Thornbury Voice March 2022 by Thornbury Voice

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March, 2022 Issue 58

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

New Council budget to support the next generation and improve communities SOUTH Gloucestershire Council looks to support the most vulnerable whilst continuing to successfully balance the books, with its recently agreed 2022 -2023 budget. At a time of rising living costs, the council is supporting residents by tackling inequality and giving children the best start in life. It is also investing more in improving the district’s much-loved communities including major enhancements to the road network. This will be delivered through a balanced budget for the next four years and with a lower council tax rise for the coming year - 2.99 per cent – which is less than inflation and well below previous increases.

Best start in life The top priority for the council is giving children and young people the best start in life. The budget plans include: • Continuing record investment in new schools and school maintenance • Increasing funding for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities by £5million • A new initiative to help improve children’s literacy and access to libraries, with a library card for every school age child and a programme of free activities to encourage families to connect with their local library • Investing a further £300,000 on the successful Youth Employment Hub, allowing it to continue over the coming year– the hub has helped the district’s young people into work over the past year • Extending support for a further three years for the Holiday Activity and Food Fund that provides free activities and meals for eligible children during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays - a

lifeline for some families • Extra £15million investment in children’s social care to protect the most vulnerable by improving the way it works and recruiting additional qualified staff.

Continued support for those impacted by Covid-19 The council is also extending its Community Resilience Fund which provides support to those who continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including people not eligible for previous Government support (for details of how to apply see page 2). In addition, there is investment in improving wellbeing with a £1million Prevention Fund to support residents’ mental and physical health.

Improving roads and streets More than £12million will be spent on maintenance and improvements to roads, including funding to tackle potholes which will benefit drivers and cyclists alike. The council is also investing an additional £639,000 in street cleaning to expand the successful team, ensuring our communities are clean and attractive places in which to live and work.

Tackling the climate emergency There is additional funding to expand the council’s work in this critical area by continuing to lead on the local response to the climate emergency and become carbon neutral by 2030. The council will progress initiatives

View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage

Cllr Toby Savage next to solar panels in Yate WELCOME - We’re very pleased to partner again with The Voice, a great local business, for this special edition focusing on our new budget for 2022 to 2023. This budget has supporting the most vulnerable at its core, while improving our communities for everyone. We are supporting those who feel the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, through our Community Resilience Fund. We are helping people to live healthier lives through our £1million Prevention Fund. We’re investing in the future too - spending on roads, infrastructure and schools, and taking direct action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies. I’m proud to say that we have achieved all of this while limiting the annual council tax rise to well below inflation through prudent financial management.

such as delivering low carbon schools, continuing to convert its fleet to electric powered vehicles and installing new electric vehicle charging points across the district. In addition, there are plans to improve biodiversity and better connect important habitats for

nature and plant over 6,000 new trees. This will include 67 green spaces across the district and the project also seeks to raise awareness and encourage use by residents to bring health and wellbeing benefits. Continued on next page

2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

BUDGET CONTINUED

A new jubilee park A brand-new park in Cadbury Heath will mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and provide a green space for everyone to enjoy. The council is spending £500,000 on this unique project to enhance an existing open space in the community. As well as new landscaping, paths and planting, the new park will focus on wildlife and biodiversity to enable residents to reconnect with nature.

Bringing Tour of Britain to South Gloucestershire The council will invest in bringing the Tour of Britain, the country’s national cycling tour, through the area in September, to support the growth of tourism and boost the local economy.

Looking after our environment Tackling the climate and nature emergency Climate Emergency UK recently ranked South Gloucestershire Council in the top 10 councils in the UK for taking action on the climate emergency. Since declaring the emergency in 2019, the council has been taking steps to address the climate and nature emergencies. With your help, it can make even more difference.

self-sufficient for its own energy. This will see the installation of a solar farm on an area of unused, poor quality agricultural land within The Wave site, a Solar Smartflower which uses sun tracking technology, and other energy harnessing measures. This installation will produce more energy than the surfing lake and its surrounding facilities use every year making the business net zero carbon in terms of its operational energy. Find out more about The Wave and their sustainability ethos at www.thewave.com

Join in the spring clean

Supporting The Wave’s plans to go off-grid The Wave, a unique inland surfing experience based at Easter Compton, has ambitious plans to generate their own power and ultimately go off-grid. Since The Wave opened in South Gloucestershire in 2019, they have always had sustainability at their core, for example they use 100% renewable energy, have planted thousands more trees on the site, avoid singleuse plastic, and the products in their shop are based on a reduce, reuse, recycle approach. The council welcomed this major tourist and sporting destination to the district, especially given their approach to the environment. More recently, South Gloucestershire Council has supported The Wave’s plans to go a step further with their climate ambitions, providing a loan to help The Wave become

Street cleansing team with Cllr Rachael Hunt The council’s annual spring clean is happening from 25 March to 10 April. If you would like to get involved and organise a litter pick in your area, contact the waste and recycling team. They will lend you free litter picking equipment and can arrange to collect the rubbish. Visit southglos.gov.uk/springclean

Meet our new street enforcement team The council’s new street enforcement team is helping to combat issues such as littering, dog

Street enforcement officers with Cheryl from Cadbury Heath fouling and graffiti to keep our spaces greener and cleaner for everyone. The team is reminding people to take litter home or bin it and will fine those who continue to act irresponsibly. Cadbury Heath resident Cheryl, who runs courses at the Juice Community Project, told us: “The litter and dog poo left on the green space near our centre is a real problem. Before the children’s stay and play sessions on a Monday, we have to go out and try and pick mess up so the children can play. These officers will help with this problem and get the message across to stop it happening.” The team is part of the council’s plans to improve South Gloucestershire and help keep our streets tidier with £639,000 investment in its street cleaning service over the next four years. If you have concerns about where you live, you can go along to one of the community engagement forums where you can request support from the street enforcement and cleansing team, along with other council services. Find out more at www.southglos.gov.uk/CEF

Financial help for you Many people have struggled financially during Covid-19. With the increase in energy prices and rising inflation, more households are under pressure. If you need financial help, there are several grants currently open. Find out more and apply online at www.southglos.gov.uk/financialsupport or speak to the council’s customer services, in confidence, on 01454 868009 or by visiting your nearest One Stop Shop.

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March, 2022 Issue 58

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Here to help

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Here to stay Big changes on A38

NEW bus and cycle lanes, changes to speed limits and the removal of overtaking taking lanes on the A38 have been announced to promote "active travel" in the Thornbury area. PAGE 14

Storm damage

THREE storms in a week toppled trees, caused power cuts and put the region's flood defences on alert. PAGE 6 CONTROVERSIAL changes to Thornbury High Street are set to become permanent after South Gloucestershire Council secured almost £4.6 million in funding for the scheme. Full story: Page 5

Wait goes on for health centre PLANS to demolish the former Thornbury Hospital and build 'extra care' housing on the site are moving forward - but there has been no decision on funding new healthcare facilities for the town. South Gloucestershire Council announced it had bought the hospital site for £3.4 million in February, with money channelled through the West of England Combined Authority.

Demolition of the hospital buildings is set to start later this year, allowing the development of 70 assisted living homes. But fears have been raised that the town may have "lost the opportunity" to have integrated healthcare at the site. Turn to page 4

Inspectors' praise

A NURSERY and a preschool in Thornbury are both celebrating after receiving good ratings from Ofsted. PAGES 7 & 13

Backing fusion plans THERE has been a "fantastic response" from people in the Thornbury area to the idea of building an experimental nuclear fusion reactor near the town. PAGES 20 & 21

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Hospital site sold for £3.4 million From page 3

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The council says the new extra care housing would "enable individuals to lead active lives in their communities, with the reassurance that the help they need is incorporated into the place they live". The first homes could be occupied in 2024 or 2025. Toby Savage and Luke Hall at the former Thornbury Hospital site. However, there remains uncertainty about the future provision A DHSC spokesperson said: of healthcare facilities, with a "DHSC and the NHS are still government decision anticipated working through the outcomes in the spring. from the 2021 spending review. Last year, Thornbury & Yate We will be making a decision on MP Luke Hall told the Voice a the bid in the coming months." plan he had submitted to the A council spokesperson Department of Health & Social said: "We are working with Care in December 2020 would Bristol, North Somerset and lead to "a redeveloped Thornbury South Gloucestershire Clinical Hospital site providing greater Commissioning Group to primary care and outpatient establish a new integrated health services, enhanced mental health and well-being centre on the support, facility housing for Thornbury Hospital site. The the three local Thornbury GP CCG is expecting a decision from practices, social care and NHS Government in the spring. beds," alongside the assisted "While the council awaits living homes. a decision on the funding bid, The then Health Secretary we are working closely with the Matt Hancock had been positive, CCG to develop the business said Mr Hall, and had "pledged case, in consultation with local national support to help us GPs, and to examine alternative deliver it." funding options in the event the Mr Hall declined to respond CCG doesn’t receive the required to questions about what had capital funding." happened to the plan but said Lib Dem Thornbury he was continuing "to work to councillor Maggie Tyrrell said: secure additional investment "While we welcome the very in new health facilities for the long-awaited extra-care housing, town". it seems we may have lost the He said: "I recently spoke to opportunity for Thornbury to the Minister of State, Edward have a really well-designed, Argar, to press the case for integrated facility. funding to deliver this vital new "There is no doubt that infrastructure that Thornbury Thornbury needs a replacement needs.” for the ageing health centre The council said the Eastland building on Eastland Road. Road site had "the potential "I’ve personally seen buckets capacity to incorporate a collecting drips when the flat replacement health centre in roof has leaked. The first floor addition to the new homes." is inaccessible as there’s no lift But what, if anything, replaces and there’s no room for the the hospital, how much it might additional services the town cost - even where it would go needs now it’s being expanded so depends on the outcome of the rapidly. funding bid, now being handled "One day it may be by Mr Hancock's successor, Sajid Thornbury’s turn to win a Javid. bid but until there is absolute The original request was confirmation that funding has for £13.3m but now stands at been agreed, I’m not holding my £14.4m. breath!"

