Frome Valley Voice; December edition

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fromevalleyvoice December 2013, Issue 6

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Letters, Page 8| What’s on, Page 16

Clean up this mess

Sports clubs plead with dog owners as problem gets worse

A call for action over the amount of dog mess on Frampton Cotterell’s playing fields has been issued by local sports clubs.

The clubs have joined together to push for measures to make playing sport safer at The Park by Crossbow House and the Beesmoor Road Playing Fields.

Rugby, football, cricket and tennis clubs have all backed the call, and the Parish Council has decided to act.

A special working group has been formed to look at the problem, and it looks as though dogs will be forced onto leads when walking on the fields.

Proposals have also been made to employ a part time dog warden to enforce rules.

Full Story: Page 10

In town this month; Santa at his grotto at the Viaduct Nurseries

95,000 solar panels for Frampton?

A large solar panel farm is proposed near Trench Lane, with another on the cards for Latteridge.

Page 3

Frampton End Road to close

Campaigners celebrate the banning of traffic from rat run.

Page 6

Turkeys at the double Meet the family whose mission is to make your Christmas dinner perfection.

Page 4

Cricketer takes to Indian stage

A Coalpit Heath batsman gets to play in iconic Indian stadium

Page 28

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January deadline

Our January edition will be going to print on Monday December 23rd. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by Thursday December 19th. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

Local information

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

Environment/trading standards 01454 868001 Police www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Frome Valley Voice Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Frome Valley Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 120 or richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Viaduct

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December, 2013

The foul problem of fouling in our parks AT the moment, our family is boarding a Dog for the Disabled. Bonnie is a four year old black labrador and she is gorgeous. She’s already provided several litters of dogs for the charity, and now she is in final training to be placed with a client.

Our job is to look after her overnight. During the day, she is taken away to be trained and returns in the late afternoon. There are many things that are great about doing this, on top of helping a very worthy charity.

For a start, the kids love me for bringing a dog into the house for a while. It’s pretty pleasant taking the dog for a walk, especially as she is so well behaved. It’s nice to have someone else around the house whilst I work away at the computer getting the next edition of Frome Valley Voice ready.

However there are a few things that aren’t so much fun. Having white tiles and oak floors downstairs, this black lab molts so fast, it can start to look like a carpet if you don’t vacuum every day.

Then there’s the unexpected visits upstairs in the middle of the night. The charity says she doesn’t like stairs and doesn’t want to go up them. I’m not so sure.

But the worse job is picking up the poo. It’s not a pleasant job by any stretch of the imagination, but you just have to get on and do it.

Not picking it up isn’t an option.

Bonnie normally opts to go in our garden. I certainly wouldn’t leave it there for my kids to step on, and perhaps worse. I don’t think any parent would.

By extension, if the dog happened to go when in the park or on the pavement, I am armed with poo bags. If it’s something that you would do in your own garden to protect your loved ones, surely you would extend that courtesy to elsewhere.

And yet, unbelievably, not all follow that maxim. Anecdotal evidence would suggest the problem is getting worse not better. I for one have found it to be the case. When I started the school run four years ago, I remember thinking how much better the dog mess situation was compared to when I was young and it seemed to be every other day you were scraping your shoe on grass.

Since then the situation has deteriorated. It’s bad enough when it’s on the pavement, but to let your dog do your business in a park and not clear it away beggars belief.

The sports clubs that play on The Park at Crossbow in Frampton Cotterell have certainly had enough. As we report in this months paper, they have come together to plead for dog owners to wise up.

You don’t need me to point out what can happen when rugby players, footballers and crickets collide with something unmentionable.

It’s a call that’s being echoed by Frampton Athletic at Beesmoor Playing fields. Whatever way works, this problem must be tackled.

It’s not just the sportsmen and women who are suffering. We all are affected by this anti-social activity. With 2014 just around the corner, perhaps its time for new years resolution to tackle this problem once and for all.

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Seing in Advent; the Christingle service at St Peter’s Church

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New Solar Farm planned for Frampton Cotterell

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95,000 panels proposed for site near Mecure Grange Hotel Plans are being submitted for another giant solar farm in the Frome Valley area.

Solar Panel South wants to construct the array on land off Trench Lane.

The vast site would cover an area that is bounded by the West Country Water Park and St Mary’s rugby ground. It would also come close to the Mecure Grange Hotel.

The company has already submitted plans to South Gloucestershire Council and has held a public consultation session at the Grange Hotel.

Although only around 30 people attended that session, Solar Panel South claims “the vast majority of visitors expressed strong support for the proposals, recognising its strong sustainability credentials”.

So far the only objection on South Gloucestershire’s planning website is from the Police’s Crime Prevention Officer, who wanted to see better security fencing and improved CCTV provision.

The planning application appears to have generated a lot less heat amongst local people compared to the Says Farm development in Coalpit Heath that was approved by councillors recently.

The company claims that it has allayed the initial fears of people through dialogue, telling the council, “A small number of local residents and one business

owner had some initial concerns about the potential impacts of the development in terms of visual prominence and noise”.

“However once the proposals were explained in greater detail those individuals were greatly reassured and even supportive of the scheme, mainly on the basis that it is so well hidden and will not cause any disturbance”.

However, one sticking point could be that the company has not agreed to provide a ‘community benefit’ fund based on electricity generated as is the case at Says Farm.

In a separate development, the company behind the Says Farm solar panel project in Coalpit Heath are planning a new project in the area.

AEE are due to submit plans for solar panels to be put on Green Farm in Latteridge.

The site is off Folly Road, just over a mile south of Latteridge and in the parish of Iron Acton.

The proposals would create a solar array capable of generating 10 megawatts of electricity, a third smaller in size than the one approved at Says Farm.

Work is due to start at the Coalpit Heath solar farm in the next few weeks, and AEE hopes to have the work finished by the end of March in order to qualify for correct subsidies.

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December, 2013

The family affair that aims to bring perfection on Christmas Day IT”S HARD to pin down Nigel Buxton to interview him. He’s a very busy man, running not only Buxton Butchers in Winterbourne, but also a meat processing plant in Portbury.

The plant supplies high end restuarants and hotels in Bristol. He proudly tells me that two of the three Michelin starred restuarants in the city use his meat.

He’s certainly experienced enough. He started working in the business when he was 12.

His family have been butchers since 1890.

It’s a family affair too.

When I do finally manage to meet up the butcher’s shop is being manned by his brother Adrian and his wife Louise.

Despite the wealth of experience, Nigel has only owned his own business for four years. Before that he was busy running other people’s businesses. trouble”.

He’s not regretted the move His message must be spreading because Buxton Butchers are despite the hard work, ; “It’s gone very well,” he tells me from the getting busier each year, and with it the workload gets heavier. chill of the back of the shop. “We’ve gone from strength to strength.

“We will work 18 hours a day for the whole week running up to The shop’s been continuously busy since we’ve had it and all we Christmas Day. You don’t see it here, you see it at the other site do is keep it very simple; we buy good quality and we sell good where we process everything and then we ship it up here because of quality. We’re not interested in buying cheap and selling it out cheap the volume of orders.” because we won’t sell anything we won’t eat ourselves”.

On Christmas Day, the Buxton family can relax like the rest It’s an old fashioned shop, in the best meaning of the word. As we of us. But as Nigel explains, the hectic December takes its toll. chat, Louise serves the steady stream of customers, most of whom After tucking into their own turkey, they normally fall asleep in the she’s on first name terms with. afternoon.

It’s this emphasis on service, along with quality that Nigel says stands them in good stead in the face of supermarket competition.

“They can come in and ask our advice and we can direct them into the right cut to buy. If they come and ask us what’s good this week, we will tell them the which steak is the best this week. We will not sell them a steak if it’s not ready to be sold. The big processors and Add a touch of rustic country charm to your Christmas this year, the supermarkets don’t have the knowledge with our handmade Christmas door wreaths and table decorations. and they don’t want to do that”.

You can purchase these online for delivery locally or nationally, Of course for butchers, December is a big or call us to collect in person. month, a time when turkey is king and money can be made in the run up to Christmas.

If you’d prefer to make your own, then you might like to come to one of our workshops: Make your Own Christmas Door Wreath: Nigel though says it’s not the way to look 8th and 15th December, 1.00pm – 4.00pm at it; “The run up to Christmas all we are concerned about is making sure that we’ve Make your own table decoration got everything that people have come in and 15th December 2013, 1.00pm – 3.00pm Both workshops are delivered at our site in Latteridge and cost £35.00 including ordered, that we’ve got the best that we can all materials and refreshments. give them”.

We can also deliver bespoke courses at any venue for groups of 6 or more – “It’s not all about profit. We will look at why not get together with your friends? the profit after Christmas, but we are very concerned that we are going to give them See our website for more information: a very good experience on their meal at www.organicblooms.co.uk Christmas and that’s what we’re about”. or email enquiries@organicblooms.co.uk “It’s the most important day of the year and if we get that wrong then we are in

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December, 2013

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It’s beer and bikes as show organisers ramp up preparations A CYC LE powered cinema will be on hand to entertain visitors to the South Gloucestershire show next year after sustrans announced it was sponsoring the event.

The Bristol based bike charity is also bringing along a cycle powered smoothie maker, perhaps a necessity rather than a luxury for those having to provide the pedal power.

The Sustrans Art Bike will be on display and the organisation will also be giving away free local cycling maps and a chance to ‘bling your bike’ for those who arrive at the event on two wheels.

Getting the support of the sustainable transport charity is a big boost for the show as it hopes to encourage large numbers of visitors to attend by bike. The site in Henfield is close to Avon Cycleway routes that link to the Bristol and Barh cycle track.

The Show has also unveiled

another major sponsor, with Bath Ales signing up for the show.

