Yate & Sodbury Voice April 2024

Help sort out town travel

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is calling on Yate residents to say how easy they find it to get around town – and what could be done to sort out travel problems.

The council is being offered government funding to pay for improvements that could make it easier to walk, cycle, use a wheelchair or mobility scooter on local journeys.

It says that delays for drivers on the area's roads

are predicted to increase by almost 40% over the next 12 years – and "doing nothing is not an option".

The council has launched a new project called Getting About in Yate to find solutions. It is asking people to fill in a survey saying how they make local journeys, such as going to the shops or school, and the "barriers" preventing them from making them on foot or by bike.

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Black bins change

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has confirmed that three-weekly collections of black bins are on their way.

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FIVE people have been arrested after a group of armed men forced their way into a home in Yate.

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soldier from Yate whose life was saved by a heart transplant is preparing to run in the Manchester Marathon as the fourth anniversary of his operation approaches.

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Woodlands Primary School head teacher Rachel Dean, deputy head Hayley Tunnacliffe and pupils from across the school celebrate its 'good' rating following its first visit from Ofsted. Full story: Page 3

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Local information

South Gloucestershire Council

www.southglos.gov.uk 01454 868009

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www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk

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travel

From page 1

The information people give will be used to help plan changes designed to "make it easier and more pleasant for people to walk, wheel or cycle".

The money to pay for them will come from the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements Fund, and the council said: "We are not allowed to use it for road repair; either we use it for active travel, or we give the money back."

Cabinet member for transport and Yate North ward councillor Chris Willmore said: “This is a real opportunity to improve accessibility in Yate.

"Working together we want to make it easier, safer and more attractive for people to walk, wheel or cycle, especially for those local journeys like going to school or popping to the shops. We also have the opportunity to better connect the train station to residents living in the north of Yate.

“We want to hear from the people of Yate because they know their local streets and roads better than we do.

"They will know where a

dropped kerb or extra crossing is needed, or hedges need cutting back or there’s a bollard in the wrong place and so on.

“This funding is limited and can only be spent on supporting active and sustainable travel, so we need to prioritise the right improvements in the right places, and that’s where local people come in. We want to know where the barriers are stopping people going about their daily lives.

“It’s a really exciting chance to get some of the things we have all been moaning about for years sorted out. So as a Yate resident, I hope everyone will get involved, to steer how this money is used.”

The online survey also includes information about a proposed new cycle route linking Yate Railway Station to the north of the town.

The survey is open until April 10 and can be found online at www.southglos.gov.uk/gettingabout-in-yate

Paper copies are available at Yate Library and Yate One Stop Shop.

People who are not online can also call 01454 868004.

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'High aspirations' for Woodlands children

A YATE primary school's high aspirations for its pupils and "astute awareness of the needs of the local community" have been praised by Ofsted.

A team of three inspectors from the education regulator visited the school in Sundridge Park in January.

Their report, published in March, said Woodlands was 'good' in all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.

It is Woodlands' first Ofsted inspection since it became a separate primary school after 'de-merging' with Yate Academy in 2019.

The inspectors said: "Pupils are proud to attend Woodlands Primary School.

"The school has a culture based on nurture and inclusion. Staff have an astute awareness of the needs of the local community and strive to meet these.

"Pupils are compassionate towards others. They attend well and are safe. If they have any worries, they have trusted adults who help them.

"Staff have high aspirations for all pupils. They ensure there is equality of opportunity for all to participate in the enrichment activities on offer."

The inspectors praised the curriculum designed for all 476 pupils, aged from three to 11, at Woodlands.

They said: "It is relevant and ambitious and builds from Nursery onwards.

"Important subject knowledge is broken down into digestible chunks.

"This helps pupils to learn new information. As a result, pupils build knowledge over time and make progress through the curriculum."

The inspectors said children "get off to a flying start in Nursery", developing language skills before learning to read as soon as they start reception.

They gain the knowledge and skills they need to become "fluent and confident readers".

The inspectors said staff quickly identify pupils who have special educational needs or disabilities and make adaptations when necessary, describing the school as "highly

inclusive".

The inspectors said the school's trust and local governors "ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education".

To improve further, the inspectors recommended that the school ensures all curriculum subjects have precisely outlined content and sequencing, and refines its assessment to accurately highlight gaps in knowledge.

Head teacher Rachel Dean said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the inspection for the school community.

"Our pupils and staff make me very proud to be the head teacher at Woodlands.”

Greenshaw Trust director of primary education Liz Easaw said: “I am absolutely thrilled to see Woodlands recognised for the fantastic school that it is.

"Greenshaw Learning Trust are truly proud of our children there, as well as the excellent practice of staff and leaders.”

Woodlands Primary School children and staff dressed up as book characters for an event celebrating World Book Day in March.

Three-week black bin

SOUTH Gloucestershire Council has revealed a raft of changes that will be brought in to recycling and bin collections.

The council wants to eventually make black bin collections every three weeks instead of every fortnight.

Before this happens it wants to cut the amount of recyclable materials and food waste going into black bins, which it says currently make up almost two thirds of their contents.

To start off, it is extending a trial scheme for kerbside collections of 'flexible' plastics like bags and packaging, which currently account for over a quarter of the space taken up in the average black bin.

During May the soft plastics service will expand to include one in every five homes in the district, with a view to rolling it out everywhere by the end of next year.

Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall told the Voice that parts of Yate and Chipping Sodbury would be among the areas where the soft plastics scheme would be introduced this spring.

The council is currently in negotiations over a new waste and recycling contract, which will see the running of Sort It centres brought in-house and a new firm appointed to replace current operator Suez.

A cabinet meeting in March heard bids would be submitted over the summer, before a decision is made in October on a new contractor to take over from August next year.

way

Woman dies in collision

A WOMAN has died after the car she was driving hit a wall at Westerleigh.

Police were called to Westerleigh Road, between the village and Yate, at around 3am on March 5.

A police spokesperson said: "Sadly, a woman in her 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. We are offering them support from a specially-trained family liaison officer."

Westerleigh Road was closed in both directions at the junctions with Nibley Lane, Besom Lane and Shorthill Road,

as police collision investigators examined the scene.

Police have declined to confirm the name or any other details of the woman who died, or how the collision is believed to have happened.

The spokesperson added: "We are still carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of the collision."

Officers have called on anyone with information or video footage they think could be relevant to the investigation to call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5224 056 982.

Armed men raid Yate flat

FIVE people have been arrested after a group of armed men forced their way into a home in Yate.

Police say the incident happened in Stanshawes Drive in the early hours of February 29.

An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: "We were told there were a number of people in the house, potentially carrying weapons, who subsequently left with a number of household items.

"Safeguarding action has been taken to help protect those living at the address.

"A little more than an hour after the call to police was made, five men had been arrested."

One man from Yate and

four others, from London and Kent, have been charged with aggravated burglary and remanded in custody.

They are: Santiago Pablo, aged 31, of Cater Drive in Yate, who has also been charged with attempted aggravated burglary relating to an incident on January 30; Anthony Docherty, 38, of Red Hill, Bromley; Daniel Gray, 32, of Bark Hart Road, Bromley; Adrian Kupperblatt, 62, of Meadowside, Greenwich; Michael Peters, 32, of Eltham Green Road, Greenwich.

