thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021 Issue 51
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Bee a winner on our high street trail Your chance to win a share of £10,000 and support local traders THIS summer, 16 bright and beautiful bees will be buzzing about on our local high streets and community spaces. Over the next eight weeks, you can ‘collect’ these bees by taking a photo of yourself with them and entering a weekly draw to win £150 vouchers per South Gloucestershire high street to spend with our independent traders. The trail is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s campaign to support local high street traders who have so much to offer customers: whether it is food and drink with friends and family, shopping for essentials, leisure, learning or looking good. Covid-19 has been a difficult time for traders. We now want people from across South Gloucestershire to rediscover their high streets where most restrictions are now removed. Come and see what they have to offer. The bee trail creates something for everyone to enjoy and win vouchers to spend in independent shops. All the traders in Thornbury are buzzing for you to spend time there. All the fibreglass bees are very different and have been decorated by local artists. When the Bee Trail Challenge is complete the bees will be auctioned for charity.
South Gloucestershire artist Emma Beavis painting Astronobee – one of sixteen bees on the trail challenge
Enter the bee trail challenge Follow some simple steps to be in to win £150 of high street vouchers for independent traders - also, learn more about how your high streets are changing.
Page 2 Which traders are accepting vouchers A list so far of the business where you could spend the high street vouchers if you enter and win - and where you can find the latest list online.
Inside back page
Where are the bees on your high street? Find out in which locations you can discover the bees, take a selfie and win prizes.
Back page
buzzing to summer
We are see you this 2704 Voice Header.indd 1
16/07/2021 14:03
2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Your high streets are changing Your high streets are changing – now its time to get behind them, says South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage
How to take part in the Bee Trail challenge Our sixteen bees buzz onto South Gloucestershire high streets from Saturday 24 July and will remain until 18 September. Step One: Find your two bees on a South Gloucestershire high street. Use the Bee Trail map on the back page to discover the location of the bees on the high street or visit southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos where you can also find full terms and conditions.
Step Two: Take a selfie with your mobile device at the first bee. You can then scan the QR code or website URL displayed on the information panel (see example right) to access our competition site. Upload your photograph and name/ details.
Step Three:
‘Everyone at the council is proud that we are funding the bee trail challenge. I cannot thank the local artists enough who have decorated the fibreglass bees that will become a colourful, vibrant part of our high streets and community spaces for the next eight weeks. Ultimately, the challenge is about supporting our high streets to thrive. They were already changing before the pandemic. Covid-19 has simply accelerated that change and we are supporting them in that reinvention. Shopping is part of the picture. But following the pandemic, people increasingly use high streets for leisure, learning, meeting up with friends, family, and work colleagues. The different high street uses all reinforce each other. For example, a family may take out books at the library, visit a café for lunch, buy hardware items for a DIY project, and finish their trip at the local play park. So, I’d like to ask all Voice readers to please participate in the bee trail. Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful changes taking place on the high street driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of our traders. Good luck winning high street vouchers!”
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BEE TRAIL CHALLENGE Help South Helpcreate createa abuzz buzzaround around Glos and take a selfie with the South Glos and take a selfie bees high street withon thethe two bees in for a Staple Hill for a chance to chance to win £150 of shopping win £150 of shopping vouchers! vouchers! TO ENTER VISIT OR southglos.gov.uk/stapletrail
SCAN THE QR CODE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Repeat Step Two but at the second bee at the same town location. You are now entered into the competition. You must be over 16 years old to submit a photograph.
Step Four: Enjoy the hive of activity in the high street and repeat the process on a different high street for a chance to win again. Now, take time and rediscover your high street. If you are a winner, we will let you know in the next 10 days.
Find out how more visit www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.
thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021 Issue 51
luke.hall.mp @parliament.uk
Here to help
FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES
The show must go on...line Fraudster ripped off Ezzy's fund
A FUNDRAISING campaign to help pay for an operation to help a Thornbury girl to walk was targeted by a fraudster. PAGE 11
Virus toll on care homes FIGURES released by the care homes regulator have revealed the toll of coronavirus on two Thornbury care homes. PAGE 6 AFTER more than a year of restrictions and frustration, members of an Almondsbury dance school put their show online – and raised more than £4,000 for a children's charity. Full story: Page 15
High Street is 'harder to use' after changes
Sixth form housing deal agreed
PEOPLE with disabilities say Thornbury High Street is harder to access since through traffic was banned. PAGE 7
A DEAL has been agreed to transform the site of the Castle School Sixth Form Centre into housing. South Gloucestershire Council has included the old Thornbury Grammar School buildings, and the neighbouring adult social services site at 32 Gloucester Road, on a list of places to be
RESIDENTS on a new estate in Thornbury have spoken out over vandal attacks which have seen tree saplings destroyed and carvings damaged. PAGE 8
developed by Aequus Developments Ltd. The council wants to see the land used for housing when the sixth form relocates to a new home on the school’s main centre in Park Road. Aequus will now prepare proposals for how it can redevelop the site. Turn to page 5
Vandals wreck trees
Property experts working in the Thornbury property market since the early 1980’s, coping with fast markets, slow markets, boom or recession but always working our hardest to achieve the absolute best for our clients. Please contact
Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…
14 The Plain, Thornbury, 01454 858007 www.bondsofthornbury.co.uk
thornburyvoice
4
thornburyvoice September deadline
Our September edition deadline is August 18.
Thornbury Voice contacts Editorial
Advertising
Fiona Picton, Journalist Ken McCormick, Editor
Richard Drew, Publisher
contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
01454 800 120 contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
Your views
Find us on Facebook Thornbury Voice
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 NEWS
£30,000 cannabis seized POLICE have arrested two people and found a "significant amount" of suspected cannabis in Thornbury. An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said officers raided an address close to Streamleaze on the afternoon of July 20. The spokesperson said: "Officers seized a quantity of cash and a quantity of suspected cannabis, with an estimated street value of Cannabis found by police £30,000." Two men, aged 18 and 46, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply. Both have been released under investigation. The spokesperson added: "We'd ask anyone with information about drug offences in their community to report it through our website or on 101."
Ex-officer accused of sex abuse
Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter. Follow us on Twitter @thornburyvoice
August, 2021
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.
A FORMER prison officer has been accused of sex abuse and misconduct charges relating to a former juvenile detention centre near Thornbury. Patrick Devaney, of County Down in Northern Ireland, has been charged following an investigation into what police described as "allegations of non-recent sexual abuse" committed at Eastwood Park in the 1970s and 1980s. Devaney, 79, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on July 16, when he denied charges of misconduct in a public office and two counts of indecent assault against a boy aged under 16.
LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?
� Solicitors Your LOCAL offer you friendly professional expert advice Divorce & Separation Family Law Employment Law Litigation & Dispute Resolution
FREE 30 MINUTE INITIAL MEETING CONTACT US TODAY
0333 320 8600 www.bevanevemy.co.uk standard rate call charges
Bevan & Evemy Solicitors is authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under ID Number 607770.
