Yate & Sodbury Voice May 2019

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May, 2019 Issue 51

FREE EVERY MONTH IN YATE, CHIPPING SODBURY & SURROUNDING VILLAGES

This one’s for you, mum Jenny Thomas with her mum Rowena Knibbs.

Join the Relay for Life

A MUM who survived bowel cancer soon after giving birth after is urging people to get involved in this year’s Yate Relay for Life.

PAGE 5

Election guide

FIND out who is standing where you live in the local elections.

PAGES 7, 8&9

Mums raise £9,000

MUMS who opened a popup shop to help families using maternity facilities at Southmead Hospital have raised more than £9,000.

PAGE 15 A YATE woman has had her head shaved to raise money after her mother survived breast cancer.

Jenny Thomas decided to

help the charity which supported mum Rowena Knibbs when she was treated for the disease last year.

It is the second time Jenny, 35, has lost her locks to help Macmillan Cancer Support, Continued on page 3

Rocking again

DETAILS of this year’s Yate Rocks festival in Kingsgate Park have been revealed.

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Lib Dems stand by Louise

June deadline

Our June edition deadline is May 15.

Yate & Sodbury Voice contacts Richard Drew

Ken McCormick

Publisher and Editor

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Your views Letters for publication can be sent to us via email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk We reserve the right to edit your letter.

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

May, 2019

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LIBERAL Democrats are standing by a councillor who is standing for re-election after it emerged that she had once been spoken to by police investigating harassment allegations.

Louise Harris won a byelection in November last year for South Gloucestershire Council’s Dodington ward, polling 49 per cent of the votes cast, and is standing for reelection on May 2.

Ms Harris was interviewed by police towards the end of a 15-year stint as a councillor on Eastleigh Borough Council in Hampshire.

She resigned her seat on the cabinet in March 2015, citing illhealth, amid allegations she had harassed a fellow councillor by text and social media, and failed to attend cabinet meetings.

She received a “police information notice” over the matter. Such notices do not constitute any kind of formal

legal action and signing one is not an admission of wrongdoing.

Claire Young, leader of the Lib Dem group in South Gloucestershire, said she had “complete confidence” in Ms Harris.

She said: “Louise has demonstrated herself to be an incredibly active and dedicated local councillor since she was elected at the Dodington byelection last November.

“Since her election, she has had a perfect record of attendance at council meetings and has hit the ground running, introduced two important motions to council: one on preventing fracking and another proposing £2 million extra funding to maintain our neglected local roads.

Election preview: Pages 7, 8 &9

By Amanda Cameron, Local Democracy Reporting Service

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

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Jenny’s shave to honour mum’s cancer fight From page 1 which provides physical, emotional and financial support to cancer patients and their families.

But her previous fundraising happened before the “incredibly shocking” experience of seeing her mum diagnosed.

Jenny says her family is “relieved” that Rowena, 65, is now officially in remission.

She said: “Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in early May of last year after she noticed an unusual dimple underneath her breast.

“It was incredibly shocking, as I never thought anything like that would happen to my Mum and it just felt incredibly surreal.”

Rowena had a lumpectomy followed by five weeks of radiotherapy, which ended two days before Christmas.

Jenny supported her all the way through. She said: “I spent a lot of time with her talking about her fears and trying to put a positive spin on what was happening, and what would happen.”

After her treatment, Rowena had to have a biopsy on another lump, but it came back negative, and she’s now been signed off from check-ups for a year.

Jenny decided to undergo the Brave the Shave challenge again on April 13 because of the support her mum received from Macmillan’s leaflets after she was diagnosed.

Jenny before and after her shave The first time was in 2015, in memory of her grandmother, who died of breast cancer before Jenny was born. She also felt it was a way of supporting all the people she knows who’ve been affected by cancer.

Jenny admits that it was a “strange experience”, which she found enjoyable and exciting four years ago but this time left her feeling really nervous.

Jenny said: “I went to my current hairdressers Hannah's Hair Salon, in Brimsham Park, and Hannah let me shave the

first bit off, which was a really bizarre feeling.

“My husband was there taking photos and filming some clips, and all three of us were laughing and had lots of fun.

“As soon as it was done, I felt really relaxed and although I will be growing it out, I actually quite like the way it looks.”

Jenny wants to help other families in a similar situation, so being able to raise funds is really important to her. In 2015 she raised just over £1,000.

She currently has a

fundraising page and has had lots of support on social media.

She’s raised £640 so far through online and offline donations but hopes to bring in more.

Jenny said: “I would love to see the money go towards helping Macmillan support people and their loved ones when they are diagnosed and receiving treatment. It can be a very lonely time and that support can make a huge amount of difference.”

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Minor Injuries Unit opens for longer YATE Minor Injuries Unit is now open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, including bank holidays.

This is an increase from its previous hours which were 8am to 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and just the mornings at the weekend and on bank holidays.

X-ray services will also now be available seven days a week. From Monday to Friday the hours will be 8am to 7.30pm. At the weekend and on bank holidays the hours will be from 9am to 5.30pm.

Patients will also be able to get a GP referral to Yate MIU for an X-ray. Until now there have been no X-ray services at the MIU on weekends or bank holidays.

The move comes after consultation with residents who said they wanted longer hours. Local politicians of all parties have also been campaigning for the increase.

The unit provides walk-in treatment for minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, broken bones, scalds, bites, minor head injuries, and foreign bodies in the eye.

It isn’t able to re-dress wounds, review wounds, remove stitches or see any injury over two weeks old. It also can’t treat minor illnesses, such as earache, coughs and colds, and stomach ache.

The extended hours at the MIU are just one of a range of measures being introduced by the North Bristol NHS Trust to improve urgent care and relieve pressure on local A&E departments.

GP opening hours are also being extended and pharmacies are improving their advice to help people treat their own minor ailments.

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The Starbucks cafe in YateShopping Centre, pictured shortly before its closure on April 7.

Starbucks leaves Yate YATE’S Starbucks cafe has closed after a review of the business.

The coffee shop, part of the US-based global chain of 30,000 cafes, stood opposite the longer-established Boswell’s in Yate Shopping Centre.

Starbucks said reviews frequently take place to ensure “healthy business growth” across its stores.

Yate Shopping Centre Manager Andrew Lowrey said: “Unfortunately Starbucks have advised us that they wish to close their café at Yate and we believe that the company are closing a number of stores nationally.

“The shopping centre’s letting agents are marketing the unit and working hard to attract new retailers to the town.”

A recent article in Retail Sector magazine highlighted that the US based company is increasing its store closures in America to 150 a year, up from just 50, because of weak sales forecasts and a falling share price. But a spokesperson told the magazine that the move did not affect stores in the UK. Boswells is a smaller, UK based company, with most of its 17 branches in the West and South of England.

A spokesperson for Starbucks said: “We constantly review our store portfolio to ensure each of our stores contributes to a healthy business growth and can confirm that our store at Yate Shopping Centre has closed.

“We are proud of the teams’ involvement in the local community and grateful to all of our customers in the area for their loyalty over the years.”

Mr Lowrey said there were a number of retailers which had recently signed new leases committing to Yate for a “longer term”, although he was unable to publicly reveal which ones had committed.

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Get involved in Yate Relay for Life A MUM who has survived bowel cancer soon after giving birth after is urging people to get involved in this year’s Yate Relay for Life.

The event at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex has raised more than £500,000 for Cancer Research UK during its history and returns for a 14th time in July.

Participants sign up in a team of between six and 12 people and fundraise until the event takes place. The relay, with the theme Cancer Never Sleeps, sees teams take on the challenge of having at least one person walking around the track continuously for 24 hours, tagging others in their group to take their turn. Last year 40 teams took part.

Entertainment is provided all night, and families camp, setting up small stalls outside their tents to continue to raise funds.

Tina Angell, who is on the organising committee, started having symptoms aged just 22,

when her son was about nine months old.

She said: “I started off with tummy pains. They told me I was just recovering from delivery.

Then I noticed my appetite was going. I was losing weight, I was exhausted all the time, and my bowel habits were all over the place. I was even told that I had some strange form of postnatal depression and was imagining my symptoms.”

Tina was eventually admitted to hospital in severe pain, where doctors decided to do surgery to find out what was wrong. When a sample returned from the lab she was diagnosed with cancer.

After six weeks in hospital, Tina had five months of chemotherapy, surgery to remove a colostomy bag followed by months of recovery and can still end up in hospital 16 years on because the internal scar tissue can flare up.

Tina’s son is now 18 and about to do his A levels, while

Cancer survivors’ lap of honour at the Relay for Life in Yate

Tina Angell, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer when her son was just nine months old.

Tina is working hard with the committee to make sure that Relay for Life is as successful as ever.

She said: “Once people have experienced it for the first time they want to come back and do it again and they want to be a part of making it happen. Walking through the night, you have the most amazing conversations with people.”

The first lap is an opening lap by guests of honour who are cancer survivors, while at

the end there is a ‘candle of hope’ ceremony, where people remember lost loved ones.

Tina said: “It's so difficult to sum up how special and unique Relay is – having taken part in it a few times myself as a survivor, I can honestly say it's one of the most inspirational, humbling and moving things I have ever experienced.”

Relay for Life takes place on July 6-7. To get involved visit yaterelayforlife.org.uk online.

9 out of 10 get chosen primary school NINE out of every ten families applying for primary schools in South Gloucestershire received a place at their first choice school this year.

Figures for schools in the authority area have just been released by the council and show that, in total, 3,369 parents applied for places for their

children in September, up by 19 on last year’s total.

Of those, 2,864 or 91% received an offer from their first-choice school. That number is down on last year, when 2,925 or 92% or families received their first-choice offer.

Another 178 applicants received their second-choice

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school and 26 their third choice, leaving 301 offered places at schools they had not chosen on their application forms.

Of those, 60 were offered a place at the next nearest school to their home, leaving 241 having to travel further afield.

The council says all parents from South Gloucestershire who

made an application on time for a primary school place received one at a school somewhere in the area.

Although figures for every school have not yet been released, last year the most indemand schools in the authority area also included St Mary’s C of E Primary in Yate.

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May, 2019

Reading challenge buys more books for schools

New plastic recycling plan for Yate Tesco

PUPILS at Raysfield Federation Schools in Chipping Sodbury are celebrating after their reading challenge raised £1,500 for new books.

Children attending both infant and junior schools had to read as much as they could and record this on a log. Many were sponsored for their efforts, with those who read the most and those who raised the most rewarded with a small prize.

The challenge was organised by Lucy Shilcock, who runs a business selling Usborne books. She provided an extra 60% of funding in addition to the sponsorship money that was raised, resulting in the overall total of £1,510.

Infant school head Sarah Sheppard said: “All children are encouraged to develop a love of reading from a very early age.

“The sponsored read was a huge success, with a high number of children participating and large amount of money raised. The money has been well spent on collections of books and dictionaries to support the children’s learning.”

The junior school also chose topic books about the Romans, and some thesauruses. The infant school went for a selection of shared reading books.

YATE’S biggest supermarket is taking part in a pilot scheme which will enable customers to stop some of the most difficult plastics to recycle from going into landfill.

Soft plastics, such as crisp packets, sweet wrappers, plastic film, pet food pouches and any type of plastic bag cannot currently be recycled by local councils.

But a firm in Swindon has come up with technology to solve the problem, and it’s working with Tesco to collect the plastics in some stores, including the Tesco Extra in East Walk.

The company, Recycling Technologies, has patented a process to turn these specific plastics back into oil, which can then be used to make new plastic items. The pilot scheme is part of Tesco’s efforts to make all its packing recyclable by 2025.

The Yate store is one of ten in the Bristol and Swindon areas chosen to take part.

Tesco director of quality Sarah Bradbury said: “Reducing and recycling plastics is such an important issue for us, for customers and for the future of our planet.

“This technology could be the final piece of the jigsaw for the UK plastic recycling industry.”

Recycling Technologies’ chief executive Adrian Griffiths said: “This initiative with Tesco is designed to show there are solutions to recover this important material. Our goal is to double the UK’s capacity to recycle plastic waste by 2027.”

Tesco believes that 83% of all its packing can already be recycled.

If the pilot is successful and rolled out to all stores, it should be able to recycle around 90% of its own label packaging.

