yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021 Issue 76
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
Bee a winner on our high street trail Your chance to win a share of £10,000 and support local traders THIS summer, 16 bright and beautiful bees will be buzzing about on our local high streets and community spaces. Over the next eight weeks, you can ‘collect’ these bees by taking a photo of yourself with them and entering a weekly draw to win £150 vouchers per South Gloucestershire high street to spend with our independent traders. The trail is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s campaign to support local high street traders who have so much to offer customers: whether it is food and drink with friends and family, shopping for essentials, leisure, learning or looking good. Covid-19 has been a difficult time for traders. We now want people from across South Gloucestershire to rediscover their high streets where most restrictions are now removed. Come and see what they have to offer. The bee trail creates something for everyone to enjoy and win vouchers to spend in independent shops. All the traders in Yate & Chipping Sodbury are buzzing for you to spend time there. All the fibreglass bees are very different and have been decorated by local artists. When the Bee Trail Challenge is complete the bees will be auctioned for charity.
South Gloucestershire artist Emma Beavis painting Astronobee – one of sixteen bees on the trail challenge
Enter the bee trail challenge Follow some simple steps to be in to win £150 of high street vouchers for independent traders - also, learn more about how your high streets are changing.
Page 2 Which traders are accepting vouchers A list so far of the business where you could spend the high street vouchers if you enter and win - and where you can find the latest list online.
Inside back page
Where are the bees on your high street? Find out in which locations you can discover the bees, take a selfie and win prizes.
Back page
buzzing to summer
We are see you this 2704 Voice Header.indd 1
16/07/2021 14:03
2 SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Your high streets are changing Your high streets are changing – now its time to get behind them, says South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage
How to take part in the Bee Trail challenge Our sixteen bees buzz onto South Gloucestershire high streets from Saturday 24 July and will remain until 18 September. Step One: Find your two bees on a South Gloucestershire high street. Use the Bee Trail map on the back page to discover the location of the bees on the high street or visit southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos where you can also find full terms and conditions.
Step Two: Take a selfie with your mobile device at the first bee. You can then scan the QR code or website URL displayed on the information panel (see example right) to access our competition site. Upload your photograph and name/ details.
Step Three:
‘Everyone at the council is proud that we are funding the bee trail challenge. I cannot thank the local artists enough who have decorated the fibreglass bees that will become a colourful, vibrant part of our high streets and community spaces for the next eight weeks. Ultimately, the challenge is about supporting our high streets to thrive. They were already changing before the pandemic. Covid-19 has simply accelerated that change and we are supporting them in that reinvention. Shopping is part of the picture. But following the pandemic, people increasingly use high streets for leisure, learning, meeting up with friends, family, and work colleagues. The different high street uses all reinforce each other. For example, a family may take out books at the library, visit a café for lunch, buy hardware items for a DIY project, and finish their trip at the local play park. So, I’d like to ask all Voice readers to please participate in the bee trail. Take the opportunity to explore the wonderful changes taking place on the high street driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of our traders. Good luck winning high street vouchers!”
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BEE TRAIL CHALLENGE Help South Helpcreate createa abuzz buzzaround around Glos and take a selfie with the South Glos and take a selfie bees high street withon thethe two bees in for a Staple Hill for a chance to chance to win £150 of shopping win £150 of shopping vouchers! vouchers! TO ENTER VISIT OR southglos.gov.uk/stapletrail
SCAN THE QR CODE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Repeat Step Two but at the second bee at the same town location. You are now entered into the competition. You must be over 16 years old to submit a photograph.
Step Four: Enjoy the hive of activity in the high street and repeat the process on a different high street for a chance to win again. Now, take time and rediscover your high street. If you are a winner, we will let you know in the next 10 days.
Find out how more visit www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.
yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021 Issue 76
FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES
Helping an 'amazing' hospital Last chance for Geronimo?
A FARMER is heading back to the High Court for what could be her last chance to save an alpaca from being put down in a dispute over a deadly disease. PAGE 17
Don't cut parking
Picture: Sue Swanborough YATE grandmother Teresa Harris (left) organised a special fundraising event to help the hospital treating her granddaughter Lydianna Bitton (right), aged seven. Full story: Page 5
Village will 'double' in size
A VILLAGE near Yate is set to double in size after a third housing development was approved in the space of just seven months. Opponents of the latest development scheme said Engine Common could not take any more housing, due to a lack of shops, school places and health facilities. But a South Gloucestershire Council planning
committee voted to approve plans for 31 more homes to be built there after being recommended to by planning officers. Development in open countryside is against the council's planning policies – but the builder said with the other estates being given permission, its plans were now “infill development”. Full story: Pages 6 & 7
RESIDENTS who attended a workshop on a future vision for Yate gave consultants a clear message: don’t cut parking spaces. PAGE 8
Quarry expansion 'will save jobs'
PLANS for a big expansion of Wickwar Quarry have been approved by councillors. PAGE 20
Bronze for gymnasts YOUNG athletes from Yate and Chipping Sodbury won a bronze medal at the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships. PAGE 37
A New Boiler for just £2,000! ✔Worcester Bosch 2000 model ✔Fully Fitted ✔No Deposit ✔0% Interest Free ✔Free Controls and Flush included 01454 300360 | www.aceheat.co.uk/specialoffer Ace Energy (FRN 917564) is an Appointed Representative of Consumer Credit Compliance Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 631736). Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a division of Hitachi Capital (UK) Plc authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority. Company number 10542386 registered in England and Wales.
Only er 3p £83.3 th! n mo
4
yate&sodburyvoice
yate&sodburyvoice
September deadline Our September edition deadline is August 18.
Yate & Sodbury Voice contacts Advertising Enquiries Richard Drew, Publisher
Ken McCormick, Editor 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
COMPLAINTS
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
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. 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
A member of the
Top up your bird feeders with our top quality, clean and fresh, WHEAT FREE mixtures. Go to wellfedbirds.com to view the complete range. Feel free to ring John & Sally on Free 01454 310844 or 07817 463392 Local for a chat about which feed suits your y Deliver garden birds. We deliver to your door
www.wellfedbirds.com For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
August, 2021
n NEWS
' Devastating' covid toll on care homes FIGURES released by the care homes regulator have revealed the toll of coronavirus on individual care homes. The Care Quality Commission says a total of 191 people died with COVID-19 in care homes in South Gloucestershire between March last year and the beginning CQC chief inspector Kate Terroni of April this year. The watchdog described the impact of the virus on residents and staff as "devastating". In the Yate and Sodbury area a total of 13 people residents of care and nursing homes died with the virus, ten of them in the opening months of the pandemic, two at the end of last year and one in the early months of this year. The CQC's report showed that nine residents of Oaktree Care Home in North Yate died, as did three residents of the Heathers Nursing Home in Chipping Sodbury and one resident of Stanshawes Care Home. In nearby Winterbourne, a total of 15 residents of The Grove dementia care home died with COVID-19, as did seven residents of neighbouring Blossom Fields nursing home and two people who had been living at Crossley House. Six residents of Woodlands Manor Care Home at Kendleshire also died with COVID-19: three of them near the start of the pandemic and three at the beginning of this year. A total of 31 care and nursing homes in South Gloucestershire lost residents to the virus – the single biggest number was at Olive Tree House in Patchway, which lost 23 residents. On publishing the information, the CQC said: "The impact of the pandemic on people who draw on and work in adult social care services has been devastating and, despite the best efforts of staff, COVID-19 has contributed to a significant increase in the number of deaths in nursing and residential care settings. "Throughout the pandemic, CQC has encouraged care providers to be open with people in their care and their loved ones and most providers have ensured that information about the circumstance of people’s deaths is shared appropriately. "It is important to note that death notifications do not in themselves indicate poor quality care, particularly given the potential influence of variable factors, including rates of local community transmission, size of the care home, and the age and health and care needs of the people living there. Moreover, many notifications relate to the deaths of care home residents which occurred in other care settings. "Across all care settings, staff have gone to great lengths to try to contain the effects of this virus, as our report published today on infection prevention and control in hospitals shows." CQC chief inspector for adult social care Kate Terroni said: "In considering this data it is important to remember that every number represents a life lost – and families, friends and those who cared for them who are having to face the sadness and consequences of their death."
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
28 yate&sodburyvoice
thornburyvo 5 ■
n NEWS
Fo m op
ANYO is inv Thorn Th last ye memb W repea Thurs Teresa Harris and fellow fundraisers at the event at McColl's in Abbotswood, Yate. Picture: Sue Swanborough.
The King helps Sue raise hundreds for hospital A GRANDMOTHER who works at a convenience store in Yate is raising money to support the hospital treating her seriously ill granddaughter – with a little help from Elvis. Teresa Harris ran a stall with traditional games outside the McColl’s branch in Abbotswood and raised over £800 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where her seven-year-old granddaughter, Lydianna Bitton, is being given ongoing treatment for multiple conditions. Lydianna was diagnosed with a blood disorder when she was just four. Doctors went on to identify a heart condition and diabetes. Two years ago she had to have surgery to remove a cancerous growth in her knee, although she is now free from the disease. The day before her seventh birthday Lydianna, who lives in Patchway, had to have surgery to have a stent – a tiny tube to keep blood vessels open – put in to her heart. Despite all the treatment she has needed, the youngster still looks forward to visiting the specialist London children's hospital. Teresa said: “Lydianna likes going in and having treatment, because she knows her Grandad is going to take a present to her when she comes out. "She always asks for Bamp when she comes round. Those two have got a very tight bond. "The hospital has been amazing – they reassure her. "She doesn’t like the MRI scanner because of the tunnel, but they put her at ease." As the store’s fundraising manager, Teresa has plenty of experience of organising events and she booked Elvis, aka John Whitlam, who has his own band the Elvis Experience, to pull in the punters. When not impersonating the King of Rock'n'Roll, John is also an area manager for McColl’s. By coincidence, the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity happens to be the current charity the company is supporting. Teresa organised the stall with the help of her husband, Nick Harris, and her daughter, Kim Gill, who is Lydianna’s mum, and spent hours building up support and making items to sell. Nick made the straw stand for a ‘pick a straw’ contest and the tombola drum for the tombola, and there were also traditional games like hook-a-duck. Teresa’s colleagues made cakes and donated tombola prizes for the event on July 17. Teresa has set a target of raising £1,000 for the hospital charity and is planning fundraising to reach it over the summer.
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
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.
To advertise, contact Richard on 01454 800 120 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
T
6
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
n NEWS
Village will 'double' in size with third new estate A VILLAGE near Yate will “effectively double” in size after a third housing development was approved in the space of just seven months. Opponents said Engine Common could not take any more housing, due to a lack of shops, school places and health facilities. But a planning committee voted to approve plans for 31 more homes to be built there on July 19, as recommended by council officers. The new houses from Cotswold Homes, 11 of which will be affordable, will sit on fields to the west of the village in the open countryside, just outside the official settlement boundary. Development in the open countryside runs contrary to the local authority’s planning policies. But Cotswold Homes said its application represented “infill development” in the context of two other housing estates
approved near the two fields, north of Lodge Road, earlier this year. South Gloucestershire Council gave permission to Redrow Homes to build 118 homes on fields immediately to the west and granted Newland Homes consent for another 89 houses on North Road, to the north east, in January of this year. All three applications were approved despite strong public opposition. Liberal Democrat councillor Claire Young, who represents Frampton Cotterell on the district council, said: “This council – if you give permission today – will have given permission to effectively double the size of Engine Common in just seven months. “That’s quite a dramatic change to the size of the community and with the consequent impacts on the identity of that community.”