The spokesperson said all five men appeared before Bristol Magistrates Court on March 2 and have been remanded in custody, to appear at Bristol Crown Court on April 8.

All change for green bus zones

Children get active

PUPILS at The Ridge Junior School in Yate have been increasing the number of journeys they make to school on foot or two wheels.

More than half of the children at the school made an "active journey" every day in the first week of the 15th annual Big Walk and Wheel event run by transport charity Sustrans in March.

Families used 'park and stride' facilities to leave cars a distance from school and walk at least part of the way.

The Ridge was awarded the highest Platinum Modeshift Stars active travel award last year.

Activities at the event included an assembly from Yate Community Bike hub, bike checks and sessions making handlebar streamers.

Children in Year 5 have been taking part in South Gloucestershire Council's

Bikeability scheme, which teaches children to ride safely and confidently on local roads.

Head teacher Jodie Tumelty said: "We are all very proud of the effort families across the school have made to include those small changes to their routine that allow them to make more active journeys to school."

MAJOR changes to the WESTlink minibus service are planned form April to stop commuters from “abusing” the scheme. The diala-ride minibuses operate across the Bristol region but some users are booking trips far longer than intended, causing the service serious issues.

WESTlink was launched in April last year, and is known as “demand responsive transport”. Passengers book a trip on an app, and a bright green minibus picks them up and in theory takes them to existing bus routes, for a £2 fare.

But the service, set up by the West of England Combined Authority, has faced several problems including a shortage of drivers.

From April 8, the transport zones will be made much smaller, to stop passengers from booking excessively long trips, such as to Bristol Airport.

In the Yate and Sodbury area the changes will see the wide-ranging North zone, which stretched from Thornbury to Marshfield, abolished and

replaced by a Yate Rural zone, which ranges from Charfield to Tormarton but does not include Pucklechurch or Bradley Stoke.

A shared 'corridor' between Yate and Thornbury will enable people to book journeys between the two towns.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris says the changes are to encourage shorter journeys.

In total there will be eight smaller “core” zones and 13 shared zones to replace the previous three-zone system.

There will also be changes to the booking system, as the app has previously allowed people to book trips where there were already existing bus routes.

Designed to help people in areas with little or no public transport to connect with main bus routes, 100,000 journeys have been made on WESTlink so far.

To book, passengers should download the WESTlink app from the App Store or GooglePlay, or call 0117 457 8561.

A single adult journey costs £2. Journeys can be booked up to 24 hours in advance.

Dodington Parish Council’s Noticeboard – May 2024

Annual Parish Meeting of Dodington Parish Council

Parishioners are very welcome to attend

Monday 29th April at 7:30pm

Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6JZ

Our regular meetings are held on Monday evenings at the Parish Hall –please check our website for details of upcoming meetings.

Dodington’s Garden of the Year 2024

Garden centre vouchers and trophies to be won for the best garden, container or window box in Dodington.

Nominations to be made by end of May, with judging to be held in June.

For more information please see website www.dodingtonpc.org.uk or contact us 01454 866546 / clerk@dodingtonpc.org.uk

Join Dodington Parish Council at QEII Memorial Garden, Kelston Close, Yate on Thursday 6th June at 8:30pm, where we will be lighting a lamp of peace to commemorate D-Day 80 Anniversary.

www.dodingtonpc.org.uk

Ridge Junior school pupils with some of the handlebar streamers they made

Close shave for Charles

ONE of Chipping Sodbury's best-known beards has vanished – after nearly 57 years with its owner.

Charles Campbell, the former proprietor of Gimby’s Books and founder member of the Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club, sacrificed his prized whiskers in March to raise money for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

In front of family and friends at the George Hotel, by Franklins the Barber Shop, Charles finally parted company with the beard he began to grow during a holiday on the Isle of Seil in Scotland back in August 1967.

The beard had become a part of his identity, especially after he let it grow longer to fit the role of Santa Claus at Yate Shopping Centre.

His late wife, Beryl, had never seen him without his facial hair.

Charles said: “A number of my yacht club colleagues meet in the Horseshoe pub on Friday evenings and one of them, Norman Shanks, who is a former Commodore, was involved with the air ambulance.

"He suggested the idea and, once he let go of my arm, I said ‘why not?’ It's a great charity.”

The shave lasted exactly seven minutes and 56 seconds, during which time decades of history were gently erased.

Charles had offered one of his home-made chutney/jam hampers as a sweepstake prize, which was won by Paul and Ann Mapson with a close guess of eight minutes and 27 seconds, edging out the second-place guess by just a few seconds.

The yacht club – whose members famously don't own any boats – has raised thousands for charities over the years and, to date, Charles's close shave has made just over £600 for the air ambulance.

Further donations are being collected via a JustGiving donation page at tinyurl. com/2zmus6rj.

May Fayre cancelled

IRON Acton's traditional May Day celebration will not be going ahead this year.

The annual bank holiday Monday event on Iron Acton Village Green featured traditional maypole dancing by children from the village school, fairground rides, shows and stalls.

Organisers said: "Sadly, it’s time to announce the end of an era. Our popular May Day Fayre is undergoing a restructure and will not be running this year.

"Future years are likely to look very different."

The organisers said they would work with the school's PTA to ensure children "do not miss out on the much-loved maypole dancing tradition".

Organisers of the nearby Winterbourne Down Village Carnival are expecting this year's procession to be busier than normal as a result.

They have laid on parking at Winterbourne Academy and the Greenfield Centre for visitors to the procession, which starts at Bradley Avenue shops around 10.15am on May 6.

Charles Campbell before and after his shave

The Heathers Nursing Home

Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide.

The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.

First Class Facilities and Support

• A history of providing 24 hour, high quality care in South Gloucestershire

• Each resident is unique to us and treated as such

• The home is small and family run, offering a highly personalised service

• Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene

• Respite, residential care and day care available

• Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs

Get in touch and speak with our team, or arrange a viewing to see our facilities for yourself.

Aneesh – Registered Manager

• Julie – General Manager

Telephone 01454 312726 or

Email info@heathersnursinghome.co.uk

www.3abcare.co.uk

Tributes to Scott

HUNDREDS of supporters and former team-mates gathered to pay tribute to a former Yate Town footballer who died after an assault outside a Pilning pub.

Scott Hendy was injured in an incident in the car park of the Kings Arms pub, off Redwick Road, at 12.15am on March 2.

The father-of-three was taken to hospital but died the following day of his injuries.

Avon & Somerset police said a 29-year-old man from Pilning, George Baylis, had been charged with manslaughter after the incident in which Scott was fatally injured.

Scott, who was 46, leaves behind sons Lewis and Harvey, aged 24 and 14, and daughter Holly, 13.

After news of his death emerged, tributes were paid to the former central defender, who played seven games for Yate Town during the 1996-97 season, scoring one goal, when he was 19.

He went on to play for clubs including Mangotsfield United, Clevedon Town and Bath City.

Yate Town issued a statement, which said: "As a club, Yate Town are deeply saddened about the death of Scott and we will be helping with a donation to pass on to his family."

