Frome Valley Voice February 2015

FREE EVERY MONTH for Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Iron Acton & Winterbourne Down

fromevalleyvoice February, 2015 Issue 20

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What’s on, Page 16 | Sport, Page 44

Coalpit Heath post office to close

Saved from the scrapyard

Mystery plaque rescued from the old Harcombe Hill railway bridge

Page 6

Principle calls time WIA head to retire in the summer

Page 10

New look for carnival

Organisers pledge Winterbourne Down event will be best yet

Page 35

Coalpit Heath preschool to stay put EFFORTS are being made to save a vital service in Coalpit Heath after it was revealed the village post office is to close.

Already an alternative location has been offered in the Nisa store in Woodend Road but there has to be six weeks of consultation before that can happen.

Meanwhile, councillors and local MP Steve Webb are working to get Post Office Ltd to move as swiftly as possible on the transfer.

People in Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell, especially the elderly and those without private transport, rely on the post office and without it would have

to travel to Yate or Winterbourne to find their nearest service.

Frampton Cotterell councillor Dave Hockey said: “Everyone wants post office services available locally.

“We should all be doing whatever we can to help secure the future of the post office.”

Full story: Pages 4-5

Agreement reached to stay at the Manor Hall

Page 37

Good response to youth survey

Over 500 get in touch over provision in Frampton and Coalpit Heath

Page 41

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FromeValley Voice contacts

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Publisher and Editor

March deadline

Our March edition will be going to print on Monday March 2. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by Wednesday February 25. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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

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

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Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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Garden growing nicely thanks to Voice readers Local garden designer Gary Bristow says he’s delighted and grateful for the huge amount of local support he’s received after having his garden design selected for a top show.

Gary has now been lent a fantastic original Frampton Cotterell copper hatters kettle for his design that will debut at the Royal Horticulture Society Malvern Spring Festival.

Tony Harding from the Hatters Trail publication is also helping with advice and

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photographs.

Entitled “As Mad as a Hatter”, the garden draws inspiration from the long forgotten story of the hatters of South Gloucestershire. The project is a celebration of felt hat making in South Gloucestershire and Bristol when the region was at the centre of the hat making industry.

Gary has secured some initial sponsorship from the RHS but would be very pleased to hear from local companies and garden centres/nurseries that can help him create his show garden at Malvern in May. Gary can be contacted on 07525 194378 or by email gary@ garybristow.com For more details of the garden can be found at www. asmadasahatter.co.uk or follow progress on Twitter @ gbgardendesign

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COALPIT Heath Post Office is set to close down after the premises were put up for sale.

But there are hopes that the service will not be lost from the village as efforts are under way to re-locate it into the Nisa store in Woodend Road.

The post office is currently run by Steve and Sarah Davis within their general store in Church Lane and over the years they have built up the service for their customers.

The couple did not wish to comment but Post Office Ltd said in a statement: “The postmaster at Coalpit Heath Post Office has resigned. The post office vacancy has been advertised.

“There is an interested applicant and we are progressing that application.

“Any re-location will be subject to six-week public consultation. We are not yet in a position to begin that consultation.”

The post office and shop premises are due to be sold at auction sometime in March or April by David James and

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February, 2015

Rescue bid running to save post office services in Coalpit Heath

Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb with Edwina Pennell, who hopes to re-locate Coalpit Heath post office into her Nisa store in Woodend Road.

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(Village Roots) store gets the goahead and all the work needed to allow the transfer is done in time,

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The Nisa store is run by Edwina Pennell and a statement from the shop confirmed there had already been lengthy discussions with the Post Office.

It said: “We are in an advanced stage with our application to relocate Coalpit Heath Post Office into the Nisa store with extended opening hours.

“We are working very hard to secure this vital service for the community.”

Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb has asked Post Office Ltd to move as quickly as possible on the re-location.

He said in the past, when a postmaster decided not to continue, it could have triggered a post office closure.

But he said: “These days there is a process where everyone tries to find a new location locally.

In this case Edwina at Nisa has indicated an interest and has applied to the Post Office to take it over.

“There is a long slow process and I have been pressing Post Office Ltd to get things moving.

“I took a Post Office manager

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to visit Coalpit Heath and see both premises. I understand that they will shortly be consulting the public and hopefully that will result in the post office moving

along the road.

“There is always the chance of a gap between one post office closing and its replacement opening, as building works will

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be involved, but there would be temporary cover if necessary.”

What do you think?

E-mail us at: richard@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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February, 2015

Sam’s chuffed with his railway memento

A PIECE of Winterbourne memorabilia has been rescued after a railway enthusiast carried out some detective work.

Local people went along to see the road bridge over the railway track in Harcombe Hill being removed as part of a major electrification project.

The bridge required replacement in order to accommodate new trains and the electrification infrastructure that Network Rail said will improve the Great Western line.

But while Kay Stevenson, of Pendock Road, watched the work in progress, she noticed a metal plate had been uncovered on the old bridge, on which was the image of a man smoking a pipe.

Intrigued by its presence, she mentioned it when she got chatting to trainee boilersmith Sam White.

Sam, 19, of Station Road, has a special interest in the railways and reckoned he knew where the old bridge would have been taken after it had been dismantled.

His hunch was correct and he

tracked it down to a scrapyard in South Wales to retrieve not only the plate but also the bridge’s designation code.

Kay said: “It was fascinating to watch the removal of the bridge. All the people working on the site were brilliant.

“When one of the sides was removed, the old plate was revealed and I thought it was an interesting piece of local history.

“I took a photograph and mentioned it to other locals, including Sam. He said he probably knew where it had been taken so went and got it back.”

Sam said the old bridge was already on a low loader when he went to the site but later found the remains in a breaker’s yard in Bridgend.

He said: “The plate was used for a patch repair, probably to fix an area where there was water damage, and had been welded on. The line opened in 1904 so the plate probably dates from about the 1930s.

“It’s been cut out with a gas torch and I would imagine the

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man who did it just got bored and wanted to leave his mark somehow so created the image of the man and the pipe.”

The project to replace the bridge involves closure of Harcombe Hill to traffic until probably April, although pedestrians can still A6 Leaflet-Mar13:Layout 1 12/4/13 17:01 get through using a temporary footbridge.

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Old bridge removed as new bridge starts to take shape

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Whilst most of us were enjoying the Christmas holidays, Network Rail workers were busy taking away the old Harcombe Hill bridge in Winterbourne.

The bridge is being replaced as part of electrification plans for the rail line to London.

There was only a narrow window of opportunity to get the work done whilst the rail network was closed for the Christmas holidays and the lines below could be accessed safely.

First the old bridge was cut away and sections placed onto low loader lorries to be taken away to scrap yards. No sooner was there fresh air over the line than work started on getting the beginnings of the new bridge in place.

Work continues on the new bridge, with the road likely to be shut until April.

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February, 2015

Lib Dems choose local man to fight for Filton & Bradley Stoke seat Winterbourne resident Pete Bruce has been chosen by the local Liberal Democrats to stand as their candidate at the forthcoming General Election in the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency. He has a background in science and engineering, having previously worked for local firms such as Airbus, and is now involved in a number of local voluntary groups. He has a particular interest in environmental sustainability and is campaigning for improved public transport links for people who live and work around this part of South Gloucestershire.

Pete’s candidacy was announced at a meeting at Winterbourne community centre hosted by neighbouring MP and Minister for Pensions, Steve Webb.

Mr Webb said:“I have known him for nearly twenty years and

his experience working in the aerospace industry would be especially valuable as MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke. He is a committed environmentalist and is actively involved in local community groups”.

Pete Bruce told the meeting: “I have my roots in the Peter Bruce (in green jacket) with Steve Webb constituency area and love its need new creative partnership diversity with solutions for the benefit of all.” much to celebrate and preserve The Lib Dems are the last in its green spaces, sympathetic major party to announce a architecture, communities and candidate for the constituency, industry. However the global which includes part of and local challenges we face will Winterbourne. Conservative

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‘Seven Years On – Looking to the Future’ Mr Morris, Headmaster of QEH Junior School says: “QEH Juniors was created seven years ago to provide a unique and enriched educational experience for boys, strongly reflecting the strong ethos and values of the 425-year-old Senior School while retaining our own individual identity.

“The school recognises that looking to the future is vital so a new feature of QEH Juniors is that, in conjunction with Redland High School, boys can join RHS Infants in readiness to join us later at Year 3. This has already proved popular with twice the anticipated number of boys signing up.”

Boys leave QEH Juniors to go to the Senior School with confidence.

Stephen Holliday, Headmaster of QEH Seniors for 15 years, is justifiably proud of his school and its history as well as the much shorter one of the Junior School.

“Juniors come to us fully prepared to meet the challenges of the world ahead. I am proud of QEH which, combined with the Juniors, is more thriving than ever with 675 boys aged 7 to 18.

“Along with being the top performing day school in Bristol, QEH today is firmly amongst leading academic schools nationally. Most Senior boys go to their first-choice of top universities or medical schools, including 10% to Oxford and Cambridge.”

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Yate International Academy Principal also steps down The retirement of Rob Evans comes after the Federation announced Roger Gilbert stepping down from his role as Principal of Yate International Academy at the end of March 2015.

A statement from the school says he intends to look for new opportunities and challenges in the education sector.

Mr Gilbert has given a combined twenty-eight years of service for Yate International Academy and its preceding school, King Edmund Community School. He helped oversee the integration of Woodlands Primary, the launch of Woodlands Nursery, and a visit from HRH The Princess Royal to officially open the £16 million new Academy building.

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February, 2015

WIA Principal calls time Rob Evans, who heads Winterbourne International Academy, has announced that he will retire this summer.

Rob has spent 33 years at the Academy and its predecessor The Ridings High School, with the last six years as Academy Principal.

He started at the Ridings High School in September 1982, teaching Geography and Economics along with Humanities and PE before progressing to Year Head and Deputy Head.

Once he steps down, Mr Evans plans to travel for the first part of the next academic year before coaching rugby and working with disadvantaged children.

In a statement, the school said; “In addition to maintaining high teaching standards at the Academy, one of Rob Evans’ most significant contributions has been the management of the £19million new Academy building that opened to students

in September 2014”.

Mr Evans said “I would like to personally thank the skilled and dedicated staff that I have had the honour of working with.

However, without doubt what has made the last 33 years very special for me has been the students.”

Chris Smith, Chairman of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies Trust, thanked Mr Evans for his hard work over the years “Rob has been a fantastic ambassador for Winterbourne International Academy. His knowledge within education and his consistently high standards has helped ensure students and staff alike meet their potential.”

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Police looking for new recruits

Federation appoints Chief Executive Principal Beverley Martin has been unveiled as the Chief Executive Principal of The Ridings’ Federation and Principal of Yate International Academy. She will start her role during term 6 of this academic year.

The dual role means she replaces both Dr Rob Gibson, who retired as CEP last September, and Mr Roger Gilbert, who announced his departure from the Yate International Academy headship earlier this month. In addition to running the academy at Yate, Beverley will oversee Winterbourne International Academy, Woodlands Primary Phase, Woodlands Nursery, Winterbourne Sixth Form Centre, and Ridings’ Commerce Ltd. Having initially studied English, History, Art and Education at Bath Spa University, Beverley took on full-time primary teaching and headship roles across Wiltshire before taking on head teacher roles within secondary phase/academies.

Ms Martin turned around two struggling schools which combined to form The Manor School in Melksham, which was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2010. In 2006 she

11

became an Advisory HeadTeacher and since 2010, a National Leader of Education.

