Yate & Sodbury Voice March 2023

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SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

New council budget delivers quality services and invests in future

South Gloucestershire Council’s new budget for 2023 to 2024 sets out investment plans of more than £838 million (gross) on services, over £132 million on capital and infrastructure projects, and allocates more than £267 million to schools, training and early learning in the district.

These are tough financial times for the council, as they are for all residents and businesses. Global forces have driven an increase in costs, reduced income and growing demand for services but thanks to sound management of public money in recent years with a focus on delivering efficiencies and value for money, South Gloucestershire is better placed than most other councils to deal with these pressures. That’s why parking remains free in all council-owned car parks across the district and why an extra £1million is going into ensuring the road network is properly maintained.

Investing in priority areas

Investing in schools and educational attainment has been the council’s top priority over the past few years, and the measures contained in the budget will enable this to continue in 2023 and beyond. The budget also commits to taking decisive action to tackle the climate crisis, invest in South Glos high streets to support local businesses, and to deliver vital infrastructure projects.

Your council is investing in:

• an extra £1 million for highways maintenance to improve some local roads earlier than planned.

• continuing the new Street Enforcement Service for a further two years to tackle environmental crimes, such as littering and dog fouling, following a successful pilot

• £1.5 million to deliver further progress on the council’s response to the climate emergency

• supporting some rural bus services to continue while work is done across the region on transport options

• allocating a further £500,000 to help local people with the cost-ofliving crisis. It has also made money available to deliver a fast-tracked affordable housing delivery service.

View from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Toby Savage

WELCOME to this special edition of The Voice in which we bring you news of our new budget, the upcoming local elections, and details of cost-of-living support.

These are difficult financial times for the council and for our residents and businesses. I am very pleased that we have been able to produce a budget that continues to deliver the quality services that local people appreciate and rely upon. We will receive more than we anticipated from Government. This means that we can limit Council Tax rises and continue to deliver on our top priority, for all our young people to have the best possible start in life. It’s great to see our schools’ performances going from strength to strength. There will be local elections in South Gloucestershire this May for district along with parish and town councillors. If you are not already, you must be registered to vote. For the first time, you’ll also need to take an accepted form of photo identification to vote at a polling station. Find out more and how to get help on page 3.

I’d like to thank The Voice, a wonderful local business, for a great partnership over the past few years. If you would like to get our latest news by email, please sign up for our weekly newsletter. You’ll find details on how to do this on page 3.

Cllr Steve Reade with the Road Maintenance team

Street Enforcement team and street cleaner

Investment in major projects and in young people

As well as delivering day-to-day services and support, your council will continue to invest in major infrastructure programmes and providing the best start in life to our young people. This includes:

• More than £37 million towards new primary and secondary schools in Lyde Green

• Over £14 million to improve Castle and Marlwood school buildings

• £3 million to increase the number of new homes for children in care to help them stay close to their local communities

• Nearly £3 million for a new community centre at Ladden Garden Village in Yate

• £2.7 million for community facilities in the east of Emersons Green

• More than £6.7 million to continue the re -

Services maintained

Public consultation took place on draft budget proposals, which helped refine the plans to ensure they reflect community priorities.

Combined with work by council officers, the following services will continue:

• the proposed increase in the garden waste subscription, from £30 to £55 will no longer happen

• the council will support Christmas light

generation of Kingswood High Street and surrounding area, including the Whitfield Tabernacle restoration

The council’s direct funding to local schools will increase by £15.2 million (8.1 per cent), with funding for children with additional needs rising by £5.2 million (11.5 per cent). The minimum funding for each pupil will be at least £4,405 for each primary school pupil and £5,715 for each secondary school child.

The continued investment in South Glos’s young people’s education, both at primary and secondary, is getting results. In December 2017, 72 per cent of students attended a good or outstanding school. By December last year (2022) this figure had risen to 90 per cent of students.

displays next year for areas that will become parished this year

• StreetCare Operations & Support Team which carry out road and grounds maintenance will not be reduced

• Members’ Awarded Funding and Area Wide Grants, which provide support to many local community groups and activities, will not be cut

• the Carers’ Grant will be maintained next year while work continues on a cross-party basis to develop an improved package of support

for carers

• planned CCTV upgrades in Chipping Sodbury will be brought forward to next year

• funding for the Taxi Marshal service will be maintained in response to local concerns about community safety.

Balancing the budget

All local authorities in the country are facing financial challenges and the council will implement changes to services to reduce costs by more than £24 million. This will in part be met by increasing income through fees and charges for services that are eligible. The council is also preserving some bus services using council reserves, much of which can only be spent on certain activities. These services include the 84/85 and 622 routes on an interim basis while work across the region continues on transport options

Preserving some bus services

Cllrs Toby Savage, Erica Williams and Ben Burton with members of South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Learning & Skills team.

Matt's Paralympic dream

Tribute to Geoff

A CONDUCTOR who led Yate Choral Society for more than 50 years has died.

PAGE 15

£100+ on council tax

A TYPICAL council tax bill in the Yate and Sodbury area will rise by more than £100 from next month.

PAGE 6

Mast protest

Parents battle to save centre

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a centre for children with special educational needs and disabilities that is set to close.

The unit at Chipping Sodbury School serves families from across the area, including Yate, Westerleigh and further afield.

A 10-year contract with South Gloucestershire Council expires next year and the Athelstan Trust, which runs the school, says it cannot renew it

because its funding has been slashed.

In a letter to parents, head teacher Katherine Turner said the £40,000 the school used to receive per pupil had not increased over the last decade and that it now faced being left with a base of just £15,000 per pupil, which is not enough to meet the children’s needs.

Turn to page 5

A MUM-of-three is threatening to stage a sit in protest on the site of a proposed 5G phone mast in her village.

PAGE 12

Ofsted praise

A 'FRIENDLY and welcoming' Yate school has been praised for its praised for its hard-working pupils and leaders' ambitions for them.

PAGE 9

Members of Chipping Sodbury RFC are staging a 24-hour tournament to help a Coalpit Heath man pursue his dream of representing his country in wheelchair rugby. Full story: Page 11

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April deadline

Our April edition deadline is March 22.

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Dyson gallery delayed

VACUUM cleaner tycoon Sir James Dyson has had to postpone plans to open an art gallery at his home near Chipping Sodbury.

Sir James and his wife Lady Deirdre Dyson met in 1966 while studying at London’s Byam Shaw School of Art.

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Over the years they have built up a collection of painting and sculpture including works by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

Two years ago the billionaire couple were given planning permission to build a gallery at their Dodington Park estate home.

Some neighbouring residents had raised concerns about the effect of visitor traffic on nearby narrow country lanes, but it was approved by South Gloucestershire Council planners.

Council leader Toby Savage wrote in support of the application, saying it would "be a very exciting string to the bow of local tourism".

At the time the project was intended to be finished in time to open this year, with the public allowed access for 28 days a year.

But a spokesperson for Sir James told the Voice the opening had been delayed until next year.

They said: “Due to not unusual planning and building delays, we are now looking to open the gallery in 2024.”

The Dysons' architects Wilkinson Eyre told planners the gallery would be "a generous philanthropic gift for the enjoyment of the public", putting the “extensive” art collection on public display for the first time.

They described the setting as a walled garden at the edge of the couple’s estate, adding: "Various historic, listed features of the garden are preserved and enhanced by the gallery design, including original brick walls and a cottage all dating from the eighteenth century.

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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A member of the

"The structure is designed to be low key but modern, discreet and in tune with its surroundings. It is comprised of ground and basement levels and is based on a grid of steel columns clad in bronze panels chosen to echo the tone of the surrounding brick walls."

Architect's image of the gallery. Picture: Wilkinson Eyre.

Centre closure would be 'absolute disaster' for families

From page 3

The council is blaming the academy trust for the closure, but opposition groups say the fault lies with the council's administration.

Parents campaigning to save the unit, which currently has 12 pupils with autism spectrum disorder, appealed directly to political leaders at a council meeting on February 15, speaking passionately about how vital it was for their youngsters.

One parent said: “It’s an absolute disaster for the children and their families.

“There are no local sites that can meet these young people’s needs. Having to travel long distances is unthinkable for many who have extreme anxiety."

Another parent said: "My young person has no physical disabilities but needs a high level of support.

"He wasn’t considered disabled enough for some placements, and not independent enough for others.

"The Access Centre bridged that gap. Without Chipping Sodbury, children like mine won’t be able to go to school."

They were joined by local child psychologist Sean Rhodes, who works with children with autism and communication

difficulties.

He said: "Where will these children go for their education? We already know that there is no space at other bases and centres, or in our special schools."

A petition aimed at keeping the centre open has received more than 1,000 signatures.

It says the unit is set to be hit by new "Banding and Safety Valve agreements", aimed at increasing “value for money” in specialist provision.

Athelstan Trust chief executive Tim Gilson said it was a “horrible situation” caused by a lack of funding to the council from central government for

Man dumped uncle's rubbish in lane

A YATE man has been ordered to pay a total of £1,228 after dumping rubbish he had collected from his uncle in the town.

South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted Santiago Pablo for waste offences following the discovery of a fly-tip on the side of Watery Lane last July.

Council workers cleared the rubbish and found papers relating to an address in Alveston, which turned out to belong to Pablo's uncle. Environmental enforcement officers visited and he told them the waste had been taken away by his nephew.

After failing to attend an earlier court hearing, 29-year-old, Pablo, of Cater Drive, was arrested on warrant and brought before Bristol Magistrates Court in January.

He pleaded guilty to the offence of failing in his duty of care and was ordered to pay a fine of £480, along with £500 in costs, a further and £56 in clear up costs, and a £192 victim surcharge, making a total of £1,228.

He had told council staff he had removed the waste from his uncle's address as a favour and then paid an acquaintance £20 to take it away.

The council urged anyone who sees illegal fly tipping to report it by contacting the council’s StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos. gov.uk/flytipping online.

pupils with special needs and disabilities.

The council's cabinet has blamed the trust for the closure.

Cabinet member for education Erica Williams said: “This decision by the trust came totally out of the blue.

“We asked the trust to come to the table. The trust refused to come to the table.

“We don’t see why there is any reason for it to close –through the banding changes there will still be sufficient funds for that access centre to remain open.”

But opposition groups say the the fault clearly lies with the council administration.

