Yate & Sodbury Voice June 2021

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

June, 2021 Issue 74

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Let's clean up!

Sisters Ava-Rose and AuroraGrace Krekelaar are cleaning up their town and raising money for charity - as a big community litter pick is about to launch.

Full story: Page 8

Bank closing YATE will lose two bank branches in the space of a month after Barclays announced plans to leave the town.

PAGE 3

School is improving GOVERNMENT inspectors have acknowledged significant improvements at Chipping Sodbury School.

PAGE 9

Festival unveiled

Gravestone vandal is jailed

CHIPPING Sodbury Festival is getting underway with a mix of online and live events.

PAGE 13

A WOMAN who poured paint over the grave of a young man at Westerleigh Crematorium and sent "disgusting" messages to his family has been jailed.

Bristol magistrates sent Simona Julius to prison for eight weeks after she admitted the attack on the grave of Liam Scarman, who was 22 when he died in 2017.

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The court heard that Julius, of St George, Bristol, had daubed white paint over Liam's headstone on the night of November 26 to 27 last year.

She also left a note mockingly referring to Liam's diabetes.

Turn to page 4

THE Yate and Sodbury area now has a Labour Metro Mayor and Tory police commissioner.

PAGES 10&11

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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

COMPLAINTS

Police

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

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Yate & Sodbury Voice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation. We cannot vouch for any services offered. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor. Yate & Sodbury Voice is distributed each month to local residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from local pick-up points. Feedback is welcomed, contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

June, 2021

n NEWS

Five jailed as police end rave enquiry POLICE say their six-month investigation into an illegal rave at a warehouse in Yate has now finished.

Five people were jailed for crimes committed when police were called to the event at an empty warehouse in Millbrook Road on October 31 last year.

Up to 700 people attended the rave and police were attacked as they stopped hundreds more getting in to the warehouse, which was trashed.

Avon and Somerset police said three men and two women, from Bristol, London and Devon, had been jailed after appearing before Bristol Magistrates Court at hearings throughout April after admitting offences including assaulting emergency workers, obstructing police and failing to leave land as requested.

One man, in his 20s and from Devon, was jailed for 38 weeks after pleading guilty to spitting at a police officer.

The other four defendants received a total of 22 weeks in prison between them, including a six-week sentence for a woman who kicked an officer.

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.

Detective Sergeant Harriet Drewett said: “These latest sentences bring to an end a near six-month investigation into the outrageous acts witnessed on Halloween.

“Hundreds of people that evening believed their desire to have a night out was more important than protecting the health of their loved ones and people in their community.

“Some of them travelled significant distances to attend this unauthorised event, on the very same night the rest of the country was digesting the news further covid restrictions were planned.

"Their behaviour was reckless and selfish in the extreme.

“Officers who attended that night also faced shocking levels of hostility and in some cases violence, which is completely unacceptable.

“An overwhelming amount of evidence was presented to the courts, leading to guilty pleas from 12 people who have now been sentenced and must face up to the consequences of having a criminal record.”

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June, 2021

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ANYO is inv Thorn Th last ye memb W repea Thurs Karen Bidwell outside Barclays in Yate

Yate to lose second bank in a month THOUSANDS of bank customers are facing an even longer trip to their nearest counter after Barclays announced plans to leave Yate.

The branch in Yate Shopping Centre's North Parade will shut on July 22 – less than a month after another banking giant, HSBC, leaves the town.

Barclays is advising customers to visit its branches in Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym, – which are between eight and 11 miles away – or use Yate's post office.

The news has come as a blow to customers like Karen Bidwell, of Coalpit Heath, who has used the Yate branch for up to 15 years, and says she will now switch to a different bank.

Barclays said in a letter to customers that more than 4,000 people used the branch more than three times a year.

Karen said: "Before the pandemic I would visit at least once a week.

"I have used online banking while I have been shielding during covid but with the increase in the number of scams, and with my card having been cloned, I am a bit loath to do that now.

"I like to deal with cash where possible, because it helps me keep control of my money. If you can see what you’ve got then you are more likely to be careful with it.

"If I go to a branch I know what’s going in and coming out."

The bank had cut its opening hours, which Karen said restricted the number of people who could use the branch.

She said: "It is not surprising that the number of customers has reduced – and yet there are often queues of people outside, largely because there is often only one person serving at the counter.”

Karen is now planning to switch to “another bank that wants my custom”.

She said: "I’m not going to allow a bank to profit from my money when it can’t even provide a local branch for me to use."

A Barclays spokesperson said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one. However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking. As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall in branch visits across the UK. “This is reflected at the Yate branch, where there has been a 19 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020.

"In addition, more than four fifths of our customers at the branch are also using different ways to bank."

Barclays says no-one will lose their job as a result of the Yate closure, with staff offered new roles elsewhere within the organisation.

Earlier this year HSBC announced it would be closing its branch in North Walk on June 25.

Karen has raised the issue with Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, who said the closure would be "disappointing" for residents.

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yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

n NEWS

Woman jailed for 'wicked' hate campaign From Page 1 Liam, who lived in Winterbourne Down, died at Christmas 2017, after missing some insulin injections used to control the condition.

After his family made a public appeal for information about the attack on his grave, Julius, aged 25, sent further offensive messages in Christmas cards to his parents.

She was jailed on May 12 after admitting one charge of criminal damage and two of malicious communication, ordered to pay £500 compensation to the family and handed a three-year restraining order to keep her away from them.

Although Julius had attended the same college as Liam when he was 17, there was no apparent motive for her actions, which District Judge Lynne Matthews described as "perplexing" and "wicked".

The judge said the timing of the offences, shortly before

Simona Julius

Liam Scarman with his mum Sue Witt the third anniversary of Liam's death, "struck at the very heart" of the family, causing great distress.

In a personal statement read

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to the court, Liam's mother Sue Witt said the incidents "took over" family members' lives and became all they could think and talk about.

She said: "Losing a child is the worst possible grief you could imagine. It has consumed my life.

"Having found out that somebody had damaged Liam's grave just compounded all those emotions and undid the progress I had made in dealing with his death.

"I think people are wondering what kind of person Liam was, how horrible a person he must have been for somebody to damage his grave the way they did, when in reality everybody who knew him loved him."

Some of the notes were addressed to Liam's father, Trevor, who said: "When I found out Liam's headstone had been vandalised, I had a numb feeling that went through my body.

"My initial reaction was: why?

Why had someone damaged it?

"How anyone can write such disgusting things about my son I just cannot believe.

"The physical damage has been repaired but the emotional damage will take far longer to repair. It’s like someone is sticking a knife in and twisting it.”

Liam’s brother Oliver said his parents had been contacted by a member of Julius’s family, who told them she had mental health issues.

He said that the family took some comfort in the knowledge that if that was true, the incidents were not the result of a vendetta against Liam.

Oliver, who lives in Yate, said: “We were expecting it would be someone we knew, and then it would never have ended.

"My mum and dad say they can put it behind them now – my two sisters and I feel the same way."

Liam grew up in Winterbourne Down, attended Winterbourne Academy and had worked for insurance firm LV at Aztec West before his death.

Oliver praised the police investigation, which successfully followed up a tip-off from a member of the public who had seen an appeal for information publicised through the media and social media.

He said: "Someone came forward who had overheard a conversation in an Uber, where the driver had dropped someone off at the cemetery at a weird time of night.

"The police managed to track down the Uber driver via the HQ in Holland.

"Simona Julius had sent letters to the crematorium addressed to my parents – they managed to get DNA from those letters, so when they arrested her they just needed her DNA." Investigating officer PC Kyle Maywood said: "I'm glad that we were able to identify the culprit and bring some relief to the family, but Julius has never answered the question of what motivated her to act as she did and cause such distress.

"I would like to thank the members of the public who provided crucial information after seeing the appeals for information and calling in."

