Yate & Sodbury Voice March 2019

yate&sodburyvoice www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2019 Issue 49

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

Lily makes her England debut

A CHIPPING Sodbury schoolgirl has made her international football debut for England’s U15 women’s team.

PAGE 4

Dave walks again

A CHEF who was hospitalised by a debilitating lung disease is preparing to come home after having a transplant.

PAGE 3

Natalie follows her dream SHE may be only 22 but Natalie Knight knows life is too short to waste.

The young entrepreneur has opened her own business in Yate at half the age many other people make the same leap.

But the death of her father

two years ago made Natalie realise that if you really want to do something, you shouldn’t put it off.

She said: “He always supported me and told me to do what makes me happy. He passed away suddenly and it

makes you realise how short life is.”

Natalie’s new business, the Sunflour Cakery, is already getting rave reviews from customers.

Photo Kez Hawkins FULL STORY: PAGE 7

Pop-up shop

MUMS on maternity leave are opening a pop-up shop in Yate to raise money to improve the area’s maternity hospitals.

PAGE 6

Academy is the best YATE Academy has been ranked the best in South Gloucestershire at improving pupils’ performance.

PAGE 10

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n NEWS

Prison for man who attacked baby

April deadline

Our April edition deadline is March 13.

Yate & Sodbury Voice contacts Richard Drew

Ken McCormick

Publisher and Editor

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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

March, 2019

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

A YATE man has been jailed for just under ten years for causing “lifechanging” serious injuries to a baby girl.

Avon and Somerset police said that Thomas Philip Higgins had been jailed for a total of nine years and nine months after pleading guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

His four-month-old victim, who cannot be named, was assaulted at an address in the town on August 19 last year.

Higgins, aged 21, was sentenced to a total of nine years and nine months in prison when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court on January 28, police said, after admitting the offence at a previous hearing.

Afterwards Detective Chief Inspector James Riccio said: “Due to the injuries inflicted on this young victim, it was clear she’d been subjected to a serious assault and that Thomas Higgins was responsible.

“Sadly, the injuries are life-changing and she’s still very poorly and in need of ongoing medical attention.

“Due to the weight of evidence against him, Higgins admitted assaulting the child at court and he’ll now face the consequences of his reckless actions.”

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

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March, 2019

n NEWS

A CHEF who was taken seriously ill before Christmas is walking again after his lung transplant was successful.

Dave Lawrence’s partner Shamsi Kabbara says he’s set himself a deadline of just one week to recover and get back home.

On February 20 doctors told Dave he could be going home in days.

Shamsi describes him as “my smiling superstar, Dave the brave.”

Dave worked at Chipping Sodbury Mexican restaurant Amigos, and his life changed dramatically when he was told he needed a lung transplant and then shortly afterwards lost his job. His wife Shamsi Kabbara, who has health issues of her own, has had to be with him almost all the time at Southmead Hospital and then at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Her mum has looked after their 12 year old daughter Yasmin.

Dave was fortunate that after his assessment at the QEH, he was on the transplant waiting list for just 5 days.

Shamsi said: “Dave is doing remarkably well. He’s had a few

Dave and partner Shamsi.

yate&sodburyvoice

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Dave is walking again after lung transplant set backs but it’s still very early days and everyone has told us they are to be expected.

“We wouldn’t be here right now without the wonderful staff working within the NHS, the critical care team, the transplant team but most importantly, the amazing donor and their family.

“We are eternally grateful for them giving us a second chance and we are truly humbled by their generosity. Please all sign the organ donation register and make your wishes known to your loved ones. One donor can help 9 recipients and what a difference you could make to not only the recipient but their family too.”

Dave has managed to walk around the ward, which is approximately 40 metres. Not long ago he struggled to walk 48 metres and took about 45 minutes to recover. He no longer needs oxygen.

Shamsi has had support from the Chipping Sodbury community ever since Dave fell ill, and to keep people up to date she has started a Facebook blog called ‘What a difference a Dave makes’.

On the page she writes in a personal heartfelt way about their experience, saying: “It’s just the beginning of his recovery, but already, he’s amazing the

Dave Lawrence recovering four days after his transplant. transplant team and critical care team. That’s my Dave! This is still only day five post-transplant and I’m astounded by how quickly they’ve got him up and doing things.”

The online gofundme page which the community set up to help the couple pay their rent has raised just over £7,000 out of its £8,000 total. It can be found at bit.ly/2Ej0CMv.

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March, 2019

n NEWS

Lily makes her England debut LILY Greenslade has always loved playing football.

So when the Chipping Sodbury teenager got to wear the three lions and play for England in an international, it was a dream come true.

Striker Lily made her debut for the England Under-15’s Women’s team against Switzerland.

She had to get time off from her studies at Chipping Sodbury School to travel with the team but it was worth it, as she played two matches, first as a substitute and then as a starter.

In total Lily played 80 minutes for her country and, although both matches – one against the Swiss Under-15s and the other against the same nation’s U16 side – ended in defeat, Lily loved the experience. She played the last 15 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to the U15 Swiss side and started in the 2-0 reverse against the U16s.

She said: “I’m just so proud to have represented England. I loved every single minute and didn’t want the experience to end.”

Football is a big part of life in the Greenslade household, as Lily’s twin brother Harvey plays for the Bristol Rovers Academy.

Their Mum, Sharon said: “They’ve both

loved football from a young age, starting at Yate United when they were six. Harvey’s really proud of Lily and he came to watch her in Switzerland.

“Their football is a big part of our family life, they both train 3 times a week in different parts of Bristol and on the weekend they both play matches, and they can be anywhere from Derby, Southampton to Bournemouth...it definitely keeps us busy!”

After Yate United, Lily played for Bristol City Women’s Youth Academy for four years, before attending regional and national England training camps. Her performance led to her selection to the U15’s squad at the end of last year. Lily’s school has to authorise time off for her matches. She’s juggling school work for her GCSEs and football but as the school offers some exams early this has helped.

Sharon said: “We’re just so proud of Lily.

This is what she’s been working so hard for since she was young girl - nothing can take that away from her and she will have this as a memory forever.”

Pictured right: Lily Greenslade with her brother Harvey at her England U15 debut

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Chance to name new development PEOPLE in Yate have been given the chance to name a new retirement development.

Churchill Retirement Living wants local residents to put forward a name for the development of 62 one- and two-bedroom apartments being built on Normandy Road in Yate, with a £100 prize for the winner. Construction has already started on the new development, which will provide secure, self-contained accommodation in landscaped grounds.

To enter the naming competition, send your suggested name and the reason for it along with your name, address and phone number to: Jo Ridehalgh, Yate Naming Competition, FREEPOST, CHURCHILL RETIREMENT LIVING, or email jo.ridehalgh@crl.co.uk by 31st March.

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6

March, 2019

n NEWS

Baby Pop Up shop comes to Yate shopping centre MUMS on maternity leave have organised a pop-up shop in Yate to raise funds for parents who are in hospital waiting for the birth of their baby.

Emma Doney and Claire Davis are leading the project, which involves 12 mums who will run the shop throughout March.

Emma said: “Staff do everything they can to ensure the very best care for patients, however, currently many mums and dads-to-be are cooped up on the ward for weeks on end, with limited entertainment and distraction from their impending induction of their babies.

“This can be a stressful time and research has shown the more relaxed a mother is, going into labour, the less likely she will endure a long or complicated labour.”

The fundraisers have obtained grants from Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club and Ian Williams Property Management

to cover their costs. Thornbury Self Storage and 29 Design Studios have provided sponsorship, while Chipping Sodbury Morning WI members have agreed to help out at the shop. National companies Orange Tree Toys, Lollidays clothing and Little Life have provided items for sale.

Any money raised will go to the North Bristol Trust Maternity Fund to benefit maternity wards at Cossham, Southmead and St Michael’s Hospitals. Although Southmead Hospital has recently been revamped at a cost of £430 million, the maternity ward, gynaecology, neonatal intensive care unit and obstetrics were not included.

Emma said: “It therefore has fallen to us to make improvements to patient experience in the meantime.”

The group is looking for donations to sell at the shop; children’s clothes age 0-10 years,

Pop-up shop organisers Emma Doney (left) and Claire Davis (right) with Lisa from Little Pickles Markets (centre). nursing and maternity clothes, feeding, sleeping and changing equipment, toys, books, DVDs, cots and prams. It is unable to accept car seats.

Donations can be taken to Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church from 9am to noon each weekday except Wednesday and to the baby hubs at Ridgewood Community Centre in Yate on Mondays from 10am-11.30am

and to Cranleigh Court Children’s Centre Yate on Wednesdays from 9.30am-11am.

The Baby Pop Up Shop will be open at 18 North Walk from March 4 to 29 from noon to 4pm each weekday, except Wednesday. It will also host a drop-in free story time event on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm, aimed at the under-3’s.

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March, 2019

7

n NEWS

Natalie goes into business - aged 22 A YOUNG entrepreneur has started her own business aged just 22 – after deciding life is too short to put it off.

Natalie Knight, from Yate, is the owner of the Sunflour Cakery on North Road in the town. She says she was inspired to take the leap and go it alone after losing her father.

Natalie said: “Dad passed away 2 years ago. He always supported me and told me to do what makes me happy. He passed away suddenly and it makes you realise how short life is. It’s given me something to focus on.”

With the average age for someone to start a business believed to be at least 40, Natalie is ahead of the game.

She said: “I was a bit worried about that what people would think but actually I’ve had so many positive comments.”

Natalie studied catering and hospitality at Bath College, and afterwards worked at Woods Restaurant and Lucknam Park Hotel.

She progressed up the ranks quickly from the role of waitress to supervisor. At Lucknam Park she trained in the pastry section under executive chef Hywel Jones, whose restaurant has one Michelin star. He gave her positive feedback and said she should start out on her own.

Natalie Knight in the Sunflour Cakery she has set up in Yate.

Photo: Kez Hawkins Natalie said: “I’ve had help from friends and family but it’s all been my ideas, the logo, the layout of the kitchen. I had to knock a wall down and extend it – it’s all been what I’ve wanted to do.”

The premises feature a kitchen, a shop with a cupcake counter, and a classroom.

Natalie also makes celebration cakes and hopes to eventually run baking classes and parties. At the moment her Crème Egg

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cupcakes are flying out of the shop.

She said: “It’s been crazy. I’ve been selling so much, I’ve sold out each day. I did a competition on Facebook that’s helped, and once people have been coming in they’ve done reviews and it’s just word of mouth.

“I’ve had people coming from as far as Thornbury and Pucklechurch: it’s been overwhelming.”

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8

March, 2019

n NEWS

Extra £24 a year to pay for 100 cops AN extra £24 per year will be added to the average council tax bill next month to pay for 100 more police officers.

The increase represents a 12.4% rise in the Avon & Somerset Constabulary precept, which will go up from £193.81 to £217.81 for people living in a Band D home this year.

It is the maximum increase the Avon & Somerset Police and Crime Panel could impose and will generate an extra £15 million, which is being specifically used to recruit 100 additional officers and support a burglary, drugs and knife crime crackdown called Operation Remedy, which will run for three months from April to June.

The number of police officers in Avon & Somerset Constabulary will increase to 2,751 – the first time in a decade that the force’s front-line manpower will have increased – but that is still far below 2010,

when it was 3,300.

Police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens, who requested the rise, said: “What this is going to mean is a radical change to what we’ve done before.

“We have reduced our officers year after year, and therefore we’ve lost proactivity.

“The Government has now realised that you can’t keep pushing the police to tackle increased crime with a reduction of resources.”

The panel heard that without the hike in the precept, more cuts would have had to be made.

Ms Mountstevens said: “Burglary, drugs and knife crime are areas that people are most concerned about. They are all connected.

“Because of cuts, police have been less proactive. Residents are very aware of that and the police are equally frustrated.”

Mendip Councillor John

Parham, who was the only panel member to vote against the precept rise, said the system was “inherently unfair” because most people in Bristol paid less yet received more police resources.

“When you compare that to spending on policing, Bristol swallows up hugely more resources than gets spent in rural areas,” he said.

