MEMBERS of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group took to the streets of the town with placards to recreate a scene from their latest production, Made In Dagenham, as part of October's Thornbury Fun Palace event. The show takes place from October 30 to November 2 at the Olympus Theatre, Filton. For more details visit www.tmtg.org.uk or call 07516 270140. Fun Palace pictures: Page 11
THORNBURY'S trade body has warned that new parking charges being introduced next year "threaten the survival" of businesses.
South Gloucestershire Council has released details of the charges it says will "go live" at 22 car parks in the district next spring.
There will be separate long and short stay charges, with short stays costing between 70p for
an hour and £4.50 for the maximum four hours. In long stay car parks, the minimum charge will be £3 for up to four hours, rising to £9 for a day.
People who use car parks all day will need to buy season tickets, ranging from £24 a week to £1,008 a year.
Turn to page 5
Please contact Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…
THE government has confirmed it will fund Thornbury's new health centre, as plans are submitted.
PAGE 4
THORNBURY in Bloom has won the Champion of Champions title in this year's regional competition, with special awards for two of its volunteers.
PAGE 3
A MAN man who threw an object during ‘shocking’ violence at an anti-immigration protest has been jailed.
PAGE 2
RESIDENTS of a lane in Thornbury say flooding has become a problem since a new development was built nearby.
PAGE 6
A CHARFIELD man who threw an object during ‘shocking’ violence at an anti-immigration protest has been jailed.
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A member of the
Benjamin Tavener was recorded on video throwing the missile during disturbances at Castle Park, in Bristol city centre, on August 3.
At Bristol Crown Court in October Tavener, aged 35, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of violent disorder.
He was sentenced on the same day as two other other people.
Kieran Leach, 21, of Keynsham, was jailed for 20 months for violent disorder during clashes with counter-protestors outside the city’s Mercure Hotel on Redcliff Hill, which was being used to house asylum seekers, and assaulting a cyclist.
A boy aged 16, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a nine-month intensive referral order at Bristol Youth Court after pleading guilty to a violent disorder charge.
The violence flared during a week of anti-immigration riots across the UK, sparked by false information spread online that claimed the killer of three girls in Southport on July 29 was a Muslim asylumseeker.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: “More than 30 people have now been sentenced for their part in the shocking scenes of disorder in Bristol that day.
“We have made it absolutely clear that those responsible would be identified and arrested and that’s what we continue to do with 52 people having been arrested and 43 of those having been charged.”
A FATHER and son from who were jailed for making and selling fake hand sanitiser during the Covid lockdown have now been ordered to repay £106,000 they made from the scam.
William Irving, aged 69, and 35-year-old Alexander Irving, both of Woodend Lane in Hill, near Thornbury, were jailed in April after it was discovered they were fraudulently selling fake hand sanitiser described by one expert as ‘useless’.
South Gloucestershire Council’s trading standards service, which prosecuted the pair, brought a new case under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover their profits.
At a hearing at Bristol Crown Court in September, William Irving ordered to repay a total of £90,000, and Alexander Irving ordered to repay £16,000.
Both were given three months to pay or face further custodial sentences.
In addition, the pair will have to pay £26,000 each in prosecution costs, taking the total to £158,000, and have been banned from serving as company directors in England and Wales.
Council cabinet member for trading standards Sean Rhodes said: "I’m pleased to see this pair will have to repay the money they made in addition to the original custodial sentences they were given, following the work of our Trading Standards service.
"They were seeking to trade on people’s fears, and their desire to do the right thing during the pandemic.
"This result sends an important message that crime doesn’t pay, and justice will be served to those who trade in such a manner."
THE tireless efforts of Thornbury in Bloom's volunteers to make the town beautiful have brought it the accolade of Champion of Champions in this year's regional competition.
Judges at the Royal Horticultural Society South West in Bloom awards also singled out two stalwarts of the Thornbury group, Jean Owen and Fran Sparrow, with a special award recognising their combined 60plus years of hard work for the cause.
Thornbury In Bloom chair Kath Greenman said volunteers were "delighted and thrilled" to receive a gold medal at the awards presentation in Bath on October 8.
Four other contenders were in the Champion of Champions category for places with a population of 10,000-plus: Babbacombe, Bath, South
Swindon and Yeovil, all of whom also won a gold medal.
After a "nervous wait" the Thornbury team was declared the overall champion.
Kath said: "The feedback we received was outstanding, with the highest scores in all three sections – horticulture, environment and community.
"Particularly pleasing were comments around how exceptionally polished our entry was and also how hard we’ve worked over the years to reach the top and yet, despite all the challenges we have faced, we truly remain a class act!
"This success is the result of a fantastic community effort and could not have been achieved without the support of many of our other community groups, our sponsors, volunteers, members, Thornbury Town Council, South Glos Council, and many of our
local businesses.
"A huge huge thank you from the Thornbury in Bloom team to everyone who has helped in any way – we really do appreciate it."
Long-serving volunteers Jean and Fran were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the group and town.
Jean runs T&J Owen florists at The Plain, where she has worked for 52 years, and has volunteered with In Bloom for 33 years, helping with everything from ordering and planting to cleaning gutters, weeding and tending to the display at the Pump.
Jean said her award was a "lovely surprise", but added: "I love all that we do. Some people might call it hard work but if you enjoy what you're doing it's a passion. It's lovely to do it for Thornbury."
Fran, who worked for Jean
for 30 years and has been volunteering for a similar length of time, said it was a "big shock" to receive her award, but the town's win meant just as much.
She said: "We can't beat Bath on flower content but it's the community where we're strong. We all roll our sleeves up and get stuck in together."
Kath said: "Between them, Jean and Fran have been absolute stalwarts in serving Thornbury in Bloom for over 60 years and it’s a fact that without them, we wouldn’t have Thornbury in Bloom! "Therefore, this recognition is extremely apt, very well deserved and we’re sure the whole of Thornbury will join us in congratulating Jean and Fran on their wonderful achievements."
The cup and certificates are on show in the window of T&J Owen.
THE government has committed to funding Thornbury's new health centre, the town's MP has confirmed.
Claire Young said she had secured a commitment of the £14.4million funding needed to enable the rebuilding of the health centre off Eastbury Road from health minister Karin Smyth, following months of uncertainty after the general election.
