Yate & Sodbury Voice August 2020

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

August, 2020 Issue 64

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Come on safari

YOUNG explorers are being invited to search the streets of Chipping Sodbury for exotic animals as traders entice people back in to town.

PAGE 3

Homes decision is overturned

End of a school year like no other

Coronavirus restrictions meant that these Year 6 pupils at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Yate missed many of the

traditional leavers' events. But they will leave a lasting legacy of their time at the school after working with Gloucestershire

artist Rachel Shilston to make this mosaic paving slab.

Schools find new ways to say goodbye: Pages 8&9.

Park and ride is coming YATE'S long-promised park and ride has moved a big step closer to becoming reality.

A planning application for a 200-space car park, next to the South Gloucestershire Council offices in Badminton Road, is set to be submitted this month.

Council leader Toby Savage announced

£3.5million of West of England Combined Authority money for the scheme last June, with a further £250,000 approved by the council's cabinet to fund initial preparation work.

Turn to page 2

A COUNCIL decision to throw out a developer's plans for 247 homes in Yate has been overruled.

PAGE 5

Village needs help

AN appeal has been launched to help feed residents of an African village with links to Yate, which is running out of food in a COVID-19 lockdown.

PAGE 10

New nursing home

Plans for a 64-bed nursing home for dementia patients next to a park have been approved, despite objections.

PAGE 11

The space is yours, the choice is yours...

4 bed flexible living in high-quality specification homes Viewings by appointment, available daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm

Amberley, Broad Lane, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 7LB

www.newlandhomes.co.uk

2

yate&sodburyvoice

yate&sodburyvoice

Septgember deadline

Yate & Sodbury Voice contacts Advertising Enquiries Richard Drew, Publisher

contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

Fi Picton, Journalist

01454 800 120 contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @YandSVoice

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com Search for yate and sodbury voice

Your views Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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

n NEWS

Park and ride is coming From page 1

Our September edition deadline is August 19.

Ken McCormick, Editor

August, 2020

Police

www.avonandsomersetpolice.uk general enquiries: 101 Fire www.avonfire.gov.uk General enquiries: 0117 926 2061 NHS Health Call 111 Well Aware health & social care information www.wellaware.org.uk Tel: (freephone) 0808 808 5252

COMPLAINTS Despite our best efforts, we sometimes get things wrong. We always try to resolve issues informally at first but we also have a formal complaints procedure. If you have a complaint about anything in Yate & Sodbury Voice, contact the publisher using the details below. We aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour. Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website here, or can be obtained by contacting the Publisher.

But the news that the planning application is on its way means the scheme is "finally becoming a reality", according to Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, who wrote of the latest development in his monthly message to Voice readers.

He said: "Over recent weeks, preparations to finalise the project have been carrying on in the background as the lockdown begins to lift. We have now agreed the location and secured the funding."

A spokesperson for the council's ruling Conservative cabinet confirmed that the location would be the site next to the authority's offices by the A432, opposite the roundabout junction with Culvert Avenue.

A council spokesperson added: “We aim to submit the formal planning application in August and the public will get an opportunity to see the detailed plans and contribute to the planning process at that point.

"Ahead of this we have kept stakeholders, including local councillors and Yate Town Council, updated on the proposals. We met with them this week to hear their initial feedback on our plans and look forward to the next phase of the process beginning.”

The park and ride was included on a list to be built in the region's Joint Local Transport Plan, published in January.

And a taskforce set up by the council's scrutiny commission, which spent months assessing current transport problems in the town, recommended earlier this year that a second park-and-ride site should be considered on the opposite side of the town centre, to the north or east of the town.

The development comes as the council unveiled plans to install two electric charging points in Yate Shopping Centre's West car park.

They are part of a network of 14 charging stations across the district funded by the Go Ultra Low West programme, due to be installed by next March.

yate&sodburyvoice

July, 2020 Issue 63

ryvoice.co.uk NDING VILLAGES www.yateandsodbu G SODBURY & SURROU IN YATE, CHIPPIN

communities Virus brings out best in FREE EVERY MONTH

like AFTER three months Yate no others in memory, are and Chipping Sodbury emerging from coronavirus

lockdown. a toll, The virus has taken of lives, not only in terms

A member of the 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, contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

jobs and opportunities ways, lost but in other but impossible to measurespent time felt by everyone: and separated from friends of loss loved ones and the and the ordinary routines we took for pleasures of life granted. been But there has also of love a huge outpouring those who for support, and to avoid have had to isolate those on the virus, and for it. ghting fi the front line The lockdown has people changed the way how we interact and even visit our use our streets and shops.

Voice The Yate & Sodbury ected. has also been aff of The closure of many rule our advertisers and changes for our deliverers bring left us unable to for three our paper to you months. to Having continued on our bring you the news are back in website, now we in print, as more businesses to emerge the area prepare from lockdown. many While there are too all on our to recognise them everyone, pages, we salute shop from NHS staff and crews workers to recycling who buddies, and phone life going has helped keep through lockdown.

Volunteers from Yate

and Sodbury Neighbourhood

have HUNDREDS of volunteers collecting been going shopping, providing prescriptions and people food to help vulnerable crisis. through the coronavirus y-formed From spontaneousl Facebook and WhatsApp community groups to existing and organisations, charities number of huge a councillors, giving up time people have been have had to to ensure those who from the stay at home to shield virus are not forgotten. worked While NHS staff and council on the front line services workers kept essential been have going, volunteers with organising and working other and charities, churches in groups to help neighbours need. which Among the groups the as formed on Facebook

Scheme, including

Emma Doney (centre)

the clock for Facebook around allocating requests for help, crisis began to transform Sodbury volunteers and coordinating lives is the Yate and Scheme group. donations.

Neighbourhood been started Emma said: “We Emma Doney has requesting more than getting a lot of people coordinating the the group, help.

150 volunteers in of the Yate “It felt like a continuation which formed from Help & run a small my job – when you and Sodbury Covid-19 since the page, muck in. business you just Support Facebook “Rather than coordinating start of lockdown. more than run have coordinating was Members staff I after people.” people in need volunteers to look 1,000 errands for via Tasks are coordinated across the area. help and Facebook ly home runs Emma a volunteers-on Adorno has also page and the group housekeeping business had to

by South been given support Companions, which the start of which at Council, re Gloucestershi suspend operations staff could video hosts regular Zoom to share the lockdown because houses. meetings for groups not visit clients’ her area’s town Emma furloughed hints and tips, the and charity to continue and parish councils staff but decided on a voluntary Community Southern Brooks supporting people one of the 12 Turn to page 5 basis and became group, checking organisers of the

Northavon Carpentry Ltd • Commercial and Domestic Carpentry Contractors • General Builders & Property Renovation Specialists • Loft Conversion Specialists • Also Fitted Kitchens, All Types of Timber Flooring

Visit our website today!

• Purpose Made Joinery, Staircases, Extensions • Renovations, New Roofs and Roofing Repairs • All Types of Property Maintenance and Repairs • Free No Obligation Quotations

READUSONLINE @ www. yateandsodburyvoice. co.uk Tel: 01454 603992 Mob: 07811 424077 norcarp@hotmail.co.uk

Fitted Bedrooms Fitted Kitchens Garden Decking Loft Conversions Purpose Made Joinery Traditional Style Staircases Solid Wood & Laminate Floorings

www.northavoncarpentry.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

August, 2020

yate&sodburyvoice

3

n NEWS

COVID-19 deaths fall TWO deaths from coronavirus among South Gloucestershire residents had been reported over a four-week period as the Voice went to press.

For the first time since March, there was a two-week period when the Office for National Statistics reported no deaths with COVID-19 among people in the district, during the weeks ending on June 26 and July 3.

During the week to July 10, the most recent week for which figures for the district are available, one South Gloucestershire resident was reported to have died from the virus, in hospital.

There was also one COVID-19 death in the week ending on June 19.

Figures for virus-related deaths in care homes notified to regulator the Care Quality Commission showed that none had been reported in South Gloucestershire during the four weeks leading up to July 17.

The first three registered deaths of South Gloucestershire residents involving coronavirus happened in the week ending March 27 – the same week lockdown measures were introduced in England.

In the following week the numbers increased to 16, before peaking at 35 during the week ending on April 10.

The following three weeks each saw between 21 and 22 COVID-19 deaths, before numbers started to decline through May and June.

In total, 169 South Gloucestershire residents have died with the virus: 81 in hospital, 80 in care homes and eight in their own homes.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Gloucestershire was 751 as the Voice went to press, an infection rate of 265.7 per 100,000.

Armed police at house ARMED police were called to a house in Yate after a man was seen posing with suspected firearms on social media site Snapchat.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said a search was carried out in Westerleigh Road "after officers were given intelligence that someone at the property may have been in possession of firearms".

