Thornbury Voice November 2023 by Fromevalleyvoice

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November, 2023 Issue 78

FREE EVERY MONTH IN THORNBURY AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES

A winning team! Jailed for murder

A MAN who stabbed his friend to death after a drunken row in a Charfield pub has been jailed for life. PAGE 3

Inspector sacked THORNBURY In Bloom's work to make the town look beautiful has been recognised in the South West in Bloom 2023 awards. The group's volunteers, committee and award judges are shown in this picture on judging day by John Brimacombe. Full story: Page 6

Warning over car park charges PLANS by South Gloucestershire Council to bring in charges for its car parks will drive shoppers away from Thornbury, traders have warned. An end to free parking is one of a number of measures the council is considering, along with hikes in some existing charges and cuts to discounts on council tax bills, as it faces "incredibly difficult decisions" about its finances.

Thornbury Chamber of Commerce surveyed more than 2,000 people about the car park plan - and says 90% of those who responded said they would stop shopping in the town if charges were brought in at the five council-run car parks. The council is inviting residents to take part in its own online budget consultation. Full story: Pages 4 & 5

THE inspector in charge of Thornbury's neighbourhood policing team raped a woman in a hotel room, a misconduct panel has found. PAGE 2

Library stays put A DECISION taken nearly six years ago to move Thornbury library has been scrapped. PAGE 8

Switch-on returns THORNBURY'S annual Christmas lights switch-on event is coming back - for the first time in four Years. PAGE 9

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November, 2023

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A POLICE inspector raped a woman in a hotel room while he was offduty, a misconduct panel has found. Clive Summerill, who had been in charge of all South Gloucestershire's neighbourhood policing teams before the incident, has been sacked without notice for his "shocking and reprehensible" action. An Avon & Somerset police misconduct panel heard that Insp Summerill's actions were subject to a three-month criminal investigation by another police force, which has not been named. No further action was taken after it was decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges that could be proved beyond reasonable doubt, the test used in criminal cases. However the panel - which decides cases on the balance of probabilities - concluded that Insp Summerill had raped the woman. It found he took advantage of her when she was so drunk she could not remember the incident, but had awoken to find herself naked, knowing someone had had sex with her. Insp Summerill had denied the offence and alternative allegations of sexual assault and having sex with a person who was vulnerable due to intoxication. He claimed the woman had started kissing him, on a night when he was staying away from home in October 2021. Insp Summerill insisted he and the woman, who cannot be identified, did not have sexual intercourse, saying they had a “drunken fumble" but "more than a kiss and a cuddle”. The panel, led by a independent legally qualified chair (LQC), found that he raped the woman, and committed gross misconduct. Insp Summerill accepted a fourth allegation, that he had identified the woman to other people, but denied this amounted to misconduct. However, the panel disagreed. He was dismissed on the spot at the end of the five-day hearing on September 29. Insp Summerill had been the South Gloucestershire Neighbourhood Inspector since at least 2015. He was suspended three weeks after the allegation was made against him, on full pay. Avon & Somerset Constabulary head of professional standards Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “The panel, led by an independent LQC, has found that on the balance of probabilities – the burden of proof required at misconduct hearings – this officer committed rape against a woman. “This has been a complex and sensitive investigation and our priority has been to safeguard and support the woman involved, while carrying out a robust and thorough examination of the circumstances. “The panel’s findings mean this officer has committed a shocking and reprehensible act, and while there was insufficient evidence for criminal proceedings to be brought, he’s not fit to have the privilege of serving our communities and will be banned from holding another position in policing or law enforcement again. “We’ll keep shining a light into all corners of the organisation to ensure there’s no place for those who engage in predatory behaviour such as this to hide, and when allegations are made, they will be subject to rigorous and decisive examination with criminal and/or misconduct proceedings being instigated if the evidential thresholds are met." Insp Barny Mabbett has been appointed the force's new neighbourhood inspector following Insp Summerill's sacking. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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November, 2023

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Murderer stabbed friend to death after row A MAN who stabbed his friend to death after a drunken row in a Charfield pub has been jailed for life. Grant Bradley, aged 46, had denied murdering Marcus Dunkerton on a Friday night in June last year. But a jury found him guilty and Judge Peter Blair jailed him for life, with a minimum term of 23 years, at the end of September. The trial at Bristol Crown Court heard that Bradley and Mr Dunkerton, who was 40, had spent the evening of June 24 last year at the Railway Tavern in Wotton Road. Avon and Somerset police said Mr Dunkerton was told to leave by the landlady, after a drunken row ended with him punching Bradley and pushing Bradley’s partner. Bradley admitted going to Thames Close, where Mr Dunkerton lived with his partner and their young daughter. There he punched Mr Dunkerton, who was lying on a sofa, before stabbing him five times in the buttocks and leg. Bradley then left the house, despite Mr Dunkerton's partner's attempts to restrain him, and went to a house in Avon Road, where he was living at the time. Mr Dunkerton's partner called police and the ambulance service shortly before 11pm but he could not be saved, and died just before midnight.

Grant Bradley has been jailed for life A post-mortem examination later found that Mr Dunkerton had been stabbed five times and that the cause of death was the severing of one of his femoral arteries, the main blood vessel for each leg. Bradley was arrested on Manor Lane shortly after 11.30pm. He denied intending to cause serious harm or inflicting the fatal blow. The court heard that detectives tracked Bradley leaving the pub, going to his home in Avon Road, and then to Thames Close, using CCTV and doorbell camera footage. The prosecution said he went home to get a knife, although Bradley claimed he had the kitchen knife with him already,

and used it for work. Bradley, who gave an address in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, to the court, was convicted of murder. Afterwards, Detective Inspector Neil Meade of the Avon and Somerset police Major Crime Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said: "We may never know what triggered the dispute between these two friends, but it’s clear that alcohol played a significant part in the events leading up to Marcus’s death. "This has been an incredibly difficult time for Marcus’s family, and I would like to commend them for their dignity and support. "Marcus’s partner Nicola, especially, was cross-examined in court as Bradley tried to throw the blame on her - but the jury saw through this and determined that Grant Bradley alone was responsible for Marcus’s death." Afterwards Mr Dunkerton's family said they would never forgive Bradley for taking an "excellent father", whose loss had left "a huge hole in our lives". The family said: "Marcus was murdered in his family home, where he lived with his partner, daughter and two stepchildren. "Marcus was a much-loved partner, father, stepfather, son and brother, and he will be sadly missed by all of us. "As a family we are all now sentenced to a lifetime of being without him; there will be so

Marcus Dunkerton had been Bradley's friend many milestones and special occasions that Marcus will not see or be able to attend. "These occasions will be a constant reminder that he has been taken from us all. "He will never walk his daughter down the aisle when she gets married, he will never have the joy of becoming a grandfather. "Marcus was taken from us tragically and far too soon, in one senseless act of violence. "Our lives will never be the same without Marcus. "There isn’t a sentence that will make us feel better or bring Marcus back, but following a two-week harrowing trial, justice was finally served. "We will never forgive Grant Bradley for what he did."

