Thornbury Voice July 2024 by Thornbury Voice

thornburyvoice

Climbing mountains for

Thornbury loses a friend

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the Thornbury arts scene's greatest supporters, who died during an extreme turbulence incident on a passenger jet.

Geoff Kitchen, who was 73, was a key figure in Thornbury Musical Theatre Group, both on and off stage, and had a wider commitment to culture in the town, including campaigning to the Armstrong Hall.

He stood for election to the town council to

further champion the arts, volunteered for a charity bookshop and supported other local groups.

The retired insurance manager died after suffering a cardiac arrest when a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore experienced a sudden drop in altitude, injuring more than 100 other passengers including his wife, Linda.

TMTG's chair said Geoff's passing had "left a massive hole". Full story: Page 3

Please contact Rowena Moncrieffe for

Single punch caused death

A Pilning man has been jailed for four and a half years after a punch that killed a former footballer.

PAGE 8

General election guide

Candidates for the Thornbury & Yate constituency in July's general election have made their pitch to Voice readers.

PAGES 6-7

Praise for happy club

AN inspector has praised a "well-organised and welcoming" Alveston after-school club for its caring staff and happy atmosphere.

PAGE 9

Dad Barry Curtis, from Almondsbury, is on a mission to reach the highest points of every county in England, Scotland and Wales in memory of his daughter Lucy (below). Full story: Page 5

Lucy

thornburyvoice

Our August edition deadline is July 17.

August deadline Advertising

Betting probe Tory is former council assistant

Thornbury Voice contacts

Editorial Ken McCormick, Editor contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Your views

Richard Drew, Publisher 01454 800 120

contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

We reserve the right to edit your letter.

Local information

South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582

Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Find us on Facebook Thornbury Voice

Environment/trading standards

01454 868001

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk

general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0117 926 2061

NHS Health Call 111

Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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

Complaints

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

A member of the

ONE of the Conservative Party figures embroiled in a scandal over betting on the date of the general election is a former South Gloucestershire Council political assistant. Tony Lee, who stepped back from his role as the party's head of campaigning after it was revealed that his wife was under investigation by the Gambling Commission, was the political assistant to the Conservative group on the council earlier in his career.

Mr Lee's wife Laura Saunders, a fellow Tory employee, is also her party's candidate for the Bristol North West seat at the general election.

As well as Labour incumbent Darren Jones, Ms Saunders is also contesting the election against Mr Lee's previous partner Mary Page, who is the Green candidate for the constituency.

After leaving his role at South Gloucestershire Mr Lee, who attended Kingsfield School in Kingswood before studying modern history at Oxford University, went on to several roles within the Conservative Party, including field campaigner, deputy director of voter communication and strategic political and campaign advisor to former Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who was one of the high-profile casualties in this year's local elections.

A spokesperson for Ms Saunders has said that she will be cooperating with the Gambling Commission investigation, and "has nothing further to add".

The investigation was launched after Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr Conservative candidate Craig Williams, a close aide of the Prime Minister, was alleged to have placed a £100 bet on the date of the general election shortly before it was announced by Rishi Sunak in May.

The surprise announcement

of the July 4 date caught most politicians, including many Conservatives, off-guard.

Mr Williams has since apologised and said he made a "huge error of judgement".

Mr Lee has not commented on the investigation.

The Conservative Party said he had taken "a leave of absence" from his role at Conservative Campaign Headquarters.

A Conservative spokesperson said: “We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals.

“As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldn’t be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded.”

Mr Sunak is coming under pressure from opposition politicians to suspend Ms Saunders and Mr Williams from their positions as Tory election candidates.

He told Sky TV that the party has been "conducting our own internal inquiries and of course will act on any relevant findings or information from that and pass it on to the Gambling Commission".

A police officer from Mr Sunak's police protection detail has been arrested in connection with the scandal.

The Gambling Commission has confirmed it is "investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election".

However a spokesperson declined to reveal further details or confirm the identities of anyone involved in the investigation.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the announcement of an internal investigation was an attempt to kick the story "into the long grass".

General election preview: Pages 6 & 7

n NEWS

Geoff's death has left a 'massive hole'

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of the Thornbury arts scene's greatest supporters, after his death during an extreme turbulence incident on a passenger jet.

Geoff Kitchen was a key figure in Thornbury Musical Theatre Group (TMTG), both on and off stage, for 35 years and had a wider commitment to culture in the town, including campaigning to reopen arts venue the Armstrong Hall.

The retired insurance manager died on May 21 after suffering a cardiac arrest when a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore experienced a sudden drop in altitude, injuring more than 100 other passengers including his wife, Linda.

TMTG chair Andy Hunt said Geoff had "left a massive hole" in the group.

Andy said Geoff had been instrumental in the development of TMTG after its emergence from Thornbury Amateur Operatic Society 35 years ago, serving as chair, treasurer and secretary over the years.

He also regularly appeared on stage, most recently in February this year, when he played the Sultan of Morocco in TMTG pantomime Dick Whittington.

But Andy said that it was Geoff's supportive presence behind the scenes that would be most missed.

He said: "Geoff was an avuncular figure, who cared about people.

"If someone joined the group he always had a genuine, caring interest in them. He was enthusiastic about building for the future."

Geoff was the production coordinator for TMTG's most recent production, Journey Back to the Future, which was performed shortly after his death.

He also involved himself in the day-to-day running of the registered charity, from booking rehearsal spaces and selling raffle tickets to helping to build and paint scenery.

Andy said: "Nothing was beneath him. Some people only come in to take a part and take the limelight, but the arts and the community was more

important to him than getting the part.

"He told me he actually didn't like musical theatre particularly, but he did like music and was passionate about the arts."

In his role as TMTG secretary

Geoff wrote an open letter last year, signed by 250 people, calling for action to reopen the Armstrong Hall complex, which has been closed since the lockdown of 2020.

The campaign had some success, with the trust responsible for the hall later launching a new consultation process aimed at finding viable options for the future.

Geoff also stood for election

to Thornbury Town Council last year, aiming to secure the future of the arts in Thornbury, but missed out.

Andy said: "Armstrong Hall was very much the beating heart and spiritual home for TMTG and Geoff recognised that you need a focal point with the community.

"He's a man who was deeply respected, and the biggest testament we can give him is to carry on what he did for the arts."

Geoff, who was 73, was born in Bristol but he and Linda moved to Thornbury in 1986. They have two children, Anna and Stuart, and four

grandchildren.

Anna said: "Mum and Dad worked very hard to give us a brilliant childhood, full of wonderful experiences, love and support.

"We couldn't have asked for a better start in life, and that love and support remained as we grew up and started families of our own. I loved him very much."

Geoff worked as a branch manager for insurance giant Axa before moving to insurance software company Acturis as a business development manager before he retired in 2010.

Fellow TMTG member and family friend Jill Dimond said: "Geoff was well-known in local theatrical circles as a kind, polite, softly spoken and truly gentle man, but there was a lot more to him than that.

"He was a deep, ethical thinker, who took a great deal of interest in world events as well as local ones. And if he supported a cause, he was someone who would take the initiative and become actively involved.

"When a neighbour left the area, Geoff stepped in to take over his Monday morning volunteer session at the wonderful Lions’ bookshop.

"Geoff was a natural performer, comfortable and delightful to watch on stage.

"As well as performing himself, Geoff would always support other local groups, and his pleasure in music would take him to concerts all around the area and beyond.

"He loved travelling, and the ill-fated flight to Singapore was the start of an exciting trip to Indonesia and Australia.

"He also enjoyed birdwatching and walking, always taking up opportunities to be out and about.

"Geoff was the most wonderful company – you could speak to him about anything, at any level. Sensitive and thoughtful, witty and clever, he would listen attentively to you – but equally would pick you up sharply if you started speaking nonsense! He was so much fun to be with, and became a truly treasured friend, very highly valued by those of us who had this privilege."

Geoff Kitchen

Geoff (centre) in costume in TMTG's 2012 pantomime, Babes In The Wood

Battery plant plans thrown out again

COUNCILLORS have refused permission for a battery compound to store energy in the countryside near Alveston, despite hearing it could be “crucial” in cutting bills and preventing blackouts.

For a second time, a South Gloucestershire Council committee decided that protecting open countryside from development should take priority over the plans.

Immersa, the company behind the controversial plans at Earthcott Green Farm, threatened a legal challenge to the decision.

Representatives said their 200-megawatt battery compound would protect schools and hospitals from power failures.

The plans were first refused by members of the council's development management committee in May, after villagers raised fears of “toxic gas plumes in a lithium explosion” near homes.

Because that decision went against officers’ advice to approve the application, it was referred to the more senior spatial planning committee, which turned it down again on June 20.

The committee first heard from local residents and councillors about their concerns.

Alveston parish councillor Marion Reeve said: “Do we really want vast amounts of the country becoming wind farms, solar farms and now battery farms?

"Lithium explosions are very dangerous. Nuclear is also known to be dangerous — the difference with this project is the nuclear plants are not being built in a field

behind homes where the people of Earthcott live.

"This is absolutely horrendous, to have something like this so close.”

She also raised concerns about the risk of a fire from batteries overheating.

But experts from Avon Fire and Rescue consulted on the planning application told the council they were happy for the battery compound to be built, with

The site of the proposed battery farm at Earthcott Green

n NEWS

Dad walks in Lucy's memory

THE father of a Castle School sixth-form student who died on New Year's Day has started a fundraising mission for the bereavement charity that supported his family.

