MEMBERS of the Thornbury Mums and Kids group entered six teams in this year's Thornbury Rotary Swimarathon at the town's leisure centre. They were among 40 teams who swam a total of 5,265 lengths and helped to raise around £12,000 for good causes. Full story: Page 21
PLANS for a new Lidl supermarket in Thornbury have been approved unanimously by councillors – despite concerns it will have a “massive impact” on town centre traders.
South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee granted permission in March to bulldoze
vacant offices in Midland Way and build a new store, after hearing the German discount chain could convert the existing building into a food store without consent anyway, and that the effect on local retailers would be the same either way.
More than 100 residents wrote in support of the
Please contact Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…
proposals, which involve the demolition of West Park House, the former Alexandra Workwear clothing headquarters on Thornbury Industrial Estate.
There were 25 objections, including from Aldi, the Co-op and Tesco, which have stores in the town.
Turn to page 2
A TEENAGE Castle School student has qualified to compete for England in a fly-fishing tournament.
PAGE 11
Armstrong Hall rebrand
THORNBURY'S much-loved
Armstrong Hall complex will be given a new name as part of its new start.
PAGE 3
Developer wins appeal
A DEVELOPER'S plan to build 32 homes on a field on the outskirts of Thornbury has been allowed on appeal by a planning inspector.
PAGE 4
School is still flying high
AN inspector has praised standards at a village primary school.
PAGE 5
Our May edition deadline is April 23.
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How the new supermarket is expected to look.
Picture: SMR Architects/ Lidl
From page 1
Thornbury Chamber of Commerce chairman Alan Cole told the meeting: "Our members are gravely concerned about this development.
"Thornbury has undergone and endured a chaotic five years following on from covid, through disruption to the High Street and the changes made to it.
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"We then anticipated and hoped for a period of recovery in the town where business could rebuild, customer confidence could be regained and the town centre could begin to flourish again as the sustainable heart of Thornbury.
"Then it was quickly followed by the announcement by the local authority that parking charges would be introduced.
“Members of the chamber of commerce are also very concerned about Lidl’s plans to establish this supermarket.
“Trade would be drawn away from the town centre.”
He said the chamber was not convinced that Lidl would actually convert the existing building into a supermarket were planning permission refused.
Mr Cole, who is also the manager of St Mary Shopping Centre, said: "Please give us a chance to recover and rebuild our town centre and establish a foundation where we can continue to serve the community.
"I’ve worked in the town for 35 years and I’ve never known the town centre to be in such jeopardy.
"If you want to prevent an ongoing cycle of decline, we would ask you to vote against this proposal."
Thornbury Liberal Democrat ward councillor Chris Davies said the huge recent rise in the town’s population had not been accompanied by any new supermarkets in 30 years.
He said: "It is obvious that a third supermarket is needed now, and wanted.
"This site is not perfect for a supermarket but officers recommend that development is allowed, and I agree."
Lidl regional head of property Glen Stidever said more than 2,500 people had supported the plans since they were announced, and that there were no suitable alternative sites nearer the town centre.
He said the premises could be converted into a food store without planning permission because it would not require a change of use under planning rules.
Mr Stidever said: "The proposed Lidl store would not cause any material retail impact when compared with the occupation by Lidl of the existing building.
"This is an important material consideration.
"The reality is therefore that Lidl will soon open a new food store on this site regardless of members’ decision, as there is a lawful fallback option for Lidl to occupy the current building."
He said highways officers raised no concerns about traffic safety issues and that it was the "clear will of local residents" for the plans to be approved.
South Gloucestershire Council’s tree and landscape officers objected to the proposals, along with St Mary Shopping Centre, while the residents who opposed the redevelopment cited dangerously poor visibility at the junction with Whitebridge Gardens and noise from delivery lorries.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
THORNBURY'S much-loved Armstrong Hall complex will be given a new name as part of its new start.
The venue will be known as The Armstrong when it reopens after renovation work, which is about to get underway.
Charity the Armstrong Hall Trust and community interest company Thornbury Community and Arts, who are working together on the £2 million project, say the new name is part of a "fresh start" which will enable the venue to "return with a brand-new look and renewed purpose".
They have released concept drawings of how parts of the venue will look after the work is complete, which is currently anticipated to be in the middle of next year.
In a joint announcement they said: "The newly-named The Armstrong is set to become a revitalised and dynamic venue for the community.
"Thanks to the expertise of local volunteers and businesses the venue will feature a fresh, contemporary aesthetic while preserving its historic charm.
"With renovations starting in spring, The Armstrong is on track to open its Cossham Hall and Foyer in Winter 2025/26, followed by the main 300 seat theatre from mid-2026.
"The ambitious refurbishment project will bring the venue up to modern standards while providing a welcoming space for events, performances, and community gatherings.
"The revitalised venue will feature a fully upgraded foyer with improved accessibility, modernised facilities, and a welcoming bar and function space."
A concept drawing of the new bar area
Once open, the intention is for the venue to host a wide range of events to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, from comedy nights and talks to family theatre, creative workshops and social gatherings.
The organisers said: "Whether you're looking to be entertained, learn something new, or connect with others in the community, The Armstrong will be the place to be!"
Funding for the first part of the project, bringing the Cossham Hall and foyer back into use, is in place, in large part thanks to a £350,000 donation from Maggie Lansdown, the wife of billionaire Bristol City and Bristol Bears owner Steve Lansdown.
Maggie and Steve both attended the then Thornbury Grammar School in their teens, and last year she told the Voice it was her mother Betty Brock's experience of attending the Armstrong Hall and Cossham Hall for local events which showed her the value of the "vital" venues to the community.
Although Maggie and Steve, who moved to Guernsey in 2010 after 35 years in Bristol, have not lived in Thornbury, Maggie's mum lived at the Tanners Court
retirement complex in Midland Way for 20 years.
A fundraising campaign will now be launched to secure the funds for the main 300 seat theatre.
Jill Dimond, of Thornbury Community and Arts, said: "The Armstrong is more than just a venue. Our mission is to become again the heart of Thornbury’s cultural and social life.
"With a fresh new look and a professional events team
in place, we’re committed to creating an exciting, inclusive, and financially sustainable space that will serve the community for generations to come."
Last year the Armstrong Trust, which owns the venue on behalf of the people of Thornbury, opted to refurbish it rather than to rebuild it or relocate to Turnberrie's Community Centre, after a yearlong appraisal process and clear public support for retaining the Chapel Street location.
The organisers are now encouraging residents and businesses to get involved with the project through fundraising, volunteering or offering expertise.
People are being urged to get in touch at hello@thearmstrong. co.uk.
The Armstrong now has a website at www.thearmstrong. co.uk, where updates will be posted and people can sign up to a monthly newsletter.
A DEVELOPER'S plan to build 32 homes on a field on the outskirts of Thornbury has been allowed on appeal by a planning inspector.
Newland Homes' bid for outline permission for housing on the site at Post Farm, north of Butt Lane, on farmland currently used for cattle grazing, was thrown out by South Gloucestershire Council in January last year.
The developer's agents Pegasus Group claimed the 32 homes "can be sensitively accommodated on-site, limiting the impact of the scheme in the wider landscape setting".
However the plans were opposed by Thornbury Town Council and 38 residents, and South Gloucestershire Council agreed.
The application was rejected by officers using delegated powers on seven separate grounds, for contradicting the council's core strategy, policy, sites and places plan and the Thornbury Neighbourhood Plan.
The council said it would have
adverse impacts on the hamlet of Lower Morton and the heritage setting of Grade II listed Yew Tree Farmhouse, which were "not outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme".
It was a third attempt to develop the site, with the same developers approaching South Gloucestershire Council in 2021 with proposals for up to 37 homes, and an earlier planning application by Linden Homes to build up to 39 homes on the site rejected by the council in 2019.