Ms Martin, who will be leaving her current role as Executive Principal with the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust, said “I am excited by the challenge and opportunity presented to me, particularly in respect of using my experience and enthusiasm to build on the Academies strengths and lead the strategic student-centred developments required by the Trust.”

Chris Smith, Chairman of The Ridings’ Federation of Academies Trust, said “This is an exciting time for The Ridings’ Federation.

Ms Martin was an exceptional candidate and we look forward to supporting her in using her extensive knowledge and leadership skills to further drive forward the high expectations of educational standards and student outcomes we have developed over the last five years as a Federation”.

Avon and Somerset Police are looking to recruit up to 120 new police officers over the year and are encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider a career in policing.

Recruitment will opened on 2 February, with candidates being invited to complete an online registration and eligibility check.

This stage of recruitment will close at 12 noon on 20 February.

Candidates will then progress through an online assessment and complete an application form.

Acting Chief Constable John Long said: “We want to reach all parts of the community and I hope to see people from all corners of the force area apply.

It’s important that our workforce reflects the communities we serve to provide value and build trust. That’s why we’re actively encouraging people from all cultural, ethnic and religious background to consider a rewarding career in policing with us.”

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Britain’s best known birdwatcher to open arts festival TV PRESENTER and conservationist Bill Oddie will help launch the 2015 Thornbury Arts Festival.

Regarded as Britain’s best known birdwatcher, the star of popular nature programmes such as Springwatch will appear at the ten-day festival’s opening event.

He is set to join award winning and Emmy-nominated composer and singer-songwriter Sarah Class in a musical safari in the Armstrong Hall on Friday, April 17.

Among Sarah’s credits are the score for the BBC wildlife film The Meerkats and music for the TV series Africa that was narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Both Bill and Sarah are involved in the work of international conservation charity the World Land Trust, which protects the world’s most biologically important and threatened habitats.

With a guided walk around the Kites Hill reserve, near Painswick, planned for the following day, festival-goers will have the chance to see just one of the sites that it supports.

Having recently announced comedian Jo Caulfield as another big name at the festival, the organisers have also secured a talk by father and daughter acting team Philip and Samantha Bond.

Philip is best known for his appearance in the long running BBC drama The Onedin Line, while Samantha played Miss Moneypenny in a number of the James Bond films. She was also in the TV comedy Outnumbered and appeared as Lady Rosamund Painswick in Downton Abbey.

As part of an expanded programme aimed at attracting more people from a wider area to the event, Sir Mark Walport will give an insight into his role as the Government’s chief

scientific adviser, while the film The Great Escape will be screened ahead of a talk by author and journalist Simon Pearson.

His book The Great Escaper recounts the story of Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, who engineered the mass breakout of allied officers from Stalag Luft III that was immortalised in the film.

Performance storyteller Ben Haggerty, award winning artist Sophie Ploeg and local musicians Keith and Julie Tippett, appearing with Bath-based band Radio Banska, have also been signed up for the festival, which will run from April 17-26.

Meanwhile, children can join in activities ranging from a circus skills workshop and learning about the art of film making to a Mad Hatter’s tea party.

Online booking will be available soon via a new website.

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Henfield Road traffic calming plans up for debate PLANS to tackle speeding traffic on Henfield Road will be considered for funding at the next meeting of the Frome Vale Area Forum.

Last year the forum agreed that the problem should be investigated, with South Gloucestershire Council officers making two proposals.

One of the measures was for more road lines and signs while the second, more comprehensive, scheme involved the introduction of so-called gateways to highlight the need to slow down.

The plan also includes the installation of a cycle lane running along part of Henfield Road from the entrance to The Kendleshire Golf Club to a point north of the crossroads where Ruffet Road and Serridge Lane meet.

The gateway proposal has been added to the local transport priority list and will be considered for funding when the forum next meets on March 5.

That meeting has been

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February, 2015

Life saving Hopes of new users after open day at village hall devices stolen TWO defibrillators were stolen from Chipping Sodbury during a spate of thefts of the life saving devices in South Gloucestershire and Bristol.

One was taken from outside the Hobbs House bakery in Hatters Lane while the other was snatched from its cabinet in the Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club car park off Wickwar Road.

The equipment was put in public places in order to give ready access in an emergency.

Defibrillators are used on those in cardiac arrest and can be used by anyone, even without training, as spoken instructions are issued.

Once in position, the equipment detects the heart’s rhythm but it won’t give a shock unless one is needed.

THE team who run Coalpit Heath village hall hope their recent open day will lead to new users.

A number of groups and organisations already make use of the hall on Badminton Road but more can be accommodated, as well as private functions.

Opened in 1927 and originally known as the Miners’ Institute, pit workers each paid an old penny a week out of their wages for the hall to be built, giving them a place to socialise after finishing their shifts in the local mines.

They had a tennis court at the front of the building, which is now a car park, with changing rooms, a bathing area for a postfootball match clean-up and a boiler room to provide the hot water.

Snooker could even be played in a shed, where drinks and snacks were also sold.

Eventually the hall was no longer needed by the miners,

who donated it to the village. A committee was formed to run it and it became a registered charity in 1963.

For several decades school meals were also cooked in the premises, with about 1,000 a week prepared and delivered to local schoolchildren.

Today the hall is used by a variety of clubs and groups such as Probus, guides and anglers, with activities ranging from skittles and bingo to cribbage.

There is a main hall and a smaller meeting area, a stage, kitchen, bar and two full-size snooker tables.

Having recently received a

£15,000 New Homes Bonus Scheme grant, solar panels will be installed to cut down energy bills but fund raising is still needed to keep the hall running.

Regular table top sales are held and the next one is on Saturday, February 7, from 1pm-3pm.

There will also be a fund raising evening on Saturday, February 14, from 8pm to late, in support of a project to install air conditioning in the bar. Tickets cost £3.

Meanwhile, a wedding fair featuring local stall holders will be held from 11am-4pm on Sunday, February 22. Entry is free.

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Additional free public bicycle air pumps have now been installed near to popular cycling routes in Emerson’s Green.

The air pumps have been fitted at the Bristol and Bath Science Park. The two pumps located at the Science Park are easily accessible for those cycling around the A4174 ring road. The Science Park pumps are situated near the main entrance.

The heavy duty public bicycle air pumps provide cyclists with a convenient facility to pump up deflated tyres. The pumps are permanent fixtures which have been securely bolted to the ground, and have been designed to withstand constant use. They feature a robust stainless steel pump handle and an armoured air hose, are suitable for both types of tyre valve, and also have a handy gauge to check pressure.

The pump located at the entrance to the Science Park is a full-featured ‘Fixit’ stand which also includes wrenches and screwdrivers for basic bike maintenance.

Richard Pitkin, Innovation Centre Director at the Science

Richard Pitkin using the ‘Fixit’ bicycle air pump stand at the Science Park.

Park said: “Up to 25 per cent of our tenant staff cycle to the Science Park, some from as far away as Wells, some come straight up the Bristol and Bath Railway Path from Bristol city centre, and some are very local, but all appreciate the security of having decent cycling equipment to carry out basic maintenance when necessary.

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A SCHEME to cut the speed of traffic on Church Road in Frampton Cotterell could be implemented if South Gloucestershire councillors decide to include it on a priority list for funding.

Highways officers have drawn up a draft two-phase proposal aimed at keeping traffic “to a reasonable speed”.

In the three years up to the end of 2013 there were three injury accidents on Church Road in the vicinity of the junctions with Frampton End Road and Lower Stone Close.

Speed monitoring revealed the uphill eastbound approach to the junctions was where the quickest speeds were reached.

Some work to the road was done in response but now further measures are being considered.

On March 5, members of the Frome Vale Area Forum will decide which traffic schemes should be given priority for funding, with a number of possibilities to be put forward.

The forum has an allocation of £100,000 for schemes and if the Church Road plan is put on the list, there will be public consultation before any work is

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Traffic calming in Church Road up for debate

carried out.

Frampton Cotterell ward councillors Pat and Dave Hockey recently put the plans on display in the Brockeridge Centre as they wanted to hear people’s views ahead of the forum meeting.

They said phase one would introduce dropped kerbs, tactile paving and “keep clear” markings at the Church Close and Ryecroft

Road junctions.

There would be a crossing point to Frampton End Road near the shops – which would be created by narrowing the road, with a similar crossing point next to the school playing field and a pavement to the new Jubilee Allotments.

A second phase would see the installation of speed tables near

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the Conifer Close and School Road junctions.

But there is already concern that introducing speed tables could lead to a large number of drivers avoiding them by finding an alternative route – leading to the transfer of the problem elsewhere.

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February 8

Walks for Single People If raining please ring organiser to confirm walk is going ahead.

Meet Ray 12 noon in All Saints Church Car Park, Easter Compton. BS355RZ (from Cribbs Causeway take the B4055 signed Seven Beach, after half a mile turn left just before 30mph sign into Bow Street Lane. After a quarter of a mile turn right signposted Church) for a circular walk passing through country side views & views over the River Severn. For an optional chance to view All Saints 12th century Church please arrive 11.45am prompt. Refreshments at end of walk. Contact Ray 0791 92 1125

February 10

Walks for Single People If raining please ring organiser to confirm walk is going ahead.

Meet Sandie 10am in Blagdon village on the A368 between Churchill traffic lights (A38) & Compton Martin. In the middle of the village, turn down by the side of the village club to the fire station & free car park behind the club. Circle beautiful Blagdon Lake in the shadows of the Mendips. Bring a packed lunch.

Sandie 01454 322141 / 0786 659 7104

February 12

Downend Horticultural Socety, are next meeting on 12th February a talk on horticultural, we are also talking booking

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February, 2015

Have you got an event you would like to publicise?

Do you run a club or society in the Frome Valley area?

ON

WH

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Send details of your events or activities to richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800120 We will make sure thousands of people in the area get to hear about it for are outing to Watweperry gardens in oxfordshire on july 26th. New members welcome.

At Salisbury Road, Downend, Bristol, at 7.30Pm. Roger Davis 0117 9571703 or Hilary Walton 0117 9792832 www. downendhortsoc.co.uk

February 15

Walks for Single People If raining please ring organiser to confirm walk is going ahead. Meet Les 11.00am at Macdonald’s, Abbey Wood for a Linear Walk walking the Concorde Way. Bus back to start of walk. Refreshments at City Farm P/H. Les 01454 773450 / 0778 687 0554

February 22

Walks for Single People If raining please ring organiser to confirm walk is going ahead.

Meet Keith 11.00am at Bath Hill East long stay car park, Keynsham for a circular walk from Keynsham, along the river Chew to Chewton Place, Chewton Keynsham & Compton Dando. Refreshments en route.

Keith 01454 322141 / 0778 907 3477

February 24

Walks for Single People If raining please ring organiser to confirm walk is going ahead.

Meet Sandie 10am in Calne at Station Road which leads off

from the roundabout near the Town Hall. The walk passes along the old railway line & Bowood Park. Easy walking with a pub en route. Bring a packed lunch. Sandie 01454 322141 / 0786 659 7104

March 1

Walks for Single People If raining please ring organiser to confirm walk is going ahead.