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Yate and Sodbury go to the polls RESIDENTS across the Yate and Sodbury area go to the polls in May to elect their local representatives for the next four years.

The elections on Thursday, May 2, are the first to be held since a change in ward boundaries, which has seen the total number of councillors cut from 70 to 61, with 17 wards abolished and nine new ones created.

The Chipping Sodbury and Cotswold Edge seats have merged, losing one councillor in

the process, while the Ladden Brook ward has disappeared, swallowed up by the expanded Frampton Cotterell and Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge wards.

Dodington ward has expanded, while Westerleigh ward has disappeared.

Overall, South Gloucestershire is now split into nine three-councillor wards, 15 two-councillor wards and four one-councillor wards.

South Gloucestershire’s ruling Conservatives had a majority of 10 on the old council but the

Rebecca Romaine and Rob Creer Chipping Sodbury & Cotswold Edge (two seats) Rob Creer, Conservative: “I have served on Sodbury Town Council for 7 years, and as a South Gloucestershire Councillor for Chipping Sodbury since 2015, more recently also as Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources. During that time I have campaigned to protect our library, supported projects like the Big Lunch and worked with many other community groups.”

Roger Frederick JahansPrice, Labour Ruth Mary Jahans-Price, Labour Rebecca Romaine, Conservative: Community minded, Rebecca always like to help where she can in the local area, and having been schooled in Chipping Sodbury, remains very active in the community.

She has recently helped out at the Chipping Sodbury Victorian Day, worked as an ambassador

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new ward boundaries and cut in overall councillor numbers, added to political upheavals since 2015, make the result of this year’s poll more difficult than usual to predict.

Residents on the electoral register should by now have received polling cards with the name of the ward which now covers their address.

If you haven’t had one yet, you can still vote, provided you are on the electoral register: call the council on 01454 863030 or email electoral.services@

southglos.gov.uk to check.

There will also be town and parish council elections across the area.

The Voice has asked all the parties contesting the election to tell readers about their candidates. We are including all the responses we have received over the coming pages in our ward election profiles, with candidates listed in alphabetical order.

Adrian Rush

Pat Trull

for the Global Poverty Project and set up a number of grass roots charities.

South Gloucestershire’s cuts.

Pat Trull, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Has lived in Wickwar/Yate for most of her life, and attended local schools.

Recently retired as Wickwar Parish Clerk after 18 years’ service. Works part-time at the Wickwar out of School Club.

Volunteer for Cancer Research UK Yate for 20 Years.

Passionate about Road Safety and is Chairman of Speedwatch South Glos.

Adrian Rush, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Attended Sodbury School and has lived in Chipping Sodbury for 35 years. He has been the South Gloucestershire councillor for Chipping Sodbury twice.

He has also been mayor and chairman of the town council and is chairman of Sodbury Youth Club, which he saved from

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Your guide to all the candidates s Dodington (two seats) Tony Davis, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Tony has lived in Yate since he came here to work – bringing up his family here. He has worked in aerospace and then in the civil service. He runs a martial arts club, and is on the Yate Outdoor Sports Complex project raising the cash to improve local sports facilities and was behind the Armadillo. Councillor since 1995.

Louise Harris, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Louise grew up locally and lives in Chipping Sodbury currently whilst she house hunts. She

works for a mental health charity and is a volunteer in her community as a parish councillor, Abbotswood Action group and running local charity stalls. Elected to South Gloucestershire Council representing Dodington in a by election in November 2018.

Ian Livermore, Conservative: Ian and Shirley Livermore moved to Chipping Sodbury in 1983, daughters Catherine and Sarah schooled locally as do their granddaughters, and family members live on “The Birds”. Ian wants

to represent Dodington, where he is a Shireway Community Centre Trustee, and is helping the Abbotswood Scout Group find new premises.

Simon Schofield, Conservative: Simon is a resident in Yate with over a decade of experience working with South Gloucestershire Council and solving local problems. He is a trustee of the Shireway Community Centre, where he is working with the committee to create a hub for local people and our communities.

Ian Livermore and Simon Schofield

Yate Central (two seats) Ruth Davis, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Ruth has lived in Yate for over 40 years. She works in accounts for a local insurance brokers. A former chair of governors, she has served Yate residents as a councillor for 28 years – starting from the campaign to save the common from developers. She was a youth leader and was central to the campaign for a cinema.

John Gawn, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: John’s a former special

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May, 2019

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standing in Yate elections constable, who has lived in Yate for 30 years. He volunteers in our community, serving on the town council for the last four years, and focussing particularly on transport, roads, affordable housing and the Yate Ageing Better Project he chairs.

Campaigned about housing on the Ridge and the Magistrates Court sites.

Kathleen Langley, Labour Jo Lewis, Conservative: Jo is a born and bred Yate resident, having lived in the centre of the town all of her life, and is a mum of three. Jo first got involved with the Yate team after seeing the local Conservatives work on health campaigns such as the successful campaign to see longer opening hours at our Minor Injuries Unit.

Michael McGrath, Labour Amy McNeill, Conservative: Amy has lived in the ‘Ridge’ area of Yate all of her life and was educated at the Ridge School and Chipping Sodbury School. Now a local community caseworker, she helps people on a daily basis with housing concerns, planning issues and transport difficulties.

She first got involved with the ‘Get Yate Moving campaign’.

Yate North (three seats) Clare Beasley, Labour: Lived in various addresses in North Yate, now Iron Acton.

Clare works as an NHS biotechnical scientist at Swindon Hospital. She has represented Yate North Ward on Yate Town Council.

Liz Brennan, Conservative: Born and bred in Yate, Liz first got involved in campaigning by taking up the national campaign fighting for the lifesaving drug Orkambi for children living with Cystic Fibrosis, after the diagnosis of her youngest child.

Liz now lives in the Greenways Road area, with her husband and three children, who all attend schools in Yate.

John Davis, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: John was born and bred in Yate, attended local schools and lives in Yate with his wife and new baby daughter.

He works in insurance. During his eight years on Yate Town Council and four on South Gloucestershire he has focussed on finance, health and the environment issues.

Mike Drew, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Mike has lived in Yate for over 40 years. After a career in computing, he now volunteers full time in the community.

He’s served as a governor on

Conservatives Yate North Brimsham Green School for over 30 years, and as a Councillor for Yate for 36 years. His focus is local transport and road problems – and the problems developers are causing.

Bob Lomas, Labour: Lived in Cranleigh Court Road, now North Road, for 46 years in total.

Retired electrical supervisor/ power station team leader. Has represented Yate West (part of Yate North South Glos ward) on Yate Town Council.

Matt Lewis, Conservative: Having lived in Yate all his life, Matt lives on Cranleigh Court Road with his wife Jo and young family, running a local gin business in Chipping Sodbury, and is also working as part of the Horseshoe Pub team. Matt has

Change in ward for many rural voters VOTERS living on Yate’s north western fringes will find themselves voting in the same ward as those in the Frome valley at the local elections.

The area around Engine Common, Rangeworthy, Bagstone and Tytherington was part of the Ladden Brook ward, which has now disappeared,

and has now become part of the expanded Frampton Cotterell ward, which now stretches from the M4 south of Coalpit Heath past the M5 near Thornbury.

The candidates standing in Frampton Cotterell, which has three seats, are: *Tristan Clark (Liberal Democrat Focus Team)

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*Marian Gilpin (Conservative) *Jenna Marie Hale (Conservative) *Tom Howell (Conservative) *Jon Lean (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) *Roger Millard (Labour) *Jonathan Trollope (Labour) *Terry Trollope (Labour) *Linda Williams

been involved in a wide range of community campaigns.

Ben Nutland, Liberal Democrat Focus Team: Ben’s in his 20s. He was born and bred in Yate, attended local schools and lives in Yate. He works at the George in Chipping Sodbury. Volunteers as a school governor and joined the town council 18 months ago.

His focus is transport, roads, jobs and housing that is really affordable to local young people.

Sonia Williams, Conservative: Sonia Williams was born in Yate and has lived in the town all her life. Sonia lives in the Halifax Road area with her husband, where she raised her two sons, who also live in Yate, and with grandchildren attending Yate primary and secondary schools. Has worked alongside Local MP Luke Hall on local issues.

(Independent) *Claire Young (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) While the Voice does not have space to print all of their biographies here, you can find them on our website, yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk, where we will also bring you the results after polling day.

Results will also appear in next month’s magazine.

Turn to page 10 for town and parish council previews.

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May, 2019

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Town and parish voters go to the polls SOME voters in the Yate and Sodbury area will be able to elect more than one council this month.

On the same day that the new South Gloucestershire Council is decided, elections will also be taking place for the town and parish councils which represent individual communities in the area.

Elections will take place only in places where the number of would-be councillors is larger than the number of seats up for election.

Where there were not enough candidates to force a contest when nominations closed in April, all those people who had come forward have been elected unopposed.

This includes several parish councils in the area, namely Cromhall, Dodington, Falfield, Horton, Iron Acton, and Rangeworthy.

There will also be no elections in Sodbury Town Council’s Old Sodbury and South West wards.

However, there will be contests in Yate Town council’s Central, North and South wards, along with Sodbury Town Council’s North East ward.

The votes will take place at the same time as voting for south Gloucestershire Council is held on Thursday, May 2, and at the same polling stations.

Residents in wards where

a town council election is being held should by now have received polling cards.

These are the wards where elections will take place, and the candidates: Yate Town, Central Ward Marie Earl (Conservative) John Lemms (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Suzan Evan-Jones (Conservative) John Ford (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) John Gawn (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Andy Kybert (Independent) Jo Lewis (Conservative) Margaret Marshall (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Amy McNeill (Conservative) Jason McNeill (Conservative) Aaron Morgan (Conservative) John Serle (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Penny Thoyts (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Yate Town, North Ward Liz Brennan (Conservative) Steve Chubb (Conservative) John Davis (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Mike Drew (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Sandra Emms (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) David Evan-Jones

(Conservative) Matt Lewis (Conservative) Alan Monaghan (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Ben Nutland (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Wully Perks (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Jane Price (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Karen Snow-Hanks (Conservative) Karl Tomasin (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Barry Warner (Conservative) David Williams (Conservative) Sonia Williams (Conservative) Chris Willmore (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Steven Woodruff (Conservative)

Yate Town, South Ward Tony Davis (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Cheryl Kirby (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Ian Livermore (Conservative) Shirley Livermore (Conservative) Sodbury Town, North East Ward Brenda Allen (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) James Ball (Conservative) Linda Boon (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Susan Leese (Conservative) Becky Romaine (Conservative) Adrian Rush (Liberal Democrat Focus Team) Paddy Smith (Conservative) B (Conservative)

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May, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

11

n NEWS

Iron Acton May Queen and King chosen IRON Acton has chosen its May Queen, King and their entourage.

The traditional English May Day celebration, including maypole dances, looked to be facing complications when a group of travellers set up camp on the village green just before the Easter bank holiday weekend.

But the group moved on on April 24 after being given notice to leave, and a clean-up was taking place to ensure the green was ready for the celebrations on the May bank holiday Monday.

The five children chosen as May Queen, King, page and attendants are already excited about leading the procession through the village at the start of the event.

Rosie Wright, 10, is the May Queen. She goes to Iron Acton Primary School, loves swimming, dancing and singing, and wants to be a teacher when she grows up.

The May King is Daniel Mora, 10, who hopes to be a tennis player or a boxer one day.

Evan Hampson, 9, is the Page. He loves Lego and technology, and he’d like to be a train driver.

He said: “I’m excited about being the Page in this year’s May Day procession, it will be good to wave to everyone when we go by.”

The attendants are Mia Rushent, 11, and Sophie Millar, 8, who both go to North Road School.

Mia enjoys dancing and singing and wants to be in a band when she grows up. Sophie loves Lego and reading, she’s currently working her way through the Harry Potter books.

The procession will be accompanied by the Westerleigh Brass Band.

There will be Maypole dancing from children from the village school, and displays in the

Iron Acton May Queen Rosie Wright

show ring, including dog agility, Tae-kwon Do, and dancing.

The celebrations last from 10.30am to 4pm on May 6.

Andrew aiming to be the fastest unicorn A YATE man is trying to set a new record – as the world’s fastest unicorn.