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November, 2023

Charges would drive shoppers away from Thornbury, traders fear THORNBURY'S business organisation says shoppers will abandon Thornbury if South Gloucestershire Council brings in plans to start charging motorists to park in the town. The Thornbury Chamber of Commerce launched an online survey to gauge reaction to the idea after the council's cabinet said it was one of the ways under consideration to cut a £7.7 million funding gap. And it says the response was "overwhelming", with more than 2,000 people responding - and nine out of ten people saying they would stop shopping in the town if the charges go ahead. The chamber is calling on the council to reconsider the plan and look at "alternative revenue generation methods". South Gloucestershire Council runs off-street car parks at five

Thornbury's St Mary Street car park is one of five owned and operated by South Gloucestershire Council

sites in the town: Castle Court (long and short stay), Park Road, Rock Street (long and short stay), St Mary Street and Thornbury Leisure Centre, with a total of

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more than 880 spaces for cars, coaches and motorbikes. Chamber of Trade chair Aimee Winter-Tuck compiled a report on the online survey the group carried out after it was revealed that charges would be in the council's draft budget for next year. Her report said: "The majority of individuals...more than 90%, have indicated that they will cease using Thornbury shops if parking charges are implemented. "Furthermore, serious concerns have been raised regarding access to essential services, such as GP services and baby hubs, if parking fees are introduced. "General practitioners have written to disclose their serious concerns over health inequality for low income families trying to access basic healthcare services." Aimee said every single one of the online forms submitted to the chamber's survey - all within a 24-hour period - was against the plan for charges. People said it would have a "negative impact" on their daily lives and the local economy. The report said if people stopped using the shops, "this could potentially have a detrimental effect on the local economy and lead to a decline in business for local retailers, which we have already witnessed during the High Street and car park resurfacing work". Charges for people who rely

on their cars to access essential services, particularly those with young children or mobility issues, raised "severe concern for health inequality". People responding to the survey said parking charges would be "an unfair additional financial burden on residents who are already living in financial crisis". There were also fears that charges would discourage people from visiting the town, "impacting its already fractured community spirit". The report also raised concerns about people parking in streets outside the town centre and walking in to avoid charges, with possible effects on road safety and congestion in residential streets. Citing the "overwhelming opposition and serious concerns" expressed by the public, the chamber is urging the council to reconsider the idea of charges and look for alternatives, with the report concluding: "The large number of document submissions expressing strong opposition to the proposed car park charges, along with concerns about their impact on local businesses and access to essential services, underscores the need for a thorough revaluation of this proposal. "The council should prioritise the well-being and interests of its residents, while seeking sustainable solutions for funding without causing undue hardship."

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Public asked to help choose charges or cuts AN end to free parking, hikes in charges and cuts to discounts on council tax bills are all on the table as South Gloucestershire Council faces "incredibly difficult decisions" about its finances. The council needs to fill a £7.7 million hole in its finances before setting next year's budget and council tax. It has launched a series of consultations asking residents how money can be saved, from introducing charges for on and off-street car parking to cutting black bin collections and library opening hours. The prospect of introducing car parking charges has already sparked a fierce row between the council's Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition and opposition Conservatives over who is to blame. A draft budget was approved in October, proposing an end to free parking, doubling green bin charges, a new admin fee for disabled blue-badge holders and a 20% rise in the cost of burial rights at cemeteries. The proposals are now open for public consultation. Consultants say a proposed increase in the garden waste charges from £30 to £60 would raise £1.3 million a year. The report said introducing car park charges would raise £1.5m to £2m a year, following set-up costs of up to £800,000, but further work was needed to consider details such as whether long and short stay charges and resident permit schemes were needed. Council co-leaders Claire Young (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) and Ian Boulton (Labour, Staple Hill and Mangotsfield) said they wanted the consultation to be meaningful but agreed the savings and

Council leader Claire Young and co-leader Ian Boulton say the authority faces some "incredibly difficult decisions" revenue targets would be “frustrating” for many residents. Cllr Young said: “We are going to be able to balance our budget for the coming year, but not without taking some incredibly difficult decisions that will affect much-loved and relied-upon services. “We do have choices ahead, but none of them will be easy. “The reality is that councils across the country are badly underfunded by central government, who seem content to pass the responsibility for increasing amounts of services onto local authorities without the money to pay for them, and to blame councils for increasing council taxes to balance the books."

Cllr Boulton added: "We will have to prioritise, and that’s why we want to talk to and hear from residents during the consultations to come, about how they want us to act on their behalf." Arguments about who is to blame for proposed parking charges boiled over when the draft budget was approved on October 5. The Lib Dem-Labour coalition says the budget approved in February, before control of the authority changed hands at May’s local elections, included £7m of “income generating targets” for next year, with up to £2m from parking charges. Opposition Conservatives accused the coalition of “spreading deliberate mistruths” by pinning the proposed fees on the former Tory administration. Tory group leader Cllr Sam Bromiley said: “I can categorically state on the record now that the budget approved by council in February did not seek to introduce car parking charges in South Gloucestershire. “The budget contained a review of some potential income generating schemes with the aim of identifying other opportunities to raise income, but when parking charges were raised during the resource allocation process, we Conservatives, when in administration, chose to remove it. “To paint us as the architects of parking charges is incredibly dishonest.” But Cllr Young insisted: “Officers have assured us that the income generation targets assume the inclusion of parking charges.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Council wants your views SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has launched a total of four consultations where it is asking residents their views on cuts or charges. *The main budget consultation runs until December 8 and asks people their views on introducing car parking charges, bringing in a £10 charge for blue badges for disabled drivers and increasing charges relating to burials and house purchases. Cuts to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, a discount for low-income households, are also being proposed. The consultation also includes questions on whether some services should be stopped, more services transferred to parish councils and community groups and

whether council working practices should be changed. People are also asked their preferred level of council tax rise for next year, from a freeze to a 4.99% rise - the maximum allowed - and which areas the council should prioritise to tackle inequality. *A household waste consultation asks people whether they would be prepared to have their black bins collected every three or four weeks and what effect this change would have on them. It runs until January 7. *A library savings consultation asks people how often they use their local library, which services they use and whether staffed opening hours or the budget for books should be cut, along with

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ideas for "other ways we could save money from within our library services". It runs until January 10. *A late night street lighting consultation, also running until January 10, asks people if they would support dimming the district's street lights by varying amounts in the middle of the night and whether some areas should be prioritised for brighter lighting at the expense of others. All of the consultations can be found on the consultations page of the council's website, consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ consult.ti. People who are not online can call 01454 868009 for help.

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November, 2023

Cup triumph for Thornbury in Bloom THORNBURY in Bloom volunteers are celebrating winning a gold award and the coveted Portman Cup in the annual RHS South West in Bloom awards. The town's displays beat off strong competition from rivals and previous winners Wellington, Tiverton and Brixham to win its category at this year's awards, announced in Truro Cathedral in October. Co-chairs Jean Owen and Fran Sparrow, who led the team and accepted the trophy, said the award was for everyone who helped in any way. Jean said: "This has been a challenging year, and to be recognised with these awards is a real achievement." Jean said the group's "real achievement" is the community involvement built in the town, from working with local schools growing vegetables through to fundraising, weeding, planting and dead-heading. She said: "There is a role for everybody, whatever your experience or time you have to spare. "Our projects depend on the practical and financial support of local businesses and the generosity of people in our community. "Of particular note this year is Thornbury Castle - their tranquil gardens are a joy and were recognised in our remarkable results. "Many thanks to all of our supporters." The judges also highlighted Rock Street Gardens, with its feature displays on two boats, Annie and Betty, opposite the Anchor pub, as an example of outstanding horticulture. But new volunteers are now needed to carry on the work. A Thornbury in Bloom spokesperson said: "This team have dedicated their Thursdays for many years and some need a rest now, so if you have a horticultural passion then maybe you could help continue these projects into the future. "Linking what we do as a group to other

Thornbury in Bloom co-chairs Fran Sparrow and Jean Owen with supporters and South West in Bloom chairman Jon Wheatley, at the awards ceremony in Truro Cathedral. horticultural, environmental and cultural initiatives ongoing in the town has the greatest impact. "From the regular litter picking to various projects including the butterfly banks, wildflower meadows, community composting and planting a wildlife hedge, there is a lot going on across many different groups, and Thornbury can be very proud!" Both Jean and Fran have been involved in Thornbury in Bloom for more than 30 years, and are looking for a new, enthusiastic chair or co-chairs to take the group forward. The group is also looking for a new secretary, other committee members and more hands-on volunteers to "refresh the

Members of the Federation Farmers Club at Crossways School tending to the school allotment

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passion and enthusiasm of the TiB team for the future". The spokesperson added: "Donations are very important, however, this is a crucial time for our group and we really want to keep the powerful visual theme alive in our town. "Can you help us to keep Thornbury in Bloom…blooming?" Anyone who would like to help shape and inspire the group into its next season is being invited to get in touch via Facebook, email thornburyinbloom@yahoo.co.uk, visit T&J Owen on The Plain or come to the group's annual meeting on November 28 at The Swan in Thornbury High Street, at 7.30pm.

