Yate & Sodbury Voice March 2015

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March, 2015 Issue 1

What’s on, Page 33 | Sport, Page 37

Setback for Sodbury music festival plans HOPES of staging a music event in the centre of Chipping Sodbury have been dashed through lack of civic support – but it could still go ahead at a different venue.

Alistair Gregson, of Broad Street, approached Sodbury Town Council with his idea of a two-day family-friendly festival aimed at attracting up to 5,000 people.

He wanted to use his expertise as a project manager for big events to provide a weekend of entertainment.

But town councillors decided against giving it their backing, leading to a plan B for Mr Gregson.

He is now looking at a green field site nearby for the event, which would mean an increased capacity and the possibility of a third day being added.

Mr Gregson works for Your community newspaper, Yate and Sodbury Voice is here. a company that provides Every month, we promise to bring you the latest news, sport generators for large scale events and features. and festivals and said he would The newspaper is free and will be distributed to homes and have ensured all the necessary businesses in the area, reporting on what’s going on in Yate and infrastructure for such a project Chipping Sodbury. was in place.

We hope you enjoy our launch edition, it’s the first of many!

Continued on Page 15

Welcome to your Voice

Abbotswood on the up Yate district hopeful for future after new initiatives

Page 3 Yate tackles dementia problems Town council appoints community worker

Page 4 Model performance for Chipping Sodbury girl Shop assistant in finals of national model search competition

Page 21 Girls ready for football final St Nicks U14’s in GFA Cup showpiece

Page 39

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Our April edition will be going to print on Thursday March 26. To ensure your news or letter is included, please contact us by Monday March 23. Advertisers are also asked to contact us by the same date.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Yate & Sodbury 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. Yate & Sodbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, call Richard On 01454 800 127 or contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

Yate & Sodbury Voice contacts Richard Drew

Mark Lloyd

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01454 334 410 07733 898762 contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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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

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March, 2015

Calls for greater use of minor injuries unit HEALTH chiefs are being urged to increase the services offered at Yate Minor Injuries Unit to help ease the pressure on hospital accident and emergency departments.

The unit (MIU) was set up to deal with injuries such as scalds, bites, cuts and grazes, as well as sprains and minor head injuries.

Staff can also treat arm, lower leg and foot injuries, including broken bones.

But some people turn up at the MIU with conditions that cannot be dealt with because they are illnesses rather than injuries, or should be treated by a GP or at a hospital.

Although it has X-ray facilities, there have also been complaints that they can only be used during weekday “office hours”, even though the unit is open seven days a week and on bank holidays.

But if the X-ray department was open at weekends and the MIU was able to treat some ailments as well as minor injuries when people could not see their GP, it is believed it would take at least some of the strain off Southmead Hospital’s A&E department.

The hospital, along with others around the country, recently experienced high A&E demand. The problem was especially bad when patients couldn’t see their GPs and instead went to casualty with conditions that were not appropriate for hospital treatment.

A high number of older patients being admitted exacerbated the problem but it is felt more could be done to resolve the issue if community facilities such as Yate MIU were beefed up.

Yate’s Ruth Davis, leader of South Gloucestershire’s Liberal Democrat councillors, said: “We are lobbying for more use to be made of the MIU. That’s the only way forward.

“The public doesn’t understand what the unit is for. They might not be feeling well or want a dressing changed but those kind of things are not dealt with at the unit. We want a broader spectrum of services to be provided.”

The MIU is provided by the NHS South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). It said data for November and December 2014 showed the unit also saw increased attendance in the weeks leading to Christmas before falling back in the last two weeks of the year.

At its peak, 355 people attended in one week but over the period there were some patients suffering nothing more than coughs and colds.

A spokesman said: “The MIU is an important part of the CCG’s overall urgent care provision in South Gloucestershire, providing urgent care services at a convenient location close to patients’ homes.

We currently have no plans for changes to the service.”

The unit is open 8.30am-7.30pm on weekdays and from 10am1.30pm at weekends and on bank holidays.

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March, 2015

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Campaign raises awareness A CAMPAIGN group for Abbotswood in Yate said it had better hopes for the area’s future after success in raising its profile.

Mary Wright, chairman of the Abbotswood Action Group, said a number of events had combined recently to give a boost to the group, residents and users of local shops.

That included Yate Town Council reaching agreement with the owners of land at the Abbotswood Centre to buy space at the site, such as paved and grassed areas in front of the shops and some pieces of land behind them.

The council said residents and councillors had been frustrated that they could not make improvements while the land remained in private hands so buying it was the key to raising money to fund such changes.

Now the council has pledged a steep change in the sort of things the action group will be able to carry out, once legal paperwork has been finalised.

Councillor Chris Willmore

said: “The real hero of this is Mary Wright. She has fought tirelessly to get improvements at Abbotswood and has encouraged us to try to trace the owner and then get a deal.

“This is a great deal for the community and releases the current owner from their liabilities.”

Mary also praised the active involvement of South Gloucestershire Council community engagement officer, Jacqui Ward, especially in acquiring grants for events and activities.

She said it had led to an “unprecedented” 300 people being in the precinct to see the Christmas tree lights being switched on, an event attended by local MP Steve Webb and Ed Davey, the Secretary of State for energy and climate change.

There had also been a successful apple day organised

by Jacob’s Well, the local group behind the establishment of a community garden outside the St Nicholas Family Centre.

Mary said: “As a result

of applying for a Yate neighbourhood priority grant, a project worker devoted to Abbotswood will be appointed shortly.

“A community plan for the area has also been published as a result of a questionnaire being distributed to more than 2,000 residents in the surrounding area.

“This is fairly unusual for an urban area and the response

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to the questionnaire was good.

Many people volunteered to become involved in action group activities, demonstrating a desire for community involvement.

“So things are certainly looking up for Abbotswood, which has suffered for many years from a poor perception.”

The plan can be read by visiting http://paulhulbert.org/ aag/abbotswoodcommunityplan. pdf

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March, 2015

Community worker to tackle dementia in Yate Yate Town Council has appointed a new Community Development Worker, in Yate.

Debbie Woolley will work to help make Yate a Dementia Friendly town.

Debbie will be working closely with community groups, local residents and businesses in Yate to raise awareness of the needs of people living with dementia.

This will involve asking people living with Dementia and their carers what changes they would like to see in Yate and provide the support and services around these needs.

Debbie says “I am very excited about this new position. I have a lot of experience of supporting people living with dementia and have a passion for this type of work. It would be great to see Yate becoming a dementia friendly community a welcoming place for people living with dementia and their carers to live in.”

Councillor Tony Davis who has become a Dementia Champion says

“Dementia can affect the whole life of the person who has it, as well as their family. By raising awareness and making some changes within the town we very much hope that we can promote independence for people living with dementia” Part of Debbie’s role is also to look into creating a volunteer car share scheme within the town. Councillor Sue Walker has been campaigning for more community transport to plug the gap where public and community transport are unable to deliver eg transport to local lunch clubs, hospitals, specialist medical services and for those without access or unable to use existing facilities.

Debbie will be working with volunteers within the town to get the car share scheme off the ground.

If anyone would like more information about becoming involved in the volunteer car share scheme or more information about Dementia and Dementia Friends please email info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk.

Cllr Tony Davis with Debbie Woolley

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March, 2015

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Music Society welcomes new patron Local gallery owner and former England cricketer Jack Russell has become Patron of the Chipping Sodbury Music Society.

“Jack has always generously supported us and as we move towards our 70th birthday celebrations we are looking forward to enjoying his patronage’ said Society Chair Michelle Cook.

Since its launch in 1947, by a group of music enthusiasts, the Society has developed into an organisation staging live music events offered to all at affordable prices.

In recent years the Society has extended its range of music and now as well as classical they include Jazz and Big Band. This year alone will see no fewer

than seven concerts at Chipping Sodbury’s Town Hall.

Over the past few months’ music lovers have enjoyed a series of concerts, including the Del Mar Trio, the Emergence Sextet and Flercussion, an exciting, creative and quirky new duo from Scotland playing flute, marimba and other percussion instruments.

On March 10th ‘Men with Horns’ will perform a range of dramatic songs, stirring choruses and romantic horn quartets.

Those that remember the concert given by Claire Jones, former harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales in 2012, may well be back at the box office to secure a place at the ‘4 Girls 4 Harps’ performance on Tuesday 7 April

2015. The Voice will keep you posted on all upcoming events.

If you would like to book tickets

Steve Webb to open new church building

to the upcoming Men with Horns or 4Girls 4 Harps concerts visit www.csmusicsociety.co.uk

Soap box Why vote in the election?

Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church is celebrating the completion of their new building work at an opening ceremony.

The church, in Chipping Sodbury High Street, is welcoming everyone to the grand opening of the new Church building on Saturday 4 April.

The day starts with a dedication service at 11am followed by the opening ceremony and then an open house between 12.15pm and 3pm MP Steve Webb will preside over the official ribbon cutting at midday and people are invited to have a look around the new building and to hear about events the new building will house.

They include a Zumba Gold group aimed at people with mobility problems or disabilities.

From the 20 April the group is in action every Monday between 10am and 11am. The session will be free to anyone who attends alone in April.

For further information visit www.cs-bc.org.uk/grand_opening

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How many of us have already decided who to vote for in the General Election and will definitely exercise our democratic right to chose the next government?

How many of us will actually read the manifesto of each party and then made a considered judgement?

How many of us have decided not to vote or just simply don’t see the point?

Wouldn’t it be a delight to have a ‘none of the above’ option on the ballot paper on May 1st?

Having read all of the main political party manifestos last time round it was clear that on the main issues all were pretty much agreed. We would all like to see a fully functioning NHS not overrun and unable to cope; we would all benefit from a buoyant economy with full employment; law and order, education; all key to our successful future and therefore at the heart of every politicians agenda?

The only real difference is how each party proposes to achieve this utopia, and that is where the problem lies. Add of course our now deep distrust of politicians in general and it is no wonder that making a choice on May 1st is a real headache.

We do have to consider how lucky we are to actually have the right to vote. If you live in certain parts of the world you may only have a single candidate, usually the ruling head of state. In others you may not have a choice at all.

Don’t we therefore owe it to ourselves - and to future generations, - to exercise our right and at least make an effort to pick out a half decent leader for our country? The final decision of course is yours and yours alone.

Got something you’d like to get off your chest?

Email us at Yate and Sodbury Voice.

Before the election, The Voice will include details of all the main parties with a statement from the local candidates to help you decide.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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Voice backs Jazz and Blues Festival

March, 2015

yate&sodburyvoice

Pee Wee Ellis

Yate and Sodbury Voice is to be the official media partner for the Sodbury Jazz and Blues Festival.

The Festival, now in its fifth year, has grown to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the local music calendar.

Yate and Sodbury Voice will bring you all the news from this year’s festival, which runs from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June.

