Thornbury Voice July 2021

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

July, 2021 Issue 50

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Don't ignore the signs Golden shred A WOMAN from a village near Thornbury has won a clutch of prizes at the World Marmalade Awards.

PAGE 7

Carnival cancelled

A THORNBURY man is urging people not to delay seeing the doctor after what he thought was long covid turned out to be cancer. Full story: Page 3

High Street changes here to stay A BAN on through traffic using Thornbury High Street has been made permanent, despite strong opposition.

South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet voted unanimously to adopt the controversial scheme, first brought in under emergency coronavirus rules last year, which will see half of the current road space allocated to pedestrians.

Access will be allowed for delivery drivers and residents, with more drop-off and pick-up points and parking for blue badge holders planned.

Opponents have vowed to fight on – but the government has rejected a petition calling on it to overrule the decision.

Full story: Page 4

ORGANISERS of Thornbury Carnival have had to postpone the event to next year after a delay in easing lockdown PAGE 5

Cleared of murder AN Alveston man has been cleared of murdering a man who was stabbed to death outside a community centre.

PAGE 2

Have your say RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say on a plan for the future development of Thornbury.

PAGE 15

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thornburyvoice August deadline

Our August edition deadline is July 21.

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

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

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

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July, 2021

n NEWS

Alveston man cleared of murder AN ALVESTON man has been found not guilty of murder after a man was stabbed to death outside a community centre.

Three other people, including two men from Speedwell in Bristol, were convicted of murdering Andre Gayle, who was stabbed nine times during the attack, which happened in an alleyway close to Easton Community Centre just after 3am on August 31 Victim Andre Gayle last year.

The 29-year-old father of six young children died of his injuries two days later at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

After a trial at Bristol Crown Court, 40-year-old Daniel Atkinson, of Quarry Mead in Alveston, was found not guilty.

Rico Corbin and Tyan Finlayson, who are both 28 and from Speedwell, were convicted of murder, along with a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

A fifth defendant, Jerome Lewis, 25, from London, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

CCTV evidence seen by the jury showed Mr Gayle being chased through an alleyway off Kilburn Street, next to Easton Community Centre, immediately before the attack, which happened in front of a crowd of people taking part in a 'silent disco'.

Detective Inspector Roger Doxsey, of the police's Major Crime Investigation Team, described Mr Gayle's killing as "senseless", and said the motive had "never been fully understood".

The CCTV and other evidence showed that Lewis and Corbin had struck the fatal blows, "assisted and encouraged" by Finlayson and the boy.

DI Doxsey said 14 people had been arrested, more than 500 statements taken, more than 2,000 exhibits seized and CCTV examined from more than 90 cameras.

He said: "This was a savage, vicious and unrestrained attack on an unarmed man by a group of cowardly individuals who acted together, and who were prepared to use knives to achieve their objective.

“They showed a total disregard to other members of the public who were in the immediate vicinity, which included another innocent man who was repeatedly stabbed in a case of mistaken identity, but who thankfully survived his injuries."

DI Doxsey thanked witnesses who came forward to give evidence and paid tribute to Mr Gayle's family for their "courage and dignity".

Mr Gayle's mother said in a statement: “My family is grief-stricken and struggling to come to terms with not only losing my son but also the brutality and senseless evil in the way they attacked and killed him; it was tantamount to a public execution.

“During this trial we have had to watch CCTV footage of Andre’s last moments alive, which has been harrowing: the pain is immeasurable."

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July, 2021

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n NEWS

Don't ignore symptoms, says cancer patient WHEN Rob Hale started to experience extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and brain fog, he thought he had long covid.

The symptoms are known to persist for weeks after a coronavirus infection in some people.

But when 31-year-old Rob, from Thornbury, finally sought help, they turned out to be symptoms of cancer.

As he waits for a vital bone marrow transplant, he is urging people not to put off seeing a doctor.

Rob ignored how he felt for months, and when he did seek help in April this year, the GP he saw did not immediately recognise the disease, and instead gave him dietary advice.

A few days later the doctor phoned him at work at aerospace firm GKN to talk about his blood test results, and told him he needed to eat more fibre. Ten minutes later he had a call from the Bristol Royal Infirmary and a specialist who broke the news that he actually had acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer that affects cells in the bone marrow.

Rob said: “I just sat on the floor crying. Then I had to wait through the bank holiday weekend before I went in to have all the procedures done.

“I can remember after I had covid I took an extra couple of weeks off, but I had to keep sleeping and I wasn’t eating.

"I went back to work for tenhour days and I wasn’t eating more than a biscuit throughout the day.

"I had a sort of brain fog – I would open the fridge and have no idea what I was looking for. I kept seeing on the news stories

about long covid.”

“A couple of months later I had a really nasty rash on my back – everywhere I scratched, welts came up.

"I asked my dad to have a look and he told me to go and see a doctor.”

Rob is now at the BRI having chemotherapy and doctors have told him that he needs a bone marrow transplant. There is only a one in four chance that a sibling will be able to be a donor, but fortunately for Rob, his sister Nikki Foss is a perfect match.

However, for Rob to be able to have a transplant, the cancer in his bone marrow needs to be below 5%, and it has to be eradicated from his spinal fluid.

His first course of chemotherapy reduced the cancer from 90% to 15%, leaving some way to go, and he is now awaiting results from a second round, which he found a gruelling experience.

Rob’s Dad, Nigel, is only allowed to visit him for an hour a day, and Rob talks to his mum, Caron, frequently via videolink, but he can only swap his parents over after a visit home, and he doesn’t know when the next one will be. It depends on the success of his treatment.

He wants to make people aware of the importance of seeing a doctor urgently if they have unusual symptoms.

Rob said: “Get checked straightaway – for anything that’s niggling you.

"Don’t put it off. And if you don’t agree with what the doctor has said, ask for more tests.”

Nigel and Nikki are running the Nottingham Half Marathon to raise funds for Bristol Marrow, a network of students who work

Rob Hale with his baby niece Ada Foss with the charity Anthony Nolan to recruit stem cell donors.

They have raised more than £1,000 so far, already beating the £500 target.

You can support the family via their fundraising page justgiving.com/fundraising/ running4robert

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n NEWS

July, 2021

High Street changes approved – but opponents say they'll fight on A BAN on through traffic using Thornbury High Street has been made permanent, despite petitions and pleas from opponents.

South Gloucestershire Council approved the controversial scheme, first brought in under emergency coronavirus rules last year, after residents and traders made a final attempt to change their minds.

