A MAN who raped a woman and a teenage girl after plying them with drink and drugs has been jailed.
PAGE 11
Bus service row
AN attempt to extend a bus service linking Thornbury with Yate and Cribbs Causeway until June has been dismissed as an “election bribe”.
PAGE 4
Carnival is coming
WORK has started on a controversial year-long project to change the layout of Thornbury High Street, as criticism of the plans continues.
South Gloucestershire Council revealed pictures and details of its final plans for the £4.6 million project at the beginning of March, just four days before work was due to start.
The council says the work will boost the local economy, improve air quality and make it easier for people to walk and cycle to the High Street.
But traders and a residents group who have fought the proposals say the timing shows a lack of transparency.
Turn to pages 2-3
THORNBURY Carnival's volunteer organisers have revealed dates and details for this year's event.
PAGE 7
PEOPLE living in a Thornbury culde-sac have shared £140,000 in cash and holidays thanks to their postcode.
PAGE 9
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They say the works don’t take into account the town’s needs and are a waste of public money, with one resident telling the Voice the town was being “destroyed for a vanity project".
Thornbury Chamber of Commerce believes the changes will have a detrimental effect on businesses, and says some customers are already staying away.
Spokesperson Zoe Gilbraith said: “The Chamber together with other businesses and loyal customers who supported our High Street, are still perplexed by the decision made by South Gloucestershire Council to
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change our once-thriving High Street, which was the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of this authority.”
Thornbury Town and District Residents Association, which was formed following meetings to oppose the plans, said South Gloucestershire Council had failed to respond to the wishes of local people.
Spokesperson John Reynolds said they were disappointed there would be no period of consultation between the publication of final plans and work starting.
He said: “Since SGC never researched in detail the economy and traffic in the centre of Thornbury before closing the High Street to
THORNBURY'S Castle School has won two awards for its efforts to persuade families to leave the car behind on the school run.
The school in Park Road became the first secondary in South Gloucestershire to win silver Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) accreditation, for promoting walking, scooting and cycling to school, last year. Now the work of staff, pupils and parents has won it both a South Gloucestershire and South West Regional award win for the best secondary school.
The school began working with Modeshift STARS two years ago, encouraging a change in attitudes and providing new facilities to make it easier to use alternative modes of transport.
Of the 3,500 schools across the country that signed up, it was one of the 125 schools to be nominated for the scheme's 2023 National Awards.
Deputy head teacher Katherine Wilson said: "This is an amazing achievement for us and is testament to all of the very hard work that the staff and the students have done to gain the Modeshift STARS accreditation.
"We would like to thank Catherine McCoy and various other members of the South Gloucestershire team who have supported us throughout this process and helped us to become the Regional winners.
"We are continuing to work on our Modeshift STARS Gold active travel plan and are only one initiative away from its completion."
The school's Active Travel Ambassadors and staff have now been invited to a presentation event, STARS Schools of the Region, and will represent the South West region at the National STARS School Travel Awards in London in June.
through traffic, it cannot claim that the changes, which have been in place for nearly three years, have made any improvement to the town’s trading economy or traffic flow.
“Anyone can see that the claims about more shoppers, walkers and cyclists are incorrect.”
The Association accuses the council of failing to publicly cost alternative plans, including twoway or one-way through traffic with timed parking bays.
Mr Reynolds added: "This is despite being offered these two alternatives in their Business Case, with the note that these would also allow the High Street to recover after lockdown. SGC went ahead with the most expensive and disruptive option,
with predictably the worst results.”
They also say paving and tarmacking the entire street on one level will result in drainage problems resulting in possible flooding in Castle Street.
The Association has also criticised wording of the Thornbury Investment plan, which it says appear to have been “hastily and carelessly thrown together” and uses “meaningless spin-doctor vocabulary”.
South Gloucestershire Council introduced a temporary traffic ban in 2020 as a covid measure.
The year-long work will make that permanent, with only oneway traffic allowed for access only. There will be blue badge
parking, cycle stands, benches, planters and a bus shelter.
A council spokesperson said the layout and street furniture had been designed “in collaboration with stakeholders including Thornbury in Bloom, Thornbury Town Council and our Accessibility and Equality working group, made up of local people with disabilities and representatives from community groups who with work with people with disabilities".
The spokesperson said: "Their feedback and insights are reflected in the mixture of
seating, including traditional benches which reflect the town’s historic identity and the horseshoe seating, which meets the needs of the whole community.
“The location of the hanging baskets reflects the wishes of Thornbury in Bloom.
“People come to the High Street for a whole range of reasons - for shopping, to eat and drink, for health and beauty, to visit the library, or for services such as estate agents and accountants.
"The High Street is also a place where people come together, socialise, and join in community activities.
"We are creating a High Street that prioritises people.
"Our programme of investment into Thornbury will support a sustainable town centre that is fit for the future, improve air quality, make it easier for people to walk and cycle to and from the high street, and improve parking for residents, businesses and visitors."
AN attempt to extend a bus service running from Thornbury to Yate and Cribbs Causeway until June has been dismissed as an “election bribe”.
The 622 service will now be axed from the start of April, along with many other subsidised bus routes in the West of England region.
The three councils in the region, including South Gloucestershire, said they couldn’t afford to increase the amount they pay to subsidise all of the services enough to cover rapidly rising costs.
Conservative council leader Toby Savage urged Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris to pay £785,000 to keep some routes going for a couple more months, until the new dial-a-ride West Link service, which launches in April, beds in.
But Mr Norris claimed the real reason behind the calls to
keep the 622 service running was due to upcoming local elections on May 4.
The two politicians disagreed on the request for extra cash, during a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority on March 17.
Cllr Savage said: "The councils did want to extend a number of supported services over several months, and we built into our budgets the increased costs next year, at the levels advised by WECA.
“Those costs have now come in higher than anyone thought they would. It’s now too late for councils to get approval for those costs. The only decision-making route open to us is today’s meeting to ensure that those vital transitional services can continue to be commissioned.
“If this doesn’t happen today, there will simply be
no link between Yate and Thornbury. This will mean over 5,500 journeys will not be catered for. The only option for these passengers will be to use the DRT service from April, which we already know will have teething problems.”
Cllr Savage suggested the £785,000 could come from the West of England’s reserves. But one issue is that the West of England has some of the lowest financial reserves of all 10 combined authorities in England, according to WECA bosses.
Mr Norris said: “What Toby has said about not being able to make an emergency decision is simply not the case. There are processes that you can adopt if you wish to do that.
"I’m going to be a politician now and say that this is more about an election bribe than anything else."
The amendment to spend £785,000 of the West of England’s reserves on keeping some routes going was voted down.
Liberal Democrat Adrian Rush, representing Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge, described the extension bid as "a farce", adding: "The 622 was only going to be extended for two months to tide the Tories over the elections in May, and the people relying on this bus service were still going to be struggling in June.”
Meanwhile commercial operator First has announced that the T1 service between Thornbury and Bristol will gain an extra bus every hour from April 2, when new timetables are introduced.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePEOPLE living in Thornbury and surrounding villages will be able to book a new minibus service to link them to major bus routes from April.
The green WESTlink minibuses do not run to a timetableinstead they are booked up to 24 hours in advance by phone, online or using an app, similar to a dial-a-ride service.
But the destinations for the buses will be limited to existing stops elsewhere on the transport network, such as bus stops for metrobus or park and ride services, and the service is not a “substitute for getting a taxi,” according to Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
The "stop-to-stop" service, funded by the West of England Combined Authority using £3 million from the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan, will eventually include 30 minibuses across the region in areas which do not have a regular mainstream bus service.
Single fares will cost £2 for adults and £1 for children, for any length of journey, with concessionary and older people’s bus passes accepted on the services, which will run from Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7pm.
People will have the option of paying in advance or in cash on the minibus.
The new services are the largest “demand responsive transport” scheme in the country, having only been run before on a much smaller scale.
Mr Norris said: "This is a major investment for a key project. And it’s new to us all, so it certainly won’t be plain sailing. Undoubtedly things will go wrong, but we’re ready to learn as we go along."
The services will be run by two operators, global public transport, logistics and tech company Via and WeDRT, which has experience of working with Transport for West Midlands.
A PRISON officer subjected boys in a former juvenile detention centre near Thornbury to a “litany of cruel and violent acts”.
