Frome Valley Voice June 2025

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Carnival is 'best yet'

Parking charges scam alert

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council had to warn drivers that scammers are using its new car park payment scheme to target them for fraud - just a day after it was introduced.

The council launched charges at 22 of its off-street car parks, including Flaxpits Lane in Winterbourne and Yate Leisure Centre, on May 19.

The following day it issued a warning that

criminals were placing QR codes for smartphones, directing victims to fake payment sites, on new parking machines and signs at some of its car parks.

The council has stressed that its parking scheme does not use QR codes.

It issued the warning as residents and traders continued to raise concerns and complaints over the new charges.

Continued on Page 2

Shrek sell-out

WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre celebrated its 50th anniversary by selling out all five nights of its production of Shrek the Musical in May.

PAGE 7

New mayor's promise

NEW Metro Mayor Helen Godwin has pledged to work "across party lines" for the good of the region after her West of England election win.

PAGE 6

Aldi approved

CONTROVERSIAL plans for an Aldi supermarket at Yate's former cinema have been unanimously approved by councillors.

PAGE 8

100 years of harmony

FRAMPTON Cotterell Male Voice Choir has marked its centenary with an "extraordinarily uplifting" concert.

PAGE 11

Alfie Richley with his dad Nick

Brownies and Rainbows dance around the maypole at this year's Winterbourne Down Village Carnival, described by organisers as the

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n NEWS

Car parks hit by phone scam

From page 1

The council said: "Car park operators across the country have seen these attempts made by criminals to obtain money and personal information.

"A small number of suspect stickers have already been found on the new machines and signs that have been installed in the 22 car parks where charging has been introduced.

"These have been removed by council officers and the team will continue to be vigilant in looking for and removing them if they appear as they visit the district's car parks, in order to protect the public.

"People using the car parks are being asked to remember to only use the approved payment methods and to never scan a QR code if they see one in a council car park."

The council says there are four authentic ways to pay for parking at the sites where charges have been introduced: by card or contactless payment at the new parking machines, via the the MiPermit app, the MiPermit website at tinyurl. com/y2ba46rv or via the MiPermit automated payment line on 0345 520 7007.

Council cabinet member Sean Rhodes said: “South Gloucestershire Council do not use QR codes as part of the car parking system.

"We know it is all too easy to fall victim to scams, and fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated in their approach to tricking people into parting with money or their personal information.

"Our staff will continue to be vigilant in looking for any evidence of tampering with our parking payment machines, including removing any stickers added near to payment instructions.”

Flaxpits Lane now has a mix of short and long stay spaces,

with just two spaces designated for free 30-minute parking.

Comments on local Facebook groups have raised concerns over a drop in trade and an increase in on-street parking in Winterbourne.

One resident told a local group: "Well that’s a dagger in the heart of local businesses. Scandalous exploitation by the council."

Another said: "As a local Flaxpits Lane employee of a local business, we will have no choice but to park on the nearby roads, as we can't afford/wont pay the charges to park."

Elsewhere, traders in Thornbury, where three town centre car parks now have charges, have reported an immediate decrease in footfall, while residents of nearby streets say they are being crammed with parked cars, while spaces in the car parks lie empty as drivers try to avoid the charges.

In Yate, charges are being introduced at the Kennedy Way long stay car park and Yate Leisure Centre (South), which will have a mix of short and long stay spaces - with nine spaces designated for free 30-minute stays.

The plan to introduce charges was agreed by councillors last year with the aim of raising £800,000 per year in revenue.

Short stay car parks charges will range from 70p for an hour to a maximum of £5 for up to four hours. Long-stay charges range from £3 for up to four hours to £5 for more than six hours, with season tickets available.

Disabled Blue Badge holders will be able to park in any space free, for up to four hours.

Charges will apply on weekdays from 8am-6pm.

More details on the charges can be found at tinyurl. com/2j3yp8bp.

Carnival 2025 is 'biggest and best yet'

WINTERBOURNE Down Village Carnival attracted thousands of people to the village's streets on May Day bank holiday Monday.

Starting with a procession from Bradley Avenue, led by the Bristol Pipers, the village's carnival queen, king and attendants, along with young cancer patient Sienna Mullins, the event included music, dancing, an array of stalls and its first ever dog show.

Carnival committee spokesperson Kathryn Hopes said: "We’ve said it before - but this year, we really mean it. The 2025 Winterbourne Down Village Carnival was our most incredible event to date, with the biggest turnout we’ve ever seen.

"Down Road was a lively sea of colour, laughter, and music from morning until late afternoon.

"With more stalls, a wider range of delicious food, and a longer stretch of the road in use, the carnival had something for everyone.

"One of the most talked-about new additions this year was the Village Dog Show — and what a hit it was! From pampered pooches to scrappy charmers, the canine competitors stole the show and the hearts of the crowd. This one’s definitely a keeper for future years!"

The committee is confident

that when donations are all counted up they will surpass last year’s total of £4,000.

The proceeds will go to Young Lives vs Cancer, who nominated three-year-old Sienna, from Chipping Sodbury, to ride in one of the convertible sports cars leading parade.

She has been undergoing treatment for cancer.

Sienna's mum Jo said:

“Sienna loved being part of the carnival and us all supporting Young Lives. They have been an incredible support to us since the diagnosis and first hospital stay.

"Sienna was able to ride in an open top Aston Martin with me and big brother Louis.

"She loved waving to the crowds - it was an amazing opportunity!”

Carnival chairperson Nick Roden said: "What an incredible day — the energy, the smiles, the sheer community spirit.

"I often found myself stepping back just to take it all in. It was truly something special.

"My heartfelt thanks to the entire carnival committee — your dedication, passion, and countless hours made this day the immense success that it was. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this community."

Pictures by Hannah Daniels

Bristol Pipers lead the way

Carnival Queen Alice Edwards and King, Cameron Yuille, with their attendants the day

The parade in Bradley Avenue

The new dog show was a hit

Sienna Mullins enjoys her ride

Villages celebrate VE Day 80

COMMUNITIES in the Frome Valley held special events to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May.

The morning of May 8 - 80 years to the day from the end of the Second World War in Europe - saw Winterbourne Parish Council host more than 70 people at a VE Day coffee morning.

A parish council spokesperson said: "We were joined by children from Elm Park Primary School, Winterbourne Early Years and residents of Blossom Fields and The Grove.

"We would like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to help. A truly fantastic morning was had by all."

In Frampton Cotterell, the community came together at the Centenary Field in the evening for a beacon lighting event organised by Frampton Cotterell Parish Council.

Local Scouts, Guides and Air Cadets paraded onto the Centenary Field in full uniform to start the evening.

The scouts then cooked popcorn and toasted marshmallows, while the cadets put on a drill demonstration.

Music was provided by the Crossbow Singers, with a selection of wartime songs, and churches made doves of peace for people to decorate.

Activities were laid on at the FACE Youth Group bus, with a military vehicle on display, while the fire service had an appliance on hand for the lighting of the beacon, one of more than 1,000 lit up at the same time across the country.

The event raised more than £100 for the Royal British Legion through donations for VE Day cupcakes baked by a local volunteer and from a food stall.

The parish council also held wildlife advice sessions and the event gave people the chance to try the parish's new Remembrance bench.

A spokesperson said: "Our Nature group have been busy planting 80 poppy plants around the bench which will flower in the summer.

"The VE Day celebration ended with parish council chair Councillor Linda Williams

FRAMPTON TAXIS

reading the Tribute and the lighting of the beacon. "The beacon looked

magnificent against the night sky and was a beautiful end to an evening of joy and reflection."

(Above) Cubs lead the parade onto the Centenary Field at Frampton Cotterell. (Below) Winterbourne parish councillors Peter Bruce and Nicole Beebee at the tea party

Lights off at roundabout

A BUSY roundabout on the Avon Ring Road will have its lights switched off for 11 weeks over the summer as part of major road works.

The lights will go out on the Wick Wick roundabout, where the A4174 meets the A432 Badminton Road by the Willy Wicket pub, from June 16.

The roundabout is a key junction used by drivers travelling between the Frome Valley and Bristol, and is next to the M4 Badminton Road bridge demolished earlier this year.

While the lights are off the junction will operate as a standard roundabout junction, with drivers giving giving way to

traffic coming from the right.

Some temporary lights will be in place to provide a signalcontrolled pedestrian crossing during the works.

Contractors have already started work to widen paths to help create two-way cycle lanes alongside the A4174, between Wick Wick and the Coldharbour Lane junction by UWE's Frenchay campus.

When finished the project will include a permanently reduced 40mph limit on the westbound carriageway between the Bromley Heath and Abbey Wood roundabouts - the eastbound limit would remain at 50mph.

The beacon at Frampton Cotterell

Air Cadets at Frampton Cotterell

Mayor promises to work across party lines

NEW Metro Mayor Helen Godwin has said things will be “very different” under her than they were with the region's previous Labour mayor.

The winner of May's mayoral election has pledged to "work cross-party for the West Country", and has appointed Liberal Democrat Kevin Guy as her deputy at the West of England Combined Authority.

The position of deputy mayor had not been used since Ms Godwin's predecessor Dan Norris was elected in 2021. During his time in charge, WECA was put on notice by the government over a number of performance issues, including poor relationships between politicians.