Annie & Betty, the boats opposite the Anchor pub, planted with tulips for a spring display

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November, 2023

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Schools' travel plans win top awards TWO Thornbury schools have been praised for their work to persuade more families to leave their cars behind on the school run. St Mary's C of E Primary School and the Castle School have picked up Modeshift awards as part of a national scheme to recognise excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of "sustainable travel". St Mary's won a bronze Modeshift STARS award for initiatives including an active travel zone map on its website, xxxwhich which shows families places are a five or ten minute walk away. Parents who come from further away are encouraged to 'park and stride' by leaving their car outside the five-minute 'bubble' around the school and walking, cycling or scooting the rest of the way. Walking bubble stickers are placed on lamp posts to show where the five-minute journey begins. The school has also held a 'golden lock' competition, where children who cycle or scoot to school win a prize, if a golden bike lock is placed on their bike or scooter. Modeshift lead Katy Thain said: "We took part in a number of interesting and impactful initiatives in the last school academic year to achieve this Bronze award and we now hope to build on these activities to work towards achieving the Silver award."

St Mary's head teacher Samantha Gillman with school Modeshift lead Katy Thain and pupils Castle School has become the only secondary school in South Gloucestershire to earn a gold award for its travel plan. Deputy head teacher Katherine Wilson said: "This recognition comes after a very successful active travel year, when we attended the National School Travel Awards finals in London. "The staff and students have continued to work very hard, putting in a great deal of effort and commitment to achieving positive change. "We will continue to encourage our students and their families to adopt healthy and sustainable forms of travel as we begin our campaign to achieve the platinum award with an outstanding travel plan. "The impact of our ongoing work on active travel has been an increase in the number of students who are engaged in

Staff and pupils of the Castle School celebrate their gold award

making healthier and more environmentally friendly choices which benefits both well-being and reduces carbon emissions." Across South Gloucestershire there are now 30 schools involved in the active travel scheme, which it joined in 2020,

placing the authority third in the Modeshift STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) league table. The council is funding new infrastructure to help support more active travel for schools gaining Modeshift STARS accreditation by the end of the year, with bronze schools receiving £500, silver £3,000, gold £4,000 and platinum schools £5,000. The money can be spent on items including scooter and bike storage, lockers, shelters and seating. Cabinet councillor Louise Harris said: "Congratulations to all of the pupils and schools that have taken part in this fantastic initiative to encourage more healthy and sustainable travel. I’m pleased that their hard work has been recognised with these impressive awards."

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November, 2023

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Library move to community centre scrapped A DECISION taken nearly six years ago to move Thornbury library has been scrapped. South Gloucestershire Council’s previous Conservative administration approved the service’s relocation from its current building in St Mary Street to Turnberrie's Community Centre back in December 2017, but it has been left hanging ever since. Now the Liberal Democrat/Labour coalition which took over in May has overturned the decision, which proved unpopular during the original public consultation, because it stands in the way of other potential plans to develop the community centre. But a complete revamp is needed for the current library building, which officers say is in "poor condition". A report to cabinet on October 5 said the council was working with the Armstrong Hall and Turnberries Trusts on a number of options for the community centre in Bath Road. It said: “The current commitment to relocate the library into Turnberries restricts this process and revocation of the current cabinet decision is required in order to progress the business case. “Once the business case has been completed and a decision reached on the future of Turnberries, a new options report for the replacement of Thornbury library will be developed.” Ward councillor and cabinet member Maggie Tyrrell said she welcomed the decision. Cllr Tyrrell told the meeting: “I suspect xxxx that most people in the town are completely oblivious of the fact that the previous decision still stood. “Since 2017 we’ve had about 1,000 new houses added to the town, so those people won’t be aware of it at all. “The original decision was accompanied by a consultation that overwhelmingly said

Thornbury Library in St Mary Street people in the town didn’t want the library to move to Turnberries, so hopefully this decision will prove to be very popular. “It will also give us a bit more flexibility on how we deal with the property, and for Turnberries it will allow them to plan its future without being inhibited by the uncertainty that surrounded the fact that the library was supposed to move in there but hasn’t.” Cabinet member for resources Adam Monk (Labour, Filton) said: “There is an opportunity to consult again with the public in Thornbury and understand what they’re looking for so we can identify a solution that works for the local people.” He said the council’s capital programme for major projects included the assumption of money coming in from the sale of the library building in St Mary Street, so this cash would have to be found from elsewhere if the library did not relocate.

The cabinet report said: “Over the last 10 years there has been a programme of works updating and refurbishing libraries. “Funding to carry out works to Thornbury library was set aside, but due to the long-term viability of the current building, Thornbury remained the only library where no work was carried out. “The building is in poor condition.” It said the property required a new roof, windows and “complete replacement of electrical services together with works to the heating system and other upgrades”, adding: "In addition there is evidence of some potential structural issues which are currently being investigated." The report did not say what the options might be for Turnberries’ future use. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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November, 2023

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Christmas switchon is back THORNBURY'S annual Christmas lights switch-on event is coming back this year - for the first time in four years. Thornbury Christmas Lights Association, which organises the display and the switch-on, has announced that the celebration in the high Street will take place on Tuesday November 21. There will be a community market, organised with Love Thornbury, from 5pm, with the lights being switched on at 7pm. Although light displays continued through the pandemic, the last time a celebration event was held was back in 2019. Since then the High Street has been transformed by a major and controversial series of changes introduced by South Gloucestershire Council, and the TCLA says that this means the traditional funfair accompanying

the switch-on will not be able to take place. TCLA spokesperson Emma Jane Higgins said it would be a "welcome return" for the event after so many years away. She said: "We cannot wait to return to a switch-on event and bring so much festive cheer to the local community! "Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates or drop us an email with any queries at thornburychristmaslights@ gmail.com. "Unfortunately, due to the current position of the works on the High Street and the uncertainty in regards to the timeline of these developments, we will not be able to host a funfair as we have in previous years."

The Thornbury Pump lit up for a previous Christmas lights display

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November, 2023

40 fire service jobs to go in 'dangerous' cuts COUNCILLORS have "reluctantly" approved She said: "In a house fire, a fifth person is plans to decimate Avon’s full-time frontline a crucial safety measure who monitors our air firefighters - despite warnings that it will put supply and sends vital messages back to our lives and homes at risk. incident commander. At the scene of a road Avon Fire Authority's committee heard 40 traffic collision, all five crew play a vital role." posts needed to be cut to plug a £2 million South Gloucestershire councillor Ben budget gap. Nutland (Lib Dem, Yate North) said: Members said it was the “least worst "Reluctantly we are going to have to do this option”, because it meant no fire stations or because by law we have to have a balanced fire engines would be lost. budget – I will hate myself for doing this." But the Fire Brigades Union told the Bristol city councillor Richard Eddy (Con, meeting on October 4 that the cuts would Bishopsworth) said: “I don’t believe a single endanger both residents and crews. member around this table wants to receive FBU Avon brigade secretary Amanda this report today or make this decision." Mills said householders would be left without He said the cuts were "the least worst adequate cover and that firefighters’ safety option". in life-or-death situations was on the line Fire authority chairwoman Brenda without the necessary resources. Massey (Lab, Southmead) said: “We all feel She told the meeting at Avon Fire & similar about this – it’s not something we Rescue Service headquarters in Portishead: would want to do but we have to do it and we “The reduction of 40 firefighters amounts to will make the best out of it that we possibly just over 10% of whole-time frontline staff. can.” “Should your constituents, who we serve, Chief fire officer Simon Shilton said: "In accept these dangerous cuts?” an ideal world we would not have to make Ms Mills said the savings, which would these difficult decisions but unfortunately the be made largely through reducing crew sizes harsh reality is that we must take the funding from five to four on water tender ladders that we have and find innovative ways to use our attend incidents, would have a huge impact. resources. WB Generic ads 2023 AW.qxp_Layout 1 30/03/2023 10:33 Page 4