A charity match in which Scott had been due to play on March 17 was transformed into a memorial event, raising more than £5,000 to support his family.

Scott, who was living in Pilning at the time of his death, played almost 400 times for Mangotsfield between 1997 and 2011.

After his death Mangotsfield United's board and committee issued a statement describing the "devastation" of everyone involved with the club.

They said: "More than just a great player, he was a great person and was well thought of by fans,managers and teammates alike."

Scott's friend and former team-mate Geraint Bater organised a Gofundme donation page to support his family, which had raised more than £16,000 as the Voice went to print.

It can be found online at tinyurl.com/36b6mpaa.

School's robot scoops trophy

CHILDREN from Abbotswood Primary School in Yate picked up a trophy at this year's Institution of Engineering and Technology First Lego League Challenge Bristol tournament.

They picked up the best robot design award at the event at Hotpoint's Yate factory in March.

Teams from North Road Primary School and St Paul’s Catholic Primary School also won trophies at the event, which was contested by six school teams from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, with a total of 50 children taking part.

The tournament, won by Frenchay Primary School, is part of an international science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) competition for children aged between nine and 16, held in over 100 countries worldwide.

Teams have to build and program robots to complete a series of missions in competitive matches.

Hotpoint's Ian Moverley said: "In our industry, we're very aware of the need to encourage young people into STEM careers and see first-hand the importance of helping to bridge the skills gap between school leavers and the workforce."

Schools that want to take part next year can email events@consciouscomms.com for more information.

Scott Hendy

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Doctor who delivered Yate's babies passes away

A DOCTOR who delivered generations of babies in Yate –including Harry Potter author JK Rowling – has died, aged 93.

Dr Malcolm White set up a practice at Four Acre Road in Downend in the early 1960s, with partners Dr Hill and Dr Kitchen. The practice later became Leap Valley surgery, in Beaufort Road.

Dr White also ran a surgery in Station Road in Yate, where he lived with his family before the building was demolished to make way for the town's shopping centre.

He then opened the surgery at Abbotswood, which is associated with Leap Valley to this day, and lived in Church Road.

Dr White's daughter

Rebecca said her father delivered most babies born in Yate from the 60s until he retired around 1993, including JK Rowling, who was born in

the town in 1965.

Rebecca said: "The practice in Yate served many estates that were just being built, and it was all babies at the time.

"He was particularly renowned for his regular visits

to new mums for up to three weeks after delivery, going back day after day to check on how they were doing, which they don't do today.

"He would even knit booties for all of the babies he delivered, and would dress up as Father Christmas and go round the children's ward."

Dr White was also responsible for the delivery of Downend's babies at both Wendover Cottage Hospital and Southmead Hospital, on top of maintaining two daily surgeries and two lists of house visits a day.

Rebecca said: "He was never, never off work – it was 24/7.

"One day, while he was asleep in his chair, I put about 50 bands in his hair and he went and delivered a baby with them on, because he hadn't noticed they were there!"

Dr White was also well known for his bow ties and

loud waistcoats.

Rebecca joked: "He had no dress sense!"

A father of six, grandfather of eleven and great-grandfather to eight children, he spent his early life in Southampton, one of ten children whose father worked in the docks.

After being evacuated, aged eight, to Corfe Castle in Dorset during the Second World War, he was sent to a grammar school and then studied at Bristol University, where he picked up a talent for cooking curries while sharing a house with some students from Pakistan.

After retiring he remained in Yate with his wife Molly, who died in 2006.

Dr White moved to a care home in Wiltshire a year ago. He died after a short illness on March 7.

His funeral service was held on March 28, at Westerleigh Crematorium.

Dr Malcolm White, pictured before his retirement

Phil's new marathon challenge

A FORMER soldier from Yate whose life was saved by a heart transplant during the Covid lockdown is preparing to run in the Manchester Marathon as part of his pledge to raise money for the medical staff who gave him a new lease of life.

Phil Hardwell was just 29 when he was diagnosed with a rare and genetic form of heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in 2017.

After his condition rapidly deteriorated, he was admitted to the Royal Papworth hospital in Cambridge with severe heart failure to wait for a transplant and subsequently underwent successful surgery in April 2020.

Phil said: "It was a huge shock when I was diagnosed because I had no symptoms and there seemed to be nothing wrong with me. I couldn’t believe it for a few months because I felt fitter than I ever was.

“Being in the military I never considered my health and thought that I was invincible. Having something like that happen to you makes you feel a lot more grateful for what you have.”

Since then he has made a remarkable recovery, which has allowed him to enjoy the company of his young sons Reggie and Luca.

In 2021 Phil completed the Bristol Half

Marathon and took part in a charity football match to raise funds for the Royal Papworth Hospital charity.

The following year he ran the London Marathon, and now he has his sights set on the Manchester Marathon on 14th April where

Warning over River Frome

THE River Frome does not have a single stretch in good 'ecological health', a new report has found.

Environmental charity the Rivers Trust analysed Environment Agency figures for 3,553 separate stretches of English rivers in two areas the regulator measures: chemical health – the presence of chemical pollutants; ecological health – the presence, absence and abundance of animal species.

It found that none of England's rivers were in good overall health, and only 15% were in good ecological health.

The trust said the Frome was in 'poor' ecological health on the stretch between its source near Chipping Sodbury and where it meets the Ladden Brook, north of Frampton Cotterell.

Stretches downstream were in 'moderate' ecological health, with phosphate pollution from agriculture and land management listed as a pollution source.

The report was published

ahead of new figures form the Environment Agency which found that sewage discharges into Britain's rivers had increased by 54% last year: a storm drain in Hoovers Lane, Iron Acton, was found to have overflowed 39.0 times for a total of 378 hours (almost 16 days) in 2023.

The Rivers Trust said rivers had been "polluted, channelised, fragmented by barriers and rarely still follow their natural course, adding: "Their current state reflects what we’ve done across their catchments over hundreds of years.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris called the report "shocking".

He said: "This isn’t just an attack on our precious natural environment, it’s a public health catastrophe."

The Voice has asked the Environment Agency to comment on the measures currently in place to monitor water quality on the Frome and take enforcement action against any polluters who can be positively identified.

he will be raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Phil said: "I’m just hoping to enjoy the race as much as possible.

"In any transplant journey there are a few ups and downs with medication etc, but overall I’m feeling very good. Running is great for my mental health and allows me to escape from the stresses of everyday life."

Phil, who now works as a Health & Safety Advisor, warmed up for Manchester by running the Weston-super-Mare half marathon and has the Bristol Half pencilled in to his schedule in May.

He is hoping to improve on his London time of 6 hours 15 minutes and raise around £1,000 for the charity.

He said: “It will be four years since my heart transplant on April 8, so this will be an amazing way to celebrate what can be achieved from organ donation and signing up to become a donor.

"The BHF funds around £100 million of research each year into heart and circulatory diseases, and their causes, including stroke, vascular dementia and diabetes, so it is a special cause which I can particularly relate to."

To sponsor Phil online visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/phillip-hardwell2.

Phil Harwell with sons Reggie and Luca

Mark’s record of achievement in Avon & Somerset

Mark SHELFORD

Your Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate

3

More Police officers in Avon and Somerset

1,500 newly recruited police officers which has delivered 500 extra officers to our communities.

