Yate & Sodbury Voice December 2021

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

December, 2021 Issue 80

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Message in a capsule Family in fear

A YATE man who was assaulted while walking his dog says his family is now wary about going out.

PAGE 5

FA Cup bonus

Children from a Yate primary school teamed up with a 97-year-old war veteran to bury a time capsule for future generations. Full story: Page 13

YATE Town FC aims to build on the prize money, sponsorship and new support from the team's run to the FA Cup First Round.

PAGE 3

Revamp for buses

Crash kills 'amazing dad'

BUS links between Yate and Bristol are set to be improved as part of a £540 million investment in transport.

PAGE 7

A FAMILY has paid tribute to a motorcyclist killed in a crash near Old Sodbury.

Desmond Clarke, who was 53, was described as an "amazing dad" and grandfather by his partner, while his three sons and grandchildren said they were in "disbelief" that he was gone.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam

A FAMILY has praised the "community spirit" of Chipping Sodbury after residents and traders combined to find a treasured piece of jewellery.

PAGE 21

evidence as they investigate the collision on the B4040 at Newhouse Farm, between the Cross Hands Hotel and Acton Turville, on Saturday November 13.

Mr Clarke died at the scene when his Honda motorbike collided with a Ford Transit van.

Full story: Page 2

Family's thanks

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2

yate&sodburyvoice January deadline Our January edition deadline is December 13.

Yate & Sodbury Voice contacts Advertising Enquiries Richard Drew, Publisher

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

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

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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

December, 2021

n NEWS

'Amazing dad' killed in crash THE family of a motorcyclist killed in a crash near Old Sodbury has paid tribute to an "amazing dad" and grandfather.

Desmond Clarke, who was 53, died at the scene of the collision between his bike and a van at Newhouse Farm, on the B4040 between the Cross Hands Hotel and Acton Turville, on Saturday November 13.

Mr Clarke's partner Lucy released a tribute through the police.

She said: “On Saturday my world was changed in a heartbeat.

"My loving partner of 31 years, an amazing dad to our three boys and an amazing Desmond Clarke Pops to our grandsons, was tragically taken in a motorcycle accident.

"My heart has shattered into 1,000 pieces and will never fit back in the same way.

"He will never be forgotten for the loving, kind, true gent that he was. Loved by so many. Forever in my heart, you will live on through us all."

A tribute from his three sons and grandchildren said: "We’ve lost our best mate, mentor, role model and our dad and Pops – no matter where we are we know you’re with us.

"We’re in disbelief that you are no longer. Love you, soldier on up there and ride forever. You’ll never walk alone.

"Love you Dad, love you Pops!”

Mr Clarke, from Swindon, was riding a Honda bike which collided with a Ford Transit van at around 12.45pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, and also want to hear from anyone with dash cam footage taken in the moments leading up to the incident.

Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote the incident reference number 5221 267 560.

Domestic Help Wanted Lady in Westonbirt requires experienced domestic help, with light housework and shopping.

6 hours a week.

Please phone early evening:

07876 350246

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

December, 2021

yate&sodburyvoice

3

n NEWS

Club plans to build on FA Cup run

YATE Town’s recent run to the FA Cup 1st round and a tie against Yeovil earned the club in excess of £25,000 in prize money and sponsorships – and now the club is hoping to build on that success.

They might have lost 5-0 to their more famous visitors, but officials believe it is the latest building block in the club’s ambition to climb further up the non-league pyramid.

Commercial Manager Mark Thorne said: "It was our first home game at this stage of the competition and only the second time we have reached so far.

"It was great to see the stadium full, with a 1,600 crowd with tickets which sold out within six hours. It shows the potential the club has got and it is just a matter of getting some of those to come back now."

The Bluebells average around 250 spectators for home matches in the Southern League Premier South, where a run of good form had taken them to seventh as the Voice went to press.

There was a small increase in attendance for the following home league game against Taunton Town and the club hopes to attract fans from Bristol City and Bristol Rovers when their teams are playing away on a Saturday.

Yate Town drew a capacity crowd for their FA Cup match against Yeovil town.

Picture: B.East Photography Mark said: "We’re trying to work on the community side of the club and it was great to see younger fans turn up for the cup tie.

"We are working to build an association with those who follow Rovers and City and hopefully after our cup run they will have been impressed with the standard.

"We had a lot of interest from local companies, with three or four taking advertising boards around the pitch and generally it was great for me, as commercial manager, because companies were coming to us rather than me having to chase them!”

There is one downside to Yate’s cup success – their run has attracted interest in their players from other clubs. As a result,

following the Yeovil game, club captain and leading scorer Dave Sims-Burgess signed for Bath City, who play a division higher in the National League South.

Mark said: "The last time we reached the 1st round in 2012 we also lost a couple of players off the back of that success.

However, our manager Paul Michael is already pro-active trying to replace him."

While the Football League is

still a long way away, Mark says clubs should "never say never".

He said: “It would take a significant cash injection because the step up in facilities and players required to compete in National League South and above is huge.

"But we are the third highest ranked club in the Bristol area and we need to get that message out there and get people to come out to watch." *The Football Association has confirmed that it is carrying out an investigation in to allegations that two Yeovil Town players were subjected to “discriminatory abuse” from members of the crowd at Lodge Road during the FA Cup tie.

Mark said the club are unaware of the exact allegations and are awaiting contact from the Football Association. An FA spokesman told the Voice they cannot comment while the investigation continues.

Teen arrested after man stabbed POLICE have arrested a teenager after a man was stabbed at a takeaway in Yate.

The man needed stitches after the assault, which police are describing as an "isolated incident".

Officers were called to Yate Kebab and Pizza in Abbotswood at 10.45pm on November 14 after reports that a customer had been attacked.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: "The ambulance service attended to treat a customer – a man in his 50s - who suffered two puncture wounds.

"He needed hospital treatment including seven stitches for his injuries.

"A young man aged 17 was arrested just before midnight, on suspicion of wounding with intent.

"He was later released on police bail with conditions including living at an address away from Yate and not returning to the town."

Police say their neighbourhood team is carrying out targeted patrols of the area to reassure the community.

Enquiries into the incident are still underway and police called on anyone with information that could help the investigation to call 101 and quote the crime reference number 5221 268 643.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

Tree of Light!

Yate & District

Rotary Club

Once again, during the Christmas season, Yate Rotary Club will be lighting up the very large tree at the eastern entrance to Yate Shopping Centre with hundreds of lights !

You are invited to celebrate whatever you wish!

Celebrate a life! Celebrate an achievement! Celebrate a special family event! ….. and you can do it by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Light!

Full details are on the Yate Rotary Club website: Just go to www.yaterotaryclub.co.uk and select TREE OF LIGHT Fill in your name and the person or event you wish to celebrate, click on ‘add to cart’ and pay using PayPal or debit card - or send a cheque, using the sponsorship form below.

Sponsorship costs £6 per person/event celebrated.

The person or event you wish to celebrate, will be included in the ‘Book of Celebration’ on the Yate Rotary Club website.

Switch-on will be 3rd December—4pm

All proceeds will be shared between St Peter’s Hospice and Brain Tumour Research

The Tree of LIght is arranged by Yate Rotary Club.

Registered Charity No. 1035477 __________________________________________________________________________________________________cut here___________

TREE OF LIGHT CELEBRATION SPONSORSHIP FORM Your name: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Your phone no:………………………...Your e-mail: …………………………………………………………..

Your address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Name/s of person/s or event/s to be celebrated: ……………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Please make cheques payable to ‘Yate and District Rotary Club’ and mail to: Yate Rotary Club, 2 Wickham Close, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6NH All personal information will be kept securely and used only for communications about the Tree of Light

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

5

n NEWS

Attack leaves family scared to go out A DOG owner who was assaulted while walking his pet says his family is now wary about going out.

Chris Palmer sustained considerable facial injuries in the attack, including a swollen ear and a chipped tooth, bruised chin, black eye and bloody nose.

He also had an injury to his hip from where he was kicked.

Chris, 65, said he was walking his dog in the top field at Brimsham Fields and talking on the phone to his son when suddenly a black Alsatian "came from nowhere".

He said: "It was aggressive and growling, so I shooed the thing off and it ran away.

“I carried on walking and was about to warn a nearby family that there was a dog on the loose when it suddenly appeared again and attacked my dog.

"It was on the exact spot where I knew a previous incident had happened and a dog had been severely injured, so obviously I wasn’t going to take a chance - I swung at it with my size 11 boots to get it away."

Chris said a man then appeared and "absolutely floored me with a haymaker punch".

While he was on the ground his head was

"pummelled" despite attempts to defend himself.

Chris said the attacker then walked off.

He said: "He shouted at me 'it's only a pup' but I can say it was one hell of a big pup.

“I phoned the police and they responded straight way. They told me not to follow the man and met me in the car park where I tried to give them a description."

Chris says the incident, which happened on October 29, won’t stop him walking his dog in future, but admits that his wife and family are all wary about the possibility of a similar incident happening again.

Avon and Somerset police are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information who has not yet come forward to call them on 101, quoting incident number 5221 254 228.

A police spokesperson said: “A 32-yearold man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on police bail after a man reported being punched and kicked while walking his dog in Brimsham Green, Yate on October 29.

"The investigation into the incident continues."

Chris Palmer suffered facial injuries in the attack

Apology for police dog bite AVON and Somerset police have confirmed that they have apologised to a woman who was bitten by a police dog while she was at an illegal rave in Yate.

Jess Andrew was one of up to 700 people who attended the event at an empty warehouse in Millbrook Road on October 31 last year, which breached coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.

Police were attacked as they stopped hundreds more people from getting in to the warehouse, which was trashed.

Ms Andrew complained that she was bitten as police tried to clear the venue.

The force's professional standards department investigated the incident and analysed body-worn footage, photographic evidence from witnesses and accounts from officers on duty, with an independent review carried out by a police dog instructor.

It concluded that there was "no indication the dog-handler had behaved in a manner requiring disciplinary action or individual training".

However solicitors acting for

Ms Andrew are understood to have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A police spokesperson said: "Any injury sustained during police contact is regrettable.

"Therefore, an apology was also made to the complainant for the injury they sustained.

"Any complainant who is unhappy with the outcome of their complaint is entitled to request a review by the IOPC.” Ms Andrew, who has so far refused to accept the apology, is now being represented by Iain Gould, a solicitor who specialises in claims against the police.

The Voice has contacted Mr Gould for a comment.

Five people were jailed for crimes committed when police were called to the event.

Seven more people brought to court between February and April were fined and ordered to pay compensation and costs, while a further 15 people were given fixed penalty fines for breaching covid restrictions, including two men fined £10,000 for their role in organising the rave.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Parish Clerk

Tormarton Parish Council Tormarton Parish Council is looking for a part-time Clerk (and Responsible Financial Officer), working from home around 18 hours per month plus attendance at one evening meeting per month.

Hours will be flexible to suit your own commitments with PC, printer and other equipment provided. Training courses are available and all systems are in place to allow a smooth takeover.

This position will suit someone with an administrative background.

Our preferred requirements: • Have qualifications to A-Level or equivalent, to include a minimum of GCSE Maths and English • be ICT literate, able to use word-processing and spreadsheet software and manage a website • have experience of setting and managing a budget • have good communication skills Salary is competitive depending upon experience and qualifications.

Please send a covering letter and CV to

katy.pool@tormarton-pc.gov.uk Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

7

n NEWS

Major bus improvements are on the way BUS links between Yate and Bristol are set to be improved as part of a £540 million investment in transport.