“We will not compromise firefighter safety, we will work with trade unions to ensure we put the right policies and procedures in place while finding these efficiency savings.” The job cuts will be made over the next three years by not replacing retiring firefighters, rather than redundancies. Members voted 12-2, with one abstention, in favour of having four personnel on every pumping appliance at wholetime stations, apart from Hicks Gate, whose ladder vehicles would remain at five. After the meeting FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said the union would "fiercely resist" the cuts. Regional secretary Dave Roberts said the authority had "voted to put cost-cutting before public and firefighter safety", adding: “Firefighters across the region are furious at this shameful decision." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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November, 2023

n NEWS

Bridge closures

Footballers injured as team bus is hit by stolen car POLICE are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage of a crash in Alveston which put three members of a football club in hospital. Two stolen cars were involved in the collision, which caused a minibus carrying members of the Roman Glass St George FC first team and coaching staff back from a match on October 6. Avon & Somerset police said emergency services were called to Old Gloucester Road at around 11.20pm to the collision, which also involved a third car. A spokesperson said: "Two people were taken to hospital with suspected broken bones. No injuries are thought to be lifethreatening or life changing. "One person was arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing to locate two other people who left the scene before police arrived. "It is believed two of the

vehicles involved, two Mitsubishi Outlanders, were stolen from outside the force area." After the crash Roman Glass St George, who play in the Hellenic Premier League - the same division as Thornbury Town released a statement, which said: "Two stolen vehicles were racing and driving erratically and despite our team bus driver taking evasive action, one of the stolen cars collided with our bus, causing it to overturn. "Emergency services attended the scene and two players, Louis Ward and Shea Mannings, along with Assistant Manager Tony Beecham, sustained injuries that require hospital admission and treatment. "Other players and back room staff, including Lewis LeighGilchrist, Tom Goard, Charlie Saunders, Aidan Sanfelice, Christian Summerill and Finley Cummings, whilst badly shaken,

escaped relatively unscathed. "We would also like to say a special thanks to the emergency services who first responded to the incident and the staff of our NHS who have looked after those injured." The incident happened as the team returned from an away fixture at Longlevens, near Gloucester, which they had won 1-0. Goodwill messages came in from clubs, players and fans across the region, including from Thornbury Town. The three injured men were released from hospital the following day, while the club cancelled its fixtures for two weeks after the incident. Police have called on anyone with dashcam footage of the incident, or any other information about the circumstances to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5223 244 474.

DRIVERS are being warned to expect more closures of the Severn Bridge. National Highways, which us in charge of the bridge carrying the M48 from Aust to Beachley, says the bridge will be closed in both directions from 6am on Saturday November 4 until 8pm the next day, and again from 6am on Saturday November 11 until 8pm the following day. National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, Chris Pope, said: “It is important we carry out the resurfacing work now to tackle a number of deteriorating patches on the road as the cold and wintry weather could accelerate the damage and lead to unplanned, emergency repairs. “The M48 Severn Bridge needs a specialist surfacing material which takes longer to apply than that traditionally used on roads." Diversions are via the M4.

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n NEWS

November, 2023

Awards for people who make a difference A FUNDRAISER from Yate and a Street Marshall from Chipping Sodbury have been honoured at a charity award ceremony. Sarah Hitchins raised £65,000 for the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal for Bristol Children’s Hospital. She was highly commended in the BBC Make a Difference local radio awards. John Scully was nominated for his work helping keep Sodbury’s streets peaceful and safe, and was also honoured at the event. Sarah, who works as assistant manager at the Horsehoe pub in Chipping Sodbury, was nominated by the landlady Joanne Lewis. Joanne said Sarah had been tirelessly fund raising for 14 years, with raffles, gin nights and discos. Joanne said: “She has been fundraising with no recognition all these years and I thought that was very impressive. “She was doing it with her father, Jerry Milner, who she has tragically lost earlier this year to a heart attack. But Sarah has managed to find the strength through the tears to continue without him and hit the remarkable target of £65,000. “I nominated her so she would know local people care about what she has been doing.” Sarah said she started fundraising to help people in the community who needed a hand. On top of the £65,000 for the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal, she has also raised money for countless other local causes,

Sarah Hitchins with her award including a local person’s electric wheelchair, school events and more. She said: “I like to help local charities and local people. I try to do events everyone can join in with, like a Disney kids disco, or a cocktail night for the adults. “I just enjoy doing it, it is nice to get people together for a good at the same time raise awareness and funds for a charity. “My dad was my main supporter and always helped with any fundraising, and came along. He was 72 when he died, so my next target is to reach £72,000 to say thanks to him.” At the same event, at Weston-super-

Mare's Grand Pier, Street Marshall John Scully was honoured in the bravery category, for his work on Chipping Sodbury High Street, tirelessly ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the public and local community. The commendation said: “His commitment to public safety has not gone unnoticed, as he has played a vital role in maintaining order and security in the heart of the town.” He was nominated by Gabrielle Davis, general manager of the George Hotel and Chair of Chipping Sodbury Pub Watch, who described him as a “true hero”. She said over the years John has demonstrated unwavering dedication to his role. He has broken up fights, provided first aid, and even disarmed a man with a suspected firearm. John said he was honoured to be recognised for the award. He said: "I love Chipping Sodbury and I've always believed in looking out for others. "To be recognized for doing what I love is a tremendous privilege." The BBC Make a Difference Awards were launched during the pandemic in 2020. Each BBC Local Radio station asks listeners to nominate local heroes, and hosts an award event. You can learn more about Sarah’s fund raising at the Horseshoe’s Facebook page.

New school gets planning permission PLANS for a new school for children with special educational needs at Rudgeway have been approved. Witherslack Group, a

provider of special educational needs schools, to convert Silverhill, a large old house on the A38 into a school earlier this year.

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The group's application to South Gloucestershire planners is for a school for up to 50 pupils aged nine to 19. It involves changing use from offices to a school, and building two detached outbuildings as classrooms, and creation of an outdoor multi-use games area. The company, which says it is a “leading provider of specialist education for children and young people” has also advertised on its website for a new head teacher for the school. The website says the school is due to open in the Autumn of 2023. It says: “This new school will be a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school, catering primarily for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs but also providing for children with

autism who have moderate learning needs. “The school will provide education for up to 50 children aged 8 to 16.” A total of eight objections were sent to the council’s planning portal, with eight people writing in support. Concerns raised included the impact on wildlife and extra traffic. The building was used as a school from 1949 until 1992, when the former Silverhill School moved to Swan Lane in Winterbourne, and closed in 2020. More recently the building has been used as offices. South Gloucestershire Council planning officers approved the plan using delegated powers, with a series of conditions.