Patrick Devaney repeatedly assaulted boys aged between 14 and 17 who were in his care at Eastwood Park, where he worked from 1970 until 1983.
The 81-year-old defendant, of County Down in Northern Ireland, was found guilty of misconduct in a public office in March after a fourweek trial at Bristol Crown Court.
He was released on bail following the verdict and was due to be sentenced at a hearing on April 14.
Avon & Somerset Police said that in total, 22 former detainees gave evidence of the abuse they suffered at the hands of Devaney, who was based in the detention centre’s gym.
The jury was told boys were repeatedly punched and often forced to perform extreme exercise, and were punished when they stopped due to exhaustion.
A police spokesperson said: "Fighting between detainees was encouraged and during one gym activity, Devaney would set groups up against each other – pitting older boys against younger ones.
"If he felt the boys had not exerted themselves enough or if they hadn’t followed his instructions, which at times were to assault other boys, he would beat them.
"He would also conduct fingernail and hand inspections and if he found nails that were dirty or bitten, he would strike the boy’s hands."
Devaney also used racist language towards some detainees at the centre, which has since closed. A women's prison now operates on the site.
After the verdict senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Alan Smith said: “Patrick Devaney exploited his position to physically assault those who he was meant to keep safe.
“He worked for the prison service at a time when there was a government policy of giving young offenders a ‘short, sharp shock’ by way of punishment.
“The force he used, however, went way beyond what was appropriate and acceptable, with many of his victims describing him as sadistic and someone who enjoyed inflicting pain on them.
“He admitted to giving the boys a clip around the ears and raps on the knuckles but vehemently denied abusing them in the way he did.
“Every one of his victims has been affected by his actions, with some suffering significant trauma which they have lived with for more than 50 years.
“I’d like to praise the courage they have all shown in reporting what happened to them and giving testimony in front of him at court.
“I hope this outcome gives other victims of abuse the confidence to come forward. Even if offences have been committed years ago, we can and will investigate them thoroughly.”
POLICE are trying to trace an arsonist who destroyed a caravan in Alveston.
The fire was started at around 2.20am on February 27 in Quarry Road, near Marlwood School.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "The caravan was burned out in the incident, and we believe it was started deliberately.
"No one was harmed in the incident."
Police have asked anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and witnessed any suspicious behaviour, or has dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage they think could be relevant, to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 047 068.
A NEW railway station for Charfield has been given the green signal.
Planning permission has been granted for the station, to be built on land off Station Road in the centre of the village.
It will include two platforms serving north and southbound journeys, a pedestrian footbridge, a bus stop, covered cycle parking, and car parking.
Building work is expected to soon begin on the £22 million project and is expected to take between 12 and 18 months, with the station expected to open at the end of next year.
Trains are planned to run at least every hour to Bristol Parkway, taking 18 minutes, Bristol Temple Meads (32 minutes) and Gloucester (22 minutes), running from about 6.30am until 11.30pm.
South Gloucestershire Council - which gave the scheme planning permission - has been working with Network Rail and Great Western Railway on the project.
Council cabinet member for transport Steve Reade said it was a "strategically significant
balance between the needs of train users and local residents, without discrimination towards either.”
But one local councillor welcomed the new station, which he said had “wide support in the area”, and would lead to more opportunities for jobs and education.
Charfield Liberal Democrat ward councillor John O’Neill said: "I’ve campaigned to reopen the station in Charfield for many years.
"The bus service in the rural area can at best be described as poor, and is set to become obsolete with the withdrawal of the 84/85 service.
transport project that will help with our commitment to creating sustainable communities and lowering our carbon emissions".
He said: "A station in Charfield will make public transport a credible option for those living in the village and neighbouring communities, taking cars off our busy roads."
Network Rail interim route director David Davidson said: "This is certainly an important milestone for the project and brings it a step closer, making the railway a tangible local transport option for the community."
A public consultation held at the end of 2021 found 78% of people supported the principle of reopening a station.
But a report into the consultation, which received more than 600 responses, showed a "significant minority" of people living in the village itself – 39% of Charfield respondents – opposed it.
Many passengers are expected to come from outside Charfield to use the station, and some villagers have raised concerns about an increase in parking elsewhere in the village.
When councillors on the strategic sites delivery committee voted to approve planning permission in March, concerns were also raised about noise from the platform public announcement system, which will be used at least eight times an hour.
Naomi Carter, who lives near the planned station, told the planning meeting: "To get the PA system down to levels that have negligible impact on local residents, the planning report seems to indicate that the PA system would be rendered unintelligible.
“The number of announcements, a minimum of eight an hour, will impact on the lives of local residents if a typical Tannoy loudspeaker is used. There needs to be a better
"The failure of the bus service to meet the needs of the community has led to the area becoming car reliant.
"A reopened station will be a lifeline for residents who do not have their own transport.
"It will allow our young people to attend UWE or Filton College, and open up employment prospects, allowing them to commute to Bristol or Gloucester."
South Gloucestershire Council project sponsor Bethan Coleman told the meeting: "There’s currently high car ownership and car use in Charfield, as the public transport alternatives are neither attractive nor convenient for most journeys.
"Passenger services are already running through Charfield but are not stopping.
"This represents a once-in-ageneration opportunity to finally deliver this much needed and transformative scheme.
"The benefits are clear, providing local people with improved access to jobs and education, helping to broaden opportunities for residents, and helping to boost the local and regional economy."
Now planning permission has been secured further work will be done on detailed designs for the station and improvements to nearby roads.
Once these are complete a full business case and a request for funding will be submitted to the West of England Combined Authority.
Meeting report by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
THORNBURY Carnival's volunteer committee has revealed details of this year's event.
The organisers will stick with the formula which proved to be a success last year, when the event returned for the first time since the pandemic.
That means it will take place over two days, on Friday June 30 and Saturday July 1 - but there will be no parade through the town, with events instead set to be concentrated on Mundy Playing Fields for the foreseeable future.
Thornbury Carnival Committee chair Liam Williams said: "Although the committee is smaller now than in the past, the support of so many individuals and groups over the course of the weekend meant we were able to put on a fantastic event last July.
"We took the difficult decision not to organise a parade last year because, historically, it had been a very resource-intensive aspect of the event.
"Instead, we put all our efforts into the experience on the Mundy Playing Fields, including adding a new event on the Friday evening.
"We feel our decision paid off, because we received really positive feedback during both events and also on social media afterwards."
Liam said the committee currently does not currently plan to reinstate the parade at any point in the future, saying: “Our intention is to continue with our new format going forward.”
The volunteer committee has been working hard over the winter on plans for this year's events.
The first day will once again feature a Swing in the Park evening event, introduced for the first time last year.
Liam said the aim would be to create a “laid back summer evening vibe”.
The second day would feature the Main Event, 12 hours of
entertainment from 11am until 11pm aiming for a “fun family festival feel”.
Liam said: "Each event will offer something slightly different but we do feel there will be something for everyone within our community."
Repeating the formula from last year, both events will feature a main stage with a wide range of professional acts plus a fully licensed bar and local food concessions.
The Saturday event will include a showcase for local talent, a funfair and children’s activities included as part of the ticket price.
A Show'n'Shine car exhibition, first introduced last year, will return featuring classic, American, modern sports, military, and other "unique and
interesting" vehicles.
Vehicle owners who want to take part in Show'n'Shine, and anyone else who wants
to get involved, can find out more information at the carnival website, www. thornburycarnival.co.uk.
A THORNBURY charity that helps children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, and their families, has been given a big boost by supporters.
JIGSAW Thornbury celebrated its 10th birthday with a fundraising ball at the Grange Hotel in March.
On the night more than £6,000 was raised from ticket sales, sponsorship, donations and a fundraising auction and raffle, which the charity said beat all expectations.
Chief executive Hattie Clayton said: "It's a huge amount of money which will have a big impact for all the families the charity works with in the local community.
"We'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone that supported this event to make our 10th Birthday Fundraising Ball a truly special occasion.
"Our birthday is much more than a 10 year milestone.
"It is a celebration of the
impact we have had for over 850 families who have been members of JIGSAW over that time; a celebration of how we have helped them to join in, grow support for their families, raise awareness about their needs, and improve their well-being.”
The charity says its vision is that all children and young people with additional needs or disabilities are "empowered to connect, fit in, and thrive".
It works with young people up to the age of 25 years, with or without a diagnosis, providing "friendship, support, compassion, and fun, along with innovative services for the whole family".
