thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2020 Issue 40
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Find out how you can help support our independent traders: www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos #ShopThornbury
ShopThornbury: HelpUsThrive Staysafeandshoplocal tosupport Thornburytraders “WE’VE all worked so hard to introduce measures to protect customers whilst maintaining excellent customer service. Now we need support from people to do their bit to aid Thornbury High Street’s recovery,� says Tabi Marsh, the owner of Papilio at Heritage, a gift and coffee shop in Thornbury. She is one of the local traders joining forces with South Gloucestershire Council as part of the ‘Help Us Thrive: Shop South Glos’ campaign. Meet the trader videos, a social media campaign and a competition (see page 2&23), among other steps, highlight the best of what High Streets across the area, including Thornbury, have to offer. “There’s always something new to discover. We’ve a unique mix of eateries, beauty salons, and florists among other shops,� adds Tabi, who remarks how traders create a better shopping experience. For example, Thornbury is becoming a Makaton-friendly town with store team members learning basic signs and symbols so they can be as welcoming to everyone as possible.
Safety measures reassure
The council has worked to make Thornbury as safe as possible for shoppers. Measures include more space for social distancing on pavements and roads, and relaxing licensing regulations to make it easier for pubs, cafÊs and restaurants to install outside seating areas
Liz Pell, of Finishing Touches cake supplies joins local traders to launch the 'Shop Thornbury - Help Us Thrive' campaign in the heart of the town Liz Pell, of the Finishing Touches cake supplies shop, says: “Traders want to welcome people to shop here safely with measures like free facemasks and plastic partitions at tills. Come and see what your local high street has to offer. Bring your family, come and socialise safely, and discover something unique. Preserve the heart of your community and the jobs of the people who help to make Thornbury a great place to live.�
routes and beautiful footpaths. The town is a perfect starting point for an adventure. Before heading off, stock up on the high street for treats and essentials.
Incredibly Challenging times
Councillor Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “For the last few months, communities across our area have acted responsibly and conscientiously to limit the spread Find out how you can help support ourpandemic. We of the coronavirus independent traders: now ask for your support again. These are incredibly challenging Want to build-up your posttimes for businesses, who have lockdownwww.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos fitness? Don’t forget that done a brilliant job to welcome Thornbury is close to national cycle
shoppers back safely. Now is the time for people to do their bit and help them thrive.� Discover how to support South Gloucestershire’s local traders to thrive and meet some of the Thornbury traders that make the high streets tick at www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos Share what your like best about Thornbury's shops on social media using #ShopThornbury
Love cycling and walking?
#ShopStapleHill
ShopinThornburyforachancetoenteraprizedrawandwin£50–Seepage2&23
ShopThornbury HelpUsThrive PrizeDraw T
O mark the Help Us Thrive Shop Thornbury campaign, Thornbury’s traders have come together to offer shoppers an exciting opportunity to win ÂŁ50 of Thornbury Shopping Vouchers to spend in local businesses. Spend over ÂŁ5 with participating traders from Monday 7 to end of Friday 11 September and you can enter a daily prize draw to win ÂŁ50 of Thornbury Shopping Vouchers to use in local businesses. Explore and rediscover the exciting and wide choice of independent businesses in Thornbury including stationers, gift shops, plant shops, a cake emporium, framer, florists, cafĂŠs, restaurants, pubs and more to be in with a chance of winning. Rowena Moncrieffe, Chair of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, says: “The prize draw is a great way to explore Thornbury’s independent and lively shops and eateries while spending locally to help Thornbury.â€?
How it works
Complete our special voucher on page 23, with your name and telephone number and then hand it in when paying in participating shops.
• Each £50 prize will be issued as 5 x £10 vouchers • The prize vouchers must be spent within 3 months • No change from the prize vouchers can be given and they cannot be exchanged for cash • Vouchers can be spent in any of the participating businesses • Employees of participating businesses cannot enter in the business in which they work.
Find out how you can help support our independent traders: www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos #ShopThornbury
And the winners are‌. Monday and Tuesday’s winners will be announced at 5pm on Wednesday live on the MyThornbury Facebook Page. Wednesday and Thursday’s winners will be announced at 5pm on Friday. Friday’s winner will be announced at 5pm on Monday.Â
There will be five winners, one for each day winning ÂŁ50. The ÂŁ50 will be in the form of 5 x ÂŁ10 vouchers so you can spend them in up to five participating businesses. Buy something for yourself and treat others to a gift.
