Thornbury Voice February 2024 by Thornbury Voice

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

February, 2024 Issue 81

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FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES Tyler Carley with dad Mark at the Memorial Stadium. Picture courtesy of Tyler's family, via Avon & Somerset police.

Top dog

A THORNBURY-based dog trainer has won a national agility competition with his youngest trainee - a cocker spaniel who has yet to turn two. PAGE 7

'Sword' robbery

FOUR people have been arrested after an armed robbery at a petrol station involving "a large knife or sword". PAGE 2

Tyler will be 'hugely missed' THE family of a young Thornbury man who died when a lorry overturned have spoken of their loss. Tyler Carley, who was 20, was a passenger in the scaffolding lorry which overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road in December.

Tyler's relatives say he will be "hugely missed" and his death "has left a massive hole in everyone's heart" . A man has been arrested in connection with the incident, which happened near Mangotsfield on December 5. Turn to page 3

No High Street reverse COUNCIL leader Claire Young has explained why controversial changes to Thornbury High Street will not be reversed. PAGE 6

Nuclear return

LAND near the former Oldbury nuclear power station is being considered as a possible site for a new generation of power plants. PAGE 5

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February, 2024

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FOUR people have appeared in court after a petrol station neat Almondsbury was robbed. Avon & Somerset police said they were called to the filling station on the A38 Gloucester Road at 3am on January 19. A spokesperson said: "Staff reported that someone armed with a large knife or sword had forced their way into the forecourt shop and stolen lottery tickets before making off in a vehicle. "Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident." Police said two days later officers had arrested and charged three teenagers and a man in his 20s with robbery and possession of a knife/ blade in connection with the incident. Jack Henson-Jones, aged 25, of Bradley Stoke and Alfie Hahn, 18, of St George, along with two 17-year-olds who cannot be named for legal reasons, made a first appearance before Bristol Magistrates' Court on January 22.

Tesco hit by floods THORNBURY'S Tesco supermarket was closed for five full days in January, after flooding during Storm Henk caused a power outage. The supermarket has refused to comment on the closure or the circumstances. However, customers and staff posting on social media said that the store in Midland Way had lost all its frozen and fresh food stock in the incident. The petrol station was also closed by the flooding, which happened on January 2. The shop had reopened by January 8, with staff reportedly spending the whole of the previous day refilling the shop with fresh produce to bring the store "back to normal".

Care home plans approved A CARE home criticised for being “institutional” in design and failing to take into account the natural environment has been given planning permission. The 66-bed home proposed for land at Morton Way LNT Care Developments, is part of a wider development of up to 350 homes which was granted outline permission after an appeal in 2018. Thornbury town council criticised the plans, saying the design was "of poor quality, is institutional in style and does not relate well to the new or more established residential housing in the immediate vicinity". They also criticised landscaping plan for not complying with biodiversity guidelines. Residents also spoke out against the plans, saying the scheme would will create "unacceptable" noise and pollution levels for neighbours. The developer revised the plans in November, and in December South Gloucestershire Council's planning department approved them, with a long list of conditions relating to issues including building materials and landscaping. A report on the scheme said the original application was put before a design review panel to explore changes, adding: "Revisions were made to the design and landscaping in particular that have satisfied the Urban Design and Landscape Officers. "The comments of Thornbury Council have been taken into consideration as have those of local residents and it is considered that there are no outstanding matters to resolve, subject to suitably-worded conditions." LNT, from Leeds, says the home will create 40 to 50 full timeequivalent jobs for care workers, catering staff and care assistants.

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February, 2024

n NEWS

Loss of Tyler 'leaves a massive hole' From page 1

THE family of a 20-year-old man who died in a lorry crash say his death "has left a massive hole in everyone's heart". Tyler Carley, who lived in Thornbury, was at work when the scaffolding lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield on the evening of December 5. He died at the scene of the crash. Tyler's family say he will be "hugely missed". In a tribute released through Avon & Somerset police, they said: "Sadly, our whole world got turned upside down on December 5 when we lost our beautiful boy Tyler. "He was only just 20 and had so many plans in life still, and loads of festivals booked. "Tyler loved going out with his friends and enjoyed playing and watching football. "He loved his holidays with friends and family, and had a big one planned for his 21st and mum Gemma's 40th birthday. "He went to work that morning fully intending to come home, and had texted his mum just 45 minutes before the accident. "Tyler will always be hugely missed by his mum Gemma, dad Mark, brother Kylan,

Tyler Carley with mum Gemma in Kingswood sisters Skye and Ronnie-Irene, step-dad Matt, step-mum Tracey and all of his family and friends. "His death has left a massive hole in everyone's heart." The 37-year-old driver of the lorry was treated in hospital for minor injuries before being arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody. He was then released under investigation

while further enquiries take place. Police say no other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident. Anyone with information who has yet to come forward is being asked to call the police on 101 and give the incident reference number 5223 297 300. A fundraising campaign in Tyler's memory to help pay the costs of his funeral has raised £9,000. More than 640 friends and well-wishers donated towards the Gofundme campaign. It was organised by family friend Sammie England, who said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, siblings and the rest of the family at this very difficult time. "The unexpected loss of a child is hard at any time but with it being right before Christmas, I hoped to raise as much as possible to give this beautiful boy the send off he deserves." Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to contact them by calling 101 and quoting the incident reference number 5223 297 300. The ring road remained closed between the two roundabouts for more than a day after the incident, for investigations and work to repair the carriageway.

324 arrests in drink-drive crackdown

POLICE arrested more than 50 drivers in South Gloucestershire for driving under the influence of drink or drugs during a national festive crackdown. In total, Avon and Somerset Police arrested 324 drivers during the annual Operation Tonic in December, 51 of them in South Gloucestershire and 86 in Bristol. Numbers were 10% up on the previous year, with more than two thirds (68%) of arrests for drinkdriving and the other 32% for

drug-driving. Stops were made through a combination of stop checks at fixed sites, intelligence operations, public reports of suspected drinkdriving, and 'proactive patrols' to look for erratic drivers. In total around 2,000 drivers were stopped during the operation, and approximately 16% of them were arrested. One driver was arrested and later banned after another motorist saw him driving erratically on the M5.

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Police said four out of five drivers arrested were male. Under-25s made up 17% of drivers arrested, with 25 to 34 year olds accounted for 30% and people aged 35-44 making 26%. People aged between 45 and 54 made up 17% of those arrested, with over-55s accounting for the other 10%. Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: "Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, but also a reckless and

dangerous choice that puts lives at risk. “I would like to thank the public who are helping us to target those people that they suspect are drink or drug-driving. By doing this, you are helping us to reinforce the message that getting behind the wheel while under the influence is never acceptable." Police are encouraging people to continue to report information about drink or drug-drivers, either online or via 101 - or 999 if the person involved is behind the wheel at the time.