The Pasadena Roof Orchestra get the Festival underway at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on the Friday with the Pee Wee Ellis Assembly and a special guest vocalist on Saturday 6th. Tickets are available via the event web site at www.sodburyjazzandblues. com April’s paper will include the full Festival line up with a competition to win tickets to the two headline concerts.

Plum job for Mr Fruit A FRUIT tree expert has demonstrated traditional techniques that are needed to care for orchards at an event in Yate.

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group hosted the workshop, which was run at the reserve by Graham White – known as Mr Fruit.

Dodington councillor Paul Hulbert, a regular volunteer at the site, said there was a good turnout on the day, including private landowners and representatives of environmental groups from across South Gloucestershire.

He said: “We were very glad to offer this training opportunity to other groups like ourselves.

“This area used to have a lot of small orchards but most have been lost. We're keen to get lots of community orchards started again and we need to spread the skills needed to maintain them."

Mr White has advised the conservation group and the parish council ever since they planted what is known as the Orchard for the Future on Wapley Common four years ago.

His workshop was aimed at those keen to preserve traditional

fruit trees, including local apple varieties such as Hunt’s Duke of Gloucester, as well as modern apple, pear and quince trees.

They also learnt about South Gloucestershire tree varieties such as the Magnum Plum tree, which can only be found in Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell and used to be used for jam making in factories in Bristol.

Mr Hulbert said the conservation group’s next practical event would be a woodland work morning and spring clean on Saturday, March 14, starting at 10am.

He said: “Everyone is welcome. They should wear stout footwear but we will provide the tools.”

Anyone interested in taking part should meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland in south Yate.

South American visitor promotes Fairtrade A Nicaraguan coffee and cocoa producer has visited a school near Chipping Sodbury to ask people to use Fairtrade products.

Angela Jarquin, a Fairtrade coffee and cocoa producer from the Soppexcca Co-operative in Nicaragua, visited Horton Primary School as part of Fairtrade Fortnight from 23 February to 8 March.

She was a guest of the South Gloucestershire Fairtrade Group, who have been visiting schools in South Gloucestershire to present lessons and assemblies.

Angela spoke about life in Nicaragua and talked about the positive impact being a Fairtrade producer has had on her life, and also the lives of her family and community. She has recently diversified into growing cocoa after losing many coffee plants to disease as a result of climate change.

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

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March, 2015

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Yate remembers war dead in special tribute

Women in Yate have been crocheting and knitting personalised poppies for each person from the town who died in the Great War. A memorial display has been erected at the Lych Gate, St Mary’s Church in Yate.

Handmade poppies, which have been crafted by members of the community, will be attached to the memorial over the next 4 years on the 100th anniversary of each death.

The display was inspired by Councillor Chris

Willmore of Yate Town Council. He told Yate and Sodbury Voice: “We thought it would be a fitting tribute to remember those that lost their lives 100 years ago, as each individual poppy represents each person ” The display will remain at the Lych Gate for the next four years with a total of 32 poppies are needed to complete the display.

Any excess poppies will be used to complete a wreath which will be laid at the Lych Gate in 2018.

The Bell at Old Sodbury The Bell at Old Sodbury is a family run public house that’s home to a range of great beers and a fantastic menu of seasonal British cuisine. We offer a great value “Fixed Price Lunch Menu” available Monday to Friday and serve a cracking Sunday Roast for which booking is advisable.

A Recent TripAdvisor Review: “The choice of food was excellent and we were not disappointed when the meals arrived at table. Service was also excellent and again we were encouraged to take coffee by the lovely log fire a 'must visit pub' and thanks to the lovely staff for making us feel welcome. We will be back!! January 2014

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Cash help for better broadband for local businesses

SMALL and medium sized businesses in South Gloucestershire could get up to £3,000 towards faster and better broadband.

A voucher scheme run by the Government to help businesses develop and grow has been extended to include eligible firms within the district.

The system is being operated in 22 areas across the UK and administered through hundreds of registered suppliers.

Companies have to get a connection quote from a supplier before applying for a voucher by the end of March. They will be made available on a first come, first served basis.

To check eligibility and for more information visit https:// www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/ city/bristol/

MONDAY NIGHT PIE & PINT NIGHT One of our pies, with a pint of cask ale or small wine

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WEDNESDAY IS STEAK NIGHT Two 8oz Rumps or 10oz Gammons with all the trimmings £19

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March, 2015

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Market to re-open this month A Chipping Sodbury market is back in business after its winter break.

Chipping Sodbury’s Hatherell’s Yard was a new destination for shoppers visiting the town in 2014.

It has a mixture of permanent retail outlets, pop up shops and a twice-weekly market.

The market took a winter break over January and February and will restart on March 6th and is set to continue every Friday and Saturday to the end of the year.

For more details, including to rent a stall, contact 01454 334410 or email rouncevalhouse@btconnect.com

Voting rights check-up HOUSEHOLDERS have been urged to check that they are eligible to vote in the May elections.

South Gloucestershire Council wants to ensure the information it has on record for each property is correct and that everyone entitled to vote is registered.

To vote in the General Election and local elections on May 7, people must be registered

by April 20.

It is also necessary for anyone who wants to apply for credit to be on the register as credit reference agencies use it to establish where people live in order to prevent fraud.

Any South Gloucestershire resident who hasn’t received a letter from the council should contact the electoral services team by emailing electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or calling 01454 863030.

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Builders set to move onto new Sainsbury’s store site WORK on a controversial new Sainsbury’s convenience store in Coalpit Heath is about to start – some ten months after planning permission was granted.

The Sainsbury’s Local will be sited on the car park of the Badminton Arms pub on Badminton Road.

Independent shopkeepers in the locality had fought to stop the scheme going ahead and spoke out against the proposal at the planning meeting that determined the application in May 2014.

They argued the store’s arrival would damage their businesses - and the community - and were devastated when consent was given.

With other opponents, they later pledged to boycott the store when it eventually opens.

But Sainsbury’s said the store would create local jobs and put investment into the pub.

A spokesman for the supermarket chain said: “The developer is beginning works on the new shop on March 9.

“We have no confirmed opening date as of yet.”

Have your say at area forum event THE next Frome Vale Area Forum will be held in Yate on Thursday, March 5, with residents urged to attend and have their say on local decisions.

It starts at 7pm in Shire Way Community Centre, with an open session for the public to put questions to councillors and council officers on matters of concern.

The agenda will also include a presentation from Avon Fire and Rescue on carbon monoxide poisoning and decisions on the allocation of community and New Homes Bonus grants.

Members of the forum will further identify road maintenance priorities.

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March, 2015

Samantha Cameron thanks Coalpit Heath charity worker

D SA V

E IC

VET

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with Becky Benge BVetMed MRCVS

Leptospirosis

There have been an unusually high number of cases of leptospirosis in dogs in the Bristol area since November 2014 including some that have picked up a new strain of the disease.

Unfortunately a number of dogs have died of the disease, including some that were vaccinated with the traditional L2 vaccine and we wanted to give dog owners an update on this situation.

What is it? – Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which can affect many animals, but is seen much more commonly in dogs than cats. It is a zoonotic disease which means people can become infected too. There are several different strains of the bacteria, which can cause liver and kidney failure, as well as affecting other organs.

How is it spread? – The bacteria survive well in warm wet conditions, so stagnant water such as ponds provide a good environment. It can also shed by many wild animals. Dogs that tend to live in a rural location or enjoy playing in water are at a higher risk. However ANY dog, even in a city environment, can contract it due to urban wildlife such as rats.

What are the symptoms? – Leptospirosis can be hard to diagnose as symptoms can be varied and vague, including lethargy, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst and loss of appetite. If not treated effectively the disease can be fatal.

What can be done? – Vaccinating your dog against leptospirosis is important to prevent infection and spread of this disease.

Booster vaccinations for dogs have typically been aimed at the two most common strains of the bacteria, but recent cases have emerged in the local area that

were not covered by this current L2 vaccination. In order to give our patients the best protection we are now offering vaccinations against four strains of Leptospirosis (L4 vaccine).

What does this mean to dog owners? – You should consider whether you should get your dog vaccinated against these new strains. This can be done at their next regular booster, or if you are worried or your dog likes water you may want to bring their booster vaccination forward to get them protected now. In order to form a protective immune response, we will then need to see them back 4 weeks later for a second dose, which will be given FREE OF CHARGE. Puppy owners can also take advantage of this. We would recommend seeing your new dog for a first vaccination at 8 weeks old, a second vaccination at 10 weeks old and a third vaccination at 12 weeks old.

Your puppy will be protected against parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis a week after the second vaccination, so socialisation can still be started at your discretion, but bearing in mind the risk factors for leptospirosis mentioned earlier.

Full protection for leptospirosis will be at 1-3 weeks after the third vaccination is given.

For the very latest information, please look at our website (animalhousevets.com) or like us on our facebook page (facebook. com/animalhousevetsbristol). If you have any questions about the new vaccination or need help to work out what is best for your dog, then please call the practice on 0117 3355999 or book an appointment to see one of our vets.

Tel 0117 33 55 999

e-mail: info@animalhousevets.com www.animalhousevets.com

Kath Aldom (right) with Luke Hall and Samantha Cameron The director of the Paul’s Place charity has visited Number 10 Downing Street to be thanked for her work.

Kath Aldom started Paul’s Place in Coalpit Heath in 1995, and it’s grown into a centre of excellence for adults with disabilities. Kath met the Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron and talked about the work she has done in South Gloucestershire.

Kath was awarded an MBE in the 2008 New Year’s Honours list, but had never worn her MBE until her visit to Number 10.

Luke Hall, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Yate and Thornbury said: “It was an honour to take Kath to Number 10, the work she does locally is invaluable and it was a huge pleasure to visit Paul’s Place recently to see the work she does first hand. Kath has demonstrated that she doesn’t just run day facilities, but provides a shoulder to cry on, a place to laugh and a second home for so many local people who rely on the support that Paul’s Place provides.”

Sodbury Town Council settles into new offices Sodbury Town Council says the move into new premises on the High Street in Chipping Sodbury has gone well.

In a nod to the history of the property, the council named the building, at 26 the High Street, ’The Old Reading Rooms’. Records show that the building is of late medieval origins and was once the sight of the Weavers Guild. In the late 19th Century the building was presented to the town by Mr F. Fox as an Institute and Reading Room, which became part of the national 19th century movement to encourage literacy among the working classes.

‘We are glad that this property is back in the council’s ownership and therefore an asset to the town’, said Town Council Chair Mayor Wendy Whittle. “It has been tastefully refurbished and has one large room that we can hold our meetings”.

The office is normally open from 09.30-12.30 Monday to Thursday.

New slide for park A new slide is to be installed at The Ridings Play Area in Chipping Sodbury. The town council has secured extra funding for the slide after feedback from parents.