TURNTOPAGE 23TOSEEWHICH TRADERSARE PARTICIPATING Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk
September, 2020 Issue 40
luke.hall.mp @parliament.uk
Here to help
FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Why Chloe's walking across the water On their bikes VETERAN fundraisers John and Meg Moseley have raised more than £3,600 for charity. PAGE 17
High Street changes 'should be stopped' THE Thornbury resident who started a petition against High Street pedestrianisation says the changes should be reversed until "democracy" can take its course. PAGE 5
A woman is planning a mammoth walk from Thornbury to Cardiff and back. Full story: Page 17
New rules 'will open door to Buckover' CAMPAIGNERS say that changes to planning laws unveiled by the government will make large-scale developments near Thornbury a "ghastly reality". A new target of building 337,000 homes per year nationally has led to the creation of a new formula which local councils will have to use to work out their individual allocation of homes. Campaign group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (Trapp’d) says it will
mean almost 51,000 homes will need to be built in South Gloucestershire in the next 20 years, an increase of almost 23,000 on the previous formula. South Gloucestershire recently re-started its local plan with a call to nominate suitable sites for development, after the regional joint Structure Plan was abandoned. Turn to Page 4
Goodbye Iva ONE of the five founders of Thornbury Rugby Football Club, Iva Hall, has died. PAGE 20
Surgery survey An NHS survey has lifted the lid on patients' views of Thornbury surgeries PAGE 12
Property experts working in the Thornbury property market since the early 1980’s, coping with fast markets, slow markets, boom or recession but always working our hardest to achieve the absolute best for our clients. Please contact
Penny Skinner or Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…
14 The Plain, Thornbury, 01454 858007 www.bondsofthornbury.co.uk
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September, 2020
n NEWS
New rules could see 51,000 new homes built From page 3 The government's Planning for the Future reforms, which are open to consultation until October 29, aim to "streamline and modernise the planning process...and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed". But it has been criticised for proposing more top-down targets and less local scrutiny. Trapp’d spokesperson Colin Gardner said: “It’s only when you get the individual results that the scale of the farce becomes clear. "The formula gives very different results on a local authority by local authority basis, and it happens that South Glos is one of those that gets clobbered. Really, impossibly clobbered.” The planning consultancy Lichfields has applied the new formula to each local authority area to crunch the numbers. Under the method used at the moment, 1,412 homes need to be built in South Gloucestershire
every year. The new formula increases this to 2,544 per year, an increase of 80%. If these annual figures are applied to a twenty year period, they come to 28,240 under the present formula, but 50,880 under the new formula, an increase of 22,640 homes. Colin says the change "might be the legislation that will open the door to Buckover” - the controversial plan for 3,000 homes east of Thornbury which was part of the spatial plan. He said: “The failed JSP had 32,500 houses in South Glos, including the much-despised Buckover. This new requirement would be 18,400 above even that figure – or another six Buckovers.” Colin believes that the chance of Buckover now becoming a "ghastly reality" has taken a "giant leap forward". Trapp’d is also concerned that the new planning system will use the concept of ‘zones’, with
areas considered suitable for significant development labelled as ‘growth areas’. Thornbury was singled out for ‘growth’ under the spatial plan, and Trapp’d members are concerned this could happen again, albeit under a new system, leading to other large developments being fast-tracked around the town. The group is requesting an urgent meeting with Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall, who is now a junior housing minister and pledges "to protect our beautiful towns, villages and countryside" on his website. The Voice approached Mr Hall for comment. In response, a spokesperson at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “Our proposals will increase the supply of land available for new homes where it is needed to address affordability pressures, support economic growth and the renewal of our
towns and cities. “Decisions about which areas are designated for growth, renewal or protection will be made locally – our reforms will give local people a genuinely meaningful voice from the start of the planning process, rather than being given a binary choice between opposing or ignoring a planning application.” The Planning for the Future consultation can be found on the Gov.uk website. South Gloucestershire Council's call for sites to be considered in its next local plan is open until October 20 on the authority's website. It describes the call as "an opportunity for promoters of housing, employment, or community developments to put their ideas forward for assessment of their suitability to help meet South Gloucestershire’s future needs" ahead of public consultations on the local plan.
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We at Bonds wish to send everyone our thoughts and best wishes in these difficult times and just want people to know that we are still at the end of the phone or on email for anyone who needs advice regarding their property needs over the next few weeks.
We are open most mornings and happy to see people by appointment so if you would like to call or email us on
01454 858007 or enquiries@bondsofthornbury.co.uk. Look after yourselves and we will be back to normal as soon as possible.
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September, 2020
thornburyvoice
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n NEWS
Democracy 'ignored' on High Street Fun day THE Thornbury resident who started a petition against High Street pedestrianisation says the changes should be reversed until "democracy" can take its course. Clive Washbourne, a former police officer also known for his voluntary work with youth and sports groups in the town, set up a petition on the South Gloucestershire Council website, signed by more than 680 people, calling on the council to reconsider the closure. But he says his and the paper petitions in Riddifords, Hawkins' and Horders, with a total of more than 1,200 signatures, are being "totally ignored". Clive, who is disabled, says he can no longer reach his bank and other High Street premises, and believes pedestrianisation, introduced as an experimental social distancing measure, "will drive further trade away from the town or onto the web". He said: "I have read the coronavirus legislation and I
cannot find in it anything which actually says that roads should be closed." Clive says he hopes "common sense will prevail" over the closure, adding: "Due to the pandemic the council have not held any formal meetings to be able to discuss this closure and I suggest that it should be stopped until due democracy can take place." Among the issues he believes need to be addressed are the High Street's position in a conservation area, changes to its 'market town' ambience and the question of whether a planning application is needed. The council has launched a consultation giving people until January 31 to have their say on the changes, including a sixpage, 30-question survey. People can access the consultation online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ thornburysurvey or call the council on 01454 868000 to
Clive Washbourne request a paper copy of the survey. A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said it would continue to "monitor the situation closely and keep talking with businesses and shoppers," adding that it would be "subject to regular constructive review". The petition is open until September 6 and can be found at bit.ly/2QjnqBd.
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A FAMILY fun day is being planned to attract more visitors to Thornbury High Street. The free event aims to make use of the extra space created by South Gloucestershire Council's controversial experimental pedestrianisation scheme. It is due to take place on September 5 from 10am until 4pm and traders and stallholders are being encouraged to take part. It is being organised via the Thornbury High Street Facebook group, set up to help the businesses based on the street. The group, which includes the Malthouse, the Swan and the White Lion pubs, aims to make the fun day the first of a series of events, with a craft fair planned for October, a Christmas market on the cards for December and a vintage fair pencilled in for early next year. People who want to help or offer ideas for other events are being advised to contact the group via Facebook.
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thornburyvoice October deadline Our October edition deadline is September 16.