Despite it’s name, the company is in fact based in Warmley, and Bath Ales say it’s keen to highlight its South Gloucestershire roots.

The brewery, which supplies both national and international customers, has just opened a state of the art brewery shop and, like the South Glos show ground, is also located just off the Avon Cycleway.

“The South Gloucestershire Show is a perfect opportunity for us to raise awareness of our businesses, it’s locality and showcase our fantastic products and as a keen cyclist the cyclepath is the perfect way to start a fantastic day out” said Roger Jones, CEO of Bath Ales.

Visitors to the South Gloucestershire show might also end up leaving with a job.

S&B automotive academy are helping sponsor the motoring village. The academy supplies

apprenticeship schemes for the automotive sector and will be on hand to talk to potential candidates.

It will also have interactive displays where visitors can show off diagnostic skills or race against the clock in a formula one style pit stop.

The show runs for two days, on the 2 and 3 August next year.

The South Gloucestershire Show wishes you a Merry Christmas and gives you all something to look forward to in the new year

We’re calling now for

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December, 2013

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Campaigners celebrate Frampton End Road closure to traffic THE long campaign to close Frampton End Road to motorised traffic has ended in success after the Frome Vale Area Forum approved the Traffic Regulation Order to close the road to motorised traffic and introduce a 20mph speed limit.

Local residents have long argued that the narrow road, often used as a rat run, was too dangerous for cars to use.

Campaigner Nick Carver said, “It has been a long journey but we have finally achieved what we set out to do. I would like to thank everyone involved for their help and support.”.

The lanes will now be closed near The Barn, Iron Acton, near Chestnut Farm, Mayshill and near the sharp bends at the Frampton Cotterell end.

Details of how the closure points will be secured and access given to those who need it, such as the emergency services and utilities, will be finalised by officers.

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December, 2013

Winterbourne youth centre secures grant MONEY has been awarded to a local youth centre to help fund an Art and Cafe project.

Councillors from the Frome Vale Area Forum meeting have allocated £1,602 towards the initiative at Fromeside Youth Centre.

Members said they were particularly impressed that the ideas had come from the young people themselves.

The cafe project will enable young people to get more involved with running the cafe at the centre, hopefully helping some of them to find employment.

The money represents 20% of the funding, with 80% coming from the Southern Bookes Area Forum which covers Winterbourne.

Meanwhile there was good news for children who go to Frampton Cotterell C of E School. after councillors agreed funding for interim boiler work at the school..

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Frampton Festival already tuning up for 2014 IT MAY be more than half a year away, but organisers of the The Frampton Festival are already looking ahead to the 2014 event.

The Festival committee will be meeting just after Christmas to start looking at next year’s event.

The Centenary Field is already booked for Saturday 19th July and organisers are beginning to look at what might make it into the day’s programme.

Michelle Dickson, who heads the committee says they’d liketo show off local talent.

“We would really like to hear from any local bands that would like to play, any choirs to sing, or local dance troupes that could do a short show. Anyone local, but especially from Frampton Cotterell, who would like to perform on stage is welcome to get in touch”.

“The festival committee would love to give them the opportunity to promote themselves, entertain the community, and have a

brilliant time in the process” Those interested, can email Michelle at michelle@ framptonfestival.co.uk with any links and other information.

Michelle says they’re are also looking for more helpers to come onto the committee and help plan the day.

“We would especially like some youngsters to give us a few ideas on what they and their friends would like to include on the day”.

The date of the first meeting will be posted shortly on the festivals Facebook page at www. facebook.com/FramptonFestival.

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Winterbourne parking row continues South Gloucestershire Council did not make the decision to take away 11 short term shoppers spaces because when I wrote to them about the loss of these spaces they assured me they had not made the decision and knew nothing about it.

I therefore wrote to the Parish Council whole said they were not responsible as the car park belonged to South Glos Council.

I should therefore like to know who sent the little man with the paint brush to alter the markings in the car park.

I think I can make an educated guess.

D. Forsey Winterbourne.

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A roundabout for Winterbourne?

Has there ever been a thought about making the island in front of the George & Dragon into a Roundabout ?

Looking at a Google Earth picture of the site, it seems to be so easy to adapt the current situation.

The only change being making the High Street southbound traffic go past the front of the Co-op.

The pedestrian crossing to remain where it is now, but become a light controlled Pelican crossing.

Keith Isherwood

In support of a Coalpit Heath Sainsbury’s I know a lot of pensioners who don’t drive would like a Sainsbury near by and able to walk to the shop. We can’t always get what we want in local shops. We have not got a butchers.

There is a petition in the local shops against opening Sainsbury’s but I think a lot of

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people would like to have a Sainsbury’s. The local shops do not always have what you want.

Jean Twining, Frampton

A call to arms over the future of Frenchay Hospital South Gloucestershire Council Public Health and Health Scrutiny Committee have voted to refer the contentious issue of Frenchay Community Hospital with 68 beds, outpatient clinics and diagnostics, to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health.

He may then refer the matter to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel – an independent panel of experts – for the Panel’s advice to guide his decision. We welcome this decision.

At present, South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (SGCCG) have told us they have no intention of providing our longawaited community hospital we have waited so long for over the last nine years.

Instead, they want to provide 68 beds in a private nursing

December, 2013 home facility without outpatient clinics and diagnostics.

Already patients are being discharged locally into nursing homes if they are too unwell to go home.

Our view is that the CCG proposal is not equivalent to a community hospital.

The proposal for a community hospital has twice received formal approval, in 2005 and again in 2010.

The SGCCG argue that there is no money and yet £118million was accumulated by NHS South West in 2012 as a ‘surplus’ to be spent in the South West health community. There is money.

We will continue to fight for safe, proper care for the residents of South Gloucestershire and Bristol until we get the community hospital we so badly need.

Without a fight, the entire county of South Gloucestershire will have no acute or intermediate care beds within its boundary.

This is not acceptable.

Barbara Harris – Spokesperson, Save Frenchay Community Hospital Group

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fromevalleyvoice follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice 9 When things go bump in the Rangeworthy’s female singers take night, who you gonna call?

A former pub being renovated The group use a device country by storm may have some ghostly patrons known as a K2 Meter that they December, 2013

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lingering for one last pint.

The Star in Frampton Cotterell is a building that is dark and gloomy as renovations are currently taking place.

However, that didn’t stop members of the South Gloucestershire Paranormal Investigation Team (SGPIT) spending a night in the disused pub, aiming to send any ghosts that still remain towards the great beyond.

Marlene Davis, a member of the SGPIT and an old hand at holding vigils, tells me that yes, “we have got spirits here, but we did a clean sweep and sent them on their way”.

Members of SGPIT

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claim lights up when in the presence of spiritual activity.

Through yes or no questions, the group say they can find out about the spirits when the meter lights up by way of an answer.

The team can then send them off.

“We link hands, concentrate, and tell them to go towards the white” Marlene says. “We were talking about the building’s history, about the old days, and the meter lit up like a Christmas tree”.

The team says the ghosts that were present in the building include Molly, a cleaner that used to sit in her chair by the fire, several Civil War soldiers that had come from battle – Frampton is a village that likely supported the King during the English Civil War - and a ten year old boy named Johnny.

FRESH from success in a national competition, a Rangeworthy based ladies a-cappella chorus is set to celebrate Christmas with a new show.

Fascinating Rhythm are performing their Winter Celebration show at the Yate International Academy on 14 December at 7.30pm. The show also features a small group from the chorus “Rhythm Mix” as well as the quartets “Jigsaw” and “Havoc” It also features “Junior FR” which is devoted to developing the talent of young girls aged between 6-14 years.

Fascinating Rhythm were recently placed fifth in the national Ladies Association of British Barbershop competition in Llandudno.

They are also holding their annual “Learn to Sing” workshop which will be held at the Castle School Thornbury on 18 January.

Fascinating Rhythm say all ladies are welcome to this-whatever their age or level of ability

Reporting by Matt Evans

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December, 2013

Sports community acts to try and stamp out the curse of dog fouling AS FRAMPTON Cotterell’s sports teams stride out to do battle at the weekends, there’s a lot of kit to carry with them.

Along with the spare balls and the magic sponge there’s another essential bit of kit: the dog poo spade.

Increasingly dog mess on Croosbow playing fields and Beesmoor Road playing fields is causing disruption to games, and posing a serious health risk to those taking part in sport.

Nigel Smith, the ViceChairman of the rugby club has first had experience.

“There is an issue with dog mess, there’s no doubt about that. Actually quantifying it is quite difficult because it’s largely anecdotal. I know I was at a second team game about three weeks ago and the game stopped five times to clear mess off one pitch, so there’s a considerable amount down there”.

Phil Brockwell coaches the under 9’s rugby side and has similar grim experiences.

“We coach over the back here on Wednesday night where it’s floodlit, and if we are just playing training drills we don’t get all the floodlights on so it’s a semi lit pitch, you’re not even noticing it’s there. I’ve got dogs so I bring poo bags down with us and I probably do four or five just in a 40x40m area” It’s just as bad for the junior footballers of Frampton Rangers.

Coach Martha Farrell says its the same every week. “I have go around with a bag and pick it all up because we normally train on the ‘bench’ pitch over by the wall and it’s probably one of the worse places on the fields to be, it’s covered”.

“We’ve even had dogs come over whilst we are training and poo right in the middle of all of them. It’s not a good place to train”.

The tennis and cricket clubs are also backing the campaign, although they say the problem seems to be less in the summer.

Down at Beesmoor Playing Fields, Roger Nelmes is a fixture with Frampton Athletic, and is often seen keeping the park trim. “It can be horrendous.

Sometimes on a Saturday they walk the pitch and pick up anything between twenty and

thirty dog feces and they still get stopped during the game. This the time of year it’s getting bad, in the winter, where people come to the gate and let their dogs go”.

