Thornbury Voice June 2021

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

June, 2021 Issue 49

luke.hall.mp @parliament.uk

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I'll help you, brother!

FIVE-year-old Parker Walker is living up to his name by embarking on a 100km fundraiser to help the charity which is supporting his baby brother Alexander, who was born profoundly deaf.

Full story: Page 7

Dinosaur returns

CHILDREN at a Thornbury school have created their own life-size model of a dinosaur which lived in the area more than 200 million years ago.

PAGE 11

New group to save Armstrong Hall CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save Thornbury's Armstrong Hall complex have launched a new group.

PAGE 3

Buses every hour

Decision day for High Street

THE future of the controversial pedestrianisation of Thornbury High Street is set to be decided this month.

South Gloucestershire Council's ruling cabinet is expected to decide whether to continue the scheme

when it meets on June 7.

It comes as a new petition against pedestrianisation is launched – and grants to help businesses are announced.

Full story: Pages 4 & 5

AN "ambitious" call has been made for hourly bus services to every South Gloucestershire village with more than 300 residents.

PAGE 6

Election results

THE Thornbury area now has a Labour Metro Mayor and Tory police commissioner.

PAGES 8&9

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June, 2021

n NEWS

Covid marshals axed COVID marshals are being withdrawn from South Gloucestershire streets, despite councillors' fears the move is “too abrupt”.

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed the 10 daytime marshals, introduced to help ensure distancing and other coronavirusrelated rules were kept, were all due to stand down by Friday, May 28.

At a council meeting on May 19 at Thornbury Leisure Centre, Andrea Reid (Lab, Kingswood) said that the "unknown factors" surrounding the Indian variant of COVID-19 meant future easing of restrictions was still in doubt.

She said: "I’m concerned the decision to withdraw covid marshals from May 23 is premature and too abrupt, and so are local residents.

“We have residents who are hesitant to leave the house due to health concerns or fears that restrictions are easing too soon.

“I suspect that increased footfall will increase the need for marshal support rather than decrease it."

Cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said the marshals had "played a really important role...in providing reassurance and guidance in our public spaces" but with lockdown easing allowing people to gather in increased numbers, the role of marshals was "no longer as pertinent".

She said marshals had an advisory rather than an enforcement role, but added: "If the need for the marshals becomes apparent once more, there is absolutely scope to reintroduce them if people’s behaviours and the restrictions change."

Environmental health officers would spend more time ensuring spaces are covid-safe, said Cllr Hunt.

A council spokesperson said the situation would be kept under review and that the decision did not affect night-time marshals, whose role is not focused on covid restrictions guidance.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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June, 2021

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Inside the Armstrong Hall auditorium

New group wants to save Armstrong Hall CAMPAIGNERS hoping to save Thornbury's Armstrong Hall complex have launched a new group.

The Armstrong Hall Action Alliance has formed in response to the decision of the hall's charitable trust in March to keep the building closed after lockdown.

At least £77,000 of repairs would be needed before the hall could reopen “safely", the trust said.

There had been long term plans to demolish and rebuild it using grants, but these are no longer available.

The Alliance has made initial contact with the town council, whose members are also trustees for the hall, and will discuss the AHAA proposals at a later date.

The new group already has more than 70 members, who say they are concerned about the impact of the hall’s closure upon Thornbury, including several of the hall’s historic user groups.

AHAA says it “hopes to work with the council to find a way of restoring the Armstrong Hall complex and opening it, once again, for the benefit of the community.”

Historically, the hall has hosted cultural events including the Thornbury Arts Festival and Jazz Festival, and is also home to the 100-strong Thornbury Musical Theatre Group, Northavon Youth Theatre Company and TMTG Juniors.

The Thornbury Picture House, horticultural society, charities, evening classes and schools also made use of the space before the lockdown.

Campaigners say that for many groups there is simply not a viable alternative venue within the town should the Armstrong Hall remain closed.

The town council and South Gloucestershire are discussing expanding use of the Turnberries Community Centre as an alternative.

But the AHAA says that in its current form, Turnberries is not fit for bigger groups or larger events, that its redevelopment could take years and many user groups will go out of existence unless a better solution is found.

Helen Cornes, from the AHAA, says that following the formation of the group the Armstrong Hall trustees had been willing to show them some of the survey reports on its condition.

She said: "They have also offered to allow AHAA members to visit and review some of the issues preventing the reopening of the building.

We are hoping to visit soon."

Armstrong Hall chair of trustees Jayne Stansfield, who is also the town mayor, said: "We have received their communication and I have forwarded it on to all the other trust members.

"I have informed the action group that we cannot comment until we have had a chance to discuss this as a trust.”

People who want to get in touch with the AHAA can email info@ ahaathornbury.co.uk.

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

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

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n NEWS

New High Street petition A NEW petition calling on Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to intervene and reopen Thornbury High Street gained more than 1,000 signatures in its first five days.

The petition on the change.org website was set up by lifelong town resident Lin Guppy, who says the closure of the street to through traffic has seriously affected the town and access to shops for elderly and disabled people.

