Thornbury Voice January 2022

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

January, 2022 Issue 56

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School gets active Cancer message

A THORNBURY man diagnosed with cancer is urging anyone who notices changes in their body to get them checked out.

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'Start again' call on High Street

THORNBURY'S new residents' association has called on South Gloucestershire Council to go back to the drawing board with its changes to the town's High Street.

PAGE 3 PUPILS at Gillingstool Primary School in Thornbury try out their new outdoor gym. Full story: Page 11

Outrage over affordable housing cut

A DEVELOPER has been accused of breaking promises after asking to "water down" the affordable housing provided by a controversial scheme.

Prestige Homes Ltd was given permission to demolish the Alveston House Hotel next to the A38 in 2020.

The plans were approved by South Gloucestershire Council despite objections from 40

residents and the parish council.

They included complaints that only two of the 22 new homes would be classed as 'affordable' - available for social rent or shared ownership schemes.

Now the developer has asked for permission to change the plans again.

Turn to page 4

Builders move in

WORK is underway on a 336home development on the eastern edge of Thornbury which was the subject of planning rows – with houses on sale for up to £732,000 each.

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Swimarathon returns THORNBURY'S charity Swimarathon, one of the town's biggest fundraising events, will be back in 2022.

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January, 2022

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February deadline

Our February edition deadline is January 19.

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Jenny Dennis as Widow Twanky and Peter James as Abanazar.

Your views

Appetite for panto

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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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

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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

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

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

A member of the

A THORNBURY drama group says its first panto in two years could sell out.

Octopus Drama Group is staging Aladdin at Christ the King Church Hall in Castle St from January 11 to 14 at 7.30pm, and on January 15 at 11am and 3pm.

Group spokesperson Jenny Dennis, who will play Widow Twanky in the show, said the group was hoping for "a complete sell-out", with some performances already fully booked after going on sale at the start of December.

Tickets are being sold at Thornbury Garden Shop on the High Street, priced £8 for adults and £6 for under-18s.

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January, 2022

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'Start again on High Street changes' THORNBURY'S new residents' association has called on South Gloucestershire Council to go back to the drawing board over changes to the town's High Street.

The Thornbury Town and District Residents Association (TTADRA) has also called on Metro Mayor Dan Norris not to release up to £4.6 million in funds from the West of England Combined Authority, which the council has asked for to fund permanent changes to the road, without "proper full, thorough and fair consultations".

A ban on through traffic on the High Street, first brought in as a temporary measure in 2020, has sparked petitions, public meetings and the formation of TTADRA. The council announced in November that buses would be allowed back, but told the Voice it was unable to confirm a date

for their return or the "specific routes" involved.

A spokesperson said the council anticipated work on the redesigned High Street would start after Easter 2022.

TTADRA told the Voice it had written to Mr Norris calling on him to reject the council's business case for the work.

The group said in a statement: "SGC need to go back right to the beginning and have proper full, thorough and fair consultations and engagement with the community, not just for the peripheral things that were up for discussion recently but really to get to grips with the fundamentals of the project.

"The existing controls on access should be discontinued and in the meantime, the High Street should return as it was before June 2020."

The group said recent

consultations held with council officers in the town had been constructive but asked "Why has it taken 18 months?"

Mr Norris said the initial £220,000 for the scheme had come from the Department for Transport, adding: "I know that South Gloucestershire was keen to spend the money they had been given by government but the rush-job does not appear to have given an outcome that is acceptable to huge numbers in the community."

Mr Norris said an outline business case had been submitted to WECA "identifying a potential funding ask of £4.6m".

He said a decision as to whether to approve the business case or not could be taken at a committee meeting of the combined authority, at which point people would have the chance to make statements on

it.

He said: "I have said that I cannot agree to further funding unless there has been a full, respectful consultation."

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: "We have carried out a wide range of consultation and engagement for Thornbury High Street to gather and understand people’s views, and all comments received have been considered during the adaption of the interim measures and the design of the final vision for the High Street.

"We have continued to engage with residents and businesses throughout and have made a number of changes to improve accessibility and address concerns raised."

More information about TTADRA and its work can be found online at www. thornburyresidents.org.

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Thornbury High Street's 'yarn bomb' Christmas decoration.

Crochet Christmas A GROUP of knitting fans have created a 'yarn bomb' Christmas decoration for Thornbury high Street.

The decoration, which popped up on a postbox outside the Co-op in December, includes Father Christmas, snowmen, a decorated tree and presents.

It is accompanied by a message from "We Three Knitters", saying: "Merry Christmas, Thornbury.

"We hope our creation brings you a smile."

People are being encouraged to share pictures with the hashtag #random acts of crochet kindness.

The 'guerilla knitting' project was planned in secret by three residents.

Trevor Jones, who took our picture, said: "I must say it certainly brightened up the High Street.

"I thought it was brilliant that they would do such a thing."

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Developer accused of 'broken promises' From page 1

It now wants to classify the two homes as 'First Homes', which are sold for 70% of open market value, or make a £200,000 contribution to affordable housing elsewhere.

Asking South Gloucestershire Council's planning department to modify its legal commitments, the developer's agent, Stokes Morgan, said: "Having largely completed the build contract, the developer has identified that the scheme with the provision of 10% affordable housing places him in financial difficulties.

"This is not unexpected because the viability submitted with the application showed the scheme struggling to make sufficient development profit, given the high existing use value of the former hotel.

"However build costs have risen significantly which has compounded the problems with the development making it very

difficult to deliver the affordable housing."

The agent's letter says ten of the new homes have already been sold for a total of £3.3 million, with the remaining nine expected to make another £3.15m.

But they say the total cost of building the site has risen by at least 10% in the past 18 months, to £4.9m, on top of other costs.

The agent said: "The scheme as approved currently runs at a deficit of £2.29 million and it is reasonable to request that the s106 Planning Agreement be modified."

Alveston Parish Council's planning committee has issued a statement to "strongly object", saying that its members "construe this as a deception on the part of the developer".

