A CRUCIAL battle in the war over the Hanham Green Belt takes place this month.
The plans for up to 140 homes at The Batch will go before a Government planning inspector.
The outline scheme put forward for the 20-acre site was turned down by South Gloucestershire Council last August. Councillors, who had received more than 1,500 objections, said the proposals, which include demolition of a home in Hencliffe Way to create an access road, should be refused because the site was in open countryside in the Green Belt.
But the developers, Ashfield
Land and Redrow Homes, appealed against that decision so a planning inquiry will be held at the council offices in Yate, beginning on May 7.
They will argue that the site at
The Batch has been put forward for removal from the Green Belt in the council’s draft Local Plan, and therefore is suitable for development in the context of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, which is aimed at ensuring enough homes are built across the country to meet demand.
Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society is urging supporters to participate in the
150 people joined a drone photoshoot in March for the campaign
planning inquiry,
“Continued public engagement and attendance at the inquiry remain vital. The strength of community feeling around this issue has already made a significant impact.
"Let’s continue to show the planning inspector just how much The Batch means to Hanham and the surrounding area,” the society said in its spring newsletter.
The society will take part in the annual Hanham Common Fayre on May 10, organised by Hanham Abbots Parish Council, where it will be raising funds towards its campaign.
Barbie dancers are in the pink
The Under 12 team from Imperial Winterguard dance group in Hanham became national champions with their Barbie routine.
PAGE 13
Mark's challenge
Mark Gill, from Longwell Green, has been appointed head coach to the GB deaf women's football team for the Deafolympics in Tokyo.
PAGE 3
VE Day tributes
People in Hanham and Longwell Green will be marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day at events this month.
PAGES 8 & 9
Movie magic
A
is in a new
PAGE 10
girl from Barrs Court
film alongside Oscarnominated Saorise Ronan.
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June deadline
Metro Mayor is arrested
OUTGOING Metro Mayor Dan Norris has been arrested on suspicion of rape and child sex offences.
The politician, who is also the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham, was arrested on April 4.
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Avon and Somerset police said: "In December 2024, we received a referral from another police force relating to alleged non-recent child sex offences having been committed against a girl.
"Most of the offences are alleged to have occurred in the 2000s, but we’re also investigating an alleged offence of rape from the 2020s.
"An investigation, led by officers within Operation Bluestone, our dedicated rape and serious sexual assault investigation team, remains ongoing and at an early stage.
"The victim is being supported and given access to any specialist help or support she needs.
"A man, aged in his 60s, was arrested on April 4 on suspicion of sexual offences against a girl, rape, child abduction and misconduct in a public office.
"He’s been released on conditional bail for enquiries to continue.
"This is an active and sensitive investigation, so we’d respectfully ask people not to speculate on the circumstances so our enquiries can continue unhindered."
Norris, aged 65, was immediately suspended from the Labour Party after his arrest but remains an MP.
However he has been banned from entering both Parliament and the offices of the West of England Combined Authority during the course of the police investigation.
WECA staff received an email from chief executive Stephen Peacock on April 9, which said: "I wrote to the Mayor to inform him that he should not enter the building or attend any other meetings on behalf of the Combined Authority. The Mayor’s building access fob has been deactivated and the Mayor’s access to the authority’s IT system has been removed. It is matter of public record that a similar approach has been taken by the parliamentary estate and the Mayor’s access to parliament has been revoked."
New parliamentary rules mean a risk assessment is carried out when an MP is arrested on suspicion of a violent or sexual offence, which leads to a ban from entering its buildings.
Norris remains officially the West of England Mayor until May 1, when a successor will be elected.
He was already standing down because of a Labour Party ban on MPs having second jobs.
By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
n NEWS
Mark's taking GB team to Deaflympics
MARK Gill from Longwell Green is leading the Great Britain deaf women’s football team for the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics in November.
Since his appointment as head coach for the team in January this year, Mark has been coordinating the team’s training schedule and fundraising for the big event.
He said: “Being selected as the head coach of Great Britain’s deaf women’s football team is an immense honour. Our players have been selected from across the UK, and we currently train one full weekend each month in Doncaster. As we approach the Olympics, training will increase to twice a month, with plans to hold sessions in different regions to make travel more manageable for the squad.”
“The women in our squad reflect the rich diversity of the deaf community in the UK. Each player has a unique background, shaped by factors such as their
Going for gold: Mark Gill
level of hearing loss, education, and family environment. Some players use British Sign Language, others lip-read, and some are fluent in English while others are not.
“We have players who attended deaf schools, as well as those who attended mainstream schools. Some come from deaf families, while others are from hearing families. This diversity brings a wide range of communication preferences, all of which I carefully consider in my coaching.”
The Deaflympics is an international multi-sport event for deaf athletes held every
four years organised by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). The first games, held in Paris in 1924, were the first-ever international sporting event for athletes with a disability. The Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics mark the centenary of the event.
Mark has been involved in deaf sport throughout his life - both as a player and a coach - having coached teams for both the 2009 and 2013 Deaflympics. The team has the support of the deaf community of approximately 90,000 British Sign Language users, along with many thousands of people who have hearing loss.
Mark said: “In addition to communication styles, there is a wide variation in training levels across the team. Many players have a raw talent that, due to inaccessibility of local clubs, has not been nurtured to the extent of their potential.”
An additional challenge for
deaf athletes is a lack of funding from UK Sport or the Football Association. Therefore, in order to participate in events like the Deaflympics, athletes must fundraise to cover the cost of approximately £4,000 for each athlete to be eligible to compete.
Mark said: “Despite this stark disparity, we are determined to get our team to Tokyo and are working tirelessly to raise the necessary funds. Each team member is dedicated and committed to training, attending every coaching session I run. They are a cohesive team that supports one another, united by a common goal—to be the best team they can be and to aim for gold!”
To support the GB Deaf Women's Football contact gbdfsponsorship@gmail. com. If you wish to contribute to Mark Gill’s fundraising appeal visit: https://www. peoplesfundraising.com/ fundraising/mark-gill.
n NEWS
Plans to build thousands of homes must be ditched, say campaigners
A PLANNING blueprint that would see thousands of new homes built on Green Belt sites in east Bristol should be rejected, town and parish councillors say.
South Gloucestershire Council’s draft Local Plan has been drawn up to set out where developers should be allowed to build more than 22,000 new homes over the next 15 years. It includes proposals to allow 1,000 new homes to be built in Warmley, nearly 2,000 in Shortwood, 800 in Oldland Common and Bitton and 2,050 near Lyde Green as well as hundreds more in Mangotsfield, Hanham and Wick.
Some of the town and parish councils affected have made formal objections to the plan, claiming that it is not “sound and deliverable”.
A final public consultation on the Local Plan closed in April, with campaigners from the group Save Our Green Spaces South Gloucestershire (SOGS-
SG) handing in 167 handwritten responses at Kingswood Civic Centre on the final day.
These, plus the 437 online comments will be submitted with the plan to the government for scrutiny by a planning inspector next year.
Siston Parish Council said in its response that the current infrastructure “cannot support the excessive number of homes proposed”.
The parish boundaries include all the planned North Warmley New Neighbourhood and part of the Carsons Green and Rockhouse Farm New Neighbourhood development sites at Shortwood.
The council said: “The significant reduction in Green Belt areas will reduce biodiversity, increase flood risks, diminish air and water quality, and limit carbon dioxide absorption. These negative impacts contradict claims that the plan will future proof the community against climate change, regardless of the build quality of new homes.”
It pointed out that some residents already live in a designated Air Quality Management Area, “where levels of nitrogen dioxide are so high as to be a threat to human health” and infrastructure was “already significantly overloaded, particularly the A4174”.
The parish council said
South Gloucestershire Council had not proved any “special circumstances” to justify the impact on Green Belt areas within the parish, which would have to accept extensive housing development while other areas “retained uninterrupted Green Belt status”.
Emersons Green Town Council has said its members do not believe the plan is “sound and deliverable” - the two criteria the inspector has to decide on.
The town council said: “The strategy is far too reliant on a small number of large-scale developments to meet the identified housing needs.
It said the experience of delays building Lyde Green’s schools and the lack of new medical services for the area showed that relying on developers to provide or contribute to the infrastructure and services needed was “problematic” - more time and money was needed to ensure infrastructure was put in place, “if it happens at all”.
The town council said site designated ‘significant’ Green Belt land has been “conveniently downgraded”, so that development “would not be deemed urban sprawl”.
Pucklechurch Parish Council said: “SGC might claim to want what local people want but consultation feedback shows how little they have listened to these
people.
“Much of the housing at these new neighbourhoods will be beyond the financial reach of residents on average wages or who currently live in poor housing or unstable tenancies, the very people with housing needs that this plan is meant to address.
“The overall impression is the eastern fringe developments are being driven by profit hungry developers at the expense of local people and the planet.”
The parish council said congestion, flooding, air quality and wildlife would all be affected.
It said: “The focus on urban expansion along the East and Northern Fringes by releasing prime green belt land for development can only be described as a developers’ dream, while disadvantaging many South Gloucestershire communities.”
Launching the consultation in March, South Gloucestershire cabinet councillor Chris Willmore said: “We accept that not everyone will like everything in the Plan; some of the decisions we have had to make have been very difficult. We share local people’s passion to protect the character of the places they love to live. But we would be doing those people and the next generations a disservice if we simply tried to put up a roadblock to any new building.”