South Gloucestershire Council used emergency COVID-19 measures to close the High Street to through traffic in June last year, then put an experimental traffic order in place to enable a consultation to run at the same time.

It is set to make a decision on making the changes permanent at a cabinet meeting on June 7, after holding a public consultation including surveys and focus groups.

Lin says shops are struggling and traffic on other roads, such as Streamleaze and Midland Way, has become dangerous as a result of the move.

Lin said: "I love our town, but it feels to me and many others the heart and soul has been ripped from it.

"The council have never shown any feedback from a survey they launched to get our views.

"I really believe the majority of our town want it open, and in all fairness, a vote should be allowed for all the local residents – and the majority vote should win."

Lin said that after injuring her back last summer her mobility was limited and she has first-hand experience of the problems elderly and disabled people have getting from car parks and the relocated bus stop

by Aldi to the High Street, where buses no longer call.

The petition can be found online at chng.it/WWyLGXq7tS

June, 2021

Grant helps men talk AN innovative project to help men talk about their mental health is one of the recipients of a grant to boost Thornbury High Street.

The idea behind the Let’s Get Talking programme is that men often open up to their barber, and can feel more comfortable in a salon than in a clinic.

Men who have been affected by lockdown or who are generally struggling with their mental health can walk into Wallace Barbers, have a free haircut and have the opportunity to talk and be listened to.

The business, owned by Cole Wallace, has been awarded £5,000 to fund the project by South Gloucestershire Council’s Help us Thrive programme, set up to support high street businesses to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and bring in more customers.

The free walk-in sessions are due to start on Thursday June 3, for two hours from 5.30pm, with doors closing to clients at 7pm.

They will run for a trial month and if they’re successful, the company will continue them until the end of August.

Explaining the project in a Facebook post, Cole said: “We aren’t asking you to directly talk about your issues, maybe just coming in for a haircut and having an opportunity for someone to listen is all that is needed."

There will be a mental health nurse available at the salon in case anyone wants to talk to them.

Cole is linking the programme to a fundraiser for the charity Movember, which aims to prevent men from dying young, and is asking clients to donate via a fundraising page at justgiving.com/ fundraising/cole-wallace.

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June, 2021

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n NEWS

Grants awarded to High Street projects TWO projects from Thornbury have been awarded grants as part of a drive to help high streets recover from lockdown.

The schemes, aimed at helping bring more people back to Thornbury High Street as the town emerges from the third COVID-19 lockdown, are worth £9,520.

They have come from a total of £400,000 from South Gloucestershire Council's Help us Thrive fund, which is being given to 63 applicants out of more than 200 who applied.

Grants are being spread around a total of eight high street areas, which also include Downend, Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham, Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Filton.

In Thornbury, £4,520 has been awarded to the Unofficial Thornbury High Street Association, which includes pubs the Malthouse, the Swan and the White Lion, to spend on similar events to the fun day which was held in September last year.

That event brought market stalls, charity stalls, a climbing wall, a funfair and food onto the High Street to make use of space available while the street was closed to traffic.

Organisers said it was a success and planned to hold a craft fair, Christmas market and a vintage fair on the street later in the year, but these had to be cancelled after a

Thornbury High Street rise in coronavirus infections led to two more lockdowns.

The association is now reviving its plans in the hope of bringing more people from both in and outside the town to the High Street.

Sandra Davies, of the Swan, said: “There are a number of events that we are

considering to bring people into the High Street.

"There isn’t anything put in stone at the moment, as we are waiting for the government to announce that restrictions have been lifted and that it’s safe to do so.”

Wallace Barbers, also on the High Street, won £5,000 for its Let’s Get Talking initiative to enable men to talk about mental health while receiving a free haircut (see page 4).

Community groups could apply for up to £20,000, new businesses up to £10,000 and existing businesses up to £5,000, with anyone applying for more than £5,000 needing to supply evidence they were providing a similar level of funding themselves.

Council cabinet member Rachael Hunt said: “It’s great to see so many community organisations and local businesses across the area receive funding, which will help our high streets recover and flourish again following the Covid-19 pandemic."

As the council prepares to make a decision on the pedestrianisation of Thornbury High Street, a spokesperson thanked residents, business and groups who participated in nine focus group sessions hosted to gather feedback on the current measures.

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June, 2021

'Ambitious' call for hourly village buses

A CALL has been made for hourly bus services to every South Gloucestershire village with more than 300 residents.

But a South Gloucestershire Council debate about improving services descended into a political row after the ruling Conservative group accused opposition Liberal Democrats of wanting to “sneak through” the introduction of car parking charges – a claim the Lib Dems denied.

Thornbury ward Lib Dem councillor Jayne Stansfield asked members to endorse a report by countryside charity the CPRE, highlighting the inadequacy of rural bus services and suggesting how improvements could be funded.

She told the meeting on May 21: “Ideally we would like to see a bus every hour to every village above 300 people, as proposed by the CPRE. “This is ambitious but it can be done.”

She said the goal could be achieved if money was diverted from projects such as planned road-building to buses.