“It’s been going on in the village for years now. I’ve been involved with football in the village for forty years and it’s been an ongoing thing ever since. It’s time to stop pussyfooting around and do something about it”.

Something is being done about it. The Parish Council is working with the sports clubs to act decisively. A working group has already met twice and a recent council meeting also heard from South Glos Council and the Police.

Action is being taken on several fronts. As is evident on the facing page, a publicity campaign has been launched to try and educate irresponsible dog owners.

More concrete action is also likely to be taken. It’s understood that a Dog Control Order is on the agenda, which would require all dogs to be kept on a lead.

It’s also been proposed that a part-time, weekend dog warden is employed by the parish council, with the sports clubs contributing to the costs.

The dog poo left on the fields isn’t just unpleasant, it’s a serious health risk. Toxocariasis found in dog mess can blind those who come into contact with it.

The police have no power to issue fines on the matter, that is the responsibility of the local

United in Action: Phil Cordy (cricket), Carol Shield (tennis), Nigel Smith (rugby), Martha Farrell (football) and Rosemary Moss (tennis) with young players at The Park

whatever other reason, so I think it’s a matter for education first and then those that don’t wish to be educated or don’t see the point in it will then have the law enforced.

The Green Dog Walker Scheme is already in action and has signed up 100 walkers to

“We spend half our life doing health and safety courses to make sure they’re not getting bruises and then we are putting them into an area where we can blind them”. authority. Local beat officer Finbar Simmons attended the recent council meeting and expressed concern that a confrontational approach to offenders could cause problems.

That view was echoed

by Roger Poole, a former policeman himself who is South Gloucestershire’s education and enforcement officer on the issue.

He told the Voice’ “I think the vast number of people who allow their dogs to foul do so perhaps accidentally, they’re distracted by friends who are talking or for

help educate dog owners in a non-confrontational way.

However the sports people in the village have welcomed the new plans. Phil Cordy, the secretary of Frampton Cotterell Cricket Club feels that any action needs to be legally binding.

“Personally I’d like to see a bylaw brought in so all dogs have to be kept on leads, I think that’s the best way to do it. I’ve got a dog myself and I wouldn’t let my dog just go running off doing what he wanted because I just couldn’t keep an eye on him all the time”.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

Martha Farrell feels keeping the parks clean shouldn’t be such a struggle “Owners just need to be responsible. I’ve got a dog and where I take my dog for walk I always pick up whether it’s long grass, rough grass, concrete - it’s not hard. You put bags in your pocket and you pick it up. They just seem to think it’s a big open space, let them go”.

It’s not just the dog mess that worries the clubs, it’s also out of control dogs. Recently a young referee was bitten by a dog.

In another incident two dogs were fighting next to 5 and 6 year old children.

As Nigel Smith says, “somebody’s going to get badly hurt down there, whether it’s from a dog bite or disease from dog mess”.

Phil Brockwell adds, “We spend half our life doing health and safety courses to make sure they’re not getting bruises and then we are putting them into an area where we can blind them”.

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Frampton Cotterell Parish Council

Stop Dog Fouling

Report It Pick up that poo or pick up a fine!

Anybody not clearing up after their dog is liable to a fixed penalty notice of £50 or prosecution with a fine of up to £1000.

If you see somebody not clearing up after their dog, please record as much information as you can about the incident. The information that the dog warden will need to know will include: n A description of the person and their dog. n Where the incident occurred n Time and date of incident. n Details leading up to the incident e.g. was the dog off the lead; was the dog being supervised; was the owner distracted by anything. n Registration and vehicle make if they arrived by car. n Did anyone else witness the incident? n Have you seen this person regularly walking their dog in this area?

Information can be sent to the Council’s Contact Centre by e.mail Streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or telephone 01454 868370/864442. Alternatively you can report incidents on-line on the Council’s website www.southglos.gov.uk.

Green Dog Walker Scheme Green Dog Walkers is a nonconfrontational, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling.

Members are asked to wear a Green Dog Walker armband; lead sleeve or carry a bag with the dog symbol on.

This means they have taken the pledge to : n Always clean up after their dog. n Carry extra doggie bags. n Gladly give you a bag for your dog just ask .

If you would like to join the Green Dog Walkers Scheme please contact Villageaction@blueyonder.co.uk or the Parish Council on 01454 868370

To all the law abiding dog owners we would like to say thank you for continuing to help keep our streets and fields clean.

This child and this man have Toxocariasis, they have contracted it from dog excrement, without treatment they may lose their sight, they may already have limited vision.

It could be you or your child!

12

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk December, 2013 Bakery job no bar to Seasonal market set to return loosing 4 stones to Frampton next year.

T: 01454 800 120

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SHE may work at the renowned to her weight loss - she can now Hobbs House Bakery in Chipping get into a pair of skinny jeans, Sodbury, but being surrounded something she describes as her by tasty treats has been no proudest moment of the year. obstacle to loosing weight for one local mum.

Julie Bryant has lost 4st since February, and in the process has dramatically improved her health.

Julie was type 2 diabetic, but thanks to her new eating regime, she is clear of the disease.

She’s now been named ‘Miss Slinky 2013’ by the Slimming World group she attends in Frampton Cotterell.

Her 13 year old daughter has gone along with her mum and has lost 1.5st.

Apart from the Julie Bryant receives her award from health benefits, Julie Lisa Bryant of Slimming World says there have been other upsides

A German style Christmas market is likely to become an annual affair after the first event proved to be a big success.

The market was held in the car park of the Live and Let Live pub on Clyde Road at the end of November It provided local craftspeople with a chance to show off their wares as the festive period loomed.

As well as providing the space for the market, the pub also got into the spirit of the event, serving mulled cider The event was organised by Rebecca Bailey-Price, a Frampton Cotterell resident who runs Poppito.com, an online marketplace for homemade crafts.

She said she was delighted with the way the evening had gone.

“We have had a lovely time, and it’s been a big success. Lots of people came to support the event and we’re hopeful that this could become a fixture on the local Christmas calendar.”

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Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

fromevalleyvoice follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice 13 Christmas celebration as the Editor required for local publication (not Medieval Barn looks ahead this one, St Saviour’s church magazine....)

December, 2013 E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Winterbourne Medieval Barn hosts its last event of 2013 buoyed in the knowledge that 2014 should be an easier year.

Several events this year had to be cancelled because of parking problems, but with the resolution of the issue, the charity that runs the historic building can enjoy the ‘Carols in the Barn’.

The event, in conjunction with St Michael’s Church,will be on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December at 4pm. The gates open at 3.30pm so that visitors can collect a cup of mulled wine or juice and a mince pie, which is all included in

the ticket price of £2 for adults and £1 for children. They can be obtained from Daisy’s Cafe on Flaxpits Lane or by ringing 01454 774479, The Barn is an unheated medieval agricultural building and organisers are asking people to wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear.

Those arriving by car are asked to enter Church Lane from the Beacon Lane end only (exiting later onto Winterbourne High Street).

Further information about the event can be found on the website www.winterbournebarn. org.uk

I Slimming World I Slimming World

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

A CHURCH in Coalpit Heath is searching for someone to edit the parish magazine.

St Saviour’s Church on Badminton Road is hoping to find somebody who can bring new life to the publication.

At the moment, the church magazine is being looked after by one of the Church Wardens after the editor of ten years had to step down because of ill

health.

Churchwarden Andrew Brander says he hopes there may be somebody in the community who could help.

“It might be an older person whose children have left home or a student studying Media Studies; who knows”.

If you are interested, contact Andrew on 01454 882867 or 0797 197 6544.

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T: 01454 800 120

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has also been shown to be very bad for people’s physical and mental health, with the impact of prolonged isolation being compared to the effect on health of being a chain smoker.

I therefore very much welcome the setting up of a new charity designed to provide some human interaction for older people on their own.

Steve Webb MP writes for Frome Valley Voice At this time of year many older people in our communities will be spending more time at home on their own.

A combination of bad weather and winter bugs can leave many people stuck at home for days at a time, sometimes with very little human company.

Regrettably, loneliness is a growing feature of our modern society, especially with people often living a long distance away from other family members, and it is a particular issue in the winter. Loneliness

The charity has been set up by TV personality Esther Rantzen, famous for her work back in the 1980s in establishing Childline.

This new charity is called the Silver Line and is designed to be a free and confidential telephone help and advice line for pensioners, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The service has been trialled in some parts of the country and has been a big success, with one service user saying that their conversation with the Silverline volunteer made them feel ‘like a member of the human race again’.

One of the good things about the new service is that it

December, 2013

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is possible for people to link up with a named volunteer who will arrange to make a weekly call back, so people don’t speak to a different person every time but build up a relationship with a specific person.

One of the users of the service in the pilot areas said that they now count their Silverline phone contact person as among their best friends.

Clearly it would be better if services of this sort were not needed, and I know that we can all do more to look out for older people living alone in our own communities.

But I also recognise that some older people may be proud and reluctant to admit how they feel to a friend or neighbour and might prefer to speak to a stranger.

I am therefore pleased to support the Silver Line and wish it every success. The free telephone number for those who wish to call, whether for a chat or some help or advice, is 0800 4 70 80 90, and the website for the charity is www. thesilverline.org.uk

Pub doing its bit to beat drink driving A NOVEL way to cut out the temptations of drink driving over the Christmas period has been unveiled by a Frampton Cotterell pub.

The Live and Let Live is offering anybody who books an evening meal a free taxi ride to and from the pub.

People taking part in the offer have to live within three miles of the pub and be a party of four with a minimum spend of £12 per person on food.

Helpers needed for Beaver Scouts The 1st Winterbourne Beaver Scouts are looking for helpers.

