THE cast of Octopus Drama Group's pantomime, Alice’s Adventures in Pantoland, are preparing to play to full houses after all five performances sold out within days of the box office opening. The show will run from January 8 to 11 at Thornbury's Christ the King Hall, and those who have secured tickets are promised a "fun-filled, colourful and beautifullycostumed" show borrowing characters from other wellloved tales, including Peter Pan and Snow White.
THORNBURY town centre
residents fear new parking charges will cause "misery" in their streets.
People living in Pullins Green, which is opposite the main Rock Street car park, say they are desperate for action to stop motorists using their road as an alternative when charges are
introduced in the spring. They want to see a residents' parking scheme to be introduced in the area.
Resident Rachel Knight said: "We already have serious issues with parking in our road, despite being less than a minute's walk from the up-to-now free Rock Street car park.
"Many of us have written to our MP and various departments within the council to express our deep concern at what is inevitably going to cause us further daily misery with no positive outcome. "We are desperate!"
Turn to page 3
A ROGUE roofer who conned victims out of more than £368,000 has been given a 'record' jail sentence.
PAGE 4
A THORNBURY ukulele band is celebrating raising a remarkable £20,000 for charity.
PAGE 2
A VILLAGE pre-school with only 18 children on its roll has been praised by an inspector from Ofsted.
PAGE 5
THORNBURY'S parish church has celebrated completing a £300,000 renovation project.
PAGE 7
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A member of the
A THORNBURY ukulele band is celebrating raising a remarkable £20,000 for charity.
Thornbury Ukeaholics have been collecting money for the Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity since 2013.
They started after band member Chris Butler's daughter was treated in the intensive care unit at Bristol Royal Infirmary for a life-threatening illness.
After she made a full recovery, the band decided to donate the fees from their performances to Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity as a thank-you.
Eleven years on, their fundraising total has hit £20,000.
Chris said: "As a family we were overwhelmed by the situation and will be forever indebted to the doctors and nurses for the care and support that she and we received.
"The band is very pleased to be supporting Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity.
"Amongst our performance venues, we particularly value playing for local stroke support groups, memory cafes and care homes – we love seeing people’s faces light up, we enjoy performing and we earn a contribution to our fundraising, so everyone’s a winner!”
Since 2013 the Thornbury Ukeaholics have performed at the charity’s annual Christmas Star Concert four times, entertained NHS staff during a tea party celebrating 70 years of the NHS, taken part in appeals and campaigns, and starred in a new charity video.
In December, they performed at the Bristol Heart Institute as part of Audio Advent, an annual event across Bristol and Weston hospitals to spread some festive cheer to patients in hospital over Christmas.
Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity fundraising officer Saskia Norori-McCormac praised the group's "dedication and passion" for the cause.
She said: "The Thornbury Ukeaholics have raised a truly astonishing amount of money that will make a huge difference at our hospitals.
"From everyone at the charity, I want to say a big thank you to all of the band players for joining our community of kindness and making a difference to patient care."
The Thornbury Ukeaholics meet every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Wheatsheaf in Thornbury – all are welcome.
Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity is the official charity for all ten hospitals run by the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
Working alongside NHS staff, the charity makes multi millionpound investments to help enhance patients' experiences by improving the hospital environment, funding the latest technology, supporting innovative treatments and funding internationally important medical research.
To find out more about Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity, visit www.bwhospitalscharity. org.uk.
From page 1
Rachel said there are 30 recognised parking places in the road but more than 70 residents who need parking – as well as visitors and commuters who already park in the road.
She said: "Day after day, we watch a constant stream of vehicles arrive as early as 7am and park until often beyond 6pm.
"Many of us never want to leave our precious parking space for fear of not finding one on our return and having to park many streets away."
Another resident, Neil Matthews, said: "South Gloucestershire Council’s refusal to implement a residents’ parking scheme means that our road will inevitably be full of people trying to avoid the new charges – and it will become virtually impossible for local residents, most of whom have no off-street parking, to park near their homes."
Barbara Shircliff, who has a long-term health condition, said: "Walking far and safely can be a struggle. It is very challenging and stressful to secure a parking space at any time.
"The idea of the ‘free’ parking becoming paid fills me with dread."
Resident Brian Cason said it was "ironic" that after the council spent £4.6 million on changes to the High Street, and refurbished Rock Street car park in 2022, "one of the results of this was to reduce parking and access to a minimum
in the High Street but, in turn, send many blue badge holders to the car parks where there is a reduced parking availability."
Rachel says she has been told the council does not have the resources implement residents' parking in the road, and accused the authority of "slamming the door in our face".
Parking charges, including at Rock Street, Castle Court and St Mary Street, were agreed as part of the current council budget, with the aim of raising more than £800,000 per year.
Rock Street, which has 321 spaces, will have a mixture of long and short-stay parking.
Short-stay charges will range from 70p for an hour to a maximum of £5 for up to four hours.
Long-stay charges range from £3 for up to four hours to £5 for more than six hours, with season tickets charged from £20 for a
THORNBURY'S MP has called for action from the Prime Minister to ensure funding for the town's new health centre does not become "another hollow promise".
Claire Young raised the plans to rebuild Thornbury Medical Centre with Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's questions on December 11.
In October health minister Karin Smyth confirmed £14.4million funding needed to enable the rebuilding of the health centre off Eastbury Road was still available following the general election.
The Liberal Democrat MP said that other plans had "fallen by the wayside" while people had waited 20 years for the new centre.
She asked what reassurances the Prime Minister could give that the latest proposals "will be approved swiftly once they hit the Health Secretary's desk".
Responding, Sir Keir said it was important to go through the centre's business case but he can make sure "she gets a meeting with the relevant minister to be updated".
Afterwards Ms Young said: "I will continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire on this, so we don’t see the new medical centre pushed into the long grass by ministers and bureaucrats in Whitehall."
MP writes: Page 14
week to £840 for a year.
The council says that "at least 10% of spaces" in short stay car parks will be free for up to 30 minutes.
Blue badge holders will be able to park free for up to four hours in any space at any car park.
When it announced the charges, the council said new restrictions, including residents parking schemes, would not be considered before charges are brought in.
A council spokesperson said: "The council is actively monitoring on-street parking levels in the area, and once charges are implemented, usage will be regularly analysed to assess any changes in parking behaviour.
"This will allow us to compare car park usage before and after the introduction of charges.
"If there are indications of significant displacement to nearby streets, such as Pullins Green, this will be reviewed and assessed to determine if further action is necessary."
The council says a residents' parking scheme for the town centre proposed in 2013 did not receive enough support to go ahead in Pullins Green and neighbouring St John Street, although it went ahead in the High Street, where it had 100% support.
More 'difficult decisions' in budget: Page 5
A ROGUE roofer who conned victims out of more than £368,000 has been jailed.
Residents across South Gloucestershire – including one in Alveston – as well as Bristol and Cornwall were ripped off by Richard Williams, aged 53, trading under names including Williams Roofing, Roofability, Roofing Home Service and R&K Property & Building Contractor.
Bristol Crown Court heard Williams preyed on the elderly and vulnerable: the oldest of his 19 victims was 99 years old.
One woman used her life savings and took out loans from banks and relatives to pay Williams almost £155,000 for building work.
A surveyor said most of the work on the woman's home, including a new roof, was unnecessary and valued the work Williams had done properly at less than £5,000. Redoing other work he had botched has cost her another £100,000.
She described Williams as "a liar and clever thief who preys on honest, vulnerable people".
Williams, of Greenridge Close in South Bristol and formerly of
POLICE have launched their annual campaign against drink- and drug-driving over the festive season.
Richard Williams
Little Stoke, was jailed for six years and four months in late November.