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

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n NEWS

Blow to campaign to keep Samet in UK THE battle to prevent a teenager who has made Yate his home from being deported to his native Albania has suffered a new blow.

John Stokes has been campaigning to allow his foster son Samet to stay in the UK after he was trafficked into the country illegally as a 15-year-old boy following a childhood of violence and abuse in Albania.

More than 420,000 people have signed a petition in support of Samet on website change.org.

But the Home Office has refused his latest application to stay in the UK, which means John's campaign to let him remain faces another costly legal case.

Samet, who was fostered

by John after escaping from the clutches of the gangs who brought him to Britain, has learnt English, goes to SGS College and is hoping to become a carpenter.

Although unaccompanied children who enter the UK are

John Stokes and foster son Samet

allowed to stay, once they reach the age of 18 they must apply for the right to remain.

After his initial application for asylum was turned down by the courts, Samet’s supporters launched what is known as a Fresh Claim in November.

With an experienced barrister having joined the legal team fighting his case, paid for by donations made by well-wishers, hopes were high that this new approach to the Home Office would be successful.

But in an online update

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to supporters, John said the rejection of the new claim meant he would need to go to court again to fight for Samet to stay.

He said: "I cannot find the words that can really express my disappointment at the news we received from the Home Office a few days ago refusing our fresh claim for Samet.

"I truly believed that with the weight of evidence and the strength of our support we would win.

“At least I have anger, whereas poor Samet is feeling

just helpless and lost.

"We do retain a glimmer of hope with an appeal. It means a few more thousand pounds to find and the necessary energy to go again.

"This last few days I have considered conceding because I began to doubt that I have the energy left after almost two years of fighting.”

John says that many asylum seekers like Samet simply disappear after being rejected by the Home Office because they fear they will fall into the clutches of the traffickers once again.

But he said: “We have to go to court once more and whatever it takes, I will find it, because I cannot accept that this is how things are or how they should be in a fair and caring society."

John's fundraising site, #aFuture4Samet, can be found on gofundme.com at bit. ly/3i0vcPv and has a target of £28,000.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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June, 2021

n NEWS

High street grant awards announced A PROJECT to help Chipping Sodbury's High Street and a Yate business have been awarded grants as part of a drive to help traders recover from lockdown.

The schemes, aimed at helping to encourage more people back to shop locally following COVID-19 lockdowns, are together worth £8,950.

They have come from a total of £400,000 from South Gloucestershire Council's Help us Thrive fund, which is being given to 63 applicants out of more than 200 who applied.

Grants are being spread around a total of eight high street areas, which also include Thornbury, Downend, Staple Hill, Kingswood, Hanham and Filton.

Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce has been awarded £3,950 towards the costs of its annual Sodbury Summer Search, which brings families onto the High Street over the school holidays, and printing fees for

Chipping Sodbury High Street.

Picture: Rich McD Photography the town map.

The chamber’s three chairs, Michelle Baden-Daintree, Andrew Webb and Rich McDonough, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded High Street grants for our Summer Search and New Town Map. “These extra funds will allow us to promote both projects fully.

"The chamber has over a hundred members, many of whom are in the High Street.

"It’s incredibly important

that all businesses bounce back now the lockdown measures are easing. Promoting our High Street and encouraging people to visit them is the first step.

“It’s been great to work with South Glos council’s Help us Thrive team who have been very encouraging and of course provided this funding.”

Details of the summer search and town map drawn by local artist Justin Percival are due to be announced soon.

A grant of £5,000 has been

awarded to the Bike Station on Station Road in Yate to fund expansion plans. The business declined to comment when contacted by the Voice.

Community groups could apply for up to £20,000, new businesses up to £10,000 and existing businesses up to £5,000 under the scheme.

Council cabinet member Rachael Hunt said: “It’s great to see so many community organisations and local businesses across the area receive funding, which will help our high streets recover and flourish again following the Covid-19 pandemic."

The council says it also has £255,000 from the government’s Welcome Back Fund to support the safe reopening of high streets, some of which it plans to pass on to some applicants, including Yate Town Council, which did not receive Help us Thrive funding.

Yate Town Council Venues Reopening AFTER what was a seemingly long winter, the joys of Spring have arrived! As lockdown restrictions ease, Yate Town Council staff and volunteers are returning to the venues of Armadillo Youth Café, Pop Inn Café and Yate

Heritage Centre.

From Monday 17th May these venues will be operating in a slightly reduced capacity, with the Pop Inn Café operating Monday to Wednesday until restrictions ease further. Events such as the Thursday Senior Cinema held at the Armadillo will remain on hold until 21st June, along with the Saturday Morning Community Cinema.

Armadillo Youth Sessions resumed on Monday 17th May – see timetable to the right.

For those wishing to attend please contact info@ yatearmadillo.co.uk for more information.

Yate Heritage Centre will be open for bookings from Tuesday 8th June. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the new display “A Night out in Yate” featuring the history of clubs, pubs, halls and cinemas in the Yate area and what went on there, with some fantastic artefacts from the time. There will also be the chance to explore your local heritage and archaeology once again from our local archive and discover the rich history we have to offer.”

To book e-mail info@yateheritage.co.uk or telephone 01454 862200.

Bookings are also now being taken for the hire of Yate Town Council buildings and sports facilities so if you are looking for a room, a venue or a space to hire, check out our website now www.yatetowncouncil.gov.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

You can also find more information and other updates on our social media pages.

In preparation for re-opening, Yate Town Council has done everything in its power to make all our community spaces Covid secure for your safe and most welcome return.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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yate&sodburyvoice

8

June, 2021

n NEWS

Ava-Rose cleans up for a good cause A SIX-year-old girl from Yate has cleaned up her neighbourhood – and raised more than £700 for charity at the same time.

The idea for the sponsored litter pick was born during lockdown, when Ava-Rose Krekelaar became obsessed with the WaterAid advert on television.

Mum Stacey Oakley said: “She was begging me daily to donate money to them and asking relatives for £2 so she could send them money.

"A couple of times she paused the TV and came to tell me she had saved the number for me to call them.”

Stacey and her mum Julie Oakley had a brainstorm about what Ava-Rose could do herself to support the charity, and hit on the idea of a litter pick because it’s something she loves doing with her five-year-old sister Aurora-Grace.

They felt it would also help

Ava-Rose and Aurora-Grace Krekelaar litter picking in Yate give back to their community, clean up the planet, and get the girls out for their daily exercise.

Stacey set up a Facebook fundraising page immediately, four weeks ahead of their May start date. Family and friends quickly showed their support and £300 was raised before the girls had even left the house with their litter pickers.

VOLUNTEERS are joining together in a big push to clear Chipping Sodbury, Yate and the surrounding area of litter.

The Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury is organising a day of action on Sunday June 6, when club members will join with the Sodbury and Yate Clean Up group, local schools, youth groups and other organisations and individuals to clear up as much litter as possible in a focused effort.

Club president Stuart Fraser said the club decided to make litter clearance a local community project, inspired by a Rotary global initiative launched in 2018. The event takes place on Rotary's End Plastic Soup Action Day. He said: "In practical terms, the Rotary movement, under the banner of 'End Plastic

Every day throughout May the two girls were out for an hour collecting litter, in all weathers.

Ava-Rose remained just as motivated throughout the month as when she first started.

Stacey said: “She feels that if she has clean water then everyone should have clean water. She likes the fact that she’s raising money for

something that she cares about.

“We’ve explained WaterAid to her and what they do, she watched some videos about it, we explained that she was helping our community as well.

"We are at the point now that wherever we walk, she spots litter. She’s done videos about her litter picks and she’s asked for her own YouTube channel.”

The initial fundraising target was £100, but as the Voice went to press Ava-Rose had raised over £720 from 64 donors, with her enthusiasm unabated: the girls have decided to continue collecting litter weekly.

WaterAid UK hopes to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene available to everyone globally by 2030.

