Oldland & Bitton Voice May 2025

oldland&bittonvoice

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT ON BEHALF OF BLOOR HOMES

NEW PUBLIC OPEN SPACE PROPOSED FOR WARMLEY

A new neighbourhood proposed by Bloor Homes could see the majority of land at their North Warmley site opened up as public green space for the first time.

The plans would see around 60% of the site (about forty-two football pitches), currently all in private ownership, become accessible to the community, with large parks and open space, nature corridors, green routes and a major extension to Warmley Forest Park

The proposals are described as ‘green-space-first,’ with the layout designed around mature trees, hedgerows, and Siston Brook.

A network of paths and natural spaces would be created to support biodiversity and connect

people to the wider landscape, including the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

Bloor Homes says the focus is not only on the amount of green space, but its quality, aiming to

create spaces for wildlife, walking, cycling and families to enjoy.

The remaining part of the site would deliver 950 new homes, including affordable and agefriendly housing, nursery, and a local centre for community facilities. The homes, planned to be built from Spring 2029 and completed Winter 2039, would help meet local needs and unlock significant financial contributions for schools, health services, walking and cycling routes, and public transport – all paid for by the developer.

The site is proposed for allocation in South Gloucestershire Council’s emerging Local Plan, which sets out a long-term strategy for sustainable growth in the East Fringe.

A public consultation gets underway from 12 May. Bloor Homes is inviting local people to help shape how the green space is used, what community features are most needed, and how the new neighbourhood can fit into Warmley’s future.

NORTH WARMLEY SITE MAP: Except for public rights of way, all land within the red line is currently privately owned.

extended.

Webb’s Heath

Siston Common (East)

Warmley Forest Park

ENHANCING EXISTING SPACES:

Connected networks of habitats, wetlands, woodland to wildflower-rich grasslands are all part of the plan.

SHAPED BY THE LANDSCAPE, ROOTED IN NATURE

The layout of the proposed neighbourhood follows the site’s natural features from the start. North Warmley is described as a ‘green-space-first’ development. But what does that actually mean?

For Bloor Homes, it means planning with the land itself. The proposed layout is guided by existing features like Siston Brook, mature hedgerows and tree lines, ensuring that green space, ecology and drainage aren’t added on later – they’re crucial to how the neighbourhood is shaped.

The result is a connected network of habitats and accessible open spaces, from wetlands and woodland to wildflowerrich grasslands and wide green corridors. These features would help manage rainfall, support biodiversity and create a landscape character that feels local, not generic. Bloor Homes are also planning to go beyond ‘Homes for Nature’ requirements and provide boxes for birds, bats and bees on new houses; hedgehog highways for gardens; and hibernation hotels for reptiles and amphibians.

A NEIGHBOURHOOD THAT FITS INTO EVERYDAY LIFE

Local centre, nursery, green space and community investment – not just for new residents.

The proposals for North Warmley include more than new homes. At the heart of the plan is a small but purposeful local centre – a space designed for daily life.

A café, a convenience shop, a nursery and shared green space would sit alongside a new mobility hub and flexible workspace. These aren’t just for new residents – they’re designed to serve the wider Warmley community too.

Bloor Homes says this is about building a neighbourhood that contributes, not competes – offering new places to meet, work, walk and access services.

The development would also unlock funding through planning agreements (Section 106) to help improve existing infrastructure. This may include contributions to local primary and secondary schools, GP and dental capacity, community safety and public transport.

And the wider community is being asked what else could be supported to enrich Warmley’s shared spaces.

The design also proposes new walking and cycling routes, including through an expanded Warmley Forest Park, allowing people to connect with nature in their everyday journeys.

BACKING WARMLEY’S SHARED SPACES

In addition to core infrastructure, Bloor Homes is exploring ways to support existing community assets across the area.

These may include improvements to Warmley Community Centre, halls and meeting spaces like Kingsmeadow Made4Ever, sports and play areas, and public realm projects. Local input will help shape how contributions are directed, and feedback is welcome through Bloor’s public consultation.

Fun in the sun at the annual Willsbridge Mill Easter duck race: Report: Page 7

Councils hit out at homes plan

RESIDENTS from Oldland joined others from across Bristol’s eastern fringe to make plain their opposition to plans for thousands of homes to be built in the Green Belt.

