Frome Valley Voice June 2022

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

June, 2022 Issue 106

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

Carnival royalty Change at academy

WINTERBOURNE Academy head teacher Jason Beardmore is moving on after four years in charge – and a new head is already working alongside him.

PAGE 6

Riley's winning start

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations may be just around the corner but it was carnival queen Emily Hancock and king Deacon Cox who were waving to the crowds at the Winterbourne Down Carnival, which made a successful return to the streets with its biggest turnout ever. Full story: Page 3

Winterbourne man jailed for riot A WINTERBOURNE man has been jailed for his "aggressive and violent acts" during a riot in Bristol city centre.

Callum Davies, aged 24, threw missiles and kicked at and threatened police officers during the disorder outside Bridewell Police Station, which grew out of a demonstration against the Police and Crime Bill last year.

Police said video footage from an "extensive investigation" had shown Davies was "part of a group which used and threatened violence, causing others to fear for their safety" He was jailed in May at Bristol Crown Court, following an earlier trial.

THE son of Frampton Cotterell former world champion boxer Glenn Catley has made his ring debut.

PAGE 7

Boost for roads

PLANS to resurface seven roads in Winterbourne this year have been announced.

PAGE 8

Jubilee parties

STREET parties will take in roads across the Frome Valley area over the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend.

PAGE 19

Full story: Page 2

4 Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, BS36 1JX - Tel: 01454 252 140 Email: info@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, 2022

n NEWS

Jail for rioter A WINTERBOURNE man has been jailed for his part in a riot in Bristol city centre.

Callum Davies, aged 24, threw missiles and kicked at police officers during the disorder outside Bridewell Police Station in March last year.

He was also filmed threatening to throw a large plastic road barrier at a line of officers during the riot, which grew out of a demonstration against the Police and Crime Bill.

Avon and Somerset police said Davies had denied a charge of violent disorder but was found guilty by a jury following a trial at Bristol Crown Callum Davies Court.

He was jailed for two-and-ahalf years on May 19 by Judge Peter Blair, who said Davies’ violent behaviour could not be excused by the amount of alcohol he had drunk, adding that his failure to admit what he had done justified a longer prison sentence.

Davies was not found to be involved with some of the more serious damage caused by rioters, including setting police vans ablaze and attacking the police station.

After the hearing Detective Superintendent James Riccio said: "Footage gathered during our extensive investigation showed Callum Davies engaged in aggressive and violent acts after 10pm on the night of the riot.

"He used an orange barrier to threaten and goad officers and was captured on camera kicking officers' shields.

"He acted as part of a group which used and threatened violence, causing others to fear for their safety, and that’s why he’s now received a prison sentence for the violent disorder.

"We can’t let the despicable conduct of those involved in the riot escape without punishment.

"They brought shame on themselves and on the city of Bristol and they should all answer for the violence they used and the fear they caused officers and other members of the public."

Davies was the 20th person to be convicted or admit offences during the riot.

Another conviction of a rioter on May 23 brought the number to 21.

Jail sentences totalling more than 65 years had been handed down to 17 of those people convicted.

Further cases involving people accused of offences during the riot are still pending.

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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

A member of the

Davies was captured on video goading officers

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June, 2022

3

n NEWS

Carnival attracts biggest ever crowds

WINTERBOURNE Down Carnival returned after losing two years to the pandemic – and people responded in a big way.

Organisers of the event say it was "undoubtedly the largest turnout in the history of the Carnival", with hundreds of people lining the route then walking with the procession to the village Methodist church.

Kathryn Hopes, form the organising committee, said the procession day had been "remarkable" - and plans are already being made for next year's event.

She said: "As always, the carnival kicked off with the procession lead by the Bristol Pipers and our May Day Royalty, starting in Bradley Avenue and gaining more and more people along the route.

"By the time we reached the Methodist church in Winterbourne Down we had gathered hundreds of visitors.

"We had a jam packed programme of events and it’s impossible to single each of them out individually. You couldn’t move on the village hall green during the dance displays, and the demand for a burger had queues reaching far up Rose Close!

"However, when the Lancaster bomber graced us with three flypasts, everyone froze and their eyes reached for the sky. It was emotional and hugely thrilling.

"We’ve since had many messages from the community to express their thanks and appreciation that the carnival is

Attendants Emma Watts and Ellis Saunders, carnival queen Emily Hancock, king Deacon Cox and attendants Odelia Cox and Tallulah Barke. back. It’s clear people have had a tough couple of years and as a committee we were determined to hold a Carnival this year and we were chuffed to be able to deliver!"

Carnival committee chairman John Turner said: "The carnival was a great success, with residents and visitors enjoying a full weekend of activities. My thanks go to everybody who played a part in Carnival 2022.”

Organisers are still collecting this year's donations but hope to be able to make a "generous payment" to charities Mind, Brace, SSAFA and the Trussell Trust.

People who would like to help make next year's carnival a success are being encouraged to join the committee – for more details follow the carnival's Facebook page.

The parade makes its way through the village

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June, 2022

n NEWS

Bikes seized in police village raid POLICE investigating the suspected sale of stolen goods online are trying to trace the owners of two bikes recovered in a raid in Winterbourne.

Officers believe the bikes, a Kawasaki off-road motorbike and a Raleigh Aura bicycle, were stolen.

The Kawasaki motorbike They have released pictures of them as they appeal for anyone who might recognise them to come forward.

They were both recovered from a property in Winterbourne on April 17.

Police say an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and released under investigation, The Raleigh bike "in connection with a wider investigation into suspected stolen bikes being advertised for sale online".

Anyone who has information about the bikes should call 101 or contact the police via their website, avonandsomerset.police.uk.

Arson charge over attack on charity's minibuses A MAN has been charged with 24 counts of arson over a series of fires which destroyed half of a transport charity's fleet.

Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport, which provides transport for people with mobility issues in areas including Frampton Cotterell and Winterbourne, lost 12 vehicles during a series of incidents in the One of the vehicles set ablaze. early hours of April 3.

Picture: Avon Fire and Rescue Service A 13th vehicle belonging to the charity was also damaged during a spree which saw a total of 25 vehicles destroyed in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Patchway and Stoke Gifford.

Avon and Somerset Police initially arrested two teenagers in connection with the fires but later said that a 26-year-old man had been charged with 24 counts of arson.

Daniel Cron, of Filton, was given conditional bail ahead of a hearing at Bristol Crown Court at the end of May. The Frampton Cotterell-based charity was able to restore most of its services within days of the incident but is now looking for a new base, as it has had to move its remaining vehicles off the parking space Rolls-Royce had let it use free of charge before the arson attacks.

Anyone who can offer secure parking for its vehicles is being asked to call 01454 250500 or email info@4tvl.org.uk.

Anyone with information for the police investigation should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5222 078 490.

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June, 2022

fromevalleyvoice 28

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Eels given helping hand WORK is underway to make it easier for fish and eels to swim up and down the River Frome.

The Environment Agency has started a project to modify four weirs on a stretch of river running through Yate.

The work, on weirs between Cranleigh Court Road and Goose Green Way, involves cutting notches into three of the weirs.

The fourth is being fitted with eel tiles and baffles.

Eel tiles are blank on one side and have small cones on the other, facing the wall.

Agency experts say that because eels are long and thin, they are not very good swimmers but are very good at wriggling and crawling and can use the gaps between the cones to wriggle through and climb over the weir.

Baffles are long strips of recycled plastic attached to the front of the weir which help to concentrate flows of water by channelling it through notches cut into the plastic, increasing its depth and reducing the speed of the flow, so fish can swim through the notches and over the weir.

The aim of the project is to ensure more fish and eels can swim upstream to reach more than five miles of river upstream of the weirs, which includes important spawning grounds for some fish.

This in turn should help increase the number and variety of fish found locally. The work is a key part of fish passage in the catchment as it will allow easier access to 8.6 kilometres of upstream river.

The agency says Frome, which flows through Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne Down and Hambrook on its way to Bristol, is home to brown trout, stone loach, minnow, stickleback, bullhead and the endangered European eel.

The weirs are part of a flood defence scheme built in the 1960s, which funnels high flows of water past Yate to reduce the risk of flooding in the town.

A spokesperson said: "The river was significantly shortened and straightened when the flood scheme was built, and the weirs help prevent erosion of the riverbed."

European eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic, floating in their larval form on ocean currents towards Europe.

Once they reach freshwater estuaries like the Bristol Channel, they grow into elvers and swim up rivers, including the Frome, where they spend up to 20 years living, feeding and maturing.

They then swim all the way back to the Sargasso Sea, more than 3,000 miles away, to lay their eggs.