Darren Lawrence, of SOGS-SG, and seven--year-old Evie deliver Local Planconsultation responses to South Gloucestershire Council on deadline day in April
Save Our Green Spaces campoaigners outside the civic centre
Gabriel Davis swam 400 lengths in a month
Gabriel swims 10k in tribute to Grampy Swimathon success
A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy from Hanham completed the Swim for Stroke challenge by swimming 10,000 metres in one month.
Gabriel Davis, a pupil at Christ Church CE Primary School, completed 400 pool lengths totalling 6.2 miles and raised £340 for the Stroke Association.
A keen swimmer, Gabriel also enjoys running, bike rides and going for walks with his dog, Audrey. He loves the natural world and hopes to be a palaeontologist when he is older. He is also an avid Pokemon card collector and a fount of knowledge when it comes to anything dinosaur-related.
Gabriel had been swimming for a good few years and, in 2024, he tried out for a local amateur swimming club. Learning about a swimming challenge run by the Stroke Association, Gabriel told his family he wanted to sign up and complete it before his next birthday in April.
His mum, Carlee Davis, said: Gabriel is a very thoughtful boy and always wants to try and help others. His Grampy, who helps take him to
A 12-HOUR Swimathon at Keynsham Leisure Centre in April raised more than £7,500 for Operation Community Hamper.
Seventy seven swimmers took part in the event for OCH, which helps vulnerable individuals and families, and has grown considerably since it began five years ago.
April was a busy month for the charity, with Easter egg donations and a prom dress event as well as the swimming marathon. Operation Chocolate Hamper included more than 900 eggs donated at the Bristol Rovers v Mansfield match. In total, OCH delivered 2,300 Easter eggs to nurseries, schools, holiday clubs, a hospice, homelessness charities, food banks and individuals across the Bristol and Bath area.
Prom dresses are a new initiative for the charity. More than 50 gowns were donated for an event at Wellsway School on April 12. OCH is looking to arrange similar prom dress events at other schools.
•
his swimming lessons each week, had a stroke in May 2017, so Gabriel wanted to do it for him and anyone else affected by the stroke.”
Gabriel said: “It meant a lot to do the challenge for the Stroke Association as they helped my Grampy. It was quite hard to swim for the challenge but I really enjoy swimming so that helped”.
Gabriel swam during his weekly swimming sessions at his club and also at weekends to make up the lengths. On several occasions he swam up to 60 lengths at a time.
Mum Carlee said: “Gabriel raised £340 for the Stroke Association and we are all super proud of him. He has been touched by the support he has received, especially from his school friends and family, who sponsored and supported him through this challenge. He even received a free cake of choice from Parsons bakery in Hanham for his efforts.”
To find out more about Gabriel’s swimming challenge or to make a donation visit: https://www. justgiving.com/page/gabedavis25
Having a quacking good time!
WILLSBRIDGE MILL DUCK RACE
FOR many years now an annual duck race has been held at Willsbridge Mill during the Easter break. The duck race is a very popular event and this year, in order to spread the number of visitors, and to give everyone a greater chance of winning a prize, the event was held over two days, with four races in total.
Before the event the flow rates in the Siston Brook have to be measured to ensure a sufficient flow and that the flow is not too rapid. Then volunteers walk the route of the brook to ensure there are no objects to disrupt the ducks. Then the race is ready to begin. Each plastic duck has a number and the ducks are emptied into the brook to begin their journey downstream. Visitors can run the course of the event on the
footpath at the side of the brook. The finishing line is at the Mill where more volunteers are ready to catch each duck. The winner is the first over the line.
Great care is taken to find each
SOUTH GLOS WINE CIRCLE
OUR April meeting was entitled ‘Four Countries One Grape’ and featured the grape Voignier from France, Australia, Argentina, Chile. The tasting was done ‘blind’ [ie the bottles wrapped to conceal identity]. Members then asked to choose their favourite, then identify the country and finally the grape. Much conversation ensued with lots of different opinions, the French wine being mostly identified. We welcomed two visitors who also had a great time with the tasting.
Our May meeting on the 7th will be our promoted open night when we will be welcoming like minded people who are interested in learning about wine, beer and food combinations. We hope to see you then but please let us know if you would like to come and we will make sure you have a warm welcome. Email carol@applause.co.uk
Carol Coombs
AVON VALLEY RAILWAY
AVON Valley Railway is holding a Wine Festival on May 31 in aid of its Bounce Back appeal.
The fundraising drive was launched after a former employee defrauded the group of £50,000.
Visitors to the event at the heritage station in Bitton will have the chance to sample English wines, locally-made gins and rums, cheese and canapes.
of the numbered ducks to avoid any plastic being left in the brook.
For each race there were first, second, third, fourth and fifth prizes from cash prizes to Easter Eggs.
Roger Eynon, the event’s organiser at the railway said: “English wine is becoming ever more popular, and this is a unique opportunity to taste a wide selection of English wine from all over the country especially from the South West. “
Tickets are £24 via Eventbrite.
Fun in the sun at the annual Willsbridge Mill Easter duck race: Report: Page 7
Family hub aims to bring folk together
A NEW Kingswood Family Hub is now open to provide support for older children, young people and their families to understand and manage their emotional wellbeing and promote better mental health.
Established in the old caretaker’s house in the grounds of the King’s Oak Academy, the pilot project is a collaboration between South Gloucestershire Council, Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the King’s Oak Academy, Kingswood Town Council and partners who provide support services on site. The building will be known as “Martin’s House” in recognition of the former caretaker whose home it was when employed by the school.
The type of support which young people and their families can access will include advice, guidance and services focussed on all aspects of emotional
wellbeing and strengthening relationships between young people and their parents and carers and help to build the resilience required by young people as they develop into young adults.
The organisations say they recognise that many young people and families are facing more challenges today than say, before the pandemic and due to financial hardship. So, it is important to create opportunities for young people and families to share concerns at the earliest stage, and for services to be able to respond in a timely way.
The Family Hub is part of the South Gloucestershire Council Children’s Partnership Early Help Offer. By locating services closer to the community, teachers and other professionals will be able to point those who need help towards it more easily and support will be available in a
familiar environment.
In addition to the councils and the school, partners include:
• Creative Youth Network, which employs a wellbeing practitioner and youth worker funded by the Town Council
• The local Mental Health Support Team, providing drop-in services and other support
• School nurses, who will offer
support and guidance to young people and their parents
• Off The Record a mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 who will provide support and guidance to young people and their parents
• Compass the Council’s Early Help navigation team
• South Gloucestershire Care Leavers.
Charlotte Littlewood, Kingswood Town Council; Hilary Smith and Kevin Sweeney, South Glos Council, Katherine Ogden, Principal of King’s Oak Academy; Steve Taylor, CEO of Cabot Learning Federation; Jesse Davies, King’s Oak and Phil, Kieran and Nick, CLF
n NEWS
VE Day remembered – by soldier
AS communities across the country prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the Voice met one of the last surviving South Gloucestershire Second World War veterans who fought in Germany in May 1945.
ASK Leonard Trewin where he was on VE Day - May 8, 1945and he can give you the answer in a flash.
"I remember it all well," he says. "We were at Wismar on the Baltic, trying to keep the Russians out!"
Len is 100 now. His hearing isn't what it used to be, he isn't very mobile and dementia has affected parts of his memory.
But there are still some events that are etched in his mind, from seeing action for the first time during the Battle of Normandy in 1944 to meeting his German wife-to-be at a labour camp liberated by his battalion.
Len also carries a permanent reminder of the war, in the form of a piece of shrapnel lodged above his left eye, which has remained there for the last 80 years.
Born in Cornwall and brought up in Devon, Len volunteered for the Home Guard in 1940.
He was called up in 1943, aged 19, and trained with the 13th Warwickshire Regiment and the Devonshire Regiment before volunteering for parachute training.
Len first saw action in August 1944, when he joined the Battle of Normandy in Herouvillette as part of the 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion, 3rd Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division.
He said: "We were reinforcements. We saw action straight away.
"That was three days before the break-out. We finished up by Le Havre."
Len's battalion returned to England in September but he and his comrades were called into action again in December, when they crossed the Channel on Christmas Day to take part in the Battle of the Bulge. They helped to counter
the German offensive in the Ardennes that had been launched to try and turn back the Allied advance.
"We went to get the Americans out of trouble," Len says.
Joining the battle at Anhee on the River Meuse in Belgium, they advanced to Houyet and then Rochefort, as the Germans were finally pushed out of Belgium.
In January 1945 Len's division moved into Holland, where his mortar section fired on German positions across the river Maas, before returning to England for training to take part in the Rhineland offensive.
On March 24 he was one of 16,000 paratroopers dropped onto German territory on the Eastern bank of the Rhine as part of Operation Varsity, the biggest and most successful airborne operation ever carried out on a single day at one location.
Len's battalion was the first to land, near the village of Hamminkeln, with the aim of clearing the drop zone for the other troops.
He jumped with three mortar shells strapped to his legs.
A list of the 16 paratroopers in the Dakota aircraft with Len shows that one - a sergeantrefused to jump.
