Frome Valley Voice September 2019

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

September, 2019 Issue 73

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

Play area opens

A revamped play area in Frampton Cotterell has opened after years of work by volunteers to make it happen.

PAGE 3

School celebrates its high achievers Dan Harper, Megan Townsend and Fred Hawker were three of the top performers as Winterbourne Academy celebrated a great set of GCSE results. Full story: page 6

Church roof is stripped

A church faces a bill of up to £30,000 after thieves stole lead from the roof PAGE 13

Mum's plea

Businessman ordered to demolish barn A BUSINESSMAN has been given three months to demolish a barn he built in the green belt at Winterbourne Down.

Christmas tree grower Michael Seward lost his appeal against the enforcement action after the Planning Inspectorate

ruled that he imports most of the Christmas trees he sells from the site in Down Road, Winterbourne Down – something Mr Seward denies.

He was granted planning permission for the building in 2010 but South Gloucestershire

Council said he had been using it for retail rather than agriculture.

Mr Seward said he had spent £50,000 on the building and fighting the case and the ruling would “devastate” the site.

Turn to page 5

A mum from Winterbourne Down is calling on the council not to close a facility which has transformed her disabled daughter's life.

PAGE 10

Outstanding nursery

A village nursery has been declared 'outstanding' by the education regulator.

PAGE 14

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

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September, 2019

FromeValley Voice contacts Richard Drew

Ken MCcormick

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Editor

Fi Picton

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October deadline

Your views

Our October edition will be going to print on September 24. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by September 18.

Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

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

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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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September, 2019

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n NEWS

Frampton's new play area is up and running FRAMPTON Cotterell's newly revamped play area is now open.

Installation at Beesmoor Road Playing Fields finished on schedule so that families could enjoy it over the bank holiday weekend.

The playing fields management committee, which has spent five years planning and fundraising, was delighted to see children playing in the area which they have been involved with creating from the start.

Part of it was opened on August 1, in time for the Holiday Club picnic organised by churches in Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath.

Kate Colechin who is on the committee, said: “Our brief was to install a creative and imaginative space for children to play and it's brilliant that this a completely unique play area.

"The children's ideas during the 'Designing for Real' workshop back in 2016 have been developed to create the new play area that we have today.”

At the start of the summer holidays more than 80 children and their families came to a workshop to help build the play area's den.

The majority of the overall design is already in place because of the grant from the Postcode Lottery for £20,000, which came in as the installation process started, and a further £11,500 from Frampton Cotterell Parish Council.

This leaves only one phase of the upgrade still to come, and the play park will close in the autumn so that the basket swing, tower slide and wooden fence to

The new play equipment at Beesmoor Road Playing Fields separate it from the playing field can all be installed.

If enough grant funding is obtained, the willow tunnel will be the last item to be added, following another community workshop in February next year.

The management committee's members are volunteers and are always on the lookout for anyone new who would like to get involved. To get in touch, email beesmoorroadpf@outlook.com.

n Right: 1st Frampton beavers helped to build the den.

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fromevalleyvoice thornburyvoice

28 4

■ n NEWS NEWS

April, 2017 September, 2019

Food growing raid on the Immigration menu at Thornbury on restaurant open meeting

FOUR illegal workers face deportation after an immigration raidin producing their own vegetables, fruit and salad ANYONE interested a restaurant in meeting of the Grow Your Own Food Group in ison invited to an open Winterbourne.

Thornbury.

Home Office The group was set up to share knowledge about food gardening and immigration enforcement last year held two successful open meetings, which resulted in new officers raided the Taj members joining.

Brasserie in the village's With the start of the new growing season, the exercise is being High Street August repeated, withon the event 16, taking place in The Chantry, Castle Street, on after a tip-off.

Thursday, March 30, from 7.30pm-9pm.

They arrested three Bangladeshi men, aged 39, 44, and 49, after checks showed they had overstayed their visas. A fourth man, aged 46 and also a Bangladeshi national, was also found to have overstayed his visa and was placed on immigration bail. He also faces deportation.

The business faces fines of up to £80,000 after being served with a civil penalty referral notice. Unless the owners can prove that rightto-work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work, they face penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker discovered.

A Home Office spokeswoman confirmed that officers who raided the restaurant at around 6.30pm had been "acting on intelligence".

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

5

n NEWS

Christmas tree business will be 'devastated' by demolition From page 1 The White Christmas Tree Farm stands by the Kendleshire crossroads and its inflatable Santa is a well-known sight around Christmas. The legal ruling would come into force just as the season is getting underway.

Mr Seward said: "It’s all happened so fast. I’ve got until December 8 to take it down.

“It’s like buying a £50,000 car and just crushing it.

“This will devastate the business there. I will keep fighting it.”

Mr Seward denied that the barn was used for retail purposes and said he built it last summer to store farming equipment. He said Christmas trees dry out if they are kept inside, so he would not have put them in there, and the enforcement action was launched last September – before he started selling them.

A spokesperson for the

council said: “Although planning permission had been granted for an agricultural building on the land in 2010, that permission has now lapsed and the use of the building is not considered to be agricultural, due to it being used for retail purposes.

“The land owner appealed, but the appointed planning inspector agreed that it was not agricultural and upheld the enforcement notice we issued, meaning it must be removed.

“Protecting the green belt is an important function of planning control, and a warehouse being used for retail purposes in this location is not permitted under planning rules.”

The council said that while growing and selling Christmas trees would be classed as an agricultural use, the business imports most of the trees that are sold from suppliers elsewhere in the country – so the primary use of the site is retail, not agriculture.

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Mr Seward planted his first crop of Christmas trees in 2009 after he bought the site. He now grows about 5,000 but said an irrigation system could treble that figure.

In 2010 he secured planning permission for a barn smaller than the one he built, and to change the access to the site.

He said because he had changed the access, the permission had not lapsed, so he is hoping to secure a certificate of lawfulness for the barn before the December deadline to pull it down.

Planning inspector Graham Self found Mr Seward’s business at Winterbourne Down was still “reliant to a significant degree on outsourced trees”.

He said in his ruling: “The construction of the building was inappropriate development

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Mr Seward said he did not sell Christmas trees from the site last year but customers will again be able to pick their own from early December.

His business also grows trees in Frenchay and sells them in Bishopston.

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September, 2019

n NEWS

High achievers celebrate GCSE success WINTERBOURNE Academy is celebrating some outstanding GCSE results.

South Gloucestershire's biggest secondary school saw more than six out of ten grades at 5 or over.

Some 23% of grades were in the top categories of 7-9, equivalent to an A or A* under the old grading system.

This year was the first that every subject studied at GCSE was given a numerical score rather than a letter, completing

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the transition to the new grading system which started two years ago.

The school reported that 57% of pupils who took the exams this summer achieved grade 5 or above in English and Maths, with 74% gaining a grade of 4 or above. The results are said to be comparable to last year's and 10% above the national average.

A particular improvement in performance among boys was highlighted in the results.

The highest achievers

include eight pupils who were awarded grades 8 and 9 – both equivalent to the old A* - in all subjects: Alex Carey, Nick Dight, Heather Evans, Dan Harper, Fred Hawker, Jack Simmons and Megan Townsend.

Subjects where the school identified very strong results included engineering, media, art, French and photography.

Students also scored highly in the EBacc, with 26% achieving a grade 5+. Both boys and girls improved on previous results,

and it’s predicted that these will be well above the national average again.

Overall the pass rate at Winterbourne Academy – pupils receiving grade of any kind – was 98%.

Head teacher Jason Beardmore said: “Well done to all Winterbourne students in the class of 2019. We wish them all the best for the future and look forward to seeing many of them return to our Post 16 Centre in September.”

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

7

n NEWS

Record high for A-levels at Academy

A-LEVEL students at Winterbourne Academy have delivered a record high pass rate.

The school said the overall pass rate this year was 98%, with one in five students achieving A* and A grades and almost half securing A* to B. Head teacher Jason Beardmore said: “The staff and governors at Winterbourne Academy are thrilled to share our provisional A-level results in this, the first year of the brand new specifications.

"The added level of rigour and difficulty of the new specifications has not daunted Winterbourne students, for whom the average point score remains strong and in line with last year.

“Many of our students have achieved very highly this year, with a number scoring top grades in academic and vocational courses, and overall Winterbourne Academy students have met or exceeded national

Lydia Leonard, Dilan Ruparell, Georgie Locke and Eleanor Child with Winterbourne Academy head teacher Jason Beardmore after collecting their A-level results expectations for value-added.”

The school said that just over 20% of pupils achieved A*-A grades, just under 50% achieved A*-B and 77% achieved A*-C. Ten students were awarded 3 or more A/A*’s in their A Level results. They were: Emily Ashworth (1A*, 2A), Shona Buckley (3A), Eleanor Child (3A), Lydia Leonard (1A*, 3A, 1B) Georgie Locke (3A), Thomas Rosenberg (4A*), Dilan Ruparell (3A*, 1A, 1B), Katie Stevens (3A, 1B), Holly Weaving (1A*, 3A) and Emily Tucker (2A*, 2A).

All of these students also

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completed the Extended Project Qualification or EPQ. The EPQ is a project based on a pupil’s own ideas and research which involves either a 5,000 word essay or an alternative piece of work such as a performance or a painting and a shorter essay, plus a 15 minute presentation.

It prepares pupils for university and is worth half an A Level.

Many students have already won university places with 29 going to the leading Russell Group universities.

They include: Thomas Rosenberg, Cambridge

(Maths), Lucas Archer, Exeter (Politics and International Relations), Shona Buckley, Leeds (Medicine), Eleanor Child, Cardiff (Business Management with a European Language), Lucy Cotgias, Exeter (English and Modern Languages) Isabelle Dunlop, Exeter (Law), Poppy Hall, Southampton (Nursing), Cameron Melton, Bristol (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), Chloe Pitts, Nottingham (Architecture), George Richards, Cardiff (Environmental Geoscience), Lucy Serjent, Bristol (Biological Sciences), Eleanor Seymour, Durham (Psychology), Kathryn Stevens, Newcastle (Medicine and Surgery), Zoe Tanner, Nottingham (Physics), Emily Tucker, Exeter (Geography), Alex Wallage, Exeter (Geography), Holly Weaving, Exeter (Politics and Sociology), Oliver Wimbush, Birmingham (Drama and English).

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September, 2019

n NEWS

Call for 'crisis' meeting rejected after 1 CAMPAIGNERS have called for crisis talks after a planning blueprint for 105,000 new homes across the region was rejected.

Planning inspectors Malcolm Rivett and Steven Lee told the local authorities for South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset councils to take their Joint Spatial Plan back to the drawing board in August.

The councils remain confident of finding a way forward but opponents of the strategic development plan said it “never should have got this far”.

It has been claimed that the blueprint, which sets out where 105,000 houses should be built across the West of England by 2036, could potentially be held back for “many years”, and the target for new homes could go up to 116,000 in the meantime.

Pressure group Thornbury Residents Against Poorly

Planned Development is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to stage an emergency meeting to consider the “crisis they have created”.

