Thornbury Voice November 2017

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November, 2017 Issue 8

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Draft plan proposes hundreds more houses for Thornbury THE final draft of a blueprint for housing and employment development in the West of England has included more than 32,000 more homes for South Gloucestershire, including hundreds for Thornbury.

The document said the town - which has already seen large scale house building and other plans also given approval - could accommodate a further 500 homes, while the controversial Buckover “garden village” scheme for land nearby has been kept in the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) draft.

Overall, Buckover could see 3,000 homes built but 1,500 have been included for the 20 years that the JSP covers.

In total, South Gloucestershire is set to expand by 32,500 homes up to 2036, with other allocations including 1,200 in Charfield, 1,800 in Coalpit Heath and 1,000 along with employment land on the edge of Yate, at Engine Common, Nibley and on to Westerleigh.

The JSP sets out the overall amount of residential and employment development and

where it should be located in the West of England, as well as the infrastructure to support it.

The draft will be discussed by the West of England Joint Committee on October 30 and by South Gloucestershire Council on November 8.

Subject to the approval of the

four councils within the West of England, consultation is planned this winter before the document and feedback received is sent to the Secretary of State for examination next year.

Action group meeting, see page 11

Big names unveiled for arts festival

Baroness Shirley Williams latest to sign up PAGE 8

D-Day delayed

Decision on Armstrong Hall put back to the new year PAGE 5

Rough time

Stolen puppies back with their owners PAGE 12

999 ban

Nuisance caller barred from contacting emergency services PAGE 14 A triumph for youth over experience. 12 year old Leo Lazarides beat Steve Pikett to win in final of the Thornbury Tennis Club Tournament. Sport, page 30.

Off day

Thornbury Rugby Club struggle in October PAGE 28

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thornburyvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

School maintains good rating from Ofsted CROSSWAYS Junior School continues to provide a good quality of education, with high expectations set for its children.

Ofsted inspector Steffi Penny said staff at the Thornbury school led by example as “excellent role models”.

She said Mark Toogood, executive headteacher of both the junior and infant schools within the Crossways federation, had established a strong lead.

In her report, she said: “Likewise, senior staff and teams of staff work seamlessly together to ensure the continuation of the good education provided.”

Ms Penny visited the school

to carry out the first short inspection since it was judged to be good in February 2014.

She said: “The leadership team has maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection.

“Work with the local cluster of schools enables staff to share best practice and arrange joint activities for staff and pupils.

“Training with local and internal specialists increases staff expertise, improving teaching and pupils’ learning.

“Through the school’s accurate self-evaluation, staff are aware of what the school does best - the promotion of pupils’

personal development and behaviour.

“They know that pupils’ progress in writing, having improved, needs to be sustained and continue to improve, notably for the most able.”

Ms Penny said safeguarding was effective and the governing body had a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and areas where improvements could be made.

Pupils across all year groups and in all subjects made good progress in extending and developing their writing skills and in general, the quality of pupils’ writing had caught up

to meet the higher standards seen in their reading and mathematical work.

She highlighted a considerable number of changes that enabled the most vulnerable pupils to do well in all aspects of their work and school life.

She also said the school had improved the provision of sporting activities and physical education.

The school said: “We are all very proud of the judgements and comments that the inspector made and we believe it is an accurate reflection of the hard work of the children, staff and governors.”

Praise for village school from education inspector CROMHALL’S village school has kept its Ofsted rating of good after a short inspection by the education watchdog.

St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School last

underwent a full inspection fourand-a-half years ago, when it was assessed as good.

After his recent visit, inspector Matthew Shanks said the leadership team had

maintained the good quality of education provided for its pupils.

He said since 2013, several new members of staff had joined, including headteacher Helen Green.

He said Mrs Green had developed the skills of English and maths leaders and worked well with all staff and parents to increase the opportunities for pupils to join after-school events.

Mr Shanks said governance at the school was a strength, with governors supporting the school well and challenging the head to drive the school forward.

He said: “The strong relationships and mutual respect between teachers and pupils contribute positively to their engagement and enthusiasm in learning. Staff support and

challenge pupils to do their best.

“Pupils of all ages help each other and value the friendships they have. They are also very appreciative of the extensive sporting and extra-curricular experiences the school offers.”

Mr Shanks said “strong and direct leadership” had resulted in attendance improving during the previous academic year.

Reading attainment and progress at both key stages had improved and pupils were also doing better in maths, with overall attainment rising above the national average in 2017.

He said leaders and governors should now ensure that teachers develop and improve pupils’ writing skills in subjects across the curriculum.

Charities to benefit from Christmas concerts ALVESTON Singers will stage their traditional Christmas concerts in the village and neighbouring Thornbury to both entertain audiences and help two charities.

The choir has chosen John Rutter’s Magnificat as its main work for this year’s performances, with soloist Lowri Bufton.

It will be followed by carols for the choir and audience, including the first performance of a new carol specially written for the singers.

Led by conductor James Davies and accompanied by Sue Phillipson-Masters, the first concert will be held in the United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, Thornbury, at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 9.

St Helen’s Church in Alveston will host the second performance on Tuesday, December 12, also at 7.30pm.

Admission for both events is free but there will be retiring collections for the Julian Trust, which helps the homeless, and Off the Record, a mental health charity for young people.

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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November, 2017

n NEWS

3

Remember,

Critical Care Bear Charlie remember, two to join the crowds at Christmas lights switch-on fireworks displays to THE festive season will be launched in Thornbury on November 21 when the town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Volunteers from the Thornbury Christmas Lights Association have been turning out on Sundays since midOctober in all weather conditions - even during Storm Brian - to start putting up the decorations.

They will all be in place for the switch-on, which will take place alongside the traditional funfair, entertainment and street stalls that bring in crowds of people.

This year’s beneficiary of the event will be the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and some of its team and volunteers together with Charlie the Critical Care Bear - will be in Thornbury on the night.

Families can enjoy the activities from 5.30pm-8.30pm and people have been warned in advance of restricted access to High Street during the day.

As with the town’s summer floral displays, the festive lights are a big draw, bringing in visitors to Thornbury to enjoy the spectacle.

Drama group pledges a thriller of a night A THRILLER by Francis Durbridge is about to be staged by the Thornbury Methodist Players.

The Small Hours opens on a flight from Australia to London, when an incident results in hotel owner Carl Houston saving the life of a fellow passenger.

But instead of being treated as a hero, Houston finds himself under suspicion and receiving death threats.

The production will run in Thornbury Methodist Church Hall for four consecutive nights, with the opening performance on Wednesday, November 15, in aid of Great Western Air Ambulance.

Tickets for each of the 7.45pm shows can be bought by phoning 01454 414749 or 01454 600503. They will also be available at the door each night.

That’s champion! More honours for Thornbury in floral challenge THORNBURY’S success in the annual South West in Bloom contest has continued, with the town striking gold once again.

It was awarded a gold medal and the Whitbread Trophy for the best entry in the Champion of Champions class.

An award was also received for the best use of native plants for the wild flowers at Morton Bridge and the bank near the Tesco store.

The haul of prizes also included the Shaugn Creagan Trophy for the best floral pub in the region - the Anchor at Morton while Tony Sansum and Sue Aitken won the Alf Crouch Memorial Award for outstanding services to South West in Bloom.

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be held in Thornbury FIREWORKS will light up the sky over the Mundy Playing Fields when Thornbury Round Table stages its annual bonfire night display.

Tickets for the event on Saturday, November 4, are on sale at a number of outlets in the town, including the town council offices in High Street.

Bought in advance, they cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

On the night, they will be £7 for adults and £3 for children.

Money raised from the display will go to local charities and good causes.

Gates to the playing fields will open at 5.30pm, with a children’s display of fireworks starting an hour later.

The bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the main display is due to get underway at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, the annual display at The Chantry in Castle Street will take place on Friday, November 3, at 7pm.

Doors open at 6pm and tickets bought in advance cost £4 for adults and £2.50 for children.

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thornburyvoice December deadline

Our December edition will be going to print on November 20. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by November 15.

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

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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

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November, 2017

n NEWS

New chairman takes on role with leisure centre operators KEEN runner and skier Ross Parker has been appointed chairman of the organisation that runs South Gloucestershire’s leisure centres, including the complex in Thornbury.

A senior economist with Bristol-based Imperial brands, Mr Parker joined the Circadian Trust in 2014 and helped oversee the expansion plans for the Bradley Stoke and Longwell Green centres.

He said: “I have seen the trust make significant strides over the past three years, inspiring a range of clients to adopt a healthy lifestyle, not just through sport and activity but through a total lifestyle approach to their well-being.

“I am particularly proud of our achievements with harder-to-reach communities through initiatives such as the dementia cafe and helping people rehabilitate after significant illness.”

Mr Parker takes over from Jon Edwards, who has stepped down after 12 years in the role.

The Circadian Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that operates five leisure centre sites and one dual-use sports centre across South Gloucestershire in conjunction with the local authority.

Fund raising couple have stamp appeal licked A SOUTH Gloucestershire couple who support a charity that fights blindness have appealed for used stamps to be sent to them.

Ron and Gina Pritchard are co-ordinators for RP Fighting Blindness and work to let more people know about the disease retinitis pigmentosa – known as RP – which leads to loss of vision and blindness.

They also help to raise money for research that is aimed at finding a treatment or cure for the 25,000 people in the UK of all ages who are affected by the condition.

The couple, who live in Winterbourne, said the charity recently announced a new collaboration with the Macular Society to fund young PhD students to carry out research in the field of genetic macular diseases.

A used stamps appeal is already well supported by people in South Gloucestershire but Ron and Gina said they were needed more than ever now in order to fund the latest research project.

They can also accept unwanted stamp collections, as well as old and foreign coins. The donated items are then sold on to dealers to raise funds.

The couple said: “There are now patients in clinical trials - help us give them a hope of vision.”

