Yate & Sodbury Voice April 2020

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

April, 2020 Issue 62

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Housing plans are thrown out PLANS for 247 homes in North Yate have been rejected after concerns they would destroy a footpath and sports pitches would be unusable.

PAGE 9 CHIPPING Sodbury’s Festival Princess has been chosen. But Molly Woods (centre) and her attendants Cerys Baldock and Luke Hayward will not be able to take up their duties until next year, after rules to slow the spread of coronavirus meant this year’s festival had to be cancelled.

Full story: Page 3

Normal life is on hold

NORMAL life has been put on hold as tough restrictions put in place to fight coronavirus affect every aspect of the community and economy.

From shops and schools to pubs and churches, places which are part of the everyday fabric of life in Yate and Sodbury have been closed, while longplanned events that form part of the area’s yearly calendar are postponed or cancelled.

Supermarket shelves are emptied in panic and loved ones are banned from seeing each other.

But across the area people are coming together to offer support to neighbours in self-isolation, give advice and suggestions for things to do at home and simply cheer each other up.

Reports: pages 2-5

Teens attacked POLICE have arrested two teenage boys and interviewed a girl over a series of incidents which have seen people punched, abused and bitten in the street.

PAGE 7

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n NEWS

Lockdown transforms life

May deadline

Our May edition deadline is April 22.

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Local information South Gloucestershire Council www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Safer Stronger team sscg@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009 Anti social behaviour team asbreporting@southglos.gov.uk 01454 868582 Streetcare/litter/vandalism etc streetcare@southglos.gov.uk Environment/trading standards 01454 868001

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April, 2020

SHOPS, schools, public buildings and churches have been forced to close as rules aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus tighten.

Unprecedented strict rules governing on people can leave their homes, with police on the streets to enforce them have been combined with mandatory closures for pubs, cafes and shops selling non-essential goods.

Some pubs and restaurants are trying to survive by operating food delivery services, while many others have closed altogether.

Supermarkets have changed their hours, with Tesco abandoning 24-hour opening at its Yate Extra store and introducing special hours reserved for the elderly and vulnerable, as well as NHS workers.

Waitrose is dedicating its first hour of opening to elderly and vulnerable people and has a special section reserved for NHS workers.

Morrisons also has an hour reserved for NHS workers, while Iceland and Lidl are opening early for elderly customers.

Council services are also affected.

South Gloucestershire Council has closed all leisure centres and libraries, closed its main Badminton Road offices to the public and has cut recycling collections from weekly to fortnightly from March 30, with recycling and food waste only being collected at the same time as black bins.

Sort It centres have been closed.

Yate Town Council and Sodbury Town Council have closed their offices, along with the Armadillo and Yate Heritage Centre.

Yate Town Council has also closed al parks with a play area or outdoor gym which can be locked, including Kingsgate Park.

The council said: “It contains both and neither of them should be used in accordance with Government instructions.”

Grants usually given to local organisations are being diverted to organisations helping residents through coronavirus. Groups who need help can email info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk for more details.

Avon and Somerset police chief constable Andy Marsh is warning people they can expect to be challenged by police if they are out and about during the lockdown.

The force has the power to fine anyone who has left home for reasons other than “essential travel”, which includes buying food, for medical care or help, one daily outdoor exercise and going to work where this cannot be done at home.

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April, 2020

3

n NEWS

Much-loved festivals fall victim to virus THE coronavirus pandemic has cut a swathe through many of Yate and Sodbury’s bestloved yearly events.

Organisers are seeing months of hard work vanish as many of the events that form milestones in the area’s calendar have to be cancelled.

With rules banning gatherings of more than two people currently in force, the Chipping Sodbury Mop Fair, which was due to take place on March 27 and 28, cannot go ahead.

And events further ahead are also being called off due to uncertainty over the future Among them is the Chipping Sodbury Festival, which had been due to take place from June 12-21.

The Festival Society described the decision to cancel as “difficult”.

A Festival spokesperson said: “We have spent the past week informing all the wonderful people that contribute to and sponsor our Festival. We could not do it without them, and some are now facing some very hard times both professionally and personally and we send them our best wishes during this difficult time.

“We know you will all be as disappointed as we are but want you to know we shall be back in 2021 brighter and better than ever.”

Festival princess Molly Woods, 13, who goes to Yate Academy, and her attendants Cerys Baldock, 9, who attends St Johns Mead School, and Luke Hayward, 10, who goes to Raysfield Junior School, will have to wait to carry out their duties until next year, when a new date has already been set for June 11 to 20.

Free outdoor festival Yate Rocks! had been due to take place in Kingsgate Park on June 27 and 28.

Yate Town Council said the announcement was made with “great sadness”, adding: “The health of our visitors, suppliers, stall holders, staff and performers is our priority, and we feel that this is the right decision. We very much hope to be back in 2021 – bigger and better than ever!”

Yate Rocks! attracts thousands of people to Kingsgate Park. Picture: Rich McD Photography.

Badminton Horse Trials, which attracted more than 180,000 spectators in 2019, making it one of the top ten sporting occasions of the year, has also been cancelled.

The trials normally give a major boost to the economy of South Gloucestershire and the surrounding area, as well as being a leading competition in the international equestrian calendar.

Organisers said it was now impossible to stage the event, which should have run from May 6-10 at Badminton Park, near Chipping Sodbury.

They said in a statement: “This is an unprecedented and challenging time for everyone, and the health and safety of all those that attend and are involved with Badminton remains our number one priority.

“Badminton Horse Trials would like to take this opportunity to thank and wish all of

the athletes (human and equine), sponsors, exhibitors, supporters and volunteers well through this challenging time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the 2021 event.”

Yate Heritage Centre’s St George’s Day celebrations have also been cancelled and local societies and groups have had to take the decision to either abandon events or postpone them until later in the year.

One group taking the latter option is Sodbury Vale Musical Comedy Club, whose performance of Made in Dagenham, which had been due to be performed at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall in April, has now been postponed until November 19-21.

The ban on social gatherings means that the Voice’s What’s On section has been suspended until further notice.

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yate&sodburyvoice

4

n NEWS PEOPLE who become ill during the coronavirus outbreak have been given advice on what to do by the NHS at a local and national level.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds the area’s GP surgeries and hospitals, is reiterating NHS national advice to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, which include a new continuous cough and a high temperature.

The advice is: • Stay at home for 7 days.

• Do not book a GP appointment or attend your GP practice.

• If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. After 14 days, anyone you live with who does not have symptoms can return to their normal routine.

• If anyone in your home then gets symptoms, they should stay at home for 7 days from the day their symptoms start – even if it means they're at home for longer than 14 days in total.

• If your symptoms are serious,

April, 2020

What to do if you develop symptoms or get worse, NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service at 111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/ that can tell you if you need further medical help and advise you what to do.

• Only phone 111 if you are advised to do so by the online service or you cannot go online.