The council had already updated the park last year with new equipment, and it’s hoped the slide will be in place in time for the better weather.

Time running out for candidates

With Town and Parish elections due at the same time as the general election, approaching anyone interested in becoming a councillor is being asked to contact Sodbury Town

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March, 2015

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All change on the buses CHANGES are being made to buses running between Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Bristol as part of moves to improve punctuality and reliability.

Operator First said the rescheduling would also help it cope with an estimated 20 per cent increase in passenger numbers.

The changes which come into effect on March 29 include alterations to the 46 service between Yate and Bristol and the X46 between Chipping Sodbury and Bristol, both of which run through the Frome Valley.

There will also be changes to the X49 operating between Yate and Bristol via Westerleigh.

James Freeman, managing director of First West of England, said: “We are making a whole raft of changes to our network in a real effort to tackle the problems that we have seen recently with services not running as they should do.

“We have already brought in more double-deckers to the Bristol fleet, with more to come later this summer. Now we are putting more buses – and consequently more drivers – on the road.

“This will help us overcome the challenges of congestion in the city, while also providing extra capacity for the increasing number of people wishing to use our services.”

Mr Freeman said there would further be extra journeys on Sundays and bank holidays on some routes, including on the 46 and X49 services.

As well as other adjustments to the 46 and X46 buses, extra time will be added in to cover the distance, especially during the morning and afternoon peak period.

That means some early morning commuter journeys will be brought forward slightly, setting the first weekday departure from Yate at 5.40am, arriving in Bristol at 6.35am.

There will also be an extra 46 bus from Yate to Bristol on Sundays and public holidays at 9.05am, which will make it possible to get into the city an

hour earlier than at present.

On service X49, doubledeckers will be used wherever possible to increase capacity and more time will be given to complete journeys.

Some improvements are also being made to the Sunday and public holiday timetable, with a more consistent two-hourly frequency introduced.

There will be an extra and later last journey from Bristol at 7pm and from Yate at 5.58pm on those days, along with an earlier first departure from Yate at 8am.

The 46 bus stops in Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell, Winterbourne and Hambrook, while the X46 route takes in Yate, Iron Acton, Winterbourne and Hambrook.

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Local herb expert to raise funds for Sodbury in Bloom An organic gardening expert, specialising in the cultivation and use of herbs, will give an illustrated talk about planning a herb garden to help Sodbury in Bloom raise money for this year’s projects.

Jekka McVicar, an internationally renowned gardening expert, is a winner of eleven RHS Gold Medals at the Chelsea Flower Show and has written a number of books.

Jekka’s Herb Farm in Alveston grows over 650 varieties of herbs, and Jekka has created a Herbetum of culinary herbs that can be seen on open days at the Farm.

The talk takes place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 11 March in the Charter Suite of Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

Tickets at £10 include a drink and refreshments and are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Chipping Sodbury or by calling 01454 853736.

Petition raised over caravan storage row CARAVAN owners are pressing for a storage facility on the edge of Yate to remain in use.

South Gloucestershire Council wants stored caravans to be removed from Beech Hill Farm by April.

But families who make use of the site claim there is nowhere else locally for their vehicles.

They said other similar businesses were full and they would have to keep their caravans on residential roads instead, which could cause problems on busy streets.

Planning permission for the storage has twice been refused, despite caravans being kept on site for more than ten years. An enforcement notice is in place and last year the council set the deadline for clearance.

But owners have presented a petition and more than 50 letters of support for the facility to the council.

Dodington parish councillor and caravan owner, Chris Zapata, said the site made use of contaminated land, with up to 70 caravan owners keeping their vehicles there.

He said Deborah Martin, who ran the business, was planning to apply for a certificate of lawfulness that would allow it to continue.

Customer Roy Didcott said: “I have lived in Yate for 70 years.

The site stood idle as brownfield land and then Mrs Martin came up with the idea of caravan storage, which we know is in big demand.”

Dodington Parish Paul

Hulbert said: “The site provides a valuable service. It does not appear to cause any problems and is a good re-use

of a brownfield site. I think this is an exceptional case and I’m supporting our residents’ campaign to retain the facility.”

Stepping out for healthy lifestyle A NEW programme for the Walking for Health project in the Yate, Sodbury and Dodington areas has been published for the coming few months.

The scheme is aimed at getting more people to benefit from walking, with walks of varying lengths organised to suit everyone involved.

They are categorised under the separate Walk this Way and Stepping Forward headings, with details available from the South Gloucestershire Council website. Walk leaders also carry copies.

Some errors and omissions were in the original programme so details should be checked ahead of joining a walk.

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March, 2015

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Many stories waiting to be told Chipping Sodbury Heritage Trail Everyone knows that Chipping Sodbury has a long and fascinating history, and the Heritage Trail and commemorative plaque scheme sets out to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage.

With over one hundred Grade 1 or Grade 11 listed buildings it is little wonder that the town was recently described by Time Teams’ Mark Horton as the best example of a Medieval Market Town in the UK. Mark is Professor of Archaeology at Bristol University and conducts an annual Heritage Walk around Chipping Sodbury for his students.

On following the trail you will discover six plaques, each charting the previous occupants of just a handful of Chipping Sodbury’s most historic properties.

Whether privately owned or now in commercial use most of the buildings have a hidden past, with many a story just waiting to be told.

Each month we will open the door on one of the properties featuring a commemorative plaque, and you can follow the trail yourself at any time.

15

Music festival could still go ahead Continued from Page 1

A Heritage Trail Map can be found in the entrance to Hatherell’s Yard and a Trail Guide is available at the Tourist Information Centre.

Melbourne House, Horse Street, Chipping Sodbury The house dates from 1664 when it stood as the White Horse Inn. Originally two houses, a façade across the two properties was added in 1760, possibly by John Edwards, a Clothier in residence there in 1738.

In 1763 a young man by the name of Edward Jenner became apprentice to a local apothecary, Mr George Hardwicke. It is believed that during his sevenyear stay in the town Jenner became aware of the link between Cowpox and Smallpox.

Jenner Cottage, located behind Melbourne House may

well have been the home of Edward Jenner at some point.

Documentary evidence has not been uncovered to prove or disprove this theory, however it is a likely explanation for the name of the cottage. Certainly Jenner would have boarded with his master and would have been shared around the surgeons and apothecaries living in Sodbury at the time.

In 1796, Jenner showed that inoculating people with Cowpox protected them against Smallpox, a disease that killed millions worldwide.

The name of the house is thought to have come from a previous owner, Watts, who emigrated to Australia and became a prestigious architect responsible for designing many buildings in Melbourne.

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He wanted to bring some well known names to the town and said local businesses, such as caterers and pubs, would have benefited.

But despite his CV, the council did not have enthusiasm for the proposal. Its markets committee had originally rejected the idea, raising concerns about disruption to businesses and residents, as well as noise disturbance. A meeting of the full council later followed suit in opposing the plan.

Undeterred, Mr Gregson pursued an alternative location in the vicinity of the town.

He said: “If I can get the venue sewn up, I’m looking to stage the event on September 4 and 5 this year. If not, then I would wait until June 2016.

“I want to have a big screen and a proper stage. I want to get local organisations involved, have competitions for schools and limit the price of tickets, with acts that will appeal to local people.

“All I had been looking for from the town council was it to say it liked the idea of having an event in the centre of Chipping Sodbury. It’s disappointing I didn’t get that.”

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Town residents invited to civic service YATE’S annual civic service is about to be held, with an invitation to attend extended to all residents.

The one-hour service in St Mary’s Church is organised by Yate Town Council and will start at 7pm on Monday, March 9.

Council chairman Wully Perks has asked everyone to be seated by 6.45pm. He said he wanted the event to be seen as a thank-you to the town community and recognise the contribution made by many organisations, services, charities and individuals to Yate.

They included the emergency and medical services, youth groups, friends associations, those who supported international links and local councillors The service will include performances by Yate Choral Society, St Mary’s School choir and Yate International Gymnastics Centre.

A group of students from Brimsham Green School will also give an account of a visit they paid to Uganda in 2014.

Light refreshments will be served at the end of the service and a collection made for the Friends of Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.

Anyone who wants to attend should email info@ yatetowncouncil.gov.uk or phone the town council on 01454 866506.

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March, 2015

Hit show set for repeat as organisers on track for more success TALENT and traders are being sought for the second South Gloucestershire Show after the success of the inaugural event last summer.

Inquiries from exhibitors are already being made for the show on August 1 and 2, which is set to bring in some 20,000 visitors over two days.

Event manager Darren Hawkins said the organising team was keen to have as many local businesses – both big and small - represented as possible.

Local musicians, clubs, groups and societies are also welcome to showcase their talents, skills and work in the

community.

Among those exhibiting and putting on displays in the 2014 debut event were air cadets, karate and judo clubs and local churches.

More than 28 bands also took to the big stage and this year there will be even more opportunities to entertain the crowds as an acoustic tent will be open for smaller bands, solo artists and other performers.

The show is billed as the biggest event of its kind in South Gloucestershire, with a programme being devised to entertain people of all ages and celebrate life in the district.

It will again be held at the Windmill Fisheries showground, Westerleigh Road, with events including shooting, fishing and golf competitions, a car show and main arena attractions.

Anyone who wants to be part of the show is asked to email hello@southglosshow.co.uk or phone 01454 222959 as soon as possible to ensure they can reserve their place.

Darren said: “Excitement is building for the 2015 show and we organisers would appreciate as much notice as possible to try and ensure that each group gets the time and space they deserve.”

Under pressure - free health checks on offer People are to get the chance to check their blood pressure under an initiative from the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury.

They have organised free checks from doctors near the town hall in April. It’s part of the charity’s ‘Know Your Blood Pressure Day’, and will take place on Saturday 11 April at 61 Broad Street.

The annual event aims to raise awareness of blood pressure as a significant health threat if undetected and untreated.

The club has three doctors amongst its ranks; supported by other medical professionals they provide tests throughout the day. Morning shoppers and visitors to the town are encouraged to take advantage of the “on the spot” service and friendly advice.

The club says if you have never had your blood pressure checked, or it has been over

five years since your last check then you should check your blood pressure before it becomes a problem.

Undetected high blood pressure is a major factor in causing strokes and heart attacks and is almost always without symptoms. The first sign that a person with high, untreated blood pressure may experience is to have a stroke.

Rotarian Dr Tony Sarafian said: “The emphasis this year is on checking people that have not been checked in the last five years and that are not already being monitored by their GP. The service is free and it could save your life.’

Around 140 people had their pressure measured last year with 21 found to have raised BP readings and advised to see their GPs. The results are sent to the Stroke

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Association with a donation to support their work.

On the 11 April, a team of doctors and nurses will offer a free blood pressure check and advice to any member of the public between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

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March, 2015

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Return to home territory for education head THE new leader of Yate International Academy and its umbrella federation will take up her dual role in April.