Posters were displayed at the ball featuring the key events in JIGSAW Thornbury’s history, from starting out as a support group in a church hall to offering 17 different services for member
families, including support groups, youth club, fun holiday activities, well-being events, and training and awareness sessions.
The display is now at Thornbury Library until April 12 and a window display has also been made for the charity’s base in the St Mary Centre.
A film was created and premiered at the ball showing the impact of the charity's help on a young autistic person.
It can be viewed on the charity's website, www. jigsawthornbury.org.uk, where more details of its services and how to donate to its latest fundraising campaign can be found.
Hattie added: "This impact didn’t just happen by chance. There are lots of people to thank who have been a vital part of our 10 year story."
These included the charity's trustees, founder Tor Goodman, staff, volunteers, funders and member families.
PEOPLE living in a Thornbury cul-de-sac have shared £140,000 in cash and holidays thanks to their postcode.
Four residents of Dovedale won cheques for £30,000 and a £5,000 holiday in a People’s Postcode Lottery draw at the end of February.
They included Stephen Monks, 61, and his wife Debra, who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, and their bridesmaid, Samantha Walker.
Stephen said: “I never thought we’d get a knock on the door from the Postcode Lottery. It’s absolutely brilliant!"
Stephen, who is a school caretaker, said: "As it’s going to be our ruby wedding anniversary, we’ll go away somewhere nice and sunny, near the beach to celebrate.”
Debra is also planning a trip to New York later in the year.
The couple's bridesmaid, Samantha Walker, also shares the same postcode and won the same prize.
Samantha said: “Not in a million years did I think this would happen to someone like me.
“Debra and I grew up together and its lovely to think we’ve both won.
"I was born and bred in Thornbury, it’s a very well-known family.”
Samantha said the win had come at a "fantastic time" and she was planning to get a new shed and bathroom before going on holiday.
She said: "I think we’ll go on a cruise or try somewhere different. The Caribbean would be really nice - or Italy, because I’ve never been.”
Another neighbour, Richard Cahill, 42, is planning a trip to Lapland and some home improvements.
He said: “This win is absolutely awesome! I feel shocked but amazed.
“My wife and I have been chatting about taking our little boy to Lapland for Christmas, so we’ll go on a lovely holiday together.
“We’ll spruce up the house a little bit. The porch is looking a little bit tired at the moment and we’ll maybe do the bathroom as well.”
The fourth winner chose to remain anonymous.
People play the Postcode Lottery by paying a monthly fee and using their postcode instead of regular lotto numbers.
Throughout the February a daily £30,000 prize was given to all players in a chosen postcode, plus an additional £5,000 for a holiday for every ticket held.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than a billion pounds for thousands of charities and local good causes.
The Thornbury draw was promoted on behalf of Postcode Animal Trust, which supports Dogs Trust, PDSA and Cats Protection.
Postcode Lottery Ambassador Matt Johnson said: "I hope they all enjoy celebrating, spending the cash and have a great time on holiday."
ENGINEERS are testing new flood defences for low-lying areas near the River Severn.
The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence project team has commissioned a flood gate and glass panel defences at New Passage, South Gloucestershire.
Weighing over a tonne, the flood gates used on the project form a "substantial part" of the flood defence network and can be both mechanically and manually operated, which makes it easier for Environment Agency to open and close in different circumstances.
The flood gate at New Passage is one of several being installed in areas covered by the project, with others at Lamplighter’s Marsh and in Aust.
To test them, engineers pump two tonnes of water behind
each gate, with site staff looking carefully for leaks.
If any were spotted, the seals on the gate are adjusted and retested. The same process is repeated on a section of the glass panel flood defences at New Passage.
Environment Agency senior flood and coastal risk
AN INSPECTION programme to ensure the cables on the Severn Bridge are safe is now complete.
Inspections have been taking place since last June on eight sections across the two main suspension cables as part of a £5 million routine safety investigation by National Highways.
Inspections take place every six years when the main cables are wedged open allowing the team to see right to the centre and to assess the condition of the 53 wires
management advisor Colin Taylor said: "We have installed a flood gate to allow access to the seaward side of the new raised flood defences at New Passage.
"The testing of the flood defences that have been installed this year is a crucial point for the project. We are now seeing how they stand up to the kind of real-
the bridge.
The main cables are wedged open for inspections to take place
inside the bridge, which carries the M48 over the river.
National Highways project manager Chris Pope said: "Carrying out these essential cable inspection works will help us to keep the bridge safe and open for many years to come.
"They enable us to establish the current condition of the suspension cables and ensure the long-term viability and safety of
world conditions that may occur if sea levels continue to rise in the decades ahead."
The ASEA project also involves South Gloucestershire and Bristol City councils and aims to protect communities and wildlife, as well as allowing economic growth in the area.
It is due to be completed in 2026, providing 17km of flood defences from Aust to Shirehampton.
council leader Toby Savage said: "Seeing the flood gate and glass panel defences in action is a clear visual reminder of how far the ASEA project has come.
"The rigorous testing happening now is incredibly important to give confidence to New Passage residents that the flood defences here will help provide protection from the effects of climate change and rising sea levels."
"It has been a long and complex task to carry out this work and we have opened up over 900 metres of cables. We will need to complete some laboratory testing of samples and analyse the findings of the inspections but so far, the results are in line with what we expected."
The bridge was fully closed to traffic over a weekend in March to allow the inspection gantries to be removed by crane.
Since corrosion was discovered in the cables in 2006, 40 years after it opened, work was done to minimise further corrosion and inspections are regularly carried out.
The Severn Bridge has very small spaces between the 8,322 individual 5mm wires that form the two main cables, which allowed in moisture that caused the initial corrosion.
A RAPIST who attacked a woman at a remote barn in Charfield has been jailed for 20 years.
Leon Austin, aged 31, raped the woman multiple times after plying her with alcohol.
After his arrest he was then charged with attacking a teenager in Gloucestershire in 2018.
Austin, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to five counts of rape – two relating to 2018 and three to 2022 – and one count of attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle with intent to commit rape in January.
He was jailed at Bristol Crown Court in March.
His Honour Judge Michael Cullum described Austin as a dangerous offender and a man who posed a significant risk to women.
He also praised the victims’ for their courage.
Officer in the case DC Carl Spicer said: “Austin is sexual predator who targeted younger vulnerable and alone females, providing them with drink or drugs. He then ignored their wishes when they did not consent to sex.
"Both women have shown incredible levels of bravery and courage to report what happened to them and they should feel proud that by doing so has meant a dangerous man is behind bars.
"While I hope this sentence brings them both some closure, it is important to recognise the impact of what they have been through is far-reaching and this hearing doesn’t magically erase what has happened."
The court heard that in August last year Austin and a woman in her 20s, went to a number of pubs before visiting the home of one of his friends.
The following morning Austin offered to drive the woman home but made sexual advances to her in the car, and when she said no he stopped at a remote barn and raped her.
The woman ran away and managed to flag down a passing motorist and called the police, while Austin drove from the scene.
In a statement read to the court, she said been "crippled by an overwhelming fear to do anything" on some days since the attack, and had struggled to sleep or return to work.
She said: "My friends struggle to understand what happened, they don’t want to be around me because I am not my usually happy self. I am often difficult to be around.
“My relationship and outlook on men in general has completely changed. I am so scared and
intimidated of any man."
Austin's earlier victim, who was 17 when she was attacked at a caravan he was staying at in Berkeley, said her self-confidence had been "completely destroyed".
MORE than 8,000 voters could be "disenfranchised" at South Gloucestershire’s elections because of a new law requiring them to show proof of identity at the polling station, it has been claimed.
The elections in May will be the first for which residents will have to show an accepted form of ID - and face being barred from voting if they do not have one.
Frampton Cotterell ward Liberal Democrat councillor Tristan Clark told a council meeting in February: “The number of voters who lack an accepted form of ID in South Gloucestershire could, under the Cabinet Office’s own assessment, exceed 8,000 people.
“Will polling station staff be recording the number of people they turn away for lacking the requisite form of ID, so that proper analysis of the residents disenfranchised by this rushed and ill-conceived legislation can occur?”
Council cabinet member Ben Burton insisted that the changes in last year’s Elections Act had not been rushed.
The Frenchay & Downend ward Conservative councillor said: "I’ll follow up with democratic services whether they will be recording the amount of people turned away."