The spokesperson added: "Officers found a number of BB guns, an air weapon and a gas-powered gun.

"The five weapons were disclaimed by the owner and retained by police.

"Officers gave a man in his 20s words of advice and he faces no further action."

None of the weapons found are understood to have been illegal.

F. Woodruff

Family Funeral Directors 2 High Street, Winterbourne BS36 1JN Tel: 01454 773776 192 Badminton Road, Coalpit Heath BS36 2SX Tel: 01454 778838 118-120 Station Road, Yate BS37 4PQ Tel: 01454 320005 Email: info@funerals.uk.net Web: www.funerals.uk.net For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Jo Hewer of Not Too Shabby and Andrew Webb of Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce.

Join the Sodbury Safari YOUNG visitors to Chipping Sodbury are being encouraged to explore the High Street on the lookout for a zebra, lion, elephant and a whole herd of other furry animals.

Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce is following up its successful Dinosaur Search last year with the 2020 Sodbury Safari Search.

More than 30 animals, hand made by toy maker the Purple Saurus, of Hatherell's Yard, are waiting in the windows of retailers and businesses, with young explorers encouraged to track them down, find their names and compare them with the trail map. People who find a missing name will be in with a chance of winning one of the animals at the end of the search on September 7.

Social Distancing rules will see maximum group sizes and people asked not to touch windows, with maps available to print on-line from MySodbury.co.uk and entries via text message only.

“No job too big or small”

Specialising in .... n Resin driveways n Stone paving n Resin bonded n Tarmac

Showhomes wanted 5 and 10-year guarantees Finance options available

n Block paving n Landscaping n General building

Get in touch for free estimates and quotes ...

www.stonewaypaving.co.uk | 01179 595894 E: info@stonewaypaving.co.uk Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

4

August, 2020

n NEWS

Plea over overflowing bin Centre is open AN overflowing dog mess bin has prompted a plea for people to take waste home while services are under pressure.

Yate resident Andy Kybert spotted the bin overflowing and with bagged waste dumped around it while walking in Ridge Woods in July.

He took a picture and said it was an example of "just exactly what isn't being done in Yate at the moment" by council workers responsible for emptying it.

Andy said: "Given the parlous state of the nation's health at the moment, any outbreak caused by this kind of lackadaisical attitude to health risks is unforgivable.

"The risk to local people using the Ridge Woods for their daily recreation (including the number of children no longer in schooling using the woods as a "play area") must be considerable."

The Voice contacted both Yate Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council to establish whose responsibility the bin was.

A South Gloucestershire spokesperson said they did not believe the bin was theirs.

But Yate Town Council said that the bin did belong to South Gloucestershire. A spokesperson said town council staff sometimes emptied the bin to help out, and had done so on the day they were alerted to the problem.

She added: "We are finding it quite challenging to keep up with the increased use of all the litter and dog bins during this period whilst our services are stretched elsewhere.

"We really do encourage members of the public to take litter and dog bags home (or to the next available bin) should they find a bin full."

Landcare Tree Nursery Old Sodbury

Independent traditional nursery open to the public and serving the trade Over 1,000 potted trees in stock Specimen trees and shrubs for screening Shrubs, Herbaceous perennials and Wild flowers Fruit trees and soft fruit Quality plants for your projects

YATE Leisure Centre was reopening at the end of July after four months in lockdown.

The centre off Kennedy Way was due to open its doors again on July 27, along with four other Active Lifestyle Centres in Thornbury, Longwell Green, Kingswood and Bradley Stoke.

Circadian Trust, which runs the centres, says they will reopen in stages having made changes "to ensure Covid-19 secure measures are in place".

These include spacing gym equipment further apart, reducing exercise class sizes in studios and moving more popular classes to sports halls to comply with social distancing recommendations. The trust says there will be "strict limits" on numbers, enhanced cleaning regimes and sanitising stations.

All visits will need to be pre-booked online.

The trust said it was "reopening areas in stages where it is confident it can create a safe and controlled environment for customers and staff, and focusing on areas which are financially viable to help ensure the facilities are sustained for local communities", adding: "A phased approach will also allow the Trust to test demand and assess service viability." Chief executive Mark Crutchley said: “We want to thank our customers for their patience during this challenging time and really look forward to welcoming them back.

“The Chief Medical Officer has himself stated that paying attention to your health and fitness is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19, so we are delighted to be opening our doors again and helping our customers get back to their prelockdown routines in a safe environment for both them and our staff.”

For full information about visiting the Active Lifestyle centres visit www.activecentres.org

LOOKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE?

We offer you friendly, professional expert advice

Your LOCAL Solicitors offer you friendly professional expert advice FLEXIBLE TIMES FOR APPOINTMENTS • Family Law - Divorce & Separation • Child matters • Employment Law • Criminal Defence (Private) • Road traffic Offences • Litigation & Legal Disputes

FREE 30 MINUTE INITIAL MEETING

CONTACT US TODAY

0333 320 8600 Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664

www.landcaretrees.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

www.bevanevemy.co.uk

Meet the team Tina Bennett

Lynn Bevan

Stephanie Allen

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice 28

August, 2020

5 thornburyvo

■

n NEWS

Fo m op

Council reverses decision on Ladden Garden Village homes plans A DECISION to throw out plans for 247 homes in Yate has been overruled.

The Voice previously reported that South Gloucestershire Council's strategic sites delivery committee had rejected developer Bellway's planning application, amid concerns that a footpath would be diverted and that three proposed sports pitches would be an unusable “quagmire”.

A plan of the development submitted to Council officers South Gloucestershire Council had recommended the scheme be approved.

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

They accused the council of bending to the will of the developer in changing the master plan for the 2,450-home North Yate New Neighbourhood to accommodate the scheme.

The committee voted to refuse the application at the March meeting but, as they went against a planning officer's advice, the decision was referred up to higher council body, the spatial planning committee.

When it met on June 29 the spatial planning committee reversed the earlier decision and approved the Bellway application, subject to a long list of conditions including three relating to the sports pitches.

The council said the decision to approve the detailed plans had been taken after a presentation by a planning officer on the issues raised at the earlier committee meeting.

Outline permission for the overall North Yate New Neighbourhood plan was granted five years ago.

Afterwards Bellway said it had worked closely with the council on its plans, which include 86 affordable homes.

Spokesperson Rachel Way said: “This new development will bring much-needed new homes to Yate and we are looking forward to starting construction on the site."

AWJ Accounting Accounting, Bookkeeping and Tax Return Service Agnes Joshua Chartered Accountant 80 Hayleaze Yate Bristol BS37 7YL agnes@awjaccounting.co.uk awjaccounting.co.uk Mobile: 07547672281

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

ANYO is invi Thorn Th last ye memb W repea Thurs

LUKE HALL MP MP for Thornbury, Yate and the surrounding villages

H fu b q

AC pro Arm

the Ma

wit

(Ba con

pho

Ad

Write to Luke at: Luke Hall MP, 26 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6AH e: luke.hall.mp@parliament.uk w: lukehall.org.uk Promoted by Luke Hall MP, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120

Ti

yate&sodburyvoice

6

August, 2020

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Newland homes welcomes stamp duty holiday THE announcement of a stamp duty holiday on all property sales up to the value of £500,000 has been welcomed by housebuilder Newland Homes, who is currently building its latest scheme in Yate.

The changes to stamp duty come at a time when demand for new build homes is increasing. According to property portal Zoopla, demand increased 66% in the six weeks following the reopening of the property market after lockdown. The revision to stamp duty will be further wind in the sails for people who want to move, with homes up to the value of half a million pounds now exempt from duty. The previous threshold was £125,000.

All of Newland Homes’ properties available for sale at Amberley, Yate, now come under the stamp duty exemption, resulting in a possible saving of up to £14,000 for purchasers.

Erica Povey, Field Sales Manager for Newland Homes believes that this is a crucial time for housebuilders: “The industry is a massive driver of the UK economy, creating and sustaining jobs and boosting investment in infrastructure and community facilities. At a time when our homes have become our sanctuaries, the stamp duty holiday gives people more money in their pockets to furnish their home in style and

comfort.”

In further research by the House Builders Federation, 55% of people polled stated that, post-lockdown, they now value their home space more than ever.

The new stamp duty holiday comes to an end on the 31 March 2021, coinciding with changes to the eligibility criteria of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. Under changes scheduled to be introduced from April 2021, Help to Buy equity loans will be available to first time buyers only. In addition, regional price caps will be introduced to sales prices. For

01454 32 26 66 Lasting Powers of Attorney only £75 + VAT each A Single or Joint Will only £75 + VAT Probate Services from only £250 + VAT Single Will and Power of Attorney package only £125 + VAT Protect your Home against Nursing Home and Care Fees from only £250 + VAT • Over 55’s only • Home and Office appointments with Disabled Access Call now, quoting “Yate & Sodbury Voice” Lindsey House, Oaklands Business Park Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NA

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

the South West the regional price cap will be £349,000.

