Thornbury Voice April 2020

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

April, 2020 Issue 37

luke.hall.mp @parliament.uk

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FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Nigel is on a recycling mission A THORNBURY man is aiming to change council policy to stop packaging from cat food being dumped in landfill.

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Radio go-ahead YEAR 6 pupils from Gillingstool Primary School had the “time of their lives” at a residential activity course by the seaside in Wales. They returned home a week before schools were told to close as restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus took hold. Full story: Page 6

Normal life is on hold NORMAL life has been put on hold as restrictions put in place to fight coronavirus affect every aspect of society and the economy.

From schools to pubs to churches and sports clubs, places which are part of the everyday fabric of life have been closed, while long-planned events that form part of the Thornbury area’s yearly calendar are postponed or cancelled.

Supermarket shelves are emptied in panic and loved ones are unable to see each other.

But across the area people are coming together to offer support to neighbours in self-isolation, give advice and suggestions for things to do at home and simply cheer each other up.

THORNBURY is to have its own FM radio station after a successful application to Government regulator Ofcom for a full-time licence.

PAGE 7

Children ‘flourish’ at town preschool AN inspector has praised an ‘exceptionally vibrant and nurturing’ preschool in Thornbury.

PAGE 8

Reports: Pages 2-5. Sport: Pages 29-30

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.

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14 The Plain, Thornbury, 01454 858007 www.bondsofthornbury.co.uk

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April, 2020

n CORONAVIRUS

What to do if you develop symptoms PEOPLE who become ill during the coronavirus outbreak have been given advice on what to do by the NHS at a local and national level.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds the area’s GP surgeries and hospitals, is reiterating NHS national advice to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, which include a new continuous cough and a high temperature.

The advice is: • Stay at home for 7 days.

• Do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice.

• If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.

After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.

• If anyone in your home then gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day

their symptoms start – even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days in total.

• If your symptoms are serious, or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service at 111. nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/ that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.

• Only phone 111 if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online.

Surgeries have changed their appointment procedures for all other patients, regardless of the reason for getting in touch, in the light of the outbreak.

Patients who believe they need medical help are being asked to call to arrange an appointment as face-to-face consultations are minimised.

Patients of St Mary Street surgery are advised to call 01454 413691.

Patients of Streamside should call 01454 412167.

Almondsbury Surgery

patients should call 01454 613161 and Pilning Surgery patients 01454 632393.Repeat Prescriptions can be ordered online, via your pharmacy, or via post – but the CCG has urged people not to stockpile medication during the outbreak to ensure that everyone can get the medication they need, after pharmacies in the area reported running low on essential medications and being inundated by orders for prescriptions.

Medical director Dr Martin Jones said: “Huge pressure is being put on primary care and community pharmacists with extra ordering of medicines. We want to reassure people in our area that there is no need for you to do anything new or different with your medicines. People should order their prescriptions and take their medicines as normal.”

Stockpiling or purchasing medication that isn’t needed could disadvantage other

patients, and there is also a risk of shortages if stockpiling disrupts the normal supply chain.

Pharmacist Ade Williams said: “We appreciate this is a very worrying time, but our pharmacy processes are well prepared for additional strain – what we do need, however, is for people to cooperate with the advice not to stockpile.

“If you take medicines for a long-term medical condition, please order your repeat medication within 7 – 10 days of your current medication running out. Community pharmacies are part of the NHS front line, working tirelessly to provide ongoing healthcare and medicines. We will be there for you and your loved ones. Our processes are tested to withstand surges in demand – but do please support us and your community by following the usual procedures.”

LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?

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.

Currently we are doing limited appointments but foresee that may need to be reviewed shortly because of social distancing and hope that people will respect the government instructions in this matter and so understand our stance.

We will however still be available on 01454 858007 or enquiries@bondsofthornbury.co.uk.

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April, 2020

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n CORONAVIRUS

FREE inspections NO call-out fees

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COMMUNITY groups across the area have sprung up in response to the Coronavirus emergency.

Social media pages have been set up aiming to co-ordinate help for people who are self-isolating or struggling to cope with the unprecedented crisis.

In the Thornbury area a Facebook group called I Can Offer has been set up with the aim: “To link those willing to help out in any way possible at this time of health crisis.”

Set up by two residents, one of whom is an NHS health care professional, within hours of being set up more than 500 people had joined and the page was swamped with offers ranging from help with shopping for the elderly, to an appeal for jam for a care home which was struggling to find any in the shops.

One of the administrators said: “The group was started as we were concerned elderly and vulnerable people may not have anyone to help them.

“I think the group will evolve naturally, but we’re mindful that we are all being asked to socially distance, which may present difficulties.

“We would be looking for a team of volunteers to do shopping, collect prescriptions and become telephone befrienders for the lonely. And most definitely we would love for this to continue beyond the current crisis.”

I Can Offer is just one of many Facebook pages which have emerged in South Gloucestershire.

Others include Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Coronavirus

✂

Communities rally to help needy

(COVID-19) Isolation Support and Easter Compton Look Out Group.

Matt Palmer, who is a town councillor in Emersons Green, has been helping to coordinate them by area via the Bristol and South Glos Covid-19 Help and Support group, which had more than 5,000 members as the Voice went to press.

Matt said: "We are in unprecedented times and people across the whole community are working together to support each other. The admin team from our Facebook page have been overwhelmed by the community response to the challenges of Covid-19, and a number of volunteers who have pledged their time and support to help those in need.

“We are working on a coordinated response to make sure that those who need support receive it and we maximise the effectiveness of our volunteers, whilst at the same time ensuring our most vulnerable and isolated residents are safe. We are trying to create a safe apolitical space filled with love, kindness and hope.

“The community really is stepping up across the whole of South Gloucestershire and Bristol from random acts of kindness, singing, dancing, waving through windows, sending emails to food delivering, shopping and dog walking – people are all playing their part. This has been a volunteer run initiative and we have been pushing the

boundaries with what we can do without funding and support from the local authority or MPs." Since the groups set up, councils have also offered help in coordinating volunteer groups.

South Gloucestershire Council announced it was setting up a directory of groups and was making available a support pack for community aid groups, via parish councils and online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ communityaid.

The council is asking community groups to email their details to CommunityAid@ southglos.gov.uk so it can offer support.

Anyone who needs help but is not online can call Matt Palmer on 07738 589329.

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Our May edition will be going to print on April 27. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by April 22. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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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

n CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 scam warning CRIMINALS are exploiting the coronavirus outbreak to con people out of money, police have warned.

Action Fraud says there has been a surge in people reporting frauds related to the pandemic, with online scams where people have ordered protective masks, hand sanitisers and other products that did not arrive netting almost £1 million in recent weeks.

There have also been more than 200 reports about coronavirusthemed phishing emails, which attempt to trick people into opening malicious attachments or revealing sensitive personal and financial information.

The Local Government Association has warned elderly and vulnerable people who are self-isolating to beware of cold callers pretending to be helpful neighbours or officials carrying out virus testing.