Beverley Martin, described by education watchdog Ofsted as an outstanding leader, will become chief executive principal of the Ridings’ Federation of Academies, as well as principal of

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the Yate school.

Having been born and brought up in Bath, the West Country is home turf for the mother-of-three.

Her first teaching job was in what is now Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, and during her career she went on to be an advisory head teacher and

a national leader of education, as well as being head of both primary and secondary schools.

She joins the Ridings’ Federation from the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust in Devon where she is currently executive principal.

Ms Martin has two sons, aged 26 and 16, and a 14-year-old daughter.

She is a keen horse rider and once settled into the area, plans to join a local riding club to pursue her hobby.

She said: “I work hard and play hard. It makes you a better professional person.”

Despite the good reputation of the federation, Ms Martin said she was drawn to the job having walked around the Yate academy and met the students.

She said: “They were absolutely charming and hungry to learn.”

She said she found the attitude of the pupils and staff to move forward and succeed to be “truly inspirational”.

Ms Martin’s job will include

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overseeing Winterbourne International Academy, Woodlands Primary Phase in Yate, Woodlands Nursery, Winterbourne Sixth Form Centre and Ridings’ Commerce, as well as running the academy in Yate.

She replaces the recently retired Rob Gibson, who had been chief executive principal for five years, and Roger Gilbert, who announced his departure from the Yate academy headship two months ago.

Dr Gibson had previously been head of the former Ridings High School for 14 years and oversaw its conversion into an academy.

The federation is responsible for the education of more than 2,700 children and teenagers from nursery age to sixth formers.

Since its inception in 2009, a total of £35 million has also been spent on upgrading facilities at its sites.

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March, 2015

Snappy fish

Ann Murray is from the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury.

She’s teamed up with Yate and Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen. She says: “Welcome to my world of observations, comments on what’s happening and sometimes some half-baked thoughts.

Each month I’ll be giving you a seasonal recipe and some cooking tips to go with it”.

I know Snap Fish is a website for photos but I want to share a few ideas with you and give you a fab fish recipe for Easter.

By now, those New Year resolutions to get fit, go to the gym, eat healthily and drink less will have probably waned a little. So let’s focus on the healthy eating resolution.

Top Tips • Eat more fruit and veg, aim for 5 portions a day which can be fresh, tinned, frozen or dried.

Make a bowl of fruit salad and leave ready in the fridge to add to your cereal or porridge.

• Cook some simple fish recipes, like spreading a salmon fillet with 2 teaspoons of pesto paste and cook in a preheated oven 190 C or Gas 5 for 12-15 minutes.

I know it feels like you’ve only just got over Christmas, but here’s my idea for an easy Easter lunch for family or friends which can be served hot or cold. First buy a whole fresh salmon of about 2.5 kg to feed

8 people. Most supermarkets will let you borrow a fish kettle which is a super-easy way to cook it. Ask them before you buy their salmon! (A fish kettle is an oblong pan with a grid and lid designed to poach a whole fish.)

Here’s what you do: 1. Place your salmon on the grid of the fish kettle and pour in enough cold water to cover the fish. Make sure the salmon is covered so as to keep it moist.

2. Put the fish kettle on the hob. It’s better to use 2 rings.

3. Add a large glass of white wine, 2 bay leaves, 1 chopped onion, 2 sticks of celery and a handful of black peppercorns.

4. Cover with the lid and using a medium heat, bring the salmon to the boil.

5. Once it has reached the boil, turn it off and leave to cool.

6. Once cooled, using the handles of the grid, remove the salmon from the grid onto an appropriate plate.

7. Carefully peel back the skin

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and remove the head and tail if you wish.

8. If you want to serve the fish warm, then decorate with slices of lemon and cucumber and serve with good quality mayonnaise to which you have added some freshly squeezed lemon, dill and black pepper.

9. If you prefer to serve it cold, leave it in the kettle and place in a fridge or cold place overnight to decorate the next day.

10. Some steamed broccoli, new potatoes and a glass of fizz and you’re all set for a hasslefree lunch. Enjoy!

For more ideas check out my the website www.cooking4.co.uk

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March, 2015

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19

Community Transport Service is on Volunteer Drive Green Community Travel in Yate are calling on local residents to join up as volunteers and help improve the quality of life for those in urgent need of transport.

The voluntary organisation, which first started operating locally in 1989, provides safe and accessible travel for individuals and groups who are unable to use public transport and would otherwise have no other way of getting around.

All of the volunteers are from the local area and typical journeys may include taking elderly people to visit relatives in hospital or to a medical appointment.

Luke Hall, prospective MP for Thornbury and Yate has visited the charity in yesterday (20), where he signed up to offer his time, met with other volunteers, and learnt more about the organisation from manager Jenny Bright.

She said: “We are a volunteer service that relies on help from

people in our local area. Many of our volunteers enjoy what they do and like the social side too; making new friends, and helping people in the community or helping us in our office. We are always looking for more volunteers, so please pop in for a coffee and a chat about how you can get involved. We are delighted to welcome Luke to the team and hope to find more volunteers to keep all of our services running.”

Green Community Travel relies on volunteers to drive or to accompany passengers on the local buses, deal with telephone calls and help with administration in their office. The volunteer group is calling on people who can give a few hours each month to help other people in their local community and also to help with fundraising activities as the charity faces a raft of costs to keep the service running.

Speaking on the visit and his decision to volunteer in the

Luke Hall with volunteers Yate area, Luke said: “Green Community Travel is a fantastic local organisation which helps people from right across our area get to hospital appointments, visit relatives and make journeys they wouldn’t otherwise be able to on public transport. I am delighted to be volunteering and hope that other people from the

local area will consider signing up.”

If you would like to know more about volunteering, please contact; 01454 228706 or email admin@greenncommunitytravel. co.uk . Further information is also available from www.greencommunitytravel. co.uk

Work on town cinema gets under way MAIN building work on the Yate Riverside scheme that will bring a long awaited cinema to the town is due to start this month.

Clearance of the site off Link Road for the leisure development, which will feature a Cineworld six-screen cinema, began in February and involved contractors ISG removing trees and shrubbery.

The overflow car park next to the site is closing from about now until the end of September to accommodate the work.

But retailers in the neighbouring Yate Shopping Centre will have 100 parking spaces in the main car park for their staff, leaving the vast majority of spaces for shoppers.

Shopping centre manager Andy Lowrey said several months of preparatory work linked to the planning consent had been necessary before activity started.

He said: “We have also been working closely with South Gloucestershire Council officers and Natural England to minimise the impact on any wildlife and this process will be on-going throughout development.

“The centre management

has been liaising with retailers to ensure there is total understanding about the complexities facing us during the construction programme.

“It really is a case of short term pain for long term gain and traders appreciate that once the development is finished, there

will be exciting opportunities ahead.

“However, we also ask all shoppers to think as to whether they need to use their cars, can car share or make their trip on foot or cycle, or even public transport.”

New retail and restaurant

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units within the new scheme are due to be handed over to operators at the end of September for fitting out and opening scheduled for early December.

The cinema will be completed

by December and is scheduled to open by Easter 2016.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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March, 2015

View from Yate Heritage Centre Manager David Hardill reflects on a year of anniversaries 2015 truly is a year of anniversaries; Magna Carta (June), Agincourt (October), several Great War battles and can Yate Shopping Centre really be 50 in September?

Yate Heritage Centre will aim to reflect at least some of these anniversaries. A glaring omission from the above list however, is the 70th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Normally at the forefront of historic consciousness, the 70th anniversary does appear to have been largely overlooked.

Nevertheless, it remains a golden opportunity to undertake fresh research as well as interview the last generation of people who were adults during the conflict.

Yate & Sodbury in WWII To mark the occasion, Yate Heritage Centre is planning an exhibition (May-July 2015) showing the effects of war in the Yate and Sodbury area. Only 20 years earlier, the local area had changed immensely as a result of World War I and this second war brought similar and new changes to the town. As with the

War memorial First World War, Yate became home to a prisoner of war camp, American soldiers set up camp nearby and industry adapted to serve the needs of the conflict.

A new war brought with it new threats, and enemy bombers were frequently seen in the skies. Even Yate did not escape the Luftwaffe’s bombing raids.

During two raids in February and March 1941, Parnalls factory on Station Road was bombed resulting in the deaths of 53

people.

Much of my early research for this upcoming exhibition has focused on Yate’s war memorial, to be found on the Lych Gate at St Mary’s Church. The memorial contains the names of 11 Yate residents who died as a result of the war. Amongst the names are seven men who died in action, including George Tattersall who fought and returned from WWI, only for the ship he was travelling on to be sunk by German U-Boot

U-96 in the North Atlantic.

The memorial also lists the names of four civilians killed by war operations, three of whom died during the Luftwaffe bombing raids on Parnalls in 1941. However, one name on the memorial, that of William White, who died in the 7th March raid has so far failed to bring up any results. If anyone does know anything about a William White who died in the Parnalls bombings, or indeed, any stories about the other names on the war memorial, the Heritage Centre would be pleased to hear from them.

Lorna Brooks, volunteer at Yate & District Heritage Centre

2015 major events for your diary.

All events are 10.30am-4.30pm

Parnalls bomb damage, copyright Creda Archive

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Saturday April 25th - St George Celebrations at Yate Heritage Centre 10.30-4.30pm Saturday June 6th - Second World War 70th Anniversary Day 10.30-4.30. Part of a weekend of wartime history activities including the Big Lunch on Chipping Sodbury High Street.

Saturday 4th July - Medieval Archaeology and History Day to mark Magna Carta and Agincourt Saturday, 19th September – Yate International Festival.

Yate Town Council, South Glos Council, Dodington Council and Hanson in the Community have funded events

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March, 2015

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Charity shop worker in top model final A charity shop assistant has made it to the finals of a nationwide top model search, taking place in London this March.

Emily Ball, 21, from Chipping Sodbury is used to sorting clothing donations and creating window displays at her job in the St Peter’s Hospice shop in Yate. But now Emily will be modelling clothes herself as she takes part in the leading model search competition, Top Model UK. Having already competed against hundreds of girls for a place in the final, Emily will be judged in the Commercial category against 27 other models from across the country, at a glittering finale taking place at the Hilton Metropole, London on 13 March.

Emily, who studied fashion and photography at Southampton University, said: “It has been such a great experience to take part in the competition already, we’ve been given professional advice and catwalk training and I’m so excited to have made it to the finals.

“I only really stumbled across the competition on Facebook and thought I might as well send an application in with some photos. After that I was asked to go to an audition in London where we had Polaroids taken and did a swimwear catwalk.

At that point there were

around 60 of us left before the judges eventually whittled it down to around 20 and we were told we would be in the final – I was over the moon!