One-way access will be allowed for delivery drivers and residents, and changes will be made to ensure that more drop-off and pick-up points are added for shoppers, along with more on-street parking for blue badge holders, with half of the current road space allocated for pedestrians.

The council's cabinet voted unanimously to adopt the plans despite hearing that, of nearly 2,900 people who responded to a public consultation about the changes, 65 per cent disagreed with making the pedestrian and cycle zone permanent, and 49 per cent disagreed with a oneway system.

As the scheme was approved council leader Toby Savage said: “The proposals that are before us today as part of this vision don’t simply seek to make permanent what is already in place as part of that temporary scheme.

“I’m comfortable and encouraged that the feedback that’s been received has shaped the vision in front of us.”

Afterwards Thornbury Chamber of Commerce secretary Zoe Gilbraith said traders were "very disappointed that the council did not listen to the majority of people who live in and around Thornbury, who clearly do not want a pedestrianised High Street".

She said: "We are glad that they recognise that we need access for loading/unloading and that much better disabled access is required.

"However, we would like to see a proper one-way scheme that would allow access for all, with the bus reinstated.

"We are still contacted by many who feel they are now excluded from being able to

of traffic movements in the Town Centre.

"It will continue to petition and where possible work with South Gloucestershire Council to address these issues and requests a menu of options to be available going forward for the residents of Thornbury to comment on.”

' This is not over yet' An image of how the completed scheme is expected to look access a High Street that they have used for many years, and in a time when many have been isolated for months, they feel they are still being disadvantaged as they are unable to return to the High Street."

Quiet support – and traffic concerns At an online meeting of the Thornbury Community Engagement Forum, held after the decision was made, town and South Gloucestershire councillors Maggie Tyrrell and Shirley Holloway said they had received private emails from many people supporting the scheme.

Cllr Tyrrell said: “It’s been really difficult for councillors, because we’ve had a very-well organised campaign against any measures on the High Street, but we’ve also had a lot of other comment.

"I’ve had quite a lot of emails since the cabinet made the decision, from people saying they’re pleased, but you never see that in the press. Those people aren’t speaking out like the people who are against it.”

One local resident who is in favour said: “I think we should be looking to make it a destination for people to come and go shopping, and have a

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

selection of things to do, and closing the High Street enables this.

"I would expect they would look at the way the traffic is flowing and look at what they can do and ensure the issues are addressed – things can be changed to support the closure.

Six million pounds is hopefully enough money to do something.”

Other residents who spoke at the meeting were concerned about increased pollution and traffic accidents on Rock Street.

Cllr Tyrrell said that the town council was pressing for the situation on Rock Street to be taken seriously.

Residents at the meeting questioned how South Gloucestershire Council will implement what it has decided to put in place, because although the ban on through traffic will be made permanent, it currently was not possible to prevent motorists using the High Street as a through route.

Helen Moszoro said: “Pedestrianised to me means it’s safe to walk and you’re not going to be mown down by a delivery lorry, cyclists or teenagers on skateboards.

"I have seen so many near misses, it’s quite frightening."

Afterwards Thornbury Town Council issued a statement which said: “Thornbury Town Council remains committed to seeing a holistic improvement plan delivered for Thornbury that will involve a comprehensive review

Resident Lin Guppy, whose petition calling on Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to overturn the scheme has attracted more than 1,600 signatures, has vowed to fight on.

The Secretary of State has declined to intervene, with his department saying it is for councils to determine if schemes are viable and he "has no remit to intervene in local schemes".

Lin said: “I still believe the town should have a vote on what residents want.

"There is now a group of people all working together to try and get someone to talk to us from the council, and to debate what is best for our town.

"I can assure everyone this is not over yet."

After 164 people signed a petition from Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall calling for more disabled parking spaces, South Gloucestershire’s cabinet adopted an amendment to include more on-street parking for Blue Badge holders in the High Street.

But resident Sue Blick, who attended the community engagement forum and has mobility issues said: “I feel I’m being denied access to my own High Street because I don’t have a blue badge. I feel that nobody is representing me in any of these conversations. If I want to go to Boots, my husband will now drive me to Cribbs Causeway, as I’m closer to my shopping than I am in Thornbury.”

The council says it will consult further with the public as it develops more detail around the vision for the High Street.

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July, 2021

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n NEWS

Thornbury Carnival cancelled for second year THIS year's Thornbury Carnival has been cancelled, after the ending of coronavirus restrictions was delayed.

The volunteer-run event was set to return on July 2 and 3 in a limited form, having been called off completely last year during the first lockdown.

Organisers had planned to focus on events at Mundy Fields this summer, to accommodate continuing safety concerns over distancing which had ruled out the traditional parade through the town.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement of a pause in the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, which had originally been due to end on June 21, meant organisers had to postpone and rethink even the scaleddown event.

They initially explored the option of postponing the carnival until later in the year but this proved impossible.

Announcing the cancellation online on June 27, the carnival committee said: "We would like to confirm that we have considered trying to move the event to later this year, but we are not able to do so.

"We will now take some time to recover from this year's efforts, learn from the experience and get ready to go again for

The last Thornbury Carnival in 2019. Picture courtesy of Thornbury Carnival/Thornbury Camera Club 2022. If you would like to get involved please do message us.

"Thank you everyone who has got in touch to support us. In particular we would like to thank all of the suppliers and acts, who have been incredibly understanding – it is greatly appreciated and has ensured we can plan for next year.

"Their support is particularly generous given the challenges we know some have

experienced over the last year.

"Wherever you are and whatever you are doing over the summer, if there is a community event going on somewhere you can support, please do so.

"It takes huge amounts of voluntary time and often some significant financial risk to put an event on, and this year more than most, we can all help contribute to making those efforts worthwhile.

"Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2022!"

After the initial postponement was announced, committee chair Liam Williams said the level of national concern over COVID-19 meant the organisers had been unable to secure the support of both Thornbury Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council for the event to go ahead.

He said: "I would like to publicly thank the small group of volunteers who have worked so incredibly hard to put plans together for what we believed would be a safe event."

Anyone interested in helping to put on next year's carnival should email info@ thornburycarnival.co.uk.

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n NEWS THORNBURY'S own radio station has started permanent FM broadcasts after years of hard work by volunteers.

Thornbury Radio launched on 105.1 and 107.5 FM in June, with a socially-distanced event held to mark the occasion at its studio on The Plain, which was officially opened by the town's deputy mayor Chris Davies at an event attended by volunteers, sponsors, presenters and local councillors.

The FM service is designed to cover Thornbury and surrounding villages, including Alveston, Olveston, Tytherington, Oldbury-onSevern, Leyhill, Wickwar, Bagstone and Iron Acton.