The association has advised people not to accept offers to run errands, collect prescriptions or do shopping from people they do not already know, if they are asking for cash upfront, or a credit card and PIN.

Bus services change

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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April, 2020

BUS and train services have been changed to ensure essential workers can still use them while many other people stay at home.

First West of England started running a Saturday service during the working week from March 23, for those who still need to travel across the region.

Time restrictions for using the Diamond Travelcard concessionary pass, which usually allows free travel only after 9am, have been relaxed so pensioners can access early supermarket opening.

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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

Complaints

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Thornbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details above. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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April, 2020

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n CORONAVIRUS

Closures and cancellations disrupt life FROM the institutions we use every day to beloved annual events that help mark the year, the coronavirus has changed life for Thornbury, like other towns and cities across the world.

Businesses, schools and even churches have been forced to close by the coronavirus outbreak, with pubs, restaurants and cafes shutting their doors on March 20 as social distancing rules designed to slow the spread of the disease were tightened.

Some are running takeaway or delivery services to keep going while others have closed entirely.

Schools shut down on the same date, with some closing earlier due to staffing issues.

Supermarkets in the area have been under strain, with panic buying causing some products to run out.

Tesco is reserving the hours between 9am and 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for vulnerable customers, the Co-op is reserving an hour at the start of each day, Aldi is closing earlier, at 8pm each day, while LE Riddiford is restricting customer numbers.

South Gloucestershire Council has shut all of its libraries, leisure centres and public toilets, and has set up a Service Disruption page on its website southglos.gov.uk to provide updates.

Thornbury Town Hall is closed until further notice and the town’s churches have also suspended services and closed their doors, with many now streaming them via Facebook.

Some of the town’s best-loved

Alistair McGowan was the headline act at Thornbury Arts Festival, which has been cancelled. annual events face cancellation: Thornbury Arts Festival, which had been due to take place between April 24 and May 2 at Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall, has already been called off, along with the associated Severn Vale Art Trail, which was scheduled for May 1-10.

Organisers issued a statement which said: “Regrettably we consider that it is appropriate with immediate effect to cancel Thornbury Arts Festival for this year.”

They assured ticket holders they would be refunded but added: “Inevitably, we will have incurred costs that we will not be able to recover and would welcome any donation that you might be willing to make to defray those costs and secure the livelihood of future Thornbury Arts Festivals.”

The festival, a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, was due to feature a concert by comedian and

writer-turned-pianist Alistair McGowan, as well as a gig by 80s pop star Paul Young’s Tex-Mex band Los Pacaminos.

Thornbury’s third science festival, which had been due to take place between June 20 and July 12, has also been cancelled, and the outbreak has cast a shadow over the RHS Britain in Bloom competition, with the UK finals cancelled.

The consultation around the draft Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan is now only available online, as face-to-face events have been cancelled.

The draft plan and survey are available via the Neighbourhood Plan website, thornburyplan. co.uk, which is open for comment until April 25.

Among the many other community events cancelled, all Thornbury Lions events are postponed, along with the Alveston Repair Cafe’s May session and Northavon Youth Theatre Company’s Seussical the

Musical, planned for Armstrong Hall this month, has been postponed until the autumn.

Elections for the Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner, which were due to take place on May 7, have been postponed for a year, with present PCC Sue Mountstevens agreeing to stay in the job for another year.

Further afield, Badminton Horse Trials, one of the biggest attended live sporting events in the country, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis.

The trials, which were attended by 180,00 people last year, had been due to take place from May 6-10 at Badminton Park, near Chipping Sodbury.

More than 180,000 spectators attended the 2019 event, making it one of the top ten sporting occasions of the year.

Young dancers from Thornbury, Alveston, Olveston and Almondsbury who are members of the Sharon Phillips School of Dancing have seen their show All the Worlds a stage, which was due to take place in early April, postponed until July.

Some 200 children were taking part in sell-out shows to 1,100 people, with the aim of raising £4,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.

In the light of the sheer number cancellations, this month’s Thornbury Voice does not contain a What’s On section.

You can keep up with further developments via the Voice website, thornburyvoice.co.uk, and our Facebook page.

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n NEWS

April, 2020

Pupils find new horizons at Morfa Bay YEAR 6 pupils from a Thornbury school had an exciting five-day adventure, which they managed to complete shortly before coronavirus restrictions brought the country’s schools to a halt.

The 10 and 11-year-old children from Gillingstool Primary School – many of whom had never been parted from their parents for so long before – had a week of activities at Morfa Bay Adventure, near Pendine, in South Wales.

Among the outdoor and adventure activities were zip-wiring and abseiling, rockclimbing, mountain biking, a mud assault course and body-boarding on Pendine Sands.

Head teacher Caroline Carter said the

children had returned to school “buzzing” about the new residential trip, adding: “Camp is always an empowering event for the children – they learn so much – and have so much fun.”

Year 6 pupil Melody Legg said: “It really made us challenge ourselves. The staff at Morfa Bay were lovely and I have really gained lots of self-confidence from the experience.”

Year 6 teacher Hannah Elsbury said: “Residential visits are so important for children in developing their independence and resilience. It’s brilliant that our Gillingstool children have the chance to try such an enormous range of new experiences.”

Primary school added to homes plan DEVELOPERS aiming to build almost 600 new homes in Thornbury have added a primary school to their plans.

Barwood Development Securities Ltd, first applied for permission to build 650 homes at Park Farm in December 2018 but this has been reduced to 595 due to the addition of a primary school, nursery and playing fields.

The company describes the site off Butt Lane as: “An integrated new neighbourhood with facilities and amenities to benefit the wider Thornbury community, including a primary school with adjacent retail and community hub.”

The revised plans submitted to South Gloucestershire Council, have attracted 25 responses from members of the public, with objections ranging from strains on existing infrastructure to dangers to wildlife in an area which has already seen many new houses built.

Castle School is the nearest secondary school, and developers say a financial contribution would be made by them towards enhancing provision there.

The retail and community hub has been

moved on the revised plans, to be sited next to the new primary school.

In the documents, the developer says: “If demand from health care providers (dentist and/or doctors) is forthcoming, the space can be made available for this use.”

The developer says the site would still have a range of open spaces including parkland, allotments, areas for informal recreation and landscaping – but now a greater proportion of the existing hedgerows will be retained. New roads, a pathway for cyclists and pedestrians leading directly into the town centre, a bus link, and parking areas would be included.

Campaign group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development is calling on the council to refused permission for the scheme.

A spokesperson said: “Our stance is very firmly that this is speculative development which the leader of the council, Toby Savage, has publicly vowed to fight and, anyway, is not necessary to meet housing demand for this Authority region.

“We, therefore, remain hopeful that

planning officers will recommend refusal, but we would caution that even if that is the case the developers will almost certainly go to appeal.

“Interestingly Highways England have recommended that ‘planning permission not be granted for a period of 6 months’, as they are involved in ongoing discussions with the applicant over a proposed mitigation scheme at Junction 14 of the M5.”

