Thornbury Voice February 2022 by Thornbury Voice

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

February, 2022 Issue 57

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Annabel's walk of hope Praise for school

EDUCATION inspectors have praised the "positive difference" made to the Castle School by head teacher Joe Docherty (above) and his team. PAGE 5

Fares fair? Annabel Jarvis, from Thornbury, is walking 500 miles over six weeks despite the fatigue caused by her multiple sclerosis to raise money towards the treatment which could give fiance Rob Tillen more life. Full story: Page 3

Battle lines drawn over 595-home plan A PLANNING inspector will decide whether 595 homes, a primary school, community hub and shops can be built on high-quality farmland on the edge of Thornbury. Barwood Development Securities has launched an appeal after South Gloucestershire Council failed to determine its “speculative” application in time, which took the decision out of the local authority’s

hands. But the council has pledged to fight the appeal at a public inquiry, which is due to start in March, after planning committee members decided that the council would have refused permission had it still had the power to do so. Turn to page 4

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to bring fares for travel between South Gloucestershire towns and villages in line with neighbouring areas. PAGE 7

Climate concerns

CAMPAIGNERS say South Gloucestershire Council's plan to respond to the climate crisis will fail unless the authority takes it more seriously. PAGE 8

Centenary for legion THORNBURY'S branch of the Royal British Legion has celebrated its 100th birthday. PAGE 14

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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Thornbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Thornbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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

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February, 2022

n NEWS

Town council sets budget THORNBURY Town Council has set its budget for the next financial year, with tax payers facing a 3.5% increase in the precept for its services. The Town Council’s total spending will rise to £1,103,533, of which £835,313 will be met from council tax and the remainder from income, grants, and use of council reserves. Last year a Band D precept charge for town council services was £147.45, which would make this year's charge around £152.61. Jayne Stansfield The final council tax bill arriving on doorsteps in March will be calculated by South Gloucestershire Council after adding town and parish council, police and fire precepts and special expenses charges to its own budget, which forms the bulk of the bill. It is due to be set at a council meeting in February. Town mayor Jayne Stansfield said: "Thornbury Town Council is continuing to make significant improvements to local services and facilities. We believe that this budget strikes the right balance between investing in our much-needed facilities and providing value for money for local tax payers." This year will see the town council funding a new service level agreement with Krunch to deliver two youth groups until 2025, after the South Glos youth services budget was reduced. The council will also be consulting on a refresh of the play area in Eastland and investigations into the extension of the town’s cemetery. There will also be grant funding for local groups and organisations including Jigsaw, Thornbury in Bloom and Phase, the Citizens Advice Bureau and Over 60s tearoom, and local community events such as the Arts Festival and Christmas lights.

Play area revamp on the way WORK to provide a "much-needed upgrade" to the play area at Chantry Road in Thornbury should be finished by the end of the spring. Thornbury Town Council asked local children which pieces of equipment they would like to see installed for them to play on. The "exciting" final design includes trampolines, a rope seat swing, toddler swing, wheelchair roundabout, balance beams, springer see-saws and a 'multiplay unit' with climbing frame, ropes and a slide. The existing basketball hoop is being retained. A town council spokesperson said the revamp included accessible play equipment, adding: "The Town Council felt that this was particularly important following discussion with some local groups who work with children with additional needs. "Chantry Road play area is almost fully enclosed, which may help children with additional needs enjoy this play area more safely." The revamp includes a new path allowing easier access for wheelchair users and parents with buggies easy access from Tilting Road and Chantry Road. The work comes as South Gloucestershire Council announced £360,000 in funding from developer contributions for improvements to public open spaces in Charfield and Rangeworthy. The money was handed over by the developers of land near Oakfield House in Rangeworthy and Wotton Road in Charfield. Rangeworthy Parish Council will get just under £30,000 to build a multi-use games area at the village recreation ground and around £41,500 for improvements at Rangeworthy Community Woodland. Charfield Junior Football Club will receive around £144,000 for new changing facilities, with the Charfield Village Hall and Playing Fields given the same amount to extend the clubhouse at Charfield Memorial Hall and Playing Field.

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February, 2022

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Annabel walks to fund cancer treatment A THORNBURY woman is walking 500 miles to raise money to treat her fiancé’s aggressive brain tumour. Annabel Jarvis is taking on the challenge over six weeks, despite having been diagnosed with the debilitating disease multiple sclerosis two years ago. Annabel, who is 28, is raising awareness of fiancé Rob Tillen’s condition, and money towards the estimated £350,000 cost of funding treatment for him which is not available on the NHS. She had raised around £2,600 as the Voice went to press. Rob, a 53-year-old DJ and nightclub manager, was fit and healthy before a migraine and vision problems caused him to book an eye test with an optician, who sent him straight to A&E at Southmead Hospital. Annabel, who works in credit control for Europa Group in Thornbury, said COVID-19 restrictions meant Rob had to go in to hospital alone but at around 1am the next day, he told her she needed to see him. "When I arrived, Rob took me into a bay and told me they’d found a brain tumour. I was totally blind-sided," she said. "Naively, we both thought if it was a tumour, they’d be able cut it out and that would be then end of it. We later realised how wrong we were.”

Rob Tillen in hospital after surgery Although surgeon managed to remove almost all of the tumour, in September, Rob and Annabel learned it was a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cancer, which is very likely to grow back, despite chemotherapy to delay its regrowth. Annabel said: "The life expectancy with Rob’s diagnosis is very bleak. However, there are treatments available in Germany in the form of dendritic cell vaccinations and checkpoint inhibitors, that could buy us more

time together. "We are set to marry in our local church in July and are fully committed to that date." To help raise funds for the treatment Annabel walks an average of ten miles a day, despite the fatigue caused by her MS and receiving four-weekly infusion treatments for her condition. Annabel is raising awareness for charities Macmillan Cancer Care and Brain Tumour Research. She started her walks in December and was due to finish at the end of January. Annabel said: "Any pain or exhaustion I feel from walking is nothing in comparison to what Rob is going through. I admit stress flares up my condition, therefore our situation is not ideal, but I receive support from family and friends." To support Annabel's fundraising visit gofundme.com/f/500-mile-walk-for-braincancer. She is calling on people who find themselves in the same situation to call the Macmillan Support line on 0808 808 0000 between 8am and 8pm to find help. For more information about Brain Tumour Research visit www. braintumourresearch.org.