It is also still available online, on an app, radio players and via smart speakers.

Run by a non-profit community interest company, it is being funded by a combination of grants, donations and advertising.

Station manager Chris Criddle said: “We are delighted to be on air across Thornbury and the surrounding area.

July, 2021

Thornbury Radio is on-air

Deputy mayor Chris Davies and Thornbury Radio presenters at the station launch.

"The station will play a great mix of music, highlight information about our local area, and be the place for everyone to talk about Thornbury and surrounding area.

"Please do listen in, let us know what you think and join us in making Thornbury Radio the choice and voice

for local listeners, events and organisations.

"Finally thank you to everyone who has helped make the station launch on FM possible.

"This is the culmination of over 16 years of work by countless volunteers being involved over the years.

"Listeners will hear many programmes coming live from the studio right in the heart of Thornbury.

"Other shows will be more specialist music and talk shows.

There will be something for everyone including national and local news, weather, and the what’s on guide."

Over the years, more than 300 volunteers have helped to delivered local radio programming on the station, which started with Thornbury FM and Gloss FM restricted service broadcasts and continued online as its team worked to secure a licence.

The station is still looking for volunteers to fill roles from training and presenting to admin and maintenance of the technical equipment.

Anyone who is interested can fill out a form online at www. thornbury.radio.

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July, 2021

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n NEWS

Golden shred! Josephine's marmalade is the best

A WOMAN from a village near Thornbury who started making marmalade to get through lockdown has won international recognition.

Josephine Coombe, from Littleton-upon-Severn went up against more than 3,000 other entrants from around the world at the World Marmalade Awards, held at Dalemain House in Cumbria.

She came away with a gold, two silvers and three bronze awards in different categories in the home-made section of the competition.

The hobby began when, after moving to the area last Josephine Coombe with her award-winning marmalade and her September, Josephine’s landlord trophy – a wooden spoon brought her some apples from his orchard, and she started there’s nothing more beautiful cooking and I love trying out new researching how to make than holding up a finished jar things and my mother’s always chutney and jam. of marmalade to the light and been a marmalade fan, so we During the December seeing the sun stream through grew up eating marmalade. lockdown she taught herself to the jellied gold.

"The interesting thing about make preserves and marmalade, "It was a fun way to stay marmalade is that it’s both an and experimented with adding productive during lockdown." art and a science. It’s very easy different ingredients.

Judges at the awards taste to get 20:48 it wrong, it takes WB garden ad.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2021 Page 1 a lot of Josephine said: "I love the marmalade and give a score focus and concentration – and

out of 20 based on three areas: presentation, appearance and colour, peel size and set, and flavour, aroma and harmony.

Josephine won gold in the First Timers category for her Seville orange marmalade, which also won a silver in the Seville Clear category.

She was awarded another silver in the ‘Marmalade for a friend’ category.

Her three bronze titles were for a marmalade with alcohol, a citrus marmalade with orange, lemon and pink grapefruit, and for a marmalade with an ‘unexpected savoury element’ Josephine added cheese.

She came home with a clutch of certificates, and her prize for wining gold, which was a locally carved wooden spoon.

Josephine said: “I was delighted. I knew I was going to win the gold but I had no idea that my other marmalades had won all these other awards, so I was thrilled.

"I will definitely be back."

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July, 2021

n NEWS

Fusion power plan clears hurdle PLANS to build a cutting-edge nuclear reactor near Thornbury have cleared their first hurdle.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority is seeking a location for the first ever nuclear fusion plant, aiming to replicate how the sun works to provide limitless, clean energy.

Councils, MPs and key industry and business partners on the boundary of Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire have teamed up in the hope of attracting a cutting-edge reactor called a Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) to either Oldbury or nearby Berkeley, both of which have decommissioned nuclear power stations.

Making such a plant work is seen as a potential answer to the world’s energy problems – but no fusion reactor has ever been produced that creates more energy than it consumes.

The area's newly-named ‘Severn Edge’ bid to host the

How the new nuclear plant cold look experimental £220 million plant, led by the cross-border Western Gateway economic partnership, is one of 15 nominations to pass the initial assessment stage.

The UKAEA will now consider the plans to create an initial fusion technical centre at Berkeley and Oldbury through a "detailed desktop assessment process", which will take several months.

The successful bid is predicted to bring thousands of

highly-skilled jobs to whichever area is awarded it.

STEP aims to produce electricity by 2040, and Western Gateway says there is a potential for billions of pounds in future investment if it is a success.

Western Gateway chair Katherine Bennett said: "I am delighted that the Severn Edge nomination has progressed through the showstopper stage for this internationally significant infrastructure project.

"We have had a fantastic opportunity to co-lead the coordination and preparation for the Severn Edge submission alongside some of the leading nuclear, academic and business partners in the South West, notably Nuclear South West and the South West Nuclear Hub." Nuclear South West is the industry body supported by Business West.

Spokesperson Andy Bates said: “Fusion technology uses the same principles that power our sun. It is zero carbon, uses naturally abundant fuels and can solve many of the challenges associated with the UK becoming a net zero carbon economy."

South West Nuclear Hub co-director Professor Tom Scott said: “Establishing a fusion technical centre here in the South West will give the UK its best chance in what is the UK’s nuclear equivalent of a moonshot project."

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July, 2021

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n NEWS

9

Honour for Ruth

Two prisoners walk out

A NURSE from Thornbury has been honoured for her work helping cancer patients.

Ruth Hendy, lead cancer nurse for the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to people living with and affected by cancer.

Announcing the award, a trust spokesperson said: "In her role as lead cancer nurse, Ruth has been instrumental in leading the development, implementation and securing the long term sustainability of these services for our cancer patients.

"This includes initiatives such as the recent establishment of cancer ‘Personalised Care and Support’ services, including health and well-being events and holistic needs assessments for people with cancer, which help people to maximise their health and well-being and provide holistic care and support for people living with and beyond their cancer diagnosis, alongside their clinical care."

Ruth said: "I feel so humbled to have been acknowledged in this way.

"I’ve worked with so many wonderful, dedicated and enthusiastic people, in cancer services, over 34 years at the Trust.

"I really feel this award should be seen as recognition of all we have achieved together, for people affected by cancer in Bristol and across the region.

"We’re not done yet though – there is still more to do.”

TWO prisoners have absconded from HMP Leyhill in the space of a month.

Sean Porter walked out of the open jail near Thornbury on the morning of June 7.

The 43-year-old, who was serving a seven-year sentence for offences including robbery and aggravated burglary, remained at large for three days before being recaptured.