Written objections to the latest application were submitted by 30 residents, local Lib Dem councillor Tristan Clarke, Iron Acton Parish Council and Yate Town Council. Only three members of the public expressed support for the proposal. Opponents objected for a raft of reasons, including the conflict with the council’s planning policy, a lack of local facilities, a consequent reliance on cars, and the effect of the development on the immediate neighbours, traffic, parking and road safety, especially on match days at Yate Town Football Club, which is next to the application site. Parish council chair Catherine Spedding said the two earlier applications were granted “without any plans to increase facilities” and granting the third “would result in 238 homes all vying for a share in local resources, for which no extra provision seems to have
been made”. Lynn Noble, who sits on the parish council but spoke as a resident, said Lodge Road was “not suitable” for development and the extra cars would make it dangerous for children who walk along the road to school. “The school is oversubscribed for a minimum of three years,” she added. “We have no shops, no amenities. You could possibly walk to the shop but you’d never walk back with shopping. “How much more development can North Road and Engine Common take?” The three closest schools to the development site are full, the nearest shop is two miles away, and the closest healthcare facility is a pharmacy 1.8 miles away, the meeting heard. But a planning officer said the distances were compliant with council policy and the proximity of Yate Railway Station made Engine Common one of the most “sustainable” development sites
PAINT ENHANCEMENT CERAMIC COATINGS CONVERTIBLE HOOD CLEAN & PROTECTION NEW CAR PROTECTION 07878 040 911 NINEONEONEDETAILING@GMAIL.COM WWW.NINEONEONEDETAILING.COM
Mobile Footcare Fully qualified foot health practitioner offering footcare in the comfort of your own home Toe Nail Cutting & Filing • Callus & Corn Reduction • Hard Skin Reduction • Fungal Infections • Diabetic Footcare • Cracked Heels • Ingrowing Toe Nails (non surgical) • Reduction of Thickened Nails
Fully insured & DBS checked
Kevin Parsons S.A.C.Dip. RFHP Accredited Foot Health Practitioner T: 07915 224594 E: k.parsonsfootcare@btinternet.com Price: £25
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021 in South Gloucestershire. He said officers were satisfied the development would not cause significant problems on the roads or for existing residents, and had good access to services and facilities. He acknowledged the conflict with the council’s adopted spatial strategy, but said officers concluded the harms were outweighed by the benefits, which included adding to the council’s five-year supply of housing, which a planning inspector has described as “marginal”. All three developers, including Cotswold Homes, will pay a community infrastructure levy to “offset the impacts of these developments”, the officer said. Cotswold Homes' agent Liam Rinn said the company had modified its proposal after “extensive discussions” with statutory consultees and council officers, reducing the number of homes by three and widening the green corridor separating it from
yate&sodburyvoice
7
the Redrow Homes estate. The new homes will be two storeys high at most but will lie close to the back gardens of existing homes on North Road. Committee members expressed reservations about the development but voted four to one in favour of approval. Two councillors abstained from the vote. Roger Avenin (Con, Bradley Stoke South) said there did not appear to be enough local facilities when the “cumulative impact” of the three developments was considered. Michael Bell (Lab, Staple Hill & Mangotsfield) said he was concerned by the distances people would have to travel to get basic services such as shops, schools, doctors and dentists. June Bamford (Con, Hanham) said there were “some positives” to the development, such as good design and landscaping. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
The latest development at Engine Common (marked D on the map) is next to Yate Town FC's ground (C) and close to two other sites already given permission (A and B).
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
8
August, 2021
n NEWS
Message to planners: don't cut parking RESIDENTS who attended a workshop as part of a project to create a future vision for Yate gave the consultants a clear message: they don’t want a reduction in parking spaces. A workshop for residents was held as part of a series on the Yate Masterplan project, which aims to create a direction for development of the town. It took place online as part of a 12-week consultation period, with face-to-face events scheduled for September. Representatives from consultancy firms Arup and Jacobs, who have been commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council, told the session that once alternative transport opportunities are improved and people start to use them, car parking provision could be reduced. They said this would only happen after the creation of segregated cycle lanes, safe crossings for pedestrians, new walking routes, integrated transport at the train station, an improved bus service and bus station, and possibly a metro bus station. Part of the aim would be to improve transport connections for people on the edge of the town to the North, and for people coming in from nearby villages such as
A street with no on-street parking used to illustrate the plans Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath. There was also suggestion that some residential streets might benefit from the removal of traffic. Arup lead urban designer Edgar Kiviet said: “Just to get rid of a myth, we’re not getting rid of parking – we are integrating parking so where there was surface parking it might be underground or structured parking, and we’re looking at a very gradual transformation. “Firstly, there is that transition and stepby-step change, and people need to change behaviour. Once it gets safer and more
people cycle and walk that will become an opportunity. We are not taking out parking from the start.” Resident Claire Sangster said: “It’s all well and good allowing people to travel by other modes of transport but lots of people like to do weekly shops, and even when I lived five minutes from Asda at Cribbs Causeway I drove, because I’m not taking a weekly shop on a bus when I have a car with a boot – it’s impractical.” Another resident, Judith Cameron, said: “I’m not totally convinced that removing traffic from local residential streets is going to have any effect. "People have cars and want to use them, its lovely to put trees in, but this vision I’m finding quite difficult to grasp." South Gloucestershire Council's strategic masterplan lead Helen Young said: “We absolutely understand that some people will need to continue to drive – it’s a vision about changing as much as we can how we travel but insuring that people who need access by car still have that.” The consultation continues until September 13. For more information visit www. yatefuture.com.
Yate Town Council Update Hanging Baskets Burst into Bloom on Station Road
Three Parishes Awards Ceremony On Sunday 4th July the Mayors and Chairs of Councils of the three parishes of Yate, Chipping Sodbury and Dodington, hosted an Awards Ceremony to express their gratitude to some of our local community groups for their inspiring contributions during the 2020/21 Covid-19 pandemic. On the day, groups were presented with an award, signed book and certificate. Each group had the opportunity to say a few words about their experience supporting the community through this time. Awards were presented
to Blonde Angel Street Team, Yate & Sodbury Neighbourhood Scheme & Covid-19 Help & Support Facebook group, Sodbury & Yate Clean Up, Jimmy Deane’s Groceries, Vintage Birdcage Cakery and Family Food 4 Free. We have showcased the fantastic work done by each organisation in more detail on our Yate Town Council Facebook page (3) Yate Town Council | Facebook Picture courtesy of Rich McD Photography
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
You may have noticed an increased number of hanging baskets have appeared along Station Road as you travel along it. This month we were delighted to receive 18 hanging baskets donated to us by South Gloucestershire Council. Councillor Chris Willmore and former Councillor, Sue Walker, spent a day distributing the hanging baskets amongst residents and businesses along Station Road. The recipients were delighted to receive a hanging basket, with our only request being that they water them! The baskets are now coming into full bloom and are a welcome addition to brighten this well used road in and out of Yate. Keep your eye out next time you pass by and see if you can spot them. We are now working with South Gloucestershire Council on installing planters along Station Road - watch this space!
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
NEW RETIREMENT COTTAGES FOR SALE
LAST COTTAGE REMAINING... There is just one cottage left at Trewin Mews, Yate and it’s your last opportunity to buy. Don’t miss out on safe and secure retirement living in a convenient location with like-minded neighbours. With over 20 years' experience built on family values, trust and integrity, why choose any other retirement housebuilder? Call us to book an appointment
01454 837672 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk/trewin-lodge YATE Trewin Mews, Normandy Drive Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm
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
yate&sodburyvoice
10
n NEWS A FORMER councillor from Yate faces being stripped of an honorary title after the town's MP complained of “extensive and targeted harassment”. Alan Lawrance was made an honorary alderman when he retired from South Gloucestershire Council in 2015, after 24 years of “eminent” service. But council leader Toby Savage has recommended that the title be removed on the basis of allegations made by Conservative MP for Thornbury and Yate, Luke Hall. Mr Lawrance represented Dodington ward for the Liberal Democrats. He was also a Yate town councillor and served as the town's mayor from 1994 to 1996. The former Liberal Democrat councillor is alleged to have made "unsubstantiated accusations" about the MP online and described local Tory activists of being "fascists and racists". Cllr Savage’s recommendation and Mr Hall’s allegations were published ahead of a meeting in July, when a decision whether to remove Mr Lawrance’s title was due to be made at a meeting of the council, which has a Tory majority.
August, 2021
Ex-Yate councillor could lose honour over harassment claims However the meeting was cancelled at short notice because of extreme hot weather and increasing covid cases. A new date had not been set as the Voice went to press. Mr Lawrance has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he does not want to make any comment at this stage. Mr Hall wrote to Cllr Savage in March, asking that Mr Lawrance be stripped of his title by the council. In his letter, published on the council’s website, Mr Hall said: "Other political figures, journalists, South Gloucestershire Council candidates and young political activists have been subjected to language and accusations unbecoming of a South Gloucestershire Council Alderman. "Instances where the UK Home Secretary is compared with a convicted serial killer, the Leader of the House of Commons is portrayed as Adolph Hitler, young local
activists are, without evidence, accused of being fascists and racists, female members of South Gloucestershire Council are dismissed based purely on their physical appearance and a female Prime Minister is described as my ‘Mistress’. “This has become such a sustained campaign of abuse that I have felt it necessary to bring Alderman Lawrance’s comments to your attention. “Members of our own community, who have taken the decision to vote for the Conservative Party in democratic elections, are regularly insulted, derided and ridiculed by Mr Lawrance for their own privately held personal views. “I myself have been subjected to ongoing abuse, with Mr Lawrance regularly levelling unsubstantiated accusations around my personal integrity and character, insults about my intelligence, and calling into question my fitness for public office.” Mr Hall provided evidence
of Mr Lawrance’s comments – made via Twitter and email – but the information is restricted from public view on the council’s website. In a report to the council, Cllr Savage wrote: “I agree that the request to remove the honorary Alderman status is balanced and reasonable and that the behaviours demonstrated by Alderman Lawrence are unbecoming of an Alderman and bring the council into disrepute.” Council protocol requires honorary aldermen and women to behave in a way that does not harm the council or its reputation. They are required to demonstrate and promote high ethical standards of behaviour in accordance with seven principles of public life, dubbed the Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Row over cancelled meeting THE cancellation of a council meeting at the 11th hour because of sweltering heat and soaring covid cases has caused a political row. Opposition groups branded the Government “reckless and short-sighted” for refusing to allow remote meetings to continue, following the decision to call off a full council meeting of South Gloucestershire Council on July 21. Up to 61 members, as well as officers and members of the public, would have crammed into Kingswood Civic Centre’s chamber mid high temperatures and coronavirus rates across the district. The meeting was due to discuss the recommendation to strip former councillor Alan Lawrance of his Honorary Alderman title and the formal adoption of the Charfield Neighbourhood Plan, following a referendum in May. It was postponed on the advice of director of public health Sara Blackmore, because of the extreme heat, number of attendees expected and increasing cases of COVID-19. Councils had to return to face-to-face
meetings after the Government decided not to renew emergency coronavirus laws allowing them to be held remotely in May – a decision widely criticised at the time by councillors of all parties. Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young said: “Despite the country still being in the middle of a pandemic, in April the Government decided not to extend the law allowing councils to meet remotely. That was a foolish and anti-democratic decision." Labour group leader Pat Rooney said: “It should be noted that Luke Hall, in his capacity as minister responsible for local government as well as a local MP, chose not to legislate to allow council meetings to be held remotely. “This was despite strong arguments made by the Conservative-chaired Local Government Association and many councils from across the UK." A Conservative group spokesperson said the decision to postpone the meeting was “disappointing but necessary” in the face of the extreme heat that “would have posed a potential health risk in the council chamber in combination with rising Covid infection
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
rates”. The spokesperson added: "Opposition politicians cannot blame the Government for the weather. "As legal covid restrictions have now been lifted across the country, the Lib Dem and Labour comments are both redundant as they know full well that the use of emergency powers, specifically introduced to allow local government business to continue during the pandemic, would be inappropriate and so new legislation would be required. “We are supportive of the Government’s ambition to restore powers for local authorities to hold remote meetings and have made strong representations to the national consultation on behalf of South Gloucestershire for the introduction of hybrid meetings to enable greater accessibility for the public.” The Government said it was "considering responses" to the consultation on remote meetings and would publish a response in due course. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
11
n NEWS
Georgina takes on a new challenge A WOMAN who won national awards for creating an inclusive sports club is taking on a new fundraising challenge to help more young people take part. Georgina Moore, who won a BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero Award in 2019 for her work setting up an inclusive boccia sports club in Yate. Georgina, who has a severe physical disability, grew up in Frampton Cotterell but now lives independently in Chipping Sodbury, supported by carers. She has taken on the challenge as part of the At Home Superhero initiative, a disability sports challenge set up by GB Paralympian athlete Sophia Warner, as she can do it in her own hallway with the help of her boccia coach and carer, Tom Isaac. Boccia is related to bowls and pétanque and involves aiming balls at a jack. The ball can be moved with hands, feet or an assistive device, making it ideal for people with physical disabilities. Georgina and Tom will continuously throw boccia balls until they have reached 12km consecutively. As they can only throw each ball around 2 metres due to the length of the hallway, they expect it will take them about 12 hours to complete. Georgina said: “The most daunting thing about the challenge is having to keep going for 12 hours. "I fatigue very quickly and get pains from this. Thankfully completing this with my carer means if I need longer breaks then Tom can carry on for us.” Training has involved
Georgina Moore and her boccia coach and carer, Tom Isaac 30-minute daily workouts for Georgina to increase her strength using a hand bike and different resistance bands. In addition, there is Boccia training most days of the week, which is either at home or at Crossbow House in Frampton Cotterell, where Georgina can train alone. She is clinically extremely vulnerable and, after shielding for over a year, is being careful about social contact. Training is important to her because her personal aspiration is to be on the GB Paralympic squad. The money Georgina raises will go the boccia’s governing body, Boccia England, which like many other organisations has been affected financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The body runs clubs and provides insurance, equipment,
training and competitions. Georgina would like the sport to be more widely available as she has personally benefited from it so much.