Co-chairman Colin Gardner said in an open letter to South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage: “It is our opinion that there can be no recovery from such a damning conclusion and yet, incredulously, early statements from the councils talk about further research to be done and that the inspectors have not yet heard all of the evidence.

“The councils are behaving like the knight in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, whose reaction to his complete dismemberment is that it’s only a scratch and that he should be allowed to fight on.”

In a letter to the four councils, planning inspectors Malcolm Rivett and Steven Lee revealed “significant concerns” about

The plan identified Coalpit Heath, Yate and Charfield among locations for development.

fundamental aspects of the plan, saying: “We think it only fair to advise you that we currently consider that withdrawal of the JSP from examination may well be the most appropriate way forward.

“We envisage that, overall, a very substantial amount of further work on the plan needs to be undertaken.”

Replying to Mr Gardner's letter, Mr Savage said the council had to take a "considered

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

9

n NEWS

105,000-home blueprint is thrown out Planning inspectors Malcolm Rivett and Steven Lee told the West of England councils to take the plan back to the drawing board. approach" and it would be "premature" to call an extra council meeting to debate the future of the JSP before receiving a promised further letter from the inspectors, giving more detail about their decision.

He said the four councils had been right to pursue the JSP rather than their own separate local plans, adding: "Not only does this make sense

given the close economic and social interdependencies of our region, but also in terms of demonstrating clear strategic leadership, to our local communities and government – particularly important when bidding for major infrastructure funding.

"There will, I am sure, be a number of options to consider and I have already asked officers

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to prepare a full briefing for me on these, looking at the issues both from the perspective of continuing to work in partnership with the other WoE UAs on a joint plan, but also to ensure the interests of South Gloucestershire residents are safeguarded."

Claire Young, the Liberal Democrat leader in South Gloucestershire and councillor for Frampton Cotterell, said those who campaigned against the JSP had been “vindicated”.

Her colleague, Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge councillor Adrian Rush, said: “It never should have got this far.

The inspectors wrote to South Gloucestershire and the other councils over a year ago to say that they had serious concerns about how the plan had been put together. I dread to think how much taxpayers’ money has been wasted on this fool’s errand.”

The JSP contains 12 strategic development locations, including Thornbury, Charfield, Buckover, Yate and Coalpit Heath, but the inspectors were not convinced the four councils had considered “reasonable alternatives”.

Responding to the inspectors' initial letter, the authorities said they noted that Mr Rivett and Mr Lee had not ruled out any of the individual proposed strategic development locations.

The Home Builders Federation said the withdrawal of the plan would lead to “further delays and yet more uncertainty”, potentially for “many years".

In an open letter to the four councils, Campaign to Protect Rural England Avonside chair David Worskett urged them not to “tinker with the deeply flawed, out of date, JSP”.

MP's view: Page 29.

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10

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

n NEWS

Campaign to save place where disable A MUM is calling on South Gloucestershire Council to save a school's specialist centre, which enables her disabled child to learn alongside mainstream pupils.

Kristy Hooper, of Winterbourne Down, joined other parents at a demonstration protesting against a proposal to close the resource base at Emersons Green Primary School, which caters for 12 children aged from 4 to 11 with physical disabilities or visiual impairment, giving them extra support while they have lessons and play with other children.

Parents were told at the end of last term by head teacher Karl Hemmings that a council review of special needs and disability provision in the area proposed "phasing out" the resource base, closing it after the final intake of pupils had moved on to secondary school.

More than 6,100 people have

signed a petition on the Change. uk website calling on South Gloucestershire Council not to close the site.

Kristy's daughter Lily-Grace, 10, who has mild cerebral palsy and visual impairment, has been attending Emersons Green for three and a half years and has benefited from the combination of specialist support and mainstream education.

Kristy said: "She has absolutely thrived - it's been an incredible experience.

"It's the closest provision and it's perfect for Lily-Grace there's Braille on every door and it's all on one level.

"We know they go to a great school."

Lily-Grace said: "I think our school is great - I don't think it should close down. The children starting in reception are going to need it."

A report to the council's schools forum in July said that,

while the Emersons Green resource base had the most local catchment of pupils, with children travelling two miles on average to use it, it also had the second-highest cost per pupil in the area, at just under ÂŁ37,000 per pupil per year.

Tracy and David Brock's daughter Amber, 5, travels to the school each day from Yate. She has dystonia, a muscle condition which means she can't flex her arms and affects her muscle strength. can't sit up, walk, feed or go to the toilet by herself.

Tracy said: "She's very intelligent, so she doesn't belong in a special needs setting.

"She's absolutely thrived in her first year here, she loves everybody and has made great friends."

A council spokesperson said the authority needed to make changes in provision "in terms of level and types of places and geographic location".

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The review, which will go out to public consultation in October, would increase the number of places for children with special educational needs and disabilities across the district by around 18, the spokesperson added, with some places moved closer to where families that need them live.

The spokesperson said: “Following the initial discussions with the Schools Forum and in particular with Emersons Green Primary School, we acknowledge that there has been some anxiety caused on hearing about some elements of the report. While we stress that none of the current proposals will impact children who currently use the Emersons Green Resource Base, nor those who are due to start in September, we are now going to allow a number of weeks to engage with those families to make sure that people understand the rationale for

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

ed children 'thrive'

Kristy Hooper and her daughter Lily-Grace, and Tracy and David Brock with their daughter Amber, with other protesters outside Emersons Green Primary School change; that the process is open and as detailed as possible; and importantly to allow alternative options to be put forward and considered."

A final decision on the future

of the resource base is expected to be made by the council's cabinet early next year.

The petition can be found online at bit.ly/31KCKdF.

11

Consultation over access centre A CONSULTATION will take place over provision for pupils who go to the access centre at Chipping Sodbury School.

The access centre is a specialist unit for children who have autism, which currently has 12 pupils, sharing a site with the mainstream secondary school. As part of a review of provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities it is being proposed that it could become a resource base instead, with an increase in places from 10 to 15.

At an access centre the majority of children will have complex learning needs and may not be able to take part in any mainstream lessons. At a resource base, pupils will access some mainstream lessons with specialist support. At both types of provision children can be helped by other specialist services and their schoolwork can be tailored to meet their needs.

The proposal to change the Chipping Sodbury access unit into a resource base has come out of the same review for South Gloucestershire Council which has led to the recommendation that Emersons Green resource base is closed. The council is considering whether there is enough SEND provision to meet requirements now and in the future.

The council’s main findings noted that the most appropriate provision for pupils on the autism spectrum who are unable to access a mainstream curriculum would be a specialist school, for example Pegasus School, rather than an access centre such as the one at Chipping Sodbury.

The review also identified a need for more provision for ages 16 and above, in early years and primary, and particularly in the North of the area where there are no resource bases.

A council spokesperson said there was a "range of recommendations for discussion".

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

13

n NEWS

Thieves strip lead from church roof A CHURCH faces a repair bill of up to £30,000 after thieves stripped lead from its roof.

Most of the lead on the north side of St Peter’s Church roof in Frampton Cotterell has been stolen. A churchwarden discovered a leak in the roof, on the side of the building away from the road, after finding rain pouring in on August 14.

The day before the discovery some strange holes were spotted in the grass near the building. At the time they were dismissed as badgers digging but it is now thought they were made when the lead landed after it was thrown to the ground.

The lead has been painted with Smartwater, which means it can be identified by police, and there were signs on the gates to inform thieves.

It is not the first time the church has fallen victim to lead thieves. Lead from other areas of the roof was stolen over 20 years ago and replaced with a substitute.

Church warden Carolie Green said: "There have been a lot of thefts of lead from church roofs lately, and recently it was our turn.

"The roof consisted of a layer of wood,

covered by a layer of lead.

"We are very grateful to Dave Hanks, local builder and roofer, who went up on the roof that same afternoon, to put a temporary cover on the timbers to prevent any more water coming in.

"But what a pity that we didn’t know to get the roof covered before it rained – that would have prevented all the damage done to the interior.

"Hopefully the pews and floor will dry out without sustaining permanent damage. But a lot of the cloths and cushions, lovingly handstitched by parishioners in years gone by, have had to be sent to be dried and cleaned.

"And there is a large picture which was restored just a few years ago at the expense of one of our congregation in memory of her husband; water marks appeared on that, and we hope that it’s not damaged beyond repair."

The theft is believed to have happened on the night of August 12. Anyone who thinks they saw something suspicious in the area at the time or has information which could help police should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5219 186 939.

The roof after the lead was stolen

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

14

September, 2019

n NEWS

Nursery is outstanding, says watchdog

AN Ofsted inspection has found a nursery in Iron Acton to be outstanding in all areas.

Tiddlypeeps nursery, which takes babies and children up to 4 years old, has 40 places available for each session and currently has 98 children on roll.

The education watchdog visited the nursery, which was rated good at its last inspection three years ago, in July and its new report has upgraded Tidddlypeeps to the highest possible rating.

Inspector Kelly Sunderland found the setting to be a "highly stimulating learning environment" with an "inspirational" owner and manager and an "awe-inspiring" approach to including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

She said the nursery had an "exceptionally inclusive culture".

Tiddlypeeps’ manager Sammie O’Neil said: “As a new manager, it was my main aim

“No job too big or small”

for the teams to be recognised for their amazing work and the partnerships that they have with both the children and their families. Without my team I wouldn't be able to open day-today and I am forever grateful of their continual hard work.”

Ofsted examined four areas: effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching learning and assessment, personal development behaviour and welfare, and outcomes for children.

The report said: "Staff have an excellent knowledge of how to support children’s learning and progress. Staff encourage older children’s imaginative play and mathematical learning exceptionally well.

“Both younger and older children show excellent independence skills. For instance, young children peel their own fruit. Older children show extreme confidence as they choose and cut fruit at snack

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time. Also, during a cooking activity, children weigh and measure ingredients and crack eggs with minimal help from staff.”

It was noted that children also take part in regular yoga sessions, which encourages good mental health. Other practices that were singled out included mirrors that have been lowered so that all children can use them, and babies being seated at the

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same height at mealtimes to encourage social interaction.

All the children, including those who have English as an additional language or SEND, were found to make "exceptional progress" in their learning.

The report concluded that the only area needing improvement was tracking, to gain a clearer idea of the progress children are making.

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

15

n NEWS

Judith repays cancer charity's help WHEN Judith Mee was diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year she was helped by a charity's specialist nurse.

Now Judith and her husband Ashley, from Iron Acton, have repaid Macmillan Cancer Support, raising more than £4,000 by undertaking a charity hike.

Judith was diagnosed with a stage 2 melanoma back in January. She was referred to Southmead Hospital and seen within a week. At the appointment when she received her diagnosis she was introduced to a specialist skin cancer nurse, funded by Macmillan.

Judith said: “She was able to take us off to a different room and spend time with us so we could process this news and its implications. She put us so much at ease, we felt we could ask anything we wanted. I can phone the skin cancer nurses at any time if I am worried about anything in between

Judith Mee and her husband Ashley have raised more than £4,400 for Macmillan Cancer Support my three monthly check-up appointments.”

Judith had surgery including removal of her lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread, fortunately, her lymph nodes were clear. She will now have regular check-ups for the next five years.