A member of the
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
5
n NEWS
Housing deal for sixth form centre agreed From page 3 Council cabinet members formally approved teaming up with Aequus, which is owned by neighbouring Bath & North East Somerset Council, on July 12. The deal will see hundreds of homes built on six pieces of land, with the council saying it wants to help meet the needs of communities, get local people on the housing ladder and build high quality, energy efficient, affordable homes for families, couples and individuals. Councillors said those priorities would be met along with earning cash for the authority from the development of the Thornbury sites and others in Frenchay, Hambrook, Emersons Green, Filton and Warmley. The deals will be subject to planning permission and full business cases, with the council having the option to cancel the arrangement at any point during a formal three-stage process and
Castle School Sixth Form Centre work with another organisation. Details of how the sixth form site in Gloucester Road would be developed, including whether any of the existing buildings would be retained, have yet to be hammered out. A council spokesperson said: “Cabinet has approved the commissioning of Aequus Developments Ltd to proceed with the submission of a planning application for the sixth form site." The spokesperson said the scheme was "an early stage" and
work had still to be done which would "determine the retention of any existing buildings as part of the development". The spokesperson said: "Once planning principles have been established, a consultation event will be organised to enable stakeholders to comment on the proposals, before more detailed work is carried out and an outline planning application prepared. Interested parties will be able to comment at the consultation event and via the planning process. "Any income from the development of the site will be used to support the multimillionpound investment package which will be utilised to upgrade the Castle School, including the construction of a new sixth form facility on the lower school site in Park Road, Thornbury, helping to encourage our young people to stay and reach their potential within a new and improved learning environment.” Councillors also approved
an extra £400,000 for costs of securing planning permission, making land ready for sale and legal advice. Opposition Lib Dem group leader Claire Young asked what work had been done to identify the right type of housing need in each area rather than maximising profits. Conservative cabinet member for corporate resources Ben Burton said: “I fully agree that the council has responsibility not only to work for the largest capital receipt but that when we are working in a joint venture we have at the forefront of our minds other council objectives and aims.” He said these included tackling the climate emergency, ensuring the types of homes met communities’ needs and ensuring the housing went to local people. Includes reporting by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
blind passion
Trinity floors & blinds
Prepare to be floored @trinitytransformations_bristol
Visit our friendly Patchway & Thornbury showrooms today, to find out more about our extensive product ranges.
@trinityflooringandblinds
www.floorsandblinds.co.uk
3 DesigN CONsultaNCy design consultancy
ON-sitE
3 year
parkiNg on-site Parking
3 prOMisE year Promise
Visit: 47 Oakleaze Road, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2LW Email: sales@floorsandblinds.co.uk Call: 01454 515015
To advertise, contact Richard on101454 800 120 BSMATTERS-116x180-HP PRESSA -transformation V7.indd
CONveNieNt Deliveries convenient deliveries
MeasuriNg serviCE
measuring Service
quality CraftsMeN Quality craftsmen
Visit: 81 Gloucester Road, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5JQ Email: info@floorsandblinds.co.uk Call: 01454 775177
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk 27/04/2021 09:48
thornburyvoice
6
n NEWS
August, 2021
Toll of COVID-19 on care homes is revealed FIGURES released by the care homes regulator have revealed the toll of coronavirus on individual care homes. The Care Quality Commission says a total of 191 people died with COVID-19 in care homes in South Gloucestershire between March last year and the beginning of April this year. In the Thornbury area, a total of ten people died with the virus at Beech House Care Home in Prowse Close, nine of them at the start of the pandemic and one in the last three months of 2020. Nine more residents died at Grace Care Centre in Whitebridge Gardens, six of them in the first three months and three at the beginning of this year. The deaths at the two homes represent almost two thirds of the 31 Thornbury residents who died with COVID-19 between March 2020 and April this year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
CQC chief inspector Kate Terroni A resident also died with COVID-19 at Windmill House in Alveston Road, Old Down, at the start of this year. A total of 31 care and nursing homes in South Gloucestershire lost residents to the virus - the single biggest number of deaths was at Olive Tree House in Patchway, where 23 people died. On publishing the information, the CQC said: "The impact of the pandemic on people who draw on and work in adult social care services has been devastating and, despite the
best efforts of staff, COVID-19 has contributed to a significant increase in the number of deaths in nursing and residential care settings. "Throughout the pandemic, CQC has encouraged care providers to be open with people in their care and their loved ones and most providers have ensured that information about the circumstance of people’s deaths is shared appropriately. "It is important to note that death notifications do not in themselves indicate poor quality
care, particularly given the potential influence of variable factors, including rates of local community transmission, size of the care home, and the age and health and care needs of the people living there. Moreover, many notifications relate to the deaths of care home residents which occurred in other care settings. "Across all care settings, staff have gone to great lengths to try to contain the effects of this virus, as our report published today on infection prevention and control in hospitals shows." CQC chief inspector for adult social care Kate Terroni said: "In considering this data it is important to remember that every number represents a life lost - and families, friends and those who cared for them who are having to face the sadness and consequences of their death." Covid cases affect schools: Page 17.
Solving all your legal problems…. locally….
For You:
Open in Thornbury
Accident and Injury | Cohabitation | Conveyancing | Court of Protection | Crime Disputes | Employee Relocation | Employment Family Law and Divorce | Medical Negligence | New Homes | Notary Public | Probate | Probate Disputes | Wills and Mental Capacity
For Your Business:
Business Disputes | Business Employment | Business Relocation | Commercial Property | Commercial Services | Crime Debt Recovery | New Homes Developers | Notary Public
Get in touch: 01454 204899
Wards Solicitors, 41 High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AR Email: contactthornbury@wards.uk.com Offices in: Bradley Stoke | Central Bristol | Clevedon | Henleaze | Keynsham Nailsea | Portishead | Staple Hill | Thornbury | Weston-super-Mare | Worle | Yate
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
wards.uk.com Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
thornburyvoice
7
n NEWS
Changes 'make it harder to use High Street' RESIDENTS who have been struggling to use Thornbury High Street since the ban on through traffic say changes need to be made. They say the spread of tables, chairs, signs and other street furniture across pavements is making it harder to navigate the street in mobility scooters, buggies and wheelchairs. More than 50 residents have joined a new support group, Accessibility Thornbury, which hopes to get South Gloucestershire Council to improve the situation for people who are elderly, disabled or parents of young children. Geoffrey Price, who is 87 and lives 500 yards from the High Street, goes there most days in his electric buggy for food shopping and using the post office, and says access is Geoffrey Price, Jane "essential". Mitchell and Carron He said: "Most days there are quite a lot Croker in Thornbury of people about and nearly every shop has got High Street signs out on the pavement. Some shops and pubs have tables and chairs that go right up to the edge of the pavement. street also makes it unsafe for his buggy, "Sometimes I have to stop up to 10 times." and the closure of Soapers Lane has further Geoffrey says that although his buggy can reduced access. use the road, there are very few places where Accessibility Thornbury founder Jane it can get on and off the pavement to avoid Mitchell says people are leaving letters in obstacles, due to the height of kerbs. shops to be passed onto her, describing the WBHe garden ad.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2021 Page 1 they are experiencing. says the remaining traffic using the 20:48 difficulties
She said: "What we feel strongly about is that the High Street should also cater for the elderly and infirm. These people can’t drive to a supermarket, they don’t have cars, their routines are getting on the bus with a trolley and seeing other people." Jane is working with a disability risk advisor, Carron Croker, who is concerned about safe access for residents of Castle Court retirement homes. Accessibility Thornbury is also campaigning to return a bus stop to the High Street. A council spokesperson said: "Earlier this month we installed more kerbside ramps along Thornbury High Street for those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs, and are working closely with the Town Centre Partnership and new equality and accessibility focus group to make further improvements. "Any businesses wishing to use space outside must maintain a clear walkway on the pavement with enough space for people with wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushchairs to pass through unhindered." Accessibility Thornbury is on Facebook and can also be contacted via email at accessibilitythornbury@gmail.com.