Thornbury Town Council objected to the original application on the grounds that the development was ‘ill conceived’ and would be ‘detrimental’ to the town, with too much pressure put on the current infrastructure of schools, health and community facilities.

The former leader of South Gloucestershire Council, Matthew Riddle, who is a councillor for Severn Ward, has declared a family interest in approximately 6 hectares of the land designated for the development.

To view and comment on the planning application visit bit.ly/2TRoE6A online.

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April, 2020

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ANYO is inv Thorn Th last y mem W repea Thurs GLOSSFM directors Chris Criddle, David Wrench and Glyn Roylance

Licence for Thornbury FM radio station THORNBURY is to have its own FM radio station after a successful application to Government regulator Ofcom for a full-time licence.

It follows a ten year campaign by the team at GLOSSFM, which currently broadcasts continuously online, has been awarded a community radio licence.

Preparations are now underway for the new station, Thornbury Radio, which will launch on a date and wavelength to be announced.

Now the team behind GLOSSFM is looking for a permanent studio and ideas and support from residents to run the station.

Director David Wrench said: “This welcome news is a huge leap forward for the station. We want the radio station to be dedicated for the people of Thornbury and run by the people of Thornbury and district, so we are encouraging people to come forward and take an active role in making the project a success.”

Previously GLOSS FM broadcast under Ofcom’s restricted service licence regime, which enabled it to have two 28-day broadcasts a year in addition to its continuous online service. In 2011 it was forced to close after its application for a full FM licence was rejected, but it reopened in the summer of 2017. Ofcom invited the station to apply for a licence at the end of 2018.

An online consultation asking people what they wanted from the new station showed that they would like Thornbury to have its own “voice” on air, with interviews, news, discussion and music.

Fellow GLOSSFM director Glyn Roylance said this is what they will now deliver.

He said: “Thornbury Radio's signal will stretch even further over South Gloucestershire than its temporary broadcasts did.

“Daytime hours will be a mix of mainstream music with lots of local news, information and interviews with local people. Evenings will feature a range of specialist shows to appeal to many niche audiences.”

All community radio licences awarded by Ofcom must meet its requirements, which include: providing a service for the public which will deliver a social gain rather than primarily existing for commercial reasons; enabling people from the community to help with the operation and management; the provider of the service being accountable to the community.

The Thornbury Radio/GLOSS FM team is currently looking for a studio space and asks anyone who can help to get in touch via radio@ tmcic.org.

Anyone interested in the project can find out more online at glossfm.co.uk. A meeting which had been planned for April 23 at 7.30pm will now take place online.

LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages

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n NEWS

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April, 2020

Children ‘flourish’ at Thornbury preschool AN Ofsted inspector says a Thornbury preschool is an ‘exceptionally vibrant and nurturing setting’ where children ‘flourish’.

The government’s education watchdog has rated has described Rainbow Teddies Preschool as ‘Good’ overall in a report published following a visit in January.

The preschool was examined in four areas: it was rated as outstanding for its quality of education and children’s behaviour and attitudes.

Personal development, and leadership and management were both rated good.

The preschool is based on the same site as Manorbrook Primary School.

It takes children aged 2 to 4 years old, and has 35 spaces per session, with 45 children on roll, with care between 9am and 3pm provided during term times.

Inspector Terri Breakwell

Rainbow Teddies staff and children celebrate their good rating from Ofsted found children to be “extremely confident learners”, with staff able to use “skilful interactions and teaching to support children to extend their own thinking and ideas”.

She said manager Nanda Lee “oversees children’s progress to ensure there are no gaps in their learning and development”, adding that this benefited all children, including those with special educational needs and

disabilities.

The inspector said preschool staff enhance the children’s learning by providing first head experiences for them.

She said: “Professionals such as musicians, dance teachers and scientists regularly visit the setting to help inspire and extend children’s emerging interests.

“In addition, the manager has made exceptional links with the wider community. For example,

staff and children engage in meaningful interactions as they often visit the local residential home to share their learning with those of a different generation.”

The inspector described Nanda as “passionate” about her role.

She said the preschool could improve further if all staff, including new recruits, fully understood policies and procedures.

Nanda said: “This was our first inspection under the new Early Inspection Framework, which came into force in September 2019, so we were thrilled to have this great result.

“It is wonderful to have it formally acknowledged that our quality of education continues to be 'outstanding' and this is testament to the continued commitment and hard work of our amazing staff team and the pre-school committee.”

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April, 2020

9

n NEWS A CHARITY which supports families experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and afterwards is offering help in the Thornbury area.

Bluebell Care offers group or one-to-one support up until a child is two years old.

Six women have already joined the support group, known as Mums’ Comfort Zone, which has been meeting at Thornbury Baptist Church every Friday for a structured 11-week programme specifically developed for mums with ante and post-natal depression and anxiety.

The group is led by Debbie Hitchins and co-facilitated by Victoria May, who also works as a ‘Bluebell Buddy’ providing individual sessions. Due to coronavirus restrictions the group is currently meeting online, with pamper packs delivered to participants’ homes and the one-to-one sessions replaced with a phone call.

A Whatsapp group has been set up so that the Thornbury mums can continue to support and encourage each other while social distancing is in place.

The buddies are all women who have experienced depression and anxiety around pregnancy and birth themselves. They work directly with families and can put them in touch with other sources of support.

Victoria said: “I began working at Bluebell after suffering with post-natal depression following the birth of both my children. It’s a mental health condition I feel passionately about raising the

Group helps Thornbury mums through baby blues

A Bluebell Care support group meeting. The charity has set up a group for families in Thornbury profile of, and I wanted to help other mums realise that it's ‘OK not to feel OK’ and that they can get better."

Hiba Hamid, who has been supported at home by Victoria, said: “I was referred to Bluebell through my health visitor after suffering with post-natal depression. I was visited by Victoria who was so friendly: she sat with an open mind and listened. There was no judgement and I could talk to her about the issues I was having.

“During our second session Victoria came back with classes and sessions I could attend and

coping mechanisms to deal with depression and later my anxiety.

“Victoria was a very reactive support worker. She came to each session prepared with ways to help me based on the session we had before.

“I am able to manage my depression and anxiety and, going forward, have coping mechanisms and someone to turn to if I’m really struggling.”

Bluebell Care delivers support services across South Gloucestershire and Bristol, with a well-being hub in the city centre. It is mainly funded by the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups’ Talking Therapies service.

Women can be referred by a health professional or they can self-refer via email at info@ bluebellcare.org or by phoning 0117 922 0746.

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April, 2020

n NEWS

Marlwood School’s talent in the spotlight A SHOWCASE of the performing talent at Marlwood School returned for a second year – and raised £1,440 for the school.

This year’s Marlwood’s Got

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Talent event organised by the Friends of Marlwood School, saw 18 acts play to a packed hall.

There was drumming, dancing, self-composed piano pieces, piano and vocal duets, and two teachers, Dan Dyer and Lydia Staley, bravely joined the pupils for a recorder performance of Mamma Mia dressed in costume.

The evening was hosted by Paris Troy and judged by two teachers, Michael Hulin and Matthew Richards.