The Liberal Democrat MP wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting days after being elected, asking for the new government to commit the funding previously needed to see a new medical centre built.
It came as Labour said the previous Conservative government had announced a number of major projects without having the necessary money in place, raising fears they would not be funded.
However Ms Smyth has now confirmed that the funding will be allocated, subject to the full business case being developed.
It comes as a full planning application for the centre has been published on South
Gloucestershire Council's planning website, following a joint application by the council, which owns the land, and the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, which is in charge
of planning NHS services in the area.
Work on the centre could start early next year.
Ms Young said: "For years local people have been promised a new medical centre, and yet at every turn they’ve seen it fall through, due to a lack of central government funding.
"I am so pleased to have been able to now secure a concrete commitment to fund the building of the centre in my first few months as an MP, which is a big win for local residents.
"Now the focus must be on ensuring the project gets shovels in the ground as soon as possible, so we can put this funding to good use."
Ms Smyth's letter said: "I would like to reassure you that we recognise the need for improved health services in Thornbury, and that we remain committed to the Thornbury Health Centre scheme.
"Since the election, we have already approved early fees so that the trust can move forward with delivery.
"I am pleased to confirm that £14.4m remains available for allocation and utilisation for the scheme under the STP Wave programme, subject to business case approval."
The minister said any extra funds would need to come from the ICB or council.
The announcement came shortly after the ICB and council confirmed plans for the new health centre had been submitted for the former Thornbury
Hospital site.
It will provide a new home for Severn View Family Practice and Streamside Surgery, who currently occupy a shared building nearby on adjacent.
The health centre would provide a total of 24 consulting rooms, three treatment rooms and two rooms for taking blood samples, with a joint reception and waiting area and office space for both GP practices, as well as Severnvale Primary Care Network.
Sirona Care & Health would also have office space and consulting rooms for community services.
ICB chief delivery officer David Jarrett said: "We are pleased to be moving forwards on the development of a brandnew Thornbury Health Centre with the submission of this planning application.
“The proposed surgery would provide a much-needed improvement on existing facilities, providing a state-ofthe-art healthcare facility for local people.”
Council cabinet member for corporate resources Adam Monk said: "While there are still some key steps to take, making the planning application is an important milestone to support the preparation of a strong business case for the Department of Health to consider next year."
The plans can be viewed on the council's planning website at tinyurl.com/ze6rury3, or by searching for application P24/02333/R
From page 1
The council says that "at least 10% of spaces" in short stay car parks will be free for stays of up to 30 minutes.
Blue badge holders will be able to park free for four hours in both short and long stay car parks.
Three car parks in Thornbury are affected: Rock Street and Castle Court, which have a mixture of long and short-stay places, and St Mary Street, which is short stay-only and will have a "validation system" so people visiting nearby health facilities can park free.
Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, which has opposed the charges since they were first mooted last year, says they will affect residents, visitors and staff who use the car parks while at work.
A chamber spokesperson said: "Thornbury businesses are already facing immense challenges and the proposed additional cost of possibly over £1,000 per staff member per year is simply unsustainable.
"Moreover, these parking charges will worsen ongoing issues such as off-street parking incidents, forcing more vehicles into residential areas and creating congestion and safety concerns."
The chamber said that in earlier meetings with then-council leader Claire Young, now the town's MP, she had "assured the Chamber of Commerce that Thornbury would be treated as an individual case".
The spokesperson said: "The proposals now outlined fail to consider the unique challenges we continue to face in the town.
"SGC is instead proposing changes that will drive away customers, deter staff and threaten the survival of local enterprises.
"We urge the council to reconsider this proposal before it causes irreversible damage to Thornbury’s economy and the livelihood of its residents."
Thornbury Town Council has also expressed alarm.
A spokesperson said: "We are seeing and hearing the concerns being raised and sympathise with people’s frustrations.
"Parking charges take away the convenience of going to the town, businesses fear the financial impact of the charges through deterring customers and reducing foot traffic in the town, displacement of parking, along with commuting workers, who will need to find £1,000 for a permit or £9 per day from their salaries."
The town council is urging people to email parkingchargeslaunch@ southglos.gov.uk with their concerns.
Charges were agreed in principle as part of this year's council budget and the authority estimates that they will raise more than £800,000 per year.
Council-owned car parks at Thornbury Leisure Centre and Park Road will not be affected.
Charges will apply between 8am and 6pm, Mondays to Saturdays, with parking remaining free on Sundays and Bank Holidays, excluding Park and Ride and station car parks.
Payments will be cashless, using cards or an app.
Council cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes said: "We know that many residents did not want to have to pay car park charges locally.
"However, the financial situation faced by the council, and the assumptions built into the previous budget by the previous administration, mean that we have had to take this decision.
"We are all used to paying for parking when we drive almost anywhere outside of South Gloucestershire, but I am pleased that we will be able to set charges as low as possible, while still generating important revenue for the council, which will allow us to protect other vital services."
RESIDENTS of a lane in Thornbury say flooding has become a problem since a new development was built nearby.
People living in Hackett Lane say water running off the Cleve Wood development, off Morton Way, is threatening their homes.
Builder Miller Homes insists it is acting in accordance with an approved flood risk strategy – but South Gloucestershire Council says a temporary drainage system was "overwhelmed".
Resident Kate Hannaway said a neighbouring cottage, built in the 1600s and bordering a stream, had been flooded for the “third winter in a row” since the development started, most recently after heavy rain on October 8.
Mrs Hannaway said: "Water was discharged at such a rate, the stream can’t cope with it. In fact, the fire brigade has had to provide sandbags to the cottage owners.
"There had only been one
flood in the last 100 years, and that was more than 20 years ago, but nothing like what we see now."
Mrs Hannaway said the once-clear stream is now claycoloured, and the otters that used to visit are no longer seen.
Another resident said: "Since the new housing estate, it’s like a river down there when it rains heavily.
"There is nowhere for the water to go – it floods down the bottom of the road."
Mrs Hannaway said people who live close to Hackett Farm have found that "surface water now drains into their garden".
The owners of her neighbouring cottage declined to speak publicly.
Work on the Cleve Wood development of up to 350 homes started in 2021, with some homes on the 55-acre site having already been occupied for about a year.