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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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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Thornbury 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. Thornbury 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 contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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September, 2020
n NEWS
Pub up for lockdown award THORNBURY'S oldest pub is one of seven finalists in a national award recognising those which helped people during lockdown. The Swan, in the High Street, has been nominated in the Feeding the Community category of the Great British Pub Awards. Sandra Davies (pictured), who took over the pub in 2011, set up initiatives which helped people get enough to eat when they were unable to leave their homes. Regulars nominated the pub for the award. Voting was due to finish as the Voice was published, with the result announced on September 24. During lockdown Sandra started a service delivering food for elderly and vulnerable people, twice a day, seven days a week, after wondering how some of her older regulars would cope with lockdown. Some people needed extra food items and the team at The Swan would do their shopping, dropping it off with their meal. Sandra said: “I did find it rewarding because a lot of people who were isolated didn’t speak to anybody, so when they rang up they chatted to me on the phone. I’d also text people and ask how they were and check in with them.” The Swan team provided meals for one 95th and two 90th birthday celebrations and to a couple who had to postpone their wedding, as well as making up food packs for the homeless.
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September, 2020
thornburyvoice
7
n LETTERS SPECIAL
A DAD is aiming to help make up for cancelled fundra sponsored ride from ising events at his Land's End to John children's the country. Full o'Groats. Justin Warr story: Page 9 is currently pedall school with a ing the length of
High Street closure – your views The closure of Thornbury High Street to through traffic has been highly controversial. The Voice asked readers for your views last month. Here is what you had to say: WHILST I understand the ‘idea’ behind closing the High Street and that, if we had better weather and a more al fresco culture, sitting and eating outside could be lovely, it is not and unfortunately has never been busy enough to warrant closing the road. Traders are suffering, access is restricted and the impression visitors now get when arriving through Thornbury is not great when they could have been able to drive past the lovely historic buildings on the High Street. I am horrified by the amount of traffic on the road past Aldi and on to Tesco - the queues at these roundabouts are ridiculous already and some of the turnings are quite dangerous. I was very willing to ‘give the changes a go’ but as a resident of the town for 30+ years I am not impressed! Hannah Digby WHAT a total disregard for democracy! The powers that be took a decision without any public consultation or prior notice. This is what it is like living in a statecontrolled environment – totally unacceptable. When I went down to the High Street last week, I could only find a parking space in the lower part of the car park – a very steep hill to
walk up in order to visit the doctors surgery. My wife and myself are in our 70’s and find that kind of climb quite difficult. Surely, a much better system would be to make the High Street a one way traffic system, allowing some parking and stopping the High Street becoming a 'no-go' area. Until this issue is settled, we are finding parking at Yate and Bradley Stoke much easier – Thornbury traders might struggle or even go out of business. Colin Wyborn, Alveston. I LOVE it. It’s much safer, as some people were walking in the street to give people 2 metres' space; others weren’t, which is also dangerous. Having pubs and cafes spilling out into the open air is lovely, and much better for you. I would feel more inclined to have lunch out if I could sit outside. It would also be nice to put awnings down the street, in case it was really sunny or drizzly. It works well in Bath, and abroad. Julia Ottley I AVOID Thornbury High Street with my grandchildren: swearing drunks and a confusing road is not where I want to take them. I choose to drive further to Chipping Sodbury, where it is a clear road and drinking is in rear pub gardens. Thornbury High Street is a mess; it should have stayed open for all the elderly who used to drive there and now don't. Helen Andrews I FEEL very strongly that the High
Street should be reopened but if you listen to Toby Savage and Luke Hall, it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, because the road is closed to enable social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Nobody in the world can change things at the moment. No suggestion will be given due consideration. Under normal conditions I would have no objection to the High Street being made one way up, with diagonal parking for cars and the reinstatement of the bus stop. How ridiculous is the new position of the bus stop opposite Aldi. Next to a busy pedestrian crossing, with no pull-in bay! No consideration has been given to pedestrian visibility or traffic congestion. Pam Benson I PERSONALLY think one-way for the high street would be worth implementing. Two way causes restrictive congestion due to people disregarding the doubleyellow lines. With the advent of bigger cars this makes it more difficult. Having said all this, if the car parks could be improved with definite markings, people would enjoy the walk to the shops. Another idea is that parking in the High Street could be at an angle, making more room. While on parking, could we look into a separate area for larger cars, ie separate from the smaller ones in the car parks? Mr R Evans.
Have your say on High Street
A SIX-month public consultation will be launched to give people a say on the future of Thornbury's controversial High Street closure. South Gloucestersh ire Council is set to annou details of the consul nce tation soon,
as complaints contin the effect of the ban ue about on through traffic. Traders claim the has turned the town closure centre into a "lifeless, soulles s empty space" and there have also been complaints over road safety and
the effect on bus services. But some people benefited from the have scheme, with pubs able to use the to seat customers extra space outside as they reopen following lockdown. Turn to pages
2-3
Property experts workin g in the Thornbury early 1980’s, coping property market since with fast markets, slow the markets, boom or recessio always working our n but hardest to achieve the absolute best for our clients. Please contact Penny
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Saying and hel
SCHOOLS ha ways to say g – and their n how to welco in Septembe PAGES 6 & 7
Fast food zone
AN exclusion z takeaways nea be made part planning polic PAGE 12
Plug in
AN electric car c is set to be insta Thornbury car p PAGE 15
I WRITE to strongly support the pedestrianisation of the High Street. Once the new street14 The Plain, Thor nbur y, 01454 858 www.bondsofthor furniture is installed, the street nbur y.co.uk will be a much more attractive retail destination than it has been. Obviously, various issues need to be resolved, but I believe this opens up the opportunity of regular street markets and events, and supports Thornbury's aim of being a greener place to live. Thornbury is changing, with an increased population. Let's get behind these proposals and look to the future. Helen Ball Thornbury resident for 20 years. Skinner or Rowen
a Moncrieffe for furthe
r details…
