Thornbury Voice May 2021 by Thornbury Voice

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

May, 2021 Issue 48

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Charity's celebrity backing

Arts trail is back

THE Severn Vale Art Trail will go ahead this month - one of the first community events to return as lockdown rules are eased. PAGE 13

TV presenter Joel Dommett and his wife, model Hannah Cooper, have a very personal reason to sign up as official ambassadors for Thornbury charity Brain Tumour Support.

Rip-off merchant A ROGUE trader who conned a Thornbury NHS worker has been brought to justice. PAGE 2

Full story: Page 5

Town is 'losing heart and soul' A DECISION to keep Thornbury's Armstrong Hall shut as lockdown restrictions are eased could leave the town with few facilities and no heart or soul, campaigners have warned. The hall's trustees, led by town mayor Jayne Stansfield, announced that they had "reluctantly taken the difficult decision to keep the Hall closed" after finding that at least £77,000 of repairs were needed before the hall could reopen "safely".

The building has had only "necessary" maintenance in the past four years as there was a long-term plan to demolish and rebuild it. But the Armstrong Hall Trust says that several of the grant-awarding bodies it hoped would fund the new hall have decided to divert their money to keep venues they currently fund afloat through the COVID-19 pandemic. Turn to page 4

Election guide

CANDIDATES who want to be the region's Metro Mayor and police commissioner give Voice readers their manifesto pledges. PAGES 6 to 9

Turn on, tune in

THORNBURY'S own FM radio station is preparing to launch. PAGE 11

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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

May, 2021

n NEWS

Rogue trader conned NHS worker A ROGUE trader who carried out shoddy work for an NHS worker during the pandemic has admitted four offences. Miles Maughan, traded as Driveline Landscaping and Driveline Paving and was paid £3,000 for the work on a driveway in Thornbury in May last year. But after the resident complained that the dropped kerb was poorly-installed and the tar driveway had sunk, causing trip hazards and other problems, South Gloucestershire Council’s trading standards service investigated. Maughan, 27, of Hewish in North Somerset, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, the council said on April 26. He was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work at Bristol Crown Court. The court heard Maughan failed to advise his customer of their cancellation rights, gave false customer testimonials on review sites and a false business address. He tried to start the work before a contract had been agreed, to increase the price halfway through and pressured her to pay in cash. The court heard Maughan’s victim even had to return to work early from maternity leave to pay to have his substandard work rectified. As part of the legal proceedings, she received a full refund from Maughan. Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: “This individual has been advised twice by Trading Standards about his practices and was seemingly determined not to comply with the law on doorstep selling." Rogue traders can be reported by calling trading standards on 0808 223 1133.

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

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

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May, 2021

ADVERTISING FEATURE

n NEWS

New survey shows Conservative Metro Mayor least well known in UK

Sue Wright and Kirsty Humphrey hard at work.

Gardeners are back VOLUNTEERS are back in action improving the Castle School, as coronavirus restrictions ease. The Castle School Friends Association organised a gardening day to spruce up the school grounds: their first face-to-face activity after months of lockdown. The event on April 17 saw volunteers working hard to trim hedges, tidy paths, cut back brambles and remove an old raised flower bed which had deteriorated. Two teams of committee members and parents, working in small socially-distanced groups, cleared up near the main reception and sixth form centre. More events are planned by the group: details will be posted at the Castle School Friends Facebook page.

Driver killed on motorway A DRIVER was killed in a crash involving three lorries on the M5 near Thornbury. Two of the lorries caught fire following the collision, which happened on the southbound carriageway, near Michaelwood Services, shortly before 5am on April 24. The drivers of the two other lorries were taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, reportedly after sustaining burns after trying to rescue the man who died. The motorway was closed throughout the day between the Thornbury and Stroud junctions as an investigation and carriageway repairs were carried out. Gloucestershire police have appealed to anyone who was travelling on the motorway at the time and witnessed the collision to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 62 of April 24.

WE BUY COLLECTABLES

Research by ‘Centre for Cities’ shows the Conservative Metro Mayor of the West of England has failed to make an impact during his four years in office. Just 7% of people in the West of England could name the Metro Mayor unprompted, the lowest score nationwide. This contrasts with six in ten people in Manchester and London who had their Metro Mayor’s name on the tip of their tongue.

“A great answer on ‘Pointless’ but no good for the West of England” Labour Metro Mayor candidate Dan Norris, who grew up in South Gloucestershire, said: “The invisible Tory Metro Mayor has let opportunities slip through his fingers. It’s time for new leadership.” The West of England Initiative representing local businesses has also called for a higher profile Metro Mayor.

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n NEWS

May, 2021

Hall closure could make Thornbury 'a cultural desert' From Page 1 Members of the Armstrong Arts Group, which has fundraised for the last 10 years to redevelop and improve the Chapel Street complex, say the trust's announcement had "shocked and saddened" many residents. In an open letter responding to the announcement, the group said: "The importance of this vital facility to Thornbury cannot be overstated. "The Armstrong Hall is the only large performance hall in the area and, supported by Thornbury Town Council for the last 30 years, has facilitated a much-admired thriving cultural scene. "Covid has obviously contributed to the decision to close the halls but it must be the responsibility of councillors to help revive and regenerate our community, post-epidemic." The group said if the halls

stayed shut, Thornbury "may become a cultural desert for years to come". The letter added: "A whole generation will miss out, Thornbury will become an evergrowing collection of houses with no heart, few facilities, no events, no soul." The group still plans to hold concerts in the Autumn in "alternative venues", but fundraising for the Armstrong Hall will not now be its "primary aim". Members urged councillors to "take another look at the finances" and accept any offers of help, saying that keeping the halls active would allow community activities to be restarted while a business plan for the future is developed. The Armstrong Hall complex, which includes Cossham Hall, has been home to events including amateur theatre productions, cinema screenings, concerts and the Thornbury Arts