Stamps to be donated should be preferably cut outside the perforations, together with the corner of the envelopes bearing them, and sent to 22 Huckford Road, Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1EA. Ron and Gina also give talks to local groups about RP. Anyone interested should either email bristolsglosfightingblindness@gmail.com or phone 01454 772927.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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November, 2017

n NEWS A DECISION on the future of Thornbury’s Armstrong Hall complex has been put back to the new year as controversy continues to surround options for the town’s community facilities.

Calls for a public meeting to debate the issue have also been successful, with town council leaders pledging to hold such an event.

The Armstrong Hall in Chapel Street has provided Thornbury’s main performance space for many years but it is in need of significant refurbishment to allow its continued long-term use.

Two options were put forward to resolve the problem after Thornbury Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council, along with trustees of the Turnberries community building in Bath Road, discussed how best to tackle the issue.

One option is to refurbish and extend the Armstrong Hall to provide changing rooms and extra multi-purpose meeting space.

The second proposal involves building a large hall extension

5

D-day on Armstrong Hall complex delayed onto Turnberries to create a performance area with stage, changing rooms and extra community meeting space.

At the same time South Gloucestershire Council is investigating moving the library from its current location into space vacated by a day centre at Turnberries.

Option two would also involve selling the Armstrong Hall site for redevelopment and using the proceeds to part-fund the Turnberries’ extension.

A number of residents and members of various user groups said they feared option two was a “done deal”, leading to the call for a public meeting.

A consultation exercise recently held into the proposals attracted hundreds of responses and the town council agreed at a recent meeting to postpone an October decision on the plans.

The council said: “This will

allow us more time to fully consider the results of the consultation and acquire further information on funding, designs and governance issues which have been raised and to better inform the decision making process.

“The results of the consultation will be made publicly available in due course and we are committed to holding the requested town meeting at an appropriate time prior to any decision being made.

“South Gloucestershire Council will be making its decision on the location of the library separately, most likely in November.”

Concerns voiced in the consultation include the amount of space available if the Turnberries option was agreed, with objections about a lack of proper stage, insufficient provision for musicians, reduced

seating capacity, unsuitable access for large props and scenery, the position of dressing rooms and noise from having too many activities in one building at the same time.

Lyn Kidd, principal of Northavon School of Drama, said: “Thornbury deserves a decent performance space, not only to accommodate the numerous amateur groups and its arts festival but also to encourage professional bookings for comedy, ballet, opera, plays and cinema.

“The overall plot size of the Armstrong Hall Complex offers much more flexibility and opportunity than the Turnberries option. Thornbury and its inhabitants deserve better than to be fobbed off with squeezing everything into too small and inadequate a space.”

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Harvest day pulls the crowds MILD autumn weather helped organisers at Winterbourne Medieval Barn attract 1400 visitors to their Orchard Harvest Day. Cidermaking, apple information, flax and linen demonstrations and a steam engine were amongst the attractions for visitors to the historic attraction.

Trustees are now preparing for their Carols in the Barn event on 16 and 17 December at 3.30pm. Members of St Michael’s Church will present their own light-hearted take on the familiar Nativity story.

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n NEWS

November, 2017

Home builder showcases construction careers

Martyn Brooks from David Wilson Homes with pupils Alex Hayhurst, Elliott Baker and Tharin Zaman encouraged some of these pupils to follow a career in construction.”

Andy Bethell, the school’s

deputy headteacher, said: “It is always extremely useful for pupils to gain a real insight into the workplace and it’s great that

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PUPILS from Thornbury’s Castle School spent a fortnight on a work experience project with housebuilder David Wilson Homes to learn about jobs in the construction industry.

The scheme allowed students to learn about each stage of house building, from land buying and planning procedures to jobs for construction staff and site managers.

Martyn Brooks, the company’s construction director, said the project gave youngsters an understanding of the varied roles within the industry and how all were crucial in creating a successful new development.

He said: “The pupils were all aware of the different roles on site but I think we showed them that construction is extremely diverse and we need a real variety of skills for the future.

“We are keen to showcase careers to those considering their futures now and hope this project has

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November, 2017

7

n NEWS

Club’s well chuffed to celebrate golden anniversary

Picture: Karina Hale and Dawn Mortiboys.

Long-serving staff thanked for their work by homecare provider A PERSONAL homecare provider in South Gloucestershire has celebrated four years of trading with a presentation to long-serving members of staff.

Bluebird Care South Gloucestershire, based in Chipping Sodbury, provides home and live-in care to the elderly and adults with disabilities across the district from Thornbury to Charfield, from Yate to Almondsbury and all the surrounding towns and villages.

Managing director Jack Whitfield, said: “We never thought support for our work would have grown so quickly in such a short space of time.

“We prioritise ourselves on delivering a standard of care that must be good enough for our own parents.”

Mr Whitfield owns and manages the office with his wife, Sophie, and they still have three of their original five care workers with them Karina Hale, Dawn Mortiboys and Tara Bees.

He said: “Our current staff roster includes mothers and daughters and cousins across two families. We aim to provide a high quality ‘home’ feel to the work we do.”

Flowers were presented to Karina and Dawn as a thank-you but Tara couldn’t make it as she was having a baby at the time.

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Campaign group joins opposition to proposed housing estate COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have added their voice to opposition against the latest large-scale housing plan for Thornbury.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has submitted an objection to the plan by Bovis Homes to build up to 370 homes on the north side of the town off Gloucester Road.

If the outline scheme is approved, it will extend housing out of the town towards the A38 across nearly 60 acres of agricultural land from Upper Morton to Crossways Lane at The Knapp.

It will also add even more homes to the many hundreds already built recently or which have been granted planning permission.

A large number of objections to the plan have been posted with South Gloucestershire Council, including from the residents action group TRAPP’D and the CPRE, as well as individual residents of the town.

The CPRE said the Bovis site, alongside the B4061, had not been identified in the local core strategy. Full story page 3.

Green light for homes on council office site Go ahead given for retirement complex on Castle Street PAGE 2

Big dig gets underway in Oldbury Work starts at Iron Age camp PAGE 5

Pieces fall into place for Jigsaw Charity moves into new Thornbury HQ PAGE 8

In the swing Having a blast: Firefighters in Thornbury sign up some young recruits.

Find out more in our community news, Page 7.

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

Tennis club enjoys a good start to the season PAGE 30

THE long established Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Model Railway Club will be celebrating a landmark anniversary when it stages its annual exhibition.

Early meetings of the club were held 50 years ago in members’ homes.

But it found a new base when the Thornbury and District Community Association was established at The Chantry in Castle Street.

The venue will host this year’s two-day exhibition during the weekend of November 18 and 19, when a number of layouts will be on display, including the latest Bristol St Philip’s model.

Visitors are welcome to go along from 10am-5pm on the Saturday and from 10am-4pm on the Sunday.

Admission costs £5 for adults, £2 for children aged from five to 16 and £10 for a family.

During its half century, the club has built a number of layouts to most of the usual scales and gauges, including a long retired model of the old Thornbury station.

They have been exhibited around the local area and, on occasion, further afield.

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n NEWS BARONESS Shirley Williams and TV wildlife presenter Simon King are the latest big names to be included in the next Thornbury Arts Festival.

Politician Shirley Williams, who was once tipped to be the UK's first woman prime minister, was one of the Gang of Four Labour MPs who quit to form the Social Democratic Party in the early 1980s, changing the political landscape.

She supported the establishment of the Liberal Democrats in 1987 and stood down as their leader in the

November, 2017

More top names for Thornbury Arts Festival House of Lords in September 2004 after three years of service.

Previously, when a member of the Labour party, she had served as a member of both the Wilson and Callaghan governments in the 1960s and 70s.

She recently retired from the House of Lords after 50

years in politics and was made a Companion of Honour in the last New Year’s Honours list.

Simon King’s fascination with wildlife began in his childhood home in Africa and he is now known to millions as a face of Springwatch and Big Cat Diary.

His illustrated talk at the festival next April will takes his audience on a journey of discovery, showing how everyone can talk to the animals in their own neighbourhood and get first class views of wildlife as a result.

There will also be a question and answer session within the show.

As previously announced, comedian Jeremy Hardy will launch the festival when he performs on the opening night on Friday, April 20.

Also booked to appear are the Birmingham Town Hall Gospel Choir, Paralympian Kate Grey and actor Rebecca Vaughan with her award-winning drama Jane Eyre.

There will also be music by the Remy Harris Trio and the baroque ensemble Passacaglia.

The festival will run over nine days to Saturday, April 28, with tickets going on sale once the full programme has been finalised

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November, 2017

9

n NEWS

Church gets muddy as bird cafe opens ST Mary’s Church in Thornbury has opened a bird café as part of their muddy church activities.

Younger members of the congregation made bird feeders using apples, pine cones and seeds. This has been located near a ‘Bug Hotel’ which opened for

A SIMPLE “bag of calm” created by the mum of a boy with autism is being used at Yate Minor Injuries Unit to help other children struggling to cope with the medical surroundings.

It is thought the unit, which is run by care and health provider Sirona, is the first of its type to offer such support to children and their families and matron Sarah Tosh now hopes other emergency departments will adopt it.

Sarah discussed how to improve the experience for autistic children with Kelly Lloyd when her son Rowan, six, hurt his ankle playing football.

Kelly immediately created a bag complete with sensory toys and a brightly coloured weighted cuddle blanket for use in the unit, which already has a child friendly distraction box in the clinic rooms and a quiet room where people can wait if necessary.

Kelly, 41, a mother-of-four from Coalpit Heath, said: “It is so lovely that Sarah and Sirona embraced this. We all know the pressure that staff are under but they are taking the time to make a difference.

business recently with the bugs enjoying their new home.