Neil Alkins, Director of the Mortgage Bureau, who specialises in mortgages for new build properties, describes the past few weeks as “ridiculously busy”, with enthusiasm to move only set to increase with the latest changes to stamp duty. He continues: “We are recruiting and increasing our workforce by 10% in order to keep pace with the demand. The stamp duty holiday and the revision of the Help to Buy criteria means this is a golden time for anyone looking to move.”

One property which will now be exempt from stamp duty is the four bed, double fronted Hilmarton with parking and garage at Newland Homes’ scheme in Amberley. The Hilmarton boasts a south facing garden to the rear, with patio and a fully turfed lawn, and looks out over mature hedgerows to the front. Priced at £430,000, it’s ready to move into now with Amtico flooring and carpets throughout.

Newland Homes is offering tailor-made viewings by appointment at Amberley, with Covid-19 protocols and procedures in place.

For further information please visit www. newlandhomes.co.uk or call 01452 623000.

Direct Funeral for £1545 Complete Funeral for £3459 Established independent Female Funeral Director

8 Badminton Road, Downend BS16 6BQ

Home visits welcome

Please call: 0117 9564796 24-hr service 7 days a week

www.jamiesonfunerals.com

J&J Glazing DO UBLE GLAZING REPAIRS Misted up units replaced Windows, door locks and hinges serviced or replaced No call out fees Competitive prices Contac t: Jim

078 11 59 02 72 John 078 11 52 8 8 4 9

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

The space is yours, the choice is yours...

Enjoy flexible living in our high-quality specification homes

The Stancombe Plot 35 & 36 , Priced from £430,000 An attractive 4 bedroom detached chalet style home, offering extremely flexible living.

• Final 2 Stancombe homes remaining • High-quality specification • Integrated NEFF appliances • Spacious ground floor & first floor bedrooms • Or additional spaces to tailor to your own lifestyle

Save £11,500 on your Stamp Duty* Book your tailor-made appointment with us today Stamp Duty relief only available on purchasers primary residence. Purchasers must complete before the 31st March 2021. Subject to availability.

*

Viewings by appointment, available daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm Amberley, Broad Lane, Yate, South Gloucestershire, BS37 7LB

01454 549265 www.newlandhomes.co.uk

8

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020

n NEWS

Schools find new way

Woodlands Primary School staff recorded a farewell message for pupils.

SCHOOLS have had to find new ways to say goodbye to leavers – and their next challenge is how to welcome all pupils back in September.

Traditional end-of-year events, from leavers' proms and discos to residential camps, had to be cancelled, with video messages and socially-distanced events taking their place for many of the Year 6, Year 11 and Year 13 pupils completing their journeys through the area's schools.

Having first opened only for key worker and vulnerable children during lockdown, then to limited year groups, staff have put hours of work into preparing for September, when all children will be welcomed back to their classrooms.

Schools the Voice spoke to will keep children in separate ‘bubbles’ or ‘pods’, usually divided by year group or class, with more frequent handwashing, and staggered start and

finish times.

At Brimsham Green School, in Yate, head teacher Kim Garland said: “However different the school buildings may appear and feel in September, the school community itself will be back together, and that’s what counts.

We are so relieved to be able to welcome everyone back.”

When pupils return, screens will protect the reception area, with new signs for hand-washing and markings on the floor for social distancing. In the classrooms, desks will now be in forward facing rows.

Deputy head Sue Marquis added: “One of the hardest things teachers will face in September will be remembering to stand two metres from students. A teacher’s natural inclination is to move next to students to help them with their work or to listen to something they want to tell us. It’s going to take some getting used to.”

North Road Community

HIGH C’S MUSIC SERVICES Sian Walters LRWCMD CTABRSM Highly Experienced

Mobile MusicTeacher Singing, Piano, Theory

Beginners to Advanced welcome ONLINE LESSONS All styles of music covered AS WELL AS FACE One-to-one vocal coaching/piano TOFACE LESSONS teaching AVAILABLE Help for GCSE and A Level or Diploma All Music Exam Boards covered Fun Lessons Also available for accompanying instrumental exams, choirs and soloists

COMPETITIVE RATES

Tel: 07974951 250 Email: sianwalters@hotmail.co.uk For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020

9

ys to say goodbye Primary School head teacher Sara Stillie said: “We are very excited to be welcoming our pupils back, as we have missed them all so much. Even though there will be many changes to daily routines and practices, we will be ensuring that the ethos and vision of the school remains.”

Year 6 pupils at Tyndale Primary School, where a major rebuild is underway, will start the day earlier in September, from 8.15am with a free breakfast.

Head teacher Kirsty Borrill said: “I am truly proud to be leading such a dedicated and hard-working team, who share my vision to give the children of this community the best chance of success.”

A one-way system will be in place for staggered drop-offs and collections at Woodlands Primary School, with a ‘safe waiting zone’ for families with more than one child. There will

also be an adjustment period to enable children to settle back into school.

Head teacher Rachel Dean said: “We are so proud of how our school community has responded during these challenging times and are positive that we will embrace the changes of the ‘new school norm’ together.”

Traditional rites of passage for Year 6 leavers had to be changed this year. At St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Yate the usual residential camp, leavers' play and assembly were scrapped. The school managed to organise the traditional t-shirt signing by passing them between bubbles, storing them for 72 hours in-between, which took nearly two weeks.

The year 6 bubble also had an activity week and a leavers' mass.

Head teacher Maxine Sewell said: “It was a very different affair, with no singing, restricted movements and

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Image technology helped North Road Community Primary Schoolbring Year 6 leavers together. limited attendees, but there was certainly a sense of occasion to celebrate the children’s achievements and memories of their time at St. Paul’s.”

Iron Acton C of E Primary's leavers' service moved from the village church of St James to the school field. The end-of-year play

was filmed and sent to families to watch at home.

At Brimsham Green School, Year 11 pupils made it back for a session staggered across one day before the end of term.

Their leavers prom has been rescheduled for October.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

10

August, 2020

n NEWS

Linked village needs your help Schools join together A GROUP set up to foster links between Yate and an African village says residents there need urgent help to buy food.

The coronavirus lockdown in The Gambia has left people short of food as they have no welfare state to fall back on in times of crisis.

People have been left with no work, no money to buy food, and the government has only been able to send one consignment of food to each village in rural areas in four months.

Residents of Genieri, which has a 25-year community link with Yate, have called on the town for help.

Yate-Genieri Link chairman Marian Gilpin said: "With no National Insurance, no unemployment benefit, no pensions, no savings and no charitable food banks, the villagers have absolutely nothing.

"So far we have been able to save the village from starvation, but still more is needed as their recovery from lockdown has not even begun.

"The situation is dire – and the Yate Community is linked with this village. Surely we must help!"

In April, the link committee used its reserve funds to send money for enough rice for half of the village, which lasted 10 days, then started an appeal which enabled it to send a second consignment.

But the supply is now exhausted and people are being asked to donate to a help buy more vital supplies, with an online appeal at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/UrgentAppealGenieriFood

TWO schools that operate on the same site in Chipping Sodbury are merging from the new term in September.

Raysfield Infants and Junior Schools will amalgamate to become Raysfield Primary School.

There will be no change in the number of pupils admitted, with 60 places open in reception each year.

It means parents will not have to formally apply to move their child from Years 2 to 3.

The decision, approved by South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for schools, Erica Williams, is the final step in the process to bring the two schools, which operate under the Raysfield Federation banner, together as a single institution.

The schools already operate under the motto: “Two schools – one family.”

It follows consultation with parents, carers and other interested parties in February and March, to which the response was “overwhelmingly in favour” of the proposed merger, according to a council officer’s report recommending the move.

The council says that being a single school means Raysfield Primary can take pupils from reception through to Year Six and prepare them for secondary school, “managing their progression seamlessly”.The school has written to parents to explain there will be no changes to uniform or the timings of the school day.

Headteacher Claire Hill said: “We have long been one family across two schools, though from next term and following a long process and lot of work by the school, the council and many parents, we will finally be one school family with all of the benefits that will bring for our pupils and staff."