r u o n o x a l e R illage green v willowbrookshopping.co.uk
BRADLEY STOKE SHOPPING
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
8
August, 2021
n NEWS
Vandal attacks in park are 'not big or clever' RESIDENTS on a new estate in Thornbury have spoken out over vandal attacks which have seen tree saplings destroyed and carvings damaged. Problems started around 18 months ago at the park and play area created for the Thornbury Fields estate off Morton Way. Several tree saplings planted in the park have been snapped off and have since died. Recently two carved wooden animals, an owl and a fox, have been affected, with the fox having its ear broken and the owl disappearing. The park and play area is located in Phase 3 of the estate, off Shrew Gardens. It’s possible to walk through the park to Phase 1 and 2 and it links up with the area's Streamside Walk. The area is open to the public and is popular with dog walkers and cyclists. Ann Jones, 74, who lives on the estate, said: “It is upsetting. You think these trees are going in
Young trees in the park have been attacked
The damaged fox
to help the environment, as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Why do people do this? "Those animals are carved from wood and somebody must have put a lot of effort into carving them. “It is not big or clever to damage these wood carvings, which are loved by toddlers and
adults alike, nor to snap off trees that are required to combat CO2 in the atmosphere as well as being aesthetically pleasing. "Most residents do not object to sharing what is, in essence, part of our gardens, and we simply ask visitors to it to respect the areas." Ann said people had also been
throwing objects into the pond, which had seen an explosion of frogs and several newts this year. Services to the estate, including the maintenance of the park and play area, are provided by the private property management company First Port for a service charge of £245 per household per year. A spokesperson for First Point Ltd said: “We are aware of these unfortunate incidents of vandalism taking place in the Thornbury Fields area and understand the frustration and upset this is causing residents. "We are currently looking at security options, which we will consult with residents on before making a final decision." A police spokesperson said the Thornbury neighbourhood policing team was not previously aware of the vandalism but is willing to work with residents in future to help resolve the problems.
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Contact our specialist valuers for a free home visit or email valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
28 thornburyvoice
thornburyvo 9 ■
n NEWS
Fo m op
ANY is inv Thor T last y mem W repea Thur
Gillingstool Primary School leavers camped out at school and had activities as staff recreated a residential trip
Last year of school is one they won't forget A THORNBURY school arranged celebrations to make sure leavers' final year would be one to remember. Year 6 pupils at Gillingstool Primary School have had long periods of home schooling and restrictions throughout the last year and a half. Before they moved on to secondary school, staff organised a series of celebrations and activities for pupils, including a production of The X Factory, a musical extravaganza for which they learnt songs, worked out dance sequences, and created sets and props. The performance took place on an inflatable outdoor stage in the car park. There was also a recreation of a residential trip, including a day out at Weston-super-Mare and a night camping at the school, with games and activities the next day. Head teacher Caroline Carter led a 'reflection day', when the pupils were taken back in time through their primary school years, re-visiting memories of past experiences and teachers as they moved from Reception up through the school. The final leavers assembly was held outdoors too, complete with an ice cream van. Mrs Carter said pupils had worked "incredibly hard this year to achieve academically" and were "reaping the rewards of the summer term". Year 6 lead Hannah Elsbury said: "It may not have been the year we were anticipated but Gillingstool has made sure it is one Year 6 will never forget."
LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages
H f b q
A pr Ar
th M
wi
(B co
ph
A
Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.
Year 6 performance on an inflatable stage at the school
Richard on 01454 800 120 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 To advertise, Email:contact contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
T
10
n NEWS PATIENTS at Thornbury's surgeries are more likely to be offered same-day appointments than three years ago – and fewer people are waiting more than a week to see a doctor. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published in July, found that half of patients of Thornbury Health Centre were offered appointments on the day they called – up from 43% in 2018 – while the number waiting more than a week for an appointment had gone down from 29% to just 7% over the same period. At St Mary Street surgery, 40% of patients had same-day appointments – up from 17% in 2018, and the number waiting more than a week had fallen from 22% to 8%. At Streamside, same-day appointments had risen from 24% to 38% since 2018 and waits of a week or more were down to 13% from 19%, having peaked at 29% last year. The picture was different for Almondsbury Surgery, where the percentage of same-day appointments had fallen from
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
More same-day appointments at Thornbury surgeries 42% to 35% between 2018 and 2021, although week-plus waits had fallen from 16% to 12%, and at Pilning Surgery, where the percentage of patients offered same day appointments had fallen from 31% to 28% but waits of longer than a week had also been cut, from 35% to 21%. Some patients responding to the survey couldn't remember the length of their wait. Most people found it easy to get through to their surgery on the phone, although numbers varied from 61% at Thornbury Health Centre to 87% at St Mary Street, 84% at Streamside, 92% at Almondsbury and 90% at Pilning. Receptionists were rated as helpful by between 87% and 98% of respondents to the survey, while the percentage of patients
finding websites easy to navigate ranged from 69% at Pilning to 89% at Almondsbury. The majority of patients also said their overall experience of their GP surgery was good: at Thornbury Health Centre 87% of patients said it was good versus 2% who said it was poor, with some not expressing a preference. At St Mary's satisfaction levels were 92% good and 3% poor, at Streamside they were 82% good and 4% poor, at Almondsbury they were 92% good and 3% poor and at Pilning they were 79% good and 10% poor. The survey was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI for NHS England and NHS Improvement, and was based on around 850,000 responses to questionnaires sent out
nationwide from January to March this year. Dr Geeta Iyer, a GP and representative of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds GP services, said: “As a result of quickly embedding new technologies in the last 18 months, there are now more ways than ever to contact your GP surgery, so it’s really encouraging to see this positively reflected in the results of the patient survey for our area. “We are continuing to ensure that we share learning between practices about what works well, and we are working together to identify areas where we can support practices to deliver services that best meet the needs of their population.”
