fromevalleyvoice
2,000 homes on the doorstep
A DEVELOPMENT of more than 2,000 new homes could be built close to the villages of Henfield and Westerleigh.
The development of 2,050 homes and 18 hectares of employment land has been named North Lyde Ecotech Village, and is included in the final version of South
Gloucestershire Council's draft Local Plan.
The homes are south of Henfield and the Kendleshire golf club, bounded by the M4, Westerleigh Road and the railway line serving the Westerleigh fuel depot at the eastern edge of the site.
Much of it is currently
farmland but it also includes the Windmill Leisure Golf and Activity Centre, Windmill Fishery, South Gloucestershire Showground and Tulip abattoir.
The plan is now opening for public consultation, as protesters voice their anger at the proposed “decimation of the Green Belt”.
Full story: Pages 2&3
Jack joins up
FORMER MP Jack Lopresti has revealed he is serving the Ukrainian military as the country fights invading Russian forces.
PAGE 10
Demolition date
NATIONAL Highways has confirmed the date that the M4 will close to demolish the condemned A432 Badminton Road bridge.
PAGES 4&5
Tax up £120
TOTAL council tax bills for typical Band D householders in the Frome Valley will rise by between £110 and £120 in April.
PAGE 6
Home approved
A HOUSE in Frampton Cotterell can be turned into a councilrun children’s home, despite neighbours' objections.
PAGE 8
CHILDREN at Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School have a new place to enjoy a good book after fundraising by parents. Picture: Taylor Jones Photography. Full story: Page 9.
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A member of the
Last chance for a say on planning blueprint
PROTESTERS voiced their anger at the proposed “decimation of the Green Belt” as councillors approved a 15-year blueprint for the future of South Gloucestershire.
The Local Plan, which allocates land for 22,500 homes and thousands of jobs between 2026 and 2041, is going out to a final round of public consultation before being sent to a government planning inspector for a public examination next year.
The council's Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors voted in favour at council meeting on February 12.
The joint administration insisted that although some decisions had been painful, it would provide new homes in places that could be supported by infrastructure such as schools, GP surgeries, employment, roads and public transport.
They said that if the plan was not published by March 12, new government housing targets would apply, and mean having to add an extra 5,000 homes.
Campaign group Save Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG) criticised the authority for allocating huge swathes of the greenbelt for development, and opposition Conservatives voted against it and demanded changes.
Public speakers at the packed meeting also spoke out.
Siston Parish Council chair Andrew Stacey, whose village could be surrounded by developments of more than 2,300 homes under the plan, told councillors residents are "extremely angry" at the plans to "decimate a major part of the Green Belt within the parish".
Tory group leader Sam Bromiley said the administration had not listened to residents’ worries.
He said: “The anger is clear. We’ve heard the very real stories of how this plan will affect people whose lives will be ruined."
Roger Hall, of Thornbury Residents Against Poorly Planned Development (TRAPP’D) said he largely welcomed the document but added: “Disappointed landowners and their developers are lawyering up, as I speak, to attack this plan, if and when it gets to examination stage.”
Lib Dem cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure Chris Willmore said: “Without a Local Plan we have been at the whim of developers putting in speculative planning applications and getting consent on appeal.
“That has to stop. The only way to do that is to get a plan in place, otherwise we might as well go home and let the market rip."
She said proposals would reduce "unsustainable" commuting, include wind turbines delivering energy, make new homes cheaper to heat and more planet-friendly, and provide new affordable homes for rent in rural communities.
After the meeting TRAPP’D urged residents to get involved in the final stage of the consultation process, "because the alternative of not having a Plan would be so much worse in terms of attack from speculative development".
They said: "All in all, this result is the least bad scenario we could have hoped for."
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Protesters from SOGS-SG outside the council offices in Kingswood.
Plan sets out sites for thousands of homes
DETAILS of the places where new housing developments could be built across South Gloucestershire are set out in detail in the final draft of the council's Local Plan.
The plan includes proposals to allow almost 2,000-plus homes next to the M4 south of Westerleigh Road near Henfield, 2,400 homes near the M4/M5 interchange between Almondsbury and Winterbourne, and 385 homes could be built on smaller sites around existing Frome Valley villages.
North Lyde Ecotech Village
North Lyde Ecotech Village, north of the M4
ABOUT 2,050 homes and 18 hectares of employment land, extending the Bristol & Bath Science Park, have been proposed south of Henfield and the Kendleshire golf club.
The area to be developed is bounded by the M4, Westerleigh Road and the railway line serving the Westerleigh fuel depot at the eastern edge of the site.
Much of it is currently farmland but it also includes
the Windmill Leisure Golf and Activity Centre, Windmill Fishery, South Gloucestershire Showground and Tulip abattoir.
A total of 2,050 homes have been proposed for the site; between 1,050 and 1,350 would be built before 2041 and the rest afterwards.
The development would include shops and cafes, a community centre, nursery, primary school, library, GP surgery and a central play park.
Buildings could be up to six storeys tall.
The development has been named North Lyde as it is on the immediately opposite side of the M4 to the Lyde Green estate, which is still being built.
Another 453 homes at Lyde Green Farm and Lyde Green Road are included in the plan, next to existing housing development sites.
New Woodlands
The New Woodlands site
A TOTAL of 2,400 homes would be built on land east of the Almondsbury M4/M5 interchange north west of
Winterbourne, effectively moving the edge of the existing Bristol urban sprawl north beyond the motorway from Bradley Stoke.
The new village will be across four sites, including Woodlands Golf Course, which will have 1,900 new homes, at least 250 of which will be “age-friendly” for older people. Some 30% will be classed as affordable, for social rent or non-market sales.
There will also be a shop, cafe/restaurant, indoor leisure, community meeting spaces, nursery, doctors’ surgery, primary schools, offices and small affordable workspaces.
The nearby bridge across the M4 will be widened for pedestrians, cyclists and buses, while an outdoor sports complex will be built east of Hortham Brook, next to the West Country Water Park.
About 330 homes will be built at two sites north of the new village and 170 to the south, off Trench Lane.
Frome Valley village sites
FRAMPTON Cotterell, Winterbourne, Coalpit Heath and Iron Acton have largely avoided major development sites under the proposals.
However some places in each village have been included as potential sites for new homes.
The biggest are in Winterbourne, where an area of land west of Winterbourne Hill and south of homes on Beacon Lane is earmarked for 100 homes by 2041 and a second field north of the railway line between
Mill Road and Bristol Road is earmarked for 70 homes.
A field off Park Lane in Coalpit Heath, just north of the railway line and south of a recent housing development, has been allocated as a site for 95 new homes.
The former Watermore school site in Woodend Road, Frampton Cotterell, is allocated for 20 homes, while 60 homes could be built between Bristol Road and Perrinpit Road, opposite the BP garage.
Land between York Gardens and the Fromeside Gymnastics Club in Winterbourne is suggested as a site for 20 homes.
In Iron Acton, land at Holly Hill Farm has been suggested as suitable for 20 homes.
The plan also includes new traveller sites at Beech House, Iron Acton, Church Lane, Rangeworthy, Rectory Lane, in Cromhall, Swan Lane and Northwood Park in Winterbourne, along with extra pitches at Henfield, Nibley, Frampton Park in Frampton Cotterell and Latteridge Road, Iron Acton.
The final draft of the Local Plan was set to open for public comments on February 28.
Full details will be found on the plan website, sgcouncilplan. commonplace.is
Anyone who is not online can call 01454 868009 for help.
Includes reporting by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Bridge to come down as A4174 roadworks start
NATIONAL Highways has confirmed the date that the M4 will close to demolish the condemned A432 Badminton Road bridge.
The motorway will shut between the Bristol and Bath junctions, at Hambrook and Tormarton, from 7pm on Friday March 21 until 6am on Monday March 24, while the bridge is taken apart and removed.
The closure will happen weeks after the start of work on an 'active travel' project to install new foot and cycle paths along the A4174 between Emersons Green and Abbey Wood, which will involve narrowing lanes and closing the 2+ lane on the ring roadpart of the official M4 diversion - for almost a year.
The motorway bridge is currently open to pedestrians and cyclists but will be completely shut from March 7, so engineers can remove asbestos pipes from inside.
During the M4 closure crushing machines will be moved onto the motorway and the edges of the bridge will be removed, before it is allowed to collapse onto a protective mat covering the carriageway. The rubble will be crushed and moved off the motorway before being taken away for recycling as aggregate and steel.
