Thornbury Voice December 2019

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December, 2019 Issue 33

Huge cannabis farm PAGE 3

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Rainforest? This wood needs saving, too Biker killed A MOTORCYCLIST killed on the M5 has been described as 'the most wonderful husband, father and friend'.

PAGE 9

Praise for pre-school THE education watchdog has praised a village pre-school where children are 'eager to learn' PAGE 6 Community groups who use Vilner Lane Wood in Thornbury say plans to cut it down are at odds with South Gloucestershire Council's declaration of a climate emergency.

Full story: page 11

Farmer jailed AN Olveston farmer has been jailed for inflicting 'shocking' suffering on animals.

PAGE 8

Choose one from three VOTERS in Thornbury and Yate have just three candidates to choose from in this month's general election.

The field has narrowed to the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour after the Greens agreed to drop out of the contest in a pact with

the Lib Dems - then the Brexit Party unilaterally withdrew from all Tory-held seats.

It is the first time for more than 30 years that only three parties have stood in the constituency covering Thornbury and the surrounding area.

Turn to page 4

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December, 2019

n NEWS

Charity is a 'glowing example' of service A THORNBURY charity has marked an "incredibly important" moment in its history as it was presented with an award conferring royal recognition.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was formally presented to charity Brain Tumour Support by Edward Gillespie OBE, the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire.

The charity, set up by Tina Mitchell Skinner 16 years ago, after she lost her husband to a brain tumour, supports thousands of patients and their families locally and across the UK. The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.

Presenting the award on October 31, Mr Gillespie said: "This is a glowing example of voluntary service in the

community."

He said many people's lives had been touched by the charity, which was built exclusively on the commitment of volunteers.

Some of the earliest volunteers are still active in the charity's work.

Accepting the award, Tina said: “It is a moment for us as a charity that is incredibly important. We have here today volunteers, ambassadors and patrons, and all of you have contributed to the work that

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we are doing. That is what this award is about, the value that you give to us as a charity is unquestionably marvellous so I cannot thank you enough for all that you do.”

Also attending the presentation was one of the first volunteers to help at the charity, Annie Johnson, whose husband was diagnosed at the same time at Tina’s.

She said: “The charity gave us the biggest arms of support you could possibly imagine. I had the

most amazing support and so did my daughter. I wanted to give back to the people who helped me."

Annie continues to volunteer at the Bristol Brain Tumour Support Group and said: "I wanted to walk alongside other people, being a friend as a volunteer, to empower people to keep going. We should never forget the power of social contact, it is amazing and wonderful."

Brain Tumour Support is looking for volunteers for a range of different tasks from admin and fundraising to helping at support groups.

It is holding a drop-in session for potential volunteers on December 5 at 3pm at its Thornbury offices at 29a High Street (between Costa and WHSmith).

For more information call Jane Jones on 01454 414355 or email jane.jones@ braintumoursupport.co.uk.

Suspended sentence for pensioner who sent MP abuse A MAN who sent abusive emails to his constituency MP has been given a suspended prison sentence.

A court heard Peter Semenenko sent emails that were "of a grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character" over a period of almost two months earlier this year to the MP for Thornbury and Yate, Luke Hall.

The 65-year-old from Frampton Cotterell, started sending the messages on January 19 and stopped on March 22.

His trial took place at Bristol Magistrates Court on 17 October and he was found guilty.

The court heard that the emails caused Mr Hall to fear for his and his family's safety.

Semenenko was given a 9 month suspended sentence and ordered to pay costs.

He was also made subject to a restraining order banning him from any direct contact with Mr Hall or his family in person, via email or any other forms of communication, and not to have any direct contact with his constituency offices in Chipping Sodbury.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2019

3

n NEWS

Huge cannabis farm at industrial unit POLICE have seized cannabis worth an estimated £780,000 on the street after a raid in Thornbury.

Avon and Somerset officers found 786 cannabis plants in two industrial units in the town after a tip-off.

A police spokesperson said: "Upon investigating the area, officers could smell what they believed to be cannabis and could also hear a low humming noise from one of the units. A closer inspection found a door slightly open which revealed a large amount of cannabis plants."

A second unit was then found to also be containing cannabis plants. The exact location has not been disclosed but it is understood to be near the Sort It Centre in Short Way. The discovery was made on October 20 and details revealed a few days later. As the Voice went to print no arrests had been made and the force said its

enquiries were ongoing.

South Gloucestershire neighbourhood inspector Clive Summerill said: “This is another important find and we are committed to identifying those responsible for cultivating this significant amount of cannabis.

“The amount seized is clearly not for personal use and the suspects are organised criminals

Knifepoint robbery at travel agent POLICE want to trace this man over a series of knifepoint robberies at travel agents, including one in Thornbury.

Detectives are linking three raids on travel agents in the South Gloucestershire area in the past few months.

In all three incidents a man with his face covered threatened staff with a small knife before making off with cash.

The Thornbury incident happened at a travel agent in the High Street on October 22 at 5pm.

It followed a robbery in Regent Street, Kingswood on June 7 at 2.15pm and came just three days before one in Downend Road, Downend on October 25 at 3.15pm.

Appealing for information, an Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "We’d like to speak to the man in the image as we think he may have information which could assist our inquiry."

Anyone who recognises him should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 247 579.

Information can also be given to anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

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who we believe are exploiting vulnerable people as part of their operation.

“This is a real blow to the criminals and our message is clear – we will use all of our resources to identify, arrest and convict you and we will not stop in our efforts in preventing these drugs getting onto the streets of our local communities where

they can and do cause serious harm.

“As always, we are really grateful for information provided to us by members of the public and encourage anyone who might be able to help with our investigation to get in touch.”

The force has urged people to be alert for a strong vegetable smell, windows covered from the inside with plastic or polythene, condensation on windows, curtains which are always drawn and houses which seem to be unoccupied or have tenants who don't talk to their neighbours as tell-tale signs of commercial cannabis-growing.

Anyone with information about the people involved in the Thornbury factory is urged to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 243 085.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Photo: Avon and Somerset police

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December, 2019

n NEWS

Pact narrows field From page 1 The Green Party announced it would not stand a candidate in Thornbury and Yate as part of a national agreement with the Liberal Democrats.

Their alliance, called Unite to Remain, aims to give pro-remain candidates a better chance of winning marginal seats against Labour or Tory MPs. Thornbury & Yate is one of several seats in the region where one of the parties has agreed to stand aside for the other.

The Lib Dems will not stand candidates in Bristol West, Stroud or the Forest of Dean, while the Greens will not run in Bath, Cheltenham, Chippenham, Taunton Deane or Wells.

At the last general election in 2017 the Greens came fourth in Thornbury and Yate: their candidate received just 633 votes from a total turnout of 50,690.

Their votes would not have changed the result, as Conservative Luke Hall's majority over the second-placed Lib Dems was 12,071.

Lib Dem candidate Claire Young said: “This gives local people a great opportunity to have a strong voice in Parliament to stop Brexit and fight for a brighter future for our area and the country."

The Brexit Party announced it would not stand in Thornbury and Yate along with the other 316 seats won by the Conservatives in 2017 four days after the Unite to Remain announcement.

In 2010, the year Thornbury and Yate replaced the Northavon constituency, there were six candidates, including two independents.

UKIP and the Greens stood in 2015, while in 2017 the Greens contested the seat alongside the Tories, Lib Dems and Labour.

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

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

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

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December, 2019

5

n GENERAL ELECTION

Thornbury and Yate candidates guide VOTERS go to the polls on December 12 for the country's third general election in less than five years.

In Thornbury and Yate, the Conservatives are defending a majority of 12,071 from the last election in 2017.

Luke Hall has been the MP for Thornbury and Yate since 2015, when he defeated Liberal Democrat Steve Webb, who had won

Luke Hall – Conservative "As a father who has lived locally all my life, I use the same roads, medical facilities and bus services as everybody in our community, and I have a Positive Plan for the future of South Gloucestershire.

"We are already making progress on the plan; protecting green spaces by defeating the plans to build thousands of houses at Thornbury, Charfield and

Robert Logan Labour “I have lived in the Bristol area for 13 years. We moved here when my eldest daughter was born, because my wife's family has lived in or around Thornbury for over 35 years.

"I have been a member of the Labour Party for over twenty years. The Party has changed a lot in that time, but the fundamental values remain.

Claire Young – Liberal Democrats "I'm standing for Parliament to stop the Brexit mess so we can focus on what really matters – tackling climate change, getting proper funding for our schools and health services and building a fairer society that works for everyone.

"I have a record of action working with local people across the constituency.

Together we've secured wins like longer opening

the seat at the first general election after its creation in 2010 and held the previous Northavon seat since 1997. The Liberal Democrats came second in 2017.

This year, Labour is the only other party contesting the seat.

As in all Tory-held seats, the Brexit Party is not standing a candidate.