Surgeries have changed their appointment procedures for all other patients, regardless of the reason for getting in touch, in the light of the outbreak.

Patients who believe they need medical help are being asked to call to arrange an appointment as face-to-face contact is minimised in favour of phone consultations.

Patients of West Walk Surgery are advised to call 01454 272200.

Patients of Courtside Surgery should call 01454 313 874 or go online.

Patients of Kennedy Way Surgery should call 01454 313849.

Patients of Abbotswood

Surgery should call 01454 325361.

Patients of Wellington Road Family Practice 01454 323366.

Repeat prescriptions can be ordered online, via your pharmacy, or via post – but the CCG has urged people not to stockpile medication during the outbreak to ensure that everyone can get the medication they need, after pharmacies in the area reported running low on essential medications and being inundated by orders for prescriptions.

Medical director Dr Martin Jones said: “Huge pressure is being put on primary care and community pharmacists with extra ordering of medicines. We want to reassure people in our area that there is no need for you to do anything new or different with your medicines. People should order their prescriptions and take their medicines as normal.”

Stockpiling or purchasing medication that isn’t needed

could disadvantage other patients, and there is also a risk of shortages if stockpiling disrupts the normal supply chain.

Pharmacist Ade Williams said: “We appreciate this is a very worrying time, but our pharmacy processes are well prepared for additional strain – what we do need, however, is for people to cooperate with the advice not to stockpile.

“If you take medicines for a long-term medical condition, please order your repeat medication within 7 – 10 days of your current medication running out. Community pharmacies are part of the NHS front line, working tirelessly to provide ongoing healthcare and medicines. We will be there for you and your loved ones. Our processes are tested to withstand surges in demand – but do please support us and your community by following the usual procedures.”

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April, 2020

yate&sodburyvoice 28

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Fo m op

Help in troubled times

ANYO is invi Thorn Th last ye memb W repea Thurs

Isobel and Phoebe Thompson delivered leaflets to neighbours in Old Sodbury offering help.

COMMUNITY groups across the Yate and Sodbury area have sprung up to offer support to elderly and vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis.

A series of groups are bringing volunteers together to help those who are self-isolating, organised at first via social media with some now receiving backing from the authorities.

In Old Sodbury a group was set up by Nikki Waterlow and within a couple of days over 70 villagers volunteered to assist anyone in need of help or support. They are now communicating through a WhatsApp group and have identified around 40 villagers who self-isolating or about to. Volunteers have also delivered a flier door to door to the whole village.

Resident and group member Darren Hales said: “Each person identified is now getting regular visits from the volunteers to offer assistance and give them a friendly face, either in person or on the phone, to ensure they are having contact – at a safe distance – even while isolating.

“On top of this, Nikki is setting up a 'Boredom Box' scheme which will be boxes containing items for those self-isolating, particularly aimed at older people, including things like puzzles, magazines, DVD's etc.”

Yate Town Council is joining forces with community Facebook group Yate and Sodbury COVID-19 Help and Support, to provide help.

The group has more than 3,000 members and is aiming to cover every road in the area.

People who need help but are not online and have not received a leaflet can get in touch with the group via St Mary’s Church on 01454 313 105 on Tuesday to Friday mornings, St Nix Church Abbotswood on 01454 324 712 or Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church on 01454 313 023, both on Monday to Friday mornings.

The groups are among more than 40 which have emerged on Facebook in South Gloucestershire and the surrounding area.

Matt Palmer, from the COVID-19 Help, Support And Volunteering South Glos and Bristol group, which helps coordinate them all and has more than 6,000 members, said: “The community really is stepping up across the whole of South Gloucestershire and Bristol from random acts of kindness, singing, dancing, waving through windows, sending emails to food delivering, shopping and dog walking – people are all playing their part.”

South Gloucestershire Council has issued a range of information and guidance to support the groups and is available at southglos.gov. uk/communityaid.

The NHS has now called for a ‘volunteer army’ to support it during the crisis. To get involved, visit goodsamapp.org/NHS online.

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7

n NEWS

Warning to parents after teens arrested

POLICE have arrested two teenage boys and interviewed a girl over a series of incidents which have seen people punched, abused and even bitten in the street.

Officers have appealed to parents to make sure they know where their children are at all times after the anti-social behaviour in Chipping Sodbury and Yate.

Existing powers under a dispersal order to take children back to their parents have now been enhanced by powers given to the police under the coronavirus lockdown, which means anyone who is out and about can expect to be challenged by officers.

Investigations continue into six incidents between March 10 and 12, most of which happened on the evening of March 10.

In the most serious, two teenagers aged 17 and 18 needed hospital treatment after they were subjected to an unprovoked assault by a group of younger boys on a path between Horseshoe Lane and Hounds Road, Chipping Sodbury. They suffered cuts and bruises after being punched in the head and torso.

Two boys aged 15 and 16 have been arrested and released under investigation in connection with this, while another 16-yearold boy is due to be interviewed.

The path where two teenagers were attacked.

At around the same time a 13-year-old girl was pushed and kicked by two girls on the same path, although she was not badly hurt. A 14-year-old girl has been interviewed and officers say they are following “positive lines of enquiry”. A man also reported being verbally abused in the area at around the same time.

Officers are investigating another incident on the same evening in which a 21-year-old man was assaulted by three boys in East Walk, Yate, suffering bruising and a bite mark.

The same group is also thought to have been involved in a public order incident outside the Horseshoe pub on February 27, in which a pushbike was damaged and a metal

sign thrown at a wall.

Although police say there have been no similar incidents since they made the arrests, they are appealing for people to report any more incidents to them directly on 101.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Terry Murphy said: "We know people are sharing information about incidents on social media, but we really do need people to tell us if they're affected by ASB as it happens, so we can take appropriate action.

"If someone could get hurt, or property is being damaged, ring 999 straight away.”

Sgt Murphy said it was important to pass on as much information as possible about those responsible, including descriptions of clothing or vehicles and names, if known.

Police powers to stop people on the streets have been massively increased under the coronavirus lockdown announced on March 23, under which people are only supposed to go out for essential travel, including to buy food, for medical care or daily exercise.

Avon and Somerset police chief constable Andy Marsh said hundreds of officers and PCSOs were on the streets to check people weren’t flouting the government’s new rules aimed at tackling the pandemic.

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April, 2020

n NEWS

Takeaway given late licence despite concerns MISS Millie’s Fried Chicken has been granted permission to open until 1.30am at its new Yate Shopping Centre outlet, despite residents’ fears it could attract anti-social behaviour.

Councillors approved the family-owned fast-food chain’s application after hearing nearby Domino’s Pizza and Wetherspoons pub the Thorns Farm had late-night licences for the same time, although they chose to close at midnight.

Three neighbours objected on the grounds of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and a letter from 10 others expressed concerns it could increase littering and problems in the car park at night.

No objections were received from South Gloucestershire Council’s regulatory services while conditions were agreed with the police, including CCTV inside and outside the premises on the corner of North Walk and North Parade, which will be

How the new restaurant and takeaway is expected to look allowed to serve food until 1am and seat up to 80 customers.