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February, 2022

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Inspector will decide fate of Park Farm From page 1 A total of 134 residents, Thornbury Town Council and Oldbury-on-Severn Parish Council objected to the outline proposals for two- and threestorey houses, around a third of which would be classed as 'affordable', west of Park Farm, Butt Lane. Objectors said permission had been granted for about 1,400 homes in the immediate area and the Park Farm scheme would take it up to 2,000 but that local services, such as schools and GP services had not yet caught up. A planning officer told the meeting: “The proposed site goes beyond the level of development anticipated for Thornbury and it is outside the settlement boundary and in the countryside. “This proposal is contrary to the policies of the development plan and is a speculative development.” She said the setting of Thornbury Castle and a church,

The development site at Butt Lane. both Grade I-listed, would be harmed along with other heritage assets and that most of the 36-hectare location, in open countryside, was classed as “best and most versatile” agricultural land. The officer said it was unnecessary to develop the fields because the council had a healthy land supply for housing for more than six years, above the fiveyear threshold.

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“The council is opposed to this application. There is less than substantial harm to the heritage assets but great weight needs to be given in the balance to this,” she said. Thornbury town councillor Chris Davies told the meeting at Kingswood civic centre on January 20: “The development would be detrimental to the town. “The site is outside the development boundary and extends into Thornbury’s rural surroundings. “Thornbury is a market town and the people of Thornbury value that fact greatly. “We’re not an urban area, do

not wish to become a dormitory town and have neither the facilities nor the transport links needed to fulfil that function. “This development would put an intolerable pressure on the local road system which is already creaking even before all the agreed sites have been built on.” Liberal Democrat Thornbury ward councillor Maggie Tyrrell said it would be a “tragedy” if the high-quality agricultural land became housing that was not actually needed. Councillor June Bamford (Con, Hanham) claimed the application process had been irregular and that a previous planning officer had produced a report last spring recommending approval, but had subsequently been taken off the case. Among those objecting to the plans are members of pressure group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP'D), whose co-chair Colin Gardner said it would extend the "urban bulge" of development, with "zero investments" in facilities. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Future development up for debate THE future of development in Thornbury and South Gloucestershire as a whole was up for debate at an online meeting held by campaign group TRAPP'D. The meeting included a question-and-answer session with South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage and Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young. It also included the screening of a short film made by TRAPP'D about proposals to build up to 3,000 homes on over 200 hectares of farmland at Buckover, "making the case against this massive proposed development on some of our most valued green spaces". A presentation was made on the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) which will lay down requirements for future housebuilding. TRAPP'D co-chair Colin Gardner said: "The essential message was that on a stand-alone basis South Glos can comfortably satisfy its housing need from a combination of existing approvals, brownfield and other small developments. "Almost certainly the key issue will be whether and how much of Bristol’s unmet housing need will be forced onto South Glos. "Councillor Savage told us conversations are happening at the moment, and that South Glos’s own need is difficult enough to meet without having to accommodate another area’s housing need. "Councillor Young said there is a problem and we need to be very robust about pushing back." To view the film and find out more about the group visit the website trappdgroup.weebly.com.

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February, 2022

n NEWS

Inspectors praise 'positive difference' at Castle EDUCATION inspectors have praised the "positive difference" made to the Castle School by its head teacher and his team. Watchdog Ofsted sent inspectors to visit the school in Park Road last November and their report, which has just been published, said head Joe Docherty and other leaders had "raised expectations of how pupils should behave" - expectations that pupils had risen to meet. Ofsted said the Castle continued to be a "good" school and picked out a number of areas for praise, including its ‘anti-bullying ambassadors’, its "rich" extra-curricular programme and the value placed on learning languages, with most pupils studying French or German to GCSE level. Inspectors Lydia Pride, Benjamin Houghton and Stuart Wilson said in their report: “The school has seen a period of rapid change since the previous inspection (in 2016)." They said Mr Docherty, who took charge in 2019, and other new senior leaders had ensured high standards in pupils’ behaviour and "gained the confidence of staff". The inspectors said: "Parents and carers have noticed the positive difference that leaders have made.

Castle School head teacher Joe Docherty with students from Years 7, 11 and 13. "For example, many parents highlighted the high standard of remote learning provided during restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic." The report praised the school's curriculum planning, willingness to try new teaching methods and raised expectations of pupils with special educational needs or disabilities. Work to give pupils advice on future careers using a "well-established network of local employers" was also highlighted. The school, which has just over 1,500 pupils aged between 11 and 18 on its roll, has

been given ratings of good or higher for more than 20 years. Mr Docherty said: "We felt particularly encouraged by the recent inspection. I would like to congratulate the staff and students on their consistent hard work and resilience in these times. "We are, however, always looking for ways to improve. We discussed these areas with the inspectors who could already see the progress we have made through our own selfevaluation. I’m excited for what’s to come at the Castle School.” The school is part of the Castle School Education Trust (CSET), which also includes Marlwood School, Charfield Primary School, two other primary and two other secondary schools. CSET chief executive Will Roberts said: "Joe and his leadership team are doing an excellent job and it is fantastic to see them getting recognition for leading the school's journey of improvement. "There are so many fantastic parts of the Castle School life. Our students, staff and the community are right to be proud of these developments and their achievements.” The full report can be found online at reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/139348.

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February, 2022

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Residents group's message on High Street The Thornbury Town and District Residents’ Association outlines some of its concerns over changes to the town's High Street, after it unsuccessfully called on South Gloucestershire Council to postpone submitting a bid for £4.6 million to fund the work. DESPITE the clearly-voiced groundswell of majority opinion amongst Thornbury residents, South Glos Council has forged ahead with an unwanted and unworkable “Vision” for the High Street. This vision has little or no relevance to the way in which trading was carried out prior to the covid pandemic or now. The 2022 Thornbury High Street may be thought of as a pedestrian zone with none of the expected features. Blue parking badge holders have been “granted” nine dedicated parking spaces, which may seem generous, however, six are outside the portion of the High Street subject to all the traffic restrictions, leaving only three inside the zone. And there will be no

yellow lines blue badge holders are permitted to park on. *The council intends to create a through northbound cycle lane, adjacent to the southbound traffic lane down the High Street. We believe this to be dangerous for all users. *The return of buses to the High Street is, again, not what it seems. It seems that negotiating their return is a complex matter, needing input from WECA and a proper design for a bus shelter, the location of which has yet to be determined. *Prior to the pandemic, and immediately after making the emergency changes, did South Glos Council engage with the businesses over the layout and vehicle access to the street? The answer is a resounding “No”. *The latest piece of graphic art from South Glos shows the siting of various categories of parking spaces on the High Street. But where are the much-vaunted pick-up and drop-off parking spaces? Will we retain the zebra crossing? What of the seating and tables currently outside the pubs? We have submitted two Freedom of Information requests on the plans, and we have now been told the information for one

will not be ready until after May! Why? If the information is outdated, missing or inaccurate, as we believe it is, then this should have a significant bearing on the success of the council’s application to Dan Norris for funding. As your residents’ association, we will keep up the pressure on South Glos to provide clear and substantiated data.