Sarah from the church told the Voice; “We began our session with a lovely walk where we thought about how the birds must get hungry in the winter when there is less food to be found and so when we returned to St. Mary’s we got mucky mixing up a tasty seed selection which we covered pine cones and apples with ready for the birds to enjoy. We all made one to take home for our own garden but also made some feeders together to hang in our Bird Café in the Church yard at St. Mary’s.”

The church will be preparing for Christmas on November 19 with a ‘Muddy Nativity’, using clay and natural resources to build a nativity scene as well as making advent candles to take home.

Mum’s bag of calm helping young patients at minor injuries unit “Anxiety levels for children with autism can increase very quickly. I want to do as much as I can to raise awareness.”

Jo Marie Shanks, from the community organisation South Glos Parents and Carers, said: “We like celebrating good practice and we are keen to promote this as it is improving access to services and reducing stress levels for families.”

Sarah said: “Children with autism need a different approach as they cannot communicate how they feel.

“If a parent or carer informs our receptionist that their child is autistic, we ensure they are seen quickly as we know they do not like lots of noise and can be agitated by lights or sounds.

There are different triggers which can cause them to be upset.

“The bag is full of sensory related items which will help

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keep them calm while they are being assessed and I’m sure it will make a difference. The

weighted blanket is like receiving a hug as it makes someone feel secure.”

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

n MERLIN ADVERTISING FEATURE

Customer satisfaction continues to rise at Merlin Customer satisfaction with overall services provided by local housing association Merlin has increased to an 18-month high, as customers say they are increasingly happy with the service they receive when they call in.

Merlin’s rolling average of customer satisfaction has increased to 85.9%.

It means the housing association is close to hitting its target of 86% customer satisfaction for the year. The improvement in overall satisfaction has been supported by an increase in satisfaction with Merlin’s customer services team who respond to all calls made by customers. Satisfaction with this service has now increased to an all-time high.

As well as answering questions, customers are also given the chance to leave comments about the service they’ve received. Among the positive comments made during the last three months were:

“Our goal is to increase satisfaction to 90%

by March 2019”

“Fortunately we don’t have to call you very often. When we do, you are always prompt to put things right.”

And: “Thank you for an absolutely wonderful service. I am very happy with the rest and Merlin have been a pleasure to talk to.”

And:

“We would like to praise the support worker, she has changed our lives and is very supportive.”

The improvement in overall satisfaction has also been helped by an increase in customer satisfaction with the quality of their home which increased to 86.9% over the past three months, and increased satisfaction with Merlin’s communal cleaning and grounds maintenance services.

Research and Development Manager Jo Ellis said: “It’s great to see that customers are getting happier with our services and the quality of their home. Staff from across the business have been making a concerted effort to improve customer satisfaction by listening to customers and responding promptly to any queries.

“But while we’re close to meeting our target of 86% satisfaction for the year, we know we can do even better. Our goal is to increase satisfaction to 90% by March 2019.

It’s a challenging target but we’re working hard to achieve this. And the feedback we receive from customers through our survey helps us to identify areas where we need to improve. Achieving that 90% target will help us in our goal of becoming a world class service and is a key priority for the business.”

At the same time as seeing overall satisfaction scores increase, Merlin has also seen high levels of satisfaction with its lettings service.

For the third consecutive month, customers who have moved into new homes have scored the service at 100%.

We send out the Star satisfaction survey to a random selection of customers every three months.

Over the past year more than 800 people have responded to the survey.

£1,000 funding for local Thornbury community centre

A Thornbury Community Centre is among the latest recipients of funding from Merlin’s Dragons Den panel of customers.

Turnberries Community Centre has received a promise of £1,000 towards a planned new cinema room at the centre. The money will help pay for a large screen and projector, but was awarded on the provision the centre secures funding for the rest of the project.

The funding was granted by a panel of local housing association Merlin’s customers.

Every three months the Dragons Den panel invites community groups to pitch their applications for funding.

Among the other successful applicants last month was Kingswood Community Transport which received £3,000 to help fund a new accessible vehicle which will be used to help its members to access local services.

Any community groups interested in bidding for funding from Merlin’s dragons den of involved customers can find out more and apply online at www.merlinhs.co.uk/ community-grants

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

11

n NEWS

Significant step reached in power station decommissioning work A FURTHER milestone has been reached in the decommissioning of Oldbury nuclear power station.

A total of 109 low level waste skips have been removed from the former used-fuel cooling ponds at the site.

The containers had been used to hold fuel elements once they had been removed from the station’s reactors.

They have now been safely taken out of the ponds, processed and packaged for storage.

It marks a significant step towards fully decommissioning the cooling ponds, where work will now focus on removing other items and remaining skips, which are currently storing other components, before the end of the year.

This will be followed by draining of the pond water and stabilisation of the surfaces, due to take place in 2018.

Rob Taylor, the ponds campaign manager at Oldbury, said: “The work was completed

in challenging conditions but ahead of schedule.”

Picture: A skip being removed

from the Oldbury cooling ponds.

Public meeting called by action group as it marks its first anniversary AN action group set up to fight for better planning in Thornbury and the surrounding area is marking its first birthday with a public meeting.

TRAPP'D - Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development - said it was the right time to bring local residents up to date with its campaigning.

It will be held in the Armstrong Hall on Friday, November 24, at 7.15pm and a number of local political leaders, councillors and other action groups have been invited to attend. The group hopes at least 300 residents will take the opportunity to go along.

Spokesman Roger Hall said a number of key issues would be on the agenda, including the final phase of the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) consultation, the blueprint which sets out a 20-year vision for housing, employment, transport and other infrastructure requirements in the West of England.

The group said: “We now know that the JSP will still include Buckover Garden Village and significant new developments in Thornbury, including Cleve Park which has gone to appeal, despite local residents making their opposition clearly heard through and since the initial consultation.

“We are hoping to hear answers to questions on the future development of South Gloucestershire and, in particular, Thornbury.”

It said views expressed could also help influence the South Gloucestershire Local Plan for 2018-2036.

Anyone interested in the activities of TRAPP'D should email trappdbs35@gmail.com for more information.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

12

November, 2017

n NEWS

Puppies home again safely after being snatched from garden TWO puppies stolen from a front garden in Aust have been found and returned to their owner.

Four-month-old collies Root and Magic were snatched from the front of the property on Wednesday, October 11, at about 4.30pm.

An investigation is now taking place into the theft and police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with information about the theft to contact them.

They should get in touch with PC Maria Colquhoun by calling 101 and quoting reference 5217233378.

Picture - Root (left) and Magic with PC Maria Colquhoun and PC Matt Hearn.

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NORVILLE OPTICIANS THORNBURY 6 Horseshoe Lane, Thornbury, South Gloucestershire BS35 2AZ TEL:

‘Save the Date for our Learn to Sing Workshop on February 24th 2018 - Watch this space for more details.’

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

16/05/2017 13:14

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

13

n NEWS

Volunteers needed to help change the lives of older residents AGE UK South Gloucestershire wants to recruit ten volunteers to join its befriending service in Thornbury.

The town-based charity said it was facing unprecedented demand for the service across the district .

In Thornbury it particularly needs people with experience of dementia with time to spare to help a neighbour.

It said befriending involved calling in on an older person once a week for about an hour to have a chat.

About a million older people in the UK go a month or more without seeing or speaking to a friend, family member or neighbour and the charity wants to make sure help is available for those affected by loneliness, illness or poverty.

It also said: “Our volunteers benefit from the visits as much as our clients and they can help to change the lives of local people.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can either email volunteering@ageuksouthglos. org.uk or call 01454 411707.

Anniversary gala ball A GALA Ball raised £10,000 for the brain injury charity Headway Bristol, which is based at Frenchay Hospital.

The anniversary event had a sporting theme, and was supported by event rider Polly Williamson, who suffered a brain injury, rugby referee Ed Morrison, whose son Scott died following a brain injury, and regional TV reporter Will Glennon, who also received support from Headway Bristol after he was injured.

A spokesman for the charity thanked supporters including Clarke Willmott, Irwin Mitchell, Metcalfes Solicitors, the Frenchay Brain Injury Rehab Unit, also known as BIRU (the Huntercombe Group), Novum Law, VWV, Osborne Clark, Thompsons Solicitors, New Law, Co-Op Legal Services, Enable Law, BBC Bristol, Sky News, Guildhall Chambers, St. Johns Chambers, and St. James’ Place.

Meals include festive novelties and crackers.

Festive Lunch & Dinner at Thornbury Castle

Lunch

£50 per person

Carrot and Cumin Soup

Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke Soup

Grilled Cornish Mackerel Pate, cucumber, brick pastry

The magic and warmth of our extraordinary 16th century castle adorns every aspect of the spectacular festive celebrations on offer at Thornbury Castle.

Goats Cheese Mousse

Make treasured memories with friends, family or colleagues amongst our inspirational British dining and grandeur of Thornbury Castle that once housed Henry VIII and his new bride, Anne Boleyn.

Wild mushrooms, spinach, horseradish mash

Red onion, pickled beetroot, walnut and herb crumb

Sirloin of Beef

See overleaf for festive lunch and dinner menus.

Dinner

£29.50 per person

Truffle oil

Grilled Cornish Mackerel Paté, cucumber, brick pastry

Goats Cheese Mousse

Red onion, pickled beetroot, walnut & herb crumb

Fillet of Gloucestershire Beef

Traditional Roast Turkey

Glazed carrots, wild mushrooms, spinach, horseradish mash

Pan-fried Cornish Hake

“Classic garnish”, cooking juices

“Classic garnish”, cooking juices Shellfish, samphire chowder

Roasted Butternut & Sage Gnocchi Kale, sauce vierge

Traditional Roast Turkey

Pan Fried Cornish Brill Fillet Shellfish, samphire chowder

Roasted Butternut & Sage Gnocchi Kale, sauce vierge

Blood Orange

To join us for the festivities this year visit www.thornburycastle.co.uk or call 01454 281182

Crème, pastry, fennel, bergamot

Blood Orange

Chocolate Torte

Crème, pastry, fennel, bergamot

Warm Christmas Pudding

Coconut, coffee and cardamom, cranberry

Coconut, coffee and cardamom, cranberry Panna cotta, brandy, redcurrant

Chocolate Torte

Warm Christmas Pudding Panna cotta, brandy, redcurrant

For parties of up to and including 9 guests can choose on the day.