Festival. But earlier this year the trust and South Gloucestershire Council said they would "jointly explore" providing facilities at the Turnberries Community Centre instead. Explaining its closure decision, the trust said it "has had no income for a year, and with the performing arts groups unable to return to normal, the financial viability of the hall is in jeopardy". Councillor Stansfield said: “Without the income the hall cannot do the work necessary to reopen, and without opening, the hall cannot generate income. It is very much a catch-22 situation for all concerned.” The £77,000 estimate, made after a survey, was for repairs that were "essential to allow the Hall to open safely and meet all legal and insurance requirements" but did not include necessary electrical work. The trust said it was not

reasonable to spend that amount in the current circumstances, adding: "The Trust has, therefore, reluctantly taken the difficult decision to keep the Hall closed." Councillor Stansfield said the trust had received some offers of help to get the complex up and running, but none that had been "confirmed or clarified in writing". The trust had also explored the possibility of grant funding from the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport's Cultural Recovery Fund but was not eligible. She added: "We will continue to explore grants as they become available and will apply for grants where we are eligible." The trust said it was "utterly committed to providing a performing arts venue in the town" and was "continuing to explore all possible ways forward to achieve this".

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May, 2021

n NEWS

Joel and Hannah's personal link to charity ROCKHAMPTON-born comedian and TV presenter Joel Dommett and his wife, model Hannah Cooper, have been unveiled as official ambassadors for Brain Tumour Support. The Thornbury-based charity provides specialist, individualised support to patients and families who have been affected by any type of brain tumour. Former Castle School pupil Joel and his wife have raised money for the charity before, but when Hannah's mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December, its work became very personal. Hannah said: “Knowing that Brain Tumour Support is there to guide and support has really helped to sustain us through some very difficult days. Until you’re faced with this experience

it’s hard to comprehend just how much there is to take on board, for mum and for all the family, and the range of emotions you go through.” Joel said: “It was very surprising and out of the blue, and very scary. Brain Tumour Support have been brilliant through it all, in terms of communications with the medical teams, helping us work through our emotions. "It’s really important to have someone to talk to, and to understand that you’re not alone.” "It really hits you for six, it’s incredibly tough, and if we’d had to deal with that just by ourselves I think it would have been a hundred times worse." Joel and Hannah's most recent fundraiser was an online raffle of two of Joel’s suits from

ITV show The Masked Singer, which raised £16,000 - enough to support more than 40 patients and families. Charity chief executive Tina Mitchell Skinner said: “We particularly appreciate their commitment through such an anxious time for Hannah and all her family.” Joel and Hannah have recorded a video message which can be found on the charity's website braintumoursupport. co.uk. Pictured right: Joel Dommett and Hannah Cooper sporting Brain Tumour Support t-shirts THORNBURY solicitors Wards are teaming up with Brain Tumour Support for the charity's first ever ‘Write Your Will’ month. During May, people will be able to have a standard will written, reviewed or updated by one of Wards’ qualified wills and probate solicitors in return for a donation to the charity. Wards Wills and Probate Partner Rachael Thomas, who is organising the campaign and is based in the firm’s Thornbury office, said: “Brain Tumour Support’s Write Your Will month is a fantastic way to not only encourage people to make a will, which we believe is very important, but also to help raise money for this very worthwhile local charity.” For more information visit www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/ write-your-will or contact Rachael on 01454 204899.

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n LOCAL ELECTIONS

May, 2021

Your candidates for Metro Mayor: mini manifestos VOTERS in Thornbury and the surrounding area will help choose the next West of England Mayor on May 6. The boss of the West of England Combined Authority, or WECA, is in charge of coordinating the region’s transport, housing jobs and skills policy, securing government funding and overseeing the spending of more than £1.1 billion over the next 30 years. Current Metro Mayor Tim Bowles, a Conservative, is standing down from the

Dan Norris, Labour Local. Experienced. Active. Dan’s been an NSPCCtrained child protection officer, a local MP, Environment Minister and run his own businesses. I’ll be a jobs first Metro Mayor and get people back to work launching my Green Recovery Plan

position, which he has held since 2017. Four candidates are vying to replace him, and voters are given a first and second choice on the ballot. If no-one receives more than half of the votes when the votes are first counted, the two candidates with the fewest votes are knocked out. Any second choice votes from their ballot papers are added to the remaining candidates' total to find a winner. Voting cards have been sent out and polls open from 7am until 10pm. People who have

to create 23,000 new jobs. I want to rejuvenate our high streets, double investment in affordable homes, improve public transport, tackle the climate emergency and make the West of England the bee capital of the UK. As an active and visible Metro Mayor, I will lead our recovery, bringing people together to ensure our area is on the map: nationally and internationally. The pandemic has shown what really matters so let’s keep looking out for each other and value what’s truly important.

to self-isolate can apply for an emergency proxy vote via the council's website, southglos. gov.uk. The Voice has asked each candidate in the election to send us a 100-word manifesto explaining their priorities, plus a short biography to tell readers more about themselves. They are printed here in alphabetical order, as they will appear on ballot papers.

Jerome Thomas, Green

I’ve lived locally with my family for many years, run a successful UK business and I’m a hardworking city councillor. We need to rapidly move to a low carbon economy, while making sure workers don’t lose out. We need clean energy, affordable

green transport, a thriving agricultural sector to supply local food, better support for people who need care and their carers, and more power to communities to take action in the ways they know will work. I’ve identified £1bn of existing regional funds for local investment in green jobs and growth industries, including support for small businesses. I’ll subsidise rural bus routes and lower fares for young people and I’ll give a greater voice to communities in regional decision-making.

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May, 2021

n NEWS Samuel Williams, Conservative

sustainable future communities.

