Frome Valley Voice September 2024

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Jack's dream transfer

A WINTERBOURNE student has signed a contract to play football for a top-flight Italian club.

While other 18 year olds have been celebrating their A-level and BTEC results, Jack Nunn has moved to Cagliari, on the Italian island of Sardinia, to join the Serie A side's Under-20s squad.

He has signed a two-year deal, with an option for a third year, and over that time will be aiming to play his way into the first team squad.

Jack has lived in Watley's End all his life and first played football for Frampton Rangers.

He joined Mangotsfield United aged eight and was scouted by Cagliari while he was playing in a football tournament for representative college sides.

Jack had been picked to play in the tournament through his performances in midfield for SGS College, where he studied a BTEC in business and finance and trained under former Leeds United head coach Dave Hockaday.

Turn to page 2

Moving on up

STUDENTS from Winterbourne Academy are planning their next steps after picking up "truly impressive" A-level and GCSE results.

PAGES 4-7

Bridge delay

NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.

PAGE 3

Robbery arrests

TWO people have been charged over an armed robbery at a Winterbourne pharmacy. PAGE 8

Fishing champ

A TEENAGER from Henfield helped his England team bring home the Under-15 World Coarse Angling Championship trophy.

PAGE 13

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A member of the

Jack's Italian job

From page 1

He was part of the England Colleges Football Association side which went to the Roma Caput Mundi invitational football tournament in the Italian capital earlier this year.

Jack's dad Dave said he was spotted during his first game and watched by a scout, who expressed an interest in giving him a trial.

Dave said: "We ended up going to Sardinia for two nights to see the club – it's a really nice club. We were invited back at Easter and at the end they were saying they wanted him."

Jack attended Elm Park Primary School and Winterbourne Academy before going to SGS, and started playing football for Frampton Rangers at the age of four and a half.

Dave said: "He went just to have a kickabout at the weekend.

"His first game was in the tipping-down rain – it didn't deter him."

Jack moved to Mangotsfield United to take advantage of the opportunity of progression to adult football.

Club chairman Steve Brown said Jack had broken into the senior team at the age of 16.

Steve said: "Over the last two seasons, he has become a regular and was part of the two sides that won both the League Cup and the County Cup.

"While it’s obviously a huge loss to us here, we couldn’t be more happy for Jack on this fantastic accomplishment, and it’s no more than he deserves!"

Jack also played with development side Bristol Inner City, where he played with future

Bristol City players Ephraim Yeboah, Rae Nelson, Elijah Morrison and Billy Phillips, but never joined a league club's academy.

Dave said this had allowed him to get on with enjoying playing the game.

He said: "In academies people are always worried the kids are going to get shoved out, but no-one ever restricted him from playing football.

"It wasn't something he was looking to make a career out of. This opportunity has come up and he's just gone with it.

"The Italians like him because he's got the technical skills they like but he's picked up the physical side of English football as well.

"It's a big move from Winterbourne to Sardinia – we've never even been there on holiday.

"Jack's very grounded and I hope he will cope very well.

"The worst that can happen is he gets two years in Italy, and comes back with a suntan and something to tell the kids about."

Jack will start in the Cagliari squad that plays in the Primavera 1 U20s league.

He is finding life "very different", especially the language, which he intends to start learning.

Jack said: "Obviously it was a great surprise to get scouted by such a prestigious club and playing football in Italy, or anywhere abroad, was something I never imagined.

"I'm hoping to become an established team member –progression in time to play for the first team would be a dream come true."

Jack Nunn (back row 2nd from left) aged 6, at Frampton Rangers

n NEWS

Bridge demolition date moved back

NATIONAL Highways has moved back the date that the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 motorway will be demolished.

The government agency says the bridge that carries the A432 from the Frome Valley to the Avon Ring Road, will not now be removed until next March.

It says this is because the amount of time needed for construction of the new bridge has been reduced.

The old one, which was condemned last year after "structural failures" were found during a routine inspection, will be kept open to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use it for longer.

Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young has called on National Highways to instead work out ways to "speed up the delivery of a new bridge", which is not due to open until early 2026.

She has written to the Department for Transport arguing the current situation is "simply not sustainable".

The bridge was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July last year, severing the A432 between Yate and Downend.

National Highways' announcement

on July 31 does not affect the current completion date.

It said work to move utilities such as electricity cables is due to start in October, after new routes under the M4 are finished.

The agency said: "We’ve also been working with our construction partners to refine the programme for demolition and installation of the new bridge.

"We’re working towards a demolition

date of March 2025, subject to the successful diversion of all utilities within the bridge."

Ms Young has also called for National Highways to review its compensation policy, to "ensure no one loses their business because of the need to close this bridge".

She said: "Since my election, I have been contacted by several businesses who feel they are being let down by the failure of National Highways to offer compensation for lost trade.

"It is my understanding that National Highways currently do not offer any sort of financial support for businesses whose trade is derived from roadside traffic, but I am concerned this leaves a swathe of affected businesses locked out of the help they need to stay afloat due to no fault of their own."

A Department for Transport spokesperson said ministers would consider Ms Young's letter.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

South Gloucestershire Council installed three-way temporary traffic lights for a "trial period" on one of the diversion routes, at the junction of Westerleigh Road and Nibley Lane between Yate and Westerleigh village, in August.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.

Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.

Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories

The bridge earlier this summer.

Picture: National Highways

Maria, Bristol

Maria, Bristol “ ”

n EXAM RESULTS

'Impressive' results at Winterbourne Academy

WINTERBOURNE Academy students produced "some truly impressive results" in this year's A-level and vocational exams.

The school highlighted successes in a wide range of subjects, from English to engineering and sport.

A spokesperson said 67% of further maths candidates had achieved an A* or A grade, with 58% of English literature grades also at A* or A.

In BTEC courses, every sport student achieved a distinction* or distinction grade, as did 78% of engineering candidates.

All of the school's A-level art and drama students received A*-B grades, with 69% of geography and 67% of physics grades at A* to B.

Among the individual success stories highlighted by the school were:

● Charlotte Allam, who will study maths at Exeter University after achieving an A* in maths and As in chemistry, further maths and physics.

● Ella Anderson, who will study law at Bristol University after gaining As in history, law and sociology.

● Joshua Barraclough, who will study English language and linguistics at the University of the West of England after gaining As in English language, psychology and sociology.

● Sam Bennion, who will study biological sciences at Sheffield University after achieving an A* in biology and As in psychology and Spanish.

● Jacob Campbell, who will study physics at Manchester University after gaining A*s in physics and maths, and As in further maths and chemistry.

● Louisa Dare, who will study law at

Bristol after achieving A*s in history and sociology and an A in classical civilisation.

● Aaron Hancock, who will study maths at Bristol University after achieving A*s in maths and physics and an A in computer science.

● Ella Parry, who will study biological sciences at Oxford University after gaining A*s in biology and maths, and As in chemistry and further maths.

● Archit Prakash, who will study law at the London School of Economics after achieving three A*s in further maths, maths and physics and an A in English Language.

● Mate Sipos, who has a place at Bristol University to study psychology and neuroscience after gaining As in biology, English language and maths.

Head teacher Jenny Cartwright said: "I am so proud of all the results of our students this year.

"They are testament to the hard work and commitment of the impressive young people and the fantastic staff at Winterbourne, where the outcomes for every student matter."

Head of Post 16 and assistant head Charlie Peake said she was "thrilled" at students' achievements, adding: "There are some truly impressive results that will support them in their next steps for the future."

Dave Baker, chief executive of the Olympus Academy Trust, which runs the school, said: "It is easy to forget that this cohort of students had a challenging experience during their secondary education because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This makes their achievements all the more impressive."