Neighbour Thomas Brereton told licensing sub-committee members: “We are not objecting to the licence itself but the hours it will be open.

“There are already issues with people gathering in the car park and playing loud music.

“We have to phone the shopping centre security quite frequently.

“We are concerned that will increase, especially if it’s open late, and wake our kids.

“The hours asked for are completely unreasonable.”

Yate town councillor Chris Willmore told members: “We welcome Miss Millie’s coming to Yate, which is what local people want. Our concern is that it will be open until 1.30am.

“It will become a focal point for people when everywhere else is closed, and the dispersal time for people to make their way home will be much later.”

Solicitor Karen Cochrane, representing Miss Millie’s, told the hearing on March 4: “The

business has eight stores in both town centres and mixed residential areas and they have all operated late at night without any incident for over 40 years.

“We greatly sympathise with residents’ concerns but they are purely speculative and simply don’t reflect how Miss Millie’s operates.

“Some Miss Millie’s have 3am licences and we have been sensitive to this location by not asking for that. This store would be our earliest closing time.

“If it does go all wrong, which I am sure it will not, then the licence can be easily reviewed.”

She said notices would be put up asking customers to respect local residents and staff would undertake daily litter-picks.

The council sub-committee granted the licence, which is required to sell hot food after 11pm.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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April, 2020

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n NEWS

Plans for 247 homes are thrown out PLANS for 247 homes in Yate have been rejected amid concerns for a footpath and that sports pitches would be an unusable “quagmire”.

Opponents claimed South Gloucestershire Council had been rigid in enforcing the master plan for the North Yate New Neighbourhood but was bending to the will of a developer.

They said the development as proposed by Bellway Homes would “destroy” the Jubilee Way, a scenic route laid in 1985 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ramblers Association, if it was diverted along a road.

Yate North ward councillor Mike Drew said: “When we’ve talked about changes to the master plan we were told we weren’t allowed to – it was written in concrete.

“Suddenly, the officer wants to change it and it doesn’t matter if we build across the Jubilee Way. “We don’t know what sports pitches will come with another application. This application is premature because we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

The plans, part of the 2,450-

The planned 247-home development home development in North Yate, proposed 247 houses, play areas and three sports pitches.

Yate town councillor Chris Willmore urged South Gloucestershire’s strategic sites delivery committee to “stick to the master plan” when it met on March 19.

“This would be the first time we’ve decided to divert the Jubilee Way rather than fitting houses around it,” she said.

Principal planning officer Jonathan Ryan told the meeting: “The starting point is always the

Play area rejected A PLAY area behind homes planned in Yate has been described as a “nightmare waiting to happen”.

Critics said a pavilion behind Meadow Mead would become a teenage hangout and allow people to peer into residents’ bedrooms and gardens.

The application by developer David Wilson Homes was the second of two to be refused permission by South Gloucestershire Council’s strategic sites delivery committee on March 19.

Town councillor Chris Willmore said the play area was “metres from people’s houses”, adding: “Users will be able to look straight into bedrooms, gardens, sitting rooms and kitchens.

“This proposal isn’t for the sort of equipment you would put behind people’s houses.

“It will become a teenage hangout.

“I’ve never seen an application generate as much upset in residents.”

Yate Town Council said the play area, which also included a zip wire, would cause privacy and noise issues and could be a fire risk.

The main complaint was about the pavilion, 2.85m (9ft 4in) structure with holes in the walls councillors said would be used for climbing.

Chipping Sodbury ward councillor Adrian Rush said: “It wouldn’t last very long. Within two months it’s going to be a pile of rubble. This is just a nightmare waiting to happen.”

As the committee went against officer advice, the decision must be confirmed at a future meeting.

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

master plan but it was felt in this instance there were exceptional circumstances for a slight diversion.”

He said the result would be the houses would be better laid out, a mature oak tree would be protected and the route would be more pleasant.”

Chipping Sodbury councillor

Adrian Rush said the site allocated for football pitches was a “quagmire”, adding: “How is anyone going to be able to use them without facilities for changing and everything else?

“No one in their right mind is going to let their children plan on them.”

Mr Ryan said the council could not demand changing rooms at this stage but they might be available through a deal with the primary school, once the development was built.

Emersons Green ward councillor Colin Hunt criticised his colleagues for “speculating” on what might happen later and said the proposals improved on the neighbourhood’s master plan.

The committee voted to refuse the application. As they went against officer advice, the decision will now be referred to a future meeting.

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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April, 2020

n NEWS

New buses and station shelters for Yate NEW gas-powered buses are being introduced on the Y1 service linking Yate to Bristol.

Operator First West of England has re-launched the South Glos Lynx fast services with 13 brand new doubledeckers powered by biomethane.

They are part of a total of 77 biogas buses being rolled out across the region, with others already serving on routes

including the metrobus m3 via Hambrook.

First says greenhouse gas emissions from the new buses are more than 80% lower than the diesel vehicles they replace, while poisonous nitrogen oxide emissions are 95% lower.

The move is part of First's efforts to meet Clean Air Zone requirements proposed by Bristol City Council, which require operators to pay £100 per bus per day to enter the inner city from next year.

First West of England managing director James Freeman said: “Obviously this is a very challenging time for everyone but the new South Glos Lynx services, like all our routes, will continue to run, albeit on a Saturday schedule, One of the new buses at Yate Bus Station.

so those that still need essential travel can still get to where they need to be.

“The introduction of these bio gas buses means we are really putting the West of England at the forefront of clean bus operation.

“I am also delighted that we have been able to create a spectacular new yellow and blue

colour scheme for our South Gloucestershire fleet and bring the very latest equipment to our many thousands of our customers who use our services.”

The bio-methane gas comes from waste food and is supplied from anaerobic digesters, where waste is broken down to release the gas, across the UK.

Shelter upgrade for station NEW shelters to protect passengers from the elements as they wait on the platform at Yate railway station were due to be built this month.

The government has given £160,000 of funding under its Access for All scheme to help pay for the shelters, which will replace the existing bus-shelter style structures.

In total £1.1 million is being spent on improving stations across the region from the fund and matched funding from the West of England Combined Authority’s Strategic Rail Investment Budget.

Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall said: “Yate station is vital to our region’s connectivity, and so I am delighted by this hugely positive step which will hugely benefit local commuters.”

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April, 2020

11

n NEWS

Praise for club’s ‘sociable and confident’ children AN after school club based at a Chipping Sodbury junior school has been praised by an inspector from the education watchdog.

Ofsted visited Raysfield After School Club and praised the good relations between staff and parents, and its “sociable and confident” children.

The regulator’s reports have recently changed, with after school clubs now rated as either meeting or not meeting its requirements, rather than being given a rating such as ‘good’, or ‘outstanding’.

Inspector Victoria Nicholson, who visited in January, said that the setting met Ofsted’s requirements. The after school club’s rating under the previous system was ‘good’.