Another prisoner, Andrew Gestyn Richards, failed to return CCTV image of Andrew to prison after a release on a Gestyn Richards temporary licence and was at large as the Voice went to press.

The 52-year-old prisoner was jailed in 1995 for offences including assault, indecent assault and rape, and had been staying at an authorised address in Swansea before he was due to return to the open prison on June 25.

Police believed Richards, who is white, clean shaven and about 5ft 10in tall, with grey hair, could be 'wild camping' away from the area where he was on temporary licence.

When last seen he was wearing a black baseball cap, grey jacket, black Adidas three-stripe shorts and blue trainers, and carrying a dark blue drawstring bag, a large black holdall and a rolled-up green item, possibly a tent.

Anyone who sees him is being warned not to approach him but to call 999 immediately quoting crime reference number 5221 142 603.

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n NEWS

July, 2021

New wheels for community transport groups COMMUNITY transport operators in South Gloucestershire have been given the keys to new accessible vehicles.

Each of the three community transport groups in the area, including Four Towns and Vale Link Transport in Thornbury, has received two brand new Peugeot Boxer minibuses to use for their local services.

The new minibuses are equipped with Euro 6 engines and will replace some of the oldest vehicles in the operators’ existing fleets, helping to reduce harmful emissions, as well as lowering fuel consumption and reducing ongoing maintenance costs.

The new vehicles complete a fleet of 15 minibuses provided to South Gloucestershire’s community transport operators with the help of £740,000 of funding from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Local

Metro Mayor Dan Norris and South Gloucestershire Council's Steve Reade and Toby Savage with the transport groups and their minibuses

Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

Six new Mercedes Sprinter minibuses were delivered at the beginning of March last year and three Nissan E-NV electric vehicles were delivered in August last year2020.

Representatives from Kingswood Community Transport, Green Community Travel and Four Towns and Vale Link Transport were joined by

council leader Toby Savage and West of England Mayor Dan Norris for the official handover of keys to the new vehicles.

Cllr Savage said: “The operators are all ‘not for profit’ organisations that have been impacted by reduced income and service during the coronavirus pandemic, so these new vehicles come at a much-needed time and will help them continue to provide their much-valued service to South Gloucestershire

residents and help keep our rural communities connected."

Mr Norris said: “These new, modern minibuses will mean local people who might not otherwise be able to, can visit family and friends, get to doctors appointments and pop to the shops. And I've even heard they offer some mystery tours!

"What's even better is that the new minibuses are more environmentally friendly too. So it's good for the community and good for the planet."

Four Towns and Vale link Community Transport chief executive Nigel Davis said: “The two new fully accessible minibuses, in addition to the vehicles already received, will help us to increase our activity as we gradually come out of lockdown.”

For more information about community transport in South Gloucestershire visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ communitytransport.

PROFESSIONAL & FINANCIAL QUALIFICATIONS at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) offer a wide range of courses from Accounting to Teaching, Customer Services to Project Management, and Human Resources to Procurement.

These professional qualifications are ideal for anyone already working within their chosen sector and looking to enhance their skills, or those new to the sector who wish to gain their initial qualification.

“SGS have been extremely helpful in giving me the understanding and resources needed to complete the course. I would highly recommend it.” AAT Level 4 Learner For more information visit: www.sgscol.ac.uk/study/professional-and-financial or email: professional@sgscol.ac.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

July, 2021

11

n NEWS

Neighbours come together for hospice A COUPLE have brought residents of their housing development together for a fundraising event for the hospice which helped them after their daughter died.

Martin and Mel Abrahams organised a family day for The Orchards in Thornbury, raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West.

The couple have been supported by the charity's Charlton Farm hospice near Bristol and have been since their youngest daughter, Jessica, died of leukaemia in January 2017, aged just six.

Martin said: “The care and compassion that we experienced during the worst time in our lives was priceless.

"Jessica lost a long battle with leukaemia and the CHSW were there for my wife, Melissa, our eldest daughter, Zoe and myself.”

The family fun day raised £662 for CHSW and consisted of a barbecue, activities for the children, a tombola and raffle.

Martin said: “The event went amazingly and was a great way to bring all the neighbours in this new estate together after just waving at them when on lockdown walks.

"The development really rose to the occasion, with lots of bottles and cakes being

Martin, Mel and Zoe Abrahams at the fundraising family day

Martin with Jess

donated.

"Lots of people dropped by to purchase hot dogs and soft drinks, as well as taking part in the activities.

"We were really blown away by the support."

At the beginning of the year, Martin made it his mission to raise 2,021 for CHSW in

what is the charity’s 30th anniversary year.

He has now exceeded this target and plans to keep going to see how much more he can raise.

So far Martin has raised more than £2,100 for the hospice. To sponsor him, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martinabrahams2021 online.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

MBST Bristol: Real results in real people MBST: an award-winning innovation designed to manage long-term injury, osteoarthritis and elite sports injuries.

James Scrimshaw and Jonathan Webb (Consultant Knee Surgeon) at Cura’s MBST Clinic in Westbury-on-Trym

MBST is a therapeutic adaptation of MRI used to treat osteoarthritis and soft tissue damage. Unlike an MRI, MBST doesn’t create an image but it does use the same energy to stimulate a significant repair response in damaged tissue and joints. Here at Cura’s Westbury-on-Trym Clinic here in Bristol, over 90% of the patients we’ve treated have improved levels of pain, joint mobility and stability.

Our patients range in age from 21 (generally with trauma or sports injuries) to those in their 80s. Many patients have osteoarthritic change in necks, backs, hips, knee or ankle joints. Most often, these patients are not yet ready for surgery but are suffering with mild to moderate stage of joint damage and some considerable pain. For this group, the results from MBST treatment really are extremely impressive.

Here are a couple of examples of the patients Cura’s Clinical Director, James Scrimshaw, has treated with MBST: Janet (64) had been suffering with severe pain in her left knee for years. She found it difficult to walk on rough ground and experienced aches at night Osteoarthritis

Cartilage damage

Back & disc problems

Ligament, tendon & muscle damage

Bone conditions & fractures

Sports & accident injuries

and stiffness after sitting. Her surgeon said she was a year off having a replacement knee but suggested that she used the arthritic joint as much as she could. He also recommended a course of MBST. Two and a half years after treatment, Janet is now in no significant pain and her mobility has sustainably improved. Janet was so happy with her outcomes that she also went on to use MBST on her right hip. This has responded equally well.