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March, 2022

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Council secures £4.6m for High Street changes SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has secured almost £4.6 million in funding for permanent changes to Thornbury High Street. The council says the money will help to "deliver on our vision for a welcoming and attractive destination for all and to support the economic prosperity of the town". But campaigners told the meeting where the money was awarded that Thornbury’s heart had been “brutally ripped apart” by the decision to close the High Street to through traffic, restrict parking and partly pedestrianise it. Opponents of the controversial changes failed to persuade the leaders of Bristol, North Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset councils to vote against South Gloucestershire's funding bid for the permanent scheme. Metro Mayor Dan Norris, head of the West of England Combined Authority, previously said he would block South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage’s request for cash because of concerns about how the public were consulted. So instead of seeking the money from the WECA committee, comprising the

metro mayor and leaders of Bristol, B&NES and South Gloucestershire, Cllr Savage secured the money from a regional joint committee on which Mr Norris did not have a vote. The other four leaders voted unanimously in favour of funding the scheme from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership's Economic Development Fund, despite hearing from residents who said their views had been ignored. Mr Norris joined campaigners in asking for the decision to be postponed at the meeting on January 28. Gil Gilroy, who has lived in the town for 40 years, told the meeting Thornbury’s heart, the High Street, had been “brutally ripped apart”. All but five of the 69 public statements submitted to members ahead of the meeting, and 27 of the 29 written questions, were about the scheme. The decision to grant the funding and approve the outline business case means detailed design work can now take place for a full business case, ahead of another round of consultation. It will build on the interim

Public meeting called A THIRD public meeting for Thornbury residents to debate the changes to Thornbury High Street has been called. Thornbury Town and District Residents’ Association (TTADRA), which was set up following two packed public meetings at the leisure centre last year, has arranged the third one at the same venue on Wednesday March 16, starting at 7.30pm. TTADRA secretary Rob Galpin said invitations had been issued to council leader Toby Savage, Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall and town mayor Jayne Stansfield to meet the community and "have a platform to express their Vision for Thornbury High Street". Rob said: "All those affected by the High Street closure and diversion route for traffic are invited to attend the public meeting." The association held two briefing meetings in Turnberries for their members and contacts in February. Rob said TTADRA would continue its fight against the closure of the High Street to through traffic. He said the association had four members at the meeting where funding for the scheme was approved, despite only having four days' notice to read and comment on the council's outline business case. Rob added: "Essentially the residents' association believe that the business case is fundamentally flawed throughout and that full, fair and respectful consultation has never at any stage been carried out since introduction of the High Street closure at the start of the pandemic two years ago."

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scheme introduced in July 2020, initially to ensure social distancing, including reducing through-traffic, widening paths, increasing cycle parking and improving seating and planting. Cllr Savage, who grew up in Thornbury and whose parents had a business in the High Street, told the West of England joint committee at Bath Guildhall it was very clear the scheme was controversial and lessons would be learned. He said: “There are strong views on both sides. I received a great many comments that are in favour of the scheme but they don’t wish to put themselves forward in a public forum. “Ultimately we are trying to help Thornbury High Street to overcome the challenges that face all of our high streets. “We have consulted at various stages over the course of this

scheme and as a result it has changed to what was originally put in, but I recognise there are significant concerns from residents who have spoken to us today. “I absolutely recognise that, as with any difficult or controversial project, there will always be lessons to learn for the future around that and I am certainly committed to making sure we do learn from this process.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Leisure centre shuts after storm brings down power lines THORNBURY Leisure centre had to close when wind brought down a tree, which broke a highvoltage electricity cable. The tree also blocked the B4061 Alveston Hill/Bristol Road when it fell on the evening of Sunday February 20, as the area was hit by a third storm in less than a week. The high winds accompanied Storm Franklin, which followed two other named storms, Dudley and Eunice. A spokesperson from Avon Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Thornbury fire station were called to the scene shortly after 6pm. The spokesperson said: "Firefighters conducted a full 360 check of the building and identified minor damage due to the fallen tree. Crews remained on the scene until Western Power arrived to ensure the electrics had been isolated." The road remained closed into the next day as a repair team

The fallen power line and tree outside Thornbury Leisure Centre. Picture: Avon Fire & Rescue Service worked on the power lines. A Western Power Distribution spokesperson said extensive repairs were needed and were expected to take several days, due to the high level of demand on its engineers. Operators Active Lifestyle Centre closed the leisure centre the following day but a generator was brought in to provide emergency power so it could reopen. Around two hours after the tree fell, three fire crews were

called out to a fire at a house in Kington Lane, which firefighters said had happened when a cooker had not safely shut down during a power cut and started a blaze when it came back on. One person at the house suffered from smoke inhalation and was treated by ambulance crews. During Storm Eunice South Gloucestershire Council was called to deal with 46 trees that had fallen or lost branches on Friday, February 18.

The council said 12 StreetCare tree teams with chainsaws had worked through the day. The storm also ripped off roof tiles on buildings in Thornbury, recycling collections were cancelled and many schools closed on council safety advice. The Environment Agency said it took early action to protect thousands of homes and businesses along the Severn Estuary from flooding. Amid a rare red 'danger to life' weather warning, the agency said its operatives "worked around the clock to make sure flood defences along the estuary were braced for the tidal surge caused by the gale force winds". A spokesperson said: "Powerful flood defences and gates at Avonmouth, Lydney, Sharpness and Epney worked to deflect the full force of the tidal surge along 80 miles of the estuary and reduced the risk of flooding to nearby communities."

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Praise for 'warm and caring' Thornbury preschool A THORNBURY preschool has been praised for its caring staff and "enabling environment" for children to learn in. Education watchdog Ofsted sent an inspector to First Step Pre-School in Knapp Road in December. The report, which has just been published, praised the strong curriculum, focus on promoting communication, the progress made by all children and the effective safeguarding arrangements. Ofsted rates preschools in four areas – quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. First Step, which is based on the site of Crossways Infant School, was rated good in all four areas and overall. Inspector Shahnaz Scully said: "Children receive a warm welcome by the caring staff team and enjoy attending this nurturing and inclusive pre-school. "Staff provide a safe and enabling environment for children to freely explore indoors and outside. They listen to children's interests and adapt their planning accordingly to capture the child's voice. "Staff have high expectations of all children. They ensure children are very

Staff and children at First Step Pre-school celebrate their good Ofsted rating much at the centre of their own learning and encourage them to make decisions, solve problems and develop their thinking skills." The report praised the preschool's "creative method of supporting child development", highlighting the use of dressing-up, singing, crafts, cooking and the outdoor "mud kitchen". The inspector said: "They implement

the 'curiosity approach' to learning, where children get to explore a range of everyday items to encourage their natural curiosity." Also highlighted in the report were comments from parents, who said the preschool had a "community feel", with staff who go "above and beyond" to help, and the support for staff from management. The inspector recommended improving messages to children on "healthy food choices". The preschool, which has 61 children aged from two to four on its roll, has now received four good ratings since its first inspection in 2008. Manager Sue Ross said: "It is brilliant to gain such a fantastic grade of good, especially under the new Early Years Foundation Stage framework which came into effect in September last year. "The practitioners at First Step Pre-school Ltd are highly qualified and dedicated to supporting children to build their confidence, self-esteem and develop their knowledge through curiosity within their environment. "It’s important to us that parents know their child is supported in a stimulating and safe environment."

DECISIONS MADE AND ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED BY THORNBURY TOWN COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES DURING DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2022 At the Planning & Town Development meeting on the 7th December it was decided or noted that:• Further information should be requested from Councillor Toby Savage, Leader of Council, South Gloucestershire Council following his recent letter regarding the High Street closure process – specifically, the results of the traffic impact assessment from the experimental order, clarification on when an environmental impact assessment on proposed traffic schemes would take place and a copy of the economic impact assessment of the scheme. At the Full Council meeting on the 14th December it was decided or noted that:• As part of the Town Council’s grant scheme, “small” grants were awarded to seven local organisations: Thornbury Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre, The Willow Tree Centre, Castle School Friends, Sight Support West of England, Friends of Marwood School, Phase CIC and Jigsaw Thornbury. • The Community Toilet Scheme would continue to be run by Town Council, with a number of businesses given grants to allow the public to use their facilities without making a purchase: The Wheatsheaf, The Malthouse, The Swan and Papilio. At the Full Council meeting on the 11th January it was decided or noted that:• Town Council would co-ordinate the 2022 Remembrance Parade, working with key local organisations. Preparations would begin in late Spring.

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• The Town Council budget for 2022/2023 was agreed. There would a modest increase in the precept which would be below the rate of inflation. • The Town Council had been involved in the recent Schools COP 26 Summit, with one of the Councillors giving a speech. At the Open Spaces meeting on the 18th January it was decided or noted that:• Boulders would be placed on the Oakleaze Road side of Oakleaze Green to further protect the area from unwanted vehicle access. • The Great British Spring Clean will be taking place 25th March – 10th April 2022. At the Planning & Town Development meeting on the 25th January it was decided or noted that:• A Town Council Committee representative had attended the recent South Gloucestershire Council Sites Delivery Committee to speak on behalf of Thornbury Town Council regarding the proposed Barwood development at Butt Lane, outlining the significant concerns it has about it. The Town Council was very pleased that the outcome was that South Gloucestershire Council will be recommending to the Inspector that permission for the development is turned down.

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Joel and Hannah back awareness month

THORNBURY charity Brain Tumour Support is calling on people to help provide more professional workers to support patients and families coming to terms with a devastating diagnosis. The charity's Brain Tumour Awareness Month takes place in March, and this year the theme is ‘Sponsor a Support Professional’. The Thornbury-based charity provides specialist, individualised support to patients and families who have been affected by any type of staff helped them through "some brain tumour. very difficult days". Helping to raise awareness of Joel and Hannah said: “We the campaign are Rockhamptonwant everyone to get behind born comedian and TV presenter Brain Tumour Support during Joel Dommett and his wife, Brain Tumour Awareness month model Hannah Cooper, who are and to help raise vital funds official ambassadors for Brain through the charity’s ‘Sponsor a Tumour Support. Support Professional’ initiative. Former Castle School pupil "The services that charity Joel and Hannah decided to Brain Tumour Support provides become ambassadors after are needed more than ever to Hannah's mum was diagnosed help patients and families deal with a brain tumour in 2020, and WB Essentials AW.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 15:56 Page 1 with the complex challenges that Brain Tumour Support's trained

Joel Dommett and Hannah Cooper are ambassadors for Brain Tumour Support can follow any brain tumour diagnosis. There are over 120 different types of brain tumour, and the more often quoted statistics around high grade tumours clearly show what a devastating diagnosis this is to receive. However, the lower grade tumours, despite often being called 'benign', can also be life-limiting and life-changing." Around 45 people each day will find out they have a brain tumour and Brain

Tumour Support, can provide help at any stage following a diagnosis, to patients as well as families, carers and loved ones dealing day to day with the impact of a brain tumour. They provide one-to-one and group support, as well as online and telephone support and specialist counselling. Charity chief executive Tina Mitchell Skinner, who founded Brain Tumour Support in 2003, said: "This year we want to increase the support we currently provide and grow the number of Support Professionals we have, and to do this we need to raise £20,000 for each additional full time support professional." The charity is encouraging people to hold fundraising 'Cake and a Cuppa' events throughout the month. For more details on Brain Tumour Awareness Month, Sponsor a Support Professional and Cake and a Cuppa events visit braintumoursupport.co.uk/ btam2022 or call 01454 414355.