Members of Save Our Green Spaces - South Gloucestershire (SOGS-SG) staged a protest outside Kingswood Civic Centre as the final consultation on the

council’s draft Local Plan came to end.

The proposals in the plan, which will be examined by a Government inspector, are also opposed by a number of town and parish councils who would like to see development spread more evenly around South Gloucestershire. Report: Page 5

Movie magic for Luciana

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy student Luciana Curran, 12, from Barrs Court has a role in a movie with Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Roman. PAGE 6

Gabriel’s big swim

Ten-year-old Gabriel Davis, from Hanham, swam 10k in a month to raise money for the Stroke Association. PAGE 10

Thanks, Mrs G!

Sharon Godfrey, better known as Mrs G, has retired after working at Cherry Garden Primary School for 28 years. PAGE 13

VE Day tributes

The 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8 is set to be marked in some style across our area with a range of events. PAGES 16-19

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PUBLISHER

Gary Brindle

07799461169

EDITOR

Linda Tanner 07770700579

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.

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.

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LOCAL INFORMATION

South Gloucestershire Council

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General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 Emergency: 999

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Safer Stronger team

sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

Anti social behaviour team

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Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk

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Oldland Common & Bitton 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. Oldland Common & Bitton 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 Gary Brindle on 07799461169 or oldlandandbittonvoicenews@gmail.com

COMPLAINTS

Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in the Oldland Common & Bitton Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

"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.

A House of Commons spokesperson said: "We do not comment on individual cases."

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.

Includes reporting by John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Charge over crash death

A DRIVER has been charged with causing the death of a young man in a lorry crash.

Tyler Carley, aged 20, died when the scaffolding lorry he was a passenger in overturned on the A4174 Avon Ring Road near Mangotsfield in December 2023.

Avon & Somerset police confirmed that a 38-year-old man who was arrested after the incident had been charged in connection with the collision, following an investigation.

Michael Jon Ronner, of Warmley, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on March 25 to answer a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.

He did not enter a plea, and the case has now been referred to Bristol Crown Court, where a further hearing is due to take place at the end of April.

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 (SOGSSG) handing in 167 handwritten responses at Kingswood Civic Centre on the final day.

All comments collected will be submitted with the plan to the government for scrutiny by a planning inspector at a public examination early 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

Darren Lawrence, of SOGS-SG, and seven--year-old Evie deliver Local Planconsultation responses to South Gloucestershire Council on deadline day in April

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.”

LONGWELL GREEN

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.

Sue's final fitness session helps homeless

A FITNESS instructor used her final aerobics class before retiring to raise hundreds of pounds to help homeless people.

Sue Green worked as a fitness instructor at Kingswood Leisure Centre in Church Road, Soundwell, for 37 years.

When the time came to hang up her leg warmers Sue, 65, decided to make her last class a fundraiser for the Julian Trust, a Bristol night shelter where Sue has volunteered for 12 years and serves as a trustee.

More than 100 people signed up for the class on March 31, and the event raised more than £800 for the charity.

Sue said: "It has been so wonderful seeing so many faces together from over the years –and I’ve been blown away by how generous everyone has been.

"We set the price at £5 per person for the class, but so many have contributed far beyond that. It’s really taken off – the amount people have given has been truly heart-warming."

Sue, form Kingswood, has been at the centre since 1988 and is known not only for her energetic classes but also for her community work.

The grandmother-of-four has also established a permanent donation point at the centre to collect food and essential supplies for the Julian Trust, which runs a night shelter in St Paul’s providing emergency support to people experiencing

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 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.

homelessness.

It has offered overnight accommodation, hot meals and washing facilities since 1987.

Julian Trust treasurer Hannah Martin said: "Sue’s a really compassionate and caring individual, who helps the guests that come into our shelters so much.

"We're a very small charity and rely heavily on donations, so this is a lifeline for us."

Sue’s final class was a colourful affair as she donned her signature rainbow tutu, leg warmers and wristbands – a nod to the 1980s fitness fashions from when she first started.

Sue continued to lead classes right up to her retirement, despite undergoing two knee and two hip replacements.

She plans to return as a customer, having been given free lifetime membership of the centre, which is run by charity Circadian Trust.

Manager Martyn Hinam said: "Sue is such a special part of Kingswood Active Lifestyle Centre and her energy, kindness and commitment have touched so many lives.

"She’s not just led classes –she’s built friendships, boosted confidence, and helped people feel like they belong.