Ms Mountstevens said the

money would not “disappear into a black hole” and that residents would notice that the force was making a difference.

Panel vice-chairman and Bristol Councillor Mark Weston said the PCC must demonstrate to members in the coming months how the money was making improvements to reducing crime.

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A ROW broke out over a 4p-a-week rise in Avon Fire Authority’s portion of the council tax after a councillor claimed the service could cut back-room staff to save money.

North Somerset Conservative councillor Nick Wilton was the only member of the authority to vote against the 2.99% rise in the precept, suggesting the roles of non front-line personnel could be merged with their police counterparts at the services’ joint HQ in Portishead.

Fire authority chairman, independent councillor Don Davies, said the suggestion was “farcical” and “very, very unfair” to employees in support services.

Avon Fire Authority members were given two options when they set their 2019/20 budget on February 13 — the 2.99% increase, equal to an extra £2.13 a year for average band D properties from £71.35 to £73.48, or a 2% rise.

Temporary interim treasurer Kevin Woodward warned the 2% rise would leave the service having to find £264,000 in cuts.

But Mr Wilton said: “An awful lot of the 125 back office staff that we currently have could be shared with another organisation.

“I think there are things we could do with technology to slim this organisation down, particularly when it comes to back office services, because I don’t accept the premise that we must spend more than we did last year.”

Mr Davies retorted: “The idea the police can suddenly take over our back office function is a farcical thing to say and it is quite rude to our staff.”

Councillor Sarah Pomfret said: “Support staff are easier to attack but I don’t see how the police can take over the roles of those staff without them taking on extra people to cover it.”

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

n NEWS TAX payers will see their bill for basic South Gloucestershire Council services rise by an average of £43 this year.

The council has agreed a 2.99% increase in council tax, as it deals with an 11.2% drop in government funding.

That means an increase of £43.08 in the cost of council services to Band D tax payers, from £1,441.07 last year to £1,484.15 this year.

Yate and Sodbury area residents also pay for the services of town and parish councils.

Each council sets a precept and in addition there is a charge for “special expenses”, added to bills to pay for services South Gloucestershire provides which are specific to an area but not carried out by the parish council.

You can see the precept charges for individual towns and villages in the table right.

When the combined police and fire precepts of £291.29 are added, the total bill for a Band D council tax payer in Yate will top £1,975 this year.

In Little Sodbury, which has the lowest precept, the Band D bill will be £190 lower.

South Gloucestershire Council will spend £221 million on services plus £86.7million on school buildings, roads and other infrastructure in the coming year.

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Councils set their tax bills A further £208m of ringfenced education funding from the government will be passed on to schools.

The Conservative administration, whose budget was passed on February 13, says it is investing “into the next generation”.

It has pledged more than £100m for school buildings, roads and highways during the next four years, promising a new primary school, two new special schools and a new M49 junction in Severn Beach.

The council will also receive some funding from other sources, including the West of England Combined Authority, and will spend £3m from its own reserves.

Some £6.3million is expected to be saved through an ongoing programme of spending cuts, the exact details of which remain unclear.

Council leader Toby Savage said: “We have put forward the largest funding commitments this council has ever made to our schools and to our roads, this administration’s two highest priorities.”

Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young called the

budget “a classic pre-election extend and pretend budget” which ignored the central issue of government underfunding.

Labour group leader Pat Rooney said the government

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yate&sodburyvoice

10

March, 2019

n NEWS

Yate Academy tops the table

Celebrating GCSE success at Yate Academy last summer. The school was the most successful in South Gloucestershire at improving pupils’ academic performance. Picture: Yate Academy

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YATE Academy is the best secondary school in South Gloucestershire at improving pupils’ performance.

New government league tables comparing the Progress 8 measure, used to assess how much pupils have improved during their time at the school, placed the Sundridge Park school in the top 4% in the country for the 2017-18 academic year.

Yate Academy replaced Bradley Stoke Community School as the highest-ranking school in South Gloucestershire.

Every school in the Yate and Sodbury area was ranked in the top half of the area’s 17 secondary schools. King's Oak Academy, in Kingswood, was bottom of the progress score rankings for last year.

Yate Academy is an allthrough academy, which accepts children aged three to 18 through its nursery, primary, secondary and Cotswold Edge sixth form.

It has 1,022 registered pupils.

Of those, 106 were eligible to take GCSEs last year.

Pupils’ scores in eight GCSEs, including core subjects (maths, English and sciences) and their best other subjects are recorded.

These scores are compared to their performance in Key Stage 2 exams, taken at the age of 11 before they leave primary school,

and used to calculate the amount of value the school is adding to a child's education.

The resulting average score after counting every GCSE candidate at the school is known as the Progress 8 measure.

In Yate Academy, 66% of pupils hit the expected target, grade 4 to 9, in English and maths. In total, 40% had strong grades of 5 or above in both subjects.

As a result, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.69, the highest in South Gloucestershire.

Scores of above and below zero are better and worse than average respectively.

Yate Academy head of school Isabel Ambrose said: "I am absolutely delighted with the recent performance tables and am immensely proud of all students and staff at Yate Academy.

“The staff in the school have a steely determination to ensure any child who attends Yate Academy has a better chance of success than if they attended any other school in the country.

“To now be reconsidered as one of the top 4% of schools in the United Kingdom is fantastic and I want to thank all the students, staff and parents who have helped make this possible"

Top 10 schools in South Gloucestershire, according to their Progress 8 scores: 1) Yate Academy (Progress 8 score: 0.69) 2) John Cabot Academy (0.18) 3) Bradley Stoke Community School (0.17) 4) The Castle School (0.16) 5) Brimsham Green School (-0.06) 6) The Ridings Federation Winterbourne International Academy (-0.15) 7) Downend School (-0.18) 8) Chipping Sodbury School (-0.26) 9) Patchway Community School (-0.3) 10) Mangotsfield School (-0.31)

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yate&sodburyvoice

12

March, 2019

n NEWS

Bypass plan in transport study

Tory councillors Marian Gilpin, Nic Labuschagne and Trevor Jones with West of England Mayor Tim Bowles and residents Tom Howell and Jenna Hale. pleased that we are continuing to invest in important infrastructure projects such as this.”

To take part in the consultation, which is open until March 20, visit the TravelWest website bit.ly/2tomtMi. Anyone without internet access can contact WECA on 0117 428 6210 for more information.

Activist Tom Howell said: “A Frampton Cotterell bypass is something which needs to be seriously considered and I am thrilled that WECA have dedicated funding to launch a study into this vital project.”

Ladden Brook ward councillor Marian Gilpin added, “It is great to see WECA and South Gloucestershire Conservatives taking neighbourhood concerns seriously. I am

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THE possibility of a bypass for Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell has moved a step closer to reality after it was included in a new study into the future of transport.

If built, it would mean through traffic travelling between Yate and Bristol would not need to pass through the villages on the A432 between the town and the Avon Ring Road.

People are being encouraged to have their say on the scheme, which is one of a series of options in the Joint Local Transport Plan published by the West of England Combined Authority.

The transport map published with the consultation includes the options of building a road to the east of Coalpit Heath, between Nibley and the Avon Ring Road near Emersons Green, and west of Winterbourne ending near Iron Acton.

WECA has confirmed it will fund a study which will examine the possibility of a bypass, which has previously been considered but shelved, to relive congestion on Bristol Road, Church Road, and Badminton Road.

Frampton Cotterell Conservatives say that during campaigning for the bypass, three out of ten local residents said it was their top priority for local transport improvement.

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

13

n NEWS

Bus journeys down as public asked for views on future “We currently support 30 bus services in areas where there would otherwise be no service or a more limited route/timetable.”

The figures show that despite the recent dip, bus use has increased over the last eight years, with the number of passenger journeys in South Gloucestershire increasing by 36% since 2009-10, when figures were first recorded.

And the West of England Combined Authority has now launched a consultation to try and ensure that future plans for the region’s transport system reflect public needs.

Between now and March 20, residents are being asked to tell the authority, which has overall responsibility for the region’s transport provision, where they think it should be investing between now and 2036.

It has launched an online survey asking people to allocate ‘points’ to the areas they think

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BUS passengers took 112,000 fewer journeys in South Gloucestershire last year, new figures reveal.

The Department for Transport data found that in the year to last March, there were 9.88 million passenger journeys in South Gloucestershire, 1.1% less than in the previous year.

This is despite South Gloucestershire Council financially supporting 30 services in areas where there would otherwise be no coverage.

More than half of the supported services operate in the Frome Valley and Yate areas.

A council spokesperson said: “We currently support a wide range of bus services. This includes services which are entirely funded by the council and others which are commercial services that receive top up funding for part of the service for instance evenings or bank holidays.

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it should prioritise, including a mass transit network, expansion of Metrobus, new and improved railway stations, road and motorway improvements, new charges and more park and ride sites.

Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor, said: “This is an ambitious plan to keep people moving and tackle congestion, whilst supporting economic growth.

“It considers a wide range of options to support sustainable travel including rail, bus, cycling, walking, mass and rapid transit and electric vehicles.”

The survey can be accessed online at bit.ly/2tomtMi. Anyone without internet access can contact WECA on 0117 428 6210 for more information.

Across England, there were 85 million fewer bus journeys last year, a drop of 3.2% outside London and 0.7% in the capital.

Supported bus services in Frome Valley, Yate and Sodbury: They are: 202- Chipping Sodbury to Winterbourne 35 – Marshfield to Bristol 41 – Yate to Malmesbury Y4 – Bristol Centre to Yate Y5 – Bristol Centre to Yate 620 – Bath to Old Sodbury 622 – Chipping Sodbury to Cribbs Causeway 626 – Wotton under Edge to Bristol Centre 634 – Tormarton to Kingswood 680 – North Yate to Filton College Y6 – Yate to Southmead Hospital 84 – Yate to Wotton under Edge 85 – Yate to Wotton under Edge 86 – Yate to Kingswood Patchway to Winterbourne Academy 967 – South Yate to Chipping Sodbury School Y1 – Bristol to Chipping Sodbury Y2 – Bristol to Yate

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

15

n NEWS

Good report for Tiddlypeeps A PRE-SCHOOL in Wickwar has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas

by Ofsted at its most recent inspection.

Staff at Tiddlypeeps were praised by the education watchdog for working together with parents and carers in order to identify areas for improvement.

They were also acknowledged for effectively supporting children who need additional help, giving all staff sign language training to aid communication skills.

Ofsted rates pre-schools in four areas: leadership and management; teaching and learning quality; children’s development, behaviour and welfare; outcomes for children.

Tiddlypeeps, which has 16 children on its roll, is rated good in all four areas.

The pre-school is based at the village community centre and opens during term-time from 9.15am to 3.15pm on weekdays.

Outcomes were found to be good by the Ofsted inspector Anita McKelvey.

She said: “Children enjoy their time in the setting. Younger children come in singing rhymes they have learnt and greet staff enthusiastically.

“Older and younger children show good self-care skills. For example, younger children attempt to put on their waterproofs and boots for outdoor play, and older ones competently use knives and forks to eat cooked lunches. Children are well prepared for moving onto school.”

The inspector praised the pre-school’s three staff for how they help children to learn and develop.

She said: “The manager and owner are keen to enhance the experiences and learning for the children.

“Staff help children to respect others.

“Staff provide opportunities

for children to learn about the wider world, including through planning different activities and inviting visitors into the setting.

Children have the chance to learn words and songs in other languages, join in traditional celebrations and see photographs showing scenes and life in Ofsted highlighted Tiddlypeeps Pre-School's other countries.” work teaching children about food and eating, The inspector including using knives and forks said that in order to improve further, the discover. We support children’s preschool needs to independence, allowing them help children manage risk, and time and space to develop their to recognise when children want ideas” to join in with group activities.

“We are proud of our Tiddlypeeps owner Ellie strong relationships with Palmer said: “We’re very pleased our families and believe that that Ofsted recognise our hard creating consistency for our work in creating varied, fun children is paramount to their and engaging environments development.” for our children to explore and

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yate&sodburyvoice

16

March, 2019

n NEWS HOSPITAL admissions for conditions directly caused by alcohol abuse are soaring in South Gloucestershire, new Public Health England figures show.