Environment Agency Bristol Frome project manager Heather Barker said: "This work should see an increase in the number and variety of fish we find in the Frome, and generally make this a better place for people and wildlife.

"The work is part of a wider programme of projects through the Frome Reconnected Partnership to improve the River Frome."

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6

n NEWS

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New pitch unveiled at academy OLD boy Dave Attwood returned to Winterbourne Academy to officially open the school's new all-weather pitch.

The Bristol Bears lock, who attended the school when it was known as the Ridings, unveiled a plaque at a presentation attended by students and staff from the school and parent academy Olympus.

The pitch has a playing surface certified to World Rugby and FIFA standards for playing rugby and football.

The nine-week project, by contractors Velocity, was funded by the school.

Dave was joined by head teacher Jason Beardmore, Olympus chief executive Dave Baker and parish councillors for the ceremony.

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June, 2022

New head teacher for Winterbourne Academy WINTERBOURNE Academy is to have a new head teacher.

Olympus Academy Trust, which runs the school, has announced that Victoria Boynton, who joined the trust last year to take charge of the planned Lyde Green Secondary School, will be taking charge at Winterbourne from September.

The trust said current head Jason Beardmore, who has been in charge for four years, was moving to Devon to "pursue other opportunities closer to his family home".

Victoria Boynton Mrs Boynton is already working alongside Mr Beardmore.

She was appointed as Lyde Green's first head last October ahead of its planned opening near Emersons Green in 2023; its first Year 7 pupils had been due to start in temporary accommodation on the Winterbourne Academy site this September.

But delays in the building project mean Lyde Green will not open before 2024, and 33 of the pupils who applied to start there in September will now be joining Winterbourne instead.

The trust said "the irony will not be lost" on those pupils that they would now have the same head teacher they would have had at Lyde Green.

The trust said the decision for Mrs Boynton to come to Winterbourne "was in part related to the delay in building and opening, as there is no funding for a Headteacher post in the interim and we need to deploy the skills of a Headteacher where they are needed now".

The trust added: "Vic is excited at the new challenge ahead of her at Winterbourne and will still have close ties to Lyde Green, with Winterbourne Academy the likely post-16 destination for future Lyde Green students."

Mr Beardmore said it had been "an absolute pleasure and privilege" to work at the school.

He said: "Through the hard work of my staff I have witnessed breath-taking improvement in both scale and pace, as we have constantly strived to put Winterbourne back into its rightful place on the map in the local community.

"Some of the most impressive and meaningful changes for me have been in culture across the student and staff body.

"The staff body I now see before me possesses and demonstrates vigour, initiative, cohesion and above all belief.

"Our students are what the job is all about: they are quite simply wonderful and I shall miss them.

"I would like to thank the many, many parents who have joined with parent voice activities and those who have been by our side providing constant moral support and emails, calls and letters of encouragement in the journey we have taken.

"Although I have been in the profession for 30 years and have also led other schools as head-teacher, nothing compares to my time at Winterbourne, which will stay with me permanently.

"I am very confident that you will continue to hear more about how we have succeeded in 'making Winterbourne great again' and that the school will scale new heights in the future with Victoria Boynton at the helm as head-teacher, with such strong deputies and senior leaders at her side."

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June, 2022

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n NEWS

Riley follows famous dad into the ring A FAMOUS Frampton Cotterell boxing name has claimed victory in the ring again.

But former WBC World super middleweight champion Glenn Catley hasn’t come out of retirement – this time it was his son, who was making a successful debut.

Riley, 19, won his first amateur bout after taking a unanimous points decision against 22-year-old Bristol fighter Tez Weale at the event in Stroud.

Former Frampton Cotterell Primary School and Winterbourne Academy pupil Riley only took up the sport two years ago.

Initially he tried boxercise classes when he was looking to build up his strength after suffering from vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes small seizures.

He enjoyed boxing so much that when doctors gave him the

Riley Catley with coaches Tracey Hayne, Conor White, Craig Turner and proud dad Glenn. green light, he stepped up his training and aimed towards a bout.

Riley said: "It was really fun, one of the best days of my life to be honest, because when you are up in the ring everyone is looking at you.

"When he shouts ‘the winner on the red side Riley Catley’ everyone is shouting and screaming it’s just mint.”

Although he comes from a fine pedigree, Riley says having a famous name wasn’t always a

help.

He said: "It took me a while to find a fight because everyone saw my surname and the trainers didn’t let them fight, me even though I’m completely separate to my dad.”

The family watched Riley’s debut, with Glenn enjoying his new role ringside.

He said: “My wife had her eyes closed most of the time.

"It was quite bizarre because both my mum and dad were there and when I started boxing

at 11 years of age, there’s not a fight that they’ve missed.

“There was my mum and dad, his mum and dad, so three generations of Catleys at ringside shouting him on.

"My mum, in good old typical fashion, was shouting the same advice to Riley as she used to say to me: ‘hit him Riley, hit him’.”

Glenn has been impressed with his son, saying: “He’s more of a boxer than I am.

"He’s very tall and very wiry for his weight, just over six foot; I am a short and squat – a come forward-type fighter, there was no way I could out-jab my opponent.

"I had to get stuck in, but Riley’s a bit of a back foot fighter.

He’s more eloquent than I am.”

Riley says he wants to continue his boxing journey – but strictly as an amateur, as he is about to start a degree apprenticeship in engineering.

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8

n NEWS SEVEN roads in Winterbourne are set to be resurfaced this year.

Bradstone Road, England’s Crescent, Gazzard Road, Lewton Lane, Saint Michael’s Close, Salem Road and Starbarn Road have been included in a £1.2 million programme of spending on roads and footpaths, announced by South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet in addition to £10m of transport infrastructure updates and maintenance announced earlier this year.

Winterbourne ward councillors Trevor Jones and Nic Labuschagne said: "Having campaigned for more investment in local roads for some time, we are pleased to see the council has listened, with this latest investment set to see more than half a dozen resurfaced in Winterbourne.

"We will continue to campaign for more resurfacing works locally."

Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure Steve Reade, who announced the spending, said: "It is important to us that residents can look out their front door and be proud

fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

Resurfacing plans for Winterbourne roads to call South Gloucestershire home, and it is great we are in this position where we can make further improvements that benefit people whether they are driving, walking, cycling or taking public transport."

The council has recently announced that Perrinpit Road in Frampton Cotterell will be closed for more than two months for essential drainage works to be carried out.

The work is due to start on June 6 and it is anticipated that it could take up to 75 days to complete. The council's Streetcare department said the road will be closed around the clock for the duration of the scheme.

Announcing the closure via social media, it said: "There are a large number of damaged drainage pipes that will need to be replaced, which will involve

digging a sizeable hole in the road and removing the damaged pipes and then laying a new pipe in its place.

"A signed diversion will be in place for the duration of the work, but residents will still have access.

"We thank you for your patience and apologies for any inconvenience caused."

Repairs on Court Farm Bridleway Bridge, across the River Frome close to St Michael’s church on Church Lane, Winterbourne, started on May 16 and were due to last for up to six weeks.

Elsewhere in the district council contractors may have to replace newly-laid road surfaces after pieces of the asphalt started to come off.

The council says it is "aware there are problems with the quality of the road surfaces laid

at 21 sites" around the district.

Affected roads include Bredon, Littledean and Steve Reade Lyndale Road in Yate, Lilliput Avenue in Chipping Sodbury and others in Kingswood, Pucklechurch, Mangotsfield, Filton, Thornbury and Charfield.

The council said: "The Micro Asphalt surfacing mix used by our contractors would appear to be defective and we are working with them to find out the cause and take action as soon as we can.

"Many of the sites completed have some visual defects and the new surface is starting to strip off and in some cases form holes.

"The council wasn't involved with sourcing this material."

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June, 2022

9

n NEWS

Outdoor learning at primary school THE youngest pupils at Frampton Cotterell Primary School spent a whole day learning outside.

Early Years children at the school in Rectory Road asked to spend the entire day camped in its forest school area as part of an enrichment day event.

Head teacher Hannah Hornig said: "Children were able to choose from a wide range of activities, including den building, observational drawing, making mud faces and creating natural garlands.

"We lit a campfire and the children enjoyed making delicious smores in the embers. We rounded off the afternoon by singing around the campfire, accompanied on the guitar by our talented teaching assistant."

The children are also enjoying making music with a visiting specialist service called Beat Bus, which enables them to explore a range of instruments and learning about pitch and rhythm, and making bread in the Early Years cooking area.

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n NEWS

June, 2022

Charging confusion for new park and ride YATE'S new park and ride has left electric car users puzzled – and there are concerns that confusion is putting people off using it.

The site is aimed at commuters and shoppers travelling into Bristol – an hour each way on the bus - into central Yate or using the nearby station.