The Greens withdrew from the

Coalpit Heath, delivering better local health services by upgrading the Yate Minor Injuries Unit, funding transport infrastructure by scrapping the Severn Bridge Tolls and building a Yate Park and Ride.

"We are delivering better broadband; 96% of local homes now have a good connection, increasing school funding and special educational needs funding, with a 5.3% and 8.6% per pupil rise this year, and supporting the local economy with record low unemployment.

"Ultimately everyone joins Labour because they believe in social justice, but the reasons why are often very personal.

Mine is my grandfather, a working class boy who'd grown up in the Black Country in the 1920s, who later became a Church of England vicar.

He told me what Britain was like for his family before the NHS – he lost his brothers in childhood from diseases that don't kill people any more, and he lost his mother to what was

hours at Yate Minor Injury Unit and cheaper bus fares in our towns. I led a team at the inquiry opposing the Conservatives' unsustainable plans for large-scale housing on our green fields – we need truly affordable, zero carbon homes and greener transport.

I recently brought people together cross-party to declare a Climate Emergency locally.

"With two sons at local schools, I have campaigned alongside other parents for better funding for our schools. I

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constituency as part of the national Unite to Remain alliance, which aims to give proremain candidates a better chance of winning marginal seats against Labour or Tory MPs. The Voice has asked every candidate nominated in the election to tell us about themselves and their aims.

They are included here in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.

"There is more to do. If we deliver Brexit, we can move on and build new Health Centres at Frenchay and Thornbury, deliver Charfield Railway station and junction 18A onto the M4. We will build two new primary schools in Yate, redevelop Castle School, we will keep business rates low and connect the remaining 4% of homes with good broadband.

"Support me to deliver this Positive Plan."

then called 'exhaustion'. Can you imagine how horrendous this must have been? But what struck me most was that he was never bitter or angry – he just remembered that world, and wanted to work for a better world where every human being is valued and given the chance to thrive and contribute to society. That's still my aim."

worked in the software industry locally and am determined to ensure that people of all ages can get the skills they need to access the high-tech opportunities on our doorstep.

"Having lived here for twenty years and served as a councillor for twelve, I'm committed to fighting for our area. With your support on 12th December, we can build a brighter future for Thornbury & Yate and our country."

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

6

n NEWS

thornburyvoice

December, 2019

Pre-school's children are 'eager to learn' AN inspector has praised a pre-school at a village near Thornbury for its targeted learning and strong relationships.

Stepping Stones pre-school in Elberton has achieved a good rating in all areas following a recent visit from Ofsted. The preschool is based in the village hall and takes children aged two to four years old during term times. It has 20 spaces and 20 children attending.

The education watchdog examined the setting against criteria in four categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

Inspector Victoria Nicholson noted that children arrive "happily" for the start of their day, and because the staff know them well, it enables them to feel "settled and secure". The strong relationship between staff and children also enabled the staff to plan activities that are both interesting and challenging, she found.

The inspector added: “Children are keen and eager to learn because staff target teaching well to meet their individual needs. Staff have high expectations of what children can achieve and this ensures that children make good progress in their learning.”

The inspector also praised the outdoor learning in her report, highlighting that the children "eagerly talk" about their forest school sessions, and she wrote that staff invest a lot of time making sure the outdoor area meets children’s needs,

FREE inspections NO call-out fees

Preschool managers Gill Powell (top right) and Rianna Kilford (bottom right), practitioner Kate Jarvis and children Rufus Denno, Casey Kilford, Maddie Smith, Avery Fowkes, Jacob Moss, Alfie Beard, Tori Sibley, Althea Chapman and Ellie Gasbarri. with items to climb on, and the opportunity to grow and dig up vegetables.

The report commented that the management team was effective at identifying any gaps in learning, and all children, including those with additional funding, made good progress.

Leaders and staff

successfully evaluated their own performance; staff observe each other and give feedback on the quality of teaching and activities, and parents are also invited to have a say.

Pre-school manager Gill Powell said: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome, especially as it was under the

new framework and you can only get a ‘good’ if all staff show high levels of teaching.

"I am very proud of the staff team.”

Parent Sally Birch said: “Best childcare ever. I would recommend to any parent and do regularly.”

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CLAIRE YOUNG

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BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THORNBURY & YATE

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Claire has a strong record of action in Thornbury & Yate constituency now she wants to take your issues to Parliament.

She led the way on declaring a climate emergency in our area. She has campaigned alongside local people to get Thornbury & Yate moving and oppose disastrous Conservative housing plans. She will fight for genuinely affordable, zero carbon homes and greener transport.

Claire is working to get increased funding for health services and local schools, which have been put under huge pressure by Conservative polices since 2015. On Brexit, Claire and the Lib Dems have been fighting to keep our voice in Europe.

Your two-way choice‌

Only a vote for Lib Dem Claire Young can stop Boris Johnson wrecking the United Kingdom.

Here in Thornbury & Yate, elections are a clear choice between Lib Dems and Tories. That's why the Green Party and many Labour supporters are lending us their votes this time, as well as traditional Conservatives. We all want an MP who will protect our NHS, recognise the climate emergency and put an end to the Brexit mess.

This could be your last chance to make your voice heard on Brexit.

Con 37%

Lib Dem 55%

Lab 5%

Votes in the Thornbury & Yate constituency in the 2019 local elections.

Published and promoted by Cheryl Kirby on behalf of Claire Young (Liberal Democrats), all at 3 Churchfarm Close, Yate, BS37 5BZ.

Vote Liberal Democrat for a brighter future PRINTED BY MORTON PRINTERS MORTON WAY, BOSTON ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HORNCASTLE LN9 6JR

8

n NEWS

thornburyvoice

December, 2019

Farmer jailed for 'shocking' suffering of animals A FARMER from Olveston has been jailed for 18 months for what a vet described as an "animal welfare disaster".

Susan Smith, of Ingst Manor Farm, has also been banned for life from keeping all animals.

The 61-year-old was found guilty of 19 trading standards and animal welfare offences when she appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court in June last year. She returned for sentencing on November 4 after failing to overturn 15 of her convictions on appeal.

The case was jointly brought

by South Gloucestershire Council and the RSPCA after an animal welfare complaint first brought council officers and RSPCA inspectors to the farm in 2015.

They found livestock in poor health and a large number of animal carcasses in various states of decay. A number of animals were removed for welfare reasons.

Visits were made over the next two-and-a-half years, with more sheep and other animals found in a poor condition along with carcasses in various states of decay.

Vet Dr David Martin described the situation in court as “nothing short of a total animal welfare disaster” and said the situation took weeks and months of cumulative poor husbandry and neglect to reach the levels which were discovered

by RSPCA inspectors.

He said: “I can think of no good reason to explain the presence of a horse’s hoof in amongst deep slurry in a pig pen,

Animals were living among carcasses in various states of decay at Susan Smith's farm. Picture: RSPCA other than to reach the obvious conclusion that the body of a horse has been fed to the pigs.”

He also noted that the level of mortality on the farm was exceptionally high in all species and said the mortality rate of the sheep was around 58%.

The flock was infected with untreated sheep scab, for which the vet said treatment is easily provided, and many sheep had fractures to limbs because of the hazardous environment in which they were being kept.

Dr Martin also raised particular concern that the pigs were cannibalising their dead, as he said this is associated with extremely high risk of serious disease.

The charges against Smith included failure to dispose of the bodies of 50 sheep, eight cattle, two pigs and various bags of

animal bones in March 2015 and 26 sheep carcasses in April 2016; failure to comply with movement and identification rules for cattle; failure to produce medicine records; and sourcing feed from an unregistered premises in contravention of feed hygiene rules.

Smith pleaded guilty to further charges brought following welfare visits in 2017.

Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: “This was a shocking case, where a large number of animals endured unnecessary suffering.

“Not only do some diseases pose a risk to public health, the spread of animal diseases can have a devastating effect on farmers and the rural economy.”

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who described the farm as one of the worst cases

of animal cruelty ever seen by the charity, said: “The suffering of the animals will stick in the minds of all those who helped with the rescue. It was heartbreaking.”

Another defendant, Mark Downes, 51, was jailed for 32 weeks and fined £1,000 in June last year after being found guilty of charges including failure to dispose of horse carcasses and animal welfare offences. He was banned for life from keeping horses, pigs, goats, sheep and cattle.

Georgina Blizzard-Smith, 21, formerly of Ingst Manor Farm, was found guilty of two offences relating to two dogs found on the farm in 2016, and was deprived of ownership of the two dogs and ordered to pay £806 in costs and compensation last year.

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thornburyvoice

December, 2019

9

n NEWS

Tributes paid to 'wonderful' David MOVING tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist killed in a crash on the Almondsbury Interchange.

David Naish, who was 60, died at the scene of the collision with a car on the M4-M5 junction, which happened at 6.30am on October 29.

Avon and Somerset police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam video of the incident.

Police released a tribute from Mr Naish's family, who described him as " the most wonderful husband, father and friend".