The motion called on the council to work with the West of England Combined Authority mayor and Department for Transport to deliver an effective bus network.

But the Tories said the CPRE report

Thornbury councillor Jayne Stansfield also suggested introducing or increasing car parking charges, which is against the council’s long-standing policy of making them free to residents.

Car parking was not mentioned in the motion, which was altered by the Lib Dems before the meeting to make clear a commitment to free parking.

The Conservatives tabled an amendment removing support for bus franchising and placing the burden to deliver better rural bus services on Weca and new Labour metro mayor Dan Norris, who has responsibility for strategic transport in the region, rather than the council.

Cabinet member for regeneration,

environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said the motion did not recognise "the major investment that has been made to enable and enhance bus services and bus provision".

He said: “We will continue to work with Weca on providing a better bus service and I actually look forward to working with the new West of England mayor in delivering on his promise of a better bus service.”

The Tories’ amended motion was passed.

It was opposed by Lib Dems, while Labour abstained.

Conservative council leader Toby Savage accused Lib Dems of either seeking "to endorse a report they haven’t read", sneaking through an attempt to "dump" the council's free parking policy or making a "careless mistake".

Lib Dem leader Claire Young in turn accused the Tories of playing "silly political games" with a "wholly confected argument about car parking charges".

She said the motion had "got the Conservative administration to acknowledge that our rural bus network is in dire need of investment".

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Parker walks to help brother's good cause A FIVE-year-old boy from Thornbury has been following in the footsteps of Captain Sir Tom Moore by embarking on an epic walk for charity.

Parker Walker is aiming to complete a total of 100km (62 miles) in a month to raise money for the National Deaf Children’s Society to help research into deafness.

His seven-month-old brother, Alexander, was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at six weeks old and will need a cochlear implant very soon.

Parker was inspired to help after learning about Captain Tom’s remarkable charity walk for the NHS during lockdown.

The boys' mum Olivia said: "A close friend of mine is an artist and he drew a picture of Captain Tom. I showed Parker and he asked who he was.

"So I got some YouTube clips and showed him, and he said he wanted to do it, too.

“We spoke about charities and Parker Parker Walker with his baby brother, said he wanted to do it for Alexander, but Alexander. we explained that it wouldn’t be just for Alexander but would be for the help that he around Thornbury, but we’ve been to Oldbury and others will need. along by the sailing club, Old Down, Berkeley, "He is really keen, and loves seeing the to Bath along the canal – and Thornbury to total go up each day.

Bradley Stoke was a long one. of the walking has been locally WB"Most Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 12:43 Page 4 was particularly looking forward "Parker

to the final leg across the Severn Bridge and back."

As the Voice went to press, the total raised had passed £1,100.

Donations can be made online at facebook.com/donate/886036445311253 Olivia said it had been comforting how the National Children’s Deaf Society had helped fast-track Alexander’s treatment: he was fitted with hearing aids at just eight weeks old.

She said: "At the time it seems devastating, but with the charity to help, you suddenly realise that its not the sort of setback that it would have been years ago.

"The support children like Alexander have is something that a hearing child wouldn’t have, like first choice of schools, for instance.

“We have met so many people in and around Bristol, parents of deaf children who have messaged me after seeing about Alexander’s case and Parker’s fundraising.

"We’ve met one family whose daughter has a cochlear implant and it makes you realise you are not the only ones going through it.”

Parker, a pupil at St Helen's Primary in Alveston, hopes to celebrate the end of his fundraising with a day out at Legoland.

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June, 2021

n NEWS

Mark is new police commissioner CONSERVATIVE Mark Shelford has been elected Avon and Somerset’s new police and crime commissioner.

The former soldier made election pledges to “reassure, refocus and rebuild” and prioritise preventing crime, not just trying to catch criminals.

He received 161,319 votes in the May 6 election, 15,000 ahead of Labour’s Kerry Barker, on 146,293, after first and secondpreference votes were counted.

Green candidate Cleo Lake finished in third place, with 64,790 votes, Liberal Democrat Heather Shearer received 52,839 and independent John Smith 46,379.

Voting took place across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and Somerset.

Mr Shelford topped the first round poll in every area except Bristol, while Mr Barker received more second round transfer

votes everywhere except for three of the four Somerset county districts.

The election was postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Mr Shelford will only serve a three-year term.

He said: "It’s really exciting and quite humbling.

"There’s a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders. I’m relishing the opportunity to get started as soon as possible.

“It’s about making the police more efficient and effective. We will do that together.”

Mr Shelford had criticised the police for the handling of recent 'Kill the Bill' protests in Bristol and said the force should not have allowed a “mob” to pull down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston last summer.

One of his first tasks will be to appoint a new chief constable, after Andy Marsh steps down in July.

Mr Shelford said he would

not rush into making an appointment and was looking for “somebody that exudes leadership and command, and has unshakeable belief in the Peelian principles of policing (by consent)".

He will also appoint a new deputy PCC. Outgoing PCC Sue Mountstevens had made Mr Smith the first deputy PCC last year, but he was unable to repeat her success at the ballot box.