Council response

Responding to the association's call for the funding bid to be postponed, a South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “Following a wide range of consultation and engagement activity around Thornbury High Street to gather and understand the views of local residents and businesses, all comments received have been considered during the adaption of the interim measures and the design of the final vision for the High Street." A decision on funding was due to be made by the end of January – visit the thornburyvoice.co.uk website for updates. More information on TTADRA can be found online at thornburyresidents.org and the group can be contacted by email at secretaryttadra@gmail.com.

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February, 2022

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Call for South Glos bus fare travel zone WHY should bus passengers in Thornbury, Yate and rural South Gloucestershire pay more than their counterparts in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare? That’s the question being posed by councillors in South Gloucestershire who want a new travel zone set up in the area. A petition has been launched calling for a new zone around Yate and Thornbury, so that people making multiple bus journeys in the area don't have to pay as much to travel to and around their local town as they would to travel all the way to Weston-super-Mare, Devizes or Street. Frampton Cotterell councillor Claire Young said people living in villages such as Lympsham near Weston-super-Mare can South Gloucestershire councillors Tristan travel for £1.60 one-way or purchase a travel Clark, Claire Young and Jon Lean with zone fare for £2.70 and travel anywhere in Frampton Cotterell parish councillor Pat the zone for the whole day. But people in Hockey. Coalpit Heath have to pay £2.30 to travel two miles to Yate Bus Station, and the only day pass for multiple journeys is one covering the The councillors from South whole West of England, costing £7.50. Gloucestershire's Lib Dem group are calling First Bus currently has three localised for the area to have the same and are hosting travel zones covering Bath and surrounding a petition on their website. villages, Bristol, including Keynsham, and First commercial director Rob Pymm said urban parts of South Gloucestershire, and the 15:56 the firm covered "a diverse set of markets", WB Essentials AW.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 Page 1 Weston-super-Mare area. which were hard to compare directly.

He said the West of England Zone price of £7.50 "remains good value" and there were local fares for journeys within Thornbury and Yate. He added: "We've also reduced the price of return journeys across the region from January 23, with our new 2-Trip tickets, which reduce the price of the shortest return journeys in South Gloucestershire outside our Yate and Thornbury town fare areas from £5 to £4.40. "The key is that where fares are reduced, we need to see significant increases in passenger numbers for them to be viable, so we will be looking closely at the impact of these latest reductions and use that to inform any future plans." Cllr Young said: “Compared to living in Weston-super-Mare, if you are a resident in Yate or Thornbury you are paying considerably more for your bus journey, even with the fare changes." Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who has responsibility for planning public transport, said plans for a set daily price, "tapping in" with a debit card, were in the pipeline. He said: "I would like that set price to be consistent across the region whether you live in Yate or Bristol or Bath."

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February, 2022

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Climate plan in danger of failing, campaigners warn CAMPAIGNERS say South Gloucestershire Council's plan to respond to the climate crisis will fail unless the authority takes it more seriously. The council declared a 'Climate Emergency' in 2019 and worked out a strategy to become 'carbon neutral' by 2030, cutting emissions, generating renewable energy, planting more trees, protecting nature and making sure the area is prepared for the impact of climate change. Annual action plans are produced and checked to see if the council is meeting its targets. But campaigners say the latest action plan is of "huge concern". The South Glos Climate Action Network, a non-party political group of residents, academics, and local environmental group members, says it "broadly supports and endorses" the council strategy but says: • Not enough resources are being put into meeting the action plan, with only three waged officers directly responsible for it, while Bristol has 25. • The plan contains no short term measurable targets, which means there is no way for people to know exactly whether the council is on target. • The plan shows the council is behind schedule on 29 of its targets – a third of the total. • The plan is supposed to be examined by a cross-party scrutiny group before being presented but this did not happen in time, leading the Liberal Democrats to say cross party agreement had ended. • Advisory group meetings of University of the West of England experts to review council actions now include council officers, which means the officers are "marking their own homework". SGCAN member Sean Rhodes, who raised the group's

concerns when the action plan was presented at a council meeting in December said: "We want to support the council, but we are concerned that a failure to set clear and measurable targets, with properly-funded council staff implementing them, which are then properly scrutinised by elected councillors, will mean that this plan will fail." A council spokesperson said the number of full-time officers was increasing to four but the figures did not take account of work "dispersed across the organisation" to produce a council-wide response. The authority said figures for reductions of CO2 emissions were reported and it was working to progress towards meeting all of its targets. The spokesperson said that the council administration would "continue to engage" with opposition groups, who had not requested a progress report before the latest plan was presented, and that, while the council's climate emergency team met with the UWE advisory group, the group did not include any council representatives. The spokesperson said: “We provide regular, detailed, and transparent reports on our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, and we set an annual carbon reduction target which covers both area-wide and our own, direct emissions. "Our reporting illustrates the trajectory of our carbon reduction against these targets, along with a detailed commentary on our progress. “UWE provides us with technical advice and recommendations to support our response to the Climate Emergency, and after discussion with UWE, the vast majority of these recommendations are fed into our action plan to achieve net zero.”

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February, 2022

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Action plan for nature Street light switch saves TOWN and parish councils are working with South Gloucestershire Council to take "meaningful action" to protect the environment. Developed by the South Gloucestershire Biodiversity Team, a local nature action plan or LNAP sets out information and guidance for councils to identify priorities to protect nature in their area. Olveston and Tytherington parish councils, and Thornbury Town Council are among those working with the authority to develop their plans and guide work with communities. LNAPs were launched in recognition that town and parish councils do not always have the resources to coordinate local projects. The council cites the example of Frampton Cotterell, where the parish council has worked with the local scout group and volunteers from Floral Friends of Frampton to create a network of flowers across the village and planted trees on parish council land, creating a connecting woodland habitat for a range of tree-loving species. South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage said: “The work on Local Nature Action plans is truly pioneering. "Following our declaration of a Climate and Nature Emergency and through our Council Plan, Green Infrastructure Strategy and Climate Action Plan, we are prioritising meaningful steps to protect our environment and to play our part in reducing harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. “This is a challenge that we must all face up to and it is important to recognise how crucial the local steps we can all take are in addressing the issues we all face. By providing help, guidance and support to town and parish councils, we can help harness the local resources and enthusiasm to protect the places we live now and for the future. "I am delighted that many local councils have already signed up to set out their own action plans and look forward to more joining up in the future."