The deputy mayor's position will rotate annually between the leaders of the three councils which make up WECA: Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset. The leaders sit on the authority's decision-making committee, along with the mayor.

Cllr Guy, the leader of B&NES, said he was “honoured” to take up the role.

On election night the new mayor said her approach "will feel very different but will be very proactive: just getting stuff done, working with people, working with whoever I need to".

Expanding on the theme after she was sworn in, Ms Godwin

said: "To get the best for all of us in the West Country, politicians must put politics to one side."

She pledged to work "across party lines" with Bristol's Green leader Tony Dyer, Cllr Guy, Lib Dem South Gloucestershire Council leader Maggie Tyrrell and Labour co-leader, Ian Boulton.

Ms Godwin said: "We all need to roll up our sleeves and pitch in. Our residents deserve nothing less, and that’s the only way that we will make things happen.”

Cllr Tyrrell and Cllr Boulton issued a joint statement, which said: "We believe Helen now has the best possible opportunity to take advantage of the greater spirit of collaboration we now enjoy with our partners and we look forward to working together to unlock the amazing potential for prosperity our region has for the benefit of our residents, businesses and the national economy.”

The mayor and WECA are expected to be given extra powers as the government promises to devolve more spending and decision-making to regions.

They will be responsible for delivering the region's Local Growth Plan, to drive economic growth over the next ten years.

One of Ms Godwin's first meetings was with the acting managing director of First Bus

Reform UK tops poll in South Gloucestershire

LABOUR won the West of England mayoral election with 25% of the votes cast, as Reform UK came from nowhere to take second place. Winning candidate Helen Godwin polled 51,197 votes, a majority of 5,945 over Reform's Arron Banks, who received 45,252. Green Party candidate Mary Page - who had been tipped to win by some pollsters - was third, Conservative Steve Smith was fourth and Liberal Democrat Oli Henman was fifth. Independent Ian Scott lost his deposit in last place, after failing to secure 5% of the overall votes cast.

Votes in the three council areas which make up the West of England Combined Authority were counted separately and provided three contrasting results.

Wales & West, Rob Pymm, to discuss the future of services.

She said transport was "at the top of my in-tray", adding: "We talked about challenges around consistency and reliability of some services, and agreed to work together at pace to improve things."

Mr Pymm said: "We share Helen's focus on continuing to improve services and welcome her emphasis on working collaboratively to achieve that, both through continued investment in services as well as efforts on bus priority and tackling congestion, so that everyone can benefit from faster and more reliable buses."

Reform, which did not stand a candidate in 2021's mayoral election, topped the poll in South Gloucestershire, where Arron Banks was 5,211 votes ahead of Tory Steve Smith, with Labour another 1,793 votes behind in the district.

Reacting to his party's overall performance, Mr Banks said: “That was a pretty epic response, to be honest. Bristol and Bath should not be natural Reform territory and we aced it.

“This was our least likely place to win and we came up 6,000 votes short. There is a tidal wave going on in the UK at the moment."

The South Gloucestershire result saw the Liberal Democrats, who run the council in coalition with Labour, squeezed into fourth place with only 14.1% of the mayoral vote in the district, compared to 33.2% in the 2023 council elections.

Ms Godwin won the overall race after receiving the most votes in Bristol, where she was 2,539 votes ahead of Ms Page but 12,771 votes ahead of Mr Banks. That margin proved crucial, with just under half of all the votes in the election cast in the city.

Overall result

Helen Godwin (Labour):

Arron Banks (Reform UK):

Mary Page (Green): 41,094 Steve Smith (Conservative): 34,092

Oli Henman (Liberal Democrat): 28,711

Ian Scott (Independent): 4,682

Total votes cast: 205,557

Turnout: 30%

In Bath & North East Somerset, Lib Dem Oli Henman - a B&NES councillor in a district where they run the council - topped the poll with 9,942 votes.

Ms Godwin was second with 8,764 votes, 178 votes ahead of Mr Banks, with Mr Smith another 64 votes behind.

Green candidate Mary Page said she was “absolutely stoked” by the result.

She said: “Our campaign was run on a shoestring."

Includes reporting by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

South Gloucestershire result

Ian Boulton, Helen Godwin, Maggie Tyrrell, Kevin Guy, and Tony Dyer at Ms Godwin's swearing in as West of England Mayor. Picture: Freia Turland

Shrek sell-out for Winterbourne Musical Theatre

WINTERBOURNE Musical Theatre sold out all five nights of its production of Shrek the Musical in May.

The show at WADCA in Watley's End Road was the culmination of months of preparations, as the amateur group marked 50 years of performing.

Spokesperson Louise Harrison said: "It was a fitting way to celebrate the group's 50th anniversary, and audiences absolutely loved the show, joining in with the well-known 'I'm a Believer' at the end with great gusto!

"The all-age local cast worked incredibly hard over the last four months, learning the songs, dances and script, plus making the scenery, props and costumes.

"Many thanks go to the large team of backstage and front-of-house volunteers, seamstresses, make-up artists, sound and lighting people, and the amazing musicians who played the whole score on two keyboards."

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Scenes from Winterbourne Musical Theatre's performance of Shrek the Musical captured by Gary Woodruff

New Aldi supermarket approved

CONTROVERSIAL plans for an Aldi at Yate's former cinema have been unanimously approved by councillors.

All nine members of South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee voted to grant permission to change the use of the exCineworld on Riverside Retail Park, which shut last October, to a supermarket.

A total of 314 residents had objected, along with Yate Town Council, but there were 397 letters of support.

Shopping centre bosses tried to find an alternative cinema chain to take over when it became clear it would have to close but could not find one, and there was no interest from any other leisure operators, the meeting was told on May 15.

Cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure Cllr Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North), a nonvoting member of the committee, said: “Our choice today is either an empty building left crumbling away, that will become a haven to vandals and crime, or Aldi.

“Empty, boarded-up sites in town centres breed more empty sites – town centres decay bit by bit.

“It’s not what we want but it’s the only

How Aldi says the new store will look

option other than decay and dereliction.”

Cllr Willmore, who called in the application to the committee, said she did not object to the plans but wanted the issues raised transparently in public.

Cllr Liz Brennan (Conservative, Frenchay & Downend), who also called-in the application and did not object in principle, told the meeting: “Replacing this facility with retail dilutes the original purpose of the development and the balance of uses in the town centre.

“The proposed change of use raises real concern about traffic flow, site access and parking pressures."

Yate Shopping Centre and Yate Riverside

manager Andy Lowrey told councillors: “These plans present a big opportunity to repurpose and reinvigorate a vacant unit.

“I know residents are disappointed that Cineworld left last year.

“A robust marketing exercise showed no viable interest from leisure operators.

“Working very closely with the cinema managers, they advised me that they just didn’t see the numbers to support that cinema.

“From what we heard from our customers, people were leaving Yate and driving to Longwell Green to use the Vue there because the prices were cheaper."

Principal planning officer Suzanne D’Arcy, who recommended approval, said the developers intended to extend security railings to make the pedestrian bridge safer and that a condition had been agreed to protect the nearby nature reserve.

She said other conditions would restrict the shop’s floorspace to protect town centre stores and limit delivery hours.

The Aldi is set to open early next year, and the discount retailer says it will create up to 40 new jobs.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

ACTON COURT

Self-guided audio tours

Wednesdays to Sundays

10:30 13:00 & 14:00 16:30

Admission to Acton Court gives access to the grounds, the Royal Apartments, the ground oor area and any activities that may be taking place on the day.

Admission £16.96 including booking fee. Children, 11 and under, by arrangement, email us. 9480-AC-Voice-ad2-2025-180x120-V2.qxp_Voice 1/2 page 07/05/2025 16:06 Page 1

Admission £13.70 including booking fee.

The Queen’s Jewels Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June 10:30 –13:00 & 14:00 –16:30

Special guests include: The Enchanted Tudor Rose costume jewellery from Wolf Hall | The Merchant’s House Musicians | Lady Samantha and the Tudor queens | Art activity | Thomas Cromwell* Waytes and Measures early music* | *Sunday only

There will be no audio guides for this event but visual and written information will be provided. Blue Badge Guides will be on site to answer your questions.

Parking and light refreshments available.

Explosion homes to be demolished

RESIDENTS of homes in Yate hit by a gas explosion have learned that four of the five houses have to be demolished - leaving them homeless for up to two years.

A family home in Lancaster Road was destroyed and another left uninhabitable in the blast on April 29.

Three people were seriously injured and taken to hospital, while a fourth was treated at the scene by ambulance staff.

The cause is believed to be a gas explosion, although unrelated to the main gas line.

A meeting was held by the insurers, loss adjusters and a structural engineer on May 20, when home owners learnt the fate of their homes.

Deb Cainey, whose home at number 23 was next door to the house where the explosion happened, told the Voice that before demolition begins, planning permission has to be sought for the rebuild. She said this could take up to 12 weeks and the build "might take 18 months to two years".

Deb said: "It is very traumatic.

"I’ve been in my home for 36 years. You have nothing – no make-up, all your memories gone. It’s a lot to come to terms

with.

"If I stop to think what I’ve lost, I’m in tears.