The winning performance was a dance to Sia’s Bird Set Free, while the audience vote went to two pupils who performed George Ezra’s Budapest.

A spokesperson for FOMS said: “There is no doubt that Marlwood has got talent and the love of the Marlwood community continues to lift everyone’s spirits in these difficult global times.”

FOMS would like to thank Kings Heavy Haulage, The Fox at Easter Compton, Container Team, Randalls Office Furniture, Perry & Sons butchers, NEAT technical services and C The World Travel, who donated prizes for the raffle and Linela in Olveston for donating trophies.

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April, 2020

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n NEWS

Eastwood Park’s starring role A WEDDING and events venue near Thornbury formed the backdrop for an episode of a new ITV detective drama.

Eastwood Park was a filming location for ITV’s Sunday evening show McDonald and Dodds, which stars Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia.

The series is set in Bath and includes a variety of locations around the area.

For episode 2 of the series, which was screened on Sunday March 8, Eastwood Park became the Mara Retreat, a private rehabilitation clinic where a wealthy patient has died in mysterious circumstances.

Film crews took over the Eastwood Park estate in Falfield for three weeks last September to film the episode, The Wilderness of Mirrors, in the house and grounds.

Guest stars for the episode include comedian Hugh Dennis, Joanna Scanlan, Freddie Fox and Michele Dotrice.

McDonald and Dodds is on ITV from 8pm.

Electric scooters could take to streets E-SCOOTERS could be seen on roads of Thornbury under a pilot scheme to test the transport of the future.

The West of England Combined Authority is spearheading a £28 million project to test new ways of getting around.

It includes trialling e-scooters – currently illegal on UK roads and pavements – that commuters could hire for the first and last mile of their journey to the workplace and home.

Weca will test new technologies to make it radically easier for householders to hop between buses, taxis and other transport on a single ticket, with the ultimate goal of cutting congestion and improving air quality.

The Government has chosen the region to be one of three new “future transport zones” and awarded it £24m, with the combined authority providing the rest of the cash. But earlier suggestions that tests of selfdriving cars would be part of the study have been refuted.

A Department for Transport consultation document, released on March 16, said that the West of England – Bristol, South Gloucestershire and B&NES – had been chosen as one of three pilot areas nationwide.

The DfT said: “Most micromobility vehicles (e-scooters) are currently illegal to use on the road or the pavement.

“This is because they are ‘motor vehicles’ in law, which requires them to meet a wide range of requirements that, by their design, are hard for them to comply with.

“The review will look at whether, and how, regulation should change to legalise the use of some or all micromobility vehicles on roads.”

The DfT said some deaths of e-scooter riders had been recorded in the US and there were also concerns about people riding them on the pavement.

West of England mayor Tim Bowles said: “We will soon see people able to plan and move around the region at the touch of button, using the very latest technology, including e-scooters.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

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April, 2020

13

n NEWS

Let’s keep this waste out of landfill A THORNBURY man is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to help recycle cat food pouches that would otherwise go to landfill.

Nigel Lane is urging the authority to add collection points at its Sort It centres as part of the TerraCycle national recycling scheme, after learning that the nearest ones were in Bristol and Stroud.

Nigel’s cat, Jasper, only has two teeth so eats mostly wet food, and Nigel baulked at the number of pouches he was throwing in the bin.

He said: “I’m thinking it’s not recyclable, it’s not going to bio-degrade, I’m doing it again and again every day of the week. When I saw the TerraCycle scheme online I thought, why isn’t the council involved in this?”

TerraCycle works with brands who fund the collection and recycling of their own packaging which is made of a mixture of plastics which are difficult and expensive to recycle. The process can cost far more than the final material is worth, which makes it unviable for local councils to do themselves.

TerraCycle enables individuals and organisations to set up collection points in their communities, but the brands sponsor

Nigel Lane with his cat, Jasper these, so the number of them is determined by their budgets.

Nigel said: “I put a bid in, but they had closed the scheme because they have reached their saturation point.”

TerraCycle spokesperson Stephen Clarke said: “The sponsors of the Pet Food

Packaging Programme are working to engage the wider pet food industry with a view to hopefully being able to increase the number of public drop-off locations in the future.

“Whilst we can’t guarantee how many new locations this could be or when it might happen, by registering their interest in becoming a public access drop-off location for the Thornbury community your local resident is on the waiting list.”

In the meantime Nigel is collecting piles of pouches before driving to Stroud or Bristol.

He said: “You are driving to do what you think is best.

“If you could take it to the Sort It Centre, we would all do it because we all use them.

Why can’t the council start the process with TerraCycle and with other companies to see if it’s something people pick up on?

“People say use tins – but they are too big, I worry about transport costs, it takes more energy to make a tin, it’s heavier in the lorry” A council spokesperson said: “While we do not have any immediate plans to include TerraCycle collection points at our Sort It recycling centres, it is something we will investigate with our contractor Suez, who manages the sites.”

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thornburyvoice

14

April, 2020

n NEWS

Work on school’s sensory garden begins VOLUNTEERS got stuck in to prepare an area of the Castle School’s grounds which will become a sensory garden for children with additional needs.

The Friends of Castle School organised a team of 20 people, including parents and town residents, to worked from 8am to 3.30pm on March 14, removing trees and shrubs to clear 75 square metres of land.

The garden will be next to the school’s learning support centre, but the area was extremely overgrown and covered in dense undergrowth before the volunteers got stuck in, filling more than 12 garden refuse bags, which were taken away for recycling. The area was cleared and levelled, ready for the next stage.

Castle School Friends vicechair Justin Warr said: “We had lots of laughs, and one male teacher who shall remain nameless will know not to wear

jogging bottoms next time, after some painful brambles stuck to his legs and upper thigh area!”

Money raised by the CSF last year will be used to pay for the new garden, which will provide children with a quiet outdoor space.

The friends’ association had another success with its annual quiz, which raised £800. A total of 22 teams of four people each took part, including a team of teachers. The winning team, who called themselves ‘Velcro: what a rip off’ struck lucky twice, also winning the main raffle prize.

Justin said: “There’s something special about gathering people around a common cause, in our case improving things for the students and teachers, which is quite uplifting. We live in such uncertain times that looking out for each other and supporting the local community has never been more important." scan to find out more

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thornburyvoice

April, 2020

15

n THORNBURY CLINIC

Coronavirus: staying active in self-isolation

Sarah West is a senior physiotherapist, Pilates and yoga instructor working at the Thornbury Clinic. Sarah has over 9 years’ clinical experience, having worked in professional sport, within the NHS and in private practice.

A

S health authorities look to contain the spread of COVID-19, more and more people are being asked to self-isolate each day.

Self-isolation provides individuals the opportunity to recover from the virus without spreading it to others, until the risk of secondary transmission is thought to be low.

You might find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of these measures; being stuck indoors everyday. But

fortunately the reality is far less terrifying, and we would like to share some advice on how to stay mentally and physically active whilst at home.