Andrew Taylor, 30, was due to raise money for South Gloucestershire charity Jessie May at this year’s London Marathon on April 28.

By doing the 26 mile, 385 yard course dressed as a unicorn he was aiming to set a break the Guinness World Record for a marathon’s ‘fastest man as a mythical creature’ category.

Andy, who runs Yate gym Blast Fitness and became a father to twins Evelyn and Jackson in December, has ran four marathons previously and is aiming to raise £1,000.

He said: “I always like to do things a little different. To get the record, I'll need to complete in under four hours.

Jessie May funds nurses who provide vital respite care and emotional support to families caring for a terminally ill child.

Andy said: “During pregnancy, we had a few little scares with Jackson along the way, then at birth baby Evelyn spent her first few days in intensive care. Luckily they are both healthy and well but that isn't the case for everyone. Some people’s worst fears become their reality.”

Jessie May senior community events fundraiser Helen Mackie said: “Runners like Andy are integral to our charity. Without support from the community we wouldn’t be able to continue to support local families.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Andy can do so online at bit. ly/2ZuBlru.

Follow us online www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

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yate&sodburyvoice

12

May, 2019

n NEWS

Composer’s work will Rogue trader must pay £5,000 compensation premiere at festival A ROUGE trader who targeted Yate residents has been ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work and told to pay almost £5,000 to his victims.

Matthew Newman, 35, of Mortimer Road in Filton, ran a fraudulent landscaping business called Elysian Fields South West Limited.

South Gloucestershire Trading Standards investigated after a number of complaints from residents who complained that Newman was repeatedly taking large upfront payments from customers for materials for landscaping projects, then doing little or no work at all before disappearing with their money.

One of the cases that came to court involved a Yate resident and other victims in Stoke Gifford and Bradley Stoke also came forward.

Newman appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to three offences of fraudulent trading and a single further count of fraud.

As well as the 300 hours of unpaid work he must now do, he was told to repay his victims the £4,852.40 he took from them.

Four victims came forward, all reporting similar behaviour by Newman and his company between 2015 and 2018.

Newman was eventually traced to Filton with help from Avon and Somerset Police.

He expressed remorse for his actions in court, claiming that at the time of the offending he used the money he took from his victims to fund a drug habit.

He was informed by the magistrates that had he not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity he would have been sent to prison.

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THE premiere of a work by the Yate composer Jonathan Crow will be a highlight of the Chipping Sodbury Festival.

Beyond Sunset is the second part of the Sunset Requiem series. The first part was performed at the festival last year and a third part is yet to be written.

Jonathan is the Last year’s premiere of the first part of organist at St John’s Jonathan Crow’s Sunset Requiem.

Church in Chipping Sodbury. He recently won the Organ section at the Bristol Music Festival. He studied music at Bristol University and has been composing since he was 11.

The performance will include soloists Marienella Phillips (soprano), Nick Sherwood (tenor), Steve Harris (baritone), Helen Sherwood (violin), Linda Hansard (cello), who will be joined by the Arcus Singers. Jonathan will accompany on the keyboard.

The performance will be on Friday 21 June at 7.30pm in St John's Church, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

13

n NEWS

Classic cars are coming back MORE than 200 classic cars are expected to turn out for one of Chipping Sodbury’s most popular annual events. The Classic Car Run organised by the town’s Rotary club returns on Sunday June 30 with a unique opportunity to see the vehicles close up as they arrive. It features pre-1994 cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles.

Co-organiser Mark Benstock said: “Because this event is based very firmly in Chipping Sodbury, we like to give local residents the opportunity to come and see these wonderful vehicles.

“Anyone who’s an early riser can come to Broad Street to see the cars as they arrive and assemble. The Ridings from

lunchtime is a particularly good place to bring the whole family to see the cars and to meet the owners.”

The morning starts bright and early at 7.30am on Broad Street. At 8.30am the cars head off for a drive through South

Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, with a break at the Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club. They return to Chipping Sodbury at about noon and assemble on the Ridings playing field.

The event is one of the Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury’s annual fundraisers, with money raised going to charities, groups and individuals.

Anyone interested in entering a car for the run can find a form on the website at bit.ly/2UUB3vk or contact Mark Benstock at rotary.classic.run@hotmail. co.uk.

Photo courtesy of Doug Lodge

Daniel is apprentice of the year AN APPRENTICE who is helping South Gloucestershire Council to help people with autism has won an award.

Daniel John, pictured, an apprentice with the council’s partnerships and commissioning team, has been named Apprentice of the Year 2019 in the Public Services People Managers Association annual awards.

Daniel, 24, of Yate, was selected as the joint-winner from a group of apprentices representing organisations from across the public sector.

The 16 finalists took part in

a rigorous two-day assessment process, encompassing a range of individual and team exercises, culminating in a presentation where Daniel talked about his life, his role at the council and his ambitions for the future.

As part of his work with the local authority, Daniel has developed a training course for council staff on how they can best work with and support people with autism to help improve their employment prospects.

Currently in the UK, only approximately 30 per cent of people of working age with

autism are in paid employment, which is significantly lower than the comparative figures for working age individuals with a disability and the wider UK population.

Daniel said: “It was fantastic to win this award and to meet the other finalists during the two days of coaching and competition at Warwick Business School.

“I really enjoyed the assessment, especially the opportunity it provided to discuss a topic extremely close to my heart – making a difference for people with autism.”

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

15

n NEWS

Pop-up shop raises £9,000 for hospital A POP-UP shop opened by mums to help families using maternity facilities at Southmead Hospital has raised more than £9,000.

The Yate Baby Pop-Up Shop was run through March and proved so successful, organisers would like to open one permanently.

Emma Doney and Claire Whipp, who came up with the idea, were supported by a group of mums who had the drive to get things done. While the shop was up and running from March 4 to 29, they had their babies with them most of the time, as many of them were on maternity leave.

They enlisted the help of both the Chipping Sodbury WI groups, and the Chipping Sodbury and Yate rotary clubs.

The charities were extremely enthusiastic about the idea – one member of the WI had had her twins at Southmead 40 years

ago. They all helped to run the shop, while donations were collected from all over South Gloucestershire.

Emma said: “We couldn’t believe the community spirit behind the project. As soon as people started engaging with it, we felt like it might be a success.

“We helped a lot with the big lunch, so we knew there was a strong community spirit in Chipping Sodbury, and that is why we moved here.”

Claire said: “The people who got involved were what made it. We had people in their 70’s helping in the stock room, helping us with our babies.

“Hopefully if anything it shows midwives that we really value what they do, and we want to give something back.”

On the first day alone, the shop made £840 and it stayed busy throughout the month.

Southmead Hospital Charity corporate and community

Some of the volunteers who made the Yate Baby Pop-Up Shop a success

manager Adrian Brown said: “Emma, Claire and their team of supporters have done something amazing in bringing together a group of people from the Chipping Sodbury and Yate community to create something truly remarkable for our charity.”

“The charity and the

maternity team at Southmead Hospital are hugely grateful for the hard work that everyone involved put in to the Baby Pop Up Shop. All the proceeds will go to our maternity fund and will help support projects to make life even better for our mums and babies.”

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16

n NEWS

May, 2019

Beer festival’s family friendly day returns THE annual Rangeworthy Beer Festival is continuing with its family friendly Sunday after it was a huge success last year.

The festival, which features beer and cider from local breweries, aims to appeal to everyone in the community and money raised goes back into village projects.

It’s organised by a committee of just three residents – Jayne Soule, Jill Briggs and Sue Romain – with an army of helpers to stage the event.

Jane said: “We do a lunchtime session on Saturday and find the older members of the village come to that or the more serious beer enthusiasts who come to try different beers, then an evening session with live music and a band, so we get a different mix of people.

“There was always some beer left over, so we thought we could do a family-friendly Sunday session with entertainment and a BBQ. We did it last year for the

first time and it worked well.”

The committee is known as the Jubilee Committee because the first beer festival was organised for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. It was intended as a one off – but then the Diamond Jubilee came along, and some children’s discos needed organising for the village, so the team just kept going.

The festival is supported by the owner of the Rose and Crown pub who loans the garden for free, and by Rangeworthy Football Club, who run the barbecue. Local businesses sponsor a barrel of beer.

Jayne said: “We’ve recently donated to the church because they need heating; we’ve donated to the school because they were building a new sports hall, we’ve donated to the football club as they need new equipment, and to the village hall which needed a new kitchen. We’ve also sponsored individuals who’ve done their own fundraising.”

Helpers Andy Grazebrook, Jenny Winter, Lesley Matthias and Pam Gardiner at the Rangeworthy beer festival The event takes place on May 18 and 19 at the Rose and Crown.

On Saturday the afternoon session is 12-4pm, tickets cost £6. The evening session is 7pm to midnight, no children under

18 admitted, tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the day. On Sunday the family session is £2.

Tickets are from pub on 01454 228233. For more information visit bit.ly/2IBiB4a online.

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May, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

17

n NEWS

Why hunters have grey squirrels in their sights THEY have killed more than 400 grey squirrels in the area since the start of the year.

The coordinator of the Grey Area 167, which is culling the animals around Thornbury, the Frome Valley, Yate and Dursley, says the group’s controversial campaign aims to protect trees and ultimately help reintroduce the native red squirrel across the country.

The group is part of national organisation the Grey Area – the 167 relates to the area on an Ordnance Survey Explorer map – which coordinates and documents grey squirrel culling.

Grey squirrels first arrived in the UK from America as a curiosity in the 1870’s. But they have outcompeted reds and there are now over 2 million of them, with only 150,000 red squirrels left. In the Thornbury area, red squirrels disappeared in the 1960’s.

Grey Area 167 coordinator Mike Popham says the damage

that grey squirrels cause is changing the nature of our woodlands.

He said: “The squirrels damage the top of tree branches, stripping off bark. If you ever climb into the top of a tree you just look down and see the carnage from there.”

“They will eat chicks and fledglings and eggs out of nests, so they impact on the songbird population. They monopolise food sources and habitats.

“The bigger problem is the grey squirrels eating all the nuts of certain species of tree, so you have carpets of certain species, such as ash, but very few others.

The ash can then be hit by ash dieback disease, decimating our woodland on two fronts.”

A DEFRA spokesperson confirmed grey squirrels can be legally killed all year round by a variety of methods, including shooting and trapping, adding: “The UK is committed to reducing the impact of invasive

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

non-native species within our borders.”

But Mike accepts that what he is doing is controversial.

He said: “In areas like ours, where we’ve lost our cute fluffy red mascot and people enjoy seeing the greys, they argue we should accept the invader and leave them be.

“For years ecologists have been telling public landowners like councils and wildlife trusts that the problem is really bad – but for reasons of cost and sensitivity they often opt not to do anything. So the problem has been getting a lot worse over some time.”

Members of the Grey Area 167 use live traps to catch then shoot the animals with an air weapon.

They also tempt the squirrels to feeding stations in an area where it’s safe to shoot.

But for culling to be effective, neighbouring landowners need to coordinate their efforts to stop greys repopulating culled areas

Mike Popham setting a trap for a grey squirrel from neighbouring land.

The long term aim is to reintroduce the red squirrel nationwide and Mike says reds from Anglesey have been established in Snowdonia, although greys have to be “relentlessly” hunted down to allow them to re-populate.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

18

May, 2019

n STROUD AUCTION ROOMS

Rare iron jewellery has a story to tell TWO pieces of very rare and historic jewellery will be going under the hammer at Stroud Auction Rooms next month.

Berlin ironwork is not only beautiful – it has social, political and historical importance. Its heyday came in the early 19th century, when the Germans fought their war of liberation against Napoleon. Patriots were asked to donate their gold jewellery to finance the war effort – and received a piece of iron jewellery in return.

However, Berlin Iron jewellery didn't disappear after the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, with the battle of Waterloo.

Wearing it became popular with fashionable women, and it was also worn during periods of mourning.

Appreciated for its own beauty, it was not seen as a substitute for more expensive jewellery.

Stroud Auction Rooms’ head of jewellery Alexandra Bowkett is thrilled to have the two pieces to sell.

She said: “They are beautiful and very interesting, with a real story to tell.”