BOTH myself and husband are disabled, with walking aids, and holders of the blue badge. To be awarded this badge, one of the requirements is that you are unable to walk without aids for 100 yards, and even with aids you are severely restricted. Our independence has been taken away: this trial of the High Street is laid out with no consideration for disabled parking. The High Street was a busy and bustling place, and that is what made it so unique. The occupants of those parked vehicles were obviously spending their money in our shops. If you are able bodied, enjoy cafes, public houses, and ride a bicycle or scooter then you will enjoy the changes, but please think of all our wonderful other independent shopkeepers, Pamela and Roy Wood
Visit Redmaids’ High Seniors and Sixth Form online or on site this autumn 0117 962 2641
FIVE peopl redundant charge of t complex sa for the fore PAGE 5
redmaidshigh.co.uk
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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September, 2020
n NEWS
GCSEs are 'true and accurate reflection' of work THE head of Thornbury's Castle School says this year's GCSEs accurately reflect students abilities, despite the cancellation of exams in a "time of great challenge". Pupils at Castle School and at Marlwood School in Alveston faced massive disruption to their education caused by the coronavirus lockdown. Castle headteacher Joe Docherty said he acknowledged the "exceptional stresses" students had experienced before receiving their results as exam regulator Ofqual’s controversial
grading system was scrapped and the government decided to go with centre-assessed grades, calculated by teachers, instead. He said: "Staff worked incredibly hard to draw up and scrutinise grades, using as much evidence as they could, and I want to thank them for their adaptability and commitment throughout these past months. "But results day is about the students. We are enormously proud of them and will never forget the cohort of 2020. “Many will have been disappointed not to have the
chance to prove themselves in the final exams, and many will have been anxious in recent months about how results would be calculated. Developing resilience is a key part of education and this cohort have certainly had an extraordinary journey. “I know that these results are a true and accurate reflection of the abilities and effort of these 261 young people. "As usual, there are many students with very high achievement, but I’m especially pleased with the breadth of
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progress across all the students. The most important thing is that the results allow all our students to move on to appropriate further education or training. We must congratulate them, and share their joy and relief.” 65% of pupils who took their GCSES at the Castle School are going on to take up places at its sixth form, with the rest moving on to colleges and other schools. Marlwood School head Del Planter congratulated all those receiving GCSE results, saying: "At a time of great challenge, they have risen admirably to the demands and have proven to all, and most importantly to themselves, what capable young people they are. “I am extremely proud of them, and of the staff who have supported and guided them so ably towards success. It has been a joy to celebrate these outcomes with our students and their parents, who have been extremely supportive of our school and of one another. "We wish them all the best for the future.”
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NO new coronavirus cases had been reported in the Thornbury area for more than a week as the Voice went to press. Figures for the Office for National Statistics, broken down by into small geographic areas, each with a population of around 7,500 people, showed that between August 14 and 20 there were no new reported cases in the area. The total number of reported cases in South Gloucestershire since the start of the pandemic, as of August 22, was 807 – an infection rate of 283.1 per 100,000, with the three most recent South Gloucestershire cases in Patchway. The most recent figures for deaths in each ONS area showed that during June, noone in Thornbury, Alveston, Olveston, Oldbury-on-Severn or Almondsbury had died with COVID-19. In the year to August 7, 170 South Gloucestershire residents had died with the virus.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
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September, 2020
9
n NEWS
School supporting students after A-level results chaos TEACHERS at the Castle School Sixth Form Centre have been supporting A-level students who lost university places amid the national chaos over results. After exams were cancelled early in the coronavirus lockdown, regulator Ofqual’s national system of statistical modelling saw almost four out of every ten grades calculated by schools and colleges lowered, only for the original scores to be reinstated less than a week later after a national outcry over fairness. While the school has been working hard to support anyone who lost a place at their preferred universities as a result,
head teacher Joe Docherty says his focus is on "the achievements of 152 individuals" in the sixth form. The highest achievers, who all received four A* grades, were Dan Church, Alistair WhiteHorne, Yuhan Jiang, and Tom Dawson. Those with three A* grades were Delphi Evans, Emily Rogers, Ellie Hobbs, Ben Massey and Benjy Burgess. Students who got two A* grades and two A grades were Lydia Vosper James Serbrock. Other outstanding students were Josh Ocone and Alex Bilbe, who have won places to study medicine, and Holly Tipping, who will study veterinary science.
Mr Docherty said: “The performance of students in our sixth form remains a very strong feature of the school, and we consistently see excellent progress by students of all abilities. The results show that this year group would have maintained the high standards we are used to seeing in our sixth form.” Head of Sixth Form Sarah Ockenden said: “Results day was a very strange day as we had to e-mail results to students and not enjoy the traditional gathering of students to receive their results. The days following were even more unusual, and we have tried to support individuals while
the national picture changed. Yet it has been a pleasure and a privilege for all of us to have worked with this talented group of students. They have contributed so much, in so many ways, and we will miss them. “We celebrate the achievements of all students; some have made exceptional progress in their years with us and have impressed us greatly in their determination to overcome a number of difficulties. They are now able to take the next steps towards achieving their goals, and we wish them all the very best for their future.”
Justin smashes target on fundraising ride A DAD of two daughters at the Castle School who took on a cycling challenge from Lands’ End to John O'Groats has smashed his fundraising target. Justin Warr, who lives in Thornbury and is the vice-chair of the Castle School Friends group, stepped in to raise money when regular fundraising activities to support the school were cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown. Justin left Lands’ End in July doubting whether he’d manage to complete the marathon ride because of a strain injury to his left leg. But this eased after a few days in the saddle. Justin’s wife and daughters followed him in their motorhome as his support team. He beat his £1,000 target by more than £500 and his GoFundMe page is still accepting donations at bit.ly/34w5NWW. Justin cycled 917 miles in 18 days,
with two rest days and no punctures. The most challenging stretch was through the Cairngorms in Scotland, where the temperature dropped to 6C, with driving wind and rain. Justin said: “The biggest highs, apart from the health benefits of exercising, were meeting people who were so generous and supportive. This ranged from someone giving me free lunch at a truck-stop near Hereford to someone on a campsite in Scotland thrusting a £20 note into my hand on hearing of the ride. “Overall the ride was very special and something I will treasure forever. The kindness and generosity kept me going, especially as it has been such a difficult year for so many people, so I would really like to thank everyone who supported the ride and the school.”