Here are some tips: • Take care of yourself: It is essential to maintain the principles of self-care whilst at home, which in general means continue doing the things that keep you healthy. It is important to rest but sitting all day should be avoided, as it can lead to increased physical tension and emotional stress. Keep yourself busy within your house, whether that involves doing the housework, gardening or any small tasks that you have been putting off.

• Talk to people and express how you feel: Use your social networks, email and telephone to communicate with people. Often friends and family may not be aware that someone is in isolation, so it is important to let them know and give them the opportunity to help. This is especially crucial for anyone living alone.

• Try some relaxation techniques: You may begin to feel agitated or unsettled, so use strategies that have helped you deal with stressful situations in the past. This might be reading a book, doing craft work, having a cup of tea, or trying some mindfulness, meditation or breathing techniques. It is important to relax in order to combat the worrying cycle.

• Limit your time looking at screens: Whether this is watching one TV programme after another or constantly checking the news, the temptation to spend time looking at screens is strong. Whilst

watching television can be a good way to pass time, it is crucial to find the right balance between screen time and finding a physical activity that will benefit you. It is alright to stay informed, but checking the news compulsively will keep us in a state of high alertness, which can potentially lead to anxiety.

• Keep physically active from your living room: There is a common misconception that fancy equipment is needed in order to exercise but you can perform body weight exercises such as squats, push ups, abdominal sit ups and planks without it. You can find video demonstrations on the Thornbury Clinic’s YouTube site, and Bristol-based gyms and yoga studios are now providing online classes. The biggest challenge is finding the right mental motivation: having an online video or coach can give you this. Exercise is proven to improve sleep, reduce

stress hormones, improve mood, increase mental alertness and maintain cardiovascular health.

• Maintain a healthy diet: Eat well and drink plenty of fluid – at least 2 litres of water per day. Try to maintain your fruit and vegetable intake to reach your vitamin requirements, or use multivitamin supplements. Cooking can also be a healthy way to keep the mind and body active. You can still order online or ask a friend to pop by with some essentials.

At this difficult time it can feel very overwhelming, but there are many people out there who are keen to help you in any way they can. Remember that reaching out for help is a brave step and one that will make you feel better in the long run. If you do find yourself struggling at this time you can always contact us on 01454 838366 or email us on info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk.

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thornburyvoice

16

April, 2020

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Ferrari takes pole position at auction

T

HE March specialist jewellery section brought a sparkle to everyone's eyes at Stroud Auctions, making a total of over £200,000.

However, although jewellery made a good showing on the list of top selling lots, it shared the honours with the specialist sections for watches and transport.

Highlight of the transport section and top-selling lot in the sale was a 1979 Ferrari 308GT4 Dino, which sold for £18,000: a strong price for a car that was in need of a lot of restoration to restore it to its former glory. Other successful lots included a 1965 Royal Enfield 736cc Interceptor Swallow sidecar combination (£6,350); an Alfa Romeo Kamm-tail Spider 1750 (£6,300); and a 1961 BSA C15 trials motorcycle (£3,250 - pictured).

Best lots among the extensive watch section included a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner gentleman's diver's automatic wristwatch (£5,900); a Cartier Tankissime 18ct gold ladies

wristwatch (£3,700); an Omega Seamaster 300 automatic diver's wristwatch (2,500); a Lemania RAF pilot’s single button chronograph wristwatch (£2,200) and an Omega Flightmaster gentleman's chronograph wristwatch (£2,000).

However, jewellery valuer Alexandra Bowkett’s specialist jewellery section was yet again outstanding. Among the best lots were a platinum ring, set with a round cut diamond surrounded by eight further diamonds (£4,000); an Art Deco platinum ring set with a round cut diamond (£2,600); a French 18ct gold eternity ring set

with 21 square set cut diamonds and a Georgian/Victorian eternity ring set with old cut diamonds, each selling for £1,600.

Jewellery collectors were particularly excited by a Georgian ring (pictured) dated 1737 and engraved: “Lady Style OB 25 October 1737.”

Lady Style, born Elizabeth Hotham c1694, was the daughter of Sir Charles Hotham, 4th Baronet of Scarborough, and married Sir Thomas Style, 4th Baronet of

Wateringbury, Kent. The ring sold for an impressive £2,800.

The next auction at Stroud will be on April 1 and 2 when specialist sections will be ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, musical instruments, vinyl records, pictures and paintings.

For information about any aspect of buying or selling with Stroud Auction Rooms ring 01453 873800; email info@stroudauctions. com or visit the website at www. stroudauctions.co.uk.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

April, 2020

17

n NEWS

BUST fundraisers at the Swimarathon

Thornbury mayor Angela Symonds opened the event

Swimarathon raises £10,000 at a stroke ONE of Thornbury’s biggest fundraising events has raised more than £10,000 for hospital charities.

The Thornbury Swimarathon was held on March 6,7 and 8 at the town’s leisure centre.

Organisers the Rotary Club of Thornbury say £10,000 has been raised through online giving and pledges, with the final total expected to be as high as £15,000 once sponsorship, personal donations and Gift Aid has been collected.

The total was achieved despite the number of teams participating being down on last year. Some 45 teams swam 5,740 lengths, which represents 143,500 metres, or nearly 90 miles.

The annual event focuses on having fun, and over the years its raised over £400,000.

This year the charities which

will benefit are BUST, the Breast Cancer Unit Support Trust supporting the Bristol Breast Care Centre at Southmead Hospital, and Above and Beyond, a charity that raises money for Bristol’s city centre hospitals.

Other local charities and projects will also see a share of the proceeds.

Stuart Hill, the organiser, and Graham Cook, Thornbury Rotary President, congratulated all the teams for their outstanding efforts.

Adrian Dennis, from the Rotary Club said: “Once again, the Thornbury Castle School Steel Bands played during all 3 evenings, providing a great carnival atmosphere for most of the sessions.

“The Rotary Club would like to thank the bands, Thornbury Mayor Angela Symonds for opening the event, all the team

Castle School steel band and conductor Howard Pearce captains, the helpers and all corporate sponsors, particularly Berkeley Vale for their generous donation. With corporate

support, every single pound that is donated on an individual basis goes to charity.”

Hard shoulder driving to be abolished DRIVING on the M4 hard shoulder during rush hour is set to be banned under a shake-up of ‘smart motorways’.

The section of motorway between Hambrook and the Almondsbury Interchange is one of several around the country where, during busy periods, the hard shoulder becomes an extra lane to ease congestion.

Electronic signs indicate to drivers when they can and cannot use the hard shoulder to travel.

It is part of the smart motorways scheme, which also includes variable speed limits, enforced by cameras which are switched on 24 hours a day.

But Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced

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that the policy of using the hard shoulder as an extra lane for traffic will be abolished because of safety concerns.

He also said a radar-based system which spots stationary vehicles will be installed on all smart motorways within three years.

The announcement comes after analysis of accident figures

found that the risk of a collision between a moving and stationary vehicle was higher on smart motorways, where there have been 38 fatalities nationally over the past five years.

