Thornbury Voice May 2019

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Donations boost school sports Lee loses cancer battle

Tributes have been paid after a boy who battled cancer for three years died, aged 8.

PAGE 3

Get into music

A charity charity which helps children from the Thornbury area to make music is inviting more families to come and see what it has to offer.

PAGE 5

Squirrel cull CASH-strapped Castle School in Thornbury and Marlwood School in Alveston have some new equipment to improve sports facilities thanks to donations from the community. Full story: page 7.

School is now on the up

A SECONDARY school whose troubles gripped the nation’s TV viewers is well on the way to leaving special measures.

Monitors from Ofsted visited Marlwood School shortly before the end of last term and say things are continuing to look up.

Marlwood featured heavily in the BBC documentary School, which went behind the scenes at Turn to page 2

A member of a group which has killed 400 squirrels in the area so far this year has explained their aims.

PAGE 6

Going to the polls

Voters will go to the polls this month to elect a new-look South Gloucestershire Council as well as town and parish councils.

PAGES 14,15 & 22

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May, 2019

n NEWS

Standards are rising at Marlwood From page 1 three Castle School Education Trust-run schools to look at the challenges facing them.

The school, suffering severe financial pressures, was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2017 and placed in special measures, which involve extra monitoring by the education watchdog.

Deputy head teacher Del Planter stepped up to become interim head last September and Ofsted inspector Andrew Lovett praised his impact on the school’s fortunes over the course of inspectors’ two visits since then.

Mr Lovett said: “The interim headteacher has been in post for almost two terms. When he first took on the role, he set out his vision, identified priorities and established his way of working.

“The last monitoring visit report remarked on the renewed

impetus for improving teaching and learning. However, I noted that much remained to be done.

“There have been significant improvements in virtually all areas of the school since then.

This is very largely the result of the leadership of the head teacher, supported by his senior team and staff.”

He said the school’s leaders and managers were “taking effective action towards the removal of special measures”.

The inspector said the quality of teaching is improving, with standards rising in most subjects and that pupils’ attitudes changing, with more pride being shown in their work.

But he warned that teachers’ expectations remained too low in a few subjects, such as maths.

“Mathematics is a cause for concern,” Mr Lovett said. “Here, teachers are not setting high

enough expectations of what pupils can achieve.

“The standards achieved are not good enough. The level of work is not challenging enough.”

Inspectors said attendance was continuing to improve but said: “The figures are distorted by the near total absence of a very small number of pupils.”

Mr Planter welcomed the report, saying: “Ofsted has recognised the significant progress that Marlwood School is making in a wide range of areas, despite the very challenging financial and organisational constraints that the school faces.

“Whilst the vision for Marlwood School is much greater than the removal of special measures, we acknowledge that this will be a significant step on the way.”

• THE TV documentary which showed the impact of funding

cuts at Castle School and Marlwood School, has won a prestigious award from the Royal Television Society for the West of England.

BBC2’s School, which was filmed throughout a whole school year, was made by the company Label 1. It showed everything from financial discussions in the boardroom at the Castle School Education Trust (CSET) to staff being told of cuts to their salaries.

Label1 TV’s Head of Programmes Lorraine CharkerPhillips said: “This award is shared with every pupil, parent and teacher at the schools of CSET, the remarkable education trust that was brave enough to let us spend a year following their determined efforts to provide as good an education as possible in unprecedented times.”

School choices

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NINE out of every ten families applying for primary schools in South Gloucestershire received a place at their first choice school this year.

Figures for schools in the authority area have just been released by the council and show that, in total, 3,369 parents applied for places for their children in September, up by 19 on last year’s total.

Of those, 2,864 or 91% received an offer from their first-choice school. That number is down on last year, when 2,925 or 92% or families received their first-choice offer.

Another 178 applicants received their second-choice school and 26 their third choice, leaving 301 offered places at schools they had not chosen on their application forms.

Of those, 60 were offered a place at the next nearest school to their home, leaving 241 having to travel further afield.

The council says all parents from South Gloucestershire who made an application on time for a primary school place received one at a school somewhere in the area.

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He fought so much – tributes after Lee loses his cancer fight, aged 8 TRIBUTES have been paid to Lee Belgium, who has died after a three-year battle with cancer.

Eight-year-old Lee, whose family come from Thornbury but now live in Lyde Green, was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2016 when he was just six, and had been going to Bristol Children’s Hospital three times a week to have chemotherapy, steroids and a new trial drug.

After being told by doctors that there was nothing else that they could do for him in the UK, his family decided to do everything they could to raise £90,000 for Lee to go abroad for a treatment trial and a bone marrow transplant, which they hoped would save his life.

After raising nearly £80,000 over the last four months through a range of fundraising events, including several organised at Thornbury pub The Malthouse, mum Clare Boxall had planned to take superherofan Lee to Turkey for treatment.

However, the family were struck another blow when he came down with a bug called klebsiella pneumonia in March and they were forced to put their plans on hold.

Lee then developed mucormycosis, a rare fungal infection, and lost his battle for life on April 6.

Clare told the Voice: “Lee died from a horrible fungus infection that took over his beautiful face and throat.

“He fought so much – his little body was tired.”

Since then, there has been an outpouring of condolences from those who were giving the family moral and financial support.

Many shared their feelings on the Fight for Lee’s Life Facebook group, which has over 3,000 members, with people praising how hard the youngster had battled against the odds.

Supporters of Lee and his family described the youngster as “a hero” who would be loved and missed, with one saying: “You will be remembered always, little Lee.” Clare and Lee’s dad, Simon, plan to set up a charity in Lee’s name, using the money raised for his treatment, after giving him a fitting funeral.

They joined family members, friends and medical staff outside of Bristol Children’s Hospital, where Lee died, to remember him with a vigil two days after his death. Rows of flowers were left near the hospital’s entrance and candles were also lit in his memory.

Sports clubs have also paid their respects, with Mangotsfieldbased Cleve RFC, Yate RFC and Wotton RFC among those holding a minute’s silence before their matches.

Lee’s funeral was due to be held at Westerleigh Crematorium on April 27, with mourners encouraged to honour Lee’s love of superheroes on the day.

Lee Belgium with his mum, Clare.

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May, 2019

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June deadline

Our June edition will be going to print on May 20. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by May 15. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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Car plunges into ditch

Your views Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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The Volkswagen Polo car which crashed in Alveston.

Picture courtesy of Avon Fire and Rescue Service

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A CAR plunged into a flooded ditch after leaving a road in Alveston.

Firefighters, police and even the air ambulance were called to Earthcott Road shortly after 5.20pm yesterday after the Volkswagen Polo ended up on its side in a rhyne.

An Avon Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the occupants of the car had managed to escape before emergency services arrived.

Crews from Avonmouth, Temple, Patchway, Thornbury and Bedminster fire stations were called out to the incident.

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

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

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

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

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

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May, 2019

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n NEWS

Making music part of young lives A PARENT-run charity which helps children from the Thornbury area to make music is inviting more families to come and see what it has to offer.

Thornbury Area Youth Music was set up seven years ago when a South Gloucestershire Councilrun music centre closed. With provision for music declining in many schools, TAYM aims to offer all young people the chance to make music part of their lives.

The group runs Saturday morning affordable music sessions at Manorbrook School, including group lessons, orchestras and a choir.

To encourage more children and their parents to get involved, TAYM is holding two open mornings in June.

Trustee Hannah Paniale said: “The open day itself is a chance for children and young people to come and along and see what we do, see where we operate and try out all the different instruments we offer.

“This is a great excuse for kids to try out trombones, violins, flutes, cellos, little plastic j sax, plastic clarinets and cornets.

“This usually creates a real

buzz, as most of them have never tried such a variety of instruments, and it really helps them make up their minds about what they want to learn and which they find easier to play.

“Their faces when they produce their first trombone note are worth the work!”

Fellow trustee Nadya Webster’s daughter became hooked on the cello after going to an open day.

She said: “My daughter

Festival in full swing THE 50th Thornbury Arts Festival was set to get underway with a sold-out opening night event.

Comedian and Actor Miles Jupp’s opening night show at Armstrong Hall on April 26 was

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one of two events to have sold out as the Voice went to press – the other was David Cheesley’s Milk, Coal and Any Old Iron, an illustrated talk on the heyday of the milkman and other daily delivery services.

tried about seven different instruments and then the cello.

She'd never seen one before and it made such a beautiful sound when she tried it. It was as if she had found something she had been looking for all her life – she just looked at me and grinned.

And that was it. She's been playing the cello ever since.”

On Saturday mornings 130 children attend the music sessions. They are for children of all abilities from the ages of four

to 18.

Instruments can be hired for a small charge.

The charity is open to children from Bristol and Gloucestershire as well as South Gloucestershire. The open days take place on June 8 and 15, from 9.30am to noon.

For more information go to www.thornbury-music.org online.

Tickets are still available for a host of other events at the festival, which was set to run until May 4, including talks by broadcaster the Reverend Richard Coles – a former member of pop duo The Communards – outspoken historian David Starkey and writer and wildlife TV broadcaster Kate Humble.

The packed nine-day programme, ends with a performance by Liza Pulman, a member of the acclaimed satirical comedy trio Fascinating Aida, fresh from a West End run.

Full programme details are available on the thornburyartsfestival.org.uk website, where tickets can also be bought.

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n NEWS

May, 2019

Why hunters have grey squirrels in their sights THEY have killed more than 400 grey squirrels in the area since the start of the year.

