Frome Valley Voice December 2016 by Fromevalleyvoice

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December, 2016 Issue 39

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Academy in turmoil Federation given formal warning over finances AN official notice to improve finances has been issued by a Government body to the Ridings’ Federation of Academies amid the crisis affecting the organisation which runs Winterbourne and Yate international academies. The Education Funding Agency said it realised the “scale of the historic challenges” faced by Claire Emery, chairwoman of the federation trust, when she took up her post in September. But Mike Pettifer, director of the Academies and Maintained Schools Group within the agency, said in a letter that although he recognised the progress made in that short time, his concerns regarding the current financial position of the trust remained. Mr Pettifer said: “This letter and its annex serve as a written notice to improve

New homes opposed Parish council objects to Winterbourne Down plans PAGE 10

A unique ‘knitivity’ Wollen Christmas scene off to Africa PAGE 13

The life scientific School holds Science festival PAGE 15 financial management, control and governance at the trust. It reflects the weak financial position of the trust and continued concerns around governance and oversight of financial management by the board.” Various delegated powers relating to finance have been removed from the federation as a

consequence and progress will be monitored by the agency. The notice came as the trustees decided to pursue a new sponsor for the academies in the light of a potential £1 million deficit by the end of the current academic year. Full coverage of the crisis at Winterbourne International Academy, pages 3-5.

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January deadline Our January edition will be going to print on December 21. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by December 15. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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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

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December, 2016

n ACADEMY SPECIAL REPORT

New operator for Academy should be known early in New Year PARENTS, pupils and staff are set to find out in early January who will be running Winterbourne International Academy and its partner school in Yate after further turmoil for the current operator. Having recently revealed a potential £1 million deficit by the end of the academic year, trustees of the Ridings’ Federation of Academies then announced a new sponsor was being sought to run the schools. They said despite investigating options for resolving the financial crisis, it had been decided that “rebrokering” would be a quicker means of tackling the problems faced.

They also revealed that chief executive principal Adam Williams had left after only taking up the post in February. He had been off sick since the start of the current term. With three lots of multiacademy trusts interested in taking over the Winterbourne and Yate sites, the academies may not end up being run by the same organisation. Representatives of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, Oasis Learning Trust and a collaboration between the local Castle School Education Trust (CSET) and Olympus Trust have already visited the academies as part of the due diligence process, which was set to conclude on

December 2. A statement from trustees of the Ridings’ Federation said: “The three proposed multiacademy trusts will submit their proposals to the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC)

outside of the South West region to avoid any conflict of interests. “They are then all visiting the Ridings’ Federation of Academies during the week commencing December 5 to present their proposals to the governance team, which has senior staff and parent representation. “All feedback is, and will continue to be, passed to the Department for Education for their consideration as part of this process. “A decision in principle will be made by the RSC by the beginning of January. A further update will be issued once the due diligence process is complete.”

School campaigners turn up the heat with protests HUNDREDS of parents, staff and students turned out to a Save our School meeting after trustees of the Ridings Federation announced that the academy was seeking a new sponsor. History teacher Lee Everson told the meeting there was “palpable alarm and concern” among staff, who had seen Oasis executives being given a tour of the academy before the announcement of re-brokering had been made. Oasis and other interested parties are now carrying out “due diligence” checks before deciding if they would like to pursue their bids. Some parents expressed worries that Oasis, which runs 50 schools including several in Bristol, was not a suitable sponsor. A sixth-former was applauded when he said the chain had no experience in running a school the size of Winterbourne and had no experience running a successful sixth form. Several people at the meeting said that if the only choice was another multi-academy trust they would prefer it to be locally based. Parents were urged to write to their MP Jack Lopresti or

Standing room only. Around 300 people crammed into Zion Church to hear from the Save Our School campaign Luke Hall and to make sure their views were heard. Since the meeting, the Save

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Our Schools campaign has held a protest outside the gates of the school and have urged people to

make their views heard. Letters, Page 5

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n ACADEMY SPECIAL REPORT THE rise and fall of The Ridings Federation is part of the ever-changing picture of state education in England over the past 15 years. Academies began under the Tony Blair-led Labour Government as a way of 'turning around' failing urban schools by taking them outside the local authority and bringing in external sponsors. City Academy Bristol, which opened in 2003, was one of the first. More struggling Bristol secondaries also became academies in order to improve results, including Hengrove and Portway, which were both sponsored by the Oasis trust, while some successful schools chose to change status to get extra state cash. South Gloucestershire was slower to get involved, but in 2008 the head of The Ridings High School, Dr Rob Gibson,

How did it come to this? saw an opportunity under a Pathfinder academy scheme in which 'strong' schools were invited to partner weaker ones. By becoming academies, the closure-threatened King Edmund School in Yate and the Ridings would both be in line for new buildings – and so the federation was formed. Yate got its new school, incorporating a neighbouring primary. There was a hiccup in 2010 when the then Education Secretary Michael Gove stopped all new school construction projects, but the following year Winterbourne's new £19 million building got the go-ahead, and it was completed last year. Dr Gibson announced his retirement in October 2014.

Beverley Martin, a National Leader of Excellence, was appointed chief executive principal of the federation in February 2015 and began making changes, which proved unpopular, prompting staff strikes in September of that year. Ms Martin departed and was duly replaced in February 2016 by Adam Williams. Despite the turbulence, Winterbourne appeared to have recovered after a disappointing Ofsted visits April and September 2015 and notched up some of the best exam results in the area in August 2016. But a second follow-up inspection last month said the school had made little progress. Inspector Jim Sage was critical

of the frequent changes in governance structure, and commented: “Managing the pace of improvement required to make this a good school will be a huge challenge.” Now families have been told that Mr Williams will not return and the federation's two academies are being re-brokered. The chair of the board that made this decision is Claire Emery, who previously led a review of governance at the federation. Mrs Emery's previous roles include being founding chair of the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs Bradley Stoke and Abbeywood secondaries and some primaries and is one of the bidders to run the Winterbourne secondary.

Principle departs months Ofsted inspector after appointment savages school THE departure of Adam Williams as chief executive principal came just a matter of months after his arrival in February 2016. He had replaced Beverley Martin - who left herself after only about seven months - and took on the task of improving the Winterbourne and Yate academies after they were both judged by Ofsted to require improvement. But Mr Williams had been off sick since the start of the current term in September. Parents of pupils were told in a letter from trustees chairwoman Claire Emery: “Adam Williams will not be returning to his post at the federation. We wish him well.” Mr Williams had been described as an “outstanding” candidate for the job, having led the John Cabot Academy in Kingswood to the highest Ofsted ranking and then getting a school in Bath out of special measures. He had become principal of John Cabot Academy in 2008 when he was only 33, making him one of the youngest principals in the UK. The school’s rating of outstanding was given by Ofsted 18 months later.

A DAMNING report by an education inspector said the quality of teaching at the academy had not improved noticeably and pupils in years seven to 11 were not making enough progress. James Sage made his comments after carrying out a second monitoring inspection since the school was told 18 months ago that it required improvement. He found that effective action needed in order for WIA to become a good school was still not being taken by senior leaders and the Ridings’ Federation of Academies trust. Mr Sage spoke of poor senior leadership and “unsettling” frequent changes in governance. He said: “The progress of

He then moved to the former Culverhay School in Bath, which was in special measures and facing closure. It became Bath Community Academy (BCA), came out of special measures and was later named the most improved school in the South West.

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pupils in years seven to 11 is poor in many classes and in many subjects, including in English and mathematics. “The overall quality of teaching has not improved noticeably since the 2015 inspection.” Although there was some good teaching, he said it was not used well to raise performance elsewhere. There had been improvements in the sixth form, where the overall quality of teaching was better than in the lower school, but pockets of very poor practice still existed. Mr Sage said managing the pace of improvement required to make WIA a good school would be “a huge challenge”.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n ACADEMY SPECIAL REPORT

Three in race as Federation is ‘re-brokered’ THREE potential candidates have come forward with expressions of interest after the Ridings’ Federation of Academies announced it was seeking a new sponsor. Claire Emery, chairwoman of the trustees, said “re-brokering” the Winterbourne academy and its partner school in Yate was necessary because the schools, which are facing a potential £1 million deficit by the end of the academic year, could not sort out their problems quickly enough on their own.

