Frome Valley Voice December 2023 by Fromevalleyvoice

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

December, 2023 Issue 122 FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN

Honour for Jeanne A FRAMPTON Cotterell woman who has helped vulnerable people across the region has been honoured by the King. PAGE 9

New homes planned A lorry negotiates narrow Damsons Bridge at Winterbourne Down

Do something about Damsons Bridge RECENT safety changes to Damsons Bridge in Winterbourne Down don’t go far enough, say residents. But South Gloucestershire Council says plans to build a separate footbridge parallel to the existing stone bridge would not happen for “some time”. The narrow bridge carrying Down Road over the River Frome has no footpath, and locals have been campaigning for safety improvements for pedestrians for more than ten years, reporting

that people walking on it are frequently hit by passing vehicles. It was closed for three days in October while the council installed dropped kerbs to help wheelchair users. The work attracted criticism, as it added to problems with the closure of the nearby M4 overbridge connecting Badminton Road to the Ring Road, leaving some villagers feeling cut off. Turn to page 2

'VAST swathes' of countryside will disappear under housing in a blueprint for 20,000 new homes in South Gloucestershire - but much of the Frome Valley will be protected. PAGE 3

Use free bus PEOPLE are being encouraged to make more use of a free shuttle bus set up after the closure of the M4 Badminton Road bridge, as a decision nears on its future. PAGE 7

4 Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, BS36 1JX - Tel: 01454 252 140 Email: info@aj-homes.co.uk

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January deadline Our January deadline is December 13.

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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

Complaints Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Frome Valley Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice 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. Frome Valley 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 richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

December, 2023

n NEWS

'Many people have been hit by cars' on bridge From page 1 Four years ago, 176 local people signed a petition asking for improvements. In the last 18 months a solid single white line, which was meant to separate cars from pedestrians, was widened into a wider pedestrianonly walkway on one side of the bridge. But one resident, who asked not to be named, told the Voice some drivers still ignored it and drove over the white lines. He said he had been hit four times by cars on the narrow bridge. The resident said: "Up until now there has been two-way traffic, and cars don’t really care too much about pedestrians. "After much campaigning by local people, the white lines were widened, and they have made a difference, as most drivers slow down and either one way or the other has to give way. "But it just takes one in 20 to ignore the white lines, and there is a problem for any pedestrian on the bridge.” The resident said local people understood that a new pedestrian footbridge would not happen until funds were available, but they wanted the painted lines replaced with a raised pavement, to keep cars off. He said: “Many people have been hit by cars here, admittedly at low speed, but it is very dangerous. We would just like to keep the cars away from the pedestrians." South Gloucestershire Streetworks posted on Facebook that the latest changes, dropped kerbs and “tactile pavements”, were installed in October “following concerns from local mobility-impaired residents”. One resident responded by posting that the present situation was “a crazy situation”. Another called on South Gloucestershire Council to progress proposals for a footbridge. Winterbourne ward South Gloucestershire councillors Trevor Jones and Nicholas Labuschagne said they support the local campaign. They said: "We’re pleased to see that action has been taken to improve pedestrian safety on Damsons Bridge. "This is something we have continuously campaigned for as it’s a hugely important issue for local residents. “Further measures still need to be considered, however, with the ideal solution being the installation of a footbridge adjacent to the road. "We will continue to monitor the situation and press the administration to make this a top priority.” A council spokesperson said: “After listening to residents and investigating options to improve safety at Damson Bridge in Winterbourne, it was decided that construction of a separate pedestrian and cycle bridge alongside the current, listed structure would be the most suitable, long-term solution. “We are looking at this proposal to assess land ownership and environmental issues associated with such a project, and this is likely to take some time before any decision can be made on the viability of a separate bridge.” Damsons Bridge, with the white lines marking out the pedestrian path

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December, 2023

n NEWS

'Vast swathes' of new housing - away from Frome Valley 'VAST swathes' of countryside will disappear under housing in a blueprint for 20,000 new homes in South Gloucestershire, opposition councillors claim. But campaigners in the Frome Valley say the council's new Local Plan looks likely to protect some of the area's most important Greenbelt sites. The draft plan approved in November quotes potential totals of 235 new homes on sites in Winterbourne, 90 in Coalpit Heath and 60 in Frampton Cotterell. Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley told a South Gloucestershire Council meeting that the greenbelt east of the A4174 Avon Ring Road would be “lost pretty much entirely”. The council’s new 15-year Local Plan will be put out to public consultation from December 4, with detailed maps of all the sites which could potentially be used to meet the area's need for new housing and

employment development. The draft document outlining the plan was approved at a cabinet meeting on November 13. Although it contained no maps, it included a list of possible development sites and the number of houses that could potentially be built there, including: ● Land off Park Road, Westerleigh and Coalpit Heath (90 homes) ● Land north of the railway, Winterbourne (70) ● York Gardens, Winterbourne (20) ● Land off Bristol Road, Frampton Cotterell (60) ● Land west of Winterbourne Hill, Winterbourne (145) ● Land west of Wotton Road, Rangeworthy (50) ● Land at Dyers Lane, Iron Acton (20) ● Woodlands Golf Course, Almondsbury (750)

● Land north of Lyde Green, towards Westerleigh (750) The council says it has to find new sites for 9,260 new homes between 2025 and 2040 to help meet a target of 20,490 homes in the district - they will be added to 8,080 which already have planning permission and 3,150 on sites for under 10 homes not included in the plan. The authority’s Lib Dem/ Labour administration has defended allocating open fields for housing and insisted the impact on communities and land that currently had protected status was “unavoidable”. Cabinet member in charge of planning Chris Willmore said: “We have taken every single brownfield site that the previous administration had identified and allocated them. “But we’ve gone further and we’ve been hunting for more. “We are reviewing all of the council’s property portfolio to see if there is any brownfield

land in there." Cabinet approved the document outlining where houses, jobs and infrastructure will go between 2025 and 2040, which will be sent out for public consultation next month. Cllr Bromiley told the meeting: “The draft Local Plan proposes thousands of new homes on greenfield land – a lot of this looks like it will be situated in the greenbelt." He said the blueprint contained no maps of the exact sites for development and that it was “embarrassing” to have to tell people who were “losing sleep that houses could be built or may not be built around their homes” that the drawings were not available. Maps detailing precise areas where new homes could be allocated will be published on December 4. The draft Local Plan can be found online at tinyurl. com/429rm47c.

Frampton Green Belt 'largely unchanged' CAMPAIGNERS against Green Belt development say vital land in the Frome Valley would be protected if the draft Local Plan is approved, but other areas will be hit. In a statement, Villages Against Local Inappropriate Development and the Frampton Cotterell Nature group said that while no final decisions had been made, the council’s preferred strategy involved amending the Green Belt to avoid "overloading" places with poor infrastructure and services. They said: "We are pleased that the Green Belt along the Frome Valley in Frampton Cotterell and Iron Acton is being left largely unchanged, and that the Frome Valley is included in the proposed Green Infrastructure Network. "Villagers in Coalpit Heath will be glad that the plan proposes no development on the land east of Roundways near the Ring O’ Bells. "We are concerned that there will be a significant loss of Green Belt on the north and east fringes of the Bristol Urban

Frampton Cotterell ward councillors Claire Young, Jon Lean and Tristan Clark visiting Black Rocks in April after concerns that the site was being examined as a possible development site Area, and in Winterbourne and elsewhere. "We are also concerned that the plan includes amendments to the Green Belt and development within the proposed Green Infrastructure Network. "We urge everyone to ask South Gloucestershire Council to make sure that any proposed

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changes to the Green Belt will not negatively impact nature, particularly in the proposed Green Infrastructure Network. "Recent polls show that over 80% of the public support urgent action to protect and restore nature. It is vital that the Local Plan ensures that nature is properly protected and given the time and space needed

to recover." Frampton Cotterell Ward Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Lean said: “I’m delighted that the much loved land to the east of Roundways has not been put forward as a proposed site for development in the draft Local Plan’s preferred strategy. "As ward councillors we were pleased to work with local people and the VALID group that was set up to oppose the previous administration’s plan to build 1,800 homes there. "I also welcome the proposed protection of the Green Belt between Frampton Cotterell and Iron Acton. "The new plan does involve some modest development in our area but it is vastly reduced from previous plans, due to a much fairer way of sharing development across South Glos’ towns and villages. "We now need to push this emerging preferred strategy over the line, so I would encourage people to respond to the Local Plan consultation positively when it becomes available on December 4.”

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December, 2023

n NEWS

Rainfall leaves area swamped SOUTH Gloucestershire experienced double the usual level of rainfall in October - and November was on course to be even wetter. The council said that by November 15 the district had an average rainfall figure of 83mm (three and a quarter inches), having had as little as 14mm (half an inch) in some previous years. The October total was 139mm ( 5 1/2in),

compared to an average of 78mm (3in). As well as the River Frome frequently being in flood the area has suffered flash floods in other areas where drains have been unable to cope with downpours. The council's Streetcare department said: "Our teams are constantly working around the region to ensure road gullies and drains are cleared and work as well as possible.

Wellies were required to walk along Heather Avenue, Frampton Cotterell, after this flood in early November

"The River Boyd and the River Frome rising has a knock-on effect on highway drainage systems and other watercourses remain high, meaning some roads may not be able to drain well in high volume rainfall." The council is encouraging people to report a blocked drain or flooded road online at orlo.uk/Report_Flooding_mVhbu.

