Frome Valley Voice June 2021

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

June, 2021 Issue 92

FREE EVERY MONTH IN WINTERBOURNE, FRAMPTON COTTERELL, COALPIT HEATH, IRON ACTON & WINTERBOURNE DOWN

England call-up for James

Locked in public loo

A WINTERBOURNE resident is calling for a rethink of the closing times for public toilets, after being locked in a disabled loo at 2.30pm.

PAGE 3

Children are 'at risk' on the school run

WINTERBOURNE cricketer James Bracey is celebrating a call-up to the England squad for the next Test series. Full story: Page 4 Picture courtesy of Gloucestershire Cricket

Gravestone vandal is jailed A WOMAN who poured paint over the grave of a young Winterbourne Down man and sent "disgusting" messages to his family has been jailed.

Bristol magistrates sent Simona Julius to prison for eight weeks after she admitted the attack on the grave of Liam Scarman, who was 22 when he died in 2017.

The court heard that Julius, of St George, Bristol, had daubed white paint over Liam's headstone at Westerleigh Crematorium on the night of November 26 to 27 last year.

She also left a note mockingly referring to Liam's diabetes.

Turn to page 5

PARENTS are calling on South Gloucestershire Council to take urgent action to improve road safety at two narrow roads which are used as "rat runs" by commuters.

PAGE 6

Buses every hour

AN "ambitious" call has been made for hourly bus services to every South Gloucestershire village with more than 300 residents.

PAGE 8

Election results

THE Frome Valley area now has a Labour Metro Mayor and Tory police commissioner.

PAGES 14&15

Speak to our friendly team today t: 01454 252 140 or visit our website www.aj-homes.co.uk

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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

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June, 2021

n NEWS

Teenagers injured as car hits wall THREE teenagers were taken to hospital after the car they were travelling in hit a wall in Winterbourne.

Police say the three occupants, who were all aged 18, were taken to hospital after a grey VW Polo collided with a wall on the B4058 Winterbourne Hill on the evening of May 24.

Two of them were released soon afterwards but the male driver was kept in hospital after suffering what officers described as serious injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage, to come forward as they investigate the cause of the crash, which happened at about 7.50pm.

The road was closed for around four-and-a-half hours as emergency services attended to the casualties, recovered the vehicle and started an investigation.

A police spokesperson asked anyone who saw the car in the moments before the collision or had any other information or footage which could help the investigation to call 101, quoting incident reference number 5221 114 251.

The crash was the second serious incident on the B4058 between Winterbourne and Bristol in the space of a month.

Another driver, a man in his 40s, had to be cut free from his car and was seriously injured further down the road in Hambrook.

Police said the driver was still in hospital two weeks after the crash, which happened on Bristol Road at about 4.45pm on April 25 near the M4 flyover and involved two vehicles.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters used hydraulic equipment to free the driver from vehicle before he was passed to paramedics.

The road was closed for more than four hours after the crash.

Anyone who saw what happened, or thinks they may have relevant dashcam footage, should call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5221 088 983.

Road safety campaign: Page 6.

Covid marshals axed COVID marshals are being withdrawn from South Gloucestershire streets, despite councillors' fears the move is “too abrupt”.

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed the 10 daytime marshals, introduced to help ensure distancing and other coronavirus-related rules were kept, were all due to stand down by Friday, May 28.

At a council meeting on May 19 at Thornbury Leisure Centre, Andrea Reid (Lab, Kingswood) said that the "unknown factors" surrounding the Indian variant of COVID-19 meant future easing of restrictions was still in doubt.

She said: "We have residents who are hesitant to leave the house due to health concerns or fears that restrictions are easing too soon.

“I suspect that increased footfall will increase the need for marshal support rather than decrease it."

Cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said the marshals had "played a really important role...in providing reassurance and guidance in our public spaces" but with lockdown easing allowing people to gather in increased numbers, their role was "no longer as pertinent".

She said marshals had an advisory rather than an enforcement role, but added: "If the need for the marshals becomes apparent once more, there is absolutely scope to reintroduce them if people’s behaviours and the restrictions change."

Environmental health officers would spend more time ensuring spaces are covid-safe.

A council spokesperson said the situation would be kept under review and that the decision did not affect night-time marshals, whose role is not focused on covid restrictions guidance.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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June, 2021

3

n NEWS

Locked in a public loo – at 2.30pm

A WINTERBOURNE resident is calling for a rethink of the closing times for public toilets, after being locked in a disabled loo at 2.30pm.

Jeremy Harris, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, was using the disabled toilet in Flaxpits Lane shortly after visiting a nearby cafe for lunch.

But when he wanted to leave he discovered that he had been locked in – and had to shout for help from a passer-by who raised the alarm.

Now he wants to know why it is necessary to close and padlock the toilets at 2.30pm when there are still plenty of people using the nearby shops and cafes.

A sign on the outside of the building says that they are open until 3.15pm on weekdays but they are now routinely locked earlier, and a smaller sign taped to one of the doors blames the new 2.30pm time on "ongoing vandalism and misuse".

Jeremy Harris outside the public toilets in Winterbourne

Jeremy said: "I first realised there was a problem when I tried to open the door to get out and it was very stiff.

"Then I called out and a lady who was passing by heard me and told me that it was locked and bolted.

"I hadn’t realised that the toilets would be locked and bolted that early in the day.

"I’m not blaming the gentleman whose job it is to lock

up, but he should really have checked if there was anyone inside.

"I have a walking mobility problem but there could be someone with a hearing problem who might not hear, so just calling out isn’t good enough.

"I understand that there may have been problems with vandalism, which is why they need to close at certain times but there must be other methods of

monitoring like cameras.

"According to the Disability Discrimination Act, they are not exploring all reasonable possibilities."

The toilets are owned and maintained by South Gloucestershire Council, but Winterbourne Parish Council arranges for them to be opened and closed.

Parish council clerk Sally Watkinson said: “This was a very unfortunate incident. I have been contacted by a friend of the gentleman who was locked in and asked him to pass on the apologies of the parish council.

"When the toilets are locked the caretaker goes in and knocks on the door to ask if anyone is in and says they are locking up.

In this instance I'm not sure if perhaps the gentleman didn't hear.

"It is unfortunate that due to ongoing vandalism they can't be left open for longer."

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June, 2021

n NEWS

England call-up for Winterbourne's James A CRICKETER from Winterbourne has been called up to play for England.

James Bracey is "far and away the best cricketer ever to come from Winterbourne”, according to the chairman of the village cricket club where he learned the sport.

The popular wicket-keeper batsman celebrated his 24th birthday recently and just a few days later was one of two previously-uncapped players to be called into the 15-man England squad for the summer Test series against New Zealand.

His selection marks the next big leap in a cricketing career which started at Winterbourne Cricket Club at the age of seven, before James joined Gloucestershire’s academy.

He played at Loughborough University and was a member of the MCC Universities team before making his full Gloucestershire debut in 2016.

During his first full year as

James Bracey keeping wicket for Gloucestershire this season. Picture: Gloucestershire Cricket

a professional in 2019 pundits already had him marked out as one to watch. After playing for the England Lions team, James was part of the England training squad last summer and spent the winter as a travelling reserve player for the tours to Sri Lanka and India.

In an interview published on Gloucestershire’s website, James

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said: "I’ve been around the group for a while now and I feel my game is in a good place at the moment "Hopefully, there’s a spot that comes up in the top three for me. I’ve had a lot of experience around the England group and I know the other players and staff a lot better than if I hadn’t been involved previously.

"Test cricket is obviously the next level again and with the fans back at Lord’s, its the sort of stuff you dream of, if I am able to get a cap."

Nowhere will there be more pride than at Winterbourne CC, where James's dad and brother play and his mum Liz is club secretary.

Club chairman Bob Vickery said: "He is such a great lad and is so level-headed that he is doing his family proud, doing Winterbourne proud.