In a letter to parents, she said: “It is in everyone’s interest that the Ridings’ Federation can secure rapid and sustained improvement for the benefit of our students within the necessary timescale.” The trustees said the Winterbourne and Yate academies would transfer, either together or separately, no later than the start of the next academic year in September 2017. The potential sponsors are Greenshaw Learning Trust, the national chain Oasis

and a collaboration of the two local trusts Olympus and Castle School Education Trust (CSET). Mrs Emery said the process of “due diligence” currently underway was set to conclude on December 2. She said the three potential sponsors had all visited and a decision in principle would be made by the RSC by the beginning of January.

n WIA LETTERS SPECIAL Frome Valley Voice has had a lot of response to the crisis at the Riding’s Federation. This is a selection of the views you’ve been expressing. PLEASE, please, please: if you have - or know any - children currently in our state education system, help us to expose the travesty of the Academies system, and help us to regain ownership of our school. Despite all that has happened to us in the last 18 months, we are continuing to be the highest achieving school in South Glos, and 1 of the highest-achieving in the region. Yet the government seem to be hell-bent on destroying us. They do not seem to want to listen to local people at all. Yours Anne Steel (Head of Modern Foreign Languages) I’M writing to express my deep concern about what is happening at Winterbourne International Academy and more specifically the trust which governs it. My concerns are about – • The lack of consultation with students, parents and the wider community including feeder primary schools • The ease with which the new chair of trustees (Mrs Claire Emery) seems to have acquired her position as a trustee and member of the board that appoints them – she was initially brought in by the Regional Schools Commissioner to provide her view on what the school’s problems are

• The other changes to the trustees and board since September 2016 I understand there are other MATS interested, including Olympus/Castle to act in an advisory capacity. My preferred outcomes would be (in order of preference) and given that we may not be able to return to LEA control, (we have been advised that now the rebrokering exercise has commenced it cannot be stopped?!) – • Remain as an independent academy with a financial improvement plan (it’s not clear who decided this will take too long) • Remain as an independent academy with assistance from Olympus/Castle – both locally based MATS who draw their students from similar areas. I do not want our school to be part of Oasis Community Learning and I wish to register a vote of no confidence in Mrs Emery. Kind Regards, Andrew Sell, Parent

There was a big response to our reporting of the critical Ofsted update from both staff, parents and pupils. This is a flavour of the comments, you can read them in full on the Frome Valley Voice Facebook page Chris Shine: Frankly the ability of the teachers at the school to achieve what they have under the conditions they have had to

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work under is nothing short of miraculous! These are the same teachers who not 5 years ago were achieving some of the best results in the region (still are amongst the best) and I know from personal experience the time and commitment they are prepared to put in! This was highlighted last year when past and current students felt so strongly that hundreds stood alongside their teachers against a frankly tyrannical leader. It does not matter how good a canoe you take to the ocean, if you are paddling against mighty waves there is only so much you can achieve! I am certain that all the school needs is stability! Megan Williams: WIA is amazing!!! I've been there since 2011 and am now in year 12. Every single teacher gives support to anyone who asks for it, but obviously it is hard to dedicate all of their time to students as they need to mark and all of that stuff:) Honestly these reports are stupid! The results are outstanding and after everything that happened in the 2015-2016 academic year the results still got better for GCSE, the only reason the students in year 7-11 seem to be doing 'worse' is not because of the teachers.. some students do not work hard and the teachers cannot change it. Thank you to every single teacher at WIA, keep doing what you are doing because you are all great no matter what anyone says:)!x Jo Wood: My eldest left WIA this year and is now in college. This is down to hard work by herself but also the extra time and continuous support by the teaching staff. They are good teachers and I really do

believe they have the interests of the students as their priority. Yes there are some teachers that are ' better than others' but I have found people like that in every job I have had. She chose herself to support her teachers on the picket lines as she believed in them. To the teachers who have commented thank you for all you do and continue to do for our children.x Sarah Hickman: Never seen such a strongly worded report, they have done nothing that has made any impact. Y 7 to 9 left to rot, then lots of catch up intervention to make sure exam results look good! Some teachers are good others have ridden on the back of the school's good reputation and are dragging it into the gutter. Unions are inhibiting any and all ways of dealing with poor teaching. Total mess. Gareth Keel: No one has 'ridden back'. It has been 2 years of hell with dedicated staff working their butts off despite threats, lack of/ no leadership, and no governance at all. New Telephone policies started then boxes halted more new policies not seen could become rarer through then for future a change more in the new policies. Change and change again with no time to adapt. Despite this we banded together as a staff and got the best results in South Glos. If you think that can be done by running a few revision classes then think again. We need the support of the local community. Please take a close interest and don't just teacher bash. The powers that be clearly have no clue and have made mess up after mess up. Get involved or you may lose control and influence over your local school forever.

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n NEWS

New faces at Frampton Winterbourne Down housing scheme opposed butchers shop by parish leaders

PARISH leaders have objected to a scheme to build seven bungalows and one cottage on land near the railway line in Winterbourne Down. The site lies between Harcombe Hill, Station Road and the main Great Western railway line. Winterbourne Parish Council has objected due to concern about access to the site as it is near the parapet of a railway bridge. But Network Rail has said it has no objection in principle, although it has requested a number of steps to be taken to

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ensure safe operation of the railway and protection of its land should permission be given by South Gloucestershire planners. A noise survey carried out as part of the application for the former builder’s yard showed the railway to be the main source of noise. A report said external noise levels at the site exceeded the amber category of the district’s planning guidance but with an acoustic barrier and sound insulation for the housing, it was possible to lower that to the green category. It also said electrification of the railway should reduce levels further and there were no reasons on noise grounds why the development should not go ahead.

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December, 2016

n NEWS

Potential for new Yate link with study into extra M4 junction

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n NEWS

Knit and natter rustle up the nativity A WOOLLEN nativity scene knitted by a Frampton Cotterell group is on its way to Africa. The nativity was created by the Knit and Natter group which meets at The Beacon Centre, Zion United Church. The ‘Knitivity’ shown is destined for the Butterfly Project in Malawi, for its newly completed primary school. The group has been supporting this project for over a year, and

has also knitted over 90 school jumpers for the primary school. You can see another or the Knitivity’s on display at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peters Church, Frampton Cotterell. The group always welcome new members, which meets each Tuesday morning between 10 and 12. If you are interested, contact Mary Thexton; 01454 850704

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n NEWS

Crew changes proposed for Yate fire station with full-timers to only work in daytime FULL-time crews will only be on duty at Yate’s fire station during the daytime under changes planned to come into effect in 2017. Part-time firefighters, also known as retained staff, will be on call at night to provide cover once the new system is introduced. The proposal will see the fire station revert to a staffing rota that operated before 2009. For the past eight years it has been crewed around the clock by full-time firefighters, with retained staff also called in during periods of high demand. But Avon Fire and Rescue Service wants to return to the pre-2009 set-up, which involves having full-timers on duty just in

the day and using retained crews at night. The change is among a number of proposals drawn up by the service, which faces making £5 million of annual savings up to 2020 due to a cut in the central government grant it receives. Fire authorities are also being pressed to reform their services. A document detailing the proposals can be read online through the service’s website, with any comments to be made by December 31. Detailed plans for Yate fire station will also be on display in the town’s library for a week from Monday, November 28, with an open event being planned at the station itself for

later in December. Yate’s 2009 crewing change was made due in part to an anticipated increase in emergency incidents and demand for services as a result of the town expanding. But that predicted increase has not materialised and the greater housing development in the area has not had any significant effect on the demand for fire and rescue services. The station also has the highest cost per call-out of all Avon Fire and Rescue’s full-time stations, coupled with the lowest operational activity level for those wholetime stations. The plan document said: “Yate fire station will continue to provide 24-hour operational

cover but in a different way.” It said with Yate having a large number of commercial premises, together with a need to provide community safety activities, the continued use of full-time firefighters during the day could be justified rather than switching entirely to retained crews. It also recognised plans for a “substantial” increase in housing in the Yate area but said those homes would comply with latest building regulations, including fire safety measures such as hard-wired smoke alarms.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n NEWS

From Summer Sizzler to a Santa Special Cafe plan for game farm and tack shop FATHER Christmas is busy preparing his grotto for the Lyde Green community Christmas event. The free fair takes place on December 17 from 4-7pm at Lyde Green Primary School and hundreds of local people are expected to attend. As well as a grotto, families will be able to enjoy carol singing, dance performances, children’s activities, mulled wine and a hog roast. Local businesses will be manning a range of stalls, as well as donating raffle prizes. Children can compete to win a prize for the best Christmas costume. The event is the result of many hours of hard work from Lyde Green Community Association. The 14 committee members have given up their spare time to set up and run LGCA to make sure residents have a say in their community. Kelly Adams, 31, from Pennycress Close, got involved to organise the first Christmas fair

in 2015, and is now chairwoman of the association. She said: “I think it’s important to do something for the community I live in. I have three little boys and want to make this a good area for them. As a group, we can have an effect by attending partnership meetings and council meetings to have our say.” Work so far has included organising a successful petition against the McDonald’s planning application for Lyde Green, running a Summer Sizzler event on the science park land, and arranging a drop-in session for residents to question GreenSquare regarding

maintenance of Lyde Green shared land. Funding from developers Sovereign and Knightstone has allowed the committee to receive training on the different aspects of running a community association and community hall. LGCA is hoping to run Lyde Green community centre once it is built. Funds raised from the Christmas raffle will go towards future LGCA work including improving signage to shared areas including Lyde Green common, and arranging ‘walking for health’ activities. The committee is now canvassing for extra volunteers to join in, which will allow them to organise more for the community. In particular, they need a treasurer and can provide training if needed. Anyone wanting to get involved in LGCA or have a stall at the Christmas event can email lydegreenca@hotmail.com

PLANS have been submitted to create a cafe for customers at the Game Farm in Iron Acton. South Gloucestershire Council has been asked to approve a scheme to change a storage area at the premises in Latteridge Lane, which include a tack shop, in order to use it for the new facility. The council will determine the application at a later date.

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We hope and pray you can celebrate and enjoy time with those you love. At Christmas we remember that God chose to come and live among us. Make it special by sharing with someone who’s struggling. Below are a series of opportunities to rekindle a deeper joy this Christmas. Just as Shepherds and Kings were welcome at the stable, you are welcome & invited.

Sat 10th Dec 10.30-11.15am Nisa Stores Mon 12th Dec 6.30pm Brockeridge Centre Sat 17th Dec 10.30-11.15 am Frome Valley Farm Shop

4.00pm Christingle 6.00pm Carols for All 4.00pm 11.30pm

Crib Service Midnight Mass

8.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Family Communion www.st-peterschurch.co.uk/

10.30am 6.00pm

Nativity Service Carol Service

with ‘scratch’ orchestra phone 776618 to take part

4.00pm Family Carols

(plus refreshments and crafts) pls bring smart phone and coat!

11.15pm Midnight Communion 10.30am Celebration!

www.zuchurch.co.uk

6.00pm Carols and readings 5.00pm Christmas Crib Service

(Incl dressing up and tableau)

11.30pm Christmas Midnight Mass 10.00am Family Communion www.coalpitheath.org.uk.