The British Liver Trust says the figures are "alarming" and put them down to an increasing drinking culture amongst middle aged and older drinkers.

In South Gloucestershire, there were 1,698 admissions directly linked to excessive drinking in the 12 months to March last year – 59% more than five years earlier.

The data only includes patients suffering conditions which are entirely attributable to alcohol abuse, such as liver cirrhosis.

Admissions of underage drinkers have also risen. There were 66 in the three years to March 2018, compared with 38 over a similar period five years earlier. The figures for children are measured over a three year period due to low numbers.

Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust, said the Government should

Middle-aged and older drinkers behind ‘alarming’ rise in alcohol abuse increase taxes on alcoholic drinks or set a minimum unit price.

She said: "These statistics are alarming. Over the last thirty years, there has been a big shift in the UK’s drinking culture, particularly amongst middle aged and older drinkers.

"Filling up your supermarket trolley with wine and drinking at home has become increasingly acceptable and affordable.

The Government should act to address this through taxation such as by creating a minimum unit price."

Scotland introduced a minimum unit price of 50p in 2017, while the Welsh Government is planning to implement the same measure next summer.

Dr John Larsen, director of evidence and impact for alcohol

education charity Drinkaware, warned that young people are more likely to binge drink.

He said: "The more alcohol people drink, the greater their risk of developing a serious condition, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as seven types of cancer.

"Men and women should not drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis."

Across England, 304,073 people were taken to hospital for conditions caused by alcohol abuse. That's 3% higher than five years earlier.

Salford, in Greater Manchester, has the highest rate of admissions for alcohol-specific conditions. Redbridge, in east London, has the lowest.

The Government estimates alcohol misuse costs the NHS about £3.5 billion each year.

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March, 2019

n NEWS FEES and allowances for foster carers in South Gloucestershire are being increased – as a report finds that the number of carers in the area is falling.

The council’s cabinet has agreed to put £300,000 extra into its budget for foster fees, with particular attention to supporting children with more complex needs.

Cabinet member for children and young people Jon Hunt said the changes would bring the council into line with neighbouring areas, where carers have previously been paid more.

Charity the Fostering Network says the majority of carers complain that their allowance does not cover the cost of fostering.

The most recent Ofsted data shows that, at the end of March last year, 105 children were in foster care in South Gloucestershire, five fewer than a year previously.

The number of carers approved to foster them also decreased, to 155 – 10 down on the same time in 2017.

yate&sodburyvoice

17

Fostering allowances to rise amid shortage of carers In total, there were 170 places available for foster children in South Gloucestershire last year.

Across the country, the number of approved foster carers has dropped each of the last two years – there were around 73,500 last March.

But demand on the service has continued to increase, with more children in placements each year. There were more than 53,000 children in care last March, 5% more than in 201213, for when numbers are first provided.

The council says it wants to maximise its ability to recruit and retain foster carers within a highly competitive regional market and with the broader context of a regional and national shortage of carers.

A spokesperson said: “This

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

additional funding will enable South Gloucestershire to match the fees and allowances of competing local authorities (other than Gloucester) and private providers in the area. It will help ensure our fostering service remains competitive, attractive to new foster carers and supports the retention of our current foster carers.”

The funding will also support a ‘fostering plus’ scheme for a small number of specialist carers, who are able to care for children and young people with highly complex needs. This will help achieve savings in the long run, as many young people with complex needs have previously proved difficult to place in-house and have necessitated high cost placements within independent provision.

Mr Hunt said: “We recognise South Gloucestershire’s foster carers for the important but difficult task they do and we are pleased to be able to provide this additional support.

“Bringing our fees and allowances in to line with our neighbouring local authorities will enable us to strengthen our current position and effectiveness in recruiting and retaining foster cares regionally.

These up lifts to fees and allowances compare favourably to those of our neighbours and independent provision, and help to reduce our spend on independent high cost provision.”

For more information about fostering in South Gloucestershire visit www. southglos.gov.uk/fostering

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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yate&sodburyvoice

18

March, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Heavy demand for weights and scales Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watches

FOR some people they are the most functional of objects.

But collectors are prepared to pay serious money for antique weights and scales, and a 19th century set was the star performer at a busy February sale at Stroud Auction Rooms, where there were so many buyers in the room that the hard-pressed office ran out of bidder numbers.

Specialist sections including militaria, weapons, cameras and toys all saw lively bidding but it was weights and scales, and the ever-popular guns and air rifles, that provoked the most interest.

An 1825 Georgian standard bushel measure set from Monmouthshire Trading Standards, with weights from one bushel to one gill, sold for £6,000 to head the auction's top 25 list. Other lots in this category that sold well included a Georgian set of ball weights (£2,300) and a boxed set of Chekpump petrol measures (£1,600).

Gun and air rifle collectors accounted for much of the action on day two. Among the most sought-after items was an Edwinson Green of Cheltenham and Gloucester 12 bore sidelock ejector over and under shotgun, with named locks (£4,300). Air rifles also performed well, with a Daystate Air Ranger .177 air rifle

realising £600.

Three lots of cartridge reloading equipment, including rollover and crimping tools, pictured, made over £1,400: a really pleasing result for a group of accessories which arrived at the saleroom in a box of mixed items, which had been heading for the skip.

In the militaria section, two Irish regimental bass drums each sold for £900, a Victorian British Army medal trio made £800 and a WWI Canadian Medical Corps tunic from 1916, with buttons and chevrons, made £700.

There was a lot of interest in an early 20th century hand-cranked 35mm cinema film projector on a stand from the Gaumont Paris, which sold for a respectable £650.

The next auction is a three-day event on March 6, 7 and 8 from 10am, featuring jewellery, silver, bijouterie, watches, clocks, coins and textiles. Viewing will be on March 5 from 10am-7pm and from 9am on sale days.

Stroud Auction Rooms is also now taking in items for future sales including ceramics, glass, stamps, pictures, musical instruments and vinyl records in April.

For details of valuation days and how to contact Stroud Auction Rooms see the advert below.

These shotgun cartridge crimping tools were heading for a skip – but sold for £600

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

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

19

n PETERS VISION

A workout at the Eye Gym

W

HAT a month we’ve had!

From the blink and you miss it snow to cycling in just a T-shirt (ok it was a tad chilly, but I’m still here) it’s definitely been a lot of fun! I will say though that as the snow fell on an Eye Hospital day, whilst our three children hit the park with a toboggan at 9am, I was busy in clinic and ended up missing the fresh snow.

It’s also been the launch of our new service for young eyes - Eye Gym. Well, what’s this you may ask.

I’m always happy to answer questions about the day to day work we do helping our young & not so young patients see more clearly but this one’s a bit more focussed.

For around fourteen years we’ve had a specialist interest in caring for those who have more difficulty than they should reading or seeing the school board, or getting headaches around their eyes.

Eye Gym’s all about making the process of understanding and then treating the problems much more accessible. The most common difficulties our patients report include words moving or blurring when trying to read, loosing their place reading from a book or from the school board and generally finding their learning time more difficult than they should.

Once we’ve carried out a full vision assessment which is around an hour and includes our sophisti-

cated eye tracking assessment, we can then explain the why of our patients' difficulties. After this the vision training games start; one of our Vision Coaches will explain the games and our patients then go home and play them. After a few weeks they return to see us for the next set. In no time at all really our patients and their families see the results!

If you’ve never tried a British designed (and now British made!) pair of glasses then, well, quite

frankly you really must! The feel, look and quality is like no other frames I’ve ever worn. Our patients are genuinely surprised by how light and comfortable they are I’ve heard it called every day luxury.

I can’t help but agree with this description. What are you waiting for? Come on in and try a pair. I’m confident you’ll be delighted!

Whether you’d like to see the superb new glasses we have for you, if you’re interested in Eye Gym or if you’d like to experience our thorough & in-depth eye care (I highly recommend an extended eye exam for each of you) - you can book to see us by calling 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434. Eye exam appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

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yate&sodburyvoice

20

March, 2019

n VIEW FROM YATE HERITAGE CENTRE

Scouts, guides and the Great War YATE Heritage Centre has always prided itself on reflecting our rich local history through exhibition projects but occasionally less obvious themes emerge, which are nevertheless important to cover.

Over the years we have been open we have often skirted such themes as youth groups, opting instead to do the more conventional school themes. However, the Great War centenaries of the last few years have highlighted the significance of Guides, Scouts and similar groups in the area in the last 100 years, so 2019 will mark a major scout and guide display.

Naturally we will aim to reflect the evolution of local groups in the area and the impact they have had on the lives of local people.

However, it is worth reminding ourselves of the early years of the youth group movements and the impetus the Great War gave to different troops.

The scouting story began

Yate scouts in 1920 in 1914. Olivia Burges, of Ridge House, Yate, played a leading role in encouraging youngsters to participate in community and military activity. Olivia set up the 1st Chipping Sodbury scout troop in 1914, while her sister Joyce

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Once war was declared, the scouts dedicated themselves to the war effort. Some scouts with bicycles carried messages to assist the loyal North Lancs Battalion in Sodbury, and also as part of the Aircraft Defence Scheme.

Scout troops also provided other practical assistance, not least making sandbags for soldiers at the front and knitting mufflers and mittens for those on minesweepers in the North Sea. More general local support involved organising

concerts and jumble sales to raise funds, while older scouts at Winterbourne helped drive ambulances.

During these dramatic years there was a clear role for local scouts. It is also evident different groups have played a positive role in local society since, and have benefited and grown as individuals. There is a great story to tell and we will be working with local people in the forthcoming months in order to be able to tell it.

Diary dates March 9, 11am-2pm: Archaeology finds day with the Gloucestershire Portable Antiquities Scheme Until March 14: Down the Market, charting the life of our historic markets.

March 16-April 6: Yate Art Society Annual Display. Come and see the work of Yate’s long-standing art group and what they are doing today.

March 20, 7.30pm: Yate Archaeology Group, recording historic building with Linda Hall March 26, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – Pubs of the 16th and 17th Century with Mick Flitcroft.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

21

n NEWS

Claire and Louise are Lib Dem contenders LIBERAL Democrats have re-selected South Gloucestershire Council group leader Claire Young to stand for the Thornbury and Yate parliamentary seat at the next general election.

The party has also picked Louise Harris, the Councillor for Dodington Ward, to contest the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, which includes Winterbourne.

Claire, who lives with her family in Coalpit Heath, contested Thornbury and Yate at the last election in 2017 and came second behind the Conservatives’ Luke Hall.

The Lib Dems held the seat until 2015, when Mr Hall ousted Steve Webb by a slim margin of 1,495 votes. But at the last election the Tory MP increased his majority to more than 12,000, gaining more than half of the votes cast and leaving the Lib Dems with a huge task at the next election.

Claire said: “It’s a great honour to be able to continue to speak up for local people in Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury and our villages.

“I look forward to speaking out louder than ever about Lib Dem priorities for the country and South Gloucestershire: improving the performance of the NHS both locally and across the country, demanding better

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidates Louise Harris (left), Claire Young (centre) and Dine Romero (right) funding in our schools, and of course giving you the final say on Brexit with an option to remain.”

South Gloucestershire Lib Dem chair Jayne Stansfield said: “The fact that Claire was reselected by a huge margin is testament to the hard work and dedication she has shown locally over so many years.”

Louise also faces a tough task: in 2017 the Lib Dems came in third with a little over 3,000

votes, behind sitting MP Jack Lopresti, who had more than 25,000 votes, and Labour’s Naomi Rylatt, who was second with just over 21,000 votes.

Louise said: “It’s a great honour to become the candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke. I’m looking forward to speaking about Lib Dem priorities and values in the area. We know that South Gloucestershire and the country have been let down by

the Conservatives on education, the NHS, local services and Brexit, and I’m eager to listen to residents about their concerns.”

Elsewhere, Dine Robero, Lib Dem Group leader on Bath and North East Somerset Council, completes an all-female lineup for the Lib Dems in South Gloucestershire. The party came third in Kingswood in 2017, behind Tory MP Chris Skidmore and Labour.