However after an appeal heald at the end of January, the Planning Inspectorate has now informed South Gloucestershire
RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure they have their say on South Gloucestershire Council's new Local Plan, which is in the final stages of consultation.
The plan will govern where homes and new business are built up to 2040.
It includes proposals to allow more than 200 new homes to be built in Thornbury, along with 250 in Alveston. Further afield, more than 2,000 homes would be built on
Developer wins appeal to build on green fields
Council that its decision has been overturned and the development will be allowed.
Newland Homes said the council had not proved it had an adequate supply of land for housing.
In a decision released in March, inspector Hollie Nicholls said: "The public benefits of the proposal include the delivery of up to 32 dwellings, in the context of an undersupply of housing, and of which 40% would be affordable homes.
"Additional benefits would include the provision of further public open space and biodiversity enhancements,
Woodlands Golf Course near Almondsbury, just under 500 around Almondsbury and Hortham, and 775 at Charfield.
Responses will be passed to the government’s planning inspectorate for review before hearings next year.
Launching the consultation, South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: “We accept that not everyone will like everything in the Plan; some of the decisions we have had to make have been very difficult. We share local people’s passion to protect the character of the places they love to live. But we would be doing those people and the next generations a disservice if we simply tried to put up a roadblock to
through landscaping and specific enhancement measures.
"In my view, these public benefits outweigh the identified less than substantial harms to the designated heritage assets."
Campaigners Thornbury Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP’D) said: "We were disappointed but not entirely surprised by the outcome of the appeal to extend Post Farm for yet another 32 new houses.
"The appeal brought by Newland Homes was on a site that had twice previously been rejected by the Council, is not part of the proposed New Local Plan, and came despite strong arguments from TRAPP’D and other residents that it would damage the setting of the rural hamlet of Lower Morton and other heritage assets as well as causing further traffic congestion and strain on local services. "The Inspector largely agreed with our arguments about the harm but said that all this was overruled by the fact that we do not have an “up to date” Plan in place."
any new building."
The plan can be viewed and commented on at the consultation website, localplan. commonplace.is, until April 11.
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
TRAPP'D is urging Thornbury residents to back its response to the statutory consultation to add weight to it.
It has published details of the plan, how it affects the area and how to respond on its website, trappdgroup.weebly.com.
The deadline for adding to the TRAPP’D response is April 8.
Charfield plan approved: Page 10
AN inspector has praised a village primary school's "ambitions for its pupils to fly high".
Ofsted visited St Helen’s Church of England Primary School in Alveston at the end of January, just over five years after a previous inspection report said the school was 'outstanding' - its highest rating.
The regulator no longer routinely gives schools one-word overall ratings.
But inspector Jason Edge said the school had maintained its previous standards.
Citing the school's motto, he said: "The school has ambitions for its pupils to ‘fly high’. Typically, these are realised but the school is ambitious for pupils to learn even more."
St Helen's, at Greenhill, has 207 pupils aged from four to 11.
The report praised the school's "calm and purposeful atmosphere", with children behaving well in lessons and those in the Early Years classes listening well to adults.
The work of the school's 'Nest', supporting pupils with special educational needs or disabilities who struggle with their emotions, was also highlighted.
Ofsted said the school had strengths in reading from the early years onwards, with pupils who fall behind "quickly spotted" and helped to catch up.
The inspector said pupils "develop a love of literature in the school’s impressive 'reading plane'" - the fuselage of a Filtonbuilt BaE 146 airliner installed in the grounds as a library.
He said: "Pupils work hard and take pride in the
presentation of their work. They discuss their learning with enthusiasm."
The school's “broad and ambitious curriculum” was highlighted, starting from reception.
Leaders outline clearly the knowledge pupils should know so teachers know precisely what to teach, the report said.
The school was also recognised for its emphasis on sport.
The inspector said: "Pupils talk proudly about representing the school in tournaments.
"This helps them to understand the importance of teamwork.
"Older pupils learn about independence and perseverance through residential trips.
"Pupils develop strong leadership skills through roles and responsibilities, such as ‘reception buddies’ and house captains."
BUS operator first says it is making changes to the timetable for the T1 bus service linking Thornbury and Bristol.
The company says the changes are "peak-time adjustments to reflect traffic around Bradley Stoke and the Ring Road".
They are part of the latest revision of bus timetables announced by First in March.
All of the changes come into effect from April 7 and can be viewed online at tinyurl.com/mrxvxzxd.
The West of England Combined Authority as announced plans to freeze children’s bus fares at £1 for the coming year.
The authority is also planning to extend Disabled Person’s travel cards so that buses are now free at all hours, rather than just after 9am, extend care leavers’ free bus travel for another year and cap the cost of multi-operator day bus tickets, valid on 11 different companies’ buses, in the region at £7, instead of a proposed rise to £8.
The report highlighted that the school continues to “review its work to address any weaknesses”.
The inspector said: "Staff’s workload has improved recently, following a period where they raised concerns.
"They feel that the school takes these issues seriously and acts on them.
"Staff support each other well and are proud to work at the school."
To further improve, the inspector said the school needed to ensure all work given to pupils matches "the high ambition of the curriculum" and deepens their knowledge.
He also said support for pupils with SEND needs to be individually adapted, to ensure they all receive the precise support they need to learn well, as identified on their learning plans.
Executive head teacher Julie Simpson said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of our recent ‘ungraded’ inspection and continue to fly high at St Helen’s School.
"Ofsted recognised our commitment to the children and families of the community we serve and we continue to work hard to improve our provision and be the best that we can be."
A DRIVER has been charged with causing the death of a young Thornbury man in a lorry crash.
Former Castle School student Tyler Carley died when the scaffolding lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road at Mangotsfield in December 2023.
He was 20 years old.
Tyler Carley
Avon & Somerset police say a 38-year-old man, who was arrested after the incident, has been charged in connection with the collision.
A spokesperson said: "Following an investigation, Michael Jon Ronner, of Warmley, in South Gloucestershire, has been charged with causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving."
Ronner was summoned to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on March 25.
Tyler lived in Kingswood and Mangotsfield before moving to Thornbury, where he attended Castle School.
He was working as a scaffolder when he died.
As well as many friends in the town, Tyler also had friends from playing football for Deerswood, Longwell Green and Bristol Rovers' development squad.
He was a big Bristol Rovers fan, following the club home and away, both with his dad and with friends.
Since his death his mum Gemma Showering, dad Mark and siblings Kylan, Skye and Ronni-Irene, have founded The Road Forward – Tyler Carley Foundation, to support road accident victims' families.
Last year Gemma and eight other relatives and friends of Tyler raised more than £800 climbing a mountain in Wales to raise money for 2wish, which offers help to bereaved relatives. The foundation also supports SCARD (Support & Care After Road Death & Injury).
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has started work to install payment machines in car parks where charges are being brought in.
The council has yet to confirm a date for the introduction of charges in many of its car parks, including the Castle Court, Rock Street and St Mary Street car parks in Thornbury.
A spokesperson said: "While the scheme will go live later in the year, work to prepare for installation of machines that will accept contactless and chip and pin payments is being carried out now."
The plan to introduce charges, which was agreed by councillors last year with the aim of raising £800,000 per year in revenue, has been widely opposed in Thornbury, with the Thornbury Town Centre Partnership writing an open letter last year calling on the council to listen to voices sounding the alarm over the effects of the charges on businesses, residents and visitors.
All three town centre car parks are currently free.
Rock Street and Castle Court, will have a mixture of long and short-stay places, and St Mary Street will remain short stay-only, with a "validation system" so people visiting nearby health facilities can park free.