Money from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement announced in November will be used to make improvements to bus routes on Badminton Road and the Avon Ring Road More details of the schemes to improve the A432 and A4174 are expected to be revealed when public consultations begin around the turn of the year.

Both schemes will aim to deliver a "variety of measures to improve sustainable transport", according to the West of England Combined Authority, which will spend the money – equivalent to £560 per person in the region.

In a separate development a major revamp of bus services across the region will see daily and weekly fares capped and improved daytime and evening services.

Contactless London-style tap-on, tap-off payments will allow passengers to hop across different operators, under-11s will ride for free and under-18s will get half-price discounts.

Five months of talks have begun between transport authorities and bus companies to move towards seamless travel, which will eventually include trains, with new local low-fare zones.

One common transport brand will be created for the West of England, inspired by Transport for London, with the same livery on all single and double-deckers.

Most buses already accept contactless cards but tickets are only valid on services run by the same firm, while ‘tap and cap’ is available only on First buses for daily and weekly tickets in flatfare zones.

The improvements are outlined in the region's Bus Service Improvement Plan, submitted to the government by

the West of England Combined Authority and North Somerset Council at the end of October.

Negotiations with operators are due to be completed by March 31 before the plan undergoes public consultation, with a view to coming into force 70 days later, on June 10.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said the plan would make bus travel "simpler and cheaper", with "one set daily price" for passengers.

He said: "I want to make it as easy as possible for people to do the right thing so they can greatly reduce car journeys and use public transport, walk, cycle and wheel, so we can reach our very ambitious net zero 2030 target and deal with congestion, pollution, and obesity."

First West of England managing director Doug Claringbold said the company welcomed the improvement plan's "level of ambition".

He said: “Our focus is on

Dan Norris improving the experience for our customers, with a commitment to a zero emission fleet by 2035, the roll-out of tap-on, tap-off contactless capping across our network in 2022, a more flexible ticket offer that meets changing travel needs and ultimately, the operation of faster, more reliable services made possible by the delivery of the bus priority measures set out in the BSIP.”

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Yate Town Council Update Bug Hotels arrive at Millside Open Space

During October half term, Yate Town Council put out a call to action to residents, families and wildlife experts to help fill our newest bug hotels which have been recently installed at Millside Nature Park.

The three bug hotels are part of a wider project which has delivered additional play equipment and 8 beautiful wooden sculptures to the site.

The workshop was led by three local ecology and wildlife experts, Chris Belcher (local contractor), Paul Hulbert (Dodington Parish Councillor) and Tim Fairhead (Avon Wildlife Trust). After learning about local pollinators and how to create insect-friendly spaces at home, everybody got stuck in filling the hotels with animal friendly items such as bricks, straw and even an old boot!

Yate Town Councillor Chris Willmore thanked the residents

who helped with this project and confirmed this was part of a much wider project to improve open spaces in Yate for wildlife.

Local chainsaw artist, Andy O’Neill of Wild Wood Carving, continues to work on additional interpretation boards which will be installed on site at Millside in the near future, as a learning

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

opportunity for those seeking out the sculpture trail around them.

The funding for this project was successfully secured by a Yate Town Council bid submitted to South Gloucestershire Council, who secured and administered the funds through Section 106 (S106) financial contributions from housing developers on local sites.

To keep up with the project progress, follow the Town Council on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Further information about our play areas, open spaces and parks in Yate, can be found on our website. https://yatetowncouncil.gov.uk/ parks-and-open-spaces

Climate Banners

Yate Mayor, Councillor Karl Tomasin, Councillor Chris Willmore and South Gloucestershire Council Chair, Councillor Ruth Davis, came together at Yate Shopping Centre to create a unique panel for the Stitches For Survival exhibition in Glasgow during COP26. Over 1000 panels were created and every panel carries a personal message to the climate negotiators saying ACT NOW! Over 30 panels created by wonderful members of Yate community went to Glasgow to join the 1.5 mile chain of panels for display during COP26.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

8

December, 2021

n NEWS

Town centre market cleared to expand A BID to expand Yate Shopping Centre’s market stalls has been approved – despite fears raised that tailbacks at the nearby McDonald’s drive-thru could cause a collision.

One resident objected to the centre’s block street trading licence application on the grounds of public safety and nuisance, which meant a South Gloucestershire Council hearing had to be held to decide it.

Licensing sub-committee members gave the green light after hearing planning permission had recently been granted for an extra lane of cars at the fast-food restaurant.

Town centre manager Andrew Lowery at the licensing hearing

The centre, which was put up for sale for £53 million last month, had a licence for only 10 outdoor stallholders, which was due to expire next April, but it now has consent for up to 50 for the daily market.

Centre manager Andrew Lowery told the hearing at Kingswood Civic Centre that this was likely to be only five on weekdays, the same as now, increasing to 25 on Saturdays.

He said Green Top Events, the organisers of markets in Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury and several towns in South Wales and the Forest of Dean, had approached the shopping centre to say they could attract between 15 to 20 additional pitches on Saturdays.

An artisan and craft market has been launched in the run-up to Christmas this year.

Mr Lowery told councillors: “We don’t anticipate going anywhere close to 50. The maximum we could apply for is

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The Mcdonald's drive-thru either 10 or 50, which is why we put in the application for 50.

“Retail has gone through a very difficult period with covid, shopping habits have very much changed. Our customers are visiting us less but spending more in one trip.”

He said footfall was 22 per cent lower than before the pandemic.

Mr Lowery said the Yate Masterplan being developed by South Gloucestershire Council called for a bigger range and better shops, with food, crafts and farmers’ markets.

He said: “A market will not necessarily attract lots of new customers. I don’t believe for a minute we will suddenly see a massive increase in traffic on a Saturday, which is where we are really hurting at the moment.

“We used to attract 45,000 customers on a Saturday. We are now around 30,000, so it has massively reduced.”

Mr Lowery said that even during the busiest hour, between noon and 1pm on a Saturday, the six car parks had 200 unoccupied spaces of the 1,450 available.

The resident who objected said in a statement that they were surprised there had not been a serious accident at the McDonald’s drive-thru and that the increase in stalls on a Saturday would exacerbate the problem.

But Mr Lowery said planning permission for an extra lane at the drive-thru meant greater capacity for queueing vehicles and more order points, while the easing of covid restrictions meant additional staff could process orders and cook the food quicker.

He said: “McDonald’s are very serious about making sure they do improve matters and they are

also talking to us about maybe widening the entrance road to that car park.

The application was backed

by Yate Central ward Liberal Democrat councillors Ruth Davis and John Gawn, and one resident.

Cllr Davis told the meeting on November 9: “They have had a block licence for over 15 years, very successfully.

“The ability to put in extra stalls means we have had very diverse, extra shopping opportunities, especially around Christmastime, including small traders that couldn’t afford a small unit and entrepreneurs that want to test the water as to whether what they are trying to sell is feasible. It makes for a very good mix.”

Cllr Davis said she appreciated the frustration and worry over the McDonald’s issue because tailbacks spilled back onto the main road at busy times but that the planning consent would resolve this.

She said: “There will be a few more people but there is the capacity to do that, and they won’t be coming in through the McDonald’s entrance. There are much bigger parking areas elsewhere.

“This will help the long-term sustainability of the shopping centre.”

Granting the licence, panel chairman Keith Cranney (Con, Stoke Gifford) said improvements to the McDonald’s car park layout would alleviate the resident's concerns which led to the objection.

Stalls can open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 6pm Friday and Saturday and 9am to 4am on Sundays.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS PEOPLE lined the streets as Yate paid tribute to all those who gave their lives in conflict on Remembrance Sunday.

After having to cancel last year's parade because of coronavirus restrictions, this year the parade and service returned with more than 200 members of uniformed services, veterans, guides, brownies, scouts, beavers, and representatives from local associations and community groups.

The Boys Brigade 1st Yate Company Band led the way as the parade left Poole Court to St Mary’s church on Sunday, November 14.

The service was streamed into the church hall next door and live audio was also transmitted into the car park to reach as many people as possible.

Acts of Remembrance were held outside at the church lychgate and Parnall memorial, with bugler Connor Crane sounding the last post and memorial names read by Air Cadets.

Reverend Joanne Hodge led the congregation in a two-minute silence at 11am, before wreaths were laid at the lychgate.

Wreaths were laid by dignitaries, local veterans, uniformed services, and representatives of the NHS, community groups and associations.

Among those attending this year was Yate Mayor Karl Tomasin, South Gloucestershire Deputy Lord Lieutenant Susie Hewson, Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, South Gloucestershire Council chair Ruth Davis and representatives of neighbouring councils.

Following the service at the lychgate, an act of Remembrance was held at the Parnall Memorial within St Mary’s Church yard to commemorate the 52 men

9

Yate remembers the fallen

Wreath laying at St Mary's lychgate.

Picture by Rich McD. and women, and three unknown civilian employees of the Parnall aircraft factory who lost their lives as a result of two air raids which took place in 1941.

Mark Haslam, a representative of Whirlpool Corporation, whose factory is on the Parnall’s site, laid a wreath in their memory.

Deputy Mayor of Yate Cheryl Kirby laid a wreath on behalf of the town council, with uniformed services and representatives of the young and mature population of Yate also laying wreaths.

Yate Town Council, which organised the parade and service with St Mary’s Church and the Royal British Legion, thanked all those who attended.

Lychgate centenary A SERVICE has been held to mark the 100th anniversary of

The Remembrance parade. Picture by Rich McD. the lychgate at St Mary’s Church.

Members of Yate Town Council, the Royal British Legion and the community came together to acknowledge the building of this tribute to the men of Yate who lost their lives in service during the First World War by the town's people.

Led by Rev Ian Wallace and supported by Rev Leigh Maydew,

the service took place at the Lych Gates on November 6.

As reported in last month's Voice, the lychgate was built after a fundraising collection organised by Colonel Burges of Ridge House, Commanding Officer of the 12th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, and unveiled in January 1921.

South Glos Art Appreciation Society Meet at Bradley Stoke Community School BS32 7BS 3rd Thursday 7.00pm for 7.30pm DECEMBER 16TH Matthew William’s talk

“Ghastley Good Taste”

The Highs and Lows of British Design JANUARY 20TH

“Something Different”

Winterbourne Wind Band Musical Evening.

Standards lowered during the Act of Remembrance. Picture by Rich McD.

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downendvoice yate&sodburyvoice

10 12

December, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Net Zero at Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm If COP26 has got you worried about what you can do about the climate crisis, an easy way to start is to visit Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm for your Christmas tree. Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, namely carbon dioxide and methane. Buying local means you can really reduce your carbon footprint.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is home to 40,000 Christmas trees spread over approximately 18 acres of green belt land next to the M32 motorway. All plants actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the Christmas trees - which are evergreen – do this all year round. With the heavy motorway traffic nearby, there certainly is no shortage of carbon dioxide for the trees to mop up.

“I think all of us are wondering what we can do on a personal level when it comes to climate change,” says Simon Maughan, managing director of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm. “A good way to start

Kate and Simon Maughan, owners of Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm invite you to buy your tree locally this year this Christmas is to make sure that we buy as much as we can for the festive season from local suppliers, whether it is food for the table, presents for the tree, or the tree itself.”

“As for the Christmas tree, it’s

also important to consider what to do with it in the New Year. Burning it probably is the worst thing to do as it releases all that stored carbon directly back into the atmosphere.

Many of our customers find a second use for their tree, as a bird

For your tree this year - visit the only place in Bristol that grows its own

FRENCHAY CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

feeder for example, but by far the most common thing to do with it is to recycle it as chipped mulch.”

“We accept hundreds of returned trees in January, and they all get put through the shredder.