Tories choose Mark to contest police election AN ARMY veteran and serving councillor has been selected as the Conservative candidate to be the next Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner.

Mark Shelford joined the Army in 1981 and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2013, when he returned to Bath to set up a company specialising in training and simulation.

A Bath & North East Somerset councillor, he is also a member of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel, serving as chairman of the complaints committee, and the Avon Fire Authority.

Mark will contest the next PCC election in May of next year, aiming to take the role,

which involves setting the strategic direction and budget for policing, from Independent Sue Mountstevens.

He said his focus would include combatting drugs and rural crime, supporting vulnerable people and building closer links with hard-to-reach groups.

Mark said: “The Conservatives are the party of law and order and I’ll be doing everything I can to work with the police, government and other partners to tackle crime and keep people safe.

“Local people are asking for more visible policing and it’s time for a change.

“As a retired Army officer, I

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Mark Shelford (front) with party members after being selected as the Conservative police and crime commissioner candidate for Avon and Somerset.

have a good understanding of the challenges in protecting the public and property and am

looking forward to supporting and championing the police in their work.”

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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yate&sodburyvoice

23

n NEWS

Please don’t feed Molly the Tesco cat SHE’S something of a celebrity with shoppers and even has a following on Facebook.

But the owner of a cat which has stolen shoppers’ hearts at the huge Tesco store in Yate says there is a downside to her fame.

So many people are feeding Molly that her owner fears she will decide not to come back home.

Grey and white cat Molly adopted Yate shopping centre as her second home about four years ago, then two years ago she moved location, spending most of her time in the car park under Tesco.

Her owner, who has asked not to be named, set up the Facebook page to track Molly’s adventures after she started staying away from home for longer periods of time, and more than 1,400 people follow it.

Her owner said: “She probably just likes the attention!

She gets everybody coming to her, she likes hunting pigeons.

She waits for people to press the button so she can cross the road safely from Tesco to the Riverside.”

But some people who come across Molly think she is lost or a stray. She has been taken to the vets four times by people worried about her safety.

But the biggest concern is that because she is being fed, she will never come back home for good.

Molly’s owner said: “People are feeding her everything from cat food and treats to cooked meat – over Christmas I was told staff had stopped four people in 20 minutes feeding her.”

Molly likes nothing better than to curl up in a trolley in the foyer, looking cute, and shoppers stop to take selfies with her.

But although her owner brings her home a couple of times a week, Molly never stops long. She now has a collar which says “do not feed me” and her owner says she wants to word to be spread that Molly has a loving

home to return to.

You can follow Molly on

Facebook at Molly the Yate Tesco Cat (one of them!).

Party Packages from £449* We also cater for weddings, wakes, christenings and conferences.

*Based on a 6 piece buffet for 100 people Easily accessible, stunning location with a large free car park 2 Miles from Westerleigh along the Codrington road Competitive drink prices, Thatchers Gold £3.50 More info on our website www.theplayersgolfclub.com Contact our events co-ordinator Hayley on 01454 313029 Opt 4 or email Hayley@theplayersgolfclub.com

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

24

March, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA n Spanish classes Spanish classes at The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury. Learn to speak Spanish in a small, friendly group, 6-week course £60.00.

Numbers limited so please contact Rebecca on 07941 511744.to book a place.

March 3 & 4 n Get into Golf! Sunday 3rd March 2.30-4.30pm.Monday 4th March 10-12pm. FREE Ladies Golf Taster Sessions at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club. All ages and abilities welcome. All equipment provided. For more information or to book one of these sessions please contact Ruth Flowers on 07512270248 or email info@ chippingsodburygolfclub.co.uk March 7-9 n Short Play Fesitval: 7th - 9th March 2019 Tickets £8 per session Season ticket for all sessions £15 available from https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/sodburyplayers or by calling 01454 228243 March 7 n 7:30pm Sodbury Players Youth Section (SPYS) - The Hanging Tree The Orpheus Players -The Janna Years by Gillian Plowman March 8 n Friends of Chipping Sodbury Library Quiz Night, 7pm in the Charter Suite of Chipping Sodbury

Advertise your event on our What's On section

Only £15

+ VAT

for a 5cm x 1col display advert

Exercise Movement and Dance class for ladies Low impact classes offer dance, exercise and core strengthening. Strengthen muscles, raise energy levels, improve balance and mobilise joints.

LE

P EXAM

6.25-7.30pm at Fairlawn Primary School, Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol, BS6 5JL. Tel: Rachael at FL Exercise on 07966 418 714 / rachaelwilliams@talktalk.net .

Classes run on 5-7 week basis - charged as a block booking (£8 per class -1st Class Free)

Town Hall to raise money to improve the library’s facilities for children. Bring friends to make up a team of four people or come along and make up a team when you get there. To book your table phone Lloyd Pellow on 01454 313593.

March 8 n Friday 8th March – 7:30pm The Oldland Players - Someone From Assisi by Thornton Wilder Sodbury Players - Untucked by Teresa Hennessy Athelstan Players - Philip and Rowena by Gillian Plowman March 9 n Saturday 9th March – 2:30pm Junior Actonians - The Wish by Mark Green St Alban's Players - Holding On by Barbara Crass Saturday 9th March – 7:30pm Bleadon Players -The Weatherman's Harvest by Adrienne Howell Sodbury Players - For All The Saints

by Eileen Enwright March 11 n Sodbury and Yate Business Association meetings this year: 11th March. The meetings are held at the Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) from 17.30 - 19.00.

Non-members are welcome to join us for a meeting. For more info: https://sodburyandyate.biz/ March 18 South Gloucestershire Over 50’s Forum, Ridgewood Community Centre Conference Room between 10am and noon. Discussions to include digital inclusion and green community transport.

The Arts Society Severn Valley We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury on the third Monday of each month.

Oasis Memory Café Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church February 5Th Craft With Joy February 19Th Skittles March 5Th Music March 19Th Craft With Joy New Members Welcome. All activities are optional, it’s fine to just come and have a drink and chat. Jean Davis at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church 01454 313023. All sessions 10.30-12

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday n Third Monday every month Frome Valley Ladies Probus 2-4pm Charter Suite, Chipping Sodbury

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Town Hall T 01454 316301.

Interesting Speaker each meeting, raffle, refreshments and lunches. n 1st Yate Boys brigade various activities for boys 5+ meet at Moorland road Methodist church 6.30pm. Contact Simon Crocker 01454 329017 n Shire Way Senior Citizens Club meet every Monday afternoon at Shire Way Community Centre between 1.30pm and 4pm. Get together for tea, coffee, bingo, entertainment, raffle meet new friends , all welcome , Yate Community transport, available.

Further info 01454317866----07749712351 n Bristol Area Stroke Foundation Weekly Stroke Support Group The group has a varied programme of events and activities. Shireway Community Association, Yate BS37 8YS. Every Monday from 2pm till 4pm. If you are interested in coming along or want to volunteer contact our office on 0117 9647657 n Lunchtime folk music and song at The Beaufort Hunt pub function room, 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month, start at 12.00 till 3.00, all welcome to come have a pint and a meal, sit and listen or play or sing, free entry. Contact Terry 01454 313045 n Bristol Budgerigar Society hold meetings at Little Stoke Community Hall, Little Stoke Lane, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6HR. Meetings commence at 7.30pm on the second Monday of each month.

Visitors always welcome without commitment or charge to see the wonderful budgerigar breeding, exhibition and social experience that Bristol Budgerigar Society can offer. n Macular-support group meets monthly - 3rd Monday 1:303:30pm at Watkins room, Old Grammar School, Highstreet Chipping Sodbury. Contact Tony: 01454314066 Stress Reduction, Mindfulness & Relaxation n Yate Men's Shed meet at Yate Parish Hall, from 1.30-4.30pm.

For further details please contact Steven Ringon 01454 323 857, or go to www.yatemensshed.com n Sodbury Short Mat Bowls Club. Old Sodbury Village Hall on Monday evenings between 6.15 and 9pm. New members experienced or otherwise welcome Contact Chairman S Leah on 01454 315161. Email sleahos@gmail.com n If you are interested in learning about the arts, in its widest sense,

why not join The Arts Society Severn Valley. We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury normally on the third Monday of each month. In addition to the lecture programme, we arrange Days of Special Interest which examine facets of the arts in greater detail, as well as visits to art galleries, museums and gardens plus trips abroad. Full details can be found on our website www. svdfas.co.uk. So come along, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the lecture and, perhaps, do some shopping in this lovely market town. Visitors are charged £6 so, if you would like to “try before you buy”, please e-mail memb@svdfas.co.uk Tuesday n Yate Art Club meet for arts, crafts and pottery on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 pm at the Ridgewood Centre, Yate, BS37 4AF. For further information please see our website www. yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly. com or tel Roz on 0794 194 6412 n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club.

We meet every other Tuesday at Pucklechurch Community Centre from 7.45 pm to 8.15 pm. Contact Veronica Holder – 0117 937 2818 n Frome Valley Tang Soo Do, open to adults and children 7yrs +, Wellesley Primary School, Edgeworth, Yate every Tuesday 6.45pm - 8.15pm. Contact Rachel Woodford for more details on 07712 729726 n Frome Valley Mens Probus Club.

We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 10 – 12 noon at the Townhall, Sodbury. Guest Speaker every meeting, occasional lunches, day trips. Contact George for further info. Tele: 01454 882908 n Oasis Friendship Cafe - a relaxed meeting place to come along for a chat, a listening ear and to make new friends. (Well behaved) dogs on leads also welcome! Baptist Church Hall in Chipping Sodbury.

2nd, 4th (&5th) Tuesday of the month 10.30am - 12 noon. For more information contact church office on 01454 313023 Email: office@cs-bc.org.uk n Oasis Memory Café - in partnership with the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury and supported

by Alzheimer’s Society. Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church Hall 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month 10.30am – 12 noon For more information contact Jean on 01454 313023. Email: office@cs-bc.org.uk n Craft and Chat - a fun and

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

25

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

n Ladies Shiatsu Massage - Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton

South West CAMRA Pub of the Year 2018 N FOR RE AIG

ALE AL

n Yate & District Townswomen’s Guild meet on the second Wednesday morning of every

n Short Mat Bowls. A Warm welcome awaits visitors for the short matt bowls on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at St Saviours Church Hall, Coalpit Heath from 2-4pm.

OU

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E

n Ladies Shiatsu Massage Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session.

n Bellydance class with Sacha at Ridgewood Community Centre every Wednesday 7:30-8:30 (beginner/open level); 8:30-9:30 (intermediate level); £7 an hour or £12 for 2 hours. Contact Sacha for more information www. sachabellydance.co.uk sachabellydance@yahoo.co.uk

every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session.

Thursday n Chipping Sodbury Folk Night Meets on 1st Thursday of each month in function room at Beaufort Pub . 8 pm - 11pm, Huge range of music and performers covering various genres , all welcome, performers slots are available on a first come basis. £1 on the door . Visit our Facebook page for more info, Chipping Sodbury Folk Night. Or call Jo on 07974 381333. n South Glos. Decorative and Art Appreciation Society is a flourishing group which enjoys excellent lectures on Design and the Arts. Visitors are welcome.

7.00 for 7.30pm at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, BS32 7BS on 3rd Thursday of the month. Please.contact 01454 774401 sallykitching@googlemail. com

EM

Wednesday n Art Club, Ridgewood Centre, Yate: 7pm - 9 pm http:// yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly. com. Tel Roz on 01454 316956 or 0794 194 6412 n Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio Club (TSGARC) we meet every Wednesday in the Buckingham Room at the Chantry in Thornbury.