Liberal Democrat group leader Claire Young told the meeting: “The parents will have almost certainly had a long battle to get their child into the centre, and now when they thought they had the answer they see it being snatched away.

“It’s a disgrace that this council is risking the education of some of its most vulnerable children and I urge a rethink.”

The petition can be found at change.org/p/save-chippingsodbury-access-centre.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A campaign poster produced by parents of children at the centre in Chipping Sodbury

Average council tax bill to rise by more than £100

A TYPICAL council tax bill in the Yate and Sodbury area will rise by more than £100 in April.

South Gloucestershire Council has agreed a 4.99% increase - the maximum allowed without calling a referendum.

The council's basic charge for services in the median Band D is rising from £1,647.66 to £1,727.98 - £80.32 higher than last year.

But the authority says that when the amount it charges residents of different parishes for 'special expenses' - for any maintenance it does of neighbourhood facilities such as parks, open spaces and bus shelters - is added, the average Band D bill for its services will be £1,752.11, a figure £87.47 up on last year's equivalent.

But special expenses charges vary between areas, as do the precepts charged by town and parish councils - the more services provided, the higher they are.

In areas covered by Yate Town Council, the parish precept has topped £200 for the first time this year, a £9.54 increase. Special expenses charges in the parish are up by £4.72.

In Sodbury Town Council's area the Band D precept has decreased by 1p this year, although South Gloucestershire's special expenses are up by £3.62.

Sodbury has increased its budget by nearly £9,000, but extra new homes built in an area add extra taxpayers to the tax base, which can give a council enough extra money to not need to raise the precept.

Dodington Parish Council's precept is £3.93 higher than last year, while special expenses in the parish are up by £4.47.

Elsewhere, Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath, Rangeworthy and Iron Acton parish councils have all been able to decrease their precepts.

Council tax bills also include charges for the region's police and fire services.

The Avon & Somerset police precept for Band D taxpayers is rising by £15 (just under 6%), from £251.20 to £266.20, and the Avon Fire Authority charge will rise by £5 (6.4%) in Band D, from £77.95 to £82.95.

When all of the increases are added up, overall Band D bills will rise by £114.58 for Yate Town Council residents, £103.93 for Sodbury and £108.72 for Dodington.

South Gloucestershire Council's spending plans comprise £287 million for day-to-day services, £132m on major capital and infrastructure projects and £267m to schools, skills and early learning.

They include an extra £1m for road repairs, solar panels for all council buildings and funding for a new Street Enforcement Service to tackle environmental crimes.

Council leader Toby Savage said: "I am pleased that we are able to set a budget that builds on our hard work in previous years and which continues to deliver on our priorities for residents and businesses across South Gloucestershire."

The Conservative

Band D council tax bills 2023/24

*Total bill is parish and special expenses charge, plus South Gloucestershire, police and fire charges. Figures from South Gloucestershire Council

administration accepted ideas from opposition groups at the budget-setting meeting on February 15, with Labour securing a dedicated enforcement officer to ensure private rented homes are brought up to minimum standards and the Liberal Democrats winning backing for action on climate change and the cost-of-living crisis, with initiatives to help residents and businesses cut emissions.

Plans to increase green bin charges from £30 to £55 and cut the streetcare team and Chipping Sodbury taxi marshals were withdrawn ahead of the meeting. But some council services are being reduced and charges increased, to plug a £24m shortfall and balance the books for the next three years.

Opposition councillors warned that many of the savings are “hidden” behind reviews that need working through rather than finalised proposals.

Lib Dem spokesperson for corporate resources Jon Lean said: "In a time of rising prices for all and even the increasing use of food banks, this budget removes support for some of the people most in need in our area – cuts to the preparingfor-adulthood service, cuts to the opening hours of One Stop Shops, cuts to well-being services that promote healthy lifestyles."

Meeting report by Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Street marshals saved after pubs unite for campaign

CHIPPING Sodbury’s night-time street marshals have been saved – thanks to a campaign by the town's Pub Watch group.

The traders attracted more than 900 signatures to an online petition, after South Gloucestershire Council said it was considering cutting funding after more than a decade of operation.

The uniformed marshals patrol on weekend nights when the town’s pubs host thousands of revellers.

They deal with anti-social behaviour, noise pollution, vandalism, drink driving, and drugs.

At the eleventh hour, the council's ruling Conservative cabinet decided not to go ahead with a proposal to withdraw funding, so the marshals have been extended for another year.

Local bar manager and Chair of the Pub Watch group Gabby Davis, who started the online petition said she was pleased with the change of heart.

Her campaign highlighted that losing the marshals would especially put women at risk, as they left venues late at night.

She said marshals had prevented unsuspecting women getting into unlicensed taxis, prevented drink spiking and waited with lone women awaiting lifts.

Gabby said: “Street Marshals make Sodbury safer for businesses, residents and people

Ear Wax Removal

visiting our town at night time. Losing this service would have put people at risk.

"The service they provide is so vital, not just for the residents but also for the business owners in the area.

"They are there for a lot of different things like a first response for first aid and they are also checking on public amenities.

Gabby said Chipping Sodbury

was fortunate to have a busy weekend night time economy, and street marshals were a vital part of that.

She said: "The consequences of not having these marshals on the street could be big, but we won't know that until they are gone, so I am pleased they will be staying."

South Gloucestershire’s ruling Conservative group said the contract with provider Safe and Sound will continue for another year.

There are also plans for improved CCTV in Chipping Sodbury.

Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge Liberal Democrat ward councillor Adrian Rush said: "This was a badly thought out proposal – CCTV will never compensate for an actual person on the ground.

"The street marshals have been invaluable in supporting businesses and provide reassurance for residents and visitors alike."

Foot Clinic

More than 900 people signed a petition against the cuts. Picture: Chipping Sodbury Pub Watch.

Striking teachers picket schools

MORE than a thousand teachers in South Gloucestershire left their classrooms for the picket line as part of a national strike over pay and education funding.

Members of the National Education Union walked out on February 1, with many schools closing to all but vulnerable pupils or those in care.

Picket lines were set up outside many primary, secondary and special schools, including Yate Academy.

Many teachers then went to a regional rally in Bristol city centre, which was joined by other public sector workers and supporters. Organisers estimate it was attended by up to 6,000 people.

The strike left thousands of parents having to make arrangements to look after children given an unexpected day off school, with more planned for March 2, 15 and 16.

NEU South Gloucestershire representative Lee Everson, who is a teacher at Winterbourne

Academy, said: "We understand parents are in a difficult position, because it's particularly inconvenient to provide childcare, but many can see this is not just about teacher pay, it's about providing enough resources for their children's education.

"People who went out on the picket lines were surprised by the level of public support."

He said many teachers were "at the end of their tether", with

pay not keeping up with the cost of living and "scarily high" rents facing younger teachers in the area.

Lee said the latest pay offer of 5% was not funded by the government, which meant it would have to come from school budgets already under pressure due to rising costs.

He said: "Expectations have never been higher, with the pressure of Ofsted reports, exams and league tables, but

there's no resourcing to justify the pressure. People are being asked to do more with less."

Lee said teachers hoped negotiations can be reopened.

The Department for Education said offers of 8.9% for new teachers and 5% for experienced staff were made on the recommendation of an independent pay review body and are "the highest pay awards in 30 years" for teachers.

The government says it has answered union calls for increased funding, claiming that "by 2024-2025 schools will be funded in real terms at their highest level in history".

A DFE spokesperson said Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and unions had recently discussed issues including workload reduction, recruitment and retention, adding: "The Education Secretary instructed officials to hold further detailed talks with unions and committed to more talks ahead of planned strike action."

The picket line at Yate Academy. Picture: NEU South Gloucestershire

Praise for 'friendly and welcoming' Yate school

A YATE junior school has been praised for its hard-working pupils, school values and ambition

The Ridge Junior School has been given a 'good' rating in its first Ofsted since the pandemic disrupted education across the country.

The school in Melrose Avenue has 240 pupils aged seven to 11.

It was inspected last November 2022 and the report, published in January, found the school to be 'good' in all areas - the fourth inspection since 2009 when it has been found to be either good or outstanding.

Inspector Ben Jordan said in his report that pupils seem to enjoy attending a “friendly and welcoming” school.

He said: “They understand the importance of following the school’s values of ‘respect, inclusion, drive, growth and empowerment’.

"Pupils know how these values help them be polite, hard-working and understanding of others.

“Leaders are ambitious for what all pupils can achieve."

The inspector said the school prioritised reading and the maths curriculum is "carefully planned and sequenced,” adding: "Teachers explain new concepts clearly. They ensure that pupils have time to consolidate the mathematical knowledge they learn."

He also praised the special educational needs and disabilities provision, saying support for pupils was good they were able to access the full curriculum well.

Staff were well-trained to spot safeguarding risks and there are "effective systems in place to deal with bullying".

The inspector recommended that efforts were made to ensure all subjects were consistently taught, saying improvements needed to be made in subjects including history, to speed progress.

Head teacher Phil Boult, who has been in charge of the school for the last 13 years, said the report was a validation of the hard work of his staff team.

He said: "It was a pleasure to have another really positive experience and outcome.

"The pupils were magnificent and the parental engagement with the Inspector was strong and supportive.

“Looking ahead The Ridge has a number of exciting initiatives to take us into the future so we can continue to provide high quality education for our school community."

Chair of governors Max Reed said: "This outcome was particularly pleasing as key staff had only recently come into post, and is a testament to the quality of leadership and expertise at all levels within the school since the last inspection.

“The governors will be considering along with the school leadership team the suggested areas for development. Action planning is already in hand to address these.”

Staff and pupils at the Ridge Junior School celebrate their 'good' rating

Club helps Matt chase wheelchair rugby dream

A WHEELCHAIR rugby player from Coalpit Heath is hoping a fundraising event will bring him closer to his dream of playing for the GB team.

Matt Badman, aged 28, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to get about.

But to play the sport he needs a made-tomeasure rugby wheelchair, which costs about £3,500.

When players at Chipping Sodbury rugby club heard, they organised a 24-hour touch rugby marathon to raise money.

They hope the tournament will add to Matt's own fundraising, to enable him to buy the chair.

The event will be held on May 19 at the club's home ground at The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury.