She said: “Boccia has given me a purpose in life and I see the difference it makes to disabled people in my community. "We aren’t given many opportunities when it comes to sport, yet boccia is fully inclusive and at my club we do not discriminate against anyone. "All our members can play a competitive sport and socialise together.” Georgina’s challenge is being supported by her other carer Lisa Hutton, and her husband Jimmy, who will be running 24 miles in 24 hours to raise further funds. Georgina has set up a fundraising page for sponsors to make donations at justgiving.com/fundraising/ bocciabombers. She had raised more than £600 as the Voice went to press. The GEM Boccia Club which she runs in Yate is hoping to start again on September 7, as long as government restrictions allow.
Here to help with transport as lockdown eases! • Door to Door Transport • Full accessible minibuses! We can take your wheelchair or scooter • Staff and volunteers wearing suitable PPE • Strict cleaning procedures in place • Social distancing • Friendly and helpful team • Our buses run from 7.45am-5pm Mon-Fri
What can I use CGT for? Medical appointments (local and hospital) Shopping Hairdressers Visiting family and friends
How do I get in touch?
Call us between 9am and 3pm on 01454 228706, you can leave a message on our answer phone too!
The challenge is taking place in Georgina's hallway
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
You can also email us at:
admin@greencommunitytravel.co.uk Hope to hear from you soon
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
12
August, 2021
n NEWS
Keep wearing a mask, says council SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is calling on people to keep wearing masks in public buildings and crowded areas, despite the end of legal restrictions, after the number of COVID-19 cases surged locally. A message published via social media buy the authority said: "We now have the highest rates of infection in South Gloucestershire that we've seen during this pandemic and they continue to rise. "Please continue to do what you can to protect yourself and others." People are also being encouraged to ventilate indoor areas and continue to give each other space, as well as testing, selfisolating and going for vaccinations. Office for National Statistics figures for the week up to July 23 showed that 1,799 people in South Gloucestershire had a confirmed positive test result – four times the 443 who had tested positive four weeks previously. Locally in the Yate North area, which includes the shopping centre and Goose Green Way, 53 cases had been recorded in the week to July 23, up from just 12 four weeks earlier.
In Yate West, which includes Cranleigh Court Way, there were 30 recorded positive test in the same week, up from 5 four weeks earlier. In Yate South 25 cases were recorded in the same week, up from 5 four weeks previously. In Chipping Sodbury 19 new cases were recorded in the week to July 23, down from a peak of 39 a week before but almost double the 10 recorded in the week to June 25. The Yate Kingsgate area recorded 38 new cases in the week to July 23, up from 8 four weeks previously but again down from a peak of 46 on July 16 Case rates were between 294.9 per 100,000 in Chipping Sodbury and 703.3 in Yate North, compared with a national average of 376.5 per 100,000 people. In most areas between eight and nine out of ten adults had received their first COVID-19 vaccination, with around seven in every ten having a second dose. Calling for people to continue to mask up, council cabinet member for adults and housing, Ben Stokes, said: “Residents
can now make their own choices, but we are following Government guidance and recommending that everyone who can, continues to wear a face covering when visiting one of our One Stop Shops or libraries, especially when services are busy. “Face coverings provide additional protection for you, but even more so, for others. That is why we are encouraging people to look out for one another and respect our staff and others by continuing to wear one if you can." The council confirmed that around one in every 10 school pupils in South Gloucestershire was having to self-isolate and learn at home as the summer term came to an end. South Gloucestershire Director of Public Health, Sara Blackmore, said: “Covid has not gone away. "We are all keen to get back to living without restrictions, but the measures we are asking people to now choose to follow are simple. We are all used to doing these things and they are an easy way of helping to look after those around us."
WINDOWS, FASCIAS, CONSERVATORIES AND ROOFS CON
NG IN ALISI SPECI IAN AND D R FS GUA S ROO GLAS
AZED LE GL DOUBINDOWS S W OOR ARY AND D MPOR
PVCu S ACEM OLID E SOIL S NT FASCIA S TACKS & CLAD GUTT DING ERIN SOFF G & ITS
REPL
S TORIE SERVA OSITE COMPORS O D Y OF T VARIE RS U COLO NS IG E & D S
L E 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
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
13
n NEWS
End of a school year that changed everything
YEAR 11 pupils at Yate and Sodbury schools have finally been able to say a proper goodbye after a year dominated by bubbles, lockdowns, home schooling and masks. At Brimsham Green they still managed to celebrate the end of the GCSE year in style, at a prom which had its original date cancelled due to covid restrictions but was finally able to go ahead on July 20 at the Grange Hotel in Winterbourne. The teenagers, some of whom will stay for A-levels while others will move on to college or training programmes, were able to dress up and let their hair down at the event after a challenging year. Coronavirus also affected the Gold Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition in Snowdonia, which had to be postponed by 14 months and finally took place in June. A group of Year 13s spent four days and nights in the area,
Brimsham Green School pupils at the Year 11 prom. camping, walking and map reading. The heat in the final week of term meant that the assessed expedition has had to be put back until September, but the pupils remain determined to complete the award. Some of the changes brought in during the pandemic are being kept in place as they have been found to work well. At Brimsham Green, online parents evening appointments,
year groups having separate entrances, and designated indoor areas for rainy breaktimes will all stay in place from September. Virtual parents’ evenings will also continue at Chipping Sodbury School, which has also decided to keep its shorter lunchtime and earlier end to the school day. After-school clubs will start earlier and the library will be available.
Two long-serving members of staff are leaving Chipping Sodbury School for pastures new. Darren Bond, Head of Severn House, has been at the school for 25 years. In the school’s final newsletter, he wrote: “I have greatly enjoyed teaching all of my classes and also being a head of house. "A big thank-you as well to parents who have, overwhelmingly, been so supportive of me and aspirational for their children.” French teacher Debbie Bryan is retiring after 14 years and also featured in the last newsletter to parents. She wrote: “I will miss those golden moments when a student says or does something unexpectedly wonderful, or hilarious. Having spent 30 years in education, it's time for me to go and explore the post-covid world.”
Looking for friendship in and around the Bristol area?
The Oddfellows have been offering support and friendship for over 200 years, and we love to welcome new friends. We have lots of online social events where you can meet new people and make friends from the comfort of your own home. And - once restrictions are lifted - we’re looking forward to meeting up face to face again.
Join us for friendship and fun
- whatever your circumstances, you can be sure of a warm welcome
For your free information pack, or to find out what’s on, contact Demi on 07722 010120 or visit oddfellows.co.uk/events
Bristol Oddfellows
The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
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. Ian – Registered Manager • Julie – General Manager
Telephone 01454 312726 or Email info@heathersnursinghome.co.uk
www.3abcare.co.uk
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
15
n NEWS
TV garden is tribute to The Pirate A NAUTICAL-themed garden has been created in Yate by the daughter of a man known as ‘The Pirate’. Liz Cantle’s father, Bruce Besant, died of cancer in 2019, aged 71. He was a founder of the Chipping Sodbury Yacht Club, one of the first parody clubs ever established – none of its members own a boat and the town is a long way from the sea. Bruce also loved gardening, and while he was unwell, he and Liz joked about building a pirate garden with a pirate pond at the home she was to share with her future husband, Geoff Cantle. Liz had hoped Bruce would live long enough to take the lead, as she isn’t an experienced gardener. But he died just after Liz and Geoff married and she realised she didn’t know how to make the dream a reality. She said: “I like quirky things, so a pirate garden, well why not? It’s a talking point and I like things that are fun – but
Geoff and Liz Cantle with daughter Lois and the Rich brothers from the BBC's Garden Rescue in the pirate-themed garden. of course without Dad and his directional vision – I was a bit stuck.” Liz successfully applied to the Garden Rescue programme on BBC1, whose presenters Charlie Dimmock and the Rich brothers design and revamp people’s gardens in 48 hours. The design
is free, but participants pay for the materials. They day that the work was due to start ended up being day one of the first national lockdown last year, and the revamp was postponed until July. When the filming was done social distancing rules were
in place, and with the garden designs chosen on a laptop rather than in person. The couple chose a design by the Rich brothers. Liz said: “It’s contemporary with a nautical flair – they’ve used a lot of wood. It’s rustic looking but very well put together – the decking is cedar in the shape of the ship with a pirate flag attached to a fence at one end. "The pond has got a bridge across it but it’s actually a plank to walk the plank. There are lots of barrels in the garden and they created a Kraken sea monster made from box bushes with chicken wire for a frame. “It makes me laugh, although it’s beautiful it’s very ridiculous, a pirate-y themed garden for grown-ups. It keeps memories of my Dad alive.” The garden was finally shown to the viewing public when the latest series of Garden Rescue screened this summer.
Putting feet first Have you got ear wax build up or pain from a blocked ear?
FOOT CLINIC
Whether it’s a routine check up or you need treatment for a new or existing condition, let us take care of your feet. Treatments are carried out in our foot clinic in brimsham Park, Yate where there is free parking, right outside the clinic door. Whatever is needed, you can relax in the knowledge that you are being treated by an experienced, fully qualified and fully insured foot health practioner whose key aims are to deliver effective treatments and excellent customer service. Treatments include: • Assessment of feet • Treatment of corns and callus • Cracked heels • Verrucae • Ingrowing toenails • General nail cutting • Thickened problem nails • Diabetic footcare • Plantair fasciitis Hayley Jackson MCFHP Foot Health Professional
Telephone: 01454 314460/07846452000 www.hjtherapies.co.uk Email: hayley@hjtherapies.co.uk Clinic: 86 Longcroft, Brimsham Park, Yate, Bristol BS37 7YW For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Are you struggling to hear? Come and visit our Ear Care Clinic!
ear
wax REMOVAL
We offer a professional earwax removal service carried out by Liz, our qualified, registered nurse, using the latest safe and effective micro-suction technology. Parking is availible right outside our Clinic in Brimsham Park, Yate. Home visits can be arranged. A pain free and comfortable procedure, with most cases feeling instant relief. For more information, prices, or to book an appointment, please visit our website or give us a call.
m
fro
5
£4
86 Longcroft,Yate, Bristol, BS37 7YW
Tel 01454 314460 Mob 07846452000
hayley@hjtherapies.co.uk / www.hjtherapies.co.uk
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
16
August, 2021
n NEWS
More same-day appointments at most GP surgeries PATIENTS at most Yate surgeries are now more likely to be offered a same day appointment than they were three years ago – but there are still big differences between practices. The annual NHS GP Patient Survey, published in July, found that 75% of patients who called Kennedy Way Surgery were offered appointments with a doctor on the same day – up from 70% in 2018. The number waiting longer than a week had risen from 1% to 12% over the same period, however. Fewer patients overall at West Walk and Courtside surgeries had same-day appointments, but numbers were also on an upward trend. At West Walk Surgery, 30% of patients said they were were given same-day appointments – up from 20% in 2018, and the number waiting more than a week had fallen from 58% in 2018 and 51% last year to 26%. At Courtside, 34% of patients were offered same-day appointments, up from 25% three years ago. Those waiting more than a week had fallen from 23% to 21%, having peaked at
29% last year. Wellington Road Surgery was the only GP practice in the town where the number of same-day appointments had fallen over three years, but its figure of 65% - down from 80% in 2018 – was the second-best in the town. Numbers waiting more than a week had risen slightly, from 5% to 6%, between 2018 and this year, peaking at 12% in 2020. Among patients who remain registered to Abbotwsood Surgery, which has been closed since March last year, the number of same-day appointments offered by its parent surgery, Leap Valley in Downend, rose from 16% in 2018 to 25% this year, with week-long waits reducing from 55% in 2018 and 62% of all appointments last year to 25% this year. Most patients said they found it easy to get through to their surgery on the phone: 92% of Kennedy Way patients, 82% of West Walk patients, 99% of Wellington Road patients and 72% of Courtside patients – but just 24% of patients at Leap Valley, which has had continued problems with its phone system. Most patients also found their practice's receptionists helpful, with Wellington
Looking for a solicitor? Keep it local Barcan+Kirby is your local law firm, with offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Kingswood, Clifton, Thornbury and central Bristol.
We’re specialists in:
+ + + + + Our friendly legal experts are + always on hand to provide + practical, common sense + advice at a fair price. + + If you’re looking for help with + any of the services here, we’re + + the people to talk to.
Buying and Selling Family Law Divorce + Separation Wills, Trusts and Probate Powers of Attorney Dispute Resolution Employment Corporate + Commercial Commercial Property Medical Negligence Personal Injury Court of Protection Notary
Road scoring a perfect 100% in the survey, Kennedy Way 96%, West walk 91%, Courtside 94% and Leap Valley 76%. Overall satisfaction levels among patients were high, with 98% of Wellington Road patients rating the surgery as good and none rating it poor, At Kennedy Way ratings were 95% good and 3% poor, with West Walk 84% and 9%, Courtside 83% and 10% and Leap Valley 58% and 21% respectively. Some patients did not express a preference. The survey was carried out by polling group Ipsos MORI for NHS England and NHS Improvement, and was based on around 850,000 responses to questionnaires sent out nationwide from January to March this year. Dr Geeta Iyer, a GP and representative of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which funds GP services, said: “We are continuing to ensure that we share learning between practices about what works well, and we are working together to identify areas where we can support practices to deliver services that best meet the needs of their population.”