A Miller Homes spokesperson said: “Work has been carried
out to minimise flood risks in and around our Cleve Wood development, in line with an approved flood risk assessment and drainage strategy.
"A new drainage network restricts surface water run-off to ensure neighbouring properties are not impacted.
"We are aware of isolated flooding at a nearby property, the cause of which is not related to work being carried out at our development.
"We have met with the resident and offered, as a gesture of goodwill, to support them in carrying out maintenance work which is required for the drainage measures on their property."
A council spokesperson said: "After receiving the flooding report from the resident, the council raised the matter with the developers.
"The temporary surface water drainage solution that was put in place for the duration of the construction phase appears to
Sandbags at the stream in Hackett Lane
have been overwhelmed.
"This temporary solution was necessary during the construction phase, to manage surface water run-off.
“We are working with the developers to ensure that the surface water drainage system is finalised ASAP as per the approved design.”
STUDENTS at Thornbury's Castle School are settling into two new buildings.
The school's £10 million maths and science block, 20 new classrooms, has opened along with the new Post-16 centre, which has space to serve 300 sixth-form students.
It comes as a new specialist school opens on the campus of Marlwood School in Alveston.
The opening of the Post-16 centre, which provides teaching for Castle and Marlwood School pupils, means the school has now vacated the historic former Thornbury Grammar School buildings in Gloucester Road, which have been used for education since the late 19th century.
The new facilities were opened in September in a ceremony at which staff, students and trustees joined the team of builders, architects, surveyors and council representatives, plus special guest Geoff Barton, who was until recently the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders.
The new Post-16 Centre includes a social space, mezzanine and three different independent study spaces with modern IT facilities.
The maths and science block contains "state-of-the-art" laboratories and classrooms, and has created space for the school to also create new art and photography suites in its older buildings.
Head teacher Jessica Lobbett said: "Many years of planning, and three years of construction projects, have culminated in these fantastic new facilities.
"I’ve been so proud at how our students and staff have coped with some temporary facilities during the construction, and we will now be able to move forward with no distractions.
"The sixth-form students are
already telling me how much they value the new areas, and we will be able to accommodate even more students in the future.
"I’d like to thank South Glos Council for all their support in making this possible."
In Alveston, Two Bridges Academy has opened in the grounds of Marlwood school in Vattingstone Lane.
The special school is for pupils aged from two to 19 who have severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities.
The school is run by Enable Trust, which also runs New Siblands School in Thornbury.
It is opening over three
years, and by 2026 will provide places for 112 pupils. The first 40 started in September.
Head teacher Carrie Osmond said: "It has been a truly moving experience to see the academy open, after many years of planning and preparation.
"Already we are seeing our vision of achievement and wellbeing through excellence come to life, and we look forward to supporting many pupils to fulfil their potential in the coming years."
The school's facilities include a sensory room, hydrotherapy pool and accessible outdoor spaces.
A METAL detectorist who found a locket containing a photo of a mystery woman in a field was amazed to discover it was a member of a fellow detectorist's family.
Mark Willcox posted pictures of the woman after unearthing the silver locket off The Downs road, between near Charfield and Wickwar.
The pictures were shared on social media and by the BBC before fellow detectorist Gary Stone, who had met Mark at an archaeological dig, got in touch to say he recognised her.
The woman in the picture is Carla Bamonte, who has lived in Canada for the past 15 years but coincidentally is returning to Britain for a visit soon.
Mark, of Coombe Dingle in Bristol, and his friend Mark Lovell found the locket in an arable field, caked in mud.
He opened it to discover “a wet soggy picture” of a woman wearing a baggy cap,
which he initially thought was taken in the 1970s but was actually taken a little over 20 years ago.
Carla's daughter Sophie, who is 32, cut it out and placed it into her silver locket when she was aged around eight or nine, but lost it soon afterwards.
Carla said: "We were so surprised and stunned. We knew the picture was me and then I knew that it must have been Sophie
who had lost it.
“She remembered losing the pendant some 20 years ago, and she and her brother Bow and cousin Gemma spent hours looking for it in the fields all around.
“The pendant was found in the field next to Sophie’s grandad’s house, with the huge hollow oak tree in it where they often played."
Sophie and Carla live in Alberta.
Carla said: "She was delighted when I contacted her. It’s such a sweet outcome for Sophie to get the locket back after so many years. And what is lovely is that we are all back in touch with Gary again."
Mark is delighted to have found the owner and told us that he hadn’t dared remove the photo from the locket to check for a name as it is very fragile.
Carla used to run a boutique clothing shop in Clifton Village Arcade called Bamonte, and lived at The Paragon in Clifton for 22 years with her children.
She has been living in Edmonton for 15 years but will shortly be in the UK for the first time in many years, and hopes to meet up with Mark to collect the locket.
Mark, who has been “detectoring on and off since age 12”, has three wedding rings this year alone, a man’s chain with two of its three lost charms and – his biggest find to-date –6,500 Roman coins.
AN INSPECTOR has praised the "positive experience" for children and babies at a Thornbury nursery.
Ofsted visited Happy Days Day Nursery in Cooper Road in August.
The regulator's report found the nursery, which has 108 children aged four and under on its roll, was 'good' in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and personal development.
Inspector Sarah-Louise Clements praised the nursery's settling-in process, which was tailored to the needs of each family, helps children to have a "smooth transition" into nursery and ensures parents are happy their children's needs are being met.
She said: "Leaders and staff provide children with a positive nursery experience.
"All children are safe and secure and very well settled.
"Leaders and staff create and implement a curriculum that they tailor to the needs of the children.
"Staff use their skills to keep children engaged and spark their excitement. Children listen to their peers, take turns and follow instructions successfully."
The inspector said children respect others, build relationships and play well together.
Staff and children at Happy Days Nursery in Thornbury spell out their rating.
She said leaders had worked hard to make changes to ensure they provide "inclusive, high-quality care", with a "rigorous" recruitment and induction procedure for staff, who are supported well and given training opportunities to improve their skills.
The inspector said: "Staff are good role models for children and create exciting learning opportunities for them.
"All children are very well supported. Any gaps in development are identified and strategies are put in place to help close these. Leaders provide support for the whole family to ensure they get the help they need."
Children's communication skills are helped by learning Makaton sign language and listening to music.
The inspector said children learn routines and expectations such as hand washing, although to improve further she recommended that staff do more to help younger children to understand why rules are in place for playing with balls or climbing equipment.