The coordinator of the Grey Area 167, which is culling the animals around Thornbury, Yate and Dursley, says the group’s controversial campaign aims to protect trees and ultimately help reintroduce the native red squirrel across the country.

The group is part of national organisation the Grey Area – the 167 relates to the Thornbury area on an Ordnance Survey Explorer map – which coordinates and documents grey squirrel culling.

Grey squirrels first arrived in the UK from America as a curiosity in the 1870’s. But they have outcompeted reds and there are now over 2 million of them, with only 150,000 red squirrels left. In the Thornbury area, red

squirrels disappeared in the 1960’s.

Grey Area 167 coordinator Mike Popham says the damage that grey squirrels cause is changing the nature of our woodlands.

He said: “The squirrels damage the top of tree branches, stripping off bark. If you ever climb into the top of a tree you just look down and see the carnage from there.

“They will eat chicks and fledglings and eggs out of nests, so they impact on the songbird population. They monopolise food sources and habitats.

“The bigger problem is the grey squirrels eating all the nuts of certain species of tree, so you have carpets of certain species, such as ash, but very few others.

The ash can then be hit by ash

Music

dieback disease, decimating our woodland on two fronts.”

A DEFRA spokesperson confirmed grey squirrels can be legally killed all year round by a variety of methods, including shooting and trapping, adding: “The UK is committed to reducing the impact of invasive non-native species within our borders.”

But Mike accepts that what he is doing is controversial.

He said: “In areas like ours, where we’ve lost our cute fluffy red mascot and people enjoy seeing the greys, they argue we should accept the invader and leave them be.

“For years ecologists have been telling public landowners like councils and wildlife trusts that the problem is really bad – but for reasons of cost and

sensitivity they often opt not to do anything. So the problem has been getting a lot worse over some time.”

Members of the Grey Area 167 use live traps to catch then shoot the animals with an air weapon. They also tempt the squirrels to feeding stations in an area where it’s safe to shoot.

But for culling to be effective, neighbouring landowners need to coordinate their efforts to stop greys repopulating culled areas from neighbouring land.

The long term aim is to reintroduce the red squirrel nationwide and Mike says reds from Anglesey have been established in Snowdonia, although greys have to be “relentlessly” hunted down to allow them to re-populate.

New adventures for town's brownies

8488-AC-Thornbury-ad-May2019-87x120 Final.qxp_Thornbury Voice 1/4 pag THE 4th Thornbury Brownies has started on the new Girlguiding programme.

The programme of badges and activities has been revamped across all sections – rainbows, brownies, guides and rangers – to reflect the diversity of girls and life in the 21st Tudor music AT ACTON COURT century.

The whole unit has now started on the new programme, which has six main themes. The first activity they have done was under the theme ‘skills for my future’, and saw the girls practising using hammers to make crafts for Mother’s Day. They invited family members from home to come and join in, and afterwards families were treated to tea and cake made by the brownies themselves.

Sunday 16 June | 3pm

The White Rose and the Red Music from the Age of Richard III and the early Tudors performed by The York Waits with Deborah Catterall, singer.

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May, 2019

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n NEWS

Donors help to improve school sports CLUBS and councils have come forward to help cash-strapped Marlwood and Castle schools improve their sports provision.

Thornbury Running club has used money raised at its open races last year to buy flags for each school.

And four parish councils have come together with supporters group Friends of Marlwood School to buy a new table tennis table for use by the school’s GCSE sport students.

Kevin Wood, from Thornbury Running Club, presented the flags to Castle and Marlwood.

He said: "As a club, we know how important running is to both mental and physical health. We want to encourage the schools to get as many pupils as possible into the running habit."

The club will also be supporting the schools’ running award later this year.

Castle School PE teacher Jo Williams said: “With our current financial situation, we are very grateful to receive items that can be used in our department to improve student engagement and the presentation of our events, for example inter-house athletics and inter-school cross country.

"Running and athletics are thriving in our school – to have links with local clubs is a huge benefit to our students.”

Marlwood PE teacher Matt Richards said: "As a school with low funding, we just cannot afford items such as these.

When students see that we are

investing in them, they naturally invest more time into the activity.

“Thank you so much to TRC for their generosity; it is greatly appreciated.”

Friends of Marlwood School decided to focus its efforts on fundraising for sports equipment this year as for some time the school’s spending has been limited to a few ‘balls, bats and bibs’, with large equipment out of reach due to budget cuts.

FOMS has received financial help from four parish councils – Olveston, Alveston, Severn Beach and Pilning – to pay for a new match-standard table tennis table.

Aust parish council has already been sponsoring an academic award at the school for a number of years.

FOMS has welcomed the breadth of support they are now receiving and is waiting to hear how much supporters raised from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, which recently featured its Gym for Teens fundraising project at its Thornbury store.

A spokesperson said: “FOMS are very grateful for this strong community support as it helps towards our aim to make Marlwood a school where all pupils can thrive.”

Thornbury Running Club has also donated £1,266 to Brain Tumour Support, which is based in the town, to help the charity provide information, support and promote awareness of its work.

Kevin Wood from Thornbury Running Club presents Marlwood School’s flags to PE teacher Matt Richards

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May, 2019

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n NEWS

Children turn waste into works of art YOUNGSTERS at a Thornbury primary school have been giving new life to recycled and natural materials.

Gillingstool Primary School’s art week saw each class choose a famous artist to inspire their own 3D work and sculpture design, which was then put on display in and outside the school.

Each year group chose a different artist and project, with Year 5 making a paper mache solar system, which they cut in half in tribute to Damien Hirst, so viewers could see inside.

Year 1 picked Van Gogh and made a sunflower using recycled netting, which was woven into the school fence.

Andy Warhol’s insect pictures inspired Year 4 pupils to build a bug hotel using logs, pallets, plant pots and lots of bark.

An artist who came to work with the children on the project

turned huge water drums into large animals, so the playground has a rabbit, two squirrels, and two owls.

Teacher and art coordinator Rachel Sayce said: “I think it is really important for the children to value and appreciate the world around them and learn how to take care of it.

“Year 1 children explored how we can all do simple things to help look after our world, such as reducing, reusing and recycling.

“We also watched some film clips about how animals at sea can get trapped in plastic packaging, and the importance of disposing of our rubbish properly. They really enjoyed using recyclable materials to create their own fantastic pieces of artwork and sculptures.

“The children also learned that we don’t have to go and buy items to produce art work. We

Van Gogh's Sunflowers provided the inspiration for an artwork made from recycled netting used the natural things around us already and materials that we may throw away or recycle. For

example, the tree hangings and bug hotel used all natural and recycled materials."

Water drums were transformed into woodland animal sculptures by Gillingstool Primary School children

Your local hockey club, Thornbury Hockey Club is running Back to Hockey sessions each week.

Fun, social and free sessions for beginners and returning players

When: Every Thursday Time: 7-8pm Where: The Castle School Astro Pitch, BS35 1HT Come down to enjoy fitness, skills, game play, fun and friendships.

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10

n NEWS TWO men who set up a social club in Thornbury for people with autism hope that it will become a hub for the whole area.

Robert Graham and George Mac, who have Asperger’s syndrome, founded South Gloucestershire Aspies after finding that there were few services to tackle social isolation among people with the condition.

The group now has 80 members from across South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire and even a few from Bristol, with the majority from Thornbury, Yate and Dursley.

They meet at the Malthouse pub in Thornbury every Wednesday evening at 7pm and play board games, skittles, pool, darts or computer games.

Every person who has autism is affected in a different way, which means each person’s need to socialise and the way in which they communicate is unique.

George said: “Some of our members are more or less nonvocal or have speech issues. They may have a helper; some are very shy and afraid of talking,

May, 2019

Club tackles social isolation others are super-confident public speakers.”

Making friends is difficult because people with the condition are unable to do easily what the rest of us take for granted – read body language, decipher social cues, and understand language that isn’t literal.

George said: “It takes a lot of mental energy to maintain relationships the neurotypical way – that is the crucial point.”

At South Glos Aspies meet ups, people can be themselves.

Some may have specific interests which could be regarded as obsessive, but so do others, so they are comfortable together.

George describes this as “being on the same operating system”.

The group has had some difficulty finding a suitable pub to meet at, because people with autism also have sensory sensitivities, sometimes to

specific noises, lights or tastes.

But feedback has been extremely positive. Regular attendees at its sessions have described them as "lifechanging", with one saying: "I didn't have any friends before this group.”

Long term, they hope to find a volunteer who can expand the group’s remit and are inviting

organisations or businesses that wish to become ‘autism-friendly’ to come and meet them.

As George says: “The best way to learn about autism is to talk with autistic people.”

You can find the group via www.southglosaspies.org.uk or on Facebook under South Gloucestershire Aspies.

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May, 2019

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n NEWS

Wanted: drum teacher for cadets THORNBURY Air Cadets have a set of marching drums – but no idea how to play them properly.

The group is searching for someone who could spend a couple of hours a month teaching the cadets how to play, so that they can use them on marches and events such as Remembrance Day parades.

The air cadets is open to young people in school years 8 to 12 who have a spirit of adventure.

If you are over 20 you can join as

an adult volunteer and develop leadership skills and gain qualifications.

Anyone who can help teach the drums, or would like to join, can go along to the Cadet Centre on Gloucester Road on a parade evening, either Monday or Thursday, between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Alternatively contact Flt Lt Lisa Barley RAFAC for more information by email at oc.2392@aircadets.org.