The family said: "The most wonderful husband, father and friend was taken from us far too soon. It cannot be put into words how much you will be missed and how much happiness and laughter you brought into so many lives. A funny and caring man, never without a smile on your face, you always put your wife, children and others first and would do anything for your family.

“As our dad, you are a massive influence and role model and we wouldn’t be who we are

without you and mum raising us and we will be forever grateful for that. We couldn’t be prouder to call you our dad and we are so grateful that you were also a best friend and someone with whom we could have so much fun and enjoy so many amazing memories.

“As my husband, you were a soulmate and best friend; with you I spent the most loving, unforgettable 40 years and 3 months of my life. I have been so blessed to have spent this time

with the most wonderful, caring, selfless man. It is heart-breaking when I think of all the plans we made for our futures but I am so grateful for the time we had together, undoubtedly the best years of our lives.

“You have made an impact on so many people and this has been shown through the support and love that has been received. We would like to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, love and support. There are so many stories and memories

that have been shared and everyone will always say how much you were loved; the most kind and thoughtful man, you will be always loved and never forgotten.

“As the saying went: ‘Everybody loves Dave.'”

A 21-year-old man was arrested following the collision and has since been released under investigation while further enquiries take place.

Collision Investigator Carl Derosa said: “At the time of day the collision happened there would already have been lots of commuters making their way to work.

“We’re keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who can tell us about the manner of driving of either of the vehicles prior to the incident.

“We’d also be interested in viewing any dashcam footage of the collision or the two vehicles – a white Volkswagen Polo and a yellow Suzuki motorbike."

Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote the incident reference 5219 249 942.

Driver in concrete mixer crash named POLICE have named the driver who died when a concrete mixer crashed into a wall near Thornbury earlier this month.

Andrew Binding, who was 39, died at the scene of the accident on the A38 near Tytherington Quarry at about 3.45pm on October 4.

His family paid tribute in a statement released by the Avon and Somerset force this morning.

They said: “Andrew Richard

Binding, aged 39 and known as Andy or Chunky to his friends, was the much-loved only son of Wendy and Colin.

“He liked fishing and also enjoyed making models, especially using Technic Lego.

“Andy enjoyed socialising and had many friends. He loved his job but also enjoyed taking holidays.

“We will never forget you Andrew. Unfortunately you never

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Police collision investigators want to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or thinks they may have any information which can help the inquiry into Mr Binding's death.

Anyone who has not yet come forward should call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5219 229 938.

T: 0117 431 5132

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December, 2019

n NEWS

Quiz boosts Marlwood School Friends Castle

School update

Quiz winners Zoe Clark, Pam Sullivan, Amelia Clark, Tamsin Carnaby and Sam Glew MORE than 90 people attended a quiz staged by Marlwood School Friends which raised more than £850 for school equipment and pupil experiences.

The highest scoring teams were a mixture of adults and pupils, with quiz master and Geography teacher Paul Helliker ensuring questions were targeted at all ages.

Out of 15 teams the overall winners were SPATZ, which is an an acronym for the names of its members.

Several businesses donated raffle prizes,

including Jolies Fleurs in Thornbury, the Fox in Easter Compton and Dick Lovett BMW. The friends have stopped using plastic cups and paper plates at fundraising events, and is recycling leftovers to reduce waste.

The next fundraising event is the Christmas concert at the school, which takes place at 7pm on Thursday December 12, featuring festive music, dance and drama. There will also be an exhibition of photographs by the finalists of the Rotary Young Photographer competition.

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PARENT volunteers of the Castle School Friends Association are gearing up for Christmas events aimed at raising hundreds of pounds.

The main fundraiser is a Christmas Market, due to take place on November 30, which brings in a wide range of local producers to run stalls, providing individual and unusual Christmas gifts.

Amongst them will be Martha Moo & Harry Too, Austin Flowers, Billie Makes (Stampin' Up), Polished Peacock Redesign, Jeff Bee with his honey, Mary and Sallyann's Chutney & Pickle, Loricraft selling mosaics, watercolours and leatherwork, Sharon White Jewellery, Ruth Gale with her marshmallow toasting treats, Karen Schwamm Textile and Ceramic Art, All Sew Pretty, Sew Vintage Petals and Mint Plants.

There will also be festive refreshments and a post box to Santa. Entry is free and the market takes place at the school between 2pm and 4pm.

In early December the CSF hosts its annual charity fashion show in collaboration with M&Co in Thornbury. The funds raised will support 20 pupils who are going on a trekking expedition in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2020 with the company True Adventure, during which they will take party in a community project. The event is on December 6 at 7pm, and tickets cost £5 from M&Co. The friends association has also been chosen as a beneficiary of the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, and is encouraging people who shop at Thornbury’s Tesco superstore to pop a blue token in the Castle School Friends box. Two other good causes will also feature, and a customer vote will take place from January, with the winner potentially receiving up to £2,000.

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thornburyvoice

December, 2019

11

n NEWS

Climate emergency means woods must be saved CAMPAIGNERS against proposals to destroy a woodland in Thornbury to make way for a care home are calling for the plans to be scrapped in the light of the climate emergency.

Thornbury Community Composting, which operates in Vilner Lane Wood, says the plans have been superseded by South Gloucestershire Council’s commitment to responding to the climate emergency, which all parties agreed earlier this year.

The plans were originally approved five years ago and recently a single developer has shown interest in building the care home.

But the composting group members argue that there is now sufficient care home provision, its group could face closure, and there is now interest from a forest school which wishes to use the wood. It has initiated a petition which has over 200 signatures.

The small 1.8 acre woodland runs alongside a footpath between Tesco and the community compost site in the Thornbury Leisure Centre car park. It is full of wildlife, insects, and many different species of tree and shrub.

Jerry Dicker, founder of the composting site and an arboriculturist, said: “Here we are we complaining about rainforests being cut down and we say they are just doing it for money - well, they are doing that here!

"It’s only a small wood but it is a valuable link – it is a wildlife corridor connecting gardens with the fields, woodlands and hedgerows in the surrounding

Jerry Dicker and Brett Harrison at Vilner Lane Wood countryside. Bats, hedgehogs, newts, frogs, stoats and weasels need to be able to travel.

“We recognise that the council has financial commitments but the climate emergency and the crisis in nature should be two of their financial commitments.”

The composting site was set up over 20 years ago to take residents’ garden waste. This is turned into compost and sold back to the community.

Firewood is sold on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, raising essential funds to keep the project going.

Thornbury Composting chairman Brett Harrison said: “The consultation on Vilner Lane woodland made by South Glos in 2014 made no mention of any proposed sale of the Thornbury

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

composting site. This would have been very unpopular then and, certainly, now. There is no

democratic justification for this decision.”

Council cabinet member for corporate resources Ben Burton, who will make a decision on the site next year, said: “We recognise that a lot has changed over the past five years and we need to carefully reconsider whether the decision that was made in 2014 is still the best decision for today.

“This will take some time, as there are numerous factors to take into account, including financial considerations, the needs and wishes of local residents and the wider community, the requirement for care home facilities, strategic planning, and any environmental impact especially considering the commitment to the climate emergency agenda.”

The petition can be found on the council's website at bit. ly/32XSGtp. It is open until next March.

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December, 2019

n NEWS

Men jailed for 'incredibly dangerous' theft THIEVES who stole cable worth more than £12,000 from a railway line in South Gloucestershire have been jailed.

Twins Michael and Christopher Nugent, and Martin Ward, were caught after British Transport Police were alerted to their presence by a motion-sensing camera placed by the line at Charfield.

Network Rail had installed the camera after thefts and damage at the site on August 28, 2017.

Just two days later the camera detected trespassers and police caught the 23-year-old twins at the scene.

A vehicle registered to Ward, 24, was found nearby and all three men were arrested on suspicion of theft.

Mobile phone records placed them at the location at the estimated time of the earlier incident and forensics linked the vehicle owned by Ward, used to transport the stolen cable, to the Nugent brothers.

All three pleaded guilty to theft when they appeared at Bristol Crown Court on November 1.

Michael Nugent, of Atwood Drive, Lawrence Weston, was sentenced to 18 months in prison while his brother Christopher, of Clapton Walk, Sea Mills, was

Christopher Nugent, Michael Nugent and Martin Ward were each jailed for theft.

Picture: British Transport Police jailed for 16 months and ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

Ward, of Long Cross, Lawrence Weston, was jailed for a year and ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

After the case Detective Constable Dan Murdoch of British Transport Police said: “This was a determined theft, which cost the railway an estimated £12,700 in loss, delays

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

and damages and also had the potential to endanger the lives of workers and passengers.

“These sentences demonstrate just how seriously the courts take such incidents of theft, and we hope this will give the individuals involved time to reflect on their actions and stop them from committing similar offences in the future.

“We are committed to tackling all forms of theft and work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners to make the railway a difficult place for these criminals to operate.