One was killed on the day of the drop and another was listed as missing, while two others were wounded, three weeks into the campaign.
Len himself was injured three days after the drop by a piece of shrapnel, which narrowly missed his eye.
He said: "We were going along the road and they were firing 20mm anti-aircraft guns at us."
One of the rounds exploded and shrapnel pierced Len's skin just below his eyebrow.
He was taken to a field hospital, where medics decided not to try and remove it and, after a night in the hospital, Len returned to his unit.
After the war he was asked if he wanted the shrapnel removed but he told doctors to leave it there.
Len said: "It's not done me any harm - it's been here long enough!"
Through the final weeks of the war, Len's battalion fought through Osnabruck, Minden and Lubeck before reaching Wismar on the Baltic with the 11th Armoured Division, as the Allies raced to occupy German territory before the Nazi surrender.
It was while in Germany that Len met his wife Gerda, an inmate at a labour camp on Luneberg Heath, near Hamburg, that his battalion liberated.
Gerda had grown up in Braunschweig, or Brunswick, a city near Hanover.
Len said: "She was in a labour camp because she had refused to do war work in a munitions factory - there were lots of them
that had refused."
After VE Day Len expected to be deployed to the Far East but Japan's surrender in August meant that he was instead sent to Palestine, then governed by Britain under a pre-war League of Nations mandate.
Len left the 8th Battalion in 1947 and was discharged from the Army that October, but rejoined the following month, serving in the Devonshire regiment and Parachute Regiment in Germany, Cyprus and Egypt until 1953.
Len and Gerda married after the war and raised a family of three sons at Lyndhurst and Fawley in Hampshire, where Len worked at the Esso oil refinery.
They moved to Yate in 2000 to be closer to son Mike and his wife Michelle, with whom Len now lives.
Gerda died in 2010.
In recent years, Len has received new honours for his wartime service.
He was made a knight of the French Legion D'Honneur in 2018, receiving his medal at an event to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
He was invited to Ahnee in the Ardennes in 2023, when he was made an honorary citizen of the commune.
Having previously stopped attending commemoration events on the continent due to his age, Len went back after Mike offered to accompany him, and it was only then that he started talking to his son about his wartime service.
Closer to home, Yate retirement development Trewin Lodge was named in his honour in 2019.
He has recently been photographed in a replica Para uniform for the Standing With Giants project, which has produced banners to commemorate VE Day that will be displayed in public spaces across the country.
Len is the last surviving member of the 8th Battalion who took part in the Normandy and Ardennes campaign, and one of only two still alive from Operation Varsity.
He has been invited to one of the national VE Day celebrations in London on May 8 but because of the difficulties of attending an evening event in the capital, he
Len Trewin with his medals
who was there
and his family will instead have a party with neighbours outside their home in Yate, before attending a lamp-lighting event at the nearby QEII Memorial Garden in the evening.
People are being encouraged to attend events and take time to remember those like Len who fought for freedom, as well as those who never made it back home.
Len himself says it's a
matter of personal choice whether people take the time to remember.
He said: "It's up to peopleyou can't make people do what they don't want to do."
That, after all, was the point of going to war against the Nazis.
Len said: "It's not for us to judge if it was worthwhile, but there would've been trouble if we didn't do it - you couldn't let Hitler have his way."
Care in your own home
VE Day events
Here are some local events to marke the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Saturday May 3: ‘One Day of Victory’ by Sandi Cole of Bitton. A dramatised reading in St Mary’s Church, Bitton, taking us through 7.30pm. Tickets from https://www.stmarysbitton.org.uk/event/one-dayof-victory/ Adults £5 (£3 before 1 May) and children free.
Sunday May 4: ‘Picnic in the Park with a VE Day Theme’ 1-5pm on the Pound Field, Golden Valley. Further details are available from Anna Palmer or Bridget Hetzel. No tickets required.
Monday May 5: VE Day tours with afternoon tea at Kingswood Museum, 11am-5pm. Tickets £9.95. Bookings via Eventbrite.
Thursday May 8: Refreshments and exchange of memories at St Mary’s Church, Bitton, with Oldland Brass and church bells, culminating in a ceremony at the War Memorial at 8.45pm.
Thursday May 8: Beacon lighting at Siston Hill, organised by Siston Parish Council, from 6.30pm on May 8. Fish and chips picnic from 6.30pm, followed by live music at 7.30pm. Service with music at 8.45pm, with beacon lighting at 9.30pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear wartime outfits and bring flags to wave.
Thursday May 8: VE Day lunch for seniors at Coronation Centre, Cadbury Heath. 12.30-2.30pm followed by a community commemoration event from 6-10pm with music and a 1940s fancy dress theme.
Thursday May 8: Event in Kingswood Park, 6.30-9.45pm, with music from Sam Eason and from Bristol East and Kingswood Brass Band. Lantern lighting 9.30pm. Bring a fish and chip picnic!
Pubs will be allowed to open until 1am on the night of VE Day. Details of events nationwide can be found online at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.
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Len points out the lump of shrapnel which is still lodged above his left eye.
Appeal for volunteers
HOME-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire, a charity that supports families across Bristol and South Gloucestershire through challenging times, is looking for new volunteers.
The charity offers help to families with at least one child under five.
Trained volunteers visit a family once a week, offering non-judgemental emotional support and practical help, tailored to each family’s needs.
Volunteers often have parenting experience themselves but also receive training and support, which can lead to new skills suitable for work in education or social care.
The charity’s next free volunteer training course starts on May 6 and will run from 9.30am-2.30pm for six weeks.
Travel expenses are paid, and volunteers from all walks of life are warmly welcomed. Find out more at homestartbsg.org. uk/become-a-volunteer
Luciana’s role in big-name movie
A FILM due out later this year features not only Oscarnominated actress Saoirse Ronan but also a 12-year-old from Barrs Court.
Luciana Curran took part in filming for the movie Bad Apples last year. It was shot at The Bottle Yard studios in Bristol and on location around the area, including at the former Bath Community Academy/Culverhay School.
Luciana, a Year 7 student at Sir Bernard Lovell Academy in Oldland Common, is used to the spotlight. She was a successful Irish dancer before joining a casting agency, which led to roles in the TV series Casualty and a media campaign for National Museum Cardiff.
“She loves being on stage and has always loved having her photo taken,” said her mum, Katie Cox. “Having a camera
Luciana Curran is looking forward to the film’s release
in front of her enables her to express herself.”
Now Luciana, younger sister Ava-Marie, stepbrother Harry, and Katie and her dad Gary are waiting to find out the release date for Bad Apples, which is billed as a satirical thriller.
The film has Saoirse Ronan, whose first nomination for an Academy Award came for her role in Atonement at the age of 13 and who was also up for an Oscar for Brooklyn, Lady Bird and Little Women, in the lead
role as primary school teacher Maria.
The teacher is struggling to inspire a class of 10-year-olds. She ends up taking an unruly boy – the “bad apple” – into her home, which leads the children to flourish and leaves Maria in a complicated predicament.
The film is an adaptation of Rasmus Lindgren’s debut novel De Oönskade - the Unwantedand is directed by Jonatan Etzler.
Pre-loved? Good omen for happy marriage, says boutique boss
WITH the wedding season approaching, Hanham resident Lydia Loader is on a mission to encourage couples to consider the planet when planning their big day.
Lydia, who has a vintage clothing boutique at Sparks Bristol, is organising a Sustainable Wedding Fair at the venue in the former M&S in Broadmead.
The event on Sunday May 18 will showcase sustainable wedding fashion and services including bridal gowns, groom outfits, alteration services, personalised shoes, bouquets, gifts, centrepieces, bunting, jewellery, veils and wedding favours.
Lydia said: “At Flaming Moth Vintage, I have the history on some of my dresses: for example where it came from, designers, some original handmade dress sewing kits, and pictures of the original brides that I gift with the dress. For many brides-to-be, knowing that the previous owner has been happily married for decades feels like a good omen for a happy marriage.”
Among the vendors exhibiting at the Sustainable Wedding Fair, which is open from 1-4pm, are:
• Flaming Moth Vintage - vintage wedding dresses and accessories
• The Bridal Boutique - a Bristol independent wedding shop
• Re-Thrindle - offers alterations
• Campervan Vintage - selling vibrant shirts and alternative suits
• Good Things - alternative centrepieces, wedding favours
• Marcie K Designs - alternative shiny shoes and handmade boots
• Bristol Bunting - handmade crochet veils and wedding bunting
• Jen Ford - paper origami flower bouquets and centrepieces
• Sorrel Garden - handmade wedding crowns, jewellery and fascinators
• Busy V Bakery - vegan baker Fashion has played a part in Lydia’s life for many years, as her mum used to work in fashion.
From a young age, Lydia enjoyed accompanying her to fashion shows and visits to charity shops.
This led her to set up Flaming Moth Vintage, which specialises in vintage clothing and accessories, and bridal dresses from 1920s-2000s.
Lydia is based at Sparks Bristol, a “department store with a difference” set up by the Global Goals Centre and Artspace, which blends art, education and sustainable, ethical shopping.