Flooding near Nightingale Bridge over the River Frome in midNovember

Council wants dashcam litter footage SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is calling for people to send dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage of motorists who throw litter out of cars. Owners of vehicles involved will face a fine of up to £100 after the council's street enforcement service was given new powers to prosecute. The council can now use 'littering from vehicles' regulations to carry out

enforcement action against the registered keepers of cars, vans and lorries from which litter is thrown. They will be sent penalty charge notices (PCNs) which carry a fine of £100, with a £50 discount if paid within the first 10 days. The council says it will accept video evidence from the public, which can be sent via the website www.southglos.gov.uk/reportit. It will also accept witness

accounts from police or council officers but says it won't accept reports from the public unless they are accompanied by dashcam, mobile or CCTV video, "due to the possibility of an incorrect vehicle index or a fictitious/malicious complaint". Cabinet councillor Leigh Ingham, who is responsible for environmental enforcement, said: “We’re really pleased to increase our ability to tackle littering

in the area by introducing this initiative. “We’re working hard to keep our local roads and streets clean and take littering offences very seriously. Throwing litter from a car is completely unacceptable, whether it’s moving or not. It makes roadsides look awful. “I encourage anyone that has video footage of someone littering from a vehicle to send it in to us for investigation.”

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December, 2023

n NEWS

Lighting up the night this Christmas A COUPLE from Winterbourne Down are planning to decorate their home – with a monster 50,000 Christmas lights. Ricky and Chrissie Fenning first put on their Winterbourne Wonderland public light show at their home in Down Road two years ago. Now they are promising more than double the number of lights they had last year to make the display even more spectacular. Donations will go to the Grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Rick and Chrissie said the new display would be one of the biggest in the Bristol area. They said: "We’re excited to announce that we've taken our Christmas display to a whole new level, surpassing last year's 20,000 lights with a breathtaking showcase of over 50,000 lights. "This accomplishment places us among the largest and most dazzling displays in Bristol. "It's not just about the sheer number of lights – we've gone above and beyond to make this

Ricky and Chrissie Fenning's display last year year's Winterbourne Wonderland a truly enchanting experience.” The lights were due to be switched on across two days, on November 25 and 26. Ricky and Chrissie hope to raise £5,000 for the Grand Appeal, partly because of treatment the children's hospital provided for six-year-old Noah Jackson, son of their close friends Beccy and Garth.

They said: "We've introduced several unique features that you won't find at your typical Christmas display, such as a magical wishing well that emits colour-changing mist, a captivating 3ft water fountain that showcases a spectrum of colours, and an enchanting forest-themed area, all alongside our beloved North Pole section and Nativity scene.

“To immerse visitors fully in the Christmas spirit, we're even experimenting with infusing the air with the delightful scents of gingerbread, cinnamon, and other Christmassy aromas.” There will also be a bubble machine, hidden elf on the shelf toys and a moving Santa train. Ricky said a common question is he is asked is how much the lights cost to run – he estimates it will be about £70 for the five weeks this year, about double last year’s power bill. Throughout December, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the 1st to the 24th, they are promising Christmas music playing between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. The Winterbourne Wonderland will be illuminated from 4pm to 9pm every day until January 1. Donations can be made at the display via Contactless card payment, cash or online at justgiving.com/page/ winterbourne-wonderland-2023

Make a date with the mummers on Boxing Day AN ancient tradition revived in the 1970s will be played out on the streets of Winterbourne Down again on Boxing Day. Residents are being urged to come along, experience the mummers' play and help a local charity at the same time. The play's origins are shrouded in mystery and are believed to be either medieval or pagan. Players from the Christmas Boys of Winterbourn Down are disguised with masks or face paint, and wear costumes with roots in folklore. Once a common sight in English towns and villages, with each one developing its own version, the play was performed in the streets around Winterbourne Down on Boxing Day until 1913. But when one of the players, Tom Biggs, was killed in the First World War, performances stopped. It was revived after resident Terry Martin interviewed pensioner Edith Penton in the 1970s. Edith said the village had its own mummers' play, which her father used to follow around when he was a boy in the 1870s. He recounted the tale to his children while they sat on his knee at Christmas time

The Christmas Boys of Winterbourn Down outside the Cross Hands pub and Edith remembered the words, helping a group of villagers to revive the play in 1979, with Terry playing the doctor. The Winterbourne Down version consists of five players: The Doctor, St George, The Turkish Knight, The Little-fellow, and Old Father Christmas. Alan Mildren, who plays the Turkish Knight, said this year was the 44th performance since the play was revived. He said: "Like all mummers plays, it is based on the theme of death and resurrection, the dying of the old season and

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the rebirth of the new, but because it was an oral tradition, each village developed its own version of the story. "In our play the villain is the Turkish Knight and the hero is St George. "There is always a fight in which the villain is killed, then the Doctor, after an operation and a potion, raises the Turkish Knight back from the dead." Last year a new player took over the disguise of the Doctor, and this year there will be a new St George. The Christmas Boys also use the play as an opportunity to raise money for a good cause. Last year they raised just under £1,000 for Paul's Place, the Coalpit Heath charity that enhances life for adults with physical disabilities, and this year they will be collecting for the same charity again. Up to 300 people come out onto the streets to watch one of the performances. The Christmas Boys and Winterbourn Down Border Morris Dancers will perform in four locations in the village on Boxing Day. Starting at Stone Lane at 10.30am they will move on to All Saints Church Hall at 11.15am, Colston Close at midday and then finally down to the Cross Hands Pub in Down Road at around 12.30pm.

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December, 2023

n NEWS

Ringing the changes on the ring road NEW paths, crossings and a 40mph limit could be introduced on the Avon Ring Road between the Frome Valley and Bristol. South Gloucestershire Council has launched a consultation on plans to widen paths to help create two-way cycle lanes alongside the A4174, between the junction with the A432 Badminton Road and the Coldharbour Lane junction near UWE's Frenchay campus. The proposals involve reducing the speed limit from 50 to 40mph on the westbound carriageway between the Bromley Heath and Abbey Wood roundabouts - the eastbound limit would remain at 50mph. A new bus stop would be built near the Wick Wick roundabout, where the A432

How the council says the shared path between the Bromley Heath Viaduct and Hambrook traffic lights will look. and ring road meet, at a spot currently used as a lay-by. The 2+ lane heading towards the M32 would be extended to the

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bus stop. A segregated two-way cycle lane and separate footpath would be built south of the ring road between the Wick Wick roundabout and Coldharbour Lane, with the exception of a short stretch over the Bromley Heath viaduct, where the path would remain shared between pedestrians and cyclists. New pedestrian crossings at the Wick Wick roundabout, to allow people to cross from one side of Badminton Road to the other to the north of the ring road, are also planned. The council says it wants to "deliver a step-change in making it much easier for people to walk, use a wheelchair or pushchair and cycle around our area, and improve public transport." The consultations are the latest stage in the region's Joint Local Transport Plan, adopted in 2019 by all West of England local authorities, including South Gloucestershire Council. The council asked for initial views on changes to the ring road and A432 early last year, and says the new proposals, out for consultation until December 17, address the "high number of comments" made by the public on the initial scheme. Works will be paid for from £105 million in Government funding, allocated to the council for transport infrastructure investments through the City Region Sustainable Transport

Settlement two years ago and administered by the West of England Combined Authority. The council said: "The money available for these projects can only be used for new transport infrastructure and cannot be used for funding bus services, filling potholes or other council functions such as social services, education or libraries." Some proposals from the initial plans, including a 'bus gate' junction at the Hambrook traffic lights, and a metrobus stop near Bromley Heath Park, are not in the current consultation. Cabinet councillor for transport Chris Willmore said: “People are telling me that right now their priority is to have buses, more routes and more frequent services – this is a separate capital fund from government to help make it easier for people walking, cycling or using wheelchairs and to provide a long-term bus corridor in the A38. "So our question is – how do we best use this money for the purpose it was given to us? "It’s about reducing barriers so people have more choice about how they get about, and getting our roads ready for better bus services. "We really need your ideas about how to achieve that goal of improving cycling, walking wheeling and bus facilities on these routes – and support people who live along it.” More details about the plans, along with a short survey, can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/ a4174-improvements. Online consultation events are being held via Microsoft Teams on December 5 between noon and 1pm, and from 6pm to 7pm, and can be accessed via the consultation website. A council drop-in consultation event has already been held: it was announced after November's Voice went to print. Anyone who is not online can call the council's transport department on 01454 868004 for help.

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December, 2023

fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

Free bus: use it or lose it PEOPLE are being encouraged to make more use of a free shuttle bus set up to take passengers from the Frome Valley to the Avon Ring Road after the closure of the M4 Badminton Road bridge. The YCL service is funded by National Highways, which closed the bridge on safety grounds, and takes people from Yate Park & Ride along Badminton Road to Cuckoo Lane, just north of the bridge. Operated by Transpora, it runs every half hour in each direction on weekdays from 7am to 7pm and offers a route between Yate and Bristol for people left stranded when the Y1 service was diverted away from Badminton Road. From Cuckoo Lane, passengers can walk across the bridge to nearby metrobus stops for services to Bristol, UWE and Emersons Green. South Gloucestershire Council has posted a video on social media interviewing passengers, and calling for more people to use the bus. The council said: "We would love more people to use the National Highways-funded trial service to ensure it can continue to run into the New Year. "It's already proving to be an invaluable service to morning commuters." The bridge, next to the Wick Wick roundabout where the A432 Badminton Road meets the A4174 Avon Ring Road, has been closed since July. The closure effectively cut off the main route from Yate, Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell to the ring road and Bristol, resulting in thousands of vehicles being diverted through country roads. A decision about whether the bridge can be re-opened will be made over the festive season. National Highways says engineers will announce whether the bridge needs to be totally demolished and replaced, or just refurbished. A routine safety inspection had found "accelerated deterioration and cracking" in the concrete. The Highways Authority immediately closed the bridge, while it assessed the extent of the damage. The work involved using scanners to identify potential defects, and drilling into the structure to check its condition, and examining the underside. Residents in Westerleigh have complained of road rage, speeding and dangerous driving by traffic diverted through the village. The council closed rat runs and installed new traffic lights at the junction of Henfield Road and Westerleigh Road to help manage the traffic. A National Highways spokesperson said: "Detailed structural investigations showed a deterioration of the bridge, prompting further specialist inspections. "These are now complete and being assessed. Whilst we are awaiting the results, we cannot speculate on what the final option might be. “However we are planning, as far as possible at this stage, for a range of possible outcomes including refurbishment, strengthening and replacement. “The final decision will be taken based on the evidence around safety, engineering and economics. "We expect to announce the solution to be taken forward, along with a broad timeline of activity, in late December or early January." Council leader Claire Young and co-leader Ian Boulton have said they are "encouraged to hear that the accelerated programme to assess the structure is on schedule". More information on the YCL bus service and timetable can be found online at tinyurl.com/y9uu4s6h or by calling Transpora on 0208 191 1437.