Stephen Williams, Liberal Democrat

Samuel is a business founder Former Bristol and charity West MP and leader who Minister for has worked Communities. domestically and internationally to Worked as a lead social and economic change. business trouble-shooter and is a The West of England Mayor is a big Bristol University history graduate. job that decides how hundreds of I will be a strong champion millions of pounds are invested for the West of England, using my across the region. experience in business, as an MP This is time to take hold of and government minister to get opportunity and secure our our voice heard loudly in London, recovery by: winning new investment and Implementing a modern powers. transport system that works – I will also: Lead a green and delivering at least six new stations, socially just economic recovery; crucial rail improvements, ‘onTake control of our buses and demand’ services, and cycling and run them on clean fuel; walking services; Build thousands of new homes Deliver improved skills training to suit all budgets, built to the for high value and sustainable jobs highest green standards; of the future; Demand a range of new powers Boosting local enterprise, from government, making more increasing employment and big decisions locally. attracting greater investment; We can’t afford another Unblocking the redevelopment inexperienced Conservative mayor. WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 21:57 Page 2 for you! logjam and pioneering more 1 23/09/2020 Put my experience to work

Mayor's image problem WHOEVER becomes the next Metro Mayor following the election will first need to ensure people remember who they are. Independent political think-tank Centre for Cities found that just 7% of people polled in the West of England area, which includes Bristol and B&NES as well as South Gloucestershire, could name retiring mayor Tim Bowles. In fact, more people (10%) incorrectly thought that Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees was the Metro Mayor than named Mr Bowles as the incumbent. Two thirds of the 275 voters polled knew there was a Metro Mayor and more than three quarters wanted to see the mayor given more powers, with the most popular areas being supporting local businesses and providing affordable housing. They were not alone: the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asked on a visit to Gloucestershire last month if he could name the Metro Mayor, was unable to say it was Mr Bowles who held the post. More than a third supported the Metro Mayor having a bigger role in providing access to skills and training locally, an area which is one of the current responsibilities of the role. But when asked their top priorities for the incoming mayor, the top three named by voters were in areas where WECA has no powers: health care (52%), schools (42%) and social care (30%).

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May, 2021

n LOCAL ELECTIONS: POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES – MINI MANIFESTOS VOTERS in the Thornbury area will help choose the next Avon and Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner on May 6. The PCC is responsible for the effective policing of the region, drawing up a budget – including the annual precept charged to council tax payers – setting priorities for the force, selecting and holding the chief constable to account. Current commissioner Sue Mountstevens, an independent, is standing down from the position, which she has held since 2012. The election had been due to take place last year but was delayed because of the lockdown. It is being contested by four party political candidates and an independent, and voters are able to pick a first and second choice. As they prepare to face the voters, the Voice has asked each candidate in the election to send us a 100-word manifesto explaining their priorities, plus a short biography. They are printed here in alphabetical order, as they will appear on ballot papers.

Kerry Barker, Labour As a barrister I dealt with difficult cases of abuse and sexual assaults and know changes have reduced police effectiveness. The police are meant to prevent crimes and catch criminals. Across the area the detection rates for crimes which affect ordinary people (burglaries, robberies, thefts, criminal damage and violent and sexual offences) are dreadful. There has been a massive increase in violent and sexual crime since 2012 when the PCC was first elected. If elected, I will: • Improve neighbourhood policing with more police officers on the beat in your area; • Stop the closure of police stations; • Reinstate specialist teams of detectives. • At the heart of those priorities

will be the safety and welfare of all women. Cleo Lake, Green Cleo is a Bristol city councillor, former Lord Mayor, Avon Fire Authority member and former chair of St Pauls Carnival. With communities for communities. Active democracy is important to me. I will ensure a mechanism for communities to feed into the police and crime plan ahead of it being finalised in March 2022. Community outreach and engagement work would be central to my forward facing transparent approach, which I would prioritise over being sat behind a desk at Portishead HQ, for example. I would support the Independent Advisory Groups as

another layer of public scrutiny and consensus building. I would also require senior commanders to give a monthly verbal update at public meetings in each local or district authority area. Heather Shearer, Lib Dem As vice chair of the Police and Crime Panel I scrutinise the PCC’s work and fight for what people want. Everyone should feel safe. In 201920 1.8m crimes went unsolved nationally. If you call the police, you want something done. People think there is no point in reporting a crime. Just 1 in 10 burglaries are solved in our area. Most burglars have done it before and will again. We have to break that cycle of crime. Every three days a woman is killed by their partner but only

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May, 2021 10% of abusers are successfully prosecuted. I want to stop abuse before it gets dangerous, prevent domestic abuse and support all victims of sexual violence, both men and women. Mark Shelford, Conservative Brought up just outside Bath, spent over 30 years in the Army, Deputy Leader BATHNES, a member of the PCP. Return to Peelian principles of preventing crime. Reassure residents that the Police are there for them. This means more visible Policing, includes a plan for women’s safety, making the Community more resilient and resistant to crime. Revitalising Neighbourhoods with Specials who live and work in their community. Refocus the Police on fighting the crimes that the residents are

most concerned with: County Lines, associated violence and burglaries, dangerous driving, ASB and the silent crimes of cyber fraud and domestic abuse. Rebuild the Force by making them more effective and efficient, reducing their admin, allowing them to be more proactive.

regulations appropriately; tackling knife and drug crime, including county lines; catching burglars and reducing burglaries; combating anti-social behaviour; protecting the vulnerable and supporting victims; the most inclusive police

force in the country; improving road safety; preventing fraud and cyber crime; addressing rural crime and supporting rural communities; working in partnership to address business crime.

First job: choose new top cop

John Smith, Independent

ONE of the first tasks facing whoever wins the police and crime commissioner election will be to appoint a new chief constable. Andy Marsh, pictured, has confirmed he will not be seeking to extend his contract when it expires at the start of July. Mr Marsh has been Avon and Somerset Constabulary's chief constable since 2016, taking over after a turbulent few years following Sue Mountstevens's election as the first PCC in 2012. Within a week of her election she announced she would invite applications for the role of chief constable, causing the incumbent, Colin Port, to resign rather than reapply for his job. Nick Gargan, who was appointed the following year, was suspended after 14 months amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female officers and staff. He resigned in 2015 after being found guilty of eight misconduct charges. During his suspension the role was filled on an acting basis by John Long and then Gareth Morgan. Mr Marsh said it had been the “honour of a lifetime” to lead the force he joined as a new recruit in 1987.