Hotel demolition bid after appeal fails AN application has been made to demolish a landmark hotel, days after an inspector rejected a plan to redevelop it as retirement flats.

The scheme to turn the Alveston House Hotel site into a three-storey development of 34 flats for the over-55s was refused

by South Gloucestershire Council last year.

Developer David Cahill appealed against the decision but planning inspector AJ Steen backed the council’s decision, concluding that the application was an “inappropriate development within the Green Belt”.

The inspector also said the plan would result in harm to a heritage asset, and added: “The proposed access and flats

would harm the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers by reason of overlooking and privacy, noise and disturbance. It would not contribute affordable housing or toward public open space within the vicinity, as required by development plan policies.”

The decision to reject the plans for the building at the junction of Alveston Hill and the A38 was welcomed by councillors of all parties in the surrounding area.

Town and South Gloucestershire councillor Maggie Tyrrell described the planned development as “a very urban look on the edge of the village” and “wrong for the site”.

However, less than two weeks after the inspector announced

his decision the developer lodged a new application with South Gloucestershire Council to demolish the hotel.

The reason given by Mr Cahill and his agent John Rooney, of Stokes Morgan Planning, is “to enable redevelopment”.

They add: “Following demolition, the site will be left level and clear of all waste material, in preparation for the submission of a redevelopment scheme.”

The application gives an expected date of January next year for demolition to start, with the work expected to take around two months.

The demolition plan had already received six objections from neighbours as the Voice went to press.

One, Dr Philip Judson, wrote: “It is an important landmark at the entrance to the village and should not be demolished without properly demonstrating theneed to do so.

“There are no approved plans to replace the existing building and until such time as such plans are in place, the current building should remain.”

Thornbury mayor Shirley Holloway said local people had been told the hotel would keep running and Stokes Morgan Planning director Kit Stokes has reportedly said the owners were committed to running it but had made the demolition a-plication to “explore all future options”.

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May, 2019

n NEWS

Pre-school achieves a first for Thornbury A PRE-school has become the first business in Thornbury to become a certified member of the Makaton Friendly Scheme.

Makaton is a form of communication which uses signs and symbols alongside speech.

The friendly scheme is run by the Makaton Charity, and aims to recognise businesses and organisations that it.

First Step Pre-school, based at Christ the King primary school in Easton Hill Road, had to show that it could provide a supportive and welcoming environment to people with communication or learning difficulties, and that Makaton signs and symbols helped children and adults find their way around the building.

Marie Collins, from the pre-school, said: “I have seen how quickly the children aged between two and four can pick up the signs and how much enjoyment and pride they get from learning Makaton. The children then go home and share

what they have learned with their parents, spreading Makaton knowledge even further.”

The popularity of Makaton is growing, with CBeebies recently broadcasting two Makaton bedtime stories. However, it’s not to be confused with British Sign Language, which is officially recognised by government as a minority language and used by around 145,000 people in the UK. Marie said: “Makaton is a great way to communicate with children with various communication issues such as delayed speech, English as an additional language or conditions such as Down Syndrome or Autism. However, we use Makaton with the whole group teaching useful signs, singing songs and telling stories.”

The initiative within the preschool started out with an intention to train four staff. But the trainer from the Makaton

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Children from First Step pre-school using the Makaton sign for the word ‘lion’, while reading and signing the book Dear Zoo. Charity, Nicola Pike, encouraged the management team to go further.

Nicola said: “I’m absolutely delighted that First Step preschool is the first organisation in the Thornbury area to gain Makaton Friendly status.”

“It reflects their hard work

and dedication, and I hope that they will inspire many more organisations to do the same.

“My hope is that Thornbury will become a Makaton Town, living in or visiting a place that highly values all forms of communication would be incredible.”

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

May, 2019

n NEWS THEIR oldest member might be 86 years old but these Zumba dancers can show the youngsters a thing or two about keeping fit – and helping others.

The women, all of whom are over 55, exercise together at a Zumba Gold class held at the Turnberries Centre in Thornbury.

To help two charities – the Alzheimer’s Society and Thornbury based charity Contact the Elderly – they staged a 90-minute Zumbathon, raising more than £2,500 in the process.

Their normal sessions last half that time so the fundraiser was a challenge, particularly as some of the dancers hadn’t exercised before they first joined the class.

Instructor Pauline Hooper said: “Stamina building started around eight weeks before and we put a few extra higher-impact routines into the classes. It’s a great achievement to dance for 90 minutes.

“Motivation comes from us as a group - some participants

13

Dancers rise to challenge

are very good at motivating others - and being sponsored by our friends and family for great causes. I was so proud of them all – they are so inspirational, they embrace changes in new routines, and they all have very positive outlooks on life."

Prison nursery rated 'good' by watchdog's inspectors BUTTERCUPS Day Nursery at Eastwood Park women’s prison in Falfield has received a ‘good’ overall rating from Ofsted inspectors.

The nursery, which is based in the jail’s mother and baby unit, has 13 places for children aged between birth and two years old, although there are only two children attending a present.

Ofsted was examining the following categories; effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching learning and assessment, personal development behaviour and welfare, and outcomes for children. All areas received a ‘good’ rating, apart from personal development, behaviour and welfare, which was rated as ‘outstanding’.

In the report inspector Hilary Tierney praised managers for providing a “warm, welcoming and nurturing” environment, and for using personalised settling-in sessions to help the babies become accustomed to the nursery.

She said: “Children are extremely secure. Young children establish exceptionally strong attachments to the caring, sensitive staff.”

The inspector also identified that staff used their extensive knowledge of the families’ lives and circumstances to meet the babies’ emotional needs.

It was noted that staff prepare children well for life outside prison, by taking them out to visit local places.

To improve further, the inspector suggested that children would benefit from more resources to enable them to explore a wider range of sensory materials and enhance their learning.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CAREER CHANGE, RETURNING TO WORK, OR STARTING YOUR WORKING LIFE? Working in a caring role is about so much more than helping people with their daily routines. It’s about supporting and encouraging people to be as independent as possible and to get the most out of their home and community life.

Flexible working hours, part time and holiday work is on offer, fitting around your childcare, studies or other family or other commitments.

To find out more about what it takes to be Proud to Care and to see local jobs available across care providers, visit: www.proudtocaresouthglos.org.uk or email: proudtocare@southglos.gov.uk

• Refurbishments • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Tiling • Interior & Exterior Decoration

J.A. Property Services E: japroperty01@gmail.com Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

T: 0117 431 5132

M: 0797 390 5323

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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14

May, 2019

n ELECTION

Thornbury goes to the polls – RESIDENTS across the Thornbury area go to the polls in May to elect their local representatives for the next four years.

The elections on Thursday May 2 are the first to be held since a change in ward boundaries, which has seen the total number of councillors cut from 70 to 61, with 17 wards abolished and nine new ones created.

The Thornbury area has undergone big changes following a Local Government Boundary Commission review, which finished last year.

Instead of the previous Thornbury North and Thornbury

South and Alveston wards, which each had two councillors, there is now a single Thornbury ward covering the whole town, with three seats up for election.

The area around Alveston has now been merged with the old Severn ward, which had one councillor, to make a new one, called Severn Vale, which also includes Almondsbury and will have two seats.

The old Almondsbury ward has disappeared, with the areas which have not gone in to Severn Vale becoming part of a bigger Pilning and Severn Beach ward.

Overall, South Gloucestershire is now split into nine three-councillor wards, 15

two-councillor wards and four one-councillor wards.

Commission chair Colin Mellors has said the redrawn boundaries would ensure “electoral fairness” and reflected “community ties”.

South Gloucestershire’s ruling Conservatives had a majority of 10 on the old council but the new ward boundaries and cut in overall councillor numbers, added to political upheavals since 2015, make the result of this year’s poll more difficult than usual to predict.

Residents on the electoral register should by now have received polling cards with the name of the ward which now

covers their address.

If you haven’t had one yet, you can still vote, provided you are on the electoral register: call the council on 01454 863030 or email electoral.services@ southglos.gov.uk to check.

There will also be town and parish council elections across the area.

The Voice has asked all the parties contesting the election to tell readers about their candidates. We are including all the responses we have received in our ward election profiles for Thornbury and Severn Vale.

Thornbury ward candidates Simon Begbey, Conservative: Married with a young family and works as a finance director for a local charity. A governor at the school his children attend, a parish councillor and a long-standing member and treasurer of South Glos Hockey Club. He wants to use his local knowledge of schools and finance on the council.

Steve Chubb, Conservative: Grew up in Thornbury, attending Gillingstool and the Castle School, before spending his working life at Oldbury Power Station. Married with three children and two grandchildren, and a long standing member of Thornbury Sailing Club. Wants to use his extensive knowledge of the Thornbury area to serve on the Council.

Sue Gillett, Conservative: Lived in Thornbury for over 40 years. Sue has worked in banking and for a charity as a financial administrator. Now retired, she has won awards for her volunteering at a local charity shop and running a lunch

Jayne Stansfield

Maggie Tyrell

Shirley Holloway

club for the elderly. Her work in scouting was recognised with the prestigious Silver Wolf medal.

infrastructure and, as a retired teacher, campaign against the reduction in funding for Education and Youth Clubs.”

of particular importance to her.

Shirley Holloway, Liberal Democrats: “A South Gloucestershire councillor for 12 years, I have served on the health scrutiny committee throughout, criticising unfulfilled promises for Thornbury and pleading for improved health facilities.