The bits rot down naturally on the ground, keeping the carbon in the ground, and also making homes for insects and food for fungi.”

The Christmas tree site has in itself become a bit of a haven for wildlife. Birds nest in the trees, animals shelter under the trees, wild flowers such as orchids have begun to seed themselves in the grass around trees. 2021 saw the addition of a big pond, which is set to attract all sorts of other interesting residents, such as dragonflies.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm from Saturday 20th November. You can visit in person or order your tree online at www. frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk – either for delivery or click and collect.

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December, 2021

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11

n NEWS

Mum and son's pollution message to kids A YATE mum and her son have published a children’s book which encourages us all to do our bit to cut down on plastic pollution.

Walter The Whale and His Plastic Tale was written by Marie Whitehead and illustrated by her son James, who recently graduated from Bath Spa University, as a project to keep them occupied during lockdown.

Marie said: "It's about getting children thinking.

"I saw all this plastic in the ocean when we were in Norway, on a boat miles out at sea, and I thought 'this is ridiculous'.

"So hopefully it will get children talking and thinking about where all the plastic goes.

"When they take the book into schools they absolutely love it, and read it and read it, and start talking about their lunch box plastics or their toothbrushes.

"There’s been a good response, so it has been a good

Marie Whitehead and her son James teamed up to create Walter The Whale and His Plastic Tale. thing to do."

Before the pandemic, mumof-four Marie ran a company designing posters for theme parks but, when lockdown caused that work to dry up, she

decided to concentrate on her new book.

Earlier in her career she helped design toys for major companies Hasbro and Sega, but decided she wanted to spend

more time at home in Yate with her children.

Marie said: "I don’t regret a minute of spending time with my family. They are all very creative now and have followed in my footsteps.

"James and I worked together for a year and are very proud of the book we have created.

"We endeavour to get Walter's story seen by schools and children around the world in the hope that together we can make a difference.

"If this book helps to make children think about nonbiodegradable waste and to make better choices then it has achieved its goal."

Marie’s book has been promoted locally with a window display in Natures Choice health and refill shop in Chipping Sodbury.

For more information visit: www. walterthewhaleandhisplastic tale.co.uk.

Medal for conductor THE conductor of Yate Choral Society has finally received an honour announced before the start of the pandemic.

Geoff Wickham, who has been with the society for 49 years was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to music in the Bristol area in 2020's New Year Honours list.

As well as his services to the Choral Society Geoff is also conductor of the Bristol Cathedral Choir School Choral Society, musical director of Bristol Catholic Players and a noted composer.

He received his medal in a ceremony held recently at The Merchant’s House in Clifton, from the Lord Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol, Peaches Golding OBE. Yate Choral Society are now back in rehearsal after an 18-month gap due to the pandemic and working towards a Christmas concert in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on December 14, at 7.30pm.

Next year will be the 50th Anniversary of Geoff taking on the role of conductor and to celebrate, the society will stage a special concert with the Bristol Cathedral Choir School Choral Society on March 26 in Westbury-on-Trym and April 23 at Yate Academy.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

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December, 2021 30

13 December, 2021

n NEWS

Young and old join to send message to the future CHILDREN from a Yate primary school teamed up with a D-Day veteran to bury a special time capsule in the gardens of the building which bears his name.

Pupils from Abbotswood Primary School were joined by Leonard Trewin, the 97-year-old from Yate who inspired the name of Trewin Lodge.

The event was organised by Churchill Retirement Living, which built Trewin Lodge, in Normandy Drive.

Apartment owners and staff from the development joined Leonard and the children for a ceremony in the building’s communal gardens.

Items placed in the capsule included one of Len’s berets, signed photos, a scroll of artwork done by the children and a copy of a local paper to mark the date.

Leonard also shared stories about his wartime experiences and showed off some of his medals including the Legion d'Honneur awarded to him

Burying the time capsule at Trewin Lodge by the French government in 2019 for his service in helping to liberate France during the Normandy landings.

Abbotswood head teacher Sarah Willoughby said: “This has been a fun project for the children to get involved in and a wonderful opportunity to meet such an inspirational local figure

and learn from him about the past.

"We’re very grateful to Churchill Retirement Living for organising the visit – all of the pupils worked very hard on their contributions for the time capsule, which I’m sure our descendants will have a lot of enjoyment looking through one

day. We had great fun thinking about what people in the future will think when they dig it up!”

Churchill Retirement Living's Jo Ridehalgh said: “We hope that some of the same children can return with their own families one day to see the capsule dug up.”

Trewin Lodge is located on Normandy Drive near the heart of Yate, close to shops and amenities, and perfectly located for local transport links.

The development comprises 65 private, self-contained apartments and 6 cottages with spacious rooms throughout, considerately designed with the over 60s in mind, and a warm, comfortable Owners’ Lounge where regular social events will start up again as soon as Covid restrictions allow.

For more information on Trewin Lodge call 01454 837682 or visit www. churchillretirement.co.uk.

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

What makes Bristol? A new project is trying to find out We’d like you to be part of a citywide project called Bridging Histories We’re inviting people of all ages, political views, and social groups to join in 6 activities and share what they make. We’re offering £100-£300 for you to run events getting people sharing recipes and stories, street history, family history, ‘I am from’ poetry, monument detectives and changemaking. We will feature what you make in a We Are Bristol exhibit next year. We’re particularly keen to bring people together of different ages! Let us know what you’d like to do and why.

We’ll support as many projects as we can.

Visit www.bridginghistories.com and email activities@bridginghistories.com

WHAT is the tastiest recipe in all of Bristol and beyond? Who do you know with the wildest family legends? What are the songs you and your family grew up with?

Bridging Histories is inviting people across the Bristol region to join in activities and share what they make. They are asking families, schools and workplaces to get involved in exploring what makes Bristol tick.

Groups across Bristol have already been getting stuck in. Barton Hill History Group is creating new heritage trails. At Hoo Haw Children’s Art Festival, Scrapstore and Bristol Beacon created a Bristol skyline and got kids filling it with their own monuments. People have shared poems and their history.

Dr Joanna Burch-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Bristol is part of the team behind the Bridging Histories project. They are looking to get as many people as possible involved.

She said: “We especially love seeing activities that bring people together across the generations. It helps us be connected and gain a perspective we could never get on our own.”

“We are coming through the pandemic having grown and changed, and we are learning so much more about each other as a city.”

“Over the summer nearly 14,000 people shared their views on the future of the Colston statue and plinth.”

“This is a great moment for us to come together across the city and region, to connect over food, dip into our history, and get inspired to make positive change for the future.”

Foradvertise, Newsdeskcontact Or Advertising 01454 800 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk To Emma oncontact 0117 908 2121 Or120 07715 770448. Email: sales@henleazeandwestburyvoice.co.uk

14

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

It's green for go on new plan for nature FIVE new nature reserves will be created and tree cover doubled across South Gloucestershire as part of a major new council plan.

The green infrastructure strategy, approved by the local authority’s cabinet on November 8, sets out ambitious goals to protect and enhance the natural environment, including establishing a community orchard within a 15-minute walk of every urban neighbourhood.

Restoring hedgerows, improving habitats for pollinators and changing the way South Gloucestershire Council manages road verges and grassland areas to support nature are also set out in the 208-page document.

It says potential new sites for local nature reserves will be investigated, including designated status at Woodwell Meadows, Magpie Bottom, Cock Road Ridge, Filnore Woods and Thornbury Farm Woodland.

Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: “As we rise to the challenges of responding to the climate and nature emergency, this strategy sets out how well-planned, designed and managed green infrastructure can contribute and is central to our plans.

“Across our area we also need to plan for new homes and infrastructure.

“This strategy and action plan explains the important work under way to inform our local plan so that green infrastructure is at the start and centre of our work to get the best outcomes for people and nature as we plan and design new places.”

Responding to concerns that it lacked measurable targets and was too broad, he

said cabinet members had the power to amend the plan to “keep it live”.

Cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt told the meeting at Kingswood Civic Centre that work in partnership with communities, town and parish councils and other organisations was essential to achieving the strategy’s goals, which would be reviewed every year.

She said: “Important foundations have been put in place and there remains significant work to do.

“Working together is at the centre of our plans and how we will achieve the vision that this strategy sets out.”

Council leader Toby Savage said: “It’s very much now up to us to see that identified actions are properly implemented.”

The plan also includes a new green investment scheme for businesses and an online green spaces map with information about facilities, accessibility and 'friends' groups.

South Gloucestershire currently has nine local nature reserves, while 11 per cent of its total area is covered by trees.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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December, 2021

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15

n NEWS

Jail for man who Drop-in covid booster clinics helped burglary gang A CHIPPING Sodbury man has been jailed after handling goods stolen in a series of burglaries of student flats in Bristol.

Jonny Manfield was one of three men sentenced to a total of more than 16 years in prison for their part in burglaries carried out over a ten-month period.

Manfield, aged 29, of Horse Street, received a sentence of three years and nine months after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods.

John O’Brien, 46, of Kendon Drive, Jonny Manfield Horfield, Bristol, was found guilty of 21 counts of burglary and jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Edward Tiley, 45 of Goulston Walk in Bishopsworth, was found guilty of eight counts of burglary and sentenced to five years in prison.

Bristol Crown Court was told on October 22 that student housing in the Redland, Clifton, Cotham and Horfield areas of Bristol was targeted by the burglars between January and October 2019.

Detective Constable Louise Yaldron said: “We welcome the sentences handed out today to all three men for the significant number of burglaries carried out across Bristol.

“Prolific thieves have been taken off the streets and we will continue to do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

EXTRA walk-in booster jab clinics were organised in Yate to deal with a potential backlog in vaccinations.

The organisation behind the local vaccine programme, Healthier Together, says it is aware that not all eligible patients in Yate had been invited by their GP for a booster dose and set up two extra clinics at Yate Leisure Centre in November.

COVID-19 case rates were increasing again as the Voice went to press, reaching 1,612 or 560.1 per 100,000 people in South Gloucestershire during the week to November 18.

Eligible residents are being encouraged to book their booster jabs as soon as possible, either via the NHS app, by calling 119 or locally by visiting the website bnssghealthiertogether.org.uk/book-yourvaccine/covid.

Officials at the NHS Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group say that there are no plans to repeat the extra walk-in clinics but are setting up more booked clinics in the lead up to Christmas.

Healthier Together spokesperson Mma-tshepo Grobler said: "The National Booking Service has new appointments added regularly – we advise to keep checking if nothing local is available.

"There is also the option to pre-book booster appointments 5 months (152) days after a second COVID-19 vaccine. However the appointment will be at least 6 months (182) days after a second COVID-19 vaccine dose.

"GPs are also offering booster doses, however we are aware that not all patients have been invited by their GP for a booster dose in Yate at the moment.

"We are setting up additional booked clinics for these patients, and they will be contacted shortly.”

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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16

December, 2021

n NEWS

Mummers will return to streets this Christmas ONE of Winterbourne Down's Boxing Day traditions will return this year after going online during last year's lockdown.

The Annual Winterbourn Down Mummers Play by the Christmas Boys and Morris Dancers will be staged four times outdoors around the village, with people encouraged to come along, watch and support local charity Paul's Place.

Organiser Terry Martin said performers were looking forward to seeing old friends again after live performances fell victim to the pandemic last year.

The play's roots go back for centuries but it almost died out forever after the First World War, when one of the players was killed in action.

But thanks to a group of villagers and an elderly resident who remembered the words, the play was revived in 1979 and attracts crowds of up to 300 people each year.

Last year the Christmas Boys got together before lockdown in

Last year's mummers play was recorded in advance and streamed online the Cross Hands pub to video a performance of the play.