This summer – around six months after her diagnosis -

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Judith and Ashley took part in the Macmillan ‘Mighty Hike’ fundraiser in the Peak District, to give something back to the charity.

Judith and Ashley, who are both 62, walked together as a team called the Meeanderers and although they were amongst the oldest of the 2,000 hikers they completed the 27.8-mile

challenge in 10 hours 37 minutes.

They have raised more than £4,400 so far for Macmillan and donations can be made by searching for Judith Mee on justgiving.com.

Judith and Ashley asked for donations instead of presents for their 40th wedding anniversary and Ashley's employer, Wessex Water, also donated from its community fund.

Judith said 11 miles of the course were in torrential rain, which left them covered in mud.

"But It was that sense of giving something back to Macmillan, our gratitude, that kept us going," she said.

Judith said she has to take precautions in the sun and checks monthly for changes on her skin.

But she said: "I feel incredibly lucky that in my case the cancer hasn’t spread and that I’ve had, and continue to receive, this brilliant support.”

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

16

September, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Collectors bid for scientific – and sharp – instruments MEDALS, scientific instruments, weapons and militaria vied for prominence at Stroud Auction Rooms' August sale.

While many auctions are quiet during the height of summer, Stroud continues to be hugely successful, with countless bidders on the internet and phone as well as those who left bids on the book and turned up in the rooms.

Top lots were a Large Best Model binocular microscope by Smith, Beck & Beck (pictured) in a fitted mahogany case with two further cases of accessories and lenses, which sold for £3,600; a Charles Collins Victorian brass binocular microscope in original fitted mahogany case with extra lenses and accessories (£2,100) and a Smith & Beck microscope No 404, in original fitted mahogany case with lenses and other accessories, and drawers below housing slides (£1,900).

Hot on their heels was a North American Indian 19thC tomahawk peace pipe axe (pictured) which went under the hammer for £1,500. The vendor's family lived in Manitoba and brought it back to England in 1895, along with a Winchester gun sold at a previous Stroud Auctions sale. Among other top selling weapons was a cased Beretta 692 12 bore over and under ejector shotgun, with named matt locks and adjustable stock (£1,500).

Medals were also hugely popular, with a collection assigned by one vendor totalling over £40,000. Cameras also made a good showing,

including a Rolliflex 2.8 F TLR with a 1:2.8. 80mm lens, together with a Rollei flash and various filters, selling for £650.

Sale room manager Stuart Maule said: "Scientific instruments and cameras are the kind of items that many people may have tucked away but think are of little value. It is well worth bringing them into Stroud Auctions for a valuation: they may be pleasantly surprised.

"Our continuing success selling medals has already resulted in some good entries for the November auction."

The August sale also saw a good specialist toy section, with live steam engines and early die-cast cars doing particularly well.

The next sale at Stroud Auction Rooms is on September 11-13 from 10am, when jewellery, silver, watches and clocks will be among the

specialist sections.

Viewing will be on Tuesday, September 10 (10am-7pm) and from 9am on sale days.

Meanwhile, with vinyl records still 'top of the pops', Stroud has a vinyl record valuation day with specialist valuer Steve on Wednesday, September 4 (8.30am-7pm).

If you are planning to go to Frampton Country Fair on Sunday, September 8, call in to see Stroud Auctions' staff for a free G & T and a preview of items in upcoming sales.

For more information about any aspect of buying or selling with Stroud Auction Rooms ring 01453 873800, email info@stroudauctions. co.uk or visit the website at www.stroudauctions. com.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Entries now invited for our upcoming October 9th & 10th auction Including specialist sections of ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, pictures & paintings, Asian art, musical instruments & vinyl records

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Contact Nick Bowkett Royal Worcester pair of two handled Contact Stuart Maule Baccarat glass paperweight. covered vases decorated with Sold for £1,400 Highland cattle. Sold for £2,300

Contact Mark Rozelaar Quantity of issues of London Oz magazine Sold for £2,000

FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) & Saturday (9am-12:30pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph for a valuation to info@stroudauctions.com We are currently ranked no 1 in the country for the number of online bidders

Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

17

n MEET THE HEADTEACHER

Join our exceptional learning community

I

Winterbourne Academy,

Jason Beardmore

’M delighted to lead the largest secondary school in the county, Winterbourne Academy. Our results speak for themselves and demonstrate consistently high student attainment. In 2019, one in five A-Level grades awarded was A/A*, and at GCSE level more than 23% of all grades were 9-7 (A/A*). The overall pass rate at both GCSE and A Level sits at an impressive 98%. Winterbourne Academy was over-subscribed in 2018 and 2019, and we expect this to continue for September 2020 entry.

It is a privilege to oversee the educational experience of young people, and in my (very biased!) view Winterbourne is an exceptional learning community where our students thrive, ready to succeed in whatever path they choose. Our Students enjoy an enviably broad curriculum, with wide-ranging sporting opportunities, musical and drama

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

performances, art exhibitions, photography clubs, and science fairs to name but a few.

Membership of The Olympus Academy Trust also brings with it significant benefits for our students. As a group of 9 schools we all share in, and benefit from, each other’s strengths. Having a shared vision for education means that we aren’t in competition with each other and focus all our attention on driving up standards for the ultimate benefit of young people locally.

As a group we also have access to opportunities to secure capital funding, leadership development and school improvement funding. In the last 2 years the Trust has generated over £4.2 million of additional funding for our schools.

I look forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming open events; please join us and see the school in action.

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Girls making their mark

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September, 2019

Winterbourne, Bristol BS36 1RL fromevalleyvoice

n MEET THE HEADTEACHER

19

A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY

A wonderful opportunity

S

Julian and Jenifer Capper Silverhill School and Day Nursery

ILVERHILL School offers an education to children from 0 – 11.

The aim of the school is to foster a love of learning and provide an opportunity for children to grow into wellrounded and empathetic young people who have an understanding of the world they live in and confidence and self-reliance.

Our beautiful grounds provide a wonderful opportunity for the children to take their learning into the outdoor world and discover how their education has relevance to the world they live in.

The basis of their core education is guided by the National Curriculum, but we choose to use this in conjunction with a cross-curricular approach, based on a termly theme. This gives the children the opportunity to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills and for their emotional maturity to grow as they consider in greater depth what each subject is offering.

The inclusion of French, Spanish, Latin, Forest School, Sport, Music, Debate, Dance and Drama gives the children an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the emotional world as well as providing opportunities for them to work together and develop their social and leadership skills.

Their awareness of and gratitude towards the community in which they live is enhanced by visits to local homes for the elderly and running projects in school to support the elderly. Beyond this and with the full support of their parents the children are also actively supportive of an orphanage in India called Haven Home, with fund-raising and by sending out school items, such as Silverhill uniforms and classroom items.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Open Morning.

Julian and Jenifer Capper

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Silverhill School and Day Nursery ‌Where learning is inspiring and fun for every child!

Swan Lane, Winterbourne, BS36 1RL

Open Morning Saturday 5th October

10am-12pm Tel: 01454 772156 Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Email: enquiries@silverhillschool.co.uk Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

20

n NEWS

Vandals hit cricket club and training centre A CRICKET club and an outdoor training centre have both fallen victim to vandals.

Winterbourne Cricket Club has reported a number of incidents over the summer with vandal damage to covers and brickwork.

And an outdoor training centre at Cromhall Quarry has been badly damaged in two break-ins.

Winterbourne Cricket Club chairman Bob Vickery said youths had been gathering at the club in Parkside Avenue over the summer, mainly under the canopy.

A number of incidents of anti-social behaviour including setting fires and drug taking had been spotted, along with an attempted break-in, holes made in brickwork and damage to covers.

He urged anyone who saw anti-social behaviour to report it and added: "It certainly is very frustrating when you consider what the club does for the local community – we have a junior section of 120 (both boys and girls) in addition to the senior section who all use the facility."

Avon and Somerset police said they were investigating a breakin at the site and encouraged residents to report all incidents to them.

Police say "significant damage" was caused at Cromhall Quarry in mid-July. A lifeboat was set on fire and other equipment, including boat batteries, mannequins and electric cables, was thrown into the lake.

Witnesses should call the police on 101 and quote crime reference number 5219 1609 86 or 5219 161 925.

September, 2019

Bus driver is a hero A BUS driver has been hailed a hero after helping a woman who has epilepsy and diabetes who collapsed on a service in Coalpit Heath.

Rachael Jay, 46, who lives in Yate, has seizures because of epilepsy and hypoglycaemic attacks due to her type 1 diabetes, and she has been helped four times by First West of England bus driver James Mills.

Rachael is a regular traveller on the Y2 service between Bristol and Yate. James has called the ambulance on each occasion and stayed with her until it arrived.

She said: "I want to thank James for being so brilliant and acting so quickly when I have suffered attacks on the bus. Living with epilepsy and diabetes can really affect your lifestyle and for James to have presence of mind and to act so swiftly on all those occasions really helped."

First West of England head of operations Chris Hanson said: "We are very proud of James, who responded as we would hope all our colleagues would do in the same or similar circumstances."

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

n NEWS

Appeal bid to save alpaca A WICKWAR farmer has raised more than £11,000 towards the legal costs of her fight to save an alpaca from being slaughtered.

Helen Macdonald took legal action to save Geronimo after the animal tested positive for bovine TB twice.

She says the test results are "highly questionable" and her stud animal, which has been kept in quarantine since arriving from New Zealand two years ago, has shown no sign of the disease, along with the other alpacas he has been held with.

But in July a High Court judge ruled that a decision taken a year previously by then Environment Secretary Michael Gove to refuse to retest Geronimo was not unlawful.

Helen said she was "very disappointed" in the judgment, adding that " all of the evidence indicates that Geronimo is not infected with bTB".

She is now raising money online to take the case to the Court of Appeal and her target is £25,000.

She said: "Unless the Court’s decision is successfully appealed, Geronimo will soon be slaughtered.

"Our hope is that (an appeal) will be heard as early as possible in the new court term, which starts in October. In the meantime, the Court has made an order preventing the Secretary of State from slaughtering Geronimo whilst our application is outstanding."

Helen's fundraising page can be found online at bit.ly/2wIuVr5.

Frampton school parking crackdown

21

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NEW parking restrictions could be brought in around a Frampton Cotterell School.

South Gloucestershire Council is seeking public comments on the plans for Watermore Primary School's junior site in Lower Stone Close.

They include new double-yellow lines on parts of Lower Stone Close, Church Road Upper Stone Close and Meadow View.

South Gloucestershire Council says the full list of streets affected by the proposed changes is: Church Road, Frampton End Road, Hillside Close, Lower Chapel Lane, Lower Stone Close, Meadow View, The Causeway, The Land, The Spot, Upper Stone Close and Woodend Road.

It has published plans for the proposed changes, which also include some single-yellow lines banning parking at peak hours, on the consultation pages of its website.

Full details of the proposed restrictions can be found online at bit.ly/34b8ieX or residents can call the council on 01454 868004 for more information.

The consultation runs until September 12

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

23

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

Pioneering apprentice PCs

W

ITH the school holidays over, I’ve been reflecting on the exceptionally busy summer we’ve experienced.