28th September – 10.30am to 4.00pm Watleys End Road, Winterbourne, BS36 1QG

Winterbourne Academy students Sam Bennion, Archit Prakash and Josh Barraclough celebrate their results

(Above) Ella Parry is heading to Oxford University. (Below) Charlotte Allam

n EXAM RESULTS

Perfect record for new T-level students at SGS

STUDENTS at SGS Sixth form have achieved an "impressive set" of A-level, T-level and BTEC results, say tutors.

The college in Filton says 75% of learners attained grades A*-C in their A-levels, with 70.6% achieving an A* or A in maths, 77.5% achieving A*-B in psychology and 89.5% gaining an A*-C grade in biology.

The college described overall pass rates as "strong", with 97.3% of candidates achieving a grade in all of their qualifications.

The first T-level students, who studied the new qualification combining classroom learning and workplace experience, achieved a 100% pass rate.

Among those celebrating was T-level learner Kayla Date,

of Patchway, who was awarded a distinction in early years and childcare and is heading to Bath Spa University to study primary education. She hopes to become a primary school teacher.

Kayla said: "I am really happy with my results. I had such supportive teachers which helped me throughout my course and I am now really looking forward to going to university.”

Performances on BTEC courses were described as "excellent", with all students achieving pass grades and

60% of learners being awarded distinction or distinction* profiles.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud college has six main campuses from Bristol to Gloucestershire, with around 3,800 learners aged 16 to 18, the same number of adult learners and 900 apprentices.

St Brendan's

SIXTH form college St Brendan's says its students' A-level and BTEC results are a "tremendous success".

The college in Brislington, which draws sixth form students from across the region, had more than 900 people collecting results on August 15.

Leaders said the overall A-level pass rate was above 95%, including 629 "high grade" passes.

The college has also seen another increase in BTEC grades, with 287 Level 3 BTEC and Applied General courses either distinction or distinction*.

A spokesperson for the

college said the students had performed well despite the disruption they had experienced in their education during the pandemic and subsequent years, and a toughening of grade boundaries.

More than 500 St Brendan's students had applied to university through UCAS this year and the majority are set to go to their first choice university.

The college said a record number of students had secured apprenticeships in fields including accounting, law, computing and engineering, with employers across the region including Airbus, Burges Salmon, BT and the NHS.

Principal Marian Curran said students' "hard work, determination, and unwavering spirit have resulted in excellent results".

She said: "Not only have they excelled academically here at St Brendan’s, they have also become well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

OPEN DAY - Tuesday 24 September

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Ahmed Elhjaje celebrates his A-level results with his mum

Pride as students rise to GCSE challenge

LEADERS at Winterbourne Academy say they are proud of the "resilience and achievements" of this year's GCSE students.

The Year 11 pupils were among more than 600,000 across the country picking up their results on August 22.

This year's GCSE candidates were in Year 7 at the start of the pandemic, but are the first year to see no adjustments made to their results to take lost classroom learning into account, as part of plans for exams to "return to normal".

The school said 74% of candidates gained at least a 4 in English and maths, and 20% of grades overall were 7 and over –equivalent to an A or A* under the old marking system – or distinction and distinction*.

In individual subjects, 39% of chemistry grades were 7, 8 or 9, with 47% of drama, 33%

of computer science, 31% of engineering and 28% of Spanish grades 7 or above.

The school's biology candidates all achieved a grade 4 or higher, with 89% of art, 92%

of music, 96% of photography, 79% of English and 81% of maths papers between 4 and 9.

Head teacher Jenny Cartwright said: "These students were in Year 7 when Covid

arrived and so have had their secondary education affected from the start.

"I am very proud of their resilience and achievements, and of the positive spirit that they have brought to Year 11 and their exams.

"I wish every one of them success for the future, and I am sure that their time at Winterbourne will prepare them well for their next steps.

"I would also like to thank the teaching and non-teaching staff who have done so much to prepare these young people for their exams in so many different ways, particularly given the difficulties of the past few years, making a real difference to each individual."

The pupil with the highest overall grades was Dulcie Phillips, who achieved seven grade 9s and three 8s.

Other students highlighted

Raul Griffin-Santos, Cameron Norris and Josh Thomas with their results

were: James Boyd with four 9s, three 8s and two 7s; Michelle Chan, four 9s, a distinction*, two 8s and two 7s; Stephen Coney, three 9s, one distinction*, three 8s and one 7; Katie Cooke, three 9s, four 8s and one 7; Lana Grice, three 9s and two 8s; Raul Griffin-Santos, two 9s, four 8s and four 7s; Sam Ovenden, one 9, two distinction*, four 8 and two 7s; Sam Richer-Coward, four 9s, one distinction and four 8s.

The school's Year 10 pupils also took exams, in citizenship and religious studies: Evie Clews achieved the highest score on the citizenship paper of any student in the country.

Nationally, the number of GCSEs at grade 4 or above was down slightly – 67.4% compared with 67.8% last year. The percentage of GCSEs awarded at grade 7 and above was 21.7%.

Winterbourne Academy is run by the Olympus Academy Trust.

Chief executive Dave Baker said: "I offer my congratulations to all the Winterbourne students who have achieved the success they deserved in their GCSEs this year.

"We must not forget that this cohort of students had a challenging experience during the early stages of their secondary education because of the Covid-19 pandemic. "This makes their achievements all the more impressive."

(Above) Lana Grice and Michelle Chan. (Above right) James Boyd and Sam Richer-Coward. (Right) Dulcie Phillips, who achieved the school's highest overall grades, with Sam Ovenden

n NEWS

Arrests after pharmacy robbery

TWO people were arrested after an armed robbery at a Winterbourne pharmacy.

Police were called to Flaxpits Lane after Shaunak's Pharmacy was robbed by two people armed with knives on August 8 at 1.30pm.

Prescription drugs were stolen during the incident.

Witnesses reported seeing two people arrested nearby, and an Avon & Somerset police spokesperson confirmed that two people had later been charged in connection with the incident.

Natasha O'Driscoll, aged 34, of Northwood Park, Winterbourne, was charged with robbery and child cruelty, and Daniel Bennett, 41 of Wedmore Vale in Bedminster, was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Both defendants appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on August 9.

O'Driscoll was released on court bail, while Bennett was remanded in custody.

The pair are due to appear at Bristol Crown Court in September.

Man dies in Hambrook crash

A MAN died and two other people were taken to hospital after a crash on the M32 at Hambrook.

Four cars and a van were involved in a collision on the southbound exit slip road at junction one for the Avon Ring Road shortly before 10am on August 22.

A police spokesperson said: "Sadly the driver of one of the vehicles died at the scene.

"A woman who was a passenger in one of the vehicles went to hospital with injuries not currently believed to be lifethreatening.

"A man who was the driver of another vehicle went to hospital for treatment and was discharged.

"Four other people went home

after being examined by medics at the scene."

The southbound carriageway was closed for several hours after the incident.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call 101 and quote incident reference number 5224 221 408.

Cinema to close

YATE’S Cineworld cinema is set to shut as the troubled company tries to cut costs.

The cinema at the Riverside retail and leisure park in Link Road is one of six across the UK which the company says are “commercially unviable” and earmarked for closure.

The company, which went into administration last year, has more than 100 cinemas across the country but says it needs to restructure the business.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Yes, Cineworld Yate is at risk of closure.

“At the moment the cinema is

open as usual and we will update at the end of September, when the legal process is complete.”

Asked how many jobs were at risk, the spokesperson told the Voice: “The total number of impacted roles cannot be confirmed until the process is complete.

“But we are hopeful that this plan will safeguard as many jobs as possible and we will offer redeployment to as many impacted employees as possible at nearby sites.

“We are implementing a Restructuring Plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the Group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK.”

The other sites the company plans to close are in Swindon, Glasgow, Bedford, and Hinckley and Loughborough in Leicestershire.

Last year Cineworld closed its multiplex at Hengrove in south Bristol.

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Charity hit by theft

A CHARITY based in Coalpit Heath has had to launch a fundraising campaign after its new home was badly damaged by thieves.