Short stay car parks will have some spaces available for free for stays of up to 30 minutes: charges there will range from 70p for an hour to a maximum of £5 for up to four hours.
Long-stay charges will range from £3 for up to four hours to £5 for more than six hours, with season tickets charged from £20 for a week to £840 for a year.
Disabled Blue Badge holders will be able to park in any space free, for up to four hours.
Charges will apply on weekdays from 8am-6pm.
More details on the charges can be found at tinyurl.com/2j3yp8bp.
Thornbury Town Council warmly invite all residents to our Annual Town Meeting which will be held on Tuesday 29th April from 7pm at Turnberrie’s Community Centre. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, raise matters and share your thoughts on the town. There will be exciting guest speakers, a selection of local groups and free refreshments. We hope to see you there!
We are re-launching our Community Toilet Scheme. Local businesses have been asked to submit applications to allow people to ‘Use our Loo’ which means you can use their facilities without needing to make a purchase. We are hoping to have all our host toilet’s open by the summer - more information will soon be available on our website.
Any green space, whether you have a garden, balcony or even a small window
box can register to become part of the newly launched initiative ‘Thornbury Community Nature Reserve.’ This is a way to support local wildlife; simple actions can have a big positive impact. Visit our webpage www.thornburytowncouncil. gov.uk or pop into the Town Hall for more information.
We estimate that a whopping 37,500 blister packs were collected in just 8 weeks during our successful trial scheme. This proves there is a real need for blister pack recycling in Thornbury. Unfortunately, the cost was too high for us to continue the scheme, so we are encouraging residents to lobby our MP and pharmaceutical companies to urge them to create opportunities for recycling in our area. We have templates, support and resources available for residents to use should they wish to campaign for blister pack recycling in Thornbury, so please get in touch if this is something you are interested in.
The Mayor’s Awards were a celebration of the wonderful Thornbury residents who make such a difference to our area through their contributions in our community. Almost 6000 votes were cast, which shows how much volunteers are appreciated. We welcome your thoughts on the awards and the process from voting to the event - so please visit Thornbury Town Council’s webpage to complete a feedback form.
Karolina Jurkiewicz
THE partner of a Thornbury artist is appealing for help in providing treatment not currently available to her on the NHS.
Piotr Joryn is appealing to the “strong spirit of support and unity” of the community to help raise vital funds for his partner Karolina Jurkiewicz, who he says needs urgent specialist treatment the NHS cannot provide for another eight months.
Piotr and Karolina have known each other since childhood and were both born in the same small town in Poland.
They lost touch when Karolina moved to Germany, aged seven, but met again by chance just over 10 years ago.
He said: "Since then, we’ve been together through everything, as both partners in life and in creative work.”
Piotr said that Karolina has battled neurological issues for years but her symptoms began worsening significantly in 2023.
He said: "What started as occasional blackouts has now progressed and she experiences unpredictable episodes of paralysis, seizures, and cognitive impairment lasting hours or even days."
Piotr despite numerous hospital visits said Karolina’s condition has not been diagnosed and he has been notified that the earliest the NHS can admit her for assessment is in eight months.
He said: "Even then, there is no guarantee that she will receive the right treatment. Given how quickly her condition is deteriorating, waiting that long is not an option.
"Karolina can no longer move on her own, speak, or leave her bed.
"She is completely dependent on care and unable to carry out even the most basic daily tasks.
"Her mind is sharp, but her body is becoming a prison."
Piotr says he has had to leave his full-time job in logistics to care for "24/7".
Piotr is desperate to help his partner and has found a private specialist clinic in Poland that focuses on complex neurological cases, but has been told the estimated cost for the 28-day intensive treatment programme is likely to be £10,000.
He said: “Karolina will also require either an ambulance or a medical helicopter, as she is in such a fragile state that a regular journey could be life-threatening."
Before her illness, Karolina was an active committee member of the Thornbury Art Club and Piotr says she “contributed significantly to local events, including the club’s 59th anniversary celebration".
He added: "Her dedication has helped foster a creative space for the local community."
TAC publicity officer Shirley Whyte said: “Karolina is a very talented and inspirational artist.
"She is the club's IT specialist and has been instrumental in setting up the club's brand-new website over the last year or so.
"This, and her creative use of social media, has helped re-launch the club's new image and grow its membership.
"Very sadly she has had to step back from her role because of her current illness. We miss her very much and wish her a speedy recovery."
Piotr has set up a GoFundMe donation page for his fundraising campaign, named Save the Muse, which can be found at gofund.me/ d261e24f.
ON May 1
voters in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and B&NES will choose the region's next Metro Mayor.
The leader of the West of England Combined Authority has the task of coordinating the region’s transport, housing, infrastructure, jobs, skills and business support strategies.
Whoever wins the election is expected to be given extra powers in the years ahead, as the government promises to devolve more spending and decisionmaking to regions.
They will be responsible for delivering the region's Local Growth Plan, to drive economic growth over the next ten years.
The mayor has to work with the leaders of the three councils that make up WECA to deliver policies.
Current Metro Mayor Dan Norris is standing down after being elected as a Labour MP last year.
Aiming to succeed him for Labour is Helen Godwin, a former Bristol City Council cabinet member.
The Conservatives, who held the post from 2017 to 2021, have also picked a former Bristol city councillor, Steve Smith, to try and win it back.
The Greens, third in 2021, have selected Mary Page, a community activist who was their candidate for the Bristol North West seat at the last general election.
Bath & North East Somerset councillor Oli Henman is the Liberal Democrats’ choice.
South Gloucestershire councillor Ian Scott is standing as an independent. He initially applied to be Labour's candidate but accused the party of discrimination after being removed from its shortlist.
As they ask you to vote them into a new job, the Voice asked each candidate to answer three interview questions to find more about who they are, their priorities and plans.
As the Voice went to print, Reform UK had not announced a
candidate. We invited the party to contribute to this article.
Nominations opened on March 26 and will close on April 2.
Helen Godwin: The three top issues facing our region are:
The lack of a smart, integrated transport network that effectively connects communities and meets local needs.
The critical shortage of affordable homes in communities with essential services.
The need for sustainable economic growth that delivers quality jobs and training opportunities across our entire region.
As your Labour Mayor working alongside a Labour government, I'll bring together stakeholders and private companies to tackle these challenges with my proven track record of delivery.
Oli Henman: The top issue is the need to improve public transport. This includes rapidly expanding reliable buses, alongside an integrated approach to trains and mass transit as well as improved cycle routes.
Secondly, we have an opportunity to build the jobs of the future, we need pathways through training and into employment in key areas such as renewables, net zero construction, engineering and technology innovation.
I would also highlight the need for genuinely affordable housing in locations with good transport connections.
Mary Page: We need a New Green Deal for the West of England.
Public transport is unreliable or non-existent. We are experiencing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, conflict between development versus nature yet also a lack of affordable housing.
I will prioritise making public transport accessible and available 24 hours a day. Improve our environment and sustainability policies, support communities with local plans and upskill our people. Work with social housing developers and use the Green Infrastructure Fund to unlock private investment.
Ian Scott: Government Funding – Give us our money back. The West of England is a net contributor to the economy, so why is it not in the first tranche of the Integrated Settlement, like West Yorkshire? West of England or West Yorkshire? West of England voters will want to get fair funding and gets its money back to fund local services.
Mass transit system – We are the biggest city in Europe without a mass transit system Cheap bus fares.
Steve Smith: Ending local councils' war on the motorist who are hitting people with new parking charges and wasting limited regional funding on closing off roads.
Transforming public transport by opening at least five new local train stations (three in South Glos), increasing service frequency. And prioritising bus services to improve coverage for communities affected by cuts like Chipping Sodbury.