"The first night I was manic – I have never felt anything like that before. You don’t expect to be homeless at 60."

Deb said that while she, her husband Rob and son Rich hadn’t sustained any physical injuries, she is still having flashbacks over a month on, and is having therapy, while her son Richard “is still having nightmares and jumping out of bed".

To add to the family’s woes, their home has been burgled.

Deb said: “People have been there looting on several nights. The council is putting up CCTV and an eight-foot fence. I have no idea what they have taken as I am not allowed in.

“It makes me sick to the pit of my stomach. It is just hideous. How low can you go, when we have lost everything?”

However, the community has continued to rally and support the blast victims, offering shelter and clothing and setting up fundraisers and events.

The Caineys and their two dogs are currently staying with friends, while Margaret Robson of number 19, on the other side of the explosion, is living with her sister.

Frampton Garage

A fundraiser for the Caineys, set up by a family friend on the GoFundMe website, had raised more than £4,500 as the Voice went to press. It can be found at bit.ly/3FfHIZh.

The explosion blew a hole in the wall of the Cainey family home

£4,500 cost of dumping waste in lane

A MAN has been ordered to pay more than £4,500 in fines and costs after admitting flytipping on a country lane in Coalpit Heath. Royston Tucker, aged 34, of Alexander Road, Frenchay, also admitted a waste transfer offence when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court in May.

He was ordered to pay a £3,000 fine, a £1,000 victim surcharge and South Gloucestershire Council’s costs of £525.

After the prosecution the council advised people not to be "tempted" by cheap waste clearance services offered on sites such as Facebook and Gumtree.

The court heard that rubbish dumped in Serridge Lane, Coalpit Heath, last September was traced after council environmental enforcement officers searched it and found paperwork that led them to two addresses.

Both householders had paid Tucker, the sole trader of R&R Waste Clearance Ltd, £140 for waste to be removed from their homes.

Officers visited addresses found in the waste and discovered that both householders had each paid £140 for waste to be removed from their homes.

They were shown photos of the Serridge

Lane fly-tip and each identified some of the waste as rubbish they had paid Tucker to properly dispose of.

Tucker was interviewed and admitted picking the waste up from both addresses before dumping it.

Council cabinet member for environmental enforcement Sean Rhodes said: "I hope this latest prosecution acts as a deterrent to anyone who fails in their duty of care for

waste disposal.

"If you dump waste illegally in South Glos, you will be held accountable.

"Fly-tipping is not just an eyesore - it’s a crime that damages our environment and burdens our communities.

"We urge residents to always check that waste carriers are properly licensed and to report any suspicious activity.

"Residents are advised to be wary of businesses or people advertising waste clearances on social media sites such as Facebook.

"There are a number of legitimate options for waste removal, including the council’s large household waste collection service. If you hire a third-party to dispose of your waste, always ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken."

People can check whether the waste carrier is registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or visiting tinyurl. com/2wkwkj8n.

Residents who see illegal fly-tipping are encouraged to report it on 01454 868000, email streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping.

The rubbish dumped by Royston Tucker

n NEWS

Choir celebrates centenary in style

FRAMPTON Cotterell Male Voice Choir has marked its centenary with an "extraordinarily uplifting and memorable" concert.

The concert at the St Michael’s Centre in Stoke Gifford, was attended by around 275 people and was compered by former BBC Points West presenter Ali Vowles. It was followed by an open-air performance on the decks of Brunel's historic SS Great Britain.

The concert was orchestrated by the choir’s musical director, Tim Warren, with a guest performance from Welsh tenor Travis George, who found fame after appearing on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.

The choir joined Travis in the song Anthem, from the musical Chess.

Choir spokesperson David Nelson said: "He graciously complimented the choir on its achievement and was impressed by the musicality and range of singing performed during the evening."

The choir programme of songs ranged from traditional hymns and gospel to Disney and the Drifters' pop classic Under the Boardwalk.

Songs specially arranged by Tim included one scored by him to remember members of the choir who had passed away, and the finale was a Morte Criste, a song believed to have been sung at every FCMVC annual concert since 1925.

The concert also featured a performance from the Frampton Shantymen, performed in the choir waistcoats and bow ties instead of their usual blue and white striped shirts.

David said: "It was a very

special occasion that will live long in the memory of all who attended, and indeed participated.

"The St Michael’s Centre auditorium lent itself perfectly to the harmonious voices."

More challenging conditions were provided by the open top deck of the SS Great Britain a week late, with the choir performing some of their concert repertoire "despite windblown sheet music and less than ideal acoustics", to a hearty applause

Music in the Meadows is back

A MUSIC festival which brings top tribute acts to a village to raise money for good causes is back in July.

Mash in the Meadows in Iron Acton will this year feature Not the Rolling Stones, and Madness tribute act One Step Behind.

They will be joined on July 4 by Winterbourne singer-songwriter Rhiannon Paige, who sings country pop and rock and has just finished her first ever UK tour.

The event on the Iron Acton Parish Meadows is organised entirely by volunteers, with money raised donated to local causes.

In previous years it has been a two-day event but this year's classical Proms-themed event, which was due to take pace on July 5, has had to be cancelled "due to unforeseen circumstances", with all ticket holders refunded.

This year's Mash headliners are Not the Rolling Stones, who have played theatres and festivals

Winterbourne country pop

throughout the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

Acton Aid's Richard Hunter said: "They look and sound just like the real band. You just won’t believe it’s not Jagger!"

One Step Behind are described as the UK's premier and longestsurviving Madness tribute band, who have been playing the Nutty Boys' songs in venues across Britain and Europe since 1993. Rhiannon Paige's music is described as "a new approach to country music with a British twist".

She sang the Australian national anthem on the Ashton Gate pitch in front of more than 15,000 people before last year's

Ali Vowles comperes the centenary concert

from visitors.

Choir chairman Steve Harrison said the choir chairman “we celebrate the past, preserving and continuing a tradition of male voice singing” whilst also singing for the future.

David added: "The names have changed, personalities have come and gone, but the FCMVC has been an enduring ensemble united by a passion for singing and the comfort of easy fellowship with like-minded people. Here’s to another 100 years.

Win Mash tickets

Acton Aid are offering Voice readers the chance to win two free tickets to Mash in the Meadows.

To enter the competition, visit actonaid.org.uk/2025-musiccompetition and answer two questions:

What colour did the Rolling Stones want to paint it?

What type of long road did the Beatles sing about?

Leave your name, email and phone details by midnight on June 15 to be in with a chance of winning.

match between Bristol Bears and the Wallabies.

Richard said: "The exciting Mash line-up includes two world class tribute acts and a sensational local singer and her band."

More details and limited Early Bird tickets are available at www. actonaid.org.uk.

Members of Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir on the deck of the SS Great Britain

singer Rhiannon Paige will join two top tribute acts at Mash in the Meadows

Not the Rolling Stones

n NEWS

Repair cafés make a difference

RECENTLY I visited the fabulous Alveston Repair Café.

Inside St Helen’s Church there was a hubbub of activity, with the experts already busy at work.

At the entrance a queue had formed to register items that needed a bit of TLC.

If you haven't heard of them before, repair cafés allow people to bring items they would otherwise throw away to be fixed and put back into use.

All sorts of things were seen during the session, including clothing, glasses, a vacuum cleaner, and a light stand.

Some of the more exotic items included a karaoke machine and a gramophone horn!

One lady was enjoying a cup of tea whilst waiting anxiously to see if her walker could be fixed; it was something that her upcoming holiday was dependent on.

Peter Waller is the man behind this repair café: he has seen it grow quickly and it’s now

a firm favourite on the Alveston calendar.

Other repair cafes thrive around the area, including down the road in Thornbury.

There are so many things to recommend the repair cafes. There was a real sense of community during my visit, with local people helping their neighbours.

Aside from the work, there was a chance to have a chat and a catch up.

For those offering the services - from electronics to clothes repairs - there was a feeling of achievement. Quite often people were bringing things that had sentimental value, and to have them working again must have been very satisfying.

There were dozens of items taken to the church on the day, and the vast majority were fixed.

The experts not only repair things, they can also explain to people how to fix items themselves in future.

The repair cafe movement is a stand against the throwaway society that we are all part of nowadays.

To save things from landfill is hugely important environmentally. The event in Alveston may have been modest in this aim, but there are dozens in South Gloucestershire and Bristol, and thousands around the country.

When you amplify that with the worldwide movement that is emerging, it is making a difference.

The next time the repair cafe is open, I may well be in the line. I have a jacket that needs a repair, and who knows what else I will have broken by then!

Claire Young with Peter Waller at the Alveston Repair Café.

Children dig dinosaurs!

Reception children separate dinosaurs from present-day animals

CHILDREN at St Michael's C of E Primary School in Winterbourne delved into prehistory to find out more about dinosaurs.

The reception pupils' term-long project saw them learn how and when the dinosaurs lived, what they liked to eat, and what caused them to become extinct.

Reception teacher Jo Wilton said: "As teachers, we like to follow the children's interests while planning our next topics, and this cohort are dinosaur experts.

"The children have had fun becoming palaeontologists, using a fine brush to sweep away the sand from various buried bones."