The council statement added: "Affordable housing is much in demand by local people and the original application was granted based on five affordable houses, which was then subject to a

reduction to two houses, which was approved.

"Now this application is looking to deprive residents further by watering down the two remaining “affordable” homes to ‘First Time’ housing (they fetch more than affordable homes) or the payment of £200,000 for the provision of off-site affordable housing.

"In business there is always a risk involved with any venture and it is unfortunate for the construction company that the modern climate has created a reduction in margins, however this excuse is not a suitable reason to further break promises and obligations made during the planning process to district councillors and residents of the parish."

South Gloucestershire councillor Matthew Riddle, whose Severn Vale ward includes Alveston, said: “I am very concerned about this attempt to further water down

Matthew Riddle of the development’s affordable housing offering through the new viability report and have made representations to the council to oppose this.

"South Gloucestershire Council has an excellent record of delivering of affordable housing in our communities, having provided almost half of the total number for the West of England area in 2019/20, and I am keen to see this continue.”

The council must now consider the application.

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January, 2022

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Work is underway at the site

Bulldozers break ground for 336 new homes WORK is underway on a 336-home development on the eastern edge of Thornbury.

Miller Homes won approval for the final detailed designs of the Cleve Park site, which it has now renamed Cleve Wood, from South Gloucestershire Council in October.

Bulldozers and builders had started work on the site by the end of the following month.

A spokesperson for Miller Homes could not give a completion date for the project but houses on the development have already gone on sale, with prices on the company's website ranging from £400,000 for a three-bed detached house with a single garage to £732,000 for a five-bed detached house with a double garage.

The development will also include 123 affordable homes for social rent or shared ownership schemes, which are being built with Sovereign Housing Association.

Miller Homes describes the development, off Morton Way, as an "upcoming neighbourhood...with close links to Bristol, Newport and Gloucester".

The company says it is spending £1.6million on community services, highways and green spaces for Thornbury and the surrounding area.

It says it is also including transport links and outdoor recreation spaces as part of the build, alongside a woodland management scheme to protect trees and "deliver long-term sustainability".

Miller Homes West Midlands operations director Martyn Grimes said: "We can easily see why Thornbury has consistently been recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK and we are delighted to be starting work on this latest neighbourhood.

"We’ve been working closely with the local council and residents to ensure that the new development will be sympathetic to its surroundings.

"As well as being grateful for their feedback, we have also been inspired by their passion and pride for their local community."

The development is being built after a long planning battle, which saw outline plans approved on appeal in 2018, when an inspector overturned a decision by South Gloucestershire Council to reject the plans for the site.

There was further controversy surrounding changes to the plans approved in October, with residents insisting they “breach” conditions set by the inspector at the appeal.

Miller homes bought the site from another developer after the appeal.

The original outline consent included conditions governing the height of the houses to be built on the prominent site, which at 22 hectares (54 acres) is around the same size as 17 football pitches.

Opponents, including campaign group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development, insisted “almost half” the proposed properties exceeded the height restrictions.

LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages

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Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.

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Graham and Sue switch off lights for last time AS they take down the last of the 50,000 light bulbs outside their home in Almondsbury in January, Graham and Sue Hawkes can congratulate themselves on a job well done.

After 15 years of lighting up their home in Cope Park each December, attracting thousands of visitors and raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity, they are moving away.

Graham, a forklift operator, said they had raised almost £60,000 over that time.

As the Voice went to press he estimated they were on track to raise £10,000 this Christmas, on a par with 2019.

Last year the pandemic prevented them from raising more than half that amount.

Graham said: "We had to turn the lights off – they were attracting too many people and putting everyone's health at risk.

"This year, I can't tell you how many people were there for the switch-on, seven hundred, probably.

Graham and Sue Hawkes outside their home in Almondsbury.

"We handed out mulled wine and hot chocolate and tray after tray of mince pies."

Because he uses low-wattage LED bulbs, Graham estimates it costs just £4 a night to illuminate the house, much less than it did when he started out.

Paul's Place, the Coalpit Heath-based charity which supports disabled adults, has been a major recipient of the funds raised by the Hawkes

family, as has St Peter's Hospice.

Graham said: "My brother-inlaw had a really bad stroke and they have been brilliant to him."

Paul's Place chief executive, Daniel Cheeseman, said: "Words cannot really express how in awe we are of Graham and Sue for the fantastic fundraising contribution that they have made to Paul’s Place.

"It has meant so much to us, as a local charity supporting

disabled adults. My annual visit to the lights has become a highlight of my Christmas calendar and I know this is the same for many families."

Despite the success of the light show, Graham says he'll appreciate not spending four or five weeks each November installing lights all over his home.

He said: "I would love to carry on but I'm nearing 60 and it's time to slow down."

Graham and Sue are retiring and downsizing, as their four children have left home. Their new neighbours in Cornwall have a year to prepare for the house next door being lit up next Christmas.

To donate to the Paul's Place appeal online, visit justgiving. com/fundraising/cope-parkchristmas-lights2.

To donate to the St Peter's Hospice appeal, visit justgiving. com/fundraising/cope-parkchristmas-lights3.

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Lights brighten the future for Thornbury charity KIM and Kieran Jefferies are bringing light to the winter darkness in Thornbury's Eastland Avenue – and helping two charities at the same time.

Kieran & Kim. For the fourth year in a row, no fewer than 30,000 light bulbs have burned brightly each day between 4.30pm and 9.30pm on the house of a family who describe themselves as "Christmas-crazy."

Kim, a mother of four girls, said: "We love to spread Christmas joy for people of all ages."

The Jefferies' annual light show, which runs until January The Jefferies lights in Eastland Avenue, Thornbury 3, helps to raise money for two charities: Cancer Research UK Thornbury with their wonderful someone affected by cancer. and Jigsaw Thornbury, which Christmas lights fundraiser.