To support Ava-Rose's litter pick visit facebook.com/ donate/2065406556929811/ or bit.ly/3uoTEMI online

Join your community's war on litter Soup', wishes to create awareness in local communities, taking on a project to clean up streets, parks and countryside, providing an excellent opportunity to recruit community minded volunteers.

"We live in a plastic age, one that threatens to destroy the earth’s ecosystem.

"Our contribution is designed to raise the awareness of this threat."

Sodbury and Yate Clean Up leader Sarah White said the group was glad to be part of the event.

She said: "During lockdown, despite the challenges we are all facing, a huge number of

people went out and made a difference to our community.

"We want to keep this momentum by encouraging everyone to join in, even if it’s just cleaning around their street.

"It all adds up, creating a safer home for us and our wildlife.

"Thank you to everyone involved who goes out litter picking. It truly makes a difference, and your effort is appreciated."

For more information about joining the clean up, email ianjoseph@blueyonder.co.uk or visit @sodburyrotary on Facebook.

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yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

9

n NEWS

School shows significant improvements, say inspectors GOVERNMENT inspectors have acknowledged significant improvements at Chipping Sodbury School.

Ofsted has been making monitoring visits to the school since it was found to require improvement at three consecutive inspections, most recently in 2018, when the education watchdog found areas of concern.

Due to Covid restrictions the monitoring process in March was carried out remotely, because school visits have been temporarily suspended. which meant that the range of evidence available to inspectors was narrower than normal.

In her report, inspector Tracey Reynolds said: "Leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action to provide education in the current circumstances."

She said the school's leaders were "resolute in their determination to provide an education for pupils during the

Chipping Sodbury School head teacher Katherine Turner with other school leaders and pupils. recent lockdown", had improved remote education in response to parent and pupil feedback and staff had supported pupils in maintaining daily routines and continuing learning. The inspector added: "Leaders carefully considered the needs of pupils and staff when planning the return of all pupils to school, resulting in a smooth transition to on-site learning."

During lockdown about 80% of pupils were educated at home when the school was closed to

most pupils in January. During this time, approximately 70% of vulnerable and key workers' children attended lessons on site.

The Ofsted report acknowledged that teachers used the remote learning experience to find out what pupils know and understand, and “have identified where there are gaps in pupils’ knowledge and are adapting the curriculum accordingly”.

Ofsted also said the school had identified pupils needing extra support with reading and

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numeracy and praised work to improve special educational needs and disabilities provision.

The remote inspection was carried out before the school joined the Athelstan Trust, a multi-academy trust including four other schools in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, in April.

Schools within the Athelstan Trust work in partnership to share curriculum expertise and teaching practice to over 4,000 students.

Chair of governors Robert Owen said he was especially pleased Ofsted recognised how well governors and leaders had worked together to bring about school improvement and said joining the trust would bring further improvements.

He said: "I am delighted that we will now be working in collaboration with other likeminded schools, which I am sure will further support our drive for improved outcomes for all of our students.”

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yate&sodburyvoice

10

June, 2021

n NEWS

Mark is new police commissioner CONSERVATIVE Mark Shelford has been elected Avon and Somerset’s new police and crime commissioner.

The former soldier made election pledges to “reassure, refocus and rebuild” and prioritise preventing crime, not just trying to catch criminals.

He received 161,319 votes in the May 6 election, 15,000 ahead of Labour’s Kerry Barker, on 146,293, after first and secondpreference votes were counted.

Green candidate Cleo Lake finished in third place, with 64,790 votes, Liberal Democrat Heather Shearer received 52,839 and independent John Smith 46,379.

Voting took place across South Gloucestershire, Bristol, B&NES, North Somerset and Somerset.

Mr Shelford topped the first round poll in every area except Bristol, while Mr Barker received more second round transfer

votes everywhere except for three of the four Somerset county districts.

The election was postponed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Mr Shelford will only serve a three-year term.

He said: "It’s really exciting and quite humbling.

"There’s a huge responsibility placed on my shoulders. I’m relishing the opportunity to get started as soon as possible.

“It’s about making the police more efficient and effective. We will do that together.”

Mr Shelford had criticised the police for the handling of recent 'Kill the Bill' protests in Bristol and said the force should not have allowed a “mob” to pull down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston last summer.

One of his first tasks will be to appoint a new chief constable, after Andy Marsh steps down in July.

Mr Shelford said he would

not rush into making an appointment and was looking for “somebody that exudes leadership and command, and has unshakeable belief in the Peelian principles of policing (by consent)".

He will also appoint a new deputy PCC. Outgoing PCC Sue Mountstevens had made Mr Smith the first deputy PCC last year, but he was unable to repeat her success at the ballot box.

Mr Shelford, a former Army lieutenant colonel, served for four years as a Bath & North East Somerset councillor but lost his seat in 2019 after a boundary change.

In his acceptance speech he thanked Ms Mountstevens, who he said had "worked tirelessly over the last nine years to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safer".

Mark Shelford

By Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Results First round results: Mark Shelford (Con) – 136,988 Kerry Barker (Lab) 93,495 Cleo Lake (Green) – 64,790 Heather Shearer (Lib Dem) – 52,839 John Smith (independent) – 46,379 Second round results: Mark Shelford 161,319 (24,331 second preferences) Kerry Barker 146,293 (52,798)

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yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

11

n NEWS

Dan is new Metro Mayor LABOUR'S Dan Norris has won the West of England Metro Mayor election.

The former MP beat Conservative Samuel Williams by 125,482 votes to 85,389, a majority of over 40,000 votes, after second-preference votes were counted.

Green candidate Jerome Thomas was third, with 54,919 votes, while Liberal Democrat Stephen Williams was fourth, with 39,767.

Mr Norris was short of the required overall majority to win in the first round but when second preference votes from Green and Lib Dem voters were added to the front runners' totals, he received another 41,048 votes, to Mr Williams' 12,974.

It meant Labour gained the mayoralty from the Tories, who had won by 4,377 votes in 2017.

Mr Norris benefited from the increased turnout in Bristol,

where local elections were also taking place on May 6: he received more than 50,000 votes in the city, where Mr Williams came in third behind the Greens.

In South Gloucestershire Mr Williams was more than 9,000 votes ahead of Mr Norris, where they received 28,693 and 19,168 first-preference votes respectively, while the two front runners were almost neck-andneck in B&NES. The Metro Mayor leads the West of England Combined Authority, which is responsible for strategic development of business, skills, housing and transport in the region.

Mr Norris said: "I will show the difference an active Metro Mayor makes for our region.

"I’m determined to hit the ground running, with a Jobs and Skills summit in my first 100 days and my Green Recovery Plan."

As well as his pledges on

Dan Norris celebrates with his dog Angel at the ss Great Britain jobs and the environment, Mr Norris's manifesto included a requirement for 35% of all new homes to be "genuinely affordable", an increase in spending on housebuilding and the creation of a 'homelessness taskforce'.

He has also pledged to drive through improvements to transport.

Mr Norris, who went to school in Chipping Sodbury, started his political career as a Bristol city councillor in the 1980s and also served on Avon

County Council in the mid-90s.

As MP for Wansdyke, which includes Keynsham and Radstock, he was appointed an environment minister by Gordon Brown in 2009 but lost his seat in the 2010 General Election, when the redrawn and renamed North East Somerset constituency was won by Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Results Round 1 Dan Norris 84,434 Samuel Williams 72,415 Jerome Thomas 54,919 Stephen Williams 41,193 Round 2 Dan Norris 125,482 (41,048 second preferences) Samuel Williams 85,389 (12,974 second preferences) Metro Mayor column: Page 18

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June, 2021

13

n NEWS

Festival programme unveiled CHIPPING Sodbury’s vibrant summer festival is getting underway with a mix of online and live events.

Its presence, along with the easing of coronavirus restrictions, will make June start to feel a little bit more like it used to before the pandemic began.