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n NEWS COUNCIL tax bills across the Thornbury area will rise by around 3% from April. The total amount paid by each taxpayer varies by the tax band their home is in and the parish they live in. For an average Band D tax payer the total bill, including charges for police, fire and other services, will vary from £1,986.43 for people living in Hill, north of Thornbury, to £2,146.41 for people living in Thornbury itself. But householders in council tax bands A-D – around 80% of taxpayers, will receive a one-off £150 rebate from the government this year as part of a package to mitigate the cost of living crisis. South Gloucestershire Council has raised its share of the bill by 2.99%, one per cent of which is reserved to pay for adult social care. The local authority’s element of the bill to a Band D property will be £1,668.64, up by £48.45 on the current year, or 93p extra a week. Added to all bills are charges

Council tax on the rise – but rebate will soften the blow Band D council tax bills 2022/23 Parish area Almondsbury Alveston: Aust Falfield Hill Oldbury Olveston Rockhampton Thornbury Tytherington

Parish budget £267,417 £60,296 £5,990 £7,580 £500 £17,595 £68,750 £3,315 £835,313 £34,350

Parish special precept expenses £117.39 £2.04 £44.47 £4.61 £25.93 £0.19 £24.06 £2.04 £9.62 n/a £47.55 £0.25 £76.47 £5.30 £39.00 £3.94 £152.68 £16.92 £87.63 £8.30

*total council tax £2,096.24 £2,025.89 £2,002.93 £2,002.91 £1,986.43 £2,024.61 £2,058.58 £2,019.75 £2,146.41 £2,072.74

*Total bill is parish and special expenses charge, plus South Gloucestershire, police and fire charges. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council for policing and fire services, which are set independently by the region's police and

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crime panel and fire authority respectively. This year the policing bill for a Band D taxpayer will rise by £10 – 4.1% per cent – to a total of £251.20. It is the maximum increase the government told police and crime commissioners they could ask for. The fire authority's charge of £77.95 is £1.52 more than last

year, an increase of 1.99 per cent. In Thornbury the cheapest bill is £1,430.94 in Band A, rising to £4,292.82 for the most expensive Band H homes. The total Band D charge of £2,146.41 – up £44.03 on last year – includes a £152.68 charge for Thornbury Town Council and £16.92 to cover 'special expenses' for local services provided by South Gloucestershire rather than the town council, which can range from open spaces and community halls to cemeteries. The parish council's charge has risen by £4.93 per Band D household on last year, a 3.5% increase. Special expenses have risen by 1p. The biggest parish council precept rise is in Almondsbury, where an increase in the budget from £148,773 to £267,417 has seen the parish council's charge to Band D householders rise by almost £52, from £65.41 to £117.39. A further 9p increase in special expenses, added to the police, fire and South Gloucestershire rises, means that in Almondsbury the total Band D bill is up by £111.74 or 5.63%. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council

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HOUSEHOLDERS whose homes are in council tax bands A to D will receive a one-off £150 rebate in April. The move was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak at the same time as a £200 energy bill "upfront discount" aimed to cushion the expected £700 rise in the cost of average gas and electricity bills this year. But while the £200 energy bill 'discount' will have to be paid back, at a rate of £40 a year over five years from 2023, the council tax rebate will not. The Treasury said: "This one-off payment will benefit around 80 per cent of all homes in England and is £1 billion more generous and more targeted towards lower-income families than a VAT cut on energy bills."

Help with energy bills A £1 MILLION grant will help some social housing tenants cut their energy bills. The West of England Combined Authority has been given the funding to install new double glazing, roof and wall insulation, solar panels and heat pumps in 56 homes across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The money will be targeted at socially-rented houses with low energy efficiency ratings, to bring them up to the level the Climate Change Committee is proposing all UK homes should reach in order to help meet the UK’s net zero carbon target. The South West Energy Hub, hosted by the West of England Combined Authority, is working with Elim Housing Association and Live West to deliver the project.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2022

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Budget 'will protect Police rise will help frontline services' 'rebuild' service

Toby Savage, Pat Rooney and Claire Young at the budget meeting SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's budget was approved unanimously at a tax-setting meeting. The budget includes more money for street cleaning, school buildings, roads and potholes, and children’s services. Opposition groups secured extra funding to help retrofit homes and reduce waiting times for therapy for sex attack victims from up to 42 months down to three. The Conservative administration’s budget keeps parking free at council-run car parks in the district. But while frontline services are protected, the budget also includes £9.5 million of cutbacks in 2022/23 and £23.6m over the next four years, including staff redundancies, higher pest control fees and the end of subsidies for the HandyVan repairs service for older and disabled residents. Almost £260m will be spent on South Gloucestershire Council day-to-day services, plus £140.5m on capital projects, over the next 12 months. Street cleaning teams will receive an additional £639,000, more than £12m will go on road repairs, and there will be £15.3m extra for children’s services amid ongoing criticism from Ofsted that vulnerable youngsters are at risk. Schools will share an additional £7.3million from increased government funding, up by 6.6 per cent from 2021/22 to £191m for the coming year, with spending on pupils with special educational needs and disabilities rising by £5m. The council is also ploughing £47m from its capital programme into school building

projects, including nearly £5m on the new sixth form, maths and science block at Castle School in Thornbury and £3.7m for improvements at Marlwood School in Alveston. Council leader Toby Savage said: "This balanced four-year budget is one for everyone in South Gloucestershire. "We are protecting the vital frontline services that so many people rely on and we are investing to create an even cleaner and greener South Gloucestershire." The 2.99% rise is the maximum permitted by the government this year without the need for a local referendum. Both opposition groups tabled budget amendments which were approved unanimously following negotiations, and some changes, before a meeting at Kingswood civic centre on February 16. Labour secured £7,300 from reserves for 10 more climate change workshops in schools and £75,000 from the newly created £1m prevention fund to ensure 50 victims of rape and sexual assault will receive therapy within three months rather than up to three-and-a-half years. Group leader Pat Rooney said the money "will have an immediate impact for some of our most vulnerable victims of sexual assault and rape". The Liberal Democrats secured an extra £110,000 to help residents reduce their carbon footprints and energy bills. Group leader Claire Young told the meeting: “It appears that our repeated calls for more funding for climate action are finally hitting home." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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HUNDREDS more officers and a “relentless focus” on perpetrators will lead Avon and Somerset police to “sunny uplands”, says new chief constable Sarah Crew. The force's top officer said a £10 tax rise for the average Band D household in the coming year – the maximum allowed – was modest compared to the £87 million the force has cut from its budget in the last 10 years. Significant future savings will still need to be made in the coming years, she warned. The force also faces new costs and a 25 per cent hike in gas and electricity bills, and will need to save £3million Ms Crew told the police and crime panel’s budget setting meeting in February: “We’ve been fighting fires for a long time. I liken it to a hard winter where we’ve had our heads down, hats pulled over our eyes and looking just ahead. It’s time for us to look a bit further ahead. “Rebuilding in three years what took 10 years to disassemble does have some challenges. “We’re seeing a growth of 456 officers. That means introducing over 1,300 new officers by next March." Ms Crew said the force would “turn the dial up on perpetrators”, with high quality case-building, prevention and disruption at the earliest possible stage.Officers' pay was frozen last year but is expected to increase by a “reasonable” 3.5 per cent in September. By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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March, 2022

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Retired GPs asked to go back to work DOCTORS who have hung up their stethoscopes are being asked to come out of retirement to provide online consultations for patients. The move is among a raft of measures to make more GP appointments available across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire as practices struggle to keep up with patient demand. Health bosses hope the “attractive home working opportunity” for recentlyretired GPs, those who would otherwise retire or those taking a career break will help ease the crisis, a local health committee heard. Jenny Bowker But some local councillors are concerned that not enough is being done to provide extra face-to-face consultations. Members of South Gloucestershire’s health scrutiny committee heard about schemes to expand general practice capacity during an update from Jenny Bowker, head of primary care development at the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, on January 26. Ms Bowker said the schemes were thanks to £4 million of government ‘winter access’ funding from October that had to be spent by the end of March. She said the CCG had tried to create the retired GP network in December but the attempt was overshadowed by a call for retired GPs to help with the covid booster programme. Ms Bowker said: "We have a GP clinical network service scheme which is about attracting people who’ve recently retired to work in a remote capacity and offer more capacity to general practice by offering video or remote consultations. "That’s a scheme that we’re going to look at again this year, to see if we can attract more people." Kingswood ward councillor Andrea Reid said “by far the most common problem” for residents has been an “inability” to get face-toface appointments with a GP. She asked whether the CCG would be making more face-to-face appointments available or would just be increasing the number of remote consultations. Ms Bowker said it would be a “combination of the two”. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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March, 2022

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Praise for nursery's 'positive role models' AN inspector has praised a Thornbury nursery's "caring and enthusiastic" staff. Education watchdog Ofsted visited Happy Days Nursery in Cooper Road in January and rated it good in all areas. Inspector Karen Allen said children are happy, enjoy their time at the nursery "are eager to learn". She said: "Children demonstrate that they feel safe and secure, and form good bonds with the caring and enthusiastic staff. "Staff have high expectations of children and are positive role models. "Children's behaviour is good." The nursery has 118 children on its roll, from babies to four year olds, and the inspector said staff helped them become "confident communicators" by constantly working to extend their language skills. She said: "The broad curriculum ensures that children have regular opportunities to hear and join in with familiar rhymes, songs and stories to support their language skills. Babies thoroughly enjoy group singing activities." The inspector also highlighted the work of the nursery staff to solve problems, work as a team in activities and "extend children's thinking".

Staff from Happy Days Nursery in Thornbury clebrate their good Ofsted rating. Work to embed "mathematics into activities" and encourage children to experiment. The report said: "Staff promote children's self-care and independence skills. Babies learn to feed themselves with a spoon and toddlers pour their own drinks. "Children's physical health is promoted

well through nutritious food, regular fresh air and exercise." Arrangements to safeguard children were effective, with "robust" staff recruitment and induction, effective supervision and meeting of adult-to-child ratios at all times. The inspector recommended that the nursery, which opened in 2016 and also achieved a good rating at its first inspection in 2019, help children learn about diversity in the local community and wider world. Happy Days Thornbury field manager Sam Meekings said: "I am extremely proud of the staff team who have been dedicated throughout the pandemic to provide exceptional care and education for children and families within the local community. "The inspector recognised that our key persons know children well, and know what they want them to learn next." The company's operations director Fiona Blackwell said: "Sam leads by example and inspires the team to nurture and support the children, allowing them to have fun, learn and shine in a safe and secure environment. "We will continue to develop our provision, striving to achieve an Outstanding Ofsted grade at our next inspection!"