"We also wanted to support "This will be the third year supports families with children a local charity and Jigsaw they have supported us. It has who have disabilities and Thornbury is fantastic, helping been great to see their displays additional needs. families who have additional develop and attract more people.

Kim said: "Family members needs."

"The money they generate Jigsaw chief executive Tor have recovered from – and for Jigsaw Thornbury will be Goodman said: "We are so passed away from – cancer. put towards our family holiday grateful 21:14 to the Jefferies It affects around one in two 1 15/09/2020 WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout Page 1 family activities, which allows families for continuing to support Jigsaw people, so most everyone knows

to get out together and try different experiences that they may not otherwise have the confidence to attend on their own.

"This reduces the isolation that they may experience due to having a child with disabilities and/or additional needs. It provides an opportunity for them to socialise with others in a similar position."

Last year the Jefferies raised more than £2,000.

Donations can be made at the house or via a mobile phone QR code available on the Jefferies Lights Thornbury Facebook page.

Kieran says it takes around six weeks to put up the lights, which cost around three pounds a day to run.

They start work to put them back up again in late October.

Kim said: "We'll continue our display every year, for as long as possible."

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January, 2022

Cancer survivor shares his story THORNBURY man Phil Hunt is sharing his experience of being diagnosed and treated for pancreatic cancer, urging anyone who notices changes in their body to get them checked out.

AS a moderately overweight but otherwise fit and healthy 70 year old, I thought I was invincible and would live for ever.

Two years ago my urine started going a darker colour. I supposed I had an infection and was able, as a pharmacist, to treat this with a short course of antibiotics. It did not improve and, over the next few days, I began feeling nauseous.

Fortunately, I was due for my annual health review with the practice nurse, so I took along a very red urine sample. She said there was protein present but it

Phil Hunt needed a repeat. Two days later I took in another sample and had a telephone consultation with my doctor. Blood samples were taken. After the results came back the surgery contacted the hospital to try and get me admitted.

I was called in to hospital the same day. Nil by mouth overnight, I then had an ultrasound followed by a CT

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scan.

I had talked with one of the doctors about the options. It was likely either to be gall stones blocking the bile duct or cancer.

Gall stones are usually very painful, and I was in no pain.

The CT result confirmed a 24mm Stage 2 pancreatic cancer.

I was kept in for a few days, and they performed an ERCP, a procedure to try to unblock the bile duct and try to relieve the symptoms caused by bilirubin, which was turning me yellow and causing uncontrollable itching all over my body.

I was also booked for a PET scan which showed that, fortunately, there was very little spread to lymph nodes beyond the actual pancreas.

This all occurred just before Christmas, so it was no great surprise that surgery was delayed until after the New Year. I was given information, asked to attend a seminar about pain relief and tested to confirm I was well enough to be operated on.

The surgery proposed, known as a Whipple procedure (to remove tumours from the head of the pancreas) is rare and only done at two centres in the South West, so I attended Bristol Royal Infirmary on January 7, 2020.

The operation took all day from about 10.30am until around 8.00pm.

Things did not go smoothly.

After a full day in intensive care it was decided that I had sepsis and was taken back into theatre and cleaned out, then given very powerful antibiotic and antifungal medicines. This is a risk when cutting open multiple intestinal tubes.

I was in intensive care for

about 10 days, and then moved to an individual ward as I was still an infection risk. In all I was in hospital for about nine weeks.

Take heart that this is much longer than most: my experience was rare.

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to go home just before the first COVID-19 wave.

I doubt I would have had the immunity to combat a covid infection at the time.

I was still on an infusion antibiotic, with the district nurses coming in every day for another 10 days.

I then had a struggle with the pancreatic drains which stubbornly refused to dry up, delaying the start to the back-up chemotherapy, which is recommended post-op.

Eventually they did dry up and chemo started in July 2020, running for six months. This is not the best experience as it caused dreadful fatigue as well as nausea, vomiting and bowel problems.

Gradually, after chemo finished I started feeling stronger and more alert. Since then I have been working again in the pharmacy and doing the business paperwork without any great effort.

Since the surgery I have found my blood sugar is constantly a little high and may need insulin.

I have also lost quite a lot of weight, about 20Kg (over 3st) and am no longer overweight.

The Whipple cuts away part of your stomach and I now find I really can’t eat anything like as much as before.

Although I have found this experience humbling in many ways, I consider myself a fortunate survivor of what is so often a dreaded cancer.

My first symptoms could have been ignored. My advice is to be constantly alert to anything which feels ‘odd’ to you. Do not ignore any changes and insist that they are investigated. Don’t be one of those whose condition is not recognised until it is too late. *Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of the just under 8% - up from 3% in 2010.

For more information visit the website pancreaticcanceraction. org.

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Railway station plans move forward PLANS to open a new railway station near Thornbury have moved a step closer to reality after £2.9 million of funding was agreed.

The cash will pay to develop a full business case to open Charfield railway station, plans for which are currently open to public consultation.

The South Gloucestershire Council and Network Rail bid was agreed at a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority in December as part of a £50m green recovery fund for the region, which also includes a £23.65m project for a new main entrance to Bristol Temple Meads.

It had originally been due for agreement in October but the original meeting was called off amid a row between Metro Mayor Dan Norris and council leaders, including South Gloucestershire's Toby Savage, over Mr Norris's veto powers.

Even the December

How the planned new station could look. Image: Network Rail meeting included a 90-minute adjournment to thrash out differences behind the scenes.

Tensions had been high going into the meeting, with Mr Norris accusing council leaders of adding a “wish-list” of “unrelated projects” and that the leaders accusing him of causing division and trying to calm choppy waters by “turning on a wave machine”.

Cllr Savage and Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall welcomed the securing of money to progress the scheme, which would connect the new station, around seven miles from Thornbury, with northbound and southbound services to Bristol and Gloucester.

Cllr Savage said: "Investing in public transport has to be a

key part of our green economic recovery and I am delighted that we have been able to secure this funding to take our plans for a brand-new rail station in Charfield to the next level."