Both schools were rated “good” in their latest Ofsted inspections.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

WINDOWS, FASCIAS, CONSERVATORIES AND ROOFS CO

NG ALISI SPECI IAN AND D R A U FS G S ROO GLAS

AZED LE GL DOUBINDOWS S W OOR AND D RARY

PVCu S ACEM OLID E SOIL S NT FASCIA S TACKS & CLAD GUTT DING ERIN SOFF G & ITS

REPL

RIES VATO NSER IN OSITE COMPORS DO Y OF T VARIE RS U COLO NS IG & DES

L EMPO CONT ADITIONA OR TR

R

WE S OOFING

ALL T PECIALIS YP E I INCLU ES OF ROO N DING F PITCH ING LONG ED & LIF FLAT R E RUBBER OOFIN G

sales@southernplasticlad.co.uk www.southernplasticlad.co.uk SHOWROOM OPEN MON - FRI 9am - 5pm SAT 9am - 12pm FREEPHONE 0800 542 6066 Unit 4 Ram Hill Business Park, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath BS36 2TZ TELEPHONE 01454 777 732 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020

11

n NEWS

'Badly needed' nursing home approved PLANS for a 64-bed nursing home for dementia patients next to a Grade II-listed building and park on the edge of Yate have been approved.

The town council and 22 residents objected to the development next to Rockwood House.

But South Gloucestershire councillors granted permission after hearing the public benefits of the two-storey care home “far outweighed” the harm to the protected building and countryside.

Development management committee members heard the speed limit on the section of Gravel Hill where the two properties would share the existing entrance would be halved from 60mph to 30mph.

A previous application for a 90-bed, three-storey nursing home at the site was rejected in 2018.

Officers said the issues had been overcome because the

How the new nursing home is expected to look. Picture: Noma Architects scale of the proposed building had been reduced and its location was further away from Rockwood House in Gravel Hill Road, which was converted into flats in the 1990s.

But Yate North ward councillor Mike Drew told the meeting: “There has been no improvement with this application, in fact there are several things that are less amenable to the town and the site. We do not believe this is well designed. It is inconsistent with the listed building."

He said the entrance was

from a narrow road with only a thin pavement and that pedestrians would be at risk.

Yate Town Council wrote: “The previous design had better facilities and the overall look was good.

“This new proposal is just a standard block, with lots of the rooms facing the car park and the rest facing onto Caters Lodge, which will significantly affect their privacy.”

But a planning officer told the meeting on Thursday, June 25 that the site was "very secluded" and completely surrounded by

trees subject to a "blanket tree preservation order", adding: “The public benefit far outweighs the harm."

Committee member Judy Adams (Con, Emersons Green) said: “We badly need this type of care home and they have reduced the size of the building dramatically."

James Arrowsmith (Lib Dem, Stoke Park and Cheswick) said: “I am concerned around the road safety there.

“It does have an impact on Rockwood House and I am unsure about the weighing up of public need and the impact.”

Applicants Kestrel Care Village Ltd said South Gloucestershire was the second most under-supplied local authority in the region for care home beds, with a shortage of 372. The home will employ 60 staff and have 29 car parking spaces and three bicycle spaces.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Play Areas and Open Spaces are Open

social media to contact the teams and see what they’ve been up to!

Go WILD in our new play area or lose yourself in the labyrinth at Abbotswood! Funded by S106, we are incredibly proud to have created two new play areas using natural materials, inspired by wildlife, imagination and the great outdoors. We invite your families to explore all Abbotswood has to offer, but please keep your distance and stay safe! And that’s not all… the Town Council are looking for ideas from the Abbotswood community for a 3rd play project. If you have suggestions for improving facilities for play in this area, please get in touch with the Community Projects Team! info@ yatetowncouncil.gov.uk

Detached Working and Zoom Sessions From July, Youth teams from the Armadillo, Brimsham Youth Wing, St Nix Abbotswood and the Urbie will be out in the community! But you don’t see them out and about, they still have plenty of great things happening online - head over to Yate Youth or Yate Armadillo on

Kids Zone Follow us on Facebook for weekly work packs, video tutorials and history the whole family can enjoy. This summer we travel back in time to eat like an Egyptian, learn how to make Victorian toys, marvel at the myths and legends of Ancient Greece, dig up the Stone Age and study the inspiring stories of heroes in Black History!

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/Yate-Heritage-Centre-Kids-Zone

Future Plans for Millside Play Area Millside is an incredibly popular and well used park and play area, and thanks to S106 funding from South Gloucestershire Council, the Town Council now have the opportunity to update the play and nature trail facilities to make the play zone even more exciting! We will begin to plan this modern and exciting new area this Summer, so if you live in this community and you would like to know more, please get in touch!

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

YHC Summer Holiday Heritage Workshops This summer holidays join Yate Heritage Centre Kids Zone for online workshops! Cook along on Facebook like a fearsome Saxon and build a fortress like a Norman Invader! https://www. facebook.com/Yate-Heritage-Centre-Kids-Zone

Saturday Community Cinema Follow the Armadillo on Facebook to keep up to date with the reopening of the community Cinema later this summer.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

12

August, 2020

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Monthly sales are back with a bang AFTER three months of closure, Stroud Auctions monthly sales are back with a bang.

A record 2,402 online bidders took part in the July sale, resulting in excellent prices across the board for the 1,627 lots.

One seller in particular had a very pleasant surprise when a group of four miners' lamps sold for £2,300, because the buyer had spotted in the online catalogue that there was a rare lamp in the lot. A great example of the power of online bidding!

The highest price achieved was for a collection of ephemera relating to musician and former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel, which sold for £8,500.

And our favourite lot was another piece of music memorabilia, a promotional poster for Pink Floyd's 1967 single See Emily Play, which sold for £750.

The next auction will be on August 5 and 6, and includes guns and weapons, medals and militaria, sporting and taxidermy items, cameras and binoculars and an

extensive toy section of over 700 lots, including a rare Hornby Dublo articulated coach.

In the specialist section of over 300 guns we have a number of good quality modern sporting guns, among them a Beretta Silver Pigeon and three Brownings, including a B2 and B25. Along with the modern guns we have a selection of rare and unusual antique guns, some of which are the only ones of their type known to exist. Also included are over 100 air weapons, including a single owner private collection of pistols and rifles. The catalogue for the August sale will be online from July 29.

If you have something you would like to have valued by one of Stroud Auctions’ specialists, contact us by phone on 01453 873800 or email valuations@ stroudauctions.co.uk.

We are accepting entries for all upcoming auctions, including the September sale of jewellery, silver, coins, watches, clocks and Asian & tribal art.

This rare Hornby Dublo articulated coach will go under the hammer in August

This promotional poster for Pink Floyd's second single, released 53 years ago, sold for £750.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Entries now invited for our upcoming auction on October 7th & 8th Including specialist sections of ceramics, glass, books, ephemera, stamps, musical instruments, vinyl records, pictures & paintings

Contact Nick Bowkett Four Beatles autographs.

Sold for £3,500

Contact Mark Rozelaar (BA Hons) Alfred de Breanski painting. Sold for £5000

David Lord (Bsc) A collection of mainly George VI stamps Sold for £1,700

FREE valuations every Friday (9am-5pm) at our saleroom, at your home by appointment or why not email us a photograph to valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk Unit J, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud, GL5 3QF

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

01453 873800 www.stroudauctions.co.uk Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020

13

n NEWS

Cautious reopening for lockdown-hit businesses AFTER weeks of enforced closure, home working or emergency appointments, businesses in many of the sectors worst affected by the lockdown are reopening. Coronavirus measures are in place with new rules, timed appointments, and personal protective equipment becoming normal.

Emma Doney at Adorno Companions, a local business which provides support for over-65’s, says recent easing of restrictions has made a big difference.

She said: “We have been able to take our clients out in the car again, which has been lifechanging for those who have not been able to go out for over four months. Exercise classes which our companions attend with our clients should also be opening in August and we have our fingers crossed for this.”

Emma's staff must strictly adhere to government guidelines on social distancing and use PPE, as some clients are clinically vulnerable, but are now able to go into homes.

On Chipping Sodbury High Street, Alice Crowley at Swagger has seen a steady flow of customers but initially numbers

were limited to four at a time.

She has been planning to enable four household 'bubbles' to come into the shop at a time, which would help families, as staff and shoppers prepare to wear masks.

Alice said: “We feel supersafe with our 'sneeze screen', which is 4ft high. Lots of people say it’s like we are in a fish tank.

But I think wearing masks will help other customers feel more confident while out. We have noticed a change in people’s shopping habits, a change in browsing and using Swagger as more of a destination place to purchase something they need, rather than an impulse of just passing by and popping in.”

Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce says the general mood among businesses is one of determination to make sure that customers feel welcome and safe.

Joint chairs Michelle BadenDaintree, Andrew Webb and Rich McDonough said: “We are hearing conversations with people who say they want to stay away from the crowds at larger malls and out-of-town shopping centres, so we are confident that by providing a safe shopping experience we can give shoppers confidence in the

Emma Doney of Adorno Companions local businesses and also boost the local economy, whilst trying to protect the future of the High Street in Chipping Sodbury.”