I will continue to object to increased development without

Jayne Stansfield, Liberal Democrats: A Thornbury town councillor, Jayne has lived in Thornbury for 25 years.

As a maths education lecturer at Bristol University, having previously taught maths at the Castle School, education and youth services in Thornbury are

Maggie Tyrrell, Liberal Democrats: “I've been a councillor for many years, so know how to get things done for individual residents. I'm campaigning to get Thornbury an upgraded health centre and enjoy working on the Armstrong Hall redevelopment project. Beyond council work, I'm a tennis referee and organiser. And I've got 4 fantastic grandchildren!”

News? contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

May, 2019

15

your candidates

Severn Vale ward candidates Keith Burchell, Conservative: Married with two sons and three grandchildren, Keith has lived in Almondsbury for 32 years, having worked as a Rolls-Royce apprentice, a police officer and now for the Football Association, safeguarding children. Vicechair of the local community engagement forum and treasurer of the Almondsbury Recreation Centre Charity. He has campaigned for safer roads around the area.

Louis Crawley, UKIP Make Brexit Happen Gillian Foxton, Labour Marion Reeve, Liberal Democrats: “I have lived in Alveston for 18 years and have

been active in the community, being a member of the twinning association, Alveston WI and the Alveston Forum. I worked as a nurse within the NHS for 30 years and if elected would work for better health facilities and a greater Police presence across the whole ward.”

Matthew Riddle, Conservative: Having lived in the Severn Vale all his life, Matthew attended St Mary’s and the Castle School. He is married and has two sons, who also attended local schools. Matthew has campaigned on local issues during his 16 years on South Gloucestershire Council. Member of a local church and former

school governor.

David Ward, Labour Tony Williams, Liberal Democrats: “I moved to Olveston 30 years ago, supporting youth in our community as a Scout and sports leader. A long time committee member and currently treasurer of Olveston United FC. As councillor for Severn Ward in the past I succeeded in getting the footpath between Olveston and Tockington completed so everyone can walk "As councillor for Severn Ward in the past I succeeded in getting the footpath between Olveston and Tockington completed so everyone can walk safely between the villages.”

Town and parish council elections round-up: Page 22 Keith Burchell

Matthew Riddle

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www.orchard-computers.com To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

16

May, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Rare iron jewellery has a story to tell TWO pieces of very rare and historic jewellery will be going under the hammer at Stroud Auction Rooms next month.

Berlin ironwork is not only beautiful – it has social, political and historical importance. Its heyday came in the early 19th century, when the Germans fought their war of liberation against Napoleon. Patriots were asked to donate their gold jewellery to finance the war effort – and received a piece of iron jewellery in return.

However, Berlin Iron jewellery didn't disappear after the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, with the battle of Waterloo.

Wearing it became popular with fashionable women, and it was also worn during periods of mourning.

Appreciated for its own beauty, it was not seen as a substitute for more expensive jewellery.

Stroud Auction Rooms’ head of jewellery Alexandra Bowkett is thrilled to have the two pieces to sell.

She said: “They are beautiful and very interesting, with a real story to tell.”

Alexandra already has 400 lots consigned to the fine jewellery auction on June 12, including many rare Georgian and Victorian items.

Many online bidders are expected at that sale, as it has been confirmed that the auction house had the highest average number of online bidders nationally during the first quarter of 2019.

The April auction, with 1,369 internet bidders boosting those in the room, on the telephone and hundreds leaving commission bids, saw Royal Worcester ceramics, once slightly out of fashion, begin gathering pace again. After a bidding frenzy a Royal Worcester pedestal covered pot pourri, handdecorated with Highland cattle in moorland and mountainous landscape, signed James Stinton, sold for £1,800, while a Stintonsigned twin-handle pedestal vase, with sheep in a moorland and

One of the pieces of Berlin ironwork jewellery set to go under the hammer at Stroud Auction Rooms mountainous landscape made, £1,050.

Highest selling lot was a classical sketch, Inferno, attributed to G F Watts, with a Bond Street label, dated July 1959, which went under the hammer for £2,200.

Vinyl is still selling well, with great interest in punk, northern soul, reggae and heavy metal. But the standout from April’s sale was a rare 1960s single by a band of Surrey schoolboys. The acetate demo disc I Can See Your Face by Pneumania, on the Oak record

label, was snapped up for £1,100.

The acetate was accompanied by a handwritten letter from owner Will Middlemiss, Pneumania singer and songwriter, providing details of the recording and history, together with black and white photographs of the band and one colour photograph of Pneumania on stage.

For information about any aspect of buying or selling at Stroud Auction Rooms, see the advertisement below.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on

June 12th , 13th & 14th Including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches, clocks & coins

Silver

Jewellery

Wristwatches

Coins

Contact Mark Rozelaar Contact Alexandra Bowkett (DGA, GA) Contact Mike Gardner Contact Stuart Maule A platinum ring set with a Charles II 17th century An Edward VI silver issue Omega Speedmaster hallmarked silver charger. cushion cut cornflower blue sapphire Professional chronograph third period crown 1552. surrounded by round brilliant cut wristwatch. Sold for £4000 Sold for £4000 Sold for £750 diamonds. Sold for £2,200 FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) & Saturday (9am-12:30pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph to info@stroudauctions.com We are currently ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders

Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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May, 2019

17

n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA May 1 n Thornbury and District Cancer Research UK committee coffee morning, Alveston Methodist Church Hall, 10.30am-noon.

Homemade cakes, jams, chutneys, used books, jewellery and crafts for sale. Admission £1.50, including tea/coffee and biscuits.

Please come along and support us in raising funds for this very worthwhile charity.

May 3-5 n The 2019 Bristol Model Railway Exhibition, Thornbury Leisure Centre. Friday 1pm to 7pm, Saturday 10am-6.30pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Layouts, demonstrations and traders at the biggest model railway show in the South West of England and Wales.Entry on the door, £9 for adults, £7 for 12 to 16-year-olds.

Accompanied under-12s and registered carers free. More details from bristolmodrailex@gmail.com.

May 7 n Big Spring Clean with Thornbury Litterbusters. Meet at Thornbury Leisure Centre Car Park at 2.00pm – all welcome.

May 8 n Thornbury & District Townswomen's Guild, Turnberries, 7.30pm. Guest speaker on subject of narcolepsy. Pay a visit and perhaps join us to celebrate 60 years of TG in Thornbury.

May 11 n Thornbury Choral Society spring concert, featuring A Cotswold Romance and Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast. Soloists: Eleanor Parsons (soprano) and Andrew Henley (tenor). Starts 7.30pm, at Castle School. Tickets cost £12 from

Tessa Sullivan on 01454 417865, at tess@keithsullivan.co.uk or from Thornbury Town Hall.

May 11 Writing and Mindfulness Day Join us for an exploratory day using Mindfulness and images to stimulate and cultivate the writer in you.

Venue: Frenchay Village Hall Saturday May 11th from 10.00 - 16.00 £45 per person (including a light lunch and refreshments) Numbers limited so to book a place please contact Rebecca at writetowellbeing@outlook.com or call 07941 51174 May 14 n Eastwood Gardeners' Club meeting, Cossham Hall, Thornbury, at 7pm. Talk: The Dutch Auction, with Ian Saddler. Entry costs £4, visitors welcome.

May 15-18 n The Village Players present ‘Allo, ‘Allo, ‘Allo! Est There Anybody La? a farce by Ian Hornby, every evening at 7.30pm, at Pilning Village Hall, BS35 4JB. Tickets cost £6 or £4, with 1 seat in 10 free. To book call 01454 633786 or email villageplayerspilning@gmail. com. Tickets also available at the door. Madcap humour as inept detectives investigate a murder and the victim returns as a ghost.

May 15-18 n Thornbury Methodist Players return with their production No Dinner for Sinners – A comedy

by Edward Taylor. Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 7.45pm each evening. Tickets £7, available

by calling 01454 414749 or 01454 600503, on the door or from any member of the drama group from April onwards. All proceeds from the opening night performance to Cancer Research UK. May 16 n St Peter’s Hospice Severnside Support Group afternoon high tea at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall at 2.30pm. Guest speaker Pauline Montgomery of Thornbury Museum will talk about Thornbury: Then and Now. Tickets cost £10 and include full home-made high tea and are available from Thornbury Town Hall from May 1 or on the door.

May 18 n St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 7.30pm: Alveston Singers concert, performing two chorales from Bach Cantatas, including Cantata 140, Sleepers Wake. Admission is free but there will be retiring collections for the group’s chosen charities, Brain Tumour Support and Made a Mark, a charity which helps bereaved children.

May 19 n Armstrong Arts Group presents saxophonist Lydia Kenny, Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year 2018, afternoon concert at Cossham Hall. Call 01454 412272 for details.

May 21 n Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm: Alveston Singers concert, performing two chorales from Bach cantatas, including Cantata 140, Sleepers Wake. Admission is free but there will be retiring collections for the group’s chosen charities, Brain Tumour Support and Made a Mark, a charity which helps bereaved children.

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@thornburyvoice. co.uk

May 22 n Alveston Local History Group, Methodist Church, Greenhill, 7.30pm. Speaker Claire Connor, SS Great Britain and the trip to Melbourne. Visitors welcome, £2.50 at the door.

May 23 n Thornbury Musical Theatre Group fashion show at M&Co, St Mary Centre, Thornbury. Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm.

Tickets £5 from M&Co, welcome drink available. For ticket enquiries call 01454 413125.