From the Extinction Rebellion protests that caused traffic mayhem in and around Bristol to wonderful events including Glastonbury, Pride and the Harbourside Festival, the police have worked really hard the last few months to keep our communities safe. I know officers will always go above and beyond to support such events and I want to say thank you to all those individuals and teams who have been involved for your hard work.

I’m sure you would have also heard about our new Prime Minister’s promise to recruit 20,000 more police officers to make our streets safer. This is a commitment that I very much welcome. We’ve had to deal

with years of funding cuts and had to make £78 million worth of savings, all while protecting officer numbers wherever possible and dealing with increasingly more complex and serious crime.

If the Prime Minister keeps his promise, it will ease the pressure on officers and teams in our area as well as improving outcomes for victims. Local people often say to me that they want to see more officers in their villages, towns and cities and an increase in numbers would reassure our communities and keep our streets feeling safe.

Avon and Somerset Police is in a great position in terms of learning and development opportunities for new recruits, especially with the launch of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).

Accredited by the College of

Policing and launched this year, the PCDA is being rolled our across the country. Avon and Somerset Police is the first force in the South West to move its initial police learning to the PCDA, partnering with UWE to offer a rewarding learning experience to our new recruits as well as a starting salary of £20k.

Apprentice officers will spend around three quarters of their time learning on the job and the rest studying or in the classroom, becoming familiar with the skills they need to do the job.

This is a great opportunity for individuals to pursue a varied and interesting role as part of the force, while gaining a qualification at the same time.

Local people deserve the best officers on our streets to keep us safe and the new apprenticeship prepares, trains and supports officers to deal with the complex

With Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens crimes they will face as part of their role. I also hope that the new training and the opportunity to gain a higher education qualification will encourage a wide range of people who might not have considered a career in policing to apply and make a difference to our communities.

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

n NEWS

Amelia prepares for overseas challenge AN A-level student from Frampton Cotterell is set to travel to South East Asia to learn and help others.

Amelia Mellors will be taking part in community projects such as re-building playgrounds, teaching children and working on water irrigation projects in Borneo and Malaysia.

Amelia grew up on the island of Sanday in Orkney, and during her time there enjoyed volunteering for initiatives such as beach cleaning and tree planting, developing a passion for the outdoors and for helping her community.

Amelia said: “These experiences have inspired me to want to help other less fortunate people.”

The overseas trip is being organised by the company World Challenge, which takes groups of sixth formers abroad.

Amelia, who is about to start her final year at Colston’s School

in Bristol, will be with 13 other students for approximately three weeks. They will be accompanied by a World Challenge Leader

and two teachers. There will also be several expeditions with physical and mental challenges to overcome.

Amelia said: “From a young age my mum encouraged me to be adventurous and independent. I travelled to Switzerland for two weeks with the Guides when I was 12."

During the last four years Amelia has been to three outdoor adventure centres in Scotland, Wales and the Lake District.

She added: “I was also a member of an RAF Cadet Unit, where I was given the opportunity to attend two foreign camps. I feel these experiences together with my volunteering and training through the Duke of Edinburgh programme have equipped me with many life skills. I have learnt to be responsible, caring and determined even when things are difficult.”

Each member of the group

must raise £4,000 to cover their costs, and the budget will be tight. The students will be shopping and cooking for themselves, travelling long distances between destinations and coping with extreme heat.

On their expeditions to the jungle they will be staying in tents, hammocks and hostels, experiencing isolation and dealing with the bugs and other wildlife of the area.

Amelia has started raising the funds she needs.

More than 30 friends came to a cream tea party which raised around £300, she has a job and has set up a fundraising page.

Friends and family have rallied around to help, with relative Jacquie Dean of Jellibaby Design in Frampton helping with leaflet design and publicity.

Amelia's online fundraising page can be found at bit. ly/34581tR.

Retired Teacher

SPANISH LESSONS All levels

Tel. 01454 773579 E-mail loisbm@outlook.com

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

September, 2019

fromevalleyvoice

27

n NEWS

Show a success – now food fest returns ORGANISERS of this year's South Gloucestershire Show say it was another success, with thousands of visitors coming through the gates.

The show on the weekend of August 3 and 4 included several new areas.

The NFU Country Fair and Livestock area enabled people to watch the judging of cattle, sheep and pigs in the ring and also offered the opportunity to learn about farming today. A pipe band contest ended with a massed finale and a dog zone run by Friends of South Gloucestershire Strays included competitions, agility and scent workshops.

Old favourites including stunt bike rider Flyin’ Ryan and displays of birds of prey returned, along with car displays and a 4x4 driving course.

For the second year Jessie May was the nominated charity, and its staff and volunteers raised awareness of the work they do providing a hospice at home service. It’s hoped that they will beat last year’s total which was £3,500.

With the dust barely settled, the organisers' focus has now shifted to the South Gloucestershire Food and Drink Festival, which takes place on the lawns of the Bristol and Bath Science Park over the weekend of September 14 to 15 from 10am until 4pm each day. The last festival in May attracted over 20,000 visitors.

Entry to the festival is free, with the food featuring cuisines from around the world including everything from savoury snacks

Flyin' Ryan in action

to sweet treats and cocktails. Live entertainment is provided by local bands.

Parking at the Science Park is free and the venue is also accessible via cycle-routes.

For more information visit www.southglosfoodfest.co.uk.

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Family Funeral Directors 2 High Street, Winterbourne BS36 1JN Tel: 01454 773776 192 Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath BS36 2SX Tel: 01454 778838 118-120 Station Road, Yate BS37 4PQ Tel: 01454 320005 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net

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To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

28

n NEWS A CHOIR is holding a special event to encourage men to give singing a try.

Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir's first open rehearsal last year was described as an "astonishing success", with eight of those who came along deciding to join up.

So the choir, which has been established for 95 years, is holding another one on September 20, and says no previous experience is needed.

Conductor Tim Warren and all the members are keen to make the experience as positive as possible.

Chris Simons, who joined after attending last year's event, said: “When I attended the open rehearsal, I was made genuinely welcome from the moment I walked in the room. Singing with the choir was just fantastic, with some great music to enjoy across a variety of repertoire.

"It’s a great feeling making music with these guys – the songs make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck! The conductor was very friendly

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

Come and join the choir

Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir and enthusiastic, but also hugely knowledgeable as he led us through the melodies and harmonies.

"I was struck by how everyone looked out for each other and enjoyed social friendship too.

All in all, a really fun evening making some great music together!"

Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir performs two main concerts, in December and

April, with other performances arranged by invitation at various local venues during the course of the year.

A registered charity, it promotes singing for all men of all ages and abilities and its concerts have raised over £18,000 for good causes.

Rehearsals run from September to May on Friday evenings.

The open rehearsal is on

September 20 at 7.30pm in Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell.

Anyone interested can just turn up or contact Steve Jaques at sec.fcmvc@gmail.com or 0117 909 2510 if they have any questions.

There is also more information on the choir website at www.fcmvc.co.uk

Join our team We look after adults and children at home, and at school and provide residential and nursing care.

We are NHS and Local Authority funded with hundreds of our staff working across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.

We are always on the lookout for great people and this is an opportunity for you to find out what is available, clinical and non-clinical.

Flexible working patterns will always be considered (so long as our services can support your requests). Equally, we have a proactive Bank Team.

We offer a wide range of benefits and Agenda for Change terms & conditions for some of our roles.

Please submit a short supporting statement or CV as your application via recruitment@sirona-cic.org.uk, call us on 0300 124 5444 or take a look at our current vacancies here www.sironacic.org.uk/work-with-us/ You can also find us on Facebook @SironaCIC or on Twitter @SironaJobs We look forward to hearing from you

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

n LOCAL MP

Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice

29

Community power can fight housing plans WE’VE demonstrated community power fighting the housing plans, and I still need your help to keep up the fight.

Over the last four years, as a community, we have been fighting against the West of England regional housing plan, which proposes thousands of new homes for Coalpit heath’s greenbelt, and over-development to the west of Yate.

At times these poorly thought through plans, which do not have the necessary infrastructure attached have seemed unstoppable. Despite this, together as a community, we have: • Debated the regional plan in Parliament, laying out robust and technical arguments as to why the plan in its current form were flawed and lacked any real infrastructure improvements.

• Raised local concerns at the very highest level in Government, helping to stop any support for parts of the housing plan and holding the Metro Mayor to

account for his commitments to us.

• Supported residents and campaigners, including key local groups such as Iron Acton Parish Council, VALID and other groups, backing their freedom of information battle with the council.

• Submitted robust technical submissions at every official consultation opportunity.

• Conducted surveys of Yate and Coalpit Heath about the development, allowing us to prove overwhelming local opposition to the proposals.

This campaign I have been leading against the housing proposals is delivering for our towns and villages. In the last couple of weeks, the independent planning inspectors, who are tasked with examining the ‘soundness’ of the plan, echoed the case I put forward in Parliament in 2017, that the designation of the housing locations has been flawed from the start.

The inspectors will soon be detailing their concerns officially.

Things could then move fast.

Therefore, in my role as the local MP, I have stepped up the pressure by writing in support of the inspector’s findings and urging them to not accept minor changes to the housing plan when they need to be torn up. At this critical time, we must continue this fight.

We must also use our community’s passion and energy in another way: pressing on with our success with a seven-days-aweek service at the Yate MIU and getting the urgent care upgrade I have been calling for. And building the Yate Park and Ride, and getting on with Frampton bypasses after securing the cash to get it moving.

Rebuilding Watermore Primary School, putting money into Frampton CofE, and investing more money into Iron Acton, Chipping Sodbury and delivering two new Primary Schools in Yate.

We have demonstrated that community power can deliver. We can do it again, so thank you for your constituted support.

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

30

September, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA September 7 n St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath: 74th Open Horticultural and Craft Show, 2pm. Entry to church Hall £1 adults, 50p children. Exhibitions include vegetable, fruit and floral sections plus photography, visual art, handicrafts, baking and preserves.

Novelty and junior sections. For more information or to take part call show secretary Mrs K Bidwell on 07914 070 535.

September 13-15: n Heritage Open Days at Acton Court. 10.30am-5pm on Friday and Saturday, 10.30am-1.30pm Sunday.

Tours fully booked but grounds will be open for tea and cakes.

September 14-17: n Heritage Open days at Winterbourne Medieval Barn.

Saturday 10am-2pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm, Cartshed drop-in with Barn Sounds installation and children’s craft activities.

September 15: n Acton Court, The Odhecaton

1501: In Echo perform Early Tudor music for an Early Tudor house, based on the first ever printed music book of 1501. Concert starts at 3pm but ticket holders who come early will be able to enjoy a support act from students at Bristol Conservatoire singing Latin texts old and new. For tickets visit bit. ly/2U55yej online.

September 18: n Yate Leisure Centre, the Party Room, 7pm: Yate and Frome Valley Patient Group Q&A session on prostate cancer, its symptoms and treatment with leading Consultant Urological Surgeon Mr Anthony Koupparis, of Bristol Urology Associates (BUA). All men and their families are encouraged to come along and ask questions or just listen and learn.