Lucy Curtis died five days after an incident at an adolescent mental health unit in Bristol, which is subject to an ongoing investigation.

The Almondsbury family's "world fell apart" when Lucy died, but they received valuable support from 2Wish, a charity which supports the bereaved families of young people.

Now Barry is raising money for 2Wish by walking the highest peaks of every county in England, Scotland and Wales between now and the autumn of next year – a total of 82 walks.

He is also urging people to give blood and to sign up for organ donation, after Lucy's organs were used to save the lives of several people including a young child.

Barry's most recent walk was on June 20, which would have been Lucy's 18th birthday, when he and 32 supporters climbed Pen Y Fan in Wales.

He described the walk as “in its own way absolutely beautiful but not without sadness", adding: "The walk was done in a good spirt, reflecting on good memories."

Barry said his daughter was “very bright – a high achiever who loved the performing arts”.

She had performed at Bristol Hippodrome and in the West End.

Lucy was also a “massive animal lover”, and Barry and his wife Michelle bought their daughter a puppy, Rosie, to help her as she struggled with her mental health.

He said Lucy was “still absolutely happy 99% of the time” and was a busy "go-getter", who worked as a barista for a café in Alveston.

Lucy was also "massively into music", had seen Harry Styles twice and the Arctic Monkeys during a "proper year of live music".

Lucy had also had tickets to see American superstar Taylor Swift but never got to see her –her friends went, each with one of Lucy’s teddy bears that they had been given at Lucy’s funeral.

Last year Lucy was admitted first as a voluntary patient to a unit in Bridgwater then, after a few weeks at home, was admitted to the Riverside Unit at Blackberry Hill Hospital, in Fishponds, in mid-December.

She spent Christmas at home with her parents and sister Abi before voluntarily returning to the unit.

Barry says they received a call on December 27 to say there had been "an incident" at the Riverside and were advised to get to Southmead Hospital "very quickly".

Lucy spent five days in intensive care but died on New Year’s Day.

The Riverside Unit, for patients aged between 13 and 18 with "complex and enduring mental health difficulties",

was closed indefinitely shortly afterwards, as Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust said it was not currently able to "consistently deliver a safe level of care".

Barry said the family received a call from a director of the NHS trust to tell them of the closure but feels the family has been "excluded" from the inquiry into Lucy's death, which is ongoing.

He said: "Lucy was a child and we still don’t really know everything. It may be two years before we get an inquest."

Two days after Lucy’s death Barry was contacted by Rhian Mannings, the founder of charity 2wish, which supports families affected by the sudden death of a child or young adult aged under 25.

Rhian visited the family every

two weeks and the charity offered grief counselling and alternative therapies.

Barry said: "It was very important to us at that time."

Rhian founded the charity after losing her son and then her husband within days of each other.

The charity has also supported the family of Thornbury man Tyler Carley, who was killed in a road accident on the Avon Ring Road in December.

Barry says he has set himself a challenge to support 2Wish to give himself a purpose and to channel his grief.

Originally from Cornwall, he started his walking challenge in the county and plans end his series of walks there next year.

Everyone is welcome to join him.

Lucy’s bear Barney accompanies Barry on every walk, as does Gorgeous George the elephant, a cuddly toy named after 2Wish founder Rhian’s son.

Barry said: "I want to raise awareness and get the word out that there is a charity that can help you at your lowest ebb."

As well as supporting the charity Barry is also calling on people to give blood, as Lucy needed a transfusion while she was in intensive care, and to sign up for organ donation.

He said Lucy was particularly passionate about organ donation and had signed up as a donor twice – once when on a trip to New York with mum Michelle and then when she applied for her driving licence.

Barry said knowing every organ Lucy had donated had been successfully transplanted was "very bittersweet".

He said: "She saved eight or nine people."

They included a seven-yearold child who needed a new liver.

Barry now aims to raise £30,000 and awareness of the services provided by 2Wish – by June 24 he had already raised £5,500.

To donate or get involved, visit tinyurl.com/2f8z3ud9.

Barry's fundraising campaign can be followed on Facebook at tinyurl.com/yuy6tdwt

Run for Tyler: Page 13

Barry Curtis with daughter Lucy

Barry with supporters at the top of Pen Y Fan

n THORNBURY & YATE

General election 2024: your candidates

VOTERS in the Thornbury area will be among millions around the country electing a new government on July 4.

Residents living in the area covered by the Voice will all cast their votes in the Thornbury & Yate parliamentary constituency, where Conservative Luke Hall is defending a majority of 12,369 from the 2019 general election.

He won the seat from Liberal Democrat Steve Webb in 2015.

Lib Dem candidate Claire Young, the current leader of South Gloucestershire Council, was second in 2017 and 2019.

The constituency's boundaries have changed since the last general election, as part of a nationwide revamp.

In the south west of the area, the Pilning & Severn Beach council ward has been added to the constituency from neighbouring Filton & Bradley Stoke.

To the south east, the new

development of Lyde Green, which was split down the middle between in Thornbury & Yate and Kingswood, will now be part of Filton & Bradley Stoke.

The area around the village of Siston was also part of the Kingswood constituency, which has been abolished, and now joins Thornbury & Yate.

The Voice has contacted the candidates standing to be the constituency's next MP, and all five of them have sent statements to tell readers something about themselves and their priorities if they are elected.

They appear on our pages in the same order they will be found on the ballot paper.

The seat is a top target for the Lib Dems, who held it and its predecessor Northavon from 1997 until 2015.

The most recent vote in the constituency was last year's South Gloucestershire Council election, where the Lib Dems topped the poll in every council ward in the constituency

As the Voice went to print two opinion polls using large samples had published predictions for the seat.

Both YouGov and Survation were predicting a Lib Dem win in Thornbury & Yate, with YouGov estimating the Lib Dems to have a 39.5% vote share to the Tories 31.3%, while Survation put the Lib Dems at 30% and Conservatives at 28.4%.

However both polls rely on statistical modelling of the population and were carried

out more than a month before polling day.

Voting will take place from 7am until 10pm on July 4, with the votes being counted immediately afterwards and results expected to be declared early on July 5.

The deadline for registering to vote and applying for a postal vote has already passed.

This will be the first general election where voters are required to present photo ID at polling stations. An estimated 4% of voters are registered to vote but lack the necessary ID, according to a recent survey.

Voters can use passports, driving licences, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) cards, blue badges, Defence Identity Cards and some concessionary travel cards as proof: the full list of ID that will be accepted can be found online at tinyurl.com/ t3yspjdz.

GENERAL ELECTION - Election candidates Thornbury

MY name is Andy Banwell, and I am honoured to stand as the Reform UK candidate for Thornbury and Yate. With a career spanning various roles including bus driver, lorry driver, and IT engineer, I’ve gained a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by everyday working people.

As a long-serving parish councillor for Dyrham and Hinton Parish Council, I’ve been committed to serving our local community, working tirelessly to address issues that matter to residents. My dedication to public service is rooted in my belief that effective representation starts with listening to the needs and concerns of the community.

If elected, my priorities will focus on strengthening our local economy, enhancing public services, and ensuring a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. I am passionate about supporting local businesses, improving transportation infrastructure, and ensuring access to high-quality healthcare and education.

I also believe in the importance of preserving our beautiful countryside and promoting sustainable development that respects our environment. As a family man with two grown-up daughters and three grandchildren, I am committed to building a future that provides opportunities and security for all generations.

I am determined to bring a fresh, common-sense approach to politics, advocating for policies that are practical, fair, and focused on improving the quality of life for everyone in Thornbury and Yate. I look forward to the opportunity to represent you and work together to make our community an even better place to live.

Thank you for your support.

Andy Banwell (Reform UK)

I HAVE lived in South Gloucestershire all my life. I grew up here, I am raising my own family here, and I want to make sure we keep delivering for our community.

We’ve got a lot done in the last few years, but I know there is more to do. Together, we managed to defeat the unsustainable proposals to build thousands of houses at Chipping Sodbury and Buckover, but now we need to fight the plans to overdevelop our towns and villages, and make sure Bristol takes a fair share of housing, too.

We are opening a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities school, and now we need to refurbish rural schools and ensure we have strong mental health support in local schools.

We’ve made progress on transport, introducing half hourly train services, opening the park and ride, and scrapping the Severn Bridge Tolls. Now we need to go further, by reopening Charfield Station and securing better bus services.

We supported businesses through Covid, but now we need to open ‘Banking Hubs’ and defeat the Council’s plans to introduce car parking charges.

We are tackling crime. There are over 500 extra police officers in Avon and Somerset, but I am fighting to see more of them on the beat in South Gloucestershire.

On Health, we have secured the money to rebuild Thornbury Health Centre, and expanded services at Yate MIU. Now I want to see more services delivered at Frenchay, and crucially, get the rebuild of Thornbury Health Centre done.

Alexandra Jenner-Fust (Green)

WE’VE just had the hottest month since records began, and climate change is the biggest challenge facing humankind – but to read the news you’d sometimes be hard pressed to know there was a problem. I feel let down by the main political parties and their failure to address this issue, which is the main reason I’m standing for the Green Party in this election.

The Greens are passionate about protecting more than just our environment. We are focussed on delivering a fairer deal for everyone in society. We want to restore the health of the NHS, ensure affordable, quality housing is built in the right places and to enable everyone to have a decent quality life.