The after school club, which is situated in the grounds of Raysfield Junior School on Finch Road, has 59 children aged between 4 and 8 years old currently on roll, and 20 official spaces. It’s open during term

Staff Joy Fussell (left) and Sharon Frampton (right) with children from Raysfield After School Club. time, until 6pm.

The inspector noted in her report that children arrived “eagerly” at the start of the club’s sessions.

She said: “Staff use their knowledge of what children like and are interested in, planning and providing a good range of activities that keep children engaged and involved.

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“For instance, children concentrate and focus as they use the craft materials available to make their own models, using their imaginations as they talk through what they are creating.”

Manager Sharon Frampton said: “Raysfield After School Club has gone from strength to strength. Having managed the club for the past six years, we

have worked hard to provide a welcoming and calming space to play.

“Our recent Ofsted inspection reflects our hard work and we are thrilled to have received such a positive outcome to our inspection.”

“Ofsted say that our ‘children are kind, considerate and wellmannered’ and the parents say they are ‘very happy with the service being provided’.

“We are proud to have received such a rewarding report and I thank my team for all their hard work.”

The inspector praised the close working relationship between staff and parents, with staff getting to know children well when they start at the club to help them settle in.

Her recommendation for improvement was to help children to be even more independent during mealtimes by enabling them to help prepare their own food.

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13

n NEWS

Team Toti raises £14,000 in memory of Dodington boy

A GROUP of 60 runners has raised more than £14,000 after taking part in the Bath Half Marathon in memory of a Dodington boy who died of leukaemia.

Team Toti was raising money for the Toti Worboys Fund, which is a named fund at charity the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

It was set up by Nick and Amelia Worboys after they lost their son Thomas six years ago, when he was only 11 years old. He was known to family and friends as Toti. The money will go to fund research into childhood leukaemia.

Nick said: “From the first moment we lost Toti we were faced with a simple choice, which boiled down to ‘sink or swim’. We are incredibly proud that we have so many brilliant and wonderful supporters who inspire us to keep going.

“I have run many marathons and half marathons but without

doubt Bath is the best half marathon. The atmosphere in the beautiful Georgian city is amazing. Bath Rugby Club is also extremely generous to sponsor us with a hospitality box, which is an ideal base for the day.”

The race took place shortly before coronavirus restrictions were introduced, and 30 members of the team ran at home because of the outbreak.

It was the fifth year that Nick and Team Toti have taken part in the Bath half, apart from in 2018 when it was cancelled, due to the Beast from the East. The team of runners is supported by a many others who have helped the Toti Worboys Fund to raise a total of over £265,000 through various events since 2014.

Nick said: “We are an eclectic group of friends and family who united to run a great race for a great cause. We all know each other so there is a personal connection to make the day a running success and nobody

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Nick Worboys ran this year's Bath Half Marathon as part of a team raising money in memory of his son Thomas. wants to miss out on the postrace tea party and cake!”

The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group is a national charity which funds research and supports families whose children

have cancer. Over 30 children a week in the UK are diagnosed with the disease.

More information on the Toti Worboys Fund can be found online at cclg.org.uk/The-TotiWorboys-Fund.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

14

n NEWS VOLUNTEERS at four organisations in Yate were among the winners of this year’s South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Awards.

Abbotswood Action Group, Yate Rugby Football Club, Yate Amateur Boxing Club and Mike Pearce from Shopmobility have all been singled out for recognition of their hard work and dedication.

The annual awards aim to celebrate the vital contribution that volunteers make to life in South Gloucestershire.

Abbotswood Action Group brings the community together and runs a wide range of events.

Ruth Ward, the group’s secretary said: "It was a wonderful surprise to hear of our nomination and award.

“Our group pride ourselves in putting the community first: everything we have done so far and in the future has come from our residents’ wishes. They've put as much, if not more, work into this process.

“Whilst it is amazing to be recognised for our work, we would like to take this

April, 2020

Volunteers’ service to the community recognised

Caroline Jacques and Ruth Ward of Abbotswood Action Group receive the award from council chair Brian Allinson. opportunity to recognise the achievements of the community itself. We're sharing our award with all of you."

Mike Pearce was a trustee of Shopmobility for many years, and his volunteering has helped keep it going through some difficult times and secure its future.

Mike said: “This award recognised the time I had given to the project, during which I found great pleasure meeting and talking to a diverse community of users.”

Shopmobility vice-chairman David Bell said: "Mike fully deserves his award for all his great work helping to build up

the scheme into the successful organisation that it is."

Yate Rugby Club, which is run solely by volunteers, was acknowledged for enabling over 50 adults and 30 children to stay active every week.

Yate Amateur Boxing Club was singled out for its work with some of the most vulnerable young people in the community.

Council chair Brian Allinson said: “These people are stars of South Gloucestershire and it is a pleasure to be able to recognise them for their dedication and community spirit.

“They embody everything that is positive about our local communities with their selfless contributions and I’d like to thank them personally, and on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council, for helping to make South Gloucestershire the wonderful place it is.”

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April, 2020

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Ferrari takes pole position at auction

T

HE March specialist jewellery section brought a sparkle to everyone's eyes at Stroud Auctions, making a total of over £200,000.

However, although jewellery made a good showing on the list of top selling lots, it shared the honours with the specialist sections for watches and transport.

Highlight of the transport section and top-selling lot in the sale was a 1979 Ferrari 308GT4 Dino, which sold for £18,000: a strong price for a car that was in need of a lot of restoration to restore it to its former glory. Other successful lots included a 1965 Royal Enfield 736cc Interceptor Swallow sidecar combination (£6,350); an Alfa Romeo Kamm-tail Spider 1750 (£6,300); and a 1961 BSA C15 trials motorcycle (£3,250 - pictured).

Best lots among the extensive watch section included a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner gentleman's diver's automatic wristwatch (£5,900); a Cartier Tankissime 18ct gold ladies

wristwatch (£3,700); an Omega Seamaster 300 automatic diver's wristwatch (2,500); a Lemania RAF pilot’s single button chronograph wristwatch (£2,200) and an Omega Flightmaster gentleman's chronograph wristwatch (£2,000).

However, jewellery valuer Alexandra Bowkett’s specialist jewellery section was yet again outstanding. Among the best lots were a platinum ring, set with a round cut diamond surrounded by eight further diamonds (£4,000); an Art Deco platinum ring set with a round cut diamond (£2,600); a French 18ct gold eternity ring set

with 21 square set cut diamonds and a Georgian/Victorian eternity ring set with old cut diamonds, each selling for £1,600.

Jewellery collectors were particularly excited by a Georgian ring (pictured) dated 1737 and engraved: “Lady Style OB 25 October 1737.”

Lady Style, born Elizabeth Hotham c1694, was the daughter of Sir Charles Hotham, 4th Baronet of Scarborough, and married Sir Thomas Style, 4th Baronet of

Wateringbury, Kent. The ring sold for an impressive £2,800.