Anyone interested should be over 18, but no experience is necessary. If you are interested, you can contact the Group Scout Leader on 01454 775024 for an informal chat or email winterbournesmgsl@ cotswoldedge.org.uk

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Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2013

E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

R EC ET H!

S

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SHH

IM ME

WEIGHT loss to date 9 lbs IT SEEMS as though my life has become a life dominated by numbers. Ignoring the rather large number that is my weight, there are a whole host of other numbers swimming around in my head.

Some of these numbers are numbers to celebrate, like the lovely number 9 just above. Other numbers I am not prepared to share, like the number of pounds I need to lose to reach target and then there are the numbers that dominate my everyday thinking...my ‘syns’.

I am not able to reach for anything that may have wafted past - some fat or sugar - without my daughter asking ‘how many syns in that?’

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

What is more terrifying is the speed at which I can reply.

Two fingered Kit Kat -6, slice of wholemeal bread - 6, pint of lager - 9, bottle of wine 27 and fish and chips is a number too obscene to share!

Syns are my daily allowance of treats and should be celebrated, however they are limits to the number of syns I should consume each day, if I want to lose weight that is.

Which means that much of my time is spent totting up the number of syns I have eaten that day There are decisions to be made about how best to ‘spend’ my syns and believe me there are days when these decisions are hard.

Not all is about numbers in Slimming World though, as many foods have no value at all. They are syn free and make up the bulk of my daily diet. One of these foods is Quark.

I suggest you ask people around you if they have ever eaten Quark, or if they are even able to tell you what it is. One month ago I had never heard of it, now it is a fridge staple.

I have to admit it took ages to find in the supermarket and

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even the shop assistants looked at me blankly when I asked for directions.

Luckily an internet search had identified it as a pasteurised cheese so my searching was confined to the chillers. On discovering it, however there was more than a little disappointment.

I love cheese, some of them have great names, like Stinking Bishop or Wensleydale. Quark, despite its great name is not quite in the same category of the cheeses I love.

It tastes a little strange and really would not cut the mustard on a wine and cheese evening, but it is syn free and in my world of numbers that is what really counts.

Quark has made an interesting addition to a fish pie, pasta bake and on a crisp bread (this I would not recommend).

I am slowly getting used to its presence in my fridge and the taste has grown on me. It is a little daily reminder that for the immediate future my life is about numbers and Quark is free and so will be appearing in my shopping trolley for some time.

Sometimes, however the numbers can go wrong, as

15

I discovered recently. My A-Level maths didn’t help when I miscalculated, resulting in a few days of over indulgence of syns and disappointing weight loss.

Mistake put to one side I am back on track, living comfortably within my 15 a day habit of syns.

Sometimes I even save a few up for a special treat. Tonight I am off to find out if my hard work has paid off.

A trip to weigh in feels very comfortable now and I am expecting a night full of numbers.

Hopefully a slightly smaller number when I stand on the scales meaning a lovely large number for my weight loss.

Numbers are not such a bad thing to be dominating my life right now. Without my number counting I would not be 9lbs lighter and seriously debating how long until I can buy a smaller pair of jeans.

Also, there is of course the numbers counting down until Christmas. This I approach with mixed feelings, a time that is traditionally one of over indulgence and festive fun. Wish me luck as I try to keep track of the numbers, I think I might need it!

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December Friday 6th

Christmas Carols for the Homeless. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down. 2. – 4.30pm. Drop in for mince tarts, tea or coffee and a ‘carol singa-long’. Non-perishable food, toiletries, warm clothing will be given to Caring at Christmas.

Cash Donations will be given to The Julian Trust.

Christmas Tree Festival for WaterAid, St Peters 3.30 - 7pm

Saturday 7th

Jumble Sale, The Pavilion (next to Crossbow House). 10-2pm.

Proceeds to 2nd Frampton Cotterell Cubs.

Table Top Sale, Coalpit Heath Village Hall, 2 - 4pm. Tables £5.

07920 145352 Christmas Tree Festival for WaterAid, St Peters Church 3.30 - 7pm ‘A Taste of Christmas’, St Saviours Church. Food and entertainment. £6.50. Tel. 778229

Sunday 8th

Christmas Tree Festival for WaterAid, St Peter’s Church 2 - 4pm

Monday 9th

Short Strolls or 3.5 mile Walk, start St Peters Church 10.20am Crossbow Singers’ Christmas Concert Crossbow House, 7.30pm, £6. Tel. 772675

Tuesday 10th

Crossbow Singers’ Christmas Concert Crossbow House, 7.30pm, £6. Tel. 887885 Safer Stronger Community Group 7.30pm at Manor Hall, Coalpit Heath.

Wed 11th

Carers’ Club, Zion Church 2 – 4pm. For more information tel.

775786 or 886925 Winterbourne Players, New Members Night. 8.00pm Community Centre, Watleys End Road

Thu 12th

‘Big Christmas Sing’

www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2013

Have you got an event you would like to publicise?

Do you run a club or society in the Frome Valley area?

Send details of your events or activities to richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800120 We will make sure thousands of people in the area get to hear about it Community Choirs, Peter’s Church, 7-9pm.

Come and sing or listen to Christmas songs and have fun!

In aid if Christian Aid.

Fri 13th

Brass Band Concert, St Peters Church

Sat 14th

Carols in the Barn, 3.30pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn.

Tickets £2 adult / £1 child;in advance only tel.774479 Fascinating Rhythm; ‘Winter Celebration’. Yate International Academy. 7pm for 7.30. £8/£5 children. available from Chloe Roberts on 07719368701 or email chloe-tony@hotmail.co.uk

First Monday of the month, (except for Bank Holidays on the second Monday).

1st Winterbourne Down and Buryside Beavers Scouts 5pm until 6:30pm at the Scout hut on Green Dragon Road, Winterborne.

1st Winterbourne Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Meet Monday evenings in St. Michael’s Room. winterbournesmgsl@ cotswoldedgescouts.org.uk 01454 775024 North Road Ladies, Iron Action Parish Hall, 7.30, every first Monday.

Women’s Fellowship Zion

Church Hall 2.30p.m.- 3.45 (from the middle of September) Programme of speakers, choirs etc., followed by a cup of tea.

50p per week. For more details ring Pat Lax 886830 Iron Acton WI Iron Acton Parish Hall, 7.30, second Monday of month.

Crossbow Singers, Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 7.30.

Winterbourn Down Border Morris Morris Dancing, All Saint’s Church Hall, 8.15pm

Tuesday

Rhymetime. Winterbourne Library. 9.30 – 10am. Rhymes and songs for parents and

Sun 15th

Carols in the Barn, 3.30pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn.

Tickets £2 adult / £1 child, includes mulled wine and mince pies, in advance only tel.774479

Tue 24th

Crib Service, St Peters church, 4pm & 5pm

Regular events Monday

Toddler Group 9.30-11.30am (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781.

Open Door bereavement suport group. 10.30-12.00 every first Monday., St Peter’s Church Baby Group 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781.

Memory Cafe, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 2pm - 4pm 1st Monday of month.

Scrabble, The Community Centre, Winterbourne, 2- 4.30pm Manor Hall Gardening & Social Club The Manor Hall 2.-3.30pm.

To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

Gloucestershire’s award winning all female acappella chorus invite you to their

featuring

Saturday 14th December 2013

Yate International Academy

Doors & Bar open 7pm Start 7.30 pm Roberts on 07719368701 or email chloe-tony@hotmail.co.uk

Don't forget our One Day Harmony Singing Workshop

Saturday 18th January 2014, Castle School Thornbury. 10am-4pm.

Email: sales@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

December, 2013 E: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk babies/toddlers to enjoy together.

Slimming World 9.30 The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

Tel Becca 07721 907780 Knit and Natter The Beacon@ Zion United Church. 10am 12noon. Contact Mary Thexton 01454 850704 Yate Visually Impaired Group.

Yate Fire Station 2.30 pm every other Tuesday Contact Gay Williams 01454 321749 gab56@ btinternet.com Winterbourne Ladies, The Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 7.30 -10pm, second Tuesday of month.

Crossbow Bridge Club, Crossbow House. 7.30pm Slimming World 7.30 Elm Park School, Winterbourne. Tel Becca 07721 907780 Centre Squares (dancing).

Winterbourne Comunity Centre 7.45pm Frampton Cotterell WI. Crossbow House, 7.45, fourth Tuesday of month Folk Dancing. Crossbow House, Frampton Cotterell. 8.30 -10.30pm, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of month.

Wednesday

Pre School Storytime.

fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Winterbourne Library 9.30 – 10.00am, term time only.

Silver Chords Group.

Every other Weds, Mason’s View Community Centre Winterbourne. 1.45pm.

Entertainment and coach trips.

Contact Doreen 01454 776484.

Winterbourne Police Beat Post. Greenfield Centre 2pm 3pm Slimming World 7.30pm Frampton Cotterell Cof E School.

Tel Lisa 07815 759118 Coalpit Heath WI. Church Hall of St Saviours Church, Coalpit Heath. First Wednesday of each month. 7.45pm Winterbourne Community Centre, The Winterbourne Players, 8.00 pm, Community Centre, Watleys End Road. More info, Brian 07792 656689.

Thursday

Probus. The Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 10am, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of month Manor Day Centre, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne, 10 - 2pm Praise and Play. All Saints’ Church Hall Winterbourne Down 10-12 during term times. For pre-school children and their parents/carers

follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice

Stay & Play, 1-3pm (termtime) Winterbourne Early Years Centre, Greenfield Centre, Park Ave, Winterbourne. For more information call Helen 01454 773781.

Tiny Tots. 2.00-3.00pm,St Peter’s Church, St John’s Ambulance. St Saviour’s Hall, Beesmoor Road.