For Catholic Services: www.stlawrenceandstpaul.co.uk/ On Sunday 1st Jan: 4.00pm afternoon tea followed by carol service at Zion

December, 2016

n NEWS

fromevalleyvoice

No way through; heavy rain flooded many parts of the area, including Hillyfields in Frampton Cotterell, where Nightingale Bridge was impassable for several days

LOWER SCHOOL OPEN MORNING FRIDAY 20TH JANUARY, 09.30AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11.30AM Places available in Reception 2017 and selected other year groups

For further information visit www.colstons.org Email: admissions@colstons.org Telephone: 0117 965 5207

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Berkeley Green UTC

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Stop Press – Exam Results 2016 GCSEs • 66% A*–C including English and maths • 65% A*–B in A level maths and science Vocational Distinction plus average grade at Level 3 Engineering

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n NEWS

Students of WIA fundraise for Mexico project A GROUP of students from Winterbourne International Academy are looking to generate more funds for an overseas project that will support two primary schools in a rural village of Mexico. This bi-annual project, has previously seen year 11 and 12 students help supply material and build a playground in a Mexican school while living with Spanish speaking Mexican families, going on cultural excursions to Mayan ruins, teaching English to primary children and helping with beach

cleans. The students, parents and teachers involved in the project have already generated over £4,500 for next years project thanks to a range of events including collecting sponsorship for knitting the longest scarf. They are boosting the funds by selling at the school’s Christmas fair, running a year 7 & 8 disco and packing bags for customers at Marks & Spencers. Further information can be found on the Academy’s website: www.trfwia.org.uk/mexico2017-project

Don’t be left out in the Cold!

School holds Festival of Science A WEEK of free evening lectures is being held at Winterbourne International Academy. The Festival of Science is being held between December 5-9 at the school, with lectures from staff at Bristol University and UWE. Subjects such as ‘Engineering a better world’, ‘No more drugs for superbugs’, and ‘The Ebola Virus: how bat-derived diseases threaten global health’ will be explored. More information on attending the lectures can be got by emailing Anthe.evans@trfwia.org.uk or calling her on 01454 822148. Full programme: • Monday 5th December 19.30-20.30 "Engineering a better world" by Dr James Norman Faculty of Engineering University of Bristol • Tuesday 6th December 19.30-20.30 "No more drugs for superbugs" by Dr Matthew Avison School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of Bristol • Wednesday 7th December 19.30-20.30 "The Ebola Virus : How bat-derived diseases threaten global health" by Dr David Matthews School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of Bristol • Thursday 8th December 19.30-20.30 “How to feed a planet - Solving the Water, Energy and Food Puzzle” (No subject)by Professor Darren Reynolds Centre for Research in Biosciences & Institute for Bio-sensing Technology

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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Dacia Duster range is: urban 27.2 (10.4)- 47.9 (5.9); extra-urban 40.3(7.0)- 56.5 (5.0); combined 35.3 (8.0)-53.3 (5.3). The official CO2 emissions for the range is 185-135g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. *Price shown for Dacia Duster Access SCe 115 4x2 and includes delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month Government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Price shown is manufacturer’s recommended retail price. Offers are valid on eligible vehicles when ordered by 31 December 2016 and registered by 31 March 2017.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n AROUND THE W.I. Frampton Cotterell WI We have recently held our AGM, featuring a review of the past year with an update from the Committee, followed by elections for next year’s Committee members. There was also a Christmas Craft Evening on the 24th November, where we met up at Crossbow House, to make jewel and felt Christmas tree decorations for our tree at St.Peters church. December brings a number

of festive social events, including carols, a Christmas bingo night at Crossbow House, our book club Christmas meal at The Rising Sun and our contribution to the Christmas Tree display at St. Peters Church. In the New Year we have our annual members’ meal out to look forward to at Alveston House Hotel near Thornbury. For our January meeting, we are due to be given a talk by Myriam Rogers from Beauty Plus in Frampton Cotterell – Myriam will be giving us all some hints and tips on top to toe winter health & beauty care to give us an inspirational start to the New Year. A new events programme for the New Year is currently being organised – please watch this space for further details, however to give you some idea of the range of subjects we already have a drum workshop, history talk and cheese and wine event in mind. Visitors are welcome to our

A Coalpit Heath woman who has been raising money for the poppy appeal since November 1945 has helped to raise over £15,000 for the British Legion at this year’s event. Margaret Bracey was amongst volunteers from the Staple Hill British Legion who spent ten days collecting at Sainsbury’s in Emersons Green. Tracy Cannard, from Sainsbury’s, said: “These ladies having been coming to the store for several years and are always

monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the 4th Tuesday of the month. There is a charge of £2.50 for the evening and any new members can join by paying a membership fee. Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, choir and our skittles and darts teams. Please search FramptonCottWI to find out more, and do like our page. Winterbourne Evening WI

Coalpit Heath stalwart helps raise £15,000 for poppy appeal welcomed by customers and colleagues alike.” Margaret has been raising money for the Poppy Appeal for 61 years and has held many official posts with the legion. She has also received royal recognition of the work she has done over the years.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n AROUND THE W.I. We have just held our our annual meeting, a chance to learn what kind of year we have had, both in activity and finances. This year Winterbourne Evening WI has been very busy. An annual walk in April, an evening out on the Matthew and a day trip to Sherborne. We had tea parties, games evenings and coffee mornings, all raising funds for our Institute, all in addition to our eleven monthly meetings. This culminated in our 60th Birthday supper in October. Our treasurer Valerie Hillier also told us we were financially ahead. An almost full house at our Annual Meeting saw 9 members elected to the committee and from among them Anita Dyer was elected as President for the coming year. The retiring President Carol Shield presented the retiring committee with flowers including two members who run our sales tables. Carol was thanked for her tireless work as President over four years. Our speaker for last month

n FLORAL FRIENDS came from from SITA, the Waste Management Department of South Gloucestershire Council. Nicky enthralled members by talking about our waste disposal in the area; why black plastic is used for a lot of food items and why this cannot be recycled, unlike white plastic which is very recyclable. She told us that the authority would be changing its collection system around May 2017 and all households would be getting letters advising about this. The new system would be collecting a wider range of items and it is hoped residents will take advantage of the revised weekly collections. Our December meeting on Thursday 8th will be an American style supper, with a shorter talk than usual and a game to involve members and visitors all looking forward to Christmas. New members and visitors are always welcome to our meetings at St Micheals Rooms, The High Street.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Community Sensory Garden Work has started on transforming the garden at the Brockeridge Centre into a Sensory Garden. Contractors Newlook Surfacing of Winterbourne have started on the hard landscaping and the work is progressing fast. Once the landscaping is complete, Floral Friends will undertake the planting in the early Spring. It will be a great place for local residents to relax and enjoy the garden once it is finished. More Wild Flowers and Bulb Planting With help from Buglife and Green Mantle, Floral Friends are extending the wild flower area at the Glebeland to attract more pollinators and wildlife. More spring bulbs have also been planted – with a little help from our friends. Olympics Scarecrows Floral Friends took part in the Frampton Cotterell Scarecrow Trail which this year had the theme of the Olympics. Our five

entrants proudly took their place on the planter bench outside the Church. Winter Displays Floral Friends have been hard at work filling the village planters and gateways with Winter bedding and bulbs for a lovely display. The hanging baskets are also now in place. We hope that they cheer up the village. The Floral Hat Festival – an exhibition of hats decorated or made with flowers to remember our local hatting industry and celebrate Summer flowers – will be open on the weekend of 24th-25th June 2017 at the Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell.. Please put this in your diary now – more information will be available shortly. Much more information about our activities is available on our website – http:// ffframpton.wix.com/framptoncotterell – and if you’d like to help us (no gardening experience necessary!) please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail. com

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

2 Court Rd, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2DE

Phone: 01454 772153 www.fromevalley.nhs.uk NHS Services Include: Management of chronic diseases Early/Late clinics for working people Family planning and “No Worries” Stop Smoking Carers Group NHS Healthchecks Immunisations

Plus a range of private services Travel vaccinations Medicals for employment and HGV Private Smears Physio Acupuncture Podiatory Osteopath

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Medical Centre

n HEALTH & BEAUTY

Frome Valley

December, A LTH2016 HE

AUT By Sarah Young of Spoilt Hair & Beauty

T’S that time of year when everything is so hectic. A time where you try to stay in control by being organised and well planned, so how do you then fit in time for yourself? Here are a few tips for staying beautiful with very little effort over the festive period. Treat yourself – when you are out Christmas shopping and there are offers on 3 for 2, use the third to treat yourself to a nice new fragrance or a set of new makeup brushes, something that gives you a smile whilst you are getting ready for a night out or night in. Your eyes – what to do to make your look a bit more ‘party’ – try a smokey eye. Add a little more definition to your eyes, maybe a thick line or a slight flick. It’s all about smudging, whether you use a crayon or shadow. For a smoky shape keep it simple, using just one key Glitter – whilst this is the must look this season, it can be quite scary to apply and not end up with it all over your face. Think shimmer rather than glitter and just use one stand out shimmer element, not layers, pale silver and gold allow the skin to show through and are flattering. Mascara – It is the best tool in the makeup bag bar none. If you want to look good at all angles, mascara is the best way to define your eyes. Start by prepping the lash with an eyelash curler for 10 seconds then apply mascara right at the base of the lashes and give it a wiggle pushing the colour into the roots and brush though to the ends. This way the lashes will look much thicker. Night In - use this time to have a long soak, with a face and hair mask And finally things not to do, even if you are in a rush; 1. Straighten damp hair 2. Overload on products and accessories, it is the season to sparkle, but even so, less is most definitely more. 3. Backcomb the front of your hair – very 80’s and ageing Above all have fabulous festive time, enjoy, have fun and find time to relax too!