Alexandra already has 400 lots consigned to the fine jewellery auction on June 12, including many rare Georgian and Victorian items.

Many online bidders are expected at that sale, as it has been confirmed that the auction house had the highest average number of online bidders nationally during the first quarter of 2019.

The April auction, with 1,369 internet bidders boosting those in the room, on the telephone and hundreds leaving commission bids, saw Royal Worcester ceramics, once slightly out of fashion, begin gathering pace again. After a bidding frenzy a Royal Worcester pedestal covered pot pourri, handdecorated with Highland cattle in moorland and mountainous landscape, signed James Stinton, sold for £1,800, while a Stintonsigned twin-handle pedestal vase, with sheep in a moorland and

One of the pieces of Berlin ironwork jewellery set to go under the hammer at Stroud Auction Rooms mountainous landscape made, £1,050.

Highest selling lot was a classical sketch, Inferno, attributed to G F Watts, with a Bond Street label, dated July 1959, which went under the hammer for £2,200.

Vinyl is still selling well, with great interest in punk, northern soul, reggae and heavy metal. But the standout from April’s sale was a rare 1960s single by a band of Surrey schoolboys. The acetate demo disc I Can See Your Face by Pneumania, on the Oak record

label, was snapped up for £1,100.

The acetate was accompanied by a handwritten letter from owner Will Middlemiss, Pneumania singer and songwriter, providing details of the recording and history, together with black and white photographs of the band and one colour photograph of Pneumania on stage.

For information about any aspect of buying or selling at Stroud Auction Rooms, see the advertisement below.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

19

n PETER'S VISION

It takes two SORRY, this may be a vague Strictly reference, and although I may enjoy sitting down to enjoy the show (don’t we all - whether we admit it or not…) I was actually intending to talk glasses not dancing. Mind, the last time I truly danced was at our wedding, 19 years ago. My dear wife decided that we’d best have lessons if we were to dance in front of family & friends! And so wise she is (always). I think Jo had it in a week, but she was very gracious while I fumbled along at my slow learning pace. After only ten lessons or so I’d managed to crack a simple tango!

Back to my comfort zone; glasses.

Recently a friend commented that I always seemed to be wearing different glasses - actually he’s seen me wearing just two - no one tell him please! How? Well I'm certainly not pretending to have as many pairs as Elton John (or trying to look as cool

as Beckham), so this got me thinking.

The answer was a surprise, it seems that without consciously intending to I’ve chosen two similar but different style glasses, that when worn with a variety of different clothes or in different environments give me a distinctly different look!

If this sounds like a good idea to you - being able to choose glasses that not only look good but can be dressed up or down, then why not call us to book your personal frame style consultation. Our experienced team will be delighted to share their passion with you - glasses that you’ll feel great in and will give you clearer vision!

As well as being the time of year that we expect the weather to warm

up, it’s also conference season for us.

It was interesting to hear from several inspiring people. One Richard Reed (co-founder of Innocent Smoothies) had a simple message. Stick to what you’re good at rather than trying to do several things not very well. This was quite an obvious message, but one that’s good to hear, particularly from someone who has been such an innovator in his field.

I’m one who does love new tech, so I’m always on the lookout for lenses or glasses that will enhance each of our lives (see sticking to what I know). One of my recent finds is Zeal Sunglasses. These are made by folk who know more than most about making lenses. These lenses are polarising you see, which is not

just any polarising but enhanced optics polarising lenses. What does this mean? Well the lenses cut glare, increase contrast and sharpen colours - sounds amazing really.

You’ll certainly see the difference through these! The frames are quite special too - stylish of course and super comfy thanks to soft touch nose and temple ends.

Whatever you style or dancing ability, you & your family are most welcome to come and see us for your eye care, glasses & sunglasses.

To arrange an extended eye exam or style consultation for yourself or those you love, please call 0117 962 2474 or 0117 965 4434.

Appointments can also be booked via our website, or just pop in to our practices in Henleaze or Fishponds and say Hi! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Peter

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

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yate&sodburyvoice

20

May, 2019

n NEWS

Yate will rock again this summer YATE Rocks, the annual community festival in Kingsgate Park is returning to the town for its 14th year.

The free event takes place over both days of a June weekend, with money raised going to the Mayor’s chosen charities.

Robert Goodwin, who coordinates the event with Yate Town Council, said: “The festival was originally set up to promote Kingsgate Park, which is a beautiful park with various community and children’s play area facilities but wasn’t being used or visited by numbers of local residents.

“So, it was very much set up to promote the park but also to bring the community together in a fun and entertaining environment.

“It is now a significant local event and the Saturday, the main day, has grown from an initial 750-1,000 people at the first festival to over 4,000 people

attending throughout the day.”

This year’s festival takes place on June 22 and 23. On the Saturday, there will be music from local bands and local dance groups, schools and associations, which also gives them the opportunity to promote

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The band line up features Twinners, Limited Edition, Dockside, Beacon Rise, Liquor & Poker, Underground Frets, Vamp and Set In Stone.

Local dance groups include Glitterbugs, 5678 Dance, Stagecoach, Yate Star Twirlers, Street Cred and many others.

There are also plenty of other activities, from trampolines and giant inflatables to go-karts and a strolling magician.

Yate Air Training Corps is offering the chance to have a go in a flight simulator,

and Yate fire station will send a fire engine – emergencies permitting.

There will be arts, crafts and community stalls, a beer tent, bar and refreshments.

On the Sunday, local churches are involved in a morning outdoor service, ‘Praise in the Park’ from 10.30am to noon.

In the afternoon there is a picnic with a Great Choir Showcase, including singers from Raysfield School, ChoirJam, Bromley Heath Community Choir, Fascinating Rhythm and Rock Choir.

On Saturday the festival runs from 12pm to 8pm, and on Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is free.

Photos courtesy of Rich McD Photography

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

21

n NEWS

Rare chance to visit historic gardens ACTON Court gardens will be open in June for the first time for many years.

People will be able to come and visit the gardens on three occasions as part of the National Garden Scheme, with free special events and a ticketed concert to celebrate. Funds raised will support NGS charities.

The gardens situated near Iron Acton feature a walled wild flower meadow, an apple orchard with old English and wild roses, and an organic kitchen garden, all in the grounds of the Grade I listed Tudor manor house. Both house and gardens are scheduled ancient monuments, giving them special protection.

On June 2 there will be three walks at set times with historic gardener Mike Brown, who’ll be talking about history of the rose.

A week later on June 9, the theme is nature and wildlife in the garden. Chris Sperring MBE will be leading two nature walks

in the grounds; Acton Court bee man Dan Gillians will have an exhibit of his bees, the Hawk and Owl Trust will have a stand, and Owl Occasions will bring their birds.

On June 16 there will be a Tudor concert, with music from the era of Richard III and the early Tudors performed by

the York Waits and the singer Deborah Catterall. The group use instruments of the time; shawms (a forerunner of the oboe) trumpets, sackbuts (an early form of trombone), rustic bagpipes and hurdy gurdy, harps, fiddles, rebec (a three stringed instrument with a bow) gittern (forerunner of the guitar), a small pipe organ and recorders.

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Organic Blooms, a flower farm based nearby which operates as a social enterprise supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, will have a stall selling plants at each open day, following each theme. The house won’t be open but there will be staff who can answer questions about it. Light refreshments are available.

The gardens will be open from 11am to 5pm, entry is £5 for adults, children are free. The concert costs £15 and is at 3pm.

There is some uneven ground, and the kitchen garden has a step and a gravel path which may make it inaccessible for some visitors.

The house itself will not be open during the events but is due to open to visitors for Heritage Open Days in September.

For more information including times for the talks and to buy concert tickets go to www.actoncourt.com

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yate&sodburyvoice

23

n NEWS

Care home is outstanding, says CQC INSPECTORS from the health watchdog say a care home in Yate is outstanding.

Mayo House in Lodge Road, which is home to seven people with learning disabilities and complex needs, has been given the top rating for the second time by the Care Quality Commission.

Inspectors examined whether it was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. It was awarded a ‘good’ rating for three categories, ‘outstanding’ for two categories, and awarded ‘outstanding’ overall.

Mayo House, which is divided into self-contained flats with staff responsible for people’s care as well as accommodation, was rated outstanding in the categories of responsiveness and leadership.

The report said: "The service was highly responsive to people's individual needs.

“We heard examples of where staff went above the expectations of their role to ensure that people

were well supported.”

Examples given included helping a resident to understand finances and open a bank account, supporting a resident with high anxiety to successfully go on a day trip and working with local pubs so that a resident could have their food pureed when they visited.

Residents’ accommodation was provided according to their needs, with one resident returning from hospital having a wet room put in and another who enjoyed gardening having a flat with a small garden, where they were growing their own vegetables. Inspectors found the service to be caring.

They said: “It was clear from our observations that people felt comfortable and that strong positive relationships had been formed. People were treated with dignity, kindness and respect.”

The CQC also found that the manager faced ‘significant difficulties’ recruiting permanent

staff, but it recognised that the provider had plans in place to address this issue.

The home is run by Milestones Trust, a charity which supports over 500 people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and dementia by way of a range of specialist services in South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset.

Milestones Trust chief executive John Hoskinson said: “We are very proud of this fantastic achievement at Mayo House – retaining the highest possible CQC rating is testament to the hard work, commitment and professionalism of the team there who ensure they provide the very best care to the people they support.”

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For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

24

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

n WHAT’S ON IN OUR AREA May 1 n Cranleigh Court Coffee Time at Tyndale School, BS37 5EX. Come along and enjoy the companionship from 10am-noon.

Transport can be arranged within short distance. Contact Brian for inquiries on 0778 018 8146 May 6 n Phoenix Art Club exhibition and sale of affordable art in conjunction with the May Day celebrations. Iron Acton village hall, 10am to 4pm.

Light refreshments available.

May 7 n Tango Nuevo and musical virtuosity with Carismático, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, Broad Street. Doors open 6.30pm, concert starts 7.30pm. Tickets £15 plus booking fee from Cadeaux & Co in Hatherell’s Yard or online at bit. ly/2PgHEdo. Call 01454 315741 for further information.

May 11 n Yate Choral society presents Puccini’s Messa Di Gloria together with music by Dyson, Fauré & Quilter. St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. With soloists and orchestra. Conductor Geoff Wickham, accompanist Diana Williams. Tickets £10 by calling 01454 313907, 01454 314779, from Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre and choir members.

May 11 n Writing and Mindfulness Day Join us for an exploratory day using Mindfulness and images to stimulate and cultivate the writer in you.

Venue: Frenchay Village Hall Saturday May 11th from 10.00 - 16.00 £45 per person (including a light lunch and refreshments) Numbers limited so to book a place please contact Rebecca at writetowellbeing@outlook.com or call 07941 51174

May 11 Craft, Craft Supplies and Gift Fayre Chipping Sodbury Town Hall 10 am to 4 pm Local crafts, craft supplies, gifts and refreshments.

Voluntary Entrance Fee (20p, children free) to be donated to The Friends of Horton School.

Call 07895 187292 to book a table or for more details.

May 15

n Cranleigh Court Coffee Time at Tyndale School, BS37 5EX. Come along and enjoy the companionship from 10am-noon.

Transport can be arranged within short distance. Contact Brian for inquiries on 0778 018 8146 or just drop in.

May 16-18 n The Actonians present their spring production, Spygame, a comedy/thriller directed by Debby Ashton featuring sinister goingson when a group of strangers is brought together in a country house to appear in a new TV reality show. Iron Acton parish hall, 7.30pm. Tickets available online via actonians.co.uk or by calling 07807 547 238.

May 29 n Cranleigh Court Coffee Time at Tyndale School, BS37 5EX. Come along and enjoy the companionship from 10am-noon.

Transport can be arranged within short distance. Contact Brian for inquiries on 0778 018 8146 or just drop in.

June 2 n National Garden Scheme opening. Acton Court, Latteridge Road, Iron Acton, Bristol BS37 9TL. Open 11am-5pm, admission £5, children free. Walled 3-acre wildflower meadow and apple orchard with an abundance of old English and wild roses on the grounds of a grade I-listed Tudor manor house (restricted access).

Acton Court will be sponsoring several special events on the themes of The Tudors, wildlife and music in support of the NGS days.