6.15 - 9pm (term time).

Steam Engine Club, Miners Club, Coalpit Heath. 7pm, last Thursday of month.

Line dancing. Iron Acton Parish Hall, High St, Iron Acton. New beginners, 7.20pm. Improvers, 8.30pm. www.laughterinline.com Winterbourne Musical Theatre.

Winterbourne Community Association, 7.30pm.

Winterbourne Flower Club. St Michaels Rooms, Winterbourne 7.30pm, 1st (Practice) and 3rd (Demonstration) Thursdays of each month.

Further information call 01454 776753 Winterbourne Evening Women’s Institute St. Michael’s Rooms in Winterbourne at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of every month except August Crossbow Camera Club Crossbow House, 8pm, every Thursday (from September).

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Contact Mike Challenger 07833316081 Bingo British Legion Club Ryecroft Road, Frampton Cotterell. 8.15pm.Free entry

Friday

St James The Less Parent and Toddler Group, The Marshall Rooms, Iron Acton. 10.30 12.30 term times.

Frome Valley Art Group Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

1pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 9.00pm Frampton Cotterell Male Voice Choir, St. Saviour’s Hall, Coalpit Heath, 7.30pm – 9.00pm. New members welcomed, no audition, Call Paul Crook 01454 851656.

Saturday

Brockeridge Quilters, Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne.

10am to 4pm, third Saturday of the month.

Bingo Open7/00pm,Bingo 8/00pm Music & Dancing from 8/30pm-11/30pm Every Saturday night.(£4/00)

Sunday

Japanese Embroidery Class Greenfield Centre, Winterbourne 9.30am to 4pm, (monthly).

Contact: Jo Tripp 01454 850147.

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KEVIN COX has become a familiar face around many gardens in the Frome Valley.

With his fleet of distinctive vans, the Winterbourne resident been tending to peoples homes and businesses in the area for some time.

We caught up with the garden designer and landscaper to find out more about what makes him, and his business tick.

How did you become a Landscape Gardener ?

My parents had a nursery in North Devon, so plants have always been part of my life from a small boy How long have you done

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December, 2013

this job?

I started in the Landscaping business exactly 20 years ago Whats the best thing about the job?

I love seeing a transformed garden, lawn or patio - the end results.

And the worst?

Getting up on a cold wet winters day knowing you have to work outside.

How do you make sure you stand out from the crowd?

Being conscientious and not rushing the job I believe helps and also gains trust What qualities do you need for the job ?

You do really need to be proficient in many skills. Plant knowledge is not a prerequisite and can be learnt as you go along.

Plans for the business 2014?

I’d like to try and increase the amount of maintenance work around premises such as care homes and the like, so as not to have quiet periods.

K Cox Landscapes Gardens from Design to Completion Our services include: Landscaping, Garden Redesign, Patios, Planting, Turfing, Decking and Block Paving.

We also specialise in:

Commercial Landscape Maintenance Providing an excellent service whenever you need it.

Telephone: 01454 774292 or Mobile 07747 385681

e-mail: kevincox@hotmail.co.uk Little Harcombe, Hicks Common Road, Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1EJ

December, 2013

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Christmas bazaar is more than a bit of fun for Crossbow pre-school FOR many people visiting it, the Crossbow Preschool Christmas Bazaar is just another festive appointment amongst others.

But for organisers, it’s a crucial moment in the years calendar as it looks to keep the money rolling in to enable the preschool to function.

Steph Warren, part of the fundraising team says this months event is crucial.

“The main fundraiser for the year is the Christmas Bazaar.

This year we are hoping to raise

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funds for road safety equipment for the Preschool”.

“Following a series of near misses on the roads in Frampton Cotterell we want to make the children more road aware. We hope to build a mock road in the Preschool garden with some road signs where the children can practice being drivers and pedestrians.”

The Preschool Christmas Bazaar is on the 14th December from 10 until 12.30 at St. Peter’s Hall.

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Mystery of mural is solved

A FROME Valley Voice reader has come forward to solve the mystery of the mural found during building work at the former Star pub on Church Road.

Developer Andy Cake has been working at the pub which is to be converted into flats. He discovered the painting on the wall of the old stable building and wanted to find out its history.

Stewart Lewis saw the article in last month’s paper and contacted us to solve the mystery.

He says the painting dates back to around 1990 when the building was being used as a children’s bar for the local Scouts.

Stewart worked the bar at the tender age of 14 and says the landlord at the time painted the images.

Stewart left his mark as well though. He painted a picture of the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles on the front of the bar from the design on a crisp packet.

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December, 2013

Police crack down over drink Burglars target elderly in run related crime at Christmas AVON and Somerset Police have launched a Christmas campaign to crack down on drink-related issues over the festive period.

At this time of year around one in every five arrests are for assaults and a significant number of these are drink related.

The police are aiming to raise awareness of this type of incident to help reduce the number of offences on the run-up to Christmas as well as tackling the number of offences for issues such as criminal damage and public disorder.

The campaign is part of the annual ‘Have the Christmas You Deserve’ campaign and this year it is asking people to think about the Christmas message they want to send.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said: “We want people to be sending positive messages to their friends and family at this time of year and enjoying Christmas,

not having to phone their loved ones to tell them they’ve been arrested and spent the night in police custody.”

Over the festive period there will be an increased police presence out and about in town and city centres on busy nights as well as a range of other measures, such as specific operations to target drug misuse and patrols.

Officers will also be visiting bars, pubs, off licences and other venues to issue posters which remind people that a drunken night can have a big impact on the individual, and the people around them, if it leads to violence or disorder.

ACC Bangham said: “The types of offences we are looking to highlight are ones that can be prevented. If we can encourage people to think about the outcomes of irresponsible behaviour and drunkenness and help prevent them from doing something they regret, then it’s better for everyone.

“Thankfully the number of offences of all types that we deal with on busy nights is relatively low. However, we would like to see this reduce even further.”

Neighbourhood police teams will also be attending shopping events and other daytime activities on the run-up to Christmas to remind residents and visitors about protecting their belongings.

At this time of year, especially when shopping areas are busy and people are out of their normal routine, police are urging people to make sure they secure their belongings when out and about and take a few simple measures to help secure their homes at night or when they are away.

ACC Bangham said: “We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas. Our message is to enjoy yourselves but to celebrate responsibly and make sure you spend the festive period with your friends and family and not with the police.”

up to Christmas THE ELDERLY are being urged to take precautions around their homes after a series of burglaries where older people are being targeted.

Police say the method is generally to force a rear door or window.

The offences are occurring between 7pm and 11pm in the evening, mostly on week days.

The police believe this is because they are not only identifying properties as having elderly occupiers but also because occupants are leaving the light on and the curtains open.

They are encouraging residents to make sure all doors and windows are locked and all curtains drawn.

If anyone sees any suspicious activity, please call the Police on 999.

Mariner’s View Cottage Weymouth 2-bedroomed holiday cottage by the sea

Smallmouth Bay 5 minutes walk from the cottage The cottage overlooks Portland Harbour, Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, with the South Coast path passing close to the front door.

Mariner's View is equipped with everything you could possibly need, and children are well catered for with a high chair, travel cot, stair gate and toy box.

There is free WiFi internet connection, and Smart TV for any rainy days.

Plan a short break at the New Year, or Easter, or any time from now to the end of May on any days of your choosing. Or even book a full week's holiday.

See lots of photos, further information and facility for online booking on the web site:

www.marinersviewcottage.com Email: info@marinersviewcottage.com Or phone Pat on 01454 774645 To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 0r 07815 201991.

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21

Learning to satisfy the most demanding diners Coalpit Heath mum sets up cookery school to help wean babies A COALPIT Heath mum has set up her own cookery school with a difference -it caters for babies.

Meals for Squeals cookery school in Badminton Road aims to teach parents to whip up tasty, healthy meals for their baby or toddler.

The school is run by Jackie Novels, formerly of Good Housekeeping magazine, who grew up in the area.

She set up Meals for Squeals after thinking up new recipes while weaning her baby twins, Alex and Sam, onto solid foods.

The cookery school runs three-hour courses aimed at all stages of baby weaning, from first tastes right up to meals for toddlers.

Jackie grew up locally in Frampton Cotterell, attending the Ridings High School in Winterbourne, before moving away to London to join Good Housekeeping magazine.

She worked as a domestic expert in the Good Housekeeping Institute – and it was there that she picked up many of the skills she is now putting into practice, teaching parents to cook tasty, healthy meals for their children.

She moved back to Bristol eight years ago and married her husband, Lee, 41, who works as an IT Consultant.

“I’ve had to devise numerous

new recipes while weaning my twins, which I can now share with other parents at the cookery school. Hopefully it will give parents the confidence to serve up some home-cooked meals to their children, and have fun in the process.”

Jackie, 36, said: “There’s a lot of pressure on parents to give their baby a good start in life, but much of the advice out there about weaning is conflicting.

“Meals for Squeals is about making easy recipes that your baby will enjoy – not about trekking to a specialist shop to buy ingredients you’d never normally have in the house.

“Our cookery courses are suitable for everyone, from absolute beginners in the kitchen to experienced cooks who’d like some new ideas for what to feed their children.

“We hope to give parents the confidence to serve up some home-cooked meals to their children, and have fun in the process. And students will take away the recipes we make on the day to put in their freezer at home.”

Parents can pick a Meals for Squeals cookery course to match the weaning stage their child is at: first tastes of vegetables and fruit; introducing their baby to meat and fish; moving on to lumpy textures; finger foods for their baby to feed himself;

Got News? Call Richard 0n 01454 800 120 or 07815 201991

or toddler meals to keep them fuelled once they’re on the move.

The school also offers courses on baby-led weaning, where your baby feeds himself right from the start.