But a popular phone app for charging electric cars says that anyone who leaves one plugged in for more than 90 minutes will be fined £10.

South Gloucestershire Council has asked for the app to be updated, while councillors and the AA have called on the council to put up new signs making it clear electric car drivers won’t be charged for overstaying.

The £4.5 million park and ride was opened next to the council’s HQ on Badminton Road in February.

It includes 198 car spaces, 46 secure bike parking places and

officers had contacted Zap-Map to get the information changed and stressed: "There are no overstay fees associated with the EV charging points at Yate Park and Ride. "We are aware ZapMap shows that there is a £10 charge for staying longer than 90 minutes in these spaces, but this is incorrect as it only applies to rapid charging points. We have raised it with them directly and asked them to update it.”

Yate town councillor Chris The charging points at Yate park and ride Willmore, who has an electric car, says the confusion is putting 38 electric charging points. charge the average electric car drivers off. She says many EV As an added incentive, drivers in under an hour – but there are owners look up charging points who plug in a car will be able to no rapid chargers at the park on Zap App and use it as a park for free instead of paying and ride. guide, and while they know it the £2.60 a day parking fee due AA head of roads policy Jack sometimes has mistakes, the to be introduced for other drivers Cousens said: “The new slow council could help clear up any later this year. charging capability at Yate Park confusion.

But one of the most popular & Ride is to be commended, Chris said: "We wrote to apps for electric car charging, however this good work could be South Glos to ask them to change Zap-Map, lists the park and ride rapidly undone if left unresolved. the signs weeks ago. It is not as having a £10 fine for anyone “EV drivers could become rocket science. staying more than 90 minutes in confused unless the situation “All we want is clarity." an electric vehicle bay. is clarified and the signage is The Voice has contacted ZapIt says this charge is only updated.”

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June, 2022

11

n NEWS

May Day revels return to Iron Acton

Dancers in action

Maypole dancing TRADITIONAL May Day celebrations returned to Iron Acton after two years were lost to the pandemic.

The traditional celebration, with maypole dancing on the village green, draws hundreds of visitors but had to be cancelled in 2020 and last year due to covid restrictions.

This year it was back, with community organisations working together to prepare the procession of the May Queen, May King and their entourage from the Lamb Inn along the High Street to the green.

As well as the fairground rides, stalls and art exhibition

the central show ring included taekwondo and dog obedience displays, marching and several dance groups, including Morris.

But none were more keenly anticipated than the maypole dancing by children of Iron Acton and North Road primary schools.

Iron Acton primary executive head teacher Mike Riches said: "This is the first time in three years that our children have had the chance to dance around the maypole and get involved in this important historic community event in the village.

"The children and their teachers prepared for weeks to

The taekwondo demonstration demonstrate several different maypole dances and they pulled it off exceptionally well.

"They paused to show the patterns they had made whilst weaving in and out. They then turned around and unwound their ribbons all without a hitch!

"Hundreds of people came to

watch the special event.

"There was also a demonstration from our taekwondo club, with leader Karen Parker.

The event raised money for local community organisations, St Peter's Hospice and the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

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12

n NEWS

CONFUSION surrounds the fate of the region’s housing blueprint after a council leader insisted it could still be revived, despite being declared dead in the water days earlier.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris announced in mid-May that the region's spatial development strategy (SDS) had collapsed.

Labour’s Mr Norris blamed the failure on South Gloucestershire Council Conservative leader Toby Savage for “walking out” of talks on the masterplan, which sets out broad locations for tens of thousands of new homes, along with jobs, over the next 20 years.

Cllr Savage denied the claims, branding them “false”, and accused Mr Norris, the head of the West of England Combined Authority, of a “desperate tactic to get his secretly developed plan approved”.

With discussions seemingly at an impasse over a proposed target of 37,000 new homes for South Gloucestershire by 2041, Mr Norris wrote to the Government to say agreement could not be reached and all SDS work had ceased, to save any more taxpayers’ money.

But Cllr Savage told a council

June, 2022

Where now for housing blueprint?

The spatial development strategy is supposed to set limits for future housebuilding

meeting on May 18 that the document was not defunct just because the Metro Mayor said so, as the SDS was legally required.

He said: "There is legal uncertainty about the status of the Weca mayor’s letter to the secretary of state.

“We are now awaiting the response from the secretary of state on that point, and that should give us a direction of travel and clarity on this issue."

Cllr Savage told the meeting

the leaders of the three councils that make up the combined authority – Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire – had asked to see Mr Norris’s letter to the Government but it had not yet been shared with them.

Council cabinet member for strategic infrastructure Steve Reade told the meeting: “The SDS has not been withdrawn.

It takes far more than a simple letter to withdraw an SDS.”

He said the council administration "remains supportive of a regional plan that promotes sustainable new housing, employment and infrastructure growth" but said the mayor had "continued to progress it in secret".

Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP’D) co-chairman Colin Gardner told the meeting Cllr Savage had done the right thing by "putting a stop to a bad plan".

He said: "Having a bad plan is much worse than not having a plan at all, and the SDS, like the rejected Joint Spatial Plan before it, was simply a bad plan."

The blueprint was proposing 92,000 new homes for the region – 37,000 in South Gloucestershire, 40,000 in Bristol and 15,000 in B&NES – despite the Government setting a minimum housing target of 110,000.

Cllr Savage had said the figures represented 9,000 more homes in South Gloucestershire than were needed, while Mr Norris said the area had to a “fair share” of homes.

Green belt is vital for everyone FRAMPTON Cotterell resident Bridget Coen, 19, says the benefits of country walks taken during the lockdown show how important the Green Belt is.

I WAS in the middle of preparing for my A-levels when the lockdown of March 2020 happened.

Completely confused, terrified, separated from friends and family, like everyone in that time, I had no idea how long it would last or what to do with myself. So I started with taking our dog, Bandit, out for a walk.

I began walking through the parks in the area, extending to the Centenary Fields, following the river to Black Rocks then further into Chill Wood in Iron Acton.

There I would spend hours looking up at the leaves of the trees finding some space for myself that I had not felt in a very long time.

I also discovered the footpath running alongside the river going to Hambrook through the quarry. Walking through the trees and fields next to the river I would see deer, foxes, rabbits, buzzards, herons;

animals that I had never seen up close before.

Bandit and I would ramble over hills, through woodlands and fields; seeing how far we could get in a day.

In those green spaces, which are shrinking with every year, I developed curiosity for the natural world around us: what plants grew in the water, on the sides of the river, in the woods and the fields; what time of day certain birds and beasts liked to come out and the best time for me to see them.

I met other people along the way who were also in love with these places and passionate about preserving them for all.

Getting outside and going for a walk helped me step back away from the stress of everyday life, look at the bigger picture and start to think about the future.

Being outside has a range of mental and physical health benefits such as reducing cortisol (stress hormone), blood pressure levels, pulse and increasing our vitamin D intake which regulates our sleep cycle and is directly linked to our energy levels.

These places are for all of us; everyone should have the means to get away from the cars, buildings, work, school and have

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Bridget Coen's dog Bandit at Chill Woods, Iron Acton.

the ease of access to nature. In Bristol, air pollutants such as PM 2.5 and PM10 are the cause of death of around 260 people a year.

The Frome Valley Green Belt isn't just a home for an array of wonderful flora and fauna, it's a space for anybody and everybody who needs it.

We need to protect this land for the people who love it and preserve it for future generations who have yet to discover it.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

n NEWS

13

Call for bus rethink

Parents raise whiteboard cash RECEPTION and Year 1 children at a Winterbourne primary school now have new whiteboards to help their learning thanks to a fundraising drive.

St Michael’s Primary School PTA raised the money with support from the school and the local community.

PTA vice chair Jess Bailes said: "We’ve had a difficult couple of years without being able to hold events for the children, so we had to come up with unusual ways to support the school, such as joining Your School lottery and Amazon Smile, as well as setting up our own clothing bank to give clothes a second home instead of going to landfill.

"It was such a joy to be able to hold the Christmas Fayre in December and finally let the children have a great time."

The PTA's next challenge is to raise enough money to renovate the library.

Its summer fete will return on July 1, from 5.30-7.30pm, with a giant inflatable slide, traditional games, BBQ and entertainment.

Fundraisers are appealing for raffle prizes. Donors can contact the school office or email PTA@stmichaelswinterbourne.co.uk.

METRO Mayor Dan Norris has called on bus operator First to reassess recent timetable changes after passengers complained they had been left delayed or stranded.

New timetables were introduced at the end of April to improve reliability as the company continues to deal with the impact of the pandemic on passenger and driver numbers.