More rape cases brought to court

4 5 6

A 300% increase in rape cases reaching the courts thanks to our radical new approach to investigations called Operation Bluestone –now rolled out nationally.

Increased focus on Rural Crime

Tackling drugs

Holding the Chief Constable to account with monthly live streamed accountability meetings. 1 2

A dedicated rural crime team with increased capacity to help isolated farms and communities.

Top performing constabulary in England for illegal drug disruptions for the last 18 months (as a result of a South West Conservative PCC partnership, Operation Scorpion).

Tackling anti-social behaviour

Over £1m investment in making our streets safer – tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women and girls, thanks to Safer Streets grants from the government.

Greater Accountability

Manage a multi million-pound police budget

Set local policing priorities

Help deliver the Government’s plan to cut crime

Hold the police to account

Alex joins Yate's firefighters

A NEW member has been welcomed to the team at Yate's fire station after graduating from a course for on-call firefighters.

Alex Leech was one of 11 new recruits to join Avon Fire & Rescue Service after graduating from the course at an official ceremony in Avonmouth in March.

Yate Fire Station is crewed by a combination of full-time and part-time on-call firefighters, who combine other occupations with answering emergency calls.

Previously known as retained firefighters, they are paid staff who are paged to respond to incidents from their homes and workplaces.

Alex, who also works as a member of bar staff at a local golf club, said: "I've always loved working as a part of a close-knit team, and the fire service gave me an opportunity to do that.

"As well as this, it's extremely rewarding to be serving the community that I live in and, while it has been challenging, I’m having a fantastic time in my new role."

Alex, who also likes to keep up his fitness in the gym, learned a wide range of practical skills including tactical firefighting, pitching ladders, breathing apparatus, road traffic collision safety and water safety and rescue on the course.

AFRS group manager Russ Mitchell said: “It was a pleasure to attend the graduation of our newest on-call firefighters and welcome them into our service.”

Anyone interested in becoming an on-call firefighter can find out more at www.avonfire.gov. uk/careers.

Bleach warning

FIREFIGHTERS have warned people not to mix domestic cleaning products after an incident in Yate when a dangerous gas accidentally created.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service said two common cleaning substances, caustic soda and bleach, were mixed together during the incident in January, releasing a toxic gas which led to one person being taken to hospital.

Station manager and HazMat lead Chris Bengey said: "People often think that cleaning products will be twice as effective when mixed together but cleaning product cocktails can be a risky mix.”

“Even when they’re safe alone, mixing commonly-used cleaning products can sometimes produce harmful fumes and even cause chemical burns on contact with skin."

“We urge you to read and follow the instructions on products and always use them as they are intended to be used.”

The warning includes putting multiple products down the toilet or into a shower drain, as the substances will can and potentially react there.

Alex Leech is presented with his certificate by Group Manager Russ Mitchell

Soft plastic recycling is coming to Yate & Sodbury

OVER the past two years, I have been fighting to introduce soft plastic recycling collections at the kerbside to every home in South Gloucestershire.

Last year, following a debate in the House of Commons, I was thrilled to secure agreement from Government Ministers that South Gloucestershire could be a trial area for the kerbside soft plastic recycling scheme.

Several towns and villages including parts of Chipping Sodbury, were included in the first stage of the trial, and it has proven to be a huge success.

Around 2,000 households participated in the first stage and since it started, more than three tons of plastic bags, wrappers

and various packets have been diverted away from landfill – the equivalent of over a million crisp packets.

Since then, I’ve been pushing for soft plastic recycling at the kerbside to be rolled out to every home across South Gloucestershire and I am delighted to confirm that parts of Yate and Sodbury are expected to be included in Phase 2 of the rollout.

Collection of soft plastics at the kerbside is planned to begin in May this year.

Suez waste collection will collect residents’ soft plastic recycling, such as plastic bags, fruit and vegetable packing, chocolate and sweet wrappers, cling film or crisp

packets, and will provide the bags to put it all in. These bags will then be collected weekly, with the other recycling.

Residents will receive further information from the council shortly, about the types of plastic which will be collected and confirming all the final details.

I am so grateful to everybody who signed my petition, supported the debate in Parliament, and supported my calls for every home in South Gloucestershire to have softplastic recycling at the kerbside.

Together, as a community, we are making South Gloucestershire greener, reducing the amount of plastic and household waste that is being sent to landfill

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

and helping to protect our local environment for future generations.

As we roll out the second phase of the soft-plastic recycling scheme, we are delivering a key part of our positive plan for the environment, and keeping South Gloucestershire as the best place to live, work and raise a family.

School makes science fun

PUPILS at a Chipping

Sodbury primary school tried their own experiments to learn about chemical reactions, aerodynamics and sound waves on a 'Mad Science' day in March.

Raysfield Primary School head teacher

Claire Hill said: "We ditched our usual timetable for a day full of fun sciencebased activities, and everyone had a brilliant time.

"Being a scientist and learning all about how our world works, and our place in it, is such an important skill to have.

"Lots of science skills were used to make predictions, careful observations and measuring different variables to plan different experiments and test pupil’s theories.

"We challenged our children to think about all the scientists they know and what they expect a scientist to look like. I think we all agreed, in the end, that we can all be super scientists!"

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Plea to find soldier's family

A RESEARCHER in Holland is asking for help in tracing the descendants of a soldier from Yate who was killed in action during the Allied liberation of Europe.

Theo Vervoort is appealing for information about Private Ivor Vernon Williams, of 2nd Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on November 25, 1944.

Ivor, who lived at The British, off North Road, is buried in the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Venray in the south of the Netherlands.

Theo, who works for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Venray War Cemetery Foundation for the Adoption of War Graves, said: "I live nearby and am looking for information about the brave young men who are buried there. They all deserve their story to be told.

"I would like to get in contact with relatives to get to know the story that ended so sadly.

“We are trying to find out who he was and it would be great if we can find relatives and obtain a photograph, so that there will be a face and not only a name to remember him by.”

Yate resident Sue Swanborough is helping in the search.

She said: “According to the census, Ivor’s mother, Alice Blanche Williams, died in 1978 at Iron Acton.

"Those that care for his grave and others are trying to piece together these young men's history.

"Theo and his team would love to have a photo of Ivor and a background to Ivor’s life before WW2."

Anyone who has information which could help find Ivor's relatives can contact Sue by email at swanbo42@btinternet.com

Ivor Williams' grave in Holland

Year 3 pupils trying chromatography to separate different colours in ink

Greens unveil MP candidate for Thornbury & Yate

THE Green Party has announced its candidate to be Yate's MP at the next general election.

Alexandra Jenner-Fust, who grew up in the Severn Vale and has lived near Thornbury for 14 years, has been selected to take on sitting Thornbury & Yate Conservative MP Luke Hall.

She is one of four candidates the party announced in March to contest the district's four Parliamentary constituencies.

Alex works as a gardener and school secretary.

A mother of two children, she has worked in the charitable, private and public sectors, as a researcher, journalist and editor, volunteers with family support charity Homestart and is clerk to her local parish meeting.

