Thornbury Voice November 2019

thornburyvoice www.thornburyvoice.co.uk

November, 2019 Issue 32

Clare Teal comes to Thornbury see page 11

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Bloomin' fantastic!

Homecoming gig A FORCES veteran from Rockhampton whose music career has helped him overcome post-traumatic stress disorder is staging a homecoming gig for charity.

PAGE 5

Cuddly recruits TEDDIES knitted by a craft group in Thornbury are playing a 'crucial role' in helping the town's firefighters calm children involved in emergencies.

PAGE 6

Green barrier

THORNBURY in Bloom volunteers are celebrating after bringing home the top trophy from the South West in Bloom competition.

This year the group entered Britain in Bloom South West's toughest class, the Champion of Champions, which saw the town compete against all the winners from last year’s categories. The

2019 standard was set high, with every single group winning a Gold medal – but Thornbury trumped them all and brought home the trophy.

Now the group is looking for new volunteers to continue its success, as some members of the team are about to step down.

Turn to page 3

FORTIFICATIONS to prevent travellers from camping on a village green will be built at a cost of £20,000.

PAGE 7

Tribute to Andy A HUGE party is being held in memory of a Thornbury musician who died of cancer.

PAGE 10

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228

April, 2019 2017 November,

■ n NEWS NEWS

Man killed in mixer Food growing oncrash the menu at Thornbury open meeting

A MAN died after the concrete mixer he was driving collided with a wall on the A38 near Thornbury.

Avon and Somerset police say the driver, who was in his 30s, died at the scene of the accident near Tytherington Quarry at about 3.45pm on October 4.

Details of the man's identity had not been released as the Voice ANYONE interested in producing their own vegetables, fruit and salad went to press. is invited to an opensaid: meeting the of Grow Own informed Food Group A spokesperson "Hisofnext kin Your have been andinour Thornbury. thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

The group was set up to shareexamined knowledgethe about food gardening and Police collision investigators road, which was closed last held two open meetings, which resulted inthe new the year following day successful between the Grovesend Road junction and members Alveston joining.

Hill junction while the vehicle was recovered.

With the start of the new growingwith season, the exercise is the being Police have appealed to anyone information about repeated, with takingthe place in Thereference Chantry, number Castle Street, on accident to callthe 101event and quote incident 5219 229 Thursday, March 30, from 7.30pm-9pm.

938.

Family blaze in Horns flees of plenty

LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.

To Richard Gotadvertise, News? Callcontact Richard 0n 01454 on 80001454 120 800 120

A FAMILY fled a house in Olveston after a fire broke out in the early hours.

Smoke alarms woke up the residents of the house in Vicarage Lane at around 5am on October 3 and they were able to escape before firefighters arrived.

Crews from Thornbury and Patchway fire stations fire stations were mobilised and found the fire had broken out accidentally in a cupboard in the hall of the house.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the residents were safe and well after the incident.

A CONCERT in Thornbury by Cornucopia, a quartet of professional horn players, will raise money for the town’s Armstrong Hall development project.

Music by Mozart - and his son - and Haydn will feature in the performance in the Cossham Hall, Chapel Street, on Friday, March 31.

The 19th century piece Bird of the Forest will also be played, with the evening closing with Gordon Carr’s Chinese Songs.

Cornucopia will join up with local flute player Nicki Woodward (Barnes), baritone Niall Hoskin and pianist Steven Hollas for the concert, tickets for which cost £12, with concessions available.

They are on sale in Thornbury TowninHall, Street, or by Property experts working theHigh Thornbury phoning 01454 412272.

fund raising concert

by Cornucopia quartet

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November, 2019

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3

n NEWS

Thornbury crowned Champion of Champions

The Thornbury in Bloom team with their trophy at the South west in Bloom awards

Volunteers from Thornbury in Bloom and Castle School Friends at the school

From page 1 Chairperson Shelia Forsythe said: “A huge thank-you to you all for all your hard work during the year, which has all gone towards Thornbury in Bloom winning Champion of Champions. We had a stiff set of opposition, but I’m delighted that we have won the top trophy.”

Thornbury in Bloom member Sue Aitken said the award was for the whole town.

She said: "The success reflects the huge level of community involvement that goes into creating our entry.

From Brownies and Cubs, through schools, allotments, church yards, private residents, businesses to retirement homes, every part of our town is represented" There was also success for 15 organisations which entered the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ awards.

Out of those, 12 were given the top rating - outstanding.

They were: Tree Strategy group, Daggs Allotments, Litter Busters, Morton Bridge Wildflower Meadow and Orchard Group, Crossways School Eco bricks, Thornbury Tennis Club, the Community Garden, Castle School Friends Association, Friends of Filnore Wood, Holy Mowers - St Mary's Church, Grace Lodge residents and Chantry Community Centre Wildflower Garden.

Three were given the second

sellers are all needed to secure the group's future.

Anyone who is interested can pop into Thornbury Garden Shop and speak to Sue Aitken, email

from top rating – thriving.

They were: Crossways School Federation farmers, Tanners Court residents and Quaker Court residents.

A spokesperson for the Castle School Friends Association said they were ‘delighted’ after a huge effort to clear undergrowth, build a new science garden, clear spaces for break time and add a raised bed with sculptures made by pupils saw them rewarded.

The spokesperson said: "We have succeeded in our aim to provide a much better environment for teaching and learning and to raise morale. In doing so, we have worked with volunteers from right across the community. It was this teamwork and commitment that impressed the judges. We'll be keeping up the good work for 2020!"

CSF’s next outdoor project is to create a sensory garden.

In the Business category of the competition the Anchor Pub came home with a Gold and Beech House care home won a silver award.

But new blood is needed if Thornbury in Bloom is to continue its success next year, when organisers will be hoping its regional success earns it a nomination to the national Britain in Bloom competition.

Some members of the organising team are having to give up some of their duties.

People who can do gardening, fundraisers, a schools coordinator and raffle ticket

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

thornburyinbloom@yahoo. co.uk, message the team through its Facebook page or go along to the AGM at The Swan on November 25 at 7.30pm.

Winter at Dyrham Park Just a stone’s throw away from Bristol is the National Trust’s Dyrham Park. Explore the 17th-century house, ancient deer park and seasonal garden with daily walks and tours and other events this winter.

Escape the bustle of a modern day Christmas with a return to a more subtle 17th-century celebration. Floral displays adorn the house, with storytellers and carol singers in the courtyard and church.

Call 0117 937 2501 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park © National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Photography ©National Trust Images/John Millar.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice December deadline

Our December edition will be going to print on November 18. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by November 13.

Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Thornbury Voice contacts Editorial

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November, 2019

n NEWS

Car crashes into house FIREFIGHTERS from Thornbury rescued a woman from her car after it crashed into a bungalow in the town.

Emergency services were called shortly after 8.20am on October 17 after the Nissan Qashqai hit another car before leaving the road, demolishing part of a garden wall and hitting the corner of the house in Kingfisher Close, off Squires Leaze.

Firefighters and paramedics freed a woman in her 50s from the car, before she was treated and taken to hospital by ambulance.

Thornbury firefighters gave details of the incident, saying: "We stabilized the vehicle and set up safety systems in order to extricate the casualty from the car avoiding further harm.

"Thanks to both the police and ambulance service, who also attended, and South Gloucestershire Council's structural engineer.

"Thanks also to the two local builders who stopped to assist prior to the Emergency Services arriving."

South Western Ambulance Service said the injured woman had been taken to Southmead Hospital with "minor injuries".

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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November, 2019

5

n NEWS

Kevin's journey from Army to Armstrong Hall A FORCES veteran from Rockhampton whose music career has helped him overcome post-traumatic stress disorder is staging a homecoming gig for charity.

Kevin Hackett first started playing in bands in the 1970s, when fans started to comment on his resemblance to Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry.

He said: “It was a bit of a curse back then, and I eventually decided to try something completely different and joined the Army in 1981.”