King's Award for bakery

A CHIPPING Sodbury bakery has received royal recognition for its work to make its business environmentally sustainable.

Hobbs House Bakery has been announced today as one of this year's winners of the Kings Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

The family-run bakery employs 170 people at its headquarters in Hatters Lane, cookery school and shop in the High Street and other shops in Nailsworth, Tetbury, and Bristol. It is one of only 27 businesses to receive the award - the highest business accolade for British companies - in the category, and one of three in the region.

The King’s Award recognises the bakery’s sustainability work in every area of the business, from sourcing its ingredients to logistics and reducing waste.

Its "sustainable approach" includes work to source 100% of its grain from organic or 'regeneratively farmed' land by 2032, apprenticeship programmes and sending surplus bread to local community initiatives including Fare

Share, The Matthew Tree Project and Family Food for Free.

It has a zero-landfill policy which means surplus bread that is not donated is turned into animal feed or beer.

Managing director George Herbert said: "Our team is delighted that the business has been granted the King’s Award.

"We are all on a journey to improve how we use resources responsibly, to produce good, tasty food sustainably and reduce the impact we make on our environment.

"We’re really proud to source our supplies as locally as possible, and the majority of the companies we work with are within a 20-mile radius.

"In the past year alone, we have removed almost a quarter of a tonne of plastic by changing how we package our products."

The business was founded in 1920 in Gloucestershire by Thomas and Mabel

Herbert, and is now in its fifth generation, having opened the first Hobbs House shop in 1985.

Hearing over charity's alcohol licence bid

THE charity which runs Frampton Cotterell's Beesmoor Road Playing Field has applied for a premises licence to serve alcohol during special events.

The playing field committee's application to South Gloucestershire Council would allow it to sell drink at the field's

pavilion between 11am to 10pm daily and play live and recorded music indoors and outdoors until 9pm.

It faces a hearing of the council's licensing sub-committee after two local residents objected to the application.

One of the objectors said they

had lived in the village for 30 years and the playing field "at times has been a focus for drug taking, antisocial and criminal behaviour".

They said: "With alcohol sale and consumption comes a loss of inhibitions, with a loss of inhibitions comes loud shouting,

Windows, Doors, Fascias, Conservatories and Roofs

arguments and eventually violence, so the granting of a premises licence at this location will lead to potential public safety issues for others using the field and play area."

The neighbour also said live and recorded music and more people drinking would "cause a public nuisance that is not in that location at the moment".

Another neighbour told the council residents are "regularly impacted by antisocial behaviour and noise disturbances in the park after hours", adding : "The addition of alcohol and music will only add to disruption and further disturb what should be a quiet neighbourhood."

In the committee's application, treasurer Phil Kerswell stressed that the volunteers "do not intend to sell alcohol on a regular basis" and the scope of the hours in the application was to allow flexibility for events.

The three football teams who use the pavilion on match days have been told they could not sell alcohol “under any circumstances”.

Mr Kerswell said: "We would like the licence in case we hold occasional charity fundraising events in the future – we do not propose regular events.

“We will only serve alcohol at specified events and activities.

“The sale of alcohol will not be the primary purpose of any event, but will be an additional facility for the enjoyment of people using the building.

“We are part of the local community and run by volunteers who live nearby, so it is important to our charity to maintain good relations with neighbours and have a positive image.

“Beesmoor is a community facility, run by volunteers with the sole purpose of providing a public amenity for the enjoyment and well-being of local people.

“As such we pride ourselves on being good neighbours to the village of Frampton Cotterell, and we will ensure the highest standards of safe and socially acceptable behaviour at all times."

No more than 40 customers would be allowed in the pavilion cafe and up to 200 seated outside.

The playing field committee has agreed conditions with the police and there are no objections from any of the relevant authorities.

The licensing hearing will take place in early June.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Club closes after 60 years

A CLUB which brought people together over a love of flower arranging has been wound up. Winterbourne Flower Club held its final meeting earlier this year, a month short of its 61st anniversary after being founded in 1964.

The club had celebrated its diamond anniversary last year with an afternoon tea party at the Mercure Grange hotel near the village.

But membership had been declining since the lockdown, from a peak of 90 when the club used to hold regular shows.

Chairman Celia Davies said:

"The Winterbourne members were really welcoming and talented ladies who enjoyed their flower arranging, and the fun and social life that comes along with it.

The club had previously been called Winterbourne and District Flower Arrangement Society, and had been part of the Three Counties and South Wales Area

of National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, but changed its name when members started meeting up again after the pandemic.

As well as the learning about flower arranging, the club was also known for its social activities.

Celia said: "We used to hold two shows a year to display our

designs, and these were open to the public. We also had the occasional summer trip out.

"The club also took part in the Bath Spring Show, and members would enter area shows and other local competitions.

"We also used to help with designs at flower festivals, including at Hereford Cathedral.

"There was even a waiting list for those interested in joining."

"Unfortunately we took the decision to close as our membership had dropped dramatically, to only nine members, and we did not seem able to attract any new persons interested in the fun and pleasure you get from floral art.

"It was a great pity we finally had to close."

Celia is a qualified flower arranger and NAFAS area judge, and is available to give demonstrations to other local clubs and groups. Anyone who is interested can get in touch at celia.a.davies@talk21.com.

Show turns 80

FRENCHAY Flower Show will marks its 80th anniversary at a new home.

The show is moving from the common to Frenchay Parklands, on the old hospital grounds, for this year's event on Saturday, July 12 from 11am-5.30pm.

The site will be decked out to reflect this year's VE Day 80 celebrations, as the first ever flower show was held in 1945also in the grounds of the then military hospital.

There will be 1940s-inspired music, a new fun dog show and new marquees for horticultural and craft exhibits.

Advance tickets are now on sale at the show's website, www. frenchayflowershow.com, along with entry forms for all the competitions. Paper forms are available at Frenchay Museum.

Competitions are free to enter and open to all: the closing date for entries is 6pm on July 9.

The show's organisers are on the lookout for volunteers aged 18 or over: contact enquiries@ frenchayflowershow.com to find out more.

Slimming World

Slimming World

The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne BS36 1NJ Tuesdays at 5.30pm Call Deb on 07597 425210

A tennis-themed exhibit in Winterbourne Flower Club's 2010 spring show

n NEWS

20,000 have Good Times

ORGANISERS of this year's Good Times festival series in Chipping Sodbury say more than 20,000 people attended the series of shows in May.

After two years at Yate Town Football Club, the festival moved to The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury this year for improved access.

Good Times was first staged in 2022 with a number of tribute acts as the headliners.

Last year it stepped up a gear with McFly, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls.

This year's headliners at eight different shows included Billy Ocean, Craig David, Will Young, Skunk Anansie, comedian Katherine Ryan, and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Event organiser James Murden said: "What an amazing week of shows in Chipping Sodbury!

"Over 20,000 of you came to support them, and I can’t explain how grateful we are.

"An extra special thank you to those that booked their tickets

early, you’re vital to ensuring the future of Good Times here in the town.

"The biggest thank-you must go to the army of people that made this happen.

"I’m the guy that gets to stand on stage, but it’s taken a dedicated team of over 200 people, including bar staff, volunteers and marshals, car parking attendants, stage crew, security, site management and

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

more - we literally couldn’t do this without you."

Co-founder and production manager Tom Campbell said: "I really hope local people and those travelling for the first time enjoyed the show.

"We all did our best to make this world class, and I’m so proud of what the team have achieved.”

The team are already working on ambitious plans for 2026, with Bath-born comic Russell

A new chapter for the West of England

I’M thrilled to be writing the first of what will be many columns for your local Voice newspaper.

It’s the honour of my working life to represent you, as your Mayor.

The rest of my articles will, I’m sure, be full of news and updates, including about investment across the West of England: Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire.

But I wanted to start by sharing a little bit about who I am – and how I’ll be a different Mayor to those who have gone before.

I’m proud to be from and for the West of England. I grew up in Stapleton, went to college in Filton, and have worked across our region, including as a local councillor and in business.

My family are spread across the West Country and I’m raising my kids here. It’s home.

We’re all so lucky to be here in the West – but I want life to be better for everyone, particularly when it comes to transport.

I’ve worked with other regional mayors,

like Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, so I know that we’ve got some catching up to do.

Getting around, especially by public transport, should be much easier than it often is now. From congestion to ghost buses, there’s a lot to get sorted.

I want to hit the ground running, and to work with our local councils, businesses, and residents to make things happen.

Whether you voted for me on May 1 or not, I’m excited to work for you to deliver real change.

In that collaborative spirit, I started as I mean to go on.

In my first week in office, I said again that politicians need to put politics to one side to get the best for all of us in the West Country.

I began by announcing that my first Deputy Mayor will be Councillor Kevin Guy (B&NES). This important job, vacant since 2021, will now rotate cross-party between the council leaders, with each taking a year in turn.

We all need to roll up our sleeves and pitch in. You deserve nothing less, and that’s the

Howard already booked, and say they hope to make the event even bigger next year.

only way that we will ensure better buses, lay the Bristol to Portishead Line, build new affordable homes, and help create the jobs of the future.

In the meantime, stay in touch and up to date, including by following me on social media: just search for Mayor Helen Godwin on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, or follow the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority on other channels like LinkedIn.