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February, 2024

Special school told to improve A SPECIAL school in Thornbury has been told it must improve its curriculum following an inspection by Ofsted. The education regulator visited Sheiling School in Park Road in November and its report said that overall the school 'requires improvement'. The same rating was given to the school's quality of education, and leadership and management. But pupils' behaviour and attitudes, personal development and the school's sixth form provision were judge to be 'good' by the team of three inspectors. Sheiling School charges local authorities up to £90,000 a year for placements, with some day pupils and some boarders among its 29 pupils, aged six to 19. The inspectors said the school provided a “calm and nurturing environment” for pupils, who all have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The report said: “The school

The entrance to Thornbury's Sheiling School, which stands next to the grounds of the Castle School understands the individual needs of pupils well. "The school places high importance on the curriculum, which includes an individualised therapeutic approach. "However, the curriculum in most subjects is not well enough designed to build on what pupils know and can do. "Pupils do not yet benefit from a high-quality education." Ofsted said the school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour,

and pupils know they have a voice and feel valued. The inspectors said: "The school understands the importance of pupils learning to read fluently. Pupils’ individual starting points have been carefully considered in reading. “ They praised the way the school prioritises pupils’ personal development, saying: "Pupils are taught how to form positive and healthy relationships. "The school provides pupils with carefully-designed opportunities to become active citizens. These include enrichment programmes, trips and work experience placements. "Staff think carefully about the skills pupils need to become independent. "The careers programme supports pupils to have rich

experiences within the wider community. This develops pupils’ self-awareness and self-confidence." The inspectors said that in order to improve the school should ensure that small steps of learning are wellsequenced so that pupils build on what they already know and can do, and ensure all staff provide effective support to those pupils who find reading more challenging. Principal Justin Davey, who took over the school last October said that while he was disappointed with the report, he and his staff were already working on changes. Mr Davey said: “We are obviously disappointed with the result of Sheiling School’s most recent Ofsted inspection, but as recent media coverage has highlighted, the overall grading is a blunt tool and does not necessarily capture the many amazing aspects of the school which actually secured ‘Good’ gradings for Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and our Sixth-form provision. "We do, however, welcome the recommendations for improvement and are working hard to implement changes to continue to develop the quality and efficacy of our provision. "The students and our great team of people, as ever, remain our top priority." Village school is 'inadequate': Page 14

Boost for playing field A VILLAGE will get a new play area thanks to almost £50,000 of funding paid by developers. South Gloucestershire Council said the money would go towards building a multi-use games area at Hardwick Playing Field, in Tytherington. Tytherington Parish Council will receive £38,115 in capital funding to build the equipment and £11,542 in revenue funding towards maintaining it. The money has been secured as a developer contribution, made as part of a legal deal relating to planning permission for building on land near Stowell Hill Road in Tytherington. Council cabinet member for communities and local place, Leigh Ingham, said: “It’s great that South Gloucestershire Council has been able to negotiate this funding from developers to support investment in local sports facilities and help improve the area’s open spaces. “It’s vital that housing developers contribute towards the infrastructure needed to meet the needs of growing communities. "These new facilities and public open space improvements will help ensure even more people can exercise and enjoy the outdoors where they live.” Planning laws mean that the council is able to secure financial contributions from developers in order to offset the costs of the impact of development on local communities. The money supports "open space infrastructure" needed to support the demands of growing communities generated by the development.

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February, 2024

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n NEWS

Oldbury set for 'significant' new nuclear role LAND near the former Oldbury nuclear power station is "in line" to be used in the next generation of nuclear energy plants. The group responsible for promoting regional growth, Western Gateway, says the site near Oldbury-on-Severn, which it has named Severn Edge, "could play a significant role" in plans set out in the new Civil Nuclear Roadmap unveiled by the government in January. The Roadmap sets out ambitions to increase nuclear energy generation by up to four times current levels, to 24GW, by 2050. The government has described it as “the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years”. A process is underway to find the best location to set up new technologies such as small modular reactors (SMR), which Western Gateway says have the potential to power up to a million homes with low carbon electricity. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which published the roadmap, has launched a consultation on sites for new nuclear schemes on the gov.uk website, which runs until March 10 . A spokesperson for Western Gateway

The entrance to Thornbury's Sheiling School, which stands next to the grounds of the Castle School said: "Oldbury represents the prime site for new nuclear deployment within the Western Gateway’s Severn Edge project to develop a low carbon energy park to create green jobs, new skills opportunities, and clean energy for the area in partnership with local authorities, landowners and local colleges." Western Gateway says the nearby Berkeley site "could play a pivotal role in addressing the need for future nuclear skills". It already

has a University Technical College operated by SGS Colleges, and a science & technology park which is "the subject of an exciting set of investment propositions". Western Gateway board member and South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young said: "It’s great to see Oldbury is still a serious contender in the Government’s plans for future energy infrastructure. "We want to ensure the best outcome for both these sites to bring in new investment which can lead to exciting new jobs, learning and low carbon energy. "Oldbury has long been ear-marked for nuclear development and by working with Berkeley through the Western Gateway, we have a chance to use the best of our wider area to secure this opportunity for our community. "I look forward to the ongoing siting process and to continuing to champion our area’s incredible potential." Western Gateway vice chair and Gloucestershire County Council leader Mark Hawthorne said: "Our sites in Oldbury and Berkeley provide a unique opportunity for speedy delivery, access to top quality expertise and supportive communities."

'Use Severn's tidal power to tackle energy crisis' THE Severn Estuary’s vast tidal power should be harnessed to help solve the energy crisis, Metro Mayor Dan Norris has told MPs. Mr Norris, who is in charge of the West of England Combined Authority, said he was working with the Welsh Government to explore the options of energy-generating lagoons in the Bristol Channel. Giving evidence to the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee’s “heating our homes” inquiry in the House of Commons in January, Mr Norris said: “We have the Severn and the Bristol Channel, so we are interested in generating energy from the second highest tidal range. “We are working with our Welsh Government colleagues in trying to do that." In 2022, the Western Gateway crossborder regional development partnership, which brings together local authorities in Wales and the West, set up a commission to look again at getting electricity from the Severn Estuary, five years after a report by former energy minister Charles Hendry recommended a tidal lagoon ‘pathfinder project’. Mr Norris also urged the government to help exploit natural underground heat from flooded former coal mines.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris addresses the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee He said: “We also have a lot of former mines in the area and we want to get energy out of those pits that have been closed since the 1970s, so we can have heating systems for the public. “There is a nice irony in that, because since the mining industry contributed so greatly to CO2 emissions, it would be lovely to get something positive about the climate emergency, which is a huge problem and one we can’t roll back on.” He told the inquiry water in the region’s

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flooded mines was naturally warm and could be used to heat homes. South Gloucestershire Council – one of the three unitary authorities that make up WECA – first announced it was investigating how to power homes from disused mines as an alternative to fossil fuels in 2022. Using heat pumps, the water temperature could be raised to the level required for heating and hot water in homes as well as schools, hospitals and offices, through heat networks. Mr Norris also said there needed to be a 25-fold increase in "retrofitting" - making older homes warmer and more energy efficient - claiming that every £1 spent would bring a 40p saving for the NHS. He said WECA's £11m Retrofit West service could only scratch the surface in an area where there were thousands of listed buildings. Mr Norris said: "The Government has been remiss – there has been short-termism, too little long-term thinking, too many poorly-designed initiatives, too focused here in Whitehall." Solar farm row: Page 15 By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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February, 2024

Why High Street changes have to stay CONTROVERSIAL changes to Thornbury High Street will not be reversed because it would cost millions more pounds of taxpayers’ money, South Gloucestershire Council’s leader says. Claire Young said that to undo everything, not only would extra funds the authority does not have need to be found, it is likely that the money spent so far would have to be paid back to the Government. Work is set to be completed in the spring on the £4.6 million scheme to partly pedestrianise the High Street, which has sparked anger and divided opinions among residents and traders, some of whom say the ban on through traffic has driven some customers away. The changes include making the road one-way and for access only; parking bays for waiting, loading and disabled motorists; new cycle stands, planters, benches, wider pavements and a bus shelter. The ban on through traffic has been in force for more than three years, after it was brought in during the summer of 2020 to encourage social distancing during the pandemic. The changes, introduced by the council's previous Conservative administration, are being made permanent despite 72% of residents voting against them in a parish poll in 2022. The referendum, which had a turnout of 24%, was called by residents under the town council's statutes but the result was not binding on South Gloucestershire Council.