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

Safer routes to schools planned in Winterbourne A NUMBER of roads in Winterbourne are set to be covered by 20mph limits to make them safer for pupils going to and from school. South Gloucestershire Council said the proposal was part of a scheme to have all schools in its district, wherever practicable, within a 20mph zone. The approach was in line with Government guidance that encourages local authorities to have lower limits in residential areas that are used by pedestrians and cyclists. The Winterbourne order will include Burrough Way, Branksome Drive, Friary Grange Park, Green Lane, Heath Close, Linden Close, Parkside Avenue and part of Swan Lane. Full details of the proposal can be seen on the council’s website or at Winterbourne library. Funding has been secured for a 20mph scheme in the vicinity of Silverhill School and St Michael’s Primary School through the Local Transport Plan. The council said the proposal would also benefit pupils at Winterbourne International Academy.

December, 2016

Five-day crib festival set to bring in visitors to popular exhibition MORE than 150 cribs from around the world will be on display in Chipping Sodbury when St John’s Church hosts one of the town’s most popular annual events. The Nativity Crib Festival features exhibits made from a large variety of materials and from many different cultures which have been loaned or gifted to the organisers. Local schoolchildren have also made their own entries for the free five-day festival, which runs from Wednesday, November 30, to Sunday, December 4. A cafe will be open throughout the event and activities such as craft workshops and storytelling organised for children. Visitors can also have a go at making lanterns on the Friday and Saturday evenings, with pupils from Chipping Sodbury School providing entertainment for festival-goers at 6pm on the Friday. During Chipping Sodbury’s annual Victorian Day on the Saturday, a handbell workshop will be held in the church during the morning, while a dancing display has been planned for the afternoon. Festival opening times are: November 30, 10am-5pm; December 1, 11.15am-5pm; December 2, 10am-7pm; December 3, 10am-7.30pm; December 4, 11am-4.30pm.

All-New

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From £21,445 to £32,445* The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the All-New Renault Scénic range are: urban 37.7 (7.5)–67.39 (4.2); extra-urban 53.3 (5.3)–76.3 (3.7); combined 46.3 (6.1)–72.4 (3.9). The official CO2 emissions are 136–100g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary according to driving styles, road conditions and other factors. *Car shown is an All-New Scénic Signature Nav TCe 130 at £26,445 with optional metallic paint price £545. Prices shown are manufacturer’s recommended retail prices, available on featured new vehicles ordered by 31 December 2016 and registered by 31 March 2017. Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month government road fund license and £55 first registration fee.

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December, 2016

fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

New mayor for West of England set to be elected after devolution green light A MAYOR for the new organisation at the centre of a £1 billion devolution deal for South Gloucestershire and two neighbouring areas is set to be elected next May. The West of England Combined Authority will go ahead after South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES) councils gave their consent for the parliamentary order for the deal. It will be led by the new West of England mayor, with a cabinet consisting of the South Gloucestershire Council leader, Matthew Riddle, Bristol’s mayor Marvin Rees and BaNES leader Tim Warren.

Once established, the authority will manage new powers, funding and responsibilities handed from central Government to the region as part of the deal. The purpose behind the move is for more decisions to be made locally rather than nationally, including on spending for regional transport, housing, adult education and skills. Councillor Riddle said: “Our deal is among the best negotiated in the country and will bring tangible benefits to people who live and work across the region. “It will mean more local decision making on spending

in key areas such as transport, housing and skills.” The process will now involve an order being laid before Parliament and considered at Commons and Lords committees. It will lead to royal assent to the order, which is expected to be given before the Christmas recess. But South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats have criticised the devolution deal, saying a single mayor would make decisions for a wide area of the West of England - although without North Somerset, which voted against it. Frampton Cotterell

councillor Pat Hockey (Frampton Cotterell) said: “We are not getting powers, we’re losing them. We’re not gaining democracy, it’s being taken away from us.” Yate councillor Mike Drew said the money involved wasn’t index linked and claimed no government would be able to bind its successors to it. He also said the Government should be working with the other areas to try and bring North Somerset into the fold. He said: “I’m not against a combined authority but we need to take the time to get it right.”

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Revd Malcolm Strange (Rector of the Fromeside Benefice)

EAR Friends, The other evening I was helping as a volunteer at the ‘Wild Goose’, a Christian run, drop in service which feeds the homeless and the needy day by day in Bristol. It not only provides the opportunity for a hot meal at lunch time and the evening, but also basic provisions such as sleeping bags, clothing, toiletries, advice, health care, plus links to the Women’s Night Shelter offering invaluable sanctuary to many. As I was serving out the evening meal I was reminded of Jesus’s words, “When I was hungry you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.” It struck

me important though church and worship are that it was in encounters like these at the ‘Goose’ that I was truly meeting with Jesus. So as Winter bites and with Christmas around the corner, it is worth remembering that Jesus in his life was born in a Night Shelter, was forced to be an immigrant/ refugee as the Holy Family escaped the wrath of a tyrant and fled to Egypt, relied on the hospitality of both friends and strangers, embraced the leper, befriended the hated Samaritans, forgave the despised sinners and was eventually deserted, denied and betrayed by those closest to him. Christmas reminds us that despite all this God loves his creation beyond all limits, unconditionally asking only that we do likewise. My Christmas message is simple as we come together

with our families, as we come to Church to celebrate the joy of the Incarnation as we ponder afresh this wondrous story; just take a moment to reflect on those who have nothing, those who are hungry and thirsty, those who are sick those who mourn, those who in this post ‘Brexit Era’ feel vulnerable and despised. Whether you are a person of faith or not reflect for a moment on how we as a nation, local communities and individuals treat our fellow human beings. Whatever our belief or none, I am sure our world would be a much better place if we can all embrace the message of the Angels chorus ‘Glory to the most high and let joy, love and peace on earth abound’. Happy Christmas

Affordable homes bid at balloon site A PLANNING application is about to be submitted for a development of 57 homes in Pucklechurch. Knightstone Housing Association wants to build the properties for rent and shared ownership on two sites off Oaktree Avenue. One plot behind Dyrham View will comprise 37 family homes in a mixture of two and three-bedroom houses and one and two-bedroom flats, with a total of 64 parking spaces. The other, alongside the industrial estate, will have 20 homes of a similar mix and 33 parking spaces. Thirty one of the properties will be available to rent and 26

will be for shared ownership, with the aim of helping to meet the demand for affordable housing in the area. The area was originally a barrage balloon centre and later housed RAF Pucklechurch. Part of the overall site towards Back Lane has been designated a village green and will not be developed. More than 100 people attended an information session in the village about the plans and Knightstone is inviting comments via its website. Once the plan goes in to the council, people will be able to comment before a decision is made on whether the development can go ahead.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n LOCAL MP

Brexit and Democracy

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

HE debate surrounding Britain’s decision to Exit the European Union, is one which has dominated headlines around the world since June 23rd. Britain’s relationship with Europe and the rest of the world is about to come under

intense scrutiny. The fallout from the negotiations with our European partners will have a huge impact both across the UK, including here in South Gloucestershire. It is absolutely essential that we get it right. While, prior to the referendum, I had advocated a Remain vote, the Conservatives pledged to respect the outcome of the EU Referendum, whatever the result was. There must now be no attempts to remain inside the EU, no attempts to re-join it through the back door, and no second referendum. The campaign was fought, the vote was held, turnout was high, and the public gave their verdict. The country voted to leave the European Union, and it the duty of the Government to make sure we do just that. The High Court ruled on the 3rd November that the Government cannot invoke Article 50 based on the result of

the Referendum alone, parliament must be consulted. If it is not triggered before April next year, we as a country run the risk of being involved in another set of European Parliamentary Elections in 2019. I want to assure people locally that whether or not Parliament is consulted about the decision to trigger article 50, MPs will still be involved in the negotiation surrounding the details of the exit, not least through the Great Repeal Bill. The Bill will remove the European Communities Act 1972 from the statute book; the legislation which gives direct effect to all EU law in Britain, will no longer apply from the date upon which the UK formally leave the EU. The existing body of EU law will be converted to UK law wherever practical and Parliament will be free to amend, repeal and improve any law that it chooses. It is the job of MPs to research,

debate and decide on these issues, but it is vital that I continue to hear your thoughts, so as many different views as possible can be represented fully and fairly, whenever this is debated. Do you feel that we should prioritise retaining access to the Single Market, or are changes to the current rules on Freedom of Movement of greater importance? What are your views on the residence rights of EU citizens who currently live in the UK, and how ought that impact British citizens living in other EU countries? Should students have the right to remain and work in the UK at the conclusion of their educational courses? How closely should we be aiming to keep ties with our European neighbours? As the local MP, I would be extremely grateful to hear your thoughts on any or all of these questions; luke.hall.mp@ parliament.uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n ON THE BEAT