The next auction at Stroud will be on April 1 and 2 when specialist sections will be ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, musical instruments, vinyl records, pictures and paintings.

For information about any aspect of buying or selling with Stroud Auction Rooms ring 01453 873800; email info@stroudauctions. com or visit the website at www. stroudauctions.co.uk.

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April, 2020

17

n NEWS

Yate phone store closes as firm announces 2,900 job cuts YATE’S branch of the Carphone Warehouse has closed for the final time.

The shop, in North Walk in Yate Shopping Centre, is one of 531 stand-alone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK owner Dixons Carphone announced it was closing to concentrate on selling phones through its Currys PCWorld stores and online.

The company said 2,900 staff would be made redundant as a result of the closures.

A further 1,800 employees will be offered new roles elsewhere in the business.

The stores were initially due to shut on April 3 but closed more than a week earlier due to government coronavirus restrictions, which means that

the Yate branch will not now reopen.

Dixons Carphone, which said the closures were not linked to the pandemic, declined to confirm how many staff work at the Yate branch when approached by the Voice.

The company said it would “go well beyond legal obligations in financial and other support for all affected colleagues”, adding: “There’s never an easy time for an announcement like this, but the turbulent times ahead only underline the importance of acting now, to ensure a business fit for the future.”

Dixons Carphone said the move was part of its strategy return its mobile business, which is expected to make a £90 million loss this year, to

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A spokesperson said: “Customers are changing the way they buy mobile devices and connectivity, replacing their handsets less often and buying them separately or as part of more flexible bundles.”

The company said the redundancies were not linked to the coronavirus outbreak.

Group chief executive Alex Baldock said: “Customers are changing how they buy technology, and Dixons Carphone must change with them. We’re underway with a fundamental transformation to do so. Today’s tough decision is an essential part of that, the next step in making our UK Mobile business a success for customers, colleagues and other

shareholders.

“Clearly, with unsustainable losses of £90m expected this year, Mobile is currently holding back the whole business.

There’s never an easy time for an announcement like this, but the turbulent times ahead only underline the importance of acting now.

“I don’t underestimate how upsetting this news will be for our colleagues, and we’ll treat everyone with honesty, respect and care.

“But though this is by far the toughest decision we’ve had to make, it is necessary. We must follow our customers. They want help with all technology, all in one place, and this trend is only going to accelerate in a more connected 5G world.”

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18

yate&sodburyvoice

April, 2020

n NEWS

Care home to be built on Railway Inn site A FOUR-storey care home is set to be built on the site of a former pub in Yate, despite concerns about its size and location.

The Railway Building Company has gained consent to build a 56-bed care home as well as 12 extra-care flats on the site of the Railway Inn on Station Road.

A planning official told a South Gloucestershire Council planning committee officers were “quite excited” about the outline proposals, which they “fully supported”.

But Yate Central councillor John Gawn said he and other Yate Town Council members thought there was “too much in a small space”.

Three residents who objected to the application said the location was “unsuitable” for a care home, and the building would block evening views and affect local businesses.

Station Road is home to a

The site of the Railway Inn on Station Road and (inset) the pub, which has now been demolished vet, a tattoo parlour, barbers, estate agents, café, garage, petrol station and printers, and the site backs on to the Whirlpool factory.

It is a two-minute walk from Yate railway station and less than a kilometre from the town centre.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Standing 13.5m high, the four-storey block will sit to the rear of the site, while a separate two-storey block containing the extra-care flats will front onto Station Road.

A communal car park will separate the two buildings, and councillors added a condition

that two of the parking spaces must be for disabled users.

Mr Gawn noted residents in the extra-care flats would be quite “isolated” because they would have to cross the car park to use the communal facilities in the care home and the small garden behind.

But the planning officer told the committee while the situation was “not ideal”, it was “acceptable”.

She said officers accepted the care home will be “noticeably taller” than many of the surrounding buildings but the height was “acceptable”.

The planning committee granted outline planning permission for the layout and scale of the development on March 5, but the company must submit design and landscaping plans for approval at a later date.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

April, 2020

yate&sodburyvoice

19

n NEWS

Young readers help choose book of the year YOUNG readers from schools and book groups in Yate and Chipping Sodbury were among the jury picking this year’s winner of the Concorde Book Award.

South Gloucestershire’s literature prize for young people was won by The Boy at the Back of the Class, a novel which tells the story of a boy who flees from a war torn country and makes new friends in the UK. Author Onjali Raúf was at the awards event, staged at the Bristol and Bath Science Park at Emersons Green on March 10.

Hundreds of children from schools and reading groups across the area read their way through a shortlist of six titles, which also included The Truth About Lies by Tracy Darnton, Whiteout by Gabriel Dylan, Thunderstruck by Ali Sparkes, Potkin and Stubbs by Sophie Green and The Land of Neverendings, by Kate Saunders, before voting on World Book

Day, March 5.

Eleven schools and book groups across South Gloucestershire took part in the awards, including Brimsham Green School, Chipping Sodbury School and two groups based at Yate Library, the Home-Schooled Bookworms and Yate Teen Focus Group.

Onjali said: “I’m so utterly thrilled to have the Concorde Book Award be gifted to Ahmet’s

story - it means the world to me that the story is deemed worthy enough of this lovely award, and that the story is still striking a chord with so many hearts.

Thank you so much for the honour.”

The Concorde Book Award was first staged in 2007 and is one of the few literary awards that involves children and young people all the way through from choosing the longlist to the winner, giving presentations

and conducting at the award ceremony.

Run by South Gloucestershire schools and public libraries, the scheme aims to promote a love of reading among 11 to 14 year olds in Years 7 to 9, encouraging them to join a group, read six books and talk about them with other group members, before voting for their favourite.

Shortlisted books are put into South Gloucestershire public and school libraries.

Council chair Brian Allinson said: “I’d like to congratulate Onjali for winning this award in what was a shortlist full of excellent books. The Concorde Book Award encourages young people to maintain a passion for reading through a time in their life when some turn to alternative activities instead.

“My thanks go to the organisers and to the young people for taking part, it is an inspirational event and I have really enjoyed being involved.”

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20

April, 2020

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH Ann Murray is from the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury.

She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

And now for some good news…a chocolate pudding you can make in five minutes

W

ITH all the anxiety over the coronavirus and the thousands of words that have been written about it, I have decided to give you an offering to make you feel better.

I hope.

It is a chocolate sponge pudding, which can be made from start to finish in only 5 minutes. And without being flippant, chocolate always makes me feel in a better frame of mind. It’s something to do with the fact that eating chocolate releases the same chemicals in the blood as those released when one is falling in love!

Dramatic events always bring out the best and the worst in people. Across the country communities are pulling together to help the most vulnerable with food deliveries and human interaction.

Jon and Lorraine of Howell’s Family Butchers in Chipping Sodbury are

offering to make deliveries to those who need it and those from the Bird Cage in Yate are making and delivering soup free of charge to the vulnerable.