Mr Shelford, a former Army lieutenant colonel, served for four years as a Bath & North East Somerset councillor but lost his seat in 2019 after a boundary change.

In his acceptance speech he thanked Ms Mountstevens, who he said had "worked tirelessly over the last nine years to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safer".

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Mark Shelford

Results First round results: Mark Shelford (Con) – 136,988 Kerry Barker (Lab) 93,495 Cleo Lake (Green) – 64,790 Heather Shearer (Lib Dem) – 52,839 John Smith (independent) – 46,379 Second round results: Mark Shelford 161,319 (24,331 second preferences) Kerry Barker 146,293 (52,798)

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June, 2021

9

n NEWS

Dan is new Metro Mayor LABOUR'S Dan Norris has won the West of England Metro Mayor election.

The former MP beat Conservative Samuel Williams by 125,482 votes to 85,389, a majority of over 40,000 votes, after second-preference votes were counted.

Green candidate Jerome Thomas was third, with 54,919 votes, while Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams was fourth, with 39,767.

Mr Norris was short of the required overall majority to win in the first round but when second preference votes from Green and Lib Dem voters were added to the front runners' totals, he received another 41,048 votes, to Mr Williams' 12,974.

It meant Labour gained the mayoralty from the Tories, who had won by 4,377 votes in 2017.

Mr Norris benefited from the increased turnout in Bristol,

County Council in the mid-90s.

As MP for Wansdyke, which includes Keynsham and Radstock, he was appointed an environment minister by Gordon Brown in 2009 but lost his seat in the 2010 General Election, when the redrawn and renamed North East Somerset constituency was won by Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg.

where local elections were also taking place on May 6: he received more than 50,000 votes in the city, where Mr Williams came in third behind the Greens.

In South Gloucestershire Mr Williams was more than 9,000 votes ahead of Mr Norris, where they received 28,693 and 19,168 first-preference votes respectively, while the two front runners were almost neck-andneck in B&NES. The Metro Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority, which is responsible for strategic development of business, skills, housing and transport in the region.

Mr Norris said: "I will show the difference an active Metro Mayor makes for our region.

"I’m determined to hit the ground running, with a Jobs and Skills summit in my first 100 days and my Green Recovery Plan."

As well as his pledges on

Dan Norris celebrates with his dog Angel at the ss Great Britain jobs and the environment, Mr Norris's manifesto included a requirement for 35% of all new homes to be "genuinely affordable", an increase in spending on housebuilding and the creation of a 'homelessness taskforce'.

He has also pledged to drive through improvements to transport.

Mr Norris, who went to school in Chipping Sodbury, started his political career as a Bristol city councillor in the 1980s and also served on Avon

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Results Round 1 Dan Norris 84,434 Samuel Williams 72,415 Jerome Thomas 54,919 Stephen Williams 41,193 Round 2 Dan Norris 125,482 (41,048 second preferences) Samuel Williams 85,389 (12,974 second preferences)

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June, 2021

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n NEWS

Dinosaurs come to life at Manorbrook PUPILS at a Thornbury school created their own 'life-sized' dinosaur to help bring a project on the prehistoric creatures to life.

The Year 1 class at Manorbrook Primary School have been throwing themselves into their dinosaur discovery topic.

And they have been particularly taken by former local resident Thecodontosaurus.

One of the first dinosaur fossils to be discovered, in a quarry in Clifton in 1834, fossilised remains of a Thecodontosaurus were also unearthed at Tytherington Quarry, in 1975.

Manorbrook children created their own Thecodontosaurus, which they have nicknamed Theco, to help bring their learning to life.

The Thecodontosaurus was about two metres long, had a relatively short neck and long tail. It had four limbs, shorter arms than legs, with five digits on each.

An omnivore, it is believed to have mainly lived on a diet of leaves, with the odd lizard when it could catch one.

Year 1 teacher Rachel Ocone said: "The children are thoroughly enjoying learning about the prehistoric creatures, and in particular our local dinosaur the Thecodontosaurus.

Children from Manorbrook Primary School with Theco the Thecodontosaurus.

"Together with their own research, the Year 1 class were delighted to take part in an engaging virtual workshop with the fantastic Bristol Dinosaur Project, where they were able to share their learning about the local Bristol dinosaur and find out lots more.

"In addition, they were able to see and explore fossils from the local area, design

their very own dinosaurs and question real palaeontologists."

The children were also finding out more about fossils and 19th century palaeontologist Mary Anning, who discovered many previously unknown types of dinosaur around Lyme Regis in Dorset.

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thornburyvoice

June, 2021

13

n NEWS

Art work says thank you to teachers A SPECIALLY-commissioned piece of art created using words of appreciation to staff from parents has been hung in the reception area at the Castle School.

Designed by a parent who is a professional illustrator, it is a lasting reminder to staff of how much parents valued the support pupils were given during the third lockdown.

The project was the idea of mum-of-four Louise Egan, who has daughters in years 7 and 9 at the school as well as two children at primary school.