He said a trial in 2018 in Swindon had been followed by a "a robust and comprehensive review" by the Electoral Commission of the number of people voting.
Cllr Burton said: "In that instance it did not cause a significant change in voting habits, and actually turnout was higher than the previous election in 2016.
"The arrangements are in place to ensure that the democratic process remains secure and that voting will hopefully remain high.
"The actual list of acceptable forms of ID is incredibly long. We are talking passports, driving licence, biometric immigration document, identity cards, MOD ID, blue badge, national identity, old person’s bus card, Oyster card, freedom passes and a whole host more.
“So actually the chances of someone not having those is relatively small, and we will make the arrangements where we are able to support those who do not have an acceptable form of ID.”
More information about ID and how to apply can be found online at beta.southglos.gov.uk/voter-id.
Anyone who is not online can also apply in person, by calling South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 863030 and making an appointment to visit the council offices in Yate.
People applying for the free ID need to have their National Insurance number and a recent photo to hand.
Cllr Burton said that 56 people in the district had applied for a free 'voter authority certificate' by early February.
Electoral Commission research found voters less likely to have an accepted form of ID are over-85s, people with disabilities, trans and homeless people.
The deadline to register to vote is April 17, postal vote applications must be made by April 18 and proxy vote and for free ID applications by April 25.
Anyone who would like to stand for election in this year has until April 4 to submit their nomination.
For more information about becoming a candidate, visit beta.southglos.gov.uk/stand-for-election, call 01454 863030, email electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or write to Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DB.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
MEMBERS of a dance school based in Thornbury and Alveston are preparing to return to the stage for their first show in more than three years.
Sharon Phillips School of Dancing had to cancel their last performance two weeks before it was due to take place in 2020, after the covid lockdown was introduced.
The dancers celebrate their return with a show called Back in the Spotlight, which takes place at the Olympus Theatre on the WISE campus in Stoke Gifford from April 2 to 4.
The event involves 175 students, aged from three to 18, performing tap, modern, ballet and contemporary dancing in a total of six shows.
The performers rehearse in classes held in Alveston, Thornbury and Patchway.
Sharon said: "All the students have worked so hard over the last few months, and they are really excited to perform for their friends and families."
The show will raise money for charity Off The Record, which supports children and young adults with their mental health.
For more details about the dance school and shows visit the website sharonphillipsdance.co.uk.
A NEW rule making taxis in South Gloucestershire accessible to people in wheelchairs has been delayed because of “recent global events”, councillors have been told.
In a bid to make travelling easier for disabled people, South Gloucestershire Council decided in 2017 to encourage hackney carriage taxis to switch to wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
A deadline for all hackney carriages to be wheelchair-
accessible was set for April 1 this year.
But taxi drivers have urged the council to delay the rollout of the new rule. The council is also considering a separate rule forcing all taxis to be electric by 2030, and electric wheelchairaccessible taxis are currently “prohibitively expensive”.
Drivers also said the pandemic meant a huge drop in trade, and the war in Ukraine had disrupted global supply chains, delaying the manufacturing and supply of
new vehicles.
The council’s regulatory committee voted to delay the launch of the new rule in March, just over a week before it was due to come into force.
A report to the committee said: “This is not an attempt by hackney carriage vehicle licence holders and drivers to avoid the policy, and they understand why it is happening."
The report said that since 2016 the number of wheelchairaccessible taxis had risen by six, from 31 to 37.
But drivers have to wait a year or 18 months to be able to buy a new wheelchairaccessible taxi.
Severn Vale ward councillor Keith Burchell said: “This has been going on for a long time but unfortunately due to the events of the last three or four years, we have to do something now just to alleviate the situation, because the situation has changed since this was first recommended."
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
AN INDEPENDENT school has successfully met the standards required by the sector's regulator.
Tockington Manor School, in Tockington, was visited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for a regulatory compliance inspection in January.
The ISI has now published its report on the co-educational day school, which has 273 pupils aged from two to 13 on its roll, divided into a nursery section for two to four-year-old children, a lower school for pupils aged four to seven and upper school for those aged seven to 13.
Inspectors Hilary Wyatt and Richard Raistrick spent two days observing lessons, talking to pupils and looking at their work,
as well as attending assemblies and extra-curricular activities. They also held discussions with staff, examined the curriculum and documentation. Questionnaires completed by staff, parents and pupils from both the school and nursery were also taken into consideration.
The report said: "The teaching enables pupils to make good progress, encompasses effective behaviour management and is supported by suitable resources."
The ISI inspectors report on
the school’s compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations and, in Tockington Manor's case, the Early Years Foundation Stage.
All independent schools are required to meet the standards and the findings validate the school's performance in a variety of areas, including: quality of education; the health, safety and welfare of pupils; quality of leadership and management.
The report highlighted the use of the school's 28-acre grounds, saying: "The school
strives to make full use of the outdoor spaces around the site to engender a spirit of adventure within the pupils and prepare them with the attitude and aptitude for senior schools and beyond."
This latest report builds on a more comprehensive inspection at the school and nursery in 2018. The ISI’s Educational Quality Inspection Report found that Tockington Manor School produces pupils who “demonstrate self-confidence and self-awareness of the highest quality”.
It also commended the school on the personal development of pupils, which it said was excellent.
Headmaster Stephen Symonds said: "I am incredibly proud of the excellent team effort which resulted in our school meeting every applicable standard required.
"Tockington prides itself on its high standards and this is a testament to our hard work."
The full report can be found at www.tockingtonmanorschool. com/isi-inspection.
PEOPLE are being invited to tour Thornbury and the surrounding area to visit the variety of talented artists living among us.
More than 60 artists will take part in this year's Severn Vale Art Trail, exhibiting in their homes, studios, community halls and churches.
The trail will take place from Thursday April 27 until Monday May 1, the May Day bank holiday.
Arts Trail spokesperson Tracy Spencer said: "This year we will be hosting 68 artists, with the usual diverse range of work - paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, pyrography and glass art.
"Spend an afternoon, a day, or the weekend exploring the trail. Enjoy the opportunity to talk to local artists and view and purchase original art work."
Many of the artists are based in Thornbury but there will also be displays in Oldburyupon-Severn, Olveston, Tytherington, Shepperdine and as far as Berkeley and Cam.
Before the trail begins there will be a pop-up art event at the St Mary Centre in
Thornbury, from 10am-3pm on April 15, where children can enter an art competition with a Coronation theme.
For details about the artists and venues, and to download the trail map, visit the website at www.severnvalearttrail.org.
THORNBURY Musical Theatre Group is trying something different with its latest show.
The group says MISFITS is what happens "when we mix things up with some of your favourite musical theatre songs".
A spokesperson for the group said: "This is your chance to see some of TMTG’s award winning performers breathe new life into some new and classic songs.
"The result of our experiment is certain to be humorous, breath-taking, and spectacular. "You won’t want to miss this one weekend only show!"
The show is taking place at St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford, on Friday April 14 at 7.30pm, and the following day at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, after a first showing at Tytherington Village Hall on March 31 and April 1.
For tickets and more information visit www.tmtg.org.uk/tickets, call 07516 270140 or visit the box office in Lisa Costa Estate Agents, 53 High Street, Thornbury.
THE next concert given by the Choral Society and the Thornbury Camerata will be a very special one as it is a celebration of the Coronation.
Conducted by Steven Kings, we shall be performing music which has been used for previous coronations.
Handel’s “Coronation Anthems” were composed for George II in 1727. We shall sing three of them: Let Thy Hand be Strengthened, The King Shall Rejoice and the ever-popular Zadok the Priest.
Mozart’s Mass in C Major was probably used at the coronation of both Leopold II in Prague in 1791 and at the crowning of Francis I of Austria, a year later. The concert also includes Symphony No 6 in F Major by William Boyce. Soloists are Charlotte Newstead (soprano) Rebecca Chellappah (mezzo-soprano) John Bacon (tenor) Robert Marson (bass).
The performance is on Saturday May 13, at 7.30pm, at St. Mary’s Church in Thornbury. Ticket prices are £15 pre-booked, £17 on the door or £5 for under 18s.
They are available from tickets@thornburychoralsociety.org.uk, by calling 01454 417865 or from Horders Stationers after April 26.
Do come and join us for what will be a most enjoyable evening.