"He is often over at the club, pops in all the time, but even though he is now an England cricketer, to us he is just Jim

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Bob! "He is just a really nice young man who is taking all his success in his stride really.”

Mum Liz said: "He does seem to be taking it in his stride at the moment.

"I think being in the ‘bubble’ with England last summer and away over the winter has given him a lot of thinking time, and he has worked on the mental side of things quite a lot.

"He’s taught himself how to approach it all more level headedly – so not such big highs and lows.

"So if he does make the team it won’t be all new to him, because he has already formed those friendships & relationships with the others."

After seeing her son’s progress through the years, Liz admits that ‘proud’ doesn’t even come close to how she feels.

She said: "It's surreal – we can’t really take it in.

"Every day he seems to be in one of the national newspapers or on the radio engaging in conversations with people like Phil Tufnell and Michael Vaughan."

Liz and the rest of the family have tickets for the first three days of the Lord’s Test against New Zealand, which starts on June 2, in the hope that James makes the starting line-up.

She said: “Having spent so many days on the side of the pitch under umbrellas and on deckchairs, it seemed silly not to take the opportunity to enjoy it in the family box at the headquarters of cricket!”

Winterbourne CC report: Page 28.

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June, 2021

5

n NEWS

Woman jailed for 'wicked' hate campaign From Page 1 Liam died at Christmas 2017, after missing some insulin injections used to control the condition.

After his family made a public appeal for information about the attack on his grave, Julius, aged 25, sent further offensive messages in Christmas cards to his parents.

She was jailed on May 12 after admitting one charge of criminal damage and two of malicious communication, ordered to pay £500 compensation to the family and handed a three-year restraining order to keep her away from them.

Although Julius had attended the same college as Liam when he was 17, there was no apparent motive for her actions, which District Judge Lynne Matthews described as "perplexing" and "wicked".

The judge said the timing of the offences, shortly before the third anniversary of Liam's death, "struck at the very heart" of the family, causing great distress.

In a personal statement read to the court, Liam's mother Sue Witt said the incidents "took over" family members' lives and became all they could think and talk about.

She said: "Losing a child is the worst possible grief you could imagine. It has consumed my life.

"Having found out that somebody had damaged Liam's grave just compounded all those emotions and undid the progress I had made in dealing with his death.

"I think people are wondering what kind of person Liam was, how horrible a person he must have been for somebody to damage his grave the way they did, when in reality everybody who knew him loved him."

Some of the notes were addressed to Liam's father, Trevor, who said: "When I found out Liam's headstone had been vandalised, I had a numb feeling that went through my body.

"My initial reaction was: why?

Why had someone damaged it?

"How anyone can write such disgusting things about my son I just cannot believe.

"The physical damage has been repaired but the emotional

Simona Julius

Liam Scarman with his mum Sue Witt damage will take far longer to repair. It’s like someone is sticking a knife in and twisting it.”

Liam’s brother Oliver said his parents had been contacted by a member of Julius’s family, who told them she had mental health issues.

He said that the family took some comfort in the knowledge that if that was true, the incidents were not the result of a vendetta against Liam.

Oliver said: “We were expecting it would be someone we knew, and then it would never have ended.

"My mum and dad say they can put it behind them now – my two sisters and I feel the same way."

Liam grew up in Winterbourne Down, attended Winterbourne Academy and had worked for insurance firm LV at Aztec West before his death.

Oliver praised the police investigation, which successfully followed up a tip-off from a member of the public who had seen an appeal for information publicised through the media and social media.

He said: "Someone came forward who had overheard a conversation in an Uber, where the driver had dropped someone off at the cemetery at a weird time of night.

"The police managed to track down the Uber driver via the HQ in Holland.

"Simona Julius had sent

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letters to the crematorium addressed to my parents – they managed to get DNA from those letters, so when they arrested her they just needed her DNA."

Investigating officer PC Kyle Maywood said: "I'm glad that we were able to identify the culprit and bring some relief to the family, but Julius has never answered the question of what motivated her to act as she did and cause such distress.

"I would like to thank the members of the public who provided crucial information after seeing the appeals for information and calling in."

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fromevalleyvoice

6

n NEWS PARENTS are calling on South Gloucestershire Council to take urgent action to improve road safety at two narrow roads which are used as "rat runs" by commuters.

A survey by campaigners revealed numerous near misses involving school children and pedestrians at Mill Road and Worrell's Lane, linking Winterbourne and Hambrook.

The council has told them it will assess the roads for safety funding but not until next year at the earliest – and campaigners say action is needed immediately.

Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group chair Laura Fogg-Rogers said: “Mill Road and Worrell's Lane are used as rat runs by car traffic and vans, and they do not pay attention to pedestrian safety.

"These roads are essential routes for children walking to Hambrook school, or cycling to Winterbourne Academy.

“We have gathered evidence from local residents about multiple incidents of people being clipped by wing mirrors, cars mounting the pavement in front of pedestrians, and children on bikes being aggressively driven at, with close passes. They face dangerous speeding and near misses every day on their walk or cycle to school.

“I have been taking this up with the Council for about two years, and they have finally agreed to decide whether to do something about it but not until 2022/23.

"This is clearly not good enough for our children's safety – and also for a Council which is meant to have declared a Climate Emergency, with the aim to

June, 2021

Road is 'a huge risk' to school children

Campaigners on a narrow pavement in Worrell's Lane

Traffic squeezes past a parked car on the corner of worrell's Lane and Moorend Road reach Net Zero by 2030.

"Road crashes are the main cause of death for young people.

This road is therefore a huge risk we take with our children everyday – and we just want to be able to walk to school in safety."

The group carried out a survey which was responded to by 294 people, of whom 80% backed a 20mph speed zone throughout Winterbourne.

Campaigners say this would also reduce air pollution and carbon emissions and bring significant long-term health benefits.

They are also calling for the narrow pavements on the two roads to be widened to improve safety for pedestrians using them.

One concerned parent who regularly uses Worrell’s Lane told the group she had her

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son's school bag knocked out of her hand by a passing vehicle, adding: "When two cars try to pass on the narrowest part they have to get so close to the path that it really is very dangerous."

A council spokesperson said: "We have been asked to consider introducing measures along Mill Road and Worrell's Lane which support more use of active travel, including walking and cycling.

"We look into potential options when resources are available and we have already been working closely with schools in the area to educate young people on the importance of road safety, and to provide advice on travelling safely to, and from school."

Winterbourne ward councillors Nic Labuschagne and Trevor Jones said some changes were already being introduced in the area.

Children cycling to school on a narrow stretch They said: "We are aware of the concerns of residents, particularly around pavement safety, and have been working with the school and the parental body to introduce changes that will improve safety for children.

"Following consultation with local parents, we are delighted to have already secured amendments to the double yellow lines locally, together with a reduction of the speed limit on Bristol Road to 30mph, which is set to take place over the coming year, and look forward to seeing how this makes a difference."

Hambrook junction safety call: Page 11

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June, 2021

n NEWS

fromevalleyvoice 28

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ANYO is inv Thorn Th last y mem W repea Thur Karen Bidwell outside Barclays in Yate

Yate to lose second bank in a month THOUSANDS of bank customers are facing an even longer trip to their nearest counter after Barclays announced plans to leave Yate.

The branch in Yate Shopping Centre's North Parade will shut on July 22 – less than a month after another banking giant, HSBC, leaves the town.

Barclays is advising the more than 4,000 customers who use the branch regularly to visit its branches in Kingswood or Westbury-onTrym – both more than eight miles away – or Yate's post office.

The news has come as a blow to customers like Karen Bidwell, who has used the Yate branch for the past 12 to 15 years, and says that the closure leaves her little choice other than to switch to a different bank.

Karen said: "Before the pandemic I would visit at least once a week.

"I have used online banking while I have been shielding during covid but with the increase in the number of scams, and with my card having been cloned, I am a bit loathe to do that now.

"I like to deal with cash where possible, because it helps me keep control of my money. If you can see what you’ve got then you are more likely to be careful with it.

"If I go to a branch I know what’s going in and coming out."