In making the announcement the Department for Transport described the ‘dynamic hard shoulder’ system as “confusing”.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

18

April, 2020

n NEWS A FASHION show staged at a Thornbury shop has raised more than £600 for this year’s Almondsbury Gymkhana Horse and Pony Show.

The event was staged at the M&Co clothing shop in the St Mary Centre in February.

Volunteer models ranging from two-year-old children to “more mature ladies” took to the catwalk, along with a Great Western Air Ambulance paramedic, accompanied by Charlie the air ambulance charity’s mascot.

The evening was captured on camera by a professional photographer Sarah Button, who donated her services for the evening, along with a photo shoot as a raffle prize.

The annual show raises thousands of pounds for local charities including the air ambulance, St Peter’s Hospice, cancer charity BUST, the Cinnamon Trust, Metabolic Support UK and Forever Hounds Trust.

This year’s show is due to take place on July 5.

Jill Cyphus, from the show committee, said: “The wide range of choice at M&Co meant that all ages, heights and sizes could be easily catered for and we had a wonderful selection of clothes paraded before us. The tills were buzzing at the interval, as people mingled and shopped.

“We are extremely grateful to Sue Kettle and her staff for hosting and running this event.

“With donations from a number of local shops, we were able to run a great raffle, and overall, with the ticket sales, we were delighted to have raised just over £600.

“Thanks to everyone who supported this event.”

Shop turns into catwalk for fashion show

2020

Sat 25th April

The Castle School

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Bristol

Sat 17th Oct

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Pictures by Sarah Button Photography www.sarahbuttonphoto.com Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

April, 2020

21

n OUT & ABOUT

Longleat Safari Park is open for visitors

LONGLEAT has announced its drive-through Safari Park is open for visitors.

While Longleat House, walk-through animal areas and other attractions are temporarily closed as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19, the world-famous Safari Park will continue to operate under strict hygiene standards.

The Wiltshire attraction believes the fact visitors will remain inside their vehicles for the vast majority of the experience will enable people to adhere to social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

“We are keen to be able to continue to

give people the opportunity to enjoy the Park in a safe and secure environment,” said Ceawlin Thynn, Executive Chairman of Longleat Enterprises.

“In order to comply with the strictest hygiene standards, card payment pads will be disinfected after each transaction and cash will not be handled during this period.

“Toilet facilities within the Safari Park will be continuously staffed and disinfected, with additional hand washing and sanitising facilities available for guests.

“In place of the usual food and beverage

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Longleat has said the decision is under daily review and will be guided by the advice issued by the government and Public Health England.

• For more information please visit www.longleat. co.uk/visitor-info/coronavirus-faqs • To book tickets, visit www.longleat.co.uk/ticket/ safari-park-ticket

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thornburyvoice

April, 2020

23

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style The only way you’ll get near Ibiza right now…

I WAS presented with an age-old problem the other day by my barber: when to cut your losses and junk your old clunker? More to the point, what do you replace it with? His interest in cars is negligible, his budget only slightly larger.

Let’s say £1,500 for something to get from A to B. Size doesn’t matter, in fact smaller might be better (he’s a confident man). This column loves a challenge, so here are my Top 3 picks in reverse order: 3: Peugeot 207 1.4 90hp. 2008 model with 65k miles. How the mighty have fallen. Twenty years ago my top 3 list would all be variations of the ground-breaking Peugeot 205. What a truly superb car. Unfortunately somewhere around the year 2000 Peugeot went off the boil, and the 206 was pretty dire. The 207 is better and at least well priced and fairly strong mechanically. The 1.4 is the most powerful engine here, fuel economy holds up in a way that interior quality certainly doesn’t and there are plenty around to choose from. It is also more roomy than most alternatives at this price point. Not bad.

2: FIAT Panda 1.2 60hp. Again a 2008 model with around 65k miles. The budget doesn’t

stretch to a 500, which is shame, because I think they are cute and cool. That said, the Panda is a great little car and uses the same underpinnings as the 500 anyhow. It has the best fuel economy of the three, the road tax is cheap and, although the 1.2 is not powerful by any standards, it is willing. In fact, it loves a good thrashing, which appeals to me but might not to someone who just needs transport. Reliability is about the same as the Peugeot (ie questionable in parts), and the interior looks and feels budget. For practicality though, the Panda is superb, with a high boot and massive hatch for ease of loading.

1: SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sport 85hp. Within our budget we can manage a 70k mile 2007 model. The Volkswagen Group produces three broadly identical cars (VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and the Ibiza in this month’s picture). And what SEAT offer is, in my opinion, the sweet spot in the range. The Polo gets detuned engines, a more expensive image that you pay for second-hand, as it depreciates slowly, and, to my eyes, dull, worthy styling. The Fabia is brilliant but I don’t like the looks at the front

end and the driving experience is bland. SEAT, by contrast, is VW’s sporty brand, and so gets pokier engines and styling that looks like they at least tried. And the best thing is that under the bonnet and in the cabin, it is all trusty and tough VW engineering. The Spanish screw the Ibiza together, but with parts made in Germany and Belgium, just like a Polo. The 1.4 here is economical and quick enough, and the manual gearbox is slightly more engaging than the Polo’s. But best of all, the interior has that superb Germanic feel. Years ago I had a SEAT Toledo V5, and it was great: a cheap Golf with a boot that went beautifully and yet had no image whatsoever. The Ibiza adds a touch of flair but also delivers reliability into the bargain.

What about the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta and the multitude of Korean and Japanese offerings, then? Ok, in short: The Fiesta is great, the logical choice to some extent, but so predictable. I learnt to drive in one. The Corsa is simply not good enough, and never has been. It is also poorly designed - you can’t even change the headlight bulbs yourself - you need to take it to a dealer. Far East offerings at this price point are so incredibly dull that I can’t begin to recommend them. Even to someone who doesn’t care about cars. They’ve got vastly better in the last 10 years, but older and cheaper than that and, frankly, you can do better. So, until the borders are open again, get your Spanish (and German) kicks from SEAT’s funky little Ibiza.

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thornburyvoice

24

April, 2020

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

We stand stronger when we support one another

W

E are living in unusual and unsettling times with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In these very exceptional circumstances, the Government announced that all local elections, including those for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), will be postponed for a year. In light of these developments, I would like to reassure local people that I will of course stay on as the PCC for Avon and Somerset until elections are held.

I want to you to know that my office and Avon and Somerset Police are doing everything we can to work with partners in health agencies and local authorities to keep you safe and ensure you can access

essential services during this unprecedented global health emergency.

I will continue to work closely with Chief Constable Andy Marsh to ensure Avon and Somerset Police has everything it needs to provide critical policing services and support our communities. My priority as PCC will be to make sure victims of crime are still at the forefront of everything the police do and it is crucial that the most vulnerable still have some level of vital services from the police and partners, despite the unusual measures taken as a result of the pandemic.

I am assured by the Chief Constable and his Chief Officer Group that Avon and Somerset Police is in a strong position to

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support the response to the virus and I urge you to all follow advice from the NHS, Public Health England and central government, to do your best to lessen the impact of the virus.