“The final is going to be great fun; there are three rounds, the first of which is a selfstyled lingerie or swimwear catwalk and then after that we will be styled by representatives from London Fashion Week, which I’m really looking forward to.

“It’s definitely going to be a bit of a change from my day job at the St Peter’s Hospice shop!”

As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members.

“Whether I win or lose the Top Model competition I plan to stay at the hospice shop for the near future and then move on to something else in the fashion industry. Modelling full-time would be amazing but I understand how difficult it is so I’m also looking at other opportunities.”

Victoria Canavan, St Peter’s Hospice shop area manager said: “It is fantastic that Emily is through to the finals of such a huge and prestigious competition. We are very proud of her efforts and have our fingers crossed for her on the day. Although we don’t want to lose her expert eye to the modelling world,

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21

perhaps she would come back and model for us one day.”

To vote for Emily in the Charity Public Vote category, which raises money for Children with Cancer, visit www.topmodeluk. com For more information on the work of St Peter’s Hospice visit www.stpetershospice. org.uk

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Busy March for Music and Entertainment at Sodbury Town Hall It’s set to be a busy few weeks at the town hall, as Stuart Hobday, a former BBC Radio 2 Music Producer and organiser of Sodbury Jazz and Blues Festival reports.

On Friday 6th March the Inner Wheel Club of Chipping Sodbury is presenting a fascinating event in aid of local charity Jessie May. The guest will be BBC TV producer and personality Dale Templar who is based at the world famous Natural History Unit and who ran the double BAFTA winning series landmark Human Planet.

During the evening Dale will be talking about her career and, with the aid of clips from the Human Planet series, recalling anecdotes about people who go to extremes to find food. Tickets priced £10 are available by calling (01454) 311617 or 853346.

There will be a bar available, plus nibbles and a raffle.

A few days later on Tuesday 10th, the Chipping Sodbury Music Society are staging their

monthly concert. Under the title ‘Men With Horns’ it features the Cornucopia Horn Quartet (Paul Sawbridge, Steve Macallister, Alistair Smith, Allen Cheshire) along with Niall Hoskin Baritone, Steven Hollas Piano and a Men’s Choir, conducted by Mike Daniels. The performance will include dramatic songs, stirring choruses and romantic horn quartets. Tickets are priced at £12.50 for adults, accompanied school-age children are admitted free . The phone number for tickets is 01454 315741(open Mon-Fri, 10 am - 8 pm).

The major concert this month is on Friday 13th March when the Town Hall will be the venue for The Springfield Story.

Featuring original member Mike Hurst along with The Springfields, they’ll trace the musical success of the members of the remarkable hit 60s group.

Following the chart hits from the original trio, Dusty went solo and had at least a couple of dozen of her own. Tom had a good deal of chart success as writer and producer of the

Seekers and others and, as a producer, Mike Hurst created around 40 hits for a variety of artistes including Cat Stevens, The Move, PP Arnold, Manfred Mann and many others. Add them up and you have around 80 hits in total.

It’s no wonder that the Penguin Encyclopaedia of Popular Music claims that, “The Springfields, jointly and severally, were probably responsible for more hit records than any other British group apart from The Beatles”. During the show Mike Hurst & The Springfields perform many of these songs and tell some of the stories behind them. It’s a trip down memory lane - for the group as well as the audience.

Tickets priced £17.50 and £15 can be obtained by calling the ticket hotline 01454 334410 or by using the website www. sodburyjazzandblues.com

Looking ahead to next month, you’ll need to make sure that you have tickets for The Witches of Eastwick. Presented by Sodbury Vale Musical Comedy Club there will be a number of performances from Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th April. Seats priced £10.50 can be booked online through www.ticketsource.co.uk/ svmcc

At Animal House we understand that registering your pet with a new vet is a big decision.

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Make a ‘Meet the vet’ appointment at any of our surgeries and we will give you the first consultation absolutely free.

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T: 01454 800 127 24 yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk Yate teacher’s Picnic in the park back on cycle challenge to help Ugandan children MUSIC teacher Franc Short has challenged himself to cycle 5,817 miles – the equivalent of pedalling from Yate to Uganda.

Mr Short teaches at Yate International Academy and is testing himself in order to raise money for a school expedition he is running.

He will clock up the miles by cycling to work every day and needs to reach his target by the summer of 2016.

He hopes to make a big contribution to the £20,000 target needed for students to visit and help children in Uganda by the end of the next academic year.

While in the east African nation, the students will teach the local Acholi children and work with communities to help improve their lives.

The Acholi people fled their homes during a 20-year insurgency by rebels and now live in basic conditions with no running water, electricity or land rights. Most of the children are unable to go to school.

Mr Short said “This trip will give our own students the chance to learn skills in team working and team building.

“It will also give them an opportunity to learn valuable life skills and increase their selfconfidence, while giving them an insight into other cultures and lives of others during this once in a lifetime experience.

“As a team, we must raise at least £20,000 so every little amount of sponsorship will be of great help.”

Mr Short has set up a Just Giving web page https://www. justgiving.com/Franc-Short/ where people can find out more about the expedition and make donations.

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Plans are being made for a repeat of a successful public picnic in Yate.

The town council is considering continuing the Brimsham Park Picnic after the success of the event last year.

Around 150 local residents gathered in Brimsham Park for a picnic and hog roast last August. The event included a treasure hunt for children, and £800 was raised for the Great Western Air Ambulance through donations, annual lottery subs and a donation from the hog roast.

The free event, which was the idea of Councillor John Ford, was organised by Yate Town Council to

March, 2015

for 2015

celebrate the park in the middle of Brimsham and to bring the local community together. The Friends of Brinsham Park were also involved.

Councillor Ford said “it was marvellous to see so many members the community enjoying the park and joining in with the activities, this event is something we would certainly like to see growing year after year.”

Photographed at last years Brimsham Park Picnic, (back row from left) Cllr Mike Drew, Margaret Robbins, Cllr Mike Robins. Front Mayor Cllr Wully Perks and Cllr Chris Willmore.

Council tax freeze for householders – but expect a rise next year

Books for dementia available in Yate and Sodbury

HOUSEHOLDERS in South Gloucestershire have had their council tax frozen for a fith successive year.

A budget of £184.3 million was set by South Gloucestershire Council for the 2015-16 financial year, with the average tax for a band D property remaining at just over £1,245.

But the total bill for some residents will be higher, depending on the inclusion of special expenses and parish precepts.

Families have also been given notice of a planned two per cent increase in the South Gloucestershire Council element of the tax in 2016-17 and following years.

The council said making savings and a one per cent central Government grant was behind the freeze. Some 1,500 residents also took part in a consultation exercise.

The council aims to make a further £36 million of savings by 2019-20, on top of the £43 million saved so far.

Books that help dementia sufferers and their carers have been launched at libraries in Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

The Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia scheme provides 25 titles in its reading list. The list includes a range of books offering information and advice about dementia and normal ageing, support with living well after diagnosis, practical advice for carers, personal accounts, and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities.

Supporting the launch of the scheme Communities Chair Cllr Claire Young said: “Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia means that libraries will play a significant role in helping to build dementia-friendly communities in South Gloucestershire.”

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Dreaming Spires becomes a reality Angus Braithwaite is now in his second term at one of the most renowned University’s on the planet, yet his journey from Chipping Sodbury School to Mansfield, the youngest college at Oxford wasn’t all plain sailing.

Sitting here, writing this article after taking a break from one of my worksheets, I realise just how much I take for granted, where I am right now. I’d always done well at school and even from a fairly young age I had high aspirations. Ever since a school trip 4 years ago to visit Lincoln College, it has been my dream to study at Oxford.

But it was on that first visit that I began to realise what I’d need to do to get there. Chatting to two students studying there, it was a bit of a shock to the system to discover they had both

attained 12 A*’s.

Having just started my GCSE’s, it was apparent that my journey had to begin straight away.

As a student at Chipping Sodbury Secondary School I managed to get 9A*s and 2As in my GCSEs, doing the best in my year, so at least by year 11 I was on target for Oxford.

I stayed on at Chipping Sodbury Sixth Form knowing that our new head had high ambitions for us all. But my first year didn’t go quite to plan. 3 A’s in maths, chemistry and physics but only a C in history left me weighing up the options of re-sitting, or trying to make up my marks. I made the difficult choice to drop history, knowing that with only 3 A levels it would be extremely difficult to get an interview, let alone a place at Oxford.

Wanting to study a subject like Materials Science, my 3 A levels did suit this subject so it meant I could focus purely

on science and luckily, it paid off and I managed to get an interview (not forgetting the “Oxbridge” tailored personal statement and the entrance exam first).

The day of my interviews was one that I will never forget just because of the sheer cognitive stress applied over the total time of about 2 hours. I waited about a month before I got my offer not only to study Materials but at my first choice college of Mansfield. It was so unexpected and flattering knowing that they thought I had the capability and the potential. But now I had to prove it by getting at least A*AA. Never have I felt such a sense of, not joy, but relief upon opening that envelope and seeing A*A*A after having spent the entire holidays fighting off even the tiniest of thoughts of getting the grades I needed because I simply wouldn’t have been able to cope with the disappointment.

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And now, I’m literally living my dream and I’m only 18. Don’t get me wrong, my dream is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s easy to get caught up in the work and forget just what it means to be here.

But when I do get a break, like now, it’s humbling to think about where I’ve come from and where I am now and I couldn’t dream of anything better.

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March, 2015

The Minister for Pensions who doesn’t know his future When Steve Webb won the old Northavon Seat for the Lib Dems in 1997, he probably never expected one day to become part of the Government, let alone a minister. Yet he’s found himself able to tackle one of his passions - pensions, and receiving plaudits for his work. With the election looming, it could soon be a memory. Richard Drew went to meet him in Whitehall.

I’d already had the tour of Westminster. Steve Webb’s parliamentary researcher, Glyn, had met me and shown me all the historic splendour the Houses of Parliament could muster.

They included the ornate and ancient chapel and the Great Hall - a towering and draughty former royal palace, which in days gone by was a venue for great trials, including that of Guy Fawkes But to take the short walk up the road to the offices of the Department for Work and Pensions is to be brought back into the 21st Century with a jolt. The open plan office space could be any company in the country, and Steve Webb’s modest office, sealed off behind frosted glass, could belong to any manager. The only hint that this

is the home for the Minister for Pensions is the red ministerial briefcase.

When I catch up with him, he’s already into a busy afternoon. First up is a meeting with a businessman and his MP to talk about company pension schemes. Held on sofas in the corner of his office over cups of tea, it’s not as formal as you might expect, and by the end of it Webb has agreed on a plan of action to try and help.

The main business of the day lies ahead though. He’s off to the dispatch box to lead a debate that will confirm proposed pension and benefit rate rises for next year. Before that he has time to sign some ‘Statutory Instruments’ making into law changes to the rules around private pensions. That done, he has some time to have a chat with me.