Lead has been stripped from the roof of the Shire Way community centre in Yate, which is set to become the new home of Paul's Place, a charity helping adults with physical disabilities.

The charity is in the process of refurbishing the building, which has been shut for two years, to provide facilities for its members as well as a community café, allotment and rooms for hire, to help provide an income.

A spokesperson said: "The roof was the only saving grace, until someone stole the lead and caused severe damage during the robbery.

"This means the charity can’t enter the building, as it’s deemed unsafe.

"The longer the roof remains

The damaged roof

damaged, the worse it will get and cause further damage inside.

"It also means the rest of the work can’t even begin until the roof is repaired.

"This is frustrating and heart-breaking, as Paul’s Place were just handed the keys after months of waiting."

Paul's Place has set up a page for donations at website JustGiving, which can be found at tinyurl.com/48zmp2ct.

Frampton Garage

Bus changes concern

BUS company First has blamed "low passenger numbers" for changes to the routes of bus services passing through the Frome Valley.

From September the Y1 and Y2 will no longer serve North Yate or Chipping Sodbury, with the Y6 the only service available to people from Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne who want to visit.

MP Claire Young and South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Chris Willmore have met with First managing director Doug Claringbold to call for a rethink.

Ms Young said: "If these changes go ahead, it will have a massive impact on bus users in Chipping Sodbury and parts of Yate.

"Chipping Sodbury will have just one bus every 90 minutes, the Y6, and the occasional 620 to Bath, but no direct services to Bristol. Those on the Birds estate and in parts of North Yate face losing the Y1 and Y2 they rely on."

The Y1, Y2 and Y6 will

continue to link Frampton and Winterbourne to Bristol while the Badminton Road bridge is closed.

A First West of England spokesperson said the meeting with Ms Young and Cllr Willmore had been "really productive"

But the company added: "We considered feedback and looked at our data before making the changes, and in summary the low passenger numbers outweigh the cost of running the services.

"At present, the Y1 and Y2 services are supported by government funding through its Bus Service Improvement Plan, and it’s important that we look at our data and make changes to the services to secure their future if and when that funding comes to an end. While the Y6 also has low passenger numbers, it receives no government funding."

*First has launched a new college bus service, the SB5, to take students from Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne and Frenchay to St Brendan's Sixth-Form College.

Most GP patients happy, despite longer waits

MOST patients of GP practices say they have a good overall experience of their surgery, despite waits for appointments rising.

The annual NHS GP Patient Survey found that 75% of patients of Frome Valley Medical Centre in Frampton Cotterell said their overall experience was good – up from 69% last year.

At Yate’s West Walk Surgery practice, which includes Coalpit Heath Surgery, 70% of patients said they had a good experience, down from 74% last year, while 88% of patients at Kennedy Way in Yate were satisfied, down slightly from 89% last year. The national average is 74%.

At Frome Valley Medical Centre, 17% of patients were offered appointments on the day they made contact, down from 40% last year, with the number waiting a week or more for an

appointment rising from 18% in 2023 to 37% this year.

Most other patients waited between a day and a week, although some people responding to the survey couldn't remember how long they waited.

A choice of day or time was offered to 40% of Frome Valley patients, and 53% said they waited the right amount of time to see a professional: the national averages are 53% and 66% respectively.

At West Walk, 17% of patients were offered same-day appointments, down from 32% last year, while the number waiting a week or more rose from 36% to 46%, with 53% offered a choice of time or date and 57% feeling they didn't wait too long.

At Kennedy Way, 59% of patients were offered a sameday appointment, down from

73% last year, while the number waiting a week or longer was 12%, up from 5% in 2023. Again 53% were offered a choice of date or time, and 88% thought they waited the right amount of time.

Many patients reported problems reaching Frome Valley on the phone, although the number finding it difficult had gone down slightly from 65% last year to 62%, with only 29% finding it easy to get through. The national average is 50%.

Most patients (55%) found it easy to get through to West Walk, with the number reporting difficulties unchanged on 34% this year.

At Kennedy Way surgery in Yate, 47% found it easy to get through, with the proportion of survey respondents saying it was not easy rising from 37% to 44%.

The survey was published as GPs voted overwhelmingly

to take 'work-to-rule' action, including limiting the number of patient appointments per day, as representative body the British Medical Association warned practices had reached a "desperate point" due to underfunding and extra pressures.

A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge of funding surgeries, said results across the region were above the national average in many areas, including overall experience and trust in professionals.

The spokesperson added: "We also recognise there are areas for improvement, and we are continuing to work together with all our practices and wider partners to share learning and support each other to deliver high-quality services to patients."

Village homes plan is refused

A PLAN for nine new homes in a small village have been refused planning permission due to a lack of local services.

While Rangeworthy, near Iron Acton, has a pub, school and a takeaway, the village lacks a shop, health centre and post office, causing concerns that future residents would often need to drive.

Nine homes were planned, including six classed as “affordable”, off Wotton Road by Alexander Homes and Development Ltd.

Seven other new homes have already been given planning permission on a nearby site.

South Gloucestershire Council refused permission for the latest application after councillors on the development management committee debated it in August.

The village lies a short distance from Yate, but has no regular bus service there.

The developer's planning agent, Ben Ponting, said: “There are a number of local facilities within walking distance of the site, and Yate railway station is four kilometres away, which is considered a cyclable distance, taking approximately 14 minutes by bike.

"The Westlink on-demand bus service is available, with stops on Wotton Road."

The houses would be located just outside the village's former 'settlement boundary', a

border previously set up to prevent the village expanding.

But government planning inspectors recently ruled that South Gloucestershire’s settlement boundaries are “out of date”.

Councillors and residents said future occupiers of the houses would end up driving cars, adding pressure onto the road network.

Committee chair Tristan Clark (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) said: "There has been quite a lot of development outside of the settlement boundary in the past five years.

"At the moment it’s largely driven by the fact that the settlement boundaries were found by planning inspectors to be out of date.

“There aren’t a great deal of facilities in Rangeworthy itself.

“Essentially for things like health facilities and the weekly shop, you will be travelling outside of Rangeworthy to places like Thornbury and Yate, or further afield, because there isn’t any provision within Rangeworthy itself.

"While this might not seem like a huge amount of houses, every new development that has been approved in the past five years puts more pressure on the village primary school, which is a small school.”

Although four new homes were approved

The planned development.

Picture: Dexter Building Design

across the road from the site in April, councillors said the cumulative effect of incrementally expanding the village was too much for local services to cope with, and affected the rural feel of the area.

Cllr June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said: "It’s almost as if we’re getting more and more development by stealth. This is a village, and it’s just creeping and creeping up in development."

By Alex Seabrook,

Local Democracy Reporting Service

Housing targets 'fairytale': page 19

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n NEWS

Charlie reels in a world title

A TEENAGER from Henfield has brought home a world title as part of an England fishing team.

Charlie Isaacs was part of a team of five boys who took the World Coarse Angling Championship Under-15 title in Serbia in August.

The week-long championships were held on a canal affected by thick water weeds and, after topping the table in their age group at the end day one of their two-day competition, the team were given the award when unprecedented "unfishable" conditions led to the second day being cancelled.

Charlie, who goes to Chipping Sodbury School, had won his spot on the team aged 13 earlier this year, after impressing at a final selection match in the Midlands.

He joined fellow anglers Barnaby Newman, Charlie Drinkwater, Alfie Swieton and Tommy Higginbottom on the team and was on "bank running" duties during the first day, after his four teammates were drawn to fish.

Teammate Barnaby won the individual title, while Charlie Drinkwater was runner-up.

Dad Paul is the manager at

Bitterwell Lake in Henfield, and the family lives on-site.

Afterwards he described the team's win as "incredible", adding: "It's come home!"

Speaking of Charlie's selection earlier in the year, Paul said: "I’m really proud because I know how much work has gone in. It’s not the sort of thing you just do overnight; you’ve got to start and keep at it, you’ve got to learn and it takes time to learn fishing.