National Highways says there will be an "exclusion zone" around the bridge for safety and is calling on people not to try to access the site, adding: "There will be very few places where you can safely watch the demolition.
"We will be filming our work and will share footage on this page and our social media channels."
The official traffic diversion route will be the same as for last October's closure, when the motorway was dug up to build a new culvert for utilities from the bridge, using the M32, A4174, A420 and A46.
Back then many drivers tried to use other roads, causing jams on Westerleigh Road and in Pucklechurch and Siston.
There will be further closures later in the year, on dates to be confirmed, for parts of the new bridge to be lifted into place. It is expected to be ready to use in around a year's time.
National Highways Route Manager Sean Walsh said: "This is one of the busiest sections of motorway in the South West, which is why we are giving drivers as much notice as possible so they're able to plan their journeys well in advance.
"Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the M4 around Bristol is to avoid the area if you can – if that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our signed diversion routes, and expect delays."
A diversion for cyclists and pedestrians while the bridge is being replaced will be through Moorend, via Down Road, Bury Hill and Church Lane.
Mr Walsh told a meeting of Downend's community engagement forum in February
that it would take pedestrians an extra 20 minutes and cyclists an extra five to cross the motorway using the route.
National Highways, which is responsible for the bridge, closed it in July 2023, severing the main road between Bristol and Yate.
Engineers found "accelerated deterioration and cracking" in the steel reinforced concrete, which made it unsafe to carry vehicles.
Ring road works
South Gloucestershire Council began work in February to install new foot and cycle paths, bus stops and a 40mph limit along the westbound Avon Ring Road between the Wick Wick roundabout, next to the M4 bridge, and Coldharbour Lane near the UWE Frenchay campus.
The roadworks started with overnight closures of the ring road, as narrowed lanes are set up along the entire length of the roadworks.
A council spokesperson said there were no plans to remove or adjust the narrow lanes on the ring road while the M4 is closed, adding: "We advise people to plan their journeys in advance to avoid any potential disruption."
The spokesperson said the lane restrictions and closures would be kept in place along the entire length of the A4174 being worked on, rather than being implemented in stages.
The work is expected to continue until December or January.
The council said: "These improvements aim to enhance facilities for buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users. By providing more travel options, there will be less traffic on the roads for those people who do need to travel by car.
"These changes are part of a wider regional programme to make walking, public transport and cycling not only viable, but the preferred way of getting around – especially for shorter journeys.
"We understand that these works will cause disruption, and we appreciate your
patience as we carry out this important project.
"Our priority is to minimise delays wherever possible, but safety for the public and our workforce must come first."
Hambrook ban stays
TRAFFIC restrictions at the Hambrook traffic lights will have to stay in place for the time being, South Gloucestershire Council says.
The ban on drivers on the westbound A4174 turning right towards Winterbourne, and traffic heading north from Frenchay going straight across the junction was introduced in 2019 after the government told the council to cut nitrogen dioxide pollution to within legal levels.
Since that time traffic has had to go around the roundabout at the M32 junction to reach Winterbourne.
A petition calling for the restrictions to be dropped last year gained more than 4,100 supporters.
The council monitors air pollution at the site and submits it to the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU).
It announced in February that JAQU had confirmed the roadside nitrogen dioxide levels recorded in 2023 were within the legal limit - but 2022 readings were not.
The council said: "Unfortunately we cannot review the restrictions at Hambrook until we achieve two consecutive years of compliance. The 2024 data will be assessed by JAQU during 2025."
The petition can be found online at tinyurl.com/fusdxhk5.
Aerial view of the Badminton Road bridge.
Hambrook traffic lights
Help for businesses refused by minister
A CALL for taxpayer support for businesses hit by the closure of the M4 Badminton Road bridge has been rejected by the government.
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young made the call, for payments similar to those made during the lockdown, during a parliamentary debate she initiated to discuss the closure.
But local transport minister Simon Lightwood said the traders would miss out on any payments because the closure, which is set to last more than two and a half years, is "temporary".
He said: "National Highways provides compensation as required by legislation across its projects and schemes.
"The compensation arrangements generally cover permanent adverse impacts, and the generally held principle is that the public purse does not compensate businesses for loss of earnings due to temporary road works."
The bridge was being used by around 16,000 vehicles a day before it closed to motor traffic in July 2023, severing the A432 between Yate and Bristol.
Among those hit hard is Kevin Brewer, owner of The Bigger Eater food van, who has had a pitch in a lay-by next to Badminton Road in Coalpit Heath for 32 years
He said: "It’s diabolical - trade is down a good 50-60% since the closure.
Kevin's business relies solely on passing traffic, including the lorry drivers for whom it was a “lifeline”.
He said: “It was a layby to have a rest or a chat, a proper little hub. I played the agony aunt as well.
"It's a no-go now for lorries - lorry drivers just don’t come in now.”
"Financially it has crippled me. I'm looking at three years without any funding.
"I’d like some [financial] help, but it depends what it is. I would hope to be compensated for loss of earnings.
“I do feel depressed and down about it a lot but there are a lot of people struggling with it."
Nearby Viaduct Café owner Grace Roddick said she and her mum Debra, who opened a deli on the site just four days before being told the bridge would shut, have been severely impacted.
Grace, who has owned the café for around two years, said: “I am about 70% down in takings; all me and mum can do is survive it. And the deli was cut off before it started.
“It’s gone really, really quiet – I’ve lost around 60% of customers, and there are now no walk-ins.
"I’ve had to let at least four people go. I used to have two people on each day and now it’s just me and my mum, and sometimes a third person Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“It is what it is; we just have to try to get through it.”
Debra and Grace Roddick
Kevin Brewer at the Bigger Eater
Average council tax bills rise by up to £120
COUNCIL tax bills for typical Band D householders in the Frome Valley area will rise by between £110 and £120 in April.
When increases in the charges from South Gloucestershire Council, parish councils, the police and fire services are added up, Band D householders living within the area covered by Frampton Cotterell Parish Council are set to pay an extra £120.44 or 5.13% this year, with their total bill now £2,469.22.
Charges vary according to property values, with this year's overall charge in Frampton ranging from £1,646.15 for Band A householders to £4,938.44 for people with homes in Band H. South Gloucestershire Council approved a 4.99% increase – the maximum allowed without calling a referendum – at its meeting in February, to take the authority's main charge to residents with homes in the average Band D tax bracket up
by £90.54, from £1,814.37 to £1,904.91.
The council also makes a separate 'special expenses' charge, which varies between parishes, for neighbourhood services, such as parks and open spaces it maintains.
The rest of the increase in overall bills comes from other public bodies.
Avon & Somerset's police and crime commissioner Clare Moody is raising charges for a Band D tax payer by £14 (5.01%), from £279.20 to £293.20.
Avon Fire Authority is raising its annual charge by £5 or 5.85%, from £85.43 to £90.43, in Band D.
However the final amount paid by people living in different areas also varies according to the charge for services provided by their parish councils.
Town and parish councils are not subject to government restrictions on how far they can raise these precept charges
• Re-Felting & Battening
• Complete Roof Re-Fits
• Re-Pointing of Ridges, Chimneys & Walls
• Exterior Painting
• Lead & Valleys Renewed or Repaired
• New Soffits, Fascias, Guttering & Cladding
• EPDM Rubber Roofs - inc Flat Roof Repairs
without calling a referendum.
In the Frome Valley, Frampton Cotterell has both the highest precept and special expenses charges, with the result that the overall Band D council tax bill is higher than in the other parishes. It includes a £165.81 precept charge - up £10.21 or 6.56% on last yearand £14.87 in special expenses (up 69p or 4.87%).
The overall amount the parish council raises from its precept is up by £37,651 or 9.25%, from £407,041 to £444,692.
Winterbourne residents with homes in Band D will see overall council tax bills rise by £116.06 or 5.2%.
The parish precept charge is up by £5.95 or 13.1% in Band D, to fund a £28,315 (14.5%) increase in its budget. South Gloucestershire's special expenses charge in the parish is up by 57p (8.1%).
Despite the steeper percentage increases, Winterbourne has the lowest Band D precept charge and also has the lowest overall bill in the area at £2,347.64 - £121.58 less than in Frampton Cotterell.
Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath Parish Council has raised its Band D precept by just 68p
(1.12%), from £60.74 to £61.42. Its overall precept budget is up by £3,250 (3.32%).
Special expenses are up by just 5p (1.02%) to £4.94, and the overall increase for Band D taxpayers is £110.27, up 4.91%.
For residents of Iron Acton, total Band D bills are up by £117.91 or 5.14%, to £2,413.57.