At a time when small businesses are suffering it would be good to support them and others like Wendy, from the Health Food Shop in Chipping Sodbury, when buying food.

I’m sure many more people will be getting involved and helping where they can.

And then there’s those who are only thinking of themselves and stockpiling. This is what is creating the shortages, which we certainly don’t want. I’ll say no more.

Winston Churchill is reputed to have said Britain could never have won the war without tea, so I’m off to make that magical beverage AND a chocolate pudding, which should be ready by the time the tea

has brewed.

Morale-lifting 5 minute chocolate sponge pudding

Serves 2 – or 1 chocoholic Ingredients: 2 tablespoons self-raising flour 2 tablespoons golden caster sugar 1 tablespoons good quality cocoa (I like Green and Blacks) 1 large egg, preferably free-range 1 tablespoon milk 1 ½ tablespoons melted unsalted butter, about ½ oz or 12g 1 ½ level tablespoons chocolate chips (I like to use plain chocolate ones) 2 large teacups or ramekins or 1 large mug – microwave safe Here’s what you do: Measure all the dry ingredients and tip into a medium sized bowl.

Mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips and mix again.

If you intend to turn the cake onto a plate, line the bottom of the mug with a circle of non-stick baking parchment to make turning out easier. Grease the mug with a butter paper and then a shake of flour.

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Tip each pudding out onto a plate.

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Then eat – straight away!

Microwavable sponges do go hard very quickly if not eaten immediately.

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April, 2020

yate&sodburyvoice

21

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style The only way you’ll get near Ibiza right now… it was great: a cheap Golf with a boot that went beautifully and yet had no image whatsoever.

The Ibiza adds a touch of flair but also delivers reliability into the bargain.

What about the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta and the multitude of Korean and Japanese offerings, then? Ok, in short: The Fiesta is great, the logical choice to some extent, but so predictable. I learnt to drive in one. The Corsa is simply not good enough, and never has been. It is also poorly designed - you can’t even change the headlight bulbs yourself - you need to take it to a dealer. Far East offerings at this price point are so incredibly dull

that I can’t begin to recommend them. Even to someone who doesn’t care about cars. They’ve got vastly better in the last 10 years, but older and cheaper than that and, frankly, you can do better. So, until the borders are open again, get your Spanish (and German) kicks from SEAT’s funky little Ibiza.

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it is willing. In fact, it loves a good thrashing, which appeals to me but might not to someone who just needs transport. Reliability is about the same as the Peugeot (ie questionable in parts), and the interior looks and feels budget.

For practicality though, the Panda is superb, with a high boot and massive hatch for ease of loading.

1: SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sport 85hp.

Within our budget we can manage a 70k mile 2007 model.

The Volkswagen Group produces three broadly identical cars (VW Polo, Skoda Fabia and the Ibiza in this month’s picture). And what SEAT offer is, in my opinion, the sweet spot in the range.

The Polo gets detuned engines, a more expensive image that you pay for second-hand, as it depreciates slowly, and, to my eyes, dull, worthy styling. The Fabia is brilliant but I don’t like the looks at the front end and the driving experience is bland.

SEAT, by contrast, is VW’s sporty brand, and so gets pokier engines and styling that looks like they at least tried. And the best thing is that under the bonnet and in the cabin, it is all trusty and tough VW engineering. The Spanish screw the Ibiza together, but with parts made in Germany and Belgium, just like a Polo. The 1.4 here is economical and quick enough, and the manual gearbox is slightly more engaging than the Polo’s.

But best of all, the interior has that superb Germanic feel. Years ago I had a SEAT Toledo V5, and

CAM P

I WAS presented with an age-old problem the other day by my barber: when to cut your losses and junk your old clunker? More to the point, what do you replace it with?

His interest in cars is negligible, his budget only slightly larger. Let’s say £1,500 for something to get from A to B. Size doesn’t matter, in fact smaller might be better (he’s a confident man). This column loves a challenge, so here are my Top 3 picks in reverse order: 3: Peugeot 207 1.4 90hp. 2008 model with 65k miles. How the mighty have fallen. Twenty years ago my top 3 list would all be variations of the ground-breaking Peugeot 205. What a truly superb car. Unfortunately somewhere around the year 2000 Peugeot went off the boil, and the 206 was pretty dire. The 207 is better and at least well priced and fairly strong mechanically. The 1.4 is the most powerful engine here, fuel economy holds up in a way that interior quality certainly doesn’t and there are plenty around to choose from. It is also more roomy than most alternatives at this price point. Not bad.

2: FIAT Panda 1.2 60hp. Again a 2008 model with around 65k miles. The budget doesn’t stretch to a 500, which is shame, because I think they are cute and cool. That said, the Panda is a great little car and uses the same underpinnings as the 500 anyhow. It has the best fuel economy of the three, the road tax is cheap and, although the 1.2 is not powerful by any standards,

NT SCH

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yate&sodburyvoice

22

April, 2020

n COMMUNITY NEWS Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club THE club was delighted to announce the induction of a new member, Dr John Myers of Old Sodbury, on March 2, taking our overall membership to 43. On the same evening we had a visit from our district governor, Judy Powell.

Judy spoke of the aspirations of Rotary worldwide and encouraged us to be flexible in our approach to meetings and activities, with a view to trying to attract new and younger members.

A number of our members attended a recent event (frugal lunch) organised by our Inner

Chipping Sodbury Rotary president John Wells with Dr John Meyers and district governor Judy Powell.

“No job too big or small”

Wheel colleagues. With the help of a range of “bring and buy” products, over £500 was raised and will be donated to the Himalaya Trust, a charity that aims to improve the health and education of the people of Nepal living in the Everest region.

The club has pledged a financial contribution to St John’s Mead Nursery School to assist with the purchase of planters and fillings to offer the young children the opportunity to grow various fruits and vegetables. Also, we pledged a financial donation to Brimsham Green School to contribute to the purchase of a new lighting system for their drama hall to support school productions and presentation events.

We had an interesting talk from Jane Lund explaining the work of the Sodbury in Bloom team throughout the year to give Chipping Sodbury high street and the surrounding area a pleasing visual appearance for residents and visitors.

Stuart Fraser

Old Sodbury WI WHAT a busy year we are

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enjoying. Meetings well attended and interesting, subs are paid and treasurer is smiling, bags are backed and secretary enjoying her Australian holiday. Thanks to modern technology, not so far away as it used to be!

Our skittles team is through to the next round and congratulations and good luck for the next match.

Our ‘jigsaw puzzle race’ team were only ‘also rans’ but they did enjoy the experience, company and delicious cakes. Several of our members also thoroughly enjoyed the 90th Party Burlesque – many thanks for Horton and Hawkesbury WI for both events.

Craft Club members were busy quilting under the guidance of Belinda and they face the challenge of creating 50’s costumes from past outfits and curtains for our Murder Mystery Evening on April 25. If only they could make my body 50 years younger to slide into my beautiful sequinned blue ball gown! Spam and orange jelly flans washed down with Babycham and Ponies? I hope not.