June 1-2 n National Garden Scheme opening, Stoneleigh Down, Upper Tockington Road, Tockington, Bristol BS32 4LQ. Open 2pm-5pm each day. Admission £5, children free. South-facing garden was a finalist in BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Gardens of the Year

What's on at Thornbury Library

Opening times Staffed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Open access seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm.

Storytime and Rhymetime for babies & pre-schoolers (term time only): Storytime, Mondays 2pm-2.30pm. Rhymetime, Fridays 10.30am-11am. A great way to meet other local parents, new faces always welcome – and it’s free. No booking required, just turn up – we look forward to seeing you!

Sight Loss – Information,

Advice and Support: First Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm. Vision West of England offers information, advice and support to anyone living with sight loss. If you, or anyone you know would like more information on services for people with sight loss.

Craft & Chat: First Thursday of the month 2pm-4pm. A chance for people who love crafting to get together and share inspiration. No charge and no booking required. Just turn up and bring your craft project with you. New faces welcome.

NEW! Repair Café: Starts Thursday May 2. We are hoping

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

to start a sewing workshop where a volunteer will be available to make repairs and minor alterations, to give your clothes a new lease of life. Drop in between 2pm and 4pm to find out more.

Refreshments available.

Carers Support Centre Drop In: First Wednesday of the month 9.30-11am, supporting unpaid carers and former carers who have been out of work for more than 12 months to move closer towards their employment and training goals. An advisor from Carers Support Centre will be here to give free advice and support, drop in anytime between 9.30am and 11am.

Computer Support Volunteers: Drop-in without an appointment on Monday mornings 10amnoon to see Mike, our computer volunteer, who can help with quick enquiries.

If you need more intensive support, book in to see our computer volunteer Chris on Thursday mornings at 9.30, 10.30 or 11.30am. Sessions with Chris must be booked in advance – enquire in person at Thornbury Library or email thornbury. library@southglos.gov.uk.

Find us on Facebook at South Gloucestershire Libraries or @ SouthGlosLibs on Twitter.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

18

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA 2018, and filmed for BBC Gardeners’ World and ITV’s Love Your Garden.

Homemade teas available.

June 7 n Thornbury WI quiz night with fish and chip supper in aid of the Memory Café and Phase, a charity for young people to support their mental health and well-being.

Manorbrook Primary School, 7.30 pm sharp. Tickets cost £10 per person, including admission and food. Licensed bar and raffle. Tickets available from Gill Blackborough on 07866 580 608.

June 8 n Thornbury Area Youth Music open morning, 9.30am-noon, Manorbrook School, Thornbury, BS35 1JU. Come along to find out about classes and orchestras.

Children can try a variety of instruments: cello, clarinet, trombone, saxophone, violin, cornet, trumpet and more, and those who already play are welcome to come and join in. n Thornbury Orchestra 'sea themed' concert supporting the RNLI. Includes Elgar's Sea Pictures, with mezzo soloist Juliet Curnow, Bax's Tintagel and Britten's Four Sea Interludes. Castle School, 7.30 pm. Tickets on the door: Adults £8, under-18s free. n Celtic folk quartet MoMac’nMe play Cossham Hall in an Armstrong Arts Group presentation in aid of the Armstrong Hall redevelopment fund from 7.30pm. Light refreshments provided. Tickets cost £10 from Thornbury Town Hall. For more information contact Jane Parfitt on 01454 613581.

June 9 n Downpour Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, in the grounds of Thornbury Castle at 2.30pm.

Hilarity ensues when two sets of identical twins, separated by tragedy, find themselves unknowingly in the same city.

Tickets available from Ticket Source at bit.ly/2ZhtwVP. For more information call 0773 606 7141.

National Garden Scheme opening, Hill House, West End, Wickwar, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 8JZ. Open 1pm-5pm. Admission £5, children free. Mature garden originally created by Sally, Duchess of Westminster. Currently under restoration. Gravel drive may make access challenging, but help will be available. Homemade teas.

June 14-15 n Thornbury Musical Theatre Group summer concert Broadway Lights, West End Nights, a selection of songs from past and present theatre shows, including live band, singers and dancers. Armstrong Hall. Friday performance at 7.30pm,

thornburyvoice

Saturday performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from tmtg. org.uk online or from Lisa Costa Residential Sales and Lettings at 53 High Street, Thornbury from May 18. Discount of 10% on group bookings of 10 or more. Call the box office on 07516 270140 for more details.

June 15 n Thornbury Area Youth Music open morning, 9.30am-noon, Manorbrook School, Thornbury, BS35 1JU. Come along to find out about classes and orchestras.

Children can try a variety of instruments: cello, clarinet, trombone, saxophone, violin, cornet, trumpet and more, and those who already play are welcome to come and join in.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday n Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7-10pm n Belly Dance classes Beginners 7.00pm, Improvers 8.00pm, Methodist Church Hall (upstairs) with Anna 07971234236 or bristolbellydance@yahoo.co.uk term time only

n Yoga for beginners at Armstrong Hall, 6:30-8pm on Mondays. £6. All kit provided.

Contact Moira 07703 536700 Tuesday n 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club n Sunbeams toddler and parent group Thornbury Methodist church hall Every Tuesday 1.15pm to 2.45pm in term time Time and space to share themed activities with your children ( 0 to 4 years) Contact janet_mann@ hotmail.com or margaretcrocombe60@gmail. com n Ladies Shiatsu Massage Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session. n Get Singing. A community choir for anyone who loves singing. All abilities welcome.

See www.getsinging.co.uk for more information. Turnberries,

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

May, 2019

Thornbury. Tuesday 7.30 - 9.00pm (term time only). n Thornbirds, Thornbury W.I. meet on the third Tuesday of every month, 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Thornbury. We are a friendly group offering a range of speakers over the year as well as well as a variety of social activities.

Visitors are always welcome so why not come along and find out about our programme for 2019.

Wednesday n 2.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall Tea Dance 01454 412060 n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall, Committee Room Lip Reading Classes n Growing Ideas Garden Club meets at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of the month from September to June (with a break at Christmas) in the Watkins Room in the Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury. Annual Subs are £15.00 and visitors pay £3.

We are a friendly club and by no means all expert gardeners. We enjoy sharing what knowledge we do have and welcome visitors to any of our meetings. For more information come to a meeting or phone Naomi Gathercole on 01454 314476. n Support your Self-Care with Monthly Maintenance Shiatsu Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm.

Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle for just £35 per month.

Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@wholehearted-health. co.uk for more information and to book your 1-1 treatment session. n Torn Paper Collage for Wellbeing: Turnberries Thornbury Wednesdays12.30-2.30pm. For more information or to reserve a place on these courses or other courses available throughout South Gloucestershire Please contact Jane Thomas, Community Learning Development Worker Tel: 07860 181352 Mob: 01454 864687 Email: jane.thomas2@southglos. gov.uk n South Glos Aspies, a weekly pub social for adults on the autistic spectrum, meets from 7-11pm at the Malthouse, Thornbury High Street. Friends and family of those on the spectrum are also more than welcome. Board games, skittles, darts, informal conversation and outdoor activities, weather permitting.

More information from robert@ southglosaspies.org.uk, george@ southglosaspies.org.uk or at www. southglosaspies.org.uk. n Thornbury & District Townswomen's Guild meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Turnberries at 7.30pm.

Varied programme of events and speakers. Pay a visit and perhaps join to celebrate 60 years of TG in Thornbury.

Thursday n 8.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Ceroc Dance n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus.

We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Stokes Singers, a mixed voice community choir meet every Thursday during term time at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway BS34 5LP from 7.30 to 9.30pm. New members are welcome to try their first 2 rehearsals free of charge. For more information go to www. stokessingers.org.uk or phone Membership Secretary Liz on 01454 614148 n The Arts Society Severn Valley meets third Thursday of the month, 7pm for 7.30pm start at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane. Lectures plus special interest days, gallery, garden and museum visits, trips abroad. More details online at www.svdfas.co.uk. £6 charge for visitors – contact memb@svdfas.co.uk to ‘try before you buy’. n Scrapbooking for Wellbeing.

Turnberries in Thornbury.

Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Friday n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Committee Room Canasta Club n Folk Companions meet 7.45pm9.15 pm, term time only, at The Chantry, Thornbury. Call 01454 414952 or email iain.d.gray@ btinternet.com for more details. n1.30pm Zumba Gold at Thornbury Leisure Centre Saturday n Thornbury parkrun is a free, weekly, 5km run or walk, organised entirely by volunteers and taking place every Saturday at 9am on the Mundy Playing Fields. Register once, print your barcode and just turn up. See www.parkrun.org.uk/ thornbury Sunday n Thornbury Ramblers walk. See www.thornburyramblers.org.uk for details, or ring 01454 413924 n The Alternative Sunday Lunch, Butchers Hook, High Street We provide a smorgasbord of food and ask others to bring in homemade/homegrown contributions to share out with everyone in an informal, open-table style Sunday lunch.

Suggested donation of £6 per person with all profits to charity.

Every Sunday 1pm.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

May, 2019

19

n THORNBURY CLINIC

Movement is key

Stephanie Francis is a Massage Therapist and Health Practitioner based at The Thornbury Clinic.

She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 5 years and has practical experience in health coaching, health promotion and massage.

THE human body was designed for daily movement. The old saying “use it or lose it” doesn’t apply to many things but it certainly does apply when dealing with the health of the human body and brain.