It was streamed on a JustGiving page and the group raised £1,140 – double the usual total – for Coalpit Heath charity Paul's Place, which provides services for adults with physical disabilities.

This year the mummers back out performing in the

streets - but are again embracing technology, with a QR code to enable audience members to make a donation by phone in addition to the traditional bucket collection.

Terry said: "On behalf of the Christmas Boys I know that we are all really looking forward to Boxing Day, where once again the Turkish Knight will hopefully

miss the puddles when he meets his demise at the hands of St George, who will of course be revived by the Doctor, thus sparing our already overwhelmed hospital.

"And who will be the ‘lucky old lady of 99’ this year?

"It will be magical to once again meet up with old friends who have followed us for years, some in fact for nearly every performance over the past 40plus years.

"We wish you all a Joyous and Merry Christmas."

Performances take place at 10.30am in Stone Lane, 11am at All Saints Church Hall, 11.45am at Colston Close and 12.15pm at the Cross Hands.

Last year was the first time the mummers used different colours instead of the traditional black face paint, even though the tradition is thought to have been based on using soot to disguise players, rather than having any racial element.

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December, 2021

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17

n NEWS

Yate and Sodbury get ready for Christmas CHURCHES and voluntary groups are making final preparations for Christmas activities to put residents in the festive spirit.

Among the brightest attractions will be Yate & District Rotary Club's Tree of Light, which will be switched on at the East entrance to Yate Shopping centre at 4pm on December 3.

People are being encouraged to sponsor one of the tree's hundreds of lights to commemorate a person or a special event.

Dedications will be included in a special ‘Book of Celebration’ on the Yate Rotary Club website, www.yaterotaryclub.co.uk.

More details on the Tree of Light and how to become a sponsor can be found on the site.

Plans for this year's Chipping Sodbury Christmas Tree Trail are also underway, with organisers Sodbury in Bloom and the Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce promising it will be even better.

Spokesperson Julia Bernau said: "Last year’s Christmas tree trail was a great success, with many beautifully decorated trees so thank you again to all who participated.

"In fact it was so good that Sodbury in Bloom and the Chamber of Commerce felt we had to do it again and the response has been even better than last year.

"It’s going to be a really colourful trail. Unlike last year, we don’t have a particular theme but have asked participants to choose their own theme.

"For example, we suggested possible themes using reindeer,

angels, Santa, presents, one colour, stockings or food."

There will be a competition for the best decorated tree by a resident and for one decorated by a business, with public voting.

The trail starts on December 4 and finishes on January 2, with trail maps available from the Sodbury in Bloom Facebook page and the Chamber of Commerce site.

St John’s Parish Church in Chipping Sodbury is organising events in place of its traditional Nativity Crib Festival this year.

The church in Wickwar Road has invited shops and businesses in Chipping Sodbury to display crib scenes in their windows during December to mark the original meaning of Christmas.

A spokesperson for the church said: "This year we should like to ask all residents in and around Chipping Sodbury to consider doing the same, as we are sure many of you will have family Nativity crib sets to display, or children may enjoy creating one."

St John's is holding Journey Towards Christmas events with music, refreshments and activities on December 3 and 4 from 10am to 6pm and a concert of Christmas music with readings on December 5 at 3.30pm, with mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas cards.

Chipping Sodbury Lions will have their sleigh making collections around the town from the end of November.

The sleigh will visit the area around The Ridge on November 29, Cranleigh Court the following day, Greenways Road on December 2, Brimsham Park on

Last year's Tree of Light was a hit with residents December 6 and 7, St Johns Way on December 8 and 9, and the Counties on December 10.

Collections will be made at

Tesco on December 14 and 16, Waitrose on December 18 and Morrisons on December 22 to 24.

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yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

n NEWS

Cancelled cabin threatened dream cruise A DISABILITY campaigner and her family were left facing a heartbreaking decision when a cruise operator cancelled her accessible cabin.

Georgina Moore, who lives in Chipping Sodbury, was booked on to the New Year cruise with her family.

But she was abruptly told in November that liner operator P&O could no longer provide an accessible cabin.

Georgina was planning a five-day trip around Western Europe with other members of her family including her parents.

The cancellation of her cabin left the others in her party facing a dilemma of whether or not to go without her.

Georgina, who has a severe physical disability, hit the headlines in 2019 when she won the BBC South West Unsung Hero Award for setting up The GEM Boccia Club in Yate.

The cruise was to have been her first holiday in two years as she has been isolating because of her disability. It was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed because of the pandemic.

Georgina said: "There were eight of us booked to go and due to my severe physical disability I was booked into an accessible cabin with my carer.

“This year we found out they had switched the ship we were going on, from Aurora to Ventura. All other details remained the same.

"Then my father was told by cruise.co.uk that P&O had informed them that just my cruise was cancelled. They were going to find out about the rest of our party but it seemed like it was just me and my carer.”

After talking to other customers on Facebook, Georgina discovered other people who had accessible cabins cancelled and were being asked to move to non-accessible cabins and use collapsible wheelchairs.

She said: "I had to bite my tongue because I have a bespoke powered wheelchair and cannot sit in anything else. I use a portable hoist to transfer. I need an accessible shower with a chair.

Georgina Moore with carer Tom Isaac on an earlier cruise "My carer does all my personal care. This simply isn’t possible in a non accessible cabin, where you can barely fit one person in the bathroom.

"I don’t have the luxury of that choice.

"It also made me very aware that not everyone who has an accessible cabin needs it – I’ve heard from people before who just want a bigger room.”

Georgina’s carer contacted P&O but was told that there were no other accessible cabins available and there was nothing they could do.

But after the Voice contacted P&O Cruises' vice-president for public relations, Michele Andjel, to ask about the situation, the company announced it had had a change of heart.

Georgina said: "We had a call from P&O guest relations to say they had miraculously found me another accessible cabin on the cruise! Obviously we were over the moon but asked if they were moving my parents’ cabin too, as they were joined onto ours to help my carer because using a manual hoist legally requires 2 people.

“In the end they can’t move them, but our cabin is directly above theirs, just 2 floors up.

“P&O said for the stress they caused they have given me £150 to spend on the ship. So I’ve decided to go ahead with it and I’ll get my Dad a few beers with that money, to help him get over the stress of climbing 2 flights of stairs every morning and night."

A P&O spokesperson told the Voice: "In line with our approved Covid protocols, we have to keep a number of accessible cabins for potential quarantine use in the unlikely event of having to use them.

"However, following your contact we actually had a cancellation from an accessible cabin booking and so we were able to put your reader into this cabin.

"We were delighted to be able to help and hope she has a very happy holiday."

Georgina thanked her friend Sue Hughes, who contacted the Voice to ask for our help.

She said: "It is very obvious that this triggered the complete U-turn on a situation they initially said they could not do anything about."

F. Woodruff

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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.

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yate&sodburyvoice

20

December, 2021

n STROUD AUCTIONS THE highest prices at Stroud Auctions' November sale may have been for classic cars and motorbikes, but the biggest surprise was this set of spice jars.

The TG Green Cornishware blue and white striped jars sold for £1,580 due to a rare misspelling on one jar, which said ‘carroway’ rather than the usual spelling of caraway, the seeds used for flavouring and oil.

Originally introduced in the 1920s and manufactured in Derbyshire, using clay from Cornwall, original vintage Cornishware is highly collectible, and pieces with rare lettering demand particularly high prices.

The name is said to come from an employee's remark that the blue in the kitchenware reminded him of the sea and sky in Cornwall.

The highest selling of the 1,453 lots in the auction was a BMW R51/3 motorbike, the best example the auctioneer had ever seen, which went on to make over £16,000.

Also extremely popular with our buyers was a 1938 Austin Seven Ruby car, registration number EAF 904, which was a real favourite of the auctioneers due to

Variety is the spice of life

A misspelling meant collectors battled for these spice jars being in great drivable condition, and having also spent a few weeks parked in our saleroom! It sold for £7,840.

If you have a motorbike, car or other vehicle you are thinking of selling then our auctioneer Mark Rozelaar would be happy to have a chat about it: the commission for selling in our March auction is currently reduced to 5%.

Stroud Auctions staff are now busy finalising the catalogue for our auction on December 1, 2 and 3, which includes jewellery,

watches and the ever-popular fine wines and spirits section – all ideal as unique Christmas gifts.

Viewing day on Tuesday November 30 is open to all, so if you would like to come along for a browse, just call in anytime between 10am and 6pm.

The Christmas sale features over 1,000 lots of jewellery alone, plus silver, watches, coins, bijouterie and fine wines and spirits. The catalogue will be available online from a week before the auction date.

Entries are still being invited for Stroud Auctions’ February auction – this includes medals and militaria, guns and weapons, cameras, binoculars and scientific instruments, sporting goods, taxidermy, ceramics and glass.

If you have anything you may wish to consign please contact us, call in to our saleroom on any Friday between 9am and 4pm, or send images to valuations@ stroudauctions.co.uk.

Valuations are completely free and without obligation.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS Free valuations every Friday 9am-4pm at our saleroom, free home visits or email valuations@stroudauctions.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

21

n NEWS

Community spirit praised after pendant find A FAMILY has praised the "community spirit" of Chipping Sodbury after residents and traders combined to find a treasured piece of jewellery.

Shirley Robbins, who lives in the town, had her late husband's wedding ring and a garnet ring which had belonged to his grandfather turned into a pendant after his death.

Shirley's daughter Deena Downs said her mum was moved to tears when she first saw the pendant and treasured it so much she "told everyone about it".

However only a few weeks after receiving it, in October Shirley lost the pendant after a shopping trip, coffee and a volunteering session at the Barnardo's charity shop.

Dawn said the loss of the pendant left her mum "distraught" and despite a search with her sister Paula and asking local shops it could not be found.

However Shirley and Deena then put posters up in shops and offices around the town and spread the search on to Facebook.

Deena said: "I could not believe the genuine interest in what had happened, and people's willingness to publicise it."

Two days later a man called to say he

WE BUY COLLECTABLES

HIFI

thought he had found the pendant and handed it to a stallholder in Hatherell's Yard market – but the pendant had then been misplaced and was missing again.

Shirley began to lose hope until the family received news that a pendant had been found on a planter in Hatherell's Yard.

After visiting and confirming it was Shirley's lost jewellery, Deena said: "We cannot describe how we felt at that point.

"Mum is ecstatic and cannot believe it.

"Throughout this, what is very apparent is that Chipping Sodbury is so full of community spirit. "Everyone was so willing to help – we even had two offers of the loan of metal detecting machines. "It is also quite amusing that most people that we spoke to throughout this whole saga seemed to know who Mum was, even though she was not aware that was the case.

"I am so pleased that this has been found – Mum gives to the community through her voluntary work and the extra tasks she does where she lives for the residents.

"It is lovely to think that she was looked after by the community.

"What a cracking place to live – thank you to all those involved."

£

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Shirley Robbins reunited with her pendant

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December, 2021

yate&sodburyvoice

23

n NEWS

Roundabouts revamp goes on hold PLANS to spend £30 million on changes to five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road have been put on ice for at least a year.

South Gloucestershire Council says it is postponing a bid for government money for the scheme on the A4174, which includes road-widening, extra lanes and turning three more junctions into 'throughabouts', where onward ring road traffic can pass straight through.

The decision to put the scheme on hold was made in early November after 84 per cent of the 880 respondents to a 12-week public consultation disapproved of the idea.

It was made just a week after the reopening of Wraxall Road junction as a traffic lightcontrolled throughabout, where through traffic uses three lanes in each direction to drive through the middle of the junction, while vehicles making turns use a roundabout.