He was also made subject to an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from running a building business or doing any building, maintenance or gardening work, after pleading guilty to charges of fraudulent trading.
Williams was prosecuted by South Gloucestershire Council’s trading standards team, who first started to receive complaints about him in 2021.
A council spokesperson said he would start by offering to carry out small repairs but would end up charging thousands of pounds more to replace entire roofs.
However, Williams would
Avon and Somerset Roads Policing Team started a month of extra roadside
often take large deposits upfront then never come back, or would start a job then fail to finish it, leaving homes exposed to the elements for months at a time.
The council said Williams was fully aware of his legal responsibilities, having been jailed for 14 months in 2020 for fraudulent trading in respect of a previous business, Platinum Roofing.
He continued to operate, generating more complaints, while he was on bail following his arrest.
The spokesperson said: "Williams used different business names and several false addresses.
"He used typical rogue trader tactics, such as pressure techniques and aggressive behaviour."
Victims said Williams was initially very friendly and "charming", and was described as a very good salesman.
Williams also failed to pay invoices totalling over £4,200 for advertising, putting one small business in financial difficulty.
Chartered surveyor Tim Davies, who examined some
of the properties in the case, said most of the work didn't need doing, was "excessively" overpriced and in one case the standard of workmanship was "deficient in almost all areas".
Williams' 99-year-old victim said he had "hit me for six", turning her from a calm to a very anxious, worried person.
Another said he had lost hair due to the stress caused.
Williams initially denied the charges but changed his plea after additional evidence of continued offending was put in front of him.
Judge James Patrick said Williams was a “thoroughly dishonest man” who exploited the elderly and the vulnerable.
Afterwards council cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes said: "This is a record sentence for South Gloucestershire Council and follows years of hard work by our Trading Standards team. "The victims in this case have been left in devastating circumstances."
For advice on avoiding rogue traders visit tinyurl. com/2nn6t9vr or call 0808 223 1133.
A VILLAGE pre-school with only 18 children on its roll has been praised for its "ambitious and well-structured" curriculum and supportive environment.
Ofsted visited Tytherington Pre-School, which is run by a volunteer committee at Tytherington Village Hall, in November.
Inspector Michelle Grayling said the pre-school was 'good' in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
Her report said children feel safe and secure, forming trusting relationships with the "nurturing" staff and showing "positive attitudes towards learning".
The inspector said: "The supportive environment and tailored curriculum that staff provide helps all children to progress well."
Children with additional learning needs are well-supported, with staff adapting the curriculum to make sure all children make good progress.
The report said: "Children thrive with the ambitious and well-structured curriculum provided by staff. This supports their development in all areas of learning."
Children, who are aged from two to four, are well-prepared for school, the inspector said, with staff helping them to become independent by learning to look after
Tytherington Pre-school staff Chiyo Woodward, Laura Driver and Laura DareMConnell with children spelling out their rating
themselves, from wiping their own noses and putting on shoes to washing hands and serving their own snacks.
They also develop physical skills through den-building and using play equipment. The report said staff "enrich children's experiences", teaching them about their local community and the world, going on nature walks and helping them to understand cultural events "in a way they
can understand".
They organise music and sports clubs using external providers.
The inspector said partnerships with parents are "effective", with progress information shared and parents involved in their children's learning.
She said: "Parents appreciate the clear communication and the flexible, personalised approach of staff."
The strong leadership and management, training and regular appraisals for staff adds to "high team morale".
To further improve, the inspector recommended that staff ensure they consistently make behaviour expectations clear to children and ensure all children's learning is extended and challenged as much as possible.
The report, published in December, is the third in a row to give the pre-school, which first opened in 1996, a 'good' rating.
Pre-school manager Laura Driver said: "We are delighted with our result. It makes all the hard work worth it.
"We're so proud of our little village preschool.
"We liked how they picked up on us promoting independence, as we aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to grow into confident and independent learners.”
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is asking residents to give their views on the "unpopular choices" it faces in order to balance its books in future years.
Cost-cutting plans to axe the upkeep of public toilets and playing fields, raise council tax by more than the current maximum of 4.99% and increase garden waste collection fees by 17% are among measures the authority says it faces in the future to plug a looming £16 million hole in its finances.
The council is running a public consultation into its annual budget proposals.
It says it "has a fundamental budget problem – our costs are increasing at a far greater rate than our income".
Among the immediate proposals is increasing garden waste collection charges from £60 to £70. Charged doubled from £30 in the last council budget, with residents told that
in future they would go up only by the rate of inflation.
The council is also asking residents what they think about a possible rise in council tax above the current 5% cap –including 2% for social care – if the law is changed to allow higher increases without a local referendum.
Each extra percentage rise represents another £1.9m to spend.
The council says that in future, it is “likely to have to withdraw funding from delivering discretionary services...such as public conveniences, playing fields and other open spaces” and will explore the possibility of handing more of their upkeep to parish councils or voluntary organisations.
Other money-saving measures include selling or renting out property it owns and using technology to interact with residents and in social care.
Council leader and Thornbury councillor Maggie Tyrrell said: "Over recent years, we’ve needed to spend more and more providing direct support to the most vulnerable people in our society."
This year, she said, that will add up to £134.3m, or 44% of the budget, on adult social care for older people, disabled people and people with learning disabilities, and a further £52.1m, or 17%, on children’s social care, including fostering and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Cllr Tyrell, head of the joint Liberal Democrat/Labour administration that took charge in May 2023, said increased demand and "year-on-year cuts" to central government funding have put "unsustainable pressure" on council finances. She said the council can balance its budget for the next
two years using its reserves, but "the longer-term picture looks less certain" - and in four years' time it faces a £16m shortfall unless it takes action.
Cllr Tyrrell said: "We want to be open and honest with you –there are no longer any ‘easy’ savings to be made.
“The difficult decisions we’re talking about will mean pain for local people, for our staff and for the partners we work with."
“None of these are decisions we want to take, but we must face up to the financial reality.”
The consultation is open until January 8 and can be found online at budget2025. commonplace.is.
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
The results will be included in a report to the council before it sets its 2025/26 budget in February.
By
Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
CAMPAIGNERS say South Gloucestershire Council will need to find space for nearly 6,000 extra homes on top of sites in its latest Local Plan to meet new mandatory government targets.
Sir Keir Starmer announced an updated National Planning Policy Framework in December, which sets compulsory targets for all councils in a bid to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
The Prime Minister said: "Our Plan for Change will put builders not blockers first, overhaul the broken planning system and put roofs over the heads of working families and drive the growth that will put more money in people’s pockets."
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published new "immediate mandatory housing targets" for all councils in the country.
It says councils should seek out 'Brownfield' sites, which have previously been built on, first, but should then target 'Grey belt' - a new designation for sites that are in Green Belt areas but have either been built on before or have limited environmental importance.
Sir Keir Starmer announced the new targets in December
In South Gloucestershire the number of new homes the government says are needed has risen from 1,317 a year to 1,702 – up 29.2%.
The council, which launched consultations into its Local Plan for development between 2025 and 2040 a year ago, told the Voice it would "respond in due course" to the announcement. The authority added 17 extra potential housing sites to the plan over the summer, raising the total number of new homes it could accommodate from 19,755 to 22,241.
But campaigners from
TRAPP'D – Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development – say the new total the council must reach is 25,528 – 5,773 higher than the original target when the Local Plan Phase 3 consultation was launched in February 2024.
A TRAPP'D spokesperson said: "In our view the Government's target is doomed to fail because it relies on the private sector to deliver the housing plans, when it is not in their interest to do so –housebuilders will always hold back supply as soon as they start to detect downward price pressure.
