Yate Community Bike Hub

YATE Community Bike Hub is confidently gearing up for an anticipated increase in the interest in re-homing bikes, which will accompany the arrival of spring weather.

Some of these will be bikes which the team of volunteers, who freely devote their time at the hub, have been stockpiling during the colder months.

Given the limited storage space in their current generouslydonated shop in Yate Shopping Centre, they did find it necessary to slow the uptake of bike donations for a few weeks, although accessories, especially clothing, were still being accepted.

Nevertheless, the total number of donated bikes now approaches 400 and, since the hub commenced operating last summer, more than 350 bikes have already been rehomed.

They have been especially

n PHARMACY BLOG

welcomed by families in need, such as refugees from Ukraine, unwaged students and individuals needing means of transport in these financially-challenging times.

The hub volunteers have been encouraged by the chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s public recognition of Rebecca Bennett’s achievements in promoting cycling

How buses can beat hay-fever

A BUS stop, a post box and a community pharmacy are the top three things wanted within a 15-minute walk or cycle from our homes, according to a recent YouGov poll.

Rather than the community pharmacy, let's talk about the first and how bus stops can improve health.

A well-functioning public transport system reduces traffic congestion, encouraging us to walk and cycle more. This reduces air pollution, which impacts our health, especially children, older people and people with heart, breathing and underlying health conditions.

Better air quality could also mean welcome relief for hay fever sufferers.

An allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees or flowers, when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat, research has found twice as many hay fever sufferers live in built-up towns and cities than the countryside.

In built-up areas, pollen particles get trapped closer to the ground because of traffic pollution and dust clouds, which hang around on days when there is no wind to break them up.

So, better-running buses could mean fewer hay fever sufferers. Sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and throat are common hay fever symptoms.

To manage hay fever:

• Keep windows closed in homes and cars as much as possible

• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen

• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to help prevent pollen from getting into the eyes

• Shower and change clothes after being outside and at night to wash pollen off

• Avoid drying clothes outdoors when the pollen count is high.

• Vacuum regularly and use an air filter/purifier with a HEPA filter

• Tie your hair up and wear a hat when outside in Yate.

• Stay indoors and avoid grassy areas when the pollen count is high. Start antihistamines and preventative treatments at least a month before the hay fever season starts – ie now.

Help is always available at Abbotswood Pharmacy; ask us for advice on prevention and symptom treatments.

Recently Sanjay Shambu has marked this by appointing her as a Community Hero.

In accepting this prestigious award, Rebecca has dedicated the unique trophy and attendant certificate to the team of dedicated volunteers at the hub, who have assisted her in efforts to help make

Yate a safer place for walking, cycling and wheeling.

This of course is the reason why WECA is bidding for Yate to be identified by central government for significant investment in its infrastructure improvements.

Rebecca also paid tribute to the generous in kind help and financial encouragement that the hub had received from several supporting organisations, which notably include Yate Town Council.

The hub workshop is again accepting both adult and children’s bikes in fair and good condition (preferably having been stored indoors).

Currently there is capacity for more volunteers to join its meet and greet team each Saturday, from 10am-3pm.

For more information and details of the full programme of activities for summer 2023, including a Coronation celebration ride on bank holiday Monday, follow Yate Community Bike Hub on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram - or simply email us at yatecommunitybikehub@gmail.com.

Bob Keen

n WHAT'S ON

Starting April n PILATES - NEW CLASSES @ Goldney Wellness Centre, Chipping Sodbury

Wednesday 9.30am General Pilates

Small & friendly classes. Beginners, refreshers, a little rusty, Full on enthusiasts or just intrigued Everyone welcome.

To book contact: Debbie 07771 544549 bristol@mm-pilates.co.uk Mindful Movements Pilates @mmpilatesbristol

April 6 n GREAT WESTERN AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY discovery day at Yate charity shop, North Walk, Yate Shopping Centre. Pop in and ask questions about the service, find out about volunteering and career opportunities, learn life-saving CPR skills and defibrillation, take part in colouring competitions, trail, raffle, and Easter tombola.

April 10 n FRIENDS OF KINGSGATE PARK AND YATE TOWN COUNCIL Easter Egg Extravaganza, Kingsgate Park, 10am-noon. Treasure hunt, Easter bonnet parade. For under-12s, with separate area for under-5s. Entry free.

April 10 n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY talk on show preparation, Tom Jackson, Swindon Budgerigar Society, Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke. Visitors welcome without commitment to join. More details from secretary Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@ btinternet.com or 0774 874 0794.

April 11 n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY BRISTOL GROUP meeting, BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol, 7.30pm. Talk: ‘In search of the Red Dragon’, by Colin Brading. All welcome, no admission charge but donation of £3 suggested towards costs. More information from Dave Winter, 01454 324230.

April 18 n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERT: Meera Maharaj and Dominic Degavino, flute and piano. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 on the door, school-aged children free.

April 25 n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY practice class - learn to make a spring arrangement using a pin holder. The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. For more information contact Mrs R Cummins 0117 937 3836.

April 29 n SING OUT CHARITY CONCERT for Great Western Air Ambulance, Apollo Wind Band and Yate & Sodbury Good Afternoon Choir, St Mary's Church, Yate, 7.30pm. Adults £8, under-16s free. Call 01761 472468 for tickets. More details at www.goodafternoonchoir.org.

May 13 n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY Spring Serenade charity concert, supporting Save The Children, St Mary’s Church, Yate, 7.30pm. With special guests Oldland Brass. Conductor Carol Cook, accompanist Margaret Roy. Tickets £10 from Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre, 01454 313907, and choir members.

REGULAR EVENTS: Monday n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am. Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. A slowerpaced, mindful and lighter yoga in Chipping Sodbury with experienced teacher. Beginners Welcomed. Sodbury Masonic Hall, 1 Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n FLOW-IN YOGA WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga classes 6.15pm & 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow flowing yoga. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday, 7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412.

Tuesday n YATE POETRY GROUP meets every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For details and to learn more about the venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com. n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko.eclipse. co.uk or call 07977 201440. n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Contact Pete Chaplin for details. 01454 324956. n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB (POTTERY SECTION) meets every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7.30-9.30 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Tuition available. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412. n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY rehearses at St. Nicholas' Church Centre, Chargrove, Yate, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For details call 07833 597114 n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK DANCING CLUB, Pucklechurch Community Hall, Abson Road, every other Tuesday from 7.3010.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414 f.

Wednesday n LINE DANCE CLASSES AT RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Wednesdays 9.30am to 12. Cost £5 No partner needed. A fun way to keep fit, reduce stress, improve memory and make new life long friends. Contact Gill 07837 784816, or FB gill.butler.90 n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am (term time). Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating. n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk

Thursday n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ

We Would Love To Publicise Your Event

Send details of your events and activities in the following format: WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words. Send by email, with 'what's on' as the subject, to contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.3011.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details. n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA

MEET-UP, every third Thursday of the month from April 20, 1011.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten-free. For further information contact volunteering@coeliac.org.uk.

Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Calm-in Yoga 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. Ffi : www. bristolmvc.org.uk ; facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk;or ring 07776447699; or 07587143