Events start with an online talent show, launching June 1.

Key live events include cycle rides Sunday June 6, a week of talks and workshops at the town hall from June 14 to 18 and the highlight, the Street Fayre and Carnival on June 26.

The Festival Team Quiz takes place on June 25 at the town hall on the eve of the carnival, and includes the crowning of festival princess Molly Woods and attendants Cerys Baldock and Luke Hayward, who have had to wait a year to take up their roles after coronavirus caused the cancellation of last year's event.

Chipping Sodbury Festival Princess Molly Woods (centre) and her attendants Cerys Baldock and Luke Hayward Tickets cost £12 for a team of four, and doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Entry forms are available from The Card Boutique or The Health Food Shop, both in Chipping Sodbury, and they can be downloaded

from the festival website www. chippingsodburyfestival.com There will also be a wine tasting event at the town hall on July 2.

The online talent competition runs from June 1 until June 21.

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On June 20 the Festival Sale Trail takes place, with anyone who wants to able to run a car boot sale on their own driveway, and a map available for shoppers to follow.

The map will be available from The Health Shop, Chipping Sodbury and The Card Boutique, Chipping Sodbury. To enter your driveway email adm.csfestival@ gmail.com.

A 'spot the error' competition is already underway in shop windows around the town.

For more details on all the events, visit the festival website or Facebook page.

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yate&sodburyvoice

14

n NEWS

Changes to bike lanes SOUTH Gloucestershire Council is making minor changes to the controversial Station Road cycle lanes scheme in Yate.

The changes mean the consultation on the project has been extended until November 24.

A cycle lane and double yellow lines were installed in August last year, removing on-street parking on the stretch of the A432 between the council offices on Badminton Road and B&Q on Station Road.

Traders in the area immediately complained of a loss of business as roadside paces for 26 vehicles, which had been used by customers to park in front of their shops, were suspended.

Now the council is adjusting the scheme to reduce the time people are banned from loading on a stretch of Station Road, near the Longs Drive junction on the opposite side of the road.

Announcing the change on the council website, the council said that six months of feedback on the changes "included requests to reduce the duration of loading restrictions in place in Station Road". The council says the proposals will be modified to reduce the morning loading ban originally in place between 8am and 10am to between 8am and 9am.

The consultation will now reopen for a further six months to take into account the change of loading restrictions before a decision is taken to make changes permanent.

Anyone who wants to comment can do so online at www. southglos.gov.uk/consultation or call 01454 868004 for more information if not online.

Liberal Democrat councillors recently called for "a better alternative" to the scheme, involving a two way off-road cycle path.

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June, 2021

Covid marshals axed COVID marshals are being withdrawn from South Gloucestershire streets, despite councillors' fears the move is “too abrupt”.

South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed the 10 daytime marshals, introduced to help ensure distancing and other coronavirusrelated rules were kept, were all due to stand down by Friday, May 28.

At a council meeting on May 19 at Thornbury Leisure Centre, Andrea Reid (Lab, Kingswood) said that the "unknown factors" surrounding the Indian variant of COVID-19 meant future easing of restrictions was still in doubt.

She said: "I’m concerned the decision to withdraw covid marshals from May 23 is premature and too abrupt, and so are local residents.

“We have residents who are hesitant to leave the house due to health concerns or fears that restrictions are easing too soon.

“I suspect that increased footfall will increase the need for marshal support rather than decrease it."

Cabinet member for communities and local place Rachael Hunt said the marshals had "played a really important role...in providing reassurance and guidance in our public spaces" but with lockdown easing allowing people to gather in increased numbers, the role of marshals was "no longer as pertinent".

She said marshals had an advisory rather than an enforcement role, but added: "If the need for the marshals becomes apparent once more, there is absolutely scope to reintroduce them if people’s behaviours and the restrictions change."

Environmental health officers would spend more time ensuring spaces are covid-safe, said Cllr Hunt.

A council spokesperson said the situation would be kept under review and that the decision did not affect night-time marshals, whose role is not focused on covid restrictions guidance.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

15

n NEWS

Ruth is new council chair Mayor's third term YATE councillor Ruth Davis is the new chair of South Gloucestershire Council.

Councillor Davis, who represents the Yate Central ward for the Liberal Democrats, moves into the role after serving as the authority's vice-chair last year.

The chair is the council's equivalent of a mayor: an ambassador and official representative at civic functions, who also chairs full council meetings.

Cllr Davis said: “It is an honour to be Ruth Davis elected as chair of South Gloucestershire Council and I look forward to representing the council and South Gloucestershire, over the year to come.

“My intention is to reach out to our communities and I’m looking forward to highlighting some of the fantastic groups and initiatives which make South Gloucestershire such a special place.

“I’d like to pass on my thanks to Cllr June Bamford, who has served with integrity during her time as chair in what has been a very unusual year, for obvious reasons.”

Charlton and Cribbs ward Conservative councillor Sanjay Shambhu was elected as vice chair by councillors at the same meeting on May 19.

Each new chair selects a charity to support for the year ahead, with donations received during that time presented at the end of her term of office. Cllr Davis will name her chosen charity for the year at the next council meeting in July.

KARL Tomasin has been elected as mayor and chair of Yate Town Council for the third year running.

Deputy town mayor and vice-chair Cheryl Kirby also stays in her position for a third term after the annual town council meeting held on May 4.

Both expressed a wish that the ending of lockdown would make their third terms of office a "more typical experience".

Karl Tomasin Councillor Tomasin said: "This last year has been so difficult and challenging for everyone, and I would like to personally send a huge thank you to everyone for being so responsible and for continuing to follow the government guidelines.

"This has enabled us all to see the restrictions being lifted, combined with the vaccination program which has been so successful in helping to protect our community.

"Both the Vice Chair and I are keen and looking forward to supporting the local community in a much more involved capacity.”

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yate&sodburyvoice

16

June, 2021

n NEWS

Tourist centre needs help CHIPPING Sodbury Tourist Information Centre is preparing to reopen – and is on the lookout for volunteers to join its team.

The centre, which offers visitors information and leaflets on all the facilities and attractions in the town and nearby, as well as local souvenirs, books and maps, timetables and tickets for local Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre events, is set to reopen on Monday July 5 if lockdown easing continues as planned.

Town councillor Marian Gilpin said: "Initially we shall be opening on a limited basis, and extending our opening hours as time progresses.

"If you are looking for a way to get more involved in your community, we are looking for more volunteers to join our enthusiastic and friendly team to meet and assist visitors to the town as well as keeping neighbours and residents informed.

"We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone again."

Anyone who is interested in volunteering should call 07887 429166 or email chippingsodburytic@gmail.com.

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Garden re-opens A SCHEME welcoming people to some of the country's most beautiful gardens is back up and running.

A garden in Wickwar is among the attractions open to visitors as part of the National Garden Scheme this year.

The garden at the School Yard in Wickwar High Street, which has opened previously under the NGS scheme, will open again on June 26 from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.

Arranged around the village's former Victorian school, the garden includes a vegetable plot, sunken garden and a large greenhouse, fruit trees, a terraced flower garden with a variety of trees, a rockery, Mediterranean courtyard, pond and deep shade garden.

Admission costs £5 for adults, with children free.

People can book in advance via the NGS website, www.ngs.org.uk or pay at the gate and teas will be available in the village hall.

Elsewhere in the district two new attractions are Stoneleigh Down, in Upper Tockington Road, Tockington, which opens on June 5 and 6 between 10am and 5pm, and Oldbury on Severn Gardens, which will be open from 1pm to 5pm on June 19 and 20.

For more details, visit the NGS website.

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yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

17

n NEWS

Three years of road works for ring road A THREE-year project to transform five roundabouts on the Avon Ring Road has been unveiled.