Matt said: “I am really grateful for it - I didn’t expect anyone to help.”

He started playing three years ago after his girlfriend persuaded him to give it a go.

Matt said: "I didn’t look back and I love it now. Wheelchair rugby is quite a brutal game – it’s fun, though, and is great for relieving anxiety.”

Matt plays for Taunton Gladiators, because there are no wheelchair teams nearer home.

He said: “I am trying to fund raise for

my own personal made-to-measure rugby wheelchair, so if I get into a higher level I don’t have to rely on a club chair any more, and can travel to play and not borrow one.

"My ambition is to play for Team GB in the Paralympics.

“Club chairs are not made to measure, so can be uncomfortable - literally a pain in the backside.”

The fundraising marathon has been organised by Lucy Lawson, a former Chipping Sodbury player who is now manager of Chipping Sodbury Touch Rugby team and one of more than 30 players.

She said the Chipping Sodbury team all wanted to help a fellow rugby enthusiastand she hoped that one day the club could have a wheelchair rugby team of its own.

Lucy said: “He was looking for sponsorship from the team and I thought maybe we could go much further than that, in the spirit of rugby.

"The touch rugby team is newly set-up and we are very inclusive, encouraging many different people to play.

"We set it up as an outlet for people who could not play any more – it started with some retired people who can’t play contact rugby any more, but we have seen new people who have never played rugby, aged from 14 to over 60."

The Chipping Sodbury marathon has a Just Giving online fundraising page at bit. ly/3Sr8RL6.

Matt's own fundraising page is on Gofundme at bit.ly/3YUs626.

Flexible working to fit around you and your commitments.

A commitment to your development and wellbeing – receive training and support to equip you with the skills you need to succeed.

Access to a range of full NHS benefits (including generous holiday allowance and pension).

We’re here to support you - Health and wellbeing for our colleagues is at the forefront of everything we do.

Matt Badman using a borrowed chair at Taunton Gladiators, the wheelchair rugby club he plays for

Mum threatens protest over new phone mast

A MOTHER-of-three from Wickwar is threatening to stage a sit in protest on the site of a proposed 5G phone mast in the village.

Lucy Pond says the 18m (59ft) mast, proposed by CK Hutchinson (UK) Ltd, on land beside the High Street, will be just yards from her garden.

She has written objections on South Gloucestershire Council’s online planning portal, and emailed council planners to say she is worried about the health impact of masts on her children, who are aged three, five and seven.

Lucy said: “This is abhorrent. I am still flabbergasted someone thought this should happen in the centre of a beautiful village.

“I am more than happy to sit on that piece of grass in a tent until the application is pulled.”

At the time of going to press, 103 comments had been posted on the planning portal – 101 of them objecting.

Wickwar Parish Council has also objected to the mast, which would be capable of hosting up to six antennas.

Many people commented that the mast would be an imposition in a conservation area.

Resident Helen Hall said in her

submission: “This mast is completely out of keeping with the historical high street.

"It will be an eyesore as you enter the village and will overshadow people's homes. Surely there are more appropriate sites, preferably not by the roadside here?”

Others suggested alternative sites.

Dan Trickey said : “Existing mast sites by Wickwar Quarry, Hall End or even

Hutchinson's existing site on Station Road would be far more suitable for this mast.”

Hutchison's proposal document says the mast would be near to other “large linear structures within the surrounding area of the site, including lighting columns, telegraph poles, a flagpole and mature trees".

The company, which runs the 3 mobile network, said: “Such structures will ensure, along with the existing cabinets on the grass verge, that the proposed installation will assimilate with the existing street scene without causing significant impact to visual amenity and local character.

"The design of the column resembles as closely as possible to other vertical structures within the immediate area such as lighting columns, telegraph poles and a flagpole."

The company has submitted documents from the Institution of Engineering and Technology and industry group Mobile UK which says 5G meets the same safety standards as existing 3G and 4G signals.

One supporter, Philippa Crocker, said: “Fantastic. Anything to improve reception in Wickwar.”

Details of the plans can be found on South Gloucestershire Council’s planning website by searching for application P23/00410/PN1.

An image from the application compares the height of the mast (top ringed in blue by the Voice) to the tops of trees and homes (marked by red lines).

Pre-school's hard work is recognised

CHIPPING Sodbury Pre-school manager Lauren Perry has won plaudits from Ofsted for her “inspiring and passionate” leadership.

The pre-school, based in the Scout Hut at the Ridings School in St John's Way, was given 'outstanding' ratings for its leadership and management, and children's behaviour and attitudes, after the education regulator visited in December.

The pre-school, which caters for 28 children aged two to four, was judged to be 'good' in all other areas, and 'good' overall.

Ofsted inspector Charlotte Adcock said Lauren was “an inspiring and passionate leader”.

The report said: “She is highly committed to the continuous development of the preschool.

“The manager shares her vision with her competent team of staff. She values the knowledge and enthusiasm that the staff bring to the provision and cares deeply about their well-being. “

The report praised staff for being excellent role models, who “enthusiastically join in with the children's play and spontaneously develop their learning”.

The inspector said: "There is a clear focus on independency in the pre-school. Children enjoy making decisions about their own self-

care and needs.

“Children's behaviour is exemplary. Children show high regard to staff and each other, demonstrating exceptional behaviour.

“They politely speak to each other during play, sharing and taking turns. Children display excellent positive attitudes to learning. They are impressively self-sufficient and keen to do things for themselves. “

The report, the first by the watchdog since 2017, said staff monitor children's learning

and development closely, and have a deep understanding of what the children in their care need to do next to move on in their development.

The inspector said: "Parents speak highly of the staff and comment that their children make good progress.

"They report that staff go 'above and beyond' to know the children so well and meet their needs."

The inspector found children had plenty of opportunity to access fresh air and exercise, and spend as much time as possible outside, in all weather.

She said improvements could be to support children's communication skills even more and help quieter children to enable them to participate actively.

Lauren said: "We are absolutely delighted with being graded 'good', with two areas of 'outstanding'!

“The team work really hard to ensure the children receive the best care, and I am very pleased that this has been recognised in the outcome of the inspection.”

A pre-school committee spokesperson said: “All the staff go above and beyond to provide child-led learning through play, in an amazingly fun and supportive environment.”

Chipping Sodbury Pre-school children display the latest rating

Wanted: councillors

THE Yate and Sodbury area's councils need a key ingredient this year - the councillors who will make the decisions.

In this year's local elections on May 4, all 61 seats on South Gloucestershire Council and a total of 492 town and parish council seats across the district are up for grabs.

The elections come around every four years and are a chance for adult residents of an area - whether a member of a political party or independent - to win a place representing their community and helping decide how public money is spent.

Anyone who would like to be a parish or South Gloucestershire councillor can get nomination papers now - they can be submitted between March 27 and 4pm on April 4.

To be nominated as a candidate, you need the signatures of two residents on the current electoral register for the ward you want to stand in.

Unlike parliamentary elections, you do not need to pay a deposit to stand as a candidate.

There are 17 seats to fill on Yate Town

Your name in the ballot box?

Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service

Council: nine in its North ward, six in Central ward and two in South ward.

Sodbury Town Council has 15 councillors - five each for its Chipping Sodbury North East, Chipping Sodbury South West and Old Sodbury wards.

Dodington Parish council also has 15 seats to fill - eight for the North West ward, four for North East ward and three for South ward.

There are 15 places on Frampton Cotterell Parish Council - five each in its Central, East and West wards.

The newly-renamed Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath Parish Council has nine councillors to elect, seven for its Coalpit Heath ward and

two for Westerleigh.

Iron Acton has nine councillors to elect in two wards - five for Iron Acton and four for East ward.

Other parish councils in the area do not have separate wards: Rangeworthy has five councillors, Wickwar has nine, Horton has five, Hawkesbury and Charfield each have nine and Cromhall has seven.

There are fewer seats but more power and responsibility for members of South Gloucestershire Council, where three seats are up for grabs in the Yate North ward, plus two each in Yate Central, Dodington, and Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge.

Frampton Cotterell ward, which includes Coalpit Heath, Iron Acton, Rangeworthy and Tytherington, elects three councillors, while Boyd Valley, which includes Westerleigh, elects two and Charfield one.

South Gloucestershire Council is encouraging anyone who wants to make a "real difference" to consider standing for election.

The council is holding briefing sessions for prospective candidates at Kingswood Council Chamber on March 6 and 9.

For more information about becoming a candidate, visit beta.southglos.gov.uk/ stand-for-election, call 01454 863030, email electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk or write to Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DB.

STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Yate Choral Society has announced the death of the group's conductor, Geoff Wickham BEM. Janet Hazelby pays tribute.

IT is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of our conductor, Mr Geoff Wickham BEM.

Geoff led the choir for over 50 years and we held a grand Gala concert in 2022 to celebrate his 50th anniversary with the choir.

Geoff was an accomplished musician, running other choirs and working with the Bristol Operatic Society as well.

It was for all these years of work in the Bristol music scene that he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2021, for services to music in Bristol.

Geoff was also a gifted composer, and his most recent work was Life on a North Devon Farm, which was dedicated to his wife, Hazel, who sadly died in 2019.

This piece was the highlight of the 50th anniversary concert.

Geoff studied conducting with George Hurst, Michael Rose

Tributes to Yate Choral Society veteran conductor

and Louis Halsey, and had been Conductor of Yate Choral Society for 50 years.

He was also Musical Director for 14 years of Bristol Catholic Players, for productions of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas.

As Conductor of Bristol Cathedral Choir School Choral Society for the past 10 years, he conducted them in concerts in Krakow, Dubrovnik and Budapest. He also enjoyed conducting them when they joined with other choirs to form a 200-strong choir in the cathedral.

Geoff conducted many musicals for Bristol Musical Comedy Club and Mercury Players, such as Camelot, Sweet Charity, A Little Night Music and Mack and Mabel.

He wrote choral pieces, musicals, and incidental music for the stage.

Recruiting Now

The Abbeyfield Gloucestershire Society is an independent living charity which provides sheltered housing for people over the age of 55.

We pride ourselves in making our houses, homes. We can’t do this without a staff team who are willing to go the extra mile for our clients.

Abbeyfield Gloucestershire is always on the lookout for excellent staff.