Residents have already branded the Wraxall Road junction, revamped at a cost of £6.9 million, “dangerous” and a “huge waste of money”.

An accident involving three vehicles, which saw two people taken to hospital, blocked the new junction two weeks after it opened, although it is not clear whether the design played any role in the crash.

The council had hoped the new junction would serve as a template for others on a five-mile stretch between the Lyde Green and Kingsfield roundabouts, to help tackle congestion and stop drivers using nearby neighbourhood roads as rat-runs. Three roundabouts were earmarked to become 'throughabouts': Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green.

Another two – Lyde Green roundabout, and the Rosary roundabout, by Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added.

More traffic lights and entry lanes would have been installed and land at the edges of the ring road developed to provide the extra space.

But no dedicated bus lanes were proposed and the plans immediately came under fire from Labour Metro Mayor

An aerial view of the new Wraxall Road roundabout near Kingswood,which is now open Dan Norris and Green local politicians who said it could end up generating more traffic.

The council said on November 2 that it had listened to residents’ feedback and would not be submitting its bid to Whitehall for the bigger project until at least late 2022.

It said people wanted more time to become familiar with the new junction, which would now be evaluated, and there were also concerns about the impact and disruption caused by three years of roadworks.

Cabinet member Steve Reade said: “We would like to thank all those who took part in our consultation and for their detailed feedback on this project.

“You have spoken and we have listened. We will not be submitting a funding bid at this time, but we will feed the comments received back into the proposals.

“Whilst pleased with the first few days’ operation of the new Wraxall Road throughabout scheme, we recognise it’s quite a big change for the area and people need time to become familiar with it. We will continue to monitor it to inform the wider project. There remains a strong case both economically and environmentally for junction improvements along the A4174.

“It is anticipated that, with no intervention, the congestion along the ring road and on adjacent roads will worsen in the years to come due to planned

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

local growth."

Cllr Reade insisted that the paused scheme would "play a part in delivering" the council's climate emergency goals of

reducing carbon emissions and encouraging more people to use sustainable transport options.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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yate&sodburyvoice

24

December, 2021

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

An extra Christmas treat “GOD bless us everyone.” This is what Tiny Tim says at the end of A Christmas Carol, as they all tuck into their Christmas goose.

I hope that as we near another Christmas we may all be blessed and have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends.

Just in case you want a little extra treat on the food front, I’ve given you a quick and easy recipe for some super German almond biscuits.

These go beautifully with a cup of coffee and are suitable for those who are gluten intolerant.

And just in case you didn’t yet get round to making your Christmas cake yet, fear not! Delia Smith can save the day, with a fantastic Christmas cake recipe made with luxury mincemeat that can be made as late as Christmas Eve. Last year Christmas was a pretty sorry affair, with lots of people not

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.

able to socialise and have a good time with all those they loved. So, whatever it is that you are doing for Christmas this year may I wish you a wonderful time.

Zimtsterne - Christmas Almond & Cinnamon Stars This is a German recipe given to me by my great friend, Charlotte. A few wrapped in a cellophane bag or cookie jar with Christmas ribbon makes a lovely festive gift.

Makes about 25 depending on the size of the cutter Ingredients: Unpeeled whole almonds – 225g (or ground almonds if not) Egg whites – 1 ½ (45mls) Icing sugar – 100g Plain flour-about 1 ½ tbsps Cinnamon – ½ tsp Preheated oven 140 C, 130 C fan

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assisted, Gas Mark 1 Here’s what you do: Grind the whole almonds in a food processor until they are finely ground.

Using a fairly large bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff.

Gradually mix the sieved icing sugar into the egg whites.

Now put aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture in a separate bowl.

Mix the cinnamon into the rest of the egg white and sugar mixture.

Now mix in the almonds gradually to form a dough. The dough should be firm and not too sticky – add a little plain flour gradually until the dough is firm enough to roll.

Dredge the work surface with plenty of icing sugar and roll out the dough to approx. 5cm thickness (about the depth of 2x£1 coins on top of each other.) the thinner the biscuit the crispier it will be.

Line a baking tray with non-

stick baking parchment paper Stamp out your biscuits using a star shaped cutter – dipping the cutter in icing sugar intermittently to prevent the dough sticking – and lay them on the baking trays Now take the reserved egg white and icing sugar mixture and brush a little over each of the biscuits Bake for approx 20-30mins until they are a pale golden brown with a sugar crust on top. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, but remember they will harden slightly as they cool, so don’t overcook.

Leave on the baking tray for a couple of mins and then peel gentle off the parchment and leave to cool completely on a wire cooling tray Cook’s Tips: These biscuits will keep well for several days in an airtight tin (if given the chance!)

They also freeze well, either the dough or the baked biscuits.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

December, 2021

yate&sodburyvoice

25

n NEWS

Big play area for new estate gets go-ahead PLANS for a play area at a huge new neighbourhood in North Yate have been approved despite a row over how to keep out dogs.

Yate Town Council called for anti-canine grids to be installed at access points to the site at Ladden Garden Village.

But South Gloucestershire councillors rejected the idea, after hearing none of the 80 play areas owned and run by the local authority have the metal mesh fixtures.

Councillors agreed with officers’ advice by 5-3 votes to grant permission to Barratt Homes for self-closing gates along with a 1m fence around the playground, which will have nine pieces of play equipment.

The massive housing development, formerly known as North Yate New Neighbourhood, will have 2,450 homes when completed, along with a primary school, nursery, shops, allotments, office space, play areas and sports pitches on 100 hectares of land.

Yate North ward Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Drew, who referred the play area application to South Gloucestershire's strategic sites delivery committee, told the meeting that the town council, which lodged an objection, had vast experience in managing playgrounds and that dog grids should be installed to keep children safe.

He said: “No matter what you do with the gates, the return mechanism fails at a reasonable period and cannot be instantly replaced. They have to be ordered and fitted.

“Gates can be very easily held open by dog owners. It is much more difficult and a deliberate action to pick up a dog over the grid.”

He said the town council would have been happy to look after the play area but that a

previous agreement had put a management company in charge of maintenance, which he criticised as a “fleecehold” on residents.

Cllr Drew said he was surprised a committee meeting was needed over the issue because he thought the request for dog grids was simple.

“All I’m asking is for us to reject this at the moment, let the developer quickly come back and say they will put the dog grid in and that will be passed to the officer under delegated powers so they can get on with it.”

But a council officer said: “Out of the council’s 80 play areas it owns and manages, none of those have dog grids.

Self-closing gates prevent access by dogs.”

He said the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommended either self-closing gates or dog grids but not both.

Bradley Stoke South ward Conservative councillor Roger Avenin accused Cllr Drew of having an "anti-dog stance".

He said: “Swing gates that are self-closing and adequate signage is quite sufficient for any area.

I would propose that we accept this.”

Hanham ward Conservative Cllr June Bamford said: “I’m not denigrating what Cllr Drew has said and I’m quite sure that they have experience for the last 40 years of running children’s play areas.

“But if we look at what the report is saying about these dog grids, they tend to be litter and weed traps, the tread on one side of the grill means that care needs to be taken to put it back in place the right way up and the grids need to be kept secured or you may have people with wilful intent raising them.

“We have an annual play area inspector saying there’s actually no requirement for a play area to

Homes on the Ladden Garden Village development

be fenced at all and the industry is pushing more towards play areas being open.

“I’m not advocating that, we do have to keep out dogs and keep children safe.

“They recommend self-closing gates which are considered to be the best form of access and prevent access by dogs and close automatically irrespective of the

behaviour of the users.”

Members voted 5-3 against Cllr Drew’s proposal to reject the plans before granting permission by the same margin at the meeting in Kingswood civic centre on Thursday, November 11.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

26

December, 2021

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Thanks to all who will be working over Christmas IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go! My office has turned into a winter wonderland full of drawings of reindeer, holly and elves from talented local children entering my Christmas card competition.

There is a definite chill in the air. In our local shopping streets beautiful store window displays tempt us in, while carols bring much-needed cheer. And I keep thinking, as I do every single year, I really must get a move on with my Christmas shopping!

Christmas is a truly magical time for many.

As a child I remember being so excited to find out what Father Christmas had left for me and my brother and sisters. My best ever present was when I was nearly four and got a red ride-on Tri-ang Puff Puff train. I had seen it in a shop window and instantly fell in love. But I also knew it was too big an ask, as it was far too expensive, and I was told that it wouldn’t become mine. So when it was there under the tree on Christmas day it was the most exciting day of my life and it still is!

When I was a bit older it remained trains

for me! Christmas was a waiting game to see what extra bits I might get for my Hornby train set. I loved the Brunswick green Great Western Railway engines and their chocolate and cream coaches. Sometimes I’d get some track and points in my stocking or tiny model passengers for the station and trackside. As you can tell, I was super keen on great public transport systems even back then!

Nowadays it’s my working cocker spaniel Angel that makes my Christmas special. She loves long walks, her toy pheasant, and best of all, sausages! Boxing Day is obviously a big deal too – I often go to Ashton Gate with my fellow Bristol City fans, and winning hopefully means vital bragging rights over my Rovers mates!

For some, Christmas doesn’t mean time off and I’d like to thank our amazing NHS staff, our firefighters and police, those working in retail at their busiest time of the year, and our posties who sort and deliver all the mail. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who works over Christmas!

A special Christmas wish also goes to those

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

who are spending the holiday alone – perhaps because of fate or circumstance, or maybe because they have lost a cherished partner. If this is you, you will be particularly in my thoughts.

It’s also a time for New Year’s resolutions, but as I’ve got the best job ever, mine is simple.

In 2022 I want to really put the brilliant West of England even more firmly on the national and global map and ensure our region thrives.

So from Angel and me, we wish you and your family the happiest of Christmases, and a peaceful, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you in 2022.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk 16/11/2020 15:55:27

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

27

n NEWS

Time for rethink on £90 car park charge A PENSIONER is calling on Lidl to rethink the car park policy at its Yate branch after being hit with a £90 charge.

Ray Isaac is a regular customer of the retailer's stores in Emersons Green, Kingswood, Fishponds and elsewhere, most of which have a simple 90-minute limit on customer parking.

The Mangotsfield resident was shocked to be sent a demand for money when he parked at the budget supermarket's Kennedy Way branch, after taking his wife for treatment at the town's Minor Injury Unit.

Ray decided to stop off at the branch before going home and was there for just under an hour buying shopping. What he did not notice is that unlike other branches, customers have to scan their receipt and enter their registration number on a keypad before leaving.

The rule is listed on the signs in the shop's car park but is not given extra prominence and Ray PLANS to extend delivery hours for a new Aldi supermarket Yate to 7am are "unacceptable", councillors have been told.

A decision whether to allow early morning deliveries is on hold after neighbours said they already suffered from noisy deliveries to current occupier B&Q at the building in Station Road.

South Gloucestershire Council approved plans in February which would see the budget supermarket move into half of the building, leaving the DIY store to trade from a reduced space.

Deliveries were restricted to between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, a planning meeting heard.

Harmsworth Pension Funds Trustees, which owns the building, then applied to extend the hours, saying it would allow Aldi to have fresh produce when it opens at 7am and “trade viably”.

It originally asked for delivery hours of 7am to 11pm, every day of the week, but council officers thought these were “unacceptable”.

So Harmsworth instead applied for 7am to 9.30pm,

assumed the car park had the same rules as other Lidl stores.

Six days after his visit in late October he received a letter demanding he pay £90 within 28 days, with a 50% discount if paid within two weeks.