"The final version of the new planning rules contained at least one nasty surprise, in the form of a new clause which states that from 2025 the socalled Housing Delivery Test is increased from five to six years.
"This shift in the goalposts means that in order to avoid a loophole that would allow speculative developers to build pretty much wherever they want, councils must demonstrate six years'-worth of development approved or underway.
The irony is that the test is in part a measure of a housebuilder's performance
on how well they build out sites compared to the planning permission given, and yet they are the beneficiaries if the test fails – it’s rather like being caught for speeding and given a reward instead of a fine!"
TRAPP'D says the council will have the chance to put forward a plan containing sites to meet 80% of the new target by March 12 under "transitional arrangements" but will have to find the balance within two years.
The spokesperson added: "We do not know where these additional proposed houses will be built, but we know from past statements that the council considers further large-scale development in the north of the district around Thornbury to be unsustainable."
The government has also announced plans to draw up legislation giving Metro Mayors the power to bypass council planning committees.
TRAPP’D added: "We have participated in many Planning Committees and, whilst we don’t always agree with the conclusions, we believe that missing the local knowledge of Councillors will seriously diminish the quality of the review."
AN appeal hearing is due to start in January over plans to build 32 homes on a field on the outskirts of Thornbury.
Newland Homes' bid for outline permission for housing on the site at Post Farm, north of Butt Lane, on farmland currently used for cattle grazing was thrown out by South Gloucestershire Council in January 2024.
The developer's agents Pegasus Group said the 32 homes "can be sensitively accommodated on-site, limiting the impact of the scheme in the wider landscape setting".
However the plans were opposed by Thornbury Town Council and 38 residents, and South Gloucestershire Council agreed. The application was rejected by officers using delegated powers on seven separate grounds, for contradicting the council's core strategy, policy, sites and places plan and the Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan. The council said it would have adverse
The
impacts on the hamlet of Lower Morton and the setting of Grade II listed Yew Tree Farmhouse, which were "not outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme".
The Planning Inspectorate has now informed South Gloucestershire Council that an inspector will hear an appeal into its refusal of planning permission on January 30, with a decision expected by March 13.
Newland Homes has set out the reasons for its appeal in a 38-page document published on the council's planning website.
It says that it intends to "interrogate the council’s housing land supply" and the implications of its Local Plan consultation on the number and location of new homes needed in the district.
The developer will also question the "alleged harms" to landscape, heritage and agricultural land cited in the council's decision.
It is the third attempt to develop the site, with the same developers approaching South Gloucestershire Council in 2021 with proposals for up to 37 homes and an earlier planning application by Linden Homes to build up to 39 homes on the site rejected by the council in 2019.
Details of the appeal can be found by searching for application P23/02091/O on the council's planning website.
Rev Joy Ludlow, churchwarden Robin Gupta and Architect Henry Sanders
THORNBURY'S parish church has celebrated completing a £300,000 renovation project.
The transformation of the west end of St Mary’s Church, in Castle Street, took more than two years of planning and seven months of work.
Architect Henry Sanders, of Hestia Architects Ltd, churchwardens and Rev Joy Ludlow worked together to ensure the project ran smoothly, despite the challenges of working in a Grade I-listed building.
The renovation was carried out by conservation and restoration specialists Ellis & Co, and includes opening up the west end of the church to include a new children's area and a modern servery.
The church's war memorial panels have been "reimagined" and combined into one permanent screen.
The majority of the cost of the work was paid for by legacies left to the church over the last few years, which meant the parish did not need to stage a fundraising campaign specifically for the work.
The church held an open afternoon on December 15 to celebrate the completion of the project.
Rev Joy Ludlow said: "I am really delighted with the work that has been done and excited to be planning for the New Year and thinking about all the ways the space can be used by church and the community.
"Every obstacle was patiently
and thoughtfully addressed, preserving the historic charm of St Mary’s while enhancing its facilities for the future.
"All these changes make the church not only a place of worship but also a welcoming space for the community to visit or host their own gatherings.
"We invite all to come and explore the renewed St Mary’s and discover how we are working to ensure the church remains a vibrant and relevant part of our modern and growing community."
Churchwarden Robin Gupta said: "We are pleased to have carried out various works over the last few years making our wonderful historic buildings fit for the 21st century and for the future”.
"New toilet facilities and a versatile storage area have greatly improved the church’s functionality and adaptability to support a variety of events."
Architect Henry Sanders said: "I am honoured and privileged to be able to assist the church in developing the scheme.
"The project has made the interior more versatile and usable for generations to come, with new joinery that combines modern and historic oak furniture in a manner that is respectful to the magnitude and importance of the space."
For more information about the church and its new facilities email the Thornbury Benefice office at thornburybenefice@ outlook.com.
A SCHEME offering free bus travel to people during the month of their birthday has already had 35,000
since it was relaunched.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris says Birthday Bus passes were used by people with December birthdays to make more than 20,000 free journeys in the first week alone.
But the West of England Mayor, who is also the MP for North East Somerset & Hanham, has been criticised for spending £120 of taxpayers' money on a "gimmick" cake to promote the return of the scheme.
Birthday Buses, first run for a year from the summer of 2023, was re-launched from December 1 for another 12 months.
People need to apply at least seven days before the end of the month before their birthday to ensure they receive a card by the first day of the month.
Mr Norris said: "In the first week of this year’s offer, we have already seen over 20,000 free journeys.
"People across the West of England are voting with their feet, signing up for their free month of bus travel.
"Birthday Buses look set to be bigger and better than ever, thanks to local businesses
who are offering new freebies and discounts."
The 20,000 journeys taken in the first week of December were more than double the number in the scheme's opening week last time around.
The 35,000-plus people who have signed up so far include more than 10,000 new users, and represents almost half the number that took part in the whole of the scheme's first year.
About one in eight users are aged under 21. Details of shops, restaurants and attractions
offering discounts to card holders can be found at BirthdayBus.co.uk.
Mr Norris was criticised by Steve Smith, the Conservative Party candidate at next year’s West of England mayoral elections, and South Gloucestershire Tory group leader Sam Bromiley for the £120 spent on a cake that was used to promote the scheme at a pre-launch event in October, then fed to journalists and the mayor's dog.
Mr Smith, who says he will axe the Birthday Buses scheme if elected, said: "It’s absolutely breathtaking that Dan Norris spent £120 of public money on a birthday cake to advertise his wasteful bus pass gimmick. The mayor has wasted far bigger sums before, like £10,000 to put his face on the side of a bus.
“But this is a perfect example of his willingness to waste public money on gimmicks and marketing ploys. If I’m elected as mayor for the West of England, I will stop the gimmicks."
Includes reporting by Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
School service at risk: Letters, Page 16.
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•
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THE Labour Party has announced its candidate to succeed Dan Norris as the next West of England Metro Mayor.
Helen Godwin is a former Bristol City Council cabinet member, who won a members ballot over another ex-city councillor, Nicola Beech, and current Bristol Labour group leader Tom Renhard.
The result was announced in late November, shortly after the Conservatives selected another ex-Bristol councillor, Steve Smith, and Greens named current city council deputy leader Heather Mack as their choice for the election, which takes place on May 1.
Current Labour Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who became an MP in July, cannot run again after the party banned its MPs from having second jobs.
Ms Godwin, who grew up in the Stapleton area of Bristol and attended Begbrook Primary School, represented Southmead from 2016 until she stood
down in 2021, when she took on a job with consultancy firm Pricewaterhousecoopers.
She said: "Our region is brimming with opportunity and promise.
"We have a Labour government with absolute commitment to devolution and to good growth, building on our economic success but making sure success benefits all.
"We need better transport across our region – that will be my priority.