Homemade teas. Also open on June 9 and 16.

June 22 n Yate Rocks...in the Park festival, Kingsgate Park, noon to 8pm.

Festival returns for 14th year with range of music from local bands and performances by dance groups. Arts and crafts stalls, children’s activities, food and drink.

Magician, go-karts, inflatable and flight simulator.

June 23 n Yate Rocks...in the Park festival, Kingsgate Park, 10.30am-4.30pm.

Praise in the Park with local churches providing an outdoor service from 10.30am-noon, followed by Picnic in the Park with the Great Choir Showcase from 12.15pm.

REGULAR EVENTS

Monday n Third Monday every month

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Frome Valley Ladies Probus 2-4pm Charter Suite, Chipping Sodbury Town Hall T 01454 316301.

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

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

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

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

about the arts, in its widest sense, why not join The Arts Society Severn Valley. We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury normally on the third Monday of each month. In addition to the lecture programme, we arrange Days of Special Interest which examine facets of the arts in greater detail, as well as visits to art galleries, museums and gardens plus trips abroad. Full details can be found on our website www. svdfas.co.uk. So come along, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the lecture and, perhaps, do some shopping in this lovely market town. Visitors are charged £6 so, if you would like to “try before you buy”, please e-mail memb@svdfas.co.uk The Arts Society Severn Valley We meet in the Town Hall in Chipping Sodbury on the third Monday of each month.

Tuesday n Yate Art Club meet for arts, crafts and pottery on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 pm at the Ridgewood Centre, Yate, BS37 4AF. For further information please see our website www. yateandsodburyartsociety.weebly. com or tel Roz on 0794 194 6412 n Pucklechurch Folk Dance Club.

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

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

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

by Alzheimer’s Society. Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church Hall 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

25

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED

n Frenchay Men’s Probus Club Meetings are held in Frenchay Village Hall from 10.00 am to 12 noon on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month. The meeting is preceded by coffee.

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

ALE AL

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

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

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n Yate/Chipping Sodbury Afternoon Choir meets on Wednesdays 2pm till 4pm at St Marys Church Yate. No auditions!

Contact Nikki on 01761 472468 for more details or just turn up at the church and have a free sing on the first visit. Look forward to seeing you! n Yate & District Townswomen’s Guild meet on the second Wednesday morning of every month in Chipping Sodbury Town

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

www.frenchayprobusclub.com n Craft group meeting in St. Mary's Church, Yate each Wednesday from 10am. Everyone welcome, we have knitters, sewers and chatters. Refreshments available for a donation. Please come in and say hello. n Ladies Shiatsu Massage - Sports Rehabilitation Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm. Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your treatment session. n Blossoms play groups, 10.30amnoon, Cranleigh Court Community Hub at Tyndale School (by Tyndale Avenue entrance). Resident-run group for parents with babies and young children aged up to five years old. Call Paulina on 0759 212 8965 for more details. Old toy donations always very welcome. n Cranleigh Court Coffee Time.

9.30-11am, Cranleigh Court Community Hub at Tyndale School (by Tyndale Avenue entrance).

EM

n Support your Self-Care with Monthly Maintenance Shiatsu Clinic in Iron Acton every Wednesday between 3-8 pm.

Naturally restore your energy levels and improve your overall health and lifestyle for just £35 per month. Contact Anna on 07487 511516 or email anna@ wholehearted-health.co.uk for more information and to book your 1-1 treatment session.

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

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

CAM P

Leisure Centre. People of all skill levels and abilities are more than welcome to join us. Organised by Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, office@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023 n Well-being drop-in, Cranleigh Court Community Hub at Tyndale School (by Tyndale Avenue entrance), 1-2.30pm. Meet new people, learn new skills and improve your well-being through activities including arts and crafts, peer support, mindfulness workshops, healthy eating and games sessions.

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

Meetings usually start at 8pm We welcome new members and can train people to pass their Amateur radio Foundation and Intermediate Licences. Our website is at http:// tsgarc.uk. n Sew & Sew at Ridgewood Community Centre from 1.30pm 3.30pm at £2.00 per week. Phone Joan for details on 01 454 314355. n Walks for single people. Solo Rendezvous meet at Downend Cricket Club, every Wednesday, 8.30pm, entrance £3, and walk every Sunday. Please phone for walk details: 01454 775508 / 01454 774984 / 0117 9850210.

DIS

10.30am – 12 noon For more information contact Jean on 01454 313023. Email: office@cs-bc.org.uk n Craft and Chat - a fun and friendly craft group for people of all ages and skill levels. Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month 10.30am - 12 noon Email: office@ cs-bc.org.uk n South Cotswold Men's Probus Club based in Yate, and reputably the most active in this area, can now take a few new members.

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

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

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

For more details contact Rosemary Cummins Tel: 0117 9373836 n Badminton Club, 8pm at Yate

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

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

yate&sodburyvoice

26

May, 2019

n WHAT'S ON CONTINUED Resident-led group will be led by residents. Call Brian on 07780 188146 for enquiries or assistance with transport.

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

7.00 for 7.30pm at Bradley Stoke Community School, Fiddlers Lane, BS32 7BS on 3rd Thursday of the month. Please.contact 01454 774401 sallykitching@googlemail. com n Directors Duet for Stokes Singers choir. The two MDs would love to welcome new members to Thursday rehearsals at 7.30pm at Coniston Community Centre, Patchway BS34 5LP. n Yate Community Choir.

Ridgewood Community Centre 7.30-9pm. Liz Martin 07891036145 n Chipping Sodbury Ladies Probus Last Thursday of every month 1012 Charter Suite Chipping Sodbury

Town Hall. Speaker every month and regular trips out. T 01454 327491 n Avon Harmony are a Ladies A Cappella / barbershop chorus.

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

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

The Yate group, called Yate BreastFriends, meets at Yate Childrens Centre on Cranleigh Court Road on Tuesdays between 11.30am - 1.00pm. n The Yate and Sodbury District U3A Photography group meet at the St John’s Church Centre, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BQ on the first Thursday of every month (except July and August) at 2p.m. we invite photographers of all abilities to come along and learn more about taking great pictures. For more

info email Mary Avenin mabr42@ outlook.com or call 01179 099471 or visit our website at www. u3aphoto.blog. n Tudor Bridge Club meets at the hall behind St Lawrence Presbytery on Broad Street, every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact Christine on 07876334921 n Zumba Gold Class, Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church Hall, 2.45pm, £3.50 per week. Anyone is welcome, but the class is especially appropriate for people who want low-impact dance-based exercise.

Contact offic@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023. n Kidz Club THE EDGE at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, 6-7.15pm in term time. We have an exciting club for all boys and girls – just come along and join in the fun! n Zumba Gold Class, Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church Hall, 2.45pm, £3.50 per week. Anyone is welcome, but the class is especially appropriate for people who want low-impact dance-based exercise.

Contact offic@cs-bc.org.uk, 01454 313023. n Kidz Club THE EDGE at Chipping Sodbury Baptist Church, 6-7.15pm in term time. We have an exciting club for all boys and girls – just come along and join in the fun! n#jobnetworkbristol & computerclub. Tablet and accessible computer club, employment support and signposting to opportunity.

Join us for a tea and coffee.

Cranleigh Court community hub, Tyndale Primary School, 1.30pm - 4pm. More information from jobnetworkbristol@outlook.com by email.

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

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

We meet on the second Friday of the month at The Horseshoe in Chipping Sodbury from 10.00 - 12.00. Contact: Rebecca writetoreb@googlemail.com n Voices Together. The Old Grammar School. Chipping Sodbury 10-11.30. Liz Martin 07891036145 n Yate Men's Shed meet at Yate Parish Hall, from 1.30-4.30pm.

For further details please contact Steven Ringon 01454 323 857, or

What’s on at Yate Library Staffed opening: Monday: 10am-5.30pm Tuesday: 10am-5.30pm Friday: 10am-5.30pm Saturday: 9.30am-2.30pm Open access (unstaffed) Daily: 8am-7.30pm Speak to a member of staff for more details about registering your card for the open access system, so you can access library facilities throughout the week.

You can borrow and return books and use the computers.

Wanted: Do you have any old or unwanted Duplo Lego? We would be grateful for any donations for a new Duplo club.

Events for children and families: Wriggle & Rhyme: Rhymes and songs for parents and babies/ toddlers to enjoy together.

Thursday morning, 10.30-11am,

term time only.

Buggy Walkers: Every other Monday – this month, May 6 and 20 May. Join them at 10am for a walk, followed by refreshments after.

Lego Club: Lego + a story + your imagination = your Lego creation displayed in the library. Saturday 4 May 10.30 – 11.30am. Suitable for the primary age range, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free half term drop-in, Wild About the Jungle: Crafts suitable for ages four to 10. Thursday May 30, 10.30am-noon.

Family Theatre @ Yate Library – Tickets available now for the next two shows: One Little Word, Saturday May 25, 10am and 11.30am (Booking required).

Suitable for ages 3+ and their families. Taking Flight, Saturday June 15, 11am and 2pm (Booking required). Suitable for ages 6+

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

and their families. Pop in to the library or visit www.southglos. gov.uk/childrenslibrary to book tickets.

Other events: The Craft Group is meeting on May 11 and 25, 10am–noon.

New members will always be made welcome by this friendly group. Share tips and ideas for your knitting, sewing or crochet projects.

Wonderful WW2 Singalong: Come and join us on Friday May 3, 11am–12.30pm. Free Refreshments, wartime artifacts on display. Tell us your stories, show us your pictures, bring your memorabilia.

Teen Focus Group: Thursday May 16, 6.30–7.30pm Poetry Group: Tuesday May 14 and 28, 1-2pm.

Support and educational groups: Visually Impaired Techno Group:

Every Wednesday 1-4pm Vision West of England: Information, advice and support drop-in, first Thursday of every month between 2-4pm. For more information contact Marc on 0117 322 4855 or email marc.gulwell@ visionwofe.org.uk Various free legal advice sessions: ask staff for details.

Various community learning courses: Contact 01454 864613 or community.learning@southglos. gov.uk Memory Café, last Thursday each month.

For more information, call 01454 868006, email yate.library@ southglos.gov.uk or visit www. southglos.gov.uk/libraries. Updates on Twitter @southgloslibs or South Gloucestershire Libraries page on Facebook.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019 go to www.yatemensshed.com” n Cranleigh Court Cycling Club.

10.30am at Cranleigh Court Community Hub, Tyndale School (by Tyndale Avenue entrance). If you want to get back into cycling this could be for you. More details from Brian on 0778 018 8146.

Saturday n The Tourist Information Centre Chipping Sodbury. Open 10am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays..

longer terms. If you have a S. Glos.

Council Diamond card then you can use that on the service. Office is open Tues and Friday 9.30 am - 4 pm, and Thurs and Sat 9.30 am - 2 pm Telephone 01454 868718 or 07999574474 for more information or e-mail shopmobilitysouthglos@ yahoo.com Chipping Sodbury Library is open and staffed by volunteers during the following hours : Tuesdays 09.30 - 12.30 & 13.30 -

Sunday n Indoor short mat bowls at Pucklechurch Community Centre.

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

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

27

16.30 Wednesdays 09.30 - 18.30 Fridays 09.30 - 12.30 Saturdays 09.30 - 12.30 The usual borrowing facilities are available during the above hours and events for children during the school holidays. Come in and see our monthly displays and borrow a book on the month's theme. In addition,library volunteers have organised two new groups :

Yate Heritage Centre Dates for your diary Until May 7: Victorian Yate, the history of the people, buildings and industry with made the parish plus previously unseen objects for our collection.

May 8 – June 26: In Sickness and in Health exhibition.

May 15, 7.30pm: Yate Archaeology Group – The Bristol Brass Industry with Tony Coverdale. £3 admission or free for members of YaDAG May 21, 7.30pm: Yate Lecture Series – History of Friendly Societies in the South-West. £2 admission or free for Friends of YHC. Funded by Friends of YHC. May 29, 10.30am or 1.30pm: Holiday workshop – make your own Jack in the box, cup and ball and optical illusion. Ideal for children 5-12.

Booking essential

Tango comes to town TANGO band Carismático is performing at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on May 7.