Changes included the withdrawal of the Y2 service which linked the Frome Valley to Yate and Bristol via Downend, and cutbacks to the Y4, which now stops at the Yate park and ride.

Mr Norris said he had heard reports of "chaos at the beginning" of the new timetables, with long delays and people travelling from Yate to Fishponds having to catch a train into Bristol and then a bus back out.

He said transport campaigners had also reported cancellations, cuts and delays on several services.

Mr Norris said: "We need to know if this is teething troubles or terminal.

“We were told that with a new timetable in place it would be much easier for the buses to run on time. But that doesn’t appear to be what’s happening. Passengers are frustrated, and even worse, angry.

So we need the bus companies to revisit their plans and reassess them with urgency.”

A spokesperson for First West of England said the first week of the changes was "always going to be difficult", but added: "Since then we have seen a marked improvement in reliability.

"We still have some challenges in Bristol due to the ongoing driver shortage but we are actively recruiting and filling that shortfall.

"We apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced in recent weeks and want to reassure them that we are doing everything possible to provide a reliable service at this time."

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June, 2022

fromevalleyvoice

15

n NEWS

Honour for Toby

The welcome event

Ukrainians welcomed to South Gloucestershire MORE than 100 Ukrainian refugees have been given a warm welcome to South Gloucestershire at an event held by the council at Yate Fire Station.

The aim was to welcome the refugees to the district and provide an opportunity for them and their local sponsors to meet other people in a similar situation.

A vicar and representatives from the police and fire services were on hand, as well as an NHS vaccination team from UWE giving first, second and booster doses of the covid vaccine to a "significant number" of attendees.

The council said the event "saw lots of conversations taking place and new friendships being formed between the Ukrainian guests and among the different South Gloucestershire sponsors".

Cabinet councillor for public health Franklin Owusu-Antwi said: “It was excellent to meet and formally welcome our new Ukrainian residents to South Gloucestershire and to thank their hosts for opening their homes to them.

"We want to do all we can to help our guests settle in, feel safe and supported and to quickly feel at home in South Gloucestershire."

Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “It was an honour to have welcomed our new Ukrainian residents, and their host families, to Yate Fire Station. We work hard to help everyone feel safe in our community, and I hope this event went some way in helping our Ukrainian guests feel welcomed and reassured that they are safe when living and working in our area.

“I’d like to thank all the hosting families for opening their homes to those in need, Reverend Beverley Charles and to South Gloucestershire Council’s Homes for Ukraine team for their ongoing support to those most in need.”

A second event is being arranged in Cadbury Heath on June 15 and weekly Thursday morning drop-in sessions will be starting soon at Holy Trinity Church, in Kingswood.

A mum who has been helping refugees from Ukraine is also looking for a venue for regular informal meet-ups.

Vera Stadon, who was born in Ukraine but now lives in Mangotsfield, started an appeal to collect aid for people fleeing from the Russian invasion, which led to several lorry and van-loads of donations being collected at Emersons Green Village Hall earlier this year.

Now she is helping refugees who have reached South Gloucestershire find their feet and is looking for anyone with a venue nearby which would be regularly available to get in touch, via the Bristol Helps Ukraine Facebook page or by calling 0788 689 4614.

For more information about support from the council visit www. southglos.gov.uk/ukraine.

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

FRAMPTON Cotterell fundraiser Toby Fletcher has been honoured for his fundraising work by the city of Bristol.

Rugby fan Toby, who is running 1km for every point scored against Bristol Bears this season to raise money for St Peter's Hospice, has already raised more than £15,000 and run more than 640km, with one game of the season still to go.

He is running in memory of his Nanny June, who was helped by the charity.

Toby, aged 11, was among 16 people and two organisations Toby receives his award from presented with a Lord Mayor's Bristol Lord Mayor Steve Smith Medal by Bristol's Lord Mayor Steve Smith in May. This year’s Lord Mayor Medals have been awarded to people who have dedicated their time as volunteers to community, youth and charitable organisations.

Councillor Smith said: "These awards are a timely reminder of the resilient Bristolian spirit, and shine a light on the volunteers, fundraisers, and charity organisations across Bristol. I am grateful for the incredible work that they do to make our city a better place."

To donate to Toby's Bearathon visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ claire-fletcher22.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

News From

The Annual Parish Meeting

Frampton Cotterell's Annual Parish Meeting took place on Thursday the 19th of May. The meeting featured speakers from the Parish Council & local groups, as well as hosting an open forum for questions and discussion from parishioners of all ages. Cllrs Pat & Dave Hockey were awarded the Freedom of the Parish for their long-standing works in Frampton Cotterell, & we unveiled our new Bug Hotel.

We would like to thank everyone who came along and took part. If you were unable to attend, you can read the agenda and minutes for this meeting, & all others, on our website at

www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk

Bug Hotel Frampton Climate

Cotterell and

Nature

Parish

Council’s

Committee

have

commissioned a local wood carver, Andy O’Neil of wildwood carving, to create a 6 foot tall bug hotel sculpture.

Andy is the

same talented wood worker who made Frampton’s

fantastic

Dick

King

Smith

Cllrs Pat and Dave Hockey being awarded the Freedom of the Parish award at the Annual Parish Meeting

bench.

This beautiful bug hotel has two plaques: one

marking

Cotterell

100

Parish

years

of

Council,

Chair's Report

Frampton and

one

dedicating the sculpture to Cllrs. Pat & Dave

Hockey,

commemorating

their

Freedom of the Parish award.

Keep a look out in Centenary Field for the new

installation

and

let

us

know

what

bugs you can find! Share your photos with us

via

email

or

on

Facebook

@FramptonCotterellParishCouncil

from Frampton Cotterell Parish Council Chair, Cllr. Linda Williams The Council has continued to provide

The

services

Committee has been extremely active,

during

last

12

months,

Council’s

&

with

successful Bio-Blitz event in conjunction

disposing of the collected waste. The

with Frampton Cotterell Nature Group.

and

valued

open

during

spaces

that

lockdown

were

have

so

been

They

have

Council’s

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 300 saplings

Plan

were

extremely

at

the

Centenary

Field

also

contribution

maintained and enhanced. To mark the planted

organisation

Nature

including reviewing, & where necessary

parks

the

Climate

renewing, bins throughout the parish, &

to

of

a

made

the

a

huge

formulation

response

to

consultation.

the

This

important,

very

of

SGC

the

Local

document

as

it

will

is

shape

with the able assistance of the Scouting

growth & change in our area over the

Organisation,

next

&

a

tree

survey

to

15

years,

ascertain the impact of ash die back

development,

has been completed.

change.

&

job

will

effect

creation,

housing

&

climate

A bench has been erected at the Park,

The Council has provided grants to the

&

community

a

memorial

Centenary

tree

field

planted

—

a

at

plaque

the of

details

£6,471.86.

totalling

of

the

beneficiaries

&

Full

how

to

dedication will be unveiled shortly. We

apply are on our website. The Council

are very grateful to those who selflessly

continues

supported

the

our

community

during

the

in

village

its

ambitions

for

the

to

enhance

benefit

of

its

lockdowns, & we hosted a Cream Tea

parishioners with the creation of a 3-

for Hero’s event as a thank you, which

year

was very well attended & received.

into the setting of the budget and the

The first stage of the drainage project

Parish precept annually.

at

A

the

Park

has

come

to

a

close,

plan,

bug

the

hotel

funding

has

for

been

which

placed

at

links

the

although we acknowledge it was not as

Centenary Field to inform people about

problem free as we would have liked.

why

However, the Cricket club will be using

Centenary Field in 1994. This bug hotel

their

pitch

benefitting system

this

season,

from

recently

the

installed.

has been dedicated to Councillors Pat

The

pitches

public service of over 70 years between award

is

now

clubs.

new

purchased

& Dave Hockey in recognition of their

Rugby

Football

Council

greatly

them.

&

Parish

irrigation

&

new

the

will also be usable in the Autumn for the there

Additionally,

floodlighting

for

This of

dedication the

will

freedom

of

mark the

their

parish.

Cllrs. Hockey will be the first to have

training in winter. We have learned a

received this honour.

great deal from this project, & will be

I hope that I have given you a flavour of

looking to apply that knowledge to the

what we as a Council have achieved

second stage in due course.

over the past 12 months. It only remains

The

Our new Bug Hotel at Centenary Field

the

Council

is

continuing

with

its

for me to thank the staff sincerely for all

commitment to young people with the

their

expansion of services offered & used , &

Parish, & to also thank the Councillors,

through

without

Council.

the

establishment

of

a

Youth

time

Council.