34,000 tonnes of CO2

SWITCHING street lights to LEDs in South Gloucestershire has prevented 34,000 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere. The council says it has also saved £12 million in energy and maintenance costs in return for the £6.1m cost so far of upgrading An image from South from old-style sodium lights Gloucestershire Council shows across the district. the difference between the light The scheme to replace all emitted from its old (left) and new 30,000 council street lights (right) street lights. started in 2014 and the council says that so far 23,000 have been upgraded to LEDs, with the programme to convert all of Thornbury's street lights to LEDs due to be finished by March and nearby villages already converted. The authority says the carbon reduction is equivalent to the emissions of an average family car being driven for around 85 million miles. The remaining 7,000 lights are due to be fitted with the latest generation of LED lanterns, which use 60% less energy than the lights they are replacing, by the end of March 2024. In total the scheme is expected to cost £7.9m, but by the time it is finished it will already have saved an estimated £20m in energy bills. For more information on the LED street lighting project visit the council website at bit.ly/3nsherm.

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MBST: going from strength to strength Many of you have been reading about my experience of working with MBST over the past couple of years. I’ve actually been working with it here in Bristol for four years now and in that time, I’ve realised what an exciting and important development it is in the noninvasive and pharmaceutical management of musculoskeletal damage and injury. The strengths of MBST is that it is completely safe and gentle, yet provides very targeted stimulation specifically to damaged cells and tissue to create a powerful James Scrimshaw and Jonathan Webb (Consultant Knee healing process Surgeon) at Cura’s MBST Clinic in Westbury-on-Trym over time. We’ve learned the limitations of the technology but are still astounded with the majority of the results we’re getting in conditions we’d never have imagined would heal with gentle targeted magnetic resonant energy transfer. Clinical use of MBST is growing fast in the UK, with my colleague Jonathan Webb taking it into London clinics and hospitals, and other colleagues broadening the geographical reach. We’re looking forward to collating and publishing results of larger groups of patients in order to plant it firmly on the medical map as a safe and viable treatment method for the treatment of injury and osteoarthritic change.

Josh had to retire from a professional career at 21 following a significant knee injury. Surgery, followed by physiotherapy and rehabilitation still left him unable to run or play the game he loved, even at a social level. I remember when we met, his dream was simply to be able to get a pair of trainers on to run on a rainy morning. Referred to me by his surgeon, we gave Josh two courses of MBST, one for cartilage repair and one for bone repair to tackle all the tissues involved with his condition. One year on, he sent me this photo (above). I’m so delighted to see Josh back doing what he loves. MBST One, Knee injury Nil! Former professional boxer, Johnny Nelson, recently underwent MBST treatment at an associate clinic for neck pain and lower back damage. And we’re delighted to continue working alongside the Bristol Bears in aiding their elite squad recovery. Jack Targett, Head of Medical Logistics, commented, “We’ve had great outcomes from using the MBST facilities at Cura Clinical for several team members”.

MBST is an award-winning innovation designed to manage long-term injury, osteoarthritis and elite sports injuries available here in Bristol. To talk about your treatment, speak with Cura’s Clinical Director, James Scrimshaw, and be one of over 270,000* people worldwide who have been treated *As of January 2019 successfully with MBST. Osteoarthritis

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thornburyvoice

February, 2022

n NEWS

Police arrest more than 200 drink drivers

Gloucestershire officers Mel Campbell and Mike Trebble met PCSOs Sheryl Drewitt and Justyna Domalewska on their beat in Thornbury.

Police need good neighbours POLICE in Thornbury met up with their counterparts from neighbouring Gloucestershire as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week. The national event was held by constabularies to celebrate the achievements of neighbourhood policing and provide new opportunities and support for officers. PC Mel Campbell and PC Mike Trebble from Gloucestershire Constabulary crossed the boundary to meet with officers from the Avon and Somerset neighbourhood policing team in Thornbury, including PCSOs Sheryl Drewitt and Justyna Domalewska. PC Trebble said: "It was a good opportunity to share working practices within local neighbourhood policing and exchanging information."

POLICE arrested nearly 250 drivers – more than 30 of them in South Gloucestershire – during a month-long operation against drink and drug driving. The national event was held by constabularies in January to celebrate the achievements of neighbourhood policing and provide new opportunities and support for officers. Of the arrests, 221 were drink-related and 39 related to drug use, with 15 drivers arrested for both drink and drug driving. A further 12 were arrested on New Year’s Day. In South Gloucestershire there were a total of 31 arrests by members of the force's roads policing unit, neighbourhood and response teams. The 25 to 34-year-old age group accounted for almost a third (82) of arrests, followed by 25 to 44 year olds (62). Under-25s accounted for 47 arrests. Officers stopped more than 2,000 drivers at 55 roadside stop check points set up in locations picked because people had reported them to be risk areas. Superintendent Paul Underhill, Avon and Somerset Police’s force lead for Road Safety, said: “It is appalling that despite all the warnings some people selfishly choose to drink or drug drive, putting themselves and others at huge risk on the roads. In the last year alone, our officers had to visit the next of kin of 12 people who are never going to come home again because of a collision in which drink or drugs was a factor." The 245 arrest total was higher than the average of 200 a month at other times of the year.

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thornburyvoice

February, 2022

n STROUD AUCTIONS

Suffragette history goes under the hammer

MEMENTOES of the suffragettes' historic struggle to win women the vote attracted huge interest at Stroud Auctions' January sale. The surprise lot of the auction was an Edwardian scrapbook relating to Inspector Scantlebury, an officer of the House of Commons Police, which included many suffragette-related items. As well as press cuttings, there was a small watercolour of a police officer with a 'Votes for Women' poster behind, marked as being from Kathleen King – possibly the adopted daughter of leading suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, who founded the Women's Social and Political Union. The scrapbook sparked intense phone and online bidding before selling for £1,658. The WSPU's motto was "deeds, not words," and among the tactics they used to draw attention to their cause was hunger striking by members who had been imprisoned. A hallmarked silver suffragette hunger strike medal in its original

This 200-year-old double bass sold for more than £80,000 The Suffragette hunger strike medal awarded to Frances Outerbridge raised more than £17,000 named case, awarded to Frances Outerbridge, engraved with her name and dated March 1, 1912, sold for £17,098 at the auction. She is believed to have been arrested as part of a windowsmashing protest involving around 150 women on that date in the West End of London, under her mother's maiden name of Williams.