"We need additional and affordable homes, and a better link between education and the jobs that our economy needs to grow."
One of the Labour nominees has submitted a formal complaint against the party, claiming age and sex discrimination.
South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Scott, 61, was one of six people originally shortlisted.
But the Woodstock ward member was dropped at the first hurdle, along with Kingswood
ward councillor Sean Rhodes, who is in the council's cabinet.
Cllr Scott, a party member for more than 40 years, says he was given no reason why he was “blocked” before constituency parties had the chance to nominate him.
He said: "The only two people blocked at this stage were the two eldest males, of which I was one and blocked with no reason provided.
"I do not mind being rejected by Labour members, that is
democracy, but being blocked with no reasons and no right of appeal by a small Labour panel is not democracy.
“Being a left-wing Bennite, I am never surprised Labour blocks me but they cannot defend blocking Sean because he was the only current cabinet member in the race, making him the most senior sole decision-maker."
Bath & North East Somerset councillor Lesley Mansell, the party’s 2017 Metro Mayor nominee, was eliminated at the constituency party nomination stage.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party has a rigorous process in place set out in the party’s rule book so that we have the highest quality candidates selected for our elections.
"As part of that process all candidates for this selection were offered an interview."
Includes reporting by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
PATIENTS of GP practices are being warned they may see changes to appointments and services as a result of a work to rule by doctors.
Letters have been sent to patients of some surgeries in South Gloucestershire informing them of 'GP collective action' being taken by all practices in the area.
The changes include capping the number of patients each doctor will see every day at 25, to ensure GPs have a "safe workload".
This means "there will probably be longer waits for routine appointments," the letters say.
Patients have also been told GPs will return work to other healthcare providers, including from the private sector, if they "should have completed" it themselves, will not take over prescribing medications started by specialists unless there is extra funding, and will
not provide monitoring for conditions which hospitals or specialists should be carrying out, including following weight loss surgery and mental health treatment.
The letter tells patients the actions are not a strike but are "permanent measures being taken to ensure that general practice is safe".
It urges patients to contact their community pharmacy for help with minor ailments and NHS 111 to check symptoms.
More than 8,500 family doctors voted on the action earlier in the year, with 98.3% in favour.
It is in response to a new contract offered by the last Conservative government giving a rise of 1.9% funding for services, which doctors' union the BMA said would leave many practices struggling to remain financially viable.
Avon Local Medical Committee chair Dr Shaba Nabi said the
action was not a breach of contract and represented a "permanent re-set as opposed to temporary action".
She said: "The reason for action is because GPs are unable to deliver safe patient care within the current funding envelope. The impact of the recent budget has exacerbated these funding challenges.
"Within the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area, GP Collective Action has been coordinated so that practices take the same actions for maximum impact.
"The BMA and Avon LMC are fully supportive of practices who wish to manage their workload through completing only those tasks they are contractually obliged to fulfil.
"GP practices no longer have the capacity to undertake work which has historically been carried out in the name of
goodwill."
Patients who received the letter have shared concerns on social media about whether it will affect some repeat prescriptions and check-ups on long-term health conditions.
The NHS has urged patients to continue to come forward when they need care.
A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire said: "We are working closely with GPs and our wider health and care partners to ensure the best possible care can continue to be delivered with minimal disruption.
"Repeat prescriptions for longterm conditions should not be impacted and routine long term condition reviews will continue.
"Please be assured that GP services remain open, and you should continue to contact your practice as normal if you have a healthcare need."
A SHOW aimed at linking businesses with the next generation of workers has been staged in Thornbury.
The 2024 South Gloucestershire Business Show's theme was young talent and employability, and for the first time focussed on bringing young people and local businesses together with a special "employability event".
It was staged at Thornbury Leisure Centre & Conference Centre in November and was attended by 90 Year 10 pupils from The Castle School in the town.
They took part in activities such as mock interviews, and received advice on apprenticeships and work experience tips as part of an "employability event" hosted by South Gloucestershire Council in collaboration with employers, to help prepare them for the working world.
Volunteers from companies and organisations including Airbus, Barratt Homes, Renishaw, Cool Ventures, the Circadian Trust, SGS College and the West of England Combined Authority helped run the events for students.
The council worked with WECA to develop the event and seek out businesses involved in working with schools.
The South Gloucestershire Business Show showcases ideas and encourages collaboration for businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinationals.
It includes live talks and panel discussions, interactive workshops and forums, exhibitions and networking opportunities.
Council leader and Thornbury ward councillor Maggie Tyrrell, who attended the event, said: “It was great to see local businesses and organisations coming together to support our young people and share their knowledge with them.
"The students really seemed to enjoy the experience.
"Hopefully it will inspire careers and help them secure work experience and employment in the future."
It was the first time the Business Show had been held in Thornbury.
The "employability event" was a new addition to the two-day festival, which also included business breakfasts, an exhibition, and a variety of live events and workshops.
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The council said it reflected its "commitment to building a skilled and confident future workforce".
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Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, was named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the recent G24 Awards in London.
The team were narrowly pipped to the ‘Best Installer’ gong, but were able to leave the English capital with a smile on their faces thanks to the ‘Best in the South West’ title.
The winners of G-Awards were announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel on November 29.
“Out of 12,500 companies across the UK, we made it to the last six! Best in the South West, narrowly being pipped to the UK title by another family-run independent business in Lancashire,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said.
Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a
business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it – 90% of reviews for The Window Hub on
Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
As well as being open and honest,The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.
“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely
energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.
“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk
OPPOSITION councillors have launched a campaign to protect South Gloucestershire farmers after the government announced changes to inheritance tax rules for agricultural land and property.
The Conservative group tabled a motion to a meeting of the council urging the Lib Dem/ Labour administration to call on the Chancellor to reverse the decision to end tax relief announced in October’s Budget.
From April 2026, tax will be paid for the first time on inherited farmland and farm buildings worth more than £1 million.
The National Farmers’ Union said it would force farmers to sell off land, and the Country Land and Business Association says an estimated 70,000 of estates could now be liable to pay tax.
The NFU said: "After decades of tightening margins, record inflation, extreme weather and increased production costs, many farmers and growers are at breaking point, unable to absorb any more cost burden."
Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Downing Street insist only 500 farms would be affected.
Severn Vale ward councillor Matthew Riddle tabled a motion, which was due to be debated after the Voice went to print, calling on the council cabinet to write to the government
asking for the changes to be ditched and to retain the current tax relief on agricultural land and assets.
Cllr Riddle said: "We stand shoulder to shoulder with members of the local farming community who will be affected.
"We are urging the Lib Dem/Labour coalition to respond to these serious concerns and show that they are willing to put the interests of our rural communities above party politics."
In October, the council's cabinet received an update on a year's work by a cross-party scrutiny commission taskforce to explore ways the authority can better support farming
THE Liberal Democrats have held the seat on South Gloucestershire Council vacated by Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young.
At a by-election held on November 28 David Goodwin won the Frampton Cotterell ward, which includes Tytherington and Itchington, with a majority of 201 over Conservative Tim Niblett, with the Greens and Labour third and fourth respectively.
Ms Young stood down as a councillor to concentrate on her work in Westminster in October, after 17 years on the council.
The Lib Dems picked up 49.5% of the votes cast (1,315), down from the 55% they received when all three seats were contested in last year's local elections.
The Tory share was up from 38% to 41.7% (1,114), with the Greens on 6% (160) and Labour on 3% (80).
The turnout was 25.5%.
Cllr Goodwin said: "I am delighted and humbled to have been elected to serve the people
of Frampton Cotterell ward alongside my fellow Lib Dem councillors Jon Lean and Tristan Clark.