&

efforts

whom

on

there

behalf would

of be

the no

Bioblitz

Tea for Heroes On

Saturday

“Bioblitz”

April

event

30th,

(as

as

part

created

of

by

the

the

weekend

City

and

long

Nature

Challenge), Frampton Cotterell Parish Council & Frampton Nature Group hosted an all-day Bioblitz Nature Event at Centenary

Field.

Together

we

organised

craft

tables,

education sessions, nature walks, and group “Bioblitzing” sessions, all of which took place all day, beginning with a Dawn Chorus Walk at 5am and ending with a Bat Walk at 10pm!

We would like to thank Frampton Cotterell Nature Group as a whole and David in particular for their huge role in

Our Pandemic Heroes enjoying their afternoon tea!

devising and organising this event; Severn Wildlife Rescue

Our local Pandemic heroes enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea on

for attending and hosting their raffle; Alan for the Bug

Saturday May 14th,

Hunt;

courtesy of Frampton Cotterell

Parish

Council. Nominated Pandemic Heroes came along to tuck

Peter,

Mike,

Joe,

Julie,

Sally,

and

Jeanette

from

Frampton Cotterell Nature for leading Frampton Cotterell

into a selection of sandwiches, cakes, freshly baked scones

Nature walks and activities; Ruth, Councillor Julian Selman,

(kindly baked by Cllr Pennell), and plenty of tea and coffee!

and Lesley for their help at base camp; the City & Nature

The Parish Council are very grateful for everyone who helped

Challenge Team who ran iNaturalist workshops; and our

and

supported

others

during

the

last

two

years.

Our

Pandemic heroes helped in a wide variety of ways: from keeping

local

groups

running,

to

carrying

out

errands

for

friends and neighbours; from manufacturing and delivering free face visors, to keeping the village floral displays looking beautiful; & not to forget all our wonderful NHS staff and carers, & everyone else who did their part to support our

Climate & Nature Officer, Daisy, for her Herculean efforts in managing and overseeing this brilliant event.

And

finally,

everyone

we’d

who

enthusiastic

love

came

to

say

along

assistance,

a

very

and

Frampton

took

big

thank

part!

Cotterell

you

With helped

to

your the

Bristol & Bath region make nearly 8,000 recordings of local flora and fauna via the iNaturalist app, covering over 1,290

community during the Pandemic. Thank you all!

different species of plants, birds, insects, and animals.

Great work, Frampton Cotterell!

The freshly painted Centenary Wheel

Repainting Centenary Wheel This

spring,

Frampton

Cotterell

Parish

Council

Cllr. Selman at our Bioblitz Base Camp

have

undertaken to refurbish and re-paint the Centenary Wheel at Centenary Field. The Parish Council purchased the land at Centenary Field in 1994 to commemorate 100 years of the Parish Council, and the now locally famous Red Wheel was

placed

in

the

field

as

a

monument

to

the

area’s

industrial history.

However, in recent years, the Wheel had begun to show the effects of its life outdoors: the red paint was fading, rust was forming, and the spokes and outer ring were looking decidedly

grubby.

commissioned

two

The

local

Parish

craftsmen

Council to

give

the

therefore Wheel

a

thorough cleaning and a new coat of paint! The Wheel is now

a

radiant

red

once

again,

and

looking

beautiful

against the trees and wildflowers of Centenary Field!

Many people attended our late night Bioblitz Bat Walk!

www.framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk telephone: 01454 864 442 @ Frampton Cotterell email: office@framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk Parish Council

fromevalleyvoice

18

June, 2022

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.

Lemon curd for the Queen's trifle AFTER a bit of a build up, what with royal horse shows, the opening of the new Elizabeth line and other celebrations across the country, we are now ready to celebrate 70 years of the Queen’s glorious reign.

After all the turmoil of the last two years, it’s great to have a real occasion to celebrate.

Over 5,000 people entered the competition to find the perfect pudding to serve to the Queen.

The winner was a lemon, Swiss roll and amaretti trifle, made with home-made lemon curd.

The Platinum Jubilee trifle recipe is available online.

In case you fancy having a go, here is my recipe for lemon curd.

You can also use the curd for lemon meringue pie – one of my favourites – or simply have it on toasted crumpets: quintessentially English.

Let’s hope the sun shines on the four-day celebratory weekend and we can raise a glass to the longestreigning British monarch. Three

cheers, Your Majesty!

Lemon Curd Makes about 450g/1lb Ingredients: Large eggs – 2 Large egg yolks – 2 Lemons –approx 3. You will need 150mls of juice in total.

Caster sugar – 200g/7oz.

Unsalted butter -115g/4oz Here’s what you do: Choose a medium-sized heatproof bowl to fit snugly over the saucepan used for cooking the curd, which will have simmering water in it.

Half fill the saucepan with water and bring to simmering point.

Meanwhile, scrub the lemons (see Cook’s Tip) and finely grate the zest into your chosen bowl.

Use a sharp knife to halve the lemons and squeeze the juice. Add to the bowl with the zest.

Set the bowl over the pan of gently

simmering water and add the sugar and butter. Stir, using a whisk until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved.

Put the eggs and additional yolks into a separate bowl and beat together with a fork. Pour the eggs through a sieve in a steady stream into the lemon mixture and stir using a wooden spoon until well until combined. This ensures that the curd is smooth, with no eggy lumps!

Stir the mixture constantly over the heat until the lemon curd thickens and lightly coats the back of a wooden spoon. This will take 15-20 mins. Remove the pan from the heat. Leave for 5 minutes to cool slightly and check if it is set. Then, pour the curd into small warmed sterilized jars.

Cover, seal and label. Store in a cool, dark place, ideally at the top of a fridge. Use within 3 months and once opened, store in the

fridge.

Variations: Try using Seville oranges or limes instead of lemons for a change.

Same basic ingredients but use 2 Seville oranges or 6 limes instead of the lemons. Make sure the total amount of juice is 150mls.

Cook’s Tips: Scrub the citrus fruits with sodium bicarbonate before zesting to remove pesticides.

Put halved citrus on a microwaveproof plate and microwave for 10 seconds per half on high, to maximise juice.

To sterilise jars- put 1” water into each jar, place in a microwave and heat for 2 mins, on high.

It’s really easy to tell when it’s set.

Take the bowl off the hob to cool slightly, insert a teaspoon into the centre and you’ll be able to see if it’s set. If not, place back on the hob and cook for 5 more minute

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

19

n NEWS

Streets close as area gears up for Platinum Jubilee

STREET parties will take in roads across the Frome Valley area over the Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend.

South Gloucestershire Council has published a list of almost 100 closures approved across the district, so that residents can organise their own parties.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the roads for the duration of the closure orders, which may be in place for longer than street parties are taking place.

In the Frome Valley area, eight road closures have been advised for street parties over the weekend, including: Friday June 3: Sunnyside, Frampton Cotterell, 10am-9pm between numbers 9 and 21.

Saturday June 4: Bradley Avenue, Winterbourne, 3-11pm between the Mount Crescent and Huckford Road junctions.

The Land, Coalpit Heath, midday-10pm between numbers 41 and 63.

Upper Stone Close, Frampton Cotterell, midday-11pm for its entire length.

Sunday June 5: Friary Grange Park, Winterbourne, midday9pm between the Parkside Avenue and Burrough Way junctions.

Camberley Drive and Stanford Close,

Chipping Sodbury residents mask up as the Queen ready for the town's Jubilee Lunch.

Picture: Rich McD Photography Frampton Cotterell, 1pm-midnight, entire length of both roads.

Burrough Way, Linden Close and Heath Close, Winterbourne, 10am-6pm, Burrough Way from the Flaxpits Lane junction to Heath Close, both other roads closed entirely.

Rockside Gardens, Frampton Cotterell, midday-6pm, from number 24 to the far end.

Jubilee events are also being held at local venues.

On June 2 a Platinum Jubilee celebration and cream tea is being held at Manor Hall Jubilee Room & Garden in Coalpit Heath, from 2-4.30pm. For more information on the ticket-only event, call 07873 747513.

On June 4 a Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration will be held at Coalpit Heath Village Hall at 7.30pm. Email coalpitheathvh@gmail.com or call 01454 776958 for more information.

Elsewhere in the district, a RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast involving a Hurricane, Spitfire and a Lancaster bomber – recently seen over Winterbourne Down Carnival – will be one of the highlights of the jubilee celebrations organised by Siston Parish Council at Warmley Forest Park on Friday June 3 from 1-9pm.

The historic aircraft are due to fly over the park shortly after 2.30pm, and there will also be a stage for performances from singers and bands, DJs, martial artists and cheerleaders, stalls and a licensed bar.