I’ve grown up near Thornbury and raised my family here. I work in a local school and also as a gardener, and I volunteer with Homestart, helping families with young children. This gives me a wealth of experience of some of the challenges we all face. I’m already working hard in public service and as a volunteer to help others, and I’m ready to take this further as your member of Parliament.

We are so lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country, where we have a great opportunity to make things even better. I’m ready to serve the people of Thornbury and Yate and help your voice get heard where it matters. For real hope and real change, vote Green.

Read more about the Green Party in our manifesto: greenparty. org.uk/about/our-manifesto

THE country is looking for change – to move forward after fourteen years of division, low growth, high prices, high taxes and poor public services.

To take just one example, people are waiting too long for NHS treatment, while the current government is content to blame doctors and nurses for delays, rather than providing the support that the healthcare system needs and which the British public have a right to expect.

Labour is offering a positive choice – a choice of economic competence, shorter NHS waiting times, green energy, investment in schools and better policing. This is the change that the country needs.

Thornbury and Yate is a fantastic community, and somewhere personally important to me. My wife’s side of the family is based just outside Thornbury, and this is why we moved to the West of England when our first daughter was born, 17 years ago. We’d never leave now.

Thornbury & Yate needs a parliamentary champion who will contribute to this positive vision, and who will stand up for the local area. Yate and Thornbury can be vibrant, bustling town centres that are simple to travel to and full of life, but sadly previous politicians have not stood up for the things that matter to the local area, while our town centres have fallen behind. Re-opening Thornbury High Street as a popular destination has to be the first step.

We can change this. Labour can change this.

I hope you choose Labour.

Claire Young (Liberal Democrats)

WHATEVER your political views I think we can all agree something has to change.

We can’t carry on with an NHS that can’t treat people in A&E for 24 hours or offer doctors’ appointments for weeks.

We can’t leave family carers to cope with a care system that doesn’t work for them.

We can’t keep dumping sewage into our rivers and we can’t afford high food and energy bills.

I’ve lived in this community for 25 years, and I have fought against the impact of government policy on our local towns and villages.

I am standing to be your MP because, alongside other Lib Dem MPs, I want to take that fight to Parliament.

For example, the Liberal Democrats have costed plans to invest in 8,000 more GPs and to fine the water companies for sewage discharges.

I’ve been a councillor here for 17 years and am now Council Leader. I’ve introduced measures to tackle the changing climate and fought to protect our beautiful countryside. I’ve helped businesses get support and been there for residents when times have been tough. I’ve helped many of you over the years. I know I can make an even bigger difference as your MP.

The national polls show Labour in the lead. Here in this seat the situation is different. Labour have never won this seat, and it’s a close race between myself and the Conservatives. So if you think it’s time for a fresh start, please support me on July 4.

Luke Hall (Conservative)

Alexandra Jenner-Fust (Green)

Claire Young (Liberal Democrats)

Thornbury & Yate

Rob Logan (Labour)

Mum tells court how one punch tore a family apart

THE family of a former footballer have told a court how their lives have been "torn apart" by his death after being hit in a Pilning pub car park.

Statements from Scott Hendy's mother and one of his children were read to Bristol Crown Court before his killer, George Baylis, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison on May 29.

Baylis, aged 30, threw a single punch that knocked Scott to the ground during an altercation outside the Kings Arms pub, in Redwick Road, in the early hours of March 2.

Father-of-three Scott suffered a head injury and died the following day in Southmead Hospital. He was 46.

Baylis, who lived in Redwick Road, admitted a manslaughter charge in April.

In her statement, Scott's mother Jennifer Hendy, who also lives in Pilning, described the impact his death has had on the family.

She said: "Not a day that goes by where we don’t think about Scott.

“He was the kindest, loveliest character and all-round amazing son. His personality was infectious and was always one for being the joker.

“His sense of humour was legendary, and his loss will be felt from all over Bristol, such was the reach of his infectious personality.

“This is a horrendous situation we find ourselves in, and our lives will never be the same.

“We know this would never have happened if Scott wasn’t punched.

“However, we understand this has probably ruined the offender’s life as well – if anything we feel sorry for him and his family. We don’t have any hatred towards him; we accept he probably didn’t mean to kill our son.

“However, we are now left feeling our entire life has been torn apart, and don’t think we will ever come to terms with living our lives without him."

Scott's eldest son Lewis said his dad was the "heart and soul of the family" and was "idolised" by his children.

Scott Hendy with children Harvey, Lewis and Holly. Picture from Hendy family via Avon & Somerset police

He said: “One of the hardest things to accept is that I can no longer reach out to Dad.

"There will be no more phone calls to ask for his advice, no more texts to share a quick joke, no more chats about work or life.

"I still pick up the phone to call or message him, eager to share something funny that’s just happened. Then reality kicks in and I get that sinking feeling again, because he’s no longer there.

“It feels like I’ve lost my compass, my guide, and the person I could always turn to when I needed help.

“There are events that have not yet happened that I know will be incredibly bittersweet, such as the birth of my first child and my wedding: this also applies to Harvey and Holly.

“Dad will never get the opportunity to become a grandparent, to walk Holly down the aisle and to show us all up with his dance moves at our weddings.”

The court heard Baylis punched Scott, who was living in Severn Beach, once at around 12.10am on March 2.

Police were called and spoke to witnesses, before arresting Baylis about half an hour later.

A police spokesperson said: "He broke down in front of

officers and apologised for what happened, adding he did not want to hurt anyone.

"During police interview he admitted to punching Mr Hendy."

The court heard Baylis would serve at least half of the sentence.

After Scott's death was announced, tributes were paid by former teammates and the clubs he played for, including Mangotsfield United, Clevedon Town, Yate Town and Bath City.

The board at Mangotsfield United, where Scott made almost 400 appearances, said: "More than just a great player, he was a great person and was well thought of by fans, managers and teammates alike."

Friend and former teammate Geraint Bater, who played alongside Scott at both Mangotsfield and Clevedon Town, said: "Scott was loved by everyone who met him; he was funny, genuine and the life and soul of any party."

Up to 700 people attended his funeral, and a charity match he was due to play in at Mangotsfield United's ground in March became a memorial event, attended by around 900 people and raising more than £5,000 to support his family.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond, of the police major crime investigation team, said: “Scott

Hendy was clearly a very popular man and our sympathies are with his loved ones at the conclusion of these legal proceedings.

"George Baylis has shown remorse for what occurred throughout the course of enquiries, and also pleaded guilty early on to manslaughter.

"While there is no evidence of any intent on his part to cause the fatal injuries he did, this case highlights the tragic reality that one punch can kill.

"In that split second he lashed out, he unintentionally took Scott’s life and now has received a prison sentence."

George Baylis admitted the manslaughter of Scott Hendy

Praise for happy, welcoming children's club

AN inspector has praised a "well-organised and welcoming" Alveston after-school club for its caring staff and happy atmosphere.

Regulator Ofsted visited St Helen's After School and Holiday Club, which is based at St Helen's primary school in Greenhills, in June.

Inspector Rachel Howell said the club, which has 141 children aged from four to 11 on its roll, met the regulator's requirements for quality and standards.

The inspector said: "Children very much enjoy their time at this well-organised and welcoming club.

"They receive caring attentive support from staff, who know children's needs and interests very well."

The inspector said children have good relationships with all the staff, and develop their sense of responsibility and independence during sessions.

She said: "Managers, supervisors and staff show genuine interest in children. They value children's views and opinions.

"Children proudly undertake their playground monitor role, joining the manager on checking the outside areas. They offer their ideas for mealtimes, helping to compile the club's weekly shopping list.

"This considerate involvement in club life

significantly contributes to the very happy, calm atmosphere at the club.

"Children have a strong sense of belonging. They have great respect for the staff team. They behave extremely well. They are polite and follow the club's rules and routines readily. Older children kindly help the younger ones."

The inspector said owner and manager Catherine Purchase and her supervisors "provide the best experiences they can for children at the

club", adding: "They work hard to evaluate all aspects, gaining the views of staff, parents and the children.

"Staff consider children's needs carefully and constantly evaluate what could be done better."

The club, which registered in 2010, operates after school in term time and all day during most holidays.

Since the club, which has 18 staff, was last inspected in 2018, Ofsted has changed the way it publishes results, now only saying whether or not a club has met its requirements. Previously the club had an 'outstanding' rating.

Catherine said the previous gradings were easier for people to understand, but added: “We feel as a team that the Ofsted report recognises the hard work and effort our wonderful team puts in daily to ensure the children are safe and experience a welcoming environment where they can relax and enjoy themselves.

"The report showcases the strong foundations we have built with parents and carers as well as the children who attend throughout the week.

“It’s wonderful that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of our staff team, the support of parents and the school and the behaviour of our children.

"The St Helen's community is a special place to be."

Children and staff at St Helen's After School and Holiday Club

Cop cleared of 'grudge' over breath test

AN Avon & Somerset police officer accused of having his former boss pulled over for suspected drink-driving at 5am because of a “personal vendetta” has been cleared of misconduct.

PC Lee Umpleby, who is based in Almondsbury, wept as a tribunal panel ruled he genuinely believed Sergeant Steve Knight would be over the limit on his way to work, and that he was trying to do the right thing but did it the wrong way.