Ray said: "I shop a lot at Lidl and all the stores with their own car parks are the same. I've never seen another one like this and didn't check the sign.

"Because you have to scan a receipt it also means people can't visit the store to browse unless they buy something."

Ray also expressed frustration that when he phoned enforcement company ParkingEye and selected the option to speak to a customer service assistant, he was connected to a line with an unobtainable tone.

Lidl introduced the charges at the car park off Kennedy Way to stop people parking there without going in to its store.

The company told the Voice it had no plans to change the system and there was a tenminute "grace period" for people who do not buy anything to visit without "validating" a receipt.

A Lidl spokesperson said: "Our car park management systems are in place to help ensure availability of parking spaces for our customers, and it’s therefore disappointing when we learn that a genuine customer has received a fine.

"In the extremely unfortunate event that a customer believes they have wrongfully received a parking charge, we would encourage them to get in touch with ParkingEye directly via the appeals process and explain their situation.

"Charges can be investigated and if necessary, cancelled, as swiftly as possible."

Planned Aldi delivery hours 'unacceptable', say neighbours Gary Whittington addresses the meeting

Mondays to Saturdays, keeping Sunday deliveries to 8am to 8pm.

A planning officer recommended the application for approval, saying a noise assessment found that “the delivery hours wouldn’t result in unacceptable living conditions and there wouldn’t be significant harm”.

But the town council and six residents opposed the application, saying noise from deliveries to B&Q was already “significant” and would be “a

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

lot worse” when it included refrigerated food lorries.

Gary Whittington, who lives next to B&Q’s delivery yard, said he is already disturbed by “articulated lorries reversing, forklift trucks being used to unload materials”.

He said: “You cannot have your windows open through the spring and summer. In fact, we’ve had to move out of the main master bedroom because of the noise from B&Q. That cannot be reasonable in anybody’s life.”

Mr Whittington said lorries

arrive from 6.30am, waiting for the gates to the yard to open at 7am, and that the drivers keep their engines idling in winter to keep their cabs warm.

Delivery hours at the existing B&Q store are currently unrestricted.

Yate Town Council wrote: “It is unacceptable to extend the hours during which residents will have this noise, within feet of their bedroom windows.”

Yate North councillor Mike Drew told the planning committee Harmsworth should “stick to” the hours in the original planning permission.

The nine-strong planning committee voted unanimously to defer their decision at their meeting in late October, so they can visit the site to get a better understanding of how close residents’ homes are to the delivery yard and “what they have to put up with”.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

28

December, 2021

n LOCAL MP

New funding will make a big difference to our schools AS a local father to three young children, I know how important it that local schools receive the support and funding they need to provide our children with the best possible standard of education.

I am absolutely determined that children in our community should receive a high-quality education. That is why I am delighted that the Government have announced substantial increases in school funding for the coming years.

For this current academic year, core school funding has already been increased by £2.2 billion.

At the Government’s Spending Review last month, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed an

additional £4.7 billion is going to be delivered per year by 2024-25.

This announcement is broadly equivalent to an increase of over £1,500 per pupil compared with where we were in 2019-20.

Next year, our local schools will see a positive change in their total funding from this current academic year, with provisional figures showing that Watermore Primary School’s funding increasing by 9.92%, Marlwood School increasing by 8.49%, Brimsham Green increasing by 4.44%, St Mary's Primary School in Thornbury increasing by 4.53%.

These are just a few examples of the enormous difference which this funding boost will have for

children in our area.

But education goes much wider than this, and the 2021 Spending Review announced that £2.6bn is being made available for school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities. This more than triples the current capital funding levels to over £900m by 2024-25.

In some parts of South Gloucestershire, we also know the difficulties that some of our small and remote schools can face, and so it is welcome news that their funding is also being boosted by £53 million in 2022-23.

The Government made increasing school funding in areas such as ours a key pledge at the

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

General Election in 2019, and so I am delighted that has translated into action.

As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever that we get school funding right. We are making good progress, and I look forward to continuing the fight to make sure that our community remains one of the best anywhere in country to live, work and raise a family.

WE'RE ONLINE TOO! www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

December, 2021

yate&sodburyvoice

n NEWS

29

KFC planned for Yate

Pumpkin trail is a hit

FAST food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken has announced plans for a new restaurant in Yate.

The American-owned takeaway chain could open a branch on the Riverside Retail Park in the former Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, which closed in March last year.

It says the new venture, next to the Cineworld cinema, would be a mixed eat-in and takeaway restaurant and would be open for business between 9am and 11.30pm Sundays to Thursdays, and from 9am to 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The restaurant would have a maximum capacity of around 116 seats, 100 inside and 16 outside, and employ around 100 staff, 50 fulltime and 50 part-time.

It would join Costa Coffee, Nandos and Kaspa’s Desserts at the park, which is also home to Next, Pets at Home and TK Maxx.

Two years ago KFC announced plans to open 18 new restaurants in the region, to increase the overall number of its outlets in the UK to 1,000.

Like other fast-food restaurants, KFCs are run under a franchising arrangement and the Yate application has been made by one of the country's biggest franchisees, Demipower.

The application says: "The current proposals would make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of both this stretch of designated shopping frontage and Yate town centre as a whole, with the current proposals also creating a significant number of full-time and part-time jobs and also contributing positively to the night-time economy."

The plans can be viewed and commented on by searching for application P21/07156/F on South Gloucestershire Council's planning website.

No public comments had been made as the Voice went to press.

A PUMPKIN trail around Iron Acton kept families entertained at Halloween.

The event was organised by the Friends of Iron Acton Primary School and included a giant pumpkin at the start.

The school is now looking towards its Christmas celebrations, with plans to hold a live Nativity service at St James’ Church in Iron Acton after having to film last year's event and share A giant pumpkin from the Iron it online.

Acton trail Executive head teacher Mike Riches said: "We are excited to (hopefully) be able to hold this in person, with families of children in our new Reception class, as well as Year 1 and 2, able to watch the service live.

"Another highlight of our school year is our annual Christingle service, which helps us to celebrate the arrival of Christmas.

"Members of St James’ Church visit school to help the children make their very own Christingle using an orange, red tape, a candle, cocktail sticks and sweets. We then light them and sing Away in a Manger and hear about the significance of the Christingle at Christmastime."

The school's Friends are also organising a Christmas fair in the Parish Hall on December 4, which will raise funds for both the school and church and is set to include carols from the children singing alongside the village choir.

n PHARMACY NEWS

We all need to work together AS we draw towards the end of the year, there is an opportunity for reflection.

A year ago, the COVID-19 vaccination programme began. Most of us will now have already had our first and second vaccine doses, and many will have had a booster.

Being able to help deliver the programme locally with our Bristol Travel and Vaccination Clinic partners has afforded us the most expansive insights into our community. Time and again, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are.

Delivering vaccination clinics depends on an army of volunteers. The venue itself is a testament to community partnerships: volunteers stepping forward, neighbours accommodating the disruptions of over 40,000 people getting their jabs.

When we reflect on all the people we meet, many anxious, some very scared, it is easy to see why human connections are so critical, even in our digital age.

We need each other. Not just to do things with but to share our everyday existence.

What and how we share life will likely become common talking points into the New Year and beyond.

Our planet is dying, poisoned by our choices and habits.

Even as we look to save ourselves, we are reminded that we do so most urgently for those most vulnerable, who are thousands of miles away and largely invisible to us.

Whether it is fighting the coronavirus pandemic or saving the earth, we all need each other, but it starts with 'me'.

Building a healthy community takes a lot of effort, but we can all play a small part in making it easier. Please take some time over the next few weeks to commit to joining a local collective effort and making a difference.

Abbotswood Pharmacy wishes to thank all of the Yate and South Gloucestershire community for carrying us through another challenging year.

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38 Abbotswood, Yate, Bristol BS37 4NG

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

30

December, 2021

n WHAT’S ON November 26-27 n ACTONIANS DRAMA CLUB presents a double bill of comedy plays, Audience by Michael Frayn and Mother Figure by Alan Ayckbourn. Tickets £5, available on the website www.actonians.co.uk.

December 1 n AVON WILDLIFE TRUST red kites talk and slide show, St Nicholas Family Centre, Abbotswood, 7.30pm.

Local bird expert Ian McGuire will talk about the magnificent birds we are now starting to see in our area.

Free event – entrance from the western Chargrove car park side of the building.

December 3 n Yate & District Tree of Light switch-on, 4pm, Yate Shopping Centre East entrance. You are invited to celebrate whatever you wish by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Light. Full details on the Yate Rotary Club website www.yaterotaryclub.co.uk. Sponsorship costs £6 per person/event celebrated, which will also be included in the ‘Book of Celebration’ on the Yate Rotary Club website.

December 3 and 4

n JOURNEY TOWARDS CHRISTMAS events with music, refreshments and activities to start the season, St John’s Parish Church, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, 10am to 6pm.

December 4-31 n ST MARY’S TREE FESTIVAL & TRAIL, ‘A Gift at Christmas’ theme.

Additional sponsors for ‘socially distanced trees’ needed – feature in the trail by sponsoring and decorating a tree in your front garden, school or business. Email parishoffice@yateparish.org or call Christine on 01454 313105 as soon as possible to guarantee a tree.

December 4 n AVON WILDLIFE TRUST WAPLEY BUSHES WORK MORNING. Tree planting to plant replacements for trees lost to ash dieback.

Wear stout footwear and bring gloves if you have them. All welcome, children under 16 need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Meet at 10am at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland.

December 4 n Gloucestershire Portable Antiquities Scheme visit to Yate Heritage Centre. If you have an artefact you

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0333 320 8600 www.bevanevemy.co.uk

Meet the team Tina Bennett

Lynn Bevan

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have found or an item from your house bring it along to be identified by a team of experts. 11am to 2pm.

December 5 n CONCERT OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC WITH READINGS, St John’s Parish Church, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, 3.30pm.

Performance by Dodington Parish Band, mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas cards.

December 10 n COMEDIANS & CAROLS, St Mary's Church, Yate, with Paul Kerensa, Folk On and Tom Elliott. 7pm for 7:30pm, tickets £10 adult, £30 family ticket (2+2) from Christine at yatepcc@live.co.uk or by calling 01454 313105. All proceeds split 50/50 between St Peter’s Hospice and St Mary’s Roof Project.

December 14 n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY BRISTOL GROUP TALK – Great Western Road Motors & Successors, presented by Colin Billington, BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol, 7.30pm. Open to all with no admission charge, suggested donation of £3 towards expenses. Contact: Dave Winter 01454 324230.

December 14 n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY members and guests Christmas Supper with quiz and Points Cups presentations, Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, 7pm.

More details from ronnie.ramplin@ btinternet.com or 0774 874 0794.

December 14 n Carols on the Green, Yate Heritage Centre, 6pm to 7pm. St Mary's school choir perform renditions of many cherished Christmas carols.

December 16 n SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE ART APPRECIATION SOCIETY, Bradley Stoke Community School, 7pm. Ghastly Good Taste - the Highs and Lows of British Design, with Matthew Williams. All welcome – just turn up.

December 18 n CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, Saturday 18th December , 10 am to 4 pm. Local crafts, papercraft supplies, gifts and collectables, refreshments and more!

Voluntary entrance fee (20p) to be donated to The Friends of Horton School. Contact Amanda or Gem at bythewoodfayres@hotmail.com

REGULAR EVENTS

Tuesday n YATE POETRY GROUP meets every Tuesday morning. Small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems. For further details and to learn more about the meeting venue, contact Tony on 0770 4140682 or email yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com.

Wednesday n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday.

Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating bills. n YATE AND DISTRICT TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD meet in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall every second Wednesday morning, 9.45am-noon. New members welcome to chat and drink coffee, speakers and groups, including knit and natter, gardening, art, walking.

More details from Rhona Cowie, 01454 881532.

Thursday n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR weekly rehearsals from 7-9.15 pm at St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton. New and returning singers welcome. For more details visit the website www.bristolmvc.org.uk or call the secretary on 07941 040472.

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December, 2021

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31

n NEWS

£9 to drive into Bristol

Autumn colours at Westonbirt VOICE reader Richard Heiron sent in this image of the stunning autumn colours around Westonbirt on a fine late November's day.

If you have news, pictures or events you would like to see covered in the Voice, email us at contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk.

OWNERS of older cars, vans and taxis will be charged to drive into the centre of Bristol from next summer, the city council has confirmed.

The city's Clean Air Zone has received the backing of the Government and will see cars with petrol engines made before 2006 and diesel engines made before the end of 2016 pay £9 a day to enter an area including Broadmead, Cabot Circus, the Centre, Temple Quay and Spike Island.

Larger "older and more polluting" vehicles such as lorries and buses will be charged £100 a day to drive in an area which includes Bond Street, Temple Way, Marlborough Street, Hotwell Road, Brunel Way, Coronation Road, York Road and Bath Road below the Three Lamps junction.

The council estimates that about three in every 10 vehicles in Bristol will attract the charges, which would not be paid by owners of vehicles with Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol engines or with Euro 6 diesel engines. The authority says it will help people switch to greener modes of transport using £42m of government funding to pay for initiatives, such as electric bike loans, free bus tickets and upgrades to cleaner vehicles.

Exemptions will also be available to some drivers, including people on incomes of £27,000 or below who have to travel into the zone for work, patients and visitors to hospitals in the zone, and people with a disabled or disabled passenger tax class vehicle.

It is four years since the government ordered the city council to reduce the city’s toxic NO2 levels to within legal limits as quickly as possible.The CAZ is expected to bring those pollutants down to legal levels in 2023. An earlier plan to ban all diesel cars from the city centre was rejected by the Government.

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC

A year of remarkable effort and sacrifice AS we approach the end of another year, I want to reflect on the last seven months of being your PCC. It’s been a whirlwind and there are numerous achievements since being appointed that the team and I are proud of.

I’m lucky enough to have met with officers, staff, local people, community groups and organisations across Avon and Somerset, and have gained an understanding of their concerns and views around policing and crime in their area.

I will continue to meet with communities, MPs and councillors every Friday to ensure we are working in collaboration for our communities.

I’m also proud to be the PCC lead for economic and cyber crime, including fraud: one in ten people fall victim to fraud and it is because of such statistics I was

inspired to take on this role.

I will continue to work at a local, regional and national level to raise the profile of this lifedestroying crime, and get a grip of it to protect vulnerable people from harm.

Following a rigorous selection process, I’m also delighted to announce my preferred chief constable candidate – Sarah Crew. At the time of writing this column, I am waiting for the Police and Crime Panel hearing to take place on November 25, where I will seek confirmation of appointment of my preferred candidate.

At the start of this process, I said I was looking for a robust and innovative chief constable, who is able to inspire their workforce, and Sarah has a proven track record of strong and effective leadership. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

dedicated and hard-working, and I believe that Sarah can enhance their considerable efforts and skills.

Moving on, I want to take a moment to reflect on the start of the year, which was a difficult time for all of us as we entered another lockdown. During this time – and still to this day – I was blown away by the remarkable efforts of local people and the sacrifices you made.

Unfortunately, as we enter the winter, coronavirus cases continue to increase and it is a stark reminder that the virus is still out there. Although the vast majority of the population are vaccinated and many are receiving their booster jab, please continue to exercise caution over the coming months.

Finally, I want to thank the police, NHS and other emergency and volunteer services who

With Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford will be working over the festive season to ensure local people and communities are safe. It’s always a busy time of year for those who work in the emergency services, and their work does not go unrecognised.

I wish you all the best with your celebrations and may you have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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December, 2021

33

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

A tribute to Bob Jordan 1933-2021

BOB Jordan was one of a core of local history enthusiasts developing and sharing historic material for people like me, and the community at large, for the last 30 years.

Bob was, for many people, the face of Yate’s heritage, in his own right or as part of Yate District Oral History Project.

Every community needs people to step up and do historic research or develop collections for the public good.

Bob died in hospital in October 2021 following a period of cancer. He survived his wife Joy by nearly two years, and two sons.

Bob will be missed by numerous local people. As a Yate man through and through, he had countless contacts in the locality and could normally be relied upon to have some background knowledge of 20th century social and local history around Yate – or to know a man who did!

Many Yate Town Council employees and others can testify to

his knowledge of the area and easy manner in sharing it.

Bob was a leading light in the Yate District Oral History Project for many years up to his death.

For much of the late 1990s and 21st century he was the organiser of numerous trips for the group and booked countless speakers for the organisations.

He was happy to highlight his photographic collections, which were often a centrepiece of many of the Christmas parties.

To that effect he was, first and foremost, a great collector of photographs and regular visitor to postcard fairs, enabling him to establish a wonderful collection of photographs of the local area, much of which he was happy to share with other historians and the local community.

Yate Heritage Centre was indeed a richer place for Bob’s endeavours, and many of our images we are able to use stem from his generosity in this respect. Possibly his most

Bob Jordan (back row, 3rd right) in Newmans' cricket team significant collection item was an album of 1894 pictures of the area, which has brought to life scores of temporary exhibitions at Yate Heritage Centre and adorned some online displays, too.

On a personal level, Bob was always very friendly to me when I began at Yate Heritage Centre, and although not all of the YDOHP group approved of the move from the library, Bob made the effort to support Yate Heritage Centre from the outset.

He was always eager to answer enquiries and often asked me if there

were any in the offing, even if there weren’t!

Bob became a keyholder after we opened in late 2000, which enabled us to open on Thursdays, and from 2001, staffed the heritage centre for one in four Saturday mornings from 2001 up to 2021, when illness finally laid him low.

Bob will be sorely missed and was a bridge between generations, happy to share the history of our local area and to inspire those who worked with him.

David Hardill

December diary dates

Bob Jordan in 1986

December 4: Gloucestershire Portable Antiquities Scheme return visit to Yate Heritage Centre. If you have an artefact you have found or an item from your house bring it along to be identified by a team of experts. 11am to 2pm.

December 14: Carols on the Green. St Mary's school choir perform renditions of many of our cherished Christmas carols. 6pm to 7pm on the Yate Heritage Centre green.

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34

December, 2021

n PETER'S VISION

An Early Christmas Present

Here’s the obligatory small print: T&C’s apply, offers subject to availability

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Christmas is coming!

WELL the title says it all really! My inner child is definitely getting excited this year, perhaps more than usual, which from speaking to friends & family sounds to be a reflection on the times we’ve all been through. I appreciate life isn’t back to normal and there could be rocky paths ahead, but for a short period, conveniently called Advent, I’d like to focus a little more inwards than usual and plan to thoroughly enjoy myself.

Advent is an interesting word, meaning coming. Probably not a word we use most of the year, and although we could do we tend not to, perhaps subconsciously reserving advent for this most magical time of year. Whether you celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus or as a family winter celebration I’m sure we all have our own ways of relaxing and enjoying ourselves with those we love.

It’s probably no great surprise to know that I have Christmas glasses, reserved for one day of the year, and one day only. They come with antlers, tinsel, holly… you may see why I only wear them on Christmas day! They are definitely a good way to bring cheer to those who see me wearing them, not least my dear wife Jo who ‘treated’ me to a pair, and insists I wear them, much to her amusement!

Keeping on theme a little longer, my top eye survival tips for Christmas include; remembering to blink while watching all your favourite Christmas TV shows, wear glasses while decorating your Christmas tree to avoid needle spikes, wear (prescription) glasses when driving in the seasonally low sun and continue to drink a good amount of water to keep your tears topped up!

If you’re in the Henleaze area on the 1st December, you're most welcome to pop in and see us for drinks. We’ll be offering our usual service, free of charge of course, to keep you warm & fuelled for looking around the street stalls, watching the entertainment & sampling the local cuisine.

When it comes to your eyes, we’re here to look after you through the festive season. Whether it’s for reassuringly thorough eye care, or for glasses (we don’t do glasses with antlers I’m afraid) 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 wish each of you a very Merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

35

n COMMUNITY NEWS

Christmas is coming.. on two wheels WINTERBOURNE Academy will host a big, bright and loud welcome to the festive season when hundreds of bikers dressed as Father Christmas roll in.

The school will host the Santa’s On A Bike fundraiser for the Children's Hospice South West on December 4.

Riders of motorbikes, trikes and quad bikes will gather at the school from 11am on Saturday, December 4, before setting off in a spectacular parade from 1pm, dressed as Santas, snowmen, elves and reindeer.

They will ride down to the hospice's local base at Charlton Farm in Wraxall, where it offers treatment and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

People are being invited to come down, listen to a band from the school play carols, buy cakes, see the spectacle and make a donation, with all money collected going direct to the Children's Hospice South West charity.

Head teacher Jason Beardmore told the Voice that as a "life-long biker" himself, he was very pleased to be able to arrange for the school to host the event with Oli Allen from Santa’s On A Bike. He said: "We are expecting hundreds of Santas, snowmen, elves and reindeer riding bikes covered in festive decorations."

The event is just one of the fundraising efforts Winterbourne students have been working on this term.

The school's recentlyappointed 2021 Charity Committee – led by Year 11s Caius Hallet and Jacob Campbell and students from Years 7 to 9 – are planning a year filled with charitable endeavours to "forge positive social change within the school and also help and support those in the local community and far beyond".

The team is involving fellow pupils in a Christmas shoebox appeal for refugees from Afghanistan.

The committee is aiming to beat the school's last appeal, which filled 254 boxes, by its December 10 deadline, and is welcoming shoeboxes of gifts from any supporters form outside the school, who can drop them off at the reception.

They said: "Just decide if the box is for a boy or girl and fill it with new gifts such as toys, hairbands, body spray, playing cards, a diary or colouring pens – you get the idea!"

A clothes collection for Afghan refugees and fundraising cinema night are planned for next year.

For more information on the Santa run visit www. santasonabike.org.uk.

News from Yate Library YATE Library is running Christmas craft sessions for primary age children on Tuesday December 7 from 4-5pm and Thursday December 21 from 10.30-11.30am.

Families can collect free Christmas children’s craft bags to take away from December 4, while stocks last.

A Christmas-themed Lego club takes place on Saturday December 18 from 10.30-11.30am: listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library. Session is suitable for primary-age children, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Regular events include Wriggle & Rhyme: rhymes and songs for parents and babies/toddlers to enjoy together on Thursday and Friday mornings, 9.30-10am.

A free-family friendly story time, with a simple craft for preschool children, takes place on Tuesday mornings from 9.30-10am.

Computer support with our digital champion volunteer is on Saturday mornings from 10-11am or 11am-midday.

The craft group meets on Saturday December 11 from 10am until midday – new members always welcome. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects.

To book a session call 01454 868006, speak to a member of staff or email yate.library@southglos.gov.uk.

The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am-5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am-2.30pm.

Open access (unstaffed) 8am-7.30pm.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

A parade of festive bikers is coming to Winterbourne

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36

December, 2021

n COMMUNITY NEWS Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury IT is with great pleasure that we have welcomed two new members to the club.

Lynette Hutchins and Derek Trubody were formally inducted in November.

