Thornbury Voice June 2024

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Running for Tyler

School closing after 72 years

A THORNBURY school for children with special educational needs is closing, after more than 70 years in the town.

The charity which runs Sheiling School confirmed that the school, which has 29 pupils aged from six to 19 on its roll, will shut at the end of the academic year in July.

Around 70 of the school's 80 staff, who are on

a mixture of part-time and full-time contracts are facing redundancy, with the others having already found new jobs elsewhere.

The independent school and children’s home is set on the Thornbury Park estate, and has been in operation since 1952, offering a "holistic education following Waldorf-Steiner principles" to thousands of children in that time. Turn to page 3

Please contact Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…

Head leaves Marlwood THE head teacher of Marlwood School in Alveston has stepped down.

PAGE 5

School is 'outstanding' INSPECTORS say pupils at a Thornbury special school "thrive in all areas of learning".

PAGE 3

Battery plan rejected COUNCILLORS have thrown out plans for a massive battery storage compound near Alveston after being told it would “industrialise” the greenbelt.

PAGE 4

Clare elected PCC

LABOUR’S Clare Moody has been elected as Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, narrowly defeating Conservative Mark Shelford.

PAGE 6

A TEAM of relatives and friends ran in this year's Bristol 10k to raise money for a foundation in memory of Tyler Carley, from Thornbury. Full story: Page 9

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Our July edition deadline is June 19.

New school opens

AS one special school announced its closure plans, a new school has held an official opening ceremony.

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A member of the

Thornbury & Yate MP visited Castlefell School at Rudgeway in May to cut the ribbon on the school, which will cater for up to 50 pupils with special educational needs between the ages of eight and 16.

and pupils

He also spoke to staff, took part in classroom experiments and had a question-and-answer session with pupils.

The specialist school charges fees of £98,827 to £130,751 per year, with placements funded by local authorities and supported by a child's education, health and care plan (EHCP).

It has been set up in a two-storey building on the site of the former Silverhill School, which left the site in 1992.

The new school is part of Witherslack Group, a special education needs provider which runs more than 30 similar schools across the country.

Head teacher Wendy Yeo said: "We’re really grateful for Luke Hall’s support and it was wonderful to have him visit Castlefell School to meet our pupils and supportive staff team.

"The young people loved finding out more about life as an MP and it was a great way for us to bring our curriculum to life, igniting curiosity and enjoyment, which is at the heart of learning here."

Mr Hall said: "It was a pleasure to meet the staff and students at the school, and to see first-hand the amazing and tailored support and education being offered."

College vision is praised

A COLLEGE with thousands of students across the region has been praised for its "clear and ambitious vision" for education and training.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud college (SGS) was rated 'good' overall by regulator Ofsted, with 'outstanding' ratings for its adult learning programmes and students' personal development.

The college, formed from the merger of Filton and Stroud colleges in 2012, has six main campuses from central Bristol to Berkeley and Stroud, with around 3,800 learners aged 16 to 18, the same number of adult learners plus around 300 14 to 16 year olds and 900 apprentices.

A team of 15 inspectors visited the college's campuses between January and February this year.

In their report, the inspectors said: "Learners and apprentices

enjoy studying in the highly inclusive environment created by staff at all levels and in all areas of the college.

"Leaders and managers have a clear and ambitious vision for providing education and training that contributes strongly to meeting the needs of local and national employers."

College principal Sara-Jane Watkins said: "We are really proud of the judgements that Ofsted have made of SGS.

"They recognise the excellent work that staff across the college have made in their commitment and enthusiasm in delivering great education and learning for all of our learners.

"We are especially proud of the recognition that Ofsted has made of our many initiatives that we have developed in order to help so many of those disadvantaged in society."

MP Luke Hall with Castlefell staff

'Outstanding' school where children thrive

INSPECTORS say pupils at a Thornbury special school "thrive in all areas of learning".

A team from regulator Ofsted visited New Siblands School in Easton Hill Road in February.

Their report found that the school, which has 126 pupils aged from two to 19, is 'outstanding' in all areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, early years and sixth form provision.

It is the first time Ofsted has visited the school since it was taken over by Enable Trust in 2018 – it had also been judged to be 'outstanding' on its previous inspection in 2017.

The inspectors said: "Pupils thrive in all areas of learning at New Siblands School. Through the exceptionally strong and trusting relationships with staff, pupils relish learning across a breadth of subjects.

"Staff are highly knowledgeable about the learning and therapeutic needs of pupils. This results in each pupil, including children in early years and students in the sixth form, having an expertly-designed curriculum that supports their learning.

"One parent described the school as, ‘like treasure at the end of a rainbow. Absolute

Ofsted praised the school's "ambitious vision for the educational, social and emotional development of all pupils".

They said: "Through the carefully crafted, personalised curriculum, pupils’ lives are transformed.

"The curriculum seamlessly blends therapy and class-based education. This supports pupils to realise their potential."

They highlighted the school's focuses on PE, play-based learning and "impressively well-structured" sixth form curriculum.

The school has two sites, for primary and

a secondary pupils, and takes children from a very wide area, including South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

Head teacher Karl Hemmings said: "We are absolutely thrilled with this Ofsted result.

"Our staff work really hard to provide an amazing level of education and care for all of our pupils.

"We are really pleased Ofsted recognised this during their visit.

"Inspectors spent two days in our school and we were so proud of everything they saw.

"Our pupils were an absolute credit to our school during the inspection, as they are on each and every day.

"I would really like to thank our wonderful staff, pupils, families, governors, trust team and other members of our school community for everything they have done contributing to this fantastic result. It means so much to us all.”

Mr Hemmings said the school plans to build on its success by continuing to collaborate with the local authority and other schools to improve special educational needs provision for as many pupils as possible, both within and outside of the school.

'Hugely difficult' decision to close school

The school is part of Thornleigh Camphill Communities, a charity that also provides long-term supported accommodation in the community to around 50 adults with additional needs.

The school charges local authorities up to £90,000 a year for placements, with some day pupils and some boarders among its pupils, who are now faced with finding alternative provision.

Thornleigh Camphill Communities chair of trustees Dr Anthony Nowlan said: "Since emerging from the pandemic, the school has had significant financial difficulties.

"Falling pupil numbers and sharply rising costs have resulted in deficits and the running down of the charity’s reserves.

"We consulted with staff and considered all options for the future of the school.

"As a charity, we also have to consider the needs of our whole community.

"If action wasn’t taken, we ran the risk of destabilising the adult provision. This is why we have reached this hugely difficult decision."

The school first contacted parents and staff in April to start consultations on the closure plan.

It announced it had confirmed the decision on May 20.

Dr Nowlan said: "We appreciate the impact of this news. Our focus is now on supporting every member of our community to secure their next steps in their education or employment.

"We are liaising with the local authorities who place our children to offer our help in their transition to new schools.

"In addition, I take heart from the fact that a number of our staff have already secured new employment.

"We will continue to do all that we are

practically able to do to make this process as smooth as we possibly can for everyone.

"Our charity has been supporting people with a learning disability for over 70 years.

"Sadly, we are no longer able to provide services for children, but the work supporting our thriving adult communities is continuing."

Last year an inspection team from Ofsted visited Sheiling School and said it 'required improvement'.

The inspectors said the school understood the needs of individual pupils well and placed a high importance on a curriculum that includes "an individualised therapeutic approach".

they praised its "calm and nurturing environment" and said many pupils had "arrived from multiple failed placements elsewhere".

However they said the curriculum in most subjects "is not well enough designed to build on what pupils know and can do," adding: "Pupils do not yet benefit from a high-quality education."

Last month parents contacted as part of the consultation told the BBC they were concerned about the effects the closure would have on their children.

Staff and pupils of New Siblands School celebrate their Ofsted report

Sheiling School

Farm battery storage plant plans refused

COUNCILLORS have thrown out plans for a massive battery storage compound near Alveston after being told it would “industrialise” the greenbelt.

Villagers raised fears of “toxic gas plumes in a lithium explosion” near homes to members of South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee, which refused the application in May.

But the fate of the proposed plant now lies in the hands of a more senior planning committee, because the decision went against officers’ advice to approve.