"Good luck Sue on your retirement – and we’ll look forward to seeing you on the ‘other side’ of the desk in the very near future.”

Sue Green leads her final aerobics class at Kingswood Leisure Centre.

Picture: Matt Bigwood

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.

leather pouch from the 7th century with gold, garnet and millefiori, from the Sutton Hoo treasure, which is on display in the British Museum.

Bristol-based The Window Hub progresses on green goals

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

you know what? It is so easy to be amazing if you don’t cut corners.”

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.

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

The 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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

“We know that choosing new windows and inviting someone

Now that Spring is here, the ‘Happy Feet’ walkers enjoyed the

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.

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

“Sales begin and end with treating customers properly. And

The Longwell Green WI’s

Kamann Huang

BITTON WI

And the Window Hub has the customer reviews to prove it –90% of reviews for The Window Hub on Trustpilot are for five stars, with customers celebrating the company’s professionalism, friendliness, tidiness, and attention to detail.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Our 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

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 Programme Secretary

IMPERIAL WINTERGUARD

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 5th 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

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.

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.

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 Hanham Woods Academy during school term time on Tuesday evenings, and at Broadlands Academy in Keynsham on term time Saturdays from September to April.

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.

Gabriel swims 10k in tribute to Grampy

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

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

Gabriel Davis swam 400 lengths in a month

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

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

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 for long distances 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 outside of the county.”

By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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

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.

Jamie Clapp

Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

JOHN Cabot Academy students and staff transported audiences to an enchanting land in a production of The Wizard Of Oz.

This timeless story follows young Dorothy Gale, played by Iris Hutton and Sophie Townsend (both Year 11), who is swept up by a tornado and lands in the fantasy world of Oz. Along her journey to find the Wizard, she meets an array of characters, including the Scarecrow (Harry Ryan, Year 11), the Tin Man (Laura Gessner Machado, Year 9), and the Lion (Zara Albuquerque, Year 9)The production, performed over

three nights to packed audiences and featuring the music from the classic film, also included a matinee show for primary school pupils.

As well as a cast and crew of over 70 students, the production boasted a seven-piece live band, composed of students from Years 8 to 11.

Charlotte Grierson, curriculum leader for performing arts, said: “Watching the story come to life over the past few months has been a joy, and the final performances were a fantastic realisation of this beloved classic.”

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 spokesperson said: “Our review shows that most residents are able to book their preferred time on the same day, although weekends tend to be busier. Following this initial bedding-in period, feedback from staff and residents suggests that the system has helped to reduce queuing and spread visits more evenly across the week.

“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.”

The council says there has been “no overall increase in fly-tipping since the booking system was introduced”.

Oldland Village Club

Tickets for this event on sale from May 20th • available to buy from the Lounge area • 7:30pm Members £12 each • 8pm Non-Members Tickets available £15 each!

With 2 Fully licensed bars downstairs we have a wide selection of drinks at very reasonable prices! For latest Specials see on socials or our chalkboards at the bar: £3.65 GORDON’S GIN SPECIAL on offer at the moment (or til stock lasts). Don’t forget we open 7 evenings a week plus lunchtimes over the weekend!

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.

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.

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

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 and his family will instead have

Len Trewin with his medals

who was there

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."

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.

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

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

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.

more details please contact Linda Payne on 01179605664 or 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!

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

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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

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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.

Longwell Green & North Common super slimmers hand over their slimmed-out-of clothes for charity

LOCAL Slimming World members have raised over £3000 for Cancer Research UK by donating the clothes they’ve slimmed out of to the charity’s shops.

The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw with Cancer Research UK is an annual event that takes place in Slimming World groups across the UK. It sees members donating good quality clothes, shoes, and accessories that no longer fit – and they’re confident they will never need again.

The Longwell Green & North Common Slimming World groups, who meet weekly collected 114 bags to help support life-saving research.

Slimming World Consultant Karen who runs the Longwell Green Community Centre group and Emma who runs the North Common Village Hall group, says they are proud of how their members came together to support the charity, as well as to celebrate how far they’ve come on their own weight loss journeys.

Both say: “It’s always a pleasure to see the excitement in group when The Big Slimming

Starting your own u3a group

ONCE you’re a member of u3a, you’re free to join as many interest groups as you like – there are around 40 locally and almost 200 across Bristol.

Not only that, it's very easy to get a new interest group started.