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March, 2022

New cycle and bus lanes planned for A38 NEW bus and cycle lanes, changes to speed limits and the removal of overtaking taking lanes on the A38 could be introduced to help promote "active travel" in the Thornbury area. South Gloucestershire Council is running a consultation on changes to roads around Thornbury, the A38 and Bradley Stoke and asking people to have their say on the changes, which include: • Improvements to the bus stops throughout Thornbury, Alveston and along the A38, including raised kerbs, shelters and information provision. Some bus stops may be relocated "a short distance". • New bus lanes on the A38 southbound approaching Church Road, Hortham Lane and M5 Junction 16, where buses regularly get stuck in traffic. • Extra lanes and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians at the A38 Grovesend Road and

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Alveston Hill junctions. • A two-way cycle track alongside the footpath on the A38 between the M5 Junction 16 and Alveston. • A two-way cycle track with separate footway between the A38 at Alveston and Thornbury town centre, running alongside the B4061 Alveston Hill for part of the route and a new offroad route south of Thornbury Leisure Centre. • The removal of overtaking lanes on the A38 between

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South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Steve Reade in Thornbury Alveston and Grovesend Road. The council says they "do not meet modern standards for safe overtaking and provide negligible journey time benefits". • One-way cycle tracks along the A38 between Alveston and Grovesend Road. • A reduction in speed limits from 40 to 30mph at Almondsbury, Rudgeway and from 60 to 50mph north of Alveston. • Improved crossings for pedestrians and cyclists along the A38 and B4061 Alveston Hill, to allow safe access to the new cycle track and to improve access to bus stops. Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: “To help address climate change and provide people with more choices for their journeys, we are aiming to make all types of travel in South Gloucestershire more sustainable. “We want to transform the Thornbury, A38 and Bradley Stoke Way corridor to give residents and visitors better

options for using buses, walking and cycling. "We want to hear what people have to say about these proposals, so I encourage everyone to take part in our consultation.” The overall aims of the changes are to reduce the delays buses for buses at key junctions between Thornbury and Bradley Stoke, and create safer facilities to keep cyclists separated from traffic and pedestrians. The plans are being developed as part of a wider programme of bus and cycle investment, funded by the West of England Combined Authority from money allocated by central government. The consultation is open until midnight on March 14. Public drop-in sessions to look at the plans were due to be held at the Turnberries Community Centre in Thornbury on February 28 from 2.306pm, at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre on March 1 from 3-7pm and at the Old School House, Almondsbury, on March 3 from 3-7pm. More details can be found online at www.consultations. southglos.gov.uk/A38, by emailing transportservices@ southglos.gov.uk, or calling 01454 868004. Comments can also be made by writing to FREEPOST SGC, South Gloucestershire Council, Insight and Engagement Team, Council Offices, Badminton Road, Yate BS37 5AF. If the scheme goes ahead, work would start around the end of next year and take up to two years to complete.

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March, 2022

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Teen footballer Max signs for Manchester City IT'S a long way from the ranks of Coalpit Heath juniors to the Etihad stadium - but footballer Max Alleyne has made the journey after signing for Premier League champions Manchester City. Max, 16, whose parents still live in the South Gloucestershire village, said it was a "proud moment" when he transferred from Southampton for a fee of £1.5million. "I’ll work as hard as I possibly can and I feel that City is the perfect place for me to continue my development and progress as a player," said the central defender. "I can't wait to get started." Max, who made his under-18s debut for Saints last season, was offered a scholarship deal at St Mary's but turned it down. His dad Mark is well-known to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club fans as a former cup-winning captain.

Mark said: "Max is now fully-based at the Etihad, which was one of the main reasons for choosing City. "They are the only club that can host sports scholars on-site. It's a hothouse where they have full-time house parents looking after them and there's football on tap, as well as the academic stuff. "He's a bright boy and is doing a scholarship, with a commitment to becoming a pro at the end." Aside from being a proud dad, Mark coaches cricket scholars at Marlborough College, in Wiltshire. He also recently toured the West Indies with England's Twenty20 cricket squad. Mark praised Southampton for having guided Max's football development since he was plucked from Coalpit Heath's Under-8s to join the Premier League club's youth development centre in Keynsham.

"Southampton are a really good club and gave Max a great grounding in football," said Mark. He said it had been "important to get the balance right" between football, education and being a child. Mark said: "You can't throw everything into sport and forget everything else. I was able to encourage him, along with my wife, to keep it sensible and enjoy the sport for what it is. "He travels well - and there's a lot of travel involved - he's easy to get on with and makes new friends easily. And he respects the game for what it is." Coalpit Heath FC chair Stuart Aris said: "The club has watched Max’s progress and are so pleased he’s fulfilling the potential he showed at such a young age when he was playing with Coalpit Heath." Mr Aris, whose own son played alongside Max at Coalpit

Max Alleyne in his Manchester City kit Heath, said: "It acts as a great inspiration to current players and the coaches to know that there might be another ‘Max’ amongst the club."

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thornburyvoice

March, 2022

n NEWS

Charlotte is a 'hospitality star'

A WORKER at a hotel near Thornbury scooped a top award on a night to recognise the region's hospitality workers. Charlotte Karadag, who works at the De Vere Tortworth Court hotel, won the Front of House Employee of the Year award at the fourth Bristol Hoteliers Association Night Of The Stars event. Hundreds of people attended a gala to honour the sector's unsung heroes and celebrate success after one of the most challenging periods ever for their businesses. The event did not take place last year because of the pandemic but more than 300 people attended Ashton Gate in February to show support for their sector. BHA chair Raphael Herzog said: "This has been a very tough 18 months for hospitality businesses and we were so excited to finally be able to celebrate success.

Charlotte Karadag with Bristol Hoteliers Association chair Raphael Herzog "People are the most important asset in our industry and business, and it was an honour and a privilege to be able to come together again at last and recognise the many hospitality stars working in

Bristol. "The judges were highly complementary of the nominations, which were all first class. "I would like to congratulate all the award winners and

everyone else who was nominated, for the amazing work they have done in the most challenging of times. "But in a sense, everyone in the room was a winner, and it was wonderful to all come together, share our success stories, and look ahead to a brighter future." The award-winners were not the only people who had cause to celebrate the Night of the Stars; the event also raised £1,237.50 for Children's Hospice South West through a raffle. The charity's corporate partnerships fundraiser Amanda Gallagher said: "It was truly wonderful to see so much support for CHSW in the room and the money raised could pay for over 60 hours of care for the families we support, at home, in our hospices and virtually. "We would like to say a huge thank you to the Bristol Hoteliers Association for their support."

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March, 2022

New wardens aim to keep streets clean

A NEW team of wardens is helping to keep the streets of South Gloucestershire clean. Two street enforcement officers (SEOs) have been employed by the council as part of a £130,000 pilot scheme to target litterbugs and people who leave their dogs' mess on the pavement, encouraging people to either use bins or take their rubbish home. The SEOs are covering the whole district, and South Gloucestershire Council says it has introduced the role following overwhelming support in a public survey, which found 94 per cent of people backed a "proactive approach" to preventing littering and dog fouling. The pilot scheme was funded from the council’s 2020-21 budget and the authority says it is building on the success of the council’s Envirocrime team, which works to protect the environment by preventing and deterring littering.

South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member Rachael Hunt with street enforcement officers Jim Bell and Michelle Britton in Kingswood High Street The council’s 2022-23 budget includes an extra £639,000 in the street cleaning teams who work to ensure communities are clean and attractive places to live and work. The SEOs have powers under the Environmental Protection Act to issue warning notices, and fines as a last resort. But a council spokesperson said: "Their emphasis is more on reminding people to be responsible rather than issuing

fines. "They will work closely with local police and council’s Streetcare teams as part of their role, preventing and reporting fly-posting and any abandoned vehicles they see while on patrol." Council cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said: “Our Street Enforcement Officers are already out and about in our towns and in rural areas, with patrols

covering parks, open spaces and some residential streets. "Their role is very much about education and encouraging a change into positive habits. "This is already having an impact, with High Street traders telling us town centres are already looking better, with less litter and cigarette ends being dropped. "Some traders have also been putting out bins and taking litter from customers who are now more conscious about littering since the introduction of the Street Enforcement Officers, so we’re already seeing local communities benefiting from their introduction." The SEOs wear black and green uniforms and have badges and cards to identify them – they also wear video cameras like those used by police officers. They first went on patrol in December and the council says it will evaluate their effectiveness over time.

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March, 2022

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More donations help school clean up

DONATIONS from supporters of the Castle School in Thornbury are helping in some unexpected places. A dishwasher donated by a local family after an appeal by the Castle School Friends is helping to make the school's science department keep up with the daily demands of laboratory work by cleaning glassware used in experiments. Senior science technician Alex Craig said: "I can't tell you what a difference it will make to keeping the science department running smoothly and ensuring the students have the lab glassware they need ready for their lessons." A grant of £1,500 from Olveston Parish Council and has made a big impact on photography students' learning. School head of photography Joanna Blake said: "We have been able to purchase substantial amounts of equipment and our students are loving it. "This has led to students

Technician Alex Craig with the school's new dishwasher being able to develop their photographic skills and produce some high-quality and creatively exciting pieces of work. "We are really hoping to

be able to hold an exhibition towards the end of the school year in which we can celebrate all of their achievements.” The funds for the new

equipment were requested by the Friends, a group of parents, carers, teachers and other supporters of the school who run fundraising activities. The Friends' next fundraising event is a quiz evening on April 1. Teams of up to six people are welcome, with no minimum age limit, with refreshments available on the night. Tickets are on sale at the school's reception. Friends chair Justin Warr said: "We’re delighted to work with the local community to support the students and teachers in this way. "However we do need more volunteers to help us organise things, so please get in touch if you’d like to lend a hand and get involved with a fun group of parents and friends." For more information about the work of Castle School Friends visit www.castleschoolfriends. org or email enquiries@ castleschoolfriends.org.