Meet Sandie 11am in Blagdon village on the A368 between Churchill traffic lights (A38) & Compton Martin. In the middle of the village, turn down by the side of the village club to the fire station & free car park behind the club. Circle beautiful Blagdon Lake in the shadows of the Mendips. Sandie 01454 322141 / 0786 659 7104

March 6

An evening with Dale Templar, producer of the BBC HUMAN PLANET: Tickets £10 from 01454 311617 or 01454 853346 Friday 6th March 2015 Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 7.30pm : ALL PROCEEDS IN AID OF THE JESSIE MAY TRUST

Regular events Monday

n Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre,

Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month.

Scrabble, The Community Centre, Winterbourne, 2- 4.30pm n Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm.

First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday). n 1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne. n 1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. winterbournesmgsl@ cotswoldedgescouts.org.uk 01454 775024 n North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday. n Women’s Fellowship Zion Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45

February at Winterbourne Library Opening hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9.30am – 7.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am – 5.00pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 9.30am – 7.00pm Saturday: 9.30am – 5pm Rhymetime: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers to enjoy together every Tuesday morning 9.30 – 10.00am Pre School Storytime: Wednesday mornings term time only 9.30 – 10.00am Our Chatterbooks Group for young people in years 5 and 6 will meet on Saturday 7 February 2.30 – 3.30pm Join us to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the

Sheep and make some maaa-aarvellous creations.

Our free holiday drop-in will be on Wednesday 18th February 10.00 – 11.30am and will be suitable for 3 -10 year olds.

The NEW Book Group for Parents will be meeting on Friday 6th February 2.00 – 3.00pm For more information about the group please contact Liz Appleby on 07825510079 or speak to a member of library staff Craft Group The craft group is meeting on Saturday 7th and Saturday 21st February 10am – 12noon You will be warmly welcomed whether you bring along your

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

own craft project or just want to pop in to learn new skills and techniques.

Winterbourne Library will be busy on Saturday February 7th which is National Libraries Day. The Craft Group will be meeting in the morning and in the afternoon we have our monthly Chatterbooks session. We will be providing refreshments all day as well as a quiz to test your book related knowledge. Come in and let us know just how much you love your local library!

Please remember That our IT volunteer is here every Wednesday morning to answer your IT queries. Please book an appointment with a member of staff.

All South Gloucestershire libraries now have free WiFi to enable you to surf the net for study, leisure, online shopping and more from your own portable device.

And don’t forget the free mobile app from Libraries West available for iOS and Android devices – download from the App Store and Google Play.

For more information about any of the above Tel: 01454 868006 Email: winterbourne.library@ southglos.gov.uk Check out our website www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries or follow us on twitter www. twitter.com@southgloslibs

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(from the middle of September) Programme of speakers, choirs etc., followed by a cup of tea.

50p per week. For more details ring Pat Lax 886830 n Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month. n Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30. n Winterbourn Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm n Line dancing with Laughter in Line, Zion Church Hall, Woodend Rd, Frampton Cotterell.

Beginners 7.30pm, Improvers, 8.30pm. Info Sarah 01454 773929 www.laughterinline.org n Winterbourne Scrabble Club - weekly 2.00 - 4.30 pm at Winterbourne & District Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Further info from Gill on 01454 773573.

Tuesday

n Rhymetime. Winterbourne Library. 9.30 – 10am. Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together. n Slimming World 9.30 The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

Tel Becca 07721 907780 n Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704 n Yate Visually Impaired Group.

Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@ btinternet.com n Winterbourne Ladies, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month. n Crossbow Bridge Club, Crossbow House. 7.30pm n Slimming World 7.30 Elm Park School, Winterbourne. Tel Becca 07721 907780 n Centre Squares (dancing).

Winterbourne Comunity Centre 7.45pm n Frampton Cotterell WI. Crossbow House, 7.45, fourth Tuesday of month n Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. n Feel good adult dance exercise class,Tuesday’s 1011.00am at Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell.

An easy to follow keep fit class to suit all levels of fitness. Normal cost £4.50 your first class half price with this advert. Tel Nina

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01179 799796 for more info.

Wednesday

n Pre School Storytime.

Winterbourne Library 9.30 – 10.00am, term time only. n Silver Chords Group.

Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm.

Entertainment and coach trips.

Contact Doreen 01454 776484. n Winterbourne Police Beat Post. Greenfield Centre 2-3pm n Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School.

Tel Lisa 07815 759118 n Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath. First Wednesday of each month. 7.45pm. New members welcome. n The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689. n Beginners Meditation Class on Wednesdays 7pm to 8pm at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne To reserve your place on the next 5 week course, please contact Sarah Presley on 07590 621495/ sarahpresley@live.com n Ladies Leisure is a friendly group of over 50’s. We meet every other Wednesday at Coalpit Heath Village Hall 2pm to 4pm. The cost is £1.50 per person which includes Tea/ Coffee & Biscuits. We have regular Entertainment & Day trips. Please come along and join us, contact Susan Bisp on 01454 775110 n Actonians Drama Group 7.30 pm Parish Hall, Iron Acton More info 01454 228760 www. actonians.co.uk Junior Actonians 6.00 pm 7.30 pm Parish Hall Iron Acton More info 01454 228277. n 2nd Wednesday of each month - Carer’s Group 2 - 4pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell n 4th Wednesday of each month - Forget me Not sing along group 2pm - 3.30 pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. If you like a good sing song please come and join us.

For more information ring Rona on 886925 or Jean on 775786.

Thursday n Probus. The Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 10am, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month n Manor Day Centre, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 10-2pm.

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Please contact Mrs. Peggy Lavington on 01454 850287 for further details of this friendly club for older people n Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For pre-school children and their parents/carers. n Stay & Play, 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, n St John’s Ambulance. St Saviour’s Hall, Beesmoor Road.

6.15 - 9pm (term time). n Steam Engine Club, Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 7pm, last Thursday of month.

Line dancing. Iron Acton Parish Hall, High St, Iron Acton. New beginners, 7.20pm. Improvers, 8.30pm. www.laughterinline.com n Winterbourne Musical Theatre.

Winterbourne Community Association, 7.30pm. n Winterbourne Flower Club. St Michaels Rooms, Winterbourne 7.30pm, 1st (Practice) and 3rd (Demonstration) Thursdays of each month. Further information call 01454 776753 n Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of every month except August n Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September).

Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 n Bingo British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell. 8.15pm.Free entry n Winterbourne Flower Club, St Michaels Rooms, Winterbourne 7.30pm, 1st (Practice) and 3rd (Demonstration) Thursdays of each month. Further information call 01454 776753 n South Gloucestershire Decorative and Fine Arts Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School Fiddlers Lane Bradley Stoke. 3rd Thursday evening of the month.

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Starting October 7-00 for 7-30 start refreshments. For more information Sallykitching@googlemail.com Tel no 01454 774401

Friday n St James The Less Parent and Toddler Group, The Marshall Rooms, Iron Acton. 10.30 12.30 term times. n Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9pm n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, Call Paul Crook 01454 851656.

Saturday

n Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month. n Bingo Open7/00pm,Bingo 8/00pm Music & Dancing from 8/30pm-11/30pm Every Saturday night.(£4) at the Royal British Legion Ryecroft Rd

Sunday

n Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly).

Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147. n Nature Reserves, Winterbourne work party meets 1030am, Church Lane, Winterbourne, 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month.

Newleaze reserve (Bristol Road) 10.30am Ist Sunday of month Huckford Quarry 2.30pm 3rd Sunday of month. Contact Frank Smith 01454 778975. n The Monday Afternoon Book Group is looking for new members. This is a very friendly and informal group that meets on the second Monday of every month at Winterbourne library 1.30 – 3.00pm. For further details please speak to Mr Bernard Omar on 01454 775454

Worried about spending days alone at home?

Would you like to share a cup of tea with a friend who also offers to lend a hand now and then?

Frampton Folk Club Frampton Folk Club is still running well. We started in May 2014 on the second Friday of the month in the Chainey Room, Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. The Club runs from 8:00 to 10:30 pm and recent events have included a Bob Dylan evening, although we failed to get Bob himself! All are welcome, whether you play, sing or just listen, and admission is free. Our next sessions are Friday February 13th and Friday 13th March.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Could you be a Good Neighbour, and spare an odd hour to visit a new friend? That is all takes to make a difference to someone’s life.

Either way.... Call us now! If you live in Frampton Cotterell or Coalpit Heath, call Andrew on 0743 288 8586 to find out more, or go to the Village Action website”

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Coalpit Heath WI A fun night was had by all at our Scottish Evening on 7th January. Ladies turned out in their tartan and brought baked goods for the Great Scottish Bake Off. There was a variety of goods on show, Dundee Cake, fudge, haggis, shortbread all washed down with a glass of sherry (and the usual tea and coffee). The Great Scottish Bake Off was won by Jenny Bracey with her Ecclefechan tart.

The Scottish music really added to the atmosphere and played whilst we all tried our hands at a spot of curling, under the expert tuition of Mary Marsland. Jennie Mitchell challenged our brains with a quiz on Scotland – did anyone know that Dennis Law played for Torino in the 1960s? Rather than the usual raffle we had a tombola with Scottish prizes.

Well done to Judy Wakeford for organising the event with much assistance from Sue Keel (who looked amazing in her tartan leggings).

We welcomed 7 guests to the meeting, as well as new members, so our numbers are

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growing, and it is great to see so many new faces joining in the activities.

Despite a filthy night ladies turned out for a game of Skittles at the Rising Sun against Chipping Sodbury WI. The game whilst played in good spirit was quite competitive with both teams evenly matched, however, Coalpit Heath eventually pulled away winning by 14 much to our Captain Marcia Caple’s delight.

Now on to the second round.

Our February meeting is being held on 4th February where we will be entertained by the excellent Susan Marshfield and her talk on “You Can Choose your Friends” – always a great night when Susan visits.

Winterbourne Down WI Our President, Sally Lloyd, welcomed members to our first meeting of the New Year. The business having been discussed we sat back and listened to Roger Angerson who gave us a very interesting talk on the history of Bristol Porcelain from 1760. The Champion Family, were Quakers and lived in Bristol but the father, Joseph

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Champion, moved to London leaving his children Richard, Sarah and Esther behind.

Richard’s father wanted him to become a Property Agent but Richard was adamant that he did not want this but wanted to be a trader, trading out of Bristol. He and his sisters for a period of time lived in Moorend Farm, Hambrook. Sarah had a good friend Judith Lloyd who Richard fell in love with and they wanted to marry but his father refused to give his consent so the couple eloped to Edinburgh where they did marry. On returning to the farm they married again in St Michaels Church, Winterbourne.

They lived in Hambrook for 6 -9 months before moving to Old Market Street in Bristol where Richard continued trading to the Americas, the Baltic and the Continent.

Sarah had a medical friend in Plymouth called William Cookworthy who was interested in porcelain and who had a small business in Plymouth. He and Richard became very good friends and decided to set up a

February, 2015 factory in Castle Street in Bristol where William gave Richard his patents for making fine hard paste porcelain. Everything flourished until the licences for the patents ran out and had to be reapplied for in London.

News about this got to the Wedgewood, Worcestershire and Staffordshire potteries who wanted knowledge of these patents. Richard lost a lot of money trying to fight to keep the patents but he lost his case and eventually became bankrupt.

He was offered a job in the New Hall pottery in Newcastle under Lyne but was so unhappy that he emigrated with his wife and 9 children to Charleston, South Carolina where they set up a tobacco plantation. In 1790 Judith died of exhaustion and a year later Richard also died.

Roger showed us fascinating photos of the Bristol porcelain - tea cups, coffee cups, plates, bowls and saucers plus fine statuettes. The hallmark was a cross and on the Plymouth porcelain it was a red tin glaze mark of a 2 merged with a 4.