At The Globe Pub in Frampton Cotterell, Alex and Lloyd Williams are serving customers in the garden, tables widely spaced and food and

drink ordering by mobile phone.

Lloyd said: “Unfortunately, like many pubs and restaurants, numbers are down dramatically.

People are still unsure of coming out, and we all need to build peoples’ confidence in the safety implications we have introduced, as safety is the main priority.”

A sociallydistanced queue for a shop in Hatherell's Yard, Chipping Sodbury.

Picture: Rich McD Photography

Kylie’s Mobile Foot Care For your foot healthcare

Services include: Toe Nail Cutting Callus Reduction Corn Enucleation Fungal Nail Treatment Diabetic Care Cracking & Dry Heels Verrucae Areas Covered: Yate • Sodbury • Horton • Wickwar • Kingswood • Wotton Under Edge • Coalpit Heath • Frampton Cotterell

£25 Home Visit

Contact Kylie BA (Hons) DipCFHP Fully Accredited, Insured & DBS checked

Mobile: 07903 197 516 (text or call for an appointment) Email: kyliethomas71@yahoo.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

14

August, 2020

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Here I go again: Mazda MX5 Mark 2 LAST year I waxed lyrical about the Mark 1 Mazda MX5, and have been meaning to get into a Mk2 ever since.

Now I want to drive them all – there are four generations to choose from – because the 2001 mean green 1.8 I drove this month was absolutely cracking.

What’s changed from the Mk1?

Well, the pop-up headlamps have gone, which is a shame, but I still love the looks. The engine is up 10hp on the Mk1, to 140hp, and although that difference doesn’t sound much (and wouldn’t be in a heavy car) because the MX5 is so light, you really notice the difference.

Critically, though, this Mk2 hadn’t been messed around with, unlike the lowered, customised Mk1. That meant a nice compliant

ride, easily controllable rear-drive handling, with no extra wide tyres to rob it of feel and that lovely, unmatched Mazda manual gear change.

In this car, you use the gearbox for fun. It’s so precise, quick and the ratios are perfectly matched to the engine. It made me regret not holding out for a manual option on my current car, but beggars can’t be choosers I suppose.

The engine itself has a hairtrigger throttle – response is immediate and, whilst still not quick by modern standards (0-60 in 8 seconds), it is more than enough for a small convertible. It also revs up to 7,000rpm, which encourages hard driving.

So what to look out for? Well like the Mk1, the Mk2 also rusts.

The sills are a problem, as are the

arches and lower lips on the doors. The engine is trouble-free as long as you keep changing the oil and give it a bit of time to warm up before thrashing it.

The good news is that Mk2s are much more plentiful than the Mk1, and still cheaper. So there are lots around, and you don’t have to settle for a dog, because prices are so low. Usable cars start at £1,500; £5k buys you the best around and you should also get a hardtop included at that price.

My test model benefited from the facelift that Mk2s had in 2001, and had a not-unreasonable 85,000 miles on the clock. Everything still felt tight and accurate, and there was noticeably less rattle and hum compared to the rather tired Mk1 from last year.

Yes, the interior is plain and makes heavy use of black plastic (what Japanese car of this vintage doesn’t?) but it all still worked and showed no real signs of wear.

Today there would be aluminium trim all over the place, which looks great new – but after 20 years? I’m not so sure.

Something odd, neither pleasant nor unpleasant, was the smell. The turn-of-the-century Mazda smell, as it happens.

Coming out of the vents was the exact same odour that our 1997 Mazda 323 emitted. Immediately recognisable, redolent of a simpler, less complicated – oh stop it, this

isn’t a Proustian dream sequence, it’s a Japanese sports car.

In fact, it is the Japanese sports car. The owner barely uses it, and has a Mk1 wreck to restore as well, so he’s got his work cut out when it comes to MX5s.

As I mentioned last year, parts are cheap and the lack of complexity means that the home mechanic can do a lot of the work him or herself. Given that this particular car is garaged the entire time, I see no reason why it won’t be working perfectly in another 20 years.

Other running costs are almost an irrelevance: think 35mpg, minimal tyre costs because the wheels are so small (15 inches, some came with lovely looking 16s that then corroded badly) and servicing that any local garage can do. No reason to pay main dealer prices on such an old and basic car.

Tax is £270.

I’ll find a Mk3 to test for this time next year (the best looking in my view, but also the ‘chubby’ one with unfortunate middle-aged spread).

Mazda MX5 Mk2 (‘NB’ model designation), 1998 – 2005.

What to pay: Don’t mess about, stump up for the best you can find at between £3k and £5k.

LLLL BBBBBBBB SSSSS WWWW N e e d m or e s t o r ag e s p ac e ?

Make use of your loft and create more space in your home

Loft Ladders

Raised Loft Storage

Loft Lighting

Insulation

Loft storage solutions for period and new build homes that don’t void your warranty

01373 813 438 www.loftboardingsouthwest.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Professional Locksmith Service 0736 833 2078 – No callout Fee! • UPVC Door and window repairs and adjustments • Gaining entry using Non-destructive techniques • Changing and fitting door locks in residential and commercial properties • Broken Key Extraction and Lock Repairs • Fitting British Standard Locks • Providing a fast, reliable Locksmith service across South Gloucestershire

No job too small – Just call for a free quote

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

15

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

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

This is a real pick-me-up IT’S fair to say that our lives are getting a little bit easier as the lockdown restrictions are being eased, but obviously we have a way to go yet. Much has been written about the long-term effects and how life will never be quite the same again. But, though I think about this, I really don’t want to go down that route here. Instead I’ve chosen one of my favourite Italian desert recipes, which is quick and easy to make – and the name of which translates as “lift me up”.

It was given to me by my best friend Patrick after he was taught it by his native Italian cookery teacher. Patrick sadly died almost six years ago, but every time I make this recipe I think of him and smile.

I hope that you will smile when you taste this, whether you are sharing it with a loved one, or multiply the ingredients for serving with friends.

Tiramisu Two words of warning and a tip: • Make sure you use very strong black coffee – preferably espresso, but if not that, then strong black coffee with a teaspoon of instant coffee added.

• This dessert needs to be well chilled, at least 6 hours in the fridge, so start preparing it in the morning for eating that night.

• You can use one large dish, but I think it presents better in individual glass dishes, my favourites being Martini glasses.

Serves 2 -3 depending on the size of the dishes used

Ingredients • Large organic eggs – 2, with yolks and whites in separate bowls • Caster sugar – 1oz (25g) • Mascarpone cheese – 125g • 3fl oz (75ml) very strong espresso coffee • Liqueur of choice – 1 ½ tbsp – I use Amaretto, but you can use brandy or dark rum • About 9 sponge fingers or Savoiardi biscuits (these are Italian and less sweet) • Good quality dark chocolate (75% cocoa solids) – 25g, chopped • Good quality cocoa powder (I like Green and Blacks) for dusting – about 1 dessert spoon • Chocolate cocoa beans for decoration- optional

your selected dish/dishes.

• Now you are simply going to layer the dessert into your dishes, starting with the biscuits, then the mascarpone mix, then chocolate and repeat the layers until you have used all the ingredients. Finish with a layer of chocolate.

• So, first, dip the biscuits one at a time (not all together) into the coffee mixture. Quickly turn over once or twice, but don’t let them become soggy. (Break into 3 pieces if you are putting them into

individual dishes. Leave whole if you are using a large dish.)

• Put immediately into your dish and then layer as explained above. Put more biscuits to soak as you need them.

• Cover with cling film and refrigerate for several hours.

• Immediately before serving, dust with sieved cocoa and grated chocolate. Don’t be tempted to do this earlier, as the cocoa will taste slightly stale.

Here’s What You Do: • Put the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high for about 3 mins until pale yellow and fluffy.

• Warm the mascarpone in a separate bowl using a microwave on medium for 30 seconds.

• Fold the mascarpone into the yolks, a tablespoon at a time, and then whisk thoroughly until there are no lumps.

• In a separate bowl, (with clean beaters) whisk the egg whites until they are stiff.

• Lightly fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture. Leave to one side.

• Add the liqueur to the coffee and put in a shallow oblong dish to fit the biscuits.

To assemble the dessert: • Have all the components to hand – the mascarpone egg mix, the coffee mixture, the biscuits, the chocolate,

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

16

August, 2020

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Reaching our 20th Anniversary IT sometimes seems there has been a glut of anniversaries in certain years. As the original Yate Heritage venture began in 1995 and the new Yate Heritage Centre opened in 2000, we will just have to get used to this! Slight apologies for a trumpet blowing exercise, but Yate Heritage Centre feels it has something special to celebrate this year.