The report is the third successive 'good' rating for Happy Days, which is open every day except for bank holidays and has 24 staff, since the nursery opened in 2016.
Happy Days operations director Fiona Blackwell said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Darlene and the team who have been instrumental in turning this nursery around and creating a fantastic environment for both children and our colleagues."
THORNBURY & Yate MP Claire Young has stepped down from her role as a South Gloucestershire ward councillor to concentrate on her work in Westminster.
The Liberal Democrat’s resignation will trigger a by-election in Frampton Cotterell, which will be held on November 28.
Ms Young overturned a 12,369-vote Conservative majority to oust Luke Hall by more than 3,000 votes in the Thornbury & Yate constituency at July’s general election.
She quit as council leader shortly after being elected to Westminster.
Announcing her decision, Ms Young said: "It’s been a real honour to represent local people on South Gloucestershire Council – and I look forward to keep fighting for our area in Parliament."
Council chairman Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi (Con, Bradley Stoke North) told a meeting of full council on October 16: "We have officially received notification of the resignation of Claire Young.
“As you are all aware, this is going to trigger a by-election, so that’s something we should look forward to.”
Ms Young, who became council leader after the local elections in May 2023 in a Lib Dem/Labour coalition administration, has been removed from the list of councillors on the authority’s website.
Frampton Cotterell is a large, three-seat ward. Its other two members are Liberal Democrats Tristan Clark and Jon Lean.
In 2023 the Lib Dems received 55% of the vote in the ward, ahead of the Conservatives on 38 per cent, with Green and Labour a distant third and fourth respectively.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
MP's column: Page 14
THE charity in charge of Thornbury's Armstrong Hall complex says there has been a "speedy and constructive start" to the process of investigating its reopening.
The Armstrong Hall Trust issued a joint statement with Thornbury Community and Arts in October to update residents on work to bring the Armstrong and Cossham halls back into use.
The complex in Chapel Street was closed during the Covid lockdown in 2020 and has remained shut ever since.
After an "appraisal of options" by the trust earlier this year, the charity said it would refurbish the complex rather than selling it off, thanks in part to a pledge of £300,000 by donor Maggie Lansdown for the project.
The statement said: "When a generous donor offered money which would enable restorative work to commence on the Armstrong Hall, the Trust decided to work with the Thornbury Community and Arts Community Interest Company to progress the refurbishment project, and also the operation of the facility once restored.
"The Trust now has a working group of delegates who will ensure that plans for the Complex are fully compliant with all current safety regulations, while supporting TCA to achieve these standards.
"In the meantime, TCA is establishing an appropriate organisational structure to manage the planning not only of the shortterm building restoration, but also the reopening and operation of the community-led business which will run it for the benefit of the town and surrounding area.
"During this initial investigation and planning stage, it won’t be possible to predict a date for the reopening, as it will depend largely on the work which needs to be done on the buildings.
"A building surveyor has already paid a first visit, and they will propose a process for undertaking a full inspection."
THORNBURY'S fourth annual Fun Palace event brought people together to celebrate the best their community has to offer.
Charities, voluntary groups, businesses and residents shared skills and passions at the event on October 5, which took place at five locations around the town: the St Mary Centre, Thornbury Library, Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol Academy of Live Performing Arts' Caedmon Complex and The Pod, by Thornbury Skate Park.
There were more than 20 free activities, ranging from street dance and music to macrame.
The St Mary Centre hosted a range of events including steel pan music with Panache, woodland crafts, macrame workshops, bike maintenance, a community cafe and even a pretend protest to promote Thornbury Musical Theatre Group's upcoming play Made in Dagenham.
At the library there was a queue to dress up as a Roman solider, look at artefacts from Thornbury and District Heritage Centre and see photography displays from U3a.
BALPA hosted street dance and musical theatre, music, yoga, graffiti art and free food.
There was also a day of taster activities with Thornbury Leisure Centre and the opportunity to make badges and see firefighting equipment with Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service.
Thornbury Fun Palace was part of Fun Palaces 2024 a
free, nationwide campaign to put " culture at the heart of community and community at the heart of culture".
The town's event was organised by JIGSAW Thornbury with South Gloucestershire Council, St Mary Centre, Thornbury Leisure Centre and Krunch Southwest.
Organising committee leader and JIGSAW Thornbury people
and participation lead Lisa Straccia, said: "Thornbury Fun Palace is such a unique event, where people give up their time and share their passion to give back to their community, bringing them closer together.
"I couldn’t be prouder of this event, that just gets bigger and bigger each year.
"Thank you to everyone that got involved and to all those that
Trying the Roman soldier's armour at the library
came.
"Special thanks go to South Gloucestershire Council as they funded the food and photographer for the event, and were heavily involved in the planning team.
"We look forward to returning next year for our fifth Thornbury Fun Palace."
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A TEENAGER from Alveston is celebrating winning gold in an international contest for stunt scooter riding.
Dax Oliver came first in the amateur freestyle final at the International Festival of Extreme Sports (FISE) at Wolverhampton in September, despite a big fall and coming fourth in the qualifiers.
The Castle School sixth-former first got into stunt scooter riding at a young age, when he still had a three-wheeled scooter, before progressing to what he called his ‘wobbly scooter’ – a two-wheeled one.
Dax took part in his first competition aged nine, at an event at the former Rush Skatepark in Stroud.
Dad Adrian said: "It was all a bit of fun and evolved from there."
Dax has since competed at many local competitions and won the Amateur Scoot Jam U13s at ScootFest 2019 at Rush Skatepark in Brimscombe, which landed him a place on District Pro scooters as a 'flowrider' - a step before a professional rider.
Adrian said: "It can be a bit worrying sometimes watching him, as there’s the odd crash, but you get a bit more used to it."
Dax, who is studying geography, business studies and photography at Castle School Sixth Form, trains at least once a week –more in the summer – often at Campus indoor park by Winterbourne Academy, as well as at Rampworld in Cardiff.
As well as the Wolverhampton event Dax competed at the most recent Scoot GB qualifier at the regional heats at Deeside,
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Here he finished third in the Intermediate 13+ group, gaining a place at the Adrenaline Alley Skatepark, Corby Scoot GB event on the weekend of October 19-20, along with the best riders from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland.