The 200-megawatt facility at Earthcott Green Farm, near Alveston, would store energy produced by renewable sources such as solar for when it is needed most during peak hours, and could power 500,000 homes for two hours during an outage on the National Grid, preventing a blackout.

It would have 176 battery storage containers, each

measuring 3m (about 9ft 10in) high and 6m long, a 15m communication tower, substation, transformers, 4m lighting/CCTV columns and a 2.5m perimeter fence surrounding the six-hectare (about 15 acres) site.

A planning officer told the committee that it would result in the “industrialisation” of a rural area and was deemed generally “inappropriate development” - but that the public

benefits outweighed the harms, and recommended granting permission.

Members voted 5-3 to refuse permission.

Alveston parish councillor Marion Reeve told the meeting: “It’s not like a battery you put in a car, lithium is much more dangerous.

“The concern is this is so close to residential properties – these people are at risk of toxic gas plumes in a lithium explosion.

“We are not talking about a torch battery, we are talking about something quite dangerous.

“You wouldn’t dream of putting a nuclear system 120 yards from houses.”

A fire in 2020 at a battery energy storage system in Liverpool, which had a capacity 10 times smaller than the proposed Earthcott Green plant, took 59 hours to extinguish and created a “significant blast”, councillors were told.

Residents said they would suffer from noise and light pollution, which could also affect protected species.

Robert Miles, chief executive and founder of Dursley-based applicants Immersa, said: “I can categorically reassure members that the technology being proposed today is safe.

“Not only are we proposing a different technology to the small number of reported incidents but they are highly sophisticated, have numerous built-in fail-safes and are monitored 24 hours a day.

“The high-pressure gas that most of us have connected to our homes has a greater chance of explosion and fire than the batteries we use.”

Mr Miles said there was no objection from the fire service and that the site, which has low-quality

agricultural soil, had been chosen because it was near a substation connecting the national and local electricity networks.

The council’s ecologist and landscape officer deemed the plans to be acceptable with conditions such as tree and hedgerow planting.

Cllr Paul Hughes (Con, Bitton & Oldland Common) said: “This is absolutely inappropriate development in the greenbelt. It has no justification whatsoever.

“It’s a massive experiment that this country is going through with green energy – that people can put an industrial complex in the middle of the countryside is just unbelievable.

“Before we know where we are, half of South Gloucestershire will be covered in solar batteries.

“I’m absolutely incensed by this thing.”

June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said: “Throughout the officer’s report we’re told there will be harm to the greenbelt and heritage assets.

“This application is wholesale industrialisation in the greenbelt with these massive containers and associated structures."

She said officers had assessed that the site would still be visible from some viewpoints after 15 years of plant and tree growth.

Jayne Stansfield (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said the facility was “just a bigger version” of a house that uses electricity from solar panels in the day then batteries stored in a garage at night.

The plans will go to the spatial planning committee for a final decision on a date to be fixed.

*Residents will once again have the right to speak when councillors visit the sites of potentially controversial planning applications in South Gloucestershire.

A decision at a council meeting on May 15 reversed a change made in 2018 which meant members of the public could not speak directly with councillors to point out issues they felt should be considered.

The council has also voted to remove the power of committee chairs to veto planning applications being considered, which will only be possible if two of the three political groups on the council agree.

By

Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

The proposed battery storage site at Earthcott Green Farm

Marlwood head moves on

THE head teacher of Marlwood School has stepped down.

Seema Purewal took charge of the school in Alveston in September 2021 and oversaw continued improvements that led to the school being given a 'good' rating by regulator Ofsted at the end of last year – six years after going into special measures.

Will Roberts, the chief executive of Castle School Education Trust, which runs Marlwood, told parents Miss Purewal had taken the "enormously difficult" decision for personal reasons.

He said: "Miss Purewal has worked incredibly hard on behalf of Marlwood School over the last three years.

"She has navigated the school successfully through a period of significant change, not least addressing the legacy of the pandemic, overseeing the refurbishment of the main school buildings, and achieving a Good inspection outcome when Ofsted visited last Autumn.

"As you can imagine, the decision to leave Marlwood has been an enormously difficult one for Miss Purewal.

"For personal reasons, she has decided to step down straight away rather than at the end of the year, and we fully respect her reasons for doing so.

"We are grateful to Miss Purewal for her service to the school and wish her well for the future."

Mr Roberts said former Castle School head teacher Joe Docherty had been appointed as executive head teacher at Marlwood "with immediate effect".

He said: "Mr Docherty knows Marlwood well from his role as CSET's Director of Secondary Schools.

"We will be advertising for a head of school to start in September, to lead Marlwood on a day-to-day basis under Mr Docherty's overall direction.

"This arrangement will ensure that Marlwood benefits from experienced leadership through a period of change for the school.

"I am sure that the school community will make Mr Docherty welcome in his new role, and I know that he is looking forward to meeting pupils and parents over the

coming weeks."

The school in Vattingstone Lane was rated as 'inadequate' by the regulator in 2017.

It was subjected to a series of “monitoring visits” by Ofsted, as a new head teacher, Del Planter, worked to address the criticisms.

In December 2019 the school was finally taken out of special measures.

After Mr Planter moved on Miss Purewal took over in September 2021 and set about finishing the job of reshaping the school.

Ofsted visited again last November and the inspectors' report said the school is now good in all areas.

Speaking at the time Miss Purewal, who came to South Gloucestershire after 20 years teaching in the West Midlands, said the school could now "start a new chapter", after a journey which "has not always been easy".

She said: "As head teacher, it has been my job to drive the improvements, so I have had to make tough choices, which were sometimes not popular with children and parents."

Seema Purewal

Joe Docherty

n NEWS

Labour wins police commissioner election

LABOUR’S Clare Moody has been elected as Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Commissioner, narrowly defeating Conservative Mark Shelford.

Just over 300,000 people across the region voted on May 2 in the election to choose the person who will set the direction of policing and hold the chief constable to account for the next four years.

Ms Moody received 95,982 votes, 4,976 ahead of incumbent Mr Shelford, who had 91,006.

The Greens' Katy Grant was third and Liberal Democrat Benet Allen was fourth.

For the first time since the post was created in 2012, no independent candidate stood in the election.

Turnout was just over 23% — down from over 30% in 2021, when the election was held on the same day as the West of England Metro Mayor vote.

This time the only place an all-out vote was happening at the same time was Bristol, where city council elections were held.

The higher turnout in the city was decisive: Mr Shelford topped the poll in all areas apart from Bristol, where Ms Moody picked up

Clare Moody makes a speech after the final declaration

almost half of her votes. The Bristol votes were also enough to take Ms Grant past Mr Allen into third place overall.

In South Gloucestershire, Mr Shelford received 17,528 votes to Ms Moody's 15,192, with Ms Grant in third on 6,283 and Mr Allen fourth on 5,678.

The only other election in South Gloucestershire was a by-election in the New Cheltenham ward, in Kingswood. Labour's Angela Morey retained the seat vacated when Sandie Davis resigned for health reasons in March, with a majority of 248 over Conservative Kelly Cole.

Speaking at the declaration of the PCC result, Ms Moody said: "The priorities that I

have are those that I campaigned on, which is about neighbourhood policing, it is around reducing violent crime, and that is particularly knife crime and violence against women and children. And it is also building that crime prevention that saves people from having to suffer from crime in the first place."

Chief Constable Sarah Crew, who attended the election count, said she was "really looking forward" to working with Ms Moody but was also "really grateful" to Mr Shelford for his work with her.

Mr Shelford did not speak at the count but later sent a message thanking supporters, and

Complaints after postal votes arrive late

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council says it is investigating complaints from electors that postal votes had not arrived in time for the police and crime commissioner election.

One of those who was affected was David Nicoll from Thornbury, who told the Voice he was unable to vote and is concerned that similar problems could occur before the upcoming general election.

Mr Nicoll said: "I could not vote because I did not receive my postal ballot paper. When I phoned the election line I was told that 'there has been an issue with people not receiving their papers caused by Royal Mail being slow and not giving the council the service required'.

"Surely, we all know that the mail system is

a mess. The council should have used a reliable despatch method and/or made sure they sent the voting papers in good time."