From when Webb first arrived in Parliament until 2010, he was a backbench Lib Dem MP with no prospect of getting any grip on the levers of power. “You learnt the ropes” he told me, “you prodded and probed, you raised issues, you got publicity for things, but you couldn’t deliver stuff.”

That all changed with the coalition agreement. All of a sudden he was Pensions Minister, a job that up to then was a bit of a poisoned chalice: “When I took over in 2010, I’d had 10 predecessors in the previous 13 years, so the average tenure was 13 months or so. So

No limo - Steve Webb walks to the House from Whitehall when I started in 2010 I had no idea I’d have 5 years of this”.

He would have seemed to have done a half decent job too, earning plaudits for his reforms, including the accolade of ‘Minister of the Year’ in 2014 from the Spectator magazine.

Hanging up in the corner of the office is a West Ham United shirt with ‘3 million’ printed on the back. It turns out that the groundsman at Upton Park was the 3 millionth person to have been signed up to a pension scheme by their employer. That figure now stands at 5 million.

You would expect a politician to blow his own trumpet, but Steve Webb seems genuinely delighted by the progress he’s made in this parliament; “If you’d said to me changing state pensions, making them - in my view - fairer for women and so on, stuff I’d talked about in

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opposition for years, that I’d actually get the chance to do it, so white papers, green papers, bills, take it through Parliament and implement it, I’d have killed for that frankly”.

His elevation to Government has made constituency work more difficult. Webb has a reputation as a man who works hard for the area, and says he enjoys being back in South Gloucestershire every Friday; “you find yourself sitting face to face with people and if the system isn’t working or the Government has made a decision, you have to eyeball people”.

The problem is that being part of the government can make it harder to represent your voters.

He told me; “2010 was a bit of a shock really. The great thing for me is that I have to work in a very different way. People ask

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March, 2015 me, why don’t you ask a question of the Prime Minister; I can’t, I’m part of the Government. The House of Commons is there to scrutinise the Government - I’m part of the Government. I can’t table questions, I can’t do early day motions, all the things that I used to do, I can’t do any of them. The challenge to me is how to use the new role I have to do it, but do it differently”.

Webb is quietly spoken, engaging and bookish. His real passion is attention to detail, something that served him well, even before he made it to parliament. He worked at the Institute of Fiscal Studies before becoming a Professor of Social Policy at Bath University. In Whitehall, you get the feeling he is a rare breed of minster that understands his brief as well as his civil servants.

It’s soon time to head back over to the House of Commons for his debate. I was rather hoping to hitch a ride in the back of a ministerial limo, but as Webb tells me whilst waiting for the lift, his wheeled briefcase by his side, that is a thing of the past. It was decided, given the austerity measures being dished

yate&sodburyvoice out to everyone else, that the luxury of a limo really couldn’t be justified.

Instead we walk back to the Commons at a brisk pace in the bright winter sunshine, dodging the tourists. Sometimes this has to become a jog if the division bell has rung and he needs to get back within 8 minutes for a vote.

Although he now has years of experience, he tells me he still gets a bit nervous at the dispatch box; “I do a bit and I think you always should to be to be honest.

It is the House of Commons, and it’s funny really because there will be hardly anyone there; it will be deserted this afternoon.

We will be spending 3 billion quid and if there are ten people there I will be surprised”.

Sure enough, by the time Webb gets to the dispatch box there are 15 MP’s still there.

During the session it comes close to single figures, but Webb still has to be on his toes as he takes on the opposition spokesman.

Political points traded, proposals passed, we meet up again in the ornate central hall that links the Commons to the Lords. With the general election

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27

At work - a relaxed meeting in his office just a matter of weeks away, and Parliament about to be dissolved, he will be on the campaign trail. His young Conservative rival, Luke Hall, will be looking to unseat him at the polls, and given the Lib Dem’s travails in the polls nationally he know he will have to work hard.

I asked him if he enjoyed the uncertainty of his profession.

“Well, I’ve got a mortgage to keep”, he tells me laughing, “10 year parliaments would be better from my point of view, but it’s an occupational hazard really. It

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will be the fifth time I’ve stood so you kind of get used to it really”.

Earlier I had asked him if he’d be on his ministerial sofa in a few months time. Another laugh, another sanguine reply; “It would take a particular set of circumstances for that to happen, so the odds must be against, but you never know really.”

It’s a strange irony really, the man who makes sure people are prepared financially for the future doesn’t really know what he’ll be doing in three months time.

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March, 2015

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No longer a recruitment fair

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Chipping Sodbury Mop; Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March 2015

The twice-yearly MOP Fair takes place later this month.

Love it or loathe it, the fair is very much a part of Chipping Sodbury’s heritage and has been around for centuries.

The development of ‘Hiring’ or MOP Fairs’ can be traced back as far as the fourteenth century.

The 1351 Statute of Labourers, introduced by Edward III, helped to regulate the wages of servants after the Black Death. Labour at the time was in short supply and pay demands were high. The Statute placed controls on wages and much of the hiring took place at MOP Fairs.

All manner of people would attend MOP Fairs in search of employment; farm workers, servants, labourers and craftsman dressed in their Sunday best clothes would seek out work following the end of the October-to-October working season.

Prospective workers would attend the fair often wearing an emblem or carrying a tool that signified their trade. Milkmaids carried a milking stool, shepherds a crook or tuft of wool, housemaids held brooms or a mop. This is why some hiring fairs became known as MOP Fairs.

Household staff were a

significant percentage of those available for hire. If they were chosen for a job, they were given cash as a retainer, which was usually spent at the fair on sideshows, food and drink and having a good time.

Many towns held two Mops, the ‘Little Mop’, held on the Saturday before old Michaelmas in October and the ‘Big Mop’ a week later. If after the first week they were not suited to the job (in their or their employer’s opinion), they could go to the ‘Big Mop’ Fair a week later to try

again.

In Chipping Sodbury the hiring element died out in the late 19th century, but the twiceyearly Mop Fair continues.

A shooting incident in around 1904 led to the death of a young boy, Charlie Morgan. Charlie was on the roundabout ride when a stray bullet from the shooting gallery hit him. His demise resulted in the fair being moved from the Street to the Rag, now Couzens Close.

The Mop Fair moved back to the Street in around 1930 where

it has been held ever since. A few years ago many of the larger rides were moved to the Town Car Park but complaints about noise from the neighbouring houses ensured the experimental move was short lived.

Today the Mop continues to draw a large crowd and is much loved by the children of the town, but disliked by some of the traders who feel it drives shoppers away.

Photograph: Mr John Mainstone

Summer target for first affordable homes on Barnhill Quarry site THE first affordable homes on the Barnhill Quarry site in Chipping Sodbury are set to be completed in the summer.

Merlin Housing Society is providing 17 houses and five flats in a link-up with developer Bloor Homes.

They will be located less than a mile from Merlin’s head office as part of the quarry development of 160 homes - and the Waitrose supermarket that has already been operating for 17 months.

The £3 million affordable homes scheme includes two flats and three houses for shared ownership, giving first time buyers the chance to own 40 per

cent of their own home and get a foot on the property ladder.

The other 17 properties will be available for social rent.

They will be completed during a number of phases between this year and 2017, with Merlin revealing the first are anticipated to be finished this summer.

The housing association aims to build more than 200 new homes within a 20-mile radius of its headquarters in Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury, by the end of this year.

Its head of development, Michelle Thomas, said finding good quality, affordable accommodation in in Chipping Sodbury was difficult.

She said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Bloor

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to build much-needed social rent and shared ownership homes.”

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T: 01454 800 127

Stanshawe Service Station Ltd

March, 2015

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This family business was built back in the 1960’s.

Sue and Rod Kembrey have been trading as an independent forecourt and convenience store for 25 years this year. With that personal touch, there’s also the global brands Shell and SPAR on offer.

When did you first start the business?

The business was built in 1966 by the family and Rod and I have managed it since 1990.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the time?

Since Rod and I have run the business, we have had to deal with Sunday trading, the Gulf War, tanker driver disputes and supermarkets selling fuel; all of these things have impacted on the business.

To what do you attribute your success?

Rod and I view the business as more than a business, it is a way of life. The buck stops with us, there is no chain of command to go through. If a customer wants to speak

to us, wants us to stock something we currently don’t sell or would like to advertise a local event, we are always here to help.

How do you stay ahead in such a competitive market?

With GREAT difficulty. The industry has seen a move back to the independent sector retailing fuel, and the big suppliers moving away from running sites themselves. Until a year ago we had had 10 to 15 years of fuel retailing being dominated by the suppliers and company owned sites. Without their economies of scale, we have faced many hurdles to overcome.

How did the recession affect you?

Were we not a family business, I think it would be fair to say that a chain would probably have closed the site if measuring the

success in pounds, shillings and pence. However, we are more than that.

How has the current oil price affected the way you operate?

The current free fall of price has allowed us to be more competitive. Our earnings from fuel bear no relation to the price charged at the pump, so we welcome cheaper fuel with open arms! What is not widely understood is that our costs are based on an unregulated fuel commodity price called Platts, and as such the cost is influenced by much more than the cost of crude.

What is the best part about running your business?

The feeling that we are more than just a business; that we are part of the community we work in.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2015

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Musical feast promised by brass band DODINGTON Parish Band is rehearsing for its next concert, to be performed in Winterbourne in April.

The community brass band, based in Chipping Sodbury and Yate, by-passes competitions in order to concentrate on concerts and develop its repertoire.

It was formed 19 years ago and has grown to a membership of 28 musicians, who play a wide variety of music.

Spokeswoman Jenny Bolt said the band performed at a number of local events throughout the year, with practice sessions taking place at Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury, on Tuesday nights.

She said both Dodington Parish Council and South Gloucestershire Council supported the band, whose last concert in November – Wartime Classics in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall – was a big success and raised nearly £600 for the Royal British Legion.

Jenny said: “We welcome

players of varying abilities and ages.

Although traditional in the range of instruments played, the band does not participate in contests, so all energies can be concentrated on providing an ever-changing and developing repertoire of music.

“Our next concert, called Time and Space, is in Winterbourne Community Centre at 7.30pm on April 11.

“Tickets cost £5, with under-15s admitted free, and are available at Daisy’s Coffee Shop, Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne, and at Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Office.”

Jenny said the band’s bookings for the summer include performing at the Chipping Sodbury Festival and concerts

Wild times planned in conservation programme A PROGRAMME of wildlife and conservation events in Yate and Chipping Sodbury has been drawn up for the coming months.

Avon Wildlife Trust will benefit from teams of eggheads testing their general knowledge in a quiz in the Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury, on Friday, March 13.

Starting at 7.30pm, teams of four can sign up for the challenge at the High Street venue.