Iron Acton Parish Council has raised its Band D precept by £8.32 (7.22%) to £123.54, with special expenses up by 5p (3.47%) to £1.49.
The parish council's overall budget has risen by £9,620 or 11.7%.
Rangeworthy has the lowest increase in overall Band D bills, which are up by £110.12, or 4.92%.
Band D precept charges are up by 43p (0.76%), and special expenses up 15p (3.16%), with the parish budget up by £1,003 (5.23%) - an increase in the number of homes paying council tax means the rise is lower per household.
The highest council tax bills in South Gloucestershire are in Filton, where the parish council's Band D precept charge is £312.33, and total bills are £2,610.75.
Cuts mean a 'terrible' budget for residents
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council's leader has warned more cuts are likely in the future as the authority struggles to keep up with rising costs.
Councillors passed a 4.99% rise in the authority's share of the council tax at a meeting in February.
One Liberal Democrat member described the budget as "terrible" and offering the majority of residents "very little from their council tax".
The budget includes charges for drivers in council-owned car parks, which were first agreed last year but have not yet been implemented, raising garden waste collection fees from £60 to £70, and less money for maintaining public toilets and playing fields. They also include new support for young people who need help getting their lives back on track; for older people who want to live independently; and for South
Gloucestershire's Armed Forces veterans' community.
But council leaders said that while demand is rising for social care, government funding hasn’t kept pace, which means both budget cuts and increased bills will be inevitable in future.
Council leader Maggie Tyrrell (Lib Dem, Thornbury) said: "People recognise we simply, sadly, cannot afford to keep doing everything we always have done in the same way, because our spending power has not kept up with rising costs.
“We are pleased to have been able to present a budget that will balance the books over the next two years by making some prudent, if sometimes difficult, choices. However, further ahead, there are clear shortfalls in our projected funding.”
Co-leader Ian Boulton (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said the budget included new support for survivors of domestic abuse, and help for people to live independently in their own homes.
The Tories had called for more money to be spent on fixing potholes, installing acoustic cameras to catch excessively noisy drivers, and supporting a community farm in Kingswood, with cuts to council communications staff.
Group leader Sam Bromiley (Con, Parkwall and Warmley) said: "It is deeply regrettable that the joint Lib Dem-Labour coalition failed to support us, refusing to take
action to fix potholes and invest in our roads."
A debate on which political party was to blame for the council's dire financial straits went on for an hour and a half, with petty insults and repetitive arguments.
Lib Dem backbench councillor Mike Drew (Yate North) said: "I think this is a terrible budget to be honest, because we have to make cuts as we’ve inherited a bad financial situation from the Conservative government and we’re not getting much better from the Labour government.
"We now have a system where the majority of council spending is spent on a small proportion of the people in our council area, the same as all the other councils. The majority of people get very little from their council tax.”
Cllr Tyrrell said the "vast majority" of spending was on adult care and children’s services, including "ever-increasing demand" for education and healthcare plans for children with special needs.
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
OPEN DAY - Friday 9 May
Council leader Maggie Tyrrell
Children's home approved for Frampton
A FAMILY home in Frampton Cotterell can be turned into a children’s home, despite neighbours' objections.
Three children and two overnight carers will live at the five-bedroom property in Church Road.
Another home with identical provision at Oakfield House in Wotton Road, Rangeworthy, was also approved.
Residents objected, raising concerns about parking and traffic, noise, disruption and the potential for crime.
But the council's development management committee unanimously agreed with planning officers to give the green light in February.
Church Road resident Derek Frary told the committee the application was "sadly lacking", raising concerns over cost, road safety, and an "amateurish" survey which had failed to highlight issues with worm damage, rot, damp and asbestos in the house.
He said the council’s own sustainable transport team and the police "designingout-crime" officer had both concluded that the application is not acceptable.
Mr Frary said: “There are multiple comments...which illustrate many inadequacies with this application, such as the lack of information concerning the safeguarding of children and the consideration of the crime prevention and community safety implications."
Frampton Cotterell parish councillor Alan
Shop is raided by burglars on moped
BURGLARS took cash from Winterbourne's Co-op store after breaking in during the middle of the night.
Lankester said: “We are in favour of this application but it is undeniable that there are going to be traffic and parking implications.”
Ward councillor Jon Lean (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) said he was pleased at the selection of both homes.
He said there was ample on-street parking, so the application should be approved.
Cllr Lean said both homes would not create any more additional cars than a traditional large family house.
The council’s service director for quality assurance, strategic safeguarding and commissioning, Catherine Boyce, said the two properties would each house three local children who were unable to live with their
Police said two men wearing dark clothing and armed with a crowbar forced their way in to the building shortly before 3am on February 19.
The break-in was reported just after 6.30am, after staff arrived at the store in Dragon Road.
A police spokesperson said "a quantity of cash" was stolen in the burglary by the men, who used a dark moped to get to and
own families, as part of a "compassionate initiative" between the council and the Department for Education.
She said: "By establishing local children‘s homes we can ensure children remain close to their families and familiar surroundings. Staying close to family members can significantly reduce the emotional trauma often associated with being placed in care.
“Children are more likely to have existing friendships and local networks in their communities.
“This continuity can be crucial for their emotional and social development.
“By keeping children within the local area, the council can reduce costs associated with out-of-area placements.
“The trauma associated with being removed from familiar surroundings can lead to increased anxiety and behavioural issues.
“We do not envisage any increase in safety, security, noise or privacy issues for neighbours as the address will be home to only three children and the required members of staff.
“There will not be a significant increase in cars compared to the homes being purchased by an individual family.”
Councillors were told three off-street parking spaces would be retained at each house and there had been no serious accidents on either road in the last 10 years. By Adam
Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
from the scene.
The spokesperson added: "Forensic, CCTV and houseto-house enquiries have been carried out in the area and the investigation is ongoing."
Police have called on anyone who saw anything in the area at the time, or has CCTV or doorbell footage they think might help their investigation, to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5225 044 008.
GENEALOGY RESEARCH
The home in Church Road
The home in Church Road
Nook is great place to read a book
A PRIMARY school has a brand new place for children to curl up and enjoy a book.
The Reading Nook at Frampton Cotterell C of E Primary School in Rectory Road was provided thanks to Friends of Frampton Primary School, who raised the £3,400 cost of the reading nook and furnishings.
Parents also donated new books for the children to read in the wooden outdoor building, which is in the school's playground.
It is open at break and lunchtimes for children to visit when they like, and is also used as a space during lesson times.
The Nook, which includes comfortable seating, was opened at a ceremony in February, after which children went inside to try it out.
It is decorated with children's artwork to encourage the
children's love of reading.
Head teacher Debbie Fisher said: "We’re so excited to launch our new Reading Nook.
"It's a lovely, inviting space where children can escape into books and build their confidence in reading.
"Thank you to our reading lead and the Friends of the School for making this happen. It’s a fantastic addition to our playground and will help inspire a lifelong love of reading."
The friends stage a series of events every year, including an annual 'globe trot' eight-mile run every March, with more than 200 runners taking part, a summer fete in June, school discos, a Christmas market and other events.
Last year they raised around £20,000 to support the school.
Sarah Draisey, from the Friends, said: "We are always
Frampton Garage
looking at ways to raise money and events are held throughout the year.
"We have also funded laptops for staff and students, sports equipment plus other vital items for the school and pupils which have hugely benefited the school community."
Anyone who wants to get involved can email fcceschool@ hotmail.co.uk.
The school held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Reading Nook. Picture: Taylor Jones Photography.
n NEWS
Concerns for ‘overstretched’ surgery
PATIENTS have raised concerns over the pressures facing a GP surgery after delays in getting vaccinations and appointments.
One resident told the Voice it had taken four months between him being told he was eligible for a jab from Frome Valley Medical Centre and being given one, and raised concerns over being able to secure appointments.
It comes as the surgery and the NHS as a whole goes through another winter of very high demand, leading the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board to urge the public to ‘choose wisely’ before attending a healthcare setting.
Frome Valley patient Ron Pritchard said people had been "served extremely well" for may years but said: "For some time now I have been greatly
concerned with the service.
"This is in no way a criticism of the staff - every time we have occasion to visit, both myself and my wife have noted the pressure they are under trying to maintain a service.
"They appear overstretched, to say the least."
Mr Pritchard also said he was concerned about the delay in receiving a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause serious illness in older people or babies.
He said he was notified by email about the vaccine in October and told the surgery would be in touch to arrange a time.