Marlene (80+) has suffered with chronic neck and back pain for years. Over that time, we used chiropractic treatment but her condition began to deteriorate and hands-on treatment became less effective over time. We decided to use MBST to treat her spinal osteoarthritis and as a result, Marlene’s condition is transformed!

She’s pain free and hasn’t needed as much ongoing hands-on treatment. She’s also just finished a course on her knees to help with mild to moderate joint changes to which she’s responded really well.

MBST isn’t just used for patients with arthritis.

We’ve recently had the pleasure of working with professional sports teams such as the Bristol Bears, and have treated some of their elite squad. While the majority of cases we treat have really good outcomes, as with most medical procedures, not all cases respond as well due to severity and complexity. Whilst we love to sing about our successes, we’ll always give a realistic appraisal of the most likely outcome.

To speak to us about your treatment, call Cura Clinical on 0117 959 6531. MBST can’t make you 21 again but it can stimulate a healing process that can significantly improve the condition of damaged joints and tissues.

0117 959 6531

www.curaclinical.com

Chiropractic | MBST Cell Regeneration Therapy | Deep Tissue Laser Therapy

thornburyvoice

July, 2021

13

n NEWS

Peter still has fire in his belly at 100 WHEN Peter Ching reached his 100th birthday he was in no doubt about how he wanted to celebrate.

The Second World War veteran asked for a repeat performance from a belly dancer who had previously appeared at his home, Grace Care Centre in Thornbury.

Staff at the care home, run by the Orders of St John Care Trust, asked Peter in the weeks leading up to his big day in June to make sure he had a birthday weekend to remember, and said it was his "emphatic wish" to see the belly dancer again at his party, which also included an indoor barbecue with his friends and fellow residents.

Peter, who served with the RAF in Burma before working as a sales rep for Bovril, has lived in Thornbury for over 40 years.

He said the weekend had been "absolutely marvellous", adding: "What a special lot they are here to put all of this together

Peter Ching for me."

Asked if there was any secret to his longevity, Peter said: "Well, it’s just luck, isn’t it? Just got to keep going!"

A spokesperson for the trust said: "Peter is very popular with everyone at Grace Care Centre, and residents and team members planned ahead to make the weekend special.

"One of the other residents,

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Tony, has a passion for baking and he helped head chef Raz to bake the 100th birthday cake.

"The team also decorated the café and dining areas especially for the party, and wore 1940s attire on the day to mark one of Peter’s favourite eras."

Peter also got to visit some of his family and friends locally at a private party.

Georgia joins legal team A THORNBURY law firm has welcomed a new Solicitor Associate to its office.

Georgia Wookey specialises in inheritance and trust disputes, and will be based in Wards’ Thornbury High Street office after joining from Devon firm Stephens Scown, where she worked as a solicitor in their inheritance and trust disputes team.

She also advises on cohabitation issues, including cohabitation agreements and disputes between separating unmarried couples seeking to divide property and assets, and has been listed as ‘one to watch’ by legal guide Chambers High Net Worth.

Wards Solicitors opened its new office in Thornbury earlier this year, bringing the total number of its branches to 12.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

14

July, 2021

n LOCAL MP

More must be done for Thornbury High Street LAST month South Gloucestershire Council decided against a full pedestrianisation of Thornbury High Street, explaining that as the local MP I could not, and the community would not, accept the proposals.

One of the clear issues has been the lack of Blue Badge parking and provision, leaving many disabled residents and those with reduced mobility being left completely unable to access the High Street at all. We could never have accepted this.

I am grateful to everyone who

signed my petition, calling on South Gloucestershire Council to alter the plans for Thornbury High Street, and include extra Blue Badge parking along the High Street to ensure every resident in the community has access to the High Street. I am extremely grateful to the hundreds of Thornbury residents who signed in support.

It’s good news that the council have listened to Thornbury residents and agreed to improving on-street Blue Badge parking on the High Street. We will be pushing

for these new spaces to be introduced as quickly as possible.

There is more to be done.

I have written to South Gloucestershire Council to make clear that this is not the end of our calls for further action on the High Street. We need to address the traffic concerns along Rock Street, we need to improve access to the High Street, reopen Soapers Lane, we need clear communication with businesses and residents on this issue, and we need to ensure businesses can operate efficiently as we recover from this pandemic.

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

The council’s sole focus must be agreeing an outcome for Thornbury which strengthens the High Street’s long-term future, whilst making sure we remain a vibrant and accessible town for everyone in South Gloucestershire.

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

A THORNBURY primary school is looking for volunteers to join its board of governors.

Gillingstool Primary School is seeking "enthusiastic and committed" people to join the team, which holds school leaders to account, shapes its vision and values, and is in charge of its strategic direction.

A statement from the school said: "You do not need to be an expert in education and a big part of this role will be for you to learn about the many fabulous ways and methods that children learn and grow into well balanced and happy individuals.

You will then use this knowledge to support the Senior Leadership Team through appropriate challenge and questioning."

Volunteers have "excellent support and development opportunities", including an induction process and full training programme, with chances to take on responsibility for areas of the school's development plan.

The school is especially keen to hear from people who have business experience or knowledge of environmental activities.

Anyone who is interested should email michelle. galliott3@gillingstool.org.uk.

Other volunteering opportunities are currently available via Thornbury Volunteer Centre. For more details email mail@volunteerthornbury.co.uk.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

July, 2021

thornburyvoice

n NEWS

15

HAVE YOUR SAY

Town plans open for comment RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on Thornbury’s proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

A consultation is now underway on the document, which aims to give people in the town the opportunity to help shape future growth in the area.

All the comments will be passed to an independent examiner who will recommend whether the plan should be voted on in a community referendum.

The plan, which has been put together by a group of volunteers from Thornbury along with members of the town council, is based on the views of people in the local community about what matters to them most.

Information which has been gathered in a range of ways since 2017 and has been developed into a series of policies covering housing, the town centre and economy, services and facilities, sustainable development and connectivity, and travel, transport and planning.

A key theme is the wish to preserve the ‘unique character’, ‘historic identity’, and ‘rural separation’, of the town, while providing more affordable and sustainable housing that meets the needs of all age ranges.

One objective on housing is to ensure that new developments are carefully planned so that any site is considered in the wider context of the area.

A need to build homes which will do not harm the environment is also identified, using technology such as ground source heat pumps and solar panels.

The plan aims to work towards achieving a ‘varied and comprehensive’ shopping experience for all in the town centre.

It is not within its remit to address the issue of providing additional parking, but the plan makes a commitment to protect the number of town centre spaces which already exist.

Health facilities, or the potential lack of them, was the most significant concern which came out of an earlier residents' survey, particularly in relation to the growing number of new homes.