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LUKE HALL MP Working hard for South Gloucestershire Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk lukehall.org.uk LukeHallThornburyandYate 01454 311267 Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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n NEWS

Black bins row

A COUNCIL leader has accused the Government of acting like King Canute trying to hold back the tide on recycling, as a fresh row broke out over plans to reduce black bin collections in South Gloucestershire. The authority is consulting residents about whether general waste collections should be cut from fortnightly to every three or even four weeks. It says black bin rubbish is reducing as recycling rates rise, so it is not necessary to collect it as regularly - and this would also save money as it is forced to make cuts. But in November the government announced it intends to order councils to collect non-recyclable waste at least every other week. The council says no decision has yet been made and it will consider residents’ feedback from the current public consultation, which runs until January 7, as well as any changes to legal requirements from Whitehall. Opposition Conservative councillors criticised the Liberal Democrat/Labour administration for relying on reduced black bin collections when there was a danger they could be scuppered by the Government. Rachael Hunt (Con, Emersons Green), who was in charge of recycling under the previous

Tory administration, told a cabinet meeting on November 13: "The new administration has chosen to put out proposals in recent months which financially rely heavily on cutting back bin collections to three- or four-weekly to succeed." Cabinet member for climate Louise Harris (Lib Dem, Dodington) said the plans had been under discussion for two years, adding: "Your previous administration actually submitted the original plans that talked about changing the bin collection from two-weekly to threeweekly or even four-weekly as quite a lot of authorities do, so I’m not really sure why that comes as a complete surprise to you." Council co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said: "The one thing that is becoming very clear is the amount of waste that is recyclable is increasing and the amount of waste that is being recycled is also increasing, so it’s interesting hearing from the Government that they want to go against the current trend. “It’s almost King Canute-esque that they want to go against the current trend where more and more waste is recyclable, so it will be interesting to see how the Government squares this with its own climate emergency endeavours.” The consultation is open until January 7 at consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

December, 2023

Time running out to have your say A CONSULTATION on South Gloucestershire Council's budget closes in December. Measures the council is asking people to comment on include introducing charges for on- and off-street car parking, doubling the cost of green bin subscriptions to £60 and introducing a £10 charge for processing blue badge disabled parking applications. Cuts to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for low-income families are also being proposed. Car park charges would raise £1.5m to £2m a year, while the green bin price hike would raise £1.3m. The budget consultation can be found online at sgbudget2024.commonplace.is. It closes on December 8. Further consultations, on cuts to the council's libraries and changes to the hours street lighting will be switched on, run until January 10. The cuts involve a proposal to stop staffing Winterbourne library on Tuesdays. The consultations can be found online at consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti. People who are not online should call the council on 01454 868009.

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December, 2023

n NEWS

Honour for Jeanne Jeanne Long with LordLieutenant Edward Gillespie and Vice LordLieutenant Roger Deeks A FRAMPTON Cotterell woman who set up an initiative to support vulnerable women across the region has been honoured by the King. Jeanne Long launched ‘Happy Handbag’, which uses donated handbags filled with essential items and distributed to vulnerable women across the South West, in 2016. The bags contain essential hygiene products and little luxuries such as make-up to help restore the confidence of the women who receive them. They are distributed to people in need, including women who are fleeing domestic abuse, have been made homeless or are leaving prison, via public service providers. Jeanne also gives talks to local women’s groups and since the pandemic has started to build a network for donations so people can more easily provide items. Jeanne was awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of her work in the King's Birthday honours list this summer, "for charitable services to Disadvantaged People in Bristol, Gloucestershire and Swindon". She was presented with her medal at Highnam Court, near Gloucester, at the end of October, by the Vice LordLieutenant of Gloucestershire, Roger Deeks, at a ceremony presided over by LordLieutenant Edward Gillespie OBE. Jeanne said: "It was a lovely surprise to receive this award, especially as I am not a charity – I’m simply a charitable cause trying to bring a tiny ray of sunshine and hope into a

person's life. "My name was actually engraved around the edge of the medal - we were told by the Lord-Lieutenant that this is the only medal to be personalised in this manner. "The sun was shining and the atmosphere was one of celebration. "Being an individual and not part of an organisation made the presentation more special and certainly added credibility to what I do." Jeanne has been rebuilding the Happy handbag network since the pandemic, when all its collection points closed down. She said she was only able to keep going thanks to the free use of a unit from Big Yellow Storage in her home city of Gloucester. The latest collection point to open is at Tesco Bradley Stoke. Jeanne said: "Following talks given to many women’s groups, support is continuing and I often have a ring on the door to find a lady with many carrier bags full of products for the bags. "My support network runs from a tiny number of ladies who are always on the lookout for donations, to The Lamb in Mangotsfield, to a tiny school in the Cotswolds. "Very many thanks to all who have supported and donated to Happy Handbag over these last six years. There is a list of all these wonderful people on the Happy Handbag website." Earlier this year Jeanne received a Points of Light award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in recognition of her work. For more information about Happy Handbag or to donate items, visit the website www. happyhandbag.co.uk.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n NEWS

Santa's roaring back A CAVALCADE of Christmas spirit is heading to Winterbourne to help kick off the festive season. Winterbourne Academy will host the Santa’s On A Bike

fundraiser for the Children's Hospice South West on December 2. Hundreds of riders of motorbikes, trikes and quad bikes will gather at the school

from 10.30am before setting off in a spectacular parade from 12.30pm, dressed as Father Christmas, snowmen, elves and reindeer. They will ride down to the hospice's local base at Charlton Farm in Wraxall, where it offers treatment and support to children with life-limiting

conditions and their families. People are being invited to come down, see the spectacle, have a mince pie and make a donation, with all money collected going direct to the Children's Hospice South West charity. All bikes, trikes, quads and scooters are welcome to take part in the parade, which first visited the school two years ago. The route will be fully marshalled. There is no charge to attend but all donations to Children's Hospice South West are appreciated. For more information visit www.santasonabike.org.uk/ bristol.

Shoplifting doubles

SHOPLIFTING crimes in the Avon and Somerset police area have doubled over the past two years, according to the latest data. Almost 14,000 cases were reported in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and Somerset last month. The force is now trialling new ways of making reporting crime easier for shop workers, amid rising rates across the country. The force recorded 13,880 shoplifting crimes in October, compared with 6,720 in October 2021. Chief constable Sarah Crew was grilled about what her force is doing to tackle the growing issue during a performance and accountability board on November 14. Mark Shelford, the police and crime commissioner, said: “The public feel that shoplifting is not taken seriously by the police, as do some people in the retail trade. Even though some instances of shoplifting might be of low value, the cumulative effect is significant." Ms Crew said: “We’re currently trialling an innovative QR code reporting system, that enables instant easier access for staff in retail premises to access our reporting systems much more efficiently. We’ve trialled that in Bristol and it’s been successful, and we’re rolling it out to Bath now and then across the area." By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n NEWS

Band's road trip raises £10,000 MEMBERS of a popular South Gloucestershire rock band have raised £10,225 by cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats. Tundra singer Mark Evans and keyboardist Ian McGuire covered up to 90 miles each day over two weeks - and at the end of each day played a 90-minute gig at a pub or hotel. They were joined by guitarist Guy Gibbs, who drove the sponsored support vehicle during the 1,000-mile journey. The covers band, who hail from Yate, play a lot of gigs in the Frome Valley area, decided to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association charity after Mark lost his brother-in-law Paul Bradley to the disease earlier this year, at the age of 54. Mark said: "There is currently no cure for Motor Neurone Disease and I wanted to do something unique to raise money in Paul's memory. "As musicians and cyclists it seemed fitting that me and Ian go one step further than the usual LeJog ride, combining those

talents to draw attention to our fundraiser. "It's been quite a challenge to perform after a tiring days cycling but we've had tremendous support from our sponsors, friends and family at home and from the many people that have donated at each of the gigs." After enjoying 24 degree sunshine in Cornwall at the start of the challenge, the pair were lucky to escape the worst of Storm Babet in the Scottish Highland stages, although at times were cycling through 12 inches of flood water and enduring temperatures below freezing on the higher ground. Ian said: "It's been a tough couple of weeks but we've really seen the best in people on this challenge and very pleased with what we've achieved for MNDa." Ian is a retired wildlife educator, Guy is an electrical engineer and Mark runs an IT company. Details of the of LeJog2LeGig, and a link to the donation page, can be found on the band's website at www.tundra.me.uk.

Mark Evans and Ian McGuire at John O'Groats

Double Sided - Cut out and keep

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fromevalleyvoice

n NEWS

December, 2023

Council fails children with special needs, says report ALMOST a third of families of children with special needs in South Gloucestershire who need respite care have been failed by the council, a damning report has found. The Local Government Ombudsman has published a public interest report – indicating a high level of serious failings – after the local authority admitted 30 families were not receiving some or any of their entitlement to a break from looking after their child. The watchdog launched a fresh inquiry after upholding a complaint in August, from the parents of a disabled girl, that the council had not provided respite care for 13 years. In that case, the LGO ordered the authority to pay £6,000 compensation after concluding the failings had caused “significant physical and emotional consequences” for the child and her family, who have

not been identified. South Gloucestershire Council has apologised and said it is taking urgent action. The ombudsman’s investigation found one youngster assessed as needing a year-long residential placement was instead living at home with limited support. Respite care allows families of children and young people with specific needs the chance to take a break from caring responsibilities. The failure to provide the agreed support packages can cause huge difficulties and distress. Ombudsman Paul Najsarek said: “For too long families in South Gloucestershire have been struggling without the vital respite support they need, and the indications we have from the council suggest for many there is no sign of this improving in the near future.