Championing our Green Belt by promoting a “brownfield first” approach to housing and promoting higher density development in the centre of Bristol.
Question 2: If you win the election, what would your first action be?
Steve Smith: To stop frittering away regional transport funding on schemes that close and curtail road access. The first to go will be the Labour Mayor’s planned congestion-creating and deeply unpopular A4 Bus Lane on the Keynsham Bypass between Bath and Bristol.
Ian Scott: Call in the bus operators to plan better bus
routes to increase bus usage and keep bus fares as low as possible, whilst demanding a fair funding system from the government for the West of England.
Mary Page: Meet all staff to outline my plans and hear theirs. Instruct an audit of policy documents and ways of working to ensure a sustainability first approach. Start investigation into Franchising and set up outline brief for a Freedom travel card.
Oli Henman: This is a key moment to rebuild trust in the role of the Mayor to drive new opportunities for our region. I would start by bringing together all the key stakeholders to listen and design a shared strategy on transport, housing and jobs.
Helen Godwin: If elected, my first action will be assembling a top-tier team at the West of England Authority - professionals demonstrating clear regional value while delivering immediate results. No wasted time, just tangible outcomes for our communities
from day one.
What prior experience do you believe qualifies you for the job?
Mary Page: Worked in community development support at Shirehampton Jobs, Training and Enterprise, Jobs 22 Marketing Manager, DWP Work Coach, National Composites Centre Business Development, South Gloucestershire Council political advisor, National Union of Journalists SW Exec, Trustee and Residents’ Association Chair.
Steve Smith: I’ve worked in business, the NHS and local government. Crucially I have a proven track record of campaigning on local issues. This includes taking the fight to Lib/Lab South Gloucestershire Council against their Green Belt destroying, congestion creating Local Plan.
Helen Godwin: As a deeplyrooted local with generations of
family across the West Country, I've proven my ability to deliver real change as both a business leader and Bristol cabinet member. My reputation for getting things done by bringing together key stakeholders will secure the investment our region deserves.
Oli Henman: I have local roots and an international outlook. I have experience as a local councillor in the leadership at Bath & NE Somerset and
deep expertise in sustainable development. I can deliver locally, raise the profile of the region and draw international investment.
Ian Scott: I have been a councillor 25 years - Filton 15 years and South Gloucestershire 10 years. I worked as a local government policy advisor for South Gloucestershire Council two years, Bristol 10 years, and South West councils Local Governance Assessor.
POLLING day is Thursday, May 1. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.
The deadline for registering to vote is April 11.
Postal vote applications have to be made by 5pm on April 14 and proxy vote applications have to be made by 5pm on April 23. Voters will need to photo ID, including a passport, driving licence or older person’s bus pass, to vote in person on the day. Anyone without photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, also by April 23.
More information on voting can be found on the WECA website at tinyurl.com/2s468mh6, the South Gloucestershire Council website at tinyurl.com/2mwsnmxt or by calling 01454 863030.
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PLANS for 250 homes in Charfield have been approved, despite objections from 230 residents.
South Gloucestershire councillors voted by 5-3 to grant permission for the new housing estate, called Charfield Meadows, north of Wotton Road in March.
It is on one of two major sites earmarked for development in the village in the final draft version of the district's 15-year Local Plan, which is currently out for public consultation and at least a year away from becoming official policy.
Objections to the application were also submitted by four town and parish councils, the crime prevention officer, Active Travel England, and the council’s own economic development team, because the initial proposals had been changed to remove any employment provision.
Resident John Acton, a retired planning inspector, told the strategic sites delivery committee that many locals would be “aghast” that the plans included more traffic calming measures in the village.
He said the planning officer’s report highlighted these as a benefit of the development.
But Mr Acton said: "This is unrealistic. It would be a disaster.
"This is an old, speculative application dating back to 2019."
Charfield Parish Council’s objections to the application by Bloor Homes included a lack of infrastructure to support hundreds of new residents, including the over-subscribed local primary school, lack of GP surgery places and poor bus links.
Ward councillor John O’Neill (Lib Dem, Charfield) told the meeting on March 6: “It is unfair to sell homes for families when there are insufficient places at primary schools.
“This would just overwhelm everything."
A council officer said a scheduled an expansion of the school was due to be open by 2029, with a reception class possibly being ready by 2028.
Resident Mark Wilson, who lives next to a proposed walking and cycling route that forms part of the scheme, said it would give “unrestricted views into my private rear garden and home”.
Planning officer Charmian Eyre-Walker said the hedgerow behind Mr Wilson’s home would be retained so his privacy would be protected.
Bloor Homes South West senior planning manager Jonathan Dodd said the company would invest £9.4 million in local infrastructure, including £1.6m towards expanding Charfield Primary School.
He said 35% of the homes would be classed as affordable.
Mr Dodd said: “This is an important moment for Charfield – to secure sustainable growth, deliver vital infrastructure, and strengthen the community.
“We are not just building houses – we are investing in the future of Charfield in a way that matches the community’s needs."
The developers will also contribute towards improvements to the Falfield junction of the M5 and public transport improvements, including money towards reopening Charfield Station in 2027.
By Adam Postans, Local
Democracy Reporting Service
A TEENAGE Castle School student has qualified to compete for England in a flyfishing tournament.
Jesse Gale, aged 14, will be part of a team of 14 anglers from across England who will head to Scotland to compete in the under18s Loch-Style home nations fly fishing championship competition this summer.
Following two practice days, the competition between the hosts, England Wales and Northern Ireland will take place on July 30 at the Lake of Menteith, near Stirling.
Qualifiers started last September at the youth national loch-style competition in Grafham, Cambridgeshire.
Despite Jesse, of Olveston, missing out on a top three place, he was selected in February at Ellerdine Lakes Telford for the youth category (17 and under), following four days of training and competition over the previous five months.
He said: "Last season I set myself a goal to
reach the England squad.
"I’ve surprised myself that I achieved my goal in a relatively short space of time.
"Most of my teammates have fished from a very young age, typically because someone in their family fly fished.
"I love how I’ve actually taught my dad to fly fish, when traditionally it’s the other way around.
"I’ve had an incredible amount of support from Bristol Reservoir Fly Fishing Association, which has helped me achieve my dream.
"I’m really looking forward to competing on behalf of England."
Jesse first got into flying fishing following a school holiday open day, before picking up tips online.
Mum Ruth said: “I took Jesse to an open day where fly fishing was an activity to try.
"He’d previously mentioned fly fishing was something he fancied trying.
"He then taught himself by watching YouTube videos. He started fly fishing in October 2022 and caught his first trout the following month.
"Qualifying to fish for England has been an incredible achievement, especially as Jesse has only been fishing a relatively short time.
"We're really proud, not only because he’ll be the first in the family to represent England, but also the way Jesse shares his knowledge, helps youngsters at the reservoir
Gale with a catch
and is at his happiest with a fishing rod in his hand."
Jesse is raising money towards his competition costs associated with fishing for England and offering donors the chance to win a taster day fly fishing.
To donate or find out more, visit bit. ly/4kZTI0X
One of the bonfires at Rangeworthy Court
A WASTE collector who burned waste at a disused historic Manor House and hotel has been ordered to pay more than £15,000 in fines and costs.
South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted Waste Bristol Limited and owner Mark Stephens, 59, of Barrowmead Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol for a series of offences.
He appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on March 17 and pleaded guilty to unauthorised treating, keeping or disposal of waste; fly-tipping and failing to produce waste transfer notes.
His company was fined a total of £12,000, and he was also told to pay costs to the council of £1,288, and a victim surcharge of £2,000, totalling £15,228.
The court heard that in April last year, residents became aware of fires being lit in the car park of Rangeworthy Court in Church Lane, Rangeworthy.