The bank already had restricted opening hours, opening four days a week from 9.30am or 10am to 2pm, which Karen said restricted the number people who could use the branch.

She said: "It is not surprising that the number of customers has reduced – and yet there are often queues of people outside, largely because there is often only one person serving at the counter.”

Karen is now planning to switch to “another bank that wants my custom”.

She said: "I’m not going to allow a bank to profit from my money when it can’t even provide a local branch for me to use."

A Barclays spokesperson said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one. However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking. As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK. “This is reflected at the Yate branch, where there has been a 19 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020.

"In addition, more than four fifths of our customers at the branch are also using different ways to bank.

“We will work with our customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.”

Earlier this year HSBC announced it was closing its branch in North Walk on June 25.

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June, 2021

n NEWS

'Ambitious' call for hourly village buses A CALL has been made for hourly bus services to every South Gloucestershire village with more than 300 residents.

But a South Gloucestershire Council debate about improving services descended into a political row after the ruling Conservative group accused opposition Liberal Democrats of wanting to “sneak through” the introduction of car parking charges – a claim the Lib Dems denied.

Thornbury ward Lib Dem councillor Jayne Stansfield asked members to endorse Councillor Jayne Stansfield a report by countryside charity the CPRE, highlighting the inadequacy of rural bus also suggested introducing or increasing services and suggesting how improvements car parking charges, which is against the could be funded. council’s long-standing policy of making She told the meeting on May 21: “Ideally them free to residents. we would like to see a bus every hour to every Car parking was not mentioned in village above 300 people, as proposed by the the motion, which was altered by the Lib CPRE. Dems before the meeting to make clear a “This is ambitious but it can be done.” commitment to free parking.

She said the goal could be achieved if The Conservatives tabled an amendment money was diverted from projects such as removing support for bus franchising and planned road-building to buses. placing the burden to deliver better rural The motion called on the council to bus services on Weca and new Labour metro work with the West of England Combined mayor Dan Norris, who has responsibility for Authority mayor and Department for strategic transport in the region, rather than Transport to deliver an effective bus network. the council.

WB Generic AW.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 12:43 Page 4 member for regeneration, But the Tories said the CPRE report Cabinet

environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said the motion did not recognise "the major investment that has been made to enable and enhance bus services and bus provision".

He said: “We will continue to work with Weca on providing a better bus service and I actually look forward to working with the new West of England mayor in delivering on his promise of a better bus service.”

The Tories’ amended motion was passed.

It was opposed by Lib Dems, while Labour abstained.

Conservative council leader Toby Savage accused Lib Dems of either seeking "to endorse a report they haven’t read", sneaking through an attempt to "dump" the council's free parking policy or making a "careless mistake".

Lib Dem leader Claire Young in turn accused the Tories of playing "silly political games" with a "wholly confected argument about car parking charges".

She said the motion had "got the Conservative administration to acknowledge that our rural bus network is in dire need of investment".

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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June, 2021

9

n NEWS

Support – and concerns – for solar farm plans MORE than 20 people have written to South Gloucestershire council supporting plans for a huge solar farm next to Frampton Cotterell.

The Voice reported last month that a planning application had been made for agricultural land west of the village between Bristol Road and the Old Gloucester Road, either side of Perrinpit Road.

The panels would cover an area of more than 63 hectares, around 155 acres or about the same area as 77 football pitches, with the entire site covering 82 hectares.

They would generate 49.9 megawatts of electricity providing around 40 megawatts to the network and will power approximately 15,000 homes.

If the scheme is approved, the site would be in operation for 40 years before being returned to farmland.

The company behind the application, Perrinpit Road Solar Ltd, is a joint venture between BayWa r.e. UK, part of the a global renewable energy development business, and Grϋne Energien Solar, which specialises in solar energy.

A BayWa r.e. solar farm similar to the one planned for Frampton Cotterell By the time comments on the plans closed on South Gloucestershire Council's website, 26 people had written in support of the scheme, while nine had raised objections and four had made comments which the council counted as neutral, including several calling for more comprehensive environmental assessments to take place.

One comment published on the council's website, from resident Andrew Fletcher, said: "As someone who lives near this development, I wholeheartedly support it. We need more power generation for our homes and for

PEOPLE are being encouraged to visit Winterbourne Library to pick up testing kits for COVID-19.

The government is encouraging everyone over the age of 16 without symptoms to make regular twice-weekly testing, using rapid home test kits, part of their routine.

And South Gloucestershire Council has made its libraries, including Winterbourne, into collection points for home testing kits, which can be picked up during staffed opening hours.

the long term to replace natural gas as how we heat them."

Another supporter, Alan Sharp, said: "I strongly support this application. We need to increase our supply of renewable energy,and this is a scheme that should go ahead. Yes there may be some effects on some local wildlife,but the developer is proposing measures to offset this, and the negative effects of climate change are much much worse."

But another resident, Colin Fox, raised concerns over the use by construction traffic of narrow lanes which already struggled

with articulated vehicles.

He said: "I'm all for green solar power, but its disgraceful when decent farmland and countryside is given over to these eyesores."

The Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group said it supported the scheme in principle but had "a few areas of concern" over the project's "overall environmental impact, ecological impact, light pollution, visual implications, community benefits, and the long-term plan for the site".

Frampton Cotterell parish councillor Linda Williams said: "A full Ecological Impact survey needs to be undertaken and more importantly full note taken of that survey in order to minimise the impact on the environment of the proposed development."

Concerns were also raised over bridleways and the effect on hunting grounds for wildlife.

The plans can be seen on the planning section of the council website by searching for application P21/01624/F. The project website can be found on the baywa-re.co.uk website, at bit.ly/2R0W2LU.

Covid tests at library The library is open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Case rates in South Gloucestershire continue to be low, with 28 cases in the district recorded over the seven days to May 18 – a rate of 9.8 per 100,000 people – but

with another new variant of the disease starting to spread, people are being urged to continue to test.

Council director of public health Sara Blackmore said: "Every case we can identify helps us stop the spread and bring the virus further under control."

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fromevalleyvoice

10

June, 2021

n NEWS

Support for charity's care farm plans MORE than 100 people have written to planners to support a charity's plans to build facilities for people with learning disabilities at a site near Winterbourne.

Volunteer-run Empowering Futures wants to create a polytunnel and teaching building at Moorend Farm, on what is currently pasture land with a stable block.

It has asked South Gloucestershire Council for planning permission to make changes at the site near Bury Hill, between Downend and Winterbourne.

The charity provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities to learn to look after animals, grow and cook food and "feel valued rather than excluded and isolated from the rest of society".

In the application consultants the Rural Planning Practice, writing on behalf of the charity, said: "The land at Moorend will be used for goats, sheep, and hens and to grow plants and vegetables. The animal husbandry and growing is undertaken by the participants under the supervision of the trained volunteers.

"A Forest School is proposed, with other skills being taught to include outdoor cookery, willow craft (using willow grown on

site) wool weaving and life skills.

"The charity started in 2016 on land begged or borrowed. The generosity of one of the volunteers has enabled the charity to buy its own base.

"Having considered eleven possible sites, the site at Moorend was chosen because it was affordable and well located for the users, most of whom live in South Gloucestershire."

The building would include a function space, kitchen area and male, female and disabled toilets, along with an animal pen.

Two extra parking spaces would be provided in addition to the existing two.

As the Voice went to print, 105 people had written in support of the plans, with many saying that the charity provided opportunities not available anywhere else for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Among them was Staple Hill and Mangotsfield ward councillor Ian Boulton, who praised the "highly valued" work Empowering Futures has been doing at its polytunnel in Page Park.

He said: "This would be a valuable and well used resource and I am happy to support this scheme, as it would be an ideal and suitable use of this open space."

But 15 residents have written to object to the plans, citing reasons including protection of the Green Belt and nearby scheduled ancient monument, Bury Hill Camp, and saying planning permission could set a precedent for further development.