Tea and coffee will be served but those taking part can also take along their own drinks and snacks.

Entry is £2.50 per team and places can be booked by phoning 01454 310328.

The event will be followed the next day, Saturday, March 14, with a workday at Wapley Bushes nature reserve. Meet at the Shire Way entrance in south Yate at 10am.

A spring clean has been planned for the Goose Green area on Saturday, April 11, with path clearance and tidying up of the grassland and wetland nature reserve on the list of work to be carried out.

Volunteers, who should wear walking or Wellington boots and gloves, are asked to meet at the bridge west of Oak Close, north Yate, at 10am.

A guided spring walk to coincide with the bluebell season is also scheduled for Sunday, April 19. Walkers should meet at the clock tower in Chipping Sodbury’s High Street at 2pm, when car sharing to the venue will be organised.

More events have been planned for later in the year, with details of walks, pruning sessions and further work days to be announced nearer the time.

at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall and Winterbourne Down.

There will also be bandstand performances in Keynsham, Bath, Stroud and Chippenham later in the year before the

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players head into their busiest time in December.

More information about the band is available at www. dodingtonparishband.co.uk and on the band’s Facebook page.

New Art Class for Beginners Looking for an introduction to art?

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New 12 12 week weekart artcourse coursestarting starting New in inJanuary April is complete is designed designed for for complete beginners is is held at beginnersto toimprovers improversand and held Down. at aavenue venueininWinterbourne Winterbourne Down The courses run once a week, morning or afternoon for 3 hours and all your materials are provided.

If you have always wanted to learn how to draw or paint but have no idea where to start then this course will show you how. The curriculum is comprehensive, interesting and fun, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Our qualified tutor provides step by step guidance each week, covering sketching, pastels, watercolour and acrylic painting. By the end of the course you will have 8 pieces of your own original art including a pastel pet portrait and an acrylic country landscape! You can then show off your new found skills to family and friends at the end of course exhibition!

For more information including dates, times and venue, please For more information including call Emma on 01454 227116 dates, times and venue, please call Find us on Facebook at Emma on 01454 227116. www.facebook.com/loveartclass

Art can help reduce stress, create a feeling of well-being and provide relaxation but most of all — it’s fun!

Student numbers are kept low to ensure that everyone gets maximum benefit so to reserve a place on our next course or for more information call today on 01454 227116.

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

Download FREE bus and real time information with TravelWest buschecker

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AT’S

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March, 2015

Friday and Saturday 20-21 March n MOP Fair - Chipping Sod bury Saturday 7th March - 1pm – 3pm n Coalpit Heath Village Hall and Miners Social Club www.cphvh. co.uk - 07920 145352 Friday 13 March - 7.30pm n Mike Hurst and The Springfields Chipping Sodbury Town Hall Tickets £15 T 01454 334410 14/28 March n Chipping Sodbury Farmers Market - High Street Every weekend Friday and Saturday 9am to 4pm n Hatherell’s Yard Market Chipping Sodbury Monday March 9th 5.30pmto 7pm n Sodbury and Yate Business Association Sodbury Town Council, The Old Reading Rooms, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH www. mysodbury.co.uk/biz Tuesday 10th March 2015 n 7.30pm: Chipping Sodbury Music Society presents: Men with Horns Box Office: 01454 315741 Tuesday 10th March 2015 n 7.30pm: Sodbury & District

yate&sodburyvoice Flower Arrangement Society AGM, Old Grammar School Rooms For more information, please call Mrs Pauline Holder on 01454 776361.

Tuesday 10th March n 7.30pm: Hawk and Owl Trust Talk, Iron Acton Parish Hall a talk by Terry Wall: ‘Country Wall - Britain’s Wildlife in Pictures’.

Members £4, Non-members £5, Children under 16 free - includes refreshments. www.hawkandowl. org Wednesday 11th March n 7.30pm: Sodbury Vale Family History Group, Shire Way Community Centre Alan Freke: The History of Frenchay Hospital - Many bits of information not generally known. For more information please contact Lynne English on 0117 9373130.

Thursday 12th March n 7pm: Introduction to Office Skills, Yate Library For more information or to enrol call 01454 864613 or 07584 580225 dean. kelly@southglos.gov.uk.

Friday 13th March n 7.30pm: Yate-Genieri Link Talk: Ernest Shackleton, Yate Library. For more details ring 01454 880541.

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Twinning Charter 30 years ago at Poole Court. www.yatetwinning. co.uk.

Thursday 19th March n 7pm: Yate Safer Stronger Community Group. Elliot Building, Tyndale School, Cranleigh Court. For more information, please contact Sarah Milne on 01454 864634.

Friday 20th March n 7.30pm - 9pm: Yate and District Twinning Association Committee Meeting, Poole Court, Yate. www.yatetwinning. co.uk.

Tuesday 24th March n 7.30pm: Sodbury & District Flower Arrangement Society, Old Grammar School Rooms.

For more information, please call Mrs Pauline Holder on 01454 776361.

Friday 27th March n 7.30pm -11pm: Quiz Trilogy, Horton and Little Sodbury Village Hall. Email: halsvh@petal.org.uk.

Sunday 29th March n 10am to 12noon: Woodland Work Day, Ridge Wood. www. ridge-wood.org.uk.

Friday 13th March n 7.30pm: Sodbury and District Historical Society : Celestine mining , Masonic Hall. Celestine mining in Yate and Wickwar. Email: chippingsodburyhistoricalsocie @gmail.com.

Wednesday 1st April n 7.30pm: Growing Ideas Gardening Club, Watkins Room, Old Grammar School Rooms.

Torworth Plants - Tim Hancock.

Admission for visitors is £3.00 with free tea or coffee. Contact 07522 265141 or 07799 042948 for details.

Saturday 14th March n 7.30pm - 10pm: Yate and District Twinning Association Anniversary Dinner, Poole Court, Yate. Celebrate the signing of the

Monday 6th April n 10am Extravaganza - Easter Egg Hunt - Kingsgate Park.

11am Judging of the Easter

33

Bonnet Parade. For more information contact Yate Town Council Tel 01454 866506 or email info@yatetowncoouncil. gov.uk.

Tuesday 7th April n 7.30pm: 4 Girls 4 Harps, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.

Chipping Sodbury Music Society presents: 4 Girls 4 Harps - Box Office: 01454 315741.

Wednesday 8th April n 7.30pm: Sodbury Vale Family History Group, Shire Way Community Centre. Pat Hase: My Family and Jack the Ripper.

For more information please contact Lynne English on 0117 9373130.

Friday 10th April n 7.30pm: Clairvoyant Night, Hanson Social Club, Chipping Sodbury. For further details contact Christine on 882151. £4 on the door.

‘Saturday 11 April n 9.30am to 3.30pm - 61 Broad Street Chipping Sodbury. Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury. Know Your Blood Pressure Day. Saturday 11 April - 1pm to 3pm n Table Top Sale. Coalpit Heath Village Hall and Miners Social Club. www.cphvh.co.uk - 07920 145352.

11/25 April n Chipping Sodbury Farmers Market - High Street.

Thursday 23 April - 7pm n Horton & Little Sodbury Village Hall. Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge Safer Stronger Community Group - Public Meeting

Yate and Chipping Sodbury Library What’s On Yate Library 44 West Walk, Yate BS37 4AX T.01454 868006 Opening hours Monday 9:30am 7:00pm Tuesday 9:30am 7:00pm Wednesday Closed Closed Thursday 9:30am 7:00pm Friday 9:30am 7:00pm Saturday 9:30am 5:00pm Sunday 11:00am 3:00pm Special events Teen focus group meets monthly (3rd Thursday of the

month) Term-time pre school storytime Tuesday 2.15pm – 2.45pm School holidays – children’s activities, details on request Chatterbooks – reading group for children in years 5 and 6.

Every 4th Saturday, 2.00pm – 3.00pm Pre-school Wriggle and Rhyme every Friday in term time 10.30am -11.15am Exhibition space – Yate library showcases the best local arts and crafts for you to see, enjoy and even buy

Macmillan cancer information and support every Friday: 10.00 – 12.00.

Chipping Sodbury Library High Street, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH T.01454 868006 Opening hours Monday Closed Closed Tuesday 9:30am 5:00pm Wednesday 9:30am 5:00pm Thursday Closed Closed Friday 9:00am 1:00pm Saturday 9:30am 12:30pm

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

Sunday Closed Closed Chipping Sodbury library closes between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Special events “Have you read book group” coffee, tea and books: 2nd Thursday of each month 7.30 – 8.30pm Click On Line sessions – 1 to 1 introductory sessions for people starting off on the Internet Disabled access - disabled parking - library is on one level

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

New Registration “15” Plate Offers from Chipping Sodbury Motor Company (Upgrade to 5dr for £600 or £12 per month)

Ka 1.2 Edge RRP £9,945

OUR PRICE £8,695

Fiesta 1.25 Zetec 3dr RRP £13,095

OUR PRICE £11,895

SAVING £1,250 OFF RRP AND GET £922 FINANCE DEPOSIT ALLOWANCE PAID BY FORD

SAVING £1,200 OFF RRP AND GET £950 FINANCE DEPOSIT ALLOWANCE PAID BY FORD

■ Air conditioning ■ Electric windows ■ Remote central locking

■ Radio / CD / Aux ■ Trip computer ■ Only £30 a year road tax

■ Air conditioning ■ Electric windows ■ Remote central locking

■ Radio / CD / USB ■ Heated windscreen ■ Bluetooth hands free

Representative example: On the road price £8,695 Customer Deposit and/or part exchange £1,179.56 Deposit paid by Ford £922.18 Amount of Credit £6,593.18 Purchase fee £10 Finance Facility Fee £10

Total Charge for Credit £1,316.74 48 monthly payments £99 Optional final payment £3,158 Total amount payable £10,031.74 Rate of interest (fixed) 4.99% Representative APR 6.8%

Representative example: On the road price £11,895 Customer Deposit and/or part exchange £1,320.71 Deposit paid by Ford £950 Amount of Credit £9,624.29 Purchase fee £10 Finance Facility Fee £10

Total Charge for Credit 36 monthly payments Optional final payment Total amount payable Rate of interest (fixed) Representative APR

£1,487.71 £169 £5,028 £13,402.71 5.21% 6.8%

Only £99 Per month Representative 6.8% APR

Only £169 Per month Representative 6.8% APR

Ecosport Ecoboost (125ps) Titanium

Focus Ecoboost (100ps) Titanium

SAVING £1,150 AND GET £1000 FINANCE DEPOSIT ALLOWANCE PAID BY FORD

SAVING £1,400 OFF RRP AND GET £2,000 FINANCE DEPOSIT ALLOWANCE PAID BY FORD

■ Climate & Cruise control ■ Key less entry & start ■ Remote central locking

■ Radio / CD / Aux ■ Auto lights & wipers ■ Led signature lights

■ 8” Touchscreen DAB Audio ■ Auto lights & wipers ■ Rear park assist

■ SYNC 2 with Bluetooth ■ Climate & Cruise control ■ Active City Stop

Representative example: On the road price £15,295 Customer Deposit and/or part exchange £1,849.70 Deposit paid by Ford £1,000 Amount of Credit £12,445.30 Purchase fee £10 Finance Facility Fee £10

Total Charge for Credit 36 monthly payments Optional final payment Total amount payable Rate of interest (fixed) Representative APR

Representative example: On the road price £18,395 Customer Deposit and/or part exchange £3,766.44 Deposit paid by Ford £2,000 Amount of Credit £12,628.56 Purchase fee £10 Finance Facility Fee £10

Total Charge for Credit £2,040.44 36 monthly payments £199 Optional final payment £7,505 Total amount payable £20,455.44 Rate of interest (fixed) 5.38% Representative APR 6.8%

RRP £16,445

OUR PRICE £15,295

£1,999.70 £199 £7,281 £14,465 5.35% 6.8%

Only £199 Per month Representative 6.8% APR

RRP £19,795

OUR PRICE £18,395

Only £199 Per month Representative 6.8% APR

Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6AA Tel: 01454 338991 www.csmc.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for Ford Car range: urban 34,0-48,7 (5,8-8,3), extra urban 61,4-67,3 (4,2-4,6), combined 47,9-57,6 (4,9-5,9). Official CO2 emission 115-136g/km.