A council spokesperson said: "A white Transit sized tipper truck would arrive after dark and tip waste within the hotel car park.
"The occupants of the truck would then arrange the waste into a bonfire and set it alight.
"This would happen on a weekly basis, with the men using an accelerant to ignite the fire. The fire would burn intensely, and the men would remain at the bonfire for up to 45 minutes before driving off to leave the fire to burn out unsupervised."
In July last year a local resident observed a large plume of smoke and called the fire brigade before going to the car park and finding the ‘Waste Bristol’ truck in front of a bonfire.
Another fire was spotted in the car park of Rangeworthy Court burning unattended in September.
South Gloucestershire envirocrime officers found the remains of three further bonfires and traced the owner, who said no permission had been given for them.
In October, Stephens confirmed he was the director and sole worker of Waste Bristol Limited and admitted regularly going to Rangeworthy Court.
The spokesperson said: "Stephens stated that his subsequent visits to the site were to relax and connect with ‘spirits’ that he sensed were present there."
"When shown the photograph of a Waste Bristol truck in front of a bonfire, he denied any involvement stating that the fire was already lit when he arrived there."
Council cabinet member for environmental enforcement Sean Rhodes said: “This case saw an unscrupulous waste company ignore all of their legal responsibilities and set alight vast amounts of potentially harmful waste at the historic Rangeworthy Court.
“Our advice to residents, is to be wary of businesses or people advertising waste clearances on social media sites such as Facebook."
Illegal fly-tipping can be reported by contacting the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@ southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping.
Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement
Our programme of work, starting this spring and due to complete by Spring 2027, will make it easier and safer for people walking, cycling, wheeling, and make journeys quicker and more convenient when travelling by bus from Thornbury and the surrounding area towards Almondsbury and North Bristol.
From 31 March until Winter 2025, works will initially take place at three junctions – Alveston Hill, Church Road and Hortham Lane junction. We recognise that these works will impact users of the A38 and other routes. We are committed to minimising disruption and delays during construction, while ensuring the safety of the public and our workforce around work sites.
Claire Young MP writes for Thornbury Voice
IT'S finally down - the Badminton Road bridge over the M4 has been demolished.
It was a huge operation that saw the motorway closed for more than 55 hours.
I visited a few days before it happened to hear about the operation. Already on site were 100-tonne breaker machines, which hammered away at the concrete beams.
The M4 itself was shielded by hundreds of sleepers with aggregate on top.
Shipping containers were positioned on the motorway so when the middle of the bridge finally broke, the containers cushioned the fall, as both ends pivoted towards the centre.
The bridge material is being crushed on site and recycled, the aggregate being used in cycle lanes and other rights of ways.
Many people have commented on how long this process is taking, something I questioned National Highways about on site.
Twenty one different options were considered at the outset, but experience told them a complete replacement was the most likely outcome.
So, at the same time they were inspecting the current bridge, they designed the new one. It meant they were able to move more quickly once the bridge was finally ruled irreparable.
Diverting four major services was a big task, requiring the motorway to be closed for a
weekend. Things outside their control also came into play – such as the discovery of dormice on the site. It’s a criminal offence to disturb them, so the site now has a dormouse licence.
During the time the bridge has been closed, it has been useful in one respect - research. Engineering teams from Italy and Strathclyde University have used it to test out new bridge safety monitoring systems.
Plans for the new bridge are
well advanced, but it will take a year before it opens - assuming all goes to plan.
The 48m steel beams take 20 weeks to make and the weather has to be right for them to be installed. Piling starts in June and the beams should be in put place later this year - the last time the M4 will close for this project.
The new bridge will have a wider cycle lane and higher parapets, but crucially it will sit on a similar footprint, meaning no planning process was needed, or extra funds for land buying. This has ensured no extra delays in the project.
The good news is the new bridge will be of a low maintenance design, making it easier to repair and reducing the need for prolonged closures in the future.
Hopefully, the bridge saga will be brought to a close in spring next year, and we can look forward to an easier journey into Bristol.
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My sister and I sorted out our parents’ estate about four or five years ago. Our brother has been MIA in Australia for years; we have no idea what he’s been up to, and he didn’t come back for anything to do with our parents’ care or even their funerals. Suddenly, he’s in town, ranting and raving about his share of the inheritance. Are we up the creek without a paddle?
The very first thing you need to look at is the Last Will and Testament for each of your parents. If it does say “everything to my children in equal amounts” then unfortunately, your mysterious brother does have a claim, despite his absence. Given it sounds like your parents passed a little while ago, it would depend on what’s left in the estate and whether you and your sister dispersed the remaining value of it. Nevertheless, he does have a claim if that’s what it says in the will, and if there’s been a grant of probate then it was down to you
as the executors to make sure that his share of the inheritance was catered for.
If you’d taken out insurance regarding your brother’s potential reappearance, then you may not have this particular issue – but hindsight is always 20/20. Regardless, I’d suggest you talk to your sister about having a sit down with your brother and all of you discussing the situation. You will need to keep in mind that if the money has been spent that family diplomacy is the best option here also it might be prudent to look at getting some money together to pass to your brother or you may well find yourself up that creek without your proverbial paddle.
WE
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Jim Emsley
Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristolbased ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
AVON Fire & Rescue Service has announced a new chief fire officer to take charge of the organisation.
Matt Cook was most recently the deputy chief fire officer at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
His new employers say he "brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role," which has a salary of £164,351 per year.
He will take over from Simon Shilton, who is retiring after 32 years as a firefighter, in the coming weeks.
Mr Cook joined Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service as a firefighter in 2001 before transferring to London Fire Brigade.
He has served as assistant chief fire officer in Oxfordshire before being appointed interim deputy chief in 2023 and then moving to West Sussex as deputy chief fire officer.
Mr Cook said: "I am honoured to take on the role of chief fire officer at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
"Simon’s leadership and distinguished 30-year career have left a lasting impact on
this service, and I wish him all the very best for the future.
"I look forward to working alongside the dedicated people that make up our service and the wider community to ensure we provide the very best service we can.
"I am committed to ensuring we remain resilient, responsive, and innovative, always striving to deliver the highest level of Service for the communities we serve."
Interim Avon Fire Authority chair Paul Goggin said: "Matt’s extensive experience and forward-thinking approach make him the ideal leader for Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
"His commitment to innovation, public safety, and workforce development will be instrumental in driving the service forward.
"On behalf of the Fire Authority, our communities and the Service, we would like to thank Simon Shilton for his invaluable contributions."
The leadership change was announced shortly before the publication of a consultants' report to the fire authority, which found morale at the fire service control room at Lansdown, Bath, was at “rock bottom” and the department is at risk of a mass exodus through resignations.
The consultants said there had been allegations of bullying, discrimination and misogynistic language, and staff also complained of heavy workloads and lack of opportunities for career progression.
Mr Shilton said the service has developed a "staff-led action plan" to address concerns and "positive changes are already taking shape".
He said: "We are dedicated to ensuring that all staff in our control and communications team feel valued, supported, and heard.
“Our leadership team is fully committed to driving this transformation, and we are passionate about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of the service."
RETIRED Thornbury head teacher David Beeley has "left the safe-haven of his allotments" in his latest novel.
David, who is 75, started writing as a child, but turned to serious novels during the pandemic.
Before retiring he was deputy head at Crossways Junior School Thornbury, then head at Trinity Primary School, Acton Turville and The Ridge Junior School in Yate.
His first novel, Secrets, Lies and Rhubarb Pies was inspired by his experiences as chair of his local Filnore Allotments committee in Thornbury.
He went on to write a sequel, Secrets Lies and Two Leg Byes, about a village cricket club, then completed the trilogy with Secrets, Lies and Seagull Cries.