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November, 2023

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n NEWS

Celebrating best of Thornbury THORNBURY'S third annual Fun Palace event brought hundreds of people together to celebrate the best the town's community has to offer. The event on October 7 saw local people, groups and businesses share their skills and passions with 33 free activities, staged across eight locations around the St Mary Centre, High Street, leisure centre, and The Pod. The event was organised by town charity JIGSAW and funded by South Gloucestershire Council, with support from groups and businesses including Krunch Southwest, Thornbury Rotary, Brain Tumour Support and the Swan pub. Deputy town mayor Helen Ball, who met visitors and joined in with activities on the day, said: "I’ve had a fantastic day going round all the different activities that have been put on. "It’s great to see children and adults having fun and joining in with this free, local event. "Thank you to everyone who made it happen and well done to the community planning team and JIGSAW Thornbury for coordinating. I am looking forward to the fourth Thornbury Fun Palace next year!” Thornbury Library reported a big increase in visitors for activities including Lego making, U3A family history and photography demonstrations. Visitors could try street dance, crafts, graffiti spraying and free food at Krunch's base at The Pod and a taster activities at

Thornbury Leisure Centre. The St Mary Centre hosted a sparkle photo booth from Brain Tumour Support, yoga, well-being sessions, free bike servicing and soft play sessions. Entertainment was provided by Thornbury Radio and steel band Panache, with refreshments from JIGSAW Thornbury’s young volunteers' community café. JIGSAW Thornbury chief executive Hattie Clayton said: "Thornbury Fun Palaces is a brilliant celebration of everything our community has to offer, bringing people together to try new things and have fun. "As a charity based in the heart of the community, it provides the perfect opportunity for us to raise awareness of challenges our families face and the unique strengths that children and young people with additional needs or disabilities bring." The day also included a 'Wildflower Blitz' day at Mundy playing field organised by Thornbury Town Council's climate and nature officer Ming Yan Cheung, who said: "People from diverse backgrounds and ages came together, sowing the seeds of change and making the day an absolute triumph. "With seeds planted and smiles all around, we are now eagerly awaiting the field's transformation into a colourful, biodiverse wonderland. It's a canvas painted with hope for a greener, more vibrant future!"

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Top: Panache steel band entertained visitors to the St Mary Centre Above: Children spray painting records at Krunch Below left: JIGSAW staff and volunteers with the deputy mayor Helen Ball Below right: Holly Carter from Live Music Now plays an interactive concert at Thornbury Baptist Church. All pictures: RichMcD Photography

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November, 2023

n LOCAL MP

We must keep parking free in Thornbury FREE parking in South Gloucestershire Council has been something residents from Thornbury and the Severn villages have been able to rely on for years. It supports local families, businesses and improves access for vulnerable people in our community. So it is extremely disappointing that South Gloucestershire have proposed introducing parking charges in council-owned car parks. For communities such as Thornbury, Alveston and the surrounding villages, free parking is a lifeline. For those who cannot get a bus to our local shopping

centres and for families with their young children, the opportunity to park up in our council-owned car parks like Rock Street and Castle Car Park, and not have to pay, makes a huge difference. And equally for our local businesses, free car parking is a huge boost, ensuring regular footfall and encouraging customers to use local services. The council’s choice to remove free parking will be another blow for Thornbury High Street. All these car parking charges are going to do is punish local businesses by making customers shop and visit elsewhere, force cars to

park in all the surrounding residential roads rather than in designated car parks, and reduce access for some of the most vulnerable residents in South Gloucestershire. This feels like just another way to penalise motorists, undermine our local businesses and damage our High Street economy. I have launched a petition, calling on the council to stop the car parking charges, and to keep parking free. The petition will be submitted directly to South Gloucestershire Council, and I will be clear they should reverse this decision, and keep the pledge they made in their local

Luke Hall MP writes for Thornbury Voice

manifestos to protect free car parking. It really is time to give Thornbury a break. South Gloucestershire has always been the best place in the country to live, work and start a business. We must keep it that way.

At Beech House care home in Thornbury, the safety, care and well-being of our residents are at the centre of everything we do. If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Thornbury. • Competitive prices for high standards of quality • Idyllic garden & grounds • Fully automated care plan & medication systems • Adapted wheelchair cars available for all

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November, 2023

n NEWS

£160,000 sport grants SPORTS facilities and public open spaces in Alveston are among those receiving more than £160,000 for new facilities and improvements from developers. The money has been secured by South Gloucestershire Council as part of legal deals connected to planning permission for developments at Costers Close and Quarry Road in Alveston, Hornbeam Close in Bradley Stoke, and Broad Lane in Yate. Alveston Parish council is being given finding for three projects: A total of £51,650 towards the building and running of a pump track, associated planting scheme and footpaths at Lime Kiln Field, £17,823 towards the creation of a nature garden at Alveston Down open space, £993 towards the creation of a breakout space at Alveston allotments. The rest of the funding is for announced in October is for projects in Bradley Stoke and Yate, including a basketball court and outdoor gym at the Jubilee Green playing fields in Bradley Stoke,

facilities for disability athletics at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex and play improvements at Millside Play Zone, Yate. Councillor Leigh Ingham, cabinet member for communities and local place at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “It’s great that we’ve managed to negotiate this funding from developers. Accessibility for disabled athletics, sports provision, improving open spaces – these are all really important things. “It’s vital that developers contribute towards the infrastructure needed when they build a new development. This funding means even more people can enjoy being active where they live.” It follows an earlier announcement of almost £1 million to help fund new facilities in Frenchay. Frenchay Cricket Club will build a new pavilion, while next door Downend & Frenchay Tennis Club will build a club house.

Fight against 'poverty premium' THE poorest tenants in South Gloucestershire could be automatically put onto the cheapest energy tariffs after the council passed a motion to fight the “poverty premium”. Councillors voted in favour of proposals to stop residents on the lowest incomes being forced to pay more for essential services such as bills, loans, insurance and cash machines. The Liberal Democrat motion was backed by Labour while opposition Conservatives abstained, saying they supported it in principle but that it lacked details, such as the cost of the work to the local authority and officer time required. A council meeting on October 18 was told one in five lowincome households in the district had to fork out an average of £400 more each year – collectively nearly £9 million in total – than their more affluent neighbours via expensive prepaid meters, more expensive credit and a lack of free-to-use cash machines, known as the "poverty premium". Council leader Claire Young said: “We cannot stand idle

while a significant portion of our community is unfairly burdened with extra costs.” Cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and public health Alison Evans (Lab, Woodstock) said people without access to a car were more likely to shop at corner shops than cheaper supermarkets - and also bought a higher proportion of cheaper processed food, leading to "unhealthy children and unhealthy families". The motion called on the government to address the additional costs for the poorest residents urgently, and committed the council to take local action, including working with social and private landlords to ensure every tenant is placed automatically onto the cheapest suitable energy tariff. Ben Burton (Con, Frenchay & Downend) said: “My fear is that the rushed nature of this motion with insufficient details has the potential to inadvertently harm vital services or activities that are supporting the most vulnerable in our communities." By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Bus shelter unveiled A NEW bus shelter has been installed on Thornbury High Street - but passengers are facing a long wait for a regular bus service. South Gloucestershire Council posted a picture of the new stop, which has a grass roof, on its Facebook page and said: "Community transport providers are already using the stop, however it is not currently in use for scheduled bus services." Comments on the announcement made by visitors to the page included: "You need the shelter, as you will be stood there all day waiting for a bus!" Another comment said: "You have to admire their sense of humour." The stop is part of the council's controversial programme of changes to the High Street, which includes banning through traffic, widening pavements and adding new street furniture. An agreement to allow buses to use the street was made around two years ago - but as yet no scheduled routes have been returned to the road. The new bus shelter in Thornbury High Street has a grassed roof - but no scheduled services

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n WHAT'S ON

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NOVEMBER 4 n THORNBURY ROUND TABLE FIREWORKS DISPLAY, Mundy Playing Fields, 5.30-9pm. Children's display 6.30pm, main display 7.30pm. Tickets available online from tinyurl.com/3xb2d8ka. More information from thornbury@ roundtable.org.uk.

RAILWAY CLUB 55TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION, Turnberrie's Community Centre. Open 10am-5pm Saturday, 10 am-4pm Sunday. Featuring 18 layouts, traders and preservation societies. Refreshments available. Entry £8 adults, £3 children (5-16), £18 family. More information at www.tsgmrc.co.uk.

NOVEMBER 10 n CASTLE SCHOOL FRIENDS QUIZ NIGHT, 7.30pm at the school. Tickets £5 per person, under-16s free, on the door only. Teams of up to six people, with pop-up drinks and snack bar available. All profits go directly to the school.

NOVEMBER 18 n THORNBURY BAPTIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR, 11am-3pm. Over 30 stalls with crafts, gifts and Christmas decorations. Hot drinks, cakes, light lunches and cream teas. All money raised goes to charity Project Possible. More details from Sue Dunn on 01454 416503.