A recent survey of local members identified that people wanted more things to do in the evening. One suggestion was that we should have a pub quiz team (or teams), so that is being trialled informally.

Another suggestion was for meet-ups to enjoy live music gigs in our area, and this has quickly formalised into a new local interest group.

A third idea was for a new

World Clothes Throw comes around. When you’re losing weight, it can be easy to focus on the number on the scales without realising how many non-scale victories are happening in the background, like our changing dress sizes and body shapes.

“This event celebrates those victories as it is all about members donating their old wardrobe while raising money for an important cause. It makes me so happy to see the confidence in my members as they commit to donating their larger clothes knowing they will never need them again, because they’ve made healthy changes they can maintain for life!”

As well as raising funds for Cancer Research UK, the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw raises awareness of how maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer. Overweight and obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer in the UK - causing more than one in 20 cancer cases.

Karen & Emma say: “Being overweight doesn’t necessarily mean that a person will develop cancer, but we know that losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent a number of health conditions, including some types of cancer. We’re proud to host The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw at our Slimming World groups to help Cancer Research UK continue its vital work.”

Over the years, Slimming World has raised more than £25 million for Cancer Research UK through a variety of campaigns including The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and supporting the charity’s Race for Life event series.

Last year, Slimming World members, Consultants and head office staff raised £2.9m for Cancer Research UK through The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and are aiming

daytime group, looking at the folklore of the British Isles. Having advertised the suggestion to all local members, the next step is for everyone to get together and discuss how they want the group to operate.

We’ll feature the group in this column once the group is established.

Bristol u3a (you in your Third Age) is for anyone with some free time for themselves.

There’s no lower age limit, but most of our members are retired or semi-retired.

We have no staff and no paid 'teachers' - everything we do is by members, for members.

If you’d like to find out more about u3a, you can write to me at learnlaughlive@bristolu3a.org.uk or come along to an informal social - you don’t have to be a member to attend.

to make this year even bigger and better.

The Longwell Green Slimming World group is held at Longwell Green Community Centre every Monday at 6pm & 7.30pm and every Tuesday at 9.30am

The North Common Slimming World group is held at North Common Village Hall every Tuesday at 6pm & 7.30pm

For more information or to join our group either pop along or call Karen on 07889408969 or Emma on 07773689229

This month you’ll find us at the Market Café and Lounge in Kingswood (which has stairs) on May 13 from 2.30pm, the White Lion in Frenchay (with a ramp to the rear entrance) on May 19 from

2.30pm and at the

Fishponds (ramp access) on May 21 from 2.30pm.

Crafty Egg in

Lindsay Gough

BRISTOL u3a

When should you put in place Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)?

Martin Lewis (TV’s money saving expert) has recently said that Powers of Attorney are now more important than Wills. This has raised several questions with readers.

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney? Legal documents that kick in if you become seriously ill or injured and need help. Known as LPAs, they are where you name who you trust to manage your money, pay your bills and to get you the medical care you’d want.

None of us wants to be a burden, so having LPAs already in place makes it much easier for those you want to support you.

Do you need LPAs if you are married? YES – otherwise your other half is likely to face a difficult Court process to prove you would have wanted them to be able access your money, when you had not named them in an LPA. Can I do them myself, without

a firm of solicitors? You can but they are quite complicated legal documents. So much so that on his TV show, Matin Lewis pointed out that 51,000 LPAs were rejected as wrong just last year.

Also most banks will still ask you for a “Solicitor-Certified” copy anyway.

So, the big question is, when should you put LPAs in place? You cannot leave it until you become ill or injured. Someone independent (usually your lawyer) has to certify you understand what you are putting in place and that there are no signs of fraud. Also, the Court takes about 3 months to register them.

Martin Lewis says do not delay. He got his in his 30s. In life we don’t know what is round the corner. So however young you feel the answer is NOW!

Simpson Solicitors can help. Our

local legal experts’ Complete Service starts with a free planning meeting at their office (or at your home if getting in to the office is difficult for you). They will talk through setting up the LPAs in the way that is best for your circumstances. They do it all for you and will explain how it works in plain English.

With Simpsons, it is not just about getting them drafted but also covers them Certifying your capacity, registering the LPAs at Court, providing you with "solicitor-certified" copies and then supporting those you have appointed in activating them.