Thornbury High Street works underway last summer

Claire Young

The Liberal Democrat/Labour coalition, which took control of South Gloucestershire Council at last May’s local elections, has committed to continue with the project. Cllr Young told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the actual cost of the improvements had risen beyond the original figure to nearly £5m but that it would cost even more to abandon the revamp. She said: “We have been open with people that we do not have the money to reverse it. “We would have to not only find the millions to undo it but also potentially pay back the money we have spent on it, because it was government funding for a particular purpose, so that is not realistic. “Thornbury has seen a lot of disruption while the work has been going on and what residents and businesses need is a chance for

open a long time – or you can’t cross the High Street – no, the barriers have come down. “It’s important that people know Thornbury is open. “All these myths have built up because of the understandable outrage at the way the council approached the scheme in the first place. “That has made people understandably angry and has led to confusion, and it’s really important that people understand what it is like now – they can go and park, they can go down the High Street to pick something up or drop something off, there are bays where you can stop for a short period of time. “It’s very much open for business. We need to look at ways we can support businesses with that message.”

things to settle down. “If you reverse it, you would have to go through many more months of disruption. “We try to speed things up as much as we can, so we reduce the time people have been disrupted for. We want to see how things are and then see if there are smaller changes that can be made.” Lib Dem Cllr Young, who represents Frampton Cotterell ward, said Thornbury was open for business but there had been confusion about what was happening, which she blamed on the way the Tories had ignored local sentiment and ploughed ahead with the project when they ran the authority. She said: “One of the biggest problems has been the myths that have spread for people out in the villages. “People have been saying you can’t go because the car parks are closed – the car parks have been

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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February, 2024

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Zennor is top dog in agility contest A THORNBURY-based dog trainer has won a national agility competition with his youngest trainee. Ian Law and cocker spaniel Zennor - kennel name Kellandbrook Mojito Of Wynfaest - won the Starters Cup Final for small dogs at The London International Horse Show in December. The competition is for dogs new to agility contests, and Ian said Zennor, who is his youngest dog at just under two years old, had only started competing in August last year, qualifying for the national final on her first weekend of competition. He said: "I am incredibly proud of her and she showed great maturity and skill. "I believe that she has a very promising agility career ahead of her and I hope to showcase her talents over the coming years." Ian has been training dogs since 2015 and runs a training business, Woofits Agility, at Larches Farm, Thornbury. He said: "I’ve had some success with my eldest girl, Brecon, at championship and national level. "She has trailed for Agility TeamGB and won other national events with The Kennel

Ian Law and Zennor Club, including the Teams event at the Kennel Club International Agility Festival in August.

The Starters Cup is the Kennel Club’s premier agility competition for dogs new to the discipline. The top six dogs in each size category - large, intermediate, medium and small who qualified in the semi-final at the club's International Agility Festival last summer took part in the final, with Ian and Zennor taking the prize for small dogs. More information on the competition is available online at thekennelclub. org.uk/agilitydiscoverdogs, while owners interested in getting started in agility competitions can find a guide at thekennelclub.org.uk/newtoagility.

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February, 2024

More time to have say on Local Plan SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has extended the deadline for people to have their say on its blueprint for the future of the district. The council opened the latest phase of consultations on its Local Plan, which will guide how and where development takes place between 2025 and 2040, in December. It has now extended the deadline for public comments on the plan from February 7 to February 16. Council leaders say they need to find new sites for 9,260 homes, at least 7,813 of which will need to be built on greenfield sites. The council has posted a series of maps and web pages explaining the thinking behind its 'emerging preferred strategy'. Most sites proposed for development are to the south of the district, near the Avon Ring Road and Severnside, but the

preferred strategy also includes allowing development on a site for 40 homes in Thornbury on a field west of Bristol Road, and 15 homes west of Park Farm. Sites that could be earmarked for development in Alveston include a field between Alveston Hill, the cemetery and Thornbury Golf Centre (60 homes), between Strode Common and Vattingstone Lane (100 homes), between the A38 Greenhill and Hazel Lane junctions (46 homes), and between Thornbury Cricket Club and the A38 north of Berkeley Vale Motors (16 homes). Sites for up to 775 homes around Charfield and 152 around Cromhall are included in the strategy, along with a site for 20 homes at Vicarage Lane in Olveston. The biggest change would be to Almondsbury, with land at Woodlands Golf Course opened up for building 800 homes,

possibly rising to 1,230 after 2040, and 430 proposed on fields between the A38 and the M4/M5 Almondsbury Interchange. A series of meetings have been held across the district during January to give people more information about what is proposed. Full details have been published online at www. southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan, where people can fill in a consultation survey. People who are not online can call the council on 01454 868009. Campaign group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP'D) has produced its own guide to how the proposals affect Thornbury on its website, trappdgroup.weebly.com. A spokesperson for TRAPP’D said: "Whilst the central proposal remains relatively benign for Thornbury, we remain concerned

that South Gloucestershire could still be forced to take thousands of houses from Bristol’s unmet need, on top of the proposals published, and want to have much better protection from speculative development in future. "The overwhelming majority of greenfield sites approved for new housing in Thornbury have never been included in any plan, but have been granted through planning loopholes exploited by developers, which the council now has the opportunity to make much harder to use." "The Preferred Strategy includes 130 units for Thornbury at four sites, but thankfully not Buckover – at this stage at least." The group is encouraging any residents with concerns or views about Local Plan sites or any other aspect of the consultation to contact them via their website, by email at trappdbs35@gmail. com, or on their Facebook page.

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February, 2024

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Thornbury's role in Rowling's new book CHIPPING Sodbury-born JK Rowling has turned again to South Gloucestershire for inspiration for her latest blockbuster book. The Harry Potter author has written in some Thornbury locations for the latest instalment of her crime novels, featuring private investigator Cormoran Strike. The Running Grave is the seventh in the series about the detective. Previous best sellers in the series have been televised on BBC1. Rowling has been writing the Strike novels under the pen name Robert Galbraith since 2017, having published the last of her seven Harry Potter books in 2007. In this latest crime drama, Strike and his sidekick Robin Ellacott are trying to help a man who has become involved in a dangerous cult. They visit a witness called Cherie who lives in Oakleaze Road in Thornbury, and have lunch at The Malthouse pub on the High Street. The book describes the town as pretty, with hanging baskets and pastel coloured houses.