The policy in the plan describes how new infrastructure needs to be provided in phases in parallel with new housing, to make sure it keeps up with demand.

The document also identifies that with many new residents, local jobs need to be provided in future to prevent Thornbury from becoming a dormitory town, which people commute from to work elsewhere.

It supports encouraging local start-up businesses which will create new jobs and services.

The transport policy states that, with the town growing fast, up to date traffic and movement impact assessments must be used to inform any changes to roads, and more cycle paths and walkways need to be created to connect communities, not only within the town but also with the surrounding area.

Vilner Lane Wood, which was saved from redevelopment, is singled out as an area which residents would like to be designated as a Local Green Space through the Neighbourhood Plan.

The community compost site already has this status – but not the wood.

The consultation is open until 5pm on July 23.

More details of how to respond can be found in the advertisement on this page.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan Final Consultation Thornbury Town Council submitted the Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan to South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) in October 2020. SGC have published the submitted Plan for consultation between 11 June and 23 July 2021.

VIEWING THE PLAN 

Online – via SGC’s consultation webpage https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti You may need to register (if you are not already) to leave comments.



In person – at Thornbury Library on computer, with a paper copy available on request. Covid-19 safe practices are in place at the Library. You can contact the Library on 01454 865022 if you have any queries about viewing the Plan.

SUBMITTING COMMENTS  Email - you will be able to download a form from the consultation webpage and return via email to neighbourhoodplanning@southglos.gov.uk 

Post – you can send comments to Department for Environment and Community Services, PO Box 1954, Bristol, BS37 0DD. If you are unable to download a comments form, or reply online or via email, you can post a letter to the above postal address.

All comments on the Plan must be received no later than 5pm on 23 July 2021. All representations will be publicly available. Where possible, SGC encourages people to comment online. If you have questions during the consultation period, contact the Strategic Planning Policy team on 01454 868896 email neighbourhoodplanning@southglos.gov.uk

AFTER THE CONSULTATION An independent Examiner will consider comments and test the Plan against Government planning rules. If the Plan passes these, a public Referendum is held, where registered voters in the Town Council area vote on the Plan. If a majority support the Plan it will, alongside the SGC Core Strategy and other planning documents, be used to help determine planning applications in Thornbury.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

2644 Thornbury Neighbourhood Ad.indd 1

14/06/2021 11:13

thornburyvoice

16

n NEWS

July, 2021

Tennis courts transformed at Marlwood

TENNIS courts at Marlwood School have been transformed in time for the season thanks to a joint project between staff and supporters.

The Friends of Marlwood School helped organise and fund work to have the tennis and netball courts cleaned and the lines repainted, contributing £2,600 – about a third of the refurbishment cost – from their fundraising, with the school paying for the rest.

Head of PE Matthew Richards said: “Over the 11 years that I have worked at Marlwood School I have seen the tennis and netball courts unfortunately become slightly dilapidated."

Mr Richards and head teacher Del Planter drew up a two-stage plan to get the Alveston school's courts up to a good standard, starting with power cleaning the area and repainting the lines before replacing the fences and surface in the longer term.

“I am so pleased to say that, with the support of FOMS, stage 1 has now been completed," said Mr Richards. "The results are outstanding and, most importantly, several pupils have mentioned how much better the area looks now.

"The positive knock-on effect is that

Marlwood School head teacher Del Planter and head of PE Matthew Richards on the new tennis court students are now asking 'when are we going to play tennis? as they are excited to use the area.

"We are so grateful that FOMS have the

same ambitions as us in the school, that we all just want to make the school as good as possible for the students to learn.”

FOMS is making grant applications and planning fundraising events, and dads Chris Kedward and George Evans are training to run the London Marathon in October.

At the Castle School, members of the friends’ association have launched fundraising events, with their most recent success being a car boot sale on the playing fields, attracting 35 stallholders and 150 buyers, and raising £400.

The next one takes place on July 11, with sellers invited from 9am and buyers from 10am. Vehicle entry is £5 and it’s 50p for members of the public.

• A TENNIS club is inviting occasional players to get back into the sport without having to join up.

Almondsbury and Bradley Stoke Tennis Club is offering anyone who wants to dust off their racket and get active the chance to book a court by the hour under its 'Pay & Play' scheme.

For more information visit the club's website at clubspark.lta.org.uk/ AlmondsburyandBradleyStokeTennis or call Maggie on 07771 903588.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

July, 2021

n NEWS

Relaunching the Thornbury arts scene THORNBURY'S Armstrong Arts Group is re-launching the town's arts scene than with a spot of jazz.

The AAG, which previously raised funds to support the Armstrong Hall, has changed direction to keep some musical and theatrical The Jenner Jazz Quartet events happening in the town, with any money raised at the concerts used to further this aim.

Its first post-lockdown event is an evening of jazz classics from the Jenner Jazz Quartet, with Gareth Williams (flute and saxes), Sam Foster (keyboard), Jim Pimpernell (double bass) and Jim Sanders (drums).

The jazz evening is due to take place, subject to any covid restrictions, at the town's United Reformed Church in Chapel Street on September 11 at 7.30pm.

The cost is £12, including a drink, and tickets are available by calling 01454 850933.

Plans are in the pipeline for another event in October and on November 27 the group plans to host Michael Lunts’ Christmas Crackers musical evening, with more details to be announced.

17

Challenge at library THORNBURY'S library is challenging children to read through the summer holidays – and has brought back an event for pre-schoolers.

The library is taking part in the 2021 Summer Reading Challenge, Wild World Heroes, which will see children read six books over the summer holiday and collect stickers to complete a poster and get a medal and certificate.

The free event runs from July 10 to September 11.

The library has also announced the return of Rhymetime sessions for young children, on Fridays at 9.30am.

Parents need to book places at the event and numbers are extremely limited.

Email thornbury.library@southglos.go.uk and leave a name and phone number to book you in.

Pony show is back on ALMONDSBURY'S Pony Show and Gymkhana will be going ahead this year.

Organisers have had to adapt the schedule to fit in with coronavirus guidelines, which means that the usual dog show, dressage and showing events cannot take place.

But the adapted event, at Washingpool Hill, Tockington, from 10am on July 4, will include a gymkhana, showjumping, mini jumping, a raffle, craft stalls and a bar.

The 77th show is raising money for Great Western air Ambulance Charity and St Peter's Hospice.

For more details visit the Almondsbury Pony Show and Gymkhana Facebook page.

Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury

Independent traditional nursery open to the public and serving the trade Over 1,000 potted trees in stock Specimen trees and shrubs for screening Shrubs, Herbaceous perennials and Wild flowers Fruit trees and soft fruit Quality plants for your projects

Hello. Do you have a potential building plot next to your home?

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We are looking for small parcels of land on which to build high quality new homes. If you have space of at least 6m by 12m, excluding parking, it may be suitable to build on.

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18

n THORNBURY CLINIC

thornburyvoice

July, 2021

How to manage stress be detrimental to our bodies.

What does stress affect?

Alexandra Orchard is an osteopath with a special interest in fibromyalgia and stress-related chronic pain.

THE stress response is one induced by our bodies to enable us to deal quickly with potentially threatening situations – often termed the 'fight or flight' response.

When these hormones are continuously produced without such a threatening situation, it can

Blood pressure and blood sugar: Stress hormones increase glucose levels to enable us to fight or flee, and over a long period this can put us at risk of developing diabetes.

In addition, the stress hormone cortisol narrows arteries whilst epinephrine (adrenaline) increases the heart rate, causing our heart to pump stronger and faster to better prepare us. This, naturally, will increase our blood pressure. Spikes in blood pressure can increase our risk of heart attack.

Breathing: Increased breathing to elevate oxygen levels during the stress response makes breathing shallower and makes more use of the accessory breathing muscles in the upper chest and neck.

Counterproductively, this can actually leave us feeling short of breath. In normal situations, our diaphragms are responsible for

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Facilitating Recovery, Preventing Injury

creating the vacuum that pulls air into our lungs and relaxing to help us exhale air. When our accessory breathing muscles are used for longer than designed they will quickly fatigue, which can cause discomfort and tight muscles around the neck and chest.

Muscles: Our muscles tighten to protect us during stress and over a long period, this can cause decreased circulation and increased lactic acid, resulting in muscle ache, postural changes and referred pain, like tension headaches.

Digestion: Stress hormones increase oesophageal spasm and production of stomach acid, which can cause nausea, diarrhoea or constipation. Long-term stress can slow down digestive processes, which limits food absorption. A direct correlation between high cortisol (stress hormone) and higher calorie intake in women suggests that long-term stress may also cause weight gain.

Immunity: Inflammation in the body is suppressed when cortisol levels are high. Over a long period this can result in immune system suppression. This makes us more at risk of catching contagious illnesses and developing diseases and allergies.

How can we manage stress?

Good quality sleep: Decent sleep is essential to optimal health. It equips us to better deal with stress too.

Exercise: Getting regular exercise (30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is a good goal) decreases stress hormone levels and increases production of endorphins (feelgood chemicals). Exercising more regularly is also likely to improve your sleep, digestion and blood pressure – two birds with one stone!

Stress management techniques: Meditation and yoga are popular choices. Yoga works on mindbody connection, mindfulness and breathing techniques with movement. Meditation is a practice to try to achieve tranquillity and peace of the mind and so is an excellent stress-management technique. Both of these practices have been shown to reduce stress levels.

Balanced diet: Eating well is a good way to reduce the physiological impacts of longterm stress. Eating regular meals, prioritising whole foods and protein, minimising highly refined food intake and drinking plenty of water is key to managing blood sugar levels.

Do things you enjoy: This goes without saying, but we can often forget to make time to do the things that make us happy when our schedules get hectic! Ensure you’re making time for yourself, whether that’s spending time with family and friends or doing a hobby.

If you are struggling with stress or anxiety, can contact the Thornbury Clinic on 01454 838366 or email info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk.

Advertise your business in Thornbury Voice Contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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

July, 2021

19

n COMMUNITY NEWS

First Thornbury Walkathon raises £10,000 A BRAND new fundraising venture, the Thornbury Walkathon, has turned out to be both enjoyable and successful.

Introduced by Thornbury Rotary Club, the event from May 24 to June 6 raised about £10,000 for charity, including Gift Aid. Rotary President Barry Williams congratulated all the teams and individuals who had set themselves a diverse selection of routes and had managed to complete the course, thanking them and the sponsors who helped to raise such a "fantastic amount", including the Europa Group and Renishaw.

The main charity to benefit was Jigsaw Thornbury, which supports families who have children with additional needs.

The event was open to all ages and abilities and appealed to many fundraising groups, including Thornbury Golf Club, Olveston & Thornbury Brownies, Thornbury Musical Theatre Group, Sheiling School Thornbury, Krunch South West, Thornbury in Bloom, Thornbury Running Club, Tucker Lewis Combo, Octopus Drama Group, Thornbury National Women’s Register, U3A Rambling

The launch of the Thornbury Walkathon Club – Tangent, Inner Wheel, Jigsaw Thornbury, members of Thornbury Rotary and a number of individual teams.

President Barry was first off the mark and managed to raise over £1,000 by completing a 10-mile walk from the Mundy playing fields and around Thornbury.

Jigsaw chair of trustees Hattie Clayton completed 15 circuits of the Mundy’s, tackling a different challenge on each lap.

Organiser Mark Wilkinson said: "It was wonderful to see so many people taking up the challenge and in doing so helping to raise money for local charities and good

Tea room reopens THORNBURY'S Over 60's Tea Room is open again after lockdown and refurbishment.

It's wonderful to see that people are returning.

New volunteers are beginning to join us and we can now open four days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10am to 2pm.

We hope you will join us for a sociallydistanced chat.

causes.

"With the cancellation of the annual Swimarathon, the Walkathon became Thornbury Rotary Club’s primary fundraiser for the year”.

Mark took on his own challenge of walking 50 miles during the fortnight. He set up a blog on www.

ThornburyRotaryWalkathon.com where details and photos from many of the groups can be found.

More information about the groups and the amounts donated are available on the fundraising page VirginMoneyGiving.com/fund/ ThornburyRotary.WALKATHON21 Jigsaw founder Tor Goodman said: "With our new venue in sight, we are looking forward to opening our doors to the families and the wider community. The money raised through the Walkathon will help us carry out the improvements needed to make it into the welcoming and fun space we are aiming for.

"Thank you so much to Thornbury Rotary for their continued support for JIGSAW and all the other local organisations that bring so much to our town."

Adrian Dennis

Hot drinks are 50p each and biscuits (and sometimes cake) will be on sale.

Feel free to bring along your own lunch.

We are in the Town Hall in the High Street, side entrance.

We are grateful to South Gloucestershire and Thornbury Town Council for helping us to continue despite the problems caused by lockdown and the reduction in customer numbers.

Support for the refurbishment project and to buy PPE has come from the Lions Club, Oldbury Shop, Rotary and Round Table.