We have roles for anyone who can provide fresh home cooking for our clients and take a genuine interest in their lives

We are also on the look out for volunteers who can provide IT support, befriending services, activity coordinators, gardening or any special skills you might want to share with our wonderfully curious clients

We have houses in Chipping Sodbury, Cheltenham and Prestbury.

For more information please get in touch with our General Manager, Stacey, on 07368 135 025 or email us on hello@abbeyfieldglos.org.uk

Although as a teacher he was always heavily involved in school music, he was head of chemistry at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital School in Bristol and part-author of a science textbook.

Geoff has left a big gap in the hearts of the choir members and also a big gap for the choir itself, as we now seek a versatile musician to take on Geoff’s role of conducting the choir, planning our concerts programmes and organising and conducting an orchestra for our main choral works. While we continue the search for Geoff’s successor, the choir plans for a charity concert in May led by one of our gifted members, Carol Cook, who is planning a programme of classical and light music for this concert, the proceeds of which will go to a charity to be chosen by Geoff’s daughters.

Geoff Wickham BEM

HERITAGE CENTRE

David Hardill looks at office life in some of Yate's past workplaces.

WHEN planning exhibitions in a local and social history heritage museum, it is very tempting to revert to tried and trusted themes, which have proven popular over the years.

Yet we often ignore themes which affect greater swathes of the population. One such example is the office.

The office has been the working hub of so many lives throughout modern times, and the development of technology, communication and service industries has ensured that the office has pride of place in many of our working lives.

Yet it rarely features in any historical museum display, unless physically preserved from some distant era.

Office life and culture is certainly worthy of study.

Before the 1960s and 1970s, the Yate office was altogether more formal.

In the Parnall (Yate) and Newman factories along Station Road, people knew their places, and strict formality prevailed.

Even by the late 1960s, Pam Withers at Newman Industries recalled the traditional formality continuing in the typing pool. All

Life in the 20th century office

the managers in the offices were still addressed as “Mr” or “Sir”.

By the 1970s, Jackson’s (formerly Parnalls) managers began to make changes to relax the formal atmosphere within their offices - with mixed results.

Joan Groves recalls these changes, as younger managers asked older office staff to address them by their first names.

Although it was well intentioned, it could engender suspicion from staff used to more clear-cut formalities and divides. It was, however, the sign of things to come.

In larger industrial organisations there was often an office and shop floor divide.

Newman Industries was no exception. Although the offices in the factory were far from plush, some office staff still saw themselves as a cut above the shop floor workers toiling in more extreme conditions.

The divide was accentuated by wholly different cultures. As Pam Withers recalls, you were surrounded by women in the typing pool one minute and then the next, you had to run the gauntlet of wolf-whistling men as you walked past the different factory shops along the main factory driveway.

Office technology in our local offices has undergone immense changes even during the last 20 years, let alone the last 50.

Pam Withers recalled using a manual typewriter in the typing pool at Newmans in the late 1960s. At the same time, Newmans Industries had installed an enormous computer, taking up much of a side room, in order to calculate staff wages.

In 1969, very few employees would have reflected on the significance of this machine, but that would soon change.

With historic office technology objects, we hope in our exhibition

Diary dates

March 14-23: The History and Culture of Ukraine, with histories and fine art displayed and created by our local Ukrainian group.

March 18: Ukrainian choral and traditional music, and historic talk. Noon-1pm.

March 21: Yate Lecture Series – Atkyns Gloucestershire. Alan Pilbeam looks at how the Gloucestershire landscape has changed over time since Atkyns survey in 1700, starting at 7.30pm.

March 25-May 10: Exhibition - The Office.

to tell the story of the everchanging office. Should anyone have any office technology from the pre-1990s, we

would

love to hear from you. The Office is at Yate Heritage Centre from March 25 to May 10.

Newman Industries Office in 1945 with basic technology. Posed photo, with Hilda Snell, aged 14, in the middle.

The Parnall typing pool, around 1963

More than 100 objections to solar farm plan

VILLAGERS in Cromhall say the area is in danger of being overrun by solar farms.

British renewables developer RES is applying to put up 125 acres of solar panels at Varley Farm in Talbots End, potentially providing electricity for up to 10,000 homes.

It follows approval last year for another large solar farm near the village.

More than 100 objections have been lodged against the Varley Farm plan on South Gloucestershire’s planning website, with 14 people writing in support.

One resident said there were already eight large-scale solar farms with five miles of the proposed site.

Paul Sadley said in his online objection: "The closest is a site with approved planning permission for a 167 acre solar farm, 1km south of this proposed site.

“Material consideration needs to seriously be given to the

cumulative effect and impact that this scheme would have when combined with the approved scheme in Wickwar.”

Cromhall Parish Council has also opposed the plan, saying it takes a huge area of land out of farming production, and would affect wildlife.

Objector Julie Cragg said the solar panels would be “an ugly encroachment on our rural landscape” and result in the destruction of wildlife habitats.

Developers RES say that after a public exhibition last summer,

they made changes to the design to meet local concerns, including reducing the impact of construction traffic.

A spokesperson said: "A number of changes have been made to the design to ensure the solar farm fits sensitively into the existing landscape, whilst maximising the low-carbon, lowcost electricity generation.

"Changes made include siting infrastructure further away from residential properties, and increasing the hedgerow height in areas to reduce potential

visibility."

RES says Varley Solar Farm would produce green electricity for nearly 10,000 homes and contribute £80,000 in business rates every year.

The company says the plan includes planting native trees and over 1km of new species-rich hedgerows, plus the installation of bird and bat boxes, hedgehog houses, reptile hibernacula and invertebrate hotels.

Among the comments supporting the application, Isabel Flawn said: “Based on the location of the proposed solar farms, only a few houses will even be able to see the panels, compared to the many that can probably see, smell and hear the cows currently there.

"It's obvious that the benefits grossly outweigh any possible, small and temporary negatives.” The application can be viewed on the planning section of South Gloucestershire Council's website, by searching for reference number P22/07114/F.

A solar array similar to those planned at Varley Farm. Picture: RES

Pride at the pre-school parents love

A PRE-SCHOOL that has been supporting families in Yate for more than 40 years has been judged as 'good' in its latest inspection.

Phase Five Pre-school, based in St Nicholas Family Centre, in Chargrove, was praised by regulator Ofsted for having a clear and ambitious curriculum, and promoting learning through the children’s interests.

The pre-school, which is run by a committee of local people, caters for up to 24 children, aged two and three.

The inspection, carried out in December, found the preschool to be “good” in all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.

Inspector Vicky Burns said children showed good levels of curiosity, engagement and a positive attitude to learning.

Her report said: “They have opportunities to be physically active and learn outdoors.

Yate Town Council Update

“Children negotiate space, playing on balance bikes and building on their skills and coordination. Children listen to staff, focusing their attention. Staff promote a positive learning environment.”

The report said parents spoke highly of the setting, communication was good and they felt well informed and supported.

The inspector said: “They value the choice to enter the setting at drop-off and pick-up times, and staff regularly update

parents about their children's learning.

"Parents are actively involved, regularly sharing interests in the home. They comment that 'we love it here,' and that it is 'very friendly' and they 'can't fault it'.

"Children show high levels of independence. Staff support children to complete tasks, for example getting changed into their outdoor shoes before transitioning to the garden.”

The report said staff clearly identify children with special educational needs or

disabilities, liaising with parents, professionals and the local authority to support them.

The inspector said that to improve, Phase Five should further develop staff knowledge of behaviour management, so they use a more consistent approach to supporting children's understanding of positive behaviour.

Manager Kate Smoothy said: "We are all very pleased with our recent Ofsted rating of good, and are excited to share our news.

“I am extremely proud of everyone and the way that we work so well as a team, meaning that we can offer the best standard of care to all of our children."

Phase Five committee chair Matt Pritchard said: "I am so proud of all the staff.

"They put their heart and soul into the pre-school and the children in their care - this is validation for all of the hard work that they do."

EVENTS IN THE PARK 2023

Yate Town Council, in conjunction with Friends of Kingsgate Park, is delighted to announce that we will be hosting;

• Easter Egg Extravaganza! (Egg hunt & bonnet competition)

- Monday 10th April 2023 from 10.00am – 12.00 noon;

KINGSGATE PARK SPECIAL!

We have some very exciting up-and-coming projects and events all at Kingsgate Park. This special article highlights what you can expect to see in 2023!

Coronation Sculpted Bench

To mark King Charles III Coronation, it was agreed by the Environment & Community Committee to commission a sculpture to be made out of a tree in Kingsgate Park.

During an assessment of the tree stump, it was discovered that unfortunately the tree was diseased, so had to be felled, and it is now planned to create a commemorative bench.

The felling of the tree was the first step in the project and since then, members of the public were asked, via social media, for ideas of what could be carved into the tree to make the commemorative bench.

The next step of the project is to pinpoint the exact location where the bench will sit and finalise the design with local artist, Andy O’Neill.

• Yate Rocks! (Community music festival) Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th June;

• Carols in the Park - Friday 8th December 2023.

Kingsgate Park Play Area Refurbishment Update

Following the announcement of the refurbishment of Kingsgate Park back in summer 2022, Yate Town Council is proud to report we are making good progress! We have:

• Sourced quotes for the refurbishment of the muchloved timber play equipment, we aim to confirm the order for these works in February 2023, for works to commence in Spring 2023;

• Sought quotes for the refurbishment of the MultUse Games Area (MUGA), to resurface the court and rebuild the walls;

• Placed an order for a replacement zip wire, due for install in Spring 2023, ahead of the main timber refurbishment;

• Released a tender opportunity for new equipment in the under 5 area.

To keep up to date with these projects, events and all things Yate! follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, visit our website or contact us at info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk

n LOCAL MP

Good news for commuters

TRAINS from Yate to Bristol and to Gloucester will soon be running half-hourly rather than every hour.

Our town is growing. We have more homes, more cars on the road and house new and large employers, with people travelling across the region to work in Yate.

But our railway services have never quite given us what we need and haven’t kept up with the pace of change in Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

One service an hour in each direction, often with too few carriages, means it just hasn’t been practical enough to be an option for many residents.

Since being elected in 2015, I have campaigned relentlessly for half-hourly services from Yate to Bristol and Gloucester.

I have taken the issue to Parliament, South Gloucestershire Council, the West of England Combined Authority and Rail ministers more times than I can remember.