Frances, who was in her mid-60s at the time, was later sentenced to four months in prison for what she told magistrates was a "political protest against injustice", and is recorded as one of 26 prisoners who went on hunger strike but were deemed to be too ill to be force fed and were released in June of that year. A total of 1,837 online bidders took part in the auction on January 12 and 13, which featured 1,344 lots. The star of the show was

undoubtedly an English double bass, made in London around 1820 by John F Lott of the Thomas Dodd School, known as the “King of the English double bass makers”, which achieved the highest price of the auction when it was sold for £80,256. Referenced in a book on the subject, it is a truly outstanding instrument which realised a breathtaking price. Stroud Auctions staff are now busy finalising the catalogue for our February 9 and 10 auction, which will include medals & militaria, guns and weapons, sporting items, taxidermy, ceramics and glass, along with cameras, scientific instruments, weights and scales. Viewing day on Tuesday February 8 is open to all between 10am and 6pm. The catalogue will be available online from a week before the auction date. To consign an item for auction call in to our saleroom on any Friday from 9am-4pm, or send images to valuations@ stroudauctions.co.uk.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Free valuations every Friday 9am-4pm at our saleroom, free home visits or email valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

February, 2022

n NEWS

Panto rescheduled

Players prepare for first show in 2 years

THORNBURY'S Octopus Drama Group had to postpone January's performances of pantomime Aladdin due to the rise of the covid omicron variant. The production – the group's first for two years because of the pandemic – is now due to be performed at Christ the King Church Hall in Castle Street from Tuesday to Saturday, March 8 to 12, at 7.30pm on weekdays and 11am and 3pm on Saturday. Tickets for the rescheduled run are due to go on sale at Thornbury Garden Shop from February 7. Ticket holders for the original January dates have been given the opportunity to transfer their tickets to March, so there is limited availability for the Thursday, Friday and two Saturday performances. For ticket enquiries call 01454 413783.

A MUSICAL theatre group is preparing to stage its first production for two years. Coronavirus restrictions meant that it was not possible for Olveston Parish Players to follow up their 2020 production of South Pacific last year. But members are now busy rehearsing a new production, Calamity Jane, which will be performed at Olveston Parish Hall, Tockington, from February 23 to 26 at 7.30pm each night. Olveston Players spokesperson Caroline Brewser said: "The parish hall will once again be filled with the joy and excitement of a much-loved musical, as Calamity Jane arrives for Paul Dimery as Wild Bill February half term. Hickock and Kate Coyle as "Everyone involved is looking Calamity Jane. forward to a joyful and memorable show week in February. Make sure you are there to enjoy it, too!" Directed by Linda Evans, with musical direction from Chloe Allsopp-Jones, the show stars local actress Kate Coyle in the role of Calamity Jane, with Paul Dimery, who played Luther Billis in South Pacific, takes the role of Wild Bill Hickock. Tickets for the show are available by calling 01454 202011.

Shanties at the Ship ARMSTRONG Arts Group is bringing sea shanties to a highly appropriate venue. Bristol-based shanty singers Storm Force 10 will perform at The Ship in Bristol Road, Alveston on the evening of February 19 at 7.30pm. The traditional sailor songs have risen in popularity since the start of the pandemic and the Armstrong Arts Group says the concert will "keep the music going and the smiles on our faces". Storm Force 10 keeping the tales of old Bristol’s seafaring alive, creating new songs and revitalising old ones. Tickets cost £12, with the option of purchasing food separately. Email AAGThornbury@ gmail.com or call 01454 850933 for more details. The event follows a concert in January to welcome a new community baby grand piano for Thornbury, which is being kept at the United Reformed Church.

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n COMMUNITY NEWS

thornburyvoice

February, 2022

Royal British Legion branch celebrates 100 years YOU probably know them best for standing outside local supermarkets in the autumn collecting for the annual Poppy Appeal, but there is more to this group of local individuals than meets the eye. The Thornbury Branch of the then British Legion was formed on January 14, 1922. Now called the Thornbury & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, a lot has changed in the past 100 years. However, one thing that has remained constant is the primary purpose of the branch – to offer care, support and comradeship to all local veterans, members of all branches of HM Armed Forces and their families. The 64 members of the branch include men and women who have served in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Collectively, they have so far racked up an incredible total of more than 750 years in uniform. Their service has spanned the globe, from the Arctic to

Members of the Thornbury & District Branch of the Royal British Legion with MP Luke Hall at an event marking the branch centenary. the Falkland Islands, from the Far East to the USA and from Scotland to Australia. They have been deployed in wars, conflicts, policing duties and humanitarian aid, which includes Korea, Suez, Malaya, Borneo, the Cold War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and the UK, from floods to firefighter strikes. More recently local members

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have been heavily involved in fighting on the home front, defending us against the COVID-19 pandemic. In supporting the NHS, they led and set up the Nightingale hospitals and have been key to setting up and managing covid test sites. Most of the branch members are veterans, but some are still serving and not all members of

the Royal British Legion have ever served in the forces; that is not a requirement for joining the Legion. All that is needed is an interest in supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their dependants. If this is you, and you are interested in joining the Royal British Legion, whether you have served in the Armed Forces or not, please contact rblthornbury@ gmail.com. You can also find the branch on Facebook. Alternatively, why not drop in at one of the monthly social/support sessions in the Swan pub on the High Street? Keep an eye out for the times on the board outside the pub. If you know someone locally who is either currently serving in the Armed Forces or who is a forces veteran, and who needs help or support, please visit www. britishlegion.org.uk, contact the Royal British Legion help line on 0808 802 8080 or the Veterans Gateway on 0800 802 1212. John Black

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

February, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Signupfor Swimarathon THORNBURY Rotary Club is delighted to stage the return of the Thornbury Swimarathon at the Leisure Centre next month. The event will take place from Friday to Sunday, March 4 to 6. Unfortunately, due to covid, the Swimarathon had to skip a year last year, but now the club is busy contacting teams to take part in this year’s fun event. Promoted as one of the biggest fundraising community events in the town, as many as 65 teams have previously taken part. Teams of up to six swimmers will swim in relay, for 55 minutes, trying to swim as many lengths as they can. This year 'Made a Mark', a charity that makes memories for bereaved children, and Children's Hospice South West, a charity that provides hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their whole family, are the principal charities being supported.

Thornbury's last Swimarathon in 2020 Donors will be able to sponsor individual swimmers, or their teams, either online through the JustGiving donation page or through sponsorship forms. For more details and application forms, Rotary is asking that people visit their website, www.ThornburyRotary.org, where there is plenty of information available and a link for donations.