NOVEMBER 10 n THORNBURY PICTURE HOUSE PRESENTS ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall, doors 7pm. 2022 version of bestseller by Erich Maria Remarque. Members free. Guests £5. More information at www.thornburypicturehouse.org. NOVEMBER 11 n THORNBURY VOLUNTEER CENTRE CHRISTMAS TABLE TOP SALE, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 10am-1pm. Cards, local produce, hand-made gifts, crafts and vintage items. Teas, coffees, home-made cakes and a giant Christmas raffle. Free entry. NOVEMBER 12 n ARMSTRONG ARTS GROUP YOUNG PERSONS' CONCERT, United Reformed Church in Chapel Street, Thornbury, 3pm. Featuring highly talented young musicians and presented by Michael Lunts. Tickets £7.50, £5 for under-16s, with tea and cakes in the interval. Contact AAGThornbury@gmail. com for more details. NOVEMBER 14 n EASTWOOD GARDENERS' CLUB, TURNBERRIE'S, 7.30pm. Speaker will be Ruth Chivers, on the National Garden Scheme in Gloucestershire. Doors open 7pm, visitors welcome. NOVEMBER 16 n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP, Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm. Illustrated talk by Richard Box: 'Flora: the Language of Flowers'. More details from Sally on 07946 508316. NOVEMBER 18-19 n THORNBURY & SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MODEL

NOVEMBER 21 n THORNBURY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SWITCH-ON EVENT. Community market opens 5pm, switch-on at 7pm. More details from thornburychristmaslights@gmail.com. NOVEMBER 22 n ALVESTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Alveston Methodist Church, 7.30pm. History of 'Fishmonger's Swallet' cave in Alveston, with David Hardwick. Visitors welcome - entry £5. NOVEMBER 25 n THORNBURY CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT, St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, 7.30pm. With choir, solo and string performances. Tickets £18 advance, £20 on the door, including refreshments. Email tickets@thornburychoralsociety. org.uk, call 01454 417865 or visit Horders from November 13. more details at www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk. NOVEMBER 25 n THORNBURY AND DISTRICT CANCER RESEARCH UK COMMITTEE QUIZ NIGHT with fish & chip supper, 7.15pm, Manorbrook Primary School, Park Road, Thornbury. Tickets £12.50, including food and entry, from Gill Blackborough on 07866 580608. No bar - BYO drink, glasses provided. NOVEMBER 30 n THORNBURY & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, 6.30pm. Christmas is Coming floral demonstration by Delyth Price. Tickets £10, available on the door or by calling 07855 266203 to reserve in advance. Raffle, refreshments and sales stalls.

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November, 2023

n LIBRARY NEWS Thornbury Library is hosting U3A Artwork from November 22 to 30 original pieces available for Christmas. Ukrainian storytime sessions take place every Monday at 4pm. Zoya, a Ukrainian teacher, shares stories, reading and more from Ukraine. The Have You Read book club meets on November 3 from 2-3pm no set novel, just drop in for refreshments and a chat about books. Lego club meets every Saturday from 9.30-10.30am - no booking required. Rhymetime takes place every Monday and Friday, from 9.30-10am. A computer volunteer is ready to help with your IT and online questions on Thursday mornings, with one-to-one sessions available from 9.30am. People can enjoy a free hot drink in the library every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday from 9.30am-4pm, use the computers or WiFi with your own iPad or phone, read a book, a newspaper, browse the shelves, enjoy a communal puzzle or just relax The library is open 9.30am-5.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9.30am-12.30pm on Saturday. Open access is from 8am-7.30pm every day. For bookings and home library service call 01454 868006, email thornbury.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit the website www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries.

REGULAR EVENTS Monday n SEVERN VALE FLOWER CLUB meets on the second Monday in the month at 2pm in St Mary's Hall in Eastbury Close, Thornbury, for classes, demonstrations and competitions. For more information contact Sally on ssjjtaylor@hotmail. co.uk or Hazel on 01454 885213. Tuesday n THORNBURY ART CLUB MONTHLY CLUB NIGHT, every fourth Tuesday, 7.15pm, St Mary’s Church Hall. Visitors welcome. Nonmembers £5. Tuesday and Thursday painting groups weekly at same venue, 1.30-4.30pm. Wednesday painting studio, 7.30pm, Alveston Methodist Church Hall. Call 01454 414433 or email chairthornburyart@gmail.com for further details. n CITIZENS ADVICE South Gloucestershire sessions at Thornbury Town Hall Tuesday 10amnoon. No appointment needed. n JUST SEW IT SEWING CLUB, every Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm at the Chantry Community and Arts Centre Castle Street, Thornbury. Come along and sew with others bring your sewing machine & materials/ pattern. Call Carrie 07753 236095. n THORNBURY MEMORY CAFE is open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (except Au-

gust) from 10.15am until 11.45am. Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury. For information contact Sue Rowley on 01454 412941 or Louise Wright on 01454 260371. n SUNBEAMS TODDLER GROUP, 1.30-3pm every Tuesday in term time, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall (off Castle Court). All families welcome, no need to book, £2 per family includes snack and drink. Thursday n THORNBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, Thornbury URC, Chapel Street, 1-3pm. For info visit www.goodafternoonchoir.org, email gac@grenvillemusic.co.uk or call 01761 472468. Friday n HAVEN MEMORY CAFE, Thornbury United Reformed Church, Chapel Street, first and third Fridays of the month from 10.15-11.45am. More details from Stuart Hill on 07913 241437 or Sue Walton 07794 370903. Saturday n THORNBURY PARKRUN, 9am, Mundy Playing Fields. Free. Sunday n THORNBURY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION branch meeting, last Sunday of the month at the Black Horse, Gillingstool, Thornbury, noon.

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November, 2023

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n ARTS Thornbury Choral Society

Thornbury Picture House

THORNBURY Choral Society are preparing to perform their first concert of the 2023/24 season. The concert will take place at St Mary’s Church in Thornbury on Saturday November 25 at 7.30pm. The soloists are Rosanne Harris (soprano) and James Geidt (bass). Directed by their conductor, Steven Kings, the choir will sing Brahms’ German Requiem in English. The two soloists will be performing Zweistimmige Opus 63 by Mendelssohn and the Thornbury Camerata will play String Symphony No 10, in B Minor, also by Mendelssohn. Tickets cost £18 prebooked or £20 on the door, including refreshments, and are available by email at tickets@ thornburychoralsociety.org.uk or phone on 01454 417865, or from Horders stationers from November 13. For more details visit the website www. thornburychoralsociety.org.uk. Angela Hughes

AHEAD of Remembrance Sunday Thornbury Picture House will be screening an awardwinning film telling the gripping story of a young German soldier in World War I. All Quiet on the Western Front depicts how the initial euphoria of war turns into desperation and fear for Paul and his comrades as they fight for their lives, and each other, in the trenches. The 2022 film from director Edward Berger is based on the world-renowned bestseller of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The screening takes place at Thornbury Methodist Church Upper Hall on November 10 and is free to members, with guests welcome for £5. Doors open 7pm. For more information about membership visit www. thornburypicturehouse.org. Larry Collins

n NEWS

Young people asked to have their say THORNBURY Town Council is asking young people living in the town to say what sort of services they would like to be provided for them. The council launched its annual youth survey at an event attended by local groups including Jigsaw, Krunch, Thornbury Baptist Church, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Thornbury Cricket Club, Sea Cadets, the Castle School and the town's football and hockey clubs. They met with town councillors Helen Harrison and Fiona Dees to discuss ideas for improving youth services in the town. Participants at the event were able to give some immediate feedback on possible future improvements to youth provision. The survey is aimed at young people between the ages of 10 and 25 who either live, go to school or socialise in Thornbury. It asks questions about what activities they do, what facilities they use, what problems are there

in Thornbury that they would like to change and what worries them most about the future. The survey also asks what activities young people take part in outside the town, how they get to them, what they would like to see laid on in Thornbury and how they would like to see services delivered. A spokesperson for the Town Council said “We want to encourage as many young people as possible to take part in the survey. This will help us to design our youth services to really meet the needs of the people who will actually use them.” A QR code has been produced for people to scan on a smartphone so they can access the survey. It can also be found at the Thornbury Town Council website, www. thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk, and at tinyurl.com/ukrpf4bu. Paper copies are also available from the Town Hall on the High Street.