For parties of 10+ we will require pre-orders via the Events Department.

We have endeavoured to ensure that all allergens contained in our food have been documented.

For dietary requirements or further allergen information please speak to a member of the Restaurant Team.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

14

n ON THE BEAT

November, 2017

Be careful of bogus callers

PC Natalie Jones

WE'VE been told of phone calls to Thornbury residents from a company selling security systems and claiming to be working with Avon and Somerset Police. We don't work with or endorse any companies.

Also be alert if you have you had people cold-calling or delivering leaflets for home maintenance or gardening work.

We’ve had reports of people offering to clean driveways or make roof or gutter repairs.

While many legitimate firms use promotional leaflets, it’s a favourite tactic for so-called ‘rogue traders’ – people who persuade householders to have work done unnecessarily, to a poor standard or who overcharge.

There’s a link between these rogue traders, who may have convictions for fraud and other offences, and burglars.

n AVON FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE JUST recently Avon Fire & Rescue Service has noticed a slight increase in Road Traffic Collisions especially on our surrounding Motorways. Unfortunately daily travel and long distance commutes is part of life, whether it's a visit to family or friends or just our daily commute to work. At the end of this month the clocks will go back meaning an extra hour in bed but also days getting darker in the run up to Christmas. Driving conditions will change due to wet weather, wet leaves on the road surfaces and frosty conditions that can make driving conditions more hazardous.

As an emergency service we would love to have a magic wand to make everyone's trip as safe as possible, but we can provide advice to all drivers for the coming months.

If you are planning on making long trips or regular commutes it would be beneficial to check local/

national weather broadcasts and travel news for any disruptions and be prepared to change your plans if conditions worsen. Also regular checks of your vehicle is essential prior to any journey this can include the following: • Make sure lights are clean and working • Battery is fully charged • Windscreen and wiper blades are clean • Screen wash is topped up (also consider anti-freeze) • Tyres are checked for correct tread depth • Tyre pressures are correct (including spare tyre) • Oil and coolant levels are checked regularly.

You can find more advice at www.avonfire.gov.uk/safetyadvice/road-safety/driving-inwinter

News! - Email us at contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

There was a recent incident of a man who offered to make repairs for an elderly householder in Bristol, then stole cash from him and made off without doing any work. Thanks to a call with vehicle details from a concerned witness, we made an arrest.

We work with South Gloucestershire Council’s trading standards officers to deal with offenders and want to remind you how you can steer clear of unscrupulous traders: •G et three quotes for any work •B e suspicious of any business leaflet which only contains a mobile number. Genuine businesses will include the trader’s full name, address and landline telephone number •D on’t deal with cold callers on your doorstep •D o not pay for work or materials in advance or hand over a cash

deposit • Don’t agree to a trader starting any work straight away – you have a legal right to a cooling off period before work starts • Keep your cash in the bank, not at home You can report rogue traders through Citizens’ Advice on 03454 04 05 06 or by emailing trading. standards@southglos.gov.uk.

South Gloucestershire Council’s website, www.southglos.gov. uk has a ‘Buy with Confidence’ directory along with more information about rogue trading and doorstep crime.

If you’re concerned about anyone calling door-to-door in your area – especially if they are visiting elderly or vulnerable people – call us straight away on 101. If a crime’s underway, ring 999.

Thornbury man barred from calling 999 A MAN from Thornbury has been banned from dialling 999 unless in a genuine emergency after a court heard he called the police 88 times in one year.

The 50-year-old was one of three men from South Gloucestershire to be issued with Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) prohibiting them from making unnecessary calls to the emergency services.

Each of their cases was dealt with separately by Bristol magistrates.

The Thornbury man was also fined £400 for breaching a community protection notice (CPN) and issued with a four-year CBO. That prohibits him from calling the emergency services for reasons other than a genuine emergency.

It also bans him from calling 101 or sending emails which are false, malicious or time-wasting in nature, encouraging or instructing others to do so or being rude or abusive when contacting police officers or staff.

The court heard he called the police 88 times in 2016 and was issued with a CPN, after which he sent 50 emails to police officers and staff in the first six months of 2017.

Police apply for the orders from the court after first issuing individuals with a Community Protection Warning.

If this is ignored, they are given a CPN and breaching such a notice is a criminal offence. Only if a CPN is breached will a CBO be considered, upon conviction.

Neighbourhood police inspector Clive Summerill said: "We have taken this action because our communities rightly expect their emergency services to be available when they’re needed, not tied up with people making false or time-wasting calls."

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

15

n LOCAL MP

Housing and development plan

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

THE second draft of the West of England Joint Spatial Plan, which sets out the council’s housing and development plans until 2036 is on the horizon, and will be published by the time the Thornbury Voice hits doormats in November.

Despite a huge campaign from the community, South Gloucestershire Council are almost certainly going to try and press ahead with the Buckover ‘Garden Village’. But the fight against this flawed concept, and the opportunity to get this right is certainly far from over.

Since these plans were first outlined, we have fought tooth and nail against Buckover – pushing the Government to ensure that South Gloucestershire Council’s requests for financial and technical support were rejected. I have debated Buckover in the House of Commons, making Ministers and Downing Street aware of the

complete lack of any plan to deal with the infrastructure defect, and the apparent desire to create a commuter town, with the vast majority of the working population set to commute out to Bristol, Gloucester, Weston-Super-Mare and the surrounding areas, piling traffic onto the A38, yet relying on Thornbury for public services.

Together, we have worked to demonstrate that there is an overwhelming lack of public support through the MP community survey and then town wide petition last year. Together, we have kept the pressure on the Council, and will hold them accountable.

So what happens next? – By the time this magazine is published, the housing report will be out and the final round of consultation in November will begin before it goes to Government for approval.

So the fight for sustainable

development will continue, in the consultation, in Parliament, in the governments public examination hearings, and if it needs it, in the Secretary of State’s office, because as our MP and as someone who has lived locally all of my life, I know just how important it is for the future of our community to get this right.

It is not too late for those taking the planning decisions to listen to our community’s united voice: Buckover is a poorly thought through plan, not a ‘Garden Village’, but an extension of Thornbury that would pile pressure on our transport, medical and community services. As ever, if you have any thoughts on this matter you would like to raise, I would be delighted to hear from you: luke.hall.mp@ parliament.uk

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Children’s hospice to open new charity shop CHILDREN’S Hospice South West is to open a new shop in Yate. The shop opens on Wednesday 8 November at 10am in East Walk and the charity is asking people to come and be some of the first to have a look around.

The new shop will have a range of goods on offer, including quality women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories, as well as children’s toys and games, books, media and bric-a-brac.

CHSW’s Head of Retail, Chris Judd said; ‘We are really looking forward to opening the new shop in Yate. However you are able to support us in the store, whether that’s shopping with us, by dropping off donations or volunteering, you’ll be helping to support our Charlton Farm hospice in North Somerset.’ The opening of the Yate shop comes as Charlton Farm celebrates 10th anniversary.

The charity is also looking for volunteers to help run the new shop, including getting it ready for opening.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering can contact CHSW’s Volunteer Advisor Stephanie Robey by emailing volunteer@chsw.org.uk or call Stephanie on 01271 313319.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

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thornburyvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

Hospital staff thanked for their compassionate care THORNBURY Hospital was given special praise at an annual staff celebration held by community health provider Sirona.

The hospital’s ward manager, Rebecca Thomas, accepted a special recognition and thanks award on behalf of Sirona after the organisation achieved an overall rating of good in a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of its services.

In the key area of care, the CQC rated Sirona’s provision as outstanding, with staff at the hospital highlighted for the way they ensured every patient was cared for with compassion and dignity.

Sirona provides community health and care services in South Gloucestershire and neighbouring areas, with staff from all sections of the notfor-profit social enterprise recognised at the ceremony.

Jenny Theed, its director of operations and nursing, thanked staff for “the enormous contribution you make to Sirona and for the difference you make

to the lives of so many people”.

Others in the spotlight included Helen Gowen, district nurse team leader in Yate, who received the personal development award, while the leadership award was won

by Deana Taylor, operational manager for community children’s health services in South Gloucestershire.

The CQC findings on Sirona were published earlier this year, when Amanda Eddington, the commission’s hospital inspection manager in the South West, said: “We found staff going the extra mile with people consistently receiving care which exceeded their expectations.

“Staff did their utmost to be caring and supportive and this allowed care to be effective, consistent and professional. Staff were proud of the organisation and the services the teams they worked in were providing.

“We also found end-of-life care outstanding. There was holistic and person-centred support completely embedded within the department with

Hollywood star - from Frenchay!

Developers submit smaller scheme for village as other plans head for inquiry

THE Hollywood career of a local-born actor will feature in a new exhibition about Frenchay School, which was founded 175 years ago.

The exhibition, at Frenchay Museum, includes a display about Nigel de Brulier, who was born Francis Packer and went on to have an illustrious career in the film industry.

Francis was born in one of the lodges of Frenchay Park in 1877 and was educated at Frenchay School until he was 11-years-old, when he left to start work in Frenchay Park House as a hall boy. In 1897 he emigrated to America and began his movie career.

Entry is free.

A NEW outline application has been submitted to build homes and a park-and-share facility in Falfield - despite a public inquiry recently being announced into a first scheme.

The inquiry centres on a proposal by Cotswold Homes to build up to 115 homes on land at Heneage Farm, Moorslade Lane.