HOSPITALITY JOBS! WAITING, BAR STAFF HOUSEKEEPING, CLEANERS KITCHEN STAFF KITCHEN PORTERS / ASSISTANTS 01225 480239 | info@catserv.co.uk www.cateringinternational.co.uk
FT / PT WORK! To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
thornburyvoice
11
n NEWS
Fraudster took £10,000 raised to help Thornbury girl walk THE family of a girl who lost £10,000 raised for a vital operation to a fraudster have spoken of their relief that he has been locked up. Supporters of seven-year-old Ezzy Hodge, from Thornbury, raised the money for surgery, treatment and therapies for the effects of cerebral palsy on her mobility. The family started raising money in 2016 for her to have surgery in America to help her to walk, at a cost of £80,000, as it was not available on the NHS. She then had a second operation in 2019 costing £20,000. Scott Wright, 45, from Hengrove in Bristol, ran the charity the Darren Wright Foundation, which helped families – including Ezzy’s – with fundraising on behalf of seriously ill or disabled children and adults. But Wright spent £57,000 of the foundation's funds on his own living expenses, his stag night and his wedding. The families who were supposed to receive funds complained to the Charity Commission and, in July, Wright was jailed for two years and four months at Bristol Crown Court after admitting abusing his position as a trustee to cause losses to the foundation. Online fundraising accounts were set up for each family, which linked to the charity’s main account and held the money on their behalf until invoices needed to be paid. It was only during the court case that Ezzy’s mum Angela found out that their JustGiving account was linked to Scott’s wife’s personal bank account. Angela said the first time she met Wright she thought there was something "odd" about him, despite him being recommended to her by a former colleague. She said: "It sounds terrible but he didn’t seem the sort of person who would help children. "He said within nine months he’d have raised the money. There was lots of media coverage about what he’d done for other children. "He’d raised a considerable
amount for a boy in Bristol and we felt really lucky that he’d taken us on." When Angela did background checks, nothing came up that concerned her, but she said that as they worked with Wright to fundraise for Ezzy’s surgery in America, small details about his behaviour made her realise something was wrong. Angela said: “He said to us, 'people will just give you money, go and open a bank account for Ezzy to get ready for this'. "A week later this did actually happen, and we got a cheque for £500. I rang the charity excitedly and the first thing he said to me was ‘is that is a cheque for Ezzy or is that a cheque for the Foundation'? "At that point we already had £20,000 in the foundation for Ezzy and that was the first major thing for me that didn’t feel right." The family had a deadline for Ezzy's surgery in America to be paid for, and if they missed this she would have gone to the back of the queue. Despite their persistently chasing Wright he did not pay, and it was only after another charity got involved and put pressure on the Foundation that he handed over the money with just four hours to go. When Angela returned from America, another parent she knew was having similar problems, and they reported the foundation to the Charity Commission. When the trustees refused to cooperate, the matter was passed to the police. Angela said: "We had to write an impact statement for the police, and Ezzy said Scott was a bad man and she was really sad, as she thought he wanted to help her, and she hoped he’d go to prison. "We got the charity shut down, which was what I wanted – I wanted to do everything to stop them affecting other families." Ezzy went on to have a second operation in America in 2019 costing £20,000. She may need further surgery in the next couple of years because her tibia
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
is growing inwards and twisting her foot. After the case Detective Sergeant Louise Sinclair, of Avon and Somerset police's fraud team, said: "I’d like to praise the families affected by Wright’s offending for their resilience and determination to obtain justice. "This has been a difficult time for many of them, whose lives are already incredibly stressful and filled Ezzy Hodge is undergoing treatment to help with the challenges of her walk including surgery not available on caring for children with the NHS. disabilities. "While Wright punished for the upset he caused has demonstrated significant and I hope now that he has been remorse and regret for his sentenced, this brings some actions it is only right he is closure to all those involved."
Looking for a solicitor? Keep it local Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury and central Bristol.
We’re specialists in:
+ + + + + Our friendly legal experts are + always on hand to provide + practical, common sense + advice at a fair price. + + If you’re looking for help with + any of the services here, we’re + + the people to talk to.
Buying and Selling Family Law Divorce + Separation Wills, Trusts and Probate Powers of Attorney Dispute Resolution Employment Corporate + Commercial Commercial Property Medical Negligence Personal Injury Court of Protection Notary
You have our best – every time
barcankirby.co.uk
0117 905 7088
hello@barcankirby.co.uk
@barcankirby
barcankirby
This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No: 568743.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
MBST Bristol: Real results in real people MBST: an award-winning innovation designed to manage long-term injury, osteoarthritis and elite sports injuries.
James Scrimshaw and Jonathan Webb (Consultant Knee Surgeon) at Cura’s MBST Clinic in Westbury-on-Trym
MBST is a therapeutic adaptation of MRI used to treat osteoarthritis and soft tissue damage. Unlike an MRI, MBST doesn’t create an image but it does use the same energy to stimulate a significant repair response in damaged tissue and joints. Here at Cura’s Westbury-on-Trym Clinic in Bristol, over 90% of the patients we’ve treated have improved levels of pain, joint mobility and stability. Our patients range in age from 21 (generally with trauma or sports injuries) to those in their 80s. Many patients have osteoarthritic change in necks, backs, hips, knee or ankle joints. Most often, these patients are not yet ready for surgery but are suffering with mild to moderate stage of joint damage and some considerable pain. For this group, the results from MBST treatment really are extremely impressive.
Here are some of the patients Cura’s Clinical Director, James Scrimshaw, has treated with MBST: Mick (58) began suffering with osteoarthritis in both ankles about 20 years ago. Over that time, his condition has steadily worsened until he was hobbling in the mornings and struggling with Osteoarthritis
Cartilage damage
Back & disc problems
Ligament, tendon & muscle damage
Bone conditions & fractures
Sports & accident injuries
uneven ground. Mick ended up not being able to walk the dog due to the pain. Anyone living with osteoarthritis will recognise how it shrinks your quality of life. After being told he needed double ankle fusions, Mick came to Cura for a course of MBST. A month after treatment he had significant positive signs of change. Two months later, he reported no severe bouts of pain and within four months his condition was 80% improved. Mick’s life is now very different and he has avoided having to undergo surgery. And best of all, he now volunteers at the donkey sanctuary several hours every day with no after effects. Marlene (80+) has suffered with chronic neck and back pain for years. Over that time, we used chiropractic treatment but her condition began to deteriorate and hands-on treatment became less effective over time. We decided to use MBST to treat her spinal osteoarthritis and as a result, Marlene’s condition is transformed! She’s pain free and hasn’t needed as much ongoing hands-on treatment. She’s also just finished a course on her knees to help with mild to moderate joint changes to which she’s responded really well. She’s an all-round great healer! MBST isn’t just for patients with arthritis. We’ve recently had the pleasure of working with professional sports teams such as the Bristol Bears. Jack Targett, Head of Recovery and Medical Logistics for the Bears said, “We are recently new to using MBST as a team and have become more frequent in using this modality to aid our recovery and return to performance for some of our players. We have noticed a big benefit from using the MBST facilities and have had great outcomes. James at CURA has been very accommodating in fitting around our tight schedules.”
Call us Today:
0117 959 6531
www.curaclinical.com
Chiropractic | MBST Cell Regeneration Therapy | Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
n NEWS A FARMER is heading back to the High Court for what could be the final stage in her four year battle to save an alpaca from being put down in a dispute over whether he has a deadly disease. Geronimo tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) after being imported from New Zealand in 2017. But farmer Helen Macdonald, from Wickwar, claims that the result was a false positive, because he had had injections of tuberculin – a protein combination used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis – as part of a skin test carried out in New Zealand for bTB surveillance. The impact of tuberculin on Alpacas has never been assessed. Helen lost her case in the High Court in 2019 and requested an appeal hearing which was refused. Defra then applied for a warrant to kill Geronimo in December 2020, which was granted by a district judge. Helen is now appealing his decision. She said: “If the High Court agrees with the district judge, Geronimo will get shot. "George Eustice (the Environment Secretary) is relying on information which is wrong and has been for three years. "He won't admit there's a problem and he won't put it right. He could order that Geronimo be re-tested, he could order that he's not slaughtered pending a validated test. "He won't do anything – he won't even respond to my MP."
13
Alpaca's life-or-death case goes back to court
Geronimo has been in quarantine since 2017 Geronimo is currently living in quarantine, and has shown no bTB symptoms in four years. The validated camelid test for bTB costs £20 and there is now a new test, called Actiphage, which works in a different way. Helen argues that if Geronimo had both of these tests and was found to be positive she would accept that he had to be slaughtered. Alpacas carrying bTB infect their companions, but the other animals quarantined with Geronimo have not been tested. The ongoing legal dispute has had a huge impact on Helen’s livelihood.