"This is another example of South Gloucestershire's incompetence and failure to take responsibility for their own actions.”

Responding to the complaint, the council said its elections team had received four complaints from voters.

But a spokesperson could not confirm how many votes arrived back after the election, because figures are not part of the official data it has to provide to the Electoral Commission, so it does not keep records of the numbers of packs received after the count is over.

A council spokesperson said:

“Approximately 40 postal packs were handdelivered by Royal Mail after the initial mailout, due to complications at the Royal Mail sorting centre.

"Although the packs were received later than the others, those people still had enough time to cast their votes.

“Anyone affected by the Royal Mail issues was able to apply for a replacement Postal Vote in person at our Badminton Road office in Yate on Election Day, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

People whose postal vote does not arrive in time can vote in person at their local polling station but must take photo ID, which is not required to apply for a postal vote.

School's star travellers help council top charts

A THORNBURY school is helping make the district the best in the country for 'sustainable travel'.

St Mary’s C of E Primary School has seen its rating under the Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) scheme raised from 'good' to 'very good'.

The rating recognises work being done to encourage families to leave the car behind on the school run and walk, cycle or scoot to school.

Last year the Voice reported how St Mary's initiatives, including an active travel zone map on its website, which shows families which places are a five or ten minute walk away, had won it a bronze award – now renamed 'good' - and the school has now stepped up to the next level.

South Gloucestershire

St Mary’s C of E Primary School pupils and staff show off their new rating

Council highlighted the achievements of St Mary's and 33 other schools and nurseries across the district, as it was named top of the 78 local authorities across the country

registered for the scheme.

The council has been taking part since March 2020 and has two schools rated as 'outstanding', one 'excellent', five 'very good' and 22 'good'.

Council cabinet member for climate Louise Harris said: “It’s an honour to be top of the Modeshift STARS league for large local authority areas. It’s an achievement which is down to our fantastic schools and the commitment and engagement of their amazing pupils.

"Not only does the scheme support the environment by reducing car journeys, it encourages children to be healthy and active while reducing school run congestion, and improving air quality."

The council funds new infrastructure to help support more active travel, paying for items such as scooter and cycle storage, lockers for pupils, outdoor parent shelters and seating.

Schools that achieve 'very good' status, like St Mary's, receive £4,000.

Have your say on future of travel

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council

is asking people who live in Thornbury to say how easy they find it to get around town – and what could be done to sort out travel problems.

The information people give will be used to help plan changes designed to make it easier to walk or cycle in the town.

The money to pay for them will come from the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements Fund, which is reserved for "active travel" schemes and cannot be used for road improvements.

The council says the new project, called Getting About in Thornbury, is "focused on making improvements which will make it easier for people to walk or cycle for short, local journeys, such as going to the shops or travelling to school".

It has already launched a similar scheme in Yate.

Between now and June 10 the council is encouraging people to go online and complete a travel survey.

There is also an interactive map, where people can highlight

places where there is an issue or make suggestions for improvements.

The council says public feedback will be used to produce designs, which will then be subject to further consultations before being brought in.

Cabinet councillor for transport Chris Willmore said: “We know that many local people want the option to walk or travel by bike, but currently don’t think it is safe.

"This new project is a real opportunity to improve

walking and cycling facilities in Thornbury and also improve accessibility for people using mobility scooters, wheelchairs or pushchairs.

"Lots of families live in Thornbury and we believe there is opportunity to make it a more family friendly environment.

"There is also opportunity to better connect some of Thornbury’s new developments with older parts of the town.

"We are keen to hear from local people, who know Thornbury best.

"We want to know where a pedestrian crossing would make the journey to school safer or a dropped kerb would make a visit to the shops easier.

"Please don’t assume someone else will report an issue they notice which could be improved; let us know."

The survey can be found online at www.southglos.gov. uk/getting-about-in-thornbury.

Paper copies will be available at Thornbury Library.

People who are not online can also call 01454 868004 for help.

*The council's annual road maintenance schedule includes plans to resurface Easton Hill Road, between Knapp Road and Christ The King School, at a cost of just under £217,000.

A stretch of Knapp Road is also due to be resurfaced, at a cost of just over £200,000.

Surface dressing work to improve the A38 Gloucester Road between Four Acre Lane and Thornbury Road, at a cost of just under £83,000, is also on this year's highway maintenance schedule.

A cyclist using Thornbury High Street

n NEWS

Pizza van wins licence

AN artisan pizza van will set up shop in Thornbury High Street and a village hall car park after councillors gave the go-ahead, despite residents’ objections.

South Gloucestershire Council's licensing sub-committee granted a street trading permit to cousins Esra Koroglu Ward and Ayse Ozer, who run The One Pizza.

The pair, who have sold home-made, hand-stretched pizzas in Frenchay for the last 12 months, were praised by the panel and licensing officers for having an “immaculate” van, keeping the site clean, serving fresh, healthy produce and having a five-star food hygiene rating.

Two Thornbury neighbours objected to the High Street application, saying it would create “unbearable” noise, along with litter and public nuisance.

A rival trader who sells similar food complained that the pair should not be allowed to have the van at Charfield Memorial Hall car park in Wotton Road.

But the sub-committee granted a licence for both sites at a hearing on May 2.

Esra told councillors that although they had applied for the permit from Tuesday to

Saturday, they would be at each location only once a week, and it gave them flexibility to change the day.

She said the 11am to 9pm times on the application for Charfield would be much shorter and they would coincide their opening hours with events at the hall.

Esra, a former librarian, told the panel: “Pizza has become our passion.

“Our van is our life – we put in our life savings.

“We believe in healthy eating, and all our ingredients are freshly bought from a local supplier, who uses authentic Italian ingredients.

“We make our own dough and we take pride in that.”

She said the noise from the van’s petrol generator was only as loud as a conversation in the street.

Esra said the pair encouraged customers to pre-order, so they did not have to wait for the pizzas to cook in the wood-fired oven, which meant parking was not an issue.

Licensing officer Andrew Forbes said the council revoked a Thornbury High Street kebab van’s street trading licence a few years

Mayor's Rees-Mogg rematch

METRO Mayor Dan Norris will bid to return to Parliament at the next general election – by taking on the man who unseated him in 2010, Tory MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Mr Norris was the MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010, when the constituency was replaced by North East Somerset and he lost to Sir Jacob.

Now he has been selected as the Labour candidate for North East Somerset and Hanham,

the seat replacing North East Somerset after another boundary change.

Mr Norris said: “It’s the place I care most about in the whole world. It's where I grew up."

He has lived near the village of Pensford for 25 years, and said: “I understand the communities. They are all very important to me and they see things in very different ways.”

Since 2021, Mr Norris has been the Metro Mayor for the

ago because of antisocial behaviour from customers after pub closing hours, but that The One Pizza would be gone by 9pm.

He told the hearing: “The van is immaculate and their reputation with other authorities is impeccable.

“There have been no complaints or issues after 12 months at Frenchay.

“They come to us as a licensing service to ask questions, because they want to learn.

“I commend the ladies on how they have done their business model.”

Granting the licences, sub-committee chairman Keith Cranney (Con, Stoke Gifford) told the applicants: “You ooze passion for what you’re doing."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

West of England, which includes the area covered by the North East Somerset and Hanham constituency, as well as the rest of South Gloucestershire, B&NES and Bristol.

If he was elected as an MP again, Mr Norris said he would stay on as Metro Mayor at least until the end of his term of office next May.

The next general election must be called by the end of this year, so he said there "would have to be a period of overlap".

Mr Norris said: "I think it would be totally wasteful of taxpayers' money to have a by-

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He said his main achievement as Metro Mayor was the Birthday Bus scheme, giving people free bus travel in the month of their birthday.

If elected an MP again, two major issues he would fight for are children's and animal welfare. Mr Norris was a child protection social worker before entering politics and is the chair of the League Against Cruel Sports.

By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Metro Mayor: Page 20

Dig on housing site

ARCHAEOLOGISTS are set to move on to the site of a planned housing development on the edge of Thornbury.