Mr Pritchard said he asked for one in mid-October but was told that due to staff shortages it was being delayed until after flu and Covid vaccinations had been done.
After many attempts to book
an appointment, he was given a jab in mid-February.
Mr Pritchard said: "It’s virtually impossible to get an appointment as they always run out. It took my wife and son four days to eventually get through on eConsult (the NHS online contact system)."
Another patient, who asked not to be named, said the online booking service "doesn’t work".
The patient also said an email sent to book a test included a link that didn’t work.
The surgery has asked patients to only attend "if absolutely necessary" on three occasions between January 7 and February 13, due to staff sickness.
A spokesperson for Frome Valley Medical Centre said: “Winter is a particularly challenging time and the practice has experienced continued high demand on services during this period.
"However, we’d like to reassure patients that appointments continue to be available and are prioritised on clinical needs.
"We understand the frustrations of patients and thank them for bearing with us during busy periods."
MP Claire Hazelgrove, whose Filton & Bradley Stoke constituency includes the surgery, said: “One of the issues local people raise with me most is how challenging it can sometimes be to book a GP appointment."
She said ending the "8am phone scramble" was a government priority.
The surgery has a patient participation group for patients to raise any concerns.
The group invited people to offer feedback and share experiences by emailing bnssg patientparticipationgroup@ nhs.net.
Ex-MP joins Ukraine's war against Russia
WINTERBOURNE'S former MP has revealed he is now serving in the Ukrainian military.
Jack Lopresti, who lost his Filton & Bradley Stoke seat in last July's general election, released a statement saying that he is serving with the defence intelligence section of the International Legion of Ukraine.
He says he is also involved in "foreign relations and diplomacy, weapons procurement, and some work with veterans and other charities operating in Ukraine".
Jack Lopresti pictured during an earlier visit to Ukraine in 2023, when he was still an MP.
Mr Lopresti, who speaking before US President expressed a desire to negotiate directly with Russia to end the war, said: "It is a huge honour and an immense privilege for me to serve in the Ukrainian military and be able to help the gallant and amazing Ukrainian people in any way I can.
"They are not only fighting for their freedom and their right to exist as an independent and sovereign nation, they are also fighting for all of us, in Europe and the rest of the free world.
"If Putin wins in Ukraine we all know he won't stop there.
"Dictators have to be defeated, or they never stop."
Mr Lopresti told the Voice that his military role is not on the front line, although he has recently visited Kharkiv, which is subject to frequent Russian attacks.
He said: "I am a soldier first and foremost and would be surprised if I didn't have any front line service while I'm here."
He says he has "signed up for the duration" of the conflict.
Mr Lopresti also joined a cross-party UK Parliamentary delegation which travelled across Ukraine in January.
Changing attitudes on the school run
A SIX-week road safety campaign at a Frampton Cotterell school has had an "overwhelmingly positive" response.
Watermore Primary School head teacher Lisa Rawcliffe said parents, pupils and the wider community had backed the programme to act on safety problems and encourage active travel.
Miss Rawcliffe said: "There have been ongoing concerns around unsafe driving and parking near the school, mainly parking on double yellow lines and stopping on the zigzags.
"Certain unsafe driving and parking behaviours had become habitual, largely because they had gone unchallenged."
Police and South Gloucestershire Council road safety staff joined teachers in a highprofile awareness campaign at pick-up and drop-off times.
Miss Rawcliffe said: "In particular, the physical presence of road safety officers has been well received and is seen as having had the greatest impact."
The campaign was filmed for a road safety video released on the council's YouTube channel.
Deputy head David Shepherd said: "The challenge has been changing the mindset of how people use the roads around the school, to make sure they’re parking sensibly and considering the community as well, and just reinforcing that message with the children.
"The fact that the support has been daily, regular and consistent is helping our community build better habits."
Drivers were encouraged to think about where they park.
The school car park was identified as a problem and a registration and monitoring programme has been introduced to control its use.
The school has also launched activities to promote road safety, such as Bikeability training, a Golden Lock competition (rewarding cyclists and scooter users), lessons and whole-school assemblies focusing on road safety, visibility, and responsible travel.
Miss Rawcliffe said: "We wanted to reinforce our commitment to sustainability and active travel.
"Encouraging walking, cycling, and scooting to school is something we believe benefits not only our pupils and parents but also local businesses and the wider community.
Watermore deputy head David Shepherd outside the school
"We’re proud to see more pupils walking, cycling, and scooting to school than ever before, to the point where we have needed to build extra scooter storage!”
A council spokesperson said: “Watermore Primary School has been working with the council to successfully gain ‘Modeshift’ accreditation, which is a scheme that encourages active travel to and from school.
"The police had identified the school as a location where traffic was an issue during school drop-off and pick-up times.
"By working closely with the school and the police, we were able to build on the positive work being done around Modeshift accreditation while highlighting the importance of road safety for children, parents, carers and school staff."
The video can be viewed at bit.ly/3Qj9aHE.
New head hails 'positive steps' at village school
THE head of Iron Acton Primary School has taken charge of a third small village school.
Mike Riches took charge in January at Rangeworthy C of E Primary School, which was previously put into special measures after regulator Ofsted said it was 'inadequate'.
Mr Riches says there have been "many positive steps" to take the school forward since the regulator's criticisms, in a report published in late 2023.
He remains in charge of both Iron Acton and Hawkesbury primary schools.
Mr Riches said: "It is a pleasure to join such a dedicated team at the school; it has been wonderful to get to know the children and families.
"I come to this role with 10 years of experience as a head teacher and 18 years in education overall.
"I have worked as part of the team at local small schools Iron Acton and Hawkesbury, so I am very familiar with the area and with the way small schools operate.
"I also have a good understanding of the importance the church plays in the life of the school."
Ofsted's critical report said the school had undergone “significant staff turbulence” since a previous inspection rated it as 'good' in 2018.
The inspectors said it was "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education"
They said leaders at the school, which had 53 pupils aged from five to 11 on its roll at the time, had been "slow to sort out the widespread weaknesses".
Pupil numbers at the school, which has a capacity of 70, had
declined to 43 by last summer.
As part of the improvement plan the school became part of the Severn Federation Academy Trust, which runs six other primary schools, in the Forest of Dean, in September last year.
Mr Riches said: "It has been fantastic to see just how far the school has come over the last year following its inspection – many positive steps have been taken to move the school forward.
"Since joining the Severn Federation Academy Trust, the school’s improvement journey has accelerated further still.
"I am excited to be a part of this journey as the school continues to move forward.
"At Rangeworthy, our vision is to ‘Let our lights shine’. This is something we as a school community are striving to do in all aspects of our work and
something that permeates through all our decision making.
"Over the coming weeks and months I look forward to getting to know the school and its community better and working together to build on the strengths that exist at the school."
MY PLAN FOR THE WEST OF ENGLAND
Mike Riches
New acts for Good Times festival
ORGANISERS of the Good Times festival which has brought thousands of music and comedy fans to the area have announced more headliners.
The full line-up for the May 2025 concerts, taking place at The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury, now includes Billy Ocean, Craig David, Natalie Imbruglia, Sister Sledge and Gabrielle.
They have been added to a bill that already included Will Young and Jools Holland.
Organisers have also switched the headliner for the comedy gala at the end of the festival on bank holiday Monday May 26.
Katherine Ryan has replaced Bath-born comic Russell Howard, who will now perform at next year's event.
She will be supported by Henning Wehn and local host Cerys Nelmes.
Lead organiser James Murden told the Voice: “This is the third time we’ve brought
Good Times to the area and we’re thrilled with this year’s line-up.
"We have something for everyone and can’t wait to bring the party to BS37 once again!”
Event producer Tom Campbell added “The scale of the productions are huge.
"We have a large orbit style stage along with video screens and epic light show with world class PA system, audiences are in for a treat!”
The week of shows also includes a bank holiday Monday family daytime show.
After two years at Yate Town Football Club, the festival is moving to The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury 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 also include 90s rockers Skunk Anansie and Republica, and Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
Tickets are all on sale now from GoodTimesLive.co.uk
Billy Ocean
Craig David
Couple lose bid to save reg plate
A BRISTOL Rovers-supporting couple from Frampton Cotterell have lost their bid to overturn a bid by the DVLA to ban their personalised car number plate.
Jackie and John Cooke, who are both in their 80s, had bought
the registration number N14 GAS back in 1997 in honour of the club's nickname, the Gas.
However, the couple received a letter in December from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which is in charge of registrations telling them it could cause offence and was being withdrawn.