Book Club members are reading “The River by Night” by Erica Ferencik.

Our first outing of the year was

to the cinema to view “Military Wives”. An excellent film and thank you Tracy for the popcorn, flavoured water and tissues. Yes, we do things in style.

Please check beforehand on 01454 315161 to see when our activities re-start.

Yate WI WE welcomed 4 new guests to our March meeting, where Heather of Heather Norman Hats entertained us by displaying a huge variety of hats, all made by Heather in a various fabrics – felt, silk, sinamay (from the banana plant) etc: each beautifully decorated with flowers, feathers, twirls and even foam. Heather’s mother was also a milliner and, after 20 years as a teacher, Heather decided on a career change, took a five-year millinery course and was ultimately able to open her shop/workshop in Hatherall’s Yard, Chipping Sodbury.

Several members took the opportunity to try some of the hats, especially the waterproof ones, ideal for this weather.

Heather is now planning workshops, see her website for information, good opportunity to make your own hat.

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yate&sodburyvoice

April, 2020

23

n COMMUNITY NEWS The last month has been a busy one. First we’d like to thank Hawkesbury & Horton WI for inviting us to their 90th birthday celebration and the jigsaw puzzle race (where we’ll gloss over coming second): both events very much enjoyed by members.

Barbara Potter

Yate and District Townswomen’s Guild AT their AGM in March the Yate and District Townswomen’s Guild presented cheques to two charities.

A cheque for £400 was presented to Sheridan Crew of Yate Shopmobility. A further cheque for £600 was presented to Jean Watkins of the Townswomen’s Guild Executive Committee, who received it on behalf of Hamlin Fistula UK, which is dedicated to restoring the health and dignity of women who have survived the horrendous – and preventable – childbirth injury.

As a result of the latest Coronavirus restrictions and in line

with other social organisations, the Yate and District Townswomen’s Guild have decided to postpone their April and May meetings. They will review the situation regarding their June meeting at the end of May. In the meantime Rhona Cowie may be contacted on 01454 881532 for further information about the guild.

Naomi Gathercole

Yate and District Rotary Club “ONE day I want to play at the Royal Albert Hall.”

Such are the aspirations of one pupil at Yate Academy, where Years 7 and 8 are enjoying the experience of making music together playing in the academy’s fledgling orchestra.

Head of music Helen BrettReynolds thanked the Rotary Club of Yate and District and the Arts Society, Severn Valley for donations which paid for 30 instruments.

After just a few sessions the groups of string, woodwind and brass instruments are already sounding amazing, such is the

Jo Windram and Fiona Thompson with members of the orchestra at Yate Academy. dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm of the students.

The students, a good mix of boys and girls, chose which instrument they would like to learn.

They have been supported every Wednesday by Jo Windram and Fiona Thompson, musicians from South Gloucestershire Music Hub who visit the Academy to teach the students how to play.

Helen went on to say how playing together has also had a beneficial impact on their other academic

studies.

The students themselves commented on how much they enjoy playing the instruments, are committed to the rehearsals and are encouraged by their parent to practise at home. Many have had no previous musical experience *Yate Rotary held a quiz night on February 11, raising over £600 for charities. The champions, from 20 teams of four people, were Heaven Help Us, We’re Mad, led by Tina Morgan of Yate.

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yate&sodburyvoice

April, 2020

25

n NEWS

Yate welcomes visitors from German twin town YATE Town Council hosted a visit for representatives from its German twin town, Bad Salzdetfurth.

The twin town’s mayor, Björn Gryschka and twinning association chair, Reinhard Nipp, stayed with local families and were given a tour of Yate as well as attending a council meeting at the end of February.

The twinning charter between the two towns was established in 1985, forging a link between the two communities. They agreed to work together to maintain a lasting friendship, to unite in the interests of both towns, and to encourage and maintain exchanges of all kinds, including visits.

At the council meeting, Yate mayor Karl Tomasin and Bad Salzdetfurth mayor Björn Gryschka talked about the changes that their towns have experienced since the last visit to South Gloucestershire in 2016.

The similarities were evident:

Björn Gryschka, Mayor of Bad Salzdetfurth and Councillor Karl Tomasin, Mayor of Yate, toast the twinning relationship. climate change issues, the development of open spaces and parks, facilities for young people, housing development, and wellbeing initiatives were all areas of

focus which both towns shared.

Jez Truelove, from Yate Genieri Community Link, gave an update on their work with the village of Genieri in the Gambia,

another twinning project, which was set up in 1986.

Yate and District Twinning Association chair Martin Monk said: “The challenge is to keep things current and relevant and encourage new members to keep the tradition alive.”

Councillor Tomasin and deputy mayor Cheryl Kirby said: “On behalf of Yate Town Council, we extend our thanks to everyone involved in the recent visit.

“We look forward to maintaining our strong links with Bad Salzdetfurth in the future, and the prospect of further exchanges between our two towns.

“Both Yate Town and Bad Salzdetfurth share a common desire to move forward, together, and we would encourage new members to join the Yate and District Twinning Association to experience the interesting challenges ahead.”

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26

April, 2020

n PETER'S VISION

Mixed emotions

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HIS month I’m writing with a different perspective. There’s no escaping the global, national and quite probably local implications of the coronavirus, and as you’d expect we’re following best practice and NHS guidelines to ensure we all stay healthy and continue to provide high quality clinical care come what may. Enough of that though, this month it’s all about my Dad, Phil Turner.

Phil qualified in 1969, 30 years after his father Harold and 30 years ahead of me. Clearly It’s not something that we planned, and to have a 20 year gap would have been more appropriate.

20/20 is a key vision standard we all aspire to, but as I’m sure you can work out, as we’re not child prodigies, 20 year gaps would be basically impossible!

Back to Phil, he was a committed husband, Dad, clinician and friend to many.

And yes sadly he died this week.

He’d been battling motor neuron disease for around two years, and died peacefully at home with his family. Many of you will no doubt remember him for his caring attention to detail, in a not pedantic but particular way - unless of course you’d met him in his role as a College Examiner!

He was always gently trying to tease answers out, but wouldn’t stand for students trying to bluff their way past him, that never happened! I know this from trying to get out of trouble at home. Dad always seemed to instinctively be at least one step ahead.

Phil was a keen walker and DIY enthusiast. Only last year, despite his illness, he was regularly stomping up and down the hills of England and wales.

As part of his transition out of work he built a house with his wife Christine. After this they took a year off to go travelling, returned home to build a garage, took another year or so off and then built a garden shed!

Technically of course Phil never

actually retired, that wasn’t his way, he remained on sabbatical until he died.

We’ll all miss him terribly, and thanks to you all for your kind thoughts, well wishes and prayers. They’re all gratefully received.