A two-day police misconduct hearing at force headquarters in Portishead in June heard that PC Umpleby, a dog handler, organised the operation for the roadside stop on his ex-line manager.

The constable lay in wait near Sgt Knight’s home around dawn on May 14 last year, then followed his car for several miles before two traffic officers who

he had arranged to assist him stopped and breathalysed the sergeant. The breath test was negative, the panel heard.

PC Umpleby was on the scene while the test took place, which the force’s solicitor alleged was intended as humiliation.

The panel rejected that claim but agreed that it was “unwise and inappropriate” for him to have been there.

PC Umpleby told the hearing that he had previously clashed with Sgt Knight, who he used to work with at the Ministry of Defence Police in Corsham, Wiltshire, and accused him of being a “bully”.

The panel heard he joined Avon & Somerset Constabulary after resigning from his role in Corsham.

Pc Umpleby said he and several ex-colleagues suspected that the sergeant was intoxicated

during occasional weekend overtime shifts and had driven to work while under the influence of alcohol.

The constable told the hearing that he feared someone could be killed, either on the road or through Sgt Knight’s work as a firearms officer in charge of the MoD police station.

PC Umpleby was accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour for police officers amounting to gross misconduct.

But announcing the panel’s decision on June 4, legally qualified chair (LQC) Jenny Tallentire said they found neither gross misconduct nor misconduct – despite the officer having accepted the misconduct allegation before the hearing.

Ms Tallentire said: “The officer has stated he had longheld concerns that Sgt Knight was in the habit of driving when under the influence of alcohol.

“It is apparent from the statements that there was gossip at RAF Fairford and MoD Corsham about Sgt Knight’s consumption of alcohol.

“The panel found [PC Umpleby’s] evidence to be credible and believable, and considered him to be an honest witness.

“He genuinely believed Sgt Knight had been intoxicated at work and was likely to have driven to work while under the influence of alcohol.

“The panel has reached the

conclusion that his personal involvement in this operation was unwise and inappropriate. The officer has accepted this with the benefit of hindsight.

“However, the officer was acting with honest intention believing he was acting openly and transparently.

“The officer was carrying out his duties as he understood them to the best of his abilities.

“His behaviour was an attempt to do the right thing but it was done in the wrong way.

“He definitely should not have involved himself personally with the stop and it was a clear error of judgement and a conflict of interests.”

Ms Tallentire said the panel found just one of the alleged breaches of professional standards proven – failing to submit an intelligence report –which PC Umpleby admitted at an early stage.

They did not find any dishonesty was involved.

Ms Tallentire said: “This is a training and management issue rather than a misconduct issue.

“The panel does not find the breach amounts either to gross misconduct or even misconduct.”

The panel rejected allegations that PC Umpleby obtained unauthorised information, made a false statement that he had reliable and credible intelligence that Sgt Knight would be drinkdriving, and failed to notify Avon & Somerset Police about their previous association.

Now taking bookings in your area!

• For people unable to drive but wish to remain independent

• Supported trips to the doctor, hospital, shops, hairdresser…

• Social outings, holidays, help at home & much, much more

• DBS checked, First-Aid trained & Dementia friendly

• Wheelchair Accessible & Fully Licensed Vehicle To book your

Thornbury on DAB

THORNBURY'S own communityrun radio station has celebrated its third birthday – and is launching a digital radio service so that more people can listen in.

Thornbury Radio, a not-forprofit organisation which relies on volunteers from the town to run its studios on the Plain, first started broadcasting full-time on FM in June 2021, and to celebrate the milestone gave away £105.10 to a listener to tie in with its main FM frequency, 105.1.

Director and weekday breakfast show host Chris Criddle said: “The station is going from strength to strength, with such great positive feedback, more volunteers wanting to get involved and the station being recognised by more people than ever.

"We are attending more events this year and we are told that we are doing a great job by our community.

"With our plans for launching on DAB in September we hope to make it even easier to listen to Thornbury Radio”.

The radio station broadcasts 24 hours a day across Thornbury and the surrounding area, including Alveston, Olveston, Tytherington, Oldbury-on-Severn, Leyhill, Wickwar, Bagstone and Iron Acton.

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

For more information about the station visit www.thornbury. radio.

Big day for In Bloom

THORNBURY is preparing to take on the best of the region's other towns in the 'Champion of Champions' category of this year's South West in Bloom competition.

Last year Thornbury In Bloom won the coveted Portman Cup in the annual RHS South West in Bloom awards.

The win means that this year the town's displays will be judged against the displays of Babbacombe, Bath, South Swindon and Yeovil in the award's ‘Champion of Champions’ category.

Judging day is on Thursday July 11 and Thornbury In Bloom chair Kath Greenman is urging everyone to play their part in making the town look its best.

Kath said: "It is a huge challenge for us, and one we are ready for!

"Please help us make Thornbury look absolutely pristine on the day, by adopting part of a road or street on the judging route, which involves pulling up weeds from paths

and roads, sweeping gutters and generally tidying the area up."

The route includes Castle Street, the High Street, Bristol Road, Rock Street, Gillingstool, Oakleaze Road, Severn View Road and Morton Way.

Anyone who would like more details can email thornburyinbloom91@gmail. com or pop in to see Jean at T&J Owen Flower Shop on the Plain.

The group has just announced a new main sponsor.

Avon Cobblestone Company Ltd is providing fund towards the planting of one of the group's main displays, the 'Welcome to Thornbury Love Bed' at the top of Gillingstool on the A38.

Avon Cobblestone General Manager Joe Forss said: "We are proud to support Thornbury in Bloom.

"They work tirelessly to keep Thornbury looking great for the benefit of us all."

Kath added: "Thornbury in Bloom wish to thank Dunkleys for their support of the Love Bed over many years."

Chris Criddle

n NEWS

Changes to dentist website criticised

CHANGES to the website set up to show which dentists have places available for new NHS patients have been criticised by the leader of the profession's representative body.

The Voice reported earlier this year that adults in the Thornbury area searching the NHS Find a Dentist website faced a 37-mile trip, to Marlborough in Wiltshire, to reach the nearest one accepting new adult NHS patients.

For children aged 17 and under, the nearest was more than 18 miles away, in Quedgeley, Gloucester.

Since then the website has changed the way it lists dental practices. The label indicating that a practice was open to new NHS patients has been replaced by one which says a practice will accept them "when availability allows".

That means more practices are now shown as accepting NHS patients – but the site no longer

indicates if any actually have places available at any given time.

As of June 24, eight practices within ten miles of Thornbury were listed as accepting new adult NHS patients subject to availability: the nearest was in Bradley Stoke.

One practice in Thornbury, Bank Cottage, was listed as accepting new NHS patients under 17 "when availability allows" and another, High Street Dental Practice, was listed as treating new NHS patients on a referrals-only basis.

The Voice asked NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care why the change was made, and whether there is any way for patients to find out which practices are currently taking on NHS patients, other than contacting each one individually.

We also asked if practices were still reporting, to either NHS England or their local

It’s good to talk...

Maria, Bristol “ ”

integrated care board, when they have places available for new NHS patients.

In response the DHSC said: "The website was updated in April to make it easier for members of the public to identify practices that might be able to accept new NHS patients."

However the department did not say whether practices were still reporting available NHS places, even though it claims the website provides "operational information at the current point in time to show where an individual can find an NHS dentist".

The changes to the site were made after the announcement of a 'recovery plan' aimed at increasing access and funding millions of extra appointments and treatments nationally, which included an announcement by ministers that 500 more practices were taking on new NHS patients.

But the changes were criticised by the chair of the British Dental Association, Eddie Crouch, who said: "They are sidestepping the fact that they’ve just changed the definition of access from a simple ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, to taking on new patients 'when capacity allows'."

Writing in a blog that dentistry was now "at the forefront of voter concerns", he said: "We’ve called on all parties to offer real urgency and ambition to save the service and put a halt to widening inequalities."

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

Earlier this year the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is responsible for NHS services in the area, said access to NHS dentistry in the area was "challenging".

The ICB said people with an urgent dental need could call 111 to access one of 64 appointments available each week.

It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.

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

Maria, Bristol

drive from Cribbs Causeway.

Adam completes month of runs for Tyler

A FRIEND of a former Castle School pupil who was killed in a lorry crash has completed a monthlong fundraising challenge.

Adam Young pledged to run 5k every day in May in memory of Tyler Carley, who died aged 20 in December when the lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield.

Adam is a fellow Bristol Rovers fan who got to know Tyler, who lived in Thornbury, and his dad Mark from attending away games with them.

He embarked on the challenge because he was abroad on the day when other friends and relatives of Tyler took part in the Great Bristol 10k to raise money for the foundation set up in his memory.

Adam, who lives in Chipping Sodbury, ran a total of 155km over the course of the month, including several runs during a trip to Lanzarote.

He did the other runs around Pucklechurch, Yate and Sodbury, finishing on Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club's parkrun 5k route.

Adam was running for a total of 12 hours 15 minutes and 51 seconds and, as the Voice went to print, had raised more than £1,300 on his JustGiving page, which is still open for donations at tinyurl.com/ dffmwdbz.

Adam, who works at Bristol Airport, said: "It was a really enjoyable experience, the support I received from people was beyond what I imagined and I am very grateful for that.

"To smash my fundraising target was incredible, and I can’t thank people enough for donating.

"The toughest part of the month

was running after my shifts – my energy was always low, so I really had to dig deep to get those runs done.