Meetings usually start at 8pm We welcome new members and can train people to pass their Amateur radio Foundation and Intermediate Licences. Our website is at http:// tsgarc.uk. n Sew & Sew at Ridgewood Community Centre from 1.30pm 3.30pm at £2.00 per week. Phone Joan for details on 01 454 314355. n Walks for single people. Solo Rendezvous meet at Downend Cricket Club, every Wednesday, 8.30pm, entrance £3, and walk every Sunday. Please phone for walk details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210. n Frenchay Men’s Probus Club Meetings are held in Frenchay Village Hall from 10.00 am to 12 noon on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month. The meeting is preceded by coffee. www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Craft group meeting in St. Mary's Church, Yate each Wednesday from 10am. Everyone welcome, we have knitters, sewers and chatters. Refreshments available for a donation. Please come in and say hello. n Yate/Chipping Sodbury Afternoon Choir meets on Wednesdays 2pm till 4pm at St Marys Church Yate. No auditions!

Contact Nikki on 01761 472468 for more details or just turn up at the church and have a free sing on the first visit. Look forward to seeing you!

month in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. We have a programme of varied and interesting speakers. We are a very sociable group and offer other smaller, activity groups too.

Give us a try. Ring Rhona 01454 881532 or Christine 07811665286

CAM P

office@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023

DIS

friendly craft group for people of all ages and skill levels. Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month 10.30am - 12 noon Email: office@ cs-bc.org.uk n South Cotswold Men's Probus Club based in Yate, and reputably the most active in this area, can now take a few new members.

Meetings are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday mornings each month.

Information, without obligation, from Jack on 01454 313889. n Monthly social lunchtime meet up for disabled people at the Farmhouse Pub, Wellington Road, Yate, BS37 5UY. Open and friendly group, meets first Tuesday of month 12-2pm. Part of WECIL's peer support community - 0797 962 6569. n The Sodbury & District Flower Arrangement Society meets every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury at 7.30pm. 12th February - Practice - Willow basket making. 26th February - Talk on Pearls by Pam Slater. Visitors and new members very welcome come along and see what we do. n Yate Poetry Group. All welcome to join our small, informal and friendly group to share and enjoy poems and verse. We meet for an hour 1-2 pm every other Tuesday afternoon in the library, refreshments provided.

For the dates of meetings, please contact Tony on 07704140682 or yatepoetrygroup@gmail.com n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876334921 n Badminton Club, 8pm at Yate Leisure Centre. People of all skill levels and abilities are more than welcome to join us. Organised by Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, office@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023 n The Sodbury & District Flower Arrangement Society meets every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at The Old Grammar School Rooms, Chipping Sodbury at 7.30pm. 12th March AGM - No Practice class 26th March - Demonstration by Yvonne Berry Sporting Favourites Visitors and new members very welcome - come along and see what we do.

For more details contact Rosemary Cummins Tel: 0117 9373836 n Badminton Club, 8pm at Yate Leisure Centre. People of all skill levels and abilities are more than welcome to join us. Organised by Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church,

NT SCH

The Fleece Inn, Chapel Lane, Hillesley GL12 7RD T: 01453 520003 | E: fleecepub@gmail.com

www.thefleecehillesley.com Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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March, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED n Directors Duet for Stokes Singers choir. The two MDs would love to welcome new members to Thursday rehearsals at 7.30pm at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway BS34 5LP. n Yate Community Choir.

Ridgewood Community Centre 7.30-9pm. Liz Martin 07891036145 n Chipping Sodbury Ladies Probus Last Thursday of every month 1012 Charter Suite Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. Speaker every month and regular trips out. T 01454 327491 n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus.

We welcome visitors for a no obligation taster session. We rehearse at the dance studio, Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Road, Bristol BS7 9NL. Every Thursday evening 7.30pm 9.45pm. Tel: Mary 07954170532. n Yate Oral History Group meets 7.30pm,2nd Thursday of the month at Poole Court for interesting talks, refreshments & summer outings. We are a small friendly group looking for new members.

Contact Diana 01454 322811 n Barnardo’s Breastfeeding Peer Support Project provides emotional and practical support to new mothers. Weekly groups are held at venues in Thornbury, Yate and across South Gloucestershire.

The Yate group, called Yate

BreastFriends, meets at Yate Childrens Centre on Cranleigh Court Road on Tuesdays between 11.30am - 1.00pm. n The Yate and Sodbury District U3A Photography group meet at the St John’s Church Centre, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BQ on the first Thursday of every month (except July and August) at 2p.m. we invite photographers of all abilities to come along and learn more about taking great pictures. For more info email Mary Avenin mabr42@ outlook.com or call 01179 099471 or visit our website at www. u3aphoto.blog. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876334921 n Zumba Gold Class, Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church Hall, 2.45pm, £3.50 per week. Anyone is welcome, but the class is especially appropriate for people who want low-impact dance-based exercise.

Contact offic@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023. n Kidz Club THE EDGE at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, 6-7.15pm in term time. We have an exciting club for all boys and girls – just come along and join in the fun! n Zumba Gold Class, Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church Hall,

2.45pm, £3.50 per week. Anyone is welcome, but the class is especially appropriate for people who want low-impact dance-based exercise.

Contact offic@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023. n Kidz Club THE EDGE at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, 6-7.15pm in term time. We have an exciting club for all boys and girls – just come along and join in the fun!

Friday n Crofts End Silver Band: We are a small friendly brass band who meet in Hanham Tabenacle every Friday evening 7.30-9.00pm We play for enjoyment and not contesting. Used to play? Want to learn? Contact: Denise 07944 887979 or Reg 0117 9652229 n Options, a social meet and craft club (now in its 19th year) meet at The Ridgewood Community Centre, 10am-3pm every Friday.

Tea/coffee and biscuits available with Cafe on site. £2.50 a session. Contact Joan for details 01454314355. n Ladies who Latte - free women's networking group for women in business because there's no point being fabulous on your own!

We meet on the second Friday of the month at The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury from 10.00 - 12.00. Contact: Rebecca writetoreb@googlemail.com

We would love to publicise your event Send details of your events and activities in the following format:

WHAT IT IS WHERE IT IS WHEN IT IS in no more than 40 words: email us at: contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk or call us on 01454 800 120

n Voices Together. The Old Grammar School. Chipping Sodbury 10-11.30. Liz Martin 07891036145 n Yate Men's Shed meet at Yate Parish Hall, from 1.30-4.30pm.

For further details please contact Steven Ringon 01454 323 857, or go to www.yatemensshed.com” Saturday n The Tourist Information Centre

What’s on at Yate Library STAFFED TIMES Monday: 10.00am – 5.30pm Tuesday:10.00am – 5.30pm Friday: 10.00am – 5.30pm Saturday: 9.30am – 2.30pm OPEN ACCESS (Unstaffed) 8.00am – 7.30pm If you register your card for our new Open Access system, and attend an induction, you’ll be able to access library facilities throughout the week. You can borrow and return books and use the computers. Speak to a member of staff for more details.

Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers to enjoy together Thursday morning 10.30 – 11.00am Term time only Buggy Walkers – Every other Monday – 4 and 18 March 10am – 12noon

Lego Club: Listen to stories and poems, then create a model to display at the library.

We’ll be meeting on Saturday 2 March 10.30 – 11.30am.

Suitable for the primary age range, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Come and meet Hugless Douglas at a special storytime With stories, activity sheets and a photo opportunity. Suitable for ‘all (children) who love Hugless’ Saturday 2 March 10.00am and 12.30pm British Science Week for Preschoolers ‘Travel with the Ladybird and munch with the Caterpillar’ Monday 11 March 11.15 – 12 noon "COME AND JOIN IN WITH "ANIMAL BOOGIE" Interactive storytime A family storytime where

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

everyone can join in and be part of the story Saturday 23 March 11am – 12noon Teen Focus Group Thursday 21 March 6.30 – 7.30pm The Craft Group is meeting on 9 and 23 March 10.00am – 12 noon New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects.

Poetry Group – Tuesday 5 and 19 March 1.00 – 2.00pm Visually Impaired Techno Group – Every Wednesday 1.00 – 4.00pm Vision West of England – Information, Advice and Support Drop in First Thursday every month between 2 – 4pm.

For more information contact

Marc on 0117 322 4855 or marc. gulwell@visionwofe.org.uk Various FREE Legal Advice Sessions – Ask Staff for details Various Community Learning courses – Contact 01454 864613 or community.learning@southglos. gov.uk Memory Café is held on the last Thursday every month For more information on any of the above please contact us: • Telephone: 01454 868006 • Email: yate.library@southglos. gov.uk • Visit our website to find out more: www.southglos.gov.uk/ libraries •Follow us on twitter: www.twitter. com@southgloslibs •‘Like’ us on Facebook for all the latest at South Gloucestershire Libraries

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

27

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED Chipping Sodbury. Open 10am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays..

Sunday n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

Established players and beginners welcome. Bowls provided. Sessions Sunday afternoon and Monday and Wednesday evenings. Contact Roger Payne 0117 937 3653.

Shopmobility South Gloucestershire, Yate Library, Yate Shopping Centre The service hires out battery powered scooters and wheelchairs, to help people to retain their independence and to use the facilities of the centre. You can also hire scooters and wheelchairs for longer terms. If you have a S. Glos.

Council Diamond card then you can use that on the service. Office is open Tues and Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm, and Thurs and Sat 9.30 am - 2 pm Telephone 01454 868718 or 07999574474 for more information or e-mail shopmobilitysouthglos@ yahoo.com Chipping Sodbury Library is

open and staffed by volunteers during the following hours : Tuesdays 09.30 - 12.30 & 13.30 16.30 Wednesdays 09.30 - 18.30 Fridays 09.30 - 12.30 Saturdays 09.30 - 12.30 The usual borrowing facilities are available during the above hours and events for children during the school holidays. Come in and see our monthly displays and borrow a book on the month's theme. In addition,library volunteers have organised two new groups : Book - a- Long March dates - 6th and 20th Come along to this informal group and talk about your favourite book, listen to book extracts and share your ideas for future reading over a cup of tea or coffee and cake .

Knit and Natter March dates - 9th and 23rd Join an informal group to chat and knit or share needlecraft activities over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits . You can be a beginner or come to share your ideas.

Help needed for community garden THE Sodbury in Bloom team is looking for help to prepare and install a community garden in Chipping Sodbury. The organisation is also appealing for a donation of a 9ft x 6ft wooden greenhouse.

The team will be putting a lot of effort into gaining another Gold award for the town this summer, but they are determined to create a community garden in the town.

Work started last year and now the volunteers are hoping to install raised beds and a greenhouse.

People who want to get involved can contact the group via its Facebook page.

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28

March, 2019

n NEWS

Get set for Family Festival of Running A YATE man who decided to raise money for a children's hospice instead of staging his 40th birthday party is encouraging families to join his fundraising drive.

Since hitting 40 two years ago, Paul Dennett has raised more than £15,000 for Children's Hospice South West – and wants to double that figure this year.

Paul is the brains behind Active Soul Running Club, which is based in Mangotsfield, as well as the Family Festival of Running, both of which raise money for the hospice.

The father-of-three is hoping families will turn up in force to support his second festival which will take place at Pomphrey Hill in Mangotsfield on April 13 from 9am to 2pm.

Featuring races for all members of the family, from toddlers to adults, it will be

Fundraisers Paul Dennett (far right), Phill Edwards and Marc Thomas hope to beat last year’s total of £12,538 this year

combined with a fun day with bouncy castle, music, refreshments and a visit from a

BEFORE

AFTER For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

fire crew.

Paul said: “It's a great way to get everyone involved – there's something for everyone and families can take it in turns to cheer each other on. Everyone gets a medal and adults who complete the 10K will also get a free drink in the bar afterwards.

“We just want to make it a really fun day. It's going to be great.”

Paul, a fire safety instructor who recently moved to Yate after living in Downend, said he made the decision to 'give something back' as his 40th loomed.

He said: “I phoned a friend and told him I wasn't going to have a party for my birthday and instead I wanted to try to raise as much money as possible for a charity. I asked him which charity had helped him in the past and he said Children's Hospice South West as he'd fostered a child with a lifelimiting illness. I decided then and there to make the hospice my chosen charity.”

Paul then set about establishing Active Soul UK Running Club which meets from 7-8pm every Thursday at the running track at Mangotsfield School. Runners pay £3 for each session which goes directly to the hospice.

Last year the money was supplemented from the proceeds of Paul's first Family Festival of Running, raising an impressive total of £3,330.