September 20: n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir is holding an open rehearsal.

Any men who are interested in giving singing a try are welcome to come along to Zion United Church in Frampton at 7.30pm.

The Mad Hatters Barn Dance Band and Caller are leading a

COLOUR WORKSHOP SPECIAL

‘Mad Hat’ Barn Dance

COLOUR, MEDITATIONS, and MOVEMENT with SPECIAL GUEST: MERIDIAN LINES

on Saturday 7th September 2019, 8.00 pm. Doors open 7.30 pm at WADCA, Watley’s End Road, Winterbourne BS36 1QG Tony and Hilary (band leader and caller), from Frampton Cotterell are joined by Richard on Keyboards, guitarist Jon and percussionist John. It promises to be a fun evening’s entertainment for all ages with dances that are suitable for novices and experienced dancers alike.

Bring your ‘Mad Hat’ to enter the free competition to win a bottle of wine!

Tickets: only £6 online from TicketSource www.ticketsource.co.uk/jays-music/themad-hatters-barn-dance/e-lryvqd £7.50 on door for any remaining tickets information: jays.music@mac.com

NOT TO BE MISSED - IN A RELAXED SETTING

Sunday 22nd September 2019 10am – 4pm Begbrook Social Club Frenchay Park Rd, Bristol BS16 1HY We will combine Colour, Meditations, Native American Flutes and Hand pans, which will show you how Colour, Movement, Meditations and Musical Instruments all work so well together to create peace, harmony and relaxation. With fun as well.

Cost:- £50 per person incl. of a £15 Deposit Tea and Coffee available, please bring your own lunch Please book by contacting:Barbara Conway Dip.IRIS MNFSH MPMIWOC Colour Counsellor, Healer, Teacher & Colour Life Coach Mobile: 0772 629 8427 Home: 0117 239 0543 Email: barbaraconway@btinternet.com

No experience necessary. Regular rehearsals run from September to May on Friday evenings from 7.30pm to 9pm at the church. More details at www.fcmvc.co.uk.

September 28: n Bristol and Avon Family History Society fair, British Aerospace Welfare Association Leisure Centre, Southmead Road, Filton, 10am4pm, admission £2, children free.

October 13 n St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath, dedication service with visit from the Bishop of Bristol, 10am.

All welcome. n Belly Dance classes Beginners 7.00pm, Improvers 8.00pm, Methodist Church Hall (upstairs) with Anna 07971234236 or bristolbellydance@yahoo.co.uk term time only.

Regular events Monday n Free baby and toddler group, Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue.

9.30am-11.30am, term time only. n Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781. n Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month except Bank Hols. Open to anyone with dementia, and Carers, and anyone with concerns about someone with memory problems. Just turn up.

Tel. 0117 9610 693

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n Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm.

First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday). n 1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne.

Contact clivemarston@rocketmail. com n 1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. dandow@ computer.org or 01454 775024 n North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday. n Women’s Fellowship Zion Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45 Programme of speakers, choirs., followed by a cup of tea. £1.50p per week. For details ring Pat Lax 886830 n Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month. n Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30.

Term Time only, starting in September. We would love to welcome more tenors and basses.

Please contact Dave on 07834 184142

Begbrook Social Club, Frenchay Park Rd., BS16 1HY Date:- 22nd Sept. 2019 10am – 4pm.

Cloudsong and Spring-Aura Presents:

A one day workshop with a combination of Colour, Meditations, Handpans and much more, which will show you how they all work together to create Peace, Harmony, Relaxation and fun.

Please book in advance/find out more by tel:- Barbara- 0772 629 8427

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

n Winterbourne Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm n Winterbourne Scrabble Club - weekly 2.00 - 4.30 pm at Winterbourne & District Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. Further info from Gill on 01454 773573. n Winterbourne Afternoon WI meets at Salem Church Hall, Factory Road, Winterbourne on the 2nd Monday of each month at 2pm. We welcome visitors. Contact 01454 250817 for details or look at our web site www.wawimoonfruit. com or email lesleysharman@gmail. com n Pickleball at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre, 9am to 11am.

New members welcome – no upper age limit. First session free, all equipment provided.

For more information email pickleballbristol@gmail.com or visit Bristol Pickleball Club on Facebook. n Slimming World Frampton Cottrell. Watermore Primary School (Infants), Woodend Road, (Opposite the Brockeridge Centre) 5.30 & 7.30pm Tel: Jude 07968 426809 n Macular-support group meets monthly - 3rd Monday 1:30-3:30pm at Watkins room, Old Grammar School, highstreet Chipping Sodbury. Contact Tony : 01454 314066 n Winterbourne Tennis Club. 4.30.

Junior tennis coaching Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@msn.com n F&Fs. Club. Banjo, Mandolin, Guitarists etc. playing a wide range of styles. Meet Mondays. 8 to 10pm. at St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley. Visitors and new members welcome, support and encouragement given.

Available for concerts. Secretary – 0117 9673668. Website www. fingersandfrets.wordpress.com n The Arts Society Severn Valley meets third Monday of the month at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

Lectures plus special interest days, gallery, garden and museum visits, trips abroad. Morning lectures 10.30am for 11am start. Afternoon lectures 1.30pm for 2pm start.

More details online at www.svdfas. co.uk. £6 charge for visitors – contact memb@svdfas.co.uk to ‘try before you buy’. n Bristol Budgerigar Society meets at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. More details including membership details from secretary Colin Parsons by calling 01454 775878 or emailing colinpauline@ hotmail.com. Visitors always

welcome without commitment or charge. n Butterflies babies and toddlers group. Friendly group welcomes mums, dads and grandparents at St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath. Mondays 10am-11.30am, term-time only, £3 per family per session. Toys, dressing up, a sit-andride zone, book corner and song time, baby changing facilities play area for crawlers.

Tuesday n Slimming World 9.30am & 11.30am, 5.30pm & 7.30pm, The Greenfield Centre, call Frankie 07519 347243 n Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704 n Yate Poetry Group. All welcome to join our small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems and verse. We meet for an hour 1-2 pm every other Tuesday afternoon in the library, refreshments provided.

For the dates of meetings, please contact Tony on 07704 140682 or yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com n Winterbourne Down & District Horticultural Society, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, BS36 1BX, 7.30 pm. 2nd Tuesday of the month. Info: Richard on 01454 773218. n Yate Visually Impaired Group.

Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@ btinternet.com n Winterbourne Tuesday group, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month. Everyone welcome. n Centre Squares (dancing).

Winterbourne Comunity Centre (WADCA), 7.45pm. Tel. 260168 n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club.

We meet every other Tuesday at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 7.45 pm to 8.15 pm. Contact Veronica Holder – 0117 937 2818 n Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month. n South Gloucestershire Waterpolo club. Junior & Senior players Male Female. Winterbourne Int Academy pool. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. For more info: kazrose@blueyonder.co.uk or nash17@virginmedia.com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Tuesday 1.30 - 3.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. New members welcome. n Chipping Sodbury Men's Probus.

We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 10 – 12 noon at the Townhall, C/Sodbury. Guest

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

31

Speaker every meeting, occasional lunches, day trips. Contact George for further info. Tele: 01454 882908 n Social tennis: Winterbourne recreational field, BS36 1LU. 7.3010pm. All ages, abilities and new members welcome.Contact WTC on 0772 595 4639. n Barnardo’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Project provides emotional and practical support to new mothers. Weekly groups are held at venues in Thornbury, Yate and across South Gloucestershire. The Yate group, called Yate BreastFriends, meets at Yate Childrens Centre on Cranleigh Court Road on Tuesdays between 11.30am - 1.00pm. n Ringcraft - dog showing skills and techniques. Every week at Henfield Hall, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath - 8.0 - 9.15pm. Puppies and dogs - all breeds welcome. Contact Shelagh Crowther on 01453 298974 for more details. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876 3334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Community Coffee Mornings, 2nd Tuesday of month, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am 12.30pm. Tel. 01454 776268 n Monthly social lunchtime meet up for disabled people at the Farmhouse Pub, Wellington Road, Yate, BS37 5UY. Open and friendly group, meets first Tuesday of month 12-2pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - 0797 962 6569. n Friendship and Dance group for over-50s takes a summer break after May 28 class, returning on September 24 at Miners Social Club, Badminton Road, Coalpit Health. Fourth Tuesday in the

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800 120 month from 2-4pm. No partner needed. Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. More details from Hilary on 07515 351 813. n St Saviours church Mothers union meets second Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the church hall. Members welcome visitors to Bristol Cathedral and Ashfield Prison, support a relief fund and overseas fund and send money to Friends of Bristol Children’s Hospital for tea and coffee for parents’ rooms. For more information contact Mary on 01454 887880.

Wednesday n Pre School Storytime.

Winterbourne Library10.30 - 11am, every week, term time only. n ‘Silver Chords Group, over 50’s social club. Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm.

Entertainment and coach trips.

Everyone welcome Contact Doreen 01454 776484. n Winterbourne Police Beat Post.

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fromevalleyvoice

32

September, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED Greenfield Centre 2-3pm n Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School.

Tel Lisa 07815 759118 n Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath.

First Wednesday of each month.

7.45pm. New members welcome. n The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689. n Actonians Drama Group 7.30 pm Parish Hall, Iron Acton More info 01454 228760 www.actonians. co.uk. Junior Actonians 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm Parish Hall Iron Acton More info 01454 228277. n Carers group, Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell.

Meets second Wednesday of the month, 2pm-4pm. Call Rona on 01454 886925 or Jean on 01454 775786 for more information. n 4th Wednesday of each month - Forget me Not sing along group 2pm - 3.30 pm at The Beacon Centre, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. If you like a good sing song please come and join us.

For more information ring Rona on 886925 or Jean on 775786. n Winterbourne Short Mat

Bowling Club Wednesday 1.30 - 4.30 and 7.30 - 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473. n Manor Hall community coffee morning, open to all, Henfield Road, Coalpit Heath. 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10am to 12 noon in the Jubilee Room. Free entry and all profits from the refreshments will go to the Manor Hall at Coalpit Heath Charity. Handmade cards will be on sale, sold in aid of the BRACE Charity. n Slimming World Frampton Cotterell C of E School. Call Lisa: 07815759118 n Stapleton Probus meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Begbrook CA, Frenchay Park Road, from 10amnoon. Active bowls section. Visitors welcome. For more details contact registrar Bernard Ferris on 01454 774490. n The Frenchay Folk Dance Club meet fortnightly at Frenchay Village Hall from 7:45 until 10:15. Check frenchayfdc.co.uk or contact 0117 9409508 for more information

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Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

n Social tennis ladies Doubles Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 10am -12pm.