Justin Warr finishes his ride at John O'Groats
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thornburyvoice
September, 2020
Bletchley Park mementoes are surprise of sale STROUD Auctions’ August sale featured specialist sections of guns and weapons, medals and militaria, toys and cameras. As usual, there was huge interest in the sporting section, and the top selling lot was a desirable Browning shotgun (£4,980), one of over 400 lots of shooting-related items in the sale. However the surprise lot of the sale was a Royal Air Force service and release book for Leading aircraftwoman E I Kettle, who was a wireless operator at code-breaking nerve centre Bletchley Park, sold together with a named photograph of 'D' Watch Auto, taken at Church Green, Bletchley, in July 1945, with LACW Kettle being shown in the back row. Also included was a message from the centre's director general, dated May 8 1945 (VE Day) thanking everyone for their work, which was signed by various female colleagues and stamped by nine departments, as well as a Morse Code slip dated May 7 1945 and marked in pencil. Originally estimated at £80-120, the lot sold for £1,000. The auctioneer’s favourite lot was a collection of two personal
Mementoes from the codebreaking centre at Bletchley Park provided the surprise lot of the auction
photograph albums from the First World War, compiled by Lieutenant A C Kingham, Honourable Artillery Company, the first depicting his time and experiences on the Western Front, which sold for £600. Further albums depicted WWI in Italy (£460) and the Expeditionary Force in Russia, in 1918 (£460). However, it can also be the unexpected items that surprise you. In a toy section of over 600 lots were a selection of small petrol and diesel engines from model aircraft, some dating to the post-war period and very collectable. An Oliver Tiger
Personal photo albums from the Western Front in WWI sold for £600.
example made £130, with the whole collection of engines making over £3,000 in total. In total there were 1,884 lots and 1,962 online bidders. The next auction will be on September 9-11 and includes jewellery, silver, watches, clocks and coins. Always a popular sale, this one looks exceptional, with over 1,200 lots of jewellery alone. If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not book in for the viewing day on September 8? Entries are still being accepted
for the October 7 & 8 auction, which will include vinyl records, pictures and paintings, books, stamps, ephemera, ceramics and glass, and for the November 4 & 5 auction, which will include medals, militaria, guns, weapons, air rifles, swords, toys, plus cars, motorbikes and transport-related collectables. Already consigned are a large private collection of medals and militaria, two rare Zell air pistols, toys including Corgi and Airfix, motorbikes including a 1942 Harley Davidson model U and three restored BSA Bantams.
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on November 4th & 5th
Including specialist sections of guns, weapons, medals, militaria, taxidermy, toys, classic cars, motorbikes & transport
1975 Land Rover series III Sold for £8,200
WW2 Bletchley Park interest medal & related paperwork Sold for £1000
Browning B25 12 bore over & under ejector shotgun Sold for £5000 Deadline for entries 10th October
FREE valuations Monday-Friday 9-5 by appointment at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph to info@stroudauctions.com We are regularly ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders
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September, 2020
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11 thornburyvo
n NEWS
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Violent prisoner walks out
Fo m op
PEOPLE have been warned not to approach a violent prisoner who has walked out of Leyhill open jail. Shannon Gray (pictured), was last seen at about 6pm on August 8 at the prison, where he was serving an indeterminate sentence after being convicted of wounding with intent in 2007. Police are appealing for sightings and warned anyone who sees him not to approach him but to call 999 immediately, quoting crime reference number 5220 178 468. Anyone who thinks they know where he is should call 101, quoting the same reference number. Officers say 38-year-old Gray, who has links to the Taunton area, is white, about 5ft 11in tall and of slight build. He is believed to have been wearing navy blue jogging bottoms, a grey T-shirt and grey trainers when he absconded.
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Passenger injured on M5 A CAR passenger suffered multiple fractures and a van driver sustained whiplash injuries in a crash on the M5 near Thornbury. Police investigating the collision have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage of the incident, which happened at around 5.35pm on Saturday, July 18, on the northbound carriageway on the approach to the Falfield junction. A passenger in a grey Nissan Qashqai car sustained two broken ankles and a broken rib, while the driver of a white Citroen van was treated for whiplash injuries. Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote reference number 5220 159 843.
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n NEWS MORE than eight out of ten patients of Thornbury surgeries are satisfied with the service they receive. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published this summer, found that 80% of patients at Thornbury Health Centre, 91% at St Mary Street and 89% at Streamside described their overall experience as good. The figure was 88% at Almondsbury Surgery and 82% at Pilning Surgery. But there were variations in the time it took for people to be seen at their local practice and how easy they found it to get through to ask for help. At Thornbury Health Centre, 45% of patients were able to book a same-day appointment, 28% waited more than a day but less than a week and 20% waited for more than a week. Among patients at St Mary Street, 29% were able to book a same-day appointment, 43% waited more than a day but less than a week and 26% waited for a week or more. At Streamside, just 17% of patients surveyed were able to
September, 2020
Survey lifts lid on patients' views of Thornbury surgeries book same-day appointments, 49% waited more than a day but less than a week and 29% waited more than a week. At Almondsbury, 43% of patients were able to book a same-day appointment, 29% waited more than a day but less than a week and 23% waited for more than a week, while at Pilning 28% of appointments were same-day, 32% were more than a day but less than a week and 31% were a week or more later. Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. There were also differences in how easy patients found it to get through to their surgery on the phone. The percentage saying it was easy ranged from 94% at Almondsbury and 93% at St Mary Street through 88% at
Pilning and Streamside, down to 51% at Thornbury Health Centre. Overall, 62% of Thornbury Health Centre patients described their experience of making an appointment as good, compared with 86% at St Mary Street, 72% at Streamside, 73% at Almondsbury and 74% at Pilning. Almost 26,000 patients in the area responded to the survey, which was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI earlier this year and also included questions on out of hours’ services and online services. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is in overall charge of funding surgeries, said 96% of patients had confidence and trust in the healthcare professionals they saw, while 90% found receptionists helpful at their
practice. CCG clinical lead for primary care provider development Dr Geeta Iyer said: “Improving and strengthening primary care services is a high priority for us and it is more important than ever that this continues in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the past year our primary care networks have made great progress, bringing groups of practices together with other community services to provide co-ordinated and joined up care for people in their local areas “The results of the survey are a testament to all the hard work of everyone who works in primary care, in both clinical and non-clinical roles, who continue to deliver high quality GP services for our population.”