It was after 22 years of service, including the Falklands and Gulf Wars, that Kevin experienced PTSD. After leaving the forces in 2003, Kevin decided to return to music and made the most of his resemblance to Ferry to form tribute band Roxy Magic in Bristol.

Now Kevin is bringing his band to Thornbury, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer

Support in a one-off show at the Armstrong Hall.

Kevin says his second career as a musician has helped with the PTSD. He said: “It’s been a great distraction for me, especially as onstage I’m acting out the part of another person.

"I’m not really a support group person, although I’m sure many find them very useful.

"I tend to rely on coping strategies as taught by Cognitive Behaviour Therapist professionals that I see from time to time.”

Kevin is a huge fan of Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, and believes this is key to his success in conveying Ferry’s stage persona, which he describes as ‘quirky’.

The band has an in-depth knowledge of the music and has been complemented by Ferry himself.

Kevin believes that their ‘fantastic musicianship’ and

Kevin Hackett is the frontman of Roxy Magic ‘respect for the original artist’, have propelled them to their position as the UK’s definitive Roxy Music tribute act.

When he’s not on stage, Kevin and his wife Jackie run a local smallholding and manage rental properties in Bristol. They chose Macmillan Cancer Support to benefit from the proceeds

@BuggyBabyInStore

Ecstasy seized

because his wife’s friend has the disease.

Roxy Magic will be at The Armstrong Hall on Saturday November 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20 and are available from Thornbury Town Hall on 01454 412103, online via www. wegottickets.com, or at The Anchor Inn in Morton.

@BuggyBabyInStore

Nursery Store Now Open

POLICE have seized what is believed to be a "large quantity" of ecstasy and other class A drugs in the Thornbury area.

Beat officer PC Paula Manos revealed details of the seizure on October 18.

She said: "Seized by the beat team locally last night was a large quantity of pills believed to be ecstasy and other class As. "The drugs are awaiting testing and an investigation is active so unable to comment further or answer questions.

"However this was only possible due to the public contacting us and fully assisting."

Police have been investigating a number of reports of drug use and suspected dealing on land behind the One Stop shop in Primrose Drive, and earlier this month delivered letters to residents encouraging them to report information.

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n NEWS

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November, 2019

Teddies on duty at Thornbury fire station TEDDIES knitted by a craft group in Thornbury are playing a 'crucial role' in helping the town's firefighters calm children involved in emergencies.

Thornbury firefighters say the "trauma teddies", made for them by local group Thornbury Knit and Natter, have already proved their worth in supporting children who are distressed after being involved in fires and other incidents.

The firefighters give them to children they believe need emotional support.

Three children were given teddies following a fire in their home in Olveston in early October. Another child received a teddy later in the month after being accidentally locked in a car.

Instead of trying to smash the window themselves, the child's family called the fire service, who broke the glass, preventing shards from touching the youngster, who was freed within 15 minutes.

A Thornbury fire station

Members of Thornbury Knit and Natter visit the town's fire station with the teddies. Picture: Thornbury Fire Station spokesperson said: “When we left, the child was happily splashing their wellies in a puddle while cuddling one of our trauma teddies, supplied by a local community knitting group."

John Riddiford, Thornbury Watch Manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We would like to extend our thanks

to the Thornbury Knit and Natter Group. They went above and beyond to provide Trauma Teddies that play such a crucial role at incidents involving children. We have already given out bears at incidents and know how much of a difference they make.

"As a service, we always strive

to be there in people’s hour of need and these bears help us to make the situation that little bit better for children, which is something that we would always welcome.

“I know the group worked incredibly hard on these bears and we cannot thank them enough.”

The service is using the teddies across its area and aim to ensure each fire engine will have at least two bears on board.

Risk reduction watch manager Darren Clasper said: “We often attend upsetting emergency incidents and we see children in distress, who don’t understand what is happening and why they are there.

“As a Service, we understand how scary these experiences can be so any small act of comfort, such as a teddy, will go a long way.

“This gives us an opportunity to engage with children and lessen the impact of a situation.”

Protesters join march PROTESTERS from the Thornbury and Yate area joined what was described as one of the UK’s largest ever political demonstrations as Parliament debated the Brexit deal.

Organisers of the People’s Vote march in London on October 19 believe around a million people joined the demonstration, although police have declined to release an official estimate.

Andy O’Brien, from Thornbury, was one of those taking part in the march to call for a second referendum on any Brexit deal.

He said: “I’m marching because in the 2016 referendum politicians promised whatever they thought the public wanted to hear. So it’s time to vote on the facts now, not the fiction.”

Right, protesters from Thornbury in London

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November, 2019

7

n NEWS

Earthworks planned to keep travellers off FORTIFICATIONS to prevent travellers from camping on a village green will be built at a cost of £20,000.

Residents called for action after seven illegal encampments in seven years by caravans at land off Down Road in Alveston.

South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet has approved £15,000 to build the earth embankment, called a bund, on top of £5,000 pledged by Alveston Parish Council.

But opposition councillors say other areas of the district, where parishes have paid for their own barriers, should now get a refund.

Severn Vale ward councillors Matthew Riddle and Keith Burchell helped raise a 600name petition calling for the earthworks.

Mr Riddle told a recent cabinet meeting: “This green in the middle of Alveston, with a lot of houses at the back and front, is widely used for informal

sports, dog-walking and general recreation.

“However, since 2012 there have been seven trespasses, and the last occurred in June, with caravan, cars, vans, fires and damage of children’s play equipment.

“Keith and I received considerable complaints about the trespass in June so we set up a working group which included representatives from the parish council and residents, who went door-to-door with a petition for action to physically stop further trespasses.

“A bund of about half a metre will cost £20,000 and Alveston Parish Council has already committed £5,000 to demonstrate that this is a priority for our area.

“Over the years, similar bunds, such as at Thornbury, have worked well.

“The bund will have wild flowers growing on it and that will increase the local

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biodiversity and pollinators.”

Yate North Lib Dem councillor Mike Drew asked: “On what basis do you choose to protect South Gloucestershire land from incursion by travellers?

“Yate Town Council has provided a bund around South Gloucestershire Council land in Yate to prevent disturbance to residents nearby, so perhaps we could get a refund on the money we spent on behalf of this council?”

Thornbury ward councillor Maggie Tyrrell said: “I’m really pleased to know the work at Alveston is being done at last because it has been five years

since the parish council asked for it.”

Cabinet member for corporate resources Ben Burton said: “I am more than happy to receive representations from other communities who feel a bund is suitable to their location and we will consider those in the usual way.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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n NEWS

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November, 2019

Row over future of Thornbury woodland

CALLS have been made for woodland near Thornbury to be saved after it was earmarked for sale to a developer.

South Gloucestershire Council says the sale of woods at Vilner Lane will release funding for capital projects to which a commitment has already been made.

The authority responded after local Liberal Democrat councillors called for the potential sale, to build a care home on the land, to be stopped.

Thornbury ward and town councillor Maggie Tyrell, who is the Lib Dems' deputy leader in South Gloucestershire, asked for the woodland to be saved at a recent cabinet meeting.

She was raising the issue on behalf of various community groups who have expressed an interest in it. Amongst them are the Thornbury Neighbourhood Development Plan group which has asked that the land is

officially designated as a green space, Thornbury Community Composters, and a forest school group which wants to use it to teach children outdoors.

However, the original decision to sell the land to a care home developer was made back in 2014 following a public consultation. Now that a company is interested, the council wants to amend the approval to enable it to sell direct to the developer, rather than put it out to tender.

The council's cabinet member for corporate resources, Ben Burton, said: “Indications are that there is current demand for a care home within the Thornbury area and this is borne out by the interest by the current developer.

"The assumed sale of this land also underpins the council’s capital programme. If we were to go against the previous decision, it would result in a significant Thornbury and South Gloucestershire councillors Clive Parkinson, Maggie Tyrrell, Claire Young and Shirley Holloway at the woodland site. gap in the financing of key capital in the same report it says the projects.