The Running Grave Brewers Marstons, who own the Malthouse, said it was good to see a traditional pub playing a role in a British crime novel. A spokesperson said: "They reflect the role

they play in our society and our communities, whether as a meeting place, for social gatherings or simply as a navigation point for people looking for directions. "It is especially welcome when real names and locations are kept (such as this with the Malthouse) to authenticate a story." The 58-year-old author was born at the former Chipping Sodbury Maternity Hospital on Station Road, and as a child lived in Yate, then Winterbourne, where she knew a family with the surname Potter. In 1999 the Guardian interviewed Ian Potter, a damp-proofing technician in Yate, after Rowling had said in an interview that she named her wizard hero after a brother and sister called Potter she knew in Winterbourne. She had talked of playing games of wizards and witches in Winterbourne, saying: "A gang of children, including myself and my sister, used to play together up and down our street. "Two of the gang members were a brother and sister whose surname was Potter. I always liked that name."

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February, 2024

n ADVERTORIAL

New build homes in Thornbury: Experience contemporary living at Cleve Wood When it comes to moving home, new build developments stand as beacons of contemporary living, providing a host of benefits which cater to any homeowners needs. Here’s 4 reasons why new build developments such as Sovereign’s Cleve Wood in Thornbury are perfect for couples, families, and downsizers alike. Firstly, innovation and sustainability are the forefront of design. Equipped with the latest technologies, these homes are energy-efficient, greatly reducing their environmental impact. From insulation systems to solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances, residents can enjoy a home that helps minimise their carbon footprint and household bills. Beyond the environmental factors, the dynamic lifestyles of homeowners are also taken into consideration. Open-plan layouts and multipurpose living spaces help create homes which effortlessly grow and adapt to the needs of any homeowner. New build developments are also a testament to contemporary design. At Cleve

Wood, stunning architecture is paired with carefully curated green spaces to create a vibrant, appealing neighbourhood. This emphasis on well-planned landscaping and communal areas has fostered a sense of community pride amongst residents. Vicki, a homeowner at Cleve Wood says: “All the homes here are beautiful, and our plot is so well placed – we are just seconds from the woods that the development backs onto which is perfect for dog walks.” Finally, the financial advantages of

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purchasing a new build home should not be overlooked, with many developers offering attractive incentives to make moving as easy as possible. For example, many homes at Cleve Wood come equipped with one or more of the following: stylish fitted kitchens including integrated appliances, carpet and flooring, and turfed rear gardens, with additional incentives available on selected homes. Plus, those looking for a quick, hassle-free move there’s a Part Exchange scheme available on all properties at the development too. Cleve Wood is a flourishing development in Thornbury which offers customers the choice of 14 different house-types, ranging from two bedroom bungalows to five bedroom family homes, ready to move in and available to view. The developments design also includes allotments, and plenty of green spaces, which will be connected by a network of natural footpaths - offering a green, leafy community suitable for anyone looking to invest in their future. Discover more at clevewood.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

February, 2024

n LOCAL MP

We must stand against overdevelopment ONCE again, we find ourselves having to fight unsustainable overdevelopment in Thornbury, Alveston and the surrounding towns and villages. Together as a community, we managed to once again defeat the developer’s proposals to build a 3,000 house Buckover 'Garden Village', with the A38 as its High Street. The Government rejected the ludicrous proposal in 2019 following my intervention, and through years of campaigning, together, we have defeated these plans again for now. However, now the council have decided that a significant amount of further housing should be built in Alveston, Easter Compton and Almondsbury, including on our precious Green Belt. Having lived locally all my life, I know we have seen significant growth in recent years; we can

feel the extra cars on the road and more pressures on local services. I received clear written assurances from government ministers that areas such as Bristol should be taking an additional 35% of housing need, to stop further pressure being put on our GP services, our schools, and our roads. It is time for the council to stand up to urban areas like Bristol and make them take their fair share of housing before concreting over one of our precious assets. I have been clear that before a single house is built, we need to see some real investment from the council in infrastructure and community services. We need to see our new Thornbury Health Centre. We need to repair potholes. We need to resurface roads. We need a greater variety of bus

services back to Thornbury and our villages, and a fair share of local police before more houses are agreed. The A38 is already at capacity, and the council's plan to expand Alveston, Almondsbury, to concrete over the greenbelt and build thousands of extra houses would significantly add to the existing pressure on our roads. Residents have already been clear that these plans are unacceptable. In a recent survey that I launched in the area, 95% of Easter Compton residents said they completely opposed the plans for the village, the same percentage for residents in Alveston, and over 80% in Almondsbury. There’s still time to have your say, so make sure you respond to the council’s consultation. We must protect our Green Belt, and the council must be firm with Bristol and make them

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

take their fair share and fight the overdevelopment of our community. South Gloucestershire is the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family. No wonder developers want to build here. However, we cannot allow the council to give the green light to developments which put our roads, GP services and schools under further pressure. Protecting against overdevelopment needs to be this council’s core mission.

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thornburyvoice

February, 2024

n NEWS

37 miles to find NHS dentist PEOPLE in the Thornbury area currently face a 37-mile trip to reach the nearest dentist accepting new adult NHS patients. As of January 22 the closest practice currently open to new adult patients on the NHS Find a Dentist website was in Marlborough, Wiltshire, closely followed by a practice in Malvern, Worcestershire. For children aged 17 and under, the nearest practice open to new NHS patients was more than 18 miles away, in Quedgeley, Gloucester. Three dentists within ten miles of Thornbury, including one in the town itself, will treat patients on the NHS only if they have been referred for specialist dental care.

A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is responsible for NHS services in the area, said: "We are aware that access to NHS dentistry in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is challenging and we are working hard to try and improve the situation for local people. "We continue to engage extensively with local dental clinicians, their representatives and partners, as part of a wider South West Dental Reform programme, to encourage and support them to continue to provide services for NHS patients." The ICB said people with an urgent dental need could

call 111 to access one of 64 appointments available each week. The profession's official body, the British Dental Association, says the "access crisis" facing the area is typical of the situation around the country. It blames the "long discredited" NHS dental contract, first introduced in 2006, which has led to severe recruitment and retention problems. Parliament's Health and Social Care Committee recommended in July last year that it should be reformed, after carrying out an inquiry. But the BDA said it was still waiting for the government to publish its recovery plan and said it had "singularly failed to

show it shares the aspirations of the Committee". BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said: “The Government claim they want access for all but appear unwilling to make any commitments that could actually achieve that. “We’ve heard big ambitions but no action, and our patients will continue paying the price.” A recent national survey carried out for The Times found more than half of children in South Gloucestershire had not seen a dentist in the past year, and that tooth problems were now the most common cause of hospital visits among children. Only 39% of the area's adults had seen a dentist in the past two years, the newspaper found.

MP meets government over health centre plans THORNBURY'S MP has met with the Health Secretary to try and speed the building of a new health centre for the town. Luke Hall met Victoria Atkins in January "to discuss how quickly the redevelopment can happen". In November the government agreed to fund a £1.3 million study to prepare a business case for the project, four years after the old Thornbury Hospital in Eastland Road closed its doors for the last time. But there is still no indication of when work will start on the proposed new £14.4m health centre, which is intended to provide a base for the town’s GP surgeries, enhanced mental health support, NHS beds and a “frailty hub”, focusing on older people receiving care at home. The old 1920s hospital building had been declared "not fit for purpose" by North Bristol NHS Trust and had been blighted by anti-social behaviour as services wound down. After the hospital closed, new facilities were set up at the St Mary's Centre, known as Thornbury Outpatients. Redevelopment plans for the site have been dogged by delays – initially because NBT owned the old hospital, but the adjacent health centre was owned by NHS Property Services. That was resolved in 2022 year when South Gloucestershire Council bought the

fighting until we have secured the health services that our community needs." As well as the ICB business case, South Gloucestershire Council is developing plans for new extra care housing, for older people in need of personal and household care, on part of the site.