The £30 million scheme would see new lanes built to take through traffic over the middle of three roundabouts – Siston Hill near Mangotsfield, Deanery Road near Warmley and Kingsfield, at Longwell Green – transforming them into what the council calls "throughabouts".

The other two – Lyde Green roundabout near the Bristol and Bath Science Park and the Rosary roundabout near Emersons Green shopping centre – would have extra lanes added.

South Gloucestershire Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on the plans, which it says are aimed at tackling congestion on the A4174 and stopping drivers using nearby residential roads as rat-runs.

More traffic lights and entry lanes will be installed, some trees removed and replaced, and land at the edges of the dual carriageway used to provide extra space.

No dedicated bus lanes are envisaged, but sensors will detect when buses are approaching to give priority, while improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also included.

The council says its intention is to encourage “necessary strategic car trips” on the A4174 because it is the most suitable for commutes in the area.

It says the scheme will improve air quality by easing congestion.

Road works would last for three years, taking place in phases from next year and until 2025.

It would mean drivers using the ring road to travel from the Yate area to Longwell Green, Keynsham and South Bristol could expect disruption similar to that at the Woodstock roundabout near Cadbury Heath, where work on a similar 'throughabout' scheme is already underway.

The council says the latest plans will “help the flow of public transport through

improved junction performance”.

Cabinet member for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure Steve Reade said: "This scheme is designed to encourage necessary strategic car trips to remain on the A4174, the most suitable road designed to accommodate longer distance car journeys, and to deter the traffic from rerouting through our local communities."

The council says that with "no intervention", congestion along the A4174 and nearby roads "will worsen due to planned local growth in the area".

But new Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who is in overall charge of transport strategy in the region, has expressed doubts about the scheme.

Mr Norris said: "We have to look at the strong possibility that just widening roads simply causes increased journeys by car and does not alleviate congestion."

The consultation is open now and closes on August 16.

For more details or to comment, visit consultations.southglos.gov.uk/ A4174Improvements online or call 01454 868000.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

n PHARMACY NEWS

Beware the variants SINCE the Prime Minister announced that second covid jabs for all over50s (and the clinically vulnerable) in England were being brought forward to eight weeks, rather than 11-12, everyone seems to have become an expert on virus mutations, variants and holiday destinations.

Here are some simple explanations: What is a mutation? All viruses naturally undergo thousands of random genetic changes over time, and COVID-19 is no exception. The vast majority do not change any feature or ability but every once in a while, the virus strikes lucky: the mutation helps it survive and reproduce better, by making it more transmissible or resistant to vaccines. Unfortunately these mutations spread more, and quickly become the common form of the virus.

The most potentially concerning are closely monitored by scientists.

A mutation initially detected in India has been tagged as a 'variant of concern' and we are certain many more will emerge.

What about our vaccines? The vaccines we have currently can protect us from all the mutations so far, but a race is on. Experts are confident existing vaccines can be redesigned. But people need to get vaccinated as soon as possible, to stop the random mutations that at some point will result in a variant current vaccines will be less able to protect everybody from.

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• Keep performing lateral flow testing, reporting any positive results to help detect any new variants and following the rules to stop the spread.

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yate&sodburyvoice

18

June, 2021

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

Thank you for the chance to serve FIRSTLY, thank you.

It’s a huge honour to be elected as your Metro Mayor, for this part of the world that I’m proud to call home. And whether you voted for me or not, I’m going to do my best for you and your family.

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since election day. The votes were counted up on the Saturday after polling day – and a big thank you to the counting staff who worked so hard to get us a result efficiently and in a covidsecure way. Then the results were announced aboard the SS Great Britain, a magnificent backdrop to take the helm on a new job! On the following Monday, I was officially sworn in as Mayor at Temple Quay and had my first meetings.

I’ll be frank, I think we have some catching up to do. Because I’m not sure many people know we have a Metro Mayor at the moment locally, nationally or internationally. I want to change that, and put our area on the map.

A woman I met the other day commented that it had been nice to see “from Somerset”

as a description on my interview on Good Morning Britain. We’re going to have more of that.

My job is like Sadiq Khan’s in London and Andy Burnham’s in Manchester. It’s time for Fishponds, Frome Valley or Filton to lead the national conversation!

I said during the campaign that my first priority was jobs, and that is why I will be holding a jobs and skills summit in my first 100 days in office. I’m already having conversations with local businesses and education providers about how we can build back better from the pandemic. If you have ideas, do let me know.

My politics have always been red and green. We are in the midst of a climate emergency and I plan to bring my knowledge and experience as a former Environment Minister to the table. That’s why later this year I will launch my ‘Green Recovery Plan’. You might have also heard about my plans to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK. I know I have a lot of people to meet,

Metro Mayor

Dan Norris

writes for the Voice

reading to do, budgets to scrutinise and government ministers to challenge. I want to work in a constructive and cooperative way.

What matters is that we secure the best for our area.

And, just as a final thought, I think my dog might be more popular than me. Angel has also been on TV and got her own hashtag #dansdog – I’ll try not to let it go to her head!

This is such an exciting time, but I want to end where I began. For the chance to serve – thank you.

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yate&sodburyvoice

June, 2021

19

n NEWS

Sodbury stalwarts celebrate 60 years of marriage LOCKDOWN is easing at just the right time for Chipping Sodbury couple Wendy and Paul Whittle, who are celebrating 60 years of marriage on June 3.

For years the couple have been integral parts of the Chipping Sodbury community.

Both have served as mayor of the town and chair of the council, while Wendy is the longest serving member of the Sodbury Players and Paul is a former chairman of Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club.

They met at Christmas in 1957 during a night out with friends at the Glen Nightclub & Ballroom in Bristol, on what is now the site of the Spire Hospital on the Downs.

The couple got engaged in 1960 and were married at St Mary’s Church, Shirehampton, in 1961.

Wendy said they had "beautiful weather" for their wedding day, which was followed by a reception at Blaise Castle in Henbury and a honeymoon tour of Devon and Cornwall in a hired car.

When the couple met Paul was a mechanical engineer at Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories and Wendy was working in the jewellery trade, before moving on to spend 27 years working for GKN which later became British Steel.

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The couple have two daughters, Louise and Jayne, and five grandchildren, whom they are looking forward to seeing a lot more in the coming months.

During their time as councillors Wendy said she particularly enjoyed visiting local primary schools dressed in her mayoral robes.

She said: “The children loved it when I turned up, because they thought I was a pirate! It was because of the mayoral hat, I think, so it was quite funny.”

Now retired, Wendy and Paul are keeping

active and hope to visit Devon and Cornwall more as restrictions ease.

Wendy’s hobbies include gardening and knitting hats for premature babies in Southmead Hospital, which kept her busy during lockdown.

Instead of gifts, Paul and Wendy are asking anyone who would like to help them celebrate to donate to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity – the fund can be found online at justgiving.com/fundraising/louelliott1

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June, 2021

21

n YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Nights out that went down in history AHEAD of a new exhibition opening at Yate Heritage Centre David Hardill looks at some of the venues which gave residents nights to remember.

THE lockdown has enabled us to research all manner of subjects and different avenues for our forthcoming exhibitions. One such avenue is local clubs.

Although Yate is an expanding town of around 23,000 inhabitants with much to be proud of, it is currently without a recognisable night-club.

It may therefore come as a surprise to newcomers and younger people that Yate boasted a number of renowned night-clubs from the 1970s through to the 1990s.

The centrepiece of the new Yate, which had grown dramatically in the 1960s and 1970s, was Yate Shopping Centre, complete with new shops and facilities including the library and Southwold (now Yate) leisure centre.

The Shopping Centre was regarded as a daytime venue. To enjoy a night out you went to Bristol or Bath – until new clubs emerged in Yate Shopping Centre, transforming the town's night life for a time.

Tucked away in a corner of Four Seasons Square was the Stirling Suite Entertainment Centre, which opened after 1969 and was the first recognisable club to see bands in new town Yate.