Deputy PCC and ran the PCC’s office for 8 years. His independence makes him the best choice for local residents. John Smith, former Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset, is standing as an independent candidate. If elected, he’ll keep the party politics out of policing, answering only to residents, not party bosses in Westminster. John’s priorities: supporting the police to enforce COVID-19

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May, 2021

n NEWS

Listen LIVE at: www.thornbury.radio

Thornbury Radio launches on FM THORNBURY'S own FM radio station is set to launch next month. Volunteer-run Thornbury Radio's FM service will cover the town and surrounding villages, including Alveston, Olveston, Tytherington, Oldbury-on-Severn, Leyhill, Wickwar, Bagstone and Iron Acton. The station's studios, on the Plain, will become fully operational during May ahead of the station’s FM launch date on June 7. The volunteer team has built the station's transmitters, which will broadcast on 105.1 FM and 107.5 FM. Station director David Wrench said: “This is the culmination of a 16-year journey from the Thornbury FM and Gloss FM restricted service broadcasts to the launch of Thornbury Radio. "Now everyone in the community of Thornbury and the surrounding villages will have their very own 24-hour, seven-days-aweek FM service. "To get to this point has only been possible through the efforts of many volunteers and supporters." The station is run by Thornbury Media community interest company and is funded by a combination of grants, donations and advertising. Over the years, more than 300 volunteers of all ages have worked to broadcast local radio programming and the station still needs help to make it a success after launch, from training volunteer presenters to administration and maintenance of equipment. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can register an interest online at thornbury.radio, where broadcasts can also be heard ahead of the FM launch.

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“on THURSDAY 6th MAY VOTE CONSERVATIVE TO DELIVER OUR POSITIVE PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND” Mark Shelford More Police ON THE STREETS TO Cut Crime

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Only a vote for Samuel Williams as West of England Mayor and Mark Shelford as Police and Crime Commissioner will ensure our region is safer and more successful WE’RE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS, Don’t risk our recovery with Labour or the lib dems To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Promoted by Max Hopfl on behalf of Samuel Williams and Mark Shelford, all at West of England Conservatives, 5 Westfield Park, Bristol, BS6 6LT.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

n NEWS

May, 2021

Inspectors raise concerns after prison visit INSPECTORS who visited Leyhill open prison near Thornbury have raised concerns over a deterioration in staff-prisoner relations, and made recommendations for improvement. The report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, said prison leaders had been ‘too slow’ to address the issues they highlighted. However the prison was praised for its management of COVID-19 cases and for some aspects of prison life. The prison has 500 adult male inmates, who are held in open conditions and supported to life back in the community. The majority are serving long sentences, two-thirds of them for sexual offences. The inspection, which took place in February and March, was the first since 2016. Describing "deteriorating staff–prisoner relationships," the report said nearly a third of prisoners said they had

"experienced bullying or victimisation by staff". The inspectors said this was worse for black and ethnic prisoners, with nearly two thirds affected. Public protection arrangements for prisoners due for release, particularly those of high risk, were a "serious concern", with planning "not sufficiently robust or timely". The report said this needed urgently to improve. Of those prisoners who were given a release date, many were left waiting for months because of a shortage of approved accommodation. In one case a prisoner with disabilities who needed an adapted room waited over a year before being able to leave. The inspectors found that links with employers in the community were "far too limited" for an open prison, notwithstanding covid restrictions, with only 26 prisoners having work

placements. As a result, some prisoners had not been able to show the parole board they were ready for release, and over half the parole hearings due in 2020 had had to be deferred. The inspectors praised prison authorities for successfully preventing the spread of COVID-19 following two cases in October last year. Five other prisoners tested positive when they arrived and went into isolation. Dormitory accommodation was replaced with single rooms for all prisoners. Other positive features highlighted in the report included employment of more than 350 prisoners full-time in the prison, with workshops remaining open despite the pandemic, prisoners being given over 11 hours a day unlocked and able to spend time doing outdoor activities such as cultivating allotments, and transgender

prisoners being given 1:1 support. A Prison Services spokesperson said: “Keeping prisoners and staff safe has been our priority and temporary release has restarted at Leyhill, with further opportunities as restrictions lift. "More staff are in place specifically to improve relationships and we are committed to tackling discrimination through independent monitoring of complaints handling and regular staff-prisoner meetings.” The spokesman said day release for work purposes had to be restricted during the pandemic, and that efforts are now underway to increase external placements. Since the report was published, £220 million had been allocated to provide more approved accommodation for those prisoners being released.

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May, 2021

n NEWS THE work of 45 artists will go on view at a series of studio and exhibition venues for this year's Severn Vale Art Trail. It will be one of the first community events to be run as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are gradually eased, giving people the chance to see a wide variety of artistic skills from jewellery making, photography and painting to sculpture and basketwork. All the venues will follow recommended covid guidelines. The visual side of Thornbury Arts Festival usually runs for ten days but this year has been reduced to five, taking place over the spring bank holiday weekend, from May 28 to June 1. With the main festival itself abandoned for the second year running because of the pandemic, art trail organisers wanted to offer an event to long-standing supporters and welcome new visitors, artists and venues. All the artwork submitted had been created in the Severn Vale and can be seen at a total of 16 locations in both individual artists’ studios and at premises

Severn Vale Art Trail returns

Batik work by Maureen Knowles where groups will have their work on display. The trail takes in Thornbury, Berkeley and Charfield. Entry at all venues is free and there will be work for sale. A new website, www. severnvalearttrail.org, includes

Felt art by Ricky Woodman-Povey. an interactive map with sites where art is on display and details of artists. It also includes a map of the Family Art Adventure, a new feature where artworks created by families in Thornbury

during the Easter holidays will be displayed in windows from April 30 to May 31. The theme is 'What Makes You Happy', to celebrate the lifting of lockdown restrictions and life starting to return to normal.

Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants celebrate their 30th birthday! Award-winning accountancy practice, Dunkley’s, celebrated their 30th year in business on Tuesday 13th April 2021. Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants, a multi awardwinning accountancy practice based in Bradley Stoke, Bristol, are celebrating a significant milestone this year, its 30th birthday! In April 1991, Director Mike Dunkley, started the business from his back-bedroom with a cat for company. 30 years on and Dunkley’s is now recognised as one of the leading independent practices in the South West. Mike Dunkley states “2021 is a very special year for us as we acknowledge how far Dunkley’s has come and recognize everyone who has supported the business along the way. Dunkley’s would not be where it is today without its wonderful clients, hardworking staff, and supportive community. 30 years in business is a significant milestone and an achievement that is worth celebrating.” The success Dunkley’s have seen can be attributed to its forward-thinking, hands-on approach to accountancy and its constant desire to put its clients first and ensure the service they receive is second to none. This approach continues to drive the business forward and has helped Dunkley’s expand its service

offering and reach to individuals and businesses across the UK. Today, Dunkley’s is far more than a local practice and instead is a leading figure in the accountancy industry. The journey the business has been on to get to where it is today, would not have been achievable without a dedicated and knowledgeable workforce. Over the last 30 years, Dunkley’s has grown from 1 employee to 46. The practice now has 3 Directors, each equally invested in the business and a management team of 7 to support Dunkley’s continual growth and development into the future. Dunkley’s have always been a supportive employer investing in their workforce to ensure they can develop future leaders of the business. With the business continuing to move forward it is providing an opportunity for all involved to share in its success. Lisa White comments on the recent restructure “Matthew and I have been Directors of Dunkley’s for over 5 years and are delighted to have been given the opportunity to invest further into the business working alongside Mike. Dunkley’s has continued to show significant growth over the last few years,

and we are looking forward to building further on this success.” Dunkley’s have grown from strength to strength over the last 30 years in terms of client base, service offering and employee numbers, but what has not changed is the ethos that the business was built on. Dunkley’s continue to be the approachable, affordable, and personable practice which looks after each and every one of its clients to ensure they receive a bespoke service suited to their individual needs. For further information about Dunkley’s and its journey over the last 30 years, please visit https:// www.dunkleys.accountants/

Website: https://www.dunkleys.accountants/ • Facebook: /dunkleysaccountants • Twitter: @DunkleysCo • LinkedIn: /dunkleys To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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n COMMUNITY NEWS

thornburyvoice

n NEWS

May, 2021

Fitness fans help charity Scarecrow trail Pop-up shop returns FITNESS instructor Sam Hutchinson led an hour of Pilates, Barre and aerobic exercises to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The event, organised by Thornbury and District Cancer Research UK committee at the end of March, took place via Zoom and was followed by an Easter-themed quiz, set by committee chair Tony Flintoff. Two other members of the Committee made and sold Easter treats together with cakes, biscuits and marmalade to help raise funds. In total the event raised £1,822 for Cancer Research UK. Sam, who has previously held exercise events for the charity, thanked all those who took part.

A SCARECROW trail over the half-term holidays will raise money for a Thornbury primary school. The Friends of Manorbrook are inviting residents to build a scarecrow that fits with the trail's heroes theme. Entries could be a character from a film, comic or book, or someone who has shown courage and dedication to others over the last year. Joanna Moore, of the Friends of Manorbrook, said: "Remember that not all heroes wear capes!" It is the second year the friends have organised the trail, which run from May 21 to June 6. To take part, visit pta-events.com/ friendsofmanorbrook online to download a registration form. Registration closes on May 7. Trail maps and answer sheets will be available from the same web address from May 17.

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THORNBURY Volunteer Centre will be running a pop-up shop in the skittle alley of The Swan pub during National Volunteers’ Week. The shop will open at 10am on May 29 and continue until the following Saturday, June 5. Its aim is to raise the profile of the volunteer centre, highlight the diverse volunteering opportunities available locally and encourage more people to volunteer. The shop will also raise funds for the centre, selling pre-owned goods including clothes, china and toys. It marks the return of the shop after two years away: last year's event had to be cancelled due to lockdown. The shop will open between 10am and 4pm every day during the week and will also return for the remaining Saturdays in June. The centre thanked Sandra Davies and her team at the Swan for hosting the shop.

Library update THORNBURY library has reopened for browsing, as lockdown restrictions are eased. The library is open from 10am5.30pm every weekday except Tuesday, and also on Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm. Services including self-service borrowing and free access to computers and Wi-Fi are available, along with reservations and a click and collect service where library staff pick titles based on users' previous preferences. Click and collect can also be used by parents of babies aged under a year to order a Bookstart Baby Bag or Newborn Pack. The library is also taking part in a series of online author events, called #WordOnline, between now and the end of October. The computer and Wi-Fi service is free for one hour each day, including scanning and printing. Bookings can be made by calling 01454 865022 or emailing CorporateContactCentre@ southglos.gov.uk. Details of all services can be found online at www.southglos. gov.uk/librarychanges.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

May, 2021

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n NEWS

Busy bees make a trail Cyber attack damage revealed CHILDREN from Oldbury Busy Bees preschool and play group created a butterfly as part of their Easter trail in Oldburyon-Severn. The trail, devised by pre-school committee chair Amelia Pearce, was created by residents, local businesses, schools and community groups to tell different parts of the Easter story along a route in and around the village, ending St Arilda’s Church. Busy Bees manager Denise Young said: “The children absolutely loved building and painting the butterfly for the trail and couldn't wait to get out and spot all of the other wonderful creations.” For more information about the pre-school visit www. oldburybusybees.co.uk.