• For more details about the wedding fair visit: https:// sparksbristol.co.uk/events/ sustainable-wedding-fayre/
• You can follow Lydia on Instagram @flamingmothvintage or visit: https://sparksbristol. co.uk/events/flaming-moth/
Lydia Loader’s store displays vintage bridal wear
Pupils say a fond farewell to Mrs G
STAFF and pupils at Cherry Garden Primary said goodbye and thank you to Sharon Godfrey, who retired at Easter after 28 years at the school.
Mrs G, as she is fondly known, initially worked as a teaching assistant, where she supported children through interventions. At this time she was well known for her work with Chip the monkey, who the children adored.
Over time, Mrs G's role changed, and she started working in the school office as school business manager then more recently senior administrator.
Deputy head Vicki May said: “Mrs Godfrey has been a welcoming face to everyone at Cherry Garden over her 28 years at the school, and has provided invaluable support to staff and families alike. She has always gone 'above and beyond' in her roles, both in the classroom and in the school office, and is well known in the school community for her delicious cakes, as well as her knowledge of the school.”
Boost for special needs school places
A KINGSWOOD school will be expanded to provide extra places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Councillors have agreed to create an extra 40 to 60 places at New Horizons Special School for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.
But there is not enough room for expansion at either of the New Horizons sites, in Mulberry Road and Courtney Road, so the council is looking for a third site for the £8 million project.
It says this must be no more than 20 minutes away, as staff will need to travel between sites.
The extra provision will reduce the reliance on expensive special needs places outside South Gloucestershire. It will mean children can go to school much nearer their homes, instead of travelling to independent schools far away.
The money for the expansion is coming from a Department for Education grant. The expansion was approved by the cabinet on April 14, and is expected to cut costs by £2.4 million a year.
Labour Councillor Ian Boulton, co-leader of the council and cabinet member for education, said: “This is all about ensuring we have the places that we need. This is another good news story. Not only does this provide the places in the area where we need them, it’s also investing to save.
“The expansion of the New Horizons Learning Centre will provide special educational needs provision within South Gloucestershire, saving the council significant sums of money as a result of reducing the need to commission expensive private school places.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Dance team's national title
IMPERIAL Winterguard, an U12 dance group who train in Kingswood, Hanham and Keynsham, competed against teams from across the country in the UK Winterguard finals on Saturday 5 April and achieved a fantastic first place, becoming UK Champions in their age group for the first time.
The team, aged 7 to 13, had performed their Barbie based routine in four national heats before reaching the final, where they were slight favourites to win. And that’s exactly what they did! Their coaching staff, family and friends couldn’t be prouder of them, not just for becoming champions but for overcoming challenges week after week and always performing with energy and big smiles, and showing good camaraderie with other performers.
Despite its name, Winterguard is a year round activity that combines various dance styles with the use of flags and props to form a show which is perfomed to judges and audiences around the country
Imperial train at Kings Oak Academy and
If your son or daughter is interested in dance, loves performing and making new friends get in touch via socials or send an email imperialwg@ gmail.com to claim a free trial session.
Hanham Woods Academy during school term time on Tuesday evenings, and at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham on term time Saturdays from September to April.
n COMMUNITY NEWS
HANHAM WI
ONE might have expected this month’s talk to be a rather sober affair but the evening turned out to be anything but dull. Thanks to our engaging guest speaker, Alan Clarke, who kindly stepped in at short notice, members were treated to an enlightening and often amusing journey through one of the lesser-known historical chapters: the Temperance Movement.
Alan offered a compelling glimpse into the rise of temperance societies in Bristol—a movement that, while often overlooked today, once played a major role in shaping social attitudes towards alcohol.
Concerns about excessive drinking date back centuries. As early as the mid-1700s, the growing prevalence of alcohol consumption alarmed many social reformers. The artist William Hogarth famously captured this tension in his 1751 satirical prints Beer Street and Gin Lane, stark visual commentaries on the contrasting effects of beer and gin on society.
By 1830, the Temperance Movement was well established urging members to pledge total abstinence from alcohol. Despite resistance from both the public and the powerful brewing industry, these societies grew in popularity. Ironically, some of their early meetings are said to have taken place in rooms above pubs—a curious contrast to their core message.
As the movement gained momentum, purpose-built venues began to appear. Bristol’s first Temperance Hall, still standing on Broad Street, served as a hub for gatherings. To reach younger audiences, the Bristol Band of Hope Union was formed, emphasizing temperance education for children.
Efforts to provide alternatives to traditional drinking establishments led to the rise of temperance hotels and alcohol-free pubs, particularly around Temple Meads and Victoria Street. These venues, often found in the city’s less affluent neighbourhoods, served nonalcoholic beverages, and helped pave the way for cocoa and coffee houses. Public infrastructure also bore the stamp of the movement— the fountain at the junction of the Hanham and Kingswood roads in St George stands as a testament to this era.
In Kingswood, the movement arrived a little later, gaining momentum in 1865 with its base at the Zion Chapel. Public
contact
demonstrations and parades began in 1883 and continued all the way through to the 1980s, underscoring the movement’s lasting local impact.
Government action also followed, with Parliament introducing a series of regulatory acts. The most notable, the Beer Act of 1830, required public houses to obtain a licence costing three guineas—an early attempt to bring the industry under tighter control.
Although the movement saw a decline with the onset of World War I, its influence had already left a lasting mark on society. It challenged norms, reshaped public spaces, and fuelled debates about health, morality, and community responsibility.
Alan concluded his talk with a surprising statistic from a snapshot survey taken on Saturday, January 8, 1882: nearly half the population of Bristol had visited a pub that day. A striking reminder of just how pervasive alcohol culture once was—and just how ambitious the temperance campaign had to be.
What might have seemed a dry subject turned out to be a spirited evening of history, humour, and insight. Many thanks to Alan Clarke for bringing this fascinating slice of Bristol’s past so vividly to life.
Dianna Coles
LONGWELL GREEN WI
MOST women can relate to the phrase “women love handbags” so members were excited to hear Sarah Delves give a presentation on “Bags of Glamour”.
Sarah’s father collected Georgian silver and, as a young girl, she accompanied him to antiques fairs. Her passion as an antique dealer in handbags started from here.
She told us that the earliest bag found was from Otzi, also called the Iceman. He is a glacier mummy dating back to around 3300 BC, found by hikers in Italy. When he was defrosted, an animal-skin leather bag was found at his waist. It had two slits serving as pockets to hold implements such as a hunting knife.
The remains of what was believed to be a Stone Age purse found in Germany, was adorned with 100 white pieces pointing in one direction. Members were asked to guess what these white pieces were. One member replied “children’s teeth”. It was, in fact, dog’s teeth.
The richest bag found to-date,
is the remains of a purse lid from a leather pouch from the 7th century with gold, garnet and millefiori, from the Sutton Hoo treasure, which is on display in the British Museum.
Through the ages, the size of your bag indicated your class in society. The bigger the bag the lower down in society you were, as it indicated that the bag was used for work to carry your tools. The wealthy citizens carried tiny bags with gold, silver threads and beads – not even big enough to carry an iPhone!
Today, the designer Simon Port Challis designs 2-inch handbags, large enough to hold a credit card, which one could say is all you need to enjoy a good night out.
The world’s most expensive handbag, the Hermès Sac Bijou Birkin, is worth $2 million (a little over £1.5M) and was designed by Pierre Hardy. The miniature handbag, intended to be worn as a bracelet, features over 2,000 diamonds set in rose gold and it is reported there are only three such bags in existence. As an investment piece this would definitely take up a lot less space than a painting!
Now that Spring is here, the ‘Happy Feet’ walkers enjoyed the sunshine on a glorious day walking from the Swineford picnic site to Saltford via the new pedestrian bridgeover the river built by Wessex Water. The route followed the river by the Jolly Sailor, along the Shallows to the Bird in Hand, where members enjoyed a wellearned coffee. The return journey took walkers along the Bristol to Bath cycle path, onto the bridge at Kelston, descending to the river and crossing the fields back to Swineford.
A memorable event was held at the end of April in the Longwell Green Community Centre. This was the WI’s 71st Birthday Party celebration, where members enjoyed a sit-down buffet meal followed by entertainment and dancing.
It is great to see three new members join bringing the membership to 83.
We have lots of groups that our members can participate in. There are book clubs, walking groups, knitting group, skittles and social suppers. On the first Thursday of the month, we meet at The Chapel Coffee Shop in Longwell Green for Tea and Chat.
The Longwell Green WI’s monthly meetings are held on the third Friday of the month at 7.30 pm at the Longwell Green
Community Centre and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in visiting, please get in touch by email at longwellwi@gmail.com, telephone 0117 9864782 or come along on the meeting evening. We shall look forward to meeting you.
Kamann Huang
BITTON WI
OUR group met again on Monday 14 April when we were looking forward to hearing from our speaker this month who would be talking to us on a well timed theme of Gloucestershire Gardens, great and small.
Our summer outing which usually takes place instead of our August meeting is to be a river cruise with a cream tea. We will be giving out full details of the trip and taking names at our May meeting.
Our crafting team are soon to get together to look at making the post box topper for the competition being held this summer. We are looking forward to seeing how that goes and keeping our fingers crossed for a win!
We all enjoyed an informative talk by Marion Hill, a Green Pledge Learning and Outreach Officer, working on a two year Heritage Lottery funded project.
We discussed why we loved our gardens and why many of us liked to “garden”, with the general view being that it benefited our own health and wellbeing to be able to accomplish a beautiful garden or allotment, or just to sit and admire it!