Jackie admits it was a huge learning curve when she and her husband Lee were faced with not one hungry baby but two.

“Alex was happy to eat anything given to him from the start as long as it was on a spoon.

“He was more wary about things he needed to feed himself, particularly if they felt squidgy in his hand such as banana or cucumber.

“He used to squeeze out the juice then throw it on the floor -

he still does sometimes if he’s in a grumpy mood.

“Sam was the opposite - he was always happy to try things that he could pick up, but sometimes clamped his mouth shut for other foods.

“I needed to find a middle ground that worked for both of them - for example by changing the order of meals so sometimes we did finger foods first to ease Sam into it, and sometimes we did purees first to ease Alex into the meal.

“They both hated potato for the first few months - the only food I’ve found that they haven’t liked. Their favourite recipe is a prawn curry that I now teach on the Lumps & Bumps cookery course at the cookery school.”

Jackie said Lee has been a great support, introducing his own tweaked dishes to their now one-year-old boys.

“Lee’s had to be a very hands-on dad from the start because we’ve always needed to look after a baby each,” she said.

“He’s enjoyed adapting his favourite recipes to make them suitable for babies - the boys love his chilli. And he steals some of the food meant for the boys - particularly when I make them rice pudding!”

The cookery school also runs cookery parties for groups of friends with babies of a similar age, such as antenatal groups and postnatal groups.

For dates and times of the cookery courses, go to www. mealsforsqueals.co.uk

Email: richard@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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WITH the M&S advert ‘Believe in Magic and Sparkle’ and the John Lewis epic ‘The Bear and the Hare’, with its almost biblical imagery of creatures who would naturally be at different ends of the food chain, settling down to enjoy Christmas in an atmosphere of peace and joy, providing each other with the ideal gift, I guess we can declare ‘The Christmas season’ has officially begun.

With the increased commercialisation and secularisation of this great ‘Christian’ festival, which actually for the record begins on 25th December and ends on 2nd February, it seems to me the major casualty has been the season of ‘Advent’.

When I was a child ‘Advent’

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had a wonder all of its own and that was not just the Advent Calendar lovingly opened each morning with the anticipation of what picture would be behind the door, sorry no chocolate treats then, or the Blue Peter ‘Advent Crown’ lovingly made from metal coat hangers, tinsel, sparkly baubals and four candles.

Advent’s specialness was created by the spiritual expectation and anticipation that we as humans were going to celebrate something special and truly amazing, an event to which presents on Christmas day was something of an added bonus!

‘Advent’ creates not only a time of reflection of our needs and the needs of our world, but also heightens the sense of awe and wonder, that something amazing has happened and continues to happen, God taking the time to intervene in our human existence, God entering in to our fragility, sharing our joy and our pain, our happiness and our sorrow.

It is my continued belief that the loss of this season of expectation and hope, this time of reflective preparation has seriously damaged Christmas and its true meaning of love and

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Revd Malcolm Strange.

Priest with responsibility for St Peter’s Frampton Cotterell celebration.

Now before I am accused of Scrooge like tendencies, I am not suggesting we cancel the party, far from it. I am just challenging us, that perhaps we could re-focus our time of preparation and not lose a time of personal reflection; after all in the business of our world and lives the one thing we all need is space.

Why do we let the commercial world run our lives so! In many countries throughout the world,

December, 2013 Christmas decorations are not put out until after the Feast of the ‘Immaculate Conception’, celebrated on December 8th, now wouldn’t that be lovely.

Enjoy your Christmas, share with those you love, take time to think of those who have little and remember at this very special time, just why we are coming together as family and community to celebrate.

If for some reason you have forgotten or you are caught up in the merry go round of commercial expectation then perhaps these words of Thorn M Shuman might help: “Maybe it is in the waiting for God, not in the wandering from store to store, that we find our way. Maybe it is in the friendship of God, not in the frenzy of the crowds, that we are led to the manger.

Maybe it is in the steadfast love of God, and not the pile of stuff under the tree,that we find what we have been searching for all our lives.

Maybe, just maybe, God of Advent, this year will be different.

Maybe, just maybe, we will let you lead us to Bethlehem.”

Have a Happy & Blessed Christmas

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23

Plans revealed for new Sainsbury’s store

Developers say consultation evening was great success

THE PEOPLE behind plans for a Sainsbury’s convenience store in the car park of the Badminton Arms pub say they’ve learnt a lot after a consultation evening was held in Coalpit Heath.

Representatives of the supermarket, Wadworth Brewery and the developer, Box Property Group were on hand to explain their plans to locals.

The planning application for the store was submitted to South Gloucestershire Council at the end of November, and a decision is expected to be made by March at the latest.

Nick Charlton a director of Box Property Group told Frome Valley Voice that the evening had led them to make minor changes to their plans: “We’ve taken account of as many concerns and comments as we could”.

He said for example some local people had been concerned about locating the shops bins outside and these will now be kept inside instead.

There were many people at the event who oppose the project, including local shopkeepers who have started a petition to try and stop the plans.

Mr Charlton though is sticking to his guns, claiming “the store is a real benefit to the town, I think it’s a good thing and we will press on”.

He revealed that Sainsbury’s has been in touch with other shopkeepers in the area to offer advice on growing their business alongside Sainsbury’s arrival.

Clockwise from top: an artists impression of the development. The plans. Developer Nick Charlton talks to locals. There was a good turn out at the pub for the consultation evening.

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December, 2013

Winterbourne theatre group Reward offered for stolen tools in search of new members

A WINTERBOURNE theatre group is holding a special evening to try and attract new members.

The Winterbourne Players have been putting on at least two productions every year for nearly 50 years but in order to continue, the group is in need of new members.

Brian Fisher, chairman of the Players said, “We’re a very friendly adult group but, for a variety of reasons, our membership has fallen in recent years –so we’re on the hunt for local talent”.

Brian says it’s not just actors they need. “If people just want to help out with set building, lighting, props or costumes then get in touch. If you have no previous experience, that’s okay, come along and we’ll ease you in gently. Of course we do need actors too – so if you’ve always fancied having a go but have never got round to it, give us a call” Recent productions have

Matt Evans reports

included everything from the classic ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ by Oscar Wilde to Amanda Whittington’s modern play ‘Ladies Day’.

The Winterbourne Players meet every Wednesday at 8.00 pm at the Community Centre, Watleys End Road, Winterbourne. If you want to find out more you can have a look at their website at www. winterbourneplayers.co.uk.

Brian added, “If anyone is thinking about joining, then on Wednesday 11th December we’re having a New Members’ Night – you’ll be able to chat to us and find out what’s involved”.

If you can’t make the New Members’ night then call Brian on 07792 656689.

The Winterbourne Players in action: The Importance of Being Earnest (above) and Ladies Night (right)

Filton Golf Club

A LOCAL builder is offering a reward for the return of tools stolen from a site in Frampton Cotterell.

Over £1500 worth of equipment was stolen from the old Star pub on Church Road, between Friday 8th and Monday 11th November. Staff arrived on Monday morning to find the tools and electrical appliances missing.

The thieves are believed to have scaled the fence and forced a door at the back of the property. A wheelbarrow lifted from the site was found in Meadow View.

“It’s such a shame. It takes a lifetime to accumulate this sort of hardware, and it’s gone” said property owner Andy Cake, who owns the equipment and is responsible for the conversion.

‘Most of it is years old, and some of them are irreplaceable”’.

Mr Cake is offering a £500 reward for the return of the tools.

Membership benefits

• Unlimited golf 7 days per week • No tee bookings • Use of practice facilities • Official CONGU handicap • Entry to club competitions • 15% discount over the Bar

Filton Golf Club is a well-established private members club situated in the north of Bristol. Although predominantly a private members club, Filton also offers a very welcoming and enjoyable experience to guests and visitors alike.

• Social events • Reciprocal playing rights at other Bristol clubs • Discounted rates at the Windmill Driving range • County Card • Access to 4 Professional on-site Coaching staff

There are limited memberships available so anyone wishing to join this vibrant club is encouraged to call the Managing Secretary on 0117 969 4169 or email on secretary@filtongolfclub.co.uk to reserve a place.

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• January 2014-April 2015 membership for just

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Proposals for Yate cinema sent to South Glos planners PLANS for a cinema development on land adjacent to the town centre car park in Link Road, Yate have been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council this week.

The plans include a new sixscreen multiplex cinema, seven restaurant units, a riverside cafe pod and three retail units similar to the new units recently opened in the Centre’s East Walk.

Mark Hull, Managing Director of Yate Shopping Centre owners Dominion Corporate Trustees, said: “Since we held the public consultation in May we have been addressing the technical issues raised. We believe we now have a scheme that is viable and is appealing to the market.

Several operators have told us they are prepared to commit to leases and we now just need to get planning so we can start the ball rolling.

“The feedback from the consultation has been overwhelmingly positive although there were concerns raised about the many vacant units in the existing centre. Things have changed since the public consultation: we have seen many of the then vacant units occupied or under offer and there is a new air of confidence among the retail industry. We have some top high street names looking to come to Yate but they do need

suitable premises.”

Yate Shopping Centre Manager, Andrew Lowrey: “Yate has been promised a cinema for many years and I am being asked daily what’s happening about the plans. They are now with the Council and I hope people will write in and show their support for the application, details of which will be on our website in due course.

“This is a key plank of the town’s Community Plan and is a major commitment for the centre owners. It is a £12 million investment, creating up to 250

jobs when fully occupied and a further 150 during construction.”

The application is expected to be validated by the Council in the next few days and should

be decided by the Planning Committee in early February.

Work could then start on-site late in 2014 with completion scheduled for late 2015.

JON GILBERT CARPET & FLOORING Ltd Jon Gilbert is a friendly, family run business, established 25 years ago.