And together, we

demonstrated through my ‘Get Yate Moving’ surveys and increased passenger numbers, that there is significant local demand to increase the train services from Yate to Bristol and Gloucester now.

Progress often felt too slow, but we did move the campaign forward a couple of years ago when the government funded the track changes at the Bristol East railway junction at Temple Meads that we needed to make halfhourly trains possible.

In January, I held a debate in Parliament to put pressure on GWR and ministers to finally deliver this vital service for our community.

The Rail Minister confirmed that services between Yate and Bristol and Gloucester will be doubled to two trains per hour from the May timetable change. It was brilliant to hear.

Half-hourly services will make rail a more viable option for many people locally, reducing journey times, taking cars off the road and reducing emissions.

It is excellent news, and I want to thank everyone who has supported this campaign over several years.

It’s taken some time, however it’s a key part of our positive plan for transport in South Gloucestershire, and I am delighted we are almost there.

Of course, the frequency of train services is not the only transport priority we face in South Gloucestershire.

Fighting for our local bus services and improving our roads remains a key part of our local plan, however we must make progress with other forms of transport which provide invaluable links to health services, schools, and employment at the same time.

We are making progress. We have built the Park and Ride, reinstated the right-hand turn from Heron Way onto Kennedy Way and protected the Southmead Hospital bus link from Chipping Sodbury.

Severn Bridge tolls have been

scrapped and cycling routes enhanced.

But there is more to do. I am now pushing to deliver Junction 18A onto the M4, re-open Charfield station, fight to improve the frequency and reliability of local bus services, and to provide for more safe cycling routes for our towns and villages.

Together we can make South Gloucestershire an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Hippodrome date for talented Marienella

AN actor and singer from Yate is returning to the area to perform on the region's biggest stage.

Marienella Phillips has landed a role in an internationally acclaimed touring production of The King and I.

She is currently travelling the UK and Ireland with the production cast of 50, visiting 18 regional theatres with nearly 150 performances.

Reviews have described the show as “firstrate, sumptuous” and "too beautiful to miss”.

And it comes to the Bristol Hippodrome from 28th March to April 1.

Marienella, a 28-year-old former pupil of Tockington Manor School, studied at Bristol University and the Royal Welsh College of Music in Cardiff.

She is playing the role of Tuptim, a teenage servant of King Mongkut, in the Bartlett Sher touring production.

She said: “I'm in a very beautiful show with a company full of astonishingly talented people.

"I'm honoured to be a part of this company and to follow in the footsteps of many wonderful Tuptims, including my big-time role model Lea Salonga - you are a queen and if you like this, I will faint.”

Marienella's mum Nell, from Yate, told the Voice her whole family were excited that her singing career is taking off.

She said: “We are extremely pleased for her.” Marienella auditioned last year for a role in the multi award-winning Broadway production of the show, which has been running in the UK and US since 2015.

The story is set in 1862 and features British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens who arrives in Siam to instruct the royal children.

The production by New York based Lincoln Theater Center stars Helen George, best known as Trixie in the hit BBC One series Call The Midwife, as Anna, and features songs including Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance.

Last year Marienella was chosen to sing the National Anthem before 50,000 rugby fans at Twickenham for the England versus Japan match in the Autumn Internationals.

She has also performed in Shakespeare’s Henry V in London's Covent Garden, alongside Kit Harrington, who is best known for his role as Jon Snow in the TV series Game of Thrones.

For more details on the show visit kingandimusical.co.uk.

Marienella Phillips in costume

Make time for your mum

WHEN I was a student, I worked in a florist's.

Getting ready for the rush of Valentine’s Day, I remarked to the florist that this must be her busiest day.

“Oh no," she said, "it’s Mother’s Day - because everyone has a mother.”

And of course, it’s always good to spoil all the lovely mums.

Much has been said about the commercialisation of Mothering

Sunday.

So why not do something different and make your mum a gift, instead of wafting your credit card about?

Nothing says “I love you” like a home-made gift.

I’ve come up with something novel: how about home-made granola? Maybe served in bed, on a tray with a single rose?

It’s delicious, and so easy to make that anyone can do it.

All you need is an attractive jar (try the pound shop or the supermarkets), store cupboard ingredients, and half an hour of your precious time.

To all the mothers out there –well done! I hope you enjoy your day.

Marvellous Mothering

Sunday

granola

Makes 2 large (1.5 Litre) Kilner jars of granola

Ingredients:

Jumbo Porridge Oats – 6 Cups

Seeds – e.g. sunflower, pumpkin – ¼ Cup

Nuts – coarsely chopped – almonds, pistachios, walnuts, Brazils – 1 ¼ Cups

Wheatgerm – ¼ Cup - optional

Flaxseeds – ¼ Cup- optional Favourite spice e.g. cinnamon, mixed spice - ¾ tsp

Sweetener – e.g. honey, agave nectar – ¾ Cup

Extra virgin olive oil – 1/3 Cup Vanilla - 1 tsp

Egg whites-3 free range, large Dried fruit e.g. sour cherries, cranberries, raisons, apricots, pears, dates – coarsely chopped - 1 cup

Here’s what you do:

Preheat the oven to 190 C, fan180C, Gas Mark 5

Spray 1 or 2 rimmed large baking sheets with oil of your choice, and spread out the granola mixture evenly between the 2 sheets. Put all dry ingredients, apart from the dried fruits, into the tray/s. Whisk in the sweetener, vanilla and the olive oil.

With a fork, whisk the egg whites until slightly frothy. Add this to all the other dry ingredients in the tray/s.

Stir until the oats are evenly coated.

Bake for 20 minutes and stir 2 or 3 times, moving the outer edges to the centre of the baking sheet so everything cooks evenly. Oven temperatures vary, so don’t go out!

Keep an eye on it and if it browns too much at the edges, gently stir those parts into the middle.

Remove from the oven and add the dried fruits of your choice. Stir until well combined.

Cool completely in the trays. Then store in airtight containers.

'Appalling' conditions at women's jail slammed

EXTRA staff are being moved into Eastwood Park women’s prison after a damning inspection report found some cells were “appalling and dilapidated”, with walls splattered with blood.

Inspectors said acute staff shortages at the jail near Falfield meant prisoners were spending “far too little time” out of their cells.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor, who led the inspection team, said: "No prisoner should be held in such conditions, let alone women who were acutely unwell and in great distress."

He said one experienced inspector described the treatment and conditions of women in one houseblock as the worst that he had ever seen.

Eastwood Park houses 348 adult female prisoners and young offenders, ranging from women on remand awaiting trial to inmates serving indeterminate or life sentences.

The 11-day unannounced

inspection in October last year was carried out by a team of 21 inspectors, including educational, health and social care experts.

In a 70 page report, published in February, Mr Taylor listed 20 concerns, including rating the prison at the lowest possible grade for safety.

He said: "There had been four self-inflicted deaths since our last inspection and rates of self-harm were very high and increasing. Many women told us they did not feel well cared for.

"The number of times force

had been used against women had increased significantly, and we were not confident it was always used as a last resort.

"Leaders had been too slow to reintroduce support to help women maintain relationships with their children, families and significant others."

He highlighted Houseblock Four, which contained cells that were "appalling, dilapidated and covered in graffiti".

He said he was also "deeply concerned" for the welfare of staff working in a challenging environment.

The previous inspection in 2019 made 10 recommendations about key concerns.

Since then only three had been achieved, two had been partially achieved and five had not been achieved.

A Prison Service spokesperson said the report was “deeply concerning”.

The spokesperson said: “We are already addressing the serious issues it raises.

“We are providing additional staffing, creating a new taskforce dedicated to improving the safety of women at the prison and are performing maintenance work of the areas mentioned by the Inspectorate.”

Extra staffing would include moving staff from other local prisons, the spokesperson said.

The taskforce had already recruited psychologists to assist delivery of enhanced support to women with the most complex needs, funded better support women in the early days of custody, and piloted a new model of staff training.

Inspectors shared pictures of 'dilapidated' cells at Eastwood Park

Can you help repair the clock?

PARISHIONERS in Old Sodbury Church are appealing for help to set their church clock ticking again.

The 11th century church is a central part of village life, having hosted countless services, including baptisms, marriages and funerals, and has close links with the nearby village school.

It is also a popular stop for people walking on the Cotswold Way.

Fundraiser Joy Fussell said: "Can you help us put the tick tock back in our clock?

"The clock is of particular interest as it is over 130 years old.

"It was installed in the tower in 1887 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

"We believe it was made by John Moore of Clerkenwell, London.

"It has two clock faces on the south and west facing walls of the tower.

"Until fairly recently it was a fully functioning clock, used by locals and visitors alike.

"The hands' movements now need to be refurbished to return the clock to good working order."

The parishioners are looking for £1,500 to find the repairs and have set up an online donations page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/ TickTockCanYouHelpOurClock

Donations can also be made by cheque, made payable to Old Sodbury PCC (marked church clock on the back) and posted in the church's donation box.

Any extra funds raised will go towards the fabric repairs of the church.

Brian and Doreen on their wedding day, 70 years ago

for Doreen and Brian

A COUPLE from Coalpit Heath had an extra-special celebration on Valentine’s Day – marking 70 years of marriage.

Doreen and Brian Lealan were married on February 14 1953, and celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary surrounded by scores of family members spanning the generations.

They’ve even had an official congratulations card from King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, and appeared on the BBC's Points West news programme.

Doreen, aged 88 and Brian, 91, met at a works dance when they both worked for industrial company William Butlers in Bristol.

They married at Holy Trinity Church in Kingswood, but had to change their wedding plans twice - first when Brian was called up for National Service and then when Brian was ill on the

rearranged date of February 7.

The big day was postponed a week, only for a huge blizzard on the morning of the 14th to put it at risk again.

Doreen feared the wedding would be cancelled for a third time. She said: “I thought everywhere and everyone will be snowed in. But thankfully the snowstorm passed, it stopped snowing and by the time we set off they had cleared the roads of the snow and it was OK.”

The wedding went ahead, but afterwards Brian had to return to the Army and Doreen returned to live with her parents in Bristol.

She said: “I was working, and obviously Brian was paid for his National Service so we were able to save up and look for a house.

"There was still rationing then - we were all still coming out of the war, really - but it gave us the chance to save up and get our own home.”