In 2016 Karen Street, one of the UK’s leading accordion players, was contacted by the Argentinian composer and pianist Saúl Cosentino, who asked her look at some of his compositions. This inspired her to create her own band to perform them. She has added to the group’s repertoire arrangements by Astor Piazzolla.

What’s probably his most famous composition, Libertango, has been performed many times for Chipping Sodbury Music Society.

The band members are Karen on accordion, Andy Tweed playing saxophone, Yshani Perinpanayagam on the piano, Rob Millett on percussion and Dave Manington playing bass.

Tickets are available from Cadeaux & Co in Hatherell’s Yard, online via bit.ly/2PgHEdo or you can call 01454 315741 for further information.

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yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

n NEWS

Lots to celebrate for Yate Shopmobility SHOPMOBILITY, the Yate-based charity which provides mobility scooter and wheelchair hire, has much to celebrate.

It’s not only extending its opening hours, but has also received £5,000 in funding – and two of its staff have won awards.

The service will now open to customers in Yate Shopping Centre for an additional two hours on a Thursday.

Vice chairman David Bell, pictured, said: "This is great news, it will enable the scheme to increase its service provision to help its many users."

People who rely on the charity come from across South Gloucestershire and beyond. It aims to enable people to remain independent for as long as they wish, and to prevent them from becoming isolated.

Support has also come in the form of £5,000 sponsorship from Yate Shopping Centre

where Shopmobility is based.

Centre manager Andy Lowry said: “Supporting local charities such as this is an important part of our community work and I am pleased that we are able to help them through the year.

“Importantly the shopping centre is all on one level but Shopmobility allows those that require the service total freedom of access throughout both the main centre and the adjoining Riverside leisure facilities, including the Cineworld cinema.”

David and fellow long term volunteer Martin Monk have heard that they are the winners of a prestigious council award for their dedication and hard work.

They have each won a South Gloucestershire Council Chair’s Community Award.

David won a long service award, as he’s been a founding trustee since 2004 and is now the vice chairman. Martin, who is a former chairman,

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

was recognised for his years of commitment.

The Chair’s Community awards were established in 2003 to celebrate the contribution of unpaid volunteers to life in South Gloucestershire.

David said: "This award is also a tribute to all at Shopmobility South Gloucestershire and it is quite humbling when one hears what others have done to win their awards".

Martin said: "I am accepting this award on behalf of all those at Shopmobility that have worked hard over the last year to ensure that we can provide a service by raising funds, assisting in the office and helping people use our scooters.”

Shopmobility was founded in 2003 by Keith Holloway from Thornbury and started operating in 2006.

Its new opening hours are 9.30am-4pm on a Tuesday,

David Bell Thursday and Friday, and 9.30am-2pm on a Saturday.

For more information call 01454 868718 or 07999 574 474, or email shopmobilitysouthglos@yahoo. com.

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

FREE day trips for the over fifties If you are over fifty and want to discover exciting new attractions as well as meet new people, then SGS College has the course for you.

Held over a weekend, the Discover course will allow you to explore different locations and gain a qualification in English or maths at the same time.

The real fun begins on a Sunday, when you and your peers will be driven by coach to one of the exciting venues around the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur or a green-fingered gardener, you will find an experience that is right for you.

Booking is essential, as there are a limited number of places.

50+ W OF L EEKEN D EAR DISC NING, OVE AND R TRA Y VEL

Locations and dates available: • Exeter Food and Drink Festival – 4th/5th May – Maths course • Malvern Spring Festival – 11th/12th May – Maths course • Roman Baths/American History Museum – 8th/9th June - English course • Blenheim Palace – 29th/30th June - English • All Aboard, Watersports Centre, Bristol – 13th/14th July - Maths • Stratford-upon-Avon – 20th/21st July - English For further information and to book your place please visit www.sgscol.ac.uk/discover or contact Sarah Kopera on 0117 909 2327

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May, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

31

n NEWS

Mike takes on marathon A RUNNER was aiming to help people with leukaemia as he took on the London Marathon.

Michael Helliker, 40, who grew up in Frampton Cotterell and now lives in Yate, was set to take on the 26 mile, 385 year course on April 28 inspired by his mum, who has the blood cancer.

He’s raising money for the national charity Leukaemia Care.

Michael said: “This is a cause close to my heart as my mum has follicular lymphoma. She has been in part-remission for eight years.”

Michael is experienced at running marathons, having already run the London course in 2017.

He’s been training for this year’s event by taking part in other marathons around the UK. He said: “I love training and train in and around Yate and Frampton Cotterell, where I grew up. I have done two marathons in the past year, Bournemouth being one of them; a difficult one because of the steep hills.”

Clare Brooks, who works with the Marathon runners at Leukaemia Care, said: “Our runners make all the difference to people who need that bit extra support.

“I’ve followed all our runners, including Michael, from the point of sign up and I can’t wait for Michael to cross that finishing line.”

Michael has set himself a target of raising £2,350 for Leukaemia Care. The charity provides a range of support services to patients and their carers. More than £1,600 had been raised in the run-up to the event.

You can find Michael’s JustGiving page at bit.ly/2DvnGH0.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Michael Helliker after completing the London Marathon in 2017

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

32

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

n MOTORING

A guide to pre-owned cars with Richard Cooke

Second hand Style Audi A3 TDi, 2008 – 2012: Max Power FOR £500 more than the set of fancy floor mats found in last month’s Aston Martin, you can buy this 2008 top spec ‘S Line’ Audi A3.

My test model had done 160,000 miles but still ran very nicely, thanks to a 170bhp unburstable diesel engine and typical sky-high Audi build quality. Two thick-pile mats on which to rest your feet and some spare change for petrol, or an entire car fitted with a Bose stereo, front and rear sunroofs, half leather seats, satnav and 45mpg regardless of how you drive it? And not just any car – an Audi A3, deftly face-lifted in 2008 and scrubbing up very nicely in the metal, with pristine paintwork. What’s not to love about that?

A3s are very expensive new.

They have to be or no-one would buy a VW Golf, SEAT Leon or Skoda Octavia. All four cars share the same engines and underpinnings,

but Audi has a badge and perceived build quality advantage that means you see more of them around than their much cheaper SEAT and Skoda cousins. But when buying used the price difference narrows significantly, especially vs. the Golf. And to drive the A3 does feel a cut above, albeit not quite as premium as you might imagine. It is still a great place to sit though – low body-hugging S Line seats ensure a really involved driving position. The dash still feels fairly modern, although having to put a key in an ignition was an interestingly retro experience. The manual 6-speed gearbox was still slick, the clutch a little heavy but the steering feel and weight was perfect. That 2 litre diesel is a total peach – 170bhp feels more like 250 when the turbo kicks in, such is the torque available all the way up to five thousand rpm. It never

sounded gruff either, and it should go on way past 200k miles with no trouble at all.

This particular example has been fitted (advisedly or otherwise) with 19 inch low profile alloys and special suspension units, lowering and firming the ride further than the already low and very firm ‘S Line’ specification. I think it looks great, but it crashed about over Hambrook back roads. Each to their own though, and on a dual carriageway you don’t notice it so much.

What goes wrong? Very little: Audi have earnt their deserved reputation for reliability and build.

The rear parking sensors had given up the ghost and the B pillar was delaminating. I really pined for a reversing camera, but instead had to actually turn my head around and look behind me when reversing. Good exercise, I suspect.

So we should all buy an Audi A3 Tdi then? Five or six years ago, the answer was firmly ‘yes’, and many people did. Today though, not so fast. Because that diesel engine was the main culprit in the 2015 VW Group emissions cheating scandal. Driving it into central London will now cost you an extra £12.50 on top of the congestion charge. Bristol and many other cities are set to follow suit with their own emissions zones and, in the eyes of legislators, this is something of an automotive pariah. You’d get less scorn from lobbyists by renting out your spare bedroom to Julian Assange. And on the face of it this is all a terrible shame, because the engine is so flexible, economical and robust that I can see why it was for a brief period held up as the solution.

Buying one new a few years ago, you’d have every right to feel cheated.

So go ahead and buy a used diesel A3, safe in the knowledge that it will serve you well for years to come. Revel in the solid build, high specification and very handsome good looks. Avoid uncomfortable conversations about your environmental credentials and quietly accept that diesel’s time as our fuel of choice is rapidly coming to an end. Very soon you must simply dig out a bit of extra cash for petrol. Rude boy alloys an optional extra.

Audi A3 Tdi S Line: From £2k for a 2008 model with 160k miles

WE’RE ONLINE TOO! www.yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

33

n NEWS

Dedication to Sodbury recognised

“At a time when many people take things for granted, these local parishioners are happy to keep giving and we can't thank them enough.�

The winners were presented with their awards at Sodbury Town Council’s annual parish meeting.

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Landcare Tree Nursery

encouraged by the enthusiasm of many individuals and groups who go the extra mile for the good of our local community.

They work tirelessly and unpaid to make our parish not only beautiful all year round, they also give their time freely, so that many others can benefit from their knowledge and expertise.�

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THREE Sodbury residents have been recognised for their exceptional work in the community at the inaugural Mayor’s Awards.

The awards, established by mayor James Ball, aim to thank local people for their services, and ensure that their work is acknowledged and rewarded.

The winners – Jane Lund, David Shipp and Brian Fletcher – were chosen by the mayor and a panel of Sodbury town councillors. They were looking for people who had gone ‘above and beyond’, working tirelessly over many years for their community.

Jane Lund was selected for her hard work with Sodbury in Bloom and beautiful floral displays throughout the area last year which won her a second gold award from Britain in Bloom.

David Shipp was recognised for many years of commitment and hard work as chairman of the Sodbury Town Trust.

Brian Fletcher was chosen for his dedication to the Sodbury Lions, for his work on the Sodbury Festival and the Santa Runs, which have raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

Mr Ball said: " I have always been

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

34

May, 2019

n LETTERS Recycling bags WELL there's a surprise: South Gloucestershire Council instigate a consultation on replacing bags with boxes but ignore the results.

As seen previously with the council asking for residents’ views, when they get them, they take no notice, just the same as they did with all the road closures around Winterbourne Down and the small black bins: they have already decided what course of action they will be taking and have no intention of changing it, so why bother to ask?

There are a large number of elderly people living in this area that will not be able to manage boxes and nothing will convince me that assistance will be given to all that are unable to carry them.

They also seem to be blinkered to other problems around the use of boxes, besides the carrying of them, the space they take, lids that will not stay on – they blow all over the place in high winds – boxes that need to be moved out of the road during gales, then within minutes get blown into the road

again.

My family are keen recyclers and make sure everything that can be recycled is, so there is quite a lot. The bags allow plastic and cardboard to be packed neatly and compressed into them with the flap held closed by Velcro. This ensures it stays in the bag and not all around the streets; this is not the case with boxes.

Let the people have what they require, whether it be boxes or bags, to meet their requirements.

Colin Buchan By email

Litter bugs I READ about the proposals to counter dog poo and litter thrown from cars.

I notice on my travels discarded fast food wrappings, where people have gone to McDonalds and the like, in their cars. They then park up by Brimsham Green School and even in the YOSC centre car park.

When finished, they throw it out of the car window and drive off.

They are too lazy to get of the car

to put litter in a bin which is usually nearby.

This happens, on a regular basis, with one particular car: I have walked past with my dogs, who try to eat the wrappings.

People eat Tesco Express sandwiches and eat them walking along; I have seen a grown man discarding the wrapper as he went past a litter bin.

I have contacted the council but have been told they can do nothing without catching them in the act, which isn't going to happen.

I welcome the new rules but it’s a shame a person with the authority to dish out a fine can’t be there to enforce them.

Pete Pegler By email

Call to veterans THE Royal British Legion is currently searching for veterans who served in Italy during WWII to join us on a free-of-charge tour to

Monte Cassino, Anzio and Salerno.

The Italian campaign seems to be less well-known in the nation's history than others such as D-Day, yet it was another pivotal turning point in bringing to an end World War II. We have a wonderful opportunity to take back those who fought, for them to pay their respects to fallen comrades, meet fellow veterans and lay old ghosts to rest.