Dax was in the first heat in the UK finals of Scoot GB competing against 44 other riders who qualified for the intermediate age 13+ finals, although he missed out on the top spot.
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ONE hundred – it’s a landmark number.
Whether it’s a message from the King on a special birthday, a century for a cricketer or a perfect exam score, it is always viewed as special.
In the world of politics, there’s been a lot of talk about the first 100 days of the new government, but it’s also a landmark for newly elected MPs like me.
I may have now passed 100 days as an MP but the job started from day one – in my case with an urgent meeting on July 5, the morning after the election.
There was no time to ease into the job.
I arrived in Westminster three days after being elected and since then have received rapidly approaching 2,000 cases of people seeking my help.
My team and I are hard at work to answer and help
everyone who’s been in touch, prioritising those most in need.
I’ve also been able to meet with a lot of those in South Gloucestershire whose decisions can have a real impact on our lives.
Here is a brief run through of some of the things I’ve done over the past few months as your new MP.
Over the summer, I met the managing directors of Stagecoach and FirstBus to raise the challenges for bus users in our area. Both were clear that we need leadership from the West of England Combined Authority to stop the continued decline of these services and I’m still pushing for a meeting with the mayor.
I also met the joint chair of North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
to discuss the situation facing our local NHS and care services, especially in some of our most rural areas.
In Parliament, I raised the systemic underfunding of local schools and secured a meeting with the minister to discuss funding and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision across our area. This is a key issue for many parents, who feel like their children are being let down.
I also secured a promise of funding for the development of further flood defences at Severn Beach from the rail minister, and joined a meeting with the flooding minister about the support being made available to help with rebuilding work after the recent floods.
It really has been a whirlwind first 100 days as your MP, challenging but hugely enjoyable and rewarding.
Of course it’s still the early days of this Parliament, and over the coming years I will do my best to ensure your voice is heard in the corridors of power at Westminster.
If you need my help or want to book an appointment for one of my advice surgeries, please email my office at Claire.Young.MP@ parliament.uk or call my team on 0207 219 7829.
THIS month, I joined the Prime Minister and other regional leaders in the first meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions up in Edinburgh.
While the name may sound a little grand, in reality it’s an important step towards a more equal relationship between national government, the devolved parliaments, and regional mayors.
By working together, we can unlock much more of the great potential we have in the West of England. That’s why, as mayors, we have committed to producing Local Growth Plans, which will identify what we need from central government to help us tackle challenges around transport, housing, and skills.
This plan will show the way to greater economic growth. Alongside that, a new era of genuine partnership working with Westminster will see regional mayors given further powers to further deliver for our communities.
Central to delivering the Local Growth Plan is bringing investment into the region. I was proud to show off the West of England to investors from around the world at the Prime Minister’s International Investment Summit, showcasing our existing strengths and the enormous potential we have here.
In the West of England, we already have a strong record of delivering investment to create better infrastructure and public services.
Just in the last few weeks, the second new railway station in 100 years has opened at Ashley Down.
Since being elected Mayor, I have been working to deliver our very own “reverse-Beeching”, opening new stations for the first time since those disastrous rail cuts back in the 1960s.
Two new stations have opened in the last year and there are more planned, including at Henbury and North Filton and, I hope, at Saltford.
Now, in Ashley Down, thousands of residents are closer to a train station than at any time since before Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. With it, there are now more sustainable travel options to get into the centre of Bristol.
I have always believed that if you give people affordable and reliable public transport options, they will take them up. Good transport infrastructure is also crucial to delivering business investment, and these new stations will support our ambitions in this area.
But we also know that, even as we invest in securing growth, we also must transition to a
Metro Mayor Dan Norris writes for the Voice
greener and more sustainable economy. That is why my mayoral combined authority is setting up a new fund to drive £100 million of green investment in our region.
With £10m of public money to kick-start it, this fund will vitally lever in private investment in renewable energy, retrofit projects, and nature recovery projects.
It is because of this track record of delivery that I can say to businesses at events like the Investment Summit: the West of England is open for business, so come and invest here.
The West of England is going from strength to strength, and a new partnership with national government will help us deliver even more in the future.
Alveston Fringe artwork
A GROUP of artists who meet to work together will stage an exhibition this month.
We call ourselves Alveston Fringe. The main group meets on a Friday morning and is made up of amateur artists from all walks of life, from Thornbury, Alveston, Olveston and other villages.
Our interests include painting and drawing, ceramics, card making, gifts, machine embroidery, decoupage, knitting and more.
The exhibition will be open from November 14 to 16 at 10am to 4.30pm each day, in St Helen’s Church, Greenhill Road, Alveston.
Entry is free, refreshments will be available and there is parking and disabled access.
Anne Harrison
REHEARSALS are underway for Thornbury Orchestra's next concert.
The music will include Dvorak's Slavonic Dances Op 46, Gabriel Faure's 'Elegie' Op 24 and Glazunov's 'The Seasons', Op 67.
Taking place on January 19 next year, at 3pm in the drama hall at Marlwood School, Alveston, the concert will, as always, be in aid of a charity based in or around Thornbury.
Tickets, available on our website or at the door, are £10 for adults, with children free. For more details, contact info@thornburyorchestra. org.uk.
The orchestra was founded in 2002 and draws players from across South Gloucestershire and beyond.
We rehearse regularly in St Helen's, Alveston, and normally give two or three concerts a year, all in support of local charities.
We are always keen to hear from interested players and currently have a number of vacancies.
For more details, visit our website at www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk.
Richard Kenchington
Kim Cypher. Picture: Ron Milsom
SAXOPHONIST Kim Cypher will set the Christmas mood with her 'Jazzy Festive Special', presented by Armstrong Arts Group.
A regular performer on the London and UK jazz circuit, including the world-renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, she has been featured on BBC radio and won awards for music videos.
Together with Chris Cobbson (guitar), Mike Green (bass) and Mike Cypher (drums), Kim will return to Porch House at Christ the King Church Hall in Castle Street, Thornbury on December 14 at 7.30pm.
She will showcase original music from her new album, Catching Moments, together with a great mix of saxophone and vocal jazz, Latin, Blues, swing, funky grooves and a few festive favourites.
Tickets cost £15 from AAGThornbury@gmail. com or 01454 850933.