Alex said: "I grew up here, in the rural Severn Vale, before going to university, travelling and working abroad and settling in London for

several years. I returned to live near Thornbury in 2010 and I believe it’s a wonderful place to call home.

"I am passionate about both climate action and social

justice, without which we do not have a viable future or hope for a society in which everyone can flourish. I joined the Green Party last year because I have spent too much time grumbling about our current political arrangements without taking any action.

"We are the only party putting the climate first, but we’re about much more than that, with sensible policies to tackle the cost of living crisis, improve the way housing is delivered, prioritise public transport and build a fairer society for everyone.

"In my view politics should help deliver a fairer society without compromising the planet. To achieve this, we need structural change –starting with proportional representation, and to step away from point-scoring personality politics."

The Greens did not stand a candidate in Thornbury & Yate

at the last general election.

The party's candidate in 2017 came in fourth place, with 1.2% of the vote.

Current MP Mr Hall has held the seat for the Tories since 2015, when he beat Liberal Democrat Steve Webb, a minister in the Coalition government who had held the seat and its predecessor, Northavon, since 1997.

Mr Hall – who was made an education minister in March following the resignation of Robert Halfon from Rishi Sunak's government – had a majority of more than 12,000 over the Lib Dems at the last two general elections.

Thornbury & Yate is a top target for the Lib Dems, who topped the poll in every council ward in the constituency in last year's local elections and have selected South Gloucestershire Council leader Claire Young to contest the seat for a third consecutive time.

Alexandra Jenner-Fust

Have your say on who runs police

VOTERS are being asked to decide who should be in overall charge of Avon & Somerset police for the next four years.

In just over a month's time, elections will be held across the region to vote for the next Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, or PCC.

Coming with a salary of £88,600, the PCC's role is to oversee the force, ensuring it is "efficient and effective".

The PCC's powers include:

● Hiring and firing the chief constable, and holding them to account for running the force

● Setting objectives for the area

Born in Taunton, has worked in TV news and for a coach company. Former deputy leader of Somerset West and Taunton Council. Male voice choir singer and hospital charity fundraiser.

The Lib Dem plan for the police:

Make policing more visible and community-orientated

Increase prosecution rates for serious and violent crime

Help police to work with integrity and without discrimination

Focus on ‘broken windows’ - small crimes that damage confidence and trust

Predict and provide policing to help tackle rural crime as well as urban crime

Help make sure offenders don’t do it again – most want to ‘go straight’

through a police and crime plan

● Setting the budget and determining the precept charge paid by council tax payers

● Contributing to national and international policing capabilities

● Bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners, to 'join up' local priorities.

● Funding crime prevention services

The current PCC is Conservative Mark Sheldon, who was elected to the role in 2021, in an election postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.

He took over from independent

I am a councillor in Bristol, and an Avon and Somerset Magistrate. Before that, I worked for twenty years overseas with the UN on child protection and violence against women.

As Police Commissioner, I will prioritise preventing crime, working with community to support youth services and tackle the social causes of crime. Knife crime in cities will be a focus, with more visible neighbourhood policing and greater services to victims and families. To address poor performance and prejudice within the force, I will enhance the independence of misconduct panels, while recognising the integrity of the vast majority of officers. Above all, we will police by consent; and I will work tirelessly with the Avon and Somerset Police to get closer to and re-gain the trust of the communities we serve.

Sue Mountstevens, who stepped down having been in the post since it was created in 2012.

Nominations for the PCC will close at 4pm on April 5.

The election will take place on Thursday, May 2. Polling stations will open at 7am and close at 10pm.

There are no other scheduled elections on that day in South Gloucestershire, with council elections having happened last year and the Metro Mayor election not due until May of next year.

The deadline for registering to vote is midnight on April 16.

Anyone voting in person will need to bring photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, or can

Clare brings rich experience, from her current role as CEO of a charity to her time spent working in No 10. She previously represented our region as an MEP

Investing in neighbourhood policing – to build safer communities and help prevent and solve crime.

Supporting victims of crime – making sure victims are properly listened to, and get the help they need when they need it.

Prioritising reducing violent crime – The scale of violent crime, including knife crime and violence against women and girls, isn't inevitable but it needs focus and commitment to fix it.

Preventing crime – work with agencies across the public sector and civil society to prevent crime and build safer communities.

Restoring trust and confidence in the police – enabling the police to take pride in high standards.

apply to South Gloucestershire Council for a Voter Authority Certificate, by 5pm April 24.

People can apply for a postal or proxy vote (where someone else is allowed to cast a vote on a resident's behalf) via the council's website, by 5pm on April 17.

For more information on the election, visit the website www. aspccelections.co.uk.

As the Voice went to press, four political parties had already announced candidates.

The Voice has asked them to send a short biography and manifesto to outline their priorities.

They appear in the order they will be on the ballot paper:

Mark has over 35 years of experience of serving our country in the military and local government and has been your PCC since 2021. Resides in Bath with his family.

When elected, Mark pledged more police, a focus on tackling serious crime and to represent every community when holding the police to account. He has delivered. The constabulary has trained over 1,500 new officers, is the best force for illegal drug disruptions and has seen a 300% increase in rape cases reaching court by designing a nationally acclaimed investigation model. He appointed a courageous Chief Constable determined to restore trust in policing.

Mark will prioritise crime prevention, tackling anti-social behaviour and violence against women. He remains committed to reducing re-offending, supporting skills programmes for prisoners and ensuring victims receive support.

Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats)

Katy Grant (Green)

Clare Moody (Labour)

Mark Sheldon (Conservative)

n WHAT'S ON

APRIL

April 3

n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MINES RESEARCH GROUP AGM at the Miners Institute, Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath, 7.30pm, followed by talk: The Somerset Coal Canal (past present and future), by Derrick Hunt, Chairman of Somerset Coal Canal Society. Non members welcome - £2 each. More details at www.sgmrg.co.uk

April 9

n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY presents Roaring Fork wind quintet, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets on the door, £18. School aged children free.

April 18

n ARTS APPRECIATION GROUP at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue, Winterbourne, 2pm. Illustrated talk by David Cuthbert on 'Colours of the South'. More details from Sally on 07946 508316.

April 19

n QUIZ IN AID OF THE GREAT WESTERN AIR AMBULANCE CHARITy, Yate Library, from 7pm. £5 per person, teams of 6. Bring your own

drinks and snacks. More information from rachelax.work@gmail.com.

April 20

n SOUTHWOLD AVON WILDLIFE TRUST GOOSE GREEN WORKDAY Reserve maintenance on grassland and wetland nature reserve, including path clearance and litter picking. Please wear walking boots or wellies and bring your own gloves if you can. Please meet at the bridge on the reserve, west of Oak Close, at 10am.

REGULAR EVENTS:

Monday

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.

n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY holds open meetings at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke, at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month. More details from Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@ btinternet.com or 07748 740794. Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge.

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 slower-paced, 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 & 7.30pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexib le, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow flowing yoga. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

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 SERENGETI BRASS BAND, small band for improvers, meets every Tuesday from 9.45-11.45am at Yate Methodist Church in Moorland Road. Straightforward pressure-free music making in good company. For more information email SerengetiBrassClass@gmail.com or phone Paul on 07851 239500.