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A CYBER attack on 24 South Gloucestershire schools knocked out servers and left teachers locked out of vital equipment and files on more than 1,000 computers. The full extent of the “disruptive and distressing” ransomware attack on seven Castle School Education Trust (CSET) schools, and another 17 local authority primary schools which used the trust's IT systems, was revealed at a session of the council's cabinet. The CSET schools hit by the “highly sophisticated” attack on March 16, reported in last month's Voice, included the Castle and Marlwood secondary schools, plus Charfield Primary School. The cabinet meeting on April 12 was told that more than 1,000 devices were having their systems rebuilt, and many teachers started the new term on April 19 without access to laptops, whiteboards, printers and photocopiers. Ransomware is malicious software which encrypts a computer system’s files and blocks people from accessing data, holding it 'hostage' until a ransom is paid. A council spokesperson said no ransom had been paid and "no personal data has been impacted" by the attack. The council says 16 servers had been rebuilt, back office systems were in place and services were being restored, giving every school “core functionality and access to management information”. The spokesperson said the worst impact was on teachers who kept resources in files on their computers, as web or cloud-based data was unaffected. Cllr Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock), who is a parent, teacher and school governor, said "years" of work had been lost. By Adam Postans and Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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n NEWS

May, 2021

New charity is Lee's lasting legacy A BOY who lost his life to cancer at eight years old has had a charity set up in this name. Lee Belgium was just six when he was diagnosed and overcame the disease three times, but it came back in the summer of 2018 and Lee was also hit by a mucor fungal infection. He never recovered. Lee's family are originally from Thornbury but moved to Lyde Green before Lee’s death in April 2019. His mum, Clare Boxall, decided to establish the charity, called ‘Lee Belgium Lasting Legacy’, to keep memories of Lee alive, and help other families in a similar situation. After two years of hard work and fundraising the charity has now been officially registered. Funds which the family managed to raise for Lee to have a treatment trial and bone marrow transplant in Turkey which then couldn’t then take

practical help and information. They will also be given a £100 voucher for funeral flowers and a free haircut for the deceased child before their funeral. Kelley’s Designs and Crafts, a business run by a family friend, will be making memorial

memories such as pillows, candles and teddy bears with photos on them, which will be given to families for free. For more information or to make a donation visit leebelgiumlastinglegacy.com online.

Tea room work underway place, will now go to the charity. Clare said: “After a long year we have the charity up and running. "We will help all the amazing families that have had to go through losing a child from cancer, a heart operation or a child lost from a horrible accident. I’m looking forward to Lee’s charity helping others - we are here to help and talk.” The charity will support bereaved parents by providing

WORK to reopen the Thornbury Tea Room is underway. The volunteer-run tea room at the Town Hall, set up for over60s to pop in for a cuppa and a chat, is due to open on May 24 following months of lockdown restrictions. In the meantime decorating and re-stocking has been underway. Volunteer Sandra Doig said: "We are very excited about this, as many of our regular customers have missed us very much. "We have all known isolation and loneliness for a long time now, and our tea room can offer more than just tea." The initial opening hours will be from 10am to 2pm on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays, with a board outside indicating when the tea room is open. Support for the refurbishment project and to buy PPE has come from the Lions Club, Oldbury Shop, Rotary and Round Table.

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May, 2021

n THORNBURY & DISTRICT MUSEUM THIS month is a 'gruesome quincentenary' for Thornbury: May 17 is the 500th anniversary of the execution of Edward Stafford, the third Duke of Buckingham, by Henry VIII. Stafford left his home, Thornbury Castle, on April 8, 1521. He had been summoned to meet the king but it was the king’s axe that he was to meet, little over a month later, after being tried for treason. Stafford was a great jouster, a sport loved by the king and to which he devoted many hours. But that wasn’t enough to save Stafford, who had the very distinct disadvantage of being close to the crown by birth, as Henry's first cousin, once removed. The Tudors had come to power by winning the last battles of the Wars of the Roses. At the time, these wars were known as the Cousins Wars, so being a cousin, albeit once removed, made Stafford a threat to the king. Henry was insecure and his right to be king was easily contestable. Stafford had done plenty to raise the king’s suspicions – and he had a son. The queen, Catherine of Aragon, had not produced a male heir. If the king died suddenly there would have been a vacancy and Stafford was in pole position to fill it. The nobility needed to be reminded who was the boss. Other relatives and potential rivals had been murdered by the Tudors following the wars, so Stafford needed to act with caution and circumspection. He didn’t. Stafford had a haughty disposition and, as a descendent of the mighty King Edward III,

The arrogant duke who was executed by his royal cousin

Portrait of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, from Thornbury Castle found it almost impossible to act subserviently to Henry. As the richest nobleman in the country, with a strong royal lineage, he treated everyone else as an inferior. Henry made things worse by appointing people to posts in government based on merit, not rank. Stafford’s view was that the king "would give his fees, office and rewards to boys rather than to noblemen". It wasn’t the money Stafford craved, but the status, enhancement and recognition of his rightful place. Public displays of Stafford arrogance and sulking were legion. Typical was his reaction to the elevation of Charles Brandon to the title Duke of Suffolk in 1514.

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Buckingham was furious at the ennoblement of someone he considered an upstart, not of noble lineage, and pointedly stayed away from the investiture. Having done little to ingratiate himself with the king or with his peers, Stafford was arrested on a barge on the Thames and was taken to the Tower of London. Tried for treason, the case against Stafford was thin. Many of the nobles on the jury were reluctant to bring in a guilty verdict but they knew their duty to the king, who had supervised proceedings. On Tower Hill, addressing the crowd gathered for his execution, Stafford at last showed some humility. Saying he had offended the king with his negligence, he warned other nobles to heed his fate, begged everyone to pray for him and said he would die the

king’s true man. Afterwards, Henry took ownership of all Stafford's property, liquidating most of the assets but keeping the newly-built Thornbury Castle, on which work had only commenced 11 years earlier. He visited Thornbury with Anne Boleyn in 1535 and stayed for 10 days, after a proposed visit to Bristol was cancelled because of plague. The castle was later inherited by Henry’s children, and Queen Mary returned it to the Stafford family in 1554 as reward for their loyalty to her mother, Catherine of Aragon. Tony Cherry A book telling the history of Thornbury Castle is available exclusively through Thornbury & District Museum. For more details, email enquiries@ thornburymuseum.org.uk.