The team from Cotswold Archaeology is due to dig at the greenfield site west of Park Farm, Butt Lane, where plans for 595 homes were approved on appeal by a planning inspector last year.

The scheme was approved despite objections from 134 residents, Thornbury Town Council and Oldbury-on-Severn Parish Council.

Developer Vistry Western has

informed South Gloucestershire Council that the ten-strong archaeology team will visit the site for around eight and ten weeks this summer, with a further year before their report is completed.

The investigation is a condition of its planning permission.

The archaeologists said: "Based on the results of the archaeological evaluation, two areas containing later Iron Age and Roman features that are located at the north-eastern corner of the site have been identified for further mitigation."

The One Pizza van owners Ayse Ozer and Esra Koroglu Ward at the licensing hearing

10k raises 7k in Tyler's name

RUNNERS who took part in the Bristol 10k in memory of a young man from Thornbury have raised more than £7,000 to help bereaved families.

A team of 24 fundraisers took part in the race, part of the Great Bristol Run, on May 19 to raise funds for the Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation.

Tyler, who was 20, died in December when the lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road, near Mangotsfield.

The former Castle School pupil's family set up the foundation in his memory to support charities that offer help to bereaved relatives.

The 10k was their first major fundraising event, and the runners had raised more than £7,000 as the Voice went to print.

Tyler's parents Gemma and Mark said: "We are overwhelmed by the love and support shown to us. "Every penny donated will go to helping families who find themselves in the same situation as us.

"We would like to thank Sandra Davies, the landlady of the Swan pub in Thornbury for laying on food and drinks for the runners and their families after the race, and also for the help and fundraising she has done for Tyler."

The family had originally hoped to raise £5,000 at the 10k, their first major fundraising event.

Tyler Carley

But as the Voice went to print the total had already passed £7,200.

Donations can still be made online to the team's JustGiving page, at tinyurl.com/ ye2yveca.

Tyler's dad Mark said he, Tyler's mum Gemma and siblings Kylan, Skye and RonniIrene, had founded The Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation to support road accident victims' families in the light of their own experience, where they were left with "literally

had no support" in the immediate aftermath of his death.

The family eventually found two charities which offered help.

The first, SCARD (Support & Care After Road Death & Injury), provides a phone helpline, free counselling, legal and practical support for families affected by road deaths and serious injuries.

The second, 2Wish, supports bereaved families of children and young people aged under 25 who have died, offering counselling, home visits and 'memory boxes'.

Mark said every penny raised would go towards charities supporting other families in a similar position, and to raise awareness of their work.

Eventually he hopes that the foundation will be able to offer help directly to local bereaved families struggling with funeral and burial costs, or living expenses after having to take time off work.

Mark also hopes to organise sessions to teach CPR at Kingswood Boxing Club, where he is a volunteer coach, after learning that passers-by tried to revive Tyler at the scene of the crash that claimed his life.

Tyler was living in Thornbury with mum Gemma and working as a scaffolder when he died.

Thornbury Carnival

TICKETS for this year's Thornbury Carnival, taking place over the weekend of July 5 and 6, are now available to buy via the website.

The volunteer team behind the event are really excited about this year’s line-up.

Kicking off the weekend with ‘Swing in the Park’ on the Friday evening, we’ve booked a fantastic Robbie Williams swing tribute, Maximum Robbie, who’ll be supported by Thornbury Swing Band. The Saturday includes our community acts variety show, and this will be followed by a performance from Chris Auburn, the very worthy winner of our Battle of the Bands competition that took place over the first May bank holiday weekend.

Showcasing local talent has always been central to the event’s ethos and we were delighted to team up with Love Thornbury and some of the local pubs to make this warm-up event happen.

The Main Event will run from 11am to 11pm on the Saturday,

and will feature main stage tribute acts paying homage to Ed Sheeran and the Foo Fighters, fairground rides and Weston donkeys.

‘Early Bird’ tickets for both the Friday and Saturday events are available to buy online until 6pm the day before, after which online tickets will still be available to buy at gate prices.

The can all be found on the carnival website, www. thornburycarnival.co.uk.

Liam Williams

Thornbury Orchestra

THORNBURY Orchestra are practising hard for our next concert, in St Mary's Church, Berkeley.

Music will include Elgar's Enigma Variations, Sibelius's Symphony No 7 in one Movement, a short piece by Tom Green, and Mendelssohn's Son and Stranger overture.

The concert is in aid of Thornbury charity Jigsaw,

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supporting families with children and young adults who have additional needs or disabilities.

It takes place on June 8 at 7.30pm.

Tickets, available on our website, www.thornburyorchestra. org.uk, or at the door, are £10 for adults, with children and concessions free.

The orchestra was founded in 2002 and draws players from across South Gloucestershire and beyond. We are always keen to hear from interested players and currently have a number of vacancies.

For more details, contact info@ thornburyorchestra.org.uk.

Richard Kenchington

Octopus Drama Group

REHEARSALS are well under way for Octopus Drama Group's The Birthday Club – and the five cast members are looking forward to bringing this wonderful play to life.

Written by Phil Olson and directed by Abi McManus, the play promises to be a real hoot and will be staged at Christ the King Hall in Thornbury from June 12 to 15.

There will be four performances, suitable for those over 16 years, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £8 and can be bought from Rosie & Rex gift shop in Thornbury High Street between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.

Sue Smith

Phoenix Youth Theatre

THORNBURY based Phoenix Youth Theatre, who rehearse every Saturday afternoon at St Mary's Church hall, are preparing 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.

St Mary's Church

OUR next Sunday afternoon concert will feature Steven Kings as our guest artist.

Steven is well-known to many as the conductor of Thornbury Choral Society, but is very much in demand as a piano soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.

We are delighted that he is coming to St Mary’s and look forward to what we are sure will be an interesting programme at St Mary’s Church on June 16 at 4pm. Free admission – donations for St Mary’s Music Fund.

Angela Hughes

Whodunnit Theatre Company

Showcasing talents from around the South West, The Whodunnit Theatre Company are proud to present Agatha Christie’s Love From A Stranger.

Famous for her stories from the Orient Express and your favourite Belgian detective, Christie crafts an intricate plot of twists and turns – but can you predict the twist in this tale?

Bruce Lovell, a handsome and charming stranger, sweeps Cecily Harrington off her feet. After a whirlwind romance, Cecily recklessly abandons everything including her family and friends to settle in a remote country cottage – but is her newfound lover all that he seems?

Performed at Tytherington Village Hall on June 13-15 from 7.30pm, tickets are available for £12 from www.ticketsource.com/ the-whodunnit-theatre-company. Recommended for ages 16+ Alice Walton

The Birthday Club cast

New village bike track opens

A NEW 'pump track' for bikes, scooters and skateboards has opened in Alveston.

The track at Lime Kiln Field, on Greenhill Road, was officially launched at an event on May 18 held by Alveston Parish Council.

The track, which challenges users to keep up their momentum over a series of jumps and bends, was designed and built by Bristolbased Velosolutions UK for riders of all skill levels.

The idea of the parish council, it was funded by more than £51,000 in contributions to South Gloucestershire Council from developers building in at Costers Close and Quarry Road.

The aggregates and asphalt needed to build it was all donated by Heidelberg Materials, which runs nearby Tytherington quarry.

Alveston Parish Council chair John Graham said: "It’s been great to see the pump track come to life.

"The launch event was a big success, with the expert riders putting on a gravity-defying demonstration display.

Your Outstanding Care Home in Thornbury Your Outstanding Care Home in Thornbury n NEWS

"We’ve had amazing feedback from children, parents and expert riders about the quality and versatility of the track.

“We are very grateful to Heidelberg Materials, as its donation of all the stone and asphalt saved us around £25,000.”

Heidelberg Materials Unit Manager at Tytherington

quarry James Brown said: "The turnout for the launch event was testament to the support this fantastic project has from the local community, and we are delighted to be able to be a part of its success.

"I am sure that it is a facility that will be enjoyed by riders of all ages for years to come.”

A POLICE firearms officer based in South Gloucestershire has been sacked for having sex in public places with a vulnerable woman.

Avon & Somerset police said PC Ross Knox exploited the woman, despite being told she suffered from mental health issues including bipolar and borderline personality disorder, and had been the victim of both childhood abuse and domestic violence.