Cabinet is planning to plant “Our intention is to negotiate enormous numbers of trees to with the buyer to deliver open combat climate change. We have green space on the land when a newly-built care home and two the home is created. There more sites already earmarked will be no risk of the site being for others in Thornbury, so it developed for other purposes, as isn’t necessary to sacrifice this any proposed sale will be subject valuable green space." to planning and restricted for Cllr Burton said that when that use.” the decision to sell the land was Cllr Tyrrell said: “It seems made by the council’s resources ridiculous to even consider sub-committee in 2014, the selling this woodland for recommendation was proposed development when elsewhere by a Lib Dem councillor.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

November, 2019

9

n NEWS

Public meeting called over road race CYCLING'S governing body is holding a public meeting for residents of two villages on the course of a road race.

Plans for the Severn Bridge Road Race course to return to Olveston and Tockington for the first time since a competitor was killed almost seven years ago have led to objections from some residents.

But the race also has supporters, and regional representatives of British Cycling have organised a public meeting to ensure the community's views are taken into account.

The race takes place annually in early March, and the route for next year’s event would come through both villages on a Sunday.

The Voice reported last month that resident Graham Clark had raised a petition in Olveston post office, which gathered over 100 signatures from people concerned about possible disruption to village life.

Brian O’Kelly from organisers, Bristol Road Club, has offered to speak to him about the race.

Residents who support the race welcome the public meeting, where everyone can have their views heard.

Olveston resident Ben Bradley, 77, is a member of Thornbury Cycling Club.

He said: “How will our village benefit from the absence of this event? Will we be dancing in the streets in gratitude for being deprived of a few hours of healthy fun? I doubt it."

Mr Bradley said the petition promoted "a general antipathy towards cyclists who, as our Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens has stated, 'have an equal right to use our roads along with horse riders, pedestrians, and motorised vehicles'".

He added: “Wouldn't it be good if they used their talents to

Ben Bradley is supporting the return of the Severn Bridge Road Race to Olveston and Tockington. campaign against killer joy-riders of cars and motorbikes who drive in excess of 20 miles per hour though our village? That would be a cause worth fighting for.”

Two representatives from British Cycling have already attended a consultation event in October, and the public meeting will take place at Olveston Parish Hall at 7pm on November 5.

A British Cycling spokesperson said: “The level of consultation seems to suggest that the organiser is taking every step to gather the views of the community.

“With events at this level, the organiser will put all plans in place then submit the details to us, at which point we would assess the safety and suitability of the event before issuing the necessary insurance documents.”

It would be the first time that the event has come through the villages since 2013, when a competitor was killed in a collision with a car on Vattingstone Lane near Olveston.

An inquest heard that 23-year-old Junior Heffernan died after colliding head-on with an oncoming car as he descended a hill at around 46mph, having moved out on to the wrong side of the road to pass other racers.

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November, 2019

n NEWS

Charity party will celebrate Andy's life A MUSICAL celebration is being staged in tribute to a Thornbury musician.

The party at The Castle School on Saturday November 9 will mark a year since the passing of Andy Dodd, who died of pancreatic cancer.

Andy’s wife Gaye described his sudden diagnosis as devastating. He passed away within a year of it, aged just 57.

Andy worked for British Aerospace but his much-loved hobby was playing music. He was the drummer with the band Ride the Edge while he was ill, and also played with Ukelele Jam and Mean Ol’ Spider.

All three will be performing at the event, which organisers hope to make the biggest charity party in the town this year. The venue has a capacity of 250 and more than 100 tickets had already been sold as the Voice went to press.

Ride the Edge band member

Andy Dodd (second right) pictured with Ride the Edge bandmates Noel Clarke, Wendy Macey, Kerry Sawyer and Ian Shepherd.

Ian Shepherd said: “There's a good reason to come and party, it's to help raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK. "We're remembering Andy Dodd, a family man, friend, musician and all-round good guy.”

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The evening takes place from 7-11pm and tickets are £15, to include food form a buffet. There will also be a bar and a raffle.

Tickets are available online from facebook.com/ridetheedge (+£1.76 booking fee) or from Horders in Thornbury High

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November, 2019

11

n NEWS

Plea to person who dumped Melanie's body POLICE believe that whoever dumped a murdered woman's body next to the M5 near Thornbury knew the area well.

Melanie Hall’s remains were found in undergrowth next to the northbound entry slip road at the Falfield junction in October 2009.

The 25-year-old hospital clerical worker was last seen alive in a Bath nightclub on June 9, 1996.

Renewing an appeal for information ten years on from the discovery at Falfield, senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp James Riccio, of Avon and Somerset police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said DNA recovered from the site had been found on a length of rope which was wrapped around black bin liners containing Melanie's remains.

He said someone other than the killer may have been responsible for disposing of the body.

DCI Riccio said: “We believe the choice of deposition site is key. Whoever left Melanie’s body in the undergrowth off the northbound slip road of junction 14 of the M5 would have done so in haste.

"It would have happened on the morning of June 9, 1996, or within a few days of this date.

"It’s likely this person would have then driven onto the northbound M5 and either onto the next junction, or they may have turned off at the Michaelwood Services, where they could have used the local road network, including a slip

road behind the services, to head back in a southerly direction.

"We believe it’s highly likely the person who left Melanie’s body at this location was familiar with this area.

“The person who deposited the body may not be the person who killed Melanie. If this is the case, I’m directly appealing to this person to come forward and provide us with information for the sake of Melanie’s family.

You’ve been living with a dark secret for years but your guilt and fear is nothing compared to the enduring pain felt by Melanie’s family. I want to be clear – our primary focus is on identifying the person or persons who killed Melanie.

“You may feel able to speak to us now when you couldn’t before.”

There have been 11 arrests during the investigation into Melanie's murder but no-one has ever been charged.

A total of £60,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Melanie’s killer - £50,000 from her parents and £10,000 from Crimestoppers.

Police believe a small piece of information, possibly about the 4mm blue polypropylene rope – commonly used on building sites and by electricians – could be the key to solving the case.

Anyone with information should call the Operation Denmark incident room on 01278 648934.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Yoga with Sarah Tuesday mornings 10-11 & 11.15-12.15 Oldbury Memorial Hall, Oldbury-on-Severn BS351PP This class is suitable for all levels including complete beginners.

This is a small friendly class.

For more information or to book on please call 07871497008 or email sarahburleyyoga@outlook.com

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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12

n NEWS SOUTH Gloucestershire Council spent just over £1 million on councillors' allowances and expenses last year.

Between them, the authority’s 72 councillors received a total of £1.027m in 2018/19, according to the council’s latest annual report.

The top earner was Toby Savage, the leader of the Conservative-led council, who took home a total of £36,169 – the basic allowance of £11,637 for carrying out his ward duties in Longwell Green as well as a special responsibility allowance of £24,531 for being both the leader of the council and the cabinet member for schools, skills and employment.

But Mr Savage's allowances sparked a row as Labour argued that two other paid roles – a new £13,000 one-day-a-week post as deputy West of England Mayor and working part-time for Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore – meant he was "regularly and often absent from his fully paid elected role without offering to reduce his Council pay accordingly".

Labour group leader Pat

November, 2019

Row over leader's role as councillor costs top £1m

Toby Savage Rooney said: "Our residents are being short changed as he is obviously not committed to ensuring that his top priority is our valued residents and communities.”

The council's Conservative group hit back, saying being council leader took up a “considerable” amount of time beyond traditional working hours.

A spokesperson said: “The

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

role is required to oversee all aspects of the council’s activities and is traditionally given a higher allowance as a result.

“Despite this, it is still a considerably lower allowance paid than to council leaders and mayors in other parts of the region.”

Bristol’s elected mayor Marvin Rees receives just over £70,600 per year, a salary which will rise to £79,500 after mayoral elections in May 2020.

As well as Cllr Savage, who gave up a full-time career to focus on leading the council, 29 other members of South Gloucestershire Council also received a special responsibility allowance last year.

These included Jon Hunt, who got £11,831 on top of his basic allowance for taking responsibility for the cabinet portfolio of children and young people.