"I will be tackling the various issues that residents have raised with me over the course of the campaign and keeping my election pledges to fight against bus cuts, fight against cuts to the winter fuel allowance and fight against sewage dumping in our rivers."
The Tories said they were "the big winners" in the by-election and described the fall in the Lib Dems' share of the vote as a "collapse".
Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley said: “Every other Party went backwards as local residents got behind local Conservative candidate Tim Niblett’s positive message to stop car parking charges. And to stop the reduction in black bin collections.
"We will stay on the side of residents and I just hope South Gloucestershire Council pay attention to this result and start listening to local people."
communities.
The report highlighted the financial strain that local farmers faced, the unique challenges of running small family farms, and mental health problems.
Writing in his motion, Cllr Riddle said: "In the South West, farming contributes around £1.6 billion to the regional economy and directly employs more than 66,00 people.
"The National Farmers’ Union has called on the government to ‘overturn the family farm tax’ and said ‘If this tax change goes ahead, it will deal a hammer blow to farming families'."
The motion calls on council leader Maggie Tyrrell and co-leader Ian Boulton to write a joint letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves "promoting the work of farmers across South Gloucestershire and the innovative ways they support communities and help tackle climate change, and expressing members’ opposition to the decision to change the rules on inheritance tax for farmers, with the instruction that the decision be immediately reversed and the current inheritance tax rules maintained".
It calls on the council to oppose the policy "as a matter of principle".
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
AIRBUS in Filton is one of the biggest employers in the area.
It may be outside of my Thornbury and Yate constituency, but hundreds who live here are employed by the company, and hundreds more by their suppliers.
It provides employment for many, but in South Gloucestershire it also provides a sense of pride and community.
The history of the company in its many guises goes from the Bristol Aircraft Company, back at the start of the last century, through to Airbus today.
There are not many people in South Gloucestershire who don’t have a deep love and affection for the iconic Concorde.
Airbus Filton is home to the world’s largest wing design centre, with more engineers under one roof than anywhere else in northern Europe. The AIRTeC research centre is home to most of them.
I recently visited Airbus and was shown their work as they look to drastically cut back greenhouse
gasses emitted by aircraft.
Wing design is crucial in Airbus’s determination to provide fuel efficient aircraft. Their latest fleet is around 30% more efficient than their predecessors.
Wing design will also be crucial as Airbus looks to produce a plane powered by hydrogen. Other sustainable aviation fuels are being developed, which can reduce emissions by up to 80%.
With this potential switch to
alternative fuels, the wing work at Filton will have to look at different ways of storing and moving fuel around aircraft.
I was lucky to be able to see their impressive testing hall when I visited, and saw not only prototype new wings for the new generation of planes, but also the durability of current wings being tested as their design is also improved.
I’m keen to make sure that our
young people can take advantage of all the hi-tech opportunities on our doorstep.
Around the table when I was welcomed to Filton were two young engineering degree apprentices.
They and their colleagues are very much the future of the company and are thriving at Airbus, which is committed to training and providing a career path.
There are over 500 people involved in the Airbus Early Careers programme at Filton, with around 200 apprentices, 200 graduate trainees and 100 interns.
Airbus is working on recruiting many more in South Gloucestershire in future years. Their programme includes school outreach, focussing on under represented groups and getting 12,000 pupils involved in virtual work experience.
Aircraft building has been part of South Gloucestershire life for over 100 years.
My visit recently has convinced me it will remain part of the area’s DNA for many more years.
THORNBURY'S MP has explained why she voted to support a bid to allow terminally ill people to be helped to end their own lives.
The controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, better known as the Assisted Dying Bill, was introduced to Parliament by MP Kim Leadbeater to change the law so that adults who have been given six months or less to live can ask for and receive medication that would kill them if they chose to take it.
The bill has vehement supporters and opponents inside and outside Parliament.
Ms Leadbeater told the Commons that terminally ill people had died "screaming for assistance" because of uncontrollable pain, while fellow Labour MP Diane Abbott warned vulnerable people could be pressured into ending their lives because they "don't want to be a burden".
MPs were given a free vote, which means they were not told to vote on party lines.
The bill passed its second reading by 330 votes to 275.
It must now go through a committee to examine it in detail before going back to MPs for a further vote.
The bill includes a series of safeguards and requirements aimed at limiting those who would be given help to end their lives.
They include ensuring the person who asks for assistance is an adult, has the mental capacity to make the choice, and has made two separate declarations that they wish to die. They must also have been assessed by two independent doctors as having made a voluntary, informed choice, having been shown alternative options, before a High Court judge decides whether they can be given the medication, which they must administer themselves.
opinions before voting to send the Bill onto its next stage. She said she did not want it rejected "before it goes through the full process and has a chance to be further refined".
Ms Young said: "I have consistently been supportive in principle of a change in the law to make it possible for those dying in great pain and distress to shorten their suffering, providing there are sufficient safeguards to protect individuals who may be manipulated by others.
"There has been a lot of discussion about the precedent this change would set, and many have said that the focus needs to be on palliative care instead. For me, it is not an either-or situation. We should be improving end of life care, but that does not mean people should be denied choice."
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young said she had "thought long and hard", examined the fine print and listened to a wide variety of
Maria, Bristol “ ”
Neighbouring Filton & Bradley Stoke MP Claire Hazelgrove said she had gone through the Bill "line-by-line", considered a range of evidence and listened to many local people with a range of views, and said "shutting down this important debate straight away didn’t feel right".
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
She added: "When an amended version of this Bill returns to the Commons, my final vote will come down to the specifics of the Bill and the strength of the safeguards in it."
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
Maria, Bristol
Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories
Students using the 918 bus
PARENTS, be aware that the 918 bus that runs at school times between Severn Beach and The Castle School in Thornbury is at risk.
It will stop running in July 2025 unless we can secure further funding now from South
Gloucestershire Council or the West of England Combined Authority.
To do this, we need to show how many families rely on the bus and why. To support the campaign, fill in the short survey at bit. ly/918-bus.
Two surveys can be reached via the link, one for people who have children at the school now, and one for people who are planning to send their children there in the future, as well as other bus users and supporters – it is a public bus, not just a school bus.
The bus runs before school in the morning and after school in the evening.
South Gloucestershire are subsidising the bus currently, but the long term aim is that it should be part of the wider bus network, which is supported by WECA as the local transport authority with responsibility for buses. We would be pleased to be funded by either group at the moment!
Caroline
Brewser Castle School parent
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You have our best – every time
DO you have money worries? Ever wanted answers to questions about budgeting, saving, or investing? Struggling with budgeting, debt, or investing?
Thornbury Round Table believes money matters should be easier to talk about. Let’s start the conversation!
Want guidance on managing your finances with confidence? Join us for an insightful evening, led by a professional financial advisor.
Topics include managing debt, budgeting, saving, and investing.
The free Money Matters for Families workshop takes place on Wednesday, January 29 at 7.30pm, at Turnberrie's Community Centre.
The session includes a presentation and a Q&A forum, giving you the chance to ask questions and get tailored advice. We want to run several events throughout 2025 where we give valuable assistance to our community, not just financial aid but also new experiences and skills, as we feel it can have a real positive impact in our community.
Liam Symonds-Barry Thornbury Round Table
It is now more than four years since the previous government’s consultation on pavement parking in England closed.
Pavement parking is dangerous especially for families with young children, people with sight loss and disabled people. It damages pavement surfaces too.
It's high time we saw an end to the problem.
Pavement parking has been banned (with exemptions) in London since the 1970s.
Scotland has adopted a similar approach to London and the Welsh government has indicated they will take action, but England is way behind.