A police misconduct hearing was told the married father, who had been an officer for 23 years, had sex outdoors with the woman at least four times while off duty, in 2022 and last year, and also sent her degrading messages and photos of himself in uniform and with his gun to encourage her to meet him.

Chief Constable Sarah Crew found gross misconduct proven and dismissed PC Knox without notice on May 17.

PC Knox will now be placed on a barred list preventing him from serving in policing or other law enforcement agencies again. Cop sacked

James Brown of Heidelberg Materials tries out the track with BMX and mountain bikers

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons to celebrate Bristol’s hot air ballooning heritage this summer

‘Look up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will put hot air ballooning history on display, offer a behind-the-scenes look at how hot air balloons are made, and give visitors the chance to enjoy a packed programme of family activities.

From Britain’s first modern hot air balloon, the Bristol Belle, to the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta and the incredible colours and shapes that decorate the city’s skies each August, Bristol is the home of hot air ballooning in the UK.

This summer, Aerospace Bristol and Cameron Balloons will celebrate that heritage with a temporary exhibition at the museum and a special programme of hot air balloon themed activities running throughout the summer holiday.

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will give museum visitors the chance to

n NEWS

discover how and why hot air ballooning took off in Bristol, find out how Bedminster-based Cameron Balloons design and manufacture their amazing special shapes, and get hands-on with a range of hot air balloon themed activities.

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said:

"Aerospace Bristol tells a fascinating story of aviation achievements spanning more than

Cup in memory of Jude

A BOXING tournament being staged in Thornbury this month is dedicated to the memory of a talented Bristol boxer.

Jude Moore died unexpectedly in March last year, aged 19.

Jude, who lived in Fishponds, had been set on turning professional and had been a previous winner of the box cup event, among many other titles.

Jude was a National Champion at Schools level in 2017, aged 14, and Juniors in 2019, and was Western Counties champion five times. He represented England in European championships and won a GB Three Nations championship.

He was described by former WBC world super middleweight champion Glenn Catley, who worked with him, as "one of the most naturally gifted boxers ever to come out of Bristol".

This year's annual Bristol Box Cup, the 10th to be staged, will be held on June 22 and 23 at Thornbury Leisure Centre.

It is organised and run by Jude's old club, Fishponds-based Downend Boxing Club.

It is aimed at entry-level school-age boxers, providing a platform to compete in an international-style event and celebrate boxing at a pivotal stage in their careers.

Since its launch in 2014, the event has been a success, attracting 130 boxers last time, and this year's event looks set to be even more popular.

Organiser Joanne Turner said: "Within an hour of launching the participants' registration, we already had 100-plus applications from all over England, Wales and Ireland, so the number is going to be a record for us."

Boxing starts at 1.30pm each day.

For more information, email bristolboxcup@yahoo.co.uk.

a century, from the early days of powered flight to the supersonic Concorde and beyond. Thanks to this new partnership with Cameron Balloons, we’re excited to expand that story and celebrate hot air ballooning as an important part of our city’s rich aviation heritage.”

Jess Siggers, Marketing Manager of Cameron Balloons, said:

“Cameron Balloons are thrilled to be partnering with Aerospace Bristol this summer. Since our

company’s inception in 1971, we’ve proudly created and built thousands of hot air balloons for pilots and operators around the world from our home of Bristol, born from the passion and vision of our founder, aeronautical engineer Don Cameron.

We’re looking forward to telling the story of Bristol’s ballooning heritage alongside Aerospace Bristol’s innovative ethos and educational qualities, celebrating the boundless possibilities of aviation together and hopefully introducing the joy and excitement of ballooning to some pilots of the future!”

‘Look Up! The Story of Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol’ will run from Wednesday 24th July to Sunday 1st September. The exhibition and activities are included with museum admission and Aerospace Bristol tickets include free return visits for 12 months.

GP strike warning

HEALTH bosses have warned that there is a "real danger" of a walkout by the area's GPs after they overwhelmingly rejected a new contract from the Government.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), which funds health services in the region, said industrial action could result from the row over funding.

The British Medical Association’s GP committee chair Katie BramallStainer has warned local NHS bosses that they need to start preparing for coordinated action, expected later this year before a general election, amid a “profound workload and workforce crisis”.

In a letter to the ICB – the local health authority – she said 99.2 per cent of 19,000 GPs and GP registrars who took part in a referendum in March voted to reject the contract changes for 2024/25.

Dr Bramall-Stainer said: "Over the past decade, England has lost over 1,300 practices and thousands upon thousands of GPs.

“Despite NHS England ‘hailing hard-working GPs’, continued consecutive years of underinvestment have resulted in a profound workload and workforce crisis. This will be recognised by all ICB colleagues.

“GPs are telling us in their thousands, via both the referendum result and in our 2024 national survey of GPs, that the current status quo is not sustainable nor safe.

“The imposition of the 2024/25 contract will continue to see practices close, patients lose their GP services, and local NHS systems face increased costs as a direct result.”

ICB chief executive Shane Devlin told a board meeting in May: “The letter really highlights very clearly the notification of the real chance of some forms of industrial action within General Practice.

"We are talking about 1.4million appointments, we are talking about the front door of the health service and we are now starting to build what are the mitigations that we could put in place to keep patients safe should GPs go this particular direction."

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

New health centre will be fully funded

I AM delighted to confirm the Government have agreed to make available the full funding that we asked for to redevelop Thornbury Health Centre.

At last, we have achieved what we set out to do all those years ago – getting the money we need to build a new health centre for Thornbury.

It hasn’t been easy and it has certainly been a long and hardfought campaign. But back in October last year, for the first time in decades, we received a real glimmer of hope that we could make progress.

Following a debate in Parliament and a petition calling on the Government to make progress on Thornbury

Health Centre, we secured £1.3m to fund an initial business case for the rebuild.

It has now been announced that the Government are making available the full £14.4m we need to build a new health centre and the Health Minister Lord Markham has been clear that enabling construction work should begin as soon as possible.

NHS officials have also explained that the new health centre will be able to deliver both the existing services and host new and expanded services too, including enhanced primary care services, outpatient services, GP services, and better mental health

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support.

I am now in talks with local NHS officials, the Department of Health, and the council about the next steps and will be pushing for preliminary construction works to start as soon as possible.

Attempts to make this happen have been going on for decades and is something I have been working on before being elected as our local MP.

I could not be more excited to confirm that together, we have finally secured this vital funding in full.

This could not have happened without support from the community.

Thank you to everyone who

signed my petition, filled in the surveys, and lent their support to this campaign. Without it, we simply could not have got this far, and we are now agonisingly close to getting on with the rebuild once and for all.

I will not stop fighting until our community has the health services that it deserves. It’s now time to finish the job and finally start the redevelopment of our new health centre.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Thornbury in Bloom

ON May 2 pupils and teachers from Crossways Schools took part in the annual maypole dancing at the magical Ring of Thorns.

This is a traditional event, where we celebrate the beginning of May by dancing inside the ring of hawthorn trees, under the May blossom.

Mayor of Thornbury James Murray welcomed everyone; the weather was kind and a good time was had by all.

Thanks also to Tesco for hosting us and providing refreshments.

After a brilliant response last year, Thornbury in Bloom we will be running our garden competition again.

Entry forms are available from T&J Owen – or by email from thornburyinbloom91@gmail.com.

Good luck everyone!

Wards Solicitors are a main sponsor for Thornbury in Bloom this year, and their sponsorship will go towards supporting our display at the Ring of Thorns wild flower bed on the roundabout by Tesco.

We are delighted Wards have chosen to partner with us. They are able to support us in many other ways and we are really excited to develop and broaden the relationship.

Wards’ partner Rachael Abbott, who is based in the firm’s Thornbury office, said: “I can’t wait to see the wild flower bed in all its summer glory.

“As a keen gardener myself I couldn’t help but be impressed by the displays around Thornbury since we opened our office here.”

Kath Greenman

Sustainable Thornbury

Cooperative and the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE). There were about 20 participants from Thornbury and the surrounding parishes in attendance.