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, 7.309.30 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 7.30-10.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414

Wednesday

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 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 YATE AND CHIPPING SODBURY GOOD AFTERNOON CHOIR, St Mary’s Church, every Wednesday from 2-4pm. New members welcome, especially men, to thriving community choir, with no auditions. First rehearsal free. For more information phone Jody on 01761 472468.

Thursday

n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.30-11.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details.

n COELIAC UK LOCAL CAFÉ MEET UP occurs every third Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am, at Iron Acton Garden Centre cafe. Join us to share experiences of living gluten free. For further info contact volunteering@ coeliac.org.uk.

n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Back Care Yoga 7.30pm 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 YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

In the canteen

AS a counterpoint to last month’s article on factory social clubs, now we will look at canteens.

The Jackson, Newman’s and ARC Social Clubs all emerged from the canteens of their respective factories during the mid to late-20th centuries.

Canteens were hugely significant in the lives of local people. Both Newman Industries and Parnall Aircraft factories expanded enormously in the late 1930s, and required more canteen space for the burgeoning factory population. The canteens also served as the nightclubs of their day, where major social events took place.

The heyday of the local canteen was undoubtedly the years between 1936 and 1941.

Staff numbers at Parnall’s began to rise immediately, from a handful in 1935 to over 3,000 at the beginning of World War II.

The earlier canteen catered for up to forty people, but the enlarged building of the 1940s could cater for up to 600 fish and chip lunches on a Friday.

For the general public, both Parnall and Newman canteens were hubs of entertainment. Both canteens offered a stage, tannoy and large space for events. On Fridays, following fish and chip lunches at Parnall’s canteen, there were workers' concerts where talented singers, musicians and comedians within the workforce sought to maintain morale.

Workers Playtimes were live broadcasts from factory canteens, during and shortly after World War II. Both Parnall Aircraft Ltd and Newman Industries hosted these national events in the early years of the war.

The Entertainment National Service Association also paid a few visits to Parnall’s. ENSA were military concert parties visiting the armed forces and factories.

With the arrival of the big factories, new dance venues emerged. Both Newman Industries and Parnall Aircraft staged major local dances at their canteens.

Phyllis Mellors, of Yate, recalled the dances. Many of the crowd there were servicemen, and it was ticket-only. There was nearly always a live band on, of different sizes and renown.

The tradition of canteen entertainment also emerged at Sodbury Quarry. By the 1970s, Sodbury quarry was one of very few sites nationally which could boast of a canteen and social club.

Initially, the canteen was rather rough and ready, with diners prone to get dirt on their trousers and dresses.

As the club grew in its scope, its fabric was improved. From the mid 1970s, club officials organised evening entertainment, bar and community events for its members until 2015.

Yate Heritage Centre is part of Yate Town Council.

David Hardill

Diary dates:

Until April 27: Exhibition –Clocking Off, the history of factory social clubs.

April 10, 6pm: Heritage Walk around Chipping Sodbury.

April 11, 10am or 1pm: Ukrainian doll workshops. Ideal for children 5-12. Booking essential.

April 20, 10.30am-4.30pm: St George Celebrations. Community and history event, English theme.

April 30-May 18: Yate Art Open – Showcasing the finest talent around Yate.

April 30, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – Murder by Witchcraft, with Louise Ryland-Epton. £2 admission, free for Friends of YHC. Booking essential.

More information on yateheritage.co.uk or by calling 01454 862200

Parnall Aircraft dance, 1939

Make your own perfect curry trimmings

HAVING given you some ideas for a simple curry last month, this time I thought it might be fun to look at what to serve with it.

You can of course buy precooked rice, which should always be fluffy.

However, it’s an expensive way of doing rice. My recipe for cooking rice in the microwave is foolproof, as long as you follow the instructions carefully.

Then I’ve given you a typical Indian chutney. Forget English chutneys, like Branston pickle,

This is quick, fresh and really good with Indian dishes, especially lamb.

Both this and the raita are much cheaper than buying them in little plastic tubs, and they taste so much fresher.

So go on, take that next step in your curry journey.

How to make perfect rice

I find the easiest way to make perfect fluffy rice is to cook it in the microwave.

The average serving of rice (or pasta) is 75g/3oz. Rice doubles in size as it cooks, so decide on a cup or container which is looks enough for 1 serving.

Fill with rice (I prefer Basmati) and follow the instructions below, bearing in mind you will need to add double the amount of boiling water to the measured amount of

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rice, eg one cup of rice = two cups of boiling water and will give you two servings of rice.

Here’s what you do:

● Measure the amount of rice you need using your chosen container and pour it into a fine sieve.

● Wash the rice under a running cold tap until the water runs clear.

● Place the rice in a microwavable dish with lid.

● Pour twice the amount of boiling water into the dish, over the rice.

● Cook on high for 8-10 mins, or until all the water has been absorbed.

Cucumber and mint raita

Serves 4

● Greek yoghurt – 290ml (½ pint)

● Cucumber – deseeded and finely chopped – ¼

● Fresh mint – finely chopped – 1 tbsp.

● Cumin seeds – toasted and ground – ½ teaspoon.

● Cayenne pepper – a pinch.

● Salt and freshly ground pepper.

Mix all the ingredients together

Ann Murray founded the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury. She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

and season with salt and pepper. Cling film and chill before serving.

Cook’s tip

Substitute a half ripe mango, finely chopped, or a small banana, chopped, instead of the cucumber.

Green chutney

Serve this with any Indian dishes –particularly good with lamb. Makes 200ml/7 fl oz (enough to serve as an accompaniment with 2 curries)

Ingredients:

● 80g/2 ¾ oz fresh mint leaves

● 20g/ ¾ oz fresh coriander leaves

● 1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped

● 2.5cm/1 inch of fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

● ½ small onion, chopped

● 1-2 green chillies, or to taste, seeds removed, chopped

● 15 raw pistachio nuts, chopped

● 2 tbsps lemon juice

● 3 tbsps water

● Salt, to taste

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth.

Further upstream the Frome

Mayor Dan Norris called the report "shocking". He said: "This isn’t just an Quay

Gentle and effective relief from troublesome ear wax

Frome's 'ecological health'

We rely on our hearing for so much of life’s important momentsconversations with friends and family, phone calls and entertainment are just a few of the things that become tiring and difficult if for some reason we’re not hearing well. Ear wax is a common and usually easily removed cause of hearing difficulties. What is Ear Wax?

Ear wax is the natural protection for the skin inside our ears. It is a waxy oil called cerumen, and can protect our eardrum by trapping particles such as dust or other fine particles that could otherwise cause damage to our hearing. How can Ear Wax become a problem?

Ear wax is constantly being produced and often naturally cleared away by the movement of our jaw. Sometimes the ear wax becomes firm and is less easily naturally cleared away, which can occur in those who wear hearing aids. What does excessive Ear Wax feel like?

Sometimes a build up of ear wax can affect our hearing, or the correct function of hearing aids. Itching, pain in the ear or even dizziness can also occur with excessive ear wax. What can be done about excessive Ear Wax?

Our solution is called microsuction. This is a safe, gentle yet effective method that avoids flooding your ears with water. Our sophisticated technology includes a camera system so, if you choose to look, we can show you what we can see inside your ears. Who is this available for?