The couple had three daughters, and now have seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

Doreen said: “It’s lovely because almost all of the family live close by, so we’re a close bunch.”

One of their daughters, Tracie Bennet, thanked people for their kind messages and all who attended the platinum wedding party at the Miners Social Club

in Coalpit Heath.

Doreen says she and Brian have had 70 very happy years. She said: "We’ve had our arguments the same as everyone, and it’s hard bringing up children, but if you have a row you’ve got to make up - there’s no point holding grudges for too long.

"I think as you get older you get more tolerant, and it’s lovely to get to 70 years."

Doreen and Brian Lealan with their daughters at their platinum wedding party

A HISTORIC ruin unearthed by a retired Olveston teacher and amateur archaeologists from Thornbury has featured on popular BBC history programme Digging for Britain.

The TV show, fronted by Professor Alice Roberts, joined local archaeologists and Bristol University experts unearthing the mystery of a 12th century hunting lodge, and its role in a period of history described as "19 years of hell" by an academic.

John Wilson-Smith, a former teacher at Castle School in Thornbury, bought the woodland site near the village when he retired, because of his love of nature.

He was intrigued by maps that showed an old chapel there, and in 2011 asked Thornbury Museum Archaeology Research Group, headed by Roger Howell, to take a look.

They realised it was an ancient hunting lodge – used by wealthy people 700 years ago.

John said: “The archaeology team from the museum have been working hard for 12 years – and have unearthed more than 5,000 items.

Lodge's dark history in the TV spotlight

“It is a key Norman site that fell into disrepair after 1300 AD, and has been undisturbed since.

“I am keen local people know this was a hugely important place at one time, with a lot going on.”

The dig site has been adopted by Bristol University academic Dr Stuart Prior, who also features on the Digging For Britain TV series as one of their expert investigators – replicating some of the ancient skills linked to archaeological finds, like making old coins and producing salt.

Dr Prior said that, over the years, finds at the site have included coins minted for kings Henry I, Stephen and Henry II, along with spearheads and cannon balls.

He said: “It all suggests it was a high-status building involved in the Anarchy period of history, in the 1100s.

“This was 19 years of hell – when battles raged across the country between Henry I’s daughter Matilda, and her cousin Stephen, who were rivals for the throne.”

The site has won three years' funding to continue being used by Bristol University’s HARP programme, which provides undergraduate students with

practical archaeological skills and experience.

Dr Prior said the university’s public engagement programme also meant that in the future more amateur archaeologists could become involved in the dig. The site appears on Digging for Britain series 10, episode 4, which is available to view on the BBC's iPlayer service.

Digging for Britain presenters Prof Alice Roberts and Dr Stuart Prior at the archaeological site near Olveston. Picture: Dr Stuart Prior

Prof Roberts talks to a student team working on the site.

Picture: Dr Stuart Prior

Praise for nursery after first inspection

AN inspector has praised the work of an Iron Acton day nursery to encourage the independence of its "happy and confident" children.

Little Ducklings, at One Pool Farm in Dyers Lane, had its first ever inspection from Ofsted in January, having registered with regulator Ofsted in 2021.

The regulator said the nursery, which caters for up to 52 children aged under four, was 'good' in all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.

Ofsted inspector Marie Swindells said children are eager to enter the nursery each day.

Her report, published in February, said: “They separate from their parents, and staff greet them warmly, which enables them to settle quickly. Older children follow routines independently and organise their belongings on arrival.

“Children are happy and confident. They spend a

prolonged period in self-chosen activities, indoors and outdoors. Staff skilfully support them."

The inspector said children learn Makaton signing, which enhances their interactions with each other, with children confidently using signs for 'more', 'please' and 'thank you'.

Children are encouraged to develop a love of books and reading, and to explore mathematics through play.

The inspector said staff know the children well and are good

role models for them.

Staff at Little Ducklings day nursery celebrate their 'good' rating from Ofsted

She said: "Staff talk to the children with respect and are attentive to their care needs.

"For example, staff ask if the children would like help getting their shoes on, or if they would like help cutting their snack, and then they wait for a response.

"This encourages the children's independence and supports their emotional wellbeing.”

However the report recommended that noise levels

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FREE SKILLS SUPPORT?

should be addressed to make it easier for children to ask for help, and group sizes could be reduced during some activities.

The inspector said a strength of the setting was the commitment to ensure all children are included and supported.

She said: "Children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) receive the early help and support that they need.

"Children with SEND willingly engage in the wider range of small-group sessions that staff provide. They are developing increasing confidence to engage with their peers and to seek comfort and support from staff across the nursery."

Manager Marie Sims said staff were "proud" to achieve a good rating.

She said: "We are now working towards our Curiosity Approach accreditation and looking forward to developing our setting even more."

Workforce for the Future provides free tailored, in-depth support to help you ensure your employees have access to the skills, training and support that your business needs to thrive.

Our expert partners, who span a range of industries, will work with you to help identify these ongoing skills needs and deliver the necessary training to help you invest in your current and future workforce.

Inner Wheel Club of Chipping Sodbury

OVER the past month, our members have demonstrated the three main objects of the organisation: promoting friendship; encouraging the ideals of personal service and fostering international understanding.

We began with a private cinema event at the Armadillo Centre in Yate with Rotarians, family and friends.

A cream tea was provided before we watched, and enjoyed, Where the Crawdads Sing.

A few weeks later a few of us met up at one of the lovely cafes in our area for coffee, cake and chat.

Members have helped out in our local community at the Tea Dance in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall and across the road at the regular Memory Cafe in the Baptist Church.

Every year the club organises a lunch for members and friends to raise money for an international charity.

These used to be known as Frugal Lunches, but they’ve become increasingly less frugal over time and so have been renamed an International Lunch.

The charity chosen by our District is Mary’s Meals, which has been providing a meal at school for more than 2.4 million children worldwide.

With news of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, we were so pleased to discover that Mary’s Meals were already working in Aleppo, Syria, feeding 5,000-plus children daily, and were quickly able to use local connections to give help where it was so desperately needed.

The profit from our lunch and a bring-and-buy table mean that we can send £460 to the charity. We didn’t manage to eat all the food bought for lunch, so the non-perishable leftovers were donated to the local foodbank.

This event combined all of Inner Wheel’s objectives - we had fun with friends and helped both an international and local charity.

To contact us email chippingsodbury@innerwheeldistrict10.co.uk.

Liz Pattison

Dan back on factory floor to celebrate firm's 50th

METRO Mayor Dan Norris went back to the factory floor at the Yate plant where he had one of his first jobs.

Mr Norris worked in the then DRG plastics factory’s thermoforming division in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Now known as Sharpak Yate, the company is celebrating 50 years in business and looking to the future with a new and improved apprenticeship programme.

Sharpak Yate is a leading manufacturer and supplier of food packaging in the UK, supplying trays for fresh produce and ready meals to the poultry and hospitality sectors.

Managing director Mark Dennis introduced the mayor to one of their current apprentices and together they watched a video of the past 50 years of operation, looking out for any shots of Mr Norris on the factory floor.

n PHARMACY BLOG

The Metro Mayor has regional responsibilities for training and jobs.

He said: "I’m glad I wasn't on an early - I never liked those 6am starts!

"The place has really changed with the times. I’m impressed

Looking after your eyes

HUMAN eyes are amazingly able to differentiate approximately 10 million colours.

Did you know the phrase ‘‘in the blink of an eye’’ is because the eyes are the fastest muscle in the body?

The most common eye problem people visit a pharmacy for is conjunctivitis, or red/pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. It rarely affects your vision.

Common symptoms include redness, contagious pus, itchiness, wateriness, a burning sensation and a gritty feeling.

Conjunctivitis is generally caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or, particularly affecting babies, a partially-blocked tear duct. Symptoms usually last up to ten days and should completely clear up within two weeks.

Infective conjunctivitis can be contagious for up to 14 days from the start of symptoms.

It is essential to help ease your symptoms and stop the spread of conjunctivitis by: washing your hands regularly, especially after touching your eyes; cleaning any sticky discharge from your eyelids with cotton wool soaked in boiled and cooled water; place cool compresses on the affected eye(s) to ease symptoms.

Always store eye drops as directed and discard them as instructed –usually 28 days after opening - by returning them to a pharmacist for safe disposal.

Do not: rub your eyes; share towels, pillows or utensils; allow anyone else to use any ointment or drops you are using or wear a contact lens until symptoms have gone and treatment has been completed for 24 hours.

We can recommend and provide antibiotic eye drops, including for children under 2 years: seek an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if a baby less than 28 days old has conjunctivitis.

Also, speak with your GP if your symptoms have not cleared up after two weeks, you experience pain in your eyes, sensitivity to light, changes in your vision, very red eyes or spots or blisters on your eyelids

with the way they have embraced environmental issues and led the field in producing recyclable materials in their products.

"We all want convenience sometimes, and it’s good to know that it comes at less of a cost to the planet than it used to.

"I salute their commitment to apprenticeships as a route for young people to employment."

Sharpak Yate is holding an open day for anyone interested in becoming an apprentice on April 10. For more details call 0333 006 8000.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris and Sharpak managing director Mark Dennis on the factory floor

Dan Norris with apprentice Lewis Skardon HR director Angela Jones, engineering supervisor Isaac Staples and operational manager Mark Dando.

n YATE LIBRARY

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

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

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

Reading group ‘Have You Read’, to enjoy tea and a chat with like-minded book lovers, takes place every fourth Friday in the month, from 10.30-11.30am.

Craft Group meets on March 4 and 11, from 10am-noon, for tips on knitting, sewing or crochet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The library is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 10am-5.30pm, Thursday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 9am-2pm.

Open access (unstaffed) is from 8am-7.30pm every day.

n WHAT'S ON

March 4

CRAFT AND GIFT FAYRE, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, Saturday 4th March 10am - 4pm Local Crafts, Papercraft Supplies, Gifts & Collectables, Cakes, Refreshments and More!

Voluntary Entrance Fee (20p) to be donated to The Friends Of Horton School. For more info, please email bythewoodsfayres@hotmail.com

March 13

n BRISTOL BUDGERIGAR SOCIETY Nest Feather competition, Little Stoke Baptist Church, Kingsway, Little Stoke. Visitors welcome without commitment to join. Further details from secretary Ron Ramplin at ronnie.ramplin@btinternet.com or 0774 874 0794.