The leaders of the minority political groups, Labour’s Pat Rooney and Claire Young for the Liberal Democrats, each received £8,146 in special allowances.

Only 29 councillors made expense claims in the 2018/19 year. These ranged from £3.60 to under £1,000 in most cases and came to a total of £12,000.

Meanwhile a proposed £3,000 pay rise for Metro Mayor Tim Bowles, taking his salary to £65,000, has been slammed by the regional body’s overview and scrutiny committee vicechairman Winston Duguid — for not being big enough.

Lib Dem B&NES councillor Mr Duguid said that when compared to the Bristol Mayor's salary, Mr Bowles' backdated rise was “derisory”.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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November, 2019

13

n NEWS

Awards celebrate brightest science talents SOME of the area's brightest young talents in maths, science, technology, engineering and maths were recognised at an awards ceremony at the home of Concorde.

The South Gloucestershire Education Awards 2019 took place at Aerospace Bristol on October 11 to celebrate the outstanding educational achievements of more than 120 secondary, primary and special school pupils.

The awards focused on those who had been high achievers in key stage 2 – the end of primary school – and key stage 4, leading up to GCSE, in the STEM subjects, which the council has made a priority area.

Those receiving awards were nominated directly by heads and teachers of their schools.

The award winners came from 60 different schools across South Gloucestershire.

Winners from the Thornbury

area were: Robert Marshall and Layla-Rose Day of Alexander Hosea Primary; Thomas Shaw and Zoe Sheppard of Charfield Primary; Austin Davies and Rebecca Latham-Roberts of Manorbrook Primary; Isabelle Batt and Matthew

Quilt of Marlwood School; Holly Humphries and Toby McNeill of Olveston Primary; Joshua Derham and Alice Holford of St Helen’s Primary, Annabel McLaren and Nickles Wickremasinghe of The Castle School; Isaac Ryall and Sasha

Wiffill of Tortworth Primary.

The winners were presented with certificates, a £25 shopping voucher and a commemorative mug in front of an audience including parents and carers at the event, sponsored by YTL, UWE and Taylor Wimpey.

Guest speakers Tim Harrison of Bristol University ChemLabS and Rob Eastaway, an author who writes popular maths books including Why Do Buses Come in Threes? and Maths for Mums and Dads.

Council cabinet member for schools Erica Williams said: “These students, their teachers and school staff have clearly worked really hard and deserve this recognition for their positive efforts.

“Well done to all of our winners, who are a testament to the fact that, whatever level of study you are in, having the right attitude and putting in hard work always pays off.”

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November, 2019

n NEWS

Grant funds 'urgent' work to Chantry URGENT work to renovate the windows of Thornbury's first community centre has been carried out thanks to major grant funding.

Chantry Community Centre, a historic Grade II listed building, dates back to Tudor times and became the town’s first community centre in 1966.

It has many rooms, including six meeting rooms and two halls, a conservatory and a walled garden.

The building's draughty windows have been renovated after Thornbury and District Community Association (TDCA), which owns and manages the building, was awarded £25,000 from the Enovert Community Trust and £3,000 from South Gloucestershire Council.

Association chairman and treasurer Dave Derham said: “The Chantry is used daily by a wide range of organisations from the local community.

"The restoration of the

windows was extremely urgent if the building was to remain suitable for community use.

“This project has not only preserved the structure of the windows, but it has transformed the look of the building and has dramatically reduced heat loss through draughts.”

The association says the work would not have been possible without the grant funding.

The Enovert Community Trust required a 10% contribution (£2,500) to be able to award the grant, and was happy for it to come from the TDCA itself, so the net amount received from Enovert was £22,500.

Dave said: “We are extremely grateful to Enovert Community Trust for its generous grant, without which the project would not have been possible.”

Enovert Community Trust distributes funds from landfill tax credits on behalf of landfill operator Enovert to community organisations. It operates under

The windows at Thornbury's Chantry have been renovated in a £28,000 project funded by grants the Landfill Communities Fund, which enables operators to contribute a portion of their landfill tax liability to community and environmental organisations to 'offset' some of the negative impacts of living in the vicinity of a landfill site.

Trust secretary Angela Haymonds said: "The Trustees

were delighted to provide a grant towards the renovation project.

"The Chantry Community Centre serves an important function in the local community where individuals and groups can meet to enjoy educational, social and recreational activities.”

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November, 2019

15

n THORNBURY CLINIC

Dance: for flexibility and function

Isobel Powell is a professional dancer and choreographer who consults for the Thornbury Clinic. She specialises in dancebased exercises and stretches to help increase mobility, flexibility and help reduce injury.

IN the world of fitness and health there are so many different forms of workout that, whilst effective, can put people off starting. High intensity workouts, circuit classes, hours on the treadmill and lifting weights in a gym are all useful, but not for everyone. This being said, we all know that exercise is important and one work out that a huge proportion of the population

enjoy is dance. We have already seen this with the growth of dancebased classes such as Zumba.

However, whilst these are again useful, they are not really focused on increasing flexibility or joint mobility.

As we go through life it is harder to keep our flexibility and joints moving through range. This is where incorporating dancebased moves into a non-impact workout really helps. Whether you are coming back from injury, looking to take your first steps at weight loss or trying to keep fit later in life, movement is key.

Ballet-inspired workouts focus on both strength and flexibility, along with building stability in balance and an awareness of weight placement through the body. It helps build beautiful posture and a strong core, both of which will contribute to a healthy body in day-to-day life. A ballet barre workout is typically constructed of pilates, dance, yoga and functional muscle strengthening exercises. Workouts are a stimulating and enjoyable way to exercise both mind and body. Due to the low impact nature of the exercises, this workout can be tailored to suit varying levels of ability and ages.

A perfect example of the first barre exercise we begin with in classes is the plie. This exercise will mainly focus on the muscles and joints in the lower body. It is also perfect for finding our balance and posture at the beginning of the class.

• Stand facing the barre with two hands gently placed on the barre

in front of you, shoulder width apart.

•P lace your heels together so your feet are turned out and your weight is placed slightly forward through the balls of the feet.

• With a feeling of lengthening through the top of the head and spine, gently bend your knees so you are creating a diamond shape in between your legs.

• E nsure that your heels stay firmly pressed into the ground and you squeeze your glutes and stomach muscles. Your pelvis should stay perfectly neutral here, no bottoms out!

• With a feeling of resistance, slowly straighten the legs, aiming to squeeze the tops of the legs and bring the inner thighs together.

• This can be repeated within many different exercise combinations and in different positions. We then also add in arm movements to coordinate with the movements of the legs.

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Just this one simple movement can help to increase strength through the legs and improve mobility through the hip, knee and ankle joints. Not only that but this, in turn, will help to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis and help to maintain balance. If this is combined with other similar exercises, you can create a fun and unique workout that can be done in your own home and really improve your quality of life.

Isobel will be leading the Thornbury Clinic’s next free seminar at Thornbury Leisure Centre on November 26 at 7pm, entitled Dance Movement for Flexibility and Function. To book, call the clinic on 01454 838366 or email info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk.

17/05/2019 14:34

info@thethornburyclinic.co.uk www.thethornburyclinic.co.uk

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16

November, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Sky-high price for Fab Four signatures IT may be an old piece of airline headed notepaper but a set of four Beatles autographs – and the story behind them – meant a collector was willing to pay £3,800 for this scrap of history.

The signatures on British European Airways headed notepaper were obtained by helicopter pilot Ron Dibb while the Fab Four were filming scenes for A Hard Day's Night at Gatwick BEA Heliport in March 1964: the excellent price achieved emphasises the importance of a good background story when selling any autographs.

The autograph was the star lot of a sale at Stroud Auction Rooms which saw 1,100 online bidders take 66 percent of sales, against commission and phone bidders and those in the room.

Also in the ephemera section, a Stroud Beers shieldshaped advertising sign made an impressive £1,150 and a Jimi Hendrix autograph, together with a Brian Epstein Presents Sunday at the Saville programme featuring Jimi Hendrix Experience among

others, in August 1967, with a letter of provenance from the vendor, sold for £800.