Local Police News with PC Finbar Simmons

AST month we teamed up with the council’s Road Safety Team to make sure primary school children know how to ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ on the roads. A few days later PCSO Beth Harrington was delighted when a boy proudly showed her the high visibility tag on his school coat! The message isn’t just for children – if you travel on foot, by bike or by motorbike, wear something bright and reflective. Cyclists should make sure their bike has lights and reflectors fitted and working. Drivers, please take extra care to look out for other road users in the dark. We hope our roads will be a little safer after a local man was disqualified from driving for three years. He admitted charges including damaging a road sign, failing to stop for police and driving without due care and attention, insurance or a licence in a string of incidents in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath in the past few months. The court disqualified him and

gave him a 12-week overnight curfew and a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. If he commits an offence in the next 24 months he’ll serve the sixmonth jail term on top of any new sentence. South Gloucestershire is a safe place, but thieves like crowds and over Christmas the shops and pubs will be busy. Of course we’ll be on patrol, but please do your bit: •K eep your phone, keys and cash in an inside pocket and your bag close •P ark somewhere busy, always lock your vehicle and don’t leave anything on view •D on’t leave shopping unattended in your car while you carry on spending • When you leave the house use timer light switches, leave a radio on and lock up •H ide presents until Father Christmas makes his delivery, not on view to tempt an opportunist thief • I f Santa’s brought a new electrical item or bike, register it at www.immobilise.com or

www.bikeregister.com • Tell someone where you’re going on a night out, who with and when you’ll be home • Keep an eye on your cash, phone and keys • Designate a driver who’ll stick to soft drinks, pre-book a taxi or arrange a lift home • Remember you could still be over the legal limit the morning after We also need to talk about domestic abuse. We know older people, men, and people in LGBT+ relationships may all be affected, but are underrepresented in the reporting of this type of crime. Abuse isn’t always physical violence – in the past 12 months (Nov 2015-Nov 2016) we made 59 arrests under the new ‘coercive control’ powers which tackle controlling behaviour and threats, humiliation and intimidation. If you have any reason to believe someone you know is affected, look for the signs, listen, ask and ask again. Visit www. thisisnotanexcuse.org.uk for more information.

Would your WI like to have its reports included in Hanham and Longwell Green Voice? Email us at news@ hanhamandlongwellgreenvoice.co.uk

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n WILLOW BROOK CLINIC

Some festive food for thought

by Craig de Groot, Chiropractor at the Willow Brook Clinic BEING surrounded by health professionals in the work I do, I often hear really good advice about achieving and maintaining better health. Every day is a new opportunity to reassess who we are and what we do, I thought I would list some of the snippets of brilliant advice I have heard over the years. “The body is made of many moving parts – stay healthy by moving them regularly.” “For a whole body workout, go for a walk. Don’t carry anything and swing your arms.” “Get good at balancing. Then get better. This will help synchronise your nerve pathways and muscle units.” “Engage your core muscles, breathe and smile, throughout the day. This will ensure your posture is correct, and smiling will

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make you and those around you happy.” “Your feet are your foundation. If they are ‘out of alignment’ your whole body will be too.” “Aim to get outside every day, come rain or shine, even if it is just for 10 minutes.” “Keep at it! Difficult activities make your brain rise to the challenge, which helps recovery, whether it is post injury or post operation.” “Pretend you are on a cliff, learning forward (but not jumping!) Notice how your core muscles engage. Practice that!” “You don’t stop playing because you get old, you get old because you stop playing.” “Any exercise you choose to do should be fun, if it’s not, choose again.” “Flexibility is a really important

part of staying fit and healthy.” “Variety is the key to prevent boredom when exercising and helps to move more muscle groups.” In the run up to festive season and with New Year’s resolutions looming, consider some of these quotes to be your mantra to help you achieve what you want to. Use your mantra to springboard you into action and motivate yourself to feel better. Highly skilled professionals like chiropractors, physiotherapists and podiatrists will help you on your journey to success. Be yourself, just better! Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year from the team at Willow Brook Clinic.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n NEWS JOE Wells, a stand-up comedian and author of ‘Touch and Go Joe’, has visited Yate Library to talk about his book which deals with his personal experiences as a young person suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The event was organised by members of the Yate Library Teen Focus Group as part of #LoveToRead, a national BBC campaign to encourage people to read something new. The young readers handled all of the preparations for the evening, from producing promotional posters to preparing interview questions for the night. One of the organisers, Ellie, aged 17, said: “This has been an exciting opportunity for us all. Young people will benefit from this event as they’ll be able to learn more about both mental health and the process of writing a book.” Martin Burton, Community Cultural Services Manager for South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The young people’s group at Yate Library are great role models in their love of reading

Stand-up comedian and author visits teenagers at Yate Library

and their ambition to share this message with others. Getting involved in the national BBC campaign #LoveToRead is a fantastic idea as it actively involves young people in reading and changing their community for the better.” As many as two in every 100 people suffer from OCD. In

‘Touch and Go Joe’, Joe Wells tells the story of his battle with OCD from its beginnings at age nine and increasingly intrusive symptoms, to diagnosis at age 12. Having kept his condition a secret for many years, he now talks and writes openly about OCD and how he battled to overcome it.

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Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA December 7 n Brother Mule at Coalpit Heath Cricket Club, on December 7th. They are an American bluegrass/ folk trio hailing from Idaho, Minnesota, and London. Tickets £10. More info and online tickets at http://www.ukbluegrass.com/ brothermule. December 1, 2 & 3 n What’s on in Pucklechurch Dec 1st, 2nd and 3rd Pucklechurch Players are performing the Panto : Aladdin. Performances at 7:30 Thur,Fri,Sat and matinee at 2.00pm on Sat Tickets available by texting : 07817311001 December 1 n Community Singalong, Crossbow, 2- 3.30pm. £3 includes tea and cakes. December 2 n Brass Band concert, St Peters church, 7.30pm. December 2 n Quiz night, Crossbow, 8pm. Open to anyone £1.50 Tel. 772947 www.fcdca.co.uk. December 2 n Friday 2nd of December starting at 7.30pm. A concert by the excellent Winterbourne Brass Band is taking place at St. Peter's Church in Frampton Cotterell to celebrate the start of the Water Aid Christmas Tree Festival. Enjoy a programme of Christmas music and carols surrounded by the twinkling lights of the many Christmas trees on display. Tickets are only £4 - this includes refreshments. Contact Geoff on 07873300582 to reserve your ticket. December 4 n"A Christmas Cracker", Manor Hall, 1pm - 3.30pm. Entry £2 adults, includes sausage roll and mince

pie. Children free. Santa's Grotto 1.30pm - 3pm. Licensed bar, mulled wine/cider, hot food. Tel. 07873 747513 for more details. December 5 n Manor Hall Gardening & Social club, 2 - 3.30pm. December 7 , 8 & 9 n Winterbourne Musical Theatre '40 Years & Counting' triple bill comedy show, to WADCA, 7.30pm. Tickets £9 from 01454 317408. www.winterbournemusical.co.uk December 10 & 11 n Carols in the Barn, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, 3.30pm. Adult £2, child £1, & incl mulled wine/mince pie. Tickets - Daisy's Coffee Shop (Nov) or tel. 774479. Maybe a few tickets on gate (numbers limited). www.winterbournebarn.org.uk December 11 n Crossbow Pre-School Grand Christmas Bazaar. Sunday 11th Dec, 11am-2pm in St Peter's Hall - next to Crossbow. A lovely festive occasion with Christmas crafts and games for the children, mulled wine and festive treats, face-painting, Santa's grotto and a great opportunity to buy Christmas presents, while supporting a local pre-school. December 11 n Christmas refreshments @ Beesmoor Road Playing Fields Pavilion. 2pm-4pm. Christmas table-top sale plus tea, coffee, squash and homemade cakes! Fundraising for the redevelopment of the play area. December 12 n Bristol BS. Monday December 12 commencing 7.30pm. American Supper. Venue; Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Bristol BS34 6HR. Visitors welcome to join us without commitment to join. Further details from the

Secretary Colin Parsons. Tel 01454 775878. colinpauline@hotmail. com or Chairman Peter Dark 01454 201217. honey35@hotmail.co.uk December 12 & 13 n The Crossbow Singers' Christmas Concert, with special guest artists, The Fourtunes, will be on Monday and Tuesday, 12th and 13th December, starting at 7.30 pm, in Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Tickets at £6 each, available from Rose Parker, 01454 772675 for Monday, 12th, and from Mary Potts, 01454 887885 for Tuesday, 13th. Please come along. December 14 n Carer's Club, Zion, 2-4pm. Carers welcome to stay with the person they care for or use the free time as they wish. More details from Jean 775786 or Rona 886925. December 17 n Directors Duet for Stokes Singers choir. North Bristol community choir, Stokes Singers, are having double the fun this autumn with an innovative leadership duo. Philip Lawrence has been joined by Sian Walters as co-Musical Director to share the keyboard and baton! Both Phil and Sian have a wealth of musical skill and experience and rehearsals are proving very entertaining for the mixed choir. The two MDs would love to welcome new members to Thursday rehearsals at 7.30pm at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway BS34 5LP. January 9 n Bristol Budgerigar Society. Monday January 9 commencing 7.30pm. A Budgerigar Judging Competition. Venue: Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Bristol BS34 6HR. Visitors welcome to join us without commitment

What’s on at Winterbourne Library Opening times: Monday: closed Tuesday: 9.30am - 7.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Thursday: closed Friday: 9.30am - 7.00pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pm Sunday: closed Rhymetime: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together every Tuesday morning 9.30 – 10.00am Pre School Storytime: Join us weekly on Wednesdays 9.30 – 10.00am for stories and crafts, term time only. Our IT volunteer is here every

Wednesday morning to help with all IT enquiries including getting online, setting up an iPad, basic computing skills, Universal Jobmatch, as well as help to download free ebooks and e-audio books from the LibrariesWest website. Just speak to a member of staff who will be happy to book you a free one hour session. Other facilities at Winterbourne library include daily papers, laminating and fax services (charges apply), free internet access and free WiFi. Staff will always be happy to make you a cup of tea or coffee for only 40p.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Did you know that you can reserve and renew books online? You can also download e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines. Find out all that’s on offer at www.librarieswest.org.uk For more information on any of the above please contact us: Visit our website to find out more: www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries. Follow us on twitter: www. twitter.com@southgloslibs ‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest at South Gloucestershire Libraries. Telephone: 01454 868006 Email: winterbourne.library@ southglos.gov.uk