Angela HughesOLVESTON Parish Players celebrated a return to packed houses with their latest production, Kiss Me, Kate.
After continued social distancing meant performing to a reduced audience in 2022, this year saw the return to "a packed house every night" at the Parish Hall, Tockington.
The production was the 22nd to be directed for the players by Linda Evans.
Chloe Allsopp-Jones and her family provided the musical accompaniment for the show's famous songs, including Too Darn Hot, Brush Up Your Shakespeare, I Hate Men and Another Op’nin’, Another Show.
ARMSTRONG Arts Group promises an uplifting and amusing night of old-time country music with The Buffalo Gals.
The band performs traditional old songs and tunes of Appalachia, early bluegrass, early country music, blues and rags, ballads, spirituals, Cajun and gospel, all brought to life with a talent for fresh arrangement.
Their concerts promise "driving energy of banjo and fiddle, soaring harmonies and syncopated, percussive step-dance", with humour, repartee and rapport with audiences.
Champion American fiddler Kate Lissauer leads the band and ensures all is delivered with high energy and great humour.
The show takes place on Saturday May 13 at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Thornbury High Street. Tea and coffee will be served during the interval.
Tickets cost £15 and can be bought by emailing AAGThornbury@ gmail.com.
AAG is appealing for up-to-date certificated first aiders who would be willing to steward at events, in return for complimentary tickets. Anyone interested should email janeparfittrail@gmail.com.
The leading role of Fred Graham and Petruchio was played by Paul Dimery, while Kate Coyle played Lilli Vanessi and Katharine in the show within a show, combining a production of Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew with backstage intrigues in the actors' lives.
After the show, Paul said: "It was great to play to a full audience.
"They really enjoyed the humour of what is a cleverlywritten but complicated tale that weaves two stories together."
Kate said: "We have had a lot of
fun, both on stage and behind the scenes.
"The actors and back stage team really enjoy working together.
"I recommend getting involved, if you are tempted."
The Parish Players will announce the name of their 2024 show in the summer.
Rehearsals will start in the autumn and newcomers are welcome, either on or back stage.
For more information email secretaryparishplayers@gmail.com or visit the Players' Facebook page.
MARCH has been a busy month for our WI with a fascinating talk called 'The Scientific Detective' given by Carolyn Morton, a retired Forensic Science lecturer.
A group of members had a trip to Bristol, where they had a tour of backstage at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, and we have also had a get together in a local hostelry!
Our guest in April is Lynda McClaren who is an experienced guide at Berkeley Castle.
We have welcomed many new members over the last few months and if you are interested in joining us, please contact Angela Green on 01454 615222.
Olveston and Tockington WI meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at Olveston Parish Hall.
CASTLE School Friends has raised over £10,000 for the school in the last year, our recent AGM heard. This fantastic sum wouldn’t have been possible without our loyal supporters and the hard work of a dozen committee members who are all volunteers - a big thank you.
The money was raised through grants, donations and fundraising events and is being used to buy a number of priority items like a lighting tower for the main hall, microscopes and ammeters for the science department, and a second defibrillator for the school.
Some of the funds have also contributed to a school hardship fund and buying Special Educational Needs equipment.
Our most recent event was a table top sale in March, which
attracted 29 sellers, dozens of buyers and raised over £250 to support the school. Our thanks to everyone who supported, including school staff for opening up on a Saturday and CSF volunteers for organising the sale.
The next CSF event will be our first ever bingo evening, at school on May 12 at 7pm.
This is for Year 6 children joining school in the autumn and current Year 7 pupils, along with their parents and carers.
Prizes will include annual membership at Old Down Country
Park and a £40 school clothes voucher kindly donated by Linela. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website www. castleschoolfriends.org for more details, including ticket prices and how to reserve your tickets.
Lastly, if you would like to find out more about joining the committee, or even just lending a hand occasionally, we are always on the look out for energetic helpers. Do drop us a line at enquiries@castleschoolfriends.org.
Justin Warr
We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.
We also ensure:
• Strict Infection Control measures approved by Public Health England are fully implemented
• Care staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply
• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand
• Safe face-to-face visits where possible
CHILDREN at a village school have helped launch a scheme to encourage more insects to pollinate plants in the region.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris has announced £500,000 of funding this year for projects that support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Schools, sports clubs, volunteer and community groups can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £100,000.
Applicants must show how they will expand and protect bee habitats, for example by installing "bug hotels", upgrading a neglected green space, planting fruit trees or wildflower meadows.
A panel will then select projects for the scheme, which last year funded 12 projects including a mini orchard, pollinator trail and outdoor classrooms.
Oldbury on Seven Church of England Primary School, who received a £17,000 grant last year, to plant a wildflower
meadow on the school grounds and create an ‘outdoor classroom’, which is also open to the ‘Forest Tots’ toddler group, St Arilda’s Church Community and Oldbury Village Community. Mr Norris said: “I’ve made bees a priority as they’re vital to making sure our crops are pollinated and we have food to
eat year-round.
Whether it is planting blooming wildflower meadows in parks or installing bee-friendly green roofs on community buildings, my message to all Bristol pollinator pal groups isget applying!"
Applications for grants are open until April 19.
For more information visit
THE West of England Combined Authority is trying something new.
The Big Choices public meetings I held last summer with residents talking all things buses showed me that the status quo doesn’t work. People want change.
It’s one reason why I’m introducing WESTlink, the brand-new stop-to-stop minibus service offering tailor-made journeys for locals.
The first passengers will be able to book a WESTlink from their local bus stop from April - dropping them off at another bus or train stop to continue their onward journey. WESTlink will continue to fully roll out over successive months.
I saw the first WESTlink a few weeks ago. The bright green minibus, which was taking part in testing, is one of what will eventually be a new 30-strong fleet that residents in the West of England will be able to book by phone, online or with a dedicated app.
That bus will be ready from April, with
more WESTlinks to follow until we reach the first milestone of 30 full-time minibuses.
It is all thanks to a £3 million investment my West of England Combined Authority is making.
This is a big moment for the West of England, and our local transport journey.
Similar schemes have been trialled in other areas of the country, but never on such a scale. This scheme will grow to become the biggest in the UK.
It comes hot on the heels of my decision to bring forward a £7 million package of big bus improvements, including adding more main route buses to areas where WESTlink is arriving.
Now, I’ll be frank with you – it certainly won’t be plain sailing at the start.
We’re over a dozen drivers short at present. And there are other things we need to iron out to ensure people get to the places they need to go to as easily and efficiently as possible.
the Community Pollinator Fund page on the West of England
Combined authority website, at bit.ly/3lHWrCs.
This year's Bee Bold Awards, to recognise good work being done to encourage pollinators are also open for entries until April 28.
The awards are open to schools, community groups and businesses across the region.
There are two categories: a Space for Nature award recognising organisations that have created gardens or pollinator spaces within workplaces and a People for Nature award for organisations involving communities, employees or customers to create places for nature elsewhere.
Last year Thornbury Orchard Group was among the winners for its management of the community orchard off Gloucester Road.
More information can be found on the WECA website at bit.ly/42GVIlN.
In the first instance, you will need to consult a bus or train timetable to check the best way to make your onward journey, whereas in the future you will be able to do that all in the app.
But I’m determined we get on with trying something innovative and something different, so I need your help.
Please play your part by trying WESTlink yourself. Tell me how it needs to change and improve. By doing so, together we can grasp this fantastic opportunity to shape our transport future for the better.
A TRULY fabulous pair of 19th century earrings prompted a flurry of bidding at Stroud Auctions’ March sale.
The Victorian Etruscan Revival gold earrings, in the form of an urn set with rubies, were made by Italian maker Carlo Giuliano, a goldsmith and jeweller who moved from Naples to London in 1860 and worked for a number of leading jewellers before setting out on his own.
Selling for £9,484, more than anyone expected, they proved once again that prices for the best antique jewellery are still on the increase, and were the auctioneer’s favourite lot.
The specialist sections of jewellery, silver, coins, watches, clocks and bijouterie are always popular, and some other really remarkable prices were also achieved.
A pair of Corinthian column candlesticks dating to 1902 realised £589 – once again these were of the best quality and pretty much
an ideal size, and the eventual hammer price was really pleasing.
The highest price achieved among the 1,690 lots was £10,336, for a Cartier Tank 18ct gold gentleman's wristwatch.