A lot of the porcelain can

Mariner’s View Cottage Weymouth 2-bedroomed holiday cottage by the sea

Smallmouth Bay 5 minutes walk from the cottage The cottage overlooks Portland Harbour, Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, with the South Coast path passing close to the front door.

Mariner's View is equipped with everything you could possibly need, and children are well catered for with a high chair, travel cot, stair gate and toy box.

There is free WiFi internet connection, and Smart TV for any rainy days.

Plan a short break at the New Year, or Easter, or any time from now to the end of May on any days of your choosing. Or even book a full week's holiday.

See lots of photos, further information and facility for online booking on the web site:

www.marinersviewcottage.com Email: info@marinersviewcottage.com Or phone Pat on 01454 774645 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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February, 2015

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be seen in Frenchay Village Museum so if members go to visit they will undoubtedly have a better knowledge than they did before about the history of this beautiful porcelain.

Our next meeting is on 5 February, at 7.30 in All Saints Church Hall. Our Speaker will be Pauline Dixon on Court Shoes to Wellies. Everyone is welcome.

Frampton Cotterell WI

On the 27th January, we were given a very interesting and thought-provoking talk on the History and Work of St.Peter’s Hospice by Jo Plummer (standing in for Petra Littlefair).

Jo is a fund-raiser for the hospice, which covers a large catchment area in and around Bristol. Most of us didn’t realise that the hospice has to raise over 75% of its own funding, and so the employees and supporters really do an amazing job in taking excellent care of so many at such a difficult time.

On 24 February we have a speaker booked to tell us all about an inspiring community

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project taking place in Kenya, and on March 24 we have a talk on pearls and pearl jewellery to look forward to. Both events will be held at St.Peter’s Hall with a 7.45pm start.

The Frampton Cotterell WI Annual Dinner will be held at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club on 3 February which we’re all looking forward to, as last year the food and service were excellent.

Our full 2015 programme will soon be published and will reveal a number of interesting talks and socials events. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for details.

New members are always welcome. We meet at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

Visitors are charged at £2.50 and any new members join by paying the 2015 membership fee which also includes a subscription to WI Life magazine.

Please do look out for details for these and other meetings, social events on our Facebook page – just search FramptonCottWI.

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fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk T: 01454 800 120 20 February, 2015 Unanimous approval for latest solar farm scheme www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

THE latest plan for a solar farm in the Frome Valley has been unanimously approved.

More than 37 acres of land at Hammond Court Farm, off Trench Lane in Winterbourne, will be used for the generation of electricity.

Solar Power South submitted its proposal after previously gaining permission to install solar panels at nearby Grange Farm. That project was later taken on by operator Conergy.

The Hammond Court Farm scheme will lead to the generation of enough electricity

for 3,120 homes, on top of the power to be generated at Grange Farm for 3,750 homes.

Unusually there was little, if any, objection to the plan, despite the land being in the green belt.

Peter Grubb, agent for the application, told South Gloucestershire planners when they met to determine the application that the site was on low quality agricultural land and an existing farmyard was in poor condition.

A report by council planning officers described the farmyard

as “in a very poor state of repair and potentially contaminated”.

Frampton Cotterell councillor Dave Hockey, who chaired the meeting, said the site was well screened and relatively flat. He said granting permission also contributed to the target of renewable energy generation for South Gloucestershire.

But he said there would be conditions imposed on the site during construction, including having a wheel washing facility and a compound, with a requirement to also keep mud off the surrounding roads.

Through agreements between solar farms and parish councils, trust funds have been set up to give cash boosts to communities from the production of power in their locality.

That means Winterbourne Parish Council will receive thousands of pounds from the fund.

The decision to approve the scheme has to be referred to the Secretary of State for communities and local government for his final clearance before work can proceed.

New mini market sets up shop on former VMW site A NEW Costcutter convenience store is now operating on the former VMW Motors site in Frampton Cotterell.

The business opened as car repair specialist Dingmaster set up a new branch in part of the Western Garage premises on the junction of Bristol Road and Church Road.

Businessman Sangarapillai Jagatheepan, known as Jay, bought the whole site and leased the garage area to Dingmaster while he operates under the Texaco fuel and Costcutter brands.

Currently based in Yeovil, Jay said he and his family would be moving to Frampton Cotterell soon.

The shop has been operating for about six weeks and is open seven days a week.

Jay said: “We opened in midDecember and people are getting to know that we are there now.”

UWE top for equality and diversity UWE Bristol has been named the best university in the country for its commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace.

The university has also climbed to 11th place in the league table compiled by the charity Stonewall from a survey of hundreds of employers across the country.

Complaints raised over hair and beauty salon scheme OBJECTIONS have been made to plans to change residential premises in Frampton Cotterell into a hair and beauty salon.

Planners have been asked to allow the extension and alteration of the premises in Park Lane, which involves raising the roof to create more living space and using part of the ground floor for the business.

But Frampton Cotterell Parish Council has opposed the scheme.

It said if allowed, it would

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

lead to more traffic in the road and introduce a commercial development into a residential area.

It also said it would have an adverse effect on the openness of the green belt.

The council said it supported South Gloucestershire Council’s policy of concentrating businesses in the centre of the village and asked for the application to be referred to the sites inspection committee.

That would give councillors

the chance to visit the location and hear comments from anyone who wanted to give a view before an eventual decision was made.

In a series of objections lodged against the plan, residents claimed that introducing a salon into the road would create parking problems as customers and staff would have to park on grass verges.

They said it was an inappropriate location for a business, which could go into vacant shop premises.

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2015

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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Community work order for rogue builder Fly tipper fined and ordered to pay costs after dumping waste A ROGUE builder who targeted householders in Coalpit Heath and other parts of South Gloucestershire has been ordered to carry out a total of 200 hours of community work.

Elwyn Wayne Ingram, 44, was also ordered to pay back a total of £4,000 to his victims, £1,000 towards prosecution costs and was fined £50 for an offence of failing to have a waste transfer certificate.

He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after admitting a total of 11 charges - two under the Fraud Act, eight under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and one under the Environmental Protection Act. The prosecution brought by South Gloucestershire’s trading standards officers was the result of offences being carried out over a period of a year from September 2012.

Among Ingram’s victims were people in their 70s who paid

thousands of pounds for substandard and poor value work on their roofs.

They had received unsolicited visits from Ingram, who was said to have employed aggressive commercial practices, including coercion and denying customers their statutory cooling off rights.

One man was even driven to his bank to withdraw money to pay for work to his home.

Ingram, of The Willows Caravan Site, Sandhurst, Gloucestershire, traded as 1st Choice Home Improvements, Building and Landscaping.

Neil Derrick, South Glouestershire’s senior fair trade officer, said: “This is a classic case of rogue trading where the victims were approached and convinced that work was needed on their properties.

“They were denied their legal rights to a cooling off period or work was started within seven days without the customers’ written agreement, which is an

aggressive commercial practice.

Where examined, the work done was shown to be of poor quality.

“If nothing else, the facts of this case serve to warn householders to be extremely wary of dealing with doorstep callers.”

Westerleigh councillor Claire Young, chairwoman of South Gloucestershire Council’s communities committee, said: “This rogue trader conviction demonstrates that South Gloucestershire Council was correct to proceed against Mr Ingram and that it will not tolerate such tactics being used on elderly and vulnerable residents.

“I urge anyone who suspects that rogue traders may be operating in their area or who may have fallen victim to one to report the matter to police or trading standards.”

The trading standards officers can be contacted by phoning 03454 040506.

Learn about the First World War volunteers at Frenchay museum HAVE you seen the new film version of Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain’s account of her life as a nurse a century ago?

You can find out more about these First World War volunteers and how they were active in an exhibition at Frenchay Village Museum.

Cleve Hill House in Downend was used as a military hospital during the conflict and many local people were involved in tending the wounded servicemen.

Among them were Molly and Nancy Elliott, of Cliff Court, Frenchay, who like Vera were VAD nurses. They made a collection of about 100 postcards, featuring staff and patients.

These form the basis of the exhibition, along with two sketchbooks made by nurses at the hospital.

The museum has extended the display until the end of March because of the level of interest. The museum is just inside Frenchay Hospital Entrance B, and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5pm and Wednesdays 1-4pm.

Admission is free.

Hungry for your rubbish. Another bin gets a makeover in Frampton Cotterell

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

A WINTERBOURNE man caught fly tipping in Yate has been ordered to pay a fine and costs by North Avon magistrates.

James O’Driscoll, 52, of the Northwood Park travellers’ site in Old Gloucester Road, was seen dumping earth, mud and rubble in Yate last summer.

A witness saw a flatbed lorry fully loaded with material arrive at a community compost site in Shire Way, which is no longer operational.

It was driven straight to the composting area and the driver used the lorry’s tipper mechanism to empty the contents onto the ground before getting back into the cab and driving off.

The witness recorded the vehicle registration number and subsequent investigations identified O’Driscoll as the registered keeper of the vehicle.

Prosecution action was started by South Gloucestershire Council’s environmental health team but O’Driscoll failed to appear at his first court hearing.

A warrant was issued by the court and police later arrested him at his home address.

He pleaded guilty at North Avon Magistrates Court to fly tipping, not having a waste carrier’s licence, no waste transfer note and failing to supply information about the vehicle used to commit the crime.

He was fined £183 and ordered to pay £380 costs, together with a victim surcharge of £20.

Councillor Claire Young, chairwoman of the council’s communities committee, said: “Fly tipping is an eyesore, can be hazardous to residents and its removal creates significant costs for tax payers, who ultimately have to pick up the bill.

“This prosecution serves as a reminder to anyone involved in the illegal dumping of waste that if you fly tip rubbish in South Gloucestershire, you will be prosecuted.”

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

T: 01454 800 120

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

LTH A A

Love is in the air

EA

s it time for you to pamper yourself or perhaps time to let someone treat you?

Either way, with the cold weather upon us, here are our top 3 pamper treats.

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By Sarah Young of

Spoilt Hair & Beauty

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2015

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Fragrance – now is a good time to buy as there are so many Valentines offers around.

Think about the coming months and the brighter spring days, perhaps think about a lighter fragrance. It’s a also a good time to have a change, a new fragrance can change your mood too.

Valentines Make Up - how about adding a little shimmer?

Definitely a kissable lip. In the cold weather keep them moisturised, we find Vaseline the best. Then pick out your favourite colour to wear all

day, or even be daring with our favourite bright red lip.

Cold Weather Treats – during the colder weather take shorter showers or baths and remember to use a shower or bath cleaner to prevent your body over drying. You’ll

need soft hands too, so don’ t forget to use a smooth rich moisturiser regularly. Give them a real treat every now and then by moisturising, then covering them up with gloves and socks. But perhaps not on Valentines night.

GUITAR TUTION ELECTRIC / ACOUSTIC Always wanted to play the guitar...

Play a little and want to improve your technique...

Call James Levan on 07769 616 284 or email jamesguitar@live.co.uk and chat about lessons

ability to read music not necessary

Beginners Meditation Class at The Greenfields Centre, Winterbourne 5 week evening course 7pm to 8pm

‘OFFER OF THE MONTH’ 5 Doors Fitted in Your Home For Only

£339

Any 5 white primed 6-panel ‘Colonial’ or 2-panel ‘Classique’ doors, complete with 3 choices of brass handles, 2 chrome handles, hinges, mortice catch & fitted in your home. Extra doors available.