Jackie said that they have used the number plate on different cars over the last 27
years “with no complaints” and are “very offended” by it being banned.
Jackie said they were contacted by the DVLA on February 10 to confirm that it would not overturn its original decision, with an official telling them: "I appreciate your disappointment with our decision and the contents of your correspondence has been considered.
"However the decision must stand. While I understand the sentimental value and it was not your intention to cause offence, our position remains unchanged and the registration has been withdrawn."
Jackie says that following a publicity about the case, she had been told some London N14 postcodes looked very similar to the plate.
She said: "Someone is trying to find something offensive that isn’t there.
"We have had so much support regarding this totally outrageous decision by the DVLA.
“We feel we will have to stick with our new number plate as we have no choice.”
Change 'weird borders'
METRO Mayor Dan Norris says South Gloucestershire's "weird borders" could be changed as part of national devolution plans.
Major changes are set to happen across the country under the government’s plan to turn more county councils, who split responsibility for local service provision with smaller borough and district councils, into unitary authorities.
South Gloucestershire is already a unitary authority, but Mr Norris - now an MP whose constituency includes part of the district - says the English Devolution White Paper provides a chance for a rethink.
Neighbouring Gloucestershire could become one or two unitary authorities under the plans, and the Metro Mayor's comments raised the prospect that rural parts of South Gloucestershire could rejoin it, reversing a move first made in 1974, with the rest joining Bristol.
Mr Norris said: "I have always thought that we have had weird boundaries.
"The boundaries of our region are just a line on a map truthfully. We have to look and this gives us an opportunity to do what’s best for our region."
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government told the Voice that South Gloucestershire is not being considered in the current reorganisation, as it is already a unitary council.
By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Betty hits 105!
A FRAMPTON Cotterell care home resident has celebrated her 105th birthday
Betty Price grew up in Fishponds in Bristol with her parents and five siblings, before moving to Cotham when she bought her first home with husband Arthur.
They later moved into a prefab in Frenchay, and had one daughter, followed by two grandsons and three great-grandchildren.
Betty worked in the nurses' quarters at Frenchay Hospital and John Lewis in Broadmead, before taking a job at her daughter and son-in-law’s grocery shop.
She retired in the early 1990s, when she was in her 70s.
During her life Betty has enjoyed visiting various European destinations for holidays, and has always used public transport as she never learnt to drive.
She has been living at Bridge House Residential Home in Rectory Road since May 2022.
The home's head of care operations, Ryan Davy, said: "Betty celebrated her birthday with her family, balloons, flowers and three birthday cakes!
"She confidently admits she has good genes, as others in her family have lived to old ages, including 98 and 101.
"Her advice for a long life is to be engaged or, even better, involved in what is going on around you."
Window art brightens gloom
MORE than a dozen artistic families and groups took part in this year's Frampton Cotterell window art trail.
The theme was Nature in Winter and designs included this window designed by the FACE Youth Group and displayed at the Brockeridge Centre.
The displays were backlit during the night and people were invited to visit them all before voting for their favourite.
The winning design is due to be announced in March, after Frampton Cotterell Parish Council, which organised the half-term event, extended the voting deadline until the end of February.
Betty Price with her birthday cake
Two members of the FACE Youth Group with their display at the Brockeridge Centre.
n LOCAL MP Claire
Tide of closures must be turned back
THE Post Office dates back to the 1600s.
It is an institution that by its very venerability is steeped in our life and experience. For generations, popping to the post office was a regular affair for anything from stamps to pension pick ups and travel money.
It is still a bedrock for many people’s lives. But with the digital age, the Post Office has struggled to stay relevant to modern lives. For many digital natives, visiting it is an alien experience.
However there are still many people who rely on the organisation. For those without their own transport, especially in rural areas, there’s a likelihood they will be unable to access key services. This is because the Post Office has announced a raft of closures, affecting both urban and rural communities.
The Post Office is considering closing all its directly-owned branches, including the main Post Office in Yate. At the same time, they’ve announced the closure of
several smaller post offices and outreach services locally.
Cromhall’s post office is to close, and with it the outreach service in Tytherington. Hard on the heels of this was news of the closure of Doynton's outreach post office, and also of the service provided in Badminton.
Sub-postmasters are supposed to underpin the service, and yet closures such as these are still happening, leaving many without a local post office branch.
It’s not just the Post Office that is in retreat from the high street. Banks have been closing dozens of branches over the last few years.
The latest casualty is Lloyds Bank in Thornbury. The closure is due to take place at the end of February next year, and will leave the town without a local bank branch.
In the last six years, Thornbury has lost branches of HSBC, TSB, Nat West and Barclays. The nearest
Lloyds after the closure will be in Yate, 10 miles away.
If Lloyds does close its Thornbury branch then the aim is to establish a new ‘banking hub’. The hub would, rather ironically, be run by the Post Office and host a number of high street bank outlets.
I am campaigning hard to halt the current slew of bank and post office closures, and I am meeting with those who are behind the plans.
You can have your say about the post office closures on their website, postofficeviews.co.uk.
I am also running petitions opposing the closures of Lloyds Bank in Thornbury and the main post office in Yate.
I would urge the Post Office to halt their plans to cut our local services, focus on supporting existing outreach services, and actually listen to the sub postmasters, who are working hard on the frontline and know how to make their services better.
Claire Young outside Yate's main post office
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Rustle up a little sunshine
ALTHOUGH officially Spring starts on March 1, the weather in March doesn’t always feel bright and cheerful.
On those often jolly cold days, I want a main meal that is warming, bright and filling, but titillates my taste buds, too.
This Moroccan lamb pie ticks all those boxes.
It’s a twist on a tagine. I love the pairing of the lamb with the other traditional Moroccan ingredients.
And on a dull, chilly day this recipe will bring you a little sunshine.
Once you’ve tried it, I guarantee you’ll be trying it out on all your friends and family.
Moroccan Lamb Pie
Ingredients:
1 pack filo pastry sheets - thawed
50g butter
500g lamb steaks -cut into medium sized dice, or lean minced lamb if you prefer Generous pinch of saffron threads mixed with 2 tablespoons of warm water
1 tablespoon plain flour
2 red onions - chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp coriander
1 lemon juice and rind
50g flaked almonds
150g dried apricots roughly chopped
3 tablespoons Greek style natural yoghurt
mint
parsley
Salt & black pepper
Here’s what you do:
Preheat oven to 190ºC (170ºC fan assisted) 375ºF/Gas M5
Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently sauté the onion together with the spices for 5-7 minutes until onion is just beginning to become tender.
Add the flour, stirring all the time, into the onion mixture. Cook through for a couple of mins.
Stir in the saffron mix and 200ml of water. Leave to one side to cool.
In a separate pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Add the lamb and continue cooking, stirring all the while until the meat is browned on all sides. Stir in the lemon juice and rind, the apricots, yoghurt and lastly some of the chopped herbs. Mix well, remove from heat and place in the base of a shallow, ovenproof dish and allow to cool. Scatter the almonds over the top.
To form the lid of the pie, melt the butter and add a few of the remaining chopped herbs, open out the filo pastry and cut
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.
the stack of sheets in half across its length to give two stacks of rectangular sheets. Lightly brush one piece of filo with the herb butter and ‘scrunch’ it lightly, then place on top of the filling. Repeat with remaining pastry and butter until all filling is covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25mins, until the pastry
is golden brown. Just before removing from oven, brush again with remaining butter and scatter with remaining chopped herbs, return to oven for 2-3 minutes to just ‘set’ the herbs. Serve hot with vegetables often served with Moroccan dishes, like couscous, turnips, courgettes, carrots.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Five Stokes Fundraising Group
Pippa Rolfe and Jane Marshall of the Five Stokes Fundraising Group, presented with an award by the Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Franklin Owusu-Antwi.
THE Five Stokes Fundraising Group was recognised in February at South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Awards for their fundraising efforts and ongoing support for the charity Marie Curie.
The group, with members from the Frome Valley and throughout South Gloucestershire, have been tireless campaigners for the end-oflife charity for over a decade.
Following a successful, annual wreathmaking event held in December, the Five Stokes Fundraising Group announced that they had succeeded in raising a total of over £100,000 for Marie Curie since their formation in 2014, marking a significant milestone for the local Marie Curie supporters.
Group chairperson Jane Marshall, said: "I've loved volunteering with The Marie Curie Five Stokes Fundraising Group for the past 10 years, starting with signing up for a collection.