South Gloucestershire Council had rejected the plan as there were concerns at the scale of development, which would more than double the number of homes in the village, and the effect it would have on roads, especially the M5 junction in Falfield.

That hearing is set to take place in early 2018 but a new application has now been put in

by Barton Willmore on behalf

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

patients and family fully involved and informed about all aspects of treatment and care.

“That important attention to detail and level of care, treatment and support provided by staff far exceeded expectations.”

However, the report also said the Thornbury Hospital premises were “not fit for purpose”, with a cramped ward resulting in unsuitable room for

of Cotswold Homes for up to 85 homes.

A park-and-share for up to 100 cars is still included but application documents said it would be initially designed to meet current identified need of around 25 spaces, with land safeguarded for future demand.

Open space, an orchard and allotments, village green, multiuse games area, an informal turf kickabout area and a new community hub also form part of the proposal.

Barton Willmore said the community hub could be used by local scouts and rented to other users, as well as offering room for meetings and desks where local residents could work in order to minimise their travelling.

equipment and patient chairs and inadequate space around the beds to perform day-to-day duties.

But the CQC recognised that Sirona did not own the hospital, which has 20 beds and offers rehabilitation, intermediate care, palliative care, a limited range of consultant-led outpatient clinics and community services such as physiotherapy.

It said: “As a local developer, Cotswold Homes has considered how it might further respond to feedback from the original application process in order to overcome some of the concerns and objections raised previously.

“Residents raised concerns about the scale of the development, its impact on the road network and the nature of the park-and-share among others.”

It said the reduction in scale of house building was 25 per cent and included affordable housing.

The firm said it was proposing to substitute the bigger scheme with the revised plan, giving South Gloucestershire planners the chance to determine it at local level instead of through the appeal process.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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thornburyvoice

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA October 26 n Avon Organic Group. The local group for everyone interested in organic growing and organic foods.

A special event for the group this month with James Campbell, Chief Executive of Garden Organic giving us a talk: "Garden Organic – Vision for the 21st Century". James, will talk about his passion for organic growing and the developing role of Garden Organic - an organisation representing organic growers and gardeners, especially ordinary gardeners and allotment holders, community groups and not-forprofit growers, promoting the benefits of organic growing and sharing best practice amongst a wide range of activities and collaborative partnerships at home and abroad. Thursday, 26th October 2017, 7pm – 9pm at The Station (in the Dance Studio), Silver Street, Bristol. BS1 2AG. All welcome. Visitors £5/Members £2. www.groworganicbristol.org / secretaryaog@gmail.com November 6 n Severn Vale Flower Club. “Bah Humbug” This is the title of a floral demonstration by Nick Grounds to be held at our open meeting.

This is on Monday 6th November to be held in the Armstrong Hall Thornbury. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.30pm. There will be refreshments and raffle and sales table. For tickets and more information 01453 811089 or 01454 885213.

November 23 n Avon Organic Group. The local group for everyone interested in

organic growing and organic foods.

Our talk this month is “Making Room for Wildlife” with Rupert Higgins, past vice-Chair of Avon Wildlife Trust and freelance ecologist, who has been studying the wildlife of Bristol for more than 30 years. Many of his observations come from his own garden, but he also explores the woods, heaths, rubbish tips and pavements of Bristol. Much wildlife thrives in our city, and much more just manages to cling on, with startling changes over the years and more expected.

There is much that we can do to encourage urban wildlife and we will be able to discuss the best ways in which we can help.

Thursday, 23rd November 2017, 7pm – 9pm at The Station (in the Dance Studio), Silver Street, Bristol. BS1 2AG. All welcome.

Visitors £5 / Members £2. www.groworganicbristol.org / secretaryaog@gmail.com December 9 & 12 n Alveston Singers warmly invite everyone to our Christmas concerts. Our main work will be the Magnificat by John Rutter with soloist Lowri Bufton This will be followed by carols for the choir and audience including the first performance of a new carol specially written for the choir.

Conductor: James Davies Accompanist: Sue PhillipsonMasters. Saturday December 9th at the United Reformed Church, Thornbury, 7.30pm. Tuesday December 12th at St. Helen’s Church, Alveston . 7.30pm Admission free with retiring collections for The Julian Trust, a charity for the homeless and Off

the Record, a mental health charity for young people. We look forward to welcoming you in December.

Wicked Aromaz and Friends Proudly Presents Craft and Gift Fayres n Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Saturday 4 November 10am to 2pm. Free Admission

Muddy Church November & December Events n November 5th Family Service at St. Mary’s – 10.30am n November 12th Kids Praise at St. Mary’s Church Hall – 4.00pm n November 19th Muddy Church at St. Mary’s Church – 2.45pm (theme – Muddy Nativity) n December 3rd Family Service at St. Mary’s Church – 10.30am n December 10th Christingle Service at St. Mary’s Church – 4.00pm n December 17th 9 Lessons & Carols Service at St. Mary’s Church – 6.00pm n December 24th Crib Service (including carols) at St. Mary’s Church – 4.00pm n December 24th Carol Service at St. Paul’s Church – 6.00pm n 24th Midnight Mass at St. Mary’s Church – 11.30pm n 25th December – All age Eucharist at St. Paul’s Church – 9.15am n 25th December – All age Eucharist at St. Mary’s Church – 10.30am n 31st December – Benefice

November, 2017

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

Eucharist at St. Paul’s Church – 10.00am

What’s on in The Swan Thornbury

Great Food everyday all day.

New this month – New loyalty card scheme n Monday to Saturday 3 till 7pm and Sunday 4pm till closed. Buy 10 of your favourite drinks and get the 11th free Ask at the bar for yours!!! n Open Mic night 8.30pm every Thursday with Martin come and show your talents! n Monday to Saturday off selected menu - Two meals for £11.Taking bookings now for Christmas.

Don’t forget the Swan Halloween party some great things are in the planning, don’t forget our weekly events

What’s on at Thornbury Library Like us on Facebook www.Facebook.Com/ sgloslibraries Follow us on Twitter @ southgloslibs Open Access members hours* Monday - Sunday, 8.30am – 7.30pm Looking for opening times, service information or contact details?

See our website www.

Southglos.Gov.Uk/libraries

our website for latest opening times and information about the changes for all libraries across South Gloucestershire.

From October many of our libraries will be open longer thanks to new Open Access technology. This will enable registered users to access the library outside of staffed hours*.

New opening hours at Thornbury Library come into effect from Monday 2 October 2017

Important Changes To Library Services In South Gloucestershire Come Into Effect From October 2017 - all details correct at time of going to press. Please check

What is Open Access membership?

Open Access uses swipe card technology to enable you to use the library outside of staffed

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

hours. Heating and lighting are automated and CCTV is installed.

Registration is required and Terms & Conditions apply. Min age 16 yrs. Open Access membership enhances your existing Active Leisure and Library membership allowing you to use the library for up to an extra 42 hrs a week. This will enable you to make the most of the resources at times that are more convenient to you. There is no charge to upgrade to Open Access membership. To register please first book an induction session, either online at: www. southglosevents.eventbrite.co.uk or enquire in person at the library.

When the library is available

during Open Access times you will be able to: • S can your Active Leisure and Library card and use your PIN to enter the library • connect to our free wifi • Use a computer • Print and photocopy items • Aaccess online e-resources • i ssue, return, renew items and pay charges using the selfservice kiosks • Collect reserved items • Read books and newspapers For more information see www.southglos.gov.uk/ openaccess *Free registration, terms and conditions apply, please see our website for details.

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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November, 2017 n Wednesday 8.30 Charity of the month quiz – Thornbury Fireworks n Thursday 2pm Bingo PLUS Live Music every Friday and Saturday evening from 9.30pm (Visit www. facebook.com/TheSwanThornbury for full details).. Also available Function Room – Garden – Bed and Breakfast . www.swanthornbury. co.uk Contact us on 01454 413062 enquiries@swanthornbury.co.uk The Swan, High St, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2AE

Regular favourite events at The Swan n Every Tuesday 8pm Bingo n Every Wednesday 8.30pm The Swan Quiz n Every Thursday 2pm Bingo n Wednesday 8.30pm Quiz for Charity of the month Thornbury Fireworks n Every Sunday Free Jukebox.

Plus Live Music every Friday and Saturday evening

n 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Armstrong Hall - Excell Room Recycled Teenagers Lunch Club 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 Wednesdays starting 6 September Bellydance Classes with SachaFrom 7.30pm . Contact Sacha on 07971 578151 or email sachabellydance@yahoo.co.uk for full details. Ridgewood Community Association, Yate BS37 4AF Thursday n8.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Ceroc Dance

Regular events

Friday n 2.00 pm. Armstrong Hall Committee Room Canasta Club n Alveston: Marlwood School Marlwood Folk Companions 7:45 – 9:15pm (term time only).

01454 414365 Peter.sumner@ btopenworld.com

Monday n 7.00 pm Armstrong Hall Cossham Hall World Dance 7pm - 10 pm

Sunday n Thornbury Ramblers walk. See www.thornburyramblers.org.uk for details, or ring 01454 413924

19

Trust invites bids for grants to help churches CHURCHES in need of repair or improvement could be eligible for a grant from an organisation that helps congregations look after their buildings.

The Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust supports the maintenance of churches of any Christian denomination in South Gloucestershire, north Bristol and Gloucestershire if there is a struggle to meet the costs of such work.

Last year it awarded £130,000 for a wide variety of projects, helping 37 congregations keep their churches viable.

Recent beneficiaries include Cromhall Evangelical Chapel, St Leonard’s Church in Tortworth, Yate Methodist Church and All Saints’ Church in Winterbourne Down.

Grants are distributed twice a year, with the next deadline for applications set for October 31. There will be another at the end of April, with trust committee members meeting in December and June to decide where the cash should go.

Preference is given to churches which are in regular use and open to visitors as often as possible, and which can demonstrate a contribution to the local community.