December, 2016

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@richard@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800 120 to join. Further details from the Secretary Colin Parsons. Tel 01454 775878. colinpauline@hotmail. com or Chairman Peter Dark 01454 201217. honey35@hotmail.co.uk

Regular events

Monday n Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month. Scrabble, The Community Centre, Winterbourne, 2- 4.30pm n Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm. First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday). n 1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne. n 1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. winterbournesmgsl@ cotswoldedgescouts.org.uk 01454 775024 n North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday. n Women’s Fellowship Zion Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45 Programme of speakers, choirs., followed by a cup of tea. 1.50p per week. For details ring Pat Lax 886830 n Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

December, 2016 Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month. n Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30. Term Time only, starting in September. We would love to welcome more tenors and basses. Please contact Jenny on 01454 313037. n Winterbourn Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm n Line dancing with Laughter in Line, Zion Church Hall, Woodend Rd, Frampton Cotterell. Beginners 7.30pm, Improvers, 8.30pm. Info Sarah 01454 773929 www. laughterinline.org n Winterbourne Scrabble Club - weekly 2.00 - 4.30 pm at Winterbourne & District Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Further info from Gill on 01454 773573. n Bristol Budgerigar Society hold meetings at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR. Meetings commence at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. Details from the Secretary Colin Parsons Tel 01454 775878. E-mail colinpauline@hotmail.com or Chairman, Peter Dark. Tel 01454 201217. E-mail honey@darkm. freeserve.co.uk Membership; Adult £7.00, senior £5.00, same address partners £10.00, different address partners appropriate single rate each. Juniors free. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol Budgerigar Society can offer. n Bristol Budgerigar Society hold meetings at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR. Meetings commence at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. Chairman, Peter Dark. Tel 01454 201217. E-mail honey35@hotmail.co.uk Details from the Secretary Colin Parsons Tel 01454 775878. E-mail colinpauline@hotmail. com Membership; Adult £7.00, senior £5.00, same address partners £10.00, different address partners appropriate single rate each. Juniors free. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol Budgerigar Society can offer. n Slimming World Monday: 5.30pm & 7.30pm Watermore Primary School Call Alison: 07972376055 n Winterbourne Afternoon WI meets at Salem Church Hall, Factory Road, Winterbourne on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm. We welcome visitors. Contact 01454 250 for details or look at our web site www.wawimoonfruit.com or email lesleysharman@gmail.com n Bristol Budgerigar Society

fromevalleyvoice

hold meetings at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR. Meetings commence at 7.45pm on the second Monday of each month. Details from the Secretary Colin Parsons Tel 01454 775878. E-mail colinpauline@hotmail.com or Chairman, Peter Dark. Tel 01454 201217. E-mail honey@darkm. freeserve.co.uk Membership; Adult £7.00, senior £5.00, same address partners £10.00, different address partners appropriate single rate each. Juniors free. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol Budgerigar Society can offer. Tuesday n Rhymetime. Winterbourne Library. 9.30 – 10am. Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers to enjoy together. n Slimming World 9.30am & 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm, The Greenfield Centre, call Frankie 07519347243 n Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704 n Yate Visually Impaired Group. Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@btinternet. com n Winterbourne Ladies, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month. n Crossbow Bridge Club, Crossbow House. 7.30pm n Slimming World 7.30 Elm Park School, Winterbourne. Tel Becca 07721 907780 n Centre Squares (dancing). Winterbourne Comunity Centre 7.45pm n Frampton Cotterell WI. Crossbow House, 7.45, fourth Tuesday of month n Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. n Feel good adult dance exercise class,Tuesday’s 10-11.00am at Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. An easy to follow keep fit class to suit all levels of fitness. Normal cost £4.50 your first class half price with this advert. Tel Nina 01179 799796 for more info. n South Gloucestershire Waterpolo club. Junior & Senior players Male Female. Winterbourne Int Academy pool. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. For more info: kazrose@ blueyonder.co.uk or nash17@ virginmedia.com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday 1.30 - 3.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

We meet every other Tuesday at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 7.45 pm to 8.15 pm. Contact Veronica Holder – 0117 937 2818 Wednesday n Pre School Storytime. Winterbourne Library 9.30 – 10.00am, term time only. n ‘Silver Chords Group, over 50’s social club. Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm. Entertainment and coach trips. Everyone welcome Contact Doreen 01454 776484. n Winterbourne Police Beat Post. Greenfield Centre 2-3pm n Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School. Tel Lisa 07815 759118 n Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath. First Wednesday of each month. 7.45pm. New members welcome. n The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689. n Beginners Meditation Class on Wednesdays 7pm to 8pm at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne To reserve your place on the next 5 week course, please contact Sarah Presley on 07590 621495/ sarahpresley@live.com n Actonians Drama Group 7.30 pm Parish Hall, Iron Acton More info 01454 228760 www.actonians. co.uk Junior Actonians 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm Parish Hall Iron Acton More info 01454 228277. n 2nd Wednesday of each month - Carer’s Group 2 - 4pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell n 4th Wednesday of each month - Forget me Not sing along group 2pm - 3.30 pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. If you like a good sing song please come and join us. For more information ring Rona on 886925 or Jean on 775786. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Wednesday 1.30 - 4.30 and 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. n Manor Hall community coffee morning, open to all, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath. 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12 noon in the Jubilee Room. Free entry and all profits from the refreshments will go to the Manor Hall at Coalpit Heath Charity. Handmade cards will be on sale, sold in aid of the BRACE Charity. n Slimming World Frampton Cottrell C of E School. Call Lisa: 07815759118 n Stapleton Probus meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the

month at Begbrook CA, Frenchay Park Road 10am -12noon. Also have an active Bowls Section. Visitors Welcome. Details available, contact Registrar, John Suddell 01454 250811 n Beginners Meditation Class on Wednesdays 7pm to 8pm in Winterbourne Down. To reserve you place on the next 5 week course, please contact Sarah Presley on 07590 621495/ sarahpresley@live.com Thursday n Probus. The Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 10am, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month n Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For preschool children and their parents/ carers. n Stay & Play, 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. Call Helen 01454 773781. n Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, n St John’s Ambulance. St Saviour’s Hall, Beesmoor Road. 6.15 - 9pm (term time). n Steam Engine Club, Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 7pm, last Thursday of month. Line dancing. Iron Acton Parish Hall, High St, Iron Acton. New beginners, 7.20pm. Improvers, 8.30pm. www.laughterinline.com n Winterbourne Musical Theatre. Winterbourne Community Association, 7.30pm. n Winterbourne Flower Club. St Michaels Rooms, Winterbourne 7.30pm, 1st (Practice) and 3rd (Demonstration) Thursdays of each month. Further information call 01454 776753 n Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the

fromevalleyvoice

Delivery manager Frome Valley Voice is looking for a delivery manager to supervise distribution of the paper. The role would include receiving the paper, and distributing it to businesses and our team of deliverers. Your own transport is essential. A few hours a month required. Please contact richard@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or phone 01454 800 120 for more details.

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED second Thursday of every month except August n Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September). Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 n Bingo British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell. 8.15pm.Free entry n Winterbourne Flower Club, St Michaels Rooms, Winterbourne 7.30pm, 1st (Practice) and 3rd (Demonstration) Thursdays of each month. Further information call 01454 776753 n South Gloucestershire Decorative and Fine Arts Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Lane Bradley Stoke. 3rd Thursday evening of the month. Starting October 7-00 for 7-30 start refreshments. Sallykitching@googlemail.com Tel no 01454 774401 n Sugarcraft: If you are interested in sugar icing why not come along to our meeting? We have demonstrations monthly on flowers and models and practice/ workshops with instruction. We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 7.30pm – 9.30pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton.

Visitors welcome. Contact Jean Kington on 0117 956 8737 for more information. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Thursday 1.30 - 4.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. Friday n St James The Less Parent and Toddler Group, The Marshall Rooms, Iron Acton. 10.30 - 12.30 term times. n Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne. 1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9pm n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, Call Paul Crook 01454 851656. n Frampton Cotterell Community Associon. Fridays at Crossbow House School Road Ist Friday of every month Quiz- 3rd Friday of every month Bingo, start at 8 pm. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Friday 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome.

