Saying 'I love you' with chocolate cake

JUST when you thought you’d eaten all the goodies from Christmas and there was no more huge calorie intake to be had, along comes Valentine’s Day. You therefore feel you should make an effort and give a gift to your partner.

Nothing says “I love you” like something chocolatey.

Apparently, chocolate releases endorphins and serotonin into our bloodstream, which makes us feel happy. Serotonin is also released when we meet someone and begin to fall in love, so that may explain the connection!

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes, so my advice - if you don’t want to undo all that good work at the gym after Christmas - is to either freeze most of them for another day or pass them on.

Don't put them in a Tupperware box, where they will be winking at you every time you walk past them!

Whatever you do, be kind to yourself and your partner.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s chocolate cupcakes

Makes 12 deep cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cake:

Unsalted butter, softened

Cold water – 125ml

Dark chocolate- 70% cocoa solids (I use Green and Black’s)- 60g

Eggs – 2 large

Ground almonds - 40g

Self raising flour - 100g

Light Muscovado sugar – 200g

Best quality cocoa powder (I like Green and Black’s) 2 rounded tbsps

Frozen raspberries - 100g

For the decoration:

Best quality cocoa powder – 2 tbsps.

Icing sugar, – 80g

Raspberry jam – warmed and strained - 110g

Prepared fondant icing: 900g chocolate, 150g each – red and white

Pink food colouring

Extra fresh raspberries

Here’s what you do :

Preheat oven to 170°C/Gas Mark 4 Line 2 x 12-hole standard muffin pans with 12 paper cases. Melt butter and water in a small saucepan on a low heat, stirring until smooth. Leave to one side to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, beat eggs, butter and sugar together in another medium bowl until well combined. Use a handheld electric mixer if you have one. Otherwise, it’s a wooden spoon and energetic mixing until just combined.

Sift the cocoa into the flour. Add the almonds, then the warm chocolate mixture.

Fold in the frozen raspberries gently.

Divide the mixture between the cases, filling each one 2/3 full. Smooth the tops.

Bake for about 40 mins. Check they are done by inserting a cocktail stick in the middle - the stick should come out clean, with no gooiness.

Turn cakes onto wire trays to cool. Leave to cool before icing.

To decorate:

I like to do a very simple decoration of a few extra raspberries, halved, and stuck on the cake with a dab of raspberry jam. Sieve a little icing sugar over the top of the cake before placing the fruit on top. If you want to be more swanky you can cut 3 different sized hearts and place them on the top of the cake using a dab of the jam again. Knead a couple of drops into the white fondant icing to give a pale pink heart.

Cook’s tip: These cakes will freeze beautifully.

Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel Club

aims of the Inner Wheel movement, and this was certainly in evidence as we all mingled and chatted.

Volunteers from the Rotary Club acted as wine waiters and washer-uppers for us, doing a fine job.

After our meal we were wonderfully entertained by Lady Jo and Lady Sam, aka the Tudor Ladies, who demonstrated the art of getting dressed during Tudor times with many fascinating snippets of Tudor history (and gossip!).

At our first meeting of 2023 we gave yoga a go, ably guided by Nazama, who runs classes in the area.

Much of what we did could be done from a chair, but many stood and afterwards we all felt more supple and relaxed, and would be paying more attention to our posture in the future!

We have made donations to support the Torches for Ukraine appeal and Gympanzees.

OUR interclub event has made a very successful and enjoyable return, after the break enforced by the pandemic.

Inner Wheel Clubs organise an event each year to which members from other clubs are invited, with Chipping Sodbury arranging a lunch in the first week of December.

Members and guests from other clubs from Pershore in the north to Clevedon in the south, sat down to a lunch prepared by Sodbury members, and all were so happy to get together again. Promoting friendship is one of the key

We were saddened to hear of the recent deaths of two of our members: Sylvia Newnham had been the second president of the Club in 1985-6, and Jill Worlock was an active attendee until very recently.

Both will be much missed.

Yate & Sodbury District U3A

Liz Pattison

WITH the price of everything going up, Yate and

Sodbury District U3A are beating inflation.

The annual membership fee is being held at £8 for another year - for the price of a couple of cups of coffee, you get access to around 90 local interest groups, a monthly event at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall and local and national newsletters.

The U3A brings together people who are no longer in full-time work to develop their interests and continue to learn in a friendly, informal environment.

It runs on a volunteer basis and everyone learns from each other. Most of the annual fee goes towards the Third Age Trust, which is the U3A national body.

One of the important principles of U3A is that it should be as affordable as possible.

Some groups have additional costs for hiring rooms or equipment but these are kept to a minimum. Some groups, such as the walking group, have no additional charges at all.