Mr Hall added: “It is vital that we do all we can to keep our rural communities connected and I am committed to working with the Council to help keep our region moving.”

The aim of the scheme is to improve access to jobs, education and services, and enable more sustainable travel to and from the village and surrounding area.

The new station would have two platforms linked by a pedestrian footbridge, a public transport interchange, covered cycle parking and car parking.

A 12-week consultation on the proposals runs until January 10.

For more information visit consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ charfieldstation or call 01454 868000.

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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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Penalty shoot-out helps fund school sports

New double yellows planned

A THORNBURY school has revamped its sports facilities thanks to grants, donations – and a penalty shoot-out organised by a Year 6 pupil.

Gillingstool Primary School has been developing its outdoor facilities to match its modern building, as the pandemic adds to an emphasis on more activities in the open air.

New playground designs were created after pupils spent time in class coming up with ideas about how to improve the outdoor areas, with their suggestions reviewed by the school council and leaders.

The school then used its government Primary PE and Sport Premium grant, a donation from non-profit health insurer WPA Healthcare and community contributions via Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme to fund a new outdoor gym area with robust equipment and new markings on the playground.

Head teacher Caroline Carter

RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on plans to increase the number of double-yellow lines in Alveston.

South Gloucestershire Council is proposing a revamp of parking restrictions on 17 roads in the village, including the A38 Gloucester Road, Beanhill Crescent, Costers Close, Courville Close, David's Lane, Down Road, Downs Close, Forty Acre Lane, Greenhill Down, Greenhill Road, Paddock Gardens, Quarry Mead, Quarry Road, Stoney Stile Road, The Down, Vattingstone Lane and Wolfridge Ride.

Explaining the plans, the council said it had received "many communications relating to parking issues" in the village.

The plans can be viewed on the consultations section of the council's website, with comments open until January 7.

People who are not online can call 01454 868004 for more information.

Action from the fundraising penalty shoot-out

said: "The children in Key Stage 2 have been loving it.

"Not only are they improving their fitness but the levels of cooperation and turn-taking on the playground have been amazing, as children wait patiently for their friends to finish exercising before moving onto another piece of equipment."

Year 6 pupil and keen footballer Freddie May and a group of his friends decided to help buy some new football goals

by holding a sponsored penalty shoot-out for the whole school, which raised more than £200.

Mrs Carter said: "It was a fabulous day. Our new goals will be on the school field ready for the spring and our football club can not wait to get scoring.

"I am so proud of Freddie and his team. They are a great example for the children at Gillingstool. It wonderful to see such initiative and in a way that benefits the whole school.”

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A job that matters

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Join our teams of amazing local care workers Whether you are looking for a fresh challenge or a job to fit around other commitments, a role in care could be for you. A range of local jobs are available:

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Katherine is a support worker helping adults with learning disabilities. She fits her job around being a mum.

Casey visits people’s homes as a domiciliary care worker. She’s also studying for her NVQs in health and social care.

Residential care workers

Glenn, South Gloucestershire

Glenn works in a residential home.

After 10 years of office work, he loves the difference he’s making to people’s lives.

To find out more, get in touch with our Proud to Care Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire teams. We work closely with care providers across the area and can help you explore your options, explain the opportunities available and introduce you to employers.

Everyone is welcome, with or without experience, as we’ll offer all the relevant training and support.

www.beproudtocare.co.uk

thornburyvoice

January, 2022

13

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Swimarathon is back Shoppers support radio AS for most organisations, 2020 and 2021 have been challenging years.

However, despite the difficulties, Thornbury Rotary Club has managed to continue with its programme of local, national and international support, with substantial help from the community. In 2021 the popular Swimarathon had to be cancelled because of covid, so the club introduced the Thornbury Walkathon, a safer event under the circumstances.

We were delighted with the take-up by the community, with many groups taking part. The principal beneficiary was JIGSAW Thornbury, which supports families with children up to 25 years old who have additional needs or disabilities, and received an award of £3,000 from Rotary. Thornbury Rotary has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary during 2021 and is pleased to have been able to remain very active during this special year.

The club is particularly delighted to announce the return of the Swimarathon for 2022, on March 4, 5 and 6.

The main charities being supported are Made a Mark, which makes memories for bereaved children and Children’s Hospice South West. More details of these charities can be found at their websites madeamarkcharity. com and www.chsw.org.uk.

Other local charities and good causes will also benefit.

For entry forms and more details visit www.ThornburyRotary. org, which has a link to the JustGiving page for sponsoring teams and individuals.

President Paul Glover would like to thank organisations and individuals who have continued to support Rotary during the year and he would like to extend, on behalf of the club, very best wishes to everyone for the festive period and for a safe and prosperous 2022.

Adrian Dennis, Rotary Club of Thornbury

THORNBURY'S community-run radio station has received a donation from the town's Co-op.

Thornbury Radio has received just over £840 from the Co-op Local Community Fund, which will go towards the station's running costs, which include broadcast David Wrench, Director of Thornbury Radio, receives the donation from staff at Co-op Thornbury. licences, transmission, broadband, insurance, technical equipment and training.

The fund comes from money spent by Co-op members, with 1p from every pound spent on selected Co-op goods allocated to support local causes.

Thornbury Radio director Nigel Lane said: "The last 18 months have been really challenging for small, charitable groups like ours. The pandemic has drastically affected our fundraising efforts, so we’re grateful to have this partnership with the local Co-op."

The station is run by a non-profit community interest company with volunteer staff and has been broadcasting on 105.1 and 107.5 FM since June.

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thornburyvoice

14

n NEWS

January, 2022

Jessica, 7, raises dementia awareness A SCHOOLGIRL from Charfield is raising funds and awareness for charity Alzheimer’s Society.

Seven-year-old Jessica Webster, who has autism and ADHD, visited 15 London landmarks in six hours as part of the charity's pre-Christmas Elf Day in December.