Sandra Doig

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Improving Thornbury High Street for the future There have been, and continue to be, increasing pressures on our high streets. Competition from shopping centres and retail parks, the growth of online shopping, bank closures and the impact of the pandemic.

Many shops – including family-run businesses – that we know and love, and which fill our high streets with character, are under enormous pressure to survive.

Thornbury is just one of the hundreds of high streets nationwide that must think about rebalancing its offer. Shopping is part of this future, but people increasingly use high streets for leisure.

To achieve a successful rebalance, South Gloucestershire Council is proposing a number of opportunities for Thornbury.

First – providing the conditions for people to spend leisure time in one of our region's most pleasant high street spaces. A key advantage is the 600 free car parking spaces a short distance from the high street. And with a ‘no-through traffic’ policy on the high street, this will provide a more welcoming area for all visitors. Whether people travel by car, bus, bicycle or foot, they can enjoy leisure, hospitality, and shop in a quieter and healthier high street environment.

Our consultation with the community has resulted in one-way vehicle access for anyone wanting to support our high street economy. As part of the new policy, customer loading/unloading, drop-off points, and high street Blue Badge Parking will now be included.

Following this community discussion, we are confident that this new scheme, with significant changes from the one

Artist's impression: view of the main High Street looking south which started during the pandemic, will work more effectively and in the interests of retail and hospitality.

Second is an investment in the businesses and organisations which make Thornbury such a vibrant, diverse place for people to spend their time. Our Thrive grants support high streets to flourish into the new future by making a rebalanced high street possible. Fourteen awards were given from a £400,000 pot.

For example, The Swan and The Malthouse pubs received support for outdoor seating. Jigsaw Thornbury, a charity supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, now enjoy an accessible high street venue.

Cyclists visiting the June market on the High Street

The third is working with the people who know the town best – you,

the people, and the champions of Thornbury. With the Town Centre Partnership group, we will deliver the new vision for the high street with a new look and feel. We will work with Thornbury in Bloom to ensure that planters and flowers introduce the best nature has to offer to the high street. Significant upgrades to Thornbury’s schools and the purchase of the hospital site to help deliver new health facilities is another part of the town’s exciting future.

We want residents and communities to shape the future of their town, including suggesting ideas for local events.

Together with local organisations, we will hold conversations with the community to help Thornbury build back better from this past year. Together we can maximise the opportunities that transformation and change offer for generations to come.

www.southglos.gov.uk www.southglos.gov.uk/thornburyhighstreet

thornburyvoice

July, 2021

21

n COMMUNITY NEWS

A year-round job for Poppy Appeal couple

THIS year marks the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

Best known for the annual Poppy Appeal, which is always so generously supported by the public, RBL is the largest armed forces charity, with over 2,400 branches across the UK. Organising the Poppy Appeal is a year-round task, and locally the responsibility falls to RBL members and married couple, Rick and Val Laing.

Rick grew up in Middlesbrough in a military family – his father was in the RAF working on Mosquitoes at the end of the war.

As an Army cadet, Rick always wanted to be a soldier and joined up straight from school at age 16.

He entered military service via the Junior Leaders Regiment of the Royal Armoured Corps, where he was trained as a Chieftain and Scorpion crewman, and a few years later he was promoted to troop leader.

His regiment was initially the 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars,

Rick and Val Laing later becoming the Light Dragoons, and during his 20 year career he served in Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, Norway and Canada.

Val grew up in Norfolk and also came from a service family. Her father served in the Army and her mother was in the Women’s Land Army.

Val joined the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps after school and college and trained to be a nurse at Queen

Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, London. Val then trained at the Royal Hospital Chelsea with Chelsea Pensioners and the British Military Hospital in Hanover, Germany, before being posted to Chessington Rehabilitation Centre to continue her career.

Rick and Val met and married while serving in the Army and settled in Thornbury after finishing their military service. Rick now has a successful career as a tutor at a local prison. Val is a receptionist for

a local GP practice.

Rick and Val’s first association with RBL was in 2005 with the Riders’ branch, motorcyclists who attend rallies and other events to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the people of Thornbury, £17,082 was collected locally last year.

This money helps to support veterans young and old in times of need.

We are very grateful to the vital local volunteers who come forward and give their time to help with the poppy collections in Thornbury.

If you would like to volunteer to help, please either by email rblthornbury@gmail.com or call 07712 897525.

Anybody can join the Royal British Legion; you don’t have to have been in the armed forces to become a member. We meet in The Black Horse on Gillingstool at noon on the last Sunday of every month.

You will be welcome.

John Black

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thornburyvoice

22

July, 2021

n SPORT

Tornadoes cause a storm at Lord's AFTER just nine months of training in all weathers, Thornbury Tornadoes were invited to play in a national tournament at the home of cricket.

The Thornbury Cricket Club women's team was one of nine invited to Lord's on June 18 to celebrate the ECB's Women’s Big Cricket Month.

It meant the Tornadoes would be the first Thornbury side in the club’s 150-year history to play at Lord's.

On arrival we were informed that sadly the rain would prevent us from playing on the nursery pitches and main ground.

All matches were rescheduled to be played at the indoor cricket centre. This was a new set-up for us, having never played indoors before.

The teams we were to play were Luton Ladies, Crouch End and Crawley Eagles.

In the first game, Luton won the toss and opted to bat first,

scoring 67-3, with Jo Littlejon getting 2-5 and Olivia 1-7, with extra room to accommodate Olivia's run-up!

Tornadoes started the chase well with first pair Eva and Anjali gaining 17. With a few wickets falling in the middle pairs

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Nina and Hayley were the last batting pair and even with Nina smashing a six we fell short by 12 runs.

Following lunch we were up against Crouch End. Thorns attacked from the off as all four pairs posted healthy

scores, Anjali and Eva 13 (with a 6 from Eva), Sarah and Helen 14, Hazel and Olivia 10, and Nina and Hayley 24.

Setting Crouch End 62 to win (76-3), Thorns were on fire as the wickets tumbled, winning by a massive 43 runs.

In the final game, the Tornadoes took on Crawley Eagles in a shortened 4-over match. In a frenzy of fast-paced cricket the final score was 45-1, the highlight being Anjali’s straight 6.

Crawley fell short by 10 runs and after the traditional bottle of Prosecco post-game, an emotional toast was led by chairman and coach Harry Hawkins, with the team raising a glass to rest of the squad, who were unable to attend due to covid restrictions.

It was an unforgettable day for the Tornadoes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Hazel Gwilym (Tornadoes player)

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

July, 2021

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