Please join Living Streets and its supporters like me in urging the new Government to deal with the troubling legacy of pavement
parking once and for all. Everyone will be the better for it. David Marson, Tortworth
THORNBURY has been granted coveted ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status by the group's national executive committee.
Walkers are Welcome was set up to promote walking to the benefit of WAW towns.
WAW in Thornbury are keen to promote links between walking and public transport – we have prepared about 20 routes based on the idea of taking a bus out from Thornbury and walking back. So far these are still in the development phase, but we will be road testing them soon – and the inaugural ‘Thornbury Walkers are Welcome’ walk will take place in the spring.
The achievement of our new ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status is down to the efforts of the steering committee of Thornbury Wayfinders, a community organisation run by volunteers to promote recreational walking for the benefit of residents, visitors, and the tourism economy, in the Thornbury district.
We also need to give a big “thumbs-up” to the hundreds of residents who signed up in support of our initiative this summer.
Councillor Chris Bloor Thornbury Town Council
ST PETER'S Hospice Severnside Support Group would be delighted to welcome you to the Methodist Church Hall in Thornbury on January 20 at 1pm to our Winter Warmer lunch. This will be cottage pie and crumble followed by tea or coffee – a vegetarian option will also be available.
Tickets are priced at £10 per person and are available from the St Peters Hospice Shop in the High Street from January 6, or you can pay on the door.
Please support your local Hospice!
Kath Burgess, Thornbury
OLVESTON Parish Players’ 2025 musical production is The Pajama Game
This light-hearted and well-known romantic comedy will entertain the whole family and is sure to brighten up everyone's winter evenings!
You can see it during February half-term at Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall at 7.30pm every evening from Wednesday to Saturday, February 19 to 22.
The story is set in the SleepTite pajama factory, where the employees are campaigning for a pay rise, and sparks begin to fly between superintendent Sid Sorokin (Paul Dimery) and union leader Katherine ‘Babe’ Williams (Kate Coyle). Its best-known songs are Hernando’s Hideaway and Steam Heat
Director Heather Collins said: "The whole cast is having a lot of fun rehearsing the musical numbers and all the dancing.
"It’s a very lively, upbeat show, and we are really looking forward to bringing a lot of joy to our audiences!"
The Parish Players' 2024 production of Brigadoon was a sell-out success, with Emily Harris, the leading lady, recently nominated in the best actress category at the annual Rose Bowl Awards.
Tickets go on sale on January 11 from our box office on 01454 202011, at £12 for adults, £8 for children and £14 for premium seats.
For more information follow the Olveston Parish Players Facebook page.
Caroline Brewser
GIFTED pianist Khrystyna Mykhailichenko has formed the Aureus Trio with violinist Eleanor Holmes and cellist Cameron Walls. Khrystyna, from Ukraine, stunned the audience with her solo performance in the Thornbury United Reformed Church last year.
She began to play the piano when she was four, winning international competitions six years later. At the outbreak of war in 2022 she fled to Poland with her mother and sister, eventually settling in the UK.
Eleanor has a scholarship to study violin with Remus Azoitei, international soloist and Professor of violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London. She has been a co-leader in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and leader of the
Hampshire County Youth Orchestra. Cameron, also studying at the Royal Academy of Music, was principal cellist of the Young Sinfonia at Sage Gateshead and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra in 2022, all leading to BBC performances including The Proms. Their programme includes Beethoven's Piano Trio no. 1 op. 1 in E flat major, Liszt/Saint Saens' Orpheus and Mendelssohn's Piano trio no. 1 op. 49 in D minor.
The performance takes place at the United Reformed Church in Chapel Street on February 15 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £20, from AAGThornbury@gmail.com or 01454 850933, with proceeds to charity Bristol Aid to Ukraine.
Jane Parfitt
THORNBURY Choral society starts rehearsing again after the Christmas break on January 6 at the United Reformed Church at 8pm.
We shall be rehearsing for our spring concert, on May 10 at St Mary’s Parish Church in Thornbury at 7.30pm.
On March 1 we shall hold our annual choral workshop at Thornbury Baptist Church, Gillingstool, from 10am-5pm.
We hope you will join us for what promises to be a most interesting day, studying Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and Brahms' Song of Destiny
We are always looking for new members. We rehearse at the URC on Monday evenings at 8pm, and you are very welcome to come to a rehearsal to try us out.
For more details visit www. thornburychoralsociety.org.uk
Angela Hughes
FOR over 60 years Thornbury Art Club has been a place for likeminded people who love to paint together and share experiences in a friendly atmosphere.
We invite you to come and try our club, a welcoming community where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share their creative passions.
Whether you have a long-standing interest in art or are completely new to it, you will find a place here.
We hold studio groups on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons where you can enjoy painting and crafting in the company of fellow members, learning from one another, sharing stories and experiences that you won't find on any on-line platform.
Non-Members are welcome to visit. Every fourth Tuesday of the month we hold an evening club night, when a variety of professional artists will visit to demonstrate their art skills and style.
Non-members are welcome for £6 on the door at St Mary’s Church Hall, in Eastland Road, Thornbury.
We have started a Saturday morning Sketchers Group, meeting outdoors for a relaxing sketching session followed by tea and coffee in a local cafe.
For more details visit www. thornburyartclub.co.uk or our Facebook page, email publicrelations. tac@gmail.com or call 01454 414433.
Shirley Whyte
THORNBURY Orchestra's next concert will raise money for Thornbury Christmas Lights Association.
Taking place on January 19 next year, at 3pm in the drama hall at Marlwood School, Alveston, music will include Dvorak's Slavonic Dances, Faure's Elegy, Glazunov's Seasons and Bradbury's Danny Boy
Tickets are available at www. thornburyorchestra.org.uk or at the door, at £10 for adults, with children free.
The orchestra was founded in 2002 and draws players from across South Gloucestershire and beyond.
We rehearse regularly in St Helen's, Alveston, and are always keen to hear from interested players.
Richard Kenchington
NEW rules that mean all hackney carriage taxis in South Gloucestershire must be wheelchair accessible have been confirmed by councillors.
The change has led to claims more drivers could quit and switch over to private hire vehicles, such as Uber.
From July 2025 all hackney carriages – which can be hailed in the street or from a rank –registered in the district will have to be accessible to people in wheelchairs.
South Gloucestershire Council has been considering the policy for years but repeatedly delayed the new rules, most recently due to a shortage of wheelchairaccessible vehicles.
Councillors on the regulatory committee finally voted through
the changes in November.
Transport campaigner David Redgewell said: "There are hardly any buses now to the villages of Wotton-under-Edge, Charfield, Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton. People in those areas are relying on public taxi services. I often use them from Yate railway station.
"Without accessibility, a driver would have to literally take my wheelchair to pieces and put it back together. It’s not acceptable.
"There’s a risk if I fall and can’t get back up.
"Local transport authorities should be making sure that the network is fully accessible.”
Councillors were told the new rules would accelerate the number of hackney carriage drivers switching over to driving private hire vehicles, which must be booked in advance and will not be subject to the new rule.
Bristol Parkway Taxis director Shashikumar Bhurton said: "The overall concern is there’s a lack of hackneys."
The change was previously delayed in March 2023. A survey was promised to explore the demand for wheelchair-accessible vehicles in South Gloucestershire, but this hasn’t been done.
Council staff will report back on the impact of the changes after six months.
A TAXI driver suspended by South Gloucestershire Council after receiving 50 complaints then continued to pick up 1,000 more passengers via a ridehailing app.
Councillors raised concerns about public safety as the law doesn’t stop drivers from carrying on working, pending an appeal.
The plan is ready – now it ’s time to deliver
I KNEW when I was elected as your Police and Crime Commissioner in May that I had four years to make a difference on your behalf.