Metro Mayor Helen Godwin writes for the Voice

The good times stage during Jools Holland's performance

Billy Ocean

Craig David

n MESSAGE FROM POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Improving support for victims of crime

VICTIMS of crime and antisocial behaviour across Avon and Somerset now have access to enhanced, tailored support services.

I recently held a launch event to showcase a comprehensive suite of services, designed with victims of crime, to help them recover from its impacts.

It highlighted the support offered by Safe Link Plus, Young Victims Service, Avon and Somerset Victim Services, and Unseen, all of which provide holistic support ranging from advocacy and emotional care to practical advice, specialist interventions, and restorative justice.

For many, the aftermath of crime is not just about what happened but about the ongoing struggle to regain a sense of safety and stability.

In these moments, the presence of skilled, compassionate professionals can make all the difference.

I’ve seen this first-hand since being elected, and it is truly inspiring.

That is why ensuring victims receive the help they need, when they need it, is a core priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

The launch event brought together service providers, volunteers, and community members to celebrate the recommissioned services. It featured workshops, survivor contributions, and addresses from key figures, including Baroness Helen Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.

One of the most poignant moments of the day was the performance of Ghosts, a song written and performed by Georgie, a survivor supported by Safe Link. Her deeply moving lyrics and beautiful vocals made a big impression on everyone in the room.

The event also celebrated the collaborative effort behind the services being launched, with a wide range of providers like One25, Resolve West, Victim Support, The Lighthouse, Stand Against Racism & Inequality, and more.

These services, supported by the OPCC, NHS England, Bristol City Council, Avon and Somerset Police, and the Ministry of Justice, reflect a long-term dedication to providing independent and effective support

for victim-survivors of crime and antisocial behaviour.

To find out more about support services, visit tinyurl.com/5akvrvaa.

My role is to be the bridge between the community and Avon and Somerset Police.

To ensure I hear all your voices, I make it a priority to meet local communities, whether that’s at public forums, visiting local businesses, or engaging with community organisations.

Through my visits, I’ve seen the incredible work being undertaken across the Avon and Somerset force area: innovative projects tackling crime, organisations supporting victims, working with young people to build their futures and partnership working to make neighbourhoods safer.

I recently had the pleasure to visit the Wheels Project, where I saw young people in action learning motor vehicle studies.

The project supports young people between 14-18 years of age, struggling in education or with specialist educational needs

With Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody

from Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

They run small groups of four, providing young people with practical functional skills, teamwork, communication skills and understanding of safety and risk issues.

Reducing serious youth violence is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.

The Wheels Project has been working with the South Gloucestershire Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) for several years.

To find out more about my role, share concerns over policing or join one of my upcoming public forums, visit my website www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

An easy Spanishinspired lunch

DO you ever find yourself searching for a tasty small course to include as part of a special lunch? Well, look no further - here is a Spanishinspired small plate dish with only four ingredients.

It’s so easy to do, and takes only 15 minutes to prepare and cook.

Serve this with some other Spanish cured meats and a plate of cubes of Manchego cheese and Mahon cheese from Menorca, if you can get it.

The supermarkets do packets of tortillas which, when warmed, are a really good cheat.

Then all you need are olives, of course!

Crusty bread and any speciality

breads makes this a cracking, simple easy lunch.

Roasted chorizo and butter beans with wine (Chorizo con judiones y vino)

Serves 4.

Ingredients

• Good quality chorizo, preferably

the soft cooking kind – about 65g

• Butter beans – 1 x 400g can

• Red onion- half, cut into chunks

• Red wine – 150ml

• Crusty country bread to serve

Preheat oven to 180°C/170C fan oven, Gas Mark 4

Here’s what you do:

• Drain the beans and rinse in cold water.

• Chop the red onion.

• Slice the chorizo.

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

• Top with the sliced chorizo.

• Put the beans and the onion in a small ovenproof dish, ideally terracotta.

• Pour the wine over the chorizo.

• Bake for 15-20 mins until the surface of the chorizo is shimmering with the chorizo juices.

• Serve straight out of the oven with good crusty bread to mop up the juices.

Cook’s Tips

You could use dry cider instead of wine or chickpeas, for a change, instead of butter beans.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Haighs has been recognised for delivering outstanding customer service to its clients by winning a Best in Postcode Award from The ESTASthe biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry.

The awards are powered by customer reviews submitted directly to the ESTAS review platform which is exclusively for property professionals. These reviews offer genuine feedback on the service provided, gathered at the end of the moving experience. ESTAS monitors and verifies service ratings over a 12-month period, providing a trustworthy measure of the service delivered to customers.

As a Postcode winner Haighs has been shortlisted to win a prestigious county, regional or national trophy at the famous ESTAS Awards which take place on 17th October. The awards will be presented by the UK’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer in front of 1,200 of the UK’s top property professionals.

Spencer said “To secure a Best in Postcode Award is a significant accomplishment within the industry. These awards are unique because they're based entirely on genuine client feedback, reflecting an agent’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service

Haighs Estate Agents wins Best in Postcode (BS37) Award for Customer Service

throughout the customer journey. This kind of recognition truly highlights a dedication to professionalism and client care, showcasing those who consistently go above and beyond in their service delivery.”

Simon Brown, founder of ESTAS says “ESTAS is about championing the agents who consistently go the extra mile. It's about recognising that

amazing service isn't just meeting expectations, it's exceeding them. We want everyone to share the mindset that providing outstanding support to clients is the norm, not the exception.”

Martin Haigh, partner at Haighs (with his wife Clare) says “We are thrilled to have won Best in BS37 for the second year running, despite having only moved our base here

during the covid pandemic, following twenty-seven years in central Bristol. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. Hopefully we can go one step further and win at The ESTAS Awards in October. For more information about ESTAS please visit www.theestas.com or call 01892 610245

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Medieval Day

WINTERBOURNE Medieval Barn is an extraordinary survivor from our medieval past.

Built in 1342 for Sir Thomas de Bradeston, Lord of the Manor of Winterbourne, in 1393 Richard II granted Blanche Bradeston the right to hold a weekly market in Winterbourne and a June fair.

June was the time in the medieval calendar to celebrate Midsummer, and what a celebration it was!

Volunteers at the barn are delighted to be upholding that tradition over 600 years later, with this year's Winterbourne Medieval Day on Sunday June 8.

This will be the Barn's main community event of the year: come along and enjoy some recreated medieval festivities suitable for all ages, on a genuine medieval site. There will be a varied programme of activities throughout the day from 11am to 4pm.

Watch medieval combat

Explorer Scouts

displays from the Warwick Warriors, and demonstrations of aspects of daily life in the 1300s from living history group the Company of Chivalry.

There will be wandering jesters and live medieval music. You can have a go at archery and traditional games, and there are competitions and activities for young children. There will be an exciting mix of

EXPLORER scouts from Winterbourne, Frampton Cotterell, Yate, Thornbury and Wotton-underedge have completed the arduous Ten Tors challenge run by the Army.

Two teams of six teenagers navigated to 15 checkpoints over two days, walking 35 miles over difficult terrain carrying all their food, water and camping equipment.

In total, 400 teams from the South West competed in the prestigious event in May.

The teams had been training for six months, including learning about navigation, first aid and self-reliance, as well as walks that gradually increased in distance and difficulty, camping and cooking.

Team Manager Steve Martin said: "The

Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group

HAVE you seen the new Frome Valley Pollinator Pathway digital trail signs up at Whiteshill Common in Hambrook and the Frome Valley Growing Project?

As part of the funding Winterbourne and Frome Valley Environmental Group received last year from the West of England

Winterbourne Academy, with a free shuttle bus running up and down to the Barn all day.

No parking is allowed on Church Lane, as this causes congestion and obstructs emergency vehicles. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.

If you would like to find out more about the history of the barn and Thomas de Bradeston, who was an important medieval figure, come along to our event, The Story of Our Barn, on July 10 at 7pm.

Looking at much more recent history, Liz Ferguson gives a talk on June 30 about the brave and talented local folk named on the Whitehall War Memorial at Hambrook.

medieval-themed artisan stalls and displays, with heritage crafts. Food and drink available includes a hog roast, Persian cuisine, and a range of savoury and sweet bakes. The barn bar serves alcoholic and soft drinks, teas, coffees, and snacks.

Tickets can be booked online, and entry on the gate is £7 per adult, £2 per child (cash or card). There is free parking at

training team and I are immensely proud of the explorers that have completed the challenge. We have watched them grow in confidence, skill, strength and teamwork."

This golden opportunity to develop team working, resilience and determination would not have been possible without the selfless and often unseen dedication of volunteers in our local community.

The teams were managed by a team of volunteers from Cotswold Edge Scout Group, who have given up weeks of their time providing a safe yet challenging environment.

The participants were from the local Nike, Phoenix and Zeus explorer units.

They included Alex Loss, Josh Mathias, Harry Way, Alex Wright, Jacob Hodges, Alfie Routledge, Harry Simms, George Turner, Elizabeth Cobbett and Frances Chainey.

Combined Authority, we were able to commission posters designed especially for the disused bus stop next to the wildflower meadow.