All ages and abilities , new members welcome Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Social tennis. Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. 7.30pm - 10.00pm. All ages and abilities ,new members welcome. Contact WTC: 07725954639 n Frampton Singalong, second Wednesday in the month, 2pm3.30pm at Crossbow House, School Road. Favourite songs, live music and sitting exercises. Call Hilary on 07515 351 813 for more details. n Yate/ Chipping Sodbury Afternoon Choir meets on Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm at St Marys Church Yate. No auditions required. Contact Nikki on 01761472468 for more details or just turn up at the church and have a free sing on the first visit. n Frenchay Probus Club. We meet every first and third Wednesday of the month in the Frenchay village hall. Coffee at 10.00am and the meeting is from 10.30 to 12.00. More details on frenchayprobusclub.com n Community Lunches 12.00 2pm at WADCA Community Centre. £5 or takeaway £3.50. Booking advised tel. 776268 n Frampton Cotterell Local History Society, 3rd Wednesday of month Sept - May, Zion church 7.30pm.

Non-members welcome. £4 n Ladies Circle meets at The Beacon, Zion United Church, Frampton Cotterell, every second and fourth Wednesday of each month except June, July and August at 7.30 pm. £3 per visit.

Variety of speakers at this friendly and welcoming group to any newcomers.

Thursday n Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For preschool children and their parents/ carers. n Stay & Play, 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. Call Helen 01454 n Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, n Bristol and South Gloucestershire Stationary Engine Club. First Thursday of the month, 7.45pm at the Miners Social Club, Coalpit Heath. More information at www.bsgsec.co.uk. n Winterbourne Musical Theatre.

7.30pm WADCA Community Centre, 7.30pm. www. winterbournemusical.co.uk. n Winterbourne Flower Club.

Our meetings take place tin St. Michaels rooms [opposite Tesco Filling Station] Hands on evenings and demonstrations on various Thursday evening at 7.30 pm Visitors and new members welcome. Ring for details 01454.

776753 n Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of every month except August n Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September).

Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 n Frampton Cotterell British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Doors open @7.15pm. Bingo at 8pm10pm . No entry fee. All Welcome. n South Gloucestershire Arts Appreciation Society meet at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, Bradley Stoke, 3rd Thursday evening of the month.

Starting October at 7.00 for 7.30 start. Refreshments provided.

Contact: Sallykitching@ googlemail.com Tel. 01454 774401 n Sugarcraft demonstrations and workshops. Third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm-9.30pm at St Andrews Hall, Elm Park, Filton. Call Jean Kington on 0117 956 8737 for more information. n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling Club Thursday 1.30 - 4.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme, 01179 793473.

New members welcome. n Stationary Engine Club, Meets at Miner’s Club Coalpit Heath 7:30 pm first Thursday of every month. n Severn Counties Foreign & British Bird Society, for keepers of canaries, finches and other birds.

Winterbourne Down Methodist Church Hall, Down Road. Third Thursday of the month at 8pm.

More information from Molly Durbin on 01275 373743 or email severncounties@gmail.com. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Thursday and Tuesday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 078763334921, christinemay001@gmail.com for more details n Thursday Travel Club. Meets first Thursday of the month. St Saviour’s Church Hall, Beesmoor Road, Coalpit Heath n Winterbourne Winds, beginners/ intermediate/returners wind band, rehearse on Thursdays 7.30pm9.30pm at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Brass and woodwind players

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

33

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED wanted to join sociable group.

Instruments available for loan.

Contact Dan on 0117 239 5210 or email winterbournewinds@yahoo. com. n Winterbourne Down WI meet in All Saints Church Hall, BS36 1BX on the first Thursday of each month (except August) - 7.30pm. For more information contact Margaret on 01454 850241. New members are most welcome. n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus. We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Hambrook Sports Club Crib team are looking for new members to join our winter league, playing Thursday evenings at 8.30.

Beginners welcome. Pre season meeting 20th September at Hambrook Sports Club at 8:30. For further information contact Dave Manley on 07531299786 n Friendship and Dance for over 50s, no partner needed – note new venue and day. The Miner’s Welfare, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath. Beautiful new wooden dance floor. Every 4th Tuesday in the month, 2pm-4pm. Gentle exercise with easy circle dances to live music. Suitable for beginners and improvers. Social break with refreshments £4. All welcome.

Further information contact Hilary Jay 07515 351 813 n CRASH (Children Really Are Special Here), 5.30pm-7pm term times, Zion United Church. Funfilled evening for primary school children with games, crafts, songs and stories. Costs £1 per week.

Contact Heidi on 01454 776618 or email childrenyouthz@gmail.com for more details. n Free baby and toddler group,

Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue.

9.30am-11.30am, term time only. n Vale of Frome Probus for retired men meets monthly at the Miners Club, Coalpit Heath, on 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 10.00am. Ladies invited four times a year. Speakers on various subjects and social events. More details at www.valeoffromeprobus. co.uk or contact Terry on 0117 956 4259.

Friday n Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9pm n Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, Zion Church, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, search www.fcmvc.co.uk or email contact@fcmvc.co.uk.. n Frampton Cotterell Community Association. Fridays at Crossbow House School Road Ist Friday of every month Quiz- 3rd Friday of every month Bingo, start at 8 pm. n St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath: Coffee and teas with a warm welcome and new friends at 11.15am or stay for lunch, starting at midday. Donations towards church funds. n Frome Valley Art Group Winterbourne. Looking to find that inner talent or start a new interest? Drop in for a free taster session, Fridays at 2pm or 7pm.

We have a busy programme of demonstrations and Saturday workshops by professional artists to help your development. Our Annual exhibition in May displays members’ work . Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ. Contact Dave: 0117 9790043 Andrew: 01454 778310. Eric: 01454 615619 Lesley: 01454 250817. Email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail. com n Winterbourne Short Mat Bowling

Club Friday evenings from 7.30 10.30 at Winterbourne Community Centre, Watleys End Road. Contact Pat Sleightholme 01179 793473 n Community Coffee Mornings, WADCA Community Centre, 10.30am - 12.30. All welcome. n St Peter's Church Frampton Cotterell invite you to Friday Coffee every Friday 10:00 -12:30. Come in and have a chat. n Lunches in St Saviours church hall, 11.15am for refreshments and midday for lunches. Donations to church funds. n Folk at Frampton Cotterell: Folk/ acoustic music club, Crossbow House, second Friday of the month from 8-11pm. More details from Andrew Edgington on 0797 415 1437.

Saturday n Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month. n Frampton Cotterell Royal British Legion, Ryecroft Rd. Every Sat dancing to live bands.Bingo 8pm-8.30pm Then dancing until until 11.30pm. Entry on door £5.

Everyone Welcome. n Winterbourne Tennis Club Junior tennis coaching. 9.30 -1pm, Winterbourne recreation field, BS36 1LU. All ages 3-16 yrs.

Rusty Racquets/Drill-Drill Group Coaching for adults of all abilities 11.30am-12-30pm. £5 pay and play. Contact Imed (club coach) 07459636436 or imedhamroumi@ msn.com n Connectz, meets 3.30pm5.30pm every 2nd Saturday, Zion United Church. Fun activities for families, followed by a meal. See www.zuchurch.co.uk or email childrenyouthz@gmail.com for more details Sunday n Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@ fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800 120

9.30am to 4pm, (monthly).

Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147. n Nature Reserves, Winterbourne work party meets 1030am, Church Lane, Winterbourne, 2nd & 4th Sundays in the month. Newleaze reserve (Bristol Road) 10.30am Ist Sunday of month. Huckford Quarry 2.30pm 3rd Sunday of month.

Contact Frank Smith 01454 778975. n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

Established players and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653 n Parish Praise at St Saviours Church, first Sunday of the month at 10am. Suitable for all ages – come and join in with the family praise and stay for coffee or tea afterwards if you wish. See the Church website for up to date information. Coalpitheath.org.uk/ social or coalpitheath.org.uk/news

What’s on at Winterbourne Library Staffed opening: Tuesdays: 10am-5pm Wednesdays: 10am-5pm Fridays: 10am-5pm Saturdays: 9.30am-12.30pm Open access (unstaffed) 8am-7.30pm daily WANTED Do you have any old or unwanted Duplo Lego? We would be grateful for any donations for a new Duplo club.

Rhymetime: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together. Every Tuesday morning, 10.30-11am.

Pre-School Storytime: Join us for stories

and simple crafts. Every Wednesday morning, 10.30-11am.

Lego Club: Listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library.

Suitable for children in primary school age range, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Next meeting on September 28, from 10.3011.30am.

Have you Read…? A new open reading group for all: No set text – Share your love of books, extend your reading horizons. First of every month, 11am-noon.

The Craft Group: Next meetings on Saturday September 7 & 21, 10am-noon. New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting,

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

sewing or crochet projects.

Space Chase Summer Reading Challenge: Children have until Saturday September 14 to complete their mission. It’s free to take part – more details at www.southglos.gov.uk/ childrenslibrary Free IT course starts in September on Mondays. For more information call Susannah Griffiths on 0117 909 2272, email susannah. griffiths@sgscol.ac.uk or ask at the library.

For more information: Telephone 01454 868006 Email winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk Website: www.southglos.gov.uk/libraries Twitter: @southgloslibs Facebook: South Gloucestershire Libraries

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

34

September, 2019

n COMMUNITY NEWS Coalpit Heath WI UNFORTUNATELY our visiting speaker for August had to cancel at the last minute, so committee members rallied round to provide an evening of entertainment instead. Human bingo gave us the opportunity to find out a little more about our fellow members.

I now know who is an only child, who has performed on stage and

which of our members likes Star Wars and also one that wears socks to bed! We also enjoyed a beetle drive, though throwing a 6 to start proved a challenge and frustration for some. Finally we finished with photo quizzes of statues and sweets. Thank you to all who helped with the last minute organisation.

The colourful bottle flowers on the Badminton Road are now in

The WI logo on display in Badminton Road

place and being enjoyed, along with some planted tins. Our fabulous new logo, created by Jacquie Dean at Jellibaby, is also on show up there. Thanks to the power of Facebook, our display has been admired countrywide. In other planting news, the Coalpit Heath WI section of the Manor Hall Community garden has now had an overhaul, with some compost and the addition of colourful plants like sea holly, heuchera and heather in our favoured colours of purple, green and white. We are looking forward to the Community Apple Day there.

The Coalpit Heath WI section of the If our meetings feel Manor Hall Community garden like something that you would like to be a part of then why not come along? to health, fitness and well-being.

We meet on the first Wednesday Appropriate footwear is advised, as of every month at 7.45pm in there will be chance to join in.

St Saviours Church Hall. New To find out a bit more about members are always welcome. Our us, search for @WICoalpitHeath on September meeting is Tracey Baron Facebook. from GoZumba, giving us a guide Caroline Johnston

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

35

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Back to school, and some old favourites I’M always reminded in September of the end of the school holidays, when I could do all sorts of exciting things with my two sons.

One of the things we used to do on a rainy day was to bake. So, my recipe this month is a favourite which we’d make together. Now in their thirties, they still enjoy these flapjacks, and so do their children. They’re easy to make and kids love them, both the making and the eating! It’s perfect for an after-school snack or to go in a lunch box. I know it’s got butter and sugar and golden syrup, so not super-healthy, but I have decreased these over the years.

The oats provide slow-release energy, so you or your kids feel fuller for longer. Once you’ve had these flapjacks, I reckon you’ll never buy shop-made ones again.

Fantastic Flapjacks Makes about 20, depending how big you like to cut them.