In addition, people can contact event organiser Bernard Amos on 07443 971716 or by email at RotarySwimarathon@icloud.com. Bernard was keen to encourage as much interest as possible, and said: “Come and join us to support really important charities, and other great local causes.” Adrian Dennis

Awardfor ThornburyLions

ThornburyLeagueof Friends

THORNBURY Lions have received some great news to start the New Year. The club has been recognised by Lion headquarters in America and awarded Model Club status in recognition of our continuing dedication to helping worldwide appeals. This includes disaster relief, humanitarian efforts, supporting those with serious medical conditions, helping youth projects, preventing hunger and improving the environment. Only around 5% of clubs in the UK have received this accolade, and in our local district of nearly 100 clubs, only four have been awarded, including Thornbury and Chipping Sodbury. We would like to thank our bookshop customers for their support, without which, we would have been unable to reach this achievement. New members are always welcome. For more information contact membership secretary Colin Evans on 01454 414271, visit the bookshop in the St Mary Centre or send us a message via our Thornbury Lions Facebook page. Les Jones

THE League of Friends in Thornbury has a long history of supporting health needs at Thornbury Hospital. But back in 2018, the hospital closed its doors. A rethink was necessary. Part of the old hospital was moved to Grace Care Home on Midland Way and continues to be run by Sirona Health Care. However, it was decided that the League needed to broaden their scope and develop a new constitution. In March 2020, the new Thornbury & District League of Friends (TADLOF) was launched as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). In addition, following 25 years of settling a former patient of Thornbury Hospital’s estate, the trust received a significant legacy to give it financial security and the springboard to establish itself and to focus on reaching out to support the health and well-being needs within the wider community. The trustees launched a new annual grant-giving programme, and received six grant applications, with all those applying awarded muchneeded funding. These organisations vary widely from those supporting the mental health of our young people to those assisting sufferers from dementia and their carers: Jigsaw, Krunch, Phase, Haven Memory Café, Made a Mark and New Siblands Junior School. TADLOF’s trustees now look forward to continuing this support within Thornbury and district over the coming years and sincerely hope that they can make a difference in improving the lives of local people long into the future. Any organisation that would like to apply for funding should let TADLOF know: the next grant-giving round is in late 2022. Anyone interested in becoming a member or trustee should write to me by email at abates1101@msn.com or 5 Castle Street, Thornbury, BS351HA. Andrea Bates

ThornburyChamber of Commerce THE prize winners for the Chamber's Snowman Trail around the town were Tabitha Lucas, who won one of our Snowy Snowmen, and runners-up Becky Young and Hannah Fennell, who won a chocolate Snowman each. We combined the Snowman Trail with our usual Christmas Window Competition and the favourite Christmas window was Surroundings, with joint second prizes for Dees Cakes and Wards Solicitors and joint third prizes for Cadman Wealth Planning and Horders. We would like to thank everyone who took part and we hope you enjoyed it. Zoe Gilbraith

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

THORNBURY Volunteer Centre wishes to appoint an additional trustee to join its management team. You will be joining a small, friendly group meeting every two months and responsible for the running of the centre, ensuring

it meets the needs of the local community and the aims of the charity. The person appointed will help develop appropriate initiatives to take forward the centre’s objectives, provide guidance using their previous knowledge and

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

experience, assess the risks faced by the organisation and, where appropriate, volunteer to take the lead on issues coming before the trustees. For further information email Barbara Ray at mail@volunteerthornbury.co.uk.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

NO AUDITIONS

YOUR MIXED-VOICE FRIENDLY CHOIR

Thursday

Come along any to meet us, . . . . . and bring a friend!

We’re the Community Choir that sings in the Afternoon

The

THORNBURY Good Afternoon Choir

Every THURSDAY 1-3pm

at TURNBERRIES CENTRE, BATH ROAD, with Brendan Casey

There is NO CHARGE for attending your first rehearsal and membership information is then available. The Conductor is Brendan Casey. There are NO AUDITIONS and everyone is welcome. Many of the people in our 19 Good Afternoon Community Choirs across the West have not sung in a choir before. You will be joining over 1000 people Singing in the Afternoons! The Thornbury Good Afternoon Choir will enjoy all sorts of music – from folk songs to choral favourites. Come and meet us next Thursday.

This year the members have chosen

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Conductor Brendan Casey

Email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk Call us 01761 472468

www.goodafternoonchoir.org

thornburyvoice

February, 2022

n LOCAL MP

Persecution of Christians reaches new high seven Christians in the world. The number of Christians killed for their religion has increased from 4,761 in 2021, to 5,898 in 2022. In particular the report notes the return to power of the Taliban, along with the rise in prominence of extremist groups in Africa and Asia, as key factors in a number of countries. The 2022 World Watchlist raises a number of countries of particular concern, including: Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran and Nigeria. In North Korea, severe limitations on any religious freedoms are in place, with Open Doors reporting that "if Christians are discovered, they and their families are deported to labour camps as political criminals

THE advocacy group Open Doors recently launched their 2022 ‘World Watch List Report’, which has examined the persecution of Christians globally, setting out their recommendations to Government for what the UK can do to help. Tackling Christian persecution is something of great personal importance to me, as regular readers of the Voice will know. Reading the Open Doors report, I have been horrified to learn that persecution of Christians has reached the highest levels in the 30 years that they have been carrying out research. Across 76 countries, the number of Christians experiencing high levels of persecution and discrimination, simply because of their faith, is as high as 360 million – one in every

or killed on the spot". In Libya, "various radical Islamist groups and organised criminal groups target Christians to exploit, kidnap, rape, enslave and kill, with impunity". Here in the UK, it is vital we do what we can to help the situation. In 2019 the Bishop of Truro, Rev Philip Mounstephen, carried out and published an independent review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians. The Bishop’s review made 22 recommendations for reforms, which will deliver real improvements to the lives of those persecuted because of their faith or belief. Of the 22 recommendations, the UK has now fully delivered 10, and has made good progress on a further eight, with ministers

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

confident that all 22 will be delivered by the time of the next independent review, later this year. This progress is vital for so many people across the world, and I am delighted to see the UK taking a leading role in tackling this persecution. I look forward to following developments in this area and encouraging the Government to take all steps that it can to tackle this most important of issues.

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thornburyvoice

n WHAT'S ON

February 5 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE PRESENTS SUMMERLAND, with Gemma Arterton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Tom Courtenay. Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free. Guests £5. More information at www.thornburypicturehouse.org. February 19 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP SEA SHANTIES CONCERT WITH STORM FORCE 10 at The Ship, Bristol Road, Alveston, 7.30pm. Bristol-based shanty and sea song group raising funds and keeping the tales of old Bristol’s seafaring alive, creating new songs and revitalising the old. Tickets £12, with the option of buying food separately. Email AAGThornbury@ gmail.com or call 01454 850933 for more details.