The Asian art section saw an 18th century jade carving of a boy with peaches make £2,000 and a bronze figure £1,600 and in the pictures and paintings section, an oil on canvas in ornate gilt frame depicting a composer/musician with score, possibly Mozart, went under the hammer for £3,600. An 18th/19th century oil on canvas of dogs or hounds chasing a leopard sold for £2,000, while a Damien Hirst permanent marker on ceramic plate portrait of Loic Bonbonny, who worked for Hirst as a chef and studio assistant, also sold for £2,000. It was titled and signed on rim of plate and came with a letter of provenance from Loic Bonbonny.

An interesting 19th century portrait miniature of Napoleon, inscribed verso "A correct likeness of Napoleon Bonaparte taken during his last illness by the officer commanding the military guard at Longwood, St Helena 1821' sold for £750.

David Lord's specialist stamp section did extremely well, with a good collection of Commonwealth stamps, including some rare examples, making £1,800 and a King George VI mint stamp collection in a Stanley Gibbons album making £1,600.

Prize for quirkiest lot went to an unusual oil on canvas of Ann Savage (1745-1816) with her adult head on a child's body, which sold for £900. Ann married Sir Thomas Crawley Boevey, who inherited Flaxley Abbey in the Forest of

Dean, Gloucestershire, and the vendor is a direct descendent of the sitter.

The next auction at Stroud will be on November 6 and 7: the list of items already consigned is impressive, and includes an E Type Jaguar (one of several cars in the auction) and a private collection of over 500 bayonets.

Now is the time to take into Stroud Auctions any items you would like to sell in the hugely popular pre-Christmas sale on December 4, 5 and 6.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on December 4th , 5th & 6th Including specialist sections of jewellery, silver, watches, clocks, coins, fine wines & spirits Silver Fine wines & spirits Wristwatches Jewellery

Contact Alexandra Bowkett (DGA, FGA)

Contact Patrick Smart Macallan whisky Sold for £2,300

Contact Stuart Maule Contact Mark Rozelaar Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Charles II 17th century hallmarked silver Ovettone Bubbleback 18ct gold charger. Sold for £4000 automatic wristwatch.

Sold for £15,300

A 19thC gold pendant set with a yellow diamond, rubies, diamonds and seed pearls Sold for £5,200 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 for an instant valuation 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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November, 2019

17

n WHAT'S ON IN OUR AREA November 1: n Carers Support Group, the Chantry, 1-3pm.

November 1: n Haven Memory Cafe, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. 10.15-11.45am, Reg King: The History of Rolling Pins.

November 2: n Geekmania, Thornbury Leisure Centre, 10am-4pm. Tickets from £5 age 6-12 to £20 family on the door. Special guests include former Doctor Who Colin Baker plus cosplay competitions, trader market, prop displays, talks and gaming.

November 2: n Climate Action Thornbury and Surroundings launch event at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, from 1pm-4pm.

Local experts with proposals for renewable generation, electric cars, community energy, tree planting wildlife and pollinators plastic free shopping and recycling.

Exhibitions, stalls, refreshments and a child-friendly play space to enable parents to come along.

November 6: n Coffee morning in aid of St Peter's Hospice at the Methodist Church Hall, Alveston, 10.30amnoon. Entrance £1, including tea/ coffee. Stalls, bring and buy table, Christmas cards and raffle. Please come along and support your local Hospice.

November 9: n Party for Andy - tribute to Andy Dodd to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Castle School, 7-11pm.

Music from Ride The Edge, Ukulele Jam and Mean Ol'Spider, buffet, cake and a bar. Tickets £15 including food, available online from Facebook.com/ridetheedge or from Horders, High Street Thornbury. No tickets on the door.

November 10: n Remembrance service and parade from Thornbury High Street down Castle Street. Parade starts at 2pm from URC car park, Chapel Street, to St Mary C of E Church, Castle St. November 10: n Thornbury Young Musicians Remembrance Day concert, Cossham Hall, 4pm.

Instrumentalists aged 11-18 perform solo pieces and ensembles organised by professional musician Michael Lunts. Tickets £7.50 for adults and £5 for under-16s, available from the Town Hall or by calling 01454 412272. Proceeds to Armstrong Hall Redevelopment Project.

November 12: n Thornbury Local History and Archaeology Society talk, The Vale of Berkeley Railway with Ian Raven, at St Mary’s Hall, Eastbury Road, 7.30pm. Entry: £2.50 including refreshments.

November 12: n Eastwood Gardeners' Club, Cossham Hall, 7pm: Making the most of the microclimate in your garden, with Nick Wray.

November 14: n Coffee morning for HM Forces veterans, from 9.30am to 11.30am in Hawkes House. If you are a veteran of HM Forces, just drop in – you will be welcome.

November 15: n Haven Memory Cafe, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street. 10.15-11.45am, Singalong with Stella & Ade. November 15: n Armstrong Hall, Thornbury: Jazz singer and Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal in concert with her trio. Doors 6.30pm, concert starts 7.30pm.

Tickets on sale from Cotswold Edge Events via the website www.

cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk.

November 16: n An evening celebrating the music of Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry as performed by Roxy Magic, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Armstrong Hall, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Tickets £20, available from Thornbury Town Hall on 01454 412103, www.wegottickets.com or behind the bar at the Anchor Inn, Morton November 16: n Thornbury Methodist Players quiz evening at Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, Castle Court, starting at 7.30pm prompt to support May 2020 production.

Teams of up to six can enter.

Cost: £7 per person, including ploughman’s supper. Tickets from Mandy Clapp on 01454 414749 or Sue Lewis on 01454 600503.

November 16-17: n Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Model Railway Club annual exhibition at the Chantry, Castle Street. Expected 15 layouts with a mix of scales, locations and periods, plus societies, traders and refreshments.

Open Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm. Adults £5, children (5-16) £2, family £10. More information from Brian Drayton on 01454 412657.

November 19: n Thornbury Christmas lights switch-on, 7pm, NatWest Bank, The Plain. Entertainment, stalls and fun fair from 5.30pm; More than 80 light displays on the High Street and surrounding roads.

November 21: n Community quiz at The Butchers Hook, High Street, Thornbury, 7.45pm. Cost £3 per person, all proceeds to St Peter's Hospice. Pit your wits while trying the range of real ales. Prize supplied by the

Butchers Hook.

November 22: n Thornbury Picture House, Cossham Hall, Recorded Theatre: Oscar Wilde's A Woman of No Importance. 18ft wide screen, high definition and surround sound, 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £10 or £8 concessions (under 18 or over 65) from Thornbury Town Hall or out of hours call 01454 412272.

November 23: n Thornbury Choral Society perform works by Beethoven and Schubert, 7.30pm, Castle School main hall. Thornbury Camerata, in addition to accompanying the singers, will play a Mozart Symphony. Directed and conducted by Steven Kings.

Tickets £12 in advance from any member of the choir or from Tessa Sullivan on 01454 417865 or tess@ keithsullivan.co.uk. £13 on the door.

November 24: n St Mary's Church Thornbury, Sunday Afternoon Concert, 4pm.

Local wind band T'hornblowers will entertain with music from all genres - movie themes, classical and pop included. Entry free but voluntary contributions welcome.

Tea served at end of concert.

November 26: n Thornbury Wellbeing presents The Language of Flowers, with Jo Preece from Jolie Fleurs, at the Chantry Community Centre, 7pm9pm. Admission £5. Limited places, so please book at charlene@ colour4life.co.uk. Visit Thornbury Wellbeing Group Facebook page for more information.

November 27: n Alveston Local History Group welcome back Professor Ronald Hutton, well-known speaker on paganism, witchcraft and other medieval subjects, to speak

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.

The Hatch Camphill Community: Selling their beautiful hand crafted items – ideal Christmas presents.

Saturday November 9, 10am to 11.30am.

Online Ancestry Support: Drop in Monday November 11, 10amnoon.

Have You Read…? Come and

join a new library book group on the first Friday of every month.