Winterbourne Parish Council, which covers the area, has also objected, saying: "Whilst the parish council commends the objective and sentiment of the application, the fact remains that the application is within Greenbelt land.

"There is also limited road access: the highway is particularly narrow with steep slopes.

"The increase in traffic would hinder what is a pleasant walking spot for many local residents. There are concerns of the effect to neighbouring properties, with noise and debris from the site."

However Frampton Cotterell ward councillor Tristan Clark said the scheme would have "limited impact" on the Green Belt and this "must be weighed against the evident social benefits that would arise from the approval of this application".

The scheme is awaiting a decision from South Gloucestershire Council.

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

n NEWS THE father of a cyclist who was hit by a car at the Hambrook traffic lights is calling for changes to the crossing where the collision happened.

Thomas Harris was cycling from the direction of Winterbourne across the threelane section of the Avon Ring Road, between the M32 and the Bromley Heath roundabout, on March 9 when he was knocked from his bike, then hit by two other vehicles.

He suffered fractures to the front and back of his skull and several bleeds to the brain.

He was in a coma for seven days and in intensive care for three weeks, and while he has been able to return home, brain damage has affected his memory and mobility.

Tom was hit as he crossed the third lane of the road, by a vehicle which his dad Rich understands was travelling at around the 50mph limit.

Rich said: "It's a 50mph limit approaching the lights but when you approach the next junction, which is a roundabout, it's 30mph. It's also 30mph in the other direction (from Frenchay and Winterbourne).

"They're letting traffic

11

'Unsafe' crossing should be changed, says crash victim's dad through too quick. There isn't enough time to go across three lanes on the crossing – it's the same timescale as a two-lane crossing. It needs to be changed or someone else will be knocked off in time."

Rich says that signs warning vehicles about the crossing need to be improved and is also concerned that the continuation of the experimental order banning some right turns at the junction, which was supposed to have finished in February, could have contributed to the accident.

The family, who lived in Staple Hill until they moved from the area last year, have engaged solicitors to work on possible legal action over safety at the junction.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesman said: “We are aware that a police investigation is in progress and we will review their findings fully once they have been shared with us.

“We were required by

Tom Harris hugs his mum Jean for the first time after the collision.

Government to implement an Experimental Traffic Order at Hambrook traffic lights on the A4174 to improve air quality in the area. Since then, our monitoring data of nitrogen dioxide levels has been significantly impacted due to Covid-19 restrictions resulting in less traffic on our roads. Because of this we are seeking guidance from the Joint Air Quality Unit as to the way forward with the scheme.

“The measures in place at the junction are fully compliant with legislative requirements, including the signalised crossing facilities which were upgraded in 2018 and have been designed to support the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.”

An online fundraising campaign to fund adaptations Tom will need as a result of the collision can be found at bit. ly/3sK0n3a.

Three years of road works for ring road A THREE-year project to transform five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road has been unveiled.

The £30 million scheme would see new lanes built to take through traffic over the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts".

The other two – Lyde Green roundabout near the Bristol and Bath Science Park and the Rosary roundabout near Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added.

South Gloucestershire Council has launched a 12-week public consultation the on plans, which it says are aimed at tackling congestion on the A4174 and stopping drivers using nearby residential roads as rat-runs.

More traffic lights and entry lanes will be installed, some trees removed and replaced, and land at the edges of the dual

New lanes for through traffic at the Siston Hill roundabout carriageway used to provide extra space.

No dedicated bus lanes are envisaged, but sensors will detect when buses are approaching to give priority, while improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also included.

The council says its intention is to encourage “necessary strategic car trips” on the A4174 because it is the most suitable for commutes in the area.

It says the scheme will improve air quality by easing congestion.

Feedback from the

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

consultation will be used to form a business case to be sent to the Government for approval and funding.

Road works would last for three years, taking place in phases from next year and until 2025.

It would mean drivers using the ring road to travel from the Frome Valley area to Longwell Green, Keynsham and South Bristol could expect disruption similar to that at the Woodstock roundabout near Cadbury Heath, where a similar 'throughabout' scheme is already underway.

The council says the latest plans will “help the flow of public transport through improved junction performance”.

Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: "This scheme is designed to encourage necessary strategic car trips to remain on the A4174, the most suitable road designed to accommodate longer distance car journeys, and to deter the traffic from re-routing through our local communities."

The council says that with "no intervention", congestion along the A4174 and nearby roads "will worsen due to planned local growth in the area".

The consultation is open now and closes on August 16.

For more details or to comment, visit consultations. southglos.gov.uk/ A4174Improvements online or call 01454 868000.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

12

June, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Village Action: Taking care of the River Frome

WE are lucky to have the Frome Valley Walkway passing through the middle of Frampton Cotterell and making the River Frome accessible along much of its length.

Particularly during the past year, many people have taken the opportunity offered by this accessibility to get closer to nature along the riverbank.

However, like many rivers in England, the Frome faces a number of pressures due to human activity.

These include litter and debris, agricultural run-off, industrial pollution, flooding, sewage overflow and degradation of riverbanks and paths.

The River Frome Reconnected Catchment Plan, which can be found on the South Gloucestershire Council website, highlights those pressures and the steps being taken to address them.

Frampton Cotterell Village Action organises activities locally to tackle some of these issues and supports other agencies in monitoring the state of the river.

We carry out litter picks along the river; every summer we clear Himalayan balsam, to slow its spread via water borne seeds; we regularly test and report the water quality on behalf of the Riverfly Partnership; and we act as a BART Beacon working with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to protect and restore the river.

If you’d like to know more about our activities, would like to join us in one of our working parties or want to raise any issues related to the river, please get in touch via email at framcottva@hotmail.co.uk.

You can also make contact and find updates at our Facebook page: search for FCVillageAction to find us.

You can find the River Frome Reconnected Catchment Plan at bit. ly/3fNWvtD or by searching the South Gloucestershire Council website.

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Carnival update THE Winterbourne Down Village History Walk, organised by the Winterbourne Down Carnival committee over the May Day bank holiday weekend was a tremendous success.

Families were able to follow an online map or a paper copy A stop on the carnival trail and visit 16 sites of local interest, where they could access information by scanning a QR Code with their smartphones.

Although not being held this year, the carnival is still supporting its 2020 charities, the Trussell Trust, Mind, SSAFA and Brace, for which participants were encouraged to make donations.

Thanks go to Steve Daniels for researching and putting together the walk, local residents being enthusiastic contributors, and to members of the committee who produced a children's treasure hunt, tying in with the various sites visited along the way.

Refreshments along the way were made available by EniFood, who donated their profits to the four charities.

The walk is still available online at the carnival website www. winterbournedowncarnival.co.uk, although the information boards at the 15 locations have now been taken down.

The carnival committee has also introduced another event to maintain people's interest in the carnival with one of our committee members, Sarah Edwards, creating a 'virtual fair'.

This online event, which can be found by searching for Winterbourne Down Carnival Virtual Fair on Facebook, provides a platform for local small businesses to offer their goods and services to the area in return for a donation to our chosen charities.

It will stay online until the end of June.

Whilst we were extremely disappointed that the carnival could not go ahead in its normal format this year, we hope everybody who took part in the walk enjoyed themselves – feedback so far is that this was indeed the case.

Plans are now being made for the carnival committee's AGM to be held towards the end of September, when plans will start to be made for Carnival 2022.

Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for information as Carnival 2022 develops.

John Turner

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fromevalleyvoice

14

June, 2021

n NEWS

Mark is new police commissioner CONSERVATIVE Mark Shelford has been elected Avon and Somerset’s new police and crime commissioner.

The former soldier made election pledges to “reassure, refocus and rebuild” and prioritise preventing crime, not just trying to catch criminals.

He received 161,319 votes in the May 6 election, 15,000 ahead of Labour’s Kerry Barker, on 146,293, after first and secondpreference votes were counted.

Green candidate Cleo Lake finished in third place, with 64,790 votes, Liberal Democrat Heather Shearer received 52,839 and independent John Smith 46,379.