“While we recognise the difficulties the council is having finding appropriate support locally, it should not have taken a complaint to us to spur them into more effective action. “Statutory guidance is clear – if a council is satisfied it is necessary to provide support services then it must provide them and have the provision in place to do so. “I am pleased the council is working towards improving its breadth of provision and hope the rigorous local oversight it has now agreed to implement will ensure this work is not allowed to drift.” A council spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise for the shortcomings in the service we’ve been able to provide to these young people and their families. We also fully accept the findings and recommendations of the ombudsman. “Since the ombudsman carried

out its investigation, we have been able to provide support to more families, to either fully or partially deliver the respite care and positive experiences needed for their children. “We are not yet able to fully deliver for all of our families, however, and we have an action plan in place that will be discussed at Cabinet level, to help to address the outstanding issues and enable us to meet our commitments. “Like councils across the country, we are facing a major challenge in accessing the support packages to suit each family’s individual needs. This is often far less a matter of cost and more that the services simply do not currently exist on the scale required." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Double Sided - Cut out and keep

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n NEWS

Rob loses his cancer battle

THE parents of inspirational Thornbury man Rob Hale have said they are proud that he shared his story of living with cancer, giving hope to others. Rob died on November 13, a week before what would have been his 34th birthday and a few days after going into St Peter's Hospice in Bristol. Around a year ago he was given just months to live, but decided to fight on and document his journey online, sharing his experiences via Instagram and Facebook. He posted uplifting, and often heart-wrenching, stories and photos, determined not to let the illness and treatments prevent him from making the most of his time. Rob, an aerospace engineer, was keen that the Voice share news of his illness and treatment. He first became ill in February 2021 with coronavirus, and when his symptoms persisted, he at first thought he had long covid. But after having a blood test he was diagnosed in April that year with acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer that affects cells in the bone marrow. He had three bouts of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and then stem cell treatment. In December last year Rob was told he had only months to live, so in January he hosted a “living funeral” to say goodbye to friends and family. He also worked through a 'bucket list' of experiences, with help from supporters. His parents Nigel and Caron Hale told the Voice they were

proud of Rob, for publicly talking about his illness, and were sure he wanted them to share news of his death as well. They said: “Although we knew that Rob had a limited amount of time left it was still heartbreaking when the end finally came. "Nothing can fully prepare you for the loss of a loved one. It is still difficult to take in the awful reality of it. "We are very proud that Rob posted his diary of living with cancer which featured both the highlights and lowlights of this time. It attracted a huge number of followers. "Many of these were either living with cancer themselves, or had a loved one in that situation, and expressed how much Rob's diary helped them through it." “Nobody expects to see their children die. We are proud that Robert grew up to be a kind and generous person who brought a ray of sunshine into so many people's lives. "We think many people will be raising a glass to him. I am sure he will not be forgotten by his many friends." Rob's funeral at the Memorial Woodlands on December 15, for close friends and family, will be webcast live. In one of his final posts, a week before he died, he announced that after so long being cared for at home by his parents, he had finally agreed to go into St Peter’s Hospice as he had a chest infection which could not be treated. Rob said: "I've fought so hard to outlive this disease, and 327

days isn't a bad go, is it? "Thank you for all the support you’ve given me over the past 327 days, and in some cases longer. It's been a hell of a journey!" Rob first spoke to the Voice in 2021, urging people not to delay seeing a doctor if they were concerned about their symptoms. He also urged people to register as stem cell donors, to help patients with cancer through the Anthony Nolan Trust: people can join online at tinyurl. com/36h349p3. Rob told his readers: "It's given me two years to help people from around the world navigate leukaemia, help answer questions about treatments and give advice on how to cope or how to help family members and friends going through treatment. “And that's what I want to be remembered for, trying to turn a negative experience in to something positive.”

Rob Hale in a picture released by his parents, Nigel and Caron

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n NEWS

School's talented young artists' work on show

Picasso inspired this Year 6 artist

Another work from Year 6 inspired by Picasso

Wassily Kandinsky's circles inspired this work from the Reception class

A PRIMARY school was turned into an art gallery to display the work of some talented young pupils. Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School pupils spent a week studying the techniques, styles and skills of a range of different artists, including 20th century artists Wassily Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. They put them into practice by creating their own masterpieces, which were put on display for the finale of the school's annual Art Week. The whole school became an art gallery, with each class displaying their work and then touring the other classrooms to view each other’s paintings. Head teacher Debbie Fisher said: "This was my first experience of a Frampton Cotterell Art Week and I was incredibly proud of the high

quality work that was created across the week. "The children were really engaged and enthusiastic and enjoyed learning new skills. "The art work will be displayed around the school so families, children, visitors and staff can continue to celebrate and enjoy the fantastic pieces that were produced." Year 1/2 teacher Kim Walsh-Young said: “We explored the work of Yayoi Kusama and used our developed painting skills to create a 2D version of her 'tentacles' work. "We aimed to use at least one primary and one secondary colour in our art work." For more information about Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School, call the office on 01454 867205, email office@fcceprimary. co.uk or visit www.fcceprimaryschool.co.uk.

Multi-coloured Crocs inspired by Andy Warhol, from Year 4

Yayoi Kusama inspired this Year 1 artwork

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n NEWS

Grandparents go back to school MORE than 100 grandparents went back to the classroom for a day to find how children learn today - and share some of their own knowledge. St Michael's Primary School in Winterbourne was "buzzing with excitement" for the afternoon visit this term. Deputy head teacher Jen Waller said: "It was truly a heart-warming and enriching experience for all involved. "Throughout their time in our school, our special guests participated in various lessons and activities, including art and geography, among many other subjects. "The joy and enthusiasm on the faces of both grandparents and children were truly heartwarming. "It was heartening to see how art, history, and the natural world fascinated both young and old alike." Mrs Waller said grandparents' wealth of knowledge and life

A joint lesson for St Michael's primary school children and their grandparents experience over the years was infectious. added a "unique and invaluable "They shared stories from perspective" to lessons and their own school days, teaching showed the power of shared the children about life in years learning. gone by. She said: "The grandparents "It was a powerful reminder made fantastic pupils for the of the importance of connecting afternoon, and their enthusiasm generations and preserving the

wisdom of our elders. "The school was filled with an atmosphere of joy and excitement, as grandparents and grandchildren collaborated on projects, asked questions, and learned from each other. It was evident that the bond between grandparents and grandchildren is something truly special and should be cherished." The day was so successful that the school plans to hold another one later in the year, inviting some more grandparents who did not get a chance to visit first time around. Mrs Waller added: "We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the grandparents who took the time to join us on this memorable day. "Your presence, wisdom, and love added immeasurable value to our school, and we look forward to sharing another beautiful day of learning with you in the near future."

Winter water health check Don’t get caught out by the cold this winter – follow our top tips to stay warm and leak free. 1. Protect exposed pipes Wrap them up with lagging. If they freeze they could burst and leak. 2. Check your outdoor taps Look for drips (these can cause frozen pipes). Wrap them up too. 3. Find your stop tap You’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Carnival raises £5,000 Pony Bella needs help MAY Day really was a long time ago. However, every autumn the Winterbourne Down Village Carnival committee begins planning for the next carnival. The first task is holding the AGM. Particular highlights from the meeting were the Treasurer's report. We managed to beat the success of 2022 and then some! 2023 saw the largest footfall of any Carnival, this in turn meant our largest fundraiser. We were overjoyed to present substantial donations to St Peter's Hospice, All Saints Church and Winterbourne Methodist church. St Peter's Hospice had a large presence on the day. Along with our donation and profits from their knitted toy stall, a whopping £3,533.17 has gone directly to the charity. To put that figure in context, this can provide 170 therapy sessions for bereaved families and children. This is just incredible and we'd

like to thank each and every one of you who rocked up and enjoyed the day. All Saints Church and Bethesda Methodist Church were given donations of £750 each. It should not go unsaid that without the support of our sponsors we wouldn't have been able to donate quite as much. The cost of running the carnival has increased exponentially: sponsorship from The Cross Hands and Ben's Reclamation has taken the pressure off, we thank you greatly and are thrilled to have your continued support into 2024. With new members to the committee and potentially more sponsors, 2024 promises to be another phenomenal carnival. So if you want to get involved, reach out to us via Facebook or our website - we'd love to hear from you. Watch this space for regular progress reports on WDV Carnival 2024. Kathryn Hopes

A FUNDRAISER has been launched to help pay for vital treatment for a rare pony living on a charity-run farm near Frenchay. Eriskay pony Bella is a muchloved resident of Elm Tree Farm, run by charity Brandon Trust to provide work and training for people with learning disabilities. Farm coordinator Lisa Allen said Bella was found to be unwell in September and X-rays revealed that one of the vertebrae in her neck had moved. She was then taken to a specialist equine hospital in Hampshire, where it was found that the vertebra was also badly fractured. Lisa said: "Bella was very lucky to have survived her original accident, thought by the surgeon to be a bad fall in the field. "She now needs a further six months of medication and stable rest and then a further scan to assess healing. "Bella is one of only 120 mares of breeding age registered with

Bella being given medication by co-farmer Curtis Poole at Elm Tree Farm the Eriskay Pony Society, so she has great genetic value for the future of her breed. "She is a very special pony and the people we support here have been very worried about her." The ever-rising veterinary bill has prompted the Brandon Trust to launch an online appeal to raise £4,000 towards Bella's treatment. The Elm Tree farm appeal can be found on Justgiving.com at tinyurl.com/3975tcph.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Support our independent shops this Christmas CHRISTMAS thoughts are undoubtedly turning to shopping: please buy local and support our fantastic independent shops this winter. We have a huge bounty of small, independent shops, selling everything from toys to plants and records to hampers. They’re the beating heart of the West’s communities, doing much to enrich our lives. But they’ve faced huge challenges - soaring energy bills, record inflation, and the cost-of living crisis. That’s created a perfect storm for many stores. It’s why I’ve been offering £15,000 green grants for pubs, cafes and others, so they can install more energy efficient equipment. I’m proud of this. Companies are cutting their bills and CO2 emissions by seven tonnes on average - great for their wallets and our precious planet.