There were well known music entertainers, including chart toppers such as Marmalade, in the

Advert for the opening of Stars & Stripes in July 1976

A flyer for a dance music night at Spirals in April 1992 early 1970s.

Stars and Stripes became a major hub for entertainment from 1976 to 1980. The club was open most nights for themed disco nights, including 'Southern Soul'.

Nationally-known radio DJs to visit included Radio One's Dave Lee Travis and Paul Gambaccini.

Manager Jim Ruston was able to book well-known acts, including Sweet Sensation and promoted then up-and-coming acts such as comedian Jim Davidson and Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats.

One-off events became more common.

All-night soul evenings were staged at the leisure centre and Stars and Stripes during the 1970s.

Yate had never seen anything like it.

Spirals took over the mantle of the leading nightclub in the area in the 1980s and 1990s.

It held regular dance nights

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and attracted stars on the way up, among them Take That, who performed at Spirals in 1993.

At the club’s height in the early 1990s, coachloads of people came from Bristol, Gloucester and Chepstow for nights out.

Despite its popularity with many, the club had earned a bad reputation following some violent incidents and sadly closed in 1997.

Yate & District Heritage Centre is re-opening for bookings from June 8, when the Night Out in Yate exhibition will be open.

We hope to restore drop in

visits as soon as possible around June 21.

Email info@yateheritage.co.uk or call 01454 862200 for more information on this exhibition and other events.

Diary dates

June 8-July 20: A Night out in Yate exhibition June 16, 7.30pm: Roman Villas, with Malcolm Watkins.

June 22, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – Boil a Mouse in Urine (Tudor domestic life)

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June, 2021

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

New£7mspecialist STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering andMaths) andCreativeCentreat SGSWISECampusisopen THE new Brunel Centre at SGS College’s WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford is designed with sustainability and wellbeing at heart. The Brunel Centre will be home to a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, e-Sports and the recently rebranded Bristol Academy of Media (BAM) courses. With high ceilings and exposed timber interior walls, the whole building has been designed to provide a cutting-edge learning environment.

Kevin Hamblin, SGS Group CEO, said: "The build will provide increased capacity in the area for the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and creatives and inspire them to push harder to achieve their educational goals.

Credit must be given to the West of England Combined Authority who had the foresight and confidence to make this investment, as it will provide a world-class environment for another 400 students a year to study at SGS." A new University Centre, accommodating the relocation of SGS's undergraduate provision will open in September 2021 at the WISE Campus; creating new spaces for the specialist degree programmes in Business, Management, Sports, Media, Games, Specialist Make-up,

Performing and Theatre Arts. SGS has a reputation for delivering quality innovative degrees in a supportive and flexible learning environment. SGS was placed within the top 10% of all universities for overall student satisfaction in 2020.

SGS College welcomes you to attend the

launch of the Brunel Centre and Community Open Event (across all Campuses) on Saturday July 3, 2021, from 10am to 4pm and discover the range of college, undergraduate and adult courses. To reserve your place(s) please refer to the website at sgscol.ac.uk or telephone 0800 0567 253.

Higher Education

SATURDAY 3RD JULY 2021, 10:00 – 16:00 SGS College looks forward to welcoming you back onto all our campuses for our Community Open Event.

From Undergraduate, Further Education, Leisure, Professional and Apprenticeships programmes, we have a course to offer you. Whether you are looking for full or part-time study, we have flexible study options to suit all.

You will have the opportunity to have a personal guided tour on the Campus of your choice, have the opportunity to get involved with a subject specialist masterclass, or find out more about our courses from our staff and students.

We will be giving tours around our campuses, to show you why SGS is the place for you.

To reserve your place, please refer to our website at www.sgscol.ac.uk or email info@sgscol.ac.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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June, 2021

23

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

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

Let’s celebrate summer IT'S June, so to me that means all the luscious summer fruits are at their best.

My favourite soft fruits are raspberries, which makes this recipe a winner for me.

And don’t worry, even if you’re not a huge fan of white chocolate(which I’m not) it is delicious in this particular recipe.

It’s very moreish, and quite different to a traditional Brownie.

Serve it warm, with some extra raspberries as a dessert or cut into small squares to serve with coffee.

Hopefully the weather will be sunny and, with covid restrictions lifting, we should be able to celebrate together with fun and food.

What could be better than a hug, and the kiss of raspberries on your lips?

Raspberry Blondies

You can make these delicious treats all the year round with frozen raspberries, but I think they taste best with fresh seasonal raspberries.

Ingredients: Butter, chopped into small pieces – 125g(4 ½oz) White chocolate – 200g (8oz)

chopped into small, equal pieces Caster sugar – 150g (5oz) Eggs – 2, preferably, free range, lightly beaten Plain flour – 110g (4oz) Self-raising flour – 75g (3oz) White chocolate – extra 75g (3oz) chopped coarsely (optional) Fresh or frozen raspberries* – 150g (5oz) * if using frozen raspberries, do not defrost them before using A little icing sugar for dusting at the end Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 4

extra chocolate, if using.

• Stir in the raspberries so that they are evenly distributed.

• Spread the mixture into the prepared pan.

• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until just firm when you touch it. The edges should be pulling away from the tin and be dark golden brown. A cocktail stick inserted into the middle should come out with only a little bit of stickiness to it. Remember, it will firm up as it cools.

• Cool in the tin for 10 mins.

• Lift the blondies out of the tin

onto a board, using the paper to help you.

• Divide into squares. I like to do small bites: you can get as many as 30 from this size of tin, cut six by five.

• Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

• Serve dusted with a little icing sugar.

Cook’s tips:

These will keep in an airtight tin for up to a week or you can freeze them for up to a month, but I think they are best eaten when still warm.

Here’s what you do:

• Grease an oblong 12×8in tin, line the base and two opposite sides with non-stick paper. Bring the paper a good 2 inches above the rim of the tin. This helps you to lift the blondies out more easily.

• Melt the butter and 200g of the white chocolate in a microwaveable bowl, on medium for 1 minute. Stir. Do bursts of 20 seconds until the chocolate has just become smooth. Stir until there are no lumpy bits of chocolate left.

• Cool until just slightly warm.

• Stir in the sugar, eggs, flour and

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824

June, June,2021 2021

n PETER'S VISION FAMILY EYE CARE FOR GENERATIONS

Seeing our way out of lockdown Q&A With so much happening, we decided to take a brief pause and catch up with Peter Turner, Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol.

A visit to Turners Opticians is so much more than just a sight test.

Our reassuringly thorough Advanced Eye Care is more in depth than a regular sight test.

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So Peter, how’s the last year been for you?

We literally haven’t stopped. From March 2020 we have been here when our patients needed us. Whether it was emergency responders or those who found themselves working from their dining room tables urgently needing new glasses we were able to respond quickly and look after them.

You’ve made some changes I hear.

Well yes and no. We haven’t changed. Our vision remains the same as always; reassuringly thorough eye care for every patient. It’s the NHS funding that should have changed years ago, and sadly has not!

As we set out to survive the pandemic it became clear that we could no longer work without a sustainable NHS fee to cover the cost of the thorough eye care we provide.

Don’t the NHS pay you?

A sight test with us remained 30 minutes long, despite the NHS only funding 6-7 minutes of the care our patients were receiving.

So how did you come to this decision Peter?

We had several (socially distanced of course) meetings, to try and find a sustainable way to continue caring for our patients for many years to come. It was a long, and often emotional process. We emerged from lockdown as a practice offering reassuringly thorough eye care to the whole family, for the first time in 70 years, outside of the NHS. Your Grandfather Harold founded the practice, what would he make of this?

Harold started work as an Ophthalmic Optician in the 1930’s, years before the NHS was formed. Harold believed in quality care at an affordable price. We hold those values dear to this day. I think Harold would be proud that over 80 years later his family Opticians are very much thriving in Bristol.