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thornburyvoice
September, 2020
13
n THORNBURY CLINIC
Are you a headache sufferer?
Sarah West is a senior physiotherapist, Pilates and yoga instructor working at the Thornbury Clinic. Sarah has over 10 years’ clinical experience, having worked in professional sport, within the NHS and in private practice. HEADACHES are common in the general population, with a lifetime prevalence of 90%, and 50% of the population presenting with headache at any one given time. It is a common complaint seen in primary care and is responsible for 30% of outpatient neurology clinics. Healthcare practitioners sometimes find it difficult to diagnose headaches and patients
are often prescribed pain killers. However, there is strong evidence to support the use of therapeutic management through physiotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic manipulative therapy. The most common classification system for headache disorders is from the International Headache Society (ICHD). The two main categories are primary and secondary headache. Primary headaches include migraines, tension-type headaches and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches include headache due to trauma, neck pain, vascular disorders and cervicogenic headaches. So, which headache do you have? Tension type headache This is the most common primary headache. It is described as a tight feeling, as if your head were in a vice. It is a mild to moderate steady ache, often in the forehead, or both sides of the neck and back of the
head. It is commonly associated with soreness in the shoulder and neck, with muscle tightness and trigger points in the muscles that attach to the base of the head. Migraines Migraines are generally a throbbing pain, affecting one side of the head and are associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura. This pulsating pain is moderate to severe and can last from four to 72 hours. Cluster headache The rarest and most painful form of headache. It is a severe headache localised to one eye and the temporal region, as the temporal artery bulges and pulsates. It is not uncommon to have associated tearing, nasal congestion and sweating. Attacks generally last 4590 minutes and usually occur the same time of day, often when from an afternoon nap or sleep at night. Cervicogenic headaches This secondary type of headache
originates from pain and dysfunction in the neck. Symptoms affect only one side of the head and neck, and can last from an hour to weeks. Pain is moderate to severe and exacerbated by movements of the neck and posture. It is associated with increased tightness of surrounding neck and shoulder musculature, increased activity of superficial neck flexors and weakness of deep neck flexors. Therapeutic management Current evidence supports the following advice and treatments that can be performed by practitioners: cervical spine mobilisation and manipulation; strengthening exercises, including deep neck flexors and postural scapular muscles; thoracic manipulation and mobility exercise; acupuncture, soft tissue release and trigger point therapy; relaxation training and lifestyle advice
New minister welcomed THORNBURY United Reformed Church is preparing to meet its new minister. Rev Neil Thorogood and his wife Jenny are coming to the town from Cambridge, where Neil has been principal of Westminster College in Cambridge, one of the URC's three Centres for Learning, for the last seven years. They will be living in Henleaze near Trinity-Henleaze United Reformed Church, where he is also the minister. On Saturday September 26 a welcome service will be held at 3pm. Under normal circumstances the church would have welcomed members of the community to join them, but coronavirus guidelines mean only 30 people will be allowed into the building for the service, so invitations will be "very limited", although a more public event is planned after restrictions on numbers have been lifted. For more information call Robin Pencavel on 01454 632064.