"Having my friends and family at the finish line for my final run was a very nice feeling and an emotional moment. I haven’t run since!"

Tyler's dad Mark, mum Gemma and siblings Kylan, Skye and Ronni-Irene founded The Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation to support road accident victims' families in the light of their own experience.

Its initial fundraising will go to two charities which helped the family in the aftermath of Tyler's death: SCARD (Support & Care After Road Death & Injury), which provides a helpline, counselling and other support for families affected by road deaths and serious injuries, and 2Wish, which supports the families of children and young people who have passed

away.

Among those who ran in the 10k was Tyler's aunt Abbie Dickinson, who works at Emersons Green Village Hall.

Abbie said taking part in the event was "hard but truly special".

She said: "Lots of Tyler's loved ones were all together, running to raise money for The Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation.

"I managed to complete the 10k in 59 minutes, which was a personal best for me.

"Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and to my Manager Nikki Frost at Emersons Green Village Hall for her support."

On July 7 Tyler’s mum Gemma, her family and friends will be climbing Welsh mountain Pen y Fan to raise money for 2wish.

To sponsor them visit tinyurl. com/3y3hnde6

More details of fundraising activity can be found at the Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation Facebook page.

*A 37-year-old man arrested in connection with Tyler's death was later released under investigation. Police say their enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

Adam Young after one of his runs

Abbie Dickinson after finishing the 10k

Taxi crisis prompts wheelchair rethink

SOUTH Gloucestershire is at risk of running out of taxis –and councillors are so worried, they could scrap a planned rule that every one must be made accessible for wheelchairs.

The number of hackney carriages, which can be flagged down by passengers on the street, has plummeted from 300 in 2016 to 81 this year.

Seven years ago, the council decided all taxis must be wheelchair accessible. But the deadline for compliance has been pushed back twice and the rule has never come into force: only 25 of the current fleet have the necessary ramps and facilities.

Now councillors have agreed to delay the deadline again, until June next year, while officers review the authority’s licensing policy and consult the public.

The biggest concern is the huge cost of converting a vehicle, at a time when many drivers have already given up on the trade.

A report to the council's regulatory committee in May said that, should the decline in the number of hackney cabs continue, the district "runs a risk of having no, or so few, Hackney Carriage taxi vehicles that any policy would be ineffective and be of detriment to all members of the public".

The total number of licensed vehicles has increased, from 450 in 2016 to more than 3,000 last year. But this includes a huge rise in private hire vehicles, which have to be pre-booked, including via apps like Uber.

The report said most wheelchair-accessible vehicles currently available are diesel powered, and there is "genuine concern" drivers will be required to buy hybrid or electric vehicles if the council’s goal is for all licensed vehicles to be electric by 2030.

The report said wheelchairaccessible electric vehicles

Loft Boarding & Insulation

are "currently prohibitively expensive", and the council could not force private hire vehicles to be accessible.

Imploring councillors not to scrap the policy, David Redgewell, of South Gloucestershire Disabilities Equalities Network, told the meeting in May: “We’re very concerned about the level of wheelchair accessible taxis in the district. We only have 25 to cover an area from Filton right up to Wickwar, Charfield and the villages.

“It’s very difficult to get a wheelchair taxi in South Gloucestershire.

“We would urge you not to go backwards.”

Council service director for place Andrew Birch said a "full-scale review of the whole taxi policy", including a 12-week public consultation, would happen this year.

Mr Birch said the number of

wheelchair-accessible vehicles had fallen from 31 in 2016 to 25 now, prices were rising and moving from a saloon car to a wheelchair-accessible vehicle costs drivers "tens of thousands of pounds extra".

Mike Drew (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: “Ideally any disabled person should be able to hail down any passing taxi and make use of it."

But he said the "very difficult situation" meant councillors had been weighing idealism against practicality.

Keith Cranney (Con, Stoke Gifford) said there was not a "gigantic" number of people wanting to take a wheelchair into a taxi.

He said: "How can you just hail a taxi and expect them to have a wheelchair ramp and hoist and everything else on board? It comes at a great cost."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

AS part of our celebrations for Volunteers' Week, Thornbury Volunteer Centre welcomed over 80 volunteers and representatives from 26 volunteer-involving organisations to a celebration lunch.

This lovely summer event in Turnberrie’s Community Centre on June 11 allowed us to say thank you for the hard work and commitment this section of the community has given, and continues to give, to the Thornbury and district area.

It was lovely to welcome guests and treat them to a delicious lunch, very generously prepared and donated by Sandra at The Swan, Thornbury.

It also provided guests with the opportunity to meet with other volunteers and organisations and share experiences.

We were joined by guest speaker John Barnett, Chair of the Wotton and Thornbury branch of the RNLI.

The RNLI is this year celebrating its 200th anniversary, and John gave a highly informative talk on its history, with some humorous and interesting facts thrown in.

The annual Alan Hudson Award for Volunteering Achievement was awarded to The Over 60’s Tearoom for their outstanding contribution to Thornbury.

This year they are celebrating

throughout August.

Funded by South Gloucestershire Council’s holiday activity and food programme, there are eight sessions between August 13 and 28, including trips to Mojo Active, the West Country Water Park, South Cerney canoeing and Bristol Zoo Project.

Activities are for young people aged 11 to 16 years (including those who are still 10 but will be starting year 7 in September).

Young people on free school meals will receive a free funded place if they live, or attend school, in South Gloucestershire.

There will be small cost for all other young people

All sessions include a healthy meal.

You can find all the information about each session, and the booking form, at eequ.org/ experience/8434, and Krunch South West’s Facebook page.

On August 31 Krunch will once again be running Summer Fest at Thornbury Skate Park, from 2-6pm.

Activities will include inflatables, climbing wall, graffiti workshop, glitter tattoos, a well-being tent, music and more.

The evening was a great success, with a wonderful cake baked by one of our volunteers, Sandra McBride, and cut by two of our earliest customers, Roger and Lorna.

Thank you to all concerned, especially Julie Hughes, the present chair of the tearoom who organised the evening with the help of her committee and two of their husbands, Steve and Eirwen, who were excellent barmen.

Thornbury Town Council

their 30th anniversary and the award was accepted by Julie Hughes.

We also presented the Clare Fardell Young Volunteer Award to two young volunteers.

Riley Rees won the award for his outstanding voluntary contribution to Jigsaw Thornbury.

Riley, who is 13, is a member of the young volunteer and youth empowerment groups at JIGSAW Thornbury.

Through these groups he has been involved in volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness of JIGSAW’s cause in the local community.

Lucy-Anne Nelmes won her award for her outstanding voluntary contribution to the Over 60’s Tearoom.

Lucy-Anne was 15 when she started volunteering with the organisation and, three years on, she is still baking a cake each month for the tearoom.

The Awards were presented by Thornbury town mayor James Murray.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

Krunch South West

WE have a full programme of activities for young people

There will also be a skate competition taking place, hosted by King Ramps, including pro rider demonstrations, cash prizes and workshops.

All are welcome. The event is free to enter but there will be a small charge for some of the activities and to participate in the skate comp.

Liz Ball

Thornbury Over 60s Tearoom

ON June 20 we had our big birthday party in the council chamber in the Town Hall.

We are so grateful to the present mayor, James Murray, and to Cllr Maggie Tyrrell, who was mayor when the Over 60s Tearoom was founded in June 1994, for attending.

Maggie was able to tell us a little about the difficulties that the Town Hall had in its early days. It was transformed from an empty dilapidated former police station, damaged by neglect, fire and water to a building that represented the town and that the people of Thornbury could use as a community.

It is still the home, not only of the tearoom but also of Volunteer Link and Citizens Advice.

THORNBURY Town Council is very happy to show its support of the initiatives of Plastic Free Thornbury. It is taking steps to reduce the waste it produces and the amount of single-use plastic it purchases. Work has been taking place to survey what plastic the town council uses and how this can be reduced, particularly focusing on single-use plastic.

Many simple solutions have already been adopted, such as using refill packs and dispensers, rather than repeatedly buying individual small plastic bottles which then get thrown away.

By doing this, the Town Council is not only reducing its plastic footprint but also saving money! They are also collecting and recycling soft plastic at the Town Hall, which is another very easy to implement initiative.

The Town Council has also registered the Town Hall as a water refill point, which will hopefully encourage more people to refill their bottles rather than buying disposable plastic bottles.

For more information on how you can get involved or contribute to the Town Council's climate and nature initiatives, please visit the website or email climateandnature@ thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk.

Chris Doig

Yan Cheung Climate and Nature Officer

Award winners, Julie Hughes, Riley Rees and Lucy-Anne Nelmes

The tearoom committee

Reprieve for 'horrific' conservatory

HOMEOWNERS have been allowed to keep a conservatory built without planning permission in the Green Belt, despite complaints from neighbours.

South Gloucestershire Council officers advised a planning committee to refuse retrospective consent for the summer house in Aust, after angry next-door neighbours complained it was “horrific” and had plunged their bathroom into darkness.

That would have left the owners having to demolish the conservatory at Wharf Barn in Passage Road, near the Severn Bridge.

The building's next-door neighbours wrote to the council, saying the conservatory was "so near to our boundary that the back of the building can be touched from our boundary wall".

They said: “The construction looks like a bus shelter from the 1960s, not in keeping at all with the property.

“There was talk of a nice structure being erected in their garden, not something as horrific as this.