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

Tuesday

Celebrate with us Dance Through the Decades Party Night Friday & Saturday nights throughout December

Festive Afternoon Teas

Served Mon-Thurs throughout December

Festive Lunches

2 or 3 course, available throughout December

Christmas Gift Fair Thurs 7th Dec | 6-8pm Free entry!

01454 260207 events@eastwoodpark.co.uk Eastwood Park, Falfield, GL12 8DA

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

20

n NEWS

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

Masons make anniversary gift to Jessie May Trust A LOCAL charity that helps families care for terminally ill children has received a large donation from the Masons.

The £15,000 donation to the Jessie May Trust was part of a scheme to give £3 million to 300 charities across the country to mark the 300th anniversary of the formation of Grand Lodge in London, £58,000 was distributed to six local charities across Gloucestershire, with the Jessie May Trust chosen by the public.

Recipients of all the donations were invited to the Masonic Hall in Stroud for the ceremony which was hosted by the Provincial Grand Master for Gloucestershire, Tim Henderson-Ross. Guest of honour was the Lord Lieutenant, Dame Janet Trotter DBE.

Chris Roys (Chief Executive) and Helen Mackie (Community Events Officer) holding the £15,000 Masonic Charitable Foundation certificate, accompanied by Tim HendersonRoss and Dame Janet Trotter DBE.

n YOGA BLOG

Downward facing Drew Unable to touch his toes, more than a little stiff and with a back that’s given him trouble for years, Voice writer Richard Drew decided to put his cynicism to one side and try yoga.

I’ve always had a bit of a dodgy back, ever since as a teenager I put a bit too much effort into bowling in the cricket nets with too little warm up beforehand.

I’m now the wrong side of fifty and I still get that familiar lower back ache when I stand for too long or go on a long distance flight. It’s not chronic, I can still trundle in and bowl my overs in the summer, but I’m always open to ideas of how to ease the pain when it comes.

Yoga, I have to admit, was not on the list of things to do anytime soon. But when I spoke to Nazama of Yoga-In she insisted yoga was excellent for your back, even for stiff, can’t touch your toes types like me.

I wasn’t sure if I was confident enough to attend one of her group sessions, but luckily Nazama also

does one-on-one sessions, and so I found myself giving it a go in my lounge one morning.

Mats out, music on, it all seemed to be going well - a little too well. It was then I realised we were only on the warm up.

So much for the all-over glow I thought yoga had brought me.

We started on the more serious stuff. If you haven’t done yoga before it can all seem bit of a mystery, even the basics of how to stand up straight. To be honest I was like a baby giraffe, hands and legs going everywhere.

But with a bit of patience and a good teacher, things started to fall into place. Before long I was taking baby steps into some proper Yoga positions. The Maltese Cross, Baby Locust, Spinx, Cat and Spiral, I was twisting and turning all over the place.

Apparently it’s all about your core muscles. If you don’t know how to find your core, as Nazama delicately put it, “just imagine you’re trying to stop going to the toilet”. That’s your core right there.

Despite being in my own lounge, with the dog barking her desire to be let in from exile in the garden, I found that I was really

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

focused on getting these right and enjoying the gentle physicality of it all. The cynical journalist in me was being pushed to one side for the time being.

Although Yoga has many benefits, Nazama believes strongly that the back can really benefit, especially for those in pain. She told me;“The most common reason why people take up yoga is to help with their back pain. It's hardly surprising, when back pain is the largest global cause of disability, affecting nearly 1 in 10 people.”

“Stress, depression, heavy lifting, repetitive movement and sitting for long periods can all affect your back over time. Too many people often miss the early signs or "put up" with the pain.”

Her Healthy Back Care course takes six weeks and although my back problems are nowhere near as serious as others, it will be interesting to see how I, and my back, shape up.

In truth I am a lazy person, so my favourite part of the session was the relaxation section at the end. Nazama tells me many clients fall asleep at this point and, lying down, eyes closed, with gentle music and Nazama’s lilting voice

Nazama has the tough task of teaching Richard yoga

instructing me I can see how.

However, the self conscious feeling that I was, after all, in my own front room with someone I barely knew stopped me drifting off. Perhaps next time. I’ll keep you posted.

You can also find more information on Nazama’s course on her website (www.yoga-in.co.uk/ healthybacks)

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

21

n NEWS

Grants offered for crime reduction and community safety schemes COMMUNITY groups and voluntary organisations across Avon and Somerset can make a bid for funding from the area’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available for groups that have a positive and lasting impact on their locality.

Ms Mountstevens said since launching the Community Action Fund in 2013, more than £500,000 had been awarded for various crime reduction and community safety schemes.

This year alone, nearly £70,000 has been allocated to 27 community and voluntary projects.

Ms Mountstevens said: “Visiting many of the schemes on my regular community days, I have seen first-hand how the funding is making a real difference to local people and their neighbourhoods.”

She said she wanted to hear from any group running a project that ensured its community was safe and felt safe.

The next deadline for applications is Friday, December 1 and details are available by visiting www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ Partnerships/Commissioners-Community-Action-Fund.aspx

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Will Writing & Estate Planning Can you help please? We may pay you!

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They will be invited to join Trusted Traders, and when they do, we send you £20 as a “Thank you” for helping.

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thornburyvoice

November, 2017

n NEWS

23

MP asks for feedback on later Sort It centre opening hours

LOCAL MP Luke Hall says he is to look into operating hours of local sort-it centres after residents said they are inconvenient for working families.

Sort It centres across South Gloucestershire are open 8:30am to 4:30pm 7 days a week for people to recycle household waste, but there is no evening opening.

South Gloucestershire Council has told Mr Hall that the present hours offer the best options within the budget available, with later opening hours in the past seeing a low number of users.

The MP is now seek residents thoughts on whether later opening hours on one day a week would be useful.

He said; “Just as the Mall offers late night shopping on a Thursday, many people are asking whether the Sort-it Centre should offer later access one night a week. As a Yate resident myself, I am asking for feedback on whether there is enough demand for the centre to open later and close later one day a week."

Grotto for GWAAC MARIA Lowe has a special reason for supporting Great Western Air Ambulance - she was helped by its crew following a motorcycle accident at Old Sodbury in 2012.

She and Carolyn Williams are organising a Santa’s Grotto at Coalpit Heath Cricket Club on December 2 and 3 (10am to 5pm). It’s free, with a £5 a child charge to see Father Christmas.

Maria said “It’s such a vital service, and yet they receive no day to day funding from the Government or National Lottery. We are looking forward to raising as much money as possible.” For more information about the event go to Facebook page ‘Santas Grotto on behalf of Great Western Air Ambulance’.

GWAAC has been providing an air ambulance service for 2.1 million people for nine years.

Details at www.gwaac.com.

Frankie goes to Goalden Globes - and wins national netball award NETBALL coach Frankie Nutt has won a top accolade from the sport’s national governing body.

Having already won the grassroots coach award of the year at the 2017 South West Goalden Globe event, Frankie went on to represent the region at the England final, where she then won the national title.

Frankie, of Old Sodbury, has provided coaching opportunities and training across the former Avon area, as well as introducing more than 130 new players to netball.

England Netball said she won her award for her “excellent work in providing young talented netballers with a focused environment to progress through

the Avon Academy performance pathway”.

But Frankie, who has two young sons, said: “I was a bit dumbstruck. I just didn’t expect it.”

As well as coaching at clubs at Bath University and Colston’s Girls’ School in Bristol, Frankie also runs a Back to Netball group that plays at Chipping Sodbury School.

But she said it was largely through a friend that she became involved in the sport and developed her role.

She said: “I didn’t really play netball at school but a good friend launched a team in Yate and pestered me about it. It all spiralled from there really.”

News! - Email us at contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@thornburyvoice.co.uk

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24

n COMMUNITY NEWS

November, 2017

Thornbury Volunteer Centre NOW is a busy time of year for volunteers and volunteering as people want to escape the cold dark days of winter by doing something positive and helping in their local community. The following are some of our current volunteering offers and opportunities.

• A Christian based local organisation which aims to build positive relationships with vulnerable teenagers through street-based contact are seeking street-based youth work volunteers to be part of a small team providing sign-posting and support as appropriate. Workers head out in the evening in pairs, approximately twice a month.

There are opportunities to be involved in other group work

and events if that is something which interests. Some training will be given in youth work and safeguarding and a worker's safety is paramount. DBS check required.

• Can you help a local charity raise awareness and funds through local events? As a volunteer in the Thornbury/ Bristol ‘Friends of Brain Tumour Support’ group, you will work together with other members of the group to source and create fundraising opportunities for Brain Tumour Support, liaising with the Fundraising

Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. You will also work to raise awareness of the charity through all that you do.

• Volunteer French teacher needed to support a group of "rusty" French learners at (roughly) GCSE/A level standard in local U3A group. This is a fun group for anyone who has rusty French and a love of the language. They read and translate informative articles, poems and songs and subscribe to the Rendez-vous magazine for use at home and in group sessions. They meet at The

Read Thornbury Voice online 1067 WWM AS Larger Poster:Strawbs

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July, 2017 Issue 4

Thornbury Self Storage

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Campaign group joins opposition to proposed housing estate COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have added their voice to opposition against the latest large-scale housing plan for Thornbury.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has submitted an objection to the plan by Bovis Homes to build up to 370 homes on the north side of the town off Gloucester Road.

If the outline scheme is approved, it will extend housing out of the town towards the A38 across nearly 60 acres of agricultural land from Upper Morton to Crossways Lane at The Knapp.

It will also add even more homes to the many hundreds already built recently or which have been granted planning permission.

A large number of objections to the plan have been posted with South Gloucestershire Council, including from the residents action group TRAPP’D and the CPRE, as well as individual residents of the town.

The CPRE said the Bovis site, alongside the B4061, had not been identified in the local core strategy. Full story page 3.