The father-of three, along with two friends, Phill Edwards from Coalpit Heath and Marc Thomas of Downend, marked his landmark birthday in 2017 with a gruelling ultra triathlon – a six mile swim and a 90-mile bike ride on the Friday, a 171 mile bike ride on the Saturday and a double marathon of 52 miles on the Sunday. The event raised £12,538 for the hospice.

He said: “I've done a lot of fundraising for the hospice over the past few years and have been to their open days. It's such an amazing cause that I don't want to stop.”

As well as the festival and the running evenings, Paul is planning a huge challenge for 2019, which he has dubbed the 'Brutal Three Peaks'.

He wants to raise a total of £12,000 this year to bring his total for the hospice to £30,000 within three years.

You can register for the Family Festival of Running by visiting www.activesouluk.co.uk and looking under the Events tab.

If it's News - Email us at: contact@ yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

YOUR FIRST REAL CHANCE AT SGS! Join us at our Open Evening and find out about SGS College’s wide range of full/part-time and Higher Education study programmes, including those starting in September 2019.

• Speak with our specialist course tutors • Meet current learners studying at SGS • Tour the campus to see our industry focused facilities OUR NEXT OPEN EVENING: Thursday 28 March, 17:30–20:00 All subject areas – SGS Filton, WISE, Stroud, Queens Road and Berkeley UTC campuses

TO FIND OUT MORE

FREEPHONE: 0800 0567 253 www.sgscol.ac.uk | info@sgscol.ac.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

30

March, 2019

n NEWS MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury took a step back in time to learn about the life of a GI during the Second World War. Old Sodbury Village Hall played host to the themed evening, organised by Rotary to mark the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the war this year.

Although GIs were often described as overpaid, oversexed and over here by their British hosts, the Rotary evening dug deeper into the wartime experience with some food and entertainment from the period, including a dinner using wartime American recipes.

In a hall festooned with Stars & Stripes and the music of wartime favourites Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton, 60 people sat down to eat potato soup and chicken stew, followed by Brown Betty for dessert.

The evening ended with a short film show consisting of a news report of General Patton’s 5th Army crossing the Rhine, plus three propaganda cartoons that featured childhood favourites Tweety Pie and Donald Duck.

Organiser Stuart Hobday said: “It was a great opportunity for club members and guests to let their hair down and dress up a little, whilst learning something about life on the other side of the Atlantic.”

Rotary goes to war

Getting into the swing of wartime music and food are (left to right) Binny Fraser, John Berridge, Brenda Berridge, Liz Lowe and Ian Lowe. Photo: Doug Lodge

Almost 4,000 on housing waiting list NEARLY 4,000 households are on the waiting list for social housing in South Gloucestershire, with more than a quarter of those in unhygienic or overcrowded conditions.

Housing charity Shelter said the figures are "chilling" and called for the Government to increase the funding for new social homes.

The latest Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government data shows 3,909 households on the housing waiting list in South Gloucestershire.

That is 30% fewer than in 2016 – but of those, 1,324 were households living in unhygienic or overcrowded housing, while a further 270 had to move due to a medical condition.

There were just two vacant homes owned by South Gloucestershire Council at the end of March last year, when the official figures were compiled.

Across England, more than 1.1 million

families were on council waiting lists – 6% fewer than in 2016 – but only 23,000 council homes were available in 2017-18.

Shelter chief executive Polly Neate said: "When you compare the number of households waiting with the tiny number of available homes, and the trickle of new social homes being built, you understand how chilling today’s housing crisis is.

"It’s not just those in greatest need crying out for the chance of a stable home either, hundreds of thousands of older people and young families are also desperate to escape the private renting trap."

Local Government Association housing spokesman Martin Tett said: "A genuine renaissance in council housebuilding is the only way to boost housing supply and tackle the housing waiting lists many councils have.”

Over recent last years, South Gloucestershire's social housing stock has

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

risen.

By the end of March 2017, there were 12,250 social and council homes, up from 11,300 in 2012. The council announced it was handing land to social housing provider Merlin in January with the intention of creating sites for another 54 homes.

A government spokesman said: "For the last 30 years, governments of all stripes and types have failed to build enough homes. We still need to deliver more, better, faster so we have given councils the freedom to build a new generation of council houses and are investing £9 billion in affordable housing, up until March 2022.

"The accuracy of the list also depends on the extent to which housing authorities keep the register up-to-date, as some people might already have found housing, yet remain on the list."

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

31

n NEWS

Mum calls on people to nominate star carers A MUM whose daughter needs round-the-clock care is encouraging people in a similar situation to nominate their carers for an award.

Nicola Clement, from Yate, won the personal assistant of the year prize in the annual Care and Support West awards after she was nominated by Margaret Onyet, of Winterbourne.

Margaret Onyet’s daughter Deborah, 58, of Pucklechurch, has severe multiple sclerosis. She is peg fed and tube fed and has to be hoisted into her wheelchair.

In fact, everything physical has to be done for her.

Margaret nominated Nicola for an award because she feels Nicola goes above and beyond her job description.

Margaret said: “She’s exceptional. She’s been with my daughter for 10 years. What she does is adopt the family. A year ago, my daughter was in

hospital and had sepsis which she nearly died from, followed by other infections. The person who was in the hospital every day was Nicola. She got there in the morning before the family got there. I’ve never seen such devotion.”

Nicola was also nominated by the two other families she supports.

BBC Radio Bristol presenter Laura Rawlings, who was a special guest at the awards ceremony, said: “Nicola’s devotion to care for all three service users who nominated her is remarkable, alongside her always going even further than the extra mile.

“She is unfailingly cheerful and exceptionally supportive, ensuring those she supports, and their families, can always rely on her calm professionalism.”

Nicola, who lives in Yate, said: “I was over the moon. I was nominated the year before in

Carer Nicola Clement with her award the final list, but I didn’t come anywhere. But this time I did.

“It was a surprise! It was lovely. My family all went to the awards. There were 12 of us and it was a really emotional night because of what people wrote about me and said about me. It’s important to have recognition.

“I won a glass trophy. If I’ve had a bad day, I just look at it and think 'oh well never mind'.”

To nominate a carer for this year’s awards or find out more, visuit bit.ly/2Gzeogx online.

Entries close on March 31, with the awards made later in the year.

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32

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second hand Style BMW 330e: I’d much rather have six of the best

I

N twenty three years of driving, I’ve never owned a BMW – and that’s starting to feel like an oversight. But oversight would become travesty if my first BMW wasn’t powered by their famous all-conquering straightsix engine. The modern BMW ‘six’ has won countless awards since it was first revealed in the 5 series back in 1972. Since then, the Bavarian firm have made their name by resolutely sticking to a simple formula: place the most mechanically balanced of engine configurations into perfectlyweighted rear wheel drive cars.

Today a ‘340i’ badge on the back of your 3 series means you’ve picked a straight six winner. So what about this month’s car, the 330e?

Infuriatingly, BMW (and other manufacturers) have started playing fast and loose with their nomenclature. ‘330e’ doesn’t mean

a 3 series with a 3 litre engine, as the name would suggest, but instead a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol lifted from the 330i (confused yet?) linked to batteries under the boot floor. The 330e is a plug-in hybrid version of the standard 330i, launched in 2016, where the ‘e’ stands for ‘Electric’.

So should you buy a used hybrid over the standard model?

330e’s registered in 2016 avoid road tax but 2017-on models don’t. Fuel consumption is 40mpg when aided by electricity, 30mpg the rest of the time – not very impressive. BMW have a reputation for being tight with their standard specification, and because my 2018 test car is the top-of-the-range M Sport Shadow Edition, er, edition, it costs a staggering £43k new.

One year and 10k miles later and it is worth not much more than

£25k, 10% less than an identicallyspecified 330i. That differential doesn’t make sense until you have to live with the 330e. Although performance is aided by the batteries most of the time, it isn’t nearly enough to compensate for all the extra weight (200kg). That’s a lot of junk in the trunk, and it takes the edge off fuel economy as well. BMW have had to shrink the petrol tank to a scarcely believable 40 litres to make room for the batteries, which means the range is hopeless in fast driving, at about 250 miles.

The batteries are also a bit feeble – they provide a deeply underwhelming range of 7 miles on pure electric power. The rest of the time, the 330e drives like a slightly porky 3 series, although that means it is still great fun. You sit low, which I really like. The seats hug you, the steering wheel is

small and thickly padded. This car feels sporty and cocooning, like a BMW should. Performance keeps you awake, helped by the 8-speed gearbox urging you to push on, by offering just the right gear at just the right revs. The engine sounds dull below 3k rpm but above that, and up to the redline, it has a metallic edge that isn’t half bad.

The handling is tight, balanced and just the right side of firm, although tyre roar on 19 inch wheels was intrusive. None of the good stuff should surprise you – BMW have been making the best car in this class for many years. They just don’t make the best hybrid, and the 330e doesn’t provide enough of a benefit over the 330i to be worth considering. It is an unnecessary compromise.

The penny really dropped when I saw three identical povertyspec 330e saloons out the back of a Downend estate agency.

A-ha – this is the company car tax special! The 330e’s incredibly low emissions of 45g/km of CO2 mean correspondingly low payments to the tax man. Such esoteric and tedious notions have no place in a used car column, and if you are in the market for a BMW 3 series you are probably a keen driver. So avoid the girth, complication and skinflint stain of the 330e and head straight for the jewel in the range: the fabulous 6 cylinder 340i.

BMW 330e, what to pay: From £15k for a 2016 model up to £26k for a one year old example Next month: Aston Martin Vantage

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

n NEWS

33

n PHARMACY BLOG

Zoot Money heads Help us to help you for Sodbury Abbotswood Pharmacy Tel: 01454 313193 38 Abbotswood, Yate, Bristol, BS37 4NG prescribe medicines. We offer a friendly healthcare setting, convenient and easily accessible.

We have a private consultation area specifically for confidential or sensitive discussions. We know our communities, have the knowledge and expertise to perform these roles. In some of the best healthcare systems in the world, this is how pharmacies help people to stay healthier and live longer.

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ONE of the biggest characters on the British rhythm and blues scene since the early 1960s is set to appear in concert in Chipping Sodbury in May. Zoot Money, founder member of the Big Roll Band in 1961, has a long and varied music career that has seen him cross paths with the likes of The Animals, Eric Burdon, Steve Marriott, Alexis Korner, Spencer Davis, Geno Washington, and Alan Price.

These days Zoot is still to be found performing with many different artists: a regular spot with Alan Price’s West London residency and touring appearances with the latest incarnation of The Animals, as well as guest spots at blues festivals and with a wide range of blues bands both in the UK and internationally.

He’s also been a film and TV actor, but it’s blues music that is his first love and which keeps him performing on stage.

Zoot Money and Trio are appearing at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church on Friday 17 May. Tickets are available online at www. cotswoldedgeevents.co.uk.

DID you know that your pharmacy is the ideal place to visit for help managing minor illness and supporting you to address your long-term health needs?

That is the message that the NHS England Help Us Help You campaign is trying to get across. It aims to increase public awareness of the skills that community pharmacies have and the work they do managing minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, stomach upset, aches and pains, alongside taking care of patients with long term conditions and preventing ill health.

The campaign, supported by doctors, aims to help people get treatment as soon as possible and is better for the NHS, because it helps to relieve pressure on busy services.

The traditional role of the community pharmacist, who just dispenses prescriptions written by doctors has changed. For a start, many pharmacists now also

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34

March, 2019

n THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Spring has sprung

W Reverend Paul Harding, Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church

HEN does spring begin? The Met Office regards March 1 as the first day of spring, although others insist that the correct date is March 20, which is the vernal equinox. For most of us, the fact that the days are getting longer and the daffodils are beginning to bloom means that winter is passing and springtime has arrived! It is an uplifting time for us all, as we look forward to the longer, warmer days of summer.

The passing seasons remind us of the faithfulness of God. Following a devastating flood, which happened in the time of Noah, God gave a wonderful promise to all following generations. God said: “As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and

night.”

He also gave the rainbow as a sign of his eternal covenant with all living creatures. God told Noah: “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is a sign of my permanent promise to you and to all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will be seen in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with everything that lives.”