"We were so pleased to receive this award and are incredibly proud of everything we've achieved for this amazing charity. We're now busy organising collections for the Great Daffodil Appeal and distributing lots of daffodil boxes in the community."
This spring will see Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal hit South Gloucestershire, with charity collections taking place at Yate Morrisons, Yate Shopping Centre, Thornbury Tesco and St Marys Shopping centre, running to the end of March.
To help with collecting sign up mariecurie. org.uk/daffodil or contact Riona Houghton, on 0117 924 7275 or riona.houghton@mariecurie. org.uk Tom Howell
Frome Valley Growing Project
WE are very much looking forward to another year of growing and community ahead of us.
To start off, we have two tree-planting days on March 8 and 9 (both 10.30am – 2.30pm) at our site off Swan Lane.
We will be getting together to plant some native species donated by the Woodland Trust, and would be glad of any help to get these in the ground and off to a good start.
If you would like to join us please wear strong footwear, warm clothes, and bring along waterproofs, drinks and some lunch if you plan to stay all day. We do have a composting loo on site.
This is also the beginning of a new membership year at Frome Valley Growing Project.
You can help our mission in one of two ways. You could volunteer or donate some money to support us with our work, which we would love, or you could become a member – which we would love even more!
Becoming a member gives you a share of our produce, access to our growing space whenever you want and a say in the decisions we make about how we steward the land and what we grow.
In return for this we ask for an annual membership donation of £100 (which can be paid in instalments, or be reduced if you need to) and for your help and support with the project.
This help could be volunteering occasionally, attending meetings, delivering veg to others, starting off seedlings at home or building and repairing things that we need on site.
Our weekly volunteer sessions are a good way to meet us and find out what we do.
Some members will be on site most Wednesdays from 10.30am-2.30pm.
If you would like to know more about what we are up to, drop us an email at thegrowingproject123@gmail.com, contact us on Facebook or visit our webpage at tinyurl. com/26xaz2e5 for details.
Mazzy Fautley & Kate MacDonald
Winterbourne Environmental Group
A HUGE thank you to St Michael’s Church for hosting our Warm and Green Homes event in their wonderfully newly refurbished
community centre in February.
With its recent retrofits, it was the perfect venue to talk about making homes warmer and more energy-efficient.
We were delighted to welcome over 20 attendees, all eager to learn more about sustainable home improvements.
The event was a fantastic opportunity to start the journey to a warmer, more sustainable home. Retrofit West joined us to offer free expert advice on home upgrades and funding.
Attendees also heard from residents who made energy-saving changes to their home, sharing their experiences and insights – all for free, with no sales pitches.
Our next Frome Valley Warm and Green Open Homes Event is on March 1 at Winterbourne Library, from 9.30-11.30am, and you can visit local homes that have been retrofitted for energy efficiency, speak to homeowners, see practical solutions in action, and get real-life insights into what works.
We’re looking for other local homeowners who have improved their home’s energy efficiency and are happy to share their experience.
We are also working closely with Bristol Energy Network to better understand the energy challenges affecting us, through our Community Energy Survey.
What are your biggest concerns about energy? What ideas do you have for a greener, more sustainable future?
Take part at website, winterbourneenvironmental.uk, or visit Winterbourne Library for a paper copy.
The library has a thermal imaging camera you can borrow free, to check your home for heat loss yourself. It’s an easy way to spot problem areas and start making changes.
On March 15 we are holding our Big Spring Litter Pick. Drop off collected litter at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down between 10.30am and noon.
Enjoy refreshments and meet the Share and Repair Café team – a great chance to make a difference while connecting with the community.
For more details, contact us via email on winterbourneenvironmental@gmail.com or via our Facebook page.
Laura Fogg-Rogers
Tree planting
The Warm and Green Homes event
Cooking up a feast
CHILDREN St Michael’s Primary School in Winterbourne could be in demand in their families' kitchens, after taking cooking lessons.
The Year 6 pupils learned how to prepare and cook spaghetti bolognaise as part of a project - then tucked into the food.
Elsewhere in the school Year 3 children have been building fires to keep warm at their forest school sessions, Year 1 children have designed and making bridges, inspired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Year 2 children have investigated historic artefacts as part of a project about the Great Fire of London.
A group of singers joined other children from the Mosaic Trust to sing at Real World recording studios, owned by singer Peter Gabriel.
Free wills help
Jessie May
CHARITY Jessie May has teamed up with experts at ELM Legal Services to offer supporters a chance to have their will written free of charge.
Around 60% of adults in the UK don’t have a will, leaving loved ones potentially exposed to legal headaches on their death, particularly those with unmarried partners or step-children.
To encourage everyone to write a valid will, Jessie May, which supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families, has partnered with the Fishpondsbased specialist wills, probate, and trusts provider to offer free will writing, in return
for a pledge to the charity.
Jessie May individual giving manager Kath Jones said: "Gifts in wills have a profound impact on the work we do.
"It’s always incredibly meaningful when we see that someone has chosen to include Jessie May in their will.
"Their generosity ensures that we can continue providing essential, specialised nursing care to families facing unimaginable challenges. We are deeply grateful to those who make this extraordinary choice.
"Their legacy will be to give our families the chance to make happy memories together while they can."
ELM Legal Services managing director
Jim Emsley said: "Our mission at ELM Legal Services is to make will writing simple and accessible for people throughout England and Wales.
“We’re also committed to supporting causes that echo our values and make a profound difference in the lives of others.
"We're proud to partner with Jessie May, enabling their supporters to plan for the future while also giving them the opportunity to support a charity that makes such a difference to families in need.”
To take advantage of this free will-writing offer, supporters can visit tinyurl.com/ bdht5yux to begin the process and learn more about how their legacy can help sustain Jessie May’s essential work.
Children at St Michael's Primary
n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
When life's a beach
WITH the January and February weather being so dark and dull, my thoughts have turned to booking a summer holiday.
I was reminded of a retreat I took four years ago.
As I walked along the beach at Dawlish it was sunny, then the sky clouded over, and it began to rain.
A little further and the rain stops, the clouds clear and the sun shines again. Everything starts to dry.
As I look out to sea, I can see the showers that have soaked me moving out across the water. As I look the other way I can see more showers coming my way, ready to soak me again as they move out to sea.
Twice I have managed to find relative shelter and, as I’m not made of sugar, I have survived!
I could have been caught out in the open –there’s no shelter along the sea wall, nor at the nature reserve from which I am returning. But I could see the clouds approaching, giving me time to act.
I reflected that this is a bit like life.
Sometimes we can see the storm clouds approaching, and we have time to prepare. As
a Christian, I do this by asking God to protect me from the worst of the storm.
Sometimes we can’t see the rain coming, and we get caught out in the open, having to take the worst that life has to bring. At this point I just have to throw myself upon God’s mercy and ask that he will give me the courage and strength to face what’s upon me, and to get me through safely. There are also times when we can see the storm coming but can find no shelter. We know that we will just have to face into it and take what comes.
As I continue my journey along the beach I can see that the tide is going out, leaving a pristine beach, flat and clean, punctuated only by those rocks that are too heavy for the tide to claim. People start to come onto the growing area of sand, and with them the seagulls, ever watchful for an opportunity to steal a meal. The wind ruffles their feathers, but they hold their ground.
The rain clouds have moved on, and the sea changes from grey to turquoise, with flashes of sunlight reflecting off the waves.
The beach is full of families having their lunch and building their sandcastles. Stumps are erected for games of cricket. Some
Rev Joanne Hodge Associate Minister, Fromeside Benefice
teenagers are skimming pebbles into the waves. Several dog walkers pass by, their dogs frolicking in the waves.
Soon that flat sand is full of footprints, sandcastles and moats. Inevitably, the tide turns, and the beach begins to shrink. As the approaching waves break and recede, the footprints and the sandcastles are gently washed away, leaving a once more pristine, flat surface.
I believe that, like the waves on the beach, God can wash the past away and I start again with a clean sheet – or beach!
No matter what I have done, He is ready to forgive. God’s love for us will never fail.
n FRAMPTON NATURE
The magic of ponds
WHEN I was a child growing up in Frampton, one of my favourite things to do was visit the Crow’s Nest.
This was an area with a small pond, where I’d sit and watch the tadpoles, frogs, spiders, beetles, dragonflies and birds.
The pond seemed to me to be a magical place full of wonders.
Creating a wildlife pond is probably the best thing you could do to help nature in your garden. But why are ponds so good for wildlife, which kind of pond is best, and how should you build one?