Along with mum and dad Eve and Ian, Jessica, a pupil at Tortworth primary school, donned festive elf ears, tights and jingly shoes to join thousands of fundraisers who found festive ways to help change the lives of people living with dementia.

Jessica’s grandad, Tony, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in August.

Her mum, Eve, said: “I knew it was going to be some sort of dementia, but I wasn’t really prepared. I was devastated. I still am. At the moment Dad has good and bad days with confusion, and some are worse than others.

“Jessica is struggling a bit to understand. She has autism and

Jessica Webster with her grandad Tony, who has dementia can’t process things as well. We tell her 'he won’t get better, but he’ll always be your grandad and loves you dearly'.”

The family are finding it a challenge to get the right care in place for Tony, who lives in Warmley. Displaying a poster she made saying ‘dementia doesn’t care, but we should’, Jessica did a talk on dementia in front of a local WI group. She is now planning to do talks at other WI groups.

In September the family

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raised £330 by doing the Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk in Bristol and Jessica came up with the idea of dressing up as elves when they visited London to see the musical Frozen.

Eve said: "We all found the elf challenge was difficult but lots of fun. We hit 15 landmarks in the six hours.

"We are super proud of Jessica with everything she is doing to help people with dementia. In her words, ‘dementia doesn’t care but we

should’.”

Eve has set up a JustGiving page, using Jessica's words, where people can make a donation for the family's festive challenge at www.justgiving. com/fundraising/eve-webster2.

The Alzheimer's Society says the UK's 850,000 people living with dementia, and their carers, have been badly hit by coronavirus and are facing having to cope with an unmanageable and irreversible decline in their loved ones.

The charity provides information and support, funds research, campaigns to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by the condition.

Area manager, Lorna Robertson, said: “We are in awe of our amazing supporters like Jessica and their efforts to spread cheer and raise money for Alzheimer’s Society."

More information is available at alzheimers.org.uk.

Have you heard about Shared Lives yet?

It’s a bit like foster care – but for an adult. As a Shared Lives carer, you will be paid to support adults who need a little extra help from your own home.You’ll help them to achieve their goals and support them to live independently, helping them live their life, their way.

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“I’m proud to be a Shared Lives carer because I believe that everyone deserves to be happy and be themselves, regardless of who they are and that’s exactly what Shared Lives does -placing people in homes with families where they are cared for, loved and respected.” - Kwame, Shared Lives carer

Find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer on our website: www.ategi.co.uk or email us on carerapplication.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

January, 2022

thornburyvoice

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Orchestra returns after two years THORNBURY Orchestra members are preparing to stage their first live concert before an audience in more than two years.

The concert at St Mary's Church in Berkeley on January 23 comes after a series of challenges from coronavirus restrictions.

Spokesperson Ken Mitchell said: "During lockdown the orchestra kept in tune by holding virtual practices on Zoom.

"These are nowhere near as much fun as the real thing, but at least we get to see and hear the music and we can each play along at home.

"For the last three or four months we have been indebted to St Helen's Church in Alveston where we have been holding-socially distanced rehearsals. The layout of the church and space between players have meant that those at the back of the orchestra are a long-way from the conductor which introduces its own challenges of 'keeping together', due to the time delay from front to back.

"As summer moved into autumn and winter, the need to keep the doors open has resulted in an ever-increasing number of coats, blankets and flasks being on show during rehearsals.

"However, any challenges are greatly outweighed by the pleasure of making music as a group again and we very much hope we can continue to meet together over the coming months."

The concert will feature a selection of popular classics, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Pomp and Circumstance, Mozart's Magic Flute and Vaughan Williams.

All proceeds will go to Thornbury-based charity Brain Tumour Support.

Tickets cost £8 for adults, with free entry for children, and are available online at www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk or on the door at the concert, which is due to start at 4pm.

15

Journeyman back on stage

Dave Walker-Cornes, Wendy Withers, Calum Sharp, Sarah Wiggins, Ian Cornes and Alice Walton on stage.

JOURNEYMAN Theatre Productions welcomed theatre goers back to Thornbury Methodist Church Hall with the premiere of My Angel.

A romantic comedy written by award-winning Thornbury playwright Tony Domaille, it featured Sarah Wiggins as the mistake-prone apprentice guardian angel, trying to help save a downtrodden suicidal man, played

by Calum Sharp, from himself, his hellish mother (Wendy Withers) and the schemes of his estranged wife (Alice Walton).

Dave Walker-Cornes and Ian Cornes completed the cast for November's performance, expertly directed by Phil Domaille with support from a strong stage management, lighting and sound team. Front of house did a sterling job to apply the necessary measures that have become a factor of life in enclosed spaces.

David Wrench

St Marys CE VA Primary School

Lunchbreak Supervisor Start date: As soon as possible.

Hours: 6 hours and 40 minutes per week, 1 hour and 20 minutes per day, Monday to Friday, Term time only.

Salary: Hay 13 (£2,798 per annum) We are looking for an enthusiastic and reliable person to join our lunchbreak team. Duties will include supervising the children in the dining hall and playground, putting away tables and chairs.

The person appointed will: • Be able to work in a team • Support the Christian ethos of the school • Be reliable • Able to communicate well with children.

For further information and an application form, please see website stmarysthonrbury.com) email or telephone the School: 01454 866760 or stmarysthornbury@sgmail.org.uk Closing date for applicants is 31st January 2021.

Come and join our lovely team

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

16

n WHAT'S ON January 8

n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE PRESENTS THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON at Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall. Doors 7pm, film starts 7.30pm. Members free, guests £5. For more information about membership visit www. thornburypicturehouse.org.

January 11 to 15 n OCTOPUS DRAMA GROUP PRESENTS ALADDIN at Christ the King Church Hall, Castle Street, 7.30pm Tuesday to Friday, 11am and 3pm on Saturday. Tickets from Thornbury Garden Shop, High Street, priced £8 for adults and £6 for under-18s.