The five-day Italian-based tours will include a service of remembrance at the Cassino War Cemetery plus visits to Anzio War Cemetery, Salerno Commonwealth War Cemetery and the Beach Head War Cemetery. The tour will also take in significant battle sites, such as the Monte Cassino Abbey as well as visits to local tourist locations.

To find out more about the tours, or to sign-up to one, call the Royal British Legion's tour operator Arena Travel on 01473 660800, or visit bit.ly/2mtnBvX online.

Nichola Rowlands-Smith, Head of Travel, Royal British Legion

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

35

n LOCAL MP

Number of people in full-time jobs hits a record high

Luke Hall MP writes for Yate & Sodbury Voice

I HAVE held job fairs every year since becoming an MP, matching local employers and jobseekers up in the community, rather than in an interview setting, which I am proud to say has helped a number of Yate and Sodbury residents into stable employment and find the right job for them.

This is just a tiny contribution to the jobs miracle we have seen in the last few years across South Gloucestershire. We learnt this month that the number of people in full-time work has hit a record high. In the South West, there are new 2,812,472 people in work – meaning that over the last 9 years, 318,156 more people have the security of a job. Behind every one of those numbers is a person and a family whose self-esteem, mental well-being, economic circumstances and life chances are all vastly improved by being in the workplace. There are now more children watching their family members going out to work every

day and being set that positive example.

In Thornbury and Yate, the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 45 per cent since 2010, meaning fewer people now need this support because they have the security of a job. There are now more women in work locally than ever before and almost 1 million more disabled people in work since 2013, as businesses and communities are working with the Government to break down the barriers to employment facing disabled people.

One of the biggest transformations, both locally and across the country’ is the opportunities for young people moving into employment. There are over 446,000 fewer young people out of work since 2010 – almost halving over the last 9 years. That means more local people moving straight from full time education or training into the

stability of an apprenticeship or embarking on a future career.

But I know there is more to do. We will make sure the new T-Levels coming in next year are a success, which will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 45 days. They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.

If there is anything else you think would help local people into work, please do let me know by emailing luke.hall.mp@parliament. uk.

These positive jobs figures are no surprise. South Gloucestershire is the most beautiful part of our country: it is packed with creative, talented and passionate people determined to make our community an even better place to live, and I am fiercely proud to support it.

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A Will lets you protect your family’s inheritance and decide how your assets are shared out –

if you don’t make a Will, the law says who gets what.

We have a Bristol-based team of trained will writing consultants who provide a home visiting service and can take your instructions in the comfort of your own home.

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Standard single or pair of mirrored Wills £99 Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

36

May, 2019

n VIEW FROM YATE HERITAGE CENTRE TODAY, hospitals may seem quite remote to many of us. Where once there were local hospitals, many patients now have to travel several miles to Southmead Hospital.

For much of the history of Yate and Sodbury, hospital provision was non-existent – and yet the area can be proud of its contribution to medicine. Edward Jenner is credited with finding the cure for smallpox and is inextricably associated with Berkeley.

Nevertheless, he undertook much of his early work alongside Daniel Ludlow in Chipping Sodbury in the later 18th century. Ludlow himself appears to be the forgotten man in the smallpox story, but he created a smallpox isolation hospital on Sodbury Common.

In the 19th and 20th centuries doctors became prominent and upstanding members of the community, inhabiting many of the larger properties in Sodbury.

The Ludlow family of Moda House and the Grace Family, of which WG Grace was a member, were leading lights.

Although medical provision was very piecemeal before the NHS

In Sickness and in Health

began in 1948, there were several hospitals in the area. For those unable to care for themselves the Union Workhouse might be the only option and by the 20th century the chronic hospital there catered for those with long

standing illnesses.

In 1870, a small charitable hospital was set up by the Burges Family of Ridge House for those able to pay 3 shillings a week. But it was the First World War which highlighted the need for local

hospitals: the industrial scale of injuries to service personnel prompted hospitals at Hartley House, Chipping Sodbury, Horton Hall and Hawkesbury, while many local women became voluntary nurses.

The legacy from wartime was the War Memorial Hospital, pictured, which served the local small community of Yate and Sodbury from the early 1920s. It could only realistically deal with certain demands and was the local maternity hospital from the early 1950s to 1988. Its great claim to fame is, of course, as the birthplace of JK Rowling in 1965.

In Sickness and in Health will be at Yate Heritage Centre from May 8 to June 26 and many medical implements from the 20th century will be on display as part of the exhibition.

For this month's diary dates, see the What's On section.

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

yate&sodburyvoice

May, 2019

37

n RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Marvellous May is here your time and Bob’s your uncle, a couple of jars of delight will be yours!

Lemon curd is the most often cooked curd, but check out my more unusual variations in Cook’s Tips. It’s very versatile: use in tarts or Eton Mess or for a showstopper, go online to get Mary Berry’s recipe for Lemon Meringue Roulade. Next month, when we will officially be in summer, I’ll be giving you my oh-so-easy recipe for lemon curd ice cream.

And yes, I know you can buy lemon curd, but trust me, it will be nothing like as lovely as your own home-made jars. Give it a go!

Ann Murray is from the Cooking4 Cookery School based in Chipping Sodbury.

She’s teamed up with Yate & Sodbury Voice to pass on her wealth of experience in the kitchen.

Lemon Curd Makes about 450g/1lb Ingredients: Large eggs – 2 Large egg yolks – 2 Lemons –approx 3. You will need 150mls of juice in total.

Caster sugar – 200g/7oz.

Unsalted butter -115g/4oz

I LOVE the month of May for all sorts of reasons. The weather is generally getting warmer, the days seem longer and lighter because of the clocks going forward, and there are two bank holidays, which I usually celebrate with my family and friends. So, a good reason to cook some delicious food to share together.

Having written my recipes now for over two years, I’ve decided to do something different which I hope you will have a go at. Lemon curd is one of my favourite preserves and is such an easy one for beginners to get right. Four simple ingredients, about half an hour of

Here’s what you do: Choose a medium-sized heatproof bowl which will fit snugly over the saucepan used for cooking the curd which will have simmering water in it.

Half fill the saucepan with water and bring to simmering point.

Meanwhile, scrub the lemons (see Cook’s Tip) and finely grate the zest into your chosen bowl.

Use a sharp knife to halve the lemons and squeeze the juice. Add to the bowl with the zest.

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Set the bowl over the pan of gently simmering water and add the sugar and butter. Stir, using a whisk until the butter has melted and the sugar dissolved.

Put the eggs and additional yolks into a separate bowl and beat together with a fork. Pour the eggs through a sieve in a steady stream into the lemon mixture and stir using a wooden spoon until well until combined. This ensures that the curd is smooth, with no eggy lumps!

Stir the mixture constantly over the heat until the lemon curd thickens and lightly coats the back of a wooden spoon. This will take 15-20 mins. Remove the pan from the heat. Leave for 5 minutes to cool slightly and check if it is set. Then, pour the curd into small warmed sterilized jars.

Cover, seal and label. Store in a

cool, dark place, ideally at the top of a fridge. Use within 3 months and once opened store in the fridge.

Variations: Try using Seville oranges or limes instead of lemons for a change.

Same basic ingredients but use 2 Seville oranges or 6 limes instead of the lemons. Make sure the total amount of juice is 150mls.

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May, 2019

39

n NEWS

Care home approved despite complaints of violence and verbal abuse A HOUSE in a village cul-desac can be used as a children’s care home, despite allegations of troubled young residents carrying knives and throwing bricks.

South Gloucestershire councillors approved the retrospective proposals for the five-bedroom property in Inglestone Road, Wickwar, which has been used for emergency accommodation for young people since March last year, after hearing there was a shortage of foster parents.

The owners, Karen and Colin Dooley, have fostered many children at their house since 2002. After emergency placements from Gloucestershire County Council last year, they applied for a change of use so it could become an Ofstedregistered children’s residential home.

South Gloucestershire Council’s development management committee members went with officers’ advice to approve the proposals, in the face of 45 letters of objection.

Neighbour Ken Stout told the meeting that the peaceful, 15-year coexistence between the foster home and the community had been “shattered” since it began accepting emergency placements, with numerous incidents attended by police.

He said: “There was a violent assault on a care worker, pushed to the ground in the street

outside the property, and a knife-carrying absconder who turned up on the doorstep of a neighbouring property claiming to be carrying it to protect himself from an assault by staff.

“A brick was lobbed into the path, narrowly missing the head of my neighbour’s young son.”

Mr Stout said children had “yelled obscenities” from the house at passers-by and a youngster was handcuffed by police in a “disturbing and noisy scene of restraint”.

“One family adjacent has had to stop their child playing in the garden and has even had to relocate them to another bedroom,” he said.

Social worker Charliejo Dooley, manager of Inspyre Plus, which is based at the house, said they had changed their procedures in the light of the police incidents.

A report to the committee said the problems were largely down to one child who had since been removed, and that there were only two incidents reported to the police between September and December.

Ms Dooley told members: “The premises are not a prison.

It’s a five-bedroom house.

“The community should and can play a role supporting children in care.”

Ladden Brook ward councillor Marian Gilpin, who referred the application to the committee, said: “A safe home with proper management and fully-qualified

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May, 2019

41

n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Q&A with Denise Beckingham at Busy Business Support Can you tell us your name, the name of your company and what you do?

My name’s Denise Beckingham and my freelance business is Busy Business Support. My business is aimed at small to medium businesses who are often too busy to be able to manage their finance functions adequately whilst trying to manage customer expectations and sometimes they just need some short-term help during staff sickness or at seasonally busy times. I manage the bookkeeping right up to final accounts if required, submit VAT returns, chase for payment of sales invoices and manage the payroll. I particularly enjoy setting clients up on cloud based accounting software and

hope to expand my payroll bureau which is often seen as a burden for businesses. I’m always happy to be involved in any administrative work.

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What are the main problems facing small business owners?

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problem for new start-ups and is an area I can certainly help with and have achieved great results for businesses I’ve worked with.

The biggest pressure businesses have is managing late payers which has a seriously detrimental effect on cashflow. This is a particular

Check out my advert on page 46 of this month's yate & Sodbury Voice

n AROUND THE WI'S Chipping Sodbury WI THE April showers did not deter the ladies of Chipping Sodbury WI attending the meeting on the first Thursday of the month.

The President welcomed five new visitors who have taken the opportunity to have three free visits as a ‘try before you buy’ trial. The group were entertained by Philip Mugridge, a wildlife photographer based in Gloucestershire, who brought photos taken in Iceland. Future events booked to date are a skittles evening, a day trip to Tiverton horse-drawn barge in May. The social outings committee member is also working hard putting together a trip to the Three Choirs Vineyard, with lunch at a local garden centre for our summer trip.

The winter trip will possibly be to the Royal Mint.

The darts team are through to the semi-finals and we wished them luck for their next game. The outings, skittle evenings and craft evenings are open to all members of the WI. Take the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and enjoy social evenings by trying out the WI. Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on May 2 in the Charter Suite at the Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, with the talk by Lady Sally MacFadyen, on

life within Windsor Castle.

Come and give the WI a try and explore the opportunities that this organisation can offer likeminded women. Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend.

Old Sodbury WI SPRING brings new beginnings and we welcome two new ladies, which brings our number of members to 44. We have some great events to look forward to in our centenary year.

Our institute recently hosted the Sodbury Vale group meeting.

This was very successful, with delicious refreshments and an interesting talk, Life Below Stairs,

by Daphne Atkinson, who told us about her mother’s experience in service. The group was pleased to donate 30kg of goods to the local food bank.

Well done to Old Sodbury WI skittles team, who will be playing in the Avon county semi-final. Sadly our darts team have not done so well and were runners up against Wick and Doynton WI. We were delighted to welcome four midwives to our meeting in March. The first, Hazel, is one of our members and had worked in London in the 1960’s. She rode her bicycle around a similar district to the one portrayed in Call the Midwife. The most

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

powerful message from all the midwives was that they loved their job and remembered wonderful experiences. They felt very privileged to be part of a family’s very special and emotional occasions.

In April our speaker Sally-Anne Rhodes told us about the history of the Matcham theatre. She showed pictures of the architecture and decoration for interiors of many beautiful theatres around the country.

For our 100th birthday there will be a service and blessing on Sunday May 12 at 11.15am, at Old Sodbury Church, followed by the unveiling of a new notice board

on the Green at 1.30pm. Tea and Cake will be served in the village hall from 2-4pm and everyone is welcome.