One group I met recently, who’ve started their Christmas shopping, are care leavers benefiting from a new West of England-wide free bus travel scheme I’ve just introduced. The youngsters joined me on board a WESTlink minibus and told me about how the scheme means they can better access work, get to appointments, enjoy more days out, and, yes, grab bits and bobs for loved ones at the shops, too. I then went from a bright green WEST link to a 41-tonne lorry! HGVs are crucial in the Christmas shopping story, ensuring festive goods in our stores. But we’ve all seen the impact of a regional and national shortage of drivers, in terms of empty supermarket shelves and prices being driven up, all adding to the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis. It’s why I created a scheme last year to recruit and train new HGV drivers.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

While it was not easy, I’m pleased to say we have recruited over 230 in 12 months. And, of course, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, sometimes travelling across the West to do so. The good thing for those with December birthdays is they can do that by hopping on the buses – for FREE. So, if it’s your birthday coming up, please enjoy the festive season in style by getting your Birthday Bus pass - details at www.birthdaybus. co.uk. We’ve recently had a little taster of chilly weather, but I know for many, reports of ice and snow don’t bring hope of snowman building! It’s why I’m once again running a ‘Keep Warm this Winter’ drive, as it is vital to stay above 17°C, especially if you’re ill, an older person, or have young children. Fuel costs are still

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris writes for

Kingswood Voice frightening, so please check out the top tips at www.westofengland-ca. gov.uk/keepwarm. Finally, I know Christmas can also be a tough time for many people having to work over the holidays. Thank you to those who keep everything running while the rest of us relax and celebrate, for all that you do.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n NEWS

Shoppers boost charities Remembrance tribute Co-op workers with representatives of Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and Shopmobility CHARITIES supporting the river Frome and people with disabilities have been given a £4,200 boost thanks to Co-op members. The member-owned retailer diverts 2p in every pound spent on some of its own-brand products to a local good cause, which is chosen by members. This year Winterbourne Co-op members have been supporting Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, which monitors and helps clean up the Frome and other local waterways, and Shopmobility, which

provides mobility scooters and other devices for people with disabilities from its base in Yate. A celebration day was held at the Winterbourne supermarket in November to hand over donations of £2183.84 to BART and £2058.70 to Shopmobility. Member Pioneer Beth Gibson-Stubbs said: "They are both amazing local charities who support and continue to make a real difference. We hope this makes a difference and helps them continue with the great work that they do."

VILLAGERS in Iron Acton produced a spectacular tribute to those who lost their lives in conflict for Remembrance Sunday. The huge poppy cascade at St James the Less church was the idea of church warden Annette Bishop. The poppies were knitted, crocheted or sewn from felt by the Iron Acton Craft Group and residents from the surrounding area, then fixed to the church by members of local support group Acton Aid.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n LOCAL MP

A year of progress and challenges WITH the festive season upon us comes an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made in our community over the past twelve months and some of the challenges that lie ahead. Whilst we defeated the plans to overdevelop Coalpit Heath for now, South Gloucestershire Council have instead proposed that Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh would be suitable locations for many new houses. There is a real danger with this proposal. Increasing the size of the villages has a direct impact on the pressure on our schools, health services and our road network. The proposals would create more congestion and raise issues about road safety and the impact on local pollution levels. In the New Year I will be making that case clearly. We have made some progress on local transport this year.

The reopening of Charfield railway station edges closer, half hourly train services to Bristol and Gloucester are up and running, and the new Park and Ride in South Gloucestershire is offering quick and easy access to the city centre and Southmead Hospital. However, the loss of the Y3 and Y4 bus services were a real blow to our community, and I have made the case to South Gloucestershire Council and the West of England Mayor that this will leave residents isolated. The Government announced over £300 million would be made available to help protect local bus services and more to cap bus fares at £2. This funding should be used to support rural towns and villages. The fight for better bus services must continue into 2024. Thornbury Health Centre has (finally) taken a big step

forward. Following a long campaign, the Government has signed off 10% of the money we need to rebuild the Health Centre, so we can get the project moving. This is good news, and the fight for the rest of the money has already started. I will not let this go until we have the health services our community needs. We also had good news for local schools this year, with school funding in South Gloucestershire set for a record boost, to its highest ever level. Here in the Thornbury and Yate constituency, record funding will reach over £60 million. And of course, we continue to fight to protect local businesses. It would be wrong for South Gloucestershire Council to introduce car parking charges. All this will do is penalise motorists, push cars into parking in the surrounding

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

roads and force customers to shop elsewhere. I will keep opposing these plans. South Gloucestershire is the most beautiful place to live, work and raise a family anywhere in the country. As a local man who was born and brought up in our community, it has been a privilege to represent our community throughout 2023. The work continues in 2024. For now, though, I wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas, and a happy and peaceful New Year.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Finding the extraordinary at Christmas AS a family new to the area, we are looking forward to spending our first Christmas here. Since I arrived to begin my role as the new Minister at Zion United Church in Frampton Cotterell in September, it’s been so good to get to know the Frome Valley area and many of you. Christmas draws out so many thoughts and emotions from us depending on our own situations. It may be you are looking forward to Christmas this year, or maybe not so much. However you spend this season, I encourage you to take time to look beyond the ordinary, the normal, the Christmas bling, traditions and even stress. At Zion Church we are using some reflections over this season called ‘Out of the Ordinary’ from the Methodist Church, and I invite you to join in. Will you "scratch beneath the surface" this Christmas?

During Advent and Christmas, we are invited to experience how Christians believe the wonder of God’s love is revealed in the ordinary: 2,000 years ago, a seemingly ordinary birth changed the world. Each day, ordinary acts of kindness can break through to the extraordinary. We are invited to discover the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary. Here’s one suggestion - read (or sing!) the lines from the famous Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem. Reflect on the questions as you pause for a moment between the lines: "So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven." Look at yourself. Where do you see the divine reflected back at you? "Yet in thy dark street shineth

the everlasting light." Look at the people around you. Where do you notice the divine shining back at you? "Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by" Look at the world around you. Where do you see glimmers of the divine? A baby being born, at the centre of the nativity, may seem ‘ordinary’ to many, yet he is the Christ of Christmas. Christians believe he is Immanuel - God with us. Could the hope, light and peace he came to share be found today as we have eyes to see and ears to hear? We may consider the ordinary in our lives to be good. Or, for those who face life-changing and challenging situations, the ordinary may be one never known before but which has sadly become the norm, of bombs, fear, waiting, loss.

Rev Sharon Lovelock

Zion United Church Whatever the 'ordinary' that we and all people throughout the world face at this time, my prayer is that the peace-giving, hope-giving, light-giving Christ of Christmas will be known to all. May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.

Waste Less, Recycle More… tell us what you think Recycling is environmentally and financially the best option for your household waste and for the planet. South Gloucestershire Council is proposing some changes to waste and recycling services over the next few years to:  Help you recycle more;  Reduce the carbon footprint of waste in South Gloucestershire, and  Reduce our costs, so that our funding covers the cost of delivering the service.

First, we want to introduce weekly household collections of flexible plastics and improve recycling information so it’s easier to understand what you should be recycling from home. Once everyone can recycle more from home, we then want to look at how often black bins are collected. These changes together will cut carbon emissions from our waste by between 3,000 and 4,000 CO2e a year – that’s equivalent to taking 668 to 890 petrol driven cars off the road a year.

food waste

12.5% 23%

recyclable items flexible plastics

27.7%

non-recyclable waste

36%

Waste in the average black bin 2022 South Gloucestershire

Find out more and take part in our consultation at:

www.southglos.gov.uk/waste-less

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Hard work begins on Frome Valley Pollinator Pathway A JOINT venture by the Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group and the Frome Valley Growing Project is planting seeds and bulbs to improve the local environment. Kate Macdonald and Laura FoggRogers explain what it is, and how it has been going.

at Avon Wildlife Trust, who helped us to plan the work and survey each site. This is a free service, so if you are looking for advice for a piece of land or even your garden, you can reach out to Esther and her team. There are no two ways about it - September was hard work, as we spent much of the month raking WHAT an incredible start to our new our new and existing wild flower and exciting project, the Frome meadows in preparation for seed Valley Pollinator Pathway. planting in October. This project aims to develop The raking was certainly a a series of species-rich habitats decent workout, and we were linking up areas across South grateful for the expressions of Gloucestershire, providing havens support from passers-by - and for for wildlife, with a particular focus anyone who showed up with a rake, on pollinating species. really! We are working closely with Elm Once the land was prepared, we Park Primary School, Hambrook spent a delightful couple of months Primary School, Frampton Cotterell planting seeds and bulbs. CofE Primary School, Winterbourne Whiteshill Common at Academy, Frome Valley Growing Hambrook has a wildflower meadow Project, Winterbourne Parish Council which, in year three, has over 80 and Winterbourne Library to make plants now established on a site that this ambitious project happen. was much less diverse previously. Over the last couple of months We have added some yellow since we received the grant funding rattle seeds this year, too, which from the West of England Combined is a plant known to help keep Authority's Community Pollinator competing grasses down. Fund, we have been really busy. We have also been lucky enough Firstly all the sites have been to be donated some purple crocus visited by wonderful ecologist bulbs from Downend and Fishponds Esther Frizell-Armitage, from Team Rotary Club, who purchased them Wilder Ecological Advisory Service for local areas to raise money and A bug hotel has been created at Winterbourne library