I cannot stress enough how important our dedicated ‘frontline’ officers, staff and volunteers are. This includes our handy people, mechanics, IT staff and other support functions, who help our officers do their jobs but often go unrecognised. We are all committed to being open with our communities, working in partnership and having courage during these unsettling times and I know officers, staff, teams and volunteers will continue to go above and beyond for our

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens

communities.

Finally, remember to have compassion and look out for one another, especially those who are more vulnerable.

We stand stronger when we support each other. We face this challenge together. Stay safe.

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thornburyvoice

April, 2020

25

n NEWS

Castle pupils help choose book of the year YOUNG readers from the Castle School were among the jury picking this year’s winner of the Concorde Book Award.

South Gloucestershire’s literature prize for young people was won by The Boy at the Back of the Class, a novel which tells the story of a boy who flees from a war torn country and makes new friends in the UK. Author Onjali Raúf was at the awards event, staged at the Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emersons Green on March 10.

Hundreds of children from schools and reading groups across the area read their way through a shortlist of six titles, which also included The Truth About Lies by Tracy Darnton, Whiteout by Gabriel Dylan, Thunderstruck by Ali Sparkes, Potkin and Stubbs by Sophie Green and The Land of Neverendings, by Kate Saunders, before voting on World Book Day, March 5.

Eleven schools and

book groups across South Gloucestershire took part in the awards, with children giving presentations about their favourite books and interviewing shortlisted authors Ali Sparkes, Tracy Darnton and Gabriel Dylan.

Onjali said: “I’m so utterly thrilled to have the Concorde Book Award be gifted to Ahmet’s story - it means the world to me that the story is deemed worthy

enough of this lovely award, and that the story is still striking a chord with so many hearts.

Thank you so much for the honour.”

The Concorde Book Award was first staged in 2007 and is one of the few literary awards that involves children and young people all the way through from choosing the longlist to the winner, giving presentations and conducting at the award

ceremony.

Run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries, the scheme aims to promote a love of reading among 11 to 14 year olds in Years 7 to 9, encouraging them to join a group, read six books and talk about them with other group members, before voting for their favourite.

Shortlisted books are put into South Gloucestershire public and school libraries.

Council chair Brian Allinson said: “I’d like to congratulate Onjali for winning this award in what was a shortlist full of excellent books. The Concorde Book Award encourages young people to maintain a passion for reading through a time in their life when some turn to alternative activities instead.

“My thanks go to the organisers and to the young people for taking part, it is an inspirational event and I have really enjoyed being involved.”

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Drama triumph THORNBURY based drama group Journeyman Theatre Productions won five awards at the Avon Short Play Festival.

Local playwright Tony Domaille’s Me & You explores the relationship between a father and his daughter in the aftermath of a bungled robbery as the pair wait for the police.

As well as winning the award for the best play at the festival on February 29 at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, the group won awards for best director (Tony Domaille), best actress (Sarah Wiggins), best actor (Phil Domaille) and best supporting actor (Pete James).

Journeyman Theatre Productions were due to represent Avon in the regional semi-finals at the Merlin Theatre, Frome in May but the performance has been suspended due to coronavirus restrictions.

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April, 2020

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A Water Industry approved company possessing health & safety accreditations such as Safecontractor, Exor, and Constructionline. Collectively, they have many years of water industry experience and the very latest technology at their disposal which is guaranteed to deliver the results that you want. The aim is to locate underground leakage simply and accurately so that repairs can be made with the minimum of disruption to your property. In addition, trenchless equipment is used for new/replacement water supply installations; thereby keeping inconvenience mess and costs as low as possible.

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April, 2020

thornburyvoice

27

n NEWS

Speed team’s work keeping Thornbury safe recognised

THORNBURY’S Community Speedwatch team has won a Pride Award from the Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens for members’ hard work and commitment.

The group was set up six years ago by Terry Osborne, who had retired from his civilian role working for Avon and Somerset police.

Most of the team who joined Terry in the early days are still volunteering now.

Terry said: “They were really pleased. I have been up for several awards in the past for doing Speedwatch; I used to be a coordinator for the whole of South Glos, but this is the first time that my team had a little plaque and a little badge for it.

“We went to the police HQ and they carried out the ceremony of giving us the awards and then we had a walk around the communication centre and a buffet lunch.”

The other members of the team are Adrian Meadows, Paul Hotson, Keith Chapman, Richard Laycock, John HamiltonDonovan and Jane Watling.

Peter Bentley, who was also a volunteer, recently passed away from cancer.

The group have been going out two or three times a week, whereas in many places Speedwatch teams are out twice a month.

Terry’s motivation comes from his previous job, but his team are keen to take a proactive role.

He said: “My enthusiasm is because of my relationship with the police and my work with the police in communications. It was something that I wanted to do.

“The team that work with me are very enthusiastic as well.

Most of them want to go out every week.

“We go out and have a good chinwag – we speak to an awful lot of people.

“If we get abuse I follow it up with a report to the local PCSO and they get someone to have words with them. People do rude signs and shout at you – they want to see if they’ve annoyed you if they come back the other way, so we don’t react.”

PCSO Sheryl Drewitt, who works closely with the Speedwatch team, nominated

them for the award, praising the “outstanding” job they do.

The group’s activities are currently suspended due to coronavirus rules but are currently looking for new members to help when they return to the streets.

Anyone who is interested should call Terry on 07422 523778.

Pictured right: Members of Thornbury's speedwatch team with police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens

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thornburyvoice

28

April, 2020

n THORNBURY & DISTRICT MUSEUM

A history of the White Lion THE White Lion is in the centre of Thornbury High Street.

Yet the property now occupied by the pub was not located in the Borough of Thornbury and finding out about its history requires a trawl through the records of the Tything of Kington in the Parish of Thornbury. Surprisingly, despite not being in the Borough, the owner still had to pay the Borough Rent.

In the absence of the title deed, research based on documents related to adjoining properties, supplemented with census and other records, show that it appears to have been a pub since the 1830s or thereabouts.

The records of the late 1850s and early 1860s show that the name of the pub at that time was ‘The Lion’ and that in the later 1860s the pub was renamed the White Lion. The earliest reference we have found to the pub being called the White Lion was in a trade directory of 1868.

While the change of name may have been to differentiate the pub from the Black Lion in Castle

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Street, it may not be a coincidence that the publican and owner of the property during the 1860s was John White; it is possible that John added his surname to the name of the pub.

There are various stories about the white lion figure which stands on the porch over the door, and which has been a landmark in the town for so long. It has been said that celebration speeches from the winning candidate in elections were made from astride the lion and that on at least one occasion, notably in World War II, when the Maritime Regiment was stationed in the town, the lion mysteriously changed places with the swan on the pub opposite during the night.

The Bristol Mercury has an advert printed on 1st April 1876 showing that the White Lion was available to let, with immediate possession.

It was described as “an established and well accustomed double licensed house where good business is being done”.