It wouldn’t be an eye blog without at least mentioning glasses, and as Dad wore glasses himself I think I can get away with this one! Our new Maxx collection has been very well received, and as he was always one for a bargain, Dad approved too!

You & your family are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care & on trend new Maxx glasses. We’d like to check you can see clearly and have healthy eyes too! To book an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

Peter Turner is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol who also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

April, 2020

27

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Victory in Europe celebrations 1945 and 2020 David Hardill looks at how communities came together to celebrate the end of the Second World War. AT the time of writing the numerous events planned for the May Bank Holiday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day will probably not occur.

Some events have already been cancelled and, although unavoidable, this is a great shame.

At least we can mark it in print.

The VE celebrations of 1945 took different forms, although most of them took place on May 8 and many took the form of a street party. In Yate, then a parish of around 2,000 souls (compared with 23,000 today), there were parties in a number of streets, including Westerleigh, Wellstead and Maybank Roads.

Although the Second World War brought people together, it had been a traumatic event.

The community was scarred by the death and serious injuries of military personnel in the conflict, while the bombing of Parnall Aircraft, with 54 casualties, in 1941 would have remained fresh in the minds of many.

Many of these events were put together quickly, with relatively few resources, but with great community interaction. Les Walter of Yate recalled people going round each house in Maybank Road collecting butter, sugar and flour in order to make the respective cakes for the party.

Children were at the focus of the party. The classic street party was formed of trestle tables end

to end, placed down the middle of the road. Sheila Jabs recalled four long tables on Westerleigh Road, with 36 children crammed in. There were, of course, the obligatory sandwiches, cakes and lemonade for the children, plus urns of tea for the adults.

Not all adults attended these celebrations, and some went down to Bristol where they had friends.

Some celebrations took place at local pubs, such as the House at Home in Burton. In Old Sodbury, Iris Parfitt noted that teenagers within the community put on a tableau of scenes representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Less well known were VJ Celebrations on August 15. Les Walter remembered the Maybank Road party falling foul of the authorities. The adults’ party had singsongs, dancing and carousing through the evening and beyond midnight. Unfortunately, such

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VE Day party in Westerleigh Road, courtesy of Sheila Jabs. People named in this picture include Richard, Mrs Marquand (host), Margaret Carter, Joan Tilling and Ann Tooth. Can you name any others?

VE Day party in Westerleigh Road, courtesy of Sheila Jabs. People named in this picture include Barbara Buck, Margaret Kilminster, Mary Clark, Margaret Cooke and Miller. activities were forbidden on Sundays and the local constabulary came to break up the party – to the consternation of some of the revellers.

*Yate Town Council has closed Yate & District Heritage Centre to the public until further notice.

For updates on opening visit yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

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28

yate&sodburyvoice

n SPORT

Weather and virus hit sport CHIPPING Sodbury’s 19-12 win over Clevedon (pictured right) proved to be their penultimate match before coronavirus brought a premature end to a rugby season already hit by weather-related postponements.

Joe Horton in action for Chipping The ending of all Sodbury. Picture: Paul Rubery rugby activity cut short a six-match winning streak for Sodbury, whose final match was a 21-17 midweek win over Avonmouth on March 12.

Yate RFC’s final matches were a 63-0 win over Cotham Park 2nds and a 43-31 friendly defeat to Bristol Telephones.

The area’s football teams are waiting to see whether their seasons will resume in time to finish off their fixtures, as a plan to call a halt goes to the FA. Yate Town are currently 19th with three sides below them in the Southern League Premier Division South with 10 matches to play, with the 4-0 defeat away to Farnborough on March 7 their only match in the month since the previous edition of the Voice.

Chipping Sodbury Town’s two matches in March were a 7-1 defeat away to Exmouth Town and a 3-1 home win over Bitton, leaving them 18th out of 21 sides in the Toolstation Western League Premier Division.

April, 2020

n ABBOTSWOOD PHARMACY BLOG COVID-19: How to survive THE backdrop is very worrying. Cases of the coronavirus have been rising and, sadly, deaths too.

With panic, the legendary British reserve has been cast aside, bringing amusement, shock and disappointment, from stockpiling loo rolls and stealing hand sanitisers from hospitals to the selfish overbuying of food.

Why this meltdown? Fear. It is revealing the worst of our flawed survival instincts.

But when the story is told of how we prevailed, it is not those sitting on the towers of loo roll who will be remembered. It will be our community effort – all of us doing our best for each other.

We will all be significantly inconvenienced and made poorer for the collective good, but we must rally around those self-isolating with practical and emotional support, especially the elderly and vulnerable in our community. Not helping would be our greatest collective failure.

With schools and nurseries closed, families are under a lot of strain.

To secure our societal values, we must show our children how family and community inclusiveness entails sacrifice. Maybe get them asking ‘How can I help’?

NHS colleagues, like the Abbotswood Pharmacy team, will face multiple risks of catching the very infection others are avoiding and our families and loved ones will be exposed as a result. But we will never leave anyone uncared for.

To pass this coronavirus test, we must all follow the government’s advice. We must support and pray for each other. Be socially responsible – not panic buying but offering kindness and compassion. Sign up to provide help, at goodsamapp.org/NHS online or with local Facebook groups. Finally, we must show gratitude to others, especially when their actions are keeping us well and safe. Do not let this virus become a fatal moral infection.

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April, 2020

yate&sodburyvoice

29

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

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yate&sodburyvoice

30

April, 2020

n SPORT

Double victory for twins Jake and Ben YATE boxing twins Jake and Ben Demmery enjoyed victories in their latest professional fights just before the coronavirus outbreak caused all boxing in Britain to be suspended.

Jake enjoyed a convincing points victory over Sheffield’s Karim Khan in a four-round fight at Ashton Gate Stadium as part of the Sanigar Events show.

Brother Ben also won over four rounds as he outfought Weston-super-Mare’s Dan Sabastonelli on the same show on February 29.

That’s two wins out of two for both boxers, who only turned professional last year after outstanding careers as amateurs representing Downend ABC. Ben said: “I fought a good technical fight, landing good counter attacks as well as making my opponent miss with the majority of shots and I was sharp from the start to finish. I would say I got better as the rounds went on and clearly won every round.”

Jake was equally pleased with his showing against the more experienced Khan, who had won his previous fight via a 3rd-round knockout.

“He came out swinging and tried to take me out from the first bell.” said Jake.

“He caught me off guard and made me

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Ben Demmery in action.

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Jake Demmery lands a punch on Karim Khan. Picture: B.East Photography

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“I settled in to the fight as the rounds progressed, picking my shots and pushing the pace. As the fight came to a close I had him spent. In the closing seconds I pushed him into the corner with a big flurry and nearly had him out of there but he was saved by the bell.”

Both boxers are now looking forward to their next professional fights, although with uncertainty about when sporting events will be able to resume, they are intent on keeping fit in isolation so that they are ready.

Ben sent good wishes to all their supporters too, saying: “Our fans are definitely worth a mention as they were very noisy for both fights!”

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