Bank hub call Luke Hall with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins site for £3.4m, with a loan from the West of England Combined Authority. The £1.3m funding was given to the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which funds NHS services in the area. Mr Hall said the award money had followed a ten-year campaign which involved calling several debates in Parliament and a petition submitted to the Department for Health and Social Care. He said NHS officials are working on the final details of which health services will be included and how long the rebuild will take. Mr Hall said: "I made clear that the remaining preparatory work should be sped up, so the rest of the money can be agreed without delay. "It’s been a long road, but we are another step closer to delivering a new Thornbury Heath Centre. I won’t stop

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MP Luke Hall is calling for a 'banking hub' to be set up for Thornbury and Yate to make up for disappearing high street bank branches. Banking hubs are facilities run by the Post Office where residents can speak in person with a local representative from banks including Barclays, Lloyds Bank, HSBC, NatWest and TSB on a specific day of the week and make over-the-counter transactions. Mr Hall has made a formal request to not-for-profit hub provider Cash Access UK to set up a hub in the constituency. In 2022 NatWest, HSBC and TSB all shut their branches in Thornbury, leaving Lloyds as the only 'big four' bank in the town. Mr Hall said: "Bank branches are vital for many people, and we must preserve access to banking for local communities across South Gloucestershire. "I very much hope that we are successful with our Bank Hub bid, so we can bring back bank access to our shopping centres and high streets."

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thornburyvoice

February, 2024

n NEWS

Village school is 'inadequate'

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A VILLAGE primary school near Thornbury has been put into special measures after regulator Ofsted said it was 'inadequate'. Rangeworthy Primary School was visited by two Ofsted inspectors in September last year. Their report, published in December, said the school had undergone “significant staff turbulence” since the previous inspection rated it as 'good' in 2018. The report said: “This school requires special measures because it is failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement in the school.” Ofsted said lead inspector Jen Southall had met with South Gloucestershire Council and the director of primary education from a local trust that has been helping the school to bring in changes. A new head teacher, Samantha Travis, took over last summer and told the Voice work was well under way to bring in changes which she hoped would result in improvements. The report said: "The school, including governors, has been too slow to sort out the widespread weaknesses. "The quality of education that pupils receive is poor. "The recently-appointed school leaders are working with the governing body to provide some clarity and direction. They have identified the failings of the school. "However, it is too soon to see any demonstrable impact." The Church of England school, which has 53 pupils aged from five to 11, was assessed as being inadequate for quality of education, leadership and management, and early years provision. Pupil behaviour and attitudes, and personal development both require improvement, the inspectors

said. The report said that despite the failings, pupils enjoy going to the school. But it concluded the curriculum was “weak and poorly planned”, and did not set out the key knowledge that pupils need to know, understand and remember. The inspectors said: "The school does not provide pupils with the education they deserve. Pupils do not learn enough in too many subjects." Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities were not getting the help they needed. The inspectors did say that relationships within the school are strong, and pupils are confident that they can talk to any adult if they have a concern. Miss Travis said: “We were extremely disappointed with the outcome of the Ofsted inspection, but fully accepted the findings. "Having been recently appointed to post at the time of inspection, I was heartened that inspectors were satisfied that we were already making progress with the work underway to make essential improvements at the school, and our strengths were also recognised. “Inspectors commented on the positive work being done to support children’s personal development and well-being while keeping them safe. They also said that pupils enjoy coming to school, are friendly, polite, and play happily together. "Our new leadership team remain focussed on continuing to drive forward the work we are doing to make the required improvements, with additional training being provided for our staff and measures being implemented to address the issues raised in the report. "We are confident that this work is delivering positive results, and we remain focussed on developing and delivering the best possible school environment and education for our children. "

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February, 2024

thornburyvoice

n NEWS

Solar farm plans approved COUNCILLORS have approved plans for a huge solar farm between Thornbury and Wickwar, despite more than 100 objections. South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee granted permission, by six votes to three, for the new plant across 15 agricultural fields at Varley Farm in Talbots End, between Wickwar Quarry and the B4058 Bristol Road, near Cromhall. But a resident accused the council of “blindly” accepting a report commissioned by the applicants, RES Group (Renewable Energy Systems), that downgraded the quality of the farmland using a method he claimed to be “totally bogus”. Speaking on behalf of the 122 objectors, qualified surveyor Cyrus Contractor told the meeting on January 18 that RES was a massive, “bullying” firm with a £1 billion annual turnover, which would just sell off the land. He said: "I am convinced that RES has absolutely no interest in climate change – solar farms are just a way to make more money. “There is no benefit to the local community whatsoever – the electricity produced will just be exported to the National Grid. “The community suffers all of the downsides and none of the upsides. “Our village is a thriving and historic agricultural village. “We should not be forced to surrender productive farmland to a highly aggressive and commercial power company, bullying its way across the world with its money and influence.” Mr Contractor said the council’s declaration of a climate emergency meant it shared the same goals as RES and so could not be neutral in determining the proposals. He said a council report, which recommended approval of the plans, excluded the extra building needed to complete the solar farm, with pylons and electrical substations allowed under permitted development to connect to the National Grid. Cromhall parish councillor Daren Jeffery said: “We strongly object to the construction of Varley Solar Farm. “It will have an overall negative impact on the immediate neighbours to the site, the village

(Left) The current entrance to Varley Farm. (Right) Residents Cyrus and Sophie Contractor address the planning meeting emissions over its lifetime, while biodiversity of the site". and the wider community.” 100 new trees and a kilometre of Mr Devossel added: "Feedback He said children were dropped hedgerows would be planted. from the local community off from the school bus and He said 90% of the land was and stakeholders during the walked home along Farleigh Lane, not classified as “best and most consultation stage helped to a twisty, rural road, and lorries versatile”. positively shape the proposal, going in and out of the site during After the meeting RES resulting in changes being made to construction would create a insisted the design would "enable the design." “deathtrap waiting to happen”. continued agricultural use of the Senior planning officer Rae land in the form of sheep farming" By Adam Postans, Local Mepham said the plans for the and said new planting would Democracy Reporting Service farm - which will be returned to help "significantly enhance the agricultural use after 40 years were acceptable, including road safety, and that the benefits outweighed the harms. She said the agricultural land was re-graded because the previous analysis was carried out back in the 1980s, which at the time did not include as many categories of soil quality. Ms Mepham said the grading was done by an independent, qualified company using a Defraapproved rating system. Committee member June Meet with one of our Single & joint Bamford (Con, Hanham) said that although new trees and hedgerows qualified estate planning Wills from would be planted, these would not consultants to discuss screen the site completely because the solar panels would be up to your needs. 3.5 metres tall, so there would be *Including VAT “harm to the environment”, as well as noise from the equipment. She said: "I would have liked to Home visits or online have seen the company pay a large appointments are available. bond upfront so that the taxpayer does not foot the bill for any cleanup after 40 years because we don’t know whether that company is going to be there." Council head of development or email info@elm-online.co.uk management Marie Bath said the committee had recently granted consent for two bigger solar farms. RES development project manager Bert Devossel said the scheme would provide enough www.elm-online.co.uk energy to power 10,000 homes and save 600,000 tonnes of CO2