Marion noted that gardening became popular for ‘ordinary’ people after the world wars when homeowners were urged to grow food for themselves and support the war effort. She said gardening of sorts started thousands of years ago when monks grew herbs to use as medicines. The Tudors liked to show off their gardens as a sign of great wealth with plants brought back on merchant ships. Houses such as Dyrham House and Dodington House were among those who had many gardeners to plan, design and cultivate the types of wonderful gardens we associate with big houses today.
Next meeting will be held on Monday 12 May 2025, Church Hall, Church Lane, Bitton at 2 pm when our speaker will be advising us on the complexities of Inheritance Tax. Karen Davidson, president
100km march in memory of Tyler
THE father of a young man who died in a lorry crash is teaming up with his two brothers for a huge fundraising challenge.
Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals
Mark Carley and his brothers Shaun and Thomas plan to walk a 100km route from Bristol to Weymouth in just two days in May.
Bristol-based home improvement company, The Window Hub, is aiming to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years as part of its commitment to being a climate conscious business.
They are taking on the epic trek to raise money for the Road Forward - Tyler Carley Foundation, set up in memory of Mark's son after he died when the lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield in December 2023.
The trees will be planted at Boyd Valley Lake, which is located in Bitton. This is in addition to continuing its policy of recycling all old frames so they don’t end up in landfill.
Mark set up the foundation with Tyler's mum Gemma and siblings Kylan, Skye and Ronni-Irene, to support road accident victims' families in the light of their own experience after Tyler's death, when they struggled to find support.
suddenly, and provided support for Tyler's family after his death.
Mark, Shaun and Thomas plan to set off from Bristol on May 9 and arrive in Weymouth by the end of the next day.
To train for the challenge, Mark has been going on hikes of up to 30 miles (48.3km), walking to destinations including Westonsuper-Mare and Caldicot.
Mark said: "As ever we couldn’t do this without your generous donations and support.
"Shaun, Thomas and myself would love to raise as much money as possible. Please dig deep and give whatever you can - every little helps."
Donations can be made via the fundraising page at tinyurl.com/mvjh7ynj.
The foundation launched last year with a big team of runners taking part in the Great Bristol Run 10k race.
The window installation company was launched during lockdown in 2020 by seasoned industry professional Danny, who wanted to create a business that was “built on quality rather than greed”.
Since then a variety of different fundraising events have been staged - but none of them have been as gruelling as the challenge Mark and his brothers are taking on.
In fact, a new showroom is scheduled to open this month.
Tyler lived in Kingswood before moving to Mangotsfield and then Thornbury, attending St Stephen's infant and junior schools and the Castle School.
The Window Hub being named the
the South West’ at the G24 Awards last year.
From humble beginnings, The Window Hub now operates from a head office and showroom in Staple Hill in Bristol with offices, showrooms and installation depots across the South West.
He was working as a scaffolder when he died.
Danny launched The Window Hub because he wanted to be much more than just a double glazing company.
All the money raised will go to 2wish, a charity that helps families who have lost a child or young adult under the age of 25
“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone
Tyler had a big group of friends from Kingswood, Mangotsfield and Thornbury, and also had many friends from playing football for Deerswood, Longwell Green and Bristol Rovers' development squad.
into your home can be stressful, so we have introduced as many initiatives as possible to be fair and reasonable in our approach to give our customers the best experience possible,” he said.
final of the
He was a big Bristol Rovers fan, following the club home and away, both with his dad and with friends.
“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And
In 2025, The Window Hub will grow to cover domestic homes between Cheltenham in Gloucestershire and Lands End in Cornwall.
More details on The Road Forward can be found at the charity's Facebook and Twitter accounts, or by emailing info@tylercarley. org.
For more information, please visit TheWindowHub.co.uk.
‘Best in
Mark Carley on Weston-super-Mare beach after a 28-mile training hike
n COMMUNITY NEWS
WHITFIELD TABERNACLE
TRUSTEES of the Kingswood’s Grade I Listed Whitfield Tabernacle were pleased to recently welcome members of the Kingswood History Society when they visited their partly restored building.
“We enjoyed being visited by a group of interested and well informed local residents’ said Trust Chair Anthony Hick.
“They asked good questions about our plans for the future use of the Tabernacle, and had some good ideas about how we might promote the project.”
Trustees were pleased that the local history group included some members who had belonged to the former Whitfield Building Preservation Trust that had been very supportive of the current Trust when it was formed in 2017.
“We’re all trying to play our part in reminding Kingswood about its interesting and significant past, but our priority now is to finish the development of the building so that it can benefit the community where it has stood since 1741,” said Rev] Hick.
The visitors were told that the Trust hoped they would return in 2026 when the Tabernacle would have a floor and the facilities to host a more comfortable visit.
Kim Scudamore
Wills and Probate without the mystery
How do I choose the right executor of my will? I’m worried about putting a burden on someone or making the wrong choice that will have a negative effect on my children.
This is a very important question, and one that not everyone puts as much thought into as they should. Your Executor is the person who is going to handle all your affairs after you pass away.
Typically, your Executor should possess two essential qualities: they know you very well, and they are good at managing paperwork. Going through probate or the administration of an estate can be complex, and it has the potential to get very uncomfortable very quickly. Knowing this, it’s best to pick someone who has the capacity to take on such a responsibility and is good in these types of situations.
Many people pick a trustworthy family member or a close friend to
be their Executor, but that isn’t the only option. I recommend that you choose someone who will get to know you well, earn your trust and whom is also a professional. This way, your beneficiaries will have a network to fall back on in the event they’re concerned anything untoward is happening.
Will Writing
KINGSWOOD HISTORY SOCIETY
ATTENDEES commented how interesting they found the talk at our April meeting by Philip Ashworth on Piracy, Plunder and War in the Bristol Channel
Several new facts and unknown stories. Initially a distinction was made between Pirates and Privateers as the characters often switched between the two.
It was said that the anchorage off Portishead (The Kings Road) was more important than the Bristol Docks. Apart from the docks Minehead, Bridgwater were well-known and indeed there were plans for Martello Towers along the channel, although none built.
Lundy Island was quite prominent as being a navigational crossroads in the channel. You could hide your ship to one side of the island with a lookout on land and hence intercept. The months around St James fair in Bristol were particularly lucrative.
There was an interesting period in the 17th century when, after training provided by English sailors in the Mediterranean, Algerine pirates returned to the channel to capture many surprised home dwellers into slavery. Conversion to Islam lead to the phrase “Turning Turk”.
In the war with America in 1812, an American privateer targeted ships in the Channel which lead to a reprisal of the burning of the White House in Washington.
To finish, do you know why they are called pirates? Because they RRRR!
• Next meeting at the Park Centre, Kingswood is Tuesday May 6, 7pm for 7.30pm start. Visitors £4 incl tea/coffee and biscuits. Presentation by Jeff Lucas; From Brycgstow to Bristol in 45 bridge • Full schedule of presentations is at www.kingswoodhistorysociety. org
Meet with a local professional and receive full guidance and support.
Family & Property Trusts
Ensure your loved ones receive the maximum benefit by protecting your estate with trusts.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Give someone the power to make decisions on your behalf, no matter what happens.
After your passing, a professional will Executor can look after applying for a Grant of Probate, gathering and evaluating your assets, paying any remaining debts and taxes, distributing assets to beneficiaries and ensuring legal requirements are complied with. They are an excellent option whose only stake in the situation is to do their job. .
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Our specialists help make a difficult time as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
Jim Emsley
Jim Emsley is a professional will writer and the Founder of Bristolbased ELM Legal Services. Have a question related to wills and estates? Send it to Jim at hello@elm-online.co.uk and mention ‘Voice newspapers’ in the subject line for potential inclusion in a future column.
hanham&longwellgreenvoice
n WHAT'S ON
MONDAY
n LONGWELL GREEN ART CLUB, no tutors. Would you like to do your own thing in the company of a small, friendly group that meet Mondays 9.30 to 12.30, arrive and leave as you please. URC Wesley room. Contact Jackie on 01179600273 or email colown@ blueyonder.co.uk
TUESDAY
n LIP READING CLASS, 1.303pm at North Common Village Hall, Millers Drive, BS30 8YH. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@yahoo.com
n TUESDAY CLUB a social group meet every Tuesday 1.45-3.45pm at Longwell Green Community Centre
n HANHAM TENNIS CLUB Adult Play - Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings, 9.30am - 11 am. NEW! Ladies coaching session Fridays 12:30 - 1:30pm. Beginners' session coaching - Wednesday 7-8pm. Junior coachingmost early evenings. New players welcome. Fully qualified LTA coaching. See website for details www. hanhamtennisclub.co.uk
n EXERCISE AND FRIENDSHIP GROUP at The Community Project in Cadbury Heath (BS30 8EL) every Tuesday, 11:00 – 12:30. Join our over 65s. Improve strength, balance, and more in a fun, inclusive environment. Just £5/session includes tea/ coffee and chat. Don’t miss out on boosting your well-being! For more information contact Adam07875503586
n LONGWELL GREEN LADIES GROUP meet at 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green BS30 9DU (opp. Aldi). Please phone Maureen on 0117 9322341
n LONGWELL GREEN SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB, We meet Wednesday and Fridays 1.30 to 3.30 at the Longwell Green community centre , Shellards road, in the California suite. All equipment provided. Beginners very welcome. We are a friendly group who need additional members. Email. Michael8bence@ gmail.com. Tel 07800869837
WEDNESDAY
n BARRS COURT PROBUS
CLUB Retired and semi-retired Professional and Businessmen: Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10-12 at Longwell Green Community Centre. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Mick Funnell: 0117 932 4104 or email bcprobusclub@gmail.com to arrange a visit. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/
n BARRS COURT LADIES CLUB: Wives and partners of the Probus club members meet 10-12 on the second Wednesday of each month at the United Church, Bath Road, Longwell Green. Website: https:// barrscourtprobus.org/
n ZEST CHOIR is an inclusive happy singing group for all adults who love to sing - even if you think you can’t or might be Tone Deaf! We meet Term Time Wednesdays at Longwell Green Community Centre from 10.15am-11.45am. Contact Mary on 07954 170532 www. zestchoirs.com.