The great reality of our life on earth is that God exists. He is eternal and he created each one of us. The heavens and the earth declare his glory and the changing seasons reveal his care. There is something deep in every one of us which responds to the divine that we sense all around us. Some react against it and determine to live their lives as if God does not exist, but many are instinctively drawn

to him.

Thomas Chisholm’s wellknown hymn affirms: “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, as Thou hast been Thou for ever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed Thy hand has provided – Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”

As we move forward into spring, and then the summer, it is good to know that we can do so trusting in the living God. We can rejoice in his presence with us each day to cheer us and guide us. He will also give us strength for each day, bright hope for the future, and every blessing we need along the way.

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

n LOCAL MP

MIU Upgrades

F

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

35

OR many, our local health services are one of the foremost concerns that our community has. That’s why I have consistently campaigned for improved local services, starting with the West Gate Centre’s Injuries unit.

As a local resident, living with a young family, I am very aware of the concerns of many that the centre did not open long enough in the evening and at the weekends, and particularly the limited access to the important x-ray services that it meant.

I am delighted that local health chiefs have taken the decision to implement improved opening hours from 8am till 8pm, seven days a week, from April this year, meaning that local families have wider options of care and, importantly, close to our community when they or their family have a minor injury.

This success has come from local people’s huge support

and help in placing improved health services as one of their top priorities in my recent community survey last year.

This survey saw you detailing the improvements you wanted to see and, due to the high numbers of returns, this has allowed me to take the case to the South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (SGCC) and express the specific improvements we wanted for our minor injuries unit. In meeting with local health chiefs and understanding their requirements, I then met with Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, where I continued to press the minister to consider the MIU for development as part of the huge national investment in services such as these.

I would like to commend local health chiefs and our community for working alongside me and for being hugely supportive in this campaign, through holding productive and effective

discussions as to the future of the minor injury’s unit.

Rest assured, I will continue to press both the council, health chiefs and Government to build upon the progress we have made, to ensure that the MIU can continue to receive the upgrades in services I know that our community deserves. This includes pushing forward the campaign for Frenchay care hub, which I know many in our community want to see realised after many years and promises.

I would like reassure readers that, whilst we can celebrate this win together on opening hours, there is still much more to do on this issue and I remain committed to working alongside everyone who wants to make a difference on improved health services locally.

As ever, if there is anything on this issue or another that you feel I can do to help then please to get in touch at Luke.Hall.mp@ parliaments.uk.

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36

March, 2019

n VETS ADVICE

n NEWS

With Abbotswood veterinary centre

Another award for pub

Guinea Pigs and Vitamin C WE have seen a terrible run of mortality in guinea pigs in recent weeks.

It is not very well known, but Guinea Pigs have no ability to produce vitamin C, and must be provided with it from external sources.

A lack of vitamin C caused scurvy in sailors years ago, with a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables while on long voyages at sea the root of the problem.

In guinea pigs scurvy causes various signs, including depression, anorexia, sore joints, excessive drooling and even poor wound healing.

Most diets will include additional vitamin C, and most concerned owners will be giving lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The problem is that a lot of our

produce is very low in vitamins by the time we buy it and give to our pets.

It is recommended that you can simply give fizzy vitamin C supplements, at about 200-400mg/ litre in the drinking water, all year long.

This is a very simple step that can avoid lots of problems with your pigs.

Patrick Murphy D.V.M MRCVS Tel: 01454 322449 abbotswoodveterinarycentre@ hotmail.co.uk www.abbotswoodvets.co.uk

THE Fleece Inn at Hillesley has been announced as the 2019 Dursley & District CAMRA pub of the Year.

It’s the latest award from the Campaign for Real Ale for tenants Karen McGeoch and Rod Undy, which includes being named South West pub of the year in November, making them one of the top 16 in the country.

Rod said: “This is our fourth CAMRA award and it’s great news for us, because it means we can set our horizons on going even further this year. CAMRA is not just about beer – it also focuses on the community aspects of the pub, right from the welcome you receive when you enter the building.”

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

37

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Pancakes - but not as we know them! thing a little bit different from your average pancakes with lemon and sugar (which I love too). These savoury pancakes with a Chinese twist are very versatile. They can make a hearty weekend brunch, a quick snack or even a midweek meal served with steamed veg and egg-fried rice. The batter can be prepped in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s super speedy when you need it.

I first came across the idea when visiting my daughter-in-law’s family in Taiwan, where they are frequently found in Taiwanese breakfast shops or on a dim sum menu. They are crispy on the outside, soft and moreish inside.

Totally delicious: give them a flip!

Ann Murray is from 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.

Chinese Prawn Pancakes Makes 8 medium sized pancakes.

Ingredients: 1 cup of plain flour (150g) A large pinch of sea salt 1 cup of water (240ml) - chilled 1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic, lightly beaten 5 or 6 spring onions- trimmed and cut into ½ inch lengths 1 medium carrot- cut into fine dice 1 red chilli- finely chopped(optional) ½ teaspoon of Chinese 5 spice powder 3oz cooked large prawns- cut into small pieces 2-3 t bsps vegetable oil for frying

AS I write this article, Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday, to give it its proper title, is looming. This year it falls on March 5. Historically Shrove Tuesday was the day when eggs, butter and stocks of fat would be used up before the fasting time of Lent began.

Every year, as I tuck into my pancakes, I think ‘why don’t I make these more often’? They’re delicious, versatile, cheap and can be vegetarian, vegan, fishy or meaty.

What’s not to like?

So this year, I’ve done some-

For serving: sweet chilli sauce

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Here’s what you do: Put the flour, salt, egg and water into a large mixing bowl. Gently stir until you have a smooth, thick consistency. Don’t over mix.

If you have time, chill in the fridge. The mixture can also be made and chilled in the fridge overnight.

When you are ready to cook your pancakes preheat a large non-stick frying pan.

Whist the pan is heating, mix in all the other ingredients, except the oil.

Add the oil to the pre-heated pan and allow to become hot.

Pour a ladle of the batter (just less than 2 tbsps) into the pan for

each pancake.

Don’t overcrowd the pan, cook the pancakes in 2 batches.

Cook each pancake for 3 mins, then flip and cook for 1½ mins or until golden brown.

Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.

Serve immediately with sweet chilli dipping sauce.

Variations -You can make a gluten free version using1 cup(130g) rice flour or tapioca flour. Use ¾ cup(180ml) chilled water, instead of 1 cup.

Cook’s Tips I use an ice cream scoop or a ¼ cup measure to ladle the pancakes; it’s easier.

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38

March, 2019

n NEWS

Help for outdoor sports A DONATION from a business group will be used to help with improvements to Yate Outdoor Sports Complex.

The Sodbury and Yate Business Association has made a £500 donation to help finance covered stands.

SYBA Chair Peter Huish said: “YOSC works with people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, providing sports facilities and social activities in the community for people who may otherwise not have access to these opportunities. We are delighted to be in a position to help them achieve their goals.”

SYBA 2018 chair Peter Huish presents the business group’s donation to Jeremy Dale from YOSC. Photo: Rich McD Photography.

COTSWOLD EDGE EVENTS PRESENT

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AT CHIPPING SODBURY BAPTIST CHURCH FRIDAY MAY 17TH

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Award for theatre school A PART-time theatre school in Yate is celebrating after winning a business award.

Razzamataz won the Best New Franchisee Award at an awards ceremony sponsored by Franchise Finance.

The school, which recently relocated to Yate Academy at Sundridge Park, offers commercial and musical theatre styles of singing, dancing and drama.

Georgia Davies, who runs Razzamataz in Yate, said: "I am really excited to have won this award, it's a great achievement.

“I want to grow and make our already great school fantastic.

Offering performing arts to children and watching them grow in ability and confidence is amazing.”

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

39

n NEWS

Podium place for dancers YOUNG Yate dancers Chloe Hitchings, Rheanna Dennis and Jordan Hatton have competed as part of the Dynamites Dance Crew at the UDO Wiltshire Streetdance Championships.

They came 3rd in the over 18’s intermediate category.

Their success has qualified them for the UDO Worlds, British and European Street Dance Championships that take place later this year in August, at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Youngsters fear knife crime ONE in seven young people in South Gloucestershire say they have felt the need to carry a weapon.

Members of the area’s youth board all said they felt safe where they lived – but they had concerns over how prevalent knife crime is, after seeing news reports or social media posts and get ideas about.

In a survey, the issue came second to mental health in schools, ahead of ending period poverty for local young people.

Although it was not clear how many children had actually carried a knife, three youth board members said that they were aware of at least one young person who had carried a weapon in their school. One person said there was a gang in their area.

Some 2,207 young people from South Gloucestershire were asked if they had ever felt the need to carry a weapon and 302 said yes – one in seven.

Another 147 said they would rather not say.

Among the comments recorded by members of the South Gloucestershire Youth Board were that people saw “what’s happening in London”

and a claim that “working class people are more likely to stab people”.

South Gloucestershire Council officer Vanessa Parkhill said it was unclear how many young people had actually carried a knife.

The authority will be inviting them to a meeting later in the year to hear their concerns.

Ending knife crime was the top priority for young people in the national Make Your Mark survey, and they said the Government needs to do more to “end the epidemic”.

Avon and Somerset police has been keen to emphasise that while knife crime is a serious issue, 99 per cent of young people do not carry a knife.

A force spokesperson said: “One of the most important messages we can share with our young people is that carrying a knife is not the norm.

“However we also know that young people can be under tremendous pressure from friends and peers.

“That’s why it’s important that we start the conversation now to make sure they have the facts and support they need to make the right choices.”

Man dies on ring road POLICE are appealing for dashcam footage of a crash which claimed the life of a man.

Two lorries and a van collided on the A4174 Avon Ring Road, near the junction with the A432 for Yate, shortly before midday on February 14.

Witnesses should contact the police online or call 101, quoting incident reference number 5219 033 167.

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n SECURITY MATTERS

Outsmarting a burglar AS a security specialist, it’s always difficult to visit a customer’s home after a burglary has occurred. Seeing the after-effects is difficult and has never become any easier over the years. For the homeowner it can be traumatic, expensive and inconvenient. Longer term, it may be something they never quite overcome. But with a little effort, outsmarting a house-burglar can be as simple as ABC. One of the simplest preventative actions you’ll ever take is to become mindful of a just a few principles.

Maintenance: There are many factors a burglar considers when targeting a property. For example, a burglar might assume an owner that isn’t too worried about that broken gate-lock might not be too concerned about their front or back door security either. A window left open even on cold nights or a neglected overgrown are often overlooked but can attract unwanted attention. Mending and maintaining visibly broken objects in good time is a sign you’re being attentive to your home-security.

Mindfulness: Be diligent. Home burglaries can be surprisingly quick affairs. Take the time to lock up properly. Even when ‘popping’ to the shops, lock up. It will make all the difference to a burglar’s decision making.

Make a list: It can be very time consuming to keep on top of all those little things that running a household entails. Writing a to-do list will help remind you of the important tasks when you have more time.

Top Tip: Be diligent. Homeowner awareness trumps burglar-awareness every time!

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40

March, 2019

n COMMUNITY NEWS

MP opens safety training centre

THORNBURY and Yate MP Luke Hall has opened a new site to train people in building site safety.

He visited the new facilities, which span 5,000 square feet, at the Building Safety Group’s training centre in Rudgeway below right.

The new area provides health and safety, as well as environmental, courses for construction workers. The group says a special emphasis will be on mental health and general

well-being programmes to support people working in the building trade.

The move follows research which revealed that the construction industry has more reported suicides than any other profession.

The company expects to train 10,000 people a year.

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Mr Hall has also dropped in on local rotary Rotary members who are campaigning to end polio across the world.

Rotary members set up an old iron lung in Chipping Sodbury to

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March, 2019

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41

n NEWS

Mobile codes bring history to life A DIGITAL project is helping to bring history to life in Yate and Sodbury.

Anyone with a smartphone or tablet can tap into the history of local people using QR codes posted at various sites in the towns.

The codes – similar to barcodes but readable by the camera of a phone – have been places that have a significance in the story of the area over the past century.

