thornburyvoice
parking
Joel on the road
ROCKHAMPTON-born TV presenter Joel Dommett is returning to his stand-up comedy roots, and playing two shows in the region next year.
PAGE 17
Black bin cuts
BLACK bins will only be collected once every three weeks under a new waste contract South Gloucestershire Council has signed.
PAGE 5
Fire chief to step down
CHIEF Fire Officer Simon Shilton has announced his retirement following a "turbulent few years" for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
A GROUP representing Thornbury's civic and business leaders is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to come and listen to their concerns over new parking charges.
The Thornbury Town Centre Partnership has written an open letter to the council asking for a meeting, after voting to "strongly oppose" the new charges, which are due to be introduced in the
currently free council-run car parks at Rock Street, Castle Court and St Mary Street from next spring.
The partnership, which includes representatives the town council, chamber of commerce, police, St Mary Shopping Centre management and the Love Thornbury group, says voices sounding the alarm over the effects of the charges "must be listened to".
Turn to page 2
Please contact Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…
PAGE 4
Panache bash
THORNBURY'S steel band Panache threw a party to mark its 30th birthday.
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THORNBURY kicked off the festive season with a party to switch on the town's Christmas lights. Full story: Page 3
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Council 'must listen' on parking charges
From Page 1
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A member of the
The open letter has been written by partnership and town council chair James Murray, who is also Thornbury Mayor, on behalf of seven other partnership members.
South Gloucestershire councillors and officers who sit on the partnership abstained from a vote on the letter, which has been copied to council leader Maggie Tyrell, fellow Thornbury ward councillors Jayne Stansfield and Chris Davies, and Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young.
The letter is addressed to the council's service director for place Andrew Birch, who is leading the implementation of the scheme on behalf of the coalition cabinet that introduced the charges as part of this year's council budget.
Cllr Murray said: "All members of the group were extremely disappointed not to be included in discussions regarding the structure of the incoming charges."
He said that chief among concerns were the lack of free parking, the price of annual charges for season tickets, displacement of cars from car parks onto nearby streets – with the potential for disruption the police did not have enough resources to attend – and the lack of exemptions for people visiting dentists and NHS services other than GPs.
The council says that "at least 10% of spaces" in short stay car parks will be free for stays of up to 30 minutes.
But Cllr Murray said: "When proposals were initially announced, periods of two hours of free parking were suggested.
"When the high street was originally closed, SGC reassured businesses that the town would survive due to the abundant provision of free parking. Only a year or so later, this provision is being removed."
Cllr Murray said Thornbury's population is less than 5% of the district's total, but it was set to provide a third of the total parking spaces where charges were being introduced, which seems "very unbalanced".
He said the Thornbury Chamber of Commerce survey which received an overwhelmingly negative response to charges from townspeople "must be listened to", and invited Mr Birch to attend the partnership's next meeting "to address these concerns and hopefully form a plan to ensure your budget needs are met without causing potentially irreversible damage to this town’s economy".
Asked about the letter by the Voice, a council spokesperson said: "We have received the letter and will respond in due course."
On November 12 - two days after the open letter was sent - the council announced some changes to the scheme, including to proposed charges.
The charge for an hour at a short-stay car park will stay at 70p, but the charge for two hours will be £1.30 instead of £1.50, three hours will cost £3 instead of £3.50 and up to four hours will cost £5 instead of £4.50.
Proposed long stay charges are also being changed, with a new £4 rate for stays of between four and six hours and a £5 charge for stays of more than six hours. Previously the proposed rates were £6 for between four and eight hours, and £9 for a day. The lowest long stay charge of £3 for up to four hours is unchanged.
The council has reduced proposed season ticket charges to £20 for a week (from £24) £75 a month (from £90) and £840 a year (from £1,008). A new six-monthly ticket option for £435 is also being proposed.
It has also said holders of disabled parking Blue Badges will be able to park free for up to four hours in any space in any car park, providing their badge is displayed, instead of only using allocated spaces.
Rock Street and Castle Court will have a mixture of long and short-stay places, and St Mary Street will be short stay-only, with a "validation system" for people visiting nearby health facilities to park free.
n
THORNBURY Christmas Lights Association has described this year's switch-on event in the High Street as its most spectacular yet.
Crowds thronged the High Street, Castle Street and The Plain on November 16 as the town centre was lit up to mark the coming of the festive season in style.
Stalls, music and fairground rides kept residents and visitors entertained as the annual event, which returned last year after four years away following the pandemic, brought people together and raised money for its designated charity, Age UK South Gloucestershire.
TCLA spokesperson Emma Higgins said: "The event brought the community together in joy, laughter, and generosity.
"This year’s switch-on was made especially meaningful as Len and Bob, two local residents who benefit from Age UK’s vital services, had the honour of lighting up Thornbury.
"Their involvement
Starting Christmas in style
highlighted the importance of supporting older residents in our community, with the event raising significant funds for Age UK’s work."
The event also featured a special moment for former TCLA chairman Brian Roberts, who was awarded the honorary Freedom of the Parish by Thornbury Mayor James Murray for his outstanding contribution to the community.
Emma said Brian is only the second person ever to receive the honour, in recognition of his tireless dedication to the town.
Entertainment came from a variety of local talent including Better Communication Bristol's Makaton Choir, Thornbury Musical Theatre Group, Emma Kate's Dance Academy, BALPA, Thornbury Town Band and the Songbirds Choir, who gave their time free to keep the crowd entertained.
TCLA chair Sally Higgins said: "The Thornbury Christmas Lights Switch-On has always been a special occasion, but this year it truly surpassed expectations.
"We also want to thank everyone who supported us in putting on the event - it's a real Herculean effort – and especially Love Thornbury.
"We’re thrilled with the community’s support, the fun atmosphere, and the funds raised for Age UK.
"It’s a testament to the spirit of Thornbury. "
The lights are switched on by two residents who are supported by Age UK
The Songbirds Choir.
Brian Roberts is awarded the Freedom of the Parish by Thornbury Mayor James Murray
Fire service chief to step down
CHIEF Fire Officer Simon
Shilton has announced his retirement following a "turbulent few years" for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
His successor could come from outside the fire service, after it was announced that applications from "leaders with comparable experience" elsewhere are being encouraged.
Mr Shilton submitted his resignation with six months' notice in September, and the news was announced in early November.
It came after he acknowledged there was "still more to do" to improve the service, following new criticisms from inspectors.
The cross-party Avon Fire Authority committee, which is in overall charge of the service, has been asked to commit £20,000 for an executive search company to find suitable candidates for a successor in his role, which has a
Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton
salary of £164,351 per year.
The authority says it is looking for a "Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive".