n LONGWELL GREEN PROBUS CLUB meets at Warmley Community Centre on the first and third Wednesday of each month.. New members welcomefor details contact Mike on 07817094147
n HANHAM BRIDGE CLUB
Every Weds 7-10pm at Hanham Community Centre, see www. hanhambridgeclub.co.uk.
n HANHAM AND KINGSWOOD PHOTO CLUB. A friendly club welcoming photographers of all abilities to share our hobby. Meeting 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start on most Wednesdays, St Barnabas Church Hall, Warmley, BS30 5JJ. See the website for where meetings will be held (some on Zoom & some evenings out). For details visit https://www.handkphoto.club or contact Geoff Mallin at email address, geoffmemsechps@gmail. com
n RWP BADMINTON CLUB play at Hanham Woods Academy 6.307.30 social club, 7.30-9.30 league club. Visitors welcome, please look at the website for more details
n LIP READING CLASS, 10amnoon, Warmley Community Centre. Termtime only. Contact Mary Hall 07790 283939, lipreadingmary@ yahoo.com
THURSDAY
n ‘STAND UP REACH OUT’ A social group meet every Thursday 2-4pm at Longwell Green Community Centre for different activities.
n HANHAM ART CLUB We are friendly group that meets on a
Thursday evening at Hanham Community Centre 7pm9pm. New members welcome from beginners to the more experienced. For more information contact Hilary on 07880548481 or email tweenuk2003@yahoo.com
n WE ARE A SMALL FRIENDLY CLUB, all subjects are included, aircraft, cars, armoured vehicles, fantasy, etc we meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at St. Anne's Hall, Barry Road, Oldland Common. at 8pm. Please contact Ian on 0117 9603435
n BLACK SHEEP HARMONY
We welcome new singers to any of our weekly rehearsals, to join in or just to listen. 7:30pm on Thursdays in Hanham Community Centre. Contact Noey: 07899 088180 or check out our website www. blacksheepharmony.com
FRIDAY
n TAI CHI FOR PARKINSON'S: Weekly beginners Tai Chi & Qi Gong class for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families and carers. Lincombe Barn, Downend. BS16 2RW. Fridays (term times) 10.15 – 12.15 including tea / coffee break. Contact: Claire - Claire@Taichibodyandmind. co.uk (07769 857672) or Sarah - buqiworks@gmail.com (07815 662844)
n LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE QUIZ NIGHT, meets normally first Friday of each month at 8 pm. Bar available. For details please contact Marian.r.summerill@gmail.com, or ring 07503 989880.
n CROFT END SILVER BAND
Hanham Tabernacle, Tabernacle Road, practice 7.15pm8.45pm. Players needed on all sections , all ages welcome and training given. We are a happy Band with a good atmosphere. More details contact Rob (Chairman) on 07788 473404
Slimming World
Longwell Green Community Centre, Shellards Road Longwell Green BS30 9DU Monday: 6.00pm & 7.30pm Tuesday: 9.30am Tel: Karen 07889 408969
Hanham Baptist Church 157a High Street, Hanham BS15 3QZ Saturday: 9:00am Tel: Izzy 07581715665
n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Email longwell-wi@gmail.com or tel. 0117 9864782. real food, real support, real results
North Common Village Hall, 16 Millers Dr, North Common BS30 8XX Tuesday: 6pm & 7.30pm Tel: Emma 07773 689229
real food, real support, real results
Infected insect bites?
Did you know you can now receive effective antibiotic treatment funded by the NHS for infected insect bites from Ellacombe Pharmacy? As the weather gets warmer, there is usually someone who always seems to be the unfair target of the most insect bites and stings. Some people are more prone to insect bites than others due to a combination of factors, including body scents, carbon dioxide exhaled, body temperature and blood type?
Most cases of Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days, but sometimes they can become infected or cause severe allergic reactions. Infected insect bites occur when bacteria from the insect’s saliva or from scratching the bite site enter the wound, leading to inflammation and potential complications.
Infected insect bites can manifest with various symptoms, including:
• Increased pain or tenderness at the bite site.
• Redness and swelling may spread from the bite area.
• Warmth or heat radiating from the bite.
• Pus or discharge from the bite wound.
• Fever or chills.
• Swollen lymph nodes near the bite area.
Ellacombe Pharmacy offers effective antibiotic treatment for infected insect bites funded by the NHS. You can come in whenever the pharmacy is open; no appointment is required. You will be assessed to determine the best course of treatment for you. This service is available for children and adults.
You are advised to seek urgent medical advice if
• Symptoms are worsening or not improving within a day or two.
• A red line is tracking upwards from the bite area.
• Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face and mouth.
• History of severe allergic reactions to insect bites
To help prevent insect bites and stings
• Use insect repellent when outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants.
• Avoid areas with high insect populations.
• Clean up and store food properly to avoid attracting insects.
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to bites, when last did you check the expiration date of your adrenaline pen, and have you advised your family and close contacts where to find it and how to administer it?
Finally, this is liberating for some; for others, it is an excuse, but darker colours can make it easier for some insects to see and find you, so let us be fashion-colour-conscious. Go Bold, Bright, and Loud!
The Ellacombe Pharmacy team will always be on hand to provide the best treatments and self-care advice.
n ANTIQUES
125-year-old chocolate bar
AS you’re polishing off the last of your Easter eggs, spare a thought for this; a 125-year-old uneaten block of chocolate we recently discovered!
In 1899, during the Boer War, Queen Victoria decided to send a gift tin of chocolate to the troops serving in South Africa. It was intended that every serving soldier and officer should receive one of these tins which carried the inscription 'South Africa 1900' and in the Queen's handwriting 'I wish you a happy New Year'.
The Queen commissioned the country's three principal chocolate manufacturers, J S Fry & Sons, Cadbury Brothers Limited and Rowntree and Co Limited, to undertake the production of these special tins. By the end of 1900 over 120,000 tins had been produced and distributed to soldiers.
Each tin contained half a pound of ‘vanilla chocolate’ and featured an embossed roundel showing Queen Victoria to the top. The tins were made with rounded corners in order that they could easily fit into soldier’s pockets. Whilst many were opened and eaten, a few weren’t. Some soldiers opted to post the tin home to their children or loved ones, others traded them with fellow soldiers for tobacco.
This particular tin had been purchased around forty years ago by the owner, and remained within his private collection until recently when he decided it needed a new home.
Antique bars of chocolate are very rare to find intact and therefore command high prices when sold at auction. This one is estimated at £200-300 when it goes up for sale in our June auction. That’s a lot of money for a block of century old chocolate! Anyone fancy a bite?
Andy Stowe, Auctioneum
n NEWS
Bookings cut tip queues
SOUTH Gloucestershire Council says booking to visit Sort It recycling centres has cut queues and spread visits more evenly.
The council introduced the online advance system in March at all its tips, including Mangotsfield, to meet a law requiring councils to regulate the disposal of household DIY waste.
A spokesperson said the council is “actively monitoring” the system and feedback from residents, although it was not possible to compare it with the old system because this did not accurately record visits.
During the opening period extra council staff and a security guard helped staff check drivers had bookings and helped people book them, but there has been no overall permanent increase in staffing levels.
The council said: “Most site users have adapted well to the new system. While there have been some incidents involving aggressive behaviour, there have been no serious threats or acts of violence reported. Verbal and physical abuse of our staff and other site users is not tolerated.” It added that there has been “no overall increase in fly-tipping since the booking system was introduced”.
Look out for scarecrows
THE Friends of Christ Church primary school are organising Hanham scarecrow trail to raise money for the school.
The trail will start on Saturday May 24 at 10am and close at 4pm on Sunday June 1. Entry sheets are £5 and can be purchased from various locations along and near the high street, including Goldings, Beacon Café, Pzazz and Cryptic Cabin. Prizes to be won!
More details at http://bit.ly/hanham-scarecrows-2025
The Friends are also holding a race night at the Jolly Sailor on Saturday May 3. All welcome.
n NEWS
Film tribute to Jamie has premiere
A TRIBUTE to a Mangotsfield teenager who died in a plane crash has had its premiere at a film festival.
My Friend Who Died tells the story of Jamie Clapp and the effect on his friends of his death in 2007, at the age of 13.