You can visit any of the U3A groups or attend a monthly meeting twice before joining, but then you need to become a member for insurance purposes.

Yate and Sodbury U3A was founded in 2005 and now has around 1,400 members.

Why not come along and see what it’s all about?

Find out more at u3asites.org.uk/yatesodbury/welcome.

Jean Crispin

Rain water is common sewage problem

FURTHER to your article on sewage entering the river Frome (Voice, January), when I lived in South Africa I spent many years working on the design and installation of pumping equipment for fluids, ranging from sugar juice to sewage!

One of the most common problems with sewage systems is rain water drainage from buildings entering the sewage system of the local town or industrial area.

I live in Bredon, and the first thing I noticed when I moved into this house was that run-off from the rear roof was so positioned that it would run into the sewage man hole.

I took ten metres of rain water drain pipe and led this water away, to the rear of the property.

I am certain that all of the houses in this area will have the same set at the back of the property, where it will eventually enter the drainage system for Bredon.

Chris Pilcher

Police dog ruling was the right one

I WOULD like to comment on the article on the ‘Police dog legal battle’ (Voice, January) to stop a dog and handler being named.

As a former dog handler, I was quickly drawn to the article, remembering the actual incident from news reports.

I was delighted to read that the Information Tribunal judge, Anthony Snelson, dismissed the claim.

Many of us will recall the incident and anyone who was there was in breach of the law. The police had a duty to disperse the people.

The use of dogs is always a very serious decision, made by senior officers on the ground, and I can only conclude that the situation was possible on a level of an ‘affray’, which was putting the police in a vulnerable position.

Sadly the police do come under a lot of criticism (sometimes its their own fault) but on this occasion, I fully support them.

Chris Pickett

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club

AFTER a frustrating and challenging year in 2021, thankfully the situation improved dramatically in 2022, when day-to-day living very much returned to normal.

In fundraising we enjoyed a very successful charity golf day, yet another highly successful classic vehicle run, supported the Sodbury Slog and a very successful mulled wine and mince pie stall at the Chipping Sodbury Victorian day.

For the community we staged a comprehensive health and well-being day in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, supported bimonthly memory cafe sessions at the Baptist Church, staged two tea dances at the town hall and made a good number of financial and other donations, including to the Blonde Angel Street Team and Caring in Bristol charity.

We also provided financial assistance to schools and youth groups, staging the young innovator competition for students from our local secondary schools to demonstrate their talents.

On the international front the club made a sizeable financial donation to Kyiv Rotary Club in support of Ukrainian international relief efforts and contributed to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.

In conjunction with Bristol Rotary Club we supported a major educational project in

n PHARMACY BLOG

Lebanon, and hosted a Rotary twinning visit with colleagues and their partners from Toulon and Mannheim.

And we still had time for fun. Starting with a very entertaining Burns Night supper, many social events followed, culminating in our annual Christmas dinner at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club and a very enjoyable lunch at the home of one of our members.

Membership has remained steady, although we would be delighted to hear from anyone with an interest in joining the club. Please contact us at csrotaryapplication@gmail.com.

Stuart Fraser

Chipping Sodbury Morning WI

WE finished 2022 with a Christmas party, mulled wine, quiz raffle, a visit from Father Christmas and good wishes for 2023.

This year, our 30th year, started with a walk under a beautiful rainbow for a few minutes, before the weather warning kicked in, cutting the walk short.

But good food and company at a local Brimsham cafe made it all worthwhile.

Fingers crossed our next walk is drier.

Our January meeting had a talk from Dr Burroughes, who is always very interesting and can make us laugh. Coffee, cake and chat was on the diary for the 31st.

Our next meeting is on February 21 and offers a chance to learn to play bridge.

We meet at 10am every third Tuesday of the month, in Chipping Sodbury Masonic Hall, Hatters Lane.

We have a monthly book club, walks, meals out, cinema trips, and skittles team.

You are guaranteed a warm welcome, and plenty of biscuits.

Why not join us? We would love to see you. Call 0780 953 4107 to find out more.

Sue Bird

Keeping your resolution

IF you made a New Year's resolution but it's not going as well as you'd hoped, please don't despair - and certainly don't give up!

Research has shown that we place too much emphasis on willpower as a driver for positive changes regarding our physical well-being and diet.

The most significant factor is, in fact, enjoyment.

The wrong ideas about willpower drive us to work to unrealistic timescales or goals for adopting new behavioural patterns and habits.

Take diet changes: every time we exercise self-control, we build willpower. Saying no to feasting on treats, especially when no one is watching, makes it easier for you next time.

Celebrate all your wins, no matter how small.