So, it was in September 2000 that the new Yate Heritage Centre opened to great fanfare.

Aardman Animations were the main attraction and Steve Webb MP amongst others, opened proceedings.

Councillor Gladys Nelson, suitably acknowledged within Yate Heritage Centre, was cited as providing the original inspiration for a new Heritage Centre. There was a palpable feeling within the town that local heritage was under threat, and needed to be preserved and cherished while it was still possible to do so.

When the derelict former barn

Yate Heritage Centre's opening day in September 2000 of the White Lion came up for sale, it appeared to be a golden opportunity to create something from scratch. Town councillors, including Chris Willmore, were instrumental in leading the project to transform a derelict pub and agricultural building into a modern 21st century heritage building we

see today.

This was undoubtedly a bold move. It was a major project to purpose-build a new heritage facility and back it up by employing professional staff to lead on projects and manage volunteers working at the site.

Today we can look back, I hope,

with some pride as to what has been achieved here. In 20 years, Yate Heritage Centre has become a key part of the community as a museum, gallery and archive serving both the local community and “heritage” in general.

Regular readers of this article will know we aim to keep things lively, and are constantly looking to the future and the next project. Life goes on, and we can now also celebrate gaining full 'Museum Accreditation' status, the benchmark for all museums.

We like to think we are the 'go-to' place for local history, and house the area’s historic collections. We can also boast a great reputation for our work with local schools and community groups. Our history and community events are also part of the local calendar.

Thank you to all our supporters, volunteers, friends and Yate Town Council for making all this possible – 20 years ago and today.

David Hardill

R

FE CTORY OF INTRODU

£5 OFF FOR NEW

CLIENTS

Children's Workshop, 2013. Picture courtesy of Rich McD Photography

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020

17

n LOCAL MP

Park and ride will revitalise transport links AS a community we should be immensely proud of the acts of care, the acts of kindness and the sacrifices that have been made in our community.

After months of lockdown, our economy is now reopening for business, alongside the new health protections and improvements needed as we all stay vigilant to help prevent any new outbreak occurring.

This means that as we begin to recover from the pandemic, we can continue our work on improvements needed in our community, such as revitalising our transport links.

I am therefore delighted that the Yate Park and Ride is finally becoming a reality. Over recent weeks, preparations to finalise the project have been carrying on in

the background as the lockdown begins to lift. We have now agreed the location and secured the funding.

As someone who has lived locally all my life, I know how congested our local roads can be, and have consistently fought for better transport infrastructure for our towns and villages. This new Park and Ride will have around 200 parking spaces and will be built next to the South Gloucestershire Council offices on Badminton Road.

This should help keep cars off the roads, ease congestion and improve the connections for Yate and Sodbury residents commuting to places like Aztec West and Bristol.

With a planning application due to be submitted imminently,

I hope that building work, on site, can start in the next few months.

In the meantime, I am urging South Gloucestershire Council to approve the planning application for this vital proposal in the next few weeks. We cannot afford another delay to this project.

With your support, despite the challenging times we are living though, we will ensure that our positive plan for South Gloucestershire is delivered. I am determined to see this campaign through.

In the meantime, I am still fighting for better transport links in our area. We have seen great success already; we’ve scrapped the Severn Bridge tolls, agreed new electric car charging points in Thornbury, Yate and Frampton Cotterell, are doubling the

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

frequency of some train services to Yate and we have reinstated the Southmead Hospital bus link from Chipping Sodbury.

Thank you again for your continuing support with our Yate Park and Ride. We must work together to deliver this.

If there are any specific routes you would like to see as part of our new Yate Park and Ride, please do let me know by emailing luke. hall.mp@parliament.uk.

QUALITY KITCHEN MAKEOVERS BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

UP TO 50% LESS THAN A NEW KITCHEN

• Trusted reputation

THE UK’S # 1 KITCHEN MAKEOVER EXPERTS.

by simply replacing the doors and worktops EST. 1999

• Huge choice of doors, worktops appliances, sinks & taps • Free planning & design service • Door swaps to full kitchens – tailored to your needs RE

BEFO

FAMIL Y BUSIN RUN ESS

SOCIAL DISTANCING & HYGIENE REGULATIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN OUR SHOWROOM, ON APPOINTMENTS AND DURING INSTALLATIONS. ®

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM NOW. CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE ON:

AVERAGE SCORE

9.6/10

Showroom: 11/12 The Promenade, EST. 1999 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AL

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

0117 944 3223

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

18

August, 2020

n PETER'S VISION

Control the light

MAXX GLASSES TO BE SEEN IN

FRAME & ANTI-GLARE SV LENSES

£99

57 Henleaze Road

768 Fishponds Road

Bristol BS9 4JT

Bristol BS16 3UA

0117 962 2474

0117 965 4434

eyecareteam@turnersopticians.co.uk www.turnersopticians.co.uk Turners Eye Care Ltd T/A Turners Opticians Incorporated in England & Wales Reg No. 8201460 Subject to availability, T&C’s apply.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

THIS month I’ve been struck by the vast array of options we have to help you see better when the light’s bright. I don't know about you, but I see myself as an optimist. Any day that it’s not actually raining (hard) is a sunglasses day. Whilst the last few months have not seen many new product launches, now the world of optometry is returning back to normal it’s play time!

As you probably know, I’m all for trying out and evaluating the latest tech whether it’s glasses lenses, frame styles & designs or eye exam instruments. As you may have seen from our Facebook pages, (facebook.com/ turnersopticians) I’ve been trying to match retro sunglasses with my uncut, lockdown longer than average, hair. Thanks to those of you who sent me kind comments and I was pleased to not get anything too cheeky back!

This month, as I’m sure many of us have, I finally got the relief of a haircut. Now I don’t know about you, but I like to chat with whoever’s cutting my hair, and being able to see their face (well the half not covered by a mask anyhow) means wearing contact lenses. It was in my view a modestly sunny day (well okay it wasn’t pouring with rain!). I took the opportunity to try out the latest sun tinting contact lenses I’ve recently been sent to try, for my walk to and from the barbers. They’re really quite good, clearly they don’t replace the look you get from a nice pair of Ray-Ban’s but in terms of visual performance and comfort I was impressed!

If contact lenses are not for you, it’s not a problem. We now have more sun lens options than ever before. As I write we’re trying out the latest lenses and now have three grades of sun reacting tinting lenses (transitions) to offer, as well as three different polaroid options and numerous other tinted lenses we’ve designed ourselves.

Don’t worry though, our expert team is happy taking the time to understand your individual vision needs and recommending the

perfect sun wear for you!

When you come and see us you can expect the usual high standards of personal service, professional expertise and hygiene excellence you’re used to, from you local independent opticians. You & your loved ones are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care and new glasses or contact lenses. We just ask that you telephone first to book a time to come in to help us keep you all safe.

Whatever your eye care needs, whether for driving, home working, seeing the golf ball more clearly or just relaxing in the sun, our expert team is ready & waiting to help you - however you like to protect your eyes from the sun!

To book an extended eye exam or frame style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call our Henleaze practice on 0117 962 2474 or our Fishponds practice on 0117 965 4434.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020

19

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury AS foreshadowed in our club update in the Voice last month, the annual President’s handover took place in unique circumstances this year. As the photo shows, we actually conducted the handover, from John Wells to me, in Hatherell’s Yard, standing either side of our club plaque, respecting the need for social distancing.

I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to serve as the club President for the year ahead. I am taking office at a very challenging time but I hope that we can return to meeting in person in the foreseeable future.

Due to the current COVID-19 related constraints, outward looking club activity has been reduced to a trickle. Two annual events, where we would normally

support and fundraise, namely the Sodbury Slog and the Chipping Sodbury Victorian Day, have now been cancelled. As a club we are therefore focusing on the identification of potential new fundraising activities.

It was very heartening to read recently about the outstanding efforts of the Blonde Angel Street Team, who have been working at an incredible pace to provide all sorts of support including food, clothing, bedding and electrical items to help homeless people in Bristol. The team was founded by two individuals from Yate and has grown to become a community of volunteers and helpers on Facebook. Our club has been very pleased to provide support to the team throughout these

challenging times.

In the past month we have pledged a financial donation to Brimsham Green School to purchase ethnic diversity-related DVDs for the school library. We also helped a Chipping Sodbury School student, Alfie Gendall, providing a sponsorship logo to Outgoing Chipping Sodbury Rotary president go on the car that he John Wells hands over to Stuart Fraser. Picture: drives to compete in Doug Lodge. the Junior American Cup Car Racing Series anyone reading this article who (See page 21). would like to help with our club Meanwhile, we continue to activities or to find out more about conduct our regular meetings potentially joining our club. Just using the Zoom video facility. email me at sfraser952@gmail.com.