We pride ourselves on good old fashioned personal service, coupled with excellent advice and value for money.

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12 Lower Stone Close, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2LE

Tel 01454 774759

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December, 2013

A train line runs through it: the railway viaducts that are at the heart of the Frome Valley Local historian Ian Haddrell takes a look at the iconic structures that symbolise our area.

It wasn’t always as straightforward to get from London to Wales by rail.

Before the building of the viaducts that dominate our landscape today it was a circuitous journey.

The original route of the Great Western Railway (GWR) between London and South Wales, after the opening of Brunel’s Chepstow Railway Bridge in 1852, left the Bristolbound Great Western Main Line at Swindon, proceeding via Stroud, Gloucester and Chepstow before rejoining the line as we know it today at Severn Tunnel Junction. This gave rise to the nickname ‘Great Way Round’.

In 1886, the opening of the Severn Tunnel brought the opportunity of a more direct route to South Wales, and trains from Swindon to Newport and beyond were routed via Bristol and the Severn Tunnel. But this route leaves the one we know today at Wootton Bassett near Swindon rejoining it close to Patchway station.

The last major part of the Great Western Railway to be built at the turn of the 20th century runs through the Frome Valley.

It provided a direct route from London to South Wales and

An express train crossing the eleven-arch Winterbourne viaduct, sometimes known as Huckford viaduct, in June 1958. Damson’s bridge in the foreground. was established in 1903 with the building of what came to be known as the Badminton Line.

This involved the construction of about 33 miles of new track between Wootton Bassett and Patchway, including two tunnels at Alderton and Sodbury four viaducts and seven new stations including ones at Coalpit Heath and Winterbourne. Work started in December 1897 on the eastern section of the line.

The final section (No.5) of the

work, a distance of just over 5 miles from Coalpit Heath station to the junction with the existing railway near Patchway, involved considerable work in cuttings as well as several embankments and viaducts. The viaducts were regarded as a priority, for it was necessary to move an estimated 675,000 cu yards of excavated material from the previous section over the first viaduct as it was required as formation for two of the substantial embankments.

To assist in the construction of the viaducts a wooden trestle was erected on either side of the work on which a travelling gantry crane was placed so that it could run to transport material from one end to the other. Other details were conventional, with concrete bases to the brickwork piers after which timber staging was added and onto which the brick arches could be formed.

An additional brickworks was established at Stoke Gifford, capable of producing 250,000 bricks a week.

Changes were made to the viaduct proposals at Coalpit Heath as work progressed, for at approximately 25 miles an embankment and three-arch bridge were substituted for the eight-arch viaduct originally intended. This was due to the various underground coal workings in the area giving rise to fears that the ground surface would be too unstable to take the weight of the supporting piers.

Left: The newly completed bridge for the Great Western Railway’s ‘Badminton Line’, constructed between 1897 and 1903, spans a somewhat quieter Badminton Road in 1902 compared to today’s busy thoroughfare.

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On Green Dolphin Street

by Sebastian Faulks I have a terrible admission for a library assistant, but up until recently I had never read a Sebastian Faulks’ novel.

This was rectified recently ago when I picked up ‘On Green Dolphin Street’ at a charity shop in Bristol.

Why had I not ordered it from my local library?

A guilty (well, not so guilty) pleasure of mine when visiting Bristol is to sit in a café with a cuppa and while away a half hour or so with a book.

On just such an occasion, about a month ago, I came across Sebastian Faulks’ On Green Dolphin Street at the lovely Oxfam book shop at the top of Park Street.

The story is set in Washington in 1959 against the backdrop of the Cold War, a history of black-white tensions in America and Kennedy’s electoral campaign against Nixon. Mary van der Linden is a young English woman married to British Diplomat Charlie, an alcoholic on the verge of a mental breakdown.

She feels she has a duty to her husband and children and her dying mother in England, but her sense of duty and love are challenged when she embarks on a love affair with journalist Frank Renzo, having met him at a cocktail party in the opening pages of the book.

We follow the characters from America to England and then to Moscow; learn of the historical events – the Vietnam War and the trial of Emmett Till - that have shaped particularly

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the men’s emotional lives. The title hints at the new freedoms being enjoyed in America at the time, a freedom reflected in the strains of jazz music that can be heard throughout the book in jazz clubs and domestic settings.

Like the music, each character has a desperate need to break free: free from the constraints of duty to family and country and from their own difficult histories.

I found Sebastian Faulk’s writing breathtaking. No word seems to be superfluous or misplaced. This is a novel rich in the details of setting and historical context with the character’s raw emotions achingly conveyed.

Come into Winterbourne Library and pick up a book by a novelist you haven’t tried before. You might, like me, be more than pleasantly surprised! And, as a SPECIAL December offer, just for the festive season, you can place a free reservation at Winterbourne Library on any Sebastian Faulk’s novel that we don’t have in stock. Come into the library with a copy of this review to place your order (please note this offer will not apply to web reservations).

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to be completely erased from a family’s history?

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox is a stunning depiction of a life stolen and reclaimed.

Praised by the likes of the Daily Telegraph, Independent, as well as being one of the Guardian’s Books of the Year (2006), you know that this book has a pedigree that straddles the societal spectrum.

It was also BBC Radio 4’s Book at Bedtime but I would

take heed of a ‘cautionary’ note from the Mail on Sunday’s reviewer, that it…’kept me up half the night.’

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I found this a compelling book and very difficult to put down.

A further warning of its timeconsuming qualities is if, like me, you set yourself an arbitrary quota to read a chapter or two – beware! I had passed page 53 before I realised its unusual construction – there are no chapters!

Powerful paragraphs replace conventional chapters. Each third or first person narrative presents a seemingly disparate voice. But who is talking? And when?

The story is crafted in several strands, woven like a double helix. The tale twists and turns through time, back and forth, gradually revealing more and more of the characters’ lives.

As their stories unravel, so their spiralling strands tighten inexorable toward the chilling climax.

This book is well deserved of its praise, but do not expect to put it down before you have reached its end.

Reviews by staff and readers at Winterbourne Library

Daisy Chain Deli

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, by Maggie O’Farrell Edinburgh in the 1930s.

The Lennox family is having trouble with its youngest daughter. Esme is outspoken, unconventional and repeatedly embarrasses them in polite society. Even Kitty, Esme’s beloved sister, is beginning to lose patience. Something will have to be done.

Years later, in the same city, a young woman named Iris Lockhart, receives a letter informing her that she has a great-aunt in a psychiatric unit, who is about to be released.

Iris has never heard of Esme Lennox and the one person who should know more, her grandmother Kitty, is too adrift in her own memories to answer Iris’s questions. What could Esme have done to warrant a lifetime in an institution? And how is it possible for a person

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December, 2013

Coalpit Heath batsman gets chance to shine in India A Coalpit Heath batsman has been given the chance of a lifetime to play in one of India’s biggest stadiums.

1st team opening batsman Sam “Scoops” Cooper was selected to represent Serco UK & Europe in the company’s global cricket finals held in the iconic D Y Patil 55000 capacity stadium, home of the Mumbai Indians IPL team.

The 21 year old from Yate who works as a Program assistant for Serco Education, was selected at their nationwide trials held in Loughborough earlier this year.

The 20/20 format finals was held at the end of November and saw teams from 5 continents competing for the prestigious ”Lestyn Williams Challenge Cup”.

Global company Serco, who provide and manage crucial business processes for the public and private sectors worldwide, are celebrating 25 years on the

stock exchange.

They have organised events around the world raising money for local charities using the slogan “Every Child Everywhere”.

Sam is particularly pleased that the Serco Foundation have chosen UK charity Whiz Kidz, who provide wheelchairs and equipment for disabled children, as Coalpit Heath CC have a close relationship with local disabled charity Paul’s Place who are based at the Cricket Club.

Sam, an ECB qualified coach, currently coaches Coalpit Heath’s Under 13’s team and is also involved in the club’s affiliation to the ECB initiative “Chance to Shine” which aims to introduce more boys and girls to cricket in local schools.

Unfortunately Sam didn’t get to ‘Scoop’ the trophy, with his UK and Europe side finishing well off the pace.

Not quite Coalpit Heath: Sam Cooper at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai

Winterbourne Dragons blow hot in indoor league A youthful Winterbourne side pipped Frampton to the Bristol & Somerset Indoor Cricket League’s Tuesday-night title.

Both games between the two sides were dominated by the Dragons who, despite a couple of unexpected slip-ups, clung on to take the title by 5 points.

The two clubs will go on to compete in the Tuesday-league play-offs which will be held in early December. The winners of this will then progress to the regional play-offs where they will face Bristol’s other top teams.

Meanwhile, Coalpit Heath

finished 2nd in their Wednesday night division, missing out on the title to another North-Bristol side – Stoke Gifford-based Bohemians. “Super Heath” then won their play-off semi-final against Almondsbury, but were well beaten in the final by the unfancied University of Bristol Staff.

The overall winners of the B&SICN winter league – which currently comprises 34 teams – can look forward to representing either Gloucestershire or Somerset in the ECB’s national indoor league knockout competition.

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fromevalleyvoice follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice 29 New recruits Entente Cordiale maintained as do club proud French side visit Frampton December, 2013

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FRAMPTON Cotterell Rugby Club have kept up an AngloFrench tradition after the visit of the Vieux Loups veteran rugby team from Paris.

The trip to Frampton is now in its 36th year with the juniors and veterans involved in the biannual trip.

This year 32 players and wives arrived on a Friday evening where they were greeted by Frampton and sank a few English ales .

An evening of either Indian Curry or Fish and Chips was followed by a game of skittles at the Rising Sun Pub. The visitors also got a chance to see Bristol and Bath over the weekend.