For several months I have been gathering thoughts, ideas, and concerns from residents through my Police and Crime Plan consultation.
The response has been outstanding. More than 1,140 people shared their ideas for how the priorities I had outlined could be delivered.
The consultation was a huge thing to ask of the public, and I want to personally thank all of you who took the time to take part.
As well as all the responses I received through our online survey, my team and I reached out to our communities in lots of ways, through public forums across the area, a postal survey and numerous focus groups to hear the quiet and under-
represented voices so often missing from policing.
I am pleased to say that the Police and Crime Plan I developed following this feedback has now been accepted by the Police and Crime Panel for Avon and Somerset.
You can read the plan on my website at tinyurl.com/2zxte625.
The priorities outlined in my plan reflect the priorities raised with me throughout my time campaigning and since I was elected.
You told me your policing priorities are:
• Strengthening neighbourhood policing (including tackling anti-social behaviour)
• Reducing Violent Crime (particularly male violence against women and girls and serious youth violence)
• Prevention of crime
• Suppor ting victims
• Improving policing standards
The unnamed driver appeared before a recent panel of councillors, who suspended him. He carried on working for a ridehailing app for “at least a month or so”.
Taxi drivers of both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles must apply to their local council for a licence to work.
The problem was raised during a meeting of the regulatory committee in November.
The driver claimed he hadn’t received letters from the council informing him of his suspension – but councillors were told that even if he had, he would have been able to continue driving for 28 days if he made an appeal.
Conservative Councillor Keith Cranney called for suspensions to be made immediate, and for closer cooperation between council officers and app providers.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
This plan is not about me making unrealistic promises. We all know it isn’t possible for me, or the police, to solve all the problems we face as a society in the remaining three and a half years of my term.
I do promise that this plan is about improving the way we work together, the collective impact we can have, about setting the conditions for success and laying the foundations for safer and more resilient communities now and for future generations to come.
Delivery of my plan will mean working with all the relevant partners, not just the police, to focus on prevention, intervention, diversion, engagement, education and opportunities to have a bigger impact – improving lives for all our communities.
This plan is a means to deliver change.
I will develop a plan of
action in the first months of this year, which will be continually refreshed throughout my time in office. This work will continue to benefit from hearing your views about what will make a difference in your community. For me, being in politics is about making a difference. That is what I will continue to strive to do for you during 2025, and for the remainder of my time in office.
January 7
n CIRCLE DANCING to music from around the world. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 6.308.30pm. Also on 14th and 21st. New dancers welcome, no experience or partner required. More details from vickislade1@outlook.com or 07516 999384.
January 9
n SING HAPPY IN HARMONY WITH FASCINATING RHYTHM at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.15-9pm. Every Thursday for five consecutive weeks until February 6. Free event. Learn a song in 4–part harmony, touch on vocal techniques, meet new people. Book at tinyurl. com/4kvkrjv7
January 16
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, at 2pm. Costume presentation: Dressing the Georgians, by Angela Rendell and Kate Peake. More details from 07946 508316.
January 17
n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE PRESENTS ALCARRÀS, Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free, guests £5. For more information about membership visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org.
January 19
n THORNBURY ORCHESTRA CONCERT, 3pm, Marlwood School Drama Hall, Alveston. Includes works by Dvorak, Faure and Glazunov. All proceeds go to local charities. Tickets, available at www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk or on the door: £10 adults, children free. More details from info@thornburyorchestra.org.uk.
January 20
n ST PETERS HOSPICE SEVERNSIDE SUPPORT GROUP WINTER WARMER LUNCH, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, 1pm. Cottage pie and crumble followed by tea/coffee – vegetarian option be available. Tickets £10 from St Peter's Hospice Shop, Thornbury High Street from January 6, or pay on the door.
January 22
n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY
SOCIETY meets at Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. All welcome. Visitors £5 at the door. Talk: Colston Matters, with William Evans.
January 25
n THORNBURY TOWN COUNCIL
‘MEET YOUR COUNCILLOR’ sessions in the Town Hall, High Street, 10am-12.30pm.
January 28
n THORNBURY ART CLUB January
Club Night, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 7.15pm. Tom Hughes: painting a London street scene in oils. Members free, non-members (£6 on the door). Free parking onsite. More details at www.thornburyartclub.co.uk or call 01454 414433.
January 29
n MONEY MATTERS FOR FAMILIES - free Thornbury Round Table workshop at Turnberrie's Community Centre, 7.30pm. presentation and Q&A forum on managing debt, budgeting, saving and investing, led by a professional financial advisor. More information from thornbury@ roundtable.org.uk or Thornbury Round Table Facebook page.
Monday
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and competitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail.co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213. Tuesday
n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10am-noon. No appointment needed.
n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine & materials/ pattern. Call Carrie 07753 236095.
n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except August) from 10.15-11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. More information from Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 07800 776998.
n THORNBURY ART CLUB Painting Studio Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, every Tuesday 1.30-4.30pm. Also Thursday Painting Studio Group at same time and place on Thursdays. Call 01454 414433 or 0777 627 1010 for more details.
n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink.
n THORNBURY TOWN BAND
Friendly community brass band, rehearsals at Thornbury URC Tuesday evening's 7.30pm-9.30pm. New players very welcome. www.thornburytownband.com. email: info@ thornburytownband.co.uk. Turn up
THORNBURY Library is now staffed from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday.
Open access, for registered users, is from 8am to 7.30pm.
Hot drinks are available from 10.30am-4pm on Mondays. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The library opens early at 9.30am on Monday and Friday only for families attending Rhymetime sessions for young children.
Ukrainian storytime sessions continue every Monday at 4pm with Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher.
Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am – no booking required. Create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see.
Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am.
Book group Have You Read…? meets on December 6 from 2pm3pm: a book group for everyone with no set novel to read, just an hour of chat and refreshments.
A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 10am.
People can use the computers or WiFi with your own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.
For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries
or call Anna for more information on 07960008843
Wednesday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, Coffee and Chat, second Wednesday of the month, The Swan, Thornbury High Street, 10-11.30am. All welcome
Thursday
n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For info visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.
Friday
n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church,
Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903.
Saturday
n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free.
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION VETERANS Breakfast, second Saturday of the month, 9am at The Swan, Thornbury High Street. All welcome.
Sunday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Wheatsheaf pub, Chapel Street, 12.30pm. All welcome.
SOME dire and stormy weather all week could have dampened the mood for the annual Rotary Christmas Fair at the Castle Hotel on November 30.
Not a bit of it! People came, and kept coming, making it the busiest event seen in recent years.
With 20 vendors selling a wide variety of arts and crafts and gifts, a lucky dip, a raffle and silent auction of some extraordinarily generous prizes donated by local businesses, mulled wine, teas, coffees and a magnificent selection of locally made cakes, there was something for everyone.
Business was brisk, people were clearly in the festive mood already, and we were treated to some first-rate musical accompaniment from the talented Rhythm Mix Choir.
The event was organised by Thornbury Rotary
Network, as one of their regular fund-raising activities for local charities.
With full and generous support once again from the Castle Hotel, who allowed the use of their stunning venue, and ably assisted by the parent Thornbury Rotary Club, it was another joyous and successful day.
Over £2,000 was raised for our three chosen charities. Thank you to all involved.
Our next big fundraiser is our annual Swimarathon, which will take place on March 7 and 8 at the newly-refurbished Thornbury Leisure Centre pool.
Are you looking for a great New Year’s resolution? Why not get together with a few friends and enter a team in the charity fundraising Swimarathon?
The Panache steel band creates a great atmosphere for the swimmers and you can help raise money in a good cause.
This year the two primary charities are the Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology centre and the Thornbury and District Stroke Support Group.