Louise said: “The latest lockdown was dropped on them with no notice and within a matter of days my daughters had a full timetable of virtual lessons, and it gave the girls such structure.

“There was never a moment when you thought it would have been any kind of inconvenience to contact the staff. It was always about the safety and well-being

Castle School head Joe Docherty with artist Carys Tait and parent Louise Egan of the children.

"The couple of minutes that you get at a parents evening to say, ‘thank you’ didn’t feel enough – we needed to do something.”

Louise got in touch with the Castle School Friends’ Association (CSF), and they

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jointly came up with the idea of creating a bespoke piece of art based on parents’ messages.

Andy Bethell, the school’s director of development, picked out the ones that would resonate most.

The friends raised over £600 to pay for the artwork to be

created by parent Carys Tait, a Thornbury-based illustrator who has sons at the school.

She said her family had also benefited from the "amazing job" the school had done.

Every member of staff received a printed version of the artwork, and remaining funds were used to buy equipment for the school from its Amazon wish list.

Head Teacher Joe Docherty said: “I couldn’t be prouder.

The last year has thrown up so many new challenges for all of us, and I have been so impressed with how our students, staff and parents have responded. I’m very grateful to all the parents who chose to fund this lovely artwork, and to Carys Tait the artist. You wanted to thank the staff for all their support, and this is a fitting tribute.”

For more information about Castle School Friends visit www. castleschoolfriends.org.

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14

n COMMUNITY NEWS

thornburyvoice

June, 2021

Sewing club launches A SEWING club has been launched to bring enthusiasts in Thornbury together.

Resident Caroline Twemlow was inspired to launch the non-profit club after visiting one in Chipping Sodbury, being impressed by the number of people who were together there.

She said: "It's great to have a chat and sew whilst picking up tips, and seeing what other people are making. Like anything, you never stop learning."

Carrie decided to set up a club for Thornbury and it held its first session on May 20.

The club holds sessions every

Thursday from 6.30 to 9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre in Castle Street.

Carrie splits her time working for a soft furnishings company and making her curtains and cushions for her own customers after deciding to change career to "pursue a job that I loved rather than endured".

She said: "I did textiles GCSE at school and my grandma was a tailor, so I used to spend time with her dressmaking when I was younger. But alas, you stop doing these things when you get to a certain age and I hadn't sewn since until a few years ago."

First night at the new sewing club at the Chantry The club tackles anything from dressmaking to embroidery, and welcomes learners, who can call Carrie for advice.

Because space is currently limited due to covid regulations,

anyone who wants to attend is being asked to call Carrie on 07753 236095 to ensure she can make space, and should bring their own sewing machine.

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A VOLUNTEER-run charity providing music tuition and activities for children needs new trustees to join its board.

Thornbury Area Youth Music Trust runs a successful music centre where more than 100 children aged from four to 18 come together each week in small and large ensembles, with regular performances throughout the year.

It was meeting at Manorbrook School, Thornbury until the lockdown last year and since then, children have been receiving online tuition and performing together virtually.

Parent and trustee Nadya Webster said: "With the decline in musical opportunities in primary and secondary schools, it’s really important to us that all the young people of our area have access to music on their doorstep at affordable prices, without having to travel further afield."

Trustees do not need any musical background or to be a parent of a child at the centre.

They work with the head of centre, administrator, treasurer and music tutors, attending up to 10 meetings a year which are currently held online.

The charity is also looking for a paid, part-time treasurer to manage its accounts.

Anyone who would like to get involved should email trustee. taym@gmail.com.

For more information about TAYM visit www.thornburymusic.org.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

June, 2021

thornburyvoice

n NEWS

15

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

The testing van

Mobile covid test van visits Thornbury

VIEWING THE PLAN – FROM 11 JUNE 

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

A MOBILE testing unit is visiting Thornbury, Charfield and Severn Beach every week as part of the drive to trace coronavirus cases.

The specially-equipped van will give people the option of either collecting a testing kit to take home or taking a test with help from trained staff, for people unfamiliar with the process.

The government is encouraging everyone over the age of 16 without COVID-19 symptoms to make regular twice-weekly testing, using rapid home test kits, part of their routine.

The testing scheme, along with the vaccine roll-out, local contact tracing and continued hygiene and social distancing, is seen as key to keeping safe as lockdown restrictions are eased.

South Gloucestershire Council has already made its libraries, including Thornbury, into collection points for home testing kits, which can be picked up during staffed opening hours.

The testing van will be in Thornbury High Street every Saturday from 9am until noon, at Charfield Community Centre every Thursday from 2-5pm and at Severn Beach Village Hall every Friday from 2-5pm.

The scheme is separate from testing facilities for people with symptoms, which are operated separately.

Case rates in South Gloucestershire continue to be low, with 28 cases in the district recorded over the seven days to May 18 – a rate of 9.8 per 100,000 people – but with another new variant of the disease starting to spread, people are being urged to continue to test.

Council director of public health Sara Blackmore said: "Every case we can identify helps us stop the spread and bring the virus further under control.