But the big occasion is the

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Saturday game which is named ‘ Le Crunch … a battle between two nations for the Voctoty cup.

The game saw Mike Weaver and Phillipe Colin play against each other as they did 36 years ago in the under 13s .

The game was tight and only saw one try for the French to take a 5-0 lead, a scrum pick up from number 8 Frederic Aloy.

Frampton then lost Weaver and the influential Mark Chaplin with serious fetlock injuries .

Frampton regathered after the setback and knowing English pride was at stake, they put in a final ten minutes of prolonged pressure .

Drives by forwards Mark Smith , Mike Lynett,Ricky Sheps,

Tony Bleakman and Simon Bond could not be controlled by the tiring Paris outfit and they conceded a string of penalties.

Up stepped 50th birthday boy hero, Phil ‘Bricktop’ Salvage, to convert one with 8 minutes to go and then another with almost the final kick of the game to break French hearts, kicking Frampton to a 6-5 victory .

The juniors come to Frampton in May and the vets will defend their trophy in France next November .

The club has thanked the Frampton organising committee of Pat and Brian Rides , Mike and Sarah Lynett, Weaves and Pete Zaffiro for making the weekend a big success.

Frampton Cotterell RFC has welcomed 22 new players to their family friendly club, forming the U7’s team.

The team is led by Coach Dominic Baines who is assisted

by Darren Addicott, Phil Roberts, Gareth Constable and Andy Mcmanus. All are fathers of players.

At the start of October. the newly formed, ‘small but mighty’, FCRFC U7’s took part in the Frampton Festival tournament at Crossbow.

This turned out to be an epic debut for the team, The Boys and Girl ‘struck a pose’ in their newly issued match fit kit and complete with determined but friendly rugby faces ran into action for their first ever tag rugby matches.

The effort of all players from all teams along with sportsmanship and keen support of all spectators led to many tags being taken and tries to be scored. The final result being that FCRFC U7’s became the age group tournament victors.

The team would like to thank their opponents for attending the tournament and for their friendly and keen approach.

Since then the team have developed their rugby skills with training and during further friendly U7’s tag rugby games against North Bristol RFC, Avonvale and Walcot.

Mud sweat and tears; old foes Le Lieux Loups of Paris and Frampton Vets

Their final fixture of the month was away at Gordano. The challenge attracted an excellent FCRFC team turnout with 14 boys and 1 girl attending.

Three teams of five were formed and a round robin of tag rugby games was played by determined team members.

This turned out to be a well matched friendly fixture and good experience for all players who were motivated to take tags and score tries.

The scores were recorded from all games and the cumulative total showed Gordano the victors with 44 tries scores against FCRFC’s score of 42.

A chip off the old block: Frampton’s U-7’s team

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FCRFC U7’s coaches would like to thank Gordano for their invitation, sporting attitude and especially the free hotdog for the players after the game.

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fromevalleyvoice www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk December, 2013 T: 01454 800 120 30 Winterbourne Promotion push on cards United secure home for Frampton Athletic ground in new deal www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

Winterbourne United have signed a three year extension which will keep them at their Oaklands Park base until 2017.

The club met with the Gloucestershire Football Association which owns the ground and fellow tenants Roman Glass St George at the end of November to agree the deal.

The ground is in Almondsbury and has the latest artificial pitch newly laid. The deal means United can expand the number of games they can play at the ground. They will now be able to play pre-season games at home which has not been possible due to the overuse of a grass pitch and their Parkside Avenue pitch being unavailable throughout the cricket season.

Subject to availability the club also has the opportunity to organise a pre-season tournament which will help raise funds WUFC will be also be offering the hospitality for the adult county cup finals held at Oaklands Park in April next year. This raises much needed revenue which goes a long way to covering overheads.

Winterbourne United Chairman Robyn Maggs said: “Our move to Oaklands Park two years ago has proved an unrivalled success if only because we now play in the Western League Prem and also have an U18 team there too”.

“Now that the 3G pitch is here it has opened up an opportunity to make the club secure for years to come and maybe even envied by some”.

1st team fixtures Sat 7th Dec Wed 18th Dec Sat 21st Dec Thur 26th Dec Sat 28th Dec

Willand A Hallen A Cadbury Heath Slimbridge Radstock Town

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Both the first team and the reserves at Frampton Athletic are looking for a good run in December to cement their roles as promotion candidates.

The first team are currently sitting in 4th place, just 5 points off of top spot, with a couple of games in hand.

The reserves are also sitting 4th in their respective league. They may be 9 points off of champions elect, Real Thornbury, who are sitting pretty at the top of the table, but Frampton are just 2 points from the team sitting in second place.

In December, both teams have got big games to play; a top of the table clash against Bristol Manor Farm Reserves for the first team and a local derby against close rivals Iron Acton Reserves lies in wait for the Reserves. Club Secretary, Nick Talbot, stated, “Both teams have started the season well and are pushing for promotion and I think that December could be a defining month and an opportunity for them to show their credentials as title contenders” November started well for Frampton Athletic’s first team, with a 4-2 victory against Made For Ever in the first round of the Bristol Premier Combination

Cup. 2 Goals from Mike Beake and further goals from James Potts and Marc Hughes were enough to secure victory on the day.

The only other game for Frampton that month came with a 2-1 win over Roman Glass/ St George, with Mike Beake again scoring a brace of goals, maintaining his position of top goal scorer for the first team so far this season.

Frampton Athletic Reserves played 3 games through November, with 2 wins and 1 defeat.

The first of the 3 games saw them scrape a 1-0 victory over DRG Frenchay Reserves, with Dan Cook getting the only goal in the game.

Cook was also on the score sheet in the second game of the month, which saw the Reserves keep a clean sheet, with a 3-0 win over AEK Boco ‘A’, with whom Frampton were promoted with last season. Chris Cavill and Ollie Nelson were the other goal scorers in that game, with Ollie Nelson’s goal the highlight, a delightful 20 yard lob of the advancing goalkeeper.

However, Frampton’s month ended on a low note, with a 3-0 defeat over one of the favourites for the league title, Cribbs ‘A’.

Iron Acton into cup 1/4 finals

IRON ACTON FC head into December looking forward to the quarter finals of the GFA Cup after two victories in the competition in November.

Their first win was against Stoke Rangers on penalties after it had finished 2-2. Playing away in the early November Gale against a team who were unbeaten at the top of Suburban League Div One, the Irons had to rely on 6 players being called up from the reserves because of injuries.

Goals from Scott Wooder & Tom Hunn put them2-1 up at half-time.

They defended superbly against the wind in the 2nd half and held on for a 2-2 draw with 16 year old Callum Hackers outstanding in midfield.

Jake Peters stepped up for the 5th penalty and blazed over. Fortunately the referee ordered a retake for keeper encroachment and it was slotted home for a 5-4 penalty shootout win.

The next round saw them beat Old Cothamians, the Suburban League Div 2 league leaders who had only been defeated once all season. James Burke clipped the ball past the keeper from 20 yards to win the tie 1-0.

Although league results haven’t been as encouraging, manager Adam Taylor says “With 3 defenders returning that have been absent all season we are starting to look like the side we should be and now hope to put together a run of decent results that can lift us back up the table”.

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fromevalleyvoice follow us on Twitter @frome_val_voice 31 Pucklechurch sign off Weather disrupts netballers Frampton have only had one league match since the last with thumping win publication due to icy courts at the Grange. This was played on Sat www.fromevalleyvoice.co.uk

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30th November in beautiful sunshine.

Frampton 1sts played a very young Bradley Stoke team and showed they were the stronger more experienced team winning 47-6.

For those who don’t know much about the sport that was a goal every 80 seconds! A much deserved player of the match was given to one of the shooters, Emily Dible.

The 1sts arranged a friendly against Winterbourne who play 2 divisions higher in the Avon league to get some match play against better more experienced teams.

Winterbourne struggled to get goals past the defensive duo of Joely Reed and Carol Thirunuman and with their positive attack produced an impressive 34-23 win.

Frampton 2nd team played their league match against Sparks on Sat 30th November. The team were missing a few key players (one of which who was being proposed to in Paris!)

This meant some players playing out of position in untested combinations. Hollie Giddings (player of the match) attacking skills and Sally Hardings movement within the shooting circle meant they only narrowly lost to a much more experienced team.

M aking

Pucklechurch Ladies Hockey club play their home matches in Winterbourne. Zoe Hill fills us in with the latest.

As the Christmas break approaches, the first half of the season has been a largely successful one for Pucklechurch Ladies.

We’re currently sitting third in the table, just behind Clifton Ladies 4’s and Avonmouth, and clear of Thornbury 3’s in fourth. .

November began with a tough 3-3 match against Avonmouth, but spurred on by holding the league leaders to their only draw to date, the rest of the month has seen us go on to win 3-0, 6-1 and 6-0.

The whole squad have put in some great performances, and many of our goals have come from team build-up as much as moments of individual brilliance. Emily Pollock and Sophie Edward’s finishing from the right and left-wings respectively has put them far ahead of the rest in the top goal-scoring tally.

They both claimed a hat-trick this weekend, and we hope they can continue this form into the second half of the season.

At the other end of the pitch, our keeper Jen Martyn, and back three, Claire Drummond, JulieAnne Parker and Zoe ‘Prof’ Hill also have kept our ‘Goals Against’ total as the lowest in the league...

With things tight at the top of the league, it may all come down to goal difference, so fingers-crossed we can make cleansheets a habit.

We’re about to take a break from training for the festive period, but will start back on Monday nights at WIA in January.

It’s a perfect opportunity to fulfil that New Year’s resolution of taking up a new sport/ getting fit/ returning to hockey!! Check out Hat-trick hero Emily Pollock www.puckleladies. co.uk for more details.

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December, 2013

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