MGM Garden Services • Grass Cutting • Hedge Trimming • Tree Works • Lawn Care • Patio/Decking Cleaning • General Garden Maintenance Competitive Prices No Job Too Big or Too Small Why not give us a call for a free quote
07721 791015
CIBTAC, BABTAC, IHBC
HEALTH & BEAUTY SALON
You have our best – every time
barcankirby.co.uk
0117 905 7088
hello@barcankirby.co.uk
@barcankirby
barcankirby
This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No: 568743.
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
147 CHURCH ROAD, FRAMPTON COTTERELL BRISTOL BS36 2JX 01454 776938 | 07854608889
www.beautyplusbymyriam Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
n NEWS A FARMER is heading back to the High Court for what could be the final stage in her four year battle to save an alpaca from being put down in a dispute over whether he has a deadly disease. Geronimo tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) after being imported from New Zealand in 2017. But farmer Helen Macdonald, from Wickwar, claims that the result was a false positive, because he had had injections of tuberculin – a protein combination used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis – as part of a skin test carried out in New Zealand for bTB surveillance. The impact of tuberculin on Alpacas has never been assessed. Helen lost her case in the High Court in 2019 and requested an appeal hearing which was refused. Defra then applied for a warrant to kill Geronimo in December 2020, which was granted by a district judge. Helen is now appealing his decision. She said: “If the High Court agrees with the district judge, Geronimo will get shot. "George Eustice (the Environment Secretary) is relying on information which is wrong and has been for three years. "He won't admit there's a problem and he won't put it right. He could order that Geronimo be re-tested, he could order that he's not slaughtered pending a validated test. "He won't do anything – he won't even respond to my MP." Geronimo is currently living
17
Alpaca's life-or-death case goes back to court
Geronimo has been in quarantine since 2017 in quarantine, and has shown no bTB symptoms in four years. The validated camelid test for bTB costs £20 and there is now a new test, called Actiphage, which works in a different way. Helen argues that if Geronimo had both of these tests and was found to be positive she would accept that he had to be slaughtered. Alpacas carrying bTB infect their companions, but the other animals quarantined with Geronimo have not been tested. The ongoing legal dispute has had a huge impact on Helen’s livelihood. She said: "My whole herd is under movement restrictions;
for four years I’ve had no farm income and I can’t progress my breeding herd. "They’ve basically destroyed my life because I won’t agree
with their dogma. They don’t seem to have any concept of the harm they are doing to me personally, or to the industry. "It’s a cost to the taxpayer, pursuing a person with legitimate concerns over their conduct for four years." A DEFRA spokesperson said: “Bovine TB causes devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities and that is why we need to do everything we can to reduce risk of the disease spreading. "This case is part of ongoing legal proceedings and as such it would be inappropriate for us to comment further." Helen is crowdfunding online to help pay the cost of her case, at crowdjustice.com/case/ savegeronimo.
Let us knowyour news
EMAIL US AT: contact@fromevalleyvoice.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 269177
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
18
August, 2021
n NEWS
Breaking stereotypes in engineering
AN engineer working for Whirlpool in Yate is calling on more women and girls to follow her into the profession. Tania Kyriakogkona is a project engineer at the company's tumble dryer manufacturing centre in the town, having worked for them for nearly two years. She joined Whirlpool after studying for a bachelor of engineering degree at the University of South Wales and spending four years in the aerospace industry, working for a company making first class and business class seats for aircraft. Tania says the industry is male-dominated, and there have been times when people "haven’t believed that I was an engineer". She says more needs to happen in schools to inspire future female engineers. Tania said: "I think a common perception is that engineering is one type of work, for one type of person – and unfortunately that person is often a man. I want to
Tania Kyriakogkona at work in Yate's Whirlpool tumble dryer factory break that stereotype. "I am the first from my family to study engineering, so I didn’t know any female engineers growing up. But my parents both worked for BP in Greece and, although they weren’t engineers, they encouraged me to pursue it. "During my university years I was one of only two female students on my course. "I definitely felt some
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
self-doubt at this time, but the support from my lecturers and friends helped me overcome it. "Likewise since I started my career, I’ve had many male allies and I’m hugely grateful for the support they’ve shown." Tania said Whirlpool had been supportive in her career, with a women's network and young professionals network set up for like-minded employees to
meet, share ideas and support each other. She said: "The Women's Network meets on a regular basis. During our catch-ups we voice our concerns and issues that we play back to the business. It’s encouraging to see items from these meetings taken forward and actioned. "I think the situation is improving for female engineers, and there are more females in the industry, so things are changing. But for that to continue, I think more can be done in schools to promote STEM subjects and encourage more young women to consider careers like engineering. "My advice to anyone who is starting out in their career, or who might be looking to change their career, is to not discount engineering based on what you think it might be. "Reach out to companies, do some research, and be curious and open to engineering as an option."
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
FREE 30 MINUTE INITIAL MEETING
CONTACT US TODAY
0333 320 8600 www.bevanevemy.co.uk
Meet the team Tina Bennett
Lynn Bevan
Stephanie Allen
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Landcare Nursery Chapel Lane, Old Sodbury, BS37 6SJ Tel 01454 310664
www.landcaretrees.co.uk
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
19
n NEWS
New playground has a 'positive impact'
A CHIPPING Sodbury primary school has unveiled its new outdoor play area. After a year dominated by bubbles, lockdowns, home learning and hand sanitiser, children at Raysfield Primary School have something to shout about with the revamp. The school was given funding by South Gloucestershire Council to improve its grounds, and chose artifical grass surfacing, with colourful shapes cut in it, to help ensure the equipment can be used in all weathers. Head teacher Claire Hill said: “We are thrilled with the transformations and now our children can use these play spaces all year around. It has made a hugely positive impact to our play times.” The area outside the Reception class will also be developed in September. In her final school newsletter to parents, Mrs Hill said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the families for their support, our fantastic teaching team for their commitment and our children for keeping us all grounded; they’ve been brilliant! "I am so proud of Team Raysfield, they have faced the year’s challenges with a smile and determination to ensure our school is a happy place for our children to come and
learn every day." Raysfield Primary School was formed out of the amalgamation of Raysfield Infants and Raysfield Juniors in September last year.
The schools, which share a site, already worked together under the Raysfield Federation banner.
n PHARMACY NEWS
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
PROUDLY HELPING PROVIDE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS TO PROTECT SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE AT THE LONGWELL GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE
ree t F ral llec ate st Co HS L Te N Flow
LIFE should not be lived looking out of the rear-view mirror. Nevertheless, events in the last 18 months will stay with us, most certainly for life. For many, personal loss is a feeling that will reinforce this. Whatever your thoughts about the Government's decision to remove social distancing measures, we must all bear this in mind – it is really not over yet. We are still in the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK vaccination programme has been a remarkable success, but a sobering thought is that jabs alone will not be enough to stop the virus from spreading. The protection offered by the initial vaccination will require booster doses for the more vulnerable. No vaccine is ever 100%, even before we start discussing variants. We are already seeing double-vaccinated people catching the virus and passing it on. This is the reason for the free lateral flow testing roll-out, so people carrying the virus with no symptoms can be made aware. But please do remember that if you have symptoms: cough, fever, loss of taste or smell, sneezing, sore throat or diarrhoea, you will need an NHS COVID-19 PCR test. So as we look to enjoy our summer, our actions mustn't cut short the freedom we now have or, even worse, put people in danger. Mask wearing, hand hygiene and social distancing are still needed. Personal responsibility must protect collective freedom and every life. This is how our community is getting through this – don't let us down.
ABBOTSWOOD PHARMACY
E Tr arly Te avel -Bird st PC Off R er
Moving forward with caution
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
20
August, 2021
n NEWS
Quarry expansion 'will secure 50 jobs' PLANS to extend Wickwar Quarry have been approved by councillors. South Gloucestershire Council's development management committee granted permission for the northern expansion of the quarry and the extraction of another 17.7 million tonnes of limestone, despite suspicions that blasting has caused cracks in historic neighbouring properties. The quarry's operators say the expansion will secure 50 jobs at the site, which would otherwise have run out of limestone in the next 18 months. Members heard the nearest homes in the hamlet of Churchend would now be just 170 metres from the application site boundary. But a report to the committee said the council’s environmental protection officer had no objections and that limits on noise, dust, vibration and traffic movements were acceptable. Shaun Denny, on behalf of
Satellite image of Wickwar Quarry, with the expansion site near Churchend ringed in red applicants Breedon Southern and Tortworth Estate Company, told the meeting at Kingswood civic centre: “This will secure the equivalent of 50 jobs for 18 years which would otherwise be lost as the quarry would run out of limestone in the next 18 months.” He said the quarry, which celebrated its centenary in 2019, changed ownership last year but the management and regulatory team remained the same and that the successful quarry liaison group, which includes parish and
Will Writing & Estate Planning A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out – if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.
Please feel free to call us during office hours on: 0117 952 0698
or email
info@elm-online.co.uk www.elm-online.co.uk We have a Bristol-based team of trained Will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.
Mirror Wills Single Or Couples FROM £99.00
Making Secure Plans for Uncertain Futures For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
district councillors and residents, would continue. Charfield Parish Council said in its representation: “The extension to Wickwar Quarry brings operations very close indeed to the hamlet of Churchend and there is reasonable concern that nearby residents may be adversely impacted by noise, vibration, light pollution and dust. “The extension moves the quarry much closer to Charfield village, and the parish council has the same concerns. “In recent years investigations have been carried out to try to ascertain if quarry workings were a cause of cracks appearing in Churchend residents’ homes, many of which are without foundations and are several hundred years old. “No definitive evidence was found, but as quarrying advances towards these old homes it is reasonable to fear the vibration from operations will impact them. “Vibration may also cause significant further deterioration to the church.” The parish council said the
plans would blight a well-used public right of way, which would have to be diverted. Seven residents, including two involved in the Churches Conservation Trust, objected with concerns about noise, HGVs, blasting and the impact on the Grade I-listed St James church. But the report to members said there was “minimal risk” to nearby buildings from groundborne vibration. It said: “It is considered that given the location of the quarry in relation to the nearest properties and the environmental requirements of the conditions proposed that sufficient distance remains and that measures can satisfactorily address any issues of local amenity.” The report said the operators were donating about £3,000 towards the church to “help redress any ongoing deterioration of historic assets”. It said the public right of way across the 36-hectare extension site would be kept open until an order for a diversion was made by a different committee. Wickwar Parish Council said it supported the proposals, which include a new tunnel under Churchend Lane at the southern end of the new working site to link it with the existing quarry, because of the “positive impact on the local economy”. The site will be restored as a lake as operations cease. Members approved the plans unanimously on July 8. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
21
n NEWS
Fraudster took £10,000 raised to help disabled girl walk
THE family of a girl who lost £10,000 raised for a vital operation to a fraudster have spoken of their relief that he has been locked up. Supporters of seven-year-old Ezzy Hodge, from Thornbury, raised the money for surgery, treatment and therapies for the effects of cerebral palsy on her mobility. The family started raising money in 2016 for her to have surgery in America to help her to walk, at a cost of £80,000, as it was not available on the NHS. She then had a second operation in 2019 costing £20,000. Scott Wright, 45, from Hengrove in Bristol, ran the charity the Darren Wright Foundation, which helped families – including Ezzy’s – with fundraising on behalf of seriously ill or disabled children and adults. But Wright spent £57,000 of the foundation's funds on his own living expenses, his stag night and his wedding. The families who were supposed to receive funds complained to the Charity Commission and, in July, Wright was jailed for two years and four months at Bristol Crown Court after admitting abusing his position as a trustee to cause losses to the foundation. Online fundraising accounts were set up for each family, which linked to the charity’s main account and held the money on their behalf until invoices needed to be paid. It was only during the court case that Ezzy’s mum Angela found out that their JustGiving account was linked to Scott’s wife’s personal bank account. Angela said the first time she met Wright she thought there was something "odd" about him, despite him being recommended to her by a former colleague. She said: "It sounds terrible but he didn’t seem the sort of person who would help children. "He said within nine months he’d have raised the money. There was lots of media coverage about what he’d done for other children. "He’d raised a considerable
amount for a boy in Bristol and we felt really lucky that he’d taken us on." When Angela did background checks, nothing came up that concerned her, but she said that as they worked with Wright to fundraise for Ezzy’s surgery in America, small details about his behaviour made her realise something was wrong. Angela said: “He said to us, 'people will just give you money, go and open a bank account for Ezzy to get ready for this'. "A week later this did actually happen, and we got a cheque for £500. I rang the charity excitedly and the first thing he said to me was ‘is that is a cheque for Ezzy or is that a cheque for the Foundation'? "At that point we already had £20,000 in the foundation for Ezzy and that was the first major thing for me that didn’t feel right." The family had a deadline for Ezzy's surgery in America to be paid for, and if they missed this she would have gone to the back of the queue. Despite their persistently chasing Wright he did not pay, and it was only after another charity got involved and put pressure on the Foundation that he handed over the money with just four hours to go. When Angela returned from America, another parent she knew was having similar problems, and they reported the foundation to the Charity Commission. When the trustees refused to cooperate, the matter was passed to the police. Angela said: "We had to write an impact statement for the police, and Ezzy said Scott was a bad man and she was really sad, as she thought he wanted to help her, and she hoped he’d go to prison. "We got the charity shut down, which was what I wanted – I wanted to do everything to stop them affecting other families." Ezzy went on to have a second operation in America in 2019 costing £20,000. She may need further surgery in the next couple of years because her tibia
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
is growing inwards and twisting her foot. After the case Detective Sergeant Louise Sinclair, of Avon and Somerset police's fraud team, said: "I’d like to praise the families affected by Wright’s offending for their resilience and determination to obtain justice. "This has been a difficult time for many of them, whose lives are already incredibly stressful and filled Ezzy Hodge is undergoing treatment to help with the challenges of caring for children with her walk including surgery not available on the NHS. disabilities. "While Wright punished for the upset he caused has demonstrated significant and I hope now that he has been remorse and regret for his sentenced, this brings some actions it is only right he is closure to all those involved."