Its recruitment announcement says: "While an understanding of fire and rescue services and related public safety challenges would be advantageous, AF&RS encourages applications from leaders with comparable experience in managing large
More improvements needed
FIRE service staff are “scared” to speak out at work because they fear a QR code provided to report incidents of bullying and harassment will identify them, government inspectors found.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) wrote to Avon Fire & Rescue Service after a visit in September, following up an inspection last year that found the service was 'inadequate' in areas including responding to fires, sexist and inappropriate behaviour among staff, and control room computer system “crashes” during 999 calls.
teams and budgets in similarly vital public safety or crisis management sectors.
"AF&RS particularly welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds and those from groups traditionally underrepresented in leadership roles, reinforcing its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace."
Avon Fire Authority chair Ben Nutland said: "The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership experience, a dedication to public safety, and a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality – both within the organisation and in the community."
Mr Shilton has served as a firefighter for 32 years, stepping up from the position of assistant chief fire officer in March 2022, when his predecessor Mick Crennell retired.
Announcing his retirement,
Inspectors said the 999 mobilisation system had been fixed with a software upgrade and is now “reliable and stable”. Fire safety and prevention work had also been accelerated to clear a backlog, and improvements made over recording risk information for buildings.
Inspectors said an independent reporting line launched last year to allow staff to report workforce issues, using a QR code link for smartphones, had received 12 reports. Three had led to formal investigations and the others dealt with informally.
Mr Shilton said: "After fulfilling 32 years of a lifelong dream to be a firefighter, it comes with a heavy heart that I have made the decision to retire from Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
"It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve my community, and I am hugely grateful for the opportunities that the fire and rescue service locally and nationally has provided me during my career.
"It’s no secret, it has been a turbulent few years for the service, but my unwavering goal and focus has always been to ensure the organisation is in as strong a position as possible for a much brighter, sustainable future, a future built on a foundation of achieving outcomes, embedding continual improvements, and doing the right thing, recognising the right thing isn’t always comfortable, takes courage and time."
been criticised as a "tick box exercise".
Before last year's critical inspection, the Home Office’s Baker Report of 2017 highlighted “deep-seated cultural issues”, a lack of racial diversity, “endemic” bullying and an “old boys’ club” in the service. An inspection in 2018 also found three "causes of concern".
However the inspectors said poor communication around the scheme's launch "resulted in fear and the term ‘being QR coded’ often being used" about staff who spoke out on certain topics.
Well-being support offered to those reporting bullying and harassment had also
Responding to the latest letter, Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said the service had "worked incredibly hard, despite tight budgets and with limited resources," to act on the inspectors' recommendations from last year.
He said: "While there is still more to do, I am fully committed to ensuring we continue to make the improvements needed and build on the strong foundations we have made."
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Three-weekly black bin collections confirmed
BLACK bins will only be collected once every three weeks under a new contract with the waste firm Suez signed by South Gloucestershire Council.
Leaders say the change, which will come into force in 2026, will drive up recycling rates.
But opposition councillors have warned the changes could create an “environmental health risk”, particularly for some disabled people.
The new contract, approved at a cabinet meeting on November 11, will be in force for the next eight years, with an option to extend it to 16 years.
It also includes recycling soft plastics.
Latest figures show that 57% of kerbside waste in the district is recycled, which has recently dropped.
Council cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes said: "As we’ve come out of Covid, we’ve seen a change in people’s behaviour, and that’s why nationally there’s been a dip in recycling rates. "By moving to three-weekly and by bringing in changes to our plastic recycling, we’re confident that we’ll move recycling rates up."
Cllr Rhodes said analysis of black bin waste showed 12.5% is food waste, 23% is already recyclable and 27.7% is "flexible" plastics, which will be recycled under the new contract.
That means only 36.8% of waste by volume in black bins is nonrecyclable.
Cllr Rhodes said: "By changing how we collect soft plastics, we’re confident that’s going to change our recycling rates. It’s something to be really applauded, I believe. This has been a process that’s taken several years and the work began under the previous [Conservative] administration.”
The current nappy collection service will stay fortnightly, although Tory group leader Sam Bromiley raised concerns about the "environmental health risk" posed by adults using incontinence pads having to wait three weeks between collections.
Frenchay & Downend Conservative ward councillor Liz Brennan said: "Residents are still telling me how concerned they are about moving to a three-weekly black bin collection.
"Large households in particular, who recycle as much as possible, will really struggle with three-weekly collections."
Another change is that residents will have to book a slot in advance, before visiting a household waste recycling centre, known as Sort It centres. These centres will also be brought in house and managed by the council.
Cllr Rhodes said: “I think the booking system is going to be over time a real boon. I use the sites often and to know that I’m going to be able to turn up at a certain time, having booked it, and I’ll be in and out without having to queue, is going to make the whole process so much more effective and efficient.”
Mangotsfield's Sort It centre was due to reopen on November 25 after a month of repair and maintenance work. In an update on its StreetCare Facebook page, the council said the work was "progressing well".
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Black bins will be collected every three weeks, rather than two, from 2026.
Pub attacked
POLICE are trying to trace three masked attackers who smashed windows at a pub and also wrecked a parked car.
The attack on the Fox Inn at Old Down is the latest in a series of incidents of "repeated vandalism" against the pub over the last year.
It happened at about 1.40am on October 16
An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: "Three masked people, believed to be young men, smashed several windows of the pub and of a Range Rover Sport in the car park.
"One had a sledgehammer and was wearing a blue tracksuit and white trainers.
"A second had a baseball bat and wore a blue jacket, darkcoloured trousers and white trainers.
"The third wore dark clothing."
Police have called on anyone with information that could help the investigation to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5224 272 486.
Author inspires pupils
CHILDREN at two Thornbury schools came together for some words of inspiration from a bestselling author.
Onjali Rauf described the writing process, how she gets ideas, and the love she has for the characters she creates for an audience of Castle School Year 7 students and Year 6 pupils from Crossways Primary School.
Onjali is best known for her book The Boy at the Back of the Class, which has sold over half a million copies in the UK since its release in 2018.
The Sunday Times bestselling author, who has been awarded the MBE, spent a morning at the Castle School talking children through the creation of her latest novel, The Letter with the
Golden Stamp, which tells of a 10 year old girl with a stamp collection, and her challenges as a young carer. After answering a large number of questions, Onjali then met with many individual students and signed books, with one describing her as "very inspiring".
Castle School librarian Cindy Titcomb said: "We’re really grateful to Matt Taylor at Chepstow Bookshop, who helps arrange these events for us.
"I love seeing the children
hanging on every word, and then I see them so keen to borrow books and read for pleasure.
"Onjali is a very special woman, who had plenty to teach adults as well as children, and we’ll never forget her visit."
Castle School head teacher Jess Lobbett said: "What a great day! It was particularly lovely to be joined by students from Crossways School. A joint event is such a lovely way for them to spend time here before they join us next year."