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n COMMUNITY NEWS

thornburyvoice

Octopus celebrates 50th anniversary

May, 2021

Website gets you outdoors

IN this strange year of 2021 Octopus Drama Group is celebrating its 50th year of entertaining the people of Thornbury. In 1971 a group of like-minded parishioners of Christ the King Church formed the Octopus Social Club to provide a range of social activities for the parishioners and the community. In December of that year they decided to stage a pantomime, written by Castle School French teacher Joe Dunthorn. Little did they know what they had started! The drama section went from strength to strength and in January 2022 we are hoping that an updated version of Aladdin story will-kick start our return to Porch House, in Castle Street, after the frustrations of a pandemic which has brought a halt to all amateur and professional theatre. The members of Octopus have not been idle in 2020/21. Many of you will have listened to our first radio play, aired in May in conjunction with Thornbury Radio FM, and YouTube production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in December. Our next will be a second radio play written by Octopus member Steven Yeo. ‘Senior Moments’ is the tale of a group of naughty pensioners who have forgotten to grow up!! This production will be aired on Thornbury FM in May or early June. We have a full programme of events planned for 2022 and we can’t wait to get back to performing live shows for the people of Thornbury. New members are welcome to contact our secretary Karen on 01454 413783. Jenny Dennis

TWO Thornbury residents have launched a new website and Facebook page to help people get outdoors and exploring the area. Thornbury Walker is a new venture aimed at helping local people appreciate the great outdoors without the need to travel to get make the most of the countryside. Helen Cornes, who works in marketing, and data engineer Dave Walker, have lived in Thornbury and the surrounding area for much of their lives and Thornbury Walker's Helen Cornes and started the website during the Dave Walker lockdown to keep themselves busy in their spare time, while they were unable to take part in their usual activities with Thornbury Musical Theatre Group. The site and a Facebook page share weekly walking routes in and around Thornbury, with route descriptions, links to maps and videos showing each route in full. Walks vary from pushchair-friendly town strolls to ‘off-road’ country walks. Helen said that, having previously often headed out of the area to walk, during lockdown they decided to "explore what was in our own backyard, and the variety and beauty of footpaths in the local area blew us away". The site can be found at www.thornburywalker.co.uk or via Facebook.

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May, 2021

thornburyvoice

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Walk to help a Thornbury charity TO help mark the Thornbury Rotary Club’s 50 years of service to the community, we are delighted to launch our latest fundraising campaign, Thornbury Walkathon. Kindly supported and sponsored by Europa Group, this fun event has been planned to run over a two-week period, from May 24 to June 6, to avoid large gatherings whilst covid restrictions still apply. People taking part, in groups of up to six, can choose any time during these dates that best suits them. This sponsored walk, for all ages, has been inspired by some amazing people who have taken on personal challenges during the last 12 months of COVID-19, helping to raise funds and awareness for the NHS and other important charities and good causes. The principal charity for the event is Jigsaw Thornbury, and many other local charities will also benefit. Jigsaw supports families who have children with additional needs or disabilities. Suitable routes have been devised that will cater for everybody, from circuits around Mundy Playing Fields, to fully pathed routes around Thornbury, to bigger challenges, like a 10-mile route that incorporates several villages. Wheelchairs and children’s buggies can be used on some of these recognised routes. Anyone wishing to participate should contact Mark Wilkinson at ThornburyRotaryClub@gmail.com, to obtain more details and to register their interest. A fundraising page has been set up with Virgin Money Giving and can be found online at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ThornburyRotary. Walkathon21 or via Rotary’s website ThornburyRotary.org. Entrants can set up their own fundraiser pages for this campaign: anyone who needs help to do this can ask using the email address above. Thornbury Rotary can be followed on Facebook and Twitter @ ThornburyRotary. Adrian Dennis

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Traidcraft stall returns THORNBURY Churches Together's Traidcraft stall is returning after lockdown. The stall at the United Reformed Church in Chapel Street, was due to reopen on May 1 from 10am until midday. Traidcraft sales, fair trade goods to support overseas development, have run on a delivery-only basis during lockdown, and the delivery service will continue alongside the stall, which is set to open on the first Saturday of each month until weekly coffee mornings resume. Covid rules including hand gel, social distancing and face coverings will be in place. For more information call Robin Pencavel on 01454 632064.

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May, 2021

n SPORT THORNBURY Cricket Club aim to celebrate their 150th anniversary with promotion for the first XI back to the top division in the West of England Premier League. The side slipped out of Premier One in 2011, but the arrivals of Gloucestershire captains Chris Dent – a former junior at the historic Ship Ground – and Jack Taylor underline the club's ambition. Marc Lezar is leading the first XI in WEPL Premier Two Glos/Wilts for a second summer and has the support of a coaching team including Owen Dawkins, Gloucestershire’s second XI and batting coach, as Director of Cricket and former Gloucestershire batsman Simon Hinks as club coach. Thornbury, though, are not focusing only on their first team. They have registered a record high of 300 players for 25 sides from under-9s up and including a women and girls section, with a first session for disabled cricketers due in June. Off the pitch, as well as improvements to the clubhouse