Discover the arboretum A GROUP working to restore an arboretum is inviting people to see its work - and join its pool of volunteers. Tortworth Forest Centre is a small not-for-profit organisation working with volunteers to restore, replant and maintain the dell at the Tortworth arboretum, which was designed and planted in the 19th Century before falling into neglect. The group, which is funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is now managing the site and nurturing an ecosystem including wildflowers, deer, bats, birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Volunteers are removing invasive plants, creating paths and rediscovering the collection of more than 600 trees, producing maps to help visitors learn about them. The centre is holding an open day on Saturday August 14, with visitors able to get tickets in advance online or at the gate. Another, free open day will take place on October 16. The group is also running a volunteer conservation day on August 15, when people will be able to use hand tools to get stuck in and help restore the arboretum. A minibus runs for people who do not have their own transport and want to volunteer. More information on both events can be found online at tortwortharboretum.org.
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
She said: "My whole herd is under movement restrictions; for four years I’ve had no farm income and I can’t progress my breeding herd.
"They’ve basically destroyed my life because I won’t agree with their dogma. They don’t seem to have any concept of the harm they are doing to me personally, or to the industry. "It’s a cost to the taxpayer, pursuing a person with legitimate concerns over their conduct for four years." A DEFRA spokesperson said: “Bovine TB causes devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities and that is why we need to do everything we can to reduce risk of the disease spreading. "This case is part of ongoing legal proceedings and as such it would be inappropriate for us to comment further." Helen is crowdfunding online to help pay the cost of her case, at crowdjustice.com/case/ savegeronimo.
Are you over 50? Do you want to meet local people and do things in your community? It's now more than ever we need to reestablish our local connections as we come out of lockdown. Give me a call I would love to hear from you.
For more info contact Sato, Community Development Worker 07971 670880 satoblack@southernbrooks.org.uk
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
14
n NEWS
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
Tale of online life after death wins theatre prize A THORNBURY theatre company has had a successful return to the stage at the area's first post-lockdown festival. Journeyman Theatre Productions picked up three awards at the Avon Short Play Festival Competition at Iron Acton Parish Hall in July. Sarah Wiggins won the best actress award, Ian Cornes was the best supporting actor and writer Tony Domaille won best original script for Life in the Cloud, the story of a workaholic scientist who discovers how to upload his consciousness online before his sudden death, then tries to continue to live in the 'cloud'. The festival was delayed from its usual date in February because of coronavirus restrictions. Tony said: "It was great to be back in front of an audience and the awards made all the hard work worthwhile. "After more than a year of theatre being off limits due to restrictions, it was a real challenge getting the production together."
Journeyman Theatre Productions' Tony Domaille, Sarah Wiggins, Phil Domaille and Ian Cornes
Pop up shop a hit
TH
OR
NB
UR
Y
open daily WalK-in oRdeRS & deliVeRy Monday - SatuRday 11:30aM - 2pM & 4:30pM - 9pM Sunday 4:30pM - 9pM Gluten FRee aVailaBle Sunday & Monday lunch: until 2pM & eVeninG: until 8pM ORDER ON-LINE TO PRE-ORDER & PREPAY FOR COLLECTION OR DELIVERY www.deepbluerestaurants.com SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES IN PLACE 26A High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AH
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
A POP-up shop for Thornbury Volunteer Centre has raised more than £2,000 for the charity. The shop held sales for four weeks at the Swan Inn and, in addition to the money enabled the centre to raise awareness of opportunities on offer in the area and sign up 12 new volunteers. A volunteer centre spokesperson said: "What was gently derided by friends and visitors as a jumble sale in a skittle alley was much more than that. "Few jumble sales had the huge range and extent of items that had been donated by family and friends over the past two years when no pop-up shop was possible. We thank everyone who helped with the shop but special thanks go to Sandra Davies, Kelvin and the Swan team for allowing us to take over their skittle alley and for their support and good humour, not forgetting the drinks and the ice creams. "Thanks also to Thornbury Rotary Club for help with COVID supplies."
Open day A HERB farm near Alveston is opening to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme. Jekka's Herbetum, in Shellards Lane, will open on August 7 from 10am to 4pm. NGS describes the farm as "a living encyclopaedia of herbs, displaying the largest collection of culinary herbs in Europe". Pre-booking is essential – visit www.jekkas.com.
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
15
n NEWS
Dance school's show heads online DANCERS with an Alveston school missed out on the sound of an appreciative audience when they had to take their flagship performance online. But the show by Sharon Phillips School of Dancing was an online hit, raising a total of £4,335 from donations, a raffle and Zoom lessons. More than 200 students had been due to go on stage at the Olympus Theatre in Stoke Gifford in front of friends and family in April last year for their show, All the World’s a Stage, featuring various styles of dance including tap, ballet, contemporary and modern. But after months of rehearsals and with costumes made and ready to wear the young dancers, aged between three and 18, had to cancel their show due to covid restrictions.
After three national lockdowns, disrupted rehearsal schedules and lessons at times only able to take place online, the performance was filmed this summer instead, and streamed to its audience. Principal Sharon Phillips said the show was a huge success, adding: "It showed how talented our amazing dancers are, just in a slightly different way. "We always support a charity with our show and this year we chose Children’s Hospice South West who do amazing work with families of children with life limiting conditions. "I am so thankful to everyone who donated as it has been hard for charities through Covid to maintain their funding, so it is great to be able to give such an amazing amount to a wonderful charity."
Year 6 performers in the show
Friends help to equip school for new year NEXT year’s pupils and staff at the Castle School will benefit from essential new equipment worth more than £4,000 thanks to a supporters' group. The Castle School Friends managed to raise the money over the last academic year despite covid restrictions being in place and putting a stop to some of their major annual events. The committee has successfully applied for grants and managed to hold fundraisers such as a sponsored bike ride and a car boot sale, within Covid guidelines. They also ran a ‘mocktail’ soft drinks bar at the Year 11 outdoor prom in July. CSF chair Justin Warr said: “Following lengthy discussions with the teaching staff, we were keen to make a significant contribution in readiness for the
Fundraisers Will Titcomb, Rachel Smith, Cindy Titcomb and Deb Vollborth at Castle School's summer prom. new school term, when we hope school life will be getting back to near-normal. "Our committee of parents and teachers take the responsibility very seriously to allocate these hard-earned funds, so we are delighted to be helping the school." Castle School Director of Development Andy Bethell said: “We’re grateful to be working closely with the Castle School Friends and for this great gift, which will immediately benefit
our students in the next term. "It gives all the teachers a real boost to know the community is supporting Castle School so wholeheartedly." The final sum raised was £4,180, which will be shared among different school departments. Amongst the long list of items purchased are history textbooks, a projector, pre-prepared microscope slides and a microscope trolley, Scrapstore membership and a class set of ukuleles.