The surprise result of the sale was a William IV hallmarked silver-
topped travelling dressing table set, comprising ten silver topped pots with hobnail cut glass bases, all contained in a brass inlaid wooden box.
Made in London in 1826 by Archibald Douglas, it sold for £1,459.
A total of 1,288 online bidders from 38 countries joined the sale.
The next auction will be on May 10 and 11, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, bladed weapons, taxidermy, sporting, ceramics and glass.
If you’ve never thought of buying at auction, why not come along to our public viewing day on May 9th between 10am and 6pm?
We are also still accepting items for our June auction, which will once again include jewellery, silver, watches and coins. This will be our first auction in our brand new purpose-built saleroom just outside Stroud, and we couldn’t be more excited. If you would like to see us in our new location then we are open for viewing as usual on Tuesday June 13th from 10am to 6pm.
If you are thinking of selling, please give us a call on 01453 873800 to book a valuation or just email and ask for advice from one of our specialists.
THORNBURY Rotary Club has recently donated a tent to Severnvale Girlguiding.
This was in response to a request from Nicole Crompton for the upcoming Together 2023 Jamboree, being held in Austria this August.
Together 2023 will be attended by over 3,000 Scouts and Guides from across the world, so it is set to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a great adventure.
The donation was part of Thornbury Rotary’s commitment to supporting local events and organisations, using the money they have raised (in part) by major fundraising events such as the Swimarathon.
The hope is that this year’s Swimarathon will raise around £10,000, once all the sponsorship commitments have been made.
Nicole is a local leader at 1st Olveston Brownies and has been selected to go on the jamboree as leader of a group of 16 young women selected from across the South West.
To attend the jamboree, the
group needs to take all its own kit, from tents to shelters and cooking equipment.
The Southwest team has been working hard to obtain enough financial support for all the kit needed.
Members have expressed their gratitude to Rotary for the help they have given them.
THORNBURY is undergoing many changes that will shape its future but its past rich and interesting heritage will never change.
With spring approaching, it is an ideal time to either find out or remind yourself about the history of the town.
The Thornbury Heritage Trail was created by Thornbury & District Heritage Trust to celebrate the Millennium in 2000.
Covering a total distance of 3.7km or two and a quarter miles, it is an enjoyable way of discovering the previous importance of the town and its history.
A recently updated guidebook to the trail is available from the museum, or from Horders on the High Street, for just £2.
You can also download the book and print an enlarged map free from www.thornburymuseum.org.uk.
The trail starts at the Town Hall, and you can follow the bronze way markers set into the pavements and discover how buildings and places that you may walk past regularly come to life. Along the way you can pause at each of the seven illustrated information boards and learn even more about the location.
Once you reach the church you can then enjoy the rural footpaths by following the marker posts, with points of interest along the way, to return to the town.
Be aware that there are some stiles, and it may be muddy at times, but it is well worth the effort.
If you are unable to go along the rural path it is easy to retrace your steps back to the town and then follow the remaining way markers to complete the trail.
Please also take time to visit Thornbury & District Museum in Chapel Street and visit our website to check opening times, what the current exhibitions are and much more.
John Shepherd ChairmanNicole said: "If anyone would like to further support our fundraising, any donations would be gratefully appreciated."
People can get in touch with Nicole by emailing austriadreamteam4@gmail.com.
Once the Jamboree is over, the tent will be returned to Severnvale Girlguiding so that all
young members within the local area (Almondsbury, Alveston, Olveston, Thornbury, Seven Beach and Pilning) can use it for summer camps and events.
Over the years, Rotary Club of Thornbury has supported youth organisations and initiatives, not just locally but nationally and internationally.
Local competitions for schools are held annually, in areas such as public speaking, music and photography.
The club sponsors ‘Kids Out’, a great day out visiting Slimbridge Wetland Centre specifically for pupils, staff and helpers of New Siblands School.
The club is always looking for new members.
It’s not all hard work in the community, as president Stuart Hill emphasised.
He said: "We have a lot of fun, with social events, visits to special places and sporting competitions."
These events supplement the club’s twice monthly meetings.
To learn more about Thornbury Rotary, visit the website www. ThornburyRotary.org or follow the club on Facebook.
April 1
n THORNBURY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Easter table top sale and pop-up cafe, 10am-12.30pm, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall. Local community groups and charities selling a variety of goods including cards, produce, crafts and vintage items. Tea, coffee and home-made cakes, Easter raffle.
April 3
n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING, Jubilee Hall, Alveston at 7.30pm. Talk: The Wonder of Trees, Mary Fenton. Non-members welcome.
April 10
n NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME open garden at Stoneleigh Down, Upper Tockington Road, Tockington, 1-5pm. Supporting health and nursing charities. Admission £6. Children free. Dogs on leads welcome. Home-made teas.
April 11
n EASTWOOD GARDENERS' CLUB, Turnberries, 7pm. Talk from Roger Mellors on being a volunteer guide at Bristol University Botanical Garden. Visitors welcome.
April 14-15
n THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP presents MISFITS, breathing new life into some new and classic songs. St Michael’s Centre, Stoke Gifford.
Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets at www.tmtg. org.uk/tickets, call 07516 270140 or visit Lisa Costa Estate Agents, Thornbury High Street. Also at Tytherington Village Hall, April 1, 2.30pm & 7.30 pm.
April 17
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB spring open evening, Olveston & Tockington Parish Hall, 7.30pm. Talk: Andrew Lloyd, ‘If Only’. Tickets £12 - call 01453 811089.
April 20
n SOUTH GLOS COMMUNITY LEARNING IT for Work course, Thornbury Library 9.30-11.30am every Thursday for five weeks. Call 07548 103398 or email aimee. hilbourne@southglos.gov.uk to sign up.
April 20
n THORNBURY U3A welcome meeting, 3.30pm, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road. Find out about 90 interest groups run in the area. For more information visit www. thornburyu3a.org.uk or call Jackie Gitsham on 01454 858438.
April 26
n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Talk by Sue Webb on history of Gloucestershire Constabulary. Non-members £5.
April 27-May 1
Severn Vale Art Trail at various
venues, with artists exhibiting a variety of paintings, photographs, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, pyrography and glass art in homes, studios, community halls and churches. More details and map at www.severnvalearttrail.org.
May 13
n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents The Buffalo Gals, old-time country music, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. Tea/coffee served during the interval. Tickets £15 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com.
May 13
n THORNBURY CHORAL SOCIETY celebrates the Coronation. St. Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 pre-booked or £17 on the door, £5 under 18s. Email tickets@thornburychoralsociety. org.uk, call 01454 417865 or visit Horders Stationers after April 26.
Monday
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and competitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail. co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213.
Tuesday
Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 01454 260371.
n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink.
Wednesday
n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcomefirst visit free so come along and give us a try. Contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk
Thursday
n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For more information visit www. goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.
THORNBURY Library is hosting an Easter crafts event on April 5 from 10.30am-noon.
Suitable for children aged four to nine, there will be plenty to create, Keeping warm and well sessions are being held throughout the day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am-4pm: come and relax with a warm drink, use the computers or your own tablet or phone (WiFi available), read a book, newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.
The Have You Read book club meets on March 3 from 2-3pm - no set novel, just drop in for refreshments and a chat about books. Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am - no booking required.
Book Focus Group, for children in Year 7 and up, takes place from 4-5pm on April 13.
Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am. A Sight Support West of England drop-in support and advice session for people with visual impairments will be held on April 17 from 10am-1pm.
A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 9.30am.
The library is open 9.30am-5.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday. Open access is from 8am-7.30pm every day.
A Home Library Service is available for anyone who finds it difficult to get to the library for books.
For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries.
n THORNBURY ART CLUB hosts live talks and demonstrations by established artists on the fourth Tuesday of the month at St Mary's Church Hall, 7.30pm. Nonmembers welcome: £5 entry. For more information call Mary Drown on 01454 414433 or email mary. drown@blueyonder.co.uk.
n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Turnberries Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury, Tuesday from 10am-noon. No appointment needed.
n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine and materials/pattern. To attend, call Carrie in advance on 07753 236095.
n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except August) from 10.15am until 11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. For information contact
n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR. Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. Ffi : www. bristolmvc.org.uk ; facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk;or ring 07776447699; or 07587143220
Friday
n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903.
Saturday
n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free for everyone.