In Chipping Sodbury the Big Jubilee Lunch is being held in Broad Street, which will be closed to traffic on Sunday June 5 for the event from noon to 6pm. *Having a celebration? Send your street party pictures to contact@fromevalleyvoice. co.uk by June 22.

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16/11/2020 15:55:27 Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

20

June, 2022

n WHAT'S ON June 2 n PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION, Manor Hall Jubilee Room & Garden, 2-4.30pm.

Cream teas, coffee, and a glass of Prosecco. Tickets £5 from 07873 747513.

June 4 QUEEN'S PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION, Coalpit Heath Village Hall, 7.30pm.

June 11 n ST PETER'S CHURCH SUMMER FAIR. In the grounds of the Royal British Legion, Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-4pm.

Refreshments, children's games, stalls, raffle and lots to do.

June 13 n FRAMPTON SINGALONG with The Jays & Rosettes, 2-3.30pm, Main Hall, Crossbow House, School Road. £5, carers free. Refreshments included. All profits to DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Contact Hilary on 07515 351813 for details and to book your place.

June 18 n FROME VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP repair surgery, All Saints Hall, Winterbourne Down, 10.30ammidday. Repair your electricals,

jewellery, bikes, clothing, wooden items. More information from winterbourneenvironmental@ gmail.com.

June 18 n ROCKHAMPTON FOLK AND WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL, from 2pm. World music theme this year with traditional British folk meeting Palestinian flutes, an Indian-inspired duo and an award-winning street band all the way from São Paolo. Local food and drink plus a free workshop for children. No commercial stalls, just top-notch music and dance in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Information and tickets available from rockhamptonfolkfest.org.uk.

June 29 n LITTER BUSTERS meet at 10am at the Gingerbread Man, Church Road, Frampton Cotterell. More information at www.villageaction. org.uk.

July 2 n FRAMPTON COTTERELL RUGBY CLUB BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL, Crossbow, Frampton Cotterell, from 3pm. Also features gin, BBQ and live music. £10 entry includes two drink vouchers and cup.

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July 9 n FRENCHAY FLOWER SHOW, Frenchay Common, by the Friends' Meeting House. Selection of plant, charity and food stalls open from 12.30pm. Vintage & classic vehicle show on main showground. Details and entry forms available at www. frenchayflowershow.com.

REGULAR EVENTS

n MONDAY: WINTERBOURNE FLOWER CLUB now meets at WADCA in Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month between 2pm and 4pm. Call 01454 776753 for details. n THURSDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS £5. Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment.

To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. St Saviours Church , Coallpitt heath, every Thursday 10-11:30am Beesmoor Rd, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2RP n TUESDAY: WINTERBOURNE DOWN METHODIST CHURCH in Down Road From June 14th will be opening every Tuesday from 2.00 to 4.00pm for people to drop

in have a free cup of tea and chat or play board games etc. n THURSDAY: WINTERBOURNE WINDS, a friendly amateur wind band who play a wide range of music including pop, musicals and classical, rehearse at Frenchay Village Hall from 7.40-9.30pm.

New members, especially flute, oboe, trumpet, horn and percussion players, are welcome.

For more information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com. n FRIDAY: FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm.

Thriving club with demonstrations and workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at fromevalleyartgroup. wordpress.com or email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@ gmail.com n FRIDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS £5.

Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment.

To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. Cambrian Green Court community centre 2:153:45pm Yate, Bristol BS37 5AD

Winterbourne library news

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WINTERBOURNE Library is hosting a craft event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Collect your free Jolly Jubilee children’s craft bag while stocks last, or book a place for a craft session in the library on Wednesday June 1, from 10.30-11.30am.

This event is suitable for children aged four to ten.

Places are limited – see the website for details or pop into the library.

The library welcomes everyone, whether browsing and borrowing from the shelves, using a computer, bringing children to the library or meeting friends.

Rhymetime, Wednesdays, 9.30am-10am, most suitable for 0-18 months – limited spaces.

Storytime, Fridays, 9.30am-10am, most suitable for 18 months to four years – limited spaces.

Lego club royal-themed event on June 4, 10am to 11am, with the next event on July 2, same time.

All children’s activities places need to be booked at www.southglos. gov.uk/childrenslibrary due to limited spaces and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Digital Champions are now available for one-to-one IT support: covid-safe slots bookable on a Friday between 10am and noon.

For more details, visit the library or email Winterbourne.library@ southglos.gov.uk.

The library is open and staffed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

More information is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/ librarychanges.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

21

n COMMUNITY NEWS FLORAL Friends have been busy helping Year 3 Watermore pupils sow sunflower seeds for their school garden.

This shows support for Ukraine, as the sunflower is the country's national flower.

Sunflowers also support a wide range of wildlife, especially birds, who love to feed on the seeds in Autumn. They can grow up to three metres tall – I wonder whose will grow the tallest?

Recently enthusiastic Reception children from Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School helped Floral Friends sow sunflower seeds at the Park.

Some overnight rain is now needed to help the seeds to grow into beautiful sunflowers. We hope they will grow at least as tall as the tallest child in the class, maybe even their teacher!

Our wooden planters were recently taken to the Jubilee allotments by FFF volunteers, where they were emptied of the plants and compost, new capillary matting fitted, and the perennials replanted in fresh compost. The planters are now

Floral Friends of Frampton: sunflower planting

back in position and waiting for the summer bedding plants to arrive – they should be here shortly and, hopefully, will provide plenty of colourful displays over the summer.

Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all those who have recently made donations either in person or on-line.

If anyone else would like to help out by making a donation online (either a one-off or a regular one is very much appreciated) our bank details are: Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363.

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

Thank you everyone for all your support.

Watermore Primary School pupils plant their sunflowers

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

22

June, 2022

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Frome Valley Growing Project THE growing season is now well underway. Members and volunteers have been sowing seeds and raising plants for our annual vegetable beds and we have received a number of donations for the food forest.

We are also very grateful to Bristol Bites Back Better, for giving us some excellent young vegetable plants that were grown at Blaise Nursery.

We make our own compost on site and are also very pleased to receive regular donations of locally-sourced llama manure that helps with our growing and improves the soil.

Local tree surgeons supply woodchip, which makes an ideal mulch on paths and around trees to suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture during the summer months.

Another important growing medium and mulch for our no-dig beds is compost produced from green waste by a local facility on behalf of South Gloucestershire

Council, which we buy in bulk.

This makes a really valuable contribution to our growing but, sadly, sometimes contains a small amount of contamination from plastic and other non-compostable waste.

So we would like to thank everyone who recycles their garden waste, but ask them to remain extra vigilant about keeping plastic and other nonbiodegradable rubbish out of their green bins.

We enjoy meeting members of the local community, and held a couple of successful open days in April, as well as sharing a stall with Winterbourne Environmental Group at the Winterbourne Down Carnival on the May Day Bank Holiday.

We also have several more working parties lined up for the rest of this year: on Sundays June 5, August 7 and October 2.

If you are interested in joining us, volunteering, or would just like to know more about what we do then please come along to meet us and get involved.

And if you have any spare sunflower seedlings which are outgrowing their pots and you don’t know where to plant them, we would love to hear from you and give them a home in our food forest.

Plastic picked out of compost produced from green bin garden waste, after three minutes of collecting.

To donate, volunteer or become a member of Frome Valley Growing Project, or hire the site for a group learning session, contact Kate

Frampton Cotterell Nature ONE of the main aims of the Frampton Cotterell Nature group is to help people connect with nature.

This is really important both for people and for nature. There’s a wealth of evidence showing the mental health benefits of time spent in nature, and the greater a connection people have with nature, the more likely they are to look after it.

In April we held our first nature walk along the River Frome and around Black Rocks Field.

We were able to show people some of the wildlife at this important site, including flowering moschatel, otter spraints (droppings) and two flyover red kites.

At the end of the month we teamed up with Frampton

Zebra jumping spider recorded for the City Nature Challenge by David Hanks.

Cotterell Parish Council to organise a bioblitz at the Centenary Field.

This was part of the City Nature Challenge, an international event that encourages people across the world to find and document wildlife.

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This was a whole day of events and activities, beginning with a dawn chorus walk at 5am and ending with a bat walk at 10pm.

Throughout the day we held craft activities and gave guided walks looking for birds, butterflies,

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bugs, trees and wildflowers.

We also had a hedgehog awareness stall, Severn Wildlife Rescue and the City Nature Challenge team, who gave workshops showing people how to use the iNaturalist app to record wildlife.

In Frampton Cotterell 35 observers made 822 observations and recorded 381 species via the iNaturalist app. This included many species that have never been recorded in the parish before, and means that our parish list is now nearly at 1,000 species!