DOOR EXPRESS Sarah Presley: BSoM Registered Meditation Teacher

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

08000 973333 07767 376770

A PHONE CALL WILL SECURE YOUR ORDER FITTING DATE

This offer applies to door sizes 78”x30” & 78”x27”.

Other sizes available for a small extra charge

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Scissors

MUM

Firstly cut one square of felt in half, then sew the halves together along one edge.

Turn the 2 pieces inside out and then sew the long edge together again. This should make a long heart ‘tube’.

Cut equal lengths along the

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Sewing machine

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Nylon fishing line.

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small white pompoms

TER T E

These make pretty Valentines Day decorations or can be used in a bedroom or nursery.

Other felt heart pieces available from reccabella.co.uk

E TH

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R IE U heart garland Felt

heart ‘tube’ creating smaller heart shapes.

Now repeat this with the other colour felt but making them smaller, cut the original square in quarters longways.

Once you have lots of heart shapes use your nylon thread to string them into a garland. Thread a small heart then a pompom then a large heart then a pompom and repeat until the garland is the desired length.

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follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice

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OPST H

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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You will need:

2 pieces of felt, any colour you like, I used dark pink and light pink

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fromevalleyvoice How to Vmake . . .

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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February, 2015

Silverhill School Swan Lane, Winterbourne.

Silverhill Early years was inspected by Ofsted under the new framework in October.

The school wishes to clarify that this inspection relates only to the Baby and Nursery Department of our Early Years.

In addition, the school has been very disappointed by the way in which Ofsted has conducted itself throughout this process. The school has challenged the basis of the report and consequently is in the process of the formal complaint procedure.

Yours sincerely, Julian and Jenifer Capper

Put your FEETTfirst!

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Ring or email for an appointment.

General foot care, diabetic foot care, corns and calluses, verrucae, ingrown toe nails, infections etc.

0117 9569928 or 077917 62208 saralouise.turner@btinternet.com

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DANGER ASBESTOS SHEET REMOVAL

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Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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EPC

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INCLUDES: Comprehensive tenant referencing AST tenancy agreement All viewings accompanied Collection fo 1st months rent & tenancy deposit Fully marketed through newspaper & web portals

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Breakfast Area Circa 160ft Rear Garden Single Garage Workshop/Shed

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Winterbourne £265,000 • 13’ Kitchen/Breakfast Room Lettings Dept. 01454 • Garage 252 141 ●

• Semi Detached Bungalow • Popular Cul De Sac • 2 Double Bedrooms • Lounge

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A package to suit your own requirements Tenant Find Rent Collection Winterbourne Full Management ●

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Executive Detached House Deceptively Spacious Two Receptions Four Bedrooms

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Detached Family House 4 Double Bedrooms 29' Dual Aspect Lounge 16' Kitchen/Breakfast Room

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Down £279,950 ● ● ● ●

Breakfast Area Circa 160ft Rear Garden Single Garage Workshop/Shed

Lettings Dept. 0145

1454 252 140

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ww.aj-homes.co.uk homes

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Detached House 6 Bedrooms 3 Reception Rooms 30' Kitchen/Family Room

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Winterbourne £227,000 ● ●

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Winterbourne Down £279,950

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EPCVictorian Semi Detached ● ● ● ●

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Three Bedrooms 24' Lounge/Dining Room 15' Kitchen

• Sun Room • Off Street Parking • Garden • Single Storey

• Detached Lodge • Grade II Listed • Two Bedrooms • 19’ Living Room

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Frampton Cotterell £250,000

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Coalpit Heath £359,950 ●

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EPC

£450,000

Executive Detached House Conservatory Deceptively Spacious En-suite & Family Bathroom Two Receptions Double Garage • Utility Room • Mid Terrace Large HomeRear Garden Four Bedrooms

Winterbourne £625,000

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CFrampton Cotterell

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Frampton Cotterell £260,000 (oieo) ●

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• First Floor Flat • 2 Double Bedrooms • Good Size Lounge

• Gas Central Heating

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TENANT FIND £199 + VAT

Call our LETTINGS Department

INCLUDES: Comprehensive tenant referencing AST tenancy agreement All viewings accompanied Collection fo 1st months rent & tenancy deposit Fully marketed through newspaper & web portals

On 01454 252 141 to discuss your individual requirements Coalpit Heath £359,950 Winterbourne Down £279,950 ● ● ● ●

Competitive & Transparent Fully Semi Qualified Cloakroom, Utility Room & Fees •Victorian DetachedStaff Three Bedrooms Study For more details please 252 14124' Lounge/Dining Room En-suite &call Family01454 Bathroom

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Large Driveway & Garage

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15' Kitchen

4 Flaxpits Lane • Winterbourne Bristol BS36 1JX

54 252 LETTINGS 141 & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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Breakfast Area Circa 160ft Rear Garden Single Garage Workshop/Shed

Lettings Dept. 01454

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T: 01454 800 120

fromevalleyvoice

February, 2015

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Frampton Cotterell school Last cheques before in spotlight during Education Mike checks out Secretary visit PUPILS and staff at Watermore Primary School welcomed a VIP to lessons when Education Secretary Nicky Morgan dropped in for a visit.

Mrs Morgan met children, head teacher Janet Hoyle and teachers at the Frampton Cotterell school, spending time chatting with the youngsters in their classrooms.

She said she was especially impressed with the creativity they displayed in their designs for National Hat Day. Mrs Morgan was also presented with a book by pupils who had filled it with reasons why they loved their school.

The Secretary of State was accompanied on the visit by Luke Hall, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Thornbury and Yate. She rounded off her visit with a 20 minute question and answer session with teachers.

Mrs Morgan said: “I was struck by the warm and welcoming environment of the school. I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with staff and to have such a wide ranging discussion. I hope that they found the session as useful and interesting as I did.”

The Filtones Choir members have bid a sad farewell to their Conductor, Mike Watson, who has decided to retire. He was presented with a Bristol Blue Glass plate inscribed with a dedication for his loyal service to the choir for 15 years, five as accompanist and the last ten as Music Director.

At a final gathering just prior to Christmas, he also made his last presentations of cheques for £450 each to two of the three charities that the Filtones have been supporting; Claremont School for their Starfish Pool Appeal and to the Motor Neurone Disease Filtones former Musical Director, Association.

Mike Watson The group are seeking a new MD to replace Mike. The choir is always open to new members, and is non auditioning. Contact Chairman, Niall O’Doherty on 0117 9232590 or Secretary, Jean Day on 0117 3294704.

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KAPE KAPE CONSTRUCTION

Deputy Leader / Pre-School Practitioner Starting ASAP Hours: Mon, Weds, Thurs & Friday 8.30am to 1.00pm term time only.

Additional staff meeting twice a term Friday 1.00pm to 3.00pm.

Rising 5’s session Weds 1.00pm to 3.00pm in Terms 5 & 6.

Rate of Pay: £ Neg + six termly bonuses Closing Date: FRIDAY 13th MARCH 2015 Please email for an application pack.

Crossbow Pre-School – Frampton Cotterell Contact: Cathy Avery

07928381976 or 01179655030

e-mail: cathy.crossbowpreschoolmanager@gmail.com

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

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Kape Construction Bathroom & Kitchen Remodelling Specialists

No Maintenance Job too Small All Building Works Undertaken

We have a vacancy for a

Level 3 or equivalent

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Contact: Phil Stephens 07717 898874 or email: kapeconstruction@hotmail.co.uk 0

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Are you dyslexic?

Find out for sure, and get ideas for ways to help you.

Adult dyslexia testing, locally, by a Chartered Psychologist.

Also, advice and training available for employers.

E sarah@honestpsychology.com M 07813 752707 www.honestpsychology.com

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2015

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice

Café plans at lake site welcomed by anglers ANGLERS who use popular Bitterwell Lake are backing plans for a new café on the site in Henfield.

An outline application for the scheme has been submitted by Westerleigh Parish Council, which owns the fishing lake and the area surrounding it.

The site has already undergone a recent revamp, with a toilet block and changing rooms pulled down as they were no longer fit for purpose.

A portable toilet is now in place but if the café scheme is approved, new lavatories will be provided, including facilities for the disabled.

Parish council clerk Fiona Thornton said people had been able to get refreshments on site until about a year ago so a new café would be welcomed.

She said it would benefit not only members of the angling fraternity but also other people who enjoyed visiting Bitterwell.

She said: “The lake is next to the Newman’s Field recreation area so if we had the café and loos, they would help attract more families to the field as well.

“We would love to be able to get the café up and running as soon as possible.”

As the plan submitted is in outline form only, a more detailed scheme will have to follow if consent is given.

Although the time limit for comments

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

about the current application has been reached, views will be accepted by South Gloucestershire Council when the detailed stage is reached.

The lake covers about two acres and changes carried out during the revamp

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included landscaping and the installation of new fishing platforms.

Members of the fishery team encourage more people to take up angling, especially youngsters, and host regular matches and tuition sessions.

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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fromevalleyvoice

T: 01454 800 120

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2015

Good Neighbours Scheme gets new funds A scheme to help elderly residents in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath is celebrating after getting new funds for its work that secures its future.

The Good Neighbours Scheme was set up in 2013 by Village Action. Its main aim was to combat the isolation experienced by senior citizens. Its volunteers visit local residents and many good friendships have since formed.

The scheme had some start up funds from South Glos Council and was supported by the Frampton Cotterell Festival Committee.

It has just had another small grant from South Glos Council and a larger grant from the Quartet foundation. This will ensure the scheme can carry on for the next three years, and has enabled the scheme to carry out some more publicity.

Andrew Edgington, who is on the Village Action Committee, organises the scheme.

He says “We have helped 32 people in the village. 19 people have had regular visits from our volunteers. They love the regular contact and many of them are now great friends with their volunteers. As well as enjoying a cup of tea and a chat, we often help with the odd errand or little job around the house. We aren’t set up to offer regular care or nursing help, but we can help with a

A good neighbour: Andrew Edgington lot of other things. At Christmas about 30 of us went to a local pub for a lovely meal and some carol singing”.

So far the scheme has 43 registered volunteers who are all CRB checked and carry ID. Some volunteers have other commitments and can’t do regular visits but they do carry out one off tasks like a garden tidy up.

If the scheme can’t help in a practical was

Kendleshire.com

it can provide advice, for example telling people about local subsidised transport like Ring and Ride.

Andrew says; “We are always ready to look at requests for help, so if you think you might like to talk about what’s possible, please phone the Good Neighbours number 0743 288 8586 and leave a message. We are also always looking for new volunteers so if you’d like to get involved give us a call”

0117 956 7007

Club Classic Parties

Sunday Lunches

Our new year events are always popular with a great mix of 70s & 80s music and atmosphere to occupy the winter evenings.

Book a Sunday Lunch table for up to 12 people during January and February and enjoy “Bring Your Own Wine”.

Based around a light finger buffet and music from 7:30pm until 12:30am, tickets are now available for these events at £12 each.

Saturday 31st January Saturday 28th February Saturday 28th March BUY 5 OR MORE TICKETS WITH THIS VOUCHER FOR

£10 per ticket

We always have two roast meats, as well as a vegetarian and a fish option, for £12.95.

Starters and desserts also available.

[ONLY REDEEMABLE ON PRESENTATION OF THIS VOUCHER]

morecontact information any of call 0117 956 7007 To For advertise, Richard onon01454 800the 120above, to reserve tickets or tables, please Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

February, 2015

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice

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Fascinating Workshop A workshop into Four part Cappella harmony has been declared a runaway success after over 90 delegates joined voices with the Rangeworthy-based Fascinating Rhythm Chorus.