"To get to that level takes a lot of dedication."

Charlie has been fishing since the age of four, but has only been focusing on match fishing for the last three years.

He had described going to the world championships as "my dream".

Charlie's ambition is to make it to the adult England ranks, and he has already attracted some sponsors.

Charlie Isaacs (top, second left) with teammates and coaches Charlie Drinkwater, Barnaby Newman, Bill Reynolds, James Dent, Tom Higginbottom, Alfie Swieton and Matt Godfrey. Picture: The Angling Trust.

Here to Help!

Are you finding the lack of a public bus difficult? Do you need help with transport?

We travel in and around Emersons and Downend and then towards Yate, but we have a team of volunteers to help with hospital appointments! Shopping, GP/Hospital and Dental Appointments, Hairdressers and much more! We even do trips out! Book in advance!

We are here for anyone that can’t access public transport, need to travel door to door, may be disabled or have a health or mobility concern. Our buses are fully accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. If you’re unsure — give us a call! Friendly team, accessible travel and discount for bus pass holders. You can even book a regular slot with us! Call or email us to find out more, we’re also on Facebook!

Come and discover life at Clifton College. You will have the chance to meet our fantastic staff, learn more about our outstanding pastoral care and take a tour around the school to see our broad range of facilities.

Autumn Open Days

Preschool - Year 6 Open Day Friday 27th September

Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 4th October

Year 7 - Year 11 Open Day Saturday 5th October

Book your Open Event slot or book a personal tour at a time convenient to you at: cliftoncollege.com

Citizen scientists find high levels of water pollution

HIGH levels of pollutants have been found in waterways across the Frome Valley area in sampling by 'citizen scientists'.

Every summer the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust asks volunteers to collect samples from waterways across the region to test them for common pollutants, including phosphates and nitrates.

This year more than 130 volunteers collected 202 samples in early July as part of the ninth RiverBlitz campaign.

The results have been published by BART, which found that high and medium levels of nitrate and phosphate pollution were found in the River Frome between Iron Acton and Moorend.

At Cog Mill near Iron Acton, high levels of both nutrient pollutants were fond, along with plastic bottles and takeaway cartons.

At Rectory Road in Frampton Cotterell, high levels of nitrates and medium levels of phosphates were found, along with invasive Himalayan balsam plants.

High levels of both pollutants were found at three spots between Huckford Viaduct and Damsons Bridge in Winterbourne Down

At Moorend, medium levels of nitrates and high levels of phosphates were found, with medium levels of both pollutants in the

Bradley Brook at Hambrook.

BART says nutrients, particularly phosphates and nitrates, are among the most common pollutants of freshwater worldwide and are widely used as indicators of water quality.

Although they occur naturally in healthy rivers, high concentrations lead to harmful algal blooms which can harm other plant life and fish.

High levels are caused by pollutants including fertilisers, manure, sewage, urban surface water run-off and household products like detergents.

Across the region, BART said 69% of samples had high nutrient loads of phosphate and nitrate combined, with 3.5% recording low nutrient levels.

However, this was an improvement on last year, when 88% of samples confirmed high nutrient loads and only one out of 290 samples showed low nutrient concentrations.

BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: "The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz provides a snapshot of the catchment’s water quality during a week in July.

"While it may not offer detailed insights into individual streams, the expanding

Team effort to rescue gosling

RESIDENTS came together to rescue a gosling from Winterbourne duck pond.

Lis O'Kelly noticed the bird had a wing deformation called angel wing, which meant it could not fly without treatment.

Lis reached out via the Winterbourne & Watley's End Facebook group for help to catch it and take it to a rescue centre in Frome which offered to treat it.

Lis said: "Through the group

I found a lady who could bring it from Winterbourne to Frome, another lady who kindly donated a foldable dog cage, a man who had some experience in catching waterfowl and offers of assistance from other members of the community."

After a wait for the gosling and its family to leave the centre of the pond, a bystander helped Lis's husband catch the bird and she kept it at home until it could

dataset from multiple years reveals trends across the catchment."

He said that across the region, high pollutant levels were recorded along the Bristol Frome, River Trym, and the Avon between Bristol and Bath.

Areas with high nitrate levels included the Avon between Bristol and Bath, the lower Bristol Frome, south Bristol streams and most sites on the Trym, with only 5% of samples showing low nitrate levels.

Mr Hunter said: "The data collected suggests, during the week of the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, that nutrient pollution is likely impacting water quality and, consequently, the health of some watercourses and wildlife across the Bristol Avon."

He said this year's milder summer may have resulted in lower nutrient levels than in the previous two years' surveys, adding: "It's important to note that the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz captures water quality measurements at a specific moment in time, and there are several other parameters we did not test that could also impact river health, such as bacterial and chemical readings."

To view figures from the survey visit bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz.

be safely delivered to the rescue centre where it's being treated.

Lis said: "It was a real community effort."

The gosling was named Gabby after Gabriel after a naming competition.

Lis said: "Since the rescue the other three geese have flown off, so we did it just in time otherwise it might have been left behind."

The parish council has put up signs to discourage people feeding the ducks and geese, as it can cause the birds health problems.

Gabby before his capture

Nature Officer Daisy and Estates Officer

Steve with our new, eco-friendly, solarcharged electric bike, electric van, and electric gardening equipment

Thanks to funding from South Gloucestershire Council’s Active Travel grant, we have been able to purchase an electric bike This e-bike will be used by our Nature Officer and other staff members for site visits and other parish council related journeys

As part of our Climate Emergency Declaration, the parish council is working towards carbon neutrality The purchase of this electric bike will help us travel closer to that destination - especially as we can charge it with solar power!

In our efforts towards carbon neutrality, the parish council has now been able to stop using petrol-power altogether Instead, we use an electric van, electric gardening equipment, and now an electric bike - all of which can be powered by our own solar panels

If you would like to learn more about Frampton Cotterell Parish Council’s Climate & Nature Plan or our Climate Emergency Declaration, please visit our website, at www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk/climate-nature

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council @

Crochet & Knit Club

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council is hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning to raise money for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support Tuesday September 3rd, 10:30am - 1pm, The Brockeridge Centre. Everyone Welcome!

S

a i l

The popular Frampton Cotterell Scarecrow Trail will be taking place from October 25th to November 1st, 2024. This year, we are opening our entries to include miniscarecrows and window displays, as well as traditional scarecrows! The deadline for entering this year ’ s trail is October 11th. To learn more, please visit our website.

Park Pathway Consultation Event

Earlier this year, the parish council ran a public consultation to get feedback on our initial proposals for installing paths at The Park, School Road

Following an analysis of the hundreds of responses received,

we have revised and adapted our initial proposal, taking into account your concerns, suggestions, and feedback. We now have a new drafted illustration of the route the path will take, which reflects the feedback you gave us.

On Saturday 14th of September, 2024, the parish council will be holding a consultation event at Crossbow House to share these new plans Drop in any time between 1:30pm - 4:30pm to learn more, ask questions, and share your feedback Everyone welcome

Practical Conservation Sessions

We run regular practical conservation and nature volunteering sessions that YOU can get involved with! Past sessions have included tree planting, meadow surveys, sapling care, wildflower planting, pond digging, scything, habitat building and more! These sessions are free (refreshments included!) and everyone is welcome Visit our website to learn more

www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk/climate-nature

n NEWS

Hike in housing targets

NEW planning targets that will force a 30% rise in housebuilding in South Gloucestershire are a "fairytale" and an “attack on green spaces”, critics say.

The new Labour government has announced what it calls “radical” changes to how many new homes it thinks each local authority should be required to find land for.

In South Gloucestershire it means an increase from 1,317 at present to 1,717 new homes every year over the next 15 years – a total of 6,000 more than currently planned.