Are you over 50? Do you want to meet local people and do things in your community? It's now more than ever we need to reestablish our local connections as we come out of lockdown. Give me a call I would love to hear from you.
For more info contact Sato, Community Development Worker 07971 670880 satoblack@southernbrooks.org.uk
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
22
August, 2021
n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR
New skills for the jobs of the future I’M writing this column as my Jobs and Skills Summit, which I pledged to hold during my first 100 days in office, draws to a close. It wasn’t quite as I envisaged (there’s still too much covid for that) but I have met hundreds of people who are in and out of work, or studying, as well as hearing from businesses and trade unions. One thing that stood out for me was the power of technology. When I visited apprentices training to be locksmiths, I suppose I’d thought it would be about things like cutting keys. But actually lots of keys, locks and security systems are high tech these days. So, it was about transponders, face recognition software and key cards that only let specific people into certain parts of a building at set times. Likewise, when I met apprentice mechanics, they weren’t servicing petrol cars. Instead I found out about the training they are doing to work on electric cars. It’s vital we skill up more people, otherwise there is going to be a real roadblock to the plan to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and our ambitious West of England plan for net zero by the same year. The Institute of the Motor Industry says that just 5% of garage and dealer technicians are appropriately trained to work on electric
cars at the moment. So we definitely need more great people like those I met at S&B Automotive Academy. I met apprentices studying at the University of Bath, where we talked about the exciting possibilities for quantum computing, where our region is leading the way. Quantum computers can do a calculation in just over an hour that it would take the world’s most powerful supercomputer eight years to crack. Another inspiring visit was to the Women’s Work Lab that is helping mums get back to work. Some had been unemployed for many years and others had lost their jobs due to the pandemic. What the two inspiring women leading the programme had done was give the other women a rocket booster of confidence, identifying their skills and arranging work experience. We are at a tricky time. There is the danger of the furlough cliff edge, and business owners told me the pandemic has been the toughest time they have ever known. At the same time, covid case numbers are rising again, which is why we need a science-led approach to reopening. So what’s next? I will be working with employers and trade
Metro Mayor
Dan Norris
writes for the Voice
unions to create 23,000 new green jobs. I plan to introduce a good employers charter to encourage businesses to do the right thing by our communities and their staff. I will keep pressing the Government to support businesses struggling with the effects of covid, because it’s a lot easier to save a job than create new ones. And on skills, I am determined to replicate that supportive go-getter atmosphere I found, so even more people can find a job that allows them to fulfil their potential.
STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Contact our specialist valuers for a free home visit or email valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
23
n NEWS
Outdoor celebrations for school leavers YEAR 6 pupils leaving Iron Acton and Hawkesbury primary schools this summer had their celebrations outdoors. Adaptations were made to ensure pupils had a great send-off on their journey to secondary school, while keeping coronavirus guidelines in mind. The traditional leavers' services were held outside, with families able to attend. At Iron Acton Primary, the usual disco was swapped for a giant inflatable slide, funded by the PTA. The annual summer sports day was also able to go ahead with families watching. After a year of lockdowns, homeschooling and bubbles, the leadership team were relieved to have got to the end of the academic year with no bubble closures due to coronavirus. The school community also said goodbye to Pat Taylor, the caretaker, who has been in the role for 30 years, and to Ellie Blanch, the chair of governors who is standing down after seven years. At Hawkesbury Primary School, the year 6 pupils and their families funded the donation of a new bench and planters which has pride of place outside the front of the school, with a plaque that includes all of the children's names and says:"Year 6 Leavers 2021. Our COMPLAINTS of bullying and shouting have been made against councillors in South Gloucestershire over the past year, according to a new report. The report, which does not name any individual councillors or councils, says a “pattern is emerging” in a small number of town and parish councils. South Gloucestershire Council received seven complaints about councillor behaviour in the year to March, the report by the council’s monitoring officer says. Five of them involved parish councils, including one allegation
Some of the outdoor leavers celebrations at Iron Acton Primary School Lockdown Leavers Class was 'ere." The school said a huge thank you to Joe Hornig, the caretaker, who is leaving after nine years. In his final newsletter to parents, executive head teacher Mike Riches said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to
all families for your support during this incredibly challenging year. "I appreciate the patience and understanding the school has experienced from you all as we have worked together with you to keep things running as smoothly as possible.”
Bullying complaints against councillors of bullying by a parish councillor. Three investigations are currently underway. Two complaints related to three councillors at a single parish council, the report said. One town councillor was found to have breached expected standards of behaviour after a complaint they had shouted at a member of staff. The councillor was told to apologise for “failing to show respect”, according to the report.
A district councillor made a “full apology” to residents for a comment he made at a committee meeting, but he was not found to have breached the Member Code of Conduct. The councillor said his comment, which was reported in the press, was “taken out of context” and he had not intended to cause any offence. In his report, monitoring officer John McCormack said: “When comparing the
complaints made in recent years, a pattern is emerging amongst a small number of parish/town councils. A council spokesperson said the authority was unable to provide any more details about any of the complaints in the report because the information is “kept confidential/anonymised unless a panel is formally appointed to deal with the matter”. By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service
WE BUY COLLECTABLES
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
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
HIFI
£
£
DJ GEAR
ANY ITEMS CONSIDERED CASH | PAYPAL | BANK TRANSFER 07817 450005 or 07976 827967
collectorcaveltd@gmail.com
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
25
n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE
Cows on the pitch...how football has changed IT might still be a game of 11 vs 11, but the facilities for today's footballers are a world away from local football in the last century, David Hardill has discovered. THE new football season is about to start and the European Championships are already becoming a distant memory. Like many of you, I watched much of the recent tournament, and was reminded how very different modern professional football is from its local amateur equivalent from past decades. Before the 1960’s, football was the most popular sport for most of the year around Yate. Despite the presence of traditional rugby clubs in the area, like Bristol and Bath, rugby was a poor second. Most local men and boys, at least, opted to play and watch football, either in Bristol or in their local village. Old Sodbury could often bring a coach of supporters from the village to their away games in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite football’s popularity, footballers endured spartan facilities. Comfort was unknown. Today, even local village sides like Old Sodbury have wellappointed changing rooms and showers. Nothing was so salubrious before the 1970s, when footballers changed where they could. “The facilities were pretty grim," remembered Laurence Walker, who played for Old Sodbury FC in the 1960s. "As a senior side, we used
balls, which soaked all the wet up, and great big lace tops. You hardly headed the ball because if you had it in the wrong place, you had all lace marks in your face. "If it was hammered at you it was still very hard. When it was wet, all the water came off the ball you know, it just soaked it up.”
Diary dates
The Yate YMCA team of 1933-34. to play in the Dursley/Wootton league, and we went over to Uley and we changed in a chicken hut! That was their roost at night, you know – and you had to change in it!" At Old Sodbury, water was transported from a village pond to heat in the boiler. Similarly, getting water to wash in was also pretty rudimentary for local sides at Yate. Richard Jordan remembered the arrangement for Yate in the early 1950s: “I used to go to the White Lion with a big tin bath and carry it back. Two people would carry it back twice, one for each side." The village pitches of the 1950s were a far cry from the manicured surfaces of the modern Premier League team. Laurence Walker said: "Well, the pitches...I mean, at Old Sodbury it was cows out on there, you know, for a certain period, and you’d have to go down there with shovels, buckets and get it all off. You’d play
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 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
on it, you know, and lot of other teams were the same." Heading the ball has become a contentious issue now, over how much long-term damage this might do. However, modern plastic balls are considerably better than the leather balls of yore. Laurence Walker, again, remembered: “It was all leather
Summer holiday activities – craft workshops August 6, 10.30am-midday: Clay animal workshop. August 6, 1.30pm-3pm: Stomp rocket workshop. August 24, 10.30am or 1.30pm: Seaside craft workshop. Make your own beach scene or sea creature. All activities ideal for children aged five to 11. Booking is essential, online via yateheritage.co.uk or by calling 01454 862200.
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
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
26
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
n NEWS
Developer funding pays for sports facilities SPORTS facilities in Chipping Sodbury are benefiting from more than £130,000 of funding paid by developers to South Gloucestershire Council. St Nicholas Football Club, Sodbury Tennis Club and the Chipping Sodbury Town Trust will each receive a share of the funding paid as part of legal deals surrounding the development of land at Trinity Lane. A total of £389,441 has been awarded by the council across the district, with money also going to improve facilities in Tytherington, Charfield and Frenchay. Sodbury Tennis Club is a growing club with a mini court and utilities area which are in a poor state of repair and therefore underused. It will spend £21,150 on transforming them into a new sports area for children and young people. Club secretary Liz Attwood said: "The club is thrilled to be awarded the Section 106 grant.
Sodbury Tennis Club
Rachael Hunt outside the Ridings in Chipping Sodbury "This development will contain an artificial grass mini court, a table tennis table and a basketball hoop, as well as a social area. "The new sports area will be a real asset to the club and will increase opportunities for children and young people of all abilities and ages at the club and in the local community to play sport, socialise and keep healthy."
Chipping Sodbury Town Trust has been awarded £66,121, which will be used to "improve and enhance" the sports facilities at the Ridings. It will pay for machinery, including two tractors, to replace existing maintenance equipment, some of which is 30 years old. Trustee David Shipp said: "The two tractors we will obtain will allow the use of major pitch improvements, which will greatly
improve drainage and give major time-saving benefits. "I would take this opportunity to remind all dog walkers using the Ridings that these items of equipment are very dangerous for those inquisitive dogs that are allowed off lead." St Nicholas Football Club has been awarded £50,000 to pay for extending it clubhouse, and improving toilets and changing areas at the Ridings. Council cabinet member for communities Rachael Hunt said: “I am delighted that South Gloucestershire Council have been able to negotiate this funding to support local sports facilities across our communities.”
n LOCAL MP
More support for our lo c a l b u s in e s s e s LOCAL businesses are the backbone of South Gloucestershire’s economy. As the pandemic has proven, business and the High Street are fundamental to the normality of our daily lives. As someone who worked in Lidl in Yate before being elected as the MP, I know first-hand that our local economy is as innovative and dynamic as anywhere in the country. Many industries have experienced new challenges and unfamiliar pressures during the pandemic, but the dogged determination and spirit of South Gloucestershire businesses have seen so many battle through this difficult period. Throughout the pandemic, more than 15,300 local jobs were supported in our area by the furlough scheme, where the Government covered 80% of people’s wages. Locally, self-employed people have
claimed £6.1 million through the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and £46.3m in Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, given to 171 businesses in our constituency. Now, as we move on to Stage 4 of the roadmap and the easing of restrictions, we are continuing to back our local businesses. The job retention scheme, self-employed support scheme, business grants, business rates relief and loan programmes all extend into the autumn and beyond, and the Government will ensure there is no cliff edge at the end of the financial support being made available. Businesses are also benefiting from the new Recovery Loan Scheme, which provides 80% Government-backed guarantees to lenders, and runs until the end of the year. This will give lenders the confidence they need, and ensure viable businesses
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
continue to have access to the Government-backed finance needed throughout 2021. As well as this, a new Business Rates Relief Fund of £1.5 billion for businesses affected by COVID-19 outside the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors has been announced, targeting those business which could not access such support previously. To ensure fairness in who is receiving the necessary support, the fund will be distributed across the country according to which sectors have suffered most economically, rather than on the basis of falls in property values. Locally, we have a positive plan for jobs and the economy. This plan means supporting businesses and the local economy throughout the COVID-19 recovery, supporting our rural and farming industries, continuing to hold Jobs Fairs across the constituency to help people
Luke Hall MP writes for Frome Valley Voice
into work, and giving South Gloucestershire businesses and High Streets a bigger voice in Parliament. South Gloucestershire businesses are the most innovate, dynamic and passionate anywhere in the country. I hope this new £1.5bn package of support will help to support even more firms locally. We stood behind our local businesses and workers as we came into the crisis and I want to ensure that we stand behind them as we come through the other side.