Network Rail Western route director Mike Gallop said: “Cable theft results in significant delays and cancellations across the network and these penalties show just how seriously the rail industry and the British Transport Police take this crime.

“Any attempt to steal cable from the railway is not only a criminal offence but is also incredibly dangerous. Anyone trespassing on the railway risks serious injury – or worse.

“We want everyone home safe every day and we continually look for ways to protect the network from thieves, working with British Transport Police to prosecute anyone caught carrying out metal thefts.”

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2019

13

n NEWS

Fire rips through Thornbury home A HOUSE in Thornbury suffered extensive damage when a fire broke out in the early hours.

Firefighters from the town were reinforced by crews from Patchway and Bristol city centre, who brought a turntable ladder appliance from Temple Fire Station to help fight the blaze in Park Road.

The fire, which is believed to have started accidentally, was discovered shortly after 2am on November 6.

An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said eight firefighters in breathing apparatus put out the blaze before using thermal imaging cameras to check for hotspots as they damped down.

Writing on social media, Thornbury firefighters said the fire had "spread extensively" over two floors of the house by the time they arrived.

Ambulance crews were also called in, including a hazardous area response team and paramedics. However the firefighters added: "Thankfully nobody was injured, and everyone was safe."

A week later, on the morning of November 13, the town's firefighters were called out again, this time to a kitchen fire in Eastbury Close. A burning cooker was extinguished and removed from the kitchen.

Pictures: Avon Fire and Rescue Service

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2019

n NEWS

'No action' on deadly air pollution

A DEADLY lack of action on air pollution is killing people in South Gloucestershire, say councillors.

New research linking higher air pollution with hundreds of heart attacks, strokes and acute asthma attacks every year was discussed at a council scrutiny commission.

Councillors expressed frustration that they had seen countless air quality monitoring reports but were still waiting on plans to address air quality from South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Combined Authority.

Commission co-chair Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill) said councillors had been "fobbed off" that air quality was going to be the responsibility of WECA, adding: “Here we are now...two or three years into WECA, and we’re still having air quality monitoring reports with no action. And meanwhile, there are people who are dying because of poor air quality in our neighbourhoods.

“We need to see a plan for improvement.”

Ruth Davis (Lib Dem, Yate Central) said: “It wouldn’t be so bad if some of the reports we get to see were going in the right direction, but they’re not.”

The scrutiny commission resolved in July to begin an in-depth review of air quality,

including an examination of an air quality plan led by the council. But members heard officers planned to roll the air quality plan into the council’s climate change strategy.

Cllr Boulton said he was concerned the move would “dilute” the two issues.

He said: “Climate change is massive and it’s important. Air quality, potentially, is killing people right now and can potentially be dealt with with existing technologies and in a shorter period of time."

Cllr Davis said the council needed to "get on" with action on air quality, adding: "The longer they take, more people will die.”

A council spokesperson said: “Across the council, we have taken a large number of actions to tackle air quality, particularly in our Air Quality Management Areas, and this has resulted in an improving picture of air quality in South Gloucestershire."

The spokesperson pointed to action including fitting buses with emissionsreducing technology, making the council's entire pool car fleet electric and the air quality action scheme to reduce pollution at the Hambrook traffic lights by banning vehicles from making some turns there.

He added: "We are currently developing a council-wide approach to air quality, bringing together services which have an interest and/ or impact on air quality. It is anticipated that a council-wide Clean Air Strategy will complement the council’s existing Climate Change Strategy."

The spokesperson said that, as the primary source of both greenhouse gases and air pollutants was burning fossil fuels, "the solutions to reduce carbon and air quality pollutants are largely the same”.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2019

15

n THORNBURY CLINIC

Enjoy Christmas – it's good for you!

Guy Oldring is the clinical lead and heads up the team at the Thornbury Clinic.

SO Christmas is upon us, the lights are starting to go up and the shops are full of Christmas decorations.

This is the exciting time of year where you wrap up warm and go Christmas shopping, whilst stopping for the well-earned cup of tea (or glass of Prosecco).

We all know what comes next: Christmas drinks, work Christmas parties and the over-indulging starts. Then Christmas hits, more drinks flow…and the food, oh, the food! We end up thinking “just one more” on most things – and why not? It's been a long year and this is a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of friends and family, which I completely agree with.

I am not saying that we should drink three bottles of wine a day and have five meals a day. But I am saying that it is important to

have fun! Sometimes we can start overthinking and telling ourselves off before we have even finished our Christmas lunch, which in my opinion, isn't always for the best.

Focusing on our mental health over Christmas is really important.

Firstly, here are a few excellent phrases that I use that I would like to share with you.

It's OK to have that extra mince pie – it's Christmas.

Rewarding myself by eating what I want over Christmas isn't that bad!

Prosecco and mulled wine are not required with every meal, but its OK to have a few drinks with family and friends.

And my personal favourite – Sucking in your stomach is not the same as losing weight, but it's an excellent short-term fix.

Rather than go on about what not to do and that exercise is key (as we all know this), I just want to highlight the importance of mental health through this time of year.

Due to this there are a few pieces of Christmas advice I would like to share: Spend time with family.

Studies have shown that spending time with a caring family can significantly increase brain function. In a child’s brain it has even been shown that it increased the production of grey and white brain matter, which are the main components of their developing nervous system. Basically, it makes us smarter!

Laugh Lots! Laughing with friends and family not only makes us feel good but has amazing health benefits. Laughing can

help to reduce blood pressure, improve our immune system, help to produce dopamine (our happy hormone) and even can reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Give your family a hug. Did you know that hugs have been shown to a significant stress reliever? They also aid the release of oxytocin, which can make us feel happy, reduce stress and even increase our immune system. Studies have shown that a 10-second hug can significantly change our mood for the entire day!

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However, the most important thing is to have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy it with no guilt. Yes, the jeans may be slightly more snug and we may have become festively plump. But remember, the gym will still be there in the new year, and we are always on hand to help you with your aches and pains, and give any advice you need to help you reach your goals in 2020.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Thornbury Clinic team!

17/05/2019 14:34

info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk www.thethornburyclinic.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Jag with royal pedigree goes under hammer CLASSIC cars were a highlight of Stroud Auction Rooms' November sale when a E-Type Jaguar, first owned by Prince Michael of Kent, went under the hammer for the princely sum of £36,500.

The 5.3 litre V12, pictured, was one of 17 cars in the specialist motoring section and comfortably topped the list of highest-selling lots.

Motoring is yet another growing specialist section at Stroud Auctions and there was a huge amount of interest in these vehicles, both in the saleroom and online, resulting in almost in a dozen of the cars on offer making it into the top 25 sold lots.

Among these were a 1953 Riley RMF (£10,400), a 1975 Land Rover series III with less than 25,000 miles from new (£8,200) and a 1947 Duncan Healey coupe project, one of only 7 believed to be in existence (£5,600).

Collectors of militaria were also out in force and a sought-after Royal Fleet Auxiliary group of ten medals, spanning almost 30 years

of service with the RFA, sold for £5,000. The recipient had been on the bridge of the RFA Sir Galahad when hit by Argentinian bombs during the Falklands conflict. An Army D-Day Military Cross medal group for Major H F Wheway, 22nd Dragoons, who landed on 'Queen' Beach (Sword Area) on June 6, 1944 in command of a detachment of mine-clearing flail tanks, made £900. It was sold together with a copy of his citation, in which his commanding officer Lieut-Col G H Grosvenor, said Major Wheway's conduct during days of fighting under heavy fire was an inspiration to all.

Another ever-popular specialist section is guns and weapons, where a number of items featured in the list of top lots. These included a J & W Tolley .303 double barrelled side by side rifle, with named and engraved locks (£4,000).

The Sergeant Tom Mason lifetime collection of bayonets was topped by a German 1914 pattern Gottscho sawback bayonet

(£1,500) - the whole collection totalled over £80,000 and spanned 700 lots. Large collections like this one always draw in the bidders, many coming in person from great distances.

Stroud Auction Rooms has become so well-known for selling weapons of all types that the sale was extended from two days to three in order to accommodate this specialist section.

In the toy section there were over 400 lots, and as usual die-cast models including Corgi and Dinky made excellent prices. But there were also excellent results with less commonplace toys. A Japanese Batman robot sold for £800 and a model tank kit £300, showing that not only the more well-known

items can be valuable.

Stroud Auctions staff are now busily preparing for the bumper three-day pre-Christmas sale on December 4-6 (10am each day).

Viewing will be on December 3 (10am-7pm) and from 9am until 10am on sale days. This auction is the ideal opportunity to find a unique Christmas gift for someone special – if you’re not sure how to buy at auction please contact our helpful staff and they will guide you through the process.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on January 8th & 9th

Including specialist sections of ceramics, glass, Asian & tribal art, books, stamps, ephemera, pictures & paintings, vinyl records & musical instruments Vinyl Records

Ceramics

Led Zepplelin One LP. Sold for £1,000

Royal Worcester pair of vases decorated with Highland cattle. Sold for £2,300

Stamps

Glass

A collection of stamps Sold for £3,500

Baccarat glass paperweight.