His latest book, Let Sleeping Secrets
Lie is a departure from his previous comic adventures set around the potting sheds.
David said its main character "is dying and seeks redemption through six letters to her old college friends".
He said: "She ignores her husband and asks her granddaughter to give the letters of confession to her first husband, who she had lost yet never stopped loving.
"The wild haired intelligent loner of a granddaughter meets her grandfather for the first time at Martha's funeral.
“They forge a strong bond of growing love as they search for the old friends - a trail long gone cold after 50 years.
“But they are aided by a Polish housekeeper, and the new Holmes-Watson partnership is born.”
David’s latest release has been described as "delightful", "tender and thoughtful" and "a great read" by reviewers.
David, whose own favourite writers include Tim Murgatroyd, Larry McMurtry and Alexander McColl Smith, admits he has his own grandchildren to thank for finally starting to write.
He said: “I have been married to Eveline for over 52 years and we have two brilliant daughters, Eleanor and Jessica.
“We also have three wonderful grandchildren - EJ, Willow and Nora - who live in Limerick and Bantry Bay in Ireland.
“It was them that provided me with the
inspiration to get my first novel, Secrets, Lies and Rhubarb Pies, published after 60 years of starting.”
Since the success of his debut novel in 2022, David has adopted a strict writing regime between 4.30am and 7am each day. Away from writing he follows Rotherham United FC and walks his rescue dog, Maisie, to stay fit after being diagnosed with cancer. All David’s books are self published in paperback and Kindle. They can be found by searching for the titles on amazon.co.uk.
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A FORMER teacher from Thornbury has been inspired by her late husband's storytelling to write a book, which will raise money for a charity in his memory.
Anita Newton has been fundraising for the Motor Neurone Disease Association since the loss of her husband Craig in 2022 from the disease.
She took up crafting when she and her step-daughter Georgia Johnson visited a craft fair by chance, and together they have already raised £850 for MNDA selling products they have made.
Anita, a former chemistry teacher at Rednock School in Dursley, is now about to release her first book, called The Under Tree Folk, with half of the proceeds going to the charity in memory of Craig.
The pair met in 2005 at a LeRoc dancing class in Bristol. Anita asked his friend to give Craig her number and, she says, "thankfully he rang it".
Despite neither of them believing in marriage, Anita said it was “a love story meeting the right person” and she proposed in 2008.
Craig, who Anita described as "the love of my life", had just turned 60 before his death in April 2022, days before the couple’s 13th wedding anniversary.
He had been diagnosed with MND a week before the Covid lockdown.
Anita said: "It was incredibly cruel – he was vivacious and full of life, but we couldn’t go anywhere or do anything.
"It was a double hit: by the time Covid had cleared, he was
in a wheelchair, so holidays were more difficult."
Anita was advised to shield, as Craig was clinically vulnerable, and her 30-year teaching career “stopped rather abruptly”.
She found solace in writing not long after Craig died.
Anita said: "Craig used to tell me stories when I couldn't sleep. With him gone, I had to make up my own stories.
"It was rough to start with, but the stories then tumbled out.
"After visiting Craig’s favourite tree, the oldest Chestnut in the country at Tortworth, with my brother and sister-in-law Rob and Pippa, I couldn’t sleep and began to make up stories about the people who would live under the roots of the tree and hence the ‘under tree folk’ were born.
"I kept making up more stories all about a town under the roots and adventures of the little people who live there. In the story the chestnut becomes an oak tree in the middle of the forest.
"I wrote the stories for my brother and sister-in-law as a thank you to them for their
support when Craig was ill and following his death.
"Writing the stories is a kind of therapy for me, as it takes my mind of my loss for a while and helps me cope with the grief. My hope is that people will enjoy the book and it will raise funds for MNDA at the same time.
"I hope that others reading about what we have done will be inspired to raise funds and
realise that it doesn't matter what you do, it all helps."
Anita and Georgia are continuing to raise money through crafts and are making Christmas decorations to sell at three fairs they are planning later this year, including one at the Thornbury Methodist Church on November 15.
She said: “It has made us closer and given us a focus.”
The Under Tree Folk is available to order online at bit. ly/4kx8Xyu.
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April 1
n THORNBURY ART CLUB
Tuesday Painting Studio Group, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, 1.30-4.30pm. Call 01454 414433 for more details. Also on April 3, Thursday Painting Studio Group, same time and venue - Call 0777 627 1010. Outdoor sketching group on 2nd Saturday of the month - email publicrelations.tac@gmail.com.
April 4
n THORNBURY STAMP CLUB
Competition & Quiz night in the Buckingham Rooms at The Chantry, Castle Street, from 7.15pm. Also visit from Newport Philatelic Society on April 25, same time and venue. Contact Martin Elliott on 0117 969 6808 for more details.
April 5
n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents Knights of Magic: A Spectacular Evening of the Magical Arts, with The Great Baldini. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. Tickets £15, £5 for under-15s.
April 7
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB
Spring Open Meeting, Olveston and Tockington Parish Hall, doors open 6.30pm. Demonstration: Doofers, with Chelsea gold medallist Katherine Kear. Tickets £12 visitors, £10 members. For tickets call 01453 811089 or 01454 885144.
April 7
n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION meets at the Jubilee Hall, Alveston, 7.30pm. Presentation: For the Love of blue poppies, with Marion Stainton.
April 8
n EASTWOOD GARDENERS CLUB MEETING, Turnberrie's, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Talk from Adam Alexander: The Seed Detective. Visitors welcome.
April 14
n ARTS SOCIETY SEVERN VALLEY LECTURE at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 10.30am and 1.30pm. Cantiones Sacrae 1575: The Lives and Music of Tallis and Byrd. Explore the lives of the two men who created the first ever volume of English printed music
and listen to some of its treasures. Non-members welcome, £6. Contact memb@tassv.org.uk.
April 17
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP
meets at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk on artist Maggi Hambling, by Justine Hopkins. More details from Sally on 0794 650 8316.
April 18
n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents The Promised Land, an 18th century tale of revenge, at Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, 7pm. Members free, guests £5. For more information about membership visit www.thornburypicturehouse.org.
April 22
n THORNBURY ART CLUB demonstration of Creative Mixed Media Techniques with Alison Board at St Mary's Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, from 7.15pm. Members free, non-members welcome - £6 on the door, cash or card. Free parking on-site. More details at www.thornburyartclub.co.uk
April 23
n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY MEETING, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Talk: Muller Orphan Homes, with Dr Kate Brooks. Visitors welcome - £5 on the door. Refreshments in interval.
April 16
n FREE DADS & LADS FIRST AID WORKSHOP with Thornbury Round Table, Turnberries Community Centre, April 16, 7.30-9.30pm. Learn essential first aid skills including CPR, recovery position, using a defib, treating minor injuries and assisting others in emergencies.
May 1-5
n SEVERN VALE ART TRAIL. Diverse range of arts and crafts on show across bank holiday weekend in venues from Berkeley to Frampton Cotterell and from Slimbridge to Wickwar. Artist and venue details at www.severnvalearttrail.org.
Monday
n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and competitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail. co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213.
Tuesday
n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10amnoon. No appointment needed.
n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine & materials/ pattern. Call Carrie 07753 236095.
n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except August) from 10.15-11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. More information from Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 07800 776998.
n THORNBURY ART CLUB
Painting Studio Group meets at St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, every Tuesday 1.30-4.30pm. Also Thursday Painting Studio Group at same time and place on Thursdays. Call 01454 414433 or 0777 627 1010 for more details.
n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink.
n THORNBURY TOWN BAND
Friendly community brass band, rehearsals at Thornbury URC Tuesday evening's 7.30pm-9.30pm. New players very welcome. www.thornburytownband.com. email: info@ thornburytownband.co.uk. Turn up or call Anna for more information on 07960008843
Wednesday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, Coffee and Chat, second Wednesday of the month, The Swan, Thornbury High Street, 1011.30am. All welcome
Thursday
n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For info visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.