Voting took place across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and Somerset.

Mr Shelford topped the first round poll in every area except Bristol, while Mr Barker received more second round votes everywhere except for three of the four Somerset county districts.

The election was postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Mr Shelford will only serve a three-year term.

Speaking after the declaration, he said: “I’m going to have to work quickly, starting tomorrow.

“It’s really exciting and quite humbling.

"There’s a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders. I’m relishing the opportunity to get started as soon as possible.

“The force will grow in stature and be more self-assured. The people of Avon and Somerset will know the police are there for them.

“It’s about making the police more efficient and effective. We will do that together.”

Mr Shelford had criticised the police for the handling of recent "Kill the Bill" protests in Bristol and said the force should not have allowed a “mob” to pull down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston last summer.

One of his first tasks will be to appoint a new chief constable, after Andy Marsh steps down in July.

Mr Shelford said he would not rush into making an appointment and was looking for “somebody that exudes leadership and command, and has unshakeable belief in the Peelian principles of policing (by consent)".

He will also appoint a deputy PCC, and said he will work with the police and crime panel in doing so.

Outgoing PCC Sue Mountstevens made Mr Smith, her former chief executive, the first deputy PCC last year. But he was unable to repeat her success at the ballot box.

Mr Shelford, a former Army lieutenant colonel, served for four years as a Bath & North East Somerset councillor but lost his seat in 2019 after a boundary change.

In his acceptance speech he thanked the election staff, his team, his family and Ms Mountstevens, who he said had "worked tirelessly over the last nine years to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safer".

He thanked the “whole police family”, saying: “The public on the doorstep recognise your stoic courage and they all thank you for what you have done over the last years to keep Avon and Somerset safer.

“And last, thanks to the public who have lent me your vote.

Together we can work to keep Avon and Somerset safer.”

In his concession speech, Mr Barker, who came second to Ms Mountstevens at the last elections in 2016, said: “Mark, we will be with you and watching

you, and wanting to make sure this force gets a better share of resources from government, that the other criminal justice services also get a better share of resources and that we see vast improvements under your leadership.”

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Results

First round results: Mark Shelford (Con) – 136,988 Kerry Barker (Lab) 93,495 Cleo Lake (Green) – 64,790 Heather Shearer (Lib Dem) – 52,839 John Smith (independent) – 46,379 Second round results: Mark Shelford 161,319 (24,331 second preferences) Kerry Barker 146,293 (52,798 second preferences) Turnout: 30.7% PCC column: Page 21

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

n NEWS

LABOUR'S Dan Norris has won the West of England Metro Mayor election.

The former MP beat Conservative Samuel Williams by 125,482 votes to 85,389, a majority of just over 40,000 votes, after second-preference votes were counted.

Green candidate Jerome Thomas was third, with 54,919 votes, while Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams was fourth, with 39,767.

The count went to a second round after no-one received an overall majority in the first round of voting.

However, Mr Norris had a lead of more than 10,500 votes after first preferences were counted, receiving 84,434 votes to Mr Williams' 72,415.

In the second round, where second preference votes from Green and Lib Dem voters were added to the front runners' totals, Mr Norris received another 41,048 votes to Mr Williams' 12,974.

It meant Labour gained the mayoralty from the Tories, who had won by 4,377 votes in 2017.

The Metro Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority, which is responsible for strategic development of business, skills, housing and transport in the region.

Mr Norris said: “It’s a huge honour to be elected as Metro Mayor, for an amazing part of the world that I am so proud to call home.

"I will show the difference an active Metro Mayor makes for our region.

“This role is about collaboration and I will be a Metro Mayor who listens carefully and works cooperatively.

15

Dan becomes Metro Mayor

Dan Norris celebrating with his dog Angel at the ss Great Britain after the results of the Metro Mayor election were announced "I’m determined to hit the ground running, with a Jobs and Skills summit in my first 100 days and my Green Recovery Plan.

“I also know that the pandemic has been tough and, as we build back, invest in jobs and our high streets, we must learn key lessons.

"Together we can create a society where we keep looking out for each other and value what’s truly important.”

After the result was announced, Mr Williams paid tribute to his supporters and volunteers, saying: "Thank you for all your support over the past months. It did not go the way we had hoped but we did an outstanding job."

The overall turnout in the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) area was almost 37% – higher than four years ago, when it was less than 30%, and higher than the metro

mayoral contests in Liverpool, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and Tees Valley.

Mr Norris benefited from the increased turnout in Bristol, where elections for the city council and Bristol Mayor were also taking place on May 6: he received more than 50,000 votes in the city, while Mr Williams' 28,000 in Bristol was behind the Greens.

Mr Norris was 143 votes behind the Conservative candidate in B&NES, where he was the MP for the now-abolished Wansdyke constituency from 1997 until 2010.

In South Gloucestershire Mr Williams was more than 9,000 votes ahead of Mr Norris, where they received 28,693 and 19,168 first-preference votes respectively.

As well as his pledges on jobs and the environment, Mr Norris's manifesto included

a requirement for 35% of all new homes to be "genuinely affordable", an increase in spending on housebuilding and the creation of a 'homelessness taskforce'.

He has also pledged to drive through improvements to transport, including investigating mass transit and bus franchising, smart ticketing and tap-in, tap-out payments, improved rail services and walking and cycling options.

Mr Norris started his political career as a Bristol city councillor in the 1980s and also served on Avon County Council in the mid-90s.

As an MP he was appointed an environment minister by Gordon Brown in 2009 but lost his seat in the 2010 General Election, when he the redrawn and renamed North East Somerset constituency was won

by Conservative Jacob ReesMogg.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Results

Round 1 Dan Norris 84,434 Samuel Williams 72,415 Jerome Thomas 54,919 Stephen Williams 41,193 Round 2 Dan Norris 125,482 (41,048 second preferences) Samuel Williams 85,389 (12,974 second preferences) Turnout 36.6% Metro Mayor column: Page 19

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18

June, 2021

n A DVERTISING FEATURE

New£7mspecialist STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering andMaths) andCreativeCentreat SGSWISECampusisopen THE new Brunel Centre at SGS College’s WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford is designed with sustainability and wellbeing at heart. The Brunel Centre will be home to a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, e-Sports and the recently rebranded Bristol Academy of Media (BAM) courses. With high ceilings and exposed timber interior walls, the whole building has been designed to provide a cutting-edge learning environment.

Kevin Hamblin, SGS Group CEO, said: "The build will provide increased capacity in the area for the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and creatives and inspire them to push harder to achieve their educational goals.

Credit must be given to the West of England Combined Authority who had the foresight and confidence to make this investment, as it will provide a world-class environment for another 400 students a year to study at SGS." A new University Centre, accommodating the relocation of SGS's undergraduate provision will open in September 2021 at the WISE Campus; creating new spaces for the specialist degree programmes in Business, Management, Sports, Media, Games, Specialist Make-up,

Performing and Theatre Arts. SGS has a reputation for delivering quality innovative degrees in a supportive and flexible learning environment. SGS was placed within the top 10% of all universities for overall student satisfaction in 2020.

SGS College welcomes you to attend the

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SATURDAY 3RD JULY 2021, 10:00 – 16:00 SGS College looks forward to welcoming you back onto all our campuses for our Community Open Event.

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

19

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Thank you for the chance to serve FIRSTLY, thank you.

It’s a huge honour to be elected as your Metro Mayor, for this part of the world that I’m proud to call home. And whether you voted for me or not, I’m going to do my best for you and your family.

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since election day. The votes were counted up on the Saturday after polling day – and a big thank you to the counting staff who worked so hard to get us a result efficiently and in a covidsecure way. Then the results were announced aboard the SS Great Britain, a magnificent backdrop to take the helm on a new job! On the following Monday, I was officially sworn in as Mayor at Temple Quay and had my first meetings.

I’ll be frank, I think we have some catching up to do. Because I’m not sure many people know we have a Metro Mayor at the moment locally, nationally or internationally. I want to change that, and put our area on the map.