The project aims to engage local people with the First World War centenary and has involved working with schools and community groups.

QR stands for quick response. When scanned, the QR codes provide a link to a wealth of information and personal stories about people named on the memorials at sites including the Lych Gate at St Mary’s Church, the Parnall Grave Memorial and Commonwealth grave in St Mary’s churchyard.

Volunteers of Yate Town Council’s Yate & District Heritage Centre have researched the stories of those named on the QR Codes.

Volunteer Sylvia Eastwood said: “In finding out the extra details of the lives of the people from the Yate area, hopefully will help the young people to understand their

Left to right: Sally Johnston, community projects officer of Yate Town Council; Reverend Ian Wallace, team rector St Mary’s Church; Jane Marley, South Gloucestershire Council museums and heritage officer; David Hardill, community heritage officer, Yate & District Heritage Centre. sacrifice, not just a name on a memorial, but once living persons.”

More information can be found online at sites.southglos.gov.uk/war-memorials/.

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42

March, 2019

n SPORT

9 tries for Yate YATE RFC travelled across Bristol to play Cotham Park RFC 2s in their first ever game against the club. Some strong running rugby, in poor conditions, saw them run in nine tries in an impressive 57-21 victory. Captain Neil Olive led the way with three tries, and was supported by a brace of tries from both Kurtis Moreton and James Falconer.

Both Nick Dury and Gary Cornish also got in on the act with a single try each.

James Cannon hit five conversions on the day and Nick Dury one.

The win sent Yate RFC up to 4th in the Wadworth 6X Bristol and District League 2 standings.

Youth football round-up CHIPPING Sodbury Under-18s continued their fine unbeaten run in Division 2 north of the Bristol and Gloucestershire League with a 2-1 away win at Keynsham. Sodbury sit in second place, just three points behind leaders Wickwar but with a game in hand.

On a day when a strong cross-wind stifled creativity, putting paid to any chance of Sodbury playing their usual attacking brand of football, both teams spent much of the first half chasing lost causes.

Sodbury looked the more dangerous but 5 minutes before half-time Keynsham took a surprise lead with what amounted to their first shot of any note.

But a 1-0 lead never felt like it would be enough for the home side to record their first league victory of the season, and so it proved. Sodbury overturned the deficit with goals from Stephen Hobbs and Ross Womack, who has scored in every league fixture

this season, amassing 16 goals – and is now the league’s top marksman.

St Nicholas Youth under 14s recorded their second win of the season when they overcame fellow league strugglers Ashton Youth. Having lost the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season, St. Nicks were determined to reverse their fortunes at the Ridings.

After a goalless first-half, St Nicks hit their opponents with two goals in quick succession. Dan Evans struck first, with his 13th goal of the season and when the Ashton keeper was only able to parry another fine effort from Dan, Bradley Hathway was on hand to slot home the rebound to put his side 2-0 up.

Although Ashton pulled a goal back with 7 minutes left to play, St Nicks players worked together to block any further attempts and secured all three points.

Chipping Sodbury crush Clevedon CHIPPING Sodbury Town continued their impressive away form with a fine 4-0 away win at 6th-placed Clevedon Town.

Despite heavy rain, the fixture went ahead and it was Sodbury that made the best of the conditions scoring two goals in each half to secure an unexpected 3 points.

Luke Burman opened the scoring on 11 minutes when he controlled a cross from the right and placed his left foot shot inside the far post from the edge of the area, giving Sam Blackiston in the Clevedon goal no chance Sodbury doubled their lead on 15 minutes in almost identical fashion to their first goal. Harvey Baker received the ball on

the edge of the box before stroking a leftfoot shot into the far corner of the net to put his team 2-0 up.

George Box had a great opportunity to put the Sods further ahead on the half hour when he was played through, but his leftfoot shot went high over the bar.

Clevedon squandered a couple of chances to reduce the deficit in the opening minutes of the second period and were then caught out by a long ball down the right, which found Sam Taylor in space. With the home side appealing for offside, Taylor cut into the box and crossed for Harvey Baker to tap home and make the score 3-0 with 58 minutes played.

With just 20 minutes left Sodbury should really have made it four when George Box crossed from the right to Joe White, who just failed to make contact on the goal-line.

Clevedon continued to push to reduce the deficit but some poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping kept them at bay, and it was the visitors who completed the scoring when George Box netted in the 78th minute, to make the score 4-0.

Sodbury, who had drawn their previous two fixtures with Cadbury Heath and Brislington, couldn’t build on their fine win, however. The following Saturday they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Hallen.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

March, 2019

n SPORT YATE Men’s 1st team’s run of good results was likely to be tested by the visitors Whitchurch 2nds, as both teams were on similar points after the same number of games.

Despite a lacklustre warm-up, Yate started brightly and scored first when a long pass found Matt Bethell who scored with a strong reverse stick shot. However, some sloppy play gifted Whitchurch a goal. Yate bounced back with some great attacks but much of the good work was squandered in front of goal, with shots going wide or fluffed shots not testing the Whitchurch goalie. But a penalty flick after Dan Pearce was brought down by the keeper put them back in front. Yate then went 3-1 ahead when Dom Chambers fired in a strong penalty corner shot and it looked as if they could comfortably control the game.

But they gave Whitchurch a way back into the game, allowing their opponents to score two goals that ought to have been defended easily.

The half ended with Yate ahead 4-3 but having had most

yate&sodburyvoice

43

Yate hockey round-up

Laura Hewlett of Yate Ladies 3rds in action of the play. In the second half they were much more organised and a penalty corner strike by Dom Chambers, for his hat trick, increased the lead before the result was secured when Matt Bethell rounded the Whitchurch goalie and scored a superb

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

individual goal to make it 6-3.

With all the top sides getting good results Yate remain fifth, but with a gap opening below them in the league.

The Ladies 3rd team recorded an emphatic 7-0 win over Badminton & Pucklechurch after

never looking back from a strong start.

Badminton&Pucklechurch did have scoring opportunities but Yate managed to clear each one.

Goals from Jessie Edge (3), Alexandra Bessex (2) Seana Dando and Millie Burton gave Yate the win which was used as valuable match practice for the next league game. Player of the match was Sarah Wells who had a very good game in the mid-field.

Yate U14 boys qualified for the Avon Junior League semi-finals with a 5-1 win over Cirencester, while the U10s’ determination paid off with a 1-0 win against Cheltenham.

Yate Ladies O35s also scored seven in seeing off Minehead in the second round of the England Hockey cup. The 7-1 win also gave the team some valuable lessons ahead of a tough game vs Andover in the next round.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

44

March, 2019

n SPORT

Award for Town as stellar season continues YATE Town’s title challenge is gaining momentum after four wins on the spin put them within a point of top spot.

Their form saw them named Evo-Stik League South Division One South Club of the Month for January: the second time they have won this award this season.

Following their 2-1 victory over then-leaders Moneyfields, reported in last month’s Voice, Town entertained fourth-placed Evesham United, the pre-season favourites for promotion. They completed the double over their opponents with a convincing 3-1 victory in front of a crowd of almost 400. The visitors had taken a ninth-minute lead but 10 minutes before the interval, Nick Peare was fouled as he was about to score from two yards out. Evesham defender Linden Davey was dismissed and Dave Sims-Burgess stroked home the penalty.

Shortly afterwards Yate were also reduced to ten men when Peare was sent off following a challenge on the visiting keeper and then Yate were awarded a second penalty when Mike Bryant was pushed by Kai Fisher.

Sims-Burgess completed his double from the spot.

Evesham fought hard for an equaliser and keeper Lewis Thomas, making his final appearance for Yate prior to his return to Forest Green, distinguished himself between the posts. Town weathered the storm and made it 3-1 when Olly Mehew combined with Jack Twyman to slot home his ninth goal of the season. Fisher’s

Dave Sims-Burgess scores his second goal against Evesham from the spot. Photo: Red Piranha Photography dismissal saw Evesham finish the match with nine men.

After the scheduled visit to Fleet Town was postponed due to heavy snow, Yate entertained local rivals Bristol Manor Farm, again attracting a good crowd to Lodge Road. Yate totally dominated the opening stages, playing superb attacking football and scoring twice as Mike Bryant tapped the ball in from close range after good work from Joe Guest, then Guest released Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist, who scored with a delightful chip over the advancing keeper.

Manor Farm then resorted to some questionable tactics and were reduced to ten men when Stuart Tovey was shown a straight red in an incident which

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saw two other players booked.

The old adage that it is more difficult to play against ten men proved true, as Farm reduced the

arrears through Jamie Bird just before the break. Yate regained their two-goal advantage when Guest and Mehew set up LeighGilchrist to score his second but almost immediately Farm replied with a cross shot from Lewis Bamford. Yate had several chances to make the game safe but the visitors’ disruptive methods, which saw them reduced to nine men shortly before the end, led to a nervous finale for the home supporters before Yate prevailed, with the final score 3-2.

Yate made it four wins on the bounce with a 4-1 away victory at Highworth Town, leaving them in second place, just a point behind leaders Blackfield & Langley and with a game in hand.

Yate have five matches during March, and will be hopeful they continue to see increased gates at Lodge Road as they continue their push for promotion in the final two months of the season.

Yate Town fixtures (All Saturdays at 3pm) March 2: Slimbridge (home) March 9: Larkhall Athletic (away) March 16: Cirencester Town (away) March 23: Paulton Rovers (home) March 30: Barnstaple Town (away) Other matches at Lodge Road March 6 (Weds), 7.30pm: Yate Town Youth v Bristol Manor Farm Youth March 13 (Weds), 7.30pm: Yate Town Youth v Clevedon Town Youth March 20 (Weds), 7.30pm: Yate Town Youth v Elmore Youth March 26 (Tues), 1pm: Bristol Rovers U23 v Southend U23

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yate&sodburyvoice

March, 2019

45

n SPORT

Sodbury drop down table after defeats TWO heavy defeats in a row have dented Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club’s hopes of challenging near the top of the table.

The First XV lost 40-0 to table-toppers Chew Valley, a team that hadn’t lost since early September and who are in a fight with Midsomer Norton for the top spot in the league.

Sodbury also suffered a heavy reverse at home, losing 36-5 to a Cheltenham team who are second from bottom of the league.

The side have now won just one out of their last five games in a poor start to the new year.

The only bright moment in that run was a 33-10 win at Barton Hill. That win was helped on its way with a first try of the game for Gavin Edgar, which came from a lineout on Barton Hill’s 10m line.

But in a flurry of Sodbury confusion, Barton Hill re-took the lead. Sodbury were down a man after a yellow card and

Chipping Sodbury’s Gavin Edgar goes over for a try against Barton Hill.

Photo: Paul Rubery failed to get to grips with Barts from a 5m scrum. The game was soon tied at 10 apiece, when Jon Cook stroked over his first penalty of the afternoon.

On the half an hour mark Sodbury scored again, Cook providing an injection of pace

and Edgar grasping the perfect pass before he bounced one defender then skipped past another for his second try.

Two more penalties added to Sodbury’s tally and then from a scrum on Barts’ 10m line, Edgar came charging off the wing to

register his hat-trick under the posts. Cook’s boot converted easily to take his personal haul to 18 points.

Sodbury will be hoping that they can finish the season with more wins like that.

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yate&sodburyvoice

46

March, 2019

n SPORT

Racketeers wish Penny a happy 70th A YATE sports club is celebrating the achievements of their coach, who is still going strong at 70.

For the last 30 years, Penny Shears, pictured, has

been coaching badminton for the young members of Yate Racketeers Junior Badminton Club. Not only that, she is still playing herself and even representing her country.

Sue Blackmore, from the club, said: “Penny is a fantastic role model for the young players; she is still going strong and very much enjoying playing herself for a local Bristol club, also representing Avon County and England, winning medals at

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“Jess Hopton, a young England player, started her playing career at Yate Racketeers. Penny and the coaches are very proud of Jess

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“The children and helpers wish Penny a very happy birthday.”

Anyone between the age of six and 18 interested in playing badminton can find out more about the club online at yateracketeers.weebly. com.

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