Sold for £1,400

FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) & Saturday (9am-12:30pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email a photograph to info@stroudauctions.com We are regularly ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders

Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2019

17

n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA November 27: n Alveston Local History Group welcome back Professor Ronald Hutton, well-known speaker on paganism, witchcraft and other medieval subjects, to speak about seasonal festivals. Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. All welcome, visitors pay £2.50 at the door.

November 30: n Castle School Christmas Market, 2-4pm at the school. Organised by Castle School Friends. Variety of stalls including crafts and plants, refreshments, postcard to Santa.

Free entry.

December 2: n Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group meeting, 1.45pm, Methodist Church Hall, Westbury-on-Trym. Peter Rose will give a Christmas themed presentation. All welcome. For more information call 07710 743613.

December 4 to 7 n The Village Players present Adventure in Pantoland, a magical journey through the world of pantomime by Alan P. Frayn, at Pilning Village Hall. Weekdays 7.30pm, Saturday at 1.30pm and 6pm. Tickets £6.50/£4.50.

Under-3s free 'on the knee' at the matinee. 1 seat in 10 free. Bookings 01454 633786 or 632813, email villageplayerspilning@gmail. com. A group of four standard pantomime characters who lose their memories work their way through different tales to recover their true identities.

December 5 n Thornbury & District Flower Club Open Christmas Demonstration at Thornbury Methodist Hall from 7.30pm. Members £2, visitors £5. Call 01454 202962 or email jhfaulkner@icloud.com for more

information.

December 6: n Manorbrook School Christmas Fair, 6-8.30pm at the school: Stalls, refreshments, raffle and Father Christmas.

December 6 n Haven Memory Cafe, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. 10.15-11.45am, December 6 n Singing & Signing with New Sibland School and friends.

December 7 n St Peter’s Hospice Severnside Support Group Christmas Bazaar, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 10am-noon. Stalls including cards, gifts, crafts, homemade preserves, cakes and books, raffle and teas.

Entry by donation.

December 8 n Cavalcade of Contemporary Carols, charity concert at St Helen’s Church, 7pm. Free entry, with retiring collection in aid of church activities. Works from 15 living and local composers including BBC carol competition winner John Merrick, choir accompanied by organ, strings, percussion and woodwind, texts from advent to the nativity.

December 14 n Alveston Singers Christmas concert, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury at 7.30pm. Programme includes well-known and loved choruses and recitatives from Part One of Handel's Messiah along with Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols and some singalong carols and songs.

Collections for Brain Tumour Support and Made a Mark.

December 17 n Alveston Singers Christmas concert, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Programme

includes well-known and loved choruses and recitatives from Part One of Handel's Messiah along with Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols and some singalong carols and songs.

Collections for Brain Tumour Support and Made a Mark.

December 20 n Haven Memory Cafe, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. 10.15-11.45am, Singing with Lizzie Lindsell & Jonathan.

January 6 n Thornbury Choral Society rehearsal term starts at 8pm, United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. Fauré Requiem.

January 9 n Thornbury & District Flower Club practice night and Winter Wonderland social evening at Thornbury Methodist Hall from 7.30pm. Members £2, visitors £5. Call 01454 202962 or email jhfaulkner@icloud.com for more information.

January 12 n Armstrong Arts Group afternoon singing event, from Puccini to Sondheim. Cossham Hall, 3pm One-hour performance from singer Kate Milner Evans and pianist Nicki Barnes. Tickets £10 (to include tea and cakes) from Thornbury Town Hall or call 01454 851965.

January 13 n Thornbury Choral Society Welcome Evening, United Reformed Church, Chapel Street 7.30pm: meet choir members over a drink and a snack, rehearsal begins at 8pm.

January 16 n Thornbury Choral Society Back to Singing Course commences, 7.30pm, United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. More details at thornburychoralsociety.org.uk or call 01454 416518.

January 19 n Thornbury Orchestra concert, Castle School, 3pm. Mix of animal-themed music, including Die Fledermaus Overture and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In aid of the The Lemur Foundation.

Tickets £8 for adults, children free, available on the door or from orchestra members.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday n Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7-10pm n Belly Dance classes Beginners 7.00pm, Improvers 8.00pm, Methodist Church Hall (upstairs) with Anna 07971234236 or bristolbellydance@yahoo.co.uk term time only

n Yoga for beginners at Armstrong Hall, 6:30-8pm on Mondays. £6. All kit provided.

Contact Moira 07703 536700 Tuesday n 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club n Sunbeams toddler and parent group Thornbury Methodist church hall Every Tuesday 1.15pm to 2.45pm in term time Time and space to share themed activities with your children ( 0 to 4 years) Contact janet_mann@ hotmail.com or margaretcrocombe60@gmail. com n Get Singing. A community choir for anyone who loves singing. All abilities welcome.

See www.getsinging.co.uk for more information. Turnberries,

What's on at Thornbury Library Opening times Staffed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Open access seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm.

Christmas Carols and Songs: December 5, 2pm. Join us for a good old fashioned singalong with refreshments.

Have You Read…? Come and join a new library book group on the first Friday of every month.

December 6, 2pm. Theme: “Which author would you like to bring out a new book this Christmas?"

Lego Club: Come and join us for a story, create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see. December 28, 10.30-11.30am.

Chatterbooks Group: Bookthemed and activity sessions every month for children in years 4, 5, and 6. Next session: December 14, 10.30-11.30am.

Rhymetime: Every Friday 10.30-11.00am, term time only.

Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together.

Pre-school Storytime: Every Monday at 2pm, term time only:

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

join us for stories and simple crafts.

Family History and Ancestry Advice: Come in for some support to delve further into your family history. December 9, 10am-midday.

Craft Group and Repair Café: December 5, 2pm-4pm. New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group.

Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects. Bring your small items of clothing or soft furnishings for repair. Refreshments provided.

IT support: Computer volunteers help with online and IT questions

– speak to a member of staff for dates and times.

Vision West of England: Thursday December 5, 10.30am1pm. Support and advice for visually impaired people.

For more information on any of the above please contact us: Telephone 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov. uk or visit our website to find out more: www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries.

Find us on Facebook at South Gloucestershire Libraries or @ SouthGlosLibs on Twitter.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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18

n WHAT’S ON Thornbury. Tuesday 7.30 - 9.00pm (term time only). n Thornbirds, Thornbury W.I. meet on the third Tuesday of every month, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Thornbury. We are a friendly group offering a range of speakers over the year as well as well as a variety of social activities.

Visitors are always welcome so why not come along and find out about our programme for 2019.

Wednesday n 2.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall Tea Dance 01454 412060 n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall, Committee Room Lip Reading Classes n Torn Paper Collage for Wellbeing: Turnberries Thornbury Wednesdays12.30-2.30pm. For more information or to reserve a place on these courses or other courses available throughout South Gloucestershire Please contact Jane Thomas, Community Learning Development Worker Tel: 07860 181352 Mob: 01454 864687 Email: jane.thomas2@southglos. gov.uk n South Glos Aspies, a weekly pub social for adults on the autistic spectrum, meets from 7-11pm at the Malthouse, Thornbury

High Street. Friends and family of those on the spectrum are also more than welcome. Board games, skittles, darts, informal conversation and outdoor activities, weather permitting.

More information from robert@ southglosaspies.org.uk, george@ southglosaspies.org.uk or at www. southglosaspies.org.uk. n Thornbury & District Townswomen's Guild meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Turnberries at 7.30pm.

Varied programme of events and speakers. Pay a visit and perhaps join to celebrate 60 years of TG in Thornbury. n Friendly Bridge SW bridge club meets at Alveston Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm every Wednesday. Visitors welcome, partner guaranteed if you come alone. For more information, including bridge tuition, contact Gareth on 07921 788605 or email friendlybridgesw@gmail.com n T’hornblowers wind band: friendly, adults-only wind band meets from 7pm every Wednesday in The Studio, Turnberries, Bath Road. New members always welcome, particularly trumpeters and trombonists. For more details contact Turnberries Community

December, 2019

Centre on 01454 868485 or email enquiries@turnberries.co.uk. n Top Flight Ballroom Dance Club. B.A,W.A .Every Wednesday Ballroom, Latin,Sequence. £5 Per Person.

New Members Welcome.

For More Information.

Tel: 01179 192756 Thursday n 8.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Ceroc Dance n Scrapbooking for Wellbeing.

Turnberries in Thornbury.

Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm. n South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, Bradley Stoke, 3rd Thursday evening of the month.

Starting October at 7.00 for 7.30 start. Refreshments provided.

Contact: Sallykitching@ googlemail.com Tel. 01454 774401 n Royal British Legion monthly meeting point – coffee and a chat for Armed forces veterans, personnel and families at Hawkes House, St Mary Street, Thornbury.