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
27
n RECIPE OF THE MONTH
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.
Move over BBQs: Jambalaya WE'VE had a very mixed bag of weather this summer. For many people, as soon as the sun shines it’s out with the barbecue. My recipe this month is an alternative. It's jambalaya, another quick and easy recipe from the Deep South of America. Jambalaya is interesting for people who enjoy their food, but not so spicy that some people will just push it round their plate! It’s economical, especially if you like to use chicken thighs, with skin removed - and it's easy to do. Perfect for a family gathering, a real crowd pleaser. It ticks all my boxes and I hope
it’ll tick yours.
Jambalaya Serves 2
Ingredients Chicken breasts, skinned and cut into strips – 2 Chorizo sausage, cut into chunks – 100g (3oz) Long grain rice – 125g (4oz) Chopped, tinned tomatoes – 200g (7oz) Chicken stock – 250 ml (8 fl oz, ½ pint) Onion – 1, sliced Garlic cloves – 2, crushed Cajun seasoning – ½ tsp Cayenne pepper – ¼ - ½ tsp Olive oil – 1 dessertspoon
n LIBRARY NEWS
Summer Reading Challenge CHIPPING Sodbury library is taking part in this year's Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge. To get involved, all children need to do is read six books over the summer holiday. After collecting stickers for each book, those who complete a Wild World Heroes poster will receive a medal, certificate and other prizes. The event is free to take part in: families can call in to the library and pick up a free craft bag of animal activities to do at home. This years there is also a mini challenge specially designed for pre-school children. Chipping Sodbury library is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm, and the reading challenge runs until September 11. The volunteer-run library has a supply of new books, including children's picture books, and can hold reservations booked via South Gloucestershire's library service.
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Here's what you do Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the onion and the chorizo together for a couple of mins Add the rice and stir gently until all the grains of rice are coated with the oil. Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper with the chicken strips and fry until they begin to go brown. Add the tomatoes and the stock,
stir and then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and then simmer for 20-25 mins until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with roasted peppers, red onions and perhaps a few sweet potato chips Cook’s tip You can use pork strips and cook in the same way, or prawns, but they need less cooking, so add them 3 or 4 mins before the end of the cooking time.
solving your legal problems ...locally For You:
Accident and Injury | Cohabitation | Conveyancing Court of Protection | Crime | Disputes Employee Relocation | Employment Family Law and Divorce | Medical Negligence New Homes | Notary Public | Probate Probate Disputes | Wills and Mental Capacity
For Your Business:
Business Disputes | Business Employment Business Relocation | Commercial Property Commercial Services | Crime | Debt Recovery New Homes Developers | Notary Public
Get in touch: 01454 316789 19 West Walk, Yate Shopping Centre, BS37 4AX
wards.uk.com Offices in: Central Bristol | Henleaze | Staple Hill | Bradley Stoke | Yate | Nailsea contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk | Portishead | Clevedon | Weston-super-Mare | Worle KeynshamEmail:
yate&sodburyvoice
28
n NEWS THE leader of South Gloucestershire Council has defended £30 million plans to widen the Avon Ring Road, which opponents say would create “monstrous megaroundabouts”. Toby Savage said he wanted to put the record straight after criticism that the money would be better spent on other services, improving the environment or on public transport and active travel. He told a West of England Combined Authority committee meeting that the money for the scheme would come from the Government and would only be allocated if a business case for the changes to five roundabouts on the A4174 was accepted by the Department for Transport. The £30 million scheme would see new lanes built to take through traffic across the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts". The other two – Lyde Green roundabout, near the Bristol and Bath Science Park, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added. South Gloucestershire Council has launched a public consultation on the plans, which it says are aimed at tackling congestion on the A4174 and stopping drivers using nearby residential roads as rat-runs. But they have come under fire from the area's Green Party, which called them "five
August, 2021
Council leader defends 'mega-roundabout' plans
How the Siston Hill roundabout would look if the plans went ahead monstrous mega-roundabouts will do nothing to tackle the climate emergency and will instead cause environmental damage and an increase in car dependency". New West of England metro mayor Dan Norris also said there was a “strong possibility that just widening roads simply causes increased journeys by car and does not alleviate congestion”. And transport campaigner David Redgewell asked the Weca committee why the plans had gone out to public consultation with “very little if any reference to the importance of walking and cycling and improving bus lanes or priority measures”.
Cllr Savage told the Weca meeting on June 25: “We are doing the consultation to understand how it can benefit as many transport users in getting around the area in their preferred way as much as possible. “I want to be very clear that it is the DfT that has invited us, as the highways authority, to bid for funds that support improvements through the major routes network. “The debate isn’t about whether it’s £30m we should be spending on something else, the debate is whether this £30m will come into the West of England area.
“The idea that this can just be moved around and spent as we see fit as a combined authority is an erroneous statement." The meeting heard pedestrian and cycling improvements and bus priority measures at the junctions were included in the plans. People can have their say on the proposals until August 16, after which the council could make amendments before submitting them to Whitehall for approval. A public event at Emersons Green Village Hall to give people a chance to see and ask questions about the plans was postponed from its original date of July 10 due to the delay in relaxing covid restrictions and is now due to take place on August 3 from 5pm-7.30pm. The consultation can be found online at consultations.southglos. gov.uk/A4174Improvements. Anyone not online can call 01454 868 000 for more details. An animation of traffic movements now and under the proposed scheme can be found at bit.ly/3Br0vdw. If the DfT approves the project, work is expected to begin in 2022 in phases and take three years to complete. By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Back to the drawing board on climate emergency THE region’s mayors and council leaders have made a shock decision to go back to the drawing board on how to tackle the climate crisis. An action plan that the West of England Combined Authority has spent two years working on since declaring a climate emergency in July 2019 is being ripped up and will be rewritten by September. In a surprise move at a meeting of the Weca committee, metro mayor Dan Norris, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage and Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy agreed it was not ambitious enough. They had been expected to rubber-stamp a progress update but Cllr Guy tabled an amendment to approve measures in the
report to stimulate a green recovery and launch a solar panel collective purchase scheme called Solar Together – but withdraw the rest of it. Crucially, the amendment included a commitment for the civic leaders to “review the combined authority’s approach to climate emergency and bring back recommendations to a special meeting” of Weca committee and the West of England joint committee, which includes North Somerset Council leader Don Davies, in September. At that meeting they will “confirm a new and ambitious approach towards a climate emergency strategy and action plan ahead of the COP26”, the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow in November, the amendment said. Weca’s climate emergency action plan has
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
faced repeated criticism from Greens and environmental activists for lacking ambition, urgency and measurable targets since it was adopted last October. It sets out broad goals for a low-carbon transport system, low-carbon business, renewable energy, the green environment and low-carbon buildings and places. But the update report, which committee members refused to accept, said: “Delivering our regional goal will be complex and will require action by national government, unitary authorities, individuals, business and international government. “The combined authority simply does not have the funding or levers to do it all alone.” By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
29
n NEWS
Still no end to rubbish problem after ten years A CHIPPING Sodbury woman is frustrated that a housing association has been unable to stop an extreme rubbish problem which has been affecting her home for ten years. Emily Kingscott lives on Woodmans Close with her family, including two young children and her father, who has health issues. She says their home has been blighted by rubbish piled in a garden adjoining hers, which belongs to a fellow tenant of Bromford Housing. It is stacked high with piles of wood and other junk, which caused the fence separating the gardens to fall in. Emily says she has tried to talk to her neighbour many times but communication has broken down and she is calling on the housing association to take action. Emily said: “Initially it wasn’t a problem until his dog was able to climb up the rubbish and over our fence and could get trapped in our back garden. “But over the years more and more stuff kept coming – we had a shed in the bottom corner which was then leaning over – we took the shed down and the fence collapsed in. “We’ve got rats running around, two rat poison boxes and most nights 7 blocks get eaten and they keep coming.
“I’ve got a three year old and a ten year old – my youngest can’t go down the bottom of garden." Emily says the mess is a clear breach of tenancy and wants Bromford to take decisive action. South Gloucestershire Council sent an environmental health team out in April to investigate the rat problem and found “some evidence of pest activity but nothing to suggest that one particular property was the
source of the problem". A spokesperson added: "We have been liaising with Bromford Housing, who are continuing to pursue various options to seek a resolution to this issue." Bromford Housing has replaced the collapsed fence, but the new one is lower – and has been moved 1m further into Emily's garden. Bromford’s associate director for localities, Charlie Jackson, said: “We are currently working with our customer in Chipping Sodbury and with other partners to support him to maintain his tenancy and provide resolution to the problem that Emily has talked us through. “As a landlord we take all complaints and tenancy breaches very seriously; our aim is to provide support and modify behaviour wherever possible to maintain tenancies, and so we will undertake all preventative measures before considering action against a customer’s tenancy. “When we last spoke to our customer, he was actively working on his garden and engaging with us.” “We are working with Emily to get this resolved. “
and pollinators. You can also create habitats and support nature in your own gardens, at work, or on land you own. Here are just some of the ways you can help: • Put up a nest box for swifts or other birds • A log pile in your garden provides shelter for insects, amphibians and hedgehogs. Use a mixture of fallen branches or offcuts from pruning, bark and twigs, and locate it under a bush or in a quiet corner • Leave your grass to grow over the summer to encourage more plant life and insects • Planting a fruit tree will provide an incredible year-round resource for wildlife - and food for you • Take part in litter picking. If you are a regular walker, take a bag and pick up litter as you go • Set your outside lights on a motion sensor, angling them downwards, and turn off any decorative lights overnight, to save energy and
reduce light pollution for nocturnal wildlife • Avoid using pesticides and weedkiller, which can harm wildlife • Use peat-free compost or try producing your own, with a composter or compost heap • When buying plants, aim for native, UK-grown species • Save rainwater in water butts and barrels. Pond life will much prefer natural rain water if you need to top up your water features These initiatives will not only support nature and the environment but help to keep our communities as pleasant and healthy places for everyone. For more information about gardening for wildlife visit the Creating a Wildlife-friendly Garden section of the RSPB website or ptes.org/ get-involved/wildlife-action/. A free online climate emergency training course is available at bit.ly/2UDeL1K
The fence which collapsed into Emily Kingscott's garden
n COUNCIL NEWS
Restoring nature South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage explains how people can work together to make a real difference for our wildlife WE are lucky to have such beautiful open spaces, communities and landscapes in South Gloucestershire and we must safeguard them for the health, well-being and enjoyment of future generations. Restoring nature in our communities is critical, not only for wildlife but also for people, and it is a central part of our response to the climate and ecological emergencies. As our population grows, more pressure is put on nature. The effects of intensive farming, pollution, urbanisation, climate change, nonnative species and overfishing can be seen in declining species, with numbers of hedgehogs falling by a third since the year 2000, for example. The good news is that by acting now and working together, we can make a real difference. Between us we can do an enormous amount to protect and restore nature. As a council we are working with residents and landowners to plant thousands of new trees and managing grassland to support wild flowers
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
30
August, 2021
n PETER'S VISION
Celebrate together
S
Reassuringly Thorough Eye Care - Glasses Studio Book Online or Call to Book Your Appointment Now
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
O what a month it’s been. We’ve lots to be proud of, whichever of the national football teams you were supporting! If like me you have family from more than one home nation then we’ve even more to be proud of! It’s got me thinking a lot this month. I appreciate that at times thinking can be considered a dangerous thing, but this was reflective thinking. As it led to a feeling of genuine & heartfelt appreciation for my team and all they do in caring for our patients, I think I can be excused for this line of thinking! I’ve written before, on just the odd occasion, about how much I enjoy the work I do. I genuinely feel blessed to be able to meet and care for so many of you year after year as patients. It’s also my privilege to be able to lead the superb team of professionals who look after you in our practices. Now before you think that I’m going to take the credit for carefully and painstakingly hand picking each of them, for who they are, and what they bring to our team, don’t worry I’m not! That honour belongs to our practice manager Nikki, who as operations manager has been central to so many aspects of our success as a team. So to my personal experience. I have recently been experiencing long arm syndrome, or perhaps starting to realise that I was born enough decades ago to need a little extra help focussing up close. With so many clear focus lens options to choose from, again I took the dangerous route of thinking! I decided to try a two pronged approach. For much of my work looking close up at eyes I use a sophisticated microscope. I decided a single vision pair of midrange lenses would work well here, which unsurprisingly they do! For everyday I decided that my general vision would be best suited with a pair of our superb relax lenses - which I can now highly recommend from personal experience. If you’ve yet to try these, they have a relaxed focus at the bottom so you can see your phone or small print easily as well as seeing clearly from the rest of the lens for sharp viewing such as the sports scores on the TV. This second pair will be particularly useful for watching the Olympics, which we shall now be watching, for the first time, in ultra HD multi-screen view. I particularly like the harmony & unity of our home nations competing together under the banner of team GB at the Olympics. Our family can all support the same team for a change! With around 350 hours of competition to watch, there is definitely something for everyone to cheer for. When it comes to your eyes, our vision is that each of you receives world class eye care, which we firmly believe you deserve. Don’t forget, whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or to make sure you’re definitely getting the best out of the Ultra HD Olympic broadcasts, we’re here when you need us, six days per week. Just get in touch and we’ll be happy to see how we can help you. We continue to offer COVID safe ways to choose your new glasses too! To help us keep you all safe, we’re still asking you all to telephone first to book a time to come in. 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
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
31
n NEWS WEEKEND 'mega clinics' are being used to tackle a “horrifying” backlog of breast cancer checks at a Bristol hospital. Less than one in six women who showed potential symptoms of the disease, such as a lump or pain, to their GP in March were seen by a specialist at Southmead within two weeks. By April the North Bristol Trust’s figures had plummeted further still, with only one in 16 women seen within a fortnight – down from a rate of nine in 10 last year. The poor performance – described as “horrifying” by the trust’s own chair, Michele Romaine – has been blamed on a national shortage of radiologists that could soon be addressed by using artificial intelligence. Peter Brindle, the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group’s medical director of clinical
' Horrifying' backlog in breast cancer checks effectiveness, told its governing body on July 6: “Although we reached a really difficult peak of 798 people in a backlog waiting for an appointment, the figures out this morning have come down to 294. “Although we have a terrible problem, the trajectory towards improvement is good. They’re running a seven-day service with mega clinics at the weekend, lots of extra time. “In terms of mutual aid, we’ve convened a number of meetings. Although NBT have really struggled for reasons particularly around workforce, as a proportion their backlogs haven’t been as bad as some other parts of the region. “The overall numbers have been dramatic in NBT because
of the large volume the service delivers. “We haven’t got anything signed and sealed yet for mutual aid. We have preliminary offers from Gloucester, Yeovil and the RUH (Bath) but the precise details are yet to be completely nailed. “We still have a very significant challenge but we can be assured that the 24 actions are making a significant impact. We’re heading in the right direction.” He said the CCG was close to trialling artificial intelligence to read X-rays, adding: “It’s a very exciting potential way of mitigating what is a national and quite long-term radiologist shortage that just won’t be mitigated very quickly.”