Other authorities have also been told to allocate more land for housing, but Bristol’s target, like many urban areas, will fall by 10%, from 3,378 to 3,057 a year.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which underpins the planning system, in the House of Commons on July 30.

The reforms, subject to eight

weeks of consultation, change the method used to calculate how many homes should be built in each area, with targets increased depending on how much higher property prices are than earnings.

Some existing Greenbelt land deemed to be low quality, such as disused petrol stations and car parks, will be redesignated “grey belt”, with less protection from development.

In South Gloucestershire, opposition Conservative councillors say the changes come on top of proposed increases in housing on Greenbelt sites in the current Local Plan, which is in its latest stage of consultation, including 800 at Henfield, between Westerleigh Road and the M4.

It recently added a further 17 sites, nine in the greenbelt, to those already identified, potentially allowing the development of 22,241 homes from 2025 to 2040.

Tory group leader Sam

Bromiley said: "These new rules are yet another attack on South Gloucestershire’s precious green spaces and we will continue to fight them every step of the way.

“Reclassifying greenbelt land as ‘grey belt’ in order to force developments through while ordering South Gloucestershire to take ever increasing amounts of housing, all while completely dismissing the views of local people, is, quite simply, an appalling way for a government to behave."

Former council leader Claire Young, who is now Thornbury & Yate's MP and remains a Liberal Democrat ward councillor in Frampton Cotterell, branded the proposals a “fairytale”.

She said: “I know how important it is that we see houses built – especially smaller, more affordable homes that young people and new families can afford to buy or rent.

“But seeking to simply jack up the top-down targets without

addressing concerns about supporting infrastructure or protecting our green spaces is not the way to make this happen.

“Here in South Gloucestershire, we’re already struggling to meet current targets – never mind having to also locate space for 6,000 extra properties. It’s frankly a fairytale."

Asked to comment on Ms Rayner’s announcement, a council spokesperson said the authority would "evaluate the impacts" of the proposed NPPF reforms as part of the current Local Plan consultation, as they "have implications across our Local Plan".

The council is inviting comments until September 13 on the latest stage of its Local Plan online at southglos.gov.uk/ newlocalplan.

People who are not online can call the council on 01454 868009.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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n LOCAL MP for Thornbury & Yate

Reconnecting our rural railways

JULY was an interesting time to become an MP.

With just a few weeks before the summer recess, I arrived in Westminster to find Parliament awash with new MPs trying to find their footing.

With over 300 first-time MPs, there was a clamour to take part in those first few debates and I was fortunate to be one of those able to make my first speech in those early days.

A maiden speech is usually focused on introducing your constituency and yourself to other MPs – that’s why I chose to make mine during a debate about the future of our railways. This is an issue I care deeply about, because I believe improving our railway connectivity can unlock huge potential for our area, and ensure that everyone is able to make the most of local opportunities.

In the debate, I highlighted

the many ways where the Government can act to make a real difference for local railway users.

In particular, I spoke about how redeveloping Yate station to improve accessibility, maintaining funding for halfhourly services, and opening new stations at Coalpit Heath and Thornbury, as well as the already planned one at Charfield, would help people get where they need to go.

I also spoke about the benefit

of fully reopening Pilning station, of protecting the Severn Beach line from flooding, and called for an immediate freeze of rail fares.

As the former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, I know just how transformative these steps could be – coupled with fixing the disjointed ticketing system and connecting bus routes up with train services.

I am concerned that the Government is, at present, too focused on who runs our railways rather than the actual services that are delivered. Ultimately, most people I speak to just want to see a train service that runs on time, that they can afford, and which properly connects them with where they want to go.

That’s why I wrote to the Transport Secretary after the debate to further raise the need for these local improvements to urge them to focus on

reconnecting our rural railways – so we can ensure everyone is able to get around, make the most of opportunities to work and simply get out to enjoy our countryside.

For too long we’ve seen our public transport links run down and hollowed out. This is something I will continue to fight to reverse, and I promise to do all I can to see our area gets the investment and fair deal that we deserve.

Claire Young MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

Claire Young making her maiden speech

New schools trust forms

A NEW schools trust for primaries in South Gloucestershire is preparing to enter its first full academic year. The Mosaic Partnerships Trust was formed earlier this year and comprises 12 schools across South Gloucestershire

Primary in Winterbourne, Thornbury, Parkwall Primary in Cadbury Heath, the Ridge Junior

Mr Best said: "The Trust is overseen by trustees who have

a wealth of educational, charity and business experience.

"The central team is responsible for all 12 schools and works with the headteachers and staff on areas from the quality of education to school buildings.

"Education funding remains a challenge for the system as a whole but we work hard collectively to ensure we use our resources strategically."

Mr Best said the schools feel the value of working together in a multi-school trust.

He said: "The schools benefit from working together collaboratively and learning from the wealth of best practice that exists.

"As some functions such as finance and estates are managed centrally this allows staff to focus on the core business of the quality of education."

New choir

A NEW community choir has been set up in Rangeworthy.

The choir meets in Rangeworthy Village Hall on Tuesday evenings, from 7.15pm to 9pm each week.

It is led by one of the UK's best-known choral directors, Grenville Jones, who has worked with choirs around the world and founded 30 of them, including the City of Bath Male Choir.

He said: "If you love to sing, then come along and meet us."

No previous singing experience required and there are no auditions.

The accompanist is Chris Green, who lives locally.

Grenville said: "There will be music for everyone and we will sing at concerts and support local organisations with fundraising events in the run-up to Christmas."

Chief executive Andrew Best

n NEWS

Colliery needs volunteers

A GROUP which helps to maintain part of the Frome Valley's industrial heritage is on the lookout for new volunteers.

The site of Ram Hill Colliery is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and is listed on the National Heritage List for England due its historical significance.

The former 19th century coal mine, near Coalpit Heath, was run by the Coalpit Heath Colliery Company.

Today, the site contains the top of the shaft, remains of the horse gin, steam engine house, storage bunkers and the terminus of the Dramway, which transported the coal to the River Avon and Keynsham.

The mine was in operation from around 1830 to the 1860s and the shaft was sunk between 1824 and 1832 and is thought to be 558 feet (170 metres) deep.

The site has become a wildlife haven with wild flowers and lots of orchids.

A friends group now helps maintain the site for the visitors to enjoy at all times of the year but is in need of help.

Katie Kelliher, from the group, said: "We allow flowers to arrive rather than plant, and don’t get rid of garden escapees."

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Changes

A FAVOURITE song from my teenage years is ‘Changes’ by the late David Bowie.

I am inspired by the positive message it gives, telling us to embrace changes and follow wherever they lead, even though we might appear to have little control when they occur in our lives.

Perhaps some changes might result from the negative attitude of others towards our proposed plans and ideas.

The natural timeline of life may be responsible for other changes, when the health of a loved one deteriorates, or we are faced with the grief of bereavement. Our own health might present a challenge, meaning we have to adapt to a different way of living. This might be something as relatively simple as needing a pair of reading glasses for the first time, or a more serious matter

impacting our mobility, such as requiring a walking aid.

Other changes will be imposed upon us by the normal pattern of society, such as those that happen because of the education system.

Each year, September means children attending school for the first time or moving on to the new worlds of secondary or college education. An ‘empty nest syndrome’ might be experienced when our children become young adults, moving away from home as university students.

It is good to have a strategy to cope with these changes.

Allow a period of time to acknowledge and accept that once the change has taken effect, things are going to be different.

A period of transition will give space for any emotions to settle.

After this time we will feel able to "turn and face the strange", as the song suggests.

There is a lot of marjoram growing, visitors are able to pick blackberries and wild strawberries from the site, and there are plenty of sloes.

Bird boxes and bat boxes have also been put on the site to encourage wildlife.

Kate said the pit closed

While changes make a difference, we may find they bring new and exciting opportunities, even though we are not aware of them yet.

New friendships might be made at the school gate, or new travel opportunities to explore university towns and cities.