The day was held at the Castle School in Thornbury and Chloe Roberts from FR said “We run this one-day workshop every year with the working title of ‘Page to Stage in a Day’ – and this is exactly what the delegates do. We are constantly delighted and amazed at the standard they achieve by the end of the day”.

Participants were given their sheet music at registration,before a singing craft session and allocation of the four voice parts. After heading to classrooms to learn the song in their part, everyone returned to the main hall where the Musical Director Jo Dean added the final touches. At the end of the session a ‘Show Time’, allowed friends and families of the delegates to come and see the fruits of their labours.

Chloe said; “Most are genuinely astonished to see their nearest and dearest up on stage, not only singing really well, but also handling choreography – and with no sheet music. It’s a terrific, fun day – very affirming and just the best way to blow away the Christmas cobwebs and start the New Year. We absolutely love it.”

Photographs courtesy of Lucy Wilmer, at www. lucywilmerphotography.co.uk.

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February, 2015

Cyber bulling: Is It a Real Threat?

M

Holly Sawyer is a Sixth Form student at WIA and aspiring journalist. Alongside studying for her A levels, Bristol-born Holly has a passion for sharing news and blogging. At the tender age of 17 she is new to the journalism world, but has certainly put her foot in the door. Holly has her own blog, runs an independent student magazine and writes for a popular online website which helps those wondering about University. Holly enjoys filmmaking, writing and aspires to work in news broadcasting.

ost nights, I find myself like many others my age, scouring the internet for some Tumblr posts to reblog, some tweets to favourite, and of course, find funny Facebook posts.

But this reliance on technology is becoming increasingly warped by the presence of internet trolls, and the relatively new phenomenon of cyberbullying.

Online bullying is such a loose term that no one is 100% sure what it actually covers.

The literal definition is ‘the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.’ But when you delve a little deeper, it becomes clear that far more extreme acts are committed on a daily basis. This was highlighted by the shocking one-off drama ‘Cyberbully’ recently aired by Channel 4.

The likelihood is that one time in your life, you shall stumble across a vile comment shared on this ‘anonymous’ platform, targeted at you, or someone you know. How do I know this? I find something of this intolerable nature on a daily basis.

Before the internet, this phenomenon never

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existed, but now online abuse is a common occurrence. The screen is almost a shield, separating you from the comments you share and the opinions you post. These ‘trolls’ are just everyday people, and it’s possible that you have trolled someone before, but aren’t even aware of it.

Reality doesn’t seem to be a factor online, although what you post can come and catch you out in the future, as shown in Cyberbully.

Lewd remarks that were just for your friends eyes will be seen by the world and you won’t even see the victim’s reaction at the other end of the broadband connection.

The solution to avoiding this isn’t just to delete all of your social networks and cover your webcam. The main factor in this is the people behind these acts. Perhaps next time you tweet, draft it and leave it until the next day.

This allows enough time for reflection about what you are willing to permanently share to the world. If you have doubts, don’t post it.

Cyberbullys probably share their opinions instantly, not even considering the effects their words will have.

Do you do the same?

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February, 2015

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This month, our business of the month isn’t a business in the traditional sense - it’s the Winterbourne and District Community Association. We thought it was worth finding out more about the organisation, courtesy of Chairman Alan Barclay.

What’s the History of the Community Association?

We were formed in 1964, when the boom in building locally meant many new faces and families in the village. Most of these were young, not too well off and not as mobile as we are today. There were also not the same distractions, such as the Internet and everything that has developed from that, and few television stations, therefore recreations were sought in the village.

Initially, we had no permanent home and so different activities located where they could, including in people’s homes; many were centred in the old St Michael’s School in the High Street, where Alf Dunn, the Headmaster, was a keen supporter.

There followed many years of trying to find a suitable building or a building site, and fund raising to allow building work to start, once a site was found. Much of this was through members own efforts, but especially in the latter stages, with support from the Government and from local

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Councils. The local Councils have continued to be very supportive of us over the years.

Finally we were allocated the site we now occupy on Watley’s End Road and building work started, with local volunteers very much to the fore. Our new home opened on April 23 1977, the rest, as they say, is history.

What’s the aim of the Association?

Our aim is enshrined in our Constitution and can be summarised: to provide a facility to allow residents in the Winterbourne and surrounding district the opportunity to enjoy social, cultural, recreational and sporting activities in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Once a member, all the activities that take place in the Association are open to you, subject to capacity of course. We also have the spare capacity for members to start up their own activity if they so wish.

What sort of things does the Association offer?

Our facilities include a large Main Hall with stage, a Sports Hall, a Skittle alley and members lounge and bar. We also have kitchen facilities. Currently we have our own Theatre and Musical Theatre groups, who rehearse and stage shows in the Main Hall; this hall is also used for twice weekly Centre Squares dance sessions and Keep fit classes. At weekends the hall is used for events staged by our Entertainments Committee, or is available for private hire for anyone needing the capacity to accommodate up to 120 people, with or without the use of the stage and private bar.

The Sports Hall is used by several badminton groups during the day and evening and also for Short Mat Bowls.

The Skittle Alley doubles up as a small function or meeting room, taking up to 60 people, as well as staging skittles matches and also has its own bar.

We have a Scrabble Club

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that meets weekly and a Theatre Club that runs trips to many of the shows that appear at the Hippodrome, Bath Theatre Royal, the Redgrave and further afield.

Although busy, we welcome enquiries from people who would like to take advantage of the facilities we have, as we feel that the capacities and variety that we can offer means that our Community Centre is suitable to meet most people’s needs.

We have our own web site: www.wadca.co.uk where visitors can see what we can offer and recommend that they contact us via email preferably: ca.winterbourne@gmail.com as our office is not permanently staffed.

How important is it that Winterbourne has this facility in the village?

The Association and the CA building were created largely by the sweat and tears of the residents of Winterbourne, hence it is a part of the structure of the village; were it to disappear it would be like an amputation, it is that important to community life. From a practical viewpoint, were it not available several of our groups would just vanish, as there are no comparable facilities in the locality that they could use. We are all now being encouraged to be more active so as to remain healthy for longer, many of our members are of the older generation and are a good advert for this policy. Many would probably not have had this active lifestyle, were the Association not in being.

Why should people join the Community Association?

The simple answer is that if they do not join, then the Community Association would just wither away, but as said before, it was the people of Winterbourne that wanted and created the Association, it is part of Winterbourne’s heritage, in the end it is the people of Winterbourne, the children and

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grandchildren of our founders, as well as newcomers who will decide the future of the Association.

Looking practically again, membership costs just £5 pa, for which you get access to all that the Community Association has to offer, plus a free magazine delivered to your door and you are supporting your community, why shouldn’t you join?

How long have you been Chairman?

I have been chairman now for 7 years.

What’s the best bit of your role?

The best bit of my role is seeing the working of the Community Association from the inside, so to speak. I am continually amazed, and not a little humbled to see and realise the tremendous efforts put into helping with the running of the organisation by so many people, whether volunteers or paid staff. Because they are members themselves they often go the extra mile to get things right and keep them on an even keel. There is no point my trying to list them, there are so many and they know who they are. The Community Association could not function without them, they have and deserve my thanks and those of all other members.

And the worst?

The worst part of my role is the trying, and usually failing, to get additional members onto the Executive Committee of the Association to help with the management of the CA. Particularly when it comes to Officers of the organisation, once you have a job, Treasurer for example, or Chairman, you will be very lucky to find someone to take over when you want to retire. I know this is the same in many organisations nowadays, in part at least because everyone seems to be so much busier, but it is a big headache.

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February, 2015

Can children and adolescents benefit from Chiropractic and Physiotherapy By Craig from the Willow Brook Recently I have seen a number of teenagers suffering from Osgood-Schlatters disease. Many people won’t recognise that name, but young people who suffer from this condition will tell you how debilitating the symptoms can be. A sufferer will complain of severe pain on ‘the little bump on the bone just below the kneecap.’ The pain is caused by the inflammation of a tendon during an active period of bone growth. It is extremely painful, particularly with running or jumping activities.

It occurs in boys more than girls (ratio around 3:1) between the ages of 9 and 16. Why some people suffer from it, and others do not, is unknown. It rarely occurs beyond the age of 16. The duration of the injury also varies; from a couple of months to a few years. It is frustrating and painful for young people who are trying to be active.

Although resting during the active periods of bone growth is essential, there are treatment modalities used by Chiropractors and Physiotherapists, which help to ease the symptoms, guide self-management and enable a speedy return to pain-free exercise.

Bone growth normally occurs at the ends of the long bones.

These areas are called growth plates. Skeletal maturity, when

these growth plates start to harden from soft bone to hard bone, takes place between 13 and 15 years of age (girls) and between 15 and 17 years of age (boys). As a result, an active adolescent is putting a substantial amount of stress on immature joints, bones and muscles. Not only can they suffer from OsgoodSchlatters, but from many other conditions, mostly of the hips, knees, ankles and feet.

I have found, in over 20 years of practice, that when a child or young person complains of pain, they are normally quite accurate in their description of what is wrong.

Exercise is so important for children of all ages, but they also suffer injuries, just as adults who exercise do. Keep an eye on them, listen to them and get them to a qualified professional to accurately diagnose the injury, facilitate healing and return them to their activities.

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Time to scrap bridge tolls

A Steve Webb MP

writes for Frome Valley Voice

nyone who travels from South Gloucestershire to South Wales on a regular basis will know that the cost of paying the Severn bridge tolls quickly mounts up.

Since January 2015, the toll for a regular car is £6.50 and the cost rises reach year in line with inflation.

The original purpose of the toll was to pay back the cost of construction, first of the original Severn Bridge and now also for the Second Severn Crossing. It is expected that the construction costs will have been paid off within the next few years and the question is what should happen then?

By law, the bridges will return to public ownership, but no decision has yet been made on what should happen to the tolls.

One argument is that there should be a continuing toll

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because the bridges will still need to be maintained. But the economics of collecting a much smaller toll are less attractive, because the collection costs would be just the same whilst the revenue would be much less. In addition, you would still be slowing and stopping hundreds of thousands of vehicles a year, just to collect a couple of pounds.

My view is that once the construction costs are paid off in a few years’ time, the tolls should be scrapped. This would be good for the flow of business and tourism between South Gloucestershire and South Wales, as well as being good news for people who have friends and family either side of the bridge. People ask where the money would come from

to maintain the bridges if the tolls were scrapped? Clearly the money would still have to be found, and in my view this should be the responsibility of the Highways Agency, just as they have to maintain the rest of the motorway network. After all, we don’t have separate tolls for other bits of the M4 or the M5, and they need to be maintained as well.

We have launched a campaign to make sure that the tolls are ended as soon as possible. If you agree, do let me know. You can sign up at www.stevewebb.org.uk/ normoretolls or drop me a line in the usual way. The next Government will need to make a decision on this issue and it’s worth making sure that they know what local people want.

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February, 2015

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Appeal for people to consider fostering teenagers

South Gloucestershire Council has started a campaign to encourage more people to become foster carers, and it is especially keen to hear from people who might be interested in fostering teenagers.

Last year the council successfully placed 141 children with foster families. However with 86 teenage children currently in its care and with year-on-year increases, the council is appealing for more people to come forward.