For more details please email thornburyrotaryclub@gmail.com.
Bernard Amos
WITH the long dark nights still stretching out in
front of you, why not consider volunteering in your local community?
Not only will you improve your health and happiness, but by giving just an hour a week of your time you can make a huge difference.
There are many reasons why people volunteer. For some, it can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change.
For others, it is a chance to meet new people, make new friends and make a difference to the lives of others.
Thornbury Volunteer Centre can provide you with information and support on local volunteering opportunities which best suit your needs, skills and time, whilst making sure that you find it an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
We are contacted regularly by groups and organisations seeking to recruit volunteers from all walks of life and levels of expertise.
Age, gender or disability is not a barrier to volunteering.
Anyone who is able to spare some time, be it an hour a week, once a month or just on a one-off basis, would be warmly welcomed by someone in the community.
To find out more please contact us on 01454 413392, email mail@volunteer-thornbury.co.uk or visit www.volunteer-thornbury.co.uk
Kim Webb
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.
In January, Thornbury Camera Club will start a course in photography for beginners.
Those who take part will learn: how to use your camera; composition and how to look critically at an image; how to be creative.
The course will run weekly for six Wednesday evenings, from January 8 to February 19, with a break on January 29, at Turnberrie's Community Centre.
The cost of the course is £75 per person. This is not only unchanged from the last time the course was run, but also includes membership of the club for the remainder of the season, until August.
If you are interested, please contact Andy Kemp at course. thornburycameraclub@gmail. com
STORMS Bert and Darragh have caused some problems over the last few weeks, with a number of Thornbury Town’s senior side's games falling victim to the weather.
First team fixtures at Lydney and Westfields were postponed, which disrupted Thorns' run of good results.
A home game against League leaders Hartpury University saw Town take the lead from a Marcus Wormwell penalty, before the visitors equalised just before half-time.
It seemed that Thornbury had gained a deserved point, in front of a good crowd of 180, but the university side scored a stoppagetime winner.
A trip to Tuffley the following week saw Thorns have the worst possible start, going a goal down after just 48 seconds. However they quickly recovered to take the lead through Luke Franklin and Callum Chalmers, but midway through the second half the hosts managed to equalise from the penalty spot.
An excellent performance at promotion hopefuls Mangotsfield United saw Town gain a 1-0 victory and become the first side to defeat United on their new all-weather 3G pitch.
A Callum Chalmers through ball saw Harry Brock burst through and finish perfectly to secure the three points.
However the enforced break due to Bert and Darragh saw Thorns disappoint when they played host to Longlevens. Yet again, Town took the lead but the visitors came back into
Loan signing Zak Kempster, 17, made his debut at Mangotsfield after being recruited from National League South high-flyers Weston-super-Mare
the game to grab all three points with a 2-1 victory.
With three home games coming up between Christmas and New Year against Hereford Pegasus (December 28), Brimscombe & Thrupp (January 7) and Westfields (January 11), all at the club will be hoping to pick up some important wins to help secure their Hellenic Premier Division status.
The Reserves only managed to play two fixtures in November and early December,
suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Bradley Stoke, then losing 3-0 against league leaders Iron Acton in the League Cup.
The A team have also only managed to play twice, suffering defeat at home to Shirehampton A and away at league leaders FC Rangers.
Elsewhere the U18s exited the County Cup following defeat at Hallen, whilst in the league a “double header” fixture against Bromley Heath United saw the youngsters go down 3-0. However they recovered seven days later to defeat Cotham Park Rangers 5-4.
The U18s now have a break until the middle of January.
The Veterans side had games against Yate and Easton Cowboys postponed before a trip to the other Easton side, Easton Monday, saw a weakened team suffer defeat.
The ladies team had a narrow 2-1 loss at local rivals Berkeley Town, with Sarah Kendell scoring Thorns' goal.
A trip to league leaders Andoversford saw ladies on the wrong end of a 6-0 scoreline, however both of these results are much improved performances on fixtures earlier in the season.
The committee and club officials wish all Thorns supporters a happy New Year and thank them for their support over the first half of the season.
Malcolm Carr
THE mid season break could not have come at a better time for Thornbury Hockey's men's and ladies' first teams.
Harry Collins' team have struggled following their promotion to a higher division. They have continued playing with enthusiasm, and their heads have not dropped despite ten straight defeats that have left them bottom of the West Men's Bridge Division 1 table.
The loss of three influential players was a tremendous setback.
The ladies' firsts, after a promising start have hit a bad patch in the last month that has seen them sink to eighth place in the ten-team West Women's Berkeley Division 1.
The team has suffered with an injury to club chair and goalkeeper Hannah Kemp resulting an a couple of rather
heavy defeats, whilst the nonavailability of leading scorer Coz Deas was also a problem.
It is hoped that both, along with club captain Jo Deas, will
be available for the first fixture in the New Year, against Wottonunder-Edge 2nds. Mandy McGarry and Lou-Lou Taylor perform heroically in
defence, whilst Esther Jenkinson probes well up front in the absence of Coz Deas.
Currently, Thornbury are immediately above their next opponents, with whom they drew 3-3 in the first fixture, having surrendered a two-goal lead with just minutes remaining.
Both men's and ladies 2nds team continue to show promise, with the men's 2s winning three times so far West Men's Concorde Division 3 and the ladies picking up a win and four draws.
Both sides contain a number of the club's promising young players.
Captain Sarah Lally leads from the front, with Mel Evans, Lauren Lever, Ella Clark and Amy Bowman guiding the youngsters.
David Parry-Jones
LATE autumn rugby at Thornbury was affected by the series of storms that roared up the Bristol Channel.
The pitches only just survived to play, but Storm Darragh forced the postponement of Thornbury’s match with leagueleaders Chippenham.
Rugby that was played saw Thornbury's First XV beat Gloucester club Old Centralians and Witney at home, as well as defeating Swindon on the road, in which Alfie Richardson scored a second-half hat-trick of tries.
The only blip was a defeat to Trowbridge, which was frustrating as it was a match Thornbury could have won.
After a match against Keynsham under lights, after the Voice goes to press, they begin the New Year with a home tie with Weston-super-Mare on January 4, followed by a difficult match at Drybrook.
Thorns are currently sixth in the table.
Thornbury's Second XV has enjoyed a good season so far, with only a one-point defeat to Bristol University preventing a 100% winning league record.
The free-scoring side racked up a 74-21 win over Bristol Saracens, in a match which saw
Stuart Adams play his 600th senior game for Thorns.
The Colts have also had a good autumn, although they reserved their worst performance of the season for a last 32 National Cup defeat at Chippenham.
They are joint leaders of their
division, along with Gordon League.
Thornbury Women have had a frustrating autumn, with several postponed matches disrupting their momentum.
There has been some rebuilding, with most of the backline missing for a number of reasons, but performances have improved, culminating in a fine win over Aretians.
They begin the New Year with a tough home match with Dursley on January 12.
The annual charity match against the PROPS Barbarians kicks off at noon on Saturday December 28.
There will be men’s and women’s matches to raise funds for Bristol charity PROPS, which helps young adults with learning disabilities learn skills and find employment opportunities.
Located in the historic town of Thornbury, Grace Care Centre is a vibrant care home and takes pride in challenging preconceptions of the sector.
Whether it’s singing along at a festival, sipping drinks at cocktail evenings, or enjoying trips to local landmarks, we believe everyone should continue to live their best life when they move into a care home.
We’re part of The Orders of St John Care Trust
Grace Care Centre is proud to be part of The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), one of the leading not-for-profit care organisations in the UK. As a longstanding charitable organisation, dedicated to the care of others, we take pride in reinvesting back into our residents, team members, and care homes.