November 1, 2pm. Theme: “Name your desert island book."

Lego Club: Come and join us for a story, create your own Lego masterpieces and display them in the library for your family and friends to see. November 2 and 30, 10.30-11.30am.

Chatterbooks Group: Bookthemed and activity sessions every month for children in years 4, 5, and 6. Next session: November 16, 10.30-11.30am.

Rhymetime: Every Friday 10.30-11.00am, term time only.

Rhymes and songs for parents

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

and babies/toddlers to enjoy together.

Pre-school Storytime: Every Monday at 2pm, term time only: join us for stories and simple crafts.

Craft Group and Repair Café: Thursday November 7, 2pm-4pm.

New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects. Bring your small items of clothing or soft furnishings for repair. Refreshments provided.

IT support: Computer volunteers help with online and IT questions – speak to a member of staff for

dates and times.

Vision West of England: Thursday November 7, 10.30am1pm. Support and advice for visually impaired people.

For more information on any of the above please contact us: Telephone 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov. uk or visit our website to find out more: www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries.

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

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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18

n WHAT’S ON about seasonal festivals. Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. All welcome, visitors pay £2.50 at the door.

November 28: n Avon Organic Group talk: The Life in Your Soil – Soil Biology for Growers, with Tom Hartley, Soil Association, at 7pm, The Station, Silver Street, Bristol. All welcome. Entry £5 (£3.50 student/ concession).

November 30: n Castle School Christmas Market, 2-4pm at the school. Organised by Castle School Friends. Variety of stalls including crafts and plants, refreshments, postcard to Santa.

Free entry.

December 2: n Royal Osteoporosis Society Bristol Support Group meeting, 1.45pm, Methodist Church Hall, Westbury-on-Trym. Peter Rose will give a Christmas themed presentation. All welcome. For more information call 07710 743613.

December 6: n Manorbrook School Christmas Fair, 6-8.30pm at the school: Stalls, refreshments, raffle and Father Christmas.

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

November, 2019

or margaretcrocombe60@gmail. com n Get Singing. A community choir for anyone who loves singing. All abilities welcome.

See www.getsinging.co.uk for more information. Turnberries, 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 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. n Friendly Bridge SW bridge club meets at Alveston Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm every Wednesday. Visitors welcome, partner guaranteed if you come alone. For more information, including bridge tuition, contact Gareth on 07921 788605 or email

Join our team We look after adults and children at home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care.

We are NHS and Local Authority funded with hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and non-clinical.

Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team.

We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles.

Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here www.sironacic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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November, 2019

nW HAT’S ON friendlybridgesw@gmail.com n T’hornblowers wind band: friendly, adults-only wind band meets from 7pm every Wednesday in The Studio, Turnberries, Bath Road. New members always welcome, particularly trumpeters and trombonists. For more details contact Turnberries Community Centre on 01454 868485 or email enquiries@turnberries.co.uk.

n Top Flight Ballroom Dance Club. B.A,W.A .Every Wednesday Ballroom, Latin,Sequence. £5 Per Person.

New Members Welcome.

For More Information.

Tel: 01179 192756 Thursday n 8.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Ceroc Dance n Scrapbooking for Wellbeing.

Turnberries in Thornbury.

Thursdays 12.30pm-2.30pm. n South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, Bradley Stoke, 3rd

19

Thursday evening of the month.

Starting October at 7.00 for 7.30 start. Refreshments provided.

Contact: Sallykitching@ googlemail.com Tel. 01454 774401 n Royal British Legion monthly meeting point – coffee and a chat for Armed forces veterans, personnel and families at Hawkes House, St Mary Street, Thornbury.

RBL volunteers, together with other organisations will be on hand to offer support and advice to those who need help. Second Thursday of the month, 9.30-11.30am.

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. n 1.30pm 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

Friday

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.

n Weekly Hatha Yoga, The Chantry, Fridays 1.30-2.30pm.

Improve strength, balance, flexibility, health and wellbeing through this transformational and healing practice.

Drop-in basis, £8 (£6 concession) All Welcome.

There's no need to be bendy!

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n NEWS Sellers needed for Christmas market STALLHOLDERS are being invited to get involved with a festive fundraiser for Thornbury's secondary school.

Some stalls have already been confirmed for the Castle School Friends Association's Christmas market, which will be held at the school in Park Road on November 30, but more are needed to fill the large hall.

The association's volunteers are hoping the event will be a big attraction for the community and might even become an annual tradition.

Entry is free, and there will also be refreshments and a Santa postbox.

Anyone interested in having a stall is asked to contact the CSF by email at enquiries@ castleschoolfriends.org. The cost of a pitch is £15 plus the donation of a raffle prize.

The Castle School Christmas Market takes place from 2-4pm.

Entry is free.

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n NEWS

November, 2019

School's plastic campaign wins eco award A THORNBURY primary has won an award for excellence in environmental action and learning following a successful campaign on using plastic.

Manorbrook Primary achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag, an internationally recognised award, for the sixth time.

The Eco-School awards are run by the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign and have to be renewed every two years. They involve hands-on learning that gets each school and the wider community involved in action to protect the environment.

The judge who visited the school was impressed with how the children save electricity, compost their lunch waste, grow vegetables, and with how they have been raising awareness of plastic pollution.

The school's eco committee, made up of pupils, is endeavouring to change behaviour within the school. It has been suggesting alternatives, such as using refillable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles.

The committee also led a project where pupils created a colourful mosaic out of hundreds of plastic bottle tops, pictured.

The school collected the bottle tops over several months, requesting all colours and

sizes. Every pupil had the opportunity to place at least one bottle top in the artwork, so that every child in the school contributed.

Key Stage 1 teacher Amy Roberts leads the school’s eco team.

She said: “Raising awareness of plastic pollution and the damage it does to our environment is very important, and getting

young pupils involved using art is an effective way to engage and get people thinking.”

Every year more than 8 million tons of plastic finds its way into the world's oceans. It is estimated that 100,000 marine mammals and millions of birds and fish are killed by the waste each year.

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November, 2019

21

n NEWS

Repair café saves 23 gadgets from landfill

ALVESTON’S first repair café event saved 23 items from landfill after they were mended by a team of volunteers.

The team of more than 15 local experts tackled everything from clocks and a kettle handle to a record player turntable that was running too slowly and a set of curtains which needed new lining.

Repair cafés allow people to bring items they would otherwise throw away to be fixed and put back into use. The volunteers do not charge for their help and expertise but people are asked for a voluntary donation to cover the costs of setting up the event.

The idea of bringing one to the village came from Peter Waller, chairman of the Alveston Community Forum, who was inspired after visiting a repair café in East Sussex.

He was convinced that the Bristol area was the perfect place for a repair café because

A clothing repair at the Alveston Repair Café of the number of people living here with specific skills from engineering and related industries. So he went ahead and set one up himself.

Peter said: “One family brought in a beautiful old Singer

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managed to repair it and get it going. She went away saying that now she could introduce her daughters to a new skill.

“Much amusement was caused after we had spent some time trying to get a steam cleaner to operate. The volunteer had tried everything and was about to regretfully give up when another volunteer can past and blew down a tube through the filter and it started working.

“The important thing is saving things from being thrown out, sharing new skills and having fun. I think we achieved all that.”

The level of interest was such that more sessions are now planned for next year, on February 15, May 2, September12 and November 14. They will be held at St Helen’s Church in Alveston from 10am to 1pm each day.

For more information contact Peter by email at wallerpeterj@ googlemail.com.

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23

n INTERCHANGE BLOG

My brush with homeopathy PEOPLE turn to homeopathy for a multitude of reasons, from wanting to avoid ‘western medicine’ to looking for a more 'natural approach'.

The Interchange’s editor, Suzie, visited a homeopath recently to find out more I was tired. All the time tired.

Exhausted tired. And I couldn’t see a way of not being tired. I have two young children and we have my partner’s son stay with us 50% of the time. I also work full-time and have a limited family network. Add to that a stack of other life ‘stuff’, and I was tired.