Ingredients: Butter – 150g (5oz) Demerara Sugar – 75g (3oz) Golden syrup – 2 tbsp Rolled (Porridge) oats – 175g (6oz) Jumbo porridge oats – 50g (2oz) Note: Jumbo oats added to the ordinary porridge oats give a really

good texture. Don’t be tempted to use only jumbo oats as they won’t hold together to make a flapjack you can serve.

Here’s what you do: Preheat the oven to 160C, 325F or gas mark 3 Grease a shallow 20x20cm (8 inch square) baking tin and line with greaseproof paper which has also been greased, or use non-stick baking paper (ungreased of course) I leave the paper slightly bigger than the tin to make it easier to take out.

Put the butter, sugar and syrup in the saucepan.

Using a wooden spoon, stir the ingredients in the pan over a low heat until just melted. Do not boil!

Remove from the heat. Pour in both sorts of the oats and mix well.

Put the mixture into the tin and press down, levelling off the top with a tablespoon.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes and check. The mixture should be golden brown all over. Jiggle the tin to see how squidgy the mix is. Remember the mixture will firm up as it cools.

20-25 mins will give you a chewy flapjack, cook for 5 mins more if you want a firmer texture.

Leave in the tin for 10 mins before marking out the squares/slices. Do not cut through.

Leave in the tin until completely cold and then you will be able to cut through and remove the flapjacks easily from the tin.

Cook’s Tips: If liked, scatter pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or nuts over the

Ann Murray is from 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.

top for extra fibre and crunch.

You can also add 75g (3oz) raisins, blueberries or cranberries (fresh or dried) to count towards your 5-a-day. Add any dried fruit to the mixture before putting it in the tin. If scattered over the top they will burn.

The flapjacks taste even better on the day after baking and will keep in an airtight tin for a few days, but the chances of them being left makes this unlikely!

If you’re really strong, you can freeze them and just get them out as you need them. Also unlikely!

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Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

36

September, 2019

n NEWS FROM METRO MAYOR

Local Industrial Strategy will benefit us all I HAVE recently been in touch with our new Prime Minister and new government ministers to update them on the progress we’re making and what we can do to deliver more for the West of England. I am always championing our region and I’m confident the government will see that we’re making a real difference, investing to improve where we live, with ambitious schemes such as our MetroWest rail plans which include seven new train stations.

I have long been a supporter of devolution because I believe local people who live and work in the region are best placed to understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities that we face. I am pleased the new Prime Minister has signalled that he would like to give more powers and investment for local towns, cities and regions to spend on their priorities. I look forward to exploring how this can

benefit the West of England.

On July 19 I was delighted to join regional business, academia and council leaders for the launch of the West of England’s Local Industrial Strategy. The Strategy sets out how we will work towards raising productivity levels and create high-quality, well paid jobs across the West of England.

This Strategy is a blueprint for the region which will enable us to showcase our strengths

and ambitions with both the government and businesses looking to invest in the region.

To boost productivity and strengthen our economy, I am determined to ensure that everybody can get around the region with good transport connections, and that people have the skills that businesses need. This, coupled with building enough well designed and affordable homes, will help ensure that we continue to

be one of the country’s most attractive and prosperous places to live and work.

At the heart of our Local Industrial Strategy, we are connecting businesses, researchers and residents together to drive innovation and test new ideas which will improve peoples’ lives every day. I want to ensure that the innovation, ingenuity and creativity that the West of England is worldfamous for, can be harnessed for everyone. I am working hard to deliver this agenda by prioritising investment in transport infrastructure and skills. I look forward to using our Industrial Strategy to secure investment from government and businesses to further boost our local economy and create new, well paid jobs which benefits everybody working and living in the region.

Tim Bowles

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Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

37

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Down & District Horticultural Society IT can definitely be said that the 59th Annual Flower & Vegetable Show, held at the Greenfield Centre, was a success.

This has been a popular village event for many years and there was a good turnout to view the exhibits on the afternoon of August 17.

There were more entrants than last year and the weather has been a little kinder this year, so this gave

Vegetable entries

us attractive and colourful displays.

The homecraft section had more entries this time, and the popular photographic section gave people lots to look at – the entry topics were: portrait, water, minibeasts, outdoor sculptures, 'on the farm' and 'my garden', plus the children’s section. The judges certainly had a task in choosing the exhibits deserving the first, second and third awards.

At the end of the afternoon the cups and shields were presented to those with the highest points in the various sections by West of England Mayor Tim Bowles.

Graham Lees, Madeleine Williams, Gill Parker, Annette Laird and Stephen Coombe were successful winners

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120

Floral displays and Gill Parker was delighted to find that her orchid had received the ‘Best in the Show’ award.

Members and friends are now looking forward to the harvest

supper and auction to be held on Tuesday September 24 – always an enjoyable evening.

Gill Parker

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

39

n NEWS

Website and helpline can improve your health PEOPLE in South Gloucestershire have a new and easy first point of contact for improving their health and well-being.

The One You South Gloucestershire website provides up-todate tips and apps to help people make simple changes to improve overall health and well-being, including reducing alcohol intake and managing stress. There is also a quit smoking service, guidance on healthy eating and practical advice on how to work towards a healthy weight.

This service can be accessed online at oneyou.southglos.gov.uk, with a telephone helpline open during office hours where a trained health advisor can help, on 01454 865337.

Council cabinet member for adult and public health Ben Stokes said: “We have been offering many of these services for a few years, but this is the first time we have pulled them into a single resource allowing people to access information for themselves or speak to an adviser if they wish.

"We recognise that many health conditions are linked, such as low physical activity and poor mental health, so by bringing these services together we can support our residents to make multiple and longlasting changes to improve their health.”

One You South Gloucestershire is a free service for all adults over the age of 18 who are a South Gloucestershire resident or registered with a GP practice in South Gloucestershire.

It is managed by South Gloucestershire Council and partners and funded by the council and the NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group.

Clare Teal heads to Thornbury POPULAR Jazz singer and BBC Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal is to perform in Thornbury.

Clare, who has performed to sell out audiences in South Gloucestershire twice in the last couple of years, is coming to the Armstrong Hall on November 15.

The award-winning vocalist will perform with her trio at the concert, which starts at 7.30pm.

Clare has recorded 14 albums covering jazz, big band and swing, and is a prolific live performer.

Her encyclopaedic knowledge of music allows her to cover a wide range of genres which, along with her wit, has brought her a large following.

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fromevalleyvoice

40

September, 2019

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Let's twist again

R

EGULAR readers will recall that last month’s column ended with a dilemma – my old Lexus had unexpectedly started a terminal decline into bangerdom and I faced a decision about whether to spend a relative fortune fixing it ongoing or replace it. To compound matters, I had no concrete idea what to replace it with. I intended to look at Audi’s S4 or Jaguar’s XE S – rapid but otherwise stout four-door saloons.

In the end the decision to replace the Lexus was taken, as all important ones are, with the input of Mrs C. Now, 99% of the time, my wife’s interest in cars barely registers above ‘apathetic’, but when a decision is required, she keeps surprising me with how catholic her tastes are. As I deliberated, she threw coupes into the mix, totally from left field. Hold on, coupes?! But you hate them, my love, you always have. Four doors good, two doors bad and so forth. By considering them my choice expanded exponentially, the shortlist growing longer and far more interesting. I called an old friend, who had a BMW 2 series coupe at his dealership. He was prepared to take the Lexus

as part exchange and throw in a discount, so that afternoon the family was down at the local BMW dealer at Cribbs to see if four could squeeze into what looked like a tiny little car.

I wrote a while ago about how it seemed an oversight that I’d never owned a BMW, and that if I bought one it would have to come with their famous straight-6 cylinder petrol engine. Well the good news is that the 2 series coupe (essentially a 1 series in a pretty twodoor body) not only comes with that engine but it also comfortably fits four adults inside.

As long as you are 6ft or less, the two back seats have plenty of room. This German Tardis even has a good-sized boot! Waving a notso-fond farewell to the Lexus, which always felt like a stop-gap car, I took ownership of a 64-plate Estoril-blue M235i. When new, this model was top of the 2 series range (before BMW launched the awesome M2). They then updated the engine a few years later and renamed the M235i the M240i. As a used purchase it makes a lot of sense, as our old friend depreciation works her savage magic on values.

So, after six weeks, I am deeply impressed with this car. It has been said that it is reminiscent of the small sporty 3 Series coupes from the 80s and early 90s, and I like that comparison. In a world where cars keep getting longer, wider and higher, this coupe rewinds the clock back to a time when vehicles were smaller and more nimble. That said, they never used to weigh this much – modern crash safety engineering means that it is nearly a ton and a half. BMW have done very well to disguise this, though: The steering is lightningquick and feels entirely analogue, the 8-speed auto gearbox seamless and super-quick to shift. The ride is unacceptably crashy on runflat tyres though, and as soon as they are worn out I’m replacing them with standard rubber and buying a space-saver wheel kit. If I was specifying this car new I’d opt for the manual gearbox, and with the money saved I’d include cruise control and heated seats. But otherwise, it is damn near perfect – 325bhp through the rear wheels and 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds were genuine supercar numbers less than 20 years ago. Today you can have all this performance with 31mpg and run-of-the-mill servicing costs into the bargain. Even the insurance came in around the same as the Lexus.

So I’ve learnt three things since buying the BMW: 1) A small coupe needn’t be the compromise you assume it is. 2) Writing about cars and thinking I know about them only meant I couldn’t see the wood for the trees when it came to my purchase decision. 3) As I knew all along, my wife is right about most things. Except gherkins, which are delicious.

BMW 2 Series M235i - expect to pay around £18,000 for a 64-plate model.

Next month: Mazda MX-5

Advertise your business in Frome Valley Voice email contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Email: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice

September, 2019

41

n INTERCHANGE BLOG

How to help your kids start school WHILST it may seem exciting and perhaps even a relief for frazzled parents, it can be a nerve-wracking time for the kids getting ready to join a new primary or secondary school.

We’ve put together some advice on how to help those first few days and weeks.

Starting primary school… *Talk about it: get them talking and thinking about the fun things they will do at their new school.

Get ready: have the shoes bought and the bag packed, so they can see their new things.

Make sure it’s ready in advance so the first morning isn’t a rush. *Uniform: get your child to try on their new uniform and tell them how good they look in it.

Adult company: encourage your child to spend time with another adult, knowing they will come back to you at the end of

the day – just like when they start school. *Time keeping: make sure you’re waiting for them at the end of school, so they aren’t waiting around for you. *Reminders: let them know

they’re going every day from Monday to Friday. It might be the first time they’ve been away from you every day in that way. *Stay calm: don’t cry or get upset, as that could set off your child. Put on your biggest smile for

them – you can always cry when they’re out of sight!

Starting secondary school *Independence: help your child learn to manage their time and take on their own chores and responsibilities. *School run: will they be making their own way to school for the first time? Make sure they know the route and help them with some practice runs. *Routine: their school days are likely to be very different from primary school, so they will need to get used to new routines. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep to cope with the changes *Talk: make time to talk to your child when they finish school to check they’re settling in okay.