Saturday n Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne. 10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month. n Bingo Open7/00pm,Bingo 8/00pm Music & Dancing from 8/30pm-11/30pm Every Saturday night.(£4) at the Royal British Legion Ryecroft Rd n Patchwork and Quilting Beginner classes starting in September on alternate Saturdays. For more information contact Sallieann Harrison on 01454 774591. Also Patchwork and Quilting Classes Block of the Month for intermediate quilters. One Saturday every month for seven months starting in September. Contact Sallieann Harrison on 01454 774591. Sunday n Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly). Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147. n Nature Reserves, Winterbourne work party meets 1030am, Church Lane, Winterbourne, 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month. Newleaze reserve (Bristol Road) 10.30am Ist Sunday of month Huckford Quarry 2.30pm 3rd

Sunday of month. Contact Frank Smith 01454 778975. n Car Boot Sale Every Sunday 9am Beesmoor Road Playing Field, Frampton Cotterell. £5 per car/van Call 07802 336731 n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre. Established players and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653

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December,2016 2016 December,

n ADVERTISING FEATURE Mrs Helen Whittaker and husband Mr Peter Whittaker CBE seek help from Bristol based Neural and Spinal Surgeon Mr Nik (Nikunj) Patel to ease excruciating facial pain. UNLESS they have experienced it, very few people will know what Trigeminal Neuralgia is, let alone be able to pronounce it. TGN for short is an abrupt, severe facial pain. It is often described as having an electric shock in the jaw, teeth or gums. Mrs Helen Whittaker of Ivybridge, South Devon experienced this excruciating pain for more than five years. We spoke to Helen and her husband Peter to find out how they discovered Spire Bristol Hospital and Consultant Mr Nik Patel. “I was diagnosed with TGN back in 2012 and during the last five and a half years had experienced bouts of excruciating facial pain, which often reduced me to tears. I felt disinclined to travel or accept invitations from people because at times the pain of eating or talking was so severe,” explained Helen. Helen and her husband (Peter) have seen a neurologist, a neurosurgeon and a number of pain management Consultants over

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39 31

Neuro-surgeon puts a stop to five years of excruciating facial pain

the last five years, who all failed to provide any relief or respite. The next option available to them was Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery, which involves surgically opening the skull to expose the nerve at the base of the brainstem and relieve it from any compressing vessels, reducing painful symptoms and achieving long-term remission in 80-85% of cases. The prospect of surgery and experience of their initial meeting with Mr Patel was enlightening. Peter said: “Over the last five years drug therapy didn’t work and my wife was unable to envisage ever being free of the very distressing pain. We turned to Mr Patel, who listed TGN as one of his areas of expertise. “Fuelled by data and comments provided by previous Consultants, my wife had formed a fairly negative attitude

towards MVD surgery. Within a few brief moments of that initial consultation I could see my wife relaxing and beginning to believe that it was indeed possible to get relief for her condition.” Helen echoed these comments, explaining that Mr Patel had totally reassured her -she wished that she had met him five years ago. A surgery date was booked for June 2016 at Spire Bristol Hospital, which is the South West’s largest private facility. Helen added: “The people at Spire were all very professional, welcoming and efficient. I could not have had better care, nothing seemed too much trouble. “Now every morning I wake up feeling lucky and happy. I was lucky to have a very supportive husband and now I will be forever grateful for the expertise of Mr Patel.” Months on and Helen remains pain free and her confidence is

restored. Her husband shares her gratitude to the hospital, the medical staff and Mr Nik Patel. “Helen is a new woman, with her life back and she is very happy to have put her trust in what I can only describe as truly amazing skills. The future now presents a level of optimism that was impossible for us just a few months ago,” Peter concluded. The Neuro Centre at Spire Bristol Hospital, is the only private facility in the South West to offer high quality, complex neurosurgery and associated neurology. Should you require further information for an Neurological or Neurosurgical condition do not hesitate to get in touch with their patient treatment advisers on 0117 980 4080 or email info@spirebristol.com. Alternatively speak to your GP about getting privately referred.

To advertise, Gary on 0779 1169800 Or 0117 Got News? Call Linda On 0777 0700579 Got News?contact Call Richard 0n 946 01454 120907 8585. Email: sales@downendvoice.co.uk Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Getting ready for the big Christmas Cut Down ALREADY famous for its “Choose and Cut” Christmas Trees, the owners of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm also wish to remind their customers that they can reserve their own growing tree for cutting closer to Christmas. This ensures a fresher tree, and it also means you can come earlier for a better choice. In our early days - it must have been about 2004 - I would get up very early each December morning, and cut down as many trees as I could before 8am, and then drag them down the field - one or two at a time to the car park where people would begin to turn up from 9am onwards. It was exhausting work, but great fun. As demand increased, however, we had to find a better system, so we began to hand out saws to customers so that they could go into the field and choose and cut their own. It didn’t take long for the idea to catch on, and each year more and more people turned up expecting to cut their own tree, either bringing their own saw or wanting to borrow one. One busy Saturday, I sent my dad out to B&Q to buy as many bow saws and gloves as he could, so that we could hand them out to eager customers. There were so many trees growing that a teepee amongst the Fraser Firs was pretty well hidden. Apart from the health and safety concerns, we soon began to realise the havoc caused by unregulated cutting. By the

end of the season 2009, there were suddenly very few Christmas Trees left for 2010! And since a Christmas tree takes about 7 years to grow, not only were there no trees for 2010, but no trees for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016. Somehow we muddled through those last 7 years, being very careful how many trees we sold each year from our own field, and nurturing our remaining stock. Every year, the situation slowly improved, and this year we are beginning to see a new forest of Christmas Trees emerge, which means more choice for our customers. Eager not to repeat the mistakes of the past, we now have a new system in place.

We are restricting “choose and cut” to the dates of Saturday Nov26th to Sunday December 11th. If you want to come and reserve a tree during that time, but don’t want to cut it until closer to Christmas, that’s fine. We’ll give you special ribbon and tag so that you can mark your tree, then you can come back when you’re ready any day up until Christmas Eve to cut and collect your tree. Even better, bring your own ribbons and markers, so that you can properly mark your tree to make sure that no one cuts it down by mistake. Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open until Christmas Eve, 9am-6pm every day. www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk

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December, 2016

n NEWS

TWO detectives who led an investigation into the death of vulnerable Yate man Jason Betts have received crown court commendations. Detective Sergeant Matthew Lloyd and Detective Constable Peter Fowler were presented with their awards by Avon and Somerset chief constable Andy Marsh and the High Sheriff of Bristol, Helen Wilde. Mr Betts, 38, was found unconscious at his flat in Celestine Road in March 2015 by a friend and put on a life support machine in hospital. It was switched off the following day, with a postmortem examination concluding he had suffered a head injury which had caused a bleed to the brain. Police said Mr Betts had been exploited by a group of London drug dealers who used his flat as a base to sell drugs. He was subjected to systematic mental and physical torture and it was after a particularly vicious attack that he died. Detectives investigating the death were faced with a number of challenges - no CCTV, no

Commendations for detectives in investigation into Yate man’s killing

apparent witnesses, challenging pathology, difficult forensic recovery and a community that led chaotic lifestyles and didn’t trust the police. But the team’s hard work and dedication paid off and resulted in two men being jailed earlier this year for their involvement in the incident. Nathan Skeen, 29, of Lewisham, London, was found

guilty at Bristol Crown Court of manslaughter and wounding with intent. He also admitted charges of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, including heroin and cocaine. He was jailed for 20 years. Nixon Apire, 31, of Great North Road, Barnet, admitted wounding with intent in connection with an assault on

Mr Betts about a week before his death, as well as being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He was jailed for 15 years. The awards to DS Lloyd and DC Fowler recognised the “excellent performance of their duties, overcoming a difficult inquiry, particularly in respect of potentially problematic witnesses”.

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December, 2016

n LETTERS Well Aware Health information telephone service opening hours over Christmas. What’s Well Aware? On page 2 under Local Information you may have noticed that Well Aware is listed. It’s there because it’s an important source of local health and wellbeing information. There are more than 6,000 entries about services, groups, events and activities in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Categories range from ‘support around the home’ and ‘socialising’ to ‘getting around’ and ‘personal health services’ and much other useful information. Those who use the internet can just log on to www.wellaware.org. uk and start searching. If you don’t use a computer or would prefer to talk to someone there’s a Freephone telephone line on 0808 808 5252 which is open during weekday office hours from 9.00am and 4.30pm. Calls are answered by one of Well Aware’s small team based at the Vassall

Centre in Fishponds, Bristol. They look up the information you want and tell you on the phone, by email or print it out and put it in the post. It’s as easy as that. By the way, over Christmas and the New Year the Well Aware freephone telephone information service will be open on weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm, apart from the Bank Holidays on Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January. With kind regards David Harwood, Well Aware

Iron Acton Parish Hall The Parish Hall entrance & lobby refurbishment has been completed and has met all the expectations that the Hall Committee could have hoped for when the project was first considered. The old entrance had been leaking for quite some time despite numerous efforts to repair the roof

and in the summer the glass walls and roof made it uncomfortably hot. The new entrance adds immensely to the overall appearance of the hall and we have gained an additional room that can be hired out for meetings etc. The new room will easily seat 12 people for a meeting and has been furnished with modular seating so it could be used for more informal events. A small reception was held on11th November to mark the completion of the new lobby and to thank all the organisations and people who helped with their time and fund raising to ensure the refurbishment was completed successfully. Thanks once again to South Gloucestershire Council, David an Pat Hockey, Frome Valley Forum, Iron Acton Parish Council, Acton Aid, Silvey’s, Kathryn Hurley Dance Academy, The Line Dancing Group, and committee members who helped with fund raising and their time and skills. On the same evening

the retirement from the Hall Committee of Tony Pullen was marked. Tony had been firstly a member, then treasurer, and finally Chairman of the Committee for over 30 years. Tony played a major part in seeing through this refurbishment and we are all very grateful for his work over the years in ensuring that the village has such a wonderful Parish Hall, Your pictures of Iron Acton are needed The Hall committee would like to decorate the new Parish Hall Lobby Room with photos, pictures and other memorabilia of Iron Acton, both old and new. We have already had a wonderful collage of numerous reports relating to very early Horticultural Shows held in the Parish Hall kindly donated by Tim Grubb. We would really appreciate anything anyone may be able to offer for us to hang in the new room. Sue Gadsby: suepgent@hotmail. com

n THORNBURY FESTIVAL

Festival organisers line up the stars AWARD winning folk singer Cara Dillon, the comic capers of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and foot-tapping band Stringfever are included in the line-up for the next Thornbury Arts Festival. Professor Lord Robert Winston, antiques expert Judith Miller and Thornbury Choral Society will also feature in the nine-day festival, which brings in audiences from a wide area of South Gloucestershire and Bristol. The event will be launched by former shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe - now also known to many as a past Strictly Come Dancing contestant and pantomime star. She will get the festival off to a flying start with a talk about her life, which still involves serious debate and regular TV documentaries. The team of volunteers behind the festival has been working since the end of the 2016 event on the next programme, which again features a mix of music, comedy, drama and a range of talks. The concert by Cara Dillon, whose legion of fans include Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, is expected to be a sell-out, with the Reduced Theatre Company set to attract a big audience to see its production William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play.