RBL volunteers, together with

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@thornburyvoice. co.uk other organisations will be on hand to offer support and advice to those who need help. Second Thursday of the month, 9.3011.30am. n Thornbury & District Flower Club meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at the Thornbury Methodist Hall from 7.30pm for flower arranging demonstrations, practice nights and workshops. Cost £2 a meeting

Join our team We look after adults and children at home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care.

We are NHS and Local Authority funded with hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and non-clinical.

Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team.

We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles.

Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here www.sironacic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

December, 2019

nW HAT’S ON

n NEWS

thornburyvoice

19

for members plus a yearly subscription of £30; visitors £5 a session. Call 01454 202962 or email jhfaulkner@icloud.com for more information.

Friday n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Committee Room Canasta Club n Folk Companions meet 7.45pm9.15 pm, term time only, at The Chantry, Thornbury. Call 01454 414952 or email iain.d.gray@ btinternet.com for more details. n 1.30pm Zumba Gold at Thornbury Leisure Centre n Weekly Hatha Yoga, The Chantry, Fridays 1.30-2.30pm.

Improve strength, balance, flexibility, health and wellbeing through this transformational and healing practice.

Drop-in basis, £8 (£6 concession) All Welcome.

There's no need to be bendy!

Contact Selina flourish@ selinaratcliffe.com Saturday n Thornbury parkrun is a free, weekly, 5km run or walk, organised entirely by volunteers and taking place every Saturday at 9am on the Mundy Playing Fields. Register once, print your barcode and just turn up. See www.parkrun.org.uk/ thornbury Sunday n Thornbury Ramblers walk. See www.thornburyramblers.org.uk for details, or ring 01454 413924 n The Alternative Sunday Lunch, Butchers Hook, High Street We provide a smorgasbord of food and ask others to bring in homemade/homegrown contributions to share out with everyone in an informal, open-table style Sunday lunch.

Suggested donation of £6 per person with all profits to charity.

Every Sunday 1pm.

THORNBURY Camera Club is offering beginners the chance to learn how to give their photos the “wow” factor.

The club will run a beginner’s course in photography early next year covering how to use a camera, composition and how to look critically at an image, and how to be creative in pursuit of pictures such as the one above, taken by club member George Collett.

The course, which includes six months' membership of the club, will run for six evenings from February 6 to March 12 at Turnberries Community Centre and needs to be booked in advance.

For more information contact Mike Ashfield at course. thornburycameraclub@gmail. com.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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20

n NEWS

December, 2019

Awards celebrate volunteers' good work VOLUNTEERS from groups helping to improve the Thornbury area were among more than 50 people thanked for the important work they do to help maintain South Gloucestershire's open spaces.

South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Spaces Network hosted the event at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, welcoming volunteers from 28 different groups who work across the district to maintain parks, nature reserves and public rights of way.

They included volunteer workers from Thornbury Orchard, Morton Bridge Wildflower Meadow, The Friends Of St James Churchyard in Charfield, A Forgotten Landscape in Severn Beach and Avon Wildlife Trust.

The volunteers were thanked for the work they do by the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Brian Allinson, who said: “We

know that without your help, our natural environment and the places we hold so close to our hearts would not be as beautifully cared for as they are.

"Your help and hard work in all weathers is greatly appreciated and I would like to

WOULD YOU LIKE TO

S IN G IN A CHOIR

Get back to singing with

personally thank you and your members.”

Volunteers from the Forgotten Landscape project spoke about the importance of surveying wildlife and shared their experience of recording water voles, great crested newts

and wetland birds along the Severn Estuary, while council officers delivered talks on climate change and the measures being taken by the local authority to achieve its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, and some friends’ groups hosted stands showcasing the work they do.

The Community Spaces Network is co-ordinated by the Community Spaces team at South Gloucestershire Council.

It has been set up to enable community groups which help care for public open spaces in South Gloucestershire to share knowledge and resources.

The network is free for groups to join and provides support and information, including volunteer insurance, volunteer support and training.

For more information email communityspaces@southglos. gov.uk.

Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury

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For more information see www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk or email thornburychoral@gmail.com or telephone 01454 416518

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

December, December, 2019

2019

E: richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

n ADVERTISING ADVERTISING FEATURE FEATURE n

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December, 2019

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm celebrates 20 years!

A

S the picture shows, Father Christmas visited Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm in person this year, during his relaxing summer holiday. He came to wish the Christmas tree growers a very happy anniversary: 20 years of growing and cutting Christmas trees. Not only did he hand out presents to a few lucky children, he also remarked how beautiful the trees were.

“Thousands of trees! Enough for everyone!”

Having started out as a fairly modest concern of 6,000 trees in 1999, production has steadily increased to 35,000 trees to date, hoping to rise to 40,000 trees by 2021. So there really is plenty for all. For the growers, Peter and Simon Maughan, it has also been a gradual learning experience. “We pick up a lot of tips and techniques from our colleagues at the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, but often we just learn the hard way – when things go wrong! Flooding in 2012, plagues of aphids in 2009, and drought in 2018. In each case we weather the storm and adapt accordingly.”

“One thing that I am particularly proud about,” explains Simon, “Is that we have stayed true to our environmental principles.” The farm was set up in 1999 with wildlife in mind. “While we are focused mainly on growing excellent Christmas Trees, I estimate that perhaps as much

as 60% of our land is not covered by tree foliage, and it is in places like these – in the hedgerows and in the spaces between trees – that native wildlife can exist.”

“With over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, it is important that we do what we can to conserve these habitats. We mow between the trees, rather than spray with weedkiller, which allows wildflowers to grow, and we have a lot of insect and animal life as a result.”

2019 looks to be a promising year for Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. The warm wet summer has boosted growth, producing fullbodied trees with good foliage, and the general appearance of the trees is very good. Most excitingly, a new fully biodegradable Christmas tree net will be on trial. The first of its kind, it will be a huge step towards keeping the farm free of plastic.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm will be welcoming visitors from late November until Christmas Eve, 9am-5pm every day. “Choose and Cut” runs for as long as stocks last. Prices start from just £25. See you there! www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk Instagram: @frenchaychristmastreefarm

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thornburyvoice

December, 2019

23

n INTERCHANGE BLOG

Getting hands-on with baking WHILST I don’t profess to being an expert, I’m something of an amateur baker myself. I had this notion that motherhood would mean beautiful cake creations for my children, so when my first-born was a year old, I went on a cake decorating course.

I’m not a creative person – yes, maybe with words, but not in an arty way – so I had my reservations that I’d be able to make aesthetically-pleasing masterpieces. However, I quickly realised a few things: It’s not as complicated as it looks The tools and equipment you need are endless The time is takes to make a cake compared with the price you can charge for selling it is hugely disproportionate.

Still, I continued with my passion and even began selling some cakes for people who’d ask if I made them professionally. Now, as I run my own business and cake making wasn’t on the agenda to be the next business, I eventually decided to stop making cakes for other people.

To be fair, it was taking some of the love and passion out of the

creating process. And the pressure of delivering someone’s wedding cake without smashing it to pieces was intense.

So now I just bake for friends and family.

I often get asked where I find the time. Making my mother’s 65th birthday cake took around eight hours. I make time, because whilst I’m baking I can switch off from all the other worries and concerns circling my head. In that moment, the only thing I’m thinking about it how to get the right colour for the fondant, or the shape of a flower just so. It takes time, yes, but it’s me-time and there’s something special about giving someone a cake that you both know you’ve spent hours lovingly creating.

Pyrex, the cookware firm that runs the annual National Baking Week, says baking has a job to suit everyone because it has lots of processes, "be it choosing the recipe, buying the ingredients, weighing out the ingredients, mixing, stirring, lining tins, kneading dough, washing up or simply eating".

“Baking is like art and craft, it can be a merry mess-making activity. This is all part of baking

but the mess made is easy to clean up, especially when you all do it together. Get your pinny on and make sure you have plenty of space.”

Like I said, I use baking as a way of de-stressing and zoning out. It’s been found that baking is great for mental health and conditions like depression.

Former Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite has been known to say that baking helps lift his depression, as it’s a way of channelling all the negative energy into creating something positive.

There’s also the fact that you’re removing all of the processed rubbish from shop-bought cakes when you bake at home. They don’t need to look perfect, but they often still taste amazing.

If you’d like to learn to bake but, like me, you’d rather someone taught you how to do it first, then

there are plenty of schools and classes that will teach you how to do it.

Bristol Adult Education, in Shirehampton, is one of several providers running regular courses accessible via the Bristol Food Network website or, if you’re looking for something a little more high-brow, why not try Hobbs House Bakery?

Established in the Cotswolds in the 1920’s, it is a true family business, with five generations of baking experience.

Now based at their bakery in Chipping Sodbury, they offer bread, cake and even pie-making courses.

For more information visit hobbshousebakery.co.uk or bristolfoodnetwork.org/cookeryclasses/.