A woman I met the other day commented that it had been nice to see “from Somerset”

as a description on my interview on Good Morning Britain. We’re going to have more of that.

My job is like Sadiq Khan’s in London and Andy Burnham’s in Manchester. It’s time for Fishponds, Frome Valley or Filton to lead the national conversation!

I said during the campaign that my first priority was jobs, and that is why I will be holding a jobs and skills summit in my first 100 days in office. I’m already having conversations with local businesses and education providers about how we can build back better from the pandemic. If you have ideas, do let me know.

My politics have always been red and green. We are in the midst of a climate emergency and I plan to bring my knowledge and experience as a former Environment Minister to the table. That’s why later this year I will launch my ‘Green Recovery Plan’. You might have also heard about my plans to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK. I know I have a lot of people to meet,

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reading to do, budgets to scrutinise and government ministers to challenge. I want to work in a constructive and cooperative way.

What matters is that we secure the best for our area.

And, just as a final thought, I think my dog might be more popular than me. Angel has also been on TV and got her own hashtag #dansdog – I’ll try not to let it go to her head!

This is such an exciting time, but I want to end where I began. For the chance to serve – thank you.

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fromevalleyvoice

20

June, 2021

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

A new normal . . . of community TODAY I announce a 'new normal' has been discovered.

Where we all realise how important everyone is; treasure chances to meet face to face, not mask to mask, or zoom to zoom; remember each person, irrespective of ability or background, is precious, each job important and each day a gift to be savoured, treasured and enjoyed.

Of course these are simply aspirations. Commentators are now warning that, as we emerge from the most traumatic year, we may face a tsunami of built-up mental health pressures.

I spoke recently with a mental health nurse and a Christian counselling service trustee, and both indicated there was already real pressure. They were able to help and support people, but hadn’t the capacity to do so, with current staff.

Of course I support professionals and volunteers who help to rebuild shattered lives. However, the 'basic' work of

well-being is a whole community pursuit.

Friends, family, work colleagues, clubmates and neighbours all help us rediscover wholeness. The book of Proverbs reminds me: "A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity."

One positive that emerged within the pandemic was a willingness to help and support one another. In Frampton, a volunteer group was started: I was overwhelmed by the number of volunteers. However, as things settled, relationships developed and people incorporated helping others into their routines. I felt our sense of community grow.

Will it last? I want to encourage readers to maintain their relationships with neighbours, families and friends.

This doesn’t mean we all need to be 'strong', helping others.

Recently one of our preachers spoke of her lockdown struggles.

It was a moment of honesty and vulnerability, it spoke powerfully

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and enabled others to share their struggles.

Last year many younger (ish) folk supported older (vulnerable) members of the community.

Perhaps this year the 'so-called' strong need to learn from ‘weak.’

Of course, we cannot stereotype all older people as having great wisdom, but they are more experienced.

Hopefully we won’t need to add to shopping lists, or chemists trips for those shielding or isolating.

However, sharing honestly and vulnerably could be just what we, and those around us, need.

The rallying cry that 'we are all in this together' must not be lost.

Jesus expressed this clearly and simply, when he said we should love our neighbour and our enemy.

We need them, and perhaps they need us. We all can help enrich the lives of others. Hopefully this enrichment will be as effective as lockdown in averting a mental health crisis.

Perhaps we need a new motto.

Stephen Newell Minister of Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell Hands, Face, Space: protect the NHS could become Neighbours, Friends, Enemies: protect our mental health.

And our vaccine would be the reminder that God (rather than scientists) has provided an antidote for our mental well-being, the beauty and wonder of creation. We could encourage each other to take daily doses of flowers, birds, fresh air in a wild wood, or a cool breeze on our face.SFrampton Cotterell.)

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

21

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

I relish the chance to make a difference

I

AM delighted to be writing today as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.

A huge responsibility has been placed on my shoulders and, a week on, I am still incredibly humbled that local people gave me their vote.

I absolutely relish the chance to get stuck in and to make a difference in all the villages, parishes, towns and cities across the force area.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to let you know a little bit about me and my background; I spent over 30 years as an Army officer and served alongside police across the globe, gaining an understanding of their

role and sharing the risks they faced. As a result, I feel I have a good understanding of service life and the pressures those protecting communities face.

Following my military service, I became deputy leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council and also sat on the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel, which supported and scrutinised the actions, decisions and performance of PCC Sue Mountstevens.

In my role as PCC, I will be focusing on delivering a more efficient and effective police service, and I look forward to explaining in the future how together my office, officers and staff will be reassuring, refocusing

and rebuilding a safer community for Avon and Somerset.

This week, I have started to build on my understanding of how the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Avon and Somerset Police operates, as well as being able to meet numerous policing teams who are based at Express Park in Bridgwater.

I want to meet as many officers and staff as possible to understand how I can make their jobs more effective and efficient so you – local people – receive the best police service.

Into the summer, I intend to be out and about meeting local people and communities groups to understand your concerns and

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford how I can help.

If you feel your community group or local service would benefit from me visiting, please do let us by using the general enquiry form on our website www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov. uk/contact/contact-us

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fromevalleyvoice

22

June, 2021

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Bristol fashion...maybe not so shipshape FROM 1946 to 2011, a small factory on a nondescript industrial estate behind Cribbs Causeway produced miniscule volumes of handbuilt and incredibly expensive luxury cars.

Bristol Cars was based throughout its life in Filton and had just one showroom, in Kensington.

The manufacturer was a true eccentric, making long-lasting but decidedly different cars for the very wealthy and slightly eccentric.

And now, a property developer from Essex is trying to resurrect the company, with talk of ‘remastered’ versions of 1970s Bristols for half a million quid each.

He wants to hire local craftsmen and open up another factory in or around Filton, and I wish him all the luck in the world.

It didn’t work for Jensen, who have had more failed revivals than an episode of Casualty, but what do I know? Well, I do know that the market for Bristol cars is vanishingly small (they did go bust after all), and they don’t engender the same level of affection as a host of other dead British car makers.

So why not?

First up has to be the looks, because, let’s be honest most Bristol cars, from the 603 of the mid-70s onwards, have been clumsily styled.

The V10 Fighter of 2004, with gull-wing doors, was striking, but never beautiful. In the flesh it is a mixture of unique curves and

unforgivable panel gaps that you could lose your wallet in (literally and figuratively).

Earlier cars, from the 406 of 1958 to the 411 of 1969, were elegant and powerful but remain a very left-field choice.

Their values are also rising now. Seeing one on the road (maybe once a year) remains an exciting prospect.

When the firm was still in business, they used to run up and down the M4 between the London service works in Chiswick and the Filton factory: twin chrome exhausts emitting a deep V8 burble. Lovely but, it has to be said, sometimes challenging in design. And that is unforgivable for what was then a hugelyexpensive car.

In period Bristol cars sold for the equivalent of just under £200k today. That means they were competing with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley and every other luxury car maker you can think of. It would have taken a very brave soul to slap down that amount of cash to be that different. Very few did.

A used Bristol, however, isn’t such a brave choice today. A combination of those unusual looks and almost total anonymity outside of the owner’s club means that the price of entry now starts at around £30k.

That puts you in this month’s photographed car, a mid-80s ‘Brigand’ with a turbocharged 5.9 litre V8 and maybe 20mpg if you go gently (you

shouldn’t).

This is a long, narrow, low car with plush seating for four adults and a large boot.

It started off as the 603 series in 1976, and was then ‘developed’ (door handles and rear lights from Vauxhall, anyone?) over the next 35 years, right up until the firm’s demise.

Each car features a large Chrysler V8 that delivers effortless lazy power.

Yes, the gear selector looks like it was taken out of a black cab, and no, the tiny period wheels aren’t from underneath a World of Leather sofa.

Later models will cost you more like £60k, but that’s for what is almost a modern car (ABS! An airbag!)