"That is why we are so keen to make testing available to everyone; by taking the tests to our communities so that they can take part in the programme and do their part to keep themselves and those around them as safe as possible."

Home testing involves swabbing the tonsils and nostrils putting the swab into a liquid, which is placed on a strip that produces a result within 30 minutes.

Testing has been carried out by secondary school-aged children since March, but everyone in England over the age of 16 is now being encouraged to take one twice a week.

There were three deaths with COVID-19 recorded in South Gloucestershire over the four weeks to May 15, two in care homes and one in hospital.

So far this year, 144 people have died with coronavirus in the area.

The NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire has announced plans to carry out extra operations and outpatient appointments this summer in an attempt to restore routine care after the pandemic.



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

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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

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

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

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

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

2644 Thornbury Neighbourhood Ad.indd 1

21/05/2021 12:13

thornburyvoice

16

n NEWS

Blaze damage A CAR and caravan were destroyed in a fire in a village near Thornbury.

Firefighters were called to Woodlands Road in Tytherington shortly before 12.30am on May 6 to find the vehicles well alight.

Thornbury firefighters were joined by crews from Patchway and Southmead as they tackled the blaze using foam and water from hoses and jets.

They then used a thermal imaging camera to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service carried out an investigation into the cause of the blaze.

A spokesperson said the fire, which also damaged a van parked nearby, had started accidentally.

A SCHEME welcoming people to some of the country's most beautiful gardens is back up and running.

Two new attractions in the Thornbury area have been added to the National Garden Scheme this year.

Stoneleigh Down, in Upper Tockington Road, Tockington, will open on June 5 and 6 between 10am and 5pm.

The two-third acre southfacing garden has curved gravel pathways and themed areas including sub-tropical plants, a summer walk, acers, an oriental pond, and winter and spring gardens.

Home-made tea and cakes, and plants will be on sale at the garden, with admission costing £5 for adults and children going free.

Advance booking is essential and can be made via the NGS website, www.ngs.org.uk.

On June 19 and 20 Oldbury on Severn Gardens will be open from 1pm to 5pm.

NGS says the site includes four developing country gardens, all of which have water features

June, 2021

Gardens re-open and a variety of interesting plants and borders. One has "intriguing old agricultural artefacts" and is on a historic site, one has a Japanese theme and another is a traditional cottage garden.

Entry costs £6 for adults £6, with children free.

Home-made teas are available and visitors can either book online in advance with the NGS or pay at the gate.

The garden at the School Yard in Wickwar High Street, which has opened previously under the Stoneleigh Down NGS scheme, will open again on June or pay at the gate and teas will be 26 from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. available in the village hall.

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June, 2021

thornburyvoice

17

n COMMUNITY NEWS

News from Thornbury Royal British Legion From Korea to Thornbury Coffee mornings are back AT 93 years of age, Colonel (Retired) Harold Griffiths is one of our most 'senior' branch members, and the only one to have served in the Korean War. Harold was the first President of Thornbury RBL and comes from a military family: his father was a volunteer officer in the South Wales Borderers and served in the second Boer war in 1900.

Although his career started in medicine, he was soon liable for National Service, serving in the British Commonwealth Forces in Korea.

Conditions could be hard Harold Griffiths during his service at times, with the British Army living in cold tents, although the American food rations were OK. Harold had no home leave for two years, although letters were taken and delivered twice a week by air, so his family were able to stay in touch.

Harold’s posting in Korea was to the 11th Field Transfusion Team in the Commonwealth General Hospital in Kure, supporting the last big action in the sector, the Battle of the Hook, involving the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, the Black Watch and the Royal Fusiliers. He also served at a casualty collecting post near the Imjin river.

After his time in the Army, Harold continued his surgical training at Stanmore, Mount Vernon and Harefield in London, then at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow, before becoming an orthopaedic consultant at Southmead and Frenchay hospitals.

Harold served in the Territorial Army until 1995, and at the end of his military career he was honoured with a CBE by the Queen.

Harold enjoys a happy family life and is very proud of his five children, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

As a member of Thornbury Royal British Legion, he feels it is important to consider both the physical and mental welfare of HM Forces and veterans.

Thornbury & District Royal British Legion is very proud and honoured to count someone who has had such a distinguished military and medical career as one of its members.

John Black

ALMSHOUSE FLAT AVAILABLE IN THORNBURY The Thornbury Town Trust has a first floor one bedroom flat available in Thornbury.

Applicants are required to be over 60, single or widowed, and of good character.

Applicants must be resident in Thornbury and able to live independently.

There are four flats in the block and residents pay a monthly maintenance fee to help with running costs.

The Trustees will take into account the applicant’s financial circumstances and their housing and social needs.

If you are interested please contact: Sally Bertram, Clerk to the Trustees to establish eligibility.

You can ring 07835 110766, email sallytowntrust@gmail.com or write to Thornbury Town Trust, c/o Town Hall, 35 High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AR.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

AT last, after what seems like a lifetime in lockdown, the Thornbury Royal British Legion is thrilled to resume drop-in coffee mornings for HM Forces and veterans.