Anyone who has concerns about their hearing or needs to have their ears checked for ear wax can book a consultation - which is ideal especially if you have never seen anyone about your hearing before and are unsure whether you might have wax in your ears - or possibly even be losing a little hearing.

attack on our precious natural environment, it’s a public health catastrophe."

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to reduce road run-off.

At Turners Opticians in Fishponds you can now book an hearing care consultation with me, Debbie. I’m a fully qualified, registered and experienced Audiologist. I’m passionate about people having access to clear effective hearing and being confident to seek further help where it is needed.

Mr Norris said he was funding a suspended floating plant system to help fish and rare eels at Bristol's new Capricorn Quay development and working with partners including the

In this consultation appointment you will have the opportunity to discuss any difficulties you are having with your hearing and then I can examine your ears and show you through brilliant technology, what your ears look like on the insides. If something doesn’t look or sound quite right with your ears, I’ll recommend a course of action for you.

So, if you have any concerns about your hearing or ear health - including your ears being blocked with wax, come along and see us for a friendly appointment to see how we can help you hear more clearly.

The Voice has asked the Environment Agency to comment on the measures currently in place to monitor water quality on the Frome and take enforcement action against any polluters who can be positively identified.

Debbie

Debbie Campbell is a qualified and experienced Audiologist, who has joined the clinical team at Turners Opticians in Fishponds having worked for many years in NHS Audiology clinics.

A stretch of the River Frome near Snuff Mills

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Chipping Sodbury Morning WI

IN March we had a talk about Charles Kingsley, who wrote The Water Babies.

An interesting man who lived a fascinating life – I think we all learnt a lot.

On April 16 we have a visit from Avon & Somerset Road Safety Team: driving is an important way to retain independence, something important to many of our ladies and there are always points we can brush up on. We also have a coffee morning on the 30th.

Meetings take place at 10am in the Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury, which is fully accessible with free parking.

If you would like to find out more, please call 07809 534 107.

Sue Bird

Yate WI

AT our March meeting

Buddug Green talked about

reflexology and its benefits as a complimentary therapy.

On March 15, we entertained 41 people at a gin tasting evening.

Yate WI meet on the second Monday of the month at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, at Poole Court in Yate. If you would like to join us, you will be assured of a warm welcome. For more information email us at yatewiavon@gmail. com, or just come along to our next meeting at Poole Court.

Sharon Bower

Chipping Sodbury WI

A NUMBER of ladies from Chipping Sodbury WI had a trip out to Bath Aqua Glass to blow a glass bauble.

A very nice young man (that makes me sound old!) called Gregory explained the procedure and how he was to going to successfully move a group of WI ladies into the studio to blow their own bauble. Not an easy task but he managed and, one by one, we produced a bauble each.

Our March talk was by Debbie Young and called 'So you think you have a book in you?'. An appropriate talk on World Book Day. At the age of 50 she gave up her job to start working as a professional author and is the founder of the annual Hawkesbury Upton Literary Festival.

The next meeting will be held at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall at 7.30pm. The talk will be given by Abbey Anson on Water Aid and there will also be a Home Produce Stall

Jeanette Oakley

Old Sodbury WI

OUR March meeting was ‘All about Cats’.

Speaker Bernard Merrick enlightened us to the different ways cats have played a part in our lives since the early Egyptian times, where they were revered as gods, to how they helped with the development of cat’s eyes for the roads and early radio transmitters.

In April we are looking forward to a talk about being a magistrate, and what that entails.

Our next event is a jigsaw race on April 20, with a 2pm start - £6 per person, teams of four.

Old Sodbury WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month in Old Sodbury village hall.

If you would like to know more or to come along to one of our meetings, you would be made very welcome. For more information, call Sue on 01454 315161.

Linzie Clark

Inner Wheel Club of Chipping Sodbury

INNER Wheel clubs across the country are finding ways to mark the centenary of the movement. At a recent meeting of our District, members from 11 different clubs brought Easter eggs to donate to local food banks or hospices.

President Liz Lowe is pictured adding our contribution to the collection, before bringing them

back to Chipping Sodbury where they have been donated to Family Food for Free.

District chairman Phyllis Charter visited our March meeting, when we also hosted 13 members from Clevedon club. It’s always good to talk to other clubs about how they run their meetings, interesting speakers they’ve had and how they are attracting new members.

Friendship was the first word on all lips, and we certainly enjoyed making new friends from Clevedon, but we also agreed that the service element of the clubs is important.

So March has seen members out collecting litter, reading with children at primary schools, and providing and serving refreshments at the hugely popular tea dances.

This month has also seen our International Lunch when we raise money for an overseas charity. We raised almost £450 for the Book Bus – a wonderful charity that works to improve literacy in Zambia, Malawi and Ecuador.

We meet at the Town Hall on the second Monday of the month,

from 2pm: visitors are always welcome.

Liz Pattison

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club

MARCH was another activityfilled month for Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club.

We were delighted to make a donation to the Oasis Memory Café at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church to help with the costs of a day out on a canal boat at Saul Junction.

The club also made financial donations to the Medical Detection Dogs charity, Forest of Avon Trust and Brains Trust, and held our last tea dance of the season.

Club members helped plant 200 trees in Hawkesbury Upton, plus 50 in hedgerows in the middle of a field adjacent to Chipping Sodbury Common.

Once more, club members joined the Yate and Sodbury Clean Up Group volunteers for the monthly litter collection effort.

Our March speaker was James Murden, who gave a very informative talk concerning the development of his Musical Festival ‘Good Times’. James explained how the event has increased in popularity, with the 2024 event at Yate Town Football Club extending over six days, with 12,000 tickets already sold and featuring big names including Jools Holland.

We are preparing to stage, in conjunction with Yate and Sodbury Sports Link, a charity sports fun day at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex on April 27.

The event will start at 1pm and go on until late in the evening, providing fun events for kids, charity games, a drone show, food and drink and much more, with music throughout.

The club’s annual charity golf day will take place at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club on May 24. Sponsorship for holes is being sought and entries remain open. For more information contact Ian Joseph at bigjos1953@gmail.com

Stuart Fraser

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NO HIDDEN COSTS

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Upper Frome Friends

OUR AGM was held on March 4 and it was fantastic to review how much we had achieved in the past year, as well as plan for this year.

Our Facebook group has been busy, and it has been really interesting to see the posts of the lovely mosses and flowers along the river, as well as wildlife – including a wide variety of birds and also an otter spotted in Chipping Sodbury!

Sadly, two invasive species have also been seen – Himalayan Balsam and Signal Crayfish.

Himalayan Balsam Bashing sessions will be starting soon, and we have already begun a series of river cleans.

Please join the Upper Frome Friends Facebook Group or email riverfromereconnected@southglos. gov.uk for details of events and how you can join in.

We will also be at local events, like Yate Rocks on June 22-23. Come and say hello!

In other updates, South Gloucestershire Council are working with landowners to test and demonstrate nature-based solutions

to try to manage the impact of flooding within the catchment.

Jane Davies

Yate & Sodbury District u3a

OUR Classical Music Listening Group does just that – you need no prior knowledge of classical music, or be able to read music.