On May 15 we will be welcoming past presidents and past members to our birthday party. Our Advisor Donna Butcher will be guest speaker, with members and guests enjoying celebration cake and a glass of bubbly!

Visitors are welcome to any of our meetings in the village hall on the third Wednesday each month at 7.30pm. For more information ring 01454 315161.

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Your Experience Matters Sirona provides community health services across South Gloucestershire, parts of Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset and if we have provided care for you or a member of your family, we’d love to hear your views, positive and not-so-positive. I know our success is judged by the experiences of you, your family or your friends.

I would really appreciate it if you would take a moment to complete this short survey as your feedback will help us see what we are doing well and where we need to improve. Your responses will be anonymous. Thank you.

Janet Rowse – Chief Executive The completed forms can be returned to my Engagement Team, Second Floor, Kingswood Civic Centre, High Street, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 9TR, or complete it online at www.sirona-cic.org.uk. If you would like it in another format such as in another language or large print please email engagement@sirona-cic.org.uk

Type of Service:  Adult and Specialist Services  Childrens Services  Residential and Extra Care

11. Is there anything else you want to tell us?

Please enter your comments here...

Name of Service used: Date completed: Who is completing this survey:  Carer  Friend or Family member  Other  Service user 1. Were you able to access the service easily? (i.e the time of the appointment, how long it was and the place of your appointment)  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 2. Did you feel welcome when using our services?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 3. Did we tell you about how we could help you?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 4. Did we tell you why this would help?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 5. Did we listen to you?  Yes  Yes, to some extent

 No

6. Did we plan your care with you?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 7. Did we treat you kindly?  Yes  Yes, to some extent

 No

8. Did our service help you or the person you care for?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 9. Can you look after your own health or the person you care for better now?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No 10. Did we give you contact details and telephone numbers if you need more help?  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No

12. Age Group  16 - 24  25 - 34  55 - 64  65 - 74  Prefer Not To Say

 35 - 44  75 - 85

 45 - 54  85+

13. Disability: Do you have any disabilities? Please state:  Yes  Yes, to some extent  No Please enter your comments here...

14. Gender:  Male  Female  Transgender  Prefer not to say 15. Is your gender different to that which was assigned to you at birth?  Yes  No 16. Sexual Orientation:  Heterosexual  Lesbian  Prefer not to say 17. Religious Belief:  Christianity  Atheism  Sikhism  Islam  Buddhism  No religion  Other (Please state)  Prefer not to say

 Gay

 Bisexual

 Hinduism  Judaism

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Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SironaCIC

#Takingitpersonally

May, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

43

n SPORT

U16s champs again CHIPPING Sodbury’s Under-16’s netball team have successfully defended their Avon League title.

A string of impressive performances has seen them win all nine games played to date with a positive goal difference of more than 250.

With one game left to be played as the Voice went to press they were assured of retaining their Division One title, which will be presented over the coming weeks.

Four of last year’s winning squad – Poppy Smith (Goal Attack/ Shooter), Lucy Bradby (Goal Shooter/Attack), Elena Mainstone (Wing Defence) and Freya Plimbley (Goal Defence) – were joined this season by four members of the U14’s team from the previous campaign.

These were Ari Stamatopoulos (Centre), Rosie Jones (Wing Attack), Louise O’Brien (Goal Defence) and Grace Clark (Wing Attack/ Defence).

The team was once again guided through the league campaign by coach Joanne Iles, who was confident right from the start of the season that she had a strong squad capable of defending their title.

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Girls wanted MORE girls are needed to join St Nicholas FC in Chipping Sodbury.

The club has had a successful season, winning all its fixtures since January, and the girls recently had an inspiring mascot day with Bristol City women’s team.

New recruits are needed for the U7, U8, U9 and U10 sides.

Manager Lauren White said: “We never used to play matches, as there weren’t enough female teams around. After the women’s World Cup and female football being on TV, more girls have wanted to play.”

U7’s train on Tuesday from 6-7pm, U8’s and U9’s every Thursday from 8-9pm, with U10’s on Thursday from 5-6pm, with matches on Sundays. Sessions are led by qualified coaches.

The social side of playing is also important, with quiz nights, race nights and sponsored walks helping to build the sense of community.

The club’s annual 6 a side tournament and 5 a side Festival of Football takes place on May 11 and 12 at the Ridings Chipping Sodbury.

Anyone interested in St Nick’s should call Lauren on 07920 152969 or email laurenjwhite96@ hotmail.com

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

44

n SPORT

Yate deny rivals title YATE RFC finished their season by denying local rivals Wotton the Wadworths Bristol and District league 2 title.

Yate had already secured 4th spot in only their 3rd full season so only had pride to play for but denied the home side the win they needed to secure the title by a single point.

After a hard-fought, fast and fully committed start from both teams Wotton went in at half time 10-5 ahead.

But Yate increased the pressure in the second half, with an unconverted tries by Kurtis Moreton and Ollie King – his first for the club – answer a penalty try for Wotton and a 40-metre penalty by scrum half Miles Hackett seeing Yate take the lead with 10 minutes to play.

Wotton never looked like they had the energy to retake the lead and both teams looked out on the feet.

yate&sodburyvoice

Sodbury pipped Chipping Sodbury 26 – 31 Midsomer Norton SODBURY’S final game of the season saw them lose out to second-placed Midsomer Norton despite the most incredible start.

After five minutes of bonejarring defence, Sodbury’s Gavin Edgar ended an explosive move by taking a long, flat pass from Dan Bradley 40 metres for an emphatic try, embarrassing two defenders on the way.

The next try, minutes later, came again from turnover ball. Jason Petchey pounced on a loose Norton lineout ball, the pack pulled off a midfield ‘spin’ and Jon Cook, pictured, accelerated down the wing.

At 5m out he was hit high in the tackle, but such is his core strength that he only took a brief knee before getting up and scoring – only to find that a penalty try had been awarded.

May, 2019

Cook, bristling with menace and pace, then went in to score from 50 metres before on just 15 minutes, No. 8 Pete Butcher picked up from a scrum on Norton’s 22, surged forward deep into the defence before Edgar came crashing through the midfield like a tidal wave, splitting the defence who didn't look interested in trying to stop him.

The rest of the first half was a brave demonstration of committed defence from Sodbury as Norton, who are second in the league for a reason, tried to tip the scales their way, breaking through on the cusp of half-time despite Sodbury’s best efforts.

The second half saw Norton strangle the game somewhat as their big forwards became more effective. Sodbury were finding

the scrummage hard going and the referee was left with little option but to penalise them, keeping Sodbury in their own half for 30 minutes and helped Norton take the score to 26-24.

Despite Sodbury’s best efforts in front of a large crowd, when Norton opted to scrummage the final penalty they found themselves, having given everything, pushed over for a try which saw Norton take a win which had seemed improbable at the start of the game.

Words and pictures by Paul Rubery

www.doorexpresssouthwest.co.uk

Greenway Gardens

Tree & Garden Maintenance Services Fully Qualified & Insured, 10 years experience All aspects of Tree & Hedge work/Landscaping Contract Lawn Mowing from £10 60+ 5 Star Customer Ratings Address: 90 Chedworth, Yate

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Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

May, 2019

yate&sodburyvoice

n SPORT

Yate at home for playoffs YATE Town secured a home semi-final as their bid for promotion from the Evo-Stik Divison One South headed to the play-off.

Yate had been pushing for the title as the season entered its final weeks but three defeats in five games saw their title challenge run out of steam.

A 2-1 away defeat to strugglers Barnstaple, who have been relegated, was followed by a 3-2 home win over Winchester City.

But a 4-1 home defeat to title rivals Blackfield & Langley, who have since gone on to secure the championship, was crucial and a 5-1 defeat at fellow promotion contenders Cinderford town meant Yate had to settle for the play-offs.

Yate secured home advantage with a tense 3-2 win over midtable Melksham Town on Easter Monday.

The home side went behind early, with goalkeeper James Carey dropping a high ball as he tried to prevent it going over the line, with Luke Ballinger on hand to poke it into the net.

Yate then piled the pressure on Melksham’s goal, with visiting keeper Sam Thomson keeping them at bay with a string of fine saves.

Nick Peare put Yate back on level terms on 23 minutes, chesting down a cross from Elliott Keightley before volleying the ball past Thomson.

In the second half Yate went in front, Josh Ford's diagonal cross-field pass crashing in off the head of the flying Ross Langworthy.

Melksham equalised with twenty minutes to go, Will Thomson curling in a superb deflected shot from the edge of the box as the Yate defence allowed him a free run from midfield.

Ollie Mehew was introduced as a substitute after 79 minutes and he had an immediate impact on the game, both making and scoring the all important points-winning third goal.

Following almost his first touch, the young striker was dragged down in the box by Warren Maidment. The Melksham defender was shown a red card for the tackle and Mehew kept his cool in drive the spot kick into the far corner for his fifteenth goal of the season.

Yate’s last league match of the season was taking place at Street on April 27. Heading into the match in second, three points ahead of Cirencester Town but with an inferior goal difference, they were assured of finishing at least third.

The play-off semi-final was due to take place at Lodge Road on May 1 at 7.45 p.m, with the opponents to be decided by Saturday’s results.

45

Mid table for Chipping Sodbury CHIPPING Sodbury Town were looking forward to a final-day fixture against table-topping Plymouth Parkway as they ended their season in mid-table.

They headed into the fixture on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, which started when they beat Cribbs 3-0 away on March 26 and followed that with a home win by the same score over Wellington.

A 1-1 draw away to Bradford Town was followed by a come-frombehind victory, pictured, Action from Chipping Sodbury Town’s win over which saw them score two Shepton Mallet. Picture: B. East Photography late goals against Shepton Mallet 2-1 at The Ridings.

Goals in the last ten minutes from Josh Cann and Dan Dempsey cancelled out Tyson Pollard’s deflected free-kick.

A 4-0 win away at bottom-of-the-table Shortwood United on Good Friday was followed by a 2-0 win over second-bottom Hengrove Athletic on Easter Monday at the Ridings.

But the final fixture against a side looking to secure the Toolstation Western Premier League championship was set to be a much tougher 8488-AC-Thornbury-ad-May2019-87x120 Final.qxp_Thornbury Voice 1/4 pag proposition.

Music

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May, 2019

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henrywilliams.99@hotmail.com @HWGroundworks

www.junkmonsters.co.uk www.junkmonsters.co.uk

LANDSCAPING

J.B. Tree Care

Sodbury Roofing & Cladding Systems Ltd COMMERCIAL ROOFING - DOMESTIC ROOFING - FASCIAS, SOFFITS & GUTTERING A roofing company you can trust

01454 881 120 07833 913 365 info@sodburyroofing. co.uk www.sodburyroofing. co.uk

• Fully qualified and insured • Free No Obligation quotation • All aspects of tree and hedge work carried out

• Over 7 years industry experience • Friendly and efficient • No job too small or too tall

Tel: 07725 951006 web: www.woodstocktreeservices.co.uk e-mail: woodstocktreeservices@gmail.com

D. ATTWELL

LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICES For All Garden Works Patios – Decking Gravelling – Fencing Wood Chippings – Jetwashing Foliage Removed – Roots Destroyed Garden Walls & General Building

• FULLY INSURED • LICENSED WASTE CARRIER

For a FREE quote call 07960 681 921 d.attwellgardenservices@hotmail.co.uk

Find us on Yell:

TILING SERVICES

Tiling Heaven City & Guilds qualified Tiler Bathroom, Kitchen & Floor Tiling Satisfaction guaranteed

Andy 01454 602506 or 07468 791619 Email: info@tilingheaven.co.uk

www.tilingheaven.co.uk

For Newsdesk Or Advertising contact 01454 800 120

Professional Quality Tree Work at Affordable Prices

TREE SERVICES

ROOFING & CLADDING

A Yate business

T R E E S E RV I C E S

WI-FI

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01454 660 046 www.thewifiman.co.uk

Email: contact@yateandsodburyvoice.co.uk

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AVAILABLE SUNDAY TO THURSDAY ONLY

T&C’s Apply. Participating stores only. Expires 31/05/19.