Christians place trust in our faith in God as we journey through changes in life. We believe God will be with us as we navigate any changes, and support us as we reinvent ourselves to cope with the new directions the change will take us.

There are many biblical examples that may give us a sense of inner strength as we face changes.

Jeremiah says: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Matthew says Jesus told people: "Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near!"

I believe that by changing our

in 1867 due to the increased production at Frog Lane Colliery, which has also long since closed, and general decline in coal mining in the area as South Wales became more accessible.

The site then fell into disrepair but was rediscovered in 1981 by a local author and archaeologist, John Cromwell, and it has since been excavated.

Kate said: "The Colliery Friends aim to preserve the industrial and natural heritage of the site in a small park for the local community.

"We desperately need some help to continue to look after the site, so visitors can continue to enjoy the heritage site and the wildlife haven it has become."

Anyone who has time to spare or would like to find out more about the collier should email Kate at katekelliher@ hotmail.co.uk.

behaviour towards changes we experience and placing our trust in God we become enlightened, giving us an inner strength. This will become like a light, enabling us to not only help ourselves through times of change but also those around us, as they cope with changes affecting their lives.

Ram Hill Colliery

Val Slade Licensed Lay Minister, Fromeside Benefice

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Italian flavour for an Indian summer

OUR summer has been a bit hit and miss, to say the least.

I'm ever-hopeful that we may get a burst of good weather in September or, as the phrase goes, an Indian summer.

As those of you who follow my articles know, I like to keep my recipes seasonal, but also reflecting the weather. So, I won’t be cooking lamb shanks or liver casserole on a warm September evening!

My recipe for this month can be cooked at any time of the year, but I particularly enjoy it on a mild September day.

It’s substantial enough to satisfy, but light enough to leave room for a little dessert.

Do read the instructions carefully. It takes a little while to prep, but I hope you will feel the result will be worth it.

Buon appetito!

Italian Pork Chops

This is a really tasty dish. Don’t get put off that it appears to be a bit of a fiddle to coat the chops and make the sauce – it is worthwhile.

The added bonus is that you can prep all the components in the morning before serving the dish in the evening. That way you’ll remain cool, calm and collected and able to spend time with your guests, instead of sweating in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

● 4 boneless pork chops

● 2 tablespoons olive oil

● 1 small egg – beaten

Dry mixture to coat pork chops:

● 40g ground almonds

● 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

● 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

● Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Sauce:

● 2 tablespoons olive oil

● 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

● 100 ml dry white wine

● 1/4 lemon

● 150 ml pork or vegetable stock

● Crème fraiche – 3 tablespoons

● 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

● 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only plus extra for garnish

Here’s what you do:

● In a large bowl, mix together

ground almonds, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning.

● Now cook the chops. First, season pork chops with salt and pepper.

● Then tip the dry almond mixture into a shallow dish. Put the beaten egg into another shallow dish.

● Dip the chops first in egg, then into the almond mix and press the mix into both sides.

● Heat the 2 tbsps olive oil in a large frying pan, over medium-high heat.

● Once the pan is hot, add pork chops. Now sear them by cooking for 3-4 minutes per side, for a total of 6-8 minutes.

● First side is cooked on medium high. But when cooking on the second side, reduce the heat to medium. After searing is done, remove pork from heat and transfer to a plate. Cover to keep warm.

● Now make the sauce – Return the frying pan to the hob and add a splash more olive oil if needed, and the chopped garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat. Remove

Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Frome Valley Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

the excess oil from the pan to make sure the sauce is not too greasy.

● Next add the wine and squeeze the ¼ lemon into the pan, while still on medium heat. Now add your chosen stock.

● Bring to the boil, then immediately lower the heat. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes.

● Add fresh thyme and Italian seasoning.

● Add the crème fraiche. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more seasoning, if necessary.

● Reduce heat to low and return pork chops to pan. Leave gently cooking until they are cooked all the way through and piping hot.

To serve:

● Put the pork chops on individual plates. Drizzle some of the sauce over each chop. Serve any remaining sauce in a gravy boat.

● Serve with seasonal vegetables, including baton carrots and green beans for colour, and perhaps some potato wedges.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Musical Theatre

WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre needs men! The group is looking for more men aged 16+, especially with lower (bass) voices, to join them this autumn.

No choral or theatre experience is necessary, just a willingness to have a go, and do silly things on a stage with a group of supportive mates.

Don't be shy – you'll be part of a group, and we guarantee you'll have fun!

We laugh a lot, and it's been proven that singing is good for your mental and physical health. If you do have singing and/or acting experience, that's really wonderful, and if you can read music that's great, but none of these things are essential.

The group is very friendly and has members from age 10 to 80. Everyone mucks in to help with jobs like building the set and painting scenery.

We rehearse at WADCA Community Centre in Watleys End Road on Thursdays, from 7.309.30pm. We put on two musicals every year, mainly comedies.

Our next show is a panto, The Twelve Days of Christmas, from November 25-30 at WADCA. Rehearsals have just started but it's not too late for new members to join in. No auditions are needed to be in the cast, although lead roles will be auditioned in early September.

Next May the company will be doing Shrek, which will also be a lot of fun.

If you're interested or want more

Chris Fletcher, have been working to promote this memorable year. Paul Bailey has painted a banner capturing the transition from coal mining to renewable energy in the village and Rob Forsey coined the slogan for the year: "Celebrating the Past, Singing for the Future."

The choir will be looking to engage with local history groups to uncover more about the origins of the choir and with local schools to remind them about the origins of the village in coal mining – and hopefully sing a few songs too.

Musical Director Tim Warren is working on a fresh repertoire that will reflect the long history of the choir, with a tone to entertain the village.

More than ever we are looking to encourage new members to join the choir at the start of our new season.

No auditions or previous choir experience required – just turn up and join in!

for our December concerts on September 9, at Crossbow House, and currently has 46 members from the local community.

The choir is hoping to have the continued warm and generous support from family, friends and community in the year ahead.

Anne Angus

Winterbourne Medieval Barn

AS the holidays come to an end Winterbourne Medieval Barn Trust’s programme of community events switches from family activities to more adult things, with talks, participatory workshops and live music.

information, contact us now by emailing WinterbourneMTS@gmail. com, find us on Facebook or ring Michael on 07974 280708. Alternatively, feel free to turn up at WADCA on a Thursday evening and see the company in action.

Louise

Harrison

Frampton Cotterell Male

Voice Choir

FRAMPTON Cotterell Male Voice members are busy preparing for their centenary year and hoping we can encourage more singing enthusiasts to join us for the celebrations.

Originally formed to support striking miners at Coalpit Heath Colliery, the choir has continued to thrive ever since and will start its 100th season rehearsals at Zion Church on Woodend Road on Friday September 6. The centenary committee, led by

For a more leisurely introduction we will have a dedicated open rehearsal on September 20, at 7pm, adjourning to a local hostelry for a few celebratory drinks afterwards.

Alan Fromberg

Crossbow Singers

IN August the Crossbow singers were able to make donations to several charities nominated by choir members.

The funds were raised through the summer concerts, donations and bucket collections.

Choir treasurer Elaine Eastman has volunteered many hours to keep the finances in order for the choir and was in a position to donate a total of £1,900 from funds to charity this year, which has been a fantastic amount.

Emmaus, a charity which helps people move away from homelessness, received £750.

Choir member Diana Dunns was delighted that the charity was able to come and collect clothes, furniture and bric-abrac directly. The funds will go towards supporting adults who are homeless, vulnerably housed or at risk.

Asthma and Lung UK, and Time for Carers Bristol, each received £500.

£150 was donated to South Gloucestershire Hedgehog Rescue.

The choir starts rehearsals

The first live music event is the return of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leonie Evans on September 5 for laid-back acoustic blues, country, jazz and Latin along with Leonie’s gentle sense of humour.