With 20% off the full price if you buy both LPAs, now is a great time to book your free meeting with their friendly team. Either call them or email message@simpsonslawuk. com or pop into to their office.

Lasting Powers of Attorneyprotection for whatever life brings.

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“We

“You have

Michelle Baden-Daintree

Friday May 2

n BOARD GAMES NIGHT 7:30-9:00

Unity Methodist Church

Saturday May 3

n FAMILY FUN DAY from 12pm at Golden Valley Farm Shop, Golden Valley Lane, Bitton BS30 6NZ. Check our Facebook page.

Saturday May 3

n DICK FROM WICK from 7pm at Golden Valley Farm Shop, Golden Valley Lane, Bitton BS30 6NZ. Check our Facebook page.

Monday May 5

n CAR BOOT SALE from 10am, sellers to arrive from 8-9am at Golden Valley Farm Shop, Golden Valley Lane, Bitton BS30 6NZ. Check our Facebook page.

Saturday May 10

n UNITY CHURCH COFFEE MORNING 10:00-11:30 Bacon butties, homemade cakes. You are assured of a warm welcome. Please visit us.

Saturday May 10

n MISS JAM TART DRAG CABARET NIGHT from 7pm at Golden Valley Farm Shop, Golden Valley Lane, Bitton BS30 6NZ. Check our Facebook page.

Friday May 16

n FRIDAY FILM NIGHT 7:15pm

‘Young Woman and the Sea PG’ The story of competitive swimmer Gertrude Ederie, the first woman to swim the English Channel.

Friday May 30

n AVON VALLEY RAILWAY WINE FESTIVAL. At Bitton Station from 6.30-9pm to enjoy tasting English wines, locally produced gins and rums, cheese and canapes. Raising funds for the Bounce Back appeal. Tickets (over 18s only) £24 via Eventbrite.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday n YOGA CLASS 6:00-7:00 info at www.magicretreat.co.uk Unity Oldland Church

Tuesday

n WRIGGLE GIGGLE HOP 10:30-

12:00 Free Toddler Group with refreshments. Unity Methodist Church West Street and 2:00-4:00 Longwell Green Social Club. All are welcome.

Wednesday n THE JOLLY MELODIES MUSIC COMPANY 9am-noon more info on Facebook Page Unity Methodist Church West Street

n CRAFTING FRIENDS SOCIAL GROUP. 2:00-4:00Come and join us! Unity Methodist Church Hall n NITA NATA SOCIAL GROUP Come and join us for knit and chat. 2:00-4:00 Unity Methodist Church Hall West Street

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. https://www. handkphoto.club or contact Geoff Mallin at geoffmemsechps@gmail. com

Thursday

n RAINBOW CARE GROUP BATH DAY CLUB 10am-4pm info on Facebook Page Unity Methodist Church West Street

n UNITY COMMUNITY

CHOIR7:30-9:00 New members welcome Unity Methodist Church

Friday

n THE JOLLY MELODIES MUSIC COMPANY 9am-noon more info on Facebook Page Unity Methodist Church West Street

n CROFT END SILVER BAND

practise at Hanham United Reformed Church, Tabernacle Road, 7.15pm8.45pm. We welcome new players on all sections, all ages, and training is provided within a Happy band atmosphere - Contact for further info, Chairman Rob 07788473404.

n LONGWELL GREEN WI meet on the third Friday of the month at 7.30 pm at Longwell Green Community Centre. New members are always welcome. Email: longwellwi@gmail. com or Tel: 01179 864782.

Unity Oldland Methodist Church

We invite you to join us for any of the following

Sun 4th May 10:30 Worship VE Day Celebration Service

Sun 12th May 10:30 Worship Joy Harris

Sun 19th May 10:30 Worship David Head

Sun 26th May 10:30 Worship/Holy Communion Rev Hilary Cooke 1st and 3rd Sunday 4:00 Bible Study led by Rev PJ Jackson.

Saturday 10th May 00-11:30 Charity Coffee Morning

Enjoy fresh bacon butties and homemade cakes while you chat!

16th May at 7:15 Friday Film Night ‘Young Woman and the Sea’ PG about first woman to swim English Channel

27th Feb 2:00 Thursday Film Afternoon ‘War Horse’

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE WARMLEY FLOCK

WHO are the Warmley Flock? We are a small group of local residents, passionate about wildlife, who are currently supported by and working with Avon Wildlife Trust to organise and run events and activities in the local community. Our aim is to establish a permanent Warmley Community Nature Reserve area centred around the existing wildlife corridor that runs through our patch either side Siston Brook. This is a beautiful urban setting that is already rich in often unnoticed wildlife but like any site could do with a helping hand to maintain and increase the diversity of wildlife living here.