I don’t even want to start thinking about running costs, because although the mechanicals are straightforward (simple even), anything to do with the bodywork or trim is going to be crushingly expensive. Body panels were hand-made and would need to be again today – even supermarket car park damage is going to need a specialist. At least rear light clusters will be cheap…

To buy a used Bristol today is to buy into a mindset that was always in short supply after the consumer boom of the 1980s, to the detriment of the company.

This is the principle of ‘buy once, buy well’ espoused by an older generation, often in the face of a disposable culture that has now started to look unacceptable.

A Bristol could be for life if you want it to be: the engine is under-stressed, the looks timeless (that’s being polite, granted) and the whole ethos of the car so far removed from any notion of progress or fashion.

The problem the firm always faced, and will face again if the revival happens, is likeminded punters are in short supply. The average consumer effectively rents their car today, and the very wealthy like to chop and change, partly because they can.

I would love to see a Filton factory producing wheeled anachronisms once more, though.

What to pay: 1985 Bristol Brigand, £25k - £30k

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

23

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

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

Let’s celebrate summer – and everything!

IT'S June, so to me that means all the luscious summer fruits are at their best.

My favourite soft fruits are raspberries, which makes this recipe a winner for me.

And don’t worry, even if you’re not a huge fan of white chocolate(which I’m not) it is delicious in this particular recipe.

It’s very moreish, and quite different to a traditional Brownie.

Serve it warm, with some extra raspberries as a dessert or cut into small squares to serve with coffee.

Hopefully the weather will be sunny and, with covid restrictions lifting, we should be able to celebrate together with fun and food.

What could be better than a hug, and the kiss of raspberries on your lips?

Keep safe and keep positive, we’re getting there.

Raspberry Blondies You can make these delicious treats all the year round with frozen raspberries, but I think they taste best with fresh seasonal raspberries.

Ingredients: Butter, chopped into small pieces – 125g(4 ½oz) White chocolate – 200g (8oz) chopped into small, equal pieces Caster sugar – 150g (5oz) Eggs – 2, preferably, free range, lightly beaten Plain flour – 110g (4oz) Self-raising flour – 75g (3oz) White chocolate – extra 75g (3oz) chopped coarsely (optional)

Fresh or frozen raspberries* – 150g (5oz) * if using frozen raspberries, do not defrost them before using A little icing sugar for dusting at the end Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 4

Here’s what you do:

• Grease an oblong 12×8in tin, line the base and two opposite sides with non-stick paper. Bring the paper a good 2 inches above the rim of the tin. This helps you to lift the blondies out more easily.

• Melt the butter and 200g of the white chocolate in a microwaveable bowl, on medium for 1 minute. Stir. Do bursts of 20 seconds until the chocolate has just become smooth. Stir until there are no lumpy bits of chocolate left.

• Cool until just slightly warm.

• Stir in the sugar, eggs, flour and extra chocolate, if using.

• Stir in the raspberries so that they are evenly distributed.

• Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.

• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until just firm when you touch it. The edges should be pulling away from the tin and be dark golden brown. A cocktail stick inserted into the middle should come out with only a little bit of stickiness to it. Remember, it will firm up as it cools.

• Cool in the tin for 10 mins.

• Lift the blondies out of the tin onto a board, using the paper to help you.

• Divide into squares. I like to do small bites: you can get as many as 30 from this size of tin, cut six by five.

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• Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

• Serve dusted with a little icing sugar.

Cook’s tips: These will keep in an airtight tin

for up to a week or you can freeze them for up to a month, but I think they are best eaten when still warm.

If you have kept them, you can just warm them for 30 seconds on a medium setting in your microwave.

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

25

n COMMUNITY NEWS

News from Winterbourne Medieval Barn OUR historic building, which has previously weathered several terrible epidemics, is beginning to see life again after yet one more.

It is part of South Gloucestershire's heritage and also its community and future.

Our events for June and July offer something for everyone, starting on June 1 with a talk about the People's Mosquito Project to recreate the iconic WWII plane.

There is a family craft day in half term, a barn tour with a cup of tea, and a laid-back evening with amazing young jazz/blues/folk singersongwriter Leonie Evans.

In midsummer, after covid restrictions have hopefully relaxed a bit, we have two very different shows about medieval kings called Henry.

Firstly, An Audience with Henry VIII gives 'the people' a chance to hear this famous king talk about his life and join in a hilarious question and answer session. There are some adult themes, so the age guide is 12 and over.

Secondly, we welcome back the Festival Players with Shakespeare's Henry V, a play about a real game of thrones.

WMBT is also offering two summer craft workshops on a historic theme – firstly the chance to learn about dying fabric with natural plant dyes, and secondly the opportunity to

education programme for primary schools from September. Key Stage 1 children can come and explore the Barn, play detective, dress up, and find out how medieval people lived. Key Stage 2 pupils can learn about medieval food by trying out some medieval recipes and making a feast, or can discover the bizarre world of medieval medicine and learn what the old apothecaries did.

For more information on the education programme contact jasmine.loveys@ winterbournebarn.org.uk or call 0117 403 1536.

June and July diary dates Singer-songwriter Leonie Evans is due to perform at the barn in June learn to spin wool using a distaff.

And to get everyone mixing and moving again, there will be a Barn Dance in July with the wonderful local band Sargents Mess and caller Rob. All events have to be pre-booked online, where you can also find information about the barn's history and community programme on the website www.winterbournebarn.org.uk.

WMBT has also released details of its

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

June 1: The People's Mosquito Project, 7pm June 2: Family Craft Day, Myths & Monsters June 3: Tea and Tour, 2pm. Leonie Evans in Concert, 7.30pm June 26: Natural Dyes Workshop, 10am. Family Craft Day June 30: An Audience with Henry VIII, 7pm July 1: Tea and Tour, 2pm July 6: Medieval Scentscapes, 7pm July 17: Barn Dance, 7pm July 27: 180 Years of the Gloucestershire Constabulary, 7pm Louise Harrison

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

June, 2021

27

n COMMUNITY NEWS

News from Floral Friends of Frampton Sort it, Sow it Plant Trail

plants and displaying it in your front garden, from the week beginning Monday July 19.

Let us know by July 5 that you’re taking part, by emailing floralfriendsofframpton@gmail. com and we will produce a map so that people can walk around the Sort It, Sow It Plant Trail and enjoy all the innovative displays.

Everyone is welcome – the display can be as small as you like or as big as you dare!

GOT an old milk or lemonade bottle? An empty tin can or old saucepan? An old wheelbarrow?

An old tyre? Anything that can be reused as a plant pot?

Recycle it by filling it with

Sensory Garden

Frampton Cotterell WI

the current circumstances, these may still be subject to change.

Under normal circumstances, visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a charge of £2.50 for the evening and new members can also join by paying a membership fee.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in joining us please let us know and get in touch via our Facebook page, which you can find by searching for FramptonCottWI. Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, craft group, choir and our skittles and darts teams.

WE'RE delighted to announce that our 2021-2022 programme of events has just been published.

This kicked off on May 18 with a Zoom talk on modern slavery.

Maria Hendricks from Avon and Somerset police gave us a fascinating talk about modern slavery in our everyday life, and how to spot the signs.

Victims of modern slavery are around us every day, hiding in plain sight. This was of course a matter also relevant to national WI resolutions discussions.

For June we are planning on holding a cheese and wine event to discuss this year’s WI resolutions subjects.

We’re also planning a sociallydistanced picnic on the fields by Crossbow House, in either June or July.

Other speakers and events lined up for the months ahead include Street Goats – Urban Farming Co-operative in July, Emma Britton (ex BBC Radio Bristol and now a public celebrant), Dogs for Medical Detection, a craft evening and the return of our Christmas bingo night – we’re keeping everything crossed and can’t wait to be sociable again.

Watch this space and our Facebook page for confirmation of future event dates and more details on the full programme: in

Over the early Spring, the planters in the Sensory Garden have been refurbished and are now planted with colourful and scented plants,

helping to make this an enjoyable place in which to spend time. Later in the year we hope the Owl and the Hedgehog might be joined by a new friend – watch this space!