Teresa and Jason Prewett from Pucklechurch have been fostering teenage girls for nine years and currently foster a 14 year old and a 17 year old. “My mother fostered teenage girls when I was growing up, and I wanted to do what she did,” said Teresa, 36. “I had seen how it brought stability to young people’s lives, helped them through difficult times and set them on a good course.

“Most stay with us for a couple of years. I had one

child of my own when I started fostering, and now I have four.

There is a nice age gap between my own children, who are still young, and the teenagers.

“There can be lots of challenging behaviour, but it is easier to communicate with a teenager and discuss their problems. I can remember what it was like to be a teenager.

There have been incidents when we have questioned whether it was right for us, but we have always worked it through.

“We have now fostered around 20 teenage girls, and apart from a couple who only stayed with us a few weeks, all have stayed in touch. We communicate through Facebook and mobile phones, and we see most of them regularly. It is good when they come back and ask for advice. I’ve been at the birth of their children, and one asked my husband to give her away at her wedding.

“My advice to anyone considering fostering is that a

child needs love and stability.

If you can provide that you will make a fantastic foster parent.

The council provides training, there is a ‘buddy’ system between foster carers, and support is available 24 hours a day. You can always get help and advice”.

Jason, 41, said; “I was a transport manager when I started, but through fostering I decided to retrain as a youth worker. I’ve set up my own mentoring company and I run

youth clubs. Fostering opened up a new career and helped change my direction in life”.

The council will be holding an open evening at 7pm on Thursday 12 February at the Badminton Road offices in Yate for anyone interested in becoming a foster carer.

Alternatively you can contact our fostering team by visiting www.fostersouthglos.org.uk or calling 0800 206 1443.

Some of the most commonly-held myths surrounding foster care include: Myth: I’m too old to foster.

Fact: Applicants interested in fostering will be considered irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. All that we ask is that you are in good health and physically able to meet the needs of the child in foster care.

Myth: I live in a small rented house - I won’t qualify.

Fact: You don’t need a big house or even own your own home to be a foster carer. As long as you are in a long term tenancy, in a well maintained property and have room for a child, it doesn’t matter what size your home is. A child will need their own bedroom and space to keep personal belongings.

Myth: Foster caring is only an option for families with children.

Fact: Having your own children means you can bring knowledge and experience to fostering, but lots of children are successfully placed with foster carers who do not have children of their own.

Myth: You have to be married or in a relationship to foster a child Fact: Single people as well as married couples and same sex couples can foster.

Myth: You can’t choose which age group you would like to care for.

Fact: You decide which type of fostering best suits your family and circumstances. Children and young people of all ages need foster carers ranging from babies and toddlers, 3-12 year-olds and teenagers. Currently the council is particularly keen to find people to look after teenagers, sibling groups and children with disabilities.

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Organisers of the Winterbourne Down Carnival say the event over the May Bank Holiday is to enjoy a face lift. With new members of the committee involved they are aiming to make the long running event the biggest and best so far.

The Monday carnival is to be inspired by a Disney theme The weekend of fun will start on Saturday 2 May with a family disco in All Saints Hall for families who have young children. It will be followed by a Barn Dance and BBQ. The Sunday will see the Treasure Hunt and Scarecrow Trail combined into one event.

It will start at 2.00 p.m. from Winterbourne Down Methodist Church Hall. Refreshments will be on sale in the church hall from 2.30 p.m. and from 2.45 p.m. entertainment will be provided

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New look for Winterbourne Down Village Carnival by the Westerly Showband. This will be followed at 6.00 p.m.

by Songs of Praise in All Saints Church with entertainment provided by the Crossbow Singers. The charity for the collection this year will be Make a Wish.

On Carnival Monday, the theme will be ’Disney Characters’. Organisers will be decorating Down Road and are extending an invitation to residents to join in the spirit and display flags and bunting.

There will be a procession from Bradley Avenue shops, leaving at 10.15am to the Methodist Church

Discover 2015 South Gloucestershire’s biggest festival

10 September – 30 October 2015 Do you want to showcase your group or organisation, attract new members or promote a special activity? Then join us for Discover 2015.

Now in its fourth year, the Discover Festival is an exciting and diverse programme of events, organised by South Gloucestershire Council, local residents, community groups and businesses. We want to show why South Gloucestershire is a great place to live and work. We welcome events from the arts, heritage including Heritage Open Days, nature, local food, health & wellbeing, sports, family events or events for those aged 50+.

We are inviting community groups and organisations to run new young adult, adult and family events as part of Discover or to promote special events you have already planned. This is a great opportunity to showcase your work and encourage new members to join. Whilst we can’t include regular sessions and activities, there are plenty of ways to create a special event. Could your group organise an open day, a taster session or a workshop? Are you holding a talk, a walk, a performance or an exhibition? Whatever your event, there’s a place for you.

If you would like to hold an event at your local library, please drop in to register your interest or call us on 01454 868006. Alternatively, if you want to promote an event at your venue, please email us at discover@southglos.gov.uk if you would like us to send you a reminder when registration opens. On-line registration opens on 16 March and closes on 11 May. Details can be found on-line at www.southglos.gov. uk/discover.

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grounds.

The carnival committee are looking to invite commercial stalls as well as the charity stalls seen in the past at the event, and those interested can contact Anthé Evans on 01454 778156.

If you want to be involved in the organisation of the carnival, the next meeting will take place on 16th February from 7.30 pm in the Winterbourne Down Methodist Church hall.

Sue Cessford, one of the organisers said: “We will once again be seeking volunteers to help during the carnival day with setting up, staffing stalls and

manning the road closure areas as well as tidying up. Please contact Fred to add your name to our volunteer list”.

For further information please contact either the Chairman on 01454 772072 or, Sue, on 01454 777881 or visit the website www.wdcarnival.org and the carnival Facebook page www. facebook.com/wdcarnival.

Air Ambulance goes green The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity helicopter has been given a make over to start the new year.

After three weeks in the workshop it has arrived back at the base in Filton.

The new Eurocopter135 is in operation after a fundraising campaign to raise the £250,000 needed to secure the lease for six months.

It replaced the old Bolkow, and was originally in red and yellow.

Now it has returned in green and blue colours, ensuring it will be easily spotted across the region.

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February, 2015

Advertising Feature How to increase your fertility in February Love is in the air this month with Valentine’s Day on the 14th, however, even in the most romantic of times, life doesn’t always go according to plan and some couples trying to conceive can struggle to do so.

Dr. Valentine Akande, a nationally renowned fertility expert at Spire The Glen Hospital Bristol, will host a free patient information evening on Thursday 12th February (7pm and 9pm) at the Spire hospital’s Redland base. The informal and tailored event will include a free one-toone mini consultation with Mr. Akande and cover various topics including infertility diagnostic tests and the various treatment options available.

Here are Valentine’s 3 top tips to boost your chances of conceiving: 1. Know your cycle There is a window of

approximately six days during the menstrual cycle, when a woman is most fertile. Ovulation occurs around day 14 when the egg is produced. The best time to achieve a pregnancy is to have intercourse 2 days before ovulation at around the time cervical (fertile) mucus is produced.

2. Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet The importance of maintaining a healthy weight cannot be over emphasised. For women, that is measured by having a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30. The ideal BMI is between 20 and 25.

If you’re trying to get pregnant then having a healthy, balanced diet and taking regular exercise can be helpful.

3. Cut out toxins such as alcohol and smoking Official advice issued by the

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Department of Health is that women trying to conceive should avoid alcohol altogether.

If you choose to continue drinking, never to get drunk and avoid consuming more that 2-4 units of alcohol a week (two units = a 175ml glass of wine).

Alcohol can also reduce libido in the male and excessive consumption can affect sperm quality.

Smoking is an absolute no, as even exposure to smokers can reduce your fertility by up to half.

To book your free place on the patient information event, please contact 0117 980 4080 or info@ spirehospital.com.

For further information please visit www.spirehealthcare. com/bristol/fertility-reproductive-medicine-clinic/ or www.FertilityBristol.com

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Pre-school future settled for immediate future AN agreement has been reached that will see Coalpit Heath Preschool continue to operate at the Manor Hall.

A dispute over a rent rise had threatened the future of the pre-school.

The management committee of the Manor Hall Trust said there had been a “prolonged and difficult” period of negotiation with the owner of the pre-school but a contract had now been offered and accepted.

They said it meant Wendy Lacey could continue operating her business for the immediate future.

In a statement, the committee said: “We will continue working with Wendy to offer this valuable service to the local community, as we have since the trust was formed in 2002.

“Wendy has also accepted the increased level of rent, which we believe compares very favourably with others in the area.”

The management said

the pre-school was still paying “significantly less” than other regular users would be charged for the space used.

It also said the rent was all-inclusive and covered most of the pre-school’s major overheads – including heating, electricity, a nappy bin service and toilet rolls.

The hall has recently undergone major improvements and the committee said rental income from all users allowed it to continue maintaining and improving the premises for the whole community.

Last autumn, Frampton Cotterell parish councillor

Michaela Crumpton claimed the pre-school had been faced with a 31 per cent rent increase.

She said: “Parents have been very supportive and over Christmas raised money to help

37

keep the pre-school open.

“The new contract runs until September and has been signed but there are still issues to be ironed out.”

Opportunity to get involved PEOPLE are being invited to get involved with future health services for very elderly people in South Gloucestershire.

The number of people over the age of 85 in the district is expected to increase 27 per cent by 2018 and 153 per cent by 2035.

The Clinical Commissioning Group is trying to work out how it can create affordable services that can keep pace with growing demand.

The CCG describes these services as 3Rs - rehabilitation, reablement and recovery. It would like to hear from people who have recent experience of these services and would like to be involved in the development work.

A series of meetings is taking place this month and a regular 3Rs newsletter is planned.

For further information, contact Rachel Saunders on 0117 900 2278 or email her at rachel.saunders@swcsu.nhs.uk You can also find details on the CCG website.

Save the date now for Fascinating Rhythm’s

20th Anniversary event

taking place on the 27th June 2015 Help us celebrate 20 year of fabulous singing. Featuring Junior FR. Look out for details coming soon about how to get your tickets for the matinee and evening performances’

It’s finally here —

Listen to the Music

is the first CD for Fascinating Rhythm and we could not be more proud of it.

It's full of our favourite close harmony songs and also features our Junior girls chorus, Junior FR, and RhythmMix, our in-house octet.

For details on how to get your copy please go to our website: http://www.fascinatingrhythm.com

Fascinating Rhythm always welcome new members: Contact margaret@robinthehood.co.uk.

We can also be hired for weddings, celebration parties, concerts etc: Contact Julie on j.morgan222@btinternet.com

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Winterbourne Community Centre www.wadca.co.uk We are seeking a Part-Time

Caretaker 10 Hours pw.

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01454 774997 Hall 01454 854015 Skittle Alley or email: ca.winterbourne@gmail.com Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Promotion available on new Fiat 500 Pop 1.2 models registered by 31st March 2015. Fiat Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Fiat i-Deal PCP. With Fiat i-Deal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating dealers only. Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Financial Services.

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www.csmc.co.uk Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6AA Tel: 01454 338991 Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for Ford Car range: urban 34,0-48,7 (5,8-8,3), extra urban 61,4-67,3 (4,2-4,6), combined 47,9-57,6 (4,9-5,9). Official CO2 emission 115-136g/km.