January 23 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP concert to welcome Thornbury's

January, 2022

thornburyorchestra.org.uk or on the door.

new baby grand piano, United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 3pm. Performances from musicians of all ages in two halves, each of 30 minutes or so, followed by refreshments. Covid considerations will be in place.

Tickets £5 for adults, free for under16s, by email from AAGThornbury@ gmail.com or ringing 01454 850 933.

January 24 n ST PETERS HOSPICE SEVERNSIDE SUPPORT GROUP Winter Warmer lunch, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 1pm: cottage pie (or vegetarian option) and crumble followed by tea/ coffee. Tickets £10 per person from St Peters Hospice Shop, Thornbury High Street, from January 6.

January 23 n THORNBURY ORCHESTRA CONCERT, St Mary's Church, Berkeley, 4pm. A selection of popular classics from Pirates of the Caribbean to Pomp and Circumstance, Mozart's Magic Flute and Vaughan Williams. Tickets £8 adults, children free: all proceeds to the Brain Tumour Support charity. Tickets online at www.

January 26 n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY talk by Philip Ashford: Gloucestershire and the Berkeley Estate in Virginia. Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. £3 charge per person to include tea or coffee.

Current covid regulations will

apply. Wear a mask to your seat and bring a coat as extra ventilation will be required. Meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

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 23-26 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.

REGULAR EVENTS TH

Monday

OR

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UR

Y

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

MONDAY - SATURDAY 11:30AM - 2pM & 4:30pM - 9pM SUNDAY 4:30pM - 9pM 26A High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AH

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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. 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.

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

thornburyvoice

January, 2022

17

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

Estate Planning: the cost of being unprepared ESTATE planning is about you deciding what you would like to happen to everything you own on your death and how to provide for those you’ll leave behind. Ensuring your affairs are in order not only makes things easier for your loved ones but can also reduce inheritance tax and protect your estate for your beneficiaries.

The first step to estate planning is often to make a valid Will. A staggering 60% of adults in the UK don’t have one! If you die without this, your estate will be subject to The Rules of Intestacy which don’t

allow for your wishes. An oftenoverlooked reason for preparing a Will is to make the estate administration process as clear and straightforward as possible.

Take time to choose the most appropriate executor(s) to deal with your estate. Faced with a wide range of actions required in the immediate aftermath of a death, and as executors are often close relatives, having this extra responsibility can provide another great stress at an already highly emotional time.

Do you have a Lasting Power of

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Attorney agreement (LPA) in place?

Without appointing an attorney to look after your health and/ or financial affairs, you and your loved ones lose the ability to make decisions about this if you lose capacity to make them yourself.

Without an LPA, your loved ones may be faced with the costly and stressful route of dealing with the Court of Protection.

We can help you create an Estate Action Plan in 2022 with a holistic view of your circumstances to ensure you have taken steps to be prepared to reduce costs and emotional strain for your loved ones.

We have extended our services as later life planning specialists to offer: Wills, Power of Attorney,

Trusts, Investments & Pensions, Inheritance Tax Planning and Probate all under one roof.

To discuss how we can help you organise your estate and protect your assets, book your complimentary financial planning review with Chartered independent financial adviser Richard Higgs, by calling 0117 363 6212 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

18

n THORNBURY CLINIC

thornburyvoice

January, 2022

Running: Tips to keep you on track

Robyn Donno is a sports performance analysis and biokineticist at the Thornbury Clinic. Robyn has a degree in biokinetics and specialises in injury rehabilitation.

RUNNING is one of the most popular recreational activities, enjoyed by a variety of people all

over the world. With its numerous benefits, it’s no wonder many have kicked Netflix to the kerb and started pounding the pavements.

Running not only improves endurance, bone density and muscular strength, it also decreases blood pressure and improves cardiac health. The multitude of lesser-known advantages include higher immunity, decreased risk of disease and contracting viruses.

Running also assists with blood sugar regulation, lessening the risk of developing diabetes and helping control glucose levels.

Regular physical activity encourages a healthy circadian rhythm which helps to combat insomnia and promotes healing, assists with hormone regulation and has mood boosting qualities.

Many studies show physically active people have increased cognitive function and improved memory.

Nothing is more frustrating than setting out to achieve your goals, only to be set back by nasty

4 Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HB

Facilitating Recovery, Preventing Injury

niggles, aches and pains.

Here are a few tips to try and prevent injury from getting the better of you: •P rogress gradually.

Whether it’s your first time out on the road or you’re a regular treadmill warrior, always try to follow the 10-15% rule, progressing mileage gradually each week to safely increase your distance without placing too much strain on the body.

•A void the heel strike.

Heel striking increases forces affecting the ankles, knees and lower back. The repetitive impact damages internal structures such as cartilage and tendons and exposes runners to a high risk of injuries such as shin splints.

A lower impact can be achieved by practising more of a mid-foot strike.

• Warm up and cool down.

Don’t compromise on this: warming up prepares the body for physical activity by increasing core temperature, loosening joints and improving blood flow to the muscles. Dynamic stretching prepares tendons and muscles to adapt to the stresses of exercise.

Cooling down allows the body to return to its pre-exercise state.

The core temperature decreases and blood is no longer shifted to the extremities. An effective cool down promotes recovery and decreases post workout stiffness.

• Change your shoes regularly.

Running shoes are specifically designed to perform a purpose and the more mileage done, the more changes to their structure, including a decrease in the shoe’s ability to absorb impact and provide the support your

foot needs. Using an old pair of shoes affects posture and overall running style which can promote and cause injury. Keep track of your mileage. Shoes should generally be replaced every 300500 miles.

• Strength training is very important.

Depending on where and how you run, certain muscles and body structures may be more stimulated than others. This can cause muscular imbalances, and damage to cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Regular strength training can improve the body’s ability to withstand stress and correct any imbalances. The stronger the body, the less likely you are to experience setbacks.

The best way to limit the risk of incurring injury is to understand your personal running style, including stride length, arm cycle, foot strike, knee drive, torso rotation and head position.