Another beautiful sign was placed at the Frome Valley Growing Project, as well as at sites across Winterbourne, Frenchay and Frampton Cotterell, all forming part of the Pollinator Pathway.

The designs show the variety of wildflowers and biodiversity in the area, with plenty of plants and creatures to spot, such as the rare colony of house martins at

Hambrook Primary School.

Following on from the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations in May, her talk remembers those in our villages who did so much on the Home Front during the First and Second World War.

For more information and booking for all events, visit www. winterbournebarn.org.uk

Louise Harrison

The Explorer Scout units also provided an additional three explorers to teams from other organisations.

The posters link to three digital trails around the area, including the Frome Valley 'toddler stomp', Accessible Cloisters, and the Hambrook Loop.

If you want to learn more about the local walks detailed on the signs, you can hold your phone over the QR code and it will take you to a link to the walks on our website.

The link also includes an accompanying audio recording created by geographer and

local resident Richard Spalding, and project coordinator Kate Macdonald.

Winterbourne Parish Council have commissioned more of these signs across our other green community spaces, so look out for more in the coming months.

If you would like to be included in the development and design of these signs, please get in contact at winterbourneenvironmental@ gmail.com.

Kate Macdonald

Ian Matthias

See a combat display

One of the successful Ten Tors teams

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Living in a strange new world

I WONDER how much of the world feels unfamiliar?

Can we keep up with the pace of change - do we even have to or want to?

As a society we are resistant to change, usually see it as negative and are filled with fear and dread.

The church is a shining example of change resistance.

We have managed to find a way to slow down change and deliberate excessively before making decisions.

We would argue that during this process we are discerning God’s will.

I suppose the speed at which pope Leo was appointed is an exception to prove the rule, whereas appointing a new archbishop is a very drawn-out process.

Perhaps it is true that Anglican pace is the world’s slowest pace!

Many of the issues the world

and its people face have been faced before, and we have evidence of how they turned out.

At this time of year the church remembers a time of great change from the Bible, a time when the disciples were coming to terms with the ascension of Jesus.

They were filled with fear, until the point they were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They grew in confidence that they might grow in love for the world.

It was a change that had a positive transformative power on the lives of many who lived in fear under a regime of oppression.

The world was a dark and negative place for many, yet they were filled with hope. They longed to share that hope.

Christians are often accused of focussing purely on what happens when we depart this life. I personally know very few

Christians who live only for the next world and not this one. Most of us realise we need to play our part in improving the world for its citizens and making our world a better reflection of the eternal kingdom.

How might we embrace change in a way that ensures we use it as a force for good and not negativity? How might we become agents of joy and hope? How do we make the world a better place?

The answer is surely not to throw away all the learning of those who have gone before us. It is surely not to look at ourselves as being smarter, more informed or more intelligent than those who have gone before. It is to look at what went well and what went badly. The definition of insanity is to do the same things again expecting different results. Change can be positive if it is a

Dave Jones Associate Minister, Fromeside Benefice

change and not the repeating of something that failed.

History tells us that the apostles had a positive effect on those they encountered and they grew in faith, hope and love for each other.

We can all be a part of helping love spread in the world today, and we can all help to offer hope to those who see none.

Let us seek to embrace change, with our hearts set on making the best of whatever life throws at us.

Dave Jones

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS

n FRAMPTON NATURE

Join the balsam bash!

DURING June and July a huge effort will once again be taking place to remove invasive Himalayan balsam from along the banks of the River Frome.

You can help by joining organised ‘balsam bashing’ sessions, or by learning to recognise the plant and pulling some up when you’re out and about.

They are tall plants, with large pink-purple flowers, light green, red-tipped toothed leaves and a reddish stem.

They have shallow roots, so come out easily if you pull them close to the ground. It’s then good to snap them at the bottom or hang them over a tree, to stop them regrowing.

Himalayan balsam was first introduced to Kew Gardens in 1839.

It quickly began to naturalise and over the last century has

n NEWS

spread widely across the UK.

It’s an impressive plant, growing up to three metres high in a single season.

Each plant produces up to 800 seeds in explosive pods, and can scatter them up to 7m away.

The seeds are spread particularly successfully along watercourses and, if left unchecked, it forms monoculture stands which entirely dominate riversides.

Because it grows so dense and tall, our native wildflowers are shaded out and can’t compete.

It produces a lot of nectar and is attractive to pollinating insects, but there are concerns that this too disadvantages native plant species.

When it dies back in the winter it leaves bare soil behind, which is prone to being washed away, and contributes to the erosion of river banks.

Help check river's health

PEOPLE are being invited to become 'citizen scientists' and join a community effort to measure the health of the River Frome and other waterways.

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) runs the annual Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, which this year is taking place from July 4 to July 11.

The charity invites everyone in the area to send off for a kit they can use to sample the quality of water in local rivers, streams, and ditches for common nitrate and phosphate pollutants that indicate poor water quality.

Last year's RiverBlitz saw more than 130 volunteers collect 202 samples across the region. They found high levels of nitrates and phosphates in the River Frome at Cog Mill near Iron Acton, along with plastic bottles and takeaway cartons, and at three points between Huckford Viaduct and Damsons Bridge in Winterbourne Down. Medium or high levels of both pollutants were also found in the Frome at Rectory Road in Frampton Cotterell, where there were also invasive Himalayan

This year volunteers from several local groups will once again be working together to coordinate efforts along the Frome.

Our aim is to clear the patches furthest upstream and work our way further down the river each year.

The effort will need to be kept up, as the seeds are thought to remain viable for at least three

years. If you’d like to join a balsam bashing session, or hear about other conservation volunteering opportunities, please join the Upper Frome Friends group on Facebook or email me at wildlife@ framptoncotterell-pc.gov.uk.

balsam plants, and at Moorend, as well as in the Bradley Brook at Hambrook.

Full details of all previous surveys can be found online at bristolavonriverstrust.org/ riverblitz.

This year people are being asked to pick a spot at their local river or stream and sign up between June 1 and June 28 at tinyurl.com/5xj9nycn for a free water quality testing kit, which includes everything needed to sample water and accurately record data.

BART chief executive Simon Hunter said: "We believe that understanding the true state of our rivers requires evidence.

"The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz is a powerful example of how local communities can come together to protect and restore our rivers.

"Every sample collected helps build a clearer picture of the health of our waterways, providing a dataset that highlights the potential issues and opportunities across the catchment."

The cost of the project is being part-funded by Wessex Water.

David Hanks

Himalayan balsam. Picture: David Hanks

n WHAT'S ON

JUNE

JUNE 7

n SATURDAY NIGHT MUSIC AND DANCING, Frampton Cotterell & Coalpit Heath RBL Club, Ryecroft Road, from 8pm, with Don't Frett. Also Frankie Johns on June 14, Alan Dene on 21st and Ryan Mills on 28th. New visitors welcome. £6 entry. Cash only.

JUNE 14

n ROCKHAMPTON FOLK AND WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL on the village green, from 2pm. Music and dancing, in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, local food and drink, activities and workshops.

More information and tickets from rockhamptonfolkfest.org.uk.

JUNE 19

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by Richard Box: Impressionism and Beyond. Call 07946 508316 for more details.

JUNE 21

n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

ARMED FORCES DAY at Page Park, Staple Hill. Parade from Page Road from 10.30am, followed by live music, military and emergency service

vehicle displays, children's activities and games, stalls. More details at www.southglosafd.com.

JUNE 21

n YATE ROCKS...IN THE PARK, Kingsgate Park, Yate, noon-8pm. Free festival with local bands and dance acts, games and stalls, sideshows and inflatables, train ride, bars, food.

JUNE 22

n PRAISE IN THE PARK AND CHOIR SHOWCASE, Kingsgate Park, Yate, 10.30am-4.30pm. Outdoor church service in the morning, local choirs sing in the afternoon. Free entry.

REGULAR EVENTS

MONDAY

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN LADIES

PROBUS CLUB meets 3rd Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down, 2pm. Talk and refreshments. Visitors £3.50. Call 01454 773647.

TUESDAY

n WINTERBOURNE SHORT MAT

BOWLS CLUB meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1.30 until 4.30 pm at WADCA, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. All welcome. Free trial and tuition available. Call 07542 052837.

Winterbourne library

WINTERBOURNE Library is looking for enthusiastic and friendly Summer Reading Challenge volunteers.

Develop your skills in communication, team working and creative projects, have fun and make new friends as part of the team.

You will help primary school-aged children doing the challenge, talk with them about the books they’re reading and help at library activities.

Volunteers should be aged 14 and over. Training will be given.

Closing date for applications is June 22.

To find out more ask a member of library staff, visit www.southglos. gov.uk/library-volunteers or email libraryvolunteers@southglos.gov.uk.

Lego club meets on June 21 from 10-11am, for children aged four and over – all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Adult craft group meets on June 14 and 28, from 10am-noon: join a friendly group, do your own work and chat – refreshments available by donation.

Children's Rhymetime (up to 18 months) takes place on Wednesday at 10am; story time (18 months to four years) is on Fridays at 10am. Both sessions are term time only.

Coffee morning is at 11am every Wednesday: coffee, chat, friendship and crafts.

Adult games club takes place on June 4 and 18 from 2-4pm - play board games and make new friends.