Research shows that immediate rewards from new habits help us stick to them. It is a big step in the right direction for you.

Focus on developing good habits rather than just meeting set goals. Count steps and keep increasing them. Drink more water and aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and veg. Don't just be focused on counting calories and the bathroom scales.

Keep things fun and achievable. Self-criticism is linked to less motivation and poorer self-control. Be supportive of yourself and others. Learn from books and examples but remember that you are a unique individual.

Find your preference, whether it's doing activities in the morning, being part of a group, or using gadgets to support you. Your choice, your way.

The positive link between physical and mental well-being is better understood. We also know that for many of us, the challenges we face with mental health may mean we struggle more with adopting positive changes.

Rather than feeling you are letting yourself down, all that is important is getting the right help you need.

Your pharmacy team offers access to confidential NHS advice, with patience and kindness.

We are here for you.

n YATE LIBRARY

YATE Library is holding a series of half-term holiday drop-in activities.

Beasts and Belles crafts take place on February 14 from 10.30am-noon; a Once Upon a Time crafts activity and a panto party take place on February 16, also from 10.30am-noon.

Craft Bags are available to take home from February 6, while stocks last.

A dragons and dungeons Lego challenge takes place on February 17 from 2.30-4pm for children aged four and over.

The regular Lego club takes place on February 25 from 10.3011.30am. Booking is required for both events.

Donations of Duplo will be gratefully received for a new club for younger children.

Reading group ‘Have You Read’, to enjoy tea and a chat with like-minded book lovers, is on Feb 24 from 10.30-11.30am.

A coffee morning for Cancer Research takes place on February 23 from 10am-midday.

The library is a Warm Welcome drop-in place - help yourself to a free hot drink during opening hours, relax and do a puzzle or read a paper.

Craft Group meets on February 4 and 11, from 10amnoon, for tips on knitting, sewing or crochet.

Digilocal@yate helps children learn about coding and develop problem-solving skills, every Wednesday from 6-7pmregister at digilocal.org.uk/eoi.

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

Free family-friendly story time, with crafts for preschool children, takes place on Tuesdays from 9.30-10am.

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

A Vision West of England information, advice and support drop-in takes place on the second Thursday of the month from 10am-noon.

For more information on any event call 01454 868006, speak to a member of staff at the library or email yate.library@ southglos.gov.uk.

The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am5.30pm, Thursday from 10am5pm and Saturday from 9am2pm. Open access (unstaffed) is from 8am-7.30pm every day.

n WHAT'S ON

February 7 n CHIPPING SODBURY MUSIC SOCIETY presents Bristol Chamber Choir at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets on the door: £15. School-aged children free.

February 13 n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY AGM and member of the year award at Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke, 7.30pm. Visitors welcome without commitment to join. For more details contact Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@btinternet.com or call 0774 874 0794.

February 14 n GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY BRISTOL GROUP Andrew Hook Memorial Meeting, incorporating annual meeting, and update on the Heyford station rebuilding project at Didcot Railway Centre. BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol, 7.30pm.

February 28 n SODBURY AND DISTRICT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY demonstration: Barking Mad, with Jenny York. The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury, at 7.30pm. Meetings take place every fourth Tuesday. For more information call 0117 937 3836.

March 4

CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, Saturday 4th March 10am - 4pm Local Crafts, Papercraft Supplies, Gifts & Collectables, Cakes, Refreshments and More! Voluntary Entrance Fee (20p) to be donated to The Friends Of Horton School. For more info, please email bythewoodsfayres@hotmail.com

REGULAR EVENTS:

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

Roz on 07941 946412.

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

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

Thursday n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Calm-in Yoga 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353 n THURSDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS £5. Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment. To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. St Saviours Church , Coallpitt heath, every Thursday 10-11:30am Beesmoor Rd, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2RP n BRISTOL MALE VOICE CHOIR are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire, no audition. No need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc. org.uk email secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk Telephone 07764447699. n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.3011.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details.

A jobs fair is being held to showcase full and part-time opportunities on offer at a new stroke rehabilitation unit at South Bristol Community Hospital opening soon.

Across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, health, care and voluntary sector partners are working together to improve services for people affected by stroke.

This includes work to improve the prevention of stroke, as well as to provide the best possible stroke emergency care, rehabilitation and care at home once individuals are discharged from hospital.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK, and one of the largest causes of disability. Working with other healthcare partners, the aim is to ensure local people have the best opportunity to survive and thrive after stroke.

As part of this work, Sirona care & health is recruiting to a number of new positions for a dedicated rehabilitation unit, otherwise known as a Sub-Acute Stroke Rehab Unit (SSARU).

The unit will meet the needs of people who are unable to return home immediately after a hospital