Green light for homes on council office site Go ahead given for retirement complex on Castle Street PAGE 2

Big dig gets underway in Oldbury Work starts at Iron Age camp PAGE 5

Pieces fall into place for Jigsaw Charity moves into new Thornbury HQ PAGE 8

In the swing Having a blast: Firefighters in Thornbury sign up some young recruits.

Find out more in our community news, Page 7.

Tennis club enjoys a good start to the season PAGE 30

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Chantry on Tuesday mornings.

• 2nd Thornbury Scout Group are looking for a volunteer Committee Secretary to take minutes at 6 meetings per year and provide administration support for the scout group. DBS check required.

If you feel you can help please contact Thornbury Volunteer Centre on 01454 413392 or email mail@volunteer-thornbury.co.uk for further information.

• Poppy Sellers are needed for this year’s appeal from 28 October to 11 November.

Volunteers should be respectfully dressed, be polite and courteous.

They will sell poppies to members of the public in a variety of public locations around Thornbury. Must be able to commit to 1-2 hours.

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Photo: Joelle

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Thornbury Lions charter dinner THE annual Charter Dinner was the latest event in the Club’s thirtieth anniversary celebrations. It took place at the Gables Hotel at Falfield with sixty guests present. The Club played host to members from other local Lions Clubs including Dursley, Chepstow, Brunel and Bradley Stoke.

Lion President Shekar Bheenuck welcomed everyone to the evening and gave an update of the Club’s activities.

Fund raising is still going very well especially thanks to the bookshop and with the emphasis this year on youth activities, donations have been given to local schools.

The Club is also looking for a candidate for the Lions Young Ambassador Award to follow in the successful

footsteps of Lizzie O’ Brian who did so well this year. At the other end of the age scale the Club is again hosting the Senior Citizens Meal at the Armstrong Hall on Saturday 9 December at 4pm. Tickets at £6 each, which is the same price as last year, will be on sale at the Lions bookshop in The Precinct on Saturday 18 November between 9 and 10 am.

In reply to the president, District Governor Steve Petty congratulated the Club on its continued success and also its strong membership.

The evening was brought to an entertaining close by Thornbury Musical Theatre Group with songs from some of the newer musicals on the scene.

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

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

25

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second hand Style Our continuing look at the used Alternatively Fuelled Vehicle (AFV) market Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, 2010 – present: Ever so nice, but what a price If, by some miracle, you’ve read all three of my articles so far you’d be forgiven for thinking that I don’t much like AFVs. Limited range, sometimes unnecessary styling, questionable use of materials - all have conspired in varying degrees to prevent me from making a ringing endorsement. So can a premium offering from Stuttgart change all that?

Well the answer is yes, in short.

The Cayenne has been with us since 2003, and Porsche have progressively put petrol, diesel

and then hybrid motors under the bonnet. They may not bother with a diesel for the new model, but that’s another story. What has also happened, to my eyes at least, is a gradual softening of the Cayenne’s previously ungainly looks. Porsche have somehow managed to make it longer and wider but look shorter and narrower. Clever stuff, but I still took real care around the narrower lanes of Frampton Cotterell. The Cayenne has also got a whole lot more reliable – MK1 ’03 to ‘07 cars are a brave second hand choice. Unsurprisingly I have the Hybrid on test, originally released in 2010 with the supercharged 3.0 V6 petrol from Audi’s S4. This combines with a Bosch electric motor of increasing output to produce between 333bhp and 416bhp.

My 2016 ‘S’ test model, a plug-in, is the full power version

Advert for Thornbury Voice Interested in Rugby?

Join Thornbury Rugby Club Everyone is is welcome welcome Everyone Players from aged 5 Players from aged 5 to to adult Adult We now have a ladies team Now a Ladies team Come along as a player or supporter and enjoy a great social life at a truly amateur rugby club England stars Billy and Mako Vunipola joined Thornbury RFC, so why don’t you?

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and goes extremely well. The V6 is a gem, the 8 speed gearbox really smooth and there’s no hint of supercharger whine, just a silky crescendo as the revs rise through four oval exhausts. There are three engine/battery settings of mounting excitement, and in ‘Sport’ they combine to deliver 0-60 in under 6 seconds. Porsche kindly claim a comedic 85mpg to ensure you pay no road tax for all this fun. They’re only fooling the authorities though; over 7,000 miles this one has managed 32mpg, which is still fabulous for a 2 tonne Clifton tractor that happens to run like a sports car.

Feeling sensible? Let the battery power the car under 30% throttle (monitored by the handy gauge provided). You can travel at up to 75mph on battery power alone, or for 25 miles at lower speeds.

Behind the wheel it feels very

Porsche, which means 5 precise dials, a small and well-trimmed steering wheel and the feeling of sitting in rather than on the comfortable and body hugging seats. You have to look out of the window to remember you’re in an SUV. For passengers it felt a bit more like being in a very nice Audi, which in a way you are of course.

All the fittings looked and felt superb, as they should at this price.

And what a price - £80k+ new, and not depreciating anywhere near quick enough for me, despite there being plenty on the used market outside of main dealers. Blame that on a sky-high image conferred by the badge, coupled with solid Porsche build and proven VWGroup mechanical reliability.

This car is all about beating the tax man in style. Forget about any environmental credentials and instead know this: If you’re in the market for a second-hand Cayenne you don’t need to look any further than the Hybrid version. But it is very far from a bargain, and that means it misses out on being my used AFV winner by a whisker…

What to pay: £25,000 for a 2010 example with 55,000 miles, to £65,000 for a 1 year old 10,000 miler Next month: Bumper Christmas Special

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26

November, 2017

n VIEW FROM THORNBURY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM HARDWARE store Hawkins is set to undergo major refurbishment after business owner and manager Christine Stone bought the premises when the freehold became available.

It means the traditional store, which has been part of the community for so long, will remain a feature of the town.

But although Hawkins has served its customers for many decades, the premises at 49 High Street have an even longer history - with a bakery and a school among its former uses.

The three-storey building has also changed substantially from the smaller one that was there in Victorian times.

Going back much further, the earliest owner of the “land” on which the premises now stands was Thomas Ockbourne.

By 1667 the land was owned by a John Parker and in 1688 an Edward Parker, described as a mercer (cloth merchant), sold the property to John Clarke, a tallow chandler and Quaker.

Subsequent owners included

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Children at Miss Trayhurn’s preparatory school. the Clarke family, the Rolphs, James Ford and master bootmaker Edwin Knapp, as well as Sarah Surridge, baker Stephen Applegate and

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Miss Mabel Trayhurn then ran a preparatory school in the property, possibly as early as 1927 but she was certainly on the electoral register in 1931.

The school continued until the mid-1950s and an advertisement from 1940 described it as offering “spacious and airy school rooms of modern type”.

It said the aim of the school was “to provide thorough training in the groundwork which is so necessary in preparing children in their later education”, with the curriculum featuring arithmetic, English, scripture, singing, drill, drawing and needlework. Extra subjects included the pianoforte and dancing.

In 1958, the firm of PG Hawkins had a new shop built at 49 High Street to replace its premises on the corner of St Mary Street and Silver Street, selling household products and smaller building materials.

It used the name PG Hawkins until at least 1973 and although the Hawkins family is no longer involved in the business, the name Hawkins of Thornbury has been retained.

HSBC provided a six-figure commercial mortgage in the latest deal and said Christine Stone, whose family has had its own long association with the store, had fought off tough competition from a number of high-profile developers who wanted to demolish the site to develop flats or offices.

Ms Stone said: “The business has been steadily growing over the last five years so it is a great relief to be able to build on this growth and continue in the same building my family has been operating from all these years, especially as the hardware shop has been a part of the local community for so long.”

Information and pictures supplied by Thornbury and District Museum.

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November, 2017

27

n RECIPE

All Sparkle and Fizz!

Ann Murray is from the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury.

She’s teamed up with Thornbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

IT’S November again, with the prospect of cold nights and dark evenings. But one joy that brightens November are the fireworks on Bonfire Night.

For me as a cook it’s also an ideal opportunity to have some friends round for simple party nibbles and a glass of fizz. One of my favourites is sausage roll, warm from the oven. Sausage rolls used to be looked down upon, but in recent years they’ve become trendy.

You can find all sorts of recipes on line for different fillings, ranging from Christmassy ones with added cranberries and chestnuts, traditional pork and sage (my recipe below) to Delia’s vegetarian “sausage rolls” My personal favourite at the moment are venison and red wine ones. They’re made from venison and red wine sausage meat.

Venison is a very healthy meat, low in fat, high in protein and very tasty.

Of course, a batch of your favourite homemade sausage

rolls popped in the freezer now are always useful come the festive season.

Super Sausage Rolls Makes 9 large or 12 small rolls Ingredients: • Ready made puff pastry (Marks and Spencers I think is the best) 500g (approx 1lb) Filling • Pork Sausage meat – 500g(1ib) • 1 large cooking apple- peeled and chopped into small chunks • Worcestershire sauce- 1 dessertspoon or to taste • Fresh sage leaves- small handful, torn into small pieces • Chilli powder- ¼ tsp- optional • Small amount of beaten egg for glazing.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 200°C/400°F/ GAS 6

Here’s what you do: 1. F irst make the filling. In a large mixing bowl mix all the filling ingredients with your well-washed hands until well combined.

2. C ut the puff pastry in half lengthwise.

3. O n a floured board roll each half out into an oblong the thickness of a pound coin.

4. D ivide the sausage mixture in half and roll each half into a long sausage the same length as the pastry.

5. B rush the edges with the beaten egg.

6. P lace the sausage shape on the length of the pastry and carefully roll up. Be careful to keep the roll quite tight or the filling may fall out! Make sure you end up with the join underneath when you place the rolls on the baking sheet.