150th anniversary ambitions for Thornbury Cricket Club ball has been postponed for a year but a series of fundraisers are planned for the summer, as well as special matches including a visit from the MCC on July 15. The past month has seen the season come to life, with a host of interclub matches and Sunday friendlies giving players some much-needed game time. Record numbers have Thornbury Cricket Club chairman Toby been attending Tuesday Summerfield, president Les Summerfield night training sessions and and 150th anniversary chairman David hundreds of children have Hammond. been at youth sessions. The Under 13’s played 2nd XI at home to Painswick. the first youth match of The 3rd XI host Stanton Drew at the season, beating Bristol CC on Tockington and the 4th XI travel April 18. to Old Bristolians Westbury CC. The adult league season starts properly on May 1, with the 1st Steve Hill and Harry Watts XI away to Goatacre and the

previously reported in the Voice, cameras have been installed to allow home matches to be live streamed via YouTube. The club was founded in 1871 by Dr Edward Mills (EM) Grace, older brother of the more famous WG, who turned out for Thornbury on 51 occasions. A total of 24 Graces have played for Thornbury, with EM's great-grandson Mike the last to do so in the 1980s. President Les Summerfield, who joined in 1973, follows figures including former England spinner David Allen and Gloucestershire’s Derek Hawkins. His son Toby is helping drive the club forward as chairman. Toby said: “Last year was tough because of covid and all the restrictions, but we’re all now raring to go again." A planned 150th anniversary

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thornburyvoice

n SPORT

May, 2021

Tennis is thriving

Town head back into action

THORNBURY Lawn Tennis Club is thriving, with over 30 new members since the beginning of April. Outdoor tennis is a great socially-distanced sport and was among the first allowed on the lifting of lockdown restrictions, leading many to return to tennis, including former indoor players. While 2020 was a disaster for tennis, with members unable to play for much of the year and many competitive leagues cancelled, this year is different. We see a new energy around tennis which we are exploiting to make our club bigger and stronger for the future. We are already planning the improvement of our facilities to ensure tennis will be played in Thornbury for many years to come. Head Coach Chris Taylor made good use of lockdown to build his team, including new recruit Sid Falconer, a former top 10 England junior player and four-time national deaf champion who coaches deaf and autistic as well as mainstream children, and Emma Nicholls, who played tennis at national and international levels as a junior. Chris said: “I now have a brilliant team of coaches; they are not only great players but also can translate their enthusiasm, enjoyment of the game and technical skills to others, whoever they are and whatever their standard of play is." Thornbury Lawn Tennis club is located on Mundy Playing Fields, with six hard-surfaced tennis courts, four of which are floodlit. The club welcomes players of all standards, ages and abilities, with new members always welcome. For further information contact membership secretary Linda Mantle on 07929 221902, email thornburytennisclub@gmail.com or visit thornburytennisclub.co.uk online. Claire Hawkins

ALL of Thornbury Town's teams have taken their first tentative steps back into action after five months of sporting inactivity. It was the junior section and the Under 18s who were the first to be able to get back to organised football – and the numbers returning to training, and their enthusiasm, showed just how much they had missed it. The U-18s were the first side back in competitive league action and at the time of writing had won one of their three fixtures, against Fry Club, whilst losing narrowly against Highridge and Stoke Lane Athletic. The three senior sides have had to content themselves with playing friendly matches, which will continue into May. The A team started their “end of season” friendlies with a 0-0 draw at Bradley Stoke, while the Reserves had a 3-2 victory at Greyfriars Athletic, courtesy of goals from Harrison Young (2) and Jake Budd. The First team started with a game against Bradley Stoke Town and, after the long lay-off, manager Jason Rees was pleased to grab a 3-2 win with a last-minute goal from Pete Fowler. Mark Viner had opened the scoring, before Marcus Wormwell netted the goal of the game. The following week a trip to Chipping Sodbury saw ended in defeat, despite Harry Brock giving Thorns the lead. Two other friendlies are lined up, against the University of West of England and Mangotsfield United, but currently spectators will not be allowed to watch. The club is already looking ahead to next season, having announced that Luke Jones has been appointed the new A team manager. Thorns are also looking to form a second Under 18s team under current U16s manager Simon Groves, with new players welcome. Malcolm Carr

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May, 2021

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• Patios • Tarmac • Fencing • Turfing • Decking • Drainage • Driveways • Blockpaving • Foundations • Site Clearance • Concrete Bases • Stump Removal

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For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921

01454 660046

d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

OVEN CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance

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House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too! House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Plus All All Your Your Other Other Waste Waste Removal Removal Needs Needs too! too! On-average Average cheaper than a skip. On OnAverage cheaper cheaper than than aa skip. skip. removal On average cheaper waste removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003

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1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89

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Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139

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3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179

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Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

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www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

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PLUMBING

WIGS

JJ PLUMBING BOILERS • BATHROOMS • KITCHENS MOBILE: 07989 072976 TEL: 01454 859474 www.plumber-in-bristol.co.uk

Wigs Bristol

LOCATED IN DOWNEND

We have been supplying all types of wigs and hairpieces for fashion and medical purposes for 45 years. Wigs can be purchased off the peg or made to measure in hair or synthetic fibre. We stock many styles and makes.

Please book an appointment on:

0117 956 6556 www.wigsbristol.com

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

ST. ALDAMS FARM NURSERY EST. 1973

BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER THE BEST PLANTS AT THE BEST PRICES For 2021, we have a great new selection of hanging baskets, tubs, pots and novelty baskets to suit everyone

Why not come and pay us a visit at St Aldams?

BEDDING PLANTS £6.00

FUCHSIAS From £2.00

GERANIUMS From £2.00

SURFINIAS £1.50 each

25 PLANTS

BASKET PLANTS

£1.50 EACH

ERIN MULTIPURPOSE COMPOST £6.00 £15 Top Quality

each or 3 for

Look forward to your visit. Come and find us on The Westerleigh Road between Pucklechurch village and the Westerleigh Crematorium

OPEN 7

DAYS

9AM-5 P

WESTERLEIGH ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL BS16 9PY SEE OUR SITE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS staldamsnursery.co.uk