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Children have joined in work to plant seeds and bulbs for the pollinator pathway awareness about polio. Some of these bulbs have also been planted at Winterbourne Library. The staff there have been so accommodating and supportive of our vision to increase pollinator habitats locally. We have loved our recent workshops there, and are so grateful for the help that we have received from our local community. These workshops were cofacilitated between us and the passionate and inclusive library staff, who were skilled and sensitive enough to get all walks of life engaged in the activities. The wild flower areas have been extended and added to at the front of the library, and rather excitingly, thanks to a donation from Frampton Cotterell resident Colin Armorgie, the library now has a newly-planted Winterbourne magnum plum tree in the back garden. It also has a rather wonderfullooking bug hotel, too, thanks to lots of children (and their grown ups!). All our attendees hopefully went home from this event with new insect identification skills, a bit of Vitamin D and the inspiration to

build something similar. If you want to know how to build a bug hotel in your garden, you can find some excellent instructions on the Wildlife Watch website. Thanks also to the funding from WECA, the Frome Valley Growing Project will now be a planting and growing hub for the Pollinator Pathway. In addition, the site has been extended to include the beginnings of an acre-large ephemeral wetland meadow. Lots of families have taken part here in various seed-planting activities, which were muddy and fulfilling stomps across the land, scattering seeds with joyful abandon! Once again, we are so grateful for everyone who has shown up in support of this project, and we look forward to the next stages of this project. Keep a lookout on our social media pages for information about our other events throughout the year. Or if you wish to get in touch with us but don't access social media, email winterbourneenvironmental@gmail. com or katemacdon7@gmail.com.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n FRAMPTON NATURE

A year of action for nature

OUR annual general meeting in November was an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve achieved over the last year and plan activities for the future. Things we’ve done include: ● Sharing photos and sightings of local wildlife on our Facebook group and organising community nature walks. ● Recording and surveying local wildlife. Our parish species list now has 1,222 species - the list and photos of many species can be seen on our website. We carried out surveys of breeding and wintering birds, swift and house martin nests, slow worms, wildflowers and riverflies, and held a monthly moth trapping club. ● Working with UWE staff and students to survey and monitor the water quality and ecology of the River Frome, and working with The new wildlife pond at the Centenary Village Action and the Upper Frome Friends Field starting to take shape groups to remove Himalayan balsam and litter from the river. help protect our hedgehogs. ● Working with the parish council to organise ● Working with the VALID group to help protect a second bioblitz event and a nature art nature from the threat of development. exhibition. ● Starting work on a community allotment at ● Working with local primary schools to improve Mill Lane and a community wildlife garden at habitats on school grounds, and leading the Brockeridge Centre. children on local nature walks. ● Carrying out site surveys to support ● Working with the Hedgehog Heroes project to Westerleigh Parish Council develop a Local WB Generic ads 2023 AW.qxp_Layout 1 30/03/2023 10:33 Page 4

Nature Action Plan (and finding a new colony of bee orchids that were allowed to flower this year). ● Creating a nature trail leaflet for Black Rocks (available from the Brockeridge centre). ● Working to improve habitats at the Glebeland and Centenary Field - planting trees, shrubs, bulbs and wildflowers, creating reptile habitats, scything, mulching, building dens, coppicing, seed collecting and making a 'dead hedge' around the new wildlife pond. Look out for some exciting new projects over the next year! A huge thanks to everyone who has supported the group and taken part in our activities. More volunteers are always needed - do come and join our friendly group and help us to help nature. Join us on Facebook or email us at framptoncotterellnature@gmail.com. All our activities are free but donations are welcome. If you can help us with a contribution our bank details are: Frampton Cotterell Nature, sort code 30-98-97, account number 54017263. David Hanks

e m i t e M

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

A delicious change from Christmas pudding

CHRISTMAS for me, growing up, was a magical time. My mum was a great cook and she made everything from scratch. The only trouble was that by the time Christmas Eve came, she was exhausted and slightly grumpy, so I learnt from that. I try to get ahead with the food and pop dishes in the freezer, an option which wasn’t available to my mum. It took me a long time to come to the realisation that not everything needs to be homemade. There are certain Christmas classics, like my Christmas cake or mince pies, that I would always want to make myself. But Christmas pudding is something that I’m quite happy to buy. I scan the newspaper stands to see when the leading papers are taste-testing to find the best pud and then I buy it pronto, before the stocks are used up. Another thing that has to be said is that Christmas fare is generally very rich and therefore very calorific. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love all these delicious treats, but I find less is more these days. I personally love all the traditional favourites made with dried fruit, but not everyone does. So for them, and for those who don’t want to spend all of January trying to shift the half stone they put on over Christmas, this dessert

Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Frome Valley Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

● Ricotta cheese - 1x 250g tub ● Icing sugar -1 dessertspoonful optional makes a delicious change from Christmas pudding. It is also simple to make, all the ingredients are readily available and not pricey. This is my take on the Italian dessert tiramisu, which actually translates as 'pick me up'. So if you want something light and palate-cleansing that will pick you up, this is it. Buon appetito! I hope you will be able to have a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas with the ones you love.

● Vanilla extract- ½ teaspoon ● Liqueur of choice – 2 tablespoons - Amaretto, Cointreau or Grand Marnier or just use orange juice ● About 100g sponge fingers or Savoiardi biscuits (these are Italian and less sweet). ● Amaretti biscuits, 4, crushed Shavings of dark chocolate to sprinkle on the top – 25g

Fruity pick-me-up pudding

Here’s what you do

Serves 4 Ingredients

● Mix the orange juice with the liqueur, or just use extra orange juice if not using alcohol. Stir in the zest.

● Clementines (good because they have no pips) - 3 peeled, segmented and each segment cut in half, plus one more squeezed and zested. (Total 4) ● Handful of toasted almond flakes

● Prep the oranges.

● Mix the ricotta with the vanilla extract. ● To assemble the dessert: place a few pieces of orange in the bottom

of your chosen dish/dishes. ● Sprinkle some almond flakes over the oranges. ● Cover with a layer of sponge fingers/biscuits, dipping them into the orange juice mixture first. ● Top with a layer of the ricotta mix, then repeat the layers until everything is used up (you should have at least 2 layers) finishing with a ricotta layer. ● Cover with cling film for a couple of hours. ● Decorate with 4 segments of clementines per bowl, some crushed amaretti biscuits, sprinkle with chocolate and a few toasted almonds just before serving. Cook's tips: This dessert needs to be chilled, ideally for at least a couple of hours in the fridge, so start preparing it in the morning for eating later. You can use one large dish, but I think it presents better in individual glass dishes.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Medieval Barn THE main community event of the season is the ever-popular Carols in the Barn, run in conjunction with St Michael's church to raise money for the refurbishment of St Michael's Rooms. You may have noticed that the building on Winterbourne High Street has been covered with scaffolding for several months. Carols in the Barn is suitable for all ages and will run three times, on Saturday December 9 in the afternoon, and on Sunday December 10 in the afternoon and evening. The Medieval Barn makes a very atmospheric setting for celebrating the old Christmas story and traditions. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £1 for children, which includes a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie to enjoy before the carols start. Alcohol-free, gluten-free and children's options are available. This is followed by a light-hearted drama

Last year's Carols in the Barn interspersed with well-known traditional carols for everyone to join in. Wear your warmest festive jumpers, hats,

scarves and coats (remember, this is a barn!), get in the festive spirit, and join in this traditional Christmas celebration. It's a lovely community event and a great start to the festive season. Please leave your cars in Winterbourne village (the Academy car park will be available) and walk or cycle along Church Lane. If you have a mobility problem, please contact the Barn in advance to reserve an on-site parking space. We ask people not to park on Church Lane as this causes congestion and impedes emergency vehicles. Tickets must be booked in advance, online at www.winterbournebarn.org.uk. Call 0117 403 1536 if you have no internet. A variety of craft and skills workshops are coming up in January and February, and on March 24 the amazing Chris Green and Sophie Matthews return with another hilarious show, Witty Ditties: 400 Years of Comic Song.

Community Conversations with Winterbourne councillors CONVERSATIONS continue to be wide-ranging, with road safety, tree and nature issues, youth services, learning opportunities for children and community what's on listings coming to the fore this month. Safety on the roads around busy traffic times such as at Flaxpits Lane was raised with ideas for lollipop persons, repeater lights at key times or pedestrian crossings. Safety on pavements where overhanging brambles or bushes push mothers walking with toddlers out onto the road was discussed and reported. Whilst you can start by reporting it on the South Glos Council website, Winterbourne Parish Council can often act as a link to bring about more integrated solutions and work with

other responsible partners in order to achieve results. Difficulties with finding volunteers for valuable services such as scouting highlights the need to support these roles, and finding people interested linked to various businesses and organisations. There is a lack of social activities for youth in Winterbourne, from basic socials to cafes. Some of the solutions are expensive, but celebrating the work of those who do good community service is important. Celebrating our spaces and events helps, too, with a proposal for Greening the High Street with flower and specialist planters. We have no Xmas tree or lights in Winterbourne - but would you want these for

2024, at a reasonable cost? Consultations at South Glos level are also running on the overall 2024 budget, street lighting, recycling and library services as cost cutting measures - you can respond at www. consultations.southglos.gov.uk/consult.ti. What services do you want to lose and what to pay for? With our library, the proposal is to lose one day of library staffing unless we fund some additional projects that could help community volunteering, online events listing and Warm & Well spaces. The head of library services was due to visit Winterbourne library on November 29 from 2-4pm to discuss the cuts. Seasons Greetings. Peter Bruce