7. U sing a sharp knife cut the roll into pieces the size you would like.

8. P lace on a baking sheet

lined with non-stick baking parchment. Leave enough space around each roll for them to puff up.

9. Brush lightly with the beaten egg. (You don’t want the pastry to be soggy!)

10. M ake a couple of slashes on the top of each roll to allow the steam to escape.

11. P lace in the lower part of the oven for about 15 mins and then transfer to the top of the oven to brown them off until they are golden brown, 10 – 15mins 12. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Cook’s Tips These are best eaten warm from the oven, but they can be made and then frozen for up to 3 months.

Defrost in the bottom of the fridge overnight or use your microwave.

Then warm in a low oven for about 5mins.

So much nicer than anything you can buy in the shops, even the poshest ones!

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28

n SPORT

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

Bad day at the office for Thornbury Dave Fox reports THORNBURY endured an afternoon to forget as they failed to get going in miserable conditions against newly promoted Cullompton.

Bad first and last quarters and a poor performance in between meant Thornbury failed to come away with any points for the first time this season and dropped from fourth to eighth in the table.

Stafford Park was being battered by a powerful wind that was at the backs of the home side as they kicked off. They took control of the early stages and when Thornbury missed a simple tackle out wide on their 22 and Cullompton hooker Jeremy Turner crashed over for the opening score with only four minutes on the clock. Adam Pearce converted.

Bob Adams kicked a penalty for Thornbury shortly afterwards but Thornbury were not at the races in the first quarter.

Cullompton extended their lead when a poor clearing kick was run back and a chip put Pearce in for a try close to the posts. He converted his try and Cullompton led 14-3 with only eleven minutes gone.

Pearce added a penalty to add salt to Thornbury’s wounds then as the first quarter came to a close Thornbury began to get into the game. Sam Evans crashed over in the corner from a quickly taken lineout but the try was disallowed as the ball

had not travelled five metres, and Rob Higgitt gathered a kick ahead but was called back for being in front of the kicker.

Cullompton’s Alex Brooks, leading the side from outside half, made good use of the wind with some excellent kicking, whereas Thornbury frequently threw long speculative passes which the swirling blasts of storm Brian blew off direction.

As the half hour came Thornbury reduced the deficit as the pack drove ten metres

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from a lineout and crashed over for a George Sheldon try. The conversion was blown wide and Thornbury were trailing 17-8 at half time.

With the benefits of a strong wind in the second half Thornbury were confident of turning the game around chasing only a nine-point deficit.

It wasn’t to be.

Cullompton again laid siege to the Thornbury line, and after countless pick and drive charges the inevitable try came as replacement Chris Grant scored.

Pearce converted and at 24-8 the gloomy afternoon reflected a gloomy day for Thornbury.

Bad things got worse shortly afterwards when Bob Adams suffered a knee injury when attacking and was replaced by James Donohue, who moved to the wing with Jake Wood switching to fullback. The referee had sensibly stopped play when the injury occurred and restarted the game with a Thornbury scrum. Directly from the scrum Rich Bennett came in off his wing, bisected the centres and sprinted in for a fine try.

Jake Wood converted to reduce Cullompton’s lead to 24-15.

A fine kick shortly after the restart took Thorns back to the Cullompton line. The home side

made a hash of the lineout and Sam Evans gratefully collected the ball and scored. He received a boot to the head for his pains and whilst the conversion was sliding past the posts he was taken off and George Sheldon returned with Thorns trailing 24-20.

Cullompton scored a few minutes later in a try that seemed to sum up the match for Thornbury. A badly-directed kick was run back by the Cullompton fullback. He eased through three very weak tackles, stepped through the next line and linked with the ever-present Woofenden who scored the bonus point try.

Pearce converted to open up a 31-20 lead.

A Cullompton rolling maul was hauled down illegally close to the line the referee awarded a penalty try. With less than ten minutes left Cully were out of sight at 38-20.

The defeat was a second in a row in October for Thornbury after loosing at home to Newent in what was the visitors first victory at Thornbury.

Thornbury were left to rue a number of missed scoring opportunities in a dominant first half and let Newent control the second half for a narrow win.

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thornburyvoice

November, 2017

29

n SPORT

Committed Thornbees lose first home game

By Dave Fox IF pride and desire alone won games the Thornbees would have comfortably secured a win in their first home game but defensive errors proved costly.

The younger and more experienced Cheltenham Civil Service Ladies side proved to be more accurate and efficient and ran away with the game in the second half.

The hugely inexperienced Thornbees, with another group of players playing their first game of rugby, dominated the early rugby on an afternoon of constant rain in front of a big crowd that cheered on their every move.

Playing downhill they controlled possession, had a disruptive scrum and carried well. It looked as though the Thornbees would take the lead on ten minutes when skipper Gemma Tyrrell raced clear after a good offload inside but she

grounded the ball over the dead-ball line.

The team continued to press but good handling on a counter-attack

by Cheltenham Civil Service took play deep into the Thornbees’ ‘22’, and eventually good offloading and support play put them in for a converted try.

The Thornbees applied great pressure but handling errors close to the opposition line handed key possession to their Cheltenham.

With time running out Jo Johnson drove and earned a penalty. Laura Panting took it quickly and Lou Oakey crashed over for a deserved try. The conversion was missed and the

Civil Service ladies led 7-5 at half time.

The second half was all the Civil Service. The backs handled well and as the Thornbees became increasingly tired they fell off too many tackles and Civil Service ran in six unanswered

tries.

The youth, fitness and experience in key positions of the Civil Service side was the difference in the teams, and were factors that the visitors used well to score tries and chalk up a score which flattered them.

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30

n TENNIS

thornburyvoice

November, 2017

Juniors challenge for tennis honours

THERE has been a glimpse in to the future at Thornbury Tennis Club, with youngsters challenging senior players in four out of five finals at the club’s main tournament.

The Thornbury Lawn Tennis Club Tournament stretches over a month and the finals were a case of youth taking on experience.

The Men’s singles final was between 12 year old Leo Lazarides and Steve Pikett.

Leo has been playing tennis for only 3 years but competes in county and regional tournaments. His ambition is to become a professional tennis player. Despite being relatively small, he hits the ball with of power and spin and is quick around the court.

By contrast, Steve has a lot of experience: he has played tennis for most of his life and is an extremely consistent player.

He plays tennis in the higher divisions of the Avon Leagues and is the reigning Men’s Singles champion at the Olveston & Tockington Tennis Club.

The clash of styles promised an exciting match. Steve took an early lead, but after some very accurate hitting, Leo grew in confidence and gained the upper hand, taking the first set 6-3.

The second set was much tighter.

The match went with serve up to 5-5. Leo managed to break Steve’s serve and then clinched the match by holding his serve.

Between the preliminaries and the finals, Susanna Ogden, another of the club’s young players, seriously injured her hand whilst playing netball. She had made it through to the finals of the women’s singles and the women’s doubles but was unable to contest the finals. As a result, the singles title went to Sarah Hurley and the women’s doubles champions are Jo Hargreaves and Sarah Hurley.

The Men’s Doubles was another contest between adults and juniors. Felix Boyes and Freddie Savage are both in their twenties, but Luke Johnson and Leo Lazarides are half their age.

There was some extremely big hitting in this match, with most

Jo Hargreaves & Felix Boyes enjoying their success following the Mixed Doubles final.

Leo Lazarides (left) played an excellent match to beat Steve Pikett in the Men’s Singles Final.

In the second set, Jo and Felix of the rallies being very short again started strongly, taking an and the scoreboard see-sawing early advantage, but Megan and one way and then the other.

Brendan fought back to a 5-4 Luke and Leo were leading the lead. The match then went with first set 5-4, when Felix and serve to 6-6 and a tie break. In Freddie broke Luke’s serve to the tie break Jo and Felix made make it 5-5. The next two games fewer errors and ultimately won went with serve leading to a the tie break 7-5 to take the title. tense tie break which Felix and Freddie narrowly won 7-5. The second set was also very tight but the strong net play by Felix and Freddie began to pay big dividends and the senior pair went on to win the second set 6-3.

The mixed doubles was the only all adult final, featuring Megan O’Connor and Brendan Wilde - winners of the President’s Plate tournament for the last 3 years -and Jo Hargreaves and Felix Boyes who were winners of the doubles title in 2015.

Jo and Felix made a strong start, reaching 3-0 before Megan Freddie Savage and his partner and Brendan levelled the score at Felix Boyes, were too consistent 4-4. Another break of serve saw for their talented young Jo and Felix take the first set 6-4. opponents.

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November, 2017

thornburyvoice

n SPORTS

31

Rockhampton prepare for the future with youth squads “The cricket season may have only just finished but Rockhampton Cricket Club are already preparing for the 2018 season.

Between now and December they are running two junior academies, where the best of the clubs young cricketers are back practicing under the watchful eye of two of the area’s top coaches.

The Under 11 academy is being taken by Rob Cunliffe.

With the assistance from the club’s coaches, he is working with a group of 14 of the clubs best young cricketers from 7 up to 11. The aims of these sessions are both to prepare for hard ball cricket and to give them the skills for a tough season to come where the Under 11s will be playing in both the Bristol & District U11 league and the Gloucestershire

Simon Weeks & Tom Moore (3rd Team Captain) picking up the Bristol and District Division 9 runners-up trophy for Thornbury Cricket club at the leagues annual dinner.

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U11 County League.

There is also an academy for the best players in the Under 12 to Under 17 age groups and these sessions are being taken by former Gloucestershire batsman wicketkeeper and coach Andy Stovold. The majority of the players in this group have already had experience of senior cricket and are looking to fine tuning their skills.

Paul Williams, the club secretary said; “As a club, Rockhampton are investing heavily in the youth section and are really excited with the young cricketers coming through.”

For more information on the youth set up at Rockhampton please contact the Director of Youth Cricket, Darren Greaves on 07725 618848”

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