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thornburyvoice

March, 2022

'Fantastic response' as bid for £220m fusio

THERE has been a "fantastic response" from people in the Thornbury area to the idea of building an experimental nuclear fusion reactor near the town. A series of meetings was held in Thornbury, nearby Oldburyon-Severn and Berkeley as a senior team from the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £220 million STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme visited the area to look at potential sites. A joint Oldbury and Berkeley bid is on a shortlist of five sites around the UK to be home to a reactor using the process of nuclear fusion - recreating the reactions in the sun which turn hydrogen into helium - to create almost limitless, low-carbon energy. Over the course of a week in February, more than 300 people attended the drop-in information sessions to find out more about the bid, with more than 120 attending an online forum. People attending the forum

heard that the reactor would be experimental, rather than a commerciallyoperating power station, and was being built to prove a viable fusion power station could be made to work. But the chosen site will be at the centre of thousands of new jobs, not just in constructing the reactor but in research and development, training, transport, facilities, support and a vast supply chain across a wide region. The JET fusion reactor in Oxfordshire The 'Severn Edge' Oldbury/ Berkeley bid is up The winning site is due to be against Ardeer on the west chosen at the end of this year but coast of Scotland, Goole in construction would not be likely East Yorkshire, Moorside in to get underway until the early Cumbria and Ratcliffe-on-Soar in 2030s. Nottinghamshire. Tristram Denton of the

UKAEA told the meeting the site was likely to have a lifetime of 30 to 40 years. People at the meetings were given the chance to ask questions about the scheme

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March, 2022

n NEWS

on plant gathers pace How will the fusion reactor work? and were also encouraged to become "champions" for the bid, supporting it in the community and online at www.westerngateway.co.uk/severnedge. Some of those who spoke offered their help on the spot, including former workers at the Oldbury and Berkeley nuclear power stations who offered to encourage young people to help provide the reactor's workforce. Economic development group the Western Gateway Partnership, which represents the West of England and South Wales and is leading the 'Severn Edge' bid, has praised the reaction from residents. South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage, who is the partnership's vice-chair, said: “It’s been great to see such a fantastic response from local residents. "We really value the comments and support we’ve received for our bid to bring the UK’s best hope of developing

clean, green fusion energy for the country to our sites in Oldbury and Berkeley. “We believe that our area offers the best possible site for the government’s world leading programme which would bring billions of pounds of investment to the area alongside supporting over 30,000 jobs for people on both sides of the Severn.” Severn Vale ward and Oldbury parish councillor Matthew Riddle said: “It is all very positive. I think a lot of that is due to the fact there is so much history of nuclear in this country and in Berkeley and Oldbury and our local areas. "Three generations have worked on the power stations over time with construction starting in the 1950s. "It will be great for skills for our young people and for many it could provide a job for life. My message to government is that we are ready to go.”

NUCLEAR fusion is different to the fission process used in older reactors, like those which are being decommissioned at Oldbury and Berkeley. Instead of splitting the atoms of radioactive elements like uranium, it involves combining hydrogen isotopes under conditions of extreme pressure and temperature. The reactor the UKAEA wants to build works by heating atoms to ten times the temperature of the centre of the sun, forming a plasma in which they smash together in a process called nuclear fusion to produce heavier atoms. This releases a huge amount of energy, which is converted to power a turbine and generate electricity, just like a conventional power station. A tokamak reactor uses giant magnets to keep the super-heated plasma away from the chamber's sides, preventing the reactor from melting down. Its spherical shape is believed to make it more efficient. The problem facing fusion experts is to come up with a "net energy" reactor, which produces more energy from the reaction than it consumes in creating the temperature and pressure. The meetings took place as the UK's JET fusion laboratory in Oxfordshire broke the world record for the amount of energy produced in a fusion reaction - but this was only enough to boil about 60 kettles of water. Tristram Denton of the UKAEA told the online forum: "We know fusion energy exists, we know what it does and we know we can harness it on earth. "The challenge remains to take that step from a laboratory to a power plant, from a scientific capability to industrial reality."

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Guy Oldring is the clinical lead and heads up the team at the Thornbury Clinic. WE all know the importance of exercising throughout our lives to maintain and improve our health. However you may not be aware that exercise becomes even more important as we get older. The good news is that it’s never too late to start! So why is exercise so important? There is now an increasing amount of strong evidence showing people who are active have a lower risk of developing a number of chronic conditions. There is also evidence to suggest that regular exercise can reduce the risk of falls as we get older.

• Cardiovascular health – physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 35%. • Diabetes – exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40%. • Strength – maintaining muscle strength can help reduce additional loading through the joints and allow daily activities to be performed without difficulty. • Flexibility – movement in and around the joints is important in reducing pain associated with age-related bone changes (osteoarthritis), and maintaining general joint mobility. • Maintain bone density – regular resistance training can help to maintain bone density and delay osteoporosis. • Improve mental health – exercise has a range of cognitive benefits and has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, by reducing mental activity, promoting physical fatigue and assisting sleep patterns. • Help to reduce dementia – some studies have suggested that exercise may help to reduce the incidence of dementia. • Assists weight loss – exercise

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helps to burn calories and, along with a healthy diet, can assist with maintaining or achieving a healthy weight, which is vital in the prevention of a number of chronic diseases. Alongside these physical and mental benefits, regular exercise in later years can also help to prevent falls, increase confidence and maintain hobbies and social connections, all of which contribute to a better quality of life. What exercise should I do? Physical activity is anything that raises your heart rate. Current NHS guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64 recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (cycling or brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous

aerobic exercise (running or singles tennis), or a mixture of the two, each with two or more days of strength training. For over-65s the recommendations are the same if you are already fit and active with no underlying health problems, but avoiding vigorous aerobic exercise if you started exercising a little later in life or have any health problems. It is also important to do activities or exercises that train our balance and co-ordination and flexibility, such as yoga, tai chi, dancing and pilates. Everyone’s bodies have different needs and respond differently to activity. If you are struggling to find the right sort of exercise for you, you can book an Exercise Health and Wellbeing consultation at The Thornbury Clinic Active.

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March, 2022

n LOCAL MP

Supporting those who have served their country IN January the Government unveiled its new Veterans Strategy, setting how we will support our amazing armed forces men and women, who have given so much to our country. Both at home and overseas, whether in supporting our world-leading vaccine rollout, or showing the amazing courage and dedication in bringing British people home from Afghanistan, we owe them enormously. They are some of our nation’s true heroes. Whilst many former Armed Forces personnel are able to transition back into civilian life, in too many cases this isn’t always easy. So, we have a duty to do

n NEWS

Crafters wanted A NON-profit community shop is calling on Thornbury's crafters to make use of its space. Castle Crafts and Clinic at The Plain aims to give local producers somewhere to sell their products. The venue already has jewellers, a potter, a ceramics artist, card makers, a wood turner, glass maker, sewers and felters but is looking for more crafters to "join our happy friendly team". People who want to get involved can pop into the shop at the end of Castle Street, email castlecraftsandclinic@gmail.com or visit www.castlecraftsandclinic.co.uk.

Together on Zoom THORNBURY Churches Together are inviting people to join Lent discussion groups on Zoom. Sessions will take place once a week over the from March up to Easter, using materials prepared by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, and the sessions will be led by people from the various Christian churches in Thornbury. For more information email thornbury.ct@gmail.com.

even more to support those who veterans who need it most. The Government has announced a £70 million action plan to help former armed services personnel to apply their military skills to public service roles, and to provide mental health support to those in need. A “step into health” scheme has been introduced, which will see work done to encourage veterans to apply for healthcare roles across the Home Office, the Department for Work and Pensions and NHS England. We will also see the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme put into force, which will guarantee that any veteran

applying to any Civil Service role will be guaranteed an interview. As we know, for so many people, getting into work is the best way of finding a place in society. However, for many veterans it is not that easy. Returning to civilian life presents its own challenges for people suffering with fragile mental health, and it is right that the Government does more. The Veterans Strategy will see NHS England bring three separate mental health services together within the ‘Op Courage’ mental health service for veterans, which was launched by NHS England last year. This will be vital in helping those in need to support

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice to access it. The UK Armed Forces' men and women who bravely serve our country are amongst the best and most courageous anywhere in the world. It is only right that we return that commitment, by making Britain the greatest place in the world to be a veteran.

Stroke shake-up to save lives A DOZEN lives will be saved every year and many more people will be prevented from becoming disabled or needing long-term care in a major shake-up of stroke services. Anyone in South Gloucestershire with a suspected stroke will be taken to a new centre of excellence at Southmead Hospital, where specialist staff and treatments will be available 24 hours a day. As well as offering hyper-acute care, the hospital will be the region’s single acute stroke unit. The £3.5 million plans also include two rehab units, at Weston General and South Bristol Community Hospital, for people who have recovered but are not quite well enough to go home, and an integrated community stroke service offering better support at home. Consultant stroke neurologist Dr Phil Clatworthy told the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s governing body: “We’re expecting that these changes should save 12 lives a year, every year in BNSSG, that up to 60 people will be able to live independently at home in the region

that wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, and that a similar number of people will be able to avoid having to be discharged from hospital into a permanent care home placement – quite significant benefits. “Everybody with a suspected stroke will be brought to and treated at Southmead Hospital at a centralised comprehensive stroke centre with a hyper-acute stroke unit. “Bringing everybody into the same place provides the benefit of people being looked after by a specialist workforce who look after a lot of people with stroke every year so they have good experience of that and all of the equipment and treatments are available 24-seven.” Stroke affects more than 1,500 people in the region each year. It is the fourth biggest killer in the UK and a leading cause of disability. Better immediate care limits the extent of brain damage and early intensive rehabilitation reduces disability and preserves post-stroke independence. By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Repair café weathers the storm

Thornbury Men’s Shed

IT takes more than a storm like Eunice to stop people coming to the Alveston Repair Café. The storm on February 19 certainly didn’t stop everyone enjoying a morning of tea, coffee, cakes, repair activity and no small amount of chat. Repair cafés are free meeting places. Visitors bring their broken items from home. Volunteers, with repair skills from a range of fields, are on hand to assist. Our team of volunteers worked on 39 items and repaired or gave advice on 17 of them. A further 15 items were left with us to be repaired later. The items varied from a lava lamp to a gigantic roulette wheel. Electrical items featured strongly as usual, but there were vacuum cleaners, items of furniture and even a globe which wouldn’t rotate. This time, in addition to offering a bicycle health check, we also had our local community

OUR local not-for-profit community workshop is predominantly for men over 18 and under 118! It brings them into a place where they may socialise whilst undertaking personal and group projects. We upcycle donated items by repairing, servicing, cleaning and testing of hardware prior to selling in the shop, at very affordable prices, to the community of Thornbury and district. Hence Thornbury Men's Shed has reduced processing of waste, reduced items going to landfill and provided projects which enhance the social and mental health of members. We do this by manufacturing and repairing items for community groups; reducing the need to purchase new items; providing tested goods at a fraction of the cost of new items. We are always looking for new members who have time to spare, at 6 Eastland Road, Thornbury. Chris Roly