It has been made by Jamie's friend James Harris, who grew up in Warmley and now works as the head of the film department at a creative agency in Clevedon.
James put the film together using video he filmed of his friends skateboarding over several years before Jamie's death, adding footage of news reports in the aftermath of the tragedy and newly-filmed location shots.
It was given its premiere at the Homegrown Shorts film festival at Clevedon's Curzon Cinema in late March.
James, who went to Sir Bernard Lovell school has now released the 23-minute movie on YouTube, where it received more than 6,000 views in its first four weeks.
James said: "The premiere went brilliantly. The film received a huge round of applause and lots of support. The film has had a lot of positive feedback since it went online."
Viewers who have commented on the film on YouTube have described it as "really beautiful", "stunning" and "an amazing story of community and friendship".
James got to know Mangotsfield School pupil Jamie
James Harris joins other filmmakers for a discussion on stage at the Curzon Cinema in Clevedon
through their shared love of skateboarding.
He started making hour-long skateboarding films, many of them filmed in Emersons Green, for the group after a broken arm that left him temporarily unable to skate.
My Friend Who Died starts at Clutton airfield, the scene of the light aircraft crash that claimed Jamie's life. The plane was being flown by a family friend, Robert Gunter, 33, an inexperienced
n M E S S AGE F R OM POLI CE AND CRIME C OMMISSIONER
How we plan ser vices to keep you safe
IT will be no surprise that commissioning is a part of my role, as it is in my job title.
In simple terms, this means deciding how money from the government is used to provide services that support victims of crime and fund activities that help to reduce and prevent crime.
Commissioning isn’t just about spending money, it’s a process. It involves understanding what is needed, planning services to meet those needs, and ensuring the services deliver the right outcomes.
Here’s how it works:
Assessing needs
The process starts with looking at data: local crime statistics, health reports, and national research. But data alone isn’t enough. My team and I talk to partners like the police, councils, and organisations working in our communities. We also listen to the people who use these services. What do they want? What works for them?
Setting priorities
With the needs identified, my team looks for where we can make the most impact. This highlights the best areas to focus on, such as reducing violent crime, supporting victims of domestic abuse, or preventing antisocial behaviour.
Planning services
Once priorities are set, providers such as charities, social enterprises, or private companies, apply for funding by showing how their work will meet those needs. Think of it like a job application, where they demonstrate their experience and their plan to deliver.
Procuring services
Providers then compete for contracts or grants. We choose those that offer the best value for money and the highest quality service.
Monitoring quality
Finally, we don’t just hand over the money and walk away. We require regular reports from funded services, showing how
many people they’ve helped and the outcomes they’ve achieved. This ensures we’re making a real difference.
What does this look like in practice? It ranges from largescale funding for specialised services to smaller grants for community-led projects.
Recently, my office completed a major commissioning process, investing in services that offer crucial support to victims of crime through seven-year contracts worth over £2 million.
These include practical and emotional support services for adults as well as specialist support for children affected by crime.
At the other end of the scale, I’ve also been able to award smaller grants of up to £10,000 to grassroots groups making a difference in their communities.
For example, projects funded through our Crime Prevention Fund include bystander training to prevent sexual violence, fraud awareness workshops for older
pilot who had taken ecstasy before the flight.
The film goes on to explore the effect of Jamie's death on James and his other friends, the campaign they worked on with Jamie's dad Gordon, who died last year, to create a skate park in his memory in Emersons Green, and how the friends meet up there every year to keep Jamie's memory alive.
Its poignant closing titles feature a recording of Jamie singing a cover of Will Young's song Evergreen that James kept on a CD.
The film can be found by searching for My Friend Who Died on YouTube or at tinyurl. com/yk6c84sd.
people, and activities that divert young people away from crime and antisocial behaviour. By investing in this range of services, both big and small, I want to ensure that help is available to those who need it most, while supporting the incredible work happening in local communities across Avon and Somerset.
You can find out more about the services I fund along with our commissioning strategy on my website at tinyurl.com/8aajt975.
Jamie Clapp
Appeal to help chef in Thai hospital
FRIENDS and family of a Hanham chef who was critically injured in a road accident have launched a fundraising campaign to pay for his hospital treatment in Thailand.
Ricky Eury, who co-owns the Gorilla Thai Kitchen restaurants in Fishponds Road and Gloucester Road, was hit by a motorbike while crossing a road in the resort of Phuket on March 15.
He suffered multiple fractures to his skull, bleeding on the brain, a broken rib and a broken nose and was taken to an intensive care unit, where he remained in a critical condition for over a week.
The accident happened a day before Ricky, 39, had been due to return home - and a day after his travel insurance had expired.
An online fundraiser set up to help cover his medical expenses has raised more than £30,000 - but the cost of his care has already surpassed that figure.
Now a big fundraising event in Bristol is being organised to help pay for the ongoing treatment for the 39-year-old, who has a young son and lives in Hanham.
A family spokesperson said:
"Though Ricky’s condition has now stabilised, recent CT scans reveal extensive and life-altering injuries.
"Thai doctors have called it a miracle that he survived at all.
"He currently has a piece of skull lodged in his brain and is suffering from a cerebral thrombosis, complicating his treatment and making surgery especially high-risk, with only a 30% chance of survival.
"He is also experiencing severe double vision that could persist for up to a year. Medical teams are still assessing how best to move forward, with estimates suggesting Ricky may require further treatment in Thailand for another three to six months – adding significantly to the financial burden.
Loft Boarding & Insulation
"He hopes to return home to see his son, rebuild his work-life and reconnect with friends and family."
Ricky previously lived in Thailand to train as a professional Muay Thai boxer, and went back in February to research food to update Gorilla Thai Kitchen's menu.
He launched a Thai food delivery service during the pandemic and opened the first Gorilla Thai Kitchen on Fishponds Road with his lifelong friend, Billy Branter, in 2020, opening a second restaurant on Gloucester Road earlier this year.
Billy has been managing the business in Ricky’s absence and said the situation has placed everyone under "immense pressure".
Ricky's friends have organised a fundraising event at Lost Horizon arts centre and bar in St Jude's on May 10.
Running from noon until 9pm, the Raving for Ricky day will
include family-friendly activities, a Thai-inspired barbecue, DJ sets Leisure Centre and Retox Allstars and a raffle with prizes worth more than £5,000.
Tickets can be bought via Eventbrite at tinyurl. com/3szzvwrk.
The Gofundme page can be found at tinyurl.com/muvxzdvw and the raffle is at tinyurl. com/27kkkyjn
Ricky Eury in hospital in Thailand
n SPORT
CLEVE RUGBY UNDER 12s
CLEVE Rugby Club's under-12s are celebrating after winning the Bristol Bears Defender Cup.
The Defender Cup is a nationwide tournament for under-11 and under-12 teams, with each event hosted by a Premiership club.
On March 30 the U12s' Bristol leg was held at Bristol Grammar Schools' sports ground in Failand. The eventual winners are not decided by on-field results but by a collective vote of all the attending teams as to which club best promotes the RFU's core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship (TREDS).
FRY’S BOWLING CLUB
Fry’s Bowling Club had an open day on Monday April 14 to celebrate the new cladding on the pavilion. With the old wood cladding beginning to show its age necessitating a large amount of work to repair, the club looked into plastic cladding. With a grant from St Monica Trust the work was completed following the close of the 2024 season.
Many guests attended the event, including David Williams, CEO of St Monica Trust with his Director of Villages, Rob Haywood and John Lane, marketing manager. Also attending were councillors from Banes and Keynsham, George Leach, Caitlin Brennan and Souzan Alenshasy.
Also in attendance were the senior people from Somerset Bowls Association including chairman Carolle Skeates and presidents Sue Tassel and Chris Greenwood.
The club were also pleased to see members of The Unstoppables learning disability group with their leader Lianne Morse, a group supported by the club and always welcome at Fry’s
The picture above right shows David Williams cutting the ribbons with Tricia Shaw, club treasurer, Eric Jones, vice chairman and Lynnette Nicholls from the social committee.
Cleve RFC U12s were voted for by teams from 15 other Bristol-based clubs.
Head coach Matt Smith said: "To be recognised for demonstrating these values is an honour. The victory is a result of hard work, team spirit and determination. Every player gave 100% and all contributed to the overall win. This is a testament not only to the players, but also the parents, carers and volunteers who turn up every week."
The boys who played have been invited to attend the Gallagher Premiership Final at Twickenham on June 14, and will parade around the pitch at half time.
More than 600 children from clubs across
Steve Nicholls, club funding manager thanked all for attending and particularly St Monica Trust who have supplied the funding for the work.
Following the formalities, all guests of varying experience levels had a go at bowling, with guidance from club members, which all enjoyed.
Following the on green activities, a buffet prepared by Carol Grenfell and her team was enjoyed by both guests and members ended a successful event.
Fry’s Bowling Club would like to thank Steve Nicholls who liaised with St Monica Trust to get the grant and to the members who helped plan and support the work
KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB
THE first friendly fixtures of the new season for ladies and gents at Keynsham Bowling Club have been played, and we are now looking forward to the start of the various leagues. While a good number of playing members have signed on for the season, we are always in the market for new players. So here is a reminder of our two open mornings, on Sunday May 11 and Monday May 26, 10am-12 noon, when anyone can come along to try their hand at rolling a wood.
the area took part in the annual Cleve RFC Minis Festival in April. A total of 71 teams, from U7s to U12s, played in a fantastic display of mini-rugby.