Follow us on

@_TheInterchange

Read more great stories on www.theinterchange.blog Family, community, lifestyle and entertainment in North Bristol

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

@TheInterchange.SouthGlos @interchangesg

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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24

December, 2019

n THORNBURY & DISTRICT MUSEUM

As cold as charity at Christmas past THIS month's photograph is of a ceremony which was a Thornbury Christmas tradition for as long as 300 years.

Taken in 1900, it shows the town's poor people, having been presented with warm clothing at by the mayor and corporation, preparing to parade along the High Street.

We know that by the early 17th century, several wealthy people had made bequests of specified properties, the rents from which went into trusts to benefit the poor. These were often in the form of coal, food (especially) or clothing, to be distributed to the poor. Sometimes gifts of money were given to meet specific needs, like meeting the cost of a bond for apprenticeships, or in cases of sickness.

Some of these trusts were consolidated into a single charity, administered by the town's mayor and his aldermen: they became

known as the Mayor’s Gift.

Until about 1940 the gift was warm clothing given at Christmas to the 'deserving poor'.

The recipients had to be suitably appreciative and were expected to show their gratitude.

We have a detailed account of this ceremony from a visitor to St Mary’s Church on Christmas Day 1847, so we know that this was the day generally chosen for the gift.

The poor people were assembled outside the Swan Hotel in the High Street, in the cold of the morning, wearing their new coats, dresses, petticoats and shawls (all identically made and so immediately recognisable as a charitable gift). Meanwhile, the Mayor and aldermen had a hot breakfast inside.

They then all paraded down the High Street to the church, where there was a service enabling them to give thanks for their good fortune. We can only imagine

how the recipients felt about this occasion.

The only comment that we have seen from those who actually received the gift was a letter from a member of the Stinchcombe family, in which she said that she would have preferred to have money rather than clothing!

We are not sure when the parades came to an end. The gifts of clothing stopped in 1940, when

the Thornbury Town Trust ran into financial difficulty because of unexpected expenditure on properties used as alms houses.

They opted instead to give each person a voucher, to be exchanged at local shops. A few years later the trust arranged to deliver the vouchers to the recipients, rather than expect them to gather in public.

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Happy Days Nurseries are looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to join our Thornbury nursery. The successful candidate will take on the running of the setting along with support from a highly qualified and experienced support team including childcare and education, finance, business, HR and marketing professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your leadership skills to manage the nursery and drive forward the development of the nursery.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about working in childcare, has previous experience in a private day care setting and knowledge of current childcare legislation. You must have been qualified for at least 2 years with a NVQ level 3 qualifications in childcare or equivalent. The ability to achieve an outstanding OFSTED inspection as well as possessing excellent management, communication and leadership skills is essential.

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Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

December, 2019

25

n NEWS

Martial arts skill runs in the family ALL five members of a South Gloucestershire family have come home with medals following the Tang Soo Do European Championships in Holland.

Emma and David Wilcox, and their three daughters Molly, 15, Ruby, 13, and 11-year-old Eva, were awarded six golds, two silvers and two bronzes between them.

Emma and the girls represented Great Britain, as well as their club. Emma won a silver, Molly won a gold and a silver, Ruby won three golds, Eva was awarded two golds and a bronze, while David won a bronze. Molly and Ruby also secured an additional trophy and Grand Champion status by scoring the highest points total in their class.

David, who trains in Thornbury, said: “Seeing our three girls being so successful was an absolute joy, especially as we know how hard each of them worked for that reward.”

Emma added: “Ruby started martial arts first and dropped other hobbies to focus on this, so Grand Champion was a great reward for her hard work.

She was delighted. Molly was surprised and overwhelmed at receiving this honour too.”

Eva received particular praise from the coaches for her bronze

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medal in weapons, as she has only recently started training with one.

The girls led the way in taking up the martial art with David, 49, and Emma, 47, becoming hooked after attending a taster session for parents. David joined the Thornbury Club because it fitted around work commitments,

for the girls and Emma, the Chipping Sodbury Club sessions were more convenient, however sometimes the whole family trains in Thornbury. They are based in Winterbourne.

Emma said: “It provides a really good level of fitness, it’s amazingly friendly and everybody encourages each other. We can train together on the Friday and it’s really good fun.”

“The girls are being taught self-defence techniques and it increases their confidence as they have to go up against their peers in front of a panel of judges in competitions. They will find things like job interviews easier in the future. They are learning skills for life.'

The family hope to represents Great Britain in the future international competitions.

For more information on Chipping Sodbury Tang Soo Do sessions call 07860 471232. For information on the Thornbury class call 07863 828271.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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26

December, 2019

n NEWS

Group's gift will help families at Christmas WHEN a Thornbury drama group's latest production sold out it was not just the performers who were happy.

The success of the Octopus Drama Group show Littleford Rides Again was also good news for two charities, who will each receive £875 from the profits.

It is an annual tradition for the group's autumn production to be a fundraiser.

This year's show, a sequel to the previous play Littleford’s Got Talent, by Lizzie Lindsell, and it told a hilarious story of friendly village rivalry.

The highlights of the performance included a chef who was also a magician, an operatic song from Steven Yeo, a duet from Will Titcomb and Ian Cornes, an ex-jailbird hypnotist, a piano duet, a comic rendition of the theme tune from the Bond film Skyfall, and a goat farmer.

The £1,750 profit was divided between the Alzheimer’s Society

and Christmas in a Box, a local charity which supports young carers.

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Liz Ferguson from Christmas in a Box said: “I cannot tell you what a difference the money will make to families this Christmas.

Our team identifies families that are struggling and asks them if they’d like a Box well before Christmas so that families can reallocate money for presents and bills. The boxes are then distributed by the team.”

Rachel Wright, from the

Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Our National Dementia Helpline is there to help at what can often be a time of crisis for people living with dementia. £875 means our helpline team can be there for roughly 75 people this year. This lifeline is open seven days a week for anybody who needs us. This is just one of the ways this kind donation could be used to help people living with dementia.”

n COMMUNITY NEWS

From the shed THORNBURY Men’s Shed wishes all members, donors and customers a peaceful, fun-filled Christmas.

The Shed has had a good year recycling garden and garage tools, and anything else our valued donors bring us. We sell all sorts of to pay our rent and expenses, which enables our 15 member Shedders to have great times working together, fellowship with each other and of course cups of tea and coffee with biscuits.

We rely on donations of tools and if you would like some help in downsizing your garage or shed we would love to help – collections can be organised.

Perhaps you have recently retired or are just looking for some fellowship with like-minded men? We are always looking for new shedders, particularly woodworkers and mechanics to renovate our Series 11 Land Rovers.

Should you be looking to upgrade your tools & gardening kit we have a great range of good quality used tools and equipment - we are the Aladdin's Cave of Thornbury.

Find us at 6 Eastland Road (The old GAPS Building Supplies shop) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings or email ianrbaker54@hotmail. com.

Ian Baker, Chairman

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

December, 2019

thornburyvoice

27

n NEWS

Back to Christmas carol concert choice singing HAVE you been a singer and want to get back into singing?

Or would you like to learn more about singing techniques and reading music?

Thornbury Choral Society will run a “Back to Singing” programme in the New Year to help you do just that - with the added opportunity of singing in the society’s performance of the Fauré Requiem in May. The course director will be Kate Phillipson-Masters.

The main emphasis will be on encouragement to build your confidence both in singing and in reading music. Mentors will be there to help you as well.

Initially the course will be 1 hour per week but this will extend to 1½ hours as the Fauré choruses are introduced.

After the course, participants may be invited to sing in the Society’s concert on May 2, joining the choir in their rehearsals on Monday evenings at 8pm.

Thornbury Choral Society has a 50-year history of performing quality choral music in Thornbury generally with the accompaniment of a full orchestra – strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. The choir is conducted by Steven Kings and always invites promising young soloists to join in the performances.

For more details call 01454 416518 or email thornburychoral@gmail.com.

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01454 800 120

THERE is a big choice of carol concerts for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit.

On December 8 the Cavalcade of Contemporary Carols Charity Concert takes place at St Helen’s Church, Alveston, from 7pm. Entry is free, with a retiring collection in aid of church activities.

The concert features a new take on the Christmas texts, by living and local composers.

Fifteen composers, including last years’ BBC carol competition winner John Merrick, have offered their works to be performed for charity and the performers are giving their time freely too.

Around a third of the pieces will be world

premieres.

Then the Alveston Singers stage their Christmas Concerts, on December 14 at St Mary’s Church in Thornbury and on December 17 at Alveston Methodist Church. Each concert starts at 7.30pm.

The programme will include well-known and loved choruses and recitatives from Part One of Handel’s Messiah along with Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

There will be retiring collections for charities Brain Tumour Support and Made a Mark at each concert.

News! - Email us at contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

28

n SPORT

December, 2019

Second team for Thornbury Netball Club AFTER a triumphant first season in the Bristol Avon League, and a popular recruitment drive over the summer, Thornbury Netball Club are proud to announce the entering of a Second Team in the League.