A repair in progress policeman, PC Will Price, in attendance to security mark a steady stream of bicycles. We are most grateful for Will and his colleagues for coming, and also to all the volunteers and customers who joined in. Our next Alveston Repair Café will be on May 21 at St Helen’s Church in Alveston, between 10am

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and 1pm. Our aim is to save possessions being unnecessarily scrapped, to share skills and most importantly enjoy the event. Everyone is welcome - and this time we have put in an order for some decent weather! Peter Waller

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March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS CALLING local community groups – Thornbury Radio can help you! Thornbury Radio is relaunching its popular Community Spotlight feature that is designed to help local not-for-profit community organisations publicise themselves. The Community Spotlight features are played every hour, 365 days a year. They showcase a range of local voluntary and not-forprofit organisations in and around Thornbury. We’re constantly seeking new ways to put something extra back into the local community, and we hope many local organisations will avail of this free offer. As a not-for-profit community venture ourselves, we know only too well how tricky it can be to raise awareness of your organisation and attract

Thornbury Radio: We can help

Thornbury Radio’s Weekday Breakfast show presenter Chris Criddle. Picture: Glyn Roylance volunteers. Hopefully this will give a leg-up to all the local heroes who

Thornbury and District u3a HAVE you recently retired or reduced your commitments leading up to retirement? Are you new to the area and looking to make new friends? Thornbury u3a promotes keeping us mentally and physically engaged and active in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere. Learn, Laugh and Live is the u3a motto and aims to provide opportunities for members to do so without having to travel too far or enrol in expensive courses. We have around 1,500 members and around 85 different groups meeting at various venues throughout the area, but there is always room for more. We are very pleased to announce that our Groups have started their face-to-face meetings again. Our numbers have greatly reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to this end, we would like to invite anyone who is interested in what we are about to come along to our next welcome meeting on Monday, March 7 in St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, from 3.30pm. Our Groups mainly meet during the day and interests range from archaeology to walking. Some meet weekly, others less often and they include physical activities, wine tasting, lunches out, crafts, board and card games, language lessons, organised visits to gardens and churches, concerts and theatre as well as purely “educational” topics. Details of all our groups can be found on our website, www.thornburyu3a.org.uk, or by calling 01454 858438 or 01454 418396. Please come along: we would love to meet you. Jackie Gitsham

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Severn Vale Art Trail - Family Art Adventure WE would like to build on the success of last year, when 23 households registered to take part in the Family Art Adventure and many people were seen wandering around town to view the window displays. The idea is that household members of all ages but particularly children and young people, create their own works of art using any medium they wish and display it in their home windows for all to see. Art work to be displayed from Friday April 22 to Sunday May 8. Thornbury residents would have time to walk, view and enjoy the window art by using a downloadable map as a guide that will be available on the Severn Vale Art Trail website: www.severnvalearttrail.

area. Thornbury Radio’s Community Spotlight features are available to local non-commercial not-for-profit organisations large or small, from charities to societies and clubs. Full details are available on the station’s website at thornbury.radio/ local/community-spotlight. Thornbury Radio transmits from its studios on The Plain, Thornbury, 24 hours a day on 105.1 and 107.5 FM to Thornbury and the surrounding area, and is also available on smart speakers, smartphones and online at www. thornbury.radio. Glyn Roylance Station Director

org/family-art-adventure. Family Art Adventure is an enjoyable, healthy and free activity for all to do! This year, as April 22 is Earth Day, you are invited to create a piece of work on the theme Celebrating our Planet. You may like to create a picture or 3D object from recycled materials showing how we could create a better planet. Be creative, be bold and have fun! To be included in the Family Art Adventure downloadable map and be placed in a lucky draw, with a chance of winning prize, we invite you to register by emailing your home address and email address by the end of March 25, to familyartadventure@ gmail.com. We suggest the Easter holidays could be a great time to create the window art! If you have any questions, please do email us and one of our committee volunteers will help you. Tracy Spencer

TMTG is back on the boards THORNBURY Musical Theatre Group is back – in fact, we are “Back on the Boards”! We are presenting our first show for over two years – a spectacular revue with a selection of songs curated by a new and exciting team. Musical theatre is bristling with new talent and ideas, and we are presenting songs from some new works such as Six, Dear Evan Hansen and Matilda, as well as some from more familiar musicals, Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate and many more. TMTG are at Tytherington Village Hall for this show on April 7 to 9, 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm on the 9th. Tickets, at £10 each are available from www.tmtg.org.uk or by calling our box office on 07516 270140. We have missed you and we can’t wait to welcome you all back! Alice Walton

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March, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Armstrong Arts group: Thornbury Jazz Festival is back THORNBURY Jazz Festival is back, two years after the coronavirus pandemic forced it to be postponed. The festival was due to be staged in the town for the third time in March 2020 at the Armstrong Hall. But the lockdown forced it to be called off and, with the Armstrong Hall currently closed, it will be staged at the Castle School from 4pm10pm on March 19. The four artists who had been due to appear in 2020 are all coming this year. Top of the bill is virtuoso jazz guitarist Remi Harris with Tom Moore. Sinead McCabe and the Sinnermen – Dan Newberry (sax), Tom Berge (piano), Cass Casswell (bass) and Eddie John (drums) will perform their takes on songs of Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald. Sinead, dubbed a "rising star" by jazz musician and broadcaster Digby Fairweather, has headlined jazz festivals including Bristol Harbourside and the Isle of Wight. Also appearing at the event will be the Kris Nock Big Band and the Jenner Jazz Quartet. Tickets cost £25 from AAGThornbury@gmail. com or 01454 850933.

Sinead and the Sinnermen in concert The event is the latest to be organised by the Armstrong Arts Group, which is run by volunteers. Thanks to a number of generous sponsors, local musician Michael Lunts has been able to arrange the purchase of a brandnew Yamaha baby grand piano, owned by the Armstrong Arts Group on behalf of the community, which is housed in the United Reformed Church in Thornbury and is available for use by all interested parties. To welcome the new piano a launch concert, A Grand Opening for a Grand Piano, was staged in January featuring stunning performances by

March at Thornbury Library THORNBURY Library has a home library service for people who find it difficult to get out to pick up books. Anyone who wants to enquire about the service should email or call the library on the numbers below: volunteers are happy to help. Family story time and activities take place on March 5 and 19 at 9.30am. Lego Club is on March 12 and 26, 10am-11am. Come along for a story or poems, then create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see. Rhymetime is every Friday 9.30am-10am. To book a place on any of these activities, pop in or email the library at the address below. Sight Support West of England on March 28 from 10am-1pm provides support and advice for people with visual impairments. A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions: pop in or email to book a space. Library is open 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday. Open access 8am-7.30pm every day. For bookings and more information call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries.

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local musicians spanning the generations. Thornbury has a proud history of presenting the arts in all its forms, especially at its treasured venue, The Armstrong Hall. In spite of its current closure, many are working hard to enable its re-opening. Meanwhile we are using other venues around Thornbury to allow arts events to continue to flourish, as in Thornbury’s rich cultural past. If you would like to see and hear the piano in action, Michael will be playing it on most Saturdays as part of the URC’s coffee mornings from 10am to noon. Jane Parfitt

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n WHAT'S ON

March 1 n THORNBURY CHURCHES TOGETHER Lent discussion groups on Zoom, led by people from the various Christian churches in Thornbury, start in early March. All welcome. For more information and registration email thornbury. ct@gmail.com. March 4 n WORLD DAY OF PRAYER at Thornbury Methodist Church, 7.30pm. All welcome, service called 'I know the plans I have for you'. For more information call Sue Lewis on 01454 600503. March 7 n THORNBURY U3A WELCOME MEETING, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, from 3.30pm. More details online at www.thornburyu3a.org.uk or

March, 2022

SIDE SUPPORT GROUP annual quiz, Castle School Hall, 7.15p.m. Tables of four £32, including light supper. Raffle and bar. For more information call Mary on 01454 412567. March 12 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents Scott & Sid, winner of Best British Film at National Film Awards UK 2019. Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Members free. Guests £5. More information at www.thornburypicturehouse.org. March 19 n THORNBURY JAZZ FESTIVAL, Castle School, 4-10pm. Sinead McCabe and the Sinnermen, Kris Nock Big Band, Jenner Jazz Quartet, Remi Harris with Tom Moore. Tickets £25 from AAGThornbury@

phone membership secretary Jackie Gitsham on 10454 858438. March 7 n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION MEETING, Alveston Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Nick Morgan talks about the great glasshouse at Wisley. Visitors welcome (£3). March 7 to 12 n OCTOPUS DRAMA GROUP presents Aladdin, rescheduled due to the omicron variant, at Christ the King Church Hall in Castle Street. 7.30pm weeknights, Saturday 11am and 3pm. Tickets from Thornbury Garden Shop. Ticket holders for January run can transfer their tickets to March. More details from Karen on 01454 413783. March 11 n ST PETER'S HOSPICE SEVERN-

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gmail.com or 01454 850933. March 23 n ALVESTON HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. Mike Hooper will be talking about the history of Bristol’s council housing. Visitors and newcomers welcome. March 25 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE presents 42nd Street, filmed live at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. Over-60s £8, all others £10. More information at www.thornburypicturehouse.org. April 2 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP presents Peter Macqueen as Old Herbaceous, at the Methodist Hall, Thornbury High Street, 7.30pm. Seating pre-allocated. Tickets £12 from AAGThornbury@gmail.com or 01454 850933. April 4 n ALVESTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION, Alveston Jubilee Hall, 7.30pm. Peter Holloway will talk about fuchsias. Visitors are welcome (£3).