Jane Parfitt
THE first concert of Thornbury Choral Society's 2024/2025 season will be a performance of The Christmas Oratorio by JS Bach.
Taking place on November 30 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, the choir will be conducted by Steven Kings, and accompanied by the Thornbury Camerata orchestra.
The soloists are Corinne Hart (soprano), David Whitworth (alto), Ilya Aksionov (tenor), William Drakett (bass) and Matthew Bale (continuo).
Tickets are £18 pre-booked or £20 on the door, and £5 for under 18s.
These will be available from members and Horders stationers after November 16, or by emailing tickets@thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.
For more details visit www.
thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.
Angela Hughes
OCTOPUS Drama Group will start selling tickets to its annual pantomime later this month. Alice’s Adventures in Pantoland will be performed in Christ the King Hall in Castle Street, Thornbury from January 8 to 11.
Written and directed by Alison Bagnall, this pantomime promises to be a real gigglefest!
When Alice falls down a rabbit hole, she finds herself in a magical garden filled with familiar pantomime characters such as Snow White, Peter Pan, the Pied Piper and many more.
She stumbles upon a robbery and with the help of a traditional but faded Fairy Godmother, she must find out who is guilty.
There will be five performances: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm and Saturday at 11am and 2.30pm.
The box office opens on November 29 at Rosie & Rex gift shop in Thornbury High Street.
Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children under-18.
Christ the King Hall has plenty of parking nearby, and refreshments will be available during the interval.
Sue Smith
ROSIE Wennick will give a cello recital for St Mary’s Church's next Sunday afternoon concert, which will take place on November 17 at 4pm.
As usual the programme will last about an hour, and will be followed by refreshments.
Admission is free – there will be a retiring collection for St Mary’s Music.
Angela Hughes
AVON and Somerset Police recently took part in a week of action to target criminals who exploit roads across Avon and Somerset by transporting illegal drugs and money through our region and the wider South West area.
The success of Avon and Somerset Police in tackling drugrelated crime often depends on information provided by the public. I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with vital information for this operation, or has done so in the past: please be assured that your contributions are essential in helping officers catch and charge those involved.
You can report suspicious activity in your area to your local police online, on 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can also contact your local
neighbourhood policing team – find out who they are through the Avon and Somerset police website at tinyurl.com/yfwnz6dx.
I understand the importance of people feeling connected to their local policing teams.
I recently held my sixth and final public forum on October 9 in Yeovil, Somerset.
At each of the forums, I’ve asked people to share their priorities for policing, to help me develop a Police and Crime Plan to address the evolving challenges in policing and to deliver lasting solutions. I’m very grateful to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts – I’ve heard lots of ideas and suggestions.
One of the most recurring subjects I’ve heard from the public, through these forums and from those who have filled out my current consultation survey, is that people
want to feel safer where they live and work.
People are telling me they would like more investment in police officers based in communities.
The first priority in my draft plan seeks to provide action in this area, focusing on strengthening neighbourhood policing to provide a visible police presence, engage with communities, and tackle anti-social behaviour.
I know that policing is not the only answer to feeling safe in your community.
One of the practical ways I am supporting communities to deliver their own solutions is through my Crime Prevention Fund, which is currently open for applications.
I’m offering grants between £1,000 and £10,000 for projects that aim to reduce crime, serious violence, and antisocial behaviour.
Whether you are a community group, charity, or organisation working to make a difference, this fund provides an excellent opportunity to secure financial support for your work in Avon and Somerset.
The deadline for applications is November 8. To find out more and apply visit tinyurl.com/2s3vb29j.
For more information on my draft Police and Crime Plan, or to take part in the consultation, please visit my website at tinyurl.com/5dvaks2e.
October 30-November 2
n THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP presents Made In Dagenham at the Olympus Theatre, Filton. Wednesday-Friday 7.30pm, Saturday 2pm and 7pm. Tickets via www.tmtg. org.uk, from Lisa Costa Residential Sales and Lettings, Thornbury High Street, or by phone on 07516 270140.
November 2
n THORNBURY VOLUNTEER CENTRE CHRISTMAS TABLE TOP SALE, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 10am-1pm. Vintage garden/carpentry tools, cards, local produce, handmade gifts and crafts, giant Christmas raffle, teas, coffees and home-made cakes. Free entry.
November 4
n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION, Alveston Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Talk by Roger Umpelby: Pest and disease control without chemicals.
November 5
n EVERY TUESDAY, THORNBURY ART CLUB Tuesday Painting Studio Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, 1.30-4.30pm. Call 01454 414433 for more details. Also Thursday Painting Studio Group, same time and venue. Call 0777 627 1010.
November 5
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB
Christmas open evening, Olveston & Tockington Parish Hall, 7.30pm. Presentation with Lorena Dyer: The Magic of Christmas.
November 12
n EASTWOOD GARDENERS CLUB meets at Turnberrie's, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Talk with Nicholas Wray, the Evolution of Flowers. Visitors welcome.
November 12
n CIRCLE DANCING to music from around the world. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, 6.308.30pm. Also on 19th. New dancers welcome, no experience or partner required. More details from vickislade1@ outlook.com or 07516 999384.
November 14-16
n ALVESTON FRINGE ART GROUP
EXHIBITION, St Helen’s Church, Greenhill Road, Alveston, 10am4.30pm daily. Painting and drawing, ceramics, card making, gifts, machine embroidery decoupage, knitting and more. Free entry, refreshments, parking and disabled access.
November 15
n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents The Great Escaper, with Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free, guests
£5. For more information about membership visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org
November 16-17
n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
MODEL RAILWAY CLUB Annual Model Railway Exhibition, Turnberrie's Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury, 10am-5pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday. With 17 Layouts, four traders & two societies. Adult £8, child (5 – 16) £3, family (2+2) £18. More details at www.tsgmrc.co.uk.
November 17
n ST MARY’S MUSIC Sunday afternoon concert, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 4pm. Cello recital with Rosie Wennick. Refreshments, free entry, retiring collection for St Mary’s Music.
November 21
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by Francis Burroughs, The Wonderful World of Glass. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.
November 25
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB practice class, 'Christmas My Way', St Mary’s Hall, Thornbury, 1.30pm.