Community energy means a renewable generation project, shaped by the community, for the community, with more money staying in the local economy.

The community can benefit in different ways, and we are asking people to think about potential beneficiaries from any profits from a project or projects that may result – for example, to youth or arts clubs, help tackle fuel poverty, or make our homes 'heat pump ready'.

Each group of workshop participants looked at a selection of technologies that could contribute to renewable generation capacity in the area: onshore wind, solar and anaerobic digestion.

They then discussed hypothetically how much of each technology might be deployed in the town, and the opportunities for and barriers to each technology.

A report will be published on the Sustainable Thornbury website.

We continue our Community Energy engagement, where benefits will be explained, and ideas for projects sought from residents.

If you'd like to help, email CATS@ sustainablethornbury.org

Many thanks to the teachers and pupils of Crossways for supporting the event again, and for treating us to an excellent display of dancing.

9364-AC-Voice-ad-2024-180x120-V1.qxp_Voice 1/2 page 15/05/2024 10:51 Page 1

AT the end of April, Sustainable Thornbury cohosted a vibrant community energy workshop at Turnberrie's, alongside Bristol Energy

ACTON COURT

Self-guided audio tours

Wednesdays to Sundays 10:30 13:00 & 14:00 16:30

Admission to Acton Court gives access to the grounds, the Royal Apartments, the ground oor area and any activities that may be taking place on the day.

Admission £12 plus Eventbrite booking fee.

Thursday 27 June | 16:00 18:30

The King’s Heralds Heralds and Heraldry at the College of Arms

A talk by one of His Majesty's heralds Dr Dominic Ingram, Portcullis Pursuivant.

Admission £10 plus Eventbrite booking fee. Light refreshments included.

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June

Tudors, Magic and Music

Acton Court’s end of season weekend

Including Magician Greg Chapman, The Merchant’s House Musicians, King Henry, Lady Samantha, birds of prey, art activities and lots more. See website for details.

Admission £15 plus Eventbrite booking fee.

Danny Bonnett

The maypole dance

Thornbury Rotary Club

Kumon Bradley Stoke Instructor Sarah Nutchey joins forces with Sonya Willman to open new Kumon centre in Emersons Green

Look out for future details of the next Swimarathon in 2025.

Adrian Dennis

Thornbury Volunteer Centre

VOLUNTEERS' Week, which starts on the first Monday in June every year, celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.

Stoke Study Centre. To earn the prestigious Elite status, Sarah has developed students who are able to study ahead of their school level, working independently with excellent study skills, and has also nurtured students who are able to complete both the maths and the English Kumon programmes.

It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.

Forming a partnership with Sarah is Sonya Willman, a Kumon parent and accountant. Sonya’s six children have all studied the Kumon programmes and she brings valuable experience from a parent’s perspective.

THE president of Thornbury Rotary, Guy Rawlinson, has expressed his sincere gratitude to all the swimmers, their sponsors, corporate sponsors, Thornbury Leisure Centre, and Panache Steel Band for helping to make Swimarathon 2024 so successful.

Kumon Bradley Stoke Study Centre offers maths and English study, both paper-based and via KumonConnect, using a tablet. Classes currently run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school as well as Saturday mornings. Assessments are free, and without obligation.

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

our database of volunteering opportunities. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thornbury Town Council

Thornbury Town Council is launching a new “Pay and Play” system on its two public tennis courts at the Mundy Playing Fields.

The launch will take place during June and will allow players to book courts in advance and continue to play on well-maintained facilities.

In preparation for the launch, the town council is giving the courts a complete facelift, possible partly due to a grant from South Gloucestershire Council.

The new system will involve players booking and paying for a court online, and then receiving a PIN code which can be used on the gate pad to allow entry. Each PIN will only work during the time of the booking.

All bookings need to be made online.

The total amount raised is going to be over £17,000, plus Gift Aid. Guy and all members of the club are delighted with the success of this main fundraising event for 2024.

Volunteers’ Week is a great time to find out more about the volunteering roles out there and have a chat with Thornbury Volunteer Centre and let them know what you’re interested in.

If you would like your child to build confidence in maths and English and develop their study skills, book a FREE maths and English assessment today at www.kumon.co.uk/bradley-stoke or call 07808 720208.

Courts will cost £5 per hour per court and the Town Council will also be running a scheme to allow players on a lower income to pay only £3 per hour.

The principal charities are St Peter’s Hospice and Butterfly Space, plus many other charities and good causes will benefit.

Furthermore, to celebrate the opening of the new Kumon Emersons Green Study Centre, you can save £50 with FREE registration at both centres until 30th June.

To contact us either visit our offices in Thornbury Town Hall, open from 10.30amnoon Monday to Friday, or our website at www. volunteer-thornbury.co.uk, where you can search

Kumon Bradley Stoke at The Willow Brook Centre, Bradley Stoke, BS32 8EF.

Full details will be available on the town council website, www.thornburytowncouncil.gov. uk, in June.

Wendy Sydenham, Deputy Clerk

Barcan+Kirby 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.

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Rotarians Mike Josey, Brian Lowrie, Paul Glover, John Gibbon, Derek Baker welcoming fundraisers to this year's Swimarathon

n M E S S AGE F R OM POLI CE AND CRIME C OMMISSIONER

I will be visible and accountable to you

IT’S a privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve the people of South Gloucestershire as your newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.

My commitment to you was to be visible and accountable to all residents of Avon and Somerset, and I intend to fulfil this commitment now I have taken up this role. I will also be focused on the twin challenges of reducing crime and raising public confidence in our police.

I bring a wealth of experience to the role, gained from working across different sectors. I served as a Member of the European Parliament for our area, I worked at the heart of government in No. 10 Downing Street, and I was a trade union officer for over 20 years.

Prior to being elected to the PCC role, I was co-chief executive of an equality and human rights national charity. These roles have

given me a good understanding of how institutions work, and effective strategies for getting things done.

As your PCC, I will be tireless in speaking truth to power, calling out the uncomfortable, and above all, I will work to build a safer future for everyone. To do this, I will be working with community partners, police staff and police officers to understand and address the challenges we face – I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work.

In my time running up to the elections, the people of Avon and Somerset made their most pressing priorities clear to me. I heard that people want to see a greater connection to their local neighbourhood police and for their police service to address and reduce violent crime, particularly knife crime and male violence against women and girls. I also heard how people would like prevention of crime to be a higher priority, for the police service and

for others who run services within and for communities.

I am here to listen, and I am here to represent you. To do this, I need to truly understand how you feel and where you would like our police to prioritise their time and resources.

As I begin my term as your PCC, I will be getting out and about to hear from as many groups and individuals as I can across Avon and Somerset.

I’m also going to create a comprehensive Police and Crime Plan to address the evolving challenges in policing and to deliver lasting solutions.

I’m committed to actively listening to the concerns and priorities of residents – one way I will do this will be to run a public survey. The details for how you can take part will follow soon.

Please follow my office on our social media accounts for regular updates – you can find us

on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn – search ASPCC.

I commit to being a PCC who stands for you, actively engaging with and understanding the diverse communities our police serve.

Please reach out to me and my office with any concerns or suggestions you may have.

For more information visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.

The

n WHAT'S ON

JUNE

June 3

n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING, Alveston Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Guest speaker Nick Morgan, 'What’s in the Bag'.

June 4

n THORNBURY ART CLUB Tuesday Painting Studio Group, every Tuesday at St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 1.30-4.30pm. Call 01454 414433 for more details. Also Thursday group at same time and venue.

June 8

n THORNBURY ORCHESTRA CONCERT in aid of charity Jigsaw, St Mary's Church, Berkeley, 7.30pm. Music includes Elgar's Enigma Variations plus Sibelius and Mendelssohn. Tickets available online at www. thornburyorchestra.org.uk or on the door: £10 adults, children and concessions free. More details from info@thornburyorchestra.org.uk.

June 9

n ST PETER'S HOSPICE SEVERNSIDE SUPPORT GROUP garden party, Grove House, The Street, Alveston, 2.30-5pm. Entrance £5, including tea and cake. Raffle and book sale. Music from Panache Steel Band. Bring a picnic chair.