So how can people come and see you now?

To make thorough eye care affordable, we launched low cost monthly Direct Debit Vision Plans for eye care, and also for contact lens wearers too. Vision Plan membership lets our patients access the reassuringly thorough eye care then want, when they need it. We also include accidental damage cover for their glasses bought from us as well as emergency appointments if needed too. Full details are on our website.

Do you still see Children?

Most definitely. As parents of young children, we’re keen to offer the thorough care our children benefit from to others too. For one child it’s just £4 per month, for two or more children in a household it’s £6 for all.

We also include a pair of single vision lenses (worth £25) for each child who needs them.

Your Vision plan sounds interesting, how can I join?

You can telephone the practice, or book to come and see us, and we will be happy to set up your vision plan membership.

Although most of us are used to Direct Debits, what about those who aren’t?

If patients would prefer to pay for their eye care consultations each time they attend, we also offer a pay on the day option.

Well Peter, I wish you the very best. You certainly seem re-energised by your new ways of working. As a final question, what if someone has another question?

Thank you! If there’s any other questions we’re very happy to help, just email EyeCareTeam@TurnersOpticians.co.uk.

This Q&A session was with Peter Turner, who is a Senior Optometrist at Turners Opticians in Bristol, and also works part time as a Senior Optometrist at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

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June, 2021

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25

n COMMUNITY NEWS Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club AS readers will see elsewhere in the Voice, our club is gearing up for a community litter clearing effort on Sunday June 6.

The effort will also involve members of the Sodbury and Yate Clean Up Group, local schools and other community groups. If you cannot join in, can we encourage you to don a pair of gardening gloves and spend an hour or so picking up litter in the vicinity of where you live?

It is evident that, with the sustained efforts of the Sodbury and Yate Clean Up Group and more recently the Cranleigh Court Community Hub, there is an unprecedented momentum to make our local environment a pleasurable place in which to live.

In April we had a talk from Stephen Hay from the Medaille Trust, a charity which exists to provide refuge and freedom to victims of modern slavery. His talk was incredibly thought-provoking and highlighted the stark fact that modern slavery exists in all parts of society and is probably present in our community.

Despite the very limited fundraising opportunities during the current Rotary year, the club was pleased to provide financial help to three worthy local causes. Firstly, we offered a financial pledge to dance group StreetCred, which runs classes for 100 young people aged 4-18, as well as adults, to buy mirrors for its new premises. Secondly, the club provided financial support to St John’s Mead Primary School for a residential trip for years 5/6 to the Kilve Outdoor SSE Centre. And finally, we provided support to Ovendale Nursery to buy an additional acoustic cloud to support a pupil.

Our 25th Annual Classic Vehicle Run is now less than a month away, taking place on June 27. The level of entries has been encouraging but there is space for more. In celebration of the 90th anniversary of SS Cars and 60 years since the launch of the Jaguar E-Type, we are accepting entries this year for any Jaguar (including SS and Daimler variations) of any year.

Stuart Fraser

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Yate WI YATE WI is continuing to meet following government guidelines.

In April we held a zoom bingo night, which was great fun, especially deciding on a suitable call for each number – you would be surprised at how much variety there is.

In May we held a zoom beetle drive. It worked well, and a lot of fun was had by all. Watch this space for an in-person beetle drive sometime next year.

On the second Tuesday of each month we will be holding a garden craft group: a time to craft, drink coffee and eat cake!

We are planning monthly walks and coffee catch-ups. Full details will be on our social media pages – search for Yate WI on Facebook for more details. Our next main meeting will be a garden ‘soup and roll’ event on June 14.

You are welcome to visit any of our events before joining the WI. We look forward to meeting you and be assured of a warm welcome.

Bev Hodgson

Chipping Sodbury Lions Club THIS year, to go along with the Chipping Sodbury Festival theme, heroes, we are launching the Chipping Sodbury Lions Community Heroes Awards, to highlight local, unsung heroes powering positivity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

We're inviting people to nominate their community champion, and together we'll highlight the local heroes and reward acts of kindness.

Anyone who wants to make an nomination can use an online form below to nominate someone who goes above and beyond to help you or someone in the community.

There will be an awards presentation held at the carnival on June 26.

The closing date for nominations is June 9.

Entry forms can be found at forms.gle/MT2Twm5u4MEWXjyb9 or at the club's Facebook page.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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yate&sodburyvoice

27

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second-hand Style Bristol fashion...maybe not so shipshape FROM 1946 to 2011, a small factory on a nondescript industrial estate behind Cribbs Causeway produced miniscule volumes of handbuilt and incredibly expensive luxury cars.

Bristol Cars was based throughout its life in Filton and had just one showroom, in Kensington.

The manufacturer was a true eccentric, making long-lasting but decidedly different cars for the very wealthy and slightly eccentric.

And now, a property developer from Essex is trying to resurrect the company, with talk of ‘remastered’ versions of 1970s Bristols for half a million quid each.

He wants to hire local craftsmen and open up another factory in or around Filton, and I wish him all the luck in the world.

It didn’t work for Jensen, who have had more failed revivals than an episode of Casualty, but what do I know? Well, I do know that the market for Bristol cars is vanishingly small (they did go bust after all), and they don’t engender the same level of affection as a host of other dead British car makers.

So why not?

First up has to be the looks, because, let’s be honest most Bristol cars, from the 603 of the mid-70s onwards, have been clumsily styled.

The V10 Fighter of 2004, with gull-wing doors, was striking, but never beautiful. In the flesh it is a mixture of unique curves and

unforgivable panel gaps that you could lose your wallet in (literally and figuratively).

Earlier cars, from the 406 of 1958 to the 411 of 1969, were elegant and powerful but remain a very left-field choice.

Their values are also rising now. Seeing one on the road (maybe once a year) remains an exciting prospect.

When the firm was still in business, they used to run up and down the M4 between the London service works in Chiswick and the Filton factory: twin chrome exhausts emitting a deep V8 burble. Lovely but, it has to be said, sometimes challenging in design. And that is unforgivable for what was then a hugelyexpensive car.

In period Bristol cars sold for the equivalent of just under £200k today. That means they were competing with Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley and every other luxury car maker you can think of. It would have taken a very brave soul to slap down that amount of cash to be that different. Very few did.

A used Bristol, however, isn’t such a brave choice today. A combination of those unusual looks and almost total anonymity outside of the owner’s club means that the price of entry now starts at around £30k.

That puts you in this month’s photographed car, a mid-80s ‘Brigand’ with a turbocharged 5.9 litre V8 and maybe 20mpg if you go gently (you

shouldn’t).

This is a long, narrow, low car with plush seating for four adults and a large boot.

It started off as the 603 series in 1976, and was then ‘developed’ (door handles and rear lights from Vauxhall, anyone?) over the next 35 years, right up until the firm’s demise.

Each car features a large Chrysler V8 that delivers effortless lazy power.

Yes, the gear selector looks like it was taken out of a black cab, and no, the tiny period wheels aren’t from underneath a World of Leather sofa.

Later models will cost you more like £60k, but that’s for what is almost a modern car (ABS! An airbag!)

I don’t even want to start thinking about running costs, because although the mechanicals are straightforward (simple even), anything to do with the bodywork or trim is going to be crushingly expensive. Body panels were hand-made and would need to be again today – even supermarket car park damage is going to need a specialist. At least rear light clusters will be cheap…

To buy a used Bristol today is to buy into a mindset that was always in short supply after the consumer boom of the 1980s, to the detriment of the company.

This is the principle of ‘buy once, buy well’ espoused by an older generation, often in the face of a disposable culture that has now started to look unacceptable.

A Bristol could be for life if you want it to be: the engine is under-stressed, the looks timeless (that’s being polite, granted) and the whole ethos of the car so far removed from any notion of progress or fashion.