Sunday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Black Horse, Gillingstool, Thornbury, noon.
WOODLAND charities teamed up to show Thornbury's MP their work planting new trees in the town.
The trees were planted on Severn View Road by the Woodland Trust in collaboration with the Forest of Avon Trust, to improve urban biodiversity and establish new woodlands in the region.
MP Luke Hall recently met with the representatives from both Trusts in Thornbury to discuss the project to boost tree cover and enhancement of green space in the area.
Through its Tree and Woodland Strategy for the West of England, the Forest of Avon Trust is aiming to establish new native woodlands around the fringes of Thornbury, whilst conserving agricultural land, priority habitats, historic monuments, and viewpoints.
They also aim to enhance existing woodlands, linking them through woodland corridors.
South Gloucestershire Council has announced a tree planting programme aimed at doubling tree cover through planting programmes.
The Council has recently been awarded £1.1 million from the West of England Combined Authority towards the project.
Last year Mr Hall helped to distribute cherry trees to local community groups across South Gloucestershire, including some planted on Thornbury's Mundy playing fields.
He said: "These trees will help to boost our local biodiversity and help to support our local tree planting initiative.
"The Forest of Avon Trust has done a fantastic job of supporting the community’s and South Gloucestershire Council’s efforts in this area, and I look forward to working with them with more projects in the future."
Woodland Trust Regional Director Ross Kennerley said: "It was great to be able to meet with Luke and to discuss the widespread benefits that trees in urban areas bring for people, nature and climate.
"Seeing the newly-planted trees in the ground in the heart of Thornbury shows what can be achieved when organisations and local communities work together."
The trust has provided more than £250,000 towards tree planting and woodland creation across the region.
Mr Kennerley said more landowners were needed to come forward and provide space for trees and nature.
AS the national lead PCC for Economic and Cybercrime, I’m always supportive when I see a national campaign highlighting the impact that fraud can have on communities and how we can work together to stop this criminal activity.
This is why I was delighted to see that the charity Crimestoppers has launched a year-long national campaign to raise awareness about the personal dangers and harms that consumers face when they knowingly or unknowingly buy fake goods.
Causing a £9 billion annual loss to the UK economy, counterfeit goods fraud can be defined as the sale of fake items as authentic goods from established brands.
The criminals behind this crime intend to deceive and exploit consumers into buying fake products, thinking they’ve bagged themselves a bargain. It’s worth stressing that those individuals who deliberately buy a fake product
are also committing a crime and contributing to the problem.
There’s always a victim when you buy a fake product: fake goods cause 80,500 UK job losses every year and the crime has links to organised crime groups who are complicit in human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and prostitution.
While criminals are becoming more skilful at finding new ways of ripping people off, there are a few signs to look out for to protect yourself when you’re looking for a good deal.
These include: the price being too good to be true; dodgy websites and an unusual place of sale; spelling and grammatical errors on websites and product packaging; differences in product or packaging; and missing information like the batch number.
I’m urging local people to report any information they have in relation to counterfeit fraud using Crimestoppers’ anonymous
reporting service, which can be found online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Dog theft is a wide concern for pet owners in our force area.
Last month, to mark National Dog Theft Awareness Day, my team spoke to Avon & Somerset Police’s Animal Welfare Legislation Officer, PC Natalie Cosgrove.
She told us that the force recorded 16 cases of dog theft in 2021 and only five in 2022. While a reduction and, I’m sure reassuring to many, that is still five cases too many.
If you are a dog owner, there are specific security precautions you can take to make dog theft harder, including camera doorbells, keeping doors locked and sensor lighting outside your house.
I would also like to remind those who have a dog to not leave it unattended in your car, your garden, or tied up outside shops.
Remember, microchipping is not only a legal requirement,
it means your dog will be much easier to track down if it is stolen.
I also urge dog owners to consider DNA tracking to help identify their dog if it is stolen then recovered by the police. More information on DNA tracking can be found on the ‘DNA Protected’ website.
If your dog has been stolen, you should immediately contact the police and report the crime as theft.
THE Mundy Playing Fields car park has been extended to accommodate new dedicated disabled parking bays.
A path has also been created to allow for wheel-friendly access around the car park barrier onto the main path towards the Pavilion.
Thornbury Town Council introduced the changes following "valuable feedback from users of the space" using money from the Community Infrastructure Levy, funds paid to South Gloucestershire council by developers building in the district.
A town council spokesperson said: "The Mundy Playing Fields are a valued community asset, provided for the benefit of all residents of the Town.
"It is hoped that these changes will improve accessibility for users of mobility aids and those with young children in pushchairs."
The car park is open between 9am and 4pm during winter hours
and is locked overnight.
Updates on access and opening are posted on the signs
THORNBURY and District U3A has nearly 1,800 members and around 90 different interest groups meeting at various venues throughout the area - but there is always room for more!
The groups mainly meet during the day, and interest range from archaeology to walking, with all subjects in-between.
Some meet weekly, others less often, and they include physical
activities, crafts, board and card games, organised visits to gardens and churches, concerts and theatre as well as purely “educational” topics.
Details of all our groups, including group leader contact details, venue and times of meeting, can be found on our website, www.thornburyu3a.org. uk.
Our next Welcome Meeting will be held on Monday April 20 at 3.30 pm, in St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury.
Please come along: we would love to meet meet you.
For further information visit our website or phone our me on 10454 858438 or our chairman, Norman Taylor on 01454 418396.
Jackie Gitsham Membership Secretary
MONDAY May 8 is to be a national day of volunteering, with people encouraged to volunteer in
their local community as part of celebrations for King Charles III’s Coronation.
The aim is to bring communities together, encourage more people to volunteer and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the Coronation.
Thornbury Volunteer Centre has created a dedicated webpage for organisations seeking volunteers to help out around this time.
If your organisation plans to get involved and would like details to be posted to this page, please email mail@volunteer-thornbury. co.uk with brief details of what the volunteers will be needed for, together with contact details.
If you, your friends or work colleagues would like to help out, please visit our Big Help Out webpage volunteer-thornbury. co.uk/bighelpout, for details of where you can be of assistance and then please contact the relevant organisation direct.
WE have taken some big steps forward in South Gloucestershire, but there is much more to do.
Our plan to get South Gloucestershire moving has had great success, with planning permission to re-open Charfield Railway Station being granted, following strong community support which demonstrated to the council and the West of England Combined Authority the need to get these plans over the line.
The village’s railway services will be a vital asset for our people in our community to commute to work, visit friends and family, or travelling to school and college.
There are also plans to create a new cycle path up Thornbury Hill, which will bring clear benefits to the local community, providing greater infrastructure to people looking to make use of sustainable
forms of transport.
We have also had positive national announcements for school funding, with South Gloucestershire’s per pupil funding increase of 6.9%, significantly above the national increase.
A new Two Bridges special educational needs school is being built in Alveston and we are refurbishing our rural schools. Work at Marlwood has been completed, and construction at Castle School is set to be completed in September next year. South Gloucestershire Council provided more than £14 million for the programme for both schools.
On the environment, South Gloucestershire Council are currently trialling a scheme to collect soft plastic recycling waste from the kerbside.
The trial has been a great
success so far, and I will make sure we see this rolled-out in Thornbury, our neighbouring villages, and across all of South Gloucestershire as soon as possible.
I will continue to campaign against the Buckover proposals, which would mean a vast extension onto the edge of Thornbury, transforming the identity of our town and infringing on our landscape and natural environment.
Thornbury Health Centre also remains firmly on the agenda. I have met with the Health Minister, as we await announcements on the future of Thornbury Health Centre.
South Gloucestershire Council have purchased the site of the old Thornbury Hospital, removing the key barrier, and I will continue to push for the Department of Health and Social Care to accept our £13
million bid.
This will deliver greater primary care and outpatient services, mental health provision, more social care beds, and a specialised unit to help and support the elderly community receive care in their home.
Thornbury needs this facility more than ever before, and I continue to do everything possible to make sure we have a successful outcome.
We have made a huge amount of progress, but there is lots more still to do to keep South Gloucestershire the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family.
Alexandra Orchard is an osteopath specialising in stress-related chronic pain.
PLANTAR fasciitis is one of the most common orthopaedic complaints. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, thick tissue that connects the heel to the forefoot, up to the heads of the toes.
The plantar fascia’s purpose is to act as a shock absorber, even out weight distribution and support the foot arch.