1. Look after your boiler. Get it serviced early, so it can keep your home warm.
2. Find your stop tap. You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.
3. Going away? Remember to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC).
WINTER WATER HEALTH CHECK
4. Check your outdoor tap. Fix any drips, and wrap it up or fit a tap jacket.
5. Protect exposed pipes. Wrap up pipes that are exposed to cold air (e.g. loft or garage) to stop them freezing/bursting.
Onjali Rauf (front, in red) with staff and students at The Castle School
Panache hits 30 with big bash
THORNBURY'S steel band Panache held a party to mark its 30th birthday.
The band traces its roots back to The Castle School, where it was set up in 1994 by music teacher Gill Holmes, with the support of the then head teacher Adrian Verwoert to buy its first set of pans.
In 2018, the band separated from The Castle School, running community workshops and continuing to perform both privately and publicly in the surrounding area, before becoming a registered charity last year.
Currently the band has 12 members and is a mixture of people who played when they were at school and other local musicians.
Gill remains the figurehead for the band, which is the currently led by musical director Natalie Smith.
Natalie said: "Generations of musicians have played amongst the ranks of Panache in its various iterations and guises across the decades.
"Always self-funded, the band has played extensively in the local area as well as further afield, including France, Germany and Barbados.
"Alongside the main performing band, Panache also runs a number of community-based groups for all ages."
Adult beginner and intermediate groups run on a Monday evening, as well as a secondary school youth group on a Tuesday.
Panache also runs beginner workshops, including in primary schools with specially-designed Jumbie Jam pans for younger children.
To mark its milestone 30th birthday, Panache hosted a Caribbean evening at Thornbury Rugby Club on November 1.
There were 100 guests in attendance, including ex-players, current players, parents and teachers.
Natalie said: "It was a wonderful evening and a fantastic celebration of the past 30 years of music. "The event was also attended by Toussaint Clarke, steel pan maker and teacher, based in Bath, who has been a key supporter and enabler of the band since its conception.
"Guests enjoyed an authentic Caribbean supper provided by Bristol-based caterer Tasty Ragga and music was provided by Panache and some surprise guests."
Anyone who would like to hear Panache and other community groups perform is welcome to come along to a Christmas performance at The Ship Inn in Alveston, on Tuesday December 10 at 7.30pm.
New dates for concerts are posted on the band's Facebook and Instagram pages, which can be found by searching for @panachesteelbandthornbury.
Current and former members of Panache at the steel band's reunion. Picture: Mark Bennetts.
Funding for tidal power
PLANS to explore the potential of harnessing the tidal power of the Severn Estuary have been given £150,000 backing.
The Crown Estate, which runs lands independently of the government and King, will give £150,000 fund the Severn Estuary Commission to explore the potential for sustainable energy.
Launched in March by economic partnership Western Gateway, the Severn Estuary Commission is exploring whether the estuary's tidal energy can be turned into usable power while also protecting important natural habitats.
The Severn Estuary has the highest tidal range in Europe and has been estimated to have the potential to provide up to 7% of the UK’s total energy needs.
The Crown Estate will fund research into forms of tidal power generation and potential impacts on the environment and economy of the area.
Crown estate new energies portfolio manager Mike Dobson said: “The Severn Estuary is a vital natural resource with immense environmental and economic significance.
"No one source will deliver the UK’s energy transition; we must explore a range of technologies as part of our future energy mix.
"Tidal power can have a role to play within that and we believe the important characteristics of a good Tidal Range project are a scheme which makes a positive case for nature, is focussed on positive outcomes for communities and which represents efficient use of the seabed."
Western Gateway chair Sarah Williams Gardener said: “The Severn Estuary is at the heart of our cross-border region, with enormous potential to drive sustainable economic growth."
More information on the project can be found at www. severncommission.co.uk.
It's come home...
THORNBURY in Bloom members celebrated a year of success at their annual presentation afternoon.
The event in late October at The Swan in the High Street was a chance to share the town's South West in Bloom Champion of Champions trophy, won a few weeks earlier, with the group's Garden Competition winners.
Chair Kath Greenman said: "This was a really happy and welcoming event.
"We were joined by Deputy Mayor Helen Ball, who enjoyed a very busy afternoon, presenting over 100 certificates and trophies, for categories ranging from horticultural excellence to outstanding support. We really do congratulate all who took part!
"It's been a wonderful year again for Thornbury in Bloom and we wish to thank everyone who has helped us in any way. It's been a huge town effort and we could not have done it without you.
"We have great plans for 2025, so please watch this space and if you'd like to get involved, please contact us at thornburyinbloom91@ gmail.com."
Winners who had photos taken by photographer John Brimacombe are also welcome to get in touch.
• Re-Felting & Battening
• Complete Roof Re-Fits
• Re-Pointing of Ridges, Chimneys & Walls
• Exterior Painting
• Lead & Valleys Renewed or Repaired
• New Soffits, Fascias, Guttering & Cladding
• EPDM Rubber Roofs - inc Flat Roof Repairs
Members of Thornbury in Bloom with their trophy at The Swan. Picture: John Brimacombe
Thornbury remembers
THORNBURY remembered those who gave their lives in conflict at a parade and service on Remembrance Sunday.
Residents lined the High Street to see veterans and members of uniformed organisations join with civic leaders to march from the town hall to St Mary's church and the town's war memorial for a wreath laying ceremony on the morning of November 10.
The event was organised by Thornbury Town Council and the Royal British Legion, and included Army Cadets, Sea Cadets and members of the Scout and Guide movements.
A town council spokesperson said: "Thornbury Town Council extends sincere thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Remembrance Parade.
"Your support ensures that we never forget the sacrifice, courage and resilience of past generations.
"It was moving to see our community come together in respect and unity."
Cubs march through The Plain
The parade passes the St Mary Centre, led by Councillor Jayne Stansfield, Thornbury Mayor James Murray and South Gloucestershire Council leader Maggie Tyrrell.
Army and Sea Cadets outside St Mary's Church. All pictures from Thornbury Town Council
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
Birthday Buses are back
I’D like to start this column by highlighting Poppies to Paddington, a project by GWR and the Veterans Charity.
This year, working with the RNLI, they organised ceremonies on platforms across our rail network on Armistice Day, laying wreaths which were then taken to the Great Western Railway War Memorial in London.
I joined a poignant ceremony at Bath Spa station, once again remembering and reflecting on the service of our Armed Forces, and spoke to the BBC on the train to Paddington about my great grandfather, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War.
The first year of Birthday Buses was an enormous success: 72,000 passengers took an amazing 1.2 million journeys.
On average, people took around 19 free journeys – saving almost £40 in fares.
An independent report found that the scheme was good value for money, providing £2.20 of benefit for every £1 spent.
Birthday Buses have helped people change their travel habits, reduce congestion, and cut carbon emissions by the equivalent of driving five million miles in a petrol car.
So, from December 1, I’m delighted to say that Birthday Buses are back!