I would be pleased to hear from Stuart Fraser

Yate and District Rotary Club

Old Sodbury WI

ON Friday and Saturday July 10 and 11, the 25th South Cotswold Beer and Music Festival, organised by Yate and District Rotary Club, would have happened – were it not for the corona virus pandemic.

People travel from all over the country for this event and the disappointment, both locally and further afield, has been huge.

Members of Yate and District Rotary Club, with partners, met on the rugby pitch at the Ridings, Chipping Sodbury, to commiserate, and to lay the first plans for the same festival in 2021. The bands are already booked, and the marquees reserved.

The Rotary club consoled itself in style with a picnic – well spaced out – and also enjoyed the first face-to-face meeting the club had held since March (instead of via Zoom).

The weather was perfect and it was lovely to see everyone, albeit at a distance. It was only sad that this wasn't the second day of our fabulous South Cotswold Beer and Music Festival.

Look out for a great event on July 9 and 10, 2021!

Marian Gilpin

MEMBERS of Old Sodbury WI have been keeping in touch by phone calls, emails and Zoom meetings during the coronavirus pandemic. Some of us have had to become techno wizards!

We are all looking forward to meeting again when it is safe to do so and we are considering a summer picnic, to take place in August.

Early in July, one of our speakers, Ali Bacon, offered to give her presentation on the history of photography to members via Zoom. We had 18 members able to enjoy the presentation and some even managed to display some very old family photographs for us to discuss.

Our book club ladies meet via Zoom and recently enjoyed the familiar classic, Little Women, which evoked childhood memories.

Regular news of village events, members' birthdays and WI updates are circulated by email with a quiz, poem or suggestion of an activity to help us through these difficult times.

It was great that many of us celebrated VE Day in the safely of our front gardens, with a fine display of flags and bunting.

This year we missed our annual Village Day, so instead many households made a scarecrow for display. At least eight members took part, with creations depicting Boris Johnson and other topical characters, causing much amusement to the passers-by!

We hope and trust that Old Sodbury WI will soon be able to get together again in our village hall, but for now we must take care and keep safe.

Sue Leah

Live In Care Live In Care

No need for an expensive care home Stay independent at home with your own live in carer

Tel: 01179 860710

Caring for you in the comfort of your own home

‘Only the very best will do’ Providers of affordable and excellent care since 1986

Tel: 01179 860710 Registered with the CQC

44 Bath Hill, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HG Email:featherbedhomecare@hotmail.co.uk Email:featherbedhomecare@hotmail.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk www.featherbedhomecare.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Greenway Gardens

Tree & Garden Maintenance Services Fully Qualified & Insured, 10 years experience All aspects of Tree & Hedge work/Landscaping Contract Lawn Mowing from £10 60+ 5 Star Customer Ratings Address: 90 Chedworth, Yate

Email: Greenwaygardens@hotmail.co.uk Contact: Sam Salvage 07710 608 211 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

20

n NEWS

Council plans 'exclusion zone' for fast food outlets near schools FAST food 'exclusion zones' could be set up in South Gloucestershire to stop new outlets opening near schools.

The council's Conservative administration says it intends to fast-track rules in the area's new local plan which would restrict development and licensing of new fast food outlets within 400m of any school in South Gloucestershire.

Concerns were raised earlier this year when a new takeaway in Staple Hill was given planning permission, despite objections from ward councillors and 112 residents, and a McDonald's in Bradley Stoke was approved by a planning inspector on appeal.

In Yate the most recent controversy was over a late licence for fast food outlet Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken to open until 1.30am at its new Yate Shopping Centre outlet.

Now a proposal to impose limits across the district, made in a council motion by Bradley Stoke South ward councillor Roger Avenin, has been picked up by Tory colleagues in the cabinet for inclusion in the local plan, which sets out long-term policy for the future.

Mr Avenin said: “With so many leading national public health bodies pointing to a causal link between the growth of fast food outlets and childhood obesity, there is a clear need to act and where we as a council can help by thinking outside the box and using powers within our gift, we should.”

Council leader Toby Savage said: “By introducing these restrictions, we can help schools, parents and carers to ensure young people are more likely to benefit from a balanced diet."

August, 2020

n ABBOTSWOOD PHARMACY BLOG COVID-19 antibody testing: your questions OUR Covid-19 antibody test has had a very positive response.

Here are some of the most common questions: My symptoms started two days ago – can I book a test? Stop! This test is not for you: self-isolate and Contact NHS111. Our Antibody test only identifies if the body has developed an antibody response to a previous Covid-19 infection and is not a test to determine a current infection.

Is it any good? Our test is highly specific and accurate. It is a CE approved test that can only be performed and evaluated by a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician. We provide you with all the manufacturer's information we have relating to specificity and accuracy; it is also on our website covidtestbristol.com.

Did the Government not stop companies offering the Antibody Test? The Government has stopped intravenous blood collection tests and the sale of home test kits. Our Biopanda test has been approved for point-of-care vitro finger-prick capillary use by a health care professional. It cannot be sold directly to the public.

If the test gives a positive result, does this mean I have had COVID-19 before and cannot catch it again? The WHO has not stated that the presence of antibodies protects you from being infected by the virus again or possibly passing on the infection again. Our advice is always that the presence of antibodies does not infer immunity. We all must continue following Government guidelines maintaining vigilance, practising social distancing and wearing face coverings.

An introductory price offer of £25 ends on July 31 but rather than increasing it to the recommended price of £35 we will instead offer it at £30 for a short while. To book a test visit covidtestbristol.com or email info@ bristoltravelclinic.co.uk.

Intr

uct t od ory PInInR trro ucto I dC u ctE PFR C OP orry Ey RE O RFIIEC od

Garage Doors

FF OF FE ER R

Installation | Maintenance | Repairs Your local independent garage door specialists Up & Over Doors | Sectional Doors | Roller Doors

Had the Had the Symptoms Symptoms of COVID-19? of COVID-19?

Just Not Sure?

Just Not Not Sure?

Sure?

Just Call Brunel Doors for your free no obligation quotation

BRUNEL DOORS 01454 882212 Visit our website: www.bruneldoors.co.uk For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Affordable, Accurate Finger-Prick Test.

Affordable, Accurate Accurate Affordable, Finger-Prick Test.

Results Within Finger-Prick Test.

10 minutes.

Results Within Results Within 10 minutes. minutes.

10

Book an Book an Antibody Antibody Test Test on www.covidtestbristol.com on www.covidtestbristol.com www.covidtestbristol.com on info@covidtestbristol.com info@covidtestbristol.com

info@covidtestbristol.com Available at Abbotswood Pharmacy, 38 Abbotswood Queries:Yate CallBS37 08004NG 77201454 3575 313193 Queries: Call Call 0800 0800 772 772 3575 3575 Queries: Provided by Regulated Healthcare Professionals in Selected Bristol Pharmacies.

Provided by Regulated Healthcare Professionals in Selected Bristol Pharmacies.

Provided by Regulated Healthcare Professionals in Selected Bristol Pharmacies.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoiceco.uk

August, 2020

yate&sodburyvoice

21

n SPORT

Champion Alfie ready for return to the track TEENAGE racing driver Alfie Gendall is raring to go as he prepares to defend his Junior American Cup Car Racing title.

The 14 year old from Yate is due to start the 2020 motorsport season on August 1, the first day of action at the newly-reopened Birmingham Wheels Raceway.

After an extended break due to the lockdown Alfie is keen to get back out on track again.

He said: "I am really looking forward to getting out on track racing again, after what seems like such a long time. We've been working hard on the car over the break so it will be good to see my friends again and get back behind the wheel."

Alfie, who is the current British JACCR champion, having won the title in his debut season, has recently welcomed new sponsors including Willams Automobiles of Chipping Sodbury.

He said: "As they also have a motorsport division they are a great source of knowledge and

Alfie and his Junior American Cup Car with sponsor Henry Williams and his own Morgan race car at Williams Automobiles in Chipping Sodbury. Picture: Jeff Gendall. a company I would love to be a part of when I am older."

Alfie has also won support

Town unveil new manager as captain makes shock return YATE Town have unveiled Paul Michael as their new manager after the resignation of Paul Britton.

Michael has joined the Bluebells from Cinderford Town, and knows Yate well after losing to them in the promotion play-offs last year.

He said: "I have managed against Yate on a couple of occasions and the pitch is first class. I like my teams to pass the ball and attack, and with the club being a level up it was a no-brainer to apply.”

His appointment has brought about a dramatic u-turn from one of Yate’s stalwarts, Nick Peare.

The midfielder left the club for Cirencester in the summer after Britton’s departure. But just weeks later he is back at Lodge Road and with the captain’s armband for next season, after being persuaded to change his mind by the new manager.

