lawyer, with Carole Darling, and was happening as the Voice went to press.

On October 24 we have a visit from Wendy Howse of Tropic Skincare, and our AGM and quiz night is on November 28.

We have many other events/socials lined up for the year ahead, including visits to the theatre, local gardens, museums and a murder mystery evening on November 8.

We 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.

Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

There is a charge of £4.00 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a membership fee. In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page.

Special interest groups that meet separately include a book club, craft group, gardening group and our skittles and darts teams.

n WINTERBOURNE LIBRARY NEWS WINTERBOURNE Library is encouraging residents to go green for Libraries Week, on October 2 to 7.

As well as borrowing your next read instead of buying it you can check out the green book collection and garden, recycle your used ink cartridges and join the craft group, re-purposing your old craft materials.

An Autumn Antics half term holiday crafts activity takes place on October 27 from 10.30-11.30am. Suitable for children aged four to 11.

You can also collect a craft bag to make at home.

Story time is every Friday from 9.30-10am, suitable for children aged 18 months to four years.

Lego club meets on October 28, 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 October 7 and 14, from 10am-noon: 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 cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk.

A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone. The volunteer is available on Fridays from 10am-noon: 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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October, 2023

n SPORT

Hockey club is ready for new season A COMPETITIVE yet enjoyable summer league competition saw Badminton & Pucklechurch Ladies hockey team play eight games at Bradley Stoke Community School.

The team won four and lost four.

It gave the girls a good opportunity to try some new skills, try different positions and keep fitness levels up ready for the new season, due to start in just a few weeks' time.

A pre-season friendly away against Knowle on September 16 gave us the chance to put our recent training drills into practice.

Knowle started strongly and took an early lead, however in true 'Baps' style, we didn't let

Badminton & Pucklechurch Ladies Hockey Club

that affect us.

A well-worked short corner saw centre midfielder Kirsty Chaney receive the ball at the top of the D. She passed to fellow midfielder Lisa Rigby, who made sure the ball was going nowhere except the back of the net.

An organised Knowle caught us off-guard and snuck in two of their own, despite the best attempts of Baps' defensive players.

Going into the second half, some lovely teamwork and immaculate passing from Baps,

put Knowle on the back foot and it wasn't long before Rigby bagged herself a second goal, following a classic hit in from Julie-Ann. Despite coming second, a fun game was had by all in a friendly yet competitive manner, with 'player of the match' awarded to youngster Naomi Bailey, for her awesome battling and determination.

The final pre-season friendly took place at Baps' home ground, Yate Outdoor Sports Centre, against Westberries ahead of

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