"From our bedroom window we now see the back of a very unsightly building constructed

is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury and central Bristol Our friendly legal experts are always on hand to provide practical, common sense advice at a fair price.

If you’re looking for help with any of the services here, we’re the people to talk to.

of big black panels – not exactly the view you would expect from your bedroom window, and it now clearly blocks our view of the river.

“From our bathroom window, yes, we have obscured glass, but because of the height and close proximity to our boundary and the black of the back, our bathroom is in darkness, and we now have no natural daylight, and have to put the light on in the day."

Planning officers said the retrospective application should be rejected because the materials were “harmful to the character and visual amenity of the area”.

They said the structure was prominent for passers-by and that the black roof “exaggerated” its height, adding that a proposal to paint the black PVC upper panels white would be an improvement but not enough to “overcome the fundamental design concerns” so should be rejected.

But the council's development management committee voted unanimously in June to grant permission, on condition that the new paintwork is done.

In February, members deferred a decision while planning officers negotiated a new design with the owners, who were also told to carry out a flood risk assessment as Environment Agency maps suggested it was in a high-risk area.

When it came back for a decision, officers had accepted that it was actually in a lowrisk zone and dropped their

opposition on flooding grounds but maintained that the conservatory’s black panels were out of keeping with the stonework common in buildings in the area.

Applicant Sheila Newby told the meeting on June 6: “Unfortunately the application is retrospective because planning permissions restricting modifications to both Wharf Barn and Wharf Lodge (next door) were sent to the previous owner of both dwellings, who applied for them after he sold us Wharf Barn.

“Nothing was discoverable by any searches at the time of our purchase.

“We would not have proceeded had we known.

“During the discussion at February’s committee we were asked to examine what options there were for any changes to the roof.

“It matches Wharf Lodge’s roof and is designed to appear as a continuation of that roof.

“Any change to the roof design would cause us to have to rebuild the entire summer house and the side garden.

“Everything would have to be demolished and the site cleared, a new steel frame would be required to accept the extreme weight of the flat roof, so basically we would have to build an entirely new summer house from scratch, which is over £60,000 for clearance and reconstruction for a design that would constantly let in water and flood the side garden.

“That does not seem a balanced or reasonable outcome for us.”

Severn Vale ward councillor Matthew Riddle told the committee he believed the homeowners had made a “genuine mistake” and had incorrectly thought that the conservatory could be built without the need for planning consent through permitted development rights.

Committee member Mike Drew (Lib Dem, Yate North) told officers: “You say it’s quite prominent from the highway but anyone walking by would have difficulty in actually seeing it.

“The building next door seems to have a fairly similar colour roof.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

at Wharf Barn, Aust (bottom right).

Hundreds at military service

MORE than 200 people attended a service commemorating men and women who have lost their lives serving their country at Bristol Memorial Woodlands.

The annual Military Service of Remembrance in June was led by Padre Major Andy Latifa in the on-site chapel at the place of rest, near Alveston.

It was followed by a parade to the war memorial within the woodlands, where 28 wreaths were laid by different veteran and charity organisations paying their respects.

Military representatives from groups as far away as South Wales, Swindon and Stroud attended the annual event, which has grown in reach and attendance year on year.

Dame Janet Trotter, former Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, attended and read the lesson at the service, which was also attended by Colonel Jane Thompson, Deputy Lieutenant for Bristol.

The parade included 14

standards from the Royal British Legion, Aden Veterans and many other veteran groups.

John Maloney of the Royal British Legion closed the occasion by laying a wreath on behalf of the D-Day Veterans, to commemorate the 80th anniversary year.

Bristol Memorial Woodlands' David Rae said: "It was our honour to welcome so many veterans here, many for the first time, along with our uniformed services and civilians remembering their family members.

"We are privileged to be asked to host this occasion year after year."

Sam's industry award

A MANAGER at a hotel near Thornbury has won a national industry award.

Sam Cotton, who is the food and beverage manager at De Vere Tortworth Court, was named as one of the most inspiring young leaders in the hospitality industry in this year’s Acorn Awards.

Since their inception in 1986, The Caterer’s Acorn Awards, nicknamed the '30 under 30', have recognised the brightest prospects in the hospitality industry.

Sam, 25, is already responsible for four outlets in the hotel including its 1853 Restaurant & Bar, Terrace Bar, Atrium Bistro Bar and the recently opened Tipi dining experience.

He is responsible for all day-to-day operations as well as budget management, leading and training a team of 80 and ensuring there’s a consistent high quality of customer service throughout the hotel, where he has worked for eight years.

General Manager Raphael Herzog said: "Sam goes above and beyond daily, and his

determination, passion and creativity has meant that he’s made the food and beverage department one of the most successful across the hotel group.

"We’re all so proud of Sam and this recognition from The Caterer Acorn Awards could not be any more deserving.”

Sam said: “To be recognised in the industry for something I’m so passionate about is one of the greatest achievements in my career.

"I hope I can continue to encourage and inspire the next generation of up-and-coming workers to pursue a career in hospitality."

thornburyvoice

n WHAT'S ON

JULY

July 1

n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING, Alveston Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Talk: Gardens Here & There, with Robert Bryant.

July 2 and 16

n CIRCLE DANCING to music from around the world, traditional and modern. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 6.308.30pm. New dancers welcome, no experience or partner required. More details at vickislade1@outlook.com or call 07516 999384.

July 5

n THORNBURY CARNIVAL SWING IN THE PARK, Mundy Playing Fields, 5.30-10pm. Robbie Williams swing tribute Maximum Robbie, supported by Thornbury Swing Band. hosted by Thornbury Radio's Chris Criddle. Early Bird tickets available until the day before the event. More details at www. thornburycarnival.co.uk.

July 6

n FRIENDS OF PAGE PARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY IN THE PARK, 11am-5pm, Page Park, Staple Hill, with music on the bandstand and food stalls. More information from friendsofpageparkbs16@gmail. com. Please leave your car at home and walk if you can.

July 6

n THORNBURY CARNIVAL MAIN EVENT, Mundy Playing Fields, 11am-11pm. Main stage Ed Sheeran and Foo Fighters tribute acts, fairground rides, Weston donkeys, community acts variety show, Battle of the Bands winner Chris Auburn. Early Bird tickets available until the day before the event. More details at www.thornburycarnival.co.uk.

July 8

n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meeting at St Mary’s Hall, Eastbury Close, Thornbury, 2pm. Afternoon Tea and competition: ‘Look No Foam’.

July 9

n EASTWOOD GARDENERS' CLUB meeting, 7.30pm, Turnberrie's Community Centre, Thornbury. Talk: Philip Aubury, 'House and Conservatory Plants'. Visitors welcome.

July 11 to 13

n PHOENIX YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS We Will Rock You Young@Part, musical inspired by and featuring the songs of Queen.

Evening performances 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm, at Redland Hall, Redmaids' High School, Westbury-on-Trym. Tickets from tinyurl.com/59r4y9k8.

July 12

n THE FILTONES CHOIR annual charity concert in aid of charity Jessie May, St Teresa's Church, Gloucester Road North, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from choir members or at the door (cash or cheques only). More information from 07870 984760.

July 13

n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT LEAGUE OF FRIENDS summer afternoon tea, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury. Free entry, musical entertainment from the Thornbury Good Afternoon Choir. Grant-giving charity supporting local causes. More information from paul.wilkinson53@talktalk.net.

July 13

n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP PRESENTS Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, Christ the King Church, Castle Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 by email from AAGThornbury@gmail.com or call 01454 850933.

July 20-28

n THORNBURY ART CLUB 59TH ANNUAL SUMMER EXHIBITION, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. Open daily 10am-6pm (Sundays 2-4pm). All welcome, wheelchair accessible venue. Artworks for sale. More details at thornburyartclub.co.uk.

July 22

n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB practise class at St Mary’s Hall, Eastbury Close, Thornbury, 1.30pm. Theme: ‘Featuring Foliage’.

July 27

n MEET YOUR COUNCILLOR at Thornbury Town Hall on the High Street, 10am-12.30pm. Meet your local elected representatives and to let them know your thoughts, concerns and hopes for the town, to help make town council decision making representative of the community. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday

n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and com-

n THORNBURY LIBRARY

THORNBURY Library hosts Ukrainian storytime sessions every Monday at 4pm.

Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher, shares stories, reading and more from Ukraine.

Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am – no booking required. Create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see.

Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am.

Book group Have You Read…? meets on June 7 from 2pm-3pm: a book group for everyone with no set novel to read, just an hour of chat and refreshments.

A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 9.30am.

People can enjoy a free hot drink in the library every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 9.30am-4pm, use the computers or WiFi with your own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.

The library is open 9.30am-5.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday.

Open access is from 8am-7.30pm every day.

For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries.

petitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail. co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213.

Tuesday

n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10amnoon. No appointment needed.

n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine & materials/ pattern. Call Carrie 07753 236095.

n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except August) from 10.15-11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. More information from Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 07800 776998.

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 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, 1011.30am. 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.

n ARTS Drama award for Octopus

THORNBURY'S Octopus Drama Group has won a coveted regional award from the body that represents amateur theatre.

The group won the award from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) for its comedy play 'A Bunch of Amateurs', which was performed in June last year at Christ the King Church Hall in Castle Street.

The group, currently in its 53rd year, won the Peter Wheeldon Memorial Trophy for a Company Crafted Production at the NODA South West Awards Night held in Plymouth in May.