Professor Winston - one of Britain’s best known scientists and a leading fertility expert - will give a talk on genetics and has also agreed to give a separate talk to students at the town’s Castle School. Other festival highlights include Thornbury Choral Society singing Mozart’s Requiem and Handel’s Coronation Anthems, BBC Antiques Roadshow regular Judith Miller giving an illustrated talk on collecting antiques and Squashbox Theatre’s The Sea Show, which is aimed largely at children and families. Among the topics for lunchtime talks are the work of the Bristol Film Office, the restoration of Dyrham Park’s gardens, the Badminton railway line and the history of the Women’s Institute. After the success of a guided walk in the last festival, there will also be a two-hour ramble around the Purton hulks - abandoned boats and ships deliberately beached next to the river Severn near Sharpness. The festival, which runs from May 5-13, will be brought to a close by Stringfever, which mixes electric instruments and beatboxing with musical skill. Visit the arts festival website for further details.

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Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2016

n SPORT STARTS HERE

Thrilling game ends all square Frampton U 13s vs Kingswood A GREAT start from Frampton saw good possession and runs by Jamie and Rudy pushed Fram forward. Khaled and Gabe were active in the pack but when the ball was fumbled, Kingswood picked up and some missed tackles saw the opening score very much against the run of play. Fram’s heads didn’t drop though and following a penalty, Matt’s pass found Rohan who in turn passed to Charlie who found Nik and his determined run along the line brought the scores level. With their tails up Fram attacked again and the ever alert Matt ran on and his pass found Nik who unselfishly passed to Olley to burst clear and bravely dive across the line despite the attentions of three Kingswood defenders. The lead didn’t last long

though and when the ball was lost in the middle of the pitch Kingswood picked up and the run along the line brought the scores level. As the half drew to an end some scrappy play resulted in the ball falling loose and Kingswood were quicker to react and the visitors were ahead 15-10. The second half started just as frantically and when Matt picked up the ball from the kick off, his pass along the line eventually came to Jamie and his jinking run was enough for him to drive over to level the scores. Despite some huffing and puffing from both sides there was no further scoring and the game ended even at 15 apiece.

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LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.

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December, 2016

n RUGBY

Frampton Rugby Vets bring home Le Trophy AFTER last year’s disappointing loss when Parisis Old Wolves vets rugby team won the Victory Trophy at Frampton, the Frampton vets returned to France and brought the trophy back to English shores with a close hard fought 5-0 win, Mike Weaver reports. The win was a battle as the small squad of Frampton players overcame the massive French squad, territorial advantage, dubious refereeing decisions and the French kitchen sink thrown at them. Midway through the first half a tackle from Mark Chaplin allowed Mike Ashwin to release a kick downfield . Man of the match, scrum-half Rocco Whitehead chased down the French and the ball was turned over for new centre Andy Jarrett to put a deft chip in. The powerful second row of Mike Weaver and Joe Ferris ensured the front row of Kev Long, Jimmer Evans and Skipper Mark Smith put the French scrum on

the back foot and Robert Keir picked up the ball and dived over for the crucial try. The Entente Cordial even went for a burton midway through the half as both teams forgot the friendship that has been in place for nearly 40 years. With oldest player Weaver feeling a little light headed from

Friday’s late night, on came an even older former retired player Mike West . It was only hours before the club left Frampton on Friday morning that he got his boots back from Cornish Dave, but West rolled back the years and inspired the Fram pack for the last few minutes .

Scenes of joy erupted from Frampton at the final whistle as a proud Mark Smith led his players off the field and onto the celebration dinner where the trophy was presented to Frampton Vets once more and the red wine flowed .

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December, 2016

fromevalleyvoice

n RUGBY

Rugby club celebrates sponsor’s day with triple win FRAMPTON Rugby Club have hosted their sponsors who have helped them buy four new kits for their senior teams. Representatives from P J Cox, Harris Sports, the Jolly Hog, GWB and ETS, were on hand to see Frampton claim three wins for their three teams in November. The 1st team secured a vital win against Cheltenham North with Rocco Whitehead scoring the final try in the final play of the game, scurrying over from 3 yards out to squeak an 8-7 win for Frampton. It was also a special game for the Bleakman family who have become the first family in Frampton history to all play in the first eleven, Dad Tony Son Max and Callum Bleakman all played in the first team victory. Frampton now sit 10th in Gloucester Premiership after a difficult start to the season, losing 6 out of 8 games, with a three more games to go until Christmas (two of which are against local rivals Chipping

Sodbury and St Mary’s Old Boys). The 2nd team have had a really strong start to the season and outclassed a strong Cleve 3rd XV 54-12, numerous tries

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from the clubs colts and younger players overwhelmed the Cleve side. The 3rd team, who only played with 14 players, saw off a strong St Bernadette’s third

fifteen in a closely fought game, 19-17. Pictured above: (Chairman Andy Pullen with Tim Fenner of P J Cox).

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fromevalleyvoice

n FOOTBALL THERE’S one guarantee that you’ll have when you watch a Frampton Athletic match this season…you’re guaranteed to see goals. Frampton Athletic games throughout October and November have averaged 7 goals a game – unfortunately, not all of those goals have been scored by Frampton. Athletic went into November on the back of winning 3 of their last 4 league games and faced a tough trip away to Oldland Abbotonians Reserves to try and make it 4 out of 5. The game itself was dominated by Athletic, but they couldn’t hit a barn door with a banjo for the entire first half, despite creating a number of clear cut chances. After a bit of a talking to at half time, Athletic found themselves in front within minutes of the restart. Darragh Enwright’s long range effort was saved by the Oldland keeper, but in form Mike Beake was there to tap in the rebound. From there, Athletic’s confidence grew and Oldland started to fade. Further goals from Ryan Beebee, Martyn Tozer and a 2nd of the game for Mike Beake, wrapped up a comprehensive 4-0 victory. The next 2 games for Athletic were tough on paper and tough in reality. Both games resulted in 6-3 defeats, but in both games, the score-line somewhat flattered Athletic’s opponents and didn’t fairly reflect the balance of play. In the Seymour game, the opponents took an early lead, before being pegged back by

December, 2016

Goals galore for Frampton two goals direct from a corner. Defensive mistakes then cost Athletic two goals to put themselves 3-2 down. The first came from an Athletic throw in, which was thrown straight to the feet of the striker who had an easy finish. The second saw one of the Athletic centre-halves caught in possession on the half way line and allowed the striker another easy finish. In the second half, the Athletic players started to struggle with the pace of the game and Seymour’s higher fitness levels gave them the edge as they put a further 3 into the Athletic net, before Mike Beake rifled a free kick into the bottom corner of the Seymour goal in the 88th minute. It was a similar story in the game against top of the table Shaftesbury Crusade. Frampton fought hard to take a 1-0 lead at half time, and retook the lead after Shaftesbury equalised 5 minutes into the second half, but as the fitness levels again became a factor, there was no coming back for Frampton. They found themselves 3-2 down and confidence drained away. That lead to a capitulation that saw Shaftesbury eventually scoring 6. It could’ve been 7, but a direct free kick was tipped out of the top corner by Nick Talbot in the Frampton goal. Mike Beake scored from the penalty spot with the last kick of the game to make it 6-3 at the final whistle.

Mike Beake battles for the ball against Seymour United.

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Watch the ball: Frampton in action against Seymour United Frampton Athletic finished the month with a home match against Roman Glass St George. Athletic found themselves 1-0 down within the first 30 seconds. George Pullen got an equaliser from a Mike Beake corner, but Roman Glass scored almost immediately following the restart. Mike Beake was back in the action again, as he was awarded a penalty that the goalkeeper saved, but Beake put in the rebound. Frampton found themselves 3-2 up just minutes in the second half as Anton Forbes finished with ease, but Frampton couldn’t hold on and soon found themselves level at 3-3, before the Roman Glass striker was given the space to pivot on the ball inside the 18 yard box and rifle a shot into the bottom corner of the net. Another disappointing result for Athletic, but they’ll be looking to pick themselves up over the coming weeks as they face DRG Frenchay and Hambrook before a 2 week Christmas break. Frampton’s Reserve side got their first victory and first points of the season in November, as they beat Hanham Athletic Reserves 1-0. Unfortunately, they were unable to gain any momentum after their first victory, as they followed up their win with a 4-1 defeat at Rangeworthy. With their only

other game in November being a home match against Soundwell Victoria – a potential 6 point relegation battle – there was hope that they could get their second win in 3 weeks. But it wasn’t to be. Despite having a strong line up, they just didn’t have the fire power to see off Soundwell, succumbing to a disappointing 3-2 defeat against their closest rivals in the table. Frampton’s Reserve side do have 3 games in December, the first of which is against the only team they have taken points from; Hanham Athletic Reserves. A win against Hanham could give the lads the confidence to go on and beat both Nicholas Wanderers and Made For Ever, before they enjoy a much needed 2 week festive break.

New Players Still Welcome

Frampton Athletic are still on the hunt for new players to join the club. They train on Wednesday evening’s from 8-9pm on the all weather pitch at the Winterbourne International Academy. All ages and abilities are welcome. For more info, please visit the clubs website at www.framptonathleticfc.co.uk

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December, 2016

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All types of domestic electrical work undertaken, from changing a light fitting to full rewires. For an efficient, friendly, reliable, local electrical service...

call Oliver on 07747866436 or 01179602974

www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

FREE Quotations www.atomelectrical.co.uk info@atomelectrical.co.uk

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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