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September, 2020
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Campaign shows it's safe to join a retirement home A RETIREMENT organisation which has had no cases of coronavirus in its homes has now officially opened its doors again to new residents. Abbeyfield House, which runs five houses in Bristol and the surrounding area, including one at Home Farm Way, Easter Compton, has not been able to show potential residents around since March, resulting in some vacancies. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant a difficult time for many people but Abbeyfield took early preventative action and put comprehensive additional measures in place to keep residents safe. Abbeyfield House manager Pauline Warbutton said: "We always have stringent hygiene and infection control procedures in place and we significantly increased measures to reduce the risk of infection across all our houses. "We immediately introduced enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing, such as different sittings at mealtimes,
or spreading residents between different rooms to eat, and insisted on at least 3 metres' distance at all times." Pauline said the hardest thing for residents was not being able to see their loved ones. She said: "We had to limit visitors to carers, or a family member or friend acting in the capacity of carer. As a retirement organisation whose ethos centres around community, companionship and helping older people remain independent, having to ask residents to stay in the house
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during lockdown was also very difficult. But we had to keep them as safe and protected as possible." During lockdown staff members ramped up activities to make up for not being able to bring in regular entertainers or keep fit instructors. Pauline said residents are now able to welcome visitors inside the house again, which is "great for morale". She added: "I’m very aware that there are older people who have been isolated from their families during the pandemic,
and who might still be struggling to live on their own, and it's concerning to think they might lack the confidence to make the move to an environment where they will be happier and more secure. "I do appreciate families might be concerned about their loved one moving to a retirement house right now, but I want people to know that it’s completely safe to join any one of our Abbeyfield houses and that we have lots of measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety when a new person comes to live with us." New residents are currently asked to self-isolate for ten days in their new apartment before fully enjoying all the benefits of their new home. As part of its Safe Hands campaign, Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham is offering an introductory offer to anyone joining as a new resident. For more information call 0117 973 6997 or visit www. abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk 22/02/2017 11:09
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thornburyvoice
September, 2020
17
n NEWS
Chloe's mammoth walk for Macmillan A THORNBURY woman who has been inspired by the work of a cancer charity is walking all the way to Cardiff – and back – to raise money for its nurses. Chloe James aims to tackle the 72-mile return journey to the Welsh capital in just 48 hours, walking for 12 hours each day. Chloe chose Macmillan because of the personal support their nurses offer to children and adults who have cancer. She said: “One of my friends’ little sisters was primary school age when she passed away from cancer. Macmillan really helped her. “It must be horrible having cancer during the pandemic and being told that you’ve got to say at home and you can’t see your family, when you don’t know how long you have left.” Chloe moved to Thornbury recently and is still an air cadet
Chloe James training by the river Severn with her original squadron. After completing her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with them in Snowdonia last summer she came up with the idea of a charity walk. She said: “I used to be a runner, and then my knees told me to stop. I always wanted to
run the London marathon but I don’t think I’d be able to now: my knees wouldn’t hold me up. I could walk a marathon but 26 miles didn’t sound enough, so I went for 72 miles.” Chloe’s training involves long walks of 10 to 12 miles and going to sessions at Elite Fitness
on Thornbury High Street, where she is following a training programme. She is walking sections of her route to Cardiff. Chloe said: “Wales isn’t known for its sunshine. My cadet group on the mountains had the worst weather conditions our leaders had seen. It was foggy and raining, so our waterproofs were no longer waterproof and you couldn’t see a metre in front of you. But you just have to get on with it. So a few Cardiff showers won’t be too bad compared to that.” The fundraising walk is due to take place on September 26-27 and people can follow Chloe's progress by searching for @chloejameslongwalk on Facebook. Her fundraising page is at justgiving.com/fundraising/ chloe-james19.
John and Meg's charity cycle challenge VETERAN fundraisers John and Meg Moseley got on their bikes to raise more than £3,600 for charity. The Thornbury couple cycled a 19-mile course, taking in Berkeley and Oldbury-on-Severn, in a time of a time of 2 hours 50 minutes, including 3 refreshment stops, on August 15. Three years ago, when John and Meg were aged 79 and 77 respectively, they tackled the Bristol Half Marathon to raise money for relief and development charity Tearfund and were invited to support it again this year as regular fundraising events fell victim to coronavirus. John has been riding since he was four years old but he said Meg had not been on her bike for more than a year before lockdown. He said: "In fact, 19 miles is the furthest she has ever ridden in her whole life, so nothing is impossible when 80 years of age!" John and Meg's JustGiving fundraising page can be found online at bit.ly/2CV59H7 and anyone who is not online and would like to donate a cheque or cash should call 01454 417932 for more details.
John and Meg Moseley on their bikes
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September, 2020
n LOCAL MP
High Street pedestrianisation divides opinion
D
URING the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Gloucestershire Council took the decision to pedestrianise Thornbury High Street; prompting strongly held views about the changes. Some residents, businesses and community groups have explained they are in favour of the measures, pointing out that they feel more confident returning to shops and restaurants on the High Street. Conversely, others have raised concerns over the ease of access for disabled residents, increased anti-social behaviour and the levels of footfall on the High Street. The Council have now launched a full consultation, asking for views on the future of the High Street. This is scheduled to close on the 31st January and
the full details of how to respond to the consultation can be found on their website. This is the official route to have your say; whether you would prefer a one-way system, a permanent pedestrianised zone, or to return the High Street to its previous form. So please use this consultation to make sure your voice is heard. Having spoken to businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of residents, I have written to the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council to ask for the following considerations during this period: Firstly, for a review of the blue badge and disabled parking spaces within the proximity of the High Street. Some residents have expressed concern that the current disabled parking spaces are not accessible for disabled
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residents and blue badge users. Secondly, I have asked for the Council to take further action, alongside Avon and Somerset Police, to tackle anti-social behaviour on the High Street, ensuring that it remains safe and welcoming to all members of our community. Third, I have asked for the reopening of Soapers Lane, adjacent to Thornbury Town Hall, providing pedestrians access between St Mary Street and Thornbury High Street, keeping this lane open during the day for residents’ ease of access, particularly elderly and disabled shoppers. Finally, I have asked for the Council to make hard copies of the consultation available, to ensure those who are unable to access information online are still able to have their voice heard. Supporting local businesses
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is an absolute priority for the Council and the Government, and I fully appreciate that local shops, restaurants and businesses in Thornbury have varying circumstances and different feelings about these proposals. If you would like further detail on how to respond to the consultation, or if there is anything else I can help with as the local MP, please do not hesitate to get in touch at luke. hall.mp@parliament.uk.
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20
September, 2020
n SPORT
Thorns founder Iva passes away ONE of the five founders of Thornbury RFC, Iva Hall, has died. Were it not for the hard work, determination and vision of Iva, Alan Hodgkinson, Alan Drinkald, Mike Jeffries and Cliff Barrington, Thornbury Rugby Football Club would not exist. They were greatly focussed on providing a rugby club for the growing population of
Thornbury and in 1963 the club was formed, beginning their history with a match against Whitehall on the Mundy Playing Fields. Only Alan Hodgkinson now remains from the 'Famous Five'. Iva ran the line for the First XV until 2010 and was the club’s first treasurer, a role he fulfilled until 2007. He continued to help raising funds for the club until
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recently, and was also involved in Thornbury tennis club. Away from rugby Iva was a senior aero engine designer with Rolls-Royce, and had to temporarily suspend his retirement to assist solving problems with the dust-filled engines of RAF Tornado aircraft during the Gulf War. Our deepest condolences go to Joan and James.