Computer classes take place on Thursdays during term time –enrolment with SGS College is required. For further information contact Cindy on 0117 909 2296 or email cindy.corbett@sgscol.ac.uk

Staffed hours are Tuesday from 10am-3pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm.

Open Access, when the library is unstaffed, is between 8am and 7.30pm, every day.

For more details, visit the library, phone 01454 868006, email Winterbourne.library@southglos.gov.uk, or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries.

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN METHODIST CHURCH Drop in for free cup of tea and chat or play board games, every Tuesday from 2-4pm. n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET

CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. Contact croquet@wilko.eclipse.co.uk or call 07977 201440.

n CRAFTING: Come and join our group of crafters on the first Tuesday of every month in the Red Brick Annexe, Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2TG from 2-4pm. Bring your own project. £4 per session: Kay 07792189276.

n OPEN DOOR at Winterbourne Down Methodist Church, Down Road, every Tuesday 2-4pm. Social gathering - enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, games, music and friendship, especially for those who live on their own.

WEDNESDAY

n G ENTLE SHIBASHI TAI CHI AND RELAXATION, accessible to all, 10.30-11.30am, 11.45am-12.45pm and 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Church Lane, Winterbourne.Contact Jenny on 07855 560257 or jksmith@blueyonder.co.uk for more information.

n SINGALONG WITH THE JAYS AND JOY, first Wednesday in the month at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell, 2-3.30pm. Themed singalongs, friendly welcoming group with live music, refreshments. £5 carers free. Details from Hilary, 07515 351813.

n TABLE TENNIS Henfield Hall, Ram Hill on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2-4pm. All abilities welcome. Equipment provided. £2 per session including tea, coffee, biscuits. Details email henfieldhall@yahoo.com or call 0785 119 8434

THURSDAY

n WINTERBOURNE WINDS, friendly amateur wind band rehearses at Holy Trinity Church, Bradley Stoke, every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. New members welcome. For information email winterbournewinds@yahoo.com

n COFFEE MORNING at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, first Thursday of every month from 9.30-11am. Free - organised by Winterbourne Parish Council.

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN ART GROUP meets on Thursdays from 2-4pm at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Friendly non-profit making group welcomes new members of all abilities. More information from Alison Sansum on 01454 775133

n FRIENDSHIP AND EXERCISE GROUP FOR SENIORS St Saviours Church: Thursdays 10 - 1130. A friendly group, exercising for over 5 years together. We aim to improve balance, strength and fitness in a fun and friendly environment. An hour of gentle exercise, followed by a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. £5 per session. Contact Adam: 07875503586 Adam@ alwaysdeveloping.co.uk

n WINTERBOURNE DOWN WI meets on first Thursday of each month in All Saints Church Hall, Church Road, Winterbourne Down, at 7.30pm. Speakers, demonstrators & craft evenings. Guests welcome. Details from aspbury.m@gmail.com.

n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET-UP, every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For more details email volunteering@ coeliac.org.uk.

n CROSSBOW CAMERA CLUB meets every Thursday evening at 7.45pm at Crossbow House, School Road, Frampton Cotterell. Small friendly group who enjoy looking at and taking pictures. Call 0789 026 6650 or just turn up for free taster sessions.

n HAMBROOK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10am-noon at Whiteshill Chapel, Hambrook, with a speaker at each meeting. Friendly group, new members welcome. Details call the secretary on 07788 882386

n VALE OF FROME MEN’S PROBUS CLUB meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 10am-noon at the Miners Social Club, Coalpit Heath. Friendly group, guest speakers, free refreshments. New members welcome. More information from 0117 956 4259 or 07521 613154. FRIDAY

n FROME VALLEY ART GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne each Friday 2-4pm or 7-9pm. Thriving club with demonstrations and workshops from visiting professional artists. More details online at winterbourneart.uk or email fromevalleyartwinterbourne@gmail.com.

n FRIDAY LAUGHTER CLUB at St Peter's Church, Frampton Cotterell, every week from 10am-noon. Tea, coffee, cake and chat. All welcomedonations only.

SATURDAY

n WINTERBOURNE AND FROME VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

repair cafe, every third Saturday of the month, 10.30am, All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down. Free electrical, textile and woodwork repairs. Voluntary donations towards group's work.

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Floral Friends of Frampton

WHAT a spring we’ve had!

There has been so much sunshine after last year’s miserable, wet weather that now it’s hard to imagine what endless rain looks like.

The village planters have been filled, allotments are getting ready for summer, our plant sale has been and gone - more about that in the next edition - and Beesmoor flower border is looking colourful and bright.

I walked along the border recently and not only did I enjoy the beautiful flowers, but also the many bees carefully selecting the perfect foxglove trumpets and buzzing around the stunning purple centaurea. If you are able and can do so safely, that alone is worth a look.

Have you seen our new planter bench outside St Peter's Church? Doesn’t it look good? It’s replaced our old, broken wooden one and is made from strong, recycled plastic that should last for years. Many thanks to the Parish Council for their generosity and to Steve for helping to assemble it with Andrew, our chairman. It’s the perfect spot to sit down after a walk in the fields or a stroll around our beautiful village and just watch the world go by.

Floral Friends are entirely funded by donations and we would like to thank all who have supported us recently.

Donations can be made in person or online to Floral Friends of Frampton, Lloyds 30-98-97, account number 70582363.

Pat Densley

Beesmoor Road

Playing Field

WE'RE pleased to announce our new water feature is up and running in the park.

It’s a super modern drinking fountain and water filling station, for use by all the children in the play area, dog walkers, people having picnics, and football players.

The fountain was moved from its original position outside the Brockeridge Centre after Frampton Cotterell Parish Council carried out a survey which indicated where a water fountain was most needed.

They felt Beesmoor Road Playing Field would be the ideal place, with so many busy people using the park. The parish also paid for a local plumber to fit the fountain for us, and will make sure it is kept clean and fully operating.

Sadly, two more of our ash trees have to be 'pollarded', or cut right back, because they are sick with ash dieback disease. Some of the wood will be used to infill more of the boundary hedges, as natural deadwood habitat.

The good news is that the tree pollarded in December is starting to grow new shoots. We hope that as well as the old trunk providing a home to insects, the new branches will once again give a bit more life to the old tree.

Our “bacon and boot” sales are taking off. There is a car boot sale on the first Sunday of every month, from 9am to noon. A popular highlight has been volunteer Pete’s bacon butties, which sold out at May's boot sale and helped to raise more than £300 to help our running costs, when tea and cake sales, and car boot fees, were added.

To book your pitch, email field@ beesmoor.uk.

There's no entry fee for shoppers, and car parking is free.

Phil Kerswell

Crossbow Singers

THE Crossbow Singers are marking half a century of music, friendship and giving back.

To help mark this significant occasion the choir are delighted to have a new logo, reflecting the founding date of 1975, designed by local artist Paul Bailey.

The choir are very grateful for the wonderful work Di Rix has been doing organising our appearance at various events in the local area, including the VE Day celebrations on the Millennium Field, where we

were joined by friends from the Frampton Male Voice Choir and others.

We have also spread the joy of singing at various care homes and enjoyed the fabulous acoustics at the medieval barn when singing with a dementia group.

Our summer concerts will feature a variety of favourite songs, chosen by the choir.

Chris Parker, Jake Lewis and Ali Rice will be guest musicians at the concerts, not only supporting their mums who both sing in the choir but Jake’s grandmothers as well! We can guarantee that, at

this watershed moment of development in AI music, art and entertainment, our concerts will feature great live music, without a robot in sight.

The summer concerts will be held on July 7 and 8 at 7.30pm at Crossbow House Community Centre.

Tickets will go on sale from June 9, for the Monday concert from Rose on 01454 772675 and for Tuesday's from Mary on 01454 887885.

the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.

specialists help make a difficult time as

and straightforward as possible. Give

A bee in a foxglove at Beesmoor flower border

Anne Angus

The Crossbow Singers at the VE Day beacon event in Frampton Cotterell

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Winterbourne Evening WI

OUR speakers in May were burns advisor Lizzy Evans and Carol Marsh from FAB - Frenchay After Burns Children's Club.

The club was established in 2000, when Frenchay Hospital was the leading burns unit in the South West, for patients from Cornwall to Herefordshire.

Its aim was to provide ongoing support for children and their families, both physical and psychological, following their initial injury, to help build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Nationally, 37,000 children suffer burn injuries annually, 28,000 of these aged under 5.

FAB is an independent charity and requires £25,000 annually to provide free activities for the children.

They are taken to camp and can enjoy a variety of outdoor events from swimming, kayaking, rock climbing and beach games. Christmas brings parties and pantomimes and they are also encouraged to learn many arts and crafts. Long term friendships are made.

The interesting talk gave a real insight into the problems that these injuries can cause but also how FAB is able to provide the children with a positive outlook which helps so much with their recovery.

As our meeting was held on VE Day, many members had responded to the occasion with bunting and clothes reflecting the 1940s.

Our next meeting will be on June 12 at St Michael's School in Linden Close, Winterbourne, when we will hear about Derbyshire well dressing. Visitors are always welcome.

Margaret Timms

Frampton Cotterell WI

OUR May meeting was all about the national WI resolutions programme.