Collaborative Productions A PLAY by a newly-formed drama group raised £5,900 for two charities. Calendar Girls was performed by local amateur group Collaborative Productions in September at Rangeworthy Village Hall, with packed audiences and standing ovations. The cast of 12 had such fun putting on this play and are delighted to have been able to boost the coffers of both BUST and Blood Cancer UK as they strive to beat cancer. Collaborative Productions would like to thank the audiences for reaching deep into their pockets to support these two worthy charities. We are also grateful to our sponsor Renishaw,

as well as the many people and companies who helped us in our quest to put on this production, some of whom offered their services free of charge to enable us to donate more money to the two charities. The cast and crew are immensely proud and heartened to have received so many favourable comments and to be able to donate these funds to support both charities. We met with a BUST representative at the Breast Care Centre at Southmead Hospital in October

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Sue Smith

Collaborative Productions representatives hand a £3,000 cheque for BUST to breast surgical consultant Izzy Dash.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n WHAT'S ON NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 2 n WINTERBOURNE MUSICAL THEATRE presents Bah! Humbug! a musical play based on Charles Dickens' famous tale A Christmas Carol, at WADCA Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. WednesdayFriday 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm. Tickets online at www. winterbournemusical.co.uk or by calling 01454 317408. DECEMBER 2 n ST JAMES IRON ACTON CHRISTMAS FAIR, in the village hall, 2pm. DECEMBER 3 n ADVENT CAROL SERVICE, St James Church, Iron Acton, 6pm. DECEMBER 5 n BIG CHRISTMAS SING FOR CHRISTIAN AID, Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell, 7pm. Choirs from community & schools, carols, singing & fun for all. Entrance free, with retiring donations for Christian Aid. Call 01454 776618 for further information DECEMBER 6 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP,

Miners Institute, Coalpit Heath, 7pm. Talk on the Harry Stoke Colliery, 1954 to 1963 (from start to finish) by David Hardwick. Non members welcome, £2 entry. DECEMBER 8 n THE FILTONES CHRISTMAS CRACKERS CONCERT in aid of charity FACE, St Teresa’s Church, Gloucester Road North, Filton, 7.30pm. Tickets £8 on the door – cash or cheques only. Further information from 07870 984760. DECEMBER 10 n FRAMPTON COTTERELL MALE VOICE CHOIR in the Great Bristol Buskathon at John Lewis, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, 11-11.45am. DECEMBER 10 n CHRISTINGLE SERVICES AT ST SAVIOURS CHURCh, Coalpit Heath and St James Church, Iron Acton, both starting at 4pm. DECEMBER 11-12 n CROSSBOW SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS, Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 7.30pm. Tickets £8 each from Rose (Monday tickets) on 01454 772675 or Mary (Tuesday tickets) 01454 887885.

DECEMBER 15 n FRAMPTON COTTERELL MALE VOICE CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT, Zion United Church, 7.30pm. More details at www/ fcmvc.co.uk and on the choir’s Facebook page. DECEMBER 17 n CAROL SERVICES AT ST PETERS CHURCH, Frampton Cotterell and St James Church, Iron Acton, both starting at 6pm. DECEMBER 22 n CAROL SERVICES AT ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH, Winterbourne and St Saviour's Church, Coalpit Heath. Both starting at 6pm. DECEMBER 24 n CRIB SERVICES AT ST JAMES CHURCH IRON ACTON, St Peter’s Church Frampton Cotterell, St Saviours Church Coalpit Heath and All Saints Church, Winterbourne Down. All Saints service starts at 5pm, all others at 4pm. December 24 Holy Communion by candlelight at St James Church, Iron Acton, 10pm. DECEMBER 24 n MIDNIGHT MASS AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH Winterbourne Down, St Peters Church Frampton Cotterell and St Saviours Church Coalpit Heath, all starting at 11.30pm. DECEMBER 26 n CHRISTMAS BOYS AND WINTERBOURN DOWN BORDER MORRIS DANCERS performances, Winterbourne Down. Stone Lane 10.30am, All Saints Church Hall 11.15am, Colston Close at noon, the Cross Hands Pub in Down Road around 12.30pm. DECEMBER 31 n BENEFICE COMMUNION at All Saints Church, Winterbourne Down, 10am.

meets at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Talk followed by refreshments, £3.50 visitor, £25 annual membership. Call 01454 773647 for more details. n TUESDAY: WINTERBOURNE DOWN METHODIST CHURCHDrop in for free cup of tea and chat or play board games, every Tuesday from 2-4pm. n TUESDAY: SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. Contact croquet@wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440. n TUESDAY - CRAFTING: Come and join our group of crafters on the first Tuesday of every month in the Red Brick Annexe, Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2TG from 2-4pm. Bring your own project. £4 per session: Kay 07792189276. n OPEN DOOR at Winterbourne Down Methodist Church, Down Road, every Tuesday 2-4pm. Social gathering - enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, games, music and friendship, especially for those who live on their own.

REGULAR EVENTS

n WEDNESDAY: GENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND RELAXATION, accessible to all, 10.30-11.30am and 11.45am12.45pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne. Contact Jenny on 07855 560257or jksmith@blueyonder.co.uk for more information. n WEDNESDAY: TABLE TENNIS Henfield Hall, Ram Hill on the first Wednesday of the month, 2-4.30pm. All abilities welcome. Equipment provided. £2 per session including tea, coffee, biscuits. For more details email henfieldhall@yahoo.com or call 0785 119 8434. n WEDNESDAY DOWNEND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE FLOWER CLUB now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details. n MONDAY: FRAMPTON SINGALONG first Monday of the month, Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Led by The Jays and Joy. £5, including refreshments. Carers free. All profits to UNICEF and other recognised charities. More details from Hilary on 07515 351813. n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE DOWN LADIES PROBUS CLUB

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n WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: ADULT BALLET- COALPIT HEATH Improve fitness, strength, flexibility & coordination. No experience necessary. Wednesday 9.30am Beginners/10.30am Over 60s Ballet- St Saviours Church Hall. Saturday 9.15am Beginners/ 10.15am Intermediate- Manor Hall. Book £5 trial. Contact georgiarsmart@yahoo.co.uk / 07751812701

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n WHAT'S ON meets at 7.30pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday each month from September to June at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road. Call Genise on 0777 245 1217 for information. n THURSDAY: WINTERBOURNE WINDS, friendly amateur wind band rehearses at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com. n THURSDAY: COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET-UP, every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For more details email volunteering@coeliac.org.uk. n THURSDAY: CROSSBOW CAMERA CLUB meets every Thursday evening at 7.45pm at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Small friendly group who enjoy looking at and taking pictures. Call 0789 026 6650 or just turn up for free taster sessions.

n WINTERBOURNE LIBRARY NEWS n THURSDAY: HAMBROOK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-noon at Whiteshill Chapel, Hambrook, with a speaker at each meeting. Friendly group, new members welcome. For more details call the secretary on 01454 778250. n FRIDAY: FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm. Thriving club with demonstrations and workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at winterbourneart.uk or email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail. com. n SATURDAY :WINTERBOURNE AND FROME VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP repair cafe, every third Saturday of the month, 10.30am, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Free electrical, textile and woodwork repairs, with voluntary donations going to the work of Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group.

WINTERBOURNE Library is encouraging people to have a say in the consultation on proposed spending cuts to South Gloucestershire library services. The consultation runs until January 10. Forms can be found online at librarysavings. commonplace.is, with paper copies in the library. Christmas craft activities take place on December 2(Advent crafts), December 9 (Baubles with regular craft group), December 16 (Gift wrapping service & table decorations) and December 23 (Placemats for the Christmas table). A Winter Wonders children’s craft activity takes place from 10-11am on December 22: stay and make crafts or collect a free takeaway bag to make at home. Tea at 2 is every Friday afternoon from 2-3pm: drop in for a cuppa and a friendly chat. Story time is every Friday from 9.30-10am, suitable for children aged 18 months to four years. Lego club meets on December 23, from 10am to 11am, for children of all ages - all children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular Rhymetimes take place

on Wednesdays, 9.30am-10am. Suitable for babies aged up to 18 months. An adult craft group meets on December 2 and 9, from 10amnoon: join a friendly group of crafters to do your own work and chat – refreshments available. Computer Thursdays take place during term time - enrolment with SGS College is required. For further information contact Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@ sgscol.ac.uk. A digital champion can help people get online, use a PC or phone or print documents. The volunteer is available on Fridays from 10am-noon: booking is essential. The library is staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm. Open Access is seven days a week between 8am and 7.30pm. For more details of events or bookings, visit the library, email Winterbourne.library@southglos. gov.uk or phone 01454 868006. More information is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries or from library staff.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS Coalpit Heath WI

Making the poppy waterfall MEMBERS worked on the poppy waterfall for St Saviour's church at the end of our AGM in November. During the meeting, apart from a small reallocation of roles amongst the committee, there were no other changes.

Frampton Cotterell WI

Wendy Howse with Tropic founder Susie Ma OUR October talk was by Wendy Howse from Frampton Cotterell, who works for the Tropic skincare brand. Wendy spoke to us about the background and ethics behind luxury skincare company Tropic, whose founder Susie Ma was a finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice, receiving funding from Lord Sugar to help set up her company. Our Murder Mystery Night event took place on November 8 - our members watched a play and enjoyed a two-course meal while they had fun speculating as to 'whodunnit'. On November 28 we hold our AGM and quiz night, where members of the next committee will be appointed and confirmed. On December 5 we have Christmas games and a social evening to look forward to at Crossbow, when the Christmas raffle winner will be drawn for the annual hamper prize.

It was agreed that the previous year had been successful and enjoyable and we were pleased to have gained some members. Some of the day trips and theatre group enjoyed a day out to Cardiff on the train, and others enjoyed some of the best of the recent weather to take part in the Park Walk in Chipping Sodbury. Christmas meals at Highgrove and The Squire in Chipping Sodbury have been organised for December, along with a crafty Christmas meeting on December 6, making decorations for home and some to put up on the fence. Our service of carols and poems takes place on Friday December 8 at 7pm in St Saviour’s church, all are welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards. If you fancy coming along and seeing what we have to offer you would be most welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm. Our first two meetings in 2024 are Tai Chi with Jenny Smith on January 3 and a ukulele evening with Danielle Greenwood on February 7. Our programme for next year will be published shortly and includes a variety of crafts, activities and talks. We also run a book club, and have a day trips and theatre group.