Iva’s funeral took place on August 24. With attendance limited to 30 under coronavirus restrictions, club members and supporters stood to applaud the hearse as it passed through the town, including 15 club captains who gathered outside Iva’s house. There are plans for all Thornbury supporters to be given an opportunity to attend a celebration of his life when restrictions are lifted. Dave Fox
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September, 2020
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21
n SPORT
Mike's cricket contribution remembered
By Steve Hill MIKE Collett’s towering contribution to club cricket has been celebrated with the dedication of a memorial bench at Thornbury. Mike, who died last year, was a former youth chairman, treasurer, chairman and life member at the club, and also a founding member of Bristol Phoenix, which played a major role in the development of female players. Bristol Phoenix, established in 2008 as a three-way partnership between Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury and Shirehampton, presented the bench in a ceremony attended by Mike's widow Jenny and son Andy. Thornbury president Les Summerfield said: “Mike came to Thornbury in 1989 whilst in the twilight of his own playing career. We did not know it at the time, but a giant of grassroots
Pictured, left to right: Thornbury president Les Summerfield, Andy Collett, Jenny Collett and Steve Forecast. cricket had just walked through our door. “He was one of the most prominent and influential club members Thornbury have ever had. He had joined the club not for his benefit but for ours: we were truly blessed." Mike, who also had spells as second and third team captain, won the Wicks Cup, for outstanding service, in 1998 and 2003.
He was also key in opening negotiations with Tockington Manor School, securing the use of a 3rd/4th XI ground for Thornbury and a grant for the pavilion which stands there today. Along with Ian Moss, John Harris and Andy Shield, Mike was a driving force behind the formation of Bristol Phoenix. Former Phoenix coach Steve Forecast said: “At the time girls
and women were not getting enough, if any, club cricket. “Mike was instrumental in the building of a junior section, visiting many schools and convincing the Bristol Youth League to let girls' teams enter ‘a year down’. “The profile of women’s cricket grew, with the Phoenix playing a major role and Mike leading. He managed to get people to do things. Sometimes stern, assertive, persuasive but always gentle with the expectation that things would be done properly. “There are now around 20 clubs with female sections and players are accepted into open teams on merit, all built on a foundation and example set by Bristol Phoenix. “It’s fitting that this bench in his memory is placed here at Thornbury, especially when we see the number of girls training in the junior section.”
Thornbury Town strengthen ahead of new season THERE is still some uncertainty about the start of the new football season but all at Thornbury Town have been preparing for the first whistle, whenever that may be. The senior and junior squads have recommenced training, in line with Government and FA guidelines, and some of the sides have started pre-season friendlies, with no spectators present. Whilst the first team still have not been given a date for their first league game, they do know who their opponents will be in 1st Qualifying Round of the
FA Vase. Thorns face a trip to Abingdon Town on September 19, and if they win, they will be at home to either Abingdon United or Shortwood United. Unfortunately there will be no chance of FA Cup glory this season, as places in the competition were oversubscribed and Town were unsuccessful in the ballot for one of them. Pre-season results have been good, with victories at Odd Down (Bath) and Longwell Green Sports and a defeat at Hallen. Manager Jason Rees has managed to strengthen his team with a number of new signings,
and is hopeful that the team will be among the frontrunners. Meanwhile, the reserves' young squad had won both of their preseason friendlies before the Voice went to press, as they prepare for an assault on Bristol & District League Division 1. The newly-formed U18 side has been accepted into the Bristol U18 Combination and the Club hope to make an announcement about the new management team shortly. The committee, especially Brian Lansdown, have been busy trying to make sure the club has all the proper risk assessments
and procedures in place for the restart of competitive football, sometime in September. A lot of work has been done to ensure all players, officials and spectators are kept safe at games at the Mundy Fields. In an attempt to recoup some of the income lost over the last few months, Thorns have launched an appeal on the crowdfunder.co.uk site and it is hoped that many supporters and well-wishers will be able to make a donation. More details can be found on the club website, thornburytownfc.co.uk. Malcolm Storey
www.filton-central.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
We’re welcoming you back to our development… MAKE THE MOST OF STAMP DUTY SAVINGS
New Retirement Apartments and Cottages FOR SALE in THORNBURY We are delighted to announce that as Covid-19 restrictions start to relax, we’ve now reopened our Show Complex by appointment only. Your wellbeing remains our priority, so we have put in place a number of measures to keep everyone safe during your visit. One thing we are proud of at Churchill is our strong sense of community and companionship, which has really come to life during these difficult times. This has been summed up so perfectly by one of our Owners:
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O U R H E R I TAG E . YO U R F U T U R E B U I LT O N I N T EG R I T Y A N D T R U S T
ShopThornbury HelpUsThrivePrizeDraw
PARTICIPATING PRIZE DRAW TRADERS: Find out how you can help support our independent traders: www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos #ShopThornbury
LoubyLou Yarns
Mint Plants
Savery & Son
T & J Owen
Thornbury Garden Shop
The Swan
Horders
Costa Coffee
Papilio at Heritage Home and Coffee Shop
Rosie & Rex
Jolies Fleurs
Le beau Soleil
Voucher Complete the voucher below at home and just hand this in when you spend over ÂŁ5 in one of the participating businesses:
Finishing Touches
Shop Thornbury Voucher
Hawkes House
Surroundings
Spend over ÂŁ5 in any participating shop and hand this voucher to the shop to be entered into a daily draw to have a chance to win ÂŁ50 in Thornbury Vouchers. This voucher will allow you 1 chance on the day you visited the participating business. Name ............................................................................................................................................... Telephone No ..............................................................................................................................
Find out how you can help support our independent traders: www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos #ShopThornbury