Do you have any tips for starting school? We’d love to hear and share them…

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September, 2019

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

To be human is to ask: why?

I WANT to begin by reflecting on a wonderful holiday club that we shared at Zion in early August. The theme was pretty straightforward: we are not robots. We are human beings, made with dignity and with the ability to make free choices.

The word robot can actually mean slave; we offered to the children the thought that God didn't make us to be slaves, but rather to be free.

If we are free, it should be no surprise then that we have questioning minds that seek meaning and purpose. That search is nothing short of spirituality.

It was wonderful to share our Christian understanding of all that means. You may think we were trying to 'brainwash' the children.

You can think that if you like. I prefer to think we were offering them stories and questions so that they could make their own decisions. Lots of them did, both ways, so to speak!

I found the children to be wonderfully questioning and willing to engage. They were given opportunities each day to send in jokes and questions. I must admit

they were mostly jokes, and bad ones at that, eg: Why couldn't they play cards on the Ark? Because Noah standing on the deck!

But there were questions. For instance: "Why did God put the tree in the garden?" This came after we reflected on the amazing story of Adam and Eve and the choice she made to eat the apple and not to obey the one command that had been given. Great question. It led to a great discussion with one of the teenage helpers. I remarked that you don't have to read every story as literal truth (that is not a comment on the world of fake news and facts that we are living in!) but we might look for the meanings that these stories can teach us, in this case the reality that, even if we were only given one rule, there is something in us that would want to break it.

So why is that? Or to put it another way, why was there a tree in the garden? Well, why? What do you think? For that is where my sadness begins. As I write this article, I'm expecting mostly adult readers, and the sad, sad reality is that most of us don't give this sort

of question anywhere near enough thought. I fear we've been sedated by a predominantly materialistic consumer society and we've stopped asking questions. Every day, I pass people out running or going to gyms or feeding their minds on endless loops of music or news or whatever else we are in to, but not searching for meaning.

In effect, we have almost become robots. Or we seem to be trapped by the robots that we feed on every day: our phones and our tablets.

We've stopped being children, who play and learn and love and question and discuss.

Towards the end of the club we had a picnic on Beesmoor Road field, with some of new play equipment. It was a wonderful community event. As one grandfather left, he said: "I loved that." He had been playing on a rainbow-coloured parachute, twisting people in circles as if they were in a washing machine. But most importantly he was simply having fun, he was playing like a child again.

So I ask again why, why the tree in the garden, why the love we feel

Stephen Newell Minister: Zion United Church Frampton Cotterell (URC/ Methodist)

in our heart, why the awe that we still experience in beauty or music...

Why? You tell me...and if you can't answer those most basic questions, how about plucking up the courage to start exploring again?

It was a pleasure to work with some of your children or grandchildren, they had loads of questions, as I expect you do.

Surely it's time to start discussing faith again and seeing if we can make some sense of this beautiful shared world that we live in.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Happy anniversary to Four Towns A COMMUNITY charity which provides transport to people who cannot use regular services has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport threw a party at its Frampton Cotterell base to mark its milestone in August and more than 70 guests attended, including members, councillors and employees past and present.

Four Towns started in 1999 in a small office in St Peter's Church, Filton. Volunteer car drivers used their own cars to help transport people to clubs, medical appointments and on shopping trips. The group eventually secured enough funding to be able to purchase their first ever minibus.

Four Towns has flourished ever since and now has 28 vehicles in its fleet and a workforce of more than 30

employees, including drivers, managers, office staff, volunteers and trustees.

It serves an area of South Gloucestershire including Almondsbury, Alveston, Aust, Bradley Stoke, Charfield, Cromhall, Falfield, Filton, Frampton Cotterell, Hallen, Hill, Oldbury on Severn, Olveston, Patchway, Pilning, Severn Beach, Rockhampton, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury, Tortworth, Tytherington and Winterbourne.

It merged with Vale Link Community Transport in 2005 and actually started two years before Four Towns when Shirley Holloway, who is a South Gloucestershire and Thornbury town councillor, and three other residents worked together to win funding for a community transport scheme, hiring staff to run a bus they were given by another community transport

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scheme.

Shirley, who was chair of the charity for seven years until 2012, was the guest of honour at the anniversary celebrations and gave a speech, along with Four towns chair Dennis Rogers, who spoke about the charity's more recent history.

Dennis and Shirley then cut a cake which was made specially for the occasion.

There was also a display for guests to learn more about Four Towns and the many people who have contributed their work to the organisation over its history.

A Four towns spokesperson said: "It was lovely to celebrate the achievements of the charity and share great memories and experiences from everyone involved.

"We would like to say a massive thank-you not only to Shirley and Dennis, who

presented such wonderful speeches, but also to South Gloucestershire Council for all their continuous support.

"We would also like to say huge thank-you to all who attended to help celebrate 20 years of Four Towns and Vale Link Community Transport and very special thank you to Win Williams, the very first ever coordinator of Four Towns, who attended the event.

"Here’s to 20 years of providing accessible transport for people within the local community and to many more."

Four Towns provide friendly, affordable and accessible transport for people in the community who have an access need.

For further information regarding services call 01454 250 500 or visit the website at www.4tvl.org.uk.

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September, 2019

43

n NEWS

Sport Reports:

Tell us your team news at contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Back in time for Tudor music THIS summer Acton Court drifted back to a time before cars, as Latteridge Road was closed for weeks for work on water pipes.

The Tudor mansion at Iron Acton also lost water, electricity, phones and wi-fi at various points.

But its next return to the past is more deliberate, as the site opens its doors for Heritage Open Days this month.

Most of the tours are already booked but the grounds will be open for tea and cake on September 13-15, and tickets are still available for the showpiece event, a concert of Early Tudor Music for an Early Tudor House on the 15th, from 3pm.

The concert by the group In Echo is based on the first book of printed music, which was published in 1501 in Venice.

It contained 96 pieces by the greatest composers of the time, with sacred motets mixed with bawdy love songs.

Taking to the stage first will be students from Bristol Conservatoire singing Latin texts.

Tickets for the concert are available via www.actoncourt.com or by calling 01454 228224.

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September, 2019

n NEWS

Have your say on Hambrook Cooking causes fire FIREFIGHTERS have urged people not to leave cooking unattended after being called to a blaze in a Frampton Cotterell kitchen.

Crews from Kingswood and Patchway were called to a home in Park Lane shortly before 7pm on August 17 after food cooking in a pot caught fire.

They moved two dogs to safety and put out the blaze, using two breathing apparatus for safety.

They also brought in a large fan to clear smoke from the home before giving safety advice to the owners and neighbours.

Afterwards Kingswood Fire station published a picture of the aftermath and said: "Please don't leave food cooking unattended."

More information on kitchen fire safety can be found on the Avon Fire and Rescue Service website.

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PEOPLE are being invited to have their say on changes to the Hambrook traffic lights.

South Gloucestershire Council has been told to cut levels of toxic nitrogen dioxide at the junction of the A4174 Avon Ring Road and the B4058 Bristol Road, which are currently above the legal air pollution limit.

Under powers known as an experimental traffic order, it has stopped vehicles coming from the Bromley Heath roundabout from turning right towards Winterbourne and made access from Frenchay a left-turn only, banning traffic from turning right or going straight ahead.

It means all traffic heading towards Winterbourne currently has to go around the roundabout at the M32 junction 1. The westbound bus lane from the traffic lights to the M32 junction has been suspended.

The council has apologised for “any inconvenience caused” to drivers who face detours.

Comments can be made online on the council's website at bit. ly/2KIeO58 between now and February 11 next year. Anyone who is not online should call 01454 863503 to find out more about how to have a say.

The council has 18 months to decide whether to make the changes permanent.

Winterbourne Parish council’s Frenchay ward councillors – Adrian Collins, Paul Kembery, Charlie Watkins and Hugh Whatley – said the impact the changes would have on Frenchay and the surrounding area would only become clear after the school holidays, when peak-time traffic increased to its usual level, but similar changes during the Bromley Heath viaduct works, which finished last year, caused gridlock on some days and added up to 30 minutes to journey times.

In a joint statement the councillors said: "This stationary traffic causes added pollution and somewhat defeats South Glos Council’s implementation of the scheme to reduce vehicle emissions at the ring road."

They also said parents had concerns that the school bus to the Winterbourne Academy would be made continually late and collection times might need to be made earlier.

The councillors added: "We need the junction to be redesigned, which we have asked South Glos Council to do on numerous occasions – it’s clearly not fit for purpose, as lanes are too narrow, the phasing of the traffic lights are inadequate and we need a yellow hatched box to stop blocking of the junction.”

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September, 2019

n SPORT YOUNG golfer Ethan Holway topped the individual leader board and helped his club come third overall in the England Junior Club Championship.

Ethan, from Frampton Cotterell, went through to the finals of the event at Woodhall Spa in Lincoln, known as England’s Home of Golf, after scoring highest with his team at the County Junior Club Championship at Forest Hills back in April.

In August the Kendleshire team – Ethan and teammates Max Murphy and Jaxson Perry – headed to Woodhall Spa, where Ethan finished first out of 93 players on the individual leader board, with 39 points on Day 1, followed by another solid 35 points on Day 2.

Strong performances from Max and Jaxson ensured the team secured third place for the Kendleshire, four points behind winners Saltford.

Ethan's dad Matt said: "It's an outstanding achievement. We are all extremely proud of Ethan and pleased for the team overall

fromevalleyvoice

45

Ethan tops the board at junior championship to represent Kendleshire as 3rd best club in England."

Ethan first made headlines two years ago when, at the age of 11, he played 72 holes of golf in a day, from 5.45am to 8.30pm, to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

The youngster took on the challenge to help the charity because his two younger brothers, Oakley and Luca, have the condition, and raised £2,000.

Ethan has been playing golf since he was three and represents both the Kendleshire and Gloucestershire County in competitions.

n Right: Ethan Holway next to the leader board

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n SPORT WINTERBOURNE Tennis Club welcomed hundreds of children who were given a taste of the sport at a summer camp.

Over a three-week period 265 children, aged between five and 14, took part in the event, occupying all three courts.

The sessions started in July and ran on into August at the club in Parkside Avenue.

Coach Imed Hamrouni said the children taking part at the club had been "buzzing with energy" and some had decided to take up the sport.

He said 13-year-old Winterbourne Academy pupil Mate Handa, who started attending Saturday sessions after the club visited the school as part of the She Rallies initiative, decided to book for two weeks.

He now enjoys playing tennis most days and has become a member of the club.

The 12-week She Rallies programme at the school had the primary aim of getting girls involved in the sport and 380 girls took part, but more than 100 boys were also able to get a

September, 2019

Children 'buzzing with energy' at tennis camp

taste for the game at WTC. Imed said: "This year the weather was certainly on our side for most of the days and we all enjoyed the glorious sunshine.

"The children had lots of fun at learning new skills and some

of them who only booked for one day enjoyed it so much that they attended extra days.

"The feedback of the summer camp from parents has been very positive and subsequently we’ve had a lot of enquiries for children

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"A big thank you to all the parents and children for making our annual summer camp another great success."

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