This new £4 million investment offers everyone in the wider West of England a whole month of free bus travel for the month of their birthday.
This year, there will also be added retail discounts at shops, restaurants, and attractions across the region for Birthday Bus pass-holders.
If you apply before you turn 21 you will get a second month of free travel. To sign up for your month of free bus travel, visit BirthdayBus.co.uk.
November also saw the launch of our Local Nature Recovery Strategy – a watershed moment.
We were the first place in the whole country to complete this important work, working through the West of England Nature Partnership with organisations like Avon Wildlife Trust and community groups across our region.
That’s to be expected, but also something we should all be proud of.
People from the towns, villages and cities of the West of England love wildlife and nature.
From the majestic kingfishers along the Kennet and Avon canal, to mighty ancient oaks in Pensford and vibrant pollinator patches in Bristol’s parks, our region is home to some wonderful
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
species.
This new joint strategy puts our region on the map, with an ambitious plan to support nature to recover and thrive in every corner of the West of England.
With investment from businesses and landowners across our region, and everyone doing their bit, the future looks bright once again.
And finally, I have started official social media channels as the regional mayor to help people stay up to date between my monthly columns in the Voice.
On Instagram you can follow @WestOfEnglandMayor, on Twitter/X it is @WestOfEngMayor and on Facebook you can find me by searching for ‘Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England’.
Tories and Greens unveil Metro Mayor picks
THE Conservative and Green parties have announced their candidates to be the next West of England Metro Mayor.
Former Bristol city councillor Steve Smith has been named as the Tory candidate, while Heather Mack, the city council's deputy leader, is the Greens' choice.
Both will stand in the election to replace Labour's Dan Norris, who is unable to stand again after being elected as an MP and banned from having two jobs by his party.
Mr Smith is a former Lord Mayor of Bristol, and represented the Westbury-onTrym & Henleaze ward from 2018 until May, when all three Tory incumbents were ousted by Lib Dems.
He is first major party nominee to be announced, following a meeting of local party members on November 9.
During his time as a councillor Mr Smith sat on the West of England Combined
Authority scrutiny committee, chaired the city council’s health overview and scrutiny committee and was Lord Mayor from 202122.
He has pledged to bring “grown-up leadership back to the combined authority” and boost economic growth.
Mr Smith said: "Our region has huge potential to lead in areas such as innovation, green technology and sustainable growth, but we need strong leadership to unlock that potential for everyone in our
community.
“I am committed to working tirelessly to create a West of England that works for everybody, where political leaders can be trusted to work together and where the West of England is able to reach its full potential and grow our economy for everyone’s benefit."
Heather Mack's selection was announced by the Green Party four days later.
The Lockleaze ward member was first elected in 2021. She previously worked for Oxfam and
on sustainable food systems.
Cllr Mack said: "We’ve seen in recent elections that there is a real appetite for green solutions in the West Country. I hope to add to our Green wins across the region this year and offer a vision of real hope and real change.
"We have been a consistently poorly performing authority, largely due to the lack of a serious commitment to public transport and vocational skills. As WECA leader, I would have the courage to use the powers and funding that go with the role to deliver the mass transit and sustained economic success our region needs."
Labour members were voting on their candidate as the Voice went to print. The two South Gloucestershire councillors originally on the party's shortlist, Sean Rhodes and Ian Scott, were cut by a selection panel before the vote.
Includes reporting by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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Green Heather Mack
Conservative Steve Smith
Birthday buses are back after over a million free journeys
Thanks to West of England Mayor Dan Norris, local residents across the Thornbury Voice area will once again be able to enjoy free bus rides throughout the whole month of their birthdays.
Birthday Buses are back and the Mayor says that he hopes the popular plan will go from strength to strength in its second year, after passengers took almost 1.2 million free journeys during its first year.
The Birthday Buses offer entitles every resident (young and old) in the West of England to take unlimited free bus journeys, at any time, across the 350 square miles of our region, throughout the entire month of their birthday. In addition, young people aged under 21 will receive a second month of free travel. The offer runs for 12 months from 1 December 2024.
Speaking at the Birthday Buses re-launch at a First Bus depot, Mayor Dan Norris said: “Birthday Buses has been a big hit with passengers so I’m delighted to
bring it back for a second year.
“Last year more than 72,000 passengers took, on average, around 19 free journeys each. That saved them almost £40 each in fares – not a bad birthday present!
“Even more importantly, people who tried out buses for free during their birthday month have started to make new habits. They are leaving the car at home and now using our region’s buses more often. That’s always been a vital end goal which is so important during the climate emergency.”
The more people that use the bus, the stronger the future for services in the West of England. A more sustainable and growing bus network has many benefits, including faster journey times for passengers and less congestion for everyone else on the road.
An independent report from auditors KPMG found that the first year of Birthday Buses helped cut an estimated 1,100 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to a petrol car driving more than 5 million miles. And for every £1 spent on Birthday Buses, the region saw £2.20 of benefits.
This year, Birthday Bus passes will also bring more birthday bonuses with discounts at local stores and tourism attractions.
In just the first week of registration, 26,500 people signed up. Thornbury Voice readers can apply for their free Birthday Bus month pass at BirthdayBus.
We used Birthday Busesyou can too:
Howard: “I made over 20 journeys. It opened my eyes to routes I hadn’t considered.”
Karon: “It was a lovely gesture to have the pass and if I wasn't given it, I would not have done the journey.”
Georgina: “We applied for a birthday bus pass for each family member. We went to Bath, into town shopping, to an appointment and I increased my use of the office. My son and daughters could catch the bus to school everyday and had the freedom to go out with friends on weekends too. I have been using buses much more since.”
co.uk. Anyone who had a Birthday Bus pass last year will receive an email, which will fast track their application, with no need for a new photo or another form.
Dan Norris added: “I look forward to wishing even more passengers many happy returns and singles.”
n LOCAL MP for Thornbury & Yate
A battery change to improve the NHS
YOUR hearing is a precious thing.
Often you don’t realise that until it starts to go. For the past year I have been wearing hearing aids. My hearing has been deteriorating for a while, so getting them has been a real help.
As useful as they may be, they can also be a bit of a fiddle, in some cases expensive and, for some, potentially dangerous. This was underlined to me in one conversation I had on the doorstep.
The person was telling me that her mother, who has dementia, uses hearing aids.
She told me she doesn’t feel they are safe. This is because the hearing aids that are issued by the NHS use batteries.
These are small and, if you have a condition like dementia, the fear is you could swallow
them, thinking they are pills. If ingested, the batteries can cause severe damage.
Although battery-operated units continue to work for many, a real solution for others would be the option to use rechargeable hearing aids.
Not only would they be safer for vulnerable people, they would be easier to use, reduce waste and be cheaper.
I discussed this recently in parliament at a drop-in event organised by Specsavers.