Retail only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Purchase fee payable with final instalment. Chipping Sodbury Motor Company only offers finance products from Ford Credit. Payable with the GMFV if you wish to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle, if the vehicle is returned at the end of the finance agreement. Deposit Allowance available only when financed with Ford Credit. Only applicable on cars contracted and registered between 01/02/2015 - 28/02/2015, excluding 2015.25MY Focus & Mondeo and all commercial vehicles. All examples based on 6,000 miles p.a. Pictures for illustration purposes only, certain colours are extra cost.

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February, 2015

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Frenchay campaigners in fresh call for action over new community hospital QUEUES at accident and emergency departments can only be reduced by building Frenchay Community Hospital, say campaigners.

They are calling on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to take action to stop delays to the promised provision.

A community hospital was promised as part of the overall programme to move services to the new Southmead Hospital, which opened last May. A piece of land was set aside after the closure of the acute hospital at Frenchay. South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group now wants to create a health and social care centre on the site, which would include intermediate care beds.

But according to its latest timetable, the contract for the centre will not be provided until April 2016.

Yet this is also the date set for demolition of Elgar House at Southmead, where interim intermediate care beds are being provided.

Barbara Harris, of the Save Frenchay Community Hospital group, said the 800-bed new hospital at Southmead was not big enough. Up to a quarter of beds were occupied by “bed blockers” whose discharge from hospital was delayed because suitable provision was not available and problems at the new hospital were continuing.

She told South Gloucestershire public health and health scrutiny committee that the situation was a scandal.

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Encouraging results from youth survey MORE than 500 responses have been submitted in a survey aimed at finding out what kind of youth service is needed in Frampton Cotterell, Westerleigh and surrounding areas.

A focus group was also held, with another planned before the middle of this month, in order to get as many comments as possible from those who will use the service.

The survey was launched after twice-weekly youth club sessions at the Brockeridge Centre in Frampton were stopped in the spring of 2014. At the time, the average club attendance was only about 10 or 11.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council had been paying for the club since 2000 but wanted to consider other ways of providing a youth service that would benefit more young people.

In a controversial move, it suspended the club so a review could take place.

There was only one youth worker in post after the earlier resignation of the club leader and the council thought it was a good time to take stock. However, some people had wanted the club kept open, at least while the review was carried out.

But the closure went ahead, the youth worker made redundant and a working group formed to consider options.

Senior youth worker Lori Ramsay was commissioned by Frampton and Westerleigh parish councils to ask those aged between 11 and 16 what they would like provided for them.

Lori said: “I’ve had more than 500 responses from young people to the initial survey, which is fantastic, and held a focus group with local young people at the beginning of January.

“I am looking to hold one more group before mid-February.”

It is expected that the findings will be reported back to the councils by the end of this month.

Frampton Cotterell parish clerk, Kieran Warren, said it was hoped to get the collated results of the survey at a meeting on February 25.

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February, 2015

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February, 2015

Athletic put cup setback behind them to march on in league Nick Talbot reports on a month that included its fair share of goalkeeping dramas.

Frampton’s first team managed to get 3 games in during a wet and cold January.

They started the month with a big cup quarter final fixture against Highridge United – a team that they faced in the final of last season’s League Cup. The match started off as an even affair, but Highridge soon showed their higher level, as they took a 2-0 half time lead.

Frampton managed to get a goal back in the second half thanks to a Chris Cavill strike. But Highridge got a third goal with twenty minutes left on the clock to put Frampton to the sword.

Frampton followed up their cup exit by hitting DRG Frenchay for 4, as they romped to a 4-1 victory. Two goals from new signing Jack Pitcher put Frampton on their way, with further goal from Chris Cavill and captain Marc Hughes, saw Frampton take a 4-0 half time lead. Frampton should’ve added more to their tally after half time, but couldn’t find that finishing touch. DRG got one back before the game took a sour note, which saw Mark Totterdell given his marching orders, along with two players from DRG Frenchay.

Frampton finished the month in similar fashion, with them enjoying another 4-1 victory, this time against AEK Boco Reserves.

The goals were shared between Mark Totterdell, George Pike, Jack Pitcher and George Pike, who also picked up 3 assists.

But it was 16 year old Academy goalkeeper, Lewis Jefferies, who took the headlines, making his debut for the first team and picking up Man of the Match, with a string of fine saves and dominating his 18 yard box.

Due to the wet weather, Frampton’s Reserve side

enjoyed a 4 week break from any matches. However, they did manage to fit two games in in January. The first was a 4-0 victory over low-lying Bendix.

Two goals from Dan Cook – returning from a long term knee injury that’s kept him out since October – and further goals from Jason Mills and Emon RostamShirazy completed the scoring.

The only other game for the Reserves was a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Soundwell Victoria. With two of the clubs three goalkeepers unavailable, veteran centre half and Academy manager, Yinka Brownlow stepped in between the sticks.

This proved costly. Frampton took an early lead in the game thanks to Ryan Brownlow’s fine strike. But the game was soon level as Yinka Brownlow parried a shot to the feet of a Soundwell strike, who was able to pass the ball into an empty net. Frampton re-took the lead from a fine Rob Warren strike.

But another goalkeeping howler from Yinka saw Soundwell score an equaliser. As the game was drawing to a close, it was a third goalkeeping error that gifted all three points to Soundwell Victoria. A cruel defeat for Frampton.

Frampton’s Academy side could only dodge the weather once in January, playing against Cribbs ‘B’. The match finished 4-3 to Cribbs, which was in part by a goalkeeping merry go-round. With Frampton 3-2 up, usual goalkeeper Lewis Jefferies picked up an eye injury, which saw in leave the field and replaced by Frampton winger, Harley Nethercott. But after just 3 minutes, Harley went down with a muscle injury, so centre half Shaun Buist donned the gloves between the sticks, It was during Shaun’s stint in goal that Frampton conceded two goals, before Lewis recovered from his eye injury and return to the goal for the last 5 minutes of the game, but it was too late by then.

Let us know how your team is getting on E-mail

richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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Dan Cook; two goals on return from injury for the reserves

First team captain Marc Hughes

Weather curtails Iron Acton action Adam Taylor reports on a month frustrated by the weather an selection problems.

Iron Acton first team only had one game, at the end of the month.

The team, with 8 players missing, were away to second placed Hambrook.

With the wind behind us soon found ourselves two goals to the good thanks to Anthony Herrin and Ross Davey. With the wind picking up in the 2nd half we struggled to get out of our own half and conceded with 15 minutes to go from a free kick. The referee then managed to find 8 minutes of injury time and in this time we conceded the equaliser from a corner. Considering the depleted squad though, a satisfactory point.

Reserves 10th Jan - Home to Port of Bristol saw us go down 4-2 with both Iron Acton’s goals from Jonny Ruff.

17th Jan - Another defeat, this time 2-0 away at Port of Bristol.

24th Jan - Our first win in 14 games at home to Yate Athletic saw a goal from Aston Newman & two from Ben Ingram gives us a 3-2 win.

31st Jan - Another home defeat, this time 2-0 against AEK Boco 3rd team 10th Jan - A 2-2 away draw against Stanton Drew, with 2 goals from Aaron Turner.

17th Jan - A tough game at home to Crosscourt saw us score twice in the last 10 minutes to draw 3-3. Scorers were Aaron Turner, Alex Prior and Craig Rogers.

24th Jan - Away to local rivals Rangeworthy saw us run out easy 3-0 winners with goals from Aaron Turner (2) and Charlie Lacey.

The 3rd team finished the month in 3rd place and on course for promotion.

4th team ALL January fixtures were postponed.

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Bouyant netballers relish second half of the season Claire Fletcher reports.

Both Frampton Netball teams were looking forward to starting the new year and the 2nd half of their season with matches on 17th January.

Unfortunately the courts at both The Grange and SBL were frozen meaning games being postponed until March.

The squads used their regular Tuesday training to work on some set plays to put into play during their next matches.

Frampton 1st team took on Mangotsfield on Saturday 31st January. The weather was freezing with a nasty wind making playing conditions far from ideal.

Jazz Bartlett returned to the squad in storming form, feeding direct balls to shooter Emily Harris.

Harris’s movement around the attacking circle was too quick

45

for the Mangotsfield defence and even on the rare occasion she missed a 1st time goal she won the rebounds with ease and scored. Harris was awarded player of the match.

Frampton put in practice their new set plays which assisted them moving the ball swiftly down the court with ease.

Centre passes particularly were impressive with the squad using their well practiced second phase passes.

Captain Carol Rowson kept the team motivated and with team rotation showing the strength and flexibility of the team the ladies stormed ahead winning 64-17.

Frampton 2nds also had a game on Sat 31st, against Jets, a massive well established club who went out on court impressively looking like they wanted to dominate from the start.

GS Jess Leak and GA Emily Harris in first team action

Frampton were down 4-0 in the first 5 minutes due to some simple mistakes.

They quickly got their heads up and began playing the sort of netball that has put them in a promotion spot.

The ladies were converting their centres to goals and turning Jets centres to their advantage.

Shooters Camilla Smith and Sally Harding were on fire, both

being awarded with player of the match.

The ladies began pulling ahead in the 2nd quarter going into the last quarter ahead 15-11, with some squad rotation by captains Mel Eke and Jo Slee the team won impressively 30-16.

The 1st team face Panthers in their next match with the 2nds up against Bradley Stoke.

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46

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February, 2015

Hat-trick of Golds for WIA Student Georgia Denner, is celebrating after winning three gold medals in synchronised swimming events.

Georgia (pictured with big sister Elise), who is currently studying for her GCSE’s has managed to find time to shine in three recent events. These were the ASA Synchronised Swimming Multi Regional Competition, Scottish National Competition and more recently, National Age Group Synchronised Swimming Championships.

Georgia is hoping for future success as she continues training in the England Synchronised talent programme. and is hoping to make it to the Olympics in the future.

Georgia and her team took gold in all three events, competing on behalf of Bristol Central.

Her love for the sport is a family affair, with her older sister Elise, also a member of the Academy, competing in the older age categories.

Captain Marvel hits 800!

3rd XV Captain Tim Phillips broke the 800 appearances record for Frampton in January against Bishopston 2nd XV, although he didn’t get the desired result, going down 55-10, Tim did cap his 800th appearance with a try and man of the match performance, leading the forwards as he has done on many hundreds of appearances!

With a debut back in 1979, Tim has played every season since for all teams in the Senior section from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Vets, including holding the position of captain at one time or the other.

Still playing week after week, the next challenge is 900 appearances.

Live Rugby at Crossbow in February All 6 nations games will be shown Live on TV, along with Aviva Premiership Rugby on Friday nights and European Rugby Champions Cup on Saturday and Sundays.

Visit the Rugby club website for more details on what’s going on week by week, you can even sign up for the weekly newsletter via email - www.fcrfc.com

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Local club hopes World Cup will boost numbers With the Cricket World Cup starting this month, local cricket clubs are hoping kids will be inspired to get into cricket this summer.

Coalpit Heath Cricket Club are encouraging local youngsters from Year 5 and above to come along and give it a go at their youth coaching sessions.

All equipment is provided and you don’t need any previous experience, as the club’s team of ECB qualified coaches will be on hand to show you how it’s done.

Whether you want to be an England star of the future, or you just want to have fun and make new friends, the sessions will be held 5-6pm on Sundays at Yate International Academy from 15th February to Easter.

Over 16’s and adults can also get in on the action with sessions running from 6-7pm on the same days. All enquiries to the Club Captain Matthew Toms via cricket@coalpitheathcc.org.uk.

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February, 2015

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