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February, 2024

n WHAT'S ON FEBRUARY February 6 n THORNBURY ART CLUB, Tuesday Painting Studio Group, every Tuesday at St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 1.30-4.30pm. Wednesday studio at Alveston Methodist Church Hall, 7-9.30pm, Thursday Painting Studio Group at St Mary’s Church Hall, 1.30-4.30pm. Call 01454 414433 for more details. February 6 & 20 n CIRCLE DANCING to music from around the world, traditional and modern. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 6.308.30pm. New dancers welcome, no experience or partner required. First session free. More details at vickislade1@outlook.com or call 07516 999384. February 9 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, a film from Bhutan. Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free. Guests £5. For more information visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org. February 14-17 n BRIGADOON, THE MUSICAL,

by Olveston Parish Players, Olveston Parish Hall, Tockington, 7.30pm. Musical tale of romance and suspense set in the Scottish Highlands. For tickets call 01454 202011. More information at www.facebook.com/ OlvestonParishPlayers. February 15 n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meeting at Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm. Illustrated talk by Justine Hopkins on Victorian stained glass. Further details from Sally on 0794 650 8316. February 17 n SEVERN VALLEY QUILTERS EXHIBITION, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, Thornbury, 9.30am-4pm. Sales table, tombola, refreshments. Parking available nearby; disabled Access. Admission £3 (accompanied children free). Proceeds to Cancer Research UK. For more information email severnvalleyquilters@gmail.com. February 18 n SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 4pm. Soloist: Nigel Davies (organ). Admission free, with retiring collection for the Music Fund of St Mary’s Church. More information online at www.stmarysmusic.org.

n THORNBURY LIBRARY THORNBURY Library is holding a children's 'crafts on the riverbank' event for the half-term holidays on February 16 from 10.30-11.30am. Make your riverbank crafts in the library or pick up a craft bag to enjoy at home. The Red Herrings will be performing a show, The Pirate and the Parrot, on Saturday March 2 at 2pm. Tickets will be on sale in February from the library or online at Eventbrite. Ukrainian storytime sessions take place every Monday at 4pm. Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher, shares stories, reading and more from Ukraine. 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 February 2 from 2pm-3pm: 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 9.30am. People can enjoy a free hot drink in the library every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 9.30am-4pm, 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. The library is open 9.30am-5.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday. Open access is from 8am-7.30pm every day. For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries.

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February 21 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP TALK: Toxic Mine Gases (and how to survive them) by Roger Gosling. In the Miners Institute (aka Coalpit Heath Village Hall), Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, from 7pm. More information at www.sgmrg.co.uk February 23 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents The Big Hit, French comedy drama about an actor staging a production with prisoners in a high-security jail. Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, from 7pm. Members free. Guests £5. For more information about membership visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org. February 24 n THORNBURY CHORAL SOCIETY annual choral workshop, Thornbury Baptist Church, 10am5pm. Study Elgar’s Choral pieces From the Bavarian Highlands. For more details about membership and events visit www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk. February 24 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents Where Is Mrs Christie? starring Liz Grand, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, 7.30pm. One person play written by Chris Jaegar on the story of Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance. Tickets £15 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com. February 27 n THORNBURY ART CLUB monthly club night, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 7.15pm. Impressionistic style watercolour demonstration with tutor Tim Wilmot. Visitors welcome. Nonmembers £6. Call 01454 414433 for further details.

March 2 n INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION Connect and celebrate with women and communities across Bristol, Saturday 2 March 2024, Bristol City Hall, 10am – 5pm. Over 50 workshops, all welcome, free transport, creche, interpreting and accessibility support available. For more information go to: www.bristolwomensvoice. org.uk or emailinfo@bristolwomensvoice.org.uk

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 10amnoon. 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 10.15am until 11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. For information contact Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 01454 260371. n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink. 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. Sunday n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Black Horse, Gillingstool, Thornbury, noon.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

February, 2024

n ARTS

Teenage Ukrainian piano sensation in Thornbury ARMSTRONG Arts Group is staging two concerts by an "exceptionally talented" young concert pianist who has already performed around the world at the age of 18. Khrystyna Mykhailichenko will give two recitals in Thornbury in March, raising money for Bristol Aid to Ukraine. Khrystyna was born in Simferopol, in Crimea. Her career began in early childhood when she displayed such tremendous talent that she started performing when she was only five years old. Since then, she has won international piano competitions, mastered an extensive piano repertoire, with 15 recital programmes, and been the soloist with symphony orchestras worldwide more than 40 times. Her premiere solo with the full Sevastopol Orchestra was at the age of eight. After the Russians occupied Crimea in 2014, Khrystyna’s family was forced to flee to Kyiv where she studied at the State Music Lyceum until 2022. In March 2016, after winning three international competitions in one month at the

Khrystyna Mykhailichenko performs age of 10, Khrystyna continued her studies in Kyiv with Professor Alexei Grynyuk, who said: "Khrystyna’s gift is stronger and more powerful than anyone I have ever been able to work with

Quilters exhibition SEVERN Valley Quilters are staging an exhibition of members' work at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall in Castle Court this month. The exhibition takes place on Saturday February 17 from 9.30am4pm and will raise money for Cancer Research UK. Mark Pickles from the Sewing Studio in Bath will have a stall selling his fabrics and sewing items. We will also have a sales table

Choral workshop THORNBURY Choral Society will hold our annual Choral Workshop on February 24. This will take place at Thornbury Baptist Church from 10am until 5pm and we shall be studying Elgar’s choral pieces From the Bavarian Highlands. We are always delighted to welcome new members, and feel sure that there must be many new residents who have moved into the

before. "This is a performer of the highest level." She has attended the Royal Academy of Music in London. Khrystyna will give two performances at Thornbury's United Reformed Church, in Chapel Street. The first tales place on Friday March 22 at 1pm, and features Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 4 Op 7, in E flat Major and Borys Lyatoshynsky's Shevchenko Suite. Tickets cost £12 for adults, with under-18s and students £8, and under-12s free. The second is on Saturday March 23 at 7.30pm. The programme includes Bach's French Suite No 5 in G Major BWV 816, Beethoven's Piano Sonata No 4 Op 7 in E flat Major and Schumann's Humoresque Op 20. Tickets cost £15 for adults £15, £10 for under18s and students, and are free for under-12s. For bookings email AAGThornbury@gmail.com or call 01454 850933. Jane Parfitt

Players need bagpipes

of various items and books, a tombola, and refreshments will be available. Parking is available nearby and the hall has disabled access. Admission costs £3, with accompanied children free. For more information contact severnvalleyquilters@gmail.com.

OLVESTON Parish Players are short of a vital ingredient for their Scottish musical Brigadoon - a set of bagpipes. The drama group needs a full-sized adult set of pipes for the production, which takes place at Olveston Parish Hall from February 14 to 17 at 7.30pm each evening. The bagpipes don't need to be in working order as they will be a prop. Anyone who can help can get in touch via the players' Facebook page, facebook.com/OlvestonParishPlayers, and would receive a free ticket to come and watch the show. The players say tickets are faster than usual for the show. They can be bought by calling the box office on 01454-202011.