It’s estimated that 50% of UK ponds were lost during the 20th century, as land was drained to make way for agriculture, and that 80% of our remaining ponds are in a poor state.
This is why garden ponds are
so important, and why everyone should have one.
They support a huge variety of wildlife - two-thirds of all freshwater species can be found in ponds.
Do consider safety when designing and building a pond.
Accidents are rare, but small children are particularly at risk.
Clean water is essential - it’s best to use rainwater, as tap water contains nutrients which promote the growth of algae and duckweed.
Unless you have fish, wildlife ponds don’t have to be deep: 2530cm is enough.
The greatest variety of plants and animals live in the shallowest part of ponds; having very gently sloping sides provides more shallow water and allows any animals that fall in to escape.
It’s a good idea to use a fleece underlay or old carpet under your liner. Adding a layer of play sand or washed gravel on top of the liner creates a more natural substrate for planting into.
Allowing grasses to trail over the edge of the pond creates a more natural look and provides
for water beetles.
It is best not to have fish in garden wildlife ponds, as they will eat smaller animals.
When planting your pond, include a variety of different plant types to create diversity - tall marginal plants for the edges, floating leafed plants and submerged plants. Make sure that any plants you introduce to your pond are native - lists of suitable
plants and lots more brilliant information about ponds can be found at the Freshwater Habitats Trust website.
Enjoy your pond and its wildlife - they are magical places!
If you need any support to build a pond or have any questions please do get in touch - email framptoncotterellnature@gmail. com
David Hanks
habitat
A freshly-emerged broad-bodied chaser at the author's garden pond. Picture: David Hanks
n WHAT'S ON
MARCH 19
n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
MINES RESEARCH GROUP AGM at the Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 7pm. Talk: The first 25 years and the next 25, by the three group chairmen. Non-members welcome - £3 each.
MARCH 20
n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP meets at the Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by David Cuthbert on English artist Matthew Smith. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.
MARCH 21
n CROSSBOW PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE sip'n'paint mums' night
Discover
out, Magnolia Mews Bakehouse, Church Road, Frampton Cotterell, 7.30-9.30pm. Tickets £25 including welcome cocktail and painting materials. To book, email fundraising@ crossbowpreschool.co.uk.
MARCH 22
n ST ANDREW’S CHURCH SPRING FAIR, Elm Park, Filton, 10am12.30pm. Shopping stalls, tombola, raffle, refreshments, in aid of BRACE Dementia Research.
REGULAR EVENTS
MONDAY
n WINTERBOURNE FLOWER CLUB
Meets 2nd Monday of the month at WADCA, Watleys End Road, 2-4pm. Call 01454 776753.
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.
n WINTERBOURNE DOWN
Loft Boarding & Insulation
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 and 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, 11.45am12.45pm 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. For more details email henfieldhall@yahoo.com or call 0785 119 8434
THURSDAY
n FRIENDSHIP AND EXERCISE GROUP FOR SENIORS St Saviours Church: Thursdays 101130. 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 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 WINTERBOURNE DOWN WI meets on the first Thursday of each month in All Saints Church Hall, Church Road, Winterbourne Down, at 7.30pm. Speakers, demonstrators & craft evenings. Guests welcome. More details from aspbury.m@gmail. com.
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 COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEETUP, 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. For 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.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Chris Green and Sophie Matthews
THE first live performance of 2025 at Winterbourne Medieval Barn will be on March 20, when Chris Green and Sophie Matthews present their wonderful show, A Brief History of Music in 90 minutes.
It takes you on a light-hearted journey from medieval songs and tunes right through to familiar 20th century pop.
This musical tour, played on a range of instruments from the lute and rauschpfeifer to guitar and accordion, includes bawdy restoration songs and Victorian music hall numbers as well as more stately tunes from way back when, all delivered with plenty of humour.
Two weeks later, on Friday 4th April, the fabulous Sisters of Swing return with their 20-plus piece big band, playing swing and jazz classics along with some more modern melodies
in a great evening of up-tempo tunes.
There are two very interesting illustrated talks coming up, looking at the history of both gardens and houses in southern Gloucestershire.
On March 27, Marion Hill from Gloucestershire Archives talks about gardens, from their first mention in historical archives to modern day.
Then on April 7, Linda Hall talks about the architecture of houses from the medieval period to the 1600s, featuring many local properties (and a barn!) which are still standing today. Both talks can also be watched via Zoom.
We have craft workshops coming up, too.
All events can be booked online at Ticketsource or via the Barn website, www. winterbournebarn.org.uk
Louise Harrison
Crossbow Singers
THIS year marks the golden anniversary of our community choir and plans are in place to celebrate with concerts and events.
We have rehearsed at Crossbow house on a Monday night for the last 50 years. This year is also the FCDCA’s 50th anniversary and
Wills and Probate without the mystery
How do I choose the right executor of my will? I’m worried about putting a burden on someone or making the wrong choice that will have a negative effect on my children.
Your Executor is the person who is going to handle all your affairs after you pass away.
Typically, your Executor should possess two essential qualities: they know you very well, and they are good at managing paperwork. In addition, they should also be someone who is willing and able to give up some of their time to actually administer your estate and distribute your assets as indicated. Going through probate or the administration of an estate can be complex. Knowing this, it’s best to pick someone who has the capacity to take on such a responsibility and is good in these types of situations.
apparently the choir was the first member group, so we are delighted to share this special event.
The Crossbow Singers were delighted to receive a £2,200 grant from South Gloucestershire Council, which supports community projects and groups.
The money is going towards a new choir uniform, to mark our mid-century. This will include new scarves and bow ties, name badges and folders, which will hopefully be revealed at the summer concerts, scheduled for July 7 and 8.
The choir is very grateful to the committee members who put in the bid for the funding, which required a fair amount of additional administration.
As part of the golden celebrations some photo boards are being compiled, which mark various events and concerts involving the choir since 1975.
If anyone reading has anything that they could contribute, please contact anne.angus@ hotmail.co.uk
The choir has 45 current members, led by the musical director Carolyn Dutton, with Anthony Davies as accompanist.
Many people pick a trustworthy family member or a close friend to be their Executor, but that isn’t the only option. I recommend that you choose someone who will get to know you well, earn your trust and whom is also a professional.
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Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristol-based ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
The choir performing
Floral Friends of Frampton
Strong (BeStrongArtWork) who created the doodle and was generous with her support for our fundraising idea.
THERE has been lots of activity at Beesmoor recently.
the team.
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
The work is now on display at the Brockeridge Centre, in the entrance hall.
Our plant sale will be on the morning of May 24, so please put the date in your diary and come and join us if you are able to.
The finished Hypnodoodle
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 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.
SPRING is definitely in the air! It has been very cold, but now, when the sky is blue the sun is a little warmer, the shadows are shorter and there’s a real sense of renewal in the garden and around the village.
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”.
We always try to fundraise where we can and we would like to thank all local residents who donated £1 each and coloured in one of the 60 squares on our Hypnodoodle picture.
Ages ranged from three to 86 years, and we are delighted with the result.
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.
We would also like to acknowledge the artist Barbara
If you can help in any way, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at floralfriendsofframpton@ gmail.com.
Pat Densley
Beesmoor Playing Fields
Frampton Nature volunteers have started to plant a new hedge, and we had lots of young helpers to create bug hotels to be placed around the playing fields. Thank you all those who came to help raise funds by purchasing drinks and cakes!
This money will go towards replacing the mats under the swings, as well as new chains for the swings.
The volunteers at Beesmoor are organising a family Easter Eggstravaganza event on April 5 from 1.30-3.30pm. Come along for an Easter egg hunt, children’s crafts and games, including an egg and spoon race.
There are still some vacant posts, which hopefully will be filled in the near future.
With a full list of speakers, trips, events and coffee mornings being arranged, we are now all set for an interesting and enjoyable year ahead.
you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”
We had a talk by Jeanne Long, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for setting up the Happy Handbag scheme providing personal hygiene items to women in need, some of whom are homeless, in the Bristol, Gloucester and Swindon areas.
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.
It was a thought-provoking talk, and members kindly donated handbags and toiletries for the cause.
scheduled to open this month.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
windows and inviting someone
Refreshments to raise funds will be available. Look forward to seeing you there!
Kate Colechin
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.
Visitors are always welcome to our meetings so, if you have time on your hands and would like to socialise with a friendly group, please come and join us.
Winterbourne Down Ladies Probus Club
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.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
AT our annual general meeting in February we said goodbye to two committee members and welcomed a new welfare officer to
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
We meet at 2pm on the third Monday of the month at All Saints Church Hall, Winterbourne Down.