The company provides hearing tests and hearing aids for the National Health Service, but when I brought up the idea of rechargeable hearing aids, they told me it couldn’t be done on the NHS.
It prompted me to submit a written question to the health
minister who deals with this.
The reply was that the NHS can provide rechargeable hearing aids, so I have gone back to Specsavers for clarification on this matter.
Having rechargeable devices available on the NHS is one battle: actually getting hold of them is another.
The only place to get an NHS appointment to pick up devices and free batteries in the constituency is at Specsavers in Thornbury. It can’t be done in Yate.
Failing that, the nearest options are the Specsavers shops in Emersons Green, Bradley Stoke or at the ENT department at St Michael’s Hospital in central Bristol.
I will push for NHS hearing services to be more widely
available at Specsavers.
It would be a massive bonus if it were available in the Yate branch.
Hopefully rechargeable hearing aids will be available to NHS customers.
It would make life safer for vulnerable people, and make life easier – and more environmentally friendly – for everyone who uses them.
Claire Young MP writes for Thornbury Voice
n LETTERS
Pupil parliamentarians meet their MP
CHILDREN from a village primary school talked politics with Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young when she dropped in to visit their new pupil parliament.
The Year 6 pupils at Olveston CE VC Primary School were inspired to create their own representative group after visiting the Houses of Parliament earlier this year.
When they got the chance to speak to their local MP in November they had "lively discussions" on subjects from the Budget and its impact on farming families to climate change and funding for special educational needs and disabilities provision in schools.
Head teacher Lee Dunn said: "Their passion for these subjects was evident, as they articulated their thoughts with confidence and clarity, showcasing the power of youth voices in shaping policy.
"One notable moment from the meeting was when the young representatives expressed
their enthusiasm about having a female Chancellor of the Exchequer, alongside their own female local MP.
"These role models serve as powerful symbols for the children, motivating them to envision a future where they too can emerge as leaders.
"The conversations were laced with optimism, with
students discussing how their voices matter and how they can contribute to the decisionmaking processes that will ultimately shape their futures."
One of the pupil parliament members said: "It feels exciting to know that people like us can also influence what happens in our community. We believe we can help change things for the
better."
Ms Young told the pupils she hoped they stayed "engaged and informed citizens".
She said: "To get involved in politics find something that really matters to you, no matter how small, and speak up for it –be the voice for positive change."
Mr Dunn added: "The visit highlighted not only the importance of political engagement at a young age but also the potential of youth to effect positive change in society.
"The enthusiastic discussions held during this visit are a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible and informed citizens.
"The pupils are setting a remarkable example of activism, collaboration, and vision for the future, demonstrating that with shared passion and determination, even the youngest can contribute to the betterment of society."
Olveston Primary School pupils with MP Claire Young
Simon broadcasts through pain barrier
A PRESENTER on Thornbury Radio had his chest and legs waxed live on air to hold up his side of a fundraising bargain.
Simon Criddle agreed to the challenge on his mid-morning show in return for listeners to the station, which is run by a non-profit community interest company, donating £3,000 to support its new DAB service.
Thornbury Radio has launched the digital radio service, covering much of South Gloucestershire, after being awarded a licence by Ofcom covering Thornbury, Yate and
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Almondsbury areas.
As well as community donations it has received grants from Thornbury Town Council and Thornbury Rotary.
South Glos Digital Community Interest Company director David Wrench said: "Our DAB transmissions will benefit listeners across South Gloucestershire by bringing them a wider choice of radio stations including a new way to listen to Thornbury Radio.
"Our new network has ample capacity, so we want to give smaller commercial stations, charities and community groups another option of reaching their customers and supporters by giving them ability to have their own radio service covering South Gloucestershire."
Thornbury Radio already covers 45,000 people in and around Thornbury and has
Waste and recycling collections – Christmas and New Year 2024/25
Simon Criddle being waxed.
many volunteers working at the station. Other stations interested in joining the DAB project can contact the group at southglosdigital.org.
OVER Christmas and New Year there will be no waste and recycling collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The table below shows the temporary collection day changes for the festive period.
Collection dates can also be viewed on the council’s website www. southglos.gov.uk
If you don’t have internet access at home, there are computers free to use at local libraries or you can visit a South Gloucestershire Council One Stop Shop in Kingswood, Yate or Patchway.
Printed calendars are no longer delivered to all households. This helps the council save money and reduce waste. Please help share this information with family, friends and neighbours.
My collection day should be… My collection will take place on…
Wednesday 25 December
Thursday 26 December
Friday 27 December
Monday 30 December
Tuesday 31 December
Wednesday 1 January
Thursday 2 January
Friday 3 January
Monday 6 January
Tuesday 7 January
Wednesday 8 January
Thursday 9 January
Friday 10 January
Friday 27 December
Saturday 28 December
Monday 30 December
Tuesday 31 December
Thursday 2 January
Friday 3 January
Saturday 4 January
Monday 6 January
Tuesday 7 January
Wednesday 8 January
Thursday 9 January
Friday 10 January
Saturday 11 January
From Monday 13 January collection days will return to normal.
Check your collection day at ���� www.southglos.gov.uk/collectionday
n ARTS
Joel returns to his roots
ROCKHAMPTON-born comedian and presenter Joel Dommett has announced a return to his stand-up roots with a brand-new stand-up tour.
Heading out across the UK from February next year, Joel's Happy Idiot tour includes dates at Bristol Old Vic and Bath's Komedia club.
Joel, an ambassador for Thornbury charity Brain Tumour Support, is known for presenting TV shows such as The Masked Singer and Survivor, hosted this year's Comic Relief coverage and was recently announced as the host of ITV2's I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked.
The live tour is his biggest to date, with 24 shows over five months, and will come more than two years after his previous tour, Unapologetic.
The tour starts at the Old Vic on February 23, and visits Komedia on March 26.
Joel said: "I'm leaving your telly box and coming to you, heading up and down the country with my brand-new show, Happy Idiot.
"I’ll be telling glamorous tales from behind the camera and less glamorous anecdotes of first-time fatherhood. It’s going to be fun, and you should come!"
Tickets have already gone on sale – for more details visit www. joeldommett.com.
Schiller performs
ST MARY’S Music is delighted to welcome internationally famous pianist Allan Schiller for its first
concert of the New Year.
A piano prodigy as a young child, he made his debut aged 10 with the Halle Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli, and was the first British pianist to gain a scholarship to study at the Moscow Conservatoire.
Allan was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to Music and Charity in 2019 and continues to perform at the age of 81.
Based in Bristol, he gives regular recitals and occasionally master classes for children in local schools.
Allan will perform at St Mary’s Church on January 19, at 4pm.
His programme will include pieces by Scarlatti, Haydn and Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
We do hope you will come to support this event.
Admission is free and there is a retiring collection. The proceeds go to St. Mary’s Music
As usual, there will be refreshments.