November 26
n CLUB NIGHT AT THORNBURY
ART CLUB with Welsh artist Jentien Powell, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, 7.15pm. Members free, non-members welcome (£6 on the door, includes tea & biscuits). Free parking on-site. For more details visit www.thornburyartclub.co.uk or call 01454 414433.
November 27
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n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Medley of traditional tunes of the British Isles played by the Brigstowe Village Band. Visitors welcome (£5, includes coffee and biscuits).
November 30
n THORNBURY TOWN COUNCIL
‘Meet Your Councillor’ sessions in the Town Hall, High Street, 10am12.30pm.
November 30
n THORNBURY CHORAL SOCIETY November concert, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 7.30pm. The Christmas Oratorio, by JS Bach. Conducted by Steven Kings, accompanied by Thornbury Camerata. Tickets from Horders stationers after November 16 or email tickets@thornburychoralsociety.org.uk. More details at www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk.
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.
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.
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has confirmed new opening times for libraries including Thornbury, as staffed hours are cut back.
Reductions in the hours where libraries will be open to all, and have librarians on duty, were agreed by councillors to save £273,000 from this year's council budget.
The libraries will still open on the same days as before, and open access times, where residents who have signed up for an entry card can use the library while no staff are on duty, will remain the same at 8am to 7.30pm every day.
From November 4 the library will be open from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Until now it has been open from 9.30am5.30pm.
Saturday staffed opening hours are unchanged at 9.30am-12.30pm.
Hot drinks will now be available from 10.30am-4pm on Mondays. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The library will open early at 9.30am every Monday and Friday only for families attending Rhymetime sessions for young children.
Ukrainian storytime sessions continue every Monday at 4pm with Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher.
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 November 1 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 10am.
THORNBURY Rotary Club has donated £500 toward Thornbury Radio’s DAB project to upgrade the station’s capability to DAB digital broadcasting.
Club president Mark Wilkinson said: "We recognise the importance of a local radio station in keeping the local community informed of matters of interest to them and, as Thornbury Radio have done for us, enabling local organisations to promote their activities which benefit and support those living and working in our area."
Thornbury Radio is a notfor-profit social enterprise organisation, whose mission is to deliver a ‘hyper-local’ radio station serving the communities in Thornbury and surrounding areas.
It’s good to talk…
People can use the computers or WiFi with their own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.
For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury. library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries.
Maria, Bristol “ ”
Thornbury Radio director and presenter Nigel Lane receives a donation from Rotary president Mark Wilkinson.
As well as now being on DAB, Thornbury Radio is also on 105.1 and 107.5FM.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
Local people can help Thornbury Rotary Club raise even more funds to support local organisations and charities.
It was hard but I’m so glad we had that conversation.
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
Together we planned a proper send off for mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories.
To find out more about how you can support our efforts to enhance your local community, contact Derek Baker at secretary@thornburyrotary. org.
Bernard Amos
Together we planned a proper send off for Mum, a whole morning to celebrate her life with the music and poetry she loved. In a peaceful natural setting where our family and friends had plenty of time and space to share stories and memories
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, has been nominated for a prestigious industry award, and is the only one to represent the whole of the South West.
“The G-Awards celebrate the very best in the double glazing industry in the UK, and we are super excited to have been shortlisted in the Installer of the Year category,” The Window Hub’s managing director Danny Robb said. “We may only have been in business for four and a half years, but the judges have selected us alongside six other fantastic retail companies as representing the cream of the crop.”
Bristol-based window installation company, The Window Hub, was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny Robb, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
From humble beginnings, The
Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it.
90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism,
friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.
As well as being open and honest, The Window Hub is keen to raise environmental awareness.
“All of our products will help homeowners reduce their energy usage because they are extremely energy efficient,” Danny said. “We also buy the majority of our products from companies in the South West.
“When we remove old windows and doors, everything is recycled, and we are currently planting a tree for every customer at a wildlife park near where we are based.”
The winners of G-Awards will be announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Park Lane Hotel in London on November 29.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk
OLVESTON and District Bowls Club is offering bowling aids to people of all ages to enable them to play the sport of lawn bowls.
If you think you need assistance in playing this great sport, and have not tried it out due to a disability, then Olveston has all the equipment you need.
The club, based at Old Down, has successfully applied for grants to raise the funds for the equipment, which is free to use. This has helped to make it an all-inclusive club.
Besides the obvious walking aids, like the Zimmers which have been adapted to be used on the green, we have an adapted seated walker and wheelchair, with different-sized arm extensions.
These are especially useful for people who find bending or holding difficult due to hand and arm issues.
Also to help people with hand and arm issues, we have an arm pusher/launcher.
This is a surprisingly easy piece of equipment to use, which helps propel the bowl or jack forward simply by pushing.
Walking/bowling aid sticks are extremely useful in steadying yourself when bending
down whilst carry out a bowling action, so are very useful if you have a balance or lower back issue.
We have also found whilst coaching over the years that more and more people are tending choose and play with smaller bowls.
The club has a huge selection of bowls to offer for use but now have a complete set of the four differing sizes of size zero bowls.
This means we now have the full range of hand sizes of legal bowls available.
Finally, to help you get up on to the green we have our ramp.
Everything that we have purchased will enable current bowlers to carry on playing, knowing that we have the equipment available to adapt.
We offer bowlers from around the counties the opportunity to come and try out the equipment they might require, before making a purchase for themselves or their club.
Several of our own club members have already taken up this opportunity and are either using or have purchased a piece of equipment of their own after trying out the club’s new equipment.
Of course, we can now offer all this to members of the public, of any age, who may have felt that the opportunity to try a sport like ours was perhaps beyond them.
The club would like to thank Sports England Lottery Fund, Boost Charitable Trust and Thornbury Lions for their generous donations
Using a pusher to bowl
through grants totally - £5,550.
For more details, contact coach Alan Lambourne, who is a member of Disability Bowls England, on 07847 264963 or visit www.bowlsolveston.co.uk.
Steven Wharram
RECENT results for Thornbury Town’s first team have been close-run affairs, following defeats and victories by the odd goal.
A 2-0 victory against Malmesbury Victoria in the FA Vase preliminary round, in front of over 200 spectators, saw Thorns rewarded with a long trip to Cornwall to play Torpoint Athletic in the 1st round proper.