In recognition of the outstanding work undertaken by Dan and Aimee Waters (FF4Free) a Rotary District Governor’s certificate was awarded to them by our club Senior Vice President.

Again, this month the club has made a number of donations.

The club topped up to £4,000 the magnificent sum raised by the Chipping Sodbury Daredevils' abseil for the Southmead Charity Appeal and have made our customary generous donations to the Royal British Legion.

Mike Pearson, Derek Trubody, Lynette Hutchins and Stuart Fraser.

Picture: Doug Lodge We have donated to Stormwater Shepherds to help their efforts towards clean water in our rivers and streams and to Hawkesbury Upton Primary School to help towards transport costs for a number of pupils to attend a choir event in Birmingham in

January.

November 14 was a busy day for the club. In the morning we provided a number of marshals for the ever popular Sodbury Slog. In the afternoon our club president, Keith Pattison, was privileged to take part in the Remembrance

Sunday Parade in the High Street and to lay a wreath at the war memorial on behalf of the club.

The president’s monthly social for October – an afternoon of mixed boules with our Inner Wheel colleagues – had to be abandoned after one game due to torrential rain.

Our speaker in November was Ian Joseph, one of our club members, who gave an enlightened presentation on the challenges associated with the rollout of electric cars.

Winter is around the corner, but to finish on a bright note the club has planted a meadow on a grass verge off St Johns Way. The area was sown with a wide range of native wild flower seeds, which will hopefully provide a sea of blooms next spring.

Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury WI

Old Sodbury WI

MONEY makes the world go round – and the cheque handed over to Southmead Hospital Charity should certainly help towards the needs of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The members were informed of the work that the Southmead Hospital Charity carries out by Ian Riddell, who was so pleased to attend our The WI donation is handed over latest meeting as this was his first presentation since the lockdown.

North Bristol NHS Trust includes Southmead Hospital, Cossham Hospital, Bristol Centre for Enablement and various community services.

The Trust employees 12,000 staff and on average around 58 babies are admitted to NICU at Southmead Hospital each month.

One outstanding piece of work is the Southmead Hospital's Donor Milk Bank, which opened in November 2011 following the Precious Drops fundraising campaign by the Southmead Hospital Charity. It was initially set up to support babies in NICU at Southmead Hospital. In 2016, the milk bank expanded and became the first centrally NHS-funded milk bank in England.

Following the speaker, the legal matters of the WI were carried out with the appointment of a new committee, as my term as president has come to close and I have now handed over the bell: this is used to bring the ladies to attention, so a very powerful tool that our new president Barbara will require!

The next meeting will take place on December 2. The speaker will be Hugh Evans, with a talk about chocolate: Maya to Mini Eggs.

Jeanette Oakley

WHAT a fantastic October meeting we had, after a long business session. Thank you Philomena Connelly, for introducing us to Zumba from church pews!

The music was so vibrant, the instructions and demonstration so clear, and the exercises so varied that every single member joined in. Just what we needed on a wet depressing night.

A huge thank-you to our retiring programme secretary, who has provided us with such a variety of speakers over many years – but never a self-masseur in beach wear!

Our AGM was held on November 17, followed by A Special Wedding Dress by Jean Clarke, once again at St John the Baptist church by kind permission of the PCC. Good luck to our skittles team in the Avon Federation finals against Bleadon next month.

Our readers have turned detective in Black Raven, by Ann Cleeves. Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel was voted a huge success.

Several readers had afternoon tea with Lizzie Lane at Doynton WI, the author of the Bristol series The Tobacco Girls.

Our craft members are busy knitting small teddies for Southmead Hospital.

The Avon Federation Carol Service at Westbury-on-Trym on December 11.

All are welcome and the venue is spacious, warm and comfortable despite Covid restrictions.

Elizabeth Arney

Yate and Sodbury U3a YATE and Sodbury District u3a was able to resume its tradition of holding an annual open day at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. There were numerous stalls representing varied interest groups, from art to wine appreciation and from lunch and supper clubs to tai chi.

Pauline Clark, the membership secretary, was kept really busy with new members signing up.

All the activities are for people no longer in full-time work, and are run by the members, for the members.

Our next event is a Christmas social, again at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on December 15, and

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Yate WI YATE WI continues to meet at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex as its temporary venue until next year.

Our group is increasing in number and this month we had four visitors.

Prior to this month’s meeting, members enjoyed a firepit and soup evening.

This month Beverley Hodgson gave a presentation on her time as a midwife in Pakistan in the late 1980s. We learnt about the culture and about how life was for women in rural Pakistan.

Over refreshments, members signed up for a federation skittles tournament.

In December we will be hosting a Pudding and Christmas traditions evening, with a Christmas treat raffle.

Any visitors will be very welcome. Please see our social media pages for up to date information. there is a full programme of speakers planned for the New Year.

Full details of forthcoming events and interest groups available can be found on our website, u3asites.org.uk/yatesodbury/home, where you can also join.

Jean Crispin

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

December, 2021

37

n SPORT

Cup run is over but Bluebells are flying in the league YATE Town's memorable FA Cup run ended with a 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Yeovil.

But a nine-match unbeaten run in the league has seen the side rise to seventh place in the Southern League Premier South.

Yeovil's high-octane opening spell proved pivotal in the highly-anticipated FA Cup First Round match at the Jelf Stadium.

The National League side were three goals in front in the first 30 minutes and, although the home side stuck to the task resolutely, there was only going to be one final outcome.

Yeovil opened the scoring on eight minutes, the ball bobbling about in the box after a corner before Matt Worthington drove it home through a mass of legs in the crowded goalmouth.

Charlie Wakefield made it 2-0 soon afterwards as the home side lost the ball in midfield and Dale Gorman picked him out with a pinpoint pass.

Worthington set up the third goal with a mazy run from midfield: when he was upended inside the box, Gorman slotted home the resulting spot kick.

Yate then enjoyed their best spell of the game and could have reduced the arrears.

Dave Sims-Burgess should have hit the target when played in up the right and James Harding got the ball into the net only to have his effort discounted for a handling offence.

In the second half Yeovil made it 4-0 when Josh Staunton collected the ball on the by-line before setting up Adi Yusuf, who was left with the simplest of tap-ins.

Action from Yate town's FC Cup defeat to Yeovil Town.

Picture: B.East Photography A fifth goal followed after a short corner routine when Sonny Blu Lo-Everton dipped his shoulder to elude his marker before curling his shot past Hannan into the far corner.

Town battled to the last in search of some consolation. Sam Turl was tackled when he was about to fire off his shot from a good position and Olly Mehew saw his curling strike from the left saved by the diving Grant Smith.

The Bluebells had reached the First round courtesy of a 1-0 win over Dover, in a match rearranged after a floodlight failure at Lodge Road on the first attempt.

And the cup run has lifted performances in the league, where Town rose to within a point of the play-off places on the back of a nine-match unbeaten run.

Since the 2-0 home defeat to Truro City on September 14, the Bluebells have won six and drawn three fixtures.

The last month's results include a 3-1 win over Walton Casuals, a thumping 5-2 victory at home to Salisbury, a 0-0 draw at home to Taunton Town, a 2-1 home win over Poole Town, a 3-1 away victory over Swindon Supermarine and a 2-2 draw away at Hartley Wintney on November 23.

John Davis

Yate take another team's unbeaten record YATE travelled to Dursley for the first ever fixture between the two clubs.

Yate were fresh off their hardfought victory over Wotton two weeks prior and Dursley were unbeaten in the league.

The game was physical, with the Dursley backs really influencing the early pace of the game, which resulted in them scoring the first try of the game, with the resulting conversion missed.

This galvanised Yate into action, and thumping tackles from Evan DeMonick and Jamie Gamble in the centres helped Yate retain possession.

A fortuitous kick forward from Yate fly half Drew Lewis released DeMonick to chase and collect the ball and run half the pitch to score. Lewis converted the resulting kick to put Yate 7-5 up.

Dursley responded with a well

Dean Matthews setting the example of hard tackling and positive spirit, to hold on for a 15-12 victory.

Stewart Stacey

Join Yate's minis and youth Yate RFC taken converted try to take them into the break 12-7 up.

The half-time team talk seemed to really work for Yate, with the intensity going up a level from the first half.

Yate's scrum started to dominate, with the likes of Hope, Britton and Hawker in the front row. From this platform Yate scored their second try of the game, Gamble and DeMonick

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combining to finish off a great Yate attacking move for DeMonick to level the scores at 12-12.

Yate had two disallowed tries and missed penalty kicks in windy conditions but with 20 minutes to go on, Lewis stepped up from distance to put a penalty right between the posts.

Yate then defended really well, with man of the match

Yate RFC have been developing our minis and youth section and have established a full training programme for all children aged from two to 12, with numbers averaging 50 to 70 per week.

Training takes place at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex from 10am-11am every Sunday and is free of charge to all.

All abilities are welcome.

For more information email yateyouthrugby@hotmail.com or visit the club's Facebook page.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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38

December, 2021

n SPORT

Alfie signs off season on a high TEENAGER racing driver Alfie Gendall has finished his involvement with the Junior American Cup Car Racing series with a hat-trick of wins.

A combination of covid, costs and another racing event meant that Alfie missed four months of racing and could not retain the championship he won in his previous two seasons.

But despite that the 15-yearold driver from Yate, who is set to move into adult racing next year, still finished fifth overall in the standings.

The final round of the JACCR series took place at the end of October at the Birmingham Wheels Raceway.

Being the defending champion, Alfie started the first race at the back of the grid and had to work his way through the field.

He started the first heat well and picked places up lap by lap until he hit the front with three to go, comfortably holding on to take the chequered flag.

Alfie Gendall (front right) racing at Birmingham Wheels Raceway.

Picture: Jeff Gendall/AGR Racing At the back again for heat 2 after his initial win, Alfie again fought his way through to second place and piled on the pressure until the leader made a mistake on the last lap and Alfie nipped through to take his second win.

For the final race, under floodlights, Alfie again worked his way through to second position when the race leader

moved across his car on the penultimate lap, pushing him into a back marker they were lapping.

All three spun out and the race was stopped so the drivers involved could be checked out.

Race control deemed the leader was at fault for the accident and was demoted two places meaning Alfie won the final race.

He said: "It was great to sign off from the series with a hattrick of wins.

"I have had a lot of fun racing in this series, had some great moments and made some good friends along the way. I am now looking forward to the next step in my racing career."

Alfie thanked his sponsors, including Williams Automobiles of Chipping Sodbury, TopWelds, the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury, Powersystems UK, Specialist Motorworx, Pentax, Bristol Cameras, Nikon, Castle Combe, Speed Demon Industries, Swales Property, Rock Valley Automotive and VP Racing.

He is now looking for sponsors for his next step in the motor sport ladder, competing in the Castle Combe Saloon Car Championship.

Anyone interested should get in touch by email at racing@ agrracing.co.uk.

Touch rugby sessions launched CHIPPING Sodbury Rugby Club has started a weekly touch rugby session.

This is for absolutely anybody if you want to come and meet a whole bunch of lovely people, please come and give it a go.

There is no expectation for you to be ‘active’ already, just come and train and learn with us, and get a little fitter at the same time.

Training starts at 6.30pm every Monday (arrive at 6.20pm if at all

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possible) at Chipping Sodbury RFC, The Ridings.

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We also invite any other local teams to come and train/play with us. If you want to find out more, please contact the organisers Jo Newman on 07824 704844, Becky Parkhill on 07718 573519, Lucy Lawson on 07342 249195 or Greig Blackwell, on 07872 038156.

Paul Rubery

Touch rugby is open to everyone

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