The trophy is awarded in recognition of societies which present totally 'hand made' productions.

Octopus Drama Group was one of nine across the region nominated for the award.

In their citation accompanying the award, the NODA judges said: "This small company always have to build their own stage and then design, build and paint their own sets, whilst also creating costumes.

"For this production of A Bunch of Amateurs, they made great use of the 15th century church hall which lent lots of authentic atmosphere to the setting of the play in an old barn.

"They had kept some of the walls on view and built flats, which

did not detract from the beauty of the building, but gave them a working set, with hinged units which unfolded for other locations.

"It was amazing as usual."

A spokesperson for the group said: "The Director, Abi McManus, certainly did get the best out of this talented cast with the assistance of excellent technical and backstage help.

"If you are looking for a sociable amateur dramatic group to join whether on stage, offstage or backstage, there are many ways for you to get involved with our friendly, fun and award winning group.

"We perform a pantomime in January and a play in June, usually a comedy. Rehearsals are on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at Christ The King Church Hall which is also our performance venue.

"You would be very welcome."

To contact the group, visit www.octopus-thornbury.co.uk, call Karen on 01454 413783 or email Octopusdrama@gmail.com.

Summer exhibition

THE Thornbury Art Club is excited to announce our 59th Annual Summer Exhibition.

Phoenix Youth Theatre

THORNBURY based Phoenix Youth Theatre, who rehearse every Saturday afternoon at St Mary's Church hall, are making final preparations for their first production.

We Will Rock You Young@ Part is a high-energy musical extravaganza inspired by and featuring the songs of Queen. Set in a dystopian future where music is banned, it follows two rebels on a quest to restore freedom and individuality, through rock'n'roll.

Performances take place on July 11 to 13 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee on the 13th, at Redland Hall, Redmaids' High School, Westbury-on-Trym.

Tickets are available at www. ticketsource.co.uk/phoenix-youththeatre.

Male voice choir visit

Year on year our members’ creativity, skills and productivity grow and inspire.

This is our chance to show off all the beautiful artwork they have been producing throughout the year.

Our members range from people who have started creating this year, to people who have been members since the start in 1965, both amateurs and professionals.

The artworks depict a wide variety of subjects and materials, and the best part is that you can bring these beauties into your own home, as many are available to buy.

When you visit you will have a chance to meet and talk with the artists, as well as a chance to stock up on cards.

To have a hint of what you can expect, please visit our website, www.thornburyartclub.co.uk and check out last year's exhibition.

The exhibition takes place from Saturday July 20 to Sunday July 28, daily from 10am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, in the High St (entry via Castle Court door).

Entry is free, everyone is welcome, the venue is wheelchair accessible, and there is parking nearby.

Shirley Whyte

A CONCERT by the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir is the July Armstrong Arts group event at Christ the King Church in Thornbury.

Who can resist the heartwarming sound of a male voice choir?

The Blaenavon Male Voice Choir is coming to Thornbury to offer you an evening of musical bliss and wonderful Welsh harmony.

Organised male singing in Blaenavon was set up from 1873 and formalised in 1910.

The choir performs wherever there is an enthusiastic request, be it the local chapel or the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

In 2018 the choir sang to 74,500 spectators prior to the Wales versus Scotland match at the Nat West Six Nations championship.

They have treated audiences around the world – Europe, Scandinavia, USA and Canada to name a few – to their singing.

Besides these major performances, they have also featured in many TV programmes.

The concert takes place on Saturday July 13 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 by email from AAGThornbury@gmail.com or by calling 01454 850933.

The cast of 'A Bunch of Amateurs' with director Abi McManus holding the trophy

n LETTERS

Thanks for coming to our party

ON a rather dull and chilly Sunday in June we held a garden party in aid of St Peter's Hospice at Grove House in Alveston, by kind permission of Geoff and Carol.

The gardens looked magnificent and were greatly enjoyed by all those that attended.

We were transported to sunnier climes thanks to the wonderful music of the Panache Steel Band, who had their audience toetapping along to their music.

What an amazing accomplished band this is, bringing their enthusiasm for their music, which shines through when they perform.

We entertained 180 people on the day, a superb turnout considering the inclement weather.

The tea and cakes ladies were kept very busy and the raffle, tombola and books did a brisk trade.

A very big thank you to all who supported us on the day, and those who worked so hard to make it a successful afternoon.

We raised the wonderful sum of

£1,495 on the day. Since then, most generous donations have been received towards the total, enabling us to record a profit of £2,000 – a fabulous result!

This will go towards the vital work of the charity within our local community, both at the hospice and with Hospice at Home help.

Kath Burgess, St Peter’s Hospice Severnside Support Group

Take on the Mudder

JIGSAW Thornbury are looking for brave members of the community to take on the Tough Mudder course on Saturday August 10 – are you tough enough?

Elite Fitness Thornbury is fundraising for our charity, which supports children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, and their families. They are looking for 10 brave people to join their Tough Mudder team and conquer the assault course at the Badminton Estate.

The team will take on 25 obstacles over eight to ten miles – and change lives in our community.

If you sign up now at tinyurl. com/4c2kfdfj you will benefit from a discounted price compared to booking your place on the Tough Mudder website, as well as free team training sessions led by a personal trainer in the lead-up to the event.

You can also contact JIGSAW Thornbury at fundraising@ jigsawthornbury.org.uk for more details.

Julie Watson, JIGSAW Thornbury

Regret at school closure

IT was with regret that I read about the closure of The Sheiling School in Thornbury (Voice, June).

When I first came to Thornbury in 1965 to work as a local beat police officer I became involved with this school teaching the pupils in cycling proficiency.

It was one of happiest experiences, which resulted in all of them passing their test.

I was chuffed when the senior tester would not believe that the children had special needs.

I maintained contact with the school for many years.

Correction

IN June's Thornbury Voice a picture of Thornbury Hockey Club's end of season presentation evening appeared with an incorrect caption.

The people in the photo were Nathan Ashfield, Corinne Robinson, Amelia Fitzgerald and Paul Stott.

We apologise for any confusion, and are happy to set the record straight.

Clive Washbourne Thornbury

The rewards of pursuing a career in care homes

Lucy Bolland outlines how she went from a care assistant role to that of a nurse manager with Bristol Care Homes

How long have you been a nurse?

I started my career in care at Beech House in Thornbury about 20 years ago when I worked as a carer before going to Surrey University to train as a nurse. I worked as an NHS nurse for ten years in gynaecology, general surgery and an early pregnancy unit. Relocating back to Thornbury with my family, I became a bank nurse at Beech House. It was a career pathway change from hospital nursing to being part of a community as a care home nurse, but it is so much more rewarding and fulfilling as job.

I had young children, so I needed flexibility, and luckily the manager at that time was very accommodating. When Covid hit I had to decide whether to continue working and keep my children in school, or to stop. In the end, I kept working to look after our residents. Even though I was doing more and more hours, I felt that I was making

a bigger difference in our residents’ lives.

I started undertaking some administration tasks including the rotas and audits. I was then given the opportunity to step up and support both the management and our residents by getting more involved in the running of the home. I really enjoyed it and saw different ways of how the home was run; I understood the pressures from different perspective.

I was offered the opportunity to transfer to Quarry House in Fishponds as interim deputy nurse

JOIN OUR TEAM

We Are Hiring Now

• Competitive rates of pay

manager; I happily said yes. I learned an awful lot in a very short space of time. Next, a permanent deputy nurse manager vacancy became available at Glebe House in Almondsbury and once again I knew I had to step up. After two years in this role, I took on the nurse manager position at Beech House.

What made you stay so many years with Bristol Care Homes and pursue a management career?

Besides being given the flexibility I needed, access to the training I wanted and all the support I needed, I felt motivated to stay because Bristol Care Homes really believed in me. They saw my capability to grow and develop my career.

Do you miss ‘hands-on’ nursing after moving into management?

Yes and no. I do miss spending my work hours principally involved with hands-on nursing; however I still get involved in the nursing aspects of the home. I’ll be the first one arriving when the emergency bell goes off and I’ll be the first giving staff support with

• 10% enhancement at weekends

• Up to £250 welcome bonus

• Up to £250 refer a friend bonus

• Discretionary annual bonus

• Excellent induction programme

• Career development opportunities

• Holiday, retail & leisure discounts

• 24/7 access to a qualified GP

• And much, much more...

something clinical because I still have those skills and it is important for me to keep using them

What does a typical work day look like?

The best way to describe this role is that you never know what you will walk into, and you are always spinning many plates; but you can follow through and see the positive outcomes. Working together as a team is important to me.

What is the best/most rewarding thing about being a home manager?

Seeing our residents happy, having meaningful conversations with family and staff and knowing that the small things make so much difference. It is also very rewarding to see staff develop and blossom within their job roles, making a big difference to families and supporting them through what can be a very difficult journey. What advice would you offer to someone thinking about a career in care home nursing?

Go for it! It is really rewarding, and you can make such a difference to someone’s life.

Syd's MND diagnosis

ONE of the best-loved figures in Gloucestershire cricket has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

Gloucestershire Cricket said it was "devastated to announce" that former player and current President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, has been diagnosed with the debilitating disease, which has no known cure.

The 60-year-old former England international, who earned five Test caps for his country, was diagnosed with MND in June following a series of tests.