Friday
n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903.
Saturday
n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free. n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION VETERANS Breakfast, second Saturday of the month, 9am at The Swan, Thornbury High Street. All welcome.
Sunday
n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Wheatsheaf pub, Chapel Street, 12.30pm. All welcome.
THORNBURY Library is holding a free drop-in craft activity for children during the school holidays.
Marvellous Mini Beasts takes place on April 9 from 10.30am-noon.
Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am – no booking required. Create a Lego masterpiece and display it in the library for family and friends to see.
Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10amlibrary opens early for this event, for families only.
Book group Have You Read…? meets on April 4 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 IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 10am.
People can use the computers or WiFi with your own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax.
The library is staffed from 10am-5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday. Open access, for registered users, is from 8am-7.30pm.
Hot drinks are available from 10.30am-4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www.southglos. gov.uk/libraries.
show
MORE than 60 artists and makers will be displaying their work across South Gloucestershire as part of the Severn Vale Art Trail from Thursday May 1 to Monday May 5.
From Berkeley to Frampton Cotterell and from Slimbridge to Wickwar, there will be a diverse range of arts and crafts on show over the early May bank holiday weekend.
Discover talented local artists displaying their work in shared venues or their own studios and workshops.
This is your chance to support local artists and purchase unique paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, glass art, mosaics, upholstery, woodturning and much more.
Or simply have an inspiring day out - as well as buying beautiful pieces, you will also have the opportunity to watch many of the artists and makers at work.
Many of the venues have refreshments available or are located close to local coffee shops, and include some interesting churches, working studios and community buildings.
For details of all the artists and
venues (including accessibility, direction and opening hours) and to view the trial map, please visit www.severnvalearttrail.org or pick up one of the printed trial guides from local shops and cafes.
Follow the Severn Vale Art Trail on Instagram and Facebook (@ severnvalearttrail) for all the latest updates.
Nadya Webster
MULTI Story Theatre Company will perform Last Dance Saloon, where tango delivers an unlikely romance, in Thornbury next month.
This captivating new show explores love, legacy and the future we envisage for the coming generations.
Filled with music, dance, drama and laughter, it promises a deeply moving experience.
Two people, no longer in the first flush of youth, meet at a dance retreat in Buenos Aires. A spark is ignited and they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship, sustained by tango sessions in Argentina.
Multi Story has spent 24 years crafting powerful narratives for intimate spaces, thriving on the close connections fostered in community venues.
Their latest production features relatable characters and resonates particularly with the grandparent generation, contemplating their legacy, while also engaging younger audiences in conversations about the world they’re inheriting.
The performance is staged “in the round” to replicate the atmosphere of a Tango milonga (social dance).
Last Dance Saloon takes place at St Mary’s Hall in Eastbury Road, Thornbury, on May 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 and available from AAGThornbury@gmail.com or 01454 850933.
Jane Parfitt
THE society's spring concert will take place on May 10 at St Mary's Church, Thornbury at 7.30pm.
The choir will perform Durufle: Requiem and several unaccompanied motets.
We are also giving the first performance of a piece composed especially for the society by our conductor Steven Kings, called Thine Enchantment.
The soloists are Martha MacLorinan (mezzo) Dan Robson, (baritone) James Drinkwater (organ) and Rosie Wennick (cello).
Tickets are £18 (pre-booked) or £20 (on the door) and students £5.
They are available from members, at tickets@ thornburychoralsociety.org.uk or from Horders Stationers from April 28.
We look forward to seeing you there
Hughes
THE Arts Society Severn Valley is a welcoming organisation for people who enjoy learning about all aspects of decorative and fine arts.
Meetings are held in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, on the third Monday in the month from October to June.
Lectures last approximately an hour, and include all aspects of the arts including paintings, sculptures, architecture, music and photography.
Our lecturers are experts in their fields, and the lectures are both informative and entertaining. They are held in the mornings at 10.30am for 11am, and repeated at 1.30pm for 2pm: tea and coffee are available prior to the lectures.
Visitors are warmly invited to join us at a cost of £6, although booking is essential - email memb@ tassv.org.uk.
For more information visit our website, tassv.org.uk.
Christine Burn
collectors of all types meet on a regular basis.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
IT is not known when or where payment for carrying messages first began, but we do know that it was Henry VIII, when he wasn’t entertaining Anne Boleyn at Thornbury Castle, who found time to arrange the first organised collection and delivery of mail.
Thornbury is no exception: the Thornbury & District Stamp Club meets on alternate Fridays from September to May, to view a display from one of its members or from a visiting speaker and to exchange information and stamps.
Members have the option of receiving the circulating packet, where they can sell spare material or buy what may appeal to them that is on offer from others.
please call me on 0117 969 6808 or chairman Carlton Jones on 01454 260517, or just come along to one of our meetings to give it a try.
Some of our members are keen to show their collections, others are just happy to look. It would be an unusual meeting if you didn’t come away without learning something.
This workshop, run in partnership with Daisy First Aid, kicks off a community skills initiative the round table is running over the next 12 months, where it will be holding various events for guys in the local area.
The events will be funded by the Round Table and run by professionals.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
And that it was Rowland Hill who introduced the idea, in 1840, that pre-payment should be acknowledged by affixing a specially printed stamp to the mail.
Today every nation issues its own stamps and there is a worldwide interest in collecting and studying them.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
Collectors make their own choice on how they wish to collect and whether they wish to collect in isolation or not. However, there are stamp clubs in most towns where
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.
The world’s rarest stamp, weighing just 0.001 of an ounce changed hands a few years ago at almost £8 million. At £8 billion per oz, it must represent one of the most valuable items weight for weight on earth. It is unlikely that any of us will be so lucky as to find anything similar in our collections, but you never know what might turn up!
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
New members are very welcome, whether a novice, a casual or an experienced collector.
For details on how to join
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
The Thornbury & District Stamp Club meets in the Buckingham rooms at The Chantry, Castle Street: our next meetings are on April 4 and 25, from 7.15pm.
The current programme is available on our website at thornburystampclub.mystrikingly. com
Martin Elliott
Held on Wednesday April 16 from 7.20-9.20pm at Turnberrie's Community Centre, the interactive first aid session is designed to provide life-saving knowledge in a relaxed, friendly environment.
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.
Find out how to carry out CPR, put someone in the recovery position, how to use a defib and how to treat minor injuries and gain the confidence to assist others in emergencies.
Spaces are limited. To book, go to bit.ly/4imMna4.
The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
THORNBURY Round Table is hosting a free 'Dads & Lads' first aid skills event this month.
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
For more information, email thornbury@roundtable.org.uk
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is set to replace its system of Community Engagement Forums to bring residents and decision-makers together, after they attracted an average of just four attendees.
The council says it will scrap the 14 CEFs and replace them with four new area committees, which will cover a larger area.
Residents, town and parish councillors, police, the voluntary sector and community groups will be invited to attend the expanded area committee sessions when the 18-month pilot project launches in May.
As well as low public attendance, organisations like the police and fire service have struggled to attend CEFs because there are so many of them, each meeting four times a year.
A cabinet member from the council’s Lib Dem/Labour administration will chair each of the four new committees.
In the Thornbury area the committee will include the area covered by the existing Thornbury and Severn Vale CEF but will add the area around Frampton Cotterell and Iron Acton.
Council leader Cllr Maggie Tyrrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said: “It’s really important that people in those communities do come along
and have their say.”
Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
THORNBURY Rotary Club's annual Swimarathon is expected to have raised around £12,000 for good causes.
More than 40 teams took part in the over the six sessions on March 7 and 8 at Thornbury Leisure Centre.
They swam a total of 5,265 lengths, totalling 132 kilometres or 82 miles!
So far individual sponsorship pledges of around £10,000 plus corporate sponsorship means the event is expected to raise around £12,000 for a variety of good causes; the two main charities to benefit are Thornbury Stroke Support Group and Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.
Rotary's next campaign is to increase people’s awareness of the devastating impact malaria has.
Over half a million children die every year from malaria, equivalent to one every minute!
On World Malaria Day, April 25, we are planning to draw attention to the work of Rotarians Against Malaria - Global (RAM-Global).
We will be setting up a display called the Giant Interactive Malevolent Mosquito
Rotary president Mark Wilkinson with mayor James Murray and a representative of the Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre
Education Exhibit (GIMMEE) at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, for three days from April 25 to 27.
The display includes a very large animated model of a mosquito. Come along, be entertained and find out more.
We hope to collect donations to the work of RAM-Global and will be giving out free “buzz off” of stickers.
Money raised will be used to provide treated bed nets, improve training for researchers and health workers and buy medical instruments such as microscopes and haemotometers for diagnosis and monitoring.
Bernard Amos
BOTH of Thornbury Netball Club's teams are within reach of promotion as the season heads towards its climax.
March 15 was an important match day for the club.
First out on court was the Second team, against local rivals Phoenix.
Phoenix had only lost one game this season and are close to securing the Avon Netball League Division 10 top position, with Thornbury, Bradley Stoke and Jets close on their heels in the race for two promotion positions.
Phoenix came out hard, with Thornbury taking a little time to settle and finding themselves down 7-11 at quarter time.
In the second quarter, Thornbury came back and their defence clicked into a formidable unit, putting immense pressure on the Phoenix attack to reduce the deficit to one goal at half time.
In the third quarter Thornbury’s confidence grew throughout the court, creating goals from turnovers. Phoenix had no answers to contain Thornbury’s defence or constrain their attack. Thornbury led 32-24 by the end of the quarter, with the final score 41-33.
Second Team captain Vicky West said: "Each lady did themselves, the team, and the club proud today to get the win. It’s been great to see all the hard work and effort at training being shown on court."
That put the pressure is on the Firsts to deliver.
It’s tight, too, at the top of Division 6 as Thornbury Firsts compete with TJ Saracens, Firebirds, and Mangotsfield Dragons for a promotion spot.
THE elusive win still awaits Harry Collins and his senior side following their promotion.
There is no lack of commitment from the squad but the team has struggled to overcome the loss of key players who helped win promotion last season.
Additionally, influential midfielder Christoph Zickert had hoped to return to the squad but was denied through sickness and early morning frost, which caused games to be cancelled.
Lewis Henderson, Sam Amos and Tom Allison continue to combine effectively in midfield, whilst Nathan Ashfield, Russell Maidment and Welsh Over-60s international Dave Morgan are steadfast in defence.
Skipper Harry Collins will hope that his team can get at least one victory in their remaining games. The Ladies first team have also fallen away in recent weeks and, although the team will finish out of the bottom 2, it has been a tough season for the team.
Several young players have shown great promise: Alice Atkinson, Esther Jenkinson, Sophie Vizard and Izzie Talbot continue to progress, whilst the return of Liz Mcferron,
After a disappointing against Jets the week before, Thornbury came out to do battle with firstplaced TJ Saracens.
A tense first quarter ended all square at 8-8.
In the second quarter Thornbury began to get ahead, securing a two-goal lead, increasing it to four in the third quarter.
At no time could Thornbury relax. Both teams defended hard, making their opponents'
attackers and mid court players work tirelessly to get to goal.
The final score was 29-24 to Thornbury.
We did not play pretty netball, but hard-grafting netball, use-your-head netball. We demonstrated good discipline and patience – just what we needed to get the win.
Coach Abby Miles, a coach with Team Bath and previous franchise England Netball National Performance League player, said: "I am incredibly proud of both teams today.
"The performance and confidence on the court was absolutely amazing. Every single player gave it their all, showcasing the best netball I’ve seen from Thornbury so far all season."
Thornbury Netball Cub would like to thank Abby and sponsors Phoenix Orthodontics, Thornbury Town Council and Thornbury Tandoori for their support.
Nicky Latham First team captain
Thornbury Netball Club
Jess Taylor and Meg Allen is also helping the squad.
Availability has been a problem, with away starting times proving an irritation.
The absence of Club captain Jo Deas for the first part of the season, along with an injury to keeper Hannah Kemp, hasn’t helped matters.
Indeed, the team has had to field Mandy McGarry, Sarah Lally and, in their latest
game, Izzie Talbot in goal.
Lottie Wilcox and Amy Stott have also made their senior debuts between the sticks.
In their latest game Vicky Ball and Esther Jenkinson scored in a narrow defeat at Stroud.
The club end of season presentation evening is at Turnberrie's Community Centre on April 26.
David Parry-Jones
THORNBURY Town have already reached their highest ever points total in the Hellenic Premier League.
A Cam Drew first half double away at Royal Wootton Bassett Town on March 22 secured a 2-1 win that took Thorns up to 14th in the table on 39 points, with three games left to play.
It followed a 4-3 win away at Hereford Pegasus, where Andreas Smolka scored on his second debut for the club, Will Fowler scored two and Sam Moseley got the winner, chalking up a league double over a third opponent this season.
The wins ended a run of five defeats, including an exit from the Floodlight Cup at Mangotsfield United, who scored the only goal of the game.
Four days later Thorns again ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 defeat, to Corsham Town, who were indebted to their goalkeeper for a man-of-the-match performance, pulling off a number of good saves including from a Sam Moseley penalty.
A trip to play Westfields saw Thornbury badly stretched through injuries and illness, with 13 players missing and nine players aged
under 21 in the side.
The Hereford side took full advantage, winning 4-0, although both Louis Singfield and Praise Amaefule were denied early on, by a goal-line clearance and reaction save of the rebound.
The injury list reduced slightly ahead of Town's first ever trip to promotion-chasing Sporting Club Inkberrow but the home side still won comfortably, scoring two early goals and a third in the second half.
There was some excellent news for the club’s Ladies team, who formed at the start of the season and finally secured their first win, and points, on March 2 with a deserved 1-0 home win over Mitcheldean.
A Verity Filipow goal proved to be the winner against a side lying 3rd in the table and sparked celebrations amongst the Thornbury Ladies, who have suffered some
heavy defeats against more established sides but never let their heads drop.
Thornbury Reserves currently sit bottom of the Bristol Premier Combination, but with games in hand on the clubs above them.
An excellent win against second-placed Iron Acton, with goals from Tom Manley and George Huke, shows they have a great chance of avoiding relegation.
The A team romped to an excellent 5-2 home win against Bitton Reserves, their second of the season.
Meanwhile the U18s have had a couple of away defeats, losing 5-2 at Cotham Park in the league and suffering a quarter-final league cup exit at the hands of Bromley Heath.
The Veterans side suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Yate Town Vets.
Located in the historic town of Thornbury, Grace Care Centre is a vibrant care home and takes pride in challenging preconceptions of the sector.
Whether it’s singing along at a festival, sipping drinks at cocktail evenings, or enjoying trips to local landmarks, we believe everyone should continue to live their best life when they move into a care home.
We’re part of The Orders of St John Care Trust
Grace Care Centre is proud to be part of The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT), one of the leading not-for-profit care organisations in the UK. As a longstanding charitable organisation, dedicated to the care of others, we take pride in reinvesting back into our residents, team members, and care homes.