If you would like more information, please call 01454 773647.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
Sue Humphreys
The bug hotel
Frampton Cotterell WI
OUR first event of the year was a talk by Noya’s Kitchen, a Vietnamese restaurant based in Bath. We had a fun having a cookery demo from Noya, followed by a tasting session and good catch-up! A great sociable and informative evening.
On February 4 we held our annual members' meal out at the Golden Heart in Winterbourne Down. Another very sociable evening, that was enjoyed by all.
Our next event is the art of sound bathing on March 25, followed by a talk on Bristol Hippodrome with Katie Bell on April 22.
We have many other events/ socials lined up for the year ahead, including a theatre trip to Moulin Rouge at the Bristol Hippodrome in July.
We also have a monthly lunch club, open to all members, a book club, craft group, gardening group and skittles team.
Visitors and new members are welcome to our monthly meetings at St Peter’s Hall on School Road at 7.45pm, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There is a charge of £4 for the evening.
In the meantime, you can get in touch via our Facebook page, FramptonCottWI.
Winterbourne Evening WI
OUR February speaker Liz Ferguson told us about her fascinating project, Remember Me, which started when she decided to research all the names on Whiteshill war memorial.
She found 53 from the First World War and 25 from the Second.
The project led her to the war graves in France and Belgium as she built up a picture of those who died in the 1914-18 conflict. A poppy and the story of each casualty was placed on their graves.
Liz is now researching those who died in the Second World War.
She is also interested in the Home Front, and we were shown numerous artefacts and told of local help that was given to soldiers. Early "Knit and Natter" sessions were arranged to provide socks for the troops, and one lady who was so industrious, despite her own disabilities, that a road - Sweetapple Road in Hambrookwas named after her.
Winterbourne had a Blanket Rental for families in need during the winter months.
Afterwards we were able to enjoy a piece of fruit cake made by Liz to a First World War recipe. It was really tasty!
Our next meeting is on March 13 at St Michael's School in Linden Close, when speaker David Hardill will tell us about Tudor Yate. Visitors are always welcome.
Margaret Timms
Winterbourne Down WI
IT was lovely to see so many members and a couple of visitors at our February meeting, where there was a definite buzz in the air.
Our speaker was Andy Stowe from the Auctioneum, an auctioneers' company been based
Winterbourne library
WINTERBOURNE Library is holding a special story and rhymes event on Wednesday March 5 - 'meet and greet' The Dinosaur that Pooped, from 1.30-2pm.
Lego club meets on March 22 from 1011am, for children aged four and over – all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult craft group meets on March 1, 15 and 29, from 10am-noon: join a friendly group, do your own work and chat – refreshments
in Hanham since 1912.
Andy is the son of an antiques dealer and found himself working in an auction house in his teens, fell in love with it and is now one of the directors.
He has been a regular on the BBC’S Antiques Roadshow and one of his first sales was the script from the Two Ronnie’s ‘Four Candles’ sketch.
He had many other amusing and amazing stories about items including paintings by Banksy, Bristol Zoo memorabilia, items from the sets of Only Fools and Horses and those belonging to famous Bristolian Dave Prowse, who contacted Andy with a view to selling all of his Star Wars and Green Cross Code memorabilia.
Everything was collated and catalogued when Dave sadly died. Some time later his widow went ahead with the sale, which raised £100,000 for the Alzheimer's UK charity.
We have a host of interesting speakers and events coming up in the coming months, together with coffee mornings.
We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the All Saints Church Hall in Winterbourne Down. Please come and join uswe make all our visitors welcome.
Carol Tremlin
Coalpit Heath WI
SIXTY-eight hearts have already been collected from our crafty members and this year, to be
distributed around the baby unit at Bath hospital on Mothers' Day.
It was lovely to see all the different heart varieties this year: they have been knitted, crocheted and sewn from fabric offcuts, and labels have been added.
Patrick Mills from U3A joined us this month.
Anyone who has left full-time work is eligible to join this self-help organisation to develop interests, make new friends and have fun.
The Yate and Sodbury group has over 1,800 members with over 100 activities on offer from pickleball to Pilates, ballroom to bridge.
Our skittles team have had a very successful first match of the season and are looking forward to repeating their success in the next round due to be played shortly.
If our meetings sound like something you would enjoy, come along and meet us - you would be most welcome (visitors £4).
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in St Saviour’s church hall at 7.45pm.
Our next meeting on March 5 is on local history, with Ian Haddrell.
Programme updates for the new year will be found @ WICoalpitHeath on Facebook or @ coalpitheathwi on Instagram.
Caroline Johnston
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.
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.
A digital champion can help people get
online, use a PC or phone or print documents. The volunteer is available on Friday mornings: booking is essential.
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.
Noya
Knitted hearts
Andy Stowe
Baps chalk up some cracking wins
BADMINTON & Pucklechurch Ladies Hockey team have been having an action packed season so far.
A cracking game against Yate 3s ended in an impressive 3-2 win for the team, known as Baps.
This was followed by another away victory, 3-0 over Westberries.
The scoreline was reversed when Baps lost to a strong, quick and organised South Glos side.
The goals came think and fast as the team moved into the second half of the season.
Despite only having nine players away to Keynsham development team, the girls in teal finished up 10-0 winners, with youngster Naomi Bailey scoring her first hat-trick.
Wick Ladies is always a very close, evenly fought game.
Played in cold weather, there was end to end action, with both teams having their chances at goal denied until a screamer from centre forward Nicki Trueman, following a well-worked passage of play from the defence, saw Baps take the lead.
With the minutes ticking down, Baps had to defend a short corner in the final passage of play, but gave everything they had to hold
Season of promise for Frampton
FRAMPTON Cotterell Cricket Club is starting the year after its centenary with a series of exciting initiatives and opportunities for players of all abilities.
Winter training sessions are now underway, with senior players meeting on Tuesdays from 9-10pm at Hanham Woods Academy, and women's and youth sides training on Sundays from 3-4pm at Yate Academy.
The club is inviting new players to join its ranks, including three Saturday teams, with the 1st team recently promoted to Bristol & District Division 2.
The club also has a women's Sunday team, All-Stars and Dynamos programmes, and U11, U13, and U15 teams.
A Sunday development team is open to those looking to hone their skills.
on for a 1-0 victory.
On a high, a home game against Hanham at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex saw yet more goals smash the backboard. Baps were a force to be reckoned with, chalking up another cracking win, this time 4-0.
Paying our respects to the club's president pre-game, a tough battle commenced away against Dursley Ladies.
Baps were 2-0 down at the end of the first half but, with some half-time treats and words of wisdom, the ladies did what they do best - dug deep, gritted their teeth and, with quick-thinking play, scored two goals in the space of two minutes.
However despite the Baps giving
March, 2025
To improve the quality of the wickets and ensure more games can be played, the club is buying roll-on covers. We are seeking partnerships with local businesses to support these enhancements and the future success of the club.
For more information or to get involved, email Framptoncotterellcc@gmail. com.
With these exciting developments, the club is set for a promising season ahead, fostering a vibrant community spirit and a love for cricket.
George Foulger
Girls prepare for first games
AS the football season enters its final stages, lots of excellent team performances are being seen at Coalpit Heath.
All of our teams, from under7s through to U11s, are ending the season on a high.
Special shout outs go to the U12s in Division 3, currently top
everything they had, a controversial short corner to Dursley saw them score the winner, with the match finishing 3-2.
Another road trip, away to Knowle 2s, saw Baps go 1-0 down early on, but it wasn't long before their class started to shine.
Awesome link-up work and the wings bossing it led to great individual and team goals courtesy of Nicki Trueman, Lisa Rigby and Heidi Gardiner, as the match finished 4-2 to Baps.
We are always open and on the lookout for new players, so come and see what we're all about, training on Mondays at 8pm and home matches on Saturdays at 10am, at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex. Lisa Rigby
and in the semi-finals of their cup.
The U12s Colts are in a battle for second place in their league, and the U13s Colts are also second currently and in the plate semi-final.
Our Wildcats girls' teams have their first games during March, ahead of establishing a league team for the 2025-26 season.
The U10’s move to nine-
a-side next season, and are dividing into two established teams - we’re fortunate that coaches have stepped up to take on an extra team to keep the players - now friends - playing. It also means there are opportunities at this age group, as well as in our U13s. Email info@coalpitheathfc. org.uk for more information.
Stuart Aris
The Badminton & Pucklechurch team
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