We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped to organise and lead the activities, and to everyone who came along and took part. Further surveys and walks are planned for the rest of the year, including surveys of slow worms, moths, butterflies, birds, wildflowers and bats.

If you’d like to get involved and get connected with nature then join us at the Frampton Cotterell Nature Facebook page.

David Hanks

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

23

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Jubilee will be a double celebration for church ON Sunday June 5, Church Bells will ring out across the land as the nation celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At these services we will not only celebrate her amazing life, we will recall and give thanks for her 70 years of unstinting service to our country.

She has been a true example of commitment and service to all her subjects both here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.

However, for the Christian Church, Sunday 5th marks a double celebration, because it is also the major festival of Pentecost, a time when Christians recall the birth of the Church and God's empowerment of grace, strengthening it for its mission

of love and peace within our world.

Often when I am in the pub having a quiet pint, but wearing my 'dog collar', people I don't really know will come across to talk to me, often fuelled with the courage found in a couple of pints of ale!

They proceed to tell me either why they don't believe in God or why they do, quickly followed by an explanation of why they don't go to church.

This second group of folk explain that their belief is fuelled by the fact that in their lives, at a point of personal struggle, for example a significant bereavement or a period of ill health, they have found an inner spiritual strength to help them face adversity, empowering them to deal with a crisis or

Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport

• • • •

difficult situation.

As a result of these experiences they seem happy to attribute this help and strength to God. Likewise Her Majesty, a person of deep faith, has never shirked from calling upon ‘Divine Grace’ at both times of national struggle or personal tragedy.

Through her example, all of us can truly see that everyone can tap into this spiritual fortitude if that is our belief and desire.

For the Christian this will not be a surprise, as we believe in the power of God's Grace (the word literally means help), and it is the outpouring of this grace for all that we celebrate at Pentecost.

So, as we mark both this landmark in the life of our

Malcolm Strange Rector of the Fromeside Benefice

monarch and as we celebrate the 'Church's Birthday', let us reflect afresh on the inner spiritual strength which, through grace, emboldens us to face all that life throws at us, and remember that through this gift, so freely given by a God of love, whatever difficulty we may face, we will never 'walk alone'.

St Mary Redcliffe Church Stained Glass Design Competition And Who is My Neighbour?

A competition to redesign four small panels of one of the major stained-glass windows of St Mary Redcliffe Church

Mini Bus Driver wanted (term time only) Start Date: A.S.A.P Salary: Commensurate with experience Hours of work: Min 20 per week, Mon—Fri School run. Subject to future work pattern, further hours may be available.

We are looking to appoint a reliable, trustworthy Minibus Driver for Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport in Frampton Cotterell.

You must be 23+ (subject to insurance acceptance / terms and conditions) and have a full, clean UK drivers licence for at least two years. MIDAS training will be provided in house.

The role will include transporting school children (whom may have a range of special needs) to and from school.

To apply for the post please contact Transport Manager Joy Oxenham on 01454 250500 or at joy@4tvl.org.uk and send in your CV. The successful applicant will be required to submit to an enhanced DBS check.

Address: Crossbow House, 58 School Road, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, BS36 2DA

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Contact parish.office@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk or visit our website for further information stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

24

n COMMUNITY NEWS

n WINTERBOURNE BARN

Crossbow Singers WITH only a handful of practices to go until our summer concert, Crossbow Singers are working hard to make it memorable, especially as this is our first for two years.

We are very much hoping that the audience will love the range of songs that we will be performing as much as we do and that they will have a joyous evening of musical entertainment.

The concert is called Love Changes Everything and will be performed at Crossbow House on Monday and Tuesday, July 4 and 5 at 7.30pm each evening.

As the title of the concert suggests, pieces are focused on matters of the heart and the love and appreciation of the world around us; how with love we can make a difference.

With pieces such as What a Wonderful World from Good Morning Vietnam, a choral selection from one of our favourite musicals, West Side Story to classics from composers such as Irving Berlin, Burt Bacharach and John Rutter, it should be a fantastic evening.

Tickets are now on sale at the special one-off price of £5 per person.

They can be purchased from Rose for the Monday performance by phoning 01454 772675 and Mary for the Tuesday performance by phoning 01454 887885.

Refreshments this year will be from Crossbow House community centre bar: come early on the evening to order your refreshments for the interval in advance.

We very much look forward to seeing our regular audience members and hopefully some new faces.

Louise Lewis

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June, 2022

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Roll up for the medieval fair THE sights, sounds and smells of a medieval military camp will be brought back to life in Winterbourne this month.

Historical reenactment group the Company of Chivalry will vividly portray life in a 14th century military camp during the 100 Years War at Winterbourne Medieval Barn.

The camp will be part of the barn's Medieval Fayre, on June 12 from 11am4pm, which will include Medieval-style falconers demonstrations, talks, live music, and themed to walk, cycle or use the free activities for children. parking and shuttle bus running The living history group will from Stoke Gifford park and ride show visitors to their encampment and Winterbourne Academy all how people lived, worked and day. fought whilst on campaign, with Other upcoming events at the authentic tents and a fire pit. barn include the June Tea and Tour, There will be a variety of artisan which is on the 9th to avoid the craft stalls and displays, a chance Jubilee holiday, a pottery taster to dress up in medieval costume workshop on July 16 at 1pm and and food stalls including hog roast, a family theatre production of pizza, pastries, cheeses, cakes and Rapunzel on July 17 at 2pm, for ice creams. ages five and over.

The Barn bar, cafe, and the Booking is recommended Three Engineers Brewery will also for all events, via the website at be open all day. winterbournebarn.org.uk.

Entry is £5 per adult, £1 The barn is looking for child and pre-booking online is volunteers to help out at events recommended, to avoid queues on and with regular maintenance, the gate. gardening, admin or technical jobs.

There will be no parking on site Email contact@winterbournebarn. or nearby except for blue badge org.uk or phone 0117 403 1536 for holders, so visitors are encouraged more details.

Louise Harrison

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

25

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Honey, I love you: saving the West of England’s bees

I OFTEN say that the relationship between bees and flowers is best described as a 100-millionyear-old whirlwind romance.

In this country, around 500,000 of our favourite pollinators play Cupid to flowering plants, busily collecting pollen and in the process becoming love’s messenger.

But nature’s great honeys, the true flora and fauna Romeo and Juliet, are going through something of a rough patch. In the UK, habitat loss and bee-harming pesticide use mean we have already lost around 13 species of bee since 1900, and another 35 are facing the same fate.

That’s bad news for the West of England. Not only do bees pollinate trees, whose oxygen we breathe, and which mitigate the climate crisis we face, but about one in three mouthfuls we eat depends on them, including those summer favourites like strawberries and cider. And without these industrious insects, it would cost £1.8 billion a year to pollinate our crops. Bees really are our region’s unsung heroes.

When something as precious as our bees and other pollinators are under threat, we need

to do everything we can to save them and ensure this age-old romance endures. Thankfully, the West of England Combined Authority I lead is getting on with the job of relationship-mending.

In May, I was delighted to launch the first-ever Bee Bold Awards to showcase the region’s very best “bee buddies”.

This is a crucial step as we look to become the bee and pollinator capital of the whole country. From shops to schools, farms to factories, in offices and warehouses, all pollinator-loving groups are encouraged to take part.

I know there are amazing organisations of all sizes in our region doing their bit to support our pollinator pals. Organisations like Bradley Stoke’s Natracare, who built their very own ‘bee garden’ which has become home to pollinating superstars including moths, bumblebees, damselflies and more. Or Avonmouth’s GENeco, whose new blooming wildflower meadows and ‘pollinator pond’ are but two recent bee-friendly actions from this bee-mad company.

Or how about Agency UK, in Bath, who have

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice reintroduced the nation’s favourite pollinator to the area for the first time in 80 years?

These are just three organisations going above and beyond to support the region’s food heroes which I had the pleasure of visiting to launch the Bee Bold awards. I know there are many more who do so much good, and with these awards, we’re going to give them the recognition they richly deserve.

If we all took a moment to look at the insects buzzing in our garden, we’d see that romance really isn’t dead. And with the actions the West of England Combined Authority is taking on bees, we’re going to ensure we keep that flame well and truly alive.

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fromevalleyvoice

26

June, 2022

n LOCAL MP

We need to start recycling more of our plastic WE should be immensely proud that South Gloucestershire Council has one of the best recycling rates in the South West, and indeed the entire country.

Our area was recently placed in the top five council areas of its kind for recycling rates, reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill each year.

However, in South Gloucestershire there is a glaring omission in our recycling ability, as soft plastics are currently not collected as part of our household waste.

Whilst cans, cardboard and clothes all regularly line our streets on collection day, so many everyday items, such as plastic bags, crisp packets, pet food pouches and yoghurt pots, are not collected.