In today's society we have outsourced much of our daily movement, turning walking into driving, manual labour into sitting and active play into seated play in front of screens.

This means we don’t get the stimulation of the musculature and various cellular processes throughout the body that keep all our systems functioning at a higher level. If you pull an elastic band taut for a second and let go, it easily comes back to its normal length. Pull an elastic band taut and hold for an extended period of time, like we do when we don’t move, and it won’t come back to its normal length for a while. The same concept affects our muscles,

ligaments, tendons, nerves and joints. With lack of movement comes weakness, tightness, stiffness and restrictions. Put all these factors together and you can suffer pain that can really affect your daily life.

Just a few small alterations in life can really help. Focus on adding just 30 minutes of extra activity into your day, three days a week. You can even break it down into smaller segments, like 10 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Here are some ideas: • Walk for five minutes every two hours • Use the steps rather than the lift or escalator • Park at the parking space furthest away from your destination and walk • Get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the distance

• Set an alarm to alert you to stand up, move neck, shoulders and legs • Always stand or walk around when you’re on the phone.

• Do a set or two of push-ups against the kitchen counter • Perform up to 10 repetitions of stand-and-sit exercises, where you rise from a chair without using your arms and then sit down again to complete one rep.

If you are finding that you are struggling to get moving due to the pain or that you just feel you need a helping hand, then a firm massage or assessment of your restrictions by a medical professional can really help.

Remember, movement does not always have to be intense to be effective, and there are many opportunities in your daily life to sneak in extra movement. You just need to do it.

Group's fashion show MEMBERS of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group are swapping the stage for the catwalk to raise funds.

The group is linking up with M&Co to stage a fashion show at the clothing retailer’s St Mary Centre branch on May 23 from 7pm, with performers showing off outfits for men and women.

Last year’s shows sold out. Tickets cost £5 and are on sale at M&Co or via 01454 413125. Money raised will go towards the group’s future productions, including this summer’s Broadway Lights, West End Nights on June 14 and 15 at the Armstrong Hall.

For more details on Broadway Lights, West End Nights visit www.tmtg.org.uk online.

4 Castle Street, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HB

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

20

n MOTORING

May, 2019

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second hand Style Audi A3 TDi, 2008 – 2012: Max Power FOR £500 more than the set of fancy floor mats found in last month’s Aston Martin, you can buy this 2008 top spec ‘S Line’ Audi A3.

My test model had done 160,000 miles but still ran very nicely, thanks to a 170bhp unburstable diesel engine and typical sky-high Audi build quality. Two thick-pile mats on which to rest your feet and some spare change for petrol, or an entire car fitted with a Bose stereo, front and rear sunroofs, half leather seats, satnav and 45mpg regardless of how you drive it? And not just any car – an Audi A3, deftly face-lifted in 2008 and scrubbing up very nicely in the metal, with pristine paintwork. What’s not to love about that?

A3s are very expensive new.

They have to be or no-one would buy a VW Golf, SEAT Leon or Skoda Octavia. All four cars share the same engines and underpinnings,

but Audi has a badge and perceived build quality advantage that means you see more of them around than their much cheaper SEAT and Skoda cousins. But when buying used the price difference narrows significantly, especially vs. the Golf. And to drive the A3 does feel a cut above, albeit not quite as premium as you might imagine. It is still a great place to sit though – low body-hugging S Line seats ensure a really involved driving position. The dash still feels fairly modern, although having to put a key in an ignition was an interestingly retro experience. The manual 6-speed gearbox was still slick, the clutch a little heavy but the steering feel and weight was perfect. That 2 litre diesel is a total peach – 170bhp feels more like 250 when the turbo kicks in, such is the torque available all the way up to five thousand rpm. It never

sounded gruff either, and it should go on way past 200k miles with no trouble at all.

This particular example has been fitted (advisedly or otherwise) with 19 inch low profile alloys and special suspension units, lowering and firming the ride further than the already low and very firm ‘S Line’ specification. I think it looks great, but it crashed about over Hambrook back roads. Each to their own though, and on a dual carriageway you don’t notice it so much.

What goes wrong? Very little: Audi have earnt their deserved reputation for reliability and build.

The rear parking sensors had given up the ghost and the B pillar was delaminating. I really pined for a reversing camera, but instead had to actually turn my head around and look behind me when reversing. Good exercise, I suspect.

So we should all buy an Audi A3 Tdi then? Five or six years ago, the answer was firmly ‘yes’, and many people did. Today though, not so fast. Because that diesel engine was the main culprit in the 2015 VW Group emissions cheating scandal. Driving it into central London will now cost you an extra £12.50 on top of the congestion charge. Bristol and many other cities are set to follow suit with their own emissions zones and, in the eyes of legislators, this is something of an automotive pariah. You’d get less scorn from lobbyists by renting out your spare bedroom to Julian Assange. And on the face of it this is all a terrible shame, because the engine is so flexible, economical and robust that I can see why it was for a brief period held up as the solution.

Buying one new a few years ago, you’d have every right to feel cheated.

So go ahead and buy a used diesel A3, safe in the knowledge that it will serve you well for years to come. Revel in the solid build, high specification and very handsome good looks. Avoid uncomfortable conversations about your environmental credentials and quietly accept that diesel’s time as our fuel of choice is rapidly coming to an end. Very soon you must simply dig out a bit of extra cash for petrol. Rude boy alloys an optional extra.

Audi A3 Tdi S Line: From £2k for a 2008 model with 160k miles

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

May, 2019

21

n NEWS

Pre-school heading to primary site AN Alveston pre-school is moving to a nearby primary school so youngsters can benefit from better facilities.

St Helen’s Little Stars is currently based at the Jubilee Hall in Greenhill Road but will soon be making the short journey across the road to St Helen’s Primary School.

There are just legal agreements to sign and some renovation work to be finished before the move can take place atome point before the end of the summer term.

The school site has access to woodland, the school grounds, a pond and an all-weather sports pitch.

A spokesperson for the preschool said: “Working in partnership with the school will be a great benefit to families and in supporting pre-school children in their transition up to reception class.

“Moving onto the school site will also see the pre-school aligning their opening hours to school, making it a great option for parents.

“There has been a lot of hard work by the staff (of both preschool and school), the Little Stars Committee and the School Governors. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been working behind the scenes to get us to this stage.”

School head teacher Andy Spens said: “We are really excited about the pre-school moving onto the school site.

“We’re passionate at St Helen’s about teaching, learning and enriching children’s opportunities and we’re looking forward to working closely with the pre-school, ensuring the best possible start to the children’s education and creating a smooth transition into the school.”

Will Writing & Estate Planning

Staff and children of St Helen’s Little Stars pre-school outside the nearby primary school where they will be moving.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

22

May, 2019

n LOCAL MP

Number of people in full-time jobs hits a record high I HAVE held job fairs every year since becoming an MP, matching local employers and jobseekers up in the community, rather than in an interview setting, which I am proud to say has helped a number of Thornbury residents into stable employment and find the right job for them.

This is just a tiny contribution to the jobs miracle we have seen in the last few years across South Gloucestershire. We learnt this month that the number of people in full-time work has hit a record high. In the South West, there are new 2,812,472 people in work – meaning that over the last 9 years, 318,156 more people have the security of a job. Behind every one of those numbers is a person and a family whose self-esteem, mental well-being, economic circumstances and life chances are

all vastly improved by being in the workplace. There are now more children watching their family members going out to work every day and being set that positive example.

In Thornbury and Yate, the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 45 per cent since 2010, meaning fewer people now need this support because they have the security of a job. There are now more women in work locally than ever before and almost 1 million more disabled people in work since 2013, as businesses and communities are working with the Government to break down the barriers to employment facing disabled people.

One of the biggest transformations, both locally and across the country’ is the

opportunities for young people moving into employment. There are over 446,000 fewer young people out of work since 2010 – almost halving over the last 9 years. That means more local people moving straight from full time education or training into the stability of an apprenticeship or embarking on a future career.

But I know there is more to do. We will make sure the new T-Levels coming in next year are a success, which will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 45 days. They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.

If there is anything else you think would help local people into

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

work, please do let me know by emailing luke.hall.mp@parliament. uk.

These positive jobs figures are no surprise. South Gloucestershire is the most beautiful part of our country: it is packed with creative, talented and passionate people determined to make our community an even better place to live, and I am fiercely proud to support it.

Town and parish voters go to the polls SOME voters in the Thornbury area will be able to elect more than one council this month.

On the same day that the new South Gloucestershire Council is decided, elections will also be taking place for the town and parish councils which represent individual communities in the area.

Elections will take place only in places where the number of would-be councillors is larger than the number of seats up for election.

Where there were not enough candidates to force a contest when nominations closed in April, all those people who had come forward have been elected unopposed.

This includes two wards in Thornbury – the town council’s East and South wards – and the Compton and Cribbs Causeway wards of Almondsbury Parish Council.

Several parish councils serving villages in the Thornbury area will not have any elections because all those who were nominated have been elected unopposed.

They are: Alveston, Aust, Cromhall, Falfield, Oldburyon-Severn, Olveston, Pilning &

Severn Beach, Rockhampton and Tytherington.

However, there will be contests in three Thornbury Town Council wards and one Almondsbury Parish Council ward.

The votes will take place at the same time as voting for south Gloucestershire Council is held on Thursday, May 2, and at the same polling stations.

Residents on the electoral register should by now have received polling cards with the name of the ward which now covers their address.