On September 27 the fantastic all-female big band Sisters of Swing, with jazz singer Julie Patchouli, bring up-tempo swing, jazz, 60s songs and more to the barn.

This year Winterbourne Medieval Barn celebrates its 20th annual opening as part of the national Heritage Open Days festival.

The barn and St Michael’s church will be open, free, on the afternoon of September 15 for visitors to come and see their local heritage and find out about the history of these important buildings and medieval lord of the manor Sir Thomas de Bradeston.

On September 17 Chris Bigg returns to the barn with another aerospace talk, this time entirely about Concorde. The talk is also available as a livestream on Zoom. Gloucestershire producers Orchard Revival and Bushel+Peck will be at the barn on September 20 for cider tasting and a talk about the history and craft of cider-making, ahead of our Orchard Harvest Day on October 6.

Workshops must be prebooked and all other events can be booked online via the Barn website, www.winterbournebarn. org.uk, or by calling 0117 403 1536 to arrange an in-person booking.

Louise Harrison

On stage at a recent show. Picture: Gary Woodruff

Detail from the centenary banner

n WHAT'S ON

SEPTEMBER

September 14

n HERITAGE OPEN DAY AT FRENCHAY CHAPEL, Beckspool Road, 1-4pm. Tours with refreshments. Theme: How we create New Thinking. For more information contact peter.a.bruce@gmail.com or 07527 118586.

September 21

n FROME VALLEY MEDICAL CENTRE FETE, Court Road, Frampton Cotterell, 10am-noon. Stalls, raffle, tombola, coffee & cake, games & prizes, raising money for Macmillan and the practice. All welcome. Please bring cash.

September 21

n RETREAT DAY AT FRENCHAY CHAPEL, Beckspool Road with Jo and Amy leading relaxation, well-being & art activities. For more information contact peter.a.bruce@gmail.com or 07527 118586.

September 28

n WADCA FUN DAY, Watley's End Road, Winterbourne, 10.30am-4pm. Live music and theatre, stalls, games, bake off competition, face painting, lunch and afternoon tea.

September 29

n WINTERBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL COMMUNITY NATURE DAY, Newleaze Nature Reserve, Winterbourne, 10am onwards. Celebrate nature in our community and launch the Frank Smith Nature Photography Competition.

REGULAR EVENTS

MONDAY

n WINTERBOURNE FLOWER CLUB now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details.

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN LADIES PROBUS CLUB meets at meets at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Join us for an interesting talk and refreshments. £3.50 visitors, £25 annual membership. Call 01454 773647 for more details.

TUESDAY

n WINTERBOURNE SHORT MAT

BOWLS CLUB meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1.30 until 4.30 pm at WADCA, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. All welcome. Free trial and tuition available. Call

07542 052837 for more details.

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN METHODIST CHURCHDrop in for free cup of tea and chat or play board games, every Tuesday from 2-4pm.

n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET

CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. Contact croquet@ wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.

n CRAFTING: Come and join our group of crafters on the first Tuesday of every month in the Red Brick Annexe, Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2TG from 2-4pm. Bring your own project. £4 per session: Kay 07792189276.

n OPEN DOOR at Winterbourne Down Methodist Church, Down Road, every Tuesday 2-4pm. Social gathering - enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, games, music and friendship, especially for those who live on their own.

WEDNESDAY

n WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: ADULT BALLET- COALPIT HEATH Improve fitness, strength, flexibility & co-ordination. No experience necessary. Wednesday 9.30am Beginners/10.30am Over 60s Ballet- St Saviours Church Hall. Saturday 9.15am Beginners/ 10.15am Intermediate- Manor Hall. Book £5 trial. Contact georgiarsmart@yahoo.co.uk / 07751812701

n GENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND RELAXATION, accessible to all, 10.30-11.30am, 11.45am12.45pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne.Contact Jenny on 07855 560257 or jksmith@blueyonder. co.uk for more information.

n SINGALONG WITH THE JAYS AND JOY, first Wednesday in the month at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Themed singalongs, friendly welcoming group with live music, refreshments. £5 carers free. Details from Hilary, 07515 351813.

n TABLE TENNIS Henfield Hall, Ram Hill on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2-4pm. All abilities welcome. Equipment provided. £2 per session including tea, coffee, biscuits. For more details email henfieldhall@ yahoo.com or call 0785 119 8434

n WINTERBOURNE LIBRARY NEWS

WINTERBOURNE Library is hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday September 27 from 10am-noon.

Cake and a tombola will be available all day. Donations of prizes and cakes are welcomed.

Lego club meets on September 7 from 10-11am, for children of all ages – all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Adult craft group meets on September 14 and 28, from 10am-noon: join a friendly group, do your own work and chat – refreshments available by donation. Staff Crafty Saturday is on September 21.

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

Story time for children aged 18 months to four years, on Fridays from 9.30-10am, restarts on September 6.

Regular Rhymetimes take place on Wednesdays, 9.30-

n DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB meets at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. Call Genise on 0777 245 1217 for information.

THURSDAY

n WINTERBOURNE WINDS, friendly amateur wind band rehearses at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN WI meets on the first Thursday of each month in All Saints Church Hall, Church Road, Winterbourne Down, at 7.30pm. Speakers, demonstrators & craft evenings. Guests welcome. More details from aspbury.m@gmail.com.

n DOWN ART GROUP meets on Thursdays from 2-4pm at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Friendly non-profit making group welcomes new members of all abilities. More information from Alison Sansum on 01454 775133

n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET-UP, every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For more details email volunteering@ coeliac.org.uk.

n CROSSBOW CAMERA CLUB meets every Thursday evening at 7.45pm

10am. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months.

Computer Thursdays take place during term time –enrolment with SGS College is required. For further information contact Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol. ac.uk.

A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone or print documents. The volunteer is available on Friday mornings: booking is essential. The library is staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm. Open Access is seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm. For more details of events or bookings, visit the library, email Winterbourne.library@ southglos.gov.uk or phone 01454 868006. More information is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries or from library staff.

at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Small friendly group who enjoy looking at and taking pictures. Call 0789 026 6650 or just turn up for free taster sessions.

n HAMBROOK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-noon at Whiteshill Chapel, Hambrook, with a speaker at each meeting. Friendly group, new members welcome. For more details call the secretary on 01454 778250.

FRIDAY

n FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm. Thriving club with demonstrations and workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at winterbourneart.uk or email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@ gmail.com.

SATURDAY

n WINTERBOURNE AND FROME VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP repair cafe, every third Saturday of the month, 10.30am, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Free electrical, textile and woodwork repairs, with voluntary donations going to the work of Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group.

n FRAMPTON NATURE

Where have all the Butterflies gone?

THIS year many people have noticed the lack of butterflies in their gardens and in the wider countryside.

Buddleia bushes, which are usually full of butterflies, have flowered and gone to seed with hardly a butterfly to be seen. So what has happened, and how worried should we be?

2024 has been a bad year for insects. Butterflies and other insects are very sensitive to weather conditions, and this year has been especially tough.

The UK had a very wet springthe wettest since 1986, and the sixth wettest on record.

Butterflies need some warm and dry days in order to mate, and the very wet weather we had early this year will have limited breeding opportunities.

Climate breakdown is causing more extreme weather conditions – more rain, more flooding, and more droughts. This is making it increasingly difficult for butterflies and other insects to carry out their normal life cycles.

Some butterfly populations had still not recovered from the 2022 drought, which reduced the availability of plants that caterpillars feed on.

Butterfly Conservation have indicated that this year’s Big Butterfly Count will have the worst numbers since it began 14 years ago.

We should all be concerned about the long term decline in insect numbers.

Since the 1970s 80% of butterfly species have declined, with climate breakdown, habitat loss and pesticide use thought to be the main causes.

The Bugs Matter survey

measures the abundance of flying insects by counting the number of bugs splatted on car number plates. The report from the survey this year shows a staggering 78% decline in flying insects across the UK since 2004.