It has been good to welcome some new members since the u3a Open Day, and we would like to welcome even more. There's no waiting list.

On April 12, members are asked to bring Scandinavian music to share; on May 9, we'll concentrate on "the voice".

Do join us in the Watkins Room at the Old Grammar School in Chipping Sodbury on the second Friday of the month from 2-4pm.

Annual membership of the u3a is just £8 a year. You can visit any one of our groups or attend our monthly speaker meeting twice to experience the u3a before joining as a member.

For more exciting u3a groups visit our website at u3asites.org.uk/yatesodbury/welcome.

Pauline Mullholland

n NEWS

George runs for kidney charity

A YATE man is taking on his first ever marathon to raise money in for a charity that helps people with the same condition as his dad.

George Rae's father Nick was born with only one kidney but did not find out until he went for a medical for a life insurance policy, more than 30 years ago.

To make matters worse, his kidney was only functioning at 15% and wasn't in the right place.

Nick's kidney managed to hold out for 18 years before it gave up in 2008 and he ended up on dialysis.

A year later, Nick received a kidney transplant, which has lasted to this day.

George said: "My family and I are eternally grateful for this, as Dad might not be here today without the donor."

To give back, George decided to take on the challenge of the London Marathon, raising money for charity Kidney Care UK, which offers a range of free support services for kidney

George Rae

patients and their families.

He has set himself a target of £5,000 and, since gaining a place in May last year, he has completed the Cheltenham Half-marathon – but has never completed a full 26.2-mile marathon.

George said he was "excited and emotional" at the prospect of taking on the famous London course on April 21.

He said: "The long training runs in the cold dark nights will all be worth it if I can complete the marathon and achieve my fundraising target."

More information can be found on George's online donation page at tinyurl.com/ y72s3cru.

n LIBRARY NEWS

YATE Library is hosting an afternoon with comedian, actor and writer Helen Lederer, who will be talking about her new book, Not That I’m Bitter, on April 27 at 3pm.

Tickets cost £5 and are available at sglibraries.eventbrite.com or from the library.

Space-themed drop-in craft sessions take place on April 2 and April 8 from 10.30am-noon, suitable for ages 4+.

An Astro Adventure Party on April 11 from 2.30-4pm and Alien Planet Lego Challenge on April 5 from 10.30-11.30am need to be booked at yate.library@southglos.gov.uk. Both are for ages 4+.

Free family friendly storytime for preschool children takes place every Tuesday morning from 9.30-10am.

Stay & play Duplo and trains is every Tuesday and Friday during term time, from 10.30-11.30am.

Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers, Thursday and Friday from 9.30-10am.

Lego Club: April 6 from 10.30-11.30am (booking required) and April 12 & 26 from 4-5pm (drop-in).

Reading group ‘Have You Read’ takes place every fourth Friday, from 10.30-11.30am.

Craft Group meets on April 6 and 20 from 10am-noon for knitting, sewing or crochet projects.

Computer support with digital champion volunteers is on Saturdays & Tuesdays from 10am-noon.

Vision West of England information, advice and support drop-in every second Thursday, 10am-noon.

Legal advice with Wards Solicitors: April 4, 10am-noon.

For more information on any event call 01454 868006, enquire at the library, email yate.library@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov. uk/libraries.

*CHIPPING Sodbury library is hosting a Saturday Lego club on April 13 at 10am, at The Waters Room, Old Grammar School Rooms.

Rhyme Time takes place every Friday during term time in the library from 10am to 10.30am, and is free for children aged up to four.

No need to book for either event.

Sodbury host Dent testimonial

CHIPPING Sodbury are preparing for the start of an exciting new cricket season, which will include facing Gloucestershire in a special match to mark popular opener Chris Dent's testimonial season.

The big date for the diary is Sunday August 11, when the Ridings will host what is sure to be an action-packed afternoon of thrills and spills.

Sodbury chairman Jim Kendall said: "We're absolutely delighted to be welcoming Chris and a strong Gloucestershire side to Sodbury for what is sure to be an unforgettable game.

"We're hoping to attract a big crowd to our home for a rare chance to get up close with professional players, and also to play our part in Chris having a testimonial season to remember."

Chris, aged 32, is Gloucestershire's longestserving player, having made more than 350 appearances across 15 seasons for his boyhood club.

To date, he has scored more

than 15,000 runs in all forms of cricket for the Shire, making him one of the highest scorers in the club's recent history.

Sodbury will begin the new campaign with a series of friendly matches, starting at home to Brislington on April 13, Winsley on the 20th and Tamil Nadu on the 21st, ahead of a trip to Cardiff on April 28 in the ECB National Club Championship.

All four senior Saturday sides will be in league action for the first time on May 4.

Jim added: "This will be our first experience of the National Championship and the players are excited by the challenge ahead.

"Pre-season nets have been well attended and there's great enthusiasm as we look ahead to the summer.

"We've just got everything crossed for the weather to improve – it's been exceptionally wet for weeks, causing plenty of headaches for our dedicated grounds team, but it has to stop raining soon!"

Steve Hill

Book your place

Visiting Events:

Junior - 25 April

Senior - 9 May

Defeats dent Bluebells' play-off hopes

YATE Town went into their game at secondplaced Frome Town after a three-week break in league action, due to snow and a blank Saturday.

Around the play-off places in the Southern League Division One South table following their excellent run since the New Year, they visited a side undefeated at home all season in the league.

Manager Darren Mullings had been busy looking to improve the squad, first bringing in winger Wayne Nderemani from Paulton Rovers.

The day before the Frome game, the vastly experienced former Bristol Rovers midfield player, Chris Lines, was signed on loan from Bath City.

Lines made his debut as a second-half substitute at Frome, in a game that was very even, played on a heavy pitch – but a mistake 20 minutes from the end resulted in Frome taking the lead. Another goal in the final minutes secured them a 2-0 win.

Yate had a good crowd when they entertained Bishops Cleeve on March 23 for Non-League Day, and the club’s Student Day.

Ex-Bristol Rovers player Chris Lines makes his Yate Town home debut against Bishops Cleeve

Despite creating numerous chances they came across an inspired visiting goalkeeper, who even saved a Nick McCootie penalty: the Bluebells went down 1-0, to an early goal from the visitors.

Easter games against Westbury United and Paulton Rovers were expected to determine whether a play-off place is still realistic but whatever happens,

Mullings should be congratulated for the improvement made in the side in the past six months.

Fans will be able to vote for their Yate Town Player of the Season at the home game against Willand Rovers on April 6.

The club have also set a date for their player presentation, on Friday May 3, and will look for this to be well-supported by local businesses and fans, to celebrate the successes of the season.

With all the wet weather this winter Plymouth Parkway, way behind with their Southern League Premier Division South fixtures, contacted Yate, who agreed that their home game against Merthyr Town could be played at the South West Interiors Stadium on March 14, although a second match against Hayes & Yeading two days later had to be called off after more rain.

Bob Chester

Upcoming fixtures (all 3pm):

April 1: Paulton Rovers (home)

April 6: Willand Rovers (home)

April 20: Cribbs (home)

April 27: Tavistock (away)