During walking or running it elongates as the foot contacts
the floor, then recoils like a spring between the toes being stretched and leaving the ground.
A lot of pressure goes through the plantar fascia when we are on our feet, walking or running. For most people this will not be a problem, but too much pressure causes small tears to the tissue and over time causes the fascia to become inflamed and stiff.
The stiffness limits movement in the ankle and foot, and causes pain at the attachment of the fascia into the base of the heel.
People suffering from plantar fasciitis will commonly find the pain is around the underside and slightly inner portion of the heel bone.
Pain tends to build gradually over time and can be either sharp or dull.
The foot and ankle will feel stiff and it may be difficult going up stairs.
Pain is usually worse first thing in the morning, after long periods of being immobile or after being
on your feet for a time.
Finding a middle point between the two extremes can often relieve the pain and stiffness temporarily.
Although the exact cause of plantar fasciitis is debated, there are common risk factors: a recent increase in activity; being on your feet for long periods of time; being considerably overweight; ill-fitting shoes; wearing high heels; injuries or weaknesses in the ankle and calf tightness.
Women aged from 40 to 60 are most commonly affected.
It is important to start treatment as soon as possible, as this will improve recovery time significantly. Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. In the worst cases, support devices or steroid injections may be considered.
A qualified healthcare professional will assess various aspects of the foot and ankle in case there is a reason for developing the problem – for example, tight calf muscles.
Seeing a therapist to help reduce the pain and stiffness caused by plantar fasciitis will involve mobilising the foot and ankle to restore full range of movement and releasing the soft tissue, including muscles in the sole of the foot, front of the shin and calf.
Direct work to the plantar fascia helps to reduce inflammation around the sole of the foot and improve its mobility.
Exercises will also be prescribed to improve mobility and muscle tension.
Managing the pain at home often includes rolling the foot on a roller, ball or ice cold bottle, managing activity levels and footwear.
Once the pain has reduced, rehabilitative exercises will be given to improve the strength of the foot and ankle – and if there was anything identified contributing to the development of plantar fasciitis, your therapist will work with you to manage this.
THORNBURY Ladies are this season's champions of Berkeley Division 2.
The team's 5-3 victory against Bristol & West Jaspers ensured they could not be overtaken with two games to play.
The first of those was against Wotton-under-Edge 2nds, who became the latest team to succumb to Jo Deas's side, this time by a score of 7-0.
This will be the team's second successive promotion.
The side has already scored 134 goals, with a rearranged game with Hanham left to play, to add to the total.
In the victory against a muchchanged Bristol & West side, goals were scored by Jess Mundy (2), Ella Clark, Vicky Ball and Coz Deas.
Coz, the league’s leading scorer, chalked up another hat trick against Wotton, with Vicky Ball (2), Esther Jenkinson and Sophie Vizard getting a goal each.
Thornbury 2nds continue to show promise, with captain Sarah Lally leading the way. Their latest match against Wotton-under-Edge 3rds was won 4-0, with Sarah scoring one of the goals and the others
coming from Claire Brealey, Amelia Fitzgerald and Emily Board.
The newly-formed Thornbury men's team continues to develop.
In the latest game against champions Westbury/United
Banks 3rds, the men more than held their own in an enjoyable encounter, played in good spirit.
Sam Amos and Pardip Bhopal scored for Thornbury, who only conceded a couple of late goals to the visitors when their energy levels dropped.
Thornbury Vixens gave a creditable display in their latest game against a more experienced Clifton Robinsons side: the 1-1 draw was fully deserved.
The Vixens team included Evie Blackham, Lottie Webster, Amalie Hopkins, Amelia Fitzgerald, Erin Richards, Izzi Ormond, Beth Edis, Zoe Ashfield, Beth Hunt, Melinda Evans, Rowan Bennett and joint captains Alice Atkinson and Esther Jenkinson.
The Thornbury goal was scored by Alice, who has played a leading role along with Esther for the successful first team whilst Lottie, Beth and Amelia have also played in the senior sides.
David Parry-Jones
A MARTIAL arts team from Thornbury is celebrating after members won gold, silver and bronze medals at a national competition.
Students from Thornbury Taekwondo Academy, which caters for children as young as four, took part in the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) UK Spring National Championships.
The event, which was held at SGS College, Filton, hosted a range of categories, including patterns and sparring for juniors and adults.
Instructor Gavin Reader said: “It’s nice to win medals but it’s more important to take part and give it your best effort, while learning from the experience and having fun.
“It takes courage to compete and we are proud of our team who work hard, while reflecting the Taekwondo tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.”
Several students from the team, aged 14 to 56, also won medals at the Elite Martial Arts Professionals (EMAP) Open Championship, which is open to a range of martial arts styles and was held at Thornbury Leisure Centre.
Stuart Leppard, a 6th degree black belt, Kieran McDermott, a 3rd degree black belt, Ben Turner, a 2nd degree black belt and Lilly Buxton, a black stripe, all competed.
The club was set up in 2001 by Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and World title holder.
Classes are held at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with Black Belt and squad training at Turnberrie's Community Centre every other weekend.
For more information, call 07866 685099, email info@ thornburytkd.com or visit the website thonrburytkd.co.uk.
THORNBURY'S First team is sitting second in the table, with promotion within our reach.
The first game of the season was against our long-time rivals Emus, who joined the league at the same time in 2018.
Each season we have been promoted together and in recent meetings we had let them get the better of us, which sadly was to be repeated in the opening game.
But we refused to allow this to knock us back, picking up our first win the following week and building an unbeaten run into the second half of the season, when our winning streak was halted by local rivals Chipping Sodbury, who were in third place in the table and breathing down our necks.
However this was maybe the added incentive we needed for the next fixture, our return match versus Emus, which this time was a satisfying 38-23 win for Thornbury.
The squad has continued to develop through the season and is now stronger both mentally and tactically, and with only four games remaining the firsts are second in the table behind Emus.
Thornbury 2’s started the season as essentially a new team but have developed enormously, improving with every game.
Skilled at shooting and solid defensively, the team is becoming a force to be reckoned with, and the players have really gelled and learned to trust each other.
In the last two matches the 2nds have scored a whopping 90 goals, and a fourth placed finish is a reasonable expectation, with promotion a realistic prospect next season.
Onwards and upwards, we hope! Sam Baker-Green
AS the end of the season approaches, Thornbury Town have managed to secure some important wins to pull themselves away from the bottom of the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division.
They probably need at least one more win to make absolutely sure of survival.
Nine games in a month took its toll on the squad but, despite suffering a number of injuries to key players, a run of five games without defeat in February and March saw Thorns pull away from the foot of the table.
Following a 1-1 draw at Royal Wootton Bassett in the Challenge Cup, Town hosted league leaders Malvern Town, and upset the form book.
Having suffered only two
previous defeats in the league, the visitors were humbled 3-0, with Jack Sheppard-Cozens, Jack Smith and Harvey Pritchard netting.
Thorns followed this up with a 1-0 win at Mangotsfield United, courtesy of another SheppardCozens goal. The next two games saw Town concede late goals to drop important points, both games against Tuffley Rovers and Brimscombe ending in 2-2 draws.
Difficult trips to high-flying
Worcester Raiders and FA Vase semi-finalists Corsham Town ended in defeat, as did a home fixture against Roman Glass St George. A poor first half saw Roman Glass take a 2-0 lead into the break and while Jack Smith pulled a goal back on the hour mark, Town couldn’t snatch an equaliser.
The Reserves' hopes of County Cup glory were ended at the semi-final stage, with unbeaten St Vallier going through on penalties after a 2-2
draw.
However the team didn’t let this disappointment affect them, coming away from high-flying Patchway Reserves with a 2-1 win, Harrison Young netting twice.
This was followed up with a 5-0 home win against Lawrence Rovers, Young again scoring twice but outshone by James Cooke’s hat-trick.
Currently lying fourth in the table, but with games in hand on the sides above them, the League title is very much in the Reserve teams hands although they have still got 12 league games to play. The A team’s stop-start season has affected their push for promotion and a run of defeats in the last month to Mendip Broadwalk (2-3) Hanham Abbotonians (0-1) and AFC Mangotsfield Reserves (1-3) has seen them drop down the table. With two games remaining at the time of writing, Luke Jones, the A team manager, will be hoping to finish the season on a high with a couple of wins.