I felt my tiredness was starting to wear me down. I’d been tested for a whole host of ‘traditional’ medical ailments, such as having my thyroid tested and for diabetes.

But every test came back okay.

I also had endless mouth ulcers, which had become a painful, standard addition to my life.

I’m a member of quite a few networking groups and happened to mention that I was looking for someone who could give me an overhaul. Several homeopaths were mentioned and I decided to give one a go, with no real understanding of what homeopathy was or how it could help.

What is homeopathy?

It’s a complementary or alternative medicine, based on ideas by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann in the 1790s.

Essentially he came up with a theory that ‘like cures like’ – substances that cause symptoms might help to remove them.

What can homeopathy treat?

Common conditions people try homeopathy for include asthma, ear infections, hay fever, mental health conditions, such

as depression, stress and anxiety, allergies, dermatitis, arthritis and high blood pressure.

How does it work?

A homeopath will usually ask you about any specific health conditions, but also about your general well-being, emotional state, lifestyle and diet.

Based on this, they will decide on a course of treatment, which most often takes the form of a pill, capsule or tincture (solution).

Your homeopath may recommend that you attend one or more follow-up appointments so the remedy's effects on your health can be assessed.

Did it work for me?

Now this is the part where I have to admit that I didn’t follow through with the whole procedure. I was sent the remedies and I never took them. This was in part because I assumed I’d be given a pill and that would be it each day. But each day there was a different pill of a different dosage and I never seemed to have the time or

patience to sit down and figure out what I needed to take and when. I did feed this back to my homeopath.

However, seeing the homeopath undoubtedly made me better, feel more well and less tired.

How so? Considering I didn’t take the remedies?

Whilst having my consultation my homeopath asked if I’d like something called a zygote scan, which looks at which supplements your body is lacking and which it needs to function well. I was given a full report of which vitamins and supplements I needed. This was an add-on to my session, but I’m so glad I had it.

I was advised to take a probiotic, B12 and large doses of vitamin C. The probiotic has helped my digestive problems – not cured, but helped. The B12 has helped with energy and the vitamin C has altogether stopped the recurrent, endless mouth ulcers I used to have.

Because of this success I do keep thinking to myself I should take the prescribed remedies, as I’m sure they’ll do me wonders.

But in the meantime, just taking focused supplements has had an enormous impact.

What does homeopathy cost?

The NHS no longer supports patients who wish to try homeopathy, so it has to be paid for personally. Initial consultations usually cost upwards of £50 and then there’s follow-ups. The cost of remedies may or may not be included in your initial consultation.

Where can you try homeopathy in our area?

You can start by trying the British Homeopathic Association, which has a helpful tool to help you find a local homeopath.

However, I’ve found a couple who’re local to get you started, including Priscille Francetti or Janja Martin, both based in the North Bristol/South Glos area.

Their websites also have plenty of information on how homeopathy can help.

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 LOCAL MP

November, 2019

Christian persecution: An update SOME 245 million Christians worldwide Christians worldwide are currently facing persecution because of their faith. This problem is getting worse. The number of countries where Christians face religiously-motivated harassment rose from 128 in 2015 to 144 a year later, and globally as many as 80% of people who suffer persecution due to their faith are followers of Christianity.

Perhaps because of a misguided political correctness – or an instinctive reluctance to talk about religion – governments have not always grappled with this problem.

Earlier this year I wrote in a Voice column that the Bishop of Truro, Rev Philip Mounstephen, was conducting a review of the Foreign Office’s response to Christian persecution. This has now been published in full. The findings were horrifying, suggesting that in some parts of the world levels of

persecution are “coming close to genocide”.

It has been heart-breaking to read about the bombing which took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu, in the Philippines earlier this year, and the reported 50-70,000 Christians currently detained in North Korean labour camps.

I subsequently wrote to all our local church groups and received phenomenal feedback from a huge number of local people. I have now met with officials at the Foreign Office and made it clear that our community wants to see action.

Bishop Mounstephen's report provided an overview of the UK government’s past response to religious persecution, and made a series of recommendations on possible improvements, such as ensuring that there are mechanisms to facilitate an immediate response to atrocity crimes, being prepared to impose

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sanctions against perpetrators and exploring how social media strategies can counter religious hate.

The UK can only become a world leader in promoting global religious tolerance if we truly understand the journey that we need to undertake to achieve it. I am now engaging with ministers, and sharing your feedback about what more can be done.

I am always keen to gain a greater understanding, so if you have any personal thoughts on what steps the Government ought to be taking to tackle Christian persecution, and have not yet had the chance to get in touch to share these, I would be delighted to hear your views at luke.hall. mp@parliament.uk. We must tackle persecution across the world as an urgent priority, and I look forward to following positive developments in these efforts in the weeks and months ahead.

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

November, 2019

thornburyvoice

25

n NEWS

Violence increases SERIOUS violence increased in South Gloucestershire last year despite a fall in overall crime, latest figures reveal.

There were 1,352 violent incidents causing injury in 2018/19, equal to 4.8 per 1,000 adults.

That compares with just 4.3 over the previous 12 months.

However, total crime bucked the national trend, dropping from 61 recorded cases per 1,000 population in 2017/18 to 58.7 last year.

The statistics have been revealed in the annual report of the South Gloucestershire Safer and Stronger Communities Strategic Partnership, which includes the police, council, health chiefs and the voluntary sector.

Avon & Somerset police Chief Inspector Ben Moseley told a partnership meeting: “We are seeing a slight increase in violent crime consistent with other areas but we are a significant chunk lower than them.

“We have put a real focus in South Gloucestershire in dealing with organised criminal groups and minimising the impact of county lines criminality.

“Our focus has been to identify and support those vulnerable people who are at a very high risk of becoming exploited by county lines criminality, perhaps because of mental illness, drug addiction or having been in prison.”

He said the district’s comparatively low levels of violence was the result of the police working in partnership with other organisations.

South Gloucestershire’s 4.8 incidents per 1,000 adults compares with 7.6 for the wider Avon & Somerset Police area, 8.3 across the South West and 9.3 for England and Wales, according to the annual report.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Lions celebrate anniversary THORNBURY Lions Club has held its 32nd charter dinner at the Gables Hotel, near Falfield, to celebrate the club's anniversary.

Lion President Peter Fish hosted the event on October 12 with special guest Lion District Governor Ian Gott.

The club's primary fundraising activity is the Lions second hand Bookshop in St Mary’s shopping centre, which is run by members and volunteers six days a week.

As well as supporting local organisations involved in the care and assistance for those with health and special needs, the club has also given significant contributions to Lions Club International for disaster relief, such as the recent hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas.

Thornbury Lions meet every second Thursday at the Chantry in Castle Street. New members are always welcome. For more information contact membership secretary Colin Evans on 01454 414271 or visit the bookshop in the St Mary's Centre.

The Lions are hosting the Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch at the Armstrong Hall on December 14. Tickets are £7 and will be available at the Lions bookshop on November 12 between 9am and 10am.

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thornburyvoice

26

November, 2019

n THORNBURY & DISTRICT MUSEUM

The history of Gloucester Road AS its name suggests, Gloucester Road is the historic main road from Thornbury to Gloucester. Until well into the 19th century it was classified as the main turnpike road for the use of horse drawn coaches between Bristol and Gloucester.

It was, however, a mere lane and until the 1830s there were only a handful of houses built alongside the road between The Plain in Thornbury and Morton.

For a long time there was no official name for the street. Early Thornbury records show the name of Collestreete, or Colestreet Lane in the 17th century. In the census records of the 1800s, the road had was known as either Colwell Street Lane, Colewell Street Road or Collesters Lane.

The original line of the road may have passed between the Boars Head (or Royal George) and the property now known as 8 The Plain. There is no clear evidence, but in George Rolph‘s will, dated 1793, there is a reference to a

plot of ground having been taken from his property at the top of Gloucester Road "into the highway".