February 23 n ALVESTON HISTORY SOCIETY meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Ed Boreham will be talking about William and the Norman Conquest. Visitors and newcomers welcome. February 23-26 n OLVESTON PARISH PLAYERS PRESENT CALAMITY JANE at the Parish Hall, Tockington BS32 4LQ: curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets available from January 16 on 01454 202011, Priced £10 for adults, £7 for children and £12 for premium seats. For more information visit www.facebook. com/OlvestonParishPlayers. February 26 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE PRESENTS PARASITE, Best Picture Oscar-winner. Thornbury

February, 2022

Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free. Guests £5. More information at www. thornburypicturehouse.org. March 4 n WORLD DAY OF PRAYER AT THORNBURY METHODIST CHURCH, 7.30pm. All welcome, service called 'I know the plans I have for you'. For more information call Sue Lewis on 01454 600503.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the third Monday in the month at 2pm in St Marys 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 JUST SEW IT sewing club, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine and materials/pattern. To attend, call Carrie in advance on 07753 236095. Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR invites new and returning singers to join us at our weekly rehearsals every Thursday from 7-9.15pm at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton. Sociable and friendly group singing a wide range of songs; you don't have to read music but if you can hold a tune we look forward to seeing you. More details at www.bristolmvc.org.uk or by calling 07941 040472. n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Turnberries Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury, 1-3pm. For more information visit www. goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.

n LIBRARY UPDATE TH

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THORNBURY Library is hosting half-term holiday activities, with bookable story and craft sessions on February 23 and 24 at 9.30am. Mythical creatures craft bags are available from February 19 to 26: pick up a craft bag along with your books, to enjoy making at home. Picture book family story time, February 5 and 19, 9.30am. Lego Club, February 12 and 26, 10am-11am. Come along for a story or poems, then create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see. Rhymetime, every Friday 9.30am-10am. To book a place on any of these activities, pop in or email thornbury. library@southglos.gov.uk. Sight Support West of England, February 14, 10am-1pm, support and advice for people with visual impairments. A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions: pop in or email to book a space. Library is open 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday. Open access 8am-7.30pm every day. For more information telephone 01454 868006, email thornbury. library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk 15/12/2021 10:01:07

thornburyvoice

February, 2022

FINANCE With Richard Higgs BA (hons) CFP FPFS Harold Stephens 50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ T: 0117 3636212 E: office@haroldstephens.co.uk

Don’t fall in to the ISA trap THE tax efficient benefits of saving through an ISA are widely known. Introduced in 1999, today the ISA is seen as a cornerstone to savings and investments. Many people have amassed a significant savings pot, which of course is tax-free. However, the tax benefits only apply during the holder’s lifetime, meaning the funds will form part of their taxable estate for the purposes of inheritance tax (IHT). Perhaps it is not until later in life that you may start to consider whether the tax benefits of an ISA extend to IHT, only to find

unfortunately they do not – potentially leaving you with a different issue. There is an ISA available which can reduce or negate IHT. An AIM ISA portfolio or AIM IHT ISA portfolio consists of AIM-listed shares that should benefit from IHT relief, in addition to tax free growth and income. The portfolios invest in AIMlisted companies that qualify for something called Business Property Relief (BPR). Shares held in AIM companies for at least two years potentially qualify for BPR, which

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

if still held on death should not be liable for IHT. One of the main benefits of these ISAs is the speed at which the investments become IHT-free compared to other options (you may have heard of the seven year rule) meaning you can potentially pass more of your wealth on to your loved ones. It is possible to transfer a portion or your entire ISA ‘pot’ to an AIM ISA, depending on your estate planning needs. The same tax benefits apply, tax-free income and growth whist retaining access to the money with full control. There are risks associated with these ISAs, so they may not be suitable for everyone. Your capital may be at risk. However, if you have IHT concerns, it could be

enormously beneficial to explore the options to ensure you don’t fall into the ISA IHT trap. To discuss how we can help with your estate planning, book your complimentary financial planning review with Chartered independent financial adviser Richard Higgs, by calling 0117 3636 212 or emailing office@ haroldstephens.co.uk. Harold Stephens provides friendly financial advice in the local community on a face-to-face basis in a welcoming location at 50 High Street, Westbury on Trym, BS9 3DZ. The firm specialises in advising later life clients on their investments and pensions, longterm care, inheritance tax and estate planning.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

n THORNBURY CLINIC

thornburyvoice

February, 2022

What is Sciatica?

Guy Oldring is the clinical lead and heads up the team at the Thornbury Clinic. SCIATICA is defined as pain or discomfort associated with the sciatic nerve. Simply put, sciatica means “leg pain”. This means that when you go and see a practitioner with pain down the leg and are told that you have sciatica, they are basically saying “you have leg pain” - which

is a little obvious, as I would assume you already know that! The question that really needs answering is: why? Sciatica is where there is an irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the buttocks, into the back of the legs and to the feet. It is the longest nerve in the body and can be compressed or irritated by a narrowing of where the nerve leaves the spine, or by connective tissue and muscle along the nerve's route down the body. This causes pain to radiate down the nerve route and can be very uncomfortable, affect your mobility and sometimes strength of the leg. What should I do if I have it? Firstly, if you do have these symptoms it is important to see a medical professional quickly, as there are quite a few different ailments that can feel the same. Hamstring tears, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, lumbar facet

joint dysfunction, damaged intervertebral discs and stenosis of the spine can all give very similar symptoms. However, they will all require very different treatment and therefore will need to be assessed for the correct course of treatment to be given. Whilst all the above can sound serious, and let’s be honest, fairly scary, there is good news: they can all be treated, and most can be managed with focused treatment and exercises. With regards to sciatica, the most important issue to address is to decide what it is that is causing the nerve compression and pain. This is done by your practitioner completing clinical tests and discovering what movements manual therapy helps to alleviate the pain. From there your clinician can then design a treatment programme for you, which will help to resolve the issue. Of course, there are situations where surgical intervention will be required but this is less frequent

than you would think. Even in cases where the patient has sciatica due to a herniated disc, over 60% of patients improved with no surgical intervention needed. The most important takehome message is that if you are experiencing pain radiating down the leg, find a clinician that you trust and ask for an assessment. Do not accept sciatica as a diagnosis. Instead, ask for an explanation as to why you have the sciatic pain and details of a treatment pathway that will suit you. Nearly all people who suffer with sciatic pain should consider conservative treatment before opting for surgical intervention. However, that choice is always easier when you have information about what is the most likely cause for your pain. If you suffer from back pain and would like treatment or you just need a little advice, please feel free to contact the Thornbury Clinic on 01454 838366 or email us info@ thethornburyclinic.co.uk.