These are warning signs of ecological collapse – urgent action is needed to tackle climate breakdown and restore nature.

If you’d like information and support to take action for insects, the Wildlife Trusts have produced a handy guide.

Search #actionforinsects or email framptoncotterellnature@gmail.com for details.

David Hanks

Peacock butterfly on Buddleia (David Hanks)

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Coalpit Heath WI

WE'VE all seen the SS Great Britain, and indeed many of us have been on board, however Ian Caskie’s talk at our August meeting gave us so much more fascinating information. The number of live animals taken on board at the beginning of a two-month voyage to Australia was quite astonishing, including 133 sheep, 400 geese and 420 chickens! We are now planning a trip down to the harbourside for another visit.

Our sub-groups continue to be busy. One enjoyed an evening at Dyrham Park to watch an outdoor production of Hamlet by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Another went out to Highgrove to take a tour around the summer gardens, with a well-deserved tea afterwards.

If our meetings sound like something you would enjoy, why not come along and meet us? You would be most welcome.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm: our next

meeting is on September 4, with a talk from Frances Carlaw called Tears of a Dragon.

For updates searching for @ WICoalpitHeath on Facebook

Caroline Johnston

Frampton Cotterell WI

What an amazing summer of events we have had so far!

In July we had a talk on handmade jewellery, visits

Highgrove and to a local Japanese garden and a tour of Hanham Court Gardens, a fantastic tour of St Nicholas Market and the Blitz air raid shelters in town and an excellent summer tapas evening hosted by Magnolia Mews Bakehouse in Frampton – we’ve been having a great time, with so much going on!

After a break over August, our next meeting is on September 24, when Francis Burrows presents a History of Glassware.

We have many other events/ socials lined up for the year ahead, and a monthly “lunch club”, open to all members and held at a different local venue each time.

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

In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page.

Winterbourne

Down WI

OUR August meeting was one with a difference, as we enjoyed an evening out with a meal at the Rising Sun in Frampton Cotterell.

However our evening was tinged with sadness, as we reflected on the sad passing of our lovely treasurer, Jill Hemmings.

She was always so full of life and positivity and a very active member of the WI. Jill will be greatly missed by us all. Our deepest condolences go to Jill’s family.

At our next meeting in September we will welcome David Nash who will be presenting his game show on the theme of Family Fortunes. David has become a regular event for us, as it's always a lot of fun.

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

Why not come along and see if it's something you would enjoy? We welcome all visitors.

Carol Tremlin

Winterbourne Down Ladies

Probus Club

THE speaker at our last monthly

meeting was Andrew Marker who gave a presentation of photographs he had taken around the world. Set in sequences, each accompanied by appropriate music, they covered areas such as Dungeness, Venice, Tuscany and Yellowstone National Park. Andrew’s skill as a photographer is unquestionable.

Several Club members recently attended a “celebration of life” held for our previous treasurer, Elaine Johnson, who passed away in May. The event was very well supported by neighbours and friends of Elaine, who had belonged to various social groups in Winterbourne.

Far from being a sad occasion, family members gave us a very humorous account of life growing up with their mum/grandmother. We will miss Elaine, as I am sure members of all the other groups she belonged to will miss her.

The next members' meeting is at 2pm on September 16, when Richard Lunn will be talking about The Dramway.

We meet on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. If you would like to visit us, or would like more information, please contact me on 01454 773647.

Sue Humphreys

Floral Friends of Frampton

SUMMER eventually arrived and our planters, sensory garden and the Beesmoor border are all flourishing.

Volunteers are continuing to maintain them by weeding, deadheading and watering. We hope everyone is enjoying the fruit of our labours!

Our Autumn Fayre will take place on November 2 from 10am-noon. Do come along and enjoy the refreshments, shop for some early Christmas gifts and, hopefully, win a raffle prize!

The prize-giving for the winner of the Scarecrow Trail will take place at 11 a.m.

Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently. Donations can be made in person or on-line. Our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363.

The Highgrove visit

Visiting Hanham Court

New players wanted

BADMINTON & Pucklechurch Ladies Hockey Club – or Baps as they are known – have enjoyed a good run out over the last few months by taking part in the summer league held at Bradley Stoke School.

They faced some tricky opponents but this gave the team the opportunity to try out new tactics, change positions and to keep themselves fit in preparation for the winter league season, starting in September.

The Baps Ladies train on a Monday evening at 8pm and play their home matches on a Saturday morning at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC)

The team is of mixed abilities and ages, who work hard but make sure they have fun while doing so. They are a very welcoming club and are always on the lookout for new players.

You can find us on Facebook or Instagram, or email bandplhc@ gmail.com for further information – or turn up at YOSC on a Monday evening from September 2 to see what we're all about.

Lisa Rigby

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Issy is sprint champ

TEENAGER Isabelle Walkey could be a star of future Olympics after winning two national 100m sprint titles.

Issy, aged 16, has just sat her GCSEs at Winterbourne Academy and represented the school and Team Avon at the 93rd English Schools Athletics Track and Field Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in July.

One of more than 1,700 athletes competing, Issy won the under-17s women's title in the final, with a time of 12.07 seconds.

She then took part in her first international competition, representing England at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) event at Camarthen, where she won a silver medal.

Issy then returned to Birmingham for the England Athletics U17 championships, winning the 100m final in a personal best time of 11.79 seconds to become national champion.

Issy, who lives in Emersons Green, runs at Yate Athletics Club, where she is coached by Sandra Woodman.

Issy hopes to continue her development at SGS College, where she plans to study sport at the WISE campus in Filton from September.

Issy said: "I have thought about my future in athletics – however, as I am still young I just want to carry on enjoying it and take each season as it comes."

n SPORT

Centenary tournament

CENTENARY events at Frampton Cotterell’s home ground reached their conclusion in August with a sixes tournament.

The home side put out a team from each of their three league teams, United Banks provided a side and Stoke Gabriel, a Devonshire club on tour, put out two teams, one of which were the eventual winners of the tournament after a day full of cricket on August 25, beating United Banks in the final.

With Frampton's first team on the verge of promotion, needing one more victory before the end of the season to secure their elevation, the club seemed to concentrate their efforts on internecine rivalry amongst themselves.

The second team beat the first team and the third team beat the seconds in their only victory of the day – so much for the form book.

A great social day was enjoyed by participants and spectators.

Only the tour in September and the centenary dinner in October remain as planned events for what has been a wonderful year for the club.

John Hughes

New kids sessions

COALPIT Heath FC is launching a new training session for its youngest footballers this season.

The club has taken on local Sean Stinchcombe to run Coalpit Heath Football Stars sessions for children aged from four to six at Winterbourne Academy sports hall on Saturday mornings from 9-10am.

Club chair Stuart Aris said the idea is that children train with Sean, who runs a programme called Football Fun Factory, until the age of six, at which point they can join one

Girls take over at Fram

FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC is launching a drive to get more girls to play rugby. It starts with the club's Girls Takeover Day on Sunday September 1.

The club's Andy Jarrett said: "As well as plenty of rugby skills and games being played, and a ladies touch rugby game, there will also be fun activities for girls

one of the club's under-7 teams.

Stuart said: "We will work closely with Sean and his team so that when a team is identified of U7s, we can come in and take them to the next level of playing games versus other teams."

Sean said: "I've been building relationships with Coalpit Heath FC for a couple years – the children are brilliant and the coaches, committee and chairman are extremely welcoming and supportive." The club is subsidising the sessions, which start with a free trial on September 7, so they cost the same as the previous fees families paid.

to enjoy, from bucking bronco, buzz wires and passing net challenges, along with free hot dogs to all that take part.

"Open to all girls of all ages and experience, FCRFC are welcoming to everyone wanting to enjoy the game."

The event lasts from noon until 3pm.

For more information on girls rugby at the club, email andyjarrett3@gmail.com.

Winners Stoke Gabriel

www.atomelectrical.co.uk