Despite a dominant performance, they had goalkeeper Adam Clarke to thank in the closing moments as he made an excellent save from a header to preserve their 1-0 lead.
Marcus Wormwell had scored the goal a few minutes before half-time, a low shot past the keeper after a run across the box. Wormwell also had a header from a corner blocked on the line and a second-half shot saved.
Callum Chalmers also had a shot well saved by the Torpoint keeper and sent a header wide,
while Sam Moseley hit the side netting and substitute Luke Franklin hit the woodwork late on.
In the league the visit of top team Corsham Town saw Town lose 1-0 to a goal in second half stoppage time.
This was followed by another odd-goal defeat, 3-2 at home to Slimbridge. The visitors had raced into a three-goal lead early in the second half but Thorns dug in and goals from Chalmers and Wormwell narrowed the gap.
Town were denied a point by the visitors' keeper, who pulled off a couple of good saves.
A trip up to Gloucester to play fellow strugglers Longlevens saw Thorns return with all three points following a 3-2 victory.
A topsy-turvy game saw Thornbury come from behind to lead thanks to goals from Jim and Harry Brock, before being pegged back again by their hosts.
However with time running
THE first league fixtures have provided a mixed bag of results for Thornbury's men's and ladies' hockey teams.
The ladies 1sts have probably been the most successful, with a 4-3 victory away at Cirencester 2nds, a 3-3 draw at home to Wotton-under-Edge 2nds, then a heavy 6-1 loss against a strong Redland 2s side, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season.
Coz Deas has again started well, with goals in each match. A hat-trick against Wotton, where the team surrendered a two-goal lead, was followed with a brace at Cirencester and the team's only goal against Redland.
Club vice-captain Lou-Lou Taylor and Sammie Taylor, no relation, have scored the side's other goals.
Team captain Jo Deas hopes to return to action in the New Year.
The young 2nd team continues to show promise: a 5-2 victory against Old Bristolians 5ths was an excellent team effort, with captain Sarah Lally leading from the front with two goals.
The others came from Beth Edis, Lauren Lever and a stunner from Ella Clark which
out, Harry Brock was brought down inside the penalty area and recent signing Moseley stepped up to drive home the winner from the spot.
Pershore Town were the next visitors to the Mundys, with Town keen to make amends for last season's heavy defeat.
The visitors took the lead after 20 minutes but Thorns gradually settled and took control.
Just before the break a Moseley through ball found Harry Brock, who skipped round his marker before firing low past the Pershore keeper.
The second half saw Pershore reduced to 10 men but Thornbury couldn’t make the extra man count with the visitors' keeper pulling off a number of good saves.
The Reserves have had little recent action but made progress in the League Cup with a 3-0 win against Cribbs A.
Their only league fixture was a 4-1 defeat to Shirehampton Reserves, with Asher Budd scoring a first-half equaliser but the hosts scoring three in the second half.
Thornbury's A team are still looking for their first win of the season, having drawn three and lost one of their fixtures, whilst the U18s have lost their two league fixtures so far.
Ground improvements have continued, with new pitch-side railings installed and a new covered standing area due to be erected before Christmas.
These improvements are necessary to ensure the Mundy Fields facilities meet the FA's ground requirements, so the club can continue to play at Step 5 of the National League system, their current level of football.
Malcolm Carr
gave the keeper no chance.
A narrow 1-0 loss at Wick 3rds was a game where the team were frustrated by a number of 50/50 decisions going against them.
The men's 1s are finding the step up to a higher standard following promotion difficult.
Harry Collins' side lost a couple of good players before the start of league action and this, coupled with early injury worries, meant that their latest game had to be conceded.
The results in their first two games were a 5-0 loss at Yate 2nds and a 15-0 defeat to Welsh side Whitchurch 3rds.
The men's 2nds gained a 1-1 draw against Westbury/Utd Banks 5ths, with Tom Allison scoring the goal.
Thornbury ladies defend a penalty corner
Two of the club's promising youngsters, Gilbert Melton and Jeremy Tett, who is in the Gloucestershire under 13 squad, made their senior debuts in the game.
Isaac Red and Tom Arnold scored in the 2-1 victory over South Glos 3rds, and Tom Allen scored a brace in the game against Clifton Robinsons 6ths.
A warm, friendly welcome awaits new players who wish to return to hockey or have moved to the area.
Club training is on Monday evenings at Castle School, with juniors from 6-7pm and seniors 7-8.30pm.
For more information contact thornburyhockey@gmail.com.
David Parry-Jones
THE first few weeks of the season have been busy for Thornbury rugby club.
The First XV are mid-table after good wins over Longlevens and Weston-super-Mare but lost at Gordano and home to Keynsham, in matches they should have won.
Had they done so they would have been top of the table when they welcomed the side that actually was top, Drybrook, in a fine game at Rockhampton Road which the Forest side deservedly won.
Sam McLaren scored four tries in the defeat at Gordano, a
Sam McLaren hands off an opponent on his way to his fourth try against Gordano. Picture: Dave Fox
rare feat for a first team player.
He, Jack Pickles and Henry Low in particular have excelled in the early games.
The Second XV have been able to build on promising early matches to enjoy some fine wins, including a 45-19 victory over Southmead.
The Seconds are an excellent building ground for the younger players, who gain from the experience of some of the old hands that still play.
The Women’s XV are rebuilding after the unexpected departure and retirement of a group of leading players.
They lost their opening league match against a tough Dursley side, but are bringing on some new players.
The Colts XV have had a good start to the season with only one defeat thus far, but they have progressed into the last 32 of the National U18 cup and face a difficult match at Chippenham in
mid-November.
In late October and early November they have league matches at Minchinhampton and Old Cryptians at home.
The coming weeks see Thornbury First XV playing at Stow-on-the-Wold for the first time in nearly 30 years, and hosting Witney in the first encounter between the clubs at First XV level.
They are also home to Old Centralians and Trowbridge and play at Swindon RFC.
The Seconds are at North Bristol and Broad Plain in the next few weeks, and host Dursley and St Mary’s Old Boys in a tough autumn.
The Women’s team will look to continue building and gaining experience with home games against Aretians and Chipping Sodbury, while also travelling to North Bristol, for a match with their second XV, and Gordano.
For more information keep an eye on the rugby club’s social media pages and the website at www.thornburyrfc.co.uk.
Dave Fox