He’s not the only old boy back at Lodge Road. David SimsBurgess, Yate’s top scorer in their promotion season of 2018-19, has signed from Paulton Rovers.

Stuart Fleetwood has also been unveiled as player/coach at Yate. The 34 year old has previously played for Forest Green Rovers and Luton Town.

Britton, known to all as Polly, resigned at the end of June along with his team of John Lester, Martin Cutler and Nigel Hawkins.

In a farewell message to fans he said his team had overachieved during their time and said: "We would have liked to have continued on this journey but feel now is the time to move on and allow someone else to take the club forward."

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

from the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury, Powersystems UK and Specialist Motorworx, who join

existing sponsors Pentax, Bristol Cameras, Nikon, Castle Combe and Speed Demon Industries.

"I am very lucky to have these amazing companies sponsor me", Alfie says, "and am extremely grateful to all of them for their support, I could not go racing without it".

Alfie's car is a half-scale American NASCAR vehicle, powered by a 390cc Honda engine and limited in the UK to 60mph.

When the car is not racing it can often be seen at local car meets, at Castle Combe Action Days and in the local area where the team try to encourage other youngsters into motorsport, showing them the options available and also raising money for various charities by letting kids sit in the car for a photo in return for a small donation.

Potential sponsors can contact the team by email at alfiegendallracing@gmail.com.

Jeff Gendall

Your local water engineers – WIAPS & Watersafe accredited and water industry approved • Water leak detection • Water leak repairs • Lead, galvanised, poly pipe replacements • New supply pipe installations • Trenchless (moling) or open cut

• Stop tap replacements/ installations • Contaminated water supply pipe rectification • Sub meter installations • Stand pipe installations

Free, no obligation quotations Telephone 01454 620072 Email info@watermatters.biz Web www.watermatters.biz The Barn, Hortham Farm, Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4JW

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

22

August, 2020

n SPORT

Lee makes the most of cricket's return LEE Walters wasted no time in making the most of club cricket's long awaited return with an unbeaten century for Chipping Sodbury.

The opener retired on exactly 100 from 110 balls (one six and 15 fours) as his side overwhelmed Cardiff visitors Lisvane by 163 runs on the much-delayed opening weekend of the season.

For many weeks there were fears that no cricket would be played at all this summer because of the coronavirus crisis, from concerns over the ball being a "vector of the disease" to worries over social distancing.

But guidelines put forward by the England and Wales Cricket Board to mitigate COVID-19 infection risks were approved by the Government, ensuring that cricket became the first recreational team sport to make a comeback.

Sodbury also fielded a 'B' team on an adjoining pitch against Bedminster.

Chairman Andy Shield said: "After so much uncertainty it was fantastic to have cricket back and to be able to put on two home matches. There's been great eagerness from our players to take part and both games attracted good crowds, demonstrating the important role cricket plays in community life."

Head groundsman Ben Waldron said: "A lot of people put in a lot of hard work over many weeks, particularly on Sunday mornings, to ensure both of our grounds were ready when we got the green light to play, and the reward has been being able to host these two games."

Players followed special new rules, including maintaining 2m social distancing while

fielding and celebrating the fall of wickets, while there were also regular hygiene breaks to clean match balls.

Walters' ton propelled Sodbury to 242-4 from 40 overs, Josh Morris plundering an unbeaten 69 before Lisvane were rushed out for 79, with Waldron capturing 4-9 from five.

There was also a return of 3-2 from fellow seamer Ollie Morris and two wickets for spinner Dan Brown in a comfortable win.

Sodbury B suffered a seven-wicket reverse against Bedminster before recording a 46-run win in a 15-over per side encounter, Adam Febry crashing 69 from only 33 balls.

Shortened league programmes were due to begin on July 25: for more details search for chippingsodburycc on Facebook.

Steve Hill

Lee Walters

Rugby returns to Wickwar Road CHIPPING Sodbury RFC are back at Wickwar Road, kicking off their preseason preparations following the RFU road map that supports the return of community rugby.

The sessions allow for up to five players to be able to train together in a socially distant manner; however full blooded 15 v 15 matches seem a long way off, and it could be many months before the team gets back into league rugby action.

Head coach Geraint Lewis says it could be a long preseason.

He said: "We are really excited about the upcoming season, following a great run of unbeaten games before the lockdown came in.

"We will need to be patient and do the

AERIAL SERVICES

www.theaerialman.co.uk

• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders Affordable Prices - Reliable Service

01454 660046

little bits and pieces that we are allowed to do.

"It’s quite possible there won’t be any leagues games until October or even November, so it’s imperative that we get preseason right and hit the ground running in what could be a shortened league campaign.

"Training has gone really well so far and the boys have been great at following all the COVID protocols. We have had great numbers in attendance and a few new faces that will definitely strengthen the squad."

Anyone looking to join the club can get in contact by email at contact@ chippingsodburyrfc.co.uk or via the club's Facebook page.

Paul Rubery

ADVERTISE HERE

Hand sanitising is now a regular part of training. Photo: Paul Rubery

GUTTER CLEANING

ADVERTISE Mark’s Gutter Cleaning YOUR BUSINESS Gutter Clearing

£18.33

from as little as + VAT per month

Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning Call or Book online

www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk

Call Richard on 01454800 120

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

August, 2020 CLEANING SERVICES

23

GROUNDWORKS

HW Groundworks All types of work undertaken

• Foundations • Drainage • Site Clearance • Pathways • Driveways

 

• Concrete Bases • Stump Removal • Patios • Fencing • Turfing

Mini digger & dumper hire

All work guaranteed • Free estimates



07455 016626



henrywilliams.99@hotmail.com



@HWGroundworks

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

RUBBISH CLEARANCE

RUBBISH CLEARED

Registered upper tier waste carrier licence no CBDU225074

We load and clear rubbish/junk from houses Flats, Sheds, Attics, Gardens etc etc No job too small - we even clear single items Cheaper than a skip and we load no VAT Contact Stuart or Sue

Freephone 0800 0234 995 Mobile 07770944727 anytime inc. weekends

ROOFING & CLADDING

Sodbury Roofing & Cladding Systems Ltd COMMERCIAL ROOFING - DOMESTIC ROOFING - FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING A roofing company you can trust

01454 881 120 07833 913 365 info@sodburyroofing. co.uk www.sodburyroofing. co.uk Find us on Yell:

HOUSE CLEARANCE Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance

House, Garden, Office Clearance - all Plus all other Plus All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

House, Garden, Office Clearance -- Plus other House, Garden, Office Clearance Plus all other Plus Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

Plus All All Your Other Waste Removal Needs too!

On-average Average cheaper than a skip.

On cheaper than aa skip.

OnAverage cheaper than skip. removal On average cheaper waste wastewaste removal removal -Average On On average cheaper cheaper than than than aa skip skipa skip

07592 003 Tel: 07592 506 003003 Tel: 07592 506 Tel:Tel: 07592 506506 003 1/4 Load 1/4 £89 1/4 Load Load £89 £89 Half Half £139 Half Load Load Load £139£139 3/4 Load 3/4 £179 3/4 Load Load £179£179 Full Load Full £199 Full Load Load £199£199

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

LANDSCAPING Hawthorn Landscapes and Tree Care We are a family run business est 1990 we do all types of Fencing, turfing,patios,power cleaning Trees and shrubs topped shaped and felled All types of rubbish removed - cheaper than a skip Email hawthornlandscapes@yahoo.co.uk

Freephone 0800 858 9803 Mobile 07580 260 676

TILING SERVICES

PLUMBING Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc…

OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT

0117

957 5092

PLUMBING & HEATING

Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Mosaic, Travertine, Porceline & Ceramic Specialists

Andy 01454 602506 or 07468 791619 Email: arhys-jones@sky.com A Yate business

www.tilingheaven.co.uk TREE SERVICES

Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk

Finance also available

Bathroom, Kitchen & Floor Tiling

D. ATTWELL

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 518308

d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

We’re welcoming you back to our development…

New Retirement Apartments FOR SALE in Yate We are delighted to announce that as Covid-19 restrictions start to relax, we’ve now reopened our Show Complex by appointment only. Your wellbeing remains our priority, so we have put in place a number of measures to keep everyone safe during your visit.

One thing we are proud of at Churchill is our strong sense of community and companionship, which has really come to life during these difficult times.

This has been summed up so perfectly by one of our Owners:

“For me during lockdown, I may be alone but never feel lonely.”

TREWIN LODGE Normandy Drive.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.

Call us TODAY to find out more or to book an appointment

01454 837672

churchillretirement.co.uk

O U R H E R I TAG E . YO U R F U T U R E B U I LT O N I N T EG R I T Y A N D T R U S T