Picnic tables were also bought for Year 7 and 8 pupils, as demand for outdoor seating has increased during the pandemic, and year groups are now given specific outdoor spaces to go to at break and lunch time. Other recent funding from the CSF paid for two trophy cabinets for the reception area and a piece of artwork which thanks staff for supporting students throughout the pandemic. Plans are already underway for a new academic year of fundraising in September, with a quiz, car boot sale, and gardening day already in the diary. To find out more about CSF events search for the Castle School Friends on Facebook or go to www.castleschoolfriends. org
www.filton-central.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
16
August, 2021
n LOCAL MP
More support for our local businesses LOCAL businesses are the backbone of South Gloucestershire’s economy. As the pandemic has proven, business and the High Street are fundamental to the normality of our daily lives. As someone who worked in Lidl in Yate before being elected as the MP, I know first-hand that our local economy is as innovative and dynamic as anywhere in the country. Many industries have experienced new challenges and unfamiliar pressures during the pandemic, but the dogged determination and spirit of South Gloucestershire businesses have seen so many battle through this difficult period. Throughout the pandemic, more than 15,300 local jobs were supported in our area by the furlough scheme, where the Government covered 80%
of people’s wages. Locally, self-employed people have claimed £6.1 million through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and £46.3m in Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, given to 171 businesses in our constituency. Now, as we move on to Stage 4 of the roadmap and the easing of restrictions, we are continuing to back our local businesses. The job retention scheme, self-employed support scheme, business grants, business rates relief and loan programmes all extend into the autumn and beyond, and the Government will ensure there is no cliff edge at the end of the financial support being made available. Businesses are also benefiting from the new Recovery Loan Scheme, which provides 80% Government-backed guarantees to
lenders, and runs until the end of the year. This will give lenders the confidence they need, and ensure viable businesses continue to have access to the Government-backed finance needed throughout 2021. As well as this, a new Business Rates Relief Fund of £1.5 billion for businesses affected by COVID-19 outside the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors has been announced, targeting those business which could not access such support previously. To ensure fairness in who is receiving the necessary support, the fund will be distributed across the country according to which sectors have suffered most economically, rather than on the basis of falls in property values. Locally, we have a positive plan for jobs and the economy. This plan means supporting businesses and the local economy throughout the
Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice
COVID-19 recovery, supporting our rural and farming industries, continuing to hold Jobs Fairs across the constituency to help people into work, and giving South Gloucestershire businesses and High Streets a bigger voice in Parliament. South Gloucestershire businesses are the most innovate, dynamic and passionate anywhere in the country. I hope this new £1.5bn package of support will help to support even more firms locally. We stood behind our local businesses and workers as we came into the crisis and I want to ensure that we stand behind them as we come through the other side.
Will Writing & Estate Planning A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out – if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.
Please feel free to call us during office hours on: 0117 952 0698
or email
info@elm-online.co.uk www.elm-online.co.uk We have a Bristol-based team of trained Will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.
Mirror Wills Single Or Couples FROM £99.00
Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
17
n NEWS
Head signs off with new learning project PUPILS at a Thornbury primary school are enjoying a wide range of new play activities thanks to a new initiative from their departing head teacher. Before Karl Joyce left St Mary’s C of E Primary School for a new job at the end of the summer term, he introduced the Outdoor Play and Learning Initiative, or OPAL. It is based on the idea that children are learning skills, including socialisation, creativity and co-operation, as they play and has been tried in more than 250 schools across the country. The St Mary's school field is now divided into seven different areas, each one for different play activities. They include tree climbing, scooter riding, a muddy kitchen, water runs, games, and music to dance to. Since the last lockdown there has also been a new outdoor classroom. Mr Joyce said: “They use more of the grounds, for all of the year. "Children get a bit messier, are exposed to more challenges and have greater freedoms to play where, with whom and how they like. "Attendance in school is high as a result – there are fewer fallings out and accidents.” Mr Joyce has been the head at St Mary’s for nine years and under his leadership the
A boat is part of the St Mary’s school Outdoor Play and Learning Initiative
school has achieved an outstanding ratings from Ofsted and church inspectors, putting it regularly in or around the top 10 schools in the district in government performance tables. He recently recruited a new deputy head, Harry Penny, who has designed a new and broader curriculum for next year. But Mr Joyce said: “It’s not just about results – it has been the children and the community who have made the school such a special place, with its amazingly caring and
One in ten off school as covid cases surge AROUND one in every 10 school pupils in South Gloucestershire was having to self-isolate and learn at home as the summer term came to an end. The council said an increase in infections in school-aged children was in line with neighbouring areas and national trends, as COVID-19 surged to its highest recorded levels in the area. Office for National Statistics figures for the week up to July 20, the day before schools broke up, showed that 2,571 people in South Gloucestershire had a confirmed positive test result - almost double the number a week before. Locally numbers had also doubled in some areas: in the ONS Thornbury South area, which includes the High Street, there were 41 confirmed cases in the week to July 20, up from 19 a week previously and five a month earlier. In Thornbury North the number of confirmed cases was 43 in the week to July 20, up from 39, and in Alveston, Olveston & Oldbury numbers rose from 15 to 34 confirmed cases within a week. Almondsbury, Pilning & Severn Beach recorded 85 cases in the week to July 20, up from 30 the previous week. In Charfield, Wickwar & Iron Acton there were 35 cases, up by one in a week. Case rates were between 425.8 and 951.4 per 100,000 people in the area on the day after lockdown restrictions ended, compared with an England average rate of 490.5. Vaccination rates in the area are high: in Thornbury North, 87.5% of adults have had a first jab and 68% have had a second, while in Thornbury South the numbers were 89% and 70.6% respectively. In Alveston, Olveston & Oldbury they were 90.7% and 75.8%, in Almondsbury, Pilning & Severn Beach they were 85.3% and 67.3%, and in Charfield, Wickwar & Iron Acton they were 89.7% and 72.7% on July 25.
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
family ethos, where children thrive and grow as individuals. "Our work with the church and the partnership with parents ensures the school is a warm and happy environment where children feel secure and confident. "It has been both an honour and pleasure leading St Mary’s and I wish to thank all of the people, too numerous to name, who have supported and encouraged me on this journey."
Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury
Independent traditional nursery open to the public and serving the trade Over 1,000 potted trees in stock Specimen trees and shrubs for screening Shrubs, Herbaceous perennials and Wild flowers Fruit trees and soft fruit Quality plants for your projects
Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664
www.landcaretrees.co.uk
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
18
n THORNBURY CLINIC
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
Fibromyalgia: What it is and what you can do about it
Alexandra Orchard is an osteopath with a special interest in fibromyalgia and stress-related chronic pain. FIBROMYALGIA is a chronic pain condition that causes a variety of symptoms, including widespread pain, fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances. Due to its complex nature, it is very difficult to accurately diagnose, so people suffering from fibromyalgia often go a long
time before being successfully diagnosed. A clear cause has not been found yet. Much research has been done to identify some likely causes of the varied symptoms that fibromyalgia presents with. Fibromyalgia is associated with a change in pain modulation – our bodies have pathways that allow us to feel pain and modulate it in our brains. In people with fibromyalgia, it is evident that the 'volume control' element of pain experience is higher. This means that painful stimuli can be felt with far greater intensity. Over time, nerve pathways can get used to this amplification of sensation, and make the body feel pain even if there isn’t anything there. This is where fibromyalgia is similar to other chronic pain
4 Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HB
Facilitating Recovery, Preventing Injury
conditions, where pain is felt for seemingly no reason. As well as the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, the psychological effects are significant, too. Depression and anxiety are very commonly found. It is unclear whether the same changes in brain chemistry that cause global pain are responsible for these problems or whether it’s the result of persistent pain and fatigue. Having less goodquality sleep can mean there is reduced tissue healing and also can contribute to depressive symptoms. Given these complications, it is easy to see how people suffering from fibromyalgia can fall into a vicious cycle and find it very difficult to manage daily activities.