The most effective way to assess all these components is through a running gait analysis.

This is done with biomechanical assessment programs, motion analysis equipment and video motion capturing data.

We are privileged to have this equipment at the Thornbury Clinic Active site where, after placing our specialised motion analysis inserts into your shoes we will take you through the data and video footage, then develop a personalised gym program designed to address and enhance your unique gait cycle.

If you’d like to try it you can contact us at www. thethornburyclinic.co.uk or call 01454 838366.

L & J Gulwell Treatments we offer include: Sports injury treatment Injury assessment & treatment Sports massage • Relaxation massage Pregancy massage • Clinical Psychology

Tel: 01454 838 366

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

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Family Funeral Directors 1 Quaker Lane, Thornbury Bristol BS35 2AD Tel: 01454 418779 Fax: 01454 419764 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

January, 2022

19

n COMMUNITY NEWS

These pictures from Thornbury Camera Club show what can be achieved

Club's pictures have the 'wow' factor THORNBURY Camera Club members have organised a beginners' course to share some of the secrets to taking great pictures.

And the club has shared some impressive images to show photographers what they can take with a trained eye.

Club member Steve Wells said: "Have you ever looked at an image and thought 'wow'!

"More to the point, have you ever wondered how you could improve your photos to get that 'wow' factor?

"You can, easily."

The club's beginner’s course in photography includes instruction on how to use your camera, composition and how to look critically at an image, and how to be creative.

The course will run for six evenings from February 3 to March 10 at Turnberries Community Centre.

The cost of £75 per person also includes six

months' membership of the club.

Anyone who is interested should contact Mike Ashfield by email at course. thornburycameraclub@gmail.com.

n LOCAL MP

Stay on guard against unsustainable developments AT the start of this New Year, some of the questions surrounding housing development proposals around South Gloucestershire remain an issue for our community.

South Gloucestershire Council are continuing to consider their Local Plan, which will set out the plans for further expansion of housing across South Gloucestershire.

At the same, the West of England Combined Authority will be working on its own housing proposals and regional plan.

We must therefore remain on guard against the inappropriate and unsustainable proposal to build a 3,000-house ‘Buckover

Garden Village’ on the fringe of Thornbury.

As both a local man and MP, I have campaigned fiercely against the proposal to slap such a vast extension onto the edge of Thornbury.

Together, we have surveyed Thornbury and Alveston to demonstrate the complete lack of community support for the Buckover plan, held debates in Parliament, raised the issues repeatedly with ministers and helped ensure that the Government did not support Buckover.

I will continue to make the case that Buckover is an unsustainable proposal, with

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

the A38 as its High Street and a near-total reliance on Thornbury’s schools, transport network and, crucially, our health services.

I know that sometimes it feels like whatever we say, political decisions continue unchanged regardless, but we have proved through this campaign that is not so.

Though we should be proud as a community that we have so far defeated the plans, I have always warned that we must be on alert for similar plans to reemerge.

I urge everyone who has backed my campaign on Buckover not to lose faith and continue fighting alongside me to see this

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

through. As South Gloucestershire Council and WECA discuss our housing plans again, we must be ready to make the arguments again. I certainly am.

It is a huge privilege to represent one of the most beautiful towns anywhere in the country.

If there is ever anything I can help with, please do not hesitate to get in touch at luke.hall.mp@ parliament.uk.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

20

January, 2022

n SPORT Thornbury 43-17 Bridgwater & Albion THORNBURY recovered from a slow start to run in six tries against Bridgwater and notch up their fourth win in succession.

Bridgwater took a secondminute lead from a penalty in front of the posts but Thornbury's pressure eventually told and after several attempts to break through close to the line, Jak Evans dummied the defence and shrugged off a tackle to score. The conversion was missed but Thorns were ahead 5-3.

Bridgwater regained the lead when Thorns over-threw at a defensive lineout and prop Sam Adcock gathered the ball at the back and ploughed over. Heal converted.

Jack Pinker reduced arrears with a penalty seconds after the restart and Thorns went back in front in spectacular fashion when Tom Ford acrobatically caught the Bridgwater restart on his ‘22’. The ball was moved quickly to Jake Wood who made a half-break and found Alfie

Six of the best from Thorns

Photo: Dave Fox Richardson, who raced down the touchline, drew the cover and fed Pinker, who raced 40 metres to score a glorious try between the posts and converted, giving Thorns a lead they were never to relinquish.

Bridgwater were still in the game and caused Thornbury several problems before halftime.

But 90 seconds after the restart a sweeping move down the left saw Jake Wood hauled

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down a metre short before Jak Evans picked up the ball in support and dived over for another excellent try, converted

by Pinker from the touchline.

Bridgwater were not out of it and a converted try saw them pull the deficit back to 22-17.

But Thorns were not in the mood to let the game slip and visibly cranked up the intensity of their play, gaining a try bonus point when, from a driving lineout, Charlie Squier emerged

from under a pile of players to score. Pinker again converted.

The result was effectively decided three minutes later when Thorns pressurised Bridgwater into errors on their ‘22’ and the ball went loose, Thorns surged forward and Johnny Heaven delivered a long pass to Alfie Richardson, who ran ten metres and dived over in the corner.

Pinker again converted.

Thornbury were now full of confidence and when another attack through midfield took play behind the first line of the Bridgwater defence the ball was passed to Johnny Heaven 20m out. Thorns’ tight head burst out of the gloom, put his head down and ran flat-out for the line, crashing over for a try to the loudest cheer of the afternoon.

Once again Pinker converted.

What was another fine team performance took Thorns to fifth in the Tribute South West 1 West table.

Dave Fox

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

January, 2022

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21

n SPORT

Rocks can’t convert against Boco TYTHERINGTON Rocks met AEK Boco twice in the space of two weeks, with the first match coming away from home.

The Rocks really needed a win to secure a position midtable in the Toolstation Western League Division One, but it seems the strikers did not have their shooting boots on, with several missed opportunities in the 2-0 defeat.