So, as well as keeping an eye on the open space we want to join up with like-minded nature passionate residents and expand the access for our wildlife into each other’s gardens too. This can be done in very simple and unobtrusive ways and we are happy to help anyone and everyone to make even a tiny change to make your gardens a safe haven for wildlife.

If you are someone who gets excited and a proper ‘tingle’ just seeing a new butterfly, plant, bird, fox, hedgehog in your garden or just appreciates the sun shining making the Brook sparkle under the ever changing trees and shrubs in our patch each day then we would love you to join in

The Warmley Flock meets once a month to plan new events and to celebrate what’s been done since the last meeting. If you have ideas for future events, or if you’d be interested in joining this group, please contact Paul on paul.walker@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk / 07579 760048. We’d love to hear from you!

Do come along to our next events: Saturday May 10, Easy Ecology walk. For details, contact nick@wildpace. co.uk

Thursday May 15, My Garden of a Thousand Bees film screening, 7pm, Kingswood Heritage Museum: https://beefilm.eventbrite.co.uk

Find out more about the Community Nature Reserve, register your garden, and subscribe to the newsletter, here: https://www.avonwildlifetrust.org. uk/warmley-nature-action-zone Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352224127596876

For enquiries email gingerweaver@hotmail.com • www.uomc.org.uk At

Fonthill Garden Centre Requires

Two Food Handler Supervisors

Due to the continued success of The Pine Tree Coffee Shop, we are looking to recruit two Coffee Shop Food Handler Supervisors. The successful applicants will need to be friendly and approachable and confident running a small team of 5.

In this customer facing role you will need to be confident in dealing face to face with customers and working in our open kitchen.

Experience working in a kitchen or food preparation environment is preferred, however an interest in food is essential.

Your duties will also include handling money/cashing up. You will need to be available to provide sickness and holiday cover on occasions.

The hours of work are;

Position 1: Monday, Tuesday, 9.00-5.00 & alternate Saturdays 8.30-5.00

Position 2: Thursday, Friday, 9.00-5.00pm & alternate Saturdays 8.30-5.00

Please send a covering letter stating the position you are interested in together with a CV for the attention of Leanda Saunders to: The Pine Tree Coffee Shop, Fonthill Garden Centre, Bath Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30 6HX Or email: leanda@fonthill-lakeside.com

Please note, this is a permanent position, therefore not suitable for holiday cover.

Georghie's gonks prove a big hit

A MEMBER of disability centre

Paul’s Place is doing her bit to help the charity pay to repair the roof of its new home.

Georghie Porter, from Kingswood, has been making and selling gonks to raise money for the charity for physically disabled adults, which is currently based at Coalpit Heath Cricket Club, despite only being able to use one hand.

Paul's Place is preparing to move into its own premises at the former Shire Way Community Centre in Yate in the summer, giving it space to support more physically disabled people with improved facilities and a wider range of services and activities.

Last year, thieves stole lead from the roof of the former community centre - the only part of the building that hadn’t been in need of any work.

Georghie decided to support the appeal to pay the cost of

repairing the roof by making and selling the woolly gnome-like mascots. So far, she has made over 100, raising £335 towards her £500 target.

A Paul's Place spokesperson said: "It’s a delicate craft, where Georgie can only use her one hand to thread wool to create a small and woolly gnome figure.

"It's a huge achievement, despite having a physical disability which affects her hearing, sight, legs and arms."

Georghie started making gonks during the Covid lockdown

years when a support worker introduced the activity at Paul’s Place. Since then she has made them for members and staff at Paul’s Place, for carers, family members and friends of friends.

As word spread, care workers requested Georghie’s handmade gonks for other clients, with themed versions for Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day to Valentine’s Day. She even made 25 for a junior football team in their blue and yellow colours.

because they had glitter, and the first eight I made came out fluffier than I expected. I get asked, ‘how do I make them with one hand? I reply that you find a way. I love making gonks. The end product is so satisfying and it’s a project I can do myself.”