March 14

GREAT WESTERN SOCIETY Bristol Group Meeting: Swiss Mountain Railways - Part 1 - Interlaken and Lake Brienz’ by Robert Heron. BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol, 7.30pm. Free entry, suggested £3 donation to cover costs.

March 16

n FOLK DUO Ninebarrow play at Horton Village Hall. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £18 plus booking fee, available online at www.ninebarrow.co.uk/horton.

March 26

n SODBURY TENNIS CLUB junior open day, 9am-noon. Fun tennis games and activities for children aged 4+, cardio tennis for parents. All sessions are free - more details from head coach Pete Caseley at coachcaseley@hotmail.co.uk.

REGULAR EVENTS:

Monday

n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class

9.30am. Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. A slowerpaced, mindful and lighter yoga in Chipping Sodbury with experienced teacher. Beginners Welcomed. Sodbury Masonic Hall, 1 Hatters Lane, Chipping Sodbury. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

n FLOW-IN YOGA WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga classes 6.15pm & 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow flowing yoga. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB meets every Monday,

7-9 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Painting, drawing, collage and many other crafts in a friendly informal setting. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412.

Tuesday

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

n SUNRIDGE GOLF CROQUET

CLUB meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Coalpit Heath and has players at all levels. Learn how to play, club equipment is available to use. To find out more contact croquet@wilko.eclipse. co.uk or call 07977 201440.

n SOUTH COTSWOLD PROBUS GROUP meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at Masonic Hall Sodbury, 10am. Contact Pete Chaplin for details. 01454 324956.

n YATE & SODBURY ART & CRAFT CLUB (POTTERY SECTION) meets every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7.30-9.30 pm at Ridgewood Community Centre. Tuition available. £5 per session. More information at yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly.com or call Roz on 07941 946412.

n YATE CHORAL SOCIETY rehearses at St. Nicholas' Church Centre, Chargrove, Yate, 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. For details call 07833 597114

n PUCKLECHURCH FOLK

DANCING CLUB, Pucklechurch Community Hall, Abson Road, every other Tuesday from 7.3010.15pm. All welcome, with a partner or solo. Call Alan on 07812 508396 or Linda on 07843 240414 f.

Wednesday

n LINE DANCE CLASSES AT RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, Wednesdays 9.30am to 12. Cost £5 No partner needed. A fun way to keep fit, reduce stress, improve memory and make new life long friends. Contact Gill 07837 784816, or FB gill.butler.90

chat, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit. Small donation requested to support church heating.

n BRISTOL SCRABBLE CLUB meets every Wednesday evening at 7pm until 10pm at Filton Community Centre, Elm Park, Filton BS34 7PS. New members welcome- first visit free so come along and give us a try. For information contact Sheila on 01179570792 or 07435316458 or email shinett@blueyonder.co.uk

Thursday

n GOLDEN OLDIES SING & SMILE SESSIONS, Cambrian Green Court, Wellington Road, every third Thursday from 10.3011.30am. Sing along to hits of the 50s onwards, chat and laugh with friends. £3 donation to attend. Call 01761 470006 for more details.

n YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA

Weekly Flow-in Yoga 6.15pm & Calm-in Yoga 7.45pm in Chipping Sodbury. Become more flexible, worry less and sleep better with an easy to follow yoga. Beginners Welcomed. Chipping Sodbury Sports Centre. From £6.00. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

n THURSDAY: EXERCISE AND SOCIAL FOR SENIORS

£5. Come and join us for a dose of weekly exercise! We aim to improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility in a fun and friendly environment. To register your interest please contact Adam Dyer on 07875503586. St Saviours Church , Coallpitt heath, every Thursday 10-11:30am Beesmoor Rd, Coalpit Heath, Bristol BS36 2RP

n BRISTOL MALE VOICE

n GENTLE YOGA-IN WITH NAZAMA Weekly yoga class 9.30am (term time). Easy to follow gentle yoga, ideal for back pain relief and joint issues. Book online www.yoga-in.co.uk or call 07804598353

n CRAFT MORNING, St Mary's Church, Yate, 10am-midday. Bring a project, get help learning something new or just come to sit and

CHOIR Always been keen to sing? Come along to our rehearsal nights, 7pm - 9.15pm on Thursdays in St Andrew's Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. No need to read music, no audition, just a voice test to establish whether you are tenor, baritone of bass. We cover many musical styles, enjoy singing in a great social vibe as we prepare for our regular concerts in local and national venues. From the Beatles to Mozart, from classical choruses to classic pop. Ffi : www. bristolmvc.org.uk ; facebook; or contact Steve: secretary@ bristolmvc.org.uk;or ring 07776447699; or 07587143

Good Afternoon Choir

YATE & Chipping Sodbury Good Afternoon Choir proved to be the champion fundraisers in the region for the community choir organisation.

The group, who meet every Wednesday and are led by Sian Walters, raised £3,000 for members' chosen charity, the Great Western Air Ambulance charity, last year.

It was the biggest single amount among a total of £22,389.90 given to organisations across the West of England by 24 Good Afternoon Choirs from Gloucester To Cornwall.

Founder Grenville Jones is a renowned choir leader and says singing "should be on prescription".

Grenville also runs two evening choirs, including the City of Bath Male Choir and the Welcome Chorus.

Good Afternoon Choirs sing

in the daytime and have with no auditions, with the accent on fun singing, making friends and supporting local organisations with fundraising concerts.

Events include Big Sings, when the choirs all join together, at Bath Abbey and Clifton Cathedral.

Grenville said: “Our choir members are now choosing the local groups they want to help this year.”

For more details on choirs

and rehearsal times visit www. goodafternoonchoir.org.

Yate and Sodbury District u3a

The game, if you haven’t come across it, combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is very versatile as it can be played indoors or out, singles or doubles and is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, making it well suited to senior players.

It uses square paddles and a plastic ball with holes.

Originally invented in the United States in the 60s, its popularity has now spread across Europe and Asia, and is definitely a hit with Yate and Sodbury District u3a members.

There are two groups running currently, and a waiting list for a third.

As u3a is run completely by its members, the pickleball groups are now looking for someone to run a third group - u3a provides plenty of help with setting up.

If you think you might be interested in this, or want to have a look at the range of activities available for people no longer in full-time work, have a look at Yate and Sodbury District u3a website: u3asites.org.uk/yate-sodbury.

Jean Crispin

PICKLEBALL is the new craze at u3a.

Yate & Chipping Sodbury Good Afternoon Choir raised £3,000 for the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity with their 2022 concerts.

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club

IN conjunction with the local branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, our club staged the third in a series of four tea dances on February 1.

Following the highly-successful tea dance in December, the latest event was again very wellattended, with approximately 90 guests present.

Once again the ladies of Chipping Sodbury Inner Wheel club laid on refreshments for the guests to enjoy, including homemade cake and scones.

The final tea dance for this season is scheduled for the March 1, again in Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, from 2-4pm.

In January our guest speaker gave a very interesting and thought-provoking talk on the James Webb Space Telescope, and how it compares with the wellknown Hubble Space Telescope.

On March 10, working with the Care Forum, we are planning an evening for Ukrainian guests to meet a broad mix of people in our community, to offer an opportunity for social and informative engagement.

Looking further ahead, plans are now firming up for our annual charity golf day on the May 12, at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club.

For further information, please contact Ian Joseph on 07788 924945.

On the social front, a number of club members and partners enjoyed a visit to the Armadillo Centre to watch the film When the Crawdads Sing.

Also, a dozen of our club

members visited members of the 41 Club for a highly enjoyable, if unsuccessful, quiz evening at the Lamb in Iron Acton.

Stuart Fraser

Yate WI

AT our meeting this month our speaker was from Yate Heritage Centre on Victorian Yate. We learnt how Yate looked over 100 years ago and how it developed from farmland, quarries and clay pits and who the influencers were.

We still have quite a few historical Victorian buildings around the area, Stanshawes Court being one of them, along with the White Lion.

Yate WI meet in the evenings on the second Monday of the month at Poole Court, except April,

which will be the third week due to Easter.

We endeavour to vary our monthly meetings and have a variety of activities, from speakers to simple games and demonstrations.

We always enjoy a hot drink, biscuits and general chit-chat.

Meeting in a small, cosy room means no-one is left out: making friends is our main aim.

We also meet in smaller groups for craft evenings, coffee mornings, supper club and, when the weather improves, local walks.

If you would like to join us, you will be assured of a warm welcome.

Please see our social media pages for more information, email us at yatewiavon@gmail.com or just come along to our next meeting at Poole Court on March 13, 7pm for 7.30pm start.

Sharon Bower

Sodbury named tennis club of the year

SODBURY Tennis Club has been named Club of the Year by Avon Tennis.

The LTA-backed award is based on criteria such as coaching, member and community engagement and opportunities to play.

The club at the Ridings, in St Johns Way, received the award in recognition of its inclusive approach to coaching for adults and juniors, the wide range of opportunities to play and links with local schools and charity groups.

Avon Tennis secretary Clive Sampson said: "The standard of entries this year was really high and I would like to congratulate all the winners.

"It is heartening to reward those who put so much effort into providing opportunities for others to play and enjoy tennis."

Sodbury runs a full coaching programme for adults and

children of all ages throughout the year and the coaching team works closely with local schools, with junior league teams.

Last year club members and volunteers completed a project to create a new games area, which includes a mini-tennis court, table tennis table, basketball net and tennis wall, to encourage more young people to participate in sport and create an area that can be used throughout the year.

The club encourages

members to participate in league tennis to develop their skills and now has one of, if not the largest entry in the Avon LTA leagues, with nine men’s and eight women’s summer league teams plus five mixed winter league teams.

There are also national league teams, internal leagues and a variety of club competitions, offering competitive play for members of all abilities.

There are also more relaxed

weekly social tennis sessions, including walking tennis, and the club has started working with charity Bright Ideas in Tennis to expand inclusive tennis for adults and children with learning, sensory and physical disabilities.

Club chair Kathy Ryan said: "For the club to receive this award is an amazing achievement. It is testament to the dedication of the volunteers from the membership, who give up their time to assist in the smooth running of the club to make it what it is.