The advert continued: “The premises are well situated in the

very centre of the market, have a bar and bar parlour, smokingroom, taproom, sitting room, bedrooms, kitchens, cellar, coach-house and stabling. There is a brewhouse, large bowling saloon, large clubroom, Foresters’ and Oddfellows clubs, with nearly 300 members and a good walled garden and yard.”

It is interesting to note that reference to a “brewhouse” suggests that the pub had made its own beer. The mention of the “bowling saloon” is the earliest reference we have found to a skittle alley in Thornbury.

In 1929 there were some important changes at the White Lion. The plans show that a coffee room had been created by dividing the garage, and that the hotel had a bar on the left of the porch (which was being re-configured) and a smoke room on the right.

Improved toilet arrangements were installed, with their own treatment tanks replacing the cesspit arrangement. The building still had a stable, with three stalls.

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thornburyvoice

April, 2020

29

n SPORT

Rugby season is over for Thornbury ALL club rugby – with the exception of the Premiership – has been called off due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It’s a great shame, as Thornbury had done well across the various teams and age groups, with the first XV in with a sniff of going up to South West Premier, lying just a few points behind Hornets at the top, with four home games left. But it wasn’t to be.

Nevertheless, great credit goes to Sam Evans and the players for doing so well, and for Tom Luke and his coaching team for getting the team together and pointed in the right direction so effectively.

Nick Crocombe suffered a neck injury playing for Thornbury IIs against Frampton Cotterell on March 7. He is currently in hospital.

Nick is responding well

following an operation to stabilise a broken neck.

Thankfully it appears he will make a full recovery in time.

We all wish Nick a speedy recovery and hope his stay in hospital is short.

In their last match before the season was prematurely stopped, Thornbury’s fourmatch winning run came to an abrupt end in the mud at Sidmouth, where they lost 29-10.

After controlling the first half Thornbury were nowhere to be seen after the break as Sidmouth took the match by the scruff of the neck and ran out comfortable winners.

Thorns were forced to make several changes to the team which severely tested their strength in depth.

They had beaten Sidmouth 26-0 at home last November

but were well-aware that Sidmouth had a good home record this season. The pitch survived a Friday inspection but was very soft and heavy underfoot.

Thornbury had looked the better side in the first half and should have been comfortably ahead but went in level at 1010, Alfie Richardson and Jack Pinker scoring unconverted tries in response to a penalty and converted try from Sidmouth.

But a half-time back row substitution for the home side proved crucial, with Sidmouth taking control of the match from the kick-off.

Thorns couldn’t get their hands on the ball, and when they did they played into Sidmouth’s hands by overcomplicating moves, kicking the ball away, not protecting

the loose ball and beginning to miss tackles. The contrast in the two sides from their first half displays was marked.

With ten minutes to go Sidmouth led 29-10 and despite creating scoring opportunities twice in the dying minutes, Thorns squandered them with knockons five metres out. Although Thornbury finished the game on top the match had gone, and Sidmouth were comfortable winners.

The turn-around in Thornbury’s performance was strange and stark. They looked like a different side and struggled to control and protect the loose ball in the second half and took many wrong options.

Dave Fox

Nancy retains title FOR the second consecutive year, Thornbury Running Club's Nancy Harding took part in the Green Boy Ultra.

The race is the 30mile diminutive version of the 46-mile Green Man Ultra, and follows the Community Forest Path that encircles Bristol.

Nancy was the defending vets lady champion, but faced a much muddier course on March 7 than last Nancy Harding year, with many legsapping sections and a diversion which added another mile to the advertised distance.

But Nancy took all of these challenges in her stride to finish one minute faster than last year and yet again claim the vets lady title (and trophy), with the chance to make it three in a row next year. Nancy finished 34th overall in 6 hours 24:09 mins.

The next day, John Grimsey headed to East Devon to tackle 'The Grizzly Cub', 10 miles of off-road running from the Seaton seafront and an assortment of steep hills, cliff paths and water crossings before the finish line. John is an experienced runner of the Cub and the 20mile 'Grizzly' and finished the 2020 edition in 401st place out of 580 runners in 2 hours 19:52 mins.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

30

n SPORT

April, 2020

After the storms comes the shutdown

OFFICIALS, players and supporters at Thornbury Town FC have never known a season like this one. The continuing wet weather has meant that the first team have only played two games since January: the last one at Shortwood on February 8. The club are a long way behind on their fixtures and have tumbled from second place to seventh in the Hellenic League Division One West table.

Now the Coronavirus emergency has seen the league suspend all fixtures until at least the end of March and it is likely that this date will be extended further.

The Football Association has extended the cancellation to all levels of grass roots football, which will mean that all three senior sides and the entire junior

section will be playing no more football until further notice.

It is possible that the season may be extended by a couple of months or alternatively the whole season declared “null and void”. This would be a harsh blow for the club, with all three senior sides pushing for promotion in their respective divisions.

The first team were looking good for at least a second or third place finish before the wet weather started, whilst the A team remain top of their division in the Bristol & District League, having not lost a league game all season. The Reserves, whilst currently holding a mid-table position, have games in hand and could move into the top four.

The Reserves’ one game since the beginning of February saw

them secure a resounding 4-2 win away at Brimsham Green.

Meanwhile the A team have had two convincing wins in March, beating Wick A team 4-0 and Bradley Stoke 5-0.

Time will tell whether the players will pull on their boots again this season, but the club will keep supporters up to date with developments on social media over the coming weeks.

When football does begin again, Thornbury Town will be involved in the Wildcat initiative launched by the Gloucestershire FA to introduce football for 5 to 11-year-old girls in a fun and safe environment.

The venue will be the Thornbury Leisure & Activity Centre and will be running for 16 consecutive weeks.

The Club had become aware

that the town was sadly lacking in female football other than just one team of U13's, and hopes the Wildcat sessions will get more girls involved.

The initial launch on April 6 has had to be postponed but when it is safe to do so a new date will be publicised as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the club would be happy to hear from anyone interested in helping, either as a volunteer or even taking up a Level 1 coaching course, for which there will be financial help.

For more information call Jack Harrison-Bond on 07539 471637 or Graham Smith on 07580 212496 Malcolm Carr

Getting girls into cricket A NEW girls cricket team is on the lookout for players.

Tockington and Thornbury Tornadoes is a collaboration between Tockington Manor School and Thornbury Cricket Club, fully supported by the Gloucestershire Cricket Board to promote and develop the game of cricket amongst girls following increased interest in the sport and the success of the England Women’s team and local team Western Storm.

Thornbury CC youth chairman Richard 'Harry' Hawkins said: “There has been a huge increase in girls’ and

women’s participation across many sports and we want to be part of this growth. “Tockington Manor School has been a valued partner of the Club for a number of years now and we both feel the time is right to launch the girls’ game within our local community.”

An initial training session planned at Castle School on March 24 had to be cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions but anyone who would like more information about joining the team should email rhawkins8097@gmail.com.

Lisa Pagett, Women and Girls lead for Gloucestershire Cricket Board, with Tockington Manor School pupils.

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