Look out for updates by searching @ WICoalpitHeath on Facebook or @coalpitheathwi on Instagram.

Looking forward to 2024, we have our annual New Year’s dinner on January 30, again at the very popular White Horse at Hambrook. Other New Year events to look forward to include a talk on the dangers of cybercrime by Avon & Somerset Police on January 23, needle felting with Amy Grimsby on February 27 and a talk on slavery with historian Margot Cevik on March 26. We have many other events and socials lined up for the year ahead, including visits to the theatre, meals out and visits. We also have a monthly lunch club, open to all members. Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. If you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page.

when you have a cold or flu, which is to rest or sleep, eat fruit which contain vitamin D and drink hot water with honey and lemon, and keep warm by eating warm food including curries. We all then took part in making an infusion called fire cider vinegar, which is a natural immune tonic. We set about cutting up garlic and chillies and grating ginger then adding mustard seeds. These ingredients were mixed together and put in jars and then organic apple cider vinegar was added. This should be left to infuse for 3-4 weeks before straining, then at the first signs of a cold or flu take a teaspoon throughout the day with the addition of honey if preferred. Our Christmas meeting is on December 7, when Karen Beasley will be demonstrating a Christmas-themed flower arrangement. We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, where visitors will be made welcome.

Winterbourne Down WI

WE celebrated our 101st birthday in October by having a meal at the New Inn, Mayshill, where the staff were extremely helpful, the food was great and we all really enjoyed the evening. Besides having a book stall at our November meeting, our president Margaret potted up a dozen cyclamen plants which can be grown indoors or planted out in the garden. The evening was also our AGM, and we were pleased that all the committee members were willing to be re-elected. Our speaker for the evening was Helen Gray, a qualified medical herbalist from Malago Medicinals. She first gave us tips on what to do

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Caroline Johnston The poppy waterfall on the St Saviour's church noticeboard

Victoria Goodman Fire cider vinegar made by WI members

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir

15 at Zion United Church in Upper Chapel Lane, Frampton Cotterell, starting at 7.30pm. For more details visit the website at www. fcmvc.co.uk or the choir’s Facebook page.

Tuesday's performance. Join us for an evening of Christmas music and song, and get yourself in the festive mood. Louise Lewis

Steve Harrison

Big Christmas Sing

Crossbow Singers The choir at a previous Buskathon IT was a year ago that Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir first sang at John Lewis at the Mall, Cribbs Causeway, as part of the Great Bristol Buskathon in aid of Southmead Hospital Charity. They returned for a second visit in March, when they contributed to a record-breaking amount raised by the event in a single day. Over those two visits the choir raised a total of over £820 for the charity. Following on from that success the choir will be making a third visit to the Buskathon on Sunday December 10, from 11am to 11.45am. Why not take a break from the Christmas shopping to listen to some seasonal music? And if you want more, then the choir’s Christmas Concert will be on Friday December

WITH December and the festive season about to really begin, Crossbow Singers are rehearsing in earnest for their annual Christmas concerts. This year the concerts have the title ‘Just Believe’, capturing all that is magical about Christmas. Both concerts will be an entertaining evening, comprising a mix of traditional pieces, modern classics, novelty songs and of course a John Rutter arrangement. We will also have some guest acts and of course Rosie Williams, our skilled compere, will be there to bring the whole evening together with her hilarious poems and ditties. The concerts will be held on Monday and Tuesday, December 11 and 12, at 7.30pm in Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Tickets can be bought at £8 each by contacting Rose on 01454 772675 for the Monday concert or or Mary on 01454 887885 for

THE Big Christmas Sing for Christian Aid is back by popular demand! After a break of a few years due to the pandemic, your local churches are delighted to invite you to come along to the Big Christmas Sing 2023 at Zion United Church in Upper Chapel Lane, Frampton Cotterell on December 5. There will be choirs from our local community and schools, plus carols, singing and fun for all. This is always a hugely popular concert, and will definitely get your Christmas off to a great start! The event starts at 7pm. Entrance is free, with retiring donations for Christian Aid. Call 01454 776618 for further information. Alison Bray

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS Floral Friends of Frampton

Tea and cakes served at the Floral Friends Autumn Fayre THANK you to everyone who came to our Autumn Fayre at the Brockeridge Centre. Plenty of tea and coffee was drunk, cakes eaten, gifts and plants bought and raffle prizes won! All proceeds form the event on October 28 will be used to maintain the planting around the village. Floral Friends volunteers have been busy replenishing the planters around the village with winter bedding. Included are daisies, violas and pansies which, hopefully, will continue

flowering to bring some colour to the winter months. Daffodil bulbs are already waiting to pop up in the spring! Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently by making donations and perhaps commemorating someone special by doing so. It is very much appreciated. Donations can be made either in person or on-line. Our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363. It takes time, effort and funds to maintain the planting around the village benefiting the local community, the environment, and the wildlife. If you would like to help there are various ways in which you can, from a few minutes regularly maintaining planters to sponsoring a gateway. If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you, at floralfriendsofframpton@gmail.com.

Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club AT our October meeting we were given a really interesting talk about the Underground Railway, a system used to smuggle escaped slaves in

North America in the 1800’s. Later in the month we had our Presidents Lunch at Thornbury Golf Club. This was well supported and the feedback from members was really positive. Our next meeting is called A Countdown to Christmas, and on December 11 we are looking forward to some Frank Sinatra-style Christmas Music. Our club was started in 1998 by like-minded ladies who wanted to get together on a regular basis, and after 25 years we are still going strong with monthly meetings and social events. If you are recently retired and looking to socialise in a friendly group, you would be very welcome. We meet at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Meetings start with a short club business session followed by a talk from a visiting speaker. We then have tea and biscuits and time for a chat before the meeting ends at 4pm. Visitors can attend five meetings per year for £3.50 per meeting or pay an annual membership of £25. For more information, please contact me on 01454 773647. Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2024. Sue Humphreys

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n SPORT

Tough start to season for hockey club A GREAT win at Wick was the only bright spot in a tough start to the season for Badminton and Pucklechurch Ladies hockey club. The side, known as Baps, lost the next four but are learning from each game. The new league season started with the 1-0 victory over Wick in what was a very close, end to end, action-packed game. Unfortunately, despite putting up a very strong fight away against Bristol and West Jaspers, Baps ended up on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline. The team had many chances and some great passages of play, however the ball was not wanting to see the back of the net. Not making life easy for ourselves, Baps would face Knowle away with just eight players in their next match. However, this challenge didn't phase the ladies and, in true spirit, we worked tirelessly as a

The Badminton and Pucklechurch Ladies team strong unit, using impeccable shots on goal, two breakaway teamwork and communication to goals would see Knowle win the make life hard for the Knowlies. game 2-0. Despite not giving away any Dursley followed by Yate short corners and taking many would be Baps' next two

matches, both being played at Yate Outdoor Sports Centre. Both games were very well battled, with 100% commitment, passion and fight but unfortunately the scorelines didn't quite reflect the effort, with Baps losing 2-0 and 3-1 respectively. Although it has been a tough start to the season so far, the Baps ladies keep their heads held high, encourage and support one another, learn from each game and focus on the next. We would like to thank our three sponsors who have contributed towards our new playing shirts - Victoria Recovery, Braley Education Supplies and GladeKirk Ltd. You can follow the Baps on Facebook and Instagram or email bandplhc@gmail.com if you would like to find out more about us or fancy giving this great game a try. Lisa Whitehead

n SPORT

Taekwondo pair win gold A MARTIAL arts team from Thornbury is celebrating after its members won first place at a national competition. Kieran McDermott and Esme McCarthy from Thornbury Taekwondo Academy took part in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) competition in Hatfield, Hertfordshire in October. They won gold medals for sparring, while Esme also won silver for patterns in the Koreanbased martial art. Instructor Gavin Reader said he was proud of the students’ achievements. He said: “It takes courage to take part in a competition and I’m proud of the work they put in. “It’s lovely to return with so many medals. "But more importantly, they followed the Taekwondo tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.” Kieran is a 3rd degree black

Protect your family's inheritance Kieran McDermott and Esme McCarthy belt and Esme is a second-degree black belt. They both attend black belt clinics and squad training, as well as their weekly classes. The club was set up in 2001 by British, European and world title holder Vaughan Buxton. Classes are held at Thornbury Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday evenings, with black belt and squad training at Turnberrie's Community Centre every other weekend. For more information call 07866 685099 or visit the website thornburytkd.co.uk.

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fromevalleyvoice

December, 2023

n SPORT

Paris match celebrates Frampton's unique link xxx

FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC crossed the Channel for the latest match in their unique relationship with French club Parisis. It was another great weekend spent in Paris, strengthening the link that started in 1977 when Fram juniors made the trip to France for the first time. The juniors still continue with the relationship every May but it was the veterans who went over to Paris in November for a weekend of rugby, beer, cheese and great friendship. I would go as far to say there is probably no other club in the UK where this unique rugby experience occurs across juniors and seniors. The group left Frampton on a Friday morning and travelled over via the Eurostar to Parisis rugby club, where the players met their hosts and went off to their homes to settle in and freshen up.

(Above) The Frampton and Parisis players together after the match. (Right) Action from the game A lovely meal at a French restaurant followed before Saturday brought Le Crunch. This time Parisis Vieux Loups (Old Wolves) ran out 60-25 winners against the Fram

TOADs (Too Old And Decrepit) in a festival of rugby. Fram's Andy Kempson was man of the match. A gala dinner afterwards at the local town hall saw gifts and

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