Georghie said: "My favourites were the Christmas Gonks,

After reaching her £500 target for Paul’s Place, Georghie intends to keep making gonks to raise money for Cancer Research. Anyone who would like to help the charity can visit its website at www.paulsplace.org. uk/hub for more details.

After 314 years, this stunning grade two listed country pub finds itself centre stage in a dynamic period of rebirth.

Whether you're with us for a relaxed lunch, a jovial meal catching up with friends and family, an extra special Sunday roast, or a group celebration. Our warm and inviting atmosphere will welcome you like a big hug. CLOSED

Some of the gonks, above, made by Georghie Porter, right

n MESSAGE FROM POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

How we plan services 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

With Police and Crime Commissioner

Clare Moody

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.

OCH SWIMATHON

A 12-HOUR Swimathon at Keynsham Leisure Centre in April raised more than £7,500 for Operation Community Hamper.

The 77 swimmers at the event included OCH committee and family members, and members of the Keynsham swimming club.

Charlotte Churchill, the charity’s founder, said: “The whole community came together for this event. The youngest swimmer was just nine months old while the eldest was 70. We thank everyone who continues to support our fundraising efforts.”

OCH, which helps vulnerable individuals and families, has grown considerably since it began five years ago.

April was a busy month, 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 visitors to their event at Wellsway School on April 12, to borrow. OCH is looking to arrange similar prom dress events at other schools in the area over the coming weeks.

OCH have scheduled several events: Saturday May 10 : 10YFAN challenge. Climb and descend Pen Y Fan 10 times in 24 hours. Sunday June 8: The OCH Classic Summer Affair at Keynsham Rugby Club

Sunday July 6: Table top sale, Keynsham https://www.operationcommunityhamper.co.uk

Chiropractic adventures: A highland escape on the North Coast 500

AS a chiropractor, I talk a lot about wellness, movement and the importance of switching off from the stresses of everyday life. But recently, I had the chance to really put those principles into practice with an unforgettable family adventure around the North Coast 500 – Scotland’s answer to Route 66.

We hired a camper van in Inverness, packed a map, a guidebook – and not much else – and hit the road. What followed was a week of pure magic – wild landscapes, thrilling experiences and countless wellness wins that have kept me buzzing ever since. Nature, Wildlife and Wonder One of the true highlights from this amazing trip? The wildlife. From the clifftops and shorelines, we watched dolphins playing in the waves, seals bobbing in the bays, and – to our utter delight –puffins nesting on the rocks. There’s something deeply grounding about seeing animals in their natural

habitat and it gave us all a huge sense of awe and perspective. Nature immersion isn’t just beautiful – it can lower blood pressure, improve mood and reduce anxiety. Even short walks in green spaces can bring some of those benefits.

Adventure = Exercise in Disguise In Durness, we threw ourselves (quite literally) into the action with a 100ft-high, 45mph zip wire over the sea at Ceannabeinne Beach – an exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair kind of thrill that left us all grinning for hours. We also swam (yes, swam!) in the icy waters of some of the most stunning white sandy beaches you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Movement doesn’t need to be structured or serious to benefit your body. Playing, exploring, laughing and moving outside all keep your spine and nervous system engaged in the best possible way.

Fuelled by Fresh Air and Incredible Food

In Ullapool, we tucked into some of the freshest seafood we’ve ever had, straight from the boat to the plate. It’s amazing how simple, local food can taste when you’ve worked up an appetite by hiking or swimming. Eating well on the road reminded us how food can be both

nourishing and joyful. Choosing whole, local foods supports energy, digestion and long-term health. It tastes incredible too.

Iconic Stops and Cold Sea Dips

No NC500 trip would be complete without that photo under the famous John O’Groats sign at the most northerly point of mainland Britain. It felt like a little badge of honour as a family, a symbol of how far we’d come together – both literally and metaphorically.

And then there were the cold sea dips. No wetsuits, just a bit of bravery (and a lot of laughter). The shock of the cold water was quickly replaced by a heady mix of adrenaline and calm – nature’s way of providing an invigorating ice bath.

Cold water swimming can improve circulation, boost endorphins and even support your immune system. Just make sure it’s safe, supervised and you know your limits.

Slowing Down to Speed Up

Life in the camper van was simple – no clutter, no rush, just us and the road. We played games, read books, told stories and reconnected without any device screens to make unwanted interruptions. It was a full body reset and something I wish I

could prescribe to every patient. We should all accept that slowing down isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a weekend away or just carving out screenfree family time at home, building regular pauses into your routine helps your nervous system rest and recalibrate.