Angela Hughes
Octopus Drama Group
THORNBURY’S Octopus Drama Group has started selling tickets for its next pantomime, Alice’s Adventures in Pantoland.
The show will take place at Christ the King Hall from January 8 to 11, and rehearsals are well under way.
The story will see Alice fall down a rabbit hole into a magical garden populated by familiar pantomime characters including Snow White, Peter Pan and the Pied Piper, as well as a fairy godmother.
Alice will also meet Wonderland characters the Hatter, Dormouse and Caterpillar as she tries to save the White Rabbit from the wicked Queen of Hearts.
Ticket prices are only £8 for adults and £6 for children under 18.
With limited seating available at the venue, the group is advising people to book early to avoid disappointment, especially for the two daytime performances on the Saturday morning and afternoon which always sell out first.
Tickets are on sale at the box office at Rosie & Rex gift shop in Thornbury High Street. Performances start at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and at 11am and 2.30pm on Saturday.
Sue Smith
Armstrong Arts Group
ARMSTRONG Arts Group presents Mrs Churchill – My Life with Winston in January.
Starring Liz Grand as Clementine Churchill, the onewoman show will answer questions about Sir Winston Churchill's wife of 56 years.
Did he bully her like he did so many other people? Was he as grumpy and irascible at home as he often was in the House of Commons? Given his strength and conviction, did Clem have any influence on him at all? Or was she 'the little lady at home'?
This was one of the great love affairs of all time, no better illustrated that Winston saying: "My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me."
Liz Grand has previously toured one-woman shows The SecondBest Bed and Where Is Mrs Christie? which have both delighted audiences.
Liz Grand
Mrs Churchill – My Life with Winston is at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, on January 18 at 7.30pm.
For tickets email AAGThornbury@gmail.com or call 01454 850933.
Jane Parfitt
Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury and central Bristol
Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price.
If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to.
Joel Dommett. Picture: Matt Crockett
thornburyvoice
n WHAT'S ON
November 30
n THORNBURY CHORAL
SOCIETY November concert, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 7.30pm. The Christmas Oratorio, by JS Bach. Conducted by Steven Kings, accompanied by Thornbury Camerata. Tickets from Horders stationers after November 16 or email tickets@thornburychoralsociety.org. uk. More details at www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.
December 2
n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING at Alveston Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Talk: Norfolk gardens trip, with George Hargreaves.
December 3
n CIRCLE DANCING to music from around the world. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 6.30-8.30pm. Also on 10th and 17th. New dancers welcome, no experience or partner required. More details from vickislade1@ outlook.com or 07516 999384.
December 3
n THORNBURY ART CLUB TUESDAY PAINTING STUDIO GROUP, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury 1.30-4.30pm. Also
Thursday Painting Studio Group at same time and place on December 5th, 12th and 19th. Call 0777 627 1010 for more details.
December 4
n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
MINES RESEARCH GROUP TALK, Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, starts 7.30pm prompt. Talk: History of the Capper Pass Smelter in Bedminster, by Dr Richard Smith. Non-members welcome (£2 each). More details from www.sgmrg.co.uk.
December 5
n ROMY GILL'S INDIA COOKERY DEMONSTRATION, St Mary's Church Hall, Thornbury, 7pm. Chef, broadcaster and author will give demonstration and tasting in aid of Cancer Research UK. Admission by ticket only, £10 each from Betty on 01453 843802 or via CRUK committee members.
December 6
n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents The Holdovers, Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free, guests £5. For more information about membership visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org
Library news
THORNBURY Library is holding a festive children’s craft activity in the run-up to Christmas.
The activity takes place on December 23, from 10.30am-noon.
Over Christmas there will be no staffed hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or December 27.
At other times the library is staffed from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday.
There will be no open access to the library on Christmas Day. On other days open access, for registered users, is from 8am to 7.30pm.
Hot drinks are available from 10.30am-4pm on Mondays. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The library opens early at 9.30am on Monday and Friday only for families attending Rhymetime sessions for young children.
Ukrainian storytime sessions continue every Monday at 4pm with Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher.
Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am – no booking required. Create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see.
Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am.
Book group Have You Read…? meets on December 6 from 2pm3pm: a book group for everyone with no set novel to read, just an hour of chat and refreshments.
A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 10am.
You can use the computers or WiFi with your own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.
For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries.
December 7
n ST PETER’S HOSPICE
CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 10am-11.30am. Christmas cards, gift stall, home-made cakes, raffle. Entry £3, includes tea/coffee and cake. All money raised supports your local hospice.
December 7
n ST PETER'S HOSPICE SEVERNSIDE SUPPORT GROUP Christmas coffee morning, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 10am. All welcome.
December 10
n CAROL SINGING at Great Western Air Ambulance shop, Thornbury High Street, 11am. More details at www.facebook.com/ gwaacshopthornbury.
December 12
n GREAT WESTERN AIR AMBULANCE shop first anniversary celebration, Thornbury High Street, 9am-5pm. Visit by mayor at 10am. More information from www.facebook.com/gwaacshopthornbury.
December 14
n JAZZY FESTIVE SPECIAL with saxophonist Kim Cypher, Porch House, Christ the King Church Hall, Castle Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 from AAGThornbury@ gmail.com or 01454 850933.
December 13
n FILTONES CHOIR CHRISTMAS CRACKERS CONCERT, 7.30pm, St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park. Tickets £10 from choir members or at the door; school-age children free. Supporting charity Jessie May Children's Hospice at Home. Call 07870 984760 for more information.
December 19
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Talk by Callum Weaver: Behind the scenes of Magic. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.
REGULAR EVENTS
Monday
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and competitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail. co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213.
Tuesday
n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10am-
noon. No appointment needed. n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine & materials/ pattern. Call Carrie 07753 236095.
n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except August) from 10.15-11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. More information from Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 07800 776998. n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink.
n THORNBURY TOWN BAND Friendly community brass band, rehearsals at Thornbury URC Tuesday evening's 7.30pm-9.30pm. New players very welcome. www.thornburytownband.com. email: info@ thornburytownband.co.uk. Turn up or call Anna for more information on 07960008843
Wednesday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, Coffee and Chat, second Wednesday of the month, The Swan, Thornbury High Street, 1011.30am. All welcome
Thursday
n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For info visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.
Friday
n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903.
Saturday
n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free.
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION VETERANS Breakfast, second Saturday of the month, 9am at The Swan, Thornbury High Street. All welcome.
Sunday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Wheatsheaf pub, Chapel Street, 12.30pm. All welcome.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Volunteer centre bags £1,000 from Tesco
THORNBURY Volunteer Centre has won a £1,000 award to help its work from supermarket Tesco.
The money from the Stronger Starts scheme, previously known as Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants, will help the centre to serve the community by promoting, developing and
Cash boost for sports clubs
A FOOTBALL club in Charfield is among those sharing more than £1 million of funding from developers.