Gloucester born and bred, Syd, as he is known, played in 280 matches for his home county between 1981 and 1997 and took 625 wickets during his career at Nevil Road.

A hugely popular figure among the Gloucestershire and wider England fanbase, Syd was unveiled as Club President in 2022 and despite his MND diagnosis, has said he wishes to see out the entirety of his Presidency at Gloucestershire.

The club said: "David and his wife, Gaynor, are hugely appreciative for the unwavering support they have received and will do in the future from friends and family.

"While devastated at the diagnosis, David

n NEWS

David ‘Syd’ Lawrence

will fight the disease all the way and has expressed his thanks to the Club, the PCA and the Hornsby Trust, for all their support during this extremely difficult time."

Chief Executive Will Brown said: “Everyone at the club is devastated to hear of

Missing link path held up

A MISSING link to the coastal path along the River Severn has been held up at a motorway crossing.

The footpath runs from Aust and the Severn Bridge down to Clevedon, and will eventually form a national trail along the entire coast of England.

But the path currently stops at the Severn Bridge, which the M48 runs over, and progress has been blocked by safety works.

Staff at South Gloucestershire Council warned that the project to connect the path with northern sections was “going to take some time”.

The King Charles III England Coast Path is being delivered by Natural England, and aims to provide people with more access to nature. But locally there have been setbacks and delays, councillors on the public rights of way and commons committee were told on June 13.

Public rights of way officer Lindsay Saunders said: “At the north section where it joins to the Severn Bridge, we’ve got quite

a few issues up there because it’s going over land where there hasn’t been a footpath. There might have been one back in the Dark Ages, but there certainly hasn’t been one since the map was drawn up.

“The Severn Bridge area is looked after by a company called Amey, who are very very twitchy about anything over there. The section has got to be pushed through, it’s got to go over the old motorway fence, we’ve got to remove a bund, it’s got to go along the top of a cliff, it’s got to be fenced. So it’s a long work in progress and it’s going to take some time.

“The biggest hurdle at the moment is going to be getting agreement from Amey to make a hole in their fence and move the earth bund with a JCB. They’re quite twitchy because it’s all close to the cliff, and they think Natural England are completely mad having it so close to the cliff.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

the news from David Lawrence and his MND diagnosis.

“David is an icon of the game, a club legend and a trailblazer as the first British-born Black player to play for England. More than that he is the best of people, kind, loving, considerate and an inspiration to all of us here at Gloucestershire.

“Working with him since he has been Club President has been both an awesome and humbling experience – he has opened doors we didn’t even know were there, helped us learn and become a friend to so many of us. That friendship is a very special thing and one I know we all cherish.

“I know I speak for everyone associated with the Club in sending all our love to David, Gaynor and all of their family and friends.”

Professional Cricketers Association member services managing director Ian Thomas said: “The PCA is in deep shock at the tragic news David Lawrence has recently received.

“David has been an inspiration throughout his cricket and post-cricket career and we have no doubt he will continue to fight and show his determination to fight MND.

“The PCA and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, the players’ charity, will be here for David and importantly, his family, offering the best possible support.”

Bridge and tunnel delays

PEOPLE travelling between Severnside and Wales are being warned to expect delays when closures of the Severn Tunnel and roadworks on the M4 coincide.

National Highways is closing the Second Severn Crossing, or Prince of Wales Bridge westbound overnight on July 8 and 9 before reducing the number of lanes.

On July 10-11 there will be eastbound overnight closures from 9pm to 5am, with lanes reduced from July 12.

A second full westbound overnight closure will be in place overnight on July 20-21 before contraflow is in place from July 21.

Throughout all the work and reduced lanes, a 40mph speed limit will be in place.

The work is part of the government-owned company’s long-term maintenance of the bridge, and will involve waterproofing and resurfacing 1km of the motorway.

The Severn Tunnel will also be closed for follow-up work on the weekends of July 27-28 and August 24-25.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “We recognise there is never a good time to close the Severn Tunnel, but we have planned this essential work to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Asked about the clash with the road works, a Network Rail spokesperson said: “All our major work, including the Severn Tunnel track renewal, is planned years in advance. We liaise and engage with our partners including National Highways, as well as with our train operator colleagues, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“Train services will continue to run between Bristol and South Wales, via Gloucester, while the Severn Tunnel is closed.”

Meanwhile Network rail has announced that the Severn tunnel will be closed, with trains diverted or replaced by buses, between July 3 and 18 as engineers work around the clock to replace 7km of track – the entire length of the South Wales-bound side.

n

European test for martial artists

MEMBERS of a martial arts team based in Thornbury will be pitting themselves against Europe's best this month.

Thornbury Taekwondo Academy, which is based at the town's leisure centre, will send a team to the International Taekwondo Federation European Championships, which will take place in Cardiff, from July 18-21.

The team qualified earlier this year at the UK ITF Finals Day in Reading, where four members won national titles and four won silver medals.

A further 15 medals were won by a team from the academy at the South-West Open Championships in Paignton in May.

Instructor Vaughan Buxton, a 7th degree black belt and a British, European and World title holder, said: "The students have dedicated years of hard work to make it to this level of competition.

"Only a small percentage make it to finals and it is in itself

a great achievement. I’m proud of the students’ performance and conduct throughout.

"We look forward to watching the team represent Thornbury and the UK on the international stage this summer."

Among those heading for the European championships is

Esme McCarthy, a second-degree black belt, a law student and part-time legal assistant, who won national gold for sparring and silver for patterns.

Ben Turner, another seconddegree black belt who works as a neurological physiotherapist, won gold both for patterns and

sparring, and silver for sparring in the class above his weight category.

Stuart Leppard, a sixthdegree black belt and former World silver medallist, also qualified by winning gold and silver medals at the national finals.

All three attend black belt clinics and squad training every other Saturday, as well as their weekly classes with the club, which was set up 23 years ago.

Vaughan said: “Taking part in competitions is a great way to develop as a martial artist. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, learn from the experience and have fun.”

Classes are held at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings, along with Black Belt and squad training at Turnberrie's Community Centre every other weekend.

For more information call 07866 685099, email info@ thornburytkd.com or visit the website thornburytkd.com

Thornbury's Ben Turner (left) in action at the UK finals

MBST : Treating chronic back pain, Disc injury, Sciatica and nerve damage.

MBST provides healing at the cellular level via targeted energy transfer into damaged tissues. The results we’re seeing for nerve damage patients are truly remarkable for the patients as some of the case studies below demonstrate.

Neil suffered a severe disc herniation with nerve root compression and dreadful leg pain. His pain was 10/10… after disc and nerve MBST last December his response was so fast and complete he went on 2 golﬁng trips by the end of March including long haul ﬂights and is still doing really well.

Jean responded so well to the disc/ nerve treatment for her Disc bulge with s1 nerve root compression. Injections only helped temporarily yet 3 months post MBST she was able to come off all meds , had no leg pain and is still currently in great shape, even after a persistent cough!!

Brian had signiﬁcant Spinal cord damage post surgery/spinal stimulator. Unable to sit up, eat at a table, drive or walk, Brian’s life really was agony. He’d hobble to treatment bent over on 2 sticks, and this was for several years post procedure. We applied the nerve MBST therapy 1 year ago. 6 weeks post treatment his pain was already on the wane. His improvement has continued steadily and his life is completely different. He walks well over distance now, can sit how he likes and is buying a car again!!

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Treatment Accelerates the Regeneration of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons in vitro

Anda Mann1, Bibiane Steinecker-Frohnwieser2, Aida Naghilou1, Flavia Millesi13, Paul Supper1, Lorenz Semmler1, Sonja Wolf1, Lena Marinova1, Lukas Weigl4, Tamara Weiss1,3*† and Christine Radtke1,3†

1 Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

2 Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Saalfelden, Austria

3 Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria

4 Department of Special Anesthesia and Pain Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Functional recovery from peripheral nerve injuries depends on a multitude of factors.

Schwann cells (SCs) are key players in the regenerative process as they develop repairspecific functions to promote axon regrowth. However, chronically denervated SCs lose their repair phenotype, which is considered as a main reason for regeneration failure. Previous studies reported a modulatory effect of low nuclear magnetic resonance therapy (NMRT) on cell proliferation and gene expression. To provide first insight into a possible effect of NMRT on cells involved in peripheral nerve regeneration, this study investigated whether NMRT is able to influence the cellular behavior of primary SC and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron cultures in vitro. The effect of NMRT on rat SCs was evaluated by comparing the morphology, purity, proliferation rate, and expression levels of (repair) SC associated genes between NMRT treated and untreated SC cultures. In addition, the influence of (1) NMRT

and (2) medium obtained from NMRT treated SC cultures on rat DRG neuron regeneration was examined by analyzing neurite outgrowth and the neuronal differentiation status. Our results showed that NMRT stimulated the proliferation of SCs without changing their morphology, purity, or expression of (repair) SC associated markers. Furthermore, NMRT promoted DRG neuron regeneration shown by an increased cell survival, enhanced neurite network formation, and progressed neuronal differentiation status. Furthermore, the medium of NMRT treated SC cultures was sufficient to support DRG neuron survival and neurite outgrowth. These findings demonstrate a beneficial impact of NMRT on DRG neuron survival and neurite formation, which is primarily mediated via SC stimulation. Our data suggest that NMRT could be suitable as a non-invasive auxiliary treatment option for peripheral nerve injuries and encourage future studies that investigate the effect of NMRT in a physiological context.