Managing the condition There is no cure for fibromyalgia as such, but there are ways of managing it successfully. The best approach involves multiple interventions to deal with the multiple aspects of the condition. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy has shown to reduce psychological impact of fibromyalgia, whilst some medications and hydrotherapy can help to manage pain. As research suggests, osteopathy can complement management of fibromyalgia greatly. Osteopaths can help to reduce the muscle, joint and nerve pain with gentle techniques that encourage healthy movement
throughout the body, whilst desensitising areas that are particularly sensitive. Osteopaths also help to reduce what we call 'sympathetic drive' – the part of the nervous system that is responsible for the 'fight or flight' mechanism in response to stressful situations. This is commonly on overdrive in people with fibromyalgia, which can contribute to the pain sensitivity, anxiety and insomnia: working to reduce this can ease these symptoms. An osteopath can provide education and advice to help patients with self-management. Understanding the condition that you are dealing with and talking to a healthcare professional about questions and concerns can make the management journey much easier. Exercise is a great way to manage symptoms too, however with the fatigue and pain that fibromyalgia brings, the thought of exercising is often a daunting one. Osteopaths can help and support in using exercise as a management tool – starting with home exercise prescription tailored to your specific needs, whilst working towards finding a suitable and enjoyable exercise for long-term. Fibromyalgia, along with all chronic pain conditions, can be a really tough thing to live with. But with good management and patient-practitioner relationships, patients can learn to manage their condition and still do the things they love in order to live a happy, enjoyable life.
L & J Gulwell Treatments we offer include: Sports injury treatment Injury assessment & treatment Sports massage • Relaxation massage Pregancy massage • Clinical Psychology
Tel: 01454 838 366
info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk www.thethornburyclinic.co.uk
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Family Funeral Directors 1 Quaker Lane, Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AD Tel: 01454 418779 Fax: 01454 419764 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice kingswoodvoice
August, 2021 August
19 15
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Could this be Britain’s stinkiest museum? THIS SUMMER, visitors to Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol are promised more smells and sounds than ever before as they explore the historic ocean liner and two family-friendly museums. Natalie Fey manages interactive experiences for visitors. She says: "They can try out the bunks and cabins for size, wander among the sounds and smells imagining what a 60-day voyage would have been like, and spot rats scurrying about in the galley." The smells and sounds extend to the two museums on site. The Dockyard Museum brings engineering to life with the interactive propeller lifting frame. In the Being Brunel museum, step aboard the shaking broad gauge carriage to experience the bumpy railway lines of Victorian times. Be sure to stop and talk to Mr Brunel and challenge him with your questions about the SS Great Britain
n WHAT'S ON Iron Island: the SS Great Britain Refloated 23rd August – 19th September 2021
or simply pose for a selfie with the great Victorian engineer. Families can also see behind-the-scenes of a working shipyard for the first time with a new viewing area offering
To advertise, Richard on 01454 800 120 Got News? Callcontact 07540 383870
spectacular views of the harbour and the city's historic dry dock. Don't worry if you run out of time. Tickets include free unlimited returns for one year.
This summer, the iron ship floats again as Limbic Cinema bring the sea back to the SS Great Britain. Dive down into the Dry Dock to discover a new, immersive theatre experience, combining poetry, sounds and digital projections.
Email: Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
20
August, 2021
n SPORT
Village Cup run for Rockhampton ROCKHAMPTON Cricket Club were within two wins of a return to Lord's in this year's Voneus Village Cup tournament. The club, which made the final of the national knockout competition in 2013, also entered this year and did exceedingly well, winning the Gloucestershire section then going on to beat Yelverton Bohemians, the Devon and Cornwall champions, in the first national round. In the last 16 Rockhampton beat Ynystawe, the Glamorgan and Gwent champions, by a bowl-off after the rain prevented the Rams from batting. This then led to a quarter final tie away at Calmore Sports, the Hampshire champions, which we unfortunately lost in a very hardfought game. Rockhampton are enjoying a very productive season – although the weather could have been better at times. All four of our Saturday league teams are either first or second in their respective leagues, so all are pushing hard for promotion. As a club we have been fortunate to have seen an increase in our membership this season, so on a few occasions we have managed to put out five teams on a Saturday and have
Rockhampton Cricket Club fans enjoy their trip to Calmore Sports in the Voneus Village Cup quarter final. also played Sunday fixtures if the Saturday wasn’t possible. Being able to put out a fourth and fifth team at times has given the opportunity for fathers and sons to play in the same team together, which gives a great atmosphere. Our youth section is also flourishing, playing a vast amount of fixtures at under
11, 13 and 15 level across three league set-ups in Gloucestershire and Bristol, both midweek and Sunday fixtures. They train on a Friday evening at the Boundary Field, and new members are always welcome. We have also just finished our All Stars and Dynamos programme, which gives young girls and boys
aged from five to 11 years the opportunity to get a taste for cricket. This will be running again next season. The club hosts our annual beer and cider festival at the Boundary Field over the Saturday and Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend: everybody is welcome to join us for this Ian Williams
First home FA Cup tie for Thornbury Town AUGUST 7 will be a landmark day for Thornbury Town FC, as they play their first ever home match in the Emirates FA Cup. Royal Wootton Bassett Town are the visitors to the Mundy Fields in the Extra Preliminary Round. It will be only Thornbury's second venture into the country’s top knockout competition – their first game, two seasons ago, saw them suffer a 4-1 defeat away at Leighton Town. The two clubs’ paths have never crossed before, although they will meet twice more this coming season, following Thorns' promotion to the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division. Town are hoping to attract a big crowd to the game, with the winners facing a home tie in the next round against Ashton & Backwell United or Ardley United. The draw for Buildbase FA Vase has not been so kind for Town, who will face an away trip to Bishops Cleeve on September 11.
The club faces a challenging season, at the highest level in their history against some strong and well-established clubs. There will be a number of local derbies against the likes of Chipping Sodbury, Hallen, Cribbs and Brimscombe together with first time encounters against teams such as Corsham Town, Westbury United and Calne Town. At the time of writing pre-season results have gone well, with victories against Portishead and Bradley Stoke. Some promising reserve team players have been given outings as first team manager Jason Rees and assistant Gary Kemp look to enlarge their squad. The Reserves have carried on training throughout the summer before resuming their campaign in Division 1 of the Bristol & District League. Meanwhile the Club welcome new managers to the A team and U18s in Luke Jones and Richard Joyce respectively.