Since the launch in June 2019, a significant number of local veterans, who were previously unknown to us, have joined us in Hawkes House for coffee, a chat, and the chance to get some specific advice and support from the team of professionals on a variety of issues.

We are very grateful to the management and staff at Hawkes House for the warm welcome we always receive, and for Bonds Estate Agents and Cadman Wealth Planning, who have very generously sponsored the programme.

Several of our drop-in visitors have joined the Thornbury branch of the Royal British Legion, which is a bonus. Some have only recently left the forces, whilst others have been in 'civvy street' for a number of years.

Their challenges have included loneliness, isolation, depression, bereavement and post-traumatic stress, as well as some physical disabilities. The opportunity for us to meet these veterans, hear their stories and offer some practical support and comradeship is a truly heartwarming and rewarding experience, and is making the monthly coffee mornings extremely worthwhile.

The first coffee morning was held at Hawkes House on May 27, with a second session on Saturday May 29 from 9.30-11.30am at The Swan on Thornbury High Street.

Further dates will be published on our Facebook page.

If you are a serving member or a veteran of HM Forces, just drop in – you will be welcome!

John Black

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18

n THORNBURY CLINIC

thornburyvoice

June, 2021

Tips to help with back pain

Guy Oldring is the clinical lead and heads up the team at the Thornbury Clinic.

OVER the past 12 years I have seen so many people with back pain.

Some cases are due to contact on a sports field and many are due to lifting something a little too heavy.

However, the most common statement I hear is: "There was no initial cause, I have had it for years and just learnt to live with it."

When I hear this my response is always "why"?

Most people, when you speak to them, believe that back pain is something that is common (which it is) and something you just live with (Which you absolutely shouldn’t!).

I am not saying that just doing the below will completely solve your issue, especially as I haven’t looked at it. I am saying that if you do the below, it can most certainly help.

1. Move In the past, the advice given by doctors has always been to rest, lie on your back and it should settle.

This has now been disproved many, many times, and the up-to-date research is that moving and gentle exercise can be hugely beneficial for back pain. Whilst running is always a 'go-to' for people, the impact as you run isn’t always the

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best option. Cycling, swimming, cross training or even gentle resistance training are really good ways of starting to increase your exercise and start tackling your back pain.

2. Don't avoid There is always a tendency to avoid certain movements when your back is sore. One of the most common movements is flexion (touching your toes). Whilst I am not suggesting we all start repeatedly bending forward, I am suggesting avoiding a movement is bad. Gently slide your hands down the front of your legs and back up again a few times a day.

You may find it starts to get easier.

However, if you do find your pain getting worse, then I would always suggest booking an appointment with a medical professional. The best rehabilitation programme is a unique one designed specifically for you.

3. Stretch OK, I know this is boring, and everyone rolls their eyes at me when I say this. However, if you have very tight and sore hamstrings, it will pull on where they originate at the base of the pelvis. This in turn can rotate the pelvis and cause back pain.

Similarly, tight quads and hip flexors can do the same on the front. Spending one minute,

three times a day on both your hamstrings (the back of your thigh), glutes (your bum) and quads (the front of your thigh), can really help.

4. Roll with it When you have treatment how often does the therapist push on your upper back, or push an elbow into your glutes? If the answer is “quite a lot” (which I suspect it is), then this is something you can do yourself. Foam rolling the upper back will mobilise through the spine and increase range of movement. This in turn reduces the pressure you put on your lower back and can decrease pain.

Also sitting on a tennis ball and loosening your glutes can also reduce muscle tension in the lower back and help to reduce pain.

Please remember that while the above tips can help if you suffer from chronic low back pain due to stiffness and tightness, they are not suitable for everyone. You may need specific treatment and a full assessment of your issue.

However, if this makes you realise that you should not continue to live with back pain, then that’s a great start.

If you are struggling with back pain and want some expert advice, you can always contact us at the clinic on 01454 838366 or email us at info@thethorburyclinic.co.uk.

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

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

June, 2021

thornburyvoice

19

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Find out more about volunteering VOLUNTEERS Week, which takes place from June 1-7 every year, is a chance to celebrate and say thank you for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. Throughout the pandemic, the main focus has been on supporting volunteers to take on coronavirus-related roles to help communities cope with the many consequences of COVID-19.

Volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response and it’s important that we celebrate their contribution.

As lockdown eases, many local organisations are starting to re-open their services and new volunteers are needed to help them.

Do you want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more. There are all kinds of roles out there, contributing to many different causes.

Have a chat with Thornbury Volunteer Centre, let us know what you’re interested in and find out more about local opportunities.

As well as helping others, volunteering has been shown to improve volunteers' well-being too. It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. It can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost your confidence.

Thank you to all the volunteers: you are the people who make our communities strong.

To those of you who are thinking of volunteering we look forward to hearing from you.

A pop-up shop will be open in the skittle alley of The Swan pub from May 29 until June 5 from 10am to 4pm, and for the other Saturdays in June.