This is why I have launched a

soft plastic campaign, with the support of the community, to secure this type of recycling for our towns and villages.

Whilst some local shops are already offering this service, for many of our rural communities this is difficult to access regularly, and household collections would dramatically improve our recycling rates.

Excitingly, South Gloucestershire Council have submitted a bid for our area to be included in a pilot scheme that is due to be launched, which would see soft plastic recycling trialled in our area, with collections from the kerbside.

This would be a real, positive step to help reduce household waste and protect our environment.

As well as writing to DEFRA

®

to ask for full support for our local bid, I have also met with the Minister for Nature Recovery and the Domestic Environment, so we can ensure South Gloucestershire Council is part of this exciting programme.

We have an opportunity to build on our already-impressive recycling record and I will keep our community updated on the progress and hopeful success of our bid.

Nationally, work is continuing to tackle plastic waste, and the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan has committed to work towards all plastic packaging placed on the market being recyclable or reusable by 2025.

Steps have also been taken to boost the market for plastic recycling, including the Plastic

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

Packaging Tax in April 2022, which will see a charge of £200 per tonne on plastic packaging with less than 30 recycled content.

If you would like to find out more information about our soft plastic campaign, and to sign my petition to bring this type of recycling to South Gloucestershire, please do visit my website at www.lukehall.org.uk.

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n NEWS

fromevalleyvoice

27

Text a school nurse service launched

A NEW service enabling children and young people aged from 11 to 19 to text a school nurse for advice has been launched.

The ChatHealth messaging service allows children who may not feel comfortable discussing issues face-to-face to receive confidential help on issues from mental health and relationships, to bullying, self-harm and exam stress.

The service is being run across the Bristol, School nurses who are answering health questions by text North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area by the than waiting to see a healthcare ChatHealth, which has been Community Children’s Health professional or being referred, so funded by local authorities across Partnership, led by Sirona Care it is quick and easy for them to BNSSG, is running alongside the & Health, and is funded by local access the support they need.” existing school nursing service councils.

ChatHealth enables people with the aim of reaching even In its first four days it to safely and securely messaging more young people. received more than 70 messages. healthcare professionals.

Sirona acting chief executive The ChatHealth line is Sirona says it is an Julie Sharma said: "ChatHealth open from 9am-5pm during anonymous and confidential will improve the reach, term time and school holidays, service although service users timeliness and efficiency of excluding bank holidays, and can be identified if there is a our services and it is more age can be reached by texting 07312 significant risk of harm. appropriate for young people.

263093.

It is now used by more than "They can contact one of our A school nurse will respond1 09/02/2021 53 organisations in the UK, School Nurses a matter WB Essentials AW.qxp_Layout 15:56inPage 1 of giving two million young people seconds by sending a text, rather within 24 hours.

access to the service.

School nurses in these areas have found they have four times as many contacts through ChatHealth than face-to-face clinics.

Sirona school nursing lead for care and health Katy Green said: “ChatHealth will enable us to expand our service, with the same number of staff, and support more young people in a way which is more convenient for them. Young people can access the service from their own homes, rather than coming into school to see a nurse, and it will also be running during the school holidays.

“Students can remain anonymous if they’d prefer, which I hope will encourage more people to get in touch with us, especially those who don’t feel comfortable talking to us face-to-face. "We are very excited to launch this service and we hope it will boost our current provision and increase our reach across BNSSG.”

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fromevalleyvoice

June, 2022

29

n COMMUNITY NEWS Frampton Cotterell WI FOR our April meeting, sustainable and charity shop stylist Becky Barnes came to talk to us – it gave us all good cause to re-think our clothes shopping habits.

Becky gave us some amazing facts relating to wastage and water use for clothing manufacture, as well as some great tips for smarter, more sustainable clothes shopping going forward.

May 24 was our annual meeting to discuss the WI National Federation resolutions, along with a quiz, refreshments and a general catch-up.

We have confirmed many

Frampton Cotterell WI's commemorative picture for the Platinum Jubilee. events for the coming year.

The next, on June 28, is Tales from the RAF, with Wing Commander Ryan Morris.

This year is our WI’s 70th birthday, so we’ll be celebrating in style on November 29!

We have events and socials lined up including Mamma Mia

at the Bristol Hippodrome in June and a visit to the Van Gogh experience when it comes to Bristol in August.

Watch this space and our Facebook page for confirmation of future event dates and more details.

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 £3.50 for the evening and any new members can also join by paying a membership fee.

Special interest groups that meet separately including a book club, craft group, choir and our skittles and darts teams.

Coalpit Heath WI

Winterbourne Evening WI

EVERYONE loves a cream tea, and with the jubilee celebrations and our own 70th birthday party imminent, our meeting seemed the perfect opportunity to blind test scones and jam from five different supermarkets.

Each plate of quartered scones was brought out with a dish of jam from the same supermarket and some cream for us to try. We then had to decide which supermarket it was from and how much it would cost.

Once we had tested all the samples we ranked our choices. There were some surprising results, with the prices of the jam especially providing plenty of discussion.

We all agreed that home-made scones were far tastier and often much larger!

During our meeting we also took the opportunity to vote to support the Resolution going forward to the WI annual meeting: women and girls with ASD and ADHD – under-identified, under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, under-supported.

We were also busy painting fir cones, which will be used to create our fence display on the Badminton Road this year. It will be going up in time for the Bank Holiday weekend. A small group will help with assembling it.

We meet next on June 1, when Jean Burnett’s talk is called 'Jane Austen made me do it’ and in July our visitor is Alyson Hurst, the Bee Lady.

Search @WICoalpitHeath on Facebook to find out any further information and updates.

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm.

If you fancy coming along and seeing what we have to offer, you would be most welcome.

AT our May meeting we made the final arrangements for decorating the green area opposite the Co-op with flags and flowers, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

We hope this display will be memorable and eye-catching for passers-by.

Members were sad to hear that Denman, the flagship residential course centre outside Oxford, had recently been sold for £8.5 million.

Speaker John Tucker with keen Every year a resolution gardener and WI secretary Gill Parker is passed at the WI Annual Meeting to raise awareness of some need or problem being experienced in society. This year it concerns autism and attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome. Male and female brains are wired differently and it is much harder to detect and treat the problems women experience, as they have different symptoms and are often left undiagnosed. Out meeting voted in favour of this resolution.

The guest speaker for the evening was John Tucker, who loved growing plants from childhood, did a degree in horticulture and for many years was the assistant manager at Prior Park Garden Centre in Bath. He explained, with much humour, the highs and lows of running the business.

You need a detailed knowledge of plants and to enjoy helping people who don't know what they want. A very enlightening talk on behind the scenes at a garden centre.

Our next meeting will be on June 9 at 7.30pm at St Michael's C of E School in Linden Close, Winterbourne, when all will be welcome.

Caroline Johnston

Margaret Grazebrook

Frampton Singalong Enjoy singing? Meeting new people and having fun?

Do come and join us at Crossbow House. We are a non-profit making community group meeting once a month on Monday afternoons. The next meeting is on June 13 from 2-3.30pm.

We also raise money for charity, currently the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Contact Hilary on 07515 351813 for details and to book your place.

Judy Fisher

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June, 2022

n SPORT

Under-12’s win cup – Blakes is player of and Premiership day out the season FRAMPTON Cotterell RFC Under-12’s signed off their season with a Bath Land Rover Cup win at North Dorset RFC in Gillingham.

FCRFC progressed from the group stages to see off Bath Rugby and Chippenham before beating Chew Valley Frampton under-12s with their trophy in the final to raise the cup.

In return for winning the cup they get to attend the Premiership Final in June at Twickenham – a great day out for the whole squad!

All of the Junior teams at FCRFC have had a great season, seeing lots of new and old faces on the park, but the boots are now hung up until pre-season for the juniors.

We are always looking to welcome new players across all age groups, from under-5s to under-16s, boys and girls.

Families of any children who would like to get involved should contact jakedarby@hotmail.co.uk or call 0790 070 0245.

Matthew Marsh

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MORE than 100 members of Frampton Cotterell RFC attended the annual dinner and award evening at the Heineken Lounge at Ashton Gate in late April.

It was great to be back together, after the last one three years ago.

Player of the year was Harry Blakes, with the most improved player award going to Josh Sheppard and The Boot to Lewis Oakley.

Players' Player awards went to Lewis Oakley for the 1st Harry Blakes team, Adam Harris for the 2nd team and Toby Crowley for the 3rds.

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Charlie Hill was awarded the Stephen Jones Memorial trophy, while the Doughboy award went to Louie Stiles and Samuel Purnell was Plank of the Year.

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