The Thornbury Roots website was created initially to summarise the history of the row of houses previously known as Laburnum Terrace, now known as 6 to 22 Gloucester Road. These were built by members of the Hodges family, on land which was previously an orchard and garden. Tracing the history of the individual houses on the road has been complicated by the fact that there was no formal house numbering until around 1953. Sometimes houses within a terrace would have numbers and in some records we are lucky to find references to numbers 1-8 Laburnum Terrace.

Some of the houses had names.

Selwood (now No. 22 Gloucester Road) first appears in the mid 1920s, and that name has been in use ever since. At various times, other houses had names, including

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Durley and Amberley, but these were sometimes rather short-lived.

The decorative archway, pictured, is a floral arch of the sort that were popular in Thornbury and other small towns until the advent of motor vehicles made them an “obstruction of the highway”. A description of the arches appeared in an article in the Bristol Mercury and Daily Post of August 1884, which says Thornbury

was decorated with floral arches for the flower show of that year.

They appear to have used for other occasions until about 1902. They seem to have been composed of evergreens and decorated with flowers and Chinese lanterns, and often had banners with a wide variety of mottoes, including “Health and Happiness” and “God Bless Our Queen”.

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November, 2019

thornburyvoice

27

n NEWS Society looks at Thornbury's history A HISTORY group is inviting more people to come and find out more about Thornbury's past.

The Thornbury Local History and Archaeology Society meets every month to hear speakers deliver talks covering a range of historical and archaeological topics at relaxed meetings, including an interval with refreshments.

Talks are accompanied

by PowerPoint slides and the occasional film, and cover a wide range of topics of historical interest, with knowledgeable speakers including lecturers from UWE and Bristol University Society chair Guy Rawlinson said: "Whoever the speaker is, they know what they are talking about!"

The next talk, on November 12 at St Mary’s Hall in Eastbury Road, starting at 7.30pm, is on the Vale of Berkeley Railway.

Ian Raven The talk will cover the history of the Berkeley Road to Sharpness railway line, the progress made since the establishment of the VoBR in 2015 and its plans for reopening the line.

There also are talks in the coming season about the Bittern Dramway and how Thornbury is connected the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month from October to May. Entry is £2.50 per person to cover costs, or £10 a year for annual membership.

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November, 2019

thornburyvoice

29

n SPORT

Runners head for the mud THE wet and windy autumnal weather can mean only one thing for a club runner: the start of the cross-country season.

Thornbury’s runners responded to the rallying call from their cross-country captain, Joanne Plumbley, as a team of 22 runners braved the water-logged fields at Wotton Parc for the first round of the Gloucester league.

The 6.4K race featured a huge field of almost 200 runners, including all the women runners and men over 65 years old.

Hannah Kinloch Haken led the team of 13 Thornbury runners from the start and had a good race, finishing in 40th place in 26:32 mins. Laura Orna is returning to form after a long injury layoff and was 55th in 27:12 mins.

In the MV65 and MV70 age category race, Mike Bennewitz was 7th and 120th overall in 31:13 mins and Steve Dimond 8th and 125th overall in 31:35 mins.

Valuable intel from the Thornbury women, as well as the sight of seeing several of their teammates heading face first into the water hazards, meant the men knew what to expect from the heavily-churned course in their 9.6K race. Martyn Green made a welcome return to the team and made light work of the conditions to finish in 76th, in 38:22 mins.

Rob Watkins was next in 90th place in 38:59 mins, followed

by Henry Orna in 116th in 39:56 mins.

Individual glory in the races is important but there is a healthy rivalry between the clubs in the team competition. Thornbury’s top 4 women comprised the A team and finished in a commendable 10th place out of 42 teams. The B and C teams finished 28th and 39th.

Thornbury’s first 6 men to finish scored points towards the men’s team competition and finished in 14th out of 21 teams.

Matt Johnstone

Scruffy Thorns lose to late try Crediton 28-24 Thornbury THORNBURY lost their spot at the top of the table with their first defeat in four games.

They travelled to the Blagdon Ground for the first time since 2004 and soon were chasing the game. A well-organised driving lineout for Crediton rumbled over the line for a try awarded to Mark Nott. The conversion from wing Josh Davey gave Crediton a 7-0 lead.

Thornbury opened their account with the try of the match. They moved the ball from a scrum in their 22 and simple passing, and a loop from Alfie Richardson, saw Thornbury’s fullback in space. He hared up the touchline to touch down behind the posts. Adams converted to tie the scores.

On the half-hour mark, a penalty from Bob Adams put Thornbury 10-7 ahead. The lead was extended a few minutes later when Thornbury attacked from a lineout and a quick pass put Jack Hussey in for the second try.

Adams added the extras to make it 17-7.

Close to half-time the Crediton scrum shunted Thornbury’s pack back on their line and No. 8 Will Goodman scored, with Davey converting.

A Thornbury try during the defeat at Crediton. Picture: Dave Fox Thornbury went into the interval leading 17-14.

The second half saw much of the game was being played in the Thornbury 22. With five minutes of normal time remaining Crediton went ahead when replacement prop Wayne Reed scored. Davey converted, but Thornbury hit back, with Jim Massey crashed over for the try. Bob Adams converted to put Thornbury 24-21 ahead as the clock registered 80 minutes.

But with eight minutes of added time gone, Crediton drove towards the posts, created space

out wide and a pass inside to Josh Woodland saw the centre score. Davey converted to see Crediton win 28-24.

The defeat was only Thornbury’s second of the season in the Tribute South West Division 1 West and, having overtaken Devonport Services the previous weekend with their 52-0 drubbing of Newton Abbot, they slipped into second on points difference. Thorns' previous two games had also been victories, 29-14 at Cleve and 30-20 at home to Newent.

Dave Fox

News? email contact@ thornburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

30

n SPORT

thornburyvoice

November, 2019

Town find their form in league and FA Vase AFTER an indifferent start to the new season, which coincided with a number of key players missing, Thornbury Town have found their form, winning 8 of their last 9 games at the time of writing.

Whilst their early exit from the Emirates FA Cup was disappointing, they have won their way through 3 rounds of the Buildbase FA Vase, which is also a national competition, with the Final played at Wembley. Having comprehensively beaten Cheltenham Saracens in the 1st Qualifying Round, Thorns travelled to Wokingham & Emmbrook at the next stage and came away with a hard-earned victory, courtesy of a goal from leading scorer Craig Lancastle.

The 1st Round Proper saw Town make the long journey to Salisbury to take on Wessex League side Downton. The hosts were very much an unknown quantity but sat in second place in their league and Town’s manager Jason Rees knew they would be in for a hard game. However, despite very wet conditions the team hardly put a foot wrong all afternoon and came away with a convincing 4-0 win with goals from Tom Webb, Harry Brock, Craig Lancastle and Luke Franklin.

The 2nd Round draw has given Town a local derby, having been drawn at home to

Toolstation Western League side Cribbs. The tie is due to be played on November 2 at 3pm.

The cup success saw Town fall behind with their league fixtures, but four consecutive victories have seen them climb up to second spot in the Hellenic League Division One West. A narrow win at Moreton

Rangers was followed by two memorable home victories, firstly against Hereford Pegasus (5-3), where Harry Brock netted a hat-trick and Craig Lancastle the other two.

The previously unbeaten Hereford Lads Club then visited midweek and, in front of a good sized crowd, goals from Rhys Hodgson and Marcus Wormwell completed a 2-0 victory. A convincing win against New College Swindon then followed to set the team up for their trip to Downton.

Meanwhile the Reserves and A team have started their new adventure in the Bristol & District League, with the reserves falling to a couple of narrow defeats, whilst the A team have won all four of their opening league games, including a 7-1 thrashing of then leaders Wick.

Both sides have progressed to the 2nd Round of their County Cups with the Reserves enjoying a deserved 4-2 win at Old Sodbury.

The junior teams, including the newly formed U12 girls team, have started their fixtures, with full use now being made of the facilities at Poulterbrook and Castle School.

New players can get in touch via social media or the club’s website.

Malcolm Carr

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November, 2019

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