South Gloucestershire Council announced 13 projects to improve sports facilities and public open spaces that will be given a total of £1.17 million.
The money has been paid by the developers of eight building projects across the district, as part of legal deals required to secure planning permission.
Among the clubs to benefit is Charfield Junior Football Club, which will receive £102,215 capital and £30,947 revenue funding towards the building of a new clubhouse at Moreton Ground in Tortworth.
Coach James Pearce said: "It will make a massive difference to our community and put us in a much better position to attract new players and coaches. This building will be much better as we use cabins at the moment."
Among the development projects whose builders have paid contributions is Heneage Farm at Moorslade Lane, Falfield.
Council cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes said: "It’s important that housing developers contribute towards the infrastructure needed by growing communities, so I’m very pleased that South Gloucestershire Council has been able to negotiate this funding to support local sports facilities and improve open spaces in the area.
"These new facilities and public open space improvements will help ensure even more people in the area can be active and enjoy the outdoors."
supporting volunteering.
Development coordinator Kim Webb said: "For a small charity like us, grants like this allow us to create a volunteering infrastructure which in turn builds a stronger, more resilient community.
"A massive thank-you to everyone who voted for us."
The charity is one of more than 65,000 projects across Britain to share a total of £115
million from the scheme over the years that bring benefits to communities.
To find out more visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts.
The centre also held a successful Christmas sale at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall in November, raising around £450 to support its work.
Kim said: "We were blessed with good weather which ensured a great turnout of
customers for the local charitable groups and individuals who were present.
"They sold a great range of goods, including cards, Christmas crafts, joke books and vintage bric-a-brac while also raising awareness of their work in the local community.
"Altogether, it was a hugely enjoyable event. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made it a success."
n LETTERS
No consultation over mast
IT has been several months since the eyesore EE mobile mast was erected at the end of Morton Way. The mast has negatively affected our lives, as it has pretty much ruined the outlook from the rear of our house and garden permanently.
Whilst South Gloucestershire Council constantly state that consultation was conducted in accordance to their rules, we who live within very close proximity of the mast were never given the opportunity of objecting to it as part of that consultation process, which I can only describe as a travesty.
Our house is one of several that have been adversely affected, the mast being within about 20 metres of our back garden.
I was led to believe that the mast should be located to ensure the visual impact to local residents is minimised. There could be nothing further from the truth, as the height and look of the structure is not in keeping with the surrounding area, being above the tree line.
It feels that as the mast had been objected to on several previous occasions, the process this time was rushed through to ensure that it could not be refused again.
One other very serious concern is the one of health and how this may be affected by the mast. I wrote to EE but I have heard nothing from them.
There must be plenty of other more suitable sites in Thornbury, such as trading estates or land
without housing so close.
I can honestly say that I have not seen any other masts of this type that are so close to people's residences as the one on Morton Way. Dianne Smith Badger Road
Join our birthday celebrations
GREAT Western Air Ambulance
Charity (GWAAC) is celebrating a successful first year raising vital funds through its shop on Thornbury High Street.
Nestled next to Tesoro Lounge, the store has welcomed many customers, volunteers and donations since its doors opened in December 2023.
We would therefore like to thank local people for their generous support and invite them to two days of festivities.
To kick off, a local choir will be singing carols at the shop from 11am on Tuesday December 10.
To mark the anniversary date itself, GWAAC will be hosting a special birthday event on December 12. The shop will be open from 9am to 5pm, with celebrations ongoing throughout the day including a visit from Thornbury’s Mayor at 10am.
GWAAC is part of the regional 999 emergency response service, working to save lives across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and beyond.
When every second counts, GWAAC provides emergency care to people who are in a state so critical that they require the specialist skills of the team at the scene of the accident or medical incident.
However, GWAAC is a charity entirely funded by local people and donations so please come along and show your support!
For more event details, please visit the shop or www.facebook. com/gwaacshopthornbury.
Nicola Bottrell Hayward Shop volunteer
Thanks for your support
ON a glorious autumn afternoon, which totally suited our Autumn leaves theme, St Peter's Hospice Severnside Support Group was delighted to welcome 72 guests to our Rockhampton Teas event.
Rockhampton Village Hall is a delightful venue, and can be highly recommended.
Tea and cakes were served and the various stalls did a brisk trade, resulting in a profit for the afternoon of £510 towards the valuable work of our local hospice.
Many kind comments were received about the afternoon but at the end of the day, it is our loyal supporters we would like to thank, for always being there and making these occasions so very pleasurable.
There was lots of chat and laughter, always a good sign!
Our next event is a Christmas coffee morning on December 7 at 10am, at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Kath Burgess
St Peter's Hospice Severnside Support Group
Be an adviser
IF you'd like to make a difference in your community, now is the time to join Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire.
We are helping record numbers of people with cost-of-livingrelated problems, and looking to take on ten volunteer generalist advisers.
Generalist advisers are essential to what the charity does. Whether meeting clients face-to-face at drop-ins or taking calls via the local Adviceline, generalist advisers help over a huge range of themes.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only use your existing skills to help people in the local community but also develop new ones such as communication skills, research abilities and record-keeping.
It also involves in-depth training around a range of areas –issues that most people will come across at some point in their lives.
You will be part of a really friendly and supportive team with a very worthwhile charity.
The new cohort will start training in January and will soon after be helping those who come to the charity for advice.
The charity is particularly keen to encourage applications from people with a diverse range of backgrounds.
To apply, please email Amanda Wood at bureau@sgloscab.cabnet. org.uk.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/3jbujhmk. Emmanuelle Claverie Lead Supervisor and Training Officer Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire.
The mast on Morton Way
Volunteers outside Thornbury's GWAAC shop
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Thornbury Rotary Club
Manorbrook head teacher Darren Stanley with three of the 'Purple Pinkie team'
WHY were Manorbrook pupils having purple pinkies, and what has Bill Gates got to do with it?
Thornbury Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, who were founding partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
On World Polio Day we remember the tremendous progress that Rotary has helped to make in almost ridding the world of this crippling and sometimes fatal disease.
Since the first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines 35 years ago, the initiative has reduced polio cases by a staggering 99.9%.
It also reminds us that the fight must go on until there are no cases left. If we stop, all the
good that has been done will be undone.
One way of marking the occasion is to have a Purple Pinkie day, so this year Thornbury Rotary teamed up with Manorbrook Primary School to do just that.
Rotarians Andrew Maxwell and Ben Bradley joined a school assembly to explain to pupils what we would do and why. On October 24, six more Rotarians (Peter Ball, Peter Moreton, Bernard Amos, Chris Fairhead, Michael Turner and Guy Rawlinson) turned up at the school armed with purple ink pads.
The pupils had each brought in £1 for the privilege of putting purple (washable and nontoxic) dye on their little fingers.