June 11

n EASTWOOD GARDENERS' CLUB meeting, Turnberrie's, Bath Road, Thornbury 7.30pm. Talk by Claire Hart: 'Plants for Problem Areas'. Visitors welcome.

June 11 and 18

thornburyvoice

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.

June 12-15

n OCTOPUS DRAMA GROUP presents comedy play Birthday Club at Christ the King Hall, Castle Street, 7.30pm each night. Tickets £8 from Rosie & Rex gift shop in Thornbury High Street. Suitable for 16 and over. More details from www.octopus-thornbury.co.uk.

June 13-15

n WHODUNNIT THEATRE COMPANY presents Agatha Christie's Love From A Stranger, Tytherington Village Hall, 7.30pm each night. Tickets £12 from www.ticketsource. com/the-whodunnit-theatre-company. Recommended for ages 16+. More details on Whodunnit Theatre Company Facebook page.

June 15

n ROCKHAMPTON FOLK AND WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, from 2pm, by Rockhampton church. Traditional folk from Tarren and Intarsia, African songs from the Ganda Boys, Tango Calor, Lochrian Ceilidh. Children's activities and free workshops with musicians. More information and tickets from rockhamptonfolkfest.org.uk.

June 15

n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT CANCER RESEARCH UK Fish and Chips Quiz, Manorbrook School, Park Road, Thornbury, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £15 per person, up to

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.

six per team, from Gill Blackborough on 07866 580608. Contactless payment available on the night. Please bring your own drinks. All proceeds to Cancer Research UK.

June 15-16

n CHARITY GARDEN OPENING, Stoneleigh Down, Upper Tockington Road, Tockington, noon-5pm. Early summer colour in Su and John Mills' garden, regional finalist in More4 Garden of the Year 2022. Tea and home-made cakes. Adults £6, children free. Money raised for National Garden Scheme charities including Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support.

June 16

n OPERA IN A BOX PERFORMS HANSEL AND GRETEL, an Opera on the Green, Rockhampton Village Green, 2.30pm. Presented by Armstrong Arts Group. Tickets £20 adults, £10 under-18, free for under-10s. Tea and cake available. More information from AAGThornbury@gmail.com or 01454 850933.

June 16

n SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, Thornbury, 4pm. Followed by refreshments. There is no charge for admission, donations to St Mary’s Music Fund. Guest artist Steven Kings, conductor of Thornbury Choral Society, piano soloist and chamber musician.

June 20

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by Justine Hopkins, 'Landscape Art'. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.

June 22-23

n 10TH BRISTOL BOX EVENT in memory of Jude Moore, Thornbury Leisure Centre. Doors open 12.30pm each day, boxing starts at 1.30pm. Featuring some of the best amateur boxers in Europe. More details from bristolboxcup@yahoo.co.uk.

June 25

n THORNBURY ART CLUB'S club night, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 7.30pm. London street scene oil painting demonstration by Tom Hughes, plein air and awardwinning artist. Members free, non-members £6 on the door, includes tea & biscuits. More details at www. thornburyartclub.co.uk or from 01454 414433.

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 competitions. For more information contact

Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail.co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213.

Tuesday

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

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

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

n 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, 10-11.30am. All welcome

Thursday

n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For info visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.

Friday

n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903.

Saturday

n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free.

n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION VETERANS Breakfast, second Saturday of the month, 9am at The Swan, Thornbury High Street. All welcome.

Sunday

n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Wheatsheaf pub, Chapel Street, 12.30pm. All welcome.

Win tickets for Music in the Meadows

VOICE readers have the chance to win tickets to the Music in the Meadows event in Iron Acton.

Acton Aid, the charity which raises funds for local good causes, is presenting two evenings of live music in the Iron Acton Parish Meadows on July 5 and 6.

The winners of the competition will get a pair of tickets worth over £50 for either night of live music.

The Mash on Friday July 5 is headlined by the Nearly Elton tribute show, featuring the UK’s top Elton John tribute band. Frontman Lee Brady and the band play at theatres and festivals throughout the UK and Europe.

Opening the evening will be the tenpiece band Joey the Lips, who played last year and are back by popular demand. Organisers describe them as “the nation’s funkiest 10-piece band”, providing a high-energy show, with well known songs from the last 30 years.

On the following night, Saturday July 6, Britain’s best-known soprano, Lesley Garrett, will be performing.

Lesley regularly appears in opera, musical theatre and on television, and

has been performing for over 30 years, winning critical acclaim across her international career. She will be singing popular classical numbers plus songs from musical stage shows.

Backing her will be Bristol’s only professional orchestra, the Bristol Ensemble, who are making their debut appearance in the Meadows. The evening culminates with Last Night of the Proms music and a firework display.

Tickets are available at www. actonaid.org.uk.

To enter the competition for Voice readers, go online to www.actonaid. org.uk/2024-music-competition and answer the following two questions:

1) What was the colour of the brick road that Elton John sang about?

2) In what English county was Lesley Garrett born?

The competition closes on Monday June 17 and the winner will be contacted by Monday June 24.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Our trains are on track for success

BRITAIN’S railway system is the oldest in the world; we invented the railways and introduced them to the globe. That is something to be really proud about.

And we should celebrate our region’s role in this story. Britain’s most famous engineer, Brunel, changed the face of the English landscape with his groundbreaking viaducts, bridges, and tunnels for the Great Western Railway. He set standards for a well-built railway.

Fast forward to the present day, and I’m really pleased to be able to point to some great stats about how our local railways are going full steam ahead, with more passengers than ever before.

It’s now 12 months since half-hourly services were introduced to and from Temple Meads serving Filton Abbey Wood, near Parkway, and Yate, as well as in Keynsham, Oldfield Park, Bath and elsewhere.

In that time, over 3.4 million journeys have been made by passengers. This is a year-on-year increase in passengers of 27%.

This impressive growth is a great news for passengers and the planet.

The new and improved services have been funded by a £7 million-plus investment by the Combined Authority and delivered by GWR

and Network Rail. This substantial investment underscores our commitment to upgrading and improving our transport infrastructure.

Growing passenger numbers is my biggest priority in terms of building the sustainable West of England public transport system we all want to see.

Increased usage not only supports economic growth but also contributes significantly to our environmental goals, by reducing car dependency and lowering emissions.

But I am not stopping there: we’re planning for the future.

I’ve revived plans to electrify railway lines in the West, starting with tracks from Temple Meads. Electrification is a crucial step towards a greener, more efficient rail network, reducing delays and environmental impacts.

Additionally, I have launched a new station study. This is doing very early-stage work to look at the case for building additional stations in Lockleaze, St Anne’s, Saltford, and Ashton Gate.

Expanding our rail network with new stations is essential for improving accessibility and convenience for our passengers. These new stations could help to better connect our communities, providing more travel options and support the local economy.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice

Our efforts to improve the railway system are not just about numbers and infrastructure; they are about creating a better quality of life for the residents of our region. By providing efficient, reliable, and sustainable transport options, we are making it easier for people to commute, travel, and explore.

The future of our region’s railways is looking brighter. With continued investment, innovative projects, and a clear vision, we are on track to create a transport system that is not only a source of regional pride, but also a model for others to follow.

Let’s celebrate our progress and look forward to even more improvements that will keep our trains – and our region – moving forward.

Be aware of Lyme disease

LYME disease is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites that can be dangerous.

I'm currently recovering from Lyme Disease, which I contracted in 2015 (when there was less awareness) on a picnic in Old Down.

Its toll on me has been great. It got to several of my body's systems in the three years before I was diagnosed and caused damage, so I have several postviral disabilities as a result.

Ticks are small bugs that can be tiny as a pinhead. They burrow into the skin.

Those most at risk are children and over 50s, as they spend the most time in nature.

Here are easy things you can do to protect yourself:

* Wear lighter coloured clothes to more easily spot ticks.

* Tuck trouser legs into socks when around long grass.

* Wear an insect repellent, fund in outdoors shops or online.

* Check yourself when you get home for any rogues.

* If you have a tick engorged, remove it safely, gently pulling upwards with a tick removal tool or tweezers. Try not to squish the tick.