Right from the off, both teams were playing some exceptional football and really impressed the crowd, with plenty of stunning ball control to go around.

The Rocks put in some beautiful passes to get behind the brick wall defence of Boco but could not score.

Meanwhile Boco's standout striker, Drondon Borns, caused all sorts of problems for the WHILE the first team has had mixed fortunes so far this season, Thornbury Town Reserves go into the Christmas break top of the Bristol & District Division 1 after a superb start.

Another three points at home to Hambrook AFC Reserves with a solid 2-0 win at the start of December ensured Town remained top of the table, six points clear of second-placed MPK Lofts ahead of their home fixture with Sea Mills Park 1sts on December 18.

The win over Hambrook was a carbon copy of the reverse leg a few weeks earlier.

Hambrook started the game brightly without causing too many problems for the hosts' defence to deal with. Cam Drew and Henry Bennett, however, were causing problems for the visitors, with both taking on their

Action from Tytherington Rocks' match against AEK Boco Rocks’ defence, scoring an absolute smasher: a perfectly timed volley just over hip height

which flew past Rocks' keeper Kyrees Johnson and seemed to fit perfectly into the top corner.

Afterwards Borns said: "It was my third game for the club and it’s quite obvious to me that the connection between the boys, on and off the field, played a huge part in today's win, that and the physicality we brought to the game."

The result sent the Rocks down to 12th, putting a lot of pressure on the side before they travelled to runaway league leaders Welton Rovers, who won 3-0.

Rocks picked up a point in the return game against AEK Boco, a 2-2 draw, but as the Voice went to press they had slipped to 15th in the table, ahead of an away trip to Gillingham Town on December 18 and a derby at Almondsbury on Boxing Day. Will Primrose

Reserves rise to top of table man and getting crosses into the box.

Town took the lead in the 20th minute when Drew saw his shot saved and Matt Constable followed in for the rebound, drilling into the roof of the net.

Chances then came quickly for Town to increase their lead and Drew drove in a cross to Harrison Young, who couldn’t divert it into the goal before going close again when his header went narrowly wide from a Henry Bennett cross. Tom Manley also skimmed the post.

Town started the second half on the front foot and a change in formation gave Tom Webb extra space down the left as the Manley brothers with Mark

Viner controlled the tempo of the game in the middle.

Jake Budd had two chances to increase the lead, first having a shot smartly saved by the Hambrook keeper then missing from 6 yards when it looked easier to score.

Drew then wriggled into a yard of space in the box and bent an effort into the far corner.

Hambrook were reduced to 10 with 30 minutes left for an off-the-ball incident and town should have added more goals, dominating the game to the end.

In the dying seconds they did have the ball in the Hambrook

net again after Tom Manley pounced when the keeper failed to hold on to a shot from a free kick, only for the flag to go up for offside.

A pleasing win but the scoreline could and probably should have been more.

The First team sat 15th in the Hellenic League Premier division as the Voice went to press, following a six-match winless run which has seen them pick up just three points, in home draws against Westfields, Westbury United and Chipping Sodbury.

Simon Evans

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thornburyvoice

22

January, 2022

n SPORT

Rockhampton Rams are indoor league champions AFTER a successful preChristmas campaign, Rockhampton Cricket Club’s under-15 side have won the Damian Forders Cricket Academy indoor winter league.

Winning eight out of nine previous matches set up a highly anticipated, competitive final against Bradley Stoke, who had also only dropped one match on their way to the ‘winner takes all’ play-off for the title.

Rockhampton won the toss and put their opponents in to bat, banking on their own strength with the bat to chase down the Bradley Stoke total whilst relying on the ability of the bowling line up to restrict their opposition to an achievable score.

Despite starting strongly, Bradley Stoke’s run rate dropped in the second half of the innings and at 117 runs for 2 wickets with just two overs remaining, they were forced to throw caution to the wind in an attempt to create a defendable total, resulting in a

The winning team: Tiger Sherred-Isles, Anir Sanat, Dhilon Shathakumar, Adam Jackson, Sam Warren (manager), Jack Warren (captain) and Aaron Lee with (kneeling) Akshat Krishna and Louis Warren. score of 138 for 5, with the extra wickets falling to run-outs.

Karthick Subramanian and Jamal Khawaja put on a commendable 26 runs each, with

dependable Harry Eccott and Will Sanderson also scoring in the 20s. However, the accuracy of Rockhampton’s seam bowlers had now set the platform for

their batsmen to close down the title.

Despite an early run out of opener Akshat Krishna, Rockhampton were clinical in their batting, with season top scorer Dhilon Shathakumar hitting 27, backed up by Anir Sanat and Tiger Sherred-Isles both scoring over 20 runs.

Adam Jackson, Aaron Lee and brothers Jack and Louis Warren quickly chased down the total and closed out the game with five balls remaining, scoring 141 for 5.

The win rounded off a superb competition spanning four months and a first U15 indoor title for the Rams.

Rockhampton’s U12s reached their own DFCA winter indoor league final after a win over Golden Hill in the semi-final, the younger Rams scored 114 for 5 against the opposition’s 110 for 6.

They were due to face Winterbourne in the final after the Voice went to press.

Sam Warren

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January, 2022

n LIBRARY UPDATE Thornbury Library THORNBURY Library is now fully open for everyone, with bookable activities: Picture book family story time, January 22, 9.30am.

Lego Club, January 15 and 29, 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 activities, pop in or email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk.

23

Sight Support West of England, January 17, 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 thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk to book a space.

Library is open 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am12.30pm 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/

AERIAL MAN

libraries. n THORNBURY Library users will hear a familiar voice when they use the Open Access service when the library is not staffed.

Actor and comedian Stephen Merchant, whose TV series The Outlaws was recently a hit for BBC 1, has recorded a number of announcements for the council’s Library service, along with a video highlighting the importance of libraries, which can be found on the council's YouTube channel.

The Hanham-born star said he wanted to highlight the library's "power to change lives through reading".

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