Monday n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the third Monday in the month at 2pm in St Marys 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 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 and materials/pattern. To attend, call Carrie in advance on 07753 236095. Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR invites new and returning singers to join us at our weekly rehearsals every Thursday from 7-9.15pm at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton. Sociable and friendly group singing a wide range of songs; you don't have to read music but if you can hold a tune we look forward to seeing you. More details at www.bristolmvc.org.uk or by calling 07941 040472. n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Turnberries Community Centre, Bath Road, Thornbury, 1-3pm. For more information visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk 15/12/2021 10:01:07

March, 2022

thornburyvoice

n NEWS A NEW chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service has been appointed. The service's current assistant chief fire officer, Simon Shilton, has been appointed by Avon Fire Authority to take over the top job from Mick Crennell, who will retire at the end of March. Simon's nomination was approved unanimously by the authority on February 11 and he said it was "truly an honour" to take charge. He said: "Having spent most of my career with Avon Fire & Rescue Service, I’m looking forward to all that the role has in store. "I will of course be building on the outstanding contribution made by Mick and personally, and on behalf of the service, I wish him all the very best on his next adventure. "I am committed to working hard to ensure the highest levels of safety for all who live and work in our communities and, working side-by-side with our dedicated and hard-working staff, we will continue to make our communities safer and make

New brigade chief takes over

Simon Shilton is set to become the new chief fire officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service our service stronger." Having been part of the fire and rescue service for 28 years, Simon has been a station manager, incident command trainer and training manager. He spent the first 15 years of his career at Avon Fire & Rescue Service as an operational firefighter at Avonmouth, Bath, Temple and Southmead fire stations, before moving to

West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service in 2008 and rising to the rank of area commander. He rejoined the Avon service in 2017 as assistant chief fire officer for service delivery support. Avon Fire Authority chair Brenda Massey said: “On behalf of the fire authority, we are delighted to unanimously approve Simon’s appointment as the new chief fire officer for Avon

Fire & Rescue Service. “The process for appointing the service’s next chief fire officer was incredibly rigorous, and both candidates involved in the process were of high calibre. "Simon’s passion and wealth of operational and strategic experience gave us full confidence he is the right person to lead the organisation. “The fire authority would also like to thank Mick for the dedication and leadership he has shown in the role of chief fire officer, particularly in leading the organisation through a difficult time following the Baker Review and throughout the ongoing pandemic. We wish him well in the future. "We are assured that, under Simon’s leadership, the service will continue to thrive on its continual improvement journey in being the best fire and rescue service for the communities we serve."

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Tax increase is a positive step for policing LAST month, I announced that I would be increasing the policing part of the council tax – known as the precept – by 4.1% for local residents, equivalent to 83p more per month for the average band D household. I would like to thank the Police and Crime Panel and local people for their support. This increase will help deliver my ambitious Police and Crime Plan, which aims to provide you with an efficient, effective and legitimate police service. I know that any increase in household bills is felt by local people but, without it, it is likely cuts would have had to be made that would impact frontline services. This is why I was determined to hear from as many residents as possible and, through my consultation, I heard from 6,335 residents, of which the majority were in support of an

increase to support policing. This increase is a really positive step for policing. It allows the force and my office to work towards our vision of more visible policing, better community engagement, preventing crime, strengthening partnership work, and improving outcomes and support for victims of crime. The increase will also allow us to give pay rises to the policing family, ensuring we are recognising the hard work of officers and staff that go above and beyond for our communities. If you want an outstanding police service you have to fund it and, as your PCC, I will ensure Avon and Somerset Police deliver. I’m also delighted to announce that my team and I have been successful in securing over £100,000 in additional funding for sexual violence and domestic abuse services in Avon

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and Somerset; an additional £30,797 from the Ministry of Justice’s Critical Support Fund and £70,000 from NHSEI Health and Justice South West. As PCC, my team and I will continue to work with other commissioners – including health and local authorities – to ensure there are effective and efficient services across Avon and Somerset that can be accessed by everyone, which supports victims and survivors to cope and recover. Preventing and fighting crime is a priority in my recentlypublished Police and Crime Plan and this includes tackling male violence against women and girls, specifically domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking and harassment. As well as ensuring there are good provisions for victims and survivors, we must address the attitudes and behaviours of the

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford perpetrator and ensure police investigations are evidence-led and focus on the actions of the offender rather than the victim. Finally, for anyone who is a victim or survivor of sexual violence or domestic abuse, remember help is available whether you report to the police or not, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. You can find you more about local services at www.survivorpathway.org.uk

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March, 2022

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Cost of living crisis needs urgent action

HE weekly shop, petrol and energy bills are all going through the roof. It’s clear there is a cost of living crisis. It’s affecting everyone and it’s the talk of the town – from a woman I met at a cafe in Kingswood who told me her electric bill had doubled to the terrible stories I heard at a rural foodbank of working families, including an NHS nurse, who can’t afford the basic necessities. April’s rise in national insurance will hit hard. People across the West of England are being bashed by both higher prices and taxes in a way not seen before. Unfortunately that still isn’t the whole story. The cap on energy bills is being raised by almost £700 – a rise of 54%. So the average energy bill will now almost be £2,000 and they are set to rise yet again later in the year too. For many, including the Bristol and Keynsham families I met recently, the grim choice is between heating or eating – with the number

of people in this awful predicament set to rise throughout 2022. So, what is the government’s response to this cost of living crisis? Well, the Chancellor decided to loan billions of pounds to energy companies. His ‘buy now, pay later’ wheeze on energy bills will load up debt for the future, not sort the problem. As Metro Mayor I have levers of power for the long term and have begun a big programme of retrofitting to make homes warmer and bills cheaper through my £50 million green recovery fund. We’ve got so many beautiful Victorian and Georgian houses and cottages but they weren’t built with energy efficiency in mind. I’ve also launched £1m in grants to help local places, like a great (dog friendly) coffee shop Angel my cocker spaniel and I visited in Bath, that are using a West of England Combined Authority grant to go greener and so cut their bills.

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

What is urgently needed now, however, is to get cash to hard-pressed households. Let’s fund that by a one-off tax on oil and gas producer’s booming profits. The government need to face up to some alarming inflation and tax rise truths and provide real solutions to this cost of living crisis; not piling up more things to pay tomorrow for hard working people, families and pensioners.

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March, 2022

n SPORT

James Wood charges through the North Petherton defence. Picture: Dave Fox

A muddied Sam Baker-Green takes on the Cheltenham North Ladies. Picture: Dave Fox

THORNBURY Men’s First XV have had a difficult few weeks. They lost their unbeaten home record and eight-match unbeaten run when losing to 18-17 Lydney, in a match marred by a season-ending injury to club captain Sam Poustie in late January. Thornbury’s full-back fell early in the game and Thorns' focus was not fully on the game afterwards. The malaise overflowed to the following weekend when losing at Newent, although three late tries earned them a losing bonus point. However normal service

Swindon, with Sadie Giles scoring three of Thornbury’s twelve tries. The solitary defeat was at home to Yeovil, from two leagues above Thornbury, and another fine performance was delivered. In their last game at home to Cheltenham North, the Ladies endured horrendous weather, which didn’t prevent Polly Pearce scoring a hat-trick in her first game of the season in a fine 31-17 win. Thornbury Seconds enjoyed a morale-boosting 22-19 win over Lydney but a combination of injuries and the effect of

Normal service resumed for Thornbury was resumed at home to North Petherton in mid-February, with a comprehensive 55-5 win in which Alfie Richardson scored four of Thorns’ nine tries. They followed this with a 42-10 win away to Old Patesians, where five first-half tries had the game won, with three more uphill in the second to underline Thornbury’s superiority. Thornbury Women have enjoyed a satisfying month of rugby. Three of the four matches were league games and they won them all, including a remarkable 78-0 win at Supermarine in

playing well-drilled first XVs in their league has caused them a difficult season. Early March sees some intriguing matches, with the First XV at home to Sidmouth before a much-anticipated away match at high-flying St Austell. The Sidmouth match, on March 5, will be a double-header, as the clubs’ Ladies XVs play each other as a curtain-raiser. It is hoped that that match will be the 50th game Thornbury Women will have played. Dave Fox

A windy win for Thornbury Netball Club IT is now over half way through the season for Thornbury Netball, and to say this one has been challenging would be an understatement. The impact of covid and member injuries has meant there have been a few squad changes. Having said this, the club is certainly one which will always rise to the challenge, and both teams have been enjoying a run of fantastic wins. Thornbury Netball Club First Team are currently sitting top of the Division 8 Avon Netball League. Despite some windy weather, they had a huge win, 50-14, against local rivals Olveston 2. New squad member Alice Keehn was player of the match, thanks to her unstoppable shooting! Thornbury Twos had

Thornbury Netball Club's first and second teams. a rather unusual start to the match, as neither team scored within the first five minutes but team captain Abi started the ball rolling and they were looking steady in the first quarter. A few changes were made

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along the way to mix things up, as they are still a new team finding rhythm. The slow start and change up, did not stop the team gaining that win 16-6 against Harlequins. Player of the Match was the fantastic Zoe

Owen - well done! Thank you to our sponsors Thornbury Tandoori and Phoenix Orthodontics. Heather Stevens Gregory

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March, 2022

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

BTEA joins the Olympus Academy Trust

BRISTOL Technology and Engineering Academy (BTEA) joined the Olympus Academy Trust in September 2021. We plan to merge BTEA with Abbeywood Community School and retain the specialist Engineering/STEM curriculum pathway for Years 10-13. Our purpose is to develop young people with the skills, qualities and qualifications necessary to progress successfully within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths field in the local, regional and national employment market. Our Key stage 4 and Post 16 curriculum enables students to study specialist Engineering courses alongside GCSEs and A-levels. BTEA works closely with a range of local employers to develop Employer-Led Projects (ELPs) that enable our students to work alongside industry professionals and develop soughtafter employability skills and sector-specific work experience.

n SPORT

New season training begins PREPARATIONS are well under way for the new cricket season at Old Down Cricket Club and we are excited to hopefully be able to enjoy a full summer of cricket this year. Indoor nets are being held weekly on Sundays between 11am and 1pm at Castle School Thornbury for five weeks from March 13 to April 10. We aim to start our regular senior practice sessions, on Wednesday nights at 6.30pm at our ground on Alveston Road on April 13, weather permitting. We are able to offer indoor practice for our junior section. We have five weekly sessions planned. These are held at the sports hall at Castle School between 1pm and 2pm on Sundays, commencing on March 13, for school Year 7 and upwards. No experience is necessary but new players should contact the club before first attending. We are again running the ECB All Stars programme, which is for boys and girls aged from five to eight years old and starts on May 27. Sessions are from 5.30-6.30pm at our ground. The same date will see the second year of the ECB Dynamos Cricket programme, for children aged eight to 11, get underway. It is suitable for both All Stars graduates or children trying cricket for the first time and takes place at our ground on Friday evenings from 6.45-7.45pm. Both the All Stars and Dynamos can be booked online at ecb. clubspark.uk, where you’ll find full details of what’s included. Be sure to specify Old Down Cricket Club as your delivery centre. For more information about any of this season’s cricket, please visit our website, www.olddowncricketclub.co.uk or drop an email to enquiries@olddowncricketclub.co.uk. Reg Purchase