COMPANION AND DRIVING SERVICE

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February, 2022

n SPORT THORNBURY began 2022 with a fine home win over secondplaced Devonport Services, then secured a maximum points victory in a bruising local derby at Keynsham – the team's first win there since 2010. The wins, on top of a series of triumphs before Christmas, moved Thornbury to second in South West One West, although the clubs immediately below them have a game in hand. The result left the First XV unbeaten since late October: they were awarded the Team of the Month award for January following their successes in December. January was due to end with two very tough games, at home to Lydney and away to Newent. The season could hang on those two games, as Lydney are a tough nut to crack and Newent very hard to beat on their patch. After that, Thornbury are home to North Petherton and away to Old Patesians in February, the league temporarily pausing due to the Six Nations Championship.

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Thorns up to second after bruising win at Keynsham

Thornbury Women celebrating their league win over Supermarine Thornbury Seconds have had a difficult season as they have struggled to field a settled team, and playing against the First XV of other clubs has been a challenge. However in January the

Huge win over Dursley for Thorns Under-13s THORNBURY RFC Under 13’s continued their strong form with a massive away win over Dursley. The young Thorns suffered a surprise set-back when number 10 Arthur Soffe twisted his knee in the prematch warm-up but the remaining squad, spurred on by the return of Dominic Withers, alongside the combined strike force of James Redfern and Oliver Jarvis, turned in their best performance of the season. Leading after a tight first quarter 15-5, the commitment in defence and ability to break the opposition line opened up the scoreline gap as the match progressed. Brilliant tries from Danny Drake and Alex Worthington, along with hat-tricks for both James and ‘The Jarvis’, backed up by the solid defence of Patrick Newman, Henry Addison, Will Grimshaw-Durn, Jamie Hadley and Theo Greenwood, left little room for the opposition to capitalise when they made their chances. The Thornbury forwards, including Joeli Welsh, Sam Townson and Elden Todd, continually made ground, crashing yards through Dursley and leaving scrum halves Jack Vacalopoulos and Jake Vernon to get the ball to playmakers Louis Warren and Oliver Clarke. By the start of the last quarter, the opposition’s body language told the story of the match and when the final whistle blew, Thornbury had won by an unprecedented 75-15 margin. Injured back row Ethan Godfrey, who had managed the team's substitutions on the day, was as delighted with the team's performance as the coaches, and is very much looking forward to the second half of the season. Sam Warren

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Third XV played its first game of the season. The team, now playing social rugby, took on Old Patesians Thirds and won on a very enjoyable afternoon. The Thornbury team included former Bristol and England

forward Roy Winters. The women's team played twice in early January. They gained a morale-boosting win at Chippenham in a friendly played to celebrate the first-ever game of women's rugby for the Wiltshire club, then had their first home game in almost two years, thumping Supermarine Ladies II 55-7 in a league match. The try scorers included a brace for Tara Chambers, who was playing her first game of rugby. In all teams the joy of playing rugby and having a great rugby social life have invigorated the players and supporters alike. More details on the matches played and coming fixtures can be found on the club website, www.thornburyrfc.co.uk. Dave Fox

Harrod lands county cross country title OLVESTON teenager James Harrod has won the U20s Gloucestershire Cross Country championship. James, who is 18, also finished 9th in the senior men's race at the Cotswold Farm Park on January 8. His performance helped Thornbury Running Club's team finish in a highlycreditable fourth place overall. In an extremely competitive men's race, Thornbury also secured top 50 places with strong runs from Sean Leadbetter (39th) and Ben Bohane (41st). Thornbury's women finished in fifth place overall in their team competition, but also recorded some excellent individual results. Taryn Roberts was fifth in the senior women's race, James Harrod on his way to the under20s title. and was closely followed by local physiotherapist Melanie Wilson, and team captain Hannah Hamilton. Taryn, Melanie and Hannah are all expected to have qualified to run for the Gloucestershire team in the forthcoming UK InterCounties cross-country championship

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n SPORT

February, 2022

Good run sees Thornbury rise up the table A GOOD run of results since Christmas has seen Thornbury Town pick up four wins from five games as they continue to pull away from the basement zone of the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division. After a heavy defeat at Fairford Town immediately before the holiday, Town have started to prove that they are more than a match for any team in the league. Importantly, three of the wins have been against sides lying below Thorns in the table, including a 2-1 victory at Lydney Town where a Harry Brock brace cheered the Thorns supporters in the 250-plus crowd. They then started the New Year in the best possible way with a 4-0 thumping of Calne Town at the Mundys. An early own goal gave the visitors a bad start, before Harry Brock was brought down by the visitors' goalkeeper. Newly-signed youngster Jack SheppardCozens coolly slotted away the penalty before further goals from Brandon Benjamin and Joe Guest completed the rout. A trip to Gloucester-based Longlevens, who were on a six-game winning streak, saw Town denied a well deserved point when their hosts scored the only goal of the game 2 minutes into stoppage time.

Ollie Rawnsley in action during Thornbury's win over Brimscombe & Thrupp. Photo: Sallie Phillips. However Thornbury quickly recovered from that disappointment when they entertained high-flying Brimscombe & Thrupp the following week. In front of a crowd of over 130 at the Mundys, a Brandon Benjamin goal midway through the first half saw Thorns take control of the game and, despite missing a number of good chances in the second half, an 87th-minute strike from

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Harry Brock wrapped up the points. A 2-0 win over bottom side Hallen put them well clear of the relegation zone and with five of their remaining eight league games at home, Club officials and supporters are hoping for a solid mid-table finish. Town have also enjoyed success in the Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy, beating Toolstation Western League side Longwell Green and Hellenic League leaders Bishops Cleeve. In the 3rd Round Thorns face a tricky-looking tie at home to County League side Sharpness on February 1 (7.30pm kickoff). Town’s Reserve and A team are also going well in their respective divisions of the Bristol & District League. The Reserves are currently top of Division 1, having not played since the week before Christmas when they had a comfortable 4-0 win at home to Sea Mills. With three other teams in contention, the title and runners-up positions are not likely to be decided until the last match of the season. The A team are second in Division 3, after signing off 2021 with a 9-0 victory over Seymour United A. Malcolm Carr

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