"I would also like to mention and thank our members who contributed so much time and effort to construct the new games area that enhances the club facilities for everyone to enjoy."

The club will now go forward to a regional competition, the winners of which will be announced in April.

The club is running a free junior open day on March 26 from 9am-noon for children aged 4+ and their parents.

For more details email coachcaseley@hotmail.co.uk.

Ann Mora

Members of Sodbury Tennis Club in the games area

Andy steps down at Sodbury after 48 years

ANDY Shield first walked up the drive at Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club in 1975 - a memory that remains etched into his mind the best part of 50 years later, as he now steps down as chair.

In-between times, Andy served as quite probably the youngest secretary in Sodbury’s 160-year-plus history before also being fixture secretary and captaining both the Sunday First XI and Saturday 2nds.

For several years he was also vice-chairman to the late Jim Cowles, before taking over the hot seat in 2004 and helping guide Sodbury through times of great success, as well as the unique challenges posed by Covid.

Andy said: “I’m stepping aside with the club in good shape and with really good momentum.

"I like to think that there are strong foundations to build on for Jim Kendall who is the club's new chair and who I wish well as he takes the reins.

"It’s very satisfying to see our first XI back in WEPL after a break of several seasons, while our youth section is flourishing once again with a tremendous number of talented players also making their way into the senior sides.

“There is work to be done with our women’s and girls offering, but I’m confident that progress will be made to further make female players integral to our inclusive club.

"I'm still going to be around to help out when needed, and I'm continuing as chair of the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, a role I greatly enjoy."

Cricket – and the Sodbury club – has changed dramatically since 1975 when Andy recalls wandering over from a cancelled rugby match at the Ridings on a Sunday morning and bumping Jim Cowles, a family friend and the local milkman.

He said: “It wasn’t long before, thanks to Jim, I made

Training underway

CHIPPING Sodbury Cricket Club have launched their winter training programme for women and girls at Brimsham Green School.

The sessions, every Friday evening until March 31, are open to players of all ages and abilities.

The club is particularly keen to encourage the attendance of anyone who may want to try cricket for the first time, or who might not have played for a while and who want to return to the sport.

The cost is £5 per session. But new beginners can take advantage of being able to attend their first three sessions free of charge.

The indoor nets take place in the sports hall at Brimsham Green from 8-9pm.

For more information, email the club at: women@ chippingsodburycc.co.uk

Men's senior nets, meanwhile are at Chipping Sodbury School on Sundays, from 3-4.30pm for 1st/2nd team players and 4.30-6pm for 3rd/4th team players.

New players of all standards are welcome to attend, and the club is also holding a ground preparation weekend on April 1-2, with volunteers welcome.

For more details visit the club's Facebook page.

my debut for the Sunday First XI, away to CEGB at Portishead. I was out for a second ball duck but took a sensational running catch, and I was hooked.”

Andy was soon also playing for Sodbury’s first ever youth team, established by Jim Cowles, and persuaded at the age of 17 to become club secretary.

He’s been on committee ever since in one role or another, putting in thousands of hours of unseen work behind the scenes as well as playing in hundreds of matches as an attacking batter, occasional bowler and even more occasional wicketkeeper.

A Sunday century at Dumbleton, one of the most picturesque grounds in the country, is a treasured memory but he says his most satisfying achievement was helping drive the establishment of the fourth XI, in 2003.

Andy, who captained the side, said: “Our first match, away to Midsomer Norton Methodists, was a big day for the club and

helped pave the way for where we find ourselves now ... a strong club with two fantastic grounds and its heart in the local community, providing cricket to players of all standards, regardless of gender or age.

"We are lucky to have a fantastic number of dedicated volunteers who make all the difference to what we are trying to do, and I'll be doing my bit to continue helping too."

Steve Hill

Andy Shield

The Chipping Sodbury team competing in the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation's new Women's Indoor Softball League.

n SPORT

Poor run puts Yate back in trouble

A RUN of five successive defeats dropped Yate Town back into the Southern League Premier South division relegation zone.

February started with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Hendon, with the Bluebells coming back from a goal down thanks to goals from Ross Staley in the first half and Darren Mullings in the 82nd minute, in a match both side finished with ten men.

But three days later a 4-0 defeat at title contenders Truro City started a slump.

A trip to Hanwell Town saw the Bluebells go 3-0 down before half time, with Zak Drew's goal after an hour proving to be a consolation rather than the start of a comeback.

Yate went a goal up on promotion-chasing Poole Town in under 30 seconds at their next home game, thanks to a Ross Staley header, but the visitors replied a few minutes later and went ahead on the stroke of halftime before increasing their lead

on 75 minutes.

A debut goal for Rex Mannings, from 30 yards out, made it 3-2 but the Bluebells could not find an equaliser.

The loss of Ross Staley, who made a big impact after arriving

in January but has now left to play football in New Zealand, came before another club with play-off ambitions, Hayes & Yeading Utd, inflicted the fourth defeat on the bounce at the South West Interiors Stadium.

The visitors went 2-0 up before Alex Lambert pulled one back, but he would go on to miss a chance for an equaliser when through on goal in stoppage time.

Perhaps most damaging was the away defeat to another relegation-threatened side, Winchester City, who scored three minutes from time on February 21, after Alex Lambert had had an effort ruled out for offside.

The Bluebells have brought in further reinforcements to the squad: centre back Mike Baker, who played at Lodge Road during the 2017/8 season, has arrived from Frome Town, while midfielder Tommy Backwell and defender Callum Wood have arrived on loan from Bristol City.

Midfielder Rex Manning has signed from Bath City. His arrival is described as a "big signing" by the club, which says Manning had many offers from elsewhere.

Action from Yate's 3-2 home defeat to Poole Town. Picture: B.East Photography

The Heathers Nursing Home

Our aim is to give a high standard of nursing and personal care in a traditional, homely and friendly environment. The Heathers is a home of great character and charm. The interior architecture, with many of its original features, gives a perfect setting for the home comforts we aim to provide.

The Heathers Nursing Home is a privately owned, Grade 2 Listed Georgian manor house, situated within walking distance of the town centres of Chipping Sodbury, and Yate.

First Class Facilities and Support

• A history of providing 24 hour, high quality care in South Gloucestershire

• Each resident is unique to us and treated as such

• The home is small and family run, offering a highly personalised service

• Exceptional standards of cleanliness and hygiene

• Respite, residential care and day care available

• Special diets catered for by our expert Chefs

Get in touch and speak with our team, or arrange a viewing to see our facilities for yourself.

Aneesh – Registered Manager

• Julie – General Manager

www.3abcare.co.uk

Local elections in South Glos

Make sure you vote

Local elections will be held in South Gloucestershire on Thursday 4 May this year, for all 61 district councillors for 28 district wards, that make up South Gloucestershire Council, as well as 492 councillors for 50 town and parish councils. This includes deciding on the representatives for the newly created parish councils for Charlton Hayes, Stoke Park and Cheswick, and Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, along with the new town council for Kingswood.

Make sure you vote to have your say in how your local area is run.

Registering to vote

To vote in the May local elections, you will need to make sure you have registered to vote by the 17 April deadline.

You can register to vote on the GOV.UK website or contact the council by emailing electoral.services@southglos.gov.uk, calling 01454 863030 or visiting one of the council’s One Stop Shops where you can get a copy of the form to register or help from the customer service team.

Find out more on the council’s website southglos.gov.uk/vote

Did you know you now need photo ID to vote?

You will need to show photo identification (ID) when voting at a polling station. This is a new government requirement which will affect the South Glos local elections in May. Lots of photo IDs are acceptable, including some passports, driving licences, blue badges, and some bus passes. Check the full list of acceptable photo ID on our website. If you haven’t got one of these, or you no longer look like the photo on your ID, or the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You will need to do this by the 25 April deadline. You can apply for the certificate using the government portal.

Alternatively, the council can help you apply in person at its Badminton Road offices where someone can take your photograph and submit your application online for you. Call 01454

863030 to make an appointment which will be during normal office hours. Find out more about Voter ID on the council’s elections and voting webpages southglos.gov.uk/vote.

Postal votes

If you cannot get to the polling station on 4 May or if it is more convenient, you can apply to vote by post. Anyone can apply for a postal vote, but you need to apply before 18 April. You won’t have to provide voter ID unless you have lost your postal vote and need to be issued with a new one. You will need to complete an application form on the Electoral Commission page. Postal votes can be sent to your home address or to any other address where you’ll be staying on the day of the election, including abroad.   We can’t guarantee timings of post sent abroad so you may wish to register to vote by proxy so someone else can vote on your behalf. Find out more about postal and proxy votes at southglos. gov.uk/vote.

Could you be a councillor?

Why not stand as a councillor in South Gloucestershire? It’s varied, highly fulfilling and a great way to make a real difference, whether by supporting individual residents with issues or helping your local community by driving new ideas. You could represent local people’s views on a whole range of things from planning applications through to local services. People from all backgrounds and experiences who can reflect their communities are needed.

You do not have to be a member of a political party to stand for election - you can also be an independent councillor. Councillors receive training so you will receive plenty of support. You will be paid an allowance and you can work flexibly. There are a number of eligibility criteria that need to be met by anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for South Gloucestershire Council or one of the area’s parish and town

councils. Anyone wishing to stand for election must submit a nomination by 4pm on 4 April. Details and guidance on standing for election and nomination papers can be found on the Electoral Commission website.

For more information on standing for election call 01454 863030, email electoral.services@ southglos.gov.uk or write to Electoral Registration, PO Box 1953, Badminton Road, Bristol, BS37 0DB.

Difficulties paying bills? Your council can help

Many people are worried about the rising cost of living and prices, in particular energy bills. If you are struggling to pay your bills, you may be able to get help from your council. It is allocating a further £500,000 to help people with the cost-of-living crisis.

The council’s support includes grants to help with energy, other household bills and home insulation. It can help if you are having difficulties paying council tax. And your child may be able to get free school meals if you are on certain benefits.

If you would like to talk to the council and check what financial support may be available for you, call its freephone helpline 0800 953 7778 (open 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.30pm Friday). Alternatively, you can book an appointment at one of the One Stop Shops by emailing OSSAppointments@southglos.gov.uk. There is also lots of information on the council’s help with the cost-of-living webpage southglos.gov.uk/CostofLiving.