Club founder Julie MacKinnon said: "We are delighted to be able to enter another team. We have been only going just over a year; to have been promoted and nearly double in size during such a short amount of time is amazing!"

To celebrate, and with the support of local sponsors the Royal George, Phoenix Orthodontics, GJD Holdings and Thornbury Tandoori, the club have designed a brand new kit, including training tops and team hoodies.

The two teams, captained by Nic Latham and Ginny Carroll, have enjoyed a mixed start to the season but the club is still aiming towards further promotion and the potential

development of a youth team.

Anyone who would like to get involved should contact club secretary Samantha

Baker-Green at thornburynetballclub@ gmail.com.

Heather Stevens

Tennis veterans help town charity THORNBURY Tennis Club was the venue for a mixed doubles tournament for sixteen couples which raised more than £700 for charity.

The Tennis Veterans Society has more than 100 members across the region and holds several tournaments each year: in the ten years since it started £19,000 has been raised from more then 60 tournaments.

The latest event in late October raised a total of £710 for JIGSAW Thornbury, which supports more than 400 families who have children with any additional needs or disabilities, in the town and across South

Gloucestershire and Bristol.

Tournament organiser Steve Wells, a local resident and Tennis Vets Society founder,

handed the donation to Tor Goodman of the charity.

Steve said: “We’ve had a great day with some very high

quality tennis and are very grateful to Thornbury Tennis Club for generously allowing us to use their excellent facilities, and we are particularly pleased to support JIGSAW Thornbury because of the very important work that they do”.

JIGSAW Thornbury provides support groups, a lending library, holiday activities, training events and will soon start to run after-school activities.

Tor said: “Donations such as this are essential so we can continue to provide the essential support for these children and their families.”

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

December, 2019

29

n SPORT

Table-topping Thorns near-perfect Thornbury 26-0 Sidmouth THORNBURY delivered their most complete performance of the season with a well-structured and controlled victory over Sidmouth in a thrilling game.

Both sides ignored the heavy pitch to run the ball at every opportunity and both defences were effective and wellorganised, but Thornbury had the extra edge and scored a try in each of the quarters to earn a try bonus point which saw them return to the top of the table.

The match had been at risk following several days of torrential rain during the week but a relatively dry Friday and only moderate rain overnight meant the sunny Saturday morning and light breeze dried the pitch sufficiently for the game to go ahead.

With four minutes gone Thorns were 5-0 ahead after Sidmouth were penalised at a Thornbury lineout and, after the ball was put in the corner Jay Burley burst away and scored by the corner flag.

As the first quarter came

to an end Sidmouth began to crank up their intensity and New Zealand No.8 Asipeli Vea carried well, but he was hammered in an inspirational tackle from Jak Evans and sent back towards south Devon with love. It brought a huge cheer from the crowd.

As the match went into first half stoppage time Thorns had two lineouts and in the second they shunted Sidmouth over, with Charlie Squier awarded the try. Bob Adams’ conversion heralded the half-time whistle

with Thorns 12-0 up.

Thorns extended their lead eleven minutes into the second half when Jay Burley burst through on half way and charged twenty-five metres through the visitors’ defence, then it was quickly recycled and Sam Poustie put Alfie Richardson into space.

He bisected two defenders, drew the cover and passed to Harry Glew in the clear and he raced

in from the ‘22’ and touched down by the posts. Bob Adams converted again for 19-0.

As the light and time began to disappear Sidmouth tried desperately to score and Thorns conceded several penalties, pegging them back into their ‘22’.

It seemed Thorns would not get the try bonus point which they had managed to secure in each of their home matches so far this season until, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, the ball went loose and Ben Marlow picked it up and raced clear, showing remarkable pace at this late stage of the match to sprint out of the darkness and thirty metres to the line. Adams converted and the referee blew for the end of the match with Thornbury deservedly winning 26-0.

This was an outstanding game between two teams intent on playing positive open rugby.

Dave Fox

Slog for runners A FIELD of almost 1,000 runners impeccably observed a two-minute silence to mark Remembrance Sunday, shortly before the start of this year's Sodbury Slog.

Seven Thornbury runners joined the masses along Chipping Sodbury High Street, before spreading out across the muddy fields, water hazards and Cotswold hills on this challenging 10-mile multi terrain course.

Rob Cowlard led the Thornbury runners out from the front and methodically worked his way through the field, gaining places as other runners started to tire. Rob finished in 15th place overall, in 1 hour 10:49 mins. Matt Johnstone and Adam Frontczak ran the first six miles of the course together before Matt opened up a small gap on the descent from the highest point of the course, which he maintained to the end. Matt finished in 22nd place in 1 hour 12:35 mins. This was Adam's first race over 10k so it bodes very well for some of the winter trail races to come: he finished in 24th place in 1 hour 12:49 mins.

Ian Evans was next in 104th in 1 hour 24:15 mins, followed by Ian Holloway in 124th in 1 hour 26:15 mins, Kevin Cundy 313th in 1 hour 39:02 mins and Sarah Newnes 67th woman and 381st overall in 1 hour 42:29 mins.

Mike Bennewitz's mission of completing a half marathon every month during 2019 drew one closer to the end with the Remembrance Day Half Marathon along the towpaths of River Thames on Sunday.

Mike was 105th in a time of 2 hours 3:40 mins.

In late October Thornbury Running Club’s triathletes were on tour again, this time on the sun-baked island of Majorca for the middledistance Challenge Peguera-Mallorca. Richard Phillips was the club’s first finisher in 565th place in 6 hours 8:27 mins. The relay team of Madeliene Curtis on the swim, Ian Evans on the bike and Sarah Newnes on the run was 16th out of the 35 relay teams in 6 hours 3:41 mins.

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December, 2019

Town out of Vase but flying high in league THORNBURY Town’s Buildbase FA Vase adventure has come to an end – but the first team is closing in on top spot in the league.

Town were knocked out in the 2nd Round of the Vase

by Western League Premier Division side Cribbs. The game attracted a crowd of almost 250 to the Mundy Playing Fields and there was little to choose between the two sides, with both defences keeping goalscoring chances to a minimum. After a goalless first half, the visitors took the lead but a superb strike from midfielder Brandon Benjamin brought the scores level. Neither side could find the net again, so the game went into extra time. The visitors regained the lead early in the first period and, with Thorns pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Cribbs scored a third goal late on to secure the win.

Whilst disappointed to have exited the Vase at this stage,

Action from Thornbury's FA Vase defeat to Cribbs. Picture: Thornbury Town Town’s players and supporters have enjoyed their cup run and will hope to go further on the road to Wembley next season.

Meanwhile their good form in the Hellenic League has continued and after the

November 16 round of fixtures Town were second in the table, behind leaders Malmesbury Victoria on goal difference with games in hand.

At the end of October they came away from Malmesbury with a well deserved 2-1 win, with goals from strike pair Craig Lancastle and Harry Brock.

Unfortunately the weather put paid to their scheduled fixture against Shortwood United so Town did not have another league game until November 9, when they made the trip to Hereford to face high-flying Wellington. Again a good team performance saw Town come

away with a 3-1 win, with Harry Brock (2) and Craig Lancastle getting the goals.

And on November 16 Thornbury recorded a thumping 7-0 win in the local derby against Tytherington Rocks.

Thorns have now not dropped a point since their first league match of the season.

Meanwhile the Reserves seem to have adjusted to the demands of the Bristol & District League securing a good win against Bradley Stoke Town Reserves in the league followed by a resounding 7-3 win in a County Cup local derby against Thornbury Baptists. Joe Wisby scored a hat-trick, whilst Denym Di Mauro grabbed two goals on his debut. Felix Brittan and Harrison Young scored the other two goals.

The third team have been hit by postponements but they still remain equal top of the table with Lawrence Rovers, and when the two teams met back in October, the game finished in a 3-3 draw. However, like the Reserves they have also made it through to the third round of the County Cup following a comfortable 3-1 home win against Hanham Abbotonians Reserves. Both the Reserves and third teams await the draw for the next round of the cup.

Malcolm Carr

Appeal for volunteers A VOLUNTARY group is appealing for people who can help out with a bucket collection at Bristol City's home game against Millwall.

The collection at the match at Ashton Gate on December 10 is one of several opportunities Thornbury Volunteer Centre has to match volunteers with organisations that need help.

The charity is also looking for a gardener who is happy weeding, digging and pruning and keeping a safe outdoor environment for the children of Rainbow Teddies Pre-School and a library assistant to help children select books, puzzles and games and keep a record of the lending, for and hour and a half per week, either on a Monday or Wednesday.

Other roles on offer include: offering emotional support and companionship to an unpaid carer, an organiser for a new theatre club for carers, a trustee for Thornbury Community Building Trust and mentors for charity PHASE to help to young people believe in themselves, make positive choices and raise their aspirations.

For more information and details of how to apply for any of these roles please contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392 or email mail@volunteerthornbury.co.uk.

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December, 2019

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