Mary Tyler

area who are looking for a good choir to sing with. Do come and join us. After an extremely successful performance of the German Requiem by Brahms, the choral society has begun rehearsals for our spring concert on May 11. This will be a programme of music by English composers: Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs and The Benedicite, and Holst's Psalm 86 and Psalm 148. Details about membership and future events can be found on our website, www. thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.

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The cast of Brigadoon in rehearsal

Ceilidh time CHARITY water aid will benefit from a St Patrick's Ceilidh to be held in Thornbury next month. The event takes place on Saturday March 23 at 7pm in Christ the King Hall, with live music from the Third Time Lucky Ceilidh band. Whether you've never been to a ceilidh before, or are a seasoned

dancer, everyone is welcome at our family-friendly ceilidh. We'll play the m usic, we'll tell you the dances, all you need to to turn up ready for a boogie! Tickets can be bought online (£5/10) at shorturl.at/BLMY5 or you can email thirdtimelucky303@ gmail.com. More information can be found at the @thirdtimeluckyfolk Instagram and Facebook pages.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

February, 2024

The fightback against shoplifting starts now AFTER the expense of Christmas, many of us headed to the sales on the hunt for some January bargains. But a minority of people on the high street weren’t out to spot an amazing deal - they were there to rip us all off. They were the criminals who target shops, looking to steal whatever they can get away with. Shoplifting has reached epidemic proportions in the West. Locally, we’ve seen a whopping 41% increase in just 12 months. One local shopkeeper told me he’s losing £300 worth of goods every week to brazen thieves, and feels powerless. Sadly, I hear similar anecdotes from workers in stores across the region. They say nothing seems to happen even when they go to the police. Shoplifting is fast becoming a ‘free’ crime. But as shopworkers’ union USDAW reminds us, theft from shops isn’t victimless. It’s a major flashpoint for

violence and abuse against shop staff. Hard-working retailers’ livelihoods are threatened by shoplifting. That means more local stores going under and closing. And for those that stay open, we all lose out as they’re forced to raise prices to recoup costs. In short, it’s making the cost of living crisis even worse. Why have ministers given up on trying to deal with this crisis? One idea organisations like the British Independent Retailers Association have come up with is grants for shops nationwide to install security measures. In the autumn, they asked the PM to step in. Their pleas were ignored. As your Metro Mayor, I decided I had to step into the void left by government. That’s why I launched Safer Shops West, supporting independent stores in the West to install much-needed security. Shops in our patch can now apply for £2,000 towards the costs

of things like CCTV, body cams and handheld radios. I’m supporting those smaller, indie shops, without the backup of a ‘head office’, because they make our local high streets really special, and they’re on the frontline of this crisis. I’m pleased to say Safer Shops West has been backed by some big national groups. The British Independent Retailers Association say they want it replicated nationwide, and the Association of Convenience Stores is offering free advice on how best to use the funds. But while I’m doing what I can at a regional level to fix this crisis, the government also needs to get its act together. That’s why I’m calling on them to do four things: First, reverse the 2014 decision to downgrade the offence of shoplifting. Criminals know that nothing happens if they steal less than £200 of goods. It’s made things worse.

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for The Voice Second, put more neighbourhood police on the beat. We’ve lost 10,000 since 2010. Third, introduce a specific standalone offence for assaulting shop staff. And fourth, fix the cost of living crisis once and for all. It really is time to get tough on shoplifting and tough on the causes of shoplifting.

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February, 2024

n COMMUNITY NEWS JIGSAW Get Together JIGSAW Thornbury have launched a campaign to bring people together, tackling isolation and improving well-being. Anyone can host a Jolly JIGSAW Get Together to help their friends and family feel more connected, whilst raising money for JIGSAW to provide children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, and their families, a safe space to connect. All you need to do is choose a date, time, and location, get baking (or buying!) and invite your friends and family to come along with a donation. The inspiration for this campaign comes from the very special well-being breakfasts and afternoon teas, which are hosted regularly by JIGSAW Thornbury for parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs or disabilities. These events have been described as ‘a hug on

host their own get together. The funds raised at these events will help the charity to offer more opportunities for parents and carers to take time for themselves to recharge, and for children and young people to have fun trying new things in a safe space. There's more information on the jigsawthornbury.org.uk website, where you can sign up to host your event through our new online form. You can also email fundraising@jigsawthornbury.org. uk, phone, or pop in between 9.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Thursday to discuss your fundraising ideas. Julie Watson A therapy pet at the JIGSAW Get Together launch a plate’ and ‘a perfect chance to leave the world behind’. JIGSAW wants to share these well-being benefits with the whole community by encouraging as many people as possible to

Severn Vale Flower Club OUR last flower demonstration before Christmas featured Christine Ramsey from Chipping Norton.

Christine is also a speaker and runs a floral workshop. Her first arrangement was a display suitable for a windowsill, or a long mantelpiece, containing fresh foliage, white roses, and spray carnations, together with decorative baubles. A basket with a red ribbon tied around containing sand was used in her next display, with tall twigs, ivy, laurel, red carnations and red baubles. The arrangement including the basket was raffled off with the other arrangements. Our annual general meeting is on Monday February 12, at 2pm and features the Severn Vale All Stars and a competition, titled ‘From Me to You’. Our February practise class, on the 26th, is called ‘Love is in the Air’, and starts at 1.30pm. Both will be held at St Mary’s Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury. For more information, call 01453 811089 or 01454 885213. Jo Whiteman

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February, 2024

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Make 2024 the year you volunteer ARE you looking for a new opportunity and a challenge? Why not make this the year you get involved in supporting community safety? There are many opportunities to volunteer through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, including several roles we are currently recruiting for. All are crucial in helping me to effectively hold the police to account and support improvement of the service they deliver to local people. I am looking for people from a range of backgrounds, professions and experience who are passionate about ensuring the police are efficient and effective to become members of our joint audit committee (JAC). The roles are voluntary but do attract an annual payment of £2,000, plus expenses. The JAC is independent, and advises on good governance

and providing assurance on the effectiveness of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office. It assesses risks to the organisation, undertakes compliance checks and ensures good financial practices are in place and followed. You can apply for the role online here: tinyurl.com/yc2emtyc. I am also currently recruiting for independent custody visitors, who carry out unannounced inspections of police custody centres to ensure people being held in custody are aware of their rights and what they are entitled to for their well-being while detained. Volunteers sign up to do one visit per month to one of three custody centres located in Keynsham, Patchway and Bridgwater. Being arrested and taken into custody will be a moment of stress, and when people are at

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their lowest ebb. These roles are part of my legal responsibility to scrutinise the work of the police, and my custody visitor volunteers are members of the public who ensure the police provide the level of care and respect we expect. You can apply directly for this role online here: tinyurl. com/38ky3pex February 6 is Safer Internet Day, a campaign designed to remind and empower people to use the internet safely. As the national lead for Economic and Cyber Crime at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), I want to echo these sentiments and encourage everyone to practice secure internet usage, taking back control from cybercriminals. If there’s one action anyone can take, it’s using strong and unique passwords for each online account, a simple step that can

With police and crime commissioner

Mark Shelford

keep you protected. If you’ve fallen victim to a scam, know that there’s no shame in seeking support. Contact your bank immediately, and then report the scam to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or online through actionfraud. police.uk

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February, 2024

thornburyvoice

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Brunel’s SS Great Britain: tickets that last a year, memories that last a lifetime VALUE for money is more important than ever this year, especially for families. At Brunel’s SS Great Britain, buy tickets once and visit as many times as you like for a whole year. With two interactive museums and a Victorian steamship to explore, there’s more to experience than you think. There are hundreds of sights, sounds and smells to discover along with new activities for each school holiday, meaning no two days out are the same. This year’s theme of botany explores the vital role of steamships like the SS Great Britain in the global migration of plants in the Victorian era and the lasting impact on our world today. It kicks off in February half term with Victorian paper flower-making and bookmark-making, with many more family activities to come throughout 2024.