If you haven’t had one yet, you can still vote, provided you are on the electoral register: call the council on 01454 863030 or email electoral.services@ southglos.gov.uk to check.

These are the wards where elections will take place, and the candidates: Thornbury Town, Central Ward Geoff Chappell (Conservative) Benj Emmerson (Liberal Democrats) Clare Fardell (Liberal Democrats) Bob Griffin (Liberal Democrats) Thornbury Town, North East Ward

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Ashley Bijster (Liberal Democrats) Quentin Killey (Conservative) Pamela Shipp (Liberal Democrats) Jayne Stansfield (Liberal Democrats) Stringer Matthew (Liberal Democrats) Thornbury Town, North West Ward Helen Harrison (Liberal Democrats) Shirley Holloway (Liberal Democrats) Graham Lanfear (Conservative)

Guy Rawlinson (Liberal Democrats) Almondsbury Parish, Almondsbury Ward Stephen Barr Louis Crawley (UKIP Make Brexit Happen) Tom Crawley (UKIP Make Brexit Happen) Marion Stooke Ben Walker (UKIP Make Brexit Happen) Diane Wilson Philip Winter (UKIP Make Brexit Happen)

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

May, 2019

23

n INTERCHANGE BLOG

Foster care fortnight FOR two weeks in May an annual awareness campaign is run to encourage people to take up the hugely rewarding task of fostering. Annie Cowen looks at how you can get involved in our area.

“WHAT'S my only regret with fostering? That I didn’t start it sooner. Sure, there are difficult days, but you're looking after children who have often had difficult starts to life. The key thing however, is they are children. They love to play, be silly and have oneon-one attention.”

Bristol carer Alex has enjoyed an incredible time fostering children, and for her some of the best experiences have been the simplest, like seeing a child’s reading improve or their height shoot up because they’re having regular meals.

“I've looked after eight children now, and I know I'm always going to remember them; I hope when they're bigger they remember me too. If you have a spare room and a big heart pick up that phone. You can look after children weekends only or full-time too.”

Foster Care Fortnight Run every year, this year’s campaign will take place from Monday May 13 to Sunday May 26. It’s organised by the Fostering Network and highlights how everyday people can provide a child with a loving and caring family when they need it most.

From neglect to domestic abuse, the reasons behind a child needing foster care may vary, which is why the role of foster carer is so important. You can also foster

in a way that suits you, so that might be short-term, long-term, emergency or even fostering for adoption.

Why foster?

The reasons will be many and varied – and utterly unique to you. The most important reason is because you want to.

Most fostering agencies will provide information on the things they need from a foster carer to be eligible.

Attending fostering events will help you speak to people who’re involved and who’ve done it themselves. These individuals can be hugely inspiring!

Bristol City Council foster carer Mark says: “We learn so much from the children themselves that it feels like they have enlightened our lives while we have stabilised theirs. Fostering is challenging for sure but we go to sleep holding onto those small wins.”

Where can I find out more?

Bristol City Council holds community events – the next ones are on April 30 from 11am to 3pm at the job fair in the Galleries in Broadmead and on June 12 from 11am to 3pm at the job fair in Cabot Circus.

There’s a range of foster care agencies that welcome drop-ins and online enquiries. You can find a complete list of agencies in your area on the Fostering Network website, thefosteringnetwork.org. uk.

The Fostering Foundation not only welcomes new foster carers to their Bristol office, but provide continued support through fun activities that you and the kids can enjoy together.

Will I be supported?

While every agency will vary in the level of support they offer to their foster carers, all will be sufficient to help you feel confident

and supported throughout your fostering experience.

Alex says: “I've met lots of other foster carers since I began and they and their kids have become like an extended family. I also get the help from my social worker and I attend support groups where we chat freely about issues we are having.

Furthermore, there is 24-hour telephone support available too.”

If you decide to become a foster carer it won’t happen overnight so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare and feel ready. You will go through training programmes to ensure you are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge to be a great foster carer.

Useful websites: You can also find information at the fostering sections of Bristol City council’s website at bit. ly/2VSO1Gi, South Gloucestershire Council’s website at bit.ly/2V9Vaos Capstone Foster Care website at bit.ly/2KNGS9c.

Follow us on

@_TheInterchange

Read more great stories on www.theinterchange.blog Family, community, lifestyle and entertainment in North Bristol

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

@TheInterchange.SouthGlos @interchangesg

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

24

n NEWS

May, 2019

Dinosaurs are coming to Berkeley DINOSAURS are set to join the traditional livestock, horses and dogs as attractions at this year’s Berkeley Show.

The annual event at the foot of Berkeley Castle has added a Jurassic theme to its traditional agricultural attractions.

Models Dexter the T-Rex and Tiny the giant triceratops will be there, and family dogs can be dressed as dinosaurs for the fun dog show.

There will also be a dog obstacle course and an interschool wheelbarrow competition, where children from local schools compete against each other.

Farmers are still at the heart of the event, showcasing their best livestock, and the equestrian arena hosts a high standard of dressage, show jumping and gymkhana competitions.

In the main arena the highlights include Jonathan Marshall's Return of the Black

Stallion show, Shetland Pony Racing UK, a parade of livestock and the Berkeley Hounds.

More entertainers and stands

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will be in the village green area this year, with children’s activities to keep little ones busy, food stalls, and a farmer’s market.

There is a range of competitions for all ages to enter, including baking, crafts, and

flower arranging.

The Berkeley Show takes place on June 23. Gates open at 9.30am with events in the main ring starting an hour later.

More information can be found online at www. berkeleyshow.co.uk.

Choral spring celebration THORNBURY Choral Society promises to take you on a trip back in time and around the world at its spring concert.

Two major choral works feature in the programme. A Cotswold Romance is set in the Cotswolds during the Napoleonic era. Based on an opera by Ralph Vaughan Williams, it’s a melodic love story with a flavour of the English folk song which so interested the composer.

Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast is a setting of words from Henry Longfellow’s poem by the composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and tells the story of Hiawatha and his bride Minnehaha in pre-colonial North America.

The soloists are Eleanor Parsons (soprano) and Andrew Henley (tenor). Pianist Christopher Northam and the Thornbury Camerata strings will accompany the singers.

The concert is at 7.30pm on May 11 at Castle School. Tickets cost £12 from Tessa Sullivan on 01454 417865 or by email at tess@ keithsullivan.co.uk. They can also be bought just before the concert from Thornbury Town Hall.

News! - Email us at contact@ thornburyvoice.co.uk

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

May, 2019

25

n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM

180 years of police in Thornbury IT was 180 years ago this year that Gloucestershire Constabulary became only the second county police force to be established.

Thornbury was one of the 30 towns and villages to which police officers were posted, with the 1841 census placing the police station in the area near the junction of St John Street and St Mary Street, near where the Mumtaz restaurant now stands. We don’t know exactly where, but one building, which later became 2 St John Street, was known as the Courthouse.

By 1851 the police station had moved to Pullins Green, to a house now occupied by the Hing Tai takeaway.

But by 1859 the Bristol Mercury newspaper reported that the Gloucester Quarter Session had discussed the “miserable state” of Thornbury’s magistrates court and police station, with court sessions having to be held “at a public

house” due to lack of space.

After being offered the old Market Hall, which still has a cell built to hold criminals in earlier times, instead the former Tavern inn, in the middle of the High Street, was bought for £750 and opened in 1860, as a police station with a court room above.

The photograph shows the side view of the police station on the corner of Silver Street and High Street, with the famous steps up to the court room from where a proclamation is being made. Given the date on the photo, May 1910, it is likely to be the proclamation of King George V. Because they led to the court room and in a sense to summary justice, they also gave rise locally to a threat to naughty children from their parents: “I’ll send you up the steps!”

Apart from the occasional murder, most of Thornbury crimes were associated with drunkenness,

Thornbury Museum Police Station proclamation 1910 petty thieving and domestic violence.

In July 1921, the Gazette reported on the town council’s concern about the increased traffic congestion, with a motion agreed to ask the divisional superintendent of police “to arrange for a constable to be stationed on The Plain at Thornbury for point duty”.

After more than 120 years in

their High Street premises, the police moved to a new station in Rock Street in 1973. The court continued at 35 High Street until around 1986, when it moved to Yate. The town council moved in in 1994.

Rock Street closed in 2011, leaving the town without a police station, and the building was demolished in 2015.

L & J Gulwell

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www.filton-central-garage.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Your Experience Matters Sirona provides community health services across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset and if we have provided care for you or a member of your family, we’d love to hear your views, positive and not-so-positive. I know our success is judged by the experiences of you, your family or your friends.

I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to complete this short survey as your feedback will help us see what we are doing well and where we need to improve. Your responses will be anonymous. Thank you.

Janet Rowse – Chief Executive The completed forms can be returned to my Engagement Team, Second Floor, Kingswood Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9TR, or complete it online at www.sirona-cic.org.uk. If you would like it in another format such as in another language or large print please email engagement@sirona-cic.org.uk

Type of Service:  Adult and Specialist Services  Childrens Services  Residential and Extra Care

11. Is there anything else you want to tell us?

Please enter your comments here...