After their inaugural minis match in February, Cleve girls have played two more games, a second match with Bristol Harlequins RFC and a friendly with Chosen Hill RFC.
Next season Cleve intends to field a full U12s girls team for the first time in the club's history.
Girls in Year 5 or Year 6 are being invited to get in touch to try the sport - no experience is necessary and there will be "come and try" sessions over the summer. For more details, email rugbyclevegirls@gmail.com.
Steve Bateman
on the clubhouse.
If you would like to come and see the clubhouse for yourself, as mentioned in the last issue of The Voice, Fry’s Bowling Club are taking part in the national Big Bowls Weekend which runs from 23rd –26th May. Fry’s are hosting events on Saturday 24th May at 12-2pm and Sunday 25th May, 10am-12. If you have never played before, why not come and give bowls a try?
Both events are free and suitable for all ages and abilities, so bring the family down for a morning or afternoon of bowling.
The Saturday event has a match against Bristol Arrow following so you can stay on and see what the game is about. If you can’t
All equipment will be provided – we just ask attendees to bring a pair of flat-soled shoes, i.e. without ridges, to put on before accessing the green.
Bowls is open to all irrespective of age or sex – you can play on an equal footing with anyone. So if you are one of those good folk who stand outside our green looking over the hedge to watch us play, why don’t you venture inside and give it a go?
On the social side, we held our pre-season party with an afternoon tea, and entertainment provided by the sea shanty group Storm Force 10. Instead of charging a fee, the group
wait till May, get in touch with our secretary to arrange a suitable time.
With May now upon us, the season really picks up with the league and cup matches beginning in May. With the club welcoming several new members, it promises to be an exciting season at Fry’s. If you would like more information about Frys Bowling Club, or to give bowls a try, please visit our website: frysbowlingclub. wixsite.com/frys, search Frys Bowling Club on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @FrysBowls, or contact our secretary, Stephen Day, e-mail: frysbowlsclub@gmail.com, tel: 01225 872959.
collected donations for their annual charity, AndysManClub, which works to prevent male suicide.
We have already started collecting funds for our own charity of the year, Cancer Research UK, chosen by our two captains, Lynne Pearce and Paul Matthews.
Our next big event in support of this will be our barbecue on Sunday July 27, and in the meantime we continue to hold our coffee mornings on the first Wednesday of the month.
Mike Barrow
The new-look pavilion at Fry’s Bowling Club and the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its completion
n KINGSWOOD MEMORIES & HERITAGE MUSEUM
DAVID BELLAMY
Kingswood Heritage Museum has an extensive collection of images of the many celebrities who have grown up in and visited the area, and many of these images are featured in one of the Museum’s new exhibitions for 2025.
This month’s “Memory” features the late David Bellamy OBE, who was an influential botanist, television presenter, author and environmental campaigner in Britain and across the world. He became extremely well known for his unique,
Bank Holidays and Douglas Cavalcade
The Museum is open until the end of November from 2 – 5pm every Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, and from 11am to 5pm on Bank Holidays, including the early May Bank Holiday on 5th May.
The Museum will be open from 11am to 5pm every day over the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May: Saturday May 24th, Sunday May 25th and Monday May 26th.
The annual Douglas Cavalcade is a regular feature of the Spring Bank Holiday. This year’s Cavalcade takes place on Sunday 25th May, when dozens of vintage motorcycles will move off at 12 noon to ride the old factory test route.
energetic style of presenting to television audiences in the 1970s and 1980s.
David first came to attention in broadcasting when covering the Torrey Canyon disaster, and his exuberant and demonstrative presentation of science topics featured on a wide range of programmes. He wrote, appeared in, or presented hundreds of television programmes on botany, ecology, environmentalism, and other issues. His presentation style was frequently parodied by impersonators, most notably Lenny
Museum Talk: Avon Wharf at Bitton
The third talk of the year takes place at Kingswood Heritage Museum on Wednesday 14th May, when Jim Pimpernell will tell the story of Avon Wharf at Bitton.
Admission costs £4.50, including tea or coffee; doors open at 7pm and the talk commences at 7.30 pm; Seats must be booked in advance via 0117 9605664, or by email:kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com
Table Top Sale
The Friends of Kingswood Heritage Museum are holding a Table Top Sale at the Museum on Saturday 7th June from 11am to 4pm. Stall Holders can book a table for £10, setting up from 10am. For more
Henry, and his distinctive voice appeared in many adverts.
The featured photograph illustrates a visit by David to Willsbridge Mill in the late 1980’s.
If you were present when David visited Willsbridge Mill please share your memories with Kingswood Heritage Museum by email at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com, or by phone on 0117 9605664.
details please contact Linda Payne on 01179605664 orº email: kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com
Events and Activities
The Museum hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, featuring in May:
• On Bank Holiday Monday 5th May, from 11am to 5pm, guided tours of the Museum with cream tea to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day
• Free family events on Saturday 17th May, 10 am to 1 pm, on Friday 23rd May, 4pm to 6pm and on Tuesday 27th May from 12pm to 2pm: “ A Wild Giant Adventure parade and picnic, with Lamplighters”.
• A Mandala Workshop with Cream Tea on Sunday 18th May
Follow us on facebook or see our website at www. kingswoodmuseum.org.uk for the latest news about the Museum and our events and activities.
Volunteer with us
Kingswood Heritage Museum is run entirely by volunteers. Would you like to help us to conserve and display the history of our area, and to pass our knowledge on to future generations?
Whatever skills you can offer, Kingswood Heritage Museum would like to hear from you. If you would like to join our enthusiastic and friendly group of volunteers do get in touch by emailing us at kingswoodmuseum@gmail.com, or simply call us on 0117 9605664. We would love to hear from you!
BITTON PARISH HISTORY GROUP
VE Day: Our wartime memories
by Reg Pullin and Marlene Gallop
During the first week of May, towns and villages across the UK will be celebrating Victory in Europe (VE) Day. It is therefore fitting to share some of our own local memories from that time.
Golden Valley Paper Mill
The mill functioned throughout the Second World War, working a three-shift system round the clock, and employing a lot of people from the surrounding areas. The very tall factory chimney stack had to be reduced in height very early in the war as it could have been a danger to low flying aircraft. At the factory they had a small fire brigade unit with a pump on wheels which was man handled, the crew would practice at weekends outside of the factory and us lads would enjoy seeing the men being put through their paces, the leader of the brigade was a Mr. Tunstal who lived in Golden Valley.
The Army Camp
The Camp was established early in the war covering the area which is now Aubrey Meads. This was a search light unit, that shone a powerful beam to light up enemy aircraft for the anti-aircraft guns to shoot at. The whole camp area was out of bounds to the public.
One physical thing which the out of bounds camp did was to make an alteration to the ancient footpath to and from Upton Cheyney which can still be seen as the last section of the path that skirts the edge of Aubrey Meads (before Aubrey Meads was built in the 1950s). The original path exited the last field into Golden Valley Lane at the back corner of the Eastover property.
Perhaps the most frightening wartime event which shook the village was when a German plane decided to attack the search light itself. Edna Nelmes described the episode:
“ We had a search light unit over our garden wall and one night it was attacked by a German plane. There were blue and silver bullets zooming down the search
light beam. The plane looped off towards Wick and came back down Golden Valley but loosed off its bombs too soon to get the search light, but the blast blew out our windows and brought two ceilings down.”
Reg Pullin remembers spending those terrifying moments under the couch among all the boots and shoes and came out to find broken glass and bits of plaster in the kitchen. The next morning everyone in the village was in Golden Valley Lane to inspect the craters in adjacent field to the Camp.
Air Raid Precautions – the ARP
The busiest night the local ARP unit was when a shower of incendiary bombs was dropped on Bitton village. These bombs burned with a phosphorous flame and were particularly difficult to extinguish, especially on rooftops. Sand was used to put them out.
A bomb dropped on Golden Valley Nursery in 1940. The packing shed for cucumbers was shattered and pieces of shrapnel buried in it. The Nursery flourished during
the war when the Government encouraged food production at all costs.
German planes frequently passed overhead in daylight en route to bomb the Filton factories. An old war horse “Tom”, led by Jim Parsons, was used to deliver fruit and vegetables, plus picking up in the other fields in Upton and a
field opposite Ash House on the corner of Mill Lane. He was always alarmed by passing planes used to kick or stamp in his stable or run around in circles if he was out in the paddock.
The YMCA building - now the Rec opposite Fonthill - was used as a store for furniture from bombed out properties in Bristol. Eventually, the flooring began to sink under the weight, rendering it unsafe.
Celebrations
Julia King Gallop recalls the celebration in Bitton village at the time, based around the White Hart Public House. All the village houses were decorated with flags and bunting. “Circle” dancing spread across the main road which was closed for the event. There was an abundance of food and drink as the whole community came together to mark the end of the war in Europe.
To learn more about our local history, visit: www.bittonhistory.org.uk
Anderson Shelter: photo courtesy Paul Townsend
John Pullin, Poppy the dog, Clara Pullin, Wallace Cavill, Maud Cavill and Tom Cavill: photo courtesy Reg Pullin
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