New volunteers can also email mail@volunteer-thornbury.co.uk.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

Running together THORNBURY Ladies Run Together is a fun, and very friendly group holding free fitness sessions.

It is for all levels and abilities, with some running-based exercises and fitness activities, and lots of chat and support.

Sessions on Friday mornings in school term time, at 9am on Chantry Field, have now resumed and we are welcoming new members.

Run Together is a branch of England Athletics and promotes all the values and benefits of exercising and well-being in a group.

All ladies are welcome - just turn up and come and find us!

We follow covid regulations and safety measures in line with government guidelines.

Feel free to join us on Facebook, see the website at groups.runtogether. co.uk/ThornburyLadiesRunTogether, or email Kate on Katemaskell@doctors. org.uk or Ange on design@angelaashton.co.uk.

Kate Maskell

COMPANION AND DRIVING SERVICE Now taking bookings in your area!

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Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury

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Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

June, 2021

21

n SPORT

Thornbury Town promoted in league restructure THORNBURY Town will be playing in the Hellenic League Premier Division next season, after the club’s application for promotion to Step 5 of the National League system was successful.

The FA announced in early April that National League restructuring, postponed in 2020, would go ahead.

Many leagues around the country have been reorganised and 60 clubs at Thornbury’s level have been promoted, based on points per game played over the last two unfinished seasons.

Thorns' success over the last three seasons, since their promotion to the Hellenic League, fully justifies their elevation: they will now be playing at the highest level in the club’s history.

Three seasons ago they finished third, missing out on promotion by just one point, whilst the last two 'incomplete' seasons would have seen Town

Thornbury Town in action against Mangotsfield United in a 'post-season friendly' finish runners-up to Malvern Town on both occasions, on a 'points-per-game' basis.

First team manager Jason Rees, who was a member of the squad that won the Bristol Premier Combination title in 2002, was justly proud of the efforts of a strong, settled local squad over the past two seasons.

He praised the support from assistant manager Gary Kemp, the committee and fans over the past few seasons.

The step up will no doubt be a tough challenge but it will

see Town renew acquaintances with a number of old County League opponents, including Chipping Sodbury, Cribbs, Tuffley and Lydney, as well as new adversaries such as Fairford, Westbury and Corsham.

Their last two 'post-season' friendlies saw the 1st team lose to UWE and Mangotsfield United, but proved to be useful run-outs.

The Reserves and A team have had generally excellent results, which together with the U18 squad bode well for the future.

Most games were due to finish by the end of May, so that players and managers can take a short break before pre-season training restarts for what everyone hopes will be a 'normal' football season.

Meanwhile the club continues to expand and intends to form a second U18 team next season under current U16s manager Simon Groves, with many of the present U16 team hopefully forming the nucleus of the side.

New players will also be made welcome, and anyone interested should contact Simon via the club’s media sites.

Town are also keen to develop the girls’ game and add an under-10s team to the U11 and U13s for September.

They are looking for new coaches to help take this vision forward: for more information contact Jack Harrison-Bond on 0753 471637 or email jack. harrisonbond@gmail.com.

Malcolm Carr

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

22

thornburyvoice

June, 2021

n SPORT

Return of indoor bowls to Thornbury LIKE all other sports, indoor bowls has been badly affected by lockdowns and covid-secure rules.

As a result, some 150 members of Thornbury Indoor Bowls Club were unable to play bowls during this last season. Those 275 that were able to play only got seven weeks in before the final lockdown stopped everything.

We are working on the assumption that we will be able to restart indoor bowling in September, and would like to invite any previous members who were unable to play this past year to re-join.

Anyone who wishes to start bowling in September is invited to discuss membership with us.

During covid-secure rules we were only able to play triples, but hope to bring back fours in September if we are allowed.

The club is based at Thornbury Leisure Centre and is based on a pay and play model on a five-rink green, and has leagues playing five days per week in the morning, afternoon and evening. The club also enters EIBA Club Representative Competitions and we are always looking to increase and strengthen our squads (men’s, ladies' and mixed).

To join us in September, please contact our membership secretary Robert Bertram at rbertram@blueyonder.co.uk.

Derek Olive

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Luke is aiming high A HIGH jumper from Thornbury is back on the field after keeping up his training during lockdown.

Luke Ball was one of the many young members of Yate & District Athletics Club who returned to action on May 16 at a membersonly meeting.

With lockdown finally easing, the 2021 season is starting to take shape Luke Ball jumping for Yate Athletics and the revamped stadium Club. Photo courtesy of Yate AC. at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex already has an almost full calendar for the season.

The club has done a lot of work to ensure that competition can be carried out safely, with masks and social distancing as required.

The members-only meeting enabled athletes to stretch their muscles in a fairly relaxed way and for team managers to see what talent has emerged from the long period of hibernation.

Luke has managed to keep his training going during lockdown and is now regularly jumping 2m.

As an under-20 this puts him close to the top of the UK rankings.

At the first meeting he cleared the height with some ease, suggesting that there is more to come once the season gets properly underway, and English Schools competition being a principal target.

Stuart Nunn

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

June, 2021

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