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

It’s time to switch back to public transport HAVE you caught a bus recently? Perhaps atrain? Or maybe got on a bike? If not, please do give them a try. If just some of our car journeys were instead made by bus, train, WESTlink minibuses, e-scooters or the new WESTbikes then, despite what some would have us believe, it could help deal with the climate emergency, reduce pollution and boost our health to reduce the burden on the NHS, and cut congestion to aid our economy. Post pandemic, our travel habits have changed. Our trains had a 50-50 commuting to leisure split - now it’s only a third of passengers who are commuters. On buses, most passengers are now back, but they are travelling less often. Luckily there is no shortage of potential passengers out there, with one in nine regional commutes currently made by public transport. So if you can, do consider switching.

This is the main reason for Birthday Buses. For those of you who don’t know about Birthday Buses, it’s a simple idea. Throughout the whole month of your birthday, you get unlimited free bus travel. You can apply at www. birthdaybus.co.uk/register. The whole point of Birthday Buses is to encourage people to try the bus - and then stick with it to bring in more fares to invest in better local transport. So far, 52% of people who have used Birthday Buses say it has made them more likely to use public transport in the future. Of course, the proof is really if people keep using buses long term - but scientists tell us that a month is the minimum duration to create lasting behaviour change. So far, the early signs are positive. Once we’ve got new passengers, that cuts carbon and pollution

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(helping reduce the shocking 300 premature deaths locally every year from poor air quality), and cuts congestion (which costs our regional economy £300 million a year). It also brings in vital cash, for buses don’t run on kindness and fresh air. They cost money. Increasingly more money, as fuel costs have soared, and bus driver wages increased. The only way to have a growing and sustainable bus network in the future is to bring in more fare income. That’s especially the case for the buses that are subsidised by you, the hard-pressed taxpayer, through your council tax. Every extra passenger helps reduce the pressure to spend taxpayer money on bus subsidies. We have to try new things. Just throwing taxpayers’ money at subsidising buses forever doesn’t work. You spend it. It runs out. Instead, I’m determined we do things differently here. Whether it’s

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris writes for

Kingswood Voice Birthday Buses, WESTlink, where people share journeys, scooters, the new WESTbikes, or WESTlocal for innovative transport solutions, I’m determined we do things in a new way in the West. That’s why I’m driving through changes. So please give our public transport a go, to help create lasting improvements.

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November, 2023

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Together we can reduce hate crime I WANT to start by acknowledging the terrible crisis and conflict situation in the Middle East. I strongly condemn any acts of terrorism. I recognise that there will be communities in Avon and Somerset who feel concerned and have been impacted by these events. I want to reassure you that the Chief Constable is ensuring that Avon & Somerset Police is actively engaging with all communities affected, and other agencies, to monitor the situation. Every month I hold a performance and accountability board meeting, to hold the Chief Constable of Avon & Somerset Police to account in delivering policing that is efficient, effective and legitimate, by scrutinising and asking questions about police performance and priorities. October’s topics were hate crime, anti-social behaviour and PEEL disclosure schemes.

Hate crime and ASB is unacceptable any time of year, but National Hate Crime Week, which took place between October 14 and 21, provided an opportunity to reinforce that Avon and Somerset is no place for hate. Reducing and preventing these crimes, which is priority one of four in my Police and Crime Plan, requires us to all work together, encourage reporting and ensure any victims receive support. Together we can reduce hate crime. Chief Constable Sarah Crew assured me that Avon and Somerset Police will be doing ongoing engagement with schools, communities and retailers to encourage and support the reporting of hate crime. If you are a victim or see hate crime or ASB take place, I would urge you to report it online or via 101. I also questioned the Chief

Constable about the latest PEEL report. PEEL stands for Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy, and is the primary framework in which police forces are inspected. The most recent report found that an area identified for improvement is the need to reduce the backlog of applications waiting to be processed relating to domestic violence disclosure schemes. The two schemes are fantastic police policies, which enable you to find out about an individual’s domestic abuse history (if they have one) or if someone has a record for child sex offences. If you missed the meeting and want to see what happened, you can watch the recording via the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Facebook page. I want to take the opportunity to talk specifically about road safety, which is a key area of focus. If you are a road user, pedestrian

With police and crime commissioner

Mark Shelford

or cyclist or e-scooter rider, I urge you to be careful when using pathways and pavements. It is important to remember that pavements are solely for the use of pedestrians. If you do need to use the pavement to park, please do so with care, especially as the evenings become darker. This ensures accessibility and safety for all road users and pedestrians in Avon and Somerset.

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November, 2023

n COMMUNITY NEWS Thornbury Rotary Swimarathon 2024 THORNBURY Rotary is pleased to announce that the ever-popular Thornbury Swimarathon will return next year. It will be held at the Leisure Centre on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2. Once again, the proceeds from the event will be supporting local charities and charitable initiatives. There are two principal beneficiaries: St Peter’s Hospice, which provides care and support to adults who are living with a progressive life-limiting illness, and Butterfly Space in Malawi, a UK-registered charity that supports primary & secondary school needs and many other projects for the community. Event organiser and Rotarian Bernard Amos said: "As always, the event is free to enter and open to all ages (eight to 80 and beyond),

as long as swimmers can manage lengths of the pool in relay. "Each team can have up to six people, taking it in turn to swim a length." Anyone interested in entering a team can contact Bernard by emailing RotarySwimarathon@ icloud.com. More details are also available on the website thornbury-rotary-club. mailchimpsites.com. Rotary is very keen to hear from people who represent sports clubs, companies, charities, schools, cubs, brownies, youth groups and other organisations. The event is not designed as a race or endurance test, just a fun way to raise funds for important causes, swimming to the Caribbean sounds of Thornbury’s Panache Steel Band. Thornbury Rotary president Guy Rawlinson would like to thank all those who take part and the sponsors who have helped Rotary run the Swimarathon for so many years. You can find out more about St Peter's hospice at www. stpetershospice.org and Butterfly Space at butterflyspacemalawi.com. Adrian Dennis

Castle School Friends THE ever-popular Castle School Friends quiz night is back. The fun quiz is open to everyone, and this time there is even a special Friends TV show round in which to test your knowledge, alongside other firm favourites like the picture round. This year's quiz takes place at the school on November 10, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 per person with under-16s going free and are not available in advance, but will be sold on the door. Teams can be up to six people, with the top prize a fish and chip supper kindly donated by Parky’s Chippy in Thornbury. A pop-up drinks and snack bar will operate, with quizmaster Graham Witchard hosting proceedings. All money made will go directly to the school - we hope to see you there! Justin Warr

Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Model Railway Club Preparations are well in hand for the club's 55th Annual Exhibition. We are returning to Turnberries over the weekend of November 18 and 19, from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. We have invited 18 layouts of various scales and gauges, along with traders and preservation Societies. Refreshments will also be available. Admission costs £8 for adults, £3 for children aged five to 16, with family tickets (2+2) £18. For further information please visit our website, www.tsgmrc. co.uk. Brian Drayton

“A safe and supportive environment for all residents. Staff are friendly and provide great care. Thank you for looking after my mother so well.” Jane, Daughter of Resident at Beech House (source: carehome.co.uk) At Beech House care home in Thornbury, the safety, care and well-being of our residents are at the centre of everything we do. If you are looking for a home or a home for a loved one, we would be happy to show you around our beautiful, family-owned home in Thornbury.