Rediscover St Nick’s Market St Nicholas Markets, also known as “St Nick’s” is a hidden gem in the heart of the Old City. Home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Bristol, the historic indoor and outdoor markets house over 60 stalls, selling a range of unique gifts, quality crafts, clothing and fashion, accessories, books, records and food. Eat in or take away, it is a food lover’s paradise, with food and flavours from across the world. From shoe repairs to key cutting and knife sharpening, you’re sure to find a trader to fix anything that’s broken. Open Monday to Saturday, enjoy a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Old City.

stnicholasmarkets.co.uk Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ Reopening High Streets Safely / Welcome Back Fund delivered with funding from:

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n SPORT

March, 2022

Rocks' winning streak comes to an end A HEAVY home defeat to Bishop Sutton put an end to a three-match winning streak for Tytherington Rocks. An impressive 4-1 win at home against Radstock followed a 2-1 victory over Longwell Green Sports, before a confident Tytherington Rocks travelled to Hengrove Athletic on February 5 looking to make it three wins in a row. Max Wilding slammed the ball into the back of the net in the 28th minute to put the Rocks a goal up. Playing into a strong wind proved difficult and just before half time, Hengrove scored an equaliser after Rocks keeper Kyrees Johnson came too far out and did not get to the ball. But in the second half, with the wind in their favour, Rocks piled on the pressure. In the 70th minute,

Tytherington won a free kick just outside the box. In-form striker Bailey Croome hit a superb shot into the top right corner of the net to give Tytherington a 2-1 lead. With their confidence boosted, the Rocks controlled the game and half-time substitute Ryan Sharpe scored in the 75th minute to secure all three points. But the good form was not to last and when Bishop Sutton visited Tytherington on February 12, from the very beginning the Rocks were looking out of shape and didn't seem to switch on at all. Some very poor errors in defence and a lack of finishing in attack saw them crash to a 5-0 defeat. Sutton striker Oaklan Buck was in brilliant form, taking advantage of the Rocks’ mistakes and punishing the home side four times.

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Ethan McMahon in action for Tytherington Rocks against Hengrove Athletic Two of Buck's goals were spectacular volleys from distance, flying over Kyrees Johnson’s head into the top corner. From the beginning it was clear for all spectators that the Rocks lacked communication and seemed to almost be playing

against each other at times. A 4-3 away win at Bristol Telephones in the Les Phillips Cup was followed by another home league defeat, this time 2-0 to Wells City, which left Rocks in 13th place in the Toolstation Western League First Division. Claire Smith

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thornburyvoice

March, 2022

n SPORT

Thorns climb away from relegation zone ALL four of Thornbury Town’s senior teams have enjoyed some good results in the last few weeks, with the Reserves and A team maintaining their respective push for promotion. The first team have climbed away from the relegation zone and reached the quarter-final of the GFA Challenge Trophy following a run of good results. Thorns enjoyed success against sides around them in the lower reaches of the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division, with Harry Brock and Elliott Gardner netting the goals in a 2-0 home victory against Hallen. The following week a trip to Shrivenham saw Thorns return with a 3-1 win under their belts, courtesy of another Gardner goal and Jack Sheppard-Cozens netting twice from the penalty spot. Town were brought back down to earth in the next fixture when they were beaten 5-0 at home by Royal Wooton Bassett. The game was a milestone for defender Nathan Sage, who made his 300th appearance for the club. An improved performance seven days later saw Town slip to

Nathan Sage is congratulated by Chairman Pete Webber on his 300th club appearance a 2-0 defeat at home to secondplaced Bradford Town. However Thorns continue to enjoy success in the Gloucestershire Challenge Trophy, following a penalty shoot-out victory against County League side Sharpness. The game finished 1-1, with Sheppard-Cozens again netting from the spot, but a perfect set of penalties saw Town emerge

winners, to face League rivals Lydney Town in the quarter final. Despite having only played twice since Christmas, Town’s Reserves continue to hold top spot in their division following a goalless draw at title rivals Old Sodbury and a 4-0 thumping of Hanham Athletic Reserves, with Harrison Young and Ollie Wilson both netting twice. Whilst they have a run

of away fixtures ahead of them, confidence is high that the Reserves will finish in a promotion position in Bristol & District League Division 1 come the end of the season. The A team are one of four sides pushing for the title in Bristol & District Division 3 and if they win their game in hand, they will be just one point behind the league leaders. A 4-0 win at home to Crosscourt United followed by a 3-1 win against Iron Acton kept them in contention for at least promotion, if not the title. Meanwhile the U18s registered an impressive home win over Bristol under-18 Combination League Division One leaders Hengrove Athletic, becoming the first team to defeat Hengrove this season thanks to goals from George Baker and Joe Pearmain. Unfortunately they couldn’t maintain that form against new league leaders Bath City when they lost 7-0, however this was the Bath youngsters' sixth consecutive win with a score of five or more goals! Malcolm Carr

Town girls chalk up first win of the season THORNBURY Town Girls Under-14s secured their first win of the season with a 5-3 victory over Ashton. The team, which plays in the Bristol Girls League, conceded early on in the game and went behind twice. But three goals from Nerea Raffin-Veale and one each for Alex Williams and Sophie Evans saw Thornbury dominate the second half, and they went on to win by two goals at Mundy Playing Fields on January 30. Coach Eleanor Bush said: "The team have had a number of defeats this season, but have worked very hard to improve their play, so they thoroughly deserved the win. "They all played so well and should be really proud of themselves. "There have been times when we’ve played games without substitutes and even with just 10 players due to covid, but they continued to show determination and resilience in every game they’ve played." This year is the first full season for the relatively newly-formed team, which the club is seeking permanent training facilities for in a bid to encourage even more girls to get into football.

Eleanor added: "Thornbury Town now has two girls teams – under 14s and under 12s – and there’s ambition to grow the club to get more girls into the sport."

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Thornbury Town is looking for more girls to join its two teams. Anyone who would like to get involved should email jack.harrisonbond@gmail.com.

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thornburyvoice

38 THORNBURY VOICE

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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT 3

Improving our places

South Gloucestershire communities will see yet more exciting improvements and a boost to our local economy thanks to the new budget’s spending plans.

Regenerating Kingswood In a major step towards the regeneration of Kingswood’s town centre, the council completed a £10million acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park last year. Alongside the funding in place to pedestrianise Regent Street, and the restoration of the Whitfield Tabernacle, the acquisition will transform the town. Options for redevelopment of the Kings Chase centre include leisure, housing and community services to complement shopping. As part of these plans, the council is also looking at reviewing the parking charges. The acquisition, and other regeneration plans, are funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Following extensive public consultation last year, the council will be bringing a final masterplan for Kingswood before its Cabinet in March. Feedback from local people included the potential for new leisure centre facilities in the town centre. Others commented that the council should prioritise connecting the green and open spaces across the area.

Yate on the move Yate’s new £4.5million park and ride is now open. Located on Badminton Road, the facility is already helping to reduce traffic by providing attractive alternative travel options such as public transport, Cllr Steve Reade at the new park and ride cycling or car sharing. The park and ride is open seven days a week (excluding bank holidays) and includes 198 parking spaces, cycle parking for 46 bicycles, and improved bus stops. The car park will also be available for rail users at Yate Station. Looking ahead, a new masterplan, which sets out the aspirations for developing Yate, could see around £600million invested in the town over the next 15 to 20 years. Produced with partners including the town council, local business and residents’ groups, the Town Improvement Masterplan for Yate’s vision sets out how organisations can work together to help the town change. During public consultation last summer on the draft vision, local people fed back that they wanted to see more investment in Yate and a modernised town. Their responses shaped the final masterplan which you can view on the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/yatemasterplan

Helping Thornbury Thrive The council has secured a further £4.577million to progress its plans for Thornbury’s historic high street to create a welcoming destination. The scheme is also set to boost the town’s economy. The investment will create dedicated blue-badge parking, loading and drop off bays, stopping through-traffic, widened footways, increased cycle parking and new seating, planting and wayfinding along the much-loved high street. The next steps are for the council to complete a detailed design, taking on board views expressed so far by the community, and prepare the full business case. It will then engage again with local people and stakeholder groups. In further good news for the town, the council has bought the former Thornbury Hospital site with a focus on developing a much needed new health centre and at least 70 extra care homes. Demolition of the hospital buildings will start later this year. The council is working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group to progress plans for the replacement health centre.

Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension on track Work on the Cribbs Patchway Metrobus Extension (CPME) is making great progress. The project will provide an alternative, fast and direct bus route between Parkway Station and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Work along Gipsy Patch Lane has included a new railway bridge, improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists and carriageway widening for new bus lanes. Gipsy Patch Lane is set to be fully open by September this year, with metrobus services then commencing on the CPME route in spring 2023. For further information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/cpmetrobus

New bridge in place at Gipsy Patch Lane

Have Your Say: Your Local Plan The council is consulting on Phase 2 of its new Local Plan preparation. You can help shape South Gloucestershire’s future by sharing your views on possible locations for new homes, business growth and change, new green networks, and areas for renewable energy. View the plans and respond online at www.southglos.gov.uk/newlocalplan or call 01454 868004.

4 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Town and parish council proposals update Charlton Hayes, Kingswood, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, and Stoke Park & Cheswick have taken a further step towards getting their own new parish and town councils, following responses from the public and approval from the council’s regulatory committee. The council will consult with people again on further details in the coming months. The new parishes will give the areas more of a voice and provide a structure for taking action on local needs.

Digital Champions here to help get online The council’s digital champions can help if you, or someone you know, needs help to get online or would like to learn more. The digital champions run free one-to-one support sessions to help you feel more confident using the internet and online services. Based in seven South Gloucestershire libraries Downend, Emersons Green, Hanham, Staple Hill, Thornbury, Winterbourne and Yate - digital champions can help you complete specific tasks such as applying for a blue badge, setting up an email account or learning how to make video calls. You can book a session and bring your own device along (such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone), or use one of the library computers on the day. To book your session, visit the library during staffed hours and speak to library staff or phone 01454 865022 (lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12pm). With 12 libraries, a mobile library and many community libraries open throughout the week, the council is here to help. Find your nearest library at www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries

Once the town and parish councils are set up, the Special Expenses will be reviewed and reduced if the new parish councils take over the running of services. To receive the latest news from South Gloucestershire Council direct to your inbox, including when the town and parish council consultations start, sign up at www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter

Keep in touch Sign up for our weekly enewsletter at  www.southglos.gov.uk/newsletter If you are not online and would like a printed copy, please call us on  01454 868009 Follow our social media channels at  southglos.gov.uk/twitter  southglos.gov.uk/facebook To find details of how to contact us visit  southglos.gov.uk/contactus or call  01454 868009 www.southglos.gov.uk

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