* If bitten, see your GP immediately. Not all ticks transmit Lyme disease but a short course of preventative antibiotics could save you complications.

* If you weren’t bitten to your knowledge, keep an eye on yourself. The bacteria is shaped like a corkscrew. These drill down into different parts of the body, so many different symptoms can present themselves.

Sore joints, fatigue, headaches and flu-like symptoms are common but not exclusive. A bullseye rash is diagnostic, but there are other variations, also not everyone gets a rash.

Doctors are only trained on acute infection, so early intervention is key.

Lyme Disease is brutal, but don’t abandon the outdoors.

Be aware and up your tick bite prevention game!

Stef May, Cromhall

Help get our kids walking

I AM writing in support of national charity Living Streets’ call to see 60% of children walking to school by 2029. Fewer than half of primary school aged children walk to school in England - a drop from 70% a generation ago.

When we design streets for children, we create places that work better for everyone. Increased walking rates will reduce road casualties, improve health and air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and boost our economy.

A combination of ambitious yet realistic targets, at least 10% of transport budgets spent on active travel, improved road safety in our neighbourhoods and empowering local authorities to make the right transport decisions, would go a long way to creating safer streets for

•

children to walk and play.

I urge all political parties to ensure the walk to school is at the heart of their transport policy this election year. The impact of this investment will also help tackle the current climate, economic and health crises.

Iris Swanston, Thornbury

Come to our garden party

ST PETER'S Hospice Severnside Support Group would be delighted to welcome you to a garden party.

It will be held at Grove House, The Street, Alveston on Sunday June 9, from 2.30-5pm by kind permission of Geoff and Carol.

Entrance is £5.00 to include tea and cake, and there is a raffle and books.

Bring a picnic chair, listen to the music of Panache Steel Band and enjoy the gardens.

Kath Burgess, Thornbury

n SPORT

Rugby season ends in quarter-finals

THORNBURY Rugby Club's season came to an end in early May.

Having finished fifth in their league, the First XV entered the Papa John’s Cup and, after a 3024 win in Southampton against Tottonians and a 71-24 thrashing of Farnham at home, they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual finalists Drybrook.

The Colts had a fine season, ending as runners-up in the Gloucestershire RFU Under-18 League South.

Two of their leading players, back-three player Charlie Shipp and captain Tyrese Redgers, made their First XV debuts.

Several others played for the second XV.

Thornbury Ladies had a good season, and consolidated themselves in upper mid-table in their league, following promotion the previous season.

The Junior section of the club had a satisfying season at each age group, and there look to be a crop of good players coming through, who are effectively the future of the club.

The rugby club AGM is in early June, shortly after the annual dinner.

End of a difficult season for Thornbury Town

AFTER what proved to be a difficult season, Thornbury Town’s senior sides have all completed their fixtures.

With numerous postponements due to waterlogged pitches and unavailability of facilities at the Mundy Fields, many of the club's sides faced fixture backlogs and multiple games.

Whilst League allocations for next season have yet to be issued, Thorns management are confident the First team, whose fixtures were completed in April, will have a fourth successive season at step 5 of the National League System after avoiding relegation. Discussions are already underway to arrange preseason friendlies.

The club’s other sides had

successful seasons, with both the Reserves and A-team finishing in their highest ever league positions.

The Reserves finished just outside the promotion places, in 4th place, in the Bristol Premier Combination. They suffered heavily with postponements during the season, causing a backlog which meant having to play three fixtures a week on occasions.

They finished the season in style with 10 wins in their last 10 games, including an exciting 3-2 victory over Iron Acton in their last fixture. The visitors had been undefeated all season and needed to win to secure the league title. Despite Acton twice taking the lead, it was Thorns second string that came out on

top with goals from Asher Budd, Cam Drew and Tom Manley.

Harrison Young won the League’s golden boot award, with 29 goals, while Budd weighed in with 13.

The A-team also had a successful season, finishing in 5th position in Bristol & District League Division 2. Despite having the problem of occasional player availability, Luke Jones's lads secured some impressive victories during the season, finishing with an impressive away 3-2 win at Real St George.

The Under 18s' first season together saw them finish 5th in Division 2 of the Bristol U18 Combination.

After a difficult start, they found their confidence and suffered just two defeats in

Lions help kit out young Thornbury team

THORNBURY Town's Under-8 team is celebrating a successful first season on the pitch with some backing off it.

The club has just been promoted into a higher division and now has a kit sponsor, thanks to Thornbury Lions.

James Gingell, from the club, said: "We are a team that needs to fund ourselves generally. Thornbury Town FC help out as much as they can, but we appreciate that there are many age groups and an increasingly successful men's team that need funding.

"Finding a kit sponsor and additional funding help hasn't been easy, but luckily Thornbury Lions agreed to help us and presented us with a very generous donation,

meaning that next season we can really push on and start buying training equipment, as well as not having to worry about trying to find money for new kits, which is an ongoing issue with eight year olds, as you can probably imagine – they don't get any smaller!

"Thornbury Lions have also helped other age groups and have become an essential supporter of the club. Without them, we'd be scratching our heads on where to go next.

"They have helped over 20 football-mad kids and once again, supported the Thornbury community."

their last eight fixtures. Most of the squad will still be able to play U18s football next season, with hopes that some of the youngsters will progress through to the senior sides.

The Thorns Vets team's lastmatch victory at home to title rivals Ultra Casual Cowboys saw them win the Over 35s Division 2 of the Bristol Corinthian League.

The committee and players would like to thank the volunteers without whose assistance it would be almost impossible to run a club at this level – anyone who would like to help out can get in touch with any of the committee members via the club website, thornburytownfc.co.uk.

Malcolm Carr

James said the team had also received support from both Thornbury Lodge and Mortgage Style Financial Services earlier in the season to help get them off the ground.

Dave Fox

The Thornbury First XV squad

Pete Fish of Thornbury Lions presents a sponsorship cheque to James Gingell of Thornbury Town FC Under-8s

n

SPORT

Hockey club celebrates its stars

THE end of season presentation evening at Thornbury Hockey Club was attended by nearly 100 players, parents and guests.

The club's annual general meeting was also held, and resulted in Rockhampton cricketer Harry Collins becoming Men's 1st team captain, with Martin Abrahams taking charge of the newly-formed men’s 2nd team.

This team will play in a development league when the season starts in September.

Lewis Henderson will be vice-captain in the firsts.

Jo Deas continues as Ladies 1st's supremo, with Lou Lou Taylor as her deputy.

Sarah Lally remains as 2nd team captain, with Steph Staton vice-captain. Hannah Kemp continues as chair, with Kirsty Wyres vicechair.

Izzie Talbot is the new social secretary, following Ella Clark's decision to step down after serving as chair, umpires secretary and social secretary for a number of years.

Paul Stott received the Margaret Jackson shield from club president Angela Greenslade. He has been a guiding force in the junior section throughout the season.

Dave Morgan, a Welsh Over-60 international and player in the club's men's

team, was the recipient of the Bill Crawford cup. He also is one of the club umpires.

Coz Deas was Ladies 1st team top scorer, Jess Mundy was the players' player of the year and Izzy Talbot the captain's player of the year.

In the second team, Rowan Bennett was

players' player of the year, Amelia Fitzgerald captain's player and Beth Hunt vice captain's player of the year.

Connor Matthews was top scorer in the men’s team, with Lee Hunt the players' player of the year, Kieran Cobell the most improved player and Tom Allison the youth player of the season.

The club junior awards went to Arthur Robinson (boys) and Niamh Robinson (girls), as most improved players in the Under12s, whilst the coaches' player of the season awards went to Jeremy Tett (boys) and Jenna Richards (girls) in this age group.

In the Under-14s, Tom Board (boys) and Rowan Bennett (girls) were the most improved players and Amelia Fitzgerald and Tom Allison received the coaches' awards.

Radha Godbole and Erin Richards received the most improved and coaches' player accolade in the Girls U16 team.

Hockey continues during the summer with the ladies playing in a league at Bradley Stoke, the men play both home and away games whilst the mixed team play at Coombe Dingle.

David Parry-Jones

LANDSCAPE GARDENER PLUMBING

Amelia

(second right)