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n COMMUNITY NEWS

Thornbury Lions

EVERY junior school in Thornbury and the surrounding area has received a complete set of Wild Tribe story books, to help raise children’s awareness of issues in the environment. Each book is about how human behaviour has had an impact on the lives of different creatures, including turtles, puffins, whales, orangutans, polar bears, koala bears and honeybees. Thornbury Lions were invited to attend school assemblies at St Mary’s School, St Peter's School, Manorbrook School, Severn Beach School, Gillingstool School, St Helen’s School, Oldbury-on-Severn School, Almondsbury School, Crossways School, Olveston School, and Christ the King School, where they presented the books and made cheque donations. Kevin Simpson, Youth Officer, Thornbury Lions Club Pupils at St Peter’s Primary School, Pilning, with their new books

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

n SPORT

February, 2024

Thorns pull away from bottom of table THORNBURY Town have picked up some important points early in the year, as they continue to pull away from the bottom of the table. A trip to Gloucester to play fellow strugglers Tuffley Rovers saw Thorns earn a point from a 1-1 draw. Jim Brock gave Town the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, but Tuffley levelled four minutes into stoppage time. The next game saw Thorns give a good account of themselves away at Pershore, who had enjoyed an emphatic win when the sides met at the Mundys earlier in the season. The hosts took a two-goal lead early in the first half but a Nathan Sage header just before the break gave Town hope and it was only a string of fine saves from the Pershore keeper that prevented an equaliser as the match finished 2-1. A trip to high-flying Roman

Glass St George on Boxing Day ended in a 2-0 defeat but the final home game of 2023 saw an important 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Lydney Town. The visitors took the lead but a Marcus Wormwell penalty and a fine finish from Harry Brock saw Thorns ahead at the break. Another Wormwell strike in the second half secured all three points and Thorns' first double of the season. Town again came from behind when Hereford Pegasus were the visitors, despite being reduced to ten men in the first half. Another Wormwell penalty brought the Thorns level before a Joe Guest header from Wormwell’s free kick gave them are hard-earned 2-1 victory. Unfortunately Thornbury couldn’t make it three wins on the trot when they lost 3-1 at Cinderford. In a game that was far closer than the scoreline

suggests, Joe McLaughlin put Thorns in front but a hat trick from the Craig Norman meant they left empty handed. The result was repeated the following week at Hereford Lads Club, with Harry Brock getting Town's goal early in the second half. The Reserves had another quiet month, with two postponements and one game abandoned because of the weather. When they did play the team beat Greyfriars Athletic 5-2, with Harrison Young hitting a hat trick and Asher Budd scoring the other two. The reserves then grabbed a hard-fought 2-1 win against Nicholas Wanderers Reserves, with Young netting both goals. With games in hand on the sides above them, the reserves could be challenging for promotion again come the end of the season.

The A team are also pushing for promotion following three successive wins. A 3-2 victory at league leaders Made For Ever started the run, with goals from George Baker, Dominic Ball and Matt Chapman. That was followed by an 8-0 win at Iron Acton A, with Callum Curtis scoring a hattrick. A 4-3 victory at Oldland Abbotonians continued their good run. After seven weeks without a game due to postponements, the Under-18s lost their first game back, in mid-January, 3-1 at Mangotsfield United. George Peacock scored the consolation goal. The following week saw a much-improved performance, with the youngsters winning 3-0 at home to Cribbs Colts. Malcolm Carr

Promising progress for junior hockey teams THORNBURY Hockey Club's junior teams are making promising progress, guided by an enthusiastic band of parents and coaches under Martyn Hopkins. The teams recently took part in a wellorganised seven-a-side tournament at Yate Hockey Club. The players all enjoyed the games, against a number of other clubs from the county. A number of members of the girls' team have already experienced senior hockey in the club's second team. The U14 boys squad was Tom Allison, Harvey Balding, hat-trick specialist and golden stick James Mallinson, Isaac Reid, Gilbert Melton (captain), James Powell, goalie William Ormond, Joshua Heather and Freddie Barker. The players' player of the tournament was Tom Allison. The U14 girls squad was Erin Richards, Amalie Hopkins, Jenna Richards, Beth Edis (captain), 'golden stick' Niamh Robinson, Mati Evans, Veronica Rickard, Evie Blackham and Martha Blackham and goalie Amy Stott.

Thornbury Hockey Club's Under-12 mixed team. Back row: Freddie Barker, William Ormond and Gilbert Melton. Front row: Jacob Dean, Ben Powell, goalie Amy Stott and Lucy Barker Players' player of the tournament was Erin Richards. Thornbury's senior side have resumed matches after the Christmas break.

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The men's team are continuing to make serious progress in Concorde division 2, and are currently in the top three. Pardip Bhogal's side will hope to achieve promotion following their pleasing performances before the break. Connor Matthews and David Anderson continue to score many of the goals, whilst Theo West bagged a brace against Westbury/United Banks Wizards. Jo Deas's women's 1st team have suffered a few defeats before the break, so will be hoping to bounce back and return to winning ways. The team failed to find the net in the game against the super-fit students from Bristol University - the first time in three years they have drawn a blank. Jo Deas will hopefully recover from her knee injury, sustained at Lydney in difficult icy conditions, to return to action. The home umpires postponed the first fixtures for both 1st and 2nd teams in early January because the pitch did not thaw sufficiently following overnight frosts. David Parry-Jones

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

February, 2024

n LETTERS

Is singing group needed?

THE Alzheimer’s Society shut Thornbury's Singing for the Brain singalong group some years ago due to a lack of resources. Singing is well-known as being both therapeutic and enjoyable for dementia sufferers. My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 18 months ago and singing groups are one of her biggest sources of enjoyment. Singalong groups are normally circular, led by a guitarist or keyboard player and it does not matter how often you make a mistake, you just carry on.

Before I look for a leader and a venue in Thornbury, I'm trying to establish if the demand for such a group exists. The big advantage of singing over traditional memory cafes is everyone gets to participate and enjoys the moment - and if 15 minutes later they can't remember, it matters not. I would ask the carers of dementia sufferers who consider that such a singalong group in the town would be a goer to contact me at peterdavey2802@gmail.com. Peter Davey, Thornbury

Shall we dance?

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Thornbury for over 25 years but you may know nothing about it. You dance to music from around the world, both traditional and modern choreographies – you will hear music and rhythms you have never experienced, and of course make new friends. You do not need any dance experience or a partner and it is suitable for adults of all ages. The best way to find out what it's about is to come along! We dance at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall in Castle Court, on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm - the first session is free. Our February dates are the 6th and 20th For more information email vickislade1@ outlook.com or phone 0751 6999384 Janet Haigh

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