Many of them made fingerprints, labelled with their names, to record the occasion.
The purple pinkies represent what happens in the actual vaccination programme. In the early days each child who was vaccinated received a sweet, so some sneaked to the back of the queue so that they could get another sweet and, whilst another sweet wasn’t an issue, another jab certainly was, so a non-soluble dye is now put on the finger of each vaccinated child to prevent them accidentally being jabbed again.
All the money raised will go through Rotary’s books, which means that for each £1 raised, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will add £2 more.
The money is used to fund the ongoing vaccination programme.
Bernard Amos
David's award
A VOLUNTEER form Charfield who helps an adult with learning disabilities has won an award.
David Colla won in the volunteer of the year category at this year's Care and Support West’s Care Awards for his work for the Milestones Trust.
David has been volunteering as a 'buddy' for ten years, taking one of the trust's clients on days out.
David said: "Volunteering is a pleasure to both giver and recipient and although it's not considered from the outset, recognition from one's peers is most rewarding and highly appreciated."
The trust said it was "thrilled to see David’s volunteering efforts recognised".
David Colla
thornburyvoice
n SPORT
Tennis club picks up five awards
THORNBURY Lawn Tennis Club
was the recipient of five awards at the recent Avon Tennis League Presentation evening.
Three trophies were for the club’s performance in this year's Summer League, where the Ladies' Second and Third teams topped their divisions and the Men's First team won their division.
The other two trophies were for the 2023 Late Summer League, which is a mixed doubles competition, where there were victories for both the First and Second teams.
Certificates for the players with the best results in their division in the Summer League were presented to Sarah Hurley and Tom Perren, who both won 18 out of their 20 matches.
Since September Thornbury has also started to enter teams into the junior leagues, with the club fielding an under-11 boys' team, an under-11 girls’ team and an under-8 mixed team.
They have already had some success in the opening weeks of the season, and the club is hoping to expand the number of teams competing during the 2025 Summer League.
On the domestic front, the finals of the club’s annual tournament were held over an October weekend.
Corin Gibson swept the board in the men’s competitions,
Family fields
three hockey players
winning the Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles.
Lauren Hatcher had the best results in the ladies' competitions, winning the Ladies’ Singles and Mixed Doubles, and also being a finalist in the Ladies’ Doubles.
The full results were:
Ladies' Singles – Lauren Hatcher beat Georgiana Pollen
Ladies' Doubles – Sarah Hurley & Jen Howe beat Lauren Hatcher & Georgiana Pollen
Men's Singles – Corin Gibson
THORNBURY Hockey Club achieved a first when three members of the same family played together in the men's 1st team.
The side that played UWE included father Rob Sherred and sons Tiger Sherred-Isles, aged 17, and 14-year-old Finley.
Although the team went down 4-0, the trio performed well together, with the youngsters providing the speed up front and dad defending solidly against a young opposition.
The men's first team continues to struggle after losing some key players, with injuries also not helping.
The development side shows promise,
beat Nick Goulas
Men's Doubles – Corin Gibson & Roger Lamb beat Tom Perren & Nick Goulas
Mixed Doubles – Corin Gibson & Lauren Hatcher beat Nick Goulas & Georgiana Pollen
When the matches had been completed, a barbecue was held to help restore energy levels and the awards were presented to the winners by the chair of the club, Claire Hawkins.
Thornbury Tennis club is always happy to welcome
with goals coming from a number of different players.
Steve Wyres, James Mallinon and Isaac Reid all scored against South Gloucestershire 2nds.
Coz Deas continues to score the goals for the Ladies first, although the team have suffered two losses in their latest games.
The under-14 girls recently played in a cross-county tournament at Yate.
The team more than held their own against more experienced opponents, narrowly losing two games by just one goal.
The team lost to Old Bristolians 1-0, which was also the score against Corsham, and 4-2 against Team Bath Buccs.
They defeated South Gloucestershire 2-1, however.
The goals came from Iris Morse, Jenna Richards and Evie Digby. The other team members were Martha Blackham, Maddy Lynch, Sofia Dario and goalkeeper Amy Stott who made a number excellent saves throughout the tournament.
David Parry-Jones
new members and there are opportunities for social tennis, both in the daytime and evening, as well as a variety of fun events, in addition to the league programme.
Coaching is available from JRW Tennis, under head coach James Wagstaff.
For more information visit the club's website, thornburytennisclub.co.uk or email thornburytennisclub@ gmail.com.
Fiona Wilkinson
Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club's winning team at the Avon tennis presentation evening.
Winning mixed doubles pair Corin Gibson and Lauren Hatcher receive their trophy from club chair Claire Hawkins
Rob Sherred with sons Tiger and Finley
Thorns run top sides close
THORNBURY Town knew they would have to be at their best to take anything from games against two of the top three sides in the Hellenic Premier Division.
Sporting Club Inkberrow made their first ever visit to the Mundys and were surprised to go behind after just five minutes, when Thorns' leading scorer Callum Chalmers fired home from Marcus Wormwell’s cross.
However the visitors equalised midway through the half, before scoring the winner shortly after the break.
Leaders Roman Glass St George were the next visitors to the Mundys, and Thorns again took an early lead when Harry Brock headed home after 12 minutes.
They created plenty of chances to go further ahead and were left to rue their missed efforts on goal when the visitors scored twice in the final 10 minutes, taking all three points.
Worcester Raiders came to the Mundys having suffered just two defeats all season.
Thorns again started quickly, with Callum Chalmers scoring after eight minutes and Marcus Wormwell adding a second from the penalty spot five minutes later.
The visitors pulled a goal back, but this time the Town defence held out to secure all three points.
A trip to Devon to play Okehampton Argyle followed as Thorns aimed to secure a place in the third Round of the FA Vase for the first time.
However things didn’t go to plan and, despite having the advantage of the sloping pitch in the first half, Town couldn’t create many chances and went in at the break all square.
The home side then scored twice in the second period to secure the win.
Three days later Town exited the County Cup, suffering a 2-1 defeat at Longwell Green Sports. Recent signing Dylan Evans gave Thorns the lead in the second minute but the hosts soon equalised.
The game then became an end-to-end encounter, with both sides missing plenty of chances before Longwell Green snatched a winner to leave Town to concentrate on staying up.
The Reserves are finding life in the Bristol Premier Combination Premier Division difficult, having only played one home league fixture but six away so far.
Their most recent defeat was to local
rivals Olveston United, who won a tight encounter 1-0.
The A team are mid-table following a 1-1 draw against Shirehampton A and a convincing 3-0 home win against Olveston United Reserves: Matt Chapman scored twice with George Baker netting the other.
The U18s are finding life difficult in the top division of the Bristol U18 Combination but are battling hard against sides that are generally two years older, with most of the Thorns squad being just 16.
Malcolm Carr
Action from Thornbury's FA Vase tie at Okehampton