NBT medical director Chris Burton said: “We are very sorry to anyone who has been affected by delays in our breast service due to increased demand over the last eight months and compounded by staff vacancies. “Our team has been working incredibly hard to run additional clinics so we can see patients as quickly as possible and we are seeing improvements in waiting times. There is more work to do to meet the growing numbers being referred to us, but we would like to reassure patients that we are prioritising urgent cases.” By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service
n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC
What matters most to you? IN June, I launched my Police and Crime Survey as an opportunity for residents across Avon and Somerset to tell me what policing issues matter most to them. The 12-week long survey, which only takes 10 minutes to complete, includes a number of questions focusing on my draft Police and Crime Plan priorities and objectives. These objectives cover a range of police topics, including anti-social behaviour, burglary, hate crime, rural crime, domestic abuse and how you want the police to be open and transparent. It is essential that, as your PCC, I am listening to all communities and their concerns, and that is why I want as many local people as possible to share their views on these draft objectives. My priorities and objectives
are the cornerstone of my Police and Crime Plan, a legal document that sets out the policing of the area, how the Chief Constable will be held to account and how I will use your money – taxpayers’ money – to deliver an effective and efficient police service and support other services, such as victim support providers. In my role as PCC, I am the bridge between local people and the police, and it is absolutely essential that I hear from as many of you as possible, including victims of crime, about my proposed Police and Crime Plan and the direction I am setting for Avon and Somerset Police. When I came into the role, I promised I would make Avon and Somerset a safer place for everyone, and part of achieving this is listening to your views,
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
thoughts and concerns. The survey is an opportunity for you to tell me what you want your police service to focus on. To complete the survey online, visit avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/ about/police-and-crime-survey. Last month, we were told by the Prime Minister that there was to be a big lifting of lockdown restrictions. Most of the coronavirus rules we have lived with since last March, including face masks, social distancing and working from home were set to end on July 19 thanks to the roll-out of the vaccines. Despite the fact that life is closer than ever to returning to ‘normal’, I encourage you to remain vigilant, take personal responsibility and be aware of others around you. We have lived with these restrictions for a considerable amount of time –
With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford longer than any of us expected – and not everyone will be as comfortable walking around with no face mask on or being in close proximity to others. Let’s be sensible and, together, ensure we do not have to take a step backwards at any point in the future.
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice kingswoodvoice
August 2021 32
15 August, 2021
n ADVERTISING FEATURE
Could this be Britain’s stinkiest museum? THIS SUMMER, visitors to Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol are promised more smells and sounds than ever before as they explore the historic ocean liner and two family-friendly museums. Natalie Fey manages interactive experiences for visitors. She says: "They can try out the bunks and cabins for size, wander among the sounds and smells imagining what a 60-day voyage would have been like, and spot rats scurrying about in the galley." The smells and sounds extend to the two museums on site. The Dockyard Museum brings engineering to life with the interactive propeller lifting frame. In the Being Brunel museum, step aboard the shaking broad gauge carriage to experience the bumpy railway lines of Victorian times. Be sure to stop and talk to Mr Brunel and challenge him with your questions about the SS Great Britain
n WHAT'S ON Iron Island: the SS Great Britain Refloated 23rd August – 19th September 2021
or simply pose for a selfie with the great Victorian engineer. Families can also see behind-the-scenes of a working shipyard for the first time with a new viewing area offering
For Newsdesk Or 07540 Advertising contact 01454 800 120 Got News? Call 383870
spectacular views of the harbour and the city's historic dry dock. Don't worry if you run out of time. Tickets include free unlimited returns for one year.
This summer, the iron ship floats again as Limbic Cinema bring the sea back to the SS Great Britain. Dive down into the Dry Dock to discover a new, immersive theatre experience, combining poetry, sounds and digital projections.
Email: Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk news@kingswoodvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
n NEWS A GROUP of nine friends from the Frome Valley took on the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland to raise money and awareness for a charity helping people with suicidal thoughts. Leah and Matt Hemmings, Tash and Dan Calder, Laura and Ash Rowland, Andrew Pratt, Sarah Masters and Tom Rich took the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon at the end of June, aiming to complete it in less than 24 hours. In the end they did it with minutes to spare – in 23 hours and 41 minutes. But more importantly the friends have raised more than £6,000 for Suicide Prevention Bristol, a leading suicide prevention charity that provides telephone and social media support as well as a community outreach team of volunteers who patrol known hotspots in the Bristol area. Writing on their fundraising page, the team said: "The very sad reality is that most people will have been touched by suicide
33
A challenge with a purpose
in some form or another. "Whether it be from personal mental health struggles, or through a close or more distant loss, we all know, or know of, someone who has felt so desperate they have either attempted to, or indeed have taken their own life. "And with the impact of the pandemic taking a huge toll on people’s mental well-being, concern for those struggling is even greater.
"Suicide is something close to all our hearts and as such we really wanted to do something that would raise vital funds for this incredible charity, whilst at the same time challenging ourselves personally." After the challenge Leah said the team – nicknamed No Peak Too Steep – had found the challenge "the toughest yet most rewarding experience". She said: "It’s called a ‘challenge’ for a reason and
boy did we find that out this weekend! "We laughed together, we cried together but above all we supported one another and that’s how we got through. "Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to everyone that has a made a donation. "Our original goal was to raise awareness of Suicide Prevention Bristol and much needed funds to help this entirely volunteer based charity continue the life saving work that they carry out. "We had hoped to reach £2k. With donations still coming in, we can’t believe the total and are grateful to every single one of you." The team's fundraising page is still open at justgiving.com/ fundraising/framptons3peaks. For more information about Suicide Prevention Bristol visit www.spbristol.org. The charity's phone helpline is on 0800 689 5652.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO APPLY L AT E A P P L I C A N T I N F O R M AT I O N , A D V I C E & G U I D A N C E S E S S I O N S
FRIDAY 13 AUGUST, 10:00–16:00 OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER, 10:00–16:00 TUESDAY 31 AUGUST - FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 09:30–16:00 BOOK ONLINE: SGSCOL.AC.UK FREEPHONE: 0800 0567 253 info@sgscol.ac.uk
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
34
n NEWS
Ambulance charity opens shop GREAT Western Air Ambulance charity is opening a shop at Yate Shopping Centre this month to raise funds to support the service, which is paid for solely by the public and has running costs of over £4million a year. The shop, situated on North Walk, will sell clothes, toys and books. Marwa Bahssali, shop manager said: “The shop will give us a vital connection with the local public, enabling them to learn more about our activities and the critical care we deliver.” Meanwhile the town's Children’s Hospice South West shop is urging people to donate summer clothing after an increase in demand, and also needs more children’s toys and bric-a-brac. Shop manager Anne Mosby said: “We think that because of the lockdown last summer, people didn’t refresh their wardrobe as much as normal. Then with lockdown in the early part of this year, they weren’t able to have a clear out and donate any pre-loved summer clothing.” Donations can be dropped off at the shop in East Walk. Everything sold helps the charity’s three hospices, including Charlton Farm in North Somerset, which have stayed open throughout the pandemic. Centre Manager Andrew Lowrey said: “Although the Centre’s visitor traffic has slightly reduced during the last 18 months, customer confidence is improving and customers are now returning to the town centre. Not unsurprisingly, the retail market is suffering nationally but the Centre is holding up well and currently only has six vacant units out of the total 105.”
August, 2021
Musical fundraiser for church A CHURCH is promising a picnic, Pimms and a musical romp when singer, pianist and actor Michael Lunts performs later this month. The show Tickling the Ivories, a potted history of comedy song from Gilbert and Sullivan to Monty Python, will be staged at Tormarton Church on Sunday August 22. All proceeds will go towards the cost of essential repairs to the roof of Tormarton Church. People are being encouraged to bring along a picnic to enjoy Michael Lunts either before or after the show in the secret walled garden of Tormarton’s ancient Manor Farm, starting with a glass of Pimms and canapés provided by the hosts. The gardens open at 5pm, with two performances of the show, at 6pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 each, including Pimms and canapés, and are available from church secretary Janet Wells by calling 01454 218549 or emailing drakehouse365@btinternet.com. Ticket numbers will be limited to enable social distancing and a marquee will be provided in case of bad weather.
We warmly invite you to watch the Annual Convention which is being presented online this year due to COVID. The program will show how we can overcome many of life’s challenges and have a positive hope for the future. Pre-recorded video sessions are being released free to view on JW.ORG during July and August. No registration or personal details are required. For further information please contact: yatecongregation@gmail.com or 07587 408058 For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
www.jw.org
ABOUT US > CONVENTIONS
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
August, 2021
yate&sodburyvoice
35
n NEWS
Council and McDonald’s team up over bins YATE Town Council has teamed up with McDonald’s in Yate to provide two new recycling and litter bins. The council say the two bins, on Station Road and St Mary’s Green, were supplied by McDonald’s and will be regularly emptied by council staff. The bins each have two compartments, one for mixed recycling and the other for general waste, and the council is calling on people to make the system work. Both the council and McDonald’s havew committed themselves to encouraging the recycling of waste wherever possible. Local McDonald's franchisee Mike Guerin said: "McDonald's are delighted to sponsor two new recycling bins for Yate Town Council. "Within our restaurants, we have a comprehensive recycling program; it is great to see on street recycling in Yate helping to keep our town clean & green."
Sarah White from the Sodbury and Yate Clean Up community group, Yate mayor Karl Tomasin and Mike Guerin, franchisee and owner of McDonald’s Yate at the new recycling bin on Station Road. Yate mayor Karl Tomasin said: "This is just one of many initiatives across the town implemented to encourage recycling and keeping our town clean and tidy. "Many thanks to McDonald's for working with the council
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
to help keep our town free of litter. The donation of 2 new recycling bins aligns with our joint aspirations to encourage recycling and keep our town tidy. We encourage everyone to either use the bins provided or take your litter home."
Clubs return TWO South Gloucestershire clubs returning to action after the lockdown are looking for new members to join. The Cleeve Singers of Downend need more singers in all voice departments to join. Rehearsals are currently due to begin on Wednesday September 1 at Lincombe Barn, Overndale Road, Downend, at 7.30 p.m. Anyone interested should email cleevesingers@gmail.com or call 0117 956 2378. And Bristol Budgerigar Society are presenting a Gold Championship Budgerigar Show at Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre in Fiddler’s Wood Lane on August 8, from 2.30pm. The society will follow it with a knockout competition on September 13 at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, from 7pm. For more information on the society contact secretary Ron Ramplin by email at ronnie. ramplin@btinternet.com or call 0774 874 0794.