Members voted to support this year’s cause, which is called Bystanders can be life-savers - a drive to ensure that people are confident in the use of defibrillators, should they be needed in an emergency.

It’s a great improvement to have so many of these machines available to us now, and yet many of us would not know how to start one up or use it - as it happens, a call to 999 will

normally unlock the machine and automated audio instructions are then provided.

The meeting also included a fun quiz and catch-up along with tea and cake.

Upcoming events include a talk on Victorian surgery, with Geoff King, on June 24 and a presentation on Great Western Air Ambulance Service with Richard Lewis on on July 23.

We have many other events lined up for the year ahead, including visits to the theatre, meals out and garden visits.

Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

You can also get in touch via our Facebook page.

Coalpit Heath WI

Francis Burroughs

FRANCIS Burroughs' father started work as a pot boy on a large Norfolk estate at the age of 11.

He finished school on Friday then on Saturday walked two-and-a-half miles to the estate to start at dawn.

He earned four shillings a week, some of which went to the head gardener to pay for his apprenticeship.

Our talk followed his career to head gardener, via estates in Sussex and Launceston. It was absolutely fascinating, and we really enjoyed listening to all the anecdotes and personal reminiscences and sharing photos from his collection.

I doubt any of us had even considered how lawns were maintained around the big houses and certainly never thought that it might take 15 men and two horses to keep them so beautifully maintained!

At our meeting we had tote bags and water bottles with our logo on for sale to help boost funds. As part of the VE day 80th anniversary celebrations we put our poppy display back up on the Badminton Road fence.

If our meetings sound like something you would enjoy, we meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm.

Our next meeting on June 4 includes a talk on birds of prey with Naomi Johns, and Ed Sams

will talk about Aardman modelling on July 2. Caroline Johnston

Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club

OUR trip to Caerphilly and the Brecon Beacon Railway at the end of April went off very well and was enjoyed by all.

May provided us with a lot of lovely hot weather, but at long last, we had some the rain to provide our gardens with some muchneeded moisture. Nothing like the real stuff to encourage our plants to grow!

Our May Speaker was Wendy Howse of Tropic Skin Care, an online company. Wendy gave us an in depth background of the company and its founder, Susie Ma, who learnt her craft from her grandmother and used her skills to save herself and her mother from extreme poverty: a true rags-to-riches story.

After the talk, we sampled some products for ourselves.

We have no meeting in June - instead our next get-together is our annual summer lunch, which takes its place.

This year, for a change, it will be held at a local hostelry, and is a strictly informal affair.

Visitors are always welcome to our meetings: if you have time on your hands and would like to socialise with a friendly group, please come and join us.

We usually meet at 2pm on the third Monday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down.

After club business and a talk from a visiting speaker, we have tea and biscuits and time for a chat.

If you would like to visit us, or would like more information, please call 01454 773647. Sue Humphreys

Winterbourne Down WI

IN May we reflected on the success of the Annual Frome Valley Group of WIs meeting, which we hosted this year.

It centred around a talk from a representative of Bart Spices which was very interesting and informative.

We did not have a speaker at our May meeting. Instead our president Margaret, who is a very talented and creative crafter, instructed us on how to make an origami-inspired gift pouch and a corsage using flowers and foliage from the garden. It was quite tricky but Margaret was on hand with plenty of help and inspiration. The results of our efforts were pretty impressive.

In June we will not hold our meeting at our usual venue, All Saints Church Hall, but will enjoy a cream tea and bring & buy sale in one of our members' gardens (weather permitting).

If joining this group is something you think you would enjoy, why not come along?

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm, and make all visitors very welcome. For more details, find us on Facebook. Carol Tremlin

The WI had a visit from FAB

n SPORT

Double top for Frampton Ladies

FRAMPTON Ladies have finished top of the West of England Super League for the second year running.

Girls' team launched

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

They won 20 out of the 25 matches and accumulated 129 points, nine above their nearest rivals.

Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.

The team also won the Knockout Cup, so have had a very successful season.

They have been based at The Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath Royal British Legion club in Ryecroft Road since the team was formed in the 2009-2010 season, and hope to continue playing for many more years, despite their combined age of 362 years!

The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.

Additionally, five of the ladies represent West of England in the UKDA National League, an intercounties competition, and have gained multiple caps between them.

COALPIT Heath FC will be launching a new girls' team, plus a new under-18s team, ahead of next season.

Huge congratulations to two of our teams who had promotionwinning seasons: our U12s won their division, which was a huge achievement, and U12s colts were also promoted, in second place.

you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.” And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

Well done to everyone involved with the teams.

It was a really positive end to the season across all our teams, even though some were relegated. Thanks to everyone involved, from our brilliant coaches to great kids and parents this year.

The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.

The RBL club is an ideal local venue for darts, pool and skittles, and new teams will be welcomed. They also have a large function room for hire, and regular live music and other activities.

Contact the club if you are interested on 01454 772769 or see their Facebook page for more information.

In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.

consist of five ladies playing best of five legs; the men have seven players playing the best of seven legs.

The hard work of Danny and his company was also recently recognised and commended, with The Window Hub being named the ‘Best in the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.

From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.

Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.

The West of England Darts Organisation (incorporating the Super League) welcomes applications from new ladies' and men's teams who may wish to join for the 2025-2026 season.

Matches are played on a Tuesday night and teams

Contact the Super League Co-ordinators for more information: men should call Nick on 07721 747360 and ladies Emma on 07508 747753 or keep an eye on the West of England Darts Group Facebook page.

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone

into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.

The deadline for applications is 1st July.

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

Karen Brown

company in the

West & South Wales in the final of the industries Prestigious G24 Awards!

In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.

For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.

Our partnership with Football Fun Factory has worked brilliantly this year - thanks to Sean and team for their support encouraging those aged between four and six to take up football. We have some teams looking for players, so families with children in U12s, U14s or U16s should drop us a line at info@ coalpitheathfc.org.uk.

Stuart Aris

The Frampton Ladies team. Back row (left to right): Cath Brennan, Lynne Whiffen, Gail Dent, Julia Archer. Front row: Lin Smith, Karen Brown (captain) and Deb Adams

Bristol & West make history with shield win

BRISTOL & West Hockey Club

Men’s Over 35s side have won their first ever national title.

The team wrote their name into club history with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Amersham & Chalfont to win the Men’s Over 35s Shield in the England Hockey National Club Championships.

The match took place on May 3, under the floodlights at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

It was a thrilling showdown, filled with grit, determination, and unforgettable moments.

Bristol & West faced a seasoned Amersham & Chalfont side packed with veterans from last year’s Over-40s campaign.

But we arrived with fire in our bellies and, after a turbulent road to the final, we were focused, hungry and didn’t disappoint.

With a strong travelling contingent of fans cheering us on, it was Charlie “Chipper” Williams who stepped up in style, netting in the 21st minute to give us a 1–0 lead.

Both teams traded attacks

throughout the first half, but with resolute defending led by captain Dan Ott, Bristol & West held firm until the break.

At half-time captain Ott rallied the team with a talk that reminded everyone why they were there - not just to play, but to make history.

He said: "We didn’t come all this way to leave empty-handed."

The second half was even more

intense than the first. Short corners at both ends of the pitch were kept out, then two yellow cards temporarily reduced Amersham to nine men.

Bristol & West pressed forward to capitalise but couldn’t find the breakthrough, and the momentum shifted. An Amersham short corner in the 55th minute resulted in a penalty flick, which they converted to

Girls are England's best

A GIRLS' rugby side based in Frenchay have been crowned national champions.

The under-16s team from Dings Crusaders won the England Rugby National Cup with a commanding 43-10 win over Yorkshire side Sandal at Sixways Stadium in Worcester in May.

Many of the players, who come from across South Gloucestershire and Bristol, have risen through the club's minis and junior sections and several have siblings, parents, and grandparents who have played for Dings.

Captain Sophie Young said: "We’re more than a team — we’re a family, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together."

Club chairman Steve Lloyd said: "They’ve made the entire club proud and have set a new benchmark for what’s possible here.”

Dings had already won girls' Gloucestershire league titles at both U16 and U18 levels, with the U18s making the National Cup semi-final in their age group.

The club's ground, Shaftesbury Park, is also the home of Bristol Bears Women.

level the score at 1–1, setting up a tense final phase.

In the 66th minute, Bristol & West launched a blistering counter-attack and Chipper struck again, bagging his second goal, but the drama was far from over.

Moments later, we were reduced to ten men after a yellow card, a five-minute sin bin that meant we had to defend our narrow lead a player down to the end of the match.

Amersham threw everything at us, even swapping their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player in a desperate bid to force extra time.

Through several minutes of relentless pressure, every tackle and clearance was met by roars from our travelling support and, as they counted down the final seconds aloud, Amersham’s last attack broke down…and the whistle blew.

The pitch erupted. Players sprinted toward the fans, arms aloft, to celebrate a hard fought and historic victory.

Wayne Manton (Goalkeeper)

Dings Crusaders celebrate their win

Dings Crusaders are now actively recruiting girls of all ages and abilities, who can get in touch via Instagram @Dings_Crusaders or Facebook.

Amy Smith

The winning Bristol & West Over 35s team

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