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
The Club now has 18 teams starting at U6 up to the three senior sides, including two girls' teams, and any prospective new players will always be welcomed. One face that will be missing at the Mundys for the coming season will be club president Paul Wisbey, who has moved to Devon. Paul has been a fixture at Thornbury Town for the best part of 40 years, from player to manager and chairman, doing anything that needed doing. Without his contribution the club would not be where they are now and it will certainly be a different match day experience without Paul’s good humoured banter around the ground. Thorns are looking to recruit some more match day helpers and a physio: anyone interested in either role should contact the chairman Pete Webber on 07732 466606. Malcolm Carr
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
21
n SPORT
New coaches for Thornbury RFC THORNBURY will have a new coaching team for the resumption of rugby in the 2021/22 season. Following the departure of Tom Luke to Bristol Bears Women, Wayne Thompson takes over as head coach, and he is assisted by Gareth Delve and Gareth Knox. Whilst former Thornbury junior Thompson moves up from his previous position of forwards coach, Delve and Knox are new to the club. Delve, the former Bath and Gloucester No 8, who won 11 caps for Wales, was previously Bristol Bears team manager, whilst fellow Welshman Knox also played for Bath along with Swansea, Aberavon and Bridgend, plus Clifton and Cleve in the Bristol area, and is now a lecturer at Hartpury College. The new coaches were students together at Colston’s School. Thompson told the players: "This is really exciting. Fresh
Thornbury head coach Wayne Thompson flanked by Gareth Delve (left) and Gareth Knox. coaching team is part of the way ahead and, in conjunction with our new changing rooms, medical facilities and gym, we look forward to the new season with great excitement." Thornbury have two preseason games with Drybrook and Hornets in August and begin their league campaign away to Chew Valley in September. Dave Fox
faces are a good thing and with the experience these guys have, we will all benefit together. "New eyes see new things and this will be a great experience for players." Club chairman Geoff Sprackman was equally enthusiastic, saying: “As a club we invest in the enjoyment and experience for our players. "Appointing this top-quality
Captains drive for charity A LONG-awaited charity contest at Thornbury Golf Club has finally taken place. The club's Captains’ DriveIn should have taken place last December 2020 but due to the pandemic has been postponed numerous times. Club members were invited to guess the distance that the captains would hit the ball – and sponsor the club’s charity for 2021, NF2 BioSolutions UK & Europe, which supports research to bring an end to the pain and suffering of children and adults with genetic nervous system disorder neurofibromatosis type 2 or NF2. A total of £555 was raised and the club will continue to raise money for the charity throughout the year. The Captains drove off from the 4th tee on the Marlwood course, cheered on by a large group of club members. Janet Turner
The
June
Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers A Trusted Presence Since 1860
FREE DRIVE-THROUGH VALUATION DAYS
Monday 16th -Tuesday 17th August
Monday 6th - Tuesday 7th September 9:30am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm
Held at the salerooms NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
COVID SECURE www.clevedonsalerooms.com 01934 830 111 info@clevedonsalerooms.com Clevedon Salerooms, The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6TT
Pair of Chinese Canton Famille Rose hexagonal baluster vases SOLD FOR: £1,900 Jewellery, Silver, Gold & Watch Valuation Day with Gemologist John Kelly
Tuesday 17th August - No Appointment Necessary **DEADLINE FOR SPECIALIST SALE ENTRIES: TUESDAY 17TH AUGUST**
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
22
thornburyvoice
August, 2021
thornburyvoice
PLUMBING
JJ PLUMBING BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS
LOCAL SERVICES DO YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS? email us at: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
LALU’S GARDENING SERVICES www.theaerialman.co.uk
• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders
Call 07490 514641 01454 616034 Email: lalugardenservices@gmail.com 11 Years experience Hard and soft landscaping - creating lawns fences and decking - tree and hedge cutting We will design your garden for future low maintenance. We provide clearance for waste and long term regular maintenance We use top 3 UK artificial grass We use Asian stone patio slabs
Affordable Prices - Reliable Service
01454 660046
GROUNDWORKS
CARPET CLEANING
www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk
TREE SERVICES
GARDENING
AERIAL MAN
MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474
D. ATTWELL LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES All Garden Works Undertaken All Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Patios Laid – Slabbing – Decking Block Paving – Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Clearance – Garden Walls Drives & Patios Jetwashed & Resealed • FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER
For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
RUBBISH CLEARANCE Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance
• Patios • Tarmac • Fencing • Turfing • Decking • Drainage • Driveways • Blockpaving • Foundations • Site Clearance • Concrete Bases • Stump Removal
House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On cheaper than aa skip. OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179 Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199
www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk
OVEN CLEANING
WIGS
Wigs Bristol
LOCATED IN DOWNEND
We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.
Please book an appointment on:
0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com
Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120
Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
We’re excited to have the support of our local independent traders. They are ready to welcome you and may also have some extra fun activities for you to get involved with. More businesses are signing-up all the time to accept vouchers over the eight week campaign. For the latest trader lists in Downend and Staple Hill and beyond visit:
southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos
They include: Chipping Sodbury • Card Boutique • Toll House Clinic • Marshfield Mobile ice cream • The Hamptons Delicatessen • Koala Kreations - Fabric And Haberdashery • Natural Treats Ltd • The Health Shop • Amigos Cocina • Swagger Gifts • Brook’s Bar • The Squire Inn • The Horseshoe • Shabby Chic • The Coffee Bean • Fish and Fields • John Howle Butcher • Heather Norman • Nicky’s Street Food Hub • The Sodbury Florist • Cotswold Vintners • Barber Joe’s • The Cottage Bakery Downend • Melanie’s Kitchen • Fabrics Plus Ltd
• Craig Anthony • Good Frydays • Mokka Lounge • Victoria’s Health and Beauty • West 70 Photography Filton Station Road • Crocsrus • Bristol Pet Stop Ltd • Goto - IT • Little Bathroom and Boiler Company • Borowiec Ltd TA Rozmaryn Polish Delicatessen Hanham • Eclectic Gift Shop • John Woods Cycle Repair Centre • 54A Hair & Beauty • A.S.Golding • Fleurtations Florist • Artime - Vincent Brown • Sassy hair studio • Travel Buddy UK • Hanham Florist Ltd • Ninos Barber Shop • Sticky Fingers Bakehaus ltd • Carpet Cave Ltd T/A Hanham Flooring
• Venus School of Dance • Pzazz Kingswood • Fuzchias Hair • Fresco Fish Market • Rainbow Bakery Café • JM South West • Beauty Within Staple Hill • Hair and Beauty @ the Square • American Candy Bristol • Farleys Pet food • Dury and Tippett Eyecare Ltd • Platinum Pet Care • The Friendly Eco Bristol • Jason’s Trading Post • Jay Jay’s Hair • Bunch Florists Thornbury • Beespoke • Castle Crafts • Celebration Fairs • Rosie & Rex • Bristol Coffee Company • Shampooches
• Swan Thornbury Ltd • Castle Crafts • Rosie & Rex • Papilio (Heritage) Ltd • Horders - Thornbury Press • Celebrations Fair • Hawkes House • Beespoke • Ronnie’s • Jolies Fleurs • Thornbury Garden Shop • Roobroo • Elite Fitness • Lee’s Mend A Shoe • The Malthouse • The Thornbury Deli • C The World • Hard Pressed for Time • Surroundings • The White Lion • The Thornbury Clinic Yate • Del’s Café Station Road • Pisces Station Road • Susan Charles Ladies Hairdressers • Bike Station UK Limited • Hollisters
3
THORNBURY High Street/ Castle Street BS35 2AQ High Street/ Chapel Street BS35 2AN
YATE Cranleigh Court Road/ Station Road BS37 5DH
FILTON Community Gardens Gloucester Road North BS34 7PF
Church Road/ Gloucester Road BS34 7BQ
The YMCA – garden at the rear of the hall Station Road BS37 4PQ
CHIPPING SODBURY Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church High Street BS37 6AH
DOWNEND King George V Playing Fields Westerleigh Road BS16 6AH
The Horseshoe Downend Road BS16 6BA
Hatherell’s Yard Market High Street BS37 6BA
STAPLE HILL Page Park Park Road BS16 5LU
KINGSWOOD Kings Chase Shopping Centre Regent Street BS15 8LP
Kingswood Park High Street BS15 4AD
Fountain Square Broad Street BS16 5LN
HANHAM The Maypole High Street BS15 3AB
Laburnum Road Car Park BS15 3DU
# SGBeeTrail The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.
2704 Bees High Streets Trail - Voice.indd 1
southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos
21/07/2021 10:41