Inspired to Explore?

This adventure reminded me that wellness isn’t always about routines and resolutions. Sometimes you need to just step outside, move with joy and reconnect with what truly matters.

Whether you’re planning your own NC500 journey or simply finding new ways to move and unwind closer to home, let this be your reminder: the world is full of wonder – and your wellbeing will thank you for going out to find it.

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.

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.

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

SMARTER TRAVEL FROM DAY ONE

Better local journeys – not just for new residents

North Warmley is designed to support everyday journeys – from getting to school or work, to catching the bus, hopping on a bike, or picking up a parcel. Here’s what the plans include:

Buses everyone can use

• The 43 service is proposed to be extended to the site.

• Every home would be within walking distance of a bus stop.

• New bus stops are planned, with real-time travel info.

• Designed to support more frequent services as the area grows.

A better place to walk, cycle and wheel

• New green routes to Kings Oak Academy and the High Street.

• Two new bridges across Siston Brook.

• A direct connection through Warmley Forest Park to the Railway Path.

• Tree-lined footways, safe crossings and improved pavements.

Mobility on your terms

At the centre of the site, a new mobility hub is planned. It could include:

• Electric car club vehicles.

• E-bike and e-scooter hire.

• Secure cycle storage and parcel lockers.

• Real-time info and future-ready charging points.

Smaller hubs would be dotted across the neighbourhood – so no one is far from shared, low-carbon travel options.

Backed by funding, designed to work locally

Bloor Homes’ financial contributions would support improvements to:

• Safer school routes and crossings.

• Local public rights of way and cycle links.

• Public transport upgrades along the Ring Road corridor in line with South Gloucestershire Council plans.

These travel measures are being shaped to benefit not just new residents, but the wider Warmley community. Your feedback will help shape how they’re delivered.

GO BY BIKE: The Bristol to Bath Railway Path is on the doorstep of Bloor Homes' 'green-space-first' new neighbourhood.

E-BIKE HIRE: And E-scooters will also be available.

LOCAL HUBS: Smaller locations for bike hire will also be available.

GO EV: Car Club vehicles will be a feature.

COMMUNITY Q&A – YOUR POINTS ANSWERED

IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY:

Bloor Homes will work with the local Trust to preserve the Webbs Heath drift mine.

How much of the site does Bloor Homes own?

Bloor Homes already own, or by virtue of existing contracts will own, the whole site at the point of delivery. This means that Bloor Homes will retain full responsibility for delivering new homes, public open space, local facilities and infrastructure funding, meaning the conversations taking

place during consultation can directly influence how the neighbourhood evolves.

Getting a GP or dentist appointment is already tough. Will this make it harder?

No. New developments are required to contribute funding to help expand local infrastructure. That includes GP and dental

to join the conversation on

Online:

From 12pm, Monday 12 May 2025: www.northwarmley.co.uk

Email: northwarmley@jbp.co.uk

In person: Monday 12 May 2025 (2pm – 7pm) & Tuesday 13 May 2025 (9:30am – 1:30pm) Venue: Kingsmeadow Made4Ever

Freephone: 0800 130 3270

Engage with the Bloor Homes team, view the plans, and have your say.

capacity. Bloor Homes would work with NHS partners and the Council to agree how this is delivered.

Will there be enough school places for the extra families moving in?

In addition to contributing to expanding school places, the development will bring new families to the area. This will help to sustain local schools and reduce the risk of closures caused by falling pupil numbers.

What about drainage and flood risk?

Drainage and flood risk have been carefully assessed. Sustainable drainage features, including basins and watercourse improvements, will reduce runoff and improve existing conditions. All homes will be located outside areas at risk of flooding.

Are there any historical or archaeological sites on the land?

The site includes the Webbs Heath drift mine, a remnant of the historic Kingswood Coalfield that was active during the 19th century. We’re working closely with the Avon Industrial Building Trust to preserve these features and secure the longterm future of the drift mine, ensuring this important piece of local heritage is protected and celebrated as part of the new neighbourhood. An archaeological survey will be included in our planning application.

Topics we’re asking for feedback on:

• Nature and green space

• Walking, cycling and travel

• Homes and community facilities

• Local investment in schools, health and infrastructure

• How this fits into Warmley