Retail only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Purchase fee payable with final instalment. Chipping Sodbury Motor Company only offers finance products from Ford Credit. Payable with the GMFV if you wish to own the vehicle at the end of the agreement. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle, if the vehicle is returned at the end of the finance agreement. Deposit Allowance available only when financed with Ford Credit. All examples based on 6,000 miles p.a. Offers only applicable for cars contracted and registered from 01/03/15 to 31/03/15. Pictures for illustration purposes only, certain colours are extra cost. Chipping Sodbury Motor Company is acting a credit broker and not a lender.

va sa No in Bos stable p o P ju t 50 0 lly ad dows ot Fia onica in The h electr ont w s fr a h ic can White ror s, electr , so you ir ls bly e m a e r it h o u w do g s el lookin finance 4" ste and 1 e elements c ti s th a fanta b r a ve ere’s And th l. o o c y.

Toast offer.

Representative example

FIAT 500 POP 1.2 On the Road Price

£10,420

Fiat Deposit Contribution

£500

£129

36 Monthly Payments Optional Final Payment (incl. £10 fee)

Customer Deposit

£1,499

Total Amount Payable by Customer

Amount of Credit

£8,421

Rate of Interest (Fixed)

Duration of Contract

37 months

£4,504 £10,647 3.65%

Representative 3.7% APR

H AT T ERS L A NE , C HIPP ING SODBU RY, BR IS TO L B S 37 6 A A .

TEL: 014 5 4 310 136 WWW.CSMC.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 49.6 (5.7) – 64.2 (4.4); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 91.1 (3.1); Combined 58.9 (4.8) – 76.3 (3.7). CO2 emissions 113 – 90 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative

purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Promotion available on new Fiat 500 Pop 1.2 models registered by 31st March 2015. Fiat Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Fiat i-Deal PCP. With Fiat i-Deal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating dealers only. Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Financial Services.

36

T: 01454 800 127

I

Steve Webb MP

writes for Yate and Sodbury Voice

yate&sodburyvoice

n the early weeks of the New Year, the news bulletins were full every evening of stories of a crisis in Accident and Emergency departments.

Demand was soaring and hospitals were struggling to cope. People were waiting in ambulances to get into A&E, they were having to wait too long to be seen, and there were problems getting them admitted to a ward.

Our local NHS was not exempt from these problems, and a recent report from the Care Quality Commission was highly critical of the service being provided at the A&E department at the new Southmead Hospital.

So what can and should be done about these problems?

It seems to me that there are three linked things that we could do to make things better for patients, and indeed for the hard-pressed staff who are doing their best to cope in highly pressurised situations.

The first would be to try to reduce demand on A&E. There is some evidence that some

www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

people go directly to A&E rather than to their GP because of problems getting an appointment with their doctor. The 2015 Health Survey that I am currently undertaking is revealing a considerable variation between different practices in how big an issue this is. But it is clear that patients at some surgeries are very frustrated at the problems in getting an appointment and are ‘voting with their feet’ by going straight to casualty. We need to do more to make sure that people who have a minor injury or health concern don’t feel they need to go to a major acute hospital to be seen.

A second way to reduce demand on A&E – and indeed to reduce the number of people who have to travel all the way to Southmead – would be to have more healthcare facilities closer to where people live. We have a Minor Injuries Unit in Yate, yet I still often hear from people who are unclear about when they should use it, when it is open or even what it does. It must make more sense for someone

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

March, 2015

in the Yate/Sodbury area to be seen for a minor injury in Yate rather than having to hike across to Southmead, and this needs addressing.

The third thing we should do is make sure that health and social services are working together better so that people do not get stuck in acute hospital beds when they are ready to be discharged. I recently visited Southmead and saw the ‘care of the elderly’ wards were around half of the patients were ready to be discharged but had no ‘care package’ in place for them. It is not suprising that people can’t be admitted from casualty if people who are ready to leave are stuck on wards. Ultimately we need health and social care to be a single, joined-up service if we are ever to tackle this issue.

Taken together, these measures would make a real difference to the pressure on our local A&E departments, and I will continue to work for progress on these fronts.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2015

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37

New youth football club looks to the future A new football club has been created in Old Sodbury with an eye to providing talent to the senior team.

Old Sodbury Under 14s will support the development of young footballers in the local community to progress to the long established and successful senior team when the time is right.

The season, whilst somewhat stop/start due to some poor weather, has been a success, starting with the attraction of some fine talent from Old Sodbury and the surrounding area. A brilliant 10-0 win in the first match was the springboard for some excellent performances, notably at the leaders Stockwood Wanderers where the boys came away with a 2-0 victory. The team still has half of their matches to play and stands a good chance of promotion.

Winter training is on Saturday mornings at Chipping Sodbury school and while the season concludes at the end of April, the team begins training again in July. The team welcomes players of all abilities to come along for training who are currently in school years 8 and 9. Please contact Damian Frodsham (07947 763554) for details.

New runners sought for Chipping Sodbury Parkrun Organisers of a weekly 5km run are inviting people to get involved.

The weekly timed run attracts over 200 people every Saturday morning at The Ridings in Chipping Sodbury.

The run is free to enter and starts at 9:00am and is very much a case of ‘you against the clock’. Similar parkruns take place around the UK and attract thousands of runners every week.

This event is run by volunteers who love running.

If you are interested, visit the parkrun website at: www.parkrun. org.uk/chippingsodbury

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

38

T: 01454 800 127

yate&sodburyvoice

www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2015

Promotion push for Yate Town FC As the season enters the final two months, Yate Town FC is one of a dozen Clubs vying for promotion from the Southern League S&W Division.

Currently Merthyr Town are favourites to top the division however both Taunton Town and Stratford Town are pressing them hard.

Yate are amongst the teams who could achieve a play-off position and win promotion to the Premier Division if they have a good March and April.

Yate have enjoyed a better level of support at their home games this season, and hope attendances will show a further increase in the vital run-in, as they entertain fellow play-off contenders Didcot Town, North Leigh and AFC Totton during March.

March Fixtures Tues 3 March Fleet Town V Yate Town KO 7.45 pm Sat 7 March Tiverton Town V Yate Town KO 3.00 pm Sat 14 March Yate Town V Didcot Town KO 3.00 pm Tues 17 March Yate Town V North Leigh KO 7.45 pm

Yate drop vital points to hardworking Clevedon Sat 21 March Wimborne Town V Yate Town KO 3.00 pm Sat 28 March Yate Town V Afc Totton KO 3.00 pm

Yate Town missed the opportunity to go level on points with North Leigh when they lost 1-0 to Clevedon Town at Lodge

Road on 3 February.

Photograph: SCOTT Boulton, Jack Flash Photography

Chipping Sodbury Ladies RFC in action during their 15-0 win over Drybrook RFC Photo: Jeff Gendall Photography (http://www.jeffgendall.co.uk)

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2015

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On your marks for new running route A RUNNING route has been created on Yate Common’s playing field.

The course has been installed by the town council as part of the 321 Run England project.

The aim of the scheme is to provide a range of marked running and jogging routes across the country.

Yate’s route extends for 800 metres, with posts at every 100 metres to give users an idea of their progress.

It was funded through a grant obtained by South Gloucestershire Council via England Athletics and has been opened as a further course for the town is planned for Brinsham Fields.

Town councilor Sue Walker said: “This is a fantastic idea and encourages more people to get out running or jogging.

“They can run a distance that best suits them, which means people of all abilities can have a go with the bonus of knowing how far they have run.”

Brian Gardner, team leader of South Gloucestershire’s active lifestyles team, said the 321

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Pictured, from left, Yate town councillor Sue Walker, Brian Gardner of South Gloucestershire Council and local Run England leader Katie Ball. project gave more people the opportunity to enjoy running.

He said anyone who wanted to run with others could find a

local group on the www. runengland.org website.

Final looms for St Nicks girls St Nicholas Under 14 Girls have secured a place in the GFA Cup Final.

Having beaten local rivals Downend and Mangotsfield along the way, the girls managed a 3-0 victory in the semi-final against Forest Green Rovers. The final is scheduled to be played at the GFA at Almondsbury on 8th March.

St Nicholas Youth, Ladies and Old Boys is a local football club consisting of twenty teams catering for boys and girls from the age of five through to adult. Based at the Ridings and benefitting from excellent playing facilities thanks to the support of the Chipping Sodbury Town Trust, the club is always on the look out for new players.

At the moment the club is particularly looking for boys and girls for the U13 teams, and girls for the U15 team. If you are interested in playing football in any age group, regardless of your ability, then you are encouraged to contact the club at info@stnicholas. co.uk or visit the website www. stnicksfc.co.uk.

For Newsdesk or Advertising contact 01454 800127 or 01454 334410

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

SALE ends March 8

somerset rustic oak oak chair

extending oak tables from

£89

£329

redland rustic oak bedside

£69

2 over 3 chest

£279

oak sideboards from

£199

double wardrobe

£379

henleaze painted bedroom 3 drawer bedside

£95

5 drawer chest

£279

manhattan light oak oak chair

£69

oak tables from

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triple wardrobe with mirror & drawers

£699

oak sideboard

£299

branches Opposite Temple Meads Station, | Bristol | BS1 6PL Opening Times: Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm | Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm Free parking at rear | Tel: 0117 934 9200 | www.branchesofbristol.co.uk