The problem the firm always faced, and will face again if the revival happens, is likeminded punters are in short supply. The average consumer effectively rents their car today, and the very wealthy like to chop and change, partly because they can.

I would love to see a Filton factory producing wheeled anachronisms once more, though.

What to pay: 1985 Bristol Brigand, £25k - £30k

NEWS - Email us at: contact@yateandandsodburyvoice.co.uk For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

28

June, 2021

n SPORT

Cricket club upgrades during lockdown CHIPPING Sodbury Cricket Club have taken advantage of the lockdown to make a substantial investment in the club’s facilities and lay foundations for progress on the field.

The past year has been a challenge like no other for all community sports clubs, but chairman Andy Shield said it was a chance for Sodbury to take stock and re-emerge stronger.

He said: “Anyone visiting us at The Ridings for the first time in a while will soon realise that we’ve been very busy.

“Perhaps the biggest project we’ve undertaken is a complete refurbishment of our main pavilion.

“It’s something that has needed doing for a while, and the end result is terrific.

"As well as a new kitchen and bar, along with new ladies toilets, we have a far more welcoming social environment thanks to new seating – as well as heating!

“It’s frustrating that we cannot properly use the pavilion at the moment because of the covid regulations, but this is a long-term investment in the club and it won’t be long before we will be able to open the doors for everyone to see and enjoy the changes.”

Funding for the project came from the Enovert Community Trust and Ibstock Enovert Trust, with Sodbury also helping to

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The cricket club has new cutting equipment for the pitch pay for clubhouse improvements, outfield cutting equipment and sight screens from their reserves.

Chipping Sodbury Town Trust also made their annual contribution to pitch preparation and maintenance costs.

Andy said: “We’re very grateful for all the funding, because we could not have done even half of this on our own. In that respect, the support we’ve received is game-changing.

“We’re not finished yet as we are also looking to upgrade our nets, which are invariably busy with members practising their batting and bowling skills.

“We provide a tremendous amount of cricket, there’s a team here for players of all ages and abilities, and it’s crucial that we provide an attractive environment for cricket to be played.

“We have stood still for a while, but all this work and investment underlines the fact that we are a thriving club, playing an important role in the local community, with the ambition and desire to progress.

“On the field, this means helping our first XI return to playing in the West of England Premier League as soon as we can, and for all our teams to progress as well.”

The completion of the pavilion refurbishment was due to be marked with an opening ceremony on May 30.

Steve Hill

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29

n SPORT

Alfie makes a winning start TEENAGE driver Alfie Gendall has made a flying start to the new season, with two wins and a second place finish in his opening event.

The Yate racer is starting his third season in the Junior American Cup Car Racing series, having won the championship in his debut year and retained the title in 2020.

The 2021 season started at Birmingham Wheels Raceway on May 8 in wet and windy conditions, with wet tyres required all day.

With several new drivers joining the series, the grids were larger than previous seasons, making for some fantastic racing.

Alfie, 15, lined up for heat 1 at the back of the field, but after picking his way through he entered the last lap right behind the leader and took the win after setting himself up for a last-corner move.

Heat 2 was again a fight from near the back of the field, with Alfie taking the lead towards the end of the race, but settling for second, and another good points haul, after a last-corner challenge.

Alfie started the final on the back row, again having to work his way through to the front.

The whole field ran closely together for a number of laps, but after an incident, which Alfie narrowly managed to avoid, there was a restart for the last four. Alfie took it in first place and held on to win.

He said: "Two wins and a second was a great way to start the year.

Alfie Gendall in action at Birmingham Wheels Raceway in May. Picture: Jeff Gendall "The series has a larger grid this season with the addition of some experienced racers which gives some close competition. I am looking forward to the next round in a couple of weeks".

The Junior American Cup Car series is open to 8 to 15 year olds, with cars limited to around 65mph.

Alfie is sponsored by local groups and businesses including the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury, Williams Automobiles, TopWelds, Powersystems UK, Specialist Motorworx, Bristol Cameras, Castle Combe, Speed Demon Industries, Swales Property and Rock Valley Automotive.

For information on racing or sponsorship email alfiegendallracing@gmail.com.

Jeff Gendall

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Town's Forest Green date YATE Town have booked a home friendly against Forest Green Rovers as part of an "exciting" pre-season fixture list The match on July 17 comes after last year's fixture against the League Two side had to be played behind closed doors.

Season tickets bought for the last abandoned season will be carried over to the 2021/22 season free of charge, after the first team was only able to play eight fixtures in the Southern League Premier Division South before lockdowns and tier restrictions forced the competition to be abandoned.

Season ticket holders are being asked to email yatetownfccommercial@gmail. com to arrange their new tickets, which will be issued for collection on the turnstiles at the first home game.

Bluebells manager Paul Michael told the club's website he couldn't wait to "properly get going" with the team.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

30

June, 2021

n SPORT

Athletics returns to Yate Outdoor Sports Centre

IT'S been a long time since there was any competitive athletics in Yate.

Athletes have kept fit and trained as best they could in back gardens and parks, but throwing a hammer doesn’t really work at home!

With lockdown finally easing, the 2021 season is starting to take shape and the revamped stadium at Yate Outdoor Sports Centre is proving very popular, with the calendar already pretty full.

Yate & District Athletics Club have done a lot of work to ensure that competition can be carried out safely, with masks and social distancing as required.

Things kicked off on May 16 with a meeting just for Yate members, to stretch their muscles and let team managers to see what talent has emerged from the long period of hibernation.

Hammer throwers were quickly into action, with seven of coach Matt Spicer’s team throwing over 40 metres.

Strongest of the bunch was Owen Merrett, whose 64.28m should be enough to see him picked for an international event this summer. Not far behind were Toby Conibear and James Viner.

In the under-17s, Dylan MenHennet and Matthew Page looked very promising,

Liam Hillier cleared 3 metres on his return to YOSC. Picture: Yate & District Athletics Club and joining them in the over-40m club was Felicity Whiteway, with 40.59m.

Liam Hillier, Adam Nolan and Ben Latham are three promising pole vaulters – all of them vaulting over 3 metres. Under-15 Arisa Burgess also looks to have a good future after vaulting 2.60m.

Adam also looked strong when he threw

the javelin, with a best throw of 42.42m, and finished the afternoon by clocking 52.86 secs in the 400m.

Yate sprinters Isaac Cory and Max Elliott seem to have a bit of rivalry going on, with fractions of a second between them in both 100m and 200m. Isaac got the better of the encounter here, clocking very creditable 11.02 seconds in the 100m and 21.73 secs in the longer event.

Two cracking performances in the 800m showed a good deal of potential. Estelle Lowe, an under-13, finished over 12 seconds ahead of the under-17 woman who came second.

In the men’s event Seamus Robinson (under-17) beat older athletes in a good early season time of 1:59.62 secs.

Across the afternoon, athletes put in some excellent performances which promise good things for the coming summer. League competitions are a little different this year, with promotion and relegation off the table and meetings more regionalised than would normally be the case.

This will be the first time that Yate & District compete in the National Athletic League, so it will be interesting to see how they compare.

Stuart Nunn

Fencing comes to Chipping Sodbury A NEW fencing club is being launched to bring the sport to Chipping Sodbury.

Bristol Blades North is an offshoot of Bristol Blades Fencing Club and will run beginners courses for adults and children as well as inviting existing fencers of all abilities to join them on Thursday evenings at Chipping Sodbury School leisure centre.

Bristol Blades was set up in 2015 to introduce more people to the sport, which it says improves mobility, strength and confidence, and has dedicated itself to providing low-cost, grassroots opportunities to get involved.

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It has experienced and qualified coaches, who have worked closely with the England and Great Britain Under-14, Cadet, Junior and Senior squads.

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Sessions in Chipping Sodbury launched at the end of May and people can find out more or contact the club via its website, bristolbladesfencing.com

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