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
36
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
n COMMUNITY NEWS
Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury AS is customary each year, a ceremony has been held for the club president to hand over to his successor, as Stuart Fraser passed the chain of office to Keith Pattison. Reflecting on the time since he took office in July 2020, Stuart said: "I could never have imagined that the whole twelve months of my presidency would be so challenging and unique due to COVID-19 constraints. "Nevertheless, the club has remained in good stead and I am grateful for the members’ patience and sustained support throughout. Keith said: "I want to focus on deepening our club’s involvement in local community activities, whilst sustaining a social programme and having fun, as we gradually move out of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic." At the same ceremony the club was delighted to induct Ray Perry as a new member. The club was pleased to offer once more this year a holiday for a local family with children with learning difficulties, at the Naish Holiday Village, New Milton. A very enjoyable time was had by the family. Our speaker in June was Brad Ashton, a comedian. Club members were entertained by Brad’s comical and varied repertoire. On the international front, the club made a financial donation to the relief organization Shelterbox, a charity that distributes boxes containing a tent and life saving supplies to victims of disasters. On the social front, weekly games of boules continue at Horton Social Club and the club 'Thunderboules' team enjoyed a very good win over Stonehouse Rotary Club in the annual Rotary District competition. Club members continue to support the COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the West Walk Surgery, Yate and at Ashton Gate.
Stuart Fraser hands over to new president Keith Pattison. Photo: Doug Lodge
Yate Rotary Club THE Rotary year ends on June 30 and, despite the rigours of COVID-19 restrictions, members of Yate Rotary Club met in the delightful garden of Theo White (and Mary) for a picnic and a rather informal 'handover ceremony'. The President for the year 2020-21 was Richard Gilpin, who had steered the club with great fortitude and considerable humour, through the whole year. The only meeting we had in-person was a commiseration picnic in July on the rugby pitch at the Ridings, to mark our sorrow at being unable to hold the usual annual South Cotswold Beer Festival. We did, however, successfully deliver several projects during the year. The beautiful Tree of Light at Yate Shopping Centre brought much pleasure to the whole community during the Christmas season. Over 100 laptops were refurbished and given to students who had had difficulty accessing their online lessons. Mock interviews were delivered online to Year 10 students at Yate Academy, a large donation was made to an inspirational wall mosaic at North Road Primary School, and a further grant was awarded to Chipping Sodbury RFC for the construction of a new all-weather path along the side of the main rugby pitch. Richard handed over the presidency to Marian Gilpin, who will be president until June next year. Marian said: "We are all massively looking forward to resuming our normal meetings on Thursday evenings at the White Hart in Iron Acton. "There is so much we want to do!" Anyone who would like to join should contact Marian on 07837 588362 or email marianjgilpin@btconnect.com.
New president Marian Gilpin
Yate WI THIS month, Yate WI enjoyed a successful treasure hunt around the town. We ended at a local café for coffee and a catch-up.
Our next meeting is a garden party on August 9, with afternoon tea, garden games and a hat competition. The craft group, walking group, and ‘coffee catch-up’ continue to be well attended. Advance notice: we are holding an awareness day in Four Seasons Square at Yate
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Shopping Centre on September 18. Come along and say ‘hello’! If you would like to attend any of our events, please go to our social media pages for more details. You can be assured of a warm welcome. Bev Hodgson
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
August, 2021
n SPORT YOUNG gymnasts from Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Charfield and Hambrook won a bronze medal at the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships. Eight members of the King Edmund Acro club, based in Yate, were picked to represent Great Britain at the tournament in Geneva in July, along with coaches Nikki Thorne and Vladimir Makarchenko. The men's four of Vinny Panetta, 14, from Yate, Alex Reeve, 15, from Chipping Sodbury, Joel Compton, 17, from Charfield and 18-year-old Harry Hole, of Hambrook, won their bronze medal in the 12-18 age group with three routines, beating some tough opposition. Afterwards Vinny, a pupil at Brimsham Green School, said he was "proud" to represent his country and the event had been an "enjoyable experience". He told his school newsletter: "I was very nervous, every time I had to compete. I competed three times over three days and as the third day was the final, the pressure mounted with each performance!" Senior mixed pair Dylan
37
Bronze medal for gymnasts
The medal-winning men's four in action Howells, from Risca in Wales, and Tash Hutchinson, from Oxford, made a slight mistake in their combined routine, which
cost them a place in the final. The women's pair in the 12-18 age group, Chipping Sodbury School pupil Polly Maggs, from
Yate, and Chloe Hopkins, from Bradley Stoke, were outstanding and show great promise as a partnership going forward. With the club's regular training venue at Yate International Gymnastics Centre shut due to covid restrictions in the months leading up to the event, training was moved to Bristol Hawks gym, Spiltz Gym in Weston-super-Mare and the Play Shed soft play centre in Yate, meaning preparations were far from ideal. But the coaching team said all eight gymnasts had put in some outstanding performances. Nikki said: "I'm very proud of the eight gymnasts and their performances gave a good insight into what can be achieved with hard work and commitment. "We look forward to the Europeans later this year and hope they all get selected to represent the country again." Mark Thorne
New head coach for Yate Rugby Club YATE Rugby Club starts the new season with a newly appointed head coach in Danny Williams. Danny is currently Rugby Academy coach at SGS College, where over 15 years he has had great success, winning many national and international titles. He has also coached many current professional and international players, including Joe Joyce, Andy Uren, Mitch Eadie, Jake Polledri and Taulupe Faletau.
Danny also has plenty of combination experience, with two spells as head coach at Bristol Imperial RFC, leading them to their highest ever league finish as well as their first ever cup final and two promotions. He also served for two years as head coach at North Bristol and Bristol Saracens. Danny said: "Having been impressed with the Yate RFC movement over the last few years, I am excited to be getting involved.
"I am looking forward to help grow and develop Yate Rugby and create a brand of rugby that is successful and exciting." Danny took charge of his first session at the start of July and regularly has more than 40 players training each session. Yate Rugby hope to build on their league title from 2019/20 season and will play this season with a First and Second XV in the league. Training takes place every
AERIAL SERVICES
ADVERTISE HERE
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
£20.00
from as little as + VAT per month
Call Richard on 01454 800 120
Thursday at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, starting at 7pm. All players, whether experienced, new to rugby or getting back into the sport, are welcome to a friendly and forward thinking club. Mark Summerville
AERIAL SERVICES
The Aerial Co.
● TV Aerials & Satellites ● Extra Points ● Repairs ● Sky Work Undertaken ● Telephone Extensions ● TV Wall Mounting ● CCTV ● Data Points & Wi-Fi Extensions ● TV/DAB/FM Multi Point Systems
• Digital Aerials • Fully Guaranteed • Repairs • Satellites • Free Quotes • OAP Discount • Additional TV Points • Humax Recorders
Call Nick on 07970 529787 Email: theaerialco@yahoo.com
Affordable Prices - Reliable Service
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
www.theaerialman.co.uk
01454 660046
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
yate&sodburyvoice
38 BUILDING SERVICES
August, 2021
GUTTER CLEANING
PLUMBING
MK Building Services Mark’s Gutter Cleaning
Gutter Clearing Gutter Cleaning Fascia Cleaning
Alterations • Foundations/Drainage Works Extensions • Repairs/Insurance work Decking/Patios • Driveways - Block Paving Friendly Service & Competitive Rates
Tel: 01454 822580 or Mobile: 07980 567726 mark.kembrey@hotmail.co.uk www.mkbuildingservicesbristol.co.uk
Call or Book online
www.marksguttercleaning.co.uk Tel: 0117 3708528 Mob: 07543056558 Based in Downend, Bristol
CLEANING SERVICES
PAINTING & DECORATING
SJM DECORATING
Professional Decorating Local Qualified tradesmen Internal & External Decorating Fast, reliable & friendly service Fully insured
Free Quotations
Call Scott 07515 523 623 0117 3824411
957 5092
PLUMBING & HEATING Tel: 0117 9676268 info@arheatingservices.co.uk
Boiler installation, servicing and repairs 10 Year Warranty’s available Finance also available
Garden, Clearance House, Garden, Office Clearance House,House, Garden, OfficeOffice Clearance
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
OVEN CLEANING
518308
ROOFING & CLADDING
HOUSE 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 removal On cheaper than aa skip wastewaste removal -Average On average cheaper than than skipa skip
GROUNDWORKS
0117
www.sjmdecorating.freeindex.co.uk
Taps, Washers Toilets, Cisterns Leaks, Blockages Tanks, Overflows Lead Pipes, Stopcocks….etc… OAP DISCOUNTS and NO VAT
Sodbury Roofing & Cladding Systems Ltd COMMERCIAL ROOFING - DOMESTIC ROOFING - FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING A roofing company you can trust
01454 311127 07930 344943
info@sodburyroofing. co.uk www.sodburyroofing. co.uk Find us on Yell:
TREE SERVICES D. ATTWELL
• Patios • Tarmac • Fencing • Turfing • Decking • Drainage • Driveways • Blockpaving • Foundations • Site Clearance • Concrete Bases • Stump Removal
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 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk
For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120
Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
We’re excited to have the support of our local independent traders. They are ready to welcome you and may also have some extra fun activities for you to get involved with. More businesses are signing-up all the time to accept vouchers over the eight week campaign. For the latest trader lists in Downend and Staple Hill and beyond visit:
southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos
They include: Chipping Sodbury • Card Boutique • Toll House Clinic • Marshfield Mobile ice cream • The Hamptons Delicatessen • Koala Kreations - Fabric And Haberdashery • Natural Treats Ltd • The Health Shop • Amigos Cocina • Swagger Gifts • Brook’s Bar • The Squire Inn • The Horseshoe • Shabby Chic • The Coffee Bean • Fish and Fields • John Howle Butcher • Heather Norman • Nicky’s Street Food Hub • The Sodbury Florist • Cotswold Vintners • Barber Joe’s • The Cottage Bakery Downend • Melanie’s Kitchen • Fabrics Plus Ltd
• Craig Anthony • Good Frydays • Mokka Lounge • Victoria’s Health and Beauty • West 70 Photography Filton Station Road • Crocsrus • Bristol Pet Stop Ltd • Goto - IT • Little Bathroom and Boiler Company • Borowiec Ltd TA Rozmaryn Polish Delicatessen Hanham • Eclectic Gift Shop • John Woods Cycle Repair Centre • 54A Hair & Beauty • A.S.Golding • Fleurtations Florist • Artime - Vincent Brown • Sassy hair studio • Travel Buddy UK • Hanham Florist Ltd • Ninos Barber Shop • Sticky Fingers Bakehaus ltd • Carpet Cave Ltd T/A Hanham Flooring
• Venus School of Dance • Pzazz Kingswood • Fuzchias Hair • Fresco Fish Market • Rainbow Bakery Café • JM South West • Beauty Within Staple Hill • Hair and Beauty @ the Square • American Candy Bristol • Farleys Pet food • Dury and Tippett Eyecare Ltd • Platinum Pet Care • The Friendly Eco Bristol • Jason’s Trading Post • Jay Jay’s Hair • Bunch Florists Thornbury • Beespoke • Castle Crafts • Celebration Fairs • Rosie & Rex • Bristol Coffee Company • Shampooches
• Swan Thornbury Ltd • Castle Crafts • Rosie & Rex • Papilio (Heritage) Ltd • Horders - Thornbury Press • Celebrations Fair • Hawkes House • Beespoke • Ronnie’s • Jolies Fleurs • Thornbury Garden Shop • Roobroo • Elite Fitness • Lee’s Mend A Shoe • The Malthouse • The Thornbury Deli • C The World • Hard Pressed for Time • Surroundings • The White Lion • The Thornbury Clinic Yate • Del’s Café Station Road • Pisces Station Road • Susan Charles Ladies Hairdressers • Bike Station UK Limited • Hollisters
3
THORNBURY High Street/ Outside Papilio BS35 2AH High Street/ Outside The Swan BS35 2AE
YATE Cranleigh Court Road/ Station Road BS37 5DH
FILTON Community Gardens Gloucester Road North BS34 7PF
Near Reptile Zone Crocs-r-Us Gloucester Road North BS34 7BL
The YMCA – garden at the rear of the hall Station Road BS37 4PQ
CHIPPING SODBURY Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church High Street BS37 6AH
DOWNEND King George V Playing Fields Westerleigh Road entrance BS16 6AH
The Horseshoe Downend Road BS16 6BA
STAPLE HILL Page Park Sensory Garden nr Bean Tree Café Park Road BS16 5LU
KINGSWOOD Regent Street/ Outside Iceland BS15 8LA
Kingswood Park High Street entrance BS15 4AD
Hatherell’s Yard Market High Street BS37 6BA
HANHAM The Maypole High Street BS15 3AB
Hanham Community Centre High Street BS15 3EJ
Fountain Square Broad Street BS16 5LN
# SGBeeTrail The South Gloucestershire Bee Trail is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund.
2704 Bees High Streets Trail - Voice.indd 1
southglos.gov.uk/shopsouthglos
26/07/2021 15:52