Beech House Care Home, Prowse Close, Thornbury BS35 1EG

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n SPORT

November, 2023

Promising start to season for hockey sides ALL three Thornbury hockey sides have started the league season promisingly. The men's side, captained by Pardip Bhogal, opened the season with a 9-0 victory against North Somerset. Coach Connor Matthews was in fine form, scoring four, whilst Theo West grabbed a brace and Christoph Zickert, Tom Barnes and Pardip Bhogal scored a goal each. The team followed up with a 3-1 win against South Gloucestershire 2nds, with Tom Barnes, Pardip Bhogal and Christoph Zickert the scorers. In their latest game, Westbury & United Banks Wizards were overcome 3-1, with the on-fire duo of Matthews (2) and Zickert on target again. The ladies' firsts opened their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over the students of UWE, with captain Jo Deas scoring the winner.

This was followed by another victory, this time against Westberries 3rds, with Jo Deas scoring two, while Esther Jenkinson and Coz Deas scored one goal apiece. The team suffered their first defeat of the season against going down 5-3 at Wick in an end to end game. Esther Jenkinson (2) and Coz Deas scored for the firsts. Thornbury 2nds had a 4-2 victory over Knowle 3rds with Lauren Lever (2), Amelia Fitzgerald and Emily Board on target. This was followed by a commendable 2-2 draw at Stroud 2nds, with Beth Edis and Amy Bowman scoring for Thornbury. Captain Sarah Lally is pleased with the way that the experienced players are guiding their young teammates. David Parry-Jones

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November, 2023

thornburyvoice

n SPORT

Lydney win stops the rot for Thornbury THORNBURY Town secured their first away win of the league season to bounce back from a series of defeats. Goals from Rhys Hodgson, Luke Franklin and Stanley Wyatt saw them claim an important three points at Lydney Town. The team found themselves in the bottom two of the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division by the middle of October. The loss of key players to other clubs and a spate of injuries has not helped Town’s efforts in what is a very competitive league. After suffering narrow defeats at Highworth Town and Hereford side Westfields, Thorns travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett. Leading 2-1, through goals from Tom Sage and Joe McLaughlin, they were within seconds of achieving their first ever win against their hosts when Bassett equalised in stoppage

time. Fellow strugglers Tuffley Rovers were the next visitors to the Mundys, and they scored the all-important goal to secure all three points and leapfrog Town in the league standings. A second meeting in a week with Royal Wootton Bassett saw another close affair, but this time the visitors secured the win by the odd goal. Bassett took the lead midway through the first half and added a second early in the second period. Although Joe McLaughlin pulled a goal back midway through the second half, Thorns pressure couldn’t produce an equaliser. Town’s next result is best forgotten, as they suffered a 6-0 home defeat against last season’s Division 1 champions Pershore Town. But they put that result behind them at Lydney, as they strive to pull away from the

lower reaches of the table. The Reserves' season has hardly got underway yet, and they have only played a couple of games in the last month. The side had a difficult looking tie in the County Cup away at Totterdown United, who play in the league above, but two goals from Harrison Young saw Thorns through to the next round, when they will entertain Lawrence Weston Athletic. Their only league fixture saw them slip to a 2-1 defeat at second placed Iron Acton, with Harrison Young again getting on the scoresheet. With three or more games in hand on most of the other sides in the division, the club is hopeful of a steady rise up the table. The A team are the ones to watch if you like to see a lot of goals! A 4-0 win at home to Shaftesbury Crusade Reserves was followed by a 6-1 victory over

Pucklechurch Sports Reserves in the County Cup. They then entertained Real St George in the league, securing an amazing 8-6 victory. Unfortunately this run of results came to an end when Pucklechurch gained some revenge for the cup defeat, beating the A team 4-1 at their ground. Meanwhile the newly formed U18s are gradually finding their feet. After defeats against league leaders BRSC Made Forever and third placed Almondsbury, the youngsters secured their first win away at Clifton United, with a thumping 6-0 scoreline. This was followed up with a 4-3 victory at Henbury. By a strange quirk of the fixture list, the U18s have seven successive away fixtures, before playing their first home fixture on December 10. Malcolm Carr

Under-10s kitted out by new sponsor THORNBURY Town's under10s squad have been given new kit this season thanks to money raised through recycling. The £1,000 donation for the side’s new match kit has come from Westerleigh Cemetery & Crematorium's metal recycling scheme. With the consent of bereaved families, the company recycles metals recovered during cremation. Any money raised is used to support charities and other organisations in the communities in the area served by the crematorium. The metal is usually material left from the manufacture of the coffin, including nails, screws and staples, but may also contain metal used in orthopaedic implants such as hip and knee replacements. Traditionally these metals would have been buried in the grounds of the crematorium, but in recent years guidelines

Thornbury town's under-10 side in their new kit were changed to allow them to be recycled, in a scheme families can opt out of if they wish. The scheme does not involve precious metals such as gold and silver jewellery, which relatives

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are advised to remove. The crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 39 sites across

the country. Crematorium Manager Shaun Chapman-Young said: "It’s a pleasure for us to be able to support the young talent of Thornbury Town FC under-10s and be a good neighbour in the wider South Gloucestershire community. “We hope their new shirts will bring them lots of luck on the pitch and wish them all the best for the new season.” Under-10s coach Chris Shallcross said: “Thornbury Town under-10s would like to thank Westerleigh Cemetery and Crematorium for their kind donation. "The team has looked great in their new kit, starting off with some great results to kick off their 2023/2024 season moving up to Division 5. “The team has also seen an influx of new players over the summer, which bodes well for the seasons to come.“

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n SPORT

thornburyvoice

November, 2023

Defeats end Thorns' good start to season AFTER starting the season with a series of victories, Thornbury's First XV saw their good form brought to an end with a draw followed by two defeats. A 24-all draw Old Centralians in Gloucester, with several players carrying injuries, was followed by a 36-15 defeat at home to an impressive Royal Wootton Bassett side which has very strong title credentials. A narrow defeat to Swindon - Thornbury's first visit to the Wiltshire club after a geographical restructure - saw them end October third in the league. They had been 19-0 up just before half time but a poor second half saw them lose 2726, to a try in second half injury time. Thorns have also lost the influential Jack Pinker, who has headed off to Canada to start a new life, but life goes on

Chris Moseley takes on the Royal Wootton Bassett defence. Picture: Dave Fox weeks with games being called and Dan Duncan-Webster has off, in one case due to a lack of joined the club and looks like a referee. However they enjoyed his long-term replacement. a win over Yate First XV in mid Thornbury's Ladies team October. have had a frustrating few Thornbury Colts continue weeks, with games being called to impress and although they off, and Thornbury Seconds lost to Old Patesians in the have also had a difficult few

National Cup they enjoyed a very satisfying 36-31 win over Dings Crusaders. Early November sees the First XV travel to Winscombe, followed by a home game with Trowbridge and a visit to Chosen Hill. The Seconds have no scheduled league matches in the coming weeks but are looking to arrange some friendly games whilst the Third XV play Old Patesians Vets in a game focused on social rugby. After a similar fallow period, the Ladies play Dursley at home on November 5. The quality of the rugby remains high, and spectators have commented on what enjoyable matches are being held at the club ground in Rockhampton. Dave Fox

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November, 2023

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n BUSINESS

Thornbury business relaunches the Glassboat A THORNBURY spirits maker has taken over one of Bristol's best-known venues. 6 O'clock Gin, which is based in the Ashville Park trading estate on Short Way, has reopened the Glassboat on Bristol's Harbourside after "meticulous renovations", with a gin bar, a retail shop and events space. The company aims to establish the former restaurant on Welsh Back, which closed as a restaurant early last year, as "Bristol's ultimate gin destination", serving its spirits and cocktails, with special events including

gin blending experiences, live music evenings, and pop-up dining events. Managing director Paul Sullivan said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have acquired The Glassboat. "Our vision is to preserve its historic charm while infusing new energy into this treasured site. The reopening of The Glassboat signifies a momentous occasion for us as it allows us to introduce 6 O'clock Gin to the heart of the city." Work is still ongoing on a new kitchen and

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