The wildflower bed at the Glebeland has recently been cut

by South Gloucestershire Council and large logs placed around the

edges. More wildflower seeds have been scattered here and hopefully there will be plenty of wildflowers blooming later in the season, to attract a variety of wildlife to the area.

It takes time, effort and funds to maintain the planting around the village benefiting the local community, the environment, and the wildlife. If you would like to help there are various ways in which you can do so, from maintaining planters to fundraising, donations and sponsorship.

If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@ gmail.com.

weeds are still growing and the insects are out and about.

Those hoping for a cup of tea in a friend’s garden to celebrate National Tea Cosy day at the end of May are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather will be kind.

We are hoping that our first

meeting back together will be in July, with an outdoor social event being discussed for members in June.

Any updates and further information will be on our Facebook page: search for @ WICoalpitHeath for more details.

Caroline Johnston

Coalpit Heath WI THE month of May has definitely lived up to its name.

In weather terms, we’ve realised it may be sunny, it may be raining, it may be windy or there may be hailstones, all of which has meant any planned outdoor meet-ups have been challenging!

The weather has also meant the green heart seeds that members were given in April have had mixed results. Depending on when they were put in the soil, they may have got too cold or may have got too waterlogged, but there are now some reports of success – let’s hope there are flowers to follow.

At least anyone who has taken part in No Mow May – leaving lawns alone to help flowers and bees – should have found that the

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

28

n SPORT WE start with the sad news of the passing of club president Roy Parry, whose funeral took place on May 11.

After his playing days Roy was known by many for his unswerving support from the boundary edge, where he took time to watch not just the senior sides but the junior teams too.

His knowledgeable words of advice and unmistakable figure around the club will be greatly missed.

On the pitch, the 1st team treated the cold spectators on the opening Saturday to the closest of finishes at home against Midsomer Norton CC. Batting first, Winterbourne fought their way to 229 from their 45 overs, with the mainstay of the innings Owen Lingard making an impressive 58, supported well by Chris Kislingbury (38) and Mark Barnes (38).

In response, Midsomer Norton started strongly but as the innings developed, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals to keep Winterbourne in the game.

June, 2021

Winning start to season for Winterbourne Cricket Club Winterbourne had their noises in front going into the last over, thanks to Darren Vickery with four wickets from his spell.

Captain George Ford would have felt confident bowling the last over until his first two balls were dispatched for 12 runs, leaving a much easier equation of 2 runs needed from 4 balls, with one wicket in hand.

However, the Winterbourne captain was able to hold his nerve, pinning back the batmen’s leg stump the next ball, triggering the socially distanced celebrations.

The 2nd team have had no such close finishes yet this season, but Mike Green’s men remain unbeaten after 3 weeks of the season, putting them top of the league.

A strong batting performance beat Bath CC 3rds, with runs

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from Zak Hamid (64), Tom Curnock (41*) and Jack Studley (46) proving too many to chase.

A skilled defence of 140 against Knowle CC 2nds meant the winning start continued, with 7 wickets shared between Jamie Studley and Ash Oaks, with the earlier 140 built on the foundation of 28 not out from Tom Curnock.

The 3rd team have only played one game due to the weather, winning at Stapleton by 47 runs thanks to 65 from Damian Lingard and 43 from Jon Oakes.

With 185 to defend Mason Lingard took 4 wickets to secure the victory, with two abandoned games the 3rds currently sit 4th in the league.

The 4th team is unbeaten with victories over Old Bristolians, Westbury and

Cleeve.

The 5th team are still waiting for their first win of the season with the weather preventing any play since the first weekend of the season when they suffered an 18 run defeat.

Off the pitch, training continues for the adults and the youth sides with the return of All Stars and Dynamos and U11s boys and girls on Friday evenings with the bar open for the adults.

The youth sides' seasons are underway but the weather has prevented some games from taking place.

The club can be contacted via chairman Bob Vickery on 07711 856472 or vickeryb1@outlook. com, secretary Liz Bracey at lizbracey@hotmail.com or junior chairman Chris Shine at Chrissy. shine@btinternet.com.

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June, 2021

fromevalleyvoice

29

n SPORT

Father and son star for Coalpit Heath CHRIS Williams and son Jack shone with the bat for different Coalpit Heath teams in the opening round of matches in the Martin Berrill Bristol & District League.

Chris finished unbeaten on 146 for Heath 3rds, who completed a 101-run victory away to Barrow Gurney in Division 13.

And 16-year-old Jack also had a day to Coalpit Heath cricketers Jack and Chris remember, opening Williams for the 2nds away to Taveners in Division Seven, and finishing the innings unbeaten on 84.

It was quite the afternoon for Heath 2nds, as Alex Long completed his maiden century, sharing a third wicket stand of more than 200 with Jack.

Heath reached an imposing 234-3 and then pegged back Taveners to a reply of 115-4 after rain intervened.

Steve Hill

'Proper rugby' back at Frampton Cotterell FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC seniors got back to playing some 'proper' rugby with a trial game under the new laws against neighbours North Bristol.

The new laws basically rule out scrums and mauls. Players can still tackle and ruck, so the game is a lot quicker.

Fram came out on top in the trial match, and the standout try came from full-back Mac Bleakman, following a great cross kick.

It was great to see the 35-plus players in competitive games and, most of all, enjoying themselves.

To add to rugby playing, an added bonus was the bar being open, so the club captains could enjoy a beer while the youngsters ran around!

Mike Weaver

John Harris

079199 12966 01454 772 502 quarrygardens@hotmail.co.uk

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

30

n LETTERS Park and ride: a history lesson AS the elected Councillor for the Westerleigh ward on South Gloucestershire Council from 1991 until I stood down in 2007, I feel that readers of the Voice should be put in the picture regarding the history of the Nibley park and ride site.

Between 2003 and 2007 South Gloucestershire Council conducted a consultation exercise, followed by a planning application for park and ride. Both received a welcome and permission, at the cost to the Council tax payer of £72,000.

At the 2007 election, the Conservatives took control of the council. One of the first actions of the executive councillor for planning and transportation was to cancel the site at Nibley.

When asked the reason for the cancellation, he replied that the council could not afford it.

Some months later, a planning application for a park and ride site near Parkway Station was passed in the Conservative-held Stoke Gifford ward. This site, even to this day, is hardly ever used.

June, 2021

n LIBRARY We now have the current Conservative council announcing the park and ride site at Nibley, sending out their message of another of their achievements, as though this is something new.

Even the MP has stated that this site forms part of his transport plan and the former Metro Mayor said he couldn't wait to see the site up and running. I agree with him. This area needs this facility to reduce car journeys and enable the bus lane at Kendleshire to be used for buses, as intended in 2003.

I welcome the site with open arms as I live in the Badminton Road in Coalpit Heath, but I say to the current administration, let's be truthful to the electorate and say it how it really is.

Alderman Alan Bracey Coalpit Heath

Library update WE’VE loved welcoming users back into our libraries over the past few weeks for borrowing and using our computers and Wi-Fi. We continue to follow the government roadmap out of lockdown and offer services according to any current restrictions.

These include self-service borrowing and free access to computers and Wi-Fi. However, services may change at short notice and our webpage www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges is always kept updated.

Winterbourne Library is now a COVID-19 testing kit collection point.

Everyone in the UK aged over 16 without covid symptoms is encouraged to have two rapid (lateral flow) tests each week.

You can collect testing kits during opening hours: simply take your box home, complete your test following the instructions provided with the test and record your result online.

The library is open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays, for browsing, PC/ WiFi use and click & collect.

Face coverings must be worn unless you are exempt; please use the hand sanitiser provided and keep a safe distance from others.

Where are the geese?

Can anyone tell me what has happened to the Canada geese who were nesting on the duck pond, please? It is such a thrill to see them return each year, and I was so upset when I saw the nest abandoned.

Janet Small

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