Name of Service used: Date completed: Who is completing this survey:  Carer  Friend or Family member  Other  Service user 1. Were you able to access the service easily? (i.e the time of the appointment, how long it was and the place of your appointment)  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 2. Did you feel welcome when using our services?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 3. Did we tell you about how we could help you?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 4. Did we tell you why this would help?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 5. Did we listen to you?  Yes  Yes, to some extent

 No

6. Did we plan your care with you?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 7. Did we treat you kindly?  Yes  Yes, to some extent

 No

8. Did our service help you or the person you care for?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 9. Can you look after your own health or the person you care for better now?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 10. Did we give you contact details and telephone numbers if you need more help?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No

12. Age Group  16 - 24  25 - 34  55 - 64  65 - 74  Prefer Not To Say

 35 - 44  75 - 85

 45 - 54  85+

13. Disability: Do you have any disabilities? Please state:  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No Please enter your comments here...

14. Gender:  Male  Female  Transgender  Prefer not to say 15. Is your gender different to that which was assigned to you at birth?  Yes  No 16. Sexual Orientation:  Heterosexual  Lesbian  Prefer not to say 17. Religious Belief:  Christianity  Atheism  Sikhism  Islam  Buddhism  No religion  Other (Please state)  Prefer not to say

 Gay

 Bisexual

 Hinduism  Judaism

18. Ethnicity:  White British  White Other  Irish  Black British  Black Other  Asian British  Asian Other  Chinese  Gypsy/Traveller  Dual Heritage  Other (Please state)  Prefer not to say

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SironaCIC

#Takingitpersonally

May, 2019

n NEWS

Help is needed OPPORTUNITIES to help several community organisations in Thornbury are currently on offer.

Thornbury Volunteer Centre is appealing for people help four organisations.

A volunteer with an interest in fundraising and in horticulture, recycling and biodiversity is needed to help raise funds for Thornbury in Bloom.

The role could include selling plants at local events, collection tin duties, writing grant bids and any other innovative ways to raise funds.

Volunteers either with a background in Mental Health nursing or social work, or equally from business or industry who have in interest in autism are sought to help at a social group for autistic adults.

Volunteers will help South Glos Aspies Group with befriending, social outreach, signposting and assist with members in the search for employment in a mentoring informal and friendly way.

A co-ordinator is needed to help with the Vintage Tea Club, a new club for the senior members of the community.

The club is held on the first Monday of each month at Turnberries Community Centre and provides an opportunity for the older members of the community, or anyone who feels lonely to meet people. Volunteers will help set up, serve tea and coffee and enjoy a piece of cake with the members.

The Thornbury Community Garden in Upper Bath Road needs volunteers both for gardening work and for help with the maintenance of the various structures within the garden.

For further information on any of these roles please contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392 or email mail@ volunteer-thornbury.co.uk.

We're online too! www.thornburyvoice. co.uk

thornburyvoice

27

Motorcyclist seriously injured A MOTORCYCLIST suffered serious injuries in a crash with a car at Leyhill.

The man in his 50s was taken to Southmead Hospital with serious head, leg, back and shoulder injuries after the collision on Tortworth Road, at

FAMILY FEAST

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Anyone with information should call the police on 101 and quote the reference number 5219 066 618.

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Fish is a natural product and whilst the greatest care is taken in preparation, bones may still be present.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

Offer available all day for collection in-store only.

THORN VOICE AD FAMILY FEAST OCT 2018 WASN'T USED SEPT AD USED.indd 1 Choose either a can, water or a fruit drink. Offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to availability. We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

04/03/2019 19:45:22

thornburyvoice

28

n SPORT

May, 2019

Relaxed Thornbury finish eleventh THORNBURY finished the league season in an entertaining dead rubber at Bridgwater, where Thorns played with one eye on the forthcoming Bristol Combination Cup final.

Thornbury gave Bridgwater a torrid second quarter before the Somerset side focussed on their goal of securing points to maintain their fourth place in the table and used their forwards to secure victory in the final quarter.

In the opening quarter Bridgwater went ahead through two tries, one of which was converted.

Thornbury, who had thus far played within themselves, then engaged overdrive and played with a pace and tenacity which saw them tie the scores. Jake Wood was the first to score, showing deceptive strength and

fierce determination to slip out of the grasp of the Bridgwater pack and head for the line. He was brought down just short but reached out to place the ball firmly on the line for the try, which he converted for 12-7.

Thorns then scored a glorious try out of the top drawer. The pack took a scrum against the head on half way and Dai Matthews made the most of the surprised home backs by stepping through them and racing clear. He passed to Jake Wood in support who in turn fed Harry Glew running flat out.

He was tackled ten metres out but offloaded to Louis Ogilvie to score. A missed conversion saw the scores tied at 12-12.

But the home side kicked a penalty to move 15-12 ahead at half time and, after replacing their hooker, scored a converted try from another rolling maul to open up a ten point margin.

Thornbury hit back almost

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one converted, to secure a 34-19 win.

As Voice went to press, Thornbury were preparing to play Weston-super-Mare in the Bristol Combination Cup Final on April 25.

We’ll bring you a report of the match on our website, www. thornburyvoice.co.uk, and in next month’s Voice.

Dave Fox

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immediately when a clearing kick was charged down and gathered by Luke Panting before Sam Poustie gave Dai Matthews the chance to charge through the home defence and score his 100th try for the First XV. Jake Wood converted to reduce the lead to 22-19.

But constant Bridgwater pressure in the Thornbury 22 saw them score two more tries,

“Th e

Bridgewater & Albion 34 – 19 Thornbury

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

May, 2019

thornburyvoice

29

n SPORT

Cup final for Town THORNBURY Town are seeking cup glory to end a season where they narrowly missed out on a title.

They were set to play Wallingford Town AFC in the Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup Final on Saturday April 27.

Thornbury reached the final after a penalty shootout win over Hellenic League Division One West title rivals Easington Sports on April 2.

After a semi-final match under floodlights which finished 1-1 after extra time, Thornbury prevailed 4-2 in the shootout to book themselves a place in the final at Thame Rangers’ ASM Stadium in Oxfordshire.

But it was Easington who came out on top in the race for the league title, as Thornbury dropped points during the run-in.

The final matches of the season included a double in the space of a week over Pewsey Vale. Thornbury won 2-0 in Wiltshire before an emphatic 6-1 victory at the Mundy fields which saw hat-tricks for both Marcus Wormwell and Craig Lancastle – who scored all three of his goals from the penalty spot.

Another thrashing, this time 5-1, was dished out away to bottomplaced New College Swindon.

But a 2-1 home defeat to Kidlington Development, whom Thornbury had beaten 4-0 away a fortnight earlier, and a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Saracens, who missed a penalty in the 92nd minute, meant that when Thornbury started their final game of the season at home to Newent on April 22, the best they could hope for was second.

Numbers at the match were swelled to 295 by enthusiasts taking part in the Hellenic League’s Easter Ground Hop Weekend. Matches are staggered so that groundhoppers, whose hobby is to visit matches at as many stadiums or grounds as possible, could take in several matches over the long bank holiday weekend.

A last-minute Marcus Wormwell equaliser saw Thornbury draw the match 2-2 and waiting for the result of Cheltenham Saracens’ home fixture with Kidlington Development on April 24 to see if they had held on to second place.

Girls wanted to give football a go

THORNBURY Town Girls football team is recruiting players between 9 and 12 years old ahead of the side’s first season competing in the league and cups.

Experience and ability doesn’t matter: the team is open to any girls, whether they have played before or just want to give football a try.

Players have described playing for the team as

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

“good fun and great exercise”.

Coach Jack Harrison-Bond said: “We deliver fun filled sessions with lots of learning and development in a safe environment. Why not come along and have a go?”

You can contact Jack via the website www. thornburytownfc.co.uk or by phone on 07539 471637.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

30

n SPORT

May, 2019

Laura trots to third for Thornbury a minute quicker than his previous best and very impressive as the course is hilly and mostly off-road.

Chris Foley added another of the great marathon courses to his running CV on Sunday after completing the Paris Marathon on April 14. Chris joined over 48,000 runners on the Champs Elysees at the start before setting off on a course which included the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Chris completed the London and Berlin marathons last year and raised more than £2,500 for charity but both were run on hot days. The cool, dry conditions in Paris saw him narrowly miss his target of breaking the 4-hour barrier again, finishing in 4 hours and 19 seconds, 21,056th in the field.

The Big Cheese is a firm favourite with many Thornbury runners. This 15-mile trail race starts on the outskirts of Cheddar before ascending into the hills, including scaling the highest point in Mendips - Black Down.

Thanks to a litany of injuries there was a smaller team of Thornbury runners than usual at the end of March.

Nick Williams, making his Big Cheese debut, finished sixth overall in a rapid 1 hour 49:31 mins.

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LAURA Orna was Thornbury Running Club’s star performer as three runners made the short trip across the M5 to take part in the Frampton Globe Trot.

The annual 8-mile cross country race through the fields and trails of Frampton Cotterell and surrounding villages is held to support Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School.

Laura, pictured right, was near the front of the field of 250 runners, finishing an impressive 3rd woman and 15th overall, in 1 hour 2:11 mins. Kevin Cundy and Sonya Bryson have competed in the previous two Globe Trot races and were both back again, finishing were 74th and 75th respectively and 2 minutes quicker than their 2018, results in 1 hour 18:46 mins and 1 hour 18:47 mins.

Kevin was in action again the day after, in the Sri Chinmoy Duathlon in Tockington.

There was a 2k run around the fields before heading to a 15k bike segment, followed by another 2k run. Kevin finished in 17th place in 50:21 mins. Kevin Wood was also in the field and finished in 27th place in 52:44 mins.

Saturday’s parkrun results featured a new club record at Thornbury parkrun for Nick Williams, his time of 17:31 mins was almost

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